History of Preble County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches, Part 82

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers
Publication date:
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Number of Pages: 559

USA > Ohio > Preble County > History of Preble County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches > Part 82

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EARLY MERCHANDISING.

Who had the honor of opening the first store in the village cannot be definitely ascertained. It is thought by some whose recollection runs back to that time that a man by the name of Wearhoff was the pioneer merchant. He kept a store where Dr. Tillson lives, in a one-story house owned by Jacob Sorber. He was followed in the. same place by George Gilbert, who moved subsequently to Dayton.

About this same time or soon afterward, Henry Hath- away opened in the building, which he erected, now occupied by J. E. Davis. Hathaway did a considerable business for a time, dealing largely also in pork packing, but his business was not successful, and he finally failed. George Taylor kept at an early date in the building previ- ously occupied by Gilbert and Wearhoff. Others who were prominent at a later date in the mercantile interests of the place, are mentioned further on as the founders of some of the present business houses.

PHYSICIANS. :

The pioneer physician of West Alexandria was Dr. William Lindsey, who located here at an early day. He removed from here to Richmond, Indiana. He finally returned to West Alexandria and resided here until his death. The next physician was Dr. Nelson Donnellon, who was engaged in practice here many years, finally re- moving to Indianapolis. He was followed by Dr. Francis Cunningham, who practiced until his appointment as clerk of the court of Preble county, when he removed to Eaton. About this time, or soon after, as early as 1835 or 1836, Dr. William G. Linaweaver commenced practicing in West Alexandria. He was a graduate of the regular school, and an excellent physician. He died of cholera in 1849. Dr. George W. Edgerly, who was a son-in-law of Dr. Donnellon, was also in practice here. Other physicians whose names are mentioned are A. J. and R. P. Nisbet, Warren Campbell, West Hoover, Dr.

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Means and Dr. Baker. R. P. Nisbet had been a student and afterward a partner of Dr. Linaweaver. He gradu- ated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in 1854, and also educated himself for the practice of dentistry. He stood high in his profession, and was pop- ular and successful. He died in 1862.

The present physicians are Dr. R. D. Huggins, Dr. O. E. Tillson and Dr. A. E. Singer, who but recently located here. Dr. Huggins commenced reading medicine in 1853 with Dr. R. P. Nisbet, and in the spring of 1858 graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Sur- gery. He began practicing in West Alexandria in part- nership with his former preceptor, and continued until the death of Dr. Nisbet, in 1862. Since that time he has practiced alone, with the exception of a few years in partnership with Dr. Campbell.

Dr. Tillson began the study of medicine in 1856 under Dr. Dickey, of New Hope, in this county. Attending the Eclectic Medical institute, of Cincinnati, during the sessions of 1859-60 and 1861-2, he graduated in the spring of the latter year. He opened an office soon afterward in West Alexandria, where he now resides. Dr. Huggins and Dr. Tillson are both eminent and success- ful practitioners, ranking among the best of their profes- sion in the county.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF WEST ALEXANDRIA.

From the total absence of any records of the early schools of West Alexandria, and the conflicting state- ments of those whose memory runs back to that period, little can be definitely said in regard to them. The first school was kept in a deserted log cabin, which stood at the northwest angle of what is now the village graveyard, and was erected by Jacob Parker. This building gave way to a frame house, which was erected upon the same spot, and is now doing duty as the kitchen of Mr. John Galt. This frame building was erected by William Alex- ander, in the fall of 1818, who travelled all the way to Cincinnati to get the nails and glass used in its construc- tion, and also a stove. Mr. Alexander taught the first school in it the succeeding winter, and was the third teacher in the town. The first teacher was William Sher- man, and the next David Williamson. Subsequently Henry Kissling, who then owned all the land upon which the north half of the town is built, donated a lot for school purposes, and upon this a small brick house was built and used for some time, when a larger house, containing two rooms, was built. In this house, which is still stand- ing, most of the middle-aged inhabitants of the town received their education.

In 1871 the present elegant and commodious school building was commenced, and finished in 1873. This is the finest school building in the county, built of brick, three stories high, and has a mansard roof, and cost thir- teen thousand dollars:

Among the early teachers, if not the very first one, was a Mr. Williamson, but in what years he taught, or what became of him, no one seems to know.

Another of the early teachers following Mr. William- son, was Asa Sherman, who was also justice of the

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HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

peace. About 1825 the school was taught by John M. U. McNutt, who afterwards was one of the leading attor- neys of the county, and represented it in the State legis- lature. Following Mr. McNutt was John Graham, the author of Graham's arithmetic, which was published for the author by Mr. Tizzard, of Eaton. The record, which extends back only to 1865, shows the following as to teachers :

1865, W. I. Barnhiser, principal; E. Jane Earley, assistant.

1866, W. I. Barnhiser, principal; Laura Hume, assistant. 1867, C.C. Fetherling, principal; Laura Hume, assistant. 1868, W. I. Barnhiser, principal; Laura Hume, assistant. 1869, W. I. Barnhiser, principal; Laura Hume, assistant. 1870, W. I. Barnhiser, principal; Laura Hume, assistant. 1871, A. J. Surface, principal; Laura Hume, assistant. 1872, Oscar Shippard, principal; Laura Hume, assist- ant.

1873, Oscar Shippard, principal; Laura Hume, first assistant; Sarah A. Coleman, second assistant.

1874, Oscar Sheppard, principal; Jennie Finney, first assistant; Sarah A. Coleman, second assistant.

1875, Oscar Sheppard, principal; Emma Coleman, first assistant; Sarah A. Coleman, second assistant.

1877, Oscar Sheppard, principal; Mary R. Bloom, first assistant; Sarah A. Coleman, second assistant.

1878, Oscar Sheppard, principal; Mary R. Bloom, first assistant; Sarah A. Coleman, second assistant.

1879, M. D. Tyrrell, principal; Mollie Braun, first assistant; Sarah A. Coleman, second assistant; Anna Sweeny, third assistant.

1880, M. D. Tyrrell, principal; J. W. Halley, first assistant; Mollie Braun, second assistant; Sarah Cole- man, third assistant.

The course of study since 1872 embraces the common or legal branches: Algebra, geometry, physiology, natural philosophy, history, English literature, and the constitu- tion of the United States.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

DR. ROBERT D. HUGGINS.

Robert D. Huggins is a son of James Huggins and Nancy (Bailey) Huggins, both natives of Pennsylvania. James Huggins was born in Fayette county, Pennsylva- nia, April 13, 1797. In 1818 he was married to Nancy Bailey, who died at West Alexandria, July 8, 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-one. He is still living in West Alexandria.

Dr. Huggins was .born in New Lexington, Preble county, September 16, 1836. When he was six years old his father moved to West Alexandria, where Robert at- tended village school until 1850. His father then moved

to Winchester, Indiana, at which place Robert enjoyed the privileges of a seminary one year. Upon the return of his father to West Alexandria, Robert again attended the village school. In 1853 he began the study of med- icine in the office of Dr. R. P. Nisbet. He at the same time purchased a set of instruments and began the study and practice of dentistry. His dental practice for the next two years became quite large and yielded considera- ble income.

Robert had always cherished a desire for a liberal edu- cation, and in 1855 entered Miami university, then the most flourishing institution of learning in Ohio. At the end of the first year, however, he was compelled, by want of means, to quit the university. In the following October he entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine, from which he received the degree of M. D. in 1858. He began practice at West Alexandria, in partnership with Dr. Nisbet. During the four years of this partner- ship, which was terminated by the death of Dr. Nisbet, in 1862, Dr. Huggins acquired an enviable reputation in the community as a trustworthy physician. He contin- ued to practice alone until 1867, when he associated in partnership W. M. Campbell. This partnership was dis- solved in 1872.

The doctor was married March 25, 1866, to Mrs. Car- oline Curry. The house is blessed with two children- William and Bertha.

Dr. Huggins is deservedly popular, both as a physi- cian and citizen. He belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and is a member of the State Medical society. A large, healthy body, vigorous mind, and cheerful disposition, peculiarly fit him for his profession. He disclaims any political aspirations and takes no part in the management of political campaigns. The doctor has made himself what he is by untiring industry. His own labor furnished him the money with which to pre- pare for his profession, and his own merit maintains his high standing and large practice.

NATHANIEL BENJAMIN .*

Nathaniel Benjamin, esq., was born in Morris county, New Jersey, on the twenty-fifth of June, A. D. 1795. His ancestry were from Wales, his mother of the real Puritan stock. His younger years were spent on the farm, until he arrived at the age of sixteen years, when he was bound out as an apprentice to the trade of house carpenter and joiner. He served faithfully, under a hard master, for four and one-half years. His apprenticeship being completed he went to New York city, where he worked at his trade one year. Not being content with the surroundings of the crowded city, he determined to go to the far West (as Ohio was then regarded). Ac- cordingly, in the autumn of 1817, with his staff in hand and a budget on his back, he set out for a home in the new country with scarcely any money in his pocket and without friends or companions. After a long and tedi- ous journey on foot and by stage, he arrived at Browns-

*By Rev. H. M. Herman.

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ville, Pennsylvania. Here he undertook to pilot a flat- boat, with two families aboard, down the Ohio river. His pay for his work and responsibility was his fare. He arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, in October. Here he worked at his trade until April 18, 1818, when he came to New Lexington, Preble county, Ohio.

Here he started as master workman, and followed his trade for a number of years, and there are houses yet standing of his construction.

On November 7th, of the same year, he married Miss Hannah Johnson, with whom he lived for nearly sixty years, she dying May 16, 1878.

His family consisted of only two daughters, though he raised, unto full womanhood, four or five other children, giving each one, as well as his own, a comfortable start in life. In 1819 he built a house at New Lexington, where he kept tavern eleven and one-half years, and in connection with this business he reared a nursery and supplied the county with fruit trees. In 1822 he sold his property in town and moved into the woods, where he opened up a farm and planted an orchard. Here he remained until 1851, when he sold his farm and removed to West Alexandria, where he still resides, an honored and respected citizen. Father Benjamin is a man of strong convictions and determined purposes. When he undertook a project nothing turned him from his purpose. When, in 1844, he was elected by his district as a dele- gate to the convention at Baltimore which nominated Clay and Frelinghuysen for the presidency and vice- presidency, he accepted the appointment with the de- claration that he would go if he had to walk every step of the road.

His likes and dislikes are very marked. He hates with all his soul and loves with equal power. He is a true friend or no friend at all. No hypocrisy or deceit finds a lodgement in his manly breast.

He has husbanded his earnings with care until he has become a man of wealth, and is now enjoying his well earned fortune in his old days. Yet, with all his getting, he was not unmindful of the wants of others. He has been charitable to worthy objects. When the project of founding an orphan asylum by the Masons was inaugura- ted, he was among the first to contribute one thousand dollars. He also gave liberally to the churches of the place, and gave one hundred dollars to start a library for the use of the public school at West Alexandria.

A few days before he was eighty-one years of age he made a public profession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and was received into full communion with the Reformed church.

Father Benjamin is most generally known as an ardent member of the Masonic fraternity, and is one of the oldest Masons in the State

He united with St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., at Day- ton, Ohio, in 1824 or 1825 with eight more, who com- prised all the Masons in Darke and Preble counties. He applied for a dispensation for Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Eaton, Ohio, and, though he lived eight miles distant, he was not absent a single meeting for three years. He was also one of the charter members of Eaton R. A.

chapter, and served as high priest two years, and never missed a meeting.

He was exalted to the sublime degree of knight tem- plar at Lancaster, Ohio, in 1841.

He was also one of the petitioners for Reed Com- mandary K. T., No. 6, of Dayton, and King Hiram Lodge F. & A. M., No. 88, West Alexandria, Ohio. He was first a member of the Grand Lodge at Worth- ington, Ohio, in January, 1830, and has been a con- stant attendant ever since. He now holds the honora- ble position of president of the Masonic Veteran society, by the unanimous voice of his brethren.

In civil life he has held many and responsible trusts. He was commissioner of his county two terms, and was treasurer of the Dayton and Western Turnpike company for several years, during which he received and dis- bursed one hundred and thirty thousand dollars of con- struction funds, and seven thousand dollars of tolls, without one word of fault or charge of corruption.

He was justice of the peace four terms, during which time he married ninety-six couples and docketed two thousand cases, of which only one was appealed, and his judgment was then affirmed. In every department of life Father Benjamin has proven himself true to the principles of honesty and integrity. He enjoys in his ripe old age the full confidence and esteem of his friends and acquaintances, old and young.

JACOB VANCE

was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1803. His father John Vance, was a native of the same State, where he married Elizabeth Long, and in the spring of 1807 emigrated with his family to Preble county, Ohio. They travelled by wagon to Brownsville, thence by the Ohio river to Cincinnati on a flat-boat. The team was brought through by land and arrived at Cincinnati two weeks in advance of the arrival of the boat. At Cin- cinnati the journey was resumed by wagon, and in the latter part of April the family arrived in Lanier township, where Mr. Vance had previously entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. They set to work and rolled up a log cabin, cleared off a piece of ground, and had a crop in that same spring. After living there two years Mr. Vance moved to Harrison township, settling a mile south of Lewisburgh, where he afterwards lived. He and his wife both died in 1845. Their family consisted of eleven children, as follows: Maria, Martin, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Catharine, John, George, Jacob, Frederick, Michael, and Sarah. The only survivors are Jacob, the subject of this sketch; Michael, who lives in Indiana; and Sarah (Mrs. Wikle), living in Harrison township.

Jacob Vance was married April 19, 1827, to Elizabeth Juday, daughter of Frederick Juday, of Harrison town- ship. He resided on his father's farm five years after his marriage, when he rented a farm adjoining. This he oc- cupied for two years, and then removed to Twin township. He occupied a cabin on Twin creek for four years, and then moved to the place where he now lives. This was

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Matthias Disher

Captain Matthias Disher was born on the James river, Botetourt county, Virginia, on the first day of January, in the year 1817. His grandfather, Peter Deischer (as the name was originally spelled). came to America from Germany, prior to the Revolution. He served under General Arnold, and lost an arm at Quebec. At the close of the war he settled in Maryland, whence some years later he removed to Botetourt county, Virginia, where he resided until his death, about 1821, or 1822. He had seven children, five of whom were sons, the youngest of whom was Christian, born in Maryland in 1788. He was in the War of 1812 as sergeant of his company, and was stationed at Norfolk, Virginia. He married Miss Frances Circle, and settled on a farm in Botetourt county, Virginia, and resided there until the fall of 1829 when, with his wife and five children, he emigrated to Preble county. He settled in Harrison township, building his log cabin in the woods where his son, Christian, now lives. September 15, 1871, he died, at the advanced age of eighty-two years and eleven months. June 13, 1857, his wife died, aged seventy years, seven months and twenty- nine days. They raised five children, of whom Matthias was the oldest. He was raised upon the farm and had, perhaps, less than two years' schooling. The greater portion of his earlier years were spent in clear- ing land. He assisted at eleven log-raisings within two weeks. This kind of work he enjoyed very much. September 1, 1840, he was

: married to Mary Ann, daughter of John Ozias, of Twin township. She died some six months after marriage, and July 9, 1843, he married Re- becca Jane Ozias, a cousin of his first wife. He remained on the home- stead until the fall of 1843, when he located on a part of the farm on which he now lives, which consists of three hundred and sixty acres. In 1862 Captain Disher raised a company of volunteers (company H. Ninety-third Ohio volunteer infantry), and was chosen captain of his company. His regiment was ordered to Kentucky, and in the retreat which followed from Richmond, Kentucky, to Louisville, lost by capture one hundred and eighty men. He remained in service only about four months, being compelled to resign on account of ill health. Captain Disher is a man of much more than ordinary intelligence, notwithstand- ing his lack of early educational advantages. He is a reader of books, and possesses a literary quality of mind in which the antiquarian element predominates. Politically he is a Republican. Captain Disher is now living with his third wife, his second wife having died in Febru- ary, 1854, at the age of twenty-eight. His present wife, nee Elizabeth A. Circle, born April 13, 1821, he married December 6, 1855. He has had four children by his second marriage, namely, Mrs. Mary Ann Bunger of Harrison township, Mrs. Susan Frances Fritz, of Twin, Mrs. Martha Jand Richard, deceased, and Leonidas living at home. By his I present wife he has two children-Julia C. and Ada B.

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forty-one years ago, and the old hewed log house into which he moved is still used, adjoining his present resi- dence, which was built in 1863. Mr. Vance began here in the woods, cleared up a farm which is now a well im- proved property of one hundred and fifty-six acres. His wife died March 6, 1870, aged sixty-four years, eleven months and twelve days. Mr. Vance is the father of nine children, as follows: Eve Elizabeth, wife of John Jordan, born January 11, 1828; Sarah, born July 28, 1831, died in 1863; Isabella, born June 6, 1834; Maria, wife of John Ashbaugh, born May 26, 1837; Isaac, born March 16, 1840, married Catharine Houk, and occupies the farm with his father; Lydia, born February 6, 1842; Amanda, born November 30, 1844. Two children died in infancy.

DR. OLIVER E. TILLSON.

The practice of medicine imposes upon its followers a heavier weight of responsibility than any other profession. Upon the decision of the physician depends the health, and, frequently, the life of the patient. A thorough knowledge of all that pertains to the profession, an ac- curate judgment and rigid conscientiousness are requisite qualifications of the successful practitioner. The subject of this sketch, Dr. Oliver E. Tillson, is, happily, well possessed of all these qualifications.

He was born in Darke county, Ohio, April 20, 1842. When quite young his father removed with the family to Richmond, Indiana. Oliver attended the public schools of Richmond, clerked in a store and worked in a print- ing office until 1856, when he began the study of medi- cine in the office of Dr. G. W. Dickey, at New Hope, Preble county. In the fall of 1859 he entered the Cin- cinnati Eclectic Medical institute, where he remained two sessions. His extensive course of reading was then resumed in Dr. Dickey's office and pursued until Octo- ber, 1861, when he returned to the institute, and gradu- ated with distinction in 1862.

Thus thoroughly prepared by six years diligent study, Dr. Tillson was ready to begin the practice of his profes- sion with the most flattering prospects. He located at West Alexandria, and his merits were soon appreciated by the community. From the time he opened an office the doctor has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, and a high standing among his professional brethren. He is

a member of the National Eclectic Medical associction, the Ohio Eclectic Medical association, and the Miami Valley Medical association, of which he is secretary.

Dr. Tillson's wife, Caroline (Brower) Tillson, was born in West Alexandria, November 18, 1843. Her father, Joseph Brower, was one of the earliest settlers of the county. Her mother, whose maiden name was Maria Spate, was a native of Switzerland.

Oliver Tillson, father of the subject of our sketch, was born in Butler county, Ohio, August 5, 1805. His father, a native of Vermont, was one of the pioneers of south- western Ohio.

Oliver Tillson engaged in farming in Darke county until about 1845, when he removed to Richmond, Indi- ana, where he engaged in the shoe and leather business. He afterwards engaged in the same business in New Paris and New Hope, Preble county. He died at New Hope, June 21, 1865. He was married December 19, 1823, to Rosanna Beeson, who was born in North Caro- lina in 1807. While in childhood her father removed to Ohio. He was a volunteer soldier in the War of 1812, and died at Fort Meigs, September 5, 1814. She died at Richmond, Indiana, December 7, 1873.

The family of Oliver and Rosanna Tillson consisted of four daughters and three sons, one of whom is dead. Mary Ann was born June 21, 1827. She is married to Andrew Tosh, and is living in Kansas. Rebecca C. was born December 25, 1830. She is married to David Richey, and living in Richmond, Indiana. Lydia was born April 13, 1834. She is married to Dr. G. W. Dickey, and living in New Hope, Preble county. Frances A. was born February 3, 1837. She was married to Jacob Benner, and is living in Richmond, Indiana. Robert Mitchell was born September 1, 1839, and died January 19, 1842. William Irwin was born July 18, 1845. He is now living in the south.

Dr. Tillson is not only a close student of his profes- sion, but is a public-spirited citizen and diligent observer of events. He takes an active interest in the affairs of the village, having several times been a member of the council and school board. In 1875 he was nominated by the Republican party, of which he is a working mem- ber, for the office of county clerk, but was beaten by an independent candidate. His vote, however, in the town- ships in which he is best known, was very flattering. He is a member of the Reformed church, and the Masonic and Odd'Fellows orders.

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HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

DR. A. F. HALDEMAN.

In the person of Dr. Holderen we have all the char acteristies of a live American. His site has been one of action and progresive thought. There is nothing fogy in his make up; w's bim mere antiquity commands no reverence, and more novelty conciliates no favor.

Allen Farges Haldeman is a native of this cants, and is the youngest of six children. He was born in 1813 and is thirty seven years old. His father is Abraham Haldeman. a native of Virginia, and rergrated to this caparty with Its fat'ser, John B demandan is ,6 Th is will living in the enjoyment of ever Ment he'd the eighty first year of Tus age Ing . prime of the me possessed a fine physical organization. ". I fare ment.' argi s wid endowments. At the early age o

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History of Preble County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches, Part 82

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages: 559

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 559