USA > Ohio > Clark County > Portrait and biographical album of Greene and Clark counties, Ohio, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county; together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States > Part 108
USA > Ohio > Greene County > Portrait and biographical album of Greene and Clark counties, Ohio, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county; together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States > Part 108
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she was born in Maryland, and spent her last years on the old homestead in Bethel. They reared six children, of whom the following is recorded: Catherine, now deceased, married Samuel Kable; John resides in New Carlisle; Susan is the wife of James Kable, of Macoupin County, Ill .; Elizabeth is the wife of Dr. Isaac Meranda, of New Carlisle; Benjamin C., the father of our subject; Sarah is the wife of James Lamme, a resident of Springfield.
Benjamin Garver was two years old when his parents brought him to this county, and he was reared and educated in Bethel Township. He in- herited a part of the old homestead, and resided on it many years, conducting agriculture. In 1885 he removed to Kansas, and buying a tract of land ten miles from Anthony, has resided there ever since. He was converted to Methodism after mar- riage, and became a power in the church as a local preacher. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Ruth A. Rohrer, and she was born in Springfield, Clark County. Her father, John Roh- rer, was a native of Southeastern Pennsylvania, coming, from that State to Springfield about 1840. He was a blacksmith, and opened a shop here and plied his trade, and accumulated quite a property, which lie lost, however, by going security for others. His death occurred in this city at a ripe old age, in 1875. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Thrall, and she died in Springfield in 1880. Of the eleven children born to the parents of our sub- ject nine are living, namely : John N., Abraham R., Frank R., James L., Walter B., Edward M., George G., Clara E. and Arthur C.
John N. Garver, of this sketcli, passed the early years of his life on the old homestead that his grandfather had redeemed from the primeval for- ests, and as soon as large enough assisted in farm- ing. He was a -studious, thoughtful lad, and was given fine advantages to obtain an education, lay- ing the foundation of his knowledge at the district school, which he attended part of each year; in 1874 he entered the High School at New Carlisle, and in 1876 became a student at Wittenberg College, where he pursued a liberal course for two years, and during his college course taught school one year in his native township. After leaving Wit- tenberg he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University
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at Delaware, and from that institution of learning he was graduated with a good reputation for scholarship in the class of '82. After leaving the university he was engaged the ensuing two years as traveling salesman for the Superior Drill Com- pany, and then turned his attention to law, study- ing for one year in Emporia, Kan., in the office of Buck & Feighan, leading lawyers of that city. At the expiration of that time he dropped his legal studies to give his attention to newspaper work as city editor of the News and Globe, then owned by Jacob Stotler, and in 1886 he was appointed city editor of the Sioux City Tribune. In the fall of that year our subject went to Kansas City to en- gage with the New England Trust Company, as inspector of lands in Missouri and Kansas. and was thus employed one year. We next hear of him in Lincoln, Neb., where, with A. D. Hosterman and others he aided in forming a company, called the Lincoln Newspaper Union, and established a pub- lishing house in that city. In the fall of 1888 the company disposed of its plant at a good profit and Mr. Garver came to Springfield with his brother. in-law, A. D. Hosterman, and with him and others bought an interest in the Republic-Times, and has been connected with the paper ever since.
Since coming here Mr. Garver has established an attractive home in our midst, and to the gra- cious and accomplished young wife, who so cor- dially unites with him in extending its charming hospitalities to their numerous friends, he was united in marriage in the fall of 1888, and baby Ben- jamin completes the happy household circle. Mrs. Garver is a native of Springfield, her maiden name Anna Geiger, and she is a daughter of Prof. H. R. and Nancy (Harford) Geiger, of whom see sketch on another page of this volumc.
As a man and as a citizen our subjeet is highly re- garded in this city, where he has a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He possesses an un- usual degrec of geniality, tact and quick wit, to- gether with good business qualifications, that seem so necessary to success in the journalistic profes- sion. He is a stalwart Republican in his political sentiments, and he is prominently identified with the social and religious interests of the community; he is a member of the college society, the Phi Kappa
Psi fraternity, and belongs to the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks, No. 51; and he and Mrs. Garver are members in good standing of the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
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SAAC MILTON ROBERTS. In driving about this section of Ohio and viewing the fine farms which abound, one would form a high opinion of the agricultural skill which is displayed by the proprietors of the various estates, and enjoy the general air of prosperity which the country pre- sents. The fertile soil of Clark County has been well improved,and but few farms can be seen within its bounds which do not bear good buildings and other evidences of thrift. The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced, is one of the representative farmers and stockmen of Moorefield Township, owning and occupying one hundred and eight acres of land on section 35. His financial standing is chiefly due to his own efforts, and the success with which he is meeting redounds to bis credit as a man of enterprise and good judgment.
The father of our subject was James H. Roberts, a native of Berkeley County, Va., and his mother, Mary Wren, was born about eight miles west of Alexandria, in the same State. The father was a tanner by trade and left his native State with the intention of starting a tannery at Lawrenceburg, Ind. His wife sickened and died, and he then came to Ohio, making a permanent settlement here about 1811. Purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of Government land in Moorefield Township, Clark County, he remained upon it until his death De- cember 19, 1863. He settled in the woods, putting up a log cabin which was replaced in later years by a brick house, the material for which was burnt by himself. The latter edifice is still standing with some enlargements and improvements. Mr. Roberts was a hard-working man and one who enjoyed the confidence of his fellowmen. He succeeded well in worldly affairs and not only assisted his children in getting a start in life, but left to his family an estate of two hundred and fifty acres. His first party affiliation was with the Whigs and during
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the "apple cider campaign" lie voted for Gen. W. H. Harrison ; he afterward became identified with the Republican party. He was a fine looking man, possessing a good physique and great strength, which was preserved even under heavy labor by his temperate habits.
The parental family was a large one, the surviv- ing children of the first wife being William, whose home is in Iowa, and Rebecca, wife of William Dunlap, of the same State. Of the children born by his second wife, the following are now living: Agnes in Moorefield Township; John W. in Cham- paign County ; Joseph in Champaign County, Ill .; Louisa, Catherine and Lucy in Springfield; Amanda, wife of Samuel Hodge, in Champaign County, Ohio; Thomas H. and Isaac M. in Moorefield Township.
The subject of this sketch was born June 28, 1839, in the county where he is now so well known. HIe received his early education in the district schools of the neighborhood and upon the founda- tion laid therein has by reading and observation built a structure of abundant information. During his early life he assisted in the labor which belongs to farm life in countries which are not yet fully de- veloped, and gained a knowledge of agriculture which has led to his success in later years. The principles of government and the love of country which had been instilled into his breast led him to take up arms in defense of the Union, during the late War, and on August 7, 1862, he became a private in Company G, Ninety-fourth Ohio Infan- try.
The first general under whom Mr. Roberts served was Buell, who was succeeded by Rosecrans, and still later he was in the forces of Gen. Sher- man. The first memorable battle in which he took part was the desperate struggle at Perryville. At Stone River he was sick and in the wagon train in the rear which was captured by Wheeler's Cavalry. He was paroled and sent to Camp Chase, and finally exchanged and sent to Chattanooga where he par- ticipated in the siege. His regiment formed a part of the brigade sent to re-inforce Hooker at Look- ont Mountain, and the next day he was in the great charge of Mission Ridge. He also participated in the notable engagements at Resaca, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and
the Siege of Atlanta. He took part in the entire Atlanta campaign, and the glorious march to the sea, as well as in the return through the Carolinas, the last general engagement at which he was pres- ent being the battle of Bentonville.
After having served his country faithfully and efficiently until the war was over, Mr. Roberts re- turned to his native State and county, where he has since resided. He has served as School Director and whether in office or out is interested in the ad- vancement of the cause of education. In politics he is a firm Republican. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan M. Chaney and the rites of wedlock were celebrated between them January 8, 1867. She is the daughter of James and Ruth (Layton) Chaney, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. They died in Bethel Township, Clark County, where their daughter was born December 22, 1843. They have no children.
AVID SHAFFER, deceased, whose name and memory will ever be held in rever- ence as that of a prominent pioneer of Clark County, and an honored resident of Springfield, was for many years intimately con- nected with the business interests of this section of Ohio. His sturdy enterprise, devotion to busi- ness, and clear discernment in regard to money matters were important agents in enlarging the industrial resources of this region, and his work in that direction will never be forgotten.
He was a Virginian by birth, born in Berkeley County, February, 10, 1810. He was four years old when he was deprived of a father's care by his pre- mature death while yet in the vigor of manhood. His mother continued to reside in Virginia many years after her husband's demise, but finally came to the State of Ohio, and passed hier last days with her ehildren, dying at the home of a daugh- ter in Anglaize County, at the remarkably ad- vanced age of ninety-one years. She reared ten children, and trained them to habits of frugality and industry. Her son, of whom we write, re- mained with her in Virginia till he was seventeen
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years old, when he came to Ohio, and at that youthful age became a pioneer, locating in Clark County. . He worked on a farm, and prudently saved his money till he had enough to buy a four- horse team, with which he proposed to engage in teaming from Columbus to Cincinnati, as that was a very profitable occupation in those days when there were no railways or canals. He soon had all that he could do, and a part of his business was to carry specie between the banks of the two places, and he was often entrusted with large amounts of money, the bankers placing the most implicit confidence in his honesty, and courage to defend his precious freight if he were attacked by highwaymen. He used to place the money in kegs, marked nails, to deceive thieves and robbers. By his energetic management of his affairs he was soon enabled to buy other teams, and did a very large carrying business before lic left the road, and made a great deal of money. The introduc- tion of railways put an end to his work in that line, and he then bought a quarry and turned his attention to getting out building stone, which was of a fine quality, and commanded a large sale, and he also burnt lime, doing a big business in both branchies. In 1850 Mr. Shaffer built a large brick house on West Main Street, which his family oc- cupied till 1884, when Mrs. Shaffer purchased their present fine residence on the corner of Factory and North Streets. November 9, 1867, the life- record of our subject was brought to a close, and a valued citizen, a devoted husband, a kind father, and an obliging neighbor was thus removed from amongst us while yet in the full possession of the ripened faculties of mature manhood, and while still in the midst of his usefulness. Pos- sessing a large share of roundabout common sense, honoring industry and integrity in thought and in example, he was a wise and safe coun- selor, and liis ready sympathy, unselfish kindness, and generous bounty gained him a warm place in the hearts of his fellow-citizens, and made him popular with all classes. He was a prominent Mason, and was very active in establishing the order here.
Mr. Shaffer, while in manhood's prime, took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Catlı-
erine Landis, their marriage taking place Septem- ber 19, 1839, and this biography would lack finish without some mention of her who was so much to him, and without whom his life would have been incomplete, so it is with pleasure that we introduce a brief outline of her family history into this sketch. She is of French descent, her ancestors on both sides of the house coming to this country from France many years ago. Both of her parents, Henry and Anna Maria (Wolfe) Landis, were natives of Pennsylvania, her father being of French parentage. He was reared and married in Pennsylvania, and finally emigrated from there to Ohio, in 1821, with his wife and ten children, making the entire journey by land. He located in Montgomery County for awhile, and in the meantime looked around over thic conntry to find a suitable situation in which to build a home. He came to Clark County about two years there- after, and bought quite a large tract of land in Springfield Township, and immediately placed him- self among the most prominent pioneers of the place. There was a log honse on his land at the time of purchase, and a saw-mill and a distillery located on Mill Creek, and he operated both, and at the same time superintended the improvement of his farm. He also had a flourmill in operation, which was the only one in all the country around, and people came from a long distance to pat- ronize it. A man of more than ordinary energy, foresight and business capacity, he made money fast, and accumulated a valuable property, but after residing on his homestead for many years he lost it by going security for others. In 1846 he returned to the East to settle the estate of his brother, going and coming by stage, and on the return trip died on the stage. This commu- nity was thus deprived of an honorable citizen, who in the management of the various industries in which he engaged greatly extended the inter- ests of the county, and added to its riches. His estimable wife survived him some years, her death finally occurring in the home of her daugh- ter, Mrs. Shaffer, at the venerable age of eighty- two.
Mrs. Shaffer was born in Lancaster County, Pa., March 20, 1818, and as she was but three years
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of age when her parents brought her to Clark County, she was reared and educated here, and here has passed the most of her life. She was reared under the influenees of the pioneer life that obtained here in her younger days, grew up with the growth of the county, and has been an inter- ested witness of the most of its development from the wilderness. She was earefully trained by a wise mother in all the labors of a good house- wife, so that when she married and was placed at the head of a household, she understood well how to manage its affairs to advantage, and so as to seeure the greatest eomfort to the inmates of the home. She is a good and true woman, with an honorable reeord as a loving wife and faithful mother, and her children may well rise up and called her blessed. Of her happy wedded life with our subjeet nine children were born, of whom the following six have grown to manhood and womanhood-Martha, Elizabeth, Elmina, Margaret, Allen and David Nelson.
B URTON M. LOWMAN. Probably no man of his years in Clark County, is filling a more responsible position than that hield by the young gentleman above named, or is better qualified by education and character. He is assistant Cashier and book-keeper of the New Car- lisle, Bank, an institution that earries on an exeellent banking business and demands in its working force men of taet and ability.
Mr. Lowman was born in Pike Township, one and a half mile north of New Carlisle, November 19, 1865, and is the oldest ehild of Lewis I. and Harriet (Stafford) Lowman. His father is a native of the same township as himself, while his mother was born in Bethel Township, Miami County. They now reside in New Carlisle. The other members of the family eirele are: Hattie M., Joe M. and Garrett M.
Burton M. Lowman was reared on his father's farm, receiving his fundamental education in the eommon schools and subsequently spending three years in attendance at Wittenberg College in
Springfield. After coming out of the college he entered the Post-office at New Carlisle, but in 1887, entered the New Carlisle Bank as book-keeper, elerk, ete. He has now reached the position mentioned above and will undoubtedly push his way still farther upward, as he possesses great energy and is a thorough business man. He possesses the pleas- ing manners that combined with good character, give popularity, a proof that he is a prime favorite being found in the fact that in April, 1890, in a strongly Republican township, he was elected Town- ship Clerk by a large majority, although running on the Democratie ticket.
An important step in the life of Mr. Lowman was his choiee of a companion and his marriage to her August 15, 1887. The bride, Miss Bertha Smith of New Carlisle, is an educated and refined young woman, who in addition to her social quali- ties is capable of wisely guiding the household affairs, and possesses a noble Christian eharaeter. She is a daughter of William H. and Louisa (Daven- port) Smith, of New Carlisle, was educated in the High School of that plaee, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church at New Carlisle. Her happy nnion has resulted in the birth of one son-How- ard I.
Mr. Lowman finds a slight outlet for his social and benevolent characteristies in the meetings of the Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, and the . publie gatherings in which they indulge. He be- longs to the Methodist Episopal Church at Spring- field, and is looked upon as one of those to whom ehurel membership is more than an empty name.
W ILLIAM J. ALEXANDER, attorney-at- law and one of the oldest practitioners in the eity of Xenia, was born June 10, 1827, and is the son of Washington and Rachel (Clark) Alexander, the former of whom was a na- tive of South Carolina. Washington Alexander was born in 1801, and when a child was brought by his parents, John and Isabella Alexander, to this State as early as 1803. They settled first near Middletown, Butler County, where Grandfather
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Alexander oceupicd himself as a school teacher, but in the spring of 1803 eame to Xenia and en- gaged in the practice of law. It is believed that he was the first attorney in the city, and he fol- lowed his profession for the long period of forty years, and during thirty years of this time was Prosecuting Attorney. He was a man of fine abilities, which the people of his district recog- nized by spending him to the National Congress two terms, he serving from 1812 to 1816. Ile retired from the active duties of his profession in 1842, and died in 1848.
Washington Alexander grew to mature years in Xenia, reeciving his education in the publie schools of that city, and studied law, although never prae- ticing. Instead his inelinations led him into farm- ing pursuits, which he followed successfully all his life, the most of which was spent in Spring Valley Township. He was married in 1824 to Miss Rachel Clark, of this county, and likewise a native of Spring Valley Township. Her father, Judge John Clark, settled here as early as 1800. Both identi- fied themselves with the Baptist Church, and were prominent and popular in their community. Their children, six sons and one daughter, all grew to matme years. John C. is now deccased. The survivors are: William J., Jesse C., Augustus W., Franklin, Sarah Isabella, the widow of William S. Frazier; and Aurelius. Mr. Alexander died in 1867; his wife had passed away in 1849.
The subject of this notice was born and reared in Spring Valley Township, and completed his education in the eity schools of Xenia. During his younger years, when starting out for himself, he engaged in teaching and farming alternately, and later taking up the study of law was, in 1865, duly admitted to the bar. He commeneed the practice of his profession in his native town, was subse- quently located in Wilmington for a time, and in 1882 changed his residenee to Xenia, and asso- ciated himself with a partner under the firm name of Alexander & Whitmer.
In Spring Valley Mr. Alexander served as Justice of the Peace for a period of twelve years, and was Township Trustee twenty-two years. He was for a time Superintendent of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans Home, but resigned, not being able to
give to it the attention he desired. He was on the School Board of his district for a number of years, but he has given his main attention to the practice of his profession, in which he oecnpies a leading position.
The marriage of William J. Alexander with Miss Elizabeth Weller, of Montgomery County, this State, was celebrated at the bride's home Feb- ruary 28, 1850. Mrs. Alexander was born April 25, 1825, and is the daughter of John and Marga- ret Weller, who for many years lived on a farmn in Montgomery County. Of this union there were born three children, two sous and a daughter, the latter of whom died when two and one-half years old-Perry A. and Charlie F, are numbered among the well-to do farmers of Spring Valley Township. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander belong to the Baptist Church, and Mr. Alexander supports the princi- ples of the Democratic party in a Republican dis- trict, where he has received many evidences of the people's confidence and esteem.
OHN HIVLING. Whenever the pioneer set- tlers of this county are mentioned, prominent among them is noted the subject of this sketch who migrated hither from Maryland as early as November, 1808. Ife settled on the Little Miami River, three miles west of the present site of Xenia, which was unmarked, save by a few dwellings. Ile had previously visited this region and purchased mill property and land. At one time he owned all the land north of Church Street, as far out as the Fair grounds.
Mr. Hivling, however, ouly resided a short time where he first located but about 1810 removed within the town limits and opened an hotel in a log building, situated upon the present site of the Xenia National Bank, at the corner of Detroit and Main Streets. A few years later he retired to a farm where he lived a few years but not being quite contented with the change from city to coun- try life, came back and purchased a store on Main Street, where he followed merchandising for many years and until retiring from the aetive duties of
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Martin Smider
Elizabeth Snider
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life. He was a citizen highly respected in the com- munity and rounded up the ripe old age of eighty- one years, dying in 1860. He carried a musket during the War of 1812, and later served as Sheriff of Greene County while he was keeping hotel.
Mr. Hivling was united in marriage with Miss Sally Ankney in 1799. Mrs. Hivling was born about 1775, and they became the parents of four- teen children: Margaret, the eldest, married John McPherson and is now dead; Mary, Mrs. Nunne- maker, is now eighty-nine years old; Susan, Mrs. Engel, deceased; Abraham was for many years a leading merchant of Xenia and is now dead; Eliza, Mrs. Baker, is eighty-four years old; Sophia is eighty-two years; Harriet, Mrs. Winters, deceased ; Abigail was the wife of Jonathan Harshman, of Dayton, and deceased ; Joana G., Mrs. Leaman, lives in Xcnia; Sarah A. died when about sixty-two years old; Emily is the wife of President George W. Willard of Heidelberg College at Tiffin; John is deceased; Martha was the wife of John Bell, of ilillsboro, and deceased. Mr. Hivling was a prom- inent member of the Masonic fraternity of whose principles he was a warm admirer and defender. Religiously he was connected with the Reformed Church. ITis father, Nicholas Hivling, was a na- tive of Germany and emigrated to America at an early day, settling in Maryland, where he died.
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