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 110

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 918

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 110
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 110

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Prof. Geiger was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Melvina Hartford, December 14, 1854. She is a lady of fine mind, which has been broadened and deepened by thorough culture, rendering her a fitting companion for the man by whose side she has walked life's journey for more than thirty years. She is a native of West Virginia but re- ceived her education in Steubenville, this State, and met her future husband here in Springfield where she had come to accept a position as teacher in the Presbyterian Seminary. The happi- ness of their felicitous wedded life has been in- creased by the seven children born to them as follows : Alice C., Albert, Elizabeth, the wife of Ar- thur D. Hosterman, of whom see sketch ; Anna, the wife of John N. Garver; Harry M., Ella T., and Frank.

As a teacher, our subject was an ornament to the profession ; as a scientist, a man of exceptional talent and fine mentality, his acute and accurate powers of observation, and kcen analytical mind

made his services invaluable both to the college, with which his name will ever be associated, and to the Government while in its employ. The Pro- fessor is as active in the religious as in the educa- tional canse of that denomination for whose interests he has so long been a worker, and he, his wife and five of his children are members of the First Luth- cran Church of this city.

E DWARD R. WALTON, a leading farmer of Spring Valley _ Township, Greene County, has a finely located country home a half mile north of New Burlington, comprising one hundred and thirty-one acres under good cultiva- tion and embellished with neat modern buildings. This township has been the life-long home of Mr. Walton as it was here be was born January 5, 1832. His parents were Samuel and Catharine ( Menden- hall) Walton. Samuel Walton was born March 26, 1804, in Frederick County, Va. His wife, Catharine, was born September 19, 1801, in Guil- ford County, that Statc.

The father of our subject emigrated to Ohio with his parents by wagon, and they settled upon the present site of Spring Valley, which re- inained the home of Samuel Walton until his death, March 9, 1844. The mother survived her husband for a period of twenty years, her death taking place at the old homestead, April 18, 1864. They reared six children to maturity, thesc being Ruth, who married James Mills and is now a resi- dent of Marion County, Ind .; Milo in Spring Val- ley ; Edward R., our subject; John, who died in December, 1860; Moses A. is the Superintendent of the County Infirmary of this county, and William M., of California. The father was a Whig politi- cally, and religiously, belonged to the Society of Friends. He left a well-improved farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres which he had built up from the primitive soil and which furnished to himself and family a comfortable home. He was a man respected by all who knew him.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Ed- ward Walton, a native of Shenandoah County, Va.,

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and born January 3, 1777. He married Deborah Allen, who was born April 10, 1775, likewise in Virginia, they becoming the parents of the follow- ing children, namely: Samuel, Elizabeth, Moses, Eunice, Edward, Hannah and John. The two eld- est were natives of the Old Dominion. Grandfather Walton emigrated to Ohio overland with teams and settled on about four hundred acres of land where Spring Valley now stands. He laid out the first lots for the town, together with his son Moses, twenty-four in all; he spent the remainder of his days in this region, dying at a ripe old age. Being a Quaker in religious belief, he refused to enter the military service and was fined accordingly a number of times. He departed hence April 10, 1867, having survived his wife many years, her death taking place September 11, 1842. Grandmother Walton was sixty-seven years old. The family in this country descended from three or four brothers who came over from England in 1664 in advance of William Penn and settled on the Schuylkill River above Philadephia, Pa.

The mother of our subject was the daughter of John and Ruth ( Brown) Mendenhall, who were born in Guilford County, N. C., March 6, 1759, and April 4, 1767, respectively. Grandfather Mendenhall came to this county in 1804, and located in Spring Valley Township, four miles south of Xenia, where hc secured between three and four hundred acres of land. The children of this worthy couple were named respectively, Richard, Joseph, Margaret, Aaron, Ruth, Catherine, William, Benjamin, Na- than, John and Nancy. The two last mentioned died young.

The subject of this notice spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, acquiring a com- mon-school education in his native township and becoming familiar with the various employments of farm life. Upon leaving school he taught two terms, one in Spring Valley Township and one in Iowa. When twenty- two years old he began farm- ing on his own account, and in 1856, went to Adair County, Iowa, where he spent two years on a farm, having in the meantime purchased, in 1854, four hundred acres of land. Upon this he built three houses then sold out and in 1859, crossed the plains to California, locating in Siskiyou 1

County. He occupied himself in mining and teaming and after spending five years in the Golden State, went into Nevada and for some time was en- gaged in prospecting and hauling ore and salt.

Mr. Walton spent ten years on the Pacific Slope including three years in Montana. In 1869, he re- turned to Iowa where he remained until 1873. That year he came to this county and located where he now resides. He is looked upon as a use- ful and reliable citizen, is Republican in politics and has served as Justice of the Peace for two terms. He has held the office of Township Trus- tec for ten years. He was married March 2, 1871, to Miss Alice, daughter of John and Rebecca (Steddon) Compton. This lady was born January 7, 1836, in Spring Valley, of parents who were na. tives of Ohio, and are now living in this township. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children, the eldest of whom, Ruthetta, died at the age of six years and eight months. Anna E. was born September 11, 1876, and died January 29, 1878; Catherine was born May 14, 1874, and died December 20, 1878; Hettie, their only remaining ehild, was born January 24, 1880.

The maternal grandmother of our subject, Ruth (Brown) Mendenhall, witnessed the Indian battle of Guilford Court-House, N. C. Her father was killed by the Indians in Eastern Ohio while on a prospecting tour prior to 1800. Mr. Walton dur- ing his sojourn in the far West also had some ex- perience with the treacherous savages.

HOMAS B. CUMMINGS is one of the lead- ing fariners of Cæsar's Creek Township, his home being six miles south of Xenia. His first purchase here was of fifty-five acres, for which he paid $15 per acre, and to which he has since added seven hundred acres, making one of the largest farms in the vicinity. It is well improved, carefully cultivated, and brings in an abundant in- come. Mr. Cummings was born February 6, 1814, in the northern part of Bucks County, Pa., in whichi his ancestors had lived for several genera- tions. His parents, James and Mary (Barr) Cum-

Manufacturer of Lachies fine Saves

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mings, were born there in 1781 and 1796, respec- tively, and reared a family of seven children, our subject being the first-born. The father was a sub- stantial farmer, and a man of considerable promi- nenee, serving as Justice of the Peace for nearly a quarter of a century, and three terms, or nine years, as Clerk of the Court. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, was a Demoerat in polities, and a Pres- byterian in religion. He died in the spring of 1838, his wife having passed away the year before. He was a son of Robert and Margaret (Marshall) Cum- mings, of the same county, and a grandson of James Cummings, also of the Keystone State, who mar- ried a Miss Marshall, of Seotch origin.

The gentleman of whom we write was reared on a farm, and obtained a common-school education, afterward devoting himself to teaching for five years in his native State. In October, 1836, he and some neighbors journeyed in wagons as far west as Columbus, Ohio, when he took a stage and rode ten miles toward Xenia, to which place he eon- tinued his journey on foot, reaching it in advance of the stage, having made the entire trip from Co- lumbus in thirty-six hours. For seven years he was engaged in teaching, although he also im- proved the farm which he had purchased upon first coming here. During three years of this time he taught constantly, but he subsequently abandoned the profession, and gave his time exclusively to farming. He has served both as Township Clerk and Justice, and is well-known as a liberal and publie spirited eitizen. He contributes generously toward all public improvements, and during the war was liberal in his donations for the benefit of the Union army. In politics he is an active Re- publican, and in religion a consistent member of the Reformed Church.

On April 27, 1837, Mr. Cummings was united in marriage with Miss Mary Boots, who was born in Cæsar's Creek Township, November 19, 1819. She was a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Peterson ) Boots, an estimable and Christian woman, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was mourned by many friends when removed by death, April 1, 1861. She was the mother of six children: Joseph B. is the eldest; Sarah Jane is the wife of William Conklin; James

R., of Jennings County, Ind., served three years during the late war; Thomas J., who was in the service a year, died leaving three children-Frank, Allie, and Dillie; Mattie is the wife of Henry Long ; John is the youngest son and ehild. On October 23, 1862, Mr. Cummings was again married, his bride being Martha, daughter of Ward and Mar- " garet (Haines) MeNair. She was born in Cæsar's Creek Township, and is a consistent member of the Reformed Church. This marriage has been child- less.

C HARLES H. SCHULTE. Among the vari- ous industries which give employment to a large number of persons in the city of Springfield, the manufacture of boots and shoes is one of the most important. Mr. Schulte has been established as a manufacturer of and dealer in boots and shoes at Springfield for a number of years. His present faetory was put in operation in Mareh, 1890, and although running but a short time, bears every indieation of being an assured suecess. The pro- prietor has had an ample experience in the business, while his finaneial ability is unquestioned.

In connection with this sketch, the reader will notiee a lithographie portrait of Mr. Sebulte, who is now in life's early prime. He possesses those characteristics which give indication of suecess in whatever eareer he might have chosen; as a citi- zen he is energetie, devoted to the best interests of the city where he has always resided. He is quick in his deeisions and firm in his advocaey of the right, thus faithfully fulfilling his eoneeption of life's duties. Liberal in his support of the city's best moral and educational advancement, he has many friends in this community, and, indeed, wherever he is known.

A native of the city of Springfield, the subject of this notice was born March 20, 1855, and is the son of Frederick and Catherine (Winters) Schulte, both of whom were natives of Germany. The par- ents emigrated to Ameriea in their youth, were married in Ohio and for many years have been residents of Springfield. The father is at present conducting one of the retail stores of his son,

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Charles H. The latter acquired a practical eduea- tion in the city sehools, completing his studies when about fourteen years old, and then eom- inenced learning the trade of a shoemaker. He served an apprenticeship of three years, and at the expiration of this time embarked in business for himself on a modest seale. By a course of prudenee and good management, together with a close ap- plieation to business, his progress was rapid from the start. He first located on West Main Street, oeeupying a small store, but his business rapidly in- ereased, so that he was obliged to move to more com- modious quarters, and he also established another store. He gives close attention to his factory, which turns out the finest of ladies' shoes for which he has a ready sale, both wholesale and retail. The factory, although in its infaney, gives employment to about forty hands, and it is predieted that in the near future Mr. Sehulte will be obliged to double his foree.

The marriage of Charles H. Schulte and Miss Anna Anderson was celebrated in Cincinnati in the spring of 1877. Of this union there have been born two children-Ilelen G. and Frederick. The fam- ily residence is pleasantly situated on West North Street and both in its furnishings and surroundings is indieative of cultured tastes and ample means. Mr. Sehulte has very little to do with polities aside from easting his vote with the Demoeratie party. He belongs to Red Star Lodge, No. 205, K. of P., and Protection Lodge No. 759, K. of H.

W A. PAXSON, of Jamestown, the son of John and Louisa Paxson, was born in Beaver Creek Township, Greene County, Ohio, July 6, 1850. His grandfather was Aaron Paxson, who was one of the pioneers of Greene County, having emigrated to this county as early as 1804, from Fayette County, Pa. He was the son of Amos and Cynthia (Beal) Paxson. He was a grandson of James and Sarah Paxson, of Philadel- phia, Pa., where she was for years a Quaker preaeh- er of considerable notoriety.

The subject of this sketch was the oldest of five

children, all of whom are living at this date, death having never entered the threshold of his father's family. Ilis earlier years were spent on the farm of his father, engaged in the health inspiring pur- suits of that voeation. He attended the common sehools each year during their sessions, and was an apt scholar, and by the time he reached the age of fourteen years, he had mastered their curriculum, and, although at that time residing four miles away, he attended the school at Jamestown, Ohio, for a time, where he eould advance in knowledge, walk- ing the distanee morning and evening, and never missed a day. He afterward attended the college for two years at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. He taught sehool at what was known as "Larkin's schoolhouse" for one year, during which time, in addition to the duties of teaching, he read law under the tuition and super- vision of the late Hon. J. A. Sexton, of Xenia, Ohio. After his school was closed in the spring, he returned to his father's farm, and assisted in the work of planting and tending the erops, and read law at the same time. He attended the Cin- einnati Law College for one year, was graduated with a high standing, receiving the degree of L. L. D., and was admitted to the bar of Ohio, in the spring of 1874. While in Cineinnati, he was associated with the law firm of Donham & Foraker, but his health partially failing, his physi- cian advised him to locate in some other locality, and he located at Washington C. H., in 1874, and became associated with the late Col. S. F. Kerr, in the praetiee of his profession, with flattering pros- pects of sueeess. During the year 1876 he was married to Miss R. C. Rankin, of Fayette County, Ohio, with whom he has lived a joyous, happy life ever sinee.

W. A. Paxson, early in life evineed some degree of literary ability as well as poetie talent; sinee his boyhood he has corresponded for the county pa- pers, and his sketehes were always appreciated by both press and patrons, but he has never sought for emolument in this line, although his ability and great versatility, if used in this channel would most undoubtedly enable him to attain an en viable posi- tion. Some of his poetieal contributions are of a high order, and will bear a favorable comparison

M .....

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with those of such poets as Will Carleton and James W. Riley. Some of his contributions have been largely copied by the press, and frequently with favorable comment. His descriptive faculties are of a high order, smooth, natural, and show that he is a keen observer of men and things.

His poems entitled the "Rented Farm," and "The Merchant Farmer," which originally appeared in the Pittsburg Stockman, have been frequently cop- ied and republished by request, and are master- pieces in their class of literature. By permission of the author we here insert the former, as it will undoubtedly not be unappreciated by our patrons in general, and may secure from oblivion a gem:

The Rented Farm.

[From the Stockman.]

"Tis said that "Those who till the ground Have always most contentment found." In other words, the self-same thought, That "Those who have with nature wrought Should never play the rustic clown Who sold his farm and moved to town." But if old maxims can't prevail Be pleased to hear our o'ertrue tale : Old Farmer Hobson years ago Acquired the name of "Honest Joc." He and his wife, Melissa Jane, Lived in the house by "Maple Lane" So long that all the neighbors said That "until he and she were dead They both would stay upon the farm," There they were both secure from harm - No noisy brawls to pierce their cars- No riots dire to raise their fears; There for almost three score of years They lived in peace, so far as known, Until their boys and girls were "grown And married off." And then, alone, Like two old doves, mated for life, Lived Farmer Hobson and his wife. Their children all had "settled down," Some in the country, some in town. And spite the little jealous cricks That will spring up between young chicks They were all "doing well enough." Said Honest Joe, "not half so tough A time they have got to get along As Jane and I when we were young." And every year at least one day, Sometime in winter, sometimes May, In mem'ry of the natal day,

Of father or of mother dear,

Who both were born the self-same year, They'd get together, one and all,

Both young and old, and great and small, And the old house would fairly ring,

As they would laugh and talk and sing; And swift the hours would speed away Upon this anniversary day.

Then to their homes again they'd lie, Like birds that to their nestlings fly,

And, with sad eyes, poor Joe and Jane

Would say, "Good-bye! Come soon again!"

And at the gate-the old yard gate-

They'd stand and look, and sob, and wait

Until the last was out of sight,

Then turn and "do their chores for night." And with soft hearts alone again Were left old farmer Joe and Jane, Both growing old, and child-like, too, As old folks are most apt to do- For to us all the years go past,

And whirl us through the world so fast, Old age comes creeping on apace Ere manhood learns its sphere to grace,

And almost ere we are aware

Our heads are silvered o'er with care.

And thus the years went swiftly by, As to the happy years do fly,

Until a year or so ago

A city friend said : "Uncle Joe,

Why don't you come to town to live? There is no use for you to strive As yon two do. Take my advice And move to town; 'twill be so nice. Rent out your farm for money rent; "Twill make you more, not lose a cent, And so much casier you can live, And have so much more time to give To visiting, and such as that," And thus concluded this chit-chat.

When Farmer Hobson that same day Went slowly plodding on his way, He mused upon this "brand new" theme, And prodded up his sluggish team, And looked around, as if ashamed, And wondered if his team were lamed By such brisk driving. Then again, He slowly plodded down the lane, As if he feared to meet dear Janc. His chores soon done, the horses fed, The wagon put beneath the shed, The harness hung upon the pin, The "mill-fced" placed within the bin, The cattle tied within their stall, The calves supplied, had ceased to bawl. The pigs from squealing had desisted,

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And Unele Joe had just assisted Aunt Jane to milk the two fat cows, And walked beside her to the house With well-filled pail upon his arm, And glanced about him o'er the farm. The evening meal was then prepared, Their thankfulness in words deelared By Uncle Joe. The meal in silence mastieated, When Aunt Jane, somewhat agitated, Said, "What's the matter? Hain't you well? What's happened that you hate to tell? I've noticed you for'n hour or so- You act so queer-what is it. Joe?" Said Honest Joe, as he wiped the dew That from his brain had oozed through, "I don't know whether to or not- I haven't given it .second thought'- But then I guess I might as well The whole from the beginning tell, And so, to make it short, that Mr. Brown Asked me to-day to move to town, To rent the farm and get the eash, And go to town and 'cut a dash.'" "Yes, and everything 'go to smash,'" Said Jane. "It's no wonder, Joe, That you behaved so eurious-no! If that's what's worrying your mind, Rest easy, then ; we're not the kind Of folks to lead a city life- You and your plain old country wife. We've lived here happy and contented And this farm never shall be rented As long as I'm alive. You've heard my say- I'll live here till my dyin' day. I helped to pay for this here farm, And I would rather lose my arm Than see it go to stranger's hands. No, Joe, we're fixtures on these lands; As they say, in them law instruments, We're 'tenants and hereditaments'- Belong to the farm as much as the fences, And surely you must have lost your senses To think for a minute that I would go To town to live-no, never, Joe." Joe sat and never "opened his head,"' But listened to every word she said ; For he had learned this lesson in life- To never contradict his wife, But let her go and have her say, And in the end he'd have his way. Thus matters rested for several days, They each pursued their several ways, And neither referred to the matter again, Till at last the subject was broached by Jane. Says she : "Well, Joe, what would you say If I was to tell you that I to-day

Had concluded to go to town awhile, To just please you. We ean give it a trial. I'm getting old, as well as you, And there wouldn't be half so mueh to do. We could live so nice, just you and I, And if you like it, I will try To do my best to be contented -- But I hate to see the old farm rented." But, to be brief, they moved to town, In a house quite near to Mr. Brown, The farm was rented out for eash, To a farmer who was bold and rash. And, first, he didn't like the way The fenees run, and so away He moved the rails that years ago Had been placed there by Uncle Joe; He plowed up all the "little lots" Which had been seeded down in plots Of choieest grass to suit the taste Of their old owner; and to waste Went all the work of many years Which almost brought his eyes to tears.

The orchard, filled with choicest fruits, Became a pasture for the brutes, Which gnawed and browsed, and barked the trees, And many more such things as these Oceurred, to show that the old farm Was in the way of direful harm.

The windows, broke, were stuffed with rags, The gate upon the hinges sags; The "palings" off, and in the yard The pigs and cattle standing guard Around the door, and 'neath the bowers Of Uncle's grapes and Auntie's flowers, Her Hollyhocks and beds of roses Were marked by little "porkers" noses, Her pinks and peonies, daisies, too, Made fragrant euds for cows to cliew, While "horning" at the evergreens, And rubbing down the myrtle sereens, The Honeysuckle's fragrant boughs Had gone to deck these selfsame eows. The garden gate was on the ground, While in the garden might be found A drove of pigs, whose lusty snouts Were turning up the currant sprouts; While others, as if in rage, Were "rooting out" the thyme and sage Which Old Aunt Jane, with tender eare, Long years ago had planted there. Old farmer Joe eame down the lane To "see the things," and good Aunt Jane Coneluded that she would come along "To get some air" and hear the song Of those old birds which every spring Came around the old farm-house to sing.

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And, as they slowly neared the house, And spied the yard well-filled with cows. The gates all standing open wide, They both with sorrow almost cried- For when they saw the work of years, 'The objects of their hopes and fears, All gone to ruin, naught but tears Could drown their grief. "'S too bad! 'S too bad!" Said Uncle Joe. "It makes me sad To think that what we so much prized Should be destroyed as if despised." They rapped at the old "parlor" door, Where they had never rapped before, But where the guests of many years Had come to mingle joys and tears With them, here through this door They ne'er as strangers passed before; But now as guests in their own home Must they at this time only come, And here again they did behold What they had prized far more than gold Had been abused and marred-destroyed. Those snowy walls with filth were eloyed; The "spare room" into kitchen turned; A maiden in the "parlor" churned; The walls were pasted over with scraps, And nails on which hung hats and caps; 'The "mantel piece" with "marbled stripes," Was filled with old tobacco pipes ; The wood work, spotless when they left, Was now of paint almost bereft; And all about was so much changed,

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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 110

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros. Number of Pages: 918

Author: Chapman, firm, publishers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 918