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 115

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 115
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 115

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

C HARLES H. NEFF, Cashier of the New Carlisle Bank, is favorably known in his community as a gentleman well fitted for the duties of his responsible position, and whose honesty is unquestioned. He was born in Coving- ton, this State, November 19, 1852, and is a son of Dr. Benjamin and Harriet (Hay) Neff. Benjamin Neff was born in Lancaster County, Pa., whence his parents removed to Clark County, this State, at an early date, settling about three miles south of the present site of New Carlisle. The paternal

grandparents of our subjeet were David and Ann (Kaufman) Neff, also natives of the Keystone State and of Swiss deseent. They spent their last years in Clark County, this State.

The father of our subject was reared to farming pursuits, but after attaining manhood began read- ing medieine, and in due time entered Jefferson Medieal College at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated. He commenced the praetiee of his profession in Fairfield, Ohio, but removed soon afterward to Covington, where he practiced two years. At the expiration of this time he ehanged his residence to Piqua, where he sojourned three years. Ilis next removal was to New Carlisle, where fortune smiled upon him, and where he built up a large and luerative praetiee; this in eon- nestion with a drug business which he established, covered a period of more than thirty years. In the meantime he was prominent in polities, being first a Whig, later a Republican, and was elected by this latter party to the State Legislature, serving in the sessions from 1871 to 1875. He aeeumu- lated a competenee and departed this life leaving behind him a good reeord. His wife, the mother of our subjeet, was born in New Carlisle, this State, and is still living. Her parents were John and Mary (Wallaee) Hay, who emigrated to Ohio in the pioneer days, and were among the first resi- dents of New Carlisle. Grandfather Hay eon- dueted the pioneer hotel of the place, and there with his good wife spent his elosing years, both dying at an advanced age.

By his first wife, Elizabeth K. Neff, the father of our subjeet became the parent of one daughter, Mary, who is now the wife of John Patterson, Cashier of the Piqua (Ohio) National Bank. Of his second marriage with the sister of his first wife there was born a family of six children, of whom Charles H., our subjeet, was the eldest. The next child, Jennie, became the wife of Morris Ilay ward, a lumber dealer of Columbus, this State. Frank and Millie are deceased; Grant is a druggist and located in New Carlisle; Harley is deceased.

The subject of this sketeh, who is the eldest child of his father's second marriage, was reared in his native place, attending the publie schools and spending mueh of his time in the drug store of his

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father. At the time of the organization of the New Carlisle Bank in 1883, he was chosen its Casli - ier, and has since held the position. He is also a Director and a stockholder. He possesses more than ordinary business ability, is cautious, cool and accurate, and already well fixed financially. In politics he is a strong Republican. Socially, he belongs to the Masonie fraternity, holding mem- bership in Lodge No. 100, in New Carlisle. Mr. Neff was married April 12, 1876, to Miss Corinne Weakley. Mrs. Neff was born in New Carlisle and is a daughter of Edward and Catherine (Gunkel) Weakley, who were among the early settlers of Clark County. Of this union there have been born two children-Benjamin W. and Jefferson. The little family occupies a snug home and enjoys the acquaintance and society of many friends. Mr. Neff, and his estimable wife, stand high in social circles, and are worthy representatives of a com- munity more than ordinarily intelligent.

HOMAS J. RIDENOUR. Among the carly residents of Greene County are mentioned Henry and Mary A. (Hyland) Ridenour, who settled on a tract of wild land in Beaver Creek Township and proceeded to build up a homestead, endeavoring likewise to accumulate a competency. To them there was born May 24, 1848, he with whose name we introduce this biographical outline. He has practically grown up with the country, wit- nessing its growth and development with that inter- est only felt by the native-born citizen. He occu- pies a good position among his neighbors, being a inan enjoying their confidence and esteem in a marked degree. He gives his political support to the Republican party, and for a period of seven years held the office of Township Assessor.

The father and mother of our subject were re- spectively of German and Irish deseent, and the latter was born in Maryland. They were married in that State and came to this county from Knox County, this State, where they had sojourned for a brief time. They lived in Beaver Creek Town-

ship from 1840 until their decease. The father died in 1883 at the age of seventy-six years, hav- ing been born in 1807. The household circle in- cluded six children, viz: Ann, Patience, John, Vopton, and Thomas J. and Mary, twins.

The subject of this sketch has a fine education, having had the advantage of attending Antioch College four years. Ile taught penmanship one year, attaining to a high degree of proficiency and artistic skill in the use of the pen. He was first married, in 1872, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel M. and Maria (Wampler) Shoup. She was born in Greene County in 1849, and died August 18, 1882, after a happy wedded life of ten years. She bore her husband four children, named respectively : Mary E., Theresa M., Gertrude E. and Maude A.

Mr. Ridenour contracted a second marriage August 29, 1889, with Miss Margaret, daughter of Thomas P. and Margaret Jolinson, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson after their marriage settled in Greene County, and here their daughter Mar- garet was born. Mr. Ridenour's farm is ninety- five acres in extent, being a choice body of land under a good state of cultivation. The proprietor gives to it his whole time and attention, having very little to do with political affairs, with the exception of casting his vote with the Republican party.

W ILLIAM II. SMITH. Among those who have been prominent in advancing the various interests of New Carlisle and vi- cinity, may be properly mentioned the subject of this notice who bears an enviable reputation among his fellow-citizens. Personally, he is genial and companionable-a man exceedingly popular-while in business circles his integrity, good judgment and ability are unquestioned. He has for many years been engaged in the nursery business, and has thus become widely and favorably known to a large portion of the people of Clark County. He has a most pleasant and hospitable home, which is the frequent resort of scores of friends whom he has made during his long residence in this section.

A native of Adams County, Pa., Mr. Smith was

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born September 27, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Conrad) Smith, both of whom were likewise natives of that county. They died in 1852, as did six other members of the family within a few weeks of each other, falling victims of ty- phoid fever. Jacob Smith was a well-to-do farmer and a man of comfortable means. Both he and Ins excellent wifc were active members of the Lutheran Church. Upright, charitable and hospitable pco- ple, they were widely and favorably known through; out the county, as representing its best element.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was also named Jacob Smith, and the grandmother's first name was Margaret. Both were natives of Ger- many. They emigrated to America shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War, and settled first in Genesec County, N. Y., later removing to Adams County, Pa., where they spent the remain- der of their lives, passing away at an advanced age. Grandfather Smith was a life-long farmer, and pos- sessing the thrifty and substantial traits of his ancestors, became well-to-do.

To the parents of Mr. Smith there was born a family of eiglit children, four of whom are still living, namely: Catherine, Hannalı, William H. (our subject), and Caroline E. The deceased were Sarah A., Israel, Maria and Margaret. William H. was next to the youngest in the family, and spent his boyhood days on the farm, assisting in the ligliter duties at home and pursuing his studies in the common schools. He remained a member of the parental household until about seventeen years old, and was cven then interested in the growing of fruit trees, to which he gave his attention while remaining a resident of his native State. Upon leaving Pennsylvania he emigrated to Knoxville, Ill., and for two years dealt in live stock, and en- gaged as a butcher.

In 1858, crossing the Father of Waters, Mr. Smith located in Burlington, Iowa, where he en- gaged in buying and shipping stock extensively until 1864. That year he returned East as far as Clark County, this State, and locating in New Carlisle, again became interested in the nursery business. He began operations on a small scale, and advanced gradually as his methods became known and people learned that they could depend

upon him. He gained ground steadily, adding to his stock and facilities, until he is now one of the largest fruit growers in the whole State. In com- pany with his son, Iowa, he operates about thirec hundred acres of land, all devoted to the nursery business, and located just north of the town. The New Carlisle Nursery has a reputation second to none in this part of the country, and during the spring of 1890 Smith & Son shipped twenty car loads of fruit trees to the nurseries of New York State alone. In addition to this, they receive or- ders from nearly every other State in the Union.

Mr. Smith was first married, May 6, 1856, to Miss Louisa Davenport, of Adams County, Pa., and there were born to them five children, all of whom are living, viz: Sybil, Franklin J., Iowa, Bertha and George. Mrs. Louisa Smith departed this life June 23, 1880, at the age of forty six years. Mr. Smith contracted a second marriage November 1, 1883, with Miss Carrie Hubbard.

The Smith family have one of the most pleasant homes in Clark County, and occupy no secondary position among its leading people. Our subject is a thorough business man, and one who has been the architect of his own fortune, starting in life witli- out other resources than those with which naturc endowed him-strict honesty of purpose and perse- verance, which admitted of no such word as fail. In politics he is a sound Republican, and has held some of the minor offices. Although not connected with any religious denomination, lie believes in the establishment and maintenance of churches, and contributes to all as he has opportunity.

ARRISON W. GETZ. It affords pleasure to the biographical writer to perpetuate the memory of those who have gained the es- teem of their fellow-citizens by the honor- able manner in which they have bornc their part in the labors of life; and to record the success which has attended industry, energy and prudence. Among the citizens of Clark County many are found to deserve a memorial record, and among them is numbered the gentleman above-named, who

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resides on section 20, Moorefield Township. He owns and operates a farm which, although not so large as many in the township, is under excellent cultivation. and affords an adequate support to the owner and those who comprise his home circle. It includes sixty acres of productive land, bears good improvements, and has an appearance indicative of the character and ability of the owner.

The paternal ancestors of our subject were Ger- man, and for many years the home of the family was in Pennsylvania. In Little York County, of that State, Daniel and Catherine (Williams) Getz made their home until early in the '50s, when they came to Clark County, Ohio. They settled on a farm in German Township, where Mr. Getz is classed among the representative farmers. He has now passed his threescore years and ten, but still manifests an interest in the progress of humanity, and assists as he can in worthy objects. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is regarded as one whose life is in keeping with his profession. He is the father of a large family, of whom the survivors are: Harrison W .; Mrs. Mary Grogg; Emiline, wife of Nathan Grist, of German Township; Ellen, wife of G. H. Thomas, of Hardin County; Samuel, Mrs. Jennie Peters, and Clara, in German Township, Clark County.

The natal day of our subject was January 11, 1841, and his birthplace Little York County, Pa. IIe was about eleven years old when his parents re- moved to this State, and he grew to manhood on a farm, assisting his father in pioncer and farm la- bors. He received his education in the common schools of German Township, bis advantages being inferior to those afforded the youth of the present day, but being sufficient to lay the foundation for practical knowledge, which he has largely acquired by his own efforts. He was not yet of age when the Civil War broke out, but before the struggle ceased he had entered the Union Army, determined to do what he could in defense of the flag. He was mustered into Company F, Eighth Ohio Cavalry, in February, 1864, serving in West Virginia. On sev- eral occasions he was surprised and captured by the rebels, and at one time was re-captured by the Un- ion troops before he had been taken to prison. In January, 1865, at Beverly, he fell into the hands of

the rebels and was sent to Libby Prison, where he spent some four weeks, during which time he ex- perienced some of the hardships of prison life. In due time he was exchanged, and continued his service in the Union cause until July, when he was honorably discharged and returned to his home.

The first wife of Mr. Getz bore the inaiden name of Adeline Gove. His second wife was Mrs. Rachael Jenkins, who bore him two children-Oscar and Mary. His third wife was Miss Ida Reprogel, who bore him one son-Floyd. Mr. Getz is a thorough Republican, never failing to cast his vote in the interest of what his judgment decides is the proper policy in government affairs." He is receiving a pension of $10 per month, on account of partial disability incurred by the rigors of campaign life. He is a public-spirited citizen, although not an office-holder or secker.

OHN C. EARLEY. This name represents one of the most prominent and successful men of Greene County and one who is widely and favorably known as one of its most extensive landowners. Hc at one time held the warranty deed to seven hundred acres, but a portion of this has been divided among his children, he having now three hundred and thirty-three acres. This com- prises one of the most valuable farms in the county, and it is largely devoted to stock-raising, which yields to the proprietor handsome returns. Mr. Earley has lived upon this farm for the long period of over thirty years, having settled upon it in 1859. The improvements which now attract the atten- tion of the passing traveler have been brought about by his own energy and perseverance. He started from an humble position in life, and has made for himself a fine record, both as a financier and a citizen.

When first locating in Jefferson Township Mr. Earley, then a young man, purchased fifty acres of land. This was a tract of timber, from which he cut away the trees, grubbed out the stumps, and prepared the soil for cultivation. It has taken years of labor and no small amount of money to bring

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this land to its present condition, while he has erected modern buildings, and gathered around himself and his family all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

A native of Clinton County, this State, Mr. Ear- ley was born in Liberty Township, May 4, 1825. Ilis father, Solomon Earley, a native of Adams County, Ohio, was born in 1801, and was the son of William Earley, whose native place was in County Tyrone, Ireland. Grandfather Earley was of pure Irish stock, and was orphaned by the death of both parents when quite young. The friendless and homeless boy was taken in charge by a man who proved a tyrannical master, and from whom he rau away at the age of fourteen years, and suc- ceeded in boarding a vessel bound for America. He hid himself until it was well under way, and he landed in New York City without means, among strangers and in debt for his passage, the latter amounting to $30. For this he was to work three ycars, but after working two years he considered that he had fully liquidated the debt, and he once more ran away, going this time into Kentucky, and locating near Vanceburg, on the Ohio River, over which he ran a ferry a number of years.

While living in the Blnc Grass State Grandfather Earley met and married Miss Eva Thomas, and they removed to Adams County, this State, settling upon a tract of wild land. There was nothing, however, to sustain life, and so Grandfather Earley hunted bears for a living, the meat of which he sold throughout the county, and in one winter realized from this $400. Later he opened up his farm and became well-to do. He had located in different parts of the State more than sixteen hundred acres of land. Ile made his home, however, continuously in Adams County, on the Ohio River, in what is now known as the Irish Bottoms, and died there at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife had passed away ten years prior to the decease of her husband, aged threescore years and ten.

William Earley was a Presbyterian in religion, and made it the rule of his life to deal honestly by his fellow-men. There was born to him and his estimable wife a family of ten children, scven sons and three daughters, of whom Solomon, the father of our subject, was the youngest born. Solomon

and two of his brothers served valiantly in the War of 1812. He was born in Adams County, this State, and grew up to a strong and vigorous manhood, imbued with the qualities which had made his honored father so successful in life.

Solomon Earley was married, in Adams County, this State, to Miss Rebecca Casletine, also a native of that county, and the daughter of John Casle- tine, who was American born, and who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Grandfather Casletine spent his last days in Clinton County, this State, dying at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Earley, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. He too was of strong and sturdy frame, and suffered very little from the ills which usually afflict mankind. He outlived his wife, who was formerly a Miss Tucker, five years, she also being quite aged.

After the birth of their first child Grandfather Earley, in 1824, removed from Adams to Clinton County, settling in the wilderness, from which he began slowly and laboriously to open up a farm. He was a man of great industry and perseverance, and in due time realized his hopes, surrounded him- self and his family with all the comforts of life, and was the owner of one of the finest farms in that region. He spent his last days at the home which he had thus built up, departing hence Octo- ber 14, 1886. His religions views coincided with those of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics he was first a strong Whig, but later iden- tified himself with the Democratic party. He left to his children a fine property.

Solomon Earley was twice married, his first wife being the mother of our subject, and who died in 1867. She was a lady of many estimable qualities, and belonged to the same church as her husband. After her death Mr. Earley was married to Miss Rhoda Matthews, who is still living. John C. was the second child in a family of two sons and four daughters, of whom the sons and two daughters are living; they are all married and have families of their own. Our subject was the first married, in 1845, to Miss Julia A. Vanniman. This lady was born and reared in Greene County, and died in 1847, leaving two children, the youngest of whom, Rebecca A., was married to Samuel Spears, and

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died leaving a small family. Sophia J. married Simon Kline, of Jefferson Township, Greene County, where they still live.

Mr. Earley contraeted a second marriage, in Wayne Township, Clinton County, with Miss Delia Matthews. She was born and reared in Clinton County, and died at her home in Jefferson Town- ship, Greene County, leaving four children; these are all living: Emma A. is the wife of Frank Strieker, a farmer of Jefferson Township; Rosa O. married Jonah Vandervert, who is likewise farm- ing in Jefferson Township; Solomon S. married Miss Laura Middleton, and is farming in Wilson Township, Clinton County; Foster L. took to wife Miss Cora Moon, and is farming in Jefferson Town- ship.

On August 28, 1872, Mr. Earley was the third time married to Miss Mary F. Fisher. This lady was born October 2, 1834, in Clinton County, this State, where she was reared to womanhood, and remained with her parents until her marriage. Of this union there were born two children -- Eugene L .; and Maud, deceased. Mr. Earley was trained by his honored father in the principles of the Democratic party, to which he still loyally adheres. He has held some of the local offices, but usually prefers giving his undivided time and attention to his farming interests.

AMES WYANT. The results of persevering industry and good management are seen in the success which has attended the efforts of the above-named gentleman, while the results of an honest and upright life are equally well shown in the esteem and confidenee which he receives from his fellow-men. He is an old settler in Moorefield Township, Clark County, residing on seetion 23, where he owns two hundred, three and a half aeres of productive land. It bears the im- provements usually made by a man of enterprise and the air of neatness and order which prevails is an added attraction. Mr. Wyant also owns prop- erty in the city of Springfield.

The natal day of the subject of this notice was

April 25, 1842, and his native place Frederiek County, Md. He is of German ancestry and a son of Jacob and Susannah (Ridenour) Wyant, who were natives of the same State as himself. In 1837 the family removed to Ohio, remaining for some six months in Miami County, after which they set- tled in Champaign County. In 1846, they again changed their residenee, locating upon the farm which our subject now owns and occupies. Their journey from their native State was accomplished with two teams and wagons, over the National Pike the transit consuming twenty-one days. The fam- ily comprised father, mother and eight children. They stopped wherever night overtook them, camp- ing in the wagons, or enjoying the occasional hos- pitality of the settlers at whose homes they had ehanced to arrive. The father died in 1851, and the mother afterward married John Wyant and went to Warsaw, Ind., where she breathed her last.

The subject of this notice was reared to man's estate amid the seenes of pioneer life, and has from boyhood been engaged in agriculture. He received his education in the schools of Maryland and Ohio, his attendanee in the latter State covering a period of but forty . two days. He is largely self-educated, his school privileges having but laid the foundation and developed in liim a love for knowledge, and his mind has been stored with information on gen- eral topics gleaned from the publie press and the various books which he has perused.

In November, 1851, Mr. Wyant led to the hy- meneal altar Miss Susan Dennis, an estimable lady of English descent and a Virginian by birth. She is a daughter of Daniel Dennis, and careful training early developed the qualities which have made her so useful a companion and so respected a member of the community. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of the following children: Catherine is the wife of D. J. Nysduander, of Toledo; John resides in this county; William J., in German Township; Edward, in Michigan; James, in Ger- man Township; Emma is a teacher; Clive P., com- pletcs the family eircle.

Mr. Wyant can recall many scenes of pioneer life and relate much regarding the development of the country which he has seen grow from a com- paratively primitive condition into its present state

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of high civilization and development. He has borne his part in the local movements which tended to this result; he has served as School Director and Clerk for years, creditably performing the official duties which devolved upon him. Believing in the principles laid down in the Democratic platform, he gives his vote to the candidates who are pledged to support them. He and his wife hold membership in the Reformed Church at Tremont, in which or- ganization he is now an Elder and has been a Deacon for a number of years. They have many friends, surrounded by whom they are enjoying the fruits of their industry and useful lives.

ERBERT W. HUFFMAN. Among the residents of Springfield who have acquired a fortune by a persistent course of industry and wise economy, and who are therefore enabled to spend their later years in comfort and a release from the carcs of life, is the gentleman above named. He was born on a farm in Springfield Township, Clark County, May 20, 1821, being a son of Herbert Huffman, of whom a more extended notice will be found in the biography of Lewis A. Huffman. IIe was but a year old when his father died, and eight years old when his mother came to Springfield to reside. Here he attended school quite steadily, and would have prosecuted his studies still farther, had not the home been broken up by the death of his mother when he was nine- teen years old.

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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 115

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