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 14
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 14
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Those acquainted with National characteristics would readily discern in the subject of this sketch traits derived from natives of Scotland and Hol- land, whence his ancestry is traced. His father, Andrew Byrd, Sr., was born in Virginia, to which Grandfather Byrd had come from Holland. The father married in his native State Miss Mary Hal- ker, the daughter of a Scotchman, who had accum- ulated much property, which he lost during the War of 1812. The newly wedded couple made their home in their own State until early in the nineteenth century, when they removed to Ohio, locating in Greene County. They occupied a farm in Spring Valley Township, which is now the home of Mr. A. H. Myers. The place cost them $7 per acre, and had searcely any improvements upon it, their residence for some time being a log house. The estate included two hundred aeres, nearly all of which was improved by Mr. Byrd, who built the brick house now standing there, our subject having carried brick for it. Marketing was done at Cin- cinnati during the early years.
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The elder Mr. Byrd was a prominent man in his day, being very popular, and having the respect of all who knew him. He was free hearted and generous to a fault, and helped many poor neigh . bors in their struggles to gain a sustenance or ac- quire a competence. During the War of 1812 he served his country as a soldier. His wife, Mary, died in 1820, and he afterward took for his com- panion Miss Sarah Griffee, who was also a native of the Old Dominion. She bore him a number of children, three of whom are now living. IIe died in 1834, and his widow survived until 1888. His first marriage had resulted in the birth of twelve children, five of whom are living at this time.
Andrew Byrd, Jr., was born August 10, 1813, on the home farm in Spring Valley Township, Greene County. He grew up in the wilds of this then new locality, and began life for himself at the age of fourteen years. Going to Xenia he worked in a blacksmith shop under Russel Rice for a short time, and then went to Shelby County, where he learned the trade of cabinet- making, and worked there for two years. Returning to this county he labored at his trade until 1832, in the fall of that year going down to Bellbrook and casting his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson. Hc then went on horseback to Palmyra, and thencc to Cal- laway County, Mo., where he remained all winter, in the spring going to Hannibal and taking the boat for home. During the passage the passengers suffered from cholera, and he escaping gave his services to the sufferers.
For years Mr. Byrd devoted his attention to ag- ricultural labors, from which he has retired to cn- joy the fruits of his former industry. His farm comprises one hundred and forty-eight acres, his residence property being a square south of the Magnetic Spring, with three houses upon it, and he also owns another house in the corporate limits of Bellbrook. He is in excellent circumstance, finan- cially speaking, and personally possesses an abund- ance of energy and sturdy common sense, leading to a due amount of respect from his fellow-men.
In 1834 Mr. Byrd was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of Nathan Bull, who was drowned in the Miami River. The union was blessed by the birth of six children, one of whom
is now living. After many years of happy married life Mrs. Byrd breathed her last in 1867. Three years later our subject became the husband of Ly- dia Duck, whose parents. Jacob and Rachael (Pen- nywait) Duck, were early settlers here, whence they had come from Virginia. Mrs. Byrd is one of a large family, three of whom are now living, and is four years younger than her husband. She is a member of the Universalist Church, and a wo- man whose lack of fine educational advantages in carly life is more than overbalanced by her good sense, amiable disposition and excellent character.
Mr. Byrd has served on the School Board, and takes an interest in politics, having first voted for a Democratic candidate, but afterward having been a Whig and finally a Republican. He agrees with his wife in religious belief.
AMES C. FULLER. Many denizens of our large cities hold erroneous impressions re- garding the comfort and beauty of rural life. A farmer is to them a man of coarse manners, uncultured mind and no taste, whose days are spent in drudgery amid unlovely surroundings, uncheered by ennobling thoughts or cultured com- panionship. To those wlio think thus, a view of the beautiful estate of James C. Fuller would be a great surprise, as they would find it cqual to a city resi- dence in beauty, luxury and indications of refine- ment. The land comprises four hundred and eighty acres in Pike Township, Clark County, and is worth $100 per acre; the dwelling is a fine two-story brick structure, set in the midst of a beautiful lawn, with evergreens in front and surrounded by an iron fence of modern design. The barn is scarcely equalled in the county for size, beauty of design, and convenient arrangement, while every other im- provement upon the place indicates prosperity and excellent taste. A visit to the home would prove that the owner and his family have abundant leisure in whichi to enjoy association with friends, add to their own culture, and assist in worthy enterprises of various kinds.
In Montgomery County, Va., in the latter part
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of the eighteenth century, James Fuller and Diana Aeers were born. They grew to maturity in their native State, were married and spent a few years of wedded life there. They then removed to the Blue Grass State and about 1815 came into Ohio, settling in Bethel Township, this county, in the neighborhood of New Carlisle. A twelvemonth or more afterward they changed their residence to the farm now owned by our subjeet, their dwelling being within a quarter of a mile of that which he now occupies. On that farm they spent the re- mainder of their lives, passing away when ripe in years. They had come to this State poor, but by hard work and careful management they built up a good home and acquired a large landed estate. The first pureliase of land-one hundred and sixty aeres-eost Mr. Fuller $2 per acre. He took a prominent part in local affairs, served as Township Trustee and in other minor official capacities. His vote was always given to the Democratie party. The family of James and Diana Fuller consisted of ten children, the fourth in order of birth being he whose name introduced this sketch.
The paternal grandparents of our subjeet were Northrop and Mary Fuller, natives of New York. who came to Ohio about 1820, dying in this county at advanced ages. His maternal grand parents were Virginians and spent their entire lives in their native State.
The birth of James C. Fuller took place Janu- ary 19, 1820, on the farm which is still his home. He was reared here, aequiring his education in the eommon sehools, having excellent principles in- stilled into his mind by worthy parents, and early learning the habits of industry and carefulness which have made of his life a sueeess. He began his own career with about eighty aeres of land and $1,000. A few years ago he owned an entire sce- tion, but it has been reduced to the aereage before mentioned by gifts to his children. During the late war Mr. Fuller did not go to the field, but he gave liberally of his means to assist the Union cause. ITis neighbors recognize his fitness for pub- lic serviee and have bestowed upon him various offiees, among them that of Township Trustec. Publie life is not attractive to him, the conduet of his personal affairs furnishing him abundant oecu-
pation, and the society of family and friends and the enjoyments of his beautiful home affording him recreation and hearty pleasure.
The home of Mr. Fuller is presided over by a lady of worth with whom he was united in mar- riage April 14, 1842. She was born in Pike Town- ship, this county, in September, 1824, and in her girlhood was known as Miss Mary Jane Verdier. Her parents, Adam and Elizabeth Verdier, are num- bered among the very earliest settlers of this eounty, whence they had come from Virginia, their native State. They- lived to a good old age, both depart- ing this life in Pike Township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fuller eight children have been born, of whom we note the following: Atesera is now the wife of David Fortney, an undertaker and eoal and lumber dealer at Osborn, Greene County. Columbus A. lives with his parents and is engaged in farming; he married Miss Lucretia Nieee, of Champaign County, who has been removed from him by death. Marrietta is unmarried and at home. Martha is the wife of Josialı Noop a farmer and machinist of Casstown, Miami County. James HI. who is farming in Pike Township, married Miss Jennie Nieee, of Champaign County. Edith is the wife of Edward Hoover, a farmer and teacher in Warren County. Edwin V. is unmarried and at home, engaged in farming and stoek dealing. Bertha is single and at home.
OHN E. LORTON is numbered among the local offieers of Clark County, filling the position of Treasurer in German Township, an office which he has held continuously for several years. He is numbered among the publie- spirited and reliable citizens, his honesty and in- tegrity are unquestioned, while as a practically self-made man he is pointed out as a model to the rising generation.
The gentleman of whom we write is descended from respectable parents, and Grandfather Lorton is said to have been a Revolutionary soldier. John and Rachel ( Donovan) Lorton are supposed to have been natives of Kentucky, as they emigrated from
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that State to Ohio in 1816, bringing with them one daughter, and performing the entire journey on horseback. They settled about half a mile west of the present site of Lawrenceville, Clark County, and in the woods erected a cabin of round logs, just large enough to accommodate the family. There they lived several years, by and by erect- ing a better house and surrounding themselves with more and more of comfort as civilization ad- vanced and their commercial opportunities were improved. Mr. Lorton is classed among the early and representative pioneers of the township in which he did much to aid in its development, and his good wife was honored as befitted one of the pioneer women. He was a Democrat, and both he and his wife belonged to the Baptist Church. He breathed his last September 16, 1847, his wife liv- ing to reach her eighty-fourth year. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following are known to survive: John E., William and Jon- athan.
John Lorton was born in this county, November 10, 1827, and being reared amid scenes of a much more primitive nature than those which now sur- round his home, he bore such share as a youth might in the work of development which was going on around him. He received a limited education in the carly subscription and public schools of the county, the only schoolhouse in which he ever at- tended being one made of logs. Having an active mind and a desire for knowledge, he has made use of the facilities afforded by the printing-press to keep himself posted, and is mainly self-educated. In 1850 he purchased sixty acres of land, where he now resides, settling upon it in a log house cov- ered with clapboards, living therein several years. He subsequently erected his present residence, which is a well-built and sufficiently commodious edifice, under whose roof good cheer abounds. Ile now owns eighty acres of land, all the buildings upon it being good and the other improvements appropriate.
The first marriage of Mr. Lorton took place in 1849, his bride being Miss Elizabeth Wagoner. She bore seven children-Jolin W .; Nancy E., de- ceased; Amanda, wife of Wesley Xander; Emma C., wife of John Baker; Lewis; Clara, wife of Ed-
ward Souders; and Marietta, deceased. The sec- ond wife of Mr. Lorton bore the maiden name of Rebecca Swartzbaugh, being a daughter of Henry and Lydia Swartzbaugh, of this township. This union has been blessed by the birth of six chil- dren: Cora B., Lydia M., Anna M., Luther E., Ed- gar J. and one who died in infancy. Mr. Lorton served as Township Trustee a number of years with credit to himself and his constituents. IIc and his good wife belong to the German Reformed Church.
R OBERT B. HARBISON. The results of plod- ding industry arc nowhere better illustra- ted than in the career of him with whose name we introduce this biographical record. He has been content to pursue the even tenor of his way, making little stir in the world, but doing his duty as far as he knows how,and living at, peace among his neighbors. He was born in South Caro- lina, October 11, 1820, and is the son of Jolin and Jane (Bigham) Harbison who were likewise natives of South Carolina, the father born May 13, 1782, and the mother December 28, 1787.
The maternal grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in the Revolutionary Warand received an honorable wound in the arm; he spent his last years in South Carolina. Jolin Harbison emigrated to Ohio in 1826, and settled on the farm which his son, Robert B., now owns and occupies. The coun- try around was a wilderness, with only the cabin of a settler scattered through the woods. Mr. Harbison cut away the timber, grubbed out the stumps, pre- pared the soil for cultivation and after years of arduous labor, found himself the owner of a com- fortable homestead. Hc occupied a log cabin for two years, and then put up the substantial brick structure which still remains the family residence and is in an excellent state of preservation. It bears the honor of being the oldest brick house in the township. Jolin Harbison and his estimable wife were the parents of ten children, only three of whom are living. The father departed this life at the old homestead March 28, 1862. The mother survived her husband two years, dying August 17,
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1864. Both were members of the Seeeders Church in which the father officiated as an Elder and was one of the chief pillars. Ile took a lively interest in politics and was a lifelong adherent of the Dem- oeratic party.
The subject of this notice was born October 11, 1820, in South Carolina and was a lad of six years when his parents eame to this State. He has spent his entire life at the farm which he now owns and oeeupies. He was reared amid the wild seenes of pioneer life and at an early age was taught the habits of industry which have followed him from his boyhood. He assisted in the development of the farm and attained a very limited education in the primitive schools. These were eondueted in a log schoolhouse on the subseription plan and un- der the methods of instruction corresponding to those times.
Mr. Harbison remained a bachelor until twenty- nine years old and was then wedded, in 1849, to Miss Jennette, daughter of James and Matilda (Wallace) MeMillan. Mrs. Harbison, like her hus- band, was a native of South Carolina and eame with her parents to Ohio in 1830, when a eliild of four years, having been born in April, 1826. She remained the faithful and affectionate companion of lier husband for a period of over thirty years and departed this life at the homestead in 1881. Of the six children born to her and her husband only two are living. Martha Jane died when about twenty-one years old; Elizabeth died at the age of twenty-two years; James A. married Miss Nettie Cooley and is now in Colorado, in the hopes of re- storing his failing health; he makes his home at the farm and is the father of two children, Julia and Howard. Lydia Ellen died when about twenty- three years old; Mary Ann became the wife of Wil- liam Tarbox and they live in Cedarville; John died at the age of fifteen months.
In due time Mr. Harbison contracted a second marriage to a lady bearing the same name as his former wife-Miss Jennette McMillan, who was likewise a native of South Carolina and born in 1828. Her parents, David and Nancy (Wright) MeMillan, spent their last years in Cedarville Township. Mr. and Mrs. Harbison are members in good standing of the Reformed Presbyterian Church,
in which Mr. Harbison has served as a Trustee for many years. He has also served on the School Board of his distriet almost sinee the regular establish- inent of the present school system. He east his first Presidential vote for Gen. Cass, but his warm in- terest in the suceess of the temperanee movement led him, in 1884, to identify himself with the Pro- hibitionists. His son is also a strong advocate of temperanee and a member of the Prohibition Com- mittee of the township.
The Harbison homestead comprises one hundred and seventy. aeres of choice land in Miami Town- ship, Greene County, whiel yields a very comfortable ineome. Without making any preten- tions to elegance, the Harbison family live eom- fortably, and enjoy the association of hosts of friends. Mr. Harbison has the deep sympathy of his neighbors in the many afflietions which have visited liim in the loss of children and others dear to hin.
MOS W. CRESWELL. Of the native born citizens of Cedarville Mr. Creswell is num- bered among the oldest survivors, his birth having oeeurred March 13, 1827, at the homestead just one-half mile east of his present rasidence. His father, Samuel Creswell, was of Seoteh-Irish deseent and was one of the early set- tlers of Greene County, to which he came with his parents from Kentucky, loeating just south of Cedarville. Where the Dunlap house now stands was then heavily timbered country, which he eleared and out of which he evolved a fine farm. He mar- ried Miss Letitia. daughter of Amos Wilson, who built the first house in Greene County, just below Xenia and not far from Dayton. Daniel Wilson had preceded his brother, Amos, eoming to the county in the spring, but had built no house. Amos Wilson took up his residenee in the fall and after his own removal to Clinton County some years later, his brother Daniel continued to occupy the place.
Born in what was then the frontier and passing his boyhood in the thick timber, from which only a few tracts of land had been cleared, Mr. Creswell
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well remembers the life which was the common ex- perience of all the pioneers, and the primitive sur- roundings of their modest home. The people of that date wore home-made jeans, the women spin- ning the wool and flax and making the cloth from which they fashioned the garments worn in their households. Their life was almost exclusively a home one. The truest hospitality was dispensed to the chance visitor, and nowhere were the sturdy and homely virtues of character so thoroughly dis- played.
The first store in the vicinity was opened by a Mr. Hanna, on the site now occupied by the resi. dence of James Orr. It was a place of exchange to which the settlers carried their butter, eggs, corn and wheat, exchanging them for other articles, often bartering a bushel of wheat for a pound of coffee.
The mother of our subject died in 1829, the year after the birth of her son Benchi, who is one of a group of five brothers and sisters. James, the oldest brother, now lives in Illinois, with a family comprising two children; the second member of the household is Ann, the only daughter; Samuel died at the age of cighteen years; Benoni lives near Cedarville, having a wife and seven children.
Mr. Creswell received his education in the Cedar- ville schools and while the enrriculum did not em- brace all the branches now taught in the high school course, the instruction was thorough and suffici- ently varied to make a fine foundation for the in- formation which can only be obtained by contact with mankind and through a riper understanding. Mr. Creswell remained with his father until the death of the latter in 1855, following the occupa- tion to which his early surroundings led him, and which he has successfully prosecuted from that day. He is now the owner of five hundred acres of fine land on which he has erected one of the largest and finest farm residences in the State of Ohio. A slight eminence along the line of the Cincinnati and Pittsburg Railroad affords a beauti. ful building spot and there the building stands, commanding a fine view of the city of Cedarsville, one mile distant, and of the thoroughly cultivated acres with their adequate and well-built outhouses, neat fences and pleasant groves, which lie around.
In 1864, Mr. Creswell was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Ward, who died leaving three children -- Samnel, who died at the age of cight years; Ada, a young lady attending the Delaware, Ohio, College, and William who remains at home and is pursuing his studies in the Dayton Business College. Two other children died in infancy. The young lady and gentleman who survive already manifest a creditable degree of culture, to which they are adding under the excellent advantages afforded by their father's loving care.
Mr. Creswell contracted a second matrimonial alliance, winning as his companion Mrs. Margaret A. Raney, daughter of J. N. Townsley. She is a lady of more than ordinary refinement, and pre- sides over her beautiful home with such perfect grace that all who partake of the liberal hospitality must feel the effect of that exquisite but rare charm, which places one so much at ease while still observing the little conventionalities so necessary to perfect decorum. She, as does also her husband, holds membership with the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Her only son, Ralph B. Raney, is a young man of more than ordinary intelligence and promise. He is at present local cditor on the Monmouth Daily Journal at Monmouth, Ill., where he has been at- tending college for two years and where he expects to graduate. He is very popular with his associates having one of those open, generous natures, that attract like magnets.
AMES ELIOT PAULLIN. Ross Township, Greene County, during the life of Mr. Paul- lin, had no better citizen than he, who, after a career which was well worthy of imitation, departed hence at the old homestead where he was born March 26, 1888. He was cut down in the prime of life, having not yet reached the forty-second year of his age, his birth occurring December 25, 1846. He was next to the youngest of seven sons and four daughters, the offspring of David and Su- san (Smith ) Paullin, who spent their last years in this township on the old homestead.
In early manhood Mr. Paullin was married to
yours Truly W.H. Vandasell
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Miss Anna, daughter of William and Martha (Sa- ville) Cherry, and there were born to them eleven children, as follows: Elizabeth, James, Samuel, John, Benjamin, Rachel, Martha, Robert, Melvina, David, and Mrs. Paullin. Mrs. Cherry was born in Rock- bridge County, Va., November 20, 1815. Mr. Cherry was born February 18, 1816, and was married Feb- ruary 16, 1837. They removed, in 1860, to Wash- ington County, Iowa, where the mother closed her cyes in death, October 6, 1876, and where the father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Paullin were the parents of two children, named respectively, Lorena D., and James W.
Mr. Paullin was baptized in the Christian Church during early manhood, and was a liberal supporter of this church until the day of his death. His last Sunday on earth was of a peculiar and triumphant experience, during which he seemed unconscious of his earthly surrounding and was permitted to cn- joy visions of angels and the glorified saints in heaven. When this had passed, and his thoughts returned to earth, he was unspeakably happy and raised his voice in praise of the Redeemer in whom he had trusted. He left his widow with one child, and a babe was born after its father's death. Mr. Paullin exerted a marked influence in his commu- nity, and gave his political support to the Repub- lican party, taking an interest in local politics, and aiming to support the men whom he considered trustworthy, and who would best serve the people. Mrs. Paullin, like her husband, united with the Christian Church many years ago, in which she still retains inem bership.
W ILLIAM H. VAN TASSELL, Superin- tendent of the Ohio Southern Railroad, makes his headquarters at a finely equip- ped office in the city of Springfield, and brings to the duties of his responsible position the energy and ability necessary thercto. He is a native of the Empire State, and was born March 4, 1844, in Seneca Falls, Seneca County. He comes of sub- stantial ancestry, being the son of Isaac and Na- omi (Stimson) Van Tassell, who were likewise natives of New York State.
The father of our subject was born near the town of Clyde, N. Y., in 1813, and grew up under the influences of a modest home where industry and economy were the ruling principles. He obtained a common-school education, and at an early age began an apprenticeship at the cooper's trade, which he followed for many years. The latter part of his life he engaged in coopering and spent his last years in Michigan. His wife, Naomi, was the daughter of David Stimson, Esq., a native of New York and for many years a resident of this State, where he spent his last years.
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