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 19
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 19
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To Mr. and Mrs. Zell there has been born a fam- ily of seven children, viz: Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Hawke, of Montgomery County; Frank N., Ray M., of Zenia; James P .; Nellie is the wife of
Yours July S.A. Adams
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Thomas H. Evans, Olive Z., the wife of Frank Farr; and Horace T. Our subject and his wife are prom- inently connected with the Baptist Church, and Mr. Zell has always been noted as a liberal contributor to the enterprises calculated for the good of the community.
S AMUEL N. ADAMS. Of all the gallant soldiers who bravely marched to meet a foe no less determined than themselves, of the patriotic citizens devoting the strength of manhood to their native land, none were more gal- lant than he whose portrait appears on the opposite page and whose biography is herein narrated. As County Recorder of Greene County he has secured the confidence of the people, and is constantly re- eeiving evidenees of the publie approbation. He is always at the post of duty, and with his compre- hensive insight into business matters and prompt- ness in executing the details of office work, he is recognized as a prominent factor in the upbuilding of the city.
Being first elected to fill a vacaney in the offiec of the County Recorder in September, 1881, so ably did he discharge its varied duties that he was duly elected thereto in the fall of 1882. He was re-elected in 1885 and again in 1888, qualifying cach time the following January. His present terin will expire on New Year's Day. 1892. That he is fulfilling the office to the satisfaction of his constituents, his continuanee year after year amply proves. IIe does not eonfine his interest in publie duties to the routine of official cares, but in every measure hav- ing reference to the development of Xenia and Greene County, he is enthusiastic.
Before more fully outlining the history of Re- corder Adams, a few words in regard to his ances- tors will not be amiss. His father, Samuel Adams, was born in Leesburg, Londoun County, Va., and when a young man went to Maryland. There he married Miss Naney Burnston, of Baltimore and made his home for a time in that State. He was a finisher in a woolen factory and removed in order to follow the same business. In 1842 he went to Fredericktown, Knox County, thence to Delaware
County, and in 1847 became a resident of Ohio, locating in Spring Valley, this county, where he spent nearly all the remaining years of his life. He breathed his last October 14, 1871, his widow sur- viving until 1882. They reared a family of eight children, of whom N. G., A. J., Eliza, Mrs. E. Bun- ting, and our subjeet are in this county. The others are: Amelia, wife of William Kirkpatrick; Virginia B., widow of J. D. Hepford, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mrs. Catherine Kauffman, of Canton, this State, and W. H., whose home is in Arkansas.
Samuel N. Adams, the subject of this biograph- ieal notiec, was born in Bedford County, Pa., De- cember 15, 1835, and in his boyhood and youth received such educational privileges as were af- forded by the section iu which he lived. At the age of twenty-two years, he left the parental roof to begin life for himself, working at the trade of a carpenter, and continuing so employed until after the breaking out of the Civil War, when he enrolled among the defenders of the Union. He became a member of Company D, One hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, under command of Col. J. W. Keif- fer, his term of service beginning August 16, 1862.
As an integral part of the Army of the Potomac, Mr. Adams participated in numerous engagements, the list including Union Mills (Va.), Winchester Ileights, Stevenson's Depot, Wapping Heights, Brandy Station, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Spott- sylvania, York River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Ream's Station (Va.), Monoeaey (Md.), Snicker's Gap, Charleston and Smithfield (Va.), Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Cedar Springs, Peters- burg (Va.), March 25, 1865, and the assault on the same eity April 2. At this contest he was wounded so severely that his right foot had to be amputated in Washington ten days later, the left foot also be- ing badly injured. He spent five months in the hospital and was then mustered out in September, 1865, returning to his home in Spring Valley, this county. Mr. Adams received the appointment of United States store-keeper at Beaver Station, now Trebein's, and served the Government in that ea- pacity there a year, at the expiration of that period being transferred to Mt. Holly in the same capac- ity. He remained in the employ of the Govern- ment until 1871, and then went into the grocery
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business at Spring Valley, continuing the business until about 1880. In the meantime he held the com- mission of Postmaster under Gen. Grant for the term ending in 1876,and also acted as Government store-keeper at Osborn two years. His next move was to the position which he now occupies and in which he has worked faithfully and conscientiously.
In Spring Valley, March 11, 1867, Mr. Adams led to the lymencal altar Miss Amanda Riddell, of that place. She is a daughter of Silas Riddell, an old settler of the town in which she was born July 6, 1842. Mr. Riddell is now deceased but his widow survives, making her home with her daugh- ter, Mrs. Adams. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Adams, two are yet living, namely, Rella E. and Gertrude. They will receive all the advantages in the way of schooling that the means and desire of their parents can compass, and suchi careful home instruction as will ensure their use- fulness in the years to come.
While residing in Spring Valley, Mr. Adams served the township in the capacity of Treasurer. Certainly the people have manifested their appre- ciation of his ability and character, and it is with pleasure we record the fact. He belongs to the lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife is a woman of fine character and cultured mind and is esteemed by the entire community.
ENRY BALDWIN, JR., M.D. An excellent standing among the physicians of Clarke County, has been already reached by this young gentleman, who is a resident of Springfield. It has been but a few years since he obtained his diploma and began his professional labors, yet he is becoming well known as a member of ,medical societies and boards, and as one who is studious, prudent and successful in practice. He already has a fair share of the medical work of this city and adjacent country, and bids fair to become one of its most popular physicians ere long.
The name borne by the subject of this sketch in-
dicates the English lineage of his paternal ances- tors. The first of the family in this section was Jonah, who came from Virginia in 1804, locating in Springfield, where he was soon numbered among the enterprising business men and where he held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. He was also one of the Commissioners appointed by the President to meet Chief Tecumseh and negotiate terms of peace between the settlers and the Indians. His wife was Amelia, daughter of Dr. William Needham, onc of the first physicians in the village. Dr. Needham built the first frame house here and is well remembered by the old settlers, not only as a physician whose practice extended for many miles but as a man of humor and marked characteristics. He circulated many stories and incidents of pioneer times, which being told in his own peculiar style proved very amusing, particularly as his stuttering speech made them still more forcible. He retired on to a farm where Lagonda now stands, and after quite a settlement grew up there, the place was for some time called Pillville. Dr. Needham died in 1832, while comparatively a young man.
In the family of Jonah and Amclia (Needham ) Baldwin, was a son Henry, who was born in this county in 1830. After reaching mature years, he married Maria Dawson, who was born in Union- town, Pa., and resided there until her marriage. She was a daughter of John Dawson of that place and a niece of Littleton Dawson, a prominent at- torney and congressman from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Baldwin are the parents of six chil- dren now living, of whom the subject of this sketch is the second. The oldest is John Dawson, who is now in Colorado, being a member of the State Legislature. Anna B. the third, and Amelia Need- ham the sixth child, are at home. Louisa B. is the wife of George S. Dial, Esq .; Richard D. is a stu- dent in the Cincinnati law school.
Dr. Baldwin first saw the light of day July 17, 1860, in the city which is now his home, He pur- sned his studies in the public schools, and after finishing the course therein, entered Wittenburg College, leaving it at the close of his junior year to begin the study of his chosen profession. IIe en- tered the office of Dr. E. M. Buckingham with whom he read for some time, prior to his attendance at
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the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa. He was graduated from that excellent institution in the class of 1883, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Returning to his home he at once opened an office and began to work up a practice.
The position of City Physician is now held by Dr. Baldwin and he has served with much credit. He was first appointed for one term, but being an ardent Republican was deposed for political rea- sons. At the end of the year, however, he was
again appointed for the term of two years, and is still the incumbent of the office. In the spring of 1889, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education and serves as Chairman of a Committee on Supplies. He also belongs to the medical staff in the Mitchell Thomas Hospital, and is Secretary and Treasurer of the Clarke County Medical Society. IIc belongs to Clarke Lodge No. 101, F. & A. M., and to Springfield Chapter R. A. M.
ILTON TODHUNTER, The family of which Mr. Todhunter is a worthy scion, was in former years of considerable prom- inence in the Old Dominion, particularly in Loudoun County, where the grandfather of our subject was born. The family is of Scotch ances- try and for generations belonged to the Orthodox Friends Church. Isaac Todhunter married Eleanor Jury, a native of the same county and also of old Quaker stock, but probably of English lineage. In 1805 they left Virginia with their family and emigrated in wagons to Highland County, Ohio, the entire Miami Valley being then a wild waste known as millitary land. Mr. Todhunter se- cured about one thousand acres in the midst of this heavy timber, his location being determined by a large spring. His grandson says this spring was all that could have induced him to stop, as that part of his possessions was almost worthless, being broken and barren.
On this large tract of land six miles from the present site of Leesburg, Isaac Todhunter and his wife passed the balance of their lives, dying full of years and clinging to the faith which they had
been taught in early life-that of the Friends' Church. To them were born six sons and three daughters, the second in the family being the father of our subject. This Isaac Todhunter Jr., was born in Loudoun County, and was a young man when his parents removed to Ohio. Here he became of age and married Miss Rachael Reese, losing his birth - right in the Friends' Church on account of marry- ing out of its limits. His wife was also a native of Loudoun County, Va., but had grown to wom- anhood in Highland County, Ohio, to which her parents had.come in her youth.
After their marriage, Isaac Todhunter, Jr., and his wife began their wedded life upon a farm where they spent some years. Selling it they removed to Montgomery County, living north of Dayton for some years, and afterwards taking up their abode on the Wabash River in the western part of Indiana. There Mr. Todhunter died at the age of sixty-five years. He had been well known to the best classes where he lived, his reputation being that of a thor- oughly honorable and upright man. After his death his widow went to live with a son, Jacob, in Wiscon- sin and died at his home when eighty-four years old. She was a typical wife, mother and woman, her whole life having been a model of correct de- portment and nobility of character. She was the mother of seven sons and five daughters, three of the former being all that now survive of that large circle.
Milton Todhunter first saw the light of day in Highland County in 1821. Ilis schooling was lim- ited to six months attendance, but being endowed with excellent natural abilities he has acquired in- formation in other ways, and possesses a fine store of knowledge for one of his opportunities. Ile grew to maturity in his native county and there learned the trades of carpentering and coopering, afterward becoming a merchant and finally taking up the study of medicine. He, however, practiced but a short time, retiring from the calling on account of failing health. He has had a varied cx- perience, his faculties having been developed by the contact with the world in various ways and a for- tune accumulated by his varied methods of employ- ment. All that he has was made by his own efforts, as his parents were very poor. He is now enjoying
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his wealth in quietude, his capital being invested in real-estate and loans. For several years he has been living in Jamestown, Greene County, where he is numbered among the better class of citizens, and receives the respect of all to whom he is known.
The wife of Mr. Todhunter died at their home in Jamestown, November 3, 1883, a few weeks after they had settled here. She was a native of Highland County, having been born near Leesburg in 1819, and bore the maiden name of Margaret Moon. She was a good and noble woman, whose life had been spent in a consistent and faithful dis- charge of the duties which lay before her, and of whom it may well be said "she hath done what she could." She belonged to the Presbyterian Church. IIer otherwise happy union was childless.
While he resided in Clinton County, Mr. Tod- hunter held some of the local offices and at one time was Mayor of Port Williams. For two years he has been a Justice of the Peace in Silver Creek Township. In religion he is of the Society of Friends, and in politics a firm Republican.
OHN DUKE. The pioneer days of Moore- field Township, Clark County, developed many fine characters, among whom may be mentioned him with whose name we intro- duce this sketch. He is now one of the most solid residents of his township, having a good homestead on section 26, where he has surrounded himself and his family with all the comforts of life. He was born November 9, 1809, in Lancaster County, Pa., and is the son of John C. and Abigail (Kline) Duke, who were likewise natives of the Keystone State.
The Duke family is supposed to have originated in Germany while on the maternal side of the house our subject traces his ancestry to England. The Dukes were known in Pennsylvania in the primitive days and before a bridge had been built across the Susquehanna River, when the crossing was made on a flatboat. Twelve children were born to the parents of our subject, all of whom grew to mature years. Of the eight sons, Jolin is the only
survivor. The four daughters are all living, viz: Elizabeth, Mrs. Powders of Franklin County, Pa .; Sarah, Mrs. Mull, a widow, also living in that State; Mary E., the wife of William Griffin of Cumber- land County and Margaret, Mrs. Fletcher, a resi- dent of Springfield, Ohio.
Mr. Duke spent his boyhood on the farm with his father and when eighteen years old began his apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, of which he soon hecame master and commanded journey- man's wages. In due time he started in business for himself in Cumberland County, Pa., where he conducted a shop many years. He took unto him- self a wife and helpmate in January, 1834, being wedded to Miss Jane M. Parks, a native of Cum- berland County, Pa., and born in 1810. This lady was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Parks and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of eight children only four of whom are living, viz: William K. of Springfield, this State; Sarah E., the wife of James Phillips of Darke County; Rebecca N., the wife of Jacob Lcos of Little Rock, Ark., and Adeline, who is living with her father.
In 1853 Mr. Duke with his wife and four chil- dren left his native State and coming to Ohio over- land with a one-horse carriage, settled in Clarke County of which he has since been a resident. Their journey consumed eleven days and the trav- elers stopped wherever night overtook them, at the house of some settler who kindly gave them shelter. Mr. Duke selected the land which constitutes his present farm and since that time has given to it his undivided attention, in connection with prosecut- ing his trade. He has been the architect of his own fortune, having no capital, whatever, and very little education to assist him in his battle with the world. He now has a well tilled farm of seventy - onc 'and three-fourths acres which, in addition to the proceeds from his trade, affords him a com- fortable income.
Mr. Duke cast his first Presidential vote for Jack- son and continues a steadfast adherent of the Dem- ocratic party. He has for many long years been connected with the First Presbyterian Church at Springfield, and is a man broad and liberal in his views, giving his support to whatever is calculated
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to improve the county and elevate society. Ilis devoted wife after having been his faithful com- panion for nearly half a century, was called hence July 25, 1881. She was a lady greatly esteemed in her community and was, with her husband, a con- sistent member of the Presbyterian Church. After the labor of a well-spent life Mr. Duke is passing his declining years at his pleasant home, cared for by his dutiful daughter, Adeline, and frequently enjoying the society of many friends.
UGUST WENDT. The German-born ele- ment of Clark County recognizes a worthy representative in Mr. Wendt, who is the owner of a little over twenty-three acres of land in German Township besides property in the city of Springfield. His land is devoted to gardening in which he is very successful, find- ing a good demand for his products in the city and among the people of his community. He is at this writing still on the sunny side of forty, having been born July 22, 1851, in Germany, and is the eldest son of William and Amelia Wendt who were both natives of Germany. Their family consisted of five children, only three of whom are living, viz; August, George and Caroline, the latter being the wife of Adam Pifer. George and Caroline are residents of Springfield. The deceased children, Charles and William. died when about thirty- five and twenty-two years old respectively.
Mr. Wendt left his native country when three years old, his parents having decided upon seek- ing their fortunes in America. Soon after reach- ing their destination they came to Ohio and for a number of years resided in Clark County. Not being quite satisfied with their condition, they then removed to Indiana, but about four years later the family returned to Clark County where the wid- owed mother with her children has since re- sided. The father died in Indiana about 1870.
Mr. Wendt enjoyed only the advantage of a lim- ited education but he improved every opportun- ity for reading and obtaining information, and keeps himself posted upon events of general inter-
est. He commenced working at an early age and was employed mostly upon a farm until a youth of sixteen years. From that time until the summer of 1887 he worked in a machine shop, manufactur- ing agricultural implements at Springfield, for a number of years being in the employ of the William Whitely shops.
When a man of twenty-eight years Mr. Wendt took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being mar- ried August 7, 1879, to Miss Kate Fetter. The young people commenced housekeeping in Spring- field and in due time there were born to them four children -- Maggie, Lizzie, Katie and August, Jr. In 1883 Mr. Wendt purchased his land and started in business for himself. He possesses the qualities of industry and economy which are peculiar to his nationality and while surrounding himself and his family with all the comforts of life, he has the prospect of a competence for his declining years.
Mr. Wendt was reared in the doctrines of the German-Lutheran Church of which he remains a faithful adherent, and politically he is independ- ent, aiming to support the men whom he consid- ers best qualified to serve the people. Ile enjoys in a marked degree the confidence of his neighbors and fellow citizens and bears the reputation of being honest in his dealings and one whose word can always be relied upon.
OHN NESBITT. The farming community of Xenia Township is made up of prosper- ous men -- those who have been the archi- leets of their own fortunes and who are amply deserving of the comforts by which they have been enabled to surround themselves. Many of them were born and reared within its limits as in the case of Mr. Nesbitt, who first opened his eyes to the light July 25, 1853. He is the son of an old and highly respected couple who were early pioneers of this county-Nathan and Clara ( Bretney ) Nesbitt, the former of whom was a native of the town of Clear Springs, Md., and born in 1809. IIc came to this county with his parents, and his father, Jacob Nesbitt, secured a traet of land in Beaver
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Creek Township, upon which they settled. The father was a potter by trade and carried this on in connection with farming for a number of years.
Finally Nathan Nesbitt removed to Xenia and operated a pottery. In 1856, however, lie resumed farming, locating on the land now occupied by his son, John, our subject. This comprises one hun- dred and forty-six acres which is very fertile and upon which has been erected a substantial set of buildings. The parental family consisted of nine children, six of whom grew to mature years, viz : Rebecca, the wife of the Rev. Samuel Brewster; Anna who married the Rev. John W. Mason ; Jennie and Clara, deceased ; Sally, Mrs. John M. Murray, and John, our subject. Nathan Nesbitt departed this life at the old homestead November 10, 1879. The mother is still living and with all her children belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the daughter of Tobias Bretney, who spent his last years in Ohio. Nathan Nesbitt in early life affiliated with the Whig party, but died a Republi- can.
John Nesbitt spent his early years in a compara- tively uneventful manner, assisting in the labors of the farm and attending the common school mostly during the winter season. He completed his studies in Xenia College and celebrated Thanksgiving Day, 1886, by his marriage with Miss Anna E. Stine. Mrs. Nesbitt was born in London, this State, and is the daughter of Jolin D. and Jennie Stine, the former an ex-editor of the Xenia Torchlight. Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
OHN R. RANKIN. The name which intro- duees this sketch, is one well-known in Clarke County, being borne by a gentleman who is acknowledged to be an excellent representa- tive of a self-made man, and intelligent agricultur- ist and fruit-raiser. His home is a small but well managed farm on section 27, Moorefield Township, where he has resided for more than thirty years. He owns thirty-one acres of land, three acres being
devoted exclusively to fruit culture, in which he is quite successful. IIe has won prizes at the County Fair for apples which he has raised, and in this fruit particularly is considered one of the most suc- cessful horticulturists of the county. He has been fairly successful from a financial point of view, and has no reason to complain of the estimation in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. In politics he is a Republican, and in all which tends to ad- vance the material and moral prosperity of the section, he is numbered among the public spirited citizens.
Mr. Rankin is a native and life-long resident of this county, having been born in Springfield, Octo- ber 31, 1825. His father, George Rankin, might almost be considered one of the founders of that place, to which he came in 1804, when it was but a small village, and in which he did much building. He and James Dallas built the first court house, and he was not only one of the early builders, but one of the most prominent for a number of years. In his death, which occurred in 1840, the county lost one of her earliest pioneers, and most upright and public-spirited citizens. Ile was a soldier in the War of 1812. In politics he was an Old-Line Whig, and strongly opposed to slavery. His wife, Sarah, was like himself a native of the Old Domin- ion, and had many friends among the early settlers of the county. Their family consisted of ten chil- dren, of whom but three are now living. They are: Warren II., of Springfield; our subject; and Eliza A., wife of John Stillwell, of Springfield.
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