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 21

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 21
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 21

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).

The subject of this sketch opened his eyes to the light April 14, 1820, in the mother country, whenee the family voyaged to America in a sail- ing-vessel spending three monthis on the way. He was reared and educated in Newville, Pa., and after the death of his mother, which occurred when he was eight years old, he went to live with a Mr. Coil, with whom he remained some seven years. Ile then worked on a farm until nearly seventeen years old, when he was apprenticed to a tailor until twenty-one. After serving his apprenticeship, lie did journey-work up and down the Juniata River until 1846, when he came to Ohio.

Locating at Enon, Clark County, Mr. Wallace opened a tailor shop, which he carried on until appointed Postmaster, in 1852. He served during the Pierce and Buchanan administrations, after which he began grafting in the Enon Nursery and became Superintendent of it. In 1866 he made another change, beginning a mercantile business, and continuing the same four years, after which he sold out and removed to Holt County, Mo. There he found employment at different occupations, principally in grafting and other departments of the nursery business, until some time time after his removal, when he purchased a small farm, operating the same until 1882. He then returned to Enon, and the next year removed to Osborn, where he has sinee made his home. The farm on

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which he lives is rented, and he and his wife are enjoying merited rest from the more arduous labors of life, finding abundant occupation in so- cial and religious duties.

Mr. Wallace contracted his first matrimonial al- liance November 24, 1842, in Pine Grove, Pa., the bride being Miss Martha Bush, a native of that placc, who died in Missouri, October 8, 1878. On March 14, 1883, he led to the hymeneal altar Mrs. Elizabeth (Cox) Staats, a lady of more than ordi- nary intelligence and nobility of character, whose family history is one of interest. She was born in Osborn, April 17, 1831, had common school ad- vantages and exceptionally good home training. She remained with her parents until her marriage, December 3, 1850, to Mr. Edward Staats, who was assistant transportation agent at Springfield. He was born in Albany, N. Y., January 21, 1810, was reared and educated in his native city, where he began clerking while but a boy. He subsequently went South, where he was in business for some years. He was a fine penman. Becoming book- keeper and assistant agent at Springfield, in the employ of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad, he made that eity his home until his removal to Osborn. He died in Detroit, Mich., in 1862. His widow remained with her father until her second marriage, spending the best years of her life in car- ing for her parents, a duty which she performed cheerfully and with pleasure, and which affords her gratification in the retrospect. She bore her first husband two children-John C. and Harriet Bleeker, the latter of whom died when five years old. The son was graduated from Wilts Commer- cial College, at Dayton, became a successful miner in Colorado, and is now a merchant in Aspen, of the Centennial State.

The original ancestors of Mrs. Wallace were IIol- landers, Peter Nue, the first male ancestor, being one of the original settlers of New Amsterdam. He owned property where Wall Street and the ad- jacent territory is now located. The family later settled throughont New Jersey, and still later in Virginia. The grandfather, Judge John Cox, was born in Bridgewater, Somerset County, N. J., June 6, 1774. He was married in 1794 and a couple of years later removed to Harrison County, Va.,

where his son John opened his eyes to the light September 16, 1800. A year after that event, Judge Cox, with his family, came to Greene County, Ohio, locating in Bath Township, and for a time engaged in farming and mereantile busi- ness in Fairfield. Two years after his arrival he made arrangements for the purchase of a large tract of land from Jonathan Mercer, who was liv- ing near the village, and who had a pre-emption right to some valuable lands in the valley. The traet purchased was north of Fairfield, bordering on the waters of the Mad River, including the present site of Osborn and the adjoining territory. The house first built upon it was of logs, its loca- tion being opposite the present site of the Metlio- dist Episcopal Church, of Osborn. Judge Cox took a boat load of flour down the river to New Orleans, the conveyanee being a flat-boat, which was the usual means of river traffic, and taking the fever, he died soon after his return home, in 1821.

John Cox, having been brought to this county when but an infant, grew to manhood here, ac- quiring all the education that was possible under the limited school privileges of the time. By ob- servation and individual study he added largely to the knowledge he obtained in the schoolroom, until his dying day keeping up his interest in the progress of the world. After his father's death he located on the old homestead, bought out the rest of the heirs, and by diligence, economy and hard labor soon made his way out of debt. He took care of his mother and improved the original Cox farm, adding to it tract after tract, until he had several hundred acres of fine land beside the original pur- chase. He also owned property in Dayton. town lots in Osborn and a farm near Rushville, Ill.

In 1850 a survey was made for an extension of the old Sandusky Railroad, and it was soon after- ward built to Dayton. Mr. Cox, whose public spirit and interest in all improvements and matters of progress are well known, donated the land wanted by this railroad for right of way, and a station was made near the old homestead. Town lots were laid out, and he built the original build- ings of the town, both private and public and to his determination, sagacity, energy and generosity Osborn owes much of what it is to-day. It was

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laid out in 1851, and first called Elizabethtown, but soon afterward the name was changed, and it was given by Mr. Cox that which it now bears, in honor of the gentleman who was then Superintend- ent of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad. Mr. Cox afterward made five additions to the town, and through his generosity and business foresight the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad was also induced to pass through his farms. He and James and Samuel Kable built and were the original owners of the mills at Osborn, which were put up many years before the town was built; they were rebuilt by Samuel Stafford, and later by Joseph Harshman.

In 1868 Mr. Cox built the house where our subject now lives, and there spent his last years. For two or three years prior to his death he was confined to his bed most of the time from paraly- sis, but his mental faculties were well preserved, and he was anxious to learn the daily happenings and important events, keeping himself well in- formed, and but little escaping his memory. Hc was always serene and happy as in his youthful days. He breathed his last at 6 o'clock on the morning of Easter Sunday, April 9, 1882. He had always favored the building of schoolhouses and churches, and left the Methodist Episcopal Society, of which he was a member, a small legacy to pay the balance of their church debt. For about eighty-one years he had lived in the county, and had seen the vast Northwestern Territory change from the almost interminable grounds of the In- dian tribes into enltivated farms, towns and cities, through which ran the great highways of the Anglo-Saxon race; and the Government changed from that of territorial dependence, into that of large States teaming with an industrial and self- governing population. It must have been a great source of pleasure to witness the improvements around him, to which his own hand had so largely contributed, and in his declining years enjoy the esteem of his fellow citizens and many friends.

The wife of John Cox and the mother of Mrs. Wallace was Harriet H. Cook, who was born in Morristown, N. J., May 4, 1804. She was educated there, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and cheered by her faith entered into rest Octo-

ber 5, 1874. Her father, Squire Abraham Cook, a native of New Jersey, was a shoemaker there. He finally came to Ohio, locating near Fairfield, this county, and afterward taking up his abode on a farm in Betliel Township, Clark County, two and a half miles north of Osborn, where he engaged in farming until his death. He was a prominent citi- Zen, was one of the first Presbyterians in the settle- ment and was well known as a rigid Calvinist. To Mr. and Mrs. John Cox seven children were born, Mrs. Elizabeth Wallace being the third. Of the others, Mrs. Mary Johnston is now deceased ; Jona- than C. lives near Yellow Springs; Mrs. Julia A. Worley lives in Osborn; William H. died in Bath, Township in 1887; John C. is in the grocery busi- ness in Dayton; Theodore F. lives in Bath Town- ship.

Mr. Wallace during his residence in Enon served on the School Board and in the Common Council ; he was also Mayor of that city one year. He be- longs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Osborn, and has been demitted from the Royal Arch Masons and Council. In politics he is a Democrat, while his wife is an equally strong be- liever in the principles of the Republican party. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been Class-Leader and Trustee. Mrs. Wallace is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.

C APT. SAMUEL A. TODD, a resident of Springfield, who is prominently and honor- ably identified with the civic life of Clark County, as County Recorder, is a native of this section of Ohio, a fine representative of well-known pioneer families, of this State, and in both his public and private career has shown himself to be a worthy son of the soil. The Captain is a veteran of the late war. He was in the prime and vigor of early manhood, when the civil strife broke out, truly a "time that tried men's souls," and he showed of what stuff he was made, by laying aside all personal aims and ambitions, to take his place among the brave fellows who had volunteered to defend the Union, and as a leader of men on many a hard

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fought battle-field in the terrible years that fol- lowed he won a military record of which his State, his fellow-eitizens, his wife and children may well be proud.

Capt. Todd was born in Green Township, this county, June 22, 1836, coming of a sturdy pioneer race, from whom he inherited those marked traits of character that have made him prominent in every walk of life in which duty or cireumstance has led him. James Todd, his father, was born in Washington County, Pa., his father, bearing the same name, having come to this country from his native Ireland when he was a young man, and set- tled in that State. Hc followed his trade of a millwright there until about 1810, when he came to Ohio, and located on what is now known as the Todd's Fork of the Little Miami River. He was an early pioneer of that section of the State, and worked at his trade there many years, and there his life was brought to a elose at a ripe old age. He was a Presbyterian, strong in the faith, and was rc- speeted for the integrity of his life. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Brand, and she was, it is thought, born in Philadelphia. She spent the lat- ter part of her life in Warren County.

The father of our subject was a lad of fourteen years when his parents removed to the wilds of Ohio. He learned the trade of a millwright of his older brother, and was actively engaged in it while a resident of Warren County. But the pioneer spirit of his father was strong within him, and he sought a home in the more rceently settled region, of Clark County, shrewdly foreseeing that artisans of his calling and skill, would be in demand in a newly-settled country, and coming here in 1815, he assisted in building many of the first mills ever crected in this part of Ohio. He carried on his trade many years, but a man of large enterprise, he found time to devote himself to other things, and buying a large traet of land in Green Township, he superintended the improvement of a farm, which under his able management, became one of the finest in that locality. He erected one of the first brick houses in that township, and in the last years of his life lived in retirement, having aeeumulated a handsome competence. December 29, 1863, he rounded out a life, whose record was unblemished,

and while his memory will ever be held in respect by his children and children's children for what he was as a man, he will also be held in remembrance by the county at large as one of its honored pio- neers. The maiden name of the mother of our sub- ject, was Elizabeth Garlough, and she was born in Washington County, Md., Jannary 12, 1799. Her parents coming to this county when she was a young girl, she was reared amid its pioneer scenes. She was an adept in all the household arts of those days, used to spin and weave, and make all the cloth worn in the family, and she did all her cook- ing before the open fire in the huge, old-fashioned fireplace. She lived toa good old age, dying April 13, 1890, in the home of a daughter adjoining the old homestead, where so many years of her life werc passed. The father of our subject was reared a Presbyterian, and was truc to the faith of his fathers all his days. His mother was reared in the Lutheran Church, but at the age of seventeen was converted from that faith to Presbyterianism, and joining the church of that denomination at Clifton, in Greene County, was a devoted member im- til her death, a period of seventy-three years. She was the mother of nine children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, namely : Margaret A., John H .; Mary A., deceased; Catherine A., Will- iam B., Sarah M., Samuel A., Nancy N., and James. Jolm H., and Catherine are deceased.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, John Garlough, was intimately connected with the his- tory of the first years of the settlement of Clark County, while his father, John Henry Garlongh, was the first pioneer to die in Clark County, his death occurring in what is now Green Township in the year 1810, and he lies sleeping the last sleep, in what is now called Garlough's Ceme- tery. He and his son were born in Germany by the famous river Rhine. He emigrated to this country in Colonial times, and served with honor in the Revolutionary War, in the interests of the colonists. As a memento of that cvent, the sub- ject's brother, James, has a watch in his possession that the great-grandfather purchased of a British officer. During the strife, Mr. Garlough settled in Washington County, Md., where he resided until 1807. He then came to this State, and cast in his lot

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with the early settlers of Greene County. He spent one year there, and then came to Clark County in 1808, but his life was of brief duration after his settlement in Green Township, his death occur- ring as before mentioned. The maternal grand- father of our subject was young when his parents came to America, and he was reared and married in Maryland. Ile was a slaveholder while a resi- dent of that State, but the Constitution of this State forbade slavery, so that he had to leave his slaves behind when he came here to found a new home in 1807. After spending a year in Greene County, he came to Clark County, and was one of the ear- liest settlers of what is now Green Township. At that time the greater part of Ohio was in a wild, sparsely settled condition, Indians still living here, and the most of the land in the hands of the Gov- ernment, and for sale at $1.25 an acre. Deer, bear, and other wild animals were plenty, and were often troublesome to the settlers. Mr. Garlongh bought eight hundred acres of land, erected upon it a large log house, and at once commenced the task of clear- ing a farm from the wilderness. He also gave his attention to other enterprises, building a sawmill, one of the first in that section of the country, and made preparations to erect a gristmill, when his life, that badc fair to be of great use in developing the resources of the county, was brought to a pre- mature end by his death, which was caused by an ox goring him. The maiden name of his wife, grandmother of our subject, was Margaret Eichel- barger, and she was born in Maryland, of German ancestry. Both she and her husband were Luther- ans in religion.

Capt. S. A. Todd obtained the rudiments of edu- cation in the local district school, which was further advanced by his attendance at select schools at Clif- ton and Cedarville. He resided with his parents until his marriage, and then settled on his father- in-law's farm, where he remained, carrying on agricultural pursuits until 1858. In that year he established himself in the grocery business at Con- cord, and in 1860 bought an interest in a black- smith-shop, and continued in business there until 1861. The patriotic blood of a Revolutionary grandsire coursed through his veins, and he de- termined with characteristic loyalty to help save

the union of the country for whose freedom his grandfather had fought, and as soon as he could settle lis affairs, lie enlisted in July of that year as a private in Company F, Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry. He was soon promoted from the ranks to be First Sergeant of his company, and in June, 1862, his gallant service gained him promotion to be Second Lieutenant. Early in 1863 his cool daring in the heat of battle, and his marked efficiency as an offi- cer, his modest bearing, and his habit of doing his (luty at whatever cost, all of which had been care- fully noted by his superiors in command, raised him to the position of First Lieutenant, and at Knoxville, Tenn., in the same year, he was assigned to the staff of the unorganized brigade, and as First Lieutenant, commanded the Ninth Tennessee Cav - alry during the siege of Knoxville, and his brilliant services gained him new honors. He built the line of works around the east side of the city, and when- ever practicable led his troops to the onslaught, animating them to brave deeds. After that experi- ence he was assigned to the First Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, as Assistant Commissary Sergeant, under Col. S. A. Gilbert, and lie acted in that capacity until his regiment re-en- listed. He re-enlisted with Company F, Eighth Ohio Cavalry, and was chosen Captain of the com- pany by his enthusiastic comrades, and received his commission, but was not mustered, and on the organization of the regiment, the honor was paid him of selecting him for Major. But Gov. Brough refused to commission him for that position, as lie had issued an order in February, 1864, announcing that all promotions would be by seniority in rank. Our subject was with his regiment until November, 1864, when he was obliged to resign from the army on account of disability, as an almost continnous service of three long years and more, with its at- tendant hardships, sacrifices, and discomforts, had told on a naturally vigorous constitution, and he was honorably discharged at Hart's Island, in New York Harbor. He returned to his home in Green Township, to his anxious family and many friends who gladly welcomed him in their midst, and paid him the honor due to the hero of many battles. Being unable to perform any manual labor, the Captain entered Harrison's Commercial College,

John Rife

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and after pursuing a thoroughi course of study in that institution, he accepted a position as elerk and book-keeper in Springfield, aeting in those combined capacities until 1870, and then started on the road to represent the house of Babitt, Harkness & Co., wholesale grocers of Cineinnati, and for nine years traveled in Ohio and Indiana in their interests. At the expiration of that time lie engaged in the mer- cantile brokerage business one year in Indianapo- lis, and in 1881 returned to Springfield, and shortly after was nominated by the Republican party as Recorder of Clark County, was elected the same fall, was re-elected in 1884, and again in 1887, and is now serving his third term, and is one of our most popular and efficient officials. He is a man of high personal standing, of unblemished reputa- tion, of generous feeling, and fine public spirit, and advanees the interests of his native county in what- ever way lie ean. His calın judgment, rare busi- ness talent, and wide experience fit him admirably for civie life. He and his amiable wife and family are prominent in religious and social circles; they are valued members of the Presbyterian Churel; and the memories of his war days are kept alive hy lis connection with the Grand Army of the Repub- lie as a member of Mitchell Post, No. 45, and of the Ohio Commandery of the Loyal Legion.

In his private life our subjeet is blessed with a true wife, to whose influenee he owes much happi- ness. He was married January 3, 1856, to Miss Marietta Wood, a native of Springfield Township, this county, and a daughter of Thomas S. and Rhoda (Morton) Wood. Seven children complete the household of our subject and his wife, as fol- lows: Allie E., William B., Edith, James A., Fred E., Edwin S., and Clinton E.

OHN RIFE. In the career of Mr. Rifc, one of the leading men of Miami Township, Greene County, is finely illustrated the re- sults of perseverance and industry. He began at the foot of the ladder in life, without other resources than the physical strength with which nature had endowed him and the determina-

tion to be somebody in the world, socially and financially. He possesses a large amount of "pure grit," and seldom undertakes anything of which lie does not make a success. He believes that there is always room at the top, and has a most healthy respect for the Ameriea institutions which enable any man to rise, no matter what may have been his condition or antecedents.

Coming of substantial aneestry and a native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Rife was born near the famous battle ground of Gettysburg, September 24, 1832. He never attended sehool a day in his life, but this would searcely be suspected, as he first man- aged to learn to read, and by keeping himself posted in regard to current events, and having a natural adaptation to business, he is found to be an exceedingly well-informed man, not in the least behind his neighbors, many of whom enjoyed liberal advantages in their youth. He commenced paddling his own eanoe at the age of sixteen years, chopping wood in the mountains, and even then gave to liis fatlier the greater part of his earnings. At the age of seventeen he began an apprentiee- ship at blacksmithing and served two years.

In the spring of 1852 Mr. Rife emigrated to Ohio, and hired out to a man to ehop wood at thirty-three and one-third cents per eord. He was strong and robust, and usually put up his three eords per day, nearly every day until harvest time. He then cut wheat at sixty-two and one-half cents per acre, and made over $2 per day. This was before the days of reapers and mowers, and when wheat was eut with a eradle. After harvest be worked at his trade for William Cowan, of Spring- field, remaining with him until September follow- ing. In the meantime he put the iron on a carriage, which is still being used and in good eon- dition.

We next find Mr. Rife in Springfield, Ill., keep- ing his eyes open to what was going on around him, and listening to the speeelies of Douglas and Lineoln during the campaign of 1852. Next he erossed the Mississippi and for a time sojourned at Dubuque, Iowa. Then returning to Illinois. lie spent the winter at Naples, working at his trade. In March, 1853, he returned to Pennsylvania, re- maining there until the following August. Next,

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starting out once more for the West, he established himself at Logansport, Ind., where he worked at his trade through the winter and in the spring came back to Ohio.

Putting up a blacksmith-shop in what was known as the Gillett neighborhood, Mr. Rife worked at his trade until harvest time, then went into the wheat fields again, working for William Kelly on the Clifton and Springfield Road one month. Later he associated himself in partnership with S. H. Marshall, at Pitchin, Clark County, and they ope- rated a blacksmith-shop until Mr. Marshall went West. Mr. Rife then took. Samuel Hatfield as a partner, but not long afterward sold out and be- came the employe of his partner.

In 1858 Mr. Rife went to Selma, Clark County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade until 1862. Being troubled now with an affection of the eyes, he determined upon a change of occupation, and leased twelve hundred acres of land from the Taylor heirs in Greene and Clark Counties. He operated this successfully for five years, then sub-leased it and afterward effected a sale in behalf of the heirs.

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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 21

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