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 24
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 24
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118
Among the children born to Harry and Esther (Hershey) Mouk was Henry, who accompanied them to this county in 1852. Having been reared to farm pursuits, he engaged in that occupation on his father's place. but was cut off early in life, dy- ing at the age of about thirty years. He was the father of two sons-Benjamin who died when twenty-two years old, and the subject of this bio- graphical sketeh. Their mother, formerly Miss Catherine Baker, is yet living, making her home with our subject. She was born in Franklin County, Pa., but from her girlhood resided in this county, obtaining her education in Bethel Township. She is a member of the Mennonite Church. IIer father,
226
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIICAL ALBUM.
Peter Baker, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., where he engaged in farming until 1840, when he came to Ohio and made a settlement. He bought the farm which our subject now owns and lived upon it until his death in 1875. He was one of the most active members of the Mennonite Church, in which he held the office of Deacon, and gave a, building site on his farm upon which a church edifice was ereeted.
M OSES SANDERS, one of the oldest native- born citizens of Silver Creek Township, Greene County, still sojourns at the home. stead where he has spent the greater part of his life. It lies on the Sanders-Smith pike, one mile southwest of Jamestown and is one of the most val- uable farms in that vieinity. This comprises four hundred acres of choice land, well improved and furnished with substantial buildings. Mr. Sanders by a course of industry and economy has become well-to-do, with more than a sufficieney of this world's goods to defend him against want in his old age.
The subject of this notice was born Deeember 15, 1822, and was the son of William and Elizabethi (Linders) Sanders who were natives of North Car- olina and of Englishi deseent. William Sanders was reared to manliood on a farm, but after his marriage emigrated to Kentucky where he settled on a small tract of land near Crab Orchard, and lived there until after the birth of two children. He then had the misfortune to lose his land on ac- count of its belonging to an older claimant, and then decided upon emigrating to Ohio. The jour- ney was made on pack horses, one of which carried the wife and two children and the other their few personal effects. The father had his gun with him and killed sufficient game for their use on the journey as they camped and cooked by the way- side.
After several weeks of tedious travel, the San- ders family landed in Cæsar's Creek Township, Greene County, this State, and being without money Mr. Sanders traded a $60 horse for sixty
acres of land upon which he settled and lived one year. Then selling out hie located on another new farm in what is now Silver Creek Township, in the vicinity of Jamestown, which was then marked by only a few houses. This also comprised sixty aeres upon which the parents spent the remainder of their days and upon which the father effected good improvements. He, however, added to his landed possessions and at the time of his death left nearly three hundred acres.
The father of our subject departed this life July 2, 1861. He was a hard- working, honest man, and as the result of a temperate life and good liabits, was hale and hearty at the time of his death al- though eighty-five years old. He was for many years connected with the Missionary Baptist Church and in polities, during his younger years, belonged to the old Whig party. Upon its abandonment he wheeled into the Republican ranks. The wife and mothier preceded her husband to the silent land, her death taking place March 9, 1859. She was then seventy-nine years old. She was of the typical pioneer mothers, possessing all the womanly vir- tues, devoted to her family, kind and charitable, and always lent a helping hand to those in need. She was a member of the same church as her hus- band. Of their eongenial union there was born a family of twelve children, six sons and six daugh- ters, of whom two sons and two daughters arc yet living. The entire twelve lived to mature years and eleven were married.
Moses Sanders was one of the younger members of his parents' family and spent bis early years in a manner common to the sons of pioneer farmers, acquiring a very limited education in the primitive schools and assisting in the development of the new farm. After reaching man's cstate, he set about the establishment of a home of his own, tak- ing unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Eliza- beth Harness.
Mrs. Sanders was born January 18, 1829, in New Jasper Township, to Jolin and Elizabeth (Peterson) Harness, who were most exeellent and worthy peo- ple and spent the greater part of their lives in that township. Mr. Harness dicd in 1862. His wife survived him for a period of twenty-one years, her death taking place in 1883. Both were consistent
227
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were natives of Virginia, whenee they emigrated with their respective parents to Ohio, the two fam- ilies settling in New Jasper Township and becoming well-to-do, building up good homesteads from the wilderness. Mr. and Mrs. Harness were the parents of five children and one son died in the army dur- ing the Civil War. The remaining four are still living, married and settled in comfortable homes.
The wife of our subjeet was earefully reared by her exeellent parents, rceeiving such education as the pioneer sehools afforded and becoming familiar with all useful household duties. She remained with her parents until her marriage and is now the mother of four children. The eldest, John William, married Miss Emma Brickel and they live on a farm in Silver Creek Township; Sarah J. is the wife of Jacob Patterson, a farmer of Delaware County, Ind .; James H. and A. Clinton remain at home and assist their father in the farm work.
Mr. and Mrs. Sanders arc prominently connected with the Missionary Baptist Church in which Mr. Sanders offieiates as a Deacon and Trustce, which offices he has held for the long period of thirty years. Politieally, like his honored father, he is a Republican of the first water. He is one of the County Commissioners who are constructing the Sanders-Smith pike, running from Jamestown to Paintersville, and which forms an admirable high- way greatly appreciated by the people of this region. Socially he is a Master Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 352, at Jamestown.
E RASMUS J. KITCIIEN. The earecr of Mr. Kitchen as a man and a eitizen has been admirable in the extreme. No man in Greene Township occupies a higher position among the people who have known him long and well, and none have been of more serviee in advancing the best interests of this part of the eounty. Liberal and public-spirited, he uniformly gives his en- couragement to every worthy enterprise, and dur- ing the late Civil War signalized his patriotism by doing gallant serviee as a Union soldier. He is
the owner of a fine property, including a well-de- veloped farm with modern buildings and all the other accessories of the well-regulated eountry estatc. Both in social and business eireles he is a universal favorite.
Abraham Kitchen, the father of our subject, was one of the earliest pioneers of Clarke County, and assisted materially in its growth and development. HIc was born in 1808, in Warren County, this State, and when reaching manhood was joined in wedlock with Miss Martha M. Jones. The mother of our subject was born in Fayette County, this State, whence her parents subsequently removed to Greene County, where she was married to Mr. Kitchen in 1829. Upon the removal to Clarke County soon afterward, Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen first settled on section 4, Green Township, where they lived two years. The father then purchased the land which is now owned and oceupied by his son, Eramsus J., and there bothi parents spent the re- mainder of their lives, dying in 1888, one month apart, the mother on the 28th of May and the father on the 28th of June. They were the par- ents of eight children, five of whom are living -- Margaret Ann bceamc the wife of John McCul- lough, who is now deceased, and she lives at the old homestead; she is the mother of three boys, who are all married and settled in homes of their own; J. S. is married and the father of two chil- dren; he lives in Springfield; I. N. is farming in Green Township; Mary J. and Erasmus J. are twins; the former is living in Greene County, and is the wife of John Rife, who is represented else- wliere in this work.
The subject of this notice was born August 11, 1836, and spent his boyhood and youth on the farm and in attendance at the district school, re- maining at home until a man of twenty-five years. In September, 1861, after the outbreak of the Civil War he laid aside his farming implements and resolved to have a hand in the preservation of the Union. Going to Springfield, he enlisted in Company F, Forty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and went with his regiment to West Virginia under the com - mand of Gen. Cox. They drove the rebel Gen. Floyd from Cotton Mountain, and spent the fol- lowing winter on the Kanawa. Later they met the
228
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
enemy at Lewisburg, and from there drove the rebels from the Kanawa Valley, engaging them at the battle of Charleston and in several skirmishies. Thenee they marched to Point Pleasant, passed through Covington and Lexington, Ky., from there to Danville and Frankfort, and in the latter place were mounted and remained in the saddle for sev- eral months.
Mr. Kitchen was in the battle of Dutton Hill, and saw mueh hard service in Kentucky and Ten- nessee, skirmishing and scouting. They were then dismounted and placed under command of Gen. Burnside, who led them to Knoxville, where they engaged in the siege of that city, and next followed Gen. Longstreet into Virginia, attacking him above Strawberry Plams. In the winter of 1863-64, Mr. Kitchen re-enlisted in the Eighth Ohio Cavalry, where he was promoted to Second Sergeant and later to Orderly Sergeant. Returning then to West Virginia, he took part in Hunter's raid, and then retired to Beverly and remained there through the following summer. At this place they were surprised by the rebels and part of their command captured, but they were recaptured in a couple of hours. At the same place afterward they were taken by surprise and nearly all the regiment was captured. Mr. Kitchen, however, by passing him- self off as a rebel, made his escape through the enemy's ranks. During the day he remained in hiding. He came near being captured upon one occasion by rebel cavalry, but fortunately eluded them. When finally beyond danger, he remained for a time recruiting at Phillippi, W.Va., and from there went to Clarksburg, in the same State. The war being now ended, he received his honorable discharge at Clarksburg, W.Va., July 30, 1865.
Upon leaving the service Mr. Kitchen returned to his old haunts in his native State, and began again the life of a farmer. A few months later, October 12, 1865, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Lavina M., daughter of James and Margaret (Kitchen) Hatfield. The parents of Mrs. Kitchen were natives of Ohio, and spent their last years in Clarke County, both being now deceased. Mrs. Kitchen was born May 7, 1841, and departed this life at the homestead in Green Township, Clark County, August 26, 1889. Six children had been
born of this union, viz: Joseph L., Abraham L., James H., Stephen, Erasmus J. and Wayne A. Mrs. Kitchen, like her husband, was a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and the latter retains his connection therewith. Mr. Kitchen has been a School Direetor in his district and also a member of the Township Board of Education. Politically, he votes the straight Republican ticket, and has frequently been sent as a delegate to the county conventions. As a Union soldier, he belongs to Mitchell Post, No. 45, G. A. R., at Springfield.
The landed estate of Mr. Kitchen embraces five hundred and one aeres, all in Green Township. He purchased his present farm in 1865, and in 1874 he put up the present residence. He oecu- pies himself in general farming and makes a spe- eialty of stock-raising. The old Kitchen homestead has been in the family for about one hundred years. The paternal grandfather of our subjeet was Stephen Kitchen, and the maiden name of his wife was Ann Baeaw, and both were natives of Pennsylvania.
ON. CHARLES FENTON HOWARD, one of the most prominent and enterprising young business men of Xenia, is a son of one of its earliest pioneers, Roswell F. Howard, and was born July 12, 1859, in this eity. He first attended the public schools and afterward entered Xenia College, in which he completed the literary course. After that he spent a year in Antioch College. Thenee he went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and entered the Michigan State University, but on account of failing health was unable to complete his course of study there.
Mr. Howard until the spring of of 1883 was comparatively inactive, endeavoring to recuperate, and was then elected City Clerk. In attempting to discharge the duties of this office he was seized with his former illness and compelled to resign the position before the expiration of his term. In the meantime, when able, he pursued the study of law in his father's office. In the spring of 1888 he
Fanny Barratt
231
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
was elected Mayor of the eity of Xenia, just fifty years from the time that his father, in 1838, was first eleeted to the same offiee.
Our subjeet was married at the bride's home near Xenia, October 25, 1882, to Miss Adda G., daughter of George F. Cowdy. Of this union there have been born no children. Mrs. Howard is prominently connected with the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and both are in the enjoyment of the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends. Mr. Howard has been quite aetive in politics, and is a staneh supporter of the Republican party.
Roswell F. Howard is a native of Ohio, and came this county during the days of its earliest settlement. He was married in Ohio to Miss Mar- garet M. Steele, a native of this State. The father still resides in the city of Xenia, but the mother is deceased.
ICKENSON S. BARRATT. It affords the biographer at all times a rare pleasure to chroniele the principal events in the his- tories of those brave pioneers who marched for- ward in advance of civilization itself and hewed ont paths through trackless forests, opened roads, broke land hitherto untouched save by savages, and made out of a wilderness a beautiful country, whose grateful soil riehly rewards the earefnl labor of the husbandman. Among sneh pioneers prominent mention belongs to the subject of this sketeh and his estimable wife, both of whom have ccased from the labors of life, and now rest peacefully side by side, undisturbed by song of bird or merry laugh of children.
New Jersey was the native State of Mr. Barratt, and in Camden he was born October 16, 1796. His father, Caleb Barratt, was likewise born in New Jersey, and emigrated to the Buckeye State in 1820. Our subject accompanied him, and immediately began to work for himself, laying the foundation for a home of his own. Here also he inet and wooed Miss Fanny Farnham, with whom he was united in marriage December 26, 1822. Mrs. Fanny (Farnham) Barratt was born in Waterbury, Vt.,
while her father, John S. Farnham, was a native of New Hampshire. He was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War, his services extending over a period of five years, during which he was pres- ent at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He came to Ohio in 1810, when his daughter Fanny was but seven years old. She remembered eross- ing Lake Chantauqua, N. Y., in a skiff with her consin, Miss Bemis; the erossing is yet known as the Bemis Crossing in honor of the family.
Upon leaving his Eastern home Mr. Farnham made his way to the head waters of the Ohio River, where he made a raft by lashing two flat- boats together, on which the family eame as far as Montgomery, and there spent the winter. They then took up their residence at Centreville, where they carried on a farm and dairy, keeping thirty cows and making cheese, which was hanled to Cin- cinnati in wagons. In 1820 they removed to Clark County, loeating on the place now oecu- pied by their granddaughter, Miss Adeline Barratt. There Mr. Farnham died in 1827, his son-in-law, the subject of this sketch, passing away at the same place, July 15, 1836. Both were interred in the Fletcher churchyard near Springfield. They were of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and the Fleteher Church was the nearest one during the lifetime of Mr. Barratt.
Mrs. Barratt lived until January 31, 1890, when she died from the effects of a fall she had received on December 4 preceding. She had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. Her life had been characterized by the same sincere piety that had made her husband so deeply regretted when he was cut down in early life, and she also possessed social qualities that gained the respeet of those about her. We append the following obituary notice of this excellent lady.
" Friday evening, January 31, 1890, Mrs. F. Barratt died at her home four miles west of Sonth Charleston. On December 4, eight weeks prior to her death, she fell, dislocating her hip and fraetnr- ing her right thigh bone, from which injuries she was a patient sufferer, never murmuring. She was born at Waterbury, Vt., December 23, 1803. When a child of seven years her father, John S. Farnham, and family were among the many who came West.
232
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
A wagon transported them to the river, where they constructed a raft by lashing two flatboats together, and upon this they put their possessions. Winter coming on, the ice became so thick in the river that they spent a few months in Montgomery, Ohio. The spring following they removed to Cen- treville, on a farm a few miles from Lebanon, and engaged in the dairy business, hauling their cheese to Cincinnati to be disposed of at low prices or ex- changed for salt and other essentials.
"On the 1st day of March, 1820, John S. Farn- ham entered a tract of land in Madison Township, now known as the Hall farm, and thereon creeted a house, which is still standing. On December 26, 1822, the daughter, Fanny, became the wife of Dickenson S. Barratt, who shortly afterward pur- chased a portion of the Farnham homestead, erect- ing a house, where his widow afterward resided. She lived a quiet life during her last years, and it was not generally known of what a relic Madison Township could boast. Up to the time of the fatal accident she was active for one of her years, being eighty-six on December 23. She was a true, noble Christian woman, an affec- tionate mother of six children, and a member of the Free . Will Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove. She delighted to have her friends come in, and songs of praise and prayer were often heard in her sick room. Mrs. Barrett's remains were laid to rest beside those of her husband at Fletcher Cha- pel, February 2. The services at the church were conducted by the Rev. B. F. Zell, and the large audience bore evidence to the high esteem in which the departed was held .. All who knew Mrs. Barratt recognized in her all that was good and true, and extended the hand of sympathy to those of her family who are left to mourn the loss of one whom all sadly miss, and who wait in hope of a glorious immortality."
The family is now represented by Miss Adeline, who still lives on the old homestead, which now comprises thirty acres, and who is the only sur- vivor of six children. The others were named Clorinda, Menda, Sophronia, Sarah and Webster. The brother died in Jacksonville, Fla., of lung fever. He left a son and daughter, both of whom are now married. None of the sisters
were ever married. Miss Barratt is a lady of high character, womanly graces, and intelligence. She ever cherished the memory of her deceased parents, and endeavors to carry out the precepts governing their lives, and to continue every good work in which they were interested.
The portrait of Mrs. Fanny Barratt, mother of Miss Adeline, is shown in connection with this sketch.
LBERT M. STARK. The mercantile in- terests of Xenia have been for many years worthily represented by Mr. Stark who conducts a grocery and crockery store on South Detroit Street, and who has long been favor- ably known among the business men of the city. This is the city of his birth and the date thereof June 4, 1822. His father, William T. Stark, came to this county from Lexington, Ky., as early as 1814, and was the first silversmith to establish him- self in business in this place. He manufactured everything in his line, thimbles, rings, and the various other articles belonging to his trade, hav- ing his first shop on the north side of Third, be- tween King and Detroit Streets. He followed this business through his entire life, and also officiated as Postmaster of Xenia, being appointed to this office by President Jackson in 1829 and holding it continuously until 1841. The office was then lo- cated on Detroit Strect a few doors south of Main. The elder Stark was a prominent man in the com- munity, and besides holding other official positions was a member at one time of the Town Council.
The father of our subject was born in Loudoun County, Va., and was the son of John Stark, who subsequently removed to Lexington, Ky., and there William F. completed his education and learned his trade. In 1814 he was married to Miss Lydia Miley, of Cincinnati. This lady was born in Waslı- ington County, Pa., whence she removed with her parents to Columbia, Hamilton County, and lived there until her marriage. This union resulted in the birth of eleven children, of whom but five are living. Mr. Stark died in 1858 in Xenia. The wife and mother survived until 1872, spending her
233
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
last days with children in Xenia. They were among the carly members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the entire family was noted for its exceptional honesty and business ability.
.
The subject of this notice completed his educa- tion under the tutorship of the well-known in- structor, Thomas Stecle, a very popular and capable teacher. He commeneed his business career when a boy in the store of Canby & Walton, and re- mained with them for two years. Then, in 1838, he engaged with J. C. MeMillan and remained with him as clerk and partner for the long period of twenty years. Subsequently he was with Stark, Little & Cooper.
After the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Stark, in 1862, enlisted as a Union soldier in the One hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, and was at once made Quartermaster of the Regiment, receiving his appointment from Gov. Todd. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and op- crated in West Virginia with the Sixth Corps. At Winchester, January 12, 1863, Mr. Stark was capt- ured by the rebels and experienced the horrors of Libby prison for a period of fifteen months. During this time he was never outside the walls, and bears the distinction of being about the only man who lived through such imprisonment for the same length of time. His two companions both died in the hospital and Mr. Stark was also there until pa- roled September 12, 1864, and exchanged.
In January following, Mr. Stark returned. to his regiment in front of Petersburg and later had the satisfaction of witnessing the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. His regiment was then sent to Dan- ville, Va., in which region they sojourned thirty days, then went on to Richmond where they re- mained three days and from there marched to Washington and joined in the Grand Review. Mr. Stark was mustered out of the service at Columbus July 1, 1865; then returning home he at once en- gaged in business at the corner of Second and De- troit Streets. Later he removed to the north side of West Second Street and was also on the sonth side of that street. In April, 1889, Mr. Stark removed to his present quarters. He is the oldest grocery man in the city, and is in the enjoyment of an ex- tensive and profitable patronage.
Mr. Stark for a number of years has been Presi- dent of the Building and Loan Association, and for twelve years was President of the School Board; he was likewise a member of the City Coun- eil for many years. For six years he was resident trustee of the Old Soldiers and Sailors Orphans' Home, receiving his first appointment from Gov. Hayes, the second from Gov. Bishop and the third from Gov. Foster. Although keeping himself posted upon the political issues of the day he lias never allowed his interest in polities to affeet his business relations. In the spring of 1889 he was elected Appraiser of real estate for the west half of the city. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Xenia, and its first presiding officer. Ilis religious views coincide with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been for many years a member.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.