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 30

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 30
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 30

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Kind regards Isaac Evans

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carried on the business of a contractor. About 1863 he abandoned that occupation and turned his attention solely to farming. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-two acres, under ex- cellent cultivation, with a fine set of buildings and other improvements to match. The residence was built in 1863, and is one of the finest farm homes in northern Clark County; the barn was erected in 1873, and it also is a credit to the estate.

On June 12, 1860, Mr. Mitzel and Miss Elenora A. Neff beeame husband and wife. Mrs. Mitzel is a daughter of Adam and Margaret Neff, formerly residents of German Township, both of whom are now deceased. She has been an efficient helpmate, has looked well to the ways of her household and is honored and revered by its members. She has borne her husband four children, two of whom -- Arvilla M. and Lueien C., are deceased. Laura L. is the wife of George Kochler, a teacher, and Adam J., still makes his home under the parental roof.

Mr. Mitzel is independent in politics, voting for the best man irrespective of party prejudice. Much interested in the cause of education he has served efficiently as a School Director for a number of ycars. He is a member of the Grange Lodge of Tre- mont City. All worthy movements for the eleva- tion of society and the prosperity of the publie are favored and supported by him. Both he and his wife belong to the Reformed Church in which he has served as a Deaeon and an Elder.

SAAC EVANS. Foremost among the substan- tial farmers of Spring Valley Township, may be properly mentioned Mr. Evans, who has likewise been more than ordinarily snceessful as a stock-raiser. Like many of his compeers, he was born in this township, nine miles south of the eity of Xenia, this event oceurring December 8, 1835. Robert and Sarah (Coppock) Evans, were both na- tives of Newberry District, S. C., the father born November 9, 1797, and the mother March 13, 1799. They were reared in the Quaker faith, to which re- ligion they adhered all their lives.

Upon leaving their native State, Robert Evans and his family traveled overland with a four-horse team, and a one-horse wagon to Greene County. They began their journey September 24, 1829, and reached their destination October 24, following. They made their headquarters at the home of Sam- nel Speer, the stepfather of Mr. Evans, for a few days, then secured four hundred acres of land south of the present village of Spring Valley. There they settled and endured all the hardships and pri- vations incident to pioncer life. The parents spent the remainder of their days at the farm which they built up, the father dying November 9, 1868, and the mother June 17, 1871. Mr. Evans, in addition to carrying on farming extensively, also officiated as a surveyor. In South Carolina he followed milling. In this county he ran a grist and saw mill, these being located a mile and a quarter south of the village, on the Miami River.

To the parents of our subject there was born a family of fifteen children, six of whom died in in- fancy. The nine who grew to mature years, were named respectively: Rebecca; Moses, who died leaving nine children ; Esther, who married Lewis Hartsock, went first to Indiana then to Illinois, and finally to Kansas, where she died leaving two sons and three daughters ; Lydia, the wife of Will- iam Stanfeald; Mary, Mrs. Isaac M. Barret; Sophia, Mrs. Carrol Whitney; Isaac; Nancy J., the wife of Martin Peterson ; Margaret, the wife of Aaron Crites.

The father of our subject was the son of Moses and Lydia (Hasket) Evans. who were likewise na- tives of South Carolina. Grandfather Evans died there at about the age of forty years, leaving six children, viz: Robert, Rebecca, Thomas, Moses, Mary, and Isaae. His widow subsequently was married to Samuel Speer, and emigrated from South Carolina in April, 1826, locating on the land now occupied by Isaac, our subject, and where grand- father Speer died October 1, 1856. His partner had preceded him to the silent land, her death tak- ing place August 19, 1852, when she was aged sev- enty-nine years, two months and twenty one days. Of this marriage there were born three children, and they, like their ancestors, grew up in, and ad- hered religiously to, the Quaker faith. They were

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named respectively : James, John, and Samuel. All were married and left families. The father of Moses, was Robert Evans.

Mrs. Sarah (Coppoek) Evans, the mother of our subjeet, was the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Patterson) Coppoek, both of South Carolina, who came to Miami County, this State, about 1812. Subsequently they returned to their native State, and both died there in 1819. Isaac Evans spent his boyhood and youth on the pioneer farm, and by close attention to such opportunities as were af- forded him, obtained a practical education. His early studies were pursued at a subseription school which was afterward raised to the dignity of a pub- lie school. Later he became a student at Bacon's Commereial College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1857. After that he had charge of his father's books in the mills for four years. These mills were conducted under the firm name of R. Evans & Sons.

The above-mentioned partnership was dissolved in 1864, when Isaae Evans purchased the home- stead of his paternal grandmother, this eomprising one hundred and seventy aeres of land with good buildings. Later he added to his real estate by the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres more. The larger portion of his property has been aeeumu- lated by his own industry. He is a man highly honored in his community, and has been intrusted with many positions, serving as Township Trustee, and in 1880 was elected Township Appraiser. He cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lin- coln in 1860, and has sinee given his uniform sup- port to the Republican party.

Miss Matilda C. Stump became the wife of our subjeet January 31, 1860, the wedding taking place at the bride's home in Spring Valley Township. Mrs. Evans was born January 19, 1836, in Spring Valley Township, to Jonas and Prudence (Smalley) Stump, who were natives of Virginia, and are now living in this township. Six children eame to bless the union of our subject and his estimable wife, these being named respectively: Frank S., who mar- ried Miss Catharine S. Eberly, of Warren County, Ohio; Minnie B., the wife of Joseph G. Gest; Louie A., Alta M., William J., and Charles R. In addi- tion to general farming, Mr. Evans makes a spe-

cialty of fine stock, in which industry he has been very successful. He was an active Union man dur- ing the Civil War, and has always given his in- fluenee to those enterprises ealeulated to advance the interests of the people around him.

We take pleasure in showing a portrait of Mr. Evans in this work.

MITH S. TWICHELL, one of the Trustees of Moorefield Township,owns and occupies a well-regulated homestead on seetion 11, and is numbered among the stirring and successful men of this part of Clark County. He was born in Oswego County, N. Y., May 27, 1836, to Luther and Susan (Wilson) Twichell who were natives respectively of New Hampshire and Ver- mont. The Twichell family was originally from Scotland and was first represented in America dur- ing the last century, the first settlement being made in New England.

· The father of our subjeet was born in 1801 and lived in his native State until a young man of twenty years, when he was married. He emigrated to Minnesota in 1854, and died there two years later. The wife and mother survived her husband for a period of twenty-seven years, remaining a widow and dying in Ohio in 1883. The parental family consisted of nine children of whom the fol- lowing survive, viz: Minerva, Mrs. Sawyer of Des Moines, Iowa; Polly A., Mrs. Twiehell of Hastings, Minn .; Daniel W. of Champaign County, this State, and Smith S., our subjeet. The deceased are Allen A .; Susan S .; Louisa, Luther L. and Lyman.

Mr. Twichell of whom we write remained a res- ident of his native county until a young man of twenty years, then going to Minnesota, oceupied himself there at farming until 1869. He had re- ecived a very good education, completing his stud- ies at Falley Seminary, in Fulton, N. Y., and subsequently taught school one year. With this ex- ception he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits his entire life. After the outbreak of the Civil War he entered the Union Army, enlisting August 22, 1862, in Company K, Eighth Minnesota Infantry,

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which was first assigned to the Army of the West and was sent out after belligerent Indians. Later they were made a part of the Army of the Cumber- land and Mr. Twiehell participated in the battle of "the Pines" in the South and was in one battle, with the Indians, besides numerous skirmishes. He eseaped unharmed and at the expiration of his term of enlistment received his honorable discharge July 11, 1865.

Upon leaving the army Mr. Twiehell returned to Minnesota and thence in 1869 came to Wyandot County, this State, where he sojourned several years. He removed thence, in 1875, to Clark County, of which, with the exception of six years. spent in Champaign County, he has since been a resident. He was married November 25, 1868, to Miss Virginia, daughter of Seaton and Harriet (Miller) IIedges. She was born in Clark County, October 19, 1839, of parents who were natives re- speetively of Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Hedges left the Old Dominion in 1819, settling near Ur- bana, Champaign County, this State, in the pioneer days. He lived there a number of years then re- moved to Clark County, settling in Moorefield Township on the farm now occupied by his son-in- law, Mr. Twiehell. He built a log cabin in the woods and this after considerable remodeling and enlargement, is still standing, a valued relie of the past and constitutes one of the oldest landmarks in the township.

In making the journey hither first, Mr. Hedges rode on horseback over the mountains from Vir- ginia to Ohio acompanied by his eldest brother Jonas. The wife and mother died in 1853, when comparatively a young woman. Mr. Hedges de- parted hence September 13, 1877. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom the following survive: Eliza, the wife of T. D. Crow of Urbana, this State; Tabitha, Mrs. Alexander Wills of Har- risburg, Ill .; Samuel, of Pittsburg, Pa .; Mary who is living in Moorefield Township; Mrs. Twichell, and Fletcher are residents of Pittsburg, Pa. The de- ceased are, Lizzie, Lueretia, Emma, Robert, William, Anna and Wesley. Mr. and Mrs. Twichell are the parents of two children only-Clayton II. born July 18, 1871, and Allen Foster, July 11, 1875.

For six years during his residence in Champaign

County, Mr. Twiehell served as Superintendent of the County Infirmary and he is now serving his third term as Township Trustee. Politically he is a sound Republican and he uniformly gives his encouragement and support to the enterprises cal- eulated for the general good of the community. Both he and his estimable wife are prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending serviees at Moorefield Chapel. Mr. Twichell officiates as Class Leader, Steward and Trustee. His property embraces one hundred and fifty . three acres of choice land under a good state of cultivation and supplied with substantial modern buildings. In his labors of securing a competence Mr. Twichell has been materially assisted by his estimable wife, who has shared with him the heat and burden of the day and deserves equal credit for the fact that they are now in a position to rest upon their oars and enjoy the fruits of their toil. In addition to his other duties, Mr. Twichell is serving as Land Appraiser of Moorefield Township. Socially, he belongs to William A. Brand Post, No. 96, at Urbana.

OHN KENDIG. This section of Ohio is in- debted to Pennsylvania, and particularly to Lancaster County, for a number of her mnost enterprising and progressive agricul-

turists. The father of our subject was one of this class, and he of whom we write is a native also of the Keystone State. John Kendig, St., lost his father when he was quite small, and had to work his own way from the time he was twelve years old. He worked out by the month until his mar- riage when he rented land, continuing his farming operations in his native State until 1839. He then became a resident of Ohio, choosing a location in Wayne Township, Montgomery County, where he became the owner of one hundred and sixty aeres of land, improved it with two good sets of build- ings and the needful fences, orchards and other trees. Ile died on his farm in 1878. During his young manhood he had taken part in the War of 1812. IIis wife, Susan Rheinhart, was also born

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in Lancaster County, Pa., her father being a farmner there. She also is now deceased, having breathed her last cheered by the faith of the Mennonite Church.

The family of the worthy couple above men- tioned included eight sons and daughters, of whom we note the following; Mrs. Elizabeth Roher lives in Tippecanoe City, Miami County; Mrs. Nancy Lutz lives in Wayne Township, Montgomery County; Mrs. Mary Kay died in Shelby County; Mrs. Susan Hebble lives in Bath Township, Greene County; Mrs. Christiana St mer died in Montgom- ery County ; Daniel, who is now retired from busi- ness, lives in Washington, D. C .; the subjcet of this notice is the next in the family circle; Martin lives in Bath Township. The latter enlisted in 1861, and served until the late war was over, being slightly wounded in his country's eause.

On New Year's day, 1833, John Kendig, of this notiec, first saw the light of day, his birthplace being four miles from Lancaster, Pa. When a lad of six years his parents came to Ohio, the house- hold goods being piled into a wagon, which was drawn by four horses, and upon which the parents and five children rode. Eighteen days were oceu- pied in transit, and the children walked a part of thic way over the mountains. As soon as he could handle an ax or drive, young John was set to work on the farm, and at the age of twelve years he put up a cord of wood per day, and they hauled it to Knessley distillery. At that early day the school-houses were built of logs, with a huge fire- place, a mud and stick chimney and furnished with słab benches; they were kept up by subscription, and afforded but limited advantages to the youth of the locality. The education of our subject therefore has been mainly self obtained.

In 1854, when twenty-one years old, yonng Kendig took charge of his father's farm, working it on shares for about nine years, his hard work and energy bringing him a fair degree of success. In 1863 he came to Greene County, and purchased one hundred and thirty-six aeres of partly im- proved land in Bath Township, on section 12, pay- ing $33 per acre for it. It was very much run down, but during the next two years it was placed in a much better condition, was freed from incum-

brance, and sixteen acres had been added. Dur- ing this time Mr. Kendig had cleared thirty-five aeres. In 1870, he began building, the first struct- ure erected being a barn, 40x72 feet. The stone for the foundation was procured on his own farm, and also the logs, and the oak frame was made from his own timber, other lumber being hauled from Xenia. Other buildings were erected as fast as possible, a large frame house being completed in 1875. It is in the form of a Greek eross, the dimensions being 32x48 and 32x36. The im- provements include a corn house and all other necessary buildings, a windmill and two tanks from which water is forced into the house, an or- chard which contains many varieties of fruit, orna- mental shade trees, and a beautiful lawn.

In 1880, Mr. Kendig purchased the adjoining farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres, which had the same kind of improvements as his home place, and which now is furnished with a niee resi- dence, barn, fences, ete. Some eighteen acres of this have been cleared by himself. The entire landed estate of three hundred and five aeres forms one of the finest and richest farms in the township. Forty-five acres arc devoted to timber culture, and the remainder being cleared, is mainly de- voted to the cultivation of eorn, wheat and clover. There is a fine spring in the pasture and the open diteh, which formerly drained the cstate, has been tiled and is now plowed over. The distance to Xenia is eight miles, over a pike road, and it is five miles to the nearest market. The land is kept in fine condition by the use of the best fertilizing agents, the erops therefore being first-class in qual- ity and quantity. Cattle, hogs and horses are raised, the latter being a fine grade .of Norman draft horses, large and powerful. Mr. Kendig formerly raised Cotswold sheep. IIe is assisted in the man- agement of the home farm by his eldest son, while the second son lives npon and manages the adjoin- ing estate.

The estimable woman who for thirty years has been Mr. Kendig's companion and helpmatc, be- came his wife April 8, 1858, in Wayne Township, Montgomery County. Her maiden name was Sarah Mitman, and she is the second child of Peter and Lydia (Huffman) Mitman. Her parents were

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born in York County, Pa , and her mother died in Montgomery County, Ohio, soon after their re- moval, which took place in 1834. Their oldest child was Rebecca, who became the wife of U. Wilson, and who died in Fairfield. The father took for his second companion Mrs. Anna (Jones) Miller, who also bore him two children: Lewis, who is living on the home farm; and William, who is deceased. Mr. Mitman was reared in his native State, working upon a farm, and also helping to haul stone for the construction of the first railroad built in Pennsylvania. IIe learned the milling business, but coneluding to come West, in 1833, he walked to Wheeling, whence he followed the Ohio River down to Cineinnati, still on foot, and then took the tow path to Columbus. Viewing the country and being favorably impressed with it, he returned to Pennsylvania over the mountains, mak- ing the trip in six weeks, and accomplishing it as he had his journey hither. In the spring of 1834, with a one horse wagon, he brought his wife and two children to this county, settling in Bath Township. Having but $28 in money when he arrived, he began working out on farms, but he afterwards bought his father's place and improved it, putting upon it fine buildings, paying for it and helping his children some. Being the fortu- nate possessor of a fine physique, he was able to endure mueh hard labor, and by his own hands performed a large share of the arduous toil re- quired in placing the estate upon a fine footing. He died in Fairfield April 20, 1890. He had been Township Trustee, and was Land Appraiser in 1870. He was a Democrat in polities, and a Lu- theran in religion. He was active in the church work, being a charter member of the organization at Osborn, and a Deaeon since its institution.

Mrs. Kendig's grandfather, Jacob Mitman, was a farmer in York County, Pa., until 1835, when be became a resident of the Buckeye State, loeating on a farm in Bath Township, this county, which a few years later he sold to his son Peter, afterward living with his children until his death. He had served in the War of 1812, and as a hunter and fisherman attained quite a reputation.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Kendig comprises seven sons and daughters: Julia A., John P.,

Lewis F., Albert D., William H., Harry R. and Daisy May. Julia became the wife of Zepheniah Trollinger, of Virginia, their home being near Fairfield; John P. is a shareholder in the Osborn Bank, and a School Director in his district; Lewis F. married Miss Cora Burrous, and occupies the farin adjoining his boyhood home; the younger members of the family still reside under the pa- rental roof.

Mr. Kendig is a stockholder and Director in the Osborn Bank. He was School Director for six years, and while he lived in Montgomery County was Road Supervisor. The various township offices have been at his command, but he deelines running, having no desire for publie life except to aid the cause of education. Politically he is a straight Demoerat. Personally, be is a whole- souled and honorable man, a thorough gentleman, and necessarily a reliable citizen. Both himself and wife belong to the German Reformed Church, at Byron, he having helped to build the church edifiee, and both being interested in every good work going on about them. Throughout this sec- tion of country no couple can be found more worthy of representation in this volume than Jolin Kendig and his wife.

W ILLIAM R. ROSS. The Ross family has for many years occupied a leading posi- tion in Jefferson Township, Greene County, and the subject of this notice is one of its most worthy representatives. He is a grandson of the well-known John Ross, the latter a native of County Armagh, Ireland, and of Protestant Irish stock.

Grandfather John Ross was fourteen years old when emigrating to America, and settled with his brother on the Roanoke River, in Montgomery County, Va. He was there married later to a Miss McDonald, who was of ancestry similar to his own and whom it is believed was born in Ireland. If this was the ease she eame when a very young child to America with her parents, they settling in Virginia, where the parents died when quite

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aged. John Ross after his marriage located on a farm in Montgomery County, that State, and there with his estimable wife spent the remainder of his life, dying at an advanced age. Both were con- nected with the Reformed Presbyterian or as it was sometimes called, the Seceder's Church. The father of Miss MeDonald served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and was one of the earliest settlers of the county where he spent the closing years of his life. To him and his estimable wife was born a family of ten children, of whom Robert, the father of our subject, was the youngest son.

Robert Ross was born in Montgomery County, Va., and lived there until reaching his majority, when leaving home he emigrated to Monroe County and was there wedded to Miss Susannah H. Alexan- der. The lady was born and reared in Monroe County and was the daughter of Mathew Alexander, whose parents were natives of the city of Dublin, Ireand. The latter upon emigrating to America set- tled in what is now Augusta County, Va., where they engaged in farming and spent the balance of their lives. The mother bore the maiden name of Mary Black. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Alex- ander spent their lives in Monroe County and dicd at an advanced age.

The father of our subject after his marriage set- tled on a farin in Monroe County where he lived until after the birth of four sons, these being, James, who died when about twenty-four years old; John A .; William R., our subject and Thompson. Wil- liam R. was born June 9, 1829, and remained un- der the home roof until the family set out in the fall of 1847 for Ohio. The journey was made over- land with teams, the travelers halting at night by the wayside. They carried with them a few house- hold utensils and their provisions, and camped and cooked by the wayside. After a journey of about ciglitcen days they reached their destination in Jef - ferson Township and the father early the following spring purchased land and began the opening up of a farm. Hc was prospered in his labors as a tiller of the soil and lived there the remainder of his days, passing away January 10, 1878, at the ad- vanced age of cighty-four years. He was a life- long member of the Presbyterian Chuch in which he had officiated as Elder and been one of the

chief pillars. He was a member of the old Whig party in early life, but later joined the Democracy. The wife and mother preceded her husband to the silent land about ten years, when sixty-four years old; she belonged to the same church as her hus- band for many years.

The subject of this notice was about nincteen years old when his parents emigrated to Ohio. He remained with them until after his marriage and then purchased a part of the land which he now owns and occupies. He has now two hundred and twenty-six acres, nearly all under cultivation and embellished with modern buildings. The residence is a fine two-story briek structurc, completed in the fall of 1874, and adjacent was a substantial barn with the other outbuildings required by the enterprising and progressive farmer. On Easter Sunday, 1890, the barn with its contents was de- stroyed by fire, involving a loss of more than $3,000.

The marriage of William R. Ross and Miss Ruli- amah C. Moon was celebrated February 25, 1864, at the bride's home in Jefferson Township. Mrs. Ross was a native of this township and was born March 22, 1843. Her parents were Gidcon and Jane (Turner) Moon, natives respectively of New York State and Ohio. They were married in Cin- einnati and soon afterward settled on a farm near Bowersville during the pioneer days. They began life comparatively without means, but by the exer- eise of unflagging industry and cconomy, suc- ceeded in building up a good home from the wilderness which sheltered them until they passed from earth. Death visited the family during the cholera epidemie in 1854, taking the mother at the age of forty-ciglit years, two daughters, a son and son-in-law and a grandchild, all within a few days.

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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 30

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