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 40

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 40
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 40

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Mr. Smith, of whom we write, spent his early years in his native village and, like his father and grandfather, served an apprenticeship in a woolen factory, commeneing when a youth of cigliteen years and remaining in Seotland until 1849. In the spring of that year he emigrated to America, embark- ing at Greenock on the sailing-vessel "Margaret," March 15, and landing in New York City six weeks later. Thence he proceeded directly to Huron County, this State, and proeured employment in a woolen factory as a spinner, remaining there four years. Ile decided then to investigate the Great Northwest, having in view the Territory of Min- nesota. Thither he made his way by rail to Cin- cinnati and from there by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Winona, whose site was then marked by only one building, and that occupied by a mission-

ary. Mr. Smith entered a tract of Government land seven miles northwest of Winona, and later with others made another elaim eight miles from that place where he put up a board house. Ile had left his wife at St. Louis, but she soon joined him with a year's provisions. They, however, only so- journed there a few months, then returned to the haunts of eivilization, settling in Cleveland, Ohio, where Mr. Smith entered the employ of Alexander Patton, a Scotchman engaged in the manufacture of soap.

Our subject remained with Mr. Patton for a per- iod of four years as an employe and was then ad- mitted to partnership in the business, continuing there another four years. We next find him in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he remained one year. In 1861 he eame to Springfield and establishing a soap factory, at once entered upon a sueeessful business which he eondneted a number of years and then turned over to his sons. Mr. Smith was mar- ried, in 1843, to Miss Isabella White, a native of his own shire in Scotland. She became the mother of seven children and died at her home in Spring- field, October 9, 1886. There are now living of their family three sons and a daughter, viz: James, Mark, Mary and Horatio; all live in Springfield.

Mr. Smith has proved himself an able financier and possesses all the sturdy qualities of his substan- tial Seoteh aneestry, of which he has reason to be proud. He is honest and upright in his dealings, has been industrions and frugal in his manner of living and is deservedly in possession of a eompe- tenee which will fortify him against want in his old age. Politically, he is a supporter of the Re- publiean party and in religious matters believes in the doetrines of the United Presbyterian Church.

ENRY CROFT, a life-long resident of Clark County and a son of one of its pioneers, has for many years made his home in Springfield, and is elassed among its most estimable, intelligent and substantial eitizens. Al- though he has been connected with the agricultural interests of this part of Ohio and has been a factor

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in advaneing its development in that direction, yet he is better and more widely known as a suc- cessful inventor. He was born in Bethel Township, November 13, 1820, a son of George Croft, one of its early settlers, who was born in the town of York. York County, Pa., November 25, 1771. His father, Frederick Croft, was a native of Witten- berg, Germany. He came to America in Colonial times, and east his lot with the settlers of York, Pa., where he purchased a brewery and oper- ated it for some time. He was loyal to the cause of the Colonists and did good service throughout the seven years of the Revolution. He passed his last years in York. His wife was also a native of Germany, and spent her last years in this country.

In early manhood the father of our subjeet went to Virginia, and was there employed in operating a flour mill in Botetourt County. In 1799 he was there married to Mary Critz. who was born in that State of German parents. In 1804 he emigrated to Ohio with his family, making the journey in a wagon drawn by a pair of horses, and taking pro- visions along and cooking and camping by the way. Ohio, a new State, was then scarcely more than a wilderness, with dense primeval forests and uncultivated prairies, and deer, bears, wolves and other kinds of wild animals were plentiful, and In- dians still made their home here. Clark County then formed a part of Champaign Connty, and he became one of the early settlers of that portion of it now known as Bethel Township, where he bought a tract of timber land on the banks of Mad River, and at onee built a log house. He had brought no furniture from his old home, and all the tables, chairs, bedsteads, ete., in the new one were of his own handiwork. He actively en- tered upon the hard pioncer task of clearing his land for cultivation, and in 1816 erected a wing to a brick house, which is still standing. He resided there until after the death of his wife early in 1846, and then removed to Donnellsville, where he rounded out a good and true life in 1855, at the venerable age of eighty-five years. He was one of the first Masons in the county, having joined that organization when a young man, and he was also prominent in the early religious life of the county, being one of the first Lutherans to settle within

its limits, and he was instrumental in organizing a society of that denomination here, and in 1842 built a church for its use on his farm. As one of the earliest pioneers of Clark County, and as an important factor in promoting its religious, so- eial, and agricultural interests, his memory should always be revered. He was the father of nine chil- dren, seven sons and two daughters.

- The son who forms the subject of this sketeh was bred to agricultural pursuits in his native township, and he has a elear remembrance of pioneer life here when he was a boy. His mother used to eook delicious meals before the open fire in the rude old fireplaec, and with deft fingers carded, spun and wove wool or manufactured linen for all the clothes used in the family for many years. His father farmed with rude, simple farming implements, har- vesting his wheat with the sickle until the cradle came into use, whiel he laid aside after the inven- tion of the threshing machine, he having the first one that was worked by horse power in 1828 in the State, and our subjeet owned the first reaping- machine. It is within his remembrance that the greater part of the county has been developed, and even when he settled in this city, a little more than twenty-one years ago, there was but little im- provement on that part of West Main Street where he now resides. There were no railways here for some years after his birth, and Dayton was the nearest market. IIe was born before the introduc- tion of the free school system into his native county, and the schools were kept up on the sub- scription plan, and were conducted in rude log buildings, and one of the first teachers that our subject can remember was a man named Oiler. As a farmer's son, our subject had to assist in the labors of tilling the soil as soon as large enough, and he remained with his parents until he married and established a home of his own. He con- tinued to live on the old homestead until 1859. He rebuilt and altered the dwelling that stood thereon, and otherwise greatly improved the farm and increased its value. In the year just men- tioned he took up his residence in Springfield, and has since made his home here. He is the possessor of a handsome property, including his present commodious home, which he built when he first lo-

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cated in this city, besides erecting several other houses, from the rental of which he derives a good ineome. Our subject has beeome famous as an in- ventor, and being a man of more than ordinary intel- ligence and mechanical genius, gifted with patience and a resolute will, he has not only made several inventions that have proved to be of great value in the industrial world, but has made many im- provements on other inventions that have greatly enhaneed their use. Mr. Croft had the honor of inventing and manufacturing the first threshing machine ever used west of Springfield, and to his handiwork was due the first separator ever made and operated on wheels. He never patented it, however, and others rcaped the benefit of his in- vention. He and his son invented and patented a wind engine, known as the Croft engine, which they manufactured for a time and then sold the patent and it is now ealled the Leffel engine. Mr. Croft's inventive genius contrived the razor strap, ealled the Croft's Scientific Razor Strap, which is the fin- est ever invented, and he has spent much time and money in making improvements on other inven- ventions too numerous to mention.

That greatest of blessings a good and true wife has been given our subject, as he was married, in 1846, to Miss Lany, daughter of Jacob and El- sie Shartle, and a native of this State, born in Dayton,' Montgomery County. Mrs. Croft's par- ents were pioneers of Bethel Township, to which they removed when she was four years old. Mr. and Mrs. Croft have two children living: Lizzie, who married Frank M. Bookwalter, of this eity ; and Henry, who married Clara Long, also resides in this city.

An honorable, sagacious, well-informed man, during his long and busy carcer our subjeet has been a useful citizen, and by his upright life, guided by principles of honor and truthfulness, he is worthy of the high estimation in which he is regarded by all. By his inventive genius he has been of inestimable benefit not only to this, his native county, but to the country at large. Mr. Croft is a remarkably fine rifleman. When he was a hoy he had a gun and used to shoot squirrels, wild turkeys, ete. His interest in such sports waned for some years, but of late he has engaged in rifle

practice, and on January 28, 1890, in the contest in which the oldest riflemen took part, he made a seore of ninety-nine out of one hundred possible points, and justly lays claim to the championship for men of his age. During his residenee in Bethel Township he took an active part in the manage- ment of its publie affairs, and served as Township Trustee eight years. Hc and his wife are members of the First English Lutheran Church, and he was also prominent in religious concerns of Bethel as Elder and Deacon in the church.

UTHER BOYD. This gentleman is widely known throughout the philanthropic world for his prominent connection with the abo- lition movement in ante bellum days, when his name was the synonym to many of charity, benev- olence and goodness, and was held in reverence by many a poor slave whom he helped to liberty. He was a co-worker with Garrison, Phillips, Lovejoy and others, and was very earnest and active in the cause for which he ahnost staked his life. He was for many years engaged in the mercantile bus- iness, acquiring a handsome competeuee, and in the city of Springfield, of which he has been a resident for nearly three decades, he has built up a substantial, eozy home, amid whose comforts he is passing the declining years of a well-spent life, revereneed and esteemed by all about him.

Our subject was born in this State, in the town of Steubenville, Jefferson County, February 10, 1817. His father, Robert Boyd, was born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, a son of William Boyd, who is supposed to have been born in the same county, and to have been of Scotch antecedents, and there he was reared, married and spent the rest of his life. Three of his children came to America, and his son John settled in Har- rison County, Ohio, engaged as a farmer and died there. His son William reared a family of twenty- two children, and coming to this country when he was seventy years old he spent his last years with them in Coshocton County.

The father of our subjeet was bred to a farmer's

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life, and was twenty-two years old when he came to the United States, and having received a good education in the old country, he utilized it by teaching in Eastern Pennsylvania, and later at- tended college there. He married in that State, and moved to Ohio in 1805, the removal being made with teams. Ohio was a wilderness at that time, the home of the Indian, and deer, bear, wolves, and other kinds of wild animals were plenty in the primeval forest. Mr. Boyd became a pioneer of Steubenville, and soon arose to prominence in the public life of the county, being elected Clerk of the Court, and also County Recorder, and at the same time he kept an hotel. He resided there till Septem- ber, 1817, when he removed to Coshocton County, and bought a half section of land in Keene Town- ship, and in the forest wilds erected a log house for the abode of his family. There were no rail- ways or canals in that section of the country in that early day, and Coshocton, several iniles dis- tant, was the market and depot for supplies for the people for many miles around. Mr. Boyd cleared a few acres of his land and made his home there till his death in December, 1827, at the age of fifty-seven years, deprived that county of one of its most intelligent and capable pioneers. The maiden name of his wife was Mary McMasters, and she was born in County Down, Ireland, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James McMasters. She spent her last years with her children in Coshocton County until six months before her death, which occurred in the home of her son Renfrew M., in Licking County, in 1871, she attaining the re- markable age of ninety-four years. She reared nine children, namely: Sarah, William, Robert, Algernon S., Hervey, John C., Luther, Eliza, and Renfrew M. William, Renfrew, Eliza and our sub- jeet are the only representatives of the family now living.

The latter was reared to man's estate in Coshoc- ton County, receiving his carly education in the common school, taught in a log building, licated by a rude fireplace, of which the chimney was built with a log foundation and the remainder of clay and sticks; a log removed and the opening covered with greased paper constituted the win- dow, while the benehes were made of puncheon,

without backs, and with wooden pegs for legs; and around the sides of the room wooden pins were in- serted between the logs, and the puncheon laid on them served the larger scholars for a writing desk. The school was conducted on the subscription plan. A youth of quick, warm impulses, large sympathy and a thoughtful mind, our subject carly became interested in the condition of the slaves, and identified himself with that noble band of de- voted men, the Abolitionists, in 1837, and was with them an active worker till slavery was abol- ished. He was prominently connected with the "underground railroad," and, figuratively speak- ing, laid the tracks and ran the first train on that famous road from bondage to freedom that ever passed through Coshocton and Holmes Counties, and hic was instrumental in helping many slaves to escape from their masters. By so doing he jeopardized his life, on account of the animosity often displayed towards the Abolitionists, his friend and co-worker, Rev. George Gerden, being incarcerated in jail, in Cleveland, for aiding slaves to escape, and dying soon after he was liberated. He remained on the home farm till he was twenty- seven, and then established himself in the mercan- tile business in Hayesville, Ashland County, and later was similarly engaged in Jeromesville, and re- mained a resident of Ashland County thirteen years, and from there went to Greene County, where he lived two and one-half years, and whence he came to Springfield October 23, 1861. He lo- cated on North Street, and in 1872 bought a home on Bowler Street, where he dwelt till 1886, when he purchased a lot on North Fountain Avenue and erected his present desirable residence, wherein he enjoys the comforts procured by a substantial income.

In his philanthropic work Mr. Boyd found a faithful sympathizer and encourager in liis devoted wife, formerly Miss Sarah Taggart, a native of Nova Scotia, to whom he was married September 16, 1844. They have two children living, Salome Elizabeth and Harry.

This brief life record of our subject is sufficient to show that he possesses a pure, lofty nature that is true to the right whatever betides. His kindly heart still glows with sympathy for the unfor-

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tunate, and he is as ready as ever to champion the oppressed and to do battle against wrong in any form. He is a deep thinker and a great reader, and is the author of a famous work that has caused much disenssion in the religious world, the book referred to being entitled "The Ten Tribes of Israel," which was issued under the nom de plume of Timothy R. Jenkins, and in it is proved con- clusively to the intelligent reader that the Indians are descendants of those tribes. Mr. Boyd is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, while Mrs. Boyd and her daughter belong to the United Presbyterian Church.

C HRISTIAN K. HERSHEY. The career of this young gentleman, now Mayor of Os- born, Greene County, and editor of the Os- born Local, has been one of painstaking industry, studiousness, and zeal. The lives of few men of his years present so striking an example of the sue- eess that can be obtained through determination and good condnet, and to few is greater respeet awarded, or a better position secured.

The Hershey family is of German extraction, the first of the name whom we note being Abraham Hershey, a farmer and stockman of Pennsylvania. In Lancaster County, of that State, his son, also named Abraham, was born, and there learned the trade of a painter. While a young man he re- moved to Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked at his trade, and where he married Miss Fannie Long. The wife and an infant daughter died there, and soon after the bereaved husband came to Clark County, Ohio. There he continued his former oe- cupation, and after his second marriage located on a small farm, but still followed his trade, at which he has labored forty years. He now lives near Medway, and although quite old, is still hale and hearty. He belongs to the Mennonite Church. His second wife died in 1863, and he contracted a third matrimonial alliance.

The mother of our subjeet was born in Bethel Township, Clark County, and bore the maiden name of Anna Kline. Her father, C. D. Kline, a native

of Lancaster County, Pa., ran a tailor shop there until some time in the 30's, when he came to Ohio in a wagon. He settled in the township in which she was born, purchasing a tract of land which he improved, also continuing to work at his trade. Al- though a poor man when he came here, he is now worth about $10,000, which has been acquired by his own efforts. He is still living on his farm, and has now reached the age of seventy eight years. He is a member of the Mennonite Church. When he came to this section, the site of Springfield could have been bought for $500, and he was anxious to purchase it; his brother Samuel had more money than he, but would not furnish him seenrity, and he was not able to purchase without it. Mrs. Anna (Kline) Hershey bore her husband two children, the subject of this sketch being the first-born, and the other, a son, who died in infancy.

The third marriage of our subject's father, was blessed by the birth of nine children: Mary is now at home; Anna, Mrs. Kauffman, lives in Osborn; Abraham resides in Ansonia, Darke County ; Harry and Andrew live in Bethel Township, Clark County ; Daniel is with our subject; Hettie lives with her sister, Mrs. Kauffman, in Osborn; John and Meno are at home.

C. K. Hershey was born Jannary 9, 1861, in Bethel Township, Clark County, and reared and educated there until eight years old. He then went to live with his grandfather Kline, having good common school advantages until twelve years old, when he was thrown on his own resources. Hle en- gaged in farm work summers, and in winters worked for his board and attended school, determined to acquire a better education and fit himself for a good position in life. At the age of sixteen years, he was able to pass an examination and seenre a county teacher's certificate, although he did not engage in teaching, but worked at the painter's trade.

In 1880 young Hershey came to Osborn and en- tered the employ of J. H. Barkman, with whom he remained eight years. Beginning as an errand boy, and without a dollar in money, (having spent all for books the previous winter), he worked his way to the position of head elerk within two years. In 1881 he spent two months in attending the Miami Commereial College at Dayton,and in 1882 attended

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three months and was graduated,after which he took eharge of the books of the firm, holding the posi- tion of head elerk and book-keeper until the fall of 1884. Having saved his money, he then became a partner with a one-fourth interest in the estab- lisliment, with which he continued his eonneetion until January, 1888, when he sold his interest.

The next enterprise of Mr. Hershey was a jour- nalistie one, as upon selling his mercantile interest he bought the printing office of the Osborn Local, and became its editor. The sheet which he con- duets is a seven column folio, which is newsy and popular; a job office is also run. When Mr. Her- shey became of age he was elected City Clerk, and held the office four years, after which he became Assistant Postmaster. These duties did not pre- vent his attention to the mereantile business in which he had embarked.

An important step in the life of Mr. Hershey, was taken March 13, 1888, when in Dayton he was united in marriage with Miss Lettie L. Kepler, an educated and refined young woman, who makes home attractive, and is a eredit to the society in which she moves. She was born in Montgomery County, her father, William Kepler, being a prominent farmer of Perry Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hershey have one child, Granville, born August 5, 1889.

Mr. Hershey belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in Os- born, being Secretary of the latter lodge, and a charter member of the former. He is an active Democrat, and a member of the County Central Committee. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, is Treasurer of the Sunday-school, and teacher of the Bible elass, his example adding weight to the precepts which he unfolds, and proving an influenee for good throughout the entire community.

W ILLIAM D. JOHNSON, late a prominent and very wealthy resident of Miami Town- ship, Greene County, departed this life at his homestead June 3, 1875. He was born July 10, 1808 in Mason County, Ky., where he was given a practical education in the common school

and subsequently occupied himself as a teacher. On the 16th of January, 1834, he was nnited in marriage with Miss Hannah M. Brewer, and soon afterward was employed as a dry-goods salesman in Mr. Mill's store. He came to Ohio about 1828. His first business enterprise was as a merchant at Mad River and later he rented the Hertzler mill, which he condueted sneeessfully for two years. Finally he purchased the Clifton mill at Clifton, which lie operated for a number of years successfully and then retired from active labor.

Mr. Johnson was a man of good business abili- ties, well informed and was frequently selected to act as administrator in the settlement of estates. He was administrator of the Knott estate and was settling the affairs of the Hertzler estate at the time of his death. For a number of years he offici- ated as County Commissioner. The Presbyterian Church found in him one of its chief pillars,he serv- ing as an Elder for years. He maintained a warm interest in Sunday-sehool work and frequently en - gaged as a teacher. Politieally, he was a sound Republican. He was owner of a farm in Miami Township whereon he effected good improvements and which under his wise management became the souree of a handsome income. He was successful in the accumulation of property and at his deatlı left his widow with a fortune of over $100,000 be- sides $50,000 devoted to charitable purposes. His parents were James and Clemeney (Dunavon) Johnson, natives of Kentucky and who spent their last years in Ohio. There was born to them a fan- ily of eleven children.

Mrs. Hannah M. (Brewer) Johnson was born in Lewis County, Ky., July 20, 1811, and was the youngest ehild of Jolin and Rachel (Dunavon) Brewer, who were natives of Maryland, where they were married and whenee they removed to Ken- tueky at an early day. The Brewer family was of English descent and the paternal grandparents of Mrs. Johnson were natives of England.

After removing to Kentucky Mr. Brewer pur- chased the old homestead of his wife's father, near Orangeburg, Mason County, and there with his estimable wife he spent the remainder of his days. The mother died in 1834, after the decease of her husband. They were the parents of thirteen ehil-

Wallace Collins

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dren of whom Hannah M. is the only survivor. She received only limited educational advantages and was reared to womanhood under the parental roof, receiving careful home training and becoming thoroughi mistress of all useful household duties. Of her union with Mr. Johnson there were born no children, but Mrs. Johnson has taken and reared several little ones, bringing them up as her own.

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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 40

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