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 49
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 49
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
The attractive home of Mr. Davis is presided over by a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, of refinement and Christian eharaeter, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Haines. Her parents, Ezra and Susan (Dunwiddie) Haines, are numbered among the old settlers in this section, to which her father eame poor, and in which he acquired a for- tune and became prominent and influential. He
408
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
.
died in 1884, but his widow is still living, having now reached the ripe age of fourscore years. Their family compriscd ten children, all yet living but one. Mrs. Davis was born September 10, 1848, and although her studies were prosecuted in the common sehools she obtained a very thorough knowledge of the English branchies. Her marriage was celebrated Mareh 13, 1867, and the happy union has been blessed by the birth of six children -Allan Henry, Susan, Jennie, Maud, James and Arthur II.
Mr. Davis has been Supervisor of Sugar Creek Township five terms, and is now serving his fourth year as Township Trustec. He has served on the School Board seven years, and has also been a member of the Common Council of Bellbrook. For twenty-six years he has been identified with the Church of Christ, and is one of its most ardent supporters, being an active worker in the Sunday- school, in which he lias heen a teacher for several years, and wielding a decided influence for the eause of Christianity. His wife holds membership in the Baptist Church. For some fifteen years past lie has been much interested in politieal affairs, affiliating with the Republican party, and exerting a strong influence in the political arena. He has frequently served as delegate to county conven- tions, and has also sat in State and Congressional conventions.
OHN H. COOPER, Probate Judge of Greene County, was elected to that position in 1884, qualifying for office February 9, · 1885. At the expiration of the term of three years, which is the length of service in Ohio, lie was continued in office, having been re-elected in 1887. He is filling the position acceptably to the people and with credit to himself. Judge Cooper is a man of excellent business and judicial ability, and of Christian character, and stands high in the estimation of his fellow-men.
Judge Cooper is a son of the Rev. Ebenezer Cooper, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, who was born in South Carolina, in 1792. Al-
though South Carolina was his home during his youth, Ebenezer Cooper was educated at New York City, and took his theologieal course of study at Philadelphia. Upon completing liis education he returned to the South to enter the ministry there, his first charge being at Fayettville, Tenn. After leaving that State he took charge of a church in Fayette County, Ind., where he continued his ministerial labors until he lost his healtlı. Resign- ing and giving up all connection with an active pastorate, he removed to Cedarville, this county, where he spent the remainder of his life. In the locations where he had labored he was one of the pioneer ministers. After completing his education lie married Miss Jane MeMillan, of South Caro- lina, who survived until 1888. They reared a family of six boys and one girl, of whom the Rev. James H. is now living in Highland County; Rob- ert F. in Georgia; and W. R. M. in Findley, this State.
Judge Cooper was born in Fayette County, Tenn., January 13, 1831, and came to this county when about sixteen years old, with his grand- father, Daniel MeMillan, one of the old pioneers. The lad attended sehool in Xenia, with his uncle Daniel McMillan, Jr., the famous cattleman of this country. After finishing his schooling lie entered the store of James C. McMillan, for whom he clerked a number of years. He then went into business as a member of the firm of Stark, Lytle & Cooper, dealers in general dry-goods, groecries, boots and shoes, carpets, ete., continuing the con- neetion until 1861. He next associated himself with W. C. Huteliinson, continuing an active mem- ber of the firm of Cooper & Hutchinson until 1879, when he was elected County Treasurer. He was re-elected to a second term, and continued in the office until called by the people to occupy the position of which he is now the ineumbent. His entire time is given to the duties of his office, and to those of private life, and for several years past he has been entirely withdrawn from business.
In Xenia, October 19, 1859, Judge Cooper was united in marriage with Miss Julia Platter, a daughter of Christian Platter, who was born in Ross County, October 19, 1840. The happy union has resulted in the birth of five children, three of
Giles Kimble
411
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
whom died from scarlet fever, at ages varying from from four to eight years; Belle died in 1888, at the age of seventeen; Emily P., a healthy, bright and active infant, was born Jannary 6, 1889. Judge Cooper belongs to the Republican party, by which he was first nominated to an office of public trust. Ile is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an Elder for many years.
G ILES KIMBLE. One of the prominent farmers of Pleasant Township is Mr. Kimble, who has resided in Clark County more than half a century, and whose portrait will be noticed on the opposite page. During the long years of his residence here, he has witnessed a decided change in the appearance of the country, its popu- lation, and civilization, and takes a just pride in the fact that he has borne a share in the labors which have produced its present fine condition. He is respected by a large circle of acquaintances to whom liis sterling qualities of mind and character are well known.
Our subject is descended in the second genera- tion from Giles Kimble, a native of England, who came to America and settled in Maryland. Ilis occupation was that of a farmer. He had two sons and two daughters : Martha, Irilla, John, and a son who died when quite young. Jolm Kimble, who was born in Maryland, married Nancy Ford, a na- tive of North Carolina, who died about 1827. She left eight children, named respectively : Sarah, Martha, George, Giles, John, Ford, Nancy, and Ellen, all of whom married, except Nancy. The second wife of John Kimble was Sarah Morland, who died in 1852, leaving two children, Alexander and Anna. In September, 1816, John Kimble and his family removed from their home in Maryland to Guernsey County, Ohio, the journey being ac- complished in wagons, according to the primitive method. That county was the home of the parents until their death, the father of our subject dying in August, 1863, at the age of eighty-two years. Ile was a carpenter by trade and had accumulated
about seventy acres of good land. Politically, he was first a Whig, and afterward a Republican.
In Hartford County, Md., Giles Kimble was born January 8, 1815, and was therefore not yet two years old when his parents came to Ohio. He was reared on a farm and enjoyed a limited attendance in the pioneer schools that were held in a log cabin to and from which he walked the distance of four miles. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, and the winter following went with an older brother to Logan County, where he worked by the month until July, 1837. He then came to Clark County, and in Harmony Township obtained work by the month, continuing the same three years, his employer being James Turner. A short time after his marriage he began renting land, and in November, 1846, located upon ninety-four acres where he now resides. Beginning his own career without capital other than that with which nature and training had endowed him, he has made a financial success and now owns a comfortable estate of one hundred and seventy-six acres. Ile has reared a large family and yet has been able to place himself in a condition which promises com- fort in his old age.
On October 24, 1839, Mr. Kimble led to the hymencal altar Miss Eveline, daughter of Samuel and Leah (Jones) Turner, of Harmony Township. Mrs. Kimble was born in that township, January 27, 1823. She has borne her husband twelve children: Nancy J., Samuel, Mathewson, William, Francis, Alfred, Elizabeth A., Alzina, Aaron T., Mary E., Clara A., and Andrew. Nancy is the wife of James Baird; Samuel died when two and one-half years old; Mathewson served in Company F, Forty-eighth and Eightieth Ohio Cavalry during the war, and William who died when twenty-seven years old had served in Company F, One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry; Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Hodge; Mary married Thomas Eberhart; and Clara is the wife of Grant McCartney.
The father of Mrs. Kimble was twice married. His first wife bore him three children, namely: Eveline (Mrs. Kimble), Nancy and Andrew. Ilis second wife, formerly Miss Jane Sewell, reared four children : Madison, Aaron S., Franklin B. and
412
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Abigail J. Mr. Turner and his wife were from Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. He was a son of Samuel and Jane ( Vanee) Turner, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
E PHRAIM SHELLABARGER. There is, probably, not within the limits of Clark County a more thorough or skillful farmer than the subject of this notiec, who is the owner of a fine homestead on seetion 5, Mad River Township. This embraces three hundred aeres of choiee land which under the careful management of the pro- prietor yields annually handsome returns. It is considered one of the best stock farms in the county, being naturally adapted to this purpose on account of its numerous springs of water which issue in unfailing streams from the solid roek.
Mr. Shellabarger in former years made a spec- ialty of full-blooded Poland-China swine, but later on account of the cholera which committed great ravages among these animals, he abandoned the in- dustry, although he had the most convenient ar- rangements for feeding, carc, cte., in the whole county. He now gives liis attention mostly to the breeding of cattle and is quite extensively inter- ested in bee keeping, having a thriving apiary. All his surroundings indicate more than ordinary en - terprise and it is evident that he has contributed his full share in furthering the agricultural inter- ests of Clark County.
-
The Shellabarger family was first represented in Mad River Township by the paternal grandfather of our subject who settled in it at a very early day. In the sketch of Martin Shellabarger the pa- ternal uncle of our subject, will be found a more ex- tended history of the family. Reuben Shellabarger, the father, was reared to farming pursuits and when starting in life for himself without other re- sources than his own industry and resolution, went into debt for one hundred and twelve acres of land on section 6, Mad River Township. He put up a log honse, eleared the forest around him and brought the soil to a good state of cultivation, making his home. there until 1862. In the meantime he had
been prospered and now purchased two hundred acres of the old Galloway farm, going into debt for this also. With the aid of his boys, however, hc relieved the property from ineumbranec and spent his last years in the midst of comfort and plenty.
Reuben Shellabarger was a very active man in his community, holding the offiec of Township Trustee for years. He was also a land appraiser and one of the most prominent members of the Christian Church in which he officiated as Elder for many years prior to his death. Politically, he was a sound Democrat, a man of decided views and one who held to his convictions with all the natural strength of his character. He was temperate in all respeets, using neither whisky or tobaeco in any form. He departed this life at the old homestead October 27, 1889, when seventy-five years old. Of a jovial and genial disposition, lic made friends wherever he went and was not only mourned by his immediate family,but by the entire community.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Baker) Shellabarger, the mother of our subjeet, was born in Mad River Township, Clark County, and was the danghter of Melyn Baker one of its carliest settlers. She passed away on September 5, 1873, several years prior to the de- cease of her husband and like him, was an active member of the Christian Church. There had been born to them ten children of whom seven are liv- ing, our subject being the eldest: Melyn, (a farmer) Minerva, (Mrs. Dolbeer) and Saralı, (Mrs Smithi), are all residents of Mad River Township, Clark County; Rebecea, (Mrs. Dunkel) Elizabeth, (Mrs. Athy) and Irene, (Mrs. Miller) are all living at Enon.
Ephraim Shellabarger was born at the old home- stead near Enon, September 28, 1837, and spent his boyhood days after the manner of most farmer's sons, assisting in the development of the new land and obtaining sueh education as was afforded by the district school. He took charge of the farm at about the time of reaching his majority and re- mained there until a man of twenty seven years. In the meantime he was married, December 22, 1863, at the bride's home in Mad River Township, to Miss Jane E., daughter of Isaac N. Dolbeer.
The latter was one of the earliest settlers of this region, to which he had emigrated from New Jer-
413
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
sey. He followed various pursuits, including farm- ing and served as Justice of the Peace for many years. He is still living and a resident of Spring- field, being now seventy-five years old.
Mrs. Shellabarger acquired a common-school edu- cation and remained under the parental roof until becoming the mistress of her own home. The newly wedded pair began the journey of life together at the old Galloway farm, which the father of our sub- jeet had purchased, and which the latter and his brother operated in partnership until it was paid for and then received a deed for one-half of it. In 1874, he purchased his brother's interest in the property and is now the sole proprietor. In 1887, Mr. Shellabarger purchased the Francis Johnson farm of one hundred and ninety-eight acres, paying therefor the snug sum of $15,000. He thus lias three farms and need not worry about being pro- vided for in his old age. Like his father before him he votes the straight Democratic ticket and has been quite prominent in local affairs, serving as a delegate to the county conventions, but has stead- ily declined to assume the responsibilities of office, although frequently solicited to do so. In his re- ligions belief he inclines to the doctrines of the Christian Church.
OHN WOODROW. He with whose name we introduce this biographical outline bears the distinction of being one of the oldest living settlers of Clark County. He is a veteran of eighty-five years, having been born April 4, 1805, and is a native of Fayette County, Pa. Few men have witnessed the growth and de- velopment of the Buckeye State with warmer inter- est or felt greater pride in the position which she holds to-day among the great commonwealths of the West.
The immediate progenitors of our subject were James and Fanny (Stutzman) Woodrow, who were natives of Pennsylvania and the latter of German descent. The Woodrow family traces its ancestry to England. James Woodrow and his estimable wife were called from earth when their son John
was less than three years old, and he was then taken into the home of one Daniel Rouzer, of Miami County, this State. With him he came to Clark County when a lad of ten years. They setiled in Springfield Township during its pioneer days and young Woodrow remained a member of Mr. Rou- zer's family until a youth of eighteen years and until the death of his benefactor, which took place in 1823. IIe then struck out for himself, equipped with little more than the resources with which na- ture had endowed him, having a very limited edu- cation and not much experience of the world. Ilis industry and honesty, however, secured friends for him wherever he went. When coming to Clark County, Springfield was but a hamlet of a few log huts and the country around was practically a wilderness.
When about twenty-two years old Mr. Wood- row, under David Pettigrew, of Springfield, com- menced an apprenticeship at wood turning, serving three years, and thereafter followed this in connec- tion with chair-making and the manufacture of spinning-wheels for the long period of, probably, sixty years. When a young man of twenty-four, he was married, March 8, 1829, to Miss Mary Berry. This lady was born in Greenbrier County, Va., November 25, 1806, and is a daughter of James and Isabel (Best) Berry, who were likewise pioneer settlers of Clark County, having emigrated hither as carly as 1808. Mrs. Woodrow was then but two years old. She remained with her parents, obtaining her education in the primitive schools and becoming familiar with all useful household duties. Of her union with our subject there was born a family of seven children, only two of whom are living-David N. and Laura B. The deceased are: Mary E., William W., Martha, Sarah A. and one who died in infancy unnamed.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow settled in Springfield, where the family lived until removing to the present homestead in Moorefield Township, in June, 1888. Mr. Woodrow, besides this property, has a house and lot on Factory Street in the city of Springfield. Mrs. Woodrow, after remaining the faithful and devoted companion of her husband for a period of fifty-seven years, de- parted this life June 27, 1886. She was a lady of
414
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
many Christian virtues and was not only greatly monrned by her immediate family but by the en- tire community. Mr. Woodrow in his religious belief inclines to the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, with which he is associated in membership at Springfield.
R OBERT M. LOWRY. The Ohio Valley has long been known as a region in which fine farms abound, and Clark County is not without her share of those fertile and well- developed lands. One of the most beautiful and productive within her borders is located on sections 8 and 9, of Bethel Township, and comprises three hundred and twenty-four broad acres. The entire acreage is under good improvement, the house, barn, and other buildings being above the aver- age, the fences well kept, and fruit and shade trees abundant. It is owned and occupied by the gen- tleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, and who represents one of the pioneer fam- ilies of the county. His life has been devoted to the pursuit of agriculture, and he has given some attention to the raising of blooded Norman horses.
Mr. Lowry was born where he now resides, near Donnelsville, October 1, 1815. His father, David Lowry, was born in the Keystone State, September 17, 1767, and after growing to manhood, about the year 1795 he started westward, coming down the Ohio River on a raft to Cincinnati, whence, he made his way to what is now Clark County, Ohio. Arriving here in the spring of 1795, he bought the land that is now known as the Michael Minnich farm, soon afterward returning to Pennsylvania for his parents, who spent their last years here and were buried in the cemetery on the farm he pur- chased, and known as the Minnich Cemetery. Sub- sequently David Lowry sold his first purchase and bought a section of land near by, now known as the Lamine farm. This he afterward sold, buying land where our subject now resides, and on it spending the rest of his days, passing away Septem - ber 9, 1859.
The first house built by David Lowry was a
log cabin, in which he lived many years; that in which our subject now resides was erected in 1826, settlement on this farm having been made by Mr. Lowry about the beginning of the present century. When he came to this State he was a poor man, having but $1.50 when he arrived at Cincinnati, but being hard-working and enterpris- ing, he became quite comfortably situated ere many years. He built and ran the first grist and saw mills in this county, which he managed success- fully for many years; he also established the first paper mill in the county, and the first straw paper mill in the State of Ohio. The later years of his life were spent in farming and the culture of small fruits. His spirit was a generous one and he was deeply interested in all movements looking toward the public weal, supporting them by his personal influence and by his substance. For almost a life- time he belonged to the Christian Church, in the work of which he took an active part. Politically, he was a sturdy Whig and he held some of the minor offices.
David Lowry was twice married, his first wife being Miss Sarah Hamer, of this county, who bore him four children-Mary, Nancy, Elizabeth and Susan. All are deceased except the latter, who is now eighty-four years of age. The mother of our sub- ject opened her eyes to the light in Botetourt County, Va., September 26, 1778, and closed them in death August 15, 1867. She had been a true helpmate to her companion and a devoted mother to the four children whom she had borne. The names of her offspring are: Martha, David W., Robert M. and Sarah R., all now living, except the second child, their homes being in this county.
"The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced was reared on his father's farm, and as he was but a boy when the house in which he now lives was erected, he feels that his whole life has been spent thercin. In the division of the prop- erty which followed the death of his parents, the old home, located on section 9, fell to him, and to it he has added adjoining land, making of the whole one of the best farms in the county. The most casual glance over its broad expanse would con- vince the observer that the owner is a master of his business and that he not only understands the
415
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
cultivation of the soil, but that he is likewise a man of good taste and thrift, as every part of the estate is neat and orderly.
The choice of a companion is an important one. That of our subject fell on Miss Elizabeth Bancroft, of Benton, Ind., and a native of Canada, and his regard being reciprocated, they were united in marriage October 15, 1844. For more than forty years Mrs. Lowry assisted her husband by her counsels and prudent management of household affairs, and chicered his home by her graceful, womanly presence. She was born October 4, 1820, in what was then known as Upper Canada, and died at her home in this county, November 11, 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years. She was the mother of five children-Selina E., John A., Martha J., David O. and James O.,all being deceased, except the latter. They all died in infaney except Martha J., who died in her sixteenth year. David Lowry was rated as being the greatest hunter in this section of the country, and was credited with having killed more bears and deer than any man in this part of the State.
0 SCAR M. MARQUART, M. D. No citizen of Osborn, Greene County, is better known throughout the surrounding country than the above named gentleman, who is the leading physician of that thriving town, having an exten- sive practice and unbounded popularity. His pro- fessional skill is exerted on behalf of residents in the four counties of Montgomery, Miami, Clark and Greene, and he is called to a considerable dis- tanec in cach. He is well read in medieine and sur- gery, possessing an excellent education in other branches, and has the judgment requisite to make his theoretical knowledge of practical benefit, being consequently more than ordinarily successful as a practitioner. Having also, an upright character and social nature, he is well entitled to the respeet which he receives from all who know him.
The family of which Dr. Marquart is so worthy a scion, is traced back to France, the name being originally Marquette. Members of the family moved into Holland, whence the great-grandfather
of our subject came to America, the name having been changed by the removals to its present form. Peter Marquart, the grandfather of our subjeet, was born in West Virginia, and after the death of his father, came with his mother to Clark County, Ohio. They bought Government land and begin- ning at the bottom he worked his way to a position of substantial finances and standing in the com- munity. Although a carpenter and joiner by trade he followed farming principally. He was a man of enterprise in his personal affairs and public spirited as a citizen.
The next in the direct line of descent is William Marquart, who was born in Pike Township, Clark County, and is now living a retired life in Spring- field. He has been one of the most prominent physi- cians of the county, as he is one of the best informed and most skillful. He was reared in that part of the county which was his birthiplaec, and his mother dying when he was small he had to make his own way without home care and training. For some time he was engaged in school teaching and begin- ning the study of medieine, he saved sufficient money to pay his expenses, and was graduated from the Cleveland College of Medicine. He began pratice at his old home at North Hampton, where he worked up a good practice and acquired a repu- tation as a successful physician. Finally he re- moved to a farm in Bethel Township, although he still paid the most of his attention to his profes- sion. He became the owner of six hundred acres of land in Mad River Valley, overseeing the work upon it, but finally removing to his present home and retiring from aetive life. He is now sixty- eight years of age. In politics he is a Republican.
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.