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 51

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 51
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 51

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The subject of this notice was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., January 18, 1828, and is the son of James and Mary Foyil (Breckenridge) Morton, who were natives of South Carolina and removed early in life to Tennessee where they were married. There the mother died in 1828. Mr. Morton, sub- sequently in 1841, emigrated to Illinois with his family and followed farming until his death. James F. was reared amid the quiet seenes of country life and pursued his first studies in the district school. When approaching manhood he occupied himself as a teacher during the winter season and in sum- mer worked on the farm until the early part of 1859, tlien entered Monmouth College, where he was graduated in the college class of 1861, and in the Theological class in 1862, with a license to preach by the Western Presbytery of the Reformed Pres- byterian Church. In 1863 he assumed charge of the Cedarville Congregation, over which he has sinee continuously presided.

The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Cedar- ville was organized about 1810, being the first church of that denomination in the Presbytery, and

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from data obtained in a history written by Robert C. Reid, it appears that in 1804, David Mitehell of Kentucky with his wife and James Miller and fam- ily from Scotland, settled on Clarke's Run and or- ganized a prayer-meeting. In the spring of 1808, James Reid and family took an active part. In the fall of the same year. William Moreland settled near and also joined the infant society. The first preaching was in 1809 by the Rev. Thomas Donelly and John Kell, then a licentiate.

Shortly afterward the Rev. Jolin Black of Pitts- burg visited the society and received Mr. and Mrs. James Reid who were the first regularly accepted members of the church. Mr. Black organized sessions and the next Sabbath preached a sermon in a log barn on what is known as the Dallas farm. On that day the ordinance of baptism was first ad- ministered in the congregation, the parties inter- ested being William and Joseph Reid. At this time there were about ten members. During the next few years eight or ten families joined, but for a time there was very little preaching, owing to the want of a building. Meetings were held in barns and residences, the latter being for the most part small log houses.

The first church edifice was built in 1812 on Mr. Miller's farm, seven miles from Xenia. This was a rude log structure, twenty-two feet square, chinked with clay and the floor was of rough planks without joining or matching. The elap- board roof was beld in place by weight poles. The first regular preacher was the Rev. John Kell, who for six years supplied the pulpit about onee a month, giving this congregation about one quarter of his time. The first regular pastor was the Rev. Jonathan Gill, who settled here in 1816 and re- mained until 1823. Then on account of inadequate support he requested to be released and the pastor- al relation was dissolved.

The Rev. Gavin MeMillan then took charge and preached about one quarter of his time until 1829. In the meantime, in 1824, a new church building was erected on the banks of Massies Creek, six miles from Xenia and two miles from Cedarville. This was a stone edifice, 40x36 feet in dimensions. In the fall of 1829 the Rev. Hugh MeMillan, brother of Gavin, accepted the pastorate, which he held

until his death, in October, 1860. He was greatly lamented by the whole community. At the time he took charge there were but sixty-six eommuni- eants, but a number of his parishioners in the South followed him to his new location and greatly in- creased his flock. At his death only three of the original subscribers were living, namely-Robert, John and William Reid, who have since passed away.

In 1833 there was a division in the congrega- tion, thirty-eight of the sixty-five members going to another synod. This caused some trouble about the oceupaney of the church, which was settled by allowing those who left to use it every fourth Sab- bath and two Sabbaths in succession when they had communion. In 1839 the original society built a new church on a lot near the old one. This was a briek structure 45x55 feet in dimensions. In 1848 members living in Xenia received permission to the have a distinet organization, fifty-five members taking leave at that time. They ealled on the Rev. Mr. MeMillan to become their pastor but after mature consideration be deelined and removed to Cedarville, where his earthly labors were ended.

In 1853 the brick church was torn down and rebuilt in a more eentral location in the village of Cedarville. This structure is of brick, 45x67 feet in dimensions and has in it much of the material of the old stone church of 1824-39. In May, 1863, Rev. J. F. Morton, the subject of this notice as- sumed charge of the congregation with which he has so faithfully labored and to such a good pur- pose.

There are now five distinct classes or societies which hold regular prayer-meetings, some of them meeting onec a week and others onee or twice a month. The Sabbath-school numbers two hundred or more members and is in a flourishing condition. There are twenty-one elasses ineluding seven Bible elasses. The average attendance is about one hun- dred and fifty. This ineludes all classes and ages. Of those enrolled, over one hundred are from outside the congregation, consisting mostly of the very poor or those who receive no other religious instruction. These are sought out by the faithful teachers and members, who, when it is necessary, furnish them with food and elothing at the expense of the congre-

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gation. Under such Christian influence and benevo- lence many of them become exemplary men and women. The church is thus doing good missionary work. Pastor and people labor in the utmost har- mony, endeavoring to follow the teachings of the Master.

Rev. James F. Morton was joined in wedlock witlı Miss Martha Blair, June 3, 1863, at the bride's home near Sparta, Ill. This lady was born in Ten- nessee and is the danghter of James and Jane Blair, who were residents of the same place in Illinois but are now both deceased. They removed to the Prairie State at an early day and their daughter Martha was educated in the High School of Sparta, where later she followed the profession of a teacher a number of years. Early in life she also beeanie connected with the Reformed Presbyterian Church. There were born of this union six children, the eld- est of whom a son, Cargill M., married Miss Anna Stewart of Clifton, Ohio, and is now a prominent business man of Cedarville, Mary and James died at the ages of five and three years respectively ; Calvin Crawford is attending college at Monmouth, Ill .; Martha Lulu and Jennie Belle are attending seliool at Cedarville. Dr. Morton had always main- tained a warm interest in the temperance question and some time since identified himself with the Prohibition party, with the principles of which his congregation is mostly in sympathy, a few members, however, still adhering to the old parties. He is held in high esteem in his community, having made for himself a worthy record, both in religious and social eireles.

W ILLIAM G. BAKER. The community of Jamestown. Greene County, is made up of. a large portion of substantial and intelli- gent people, well-to-do and many of them among the first settlers. Mr. Baker may be properly men- tioned in this connection as one, who by his own energy and industry has acquired a competence and is now retired from the active labors of life, giving his attention mostly to the care of his extended business interests. IIe is a Director of the People's

Bank and is a man who has occupied many posi- tions of trust and responsibility.

Mr. Baker came to Jamestown in 1831, when the present flourishing city was a hamlet of ten honses. He was a saddler and harness-maker by trade and established the first shop for this business ever started in the place. This was opened in the month August. 1832, and was condneted for many years successfully. In the meantime Mr. Baker asso- eiated himself in partnership with Thomas Johnson and they established a tannery which they con- ducted jointly for four years and then Mr. Baker purchasing the interest of his partner, operated it for six years on his own account.

At the expiration of this time Mr. Baker in 1848, having turned his saddlery business over to a brother, purchased a stock of goods and was there- after engaged in general merchandising for eight years. Then selling out he commeneed dealing in live stock and was engaged in this for ten years. Then becoming interested in the Farmers and Trader's Bank he invested in several shares therein, and became a Dircetor. He subsequently trans- ferred his interest in that institution to the People's Bank with which he has since been connected.

A native of the Blue Grass State Mr. Baker was born on the 28th of May, 1812, near the town of Millersburg. When a child of two years his parents moved to Fleming County, Ky., near Poplar Plains, There William G. was reared to manhood, acquir- ing a limited education in the common school. He commenced learning the saddlery trade at an early age, serving an apprenticeship of four years. Then coming to Greene County, this State, lie set up liis first shop at Jamestown. He possessed very limited means and walked all the way across the country- over one hundred and twenty miles-carrying his tools and clothing and landing in Jamestown with a cash capital of sixty-two and one half eents. It is hardly neccessary to state that he labored in- dustriously, lived economically, and saved his earnings, or he could seareely have arrived at the position which he now occupies.

In dne time, having found himself upon solid ground, with the prospect of being able to support a family, Mr. Baker was joined in wedlock May 12, 1836, with Miss Thirza. A. Larkin, the wedding

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taking place at the bride's home in Ross Township, Greene County. Mrs. Baker was born in that township, February 11, 1817, and is a daughter of David and Nancy (Harper) Larkin, who were na- tives respectively of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Iler mother's family was of the same branch that settled in Virginia and after whom was named Har- per's Ferry. Mr. Larkin was a farmer by occupa- tion and came to Ohio at an early date, settling first near the present site of Chillicothe. Later he removed to Greene County and thenee to Clark County, where he spent the remainder of his life. Bothi parents lived to an advanced age, the mother dying at the age of eighty-five and the father when ninety- four years old.

Mrs. Baker was given a common-school ednea- tion and trained by a careful mother in all the use. ful household duties. She remained under the parental roof until becoming the mistress of her own home. Of the union of our subject there has been born a family of six children, but Mr. and Mrs. Baker have experieneed sore bereavement in the loss of all their children but one. The only sur- vivor is a daughter -- Mettaline-who is the wife of Morris Sharp, a banker of Washington Court House, this State.

The parents of our subjeet were William and Mary (Wyans) Baker, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Pennsylvania. The Baker family is of English ancestry while the Wyans traee their ancestry to Wales. William Baker left his native State when a youth of sixteen years, going to Kentucky where he met and mar- ried Miss Wyans, who had probably been taken to the Blue Grass State by her parents when a very young child. It was, however, thought by some that she was born there. In 1828 William Baker and his wife, after the birth of most of their family, left Kentucky and settled in Jamestown, this State, where they spent the elosing years of their lives. Grandfather Baker passed away May 27, 1838, at the age of fifty six years. His wife survived him for the long period of thirty-two years, remaining a widow and departing henee in October, 1870, at the advaneed age of eighty-five and one-half years. William Baker was known far and wide as a hard- working, honest man, a good citizen, and a stanch

member of the old Whig party. Grandmother Baker was a woman of many estimable qualities and a Methodist in religious belief.

Mr. Baker, our subject, was in the early days a Whig, but after the abandonment of the old party, cordially wheeled into the Republican ranks. He has held the various minor offices of his township and has always been looked upon by his neighbors as a man whose word was as good as his bond. Ile is a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church of which his wife is a consistent member and to which they contribute a liberal support.

AMES CRABILL, a native and life-long res- dent of Clark County, belongs to a family well known among the early settlers of the county. His grandfather, David Crabill, was one of the first to settle in this section of Ohio, and his son, Thomas V., was born in 1811, on a part of the farm now occupied by our subjeet. Thomas V. Crabill was reared to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life and did much of the work which de- volves npon frontiersmen and carly settlers. He was educated in the early schools of the county, and became widely and favorably known througlı- out its bounds as a reliable and publie-spirited cit- izen, a successful business man, and one of upriglit character. In politics he was a Republican, and his religious belief coincided with the doetrines ex- pressed by the Presbyterian Church with which he had therefore identified himself.

After his marriage to Sidney Yeazle, Thomas Crabill removed to Springfield Township, where lie departed this life, September 5, 1884. He left to his heirs an extensive estate and other property, together with the better inheritance of an honored name. He was the father of fourteen children, of whom the following are now living: William and David, in Springfield Township; James; Lovina, the wife of Michael Wilson, of Springfield; John, in Springfield Township; Nancy E., the wife of Alonzo Leffel, in Mereer County; Thomas, in Springfield Township; Milton and Joseph F.

The gentleman who is the subject of this brief

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biographieal notice was born January 12, 1841, receiving his early education in the district sehools of the county, and adopting the occupation of a farmer. Ile owns a farm on section 19, Moorefield Township, which is part of the old Crabill home- stead, his realty comprising one hundred and eigh- teen aeres. This land is managed and cultivated according to the most approved methods, and the erops raised upon it are equal in quality and quan- tity to those of any farm in this and contiguous eonnties. The dwelling is a substantial and home- like structure, while the other buildings which adorn the place are equally well built and adequate to the various purposes for which they are designed.

On October 17, 1876, Mr. Crabill led to the hy- meneal altar Miss Clara, daughter of John B. Niek- lin, of Moorefield Township. Mrs. Crabill is intelligent and well-bred, possesses a thorough knowledge of housewifely duties, and is one who earries her religion into daily life, performing all the obligations whiel rest upon her in a eonseientious manner. She has borne one daughter -- Jessie- whose natal day was August 2, 1881. She and her husband belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Springfield. Mr. Crabill is a Republican. He is a man of well-informed mind, as well as an ell- terprising farmer, and one whose Christian charac- ter is known to all with whom he comes in eontaet.

W ILLIAM B. HARDIE. There is probably not within the limits of Xenia Township, Greene County, a more pleasant and at- traetive home than that belonging to the subject of this notice. Ile is a man well-to-do financially, as the result of energy, industry and good judgment, and has wisely devoted a portion of his ineome to the gathering around himself and family the things which naturally elevate and refine the mind and which in their place have a large share in the com- pletion of human happiness. Mr. Hardie is located not far from the place of his birth, be having been born in this township March 17, 1825. He was reared, however, in New Jasper Township, to which his parents removed when he was a lad eight years

of age. He acquired a praetieal education in the common sehool and beeame familiar with the vari- ous employments of farm life which he ehiose for his vocation.

When twenty-seven years of age Mr. Hardie was married January 29, 1852, at the bride's home in New Jasper Township,to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Campbell) Dean. The newly wedded pair eommeneed the journey of life together in New Jasper Township, where they sojourned for a period of twenty-seven years, and then re- moved to Xenia Township, of which they have since been residents. The farm is two hundred and sixty aeres in extent, embellished with a fine resi- denee, substantial outbuildings and the other ap- purtenanees of the model country estate. Mr. Hardie keeps himself posted upon matters pertain- ing to his ealling and avails himself of the most improved machinery in the tillage of the soil.

Six children have been born to our subjeet and liis worthy wife, the eldest of whom, Laura B., re- mains at home with her parents. Mary E. is the wife of J. W. Liggett, of Union County, Ohio; Anna N. remains under the home roof ; Robert II. married Miss Matie Rogers, and lives in Kearney, Neb .; Ida L. and W. Clark are at home. Mr. Har- die has held some of the town offiees, being at one time Treasurer, but prefers the quiet of his own fireside to the responsibilities of publie life. He supports the principles of the Republican party and with his exeellent wife is a member in good stand- ing of the United Presbyterian Church.

The father of our subject was the late William Hardie, a native of Scotland, who married Miss Isabella Buiek who was born and reared not far from the early home of her husband, in Perthshire. There also they were married and in 1820 emi- grated to Ameriea, eoming at onee to Ohio and settling in Xenia Township. About 1833, they re- moved to Jasper Township, and from there later to the city where Mr. Hardic died, November 24, 1860. The mother continued to make her home in Xenia but died at the home of her daughters in Bellefontaine, December 23, 1873. The parental family ineluded six children, two sons and four daughters, three of whom are living and of whom our subjeet was the next yonngest. Mrs. Hardie

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was born in Jasper Township, Greene County, De- eember 20, 1827. She spent her childhood and youth in a comparatively uneventful manner under the home roof, where she was trained to all useful . housewifely duties, becoming well-fitted to preside over a good man's home. She shares with her husband the esteem and confidence of the people around her, and their hospitable doors are fre- quently opened to hosts of warm friends.

W ILLIAM H. HODGE, who resides in Pleasant Township, Clark County, is num- bered among the substantial farmers of the vicinity. His farm, which is located on sec- tion 13, comprises two hundred and seventeen broad acres of thoroughly cultivated land, and such a degree of success has rewarded his labors in life that he has given to each of his five children about $3,000. He began his career as an agrieul- turist with a one-fifth interest in one hundred and fifty acres, and his present home and assured finan- cial standing is the best evidence of his zeal and energy in life's labors.

The present home of Mr. Hodge is also his birth- place, his natal day having been November 14, 1826. His parents, John and Mary Ann (Baird) Ilodge, eame here in 1817, locating on one hun- dred and fifty-one aeres of land, which the father cleared and had quite well improved prior to his death. John Hodge was born in Virginia, October 11, 1796, and died January 17, 1828. He was a captain and major of militia, and served during the War of 1812. His widow was called from time to eternity March 9, 1877, at an advanced age, having been born Marel 4, 1800. They were the parents of five children, the subject of this sketeh being the only son-Amanda HI. married Uriah Blue, and died leaving a large family; Paulina H. married John Roberts; Sarah A. was the wife of George L. Wood, of Illinois; Isabelle J. was the wife of William Jones, and died leaving one son, Henry C.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Andrew Hodge, who was twice married; his mater-

nal grandparents were William and Dorothy Baird. William H. Hodge was reared on a farm and re- ceived a common-school education, at the age of seventeen ycars beginning life for himself. On New Year's Day, 1850, he was united in marriage with Doreas H. Botkin, who has ably assisted him in his worthy efforts, sharing in his toils as well as in his pleasures. She was born in Pleasant Town- ship, June 2, 1829, being a daughter of Charles and Dorcas (Tuttle) Botkin, whose first settlement in Ohio was in Clinton County. Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Hodge five children have been born, namely : Charles A .; Susan E., wife of Charles Neer; Amanda J., wife of Andrew Goodfellow; Dor- eas A., wife of George MeClenen; and John F. In early manhood Mr. Hodge was identified with the Whig party, and after the disintegration of that body he bceame a Republican.

S OLOMON WILSON, who departed this life July 6, 1862, at his home in Miami Town- ship, Greene County, was a representative pioneer of Southern Ohio, and a good man in the broadest sense of the word. When this ean be truthfully said of a man it implies mueh. Mr. Wilson was born in Virginia, December 16, 1818, and emigrated to Ohio in 1833, settling in Miami Township, and thereafter followed farming eon- tinuously until his death.

On the 22d of December, 1817, Mr. Wilson was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah B. Baker, who was born in Miami, July 23, 1825. Mrs. Wilson comes of a good family, being the sister of Dan Baker, who is represented elsewhere in this vol- ume. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, for a period of eight years, occupied the farm now owned by Mrs. James Miller, in Miami Township. They then removed to the farm where Mrs. Wilson now resides, and thereafter devoted their energies to its improvement and cultivation. It was but very little removed from its primitive condition, the only improvement upon it being a log house. About 1859 the present residence was erected, and

R.S. Kilpatrick

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Mr. Wilson from year to year added the improve- ments naturally suggested to the enterprising and progressive farmer.

A man of more than ordinary intelligence, Mr. Wilson acquired a good education, and it was often remarked that he would have been a success as a teacher, as he was fully qualified, having com- pleted his studies in the high school at Xenia. IIc was liberal and public spirited, taking an active part in politics, and gave his allegiance to the Democratic party. He held the office of Supervi- sor, and also served as Trustee in his school dis- triet. He kept himself thoroughly informed upon the leading events, and was a man of sound judg- ment and one whose opinions were generally re- spected.

There was born of this congenial union a family of seven children. The eldest, a daughter, Mary, died when nearly four years old; Thomas married Miss Laura Littleton, and is the father of one child, and makes his home in Springfield; Huldah and Belle are unmarried and remain at home with their mother; Brinton married Miss Abbie Elcrick; they live in Texas and have four children; Will- iam married Miss Florence Hughes; he is the father of one child and they live in Monticello, Ill .; Solomon is unmarried and operates the home farm. Mrs. Wilson, with her children who are at home, belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Her son Solomon, who possesses, in a marked degree, the worthy qualities of his honored father, votes the straight Republican ticket, and has been Road Supervisor in his district for the last four years. The farm embraces one hundred acres of land, and is devoted to general agriculture and stock- raising. The Wilson family is held in high respect in the community, being numbered among the representative citizens of Miami Township.

OL. ROBERT L. KILPATRICK. Few of those patriotic men who participated in the fierce struggle to maintain the Union, mer- ited or received greater honor than was the re- ward of valor on the part of this retired army

officer, who now resides in Springfield, and a litho- graphic portrait of whom, on the opposite page, will be noticed by the reader. In 1861, at the first call for troops he raised a company, of which he was chosen Captain. It was known as Company B, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was organized April 20; its nucicus was a part of the old Ilighland Guard, of Cincinnati, of which the Colonel had for- merly been a member. Before going into the field, they re-enlisted for three years, then went to the front, where they distinguished themselves for dauntless bravery, and won the admiration of other regiments as well as of their superior officers.

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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 51

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