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 66

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 66
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 66

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).

An important step in the life of Mr. Stickney was taken November 11, 1851, when at the home of the bride in Harmony Township, he was united ip marriage with Miss Isabel J. Baird. She is the eldest of seven children born to the late William D. and Sarah M. (Hodge) Baird, who were natives of Kentucky. She was born in Harmony Town- ship, Clark County, June 30, 1827, and remained under the parental roof until her marriage. Her mother came to the county in 1808, and her father in 1807, after their marriage settling in the town- ship which was their home until death. Mrs. Baird departed this life February 18, 1876, and Mr. Baird breathed his last June 30, 1885. To Mr. and Mis. Stickney have been born two children -- William J. and Sarah J. The former married Miss Katie B. Huffman and lives in Harmony Township; the lat-

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ter is the wife of Robert Rogers, a farmer in Spring- field Township.

Mr. Stickney has been School Director for twelve years, his continuance in the office proving that his neighbors recognize his interest in educational affairs and his ability in advancing them. In pol- ities, he is a Republican. Both himself and wife have been active members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church for a number of years. Mrs. Stickney possesses one of those gentle yet strong characters, which not only make home the happiest spot on earth for husband and children, but which are felt as an influence for good throughout the entire cir- cle of her acquaintance and cause many to "rise up and call her blessed."

The father of our subject was born in 1780 and just one hundred years afterward, his son had the pleasure of visiting the old country and viewing the spot where his father was born. He was absent from his home two months, spending ten days in the city of London, and attending the International Sunday-school Convention which was held there and at which fourteen nationalities were repre- sented.

OSEPH E. DEITRICK. In addition to being one of the most substantial farmers of Harmony Township, Clark County, Mr. Deitrick is successfully engaged in the breeding of Hambletonian and Clydesdale horses, in connection with which he has obtained an en- viable reputation. He resides on his father in- law's old homestead, which comprises three hun- dred and twenty acres of choice land, to which the children have added three hundred and ninety- two acres in Beaver Creek Valley, and erected a fine brick residence.

The subject of this sketch was born in Madison Township, Montgomery County, this State, in 1848, and is a son of Joseph and Rachel (Brown) Dei- trick, the former of whom was born in Mont- gomery County and the latter in Brownsville, Ind. The parental family consisted of three sons and three daughters, viz .: Elizabeth, Peter, Susan, Joseph E., Theodore and Sarah, all of whom lived

to be over sixteen years old. The family ori- ginated in Switzerland, of which country the paternal grandfather, Peter Deitrick, was a native and whence he emigrated to the United States as carly as 1800. He occupied himself in farming pursuits, and was the father of three sons and three daughters.

Joseph E. Deitrick spent his boyhood and youth quietly and uneventfully, and was occupied in farm pursuits, obtaining his education in the com- mon school. On the 13th of May, 1880, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Caroline E. Baird, who was born at the farm where she now resides to Peter C. and Frances (Wilson) Baird. Mr. Baird was a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., and was born September 16, 1792. His good wife was born in Lincoln Connty, N. C., August 29,1802.

Peter Baird was only two years old when his parents, leaving Pennsylvania, started, in 1794, down the Ohio River and settled in Fleming County, Ky., where they resided until 1808. Thence they changed their residence to Clark County, this State, settling on section 30, of what is now Harmony Township. The wife and mother died there August 12, 1859. Mr. Baird survived his partner for a period of fourteen years, dying November 1, 1873. Twelve children were born to them, eleven of whom grew to mature years. These were named respectively : William J .; Clarissa J., who married John Mills; Dorothy, who died when a maiden of sixteen years; John W. and Samuel S., deceased; Willis H., who is now a resident of Dade County, Mo .; Caroline E .; Lewis E., of Jessamine County, Ky .; Robert J., who was killed at the battle of the Wilderness, being a member of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry; and Susan M. Mary A. died aged thirty-five years, and one died in infancy.

Willis H. served with the one hundred days' men in the One Hundred and Fifty-second Regi- ment and Lewis E. served nearly four years, first in the Second Regiment and then re-enlisted in the Thirty-First Regiment. He was wounded through the right leg at Chickamauga.

The father of Mrs. Deitrick during his early manhood was an old-line Whig, and later became

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a stanch Republican, being a strong supporter of the Union during the Civil War. He and his wife were members in good standing of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Baird was one of the most public-spirited men of his community and a leading farmer. His father, William Baird, was born in Hagarstown, Md. His wife, Dorothea, was a native of the same place and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Chinrch. They were born respectively, March 16, 1762, and March, 1760. Their children were named as follows: Esther, Susan, Sarah, Peter C., John. Mary and William D. Peter C. and John served in the war of 1812. Grandfather Baird was a soldier of the Revolu- tionary War, and removed to Kentucky in 1794. Later he came to Ohio, and died in Harmony Town- ship, March 9, 1836, surviving his wife, who died September 4, 1824. The latter had five brothers who served on the side of the Colonists in the war for independence; her family came from Holland. The father of William Baird bore the same name as himself, and was of English parentage. Ile was a slave owner in Maryland during the Colonial days.

Politically, Mr. Deitrick affiliates with the Repub- lican party. His wife and her sister Susan are con- nected with the Methodist Protestant Church. The family are widely known in their community, and enjoy the friendship and acquaintance of the best people around them.

OIIN A. STEWART. The traveler passing through Harmony Township, Clark County, and noting its quiet country homes, where as a rule plenty abounds, casts a second glance at the Stewart homestead which is evidently under the supervision of a thorough and progres- sive farmer. It lies one and one-half miles south- east of Plattsburg, and comprises two hundred and fifty-one well-tilled acres which yield bountifully the rich erops of the Buckeye State, and are also admirably adapted to stock-raising, which forms a leading feature of its operations.

A native of Clark County, this State, our subjeet

was born April 11, 1855, and is the son of Charles and Isabel ( Nicholson) Stewart, who were natives of Greene and Harmony Townships. He is the only living child of his father's first marriage, and the one hundred and fifty-aere farm which he now owns and occupies, was a legacy left him by his mother. The latter died in 1859, when Jolm A. was four years old. Our subject remained with his father, who was married a second time, pursued his first studies in the common school, and subsequently attended Lebanon Normal School. When twenty- two years old he removed to his present farm. To this he lias since given his undivided attention, and has been amply rewarded for his perseverance and industry.

When approaching his twenty-eighth year, Mr. Stewart was married February 21, 1883, at the bride's home near Homer, Champaign County, Ill., to Miss Angeline Spencer. Mrs. Stewart was born March 14, 1861, near Vienna, Clark County, Ohio, and a daughter of Hamilton II. and Mary (Viek- ery ) Spencer, the former a native of Vienna, Clark County, and the latter born near the city of Springfield. They removed to Ilomer Township, Champaign County, Ill., in the year 1865. The father died there on the 10th of February, 1872, when approaching the sixtieth year of his age, having been born June 8, 1812 or 1813. Ile was a prominent man in the community, having served as the Trustee of Harmony Township for the long period of twenty years, and was also land Assessor in 1860. As a farmer he was highly suc- cessful, being a man of great industry, good judg- ment, and an excellent financier.

The mother of Mrs. Stewart is still living, and a resident of Champaign County, Ill. The five ehil- dren of the parental family were named respeet- ively: Matthew J .; Norah a teacher; Freeman V., George H., and Angeline. Mr. Spencer was a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of whose principles he was a warm admirer. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Stew- art were Matthew and Abigail (Riee) Spencer, wlio were of English birth and ancestry, and among the earliest pioneers of Vienna.

To our subject and his good wife there have been born three children-Bruce S., Charles Chester, and

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Fannie Maude. Politically, Mr. Stewart gives his allegiance to the Republican party. He has served two years as Township Trustee, and for six years was a member of the Republican Central Commit- tee. Without making any great stir in the world, he has pursued the even tenor of his way as an hon- est man and a good citizen, looking well to the comfort of his family, and proving a hospitable neighbor.

C HARLES F. EDWARDS, although still quite a young man, is numbered among the pros- perous dealers of Xenia, Greene County, where he conducts a wholesale establishment for the buying and shipping of hides. He has been en- gaged in that business about twelve years, devot- ing himself to its details with untiring energy and prudence, and dealing honorably with his fellow- men. The private character of Mr. Edwards is ir- reproachable; he is a member of the Baptist Church, and of the Republican party, although he has not been in politics except in so far as to. cast his vote.

Mr. Edwards was born in Ohio, July 26, 1852, and until the age of seven years lived on the farm. He then accompanied his parents, J. V. B. Edwards and wife, to Xenia, where he completed his educa- tion, and has since been engaged in business. His paternal history appears on another page of this work, in the sketch of his respected father.

On March 23, 1876, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage with Miss Blanch McIntosh, of Xenia. The bride was born in Princeton, Gibson County, Ind., July 3, 1857, but grew to maturity in Xenia, where almost her entire life has been passed. She is a woman of intelligence, refinement, and estima- ble character, who is highly regarded by all who know her. She is the mother of one son, Fred.

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Edwards was the first white male child born in Greene County, which he made his home during his entire life. He is numbered among its very earliest citizens, the name of William McIntosh, Esq., being historical in this vicinity. All of his male descendants are now dead, except one, Martin, of Monticello, Ill. One of his sons was William R., born in Xenia,

who grew to maturity in Greene County, marrying Miss Kate Williams, of Cincinnati, July 7, 1847. Their home during the most of their wedded life was in this county. After the death of Mr. Meln- tosh, his widow married Samuel B. Cretors, whom she also survived, subsequently becoming the wife of E. Lindner, M. D. She now has her summer home in Clay Center, Kan., and her winter home in Florida. Her father, William G. G. Williams, (grandfather of Mrs. Edwards), was born in Pem- brookshire, Wales, whence he came to Cincinnati, in that city marrying Miss Catherine Jones, also of Wales, who traced her ancestry back to Sir Owen Tudor. Mr. Williams was an attorney-at-law, and practiced his profession in Cincinnati for many years, and until his last illness. Three of his chil- dren grew to maturity-two sons and Mrs. Lind- ner.

OHN CASH FOLGER, agent of the Adams Express Company at Xenia, has been the incumbent of his present position since January 1, 1884-a record which indicates the manner in which he has fulfilled his duties in connection therewith, and he has been connected with this company for more than twenty years. This long experience has given him a good insight into a business whose transactions extend from Maine to California, and has been a liberal school, acquainting him with not only the intricacies of the express service, but giving him the opportunity to learn much in connection with almost number- less other enterprises.

A native of the Buckeye State, Mr. Folger was horn in the city of Cincinnati June 13, 1838. His parents were Thomas Barnard and Cathicrine (Risk) Folger. Thomas B. Folger was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 31, 1815, and went with his parents to the vicinity of Fairmount, near Cincinnati dur- ing the early settlement of that region and where he established a homestead in which his son, John C., still maintains an interest. When reaching man's cstate Thomas Folger became interested in dairy- ing, and prosecuted this successfully for many years and up to the time of his death, which occurred

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March 4, 1855, in the city of his birth where he be- came a prominent and honored resident. In con- nection with dairying the elder Folger likewise prosecuted farming. He was chiefly interested, however, in the dairy business and became one of the most extensive milk dealers in the Queen City. The old stable which he used for so many years, together with the farm, is still utilized for the same purpose. Politically, Thomas Folger was a stanch Whig, and totally opposed to the institution of slavery. He married Miss Catherine, daughter of Thomas Risk, also a pioneer settler who had emi- grated hither from New Jersey. The mother passed away prior to the decease of her husband. She was a member of the Christian Church. Thomas Risk was the original owner of the farm upon which our subject was born and which was also the birthplace of his mother.

The Folger family was of Quaker antecedents, and the later representatives belonged to the peace- able Society of Friends. Grandfather Elihu Fol- ger was born October 10, 1763, and learned the trade of a cooper. After going to Cincinnati lie purchased a farm of Nicholas Longworth who was a warm friend of his. He married a lady whose first name was Elizabeth, and died May 7, 1837, aged seventy-three years, seven months and five days. He emigrated with his wife from Nantucket, Mass,, to Cincinnati, Ohio, landing there Novem- ber 7, 1812.

The subject of this notice spent his boyhood and youth around the parental homestead, attending the city schools and assisting his father on the farm and at dairying. In 1859, he was in the employ of the Louisiana & Tehauntapec California Route Company, on the Isthmus of Tebauntapec, Mexico. During 1862, he was the employe of the Govern- inent at Cincinnati, and in January 1863, entered the service of the old Harnden Express Company, which, in October, 1869, was consolidated with the Adams Express Company, making its headquarters at Cincinnati, and Mr. Folger was appointed the agent at , Marietta, Ohio. He remained there until the withdrawal of the agency from that town and was then stationed at Columbus until being assigned to the office in Xenia. He has given very little attention to politics, with the exception of uphold-

ing by his vote the principles of the Republican party. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was one of the first to enter the ranks of the Union Army, enlisting in 1861, in Company E, Fifth Ohio Infantry, which remained at Camp Denison until reorganization for the later servicc.

Mr. Folger was married December 25, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth A. Newland. This lady was born in Clinton County, Ohio, and of this union there are two children-a son and daughter; the former, Will B. is in the employ of the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company ; Miss Aura is at home with her par- ents. Mr. and Mrs. Folger, although leaning toward the doctrines of the Congregational Church which has no society in Xenia, have identified themselves with the Presbyterian Church. The reputation which Mr. Folger bears both in business and social circles indicates that he is held in the highest es- teem by the entire community.

C OL. MILTON CHENEY is the owner and occupant of one of the fine farms of Clark County, and a man, who, although compar- atively young, occupies a prominent rank among the farmers and stockmen of this section. He has been one of the chief instruments in improving the stock of the county, and upon his estate may be found thoroughbred animals of various kinds. He makes stock raising his specialty. His herd of cat- tle contains seventeen thoroughbred Short-horn cows, all registered, and he also has a fine flock of thoroughbred sheep, although these have not been booked. The farm upon which he lives comprises three hundred and sixty acres of fine land, which he personally superintends, and upon which he has placed over three thousand rods of tile ditching. This one fact is indicative of the enterprising na- ture of the man and the manner in which he makes improvements.

Mr. Cheney was born July 7, 1850, on the place adjoining that which he now oceupics, was reared and educated here, and has never been away from this neighborhood a month at a time, although he has made a number of exeursions to points of in-

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terest. He has taken a number of business trips to Chicago, has visited New York City and many of the States of the Union, and also "took in" the Cen- tennial Exposition at Philadelphia. He received a good common-school education, to which his native intelligence and keen observation have added much of the knowledge which gives him a good rank among men of intelligence, and the wisdom which only practical experience can bring.

Although but ten years of age when the late war began, Mr. Cheney became enthusiastic as a Union supporter, and became a drummer boy in the ser- vice. His father, however, would not allow him to go away from home, and he was fain to content himself by wielding his drumsticks for the militia at home and "beating up recruits." His elder brother spent four years in the field, during his service receiving a slight wound.

The subject of this sketch is the only representa- tive living in this neighborhood, of a family which once held an important position here. It is that of his maternal grandparents, William and Eliza- beth ( Peterson) Harpole, who at one time owned about six thousand acres of land in this neighbor- hood. Mrs. Harpole was a native of Virginia, whence her parents removed to Chillicothe, Ohio. There she was married, she and her husband ere long taking up their abode on what is still known as the old Harpole place, adjoining that now occupied by their grandson. They were the parents of three sons and five daughters: Mary Ann married M. T. Paullin; Matilda became the wife of Jonathan Cheney; Phoebe married James Phifer, of Madison County, Ohio; Malissa married William Paist, of Oregon ; May Elizabeth married Dr. Bailey, of the same State; William, now in the commission busi - ness in Chicago, started the first cattle ranch in Chicago; Peter and his wife are now deceased, but their family live in Bloomington, Ill .; Jesse died at the age of fifteen years.

Jonathan Cheney, the father of our subject, was a son of William and Rebecca Cheney, of Virginia, who settled near Mechanicsburg, Ohio. There Jonathan was born and reared to the age of seventeen years, when he began driving cattle and cutting corn, for which he received thirty-five cents per day. After making a couple of trips across the mountains with

cattle, he went into the business for himself with the assistance of John Anking, of Xenia. He contin- ned in the business until his death, which took place in March, 1865, when he had reached the age of fifty years. He and his wife Matilda were the par- ents of three children, the subject of this sketch be- ing the youngest member of the family. The old- est is William, now a railroad man, whose home is at South Charleston. Rebecca, the widow of M. H. Young, now makes her home in Los Angeles, Cal., on account of the delicate health of her only son.

On April 27, 1871, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Addie, daughter of L. B. Sprague, of Harmony Township, who now makes his home with his son-in-law. Although he is sev- enty-six years of age, he is still prominent in the county where he has been a man of note for many years. For a number of years he has been Com- missioner, and he has been a member of the State Board of Agriculture three terms. For thirty-two years he has been Secretary of the Clark County Agricultural Society, to which position he has re- cently been re-elected. His wife breathed her last in August, 1872, leaving seven daughters and one son. To Mr. and Mrs. Cheney of this notice, five children have been born, named respectively : Mollie M., Hattie B., Pearl II., Howard L., and Scott S.

Mr. Cheney has always been a Republican, as was his father before him. He has been a delegate to each County Convention for the last eight years, is very popular with his party, and has been elected to several public offices. For three years he has been Township Trustee. During the last sixteen years he has held the office of School Director, in which position his labors to advance the cause of education, are well known and highly appreciated. Both the Cheney and the Harpole families have for generations been identified with the Methodist Church. The fine residence now occupied by Mr. Cheney was erected in 1888, following an example set by his forefathers, who, during each of the three past generations have put up one of the finest resi- dences in their locality. In 1858 the father of our subject built a barn which was much the largest in the county, and which was destroyed by fire in

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1890. In 1885 one of his houses was struck by lightning, and although not one of the fifteen per- sons who were in it at the time, was killed, not an article was saved from it.

EONARD SHEAFF. Notwithstanding the faet that Mr. Sheaff and his estimable com- panion have experienced the vieissitudes nceessary to secure a good home and rear a family as worthy parents desire, they have found much pleasure in life, and probably no couple of their years enjoy existenee more than they. Although both have passed the limit of years which are prom . ised to mankind, they still enjoy good health and have the happy dispositions and industrious habits which make life a blessing not only to themselves but to those about them. Their home, which is sit- uated about a quarter of a mile from the city limits of Springfield, is one of the pleasantest abodes which can be found in this section of the State. Thic farm comprises one hundred and eight aeres of well-developed land and the improvements upon it inelude all necessary and adequate buildings, the residenee being a fine brick structure.

The gentleman of whom we write was born in Dauphin Township, Laneaster County, Pa., Feb- ruary 9, 1810. Ilis father, Joseph Sheaff, was born and reared in the same county, where he followed the trade of a hatter. He died in 1826 upon a farm which he had purchased in Dauphin Township. His widow, whose maiden name was Mary Krouse and who was a native of the same county, eame to Ohio after his death and breathed her last at the home of her son John. The parental family con- sisted of eleven children-Elizabeth, John, Barney, Catherine, Joseph, George, Leonard, Barbara Polly, Agnes and Naney. All but George were reared to years of maturity.

The father of our subjeet was poor, and with a large family to support it was necessary that his children should begin the labors of life at an early age. Young Leonard, therefore, was but ten years old when he begun work, in various ways assisting his father in the support of the family. After the

death of the father he went to Cayuga County, N. Y., where he was employed upon a farm. Dur- ing the first year, he received for his services $10 per month, his wages afterward being advanced to $12. He remained in that eounty until 1840, dur- ing the latter part of the time farming on shares. He then determined to seek a home farther West, and in November placed his earthly possession, which ineluded a wife, five children, and some household goods, into a wagon. They had a good team of horses and fourteen days after bidding adieu to their Eastern home reached Clark County, Ohio.

In the following spring, Mr. Sheaff rented the farm upon which he now resides and removed his family into a log house which stood upon it. After having rented the estate nine years, he purchased it, paying $37 per acre, and afterward making va- rious improvements, among them being the erec- tion of a dwelling to take the place of the log honse in which they had lived nearly twenty years. In all the labors of life, Mrs. Sheaff has proved herself a valuable helpmate and loving companion while the joys of life have been enhanced by her appre- ciation. She was born in Onieda County, N. Y., March 11, 1811, and bore the maiden name of Sarah Champney. She became the wife of Mr. Sheaff February 28, 1833, and they celebrated their fiftieth wedding aniversary a few years since, when children and friends gathered to do honor to their long and happy wedded life. Their family eon- sists of four living children-Mary, Caroline, George W., and James M .; they have been ealled upon to part with the third daughter-Myra. The oldest daughter is the wife of Jeptha Quick, and lives in Riehland County, Ill .; Caroline is with her parents at home; the two sons reside in this county. The deceased daughter was the wife of Charles Everett and died in Springfield when twenty-two years of age. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sheaff are regu- lar attendants of the Baptist Church, although they are not identified with the organization, as both believe in universal salvation for all mankind.

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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 66

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