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 67
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 67
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Mrs. Sheaff is a daughter of Nathaniel F. Champ- ney, a native of the old Bay State, who became a pioneer settler in Oneida County, N. Y. After re- siding at Rome a few years, he removed to Ben-
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nington, Vt., when his daughter was about a year old. In 1826, he returned to the Empire State, journeying by teams to Troy thience on the Erie Canal to Lake Cayuga, on which he completed his journey to the vicinity in which he settled in Cayuga County. There he spent the remainder of his life, his wife also dying in that county. She had been known in her girlhood as Miss Lydia Kil- bourn, and like her husband was a native of the old Bay State.
A portrait of Mr. Sheaff aecompanies this per- sonal sketelı.
ACOB W. BRUGGER is the local manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company in Springfield, having taken charge of their office in 1883. He was born in the vil- lage of Lagonda, April 16, 1857, and is the eldest son of George and Josephinc (Antz) Brugger, both of whom are natives of Germany, whence they came to Dayton, Ohio, when quite young. In that city they were united in marriage, soon afterward loeating in Lagonda, this county, for a short time, when they removed to Springfield, Ohio, where they have resided many years. Mr. Brugger is a wagon-maker, and is still working at his trade in this city. His wife departed this life in 1882. Of the seven children born to them, one died in infancy. The living brothers and sisters of our subject are: Josepli, a clerk in a groeery store; Dora, Josephine, Mary and Bernardine, who assists her brother in the telegraph offiee.
The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch for a time attended the German Catholic School, where he acquired a knowledge of both the Ger- man and English languages. He afterward pur- sued his studies in the public schools of Springfield. At the age of fifteen years he beeame a messenger boy for the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Com- pany, continuing to serve them three years. He then learned the art of telegraphy, under the in- struetion of James P. Martindell, under whom he continued to work until 1877. He then entered
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the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany, their business in this city being managed by John W. Parsons, under whom Mr. Brugger held a position until his superior was elected Treasurer of Clark County and sueeeeded by L. T. Clemans.
Mr. Brugger retained his position under the new manager for three years, and then sueeeeded to the managerial chair, a position which he has held sinee assuming its duties in 1883. He is an expert operator, and his business ability and trust- worthiness are such as to win the confidenee of his employers, and give him good repute among his fellowmen. He and his family belong to the Ger- man Catholie Chureh.
The cozy residenee on Lagonda Avenue, which is owned and oceupied by Mr. Brugger, is pre- sided over by a lady who possesses the hospitable nature and housewifely ability which seem inher- ent in the natives of Kentucky, where she was born. She bore the maiden name of Katie Miller, and is a daughter of F. J. and Agnes Miller, who removed to Springfield when she was twelve years old. She acquired a good education, and is an an entertaining companion. Her marriage to Mr. Brugger was celebrated June 28th, 1882, and has been blessed by the birth of three children-Fran- cis J., Agnes M. and Paul I.
OSEPH M. FOLCK. This gentleman is one of the oldest settlers of Greene County, as well as one of its most liberal and publie spirited citizens. After years of active la- bors by which he has acquired a fair share of this world's goods he has retired from the more labori- ous duties of life and is oeeupying a lovely home in Osborn, enjoying to the full "the goods the gods provide." He is a lover of the piseatory art and other out-of-door amusements to whose enjoyment he gives himself heartily, proving a genial eom- panion to other lovers of the rod and similar re- crcations. He is well-informed, possesses firm and upright principles, and is a eapable business man, respected by all with whom he comes in contact. Although the title of Doctor is commonly bestowed
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upon him, he is not a physician ; the title was given him while as a young man he was assisting an aunt in compounding medicines and has clung to him, as such popular terms will, throughout his life.
Mrs. Folck, however, has practiced the healing art for over forty-five years, during which she has performed some of the most wonderful cures. She desired some years since to give up her practice but was unable to do so, being sought out by those to whom her reputation is known. She, however, only attends to the office practice, which is exten- sive. She is probably the only lady physician in the county at the present time, and was the second within its bounds to devote herself to that pro- fession.
The subject of this sketch was born near Byron, this county, July 9, 1824, being the second child of Daniel and Mary (Morehead). Folck. He was reared to farm. pursuits being early set to work at such labors as his strength would permit of, in the intervals of his attendance at school. His educa- tional training was received in the old fashioned log schoolhouse with its słab benches and other primitive furnishing, where he acquired an excellent knowledge of the branches then taught in the com- mon schools. He remained under the parental roof until 1841 when he went to Elkhart County, Ind., where he spent a year, working upon a farm and in a mill. He then returned to his home and employed himself upon a farm in that township until 1843. His next change of residence was to the home of his aunt, Mrs. Susan Folck, whom he assisted in preparing medicines. She was a prac- ticing physician, having learned the science from her father-in-law, Dr. John George Folek.
Studying medicine with Dr. Susan Folck was Miss Barbara A. Shigley, to whom our subject be- came attached and with whom he was united in marriage February 14, 1847. After his marriage Mr. Folck engaged in farming, owning and operat- ing thirty acres of land which he devoted to truck farming, in which branch of agriculture he became very successful. He bought a farm of ninety-six acres of land in Miami Township, which he still owns, and which is well improved. In 1876 he sold the thirty-acre tract, built a cozy dwelling in Osborn and moved into town. He has two resi-
dences and three lots in the city and the only busi- ness which he does is to look after his investments. After the death of Dr. Susan Folck, which occurred not many months after the marriage of our subject, his wife continued the practice of her former in- structor. She traveled some but gave the most of her attention to her extensive office business, which she has never since been able to abandon.
During the late war Mr. Folck belonged to the Sixtieth regiment of Ohio Home Guards. In May, 1864, they were called to Camp Dennison, where he was found unfit for service on account of a stiff right arm which prevented his bringing cartridges to his mouth so as to bite them. The stiffness was occasioned by his arm having been broken when a boy and not properly healed. This was all that kept him out of actual service, but it occasioned his honorable discharge from the Home Guards. Ile never aspires to office, having no desire for public honors, but is a stanch Republican ever ready to cast his vote for his favorite candidates.
The paternal grandfather, Dr. John George Folck, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1761. He married Miss Catherine Gotshall, who was born in Germany, January 1, 1763. In 1802 or 1803 Dr. Folck brought his family to Greene County, Ohio, traveling in a wagon. Ile bought a section of land near Byron and was one of the first settlers of Bath Township. There he continued the practice of his profession in which he was very successful. Having received an injury which prevented his traveling about, he still had numerous calls, pa- tients coming from a distance to consult him and receive treatment. He departed this life November 14, 1839; his wife had breathed her last on Christ- mas Day, 1808. Dr. Folck came to this township in company with the Wolfs, Wilsons and Hefleys. Two of his sons were in the War of 1812.
The father of our subject was born in Hemphill Township, Lancaster County, Pa., September 5, 1800, and died in Bath Township, Greene County, Ohio, June 10, 1841. He inherited a portion of the homestead and bought a brother's share, farm- ing upon it until his death. His wife was born in Harrison County, Va., December 12, 1791, and died at Byron, Ohio, November 7, 1859. Her father, George Morehead, who was of French and Scotch
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doseent, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mrs. Mary Folck was a consistent member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. She bore her husband five children, the first-born, George, now deceased. The second child is the subject of this biographical notice; John lives in Clark County; Mary resides at Byron ; Barbara, Mrs. Evans, lives at Camp Dennison.
Mrs. Joseph Folek is a granddaughter of John Shigley, a native of Virginia, who was an early set- ther on Clark's Run, where he operated a large farm. He finally removed to the vicinity of Battle Ground, Ind., where he farmed until his death. He was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and had fought for his country in the War of 1812. Like the grandfather of our subject he was of German descent. His wife was Miss Bar- bara Potts, of Virginia. Their son Robert, was born in the Buckeye State, January 9, 1799, and adopting an agricultural pursnit, farmed for some time in Xenia Township, this county. He then removed to White County, Ind., whence in 1866 he went to Minnesota, entering landt near Morris- town, upon which he resided until his death in December, 1879. He was a devout Christian, belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church and for years was a local minister. He had married Miss Nancy Flood who was born in Bath Township, this county, January 27, 1802, and who died in Minnesota at the age of eighty-four years. She was the daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Lowe) Flood, of Virginia, who came to this county in the early days. Mr. Flood bought Goverment land in Bath Township, but later removed to the vicin- ity of Jamestown and thence to Randolph County, Ind. He was a minister in the Methodist Protest- ant Church and labored in that capacity in Indiana until his death. He was the son of an Irish gen- tlem.u of fine education, and a professional peda- gogue.
Mr. and Mrs. Shigley were the parents of sixteen children, of whom eleven grew to maturity. The first-born of these is Barbara, who opened her eyes to the light near South Charleston, Clark County, May 30, 1821. When she was five years old the family came to Bellbrook, Sugar Creek Township, this county, and seven years later removed to
Jamestown. There she remained with her parents until 1843 when she began the study of medicine with the result before noted. Her marriage and after history has already been outlined. The next oldest member of the Shigley family was Frederick who died in Indiana: Robert now lives in Mis- souri; Jonathan lives at Ft. Madison, Iowa; John gave his life for his country's cause, being killed at the battle of Resaca, May 13, 1864; George died in Minnesota; Lewis and Noah now live in that State; Mrs. Nancy Folck is deceased; Mrs. Mary Folck is also deceased, having breathed her last in Indiana; Mrs. Rachael Smith, whose home is in Minnesota, is the widow of a brave soldier who fell at Resaca. Four of the Shigley family: John, George, Robert and Lewis, belonged to the Twelfth Indiana Infantry. Robert was disabled in Ken- tucky and discharged, and George and Lewis went through the entire contest.
AVID STEWART. Among the many good farmers and prosperous men who make a home in Clark County, nonc is better deserv- ing of representation in this volume than the gen- tleman above-named. He is the owner and occu- pant of one of the most fertile and productive farms in Green Township, comprising two hun- dred and ten acres on section 28, all in one body. The residence was built by his father in 1829, but has been greatly improved by its present owner, and although now sixty-one years old presents an attractive appearance. It is built in the substan- tial fashion of the past generation, is home-like in its arrangement, has been fitted with every means of comfort, and under the care of competent house- keepers is a model of neatness and order.
In Dauphin County, Pa., James Stewart opened his eyes to the light January 9, 1781. In the same county, November 7, 1790, Jane Elder was born. The two grew to maturity, became attached to each other, and on March 25, 1811, were joined in holy wedlock. In 1813 they came to Butler County. About two years later they came to Clark County, Ohio, settling on the farm now
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owned by our subject, which was their home until death. To this couple were born ten children, seven of whom are yet living. The subject of this biographical notice is the ninth child. The father was called from time to eternity April 15, 1857, and the mother May 6, 1863.
The birth of David Stewart took place in the old homestead August 20, 1823. He received a good practical education in the common schools, and under the watchful care of his estimable par- ents he developed traits of character which have won for him the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. At the age of twenty-one years he began working on the farm on shares, continu- ing the occupation until May 2, 1864, when he be- came a member of the Union army. His name was attached to the muster roll of Company D, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Ohio National Guards, a command which was stationed at Fayetteville, W. Va., and also at Cotton Hill. The enlistment was for one hundred days, but they spent one hundred and twenty-eight days. At the expira- tion of the time for which he had enlisted, Mr. Stewart was honorably discharged, and returning to his home resumed the occupation of a tiller of the soil.
In January, 1859, Mr. Stewart led to the hy- menial altar Miss Laura McKeehan. She was one of eight. children born to James and Mary (Win- ters) McKeehan, her natal day having been the 13tlı of April, 1837. Her parents were natives of Maryland, whence they came to Ohio about 1850, locating on the farm now owned by Peter Knott. Mr. McKeehan breathed his last in 1874, his widow surviving until 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart five children were born-Carrie E., Es- tella, Anna Mary, James McKeehan, and David Edwin, commonly known as Ned. The third daugliter is now the wife of Cargill Morton, and resides in Cedarville, Greene County. The fam - ily met with a sad bereavement October 2, 1873, when the loving wife and mctlier was removed from them by the hand of death. Her loss was felt not only in .the home where her noble char- acter and deeds of love were best known and most highly valueq, but by many friends and acquaint- ances whose esteem she had gained. The two un-
married daughters are filling as best they can her place at the head of husehold affairs, and practic- ing the lessons of goodness and housewifely skill which she had taught them.
Mr. Stewart has not only ably conducted his personal affairs, proving his thorough knowledge of agriculture, but he has been useful to the com- munity in which he lives as an example of good citizenship and an active worker in various public capacities. Especially does he deserve credit for the fine condition of the roads in the district over which he has been Supervisor. He has been a Trustee of Green Township for seven consecutive years at a time when the term was a single year. He has also been a member of the Board of Edu- cation of the township and a Director of the School District in which he lives. Believing that the eon- sent of the governed and their intelligent concep- tion of laws is necessary to the good of the people, he takes considerable interest in politics, his vote being cast with the Republicans. The entire fam- ily are members of the Presbyterian Church, at Clifton, and are actively interested in Sunday- school work, while the business ability of the fam- ily is made useful to the society in the capacity of a Trustee. The nature of Mr. Stewart is a kindly one, and this fact, combined with his upright char- acter and ability, gives him a high standing through- out the community.
G EORGE H. REID. There are many fine farms in Clark County, whose improvement was begun many years ago, and which have been brought to a high state of perfection by the unflagging zeal and energy of their owners. One of these is located on section 10, Springfield Township, and has been in possession of the Reid family since the beginning of this century. It comprises four hundred and ten acres, carefully and intelligently tilled, and bearing a set of farm buildings such as is to be found upon compara- tively few rural estates. They are well built, of pleasing design and conveniently located, tlie whole presenting an attractive appearance, and
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giving evidence of the prosperity which has at- tended honorable efforts, and the good judgment which has characterized the management of the estate.
The late James Reid was born in Virginia, Sep- tember 8, 1785, and came to Ohio when quite a young man. He settled in Springfield Township, Clark County, carrying on a farm for a long term of years. In the township he was married to Miss Margaret Kesler. a native of Bavaria, Germany, who was born March 11, 1819. After his mar- riage, Mr. Reid continued to live on his homestead until his death. which occurred May 23, 1857. His widow then took charge of the estate, success- fully managing her business affairs until they were placed in the hands of her son. The family con- sisted of four children-George H., William J., Sarah J., and James A .; the second son died in infancy.
The subject of this brief sketch was born on the parental homestead July, 29, 1848. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, where lie has always resided, giving his attention to agrucultural pur- suits from his youth. He received a good com- mon-school education, and having an active mind and a keen power of observation, he has ever kept himself well informed as to the progress of human- ity in his own line of work, and in all matters which pertain to the public good.
In the county of his nativity Mr. Reid was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bird, the marriage rites being celebrated January 4, 1870. Mrs. Reid is a daughter of S. V. and Margaret Bird, residents of Springfield Township, where she was born March 9, 1849. She is well informed qn topics of interest, skilled in useful domestic arts, and possesses a character which entitles her to re- spect and affection. She is the mother of one daughter, Sarah J.
Probably no man within the limits of the county takes a greater interest in the public weal than Mr. Reid, whose support is given to all worthy objects. He has been a member of the School Boord for a long term of years, and for several years past has been a Director of the Clark County Agricultural Society. Firmly believing that the principles of Republicanism are best calculated to secure the
welfare of the country, he exercises the elective franchise in behalf of the candidates of the Repub- lican party, and has borne his part in the offices of the township and county. As a public servant he is wise and prudent, as a farmer progressive and energetic, and as a private citizen upright and agreeable. He and his wife and daughter belong to the United Presbyterian Church.
ANIEL S. MORROW. It affords great pleasure to tlie biographical writer to in- corporate in this volume an outline of the life of one who has been a prominent busi- ness man of Springfield for many years, but whose claim to respect is based upon the enduring quali- ties of character which he has manifested, and the manner in which he has wrought out a career of honor from a beginning of orphanage and poverty.
It will not be amiss to make brief mention of former generations before proceeding to the life of of our subjeet, His grandfather, John Morrow, was born in Belfast, Ireland, but was of Scotch an- cestry. He was reared in his native city, whence he came to America when a young man, accom- panied by his brothers Jeremiah and William, all locating in Morris County, N. J. The two last named removed westward after the Revolutionary War, during which John Morrow fought in the in- terests of the Colonists. He was a farmer, his es- tate being close to Ft. Nonsense, which was built by Gen. Washington. His wife was a daughter of a Baptist minister named Price, a Welshman by birth. Both John Morrow and his wife died at their home in Morris County, where their son James had been born. The latter was rcared on the home farm, and after reaching years of maturity, engaged in farming and lime burning. He was the owner of the Morris lime kilns. He resided at Morris- town until 1820, when he came to Ohio with the intention of buying land and moving his family hither. He died on the trip, the circumstances lead- ing to the belief that he was robbed and murdered. His wife whose maiden name was Adah Price, sur- vived him a few years, dying in Morris County, in
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which she had been born. Their family consisted of seven children-Esther, Eliza, Saralı, Isaae, Alex- ander, Mary J., and Daniel S.
The subject of this biographical notice was born near Morristown, N. J., July 18, 1818, was two years old when his father died, and about ten when left motherless. He was then thrown upon his own resources, and making his way to New York City, he made his living as best he could until he was able to learn the trade of a brick and plaster ma- son. Onc can imagine the struggle for existence which would be endured by a boy of his years among strangers, and can readily believe that his bed was not always one of down, but more fre- quently a dry-goods box with the canopy of heaven as a roof. His inheritance of good sense directed him in the right path, and he avoided bad company and attended the Sunday-schools regularly. At thirteen years of age he signed the temperance pledge, and joined a temperance organization, his membership of such a society probably antedating that of any other resident of Springfield.
In the spring of 1837, young Morrow started for Ohio on foot, with his earthly possessions on his back. He walked to Delaware County, and worked at his trade there and in Columbus, until his mar- riage in the spring of 1841. He then went to Ur- bana, where he worked at his trade for a time, hoarding his resources until he was able to go into the grocery and produce business. In this branch of trade he continued in that city until 1848, when he became connected with Richard Brandriff, of Troy, in a stove foundry. In 1850, he came to Springfield, and here engaged with M. Steel, in the wholesale tobaceo business, in which he continued five or six years. He then turned his attention to the real-estate business, buying and improving property, in which he has continued until the pre- sent time. For several years he was also engaged with his only son in the ice business. He has built several business blocks, and a number of dwelling houses which add to the attractiveness and value of various localities in his city.
The lady who on May 28, 1841, linked her fate to that of our subject, was Matilda Whitehead, who was born in Franklin County, January 26, 1822. Her father, Jonathan Whitehead, a native of New-
ark, N. J., was an honored pioneer of the county in which she was born. She has done what woman could to assist her husband in all his worthy am- bitions, and with him instilled into the mind of their only child, the upright principles which ani- mated their own lives. Their son Steward, married Elizabeth Rush, and has five children-Ellen, Bes- sie, Edith, Glennie, and Margarie.
Mr. Morrow has always been a great reader, and has not only kept himself well informed in the gen- eral news of the day, but has also familiarized him- self with much good literature outside of the news- papers. He has always been a teetotaler and an advocate of temperance, and it was mainly through his efforts that the temperance hall in Springfield was built. He is now about seventy-two years of age, but in full possession of all his mental facul- ties, and physically strong, all of which may be construed as a good argument in favor of the tem- peranee cause. He still leads the singing at his church, with a voice as clear as ever. He and his wife are numbered among the Adventists. During anti-slavery struggles he was widely known as an underground conductor, a position which he looks back to with great pride.
OSEPH C. STEWART. No-finer farm is to be found in Cedarville Township, Greene County, than that owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch, and which is lo- cate l on the Columbus Pike, five miles northwest of Xenia. In fact, it is justly considered one of the finest places in the county, as it is under the most thorough tillage, while the buildings upon it are of the best class in construction and design. The dwelling is a commodious brick structure which was built fifty-five years ago by Squire Joseph Kyle and was for a number of years the home of Samnel Charlton and family. The cstate comprises two hundred and fifty-seven aercs.
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