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 68

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 68
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 68

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The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is descended in the direct line from Samnel Stewart, who with his brother William came from Ireland to America and served in the Colonial Army dur-

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ing the Revolution. Their settlement was made in Chester District, S. C., whence both came to this county about the year 1818. The family of Samuel Stewart consisted of two sons, Robert and Samuel, Jr., the latter of whom was the father of Dr. Robert Stewart of Xenia, the father of our subjeet. Dr. Stewart married Elizabeth Mary White, a daughter of Joseph and Diana ( Miller) White, the Miller family being from New Jersey and the Whites from Kentucky. Joseph White and his father, for whom lie was named, came from the Blue Grass State to this county with a colony from the Seeeder Church about the year 1804, and settled on Sugar Creek.

The birth of Joseph Stewart took place Deeem- ber 11, 1843, in Oxford, Butler County, where his parents lived for a short time, but his education was received in Xenia, to which they removed dur- ing his childhood. Although not yet of age when the Civil War broke out, the young man was fired with entlinsiasm in his country's canse, and on July 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry. The regiment was attached to the Eighth Corps and served in Virginia for three years, taking part in all the campaigns in West Virginia and the Shenendoah Valley, being under the leadership of Gens. Hunter, Averill, Crook and Sheridan. The most notable battles in which they participated were Winchester, Opequan and Cedar Creek. At the first mentioned the rebels made a deseent on the regimental eamp and our subjeet left his tent in such haste that he was arrayed only in his night elotlies, and snatching as he went his Springfield rifle. During the engagement he re- ceived shots through his elothing but no bodily in- jury. At both the other engagements the regiment lost heavily and they borc a gallant part in numer- ons skirmishes, suffering in common with their comrades the hardships attending marches and camp life. Mr. Stewart received his discharge in Septem- ber, 1864, after a ereditable service of three years and three months.

Returning to his home when his army life was over, Mr. Stewart engaged with D. R. Harbine & Co., grain dealers of Xenia, by whom he was em- ployed three years. At the expiration of that period he received the appointment of Government store keeper at the distillery at Harbine Station, which

position he held as long as the business lasted. In 1869 he went to Kansas City, Mo., afterward going to Junetion City Kan., where he helped in the or- ganization of an expedition to Prescott, Arizona. The organization was known as the Arizona Mining Association and started from Ft. Riley with ox- teams for a trip of fourteen linndred miles. Subse- quently he went to California, spending the winter of 1873-74 at the different eities in that State. At that time there was but one railroad in Los Angeles, which ran twelve miles to the coast.

Returning home by rail in 1874, Mr. Stewart re- mained until the following year, when he went again to Junction City and fitted out another expedition for the same route, this time going with four mules to a wagon and there being twenty-five wagons in the train, which was afterward joined by some oth- ers. They carried large tents, eook stoves, and other conveniences, together with a piano and organ which were brought into use when they would stop, which at times they did for several days. There were a number of young ladies in the party and a pleasant summer was passed among the mountains, in the enjoyment of the beautiful in nature, the bracing air, and in fishing and other amusements. During the western tours Mr. Stewart was in Ne- braska, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming; and he also made a trip to the Sandwich Islands and South America.

After disposing of this outfit at the conelusion of the second tour, Mr. Stewart returned to Kansas and took up a piece of land in Cloud County, hav- ing charge of an outfitting store at a small place called Glasco. There he remained until 1881, when he returned to Xenia, Ohio, and taking to himself a companion made a permanent settlement in this eounty. For a time he kept books for his brotlier, subsequently being appointed Deputy Auditor of the county, and after the death of his father-in-law taking charge of the fine estate which he purchased upon the death of the widow of its former owner.

The cultured woman whose Christian character and womanly accomplishments add a charm to the home of Mr. Stewart, bore the maiden name of Anna C. Charlton. Her parents, Samuel and Sarah (Sny- der) Charlton, came to this county from Maryland about 1830, and became well and favorably known

InA Wilson .

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in this vieinity. Mr. Charlton had high standing in the community where he was honored for his in- tegrity in all dealings with his neighbors and fel- low-men. Both himself and wife were born in the State whenee they came to this eounty, the wife having opened her eyes to the light at Clear Springs.

Mr. Stewart is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In polities he is a Republican, his views having been welded firmly in the fires of the Civil War. He has been reared in the United Presbyterian Church to which his wife also belongs, although her early training was that of Methodism. Both have standing among the best elass of citizens in the county, and are esteemed worthy members of the society and exponents of the Christian faith which they profess.

OHN II. WILSON occupies a leading posi- tion among the merchant tailors of Spring- field, his establishment heing the center of a large trade,a fine stock of both imported and American cloths being carried, while skilled work- men, under the supervision of the proprietor who is thoroughly eonversant with the tailor's trade, ent, fit and make garments in first class style. The home of Mr. Wilson is on a fine farm, three miles north of the eity on the Urbana Pike, and he drives to and fro night and morning. "Spruce Lawn" is a model farm, comprising three hundred and twenty aeres of ehoiee land, and bearing as good improve- ments as the township affords. The large barn is built after the best models, and there are two smaller ones in which the horses are kept. The residence is a substantial and homelike structure, surrounded by beautifully kept lawns and decorated grounds, the whole forming a home whose posses- sion miglit satisfy the most ambitious.

In County Down, Ireland, not far from the eity of Belfast, the gentleman of whom we write was born February 18, 1850. His father is Robert H. Wilson, a son of Carlisle, and a grandson of Rob- ert, all of whom were farmers, and life-long resi- dents of their native land. The mother of our

subject bore the maiden name of Mary Hamilton, and is a daughter of Robert Hamilton, and a grand- daughter of a gentleman bearing the same name, these ancestors also living in County Down. In the common schools of his native county, young Wilson pursued his studies until the age of ten years, when he began an apprenticeship at the trade of a tailor. His endeavors to acquire knowledge did not cease when he left the school-room, but have been continued throughout his life by per- sonal investigation and study.

After serving seven years as an apprentice, Mr. Wilson began his travels as a journeyman, visiting Wales, Seotland, and noted cities of England, in- eluding Liverpool, Manchester and others. He fi- nallydetermined to come to America,and setting sail from Liverpool, arrived in New York June 21,1870. The following morning he began work at his trade, remaining in the metropolis until the spring of 1872. During a portion of the time he was cutter in the house of Davidson & MeKee, on Hudson Street. Upon leaving New York, Mr. Wilson eame to Springfield, entering the employ of C. W. Vande- grift as cutter, and afterward being employed by H. M. Sheppard. In 1877 he opened a business for himself on Main Street, still oceupying the same premises, but with enlarged capacity and business. His thorough knowledge of all branches of tailoring has been a prime factor in his sueeess, although his business tact and square dealing have greatly assisted.

Mr. Wilson has been twiee married. The first ceremony took place July 23, 1874, the bride being Miss Emma Lohner, of this city, in which she was born, educated and reared to womanhood. With her our subjeet lived happily until June 4, 1880, when she breathed her last, leaving a son, Robert J., two years old. After having remained a wid- ower for nearly a decade, Mr. Wilson contracted a second matrimonial allianee, being joined in wed- lock with Martha E. Mowatt, August 15, 1889. The present Mrs. Wilson is of Scotch descent, was born in Springfield, and is the daughter of James Mow- att. She has received excellent advantages in ed- neation and home training, and possesses many virtues, and mueh useful knowledge. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Under

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her careful oversight the beautiful home is ever neatly and tastefully arranged, the table well sup- plied with appetizing food, and guests beneath its roof find every effort made for their comfort and happiness. In connection with this biographical record appears a lithographie portrait of Mr. Wil- son, whose personal traits of character have won for him popularity in society, while the success which has met his efforts in worldly affairs is con- sidered a just meed of his industry and skill.

OHN D. OTSTOT. Clark County has been the home of this gentleman since 1836, at which time he accompanied his parents hither from Lancaster County, Pa., where his eyes had opened to the light April 26, 1822. His birthplace was the town of Columbia, in which his father had carried on the trade of wagon-mak- ing for many years, although a few months prior to the removal to the Buckeye State had been spent upon a farm. The incidents of the overland journey, which was accomplished with teams, and the pioneer life here, arc well remembered by our subject, and many a tale can he tell of those early days. At the age of cighteen years he began an apprenticeship at the trade of a cabinet-maker, and after serving three years began his labors as a journeyman. After six or seven years spent in that manner he became a pattern-maker in the shop of James Leffel, since which time he has been con- tinuously engaged in this occupation.

The lady, who for more than forty years has been Mr. Otsot's faithful companion and efficient helpmate, bore the maiden of Jane Grant. She was born at Home Green, near Appleton, England, July 1, 1826, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Grant, whose history is given on another page of this volume. She became the wife of our subject in 1847. To them have been born two sons and five daughters: Daniel and Alfred, both de- ceased; Elsie, Lora, Emma and Mary, who are still living; and Jennie, deceased. The oldest daughter resides with her parents; Lora is the wife of James Todd, and Emma of O. B. Trout, and both reside

in Springfield; Mary, whose home is in Columbus, married U. B. Renner. In politics Mr. Otsot is a Republican. He has always been strictly temper- ate, and is a strong advocate of temperance. He and his wife and their children belong to the Cen- tral Methodist Episcopal Church. The lives of both have been such as to merit the esteem of their fellow-citizens, and they have many friends where- cver they are known.

John Otsot is a descendant in the fourth genera- tion from a German couple, who emigrated to America in Colonial times, settling in York County, Pa. On a farm in that county they passed the re- mainder of their days. In their family was a son Adam, who was about three years of age when brought to America, and who, after reaching man's estate, removed to Lancaster County. He had learned the trade of a wagon-maker and upon changing his residence opened a shop in Columbia. There he carried on the manufacture of wagons until 1830 or 1831, when he made an overland journey to Ohio. He lived in Franklin County three years and a half, and then came to Clark County, purchasing a farm two and a half miles from Springfield. After living on the farm a few years he became an inmate of the home of his son Jacob, dying in February, 1848, at the age of eighty ycars. He had married Mary Sophia Gove, who died on the home farm in February, 1840. She is thought to have been a native of York County, Pa. Of the nine children born to this worthy pioneer couple, all but one passed the allotted age of man. Daniel reached the age of eighty-six years; Catherine and Jacob werc eighty- three when called hence; Mary died when eighty- six years old ; John, who is now living in Columbus, has reached that age; Sarah died when thirty-six years old; William, whose home is in Springfield Township, is now seventy-nine years old; George, who lives in the city of Springfield, is seventy- seven; and Sophia died at the age of about sixty years.

Daniel Otsot, the father of our subject, was a native of York County, Pa., his natal day having been April 27, 1795. He was but four years old when his parents removed to Lancaster County, in which he was reared and married. He followed his

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trade of wagon-making in Columbia until 1835, and after spending a few months upon the farm, came with his wife and children to Ohio. He spent the winter in Columbus, and the following spring took np his abode in Clark County, purchasing a tract of timber land three and one-half miles south of Springfield. A log cabin stood in a half-acre clearing, that being the only improvement upon the place. He cleared the land and made various improvements upon the place, residing there for many years. He then removed to Springfield, and rested from his labors until called hence in Novem- ber, 1880. Ile had lived to see railroads take the place of many of the old trails, domestic animals that of wild game, and the dense forests give place to cultivated fields and thriving towns. His wife was known in her girlhood as Miss Hannah Du- shane. She was born in Delaware, February 11, 1796, and died at the home farm here in 1861. She had reared eight children, carefully instilling into their minds the principles of right living, and herself enjoying with her husband the respect of the community.

OHN HOWER. In driving about Greene County, the most unobserving traveler would be struck by the orderly and prosperous ap- pearance of an estate which occupies a part of section 31, Bath Township. It comprises one hundred and seventy-eight acres of excellent land which has been brought to a high state of produc- tiveness, and bears upon it excellent improvements. A commodious and substantial bank barn, 40x80 feet, affords shelter for stock and fodder, while granaries, cribs and other buildings, house various products of the farm. The dwelling of the owner of the estate is a substantial brick house erccted in 1868, from bricks made on the farm, and a good tenant house occupies an appropriate location. Water is conveyed to convenient points by the force produced by a windmill, and an excellent orchard, small fruits, and a garden beautify the estate and add to the comforts of those who dwell upon it. Fifteen acres is devoted to timber and the

remainder to the raising of grain, crops and stock. The cattle are high grade Short-horns and the hogs full-blooded Poland-Chinas.

The appearance of this estate does not belie the prosperity of its owner who has been more than ordinarily successful in worldly affairs. He rents a half of his home estate, using but one team in his own farm labors. He is also the owner of one hun- dred and fifty-three acres on section 21, of the same township; of two hundred and two acres in Beaver Creek Township, and one hundred and sixty acres near Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa. He also holds stock in the Osborn Bank, and altogether stands on a very substantial financial footing, such as is probably not excelled in the county.

Before outlining the life history of our subject it will not be amiss to devote a brief space to the family history. His grandfather, Jacob Hower, was born in Germany and emigrated to Frederick County, Md., where his son John was born in the year 1784, and where Grandfather Hower (lied. John Hower learned the trade of a wagon- maker in Hagerstown, and removing to Wash. ington County, bought a farm and carried on a shop upon it. He was out in the War of 1812, for a while. In 1833, he came with his family to this State, settling in Beaver Creek Township, this county, where he purchased ninety-three acres of land. He engaged in wagon-making and also oper- ated the farm, living upon it until eighty-four years old when he departed this life. He belonged to the Lutheran Church. His wife, in her girlhood Miss Mary Bovey, was born in Washington County, Md., and was the daughter of a native of Germany, who became a Maryland farmer. She died in 1859, at the age of sixty-five years. She belonged to the Reformed Church, and was the mother of eight children, as follows: Mrs. Mary Puterbaugh, who died in Xenia; David, who died in 1834; Anthony, who died in 1859; Susannah, Mrs. Cosler, whose home is in Beaver Creek Township, this county; our subject; Eli, who lives in Xenia; Samuel, who lives in Beaver Creek; Mrs. Elizabeth Greene, also of Beaver Creek.

John Hower opened his eyes to the light June 24, 1823, near Hagerstown, Md., where he lived until ten years old. He had but meager educational

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privileges there, his schooling being limited to two quarters in the subscription schools. On September 23, 1833, the family left their Eastern home and turned their faces westward. The band comprised the father, mother and seven children, and their outfit consisted of a covered wagon drawn by two horses. Their journey to this county occupied twenty-three days and the boys walked the greater part of the way. Our subject attended the public schools in this county, growing to manhood on Beaver Creek and remaining an inmate of the pa- rental home until twenty years of age. He then entered the blacksmith shop of Isaac Gentis on Ludlow Creek, serving an apprenticeship of two years.

After learning his trade Mr. Hower did journey work in Harshmanville and Byron until 1847, when he started a shop at Alpha. He bought two and a half acres of ground, put up a log shop and worked up a very successful trade. In 1857 he quit the business and worked upon his father's farm until 1859. He then located on one hundred and sixty- one acres of liis present home place, which he had purchased the year before. He put up a shop for his own use, improved the land and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, ere long buying seventeen acres adjoining. Prosperity attended his efforts and he became the owner of the other lands mentioned in this county, which are also well im- proved farms. In 1853, he paid a visit to Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of Government land about eight miles from Oska- loosa, which he has since improved thoroughly and which is now a place of considerable value. As before mentioned Mr. Hower does not personally carry on the large acreage he owns, but uses but one-half of the home farm, upon which he has had a tenant for two years, and rents out the other places.

The first marriage of Mr. Hower was celebrated October 12, 1850, his bride being Miss Margaret, daughter of John Shannon, an early settler and farmer in Beaver Creek Township and a native of Maryland. Mrs. Margaret Hower lived only a few years after her marriage, dying in 1853. She left one child, a cripple who is now deceased. After having remained a widower some years, on March

17, 1859, Mr. Hower took a second companion in the person of Miss Elizabeth Horner, the rites of wedlock having been celebrated between them in Beaver Creek. The bride was born there February 9, 1831, and was carefully reared by estimable par- ents, with whom she remained until her marriage. She is the mother of four children: Julia, John, George and Lizzie. The last two died when small; Julia attended Wittenberg College and is now liv- ing in Bethel Township, being the wife of C. L. Gerlbaugh ; they have four children, Arthur, Howard, Ella and Bertha. John attended Wilts Commercial College at Dayton ; he married Miss Anne Dunkle of Mad River Township, Clark County, and now lives in Bath Township, this county, on his father's farm.

The present Mrs. Hower is a daughter of George and Julia (Gentis) Horner, being the sixth child born to them. Her father opened his eyes to the light in Franklin County, near Cincinnati, in 1796, where his father, John Horner of Pennsylvania was an early settler. The latter afterward came to this county, where he owned a fine farm of three hun .. dred acres, not far from Xenia. When George Horner was twelve years old the family removed to Beaver Creek where he grew to maturity, following farming, and became the owner of an estate com- prising two hundred and two acres in the western part of the county. In politics he was a Republi- can and in religion, of the Reformed Church in which he held the office of Elder. He died at the age of seventy-nine years. His wife was a native of Brush Valley, Va,, her father, Daniel Gentis, having been born on the banks of the Rhine in Germany. He emigrated from his native land to Virginia but at an early day became a settler in Clark County, Ohio, operating a farm fifteen miles north of Springfield. His daughter, Mrs. Horner, died in this county at the extreme age of ninety- four years in 1884.

The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Hower are: John, now deceased ; Mrs. Sarah Finfrock of Shelby County; George, of Douglas County, Ill .; Daniel, an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Dayton; Mrs. Julia Grindle of Bath Township, this county; Jacob, who died at the age of five years, and Mrs. Rebecca Lantz of Beaver Creek. John and George

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were in the one hundred days' service during the Civil War, and Daniel enlisted in 1861, serving un- til the close of the struggle; he was so crippled by army life that he became an inmate of the Soldiers' Home.

Mr. Hower has been Township Trustee three years and School Director twenty-one years. He is an Elder in the Lutheran Church at Osborn and was formerly Trustee of the society at Byron. In poli- tics he is a straight Republican. The energy which has characterized his worldly career is equally manifest in whatever matter he takes in hand, whether it be the affairs of the church or of some popular public enterprise. He is one of those jolly whole-souled gentlemen who are liked by everyone, and to whom not even the most morose can be- grudge tlreir success. He has been fortunate in the choice of a companion, his wife being equally pop- ular, they standing side by side in the highest rank in society.

0 RLANDO FRANCIS SERVISS, Auditor of Clark County, occupies a good position bothi in the business and social circles of Spring- field, of which he has been a resident since 1875. He was born in Darke County, this State, June 4, 1850, and is the son of David and Julia Ann (Baker) Serviss, who were also natives of this State, the father born in 1825, in Clark County, and the mother near Dayton, Montgomery County. The paternal grandfather was William G. Serviss, one of the Associate Judges under the old con- stitution and one of the pioneers of Clark Connty. David Serviss was a practicing physician for many years in the western part of Clark County and died at his home in Mad River Township in 1862. The mother is still living, making her home with * her son, our subject. The parental family included two children only, of whom Orlando is the only survivor. The daughter, Mary J., who was the wife of O. A. Layton, became the mother of two children and died.

Mr. Serviss obtained a practical education in the common schools, completing his studies at

Enon, and at the early age of fifteen years became clerk in a dry-goods store, where he remained three years. In 1868 he began teaching school, and was thus occupied for about twelve years. In the meantime he was quite prominent in public affairs, holding various positions of trust and re- sponsibility, and finally, in 1881, was elected Audi- tor of Clark County on the Republican ticket for a term of three years. So faithfully did he dis- charge the duties of this office that he has since re- mained the incumbent by successive re-elections, his present term expiring in September, 1891.

Our subject was joined in wedlock with Miss Caroline M., daughter of David and Maria (Miller) Ilupman, in 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Hupman were natives of Virginia and came to Ohio, and were among the early pioneers; they now reside in Enon. To Mr. and Mrs. Serviss there have been born seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely : Clara S., George D., Francis W., Ida M., Charles E., James H. and Oscar F. Mr. Serviss, socially, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 205, K. of P., and Lodge No. 101, F. & A. M., at Springfield. He is likewise a member of Springfield Chapter, R. A. M., and Pal- estine Commandery, K. T. In 1890 he was elected a member of the Board of Education. Ile has a neat and attractive home on Ferncliff Avenue, and, with his family, enjoys the society of the best people of his community.

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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 68

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