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 76
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 76
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By dint of energy, persevering industry and ex- cellent management, Mr. Tuttle was able to add to his homestead until he possessed five hundred acres of choice land, all of which was placed in a state of high cultivation and improvement. More than $10,000 had been expended upon it in the way of improvements, making it one of the most valuable farms in the vicinity of Harmony. Live
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stock was raised and dealt in by Mr. Tuttle. He changed his residence in 1876, removing to a small farm near the corporate limits of Springfield in order that he might have a better opportunity to educate his children. The large farm is still held by the family, but the home is on the thirty-five acres near the city where a substantial brick house of a modern style of architecture was built for their occupancy. The dwelling stands upon a beautiful eminence overlooking the village of Lagonda and is furnished with all the moderr. conveniences
The lady who presides over this pleasant home is Mary C., daughter of John and Martha A. Luse, who became the wife Mr. Tuttle October 26, 1871. She was born in this county to which her parents came as early as 1804, on September 11, 1850, and under her care and training the children whom she has borne are ripening into noble manhood and womanhood. Iler happy union resulted in the of birth three children-Fanny A., Carrie D. and Clarence Isaiah. The daughters are acomplished young ladies, whose graces of mind and heart make them charming companions and promise great use- fulness in years to come.
M ATHEW A. BICKETT, one of the repre- sentative farmers of Xenia Township, owns and operates a fine farm lying some two and one-half miles from Xenia Court House. He is a native of Greene County, Ohio, where he was born January 19, 1831, in a house which stands only about one quarter of a mile from his present home. His father, William R. Bickett, was one of the pioneers of the county, having made choice of it for a dwelling place in the year 1818. while it was yet a wilderness. The region which had recently been the home of the Indian, shortly began to wear the aspect of civilization, as the ad- vent of the white man caused the original forest to disappear, and its place to be taken by fields of waving corn and golden grain.
' William Bickett was a native of Coaquilla Val- ley, Pa., where he was born in the year 1796 or 1798, the date is uncertain, and which was his
home until he arrived at the age of about twenty - one, when he started for the "far West" in com- pany with his mother, sister, and one brother. The party reached Greene County, in the year 1818, having made the trip with a six-liorse team. The first winter was passed in the house of Robert Ham . mell, a brother-in-law of Mr. Bickett. In the fol- lowing spring he bought about one hundred and fifty acres of woodland upon which he and his brother John erected a log cabin that was the home of their mother for a number of years. As rapidly as possible they cleared and improved the farm, and provided for the wants of the mother and sis- ter who were dependent upon their exertions. Deer, wild turkey and other game abounded, and they could always procure plenty for the table by simply using their trusty muskets.
In 1827 William R. Bickett and Miss Isabella Alexander were united in marriage, and took up their residence on the old home farm. The fruit of this union was six children, three boys and three girls. The boys are all married and living within one-half mile of the old homestead. Mr. Bickett died in 1865. Mrs. Bickett survived him some twenty years, departing for the better land in April, 1885.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, and assisted on the farm in the intervals. When school life was over, he continued to work on the home place until about the time of his father's death. May 30, 1865, our subject and Miss Caroline E. Kendall were united in marriage. He then purchased his present place of one hundred and eighty-one acres of land, and began business for himself as a general farmer and stock-raiser. His stock consists for the most part of graded Short- horns in cattle, and a fine strain of hogs. Mr. Bickett has no political aspirations, but exercises his rights as a citizen in favor of the Republican party. Hle is a highly esteemed member of society, and a devoted adherent of the church of his fathers, the United Presbyterian, and is a regular attendant upon the services of that body in the town of Xenia.
Mrs. Bickett was born in Greene County in 1838, about two miles from her present home, and is an intelligent and amiable lady well fitted to make a
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happy home for her husband and children. Mr. and Mrs. Bickett are the parents of seven children whose names are: Clark K .; Charles A .: William Albert; Annie M .; John W .; Elinor I .; and David Cameron, all at home, and all except the eldest at- tending school. Their parents are determined they shall have the best educational advantages that can be obtained, before permitting them to start out for themselves in the world.
Mr. Bickett is a first-class practical farmer, and not only provides a comfortable and commodious home for his family, but also considers the wants of his stock. He has one of the finest barns in the township, it being 40x60 feet with shed and corn crib of 19 feet additional. Most of the shrubbery, and all the improvements upon the farm are the re- sult of his own labor, and reflects great credit upon his ability and taste in the selection of the orna- mental features of his beautiful home. He derives great enjoyment from the society of congenial friends, and is deservedly popular with all classes, but finds his greatest pleasure in the bosom of his affectionate and happy family.
ACOB BALDNER. The Buckeye State is fortunately situated for the development of its cominercial and manufacturing interests, having along almost its entire northern border Lake Erie, which, through its connection with the other Great Lakes, and finally with the St. Lawrence and the ocean itself, brings within the reach of the State vast tracts of land with which exchange of products may be made. On the other hand, the Ohio on the south enables the people to carry on an interchange of commerce with large areas as far distant as the Gulf of Mexico, and even to the Southern Hemisphere. Countless thousands have taken advantage of this happy location, and have sought a home within the borders of Ohio. If they have brought with them a fair degree of health, perseverance and business ability, they have met with invariable success in their partieular avoca- tions.
The gentleman of whom this biographical sketch
is written, is yet in his early manhood; neverthe- less, he has exhibited unusual business ability, and has met with almost uniform success. At present and since the year 1886 he has had in his charge the important interests of the Field Cordage Com . pany's works, being superintendent of the same. He has built up the works, and to him in a large de- gree may the prosperity of the company be at- tributed. Since early childhood he has been asso- ciated with the twine and cordage business, his father being a rope-maker, who was skilled in the practice of his trade.
John George Baldner, the father of our subject, was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, whence he emigrated to America at an early age. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Howe, who was a na- tive of the same place with himself, and to them was born a family of seven children, five brothers and two sisters, of whom, Jacob, our subject was the fourth in order of birth. All are now living, two in Boston, one in St. Louis, another in the West, and two here. J. G. Baldner was engaged in the rope business for a period of more than forty years, and only ceased his work at death. He sur- vived his wife many years, she passing away in 1868, and he in 1885, in Boston.
Our snhject was born in Boston, November 16, 1860, and received a good practical education in the schools of that city. He early began to assist his father at his trade, becoming familiar with its details. At the age of twenty-three years he came to Xenia take charge of the Xenia Twine Factory. This position he filled acceptably for more than a year, then left it to go to Cincinnati. In the latter city he operated for George H. Bonte & Company. A few months later he went to Akron, where he superintended the building of the Akron Twine and Cordage Company's Works. As above mention d, he accepted his present position in 1886, and has since been connected with the Field Company's works.
The wife of Mr. Baldner is a lady of varied ac- complishments, refined, and well educated. She was formerly Miss Sallie M. Fleming, and is the daughter of Joseph B. and Margaret (Bosserman) Fleming, natives of Pennsylvania. After their mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Fleming located in Ohio, and
Emanuel Batter
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became the parents of five children, who now live mostly in that State. The union of our subject and his wife occurred September 4, 1885, in Xenia, and they are the parents of one child, a bright little girl, Margueretta May, by name. Religiously, they are in sympathy with the belief of the Presbyterian Church, while politically, Mr. Baldner is a Repub- lican. The family merit the high esteem in which they are held, and are prominent in the social eir- eles of Xenia.
E MANUEL BAKER. Among the citizens of Clark County who have entered into rest after winning an honorable record, the name of Emanuel Baker is conspicuous. His life was spent in an industrious and conscientious dis- charge of the duties which lay before him, and since his death he has been missed not only by his family circle but by his neighbors as well, who could ill afford to spare from among them one whose example and precept were so potent for good. A peaceable and law-abiding citizen, an earnest advocate of every good work-in fact, a Christian gentleman-his memory may well be honored by those who survive him.
Mr. Baker was born in Clark County, February 7, 1821, being a son of Martin and Eva Baker. early settlers here. He received his education in the primitive schools and was early thrown upon his own resources as his father died before he had entered his teens. Dependent upon his own efforts to get a start in life, he put his shoulder to the wheel with earnest determination and as a result of his labors was able to leave to his widow an excel- lent estate of fifty acres. His judgment concur- red in the principles advocated by the Republican party to which he therefore gave his adherence. He became a member of the Reformed Church the faith of which cheered his dying hours. The es- teem and confidence of his neighbors was mani- fested by his election to the office of Trustee of German Township.
The marriage of Emanuel Baker and Drusilla Foltz was celebrated November 14, 1844, and each
found in the other a sympathizing companion, whose chief joy was found by the home fireside. The happy union was blessed by the birth of two children-Lydia, wife of Isaiah Minick, of this county, and Andrew J., deceased.
Mrs. Baker is a native of Rockingham County, Va., her parents, Solomon and Leah (Huffman) Foltz, also being natives of the Old Dominion. She was born June 30. 1824, and was ten years old when her parents removed to the Buckeye State. They located in what is now German Township, Clark County, where the mother subsequently died, the father breathing his last in Jasper County, Ill. Of the five children belonging to the parental family, Mrs. Baker is the only one known to sur- vive.
Amid the scenes incidental to the early develop- ment of an agricultural region Mrs. Baker grew to maturity, receiving a rudimentary education in the traditional log schoolhouse. In her own home she was trained in all the womanly knowledge which was practical in the households of that time and became well fitted for the position of helpmate to an industrious man. The virtues which endeared her to her husband and children and to those who knew her intimately, are recognized by all who en- joy the pleasures of her acquaintance. Her useful- ness has not been confined exclusively to her own home, but from the spot which was the center of her affection she has reached out a helping hand to neighbors and is therefore well known and highly esteemed.
The many friends of Mr. Baker will be pleased to notiee his portrait, which is presented in con- nection with his personal sketch.
AMES F. ROBINSON. Among the many men in the Buckeye State engaged in wool- growing, the gentleman above-named is numbered as one who has won success in that enterprise his stock being of the Merino breed. He also carries on general farming, owning a valu- able piece of property two and a half miles east of Jamestown, Greene County, it being a portion
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of the Alexander Bell survey No. 1092. The estate comprises two hundred and six acres, is marked with a full line of first class improvements, and well stocked. Mr. Robinson came to Silver Creek Township in 1873 and has since made this farm his home.
The ancestors of our subject were Scotch-Irish, his grandparents, William and Hannah (Horney) Robinson, having been natives of South Carolina, where they grew to maturity and were probably married. For some years they made their home in Virginia, where several children were born to them, among them being Singleton, the father of our subjeet. He opened his eyes to the light in 1811, being but a little lad when the family came to Olio, settling on the present site of Dayton, when that city was a small hamlet. Grandfather Robinson hauled the first load of stone which was used for a foundation there. A few years afterward he sold out his interest there, not expecting the place to become a city, removing to what is now Jefferson- ville, Fayette County, where he was one of the first settlers. That section was then heavily timbered and he began in the woods to elear and cultivate a farm. There was neither market nor mill within thirty-five miles and the way to their home was marked by blazed trees. Here a start was made and by severe exertions a fine farm was built up, William Robinson living to see the country well improved, cultivated fields and flourishing towns taking the place of the unbroken wilderness to which he had eome. He was a famous hunter in his day, having more than local repute, particularly as a fox hunter, although he killed a great deal of game of various kinds. He always kept a number of hounds. He lived to be ninety-four years of age, dying in 1878 and being in apparently perfect health until the moment when the breath left his body. His wife also lived to an advaneed age. passing her eighty-eighth birthday but dying a few years before her husband. They were noble specimens of hu- manity, useful and respeeted in their day and gen- eration, and left behind them a memory which will be lovingly eherished by their descendants. Both were members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Robinson was a Democrat.
Singleton Robinson was the eldest of his father's
large family, and coming to Ohio when quite small grew to manhood in Fayette County amid the sur- ronndings of pioneer life in which he developed the habits which made of him one of the most sub- stantial eitizens of that county. He married Miss Anna James, who was born in Fayette County, being the daughter of old settlers who died near Jeffersonville before they had beeome aged. The young couple settled on a farm a few miles from the village and there Mr. Robinson is yet living, aetive and intelligent, although he is now seventy- nine years old. He has been very successful as a sheep-grower and farmer. He is a member of the Christian Church, to which his wife also belonged. She died in 1854, while still in the prime of life. Their family comprises four sons and two daugh- ters, the subject of this sketch being the second born.
The natal day of J. F. Robinson was April 16, 1838, and his birthplace the homestead in Fayette County upon which his father is yet living. His early life was passed there and while young in years he became acquainted with the details of farm life which he adopted as his calling. Up to the time he beeame a resident of Greene County he had lived near his birthplace, not being one of those who can be likened to a "rolling stone," but rather manifesting an attachment to the location which prevented his making a ehange exeept under very favorable auspiees.
In Miss Anna Moorman, who was born in Silver Creek Township, Greene County, May 5, 1843, Mr. Robinson found the qualities which he thought most desirable in a life companion and with her he was united in marriage. She is a daughter of Reu- ben and Susan (Sharp) Moorman, natives of this State, her father having been born in Greene and her mother in Brown County. The Moorman fam- ily were from Virginia and the Sharp family from New Jersey and Pennsylvania and are numbered among the early settlers of this State to which they eame soon after the present eentury began, becoming well known, particularly in this eounty. Mr. Moorman died in 1871 in middle age, having been born in 1818. His widow passed away in 1884 at the age of sixty-three years. Both were in their last days members of the Friends' Church.
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Their family consisted of two sons and two daugh- ters, one of them being now deccased. Mrs. Rob- inson is the eldest and was reared in the township which has ever been her home. She is the mother of eight children, two of whom, Anna L. and Blanche, died young. The living members of the family are Frank O., Della M., Charles A., Reuben W., Bertha S., and Mary E., all of whom are yet at home.
Mr. Robinson concurs in the principles of the Democratic party, which he therefore supports on all occasions. He is now serving as Trustee of his Township. Both he and his wife belong to the Friends' Church of Jamestown, and possess the traits of character which win the respect of their fellow-citizens and make their lives useful.
OSEPH P. HOLLINGSWORTH. Among the well-regulated farms of Jefferson Town- ship, Greene County, may be probably men- tioned that of Mr. Hollingsworth which stands as a fitting monument to his energy and in- dustry. It is under good cultivation, is embel- lished with good buildings, including a handsome two-story brick residence and all the other structures required by the intelligent and progres- sive farmer. The property has been in the hands of the present proprietor since 1870 and be has now effected most of the improvements which are seen upon it. Hc is a man occupying a good position in his community, one who has made for himself a good record and who gives his support to the en- terprises calculated for the good of the people around him, socially, morally and financially.
Mr. Hollingsworth was born May 20, 1833, in Jefferson Township, Greene County, this State, and is the son of Jarius and Emeline (Gorham ) Hollings- worth, who were natives respectively of Pennsyl- vania and Connecticut. The father of our subject learned brick-making and plastering in carly man- hood and followed his trade for a number of years in his native State. While yet a single man he em- igrated to Ohio, locating among the earliest pio- neers of Clinton County. Turning his attention
now toward agriculture he secured a small tract of land from the heavy timber with the forest for miles around him, and set about the construction of a home. In due time he was joined in wedlock with Miss Gorham and they labored together with the mutual purpose in view of gaining a compet- ence.
The mother of our subject left her native state of Connecticut with her parents when a young child and afterward lived in Clinton County, this State, un- til her marriage. The newly wedded pair sojourned for a few years after their union in Clinton County, then removed to Jefferson Township, Greene County. There they resided until retiring from the active labors of life, when they removed to Xenia where Mr. Hollingsworth dicd in 1884 at the age of eighty-one ycars, having been born in 1804. He was a man more than ordinarily intelligent and ob- serving, skilled as a mechanic and one who exer- cised no small influence among the people of his community. The mother is still living, being now eighty onc years old and makes her home in Xenia. Both she and her husband were for many years members in good standing of the Methodist Pro- testant Church, in which the father officiated as Class-Leader and occupied other positions of trust and responsibility. Mr. Hollingsworth had been reared in the Quaker Church.
To the parents of our subject there was born a family of cleven children most of whom lived to become men and women. Joseph P. was reared and educated in his native township and when ap- proaching manhood learned the trade of a brick- layer and other work connected therewith under the instruction of his father. Some of the most sub- stantial brick residences in Greene County are the work of his hands and he assisted in building all the school houses but one in Jefferson Township. In 1885, however, he abandoned his trade and turned his attention entirely to agricultural pur- suits.
The subject of this notice was married on the farm where he now lives, February 16, 1860, to . Miss Martha Bales. Mrs. Hollingsworth was born in Jasper Township, March 30, 1842 and was the daughter of Silas and Elizabeth (Smith) Bales who were among the oldest settlers of Greene County.
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Locating in Jefferson Township they there built up a good homestead where Mr. Bales spent the closing years of his life, dying when quite aged, in July 1882. He was a very intelligent man, well edu- cated and had taught school for a number of vears. Politically, he was a conscientious Democrat and was a man who made friends wherever he went. Mrs. Bales is still living being now seventy-two years old. She is a lady held in high esteem where- ever known and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Hollingsworth was reared to an attractive womanhood under the parental roof and is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and pleasing manners. Of her union with our subject there have been born four sons and one daughter, viz: Emma E., Alonzo, Marion, Charley and Harley, twins, and all are at home with their parents. Mr. Hollings- worth, politically, supports the principles of the Republican party. While he and his estimable wife are not identified with any religious organization, there are no people in the township more decid- edly in favor of strict morality, temperance and all the good qualities which go to make up a com- munity of upright and intelligent people.
OBIAS DREES. Among those whose hands are folded after a well-spent life, and whose names are held in kindly remembrance, may be numbered him with whose name we introduce this sketch. He became a resident of Xenia in 1842, and occupied himself as a builder and con- tractor for a period of forty years, and until 1882. Many of the prominent residences and business houses of Xenia were erected under his supervision and bear about them the evidences of his skill, judg- ment and architectural taste. He had served a thor- ough apprenticeship as a carpenter under the instruc- tion of the men who erected the county court-house, and which is a structure looked upon with pride by the residents of Greene County. Mr. Drees prac- tically grew up with the city, and has formed no unimportant factor in its growth and prosperity.
He rested from his earthly labors on April 19, 1889, dying at his home on Second Street in Xenia City, by whose people he was universally mourned.
One of the representatives of. the ninth genera- tion of Drees, the subject of this notice, was the son of Tobias Drees, Sr., and came with his par- ents to America from the vicinity of Bremen, in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, where he was born February 19, 1819. They landed in Baltimore in February, 1832, and thence made their way to Pittsburg, Pa., where they sojourned six weeks. Young Drees during that time ac- quired sufficient knowledge of the English lan- guage to act as interpreter for the party accom- panying them, and it was not long until he became thoroughly accomplished in the use of the English language. From Pittsburg the family removed to Minster, a German village in the northern part of Ohio, in Auglaize County, and the father, se- curing a tract of land, commenced farming, but later, with his son, Tobias, Jr., engaged on a canal- boat, running from Troy to Cincinnati.
The subject of this notice, leaving the parental roof at the age of sixteen years, was permitted to strike out for himself by returning a part of his wages to the family, which he did for a number of years. Upon one occasion, while journeying to Troy, he more than usually gave himself to ser- ious thought, and then and there determined upon a course of honesty and industry whatever emer- gency might arise in life. His first work there- after was as a teamster; next he was porter and clerk in an hotel. Upon reaching his majority he determined to become master of some trade, and first tried his hand at coopering. Hc soon decided, however, this was not his forte, and after a three weeks' trial abandoned it for something more con- genial-after having secured an amicable release from his indenture.
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