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 84
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 84
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A native of this State, Mr. Printz was born April 13, 1848, four miles south of the eity of Spring- field, where he lived until reaching his majority. He attended the district school until a lad of thirteen years and at the age of twenty-one, went to Springfield, and commeneed an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade under the instruction of Henry Van Treff, with whom he remained two years. He then found employment in the Old Champion machine shops at Springfield, where he was employed as a carpenter for a period of ten years and from four to six months each year was on the road, selling machines, being three sum- mers in Long Island, one year in Vermont, one year in Utica, N. Y. and three summers in various other places. He was successful, giving good satisfaction to his employers and being paid a handsome salary.
In November, 1880, Mr. Printz went to Colo- rado with O. W. Kelley for the purpose of estab- fishing a smelting furnace at Bonanza. They oper
ated this two years when the ore became refractory and could not be smelted without lead and the en - terprise was abandoned. Mr. Printz then returned to Springfield where he remained until removing to his present farm.
On the 3rd of April, 1879, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Jenkins. This lady was born September 17, 1852, in Mad River Township, Clark County, and is the daughter of William B. Jenkins, also a native of that county and a carpenter by trade. He followed farming also, becoming sueeessful and prominent. Mrs. Printz completed her education in the Springfield High School and remained with her parents until her marriage. Of this union there have been born no children. Mrs. Printz is a member of the Pres- byterian Church of Yellow Springs.
The father of our subject was Peter Printz, a native of Ilagerstown, Md., and the son of Peter Printz Sr., who was born in Germany and who em- igrated to America when a young man. He set- tled in Maryland and served in the War of 1812. He was a hatter by trade but upon emigrating to Ohio, in 1815, purchased land in Springfield Town- ship, andbecame a farmer. He put up a log cabin in the wilderness, eleared the land around him and ac- cumulated a good property. He there spent the remainder of his days. Ile was a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he officiated as Class-Leader and was one of its chief pillars.
The father of our subject was a boy of six years when his parents settled in Springfield Township, where he was reared to man's estate and engaged in farming pursuits. In due time he purchased the old homestead of one hundred and sixty-two aeres where he spent the remainder of his days, resting upon his earthly labors March 7, 1873. He was a man of decided views and voted the straight Dem- ocratic tiekct from first to last. Under the instruc- tions of his pious parents, he at an early age be- came imbued with religious principles and at the age of seventeen years identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he remained a prominent and active member until the day of his death.
Mrs. Athelinda (Kelley) Printz, the mother of
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onr subject was born at her father's homestead on the Clifton road in Green Township, Clark County, and is a sister of O. S. Kelley, a sketch of whom ap- pears on another page of this volume together with further notice of the parental family. She sur- vived her husband nearly twelve years, departing this life at the old homestead March 14, 1885. To her and her husband there has been born a fam- ily of eleven children : Isaiah, the eldest, is farm- ing near West Moorefield; Mary M., Mrs. Rine, is a resident of Tiffin, this State; Sarah is deceased ; Silas W., our subject, was the fourth child; Wil- liam is a resident of Clifton; Oliver and Daniel arc deceased; Ruth, Mrs. Ballman, is a resident of Springfield Township; Frank P. lives in Clifton; Emma, Mrs. Simeral, lives in Mad River Town- ship; Eugene, the youngest child is single and lives with Mrs. Simeral.
W ILLIAM R. SMITH, Secretary and Super- intendent of the Springfield Water Works, may be properly classed among the rep- resentative men of this thriving city, and one whose modesty is commensurate with the excellence of his character. He comes of one of the best nationalities on the face of the globe, being a na- tive of Lanarkshire, Scotland, and was born near the city of Glasgow, December 29, 1829. His par- ents were John and Elizabeth (Robertson) Smith, who are both deceased.
Our subject attended the common schools of liis native place until a lad of fifteen, then emigrated to America, via Quebec and Montreal, Canada, locating first at Brockville, Canada. Thence he emi- grated to Sandusky, Ohio, where he attended school during the years 1848-49. Upon leaving school, hic joined a surveying expedition and assisted in the preliminary survey through the northern por- tions of New York and Pennsylvania of the Buffalo & State Line Railroad. The country was then a wild, uninhabited district, mostly in hemlock tim- ber. He suffered much hardship and exposure, and this, in addition to the cholera epidemic, from
which many others suffered, caused the expedition to be abandoncd, and young Smith returned to Sandusky, Ohio.
Entering now the employ of the old Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad Company (now the Cin- cinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad), Mr. Smith operated in the construction department until October. 1851. Then, going to Springfield, he bc- came connected with the Springfield and Delaware branch and the Springfield & London branch of the same road, in the capacity of foreman for the firm of Barnard & DeGraff, contractors, who were recog- nized as the railroad kings of that day, and he was thus occupied until October, 1854.
Desirous now of visiting the scenes of his boy- hood, Mr. Smith returned to Scotland on a visit to his parents and friends, where he spent three monthis very pleasantly-this was in the summer of 1854. Upon returning to the United States, he sought his old haunts, and still working his way upward, became ticket agent and check clerk of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad Company, mak- ing his headquarters at Springfield. In 1858 he took the agency of the Springfield & Delaware Railroad, at Springfield, continuing in the employ of this company until the road changed hands and remained with the new administration until 1869. In the spring of 1870 he accepted a position with the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad Company, with which he remained until 1881.
In the above-mentioned year Mr. Smith entered the employ of the Springfield Water Works Com- pany, and in due time, by strict attention to liis duties, was promoted by the Board to the post of Secretary and Superintendent, the duties of which he is discharging in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to all concerned.
William R. Smith was joined in wedlock with Mary B. Ege at the bride's home, in Springfield, July 24, 1860. Mrs. Smith was born on the 31st of October, 1836, at Laurel Forge, near Carlisle, Pa., and is the daughter of Michael P. and Jane Louisa (Mckinney) Ege, who were natives of Penn- sylvania and now deceased. The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith are recorded as fol- lows: Arthur E. is employed in the gas office and makes his home with his parents; Belle W. is the
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wife of E. C. Gwyn, a prominent young business man of Springfield; Mary W. remains at home with her parents. The family residence, a neat and tastily-appointed structure, is pleasantly lo- cated at No. 251, South Limestone Street, and is the frequent resort of the many friends whom Mr. and Mrs. Smith have gathered about them since their residence. Mr. Smith, politically, is identi- fied with the Republican party, and socially, bc- belongs to the order known as Iron Hall.
G JEORGE ZIMMERMAN. Clark County is the home of many farmers of progressive ideas and enterprising ways, to whom dc- served success has come, and whose homes are a credit to the county. The above-named gentle- man is one of these. He owns a fine estate of three hundred and ten acres in Springfield Township, the land being under thoroughi cultivation, and bear. ing the various improvements whichi a man of en- terprise always makes. A full line of buildings, including every necessary and convenient arrange- ment for the furtherance of the work carried on, has been erected, all being well constructed and attractive in appearance.
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The subject of this sketch is one of twelve chil- dren born to Henry and Barbara (Greiner) Zim- merman, natives of the Keystone State, who died in Dauphin County. There George Zimmerman first opened his eyes to the light February 11, 1819, growing to manhood upon his father's farmn. His home was there until March, 1859, when he came to Clark County, Ohio, settling in the town- ship where he has since resided. He has followed farming for the most part during his life, and is thoroughly conversant with every detail necessary to its successful pursuit.
The first marriage of Mr. Zimmerman took place in Dauphin County, Pa., his chosen companion being Miss Barbara Stoner, who bore him four chil- dren, three of whom are now living. These are: Henry M., a grocer in Springfield; Augustus, a farmer in Kansas; and Mary, who is the wife of David Tonkinson, of Kansas. The wife and mother
dicd in Dauphin County, Pa., and some time later the widower contracted a second matrimonial alli- ance.
The bride on this occasion was Miss Elizabeth Meck, a native of the Keystone State, the marriage rites being celebrated in Perry County. The union resulted in the birth of six children, of whom we note the following: Milton is engaged in farming in Kansas; Araminta C. is the wife of John H. Moore, a farmer in Springfield Township, Clark County ; they have three children-Nellie B., Daisy C. and George C; Alice is the wife of James Ram- sey, of Kansas; Simon, Frank and Samuel are liv- ing at home. The mother of these children breathed her last at her home in this county, August 24, 1866.
The third wife of our subject was Miss Eliza- beth Parthemorc, who also died in this county, the date of her decease being October 14, 1874. The talents of Mr. Zimmerman have been recognized by his fellow-men, whom he has served in some of the school offices, and as Township Trustee for several years. He is a member of the Republican party, in behalf of whosc principles he wields all his influence. He belongs to the United Brethren Church, having good standing in that religious body and throughout the community, as a man whose principles, intelligence, and habits afford a worthy example to those about him.
SABELLE (WELLS) LEFFEL makes her home on a well-improved farm two miles south of Springfield, her home being shared by her chil- dren. The residence is well built, as are the other buildings which adorn the estate, while the land is productive and well cultivated. The estate was operated for many years by the deceased husband and father, and upon it he breathed his last April 26, 1877.
Mrs. Leffel was born in Miami County, and hav- ing lost her mother when very young, became an inmate of the home of her paternal grandparents. She attended the district schools, and afterward advanced her education by pursuing her studies in
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Margaret Mcknight
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the city schools of Dayton. She became well in. formed, and under excellent home influences de- veloped into a noble womanhood. In 1868 she became the wife of James M. Leffel, a native of Clark County, who was reared to agricultural pur- suits, and always followed that occupation. Their union resulted in the birth of four children-Clar- ence N., James L., Maud V., and Leslie B. They were quite young when deprived of a father's earc, and their widowed mother has endeavored to fill his place in the direction of their lives, while keep- ing before them the memory of the loved and lost.
Mrs. Leffel is of English ancestry, and it is be- lieved that her grandfather was born in the mother country, and came to America with his parents. The latter, Samuel and Martha Wells, after having lived for some time in Virginia, removed to Miami County, Ohio, where their last years were spent. Their mortal remains were deposited on the home farm six miles from Troy. Their son Silas married Elsie Skinner, a native of South Carolina, and is numbered among the early settlers of Miami County, to which he went about 1823. There he bought land, engaged in agriculture, and like his parents, continued to reside there until death.
The father of Mrs. Leffel was Richard Wells, who was born in Virginia, and accompanied his par- ents to Ohio when about twelve years old. At that early day, deer, wild turkeys, and other kinds of game were plentiful throughout the vicinity in which they located. Young Wells learned the trade of a carpenter at Troy, afterward devoting a part of his time to his handieraft, and the remain- der to farming. When a young man he went to Illinois, where he was married, subsequently re- turning to Ohio, and occupying a farm adjoining that of his father until the death of his wife. He then went West and traveled quite extensively, his last years being spent with his children. He died about 1875, and was buried in Dayton. He was the father of four children, Mrs. Leffel being the young- est. The others are: Mrs. Mary J. Karnes, Thomas Benton, and Mrs. Ella Koogler, all of whom live in Miami County.
The father of Mr. Leffel was James P. Leffel, who was born and reared in Botetourt County, Va. When he was eighteen years old he left the paren-
tal roof and journeying westward, soon reached Clark County, Ohio. Here he found employment on a farm, receiving $2 per month for his services. He was industrious and faithful, and saved his earnings, finally being able to buy a mill and dis- tillery which he operated some time. He then sold the property and bought a farm in Springfield Township, where he resided until death. Good fortune seemed to attend him, and he accumulated quite a property. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Miller.
R OBERT MCKNIGHT. It has been well said that "the worth of a State, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it." National progress is determined by the development and advancement of the individ- ual character, and when we consider the sturdy perseverance of the brave men who hewed out a path for the coming civilization, the rapid growth of our country is not so surprising. Among the list of these pioneers properly belongs the name of Mr. MeKnight, who though long since passed from the busy scenes of earth, is still remembered affec- tionately not only by his descendants, but also by all with whom he was familiarly acquainted.
The birthplace of Mr. MeKnight was in the Old Dominion, where in Rockbridge County he was born August 7, 1779. There also he was reared and educated. His parents were named respectively John and Mary ( Patterson) McKnight, whose per- sonal history will be found in the sketch of Samuel Mcknight on another page. In May, 1807, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between him and Miss Elizabeth Fulton, with whom he lived hap- pily for nearly half a century, her death taking place in August, 1854. She was born in Augusta County, Va., to William and Margaret (Lusk) Ful- ton, her father being a farmer.
Mr. MeKnight came to Ohio many years ago, settling in Greene County, east of Spring Valley, where he resided during the remainder of his life, entering into rest February 27, 1856. Ile was a soldier during the War of 1812 and served his town
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in various positions, ably filling the offices to which he was elected, and as a private citizen being hon- orable, upright and industrious. He was the father of three children: Margaret, born May 9, 1808; Mary, April 16, 1810; and James, November 7, 1811.
Miss Margaret McKnight is now the owner of her father's homestead comprising one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land in Spring Valley Town- ship; the farm is furnished with the usual comforts and conveniences found upon an estate which has been occupied for many years. Although now eighty-two years of age her mental faculties are unimpaired, and she manifests in her person the charm which may be found in old age when the in- telligent mind and Christian heart shine forth in the countenance and manner. She is devoted to the interests of the Presbyterian Church, and liberal in her gifts to it and other worthy objects.
Mary, the second child of Robert and Elizabeth McKnight, became the wife of James Lyon. He was born in Rockingham County, Va., in September, 1805, to John and Catherine (Hook) Lyon, who werc early pioneers of Cæsar's Creek, this county. To himself and wife two children were born: Eliza- beth J., and Martha C. Elizabeth J. is the wife of William T. Lackey, who was born in Rockbridge County, Va., March 2, 1850, came to Spring Valley, this county, in 1869, and was married April 14, 1887. Mr. Lackey is a son of Isaac and Ann Eliza (Shafer) Lackey, his father being a Virginia farmer and the son of James Lackey, who married a Miss McCampbell. The second daugliter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyon, is the wife of William H. Hopping, of this county.
James McKnight, the only son of Robert and Elizabeth (Fulton)McKnight, married Ann Mckay, who bore him four children: Lizzie, Robert, Maria, and Susan. Lizzie has been married three times, having two children, James L. and Harper, by her first husband, Benjamin Jones. Maria became the wife of William Lyle and has three children : Clara, Joseph and Mary E. Susan is the wife of Alfred Smith and the mother of three children: Cora M., Maggie O., and William.
The reader will be pleased to notice on another page of this volume a lithographiic portrait of the
venerable Miss Margaret McKnight, whose cheerful face and kindly disposition will be affectionately remembered long after she has been called from earth.
R OBERT LYTLE, Teller of the Central Na- tional Bank of Xenia, is one of the organi- zers of that institution, which opened its doors for business December 2, 1889, with Dr. J. S. McCampbell, President, and George Kendall, Cashier; its capital stock is $50,000, and being organized under favorable auspices, it is in as flourishing a condition as its infancy will admit, and gives promise of becoming one of the substan- tial and well-known institutions of Xenia. Mr. Lytle began his banking experience on the lowest round of the ladder, and step by step reached the position of Teller and Cashier. Hc is highly spoken of by all who know him as one who is honest and strictly honorable in all his business transactions, and who as a man and a citizen is a credit to the city in which he has made his home.
The birth of Mr. Lytle took place in Huntington County, Pa., August 27, 1830, and his boyhood was passed in his native State. He had just en- tercd his teens when his parents, James and Fannie (Smart) Lytle, became citizens of the Buckeye State, the father engaging in farming in this county. The young son obtained a good education in the common schools, and remained with his par- ents, assisting his father in agricultural labors, until his maturity. In January, 1853, he engaged in the dry-goods trade in a clerical capacity, enter- ing the store of J. C. McMillan & Co., where he remained five years. At the expiration of that time the firm of Stark, Lytle & Cooper was formed from the old organization, and continued in busi- ness until 1862, when it was dissolved, two of its members having enlisted in the army.
The first call for thrce-months men, in 1861, found a ready response from Mr. Lytle, wlio be- camne Captain of Company D, Twelfth Ohio In- fantry, and went at once to Camp Jackson, Columbus. Mr. Stark enlisted in August, 1862, and became a member of the One Hundred and
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Tenth Regiment. At the conclusion of his army life our subject took up his abode in Dayton, but in February, 1864, returned to Xenia, and in Sep- tember, 1864, entered the Second National Bank as its only clerk, the institution being at that time in its infancy. There he advanced as the institu- tion enlarged its business, and upon reaching the position of Teller and Cashier continued in it three years, adding to his reputation as a man of honor and one possessed of decided financial abilities.
At thic residence of George and Martha Monroe, of this city, January 12, 1881, the gentleman of whom we write was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, the cultured and amiable daugliter of the host and hostess. The bride is a native of this city, wherein she has gained many friends by her fine character and intelligence. Mr. Lytle is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church.
OSES A. WALTON, a native-born citizen of Greene County, first opened his eyes to thic light in Spring Valley Township, July 22, 1840, and is the son of Samuel and Cathe . rine (Mendenhall) Walton; the former was born in 1804, in Shenandoah County, Va., while the mother of our subject was born in 1801. Mr. Walton ac- quired the rudiments of liis education in the com- mon school, and completed his studies in the High School at Spring Valley. His father died when he was a little lad of four years, and at the age of fif- teen he began to assist his mother in the mainte- nance of the family, and in the management of the business.
When twenty-two years old, Mr. Walton was married, February 12, 1862, to Miss Louisa J., daughter of Ambrose and Susan R. (Babb) Elam. This lady was born in Spring Valley Township, September 27, 1840, and by her union with our subject, became the mother of one child, a daugli- ter, Nettie M. Mr. Walton after his marriage set- tled on a farm in Spring Valley Township, and in addition to the successful pursuit of agriculture, became prominent in local affairs. He was elected County Commissioner, and after serving for a time, resigned to take charge of the Infirmary. Of this
he was Trustee seven years, and for a period of seventeen years he was a member of the School Board of Spring Valley Township. Both he and his estimable wife belong to the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Mr. Walton is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the order of Red Men. For two years he was Chairman of the State Association of County Commissioners.
Moses Walton, Sr., the uncle of our subject, was born on the banks of the Little Miami River, at Spring Valley Station, June 27, 1809. His parents were Edward R. and Deborah (Allen) Walton, na- tives of Shenandoah County, Va .; the father was born in 1777, and the mother April 10, 1775. They were married in their native State.
Edward R. Walton was a miller by trade, and came on horseback to Ohio in 1806. He endeav- ored to purchase the farm upon which, later, was located the town of Spring Valley, and which then comprised a tract of three hundred acres, but was ontbid by another man who secured the coveted prize. Mr. Walton then returned to Virginia, and upon reaching home, found .James Barnes, the owner of the land waiting for him, and from him Mr. Walton purchased it and removed his family there in the fall of 1808. He cleared and improved the land. and finally laid out the town of Spring Valley, making twelve lots on the west side of the pike, while his son Moses platted an equal number on the east side.
Grandfather Walton sent a substitute to the army during the War of 1812. Politically, he was first a Whig, and then a Republican, and departed this life at the old homestead April 10, 1867. He out- lived his wife many years, she dying at the age of sixty-eight. She was a very intelligent woman, and served as a preacher in the Society of Friends. There was born to them a family of eight children, viz: Samuel, the father of our subject; Betty, the wife of William Mendenhall; Mary, who died in infancy; Moses; Eunice the wife of Eli Compton, Edward, John, and Hannah, Mrs. Amos Cook, now a resident of Hamilton County, Ind.
Edward R. Walton was the son of Moses Walton, who died in Virginia from injuries received by the sword of an officer who struck at him because, be-
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ing a Quaker, he refused to enter the army. To him and his wife Eunice Rogers, there was born a family of seven children, four sons and three daugh- ters. The sons were Samuel, Moses, Edward, and John. Deborah (Allen) Walton came to Ohio prior to her marriage, to visit her two sisters, Mrs. Betty Haines, of Waynesville, and Cicely Schooley, of Oldtown, this county. She came to this State upon the promise of Mr. Walton to marry her. Her father was Joseph Allen, of Irish origin, and her motlier's first name was Betty. The journey hither was made on horseback.
Grandmother Walton was three times married, and there were born to her four sons and threc daughters by her first husband. By her second husband, Mr. Allen, she became the mother of two children. She spent her last days in Virginia, pass- ing away at a ripe old age.
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