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 87
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 87
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Miss Mary J. Jackson became the wife of our subject Mareh 18, 1852, their union taking place | in Moorefield Township. Mrs. Berger was born
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January 11, 1830, in Loudoun County, Va., and is the daughter of John Jaekson, who was a native of Virginia and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ber- ger are the parents of five ehildren, viz .: John M .; Elizabeth A., who married Albert H. Tavenner; Mary Esther, Daniel F. and William H., the last two being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Berger have taken much interest in the welfare of orphan chil- dren, quite a number having found a home with them.
OSEPH MYERS. A traveler through Grcene County, sees many attractive homes, not only in the thriving towns, but in the agri- eultural distriets, the evidenees of enterprise crowned with success being plentiful on every hand. In Silver Creek Township, about one mile west of Jamestown, on the Jamestown & Xenia Pike, stands a substantial, two-story brick residence around which fine barns and other outbuildings cluster, and well-tilled acres streteh. Everything about the place bears the air of neatness and order, and the cvidenecs of good taste which mark the oc- cupants as people of intelligence, thrift and eult- ure. Investigation shows that this estate, which is one of the finest in the township, comprises one hundred and fifty-three broad aeres, and is owned and occupied by Joseph Myers and his estimable wife.
The gentleman whose life it is our purpose to outline in these brief paragraphs, is of German an- cestry, more recent gencrations having lived in Pennsylvania. Ilis father, John Myers, was born in that State, reared upon a farm, and married to Miss Lucy Plummer, whose birth and lineage were similar to his own. After the birth of two daugh- ters they removed to Ohio, settling in Ross Town- ship, this county, on a slightly improved farm. Here the husband and father died a few years later while yet in middle life, being but fifty-five years old. An honest and hard-working man, a eonsist- ent member of the Methodist Church, and one who endeavored to carry the principles of religion into his daily life, he was respected by his associates,
and mourned by his family and friends. In his politieal belief he was a Republican. The widow survived for many years, making her home with her son, our subject, after hic beeame of age, and passing away under his roof when nearly sixty years old. She was a kind and loving mother, a Christian woman, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church during the greater part of her life, and left a record whiel her deseendants eomtemplate with affectionate pleasure.
Of the seven children born to the couple above mentioned, our subject and his brother William arc all who are now living. The latter is a farmer, as were the most of the family. He of whom we write became of age in Ross Township, obtaining his edu- eation there, and early acquiring the industrious habits and high principles which have characterized his life. After reaching man's estate he ehose for his companion Miss Susan Long, of Silver Creek Township, their marriage being celebrated at her home, after which the newly wedded couple set- tled on a farm in Ross Township. There they re- sided for some years, changing their location to their present home about 1852. Here Mr. Myers has built up his splendid farm, while not neglect- ing the duties devolving upon a good citizen and neighbor:
The companion of Mr. Myers was born in New Jasper Township, May 12, 1827, and being reared by pious parents amid surroundings favorable to development of the higher qualities of character, grew to womanhood in the possession of many vir- tues, together with a knowledge of domestic arts which has made her useful at home and in society. Her parents, James and Alice (Boggs) Long were born in Virginia and Ohio respectively, and married in Jackson County, this State. Some years after- ward they identified themselves with the pioneer settlers of this county, occupying a farm in Silver Creek Township until death. The father passed away at the age of fifty-two years, and the mother when twenty years older. Both were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their home for years was the stopping place of the ministers, and was thrown open for the meeting of the congregation which desired to assemble in that vicinity 'They were numbered among the
Ambrose Jones
Eliza Jones
1
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leading families in this part of the county, their in- fluence being ever on the side of that which is ele- vating.
The family of our subject is made up of eight sons and daughters: William, the first-born, still re- mains with his parents; Henry C. is farming in the same township, having married Miss Nettie Cramp- ton; Louisa is the wife of John Gano, a boot and shoe manufacturer in Springfield; Charles A. mar- ried Miss Flora Sapp, and is farming at Fowler, Benton County, Ind .; James A., who married Miss Emma Horner, is a foundryman in Springfield; Laura B. is the wife of Frank Bryant, their home being on a farm in Ross Township; J. Franklin is connected with Mr. Ginn in the lumber business; Harvey E. married Miss Nellie Griffith, and is time- keeper in his brother's foundry in Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Myers is a sound Prohibitionist. For sixteen years he served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Township Trustee. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and rank very high with the best class of citizens, enjoying the pleasure of knowing that they have many true and tried friends an the connty. Al- though Mrs. Myers has been an invalid for some time, she bears her suffering and inactivity without a murmur of discontent, preserving her genial man- ner and lively interest in the true and the beauti- ful, and retaining her influence over those with whom she comes in contact.
MBROSE JONES. For the long period of forty-seven years Mr. Jones has lived at the farm which he now owns and occupies, and which comprises a fine body of land embracing one hundred and forty-five acres in Jefferson Township, Greene County. Running past it is the Xenia & Hussey Pike, a pleasant pub- lic highway along which vehicles are constantly passing, while the country around is nnexcelled in the fertility of its soil and beautiful scenery.
Mr. Jones came to Greene County in 1832, bnt did not purchase land until 1843, when he secured that which he now owns and occupies. He is a na-
tive of the Buckeye State and was born in Clinton County, June 12, 1817. He there spent his boy- hood and youth attending the common school and being carefully trained by pious parents. His fa- ther, the Rev. Ambrose Jones, Sr., was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and born in Mansfield County, N. Y. The elder Jones was reared to manhood in his native county and learned cabinet-making, which trade he followed for a number of years, also engaging as a general me- chanic. He was from boyhood serionsly inclined and finally felt it to be his duty to devote his life to the Master's work. He,-however, was never regularly ordained nor did he have any stated charge, but simply labored as a local preacher, accepting little or nothing for his services. The paternal grandfa- ther of our subject, likewise named Ambrose Jones, was born in Wales and emigrated to America when a young man, settling in New York State where he occupied himself as a mechanic and carpenter. There he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the age of seventy-five years. He possessed all the substantial qualities of his nationality, became well-to-do and a man of prominence in liis com- munity.
The father of our subject was married in New York to Miss Hannah Barnum, a distant relative, and who belonged to the same family from which the famous showman, P. T. Barnum sprang. Mr. and Mrs. Jones lived in New York State until after the birth of three children, then determining to seek their fortunes in what was then the far West, set out with teams overland for Ohio. They located in the wilds of Clinton County, where Mr. Jones occupied himself as a carpenter and preacher, erecting some of the first buildings in the county. In dne time he became the owner of a farm in Chester Township, but in 1832 be removed thence to Jefferson Township, Greene County. where with his good wife he spent the balance of his life. The father died when about seventy-two years old. Mrs. Jones survived her husband many years, dying at the advanced age of ninety-two. She with him had been a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
There was born to the parents of our subject quite a large family of children, the most of whom
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lived to mature years. Ambrose, like his brothers and sisters, was carefully rcared to habits of in- dustry and sentiments of honor and acquired sueli education as was afforded by the common schools. He improved his opportunities for reading and ob- servation and taught school successfully for a number of years. January 6, 1839, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Eliza Jones, wlio although of the same name, was no relative. She was born in Clinton County, this State, in 1818, and is the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They came at an early day to Ohio, settling first in Clinton County and then removing to Greene County where they died. The family consisted of five children, Mrs. Jones being the only one now living.
To our subject and his good wife there has been born a family of eight children the eldest of whom, a daughter, Mary Louisa, became the wife of James D. Brown, and they live on a farm in Jef- ferson Township. Maria is the wife of Dr. Charles Moorman, a physician of Abingdon, Iowa; Lucretia is the wife of L. D. Jones, a retired farmer now living in the city of Xenia; Anna J. married H. F. Jackson, who is a farmer and operates the old Jones homestead; Addison M. married Miss Sarah Ste- vens, who is now deceased and he lives on a farm in Jefferson Township. This son fought in the Union Army during the Civil War, was captured by the rebels and for a time experienced all the horrors of Libby prison ; he receives a pension from the Government. Edward A. married Miss Jane Turner and is farming in Silver Creek Township. Alvena and Rose B. are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are Spiritualists in religious belief and politically, our subject affiliates with thic Republican party.
Portraits of Mr. Jones and his wife are shown on another page of this volume.
C HARLES A. CREGAR. The building in- terests of Clark County recognize in the sub- ject of this notice one of its most skilled architects, who, although yet a young man, has
attained to a high position in his profession. He has spent his entire life in this vicinity, is a native of the city of Springfield, and was born May 9, 1858. He represents one of its most substantial families, being the son of Nathan and Catherine (Smith) Cregar, the former a native of Washington County, Pa., and born in 1825. He died at his home in Springfield in 1885. The paternal grand- father was Daniel Cregar, who traced his descent to Germany, and who spent liis last years in Mary- land. The mother of our subject, also a native of Washington County, Pa., is still living and makes her home in Springfield.
Nathan Cregar from early manhood was a con- tractor and builder, of Springfield, and followed this business up to the time of his death. Mr. Cregar studied architecture with Samuel Sloan, of Baltimore. In 1883 he took our subject in as partner, which continued until his death, since which time our subject has conducted the business. The parental family consisted of four children, viz .: Edward F., who is employed in the office of his brother, Charles A .; Frank M., a resident of Springfield; Lulu, the only daughter, and Charles A., our subject. The latter, like his brothers, was given a good education, completing his studies in the High School at Springfield. He commenced study- ing for a draftsman soon afterward, and gradually advanced to architecture, drawing plans for large and substantial buildings and making of this a specialty. Subsequently he went to Ft. Wayne, Ind., where he worked with and under the instruc- tion of the noted draftsman, 'T. J. Tolan, with whom he remained about eighteen months. By this means he gained a thorough knowledge of the different branches in the construction of public buildings, and evinced an admirable adaptation to this line of work.
Returning now to Springfield, Mr. Cregar en- tered the employ of T. B. Peet & Co., mannfac- turers of galvanized iron fixtures, and was their principal draftsman for a period of one and a half years. In 1884 he determined to embark in busi- ness on his own account, and accordingly opened an office in the Mitchell Block, and since that time has been employed as the architect of some of the finest buildings in the city of Springfield, among
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them being the Second Lutheran and the United Presbyterian Churches, the High School building, the East High Street School, the Pearl Street School, the Henry and Stewart Blocks, the Savings Bank, the Bookwalter Block and Arcade Hotel, the City Hall or Market House, this latter being the finest building in the State. In 1879, at the building of the new post-office, Mr. Cregar was Superintendent of Construction, and its goodly proportions give ample evidence of taste and skill combined with great solidity and strength.
The residence of our subject is located at No. 63, North Factory Street, and his family consists of his wife and two children. He was married in 1879, in Springfield, to Miss Mary, daughter of Edward and Ellen Burns. The parents of Mrs. Cregar were natives of England and Ireland res- pectively. She was born in Springfield, where also she was educated and reared to womanhood. Both she and her husband stand high in social circles, enjoying the friendship and society of the best peo- ple of their community. Mr. Cregar belongs to Clark Lodge, No. 101, F. & A. M .; Springfield Council, No. 17, R. A. M., and Palestine Com- mannery, No. 33, K. T.
W ILLIAM COPELAND. The uncomprom- ising integrity, persistent industry, and thrifty habits of the Scotch race are well represented in the life, character, and acquisitions of the gentleman above named, who occupies a farm in Clark County. He was born in Galloway, Scotland, August 29, 1832, and in his native land received his youthful training and education. At the age of nineteen years he determined to scek a home in the New World, and after landing on the Eastern shores of the United States came directly to Springfield, Ohio. Ile remained in that place but a short time before going to South Charleston, making his home with George Murray, and remain- ing there three years.
Mr. Copeland then began farming, buying a tract from James Pringle, which was scarcely more than
a pond at that time. He drained and otherwise im- proved it, remaining upon it four years and making of it a fertile estate which he sold for $65 per aere, an advance of $23 per acre on its cost priee. He then bought one hundred and forty-four acres in Madison Township, which he still owns and occu- pies, and to which he has added largely. Much of the land which he now owns has been cleared by himself with the help of his boys. He takes no active part in public life except to serve in offices of a strictly local nature, but pursues the even tenor of his way, doing well what his hand finds to do in the work which he has chosen, and finding in the companionship of his own family and the society of his friends all the recreation which he desires.
The parents of Mr. Copeland were George and Margaret (Murray) Copeland, both natives of the Land of the Thistle, where the father spent his en- tire life. The mother, who married a second time, came to America a year after the arrival of our subjeet.
On May 1, 1856, the gentleman of whom we write was united in marriage with Miss Jane Hop- kins, an attractive and energetie young lady who was born in County Donegal, Ireland. Her parents, Robert and Jane Hopkins, came to America in 1849, settling near South Charleston, where they lived until recently. The families from which both Mr. and Mrs. Copeland descended have held to Presbyterian faith for many generations past, and to that church our subject and his wife belong. Mr. Copeland is a Republican and has been elected to the office of Township Supervisor. He has also been Sehool Director of this district.
The living children of Mr. and Mrs. Copeland are Robert Walter, who married Miss Ida, daughter of Mathias and Sallie Smith, of Harmony Town- ship, this county, and who has two daughters: Eva May and Fannie; William James, now with his parents at home and attending to the farm; John, who still lives with his parents and is a teacher in the neighborhood; Etliel May, a young lady, who still cheers her parents' hearts by her presence under their roof. Mr. and Mrs. Copeland mourn the loss of four children: an infant son who died at birth ; Lester J., who died August 20, 1878, at
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the age of four years and seven inonthis; and two daughters who died in young ladyhood. Jennie E. passed away January 5, 1878, at the age of nineteen years, and Maggie, May 3, 1881, at the age of twenty-one years. Both these young ladies were graduates of the High School of South Charleston and had been engaged in teaching. The death of each was occasioned by exposure in going so far to school.
RESTON GLASS, one of the older settlers and successful farmers of Silver Creek Township, Greene County, occupies a farm on the Waynesville Pike two miles from Jamestown. The place upon which he resides com- prises sixty-five acres under careful and intelligent tillage and bearing substantial edifices which include all the buildings necessary for the comfort and eon- venience of the oecupants. This place belongs to Mrs. Glass, a traet of one hundred and twenty acres in another part of the township being owned by our subject who is also the fortunate possessor of a fifty-aere farm in Jefferson Township. These pieces of property are also well improved and pos- sess considerable value, as good land in this eounty always does. Sinee he became of age Mr. Glass has been identified with the farmers of the county and his career has been a most successful one.
In the biography of Vineent Glass, which is in- eluded in this volnmc, a fuller history of the fam- ily will be found, it sufficing us to say in this con- neetion that our subjeet belongs to old Virginia stock and is himself a native of Campbell County, in the Old Dominion, where his eyes opened to the light July 4, 1821. He is the youngest but two in a family of twelve children, and was about seven years of age when the family eame to Ohio,locating in the borders of this township. He well remem- bers their journey overland and the camping by the wayside, together with the early life in this section, which was at the time of their arrival eom- paratively new. The family being in limited eir- eumstances, the children were obliged to assist in the upbuilding of the home, and our subject was
reared without the advantages of an education. He has been obliged to depend upon his natural judg- ment and the knowledge gained from observation, instead of upon information gained from books.
The first marriage of Preston Glass took place in this township, his ehosen companion being Miss Susannah Shelcy, who was born here April 2, 1820. Her parents, Benjamin and Mildred (Strong) Sheley, were pioneers in this seetion whenee they had come from Virginia. She had grown to ma- turity in this township which had been her home during all the years prior to hier marriage,although her parents afterward spent some time beyond the limits of the county. She proved herself an able assistant to her husband by her good counsel and able management of household affairs. She died at her home in this township, September 3, 1886, deeply mourned by her family, in whose sorrow many friends sympathized, her goodness being known to a large eircle of acquaintances. She was a member of the Christian Church. She had borne nine children, of whom we note the following: John W. died when quite young; Naney L., Icav- ing one child; Mary E. when two years of age; Hnldah, after having borne four children, her death being oecasioned by her clothing having eaught fire and burned her so badly that she survived but a fortnight. Laban lives on a farm in Paulding County; Benjamin is a groceryman at Ogden, Ill., his wife being Miss Mary Etta Hill; Justus N. mar- ried Rachael Bryan and occupies a farm in this township; Catherine C. is the wife of Frank Wil- liams, a farmer of Paulding County ; Eliza J. is the wife of John C. Fiehthorn and lives on the old Glass homestead in this township.
The present wife of Preston Glass was in her girlhood Miss Mary Elizabeth Turner. She was born in this township in 1835, and married here November 22, 1887. Her parents, Levi and Polly (Sanders) Turner, were married in this township. Mr. Turner was a native of Ohio and his wife was a native of Kentucky. They lived to be quite old, gaining a high degree of respeet from their fellow- citizens in the community where they had passed a long and successful life. They were members of the Baptist Church to which their daughter belongs., She is still ocenpying the house in which she was
James W. Ball
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born and where she grew to womanhood, learning useful habits and practicing them in her life. Mr. Glass attends the Christian Church; in polities he is a Republican. In common with other members of the family he is held in good repute by all to whom he is known.
AMES W. BABB. Among those stable and reliable citizens who have been pursuing the even tenor of their way and assisting in sustaining the reputation of the community, may be properly mentioned Mr. Babb, of Caesar's Creek, Greene County, who for the last fifteen years has been engaged in milling, operating both saw and grist mills. His native place was the city of Xenia and the date of his birth May 8, 1837. His parents were James M. and Hannah (Smith) Babb, who were both natives of Frederick County, Va., the father born January 17, 1811, and the mother June 4, 1817. They were married in their native county in 1834.
The father of our subjeet learned earpentering in early manhood, and remained in his native State until the year above mentioned. Then, soon after his marriage, be decided upon seeking his fortune in the Buckeye State, and coming to this county, established himself in Xenia as a carpenter. Later, he farmed two years in Clinton County, still, bow- ever, maintaining his residence in Xenia. He died in this city, March 27, 1876. The wife and mother passed away many years prior to the decease of her husband, her death taking place March 28, 1852. Of this union there were born seven chil- dren, five sons and two daughters, four of whom are living, viz: James W., our subjeet; Thomas M., George H. and Charles S., the latter a teacher and farmer in De Kalb County, Mo.
The father of our subjeet married for his second wife Susan MeCreary, who was a native of Ireland, and who came to America with ber unele when a maiden of eighteen years. This union resulted in the birth of three children, namely : Lon H .; Grace A., the wife of David V. MeClellan ; and Lizzie R., the wife of John MeClain, of Greene County.
James Babb was a very intelligent and well-in- formed man, during his later years a Republican in polities, and with his first wife, belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The paternal grand- father of our subject was Henry Mercer Babb, likewise a native of Frederick County, Va., and who married Miss Grace MeCool. To them were born seven children, viz: Mary, Eliza, Deborah, Harriet, Thomas, James and Henry M. With the exception of Thomas, they were all married and reared families. Grandfather Babb was a farmer and miller combined, and during the early days was a slaveholder. He likewise belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church and spent his entire life upon his native soil.
The paternal great-grandfather of our subjeet was Thomas Babb, who married Blanche Mercer. He was born and reared in Pennsylvania, whence be removed to Virginia and occupied himeslf as a carpenter and farmer. His eldest son, John, met his death on the battlefield during the Revolution- ary War. Thomas and Henry M. were married and became the fathers of a number of daughters. The family is supposed to be of English and Irish origin.
Mrs. Hannah (Smith) Babb was the daughter of John S. Smith, a native of Virginia, a soldier in the War of 1812 and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Susan Crouse, of Frederick County, Va., and they became the parents of the following children, all of whom lived to mature years: The sons were Charles, John, Henry, Philip and Seth. The daughters were Jane, Hannah, Caroline, Sarah and Mary. John Smith, the father of John S. Smith, was a native of Prussia and a Captain in the Eng- lish army during the Revolutionary War. He was captured by the Federal troops, and after the war was over, remained in America, taking the oath of allegianee, and becoming a teacher of the German and English languages.
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