Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States, Part 100

Author: Chapman Brothers
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 894


USA > Ohio > Fayette County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 100
USA > Ohio > Madison County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 100
USA > Ohio > Pickaway County > Portrait and biographical record of Fayette, Pickaway and Madison counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 100


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In politics, our subjeet is a believer in and a sup- porter of the principles advocated by the Repub-


lican party and takes an active interest in all local affairs. With his wife, he is a conscientious mem- ber of the Episcopal Church and socially is a prominent Mason, also a Knight Templar and Knight of Pythias. By his sincere and conscien- tions uprightness, he has gained the good-will and enjoys the respect of a large circle of friends who will be pleased to notice his biography in this volume.


C LEMENT SHOCKLEY. Prominent in agri- cultural cireles is the gentleman of whom we now write, and who was born in South Township, Clarke County, this State, May 17,1823. He is at present residing on a beautiful estate, lo- cated in Stokes Township, Madison County. He is a son of Clement and Elizabeth (Scott) Shock- ley, the former of whom was a native of this county, and the latter of Xenia, Ohio.


The father of our subjeet came to this State from Maryland when a boy, and located in Xenia. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was at De- troit at the time of Hull's surrender, when he was taken prisoner. After his exchange, he returned to Xenia, and again joining the army, served through- out that entire struggle. After his marriage, Mr. Shockley removed to Clarke County, and was one of the three men who laid out the town of South Charleston. He became the proprietor of the first tanyard in that portion of the county, and be- came one of the wealthiest men in that section.


The five children comprising the parental family are Catherine, Mrs. Andrew Hays, who is residing in Fayette County and has three children; our subject is the next in order of birth; Sarah w s first married to Samuel McCoy, and on his death became the wife of James McIntyre, and now makes her home in Montgomery County, Mo .: Daniel B. is a successful farmer in Kempton, Ind .; and Emeline, who married Dr. A. Seward, resides near Kokomo, Ind. Our subject was given a limited education, and when fourteen years of age went to Kentucky with one John Hedrick, his business being to take horses to near Lexing-


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ton. Ile later drove a herd of cattle to Pennsyl- vania with Peter Slaughter, walking the entire distance bare-footed.


In 1840, he of whom we write began working out by the month on the farm which he now owns, but which was then in the possession of William Harpole. Ile was thus engaged for a pe- riod of four years, and November 5, 1843, was married to Miss Matilda Briggs. To them have been born three children, one of whom is de- eeased. Elizabeth is now Mrs. Eli Moek and makes her home in this county, and William re- sides east of South Solon. Sarah, who became the wife of Aaron McCalip, is deceased.


At the time of his marriage, Mr. Shockley had saved enough money to purchase a team of horses, a wagon and some furniture. He then rented property and invested 850 which he had in hogs. At the expiration of a twelvemonth, he purchased one hundred and forty aeres, for which he paid $1,400. Not having this amount of money, his former employer. William Harpole, went on his note, and in this way our subject borrowed capital and got his start in life. His first year on the new farm was rather discouraging, as his crops failed so that the interest on the money borrowed was carried over for the next year.


Mr. Shockley drained his land and thereafter reaped a handsome increase from the soil. He later added one hundred and fifty acres to his posses- sions and, borrowing enough money to go to Ind- iana and buy cattle, he in that manner made enough money to meet his payments, at the same time making the acquaintance of men of wealth who were glad to accommodate him in a mon- ied way whenever necessary. Mr. Shockley con- tinned to invest in cattle, which he drove through to Eastern markets and sold at handsome profits. His next purchase of land was a quarter-seetion, for which he paid $3,500 in cash.


Our subjeet at one time owned fourteen hun- dred acres of land. He disposed of his first two farms, however, and in 1859 bought five hundred and eighteen aeres where he now lives for which he paid $33,000. In addition to that, he bought one hundred aeres in Fayette County, which he later gave to his daughter, now Mrs. Mock, and


one hundred and four acres, which were also lo- cated in that county, he presented to his son.


Mr. Shockley keeps his farm stocked with a good breed of cattle, his herd in 1884 selling for $30,000. About five years ago, he began the cul- tivation of a portion of his estate, and now de- votes considerable attention to raising grain, and occupies an honorable place among the agricul- turists of Madison County. In his political rela- tions, our subjeet for many years voted the Demo- cratic ticket, but now votes for the man instead of the party.


OEL HICKS. Noteworthy among the agri- eulturists and stock farmers of Range Town- ship, Madison County, is the gentleman whose name we now give. He is a native of this State, having been born in Ross County, May 3, 1825, and is the son of William and Phoebe (Cook) Hicks. When twenty-two years of age, he accompanied his parents to this county, where his father was a farmer, to which calling he was also trained. He was given a fair education in the dis- triet school and when reaching his majority began for himself by working out on farms by the month.


The lady to whom our subject was married in December, 1855, was Miss Hadessah McCune, of Chenoa, Ill., whither he had gone in the spring of that year. Mr. Hicks purchased a traet of four hundred and sixty acres of land in McLean County, which he improved into one of the best farms in that portion of the State. He met with financial reverses on account of going security for other parties and was obliged to forfeit his entire estate. Hle then rented the farm of which he had been the former owner and in 1881 returned to Ohio, and has been a resident of Range Township since that time.


The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ilieks bear the respective names of Phoebe, John M., Sadie, Julia and Maggie. Formerly a Democrat in politics, he is now in sympathy with the Pro- hibition party, and while residing in the Prairie


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State, served in the positions of Road Commis- sioner, School Trustee, Assessor, and member of the County Board. He is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, being identified with the church at Mt. Sterling. The father of our subject died in McLean County, in 1873, and the mother passed away in Saline County, Mo., in 1889, her home being with our subjeet's only sister, Mrs. Mary Harrison, of that county. While public-spirited and generous, the major part of his attention has always been paid to his farm, and he has made a specialty of raising stock, of which all kinds of the finer grades are to be found on his place.


C HRISTIAN MICHEL, a farmer, lumber dealer and tile manufacturer, residing in Pleasant Township, Madison County, is a leading business man of this community. Since 1880, he has carried on business operations in this place, and has an excellent trade. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, December 19, 1854, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Layer) Michel. Ilis father was a native of Germany, and emigrated to Pennsylvania with his parents when nine years of age. Ile there resided until after he had attained his majority, and married Miss Layer, who was born in the Keystone State, and was of German descent. For thirty-eight years, he engaged in blacksmithing, and also carried on farming. He and his wife are still residents of Rome, Franklin County, Ohio.


Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and acquired his education in the common schools. At the age of twelve, he began working in the smithy, and followed the blacksmith's trade for about ten years, but not liking the business, determined to abandon it. Ilis next venture was in manufactur- ing tile at Spring Hill, Franklin County. He did not have much capital, but was aided by his father, and at the end of a year he removed his works to his present location. Ile purchased seventy aeres of land, and put in a plant in 1880. Ile is now


doing a good business, makes a good grade of tile, and finds a ready sale for his products. In 1884 he erected his sawmill, and has since engaged in the lumber business. He has also erected a fine brick residence upon his farm, valued at $3,000.


Mr. Michel was married March 31, 1880, to Miss Elizabeth Grenner, who was born in Alton, Franklin County, January 13, 1860. Their union has been blessed with four children, a son and three daughters: Christian. born April 3, 1881; Amelia, December 25, 1883; Louise, in December, 1884; and Sarah Frances, February 22, 1887. All were born in Pleasant Township, and the family circle yet remains unbroken.


Mr. Michel and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a great lover of music, possesses considerable talent in that direction, and formerly served as leader of the choir in his church. Ile cast his first Presidential vote for Samuel .J. Tilden, and has since been a Democrat. Mr. Michel is a man of good business ability, enter- prising and progressive, and well deserves the suc- cess which has crowned his efforts. lle is also a public-spirited man, and takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community.


CHUYLER LEWIS, deceased. The traveler passing through Madison County invari- ably pauses to notice the elegant residence and fine estate in Somerford Township formerly the property of the gentleman whose biographical sketch is here represented. The farm, which comprises two thousand acres of excellent land, is due entirely to the exertions of Mr. Lewis and his worthy companion, for when they com- menced the battle of life together, they had no capital except that represented by vigorous health, energetic disposition. and a determination to sue- ceed.


Our subject was born in Rensselaer County, N.Y .. February 25, 1812, and was a lad of ten years when his father removed to Vermont. Mr. Lewis, when reaching mature years, was married in the Green Mountain State to Lydia Hazzard, and with her


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came West to Madison County, this State, about 1835, locating in Somerford Township. Mrs. Lewis departed this life in 1864, and April 3, 1866, our subject was married to Eliza J. Candler, who was born in Clarke County January 23, 1844. She was the daughter of Jesse J. and Agnes (Dickason) Candler, natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Clarke County, and later to Madison County, this State, spending their last days in Somerford Township, the father dying January 13, 1871, and the mother surviving him until June 10, 1890. The parental family of Mrs. Lewis included seven children, of whom she was the youngest but one.


To our subject and his estimable wife has been born one son, Howard A. The husband and father died at his home in Somerford Township, August 3, 1887, and thus Madison County lost one of her most prominent and progressive citizens. Our subject left a vast estate of two thousand acres; the place is adorned with buildings of every description necessary on a first-class farm, not the least among which is the elegant residence. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Lewis has operated the farm in a most intelligent and profitable manner, and is very influential in her community, having those social qualities which prepossess people in her favor.


AJ. THOMAS JEFFERSON STEPHENS, contracting painter and decorator, was originally from Lancaster County, Pa., born in Columbia on the 2d of January, 1831. Ilis parents, JJames and Mary (Otstot) Stephens, were natives of Lancaster County, Pa., the former of English, and the latter of German descent. The father followed carpentering in his native town, and there resided until 1833, when the great emigration to the Buckeye State tempted him to make his home within its borders. Ile came overland with a four-horse wagon, located in Columbus, and there followed contracting and building until his death, in 1859. Ile was a Dem- ocrat in politics, and was Marshall of Columbus four terms. The mother died in 1888, when eighty-six years of age. She was a member of the


Methodist Episcopal Church. Eleven of their twelve children grew to mature years, and became respected and valued citizens. Three sons were in the Civil War, and served their country faith- fully.


The subject of this notice was fifth in order of birth of the above-mentioned children. He was reared in Columbus, and received his scholastic training in the public schools of that city. He remembers seeing the canal built through Colum- bus, and his young eyes saw the first boat that sailed on its waters. When thirteen years of age, he worked two years for A. T. Stewart, a tailor, and at the age of fifteen he began elerking in James Westwater's queensware store, where he continued until seventeen years of age. From that time until eighteen years of age, he attended school, and in 1848 he was apprenticed to learn the painter's trade, remaining thus engaged until 1851. While in Columbus, he was in Company A, State Fencibles, organized July 4, 1855, and continued with this as Sergeant as long as he re- mained in the city, and is still a member. In 1851, he embarked in business for himself, contracting house painting for two years, and then went to Marietta, where he remained six months. From there he went to Pittsburg, and while there painted two boats, but later he returned to Mari- etta, and from there went to Columbus. In the spring of 1860, he located in Cireleville, and was engaged as house painter until 1862, when he left his business and everything else to enter the army.


In August, of that year, he volunteered as a private in Company A, Ninetieth Ohio In- fantry, and two days later was raised to the rank of Second Lieutenant, to form a company for service. He went to work, and in a very short time had a company, which was afterward in the One Hundredth and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. In October, he was sent South to Chickasaw Bluffs, Ark., and to Young's Point, when he was taken sick and compelled to re- sign. He came home in the spring of 1863, formed a company there, and was made Captain of the Ohio State Militia. In 1864, he was ordered out by Gov. Brough in Company A, Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and was sent to


19 Jewett IRAQ,


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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


West Virginia, where he guarded the trains through to Washington City, and then went to Norfolk, Va., where he remained until September, 1864. He was mustered out at Camp Dennison. Ile saw much lively service, and was in many severe skirmishes, but participated in no large battles. He enjoyed the best of health all through camp, and led his command at all times. He had a number of miraculous escapes, but was never in- jured. After the war, he was continued as Cap- tain of the County National Guards, and later was commissioned Major of the Ohio National Guards. holding that position until he resigned.


Since the war, Maj. Stephens has followed his trade, and has finished some of the finest buildings in the city. He has also had considerable business all over the county, and is the oldest painter now here. He resides on High, near Court Street. He was married in Columbus, Ohio, November 3, 1853, to Miss Oledia Garner, a native of Colum- bus, and of the eight children born to this union, six are now living, namely: Charles; Mary, at home; Jennie, now Mrs. Moeller, of Circleville; Thomas B., who resides in Circleville; Joseph, painter and practical paper-hanger; and Edward, clerk in a grocery store. Maj. Stephens is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Columbus, also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of Groce Post No. 156, G. A. R., and is ex-Aide-de-Camp of the Post, and is a member of the Monumental Association. In politics, he is a true-blue Republican, and has been a delegate to conventions, ete. The Major is a member of the Methodist Church, and has been Trustee and Steward for fifteen years.


G EORGE F. JEWETT, M. D. The calling of a physician is one that brings into play as many of the powers of the mind and body as any in which man can engage. The constant strain upon the mental faculties and the nervous energy can scarcely be estimated by one outside a physician's family, and necessarily requires a strong constitution as a foundation. The city of West


Jefferson is the home of a number of men who are exerting themselves as practitioners, and who are doing a grand work in alleviating suffering and saving life. One of those who has been thus occupied here since 1890 is Dr. JJewett, of whose life history we propose to give a brief outline, and whose portrait is noticed on the opposite page.


Dr. William II. Jewett, the father of our subject, was born in Franklin County, this State, October 2, 1831, and began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Andrews & Johnson, of Worthington, this State, and later gained still further informa- tion in the science of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Piney, of Dublin. Franklin County. Dr. Jewett then practiced for one year at Bell Point, and, on the outbreak of the Civil War, entered the Union service as a member of Company C. One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Regiment, for fourteen months. Returning home in 1864, he again entered upon the practice of his profession, this time in Hilliards, where he remained until 1872, when he took up his abode in Amity. After a successful practice there of eighteen years, he re- moved to Elmwood, Franklin County, where he is living retired from active work of any kind.


Hle of whom we write was the eldest son and second child in the parental family of ten chil- dren. He was born in Franklin County, March 17, 1857, and after obtaining a primary education in the common schools, entered the Ohio Central Normal School at Worthington, and later took a course in the State University of Ohio. Choosing the medical profession as his life work, our subject began the study of that science with his father at Amity, and was graduated in the Class of '82 from the Columbus Medical College. During the winter of 1885-86, he took a post-graduate course in New York City. He remained with his father twelve months after graduating. at the end of which time he located at Hilliards, where he resided for six years, and then came to West Jefferson, and has been engaged in active practice here since Decem- ber, 1890. Ilis ability and skill as a physician have been widely recognized, and in 1891 he was elected Professor of Physiology in the Columbus Medical College.


The lady to whom our subject was married,


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April 29, 1885, was Ida M. Forshee, who was born in Brown Township, Madison County, April 28, 1860. To them have been granted a family of three children, namely: Una, Ethel and Gladys. Relig- iously, Dr. Jewett is an active member of the Chris- tian Church, while his wife holds membership with the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a Prohibition- ist, and has done much towards furthering the canse of temperance in his locality.


OHN L. MILLIKIN, who is classed among the most prosperons farmers of Madison County, has a well-improved and well- stocked farm five and one-half miles north of West Jefferson in Canaan Township. Mr. Mil- likin is a Pennsylvanian by birth, born on Ten Mile Creek, Amwell Township, Washington County, August 18, 1842, the youngest child of John and Rachel (Bane) Millikin, of whom an account is given in the sketch of Robert Millikin. He was reared in his native place until he was fourteen years old, and obtained his first schooling there. At the age mentioned, he came to this county with his parents, and his education was completed in a dis- trict school in Canaan Township. He remained at home with his father and mother until he was thirty-one years old, affording his father valuable aid in carrying on his farm until he was twenty- one, and then engaging in agriculture on his own account.


Soon after marriage, Mr. Millikin located one mile north of his present place of residence and farmed as a renter three years before he bought a farm. He lived for seven years on that farm, which was one mile north of his present homestead, and at the end of that time he purchased this. He has here one hundred and eleven acres, which are mostly under cultivation, and are well supplied with modern improvements. Ile devotes his time to mixed husbandry, and has his farm well stocked with horses, cattle, etc .. of fine grades. Our subject is an open-hearted, fair-minded man, who is well liked by his neighbors and all who have dealings


with him. He is upright and reliable, and his word is as good as his bond. In politics, he is a firm believer in the policy of the Democratic party and gives it his hearty support at the polls.


Our subject was married, March 27, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Rowland and Al- mira (Hall) Thomas. Her father was a native of Wales and her mother of Franklin County, Ohio. She is still living and resides in Jefferson Town- ship, and is aged sixty-one years. After the death of her first husband, before the birth of her daugh- ter, Mrs. Millikin, who was the only child of that union, she married Nathan Bidwell, of Jefferson Township, by whom she had two children, John and Mary. Mrs. Millikin was born in Jefferson Township, November 28, 1850. Her pleasant wedded life with our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of three sons and one daugh- ter, whom they have named respectively Charles R., Wyatt L., Marvin S. and Maud.


AVID E. ROBISON is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on the Circleville road, about a mile from Mt. Sterling. He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, September 21, 1821, and is a son of John and Mary (Edmonson) Robison, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of Tennessee. Ilis parents removed to Clarke County just before his birth, and when he was a lad of seven years returned to Madison County and purchased the farm on which our subject now resides. It continued to be their home for sixty years.


The educational advantages which Mr. Robinson received were very limited, but by reading and observation he has become a well-informed man. Ile was reared upon the farm and was early innred to the labors connected with agriculture. He re- mained at home and aided his father in managing his property until his marriage, which was cele- brated on New Year's Day, 1850, Miss Jane Carr becoming his wife. After that time, his father made his home with our subject until his death, in 1877. His mother had previously been called to her


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final rest. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Robison, all having been born and reared on the home farm: John, who was born in 1850, is mar- ried and with his wife and five children resides upon a farm in Pickaway County; Mrs. Caroline Whit- loek is living in Pleasant Township and has seven children; Mrs. Mary Bennett, who resides in Pick- away County, has two children; Willis is married, and, with his wife and four children, makes his home upon a farm in Benton County, Ind .; Lincoln is married and resides with his family, which num- bers two children, on his father's farm; Mrs. So- phronia Atkins is living in Fayette County and has three children.


Mr. Robison followed in the political footsteps of his father and has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party. He has served efficiently as Township Trustee for about twelve years, and by his faithful performance of duty has won the com- mendation of all. Ile, however, has never been an office-seeker, preferring to devote his time and at- tention to his business interests. Ile and his wife are members of the Christian Church and are peo- ple of sterling worth. Mr. Robison had less than one hundred acres of land given him by his father, and with this as a nucleus has constantly added to it and now owns over five hundred acres of valuable land. He is one of the substantial citizens of the community and a leading farmer and stock-raiser.


G EORGE H. FLOWERS, residing at No. 214 Columbus Avenue, Washington C. H., is jun- ior member of the firm of Flowers & Tobin, confectioners and bakers, at No. 212 East Court Street, who conduct a very profitable business in their line. Our subjeet was born in the town of Ewing, Hocking County, October 28, 1853, and is a son of Jacob Flowers, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania. Ile in turn was a son of Henry Flow- ers, who was a native of Germany, but came to this country and settled in Pennsylvania.


Jacob Flowers was a man of good standing in his community and was a consistent member of the Catholic Church. In polities, he sympathized with


the Democrats. Ile was one of the early settlers of Hoeking County, locating in the forests and clearing a farm. He sold that property, and, removing to Ewing, engaged in the dry-goods and grocery busi- ness, continuing in that until his wife died. He then sold his store and stock and removed to Champaign County, Ill., where he bought a farm. He lived there two years, when his father, who had resided in Perry County, was taken ill, and he went to see him, was suddenly attacked by illness himself and died, while his father lived five years longer, dying in his ninety-ninth year, lacking but four months of rounding out a century of life.




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