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 98
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 98
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 98
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109
life work began at the age of twenty-one, but he continued with his father through the winter, and worked by the month until the spring of 1877, when he purchased one hundred and twenty-eight acres of his father. The land was at that time well cleared and partially drained, but there were no buildings upon it, and all the improvements which we see here to-day are the work of the present owner.
The marriage of our subject, which took place January 23, 1884, united him with Miss Mary E. Deming, who was born in Washington County, Ohio, June 26, 1854, and to them have been born three children, Eddith E., Ernest D., and Ordic A. The beautiful frame farm-house which is now occu- pied by the family was erected by Mr. Blain in 1883, and the large frame barn was put up the fol- lowing year. The condition of the farm is excep- tionally good, as most thorough cultivation is placed upon the land and everything is kept up in neat order. Mixed farming is here carried on, and considerable attention devoted to both grain and stock. He has fed some cattle, but pays especial attention to raising hogs, of which he keeps a large number.
The farm of Mr. Blain has been thoroughly tile- drained, and has now over two miles of drainage under its surface. All modern improvements which meet with the approval of this judicious farmer are here introduced, with the result that he has been extremely successful in all his work. A view of his place is shown elsewhere. His politi- cal views have brought him into sympathy and co- operation with the Republican party. His wife, whose character and ability bring her into the front rank among the ladies of Darby Township, is an earnest and devoted member of the Metho- dist Church.
B URR E. CARPENTER. Canaan Township. which forms such an important part of the rich agricultural region of Madison County, is well represented by this gentleman, who is "a native to the manner born," and is one of its most competent and wide-awake farmers, having a
804
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
well-ordered farm four miles south of Plain City. Ile was born here July 14, 1850. He is a son of Wesley Carpenter, who many years occupied an important place among the farmers of this locality, and during his life was a factor in developing the agricultural resources of the county.
The father of our subject was born and reared in one of the early pioneer homes of Delaware County, and, coming from there to Madison County in 1840, he cast in his lot with its farmers, and be- came a prosperous member of that class, improving a large and valuable estate. He was married in Darby Township, and immediately after located where our subject now resides, and there spent his remaining days, dying at the age of sixty-seven. llis wife died at the age of forty-eight years. Her maiden name was Sarah Smith, and she was a na- tive of Darby Township, of which her father, Richard Smith, a Vermonter by birth, was an early settler. She was the mother of three children, two daughters and one son: Irena, wife of John Stol- bird, of this county; Mary, wife of Benjamin Johnston, of Union County, and our subject, who is the second child and only son. His paternal grandfather was Benjamin Carpenter, who was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of Ohio. Ile was under the employ of the Govern- ment for a time during the War of 1812.
Our subject was reared to a life of industry on the farm on which he now resides, and those princi- ples that have made him a good citizen and an honorable man were instilled into his mind by his worthy parents. Ile attended the district school in his boyhood, and at other times helped in the farm work, becoming thoroughly familiar with every detail thereof. Ile continued to live with his father and mother until their death, when he came into possession of his share of the old home- stead, and at once after his marriage took up his residence in his present home thereon. Ilis farm of two hundred and thirty acres of land of exceptional fertility is mostly under cultivation and yields him abundant harvests, as well as af- fording sustenance in its rich pastures for fine stock of various kinds. The buildings are of a good class, and everything about the place wears an air of thrift and intelligent management.
Mr. Carpenter was married September 26, 1875, to Miss Amelia Porter, who is also a native of Canaan Township, born here November 14, 1850, and she is the third daughter of Silas and Salinda (Beetler) Porter, who were natives respectively of Greene and Madison Counties, coming of the early pioneer stock of the State. Her father lived to be seventy-eight years old, and her mother to be sev- enty-five. Mr. and Mrs Carpenter have been blessed in their marriage by the birth of a son and a daughter: Stanley, born August 31, 1876, and Laura, September 16, 1880.
Our subject and his amiable wife stand high in social and religious circles in their community. Both are exemplary members of the Darby Baptist Church in Canaan Township, and he belongs to Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F., at Plain City. In politics, he is a thorough Republican and is steadfast in his allegiance to his party.
ACOB HOWARD SCHRYVER, of Mt. Ster- ling, was born in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, N. Y., October 21, 1820, and is a son of Martin I. and Hannah (Cole) Schry- ver. The father was born in Ulster County, N. Y., and was of German descent, while the mother was born in Dutchess County, and was descended from Dutch ancestry. Martin Schryver was a stone cutter by trade, but was employed as foreman on Gen. Armstrong's farm. His death occurred near Circleville, Ohio, October 5, 1865, at the age of sixty-seven years.
When our subject was quite a young lad, he was employed on Gen. Armstrong's farm as a chore boy and to wait on the General. At the age of fifteen, he went to New York City, and for three years engaged in clerking in a grocery store, during which time he also studied book-keeping. He was then employed as a book-keeper in a wholesale and retail grocery house, with which he was connected until it went out of business in 1837. Mr. Schryver soon after emigrated to the West, locating in Pickaway County, Omno, in 1840, after
805
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which he engaged in teaching school, and was thus successfully employed for sixteen years. lle bought land in Jackson and Wayne Townships, and during the summer months engaged in its cultiva- tion.
On the 13th of May, 1841, Mr. Schryver wed- ded Elizabeth Rose, of Pickaway County, and by their union six children were born, five of whom grew to mature years, while three are yet living: Edson Marion is a commission merchant of Balti- more, Md., and President of the Board of Police Commissioners; Martin is the next younger; and James Milton is Assistant General Passenger Agent in Baltimore, Md., having been in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. for twenty years. The mother of this family died May 30, 1870. Mr. Schryver was again married in Milford, N. II., May 18, 1871, this time to Hannah E. French, of Mil- ford, Hillsboro County, N. H. She was born March 19, 1847, and was a daughter of Phineas and Lydia (Hardy) French. Three children have been born of this union: Nellie Moore, who was born in Baltimore, June 25, 1875, and graduated from the Mt. Sterling High School in June, 1892; Anna Vista, born in Mt. Sterling, June 23, 1877; and Howard French, born April 9, 1885. The mother is a highly educated and refined lady. She was educated in Andover, Mass., at the Abbott Female Seminary, and at the age of sixteen began teach- ing. She followed that profession for a number of years, and met with excellent success.
After his second marriage, Mr. Schryver re- moved to Baltimore, Md., where he resided from November, 1874, until July, 1875. Ile then took up his residence in London, Ohio, but came to Mt. Sterling in August, 1876, his wife being employed as a teacher in the public schools. She has now tanght for nine years in the public schools of Mt. Sterling. Mr. Schryver lost much of his property by going security for others, losing in this way $16,000. While in Baltimore, he was attacked with paralysis, from which he has never fully re- covered. Himself, wife and two daughters are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is an Elder, and for thirty-five years he was a member of the Odd Fellows' society. He cast his first ballot in 1844 for James K. Polk, and for
some time was a Democrat, but is now an ardent Prohibitionist. He has held a number of public offices, discharging his various duties with prompt- ness and fidelity. His upright life and sterling worth have won him high regard, and he has many friends throughout the community.
ARTIN WESLEY SCHRYVER, the senior member of the firm of Schryver & Son. is a leading business man of Mt. Sterling. Ile was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 12, 1846, and is a son of Jacob Il. and Elizabeth (Rose) Sehryver. His father is a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and is of German descent. Our subject was reared on the farm until eleven years of age, and the next six years of his life were spent in attending school in Circleville, while his father was serving as Clerk of the Court. At the age of seventeen, he began teaching, and was thus employed until 1871, when he began editing the Mt. Sterling Rerier, the first paper published in this place. He continued that busi- ness for three years, but the town was too small to support the paper, and he sold out. He then ro- sumed teaching, which he followed for five years, after which he embarked in business as a dealer in books and stationery. On the Ist of January, 1890, he admitted his son Robert to partnership, and in September, 1891, they added a stock of house-furnishing goods, including furniture, stoves, queensware, etc.
On the 15th of October. 1868, Mr. Sehryver was united in marriage with Barbara Campbell, who was born in Pickaway County, September 10, 1849. Six children have been born to this union: Robert HI., who was born August 9, 1873, has been well educated, and is a young man of good business ability; Florence was born November 19, 1875; Guy H., in 1878; Clyde, in 1880; Helen, February 20, 1883; and Mand, March 19, 1885.
Mr. Schryver has a home of twenty-five acres just outside the city of Mt. Sterling. In politics, he is a Democrat, but of late years has affiliated with the Prohibition party. He served as a mem-
806
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber of the Council for three years, and was on the School Board for seven years, and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. Him- self and wife are members of the Methodist Church. He is a man of honest, upright charac- ter, worthy of the high esteem in which he is held.
ENRY L. BENDEL, a prosperous merchant of Jeffersonville, Fayette County, was born in Richmond, Ind., August 21, 1867, to Edward II. and Carrie (Goldman) Bendel, the father a native of Albany, N. Y., and the mother of Chicago, Ill. The father located at Richmond, Ind., about the year 1866, and was there engaged in the mercantile business. Two years later, he came to Jeffersonville, and con- tinued to carry on his former business in conection with his father-in-law, Louis Goldman, for some years. In 1887, he again moved to Richmond, and is now making his residence there, and is one of the prominent merchants of that place. He became the father of four children, three of whom are surviving: Henry L., Sarah and Bertha.
Our subject was reared in Fayette County, and received his education in the public schools. after which he attended the Commercial College at Springfield, this State, and was graduated there- from in 1885. In 1887, he went to Richmond, Ind., and traveled as a commercial salesman for Glaser, Kuder & Co., of Cincinnati, for about two years. In the winter of 1888; he embarked in the merchandise business for himself at Jeffersonville, in which he has since continued. The premises occupied embrace a fine business room, beside cellar and wareroom for storage and the display of stock. The general business room is fitted in metropolitan style, while the stock. in its complete- ness and attractions, will bear favorable compari- son with the leading houses of its class in the county. The stock embraces the freshest goods, and the latest styles and novelties in ladies' dress goods, general dry goods and notions, boots and shoes and carpets. Exerting a marked influence upon the trade, this house is worthy of recognition as a
leading house in this special department of trade, and a desirable one with which to hold business relations. This store is the only one of its kind in the town, and one of the best in the county.
Miss Laura Gray became the life companion of the gentleman of whom this sketch is written Oc- tober 20, 1886. Mrs. Bendel is a daughter of Ed- ward and Rosa (Berryman) Gray, and is a native of Jeffersonville, Ohio. Three children have been born to her by this union, who bear the respective names of Mary, Helen and Louis G., all of whom are under the parental roof. Mr. Bendel is a member of the Masonie fraternity, the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, and holds the positions in the latter of Treasurer and Senior and Junior Warden. Mrs. Bendel is a consistent and beloved member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at -Jeffersonville.
ON. JOSEPH P. SMITH, of Circleville, was born in Toronto, Canada, in March, 1831, and is a son of Patrick and Rose (Mc- Quinn) Smith, who are mentioned in con- nection with the sketch of Edward Smith on another page of this work. In 1837, he accompanied his parents to Lockport, N. Y., but afterward returned to Toronto with his aunt, and there remained until the family came to Circleville, Ohio. He remem- bers the mound and a part of the old circle from which the city gets its name. He improved every opportunity for securing an education, even at- tending school for two terms after he had attained his majority. After his father's death, he engaged in raising broom corn in connection with his brother.
In 1856, Mr. Smith removed to Fairfield County, Ohio. and rented the farm of Thomas Ewing, father- in-law of Gen. William Sherman. He there re- mained three years, devoting his attention to the raising of broom corn. During that time, he was married, in November, 1856, in Lancaster, to Susan P. Bish. daughter of Martin and Magdelene Bish, both of whom were natives of Germany, and be- came early settlers of Lancaster, Ohio, where they
807
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
engaged in the hotel business. Ten children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith, nine of whom grew to mature years: Edward died in Denver, Colo., at the age of thirty; Mary died in infancy; Frank is a popular merchant tailor of Circleville; Cecelia was graduated from St. Mary's school, of Columbus; Charles is a broker of Denver, Colo .; Susan was attending St. Mary's School but died at her home when sixteen years of age; William is a partner of his father; Anna is a student in a musical college of Cincinnati; and Joseph and Rose are at home
On returning to Pickaway County, Mr. Smith spent a year in Harrison Township and then re- turned to Circleville, forming a partnership with his brother, which continued up to a few years ago. They purchased altogether five hundred and thirty acres of land adjoining the city limits and raised broom corn. They also rented land, operating in all eight hundred acres. They pressed, baled and shipped their corn themselves, erecting on their farm large buildings, where they had presses, steam- scrapers, etc. Their large warehouse would hold five hundred tons, and they have sold as high as $400 a ton. In 1883, Mr. Smith bought his broth- er's interest in all but the land, and admitted his son Edward to partnership, under the firm name of J. P. Smith & Son, but, as before stated, Edward died in Colorado. In 1889, William was admitted to partnership. They are doing a good business, which is constantly increasing. The brothers di- vided the land in 1890. and our subject owns two hundred and sixty-one and one-half acres, but still operates the entire amount, of which eighty acres are planted in Indian corn, eighty acres in sweet corn and the remainder in broom corn. Hle form- erly employed fifty hands throughout the whole season and three hundred and fifty during the time of harvest. He operates the largest farm in broom .corn in the county. Mr. Smith also owns some real estate in Circleville, including his beau- tiful residence on the corner of Scioto and Mound Streets. He was an organizer of, and is a director in, the Third National Bank and was a stockholder and worked hard to secure the Scioto Valley Rail- road to this place.
A person looking upon the Scioto River in one of its quiet moods could scarcely imagine that it
ever becomes such a dangerous element as it is known to be. Mr. Smith on one occasion almost lost his life in the flood. The freshet of April, 1860, was one never to be forgotten. The land owned by Mr. Smith was all inundated and the whole country had the appearance of a vast lake. At a distance from the river, the water had sur- rounded some ontbuildings, in which were stored a large quantity of valuable machinery. With Joseph Levering, William Monahan and Daniel Carroll, Mr. Smith started to see what could be done to prevent this property from being washed away. The force of the flood caused their skiff to strike against a bank and it sank. Mr. Smith struck out boldly for a box-elder tree which stood some dis- tance off. The first branch which he reached broke, but he managed to grasp a second that sustained him, and he climbed into the tree and was saved. Mr. Levering tried to follow but was swept away by the current and drowned. Mr. Monahan tried to save himself by climbing on the levee, but the river washed him off, and he then made a desperate effort to reach a tree near Mr. Smith, but failed, and he too found a watery grave. Mr. Carroll managed to cling to a boat until help arrived and the two survivors were rescued from their perilous situation. For a long time afterward, whenever Mr. Smith closed his eyes he seemed to see the rushing river, the drowning men and himself and companion as in a pieture.
Mr. Smith was first a Whig and then a Republican until Grant's second term, since which time he has been a Democrat and has served in the county and State conventions of his party. He filled the office of City Alderman for two terms and was Trustee of Circleville Township for several terms. In 1882, he was appointed by Gov. Bishop as a member of the Board of Trustee of the Asylum for the Insane for three years, was then reappointed by Gov. Hoad- ley for five years, and on the expiration of that term was appointed by Gov. Campbell for five years, serving two years, and during the past two years has been President of the Board. Through his efforts, many valuable improvements have been made. A storeroom and ice houses have been built and artificial lakes made, and many other necessary conveniences have been added.
808
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Smith has served longer than other members of the Board and his efforts in behalf of the school have been productive of much good. Ile is an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, is President of the Order of Knights of St. Joseph and the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. Ilis life has been well and worthily spent, and he is one of the most honored citizens of Circleville. His public duties have ever been faithfully performed and he is alike true to every private trust.
ON. THOMAS D. MCELWAIN, Judge of Probate for Fayette County, is numbered among the honored and well-known eiti- zens of Washington C. H. To the posi- tion which he is now filling with credit to him- self, he was first elected in the fall of 1887, assuming the duties of the office in February of the ensuing year. Two years later, he was re- elected and entered upon his second term in February, 1891. His mental acquirements and judicial bent of character admirably adapt him for the successful and unprejudiced discharge of his official duties.
Thomas D. MeElwain was born July 29, 1843, in the city of which he is still a resident. He is the son of William and Maria C. (Nye) McElwain. His paternal grandparents, Robert and Jane (Tay- lor) MeElwain, belonged to good old Kentucky families and were pioneers of Fayette County, coming hither in 1811, and settling in Good Hope when that now flourishing village was a wilder- ness. In the home they established in that place, they spent their remaining years and passed away at a good old age. Grandfather McElwain was a Captain in the War of 1812, and was a man of resolute character, determined will and un- flinching purpose-a typical pioneer.
William MeElwain, father of our subject, was born in Kentucky in 1809, and was therefore only two years old when he was brought by his par- ents to the Buckeye State. He grew to manhood in Fayette County, where he was married to Miss Maria C., daughter of Ichabod Nye, Captain of a
Light Horse Company in the War of 1812, and Master of Marietta Lodge, F. & A. M., in 1807-09, that being the first Masonic lodge in the State. After his marriage, William MeElwain settled in Washington C. H., in the growth of which he be- came an important factor. He was a prominent business man and also dealt considerably in real estate, purchasing land adjoining the city and sub- dividing it into town lots, which he sold. His interest in the public affairs of the community was deep and unwavering, and he was one of the in- fluential members of the Republican party. He served two terms as County Treasurer and was appointed to fill out a part of a third term.
At his death, which occurred December 27, 1891, William McElwain left a family of seven children, viz: Capt. Jolin N., of Washington, D. C .; Thomas D., of this sketch; Asenath U., the widow of Mason Blanchard; Eliza C., who mar- ried Robert Parker; Robert T .; Willie C., wife of B. F. Carmean, a merchant of Marysville, this State; and Eva, wife of John A. King.
When less than eightcen years old, our subject enlisted in Company A, First Ohio Cavalry, as Bugler. The first squadron of said regiment, Companies A and C, was ordered to West Virginia, thence to Winchester, and later was with the Army of the Potomac. Our subject participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Antietam, Fredericksburg, South Mountain, and the principal engagements of the army in the East. In 1863, two years after his enlistment, the said companies joined the regiment with Gen. Wilson in the West, and his company there become noted for sending out the spies who were with Jefferson Davis for a long time, and were chiefly instrumental in his capture.
At the expiration of his term of enlistment, our subject returned home. During his service, he was wounded at the battle of Bull Run. After visiting Illinois, he commenced the study of law with the Hon. Mills Gardner at Washington C. H., and was admitted to the Bar in 1869. Under the administration of President Arthur, he was appointed Postmaster, but resigned at the expira- tion of three years, and accepted a place on the Republican ticket as a candidate for the position of Judge of the Probate Courts. In p litical af-
809
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fairs, he has always been interested, and was Chair- man of the Republican Central Committee for five years. Until he became Postmaster, he was an active practitioner and filled the office of City Solieitor for some time.
Socially, the Judge is identified with Lodge No. 129, B. P. O. E .; the Knights of Pythias; John M. Bell Post, G. A. R., of which he has been Commander; Fayette Lodge and Fayette Chapter, F. & A. M., and is a Past Eminent Commander of Garfield Commandery; he is also a member of the Cincinnati Consistory, Scottish Rite. Mrs. McEl- wain bore the maiden name of Lydia K. Davis, and is the daughter of Dr. James M. and Cathi- erine (Tibbs) Davis, of Missouri. Judge McEl- wain and his wife ,are the parents of two children: William and Mazie M., now the wife of William E. Shepherd, of Hartford, Conn. The daughter was given every opportunity to develop her talent for music and is a graduate of the Bos- ton Conservatory of Music in both violin and elocution.
AMES JONES. President of the Farmers' Bank of Mt. Sterling and a member of the firm of Jones & Jones, dealers in grain, coal, salt and grass-seed, is a prominent business man of this place, having been connected with its leading enterprises for a number of years. Hle also has a wide acquaintance and is favorably known throughout the community.
Mr. Jones was born in Madison Township, Fay- ette County, Ohio, October 8, 1836. His father, Isaac Jones, was a native of Ross County, and on attaining to mature years, wedded Unity Graham, a native of Fayette County. Beside our subjeet they had two children: Mrs. Mary E. Bostwick, who is now deceased, and Mrs. Sarah Taylor, who resides in Chicago, Ill., and has four children.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.