The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 100

Author: W. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1880
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051

USA > Ohio > Miami County > The History of Miami County, Ohio > Part 100

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CONCORD TOWNSHIP.

23, 1829, and passed from this life Jan. 14, 1876, after keeping the Galt House, in Troy, for five years ; Mrs. Paul continues keeping hotel since the decease of her husband; and, by dint of good management and hard labor, has kept everything in good repair, and has an extensive custom. She is a member of the German Lu- theran Church, with which she has been connected since she was 14 years of age. W. L. PEARSON, dealer in groceries, Troy. He was born in Troy Sept. 10, 1836, and was the son of Joseph Pearson, who was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Jan. 23, 1809, and with his parents came to Ohio, settling in Staunton Township ; his father learned the saddler's trade with a brother-in-law, Mr. Skinner, which he followed some years ; he also attained considerable prominence in official life, dis- charging the duties of Sheriff two terms, was Probate Judge a similar length of time, was Justice of the Peace many years, and Postmaster during two Presidential administrations ; he was an eminent lawyer, and a man of large mental caliber. Politically, he was Democratic, and a leader of that party, whose worth was recog- nized by all political factions ; Mr. Pearson was a self-made man, in the fullest sense which the term implies. The early life of our subject was spent in Troy, where he received the rudiments of an education, which has been developed by his large experience in business life ; in 1856, in this place, he embarked in the grocery business, which he operated in some years ; in partnership with his brother J. E. Pear- son, he engaged in the dry-goods business, in which they continued eight years, until J. E. Pearson's death, when the stock in trade was disposed of ; for a time, Mr. Pearson rested from the turmoil of an active business life to recruit his failing health, after which he engaged in his present business, carrying one of the finest stocks in Troy ; his long acquaintance with the people, in conjunction with his popular business habits, commands for him a large and increasing trade. June 9, 1864, he was married to Lorena A. Conrey, who bore him one child, Lorena M., deceased ; Mrs. P., is a daughter of Peter Conrey, one of the pioneers of Butler Co., who died in Center- ville, Ind., and was connected with the prominent Methodist divines of his name ; her mother is living and resides with our subject ; he and his amiable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are exemplary Christian people. Maria Ludlow, mother of W. L., was born Sept. 19, 1816. She was married to Joseph Pearson Nov. 8, 1835, who died May 31, 1871.

GEORGE H. PEARSON, proprietor livery, feed and sale stable, Troy. The above gentleman is one of the representative business men in Troy ; was born in the above place May 3, 1845 ; is the fourth child of Joseph Pearson, whose biog- raphy appears in this work, receiving in the village schools his education ; when 14 years of age he entered mercantile life, and, with the exception of a year passed in learning the tinner's trade, was engaged in the first-mentioned business till 1875; Jan. 1, 1876, he took charge of his large barn, which is filled to overflowing with the best rigs in the city ; his horses, sixteen in number, are well kept, and show more ability than the average livery horse.

ISAAC PECK, JR., farmer and stock trader; P. O. Troy ; Isaac Peck, Jr., one of the substantial farmers of this township, is rapidly accumulating a competency; he is the third son of Joshua and Mary Peck, who were connected with the early settlement of Ohio; they had five children, of whom three are now living ; John and Joseph, the two eldest, are both dead. Aseph B., the fourth son, is now liv- ing on the old homestead ; the daughter, Elizabeth M., is the wife of Edgar E. Bailey, and her mother, Mrs. Peck, makes her home with them. Isaac Peck, Jr., was born June 22, 1841 ; his early life was spent on the farm, but his education was not neglected, as he attended district school when young, and afterward the graded school at Troy ; during the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in Co. C, 94th Q. V. I., served during the remainder of the war with fidelity ; participated in the battles of Perryville, Ky., and that of Stone River, Tennessee; he was Corporal of Co. C, and discharged well his duties ; he was mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tenn., June 29, 1865, and returned to his home near Troy. On the 26th of October following, he was united in marriage to Miss Cordelia Simons, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Simons, and at once commenced housekeeping on the farm

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which is now part of the magnificent tract owned by him; Ang. 26, 1868. 8 daughter came to bless their union, and was named Myrtie Dean ; she was left motherless on the 22d of July, 1869 ; this was a sad blow to Mr. Peck, who lavished a wealth of love upon his wife and darling baby ; but death will sever the tenderest ties, and she was tenderly laid in Riverside Cemetery. Mr. Peck sold his stock, and purchased Coleman's interest in the drug firm of Coleman & Co., continuing the business four years ; he then sold his interest to Dr. Sterritt. During his residence in Troy, he became engaged to, and afterward married, Miss Rebecca J. Flinn, on Nov. 14, 1873, Rev. J. P. Watson officiating ; in the spring of 1875, he again re-stocked his farm and moved upon it; October 21, 1876, So- phronia G. came to gladden their hearts, and is, as she should be, the pet of the household. The view from Mr. Peck's residence is a beautiful one ; his well-filled granaries and nicely tilled fields give evidence of his prosperity ; Mr. Peck is & prince of good fellows, and his wife is an excellent cook, as the writer of this sketch can truthfully testify.

JOHN PEIRCE, farmer ; P. O. Troy. John Peirce was born within sight of his present home Oct. 18, 1828 ; he is the son of Samuel and Milly (Iddings) Peirce, who were the parents of a large family of children. During his early life, he acquired a good education, and was for a number of years a teacher in the pub- lic schools in both Concord and Union Townships ; he also contracted for and built the bridges on the Troy and Stillwater Pike. His marriage to Miss Mary Eleman was solemnized June 21, 1848. Their children were nine in number, the first one being born July 13, 1849 ; Margaret A., July 2, 1850, her demise occurred Aug. 3, 1851 ; Lillie was born Nov. 25, 1851 ; William E., Aug. 31, 1854 ; Mary E., April 16, 1857 ; Charles H,, April 28, 1860 ; Amanda A., Nov. 8, 1864; Flora M., April 12, 1868, she died Aug. 16, 1876; Walter C. was born Oct. 26, 1872, and the mother, Mary Iddings, Oct. 12, 1830 ; three sons and three daugh- ters are now living. Lillie is the wife of W. R. Kerr, and William E. is mar- ried to Miss Minnie Brown. Mr. Peirce has always been a prosperous man, and is one of the wealthy farmers of this township. He is well versed in his genealogy, tracing his ancestry to the time of William Penn. Mr. Peirce was for seven years connected with the School Board, and has held that position a number of times since. During three terms, he assessed this township, and gave general satisfac- tion. The home farm contains a quarter-section of splendid land, and an orchard of a select variety of fruit, which has taken many premiums at the different fairs at which they were shown. The comfortable house and necessary outbuildings make a very attractive appearance. Both John and his estimable wife are mem- bers of the Society of Friends, enjoying the respect of the community in which they reside, and their children, living near, present an almost unbroken family circle. He is one of the influential citizens, well worthy of the name he bears.

JOSIAH REED, physician and surgeon, Troy. Samuel C. Reed and Cathar- ine (Browning) Reed, the parents of Dr. J. Reed, were natives of New Jersey, and married March 19, 1812 ; they had eight children, as follows : Louisa and Benja- min B., born in New Jersey ; Israel M., George Browning, Samuel F., Catharine, Egbert S. and Josiah, the latter six born in Ohio. Samuel C. Reed, with his wife and two children, emigrated from Burlington Co., N. J., to Warren Co., about 1816, where they settled on a farm near Springboro, and resided there until the other six children were born ; from there they moved to Franklin, same county, and about 1834, to a farm near Greenville, Darke Co., Ohio, where they lived until their decease. Samuel C. Reed died March 6, 1848, aged 68 years; Catharine (Browning) Reed died Jan. 28, 1862, aged 71 years. Previous to his marriage to Miss Catharine Browning, Samuel C. Reed was married to Miss Mary Stokes, Sept. 6, 1803, also of Burlington, Co., N. J. ; the issue of this marriage was three children, viz., Sarah Ann, Abigail and William Stokes, making Mr. Reed the father of eleven children, all of whom grew up to vigorous adult age. Of the above children, William Stokes, Catharine, Benjamin B. and George Browning are at this writing (July 7, 1880) deceased ; the balance all living, as far as known to the writer.

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Josiah Reed was born Sept. 8, 1831, as above stated, in Warren Co., Ohio ; from childhood up to 18 years of age, he was reared on the farm near Greenville, Ohio, and until that time received such an education as the common schools of that day afforded. Being of studious habits and having a desire for a better education, his winters were occupied in attending the higher schools, and in teaching, from 18 to 31 years of age ; the summer months were spent at the mason's trade. Soon after his mother's death, he enlisted in Co. I, 94th O. V. I., to help put down the rebellion ; toward the latter part of August (enlisted Aug. 15), 1862, he had his first intro- duction into the realities of war, in a skirmish at Tate's Ferry, Ky., in which two of his comrades were killed. The next engagement was at Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862, and the last battle was Stone River, Dec. 30, 1862, in which he was wounded in the right arm ; he was ordered back with the provision train to Nashville, Tenn., where he entered Hospital No. 2; here he was put on light duty in the dispensary, instead of occupying a bed in the ward, and, by diligence and perseverance, soon acquired a thorough knowledge of the duties of that department. Having some leisure, and the opportunities for studying medicine and surgery being excellent, he devoted all his spare time to a systematic course of study. He remained on duty in this hospital two and a half years, during which time he took the usual course of reading, besides attending one full course and part of another course of lectures in the medical department of the University of Nashville. May 15, 1865, he was honorably discharged from the service, and on returning home, continued his studies until September, when he went to New York and took a six-months course in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and graduated with honors March 5, 1866. In April, he commenced practice at Woodington, Darke Co., Ohio, and continued until March 1, 1868, when he formed a co-partnership with Dr. J. H. Green, Troy, Ohio. This partnership was continued until April 10, 1878, since which time he has been in active practice at his present location, corner of

. Cherry and Canal streets, Troy, Ohio. On Oct. 24, 1867, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth (Freeman) Woodard, the eldest daughter of Robert Freeman, of Bethel Township, whose sketch appears in this work ; the first child, Gertrude Woodard, was born Oct. 21, 1868 ; the second, Mary Blanche, Feb. 20, 1870; the third, Minnie Pearl, March 12, 1872 ; and the fourth, Robert Browning, March 9, 1874. Dr. J. Reed is the inventor of an improved gas machine to make illuminting gas from the lighter products of petroleum ; the invention consists in a carburetter of such a shape as to combine a large amount of carburetting surface, with the great- est possible amount of surface of contact with the surrounding earth, in which it is buried in order to utilize the heat. There are many of these machines in success- ful operation, one of which lights the Knoop Children's Home, Miami Co., Ohio.

SAMUEL L. ROBBINS, farmer ; P. O. Troy. Samuel L. Robbins has lived in this county for more than half a century, and is now ranked among the early settlers ; he was born in 1829, and was the youngest son of Lydia and Richard Robbins, who were among the first settlers, and settled in Staunton Township. Samuel, until his father's death, had never attended school, but had grown up a vigorous man ; the family was a large one, and all had to work, boys being con- sidered good for nothing else. In 1853, Samuel concluded to leave the paternal roof and seek a fortune in California ; but, after trying it three years, came back to his old home ; it was his bad fortune to take passage on the ill-fated steamer Independence, that caught fire near the island of Margaretta, and she, together with the cargo, was entirely consumed ; the scene, as Mr. Robbins describes it, was truly heart-rending, and 150 dead bodies were washed ashore. Mr. R., being a good swimmer, reached the land, and was of great assistance in helping save others. His return, in 1855, was marked by no incident worthy of mention, but he was glad to again get back to this wooded country. He loved and married Miss Mar- tha J. Denman, Jan. 17, 1856, Rev. S. M. Brown tying the knot that bound them together ; their married life has been a congenial one ; nine children were born, of whom eight are now living-Leander M., Marietta and Margaretta (twins), Serelda A., Olive, Richard S., Laura A., Rhoda A. (now deceased) and James Edgar.

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Marietta is the wife of Oscar P. Stafford, and resides in Piqua ; all the other chil- dren live at home and are a charming family. Mr. Robbins has seen the transfor- mation of the wooded, into that of an agricultural country, and, where was once the abode of the wolf and the Indian, magnificent houses and barns are seen ; his strong arm has done its share toward developing this land, and he can now justly claim the reward of being financially comfortable during his old age. Politically, he is a Republican, and himself and wife are both members of the Baptist Church. JOSEPH ROLLINS, proprietor of livery, Troy ; was born in Staunton Town- ship, March 1, 1812 ; his father, Jonathan Rollins, was born in Virginia, his mother, Amy, in New Jersey ; they were probably married in this county, and the farm they called home in 1803, was their dwelling-place till death ; he died in 1854, she in 1835; they were parents of seventeen children, four living-Mehitable, Anna, Jane and Joseph. Until he was 16 years old, our subject remained with his par- ents on the farm, after which his lot was cast among strangers, and he must needs buffet the storms which beat with such fury upon the lives of some; his expe- rience has been varied, and, to use his own words, " I have never been an occupant in any house but what I could return to and be welcome." Sept. 12, 1841, he married Sarah A. Yount, by whom he had one child-Cynthia J. Mrs. R. died Jan. 31, 1844. He was again married to Mary J. Orr, Feb. 26, 1854, whose father, James Orr, was born Sept. 18, 1774, and married Elizabeth Kyle, who was born Jan. 1, 1776, and died Aug. 31, 1818 ; Ann Cassaday, his second wife, was born Sept. 2, 1797, and married to Mr. Orr Dec. 2, 1819 ; James Orr died Nov. 21, 1859. Mary J., wife of our subject, was born Feb. 6, 1826. Until 1867, Joseph resided on the farm, at which time he came to Troy, and engaged in the livery business, in which he is now engaged. He and his wife are members of the Chris- tian Church, of many years' standing ; he is, and always has been, an advocate of the temperance cause, and for twenty-seven years not a drop of the poison has passed his lips-and further, no man, woman, or child in Troy ever saw him par- take of liquor.

JOHN J. ROSS, farmer ; P. O. Troy. John J. Ross is, perhaps, as well posted in the business affairs of the county as any man in the community in which he lives. Had we space, it would afford us much pleasure in interviewing him at length, but we will condense the most important facts, knowing that each " man's mickle makes the muckle." He was born Dec. 2, 1825, in Franklin Co., Penn, and was a son of James and Elizabeth Ross. Mrs. Ross died in July, 1872, her husband, James, still survives, and is still able to be about ; he is one of our patriarchs, being now 88 years of age. John Ross, the subject of our sketch, received his education in Fairfield, Greene Co., and was, during his younger days, engaged in teaching. His marriage to Miss Sarah Hurley was consummated June 16, 1853, the Rev. William Eaton officiating. The next day the young couple commenced'housekeeping ; John had a light heart and a still lighter pocket, as it contained only 15 cents in currency, but what did he care for money ; the young folks valiantly bared their arms and commenced the battle of life; they have surely come off victorious, judging from the appearance of their nice farm, that . at the time of their marriage was all woods, excepting 10 acres that were dead- ened. They have been the parents of ten children, of whom six girls and one son are now living-Elizabeth A. was born Jan. 27, 1856 ; Martha B., Oct. 11, 1857 ; John J., Jr., April 27, 1861 ; Margaret E., Nov. 6, 1862 ; Harriet, Oct. 18, 1864; Mary F., Oct. 18, 1866, and Sarah E., Oct. 19, 1868. The children have all received a good education, and to date are living with their parents. We are glad to chronicle Mr. Ross among our list of Jacksonian Democrats, and hope he may ever prove true to his trust. The family are all great readers, and their library is supplied with works of our leading authors. The children are also vocalists of no mean pretensions.

WILSON ROSS, deceased, Troy ; born in Zanesville, this State, in 1820; removed with his parents, at the age of 12 years, to Carlisle, Clark Co., where he learned the tailoring trade, which occupation he pursued for eighteen years, during

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which time he was also engaged in farming ; he located in Troy, in 1866, and engaged in the nursery business, under the firm name of J. W. Ross & Co., con- tinuing in the same until his death, in July, 1877. Mr. Ross was a very kind, generous and affable man, beloved by all who knew him ; his business was such that he gave employment to a large number of men, all of whom held him in high esteem ; was a leading spirit in public affairs ; a man of great energy and enter- prise, and was ever active in pushing forward all public improvements ; his name stands identified with every step taken, looking to the beauty and improvement of Troy, since his advent into the town. In politics, he was an ardent Democrat, and labored hard for the success of his party ; was an attendant of the Presbyte- rian Church, and was among the most liberal of its support. In 1846, he married Francis E. Louthan of Troy, who was born in Virginia, and came to Miami Co., with her parents when 10 years old. This union was blessed with five children, all of whom are now living in Troy.

· SAMUEL RUSSELL, farmer ; P. O. Troy. Samuel Russell is a prominent farmer, born and raised in Monroe Township. His father, Isaac Russell, came to the county in 1806, and his mother in 1802. The maiden name of Samuel's mother was Tamar Mendenhall, a native of North Carolina. Although a farmer, Mr. Russell has done considerable carpenter work ; he married Miss Harriet Franklin in 1843 ; they were the parents of Louisa, Margaret A., John, Jane, Isaac, Samuel L. and Jesse M. Louisa and John are not living. Margaret is the wife of Jacob Cane; Mary J. wedded James H. Snavely ; John married Miss Elizabeth Cane ; Isaac married Miss Joselia Curtis. The home farm comprises 50 acres, which was improved by Mr. Russell ; he is a Republican in politics ; both himself and wife are members of Monroe Grange. Should we be asked where true happiness reigned, the answer would be, in the home of Samuel Russell and his worthy lady.

C. R. SABIN, dentist, Troy ; was born in Troy Sept. 9, 1847 ; is the second son of Roswell and Caroline A. Sabin, who were of New England birth. They located here about 1823, making a permanent home till their decease ; his father died in March, 1873, aged 75 years ; his mother departed this life three days after her husband, at the age of 68 years. They had four children, three of whom are living. His father's first marriage was celebrated with Mary H. Robinson, of Virginia, by whom he had four children, three living ; Mrs. S. died, July 23, 1843, aged 44 years. Our subject received the rudiments of his education in the schools of Troy, after which, during the years 1866-67, he took a full course of study in the Dental College in Cincinnati, which institution conferred on him their diploma, of graduation ; he afterward entered on the practice of his profession in Lima where he remained four years. In 1872, he came to Troy, where he has built up a large and constantly increasing practice ; he is a gentleman well educated to his business and to be measured by his success, and the satisfaction given to those who have experienced his skillful treatment. In 1873, he was married to Clara Reed, who has borne him one child-Nellie. Mrs. S. is a daughter of G. B. Reed, a former resident of Troy, in which she (Mrs. S.) was born in 1855.

JOHN SCHAUER, farmer; P. O. Troy. Mr. John Schauer came from Greene to Miami Co. in 1865, and we find him living on a fine farm three and a half miles west of Troy, on the Newton Pike ; he is a practical farmer, the neatness of his surroundings giving evidence of his prosperity ; he was born in Greene Co., Ohio, July 21, 1821, being the eldest son of Samuel and Catharine Schauer ; in his 17th year, he commenced clerking in his father's store, in Byron, Ohio, and continued with him until, in 1846, he purchased the stock and carried on the business (asso- ciated part of the time with a partner) for fifteen years. He made a visit to the home of Rev. John Lehman, his former Pastor, who had removed to Lancaster, Penn. ; one evening, while taking a drive over the country, they stopped at the home of Mr. Jacob Bope for the purpose of resting and having a chat with the minister's friends ; Mr. Bope had a very interesting family, and John became infat- nated with the eldest daughter, Maria ; their friendship ripened into love, and, after

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a limited correspondence, they were married June 14, 1849, at the residence of the bride's parents; his beloved Pastor, Rev. John Lehman, pronounced the magic words that linked together two loving hearts, whose after life gave evidence of their adaptation for each other ; they made their home in Byron until Mr. Schauer disposed of his goods ; the close confinement of the mercantile business telling rapidly upon his health, he was obliged to seek some other occupation ; in 1855, he commenced tilling his father's farm, and continued doing so three years, when he purchased 80 acres west of Stillwater, which was his residence for seven years; this farm was then disposed of, and Pearson's farm rented for five years ; purchas- ing the fine farm of 130 acres upon which he now resides; he has erected a splen- did house and otherwise improved it, until it ranks among the most attractive places in the township. Mr. Schauer is a self-made man, having but $500 when he came to Miami Co., owing to the dishonesty of those with whom he was associated in business ; seven children were the result of their union, of whom five are now living-Virgil C., Claudius F., Augusta C., Edwin M., Samuel J., Esta H. and Clara E .; the children have had the benefits of a liberal education, and are all very fair musicians ; Mrs. Schauer, who was called to the spirit-land July 7, 1877, was & kind wife, a loving mother, and her loss was keenly felt; since her death, the household affairs have been superintended by Miss Clara, who is a model house- keeper. Mr. Schauer has a very good family library, and is a great reader ; he is especially well posted upon agricultural topics, and is withal a pleasant and social gentleman.

R. Y. SHARP, manufacturer of carriages, Troy; was born near Fredericks- burg, Va., in 1821 ; his parents, Thomas and Sarah Sharp, were natives of the same State, his father dying before his birth, his mother when R. Y. was 5 years of age ; for three years after her death, he resided with a sister, then began the struggle of life for a support, laboring on the farm till he attained his 15th year, when he became an apprentice to his trade, in which he labored six years; in 1841, he came to Troy, for the following eighteen years performing the work of & master mechanic ; in 1859, he embarked in his business with a partner, with whom he did business until 1868, at which time their shop and contents were burned to the ground ; his insurance enabled him to build another, since when he has been sole owner ; he employs a number of hands, skilled workmen, who, under his management and supervision, turn out the best work in the city, combining neat- ness and durability. In 1841, he was married to Emily Tullis, who has borne him six children, three living-Charles W., Ada and Rolla Y .; the deceased are Clara, Emma and William ; Mrs. S. was born in this county in 1821, and is a relative of the well-known Tullis family, who occupy prominent places on the pages of this work. He is a member of the Methodist Church, she of the Christian, both hav- ing been identified with their respective churches many years ; he is also a mem- ber of the Encampment and subordinate Lodge, I. O. O. F.

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The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 100

Author: W. H. Beers & Co. Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1051

Author: W. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1880
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051