The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 117

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

USA > Ohio > Miami County > The History of Miami County, Ohio > Part 117

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West Milton. The mill has a working capacity of about twelve thousand pounds of wool per annum. The power is derived from a number of springs, the water from which is concentrated and brought to bear on a twenty-two-foot over-shot wheel. He manufactures a general assortment of goods, the quality of which is unsur- passed; owing to his supreme knowledge of manufacturing processes, and his fair way of doing business, he commands a large share of the public patronage. He was married to Diana Weaver April 12, 1832 ; four children have been given to them, of whom three are living, viz., Henry, Benjamin and James ; Charles deceased.

A. C. BOBBS, physician and surgeon, Potsdam ; born in Clermont Co., Ohio, in the year 1838; is a son of Adam and Elizabeth Bobbs ; his father was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and his mother in this State ; his father is dead, but his mother is yet living and resides in Montgomery Co .; they were parents of four children-A. J., physician and surgeon, residing in Warren, Ind. ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Henderson ; Caroline, now Mrs. Dr. Tedrow. The Doctor's boyhood days were spent on the farm, and, at the age of 15, he began the study of medi- cine under Dr. J. D. Gaines, of California, Hamilton Co., Ohio, who was his pre- ceptor, and for three years he labored under his instruction, solving the mysteries and science of medicine ; he then entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in which he studied two terms ; then enlisted in the army as Assistant Surgeon, finally entering the Marine Hospital in Cincinnati, in which he remained three years, and here received a broad experience in the profession ; in 1863, he entered a college in Buffalo, N. Y., in which he finished his studies, graduating from this institution in 1864 and receiving his diploma ; he entered on the practice of medicine in Union, in partnership with Dr. Hawkins, with whom he practiced for one year; in 1865, he located where he now resides, and has built up a large and increasing practice, making a specialty of fevers and diphtheria. In 1865, he was married to Margaret Shellabarger, by whom he has had three children, viz., Charles C., Samuel O. and E. A .; she is a daughter of Samuel Shellabarger, who is a native of Pennsylvania ; the mother, Elizabeth, is a native of this State; both are living. When the Doctor settled here, he was without means, but, by strict attention to his profession, he has built up a good practice, and is also in the pos- session of a fine property ; in 1878, he erected a residence in the village, which, for taste, beauty of design and finish, has no equal, thus making the Doctor and his most estimable wife a very desirable home; he owns 25 acres of improved land adjoining the village.

D. W. BOWMAN, merchant, Fidelity ; was born in Miami Co., Oct. 25, 1847, and is a son of Joseph and Mary Bowman ; his father was born in Tennessee in 1801, and, with his parents, came to, and settled in, Clark Co., Ohio, about 1812, where they lived some years, when he died, and Joseph, with his mother, removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where she died. Joseph's early life was passed on the farm, and when old enough, he engaged in selling goods, traveling from one point to another. He was a poor boy and his business career was begun on a capital of $10, borrowed money. In 1826, he opened a little store in Frederick, which was stocked with goods brought from a distance, on the back of a pony. Being of an energetic and progressive spirit, he soon overcame many of the disadvantages attached to poverty, and gradually ascended in the scale of prosperity, until he had accumulated a large property, laying the foundation of a business which exists to this day. He was very benevolent, gave largely to the poor, never turning any from his door who deserved his sympathy and help. At his death, his estate amounted to $100,000. He died in November, 1871, aged 71 years and 7 days. Mr. Bowman married in 1821, Mary Sheets, who bore him eleven children, five of whom are living_O. P., J. W., D. W., Ella and Jennie. The deceased are Ann, Caroline, Jacob R., Elwood, Harriet and John. Her mother was born June 6, 1790, and died Sept. 12, 1839; her father died Aug. 12, 1851. They were married in August, 1807, and were the parents of five children, two living-Bethany and Mary. The deceased, Daniel, Perry and Nancy. Mrs. Bowman was born in

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Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 27, 1808, is living, and resides in Frederickstown. Our subject was reared to mercantile pursuits ; his long experience enabling him to suc- cessfully manage his large business. His education was largely attained in the com- mon schools, and in the Normal School in Lebanon. From 1865 to 1871, he was a partner with his father, and at his death assumed management of the business, which is large and increasing, so much so that his cotemporaries find his trade invulnerable, and can survive but a short time. Nov. 24, 1869, he was married to Belle, an accomplished daughter of Abraham and Lydia ( Yount) Turner. Her father was born in Orange Co., N. Y., March 1, 1819. In the spring of 1842, he emigrated to Indiana, where he operated a saw-mill ; April 6, 1843, he came to Frederickstown, and engaged in the same business. Dec. 20, 1846, he was maried to Lydia Yount, by whom he had eleven children ; those living are Jennie, Belle, Sarah, John, Emma, Fremont, Lulu, Clifford and Mary ; Eliza, deceased. Mrs. Turner was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, June 15, 1826, and is a daughter of John and Nancy Yount, pioneers of the above-named county. By occupation, Mr. Turner was a carpenter and millwright. In 1879, he removed to Shelby Co., Ohio, where they now reside. Belle, wife of our subject, was born in this county June 12, 1849.

JAMES P. BRANDON, physician and surgeon, Laura ; was born in Newton Township, Miami Co., in the year 1850, and is a son of Isaiah P. and Sarah Bran- don; his father was born in Kentucky, and came with his parents when a boy to Newton Township, in which he lived till his decease, which occurred in 1877, when he was 69 years of age ; his mother departed this life in 1853, aged 43 or 44 ; they were parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are living, viz., Mary, Esther, Richard W., Samuel H., Anna B., Sarah, Amos, Robert, Isaac, James P. and Mahala; Martha (deceased). The Doctor's early boyhood days were spent on the farm, and in a manner incident to youth; his education was received in the district school, and at the age of 18, he began the study of medicine under Dr. A. E. Dun- can, a very prominent physician ; he labored with the mysteries of science in medi- cine during the summer, and in winter engaged in teaching school ; thus he labored for four years, making enough by his winter labors to enable him to prosecute his study in medicine during the following summer ; after completing his course of study under Dr. D., he entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, graduating in the Class of 1873 ; he returned to his home and began the practice of medicine, and for two years successfully discharged the duties incumbent upon the profession, after which he went to the Bellevue Hospital in New York City, and, after a year of close application to study, improved greatly on the subject of medi- cine and surgery ; returning, he located in Laura, in which place he has successfully built up a large and increasing practice. In 1873, he married Mattie, daughter of the well-known Anson Aldrich, by whom he has one child, viz., Clara A .; he owns a good city property in Laura, which consists of lots, dwellings, etc.

HENRY J. BROWN, dealer in boots and shoes, West Milton; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn. Jan. 29, 1829, and is a son of John Brown, a native of the same place, who lived, died and is buried in the place of his nativity. He was the father of ten children, of whom seven are living. Henry's boyhood days were spent in the village, and, at the age of 16, he began serving a regular apprenticeship, which occupied two years of his time. In 1849, he came to Ohio, and located in Gettysburg, in Darke Co., in which place he prosecuted his trade for awhile, and was also engaged with his brother William in painting. He came to West Milton in the spring of 1850, and here has since done business ; he carries a full stock of boots and shoes, for ladies, gentlemen and children's wear. He deals in the best of goods, and his long residence and popular habits command for him a full share of the public patronage. For sixteen years he has held the office of Corporation Treasurer, and has also been a member of the School Board. Thus we see that his townsmen have confidence in his executive ability. March 2, 1852, he was mar- ried to Melissa Everett, by whom he had three children, viz., Emma C., Elmira and Charles W. Mrs. Brown departed this life May 15, 1863, aged about 39 years.

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May 20, 1865, Mr. Brown was again married, to Mary J. Wilson, of Montgomery Co., by whom he has had one child, viz., Harry E.

J. K. CAMPBELL, of the firm of Campbell & Bro., dealers in grain and seeds, West Milton ; he was born in Perry Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 8, 1836 ; his father, John G., was born in Warren Co., Ohio, June 22, 1806, and died June 25, 1876 ; his mother, Margaret (Ware) Campbell, was born in Montgomery Co. in the year 1820, and is living ; they were parents of nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., Jesse K., John M., Thomas M., Alonzo B., Susan King, nee Campbell, Samantha Davis, nee Campbell, and Alice Mckinley, nee Campbell ; the deceased are Orrin E. and Webster C. Our subject was reared on the farm on which he labored for his father until he was 20 years of age, when he and his younger brothers were given their time ; he leased the old homestead, and for three years was successful in his labors on the farm ; at the expiration of this time, he conceived the idea he was in need of more education ; he left the farm and entered & select school, taught by John Hiller, in his native county, and for one year he labored in his studies under instructors, and then began teaching, all the while pursuing his studies ; for twenty-one years he was largely engaged in the profes- sion, and was very successful, always standing high as an educator ; during vacations, he was employed as a commercial traveler ; thus his time was all occu- pied ; during one year he traveled and sold goods for William F. Spencer, of Richmond, Ind., another year for Smith, Alvin & Co. ; after this he entered mer- cantile life, and for two years did a general merchandising business in Liberty, Ohio ; he then moved his stock in trade to Johusville, in which he remained two years ; then exchanged his goods and property for a farm in Montgomery Co., in which he labored, during the summer, for five years, and resumed his work in the schoolroom during the winter ; in 1879, he, with his brother, in looking up a suit- able location for their business, saw in West Milton the desired point, which they immediately availed themselves of ; the D., C. & T. R. R., was at that time in the course of construction, and by the time the last rail was laid, they were prepared for business, having erected a large warehouse, which is furnished with steam elevating power ; both are gentlemen well qualified for the business, and will handle a heavy percentage of the surplus of crops. May 29, 1864, he was married to Mary A. Hutchinson, who is a daughter of James and Celia A. Hutchinson, old residents of Ohio, both deceased ; they were parents of seven children, four of whom are living, viz., Thomas, William, Mary A. and Celia A .; the deceased are James, and two dying in infancy ; Mrs. C. was born in Miami Co., May 28, 1841 ; to them five children have been born, all living, viz., Jennie V., Zola, Victor, Celia and Maggie; at the age of 20, Mr. C. united with the United Brethren Church, with which he has since been identified ; his wife is a member of the Christian Church, with which she has been connected for a number of years ; Mr. C. is a self-made man in the broadest sense which the term implies.

WELCOME M. CAPRON, farmer ; P. O. Laura ; born in Pennsylvania in 1796 ; is a son of Labin and Hannah Capron, who were born in Massachusetts, and afterward settled in Pennsylvania, where our subject was born. They departed this life in the above State, his father, when in the 65th year of his age, and his mother when he was quite young. They were parents of seven children, of whom only Uncle Welcome survives ; the deceased are Wheaton, Amos, Nancy, Hannah, Sylvia and Alpha. By his last marriage he has had six children, viz., Louisa, Emma, Rowena, Adeline, Henrietta and Labin ; Adeline alone survives. Our sub- ject was reared on the farm, on which he labored till past 20, when he came to Ohio, and for one year stayed in Franklin, then came here, in which place he has lived since. His first purchase was 80 acres of land, which was partly improved, and entered 120 acres, 80 of which was in Darke Co. He settled here in 1817, and has resided on his present place fifty-two years. June 6, 1819, he was married to Delana, a daughter of John and Tamar North, by whom he has had twelve chil- dren, seven of whom are living, viz., Oliver, Levi, Hannah, Martha, Louisa, Nancy and Sarah ; the deceased are Lorenzo, Labin, Seth, Alpha and Mary. Seth was &

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member of the 71st O. V. I., from which he was discharged, then removed to Iowa, where he enlisted again, and, after the battle of Nashville, Tenn., in which he was engaged for three days, was taken sick and soon after died in Memphis. He has served as Constable in the township. He and his wife have been connected with the Christian Church for forty-five years, laboring long and earnestly in their Master's vineyard. Their children are members of Christian churches, which affords their aged parents much pleasure. Oliver is an able minister in the denom- ination of Friends, and Levi, a minister of the Christian Church ; both are men of ability, and have done much in building up the Christian religion.

JOHN CARROLL, farmer ; P. O. Potsdam ; was born on the place on which he now resides in the year 1834 ; his parents, Jacob and Mary Carroll, were born in Maryland, in which State they were married, then removed to Ohio, and settled on land near Union, Montgomery Co., on which they remained some years, accumu- lating some property ; but, meeting with an accident which crippled him, much of his hard-earned money was consumed ; in 1833, he came to Miami Co., and settled on the place where our subject now resides ; here he remained till his death, which occurred in 1841, aged 56 years ; his mother survived her husband, and departed this life at the age of 67 or 68 years ; they were parents of nine children, three of whom are living, viz., John, Oliver, and Anna, who resides in Marshall Co., Iowa ; Oliver lives in Boone Co., Iowa; the deceased are Joseph, Samuel, James, Sophia, Sarah and an infant. Mr. C. was reared on the farm, on which he labored till he was 23 years old, at which time, in 1857, he was married to Lydia Shanks, by whom he has two children, viz., Lola and Harley. He owns 107 acres of fine land, which is all in a good state of cultivation, and his improvements are far superior to ordinary farm buildings ; his large house and barn, with delightful surround- ings, make his the most desirable and pleasant place in the west side of the town- ship. His wife is a member of the Christian Church, with which she has been connected some time. His grandfather, Charles Carroll, was of Irish birth, and a Revolutionary soldier, serving during the war ; he died where our subject now lives ; his grandmother was of German extraction ; they were the parents of a large family-further, nothing is known. Mrs. Carroll was born in 1833.

ROWLAND R. CHASE, J. P., West Milton ; born in Cumberland, R. I., Nov. 17, 1804 ; is a son of Elisha and Narcissa (Wilcox) Chase ; his father was born in the same place May 10, 1776, and his mother also in July, 1780 ; they were mar- ried in 1802, and were parents of eight children-four sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and one daughter are living ; Mr. Chase departed this life in 1835, his wife in 1839; our subject's early days were mostly spent in Massachusetts, and at the age of 13 years he entered a cotton factory, in which he remained as oper- ator and manufacturer until he came to Ohio in 1851 ; he located in West Milton and found employment in a machine-shop for awhile; in 1859, he was elected to the Justice's office, and has since filled it with honor to himself and to the satsifac- tion of the public for whom he has labored twenty-one years, showing good execu- tive ability ; he was Postmaster of this office from 1861 to 1876, with the exception of a short time during Johnson's administration ; also served two years as Township Clerk. April 21, 1831, he was married to Fanny Cobb, a daughter of Ebenezer Cobb, both natives of Massachusetts ; Mr. and Mrs. Chase had four sons and five daughters ; seven children are living, viz., David, Daniel, Narcissa, Nancy, Francis, Olive and Mary ; the deceased are Wm. H. and Rowland; Mrs. C. departed this life Dec. 18, 1879; she was born Nov. 23, 1808 ; Mr. C. has been connected with the Christian . Church for twenty years, and is a consistent Christian gentleman ; his deceased wife was also a member of the same church, and died in the triumphs of her faith.

PHILIP CHRISTIAN, farmer ; P. O. Potsdam ; is another of the old and prominent settlers in this township ; he was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., in the year 1815, and is a son of Joseph and Nancy Christian, who were born in Penn- sylvania, near Philadelphia ; they resided in their native State, in which they were married, till the fall of 1824, then removed to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in which

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they resided two years. after which they came to Miami Co. and settled on Sec. 36, in this township, purchasing 240 acres in this county, and 160 acres lying oppo- site, in Montgomery Co .; on this land they made their home till their decease ; his father died at the advanced age of 82 years, his mother when she had accom- plished her fourscore ; they were the parents of four children, three of whom are living, viz., Philip, David and Mary ; Esther deceased. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on the farm, on which he labored for his father till his 22d year. Aug. 27, 1837, he was married to Mary Warner, by whom he has had ten children, six of whom are living, viz., Harriet, Aaron, Nancy, Samuel, Susanna and Mary ; the deceased are Joseph, John, Sarah and David. In the fall of 1837, he settled on the place where he now resides ; he owned 240 acres, which was bought for $1,700, and has since purchased 80 acres, for which he paid $3,200 ; his land is all in an excellent state of cultivation, but, at the time of settlement, was mostly in the woods, and he informs us that deer would come within gunshot of his door. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace for nine years, Supervisor and School Director, the latter over twenty years, and has refused to serve longer. His wife is a member of the German Baptist Church, and is a daughter of John and Catherine Warner, who were natives of Pennsylvania, but became residents of Montgomery Co., in which they died; they were the parents of nine children, four of whom are living-Betsy, Katie, Conrad and Mary ; the deceased are Jacob, George, John, Margaret and Susan. Mr. Warner died at the age of 83 years and 6 months, Mrs. Warner dying when over 70 years of age. Mrs. C. was born in the year 1821.

THOMAS J. COATE, merchant, Laura. The subject of this memoir was born in Newton Township, this county, in 1846, and is a son of Josiah and Sarah C. Coate; his father was born in this county, his mother in the State of Indiana ; they are living and reside in Newton Township; they are the parents of six chil- dren, five of whom are living, viz., Jesse M., Martha F., Thomas J., David J. and Anna J. ; Mary M. (deceased). Thomas was reared on the farm, and his youthful days were spent in a manner incident to farmers' sons ; he followed farming until 1876, at which time he came to Laura and embarked in the mercantile business, in which he is now engaged ; his stock consists of groceries, dry goods, drugs, etc., in fact, most everything is to be found in his store which comes under his line of trade; his business capacity is such that he is enabled to control his full share of the public patronage, catering to the wants of a buying public from a well-selected stock. In 1871, he was married to Miss Amelia, daughter of Jacob Stichter, by whom he has had two children, viz., Lenora M. and Birdie (deceased). In 1877, he was appointed Postmaster of Laura, which position he still holds, discharging the duties incumbent thereon with satisfaction to the patrons of the office; he and. his amiable wife are members of the Christian Church, and are exemplary Chris- tian people. Mrs. Coate was born in this county in 1852.

DAVID M. COATE, retired, West Milton. The subject of this memoir is- another of the old and prominent settlers in this township ; he was born July 9, 1823, and is a son of Henry and Rebecca Coate, who were born in South Carolina, and removed to this county in 1803; they settled on land near this place, which is- yet occupied by one of the members of the family. To Mr. Coate, Sr., belongs that credit and respect which all pioneers should command from those who come after them ; he, being a blacksmith of more than ordinary skill, was a very useful man, as his genius enabled him to manufacture edge tools, which the early settlers stood so much in need of ; he manufactured a very superior grain sickle, which was- in great demand ; in addition to his trade he carried on farming extensively, and, by his thrift and good management, eventually became one of the larger land- holders in the township. He was twice married, first with Mary Haskett, in his native State, by whom he had five children, all deceased. His second marriage was celebrated with Rebecca Wilson, in this county, by whom he had five chil- dren, all living and four residents of this township; he departed this life in 1848, aged about 75 years. Mrs. C. died in 1827, when in the prime of womanhood, aged

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about 28 years. Our subject was reared on the farm, and remained with his father till he was of age, at which time he began life for himself. Sept. 20, 1843, he was married to Jane Teague; they were also natives of South Carolina, and were among the early settlers in this county ; they were parents of six children, five sons and one daughter, of whom all are living but one; Mr. T. died at the age of 74 years, his wife when 73. After his marriage, our subject was occupied in farming, which he successfully followed till 1865, when he engaged in merchandis- ing in West Milton for a period of seven years ; then he was relieved from active business cares by his sons, and enjoys life free from care ; he is one of the charter members of the D., C. & T. R. R., and has been prominently connected with the same since the idea of a road originated, and is one of the Trustees ; he has held the office of County Commissioner for four years, discharging the duties reposed in him fearlessly, and to the satisfaction of his constituents ; he has been very suc- cessful through life, and has accumulated a handsome competency, which is the just reward of his toil ; in all his struggles with the world, he has been nobly assisted by his amiable companion, and together they are enjoying their declining , years surrounded by every comfort which would promote their happiness ; they are parents of two children, viz., John and Orrin, the former is engaged in the grocery business, the latter is station agent at this point for the D., C. &. T. R. R. JOHN COATE, merchant, West Milton; born in this county in 1844; is a son of D. M. Coate, whose sketch appears on these pages ; he was reared on the farm and had the advantages of a common-school education in his younger days, after which he entered the Earlham College, in Richmond, Ind. in which he took a full preparatory course. In October, 1872, he was married to Miss Lucinda Everett, by whom he has had the following children: Edgar, Dora and Mabel; Kittie, deceased, aged 1 year. In the fall of 1866, he engaged in a general mercantile business, in the room now occupied by Hahn & Crew, under the firm name of Albaugh & Coate, which firm existed for a period of two years, and built up a good trade; he then entered a partnership with his brother which continued till 1874, when the firm dissolved, and he rested from the worry of mercantile life till 1879, having in the interval been employed as a commercial traveler a portion of the time; by his integrity and fair dealing, he has won the confidence of the people and controls a full share of the public patronage. Mrs. C. was born in this county, and is a daughter of a well-known resident in Milton. Mr. C. owns 75 acres of of land in this township, all in a high state of cultivation and well improved.

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The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 117

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