The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 99

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

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DAVID A. McCLUNG, retired farmer ; P. O. Troy. David A. McClung is a thoroughbred son of Miami Co., having been born upon the spot upon which he now resides, Aug. 15, 1826, and with the exception of three years, has never left the loved spot ; he was the youngest son of David and Nancy McClung, who were married in Kentucky April 12, 1808; their wedding tour was a horseback ride from Lexington to Troy ; it was during the spring freshets, and the creeks and rivers were swollen with the heavy rains ; upon their arrival opposite the site of Troy, they found the river running high, and, as there was no bridge, they were obliged to swim their horses across at a point now called " Coe's Ford;" Indians were then very plentiful, and not very friendly. During the month of July, 1812, a Mr. Gerard, Mr. Dilbone and wife were murdered. Previous to this time, there had been hostilities brewing, and nearly all the able-bodied men were on the frontier under arms ; it so happened that Mr. McClung was then away ; his wife with three small children and a neighbor girl, Nancy Telford, were left alone. Aaron Tullis brought word in the evening that the Indians were killing and scalping everybody, and that they must get to the block-house in Troy as soon, and in the best way they could, while he went to warn other settlers ; they started at once, Mrs. McClung, with a 3-weeks old babe in her arms, leading another child 2 years old by the hand, with Nancy and Cloyd, 7 years old, carrying the trusty riffe, they proceeded on their way ; fearing to take the bridle path that led direct to Troy, they made a detour to the right through the woods, and after wandering about for some time with out reaching their destination, sat down upon a log to await the moon's rising ; as they were expected at the block-house, but came not, three men were sent out to hunt them ; Mrs. McClung could hear them halloo, but, fearing they were Indians, gave no answer; finally her name was called, when she replied, help came, and they arrived at the block-house at almost day break. We can hardly conceive that the beautiful plain between Ridge avenue and Troy, ever could have been such a mass of tangled brush that persons would get lost in coming such a short distance ; there were in the block-house about eighty persons that had fled there for protection ; the next day, Mrs. McClung and her babies went to Judge Barbee's house and stayed a few days, or until the supposed danger was past; three children are now living of the McClung family ; the father dying in 1841, and the mother in 1862 ; she was 80 years old, and her husband 65. By the death of his father, David, the subject of this sketch, i ecame heir of a portion of the home

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farm, and by sucessive purchases has added to it until he is now the owner of more than 300 acres of land ; through his enterprise, aided by that of his two brothers, the Troy Hydraulic was established; this enterprise will at no distant day be of vast importance to the business interests of the city ; the brothers were also the moving spirits in the Miami Co. Agricultural Board, and the first meeting was held on their grounds ; rain falling, the exhibition was continued in their barn. David A. McClung was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth T. Harker Jan. 4, 1853, Rev. David Rice officiating; they have four children living-Mary C., the eldest daughter, is now wife of Henry Davis, of Kokomo, Ind .; the other three, John C. and his two sisters, Emma and Louisa, live with their parents ; John C., has finished his studies, and the two daughters are advancing rapidly ; Emma now having been two years in the high school ; the whole family are great readers, and have access to a fine library ; the children are rapidly becoming accomplished musicians, being good vocalists as well. Mr. McClung votes a straight Republican ticket, and has the satisfaction of living in a splendid house, surrounded by every comfort.

JOHN M. McCAMPBELL, proprietor of boarding-house, Troy; born in Staunton Township Nov. 21, 1809; is the son of William M. McCampbell, who was born in Rockbridge Co., W. Va., in 1772; his mother, Elizabeth Orbison, was born in the same State, and was several years her husband's junior ; they were married about 1806, and immediately afterward settled in the county in which they lived till their death, he dying Feb. 27, 1847, and she in 1821 ; they were the parents of eight children, three living ; his father's second marriage was celebrated with Judith Luce, nee Gerard, who bore him four children, one living ; she died in 1868. When 17 years of age, our subject came to Troy, and, with James Hanna, learned the tanner and currier's trade, then took a trip through the Western States; in 1834, he purchased his first employer's business, which he carried on till 1868, when he sold out and purchased where he now resides. May 29, 1836, he was mar- ried to Lucinda Fuller, who bore him two children-Mary H. and Edward N., the latter deceased, aged 25 years ; the former was married to Charles C. Newall (de- ceased), by whom she had one child, viz., Edward N .; Mrs. McCampbell's parents, Obadiah and Lucy Fuller, were natives of Virginia, and afterward residents of New Carlisle, Clark Co., Ohio, where both died of cholera Sept. 5, 1834, and almost in the same hour, the father aged 54 years, the mother 45; they were parents of seven children, six of whom were living at their parents' death, feeling the double affliction with great severity. Mrs. McCampbell was born in Clark Co. in 1820; they are members of the Presbyterian Church, with which he has been connected since 1827 ; she was formerly of the Baptist Church, but joined the Presbyterians in 1865 ; both take an interest in their church and a pleasure in rearing high their Christian standard ; their deceased son was an exemplary young man, and a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church ; he left a young wife to mourn his untimely death.

JOHN GEORGE MAYER, dealer in wines, liquors and beer, also bottled beer, and makes a specialty of charging soda fountains, Troy ; was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 21, 1837, where he received instruction in the German schools until 15 years of age ; then came to America, arriving in New York City July 2, 1852; thence he came West to Hamilton Co., Ohio, and worked on a farm until 1854; afterward he located in Cincinnati, and followed the occupation of a barber for & number of years ; came to Troy in 1861, and followed his trade until 1867, when he engaged in the confectionery business; and in 1869, changed to a " grocer;" was connected for several years with Joseph Henney in the Troy Brewery ; in 1878, commenced his present business, now bottling from four to seven barrels of beer per week ; he also makes a specialty of charging soda fountains, being the only one in Troy doing that business. Is a Republican in politics, and connected with the Fire Department, of which he is a very prominent member, being now Assis- tant Chief of the Fire Department of Troy, in which capacity he has served for some years, always taking an active part in its management. Married Anna Eitel

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July 26, 1859, who was born in Germany and came to America in 1852; are the parents of seven children, five of whom are living.

ISAAC S. MEEKS, M. D., physician and surgeon, Troy ; David Meeks, the father of our subject, was born in Washington Co., Penn., April 23, 1776, and was there married, in the fall of 1797, to Diana Evans, who was born in the same county, Jan. 18, 1779. They had nine children, to wit : Mary, born Feb. 4, 1799 ; Jesse, born Nov. 18, 1800; John, born July 22, 1804 ; David, born Oct. 30, 1807 ; Nancy, born Oct. 27, 1809 ; Sarah, born Oct. 31, 1811 ; Eli, born Jan. 14, 1814; Isaac S. born Oct. 25, 1816, and Stephen, born Nov. 25, 1818. In the spring of 1804, they removed from Pennsylvania to Fairfield Co., Ohio, where they remained about two years and then moved to Franklin Co., Ohio, near the city of Columbus, where they resided some eight years ; in the fall of 1814, they removed to Miami Co., Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their days ; their married life extending over a period of about sixty-six years, fifty of which they spent in old Miami. David Meeks died Oct. 2, 1863, aged 87 years 5 months and 9 days; and five months later, on the 10th day of March, 1864, his aged wife followed him, at the age of 85 years 1 month and 21 days. They left, living, six children, twenty-two grand-chil- dren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Father Meeks was of English parentage, and Mother Meeks of Welsh. They were devoted members of the Regular Baptist Church. Father Meeks served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and in politics was always a strict Democrat. Isaac S. Meeks, the subject of our sketch, was born as above stated, on the old homestead in Bethel Township, Miami Co., Ohio, and was brought up as a farmer's boy. On the 24th of March, 1833, he became a member of the Staunton Baptist Church, Elder Willis Hance, Pastor, which church has since become extinct, after which he joined the Casstown Baptist Church. Having obtained a common-school education, he resolved to advance still higher, accord- ingly, on the 31st of March, 1834, he entered school at Piqua, Ohio, where he con- tinned about a year, working mornings, evenings and Saturdays to pay his board, in the family of the Elder Charles Hilliard. He then took board in Piqua, but, in February, 1835, left Piqua and returned to the home farm, where he, with the kindly aid of his father, soon earned enough money to pay his delinquent board bill. Oct. 19, 1835, he began teaching school, which occupation, together with study and travel, occupied his time until Sept. 20, 1837, at which time he entered Granville College, where he pursued a select course for about a year; on the 24th of April, 1839, he began studying medicine with Dr. R. Sabin, of Troy, and con- tinued his studies, with slight interruptions, until Oct. 27, 1841, when he entered upon a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati ; during the vacation he traveled some in Indiana, seeking a favorable location, but, not finding what he desired, he resumed teaching until in the fall of 1844, when he returned to Miami Co .; here, on the 6th of December of that year, he entered upon the prac- tice of his profession in Bethel Township, where he continued until May 26, 1847, at which time he removed to Casstown, and practiced until the fall of 1849; he then returned to Cincinnati, and completed his course at the Ohio Medical College, obtaining the decree of Doctor of Medicine, March 4, 1850 ; returning to Casstown, he entered extensively into practice. He was married Dec. 11, 1851, to Alice, daughter of William C. Knight, but she subsequently died without issue. He was again married Sept. 11, 1853, to his present wife, Ensebia, daughter of Rev. John Blodgett. In November of 1859, he removed to Troy, Ohio, and has remained there ever since, actively engaged in the duties of his profession.

MRS. ROSENA MILLER, Troy. Mrs. Rosena Miller is now in her 72d year, and retains her memory in a remarkable degree ; her grandparents' names were John and Rhoda Carmichael, and her father was Alexander McCollom. Her mar- riage with Mr. Cornelius Miller was solemnized in 1826, and the next year they came to Miami Co. Mr. Miller was born in Warren Co., September, 1804, and from his 4th birthday has been a resident of Miami. Both himself and wife, resi- dents of this township forty-five years, have, by their good deeds, greatly endeared themselves to those living in their neighborhood. The privations of the pioneer's

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early life were a familiar picture to them ; but they looked upon the bright side of things, and, in the end, came off victorious. During their married life, eleven children were born-Isaac, July 12, 1827 ; Mary, Dec. 14, 1829 ; Abigail, Nov. 26, 1831; Hetty, Nov. 21, 1833 ; John N., Jan. 11, 1837 ; Sarah, June 25, 1839; Jasper, Oct. 8, 1841; James M., Nov. 25, 1843; Winfield S., Jan. 14, 1846; Amanda, June 20, 1848, and Martha W., April 28, 1853. Of these, only three are now living-Hetty, Sarah and Amanda ; Sarah is the wife of Joshua Harrett, and lives in Nebraska ; Amanda was married to William B. Hammond, who superin- tends the farm and lives near the old home; Hetty lives with her mother-the comfort of her declining years having ever been a kind and affectionate daughter. Her father, Cornelius Miller, died in 1879, and left behind many friends, who will ever deplore his loss. He joined the Baptist Church, in his 73d year, and, except when confined to his room by sickness, was never absent from his place. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Christian Church, and is a devout Christian. She is left well provided for, having a nice farm near Troy, and two of her children near her ; Martha W. was, for several years, a teacher in the public schools, and as an instructress gave great satisfaction. Her demise occurred Oct. 15, 1879 ; she was a true Christian, and always led a pure and upright life.

H. H. MILLER, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; was born in Miami Co., his parents being John V. and Rebecca Miller ; John V. emigrated to Miami Co. from Virginia in 1833, and was wedded to Miss Rebecca Kessler in 1834 ; they were the parents of eight children, of whom six are living. Henry H. married Miss Hester R. Enyeart March 17, 1867; their three children were born in the following order : Edwin M., Oct. 6, 1869 ; Josie, Nov. 24, 1872; and Bertha, May 19, 1877. Mr. Miller and his brother Isaiah own the steam saw-mill that is located midway between their respective residences ; this is an industry that has been of great serv- ice to the people living in their neighborhood. H. H. Miller purchased his farm prior to his marriage, and last year erected a splendid residence. The farm com- prises 279 acres, nearly all of which is under cultivation. Although from choice & farmer, being highly educated in both Latin and Greek, his intention was to follow the profession of teaching ; he did for a time teach in Iowa, and was an efficient member of the Educational Board.' Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He may be classed among the conservative Dem- ocracy of the county. His library is composed of miscellaneous works, being con- tinually supplied with books of merit; his education was obtained at Delaware College, during the sessions of 1861-62-63 and '64. This is the finest educational college west of the mountains. His specialty in stock-raising is breeding fine sheep, of which his flock equals any in the county ; his farm is an elegant one, and the view obtained from the residence is equal to any afforded in this neigh- borhood.

FRED MILLER, manufacturer of harness and saddles, Troy ; was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1827 ; his trade was learned in his native country, and in 1850, emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans, this voyage occupying 100 days. In St. Louis, he worked one year at his trade, then went to California with the intent of digging gold, but six months' experience taught him the value of his trade, which he applied himself to for two years ; returning to New York, he wandered nearly over the States. In 1859, he located in Troy, and since has given his attention to supplying the increasing demands of his many customers. He usually gives employment to half a dozen first-class workmen, and it is safe to say he commands fully 75 per cent of the trade at this point. In 1858, he was married to Maggie Honeyfeugle, who bore him two children-Lusetta and Maggie. Mrs. Miller died in 1862, aged 25 years. His second marriage was cele- brated with Rosalia Schnell, by whom he has had five children, four living-Char- ley, Willie, Clara and Walter. He and his wife are life-long members of the Lutheran Church. He has accumulated a nice property, consisting of two large salesrooms and two dwelling houses, all well situated.

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WILLIAM MILLER, grocer and dealer in refined liquors, Troy ; born in Vir- ginia in the year 1814 ; was the son of John Miller, who was born in Virginia Feb. 19, 1770. Jane, mother of William, was born in Pennsylvania Nov. 26, 1784. Their marriage was consummated in Pennsylvania, and in 1832 they removed to this county and located in West Milton, where they resided one year, then went to Montgomery Co., Ohio, and in the spring of 1834 settled on land in Monroe Town- ship, this county, on which they lived till their death. His father died May 3, 1857, aged 87 years 2 months and 14 days ; Jane, his wife, died Aug. 3, 1852, aged 67 years 8 months and 7 days. They were the parents of twelve children, five living-William, Levi, Sarah, now Mrs. Bear ; Jane, now Mrs. Brock, and Isaiah ; the deceased are Zachariah, aged 79 years 1 month and 14 days; Jacob R., Samuel, Mary Simonds, nee Miller; James, Elizabeth Butler, nee Miller, and John V. Our subject was reared on the farm in Virginia, and after his arrival in Ohio engaged in different pursuits, but gave his attention chiefly to farming, which he followed till his removal to Troy, May 22, 1853; there he engaged in the gro- cery business in the same house he now occupies, carries a good stock of the choice brands of family groceries and the purest liquors in the market. Dec. 1, 1857, he was married to Mary E. Mcknight, nee Louthan, by whom he had four children, two living, viz., Samuel J. and Lina E. ; the deceased are Laura L., aged 4 months, and Tully H., aged 14 months and 24 days. Mrs. Miller died Oct 15, 1873, was born Oct. 6, 1821. John McKnight, her first husband, was born Nov. 10, 1812, died Dec. 31, 1854 ; to them five children were born, three living-John K., William Q., Joseph R .; the deceased are Henry C. and Elias H. Mary, sister of our subject and wife of B. F. Simonds, died Sept. 3, 1854, aged 41 years 4 months and 18 days ; Elizabeth, wife of S. M. Butler, died Dec. 3, 1855, aged 34 years 11 months and 19 days.

W. H. NORTHCUTT, County Commissioner, Troy ; was born in Lost Creek Township in 1828 ; his parents, George and Judith (Hance) Northcutt, ranking among the first settlers of the county. George Northcutt was born in 1805, and his wife in 1804-she in Kentucky, and he in Warren Co., Ohio. He is now living in Iowa, and is a hale and hearty man. While W. H. Northcutt was still a lad, he evinced a great love for the carpenter's trade, which he afterward learned, devoting a number of years to contracting and building. Many monuments of his skill are to be seen in this as well as other townships in the county. He now resides on his farm, near Troy, attending to his official duties as County Commis- sioner, which position he has held five years. His official life has extended over a period of nineteen years. We have no wish to flatter Mr. Northcutt, knowing his aversion to being spoken of, even in complimentary terms, but the reputation of a man cannot fail to be genuine who so fully enjoys the confidence of those who have known him from boyhood. During the month of January, 1851, his marriage with Miss Lydia A. Earnhart was celebrated, and their married life was a happy one. They had no children, but were parents in truth to Lizzie (Westfall) Northcutt and Moses B. Earnhart, who both received an excellent education while living with them. Mrs. Northcutt was called from earth in April, 1877, since which time her adopted daughter, now Mrs. Otto Kerr, has superintended the management of the household affairs. Mrs. Northcutt was a lady of lovely disposition, with great attractiveness of manner, and her death was a sad blow to her husband. She left a sorrowing multitude to mourn her loss. Mr. N. is a prominent member of Coleman Commandery, and a valuable acquisi- tion to society.

JAMES T. ORBISON, carriage-blacksmith, Troy. One of the most interest- ing biographical sketches that appears in the Concord Township series is that of James T. Orbison, the eldest son of Henry and Mary A. Orbison, who were among the early settlers in this county. They came from Lexington, Va., in 1807, and settled on the quarter-section upon which now stands part of the town of Piqua, and the D. & M. depot. His father was one of the first distillers in the Miami Valley, and the first still was capable of making only one barrel of whisky per

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week. He afterward became one of the strongest temperance advocates, and would not allow his team to haul logs to make staves for a whisky barrel. He was in the war of 1812, and did his whole duty at his own expense, loading a sled with flour, whisky and provisions for the soldiers on the frontier. James T. Orbison, the subject of this sketch, was born in Spring Creek Township Sept. 18, 1810. When about. 2 years old, some Indians passing by, while he was playing in the yard, picked him up and carried him away. His mother hastily informed her husband, who mounted his horse and pursued them. When they were overtaken, he demanded the child, which was reluctantly given up. Soon afterward, his father purchased the farm, now owned by John Peterson, in Staunton Township. Young Orbison attended the district school near his father's farm, and received a good education for those early days. His teachers were James Concannon, Joseph Rollins, Sallie Tucker, David Blue, Jonathan Gerard, John Carey, Dr. Stewart and O. C. Evans. He worked for his father until the age of 19, when he concluded to learn the blacksmith trade ; went to Cincinnati and became an apprentice of Henry Valette, for whom he worked two and a half years. He was so apt at his business, and obliging withal, that his employer gave him the last six months of his time, with full pay (this, at that time, was only $40 per year and board). After leaving Mr. Valette, he went to Louisville, Ky., and worked there eight months ; but, liking the society of Cincinnati better, he returned, and engaged with William Holyoke at $1.25 per day and board. The shop was located where the National Theatre building now stands, and Cincinnati was then only a small place. After eighteen months' work for Mr. Holyoke, he returned to Troy, and in Septem- ber, 1834, opened a forge on his own account. Having now spent thirty-five years as a single man, he became engaged to, and soon after married, Miss Elizabeth J. Adams, second daughter of David Adams. They at once commenced house- keeping, in the good old-fashioned way, and their honeymoon was spent under their own roof. They lived on the corner of Main and Oxford streets, and here their first child was born, on April 2, 1847 ; her name was Mary E., and she after- ward became the wife of James C. Robb, and is now living at Ft. Bennett, Dakota Territory ; the next child, Julia E., was born Jan. 21, 1849, and is now the wife of Ringgold W. Meily, of Lima, Ohio ; James L. was born Sept. 21, 1851, and is now married to Miss Eva Vankirk, of Cincinnati, in which city they now reside; Alice J. was born Jan. 5, 1855, and is now the comfort of her father, and the pet of the family. But trials come to us all, and, after a long illness, the loved wife was tenderly laid to rest by the side of her kindred in Rose Hill Cemetery, March 28, 1862. For more than a half-century, James T. Orbison has been an active mechanic, and still makes a full hand at the forge. He has, in his possession, the funnel through which the whisky was drawn at his father's still seventy-four years ago, and also a plowshare that his father brought from Virginia in 1806. He is an excellent talker, possessed of a very retentive memory, and we are indebted to him for many things of interest that appear in this work. He belongs to no church, but attends Presbyterian services. He is now comfortably located in a neat, sub- stantial cottage at 419 Walnut street, between Franklin and Canal streets, and his latch-string is always out for his friends.

MRS. ANNA B. PAUL, hotel-keeper, Troy. Mrs. Paul was born in Germany May 4, 1832 ; she is the daughter of Michael and Amelia M. (Schauer) Lischler both natives of Germany ; he was one of the German revolutionists, serving as driver ; he emigrated to this country in 1838, and settled in Springfield, Ohio, where he resided till the time of his death, which occurred in November, 1876 ; he followed the occupation of farmer during this entire period. Mrs. Paul's first marriage was with Jacob Braunschweiger, in May, 1856, with whom she lived hap- pily for seven years, and by whom she had three children, viz., Emma L., born May 2, 1857 ; Gusta E., July 20, 1858 ; and George, Nov. 12, 1859 ; her second marriage was celebrated with Louis Paul March 4, 1867; four children were the result of this union, viz., Charles, born Feb. 13, 1868 ; Louis, Jan. 10, 1870; Anna, Nov. 27, 1871 ; and Edward, March 21, 1873 ; Mr. Paul was born in Baden, Germany, Aug.

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The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 99

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