USA > Ohio > Clark County > The history of Clark County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, V. 2 > Part 29
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
--
-
1
793-794
795
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.
smiled upon him, and all his labor met with satisfactory results, and he now ranks among the wealthy men of Springfield. He continued traveling with the wagon until 1866, when he went to Wisconsin and engaged in farming, where he remained three years, when he returned to Springfield, and since then has been engaged in the produce trade, also handling scrap-iron, etc. Ile was mar- rint. July 3, 1858, to Ellen Hackett, daughter of Edward and Catherine (Connor) Hackett, natives of Kings County. Ireland: Ellen was also born in that county in 1835; she came to America in 1852 with her sister and two brothers, their parents having died some time previous. Of Patrick and Ellen's eleven chil- dren, there are ten living, viz., John C., Katie A., Michael P., Mary Ann, Ed- ward S., Elizabeth L., James. Charles, William H. and Ellen. Mr. Bolan, po- Jitically, is independent; religiously. a member of the Catholic Church; and his success in life is a striking illustration of what determined industry can ac- complish when coupled with rigid economical habits.
ASHLEY BRADFORD, Recorder, Springfield; is a native of New York State; was born in 1824; his parents, Clifford and Sibyl Bradford, removed to Clark County in 1838, coming by lake and canal to Columbus, and then by wagon to their new home in Springfield Township, where they resided the re- mainder of their lives. The subject of this sketch was brought up on the farm, and, when a young man, tanght school during the winter for a number of years; he continued farming until Jan. 1, 1864, when he removed to Springfield to take charge of the Recorder's office, to which he had been elected the previous October, and to which he has been re-elected each succeeding contest, which is sufficient proof of the able and satisfactory discharge of his duties. Mr. Brad- ford married, in 1848, Julia A., daughter of George and Mary Knaub, of Penn- sylvania. His death occurred here in 1868, Mrs. Knanb still resides in Spring- field, being now in the 1st year of her age. From this union are ten children -seven sons and three daughters, all of whom are living; the oldest son, Oliver P .. is agent of the. American Express Company at Columbus; the second, Irving, is Deputy in'- his father's office, the oldest daughter is the wife of Rev. H. K. Fenner, of Louisville; the second daughter is the wife of Rev. J. C. Kauffman, of Orrville, Ohio, both of whom are prominent ministers in the Lutheran Church. Mr. Bradford is a quiet, unostentatious citizen, which is illustrated by the fact. that, in the fall of 1$63, when his friends went to apprise him of his nomination, they found him busy sowing wheat, and the nomination was a clear surprise, affording one of those rare instances in the days in which the office seeks the man.
GEORGE BRAIN. SR., deceased, came from England to America in the year 1>29; he left Liverpool in August in a sail vessel, and was six weeks on the voyage to Philadelphia; there were no ocean steamers then. He came to Philadelphia ex- pecting to settle in Pennsylvania, but, becoming acquainted with Mr. Jeremiah Warder, who was about settling in Springfield, he took Mr. Warder's advice and came to Springfield. Mr. Brain's route was by way of New York and Albany, thence by Erie Canal to Buffalo, and by steamboat from Buffalo to Sandusky, and. as it happened. the last steamer before the close of navigation for the sea- solt; from Sandusky to Springfield by wagon. over a corduroy road, in some places not very comfortable; the contrast between then and now as to travel is observable. Mr. Brain and his wife, Mary ( Whitehead) Brain, brought with them seven children-Mary, now Mrs. Willard; Joseph J. W., deceased; Anna, the late Mrs. Green; Lydia and Martha, now living on High street; Lucy, now the widow of Dr. John Stoddard, who was a surgeon in the Union army, and killed while in that service; George, of whom more hereafter: William G Brain, the youngest, is the only American born of the family, now huuber. dealer in Springfield. Maria Hipkins came to America with Mr. Brain, and is
796
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
yet an inmate of the family. and is now in her 77th year. Mr. Brain purchased a farm near what was then the village, but now the city, of Springfield, on which he lived till the time of his death. which occurred March 11. 1851. by his being thrown from his borse against a tree, killing him almost instantly. He was, as to his religions connection when in England, an Independent, but, finding none of the order in Springfield. he united with the First Presbyterian .Church. and afterward with the First Congregational Church. His wife survived him more than twenty years, and died in 1872, in the S1st year of her age. The younger George Brain was born in Staffordshire, England, March 2, 1827; he came with his parents to America, as before stated, in 1829, and has always lived on the farm. except a year or two when employed in Dr. John Ludlow's drug store. He was married, May 22, 1860, to Sarah M. Willard, daughter of Levi and Sarah (Allen) Willard, in Decatur, De Kalb Co., Ga., at which place Sarah M. was born July 6. 1839. and where her father had been in successful business many years as a merchant. His residence is now on North Limestone street, Springfield: too old and intirm to attend to any active business. Mr. Brain has six children living-Willard, Jessie A .. George H., Mary. Bessie and Grace. Alice died in infancy. Mr. Brain was too young when he left England (only 23 years old) to have any political opinions. and. in his growth to manhood, he became thor- oughly Americanized: he is a quiet. unassuming gentleman, doing his duty throughout life in that upright. straightforward manner that has won for him the respect, good will and confidence of a large circle of the best citizens of Clark County.
W. G. BRAIN, Springfield: a native of Springfield; is a son of George Brain, Sr. The subject of this sketch was born in 1830; when a youth, he en- gaged as clerk in a drug-store here, and subsequently engaged in the drug trade on his own account, and continued the business here ten or twelve years; he has been in the lumber trade here for the past eleven years, and has resided here. with the exception of one or two short intervals, all his life. He has been twice married. his first marriage being with Mary Dyer, of Cincinnati, in 1858; she having died. he married Elizabeth Dyer, a sister of his first wife, in 1876. By his first wife he had four children. two of whom are living; he has one child by his second marriage. His residence is No. 272 West Pleasant street. His oldest daughter living, Miss Belle M., is Superintendent of Drawing in the city schools; Robert D. is a graduate of the high chool, and Stanley, the young- est, is a child of 3 years. Mr. Brain's lumber-yard and office are between the C., S. & C., and L. M. depots; he is handling large quantities of lumber. mostly in . car lots.
BENJAMIN F. BRUBAKER, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He lives one mile north of the city of Springfield, between the Springfield & Urbana and Clark Union Pikes; he erected his beautiful, convenient and cozy residence in 1876; he is the only brother of Ephraim Brubaker, who lives on the adjoining farm north. Benjamin was born July 24, 1853; he is an active young farmer, who believes in making farming a pleasure instead of a drudge: he owns an ex- cellent farm of 100 acres, which he has very appropriately named "Sunny Side Farm." He was married. Nov. 29, 1876, to Medora E. (familiarly known as Dora) Bosart; she is an intelligent, generous lady, well suited to make the life of a farmer radiant and cheerful; she delights in making her home pleasing to her husband and welcome to her friends and visitors; she is the daughter of T. L. and Matilda ( Moss) Bosart, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this work. and who were pioneers of the county. Mr. Brubaker is yet a young man, and his prospects are indeed bright and promising.
WILSON G. BRYANT. M. D., physician, Springfield; is a native of Obio. a son of Rev. Daniel Bryant, who was a native of New Jersey, born in 1799. H-
--
-
797
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.
came West in 1818 with his father's family, who located in Indiana. Daniel required an education principally by his own unaided efforts and study, his only school advantages being an attendance at Miami University one term; he early became a teacher, and continued to teach many years. He married, in 1824, Elvira, daughter of Ichabod Corwin, and in the same year was ordained a min- ister of the Baptist denomination. In hisearlier ministerial years, Elder Bryant was in charge of several important churches. the Freeman Street. Cincinnati, being one, but later in life, devoted himself to the work of strengthening the feeble churches in Southern Ohio. thus giving direction to the Baptist cause throughout all this region. His decease occurred at Honey Creek Church, Cham- paign County. in 1875. he being suddenly stricken with apoplexy while preach- ing in the pulpit. and expired in a few hours. His widow now resides at Ur- bana. The subject of this sketch was born in Burlington, Hamilton Co., Ohio, in 1825, and. during his youth, had more than ordinary educational facilities, having attended " Granville" one term before he was 15 years of age, but at this time was thrown upon his own resources and abandoned school and went to farming, and assisted his father in supporting the family until 1848; but his ambition for knowledge, and especially his desire for the study of medicine. would not be satisfied on a farm longer than necessity compelled him to remain. His spare time was spent in study and reading medicine, and. although he mar- ried in 1545, yet he pursued his studies and completed his medical education, supporting his family and defraying his educational expenses by his own labor. He began practice in Champaign County in 1852, but soon after removed to Grand Prairie, Ill., where he practiced about two years, then removed to Coving- ton. Miami Co., Ohio, where he practiced until the spring of 1862, whn he entered the United States service as Assistant Surgeon of the 122d O. V. I .; having been captured at Winchester. Va .: in 1863, he was placed in charge of the hospital by the Confederate States Medical Director; about two months later, was captured by the Union forces, in connection with the other occupants of the hospital: subsequently, the 6th Corps, to which his regiment was attached. took part in many of the important battles of the Armies of Virginia and of the Potomac, and he was almost constantly on detailed duty, being almost invariably placed in charge of the field hospital for the wounded. In 1$65, as an acknowl- edgment of his meritorious services, he was promoted to the rank of Surgeon and assigned to the 197th O. V. I., and continued in the service until August. 1865. While in charge of the post hospital at Winchester, Va., after the battle in 1864, after caring for all other cases, he became interested in nine men whose wounds were considered fatal, being compound and cominuted fractures of the thigh so near the body as to suggest the necessity of the amputation at the hip joint. which operation. on account of its extreme risk, was forbidden by general order from the department at Washington; the Doctor's sympathy for these, thus vir- tually abandoned to die, led him to attempt to save them: being a natural mechanical genius, he provided the necessary appliances and instituted con- servative surgical treatment, and by improvising some " Smith's Anterior Splints," secured requisite extension and counter-extension, and, by otherwise adapting his treatment to each particular case, succeeded in saving with useful limbs seven of the nine thus treated: he also performed the exceptional surgical opera- tion of ligating successfully the fevioral artery, and frequently performed opera- tions for the extraction of balls from the cervical angle of the neck. Feb. 3, 1865, the Surgeons of the corps and division united in a letter to the Surgeon General of the State, complimenting and explaining the services rendered by Dr. Bryant while in charge of the different hospitals. A copy of this letter, with other trophies, are now in the Doctor's possession, prized mementoes of achievements of which he has just reason to be proud, especially as his merito-
0
798
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
rious operations and surgical treatment were without precedent. After his returu from army life to Covington, he removed, in November, 1865, to Springfield, where he has since practiced his profession, and now enjoys a large practice, and is held in high esteem both as a physician and citizen. He has no living children, except an adopted daughter, Frances A., who, with himself and wife, is a member of the First Baptist Church, Mrs. Bryant and Frances being ideu- tified with the different departments of church activities.
EBENEZER M. BUCKINGHAM, M. D., physician, Springfield. Dr. Buckingham is a son of Milton and Belinda (Cooley) Buckingham: she was a native of Springfield. Mass., and he of New York State, from which they removed, in the year 1800, to the Northwest Territory, and settled in what is now Athens Co., Ohio: he was a farmer, but removed to Zanesville in 1332 and engaged in merchandising, and came to Springfield in 1843, where he continued in mercan- tile trade several years. having retired two or three years before his decease, which occurred in 1852: his widow and three children survived him: her decease occurred in Springfield in 1872: the two sons and a daughter still reside here. The subject of this sketch was born in Athens County in 1824; he received a rudimentary and preparatory education in select schools, and graduated from Kenyon College in 1846. after which he read medicine with the late Dr. Robert Rodgers, and began the practice of his profession here in Springfield, his first experience being in 1849, still remembered as the cholera year; in the winter of 1849-50, he attended lectures at and graduated from Jefferson College, Phila- delphia, and has since practiced his profession here, having the deserved confidence and liberal patronage of the community. He has been a member of the Clark County Medical Society since its organization; is a member of the Episcopal Church, and has contributed toward the improvement of the city and county. having lately completed a fine three-story block on the southeast corner of Limestone and High streets. He married, in 1850, Miss Mary Berdan, daughter of the late Judge Berdan, of Toledo: her decease occurred in 1565: one son and a daughter survive-John M., now a medical student, and Miss Alice. In 1867, he married Miss Caroline Starring, of La Fayette, Ind .: from this union, four children survive -- Benjamin S., Belinda, William L. and Avery.
MRS. JULIA A. BURNETT, Springfield. She is the widow of Thomas P. Burnett, deceased: her residence, on Woodside Farm, is just east of the city, on the road leading south from the Clifton Pike. Mrs. Burnett was born in Pennsylvania June 22, 1820; came with her parents to Ohio in 1925, and was united in marriage with Mr. Burnett May 10, 1847; four children were born unto them, of whom but two are still living- William D. and Thomas P., Jr .; the former was married, in 1572, to Florence, daughter of Thomas P. and Clara Norton; lives at home with his mother and carries on the farm; and Thomas is engaged in the lumber trade in Springfield. corner Main street and Western avenue, under the firm name of Woliston. Chambers & Burnett. William and Thomas attended the private school of the Hon. C. Robbins some three years, when Thomas ceased going to school, to go into business: but William continued his studies for awhile longer at Wittenberg College. Mr. Burnett was an early settler in this county, and was always highly esteemed by his acquaintances and friends; and Mrs. Burnett is a lady of culture and refinement.
ASA S. BUSHNELL, manufacturer, Springfield; is a member of the oldest and largest manufacturing establishment of Springfield: he is a native of New York State, born in Oneida County Sept. 16, 1834; came to Springfield in 1551, and was engaged as a dry goods clerk three years, then became book-keeper for Leffel. Cook & Blakeney, afterward Mason, Cook & Blakeney; in 1557, he en. tered the office of Warder, Brookaw & Child, and, in the fall of the same year, became a partner with Lndiow in the drug trade, in which he continued until
-----
-
---
799
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.
1867, when he became the junior partner of the firm of Warder, Mitchell & Co., now Warder, Bushnell & Glessner. He married, Sept. 17, 1857, Miss Ellen, daobter of Jobn Ludlow. Mr. Bushnell's career in Springfield is worthy of note: beginning when a youth as clerk, he gradually worked his way through office work to the confidence and esteein of his employers, and, after ten years' experience as a druggist, was invited to a partnership with one of his former employers, and thus became identified with the leading manufacturing interest of the city: he is an active business man, social and courteous in all relations of life; he is highly esteemed as a citizen. and regarded as a man of rare business qualifications and prospects: his residence is No. -- East High street, and com- pares favorably with the many elegant houses for which this street is noted. He was Captain of Co. E, 156th O. N. G., which company he recruited and accompanied in the 100-days service.
A. W. BUTT, of P. P. Mast & Co., manufacturers, Springfield; is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Erie County in 1835; soon after his birth, his father removed with his family to La Porte. Ind., where he was engaged in milling and mercantile pursuits, which afforded excellent business advantages to the son, who became a partner with his father on arriving at his majority, but a year later they sold ont. and Mr. Butt, Jr., went out West prospecting: after a stay of about four years, mostly spent in Kansas and Nebraska. he returned to La Porte and engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, in connection with the John H. Manny Reaper Works at Rockport. III., in which he continued about seven years; in 1862. he became connected as agent with the Buckeye Agricultural Works, then operated by Thomas & Mast; subsequently became general agent, and, at the re organization of the firm. October, 1871, he became a member of the com- pany, and, in the following January, was elected a Director, and has since been connected with the works: he now has charge of the trade throughout the North and Northwest, where is well and favorably known as a successful salesman. The extent of their business may be judged from the fact that the company do about $1,000,000 of business per annum. the sales department being under the supervision of Mr. Butt. W. C. Downey and C. C. Crane, the territory being divided between them. Mr. Butt married. in 1872, Frances G. Bagley: she was a native of Mercer Co .. Penn .. and. at the time of her marriage, resided with her parents at La Porte: her parents now reside there, both being nearly fourscore years of age. Mr. Butts' residence is at 86 West High street; he is a successful business man. and a social. agreeable gentleman: he was a charter member of Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M., and also of Palestine Commandery, of which he is still an honored member.
JOHN C. BUXTON. deceased: was prominently identified with the inter- ests of Springfield. He was born in New Boston, N. H., where he attended school and afterward became a clerk in a dry goods store in Nashua. In 1848, he came to Springfield, and was employed as clerk in the office of the general local management of the C .. S. & C. R. R .; subsequently succeeded to the local management. and in 1869 was appointed Assistant Superintendent. aud for a unmber of years filled that position creditably; he was elected Cashier of the Savings Bank, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John Newlove, which position he held at the time of his decease, which occurred July 21, ISSO. Mr. Buxton left behind him the record of an active. honorable life: keen. active, far- seeing and wise in business. and affectionate with friends, he was held in high esteem in the business and social circles in which he moved, and he was not only one of the most active of business men in private affairs, but also connected with public enterprises. He was twice married: his first wife was a sister of Mr. John Norris whom Mr. Buxton succeeded in the local railroad management, and also a sister of Charles P. Norris, who was for a long time express agent here;
4
800
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
she having deceased in 1860, Mr. Buxton subsequently married Miss Jennie Wiseman, who, with three children, survives him, and now resides on the property No. 391 East High street which was purchased and improved by Mr. Buxton, and which is a handsome property, which, by its surroundings and fur- nishings, indicates culture and refined taste. Mrs. Buxton is the daughter of the Rev. John Wiseman, a well-known and prominent minister of the Presby- terian Church, and is an accomplished lady.
ANTHONY BYRD, farmer: P. O. Springfield. Among the pioneers of Clark Co., Ohio. some there are who are recognized as true representatives of that class of men to whom the county owes its present wealth and prosperity, and whose characters, in over half a century of business activity, have never been stained by one act of wrong or injustice in their transactions with their fellow-man; and in this class stands " Squire " Byrd. He was born in Bedford Co., Va., April 13, 1505, and is the son of Luke and Elizabeth (Huffinan) Byrd, who came to Clark Co., Ohio, in December. 1816, locating near Springfield, his father dying Aug. 31, 1823, and his mother in September, 1535. At the age of 24, Anthony was married to Jane Snodgrass, daughter of John and Jane (Steel) Snodgrass, to whom were born three children-two boys and one girl-all of whom are living. In the spring of 1829, Mr. Byrd purchased a portion of the farm he now lives upon, and from time to time has added to it, until he is now the owner of 240 acres of finely improved land. On the Sth of December, 1836, his wife died, and in 1839 he was married to Maria Wallace, daughter of Jona- than and Isabella Wallace, of which union four children were born, two yet liv- ing. Mrs. Byrd died June 25, 1551, and, in October, 1954, he was married to Mary Cowan, daughter of Jane and David Cowan, who died in April, 1863, leaving him again without a helpmate to cheer and comfort him in his declining years. On the 27th of October, 1863, his son Wal- lace died from disease contracted in the army, whither he had gone to help preserve the Union. In 1834, Mr. Byrd was elected Justice of the Peace. and was re-elected seventeen years consecutively. Politically, an ardent Repub- lican; he has always kept well informed upon the issues of the political parties, and, when Ft. Suinter was fired upon, he remarked. "That is the beginning of the end of slavery," demonstrating that he was a man of far-seeing mind and keen political sagacity. Since 1837. he has been a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church, and has ever been kind and charitable to the poor or afflicted, and no one was more prompt in times of sickness in giving aid to those in distress. Upon one occasion, a neighbor of his being sick with typhoid fever, every one refused to go near the house through fear of catching the dread disease, but Mr. Byrd went and sat up with the patient several nights in sue- cession, saying, "A neighbor of mine shall never suffer alone so long as I am able to go to his aid " -- words that stamp him as a true follower of Christ, who never fled from the poor or distressed. Mr. Byrd is a plain, practical man, who be- lieves in fulfilling his promises to the letter, and his life has been strongly marked by undeviating, unswerving integrity in all its relations. being one of those rare men whose aim is to be right and do right at all times.
H. W. CALENDAR, photographie artist, Springfield. Mr. H. W. Calen dar was ushered on the stage of existence on the 220 of July, 1847, in Union County; came to Springfield first in 1866: ho worked with J. E. Smith, photog. rapher here, until January. 1570, and, in December of the same year, he mar- ried Miss Jennie Baldwin, at her home in Logan County, locating thereafter in Champaign County. In 1878, he returned to Springfield and opened an elegant photographie studio in the "Commercial Building," with the finest and most modern appliances, and pronounced by some, at the time it was opened, to be the best in Ohio. Mr. Calendar is a man of excellent judgment, nice artistic taste
--
-----
801
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.
and great particularity, and turns out perfect work. Both of Mr. Calendar's parents are living in Champaign County, and his wife has presented him with one son and two daughters. Our subject is the leader in his profession, and gets, as he deserves, the best patronage of Springfield.
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.