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 31
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WILBER COLVIN. bom in Cedarville Township, Greene Co., Ohio, May 3, 1857: removed with his parents to Madison Township, Clark Co., Ohio, April 2, 1867: graduated at the South Charleston, Ohio, High School, May 15, 1874; taught school in 1875-76: in the summer of 1876. was appointed by the Clark County Commissioners to the scholarship at the Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, the first such appointment ever made in the county; twice represented the uni - versity in the State rhetorical contests of the Ohio Inter-Collegiate Association, once taking second honors; during his Senior year in college, he was editor-in- chief of the Students' Magazine, the college journal; graduated, at the head of his class. June 23. ISSO. He is at the present time studying law in the office of Keifer, White & Rabbitts. Springfield, Ohio.
JOHN L. CONKLIN, grocer, Springfield; is a native of New Jersey, a son of William W. Conklin, who married Cornelia Goltra, also a resident of New Jersey : they removed to Ohio and became residents of Clark County in 1861; they had a family of six children, two of whom are residents of this county, Mrs. Granville Winger. a daughter. having died here recently; Mr. Conklin also died here, his widow now residing with her son. John L., being in her 79th year. John L. remained on the farm with bis parents until he reached his ma- jority, after which he learned the trade of mason and brick-layer, at which he worked several years. He came to Springfield in 1870 and engaged in the grocery trade, becoming a member of the firmof Winger & Conklin, and so coli- tinned until April 1. 1880, when he purchased Mr. Winger's interest, and has since conducted the business; his store is located on Market street, between Main and High streets, where he is doing a flourishing trade. He married, in 1868. Helen Parcells, of Brooklyn, N. Y .; they have three children. Mr. Conk- lin is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, also of the Masonic fraternity.
CHARLES R. CONVERSE, dentist, Springfield. Charles R. Converse was been Ang. 4. 1847, among the hills of the old Granite State; he came to Ohio twelve years ago, settling in the pretty little village of Urbana; com- Isteneed the study of dentistry in New Hampshire, completing his studies in Ohio, where his success has been steady and enduring. Although only a resi- deut of Springfield less than a year, bis superior skill in his profession, coupled with his energy and pleasant address, have made for him a fine and growing business. On the 2d of October, 1572, he married Miss Rose E. Russell, of Urbana, and a fino 4-year-old boy, nared Charley Louis Converse, has blessed
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their union. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the High Street Methodis: Church, and he is also a member of the Royal Arcanum and American Legion of Honor: is universally liked, and a rising young man.
SAMUEL COOPER. rothed merchant, Springfield: is a native of Ireland born in County Antrim Sept. 18, 1877. In March, 1828, he left Belfast in this sail ship James Baily, bound for St. Andre, where his party arrived after a voy- age.of forty-six days, and. after a short stay. took passage on board a coalmg vessel and came to Philadelphia: the following winter was spent in the woods of Cumberland Co., N. J., he being associated with a New Yorker in chopping wood for coaleries, during which they " kept bach " in a cabin hastily constructed by themselves: as soon as spring opened, he returned to Philadelphia: having learned to weave Irish linen in the old country, he soon found an opportunity to take a loom with a family who were weavers: the following year, a gentleman with whom he had boarded, who had relatives in Cincinnati and Dayton, induced him to come to Ohio. and they came to Dayton via Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. where he remained about three years, when he came to Springfield the year made memorable as the year of the "falling stars:" bere he opened a clothing store in partnership with Samuel McPherson: in a few years. Mr. Cooper bought his partner's interest and became sole proprietor, and also owner of the balluing and ground, which he still owes -- now occupied as a hardware store by Mr. McCord. He married, in 1539, Minerva Ellen Perrin: she has borne bim two daughters, one of whom, now Mrs. Frank J. Grave, is living. Mrs. Cooper is a daughter of John Perrin, an carly resident of Springfield Township. hi- farm being just south of the present city limits. Mr. Cooper is a representativa of that thrifty class of Irishneu who had intelligence and principle. and. although he landed in this country a poor man, by his industry and integrity he secured friends and opportunities, and, by economy and judicious manage. ment, had in a few years accumulated enough to become a partner in a store in Springfield: like others of his class, he was shrewd enough to early secure real estate, and began housekeeping in his own bouse, and now owns a handsome residence at the southwest corner of Clifton and Gallagher streets, and owns a considerable amount of city property, the rents from which afford a convenient income, and secures comfort and ease to his declining years. He has been active in religious matters, having been a Sunday school teacher from his youth until his age precluded further service. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have been members of the Presbyterian Church from childhood, and are among the oldest and most respected families of the city.
HENRY H. CORY. coal-dealer, Springfield: is a son of Joseph P. and 'Martha (Fearnside) Cory, and was born near New Carlisle, this county, March 31, 1851: both the Cory and Fearnside families were pioneers of this county. Henry lived with his parents on the farm until 1873, when he moved with them to Springfield. He was married, June 24, 1875, to M. Effic Andrews, daughter of Samuel and Margarete Ramsey Andrews, who were pioneers of Montgomery Co., Ohio. He owns a beautiful residence on South Limestone street. In 1874. he established his present business. with a capital of $1,000. His trade has increased until now it amounts to $20,000 per annum. During the seven years he has been in business here, he has established a reputation for truth and honesty beyond reproach.
PELEG COTES. retired merchant, Springfield. Among the few old resi. dents of this city now residing hero, we find Mr. and Mrs. Cotes. Mr. Cotes i- a native of Oneida Co. N. Y .; he was born in 1803: his father was a farmer, and he remained on the farm assisting his father in his youth. and later farming in connection with his father, until 1835, when he removed to Springfield and entered into a partnership with Philo Birdseye, and engaged in the manufactur"
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and sale of hats, which he continued until 1861. being about the last one to give up the primitive hat-factory; but continued as dealer until 1869. when, having accumulated a competency, he retired from active pursuits. Mrs. Cotes is also a native of Oneida County: their marriage was celebrated Jan. 13, 1831, and they have shared life's burdens and the enjoyment of much happiness for half a century, during most of this time residing in their present residence, No. 72 East High street, which he built in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Cotes were formerly members of the Baptist Church, and he was active in the building of their pres- ent house of worship: but. for a number of years, both have been members of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cotes is one of the few remaining of those who came here when Springfield was a village, and is fully entitled to be re- corded among the number who, by their energy and enterprise and public spirit, have developed a city, and he and his amiable wife are among its oldest present residents.
THOMAS VOSS CRABILL. retired farmer. Springfield. This gentleman is one of the few living pioneers who are left to tell the tale of the trials and hardships of pioneer life. and who have helped to convert the wilds of the Mad River country into the beautiful farms to be seen throughout the county. Thomas Voss Crabill was born in Moorefield Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 110, and is the son of David onl Barbary (Bear) Crabill, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania, who settled on Buck Creek, in Moorefield Township, in ISOS: they were married in Virginia, and had born to- them the following children: Sarah (deceased), Maria. John (deceased), Thomas V., David (deceased). James W., Mary. Susan (deceased). Joseph (de- ceased), Pierson S., William H. and Eliza J. The subject of this sketch grew up in his native township, and was there married. Jan. 31. 1833. to Sidney Yeazell, daughter of Abraham and Mary Yeazell, who was born in Moorefield Township Feb. 6, 1815, her family being pioneers of Clark County: of this. union, fifteen children have been born, nine of whom are living, viz., William, David, James. John. Thomas, Milton. Joseph F .. Levina and Elizabeth. Shortly after marriage, Mr. Crabill moved to his present farm, which he rented from his father, upon whose death he bought the property from the heirs. The par- ents of Mr. and Mrs. Crabill died in Moorefield Township. his father, David Crabill, having been a soldier in 1812, fighting the Indians, who were leagued with the English against his native land. Mr. Crabill inherited 100 acres of land, and his wife had $1,000 in money, with which they started in life: but, by constant toil and rigid economy. they have accumulated a large estate, own- ing 700 acres of land surrounding his home in Springfield Township, and 320 in Moorefield Township. Mr. Crabill is recognized as a man of upright, honest character, whose word has ever been as good as his bond; politically. he was a Whig, but, upon the formation of the Republican party, he joined its standard, and is a " stalwart " in his political opinions. his whole family being of the same faith. He is now in feeble health, having been paralyzed for some years, but, with his partner through life's joys and sorrows, he patiently awaits the day when he. will be called to rest in peace.
DAVID CRABILL. farmer: P. O. Springfield: son of Thomas V. and Sid- hey Crabill: was born in Champaign Co., Ill., March 14. 1836; has followed farming all his life, and is engaged at present quite extensively in farming and +took raising. and pays a great deal to the improvement of bis stock, and aims to keep none but the best. He was married. Dec. 2. 1862, to Nancy C. Rock, daughter of Thomas and Leah Rock: they have two children-Emma J., born Der. 6. 1863: and Thomas V., born Aug. 25, 1865. Mrs. Crabill's father was a native of Kentucky, and died in Clark Co., Ohio, May 6. ISSO: her mother was in this county, and died here July 7, 1847. Mr. Crabill is one of the prom-
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inent, rising farmers of this county; he is one of the Directors of his school district, which position he has held for four successive years; he lives in a fine brick house, five miles southeast of Springfield. He and his wife believe in keeping pace with the times. and are making an exertion to so rear their chil dren that they will be an honor to them and useful to the community in which they may live. During the late rebellion. not being able to go himself. he fur. nished a man to serve in his place during the war.
JOHN CRABILL. farmer: P. O. Springfield. John Crabill, son of Thomas V. and Sidney Crabill, was born on the home farm July 5, 1847; he lives in a beautiful frame house on the home farm: he, like his brother, takes pride in the improvement of his stock; he has always lived on a farm, and is a young man of excellent character; politically, a stanch Republican. He was married, Dec. 19, 1872, to Barbara E. Zimmerman: they have three promising children-Ada Irene. Clark Rodgers and Pearl Preston. Mrs. Crabill is tho daughter of Isase and Anna Zimmerman; her parents were natives of Penn- sylvania, and moved to Ohio and to this county in IS49, and located just north of Lagonda, where they lived until their decease. Mrs. Crabill attended school two years in the Springfield Female Seminary, and at the death of her father was obliged to quit school before she graduated.
WILLIAM CRABILL, farmer: P. O. Springfield; son of Thomas V. and Sidney Crabill; he was born in this county March 15, 1834. He was united in marriage, Nov. 1, 1860, to Sarah E. Wise, daughter of Jesse and Mariel Wise: seven children have been born unto them, viz .. Joseph, June 4, 1862; William Edgar, Ang. 4, 1866: Lizzie, May 5, 1868; John, Oct. 15, 1870: Hattie, Oct. 13, 1872; Alice, Sept. 4, 1876: Elza, Feb. 11, 1879. John died when but 4 years old. Mr. Crabill lived at home, working on the farm, until his marriage, when he moved near Charleston, Clark Co., Ohio, on a rented farm; after remaining on said farm two years, he rented and moved to another farm, in Harmony Town- ship, where he lived twelve years, when he moved to his present home: during the fourteen years he was farming rented land, he saved $10,000, which he in- vested in the farm upon which he now resides. He is a practical farmer, and his stock is all of the best breed. experience convincing him that " the best pays the best." Mrs. Crabill was born in this county March 6, 1841, and she and her husband have been active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1874, and have been liberal in the support of that denomination. Politically, Mr. Crabill is a Republican, and is one of the go-ahead, progressive farmers of his township.
ALBERT K. CROSSLAND, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He is the son of Jacob and Emily (Otstot ) Crossland: was born in this county Feb. 1, 1831; he lived with his parents until his marriage, when he moved to where he now lives. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock, March 24, 18SO, to Laura Rice. daughter of William and Matilda Rice. Although lately married, he and his young wife are nicely located, and well prepared to begin life aright. Mr. Crossland is a promising young man, of good moral and religious habits; he has been a members of the First Baptist Church of Springfield since 14 years old. His wife is one of those good, sensible young ladies, well calculated to make home cheerful and assist her husband through life. Politically, he casts his ballot with the Republican party.
J. S. CROWELL, manager of Farm and Fireside, Springfield. John S. . Crowell was born in Louisville. Ky .. Jan. 7. 1550; was the seventh child of par ents in moderate circumstances, and still living, and members of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of Louisville, of which his father, S. B. Crowell, was one of the founders, and elected a Deacon for life. John attended the public schools of Louisville; was an apt scholar, and, although generally the
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yimingest in his classes. stood at their head -- completing in six years the usual eight-year course. He evinced early an independent and self-reliant disposi- Hon, and essayed to earn his own livelihood; at the age of 11 years, upon his wouts objecting to furnish him the necessary capital to a start as newsboy, he !! old a stranger's horse, receiving 5 cents therefor, which was immediately mestad in newspapers, and formed his paid-up capital stock; for two yours he sold papers in the early morning and attended school during the day; in the short interval between the close of school and his last public examina- tion. he secured a situation in a small printing office at $2.50 per week: so de- sirous was his teacher to have him appear at examination that he secured his attention ci et armis, by the aid of a posse of his larger school-mates, who car- ried him to the school in his working habiliments; but, even under such unto- ward circumstances, he acquitted himself with great credit to himself and his tacher. Against parental wishes and advice of teachers, he declined entering college, preferring the avocation of his choice, in which his success was marked and rapid; within six months, he was promoted from $2.50 to $12 per week, then made assistant foreman; but, preferring press-work to type-setting. was, at 16 years of age, made head pressman, and even then his fellow-workmen predicted for him a future large publishing house of his own. While in this office, one of the workmen was caught by the arm between the ceiling and a pulley making 150 revolutions per minute; others looked on in horror, expecting to see him crushed, but young Crowell grasped a belt with one hand, was instantly hurled to the ceiling, where, securing a footing, he released his companion, who fainted in his arms; thus an arm-perhaps a life-was saved. He became, early in 1Mj3, foreman,of the Courier-Journal job press room, remaining until October, 1569, when about an inch of his right thumb was mashed off while attending a power paper-cutting machine: he quickly adjusted the severed portion of the thumb, while the man who had caused the accident shut his eyes and called for help. While thus disabled, he invented an " elastic hand-stamp," and the rub- ber-like material out of which they were made, and, while deeming the inven- tion scarcely worthy a patent, he commenced their manufacture, in which he employed his brothers, and did a very prosperous business for some time, which I:+ discontinued a little before the panic of 1873. He then visited many of the States and Northern lakes, and, on returning to Louisville, entered the office of Messrs. B: F. Avery & Sons, the well-known plow manufacturers, conducting the publication of their agricultural journal, the Home and Farm, on a trip in ti! interest of which he first met Mr. P P. Mast, to whom he afterward sug- F-ted the idea of publishing a similar journal under the auspices of his manu- facturing firm, which eventuated in the present well-known and thriving journal, the Farm and Fireside, of which, as the founder, Mr. Crowell may feel a just and pardonable pride, and of which extended notice will be found in another department of this work. For ten years before leaving Louisville (which he did in the fall of 1877), Mr. Crowell was an active, working member of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of that city, and its Sunday school; and at 17 years of age was elected its Librarian; at 20, Assistant Superintendent of the school. at .. 1 at 21, its Superintendent; and at 25 years of age, was chosen Deacon for life of that church. On Nov. 20, 1877. he married Miss Ella C. Mangold, of an "Id Louisville family, whose parents are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Crowell have a daughter 13 years old. They are both members of the First Presbyterian Misirch of Springfield, which they joined in November, 1577. Mr. Crowell. although not indigenous to Clark County, is worthy of conspicuous mention among its foremost citizens.
FINLEY O. CUMMINGS, traveling salesman, Springfield; was born in Xenia Jan. 7, 1842; is the youngest son of Dr. James Cummings, who was a
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native of Virginia, and for a number of years a prominent physician of Xenia. The father having died. the family removed to Springfield in 1849. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary A. Moore, and who was a native of Maryland, now resides here with her son, being in the 69th year of her age. The subject of this sketch was among the first to respond to the President's call for troops in 1561. and participated in the first Bull Run battle, being a mem- ber of the 2d O. V. I .; at the expiration of his three-months term, he enlisted for one year, and became a member of the 60th O. V. I., of which he was Sor- geant Major, and which did service under Gen. Fremont in Virginia, the whole regiment being taken prisoners when their time was about to expire; after ex- change, was discharged. Mr. Cummings, in the meantime, had been promoted to 2d Lieutenant for meritorious conduct, but, having been discharged with his regiment, he re-enlisted as a private in the 44th O. V. I .. which served as mounted infantry until January, 1861, when the regiment veteranized, and was organized as the Sth O. V. V. C., with which Mr. Cummings continued until July. 1864, at which time he was commissioned Adjutant of the 176th O. V. I .; after - an acceptable service of about one year in this capacity, July 31, 1865, he re- ceived a commission from President Johnson as Captain and Assistant Adjutant General, in which capacity he served until November, 1865, when, there being no further need of the volunteer troop, he was honorably and finally discharged. having been in the service a little more than four years, during which he partic- ipated in many battles and received marked notice for his bravery and patriot- ism. After his return to Springfield, he resumed his law studies, broken off' by his enlistment. but which he never completed; finding commercial business more to his liking, in 1866 he became traveling salesman for Foos & Mullikin, man- nfacturers of furniture. and continued with them until January, 1873, when he accepted a traveling position with John Duer & Sons, of Baltimore, manufact- urers and importers of cabinet hardware and upholsterers' goods, which posi- tion he has continued to fill acceptably, and he is now the Western representa- tive of the firm. Mr. Cummings is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Chap- ter of Springfield, and a gentleman of social and business culture. He married. in 1867. Miss Clara B. Woodward, of Greene County, who was a graduate of the Springfield Female Seminary: she died Feb. 9. 1868, and he again married. May 5, 1875, his wife being Miss Rachel. second daughter of Judge Littler, of this city; she is also a graduate of the seminary here, and possessed of valuable accomplishments as daughter, wife and mother; the issue of this union is one daughter-Kate Logan.
REV. EDWARD H. CUMMING, retired Episcopal minister, Springfield. NOTE .-- At Mr. Cumming's request, the personal mention, without which the pen picture of so graceful a character is but an outline, is reluctantly omitted.
GEORGE W. DALIE, Springfield; has for a number of years been a member of the department of justice. He was born in Brunswick, Me., April 18, 1814: his father was a ship carpenter, and resided in Boston and vicinity during George's youth. The subject of this sketch learned the carpenter's trade, and continued to work at his trade until about 1848. when his health would no longer permit it. He came to Ohio in 1831, and made Cincinnati his home, but worked at different points several years, during which he spent a short time in New Orleans. In 1838, he located in Clermont County, and there married his first wife, Miss Abigail Fowler; she bore him three children, two of whom. a son and a daughter, are living; his wife having died, and he broken down in health. Mr. Dalie came to Springfield in 1848, and, after re cruiting his health. engaged in merchandising; subsequently kept a hotel a short time. then became interested in a sash, door and blind factory here. In 1862, he was elected Constable, and has served so acceptably as to be re-elected
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at each subsequent election period, and still continues in the acceptable dis- charge of the Constabulary duties. His present wife was a Miss Elizabeth Croft: their marriage was celebrated in Centerville, Ind., in 1855; she was a native of England, and has borne him one child, a daughter-Mrs. Jolm F. Allen. Mr. Dalie is one of the old reliables of Springfield, and respected as a useful citizen.
CHARLES A. DAVIS, decorative painter and dealer in artists' supplies, Springfield. He is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Thomas) Davis. and was born in Cheltenham, England. near the old city of Gloucester, Jan. 1, 1826. At the age of 15, he began the trade of house and decorative painting with his fa- ther, at which he worked until 1850, when he embarked for America; on his arrival on this continent, he pushed Westward, arriving in Cincinnati, Ohio, the same year, where he immediately began to ply his trade, carrying on quite ex- tensively; in 1867, he removed to Springfield, this county, and located at his present place of business, No. 142 West Main street, where he still continues trade, and, in connection, keeps a full line of artists' supplies. He was mar- ried, Sept. 7, 1850 (just before taking passage for the New World), to Mary A. Taylor, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Taylor; of their six chil- dren. but four are now living -- three boys and one girl: Thomas A. is at present a student in the Cincinnati Art School. Mrs. Davis was born May 16, 1823. in Clifford, Herefordshire, England, near Clifford Castle. Mr. Davis. at the age of IS, was initiated into the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows: the law in England was that the son of an Odd Fellow could join the lodge at the age of IS; after locating in Cincinnati, he was instructed in the mysteries of the Inde- pendent Order, and is a Past Grand of Springfield Lodge, No. 33. I. O. O. F .; he is also a Master Mason of Clark Lodge, No. 101. He is one of the Vestry- men of Christ's Church, Episcopal, of this city, having held said position for the past ten years; he was one of the Building Committee of said church.
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