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 36
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DAVID C. HUFFMAN, M. D., physician, Springfield; is a native of Clark County and a grandson of the pioneer Jacob Huffman, who located at what was called New Boston. The subject of this sketch is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Tennant) Huffman. She was a daughter of David and Elizabeth Tenant, who came to Clark County from Lancaster, Penn., about 1830. Jacob Huffman, Jr., was a mil- ler by trade and for a number of years, with his brother, was proprietor of the "Peru Mills;" also operated a stone quarry. and at one time was engaged in mer- chandising. He died Feb. 3, 1877. His widow and five children survived him, of whom David C. is the oldest son. He was born near Enon in 1855; graduated from the Miami Medical College in 1978, and immediately located here in Springfield and rapidly built up a practice which warranted him. in taking Dr. Driscol into partnership. This partnership was formed in 1879, and still exists. Drs. Huffman and Driscol are young men possessed of cult- ure, native skill and energy, as is proven by the extent of their practice, built up in so short a time. Dr. Huffman is the only one now here of six young phy- sicians who located in Springfield in ISTS. The fact that he was born and raised here speaks volumes in favor of his character, both as a citizen and a physician, for "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country," does not apply in his case. He is a member of the Clark County Medical Society, and a member of its Board of Censors.
LEWIS C. HUFFMAN. retired farmer. P. O. Springfield: is one of the old residents of Clark County: he is a native of Virginia, born in 1810. His parents, Herbert W. and Sarah (Arthur) Huffinan, came to this county in 1816, and settled in the School Sec. 16, Springfield Township, where they continued to reside until the decease of the father. The mother's decease occurred in Springfield in 1843. They had a family of six sons and one daughter, of whom
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five sons and one daughter are living. The subject of this sketch remained of the farm until about 18 years of age, then came to Springfield and learned the carpenter's trade, in which he was engaged several years. In 1840 he married Elizabeth J., dangmer of James Donnel, a pioneer of Bethel Township. After his marriage. Mr. Huffman purchased a farm in the vicinity of the old home- stead and engaged in farming, which he continued until 1875, when he re- turned to Springfield, and in the following year built the handsome residence, corner of South Limestone and Mulberry streets, which has since been his fam- ily residence. He still owns the farm where he first began domestic life, but has retired from active labor. Mrs. Huffman was born in this county, and both have resided here from their childhood. They are members of the Trinity Bap- tist Church. They have three children ----- Mrs. Thomas C. Ackerson, Mrs. C. W. Morris and J. Donnel. They also raised an adopted daughter, Maggie, who is still with them.
DR. RICHARD W. HUNT. deceased, was born in Greenwich, Cumberland Co., N. J., in 1780. His father, John Hunt, was one of forty men who, in 1774, took possession of a cargo of tea bound for Philadelphia, which cargo was sent up the Cohousey River. to Greenwich, where the chests were piled together and burned. This was shortly after the destruction of the tea in Boston Harbor. Dr. Hunt's mother, Anne Brewster, was a great-granddaughter of Elder William Brewster, who came over in the Mayflower. Dr. Hunt studied medicine in New Jersey and in 1807, he, with some friends. came to Cincinnati, where he learned that there was no physician in Springfield, and that the country was settling rapidly; so in that year he came here and commenced practice: he boarded at Griffith Foos' tavern, and rode far and near, with no roads but Indian trails or cow paths: in 1812 he was appointed surgeon of the 2d Regiment, 4th Brigade, Ist Division of Ohio militia, which regiment was commanded by Col. John Dougherty. Dr. Hunt was present at the council with the Indians where Te- cumseh refused to disarm the Indians, and is said to have been the one who offered that chief the clay pipe which was so indignantly refused. The grove where this council was held was the property of Dr. Hunt. (It was a little west and south of what is now known as Vone & Blee's brewery.) He lived to see great changes in the little log towns. In IS18, he wrote to a friend: "Our county last winter was divided into three, and Springfield was made a seat of justice of one, viz .. Clark County, though as yet we have no court house. We have four public houses, eleven stores, three physicians, three attorneys, and me- chanies of every description: one mill alone in this town manufactures thirty barrels of flour per day; one speculator has sent this season. from this county, 1,300 barrels of flour and 300 barrels of pork to the Orleans market." Dr. Hunt died in Springfield on the 24th day of January, 184S.
NOTE .- This is the Dr. Hunt mentioned by Drake, in his " Life of Tecumseh, and the same is found in connection with several other historical papers, showing that the subject of the above sketch was a contributor to the collections of his day.
WILLIAM HUNTINGTON, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Huntington is one of the few pioneers who have passed their fourscore years; he was born June 15. 1800, in Franklin Co .. Penn .: he followed "wagoning" be- tween Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for twenty years; he came to Ohio and to this county in 1535, and purchased and settled on a farm of 160 acres which comprised what is now the "Clark County Fair Grounds." and some of the ad- joining lots. He continued "wagoning" for five years after he came to this county, making four trips across the mountains, once to Philadelphia, and three times to Baltimore; and the remainder of the time between Columbus and Cin. cinnati: since then has devoted his attention to farming. He was married Feb. 19, 1839, to Martha Kirkpatrick, daughter of Hugh and Rachael (Kelly) Kirk-
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patrick. They had four children, viz., George W., Anu E., Hugh K. and Rachael C., all of whom are married; George to Annie Swaney; Annie to Ar- thur Forbes: Hugh to Hannah D. Pierce: and Rachael to Edwin Mcclintock. Mr. Huntington's first wife, Martha, died in May, 1862; he was again married in 1864; this time to Ellen Pilkington. Our subject is the son of Nathaniel and Rachael (Kelly) Huntington. There is an incident in the relationship of William that is worthy of notice. As appears, the maiden name of both his and his first wife's mother was Rachael Kelly, but they were not related to each other. Mr. Huntington was a member of the Presbyterian Church for twenty- three years, and in 1866 removed his membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church of which he is still a member.
JOSEPH G. JACOBS, druggist and pharmacist, Springfield. Just fifty years ago, Isaac and Letitia Jacobs, with a little son of two years, emigrated from Lancaster Co., Penn., to this county, settling in Harmony Township, their entire worldly store being one wagon and three horses. In those comparatively primitive days, turnpikes were unknown in these parts, railroads had not even troubled the inventor's brain, and the village of Springfield boasted a popula- tion of one thousand souls. Times were hard, trials and hardships many and fortune rolled on leaden wheels. But the sturdy and unflagging spirit of indus- try and continued perseverance won, and W. and Mrs. Jacobs were rewarded by ample and satisfactory success. They raised six sons and one daughter. Two of the former served in the Union army through the war, and one for a period of four months. Their youngest son, Joseph G. Jacobs, was born in Harmony Townshp on Nov. 3, 1850, entered Prof. Chandler Robbins' Preparatory School in 1863, which he left in 1SGS, and spent five years teaching school in Clark and Greene Counties. In 1873, he engaged in the drug business in Springfield, and is now junior member of the firm of Troupe & Jacobs, doing a prosperous business on the southeast corner of Main and Market streets. His father died at the age of 65, and his venerable mother is at 70, still living in Springfield and in good health. In 1876, Mr. Jacobs led to the altar Miss Una Stuart, of Clifton, Greene Co., the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Elder R. and Rachael E. Stuart-of one of the oldest families in this country and of remarkable longevity, her grandmother Stuart dying Sept. 23 of this year (1880) at the ripe age of 82, having raised a family of eight sons and one daughter, all living and well-to-do and in their teens, the parents of large.fam- ilies, all save one of whom are living in this and Greene Counties. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have a boy of 6 months (Fred P.) and a daughter of 2 years (Grace Iva), both children of unusual sprightliness and beauty. Mr. Jacobs is a member of Lagonda Council, No. 151, Royal Arcanum, and with his wife members in excellent standing of the Second Presbyterian Church. He is a young man of pleasing address, many friends, full of energy, enjoys the excel- lent opinion of those who know him, and his future promises well.
EDWARD N. JACOBS, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Jacobs was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., April 2, 1837; lived at home until 1862. when he enlisted in the 44th O. V. I. during the rebellion, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was married. Feb. 7, 1867, to Mary Minerva, daughter of Samuel and Isabella (Hay) Hamilton: their children are Chester A., Winfield S., Letta Belle, and Corina May. Edward is the son of Isaac and Letitia (Ster- ling) Jacobs; his parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio and settled in this county in 1837. Mrs. Jacobs was born in this county July S, 1849; her father was a native of Virginia, and came to this county and set- tled in Springfield in an early day. Our subject has always lived on a farm, except the time he was in the army, and three years he was engaged in the dry goods business in New Carlisle, this county; he moved to his present farm in
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the spring of 1876, where he is pleasantly located; he devotes especial care to the improvement of his stock; also takes pride in the improvement of his farm, and is classed among the best farmers of the county; he is a strict temperance man, and he and his good wife are of a pleasant, social nature, and are not ex- celled in hospitality.
ROBERT JARDINE, plumber, steam and gas fitter, Springfield. Among the many business inen of this city that should be mentioned is our subject, Robert Jardine, plumber, steam and gas fitter. He was born in Dumbarton, near Dumbarton Castle, Scotland. Jan. 22, 1852; when 6 years old his father died, leaving the mother with the care of four children. When Robert was 12 years old. he entered a drug store as clerk, where he remained about two years; he then engaged as book-keeper of a large wholesale house, where he served some three years, and then began painting at which he worked until August, 1871, when he embarked for America with his sister Marion. The mother died in 1871. James is now living in Colorado, and the rest in Springfield, Ohio. Robert's present business was established in 1870 by his brothers, with whom Robert learned the trade. After working for them four years, he became one of the firm by buying James' interest, and in December. 1879, Robert took sole charge. He was married, Oct. 25, 1877, to Mary L. Voll, daughter of Louis and Margaret (Alexander) Voll; their home has been made glad by two charm- ing girls, Mary Alice and Clara L. Mrs. Jardine was born Sept. 27, 1851. in Bavaria, Germany: she came to America with her parents in 1854, and Clark County, Ohio. in 1861. Our subject served as a volunteer in the militia of Scotland three years; he was one of the original members of the Champion City Guards, serving with them five years as Sergeant; is a Master Mason of Anthony Lodge, No. 455, F. & A. M.
D. P. JEFFERIES, cashier Lagonda National Bank, Springfield. Mr. Jefferies was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January, 1839, moved to Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, in 1SGo, where he was engaged in the sale of agricultural implements until 1868, when he came to Springfield; he was one of the original stockholders and organizers of the "Champion Machine Company " of the city of Spring- field; he was also Secretary of that company until 1871, when he resigned his position as Secretary and engaged in private banking, known as Frye, McMillan & Co., which was succeeded by the Lagonda National Bank, in 1873; he was elected cashier of said bank at its organization, and still continues to fulfill the duties of that office; he is President of the Deardorff, Mellen & Company Manu- facturing Company.
EDWARD NOAH JENKINS, pianos, organs and music, Springfield. E. N. Jenkins was born on Dec. 20, 1853, in Union Co., Ohio, near Marys- ville, and was one of five brothers, one of whom he lost, and his five sisters all are living in Paulding Co., Ohio, except Mrs. Mary Brush, living in Dayton. Ohio. Both his parents are living. Mr. Jenkins has been, in its broadest sense. the carver of his own fortune since early youth, and has a good part of the time assisted his family much financially. When he was 1 year old, his family went to Jay Co., Ind: when 15, he entered the Liber College, remaining until IS; he then went to Winchester, Ohio, where he taught vocal music for three years. Coming to Springfield in 1874, he went into the dry goods business with his uncle, Louis Jenkins, remaining eighteen months, becoming, in the meantime, head clerk, and upon Louis Jenkins deciding to retire from business. E. N. Jenkins closed out his whole stock of $40,000 at auction. After this Mr. Jenkins went into the music business here in connection with (and for) Walker & Co., of Dayton, Ohio, continuing for one year, and in the meantime married on Oct. 18, 1877, Miss Lucy Law, of Miltonville, Ohio. the most accomplished and prominent soprano vocalist in that section of the country. Early in ISTS,
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Mr. Jenkins went into the music business on his own account, on West Main street in the store now occupied by Charles Schindler; later he moved to East. Main into Aron's jewelry store, and about six months ago to his present choice location in the Brookwalter Block, where he does the leading business in his line in the city; in fact, almost the whole business in pianos and organs, ropre- senting among others the "Mathushek," "McCammon." " Wheelock." and "Stone " pianos and " Taylor & Forley " and "Sterling " organs. His success has been such as his business tact. merits. He is in comfortable circumstances and the owner of several nice properties here and a farm in Missouri.
ROBERT JOHNSON. manufacturer, Springfield. was born near Spring- field in 1832; he was raised on a farm, but when 18 years of age left the farm to learn the carpenter trade, and subsequently following carpentering and building until about 1867, during which time he built as contractor many resi- dences and business buildings in the then village of Springfield. On the or- ganization of the Champion Machine Company, in 1867, Mr. Johnson became a member, and has been the efficient and trusted Secretary since 1870. As the history of this establishment appears elsewhere in this work, any detailed state- ment here would appear superfluous. It will be sufficient to say that Mr. John- con has shared in the difficulties and enjoyed the triumphs of the management of this vast establishment. He has the immediate general supervision of the manufacturing and has also been Secretary of the Champion Malleable Iron Works since 1873, and is a Director of the Champion Bar and Knife Works. He married in 1860 Miss Adelaide, daughter of William Humphreys, an early and honored resident of Springfield, now deceased, by whom he has four daugh- ters and three sons. Mr. Johnson's residence is No. 197 Market street, corner of Pleasant. He is a skilled mechanic, an able business manager and worthy citizen.
GEORGE JOHNSON, retired farmer: P. O. Springfield. Mr. Johnson is a native of Ireland; was born in County Tyrone in 1810: came to the United States in 1849; he first stopped at Berea, in this State, but came to Springfield in the following April, and has resided here since; he has taken an active part in the construction of all the lines of railway in the county, except the C., S. & C. north, and L. JE. south, and also all improvements of public roads, etc., made during his residence here. His wife is also a native of Ireland. They were married there in 1537, and have raised a family of three children-Jane (now Mrs. James W. Hall), William and Robert F. The latter is now the local agent of the D. & U. R. R. at Greenville. William has for a number of years been employed at the Driscol carriage factory, and is now foreman of the painting department. Mr. Johnson came from the old country a poor man, seeking to better his condition. Having a brother at Berea, he first located there and went to work in the stone quarry, then being operated in a small way, but finding he could not get money for his work and having some friends here who wrote urging him to come, he borrowed the money to pay his way for a visit. and finding work for which he could get cash; he determined to remain, aud accordingly removed his family as soon as he was able. Then he thought him -. self fortunate to get from 75 to 873 cents cash per day, but as the city grew prices advanced. and by industry and economy and a wise investment of his savings in real estate, he became one of the substantial citizens of the city. respected no less for his personal character, than by reason of his financial success.
JOHN JOHNSTON, tobacco dealer, Springfield. He was born in this county eight miles west of Springfield, on Donnel's Creek. Feb. S. 1825; is a son of James and Mary R. (Burgess) Johnston. James was a native of Ireland, born Jan. 5, 1784; Mary, born in Virginia Nov. 11, 1798. They came to
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Springfield at a very early date, and, in 1816, he completed the old two-story stone house on the south side of Main street, west of the Run. While finishing the walls of this building. he also built a small one-story addition, where, in 1817, he began the manufacture of cut nails by band, and the citizens were then supplied with the useful and much needed article of domestic manufacture. The nails used in the erection of Dr. Needham's house were made by Mr. John- ston. He afterward became a farmer, and erected a saw-mill on Donnel's Creek, in Pike Township, where he died Jan. 5, 1847, and his wife followed him Jan. 18, 1865. When John was 12 years old, entered a dry goods store in New Carlslie as clerk. After clerking some eight years. started a store in his own name, and continued in the dry goods business about twenty-eight years; he moved to Springfield in 1868, and went into the tobacco trade, and at pres- ent is the senior partner of the firm of Johnston & Son, wholesale dealers in tobacco and cigars. He was married, Nov. 21, 1848, to Mary Garst, to whom three children were born. But two, M. D. and Charles E. are now living. This wife departed this life Feb. 25, 1863. He was again married, March 9, 1869. This time to Mrs. Elizabeth Serviss, widow of George Serviss. deceased. Both wives daughters of John Garst. Mr. Johnston is one of the leading mem- bers: also one of the Trustees of the Center Street Methodist Epsicopal Church.
M. D. JOHNSTON, tobacconist, Springfield. Mr. Johnston is the junior partner of Johnston & Son, wholesale tobacco dealers, Main street. This house was established in 1868, and is the only wholesale tobacco house in the city. He was born in this county March 3, 1851; attended school until 17 years old, graduating in Harrison's Commercial College of Springfield in his 18th year, when he entered the store of Kidder, Johnston & Co., as book-keeper. In IS7S. he was taken into partnership with his father, when the firm was changed to its present name. He was married, Nov. 1, 1875, to Lucy M. Slack, daughter of Peter and Maria Slack. They have three children, two boys and one girl. He has been through life so far honorable and upright in all bis transactions, adhering strictly to business, and has established beyond a doubt a reputation for truth and veracity. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifteen years: he was Secretary of the Sunday school of New Car- lisle (the place of his birth) two years: and Secretary of the Mission Sunday School of this city one year, and at present is Secretary of the Center Street Methodist Episcopal Sunday School of this city.
ISAAC KAY, M. D., physician, Springfield: was born in Franklin Co .. Penn., Dec. 8, 1828, where his parents resided until 1833, when they removed to Bedford Co .. Penn. In 1836, they removed to Preble Co., Ohio, where the father soon after died; his widow still survives, being now in the 72d year of her age and resides with her son. Dr. James Kay, of Omaha, Neb. At the age of IS, the subject of this sketch began to read medicine with William Gray, M. D., of Lewisburg, Preble Co. After a three years' course of study, includ- ing two full courses of lectures at Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio: he graduated in February, 1849, and commenced the practice of his profession in Lewisburg. where he remained and continued to practice until May, 1553, when he removed to Springfield, and has practiced here since. He married. Nov. 4, 1852. Miss Clara Deckert. of Miamisburg, Montgomery Co. From the children of this union two sons are living. He is now Secretary, and has been for many years a member of the Clark County Medical Society, and also'a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, in each of which he has held impor- tant positions, and made valuable contributions to medical literature. He is a member of the First Baptist Church and a valuable citizen.
J. WARREN KEIFER, lawyer and Congressman, Springfield. Cou- sidered in all the relations of life, Gen. Joseph Warren Keifer is to day
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the foremost man of Clark County, having made a brilliant record and won a reputation reaching beyond his county and State, and, although yet compara- tively a young man, he has been prominent in national affairs for nearly a score of years, and is still manifestly on the rear side of the zenith of his public carver. The meager limits of this department of our history will not admit of our doing so illustrious a subject full justice: hence we will not attempt more than a chronological enumeration of the more important events of his life. Gen. Keifer is the son of Joseph and Mary (Smith) Keifer, his father being a native of Washington Co., Md., being an early poineer (1St1) of Clark County, where he was a civil engineer and farmer. His mother was of Hamilton Co., Ohio. He was born Jan. 30, 1836, in Bethel Township, this county; was reared on the paternal farm: his education was had in public schools and at Antioch College. In 1855, he commenced the study of law with Gen. Charles Anthony, in Spring- field; was admitted to the bar Jan. 12, 1858, practicing bis profession there- after. Upon the inauguration of hostilities in 1861, he volunteered (April 19); was commissioned Major of the 3d O. V. I., and mustered into service on April 27. On the 12th of June the regiment re-enlisted for three years; was assigned to MeClellan's command, and participated in the battles of Rich Mountain, Great Mountain and Elk Water. In November, 1861. it was transferred to Buell's command, in Kentucky. In February, 1862, Maj. Keifer was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and as such was engaged in the campaign against Bowl- ing Green, Nashville and Huntsville. On Sept. 30, 1862, he was appointed to the Colonelcy of the 110th O. V. I., joining Milroy's command in Virginia. and, in the winter of 1862-63, commanded the post at Moorefield; was slightly wounded in the battle of Winchester in June, 1863, while commanding a bri- gade; he was severely wounded (having his left arm shattered) at the battle of the Wilderness May 5, 1864, and thus quite disabled, but was not thereby pre- vented from joining Sheridan's army at Harper's Ferry with his arm still in a sling. In this maimed condition he was engaged in the battles of Opequon, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, receiving in the former engagement a shell wound in the thigh, which did not deter him from leading a brigade success- fully in the battles occurring almost immediately thereafter. "For gallant and ยท meritorious services " in these battles, he was brevetted! Brigadier General, and, as such, assigned by President Lincoln Dec. 29, 186++, and joined the army in front of Petersburg, taking prominent part in the important engagements just preceding. In 1865, Gen. Keifer was brevetted Major General for "gallant and distinguished services," and was mustered out of services on the 27th of June of that year, after a military service of four years and two months. Returning to Springfield, he resumed the practice of his profession in July, 1865. On Nov. 80, 1566, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 26th Regular United States Infantry, which he declined. In 1867, he was elected to the Ohio Senate. In IS6S, while commander of the "Grand Army of the Republic." he organized the "Board of Control" for the establishment of the "Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home" at Xenia, of which the State assumed control in' 1870. making Gen. Keifer one of its Trustees. In 1876, he was elected to the Forty-fifth Congress from the Eighth Congressional District of Ohio, by a handsome Republican majority of 3,716 votes; being two years later re-elected in the Fourth District over W. Vance Marquis by 5.090 votes, receiv- ing three-fifths of the whole vote cast. In the October State election of the year 18$0. he received as representative of the Eighth District 5,918 majority, the largest ever polled by any candidate in this district. In the Forty fifth Congress he served on the Committee on " War Claims," and in the Forty-sixth on the "Elections" Committee. He has taken a very prominent and important part in the recent Presidential canvass, and much of the signal success of his
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