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 44
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FRANK CAREY RUNYAN, dentist, Springfield. Dr. Frank C. Runyan is a native of this county, being born in Pleasant Township in 1838, and comes of two of the oldest families of this section, Carey being the family name on his mother's side, and they came from New Jersey; his paternal ancestry were from Virginia. His grandfather opened the first tailor-shop in Springfield. Dr. Runyan is. to a great extent. self-made; he worked on the farm until he was 20, near Catawba, then traveled, prospecting and trading, in Minnesota and Wisconsin, for a few years, after which ho attended the Ohio College of Dent- ... Ung in 1972. came to Springfield, practiced his pro- fession ten years in copartnership with Dr. Phillips, and for the last eight years he has practiced alone, being the leading man in his profession in this city. On Nov. 5, 1874, he took a partner for life, in Miss Georgie W. Drury, of this city, whose family are from Maine: they have a son of 18 months, and a daugh- ter of 3 years. Dr. Runyan's parents are both living, his father being now 68 and his mother 60 years of age. The Doctor is a man of pleasant and prepos- sessing manners.
L. E. RUSSELL, physician and surgeon, Springfield. We are proud of this means of perpetuating the name of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch -Dr. L. E. Russell. He was born in Burton, Ohio, and from his 16th. year has made his own way in the world. His first term of tuition was taken in Hiram College. at the close of which he received the highest recommendations from its President. J. M. Atwater; he afterward studied law, and also com- menced the study of medicine, his superior mental powers giving him an impe- tus that rapidly distanced his competitors. In 1871 and 1872, he attended lect- ures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating with honor in February. 1572, in the class accorded the praise of the different Pro- fessors as having attained the most thorough medical knowledge of any in the history of the college, extending over a period of almost half a century. Sept. 28. 1874, in the District Court of Mahoning County, Ohio, Dr. Russell was admitted to the bar and licensed to practice as attorney and counselor at law and solic- itor in chancery. Ho preferred the practice of medicine to legal lore, and his high attainments admirably fitted him for the practice of medicine and surgery. After practicing three years in Trumbull Co., Ohio. he came to Springfield in 1870, and a partnership was formed with Dr. J. T. McLaughlin. These gentle- men have gained a reputation equaling any physicians in the West during their partnership. and the most important cases of surgery in the city, and many cases elsewhere, have been operated upon by Drs. Russell and MeLaughlin, and cures have been effected that have for years baffled the physicians of the county. Too much, then, cannot be said in praise of those who deserve it, and this is cer- tainly well-merited. In 1879, Dr. Russell was elected President of the Ohio State Medical Association-the first time this important office has been held by any except " pioneers" in medicine. thus adding additional luster to his already bright record. His success is due entirely to his own exertions, and his fame as
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a skillful surgeon is being rapidly extended. It is important, then. that the record of such men be preserved. and that the citizens of Clark County feel proud of one who will surely rank high among the most expert surgeons in Ohio. Springfield has many things in which to take pride-her manufactories, her schools, her churches, her prosperity, and, lastly, the many noble men who are represented in the biographical part of this work.
WILLIAM N. SCHAEFFER, insurance and brokerage, Springfield; one of the old substantial residents of Springfield; he is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Center County in 1805. His parents emigrated to this State in 1815. locating in Germantown, Montgomery Co., where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He married, in 1829, Susanna, daughter of Rev. Thomas Winters, and remained there "keeping tavern " until 1837, when be removed to Dayton, and was proprietor of the "Mansion House" about two years; then removed to Lebanon, and kept the Mansion House of Lebanon until 18445, when he removed to Springfield. Here he engaged in the manufacture of candles. which he continued until 1858, when coal oil superseded him. The following season was spent in Tennessee in the tree trade. Subsequently he sold out his property interests, and engaged in insurance and brokerage, which he still con- tinues. He has three children living: two sons are in business here, and the. other, a changing. Mas Catalan Williams, ale living here. Mr. Schaeffer is one of the prominent old residents of Springfield, and, although now in his 76th year, is still active, and with the exception of a slight defect in hearing, is in full possession of all his faculties, and does a considerable business in his line. For the last fifteen or twenty years, he has not kept house, but resided with his son. Charles H .. who is a leading grocer of this city. His place of business, No. 51 East Main street, is one of the pioneer stands, and now the oldest grocery stand in Springfield. He was connected with the business of this establishment sixteen years; first, as clerk, then as partner, and for fourteen years past has been sole proprietor. He married. in 1865, Frances A., daughter of Lawrence Knepfiy, one of the early residents of Springfield, a jeweler by trade, and a prominent Mason. This union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are living. His wife died in April, 1879.
PETER A. SCHINDLER, undertaker, Springfield; is a native of Mary- land; was born in Frederick County in 1820. In his younger days, he had considerable reputation as a teacher of vocal music, and was engaged in that profession several years in Maryland. In 1850, his wife having died, he came West and located in Springfield, and taught music throughout the sur- rounding country. In 1552, he engaged in the furniture trade here, as a mem- ber of the firm of P. A. Schindler & Co., who were manufacturers and wholesale and retail dealers, this being among the first manufacturing establishments of importance in Springfield. Mr. Schindler continued in this business until 1871, after which he was variously engaged until 1873, when he entered in a partnership with J. L. Coleman, which partnership still exists. Their place of business is the northeast corner of Main and Fisher streets. They are supplied with elegant hearses, and a large stock of burial caskets of various designs, and are in readiness to attend to all calls promptly. Mr. Schindler is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and has been the trusted Superintendent of the Sunday school connected with that denomination, which is second to the largest school in the State. He married the second time Mrs. Caroline ( Routzan) Keller, the widow of Dr. Ezra Keller, the founder and first President of Wittenberg College. She was also a native of Maryland, and in her youth a playmate of Mr. Schindler. They have one son Charles -- who is proprietor of a bookstore on West Main street. Mrs. Schindler has a daughter by her first husband, who is also a member of the household.
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REV. JOHN M. SCHUCHARDT, Rector of St. Bernard's Church, Spring- field. We present our readers a brief sketch of Rev. John Schuchardt, who, by reason of his position, is endeared to so many of the inhabitants of Springfield !. He was born in Patorhorn, Germany, in 1831; he commenced his studies in Dussel- dorf, on the Rhine, and entered the high school at that city while in his 12th year; he graduated in Cologne in his 21st year; he afterward graduated in the academy at Muenster, having attended this institution three years. He then at tended, and afterward graduated in the academy at Bonn. and, to complete his theological education, went to the academy of St. Sulpice, in Paris. Upon his return home, he cared for his parents, who were both ill for one year, when he was drafted into the Prussian army, and had a taste of soldier life for eighteen months. Therefore he has seen hardships, as well as the brighter sides of life. By reason of his superior fitness, he was during this time graduated to the position of 2d Lieutenant. His term of service expired in 1860, and the death of his parents, and also of his brother and sister soon afterward, so changed the current of his thoughts, that he determined to emigrate to America, which was at once acted upon; in the fall of 1860 be landed in New York. Having friends in Cincinnati. Ohio, he paid them a visit, and while there took charge of a school. By the advice of his confessor, he returned to St. Mary's University at Believe what he was ordained Priest by Archbishop Spaulding, in 1864. In 1866, he went to Kentucky, and was placed in charge of a circuit "consisting of four counties," as a traveling missionary. This was arduous work, but our reverend father bore it uncomplainingly. In October, 1869, he was appointed by Archbishop Purcell to the charge of St. Bernard's in Springfield, where he is now stationed, and by his geniality and friendship has endeared himself to the people of this city, both old and young. Through his efforts, the church and school buildings were erected, and a cemetery purchased. The education of the children of his charge is well cared for, and his name will ever be remembered with kindness by those who so often have listened to his ministrations. His education is the equal, perhaps, of any man in our county, and he is one of the most able theologians in the city. His light will ever shine, and the principles inculcated by him ever be a monument to his memory.
MISS SUSAN SINTZ, Springfield: she is the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Creitz) Sintz. She lives three miles northwest of Springfield, on the farm which her father entered. In 1858, the year he died, he was preparing material for a new house. Susan, being an energetic lady, pushed the work to completion, erecting a beautiful brick mansion, in which she resides. Peter was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Clark (then Champaign) Co., Ohio. in 1802. Elizabeth, a native of Virginia, came here (with her sister, Mrs. George Croft) about the same time. In 1803, the same year that Mr. Sintz, entered his farm, he built a log cabin (which is still standing), in which he lived until his death. The first preaching that was had in that part of the county by the Methodists was held in this cabin, and the first person converted and to profess religion in that neighborhood was also in that cabin. His name was Jeremiah Sims. . When Mr. S. first settled in this county, the Indians were very numerous, and sometimes quarrelsome. On several occasions, Mr. and Mrs. S. were compelled to sleep in the woods. Mrs. S. would sit in the saddle, ou the horse, all night. with her babe in her arms. They shared the "ups " and "downs " of pioneer life. Peter worked for Robert Rennick in the mill, and, in 1526, built the first four mill. He afterward erected two other flour-mills and three saw-mills. Of Peter and Elizabeth's seven children, but four are now . living, viz., Mrs. Margaret Leffel. Mrs. Martin Snyder. Peter and Susan.
JACOB SEITZ. grain and coal dealer, Springfield. Almost a half century has passed since the subject of this sketch came to Ohio. His parents, Henry
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and Mary Seitz, emigrating from Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1831. settling near the village of Springfield, which at that time was only a small hamlet. Henry purchased a farm one and a half miles from town, and engaged in agriculture until bis death, which occurred a few years later. His children were six in number - Andrew, Isaac, Elizabeth, Henry. Jacob and Catharine: two are deceased - Catharine and Isaac. All were born in Pennsylvania. but have been associated with this county since their coming, and are still residents except Henry, who emigrated to Kansas in 1870. living previously in Coles Co., Ill. As we wish to speak at this time particularly of Jacob, who, by reason of his business tact. is one of our self-made men. we may premise by saying that he worked by the month for the money that was the nucleus around which capital gathered through his industry and natural aptitude for business. His education was all gained before he left Pennsylva- nia, at which time he was 12 years of age, being born in December, 1818. Not- withstanding the lack of education, he has always been a remarkably fortunate business man. his perceptive faculties being largely above the average. In 1840, he commenced the milling and distilling business in this county, and dur- ing the past forty years, has been continually engaged at these occupations. In 1847, his marriage to Miss Mary A., daughter of Daniel Stineberger, Esq .. was celebrated, and, in Ibox, a puttan ship was formed in the mill and distillery between Jacob and Mr. Stineberger, the firm name being Stineberger & Seitz. This was continued until 1855, when Mr. Seitz disposed of his interest and came to Springfield, and has been connected with her business interests ever since. They were parents of three children-Theodore H .. Olive E. and Laura B. Theodore was 21 years of age at the time of his death. Olive is the wife of Charles Anthony, a son of one of the first settlers in the county, and whose sketch will be of great interest. Charles Anthony is now engaged in the grain business with his father-in-law. Mr. Seitz was elected County Commissioner in 1869. and also served as Alderman one terin. His modesty has always been a bar to his having official positions, he being much averse to public life. As a man, his life has been characterized by those traits which ennoble and give confidence to the people-always foremost in enterprise, and liberal in every sense of the word. He purchased the St. James Hotel in 1865, and has since made large additions to and otherwise improved it. making it first-class in its accommodations. He is still owner of 260 acres of highly-improved land, his love for agriculture making this almost a necessity, his circumstances warrant- ing his retirement from business, but his active spirit rebels at the idea of idle- ness. He has been a friend to the needy, and is one of whom Springfield may feel proud.
J. H. SERFF, Springfield: was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 29, 1838, and is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Hoke) Serff, natives of that State, he having been a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father, Philip, having served in the Revolution. Mr. Serff grew up and was educated in the "Keystone State," and in 1862, enlisted in Capt. Sano's Independent Cavalry Company, re-enlisting in 1863 in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving under Sherman until the war closed, and being one of the escort which received Johnston's strender. In 1866, he came to Springfield, where he carried on the hardware store for about eleven years, and, in 1871. opened a millinery establishment. in which he is at present engaged. He was married. in 1869. to Louia M. Worthington, a native of Springfield, to whom have been born two children, both now deceased. Mr. Serff and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church. He is District Secretary of the State Sabbath School Union, and a member of the Executive Committee. Politically, a Republican. He is considered one of the progressive. enterprising business men of Springfield, and has many warm friends.
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HENRY M. SHEPHERD, clothier, Springfield; is a native of this part of Ohio; born in Champaign County in 1826. When about 14 years of age, Mr. Shepherd began his commercial career as clerk, and was engaged at intervals in different towns in this part of the State. In March, 1817, he came to Spring- field and became connected with the Foos' as a clerk, and has since resided here. In 1552, he became a member of the firm of Foos, Norton & Shepherd, and con- tinued to be connected with some of the Foos brothers in business here until 1872, after which he conducted a merchant tailor's and clothier's establishment until 1876; was then out of mercantile business until 1879, when he formed the present partnership of Shepherd & Hart, and they have since conducted the clothing trade at No. 23 East Main street, both having practical experience. Messrs. Shepherd & Hart are prepared to and do conduct a first-class business. They carry a complete stock of clothing and gents' furnishing goods, and by special arrangements are agents for one of the most extensive manufacturing firms of the East, where they send orders for special custom work. Mr. Shep- herd has not only been actively connected with the business of the city, but has also been identified with public enterprises; was one of the constituent members of the company whose enterprise secured Fern Cliff Cemetery; and he has been the trusted and efficient clerk of the company since 1876. He married, in 1092, Miss Margaret J., daughter of Levi Rinehart, deceased, a prominent citizen of his day. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have a family of three children. Their residence is No. 181 East High street.
JOHN S. SHEWALTER. City Clerk, Springfield; is a native of Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Arabella (Aby) Shewalter, were natives of Virginia, but removed to Ohio about 1837; subsequently returned to Virginia: then removed to Tennessee, where they resided until the rebellion caused a breaking up of the family to some extent. The father died at the home of his sister in Clin- ton Co., Ohio, Jan. 16, 1564. The mother still survives, and now resides in this city with her son, who is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Cler- mont County April 14, 1838, and accompanied his parents to Virginia and Tennessee, where he was "conscripted " for service in the Confederate army in the fall of 1862, but before he was secured, he left with a company for Ken- tucky, who made their way over the mountains into the Union line, which they reached at Richmond, Ky., in December, where most of their number enlisted in the United States service: but John S., knowing the extreme risk if he should be taken prisoner, kept on North until he arrived in Springfield, where he has since resided with the exception of about eight months' service in the 5Sth O. V. I. He is father was a miller, and he learned milling with him, and aiso learned the trade of molder. After his return from the army, he returned to Tennessee, but found everything in such chaotic condition that after eleven months' stay, he returned to Springfield, and was employed here as molder. In January, 1870, at an especial election, he was elected City Clerk, and re-elected at each successive contest since. He is a member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the I. O. O. F .; of the latter, he has been a representative to the State Grand Lodge, and was a visitor to the Grand Lodge of the United States held at Indianapolis in 1875. He married, in 1868, Miss Margaret E. Garey; her decease occurred in 1877. Two children survive her-a daughter and a son. Mr. Shewalter married again in 1878; his second. wife being Miss Ann W. Chenowaith, of Pickaway County: from this marriage has been born one child-a daughter.
JOHN A. SHIPMAN, Postmaster, Springfield; is a native of Clark County; a son of Clark and Ruth (Ambler) Shipman. Mr. Shipman, Sr., was a native of Elizabeth, N. J., and removed when a boy with his father's family to Ken- tucky. Having an elder brother residing in Springfield, he came here in 1815,
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and resided here until his decease in 1828. Ruth is the daughter of John and Annie Ambler. Mr. Ambler was a native of New Jersey; came to Springfield in 1808. and was a prominent citizen during his lifetime. He was Treasurer and Auditor of Clark County in early days, and his daughter, Ruth Shipman, now in her S1st year. relates how her father used the kitchen for his office and the upper part of the cupboard for a safe. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield in 1829. When 15 years of age, he engaged as an apprentice in a furniture factory. After serving the usual three years, he purchased an estab- lishment and conducted that business until the spring of 1861. Then sold out, but remained with the firm as Superintendent until 1875. In 1876, he received the appointment of Postmaster at Springfield, which position he still holds to the evident satisfaction of a majority of the community. He was a member of the City Council several terms. and Chairman of the Finance Committee a number of years, and is thoroughly identified with the growth of Springfield. He married Fanny, daughter of William Grant, Sr., whose biography also appears in this work. From this union there are three children-Anna, War- ren and Earl. Mr. Shipman is entirely a self-made man. having commenced the battle of life at 15, with a widowed mother to support; learned his trade, and be amorrer industry and careful management. succeeded in securing a com- petence. He has now a number of residences and other valuable property besides. His home is No. 150 West Main street, where he has erected a fine brick dwelling of modern design on the same lot, and adjoining the little brick built by his grandfather Ambler, more than threescore years ago.
LEWIS SKILLINGS, deceased. The father of this deceased pioneer was born near Berlin, Prussia, in the year 1750, and was a soldier in the Hessian army, which the English Government purchased of the German States to aid in crushing American liberty. but. in 1776. he, with three others. deserted, rather than fight against a people struggling for freedom. narrowly escaping detection. Mr. Skillings moved farther away from the scene of conflict, settling in Maine, where he was. married to Mary Blagdon, to whom were born the following chil- dren: Lewis, John, Charles. Hannah. Mary and two whose names are unknown. While working in the forest of his adopted State, he was killed by a limb of a tree falling upon his head, leaving a family of small children to the care of his widow and his eldest son Lewis, who was then but a small lad, vet faithfully did he discharge the trust, and by constant toil he cared and provided for the family until his 22d year, when he started for the Far West in search of his fortune, his mother surviving for many years, dying in 1957. aged 94. Lewis Skillings was born in Maine in 1789, and, in 1810. we find him at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged in carrying produce, on flat-boats, down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Soon afterward. he came to Clark County, and settled in the northeastern part of Green Township, moving thence across the line to Springfield Township. where his son Eben now resides. He was married to Ann Craig, daughter of John Craig, who was born near Onion River, Conn., March 29, 1792; came with her parents to Ohio in 1807, and the following spring settled in Harmony Township. Of this union seven children were born, viz., Mary, the deceased wife of James Laybourn, deceased; Hannah, the wife of Jonathan Mason. of Green Township; Sarah, the wife of Abel Laybourn, of Har- mony Township: John, deceased: Lewis: Eben: and Wesley. deceased. Itisunnec- essary to speak of the privations and hardships undergone by Mr. Skillings and wife in their early married life: suffice to say, that theirs was the lot of every pioneer of the Mad River country, and nothing but the patience, pluck and energy, which it was their good fortune to possess, could have converted the country from a dense forest into one of the finest improved counties in the State. He and wife were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he
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was a Class-leader in Fletcher Chapel for twenty years; his wife died June 15, 1866, and, in December, 1869, he also died, leaving to their children a hand- some property. the result of industrious, economical habits, owning at the time of his death 300 acres of first-class land. In his will he left $20 per year for twenty years to Fletcher Chapel, and there in that same graveyard this honest, upright old couple, found their last resting-place on earth, leaving to their pos- terity a name and character above reproach.
EBEN SKILLINGS, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He lives in a fine, large house in the southeastern corner of Springfield Township. He is engaged quite extensively in farming, and pays some attention to the raising of fine stock. He is the son of Lewis and Anna (Craig) Skillings, and was born June 16, 1833, on the farm where he now lives. He was married on New Year's Day, 1857, to Susan Runyan, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Runyan. They had one child --- Laura A., who was joined in wedlock, Jan. 14, 1875, to Rev. J. H. Hollingsworth. Susan departed this life in April, 1860. Mr. Skillings was again married. April 30, 1863, this time to Phobe A., daughter of David and Susan (Smith) Paullin. Of this union five children have been born-Otis G., Susan L., Wesley. Sarah E. and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Skillings are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, which is located near where they live. Mr. S. has been one of the Trustees of said church over twenty years, and is still serving in said office. Mr. Skillings' father came to Ohio in 1810, and settled in Cincinnati. and moved from there to this county the same year, where he remained until death.
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