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 67
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his gallaut corps commander, Gen. McPherson, was killed on that memorable 22d of July, 1864. The rebels, having been driven entirely out of the Southwest, and Gen. Sherman taking up his march for Savannah, all troops, whose terms of enlistment were fast expiring, were ordered to Nashville, to which place the rebel Gen. Hood was fast making bis approach ; but the Union forces were there in time to give him a hot reception, and at this place the 10th O. B. fought its last tight for the Union cause and the stars and stripes. Mr. Wright having served his three years, was held two months over that time, on account of the battle of Nashville, where 600 soldiers laid down their dives after the term of enlistment had expired ; he was then honorably discharged from the service of the . United States, March 2, 1865. Though serving as a private through all this period, he was recommended for a commission for bravery at the battle of Corinth, of which particular mention is made in the army records, and in Whitelaw Reid's History of Ohio in the war (2d Vol.). On account of his age the General of the army did not consider the recommendation favorably. Leaving the service, we again find him engaged in the quiet pursuit of farming and stock-raising. Continuing at that vocation until 1870, at which time he studied railroading and tele- graphing, and was employed on several Western roads in Illinois and Iowa. Returning to Ohio in 1875, he connected himself with the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad, as agent and operator at Enon, Ohio, where he still is employed. On Oct., 1875, he was married to Miss Mary E. Randall, of Springfield, Ohio, the issue of this marriage is a daughter (Estie), horn January 10, 1880. We are sorry to record the death of Mr. Wright's wife, which took place April 14, 1880, in the 23d year of her age. We leave Mr. Wright where we found him, young in years, but old in experience, ready and waiting (if need be) his country's call. Is a supporter of the present administration.
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GREEN TOWNSHIP.
JAMES ANDERSON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Clifton. For more than half a century Mr. Anderson has been identified with the business interests of Clark County, being one of those mea whose labors have been crowned with financial success, and his life has been characterized by that earnestness in all his affairs that makes it a success in every phase. He was born at Milnacraig, Scotland. July 22, 1815, aud at the age of 4 years, emigrated with his father, James Anderson, to the United States, settling on " Clark Run," in Greene Co., Ohio, where they lived five years ; removing thence to Clark County, and locating on the northwest part of Sec. 27, on the old Clifton road. In 1827, his father removed to a farm in Sec. 33, which he had pur- chased, and there resided until his death, in 1864, at the advanced age of 84 years. The subject of this sketch grew up under the paternal roof, and his education was obtained in the log schoolhouse of the primitive days, to which he added that more practical and servieable education that comes from experience with the world, and gives more certainty of success in life. For ten years he owned an interest in a stock of merchandise at Clifton, and from a life of industry, temperance, economy and good management, he has accumulated a considerable property in Green Township, Spring- field and Greene County. As a neighbor and citizen, he is highly esteemed, being gen- erally chosen as the arbiter of differences among the people of his vicinity. Politically, a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, he has held, among other public trusts, the office of Township Clerk for twelve years, and been Justice of the Peace the sune length of time, discharging every duty to the entire satisfaction of the people and with honor to himself.
GEORGE ELDER, farmer; P. O. Clifton ; was born in this township January, 1839. His early years were spent on the farm. and his only means of education was that of the common schools of his neighborhood. At the age of 22, when his country was in the throes of civil war, he volunteered and entered the 16th Ohio Militia, and
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afterward served three years in Co. A, 94th O. V. I., of which he was Orderly-Sergeant. During this period he was at Chickamauga, Stone River and on other fields of blood, and was with Sherman "to the sea." The war over, he was honorably discharged and settled in Jackson County, Kan., in the business of stock-raising, but that climate and occupation disagreeing with him, in a short time he closed out his interests there and returned to his native township, than which a fairer or better rural district would be difficult to find. Since his return he has followed farming, and is the owner of a farm very pleasantly located, and in a good state of cultivation. His people have honored him with the offices of Trustee, Assessor and Township Treasurer. the last of which he now holds. In 1869, he married Miss Sarah Kitchen, daughter of Abraham Kitchen. an old settler and highly esteemed citizen. She departed this life in 1872, and in 1875 he was married to Miss Jane Duval, daughter of Lewis Duval, and there are, issue of this marriage, three children-one girl and twin boys-all of whom live.
JAMES T. GARLOUGH, farmer and stock-grower; P. O. Springfield, Ohio ; son of Jacob Garlough, deceased ; was born in this township June 3, 1834. He grew to manhood upon the farm, and received the winter's schooling customarily given by farmers to their sons in those days. In 1856, he commenced farming for himself on his present farm of 1473 acres, which he improved. March 6, 1856, he married Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of William Hause, (deceased) then of Madison Township. To this - marriage eight surviving children were given -- Clara, Mary H., Alva T., Sheridan G., Alice, Jessie E., Willie F. and Robbie C .; all except the first reside with their parents.
EDWARD R. GARLOUGH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Springfield ; sou of Jacob Garlough; was born in this township in 1836; raised to farm life upon his father's farm, he has always pursued it. In 1860, he commenced business for himself, when he purchased his present farm, then of 147 acres, adjoin- ing a parcel of 75 acres he then owned. His farm now embraces 2803 acres. January 12, 1860, he married Miss Eliza A. Williams, a very intelligent lady. There is issue of this marriage-Carlton, Wilber, John, Fred and Earl. In 1365, Mr. G. erected a barn, and in 1875 he erected a large residence. He and his wife are meribers of the Free-Will Baptist Church. His farm is in an excellent state of cultivation.
JACOB HIESTAND, farmer ; P. O. Springfield; a native of York Co., Penn., born in 1822; when a lad, he, with his parents, went to Lancaster Co., Penn., and in 1975 he came to this State, locating in Madison Township, where he purchased a farm, which he afte ward sold, and bought the Jacob Poorman farm, in the west part of this township. His father dying during his infancy, he early learned to provide for himself, and thus was inculcated those lessons of industry and economy that have served him well in after years. In 1853, he married Miss Mary A. Brubaker, of Lancaster, Penn., by whom six children have been born-Henry, Capitola, Vandalia; Mclellan, Flora and Lenora. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the German Reformed Church, and two of the children united with the Methodist. That Mr. H. understands farming is fully attested by the appearance and yield of his crops of the present year.
EZRA C. HARRIS, physician and surgeon, Clifton; was born Sept. 28. 1844, in Harmony Township, this county. His father being a tradesman in limited circumstances, his early years were so trenched upon to aid in maintaining the family that his opportunities for education were greatly abridged. In August, 1862, he responded to bis country's call for aid in arms, and enlisted as a private in Com- pany I, 110th O. V. I .; met the enemy at Winchester, Spottsylvania, the Wil- derness, and other hotly-contested fields of blood, until April 10. 1865, when, having been disabled by several gun-shot wounds, he was honorably discharged and returned to civil life. Years of his life calculated by nature for education having been spent in arms in the service of his country, he now, on his return, attended a common school, taught by Prof. W. S. Grimm, in what is known as the Reed Schoolhouse. He next. during a period of four years, taught school in this and Champaign Counties, and then entered Wittenberg College, where he pursued his studies until the full expiration of the junior year. His parents having previously removed to Bellefontaine, Ohio, he
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located there and commenced the study of medieine in the office of Dr. Pratt, under whom he studied one year, then took one course of lectures in Cincinnati Medical Col- lege, and completed his professional preparation and graduated in Columbus Medical College in the spring of 1876. He located and opened an office in Clifton, this county, where he has since remained ; has built himself a commodious and neat residence and office, which evinces his industry, professional efficiency and success. On May 23, 1871, while a freshman in college, he was joined in marriage to Miss M. Belle, youngest daughter of Squire Anthony and Maria Wallace Bird, of Springfield Township, this county. The issue of this marriage is James Howard and Martha Mabel, aged respect- ively 7 and 4 years.
EDMUND H. KEIFER, farmer and stoek-raiser; P. O. Springfield. This gen- tleman comes of German origin, his great-grandfather, George Keifer, being a native of Germany, who settled in Maryland, where was born, in Washington County, Oct. 27, 1769, George Keifer, the grandfather of Edmund H., who was married to Margaret Hivner, a native of the same county, born July 24, 1772; this marriage occurred March 24, 1799, and the following children were the fruits of the union: Mary, Sarah, John, Catherine and George. The father of Edmund H. was John Keifer, who was born in Washington Co., Md., May 17, 1802, and who came with his parents, in 1812, to Clark Co., Ohio, settling in Bethel Township, his father purchasing a large tract of land, on which was born the noted Indian chief Tecumseh. Ou this farm was a cabin and a small clearing, and here John Keifer grew to manhood, his parents residing on this property until death. He was married May 6, 1821, to Miss Elizabeth Donnels, daugh- ter of Jonathan and Sarah Donnels, who were pioneers of Bethel Township, where. Mrs. Sarah Keifer was born, March 19, 1804. Shortly after marriage, John Keifer bought out Donnels' heirs, and moved on to that farm, now known as the " Holcomb Limekiln Farm," and there remained until his father's death, when he sold it, and returned to the old homestead, which he purchased, and where he and his wife resided until death, he dying June 9, 1865, and his wife, June 29 of the same year. He was a Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F., and a Democrat all his life; was a General of militia, and a mau of prominence in all the affairs of the county, and took an active interest in everything that he believed a benefit to the country at large. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield Township, Feb. 19, 1838, and educated in the common schools of the county, following the vocation of a farmer all his life. He was married Jan. 11 1859, to Miss Bethenia Miller, daughter of R. S. and Elizabeth (Shel- lebarger) Miller, of Mad River Township, where Mrs. Keifer was born, Jan. 1, 1842,
of which union the following children are the issue :
Anna M. (the wife of John T. Stewart), Lizzie D. and George S. Mrs. Keifer's father is a native of Pickaway Co .. Ohio, and her mother of Clark County, the latter being deceased, and both belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Keifer was the fifth in a family of six children, the three youngest of whom are living, viz: John D. (residing in Missouri), Mary J. (the wife of R. S. Cross, of Topeka, Kan.), and himself. In the fall of 1865, he purchased his present farm of 225 acres, and, in the autumn of 1870, he erected a large, handsome residence, and has otherwise greatly improved the farm. Politically, he is an unswerv- ing Democrat, and is considered one of the leading farmers of his township, being a man who is respected for his honesty and integrity of character, as well as many other traits that go to make a good neighbor and a worthy citizen.
ABRAHAM KITCHEN, retired farmer. Few men are better known or more universally respected by the community in which they reside than the old pioneer whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Nov. 19, 1808, and was the son of Stephen and Annie (Bercau) Kitchen. His mother dying when he was but 4 years old, he was cast among strangers to care and provide for him. In a country where means were limited, his lot was a hard one, and his early life full of vicissitudes and privations. He, however, had the good fortune to attend school in early boyhood, where he obtained fragments of an elementary education. In 1818, he came with his father to Clark Co., and they settled on the farm where he now lives, where they remained about two years, when, the household
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being again broken up, Abraham's lot was again cast among strangers. At the age of 16, he went to learn the blacksmith trade, at which he worked two years, when, finding the business uncongenial with his tastes, he abandoned it for the life of a farmer. During this time he attended school thirteen days at a subscription school-those places of instruction being presided over by broken business men of intemperate habits from the East-when he quit the school-room in disgust and relied upon observation and the experience of life to fit him for its duties. In 1829, he located on his present farm, and on the 19th day of November, in the same year, he was united in marriage, by the Rev. Thomas J. Price, to Miss Matilda Jones, daughter of Erasmus Jones, of Greene Co., Ohio. Mrs. Kitchen was born in Ross Co., Ohio, June 21, 1809, and about 1818 her parents moved to Greene Co., Ohio, where they resided until death, both living to a good old age, her mother being 79 and her father 84 when they died. Mrs. Kitchen Has had the following children : Margaret Ann, the wife of John McCullough, of Green Township ; Jonathan S., one of the County Commissioners, residing in Spring- field ; I. N., a leading farmer of Green Township; E. J. and M. J. (twins), the former a farmer of Green Township and the latter the wife of John Rife, of Greene Co., Ohio; Sarah, the deceased wife of George Elder, of Green Township; Jane V. and Stephen H. (deceased). In 1838 Mr. Kitchen joined the Harmony Township Free- Will Bap- tist Church, and, the organization afterward removing its location to his neighborhood. he donated a lot on which a church was built, and which stands as a monument of his zeal in the good cause. His wife united with the church about the same time, and both have ever since remained true and consistent members of the Free-Will Baptist organization. As to works of benevolence, temperance and reform, he is positive and aggressive, and prides himself on the position he held and advocated long before the war on the question of freeing the slaves, and in being one of the operators on the " Underground Railroad." Politically, Mr. Kitchen was a Whig, and afterward one of the first Free-soilers of his township, and, this finally merging into the Republican party, he has since voted and worked with that organization, and was always a dyed-in- the-wool Abolitionist, sending one of his sons (E. J. Kitchen) to fight in defense of freedom. He has given his children a good education, and has helped them liberally with his means; and, although beginning in life a poor man, he has, by determined energy, succeeded far beyond his most sanguine expectations ; and besides the help given his children, has yet the old homestead of 250 acres of land, and a handsome bank account-all the legitimate result of industry and true economy. Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen have been man and wife for fifty-two years, and have always lived on the home farm. On the 28th day of November, 1879, they celebrated their golden jubilee -- an event seldom occurring in the annals of married life, and on that happy day were each pre- sented by their children with a handsome gold watch as a mark of love and reverence. Mr. Kitchen is honest and upright in all the relations of life, and is trusted and respected throughout the county.
ISAAC N. KITCHEN, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Selma. This gentleman belongs to one of the pioneer families of Clark Co., being the son of Abraham and Matilda Kitchen, whose sketch will be found in this work. Isaac N. was born in Green Township. May 5, 1834, and grew to maturity on the old homestead, attending the district school as much as circumstances would permit, and, at the age of 21, with scarcely any capital but his own natural business capacity, he started in life for himself, by buying the old Concord saw-mill, giving in part payment his individual promissory note. In six months, he disposed of this mill, taking in exchange part land in Darke Co., Ohio, and the balance in notes, on which. with some difficulty, he realized; and in 1853, located upon the " Littler Farm," in his present neighborhood, where he lived ten years, then purchased the ". William Marshall farm," of 110 acres, a portion of which he has ever since resided upon. He was married, Jan. 21, 1858, to Miss Hannah HI. Ridge, daughter of Simpson and Jemima Ridge, of Warren Co., Ohio, where Mrs. Kitchen was born June 6, 1832, and to this union have been given six children, viz., Ida ( the wife of T. J. Wires), Leuella J. (the wife of Dr. M. P. Hunt), Warren A. and Emma (twins), Win. B. and Auna (twins) and Mary H. Mr. Kitchen's entire acreage is close on to 600
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acres, and in 1878, he completed a fine frame residence, finished and furnished through . out with a taste that is well up with his means and prosperity, it being one of the most commodious and best-finished residences in the township. In farming, he consumes th .. principle products of the farm by feeding stock, having now 500 head of sheep on hand, and his principle success has been attained by raising and feeding hogs, sheep and cattle for the market. Politically, Mr. Kitchen is a Republican ; has been Township Trustee two years and School Director twelve. During the rebellion, sent a substitute for three years, one for the 100-day service, one for the " Morgan raid," and was one of those who responded to the Governor's call the time of the " Kirby Smith raid," and who are known as the " Squirrel Hunters." For twenty-seven years Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen have been consistent members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and in every public measure he has been on the side of progress, helping to build up the county by every means in his power ; aud as a business man, he has few superiors, being energetic, of keen perceptions, honest and upright in all things ; as a neighbor, kind and obliging, he has attained a leading position in the township of which he is an honored citizen.
ROBERT F. MARSHALL, farmer ; P. O. Springfield ; son of William Marshall, this county, was born in this county July 27, 1827; the following years of his youth were spent in this county, where he remained, until in 1855, he removed to Lexington, McLean Co., Ill., where he lived six years, and then returned to this township, where he has since resided. About three years, during the late war, he was in the service of the United States Government. His remaining years have been given to farming. His father dying when he was 14 years old, his opportunities for an early education were very limited, but he improved well what he had, and in after years has kept well up with the literature and news of the times. June 2, 1853, he was joined in mar- riage to Miss Agnes Elder, a lady of intelligence and merit, daughter of Thomas Elder. a deceased early settler and very highly esteemed citizen of this township. Of this marriage six children are living with their parents-Kate, May, William, Elder, Robert and Winfred. Among other offices of trust and confidence, Mr. M. has held that of Township Clerk during the twelve consecutive years last past, and has discharged its duties to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and with honor to himself.
JOHN MILLS, retired farmer ; P. O. Springfield ; was born on his present farm: in 1826. His father, Thomas Mills, a native of Virginia, born in 1785, entered the land, 3-10 acres, at an early day -- part of it in 1812, and died in this township in 1865 John's early education was that of the common schools, and his early life was wholly spent upon the farm. In 1869, he married Miss Clara J., daughter of Peter C. Baird. of Harmony Township. There is no issue of this marriage. Mr. M. and wife are both members of the Methodist Protestant Church of the neighborhood. In 1868, he com- pleted a very neat and well-finished frame residence, which he and his amiable wife have fitted and furnished with very excellent taste, where they enjoy the comforts and quiet of retired farin life.
JAMES MILLS, farmer ; P. O. Springfield ; son of Thomas Mills, was born in Kentucky. May 15, 1809. He was raised to farm life, and received a common school education. When 3 years old, his parents came to this State, and settled upon the farm adjoining his present farm. His father purchased his present farm in 1827 or 1828, of one John Humphreys. In 1831, James took possession, and has since resided upon it Dec. 16, 1830, he married Delilah Moore, by whom five children were born, two of whom, Thomas Mills and Nancy E. Cultice, survive. Delilah died in 1855, and our subject was married to Harriet Morgan, who still presides over his household. He has 130 acres of excellent bottom land, of which 100 acres are under cultivation.
THOMAS MILLS ( deceased ). Among the deceased pioneers of Clark Co., the gentleman whose name heads this sketch stood deservedly high. He was born in the " Old Dominion " March 30, 1785, and in 1790 came with his parents down the Ohio on a flat-boat, to Maysville, Ky., having had to " run the gantlet " of Indian at- tacks which were made occasionally from the thickly wooded river banks. They settled in Fleming Co., Ky., where the parents of Thomas remained until death. He grew up in Fleming Co., and was there married Feb. 17, 1807, to Jane Dale, a native of Virginia.
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In the spring of 1812 they came to Ohio, remaining a short time close to where Clifton is now located, and in the latter part of the year he entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 23 of what is now Green Township, Clark Co., but was at that time a portion of Greene Co., Ohio. Two years later, he entered 80 acres in Sec. 29, joining his first entry on the west. On the first mentioned piece of land he built his cabin iu 1812 or 1813 and there in the wild forests he began his pioneer life in Ohio. To Thomas and Jane Mills were born ten children as follows: James, Nancy, Martha, Sibbia, Hannah, Thomas, Letitia, John. Mary, and one died in infancy. Only three of the above are now living, viz., James, Hannah and John, the latter of whom has inserted his father's portrait in in the history of the county. Thomas Mills was elected a Justice of the Peace of Green Township in 1821, holding that office nine years, and he also filled several minor township offices during his lifetime. He and wife were faithful members of the Meth- odist Protestant Church of the neighborhood, and died firmn believers in the teachings of that church, she dying June 15, 1844, her husband surviving her over twenty years, and dying Dec. 18, 1865. Thomas Mills was a man of undeviating, unswerving hon- esty and integrity of character, and although coming to this county a poor man, he, by rigid industry and economical habits, accumulated a handsome estate, the legitimate re- sult of his lifelong saving, and energetic business habits. Politically, he was a Whig, and afterward a Republican, and did what he could to build up the moral and educa- tional welfare of his township. He was a true man in spirit and action, and is yet kindly remembered for his many good traits of character and honesty of purpose in dealing with his fellow-man, having ever labored to make the " golden rule " his guide through life.
JOHN G. NAVE, farmer ; P. O. Springfield ; son of Jacob Nave, an early set- tler, was born June 10, 1838, in this township. His early education was that usually received at the common schools, and his early life was spent on his father's farm. Aug. 3, 1361, he married to Miss Gram, daughter of Jacob Gram, a native of Pennsylvania. She bore him five children-Minnie P., Alpharetta O., Justinus T., Jacob P. and John C. Fremont. In 1870, Mr. N. bought his present farm of John Luse. Since the purchase he has much improved it. On April 17, 1880, a terrible accident, such as few men survive, befel him. A horizontal bar or lever he was using in pulling a stump flew back with great violence, striking him across and breaking both his limbs above the ankles. His life was reasonably despaired of but a good physical constitution, good moral courage and good attendants brought him safely through, so that now he not only su- perintends all but does most of his own farm work. Mr. and Mrs. N. are both mem- bers of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and he is Superintendent of the Sunday school. Among other offices he has filled that of member of the Township Board of Education and Township Trustee.
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