USA > Ohio > Clinton County > The history of Clinton County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory, Volume 2 > Part 59
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ADDISON P. RUSSELL, of Wilmington, was born in that town September 8, 1826, and is a son of Charles Russell, a native of Virginia and a scion of Revolutionary stock, who emigrated to Ohio carly in the present century. Charles Russell was a mer- chant and manufacturer, and one of the prominent men of Wilmington for many years. His wife, Mary (McNabb) Russell, was a native of Ireland, but a descendant of the Scotch clan of McNabb. Charles Russell and his wife are both deceased, the former's death occurring at Wilmington, April 16, 1872, and the latter's at Middletown, Ohio, September 25, 1862. Their son, Addison, was reared and educated in his native place, attending the schools during winters until he was sixteen years of age. He then be- came an indentured apprentice in the office of the Gazette, at Zanesville, Ohio, remain- ing for a few years subsequent to November 9, 1842. Next taking editorial charge of of the Hillsboro News, he conducted that paper for one year, beginning July 1, 1845. From January, 1847, until July 1, 1852, he resided at Lebanon, but at the latter date returned to Wilmington and purchased a half-interest in the Clinton Republican, which he retained several years. In 1855, he was elected to the Legislature from Clinton County, serving two years. In 1857 and 1859, he was chosen by the Republicans of Ohio for Secretary of State, and in 1862 was appointed financial agent for Ohio in New York City, by Gov. Tod. He was re-appointed to the same office by Gov. Brough, 1864, and by Gov. Cox in 1866, since when he has not engaged in poli- tics. His attention has for a number of years been engaged in literary labors, and Mr. Russell has become an author whose works are recommended by the best critics of the country. His first work was an anonymous publication, issued by D. Appleton & Co., of New York, in 1867, and entitled " Half Tints: Table D'Hote and Drawing Room." In 1875, the first edition of " Library Notes " appeared, published by Hurd & Hough- ton, of New York. This volume gained a wide reputation, and was commended near and far for its value and interest. The first edition was soon out of print, and in 1879 a second edition was published by Houghton, Osgood & Co., of Boston. His third work, " Thomas Corwin ; a Sketch," was published in 1879, by Robert Clark & Co., of Cin- cinnati, and was warmly received by all who knew aught of the great orator and states- man. Mr. Russell's first volume, " Half Tints, etc.," has been long out of print. He at present resides in Wilmington, enjoying the content of a leisure well earned, and is looked upon as a thorough gentleman, an excellent scholar and a substantial citizen.
JOHN S. SAVAGE, of Savage & Smith, attorneys at law, Wilmington, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, October 30, 1841. His father was James
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Savage, born in 1804, and in early life was a school teacher. He is now engaged in farming in Wayne Township. this county. Mr. Savage's mother was Frances Battson, born in Kentucky May 30, 1813, and a daughter of the Rev. Robert Battson, a minis- ter of the Christian Church. John S. Savage grew to manhood in Ohio, coming to Clinton County in 1853. He obtained a fair English education, and his first vocation was that of a school teacher, which profession he followed five years. During this time, he devoted his spare moments to the study of law, and on May 18, 1865, he was ad- mitted to practice at the bar. The same year he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Illinois. Mr. Savage opened a law office at Wilmington, where he has since been engaged in active practice. The firm of Savage & Smith (Simeon G. Smith, is one of the best known in Clinton County, and enjoys a large and remunerative prac- tice. Mr. Savage has always been a strong Democrat, casting his first vote for George B. McClellan, in 1864. In the fall of 1874, he was nominated by the Democracy for Congress, from this district. His opponent was John Q. Smith, and the district wa: largely Republican. In the face of all this, the popularity of Mr. Savage with the per- ple was fully established by his being elected by a majority of 1,162 votes, thus show. ing that the people had faith in his honesty and uprightness, and would elect him i .. respective of party. He declined a second nomination. Mr. Savage is a member of Wilmington Lodge, No. 52 ( Masonic), also of the Chapter. He is a Knight Templar. and connected with Miami Commandery, No. 22, of Lebanon, Ohio. Mr. Savage wa- united in marriage, December 31, 1868, to Lydia Ayers, a native of this county. Of their four children, two are living-William H. and G. LeRoy. Charles and Lawrence are deceased. Mrs. Savage is a member of the Christian Church.
L. D. SAYRES, one of the leading dry goods merchants of Wilmington and Clinton County, was born in the village of Wilmington, August 31, 1841. His father was H. D. Sayres, a native of New Jersey, who came to Ohio in 1830. He was : hatter by trade, and is still living. Mr. Sayres mother was Miss E. Baker, a native of Ohio. Mr. Sayres was reared in Wilmington, and educated in private schools. In 1857, he commenced in his present business, as a clerk for Fife, Sayres & Fife. In
1860, the firm became Fife & Sayres (his father being the junior partner). In 1862. the firm became Fife, Sayres & Co. (our subject being the "Co." of the firm). In 1865, the firm of H. D. Sayres & Co. took charge of the business, and iu 1869, Mr. Sayres purchased his father's interest, and has since conducted the business alone. He is the second oldest salesman and merchant in the village, and enjoys a trade as large as any in his line of goods, in the county. In 1861, Mr. Sayres enlisted in Company H, Thirty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and shortly after was placed in hospital service. He was subsequently placed in the commissary department, at Gen. Grant's headquarters, where he finished his two years' war service. Mr. Sayres is a supporter of the principles set forth by the Republican party, and at present is one of the village Councilmen. He is also connected with the Royal Arcanum. He was married, September 14, 1864, to Phebe G. Bailey, of Cincinnati. They have four children-Lillie C., Clara B., Essie and Lida. Mrs. Sayres and children are members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Sayres' mother still resides in the village, and enjoys excellent health.
WILLIAM SCHOFIELD, SR., proprietor Schofield's Woolen Mill, Wilmington, was born in England November 21. 1822. His father was James Schofield, a manufact- urer of woolen goods. His mother having died when quite young, Mr. Schofield accon- panied his father and family-which consisted of seven sons and two daughters-to Ame :- ica, about the year 1838. The father died in 1845 or 1846. The subject of this sketch: learned his trade when but eight years of age, with his father, in England. He has worked at it ever since-over half a century. He resided in Philadelphia. Penn .. some years, but in 1860 removed to Columbus, Ohio. Soon after, he came to Wilmington, and purchased the mill property now owned and operated by him, a history of which will be found in the chapter on the Industrial Interests of Wilming- ton. Mr. Schofield has met with very gratifying success since coming to Wilmington, and is the largest manufacturer of woolen goods in Clinton County. Has always been
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a Republican, never having voted but for one Democratic candidate. He was married, in 1844, to Ann Roth, a native of England. Six children have been born to them, four of whom are living-Miriam, wife of Charles S. Outcalt ; Lizzie, wife of N. S. O'Neal ; John, a dentist, at El Paso, Ill .; and Frank, who has charge of the woolen mill. Mrs. Schofield is a worthy member of the Christian Church.
NATHAN H. SIOWELL, Physician and Surgeon, Wilmington, was born at George- town, Brown Co., Ohio, October 18, 1840. His father was James Sidwell, a native of Kentucky, who accompanied his parents to Ohio when but a child. He was a physician by profession, and practiced medicine till his death, October 10, 1866. Dr. Sidwell's mother was Lucinda Newkirk, a native of this State. She departed this life in July, 1876. The subject of this notice was reared in Georgetown, receiving his education at the high school of his native village. He commenced the study of medicine when quite young, and attended a series of lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cin- einnati, from which he graduated in the spring of 1861. He subsequently graduated from the Miami Medical College (Regular), in the spring of 1871. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the follow- ing January (1863) was made Assistant Surgeon in the regular army, in which he served till the date of his discharge, June, 1864. He returned to Georgetown, where he resided till 1866. In the latter year, he removed to Harrison, Hamilton Co., Ohio, and thence, in August, 1867, to Mainville, Warren Co., Ohio. In October, 1873, Dr. Sidwell located in Wilmington, where he has succeeded in establishing a fine practice. He spent the winter of 1876-77 at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York, where he gained a valuable amount of information to be used in his practice. Dr. Sidwell is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, Miami Valley Medical Society, Secretary of the Clinton County Medical Society, and Physician to the Cinton County Infirmary. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and his political views are Republican. Dr. Sidwell was united in marriage, in August, 1864, to Annie E. Krute, a native of Georgetown, Ohio. Eight children were born to this union, four living-Louie, Carrie, Mary and Dawson. On February 24, 1882, Dr. Sidwell suffered the loss of his estimable companion. Mrs. Sidwell was a member of the Christian Church, and a lady much esteemed by one and all. Dr. Sidwell is also a member of the Christian denomination, and a Deacon in that body.
ROBERT SKIMMING, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, was born in Alleghany County, Md., June 3, 1830. He was a son of Anthony and Mary (McDow) Skim- mning, who were born near Edinburgh, Scotland, and emigrated to the United States about the year 1818, and settled in Alleghany County, Md., where they lived till the autumn of 1836, when they came to Wilmington, and in 1839 removed to Wash- ington Township, where they died, the former April 22, 1855, and the latter on the 16th of the same month. Mr. Skimming, whose name heads this sketch, passed his early life and manhood on his father's farm, and was educated in the district schools and Wilmington Academy. At the early age of eighteen, he embarked in the teaching pro. fession, which he followed successfully for six years. Through the pursuit of this busi- . ness, he laid the basis of his present possessions. In 1860, he engaged in merchandis- ing in Burtonville, and continued in that business till October, 1875, when he retired to farming and stock-raising, which he has since followed with marked success. He owns a valuable farm of 270 acres, which is adorned with a very commodious frame residence, besides other good improvements. Mr. Skimming is a man of much enter- prise, and is regarded as one of the most influential farmers. He has served his county in various official relations to the highest satisfaction of the public. In 1873, he was elected Infirmary Director, and has ever since been a useful and able member of that body. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Union Township one term, and has filled various minor offices. December 6, 1853, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary E. Babb, the eldest daughter of Henry and Matilda (Woodruff) Babb, and a native of Union Township, where she was born June 16, 1830. This union was blessed with four children, as follows : Emma, born November 26, 1854; Samuel H., born February 25, 1858 ; Charles W., born August 14, 1866, and Wilbert, born January
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10, 1872. Mrs. Skimming's father was born in Virginia, and was brought by his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Babb, to Clinton County, when an infant. He was cru- clly assassinated at Wilmington on the evening of February 25, 1863, by John Mc- Courter, a radical secessionist, on account of his pure Union sentiment. Mrs. Babb was the daughter of Jocl and Elizabeth Woodruff, who were among the earliest pioneers of Clinton County. Mrs. Babb departed this life January 25, 1830. Mr. Woodruff was a man of considerable prominence in the carly history of Wilmington, and at one time held the office of Sheriff of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Skimming are consistent members of the Baptist Church of Wilmington. Mr. Skimming's political views are Republican.
JOHN C. SMITH, Deputy Sheriff of Clinton County, Wilmington, was born in Adams Township, December 30, 1843. His father was Daniel Smith, a native of North Carolina, born in 1809. He accompanied his father, Conrad Smith, to Clinton County when but eighteen months old. He grew up in Adams Township and was a farmer there till his death, in March, 1880. He owned a farm of 100 acres, and was a member of the Su- ciety of Friends. Mr. Smith's mother was Anna M. Hartman. She was born in Vi !- ginia, in 1816, and was the mother of five children, one daughter and four sons. The oldest son, George H., was elected Sheriff of Clinton County in 1877, and died Februa- ry 24. 1878, while in office. Joseph H. is a farmer of Adams Township, and James E. is a merchant at Ogden, in Adams Township. The daughter, Mary E., died in 1863, at the age of nine years. Three of the boys, George H., Joseph H. and our sub- jeet, were members of Company G, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the two former serving four years cach and the latter eighteen months (being a recruit). Mrs. Smith is still living and resides with our subject. John C. Smith was reared on the old homestead farm, and in early life clerked a little and also traveled some. Hc remained on the farm till January 1, 1879, when he came to Wilmington and received the appointment of Deputy to W. E. Kenrick, Sheriff of Clinton County, which posi- tion he now holds. He is a member of Wilmington Lodge and Chapter (Masonic), and of Star of Hope Lodge, No. 127, and Hiawatha Encampment, No. 70 (I. O. O. F.), having passed all the chairs in the latter fraternity. He is also a Royal Arch Mason, and, politically, a Republican. He was united in marriage, December 30, 1880, to Mary B. McKay, a native of Trimble County, Ky. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Christian Church.
CHARLES E. SNOWDEN, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, was born in the State of Maryland, October 19, 1836. IIc is the son of Richard and Mary (West) Snowden. natives of Maryland, of English descent, who emigrated to Ohio in 1837 and located in Clinton County. Our subject received his education in the graded schools of Ohio. His early life was spent as a teacher in the public schools but farming has been his princi- pal occupation. He was married in 1862 to Rachel Linton, a daughter of Seth Lin- ton, of Union Township. By this union six children were born, of whom the follow- ing four survive-Mary, Alton, Scth M. and Sarah A. Mr. Snowden is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Society of Friends. He is the owner of 115 acres of land which he has secured by his own exertions.
PHILIP SOCKMAN, Wilmington, maker of boots and shoes, East Main street. was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 4, 1837. His father, George J. Sockman. was a native of Germany, and came to America between 1823 and 1830. Helocated i , Fairfield County, where he still resides, in the eighty-third year of his life. Mr. Sock- man's mother was Margaret Ditler, also a native of Germany; they were married in Germany and nine children were born to them, our subject being the third son an l eighth child. He was reared to manhood in Fairfield County, obtaining a gool English education in the public schools. At seventeen years of age, he commeneed learning his present trade at Hamburg, and a year later went to Waterloo, Fayette Co., Ohio, where he finished his trade. He remained in that village eighteen year -. working at his trade. In April, 1874, he came to Wilmington, where he has since resided, and succeeded in building up a steady and remunerative trade. Mr. Sockman is a member of Star of Hope Lodge, No. 127 (I. O. O. F.), and Hiawatha
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Encampment, No. 70. He is a stanch Republican. Mr. Sockman was united in marriage. November 20, 1859, to Joanna Nutt, a native of Fayette County, Ohio. Two children have been given them, one living-John O. Mrs. Sockman is a member of the Christian Church at Waterloo, Fayette Co., Ohio.
-J. J. STAGG, Wilmington, of Stagg & Abell, proprietors West House, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, August 3, 1819. His father was Thomas Stagg, a native of New York, who located in Ohio in 1808. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1833. Mr. Stagg's mother was Susannah Howlett, a native of Vermont. She departed this life in 1868. Mr. Stagg was reared in Hamilton County, and is thoroughly conversant with the early history of Cincinnati. He was a farmer in early life, and came to Clinton County in September, 1858. He took possession of the present hotel (then the Gates House), in 1865, and has since been its proprietor. In 1878, Harvey H. Abell was admitted as a partner, and the firm has prospered very well. Mr. Stagg was made a member of the Odd Fellow fraternity in 1850, and is now a member of Dove Lodge, No. 234, of Mount Washington, Ohio. He was inarried in 1839. Mr. Stagg was formerly a Whig, but is now a Republican.
OBADIAH STEPHENS, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Wilmington, was born in Morris County, N. J., April 22, 1813. He is the son of Ebenezer and Maria (Phoenix) Stephens, natives of New Jersey, of English and German descent. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and his father in the war of 1812. Our subject's sole education was obtained from Webster's spelling book. studied in the little log schoolhouse of early days. In early childhood he manifested wonderful energy and bravery and these characteristics followed him through life. He takes pleasure in relating the following incident of his school days: During his early school days, the larger boys carried a fire-stick into the school-room one day, and when the stick had burned partially through they were vainly endeavoring to break it in order that it might be put into the old fire-place, little Obadiah secing their efforts were fruitless rose from his seat, ran to the fire-place and jumping on the fire-stick suc- ceeded in breaking it to the satisfaction of the larger boys. He then walked compla- cently to his seat and was at once recalled by the teacher and, fearing a flogging which he knew would be severe from that teacher, he reluctantly went to the teacher's desk. Instead of punishing him for his breach of discipline, the teacher took a bottle of whisky from his desk and gave the youth a drink, thus showing his approval of the lad's efforts. Mr. Stephen's father was a millwright by trade and occupied himself also in farming. Our subject followed farming for a time and subsequently operated a distillery, the latter proving very successful. He purchased 100 acres where he now lives, and by dint of great industry he has added to it from time to time until he now owns 430 acres. He came to Clinton County in 1847. On April 13, 1837, he mar- ried in Warren County Susannah Ireland. She was a native of Frederick County. Virginia, of Scotch-English descent. They were blessed with four children, viz., Ann Eliza, Emeline, Frances I. and John. Mr. S. is a prominent member of the Odd Fel- low fraternity and of the Democratic party. His paternal grandmother was a native of Wales, and lived to reach ninety-seven years of age, when she received a fall which re- sulted in her death. She left 14-4 descendants at her death. Previous to her death she was enabled to say to her daughter: "Daughter, arise and go to thy daughter, for thy daughter's daughter has a son." Thus it will be seen that she was the first of five generations then living.
JESSE G. STARBUCK, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, was born in Union Township, Clinton Co, Ohio, October S, 1819. His paternal great grandparents were Thomas and Rachel Starbuck, he born on Nantucket. Island May 12, 1707, and died February 2, 1777, and she born in 1710 and died May 31, 1789. His grandfather, Hezekiah Star- buck, was born on Nantucket Island, April 10, 1749, and on November 19, 1771, he married Mary .. He was a seafaring man, and for a part of his life was a Cap- tain of a whaling vessel. He was on a cruise when the Revolutionary war broke out, and on his return he had great difficulty in entering the harbor which was blockaded by the enemy. In 1785, he emigrated to Guilford County, N. C., where he raised his
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family and where his wife died June 9, 1806. He afterward removed to Clinton County where he remained until his death, which occurred on the 10th of June. 1830. Mr. Starbuck's father, Gayer, was born on Nantucket Island August 10, 1777, and removed with his parents to North Carolina, where he spent the carly part of his life. He learned the blacksmith's trade and for many years followed that avocation. He was married January 17, 1799, by permission of the New Garden Monthly Meeting. to Susannah, daughter of Jesse and Hannah Dillon. By this marriage five sons and five daughters were born, of whom one son died, aged twenty-two years, and the rest mar- ried and raised families. He removed to Ohio in 1807, and settled temporarily in the edge of Greene County, near where Paintersville now is, but in 1810 they came to Clinton County (then an unbroken forest) and located where our subject now lives. Here they remained until their death, he December 30, 1866, and she March 12, 1861. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Jesse Dillon, of Irish descent, was born in North Carolina, in, October, 1753, and on April 29, 1778, married Hannah Ruckman, who was born March 20, 1754, to Joseph and Sarah Ruckman. They came to Ohio in 1807, and settled in the wilderness on land now owned by John T. Starbuck. Our subject was educated in the common schools of the township, and was married at Fair- field Meeting, Hendricks County, Ind., on October 20, 1812, to Amy Cox, daughter of Harmon and Martha Cox. She was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 1, 1823, and moved to Hendricks County with her parents when a child. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. S. settled on the farm where they now reside in this township. For the first ten years of his married life Mr. S. was engaged in running a steam saw-mill which had a run of buhrs attached for grinding corn. The balance of his life has been devoted to farming. They have raised a family of five children, their other children having died in early life. The survivors are Adin L., born May 10, 1844, and mar- ried October 12, 1865, to Louisa M. Pidgeon, who was born in Guilford County, N. C., November 21, 1847, to Charles and Catharine Pidgeon ; they have seven children, viz. : Nellie May (an adopted daughter), Mary Amy. Ernest, Correna, Inez, Leola and Mamie. Mr. Starbuck's second son, Asa, was born March, 1846, and on June 25, 1868, married Almira Custis, daughter of John W. and Louisa (Smith) Custis. She was born October 28, 1846, and by her eight children were born, viz. : Nettie M., Laura B., Adin C., Jesse C., Sarah A., Cora D., Marion R. and Louisa A. The third child, Martha, was born January 29, 1848, and on February 16, 1876, married William D. Moorman, born April 3, 1845, to Samuel and Lucy (Johnson) Moorman, and by him she has one child, Charles R. Mr. Starbuck's fourth child, William R., was born May 12, 185S, and graduated in the Wilmington College; he is now teaching school. The fifth and youngest child is Jesse H., born November 11, 1864, and is now assisting his father on the farm while attending the public school. Mr. Starbuck is a good husband, a kind father and an intelligent and moral citizen. He has dealt liberally with his children, giving them good educational advantages and the means of starting in life. He is one of Clinton County's best and most successful farmers and stands high in the estimation of the people.
JOHN T. STARBUCK, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, was born in Union Town- ship, Clinton County, Ohio, October 6, 1822. He was the son of Latham and Sarah (Milton) Starbuck, natives of North Carolina, who emigrated to Ohio and settled in Clinton County in 1811. They had a family of twelve children, seven boys and five girls, of whom our subject was the fourth. He received a limited schooling while his people were relieving the land of the timber and underbrush, very often being obliged to absent himself from school to help them. He selected farming for his life occupa- tion, but for a short time followed carpentering. In his farm work he has met with marked success, being now possessor of 222 acres of good farm land. He was married in 1852 to Margaret Shields, a native of Union Township, and daughter of William Shields, who came to this county with his wife in 1806. His marriage was blessed with four children, viz .: Josephine, wife of Samuel T. Compton, of this county William, married and farming in this township; Clara A. and Albert. The family are all members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Starbuck is a man who ranks high among
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