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 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107
CYRUS M. WALKER, real estate and loan agent, was born in Union Township, near the limits of Wilmington, January 4, 1829. His father was Azel Walker, born in Virginia in 1802. He accompanied his father, William Walker, to this county in 1805, and having been reared on a farm retained a preference for farming pursuits through life. He died in May, 1871. Mr. Walker's mother was Elizabeth Robinson, a native of this county. She departed this life in 1871. Both were members of the Society of Friends, and are buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery. Our subject grew to manhood on the old home- stead, attending the public schools, where he received a good education. When nine- teen years of age, he was employed as a clerk with C. M. Bosworth, and two years later started in business for himself, at Peru, Ind., where he remained ten years. He then re- turned to Wilmington and engaged in the drug business, remaining at that about five years ; his next venture was buying and shipping stock, which business proved profit- able for several years. He engaged in pork packing, which he followed for three years, and which proved quite disastrous to his finances. During the last two years, he has been engaged in the real estate and loan business, in which he has met with fair success. Mr. Walker enjoys a birthright in the Society of Friends. Although holding Re- publican views, he believes in the general circulation of the greenback. He was married, January 5, 1861, to Irene Bitzell, a native of Wayne County, Ind. They have two children-Belle and Nellie.
JOSHUA R. WALKER, capitalist, was born in Union Township, this county,
ATU
الستارة
915
UNION TOWNSHIP.
July 26, 1835. His father was Asa Walker, also a native of Union Township, and a firmer by occupation. He was born April 6, 1812, and died August 11, 1881. Mr. Walker's mother was Sally M. Robinson, a native of Highland County, Ohio, and a daughter of Joshua Robinson, a prominent farmer of that county. She is now residing near Wilmington, with her son Bruce, in the sixty-eighth year of her age. Joshua R. Walker was reared on a farm, receiving a good English education at Earlham College, Richmond, Ind., and subsequently attending the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. He was a farmer till twenty-six years of age, and then engaged in the stock business for two years. He next bought a livery stable at Wilmington, and nine months later a dry goods store at Paintersville, Greene Co., Ohio, in partnership with W. W. Walker. Seven months after, he disposed of his interest to his partner, and was then employed as Assistant Time-keeper in the round-house of the Bellefontaine. & Indian- apolis Railroad, at Galion, Ohio, for some time. He subsequently became fireman, engineer and conductor, running from Galion to Union City, Ind. After two and a half years' "railroading," his healthi failed, and he came back to Wilmington and taught school for some time. He was next engaged in buying and shipping stock to Cincin- nati, and during this time, owned a sale stable at the latter place. In April, 1861, he was the second to volunteer in an independent company, commanded by L. Harris as Second Lieutenant, and after arrival at Columbus was transferred to Company B, Twelfth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Robert B. Harlan, Captain. The original company, commanded by Harris, was the first to volunteer in the State, and as Mr. Walker was second on the roll, he was probably the second volunteer in Ohio. The company went to Baltimore, and were the first troops fired on in that city by the rebel mob. Mr. Walker's health failed him two months after volunteering, and, although he subsequently volunteered twice more, he was each time refused. He organized a home guard at Burtonville, and was Captain of the same during the war. After that terrible conflict, he went to farming and trading again ; he was engaged in the hog trade at Cincinnati some time, and afterward bought a livery stable at Lexington, Highland Co., Ohio; he became the agent of the Adams' Express Company, and was largely instrumental in establishing an express route between Hillsboro and Sabina ; he had charge of the route five years, at the end of which time he went into the hotel business at Lexington ; he was proprietor of the hotel some years, and September 10, 1879, returned once more to Wilmington, where he has since resided. He owns a good farm of 225 acres of land near Greenfield, Ross Co., Ohio. Mr. Walker has been Superintendent of Gates and Roads at the Ohio State Fair for several years past, but during the fair of 1881, at . Columbus, suffered a severe accident from a runaway team, which rendered him uncon- scious for twenty-eight days, and from which he has now recovered. Mr. Walker was made an Odd Fellow in Wilmington, but is a member of Chosen Friend Lodge, at Lex- ington, Ohio. He has a birthright in the Society of Friends, and is a " truc-blue " Republican. Mr. Walker was married, August 26, 1862, to Eliza J. Bankson, a native of this county. Her father, William Bankson, departed this life June 24, 1852, aged fifty- eight years, five months and twenty-nine days. Her mother, Elizabeth Bankson, died April 23, 1874, aged seventy-seven years ten months and ten days. Mrs. Walker . also enjoys a birthright in the Friends' Society.
LEWIS J. WALKER, Wilmington, Mayor of Wilmington and member of the firm of Slone, Walker & Mills, attorneys at law, was born in this county September 2, 1843. His father, William Walker, is a native of Virginia, who came to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1806. He was a farmer by occupation, and located in Union Town- ship, where he still owns a good farm, but resides in Wilmington. Mr. Walker's mother was Rebecca Shields, whose parents came to Ohio from Tennessee. She is also living. Mr. Walker was raised a farmer's boy, and when nineteen years of age com- menced the study of law with Doan & Walker, and was admitted to practice in the spring of 1865. He opened an office in Wilmington, and soon after entered into part- nership with T. O. Hildebrant and F. G. Slone, under the firm name of Hildebrant, Slone & Walker. This partnership was continued for two years. Mr. Walker was then elected Justice of the Peace, serving in that capacity two terms (six years). He
916
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
next practiced his profession alone till the spring of 1876, when Felix G. Slone way admitted as a partner, the firm name being Slone & Walker. In February, 1880, Frank B. Mills was admitted to the firm, and the law firm of Slone, Walker & Mills enjoys a large and lucrative practice. In April, 1880, Mr. Walker was elected Mayor of Wilmington, on the Republican ticket, for a term of two years. He was married, December 20, 1866, to Miss J. Marsh, a native of Clermont County, Ohio, born near Batavia. They have two children-Joseph M. and Wilhelmine M. Mr. Walker and wife are members of the Society of Friends.
H. R. WALKER, Wilmington, dealer in and maker of boots and shoes, East Loeust street, was born at New Antioch, Clinton Co., Ohio, March 3, 1848. His father was Nathan Walker, a native of Kentucky, who was a pioneer settler of the east part of this county. He was a farmer by occupation, and resided in Greene Township till his death, September 1, 1876. Mr. Walker's mother was J. M. Phillips, a native of Kentucky. She departed this life February 8, 1866. Mr. Walker was reared of the farm, and when fifteen years of age was employed as a clerk in a store at New Antioch. He remained in that position five years, and then learned his- present trade with I. M. Shoemaker, now of Sabina. He finished his trade in three years, and then started in business for himself at New Antioch. He remained there till October, 1880, when he removed to Wilmington, and commenced business at his present location. Sinee coming to Wilmington, Mr. Walker has met with, very gratifying success, now employing three men, and doing the largest amount of business in the manufacturing department of any one in the village. Mr. Walker is a faithful adherent to the princi- ples of the Republican party. He was married, in 1873, to Rose, daughter of Rich- ard Vander Vort, of New Antioch. They have one daughter-Maggie, now in attend- ance on the public schools. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Christian Church.
ORLANDO WALKER, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, was born in this township June 3, 1858. His parents were Lewis M. and Mary Ann ,(Moore) Walker, also natives of this eounty. His father died August 25, 1874. Mr. Walker was reared amid rural scenes, and has continued a farmer up to the present time. . His labors in this direction have been abundantly blessed, as he is the owner of 305 acres of good land, and being yet young bids fair to rank among the wealthy citizens of Clinton County. In early life, he ran a road steam thresher, which business proved remunera- tive. Mr. Walker was united in marriage, in 1880, to Eva E. Miars, a native of Union Township, and a daughter of Isaiah and Matilda (Babb) Miars. Mr. Walker is possessed of a kindly nature, a warm heart and is well esteemed for his frank man- ners and genial society.
A. L. WALL, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, was born on the old homestead farm, five miles northwest of Wilmington, August 2, 1809. We insert a brief sketch of his father. Azariah Wall, son of Absalom Wall and Margaret, his wife, of Chester County, Penn., was born September 1, 1772, and died August 29, 1853. And Rebecca Leech, his wife, a daughter of Thomas Leech, and Phebe, his wife, of York County, Penn., was born March 24, 1778, and died October 13, 1837. They were married in York County, Penn., about the year 1795 or 1796, lived in Chester County, Penn:, till the year 1809, and then moved to what is now Clinton County, Ohio. They were parents of six children. Mr. Wall was reared on the old homestead, receiving a good Englishi education in the district schools of the pioneer days of Clinton County. "At the time of his boyhood, this county was in a very wild state, and Mr. Wall participated in the clearing-off of the old farm and others adjoining. He was raised amid rural scenes, and has continued to be an agriculturist through life. He has been very successful financially, now owning 124 acres of well-improved land, valued at a good price. Mr. Wall was one of the Commissioners when the Center Meeting-House Freepike was built. His parents were members of the Society of Friends, and our subject grew up in the faith of that denomination. In early days, he was an Old-Line Whig, but of late years has been a Republican. He was united in marriage, in 1838, to Sarah J. Wiley. Mrs. Wall departed this life in 1848. Mr. Wall has three children-Phebe, wife of Enoch Lundy, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Isaac W., the second
E
D
-
m
917
UNION TOWNSHIP.
child, was born in this county November 21, 1840; he has been a farmer and stock - raiser through life, and now owns 160 acres of good land ; he was married, October 29, 1870, to Ruth B. Lewis, born in this county October 29, 1842; they have three children-Lewis A., born August 18, 1871 ; Josephine A., born December 14, 1873, and Orville, now three years of age; B. Frank, the third child and second son, was born May 28, 1845, and is the owner of 135 acres of land in this township ; he was married, September 19, 1871, to Amy C. Huffman, who was born October 28, 1851 ; they also have three children-Vinnie C., born May 3, 1872 ; Alphonso O., born March 8, 1873, and Zelta V., born March 8, 1875.
JAMES WALLACE, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, was the second son of James and Mary (Buchanan) Wallace. He was born in County Derry, Ireland, June. 10, 1840. He was reared to manhood in Ireland, and emigrated to the United States in May, 1860, and immediately came to Clinton County, where he remained for about two years. In September, 1862, he rallied to the help of liberty, by enlisting in Company C, Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served under Gen. Sherman, and fought in the battles of Chickamauga, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, and Atlanta, where he was detailed as a toamster. Ho was through the Atlanta enin- paign, aud was honorably discharged ut Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865. He then ro- turned homo, and in 1866 settled on his present farm. He was married, September 12, 1861, to Eliza Mooney, by whom he has had six children-Jennie, Clara M., Robert L., Granville, Mabel M. and Charley. Mr. Wallace owns a good farm of 125 acres, and is by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser. His political views are Repub- lican.
LEO WELTZ, nurseryman, P. O. Wilmington, was born in Prussia January 27, 1825. His father was Frederick Weltz, a Professor of Botany, and subsequently in the employ of the Government as a geologist. Mr. Weltz's grandfather was a native of England, and came to Prussia in the eighteenth century, as a Minister to the Ger- man Court. The subject of this notice grew up under the tuition of his father, having the best facilities afforded him for a thorough education. He attended college at Oster- wick and Magdeburg, and subsequently attended lectures on botany, at the University of Heidelburg. While a student there, he assisted in laying out the botanical garden of that institute of learning. Mr. Weltz made the study of landscape gardening a specialty, and subsequently studied in and graduated from the Government Botanical Garden at Berlin. He remained in Government employ some years, and then went to Russia, accepting the position of head gardener to Alexander III, Czar of the Russian. He remained at the Russian Court nineteen years and nine months. Ho was then ro- called to Germany, to serve the five years in the army, compelled by the laws of the country. He fought during the revolution of 1847, and received four medals for mer- itorious conduct on the field of battle. Two of these medals are in the " old country," and two in the possession of Mr. Weltz. One of the latter is of silver, and one of the two accorded to his regiment. Mr. Weltz was Lieutenant of a company of infantry, and received this medal for capturing a battery of guns. The medal draws a pension, which has never been claimed by its owner. After the war, Mr. Weltz took charge of the park at Magdeburg, and subsequently visited the different botanical gardens of Southern Europe. In the meantime, he was a student of Alexander Humboldt, the great explorer and naturalist, and served as his examinator for two or three years. In 1851, Mr. Weltz resigned his situation, which was very pleasant, and came to America, dosiring to live in a country where manners and customs developed moro freely than iu his native land. He located at Huntington, W. Va., where he remained one your. In 1852, he went to Cincinnati, and obtained a position us foreman of the nursery of William E. Mears, of Mt. Washington. Three years later, he started a nursery for himself, at the same point. In the meanwhile, he laid out the grounds of Gov. Salmon P. Chase, Gov. Buchanan, George H. Pendleton and others. In 1857, Mr. Weltz came to Wilmington and laid out Sugar Grove Cemetery, and the year following the' cemeteries at London, Springfield and Martinsville, in this State. In 1859, Mr. Weltz purchased the house and land formerly owned by William Adams, so well known'
MM
-
N
٢
918
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
throughout the Union, in anti-slavery times, and on which he had settled in 180c. The old house is still standing, and is preserved by Mr. Weltz as a relic " of other days." In July, 1860, Mr. Weltz removed his family to his newly acquired purchase, removing his nursery from Mt. Washington. Since then, he has added thirty-eight _ acres to his original purchase, and also owns 238 acres lying on the old Cincinnati pike, and adjoining the corporation. The principal part of the nursery lies on this latter tract, which was formerly the property of Muhlenburg, of Revolutionary war fame. Mr. Woltz has the largest nursery stock in Clinton County, and probably in Southern Ohio. ITis sales are not confined to this county and State, but large ship- ments are made to Indiana and Kentucky, and as far West as the Indian Territory. Mr. Weltz takes special interest in agricultural and horticultural inatters. He has been a member of the County Agricultural and Horticultural Society for twenty years, and of the Fair Association since coming to Wilmington .. In 1875, he was made a member of the State Board of Agriculture, which position he still occupies. On ac- count of being one of its most active and enterprising members, he has twice been sent to represent Ohio in the National Board of Agriculture. Mr. Weltz is an honorary
member of agricultural and horticultural societies of six different States, and was Presi- dent of the Clinton County Association in 1880. Mr. Weltz was President of the Farmers' Institute, of this county, for five years, and has always been one of its ener- getic members. He is also President of Sugar Grove Cemetery. Commission. In 1882, Mr. Weltz was chosen to lay out the grounds and superintend the crection of the Exposition building of the State Fair Association, at Columbus, Ohio. Politically, Mr. Weltz has always been a Republican. He cast his first vote, in this country, for John C. Fremont, in 1856, and "stumped " the State for him in that campaign. Mr. Weltz was united in marriage, March 27, 1853, to Anna Elizabeth Schwalenberger, a native of Bavaria, who accompanied her parents to America in 1841. Of the seven sons born to this union, six are living-Fedor, Trebor, Otto, Frederick, Fremont and Leo. The youngest one, Charles William (named in honor of Prince Charles), is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Weltz are Lutherans, and their children have been baptized in that church.
JOSEPH. H. WEST (deceased). Mr. West was a most prominent attorney of the Clinton County bar for many years. He was born in this county November 22, 1822, and was the second of eleven children of Peyton West and Sarah Hadley. Peyton West was a native of Pittsylvania County, Va., and by occupation a surveyor. In 1807, he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Clinton County, on the East Fork of the Lit- tle Miami River, where he died August 22, 1870. He was identified with the growth of Clinton County, taking a prominent part in all enterprises of public moment. Pey- ton West was one of the first surveyors of Clinton County, discharging the duties of that office for about twenty-five years. For several years he was Collector of Taxes for his county. Sarah (Hadley) West was a native of Guilford County, N. C., and daughter of James Hadley, an early pioneer of Highland County, Ohio, locating there in 1804 .. The subject of this sketch was bred to a life of industry and morality, under the best of home influences. He was employed at farm work until he reached manhood. His education had been so meager that up to this time he could scarcely read. The spur of ambition impelled him to seek means to improve his mind, and fit himself for a life of usefulness. In 1843, he walked barefooted to Wilmington, a dis- tance of twelve miles. Here he attended school for about one year, doing any honest work the while that would enable him to pay his board. He improved his time so well that he secured a teacher's certificate, and immediately took charge of a school in Clin- ton County. He remained in this position, discharging his duty faithfully, reading law and cultiv ing his mind generally, for one year, when he returned to Wilmington and pursue! My studies for six months. In November, 1845, he went to Cincinnati, and forth . hout six months was employed as salesman in a wholesale dry goods house. In 1846, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and started for Mexico. He went with the regiment as far as New Orleans to be mus- tered into the service. In consequence of a disabled shoulder, he was unable to pass
919
UNION TOWNSHIP.
muster, and was therefore honorably discharged. He found himself away from home and without money. He worked his way on a steamboat up to Vicksburg, where he remained a few weeks, and then went up the Yazoo River to engage in lumber rafting. After being thus employed for several months, he landed with his raft at New Orleans; June 29, 1847, en route for home. From New Orleans, he took passage for Cincinnati, where he obtained employment as a salesman in a wholesale grocery house. He re- mained in this situation until November, 1848, when he took a stock of goods and opened a store for his firm at Williamstown, Grant Co., Ky. In this way, he conducted business for the firm until September, 1851, when the latter failed. By the failure of his principals, he lost what money he had, and was obliged to borrow money from a friend in order to reach Martinsville, in this county. In January of 1852, he was em- ployed as the driver of a notion wagon, but one month of such employment sufficed to turn him to other pursuits. In 1853, he located again at Martinsville, and resumed reading law. July 14, 1854, he was admitted to the bar at Xenia, Ohio, and immedi- ately opened a law office at Wilmington. Six months after his admission to the bar, he was engaged as attorney to the Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville Railroad Com- pany, holding that position until 1860. In the meantime, he had been admitted to practice in the United States Courts. In October, 1860, he was elected Probate Judge of Clinton County, and was re-elected in 1863, discharging the duties of that position for about six years. From 1866 to the time of his death, he was actively engaged in the management of a large legal practice. He was an ardent Republican from the organization of that party, and a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1864. He was a man of forcible character, affable demeanor and highly respected by all with whom he had acquaintanceship. September 19, 1850, he married Henrietta Stroud, a native of Williamstown, Grant Co., Ky. Edward J. West, his eldest son, was born at Blanchester, Marion Township, December 8, 1851. "He passed his boy- hood on a farm, and received a liberal education at the Wilmington High School. He commenced reading law at the age of sixteen, and pursued his studies with great dili- gence. For two years he taught school. devoting his leisure hours to his law books. January 29, 1873, he was admitted to the bar. In 1875, he was brought out by his fellow-citizens, and elected Prosecuting Attorney of Clinton County. He has been twice re-elected (third term commencing January 2, 1882), and is probably the young- est man in the State filling such a position. Before he was of age, Mr. West had made a reputation as a newspaper correspondent, and was prominent as a lawyer. He is a member of Royal Arcanum, M. E. Church, and especially known to the people of his county as a vigorous and enthusiastic temperance lecturer and Sunday school worker, having been sent as the representative of Clinton County to the Ohio State Sunday School Conventions of 1872-73-74-75. Mr. West has thus far displayed great energy in the practice of his profession, and his popularity bids fair to rank with that of his revered father. He was united in marriage, January 3, 1878, to Kathe- rine E. Bowshier, a native of Circleville, Ohio. They have two daughters-Winni- fred C. and Kathleen C.
JOHN W. WIRE, proprietor " Buckeye Livery, Feed and Sale Stable," on Locust street, was born three miles south of Wilmington, December 26, 1837. His father, William Wire, was a native of Maryland, and a farmer by occupation. He removed to Warren County, Ohio, about 1830, where he was engaged in tilling the soil until his death in 1853. Mr. Wire's mother was Catherine Potterfield, a native of Virginia. She departed this life in 1874. Mr. Wire grew to manhood on the farm, growing up stout, vigorous, and full of energy and perseverance. In 1863, he concluded to "hoe it " for himself in another place than his native county, and accordingly came to Wil- mington. Seeing a good chance to start in business, he purchased the livery, stock and trade of Smith & Koogle. He immediately commenced businesss, and has continued it to the present time, with but one exception. On May 18, 1875, his barn and con- tents were burned out in the " big fire," Mr. Wire losing all his grain, but no stock nor buggies. He immediately erected his present stable, which is of brick, 32x90 feet in size, and two stories high. It is a model of a stable, and one well adapted to all
920
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
the wants of the trade. Mr. Wire is probably the pioneer liveryman of Wilmington, at the present time (1882), and his affable manners, good accommodations and stable location secure for him " heaps " of custom. He is connected with both the Masonic Lodge and Chapter, and also the Royal Arcanum. Politically, he has firm faith in " that good old Republican party." Mr. Wire was united in marriage, April 19, 1866, to Esther C. Taylor, a native of Greenfield, Highland Co., Ohio. Two children have been sent to bless this union-Minnie L. and Herbert D. Mrs. Wire is a worthy member of the Baptist Church.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.