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 67

Author: Durant, Pliny A. ed; Beers (W.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1410

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 67

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HENRY SPRAY, farmer, P. O. New Burlington. John Spray, grandfather of the subject of our present sketch, was born about the year 1790, in South Carolina. His parents were Samuel and Mary Spray. When he was about thirteen years of age, his parents emigrated from South Carolina to Warren County, Ohio, and located on the little Miami River, near where Waynesville is situated. They remained there about one year, when they removed to Clinton County, and settled about one mile south of where New Burlington is located, in Chester Township. The spot on which they set- tled was, at that time, comparatively a forest, which necessity demanded to be cleared." They endured all the hardships and privations which usually accompany pioncer life. Samuel remained there until his death, which occurred March 20, 1836. His wife died June 18, 1843. On September 30, 1813, John Spray was married to Miss Sarah San- ders, by whom he had nine children, who grew to manhood and womanhood. He served as Trustee for Chester Township several years. He was a member of the Friends' Society, and died June 6, 1853. His wife died July 31, 1840. Jesse, the oldest son of John Spray, was born July 9, 1815 ; he was reared to manhood on :L farm, and received what was considered in his day a fair English education. On' Sep- tember 1, 1836, he married Miss Eunice Stedom, born February 11, 1815, daughter of

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John and Alice Stedom. To them have been born two children, viz., Henry and John (deceased). In 1836, he settled in Greene County, on Anderson's Fork, about one mile northeast of New Burlington, where he lived about fourteen years. He then removed to Clinton County, Chester Township, and settled about two miles nearly south of Now Burlington, where he still resides. He is an ardent member of the Friends' Society. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as Trustee for Chester Township several years. Henry Spray, son of Jesse Spray, and subject of our present sketch, was born November 2, 1839, in what is now known as Spring Valley Township, Greene County. In his youth he was skillfully trained to the pursuits of farming, in which he is at pres- ent successfully engaged. He received a good English education, and, in April, 1863, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Ann McMillan, born Deceni- ber 23, 1843. In 1869, he was elected Treasurer for Chester Township, and. has served in that capacity up to the present time. He is a member of the Friends' Society, and the owner of about two hundred and eight acres of land. This gentleman is well worthy of representation in the history of Clinton County.

NATHAN A. TUCKER, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg, was born January 11, 1827, in Virginia. His parents were George and Sarah Tucker. George was born in 1779 in Frederick County, Md. He was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of an education in a district school. About the year 1814, he married (in Virginia) Miss Sarah Houet, born March 28, 1794, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are still living. In 1832, he emigrated to Perry County, Ohio, and settled on about four hundred acres of land located on Monday Creek, where he remained until . his death, which ocourred in January, 1851. His widow still survives him, now in her eighty-eighth ycar. He was a member of Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he was a Republican, and at one time, a strong Abolitionist. Nathan A. Tucker, the subject of our present sketch, was, like his father, trained to the pursuits of farming. On January 11, 1849, he married Miss Margaret Polnig, born October 18, 1828, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Polnig. This union has been blessed with four chil- dren, viz., John W., Samuel P., Thomas B. and Hollie M. In 1873, Mr. Tucker, with his family, removed from Perry County to Clinton, and settled in the western portion of Chester Township, where he still resides. He enlisted in the Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and served as Commissary Sergeant in Company A. He was engaged in the battles of Winchester, Fisher Hill, Harper's Ferry, the fight at Cedar Creek and various other engagements. He received an honorable discharge in October, 1864. While living in Perry County, ho served as Trustee for Monday Creek Township. In politics, he is a Republican. Ho is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 312, at Harveysburg, and the owner of 188 acres of land.

ELIHU UNDERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg, was born February 17, 1839, in Union Township, Clinton County, Ohio. His parents were Amos and Mary Underwood, who settled in Clinton County at an carly day. He was reared to man- hood on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in a district school. On October 17, 1861, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Hester Kirk, born November 23, 1838. This union has been blessed with five children, four of whom are still living. Mr. Underwood is an agriculturist of inoro than ordinary intelligence, and believes in supporting all projects which would prove of benefit to the county or township in which he resides. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a member of the Friends' Society and the owner of eighty-eight acres of land.

ZEPHANIAH UNDERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Harveysburg. Amos Under- wood, father of the subject of our sketch, was born in York County, Penn. His parents woro Zephaniah and Rebecca Underwood. He was reared on a farm and received the rudiments of education in a district school. He married Miss Mary Shirk, daughter of John and Barbara Shirk, by whom he had eleven children, six of whom aro still living. She died and he was again married to Miss Priscilla Lewis, of High- land County. In the fall of about 1825, he settled in Clinton County, Liberty Town- ship, about three miles south of where Port William at present is located, and remained

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there about three years. In 1828, he bought a farm near his first location, on which he remained until about 1854. Ho then removed to the southwestern portion of Chester Township, to the farm on which his son at present resides, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a member of the Friends' Society, and he died in that faith, Zephaniah, the subject of our present sketch, was born November 10, 1820, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and like his father was reared on a farm. He received but a limited education in early life, but in after years acquired considerable self-culture and education. In December, 1871, he married Miss Matilda J. Downing, by whom he had four children, viz .: Ruth A., Zephaniah, Joseph M. and Olive. Politically, he is a Republican, a member of the Friends' Society and the owner of 360 aeres of land.

JOHN VANDERVORT, deceased, was born June 2, 1813, in Warren County; was the son of Jonah and Elizabeth Vandervort. He was reared to manhood on a farm; re- ceived a good English education, the acquirement of which enabled him to teach school, which be did for several years, both before and after his marriage. On October 20, 1842, he married Miss Martha E. Riley, born November 29, 1824, and daughter of Richard and Sarah Riley. To them have been born eight children, viz., Sarah E. (married Joseph Cashman), Mary E., Amanda (married Alphous King), Ella ( married Sammel IL, Trovillo), Preston, Charles. Emerson and John. Directly after their mar- riago they romovod to a farm about three miles southeast of Harveysburg, where they lived about seven years; then removed to a farm about one and one- halt miles north- east of Now Antioch, where they remained about fifteen years. They then located about two miles southwest of Cuba Village, where they lived several years ; while living here, Mr. Vandervort died, December 17, 1865. He was a kind and loving father, and an indulgent husband. He was successful in business during life, for when he died he was worth about $15,000. A few years after his death the remainder of the family removed to Wilmington, where they lived about five years. They then removed to the western portion of Chester Township, Clinton County, where they still reside ; this removal occurred in September, 1881. Mrs. Vandervort has in her possession 122 acres of land, and is a member of the M. E. Church.

ARCHIBALD VANTRESS (deceased) was born November 18, 1795, in Now 'York State. His parents were William and Mary Vantress. pursuits of farming, which occupation he ever after followed. Ile received an educa-

He was trained to the tion in a district school, and emigrated to Ohio at quite an early day. He was married to Miss Mary Rock hill, born November 7, 1807, and daughter of John and Elizabeth Rockhill, by whom he had seven children, of whom five are still living-Cyrus HI., Henry, Edward, Francis M. and Alfred. To his children he was a kind and loving father, and to his wife an affectionate husband. In politics, he cast, his lot in with the Republican party. His widow still survives him, in her seventy-fifth year.

JAMES WICKERSHAM, farmer, P. O. Gurneyville, was born August 31, 1811, in Clinton County. His parents were Enoch and Margaret Wickersham. Enoch Wickersham was born August 13, 1778, in Pennsylvania, and was the son of James and Sarah Wickersham. He was reared on a farm, and received but a limited educa- tion. In 1806, he emigrated to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled on a farm of about 200 acres in the woods. He, like the most of our pioneers, endured a great many

hardships and privations. He married Miss Margaret Stout, by whom he had nine died November 8, 1862. His wife died in 1879, having reached the age of ninety

children, of whom six aro still living. He was a member of the Friends' Society, and years. James Wickersham was reared to manhood on a farm, and received but a lim- ited education. In May, 1835, he married Miss Laura Conger, born March 12, 1812, and daughter of Joseph and Amy Conger. This uniou has been blessed with seven children, three of whom are still living-Joseph C., Enoch and Pierce H. About the the year 1838, he removed to Grant County, Ind., where he lived about sixteen years. In 1854, he removed back to Clinton County, Ohio, and settled in Chester Township, near where he at present is located. He has served as Trustee for Chester Township, and is the owner of about fifty-seven acres of land.

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JAMES WILLIAMS, farmer, P. O. Oakland, was born March 6, 1834, in Mon- mouthshire, England. His parents are William and Sarah Williams. William Williams was born October 29, 1797, in Monmouthshire, England. When about four- teen years of age, his father died, and the support of his mother henceforth devolved upon him. On June 7, 1827, he married Miss Sarah Lewis, by whom he had seven children, six of whom are still living-John, William, James, Edward, Richard and Thomas. In the year 1849, they left the shores of England, and sailed for America. After landing at Philadelphia, they proceeded to Sharonville, Hamilton County, where they remained about four years. They then removed to Clinton County, Chester Township, and settled on a farm of about 226 acres, near Oakland. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and departed this life April 2, 1877. His widow survives him, now in her eighty-fifth year. James Williams, the subject of our sketch, was reared to manhood on a farm, and received a good English education. On November 4, 1863, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Jane Haines. To them have been born three children-Wilbur H., and two deceased. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican, and the owner of 185 acres of land.

CLARK TOWNSHIP.

PLEASANT BETTERTON, farmer, youngest son of Joshua and Mary (West) Betterton, was born in the township of his residence December 24, 1830. His parents were natives of Campbell County, Va. His father was born October 8, 1771, and his mother in 1791. They were married in the " Old Dominion," and migrated to Clinton County in 1812, and first settled at Snow Hill, where they resided till 1813, when Mr. Betterton purchased 300 aeres, a part of which comprises the present homestead. He settled on it about the same time. Mr. Betterton was a carpenter and millwright by trade, and followed it a good portion of his life. He built one of the large mills at Lynchburg, Va., and, after coming to this county, aided in the ercetion of two mills- one on the " Old Haworth farm," and one for Aaron Ruse, on the East Fork. Mr. Betterton was prominently connected with all the early improvements of Clark. Ho departed this life October 3, 1834, and Mrs. B. died December 5, 1875, at the ripe age of eighty-four years. Mr. B.'s father, William Betterton, was a witness to the notod " Wyoming massacre," and saw his father and family cruelly murdered, while he and only one brother escaped the wrath of the uncouth savages. He also participated in the struggle for our national independence. Mr. Betterton, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on his father's farm. From 1856 to 1868, he was en- gaged in railroading on the M. & C. R. R., and since has followed the pursuits of farm- ing. April 26, 1858, he was joined in marriage to Miss Hannah A. Jackson, daugh- ter of Josiah and Ruth Jackson. This union was blest with six children ; of these four are living, viz., Flora, William, Walter and Mary. Charlie and Melinda are deceased. Mr. Betterton is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and in politics is a Repub- Jican. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Clark Township for ten years. He was Land Assessor in 1870. In June, 1861, he was appointed Deputy United States Marshal by President Lincoln, and sorved for the term of nine years. He owns a well-enltivated farm of 136 acres, and is by occupation n farmer.

CHRISTOPHER C. BETTS (deceased ) was born in Grayson County, Va., May 30, 1813. He was a son of Aaron and Anna (Hunt) Betts, the former a native of' Bucks County, Penn., and the latter of North Carolina. They came to Clinton County in the year 1815, and settled one mile west of Martinsville where Mr. Betts purchased a large tract of land from the original survey. Subsequently he bought eighty acres of land, a part of which forins a portion of the present homestead now occupied by the widow of C. C. Betts. In 1836, he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness with his sons under the firm name of A. Betts & Sons. In 1838, the firm changed to C. C. Betts & Lazonby, who did business together until 1849, when the

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latter withdrew and David Sanders entered as a partner. This company, C. C. Betts & Co., continued merchandising till 1860, when Sanders retired and James Hunt became a member of the firm, continuing together till 1864, when the firm dissolved, and Mr. Betts retired from mercantile pursuits and followed farming up to his death, which occurred October 14, 1870. Mr. Betts was for many years prominently connected with all the secular, religions and educational interests of Martinsville. He was largely in- strumental in securing to Martin -ville the present schoolhouse as well as the schos! itself, which has so eminently proved a useful institution of learning, and for which Mr. Betts deserves the highest credit. He served his township in various official rela- tions and was a citizen of unsurpassed public enterprise. He was married September 30, 1835, to Miss Lydia Huff, the youngest child of a family of ten children of Danici

and Sarah (Burnside ) Huff. Mrs. Betts is a native of Highland County, Ohio, where she was born February 28, 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Betts were blessed with eleven chil- dren, ten of whom are living, as follows : Madison, born February 13, 1837, Cashier of Clinton County National Bank ; Rebecca A., born August 24, 1838, wife of George Janney ; James E., born March 14, 1842; Aaron Homer, born February 6, 1845 : Martha E., born January 25, 1847; Rachel A., born June 13, 1849, wife of Jasper Axline ; Mary O., born November 16, 1851, wife of Jefferson Mckibben; Daniel W., born January 7, 1854; Lydia L., born March 23, 1856; Susan, born April 8, 1858; Sarah E., born March 26, 1840, and died July 27, 1840.

CHRISTIAN F. BROCKMAN, farmer, P. O. Lynchburg, a highly cultured and esteemed German, residing in Clark Township, near Lynchburg, was bora in Hanover. Germany, November 10, 1814. He is a son of Ernest and Catherine (El. brecht) Brockman, deceased. Mr. Brockman was reared in Hanover, and received the rudiments of his education in the schools of that place. At the age of sixteen, he com- menced and served an apprenticeship of four years at watchmaking. He pursued his trade in the town of Osnabruck two years, then emigrated to America and settled in Georgetown, D. C., where he was employed in his trade three years. He then removed to the Queen City, and, after working at his trade for a Mr. Joseph two years,. he opened a shop of his own and followed that business up to 1860, when he moved to hiv present farm. It contains 115 acres of well-improved land, and is adorned with a may- nificent two-story brick residence, erected at a cost of $3,000. Mr. Broekman cele- brated his marriage, November, 1841, with Miss Margaret Nawerth, a native of Bavaria, born December 6, 1823, and a daughter of John A. and Rachel Nawerth, who emigrated to the United States in 1832. This union was blessed with nine children . of these six are living, viz., Catharine; Louisa, wife of Frank Specs; Anna Amelia, wife of Frank Park ; Emma, wife of Frank M. Evans ; Anna, Ernstine and Alice. Mar- garet, Doretta and Rachel are deceased. In 1850, Mr. Brockman's parents emigrated to America. They were both in the eighty-second year of their age, and, after a toil- some voyage of fifteen weeks, Mrs. Brockman arrived at Cincinnati; Mr. Brockman died on the boat near Louisville from cholera, which was then prevalent. Mr. Brock- man, our subject, is the youngest of a family of four children. He is a genial, hospit- able man, and has many friends. He and wife and family are members of the Lutheran Church.

GEORGE BROWN, farmer, . P. O. Martinsville, son of David and Rebecca Brown, was born in Washington Township October 1, 1841. He passed his youth: and early manhood on his father's farm. August, 1863, he rallied to his country's call, and enlisted in Company A, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and rendered worthy serv- ice in the Army of the Potomac; he participated in the battle of Cleveland, Tenn., and also in a number of minor battles ; he was engaged principally on guard duty on Nash- ville & Chattanooga Railroad; he was honorably mustered out at the close of the war, and returned home and resumed farming. For the last two years, he has been engaged extensively in buying and shipping hogs. Mr. Brown was married, August, 1873, to Emma E. Hayes, a native of Washington Township, born May 31, 1846, and a daugh- ter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Hayes. This union was given two children-Hester E. and Iva L. Mr. Brown and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr.

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Brown's political doctrines and principles are Democratic. He owns a farm of 103 agres in Washington Township, well improved, and under a good state of cultivation. JOHN CARMAN, M. D., Martinsville, was born near Port William, September 23. 1821. His parents, James and Rosanna Carman, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. His father's parents came to Clinton County in 1801, while Ohio was under a territorial government. They located near Sabina, where they re- .led till 1825, when they removed to Warren County, which was their place of resi- dance till 1839, when they returned to Clinton County. Dr. Carman passed his early life on a farm, and followed its pursuits up to 1819, when he chose the profession of medicine. He read with Dr. J. C. Thomas, of Covington, Ky., for three years, and re- turned to Hamilton County, Ohio. He attended the Eclectic Medical College, of Cin- innati, Ohio, and graduated with honors, February 24, 1854. He then established Fitaself at Waynesville, Warren County, where he practiced with success till January 15, !- 55, when he removed to Martinsville. He built up a lucrative practice, which re- rived his efficient services with marked success up to within a few years, when he par- tially retired from the field of practice. In 1868, he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness. which he carried on till October, 1874. September 15, 1847, he was united in inarriage with Miss Margaret Moon, a daughter of Joseph R. and Eleanor Moon, two sorthy old pioneers of Clinton County. Mrs. Carman was born in Clark Township, July 14, 1828. Dr. Carman and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and society of I. O. O. F., of which he is a Past Grand. In politics, he is an adherent to Republican doctrines and principles. Dr. Carman is a gentleman of honor and principle, and bears the esteem of his community. He owns a farm in Perry Township, Brown Co., and another one in Iroquois County, Ill. Of late, his attention has been given to farming and rearing stock.

S. CHAPMAN, M. D., Martinsville, was born in Highland County, Ohio, March 13, 1842. He is a son of Isaac and Mary Chapman. He received his classical educa- tion in the Hillsboro Academy, and followed . teaching from 1859 to 1863. The latter year, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Noble, of Sugar Tree Ridge, and re- inained under his instructions three years. September 29, 1864, he enlisted in Com- pany H, One Hundred and Seventy-eight Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served under Gen. Thomas, and participated in the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville, and a number of minor engagements. He was discharged, June 19, 1865, on account of disability. He then returned home and resumed his medical studies. He graduated from the Starling Medical College of Columbus, March 4, 1867, and first entered on the duties of his profession at North Liberty, where he practiced about seven years. In 1875, he resumed practice in Danville, Ohio, where he remained till March, 1881, when he came to Martinsville, where he is establishing a good business. January 14, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Hamilton, daughter of Norval Hamilton, and a native of Knox County, Ohio, where she was born, December 13, 1840. They have two children-Wenona Gertrude and Ogden Doremus. Dr. Chapman and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is connected with the Masonic Order and I. O. O. F.

LARKIN CLELAND, senior member of the firm of Cleland & Hunt, bankers and merchants, Martinsville, was born in Warren County, December 19, 1832. At an early age his parents, James and Phebe ( Brown) Cleland, removed to Marion Town- ship, this county, where he was reared till eighteen years of age, when he went to Blan- chester, and served an apprenticeship of three years at blacksmithing, for which he received $30, $40 and $50 per year, respectively. After pursuing his trade there seven years, he removed to Cuba, and in 1864, to Washington Township, where he farmed till 1866, when he came to Martinsville and engaged in the mercantile trade with S. T. Moon. They continued together till October, 1867, when the firm dissolved, and Mr. Cleland became a partner with M. L. Hunt in the mercantile business, and in the bank- ing business, in the Farmer's Bank, in August, 1873. Mr. Cleland's foresight, judg- ment and energy, has rendered him successful as a mechanic, farmer, merchant and banker, and while he has acquired good property, it can truthfully be said that it all

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was honorably obtained. Mr. Cleland was married, August 26, 1852, to Melcena Mitchell, a daughter of Samuel and Charlotte Mitchell. Mrs. Cleland was born in Washington Township, December 13, 1833. This union was blest with four children ; of these, two are living, viz. : Phebe, wife of J. F. Mckibben, and Nancy J., wife of Charles Rannels. Charlotte, deceased, was born August 30, 1853, and died, June 20, 1874; and Henry, deceased, was born April 6, 1855, and met his death from hydrogen gas in a well, August 16, 1878. Mr. Cleland is a member of the Friends' Church, and also of the I. O. O. F., of which he has served as Treasurer nine years. He was a meni- ber of the Board of Education for thirteen years. He owns four houses and four lot-, and one-half interest in two business houses in Martinsville.

WILLIAM CONNELL, farmer, P. O. Lynchburg, was born in Clark Township May 16, 1816. His parents, Hiram and Nancy (Wood), were natives of Fayette and Greene Counties, Penn. They were married and came to this county in 1814, and ser- tled on the farm now occupied by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Connell, after expend. ing much labor upon this farm, died October, 1856, aged eighty years. Mrs. Connell departed this life in May of the same year. William is the second son and fourth chill of a family of eight children, of whom four are living. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and has always followed that avocation. He was married March 19, 1840, to Lucinda Shields, born in Clinton County, December 23, 1819, and a daughter of William and Hannah ( Fraizer) Shields. Of the six children this union produced, three are living, viz. : Rebecca H., born June 19, 1845, wife of Joshua B. Garner ; Lewis W., born December 10, 1848, and married Miss Catharine Jones ; and Warren J., born January 7, 1857. John M., born October 25, 1841, died November 5, 1861; Hiram, born September 21, 1850, died May 13, 1864, and Martha J., born November 12, 1854, and died August 14, 1876. Mrs. Connell is a member of the Society of Friends, and Mr. Connell is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He owns a farmi of seventy-five acres of well-improved land, and pursues agriculture and stock-raising.

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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 67

Author: Durant, Pliny A. ed; Beers (W.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : W. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1410

Author: Durant, Pliny A. ed; Beers (W.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1410