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 95

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 95

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).

S. PLYMIRE, of the firm of Plymire & Bro., dealers in lumber. This enter- prising and successful young business man is a native of this county, in which he was born, in the year 1850. Is a son of John Plymire, whose sketch appears above. He was reared to farm pursuits, and remained with his parents until of age, at which time he went to Illinois, and while there began working at the carpenter trade. A severe spell of sickness prostrating him, he was obliged to return to his former home; he was engaged in selling sewing machines for one year, after which he resumed the work of his trade, which he has followed ever since, doing a regular contract business. He was married in 1875 to Miss Anna E., the daughter of Levi and Lucy Rice, of Fayette County, Ohio, by whom he has had one child, viz., Lucy F. "Mr. P. is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the Sabina Lodge, which he joined in 1874. He and his amiable wife enjoy membership and good standing in the Methodist Protestant Church. J. B. Plymire, his brother and partner, was born in the county in 1854. Like his brother Samuel, he was reared upon the farm, which he followed uninterruptedly until going into business with his brother. He was married in 1881 to Miss Josie Magnett.

JOSEPH RAPP (deceased) was born in Baden, Germany, January 31, 1815, and emigrated to America in 1835. He was a clock-maker by trade, and after arriv. ing in this country he located in Cincinnati, where he followed that occupation five years. In 1840, he moved to Wilmington, and in 1844 to Sabina, starting a hotel iu the latter place, and remaining there until his death, December 29, 1874. In 1811, he married Catharine Dahl, a daughter of Wiley and Barbara (Bohl) Dahl, by whom he had ten children, viz .: Anthony, Sarah, Mary, Josephine, Autha, George, John, Callie (deceased), Alice, Kate. Mr. Rapp was a man of strict business habit., unquestioned integrity, and great liberality. He kept the hotel, in Sabina (where his

0 %h

1109

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.

wife and children continue) for the last thirty years of his life, and was one of the most popular landlords in the State. He was one of the originators and a charter member of Sabina Lodge, No. 324, F. & A. M., which was instituted in his house, , and for many years continued to meet there. His death was deeply deplored by all who knew him.

WILLIAM REED, farmer, P. O. Sabina, was born in Wayne Township, in the year 1819, and is a son of David and Hannah Reed. The Reed family came from Kentucky, and located in this county in 1804, purchased at the time 100 acres of land, on which they made permaneut homes. Reed, grandfather to our subject, had four children, viz .: Jane, Samuel, James and David, all deceased. David was married to Hannah, the daughter of William Daugherty, an old settler of Irish descent. After this marriage he purchased land in Wayne Township, for which he paid 84 per acre, on which he lived and died. Four children were born to them that grew to maturity; viz .: Alfred, William, James and Elizabeth ; William alone survives. Mr. Reed died at his home in 1855, aged about sixty-eight years ; his wife died in 1866, at the age of seventy years. Mr. R. was an energetic and successful man, and during his life accumulated a good property. Our subject remained on the farm with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated in 1842 (May 19), with Miss Rachel Carver. After the event of his marriage he purchased 150 acres of land where he now lives, and at present owns 540 acres of the best improved and drained land in the township. During the years of 1867 and 1868, he erected an elegant brick residence, which is a model house in every respect. To him were born eleven children, six of whom are living, viz .: David, Amos, Hannah J., Wilmer, Loemma and Elmer. The deceased were Levi, Mary E., Eli C., Martha A. and Mary E. Mrs. Reed died April 7, 1881, was born in Pennsylvania, October 25, 1822.

WILLIAM C. REED, farmer, P. O. Reesville, is a son of Samuel P. Reed, who was born in Richland Township in 1815. He (Samuel P.) was a son of Samuel Reed, one of the first settlers in Champaign County. He was brought up on the farm, and in younger days was largely engaged in buying and driving stock in connection with his other brothers. He was married to Nancy Custis, and soon after settled on the old Reed homestead. He was given by his father 150 acres of land, to which he added other land, owning at one time 360 acres. After the event of his marriage, he followed teaching during the winter months ; was represented in some of the minor offices of the township, yet he was a man devoid of political aspirations. In his business he was successful, and his labors resulted in the accumulation of a large property. The fol- lowing children were born to them, all living, viz., William C., Elizabeth E., Crispin, Sarah E., Henry B., Mary M., Maria J. Mr. Reed died November 25, 1859. Mrs. Reed departed this life March 16, 1875, aged fifty-two years. Their son William C. en- listed in 1862 in Company G, Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He saw much active service and passed through twelve of the hard-fought battles of the war, among which we mention Resaca, Altoona Pass, Pine Knob, and all the battles in and around At- lanta, Bentonville, Averysboro, and was with Gen. Sherman in his memorable march to the sea ; was discharged in 1865. He (William C.) was born in 1840, was reared on the farm, and upon returning from the war settled in Sabina and became engaged in the drug and clothing business for four years, when he sold out and returned to the farm. In 1871, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Hulse, by whom he had two chil- dren. He owns 160 acres of land which is a well kept farm. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Paul and Mary J. (Lyon) Hulse, parents of Mrs. Reed, were born in this county ; he in Greene Township in 1826, and was a son of Paul, Sr., and Elizabeth (Roberts) Hulse. He (Paul, Sr.) was from the " Blue Lick," in Kentucky, and she was from near Washington, D. C. Paul, Jr .. lived and died on the farm where he was born. During his life, he had been identified with all the offices of the township, and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died in 1869. To them were born eleven children, ten of whom are liv- ing., Sarah, John, Squire, Martha, Oscar, Richard, Lillie, Charles, Jennie and Reed ; Elmer, deceased.

---

1110

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

H. B. REED, farmer and dealer in stock, P. O. Sabina, is a son of Samuel and Naney (Custis) Reed, and was born in Richland Township January 9, 1846, and is the fourth of seven children. (Sce sketch William C. Reed.) When sixteen years of age, our subject was brought face to face with the realities of life, having at that time lost his father by death. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in handling stock, he has proved himself one of the most judicious and extensive buyers in the county. He is mueh interested in the fairs of the county, and four years in the past has been President and Director. In public improvement, he takes an active part ; a worker in temperanee reform and Sabbath sehools, and an acceptable member of the Methodist Protestant Chureh.

ELIAS ROBERDS, farmer, P. O. Sabina, is the oldest living native-born citizen of Clinton County, Ohio. Was born in Union Township, February 5, 1807, and is a son of Joseph and Anna (Randall) Roberds, who settled in the above town- ship in 1804. They were natives of North Carolina, but had lived in Virginia pre- vious to eoming to Ohio. Eight children accompanied their parents, viz .: Mary, Martha, William, Nancy, Sallie, Lydia, Joseph and Betsey. He purchased a piece of land, which he afterward lost on account of a defective title. He then came to Richland Township and bought land which he eleared up and lived on until between 1830 and 1835, when he removed to Grant County, Ind., where he lived till his death. He served his (this) county in the capacity two terms as Commissioner of the same, and in the township represented the offices of Justice of the Peace, Tax Collector and Trustee. He was a man generous to a fault, upright in all his dealings, and a zealous worker in the affairs of the church, a conscientious, serupulous Christian gentleman. Seven children were born in this county, viz .: Phœba, Elias, Thomas, (one name not given ), Phineas, Rachel and Benjamin. Of his children, only Thomas and Elias survive. He died in his Indiana home about 1870, at the remarkable age of ninety-eight years Ilis wife died previously, aged upward of eighty years. Our subjeet was reared on a farm, and in manner common with pioneer boys, receiving but a limited education. Remained with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated when he was twenty years old, be- ginning life for himself on rented land, and purchased a farm at $1.25 per acre on · eredit. The land he purchased was eleared up by himself, and he has since added to the original purchase, until now he owns 350 acres of well-improved land. As Com- missioner of the county, he served three years, but has never had any aspirations for offiee. Is a Republican in politics, an untiring worker in the party, and a man of 'great public spirit, never refusing to give support to any charitable and worthy enter- prise of merit. In 1826, he was married to Elizabeth Bennett, of this county, by whom he has had ten children, nine of whom are living, viz .: Elijah, James, Calvin, Morgan, Isaac, Emily, Jemima, Lavina and Almira; Keziah, deceased. Mrs. R. died in 1845. His second marriage was celebrated with Lavina Plymire in 1846. Mr. Roberds is a man well preserved mentally and physically, for one of his age and bids fair to live for years to come, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his labors.

ISAAC ROBERDS, merchant, Sabina. The subject of this memoir is a native- born eitizen of this township in which he lives, and is a son of Elias Roberds, an early · settler in Clinton County. Our subjeet was reared on the farm, and the district schools afforded him his only advantage for an education. At the age of twenty-six, he abandoned the labors of the farm, and came to Sabina, where he obtained employ. ment in a store as salesman. After an experience of two years as such, entered into a copartnership with H. H. Thorp, and together they did business from 1861 to 1866, at which latter date he sold his interest and removed to Ogden, where he operated a store and was railroad agent, express agent and Postmaster, until January, 1874, at which time he returned to his old stand in Sabina, where he is now selling goods. In 1861, he was married to Miss Maggie, a daughter of John Darbyshire. To this union five children have been born, three of whom are living, viz .: Claudie, Nettie and Cliffie ; John W. and Walter, deceased.

C. M. ROBINS, tinsmith and City Marshal, Sabina, was born in Ross County Ohio, in the year 1844, and is a son of Jesse Robins, who was born in the above

---

OLEL

1111

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.

county. C. M. was reared to his trade in Greenfield, Ohio, where he labored for some years. In 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was annexed to the Second Brigade, Second Division and Sixteenth Army Corps, and afterward was transferred to the Fifteenth Corps. He saw active service throughout the entire war, and participated in some of the hardest fought battles of the war; he veteranized in 1864, and was discharged in 1865. In June, 1879, he lo- cated in Sabina, where he has since plied his trade. He is a member of the F. & A. M., Sabina Lodge, No. 324. In 1880, was elected City Marshal, and is the present incumbent. December 15, 1869, he was married to Mary E., daughter of E. Pratt, of Ross County, Ohio, who has borne him two children, viz., Hattie B. and William E.

P. H. ROBINSON, retired druggist, Sabina. Among the agreeable, refined and courteous gentlemen that represent the business interests of Sabina, none are entitled to a higher rank in the social and generous light, than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is a native-born citizen of the county, in which he was born in 1847, and is a son of Joseph Robinson, an old settler. The days of his boyhood were passed upon the farm, the country schools affording him the advantages of a rudimentary edu- cation. This he developed by close application of his mind to study for two terms at the Lebanon Normal School, which resulted in making him the possessor of a practical business education. Upon attaining his majority, he went to Lincoln, Neb., and dur- ing the years 1869-70, found agreeable employment in the Government Land Office, in the above place. In 1876, he located in Sabina, and in partnership with J. D. Haney, founded the business of the present drug house of Hall & Hinkson. For one year following this, he conducted the affairs of the house as manager, when Mr. H. retired, and he carried on the business individually until he sold to Messrs. Hall & Hinkson. He is a worthy and honorable member of Sabina Lodge, No. 324, of Free and Accepted Masons ; was married in 1875, to Miss Mina, the accomplished daughter of Will- iam Wilson, who has borne him two children, viz., Evaline and Pearl.

JOSEPH ROBUCK, Postmaster and dealer in dry goods and groceries, Rees- ville, was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1815, and is a son of Aaron Robuck, a native of Kentucky, who settled in Adams County in a very early day, and previous to the organization of the county. Our subject was brought up on the farm, and in his native county, where he resided till of age. In 1838, he went to Fayette County, Ohio, where he resided until 1865, at which time he came to Clinton County. In 1870, he located in Reesville, and the following January opened a general store, and has since - catered to the wants of the buying public. In 1879, he was appointed Postmaster of Reesville, during President Hayes' administration. Since residing in this township, he has served two terms as Justice of the Peace, and during his residence in Fayette County was Justice six years, Trustee five years, and Constable three years. June 5, 1838, he was married to Miss Mary A. Williams, of Fayette County, Ohio. Ten chil- dren have been born to them, five of whom are living, viz., James, Martha, Mary, Charley and Callic. The deceased are Magdalene, Elizabeth, Thomas and an infant. . His sons James and Thomas were members of Company D, of the Forty-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted in 1861. Thomas died from sickness just after the battle of Shiloh, in 1862. James served his country faithfully, and was discharged at the close of the war. Mrs. Robuck departed this life January 15, 1877, at the age of fifty-six years.

C. RHONEMUS, JR., capitalist, P. O. Reesville. Among the enterprising, suc- cessful and "go-ahead " citizens of Clinton County, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch stands prominently to the front; he was born in Wayne Township, this county, in the year 1835, and is a son of C. Rhonemus, Sr., an old settler in the county. Up to the age of maturity, our subject resided on the farm, at which time he went into business with his father, and together they dealt in land, and did a general mercantile business until 1876. In 1858, he came to Reesville, where he has since resided, and plied his energies in pushing business in almost every avenue of trade. At present, he owns 675 acres of land in the county, and is one of the principal stockholders of the "Sabina Fair"-he with Mr. Sellars owning 150 of the 180 shares. In 1857, he was

二

ali ni came

1112

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

married to Miss Sophronia, the daughter of Stephen Custis, by whom he had seven children, six of whom are living, viz .: Mattie, Lizzie, John, Stephen, Sophronia and Jimmie B .- Ollie, deceased. Mrs. R. died in September, 1880.

W. H. SANDERS, editor Sabina News, Sabina.

ALEXANDER SELLARS, farmer, P. O. Reesville. Mr. Sellars ranks high among the enterprising and successful business men of Clinton County. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, in the year 1829, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Mor- ton) Sellars, who settled in Greene County in an carly day. He was reared on the farm, and in the district schools obtained only a common education. In 1862, he re- moved from Greene County to Reesville, where he has since resided. He purchased land, and also operated a saw mill in Reesville. He has succeeded admirably in busi- ness, and at present owns 300 acres of land in Clinton County, and 190 more near Xenia. He was married in 1852, to Miss Sarah D., daughter of Edward Spahr, of Greene County, Ohio. He is one of the principal stockholders of the Sabina Fair, an institution that has gained considerable notoriety, and even outranks all neighboring organizations of that character.

J. L. SPENCER, farmer, P. O. Sabina, was born in Richland Township, this county, in the year 1856, and is a son of Lewis C. Spencer, of whom mention is made in this work. Our subject was reared to farm pursuits, and in the district schools re- ceived a good common education. He was married, in 1881, to Miss Virginia P., the daughter of Levi and Lucy Rice, of Fayette County, Ohio. Margaret A. Worth- ington, the mother of our subject, was born in this county August 13, 1832, and is a daughter of David and Magdalene Perringer, who were parents of five children, viz., Margaret A., John L., Francis M., Martha J. and Virginia. The eldest was married to Lewis C. Spencer February 14, 1851, by whom she had two children, viz., David J. and John L. Mr. S. died March 5, 1857. November 4, 1859, she was married to Thomas Worthington, by whom she had two children, viz., Joseph B. and Harriet E. In 1870, she settled in this township, where she has since resided. She has been a member of the Methodist Protestant Church since 1868, and is an exemplary Chris- tian lady. She possesses a meek and quiet temperament, charitable and obliging, and is highly respected by all who know her. Her father was born in Virginia in 1806. and was married to Magdalene Harvey, of the same State, in 1831. She was born in 1811. They settled in Ohio in 1831.

SAMUEL SPURGEON (deceased) was a son of Ezekiel and Martha J. Spur- geon, natives of Kentucky, who settled in Richland Township, near and east of Rees- ville, in the year 1808. Ezekiel died where he first settled, May 14, 1838, aged about seventy years. His wife died May 27, 1840, aged sixty-three years. Seven children were born to them, viz., William, Rebecca, Nancy, James, John," Samuel and Jesse. Their children all married here, and James, Samuel and Jesse died here. Ezekiel and his wife were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were very worthy people. Samuel, our subject, was married to Ann R., the daughter of James and Catherine Wherry, of Clinton County, June 6, 1803. He located where his son and daughters now reside, where he died January 18, 1880. His wife departed this life November 21, 1876. She was born in November, 1810. To them were born ten . children, viz., Susana, Mary A., James E. (deceased), Emily, Alexander (deceased). Evaline, an infant son, Lydia J., Moses F. and Elizabeth A. He (Samuel) was a successful farmer, and a man who was universally respected by all who knew him. His children that are living all reside on the old home farm, and are respected and well-to- do citizens.

J. W. SPURGEON, farmer, P. O. Sabina, is the eldest of twelve children born to John and Anna (Ditmers) Spurgeon. He (John) was the fifth son of seven children born to Ezekiel and Martha (Willison) Spurgeon, natives of Pennsylvania, of English parentage. They were married in 1792, and one year after the birth of William, who was born in 1795, they settled in Kentucky. He was a famous hunter, and in an en- counter with a bear lost an eye. He was a brave and fearless man, and a terror to the red man. After the birth of his daughter Rebecca, in 1797, he removed to Adams

1113

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.

County, Ohio, when the following children were born to them, viz .: Nancy A., in 1799; James, in 1800; John, in 1802; and Samuel, in 1805. In 1808, he came to this county and bought land, and erected a horse grist-mill, the first in this section. Jesse, the youngest son, was born in 1812. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and preaching was often held in their house. He died May 14, 1838, aged seventy years ; she died May. 27, 1840, aged sixty-three years. John, the father of the present subject, married Ann Ditmers, February 2, 1825. She was the daughter of Abraham and Gitty (Voorhes) Ditmers, and was born in New Jersey in 1810. To them were born twelve children, viz., James W., Samuel, Matilda, Mary A., Malinda M., Abraham, Martha E., Gitty A:, Sarah J., Lucinda, Charles M. and John L .; all were born in this township. He (John) resided here until 1851, when he removed to Iowa, where he died July 22, 1880; his wife died January 9, 1881. James W. Spurgeon was born January 3, 1826, and has always resided in the township, having voted at every important election since becoming of age. When twenty-one years old, he began to learn the smith's trade, which he followed for thirteen years. In Jan- uary, 1853, he was married to Mary L., the daughter of John Hinkson, by whom he had one child, viz., Jesse A., born September 30, 1853. Mrs. Spurgeon died October 3, 1853. He married, for his second wife, Harriet E., the daughter of John Lyon, February 14, 1856. To them have been born the following children, viz., Mary A., died in infancy ; Ella, born October 12, 1858; Minnie, born April 3, 1867 ; John J., born January 1, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Spurgeon have been connected with the Method- ist Protestant Church for eighteen years, and are zealous workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

JAMES L. STEVENSON, farmer, P. O. Reesville, was born in Allegheny County, Penn., in 1846, December 3, and is a son of Samuel Stevenson, a native of the same county, where he yet resides, in which the family for two generations have lived, originally coming from Ireland. Our subject was raised on the farm, and resided in his native county till 1876, when he came to this county and purchased eighty-five acres of land in Richland Township, on which he lived till 1881, when he went to Tex- as, and, not liking the country, returned immediately to Clinton County and pur- chased one hundred aeres, where he now resides, which is well improved and in good cultivation. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Mary E. McBride, of Allegheny Coun- ty, Penn., by whom he has has had five children, viz., Olive B., Samuel W., Alpha M., Mary L. and James E. Mr. Stevenson is a member of the Sabina Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 501.

J. T. SYLVESTER, clothier, Sabina. The subject of this biographical sketch, was born in Indiana in the year 1846, and is a son of John W. Sylvester, a native of Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native State, when he received a good common school education. After attaining his majority, he began clerking in a clothing store in Centerville, Ind., in which he was employed for some years. He was afterward engaged in Vienna and Circleville, and was clerking all the time, with the exception of a short time he was at the carpenter trade. In 1878, he came to Sabina' and opened up a clothing store, which he is now operating, carrying an excellent stock of everything in the gents' furnishing line. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Eliza Johnson, of Highland County, Ohio. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Sabina.

H. H. THORP, merchant, Sabina. The above gentleman is one of the native- born citizens of Clinton County, and his social and business standing in his town are too well known to need any comments by the writer here. He was born in Wilson Town- ship in 1832, and is a son of Joshua and Nancy Thorp, who came from Virginia to this county in 1832. H. H. Thorp was reared on the farm, receiving the rudiments of his education in the district schools, which was developed by a short course of study in the Delaware College. With these he fitted himself to teach, a profession he very suc- cessfully followed for about six years, twenty-one months of which time he labored in the public school of Sabina. In 1857, he abandoned the calling of teaching, and entered the employment of Jabob Theobald as a salesman in a mercantile house, in whose

1114

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

employment he was three years, after which he and his brother, R. T. Thorp, purchased a general store in Jeffersonville, Ohio, in which they together did business for two years, and at the expiration of that time he returned to Sabina, and again entered the employ of Mr. Theobald, for whom he worked another two years, after which he, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Isaac Roberds, purchased a stock of goods, and after three years of successful trading, purchased Mr. R.'s interest, and for one year conducted the business alone, and then sold to William Custis & Bro. In 1870, he began business at his present stand, where he has since catered to the wants of his numerous customers. He is a charter member of the Order of Odd Fellows, Sabina Lodge, No. 501, and a charter member of the Encampment, No. 182, and also a mem- ber of the F. & A. M. Lodge of Sabina, No. 324. Officially, he has had no aspira- tions for the honors of office, yet was Treasurer of Richland Township for seven years. In 1857, he was married to Emily, daughter of Elias Roberds, and three children are the result of their union, two of whom are living-Gilbert and Winnie. Frank, de- ceased, aged two years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mrs. T. holds membership with the Protestant Methodist 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.

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 95

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