The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 126

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 126

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SAMUEL WELLER, farmer, P. O. Centerville. Samuel Weller, son of John nd Elizabeth Weller, was born November 29, 1826, in Washington Township, Mont- romery Co., Ohio. He moved, with his parents, on to the farm where he now resides 1881) about fifty-three years ago; with the exception of a few years it has always een his home. To the visitors at this day it looks, from the splendid improvements e has made, and the general keeping of his farm, that he has no migratory notions in is head. His education he received in the home district school, kept in a log house

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with flattened saplings for seats and puncheons for writing desks, upon which he says the boys used their Pen and Barlow knives prettey freely. Raised on the farm, he did the chores of a farm boy until he was large enough to plow. His recollection of his first plowing was done with a wooden mold-board plow. The plowing done then would net at this time, be ealled much more than scratching, yet farmers managed to raise fair crops, particularly where there was as many good farm boys as there was on the Weller homestead. Mr. Weller has never had any particular political aspirations ; yet at kind solicitation of friends and neighbors, he has served them as School Director and Town- ship Trustee several years. He was a member of the Board of Trustees under whose direction the present township hall was built in Centerville (1880). Farming is his de,- light, at which he is a success. He is now the owner of 3893 acres in this township. He was married, May 16, 1854, to Miss Mary C. Kirby, daughter of John and Mar- garet (Pence) Kirby ; from this union eleven children Were born, nine of whom are now living. Samuel Weller and wife entertained sixty of their personal friends at dinner the first Sunday of their housekeeping. Mrs. Weller's father was a native of New Jersey, and her mother of Ohio, Mrs. Weller having been born in this State July 29. 1834. She has had eleven children born to her of this union, viz., John C. (deceased ), Charles W. (deceased), Lucinda J., Anna L., Laura B., Walter H., Arrilla J., Arthur S., Carrie F., Minnie E. and Mary M.

GERMAN TOWNSHIP.

FRANCIS AMPT, retired saddler, Germantown. Francis Ampt is a native of Germany, of the city of Mayence on the Rhine; was born June 3, 1810; landed in the United States June 10, 1833. Married Kunigunda Rosa, of Hamilton, Ohio, in March, 1839. The latter was born in Germany February 14, 1819, and came to the United States in 1837. They resided in Trenton, Butler Co., Ohio, from 1839 to 1849. In the latter year they moved to Germantown, Ohio, where they have ever since resided. They have three sons, all of whom were born in Trenton; they are : First, William M. Ampt, attorney, born February 1, 1840; married to Mary Eliza Gunckel, daughter of William Gunckel, of Dayton, Ohio ; they reside in Cincinnati, and have one daughter, Rosa E., born July 2, 1874. Second, Henry Ampt (in the employ of Polk, Wilson & Sons, Cincinnati, Ohio), was born June 23, 1842; is married to Fredona Rowe, daugh- ter of Daniel Rowe, of Germantown, Ohio ; they reside in Cincinnati. Third, Francis C. Ampt, attorney, and First Assistant Solicitor of the city of Cincinnati, was born Joue 10, 1848 ; married to Mary Weaver, daughter of George Weaver, of Miamisburg, Ohio; reside in Cincinnati ; have three children-Charles Francis, aged seven years ; Ellen Fredona, five years; and Anna, three years. Mr. Ampt is a saddler by trade, and worked at that business until 1879, when he retired. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

J. J. ANTRIM, physician, Germantown, is a son of Jacob Antrim, a pioneer min- ister of illustrious fame. He was born in Berks County, Penn., in the year 1791. From childhood, he was a Bible student and adhered closely to the principles of a Chris- tian life. In early manhood, he connected himself with the U. B. Church, and subse- quently filled the pulpit, teaching the doctrines of his denomination. In 1821, his nup- tials were solemnized with Miss Mary Zeller, who was a native of the same county and State as her husband, and was born in the year 1800. The issue of this marriage were six children of whom five are now living, viz., Jabez J., Cyrus, Titus, Jacob and Katura (now Mrs. Dr. Eckerd, of Trenton, Ohio). In 1819, he located near Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, purchased 120 acres of land in Butler County. Subsequently entered upon his duties as an itinerant minister and circuit rider. In his circuit of 400 miles, he would frequently become associated with the Rev. James B. Finley, a pioneer Methodist minister. Rev. Antrim removed from his farm to Germantown about 1828, and was chosen Presiding Elder of the Miami Conference of the United Brethren denom-

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ination. His district consisted of the counties of Montgomery, Preble, Darke, Mercer, Miami. Hamilton and Warren. In 1850, death summoned his daughter Drucilla to her last abode, and, in 1858, the same messenger called his wife to her eternal home. Rev. Antrim survived her several years, finally taking a trip to his native State to visit his friends ; while there was taken very ill and lived but a short time. The brittle thread of life was broken ; his labors on earth had ceased; having fought the good fight of faith and finished his course, his spirit had entered into the joys of his Lord. His body was conveyed to Germantown, where it was interred, and there rests the body of a noble, just and esteemed citizen. His death occurred in the year 1860, escaping the scenes of the late rebellion. Dr. J. J. Antrim, whose name heads this sketch, was born near Germantown, Ohio, October 26, 1823 ; having limited school privileges his early educa- tion was the same ; his summer months were devoted to farming, and the winter to his books. However, early in life his mind was directed to human and medical science, which he subsequently engaged in, being only eighteen years of age ; two years later, en- tered the medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio; graduated in 1844, and entered upon the practice of his profession in New Paris, Preble Co., Ohio. Soon after, thought a trip through the Southern States would be a professional benefit; he prosecuted his thought, treating cancers and tumors. In May, 1846, when the United States was in strife with Mexico, he enlisted in the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. G. W. Morgan ; was mustered on the non-commissioned staff of the regiment to the office of Hospital Steward. His services continued in this capacity two months, when upon a satisfactorily examination, he was promoted to Assistant Surgeon, and in rank that of Lieutenant, discharging his duties on the battle-field as well as in the hospital. He served until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Buena Vista, the siege of Saralvo, Puebla and Rio Frio Pass.

Soon after his return, the California gold fever was raging, and he, with a company, traveled through by a private conveyance, completing the trip in seven months, travel- ng through an inhospitable country sparsely settled with an uncivilized race. His stay was two years, when the unsettled and semi-civilized condition of the country caused him to return. He came by the Isthmus of Panama, then known as the Ocean route, landing at New Orleans, thence up the river home. Subsequently, he took a rip to the metropolis of United States (New York City) and other Eastern cities ; re- turned to Germantown and embarked in the mercantile pursuit. This demanded his attention two years, when he resumed the practice of medicine, in which he is still en- gaged. His marriage was celebrated January 20, 1853, with Miss Ellen, second daughter of Gabrael and Sarah Oblinger ; she was born June 24, 1832. The issue of his union were three children, vix., Ida S., Willard and Frank. Seventeen years of heir united life had elapsed when the dreaded disease, consumption, took her from earthly ares. She was an exemplary member of the United Brethren Church, having con- jected herself with that denomination at an early age, remembering her Creator in the lays of her youth. Her death occurred December 8, 1870. With the cares of the Doctor's children and the demands of his profession, he was married the second time, July 18, 1872, to Mrs. Kate Clemmer, widow of the late David Clemmer. She was born in Adams County, Penn., in 1828, and in 1834, moved with her parents to Mont- zovery County. At the age of seventeen, united herself with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a thoroughly devoted Christian, as was proven in her life and con- luct, that religion was not merely a system of ethics and doctrinal truths, but a living principal, hidden in the soul as the leaven is in the meal. After the death of her first husband, she returned to the home of her parents, and owing to the inconvenience of he Methodist Episcopal Church, she united herself with the . Evangelical Lutheran Church. From the time of her last marriage to her death, May 28, 1880, she was a 'esident of Germantown. She merited and received the esteem and love of all who new her. She was a faithful wife, a good neighbor and constant friend, hospitable and ver ready to help the poor and needy. She was a sixter of D. E. McSherry, of Day- lon, Ohio, the patentee of the McSherry Grain Drill.

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SIMON AUCHENBOCH, feed stable, Germantown, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., March 31, 1814, of parents, Peter and Catharine (Neth) Auchenboch, who died, the father in 1844 and the mother in 1837. He was married to Sarah Palluth, daughter of Casper and Polly (Spots) Palluth, in the State of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio June 22, 1842. Mrs. Palluth was born in Pennsylvania March 22, 1813. The subject and wife have had born to them children, viz., Eliza (deceased), Louisa, Sarah, Mary, William, Rosannah (deceased) and Fradanna (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Au- chenboch are members of the United Brethren Church, and are exerting their influence for good. The former, by trade, is a shoemaker, which occupation he followed for about thirty five years. He is a good citizen and commands the respect of the community at large.

CHARLES H. L. AXMAN (deceased), was a native of Germany, born May 6, 1822. In early life, he learned the trade of watchmaking and jeweler, but soon after the completion of his trade, in 1848, he emigrated to America, and on May 8, 1850, married in New York City, Elvina Droz, a native of France, born December 27, 1830, and became a resident of the United States in her minority. Soon after their marriage, they settled in Germantown, Montgomery County, Ohio, where Mr. Axman set up in business and conducted it through life, taking in his sons, who are now four in number. He died on February 26, 1873, trusting in the doctrines of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and was beloved by all who knew him. His wife still survives, bear- ing the name of her departed husband, and the mother of ten children, of whom six survive, viz. : Minnie, Clara, Charles A .; who is working, in Dayton, at the jew- eler business ; Adolph O., in the same pursuit; and Alfred E. and Lewis H., who are yet at home assisting their mother in conducting the jewelry business. Mrs. Axman has been for years a member of the same church as that of her husband.

ALFRED E. AXMAN, Germantown, was born in Germantown, Ohio, December 8, 1860, and is a son of Charles H. L. Axman, whose history will be found in this work. Alfred E. grew up in his native town, where he was also educated, learning the jewelry trade under the supervision of his eldest brother, Arthur C., in their own store, of which he now has charge. He is an intelligent young man, well respected, a wem- ber of the Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

THOMAS BAILEY, retired farmer, Germantown. His grandparents, Thomas and Mary (Crittenden) Bailey, natives of Virginia, came to Warren County, Ohio, at an early day, where they spent their lives. His parents were William and Sarah (Rison) Bailey, also from Virginia, who had a family of six children-three sons and three daughters-viz. : Thomas, Francis, William, Maria, Elizabeth and Nancy. The subject of this sketch was born in Warren County, Ohio, July 29, 1810, and in 1819 his mother died, thus leaving him at a tender age without her loving counsel. On De- cember 6, 1832, he married Ann Denice, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Bound) Denice, born in New Jersey, September 27, 1815, of which union eleven children were born, as follows : William, Abraham C., Sarah Jane, Sidney D., Samuel F., Anna Maria, Mary E., George P., Helanor C., Rachel and one died in infancy. Mr. Bailey followed milling for about twenty-one years, and in 1847 located on a farm in German Township; purchased 170 acres of land in 1853, upon which he resided until 1866, when he moved to Germantown, where he has since lived, owning a residence and two| acres of ground on Main street. His farm lays four miles west of town, on the State road. His five living children are all residing in this vicinity, and worthy. members of society, whose ancestors have done their part toward the civilization of this portion of the Buckeye State. Mr. Bailey and family belong to the United Brethren Church.

W. P. BEARD, farmer, P. O. Germantown. Our subject was born near Ger- mantown, Ohio, August 14, 1821, and is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Catrow) Beard, natives, the former of Lancaster County, Penn., born in 1777, and the mother of Mary- land, born in 1803. The father settled near Germantown, Ohio, in 1811, and died in 1862. Mr. Beard was united in marriage, February 17, 1848, to Susannah, daughter of Jacob Heffner, of Maryland, and is the father of five children, as follows: Oliver J., Irene, Sabina, Hiram and Elmer. The first named is dead. Irene, is the wife of

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William Roof, living at Carlisle Station, in Warren County ; Sabina, is at home ; Hiram, married Lucinda Robbins, and is residing near Troy, Ohio. In politics, our subject is a Democrat. He received a fair education, which was obtained in German Township ; is a man in comfortable circumstances, and a good citizen.

STEPHEN BENNETT, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, is a native of Somersetshire, Eng., born June 24, 1852, and emigrated to America June 28, 1872, settling in Mont- gomery County. He was married to Mary E., daughter of Tobias and Mary ( Brad- bury) Swartzel, born in Ohio July 21, 1850, on the 17th of February, 1873, and to them were born the following-named children : Cora E., Lotta O. and Pearl M. Mr. Bennett, though quite a young man, has, through industry and economy, become the possessor of a farm of fifty-one acres of land, situated on the Carlisle and Germantown pike, two and a quarter miles southeast of the latter town. The farm is well improved, and the buildings thereon new, the house and barn being built some six years ago, at a cost, the former of $1,850, and the latter $500. Tobacco raising is with him a spe- cialty. He takes great pride in the choice lot of fowls about the farm, raising and dealing in best breed.

ALFRED BOSE, cigar manufacturer, Germantown, is a son of George Bose, who was born in German Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, January 8, 1808, and who lost his father when quite small, thus leaving him to the care of a widowed mother whom he in his more matured years helped to support until her death. George was a farmer, and was married March 5, 1839, to Miss Mary Boyer, who was born in Fred- erick City, Md., April 11, 1808, of which marriage Alfred was born in this township September 13, 1845. He grew up and learned the trade of a cigar-maker, worked as a journeyman thirteen years, and in 1872 was elected President of the Cigar-Maker's Union. He served in the Germantown fire company eleven years, receiving a life-mem- berslip certificate for services rendered, and has represented the Etna Fire Insurance Company as agent. Being a man of experience in his trade, he was appointed foreman by Joseph Endress, of his packing room, getting the cigars ready for shipment, hav- ing at times many men under his charge. He also traveled on the road selling cigars, in all of which he displayed the same ability, energy and success. He finally accumu- lated enongh money to start in business January 19, 1876, since which his trade has been increased yearly. In 1872, Mr. Bose became a Mason, and is a zealous member of that fraternity.

J. A. BROWN, physician, Germantown. His father, William Brown, was a native of New Jersey, who came to Ohio with his parents in an early day, and located at Waynesville, Warren County. He learned the carpenter trade, and soon after reach- ing manhood, went to Preble County, where he married Miss Mary A. Beall, whose father, Charles, was a soldier in the war of 1812. They had four children by this union, viz., Francis A., Joseph A., Laura, the wife of Dr. Low, of Connersvilie, Ind., and Minnie. William Brown was quite successful in life, accumulated considerable property ; was a Quaker in religious belief, and died in February, 1860, leaving a widow, who died January 24, 1882, and who was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The subject of this sketch was born near Camden, Preble County, Ohio, January 19, 1855 ; had all the advantages of a good schooling, and at the age of eighteen began the study of medicine under Dr. W. H. Low, from whose preceptorship le entered the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, from where he graduated in the lass of 1877-78, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession at German- own, where he has since continued the art of healing. He was married, March 5, 1875, to Miss Louisa Singer, daughter of Solomou Singer, who was born in Lewis- urg, Preble County, Ohio, September 5, 1856, and has had one daughter, Edna. Dr. Brown is a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society, and being a well-read, tudious physican, his future is promising, and presages success in his profession.

PETER BUZZARD, farmer, P. O. Germantown, was born in Frederick County, MId., June 11, 1817, his parents, Samuel and Mary (Dellwater) Buzzard, coming to Ohio oon after his birth, where his father died in 1866, and his mother in 1873. Peter zas married in 1838, to Elizabeth Emerick, a native of this county, born June 5,

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1818, her parents being from Pennsylvania, of which union eight children were the issue, as follows : Wesley, Allen, Samuel L., Margaret E., Mary Ann, William J., Jacob E. and Annie A. Mr. Buzzard is a stone and briek mason, which trade he learned in his boyhood days, operated a threshing-machine for twenty-five years, and has owned four of the best stable horses in Ohio, having at present a fine six-year-old, three-quarters Clydesdale stallion. Mr. Buzzard owns a nice farm of seventy-two acres in Darke County, and a well-improved homestead, where he now resides, and is a man of public spirit and enterprise.

LEVI L. CLARK, retired farmer, P. O. Germantown, is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Lehman) Clark, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born July 5. 1785, and the latter December 28, 1791. Thomas was by oeeupation a farmer, and through life a resident of his native State. Their death occurred several years ago. and they were the parents of ten ehildren, of whom four are now living, viz .: Lydia, Levi L., Thomas and Abraham. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were a noble couple, their char- ity was not vaunting and their love for their fellow-men was unbounded. Levi L., whose name heads this article, was born ncar Jonestown, Lebanon County, Penn., October 11, 1814. In early life his summers were devoted to farming, and his winter months to school, but his education, though limited, was mostly aequired through his own exertions. At the age of eighteen he commenced clerking, and was thus engaged for five successive ycars. At the age of twenty-three, he came to Germantown, Mont- gomery County, Ohio, and obtained a situation in the dry goods store of J. Crist, and on December 30, 1838, was united in marriage with Maria L., daughter of the late John D. Gunekle, of Montgomery County, born April 9, 1817. The fruits of this marriage are eleven children, viz .: John T., of Columbus, Neb .; Jefferson L., of Mi- amisburg ; George, of Colorado; William H., Frank G., Mary C. (now Mrs. Oblin- ger), Harriett E. (now Mrs. Keiner), Sarah J. (now Mrs. Trout), Ellen S., Alice V. and Maria B. Soon after the nuptials of Levi and Maria L. Clark, he located on his father-in-law's farm, took charge of it, and again became a tiller of the soil as in his youthful days. This, however, only commanded his attention a few years, when he embarked, unexperieneed, in the eoopering business, and repairing firearms, which two occupations combined proved quite remunerative. Several years later, he purchased a farm of 913 aeres, of Rev. J. L. Hoffman, situated on Little Twin Creek, where he located and remained until 1868, when he removed to his present beautiful location in the limits of the incorporation of Germantown. Mr. and Mrs. Clark's religious affili- ations have been with the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century, during which time they have been constant and valuable contributors for its welfare and progress.

A. S. CONOVER, farmer and miller, P. O. Germantown. The parents of our subject emigrated to Ohio in 1811, who by name were William and Catharine (Sut- phin ) Conover. The former lived to be ninety-four years of age. Mr. A. S. Conover is a native of the State of New Jersey, born in 1808, and has been twiee married. His first wife was Maria, daughter of William Bailey, who died August 5, 1832. His second wife was Mrs. Margaret Ann Molson, daughter of Gilbert and Hannah Bound, natives of New Jersey, by whom he had six children, two boys and four girls, namely : Edgar C., Orlander C., Hannah, Lydia, Ida and Deborah. By occupation Mr. Cono- ver is a miller, which pursuit he followed from the time he was seventeen years of age, living between Franklin and Miamisburg, until 1860. He now owns a small farm one and a half miles north west of Germantown.

HENRY C. COOK, farmer, P. O. Germantown, was born in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, October 3, 1833; is the son of Frederick and Catherine (Apple) Cook, natives of Ohio, but of German descent. Our subject was one of seven children, six of whom are still living, and four of them are residents of Montgomery County. He was married to Lucinda Oldfather May 12, 1864, and to them were born the following-named children : Ella R., Wealthy M., Herman V. and Grace. The wife was born March 19, 1837, of parents Frederick and Elizabeth ( Penee) Oldfather The former was a native of Virginia, and died in 1876, and the latter of Maryland

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Our subject received a fair education, having attended the schools of his neighborhood in youth, thenee going for a period at Lebanon, where he attended the Southwestern Normal School, now known as the Normal University, where he prepared himself for teaching, and followed that profession from 1854 to 1875. He purchased the quarter section of land upon which he now resides, located four miles west of Germantown, in 1876, sinee which he has been farming.

JACOB CRIST, deceased, was born in Frederick City, Md., October 15, 1792 ; is a son of Henry and Christina (Cassel) Crist, and eame to Ohio with his parents in 1805, where he grew to manhood. He was married October 15, 1850, to Anna E. Echart, daughter of John and Anna E. Eehart, natives of Germany, who came to Ohio in 1844. Mrs. Crist was born in the Fatherland February 23, 1817, and has had six children, viz .: Henry J., George L., Mary E., John P., Edward J. and Louisa C. Mr. Crist was one of the oldest citizens in the county, owned 130 acres of land a short dis- tanee southeast of Germantown and the family belonged to the United Brethren Church. Our subjeet died February 17, 1872, in his eightieth year, leaving behind a large circle of mourning friends and a wife and family mueh respected.

J. E. DONNELLAN, physician and surgeon, Germantown, was born in Cham- paign County, Ohio, October 7, 1824, and is the youngest in a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, three of whom are living. His parents emigrated from Baltimore, Md., in 1812, and settled on a farm near Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio, where his father died in 1829, and in 1832 his mother removed to West Alexandria. Preble County, Ohio, where she resided until her death in 1853. At the age of eighteen, our subject having received a good education, began teaching school, which he continued during the winter season for several years, pursuing a private course of study in the summer months. In 1848, he began the study of medicine in the office of his brother, Dr. N. Donnellan, of West Alexandria, at the completion of which, in April, 1851, he entered upon the practice of his profession, at Farmersville, Montgom- ery County, Ohio, where he remained two years, diligently laying the foundation of future success. He occupied the same office with H. Elliott, Esq., who was then just commencing the practice of law, but who is now the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Dr. Donnellan removed to Germantown May 3, 1853, having formed a part- nership with Dr. C. G. Espich, an old and popular physician, who had been a success- ful practitioner of medieine in this place from its earliest settlement, and this partner- ship continued until Dr. Espieh's death, November 24, 1853. Dr. Donnellan was mar- ried, March 16, 1854, to Mary M. Hiestand, whose parents came from Laneaster Coun- ty, Penn., to this county at an early day, of which union they have had two daughters, Emma (deceased) and Annie. The Doetor has taken a deep interest in the progress and development of Montgomery County. He has been for twelve years a member of the Board of Education in Germantown; was one of the Directors of the Montgomery County Infirmary from 1860 to 1866; is a charter member of Germantown Lodge of F. A. A. M., and was for several years its Master. Since 1851, Dr. Donnelly has been in constant practice, with the exception of four months in 1864, when he was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment Ohio National Guards. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the family adhere to the Reformed Church. Politi- cally, he is a Republican. The Doctor stands among the most enterprising citizens of his township.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 126

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214