Clark County Ohio Biographies

DAVID H. ACKERSON, slate and composition roofer, Springfield; he was born in New Jersey, April 12, 1833; came to Ohio and to Clark County with his parents in 1848, and located in Springfield. After working some three or four years on the farm, he began the carpenter trade, at which he worked about seven years. In 1861, he established the business of slate and composition roofing, and was the fist to start that branch of trade in this city; at first his work amounted to about $500 or $600 per year; it has so increased that now it amounts to $10,000 per annum. He was married, in April, 1859, to Mary E. Gram, daughter of John and Betsey Gram; they are the parents of five children. Mr. Ackerson is one of the Trustees of the First Baptist Church of this city; his parents were both natives of New Jersey; his father was a brick-mason by trade; died in 1855, and the mother in 1868.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 779

THOMAS C. ACKERSON slate roof contractor, Springfield, is a native of New Jersey; born in Monmouth County in 1829. His father, John Ackerson, removed to the vicinity of Springfield in 1848, but Thomas, being an apprentice at the blacksmith’s trade, completed his apprenticeship and came to Springfield in 1850, and was employed at his trade in this vicinity until 1861, when he entered the 16th O. V. A., in which he served three years. After his return, he spent a short time recruiting his health. In the spring of 1867, he engaged in business here as dealer and contractor in slate and composition roofing, which business he still continues; his office is on Limestone street, and he is doing a very satisfactory business. He married, in 1873, Mary J., daughter of Louis C. Huffman; from this marriage have been born two daughters. Mr. Ackerman’s residence is No. 68 East Mulberry street; he is a member of the High Street M. E. Church, and a respected citizen.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 779

CHARLES FOREST ADAMS, M. D. A member of the Ohio medical fraternity since 1884 and for sixteen years engaged in practice at Springfield, Dr. Charles Forest Adams is one of the best known physicians and surgeons of the county seat and not only possesses a large general practice, but is particularly well known in fraternal circles in his capacity as physician to the Odd Fellows Home. His career has been one of usefulness and constant advancement and he has ever maintained a high standard of professional ethics.

Doctor Adams was born at Leesburg, Highland County, Ohio, April 22, 1861, and is a son of Jonathan and Sarah (McKay) Adams, both natives of Highland County, Ohio, where the family is an old and honored one. This branch of the Adams family was settled in Highland County by Solomon Adams, a native of Virginia, who came to the Western Reserve of Ohio with other adventurous spirits and blazed the trail during pioneer days. After preparing a primitive home he sent for his younger brother John who, with his wife and infant son, Joseph Adams, made the journey from Virginia to the Ohio River, thence on a raft down the river to Pomeroy, Ohio, where Solomon met them with horses. From that point the mother and child rode one horse, while the others carried the small impedimenta of household goods and necessities, while the two men journeyed on foot to the little party’s destination in Highland County. Later John Adams, the grandfather of Doctor Adams, built and operated the first gristmill ever conducted at Leesburg.

Jonathan Adams, son of John Adams and father of Doctor Adams, was born in 1832 in Ohio. He acquired his education in the primitive country school in the neighborhood of the new home, and as a youth learned milling under his father and followed that vocation for some years. Subsequently he engaged in the drug business and finally became a salesman for the International Harvester Company, with his home at Sabina, Clinton County. There his death occurred in 1916, when he had been retired some years, aged eighty-four years. He led a useful career, was known as a man of strict integrity and good citizenship, and was esteemed by those who were associated with him in a business or social way. Mrs. Sarah McKay Adams, who was born in 1833 and died in 1912, was a daughter of Rev. Benjamin McKay, a minister of the Methodist faith in Highland County.

Charles Forest Adams was rfeared at Leesburg until he was sixteen years of age, the family then moving to Sabina, at both of which places he attended the public schools. Having graduated from the high school at Sabina, in 1882 he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine as a member of the class of 1884. In the same year he embarked in practice at Sabina, and later went to Midland City, Ohio, but subsequently returned to Sabina. His next location was Milledgeville, Fayette County, this state, whence he came to Springfield November 6, 1906. He has since been engaged in general practice here and has a large and representative clientele of the most desirable kind. Shortly after his arrival in this city Doctor Adams, December 1, 1906, was appointed physician to the Springfield Odd Fellows Home and has continued to occupy this position to the present. He keeps fully abreast of the various advancements being made in his calling, and is a member of the Clark County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He holds membership in all branches of Odd Fellowship, including the Encampment and the Rebekahs.

Doctor Adams was united in marriage with Miss Martha J. Sever, who was born at Washington Court House, Ohio, daughter of Milton and Catherine (Carr) Sever.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 127

GEORGE C. AGLE has been one of the hardest working citizens of Clark County. He toiled during his youth and early manhood to earn his own living and help support the family. For many years he was a farm renter, and gradually progressed to a point where he was able to acquire land of his own, and he is now dwelling in comfortable prosperity, owner of a fine farm on rural route No. 1 out of South Vienna, in Harmony Township. Mr. Agle was born in Bethel Township of Clark County, May 12, 1858, son of Philip and Elizabeth (Kriegbaum) Agle. His father was born in Germany in 1832, and was brought to this country in 1835 by his parents, who located near Springfield. Philip Agle was put on his own resources when a boy, worked in brick yards, and subsequently established a brick plant of his own at Donnelsville in Clark County, and lived there until he was accidentally killed in 1867, at the age of thirty-five. His wife was a native of Germany, came to the United States at the age of nineteen, was married in Springfield and then moved to Donnelsville. The parents were Lutherans, and the father was a republican in politics. Of their seven children two are living: George C. and Philip, the latter a farmer five miles south of Springfield. George C. Agle was born at Donnelsville, and acquired only a common school education. While in school he worked on holidays and during the summer season, later worked in a brick yard for his board and clothes and for two years was employed in a tile factory. He also did farm work for monthly wages, and later rented and farmed a place three years. He operated a farm of ninety-six acres on the shares, living there with his mother and sister for two years. January 21, 1886, Mr. Agle married Flora Seifert, who was bom in Greene County, Ohio, in October 1861. After his marriage Mr. Agle rented a 170 acre place for two years, then a farm of two hundred and two acres in Madison Township for four years, and subsequently took another place of two hundred and fifty-two acres in Harmony Township. He was located there fourteen years and still later moved to a farm of 306 acres, where he also lived fourteen years. During this time he purchased his present farm. Since then he has lived on his own place of two hundred and fifty-eight acres. Mr. Agle has been very systematic in his farm management, and much of his prosperity has been gained by the growing of hogs. He was at one time a breeder of Poland Chinas, and his present stock is largely Durocs. While on the farm of two hundred and fifty-two acres his good wife died, in May, 1905. She was the mother of nine children: Glenna E., Blanche E., Edwin C, Ralph N., George J., Clara M., Nettie M., Mary B. and Fannie M. All are living except Mary B. The children are all graduates of the Harmony Township High School, and four of the daughters became successful teachers. The family are members of the Lutheran Church but attend the Christian Church, and Mr. Agle is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Plattsburg Church. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Elks Lodge of Springfield, is a republican, and has taken an active part in public affairs, serving two terms as township trustee, has been a member and farmer treasurer of the Clark County Agricultural Association, and for twenty-six years was a member of the Board of Education.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 175

WARREN DELL ALEXANDER. In the substantial development of a community the mercantile interests play an important part, and commercial prosperity rests largely upon the financial responsibility of the merchants and the spirit of enterprise that usually permeates this particular business field. Springfield has mercantile establishments that would be creditable in much larger cities, and the annual volume of business in this line is so great that it sets wheels moving in many other directions and thus furthers general prosperity. One of the most important, largest and best known mercantile houses in the clothing and gents’ furnishings line at Springfield is that conducted under the firm style of W. D. Alexander & Company, of which Warren Dell Alexander is the senior member.

Warren Dell Alexander was born at Mercer, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1871, and is a son of George F. and Ann Jeannetta (Dice) Alexander. His paternal grandfather, Elias Alexander, was a leading citizen of Mercer County, served as sheriff for some years and was prominent in other ways. He came from sturdy Scotch Presbyterian stock that settled early in the Keystone State. George F. Alexander was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in 1834, moved later to Ohio and died in 1906, and is survived by his widow. She was born at Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio, the birthplace of William McKinley. Her parents were George and Mary (Phillips) Dice, the former of German and the latter of Scotch extraction.

Warren Dell Alexander attended the public schools at Mercer, New Wilmington and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as the family home changed in his youth, and later had high school advantage at Clifton, Ohio. In 1888, when in his seventeenth year he began his independent career as a clerk in his uncle’s general store at Manorville, Pennsylvania, where he had four years of valuable mercantile training. In 1892 he came to Springfield, and this city has been his chosen home for thirty years. After a number of years as a salesman he embarked in the clothing and gents’ furnishings business on his own account as a member of the firm Kedel & Alexander. The first business location was at No. 34 East Main Street, but later expansion made removal to larger quarters necessary, and since then the commodious building on the corner of East Main and Limestone streets has been occupied. In 1918 Mr. Alexander purchased his partner’s interest in the business and has since continued under the firm name of W. D. Alexander & Company. Keeping abreast of the times, handling only reliable goods and following honorable methods, Mr. Alexander has built up a great and profitable industry, and no business man of Springfield is held in greater esteem. He is also the second vice president of the Capital Savings & Life Insurance Company of Columbus, Ohio.

On March 24, 1897, Mr. Alexander married Miss Agnes McCullough, a daughter of the late William McCullough, who for a number of years was a prominent leather merchant and manufacturer of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have two children: William Warren, who was born in 1900, is associated with his father in business; and Jeannette Elizabeth, who was born in 1909.

Mr. Alexander has taken an active part in civic affairs as he believes it to be the duty of a good citizen. He has served faithfully and efficiently as a member of the City Council and on the city civil service commission, has been liberal in his contributions to benevolent objects and often has given of his time and means to promote movements for the general welfare. With his family he belongs to the Covenant Presbyterian Church. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner, being a member of Anthony Lodge No. 445, Free and Accepted Masons; Palestine Commandery; Dayton Consistory, and Antioch Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Dayton. Mr. Alexander has long been a valued member of the Chamber of Commerce, and belongs to the Rotary, Lagonda and Country Clubs, and to the Columbus Athletic Club, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Ohio State Retail Clothiers Association.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 44

AARON ALLEN, physician, Catawba. He is a son of Aaron, Sr., native of Plainfield, N. J., who came to Ohio in 1812, and located at Cincinnati; was a machinist by trade he afterward went to Pittsburgh, Penn., where be was engaged as foreman in the building of the first steamboat that sailed down the Ohio River to Cincinnati; he was engineer of the boat on the first trip. He worked in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati until 1832, at which time he moved to Clark County and located in Green Township, where he purchased land; he erected a saw-mill, and put in the first steam works that were run north of Cincinnati; he was engaged in the milling business for thirty years. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 22, 1824, in Cincinnati, lived in the city until 8 years of age; when 15 years old, he began the study of medicine, and when he attained his manhood he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and received his diploma in 1850; began practice in Frankfort, Ky.; he is now living in Catawba. He was twice married; first, in 1844, to Sarah Shickle. His second marriage was celebrated Oct. 3, 1853, with Miss Lydia Baker. They had four children—Emma, Aaron T., Charles R. and Oliver E.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 971

BENJAMIN ALLEN, jeweler, Springfield. Mr. Allen has been for a number of years actively engaged in business here; he was born near Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah Co., Va., Feb. 6, 1810; son of Benjamin and Hannah (Walton) Allen. Mr. Allen, Sr., was a native of Chester Co., Penn., born in 1757, but removed to Shenandoah Co., Va., when a boy; his decease occurred in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1838, he being nearly 81 years of age. Mrs. Allen was born in Berkeley Co., W. Va., in 1768, and died June 4, 1854, in her 86th year; her parents removed to Frederick Co., Va., near the Shenandoah County line, about 1776; both Mr. and Mrs. Allen were members of the Friends’ Church. Benjamin was the youngest of eight children who attained majority, four of whom still survive, the three older being upward of 70 years of age. About 1810, Benjamin’s parents made up their minds they would find a free community in which to raise their children; accordingly, his father came West with a view of locating land in the Miami Valley, but turned back on his arrival at Spring Valley, Greene County, where he had relatives, on account of becoming alarmed at the prevalence of ague; on his return, he purchased a tract of land in Belmont County, upon which there was a small opening and a cabin 16x18 feet, to which he removed his family, arriving in November, after a wearying journey of twenty-one days. Mr. Allen, Jr.’s, first recollections are of scenes on this farm, the first being a fight between a wolf and their dog, assisted by the nearest neighbor’s dog, which fight took place after night and within fifty feet of the cabin door; when 5 years of age, he began to attend school at the village, about two miles away; more than half this distance there was but a mere bridle path; during these school days, he heard many incidents of pioneer life, as the village was a place of rendezvous, and story-telling was the greater part of their entertainment, except “muster-days,” when the rougher element was out in force, and wrestling, horse-racing, fighting, etc., became the principal attractions; when 11 years of age, his labor was considered more necessary than further education, and Benjamin therefore assisted his father on the farm until 21 years of age, without further school privileges. After he arrived at majority, he hired to a carpenter at $8 per month, and continued to work at that trade, his wages gradually increasing, until he received $26 per month, as foreman; during this time, he superintended the construction of some of the first threshing machines made in that part of the State, and continued to follow his trade until 1842, when, on account of failing health, he was compelled to seek some lighter employment, and took instructions in repairing watches, and, being a natural mechanic, soon became proficient, and, in 1844, started business for himself in a small village. Nov. 20, 1846, he married Elizabeth Adams; she was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Jan. 24, 1824; her parents were William and Margaret Adams; in 1832, her father being deceased, her mother removed her family to Belmont Co., Ohio, where the mother died in 1867, being 75 years of age. In 1848, Mr. Allen removed to Indiana, where he had bought a farm, but sold out and returned to Ohio the following winter, and in April again engaged at the jeweler’s trade; in October, 1853, he removed to Springfield, and purchased a stock in the room now occupied by Leo Braun, where he carried on business until 1864, when he sold his stock to J. P. Allen; subsequently engaged in same business with M. P. Davis, occupying the room directly opposite his present place of business; his nephew, whose name is also Benjamin Allen, joined this firm. In 1866, circumstances compelled Mr. Allen to take the stock of the firm; in 1868, Mr. C. C. Fried took an interest with him, and they removed to his present stand, 35 East Main street, in April, 1869; this partnership continued until 1870, when Mr. Fried withdrew, and Mr. Allen has since continued the business alone at the same stand. Mr. Allen is one of the few now living who represent the connecting generation between the early pioneers and those who known nothing of the trials and hardships of those reared in pioneer days, without school advantages, and when the “best families” were compelled to labor to keep the wolf from the door; he is a quiet, unassuming man, who would have been much more successful in life but for the loss, to a great extent, of his hearing, which began to fail about 1842; but nevertheless, he has accumulated sufficient for the wants of his declining years, and is respected and regarded as an honest, upright business man and useful citizen.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 779

CHARLES JOHN ALSHEIMER is a prosperous Springfield greenhouse owner, and in that business he has been successfully engaged for more than twenty years.

He was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 14, 1868, son of John B.and Elizabeth (Lacher) Alsheimer, both of whom spent all their lives in Germany. Charles John Alsheimer was reared and acquired a common school education in Germany, and at the age of nineteen came to America and located at Springfield. During the next nine years he worked in different factories, and then had four years of training and experience in a greenhouse. Having learned the business, he bought, in 1901, five acres in the 2600 block on Columbus Avenue. This was then vacant land, and on it he built a house, barns and greenhouse, and in subsequent years has greatly extended the area under glass. His greenhouse is noted for his floral specialties, and while he is a large contributor to the floral trade he also does general gardening on his open land.

Mr. Alsheimer is a republican and a member of the Catholic Church. January 18, 1901, the same year he engaged in business for himself, he married Miss Anna Belt. She was born at Casstown, Ohio, daughter of Alexander and Matilda Belt. Her father is still living at Springfield. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Alsheimer: Carl, who was killed in a railroad accident at the age of eight years, and Marie and Paul, both at home.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 97

DANIEL D. ALT, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Alt was born in this county Jan. 9, 1837; he is the son of Adam and Maria E. (Drew) Alt; his father was a native of Maryland and settled in this county in an early day. Daniel lived with his parents until 23 years old; in 1861, he enlisted in the 44th O. V. I, during the late rebellion, and served to the end of the war, when he was honorably discharged; in 1863, the regiment was veteranized and changed to the 8th O. V. C.; for account of battles in which said regiment was engaged, see history of the late rebellion. Mr. Alt was married, Oct. 29, 1868, to Ellen H. Hinkle, daughter of John and Mary (Way) Hinkle (see biography of Michael Hinkle for sketch of her parents); four children have been born unto them, viz., Michael W., Adam S., John H., Charles L. Adam departed this life April 21, 1872. Mr. Alt is one of those quiet good-natured farmers who practice the golden rule. Politically, he is a stanch Republican.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 781

GEORGE W. ALT, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He was born in Moorefield Township, this county, Jan. 19, 1820; worked on a farm until 21 years of age, when he began the trade of carpenter, at which he worked fourteen years, carrying on the business for himself in Springfield part of that time; he moved to his present home, and has since then followed farming. He is a son of Adam and Maria Alt. They came to this county from Maryland in 1815, and settled in what is now Springfield Township. Adam died in 1876. Maria is still living at the advanced age of 81 years. George was married, Jan. 9, 1845, to Jane G., daughter of Matthew and Jane Wood, who were natives of Kentucky, and came to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1810, and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. Matthew died in 1830, and his wife in 1856. Of Mr. and Mrs. Alt’s six children but four survive. George’s first wife died in 1860, and, in 1862, he was again married, taking for his second wife Mrs. M. J. Moody, widow of Peter Moody, and daughter of James and Matilda Tanner. Mrs. M. J. Alt has always been a very active woman, giving her services willingly and cheerfully on occasions of festivals, suppers and other public entertainments for benevolent purposes; she also took a very active part in the crusade. Mr. Alt is also a stanch temperance man, and, since the crusade, has been a faithful worker in the temperance army.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 780

ARTHUR RIGGS ALTICK is one of the active younger group of men in the commercial and civic life of Springfield. He served as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce until March, 1922, when he resigned. He is officially and personally interested in several of the movements and organizations to promote the best interest of the city and county and is now connected with the Francis J. Drolla Company, one of the leading investment houses in this section of Ohio.

He was bom at Dayton, Ohio, June 22, 1891, and is a direct descendant of Daniel Altick, one of three brothers who settled in America in 1640 from Amsterdam, Holland, locating near what is now Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The great-grandfather of A. R. Altick, Daniel Altick, was one of the early settlers of Dayton, and operated the first brass foundry in that city. The father of Arthur R. Altick was Arthur Altick, who had one brother, Harry M. Altick, and one sister, Carrie (Coblentz) Altick. Arthur Altick married Shirley Blanche Riggs. Her father, Philip Denton Riggs, was a cavalry officer in the Union Army, and at the close of the Civil war was a revenue officer. Her mother, Celina Rachael Dobbins, was a daughter of T. C. Dobbins, a prominent wholesale and retail hardware merchant at Dayton. T. C. Dobbins married Martha Drake, a lineal descendant of Sir Francis Drake, the famous English navigator. The three children of Philip Denton Riggs and wife were: Marion Ella, born March 1, 1867; Shirley Blanche, born April 6, 1868; and Thomas Earle Riggs, born August 4, 1869. Shirley Blanche Riggs was married to Arthur Altick November 15, 1888, and their only child, Arthur R., was born just five months after his father’s death. Two years after the death of her husband the mother married Doctor Richard L. Brown, and they have lived in Springfield since 1906.

April 20, 1921, at Cleveland, Arthur R. Altick married Ethel Courtney Rose, daughter of Mrs. Alice Rose, of that city. To this union a son, Richard Denton Altick, was born at Springfield, January 16, 1922.

Arthur R. Altick was educated in grammar schools at Dayton and Springfield, the high schools of Troy and Springfield, and is a graduate of the Springfield High School and of Willis Business University. After considerable experience in several different lines Mr. Altick in 1916 became connected with the Kelly-Springfield Motor Truck Company in the engineering department, under Lewis E. Kalb, chief engineer. At the beginning of the World war he was called with Mr. Kalb, where he served in the Quartermaster Corps, Motors and Vehicles Division. Later he assisted in establishing the Cleveland Department, Motors and Vehicles Division, of the office of chief-of-staff, war department.

After the war, returning to Springfield, Mr. Altick in March, 1919, assumed the duties as secretary of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. This is an office obviously involving a great deal of administrative detail and responsibility, but Mr. Altick also found time to avail himself of other opportunities for public spirited service. During 1919 he assisted in organizing the Clark County Good Roads Council and is now serving as secretary of the council. In 1920 he was appointed secretary of District No. 7 of the Ohio Good Roads Federation, comprising the counties of Clark, Darke, Preble, Montgomery, Miami, Champaign, Greene and Fayette. Good roads for years has been a cause arousing in him the readiest cooperation, and he has rendered valuable assistance to the federation in helping to organize the counties of Montgomery and Champaign, with councils at Dayton and Urbana.

With his other secretarial duties he was prevailed upon to accept in January, 1920, the executive secretaryship of the Springfield Real Estate Board. He takes an active interest in real estate matters effecting his home city and county. Mr. Altick is a member of the First Congregational Church of Springfield, is a charter member and is serving as the first temporary president of the Springfield Exchange Club, and is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 22

HARRY R. ANDERSON, whose well improved and ably managed farm of 104 acres is situated in Moorefield Township, on Rural Route No. 10 from the City of Springfield, has won distinctive prestige as one of the progressive agriculturists and stock-growers of his township and county, and in his farm enterprise he is giving special attention to the breeding of registered Poland-China swine and Jersey cattle.

Mr. Anderson was born in Springfield Township on the 6th of May, 1877, and is a son of Joseph B. and Serena (Dunseth) Anderson, the former of whom was born in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1828, and the latter of whom was born in the beautiful Walnut Hill District of the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1848. Joseph B. Anderson was an infant at the time his parents came to Ohio and numbered themselves among the pioneer settlers in Clark County, where he was reared on a farm in Moorefield Township. He eventually became the owner of an excellent farm near Villa, this township, and in the course of his long and useful life he contributed much to the industrial and civic advancement of Clark County. He remained on his home farm until his death, and his widow still resides in Clark County. Mr. Anderson was a man of high ideals and sterling character, was a strong supporter of the cause of the prohibition party, and was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, as is also his widow. Of their children the firstborn, Forrest J., is deceased; Charles B. resides at Springfield, and Harry R. is the subject of this review.

The activities of the home farm early enlisted a share of the helpful service of Harry R. Anderson, and after profiting by the advantages of the district schools of his native township he continued his studies in Wittenberg Academy until his graduation in the same. He has to his credit a record of successful service as a teacher in the rural schools of his native county, but his chief vocation has been that of farm enterprise, in which he has won substantial success. He is one of the leaders in the civic and industrial aflfairs of his community, served seven years as justice of the peace, and was for a number of years a member of the School Board of his district. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, he is affiliated with Anthony Lodge No. 245, A. F. and A. M., at Springfield, and he and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church in that city.

On the 18th of March, 1903, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Florence E. Sanfer, and the children of this union are three daughters: Maude S., Mildred and Miriam. The two youngest daughters remain at the parental home, and Maude S., the oldest, is the wife of Benson E. Baker.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 379

J. FRED ANDERSON. For over ninety years the Anderson family has been identified with the substantial interests of agriculture and farm husbandry in this section of Ohio, and while J. Fred Anderson was born on a farm, he chose the legal profession for a career. His father died when he was seven years old. His work since becoming a member of the Springfield bar has proved him one of the keenest minds and ablest members of the local profession.

His grandfather, David Anderson, was a native of Scotland, and as a young man came to the United States about 1827. He soon afterward located near Selma in Clark County. He married Juliana Stewart, whose people were among the first and also among the best settlers of that locality. David Anderson was a skilled cabinet maker, and he worked at that occupation in connection with farming. He was a devout Presbyterian of the old school, very strict in his ideas of religious duty, was upright in his daily conduct, and his community held him in high esteem. He was a radical anti-slavery man and his home became a station on the underground railroad and there he assisted many fugitive slaves toward freedom. One of his sons, Oliver Hazard Perry Stewart Anderson, served as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil war. David Anderson and his wife had thirteen children, several dying in infancy. Not one of these children is still living in Clark County.

The eldest was John Stewart Anderson, who was born on the home farm near Selma, October 12, 1836. He became a farmer, and was regarded as one of the most successful stock men in this part of the state. He was one of the first to import full blooded Percheron horses. He served a hundred days’ enlistment in the Civil war, was a republican in politics, and was devoted to his home and family. His farm was in Greene County, just over the line from Clark County, and he died there February 22, 1888. He married, January 23, 1861, Elizabeth Tindall, who survives him. Of their seven children four are living: Mrs. Robert E. Corry, residing at Yellow Springs, Ohio, mother of six children; Mrs. Harvey S. Collins, living near Xenia, Ohio, has four children; Miss Cora A., a teacher in the Springfield High School; and J. Fred.

J. Fred Anderson was born at the homestead near Clifton in Greene County, February 14, 1881. He attended local schools there, later Cedarville College in Greene County, from which institution he was graduated in 1901 with the degree of Ph. B., and in 1907 received from the Law Department of the Ohio State University the degree of LL.B. He was admitted to the bar June 18, 1907, at once began practice in Springfield, and in October, 1907, formed a partnership with his old schoolmate and roommate at Ohio State University, E. F. McKee, and the firm of Anderson & McKee, maintaining offices in the Bushnell Building, represents not only a congenial personal association, but a combination of legal abilities and experience that gives it special prestige in the local bar.

Mr. Anderson is a Presbyterian, a republican, is a member and former secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and is a Knight Templar Mason.

On September 20, 1911, he married Christle Reichard, daughter of Dr. George W. Reichard, of Springfield. Mrs. Anderson died October 17, 1912, leaving a daughter, Elizabeth Reichard Anderson. Mr. Anderson married, August 19, 1922, Leona Braun, daughter of the late Leo Braun, well known as a jeweler in Springfield for sixty years.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 400

JAMES ANDERSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Clifton. For more than half a century Mr. Anderson has been identified with the business interests of Clark County, being one of those men whose labors have been crowned with financial success, and his life has been characterized by that earnestness in all his affairs that makes it a success in every phase. He was born at Milnacraig, Scotland, July 22, 1815, and at the age of 4 years, emigrated with his father, James Anderson, to the United States, settling on “Clark Run,” in Greene Co., Ohio, where they lived five years; removing thence to Clark County, and locating on the northwest part of Sec. 27, on the old Clifton road. In 1827, his father removed to a farm in Sec. 33, which he had purchased, and there resided until his death, in 1864, at the advanced age of 84 years. The subject of this sketch grew up under the paternal roof, and his education was obtained in the log schoolhouse of the primitive days, to which he added that more practical and servicable education that comes from experience with the world, and gives more certainty of success in life. For ten years he owned an interest in a stock of merchandise at Clifton, and from a life of industry, temperance, economy and good management, he has accumulated a considerable property in Green Township, Springfield and Greene County. As a neighbor and citizen, he is highly esteemed, being generally chosen as the arbiter of differences among the people of his vicinity. Politically, a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian Church, be has held, among other public trusts, the office of Township Clerk for twelve years, and been Justice of the Peace the same length of time, discharging every duty to the entire satisfaction of the people and with honor to himself.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1048

MATHEW ANDERSON, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Born in the north part of Ireland, about six miles from Giant’s Causeway, in August, 1798. Emigrated to America in the year 1820, and located in Franklin Co., Penn. Was married, May 26, 1825, to Jane Brown, who was also born and raised in Ireland, coming to this country before Mr. Anderson. By this union they have had seven children, all grown to maturity and all living, viz., John, Martha, Agnes, Joseph B., Mary Jane, Sallie B. and Margaret A. Mr. Anderson, after his marriage, lived in Franklin Co., Penn., until the spring of 1832, when he removed to Ohio, locating in Clark Co. He lived on rented farms for some years; he then bought a farm of 100 acres in Sec. 20, Moorefield Township, where he resided twenty years, when he purchased the farm upon which he now lives and has since resided. The two farms consist of 191 acres of land, with good buildings and improvements. Mr. Anderson started in life a poor boy, and by his own industry, economy and good management, he has acquired a good home and property. He saw much of the hardships and trials of the early pioneers, but has lived to see the growth and progress of the county, which now stands among the first counties in the State in good farms and manufacturing interests. His wife died May 26, 1875, on the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day. The “golden wedding” was to have been celebrated that day. The invitations had been sent out for 200 guests, with the anticipation of an enjoyable occasion. But He who rules the universe saw fit to call her on that very day to a happier and better world, “where they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” She was a worthy member of the United Presbyterian Church for more than half a century, and raised her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and saw the fruits of her labors in the good works of her children, they all becoming members of the church while young and before leaving the parental roof. Mr. Anderson is now past 82 years of age; has also been a member of the same church for more than fifty years, and an Elder in the same for over forty years; and we trust that their teachings and good works—the seed they have sown—will continue to spring up and bear fruit for generations to come.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 981

NAHAM H. ANDREWS, merchant, of the firm of Andrews, Wise & Putnam. This establishment dates back to about 1850, with W. S. Field and Nathaniel Stone as proprietors; they were succeeded by Rice & Co. in 1865 and they by Wilson, Wise & Putnam, they by Wise & Putnam, and they by the present firm; the character of the stock was at first seeds and iron, afterward agricultural implements was added, seeds dropped, and a line of hardware and stoves were kept; recently, the present firm have added furniture, making it a stove and house-furnishing establishment; since removing to their present quarters, Nos. 34 and 36 South Limestone street, they occupy two rooms, one of which is devoted to furniture, of which they make a large display; in the other is found a great variety of heating and cook stoves, ranges, queensware, and all necessary culinary utensils, together with a line of shelf hardware. Mr. Naham Andrews, the senior member of this firm, is an experienced merchant; he is a native of Massachusetts, born in 1830; early in life he began a business career as clerk in Boston, and remembers when he received $4 per week, boarding himself—this, too, after he had become of age; but, by perseverance and fortune’s favor, gradually rose in the financial scale until he became a proprietor. He came to Springfield in 1865, and has since been identified with the business of Springfield, except about four years, when he was absent doing business in Galion. He married, in 1853, Miss Lavina S. Maynard, also a native of Massachusetts.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 781

THE ARBOGAST FAMILY had its original seat in the southwestern part of Germany, near Switzerland. They probably were of French Huguenot origin and the name is spelled in many ways. There is record of Balthazar Arngast, who came from Rotterdam to Pennsylvania on the ship Carteret on December 11, 1744; Johannes (1751), on the Edinburgh; and George (1750), on the Anderson. Michael Arngast (Michael Arbogast) took the oath of allegiance to the English Government on going aboard the Speedwell, September 25, 1749, at Rotterdam, bound for Pennsylvania. Michael Arbogast (1734-1812) moved to what is now West Virginia, Pendleton County, in 1752. He was naturalized in Augusta County, Virginia, August 22, 1770, and served in the Second Battalion, Augusta County Cavalry troops, under Capt. Peter Hull of Pendleton or Highland County during the Yorktown campaign. The history of Highland County records that he owned 1,037 acres of land in 1800. The following list may not include all of his children: Adam (1760), married Margaret Hull; David, married, July 4, 1785, Elizabeth Fleisher; Mary, married in 1785 James Mullenax; John (a lieutenant in 1794) married Hannah Davis; George, married in 1791 Catharine Yeager; Michael, Jr., who died in 1813, married Barbara Buzzard; Henry, who died in 1844, married Sophia Wade and, second, Elizabeth Seyfert; Peter (1770-1842), married Sarah Henderson (1781-1850), and was a twin brother of Henry. Several of these sons were with their father in the Revolutionary war and also in the War of 1812. They were all large men, a family characteristic even today. The Arbogasts of Clark County are all descendants of three of Michael’s sons, David, Michael, Jr., and Peter, who migrated to Clark County about 1812. David settled later in Madison County, Indiana, where he died. The other two sons both died in Clark County. Peter came to Clark County from what is now Hampshire County, West Virginia, bringing a family of several children. These and the children subsequently born made up the following list: Cornelius (1801-1883) married Sarah Davison and was the father of four sons and four daughters; Priscilla, who married Jacob Smith, and had two sons and two daughters; Otho, who had two sons and one daughter; Margaret, who married William Carl, and had two sons and three daughters; Lydia, (1818-1889), who married William Cheney (1816-1897); Malinda, who married Willis Climer, had three sons and six daughters; Susan married John Wilkinson, and had one son and four daughters; Mary, who married Jonathan Hardman, had three sons and three daughters; and Henry (1815-1859), who married Susan Climer (1816-1894) had four sons and two daughters. Over forty grandchildren are represented in this list, and these may be found in every walk of life, thrifty, industrious citizens. The home of Peter Arbogast was used for religious services held by a “New Light” minister named Enoch Harvey.

The story of the coming of this pioneer family is graphically told by a grandson, Albert Arbogast, in a personal letter, used herewith: “In regard to my grandfather, Peter Arbogast, he was born and raised near Romney, Hampshire County, Virginia. He was married to Sarah Henderson several years before he sold his farm and moved to Ohio in 1812, while the war was going on with England. Aunt Priscilla Smith was large enough to walk in the rear of grandfather’s wagon and chock the wagon with a forked handspike which she placed against the rim and a spoke in the hind wheel in going up the mountains. Grandfather hired a man named Seebert to drive his six-horse team through to Ohio, and to work for him for a year, for which service he was to receive a horse. There were probably some four or five large covered wagons in the party. Grandfather’s part seems to have been to keep in hearing of the wagons, and with his trusty gun “Friday” he kept the entire party in the choicest deer and bear meat, such game being plentiful. There seemed to be no trouble with Indians, and the expedition was successful except for a most unfortunate accident. In a sudden lurch of one of the wagons a child fell over the side and was seriously injured. All the wagons were halted, and examination showed the injury was probably fatal. A prayer meeting was held and Uncle Cornelius stated it seemed to him that prayers were enough to melt the adamantine rocks of the towering mountains; but all relief was of no avail and the little one passed away. With such implements as they had a grave was hollowed out on a mountain side and with impressive services the funeral was concluded and the weeping party went forward on the long journey. The first people accosted in Ohio by grandfather were two brothers named Ellsworth, whose relatives are still found in eastern Clark County. They told him there was one piece of land left unentered in their settlement; but nobody would have it. After examination Peter Arbogast thought the land worthy of purchase, and his judgment must have been fair, as his great-grandson (Amos Smith), still owns it and lives on the same place. This farm has been in the family one hundred and ten years. The next day, leaving his family in the covered wagon, grandfather on horseback started for the General Land Office at Cincinnati, purchased the land and returned from the long ride in just three weeks. Then grandfather, Seebert and probably Uncle Cornelius, a lad of eleven, went into the nearby timber and soon had the round logs ready for a house. Venison and corn had to be provided for a dinner for the great event of house raising. Invitations were sent out for miles around, and when the day came the Foleys, the Ellsworths, the Coffeys, the Clarks, the McConkeys and the Engles were all there. The strength and skill displayed by those hardy pioneers is something wonderful. By noon the house was up, with a puncheon floor, stone fireplace, stick chimney, properly daubed with clay, as were the chinks between the logs, a door made of split boards, pinned together with wooden pins, leather hinges and a latch string. The roof was made of clapboards held on by logs reaching the whole length of the house. The men came generally on horseback, with their wives riding behind on the same horse. The women were equal to the occasion, as they always are, and a bounteous dinner was ready for the tired and hungry men, consisting of the best venison and corn bread, served &lsqo;stand up and help yourself.’ Then was held a shooting match with rifles at a white patch one inch square placed on a charred board at a distance of one hundred yards. A marksman named Engle drove center three times offhand at this distance.

“Grandmother Arbogast was described as quite tall and straight, with jet black hair, of Irish stock and considered by some to be proud.” If Sarah Henderson deserved the reputation which has lived through the years she had reason to hold a certain kind of pride. An efficient nurse and wonderful skill at her loom, were two of her accomplishments. One of her wonderful blue and white coverlids is still in the family, as handsome as it was the day it left her loom. Her handicraft was equaled if not surpassed by the wonderful embroideries and other needlework of her granddaughter, Eliza, whose work has been exhibited and admired by art critics in Chicago and elsewhere.”

Henry Arbogast (1815-1859) and Susan Climer (1816-1894) were married early in 1839. Several years afterward they moved to Shelby County, but after a short time returned to Pleasant Township, where the husband died before any of the sons were of age. The widow, assisted by the older sons, managed the home farm now owned by the heirs of Milton Arbogast, and educated two sons, James and Albert, to be teachers, both of whom gained distinction in educational affairs. The eldest daughter, Sarah Eliza, married Walter C. Henry, September 22, 1863, Charles (1841- ) married Eliza Byerly, and had one child, Mrs. Louis Jones, of South Vienna. Albert (1848- ) married Mary Porter, and their four children were: Ernest, of New York City; Ethel St. Clair (children, Lillian, John C. and Virginia); Lora and Pearl, of Columbus, Ohio. James (1845-1917) married Laura McConkey and had a daughter, Edna. Milton (1851-1918) married Elizabeth McClenen (1846- ) and of two sons, Howard died in infancy, while Creston Willard married Edna Harmison and had a son, Howard, and two daughters, Doris May and Madelon. Johanna (1857- ) married Charles Huffman. The eldest son, Charles, one of the organizers and an official of the Farmers Bank of South Vienna, served in Company K of the One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio Infantry. Two sons of Cornelius Arbogast also served in the Civil war. With the same thrift that characterized the first American ancestor, Michael Arbogast, the sons of Henry kept and increased the ancestral acres or bought land elsewhere. The mother moved to London about 1880, where she died in 1894. Henry Arbogast and Susan Climer Arbogast are buried in Kirkwood Cemetery at London.

More than passing mention should be made of Rev. Cornelius Arbogast (1801-1883), son of the pioneer Peter, who developed into a man of the Abraham Lincoln type, both mentally and physically. He married Sarah Davisson, with whom he enjoyed sixty years of happy wedded life. His unusual ability was early recognized and he served the communities in which he lived in various capacities of trust. While living in Clark County he was justice of peace for fourteen years, and after his removal to Shelby County in 1851 served as county commissioner for many years. Although not an attorney, his advice was often sought in matters pertaining to the law. This legal turn of mind was also possessed to a marked degree by his nephew, the late Milton Arbogast, who seemed to instinctively interpret, as did his uncle, a difficult problem of law.

Although residing in Shelby County, Cornelius Arbogast kept in touch with his former home, and he and his nephew, the late James Arbogast, helped to assemble the material for an earlier history of Clark County (1881).

He was ordained to the Universalist ministry in 1844, and for many years preached in various neighborhoods in Central Ohio. He was a forceful, logical speaker, genial in his manner, winning all who came in contact with him.

The attendance of hundreds at his funeral on a stormy November day spoke eloquently of their love for this grand old man, a veritable “father in Israel.”

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 181

THE ARMSTRONG FAMILY. The family bearing the above name is, strictly speaking, one of the pioneer families of the vicinity of Springfield. The head of the family, Oliver Armstrong, was born at Bennington, Vt., April 26, 1783, and was united in marriage with Annie Hanes in the year 1802, when but 19 years of age. In 1812, he emigrated to Ohio, settling in the Maumee district, away from which locality he was driven by the Indians in the year 1813. He started for the village of Urbana with a sick wife and four small children, in a cart, with two oxen. The journey was attended with great privation and danger, and extended over a period of six weeks. On reaching Urbana, he had only 25 cents, but found in Judge Reynolds a warm friend, who loaned him great assistance. In the year 1814, he removed into Clark County, where his wife died March 11. Their children were Oliver, Cyrus, Phidelia and David. One year later (1815), Mr. Armstrong married Mrs. Lucinda (Paige) Muzzy, widow of Joseph Muzzy, and sister of Judge Ira Paige. She was born in Hordwic, Mass., July 28, 1780. Two of her children by Mr. Muzzy—Lucius and Franklin—are now residents of Springfield. To the second union of Mr. Armstrong and Mrs. Muzzy, there were born the following children: William, Ominda, Louisa and Lucinda; the latter two are residents of Springfield; Louisa, the wife of Benjamin Furniss, to whom she was married in 1857, both having previously been married; to this union there were born three children, namely: Edward, Frank and Mary. Mr. Furniss was born in the State of New York in 1811, and Mrs. Furniss was born on the old homestead known as “Greenside,” in East Springfield, in the year 1822. Lucinda was born at the same place August 4, 1824; was also raised and married in the same house; married to George O. C. Frankenburg, September 17, 1845. The grandchildren of the Armstrongs and Muzzys number fifty-eight. Of Mr. Armstrong’s children by his first wife, Cyrus was for twenty consecutive years Treasurer of Clark County.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 952

GEORGE R. ARMSTRONG, druggist; P. O. South Charleston; was born in the city of Pittsburgh, Penn., July 5, 1841. His education was obtained at the Fourth Ward School and Western University. In 1865, he was apprenticed to the drug trade, and was engaged in that business in his native city till 1874, with the exception of two winters, one spent in Philadelphia, Penn., and the other in New York. His marriage was celebrated Dec. 15, 1873, with Miss Margaret Langden, of Steubenville, Ohio. On the 1st of January of the following year, he moved to Cincinnati, and in February of the same year to Milford, Ohio, where he remained till September following. He then located at South Charleston, Clark Co., and served in the capacity of General Manager of the store of Ira Athearn, and then William Cheney until March of 1876, when the present firm of the Armstrong & Co. purchased the business of William Cheney, and have since conducted it with success. Mr. Armstrong was elected Recorder of the village in the spring of 1878 by a small majority, and re-elected in the spring of 1880 by an almost unanimous vote. He became a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association in 1871, and on the 2d of September, 1872, assisted in organizing the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association at Columbus.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1059

HARRY ARNETT. Every profession or business demands certain characteristics of its followers if they hope for success, but in none of them all are the requirements more varied or exacting than that of the business of handling real estate. The successful realtor must understand property values. He must be able to decide not only the present market value, but its real worth, and to foresee possible expansions in the future. To provide against undue advantage being taken of him and his client he must keep in close touch with the progress of events and the development, both active and potential, in the community. Not only must he be an excellent salesman, but he must also be sincere and be able to so impress the possible purchaser that he will not only close a deal but return when he is looking for more property. Above everything else the realtor must insist upon a fair deal and establish his own reputation for unflinching integrity. Small wonder that one who succeeds in the real estate business is able to sell insurance as well or that many seek through him safe and profitable investments for their surplus, for in meeting these requirements his various capabilities are marvelously developed and in his realty transactions he gains the confidence of the public in such a convincing manner that other business comes to him as a matter of course. Such a man is Harry Arnett, realtor of Springfield, who also carries on a large insurance business and makes loans and investments.

Harry Arnett was born at Springfield, August 6, 1884, a son of Andrew and Elnora (Toland) Arnett, both natives of Springfield. Thomas Arnett, the paternal grandfather, was born in Clark County, Ohio, but his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Kills, was born in Pennsylvania. Learning the trade of a shoemaker, Andrew Arnett followed it for fifty-seven years, and died October 5, 1920. His wife died many vears ago, passing away in 1887. Their children were Harry and a younger brother, Clarence Earl, who is now a resident of Detroit, Michigan.

Until he was seventeen years old Harry Arnett attended the Springfield public schools, but at that age entered the mailing room of the Crowell Publishing Company and remained with that concern for seven years. Having become convinced of the value of a commercial training, he then took a business course at Willis Business College and soon thereafter established himself in his present business. He handles city and country real estate and has put through several of the largest deals in this locality. He is unmarried and resides with an aunt, Miss Nancy Arnett, at 11 East Southern Avenue. She and Andrew Arnett were two of the eleven children born to their parents. Mr. Arnett is an independent republican but aside from casting his vote generally for the party candidates in national matters and according to his best judgment in local affairs, he is not active in politics, his large and constantly expanding business absorbing his full time and attention. He represents a number of the old-line companies in the insurance branch of his business and through his different connections is able to make loans on attractive terms and investments of a very desirable character.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 155

WILLIAM A. ARNETT, wagon-maker, Dialton. His grandfather, Seth Arnett, moved to this county from Virginia about the year 1800, and settled on Mad River, near what was then known as New Boston. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His father, Thomas Arnett, was born Dec. 10, 1806, on a farm three miles west of Springfield, and now owned by Peter Lentz. His mother’s name was Mary Kills. His grandfather Kills moved from Pennsylvania, and owned a paper-mill three miles below New Boston, in about the year 1826. He afterward owned and run one in Springfield for a number of years. His grandmother Kills was a Quaker from Pennsylvania, whose hospitality will be remembered by many of the earlier settlers. His father and mother were married in 1827. William Arnett, the subject of this sketch, was born Nov. 28, 1829, in Springfield, on the corner of Columbia and Factory streets, where his mother now resides. He is the oldest of eleven children, of whom seven are boys and four are girls. When he was old enough, he went into the shop with his father, who was a carriage and wagon maker, and stayed with him until he was 18 years old, when his father died. He then, in company with his mother, carried on the business until he was 24 years old, when he carried into execution his desire to go West. He went to Iowa, where he soon became acquainted with Miss Anna Minto, and they were married within a year. That important step was taken Dec. 8, 1852. In May, 1853, they returned to Springfield, where he followed his trade until the year 1854, when they moved to Dialton, where he has been carrying on the carriage and wagon-making business ever since.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1011

E. H. P. ARNOLD, merchant; P. O. Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Arnold was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., June 1, 1836. In 1860, he went to Kentucky and taught school there until 1863, when he moved to Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Gillespie, of Bourbon Co., Ky., July 1, 1862; as a result of this union there was one child, viz., Lula, born April 22, 1863. Mrs. Arnold died in Kentucky May 4, 1863. Mr. Arnold was married the second time to Miss Martha A. Blee, of Clark Co., Feb. 18, 1863. Mr. Arnold taught school in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois and Ohio for some twenty years. Mr. Arnold was engaged for some years with Ackerman Bros., of Springfield, Ohio, in the slating business. Mr. Arnold’s brother Thomas was one of the first men to introduce the slate-roofing business into Ohio. Mr. Arnold’s father, William, was a merchant for a number of years in Pennsylvania. He has a brother there now in the grocery business. Mr. Arnold commenced the grocery business in Harmony, Clark Co., January, 1880, where he keeps a stock of groceries, such as is usually kept in a country store. Mr. Arnold and wife are members of the M. P. Church at Harmony.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 954

THOMAS L. ARTHUR, dealer in lumber, Springfield; is a native of Pennsylvania, born near Pittsburgh in 1827; his father was a woolen manufacturer of Pittsburgh, but, during the boyhood days of Thomas L., sold out and engaged in the lumber trade, and, in 1847, removed to Ashland, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was engaged in the lumber trade a number of years. Mr. Arthur removed to Springfield in 1867, and in connection with Mr. Vorhees, built the planing-mill at the corner of Pleasant and Limestone streets, and has since been identified with this establishment, now being sole owner and proprietor; his experience of more than thirty years enables him to know the wants of builders, and he is enjoying a flourishing trade. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and a useful, respected citizen; his residence is No. 335 South Limestone street. He married, in 1855, Miss Judith T. Liggett, and has a family of five children—William H., now an accountant in his father’s office; Flora B., Daniel H., Edwin C. and Isabella M.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 781

J. M. AUSTIN, physician, North Hampton. The father of Mr. Austin was born in North Carolina in 1808, moved to this State with his parents in 1812, and settled in Clinton Co. He was married to Elizabeth Darby in 1837, and had by her seven children, of whom our subject is the youngest. He was born in 1848, and spent his boyhood days on the farm of his parents. He received a common-school education, taught school three years, and then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. Watkins, of Clinton Co. He graduated from the E. M. Institute, and, in 1874, commenced the practice of his profession in Westboro, in his native county, but left there Nov. 19, of the same year, and located where he now lives. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Florence Hodson, of Clinton Co., and had born to him three children—Pearl H., Grace I. and Howard H. Of these, the oldest died in 1876.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1011

M. R. AYRES, farmer; P. O. Christianburg, Champaign Co. The subject of this sketch is the son of Caleb and Esther Ayres, who were natives of New Jersey; they were united in marriage in 1816 and emigrated to Ohio in 1818, but did not settle permanently until 1828, when they located in Pike Township, on the farm where his son, M. R., now resides; Mrs. Ayres departed this life Aug. 20, 1835, at the age of 46 years; they were both Seven-Day Baptists. Mr. Ayres celebrated his marriage with his second wife (Lydia Babcock) in 1837. M. R., the subject of this sketch, was born in New Jersey Dec. 5, 1817; his boyhood days were spent at home, assisting his father with the duties of the farm and going to school during the winters. He was married to Margaret Priest, born Oct. 28, 1812, the daughter of Elijah and Hannah Priest, who settled in this county in 1818; they (Mr. and Mrs. Ayres) are the parents of one son and four daughters, all of whom are now living, viz.: Sarah, born Aug. 21, 1840; Louisa, born Oct. 4, 1842; Elias, born Aug. 16, 1846; Maria, born May 26, 1850; Margaret P., born April 20, 1853. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he was held in the community where he lived, he was elected Trustee of his township and other offices, the duties of which were discharged by him to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Ayres is a member of the Christian Church, and holds several offices in the same. He has always taken a deep interest in politics, and his principles are identified with the Democratic Party.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1012