Clark County Ohio Biographies

W. P. JACKSON, minister; P. O. Catawba; was born Jan. 16, 1835, in Warren Co., Ohio, was raised and educated upon his father’s farm, midway between Pleasant Plain and Level. He attended the Lebanon, Normal, Mainville Academy, and the Ohio Wesleyan University. When the late war began he enlisted in the 12th O. V. I., and went forward to fight for his country. He was engaged in a great many severe battles; served three years and three months. After the close of the war, he entered the Cincinnati Conference, in September, 1865; was ordained as local Deacon; was transferred to the Holston Conference in 1866, and labored in the traveling connection in Tennessee. In 1870, he was retransferred to the Cincinnati Conference; was ordained minister in October, 1869. He is at present Pastor of the M. E. Church at Catawba. He was married, Nov. 27, 1867, to Miss Maggie E., daughter of James Richards, of Brown Co., Ohio. They had five children, four living.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 976

EDWARD N. JACOBS, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Jacobs was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., April 2, 1837; lived at home until 1862, when he enlisted in the 44th O. V. I. during the rebellion, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was married, Feb. 7, 1867, to Mary Minerva, daughter of Samuel and Isabella (Hay) Hamilton; their children are Chester A., Winfleld S., Letta Belle, and Corina May. Edward is the son of Isaac and Letitia (Sterling) Jacobs; his parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio and settled in this county in 1837. Mrs. Jacobs was born in this county July 8, 1849; her father was a native of Virginia, and came to this county and settled in Springfield in an early day. Our subject has always lived on a farm, except the time he was in the army, and three years he was engaged in the dry goods business in New Carlisle, this county; he moved to his present farm in the spring of 1876, where he is pleasantly located; he devotes especial care to the improvement of his stock; also takes pride in the improvement of his farm, and is classed among the best farmers of the county; he is a strict temperance man, and he and his good wife are of a pleasant, social nature, and are not excelled in hospitality.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 851

JOSEPH G. JACOBS, druggist and pharmacist, Springfield. Just fifty years ago, Isaac and Letitia Jacobs, with a little son of two years, emigrated from Lancaster Co., Penn., to this county, settling in Harmony Township, their entire worldly store being one wagon and three horses. In those comparatively primitive days, turnpikes were unknown in these parts, railroads had not even troubled the inventor’s brain, and the village of Springfield boasted a population of one thousand souls. Times were hard, trials and hardships many and fortune rolled on leaden wheels. But the sturdy and unflagging spirit of industry and continued perseverance won, and Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs were rewarded by ample and satisfactory success. They raised six sons and one daughter. Two of the former served in the Union army through the war, and one for a period of four months. Their youngest son, Joseph G. Jacobs, was born in Harmony Township on Nov. 3, 1850, entered Prof. Chandler Robbins’ Preparatory School in 1863, which he left in 1868, and spent five years teaching school in Clark and Greene Counties. In 1873, he engaged in the drug business in Springfield, and is now junior member of the firm of Troupe & Jacobs, doing a prosperous business on the southeast corner of Main and Market streets. His father died at the age of 65, and his venerable mother is at 70, still living in Springfield and in good health. In 1876, Mr. Jacobs led to the altar Miss Una Stuart, of Clifton, Greene Co., the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Elder R. and Rachael E. Stuart—of one of the oldest families in this country and of remarkable longevity, her grandmother Stuart dying Sept. 23 of this year (1880) at the ripe age of 82, having raised a family of eight sons and one daughter, all living and well-to-do and in their teens, the parents of large families, all save one of whom are living in this and Greene Counties. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have a boy of 6 months (Fred P.) and a daughter of 2 years (Grace Iva), both children of unusual sprightliness and beauty. Mr. Jacobs is a member of Lagonda Council, No. 151, Royal Arcanurn, and with his wife members in excellent standing of the Second Presbyterian Church. He is a young man of pleasing address, many friends, full of energy, enjoys the excellent opinion of those who know him, and his future promises well.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 851

ROBERT JARDINE, plumber, steam and gas fitter, Springfield. Among the many business men of this city that should be mentioned is our subject Robert Jardine, plumber, steam and gas fitter. He was born in Dumbarton, near Dumbarton Castle, Scotland, Jan. 22, 1852 when 6 years old his father died, leaving the mother with the care of four children. When Robert was 12 years old, he entered a drug store as clerk, where he remained about two years; he then engaged as book-keeper of a large wholesale house, where he served some three years, and then began painting at which he worked until August, 1871, when he embarked for America with his sister Marion. The mother died in 1871. James is now living in Colorado, and the rest in Springfield, Ohio. Robert’s present business was established in 1870 by his brothers, with whom Robert learned the trade. After working for them four years, he became one of the firm by buying James’ interest, and in December, 1879, Robert took sole charge. He was married, Oct. 25, 1877, to Mary L. Voll, daughter of Louis and Margaret (Alexander) Voll; their home has been made glad by two charming girls, Mary Alice and Clara L. Mrs. Jardine was born Sept. 27, 1851, in Bavaria, Germany; she came to America with her parents in 1854, and Clark County, Ohio, in 1861. Our subject served as a volunteer in the militia of Scotland three years; he was one of the original members of the Champion City Guards, serving with them five years as Sergeant; is a Master Mason of Anthony Lodge, No. 455, F. & A. M.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 852

D. P. JEFFERIES, cashier Lagonda National Bank, Springfield. Mr. Jefferies was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January, 1839, moved to Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, in 1860, where he was engaged in the sale of agricultural implements until 1868, when he came to Springfield; he was one of the original stockholders and organizers of the “Champion Machine Company” of the city of Springfield; he was also Secretary of that company until 1871, when he resigned his position as Secretary and engaged in private banking, known as Frye, McMillan & Co., which was succeeded by the Lagonda National Bank, in 1873; he was elected cashier of said bank at its organization, and still continues to fulfill the duties of that office; he is President of the Deardorff, Mellen & Company Manufacturing Company.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 852

EDWARD NOAH JENKINS, pianos, organs and music, Springfield. E. N. Jenkins was born on Dec. 20, 1853, in Union Co., Ohio, near Marysville, and was one of five brothers, one of whom he lost, and his five sisters all are living in Paulding Co., Ohio, except Mrs. Mary Brush, living in Dayton, Ohio. Both his parents are living. Mr. Jenkins has been, in its broadest sense, the carver of his own fortune since early youth, and has a good part of the time assisted his family much financially. When he was 1 year old, his family went to Jay Co., Ind.; when 15, he entered the Liber College, remaining until 18; he then went to Winchester, Ohio, where he taught vocal music for three years. Coming to Springfield in 1874, he went into the dry goods business with his uncle, Louis Jenkins, remaining eighteen months, becoming, in the meantime, head clerk, and upon Louis Jenkins deciding to retire from business, E. N. Jenkins closed out his whole stock of $40,000 at auction. After this Mr. Jenkins went into the music business here in connection with (and for) Walker & Co., of Dayton, Ohio, continuing for one year, and in the meantime married on Oct. 18, 1877, Miss Lucy Law, of Miltonville, Ohio, the most accomplished and prominent soprano vocalist in that section of the country. Early in 1878, Mr. Jenkins went into the music business on his own account, on West Main street in the store now occupied by Charles Schindler; later he moved to East into Aron’s jewelry store, and about six months ago to his present choice location in the Brookwalter Block, where he does the leading business in his line in the city; in fact, almost the whole business in pianos and organs, representing among others the “Mathushek,” “McCammon,” “Wheelock,” and “Stone” pianos and “Taylor & Forley” and “Sterling” organs. His success has been such as his business tact merits. He is in comfortable circumstances the owner of several nice properties here and a farm in Missouri.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 852

W. B. JENKINS, farmer; P. O. Enon. Mr. Jenkins is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Moore) Jenkins. His maternal grandfather, Daniel Moore, and wife, Rachael Parks, settled in Sec. 24, Mad River Township, at an early day, and resided there until their death. They were buried on their own farm. His father, Daniel Jenkins, was born in New Jersey, April 30, 1782, and his mother in Pennsylvania, the same year. They came to Ohio in 1812, Daniel being in the war of that date. His wife died Nov. 8, 1827, and he was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Ford, a native of Virginia. By his first wife he had the following children: Marilla (deceased), Ephraim S., Elmore, William Belford, David G. (deceased), and Amon (deceased). He died Jan. 13, 1868. Our subject was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Aug. 16, 1818, and received only such education as the common schools of that day afforded. He worked at farming until 21 years of age, when he learned the carpenter and millwright’s trade, which business he followed until 1851. He married Miss Rachael Sayre, of Clark County, Jan. 2, 1851; she was born March 24, 1830, in the house where they now live. She is the daughter of Loyd and Nancy A. (Albin) Sayre. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Virginia. Her grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth Sayre, were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio, and settled in Sec. 24, Mad River Township, at an early day, and here died. Her father died January, 1853, and her mother, April, 1857. They had four children — Rachael, Elizabeth, Statia (deceased) and Catharine. By his marriage with Miss Sayre, our subject had three children, viz.: Charlotte J., born Sept. 17, 1852, and educated at the Female Institute, at Springfield; Anne F., born June 22, 1856, died March 3, 1860; and George W., born Feb. 22, 1861. Mr. Jenkins has worked his way through life unaided, and now owns a farm of 149 acres, under a high state of cultivation. He is politically a democrat, and has been elected Trustee of the township for eleven years. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and as a upright, honest citizen, he is the peer of any man in Clark County.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1043

WILLIAM JOBES, Justices of the Peace and Postmaster. He is a son of Richard Jobes, native of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Indiana in the year 1819, and located in Wayne County, and lived there ten years, then moved to Warren Co., Ohio, and located near Lebanon. While living there he served fifteen years as Justice of the Peace. He afterward returned to Wayne Co., Ind., and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1866. William, the subject of this sketch, was born June 17, 1829, in Wayne Co., Ind.; was raised and educated near Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. There he attained his manhood. He returned to his native State, taught school and clerked in stores in different towns in the State until 1866. He moved to Champaign Co., Ohio, and began farming near Mechanicsburg, and continued there five years; he then came to this county and farmed until 1876. He then quit farming and began clerking for Joseph Pearson, and holds that position at present. Since he came to Catawba he was elected Justice of the Peace, and is serving his second term. He was appointed Postmaster in 1877, and still holds the position. He was married, Jan. 13, 1852, to Miss Sarah J. Silvers; they had four children, viz., Alonzo, Joel, Luther and Luella M.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 976

FRANK C. JOHNSON. Prominent among the business men of the present at Springfield, one who has succeeded his father as an important factor in manufacturing circles is Frank C. Johnson, president of the American Seeding Machine Company. Mr. Johnson was born at Springfield, November 10, 1866, a son of Robert Johnson, and after attending the local public schools enrolled as a student at the Kenyon Collegiate Preparatory School. Subsequently he pursued a course at Phillips-Andover, and then returned to Springfield, where in 1887 he associated himself permanently with the American Seeding Machine Company. He has filled at different times practically all of the various official positions, and since September 19, 1920, has occupied the office of president. Under his direction this has become one of the leading enterprises in its line in the country, and Mr. Johnson occupies a well-merited position among the leading business men of his community. He has always shown a commendable interest in civic affairs, and has contributed of his time and means in the forwarding of those movements which have been constructive in character and worthy in aim. Likewise, he has aided education, charity and religion. Mr. Johnson is primarily a business man, but is not adverse to the companionship of his fellows and holds membership in the leading Springfield clubs, in addition to being a Mason of high standing.

In 1891 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage at Springfield with Miss Louise Jefferies, a member of a well-known family of this city, and to this union there have been born two children: Elizabeth, who married Robert Cartmell, and Margaret, who married Harold Prout.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 139

GEORGE JOHNSON, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Johnson is a native of Ireland; was born in County Tyrone in 1810; came to the United States in 1849; he first stopped at Berea, in this State, but came to Springfield in the following April, and has resided here since; he has taken an active part in the construction of all the lines of railway in the county, except the C., S. & C. north, and L. M. south, and also all improvements of public roads, etc., made during his residence here. His wife is also a native of Ireland. They were married there in 1837, and have raised a family of three children — Jane (now Mrs. James W. Hall), William and Robert F. The latter is now the local agent of the D. & U. R. R. at Greenville. William has for a number or years been employed at the Driscol carriage factory, and is now foreman of the painting department. Mr. Johnson came from the old country a poor man, seeking to better his condition. Having a brother at Berea, he first located there and went to work in the stone quarry, then being operated in a small way, but finding he could not get money for his work and having some friends here who and urging him to come, he borrowed the money to pay his way for a visit, finding work for which he could get cash; he determined to remain, and accordingly removed his family as soon as he was able. Then he thought himself fortunate to get from 75 to 87 cents cash per day, but as the city grew prices advanced, and by industry and economy and a wise investment of his savings in real estate, he became one of the substantial citizens of the city, respected no less for his personal character, than by reason of his financial success.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 855

ROBERT JOHNSON, manufacturer, Springfield, was born near Springfield in 1832; he was raised on a farm, but when 18 years of age left the farm learn the carpenter trade, and subsequently following carpentering and building until about 1867, during which time he built as contractor many residences and business buildings in the then village of Springfield. On the organization of the Champion Machine Company, in 1867, Mr. Johnson became a member, and has been the efficient and trusted Secretary since 1870. As the history of this establishment appears elsewhere in this work, any detailed statement here would appear superfluous. It will be sufficient to say that Mr. Johnson has shared in the difficulties and enjoyed the triumphs of the management of this vast establishment. He has the immediate general supervision of the manufacturing and has also been Secretary of the Champion Malleable Iron Works since 1873, and is a Director of the Champion Bar and Knife Works. He married in 1860 Miss Adelaide, daughter of William Humphreys, an early and honored resident of Springfield, now deceased, by whom he has four daughters and three sons. Mr. Johnson’s residence is No. 197 Market street, corner of Pleasant. He is a skilled mechanic, an able business manager and worthy citizen.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 855

ROBERT JOHNSON was one of those strong, capable, ingenious men who, a half a century ago, through participation in manufacturing activities, assisted in making the City of Springfield famous. He was a contemporary of the leading industrial captains of the ’70s and ’80s, and was associated with them in the promulgation and advancement of business concerns which brought the city prestige and prosperity and which caused its name to be known all over the country because of its products.

Mr. Johnson was born January 20, 1832, in Clark County, Ohio, a son of James Johnson, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, of Scotch ancestry. James Johnson married in Ireland Helen Johnston, and in 1824 the family immigrated to the United States, buying a farm a few miles south of Springfield, in Clark County, where James Johnson was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 1872. Robert Johnson was the the fifth in a family of eight children. From early boyhood until the close of his life he was an exceptionally hard worker. He grew up as a farm boy, and his educational training was limited to a few months yearly in the neighboring district schools. In the spring of 1849 he came to Springfield, where, after serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter’s and joiner’s trade, for which he was paid $40 the first year and $62 the second year, he began working at the trade. Before he had attained his majority he had built, unaided, during his spare time, a double flight of continuous rail stairs, the first of their kind in Springfield, and after this for a number of years was associated with his brother, James Johnson, in contracting and building. In 1865 he went to the Pennsylvania oil fields, and there, associated with others, spent two years in oil production, but in 1867 returned to Springfield, where he joined Amos Whitely, W. W. Wilson, J. W. Taylor, Walter Craig and others in the organization of the Champion Machine Company, which was formed for extending the business of the manufacture of Champion reapers and mowers that were then being manufactured by the firm of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly. From this time for fifteen years Mr. Johnson held the office of secretary and superintendent of the company. In 1873 the Champion Malleable Iron Company was created for the manufacture of malleable iron used in the products of the Champion Machine Company, of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly and of Warder, Mitchell & Company, and of this new company Mr. Johnson became secretary and a director. In 1874 the three companies named above organized the Bar and Knife Company for the purpose of manufacturing cutter bars, knives and sections, and of this concern Mr. Johnson was also made secretary and a director. In 1881 he severed his connections with these concerns and built the Johnson Block on Main Street, and in 1883 became vice president of Mast, Foos & Company, serving as such for fourteen years. In November, 1883, with E. L. Buchwalter, C. E. Patric, Richard H. Rodgers, Charles S. Kay and others, he bought out Thomas, Ludlow & Rodgers and organized the Superior Drill Company, which during subsequent years has had an important bearing on the commercial history of Springfield. During the remainder of his life Mr. Johnson was first vice president of this corporation. With its wonderful growth and prosperity the Superior Drill Company absorbed the Champion Machine Company, and has become known throughout the United States, particularly as a great manufacturer of specialized farm machinery. Mr. Johnson was also an official of the Hoppes Manufacturing Company, the Springfield Coal and Ice Company, the Foos Gas Engine Company, the Springfield National Bank and numerous other business and financial enterprises of Springfield. He was a Methodist in church belief, in politics a republican, and was an incorporator of the Methodist Home for the Aged at Yellow Springs, in all ways standing for those things contributing to the real welfare of the community.

To Mr. Johnson’s marriage with Adelaide T. Humphreys there were born six children: Effie, who married K. M. Burton; Nellie, who married Randolph Coleman; Frank C.; Clara, who married A. M. McKnight; Jessie, who married Luther L. Buchwalter, and Benjamin P.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 138

FLOYD A. JOHNSTON. A useful life crowded with honorable activity has been the choice of one of Springfield’s leading professional men, Floyd A. Johnston, United States commissioner, who occupies a prominent place as a member of the Clark County bar. This place he has won through intelligent observation, persistent study and close application, supplementing a natural talent that led to his choice of a future career while still a youth following the plow on his father’s farm.

Floyd A. Johnston was born in Madison County, Ohio, September, 15, 1875, and is the son of Henry B. and Emma (Trond) Johnston, whose family consisted of two children. Henry B. Johnston has followed farming practically all his life, and is yet engaged in that occupation in Madison County. It was on the home farm there that Floyd A. Johnston grew to manhood. In boyhood he attended the district schools and later became a student in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, and from this institution received the degrees of B. S. and LL. B., and was admitted to the bar in December, 1901.

Mr. Johnston came to Springfield in April, 1902, and opened an office for the practice of his profession. He was practically unknown and had to begin at the bottom and depend upon his own efforts. Perhaps one of the earliest convictions forced upon young professional men, especially in the law, is that there are no “short cuts” to success, and for some years, despite his thorough knowledge of the law, professional opportunity and consequent rewards were discouragingly slow to Mr. Johnston. Gradually, however, he made solid progress and his interests widened, his legal successes in a general practice bringing him into the limelight, and today he occupies a position of definite importance in his profession. Mr. Johnston deprecates the possession of unusual legal ability, explaining that close study and conscientious application have been the elements in his success, but his many friends and admirers maintain that if, in the future, public honors absorb all of his time and attention, the Springfield bar will have lost one of its most gifted members. In January, 1920, Mr. Johnston was made a United States commissioner, and is serving as such at the present time. He is active in all that concerns the welfare of Springfield, and is a member of the board of sinking fund trustees for the city.

Mr. Johnston married June 14, 1901, Miss Mabel C. Gore, of Newton Falls, Ohio, and they have two children: Myra E. and Robert F. Mr. Johnston and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In political life he is a democrat. Professionally he is a member of the American, state and county bar associations, and fraternally is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 27

FRANCIS JOHNSTON, farmer; P. O. Enon. Francis Johnston is the son of Arthur and Frances Johnson, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1791, locating in Pennsylvania, where they lived till 1795, when they removed to Kentucky. In 1829, they came to Ohio, locating in Greene County. The subject of this sketch was born in Shelby Co., Ky., Oct. 7, 1814; his education was obtained in the common schools of Kentucky in log schoolhouses, and the teacher being paid by subscriptions raised in the neighborhood. He came alone on horseback to Ohio, bringing seven horses, at a cost of $3.87. He lived at home with his mother until her death, which occurred in 1849, since which time his sisters have kept house for him. Mr. Johnston, in 1859, bought the farm of 189 acres on which he now resides, and known as the old “Galloway farm,” which was the first settled in the township, and the remains of the first cabin are still to be seen near his present dwelling. It is supposed to be the first house built in Mad River Township. Mr. Johnston has a number of Indian relics, which he has found and preserved, and shows with considerable pride. He has held the office of Township Trustee for several years, being elected by the Republican party, and filling the office with credit to himself and his constituents.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1044

JOHN JOHNSTON, tobacco dealer, Springfield. He was born in this county eight miles west of Springfield, on Donnel’s Creek, Feb. 8, 1825; is a son of James and Mary R. (Burgess) Johnston. James was a native of Ireland, born Jan. 5, 1784; Mary, born in Virginia Nov. 11, 1798. They came to Springfield at a very early date, and, in 1816, he completed the old two-story stone house on the south side of Main Street, west of the Run. While finishing the walls of this building, he also built a small one-story addition, where, 1817, he began the manufacture of cut nails by hand, and the citizens were then supplied with the useful and much needed article of domestic manufacture. The nails used in the erection of Dr. Needham’s house were made by Mr. Johnston. He afterward became a farmer, and erected a saw-mill on Donnel’s Creek, in Pike Township, where he died Jan. 5, 1847; and his wife him Jan. 18, 1865. When John was 12 years old, entered a dry goods store in New Carlisle as clerk. After clerking some eight years, started a store in his own name, and continued in the dry goods business about twenty-eight years; he moved to Springfield in 1868, and went into the tobacco trade, and at present is the senior partner of the firm of Johnston & Son, wholesale dealers tobacco and cigars. He was married, Nov. 21, 1848, to Mary Garst, to whom three children were born. But two, M. D. and Charles E. are now living. This wife departed this life Feb. 25, 1863. He was again married, March 9, 1869. This time to Mrs. Elizabeth Serviss, widow of George Serviss, deceased. Both wives daughters of John Garst. Mr. Johnston is one of the leading members; also one of the Trustees of the Center Street Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 855

M. D. JOHNSTON, tobacconist, Springfield. Mr. Johnston is the junior partner of Johnston & Son, wholesale tobacco dealers, Main Street. This house was established in 1868, and is the only wholesale tobacco house in the city. He was born in this county March 3, 1851; attended school until 17 years old, graduating in Harrison’s Commercial College of Springfield in his 18th year, when he entered the store of Kidder, Johnston & Co., as book-keeper. In 1878, he was taken into partnership with his father, when the firm was changed to its present name. He was married, Nov. 1, 1875, to Lucy M. Slack, daughter of Peter and Maria Slack. They have three children, two boys and one girl. He has been through life so far honorable and upright in all his transactions, adhering strictly to business, and has established beyond a doubt a reputation for truth and veracity. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifteen years; he was Secretary of the Sunday school of New Carlisle (the place of his birth) two years; and Secretary of the Mission Sunday School of this city one year, and at present is Secretary of the Center Street Methodist Episcopal Sunday School of this city.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 856

CLEMENT L. JONES, M.D., has practiced medicine in Springfield since 1910, and is one of the busy professional men of the city. He served for a few months as a captain in the Medical Corps during the great war, but without exception has devoted his time and talents fully to his private practice in internal medicine in Springfield.

Doctor Jones was born at Winchester, Indiana, April 29, 1876, son of Levi M. and Mary (Williams) Jones. His parents were born in Champaign County, Ohio, and both are now past fourscore years and living at Jamestown.

Clement L. Jones is the son of a physician, and he early made choice of the same vocation as his permanent career. He acquired his higher education in Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, and graduated in medicine from Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore in 1903. After some further training and experience in the Mount Carmel Hospital at Columbus, where he was pathologist to the hospital, he located at Springfield in 1910, and for a number of years has had his offices in the Fairbanks Building. Doctor Jones is a member of the Clark County, Ohio State and American Medical Associations. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a Mason and Shriner. He belongs to the First Lutheran Church, and is a republican in politics.

March 3, 1917, Mr. Jones married Miss Hazel Laybourne, a native of Springfield. They have one daughter, Martha, born December 11, 1918.

Doctor Jones was commissioned Captain in the Medical Corps and entered that service September 1, 1918. He was ordered overseas, but the order was revoked while he was at Hoboken, where he was when the Armistice was signed. He received his honorable discharge from the service February 20, 1919.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 422

E. C. JONES, druggist, South Charleston. Thomas E. Jones, his father, was born in Maryland March 27, 1811, a son of Thomas and Charlotte Jones. Mrs. Charlotte Jones died in 1828, and, in the spring of 1830, Mr. Jones and eight of the children–Thomas E., William, Jacob, David, Mary, Daniel, Michael and Charlotte, emigrated to Ohio and settled in Clark Co. John, the oldest child, remained in Maryland a few years, but finally came to Ohio also. Their father lived to the age of 62; he died in Champaign Co. in January of 1839. Thomas E. was raised a farmer and was engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1847, when he commenced the tanning business in South Charleston and continued it till about the close of the civil war; he then followed teaming for about four years, since which he has not been in any regular employment. He is serving his second term as Street Commissioner of South Charleston. His marriage was consummated June 30, 1839, with Nancy D. Schobey; she was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Dec. 18, 1822; nine children are the fruits of this union–Martin V. B. (deceased), Mary C., Margaret, Emma, Marquis, William, Edward C., Milton and Thomas W. (deceased). Mr. Jones and family, except one child, are members of the M. E. Church. Edward C., the subject of this memoir, was born Jan. 23, 1854; his time was occupied principally in attending school till he arrived at the age of 18, when he went in partnership with A. N. Barlow in the printing business, editing the South Charleston Banner. At the expiration of three years, he engaged with Mr. Hudson to learn the drug business; he was with Mr. Hudson three years, and then with his successor, Charles Paullin, as clerk till in October of 1879, when he purchased the stock, and has since been conducting the business himself; his card will be seen in the business directory of this work. On the 7th of May, 1880, he married Miss Anna Schickedantz; Christopher Schickedantz, her father, was of German birth; he emigrated to America in 1834, and afterward married Judith Ann Clemens, a native of this county, by whom he had nine children; he died in 1874, having survived his wife about three years. Mrs. Anna Jones was born Aug. 30, 1860; she is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. E. C. Jones is a member of the M. E. Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1069

J. M. JONES; P. O. South Charleston; was born Sept. 23, 1836. He is the son of Isaac C. Jones, who was a Baptist minister living at West Jefferson, and was well known in Madison and Clark Counties as an evangelist and children’s friend. J. M. Jones served an apprenticeship in a dry goods store, but, having a desire for an education, he left the store and attended public school a short time. He got a certificate to teach school at the age of 17, and taught country school eight years. He taught winter terms several years, and attended school at Oberlin the rest of the year. He was in the junior class when the rebellion began. He, with three other brothers, responded to the President’s first call for volunteers. The company was rejected, because more than 75,000 responded. J. M. went back to college, but his young brother, Isaac C. Jones, joined Co. C, 7th O. V. I. He was the last private joining the company, but was rapidly promoted, until he was commanding the company when killed in battle. The urgent call for volunteers in 1862 brought J. M. Jones into the army. He was in the service in the summer and fall in Kentucky, and was in the battle at Richmond, Ky., when his regiment was all almost captured by Gen. K. Smith’s command. The regiment was paroled, and came back to Camp Chase, at Columbus, Ohio. No chance for exchange or active service, he resigned his position and accepted a call to take charge of the Public Schools at West Jefferson as Superintendent. During the second year the call for volunteers was so urgent that he left the schoolhouse for the army. He received a commission as First Lieutenant of Co. C, 154th O. V. I. The regiment went to Virginia, and was in active service. He served his time out, and returned home. He married Jennie Pringle, daughter of James Pringle, Jr., of South Charleston, Sept. 27, 1865. They have two children–Pringle C., age 13 years, and Ethel A., age 11 years. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church, having joined two years ago. J. M. Jones has been Superintendent of Carthage Sabbath school for ten years, and during that time about fifty persons have joined the Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal and Baptist Churches from that school. Thirty-one at one time were baptized. The school gave him a very handsome Bible with the names of the converted written in it. He was also chosen Superintendent of the Presbyterian Sabbath school at South Charleston in the year of 1869, and still holds that position. He has served his county as President of the Clark County Sunday School Union seven years. He has never grown tired in the work among the young people and children. His great desire and burden of soul is to see the children converted and with the children of God in the fold.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1070

JOHN JONES, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. The subject of this sketch was born in England March 15, 1818. In the fall of 1851, he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans. In the spring he came to Clark County, Ohio, and commenced to work on a farm near Springfield, Ohio. Nov. 20, 1856, he was married to Miss Hannah E. Webster, daughter of John Webster of Springfield Township. The union thus formed has been blessed by the birth of thirteen children, nine of whom are still living–Thomas born April 29, 1860; George R., Dec. 8, 1862; Eliza, June 8, 1864; Minnie, July 28, 1866; Emma, July 28, 1868; Anna P., July 29, 1870; John W., March 6, 1872; Robert H., June 6, 1873; and Arthur Edwin, Sept. 1, 1880. In 1855, Mr. Jones, being desirous of seeing his native land, made a visit to England, remaining there for one year. Mr. Jones, as has been stated, commenced as a farm laborer in 1852, and to-day he is one of the largest land-owners in the township. He and his wife had nothing when they started in life, nor have they received anything but what they have earned by their own hands. Mr. Jones is the owner of 472 acres of land in the township. He resides on one of his beautiful farms of 312 acres with everything around him that is pleasant and cheerful, surrounded by a very interesting family, and to-day he and his wife (who has, indeed, been a helpmeet to him) can look back over their past life and rejoice that they did use economy in their young days, for now as they are passing through the afternoon of their lives they have everything to make them happy and to cheer them on in their journey through life. Mr. Jones is a true type of an Englishman. As a gentleman, he is very pleasant and affable, a good neighbor, and a man much given to hospitality.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 959

PRESLY JONES, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. South Charleston. The grandfather of this enterprising and successful farmer was Daniel Jones, a native of Delaware, of Welsh descent, who was married in his native State to Mary Allston, born in Philadelphia, of English and Irish parentage, whose father was a prominent merchant of that city when the Revolutionary war broke out, his wife being the daughter of an Irish nobleman. Soon after marriage Daniel and wife moved to Virginia, remaining there a few years, thence went to Pennsylvania, and about 1812, removed to Hamilton Co., Ohio, settling on the Little Miami River, and in 1816 came to Clark Co., and settled in the southern part of Harmony Township, where they remained until death, dying as they had lived, faithful members of the Baptist Church. They were the parents of thirteen children, viz., Enoch, John, Susan, Abel, Lewis, David, Levi, James, Margaret, Mary, and Isaiah; two died in infancy. Enoch, the father of Presley, was born in Delaware July 29,1789, grew to maturity in Pennsylvania, and was married in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, July 29, 1818, to Rebecca Harvey, daughter of Andrew Harvey, a native of Maryland; she was born in Elkton, Md., Oct. 21, 1791, moved with her parents to Hardy Co., Va., and about 1817 came to Clark Co., Ohio, with her brother-in-law (James White and wife), where she married and ever afterward resided, her parents remaining in Virginia. Of this union were born six children, Maria, Margaret, Presley, Ann A., Emma and Morgan, all of whom are living but the oldest. Enoch lived on a portion of his father’s farm until 1832, when he sold it and bought 300 acres of land on the line of Madison Co., a portion of it laying in both counties, and here he and his wife spent the balance of their lives, he dying March 2, 1852, his widow surviving him many years, dying Oct. 22, 1876, a sincere member of the Baptist Church, to which he also adhered, although never uniting with the church. Enoch Jones was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was under Hull, when that General cowardly surrendered Detroit to the English without firing a shot. Presley Jones was the third in the family, and was born on the old farm in Harmony Township, Sept. 19, 1824, grew to maturity in that and Madison Township, attending in his youth the district school, where he obtained an ordinary education. He was married in London, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1875, to Miss Louise Lemon, daughter of Milton and Sarah (Smith) Lemon, natives of Clark Co., Ohio, where he was born March 29, 1819, and his wife in December, 1817. His parents, John and Rebecca (Donaldson) Lemon, were natives of Virginia, who settled in Moorefield Township, before the war of1812, where they remained until death. Dr. Milton Lemon completed the study of medicine in 1841, locating in Madison Co., where he was engaged in the practice of his profession until 1861. He was elected on an Independent ticket to the 55th General Assembly of Ohio, in which capacity he did his duty faithfully as a legislator, and when addressing the house, his fine, manly appearance, together with his fervor and animation, commanded the attention and respect of his contemporaries. At the expiration of his term of office he was appointed as enrolling surgeon for the 7th District, serving until the close of the war. While at Columbus, he received a paralytic stroke from which he never fully recovered, dying April 24, 1878. His widow, who bore him eight children, five of whom are living, viz., Louise, Elizabeth, Alice, Ida and Milton, is now residing in London, Ohio; his father, John Lemon, was a soldier under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812. The old homestead in Madison Township was willed to Presley and his brother Morgan, but the subject of this sketch purchased his brother’s interest for $10,000, and is now the owner of 340 acres in the old tract, and 40 acres of timber close at hand. The historical “Ludlow line,” has its starting point on his farm close to his residence, and the head-waters of the Little Miami River are partly located on his land. In politics, Mr. Jones is an unflinching Republican, and all benefits find in him a hearty supporter; like most business men, he has had his “ups and downs,” but his standing to-day is that of an honest man, and leading farmer, who is respected by all classes.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1069

AMAZIAH JUDY, farmer and stock-buyer; P. O. Plattsburg. The subject of this sketch is the son of the late John Judy, who came to the county in the year 1800, from the State of Kentucky, he having been born in a “Block House” in Fleming Co., Feb. 14, 1791; he came to Clark Co., at the time above stated; he settled in what is now Harmony Township, on the extreme head-waters of the “Little Miami,” he purchased a large tract of land of one James Galaway, whose name is famous in the State of Ohio, he having purchased the same from the United States. In the year 1840, through his own industry and economy, he was the owner of something over 1,000 acres of the best land in Clark Co., the larger part of it being in Madison Co., Ohio. John Judy was a man of prominence in his day; he was a Captain in the Ohio militia; he was for some years a Justice of the Peace, he being of the first in the township; in the year 1859, he moved to the State of Illinois, where he purchased a large tract of land for the purpose of settling around him his family. Dec. 1, 1874, he passed from life unto death in his 83d year, after having lived a longer span of time than is usually allotted unto man. Mr. Judy had lived in Clark Co., to see the fruits of civilization spread its wings like a sweet messenger of peace over its land, and, as a result, brought to it improvement and advancement; his hair grew gray while the State grew old and vigorous, and, in the golden sunset of his life, he fell asleep in death–“His life is as a tale that is told.”

Such is the ancestry from which the subject of this sketch sprung. He was born Sept. 20, 1823, in Harmony Township, on the old homestead, within three miles of where he now resides. Mr. Judy was brought up on an adjoining farm to which he now resides, and has continued to be a farmer from that day until this; he started in the stock business under the following circumstances: His father was the proprietor of the “Black Horse Tavern;” when the subject of this sketch was but 7 years old, two gentleman had him to black their boots for which they gave him 12½ cents, with which he bought a hog, and from that he became the largest stock-buyer in the county. Mr. Judy was on the 21st of November, A.D. 1844, married to Miss Hopy Ann Nichelson, daughter of Andrew Nichelson, of Harmony Township, who was one of the very early pioneers, having settled in the county in 1806; this union has been blessed by the birth of five children, one son and four daughters, four of whom are now living. Mr. Judy is the owner of a very beautiful farm adjoining the village of Plattsburg; as a gentleman, he is very pleasant and affable; as a citizen, a man who is much respected. Mr. Judy was engaged in the stock business for a number of years in Illinois; he was also located in Chicago and St. Louis; while in Illinois, his business amounted to over a million dollars a year.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 959