Clark County Ohio Biographies

WILLIAM L. LAFFERTY, grocer, Springfield, Ohio. Among the representative businessmen of Springfield, none are more worthy of mention than Mr. Lafferty, of the firm of Burns & Lafferty. He was born in this county Aug. 13, 1844; is a son of Samuel J. and Catherine (Carson) Lafferty, Samuel a native of Pennsylvania, and Catherine a native of Ohio. In 1850, they moved to Iowa, and in less than one year death called them to the spirit land, within three weeks of each other. William, being left an orphan by the death of both father and mother, his grandfather, William Lafferty, then a resident of Clark Co., Ohio, brought our subject and his brother Samuel back to this county. When William was 13 years old, he emigrated with his grandfather to Illinois; shortly after their arrival in Illinois, the grandfather died, when William returned to Springfield, Ohio, within six months from the time he had left. He was engaged on a farm until 1863, when he enlisted in the 86th O. V. I. and served a three-months’ term of service, and in 1864 went out with the 146th O. N. G.; after his return from the army, he clerked in a clothing store ten years, and in a hat, cap and shoe store two years; was a partner in the shoe store part of the two years. He entered into partnership with his present partner, Mr. Burns, in November, 1875, and started their grocery on High street, where they keep a full line of first-class family groceries; they are not only gentlemen of integrity, but polite and pleasant to all their customers; a leading virtue of this firm is honorable and upright dealing. Mr. Lafferty was married, Oct. 3, 1871, to Miss Katie Jayne, daughter of Gabriel and Sarah (Feigley) Jayne; they have two promising boys—Frank J. and George M. Mrs. Lafferty was born in this county Dec. 21, 1851. Mr. Lafferty has risen to his present financial position from that of a poor boy, saving his money from year to year when a boy, instead of spending it foolishly. He is a P. C. and Master of Exchequer of Moncrieffe Lodge, No. 33, K. of P.; he was District Deputy G. C. two terms of said organization; he is also a member of Division No. 6 of the Uniform Rank of K. P. During the time Mr. Lafferty was clerking, he took a commercial course by reciting at nights.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 866

LEROY LAMBERT. When the history of music in Clark County shall be properly written few men will be found who have more deeply stamped their individuality upon the musical development of their period and community than Professor LeRoy Lambert of Springfield. The complete history of his busy life would be inspiring and serve as an example to those seeking achievement that can only come through persistent and thoughtful effort. At the present time in addition to being director of music and teacher of piano at Wittenberg College he is serving as president of the Springfield Board of Education, and thus is contributing to both the musical and educational advancement of his community.

Professor Lambert was born at Little York, Ohio, April 13, 1870, and is a son of Samuel W. and Mary (Bair) Lambert, natives of Ohio, the father of Scotch-Irish and the mother of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. His early environment was agricultural in character, and until he was fourteen years of age he passed his time at and in the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio. Having passed through the township public schools he entered Ohio Wesleyan University, taking music and select courses for four years, for even in boyhood he had shown marked musical talent and his parents decided to encourage it. He spent the years 1891 and 1892 in the City of Boston as associate director of the Commonwealth Conservatory of Music at Hyde Park, and, returning to Ohio in the latter year, became director of music at Wittenberg College. In 1895 he resigned his position temporarily or, rather, entered upon a somewhat extended vacation from his duties at that institution. Going abroad for two years he took private instruction under Jedliczka, the noted pianist of Berlin, Germany, and on his return to Springfield was engaged in private work until 1918. In that year he was prevailed upon to return to Wittenberg College as director of music and instructor of piano, and since has given his devoted attention to that work. Professor Lambert is a trustee of the Ohio Federation of Music and a member of the Ohio State Musicians Association. He is a life member and past exalted ruler of Springfield Lodge No. 51, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a member of the Masonic Order. Long a member of the First Lutheran Church of Springfield, he has been a devoted worker therein and is now president of the John L. Zimmerman Sunday School class of that church. In 1919 Professor Lambert was elected a member of the Springfield Board of Education, and since that time has served as president of the board, his work in the interests of the public schools, always constructive in character, having been greatly appreciated by the people.

Professor Lambert married Miss Clara L. Croner, the daughter of Gustave and Caroline Croner, residents of Troy, Ohio, and to this union there have been born two daughters: Phyllis Caroline and Martha Louise. Professor and Mrs. Lambert occupy a pleasant home at Springfield, which is always kept hospitably open to their numerous friends.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 377

J. W. LANE, proprietor of saw-mill, Catawba. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 17, 1831, at Danville, N. H.; was raised mostly in the town; he worked some on a farm, then went to Rockland, Me., and worked there a short time in shipyard. Afterward went to Lowell, Mass., and began the trade of a machinist, and worked at it until the spring of 1854. He then came to Ohio, and located in Champaign Co., July 31, 1854. He married Miss Princess A. Rollins; they had nine children—Sarah J., Ida E., Willie O., Charlotte M., Drucilla M., Jacob W., Princess C., Alva D. and Sylvester L. September following his marriage they returned to Massachusetts, and remained there until 1861. They came back to Ohio and located in Pleasant Township, this county. He has been engaged in the milling business in Champaign, Madison and Clark Counties since his return. Since 1873, he has been stationary in Catawba.

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

STEWART A. LASLEY, iron manufacturer, Springfield. Among those who have adopted the “Champion City” as their home, and contributed to its wealth and social attractions, is the family of S. A. Lasley. He is a native of this State; was born in Gallia County in 1803; his youth and early manhood were spent on a farm. In 1825, he married Cynthia McCumber, of Cheshire, Gallia County. He continued farming until about 1835, when he began merchandising; he started in a modest way, in Vinton, in his native county, and continued in business there about eighteen years; his business was prosperous, and he had in the meantime purchased an interest in the Buckeye and Iron Valley furnaces, and has since, with the exception of a single short interval, owned an interest in some one or more of the iron furnaces of that section. In 1856, he removed to Portsmouth, where he acted as agent several years for the productions of the Buckeye furnace. In 1861, he removed to Gallipolis, where he resided during the war, being associated with Col. Moulton in furnishing supplies for the army. After the close of the war, he spent about two years at the Buckeye furnace, then came to Springfield, and, having purchased his handsome residence property, southwest corner of High and East streets, which he christened “Lincoln Heights,” adopted this city as his home. This property is in the form of an oblong square, fronting on High street and contains about 2 acres; is handsomely improved, and presents a very attractive appearance. Mr. Lasley’s first wife died in 1846, having borne him five children, two of whom died in infancy; a son, Hiram G., resides at Welliston, Jackson County, and is also connected with the furnaces of that section; one daughter is of the wife of Amos Wilson, M. D., a resident of Iowa; another daughter is the wife of David Stephenson, of Clifton, W. Va., who is also connected with the mining interests. Mr. Lasley’s present wife, nee Miss Rachel E. Dunlap, of Antram, N. H., was a teacher in younger days, and is a lady of intelligence and social culture; their marriage was celebrated June 8, 1848; they have two chidren, a grown-up son and daughter—John F. and Mary E., both of whom are at home, and are accomplished members of Springfield society. Mr. Lasley now owns an interest in the Milton furnace, and is also a stockholder in the First Bank of Chattanooga, Tenn., of which his nephew, W. P. Rathburn, is President. Although advanced in years and retired from active business, Mr. Lasley takes a deep interest in public affairs. His first vote for President was cast in 1824, and he has not failed to vote at each succeeding Presidential contest; he was a Whig in early days, and has been an ardent supporter of the Republican party since its organization. In 1861, although nearly 60 years of age, he volunteered as a member of a company of about sixty who were organized by and under the command of Lewis Newsom, a General of militia; this company was for the protection of the vast Government stores then at Gallipolis, and were afterward handsomely complimented for their “valuable services,” by the Governor, and were again called into service as “squirrel-hunters” during Morgan’s memorable raid.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 867

CHRISTOPHER LAYBOURN was born June 7, 1745 at Wafferton, East Reading, Yorkshire, England. He was married June 20, 1777, to Miss Margaret Newlove; she was born July 7, 1758, at Setterington, Sameriding, England. There were born to them in England eight children—Milcah Newlove, the eldest, was born Oct. 20, 1779; Joel, July 25, 1780; Abel, May 17, 1782; Christopher, July 15, 1784, and died Dec. 27, 1784, and was buried at Winteringham; Esther was born Jan. 14, 1786 and died Feb. 27, 1788, and was buried at Weaverthorpe; Amos was born Feb. 16, 1788; Elisha, Jan. 7, 1790; Paul, Jan. 7, 1793. The eight children were all born in Yorkshire. In 1794, Christopher Laybourn, wife and six remaining children came to America, landing at New York, after a stormy passage of three months’ duration, in an old sailing vessel, having battled with numerous storms and being repeatedly driven back by adverse winds. They lived in New York City about eighteen years, during which time he was Mayor of the city two years. He was a school teacher by profession, having taught many years in England, and also in this country; was known as an excellent teacher and a strict disciplinarian. In the year 1812, the entire family moved to Cincinnati, and, soon after, to Clark Co., buying the land now known as the Thorpe farm, some six miles southeast of Springfield, on the Charleston Pike. Here he set out a large orchard, many of the trees of which are still standing, being, no doubt among the oldest in the county. A few years later, he sold out and purchased, near Harmony, the farm now owned by his grandson, Joseph Laybourn. He died Jan. 9, 1842, aged nearly 97 years; was buried at Fletcher Chapel. Mr. Laybourn was in many respects a remarkable man. Though small in stature, he was exceedingly strong and active. It is said of him that, while a young man in England, he, on a wager, stood in a half bushel measure and shouldered five bushels of wheat. He was from his youth a member of the M. P. Church, and a more earnest, consistent Christian is seldom found. No man detested a mean or unprincipled action more than he. Being very intelligent, he was always one of the foremost men in the country in any enterprise of Church or State, for the benefit of mankind. He was a great reader, and for many years previous to his death enjoyed his second sight, and could read for hours without his spectacles, although nearly 100 years old. His companion died Aug. 12, 1825, aged 68 years; was buried at Oxtoby’s Chapel, being one of the first interments in that ground. The day of her burial is noted as there having occurred one of the severest rain and hail storms ever known in this country; it began just as the procession reached the church, and nearly filled the grave with rain and hail, so that it had to be shoveled out; the teams broke loose and general confusion followed. This aged couple for many years lived with their son, Amos, who fell heir to the home farm. He died Jan. 14, 1874, aged about 86 years, being one of Harmony Township’s oldest and best citizens, a strict member of the Protestant Church, and ever an industrious, peaceable man. Joel Laybourn died Oct. 30, 1851, aged 71 years 3 months 5 days; Zerniah, his wife, died April 24, 1862, aged 78 years. They lived and died on a farm within about one mile of the old Thorpe farm, where his father first settled. Elisha married Miss Abigail Wood, and settled about four miles south of Springfield. He, too, was an honored citizen, an industrious, benevolent man, beloved by those who knew him best, an exemplary Christian. His loss was deeply felt when, on March 8, 1861, all that was mortal passed away, at the age of 71 years 2 months and 1 day. His wife, Abigail, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1799, was married to Elisha Laybourn in 1817, and lived on the farm on which she died fifty-four years. Her age was nearly 77. Abel lived in the neighborhood and in Harmony for many years, and then moved to Indiana, where he died in 1863, aged 81 years. His wife, Judith, died March 6, 1853. Milcah, the only daughter of Christopher, married and moved to Canada, thence to Michigan, and the last heard of her by her relatives here she was still living, at a good old age. Paul, the youngest son, was but 2 years of age when they crossed the Atlantic. He was married, in 1816, to Miss Almira Palmer; they settled upon the Reid farm, three miles from Springfield, on the Charleston Pike; they bought and sold different tracts of land, built several houses of the kind then in use (log), and after a number of years (1835), they sold out and moved to Dearborn Co., Ind., where he died Jan. 19, 1873, aged 80. He was known as a very industrious man, a consistent member of the M. E. Church and died in the triumph of a living faith. He was the father of Mr. John C. Laybourn, of Lagonda. His wife, Almira, was born in 1795, on the shore of Lake Champlain in Vermont, moved, at an early day, with her father’s and eleven other families, West, sailing down the Ohio from Pittsburgh on a raft to Cincinnati, and finally settled at North Bend, Ind. She, in her young days, taught family school for Gen. William Henry Harrison. She is still living, at a ripe old age, near Manchester, Ind., the last of the old members of the Laybourn family living.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 961

HENRY C. LAYBOURN, Postmaster and grocer, Lagonda. Mr. Laybourn was born in this county March 3, 1844, and lived here until 1856, when he moved with his parents to Champaign, where he remained till 1873, when they returned to this county and located in Lagonda; he was married, Oct. 2, 1873, to Sarah L. White, daughter of James H. and Harriet White, who were early settlers of Champaign Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Laybourn have two children, Alberta and Charles W. Mr. Laybourn is an active member and a Past Grand of Ephraim Lodge, No. 146; also a Patriarch of Mad River Encampment, No. 16, I. O. O. F., and a member of the Uniformed Patriarchs of said Encampment; he is also a leading member of the United Brethren Church of Lagonda, and is one of the Stewards of said church. In 1863, during the late rebellion, he enlisted in the 66th O. V. I. and served to the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged; he was wounded at the battle of Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. After his location in Lagonda, he worked two years in the shops and then started the grocery under the firm name of John C. Laybourn & Sons. His wife was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, June 29, 1852. John C. Laybourn, Henry’s father, was born in this county in 1818. John C.’s wife, Alvira McCollum, was born in Kentucky and came to Clark County in 1820. John C. and Alvira have had but two children, Henry C. and John M. In 1878, Henry was appointed Postmaster at Lagonda, being the first Postmaster of that place; he is an honorable, upright gentleman, of good moral and religious habits. They keep a full line of staple groceries, and are gentlemanly and polite to all.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 868

LEWIS J. LAYBOURN has contributed his quota to the advancement of constructive farm enterprise in Clark County, and is now one of the venerable native sons still residing in the county, his homestead farm being situated in Springfield Township, eight miles southeast of the City of Springfield.

Mr. Laybourn was born in this county on the 15th of September, 1846, and is a son of James and Mary (Skillings) Laybourn. Christopher Laybourn, great-grandfather of the subject of this review, came from England to the United States and became one of the pioneer settlers in Clark County, where he established his home in 1820. He founded and successfully conducted the first nursery in this county, where he remained until his death, when in his ninety-eighth year. His son Joel became one of the substantial farmers of his generation in Clark County and was the owner of a good farm in Greene Township. It was on this farm that James, son of Joel and father of Lewis J., was born, and he likewise did effective service as one of the progressive representatives of farm industry in the county, where both he and his wife passed the closing years of their lives on the old homestead now occupied by their son Lewis J., the second of their four children. William H., eldest of the children, is deceased, as is also Jerusha, who was the wife of Dr. W. P. Madden; Sarah became the wife of Thomas Nave, and they still reside in this county.

Lewis J. Laybourn gained his early education in the pioneer schools of Springfield Township, and his entire active career has been one of close alliance with farm enterprise. For twelve years he farmed in Greene Township, where he owned a place of 240 acres, and he then removed to his present farm, one of the best improved in Springfield Township, with a commodious modern house situated in a fine grove of native trees and constituting one of the most attractive rural homes in this county. Mr. Laybourn has held rank as one of the most extensive and successful farmers of his native county, is a man of fine personality, a loyal and progressive citizen, and commands the high regard of all who know him.

As a young man Mr. Laybourn married Miss Jennie Bird, who likewise was born and reared in this county and who was a daughter of Herbert Bird. Mrs. Laybourn’s death occurred in 1886, and she is survived by one daughter, Mary B., who became the wife of Myron Beckman, now deceased, and who with her second husband resides with her father on the old home farm.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 378

CLARENCE E. LAYBOURNE has been a representative farmer in Greene and Harmony townships for the past twenty years. His home is in the Plattsburg community, and he is a native of Clark County and member of one of its old and substantial families. He was born on a farm in Green Township of this county October 17, 1880, son of William and Anna (Madden) Laybourne. His father was born in the same locality on May 26, 1843, and grew up on the farm and acquired a public school education. The mother was born July 9, 1852, and at the age of seventeen qualified as a teacher and at the age of nineteen was granted a life certificate. She and her husband were married in 1876, and they then located on a farm in Greene Township, where the father continued his industrious career until his death in 1906. He was a republican and an active member of the Baptist Church, with which his widow is also affiliated. Of their five children four are living: Lawrence, Clarence, Stanley, Alice and Willie, who died aged six years.

Clarence E. Laybourne grew up on a farm, attended the local schools and was at home with his parents until he was twenty-one. Since then he has been farming for himself, and his management of his farm and his private interests have gained him the confidence of his fellow citizens to the extent of conferring upon him offices of trust and responsibility. He has been township trustee of Greene Township, is a republican, is a member of Fielding Lodge No. 192, F. and A. M., is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of Antioch Temple of the Shrine at Dayton. He is a Baptist, while Mrs. Laybourne is a member of the Christian Church.

October 29, 1903, he married Virginia Troxell, daughter of William and Dora (Shryack) Troxell, and a member of one of the best known families in this section of Clark County. Mr. and Mrs. Laybourne have three children: Troxell, now in the third year of high school; Elizabeth, a first year high school girl; and Esther, attending the grade school.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 218

GEORGE LAYTON, clerk, Enon. William, his father, was born in the “Northwest Territory,” now Ohio, Jan. 8, 1800. Elizabeth, his wife, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1806. George, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Ohio, born in Clark Co., Jan. 1, 1848; he received his primary education in the common schools; and in 1860 he entered Wittenburg College, from which he was graduated in 1867 with the highest orders; he entered the law school of Ann Arbor in 1869, graduating from the same in 1871. Mr. Layton is a young man of rare abilities, possessing every element of a thorough-going business man, and at present is filling the position of Chief Clerk in one of the leading warehouses of the place.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1045

JOHN E. LAYTON,* City Wood Measurer and Infirmary Director, Springfield. Mr. Layton is one of Clark County’s oldest and most worthy landmarks, having been for many years identified with the interests; born 10th of August, 1822, seven miles west of Springfield, in Bethel Township; at 18 he commenced farming on his own account, having lost his father at the age of 8 years; he abandoned farming for the Shrievalty of Clark County, which was tendered him by his friends in 1856, which office he held until Jan. 1, 1861; he then, with two associates, established a nursery business, under the name of Miller, Swan & Layton, in which he continued until 1864, serving in the meantime 100 days in the Union army, in Company E, of the 153d O. V. I.; from 1864 to 1868 he farmed again, when he sold his farm and came to Springfield, where he has for twelve years held the offices of City Wood Measurer, County Infirmary Director, and for awhile Township Trustee. Mr. Layton married Miss Mary Ann Swinhart, of this city, in 1844; they had a son and daughter. The son is a widower with one child, and the daughter, Mrs. Latta, has one child and lives in Noble Co., Ind. Mr. Layton is a member in good standing of Reed Commandery of Knights Templar, of Dayton, Clark Lodge A., F. & A. M., No. 101, of Springfield, and Springfield “Chapter” and “Council.” Mr. Layton has vivid recollections of Jo Smith and his band of Mormons, when they came through this section of the country in 1835, and camped for several days near his home. Being a boy of 13, he was in their camp every day, and says his impressions of them were most favorable. Their thrift, cleanliness and unity was, he says, especially noticeable. Mr. Layton is getting to look venerable, his long iron gray beard and benign features, and no one can be found who will say anything against John Layton. He comes down from honest times and has not forgotten his early principles.

*Since writing this biography Mr. Layton has died.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 868

MELYNE LAYTON, farmer; P. O. Dialton. This venerable man was born in the vicinity of Enon, Mad River Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1806—a period when the beautiful farms and cultivated fields of today were the depths of the primeval forests. He passed his youth in the country, residing with his parents until the death of his father, Nov. 8, 1830. In the following March he was united in marriage with Harriet Broughton, and their union was blessed with the following children: Adaline, Martha J., William D., Matilda C., Mary A., Susan E., Cordelia, Erastus and Thomas E. The former became Mrs. John Galligher, and died in February, 1878, leaving ten children. Mrs. Layton was summoned to her final home June 20, 1849. Our subject remained a widower until Nov. 12, 1850, when he married Mary Scorce, a native of Virginia, and unto them were born six children, namely: John S., Harriet C., Melyne H., Clarence B., Lillie E., one dying in infancy. Mr. Layton lived on the home farm until 1864, when he purchased land in Miami Co., where he resided until his removal to the farm on which he now lives, about twelve years ago, which in size is 180 acres. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Layton is an upright and moral man, possessing the esteem and respect of all who know him. His son, Erastus, served in the late war, 110th O. V. I., with honor to himself and country. The parents of our subject were John and Elizabeth (Baker) Layton, natives of Pennsylvania, and New Jersey respectively. The former came to this county with his parents in the year 1804, settling in Bethel Township. The Bakers settled here about the same time, and soon after their coming the couple were married. Father Layton was a man of considerable prominence; was appointed the first Clerk of the Court on the formation of the county; was one of the early Justices of the Peace, and later served as County Commissioner.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1018

WILLIAM A. LAYTON, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; a native of Clark Co.; born Nov. 15, 1845; is a son of John A. and Evaline (Tulis) Layton, he a native of this county, and she of Greene Co. The grandfather, Arthur Layton, was one of the early settlers of Ohio, locating in Bethel Township, sometime prior to the war of 1812, as he served in that war as a soldier. John spent his life in this county except four years in Illinois, and seven years in Greene Co. He died March 25, 1877; his wife is still living. They were parents of three children, two now living—Lucinda and William A. Our subject remained with his father till after his majority. He was married, to Angeline, daughter of Michael and Sarah Wolf, natives of York Co., Pennsylvania. Issue, four children, three now survive—Claudius A., Charles M. and one infant. Mr. Layton, after his marriage, remained on the home place till November, 1878, when he bought and located upon the farm where he now resides. His farm consists of 145 acres, most of which is in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1003

HERBERT A. LEARN, station agent at Springfield for the Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati & St. Louis (Big Four) Railroad, was born at Canal Winchester, Franklin County, Ohio, on the 27th of January, 1877. His father was a metal manufacturer and proprietor of well established metal works now located at Columbus, the Ohio capital city. The subject of this review was afforded the advantages of the public schools, including those of Columbus, and he was eighteen years of age when, in 1895, he took a position as messenger in the service of the Columbus, Shawnee & Hocking Railroad at Columbus. He later entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and remained at Columbus until 1898, when he was transferred to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On January 1, 1900, he entered the service of the Carnegie Steel Company, with which he there continued his connection until March 31, 1904. He then returned to Columbus and became assistant cashier and later cashier in the offices of the Big Four Railroad, a capacity in which he continued his effective services until February 10, 1910, when he was advanced to the post of chief clerk to the superintendent, W. G. Bayley. On the 28th of February, 1917, Mr. Learn was made Big Four station agent in the City of Sandusky, and there he remained until February 1, 1920, when he was transferred to Springfield and assigned to his present office, that of station agent for the same railroad system, a corps of sixty-five employes being here retained under his supervision. The local freight house has a capacity for holding the contents of fifty-two cars, and the freight facilities are of the most approved modern type. Freight shipped from the Big Four station at Springfield averages about 500 cars a month, with inbound freight cars averaging from 800 to 1,200 a month. The business here centered is of broad scope and importance as touching the industrial and commercial activities of this section of Ohio, and average about $250,000 monthly. Mr. Learn is an executive of marked ability, with splendid efficiency in the handling and directing of manifold details, and he is one of the representative and distinctly popular figures in railroad and business circles at Springfield.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 164

ED C. LEFFEL, manufacturer, Springfield. This young enterprising manufacturer is the son of James (the inventor of the water wheel) and Mary Leffel. He was born in the city of Springfield, Ohio, July 4, 1857; he received his primary education in the public school of this city, then attended school in New Haven, Conn.; was also a student in the Highland Military Academy, of Worcester, Mass. He was married, Nov. 7, 1877, to Miss Lillian G. Horr, daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth (Morgan) Horr, who were one of the first families of Springfield. One bright, promising boy, James Calvin, has blessed the home of Ed C. and Lillian. In July, 1880, Mr. Leffel began the manufacture of the Croft Wind Engine, an invention which has been received by the public with great favor, and under Mr. Leffel’s management bids fair to be a profitable invention to the manufacturer, as well as a blessing to the public, by supplying a long felt want. Mr. Leffel, although a young man yet, has seen much of the world, having visited all the principle cities of the East. His handsome brick residence is located on South Limestone street.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 870

GEORGE M. LEFFEL. The career of George M. Leffel, now one of the highly respected retired citizens of Springfield, has been one of diversified activity, in which he has engaged in a number of pursuits and enterprises, all of which have been successful under his management. His versatility in business may be seen when it is stated that during his life he has conducted a grocery, sold nursery stock, manufactured tricycles, operated a farm and conducted a hotel, in addition to carrying on various other investments. At the same time he has found the opportunity to devote his talents to the support of Springfield’s interests.

Mr. Leffel was born September 2, 1843, in Bethel Township, Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Lucy Jane (Patterson) Leffel, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of German Township, Clark County. His grandfather, Jacob Leffel, came from Pennsylvania to Clark County at an early day, and settled as a pioneer in Bethel Township at a time when the country was still the abiding place of numerous Indians, and bear, panthers and other wild animals roamed the forests. Joseph Patterson, the maternal grandfather, was born in England and was an early settler of German Township, where he became a large landholder. He was killed while driving cattle, when his horse fell while endeavoring to jump over a large log. Jacob Leffel and his wife were the parents of seven sons and seven daughters. After their marriage James and Lucy Jane (Patterson) Leffel settled on a farm in Bethel Township, where Mrs. Leffel died in 1868, at the age of forty-four years. Mr. Leffel then moved to Springfield, where he died in 1901, when eighty-seven years of age. They were the parents of three children: Joseph O., who died when sixty-seven years of age; Mary Ellen, who died as Mrs. Joseph W. Stafford, also aged sixty-seven years; and George M.

George M. Leffel was educated in the public schools and at Wittenburg College and spent his time on the home farm until 1870, in which year he moved to Springfield and established himself in business as the proprietor of a grocery at the corner of High and Fountain streets. After three years he disposed of this establishment and went on the road selling all kinds of nursery stock, owning his own establishment, with headquarters at Springfield. In 1880 he entered the manufacturing business, making all kinds of tricycles, and became president and superintendent of the Tricycle Manufacturing Company, with an establishment in the western part of Springfield. He built up this business to such an extent that 165 men were employed in his plant, and then sold out in 1885 and engaged in the business of raising Barred Rock chickens. In that enterprise he became the largest raiser of that breed of poultry in the world, erected large buildings on Liberty Street, and continued in the business for fifteen years. Mr. Leffel also conducted a farm at the edge of Springfield. During the years 1901 to 1911 he operated a hotel at Wellington, Kansas, and through a clever bit of salesmanship realized a profit of $3,500 on this investment. Since 1911 Mr. Leffel has contented himself with the care of his properties, he having twenty-four tenants in his various houses at Springfield. He was one of the first stockholders in the Citizens Bank and also holds stock in the Lagonda Bank. His fine modern home is located at 829 South Limestone Street. Mr. Leffel is a democrat in politics, but takes only a good citizen’s interest in public affairs. He also has several civic and fraternal connections.

On February 16, 1888, Mr. Leffel married Miss Lula Osborn Houck, who was born at Springfield, a daughter of Edward and Mary Houck, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Springfield, of English parentage. Mrs. Leffel died August 17, 1921, leaving one son, James Osborn. James Osborn Leffel was born March 8, 1896, and graduated from Culver Military Academy, standing sixth in his class and attaining the rank of lieutenant. During the World war he was stationed for three months at Fort Benjamin Harrison and at Atlanta, Georgia, and was honorably discharged with the rank of second lieutenant, which rank he still retains. He has since been engaged in the undertaking business at Springfield. He married Miss Clara Sherman and they have one daughter, Laurabelle Ann, born April 12, 1920.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 129

JAMES LEFFEL, deceased, Springfield. The career of James Leffel cuts an important figure in Springfield history, and although he passed from earthly scenes fourteen years ago, he is as fresh in the recollection of many as if he had but died a month ago. He was one of those positive natures that makes itself felt in whatever sphere it may happen to exist. He was born in Botetourt Co., Va., April 19, 1806, hence was, at death, June 11, 1866, just turned three score; came with his parents to Ohio when 9 months old; fought his own way in life. On July 4, 1830, he celebrated this National holiday by his marriage with Miss Mary A. Croft, born Nov. 7, 1813, and a native of Ohio. Of six sons and three daughters, only two survive; Warren Leffel (born March 25, 1851), partner in the “Leffel water wheel” interest, and Ed C. Leffel (July 4, 1857). Their daughter Eliza (deceased) married Mr. John W. Bookwalter, who is now the head of the extensive water wheel interest; Frederick Leffel was a member of the organization known as the “Squirrel Hunters” during the war, and died July 30, 1865; their oldest son was lost at sea. Mr. James Leffel was a natural mechanic and an inventive genius, and to him is due the credit of erecting the first foundry in the vicinity of Springfield, which was situated near Buck Creek bridge, two miles west, and completed on Jan. 1, 1840. So great was the increase of his business be found it necessary to build another, which he located north of Springfield, and completed in the spring of 1846. The same year, in company with one Richards, he built the Leffel & Richards extension cotton mill on Barnett’s water power; 1852 found him extensively interested in several manufacturing and mechanical enterprises, among which was the manufacture of stoves on his own patent—“The Buckeye” and the “Double Oven stoves—both of which were very popular in their “day and generation.” The foundry, which was a separate interest, was carried on under the name of Leffel, Cook & Blakeney; the stove interest was Leffel & Harrison. He had already, at this early date, gone into the manufacture of horse-power threshing machines, a patent lever jack and a patent water wheel, which was the early ancestor of the present celebrated turbine water wheel, which was perfected about the year 1862, and was subsequently put into a stock company of which James Leffel, James S. Goode, John Foos and John W. Bookwalter (his son-in-law), were the proprietors. Several minor changes occurred before his death which left his family abundantly provided for. His widow, Mrs. Mary Leffel, retained, within a year or two, her interest in the manufacturing concern, but this important industry as now constituted, is conducted under the name of James Leffel & Co., and consists of John W. Bookwalter, Warren Leffel, Frank Bookwalter, and others, a fuller description of which will be found in the industrial department of the history proper. Mr. Leffel was a man of unflagging, undeviating integrity, and a valuable element in any community. Mrs. Leffel is an unpretentious motherly woman, charitable and generous, and is only spoken of in terms of kindness and esteem. Such people as this worthy couple have made Springfield what it is.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 868

JAMES P. LEFFEL, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. “Father” Leffel is one of the few remaining pioneers who are yet left to relate the scenes and incidents of early pioneer life in this county. He was born March 29, 1799, on the banks of the Potomac River, in Berkeley Co., Va. Of John and Margaret’s eleven children, James is the only surviving one. When James was but 2 years old, his father died, when the care of the eleven children devolved upon the mother; at the age of 15, James hired out at $6 per month, to work on a farm, and at the age of 18 came to Ohio and to this county, bringing with him his mother and one brother, the rest of the children having come three or four years before. On his arrival here he hired to his brother John to work in the mill, and at the end of four years went into partnership with his brother, and built the mill now owned by Henry Snyder; and after running this mill eight years, his health failed so much that he was obliged to quit milling. He then sold his interest in the mill to his brother John and moved to Medway, where he remained two years, when he removed to his present home. He started for himself with no fortune except a good character and willing hands, and has maintained the same without a blemish. He owns 1,600 acres of land, besides a considerable amount of city property. He was married in 1822 to Elizabeth Miller; she departed this life Sept. 18, 1874. Of their ten children, six are now living, viz., Michael, Martin, Joseph, Reuben, Elizabeth and Scott. He has twenty-five grandchildren.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 870

JOSEPH LEFFEL, fruit and vegetable dealer, Springfield. There are few persons in Clark County who have not heard of Col. Joe Leffel, he being the smallest business man in Ohio, and, in fact, we might say, the United States, but his size has not been a bar to his success in life, as he has always been recognized as successful in everything he has undertaken. He was born in this county Sept. 21, 1833, and is the son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel, and when an infant he was attacked by a disease, which impeded his growth, and now in his 48th year he is but three feet ten inches in height. He was married March 16, 1876, to Sarah B. Meade, daughter of Alfred and Mary (Hatcher) Meade, who was born in this county Feb. 14, 1857, of which union two children have been the issue, viz., Joseph F. and Gilbert W. In 1865, Mr. Leffel opened a photograph gallery, in which he engaged one year, then went into the grocery business, at which he remained about the same time; was also in the bee culture for many years, and is at present engaged in the fruit and vegetable trade on West High street. His parents were large robust people, his father being over six feet in height, and the family are among the prominent pioneer farmers of Clark County.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 869

MICHAEL LEFFEL, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Michael Leffel, son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel, was born in this county March 20, 1822, and was married June 6, 1844, to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Mary Cosler. They have had eight children, viz., Xarisa, James H., Winfield, Antionetta, Leonidas, Mary, Adison and Elizabeth. Xarisa was married, July 5, 1868, to James H. Drake; she died April 18, 1878; James was married, Jan. 1, 1874 to Rebecca L. Turner; they enjoyed their union but four short months, when death called her home; Antionetta was married, Sept. 10, 1874, to Joseph Kist. Mary was married, Nov. 18, 1880, to Milton Crabill. Mrs. Michael Leffel was born Dec. 5, 1822, in Montgomery Co., Ohio; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio and to this county in 1806. Mr. Leffel followed farming all his life and has always resided in this county, except eight years that he lived in Miami Co., Ohio. He now lives three and a half miles south of Springfield on the Yellow Spring Pike, where he is engaged quite extensively in farming and pays special attention to the raising of Poland-China breed of hogs. James is a Patriarch of Springfield Encampment, No. 16, I. O. O. F., and is at present traveling for one of Springfield’s enterprising manufacturing establishments.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 870

REUBEN W. LEFFEL, farmer; P. O. Springfield; son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel; was born in this county May 9, 1836; he lived with his parents until 1862, when he moved to his present home. He was married Jan. 21, 1858, to Rachel, daughter of John and Mahala (Myres) McClelland. They have four children, viz., Adda M., Hester A., Charles R. and Stella E. Mrs. Leffel was born in Greene County July 28, 1832; her parents were natives of Kentucky, and came to Ohio in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Reuben W. have a pleasant home and a fine family of children; the girls take great delight in ornamenting the home to make it not only cheerful and pleasant, but attractive. Mr. Leffel engages largely in farming and stock raising, and makes a specialty of breeding Jersey cattle; he is a member in good standing of Springfield Lodge, No. 33, I. O. O. F.; also a Patriarch of Mad River Encampment, No. 16, I. O. O. F.; he and his good wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 871

THOMAS W. LESHER, farmer; P. O. Springfield; born in Bedford Co., Penn., June 25, 1840; is a son of William and Hadasah (Carroll) Lesher, natives of Pennsylvania, and remained residents of their native State till the death of his wife, which occurred Sept. 30, 1849. They were parents of seven children, four now survive—Mary E., Thos. W., John B. and Emma M. Mr. Lesher married for his second wife Miss Margaret Martin, a native of Maryland, and a sister to Mr. Robert Martin, late of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Lesher now resides in Franklin Co., Penn.; has always been a man of sterling character, and held in high esteem by all who know him. A true Union man and a lover of his country and its laws. During the war of the rebellion, being on the borders of Pennsylvania, he suffered considerable by loss of property, and gave two sons for the service in the defense of his country. William Lesher, the grandfather of our subject, was a wagon-master in the army in the war of the Revolution; was with Gen. Washington’s troops at Valley Forge; served about two years. The maternal grandfather, William Carroll, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The ancestors of our subject appears to have quite a military record; and the same blood seems to course through the veins and the same patriotic principles to possess the minds of their descendants. Our subject and his brother John B. were both engaged in the late war of the rebellion in defense of Union and liberty. John B. first enlisted in the 126th Penn. V. I.; was captured in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va.; was in Libby Prison about eighteen days; was paroled, and again enlisted in the Signal Corps for three years or during the war. Thomas enlisted in the 21st Penn. Cavalry, Co. H., enlisting for two years or during the war. He served till the close of the war. Was mustered out and received an honorable discharge. At the time of Mr. Lesher’s enlistment he was tendered by Gov. Curtin a commission as Captain, but refused it, and would accept no office, declaring he enlisted from pure patriotism, and if his country needed his services as a private, he was ready to go, and in no other sphere would he go, quite in contrast to the general principle of office-seekers. Mr. Lesher became a resident of Clark Co., Ohio, October, 1877. Was married Oct. 30, 1877, to Emma E. Humphreys, whose ancestors’ history appears in full in the sketch of James Humphreys (deceased), in this work. Mr. Lesher is a man highly esteemed for his integrity of character, and one who has been offered various offices, all of which he has universally refused, having no aspirations for notoriety of that kind, but preferring a quiet, private citizen’s life, and as such, is a model which may with profit be copied after by many less worthy aspirants for office.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 991

JOHN LEUTY, butcher and tallow chandler, Springfield. John Leuty is a sturdy, whole-souled Englishman, hailing from Murton-Cum Grafton, Yorkshire, where he was born in 1808, coming to Springfield in 1832, previous to his departure, however, being united in marriage with Miss Mary Anderson, which occurred on April 14, 1832, at Masham, in Yorkshire; by this union there was but one child, a son, named John, whom they lost. By Mr. Leuty’s second marriage to Miss Sarah Grant (Jan. 7, 1839), he has had a large family of ten sons and two daughters, one-half of which number have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Leuty’s living children mentioned in order of their ages, are: George, born Jan. 8, 1843; Henry, born Feb. 1, 1845; William Houseman, born June 25, 1850; Sarah Jane, born August 14, 1856; Albert Livingston, born March 6, 1860; and James Lewis, born July 10, 1862. All the sons, save the youngest, are associated with their father in business, Henry and William being partners. Sarah Jane married Samuel Kilpatrick Oct. 18, 1875, and is the mother of a son and a daughter. Three of Mr. Leuty’s sons were in the army; John was a member of Capt. Spark’s Company of the 45th O. V. I., and died at Urbana since the war; Henry was one of T. Kilby Smith’s regiment of Zouaves, of the 54th O. V. I., and George belonged to the “Squirrel Hunters,” so well remembered as an organization having its origination in the alarm created by the approach of John Morgan and his threatened invasion of Ohio. Mr. Leuty learned his trade with John and William Williamson, of Masham, Eng., from the age of 14 to 21. He married in 1832, after which he emigrated to America, spent one night in Springfield on his way to Dayton, where he worked in various capacities. Returning to Springfield in March, 1833, he worked for William Middlebrook, awhile afterward forming a co-partnership with William Grant, who subsequently became his brother-in-law, and this partnership continued for a quarter of a century. After its dissolution he established business alone, taking in his sons as they got old enough, until it has become quite a family affair. Now at advanced age, he and Mrs. Leuty live in comfort in their pleasant home, 252 West Columbia street surrounded by a large, interesting and harmonious family; they are a cordial, whole-souled couple, and most highly respected by all who know them. He is a member of Ephraim Lodge, No. 146, I. O. O. F., and of the leading temperance organization; he has no brothers or sisters but two half-brothers by the family name of Houseman.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 871

MRS. HULDAH LINGLE; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch is the widow of Dr. J. B. Lingle, deceased, who was one of the leading physicians of the county in his day. Dr. Lingle was born in Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, June 29, 1813. He was the son of John Lingle, who came to Springfield at a very early day. John Lingle and a man by the name of Jacob Cook, built a powder mill in Springfield in the year 1809. He died Dec. 27, 1820. He was born Jan. 22, 1776, in the State of Virginia. Mrs. Lingle (nee Laird) was born May 7, 1816, on the “old” Scott farm, near Springfield; she was the daughter of David Laird, who came to Clark Co. at a very early day. The Doctor and Huldah were united in marriage on the 23d day of April, A. D. 1837; this union was blessed by the birth of three children, viz.: Melissa was born Sept. 23, 1838; Tabitha (now the wife of Joseph Clima), Oct. 25, 1842, Henry C., November, 1844. Melissa died Feb. 23, 1842; Henry C., Jan. 18, 1876. Henry C. served as a private in Co. E, 60th O. V. I. Dr. Lingle studied medicine with Drs. Blount and Humphries, of Springfield. He attended lectures at the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati. The Doctor commenced the practice of medicine at Vienna in the year 1836. He was one of the most successful physicians in the county. He died Dec. 8, 1878. The Doctor was one of the prominent men of the county; he was elected Justice of the Peace in Harmony Township in 1847; he was elected Treasurer of the township for twelve years; he was Captain of a State militia company when we had our late “onpleasantness” with the “solid south.” He was quite old, but he was willing to take a hand in the fight; he served as a “squirrel hunter,” and was in the Morgan raid. The Doctor was a man given to hospitality; when the cholera, in 1850, made its appearance in the village of Vienna, the Doctor and his most generous wife opened their house for the sick, worked with the sick and dying, and did all that it was possible for them to do. It made no difference to him whether he was called on professionally, day or night, by the rich or poor, he went. It is said of him, by those who knew him, that he was a friend to the poor; he was a very generous man; he gave liberally to every worthy object. At the time of his death, he was the owner of a considerable amount of land and personal property. His widow is now in her 64th year, a woman of clear mind, and has a considerable amount of business to attend to, which she does. She is very comfortably situated, surrounded with the comforts of life.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 962

JACOB B. LISLE, foreman of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly’s machine works; is a son of Lemuel Lisle, who was one of the pioneers of Ohio; he was a native of North Carolina, but went to New Orleans about the time the war of 1812 began, and there enlisted for eighteen months and came North and joined the forces under Gen. Harrison; was at the battle of Lower Sandusky and identified with other operations of the army in Northwestern Ohio; after of the close of the war he went to Pennsylvania, and there married Anna Dearinger, in 1816; soon after came to Ohio by Pittsburgh and coming down the river to Portsmouth, then to the vicinity of Chillicothe, where he resided until 1829, in which year he pushed on to the frontier locating near the source of the Miami, in Logan County, then an almost unbroken wilderness. There the subject of this sketch was born, in 1830, and reared amid the scenes and incidents of pioneer life; his youth was spent in the usual way of farmers’ sons; after he became of age he entered a machine shop in Urbana as an apprentice,in which he served the usual three years and worked in the same shop as a hand six years; subsequently worked in the Leffel works here; in 1865, he became a partner in a plow works at Urbana, but sold out the following year and returned to Springfield and took charge of E. P. Beckel’s water wheel works, where he remained until the spring of 1869, when he accepted the position of foreman of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly’s shops, which be has since continued to hold, being pre-eminently fitted by his experience, skill and ability to assume the responsibilities consequent upon so extensive a charge; he has enjoyed in a marked degree the confidence of his employers and the respect of the men under his charge; he is a gentleman of good general information and respected as a citizen; his residence is No. 97 West High street, and is a neat, commodious property which, by its furnishings, indicate refinement and comfort. He married July 2, 1857, Alma J. Cochran; she is a native of Union County; her parents were James and Elizabeth (Reed) Cochran; both the Cochran and the Reed families were among the earliest of the Big Darby settlers. This union has been blessed with three sons—Justice D., Lemuel B. and Howard C.; the first named is just arriving at majority, and is now attending medical lectures at Philadelphia.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 872

JOHN C. LITTLETON, who figures prominently as one of the able and successful representatives of farm industry in Greene Township, was born at Clifton, in the adjoining County of Greene, on the 18th of September, 1852, and is a son of Joel and Martha A. (Brant) Littleton, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Warren County, Ohio. Joel Littleton was reared and educated in the historic Old Dominion State, and was a young man when he came to Warren County, Ohio, where his marriage occurred. Thereafter he was for two years engaged in farming in Indiana, and he then returned to Ohio and settled at Clifton, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Littleton proved physically ineligible for service as a soldier. He never wavered in his allegiance to the democratic party, in the faith of which he was reared, and he was long and actively affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Of the family of eight children four are living at the time of this writing, in the summer of 1922: Anna is the widow of John W. Randall; John C., of this review, is the next younger; Joel is engaged in the undertaking business at Springfield, and Viola is the wife of Alfred Fry, of that city.

At Clifton John C. Littleton was reared to the age of eighteen years, and in the meanwhile he profited by the advantages of the public schools of the village. After his marriage he was for seven years engaged in the general merchandise business at Yellow Springs, and he then sold out and removed with his family to the City of Dayton, where he was engaged in the grain and flour business for the ensuing eight years. He purchased his present farm in 1898, and here established his residence in 1901, the place being well improved and comprising sixty acres.

Mr. Littleton is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, is a republican in political adherency and is serving in 1922 as township trustee. He is a stockholder in the Emery Farmers Grain Company, at Springfield, is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past grand, and was a charter member of the lodge of Knights of Pythias at Clifton. He and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church.

February 19, 1874, recorded the marriage of Mr. Littleton and Miss Ella Cox, who was reared on a farm in Mad River Township, Clark County, and whose early education was acquired in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Littleton have but one child, Gilbert C., who was born October 18, 1876. Dr. Gilbert C. Littleton was graduated in a leading college of dentistry in the City of Cincinnati, and is now successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in the City of Springfield, with offices in the Arcue Building.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 55

B. D. LONG, teacher; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Long was born in Pennsylvania March 2, 1851. His parents were B. H. and Elizabeth Long, both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in April, 1860; and located in Clark County in 1861. Our subject received his education in the common schools, with the exception of three months spent at Wittenburg College in 1866, after which he engaged in teaching common schools, and with such success as to command the highest wages paid in Mad River Township. Mr. Long was elected Assessor of Mad River Township for three years, also an active member of the School Board for the same period, and greatly interested in educational affairs generally. He married Miss Susan Rathbon, of Clark County, March 17, 1870. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: John, Aaron, Lizzie, Mandie, Alfred, Benjamin and George. George died April 19, 1878.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1045

EDGAR H. LONG, M. D.   A competent and well-trained physician and surgeon, Doctor Long has found his work and congenial environment at South Vienna.

He was born in Warren County, Ohio, September 22, 1897, son of Benjamin and Rosa (Cadwalder) Long. His parents are also natives of Warren County, where his father was born May 4, 1874, and his mother October 22, 1875. They were reared and educated there, and after their marriage located on a farm, where they are still residing. His father is now retired from the heavier duties of the farm. He is a republican in politics.

Only son of his parents, Dr. Edgar H. Long spent his youth on the farm, graduated from high school in 1915, and had further training at Cincinnati, where he subsequently entered the Eclectic Medical College and was graduated M. D. in 1920. Doctor Long was house physician at the Deaconess Hospital of Cincinnati for eight months, and received a diploma from that institution. From July, 1920, to July, 1921, he served as an interne in the City Hospital at Springfield and left there to take up private practice, associated with Dr. E. H. Smith of South Vienna. Doctor Long is a member of the Eclectic and State Medical societies. He is a republican and is affiliated with the Junior Order United American Mechanics.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 214

A. O. LONGSTREET, deceased. Dr. A. O. Longstreet, the eminent physician and beloved citizen, although twelve months ago taken from among his family and friends to his eternal home, occupied so conspicuous a position in his profession, and was so highly respected in this community, that failure to make at least passing mention of his brief though enviable career here, would be little short of an injustice to his many late friends and admirers. Dr. Longstreet graduated as a homeopathic physician in Philadelphia; came here from Monroe, Butler Co., in 1868. In 1869, married Miss Marian Parsons, who came to Springfield in childhood. The circumstances of the Doctor’s death remarkable and particularly sad. While attending a case of diphtheria, he in some way got a little of the diphtheria poison in one of his fingers, from which he died in three days. His death was a great shock to the community, whose love and confidence he enjoyed in so great a degree. The Doctor was 36 when he died, in the full prime of vigorous manhood. He was an exceedingly handsome and prepossessing man, over six feet high, well proportioned, and of commanding presence. Leaves a young and highly esteemed wife and four daughters, who occupy the old homestead.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 872

JOHN E. LORTON, farmer; P. O. Lawrenceville; born in this township and county Nov. 10, 1827; is a son of John and Rachel (Donavan) Lorton, natives of Kentucky, and became residents of Clark Co. in 1816, locating in German Township, among the early settlers, and lived here till their death. He died Sept. 16, 1847; she died in August, 1879. Of an issue of ten children, five now survive—Mary Jane, Sarah Ann, John E., William and Jonathan. Our subject was married, Sept. 13, 1849, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Nancy Wagner, natives of Pennsylvania. Issue, seven children, five now survive—J. William, Amanda M., Emma C., Lewis N. and Claretta. His wife died Feb. 19, 1868; was married the second time, Feb. 24, 1873, to Rebecca, daughter of Henry W. and Lydia (Klinfelter) Swartzbaugh, natives of Pennsylvania. Issue, four children—Cora Bell, Lydia M., Anna Matilda and Luther Ely. Mr. Lorton, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now lives, and has since resided, having made a continued residence of thirty-one years. He has 81 acres of land in good cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence; has been Township Trustee for five years.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1004

DAVID LOWRY, deceased. At the mere mention of the name of Lowry, the memory goes back at once to the first settlement of the Mad River country, and sees, in imagination, the old pioneer whose name heads this sketch, accompanied by his friend, Jonathan Donnels, viewing with exultant delight the beautiful forests and valleys bordering upon Mad River, as they wandered along its banks in the summer of 1795, at which time each selected the site of his future home. David Lowry was born in Pennsylvania in 1767, and was the son of David and Lettice Lowry, natives of Scotland, born respectively in 1724 and 1732, and who came to this country with their son, where Lettice died in 1797, and her husband in 1800, and whose tombstones are yet visible in the Minnich graveyard. To David and Lettice Lowry were born the following children: John, Archibald, David, Thomas, Robert, Lettice, Nellie J., and one whose name is now forgotten. In the spring of 1795, David, Jr., came down the Ohio with flat-boat filled with black locust trunnels, which were for use in boat building, and which he sold at Cincinnati. For about three months he was connected with the provision train of Gen. Wayne’s army, afterward settling on Section 3, Bethel Township, where he lived several years, then sold the land and bought the whole of Section 14, which he soon disposed of at a large profit, and entered land in Section 9, where his son, R. M. Lowry, now resides, and there he passed the remainder of his life. It is claimed by his children, that he and Jonathan Donnels raised a crop of corn at the mouth of Honey Creek, in Miami County, the same year that they settled in Clark, having often heard their father speak of this event. David Lowry was married in Miami County, in November, 1801, to Sarah Hammer, to whom were born Sarah, Nancy, Susan and Elizabeth, all dead but Susan, the wife of John Leffel. Mrs. Lowry died in August, 1810, and Feb. 14, 1811, he was married to Mrs. Jane Hodge, the widow of Andrew Hodge, to whom she was married March 26, 1803, of which union two children, Paulina H. and Andrew, were born, both dying in early life. Mrs. Jane Lowry was born in Virginia Sept. 26, 1778, and was the daughter of James and Martha Wright, natives of the Old Dominion, who settled close to Paris, Ky., where the family were prominent farmers. To David and Jane Lowry were born four children, viz.: Martha S., David W., Robert M. and Sarah R., all of whom are living. Mr. Lowry died Sept. 9, 1859, and his widow, Aug. 15, 1867, she being a member of the Presbyterian Church, and her husband of the Christian denomination, both dying with a strong faith in a happy future. Of the character of David Lowry we could not give too much praise; a man of rigid industry and economy, he left a handsome estate; imbued with a spirit of progress, he built mills and conducted enterprises that were a great benefit to the community and early settlers; his invincible and determined courage fitted him for a pioneer; and his spotless honesty in all things stamped him as a rare specimen of true manhood whom every one respected. Even the red savage admired him because he was kind, yet knew not fear, and his muscular frame seldom grew weary under the toil and hardships of pioneer life. Such is an imperfect outline of David Lowry, but in so short a sketch it is impossible to tell of his many noble traits of character; of the obliging neighbor, fond father, kind husband, and loving protector; we might say much, and his descendants may well be proud of their pioneer sire, whom none knew but to respect.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1030

J. EDWIN LOWRY, now retired and residing at 19 East Cecil Street at Springfield, devoted his active life to his farming interests in Bethel Township, and his individual career reflects additional honor upon the record of the Lowry family in Clark County. The name Lowry is one of the first in point of time in the annals of the pioneers, and much is said in the general history concerning Robert M. Lowry and his associates.

The founder of the American branch of the family was David Lowry, who was born in Scotland in 1724. He married there in 1762, and soon afterward came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. He had eight children, and seven whose names are recalled were: John, who was born in Scotland; Archibald, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1765; David, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1767, and was the pioneer of the family in Clark County; Thomas, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1769; Robert, who was born in 1771; Lettice, born in 1773, and Nellie J.

Among these Archibald was also a pioneer of Clark County. After his marriage in Pennsylvania he came to this section of Ohio in 1796 and settled on Mad River, on land now included in Springfield. In 1803 he erected what was known as “the finest house” in Springfield, on what is now Primrose Alley. Archibald died in Cincinnati of the cholera in 1832. His son David was born on his land in Springfield in 1797.

David Lowry, the pioneer of 1795, came to Mad River in that year and took land where Cassius Minnick lives in Mad River Township, seven miles west of Springfield. Later he settled on land a mile farther west, known as the Grape Hill Farm, a name due to his planting of a vineyard. David Lowry died in 1859 at the age of ninety-one at his old farm. He was a man of great enterprise, and he built and operated for the benefit of his pioneer neighbors a saw mill on Donnel’s Creek, which bordered on his farm, and he also conducted a grist mill, a paper mill and a still house. His old farm is still in the family.

In 1801 David Lowry married Sarah Hamer, of Dayton. She died in 1810. In 1811 he married Jane Wright Hodge, of Paris, Kentucky. The children of his first wife were: Nancy, who married William Wilson; Susan, who married George Croft and after his death, John Leffel; Elizabeth, who married Isaac Peck; and Mary, who married Wilson Hart. By his marriage to Jane Hodge, David Lowry had the following children: Martha, who married Jesse Christie, of Springfield; David Wright, who married Jane Layton; Robert Mitchell, mentioned below; and Rebecca, who married Jeremiah Leffel, of Bethel Township.

Robert Mitchell Lowry spent all his life at the old farm and was a man of most substantial character. He tried to enlist in the Home Guards at the time of Morgan’s raid, but was refused on account of his age. He was a republican in politics. Robert Mitchell Lowry, who died December 18, 1902, married Elizabeth Bancroft. They had a large family of children, but only one reached mature years, James Edwin Lowry.

James Edwin Lowry was born August 27, 1852, in the house erected in 1826 and still standing. This is a story and a half brick dwelling, one of the first of that material built in the county, and the brick was burned on the farm. James Edwin Lowry spent his boyhood at the old homestead, and finished his education in the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, under Professor Holbrook. He was associated with his father, and later succeeded to the ownership of the farm and conducted it until 1918, when he retired to Springfield, and still gives his supervision to the land. Mr. Lowry for many years was a successful breeder of Shorthorn, Red Polled and Black Angus cattle, and frequently exhibited his Red Polled stock in local fairs. In later years he conducted a dairy.

Mr. Lowry has rendered a constructive service in the official affairs of Clark County, particularly in the road building program. In August, 1905, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of County Commissioners and was re-elected in 1907 and again in 1909. He retired from office in September, 1911, after five years of service. It was during this five-year period that the substantial beginning was made of good road construction. Mr. Lowry frequently represented Bethel Township in republican conventions.

In 1886 he married Emma O. Wallace, daughter of Smith Wallace and a member of the prominent Wallace family of Bethel Township. Smith Wallace was the leading farmer of that district and for a number of years was president of the County Agricultural Society and a leader in the county fairs. Mrs. Lowry, who is a native of Bethel Township, is the mother of one daughter, Martha Adella, a graduate of Wittenberg College. Mrs. Lowry is a member of the Baptist Church, her grandfather, Hugh Wallace, having been instrumental in establishing that old church in Bethel Township. Mr. Lowry is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 377 at Enon, a village two and one-half miles from his home farm.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 144

RICHARD STANLEY LUCAS. Undoubtedly, while some men achieve success along certain lines and in certain professions, there are also individuals who are born to them, their natural leanings and marked talents pointing unmistakably to the career in which they subsequently reach distinction. With some the call of the pulpit must be obeyed; to others the science of medicine appeals; the business field or the political rostrum engage many, while there are still others who early see in their visions of the future their achieving in the law as the summit of their ambition. To respond to this call, to bend every energy in this direction, to broaden and deepen every possible highway of knowledge and to enter finally upon this chosen career and find its reward worth while, has been the happy experience of Richard Stanley Lucas, one of the leading younger members of the Clark County bar, engaged in practice at Springfield.

Mr. Lucas was born at Springfield, September 9, 1894, and is a son of Rushville R. and Mary Elizabeth (McComb) Lucas, the former a native of Bloomville, Seneca County, Ohio, and the latter of Newark, this state. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Lucas was Richard J. Lucas, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, and the maternal grandparents were William and Mary (Mitchell) McComb, natives of Ireland. Rushville R. Lucas came to Springfield in young manhood and here married Miss McComb and for many years was foreman in the woodworking department of the Metallic Casket Company. He died November 11, 1914, Mrs. Lucas having passed away January 26, 1914. They were the parents of the following children: William E., city engineer of Springfield; Lester, of Ocala, Florida; Charles Mitchell, an employee of the Big Four Railroad, Springfield; Robert R., a sanitation engineer and contractor of Springfield; Richard Stanley; and Helen Elizabeth, of Ontario, Canada.

Richard Stanley Lucas attended the public schools of Springfield and after preparing himself in the Woodward High School and the Springfield High School, entered the law department of the University of Cincinnati, where he took honors and was graduated in 1917. He was admitted to the bar of Kentucky, December 16, 1915, when only twenty-one years of age, and to the Ohio bar in June, 1917, and commenced the practice of law with the firm of Jelke, Clark & Forchheimer, at Cincinnati, in December, 1917. His career was interrupted by the World war, and January 5, 1918, he came to Springfield and enlisted in the Aviation Service, following which he was at the Ohio State University Ground School for three months. He was next sent to Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois, where he spent six months and next was transferred to Camp Grant and recommended for a Second Lieutenant’s commission. He remained at that camp until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged December 4, 1918. He at once returned to Springfield, where he took an office with T. J. McCormick, in the firm of McCormick, Lucas, Nevins & Carpenter, third floor of the M. & M. Building. During his comparatively short career in his profession he has made rapid progress and has gained a place high in the estimation of his associates.

Mr. Lucas is unmarried. He belongs to the Christ Episcopal Church of Springfield, and in politics is a republican. He belongs to Kissell Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of Springfield; the Masonic Consistory, and the Antioch Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Dayton; Springfield Lodge No. 51, B. P. O. E.; Springfield Lodge F. O. E., and the college fraternities of Phi Kappa Kappa and Phi Alpha Delta. He belongs also to the Columbus (Ohio) Athletic Club, and his professional connections include membership in the Clark County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 417

THE LUDLOW FAMILY. Cooper Ludlow, who came to Clark County in 1804, was the progenitor of a long line of that name whose history is inseparably interwoven with that of Springfield. Born in New Jersey, June 11, 1783, he was a son of John Ludlow, who settled at Cincinnati in 1790 and became the first sheriff of Hamilton County. Cooper Ludlow was twice married. By his first wife, who was Elizabeth Reeder, he became the father of Ellen, Mary, Stephen, John and Jacob. To his second marriage, with Elizabeth Layton, a daughter of Judge Joseph Layton, nine children were born: Joseph, Jason, Silas, Abraham R., George, Cornelius, James, Catherine and William.

Cooper Ludlow became widely known. In 1804 he came to Clark County and had his home in a log house situated some three miles west of the present site of Springfield. He bought land and traded in livestock and also operated a tannery. But little is known of his children by his first wife except of his second son, John, who, with the passing of time, became the acknowledged fountain head of Clark County history, as well as its foremost citizen.

John Ludlow, or Dr. John Ludlow, as he was generally known, was born December 9, 1810, and was reared amid pioneer surroundings. At the time of his birth our second war with Great Britain had not been fought. Springfield was but twenty years old. Indians, often hostile, were numerous in the immediate neighborhood. Wild game could be secured for food without leaving the cabin doorstep. It was amid such an environment that John Ludlow passed his boyhood and reached manhood. He selected pharmacy as his vocation in life, and after a period of preliminary training in Cincinnati embarked in that line at Springfield and continued in it many years. He became interested in other avenues vitally affecting the material welfare of the community. As early as 1851 he became a director of the Springfield Bank, and upon the death of Judge Oliver Clark, succeeded him as its president. This bank was the immediate predecessor of the present First National Bank.

On August 31, 1835, Dr. Ludlow married Elmina Getman, daughter of Frederick and Mary Getman, of Herkimer County, New York, and to them were born three children: Ellen, who became the wife of Asa F. Bushnell, who later became governor of Ohio, and Frederick and Charles. For more than forty years Doctor Ludlow was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, and his many unostentatious deeds of charity and acts of benevolence indicated a true and sincere Christianity. At the time of the organization of the Femcliff Cemetery Association Doctor Ludlow was instrumental in having its foundation of such a character that the cemetery has since become recognized as one of the natural beauty spots of Ohio. For years he was one of the most active and valued members of the Clark County Historical Society.

Abraham R. Ludlow was the fourth son born to the second marriage of Cooper Ludlow, and the house in which his birth occurred on May 6, 1826, is still standing on Main Street, Springfield. His boyhood and early youth passed without any notable occurrences outside of the home circle. He learned the trade of brick-laying and later engaged in contracting, the Western school building at Main and Yellow Springs streets being a remaining example of his work. In the early ’60s, in partnership with a brother-in-law, Alphonso Farrell, he embarked in the foundry business, which was connected with the old Blakeny-Leffel water wheel works, and later bought the Williams Distillery Building on Limestone Street, near the present site of the D. T. & I. railroad depot. It was here that the firm began the manufacture of brickmaking machinery in connection with general foundry work. About 1870 a re-organization was effected, and the concern then became the Farrell, Ludlow & Chorpening Company, manufacturers of corn-planters. This corporation induced C. C. Patrie to remove from the East to Springfield and entrust to them the manufacture of the Patrie patent Superior Grain Drill. Upon the purchase of the Chorpening interest by Richard and Isaac Rodgers, brothers, the firm name became Farrell, Ludlow & Rodgers, and about 1875 Joseph and Charles Thomas succeeded to the interests of Farrell & Rodgers. From that time until 1881 the firm had the name of Thomas, Ludlow & Rodgers. In 1881 Abraham R. Ludlow severed his connection with the business, of which he was one of the original founders, and shortly thereafter bought the Springfield Malleable Iron Company plant, which he operated until his death.

To the marriage of Abraham R. Ludlow and Catherine Elizabeth Seaman children were born, four of whom reached maturity: Jason S., Rodney F., Thurston W. and Dora Bell, the only present survivor being Thurston W.

Abraham R. Ludlow was a man of broad mind and high ideals. It was not mere pecuniary gain that actuated his efforts. He had the higher vision of success in life, and his kindness of heart and generous disposition endeared him to all. In the early days he was a member of the City Council, and he was one of the organizers of the first paid fire department. He venerated sacred things, and the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church, which he helped to organize, was a beneficiary of his membership and benefactions for years. He was an original follower and supporter of Francis Murphy in the cause of temperance, and later he politically allied himself with the prohibition party. In the campaign in which Charles Foster was the republican and John W. Bookwalter the democratic candidate, Mr. Ludlow was the prohibition candidate for the governorship of the state, his defeat in no wise diminishing his interest in the cause.

Jason S. Ludlow, eldest son of Abraham R. Ludlow, had a youth of great promise but did not long survive manhood. He married Elizabeth G. Phillips, and their one son, Abraham Phillips, is also deceased.

Rodney F. Ludlow, who died in 1918, was prominent as a consulting engineer. He was born at Springfield in 1856 and was educated in the public schools and Wooster University. Until 1894 he was associated with the Springfield Malleable Iron Company, and then went to Philadelphia as a consulting engineer. He married Carrie L. Smith, and they had six children: Alden R., Benjamin F., Anna, Mida, Elizabeth and Catherine. The elder son, Alden R., resides at Great Neck, New York, and his work in connection with acetylene welding has brought him prominence in his line. Benjamin F. Ludlow attained distinction in the law and in politics in the City of Philadelphia, and his relatives are justly proud of the distinguished part he had in the World war activities.

Thurston W. Ludlow, who is one of Springfield’s foremost citizens, was born in this city, January 21, 1858. He attended the public schools, and completed his scholastic training with a course at Wooster University. As an accountant he entered the service of the Springfield Malleable Iron Company in April, 1879, has continued with it ever since and is its present president and directing head. He is also vice president of the Springfield Savings Society, and is a trustee of the Ferncliff Cemetery Association and of the City Hospital, and is an important and most active member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, in which he has been a factor for years.

Mr. Ludlow married, September 22, 1881, Miss Carrie Trader, who died in February, 1918. She was the dearly beloved mother of four children: Harold, deceased, and Thurston Rosecranz, Dora Elizabeth and Catherine. Thurston Rosecranz Ludlow is of the fourth generation of his family to have lived in Clark County. He is the present secretary of the Springfield Malleable Iron Company. He married Miss Elizabeth Geddes, who is a daughter of James L. Geddes, a prominent manufacturer of Springfield. Thurston W. Ludlow is a republican, but no tender of political preferment has been able to separate him from the field of active business. He is a member of the Lagonda, Country and Rotary clubs.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 107

JOHN LUDLOW, banker, Springfield. This gentleman is a true representative of a pioneer family, who are so well known that the name is familiar to all, and his life has been of that energetic stamp that is characteristic of the first settlers, who have contributed the best years of their lives to the development of Clark County. His father, Cooper Ludlow, was a native of New Jersey born June 11, 1783, and was married in 1803, to Miss Elizabeth Reeder, daughter of Jacob Reeder, of Reading, Ohio and, in 1804, they, accompanied by the Reeder family, came to the Mad River country, settling about three miles west of where Springfield is located, where they established a tannery close to what a now the second crossing of the D. & S. Railroad. Here were born their children—Ellen, Mary, Stephen, John and Jacob, the latter of whom died in infancy, and, in 1813, Mrs. Ludlow also passed away. In 1815, Cooper was again married to Miss Elizabeth Layton, daughter of Joseph Layton, to whom were born the following children: Joseph, Jason, Silas, Abram, George, Cornelius, James, Catharine and William; all but three of the children being yet living; and, in 1832, Cooper Ludlow died aged 55. He was the nephew of Israel Ludlow, one of the founders of Cincinnati, and his father, John Ludlow, came from New Jersey to Hamilton Co., Ohio, in 1790, and was the first Sheriff of that county. The subject of this sketch was born in this county Dec. 8, 1810, and his education was obtained in the log schoolhouse of the primitive days, and, upon reaching maturity, he chose the business of a druggist in preference to other pursuits, and was for a number of years in the employ of Moses M. Hinkle, his pharmaceutical education being completed while in the employ of Goodwin & Ashton, of Cincinnati, and was afterward engaged with Dr. W. A. Needham, of Springfield. After the death of Dr. Needham, he became associated in business with Cyrus T. Ward for many years; afterward forming a partnership with Joseph Wheldon, whose interest, after a time, he purchased, and continued the business alone, his experience as a druggist extending over a period of more than thirty years. In 1851, he was elected a Director of the Springfield Bank, and, upon the death of Oliver Clark, became its President, a position which he has continued to fill up to the present time; in 1864, the name was changed to the First National Bank of Springfield, with a capital of $300,000, the stock being subsequently raised to $400,000, and to-day it has on hand $123,000 of surplus, and undivided profits. Mr. Ludlow was married, Aug. 31, 1835, to Miss Elmina Getman, daughter of Frederick and Mary Getman, of Herkimer Co., N.Y., of which county Mrs. Ludlow is a native, and of this union three children were born, viz., Ellen, the wife of Asa S. Bushnell; Frederick, who resides in California; and Charles, the successor of his father in the drug business, in Springfield. Politically, Mr. Ludlow was a Whig, casting his first vote Henry Clay in 1832, and, on the formation of the Republican party, he joined its standard and still clings to its principles; he has no official aspirations, but feels proud of the distinction of having for fourteen years held the office of Treasurer of the Clark County Bible Society, devoting much time to this cause, and for forty years he has been a member of the Episcopal Church, of which denomination his wife is also a consistent adherent, and both are in the enjoyment of good health and vigorous old age. Mr. Ludlow was one of the projectors of Fern Cliff Cemetery, was one of its first Directors, and has been President of the Board of Trustees since its organization; he was well acquainted with all the pioneers of Clark County, John Daugherty, David Lowry, Griffith Foos, John Humphreys, Maddox Fisher and many others, whose names will appear in the history of Clark County; he furnished the Clark County Historical Society a number of his personal reminiscences of the early history of the county and city of Springfield, which papers are now on file with the Historical Society of Cleveland, and his assistance in furnishing data for the present work has been invaluable. He is noted for his liberality for charitable purposes, and has ever been foremost in using his means for the development of the business interests of the city; kind and obliging in his manners, his course in life has been such that he scarcely ever had an enemy, and his warmest friends are those who know him best. The home of Mr. Ludlow is just outside the city limits in an elegant residence of the Elizabethan style of architecture, his grounds being equal in beauty to any in the city, and here the aged couple happy in the enjoyment of each other’s society, are journeying down the hillside of life hand-in-hand, loving and trusting each other, while the lingering sunset of old age casts its shadows back o’er long years fruitful of good and usefulness.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 877

EDGAR NEWTON LUPFER, president and general manager of the Springfield Metallic Casket Company, was born on the old homestead farm of the Lupfer family, just to the west of the original site of New Bloomfield, Perry County, Pennsylvania, a part of the farm being now within the corporate limits of that borough. He was born February 28, 1856, and is the eldest son of the late William and Hannah M. (Billow) Lupfer. His great-great-grandfather on the paternal side was Jacob Lupfer, who came to America from Wittenberg, Saxony, and passed three years in the present Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, whence he then removed to Perry County, that state, in 1778. The land which he purchased in the latter county continued in the possession of the family until 1875, when it was sold by his great-grandson, William Lupfer. There is a legend that this entire tract was once purchased from the Indians for a string of beads and a bull calf. Jacob Lupfer, the original progenitor, came to America on the sailing vessel “Phoenix,” which sailed from Rotterdam and which landed in the port of Philadelphia, November 22, 1752. On the ancestral homestead in Perry County four generations of the family were born, including the father of him whose name initiates this review. Casper Lupfer, son of Jacob, donated sites for cemeteries for both the Lutheran and Reformed Churches in his community, and his remains were interred in burial ground thus given to the Reformed Church.

In the spring of 1861 William Lupfer, with his wife and their four children, came from Perry County, Pennsylvania, to Shelby, Ohio, where he engaged in mercantile enterprise. A year later he engaged in the same business at Shiloh, but in 1870 he sold his stock and business and returned to Pennsylvania, where he purchased the interests of the other heirs to the old homestead of his father, David Lupfer, who died in the spring of that year. In the fall of 1876 Mr. Lupfer again came with his family to Ohio, and on this occasion he established his home at Springfield, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives.

When a lad of fourteen years Edgar N. Lupfer left the high school at Shiloh, Ohio, and entered the New Bloomfield Academy in Pennsylvania, in which he continued his studies from 1870 to 1873. He then entered upon an apprenticeship to the printer’s trade in the office of the New Bloomfield Times, and after completing his three years’ apprenticeship he worked four days and a half as a journeyman at his trade.

After returning to Ohio he was associated with his father in the retail grocery business until 1884, when he was appointed general agent of the Superior Grain Drill Company of Springfield, which is now a part of the American Seeding Machine Company. In this position he had his headquarters at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and had supervision of ninetytwo agencies, in Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. In the fall of 1884 he married Miss Elizabeth Ann Baker, and in the spring of the following year he returned to Springfield and purchased an interest in a firm recently organized to manufacture a newly patented metallic burial casket. In 1886 the Springfield Metallic Casket Company was incorporated, with Mr. Lupfer as its secretary. Ross Mitchell, president of the company, was born at Landisburg, Pennsylvania, twelve miles distant from the birthplace of Mr. Lupfer, and was a boy when his parents removed to Springfield, Ohio.

In 1888 Mr. Lupfer became general manager, as well as secretary, of the Springfield Metallic Casket Company, and since October 16, 1917, he has been its president and general manager. The following statement has all of proved consistency: “Mr. Lupfer has, by his ability, progressive policies and effective management, brought his company not only to a position of leadership among the powerful corporations of Springfield, which is a great manufacturing city, but also to be one of the strongest, if not the strongest, concerns in its field of industry in the entire world.”

From an interesting paper read by Mr. Lupfer before the Rotary Club of Springfield in the autumn of 1921 are taken, with minor elimination, the following quotations:

“In the early part of 1884 the Springfield Metallic Casket Company was organized as a partnership, by Dr. A. A. Baker, D. R. Hosterman and Daniel B. Hiser, the last mentioned having been patentee of a sectional cast-metal casket which would seal hermetically. The first little assembling shop, with office, was over Bauroth’s machine shop in Walnut Alley, between High and Main streets, the room being about forty feet square. The officers were: Dr. A. A. Baker, president; Ross Mitchell, vice president; D. R. Hosterman, treasurer; E. N. Lupfer, secretary; S. E. Baker, general manager; and Charles H. Hiser, superintendent.

“It was in the fall of 1899 that our company purchased the Springfield Silver Plate Company, through the medium of which casket hardware was added to our line. In the same year we purchased the plant known as the Driscol Buggy Company. To the parent plant we have added additions and also the erection of two separate factory buildings, one for the exclusive manufacture of steel grave-vaults, and the other containing our mammoth drawing presses and dies. We have added to our line until we can supply every need of the funeral director. Our product consists of bronze, copper and sheet-ingot iron caskets. These sheet-metal caskets are manufactured in a great many sizes and a great variety of finishes. We manufacture about 100 styles. We manufacture also a line of cloth-covered wood caskets and casket hardware for other manufacturers. Our company ships goods all over the country, but is one of the few companies that does. We now have storage stocks and exhibit rooms in Los Angeles, Omaha, Kansas City and Detroit.” The company gives continuous employment to a force of about 300 persons, and the concern is one of the largest of the kind in the world, its far reaching trade contributing much to the commercial prestige of Springfield. Mr. Lupfer is vice president of the Mad River National Bank, and a director in the Ohio State Life Insurance Company at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Lupfer is a valued member of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the local Rotary Club, and holds membership also in the Lagonda and Country Clubs. He is a Knight Templar and thirtysecond degree Scottish Rite Mason, and affiliated also with the Mystic Shrine. He is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

The first wife of Mr. Lupfer died March 23, 1916, and is survived by one son, Robert Newton Lupfer, who is secretary of the Elmwood Myers Company, of Springfield. He married Miss Ella Mason, of Detroit, Michigan, and they have one son, Edgar Baker Lupfer. On the 11th of January, 1919, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Lupfer and Minnie L. Bergmann, of Madison, Wisconsin.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 72

JAMES C. LYON, hay dealer, Springfield; is a grandson of one of the first settlers of Ohio. His grandfather, James Lyon, was one of the party who landed at the mouth of the Little Miami in November, 1788; he afterward purchased different tracts of land, some being a part of the present city of Cincinnati, and a considerable part of Walnut Hills, where he lived many years, being 86 at his death. His homestead has passed down to his children and grandchildren, and James C. now owns an interest in the same homestead, and has the original deed from John Cleve Symmes to his grandfather, the purchase price being 11 cents per acre, and also a copy of his discharge papers showing him to have been a Captain of Artificers in the Revolutionary war, and to have served during four years of that struggle. Mr. Lyon’s father was the second of four sons. He was a Baptist minister, well and favorably known throughout all of Southwestern Ohio; was the first missionary appointed by the Baptist State Convention, and his name is still reverently spoken, and his memory kindly cherished by the children of his day now grown old. The subject of this sketch was the only son of a family of five children; one of his sisters is dead and the other three are residents of the vicinity of Cincinnati. James C. was born on Walnut Hills and resided on and farmed the old homestead until 1870, when he removed to a farm in the vicinity of Springfield. In 1878, he removed to the city in order to give his children the advantages of the city schools. Since coming to Springfield, he has been engaged in buying and baling hay, which he sells to the retailers. His wife was Amanda Dunseth, and is also a native of Hamilton County. They were married in 1855, and have four children—Flora (now Mrs. Edward Barrett), Minnie, Carrie and Harvey C. Their residence, No. 74 Scott street, is a neat, commodious house. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are members of the Trinity Baptist Church. They are plain hospitable people, and have an interesting family.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 878