Clark County Ohio Biographies

CHARLES RABBITTS, retired woolen manufacturer, Springfield. Mr. Charles Rabbitts’ open, frank countenance and hearty manner are his passport to the immediate confidence and respect of his merest acquaintance—and of how few can this be truly said! Mr. Rabbitts is a man of true worth, and an ornament to any community; his life has been an even one, the following being a brief chronological outline of it. Mr. Rabbitts is of English birth and parentage, having been born in Wiltshire, England, on Sept. 7, 1820, hence just 60 years old; his family came to this country in 1832, settling in Cuyahoga County; in 1843, Mr. Rabbitts moved to Newark, Ohio, and embarked in woolen manufacture, and in 1847 established the same industry here, in copartnership with Mr. L. H. Olds, from which Mr. Olds retired about 1852. On the 3d of May, 1849, Mr. Rabbitts consummated a matrimonial alliance with Miss Margaret Robison, the result of which union has been four sons and two daughters (one son being dead), all as yet single; one of the former is James H. Rabbitts, of the prominent law firm of Keifer, White & Rabbitts. Mr. Rabbitts retired from active business in 1875, having, up to his retirement, done the leading business in the line of woolen manufactures, and given a decided impetus to that industry. Mr. and Mrs. Rabbitts have been for many years members of and thoroughly identified with the interests and prosperity of the Second Presbyterian Church. Springfield has produced no better men than Rabbitts & Olds, and no community has need of better.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 903

REI RATHBUN, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, March 22, 1849. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna M. Reynard, was also born in this township Feb. 22, 1851. They were married Sept. 11, 1872. They have four children—Netum, aged 6 years; Lena, 4 years; Pern, 3 years; Clarence, 1 year. Mr. Rathbun is an extensive agriculturist. He also deals in stock of various kinds. John Rathbun, father of Rei, was born in Butler Co., Penn. Removed with his parents to Ohio in 1811. Thomas Rathbun, father of John, was born in Rhode Island, of English descent. John’s mother, was whose maiden name was Elizabeth Cochran, was born in Pennsylvania of Irish and Welsh parentage. They were the parents of five children—Mary, John, Jeffrey H., Clark and Amos, none of whom are living except John, the father of our subject. John Rathbun and Mary Curl were married Dec. 27, 1829. As a result of this union, eleven children have been born—Thomas, Jeremiah, Cynthia, Elizabeth, Mary, George W., Azubah, John, Rei, Nancy J. and Beda. Thomas; George W. and Rei are all that are living of this once large and happy family; in the year 1856, Mr. Rathbun purchased 139 acres of land in Harmony Township, upon which be resided and cultivated with his own hands until the year 1875, when he purchased what was known as the McArthur place, where he now lives. This is a beautifully situated tract, lying one-half mile east of Vienna. His post town is ten miles east of the city of Springfield, county seat of Clark Co., Ohio. The living children are married. George W. lives in Missouri; Thomas lives in Harmony Township, on what is known as the Yost farm, while Rei, whose name stands at the bead of this sketch, occupies the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun, although well advanced in years, enjoy a fair degree of health, and are spending the afternoon of life in a very contented and peaceful condition of mind.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 966

I. B. RAWLINS, lumber-dealer, Springfield. Mr. Rawlins has been a resident of Springfield for the past quarter of a century, during which time he has resided in Springfield excepting about four years, when he resided on a farm near here, and has been identified with different business interests, although always owning a farm, and much of the time actively engaged in agriculture. In 1875, he engaged in the lumber trade here, operating a mill in connection, which business he still continues. He is a native of Delaware, born in 1809, but his parents removed to Ross Co., Ohio, in 1810, and he resided there previous to becoming a resident of this county; he was raised on a farm, and what education he received was obtained in the log schoolhouses of pioneer days; when of proper age, he learned the potter’s art, which trade he followed until he had laid by enough for a start, then bought a farm, and, by improving and selling, soon placed himself among the successful men. He married Mary A. Hotsenpiller; she was a native of Ross County; they have three children living—George C., who is now County Prosecutor; Albert M., now a member of the firm of I. B. Rawlins & Son; and Mattie. Mr. Rawlins comes of pioneer and patriotic stock; his father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was present at Hull’s surrender. His wife is a granddaughter of Ferdinand Seigel, who was a surgeon during the Revolution, and two of his sons were in the late war; the oldest, Charles F., gave his life as a sacrifice for his country, and, though several of Mr. Rawlin’s relations were residents of the South at the beginning of the war, all remained thru and loyal citizens.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 904 - Transcribed by Sharon Wick

ISAAC B. RAWLINS was a resident of Ohio from his childhood until his death, save for a brief interval passed in Illinois, and he played a constructive part in the industrial and civic progress of Clark County and the City of Springfield. He was born in the State of Delaware, in 1809, a son of Rev. Charles Rawlins, who was a native of England and who became a pioneer clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ohio and also a successful teacher in the pioneer schools.

Isaac B. Rawlins was reared in Ross County, Ohio, and as a young man he engaged in the manufacturing of pottery at Frankfort. Later he became a farmer in Fayette County, and finally, in order to provide better educational advantages for his children, he came with his family to Clark County and purchased a farm about two miles distant from Springfield, on the present Urbana Turnpike. From the farm he drove with team to transport his children back and forth from the schools at Springfield, and about 1855 he removed with his family to this city, which was then a mere village. Later he purchased from William N. Whitely a wooded tract at the corner of Gillet and Burnett roads, southeast of Springfield. He cleared and otherwise improved this land, which he eventually sold at a profit. At the same time he was the owner of a farm in Illinois, the same having been in charge of his son Charles. When Charles enlisted for service as a soldier in the Civil war the father assumed charge of the Illinois farm and left his son George in supervision of the farm near Springfield. Within a short time George Rawlins likewise became a soldier of the Union, and the father then returned from Illinois. He thereafter gave active attention to his property interests in Clark County, and engaged successfully in the real-estate business as a member of the firm of Middleton & Rawlins, which laid out and placed on the market the Middleton & Rawlins addition to the City of Springfield. Mr. Rawlins subsequently platted and developed two other additions that contributed much to the growth of the city. He was a stalwart in the local ranks of the republican party, and both he and his wife were earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death occurred in 1888, Mrs. Rawlins having preceded him to the life eternal.

As a young man Mr. Rawlins wedded Miss Mary A. Hottsenpiller, and they became the parents of six children: Harriet, Charles F., George C, Mary, Albert M. and Martha. Of the children only Albert M. and Martha are now living. Charles F. Rawlins was a member of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the Civil war, and died while in the service, as a result of exposure. George C., who likewise gave gallant service in defense of the Union, became a representative member of the Springfield bar and was one of the leading lawyers of Clark County at the time of his death, July 27, 1921.

Albert M. Rawlins, only surviving son of the honored subject of this memoir, was born at Frankfort, Ross County, Ohio, September 29, 1848, and his early education was acquired principally in the public schools at Springfield, where also he attended Wittenberg College. He was actively associated with his father’s business and property interests until 1873, when he engaged in the lumber business, of which he has since continued one of the successful and influential representatives at Springfield. He is a loyal advocate and supporter of the cause of the republican party, but has had no ambition for political activity or public office. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 47

JOHN RAY, retired farmer; P. O. Dialton; was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 29, 1813. He is the son of Lewis and Elizabeth Ray (nee Zigler), who were natives of Virginia, and moved to Cincinnati in 1812, living there one year, when he moved to Clark County and located near Springfield, where they remained four years. In 1817, they purchased a tract of timber land near North Hampton, in Pike Township. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are now living. John, our subject, lived with his father until he was 24 years of age, and then was united in marriage with Margaret Overpeck, daughter of George and Martha Overpeck, who were also natives of Virginia. After his marriage he purchased the farm where he now lives, which contained about 40 acres of cleared land and 70 acres under fence. Since that time he has worked at the carpenter’s trade thirty years, and the balance of his time was spent in cultivating his farm. Mr. Ray has, by his exemplary habits and close attention to business, won the prominent position in society that he now occupies. Mr. and Mrs. Ray have both been faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past thirty-eight years.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1020

W. C. RAY, postmaster of South Vienna and a grocery merchant, has been a very active young business man in South Central Ohio for a number of years.

He was born in Vinton County, Ohio, January 30, 1877, son of Jesse and Josephine (Garrett) Ray. His father was born in Vinton County in June, 1842. He enlisted and served three years and three months as a soldier in the Civil war. After the war he followed farming in Vinton County, sold out his property there, and in 1888 moved to Fayette County, where he bought land, later lived for a time at Bloomingsburg in that county, and in 1892 moved to Madison County, where he lived on a rented farm until 1902. In that year he came to Springfield and from there moved to New Carlisle. His wife died at Canal Winchester in August, 1911, and he is now living retired at Columbus. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and is a republican in politics. There were eight children, five of whom are living: Effie, wife of Arthur Robbins, of South Charleston; W. C; Maude, wife of Forrest Slyh, of Columbus; Grace, wife of Fred Wyant, of Maryland; and Mabel, wife of S. D. Latham of Hilliard, Ohio.

W. C. Ray acquired a common school education. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-four and on August 31, 1902, married Mabel Robbins. They have two children: Marjorie, a graduate of the Harmony Township High School; and Palmer, attending high school. Mrs. Ray is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ray is affiliated with Vienna Lodge No. 660, Knights of Pythias, and is a republican.

Mr. Ray first engaged in the grocery business at New Carlisle, where he was located for two years, then moved his business headquarters to Hilliard for one year, and for two years was at Canal Winchester and another two years at Columbus. With this experience he established himself at South Vienna and has developed a highly prosperous business and is one of the substantial men of this community.

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

WILLIAM HENRY RAYNER, president of Mast, Foos & Company, is one of the most representative of the solid business men of Clark County, but his skill and experience have been gained in other localities and occupations as well as in the present invironments. His life is a record of sustained effort, intelligently directed, and he has fairly earned his present high position in his company and community. Mr. Rayner is a native son of Ohio, having been born at Piqua, July 24, 1854, a son of William and Catherine (Barrett) Rayner, and grandson of John and Elizabeth (Wainwright) Rayner, the former of whom was born at Sheffield, England, August 14, 1817.

John Rayner, with his wife and six small children, sailed from Liverpool, England, on the vessel “Edgar of London,” June 30, 1830, with 109 passengers on board, and landed at New York City, August 14, 1830, after a stormy and dangerous voyage of six weeks. They settled temporarily at Cleveland, Ohio, but during the winter of 1831 John Rayner with his son and two others, started out on a wagon trip to Xenia and Old Town, Ohio, where there was an English colony, but decided later to settle permanently at Piqua, Ohio, which he did in the following spring. A man of high character John Rayner was a man of strong religious convictions, and for years was a local preacher of the Methodist denomination. By trade he was a carpenter, and contracted for and built many of the older residences and business houses of Piqua, some of which are still standing and in good repair, a monument to his skill and honesty.

William Rayner, son of John Rayner, and father of President Rayner, as a young man worked with his father in the carpenter trade, and also built several houses on his own account. He took up the trade of a pattern maker, at which he worked for several years. Following his preliminary school training in England and the United States, he had the further advantage of a two-year course at Granville College, which he completed in 1842. He, too, was a local preacher of the Methodist faith. In middle life he acquired land and became a farmer, his property being located on the Stillwater turnpike, about one and one-half miles northwest of Piqua, and on it he died. Catherine Barrett was his second wife and mother of President Rayner. She was a daughter of William and Mariah (Turpen) Barrett, and was born at Lebanon, Ohio, August 11, 1831. William Barrett was one of the first settlers of Darke County, Ohio.

William H. Rayner was the third son of his parents, and when he was two years old they took him to the farm on the Stillwater turnpike, above referred to, and here he was reared as any normal, healthy farmer’s son, and was sent to the Beach Grove School, held in the original red brick school house of that district. When he was fifteen years old he entered the Piqua High School, from which he was graduated in May, 1873. A youth of high ambitions, he decided to seek his fortune in the West, and went to Omaha, Nebraska. Upon his arrival there he found the situation somewhat disastrous for the effects of the panic of that year were clearly felt, and many were out of employment. Therefore, not finding the opportunity he sought, he drifted back to Sigourney, Iowa, where for a brief period he worked as a carpenter, but was soon offered a position in a hardware store. Accepting it he held it until the spring of 1875, at which time he was joined by his elder brother, James, and the young men went on a cattle ranch in South Park, Colorado. Here for a year William H. Rayner was engaged in developing his natural skill and gaining experience of life from the viewpoint of a cowboy. Later he assisted in driving a large herd of mountain cattle from South Park to Las Animas, Colorado, for rail shipment to the Eastern markets. The route lay along the Arkansas River from Canyon City to the termination of the railroad at Las Animas, which was beyond old Fort Bent, which at that time was standing in good repair.

In 1876 Mr. Rayner entered the field in which he was to achieve his signal successes, when he became an employe of Morse & Van Court, hardware merchants of Neponsett, Illinois. Returning to Ohio at the close of 1876 Mr. Rayner spent some time in the employ of Croy & Hatfield, hardware merchants of Piqua, Ohio, and went from them to Columbus, Indiana, where he was manager of a store owned by his uncle, Marshall Taylor. On March 1, 1878, Mr. Rayner entered the employ of Mast, Foos & Company, as a traveling salesman, and was soon made the Western agent for the company at its branch house at Omaha, Nebraska. About 1889 he joined the Churchill Pump Company of Omaha, which organization included the following officials: E. V. Lewis president; William H. Rayner, vice president; and A. S. Cost, secretary. This became a prosperous concern, and carried on a large wholesale business, but was finally sold to another company. On May 1, 1891, Mr. Rayner returned to Mast, Foos & Company, at Springfield, Ohio, and moved his family to this city, he in the meanwhile having married. Becoming financially interested in this company he was made a member of its board of directors, and later its president. He is also president of the Duplex Mill & Manufacturing Company of Springfield, a company he helped to organize some years ago. He belongs to several Masonic bodies, and has passed through all of the chairs of the Knights of Pythias. Early uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church, he belongs to the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a member of its official board for the past thirty years. For twelve years he was on the board of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Mr. Rayner has also been a member of the board of trustees of the Clark County Historical Society for some years and is now serving as its secretary. His interest in natural history objects has been sustained throughout his life, and his collections of archaeological, geological and curio articles are valuable and are on exhibition at the rooms of the society. He also takes great interest in the preservation of local historical items, correctly claiming that the commonplace of today may be the history of tomorrow. Mr. Rayner was an early member of the Country Club, of the Lagonda Club, and came into the Commercial Club, now the Chamber of Commerce, from the old Board of Trade.

On October 18, 1881, Mr. Rayner was married to Hester M. Turk, who was born at Quindora, Kansas, September 30, 1860, but at the time of her marriage was a resident of Piqua, Ohio. Their eldest son, William Pearce Rayner, was born at Omaha, Nebraska, July 30, 1882, where the first ten years of their married life were passed. The second son, Anthony Edwin, was also born at Omaha, July 25, 1884; and the third son, Eugene Turk, was also born in that same city, September 25, 1886.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 429

DANIEL REAM, North Hampton, farmer and Township Treasurer.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1021

JACOB REAM, farmer; P. O. Northampton; born March 4, 1836; a native of Clark County. Is a son of Benjamin and Catharine (Frantz) Ream; he was born Sept. 6, 1789, in Pennsylvania, and she in Virginia, Jan. 21, 1791. They became residents of Clark County about the time of the war of 1812, as he was a soldier in that war. They located upon the farm where Jacob now lives, and resided here till their death. This land was then all in the woods; they commenced, pioneer style, in the log cabin, and cleared up the land from year to year, toiling and laboring and enduring the trials and hardships of that early day; such pioneers deserve a kind remembrance from their descendants and future generations for their many labors, by which this then wilderness has been brought out into this beautiful, fruitful country which it now is. Benjamin died about 1866; his wife died some two or three years previous to his death. They were parents of twelve children, six of whom now survive—John, Daniel, Catharine, William, Lydia and Jacob. Our subject lived with his father till his death. In March, 1857, was married to Catharine, daughter of William and Mary Flick; he is a native of Virginia, and she of Pennsylvania; issue, two children—Thomas B., born Oct. 22, 1859, and George M., born Feb. 2, 1864. Mr. Ream has always resided on the old home place, which consists of 102 acres of good land, four-fifths of which is in good cultivation, with good building and improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence, quite in contrast to what it was sixty-five years ago when his father first settled upon it. Mr. Ream also owns another farm in Pike Township, of 133 acres, which is the old home farm of his wife’s father. Mr. Ream never obtained but a limited education, as he never enjoyed good health; but by industry and economy he has been very successful as a farmer, and now has a good competency and a very pleasant home and residence.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1009

JAMES W. RECTOR, blacksmith; P. O. North Hampton.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1021

RAPER RECTOR (deceased). Dr. Rector was born in Mad River Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, July 11, 1838. He resided upon the farm with his parents until he had attained his majority, where he acquired a good common school education. At the age of 22 years, he went to Tremont and read medicine with Dr. J. S. Gard, and graduated at Starling Medical College Feb. 28, 1865. Mr. Rector married early in life, having been united with Eliza J. Martin, daughter of Scott Martin, Esq., of Tremont, on the 27th of November, 1857, and to them were born three children, viz., Mary J., now Mrs. J. A. Marquart, born March 6, 1858; J. W., born Aug. 18, 1859, and A. W., born March 10, 1861. The Doctor located in North Hampton, in this county where he enjoyed a lucrative and reputable practice up to the time of his death. He grew rapidly in the favor of the people, both as a man and a physician. During the latter part of September, 1872, Dr. Rector was attacked with typhoid fever, which terminated fatally on the 16th day of the following month (October, 1872). In his last illness, the Doctor was attended by Dr. Thatcher, who had in the way of assistance the best learned of quite a number of the members of the Clark Co. Medical Society, of which our subject was a member. He was a man of a high order of social qualities, a good intellect and excellent habits. He was temperate and industrious; his opinions in regard to medical theory and practice were very sound. Dr. Rector was a member of the M. E. Church, and was sustained and cheered in life and in death by the consolations of the Christian religion. His grandfather, Charles Rector, was one of the first white settlers in the Mad River Valley. His parents were Conway and Anna (Neff) Rector; the former was a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 6, 1795; the latter of Shenandoah Co., Va., born Dec. 15, 1800. The father emigrated to this State in 1802, purchasing a full section of land in Mad River Township, where he settled and there lived until his death, Oct. 12, 1879. The mother still survives him, retaining her mental faculties in a remarkable degree. When quite young, Father Rector was instrumental in getting out the timber for the first M. E. Church in that vicinity, built of hewn logs, in Champaign Co., just over the Clark Co. line. It is still used as a place of worship. Mr. Rector joined the M. E. Church, Dec. 28, 1817, and became a Class-leader March 14, 1819. His wife is also a Methodist.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1021

JOHN REDDISH, farmer; P. O. Springfield; resides three miles south-east of Springfield, where he is beautifully located near the Springfield Southern Railroad. He was born Oct. 3, 1827, in this county, near what is now known as “Fletcher Chapel.” He has always lived at his present residence, except about eight years. He read medicine in the office of Dr. Kay, of Springfield, and graduated at the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 24, 1863; was married to Elizabeth Vicory Oct. 2, 1866. His father, Nathan Reddish, was born in Somerset Co., Md., Dec. 26, 1783, and came to Ohio some time between 1803 and 1808 and engaged in the tanning business near Yellow Springs, Greene Co., Ohio. He was married, in 1808 or 1809, to Matilda Miller. In 1810, he moved to what is now Clark County, and settled on the northeast quarter of Sec. 14, adjoining the quarter on which our subject now lives; here he opened a tan-yard. In 1812, he was called out to guard the frontier against the Indians, and was stationed at what was known as “Zane’s Block-house,” in what is now Logan Co., Ohio, his wife and two children remaining alone in a log cabin for one month; in August, 1815, he bought of Thomas Patton 112 acres (of the quarter where John now resides) for $312; here he operated another tannery, and carried on the trade of tanner and Currier until 1834, and then farming till his death, July 7, 1853. In 1817, his wife died, leaving five children; in 1818, he was again married, this time to Mary McCleve, who lived but a short time after her marriage; and in November, 1826, he was again united in marriage, taking for his third wife Mrs. Harriet Oxtoby Loomis; with this union three children were born, John now being the only surviving child. The mother of John was born in Yorkshire, England, Feb. 20, 1792, and died April 7, 1874; in 1803, she came with her father, Henry Oxtoby, to the United States, and settled at Geneva, N. Y., where she married John Loomis, who was mortally wounded by an Indian while scouting, after the battle of Queenstown Heights, Canada; he was one or the few who volunteered to go over from Lewiston to hold the ground already taken; he died and was buried at Lewiston in October, 1812; by this marriage, two daughters were born; one died in New York; the other, Mrs. Elizabeth Newlove, is still living. In the fall of 1814, Harriet came to Ohio with her father, who, with his family, settled near Fletcher Church, this county, where she lived until her marriage with Nathan Reddish.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 904

JUDSON REDMOND, miller, Springfield; proprietor of the Junction Mills, situated five miles east of Springfield, near Harmony, where he is doing an extensive business; he is the second son of Peter and Sarah (Curtiss) Redmond, and was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1824, where he lived with his parents until 18 years of age; he then began the trade of wagon-making, at which he worked two years, then one year at carpentering. At the age of 21 years, he left his native State and came to Ohio, locating in Lucas County; here he began the trade of millwright, which he followed some ten years; after living two years in said county; he moved to West Liberty, Logan Co., where be remained about five years, when he rented a mill near Bellefontaine and began his first work as miller; but, having a wide experience in millwrighting, he was well prepared to execute every branch of the trade; he continued milling in three different mills, when he purchased a farm in Logan County, and, after farming it for two years, traded the farm for the Stony Creek Mills, which he sold after running the same a short time, and purchased the mills he now owns. He was married, Oct. 10, 1847, to Harriet Hinman, daughter of Justice and Ruth (Buell) Hinman; their issue has been six children—Francis, Edgar I., Sarah O., Clara E., Inez I. and Harry G.; Francis died when but 10 months old; the others grew to manhood and womanhood. Edgar was married, in November, 1872, to Maria Meade, and at his death left a wife and two children; Clara was married, Oct. 10, 1874, to Frank Gillett; she, too, has gone to the spirit land, leaving one child; Sarah Orella was married, March 4, 1875, to Samuel Taylor, proprietor of Taylor’s Mills; Inez was married, Nov. 26, 1877, to Edmond H. Ogden. When Mr. Redmond began business for himself, at the age of 21, he had only $20, but, by his perseverance and integrity, and his good wife’s encouragement and help, he has accumulated property to the value of $20,000. He and his wife united themselves with the Baptist Church in 1871, and since then have lived consistent lives, in harmony with the teachings of that denomination. In politics, he has always been a stanch Republican. Mrs. Redmond was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 1829; when she was 6 years old, her parents moved to Michigan, where her father died, when she returned to New York, where she remained until her marriage to Mr. Redmond.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 905

JOSEPH MATHIAS REHE in the twenty years since he began his business career has had many promotions in responsibility with several corporations. He was a railroad man until he came to Springfield, and he is now secretary and treasurer of the Westcott Motor Car Company of this city.

He was born in Cincinnati, April 16, 1884, and represents two well-known old families in the commercial life of that city. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Rehe, was an early oil merchant there. His maternal grandfather, Mathias Johannigman, was prominent in the coal business at Cincinnati. The parents of Mr. Rehe were John T. and Caroline (Johannigman) Rehe, both natives of Cincinnati. His mother died in 1886 and his father in 1918. Both were devout Catholics.

Joseph M. Rehe grew up at Cincinnati and was educated in St. Mary’s parochial schools and St. Xavier’s High School. His practical business experience began in 1903, as a salesman for the firm of Chatfield & Woods, paper jobbers and manufacturers at Cincinnati. From 1907 to 1910 he was in the auditing department of the Big Four Railroad Company, and from 1910 to 1916 he was in the auditing department of the Ohio Electric Railway.

June 1, 1916, Mr. Rehe came to Springfield in the capacity of auditor and assistant secretary of the Westcott Motor Car Company. During the past six years he has had an important share in building up this local industry, and in February, 1922, he was elected a member of the board of directors and secretary-treasurer of the corporation.

Mr. Rehe is a member of Springfield Lodge No. 51, B. P. O. E., and for the past six years has been treasurer of the Elks’ Club. He is a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church. April 19, 1906, he married Miss Bertha Stall, daughter of Oliver and Julia (Tobin) Stall, of Cincinnati.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 47

GEORGE W. REICHARD, M.D. More than any other class of men physicians win the friendship and affection of those with whom they are professionally associated, and when a practitioner who has ministered to his community for many years is removed from its midst, general sorrow is felt. Many deeds of kindness marked the career of the late Dr. George W. Reichard, who was one of the prominent physicians and citizens of Clark County and of Springfield from 1897 until the time of his death in 1915.

Doctor Reichard was born in Washington County. Maryland, March 1, 1854, a son of Dr. Valentine and Catherine (Wolf) Reichard, natives of Maryland and of German descent, both of whom are now deceased.

The elder Doctor Reichard was engaged in practice at Fair Play, Washington County, Maryland, for many years, and was a man of professional attainments and sterling character. Dr. George W. Reichard attended the district schools of his native locality, and in, 1871, when in his seventeenth year, began teaching in the rural schools of Washington County, a vocation which he followed for five years, during the last two years of which, between terms, he attended the Millersville (Pennsylvania) Normal School. While still teaching, he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of his father, and in the fall of 1876 entered the Eclectic Medical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1878 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Leaving college he embarked upon the practice of his profession at New Moorefield, Clark County, Ohio, in the year of his graduation and continued successfully there until 1897 when he removed to Springfield where he continued in the general practice of his calling until his death, July 27, 1915. Doctor Reichard was a self-educated and self-made man and attained his success both as a physician and a citizen through his own efforts. He was recognized as one of the leading men of his profession in Clark County and at Springfield, was greatly popular, and had a wide circle of friends who admired him for his sterling character. He was a member of the Clark County Medical Society and the Ohio State Medical Society, and kept fully abreast of all the advancements made in his calling, being a close and careful student and something of an investigator. His fraternal affiliation was with the Knights of Pythias, and as a churchman he adhered to the Methodist Episcopal faith. In civic affairs he was a supporter of all worthy movements and charity and education found in him a true and unswerving friend.

On October 19, 1882, Doctor Reichard was united in marriage with Miss Cora A. Mumma, who was born at Sharpsburg, near Hagerstown, Maryland, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Miller) Mumma, wellknown residents of that part of Maryland for many years. To Doctor and Mrs. Reichard was born one daughter, Christle. She was born at New Moorefield, Ohio, October 9, 1884, and graduated with first class honors from Wittenberg College, in 1904. She married J. Fred Anderson, a well-known attorney of Springfield, and died October 17, 1912, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth Reichard Anderson.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 380

MARGARET (KESSLER) REID, Springfield; widow of James Reid, deceased, who was born Sept. 8, 1785, died 1857; when James was a young man, his father sold the farm in Virginia, receiving Continental money as pay, preparatory to his coming to Ohio; but, about the time they were ready to start, he took sick and died, which deferred their coming. Mrs. Reid, being left a widow, with nine children—seven boys and two girls—was at a loss what to do, keeping the money until she would determine whether to come to Ohio or remain in Virginia; during the time, the Revolutionary war closed, and the money now became worthless, leaving them destitute, having sold everything but their team, and, in 1802, two of the boys came to Ohio, locating in Springfield; during that year, they pre-empted the farm now owned by Margaret and her children; on this farm they, during the summer, raised a crop and erected a cabin, bought and in the fall went back to Virginia, and returned to this county with the rest of the family. In 1846, James was married to Margaret Kesler, the subject of our sketch; she was born in Bavaria, Europe, in 1819; her mother died in 1831, and in 1883 her father, with Margaret and her two brothers, emigiated to America, coming direct to Springfield; they were shipwrecked on the ocean, losing everything they had except the clothes they had on; the wreck was occasioned by the Captain of the ship, in company with others, being down below drinking wine, and not paying attention to the direction the ship was going, and ran on a sand-bank. To Margaret and James four children have been born—William J. (who died young), George H., James A. and Sarah J. George was married, Jan. 4, 1870, to Eunice E., daughter of Silas and Margaret Byrd; they have one child—Sarah J.—and live with his mother on the farm; George is an active, enterprising young man, of excellent character. James A. was married, Oct. 11, 1877, to Harriet A., daughter of John and Mary Oxtoby; they live on the farm, in sight of his mother’s house; he is also an energetic young man of good habits. Mrs. Reid, although 61 years old, is in excellent health, and is almost as active as when a young girl, and devotes great care to her daughter, Sarah, who is helpless, being afflicted with rheumatism.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 906

JOHN A. REIFSNIDER, boot and shoe manufacturer and dealer, Springfield. John A. Reifsnider was born in Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn., on Jan. 18, 1834; he had two brothers and five sisters, of whom one brother and four sisters are living. He came of a long-lived family, his father and mother dying at the ages of 65 and 71 respectively, and one of his aunts attained the remarkable age of 102 years. Mr. Reifsnider learned his trade with his brother, at Reading, Penn., from 1849 to 1854, coming to Springfield in 1854, where he worked at the bench until 1861. In the meantime, Sept. 5, 1855, he married Eliza J. Sprague, of Springfield. About one month prior to the breaking-out of the war, he bought out a small establishment one door east of his present location; he was joined in business, in 1863, by his brother, H. R., the firm name being Reifsnider & Bro., continuing until Oct. 8, 1879, when his brother died; on the 22d of the same month, our subject bought the interest of his brother’s estate. Mr. Reifsnider’s only military experience was with the well-known “Squirrel-hunters.” Of his six children, two of either sex survive—Charles S. and Frank M., both being in business with their father; and his daughters, Ida and Hesper, are respectively 18 and 16 years old. He is a self-made man, being early thrown on his own resources, and never had any assistance from friends; he is one of those genial men who have a smile and pleasant word for all, and has a host of friends. Mr. Reifsnider is eminently a man of societies, being an active and worthy member of the following bodies: Clark Lodge, No. 101, F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M.; Springfield Council, No. 17, R. & S. M.; Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T.; Moncrieffe Lodge, No. 33, K. of P.; Uniform Rank, No. 6, K. of P., of which he is Lieutenant Commander, and has been Past Master of Clark Lodge, F. & A. M., and Thrice Illustrious Master of Springfield Council of Royal and Select Masters; also Past Captain General of Palestine Commandery of Knights Templar.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 906

HENRY REYNOLDS, farmer; P. O. Springfield. When Mr. Reynolds was 16 years old, he began the trade of molding and burning brick, at which he worked about forty years, but for the last ten years has devoted his attention chiefly to farming. He was born in Montgomery Co., Va., Jan. 20, 1816, and came to Ohio with his parents in the fall of 1826; they settled near what is now Plattsburg, this county, where they lived one year, and then moved to Green Township, where they lived until their deaths. His father, William Reynolds, died in 1857, and his mother Elizabeth (Tuggle) Reynolds, died in 1864. In 1845, Henry purchased 80 acres of his present farm, and in 1856 bought 40 acres more; he moved to where he now lives in 1855. He was married, Dec. 29, 1840, to Julia Ann McKinney, daughter of John and Rachel (Shaw) McKinney. Mrs. Reynolds was born in this county July 20, 1820, and died Sept. 24, 1878. They had six children, viz., Nancy, Olive, William W., John H., Elizabeth and Rachael J. Nancy was married, Dec. 29, 1875, to John Warren; Olive was married, Dec. 30, 1867, to Thomas Hill; William was married, March 30, 1876 to Mary A. Pilcher; John was married, Sept. 28, 1876, to Sarah Ballentine; John is at present practicing medicine in Lawrenceville, this county. Mr. Reynolds lives in the southeastern part of this township, he is a generous, whole-souled man, possessed of true Virginian hospitality.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 907

JOHN H. REYNOLDS, M.D., physician, Lawrenceville; born Aug. 8, 1848, a native of Clark County; is a son of Henry and Julia Ann (McKinney) Reynolds; he a native of Virginia, and she of Clark County. William Reynolds, the grandfather, was also a native of Virginia, and became a resident of Ohio about 1827, and lived and died here. John McKinney, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, and also became an early settler of Ohio, and, after arriving here, served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Henry, the father of our subject, was 11 years of age when he came to this county with his father’s family; was raised to farm labor till 18 years of age, when he learned the brick-mason trade, which trade he has followed most of his life; also owns a good farm, which he superintends in connection with his trade. He has raised a family of six children, four daughters and two sons, viz., Nancy, Olive, William W., John H., Elizabeth and Rachel J. He is still residing on his farm, six miles southeast of Springfield, aged 65 years. Our subject was raised to farm labor and assisting his, father at his trade, receiving the advantages of a common school education up to the age of 21 years, when he attended one term at the Wittenberg College, at Springfield; then taught school, and read medicine with Dr. Wildason, of Plattsburg, till the fall of 1874; then he attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, through the winter and spring terms, and again in the winter of 1875-76, graduating in the winter of 1876. Thence he located at Lawrenceville in the practice of his profession, where he has since remained with the exception of about three months’ practice in Osborn, Ohio, in the summer of 1877, and returned to Lawrenceville. Dr. Reynolds is having a good practice, and from his careful and thorough preparation for his profession by a thorough course of study, and his social and affable manners, we predict for him a successful practice in the noble profession he has chosen. He was married, Sept. 28, 1876, to Sarah Jane, daughter of James V. and Rosanna Ballantine, whose history appears in full in sketch of James V. Ballantine, in this work. By this union they have two children—Edgar Lamar and Julia Anna.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1009

SAMUEL RHODES, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. Samuel Rhodes is one of eight children—seven sons and one daughter—of Jacob and Barbara Rhodes, of Lancaster Co., Penn., and was born in Chambersburg, Penn., on Nov. 11, 1812; his ancestors on his mother’s side were from Holland; he lost his father while only 17, and, the family circumstances being very limited, he began the battle of life alone and unaided at even that early age, and his present comfortable situation in life is an indication of how successfully he has fought that battle. On Dec. 12, 1833, a few weeks after the memorable shower of stars, he married Miss Elizabeth Slevick, of his native county, at the family home, and farmed six years, then worked at the trade, of which St. Crispin is the Patron Saint, six years, then, in October of 1845, he moved with his family to Springfield, which has since been his home; here he farmed until 1862, when, having secured a comfortable competency, he built his present cozy home, 169 South Yellow Springs street, and retired from further active exertions. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes’ children, mentioned in the order of their ages, are: Mrs. Amanda Stewart, living in Nebraska; Samuel S., living in Indianapolis; Cyrus C., at Bradford, Penn.; Hiram H., here; and Mrs. Hattie E. Raymond, in Franklin, Penn. It may be mentioned as remarkable that not only did Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes raise all their children, but that three sons and two sons-in-law were three years in the Union army, and returned home whole. Their youngest son, Hiram, is foreman in the paint-shop of P. P. Mast & Co., and lives in his own house, next door to his parents; he married Miss Ella Shorey on Dec. 22, 1871, and has one boy, who was 3 years old in September last. Mr. Rhodes was a member of the Board of Equalization for eleven years, and is now an Infirmary Director; he is an earnest member and one of the Trustees of St Paul’s Church, a recent colonization from the Central Church; an unpretentious, honest and highly respected citizen, and one about whom only pleasant things are said.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 907

ALONZO RICE, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He was born in Harmony Township, this county, July 8, 1825; is a brother of Henry C., and lives on an adjoining 25 acres to Henry; their land is a part of the farm purchased by their father. When Alonzo was 17 years old, he served two years as an apprentice at the blacksmith’s trade in Springfield, and then two years as journeyman, when he took a half-interest in a shop, and, at the end of one year, started a shop for himself, which he carried on some two years; he then removed to New Moorefield, this county, where he lived three years, working at his trade, when he returned to Springfield, and, after working at his trade for a short time, he concluded to quit blacksmithing, which he did, and since then has been a farmer. He was married, June 22, 1847, to Mary E. Alt, sister of George and Daniel Alt; they have five children, all living—Adam L., who was married, Oct. 20, 1870, to Florence E. Monahan; Lucy J., who was married, Nov. 10, 1870, to Caleb Bird; Maria E., who was married, Sept. 25, 1872, to Charles M. Toland; Mary Belle, who was married, Dec. 20, 1877, to Wesley McDonald; and Charles A. The four who are married live in sight of their parents, and Charles is still at home. Mr. Rice was a member of the Sons of Temperance for several years, and is a strong advocate on the side of temperance. Politically, he casts his vote with the Republican party, and among his fellow-men is regarded as an honorable, upright citizen.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 910

HARRISON RICE, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. The father of this gentleman was Edward Rice, a native of Massachusetts, who was there married to Lucy Pool, daughter of William and Lois Pool, natives of that State, the family moving to Vermont with Mr. Rice shortly after his marriage. In 1809, they concluded to come to Ohio, and, upon reaching the head of navigation on the Allegheny River, they built a pine log raft, upon which they descended the Allegheny to the Ohio, thence down the Ohio to Cincinnati, where they remained until 1812, when they came in wagons to Clark County, settling in the western part of Harmony Township, south of the present village of Harmony. Here Harrison was born, Oct. 8, 1823, being the sixth in a family of ten children, as follows: Polly, the widow of Alansan Chamberlain, of Indiana; Asa, deceased; Malinda, the deceased wife of L. B. Sprague; Sarah, wife of Darius Sprague; Eliza (deceased), Harrison, Alonzo, Celoma (wife of Robert B. Minnich, of Piqua), Henry C. and William. In 1838, Edward Rice sold his farm in Harmony Township and purchased property south of Springfield, upon which a portion of the city now stands, most of it yet belonging to his heirs. He died Jan. 10, 1843, his wife surviving him many years, dying Oct. 22, 1877. The subject of this sketch received a common-school education, and, Aug. 24, 1846, he was married to Amelia Goudy, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (McBeth) Goudy, pioneers of Green Township, who afterward settled on Sec. 19, on the southern line of Springfield Township, where Mrs. Rice was born Aug. 21, 1826. Seven children have been born of this union, as follows: Althia M., the wife of George M. Whitcomb; Elizabeth, the wife of Mathew Stewart; Myra, who graduated at the Springfield High School in June, 1878; Edward, a graduate of Van Sickle’s Business College of Springfield, receiving his diploma in April, 1872; and Forrest, who will graduate this year from the high school. Mr. Rice came with his parents, in 1838, to the property where he now resides, and farmed the land upon which the southeastern portion of the city is built. Politically, a Republican; a man of honest principles and unswerving integrity, quiet and unassuming in his manners, he well deserves a place in the pages of this book.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 909

HENRY CLAY RICE, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Rice lives just beyond the city limits on the south, where he owns 25 acres of beautiful land, which he has laid off into lots; said plat contains ninety-five very desirable building sites, and is called by its founder Riceville; it contains three streets, viz., Henry, Clay and Rice. Mr. Rice was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Sept. 25, 1830; he is a son of Edward and Lucy Rice. When 14 years of age, he began the trade of saddle and harness making, at which he worked some three years, but, on account of poor health, was obliged to seek different employment; hence he learned the carpenter’s trade, at which he worked six years, and since then has devoted his time chiefly to farming. He was married, Aug. 12, 1855, to Sarah S. Dean; their children are Ida Belle, Edward A., and Harry C.; Ida was married, Nov. 27, 1879, to Willis Little; Edward was married, Nov. 24, 1880, to Alice Pool. Mr. Rice is a man of good moral character, honorable and upright in all his dealings, and possessed with a warm, genial spirit, which prompts him to many acts of kindness; although a sober, industrious man, yet he loves a day of recreation, and still keeps up the practice of taking a deer and wild turkey hunt once a year.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 910

MARTIN L. RICE, of the firm of James Neill & Co., manufacturers of and dealers in boots and shoes, Springfield. Mr. Rice has been identified with the growth and business of Springfield for nearly twenty years. He is a native of Worcester Co., Mass., born Dec. 2, 1824; he was one of five sons, whose father, believing every young man should have a trade, had each one apprenticed at a proper age. Martin L. was apprenticed to a baker, and afterward became associated with his father, Anson Rice, who was a merchant, and the Postmaster at Northboro, Mass.; he remained in business there about fifteen years, then came West and located at Springfield; he was connected with the Yellow Springs Agricultural Works, and one of four who lost $70,000 by the fire which destroyed the works in March, 1860, after which he became connected with the Lagonda Agricultural Works, and continued there about five years, during which important progress was made. In 1865, he retired, and became interested in merchandising, Rice & Co. being successors to W. S. Fieid & Co. in the business now conducted by Andrews, Wise & Putnam. After a very successful career of about ten years, he sold out and became connected with the management and construction of the now Springfield Southern Railway, with which he continued to be actively interested about three years; in the meantime, he had purchased and become sole proprietor of the “Springfield Curved Elbow,” which he still continues to manufacture with marked success. By reason of his connection with this patent, he became the defendant in the case known as that of Price vs. Rice, one of the most tedious, as it was the most persistently prosecuted and firmly defended, suits known to the courts of Clark County; after three trials in the Court of Common Pleas, and a hearing by appeal in the District Court, Mr. Rice triumphed, and, though the litigation cost him a good-sized fortune in money, and more in annoyance, he defeated what he then considered and what he now considers a very carefully planned and ably executed attempt to levy blackmail under cover of a claim for indebtedness. In 1879, he purchased the stock of the assignee and succeeded to the business of W. A. Hance, and has since conducted a large and flourishing trade in boots and shoes, at No. 38 East Main street, under the firm name of James Neill & Co. It will thus be seen Mr. Rice’s life has been an unusually active one; in fact, he has earned the reputation of being indefatigable in business. He belongs to a family remarkable for their activity and capacity, his oldest brother, John A. Rice, now of the Tremont House, Chicago, has acquired distinction as a hotel manager; another brother, Myron G., now deceased, was prominent in railroad circles; Charles A. has been connected with the management of the United States & Canada Express Company for the past thirty years; and the youngest brother, Solon W., has been identified with the mining interests at Gold Hill, Nev., for the past fifteen years. Mr. Rice began life for himself as an apprentice, and has worked his way by a life of intense activity, and, though he has suffered losses, has accumulated a considerable estate, and now owns a number of valuable pieces of city property, including that occupied by the firms of which he is the financial and managing head; his residence, on Center street, corner of Mulberry, is a fine property; the building, having cost him $17,000, is a model of convenience and beauty. Mr. Rice has been a member of the Republic Printing Company since its organization, and is a public-spirited citizen, generous toward all worthy charities and enterprises of public benefit. His wife, nee Miss Maynard, is a daughter of Calvin and Judith Maynard, of Marlboro, Mass., and a sister of James F. Maynard, of the firm of Maynard, Skinner & Co., wholesale grocers of Boston, Mass.; her first husband, Stephen W. Eager, also of Marlboro, Mass., deceased only three months after their marriage; her marriage with Mr. Rice was celebrated in Boylston, Mass., Dec. 22, 1846; this union has been blessed with four children—three daughters and a son; the son died in infancy; two daughters, Emily M. and Addie M., are still at home; the other daughter is the wife of J. C. Brecht, who resides in Springfield, and is the well-known and reliable conductor of the “Short Line” accommodation between here and Cincinnati, he having held that position from the date of the first train (July 3, 1872) to the present time; his record, in the language of one of the railroad officials, may be summed up in three words, viz., sobriety, honesty, industry. In 1858, Mr. Rice was made a Mason at Marlboro, Mass., and has ever since taken a deep interest in the Masonic fraternity, having been for twenty-one years a member of Clark Lodge, No. 101, of Springfield. In politics, he was a Whig, and, since the organization of the Republican Party, has been voting that ticket, having been always opposed to slavery and in favor of all men being free and equal.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 907

WILLIAM RICE, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Rice lives on a beautiful farm three and a half miles southeast of the city of Springfield; his fine house, good barn and other modern improvements are indications of a tidy and thriving farmer; he engages quite extensively in raising fine hogs of the Poland-China breed. He was born in this county Feb. 17, 1833, and is the son of Edward and Lucy (Pool) Rice; his parents were natives of Vermont and came to this county in an early day. William was married, Jan. 3, 1856, to Matilda Goudy, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (McBeth) Goudy; her parents were also early settlers of this county, coming here in 1826, and settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Rice; they have six children, viz., Lillie M., Laura O., William E., Harry A., Claud F. and Zella B. Mr. Rice has followed farming all his life, preferring it to any other trade; he began working for himself at the age of 10 years, with no fortune but his good name, and, by perseverance and good management, has accumulated quite a fortune. Mr. and Mrs. Rice stand high in the estimation of their neighbors, and enjoy their home and family.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 909

JOSEPH L. RICHARDS, blacksmith; North Hampton. This gentleman was born in Washington Co., Penn., Oct. 28, 1818, and was the fifth son of eight sons and five daughters born to John and Sarah Richards. At the age of 2 years, the father came from Germany with his parents. The mother was of Scotch descent. In 1829, the family moved to Carroll Co., Ohio, and settled on a section of wild forest land, where the father died Sept. 26, 1832, from fever, brought on by the malaria of the new country. Shortly after this, Joseph returned to Pennsylvania, where he secured a position and served a full term at blacksmithing. On the 19th of April, 1838, he married Miss Anna Friend, and by her became the father of two children, a son and daughter—Isaiah and Lavina. The latter, at the age of 21, married Frederick Smith; six years afterward, she was, by accident, fatally burned, and after nine hours of intense suffering, died. The son is still living. Mrs. Richards, the wife, died June 29, 1876. Mr. Richards remained single until Dec. 26, 1879, when he married Mrs. Eliza J. Rector, widow of Dr. Rector, with whom he now lives.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1021

THE RIDGELY TRIMMER COMPANY, of which Jerry K. Williams is the active head, is a large and prosperous industry and one of the most distinctive of the manufacturing enterprises centered at Springfield. It is the only factory in the world devoting its energies exclusively to the making of tools and supplies for the benefit of the decorator, painter and paper hanger. These tools, the product of a long line of inventive effort and experience, have served to lighten the burden of the world’s work, and at the same time have enabled an increasing proportion of the world’s population to secure and enjoy the advantages of the decorative arts in their own homes. How the business started is an interesting story. As usual it started with an individual who recognized the need of finding better methods, and had the inventive skill to devise something better than the tools then at his command.

This individual was Charles T. Ridgely, a paper hanger. When he first started work at his trade, like hundreds of other paper hangers at the time, he used a pair of shears with which to trim his paper. The use of shears continued until he decided that he could work much faster by using a knife. He designed a special knife for the purpose. Then one day while using it the knife slipped and one of his fingers was badly cut. His wife expostulated with him for using a knife, and said that after so many years of paper hanging he should be able to invent a safe and easy way of trimming paper. A woman’s good advice and an accident were the original source of the invention of the Ridgely Trimmer.** The first invention was relatively crude, and modern implements manufactured under the Ridgely name have only the basic principle in common with the first trimmer devised by Charles T. Ridgely about 1882.

Shortly after he had devised the invention, Mark Smith, a son of Mark Smith, who was a pioneer of Springfield, obtained an interest in it, and together these men made an exhibit of the trimmer at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893. Their trimmer was awarded the only prize given to any device of that kind. This trimmer combined a straight edge and knife, and was used after the paste was applied. The softer the paper became the easier the machine worked and without danger of cutting the hand, chipping the straight edges or snagging the paper. A self-connecting gauge cuts the rotary blade against the straight edge and enables the operator to cut any weight paper without changing the gauge in the least.

It was in September, 1900, that Mr. Jerry K. Williams acquired the ownership of the Ridgely patents and plant. He organized a stock company known as the Ridgely Trimmer Company, and has been actively identified with the concern ever since and is its real directing head. When he took hold of the Ridgely Trimmer Company the output was one wall paper trimmer and one seam roller. The trimmer, which was then the dominating feature of the business, is now obsolete, and subsequent improvements and patents have resulted in a marvelously accurate and efficient machine now known throughout the world. Other devices have been incorporated in the manufacturing until the company now produces every tool known for the use of the decorator, painter or paper hanger. The company even employs experimental engineers whose sole business it is to devise or perfect tools that will relieve the hard work of the trade, produce more work with the same amount of labor and time, and add in general to the efficiency of an important branch of the constructive art.

The Ridgely Trimmer Company has a world-wide business. It owns a warehouse in England, and handles its business in Continental Europe, as it does in the United States, through its own salesmen and through jobbers. The company also has warehouses in Australia and South America. In the United States their warehouses are in New York City and San Francisco.

Springfield is the parent office, and the main manufacturing plant is also in this city. In the plant are employed from a hundred to four hundred persons. During the World war this company had on its payroll 1,100 people, and the entire organization was devoted to the making of what is termed technically “Stick Controls” but is known better by the public as steering gears for airships. In the Ridgely factory at Springfield not less than ninety percent of the airship steering apparatus in America was manufactured during that period.

Ethan A. Williams, father of Jerry K., was born in New York State and came to Springfield, Ohio, when a boy. Here he became acquainted with Catherine Schaeffer, daughter of William N. Schaeffer, and they were married. Of their ten children seven died within ten days of each other from black scarlet fever. Ethan A. Williams was a civil engineer and laid out the old Ohio Southern Railroad, being paid for his work in script. Subsequently he branched out in general contracting. He was a graduate of Harvard College, a member of the Episcopal Church, and in an unostentatious way did much good in his community. Many residents of Springfield still recall his kindly character and his acts of substantial charity.

Jerry K. Williams, only survivor of his father's family, was born at Springfield, February 4, 1868. He was not reared in wealth nor, on the other hand, in poverty, but from an early age his independent spirit took him into practical work and he really paid his expenses while finishing his education in high school. He did work at night and also carried groceries to the home of Mr. Prince and others. After completing his education he worked in different lines until he took over the Ridgely Trimmer Company, and in the success of that great enterprise he has been the primary factor.

In 1886 Mr. Williams married Sara A. Stokes, of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Two children were born to their marriage, a son and daughter, the latter dying at the age of three months. The son, Harry S. Williams, died at the age of thirty-three, and at the time of his death was actively engaged in the Ridgely Trimmer Company. He was married and is survived by two children, Sara R. Williams, Jr., and Jerry K. Williams, Jr., aged respectively seven and eleven years.

Mr. Williams is a member of the Christian Science Church, is a republican, belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, Lagonda Club, Rotary Club and Country Club, is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a life member of the Knights of Pythias, and life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Commercial Travelers.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 166
**Vintage Ridgely Trimmer wall paper cutter trimmer on eBay

JOSEPH HILL RINEHART, M.D. In the six years he has been located at Springfield Doctor Rinehart has not only covered a wide range of service as a physician and surgeon in private practice, but has also done a great deal of hospital and other public work and for nearly a year was in the army service, part of the time in France during the World war.

Doctor Rinehart was born at Ballard, Washington, March 21, 1891, son of Joseph Hill and Jeannie Frances (McKellar) Rinehart. His father, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, ran away from home at the time of the Civil war, served as a drummer boy and finally enlisted as a private in the ranks with an Ohio regiment of infantry. After the war he studied medicine and joined the regular army in the medical department. He was attached to the medical staff of the regular army and was in service during General Custer’s expedition against the Indians in the Northwest. At the time of the Custer massacre he was with the troops under General Reno. He was also in the regular army service at the time the Union Pacific Railroad was built. By his first marriage he had five children, all now deceased except one daughter, Mary Frances, wife of Thomas F. Stack, of Chicago. For his second wife he married Jeannie Frances McKellar, a native of Tiverton, Ontario, Canada. They were married at Billings, Montana, and soon afterward Joseph H. Rinehart, Sr., removed to Ballard, Washington. He engaged in practice there and also served as mayor two terms, and for two terms was a member of the State Legislature of Washington. He finally returned to Billings, Montana, and died there December 31, 1908, at the age of sixty-two. His widow still lives at Billings. Of her children Joseph H. Rinehart is the oldest. Frances Marguerite is the wife of J. M. Cornwell, of Lodge Rest, Montana; Alma Marguerite is Mrs. Bert Raridon, of Hardin, Montana; Lewis McKinley lives at Denver, Colorado; and Elwell Otis is a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dr. Joseph Hill Rinehart spent most of his boyhood at Billings, Montana, where he attended public schools. He came East for his higher education, attending the Culver Military Academy and the Culver Naval School in Indiana. He graduated there in 1910, and then entered the Medical Department of Ohio University, graduating M.D. in 1915. After graduating Doctor Rinehart was connected with the Springfield City Hospital four months, and then began private practice at Catawba in Clark County. Since July, 1916, he has been in practice at Springfield, with home and office at 1170 Lagonda Avenue.

October 19, 1912, Doctor Rinehart married, at Covington, Kentucky, Miss Ella Mabel Quigley, a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and daughter of Harry C. and Hannah (Todd) Quigley, the former a native of Zanesville, and the latter of England. Doctor and Mrs. Rinehart have one son, Joseph Hill, Jr., born May 16, 1918.

Doctor Rinehart and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He has for several years been secretary of the Pension Examining Board, and is now associate surgeon on the staff of the Springfield City Hospital. He is a republican, a Royal Arch and Knight Templar Mason, and is a member of the Clark County, Ohio State and American Medical Associations. He was the second post commander of the George Cultier Post of the American Legion from May, 1920. to 1921.

Doctor Rinehart was commissioned in the Medical Reserve Corps in June, 1918, and soon afterward entered the Medical Officers Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. For fifteen days he commanded the Thirty-second Battalion, and on going overseas to France he served two weeks on an operating team and was then assigned regimental surgeon of the Three Hundred Sixteenth Engineers, Ninety-first Division, where he was with troops from Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington. He was in the Argonne Campaign for a time but later was transferred to Belgium and was in the battle of Lyscheldt and remained there until the armistice. Then for several months he was with a camp in France, went from there to St. Nazaire, and landed in the United States at Camp Merritt, New Jersey, in March. He was transferred to Camp Dix, was discharged April 18, and reached home the following day.

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

J. W. RINEHART, deceased. James Workman Rinehart was born December 16, 1827, in Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania; was one of nine children, his father, Jesse Rinehart, being of German ancestry; he was educated at Waynesburg College, after leaving which, at 19, he commenced his business career as a dry-goods merchant in his native town. In 1852, he came to Springfield and established a hardware business, which he continued for nine years. In 1861, he transferred his business to Leavenworth, Kan., where he remained until 1866; returning to Springfield, he commenced the manufacture of furniture, in which he did not continue long; becoming dissatisfied, he bought Mr. John Petts’ interest in the agricultural manufacturing firm of Petts & McConnell, to which firm he added great strength by the accession of his means and business ability; he was a scrupulous, just, accurate and exact man. Mr. Rinehart was twice married; first, to Miss Caroline M. Pennock, of his native town, who died leaving two children—Joe Workman and Lucy; the former died Dec. 24, 1876, aged 17, and the latter is the wife of Joseph D. Little, of Springfield, Ohio. His second wife, who survives him, is a daughter of F. E. D. McGinley, a journalist of La Fayette, Ind.; she has three beautiful and interesting daughters—Emeline, Jessie Earle and Florence, the eldest of whom is attending the Springfield Young Ladies’ Seminary. Mrs. Rinehart and daughters reside in the palatial family mansion on High street. Mr. Rinehart’s death occurred at Springfield in 1876; the firm, as it was constituted at his death—Rinehart, Ballard & Co.—is still conducted under the same name, Mrs. Rinehart and Mrs. C. P. Ballard (who is also widowed) retaining their interests. The names of Rinehart and Ballard are inseparably connected with Springfield’s best interests.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 910

GEORGE RINKER, farmer; P. O. North Hampton. The subject of this sketch is the son of Benjamin and Susan Rinker, who were natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio in 1848, and settled in German Township, where they now reside. They were the parents of two sons and four daughters, three of whom are now living. George, our subject, was born in Virginia May 5, 1832; educational advantages limited. He was early trained to farm labor. On the 4th day of April, 1856, he was married to Miss Sarah Branner. Two sons and one daughter were born to them. William, born Aug. 26, 1863, is the only one now living. Soon after his marriage, he rented a farm in this township, which he remained on one year, and rented a farm owned by P. Marquart, which he cultivated for a period of nine years. He purchased his present place in the year 1866, and has made many material improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Rinker are both worthy and consistent members of the Reformed Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1021

THE ROBBINS FAMILY has left its name deeply and worthily impressed on the history of Springfield. Rev. Chandler Robbins was the first of the family to come to Clark County. His ancestral line traces back to one of the Pilgrim Fathers who came to America on the first voyage of the historic ship “Mayflower.” Isaac Robbins, father of the Rev. Chandler Robbins, was born in one of the New England states, but was for many years a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, where he was identified with banking enterprise, where he served as a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and where was solemnized his marriage with Mary Douglas Howell.

Rev. Chandler Robbins was born at Alexandria, Virginia, but the greater part of his education was obtained in New England, he having worked as a cabinetmaker to defray the expenses of his higher education. He completed his theological course in the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Connecticut, and in the same was graduated. In 1841 he came to Springfield, Ohio, to assume charge of the Methodist Episcopal High School, a leading educational institution of the town at that time. His service in this pedagogic capacity continued about five years, and for the ensuing three years he occupied the chair of ancient languages in Augusta College, Kentucky. He then returned to Springfield, and here he established and conducted a select school, which did splendid service in the education of young men and women and in the inculcation of high ideals. A man of fine intellectuality and earnest stewardship, Mr. Robbins wielded large and benignant influence and was known as one of the leading educators in this part of Ohio in his day. He finally transferred his membership to the Protestant Episcopal Church, and at Christ Church, Springfield, he was ordained a deacon, later being ordained to the priesthood and becoming rector of this parish. Consecrated zeal marked his course as a churchman and clergyman, and his memory is revered by all who came within the sphere of his benignant influence.

Rev. Chandler Robbins wedded Miss Laura Cooper, a daughter of Judge Samuel Cooper, and she proved his devoted companion and gracious helpmeet until his death, in May, 1871, at Springfield. Mrs. Robbins died in December, 1887, at Suffolk, Virginia, to which state she had gone for the benefit of her health. Of their children three attained to years of maturity: Elizabeth, Chandler and Mary D.

Chandler Robbins, son of Rev. Chandler Robbins, was born in February, 1844, and he gained his early scholastic discipline under the effective preceptorship of his honored father. He was seventeen years of age when, in 1861, he manifested his youthful patriotism by enlisting for service as a soldier of the Union in the Civil war. He became a member of Company B, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after serving four and one-half months he received his honorable discharge. In 1863 he re-enlisted, and after serving four months with the Seventeenth Ohio Battery of Artillery he was transferred to Company I, Eightieth United States Colored Troops and given commission as second lieutenant. He continued in active service until 1866, and in receiving his honorable discharge he was given the brevet rank of captain. He was in Louisiana at this time, and he there rented a plantation, to the operation of which he gave his attention until the following year, when his crops were destroyed by flood. He then returned to Springfield, and here he was identified with various lines of enterprise until 1873, when he went to New Mexico and, as a civil engineer, assisted in the governmental surveys in the territory. In 1875 he was appointed United States surveyor and astronomer, and assumed the contract for the surveying and defining of the boundary line between New Mexico and Arizona, and to lay out the Mojave Indian Reservation, he having been at this time about thirty years of age.

In 1876 Mr. Robbins returned to Springfield, and in 1878 he purchased the plant and business of the Lever Wringer Company. The factory was destroyed by fire in 1880, and its rebuilding was followed by a period of industrial success for the enterprise, which finally developed into the important industry now conducted under the title of the Robbins & Myers Company. In the early ’90s Mr. Robbins became connected with the Chicago Sewing Machine Company, and the company within a short time thereafter became actively concerned in the manufacturing of bicycles, the title of the Monarch Bicycle Company being adopted and Mr. Robbins, as an officer of the company, having for a few years maintained his executive headquarters in the City of New York. In 1898 he returned to Springfield, and after disposing of his holdings in the Robbins & Myers Company he gave much of his time and attention to agricultural enterprise, in which he was especially successful. On the Scioto Marsh in Hardin County he raised on forty acres of land in a single year a crop of onions that brought in market an aggregate of $30,000.

Chandler Robbins wedded Miss Meta M. Hunt in 1877, and they became the parents of three children: Chandler (died in infancy), William H. and Douglas. Mr. Robbins died on the 18th of August, 1921, his wife having passed away on the 8th of June of the preceding year. Mr. Robbins was a man of fine character and exceptional business ability, and the circle of his friends was limited only by that of his acquaintances. Both he and his wife were earnest communicants of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

William H. Robbins was born May 31, 1880. After attending the public schools he continued his studies in turn in the Haverford Grammar School, Cheltenham Military Academy and Wittenberg College, besides which he took special courses in agriculture in the University of Wisconsin and the Iowa State Agricultural College. He was actively engaged in farm enterprise until the nation became involved in the great World war, when he entered the First Officers Training Camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana, where he gained commission as first lieutenant. In June, 1918, he sailed for France, and there he was promoted captain. As a member of the Three Hundred and Thirty-second United States Infantry he went to Italy, and there he took part in the battle of Vittorio-Veneto. After the signing of the armistice Captain Robbins was assigned to special service in investigating food conditions in certain parts of Serbia and Hungary for Secretary Hoover. In May, 1919, he returned to the United States, and he received his honorable discharge with the brevet rank of major. He has since given the greater part of his time to his executive duties as treasurer and general manager of the Williams Company, an important industrial corporation at London, Madison County, Ohio, though he still retains his residence at Springfield.

Major Robbins is a republican, is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are communicants of Christ Church, Protestant Episcopal, in their home city.

December 10, 1903, recorded the marriage of Major Robbins and Miss Lucie Rebecca Morrow, daughter of John Morrow of Springfield, and the three children of this union are: Georgeanna Douglas, Lucie Morrow and Elisabeth Chandler.

Douglas Robbins, younger son of the late Chandler Robbins, was born December 19, 1883, and after completing his literary education he became an art student in the City of New York. Later he continued his art studies and work under Howard Helmick in Washington, D. C.; at the Art League in New York City; at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn; and, finally, in Paris, France. He was in New York during a portion of the period of the World war, and there assisted the French Consulate in a clerical capacity.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 117

B. F. ROBERTS, boiler works, Springfield; is a native of Ohio, born in Mt. Vernon in 1848. He learned his trade at C. & G. Cooper’s boiler and engine works, and came to Springfield in 1869, and worked at his trade here a short time, then began business for himself with his brother Thomas; shortly after they started the works on Washington street, his brother withdrew, since which he has continued the business alone; he is now manufacturing all the boilers for the Common Sense Engine Company, and doing a thorough business. He married, in 1872, Alice Teagarden, of Mt. Vernon; they have two children living and two deceased. Mr. Roberts is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and an industrious, useful citizen.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 911

CHARLES A. ROBERTS. A family that has been long and favorably known in Clark County for its connection with agricultural affairs and its high standards of citizenship is that bearing the name of Roberts. Of Welsh origin, its members have been largely farmers, and all have been of a sturdy, self-reliant type, constructive in accomplishment and permanent in achievement. One who exemplifies the best traits of the family is Charles A. Roberts, who is carrying on extensive operations on his farm in Moorefield Township, on which he was born January 10, 1864, a son of Thomas H. and Mary (Coffey) Roberts.

James H. Roberts, the grandfather of Charles A., was born in Virginia, where he received a practical, common school education and grew to manhood. There he married for his first wife, Jane Wilson, and moved to near Cincinnati, Ohio, where he started a tanyard on the Ohio River. His wife died in that community, leaving seven children. While residing there Mr. Roberts entered 250 acres in Moorefield Township, Clark County, but it was not until 1819 that he moved thereto. There he married, November 22, 1820, Mary Wren, and they lived on the farm during the remainder of their lives. Their ten children, all born there, are now deceased.

Thomas H. Roberts, the ninth child of his father’s second marriage, was born March 28, 1836, on the farm now occupied by his son Charles A. in Moorefield Township. He was educated in the rural schools, and married, March 26, 1863, Mary Coffey, who was born February 8, 1839, in Pleasant Township. They passed the remainder of their lives on the home farm and were highly respected and esteemed members of their community. They were the parents of six children, born as follows: Charles A., January 10, 1864; James W., March 6, 1865; Anna M., October 20, 1866; Elizabeth A., April 14, 1869; Lucy C., November 21, 1870, and May, November 29, 1878. Of these children four are living at this time.

Charles A. Roberts was reared on the home farm and received his early education in the public schools and at Nelson’s Commercial College. As a young man he became a bookkeeper in hardware and furniture stores at Springfield and Dayton, but eventually tired of city life and returned to the farm. He has been successful in the operation of his property and is now the proprietor of a tract that compares favorably in improvements and productiveness with any others in the locality. He is a man of ability and has carried on his farming in a modern manner.

On December 24, 1889, at Dayton, Mr. Roberts married Miss Margaret Howard, who was reared at Dayton, and died without issue, July 10, 1895. On August 22, 1898, Mr. Roberts married Josephine Warwick, who was born in Putnam County, Ohio, January 10, 1876, and educated in the graded and high schools. They have had eight children: Agnes, a graduate of high school, who married Oscar Lambert and has two children; Josephine, a high school graduate and teacher in the Springfield public schools, now attending Wittenberg College; Thomas, a graduate of high school, who is assisting his father in the operation of the home farm; Edwin and John C., who are attending high school, and Catherine, James and Lucy, who are attending the graded school. The family belongs to the Baptist Church, in the work of which they have been active. Mr. Roberts is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, in which he is keeper of the records. A republican in his political allegiance, he has the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and has served as township trustee and member of the School Board.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 57

JAMES W. ROBERTS. The agricultural interests of Clark County are well represented in Moorefield Township by James W. Roberts, a member of one of the old and honored Clark County families, and a capable and experienced agriculturist of modern tendencies. Mr. Roberts is also an active participant in public affairs, and at the present is a member of the Board of Trustees of Moorefield Township.

Mr. Roberts was born on a farm near the site of his present home, March 6, 1865, and is a son of Thomas H. and Mary (Coffey) Roberts. His grandfather, James H. Roberts, was born in Virginia, of Welsh descent, and after receiving a public school education took up farming. In the Old Dominion he married for his first wife Miss Jane Wilson. They moved to near Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mr. Roberts began his career as the proprietor of a tannery, with a tanyard on the Ohio River. His wife died in that community, leaving seven children. While residing there Mr. Roberts entered 250 acres of land in Moorefield Township, Clark County, but did not take up this property until 1819. Not long after settling there he married, November 22, 1820, Mary Wren, and they spent the remainder of their lives on the farm. They became the parents of ten children, all of whom are now deceased.

Thomas H. Roberts, who was the ninth in order of birth of his father’s children by his second marriage, was born March 28, 1836, on the farm now occupied by his son Charles A. Roberts in Moorefield Township. He was educated in the country schools, and was united in marriage, March 26, 1863, with Miss Mary Cofifey, who was born February 8, 1839, in Pleasant Township, Clark County. They passed the remaining years of their lives on the home farm, which they developed into a valuable property through industry and good management, and at the same time won and held the respect and esteem of the people of their community. They were the parents of six children, whose birth dates were as follows: Charles A., January 10, 1864; James W., March 6, 1865; Anna M., October 26, 1866; Elizabeth A., April 14, 1869; Lucy C., November 21, 1870, and May, November 29, 1878. Of these children four are living at present.

James W. Roberts was reared on the old home farm in Moorefield Township, where he assisted his father during the summer months, and in the short winter terms went to the district school at Oakdale.

He remained on the home place until reaching the age of twentyseven years, when his father assisted him to a start in life at the time of his marriage, June 30, 1892, to Miss Blanche Baldwin, who was born July 15, 1871, in Kansas, and was reared at Washington, D. C., where her father was an attorney in the employ of the United States Government. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Roberts, who had secured a good public school education, was a teacher in the schools of Clark and Champaign counties, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are the parents of one daughter: Blanche B., who was born March 30, 1894. She has had excellent educational advantages, being a graduate of the Springfield High School, the School of Expression, Boston, Massachusetts, and the Springfield Business College, and is now serving capably as stenographer in the real estate office of James and Bower of Springfield.

At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Roberts settled on his farm of sixty-five acres, on which he has since made numerous improvements, including a comfortable home and commodious barns and outbuildings. He conducts his operations in a modern way, using up-to-date machinery and methods, and in his community is accounted an able agriculturist as well as a man of business reliability and a citizen of public spirit. He is also the owner of a share in the home farm. A republican in his political sentiment, he has been interested in public affairs in the community for some years, and at present is serving capably and faithfully in the capacity of trustee of Moorefield Township and as a member of the local Board of School Directors. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Junior Order United American Mechanics. Mrs. Roberts is a member of and active worker in the Baptist Church.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 69

J. WILLIAM ROBERTS. One of the modernly-improved and highly productive farms of Clark County is that known as the Valley View Stock Farm, consisting of 365 acres, which is located on the Springfield and Mechanicsburg Turnpike, ten miles northeast of Springfield. The proprietor of this valuable property is one of the reliable citizens of his community, J. William Roberts, -who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, across the road from his present home, January 27, 1859, being a son of John W. and Polina Hamilton (Hodge) Roberts.

The Roberts family are of Welsh origin, and the paternal great-grandparents of Mr. Roberts were William and Rebecca Roberts. His grandfather, James H. Roberts, was born in Virginia, and as a young man, in 1810, went to Lawrenceville, Indiana, where he entered a large tract of land. Later he moved to Clark County, Ohio, where he was the owner of a farm, and rounded out a career of industry marked by the attainment of a gratifying success. The maternal grandfather of J. William Roberts was John H. Hodge, who married Polly Baird, and they settled near South Vienna, on the old Columbus Road. He died at the age of thirty-four. His wife remained a widow and raised five children, one of whom married John Wren Roberts, the brother of J. William Roberts. The third child of his father’s second marriage, John W. Roberts, was reared in Champaign and Clark counties, and received his education at the old Foley schoolhouse in Moorefield Township, in which community he was born in 1825. In November, 1846, he married Polina Hamilton Hodge, and in 1852 they moved from Clark County to Champaign County and settled on the farm now owned by their son J. William. They were highly respected people of their community, and fully merited the esteem in which they were held. Of their five children four are living in 1922: Melissa J., the wife of John W. Evans; Emma C., the widow of William G. McCreary; Frank M., deceased; J. William, of this review; and Sallie, the widow of George Given.

J. William Roberts was reared on the home farm and acquired his educational training in the rural district school at Buck Creek. He remained under the parental roof and was associated with his father in the pursuits of farming, and when the elder man died he took over the home property by purchase and has continued its operation to the present time. He carries on general farming and specializes in the breeding and raising of fine livestock, for which his property had achieved something more than a local reputation. Mr. Roberts has made numerous improvements on his farm, and is looked upon as being modern in his tendencies and progressive in his actions. A good business man, he has always acted honorably in his transactions with his fellow-men.

In November 26, 1890, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage with Miss Clara Goodfellow, who was born near South Vienna, Ohio, July 7, 1863, and was educated in the public schools of her birthplace. She and her husband are the parents of two sons: Homer, a graduate of high school, who is assisting his father with the work of the home place; and Frank G., who attended the Nelson Business College, married Jessie Swaidner, and since her death has been associated with his father and brother in operating the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the First Baptist Church, Springfield, in the work of which they have taken an active part. Like his father, Mr. Roberts is a republican in his political sentiment and support. He has served as a member of the Board of School Directors, and at all times has evidenced his public spirit as a citizen.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 77

THOMAS ROBERTS, boiler works, Springfield; is a native of Ohio, born in Knox County in 1844. Although but 17 years of age, he was among those who answered the first call for troops in 1861, and, after serving three months, re-enlisted for three years and served the full term in the 4th O. V. I. After his return from the army, he began work as an apprentice in a boiler-shop in Mt. Vernon, and subsequently worked at his trade there a number of years. He came to Springfield in 1870, and was employed by Thompson & Kingsbury; after about six months, Mr. Roberts bought out his employers, and has since conducted business for himself, being associated part of the time with his brother, who is now proprietor of boiler works on Washington street. Mr. Roberts has thus risen, by his energy and industry, from an employee to the head of an important industry, manufacturing the Victory corn-grinder at his machine-shops, on Bridge street, between Spring and Gallagher, and doing a large business in the manufacture of boilers at the Leffel works. Mr. Roberts married Miss Eliza South, of Mt. Vernon; they have five children—three sons and two daughters.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 911

JOHN H. RODGERS, M.D., physician, Springfield; is a native of Springfield, a son of Dr. Robert Rodgers; the latter was a native of Pennsylvania, and removed from Cumberland County, in 1832, to Portsmouth, Ohio, and came to Springfield the following year, where he practiced medicine until about 1873, when his health began failing, and his decease occurred in February, 1880. Dr. Rodgers was one of the early physicians of Clark County, and, for a period of forty years, was a leading physician of Springfield. He married Miss Effie Harrison, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and survives her husband, now residing at the old home residence, northeast corner of North Limestone and North streets. They had a family of four sons and three daughters, of whom six are living, all residents of Springfield. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield in 1834; was educated at the Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, and is also a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. He began the practice of his profession in Springfield in 1856; in the fall of 1861, he entered the United States service as Assistant Surgeon of the 44th O. V. I.; after eighteen months’ service in this position, he was promoted to the rank of Surgeon and assigned to the 104th O. V. I., in which he served until January, 1865, when he returned to Springfield and resumed practice, and has since continued, and is now one of the leading physicians of the city.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 911

RICHARD HENRY RODGERS, manufacturer of grain-drills and cider-mills, Springfield. Mr. Richard Henry Rodgers was born in Springfield on the 23d of September, 1836, and has been a life-time resident of the place; he has three brothers and two sisters, and of the former, Dr. John H. Rodgers, a prominent physician of Springfield, is the oldest. Our subject’s twin brother, Isaac W., is of the firm of L. Patric & Co., of this city, manufacturers of hot-air furnaces, and the other brother, James G., is in the First National Bank of Springfield. In 1866, Mr. Rodgers married Miss Alice Kilgore, who has borne him two sons and one daughter. His mother is still spared to her sons, but their father died Feb. 14, 1880, a victim of softening of the brain. Mr. Rodgers’ career has been somewhat varied, but uniformly successful; when quite young, he attended Wittenberg College, but left at 17, before reaching the higher classes; he entered Brown & Co.’s drug-store, remaining two years, after which he was a year or two in the office of the Sandusky Railroad, from which he went into the Clark County Bank, of which his uncle was Cashier, and there he remained until the bank changed hands, about 1857; after this event, he went to St. Louis, doing for one year a wholesale and retail carpet business; returning to Springfield, he entered the County Treasurer’s office, acting five years in the capacity of Deputy County Treasurer; while yet in this office, he bought an interest in a bookstore, the firm being Ransom & Rodgers; Ransom going to the army, he conducted the business until Ransom’s return, when he bought his partner’s interest, becoming sole proprietor, Mr. Ransom going to Cincinnati. Mr. Rodgers continued the book business until 1867, when he bought an interest in the firm of Jewell & Ludlow, which, in 1872, became the present firm of Thomas (Joseph W. and C. E.), Ludlow (Abram R.) & Rodgers. They manufacture, under special patents, agricultural articles for which there is a constant and increasing demand, and, having all the business they can handle, the firm’s prosperity has been marked and pronounced, and their future bids fair to he even better, if possible. Mr. Rodgers is an excellent type of the modern business man; has clear-cut, iron-gray features, very prepossessing appearance and pleasant address; his family and self are Presbyterians, and he takes lively interest in the North Side Chapel.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 912

ROBERT S. RODGERS. For more than ninety years the Rodgers family has been identified with many of the most important enterprises that have substantially contributed to the growth and development of Springfield. To go no farther back in family ancestry than the birth of its Ohio pioneers in Pennsylvania, their sterling character and business acumen have demonstrated from early days to this that the old Keystone State nourished a sturdy type of citizen, one worthy of the hearty welcome extended by the sister state to the west.

William Rodgers, the first of the name at Springfield, was born in Pennsylvania in 1809. He came here in early manhood and for a time was a partner of Peter Murray in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Rodgers became interested in banking in 1851, first with the old Springfield Bank and later with its successor, the First National Bank. He was an exemplary citizen and courteous gentleman, an early portrait portraying him as a noticeable figure, arrayed in the conventional attire of his day, and of pleasing features and dignified posture. In 1841 he married Miss Sarah Harrison, who was a sister of the wife of his brother. Dr. Robert Rodgers.

Dr. Robert Rodgers was born in Pennsylvania, removed from Cumberland County, that state, to Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1832, and from there to Springfield in the following spring. Beside himself and his brother, William, his brother Richard and two half brothers, Rev. James L. and Andrew Denny, also came to Clark County. Dr. Robert Rodgers was one of the early physicians at Springfield, was one of the organizers of the Springfield Bank, and during his entire life was a dominating figure in Clark County. In early manhood he married Miss Effie Harrison, and they had the following children: John H., Richard H. and Isaac W., twins, Frances, James and Sarah H.

Richard Henry Rodgers was born at Springfield, Ohio, September 23, 1836, a son of Dr. Robert and Effie (Harrison) Rodgers. He had early school privileges in his native city, and finished his educational training with a course in Wittenberg College. Until 1857 he was successively in the drug business, railroad building and banking (the old Clark County Bank), and for one year after this was in the wholesale and retail carpet business in the City of St. Louis. Upon his return to Springfield he became deputy county treasurer, and served for five years. From then until 1867 he conducted a book store, but from this period on he was actively identified with the manufacturing interests of the city. Associated with him was his twin brother, Isaac W., for a time. With his business partners, Mr. Rodgers manufactured the Superior Grain Drill, one of the manufactured products that have made Springfield, Ohio, known wherever wheat is grown. The firm of which he was a member was succeeded, by the present American Seeding Machine Company, which continues to manufacture the amplified Superior Grain Drill. He was an excellent type of the successful business man of his day, thoroughly practical, honest and upright and proud of his business reputation. He was a director in the First National Bank, from which directorate he retired in 1908 and was succeeded by his son, Robert S. Rodgers.

In 1866 Mr. Rodgers married Miss Alice Kilgore, who was a daughter of former Congressman Daniel Kilgore of Cadiz, Ohio, who was one of the organizers of the Panhandle Railroad Company. Mrs. Rodgers died February 11, 1884, the mother of three children: Charles K., Robert S. and Effie S., the daughter dying in childhood. Charles K. Rodgers married Florence, a daughter of P. P. Mast, who was one of Springfield’s foremost citizens. Mrs. Charles K. Rodgers died in April, 1901, and the death of her husband followed in October, 1902. They had one son, Richard M., who served in the aviation service of the Canadian Government during the World war. He married Jeanne, daughter of B. J. Westcott, and they have two children.

Richard Henry Rodgers spent his last years retired from business pursuits. With his father he had become a charter member of the Second Presbyterian Church, from which he retired to assist in organizing the Third Presbyterian, which is now the Northminster Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder at the time of his death.

Robert S. Rodgers is one of Springfield’s most prominent, able and trustworthy business men. He was born at Springfield, July 9, 1873, and is the only survivor of his parents’ children. His education from boyhood to young manhood was thorough, from the primary school and Wittenberg Academy, through three years of preparatory work at Lawrenceville, New Jersey, to Princeton University, where he spent four years and was graduated in 1896. He fulfilled his father’s hope and expectation by then turning his mind to business, entering the office of the Superior Drill Company and continuing with its successor, the American Seeding Machine Company, of which he is secretary. He is also president of the Springfield Dairy Products Company, and holds the same office in the George H. Mellon Company and the Patric Furnace Company, is a director of the First National and of the American Trust & Savings Banks, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the City Hospital from 1918 to 1922, and of which in 1921 he was president.

Mr. Rodgers married, June 5, 1900, Miss Edith Winwood, and they have two daughters, Alice K. and Lucinda W. The religious home of the family is the Northminster Presbyterian Church. Mr. Rodgers has never been unduly active politically nor has fraternal life particularly appealed to him, but, thoroughly companionable, he is a valued member of the Lagonda, Rotary and Country clubs.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 104

WILLIAM RODGERS, banker, Springfield. Mr. Rodgers is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1809. He came to Springfield when a young man, in 1832, and engaged in merchandising, being a partner with Peter Murray, who was then a prominent and successful merchant here, and Mr. Rodgers has since been identified with the business interests of Springfield. After several years of merchandising, he sold out and retired from business on account of his failing health, but bought a tract of wild land north of the city, the clearing and partial improving of which he supervised. In 1851, he became connected with the banking interests of Springfield as a constituent member of the company who organized the Springfield (now First National) Bank, of which he has been a Director since its organization. Mr. Rodgers is a quiet, unostentatious, but enterprising and useful citizen. He married, in 1841, Miss Sarah Harrison. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, of which he is a Trustee. His residence is a handsome property on North Limestone street, where they have resided since 1843.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 911

WILLIAM ALLEN ROGERS, deceased, was a distinguished lawyer and Judge, was born Dec. 13, 1809, in Dauphin Co., Penn.; his father, Robert Rogers, was a farmer and miller; his maternal grandfather, William Allen, was a Colonel in the army of the Revolution, and was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of White Plains. The subject of this sketch received his primary education at the common schools, and, after a preparatory course of study, entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn.; after graduating at this institution, he studied law with Judge Kennedy, of Pittsburgh, and, on the completion of his studies, was admitted to the bar in that city. In the fall of 1834, he removed to Ohio, settling at Springfield; he first entered into partnership with Gen. Anthony, and, after practicing his profession with him for a year or so, he commenced the practice alone; he was very successful in his profession, and soon acquired an extensive practice. In 1839, he was sent as a Delegate to the Harrisburg Convention, which nominated Gen. Harrison for the Presidency; he took an active part in the political campaign of 1840, and was a popular and effective speaker; he was an earnest anti-slavery man, but, subsequently, took no active part in politics, until 1848, when he co-operated with the Free-Soil Party. In October, 1851, he was elected, under the new constitution, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the Third Subdivision of the Second Judicial District, consisting of the counties of Clark, Greene, Warren and Clinton; in 1855, he resigned his office, on account of failing health, and, on the 25th of May of the same year, he died, at his house in Springfield. While upon the bench, he displayed a profound knowledge of jurisprudence, and this, with his urbanity and impartiality, won for him the confidence and admiration of the bar. On Sept. 6, 1837, he married Miss Elizabeth Smith, daughter of George Smith, of College Hill, Hamilton Co., Ohio, originally from Dorsetshire, England; from this union were born six children—three sons and three daughters, all of whom, with their mother, survived him. Judge Rogers was distinguished for his public spirit, zealously participating in whatever was calculated to promote the welfare of the community and ameliorate the condition of the poor and unfortunate; he took a special interest in deserving young men who were ambitious to success in the legal profession, and never failed to render them any assistance in his power; the Hon. R. A. Harrison, now of Columbus, Ohio, was one of his students; on Mr. Harrison’s admission to the bar, he located in London, Madison Co., Ohio, where Judge Rogers had a good practice; he immediately formed a partnership with Mr. Harrison for business in that county, the partnership continuing until Judge Rogers was called to the bench; Judge White, now of the Supreme Court, also studied law with him; on Judge White’s admission to the bar, he was taken into partnership by Judge Rogers, and this firm also continued until the latter went upon the bench. Judge Rogers was endowed with a brilliant intellect and with remarkable powers of analysis; he possessed a sparkling wit, was a logician of high order, and his eloquence was rich and impressive; these qualities made him an effective advocate and formidable antagonist in any case which he espoused; he was a man of broad culture, and of liberal and comprehensive views; he was not only distinguished for his professional learning, but also well versed in the sciences and in general literature, and he had a high appreciation of the beautiful in nature and art. The writer of this sketch, who was intimately associated with him, never knew a man of a nobler and a more generous nature; of him it can be truly said that, as a Judge, as a lawyer and as a man, he was without fear and without reproach.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 912

E. S. S. ROUSE, dealer in boots and shoes, Springfield; is a native of Ohio, born in Muskingum County in 1828; the greater part of his youth was spent on a farm in Knox County. When about 21 years of age, he engaged as salesman in a general merchandise store in Mt. Vernon. He first embarked in business on his own account as a boot and shoe dealer, in 1855, in Mt. Vernon, where he continued until 1862, then removed to Mansfield, where he continued the same line of trade until 1865, then sold out and purchased a farm in Ashland County, which he sold in 1868, then removed to Springfield, where he has since been engaged in business in his chosen line, boots and shoes; his store is located at No. 26 South Market street. Mr. Rouse carries a large stock, and is doing a thriving trade. He married, in 1850, Miss Melissa J. Oglevee, daughter of Hugh Oglevee, and a cousin of State Auditor J. F. Oglevee; this union has been blessed with three sons, two of whom are living—Olin O., in the store with his father; and Wylie J., an accomplished stenographer, now engaged as amanuensis at the Farmer’s Friend Works at Dayton. Mr. Rouse’s father was a pioneer settler of Muskingum County, and a soldier of the war of 1812; he now resides at Mt. Vernon, being in his 85th year, having been born in New York state in February, 1795. Mr. Rouse is an enterprising, public-spirited citizen, a member of the High Street M. E. Church, in which organization he has been for a number of years Treasurer, and a member of the Board of Trustees.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 913

W. R. RUE, farmer; P. O. Enon. Mr. Rue is the son of John and Sarah Rue. His father was a native of Maryland, and his mother of Pennsylvania; they removed to Cincinnati in 1798, removing to Greene Co. in 1807. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 8, 1815, in Mad River Township, and was of great assistance to his father in clearing up his farm which was among the first improvements in this vicinity. Mr. Rue remembers distinctly when the Indians were roving around in bands numbering from five to five hundred. He has many relics of the Indians, including a fine pipe and two of the largest ear-rings ever found, one of which he found on his farm and the other near the county house. These relics were exhibited at the Clark-Shawnee Centennial, and was a great attraction. Mr. Rue married, in 1840, to Miss Lois Forsythe of Virginia. He purchased the old homestead in 1865, living on it several years, and then selling it and buying the farm on which he now resides, containing 81¼ acres. Mr. Rue attended general muster for about fifteen years, and from the age of 21 to 55 never failed to work the roads. He saw the Mormons when on their way from Cortland, N. Y., to Nauvoo, Ill., several of whom worked a few days for his father. The family consists of four children—three sons and a daughter.

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

A. R. RUNYAN, retired farmer; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Abraham, and brother of Henry Runyan. He was born Oct. 15, 1821, in this township; was raised and educated as a farmer, and has always been engaged in that pursuit. He was married March 5, 1843, to Miss Matilda, daughter of Amos Neer, native of Virginia, and one of the pioneers of this county. Mr. Runyan lives in Catawba, and has retired somewhat from hard labor. He has several farms in the township. He is a local minister in the M. E. Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 979

FRANK CAREY RUNYAN, dentist, Springfield. Dr. Frank C. Runyan is a native of this county, being born in Pleasant Township in 1838, and comes of two of the oldest families of this section, Carey being the family name on his mother’s side, and they came from New Jersey; his paternal ancestry were from Virginia. His grandfather opened the first tailor-shop in Springfield. Dr. Runyan is, to a great extent, self-made; he worked on the farm until he was 20, near Catawba, then traveled, prospecting and trading, in Minnesota and Wisconsin, for a few years, after which he attended the Ohio College of Dentistry in Cincinnati, graduating in 1872; came to Springfield, practiced his profession ten years in copartnership with Dr. Phillips, and for the last eight years he has practiced alone, being the leading man in his profession in this city. On Nov. 5, 1874, he took a partner for life, in Miss Georgie W. Drury, of this city, whose family are from Maine; they have a son of 18 months, and a daughter of 3 years. Dr. Runyan’s parents are both living, his father being now 68 and his mother 60 years of age. The Doctor is a man of pleasant and prepossessing manners.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 914

HENRY RUNYAN, retired; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Abraham Runyan, a native of Harrison Co., Va., who came to Ohio in the year 1806, and located in Warren Co.; lived there until 1811, when he with his family moved to Clark Co., and located in the southwest part of Pleasant Township. With the assistance of his children he opened and improved a farm, the one where H. L. Runyan now lives. When he came the advantages for making a living were very limited. He died in November, 1836. His death was caused by a cancer. Henry was born March 15, 1809, in Warren Co., Ohio. Came to Clark Co., with his parents when 2 years old; was raised and educated, we might say, in the woods. When he attained his manhood he began farming. He was married, June 28, 1832, to Miss Rachel, daughter of John Jones, Sr. They had eleven children, of whom six are living. Mrs. Runyan died Oct. 23, 1853. He was again married, July 3, 1854, to Mrs. L. M. Chapman, daughter of William Eaton. From this union they had three children—Charles H., Lucretia M. and Cora B. When be began farming he continued at it four years; then for one year he engaged in oil-cloth manufacturing, at which time he embarked in the mercantile business in Catawba, and continued until 1842. He disposed of his goods and purchased a farm in Secs. 19 and 25; moved upon it and lived there two years. He was engaged in the mercantile pursuit twice afterward in Catawba, selling his stock of goods and purchased a farm each time. He has retired from business now about fifteen years. By industry and economy he has gathered considerable wealth. He owns several farms in Pleasant Township, and some town property.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 979

H. L. RUNYAN, farmer; P. O. Catawba. A son of Abraham, and brother of Henry Runyan, whose biography appears in this work. He was born Dec. 10, 1816, upon the farm where he now resides; was raised and educated a tiller of the soil, and has always been in that way. He has been very successful at it, owing to his economy and industry; has 475 acres in two tracts in the southwestern part of the Township. He was twice married; first, June 17, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Wright, native of Virginia. Mrs. Runyan died April 24, 1852, leaving two children—Amanda and Peter L. He was again married Jan. 5, 1854, to Miss Mary E., daughter of John Melvin. From this union they had eight children, of whom six are living, viz., Monroe, Mellissa, Etta, Nelson L., Amos and Fred.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 979

J. MILTON RUNYAN, milling; P. O. Catawba. A son of Henry, whose sketch appears in this work. J. M. was born June 20, 1841, upon his father’s farm, in this township; was raised and educated as a farmer, and was engaged in that way until he was 26 years old. He then enlisted in the 16th Ohio Battery, and served one year; then returned home and farmed until 1864; he went out in the 100-day service. He was married March 4, 1866, to Miss Mary J., daughter of John McClennen, of Virginia, now living in this township. In 1867, his father purchased the mill, and J. M. began working it, and in three months he took the mill in charge, and has run it since. He ran the mill some time in partnership with his father. He afterward purchased the mill and site and assumed full control of the business, at which he has made it a success. He makes a very fine grade of flour; it will compete with any made in the county. He a is wide-awake citizen and business man, and enjoys a very large patronage of the citizens of this part of the county. The mill is known as the Willow Grove Mills. They had six children, viz., J. Arthur, Clarence L., Eddie G., Percy E., Chas. L. and Maudie R.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 980

THOS. W. RUNYAN, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of George Runyan, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, May 15, 1808; came to Clark Co. with his parents in 1811, and located in Pleasant Township, where he has always lived. He is living at present in Catawba retired from all business. He is a son of Joseph Runyan, a native of Harrison Co., Va., who came to Ohio in the year 1806, and located in Warren Co. Moved to Pleasant Township in the year above mentioned, and opened a farm in the wilderness, and lived upon it until death. Thos W. was born May 26, 1837, in Pleasant Township; was raised and educated a farmer. When he attained his manhood, he began for himself. He was married Feb. 25, 1858, to Miss Phebe A., daughter of Jacob Demory, of Virginia. After his marriage he started a blacksmith shop; hired hands and learned the trade with them. He worked at the business ten or twelve years; three years in Catawba, and the rest of his time on his farm he had purchased in the southwest part of this township. He afterward sold this farm and purchased the one where he now resides, located in the southern part of the township, containing 217 acres under a high state of cultivation, with good improvements. He is one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of this county. They have had two children—Chas E. and Hattie. Mr. Runyan claims to be the inventor of the hand corn-planter. When only a small boy, he made a planter which was obtained by some men of Springfield, which gave them the idea, and led them to put out the first planters.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 979

WILLIAM McKAY RUNYAN, M.D., is a native of Clark County and is one of the active and progressive young physicians and surgeons of Springfield.

He was born at Catawba, Clark County, December 9, 1895, son of Percy E. and Mabel Anna (Keesecker) Runyan, his father a native of Catawba and his mother of Springfield. His paternal grandparents were Milton and Mary (McClellan) Runyan, the former having been identified with some of the pioneer milling operations of Clark County. The maternal grandparents were Aaron and Elizabeth (Ensley) Keesecker, Aaron Keesecker having been a pioneer school teacher of Clark County. Percy Runyan for many years was active in educational affairs of Clark County, but since 1920 has lived retired. He and his wife had the following children: Helen, Mrs. Howard Ream of Springfield; Doctor William M.; Philip, of Cleveland, Ohio; Marjory, wife of Clayton Jenkinson, of Springfield; and Mary Elizabeth, who lives with her father and mother at Springfield.

William McKay Runyan was educated in the grammar and high schools and attended Wittenberg College and also the Willis Business College at Springfield. He prepared for his profession in the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated M.D. in 1920. He had one year of additional training and experience in the Jewish Hospital at Cincinnati, and then returned to Springfield and succeeded in building up a fine practice. His offices and home are at 2104 East Main Street. Doctor Runyan is a member of the Clark County, Ohio State and American Medical Associations.

June 16, 1920, he married Miss Mabel Kolb, who was born in Medina County, Ohio, daughter of John V. and Alvaretta (Fisher) Kolb. They have one daughter, Margaret Louise, born July 8, 1922. Doctor and Mrs. Runyan are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a republican, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and fraternal order of Eagles at Springfield.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 407

L. E. RUSSELL, physician and surgeon, Springfield. We are proud of this means of perpetuating the name of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch—Dr. L. E. Russell. He was born in Burton, Ohio, and from his 16th year has made his own way in the world. His first term of tuition was taken in Hiram College, at the close of which he received the highest recommendations from its President, J. M. Atwater; he afterward studied law, and also commenced the study of medicine, his superior mental powers giving him an impetus that rapidly distanced his competitors. In 1871 and 1872, he attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating with honor in February, 1872, in the class accorded the praise of the different Professors as having attained the most thorough medical knowledge of any in the history of the college, extending over a period of almost half a century. Sept. 28, 1874, in the District Court of Mahoning County, Ohio, Dr. Russell was admitted to the bar and licensed to practice as attorney and counselor at law and solicitor in chancery. He preferred the practice of medicine to legal lore, and his high attainments admirably fitted him for the practice of medicine and surgery. After practicing three years in Trumbull Co., Ohio, he came to Springfield in 1870, and a partnership was formed with Dr. J. T. McLaughlin. These gentlemen have gained a reputation equaling any physicians in the West during their partnership, and the most important cases of surgery in the city, and many cases elsewhere, have been operated upon by Drs. Russell and McLaughlin, and cures have been effected that have for years baffled the physicians of the county. Too much, then, cannot be said in praise of those who deserve it, and this is certainly well-merited. In 1879, Dr. Russell was elected President of the Ohio State Medical Association—the first time this important office has been held by any except “pioneers” in medicine, thus adding additional luster to his already bright record. His success is due entirely to his own exertions, and his fame as a skillful surgeon is being rapidly extended. It is important, then, that the record of such men be preserved, and that the citizens of Clark County feel proud of one who will surely rank high among the most expert surgeons in Ohio. Springfield has many things in which to take pride—her manufactories, her schools, her churches, her prosperity, and, lastly, the many noble men who are represented in the biographical part of this work.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 914