Clark County Ohio Biographies

EDWIN JOEL SANDERSON is a mechanical and hydraulic engineer by profession, and has had a long and active service in the engineering and sales department of The James Leffel and Company, Springfield, Ohio. He is now sales manager and is a director of that corporation, one of the important industries of Springfield, manufacturing water wheels, steam engines and boilers.

Mr. Sanderson was born on a farm in Clinton County, Ohio, February 18, 1877. He is the son of Frank W. Sanderson, who was born in Clinton County, February 13, 1852, and married Frances M. West, who was born in the same county September 5, 1851. His paternal grandfather, Joel Sanderson, was the founder of the family in Clinton County, coming there in his boyhood from Kentucky. The family originally came from Scotland and settled in Kentucky and Southern Ohio. His maternal grandfather, William West, was born in Clinton County, and represented a branch of the West family who came out of England several generations ago and settled along the Hudson River in New York State, from where the various branches moved westward as the country was opened up.

Frank W. Sanderson was for many years engaged in the operation of canning factories and packing plants in Clinton, Greene and Highland counties. In 1916 he moved to Leesburg, Highland County, where he and his wife now reside.

Edwin J. Sanderson began his education in the country schools in Clinton County, and graduated from the Sabina High School in 1896. He left his home in Sabina in 1897 and found employment in a general store in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, where on August 10, 1898, he married Mary Stuart Barr. She was born in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and was the daughter of Cyrus and Nancy Stuart Barr, both of these families being pioneers in Champaign County.

Mr. Sanderson owned and operated for a short time a general store at Woodstock, Ohio. He was, however, never satisfied with the retail business and gradually prepared himself by private instructions and study for the mechanical engineering profession, for which he had a natural aptitude and strong inclination.

In September, 1900, he came to Springfield and found employment in the drawing room of the Foos Manufacturing Company. In February, 1901, he secured a position as draughtsman with The James Leffel and Company, which was the beginning of a service that has now continued for over twenty years. After spending about seven years in the drawing room Mr. Sanderson was advanced to a position in the engineering and sales department. For several years thereafter he traveled quite extensively in the United States, Canada and Mexico in the interests of his company. In 1916 he was made sales manager, which position he now occupies, and the following year was made a member of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Sanderson is deeply interested in all forms of church, educational, civic, social and welfare work, but his greatest interest is the Sunday School and for fifteen years he has served either as superintendent or associate superintendent of the Sunday School of the Covenant Presbyterian Church, in which he is also an elder and clerk of the session.

He is a member of the Y. M. C. A. and Chamber of Commerce, is a past master of Clark Lodge No. 101, F. and A. M., a member of Palestine Commandery No. 33, K. T., and Antioch Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Dayton. He is a past senior councillor of Champion City Council No. 23 of the United Commercial Travelers, and is a member of Ingomar Lodge No. 610, Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Lagonda and Country clubs.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 360

FRANK D. SAUNDERS. During a period of fifteen years Lrank D. Saunders of Springfield has been actively and prominently engaged in institutional work throughout the State of Ohio, and his long and comprehensive training equip him admirably for the discharge of his present duties as superintendent of the Ohio Masonic Home, a position which he has held since September, 1919. Mr. Saunders was born at Marlborough, Massachusetts, April 3, 1857, and is a son of Dexter B. and Abby E. (Pulsifer) Saunders.

Dexter B. Saunders was born on a farm in Massachusetts, April 17, 1820, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed during the early years of his life. Later he became identified with manufacturing activities, both in the state of his nativity and in Ohio, to which latter he came in 1875, bringing with him his family. He took up his residence at Cleveland, where he died in 1898. He was a man of much ability and of the strictest integrity and held the respect and confidence of all with whom he was associated. On February 26, 1852, Mr. Saunders married Miss Abby E. Pulsifer, who was born February 6, 1831, daughter of Nathaniel Pulsifer, and died January 12, 1858.

Frank D. Saunders received his early education in the primary schools and the English High School of Boston, and started on his active career soon after the Boston fire as an assistant in his father’s factory. Later he joined the organization of D. Appleton Company, publishers, New Y'ork City, and was sent to Ohio and was connected with the school book department of the company in the Buckeye state. Later, because of financial disaster, due to the failure of a bank, Mr. Saunders became identified with institutional work in Ohio, his first connection of this character being with the Cleveland Protestant Orphan Asylum. He continued as field agent for thai institution from 1908 until 1910, when he went to Akron, Ohio, as superintendent of the Summit County Children’s Home, where he remained until September, 1919, at that time coming to Springfield to assume his present duties as superintendent of the Ohio Masonic Home. In this work he has proven highly capable, and his executive management has served to maintain the institution at a high standard of efficiency.

Superintendent Saunders is a member of Henry Perkins Lodge No. 611, A. L. and A. M., of Akron; Washington Chapter No. 25, R. A. M., of Akron; Akron Council No. 80, R. and S. M.; Akron Commandery No. 25, K. T.; Lake Erie Consistory; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Dayton; and Chapter No. 304, Order of the Eastern Star. He has always given his support to worthy civic movements.

On July 12, 1882, Mr. Saunders was united in marriage with Miss Lottie L. Craig, who was born at Olmstead Falls, Ohio, September 19, 1857, a daughter of Henry and Lydia Craig, of Canterbury, England. Mrs. Saunders is matron of the Masonic Home and an able assistant to her husband in his manifold duties. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders are the parents of two children: Nellie Craig, born November 1, 1884, who married J. C. Conger, of Peninsula, Ohio, and has one daughter, Charlotte, born April 4, 1921; and Warren Saunders, born April 1, 1886, who died June 10, 1916, leaving a widow and two children, Ruth E., born July 12, 1912, and Frank D., born December 23, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders are faithful members of the Covenant Presbyterian Church, and have always been generous supporters of all enterprises in the way of charity, religion and education. They have made numerous friends since locating at Springfield, and are popular with the inmates of the Home.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 62

JOHN J. SCARFF, breeder of thoroughbred stock; P. O. New Carlisle. Although not a native of Clark Co., Mr. Scarff occupies a very prominent position in it, being one of the most extensive breeders in the county, and perhaps in the State. His reputation in this respect is equaled by few, as none of his sales thus far have failed in giving satisfaction. His motto, when commencing life, was to have only the best of whatever he might possess, and with this object in view, and with a will to succeed, could it be wondered at that he occupies the proud position that has so meritoriously been vouchsafed him by his neighbors, and the discriminating public? Mr. Scarff worked for his first dollar, and energy and perseverance have been rewarded, as by his industry and business tact he is now the owner of many broad and fertile acres, and is accounted one of the most scientific farmers in Bethel Township. Having a great love for stock, he has invested largely in thoroughbred cattle. Devons, of which he has the finest herd in the State, taking sweepstakes at the State Fair, at Columbus, in 1880, over all breeders of cattle. He also has a fine herd of Jerseys; his sheep are of the celebrated Cotswold and Southdown breeds, and his hogs, Berkshire and Polands. Other kinds of stock, poultry, ducks, geese, swans, etc., are reared in large numbers, and his list of premiums is greater, perhaps, for the length of time he has been in the business, than that of any man in the State. Clark Co. has reason to be proud of her sons, but especially are those deserving of credit who have done so much, not only for the improvement of the county, but also of those who have, by the most careful management, brought up her stock to that high grade that defies competition with any of the neighboring States. Mr. Scarff’s parents, Joshua and Lydia Scarff, were natives of Virginia, coming to Miami Co. in 1830. Their children were named Emanuel, May, John J., James M., Diana, Elizabeth, Bernard and William H. H. Scarff. All the daughters are deceased, and the parents also. The marriage of Mr. J. J. Scarff and Miss Mary Neff was celebrated May 23, 1848. Her parents, Daniel and Leah Neff, were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to this county in 1838. They raised a large family, three sons and four daughters—Benjamin, Isaac, Barbara, Mary, Rebecca, Cyrus and Matilda. Mrs. Neff died in 1839, and her husband married Miss Julia Herr, in 1845 or 1846, by whom he had four children—Charlotta, Harriet, Fanny and David. Mr. Neff died in 1866; his widow still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Scarff have five children—Flora, James T., Mark T., William N. and Grace T. The children give evidence of their careful training, and will surely do their parents honor. Mr. Scarff was appointed, in 1877, County Commissioner, and was elected to that position in 1878, and is an excellent official. He has, for a number of years, been a member of the Agricultural Board of Clark Co., all of which are filled with credit to himself and honor to the public. He was a volunteer during the war of the rebellion, in Co. B, 147th O. V. I., serving as 2d Lieutenant. His is a record in which his children can feel a just pride, and we are glad to have the means of perpetuating it. He has surrounded his home with everything that makes life pleasant; books, music and works of art show their love for their children, in making their home the most attractive spot on earth. Theirs is assuredly a place where the stranger, as well as the friend, is welcomed.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1033

LEONARD SCHAEFER. While instances are numerous regarding men who have been attracted to America by the opportunities offered to those possessing ambition and determination, and have, through the possession of these qualities, risen to places of prominence in the communities in which they have centered their activities, it is doubtful if a better example of this class of self-made man could be found than the late Leonard Schaefer, early citizen and manufacturer of Springfield. Arriving in this country without means, and in ill health, he worked with his hands and traveled the familiar but difficult roads which chance opportunities open to the aspirant from foreign shores. While his numerous business interests called for his utmost attention, he was not indifferent to the duties of citizenship, as his connection with affairs of a public nature show.

Mr. Schaefer was born in Germany, February 5, 1823, and having learned the locksmithing trade in his youth, had held prior to coming to America a foremanship in a large lock factory at Stuttgart. He was an active sympathizer, if not in fact a participant, in the German revolution of 1848-1849. and on this account he found it expedient that he leave Germany at the earliest moment, and, without a passport, fled to America early in 1849. On board ship he contracted small-pox and when the ship docked at New York he with others was sent to a hospital where he was held for six weeks. His ultimate destination in this country was Cincinnati, to which point he proceeded as soon as released from the hospital, but upon his arrival at Cincinnati he found cholera in epidemic form in that city and accordingly came on to Springfield. Here he found employment in a brick yard, but not for long, as he soon went to work at his trade and later opened a small locksmith shop on what is now East Main Street. His business prospered and in 1850 he opened a machine shop in the same community on East Main Street, between Spring and Foster streets, where for forty years he carried on a successful business enterprise, manufacturing locks, safes, fences, etc. He made a number of safes and fences for the early banks at Springfield, and for merchants of the city, and erected practically all of the early iron fences of the community. It was Mr. Schaefer who made the iron fence around the State House at Columbus, which old wrought-iron fence is still in use. The first Springfield city directory, published in 1852, carried the following business advertisement: “L. Schaefer, lock and whitesmith, bell-hanger, gunsmith, screw cutter and maker and repairer of brass, iron or steel work, all attended to promptly for city or country.”

Mr. Schaefer was both a successful business man and citizen who took an interest in the civic affairs of his day. He was a member of the Old Union Volunteer Fire Company, was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and was a democrat in politics. Before he left Germany he had become engaged to marry Rosina Esslinger, who was born in Germany in 1823, the daughter of John Gottlieb Esslinger, a soldier against Bonaparte in 1814, a portrait of whom, in uniform, is now in possession of his grandson, Henry L. Schaefer, of Springfield. When Leonard Schaefer fled from Germany it was with the understanding between the engaged couple that the bride-to-be would join her intended husband at Cincinnati. The plans, however, were necessarily changed, owing to the circumstances noted above, and so the wedding took place at Springfield, in 1849. To their marriage one son was born, Henry L., of whom an account follows.

Mrs. Schaefer died in 1869, and in that year Mr. Schaefer, accompanied by his son, returned to Europe for a visit to his old home, and there, in the following year, he married Bertha Kurz, and to that union there were born children, of whom three survive: C. Albert, of whom there will be further mention; Leonard P., and Paul, all of Springfield. Leonard Schaefer, Sr., died at Springfield, May 5, 1895, honored by all who knew him.

Henry L. Schaefer, one of the best-known citizens of Springfield, engaged in the undertaking business at 226 West Main Street, was born in this city, July 31, 1850, a son of the late Leonard and Rosina (Esslinger) Schaefer. He was reared in this city, where he attended the public schools, and while in Germany with his father in 1869 and 1870 attended two terms in the Government Technical College at Stuttgart, taking a course in mechanical drawing. Upon his return from Germany he went to work in his father’s machine shop and continued there until 1875, in which year he secured a position in the tool department of the Champion Bar and Knife Company, at Springfield, where he remained until 1893. By that time he had become foreman of several different departments, but resigned and going to Chicago entered a school of embalming. After passing a satisfactory examination he returned to Springfield and engaged in the undertaking business on his own account, and has since continued, the business now being in the firm name of Henry L. Schaefer & Son. Mr. Schaefer is, and has been for years, very prominent in public affairs, and his efforts have contributed to the growth of the city and its institutions. He served as county coroner two terms, from 1895 to 1898, his first commission as coroner having been signed by Hon. William McKinley, then governor of the State of Ohio, and his second signed by Governor Asa Bushnell. He became a member of the Springfield Board of Education from the Sixth Ward during the ’80s, and in 1904, when the first school board was elected at large instead of by wards, he was again selected for that position, going into office January 1, 1905, and continuing therein until January 1, 1920. He refused to stand for re-election. For his services, and in honor of the man and citizen, the new junior high school was named the Henry L. Schaefer School. He was for a number of years president of the Board of Directors of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Schaefer is also prominent as a fraternalist. He was secretary and treasurer of the local committee which succeeded in establishing the Knights of Pythias Home at Springfield and was a member of the committee which located the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home in this city. Mr. Schaefer belongs to Clark Lodge No. 101, F. and A. M.; Springfield Chapter No. 48, R. A. M.; Springfield Council No. 17, R. and S. M.; Palestine Commandery No. 33, K. T., all of Springfield; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Dayton, and Dayton Consistory, thirty-second degree, S. R. M. He was the founder and first worthy patron of Order of the Eastern Star, at Springfield; and belongs to Moncreiffe Lodge No. 33, K. P., holding the rank of major in the Uniformed Rank of Pythians; Goethe Lodge No. 384, I. O. O. F.; Mad River Encampment No. 16, in which he has passed all the chairs; Canton Occidental, Patriarchs Militant, in which he is senior past captain; Champion Council No. 2, Jr. O. U. A. M.; and Violet Council No. 29, Daughters of America. Mr. Schaefer is also a member of the Clark County Historical Society. He is a director in the Clark County Building and Savings Company and in the Springfield Light, Heat and Power Company.

On July 30, 1872, Mr. Schaefer was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Orthmann, who was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, March 21, 1851, daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Orthmann, the former of whom was engaged in practice at Hillsboro, Ohio, when he died in 1858. The widow and daughter then went to Germany, where Mrs. Schaefer was educated. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schaefer: Katherine, who married Henry S. Carpenter, of Dayton, now living in retirement at Jacksonville, Florida; Bertha C., whose first husband was William S. Wead, deceased, and who married May 29, 1922, Edward P. Poling; and Theodore Frederick. Theodore Frederick Schaefer was born at Springfield, January 7, 1882, and following his graduation from high school spent two years at Wittenberg College, although while there he found time to assist his father in the conduct of his undertaking business. On May 7, 1918, he volunteered and enlisted in the United States Navy and was rated a first-class engineman. He was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, and was with what was known as the “black gang” until relieved from duty December 20, 1918. On January 1, 1919, he became junior member of the firm of Henry L. Schaefer & Son. Mr. Schaefer is a member of Clark Lodge No. 101, F. and A. M.; Springfield Chapter No. 48, R. A. M.; Springfield Council No. 17. R. and S. M.; Oriental Consistory, thirty-second degree, and Medina Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., the two latter of Chicago. He also holds membership in the Eastern Star; Ingomar Lodge No. 610. K. P.; Goethe Lodge No. 384, I. O. O. F.; and Springfield Lodge, F. O. E. He is likewise a member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield and the Phi Gamma Delta College fraternity. On November 1, 1905. Mr. Schaefer married Miss Louise Botkin, who was born at Springfield, the daughter of Lafayette Botkin. Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Schaefer celebrated their golden wedding July 30, 1922, in St. John’s Evangelical Church. The occasion was celebrated by many friends of this honored couple as well as relatives and children.

Carl Albert Schaefer, president of the Reeser Plant Companv, and purchasing agent for the Thomas Manufacturing Company of Springfield, was born at Springfield. Julv 19, 1870, a son of the late Leonard and Bertha (Kurz) Schaefer. He was educated in the public schools and as a lad took employment as a messenger boy with the Western Union Telegraph Company. Later he became a clerk in a hardware store for several years, and from this position advanced to that of bookkeeper, which he held at several different establishments. On January 1, 1891, he entered the offices of the Thomas Manufacturing Company at Springfield, as a bookkeeper, and through integrity, industry and fidelity won promotion to his present post as purchasing agent. Since 1910 he has been president of the Reeser Plant Company, leading florists of Springfield. Mr. Schaefer is president of the council of St. John’s Lutheran Evangelical Church, belongs to the Masonic Order, and holds membership in the Kiwanis Club of Springfield and the Van Dyke Clan, a social fishing club.

Mr. Schaefer married Miss Della L. Betzold, the daughter of J. J. Betzold, of Springfield, and to them there have been born three children: Bertha Marie, a junior in Wittenberg College; Carl Albert, Jr., a freshman in the engineering department of the Ohio State University, and Catherine Lucille, who is attending high school.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 393

WILLIAM N. SCHAEFFER, insurance and brokerage, Springfield; one of the old substantial residents of Springfield; he is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Center County in 1805. His parents emigrated to this State in 1815, locating in Germantown, Montgomery Co., where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He married, in 1829, Susanna, daughter of Rev. Thomas Winters, and remained there “keeping tavern” until 1837, when he removed to Dayton, and was proprietor of the “Mansion House” about two years; then removed to Lebanon, and kept the Mansion House of Lebanon until 1845, when he removed to Springfield. Here he engaged in the manufacture of candles, which he continued until 1858, when coal oil superseded him. The following season was spent in Tennessee in the tree trade. Subsequently he sold out his property interests, and engaged in insurance and brokerage, which he still continues. He has three children living; two sons are in business here, and the other, a daughter, Mrs. Catharine Williams, also living here. Mr. Schaeffer is one of the prominent old residents of Springfield, and, although now in his 76th year, is still active, and with the exception of a slight defect in hearing, is in full possession of all his faculties, and does a considerable business in his line. For the last fifteen or twenty years, he has not kept house, but resided with his son, Charles H., who is a leading grocer of this city. His place of business, No. 51 East Main street, is one of the pioneer stands, and now the oldest grocery stand in Springfield. He was connected with the business of this establishment sixteen years; first, as clerk, then as partner, and for fourteen years past has been sole proprietor. He married, in 1865, Frances A., daughter of Lawrence Knepfly, one of the early residents of Springfield, a jeweler by trade, and a prominent Mason. This union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are living. His wife died in April, 1879.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 915

PETER A. SCHINDLER, undertaker, Springfield; is a native of Maryland; was born in Frederick County in 1820. In his younger days, he had considerable reputation as a teacher of vocal music, and was engaged in that profession several years in Maryland. In 1850, his wife having died, he came West and located in Springfield, and taught music throughout the surrounding country. In 1852, he engaged in the furniture trade here, as a member of the firm of P. A. Schindler & Co., who were manufacturers and wholesale and retail dealers, this being among the first manufacturing establishments of importance in Springfield. Mr. Schindler continued in this business until 1871, after which he was variously engaged until 1873, when he entered in a partnership with J. L. Coleman, which partnership still exists. Their place of business is the northeast corner of Main and Fisher streets. They are supplied with elegant hearses, and a large stock of burial caskets of various designs, and are in readiness to attend to all calls promptly. Mr. Schindler is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and has been the trusted Superintendent of the Sunday school connected with that denomination, which is second to the largest school in the State. He married the second time Mrs. Caroline (Routzan) Keller, the widow of Dr. Ezra Keller, the founder and first President of Wittenberg College. She was also a native of Maryland, and in her youth a playmate of Mr. Schindler. They have one son Charles—who is proprietor of a bookstore on West Main street. Mrs. Schindler has a daughter by her first husband, who is also a member of the household.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 915

REV. JOHN M. SCHUCHARDT, Rector of St. Bernard’s Church, Springfield. We present our readers a brief sketch of Rev. John Schuchardt, who, by reason of his position, is endeared to so many of the inhabitants of Springfield. He was born in Paterborn, Germany, in 1831; be commenced his studies in Dusseldorf, on the Rhine, and entered the high school at that city while in his 12th year; he graduated in Cologne in his 21st year; he afterward graduated in the academy at Muenster, having attended this institution three years. He then attended, and afterward graduated in the academy at Bonn, and, to complete his theological education, went to the academy of St. Sulpice, in Paris. Upon his return home, he cared for his parents, who were both ill for one year, when he was drafted into the Prussian army, and had a taste of soldier life for eighteen months. Therefore he has seen hardships, as well as the brighter sides of life. By reason of his superior fitness, he was during this time graduated to the position of 2d Lieutenant. His term of service expired in 1860, and the death of his parents, and also of his brother and sister soon afterward, so changed the current of his thoughts, that he determined to emigrate to America, which was at once acted upon; in the fall of 1860 he landed in New York. Having friends in Cincinnati, Ohio, he paid them a visit, and while there took charge of a school. By the advice of his confessor, he returned to St. Mary’s University at Baltimore, where he was ordained Priest by Archbishop Spaulding, in 1864. In 1866, he went to Kentucky, and was placed in charge of a circuit “consisting of four counties,” as a traveling missionary. This was arduous work, but our reverend father bore it uncomplainingly. In October, 1869, he was appointed by Archbishop Purcell to the charge of St. Bernard’s in Springfield, where he is now stationed, and by his geniality and friendship has endeared himself to the people of this city, both old and young. Through his efforts, the church and school buildings were erected, and a cemetery purchased. The education of the children of his charge is well cared for, and his name will ever be remembered with kindness by those who so often have listened to his ministrations. His education is the equal, perhaps, of any man in our county, and he is one of the most able theologians in the city. His light will ever shine, and the principles inculcated by him ever be a monument to his memory.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 916

REUBEN SCIFERS, farmer; P. O. Springfield; born in Virginia Feb. 14, 1833; is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Romick) Scifers, natives of Virginia, but who emigrated to Ohio and located in Champaign Co. in September, 1833, and there resided till their death. He died Sept. 9, 1875; she died Nov. 17, 1869. They were parents of fifteen children; fourteen now survive—Matilda, Eliza, Catharine, Elizabeth, William H. H., Reuben, Martha Jane, Isabel and James H. (twins), Samuel, Sarah Ann, Rachel, Margaret and Hannah Ellen; one deceased—Mary, who married David Jenkins, by whom she had eight children. Mr. Scifers always followed farming as an occupation; was a remarkably active and industrious man, having to make his own way through life; raised a large family of children, besides supporting his aged mother for many years, who lived to the remarkable age of 96 years. Mr. Scifers was a soldier in the war of 1812. He lived to the advanced age of 90 years, and was quite smart and active up to within a few days of his death. Our subject remained at home with his father till his majority. He then learned the trade of plasterer, which he followed till last summer, when he gave up his trade and has entered upon farming, to which he intends to devote the remainder of his life. He bought the farm upon which he now lives in the spring of 1868, upon which he has since resided, with the exception of two years, during which he lived in Springfield. He was married, Jan. 30, 1859, to Mary F., daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Maggert) Hullinger, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Virginia. By this union they have two children—Alice Ada (now Mrs. Charles O. May) and Ulysses Grant.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 993

JACOB SEITZ, grain and coal dealer, Springfield. Almost a half century has passed since the subject of this sketch came to Ohio. His parents, Henry and Mary Seitz, emigrating from Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1831, settling near the village of Springfield. which at that time was only a small hamlet. Henry purchased a farm one and a half miles from town, and engaged in agriculture until his death, which occurred a few years later. His children were six in number—Andrew, Isaac, Elizabeth, Henry, Jacob and Catharine; two are deceased—Catharine and Isaac. All were born in Pennsylvania, but have been associated with this county since their coming, and are still residents except Henry, who emigrated to Kansas in 1870, living previously in Coles Co., Ill. As we wish to speak at this time particularly of Jacob, who, by reason of his business tact, is one of our self-made men, we may premise by saying that he worked by the month for the money that was the nucleus around which capital gathered through his industry and natural aptitude for business. His education was all gained before he left Pennsylvania, at which time he was 12 years of age, being born in December, 1818. Not-withstanding the lack of education, he has always been a remarkably fortunate business man, his perceptive faculties being largely above the average. In 1840, he commenced the milling and distilling business in this county, and during the past forty years, has been continually engaged at these occupations. In 1847, his marriage to Miss Mary A., daughter of Daniel Stineberger, Esq., was celebrated, and, in 1851, a partnership was formed in the mill and distillery between Jacob and Mr. Stineberger, the firm name being Stineberger & Seitz. This was continued until 1855, when Mr. Seitz disposed of his interest and came to Springfield, and has been connected with her business interests ever since. They were parents of three children—Theodore H., Olive E. and Laura B. Theodore was 21 years of age at the time of his death. Olive is the wife of Charles Anthony, a son of one of the first settlers in the county, and whose sketch will be of great interest. Charles Anthony is now engaged in the grain business with his father-in-law. Mr. Seitz was elected County Commissioner in 1869, and also served as Alderman one term. His modesty has always been a bar to his having official positions, he being much averse to public life. As a man, his life has been characterized by those traits which ennoble and give confidence to the people—always foremost in enterprise, and liberal in every sense of the word. He purchased the St. James Hotel in 1865, and has since made large additions to and otherwise improved it, making it first-class in its accommodations. He is still owner of 260 acres of highly-improved land, his love for agriculture making this almost a necessity, his circumstances warranting his retirement from business, but his active spirit rebels at the idea of idleness. He has been a friend to the needy, and is one of whom Springfield may feel proud.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 916

MAURICE M. SELLERS, sales manager for the Lagonda Manufacturing Company of Springfield, is one of the progressive business men of the younger generation in his native city, where he is also proprietor of the business conducted under the title of the Alpha Chemical Company.

Mr. Sellers was born at Springfield in the year 1885, and is a son of the late Charles E. Sellers, who was the owner of the industrial enterprise conducted under the title of the Alpha Chemical Company, of which he continued the executive head until his death. Charles E. Sellers was born and reared in Clinton County, this state, and was a young man when he established his residence at Springfield. Here he wedded Miss Carrie Johnson, who was born in the City of Columbus, Ohio, and she still resides at Springfield. In the manufacturing of medicinal preparations the Alpha Chemical Company controls a substantial and prosperous business, and since the death of his father, Maurice M. Sellers, of this review, has successfully continued this enterprise, besides which he has been for the past ten years sales manager of the Lagonda Manufacturing Company, his connection with which has covered a period of twenty years. The early educational advantages of Mr. Sellers included those of the local high school, and his business career in his native city has been one of consecutive advancement. He married Miss Laura E. Brenan, who was born at Marietta, this state, and they have one son.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 196

HIRAM SENSEMAN, physician; Tremont City. All communities, every town, city and every profession and business, have their representative men, and in the medical profession in the village of Tremont, we mention Dr. Hiram Senseman as one of the most prominent; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., May 10, 1826; a son of Daniel and Mary (Fry) Senseman, also natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather was a native of Germany; his wife of Wales. The maternal grandparents of Pennsylvania. Daniel studied medicine, and entered upon the practice as a physician when a young man, and spent his short life in the profession in Lancaster and Cumberland Cos., practicing in the former county four years, and in the latter six years, when his career of prosperity and usefulness was suddenly terminated by death, from a stroke of apoplexy, being only 34 years of age. He had been quite successful; was building up an extensive practice, and had the highest hopes and prospects of a successful future; but which, in the Providence of God, was so soon terminated, and he in the strength and bloom of manhood, called to his last home. They had six children, four now survive—Reuben, Hiram, Jacob and Sallie Ann; deceased, Andrew and Daniel. The mother, being left in very limited circumstances financially, the children were placed among relatives to be raised. After about six years, the mother married a Mr. Miley, by whom she had two children—Mary Emiline and one dying in infancy. The mother is still residing in Cumberland Co., Penn. Our subject, after the death of his father, labored on a farm till 14 years of age, and in that toilsome, but healthful vocation, laid the foundation of physical strength so essential to carry out the work of his future calling. He now commenced to learn the tanner’s trade, at which he served one year; but not being pleased with that business, he proceeded to learn the cabinet trade, and served three years under a very proficient German, from whom he became a thorough and skilled workman. At this period—now 18 years of age—he made a tour East to Connecticut; while on this visit he gained some information by which his aspirations were raised, and ideas formed, which culminated in a determination to study medicine, and enter upon the profession of his father. Although lacking in finances to carry out his plans as he would desire, yet he was decided that “where there was a will there was a way,” and he commenced action accordingly. By a special offer from, and arrangement with, Dr. P. N. Long, a practicing physician of Mechanicsburg, Penn., he commenced his studies under him, with whom he continued four years; during which time he attended two courses of lectures in Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, where he finished his course and graduated in March, 1849. Dr. Senseman commenced the practice of his profession at Plainfield, Cumberland Co., Penn., where he continued two and a half years; thence located at Hagerstown, in the same county; thence, in 1853, he sold out and started for “the West.” He located at Tremont, Clark Co., where he has continued in practice till the present, with the exception of four years, during which he practiced in Springfield, Clark Co., and West Charleston, Miami Co., Ohio. At the breaking-out of the civil war, in 1861, he offered his services as a surgeon (a thorough examination having been passed), and received an appointment; but on account of his close professional engagements at home, he never entered the service. He was married in November, 1854, to Mrs. Mary A. Richardson, daughter of John G. and Sarah Fry. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1875, aged 85 years. Mrs. Senseman was born Jan.30, 1831, in Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Penn. She early learned the duties of housewifery, so essential to real home efficiency, and which she has so ably practiced to this day. They began their married life as it has been continued, with mutual affection, and have known but one heavy blow—Leander Boyd—a son to Mrs. Senseman by her former marriage, sickened and died. Fond hopes had been centered on this child, and tender care lavished upon him; but a mysterious Providence took him to Himself ere 4 summers had been added to his young life. Dr. Senseman’s life has been one of success; and has been accomplished under difficulties most embarrassing; but by rightly conceived plans, and an indomitable will in carrying them out, he has accomplished his ends, and risen to a high standing in his profession. Respected as a physician and a man in the community, Dr. Senseman endeavors to lead an honorable and useful life in trying to lessen the tide of human suffering, and thus realizes the solid comforts of a mind at ease, a pleasant home, and cordial sympathy with all around him.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1010

J. H. SERFF, Springfield; was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 29, 1838, and is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Hoke) Serff, natives of that State, he having been a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father, Philip, having served in the Revolution. Mr. Serff grew up and was educated in the “Keystone State,” and in 1862, enlisted in Capt. Sano’s Independent Cavalry Company, re-enlisting in 1863 in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving under Sherman until the war closed, and being one of the escort which received Johnston’s surrender in 1866, he came to Springfield, where he carried on the hardware store for about eleven years, and, in 1871, opened a millinery establishment, in which he is at present engaged. He was married, in 1869, to Louia M. Worthington, a native of Springfield, to whom have been born two children, both now deceased. Mr. Serff and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church. He is District Secretary of the State Sabbath School Union, and a member of the Executive Committee. Politically, a Republican. He is considered one of the progressive, enterprising businessmen of Springfield, and has many warm friends.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 917

JAMES FINDLEY SHARTLE, farmer; P. O. Medway. The grandfather of this gentleman, with a brother, came from Germany in 1775, to the American Colonies, and both joined the patriot army and fought throughout that struggle for liberty. “Findey’s” grandfather settled in Virginia, where he married and raised a family, Jacob, the father of J. F., being one of the sons. He was a soldier in 1812, and was married to Elsie Burns, a native of Virginia, and in 1816 they settled in Montgomery Co., Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was born, Feb. 21, 1821, he being the fourth in a family of eight children, as follows: Jacob, William, John, James F., Elizabeth, Lena J., Elsie and Isaac, five of whom are yet living. In March, 1831, they came to Bethel Township, and soon afterward Jacob began the erection of the “Woodbury Mills,” on Mad River, where there is yet a mill in operation. Jacob and wife died in this township, and here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, and married Mary J. Croft, daughter of George and Susan (Lowry) Croft, natives of this township. This marriage occurred April 20, 1847, and has been blessed by the following children: Susan E., Elizabeth, John D., Lena J., William H., James B., Charles H. and Edward C., all living but John and William. Mr. Shartle has a nice home, and is one of the liberal, enterprising men of his township.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1034

CYRUS SHAW has long held prestige as one of the successful and representative farmers of Clark County, and his well-improved farm estate is situated in Greene Township, where he stands forth as one of the venerable and highly honored citizens of this section of his native state.

Mr. Shaw was born in Greene County, Ohio, on the 30th of October, 1842, and is a son of Robert and Polly (Wilson) Shaw, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, November 29, 1804, and the latter of whom was born in Massachusetts, October 3, 1812. Both families were founded in America in the early Colonial period of our national history. Robert Shaw was a boy of about seven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to the wilds of Ohio in 1812, and the family home was established in Greene County, where the father reclaimed a farm from the virgin forest and where the family lived up to the full tension of frontier life. Robert Shaw, the fourth in a family of seven children, was reared on the pioneer farm and early proved his self-reliant energy in connection with pioneer development and progress. In January, 1834, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Polly Wilson, and they reared a large family of children. Robert Shaw and his wife continued their residence in Greene County until their deaths.

Cyrus Shaw was reared on the old home farm and was afforded the advantages of the common schools of the locality and period. He was not yet twenty-one years of age at the inception of the Civil war, but before the close of the conflict he found opportunity to evince his youthful loyalty and patriotism by joining the gallant ranks of the “boys in blue.” In 1864 he enlisted in Company F, Eighth Ohio Cavalry, with which he proceeded to the front and took part in a number of engagements. At Beverly, West Virginia, he was captured by the enemy, and thereafter he was confined thirty-five days in the infamous old Libby Prison at Richmond, Virginia. After the close of the war he continued his association with farm enterprise in his native county until 1872, when he went to California. He there remained until the Centennial year, 1876, when he returned to Ohio, where for many years he has been successfully identified with farm industry in Clark County, his well-improved farm estate comprising 164 acres and devoted to diversified agriculture and stock-raising. In addition to owning this fine homestead farm, Mr. Shaw is a stockholder in the Emery Farmers Elevator Company. He is a staunch advocate of the principles of the democratic party, and is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

On the 6th of May, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Shaw and Miss Sarah E. Baker, who was born in Ripley County, Indiana, April 23, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have seven children, whose names and respective dates of birth are here recorded: George W., February 20, 1880; Charles D., January 15, 1882; Leslie P., October 23, 1884; Ralph I., April 7, 1890; Harvey, January 25, 1892; Henry F., March 28, 1894, and Margaret C., December 30, 1887. The son Ralph was in active service in the World war as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Margaret C, the only daughter, is a graduate of the high school at Yellow Springs.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 56

FINDLEY W. SHAW has a record of vigorous and successful achievement as one of the substantial exponents of farm industry in Clark County, has the distinction of being a native son of the Buckeye State and is a scion of a sterling pioneer family of Ohio. His well improved farm estate is situated in Greene Township and his postoffice address is Yellow Springs.

Mr. Shaw was born in Greene County, Ohio, January 11, 1856, and is a son of Robert and Polly (Wilson) Shaw, the former of whom was born near Trenton, New Jersey, in 1804, and the latter of whom was born in Massachusetts, in 1812, both having been young at the time when the respective families established pioneer homes in Ohio. The marriage of Robert Shaw and Polly Wilson was solemnized when they were young folk, and they settled on a farm in Greene County, where their first child was born in the year 1835. Later they removed to a farm two miles west of the original place, and two years prior to his death Mr. Shaw came to Greene Township, Clark County, where he died in 1886, his devoted wife having passed to eternal rest in 1882 and having been an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church. Of their eleven children six are living in 1922, and of the eleven the subject of this sketch is the youngest. Cyrus is a farmer in Greene Township and is individually mentioned on other pages of this work; Margaret is the widow of John Kemp and resides at Hammond, Louisiana; Lydia is the widow of Abraham Rasner and resides near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Horace is a resident of Yellow Springs, Clark County; and John is another of the prosperous farmers of Greene Township, this county.

Findley W. Shaw was reared on the old home farm in Greene County, where he remained until he had attained to his legal majority, his educational advantages in the meanwhile having been those of the public schools of his native county. He has never found it expedient to sever his allegiance to the basic industries of agriculture and stockgrowing, through the medium of which he has won substantial prosperity. His fine home farm comprises sixty acres of the excellent land of Greene Township, and he is one of the loyal and representative citizens of that township. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian Church at Yellow Springs, of which he is a trustee.

December 31, 1878, recorded the marriage of Mr. Shaw and Miss Anna Patton, who was born May 11, 1858, in Greene Township, and who has lived continuously in this township, where her parents were early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have a fine family of ten children, concerning whom brief record is given in conclusion of this review: Emerson graduated from Cedarville College and is now principal of public schools in the State of Minnesota; Raymond likewise graduated from Cedarville College, and later completed a course in the Ohio State University, he being now engaged in the real estate business at Columbus, this state; Wilbur graduated from the law department of Valparaiso University, at Valparaiso, Indiana, and is now engaged in the real estate business in Baltimore, Maryland; Walter, a graduate of the Ohio State University, is now in charge of the boys’ institution known as Welcome Hall, in the City of Brooklyn, New York; Rev. Edward B. is a graduate of the Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and is now pastor of North Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Minnie, who remains at the parental home, is likewise a graduate of the Ohio State University; Paul M., a graduate of the high school at Clifton, is now associated with his brother Raymond in the real estate business in the City of Columbus; John P. was graduated from the Clifton High School and later attended Antioch College, is associated in the management of the home farm; Nettie graduated from the high school, thereafter was for three years a student at Cedarville College, and is now teaching public school; Ruth E. is attending Cedarville College. Paul M. and John P. represented Ohio in the nation’s military service in the World war period, Paul having accompanied his command to France, where he twice went “over the top” and where he suffered from a gas attack while at the front. John was in service at Camp Perry, Ohio, and was not called overseas.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 170

JAMES MONROE SHEAFF, whose home is on St. Paris Pike, has lived nearly four score years in Clark County. His active life time, taken up with useful service as a farmer and dairvman, resulted in the accumulation of a generous amount of land and improved farms. He is now retired from business, and his record has been such as to afford him a pleasing retrospect over his past life and experiences.

Mr. Sheaff was born at Albany, New York, September 4, 1839, son of Leonard and Mary (Champney) Sheaff. His parents, also natives of New York State, came in 1844 to Clark County, and in Springfield Township bought 113 acres of land. For this they paid $33 an acre, and on it they spent the rest of their years, developing one of the model farms of the township. The father died there at the age of eighty and the mother at eighty-two. Their children were: Mrs. Mary Quick; Myra, wife of Charles Everett; Miss Caroline; James Monroe and George W., twins. James Monroe is the only one living. His brother George died in July, 1921.

Mr. Sheaff grew up on the homestead in Springfield Township, attended the Snow Hill District School, and during the Civil war served as a member of the Home Guards until impaired health compelled him to leave the service. In 1870 Mr. Sheaff married Mary E. Miller, who was born in Springfield Township, daughter of Isaac and Betsie Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Springfield Township.

After his marriage Mr. Sheaff lived with his parents four years, then worked the Snyder farm in German Township four years, and from there came to St. Paris Pike and bought land at $300 an acre, erected a fine residence, and for many years did an extensive business as a farmer and dairyman. For three years he sold his milk at retail over a route in the City of Springfield. His business was known as the Snow Hill Dairy. Mr. Sheaff is still owner of several farms, operated by tenants, and he has a 100-acre farm at New Carlisle in Pike County, where his son lives. He formerly owned eighty acres in the suburban district of Springfield, and sold that to a corporation for $500 an acre. The property is known as Hills and Dales, and was subdivided for city lots, though Mr. Sheaff still owns sixteen acres of the tract. Mr. Sheaff has lived retired since 1918. He is a democrat, has taken an intelligent interest in local affairs and for nine years was road supervisor. Mrs. Sheaff is a member of the First Lutheran Church. They have been married for over half a century and they have three grandchildren. Their daughter, Nettie B., now deceased, was the wife of John Linn, and left one daughter, Mary Janette. The son, Clark, living on the farm at New Carlisle, married Edna Breneman, and their two children are James Monroe and John.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 391

HENRY SHELL, farmer; P. O. Christianburg. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is one of the old pioneers and stanch men that have made the Buckeye State what it is to-day. He was born in Montgomery Co., Va., Feb. 1, 1800; at the age of 11 years, he came to Ohio with his parents, and settled in Elizabeth Township, Miami County. March 6, 1823, his marriage was solemnized with Mary Peilliman. They have had fourteen children, of whom five are now living, viz.: Eliza, Henry, Elizabeth, Francis M. and Louisa, who have always remained at home with their parents. Mr. Shell purchased the beautiful farm where he now resides in 1830, in an unimproved state, and the improvement that has since been added is the energy and indomitable will with which be is possessed. His good and industrious wife died Jan. 16, 1873, at the advanced age of 72 years. Her religious views were identified with the German Baptist Church. Mr. Shell, in politics, is a Democrat. He and his daughter, Louisa, are members of the Christian Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1022

REUBEN SHELLABARGER, farmer; P. O. Enon. Among the old and prominent families of Clark Co., the one to which this gentleman belongs is well worthy of proper recognition in this work. Reuben Shellabarger was born in Mad River Township Nov. 8, 1815, and is a son of Ephraim and Rebecca (Winget) Shellabarger, he a native of Northumberland Co., Penn., and she of Cincinnati, Ohio; her parents, Reuben and Elizabeth Winget, natives of Virginia, coming to this Township in 1805. Ephraim Shellabarger came to this town in 1811, was preceded by his brother Jacob and accompanied by his brothers Samuel, John and Martin. He was married in 1814 to Rebecca Winget, to whom were born six children—Reuben, Margaret, Martin, Elizabeth, David and Ann, all of whom are now living. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, and died in this township. The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in his native township, receiving such an education as those early days afforded, and was here married Nov. 17, 1836, to Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Melyn and Mary (Layton) Baker, pioneers of Mad River Township. Mrs. Shellabarger was born in the above township Aug. 6, 1818, and had born to her Ephraim, Mary Ann (deceased), Melyn, Minerva, Derastus (deceased), Sarah Jane, Agnus, Rebecca, Maria E., Penie B. and Susan E. (deceased). Mrs. Shellabarger was a sincere adherent of the Christian Church, and died Aug. 5, 1873. Mr. Shellabarger was again married June 24, 1876, to Jane Rynearson, daughter of Barnett and Martha (Winget) Rynearson, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Mad River Township, where both are now residing. Mrs. Shellabarger was born in this township Jan. 20, 1831, and is a member of the Christian Church, to which denomination her husband has belonged for forty years. Mr. Shellabarger has been a hardworking, honest farmer all his life and has accumulated a property of 317 acres of fine land which he has well improved. Politically he has always been a stanch Democrat, and in 1854 was elected Township Trustee and re-elected several times, serving continuously until 1877, when he retired, but in 1879 the people again chose him as Trustee, and he is now filling that office. In 1870, and 1880, he was Township Land Appraiser, and has been a member of the Board of Education since its establishment in the township. He is a man who, by integrity and straightforward dealing through life, has merited the confidence and esteem of all good citizens, and is now enjoying the fruits of an industrious, upright life.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1046

HENRY M. SHEPHERD, clothier, Springfield; is a native of this part of Ohio; born in Champaign County in 1826. When about 14 years of age, Mr. Shepherd began his commercial career as clerk, and was engaged at intervals in different towns in this part of the State. In March, 1847, he came to Springfield and became connected with the Foos’ as a clerk, and has since resided here. In 1852, he became a member of the firm of Foos, Norton & Shepherd, and continued to be connected with some of the Foos brothers in business here until 1872, after which he conducted a merchant tailor’s and clothier’s establishment until 1876; was then out of mercantile business until 1879, when he formed the present partnership of Shepherd & Hart, and they have since conducted the clothing trade at No. 23 East Main street, both having practical experience. Messrs. Shepherd & Hart are prepared to and do conduct a first-class business. They carry a complete stock of clothing and gents’ furnishing goods, and by special arrangements are agents for one of the most extensive manufacturing firms of the East, where they send orders for special custom work. Mr. Shepherd has not only been actively connected with the business of the city, but has also been identified with public enterprises; was one of the constituent members of the company whose enterprise secured Fern Cliff Cemetery; and he has been the trusted and efficient clerk of the company since 1876. He married, in 1852, Miss Margaret J., daughter of Levi Rinehart deceased, a prominent citizen of his day. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have a family of three children. Their residence is No. 181 East High street.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 918

GEORGE VAN NESS SHERIDAN, general manager of the Springfield Sun, is well known in newspaper circles throughout the state. For a man of his years the range of his experience in publicity has been exceptionally wide.

Mr. Sheridan was born at Circleville, Ohio, September 7, 1887, son of Henry C. and Ann Augusta Sheridan. His mother’s people lived for many generations in Western New Jersey on the Delaware River. His paternal grandfather came from Dublin, Ireland, to this country, and during the period of the Civil war conducted the Broadway Hotel at Broadway and Fourteenth Street in New York City. From New York City during the ’70s the parents of the Springfield editor, Henry C. and Ann Augusta Sheridan, moved to Ohio.

George Van Ness Sheridan graduated from the high school at Marysville, Ohio, in 1905, and for two years was a student in the Ohio State University. He began his career as a newspaper man at Columbus in 1907, serving as a reporter, subsequently was managing editor of the Zanesville, Ohio, Times-Recorder, and for ten years was engaged in newspaper and in special publicity work in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. He was for six years executive secretary of the Ohio State Medical Association of Columbus.

Mr. Sheridan has been general manager of the Springfield Sun since 1917 and during the past five years has been an influential worker in connection with a number of Springfield’s business and civic organizations.

During the World war Mr. Sheridan was voluntary publicity director of the war chest and for nearly all other war publicity campaigns in Columbus. He also served at Washington in an unofficial connection with the Surgeon General’s office in the allocation of Ohio physicians for military and civil service. He was chairman of the Clark County Red Cross Chapter in 1920-21. Mr. Sheridan is a republican, is affiliated with H. S. Kissell Lodge of Masons, the Elks and Eagles at Springfield, and is a member of the Springfield Country, Masonic, Eagles and Elks clubs, the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Sheridan is managing director and treasurer of Orchard Springs Sanitarium Company, owning the sanitarium at Shiloh, near Dayton. He is a director and vice president of the Rotary Club of Springfield, director of the Lagonda Club, and is a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. At Cleveland, Ohio, June 23, 1913, he married Eve C. Husband, daughter of Doctor and Mrs. A. J. Husband, whose home is on Belmore Road, Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan have two children: Philip Henry, born in 1914, and Martha Sheridan, born in 1915.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 356

GARRETT SHERLO established his residence in Clark County more than forty years ago, and here he achieved substantial success as a representative of farm industry, the while he so ordered his life in all its relations as to merit and receive the unqualified confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He developed and improved one of the fine farms of German Township, and on this old homestead he continued to reside until his death, in 1919, at the venerable age of seventy-nine years. His character and achievement were such as to render most consonant the tribute here offered to him and his memory.

Mr. Sherlo was born and reared in Germany and was sixteen years of age when, after the death of both of his parents, he came to the United States, his tangible possessions being represented in the contents of a small trunk, and he being entirely dependent upon his own efforts in making his way to independence and prosperity in the land of his adoption. He first established his residence in Preble County, Ohio, and his loyalty to his adopted country was shown when he went forth from that county as a gallant young soldier of the Union in the Civil war. In that county was solemnized his marriage with Miss Mary Jane Shuey, who preceded him to eternal rest by about three years. After leaving Preble County Mr. Sherlo was for a time engaged in farming in Champaign County, and it was from that county that he came to Clark County and purchased the farm of 130 acres in German Township. He made the best of permanent improvements on this place, including the excellent buildings, and made the farm one of the best in German Township, he having eventually sold a small portion of the land, so that the old homestead now comprises 103 acres. Mr. Sherlo was a loyal and public-spirited citizen, and while he had no desire for official preferment he made a characteristically excellent record during his incumbency of the position of township trustee. He was a republican in politics and was a zealous member of the Dutch Reformed Church at Springfield, as was also his wife. The one child, Delta Ada, was born and reared in Clark County. She became the wife of Samuel Amos Judd, who was born in Virginia, and they thereafter continued to reside on the old home farm of her parents until her death, September 9, 1911, at the age of forty-one years, her husband being now a resident of New Carlisle, this county. Delbert Sherlo Judd, only child of Samuel A. and Delta A. (Sherlo) Judd, now owns and resides upon the old home farm, which he received as heritage from his maternal grandfather and the active management of which is now vested in him, as a progressive young man of twenty-one years (1922).

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 165

JOHN S. SHEWALTER, City Clerk, Springfield; is a native of Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Arabella (Aby) Shewalter, were natives of Virginia, but removed to Ohio about 1837; subsequently returned to Virginia; then removed to Tennessee, where they resided until the rebellion caused a breaking up of the family to some extent. The father died at the home of his sister in Clinton Co., Ohio, Jan. 16, 1864. The mother still survives, and now resides in this city with her son, who is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Clermont County April 14, 1838, and accompanied his parents to Virginia and Tennessee, where he was “conscripted” for service in the Confederate army in the fall of 1862, but before he was secured, he left with a company for Kentucky, who made their way over the mountains into the Union line, which they reached at Richmond, Ky., in December, where most of their number enlisted in the United States service; but John S., knowing the extreme risk if he should be taken prisoner, kept on North until he arrived in Springfield, where he has since resided with the exception of about eight months’ service in the 58th O. V. I. He is father was a miller, and he learned milling with him, and also learned the trade of molder. After his return from the army, he returned to Tennessee, but found everything in such chaotic condition that after eleven months’ stay, he returned to Springfield, and was employed here as molder. In January, 1870, at an especial election, he was elected City Clerk, and re-elected at each successive contest since. He is a member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the I. O. O. F.; of the latter, he has been a representative to the State Grand Lodge, and was a visitor to the Grand Lodge of the United States held at Indianapolis in 1875. He married, in 1868, Miss Margaret E. Garey; her decease occurred in 1877. Two children survive her—a daughter and a son. Mr. Shewalter married again in 1878; his second wife being Miss Ann W. Chenowaith, of Pickaway County; from this marriage has been born one child—a daughter.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 918

JOHN A. SHIPMAN, Postmaster, Springfield; is a native of Clark County; a son of Clark and Ruth (Ambler) Shipman. Mr. Shipman, Sr., was a native of Elizabeth, N. J., and removed when a boy with his father’s family to Kentucky. Having an elder brother residing in Springfield, he came here in 1815, and resided here until his decease in 1828. Ruth is the daughter of John and Annie Ambler. Mr. Ambler was a native of New Jersey; came to Springfield in 1808, and was a prominent citizen during his lifetime. He was Treasurer and Auditor of Clark County in early days, and his daughter, Ruth Shipman, now in her 81st year, relates how her father used the kitchen for his office and the upper part of the cupboard for a safe. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield in 1829. When 15 years of age, he engaged as an apprentice in a furniture factory. After serving the usual three years, he purchased an establishment and conducted that business until the spring of 1861. Then sold out, but remained with the firm as Superintendent until 1875. In 1876, he received the appointment of Postmaster at Springfield, which position he still holds to the evident satisfaction of a majority of the community. He was a member of the City Council several terms, and Chairman of the Finance Committee a number of years, and is thoroughly identified with the growth of Springfield. He married Fanny, daughter of William Grant, Sr., whose biography also appears in this work. From this union there are three children—Anna, Warren and Earl. Mr. Shipman is entirely a self-made man, having commenced the battle of life at 15, with a widowed mother to support; learned his trade, and by energy, industry and careful management, succeeded in securing a competence. He has now a number of residences and other valuable property besides. His home is No. 150 West Main street, where he has erected a fine brick dwelling of modern design on the same lot, and adjoining the little brick built by his grandfather Ambler, more than threescore years ago.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 918

PATRICK J. SHOUVLIN. Instances are numerous of men who, denied advantages in their youth, have overcome the obstacles which have appeared in their path and fought their way to prominence and prosperity, but there are few in the business world of Springfield who can equal the record of Patrick J. Shouvlin, proprietor of the Superior Gas Engine Company, probably the largest singly-owned plant in the world.

Mr. Shouvlin, while his only recollection is of United States soil, was born in Ireland, February 1, 1863, a son of Daniel and Bridget (Gallagher) Shouvlin. His father, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, went to Scotland when a young man and there learned engineering, following which, in 1856, he joined the LeWises, who had extensive iron interests in the United States, and came to this country, locating at Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he operated blast engines. Later he returned to Ireland, where he married Bridget Gallagher, and after living there a few years returned to America in 1866 with his wife and sons, Patrick J. and Daniel J. The father spent the remainder of his life in this country.

After the death of her husband Mrs. Shouvlin took her two sons to the anthracite region of Pennsylvania, and it was there that Patrick J. Shouvlin began his career as an anthracite miner, in the meantime having obtained a common school education. While looking after machinery he picked up a knowledge of practical engineering in the school of experience, and this he subsequently supplemented by private study, finishing as a mechanical engineer. In 1883 he came to Springfield and began working in the railroad shops at locomotive building, but after five years went to Wisconsin, where he became assistant master mechanic of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at LaCrosse. Later he was employed in the same capacity for the same line at Tacoma, Washington. In 1889 he returned to the East and located at Springfield, where he started a small machine shop on the present site of the Daily News plant. In the course of time his general line of steam engines and general machine business was augmented by the beginning of the development of the present Superior Gas Engine Company, which was moved to East Street in 1900 and to his present location, at Sheridan and Grenmount avenues, four years later. The present plant covers six acres of the twelve acres belonging to this property. In addition Mr. Shouvlin bought the old Herb Medicine Company plant, which was the progenitor of the old Common Sense Engine Company. As before noted, the present Superior Gas Engine Company is the largest singly-owned plant in the world. The engine is especially adapted for the pumping of oil, and recently a real oil-burning engine has been devised which is destined to become one of the wonders of its kind. In his plant Mr. Shouvlin employs on an average of 500 men. He is a democrat with independent proclivities, and in 1913, while traveling abroad, was elected a city commissioner, a position in which he has served very capably. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Baltimore, which nominated Woodrow Wilson for the presidency.

In 1887 Mr. Shouvlin married Catherine Burns, and they have six children: Daniel R.; Ann, who married Oswald Croty; John P.; Mary, who married Henry Wickham; Raphael, and Joseph. Of these Raphael and Joseph were in the United States service during the World war, but neither was called upon for overseas service. For many years Mr. Shouvlin has been a member of the American Association of Mechanical Engineers.

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

JACOB SHOWERS, farmer; P. O. New Moorefield; was born in Maryland, March 31, 1809; is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Miller) Showers, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Maryland. In 1819, removed to Virginia, where they lived until 1834, when they removed to Ohio, locating in Champaign Co., on what is known as “Pretty Prairie;” here they resided until their death; he died June 3, 1847, aged 63 years; his wife died Aug, 23, 1858, aged 68 years. Of a family of eleven children when they came to Ohio, six are now living—Jacob, Emanuel, Andrew, John, Mary and Hezekiah. Mr. Showers was a very industrious, upright man; he was brought up to the blacksmith trade, which he followed for many years, or until his removal to Virginia, since which time he has followed farming. When he started in life, his only capital was a good constitution and willing hands; these he used diligently, and on “Pretty Prairie” he had one of the best farms in this section of the country, and had all the comforts and conveniences of life, and these were all made by his own labor and industry. He was a man who refused offices, yet had the entire respect and confidence of the community, and was often solicited to accept many township offices, but refused them. He lived a long and useful life, and died loved and respected by all who knew him. Our subject remained with and assisted his father on the farm until 1834. Was married, Aug. 28, 1834, to Mary, daughter of Peter and Catharine (Archey) Grove, he a native of Maryland and she of Pennsylvania; issue, seven children; four now survive—Susan E., Abraham H., Peter G. and Charles H. In the fall of 1838, Mr. Showers bought and located upon his present farm, where he has since lived, having made a continued residence here of forty-two years. Mr. Showers, like his father, has never desired office, yet has served more or less as School Director and Township Trustee. In his early life, he was a school teacher, and during his life has taken great interest in the welfare of the schools, and served as Director thirteen years. Mr. Showers has passed the active portion of his life, and now, from his advanced years and poor state of health, is living at his home, retired from active business.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 994

HARRISON SHROYER; P. O. New Carlisle. The subject of our sketch was born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., Ohio, July 27, 1837. His youth and early manhood were passed on the farm with his parents; he received his education in the common district schools of the vicinity, and in the year 1864, Nov. 10, was united in marriage with Harriet A. Dille, who was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, April 7, 1843. This union was blessed with three children, namely: Emory B., born Jan. 9, 1870; Batie M., August 8, 1871; and Daisy B., Jan. 13, 1878. Mr. Shroyer, after his marriage, remained in Miami County one year, then came to his present place of residence. He possesses a good farm of 163 acres, upon which is a fine residence and good buildings. His parents were John Shroyer and Eliza Rall, the former a native of Maryland, Frederick County, and mother of Clark Co., Ohio. The father came to this State in 1823, stopping for a time in Montgomery County; thence to Miami County, where he died Jan. 11, 1866, in the 56th year of his age. The mother died Jan. 3, 1880, in her 64th year. Our subject’s wife’s parents were Alexander and Elizabeth Dille, both natives of Montgomery Co., Ohio, born in 1816 and 1818 respectively; both are yet living, being residents of Osborn, Ohio.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1022

EDWIN L. SHUEY, JR. Six miles from the center of Springfield, in Moorefield Township, Clark County, is situated Amedsa Hills Farm, the productive and well-improved property belonging to the Shuey family, and under the superintendence of Edwin L. Shuey, Jr., the only son, an enterprising agriculturist of this region. Mr. Shuey formerly had several important business connections in the larger cities, but has found his chief enjoyment and prosperity in the midst of his farm, where he is operating successfully in the fields of farming and stockraising.

Mr. Shuey was born at Dayton, Ohio, January 3, 1887, and is a son of Edwin L. and Effie (Mitchell) Shuey. Edwin L. Shuey was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 3, 1857, and as a child was taken by his parents to Dayton, where he was reared and where his education was acquired in the public schools. After attending high school he entered Otterbein College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and subsequently was granted the degree of Master of Arts. A few years ago he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. On August 15, 1882, he married Effie Mitchell, who was born at Springfield, and who had been a student at Wittenberg College. Following their union they settled at Westerville, Franklin County, Ohio, where Mr. Shuey was an instructor in the college for four years. They then removed to Dayton, where they have since resided, Mr. Shuey being connected with several of the largest business enterprises of that city. For many years he has served as a director of the Dayton Young Men’s Christian Association and is a member of the International Committee of that organization. He has always been active in the civic and religious organizations of his city and of the country. Mr. Shuey is president of the Board of Trustees of the First United Brethren Church of Dayton. In politics he is a republican. He has served as a member of the School Board, and is now president of the State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (1922). He and Mrs. Shuey are the parents of three children: Amy M., the wife of A. G. Bookwalter, of New York; Sarah Catharine, the wife of J. Bard McCandless, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Edwin L., Jr.

Edwin L. Shuey, Jr., was reared at Dayton, where he was graduated from the Steele High School, following which he entered Oberlin Collie and was a member of the graduating class of 1909, when he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then took a position with the Delco organization at Dayton as assistant to the treasurer, remaining in that capacity for two years, when he resigned and joined the Berryhill Nursery, holding an active position for one year. He is still assistant treasurer of this concern, which is now located at Amedsa Hills Farm. When he left Dayton Mr. Shuey came to his present handsome property, where he raises large crops of all the standard grains, and makes a specialty of breeding Hampshire hogs. He is a modern agriculturist, stockman and nurseryman in every respect, and during his ten years on his Moorefield Township place has made numerous improvements.

Mr. Shuey is a member of the First United Brethren Church of Dayton and holds an official position and membership in the Young Men’s Christian Association at Dayton and Springfield. He is also a member of the State Boys’ Committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association of Ohio.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 174

WARREN R. SHUIRR has devoted long years of study, energy and attention to the important business of growing fresh vegetables for the Springfield market, and has built up one of the successful enterprises of that kind within the city district.

Mr. Shuirr was born in the village of Tremont, Clark County, January 11, 1872, son of Frederick and Matilda (Hesselgesser) Shuirr. His father was born in Ohio, of German parentage, and after his marriage located at Tremont. He was a blacksmith by trade. In 1880, moving to Springfield, he bought three acres just north of the city, built on this land two greenhouses, and was successfully engaged in the growing of flowers and in general gardening until his death in 1886. His widow survived him until 1917. They had three children: Elmer, now on the old homestead; Warren R. and Louisa E., wife of Howard Logan, living on St. Paris Pike near Springfield.

Warren R. Shuirr was eight years of age when his parents moved to Springfield, and he finished his education in the Snow Hill district school. In February, 1892, he married Miss Clara V. Derr, a native of Maryland and daughter of Noah and Henrietta (Gothard) Derr. After his marriage Mr. Shuirr bought a tract of land bounded by McCreight Avenue, First Avenue, Yellow Springs Street and an alley on the west. On this he constructed a greenhouse 70 x 70 feet, and for thirty years has made a specialty of growing vegetables both under glass and in the open for the Springfield market. He sells his produce at a stand on the city market.

Mr. Shuirr is independent in politics, is affiliated with Moncrieffe Lodge No. 33, Knights of Pythias, and Springfield Council No. 240, Junior Order United American Mechanics. He has two sons. Walter, in the dairy business in Springfield Township, is operating a milk route. He married Nellie Dougal, and they have two children, named John Arnold and Helen. The second son, Roy, lives at home.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 93

JOHN T. SHUMAKER. A well-known figure in educational circles of Clark County is John T. Shumaker, principal of the Fulton School of Springfield, who has been identified with school work throughout his career, the last ten years of which have been spent at Springfield. He is not only well and widely known as a teacher, but occupies several important posts in educational organizations and has done much to elevate the public school system standards.

Mr. Shumaker was born near Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, January 26, 1876, and is a son of the Rev. J. W. and Lydia J. (Webster) Shumaker. His father was born in Virginia, in 1830. He entered the ministry of the Presbyterian Church at the age of twenty-two years, and took his first charge in Adams County, Ohio. After a long and useful career, during which he filled a number of pulpits in Adams, Highland and other Ohio counties, he died in Adams County in 1904, aged seventy-four years. He was greatly beloved by his people in the various sections in which his valuable labors were prosecuted. The mother of Mr. Shumaker, Lydia J. Webster, was born at Hillsboro, Ohio, March 22, 1833, and was a descendant of the old and distinguished family of which Daniel Webster was a member. She also died in Adams County in 1904, passing away only a few days prior to the death of her husband.

The early education of John T. Shumaker was obtained in the public schools of Adams County, and he was only seventeen years of age when he taught his first school, at Chum Creek, Ohio. Later he taught for eight years in the high school at Stout, Ohio, whence he went to Tremont, this state, and remained five years as a teacher in the high school. Mr. Shumaker was then offered the position of principal of the Fry School at Springfield, which he accepted and held for two years, later holding the same position at the Lagonda School for four years. In 1919 he became principal of the Fulton School, a post which he still retains.

Mr. Shumaker is a member of the Central Ohio Educational Association, the Ohio State Educational Association, the Springfield Teachers Institute, of which he is secretary and treasurer, and the Springfield Teachers Association, of which he is treasurer. He holds a life certificate in Ohio as a public school teacher. Among his associates he is known as a man of broad and comprehensive knowledge, possessing the enviable faculty of imparting his knowledge to others, and among the student body he is highly esteemed and widely popular. As a fraternalist he holds membership in Clark Lodge No. 101, A. F. and A. M.; Red Star Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Union Camp, Modern Woodmen of America. He belongs to Covenant Presbyterian Church of Springfield, where he has been a member of the Session for nine years and teacher of the Barraca Sunday School class for fifteen years.

In 1895 Mr. Shumaker was united in marriage with Miss Sally Pitts, who was born at Buena Vista, Ohio, in November 1876, daughter of Oscar and Mary J. Pitts, both of Buena Vista, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Shumaker there has been born one son, Claude V., born September 22, 1897. He attended the public schools, received instruction at home under the preceptorship of his father and then enrolled as a student at the Cincinnati School of Pharmacy, from which he was duly graduated. He is now securing further practical experience and training as an employee of a pharmacy at Springfield. Claude V. Shumaker married Miss Ruth Barton, of Springfield, and they are the parents of two children, Jack and Bob.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 59

EDWARD W. SIMPSON. A name that for over eighty years has been known and honored at Springfield is that of Simpson. It still represents, in a worthy representative of today, Edward W. Simpson, of this city, high character, business success and citizenship that has, as it were, been “tried by fire.” Edward W. Simpson was born at Springfield, Ohio, April 2, 1845. His parents were George and Esther (Walker) Simpson.

George Simpson was born in 1812 in Yorkshire, England, where he learned the trade of millwright. He married there Esther Walker, and in 1840 came to the United States with his family, stopping first at Columbus, Ohio. His objective point, however, was Springfield, where an English friend, Christopher Thompson, had settled, and, as at that time there were no railroads between the two places, the Simpson family covered the distance on foot. Mr. Thompson in later years became president of the Lagonda National Bank. George Simpson was endowed with both business energy and good judgment. In his earlier years at Springfield he followed his trade and in 1850 built the first public school structure on the corner of Yellow Springs and Main streets, and he also was the builder of the doors of the old locomotive round house of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was one of the first to recognize the commercial value of the water power of Mill Run and had much to do with the subsequent development along this stream, operating both saw and gristmills of his own. Later he bought extensive tracts of timber land in Michigan and established lumber yards at Detroit and at Springfield.

When the Civil war came on George Simpson enlisted in Company A, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served to its close, not only in this way proving his love for the Union but additionally giving three sons to the cause: Joseph, Edward W. and George, the last named being but twelve years old when he went out as a drummer boy with the Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The eldest brother, Joseph Simpson, served first in the Fourth Ohio Infantry and then re-enlisted in the Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry, and later had a leg shattered in battle. George Simpson died November 27, 1887, the father of seven children. In early political life he attached himself to the whig party but subsequently became a republican. He reared his family in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Edward W. Simpson is one of the two surviving members of his parents’ family. His school days ended when he was thirteen years old, at which time he went to work in the shops, first of Steele & Winger and later of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly, and it was while working for the latter firm that he enlisted, in 1861, in the Union Army, becoming a member of Company F, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, afterward re-enlisting in Company K, Third United States Cavalry. It was hard discipline for a boy of seventeen years.

Mr. Simpson was captured by the enemy in a skirmish near Benton, Arkansas, and was confined at Camden, that state, being sent later to Shreveport, Louisiana, to Marshall and to Tyler, Texas, and was at the latter place when the Confederates surrendered. Long imprisonment and rough usage had wrecked his health, and he was sent to New Orleans and from there to his home on “unlimited furlough,” but he surprised his officers and comrades by rapid recuperation. He reported for duty at headquarters in Columbus and was returned to his regiment, then encamped at Little Rock, Arkansas. Later he was sent to Arkadelphia, in an official capacity, and still later was placed in charge of the collection of confiscated cotton along the Red River.

Mr. Simpson was then assigned at Fort Smith, Arkansas, to command the establishing of a wooden water route across what is now Indian Territory and Oklahoma, the lack of water causing great suffering in many parts of the then arid states. During this mission he saw millions of deer and buffalo, not to mention unfriendly Indians. He was then on detached service with United States Surveyor Steck [sic] in connection with the Government survey, and after this was sent as an escort for the first territorial representative of Arizona to a point where he could secure safe passage to Washington, D. C. In the fall of 1866, the Indian menace became so great that ordinary communication through their hostile territory was deemed impossible, and it was at this time that such known brave soldiers as Mr. Simpson and his two picked comrades undertook the hazardous mission of carrying orders from Fort Selden, New Mexico, to Fort Beard, New Mexico. Although he risked his life every moment and on one occasion was lost for a time, he finally reached the friendly military fort in safety and successfully performed the duty assigned him. When he was finally discharged in 1867 he held the commission of sergeant, and at that time had the distinction of being the youngest sergeant in the United States Army.

Mr. Simpson made his way back to civilization as far as Fort Leavenworth in a prairie schooner, and thence by rail to Springfield, and shortly afterward quietly went back to shop work, his days of danger and adventure, during which he had many times proved a hero, being left behind. Later he became a lumber inspector and eventually succeeded his father in his lumber enterprises. He has been an active and useful citizen in many ways. For twelve years he served as chief of the Springfield Fire Department, and was secretary of one of the first building and loan associations.

Mr. Simpson married, January 28, 1873, Miss Mary B., daughter of Jonathan Renner. Their one son, Charles, died in infancy. They are members of the Third Lutheran Church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the G. A. R. and the Sons of Veterans.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 110

MISS SUSAN SINTZ, Springfield; she is the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Creitz) Sintz. She lives three miles northwest of Springfield, on the farm which her father entered. In 1858, the year he died, he was preparing material for a new house. Susan, being an energetic lady, pushed the work to completion, erecting a beautiful brick mansion, in which she resides. Peter was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Clark (then Champaign) Co., Ohio, in 1802. Elizabeth, a native of Virginia, came here (with her sister, Mrs. George Croft) about the same time. In 1803, the same year that Mr. Sintz entered his farm, he built a log cabin (which is still standing), in which he lived until his death. The first preaching that was had in that part of the county by the Methodists was held in this cabin, and the first person converted and to profess religion in that neighborhood was also in that cabin. His name was Jeremiah Sims. When Mr. S. first settled in this county, the Indians were very numerous, and sometimes quarrelsome. On several occasions, Mr. and Mrs. S. were compelled to sleep in the woods. Mrs. S. would sit in the saddle, on the horse, all night with her babe in her arms. They shared the “ups” and “downs” of pioneer life. Peter worked for Robert Rennick in the mill, and, in 1826, built the first flour-mill. He afterward erected two other flour-mills and three saw-mills. Of Peter and Elizabeth’s seven children, but four are now living, viz., Mrs. Margaret Leffel, Mrs. Martin Snyder, Peter and Susan.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 916

EBEN SKILLINGS, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He lives in a fine, large house in the southeastern corner of Springfield Township. He is engaged quite extensively in farming, and pays some attention to the raising of fine stock. He is the son of Lewis and Anna (Craig) Skillings, and was born June 16, 1833, on the farm where he now lives. He was married on New Year’s Day, 1857, to Susan Runyan, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Runyan. They had one child—Laura A., who was joined in wedlock, Jan. 14, 1875, to Rev. J. H. Hollingsworth. Susan departed this life in April, 1860. Mr. Skillings was again married, April 30, 1863, this time to Phoebe A., daughter of David and Susan (Smith) Paullin. Of this union five children have been born—Otis G., Susan L., Wesley, Sara E. and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Skillings are members of the Free Will Baptist Church, which is located near where they live. Mr. S. has been one of the Trustees of said church over twenty years, and is still serving in said office. Mr. Skillings’ father came to Ohio in 1810, and settled in Cincinnati, and moved from there to this county the same year, where he remained until death.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 920

LEWIS SKILLINGS, deceased. The father of this deceased pioneer was born near Berlin, Prussia, in the year 1750, and was a soldier in the Hessian army, which the English Government purchased of the German States to aid in crushing American liberty, but, in 1776, he, with three others, deserted, rather than fight against a people struggling for freedom, narrowly escaping detection. Mr. Skillings moved farther away from the scene of conflict, settling in Maine, where he was married to Mary Blagdon, to whom were born the following children: Louis, John, Charles, Hannah, Mary and two whose names are unknown. While working in the forest of his adopted state, he was killed by a limb of a tree falling upon his head, leaving a family of small children to the care of his widow and his eldest son Lewis, who was then but a small lad, yet faithfully did he discharge the trust; and by constant toil he cared and provided for the family until his 22d year, when he started for the Far West in search of his fortune, his mother surviving for many years, dying in 1857, aged 94. Lewis Skillings was born in Maine and in 1789, and, in 1810, we find him at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged in carrying produce, on flat-boats, down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Then afterward, he came to Clark County, and settled in the northeastern part of Green Township, moving thence across the line to Springfield Township, where his son Eben now resides. He was married to Ann Craig, daughter of John Craig, who was born near Onion River, Conn., March 29, 1792; came with her parents to Ohio in 1807, and the following spring settled in Harmony Township. Of this union seven children were born, viz., Mary, the deceased wife of James Laybourn, deceased; Hannah, the wife of Jonathan Mason, of Green Township; Sarah, the wife of Abel Laybourn, of Harmony Township; John, deceased; Lewis; Eben; and Wesley, deceased. It is unnecessary to speak of the privations and hardships undergone by Mr. Skillings and wife in their early married life; suffice to say, that theirs was the lot of every pioneer of the Mad River country, and nothing but the patience, pluck and energy, which it was their good fortune to possess, could have converted the country from a dense forest into one of the finest improved counties in the State. He and his wife were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was the Class leader in Fletcher Chapel for twenty years; his wife died June 15, 1866, and, in December, 1869, he also died, leaving to their children a handsome property, the result of industrious, economical habits, owing at the time of his death 300 acres of first-class land. In his will he left $20 per year for twenty years to Fletcher Chapel, and there in that same graveyard this honest, upright old couple, found their last resting-place on earth, leaving to their posterity a name and character above reproach.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 919

LEWIS SKILLINGS, farmer, stock-grower and feeder; P. O. Springfield; was born in Springfield Township, July 24, 1831. He is of Prussian descent; his grandfather, Lewis Skillings, having been a native of that country, born in 1850. This grandfather, rather than serve as a hireling soldier against the American Colonies then struggling for liberty, deserted and settled in Maine, where he married Mary Blagdon. They left seven children, of whom Lewis, the father of our sketch, was the oldest. At the age of 22, he came West, landing at Cincinnati in 1810. He boated on the Ohio and Mississippi for a time, and then settled in Springfield Township, this county, where he died in 1869. Our subject has always followed farming. At the age of 20, though living in his father’s family, he commenced business for himself, by dealing in live-stock on a small scale. When 25 years old, he left the parental household and engaged in business for himself, and, with his brother John, purchased 105 acres of land, where he now resides. Before the purchase money was fully paid, this brother died, and he completed the purchase and became the sole owner of the property to which he has since added 311 acres in the neighborhood. On Dec. 13, 1855, he married Miss Martha A., daughter of Calvin Hammond, of Harmony Township. To this marriage there have been given five children—Fremont, Laura, Rolley, Autice and Carrie, all living at home with their parents. Mr. S. has erected a fine brick residence, and a fine frame barn with stone base; all constructed, finished and furnished in the most elegant taste, and of the most improved designs.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1053

PETER SLACK, dealer in guns, pistols, etc. He was born in Peterborough, Eng., in 1820; came to America in 1850; after stopping in Cincinnati two years, he then came to Springfield and established his present business. When he was 15 years old, he began his apprenticeship of gunsmith, at which he served five years. At the end of that time, he opened a shop and carried on business ten years. Before leaving England, he was married, in 1849, to Maria Manton, to whom six children have been born, four of whom are still living, viz.: Alfred J., Charles M., Lucy M. (now Mrs. M. D. Johnson) and Laura A. When Mr. Slack arrived in Cincinnati, he had $100, and during his stay there he added another $100 to it, and with the $200 he began business here, and by close application to his trade and honorable dealing with all his customers, he has accumulated quite a handsome fortune; he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years, and at present is one of the Trustees of the Center Street Methodist Episcopal Church of this city; he has held different official positions in said church for twenty years, and has always been a liberal and cheerful giver. Alfred was born in Cincinnati, November, 1852; learned his trade (that of gunsmith) with his father, having worked in the shop from his youth; in 1873, his father gave him a half interest in the store. He is a young man of good, moral habits and excellent character. He was married in 1875 to Miss Lydia Sparks, daughter of Ephraim and Mary Sparks, who were among the early settlers of this county. They have two children, viz.: Leona M. and Bertha M. He is Librarian of the Center Street Methodist Episcopal Sabbath School. His wife was born in this city November, 1849. In 1879, besides doing a business of $20,000 in guns, pistols, ammunition, etc., they handled $26,000 worth of furs and $50,000 worth of wool.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 920

A. H. SMITH, stock-dealer; P. O. Enon; a son of A. H. and S. E. Smith, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They moved to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1866; bought 1,470 acres of land, all in one body, adjoining the village of Enon. Our subject was born in Cincinnati, Oct. 1, 1850; there obtained his early education, and enjoyed city life until 16 years of age. After his parents moved to Clark Co. he attended select school at Springfield, Ohio, starting in life at the age of 18 years. After which he married Miss S. J. Shellabarger, of Clark Co., Oct. 17, 1871, and to this union six children have been born—Amelia, Sallie, Maria, Mary, Justin and Arelia. Mr. Smith now oversees his father’s farm, and devotes his time principally to stock, and at present is one of the Trustees of his Township, to which he was elected by the Democratic party.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1046

ANDREW SMITH, farmer and bee-keeper; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Smith lives one mile south of Springfield, on the Selma pike, where he devotes his attention to farming and the bee culture; he has at present an apiary of some seventy colonies; he has paid special attention to the culture of bees for the past twelve years, and is thoroughly conversant with all the minutiae pertaining to the care of bees; he also makes a specialty of rearing Italian Queen bees, which he keeps both for his own use and for sale, and any one wishing to purchase either colonies of bees or Italian Queens will do well to call on Mr. Smith. You will not only find him a perfect gentleman, but honorable in his dealings. He was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, April 8, 1833, moved to Greene Co., Ohio, in 1837, with his parents, William H. and Maria A. (Vaughn) Smith. Andrew remained in said county until his removal to this county, in 1875; he was married April 12, 1855, to Rachael Baker, by whom four children were born—William E., Jacob M., John A. (deceased), and Mary J. Rachael was the daughter of Nayl and Huldah (Mills) Baker; she departed this life in 1865. The Millses were among the first settlers of Greene Co., Ohio. Mr. Smith was again married in 1866; this time to Mrs. Maria J. Baker, daughter of Lewis R. and Elizabeth Pardue, also the widow of Anthony Baker (deceased). Mr. Smith’s father was born in Ross Co., Ohio, and his mother in Virginia. Mr. Andrew served during the 100 days’ service in the late rebellion, in the 154th O. V. I., and at the close of said service re-enlisted in the 110th O. V. I., and served to the end of the war; he was in Gen. Grant’s army at the surrender of Gen. Lee.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 921

CHARLES SMITH, carpenter, Springfield. Among the young men of Springfield, mention may be made of Charles Smith, son of Peter and Jane Smith; he was born in Pike Township, Clark Co., Aug. 4, 1852; his attention was devoted to his studies and the duties of the farm until he arrived at the age of 21 years, at which time he commenced an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, and has given it his attention until the present. On Nov. 23, 1876, he married Miss Florence Ream, daughter of Jesse and Adline Ream, by whom he had born to him two children, viz.: Gertrude, born Oct. 4, 1877, and Dearwood, born Feb. 16, 1879. He resided in Pike Township until Sept. 15, 1880, when he moved to Springfield; he and his wife are both members in good standing of the German Reformed Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 922

DR. EDWARD H. SMITH, physician, Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1855. In 1875-78, he attended Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, one of the leading medical colleges of the State. In 1878, he graduated, and, after practicing a short time with his preceptor, Dr. Gardner, of Harrisburg, Ohio, he came to Vienna, Clark County, Ohio, and commenced the practice of medicine. June 4, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Ellinger, grand-daughter of the late Col. Foreman, one of the early settlers of the county, and a man of considerable prominence, having served as a Colonel in the war of 1812. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of one child (a daughter). Dr. Smith, although practicing in the county a short time, has built up quite a practice. He is a man of skill, and is very industrious. As a gentleman, he is quite pleasant and affable.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 967

JOHN SMITH, farmer; P. O. Osborn, Greene Co.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1034

JOHN D. SMITH, book-binding and stationary, Springfield. John D. Smith was born seven miles from Chillicothe Dec. 6, 1821, hence is nearly three score years old, and does not look half a hundred; he had six brothers and five sisters, of whom only four brothers and two sisters survive; his parents moved to Millgrove, Warren Co., when he was only 2 years old; soon afterward, they came to Springfield, and Jan. 31, 1837, returned to Millgrove, coming back to Springfield in September, 1842. On Dec. 18, 1844, he married Rebecca Chrest, by whom he had five children, one son and four daughters, of whom they lost the son and one daughter. Of their daughters, Emma S. married E. T. Thomas, Mr. Smith’s present partner in business; Alice B. married John Davidson in 1869, whom she lost March 1, 1877, and Carrie Lytle married Rodney F. Ludlow, in June, 1877. Having lost his wife in the fall of 1860, Mr. Smith, on Nov. 2, 1861, married his present wife, Miss Mary E. Woodrow, by whom he has no children. Mr. Smith has had little schooling, none after he was 11 years old. In about 1832 and 1833, he worked with Kills & Brichal, then with Morgan & Anthony; afterward worked on a farm, going to Lockport on rainy days to rule for John M. Seely. On coming to Springfield the second time, he worked with Mr. Baker about eighteen months, taking instructions in book-binding and blank-book making, after which, in September, 1844, he started on his own account, his business changes being many from that time to the present. He opened in what is known as “Trapper’s Corner,” there continuing sixteen years, having, part of the time his brother for partner; in 1850, he also conducted a boarding-house, merging it into a hotel, upon selling out his book-binding business in the fall of 1860; in 1862, he sold his hotel business to H. F. Willis; worked from March to September, 1862, for E. L. Barrett, then rented from Hastings, and again, with Barrett, on one-half division of profits, to July, 1865. Then he again worked with Hastings on the basis of an interest, until Jan. 20, 1879, since which time he has been doing business as at present, under the name of J. D. Smith & Co., the company being his son-in-law, E. T. Thomas. He did Hastings’ work, as of old, until the 15th of October. Mr. Smith now does the leading business in this line, and has all he and a full force of hands can do in new and enlarged quarters, corner of Main and Limestone streets. He is a member in good standing of Springfield Lodge, I. O. O. F., and member of the Royal Arcanum of Springfield, and one of Springfield’s energetic and reliable citizens.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 921

JOHN J. SMITH, Justice of the Peace, Springfield. Mr. Smith was born April 25, 1837, in Wurtemberg, Germany; emigrated, with his parents, to America, in 1852; after stopping awhile in Erie, Penn., came to Ohio, and located in Salem, and while living there took a trip through this part of Ohio, and in passing through this city the general appearance of the place attracted his attention so much that he concluded to make Springfield his future home, and consequently moved here in 1858; in 1869, was elected to the City Council from the Second Ward, and was re-elected in 1871 and 1873; he was elected Justice of the Peace for Springfield Township in 1873, and has been twice re-elected since to the same office. He has been twice married, first, in 1860, to Mary E. Hax, daughter of Theodore and Cathrine Hax. With this union three children were born. Mary died in 1874. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Stubbe, widow of William Stubbe (deceased), to whom he was married in 1876. Mr. Smith carried on a grocery and feed store in this city some thirteen years; he attended school from his fifth year of age until he sailed for America.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 920

PETER SMITH, farmer; P. O. New Carlisle. This gentleman was born in the county of Botetourt, Va., Dec. 14, 1811. At the age of 2 years he came to Ohio with his parents, Christian and Christianna Smith, and settled near Chillicothe. They remained one year in their new home, and came to this (Pike) township, and located near New Carlisle. In the year 1821, Christian purchased the farm where he resided until his death, which occurred in Nov. 27, 1855. His educational advantages were limited; he was early trained to farm labor. In his 25th year, he rented the farm now owned by Samuel Harshberger for one year and then purchased 80 acres of timber land, which he cleared and put under cultivation. He soon added 80 acres to his original purchase, making in all 160. In the spring of 1873, he disposed of the place and purchased the farm he now occupies. December 5, 1836, he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of Jesse and Sarah Mixon. She was born Dec. 26, 1813. They were the parents of eleven children, viz.: Christian M., born Sept. 14, 1837; Perlena and Elsina (twins), Sept. 12, 1839; Christianna, May 22, 1842; Sarah, Feb. 8, 1844; Lydia, Feb. 28, 1846; Ruth, Aug. 3, 1848; Jesse M., April 8, 1850; Charles, Aug. 4, 1852; Peter M., Sept. 25, 1854; Mark, June 3, 1858. Perlina died Jan. 25, 1855; Ruth, died Jan. 21, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with four children, are members of the German Baptist Church, and one daughter a member of the Baptist Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1023

RILEY SMITH. The work of the real estate man is varied and the responsibilities resting upon him are frequently important, for it often lies within his province to foster a local spirit of civic pride. This accomplished, the successful realtor reaches out for broader fields and endeavors to attract to his city new blood and capital. He in a measure develops the resources of his community, popularizes it and directs the investment of its revenues and management of many of its affairs, and much of this is done through individual effort. Among the younger realtors of Springfield who have gained positions of importance through their activities in these directions is Riley Smith, a real estate dealer and builder of homes, and vice president of the Avondale Realty Company.

Mr. Smith was born in Ross County, Ohio, near the Gillespieville Post Office in Liberty Township, September 3, 1883, a son of Simon Watson and Sarah (Tracy) Smith, natives of the same county. Simon W. Smith was born on the above farm, September 15, 1858, and was in the building and contracting business at Chillicothe, Ohio, until coming to Springfield in 1916, since which time he has been identified with his son’s building operations. His wife, Sarah, was a daughter of William Tracy, who was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Ross County, Ohio, with his parents when he was a boy. In additions to being a contractor at Gillespieville he was a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Smith died at Chillicothe in May, 1910, aged forty-nine years.

The pioneer of this branch of the Smith family was Michael Smith, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1810, one of twelve children who were orphaned by the death of both parents during an early epidemic of cholera. He was bound out to a man named Van Gundy, with whom he came to Ross County, and eventually became well-to-do, buying what was then the Taylor farm in Liberty Township, which land had been obtained by Taylor direct from the Government. This farm still remains in the possession of Mr. Smith’s descendants. Michael Smith was twice married, and had he been living in 1915 would have been 105 years old, with the following descendants: Eleven children, forty-three grandchildren, seventy-three great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-grandchild. During these 105 years there have been only thirteen deaths in Michael Smith’s descendants’ families. Four of his sons served in the Union Army during the Civil war, and came through “without a scratch.”

Riley Smith was reared on the old homestead in Ross County and attended the Glade District School. He left the farm when he was twenty years old, and, going to Chillicothe, learned the building business in all its details, doing manual labor in the different building trades and using his powers of observation to give him all the information that he could secure. When he was twenty-three years of age he was a full-fledged building contractor at Chillicothe, due to the care he had taken in preparation, which included correspondence school courses and the study of English under a tutor. In 1911 he came to Springfield and began building and selling homes. In 1915 he became secretary and general manager of the Avondale Realty Company, and in 1920 became vice president of that concern. In addition to his own building operations and his connection with the company mentioned he has other important business interests, some of which are now only in the development stage. Energetic and progressive, he has always made his mark in the business world, and is steadily making advancement. Mr. Smith is a valued member of the Springfield Real Estate Board and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally he is affiliated with St. Andrews Lodge No. 619, Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Smith is an active member of Story-Hypes Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is financial secretary to the Board of Trustees, and has charge of the stewardship department of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Springfield District of the West Ohio Conference.

Mr. Smith married Miss Edna Ault, daughter of Reason and Elizabeth Ault, of Gillespieville, Liberty Township, Ross County, who died in May, 1919, leaving two sons: Hobart R. and Lloyd S. In June, 1921, he married Joyce E. Trombley, daughter of DeWayne D. and Mary P. Trombley, of Springfield, Ohio.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 36

JOHN W. SOWERS. The self-made man deserves more than passing mention, for his success proves that he possessed more than ordinary attributes in order to rise, through his own efforts, to a position somewhat above that attained by the rank and file. John W. Sowers is one of the men of this character in Clark County who, working hard and saving thriftily, become independent and takes a constructive part in the work of their community. His finely improved truck farm on Hillside Avenue, Springfield, shows the results of his hard work and good management, and he has every reason to be proud of what he has accomplished. John W. Sowers was born in Greene County, Ohio, February 12, 1849, a son of John Hanson and Elizabeth (Coines) Sowers, natives of Maryland and of Greene County, Ohio. Early in life he was a carpenter, but later was engaged in farming. His death occurred at Springfield, October 2, 1862, his widow surviving him until February 15, 1892, when she passed away at Springfield. As he was the eldest of six children, after his father’s death John W. Sowers had to go to work and he had no further opportunity of attending school. For two years he did farm work on the homestead, and then worked out by the month for neighboring farmers. Following his marriage in 1870 Mr. Sowers was engaged in farming, operating a threshing machine and doing sawmill work until 1886, when he located at Springfield, and for the next three years he was engaged in hauling stone. Going then into the employ of P. P. Mast, of the Buckeye Drill Company, he continued with him until 1902, when he secured a piece of land in the eastern part of Springfield and farmed it until 1908. He then bought five and one-half acres on Hillside Avenue. The subsequent year he erected a residence, barn and other outbuildings, which are excellent for their several purposes, and here he maintains a comfortable home and raises vegetables, which he sells at his stand in the city market. In August, 1870, Mr. Sowers married Lydia Jane Shrock, who was born at Springfield, and died there June 28, 1889. They became the parents of the following children: Jennie Ann, who is the wife of Ernest Bennett, of Pueblo, Colorado; Edward and William, who live at Springfield; Ottie L., who died in infancy; Harry, who lives at Springfield; Ollie, who is Mrs. Harry Webb, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Frank, who died in infancy; Roy, who lives with his father; and Floyd, who died in infancy. Mr. Sowers has always been a republican, and is active in party matters. For three years he served on the School Board and for two years represented Fairfield on the Board of Supervisors. Fraternally he belongs to Fairfield Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Springfield Lodge No. 240, J. O. U. A. M. Hard working, thrifty and careful, Mr. Sowers has made his way in life, and not only is successful in material things, but stands very well with his neighbors, who appreciate his excellent qualities.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 322

JOHN B. SPARROW, farmer, stock-raiser, and dealer in stock; P. O. Springfield; was born in this county July 3, 1829; his father’s name was John; his education was that of the common schools, and his early life was spent, as his whole life has been, upon the farm. At the age of 21, he commenced farming for himself upon the Marquart farm, this township, where he has lived forty-one years. March 1, 1854, he married Miss Ann, daughter of Mark and Esther Johnson. Of this marriage, ten out of twelve children survive; two have married and left the parental home, and the remainder yet remain. April, 1879, Mr. S. bought 209 acres, part of the Marquart landed estate.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1054

GEORGE SPENCE, attorney at law, Springfield; is a native of Clark County and a representative of that class of men who have come up by their own exertions, from hard-working pioneer families, and he now occupies a leading position in this community; he is a son of William and Elizabeth (Wones) Spence, who emigrated from Yorkshire, Eng., about 1816, and was located at Cincinnati about two years, being engaged in the farming line; in the meantime had entered land in Pike Township, this county, to which he removed his family about 1818; he was an active, energetic man, raised a family of thirteen children, eight of whom were sons; he kept a store, dealt in stock, and carried on different business operations in connection with his farm, and became possessed of a large farm, which he handsomely improved; his death occurred in 1847, and his wife died in 1853. The subject of this sketch was born in Pike Township, May 22, 1828. By dint of energy and perseverance, he managed to obtain a fair education during his early youth, and being of a mathematical turn, at 17 he secured the position of Assistant County Surveyor, which he held several years; during the fall of 1845, he was severely injured by being caught in the “tumbling shaft” of a thresher horse-power, from which he has never fully recovered; he taught school the following winter and began to read Blackstone with a view to securing a profession which would not require much manual labor, for which he was unfitted; the following year, he attended the spring term of the Springfield high school and continued his studies, teaching at intervals, and attending a course at Gundey & Bacon’s Commercial Business and Law College at Cincinnati in the fall of 1847; afterward he read law in the office of Rogers & White, and was finally admitted to practice in the spring of 1850; in 1851, he opened a law office, where he has since continued to practice his profession Mr. Spence has been identified with the growth and history of this city and county for upward of thirty years; took an active and leading part in establishing the street railway, and was a member of Council seven years. Mr. Spence is a Democrat in politics and thoroughly identified with his party in his city, county and State; he was a member of the Charleston Convention, in 1860, and the candidate of his party for State Treasurer in 1865; he married, July 3, 1855, Miss E. Jane Edmonson, of Dayton, who is related to the Bayard Taylor family, and is a lady of rare accomplishments. She has a well-earned reputation as a botanist, and has a large collection of skeletonized leaves and plants, which includes many rare specimens from different parts of the globe. From this union two children have been born; one son, George E., now a young man, survives. Mr. Spence’s energy is a marked characteristic, and to this trait is largely due the success to which he has attained, in spite of his early disadvantages. In addition to his practice, which has been large for years past, he is recognized as one of the leading criminal lawyers of this portion of Ohio, and in the selection of juries, and pleading before a jury, he is considered almost invincible; his outside business has been extensive, and in 1862 he bought 40 acres of land west of the city, which he platted and improved, and this is now known as Spence’s Addition to Springfield; his residence is a part of this tract, fronts on High street, and is a handsome suburban property and pleasant home.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 922

JOHN SPENCE, farmer; P. O. North Hampton. This gentleman is the fifth son of William and Elizabeth, both of whom were born in England and came to this country in 1818, settling on a piece of land adjoining the farm now occupied by our subject, who was born March 21, 1824. He lived with his father and assisted in the work of the farm until he arrived at his majority, when he left the home farm and commenced working at the cooper trade. In this he continued seven years, after which he entered the mercantile business, in which he continued two years, when he exchanged his store for Western land. He married Louisa Bailey, daughter of Charles and Martha Bailey, July 3, 1853, and moved onto the farm where he now lives. He has had born to him four children, viz.: Mary Ann, born April 13, 1854; Elizabeth, born Nov. 3, 1856, died March 6, 1858; Marcellus, born Jan. 19, 1860; Warren, born Dec. 14, 1864. Mrs. Spence died Dec. 8, 1865, and the eldest daughter (Mary Ann) died Aug. 9, 1869. Mr. Spence was again married Aug. 25, 1867, to Henrietta Crawfis, by whom he had three children, as follows: Arminta, born Aug. 18, 1868; Arwilda, born Feb. 22, 1870; Carrie M., born Oct. 18, 1872. Mrs. Spence, the second wife, died Aug. 26, 1880. Little Arminta has had one of her limbs broken eleven times by falls, etc., and is now crippled for life. In May, 1880, she had the other limb broken while trying to preserve the crippled one from injury.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1023

MARY SPENCE, farmer; P. O. North Hampton; was born in German Township, Fayette Co., Penn., Oct. 18, 1826, and came West to Clark County in 1837. At the age of 24 years she united her destinies with Mark Spence (deceased), who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 10th of September, 1820. On the 25th of December of the same year, he moved with his parents upon the farm his wife now occupies. Their union was blessed by the birth of a son, on Jan. 30, 1852. He resides at present with his mother, and is indeed all she desires. Politically, Mr. Spence was a stanch Whig; his first vote was cast for Henry Clay. The Whig party having been disrupted and the Republican party organized, Mr. Spence joined the latter party, and has ever since given it a hearty support. He was not a church member, yet he contributed liberally to the maintenance of religious interests. He believed that the interests of society and government are linked with the success of the common schools, and used his influence in their encouragement and support. Appreciating the value of good roads, Mr. Spence urged their construction, and liberally lent his time and gave his money to that end. As evidence, from a total cost of a single turnpike, of $7,500, his contribution amounted to about $1,200. Jan. 8, 1878, Mark Spence departed from this life, leaving an only child to care for the bereaved widow. He was married on the 12th of February, 1880, to Miss Anna Friermood. They have one child, born Jan. 15, 1881.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1023

MALCOLM EARL SPENCER. To interpret the law properly in all its complexities and unerringly to apply its provisions to establish human rights and defeat injustice demands such a comprehensive knowledge not only of books but of life itself that he who reaches a high plane in this profession must command more than negative consideration in the minds of his fellow men. It is told both in history and romance that there is a form of law that is upheld among savages, but when interpreted it resolves itself into the axiom that might makes right, and in modern, civilized life it becomes the task of the exponent of the law to overcome this only too prevalent idea. Hence, on a solid educational foundation must be erected a thorough knowledge of what law means to the present-day man and how it can be applied to circumvent evil, protect the helpless and bring happiness and safety to the deserving. Among the younger members of the Clark County bar one who has made rapid advancement in his calling because possessing a thorough understanding of its responsibilities and opportunities is Malcolm Earl Spencer, of Springfield.

Mr. Spencer was born at Columbus, Ohio, January 29, 1893, and is a son of George W. and Amelia (Strait) Spencer, the former born at Columbus and the latter at Straitsville, Perry County, Ohio. His father, who was educated in the public schools of Columbus, became construction superintendent for the Bell Telephone Company at Westerville, Ohio, and later at Columbus, Ohio, a most hazardous position, and one which he filled in various other parts of the country until meeting his death in the line of duty October 18, 1904. Mrs. Spencer survived him only until April, 1905.

Malcolm Earl Spencer was only eleven years of age at the time of his father’s death, and until that time had attended the public schools of Columbus. When he was left an orphan he was taken to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home at Springfield, where he remained until reaching the age of sixteen years. He then entered Wittenberg Academy and worked his way through that institution, from which he was graduated in 1914. During this time he had applied all his spare time to the study of law with Donald Kirkpatrick, a well-known lawyer of Springfield, and upon his graduation and subsequent admission to the Ohio bar became associated with Mr. Kirkpatrick, under the firm style of Kirkpatrick & Spencer. This concern is now justly accounted one of the strong and reliable legal combinations of the city and has been identified with a number of prominent cases.

On June 24, 1914, Mr. Spencer was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Furlong, who was born in Cincinnati and, having been left an orphan at a tender age, was reared at the Ohio State Independent Order of Odd Fellows Home at Springfield. To this union there have come three children: Malcolm Earl, Jr., who died in infancy; Gerald Elden, born May 18, 1920, and Phyllis Adele, born June 19, 1921. Mr. Spencer and his family belong to the Northminster Presbyterian Church, in the work of which he has taken an active part, and has taught in the Sunday school. A republican in politics, he has taken little more than a good citizen’s part in public affairs, but has endeavored at all times to discharge his duties, and is serving as prosecuting attorney’s assistant. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. Encampment and the Rebekahs.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 403

JOHN SPIDEL, contractor and builder. John Spidel is the son of Uriah and Rosanna Spidel, both natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. He was born in Lehigh Co., Penn., May 11, 1830; he came to Bethel Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in 1854; his occupation is that of a contractor and builder, and he has been extensively engaged in the adjoining counties of Greene, Montgomery and Miami. On the 25th of February 1858, he married Miss Lydia Forrer, who was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., July 21, 1829. As a result of this union, they have had the following children born to them: Iantha, born Dec. 12, 1858; Ella, Sept. 8, 1860; Ida May, Dec. 12, 1862; Anna, July 20, 1865; Carrie, Sept. 6, 1867; Harry E., March 11, 1869, died June 14, 1869; Mary, born Aug. 6, 1870. During the rebellion, Mr. Spidel enlisted in the 153d O. V. I., and was wounded in the engagement at the South Branch Bridge, Virginia.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1034

ARTHUR M. SPINING. By way of introduction to the prominent and historic Springfield family of Spining, something may be said of one of the city’s leading manufacturing establishments, with which Arthur M. Spining has been identified in an executive way for a number of years.

In 1866 the firm of Kidzie & Mellen established a planing mill at Springfield. Their output was largely material for builders. Later they started the manufacture of the old “toothpick” type of coffins, which were made from native wood, chiefly yellow poplar, and stained to imitate mahogany and rosewood. That was the pioneer beginning of casket manufacturing in Springfield. Subsequently the firm of Deardorf, Mellen & Company operated the Springfield Coffin Company, and that in 1884 was consolidated with the Springfield Casket Company, and for nearly forty years the Springfield Coffin and Casket Company has been one of the successful corporations of the kind in the United States. The first manager of consolidated industry, appointed in 1884, was J. V. Elster, and he was succeeded in 1910 by A. M. Spining. During the early ’80s the use of native wood for caskets was abandoned, and thereafter for many years the chief material was chestnut for the shells, with cloth covering. At the present time hardwoods are used extensively, and they are finished in every conceivable way, but cloth covered work is mainly featured. This factory, it is important to note, has not been closed for twenty-five years, and it is the source of livelihood from thirty to forty employees.

Arthur M. Spining, manager of the company, was born at Springfield, October 25, 1867, son of Isaac M. and Harriet (Taylor) Spining, a grandson of Pierson and Mary (Scooly) Spining, and great-grandson of Judge Isaac Spining. Judge Isaac Spining in 1808, with his wife, whose name was Catherine Pierson, and her father, John Pierson, went to Hamilton County, Ohio. Judge Isaac Spining and John Pierson had both served as soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Judge Isaac Spining never lived in Clark County, but his son Pierson Spining moved to Springfield in 1812, and at one time owned much of the land on which the modern city stands. He was one of the wealthy and influential men of his generation, and employed his means extensively in constructive enterprises. He helped build the old National Road through this part of Clark County, and two bridges erected by him in the ’30s are still in use. The Spining home was the first in Springfield to introduce a piano, and that venerable instrument is now preserved in the rooms of the Clark County Historical Society. Pierson Spining also probably had the first cook stove, marking the beginning of an improvement over the old ways of cooking by the fire place. His household furnishings, that were a considerable novelty to the people of that town, included cut glass decanters. Pierson Spining was one of the prominent members of the Presbyterian Church.

His son Isaac M. Spining was born in 1813, on the site of the present Springfield Hardware Company’s establishment. He was reared in the pioneer town, made the acquaintance of Indian boys still living there, and during his active career was a successful merchant. For a time he lived at Findlay and at Cleveland, but spent his last years in Springfield, where he died in 1878. He and his wife had six children, the youngest being Arthur M.

Arthur M. Spining has had his home at Springfield, except for three years he lived in East Tennessee. He has maintained the honorable traditions of the Spining family in this locality, has been active in business for over thirty years, and takes much pride in what Springfield has accomplished in growth and development during his lifetime.

In 1888 Mr. Spining married Mary Estella Wade, daughter of John Wade and granddaughter of General Melancthon Wade. Their five children are Mary Louise, Edith Cecelia, Susie Wade, Katherine Pierson and Arthur Milton, Jr. The daughter Susie is the wife of Carl W. Tuttle, and they have two children, Wilbur Spining and Mary Jane Tuttle.

Mr. Spining votes as a republican, is a York and Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is a Deacon in the Covenant Presbyterian Church, has for twenty-five years been affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Commercial Travelers.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 376

PIERSON T. SPINNING, M. D., who resides on the National Road in Springfield Township, three miles east of Springfield, was born at Findlay, Ohio, August 7, 1854, and is a son of Isaac Milton Spinning, who was born at Springfield, Clark County, in 1813, a son of Pierson Spinning. Pierson Spinning, the sterling pioneer founder of the family in Clark County, came here in the year 1812, from New Jersey, he having made the trip down the Ohio River to Cincinnati and thence overland to Clark County. He was one of the early merchants and prominent contractors at Springfield. He continued in mercantile business here for thirty years, and as a contractor he constructed a part of the Miami and Erie Canal, as well as a portion of the old National Road. He made judicious investments in Clark County land, and land owned by him is now a part of the City of Springfield. This honored pioneer died in 1856, at the age of seventy years, and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Schooley and who likewise was bom in New Jersey, attained to the venerable age of eighty-four years. Of their children the first, Hattie, died in young womanhood; Lizzie did not marry and was a resident of Dayton at the time of her death, when venerable in years; Emily married George McAlpin, founder of the important McAlpin mercantile establishment in the City of Cincinnati; Sally married David Stewart, and they established their home at Dayton; Isaac Milton, father of the Doctor, was the next in order of birth; and Charles and Pierson, Jr., became prominent wholesale merchants in the City of Cincinnati.

At Findlay, this state, was solemnized the marriage of Isaac Milton Spinning and Harriet Taylor. She was born in Vermont and came to Springfield, Ohio, in 1863. At Findlay, Mr. Spinning was engaged in the hardware business until 1860, when he removed to the City of Cleveland. There he continued his business activities until 1863, when he returned to Springfield, his death having here occurred when he was sixty-five years of age and his widow having here passed away at the age of seventy-four years. Of their children the eldest is John, now a prosperous farmer in Florida; Dr. Pierson T., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; William, a resident of Peru, Indiana, was for many years engaged in the drug business there, besides being interested in various other local enterprises; Milton died in childhood; Arthur is business manager of the Springfield Coffin & Casket Company; and Carrie is the wife of George Sylvester, an officer in the United States Army and now (1922) stationed at Los Angeles, California.

The early education of Dr. Spinning was acquired in the public schools, and he is now the only resident of Clark County that was a member of the class of sixteen graduated from Wittenberg College, at Springfield, in 1874, four other members of the class surviving in 1922. After thus receiving from this college the degree of Bachelor of Arts Dr. Spinning forthwith entered Miami Medical College, in the City of Cincinnati, and from this institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1878 and with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For four years Dr. Spinning was engaged in the practice of his profession at Springfield. He made a record of admirable achievement also in the pedagogic profession, to which he gave his time and attention for a period of seventeen years, fourteen of which found him engaged in high school work as a teacher of natural sciences. Under his direction instruction was received by many men who later achieved prominence as lawyers, physicians and business men. For more than twenty years past Dr. Spinning has resided on and given his supervision to his fine farm, the old Anthony Bird homestead, in Springfield Township, property which he has owned more than a quarter of a century. He has specialized in the raising of registered Jersey cattle, and his herd varies from twenty-five to sixty head of these fine animals. On the farm he frequently holds public sales of Jersey cattle, and these draw breeders from far and wide, as the Doctor has gained high reputation for the superiority of his Jerseys. The Doctor, who gives little attention to his profession, is still a student and reader of marked enthusiasm, and is known as a talented classical scholar who specially enjoys the reading of classical Greek works. For thirty years he has been a valued and appreciative member of the Men’s Literary Club at Springfield, which has but two who have been members for a longer period, besides which his is the distinction of being the only farmer represented on the membership roll. Dr. Spinning is a bachelor, but does not vaunt himself unduly on this score of immunity.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 21

DARIUS SPRAGUE, farmer; P. O. Springfield, Ohio. The subject of this sketch is the son of the late James Sprague, who came to Clark County in a very early day and died in 1846. The subject of this sketch was born March 31, 1817, in Harmony Township on the “old Sprague homestead,” adjoining the farm upon which he now resides. Darius made choice of farming when young, and has since followed it successfully. He was united in marriage Feb. 8, 1837, to Sarah Rice, daughter of Edward Rice (deceased), who was one of the early pioneers of Clark County, having come to Ohio from the State of New York. There has been born to Darius and Sarah, twelve children, five of whom are now living, viz., Lucina E., now the wife of Dr. Banwell, of South Charleston; James E., who was born March 15, 1844; Sarah, now the wife of Corwin Price, of Springfield; Darius A. and William S., of Springfield. Mr. Sprague is the owner of a beautiful farm of 700 acres, all of it being in Harmony Township, excepting 160 in Madison Township. Mr. S. has retired from farming, and his son, James E., has the farm rented. Mr. Sprague was at one time very extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, having as many as 5,000 sheep on his farm, and cattle in proportion. James, who has the farm rented, was united in marriage, May 9, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Burk, of Harmony Township; there has been born to them one child—Mabel C., born June 28, 1879.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 967

SAMUEL SPRECHER, D.D. LL.D., Professor of Systematic Theology, Springfield. We point with pride to this sketch, although so brief in detail; it represents the correct busy life of one of Wittenberg’s oldest professors; one who has bravely stood at his post for thirty-two consecutive years; by his careful training, many of the noble young men, graduates of this institution, were developed in the philosophical and theological branches and have made their names and reputations such as becomes those who have been educated carefully, by one who understands fully the requirements of all pertaining to this system, and through them additional luster has been thrown about our friend, Dr. Sprecher. His parents, Philip and Mary Sprecher, were born in Pennsylvania, and their parents were natives of Germany. Philip and Mary Sprecher were parents of twelve children, of whom Dr. Sprecher is the youngest. He was born in Washington Co., Md., Dec. 28, 1810; his father was a farmer, but fortunately for his son (the status of education being very low in the neighborhood), a schoolhouse was built on his father’s farm; here the rudiments of an English education were gained; his desire for knowledge increased with his years, and many books were purchased with the spoils of the chase (he being an expert at trapping); at the age of 16, he engaged in the mercantile business; at 19, commenced an academic course, also a theological course in Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, Penn. His first charge was Harrisburg, Penn., extending over a period of four years; in 1841, he took charge of Frey’s Academy, at Middletown, Penn.; from 1843 to 1849, was Pastor of a church in Chambersburg, Penn.; June 1, 1849, he was elected President of Wittenberg College, and also assigned Professor of Theology and Mental Philosophy, which were continued until 1874, when he resigned the Presidency and continued his Professorship in the same department until 1880; he is now Professor of Systematic Theology, and is the publisher of a treatise on the groundwork of Lutheran Theology, that is acknowledged by critics to be one of the best works of the kind ever published; he is now engaged in the compilation of another equally interesting and valuable work, a system of theology. Generations hence will have words of praise for the mind that has made the obscure path of theology plain as the noonday sun. To Dr. Sprecher is due the thanks of the people of our common country, who, devoting a long lifetime to the needs of rightly understanding this matter, and his works will be read over and over again long years after his form has passed from earth, but the brightness of his mind will thus be preserved for ages. His marriage to Miss Catharine, daughter of Rev. J. George Smoker, D. D., of York, Penn., and sister of Rev. S. S. Smoker, D. D., Principal of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Penn., was celebrated in 1836. Rev. J. G. Smoker was one of the most talented men of his day; his name was familiar to every member of the Lutheran Church in the United States; he was also the author of a number of important theological works. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Sprecher were ten in number; two, George, the eldest and Isabella, an infant are deceased; Samuel P. has charge of a church in Oakland, Cal.; Mary O., wife of C. K. Shunk, of Cincinnati; G. A. Sprecher is a physician of Cincinnati; C. S. Sprecher is minister at Ashland, Ohio; Laura C., wife of Charles E. Lewis, of St. Louis, Mo.; Luther M. is also engaged in the practice of law in Cincinnati; Elenora, wife of Frank P. Davidson, Principal of Northern Building Public Schools, Springfield, Ohio, and Edward, the youngest is attending the school of pharmacy in Cincinnati, Ohio. The death of Mrs. Catherine Sprecher occurred Nov. 7, 1879; this was a severe blow to the doctor, from which he is yet not fully recovered; her presence was his greatest joy, and their lives were closely blended. We are glad to have an opportunity of perpetuating in the history of this county, the name of one who has done so much for the youth of our land, who one and inseparably revere his name.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 923

SAMUEL SPRINKEL, farmer; P. O. New Carlisle. The gentlemen of whom we now write was born Jan. 8, 1809, in Rockingham Co., Va. George and Catharine Sprinkel, his parents, were born in Pennsylvania, and came with their parents to Virginia, where they were married. Mrs. Sprinkel died in Virginia, but the exact date cannot be ascertained. Samuel removed with his father to Cass Co., Ind. His advantages for education were moderate; he attended the common county school. He learned the trade of millwright under his father, and continued with him until he arrived at his maturity. In the year 1830, he came to Warren Co., Ohio, and followed his trade there one year, and went to Miami County, where he remained twelve months, and purchased 174 acres in this township. In 1852, he disposed of his farm, and bought 166-2/3 acres in Section 26, where he has since resided. Mr. Sprinkel has been twice married. His marriage with his first wife, Miss Anna Stafford, was celebrated Sept. 29, 1833. She was the daughter of Thomas and Catharine (Williams) Stafford, natives of Giles Co., Va., and came to Ohio about 1810. She was born May 5, 1808, and is the oldest child of the family. She encountered many hardships and privations. She built the first fence around her father’s house, which house is built of logs, and now stands as a relic of the past. By this union they had five children—Susan C., born April 8, 1835; Catherine J., born June 4, 1839; George W., born June 25, 1842; and two deceased. Mrs. Stafford died Feb. 2, 1870. On Nov. 14, 1872, he married Leoniza E., daughter of John and Barbara Thomas, natives of Virginia, and came to Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1823.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1022

W. H. STACKHOUSE. Springfield has long enjoyed the national prominence as a center of American manufactures. Some of the personal leaders in Springfield industry have likewise been accorded distinction among the industrial leaders of the country, and one of these is W. H. Stackhouse.

His personal career has been closely associated for many years with what was formerly known as the Bettendorf Metal Wheel Company of Davenport, Iowa. This corporation in 1890 established a branch at Springifield. The company manufactured metal wheels for agricultural implements, and the output was sold to implement manufacturers. Some years ago the business was converted into an unlimited partnership, as it is at present, the principal stockholders then being G. Watson French, Nathaniel French and J. L. Hecht, all of Davenport. Nathaniel French is now deceased. W. H. Stackhouse in 1898 became an owner in the business, and has had the complete management at Springfield for the past fifteen years. This is a business employing some four hundred hands, and the product is sold through manufacturers all over the civilized world. On March 1, 1922, he became general manager of the firm, with headquarters at the Davenport, Iowa, plant, though retaining his residence in Springfield.

Mr. Stackhouse was born at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1865, son of Samuel S. and Ann (Humphreys) Stackhouse, of English and Scotch lineage. He was educated at Davenport, Iowa, and for twenty-five years has been identified with the French and Hecht business. Prior to that he served under appointment from President Cleveland as collector of internal revenue for the southern district of Iowa.

Mr. Stackhouse has been president of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, president of the Springfield Manufacturers Association, and for a number of years has been a member of the National Industrial Conference Board of New York City. He is also a former president of the National Implement and Vehicle Manufacturers Association, and a member of the National Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a national councillor.

Mr. Stackhouse was one of the men invited by President Harding to a conference at St. Augustine, Florida, in February, 1921, relative to the subject of Federal taxation. He made an oral argument on this measure before the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives in August, 1921. President Harding also invited him to participation in the National Conference on unemployment, held in September, 1921, and he was chairman of the Manufacturers Committee. During April, 1921, he was one of the thirty-six men summoned from different parts of the United States to confer with Secretary Hoover on the reorganization of the Governmental departments at Washington and to consider the matter of making the Department of Commerce most beneficial to the public. At this conference an Executory Advisory Committee of five was created to act in an advisory capacity to the secretary, and Mr. Stackhouse is one of the members of this committee. During January, 1922, upon invitation of President Harding, he participated in the National Agricultural Conference at Washington, District of Columbia.

Mr. Stackhouse is an independent republican, and is a Catholic. He is married and has nine children and two grandchildren.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 172

JOHN J. STAFFORD, farmer; P. O. New Carlisle; is the son of Thomas and Catharine (Williams) Stafford. Thomas was a native of Ireland, and his wife a native of Virginia. They came to Clark Co., Ohio, and purchased 160 acres of land in Pike Township. John J., the subject of this biography, was born Jan. 8, 1821, and lived with his father during his (John J.’s) minority, and at the age of 21 years, he commenced life for himself by renting land of his father, which he cultivated until his marriage was celebrated with Catharine, daughter of John and Elizabeth Stafford, Oct. 3, 1854. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters, viz.: William F., born July 3, 1855; Clara, born March 19, 1858; Theodore E., born March 28, 1861; Edith F., born Dec. 19, 1869; Marcellus E., born Nov. 22, 1859, died Dec. 8, 1859; Ida E., born Oct. 19, 1865, died Oct. 30, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are consistent members of the M. E. Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1024

HUGH STALEY, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; born June 6, 1831; a native of Clark Co. and German Township; is a son of Mathias and Sarah (Gentis) Staley, he a native of Maryland and she of Virginia; became a resident of Ohio about 1814. Was a millwright by trade, and with three of his brothers, David, Samuel and Elias, followed their trade in Greene, Miami and Clark Cos., locating in the latter county about 1820. Mathias was married in 1818; issue, one child—Hugh. The father followed his trade till about 1833, thence gave his attention principally to farming, first on a farm on Chapman Creek, for several years; about 1834, he bought and located upon the farm where our subject now resides; here he remained until his death, which occurred Nov. 6, 1848; his wife is still living on the home place with our subject, now 81 years of age. Hugh was raised to farm labor, and being an only child always remained with his father till his death, and his entire life since 3 years of age has been spent upon the home farm. This farm consists of 80 acres of fine land, and mostly under cultivation, and has now been owned by the Staley family for forty-six years. Mr. Staley was married Nov. 22, 1859, to Miss Susan, daughter of Henry and Mary Venis, natives of Virginia; issue, four children, all now deceased. Mr. Staley has served two years as Township Trustee. Is ranked among the old residents of the township, and has clung to the old homestead place. Has an excellent farm, and anticipates passing the remainder of his days where he has already been during so many years.

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

PAUL A. STALEY. Commercial law is so great a legal field that the practitioners of the large cities of the United States have been obliged to divide it into special departments. One of the most important of these is patent, copyright and trademark law, which in these days of abundant invention, authorship and commercial piracy, has itself assumed huge proportions. To attain a success in this legal domain requires untiring patience, keen business judgment and a broad knowledge of mechanics, commercialism and the practical affairs of life. It is, in fact, doubtful whether any branch of the law which has been specialized demands so wide a range of practical knowledge as this. To have acquired eminence in it, as has Paul A. Staley, senior member of the firm of Staley & Bowman, patent attorneys of Springfield, is therefore high tribute to precise and thorough practical wisdom, coupled with good judgment in its application.

Mr. Staley was born at Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, Ohio, May 1, 1859, a son of Stephen and Emma (Rathbun) Staley, the father of Holland and the mother of English descent. Stephen Staley was educated in the public schools and before marriage he and his wife taught school. Later he learned the miller’s trade, and for a number of years was engaged in that business and was also identified with other manufacturing interests in Champaign County. Four children were born to Mr. Staley and his worthy wife, as follows: William C.; Paul A., of this review; Elizabeth, who married M. A. Saxteder; and Florence, who married Joseph E. Wing.

Paul A. Staley was educated in the public schools of Mechanicsburg and after leaving school went to work in the machine shops of that place. Having inherited splendid mechanical and business ability, his progress was rapid and he soon mastered what the machine shops offered him and became a mechanical engineer. Coming to Springfield in 1878, he became identified with the Whitely Manufacturing Company as mechanical draughtsman, later becoming interested in the subject of patents. In 1880 Mr. Staley went to Chicago, in which city he read law and was also engaged in preparing mechanical plans and specifications. He was admitted to the bar at Chicago in 1883, and in 1884 returned to Springfield and opened a law office in this city, soon after which he was directing his full energies along the line of patent law. In that work he has progressed from year to year until he is now one of the best known and most successful patent attorneys in Ohio, with a patronage extending to all parts of the United States.

Aside from the law, Mr. Staley has been and still is identified with the general business interests of Springfield. He was president of the Home Telephone Company, vice president of the Springfield Metallic Casket Company; vice president of the H. V. Bretney Company, vice president of the Igou Manufacturing Company; and served as receiver for the Superior Mill and Manufacturing Company and the Trump Manufacturing Company; and at present is acting in a like capacity for the Anderson & Heyer Company. He was one of the original directors and vice president of the American Trust and Savings Company up to the time of its affiliation with the First National Bank. Likewise, he has found time to interest himself in civic and community affairs, being at present vice president of the Board of Park Commissioners, of which board he has also served as president; he is president of the Community Council, an association of all charitable and welfare institutions, and active in the formation of the welfare association known as the Federation of Community Service for Clark County. He was for several years president of the Lagonda Club, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce the Country and Rotary clubs of Springfield and of the American Patent Bar Association.

In 1889 Mr. Staley married Jamesonia Dickson, of Leavenworth, Kansas, who died in 1899, leaving two daughters, Ruth and Kate, both graduates of Wells College, who are now engaged in advanced woman educational work. In 1906 Mr. Staley married Isabel Baker, of Wausau, Wisconsin, and to them there have been born four children: Mary, Louise, Paul A., Jr., and John C.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 419

ISAAC STALLSMITH. While the late Isaac Stallsmith never lived in Clark County, his widow and daughter have become honored residents of Springfield, and their connection with this locality renders him eligible to a place in a work of this character. Mr. Stallsmith was a quiet, unpretentious man who tried hard to do his duty in life in spite of ill health and some discouragements, and the record of his earnest, courageous struggle shows what a man can do when he is actuated by the right motives.

Isaac Stallsmith was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in 1852, a son of Israel and Rebecca Stallsmith, natives of Ohio, who moved to Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Isaac Stallsmith was reared in his native state, and after reaching maturity began farming for himself in Perry County, Pennsylvania, where he met and married, in 1887, Emma Lauver, born in Perry County, February 15, 1858, a daughter of Peter and Susannah (Keagle) Lauver. After his marriage Mr. Stallsmith moved to a farm he owned in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, and for some years was engaged in farming it, but increasing ill health compelled him to rent the place and live in practical retirement until his death, which occurred in May, 1898.

Following his demise Mrs. Stallsmith lived on the farm until October of that year, and then sold it and the other property left to her by her husband, and lived with her father until March, 1899, when she came to Springfield to keep house for her brother, Lewis Lauver, on Saint Paris Pike. After his death, in December, 1909, she purchased his fine residence, with two lots, and here she has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Stallsmith had one daughter, Prudence, who was born to their marriage October 24, 1897, and she lives at Springfield, where she is employed as a stenographer. Mr. Stallsmith was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Stallsmith is a Dunkard in religious belief, but her daughter belongs to the Central Methodist Episcopal Church of Springfield. A republican, Mr. Stallsmith took an active part in politics, and at one time was township assessor. Mrs. Stallsmith is also a republican. Both she and Miss Stallsmith are deservedly popular at Springfield, and have gathered about them a congenial circle since coming to the city.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 364

EBENEZER WILEY STEELE, (deceased). Dr. Steele was born in Xenia, Ohio, July 7, 1823, where his father, Thomas Steele, was for many years Principal of an academy. His mother was a native of Kentucky. He studied medicine with the late Dr. John Dawson, Professor of Anatomy in the Starling Medical Institute, Columbus. He attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, where he graduated with the honors of his class, March 2, 1847. His marriage with Eliza Hodges, of Jamestown, Greene Co., Ohio, was consummated June 13, 1848; her father was a native of Virginia; her mother of Kentucky. The issue of the marriage was two children—Ada and Florence—the latter died in infancy. Ada and her mother still reside in South Charleston. He commenced the practice of medicine in South Charleston, Ohio, in the fall of 1848, where he gained a wide reputation and an extensive practice. His health declining, he retired from practice in October, 1854. Removed to Xenia in 1855, where he resumed the practice of medicine as a partner of Dr. T. B. Harbison. Soon after the commencement of the civil war, he enlisted in the 74th O. V. I. as surgeon; resigning his position on account of ill-health, he accepted the position as Surgeon in the Twenty-third Hospital, at Nashville, Tenn, where he died April 3, 1860. His remains were interred in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1073

CLAUDIUS J. STEUART, clerk, Springfield. He was born in Springfield Dec. 20, 1863. Attended school until 11 years old, when he entered his father’s store as clerk. He is a son of James D. and Alice Steuart. James D. is a son of Joseph C. and Nancy T. Steuart. He was born in Butler Co., Ohio, July 25, 1828; came to Clark County with his parents in 1834. They located three miles north of Springfield. In 1840, Joseph came and moved into town and opened a grocery on Main street, and continued the same until 1855. He was the first dealer that offered fresh oysters for sale in Springfield. His stock would consist of about two cans per week, and part of them would spoil before he could find sale for them, as the people then were not used to eating oysters. Joseph was a native of Pennsylvania; he died in 1876. His widow still survives him; she is now in her 73d year. Of their nine children, all are living. James D. clerked in his father’s store from 1840 to 1850, when he went to California. He was with the troops in the engagement of Col. Ormsby against the Black-Snake and Flat-Head Indians. In 1860, he returned to Springfield and started a grocery, which he continued ever since. He was married, April 8, 1858, to Alice Baker, daughter of George and Elizabeth Baker. They have four boys and two girls living, having lost two by death. Mrs. Steuart was born in England in 1840; she came to America in 1847. James D. was a member of the City Council twelve years, and Infirmary Director seventeen years. His beautiful brick house on North Limestone street stands on the lot where Humphrey Nichols, the noted counterfeiter, had his shop, in which he made his counterfeit money. Mr. S. has in his possession one of the dollars (made by Nichols) dated 1801, which he (Steuart) found when he was preparing to build.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 924

CHARLES STEWART, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Stewart is one of the large landowners of Springfield Township, and engages largely in raising and feeding stock. He is the fifth child and fourth son of John T. and Anna (Elder) Stewart, and was born in Green Township, this county, July 17, 1825. The most of the Stewart children are living at present in Green Township. Charles has always lived in this county, and moved to the farm where be now lives in 1865, and built the fine large house in which he now resides in 1871. He was married, Feb. 16, 1854, to Isabell Jane Nichelson, daughter of Andrew and Rachel (Hammond) Nichelson. They had two children—John N. and Inez N. Inez died when quite young. Isabell, his wife, died March 29, 1859. He was again married, March 23, 1865, this time to Jessie, daughter of John and Catharine (Blair) Mathewson. Catharine was born in Earl, Scotland, Oct. 27, 1844, and emigrated with her parents to America in 1852, and settled in Logan County, this State. With this union six children have been born—Annette, April 21, 1866; Catharine Ann, April 16, 1868; William M., July 20, 1870; Mabel, Sept. 17, 1872; James B., Sept. 3, 1875, and died May 3, 1880; Jessie Belle, Nov. 13, 1878. John T. (the father of Charles) and his brother, Samuel Stewart, came from Pennsylvania in 1806, and entered the land now owned by the Stewart family. Samuel was Captain of a company in the war of 1812, and was among the prisoners who surrendered under Gen. Hull. The account of said surrender can be found in the history of Ohio, which appears in this book. Mr. Charles S., familiarly known as Charley Stewart, is a gentleman in every sense of the word. He is of a generous and noble spirit, and his good wife is a lady of inestimable character.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 924

DAVID STEWART, farmer; P. O. Clifton; was born on his present farm in 1833, and is a son of James and Jane (Elder) Stewart. He was reared to farm life, his youth having been given to the cultivation of the homestead farm, under the instruction of his father until in 1859, when he married Miss Laura McKehan, a native of Maryland, born in 1837, who came West with her parents at the age of 13. Here she matured into womanhood, married as above, and in October, 1873, died. After the marriage of David, he engaged in farming for himself upon his father’s farm of 130 acres, of which he is now the owner, and to which he has added until it embraces 210 acres of well-improved land in an excellent state of cultivation. He, for six years has been, and now is Township Trustee; has three daughters and two sons, all of whom are yet with him in single life. The residence of his birth he yet lives in, and has enlarged, repaired and improved in the most modern style of architecture until it, in size, finish and appearance, compares favorably with any in that neighborhood.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1055

E. R. STEWART, miller; P. O. Clifton; was born Jan. 20, 1821, in this township. Reared in farm life, he continued it with his parents, John T. and Ann, until in 1846, when he commenced farming for himself two miles from the homestead. In 1848, he formed a co-partnership in the milling business with John H. Jacoby, a brother-in-law. In 1852, this was dissolved, and he went into merchandising with his brother Samuel, and continued until 1860, when he returned to farming. In 1864, he and Mr. Jacoby bought the Clifton Mills, which, in 1865, were destroyed by fire. They rebuilt, and continued the business until 1872, when the co-partnership was dissolved by Mr. Stewart purchasing Mr. Jacoby’s interest. He has since continued the business himself. The mill is a four run of 100-barrel daily capacity, and is kept running night and day. On Oct. 8, 1846, he was united in marriage to Rachel E., daughter of Henry and Rebecca Curry Jacoby, who still is on the journey of life with him. The issue of this marriage has been four girls and two boys, all of whom are living except one boy. Mr. Stewart is one of those enterprising and fair-dealing business men in whom the people of his neighborhood have the utmost confidence, and for whom all have a profound respect.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1056

E. W. STEWART, proprietor of the fine Red Bud Hill Farm, comprising 131 acres and situated near the village of Pitchin, in Greene Township, was born on this farm, which he now owns, and the date of his nativity was October 27, 1868. He is a son of Captain Perry Stewart and Rhoda A. (Wheeler) Stewart, both likewise natives of Greene Township, where the former was born, on this same ancestral farmstead, June 6, 1818. his wife having been born December 20, 1824. The captain was a son of John T. and Anna (Elder) Stewart, the former of whom was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1781, a son of Samuel Stewart, whose father Robert was a son of John Stewart, who was born in Scotland and was numbered among those who left their native land and established homes in the North of Ireland on account of religious persecution in Scotland.

Samuel Stewart (I) came to the United States in company with his brother Hugh and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1735.

Captain Perry Stewart was reared on the pioneer farm of his father in Greene Township, Clark County, Ohio, and was numbered among the gallant men who went forth in defense of the Union when the Civil war was precipitated. On the 15th of July, 1862, he recruited Company A, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he served as captain of this company until after it had participated in the battle of Chickamauga in the autumn of that year. He then returned home, his physical disability having disqualified him for further service at the front. In 1866-7 he served as county commissioner of Clark County, and in 1868-9 he represented the county in the State Legislature, his political allegiance having been given to the republican party.

October 15, 1844, recorded the marriage of Captain Stewart and Miss Rhoda A. Wheeler, who was born December 20, 1824, a daughter of Ebenezer and Jemima (Miller) Wheeler, who were born in New Jersey and whose marriage was solemnized at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1803, they having established their home in Clark County in 1806. Harriet J., eldest of the children of Capt. Perry Stewart, was born October 7, 1845, and is the widow of James Hatfield; Julia A., born July 3, 1847, is the widow of R. N. Elder; David W., born December 19, 1848, resides at Clifton; John T., born August 21, 1850, is a resident of Houston, Texas; Mary E., born July 25, 1852, became the wife of Samuel Kerr and is now deceased her death having occurred July 20, 1907; Charles P., born August 2, 1856, resides at Springfield and was formerly county commissioner of Clark County; Ellen J., born July 16, 1859, became the wife of George Nicholson, and her death occurred February 15, 1918; Jessie was born July 12, 1861, and died September 23, 1865; Perry M., born July 6, 1866, resides at Yellow Springs, Greene County; and E. W., subject of this sketch, was born October 27, 1868.

E. W. Stewart early gained his full share of practical experience in connection with the work of the home farm and in the meanwhile attended the district schools. He remained at the parental home until his marriage, October 26, 1893, with Miss Nettie Shobe, who was born and reared in Greene Township, and since that time he has had a progressive career as one of the vigorous and successful agriculturists and stockgrowers of his native county. Mr. Stewart is a republican, has served as justice of the peace and member of the School Board, and he and his wife are zealous members of the Methodist Protestant Church, he being secretary of its Quarterly Conference and both he and his wife being specially influential in the various departments of church work, including the Sunday School. Mr. Stewart is a past master of the local Grange and has served four years as state deputy of the Ohio State Grange, besides being influential as a member of Pomona Grange. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have two children: Edna A., born August 12, 1894, is the wife of Howard Price, a farmer in Greene Township; and Lois S. who was born September 26, 1897, is a trained nurse by profession, she having graduated in the Nurses Training School at Springfield, and both she and her sister are graduates of the Pitchin High School. Helen J., youngest of the children, was born June 16, 1903, and died on the 17th of the following September.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 188

FRED G. STEWART is consistently to be designated as one of the progressive and successful representatives of constructive farm industry in his native county and township, and his vigorous operations are staged on what is known as the old Estle farm, in Section 21, Greene Township.

On the old home farm of his father, in Section 22 of Greene Township, Fred G. Stewart was born June 2, 1884, and on both the paternal and maternal sides he is a scion of old and honored pioneer families of Clark County. He is a son of Charles F. and Clara (Gailough) Stewart, both likewise natives of Greene Township, where the former was born on a farm in Section 23 and the latter on a farm in Section 16. After their marriage the parents settled on a farm in Section 22 of their native township, and there they remained until 1918, when they moved to the City of Springfield, where they have since maintained their home. Of their five children the eldest is Josephine, who is the wife of Stephen Kitchen; Fred G., of this review, was the next in order of birth; Howard H. is a successful farmer north of Springfield; Samuel N. remains on and has active charge of the old home farm; Stephen W. served in the World war as a member of the Quartermaster’s Department of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, and his death occurred March 31, 1920, within a short time after his return to his native land.

Reared on the farm and profiting by the advantages of the local schools, Fred G. Stewart waxed strong in mental and physical powers, and he supplemented his education by a course in Nelson’s Business College at Springfield. At the age of nineteen years he successfully passed a civil service examination and was appointed a mail carrier on rural route No. 11 from the City of Springfield. He continued his effective service in this capacity three years.

November 7, 1906, recorded the marriage of Mr. Stewart and Miss Rachel Estle, who was born on the farm which is their present place of residence and the date of whose nativity was September 3, 1883. Mrs. Stewart is a daughter of Orson D. and Harriet (Anderson) Estle, and her father was born on this same farm, March 4, 1857, the mother having been born at Clifton, November 7, 1856. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Stewart were William H. and Rachel (Farrow) Estle, the latter having been born in Kentucky and having been a girl when she came to Clark County, where she was reared in the home of her uncle, William Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. William H. Estle became the parents of six children: William (died young), Edwin, Orson D., Henry R., Phoebe, and William.

Orson D. Estle was reared on the old home farm which was the place of his birth, and received the advantages of the common schools of the period. He was a young man at the time of his marriage with Miss Harriet Anderson, and the surviving children are four in number: Fred, a graduate of the Clifton High School, is a successful farmer in Greene Township, near Clifton; Rachel, wife of the subject of this review, is the next younger; Bessie is the wife of Walter E. Crossland; and Ellen is the wife of Orville Shaw. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have one child, Harriet L., who was born December 4, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are active members of the Presbyterian Church, he is a republican in politics, and is affiliated with the Junior Order United American Mechanics. Mr. Stewart has been retained as the efficient incumbent of the office of clerk of Greene Township for the past ten years, and is one of the progressive and highly esteemed citizens of his native township and county.

Further data concerning the Stewart family are given in the preceding sketch of this volume.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 189

JOHN A. STEWART, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. John A. Stewart was born in Green Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in April 11, 1855, and is the son of Charles and Isabel (Nichelson) Stewart. His mother died when he was quite small, but his father is one of the leading farmers of Springfield Township. His education was obtained principally in the schools of Springfield, and Lebanon, Ohio. When about 13 years old, he was accidentally shot, by which misfortune he lost his right arm. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and resides on a farm of 150 acres, close to Plattsburg, where he is just beginning the battle of life, with everything in his favor toward future success.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 967

JOHN T. STEWART (deceased). There is perhaps no family in Clark Co. who are more widely known than the descendants of John T. Stewart, and most of his sons are leading business men of the community in which they reside, and a credit to their deceased father. The family are of Scotch origin, and went to Ireland about 1661, changing their name from Stuart to Stewart, to avoid persecution. In 1735, the grandparents of John T., viz., Samuel T. Stewart and wife, came to the American Colonies, and with them came the father of John T., viz., Samuel Stewart, a native of Belfast, Ireland, the family settling in Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was the fifth son of Samuel Stewart, and was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., March 3, 1781, and there grew to maturity, his father dying in that county Sept. 19, 1803. In the autumn of 1806 he, with his brother, Samuel, came to Ohio, and purchased 500 acres of land in Sec. 15, Town 5, Range 8, which was then a part of Greene Co., but now lays in Green Township, Clark Co., Ohio. About 1815, they divided the land, John T. receiving the southern portion in the division then made. He was married near his home, March 2, 1815, to Miss Ann Elder, third daughter of Robert and Ann Elder, natives of Dauphin Co., Penn., who settled on Sec. 10 of the same township in the spring of 1813. Mrs. Stewart was born in her parents’ native county, May 19, 1798, and had the following children by this union: Juliana, Perry, Elder R., Samuel, Charles, James M., Thomas E., Oscar N., William C. and Harriet, all of whom are living but the last-mentioned, who died in infancy. John T. and wife resided with his brother, Samuel, until he built a house on his own place, whither they removed in the fall of 1816. In 1813, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he held until 1836; he was the first Clerk of the Clifton Presbyterian Church, which was organized in 1811; was the first Clerk of his Township, and served as Associate Judge one term. He continued to reside on the old homestead until his death, April 16, 1850, his widow surviving him thirty years, dying Sept. 24, 1880. Both were life-long members of the Presbyterian Church, and went down to the grave with a strong faith in a blissful immortality. John T. Stewart was a man of ability and intellectual worth; of the strictest temperance views, and can be truly called one of the pioneer temperance men of Clark Co. He was a rank Abolitionist, and early took strong grounds against slavery, and believed that nothing but a war would be able to strike the shackles from the slave, which demonstrates that he possessed a discerning, far-seeing mind, much in advance of his time. He was one of the most energetic, successful farmers of Clark Co., and accumulated an estate worth, at the time of his death, $40,000, which was considered wealthy in those days. He was a man honored and respected by all classes of society, and has left a name that his descendants can point to with just pride. His portrait appears in the pages of this work, having been inserted by his children, who yet love and honor his memory, and who believed that it was their duty to represent him in this history, where he justly deserved a place.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1054

OSCAR F. STEWART, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Springfield; one of a numerous and prominent family of that name in this locality; was born in this township, Feb. 5, 1833.  He was the son of John T. Stewart; was brought up upon the farm, and received a common-school education.  At the age of 23 he commenced farming for himself upon a part of his father’s farm, where he now resides, and where he has surrounded and provided himself with all the comforts and conveniences of farm life.  In January, 1862, he married Miss Rachel Nichelson, daughter of Andrew Nichelson, now deceased, an early settler and much esteemed citizen of Harmony Township.  Of this marriage, three children  survive—Herbert P., Ralph N. and Frank C., all living with their parents, by whom neither pains or means are spared to educate and fit them for the duties of life.  To the 140 acres originally owned by Mr. Stewart, he has added from time to time, until his acreage in the vicinity reaches 513, besides 150 acres in another locality, all valuable lands in an excellent state of cultivation.  He combines stock-growing with farming, and thus turns the products of the farm to great account, and thereby enhances his profits.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1056 - Transcribed by Sharon Wick

PERRY STEWART, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Springfield; was born in this township June 6, 1818, and was the eldest son of John T. and Ann Stewart; raised to farm life, he has always pursued it. His early education was such as the common schools of the country afforded during his boyhood; but a close observation of and a large experience with the ways of mankind and the business world, have given his mind a cultivation and finish that fit him for the duties and stations in life far above the humble though honorable one of his choice. Of Scottish descent, his ancestry having first removed from Scotland to the northern part of Ireland, thence to Pennsylvania, and thence to Ohio. To perseverance, pluck, industry and economy, he adds liberality, generosity and hospitality. Oct. 15, 1844, he married Miss Rhoda Wheeler, daughter of Ebenezer, who was born Dec. 31, 1824, in this township also. Of this marriage ten children, five sons and five daughters, were born, all of whom survive except one daughter, and many of them grown to manhood and womanhood, fill honorable stations in life, while the remainder are yet in the family household. Upon his marriage, he commenced farming for himself on a farm of 130 acres, where he now lives, and to which he has added until this farm embraces 340 acres, and his entire landed possessions embrace over 600 acres in the vicinity. That he is an enterprising and successful farmer not only the width of his acres, but their state of cultivation and the improvements upon them, leave no room for doubt. In 1862, when rebellion threatened the destruction of our civil government and the spoliation of our Union, he left his family of wife and eight children, his farm and stock, aided in recruiting Co. A, 94th O. V. I., was commissioned Captain of it, and led it into the field. After eighteen months’ service, the privations of camp life and the exposure and hardships of it brought disease and disability, and compelled his resignation and a return to civil life. In 1865, he was chosen County Commissioner of his county, and in 1867 a Representative of his district in the General Assembly of his state, both of which offices he discharged the duties of to the satisfaction of his constituents.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1055

PERRY M. STEWART, president of the Miami Deposit Bank at Yellow Springs, Greene County, is a scion of one of the honored pioneer families of Clark County, and other personal sketches in this volume give ample data concerning this sterling family which, in successive generations, has been one of prominence and influence in connection with the civic and industrial development and advancement of Clark County.

Mr. Stewart was born on the old homestead farm of his father in Greene Township, this county, and the date of his nativity was July 6, 1866. He remained on the home farm until he had attained to his legal majority, and the education which he gained in the local schools was supplemented by his attending Antioch College, at Yellow Springs. After two years of service as clerk in a general store at Selma, Clark County, Mr. Stewart was for two years a deputy in the office of the county auditor. He then received appointment as deputy county treasurer, in which position he served four years, 1897-1901, under James M. Todd. The record which he made in this connection was such as to meet popular approval, as shown in the fact that in 1900 he was elected county treasurer. At the expiration of his four years’ term in this important fiscal office he became associated with Robert Elder in purchasing the stock and business of the Miami Deposit Bank at Yellow Springs. The institution was at the time in the hands of a receiver, and its deposits were about $30,000. In assuming control of this financial institution Messrs. Stewart and Elder incorporated the same with a capital stock of $10,000 and opened it as a private bank. Four years later, in 1909, it was incorporated as a state bank, with a capital of $25,000, its deposits having by this time been increased to $125,000. In 1920, with increasing business of substantial order, it was found expedient to raise the capital stock to $50,000, which is the present base of operations. The bank now has a surplus fund of $40,000 and deposits aggregate fullv $300,000, each successive year showing an expansion in the business, which is conducted along progressive but duly careful and conservative lines. In 1916 the bank building was remodeled and a modern equipment installed in the banking offices, which has the best type of vaults, including one with safety-deposit boxes. The stock of the bank is held locally, and as its president Mr. Stewart has given a signally able and effective administration. He and Mr. Elder have recently organized and established a bank at South Charleston, Clark County.

Mr. Stewart is generically a republican in political allegiance, but has now retired from active participation in political affairs. In the Masonic fraternity he is past master of Yellow Springs Lodge, A. F. and A. M., which he has represented in the grand lodge of the state, and in the Scottish Rite of the time-honored fraternity he has received the thirty-second degree. He and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church in their home city, and here he served several years as a trustee of Antioch College.

At the age of thirty-four years Mr. Stewart wedded Miss Irene B. Black, of Ross County, and they have three children: Mildred, Russell and Mary. The elder daughter is a student in Antioch College.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 416

ROBERT E. STEWART, farmer and stock-grower; P. O. Springfield; son of Samuel Stewart, who immigrated to this township from Pennsylvania, and settled here in 1806; was born in this township in 1811, and has since resided therein. His early years were spent upon the farm, and his early education that of the country subscription schools of that time. In 1845, he was married to Miss Mary Jane McClung, daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth McClung, of Preble Co., Ohio. After a united journey in life of but four years, she was called away from him in death, leaving two helpless infants to his care. Of these, Mathew S. Stewart manages his father’s farm; and Mary F., wife of Solon Stratton, resides in Bloomington, Ill. Mr. S. purchased his present farm of 120 acres, in 1865; has lately built an elegant residence, and otherwise greatly improved it.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1055

WILLIAM C. STEWART, farmer and stock-grower; P. O. Springfield; youngest son of John T. Stewart, and one of a numerous family always found at the front in every good work; was born in this township Oct. 27, 1835. Like that of nearly all young men of his youth, his early training was upon the farm, and his early education was that of the public schools of his youth. His father dying when he was 14 years old, the management of the Stewart homestead fell upon him at an early age—a responsibility, which he did not evade, but well discharged. This farm was one of the earliest settled in the township, and is now occupied and owned by the subject of this sketch, who has added to it until his lands embrace 486 acres of the best quality of farms and lands in the locality. His mother, surviving the death of his father, continued in control of the homestead household until June, 1880, when advancing age and ill-health compelled her to quit her home of long years, of much joy and some sorrow, for the kind care and attention of a daughter. The subject of this sketch, mindful of filial duty, remained single so long as this dear mother remained in the old homestead. On Sept. 9, 1880, he was joined in marriage to Miss Lizzie T., an accomplished lady, daughter of Albert and Harriet Sellers, of Greene Co., this State. May their united years be as joyous as the writer’s wish.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1056

HENRY STICKNEY, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Lives five miles east of Springfield, on his beautiful farm called “Walnut Hill.” He was born Nov. 26, 1821, in a log cabin that stood near his present home. He was married, Nov. 11, 1851, to Isabell J. Baird, daughter of William D. and Sarah Baird. Their only children, William, James and Sarah Jane, are still living at home with their parents. William takes great delight in the breeding of fine hogs, of which he has some very fine ones. To Mrs. S. belongs the credit of planning and arranging their beautiful and convenient home. Mr. and Mrs. S. have been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1850. John Stickney, the father of Henry, was born in Yorkshire, England, in the year 1780, of poor parents, therefore had but few advantages and but few opportunities, excepting the privilege of obtaining a good trade. His father being a blacksmith, John was initiated as apprentice in his father’s shop, when so small as to require a block to enable him to reach the bellows handle or strike at the anvil. He continued this apprenticeship, assisting his father in maintaining the family until 26 years of age, when he (John) was united in wedlock with Sarah Cook, of the neighboring village. John, with his trade, a good constitution, an indomitable will, and a fixed purpose, and his wife’s willing hands and $300, set out to battle for a fortune. He began business, first in one shop; and after a little while in two shops, which stood some distance apart, working in each alternate days; walking from one to the other. Providence smiled upon their endeavors, and when having acquired sufficient money to carry them to the new world, they resolved to live no longer under kingly rule, but would embark for the land of the free, which they did in the spring of 1819, with their offspring John, Harriet and George, also grandmother Cook, who was 80 years old. After a voyage of eleven weeks, they landed at New York, where they took the boat for Philadelphia, and then by wagon over the mountains to Wheeling, where they and another family purchased a flat-boat and proceeded down the Ohio River. On arriving at Cincinnati, they found teams (that had brought cheese to the city from Clark Co., Ohio), which conveyed them to Clark County, the long-desired haven. After a short rest, Mr. S. began to ply his trade in a low shanty, which stood over a mile from his home. As was the custom in England, he asked permission of his neighbors to walk to and from his shop across their fields, which excited a smile among them. In the spring of 1820, he bought 160 acres of land at $4 per acre, on which he built and occupied a house and shop the same year. Mr. S. now began to supply a need much felt in the neighborhood, that of axes, mattocks and irons for large breaking-plows. Also the iron work for flour and saw mills, which he wrought by hand. He furnished the iron work for three different mills on Beaver Creek, between the years 1823 and 1832. Said mills were destroyed by fire, and new, ones have been erected in their stead. In the year 1835, Mr. S. bought 70 acres more land at $7 per acre; and, in 1836, 160 acres more of Humphrey Nichols, the noted counterfeiter. John and his wife Sarah by this time began to realize that they had failed the Scripture injunction, “Seek first the kingdom, etc.,” but sought an earthly inheritance. So in 1837, they sought diligently to secure a title to a better and more enduring inheritance, and identified themselves with the M. P. Society. Afterward for convenience to church, changed their membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and devoted the evening of life in preparing for that change which is certain to come to all mankind, which came to John Stickney March 6, 1850, and to Sarah, his wife, April 17, 1867, in the 84th year of her age. Of their children, but two are now living—Henry Stickney and Mrs. M. A. Whiteley.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 925

SOLOMON BOWERS STILES. For more than a half century the late Solomon Bowers Stiles was one of the representative business men of Springfield, Ohio, a man of sturdy character and high sense of responsibility. In his pursuance of important business activities that largely concerned the development and material growth of the city he not only demonstrated business acumen, but also displayed many of the qualities that assured him the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.

Mr. Stiles was born at Hummelstown in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1849, and died in his beautiful home at 916 South Limestone Street, Springfield, on December 23, 1920. He was a son of Jacob and Mary (Bowers) Stiles, members of well known old Dauphin County families. The Stiles family was founded in America in Colonial days by three brothers who came from Europe and settled at Boston, Massachusetts, latter generations finding homes in many different states. Jacob Stiles was born in the old Stiles homestead in Dauphin County, which had been the property of his grandfather, and when he reached manhood he married Mary Bowers, also born in Dauphin County of old stock. Jacob Stiles was a substantial and highly respected farmer and mechanic.

Solomon B. Stiles was afforded excellent educational advantages and all his life was considered a man of superior mental equipment, taking a keen interest in business affairs. After graduating from the Millersville (Pa.) Normal School, Mr. Stiles followed teaching professionally and continued therein until 1872, when, following his marriage, he came to make his permanent home at Springfield, Ohio, where his father-in-law, Samuel Hanshaw, had invested in city real estate.

Mr. Stiles embarked in the grocery business after locating here, and continued in this line of trade through a long and busy life, with many additional business interests. He became interested in handling real estate, first as a side issue and largely induced thereto because of a kind and friendly interest in the patrons of his store, many of whom would never have accomplished the buying of a home except for the helping hand he held out. It was his well-thought out plan to buy lots, build houses and improve and then to sell to worthy people, under easy conditions, and this developed into a large business, which not only in time added to Mr. Stiles’ fortune but was the means of adding a reliable and independent class of citizens to Springfield. He acquired other business interests and responsibilities, and was a stockholder in numerous worthy concerns, mainly at Springfield. Mr. Stiles was ever ready to lend encouragement and financial aid to new enterprises that measured up to his high standard of integrity, in this way showing a generous spirit and business vision that made his activities permanently useful to the city. He continued in the retail grocery business at the same location on Clifton Avenue for nearly fifty years, his store being one of the familiar landmarks in what is now known as the South End. He served six years as a member of the City Council, taking office April 20, 1897. He also served as president of the council.

In 1872, at the home of her parents near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Stiles was united in marriage with Miss Clara C. Hanshaw, who was born in the old Hanshaw homestead. Her parents were Samuel and Catherine (Zimmerman) Hanshaw, both families for many generations belonging to Dauphin County, the Zimmermans being of Revolutionary stock. Mr. and Mrs. Stiles became the parents of one son, Paul H., who was born at Springfield in 1874, and died in this city in 1918. For many years he was associated with his father’s business interests. He married Miss Lucile Braber, who was born in Clark County, Ohio, and they had two sons: Jacob Elden Stiles, who is a student in Wittenberg College; and Alvin B. Stiles, who is completing his high school course. They are young men of talent and character, and promise to be worthy of their honorable ancestry.

Mr. Stiles was reared by Christian parents in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and to this religious body he remained attached all his life. For fifteen years he was a member and one of the official board, and was also Sunday School superintendent, of the First Lutheran Church. He was a member of Clark Lodge No. 101, Free and Accepted Masons, also Royal Arch Mason, and at one time belonged to the Odd Fellows. He was liberal in his charities and broad-minded in his judgment of his fellow men.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 365

CHARLES STINE, hotel, Enon. Charles Stine, the subject of this sketch, was born in Union Co., Penn., May 6, 1838. His parents were John and Sarah Stine, both natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio in the fall of 1838, stopping about one year in Medway, Clark Co., when they removed to Fairfield, Greene Co., where they have since resided. His wife died Nov. 18, 1880. The family consisted of fourteen children—eight sons and six daughters, all of whom are living, our subject being the tenth of the family. Charles started for himself Nov. 15, 1858, by going to California, by water, from New York, by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, landing at San Francisco December 16, having had a favorable passage, and only one incident of note during the trip. The steamer Moses Taylor, of which he was a passenger, caught fire on the Atlantic Ocean, when five days out of New York. and gave the passengers quite a fright, but no serious damage was done. He went from San Francisco to Yreka, where he learned the blacksmith’s trade, remaining there till the fall of 1861, when he made a trip to Oregon, Washington Territory and Idaho, returning to Yreka the following spring, where he remained until the fall of 1864, when he returned to Ohio, after an absence of six years. He lived on the farm with his father for ten years, making a business of breeding fine hogs, in which he was quite successful. In June 11, 1874, he married Hannah Palmer, of Fairfield. He went into the employ of the Springfield Turnpike Co. as keeper of the toll-gate on the Springfield Pike, near Dayton, where he continued for nearly seven years, when he removed to Enon, purchasing the hotel, at that place, where he intends making his future home. His family of two sons, John, the eldest, was born Dec. 16, 1875; and Frank, who was born Nov. 2, 1877.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1046

OMAR W. STOLL, when he retired from the road as a traveling salesman established a permanent business connection in the village of South Vienna, where he was born, and is now one of the prosperous general merchants in that section of Clark County. He was born at South Vienna August 25, 1887, son of Jacob and Edith (Perkins) Stoll, also natives of Harmony Township. His father was reared on the farm, learned the carpenter’s trade and for many years has been a carpenter contractor, living at South Vienna. They have lived in South Vienna since their marriage. The mother is an active member of the Christian Church. Jacob Stoll is a democrat, has filled the chairs in the Lodges of Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias and is a member of the Elks. He and his wife had five children: Omar W.; Chester W., a graduate of Springfield High School, now living at St. Louis, Missouri; Marie, wife of Paul E. Troxell; Border, a graduate of high school; and Foster, still attending the Harmony Township High School. Omar W. Stoll as a boy at South Vienna attended the public schools and business college, and in April, 1909, went west to California, where he had an experience of six years as clerk in a wholesale hardware house. After returning to Clark County he went on the road as a traveling salesman for a Dayton house and traveled for four years and then engaged in business as a general merchant at South Vienna. November 25, 1916, at Denver, Colorado, he married Mona Weldon. She was born at Denver, and was educated in the graded schools of that city. They have two children, Weldon, born in 1918, and William, born in 1921. Mrs. Stoll is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is affiliated with Fielding Lodge No. 192, Free and Accepted Masons.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 226

FRANK P. STONE, civil engineer and County Surveyor, Springfield. Mr. Stone is the son and only child of Nathaniel F. Stone, who is a native of Vermont and came to Ohio in 1828, and located in Dayton, where he married Francis G. Prentis, who was a native of New Hampshire. Subsequently Mr. Stone resided in Greene County, near the Clark County line, and, since 1850, has been a resident of this city, now in the 82d year of his age. His first wife died in 1834, when F. P. was but 18 months old, and Mr. Stone subsequently married Mrs. Maria Bates, daughter of Gen. Benjamin Whiteman, a sketch of whose life appears in “Howe’s Ohio Collection.” Mr. Stone has been actively connected with the business of Springfield; was one of the constituent members of its first organization, of what is now the First National Bank, and is now and has since been a Director. He opened an agricultural and seed and iron store here in connection with W. S. Field in 1851. They were succeeded by Rice & Co. in 1864, since which he has been retired from active business pursuits. The subject of this sketch received a rudimentary education in the public school, and graduated at Urbana University. Springfield became his home in 1844, and has been since, although he was absent most of the time until 1866, having been engaged as engineer on different railroads and other important public enterprises. His first engineer work of public importance was in connection with the construction of the C., P. & I. (now a part of the Panhandle Line) in 1851. In 1857, he made the survey and located the Sioux City Railroad, and was engaged on similar work with other roads until 1862, when he entered the United States service in the same department and continued until the close of the war. In 1866, he was connected with the construction of the Union Pacific, after which, in the same year, he opened an office here in Springfield, and, although he has since operated on different lines of railroads, he has had an office here continuously. In 1878, he was appointed County Surveyor to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Chandler Robbins, Jr., and was elected to the same office the following year. He has been actively identified with the construction of each of the lines of railways now in Clark County, except the Springfield Southern, and is the present County Surveyor in connection with which by the employment of help, he does a considerable amount of civil engineering.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 926

ADAM STONER has been a farmer who has wisely and progressively ordered his agricultural and livestock enterprise and made of success a logical result. He is one of the substantial citizens of Moorefield Township, where he is the owner of a valuable landed estate of 250 acres, besides Avhich he is a stockholder in two of the banking institutions in the City of Springfield, is a director of the Clark County Mortgage Finance Company, and has other capitalistic investments.

Mr. Stoner is a republican, has served as township trustee and member of the School Board, and takes loyal interest in all that concerns the welfare of his home community. He is an earnest member of the Methodist Protestant Church and has held important offices in the same. Mr. Stoner has a wide circle of friends in Clark County, and his name is enrolled on the roster of bachelors in the county.

He claims the old Keystone State as the place of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1856. He is a son of David and Magdalene (Buckwalter) Stoner, both likewise natives of Lancaster County, where the former was born October 27, 1809, and the latter on the 3d of May, 1815. The parents were representatives of pioneer German families of Pennsylvania, and the father became one of the prosperous farmers of his native county, he having erected on his farm the substantial stone house in which he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in October, 1868, his widow having long survived him and having passed the closing years of her life in Clark County, Ohio, where she died September 9, 1897, both having been zealous communicants of the Lutheran Church and the political allegiance of the father having been given to the republican party from virtually the time of its formation until the close of his life. Of their six children one son and three daughters are living: and with the son, subject of this sketch, reside two of the sisters, Misses Amanda E. and Lucy, the eldest sister, Maria, being the widow of Thomas Campbell and maintaining her home at Springfield.

Adam Stoner has been a resident of Clark County since he was a lad of nine years, was here reared on the farm and here received the advantages of the district schools. He has remained continuously on the old home farm, in the ownership of which his sisters are associated, and he has made a record of large and successful achievement as a thoroughgoing agriculturist and stock grower.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 82

WILLIAM JAMES STUART. The late William James Stuart was for many years one of the substantial business men of Springfield, Ohio, and when he died this city lost one of its most representative citizens. During the Civil war he did valiant service as a Union soldier, and was equally loyal to his country during the years of peace which followed. Mr. Stuart was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 23, 1846, a son of Thompson and Rebecca (Holliday) Stuart, farming people who both died in Fairfield County, Ohio. Mr. Stuart attended the public schools and academy at Bremen, Ohio, and also the college at Pleasantville. Ohio.

When the war between the two sections of our country broke out William James Stuart was still residing with his parents and notwithstanding his youth made many attempts to enlist but was just as many times refused.

Finally, however, he was accepted and became a member of Company B, Seventeenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry with which he served until the close of the war and participated in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C. His regiment was a part of the First Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and his company was commanded by Capt. James T. Weakly and later by Captain Stinchcomb. Following his honorable discharge at Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Stuart returned to Ohio and for a time was engaged in farming and later, with some of his army comrades, opened a general merchandise store in Bremen, Ohio.

On May 2, 1870, Mr. Stuart came to Springfield, Ohio, and on May 3, 1870 he was married to Miss Dora Frances Hatcher, born at Saltillo, Ohio, April 19, 1851, a daughter of Isaac M. and Mary Matilda (Moore) Hatcher, natives of Muskingum County, Ohio. For a number of years Mr. Stuart was employed as a clerk in the carpet department of a large dry goods store conducted by Miller and Jones.

He later went into partnership with Andrew C. Black in handling fine carpets. The building in which this latter business was conducted burned down and Mr. Stuart then bought and established a carpet cleaning and rug factory which he conducted until he was stricken with paralysis and had to retire.

He planned and built on a lot at 16 East Ward Street a fine modern residence, where his widow still maintains her home, where he died December 28, 1914.

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stuart: Ollia Wilbur, born March.3, 1871, and died September 23, 1878; Vesta Pearl, wife of W. C. Douglas of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Edna Rebecca, wife of William N. Kissinger of Lockhart, Florida.

For many years Mr. Stuart was a valued member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church of Springfield and served on its official board and as a member of various church societies.

He was a stanch republican. From the time that it was organized he was zealous in behalf of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was adjutant of Mitchell Post, at Springfield, and Mrs. Stuart is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary of Mitchell Post G. A. R. and also of the New Century Club. She was educated in the public schools of Bremen, Ohio, and in the Young Woman's Methodist Seminary of Springfield, Ohio, now the Y. W. C. A. Building.

As a Mason, Mr. Stuart maintained membership with the Springfield Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and lived up to the highest ideals of this order, as he did to those of his church, and was a noble and sincere Christian, and the influence of his blameless life remains and will continue to be felt in the lives of his former associates for a long time to come.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 428

DENNIS SULLIVAN, now retired, for nearly forty years was engaged in an express business at Springfield, and is regarded as one of the substantial citizens and old soldiers of Clark County. He was born at Toledo, Ohio, in October, 1842, a son of Jeremiah Sullivan. Becoming an orphan in 1843 the little Dennis Sullivan was bound out to a Mrs. Early, a widow living near Terre Haute, Indiana, at Saint-Mary’s-in-the-Woods, and here he lived until he was sixteen years old, when he went to Sullivan, Indiana, and learned the painters’ trade and worked at it in different parts of the country until 1876, when he settled at Terre Haute and went into the furniture business. This he sold in 1880, and coming to Springfield established himself in business as a deliveryman, and was so engaged for over thirty-nine years, building up a large and valuable connection, and then, in 1920, retired.

Intensely patriotic, Mr. Sullivan sought to enter the army in 1861, but was refused, but embarked with the others in the company in which he wanted to enlist. When discovered he was put off at Terre Haute, Indiana, but re-embarked with another company and was once more put off, this time at Greencastle, Indiana. With a third company he traveled as far as Indianapolis, Indiana, and there enlisted with Company E, Twenty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which left for Baltimore, Maryland, July 6, 1861, where the command was under General Dix, drilling and doing guard duty until in February, 1862, when they were sent to Fortress Monroe, Virginia. After a few weeks in camp there they went to Ship Island, near Mobile, Alabama, where they were put under the command of General Butler and started with a fleet of frigates up the Mississippi River to New Orleans, Louisiana, with a solid Confederate battery turned against them.

At the beginning of May, 1862, they reached New Orleans and remained there for some months. On August 2, Mr. Sullivan had the misfortune to be taken prisoner at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was taken to Jackson, Mississippi, three months later was sent to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and from there up the Yazoo River to the Union lines, where he was exchanged. Following his exchange he was sent north up the Mississippi River, by way of New York City, and thence by water to New Orleans, where he rejoined his regiment. He was honorably discharged July 31, 1864. Mr. Sullivan participated in the expedition through Merrimac and Northampton counties, November 14-22, 1861; moved to New Orleans, March 4-12, 1862; attacked by Sewell’s batteries, March 5; operated against Forts Jackson and Saint Philip, April 18-28; went on to Berwick Bay, May 5; took part in the expedition to Caillou Bayou, June 9-10; battle of Baton Rouge, August 5; Bayou des Allemands, September 4-5; the engagement near Charles City Courthouse, September 8; expedition to Donaldsonville and skirmish, September 24; operations in La Fourche District, October 24 to November 6; action of Bayou Teche, November 3; engagement and destruction of gunboat “Cotton,” January 14, 1863, after which, February 4, 1863, the regiment was changed to heavy artillery. They operated against Fort Hudson, to which they laid siege in the latter part of May or June, and until the fort surrendered July 8, 1863, were engaged against it. From July to September they were in and about Baton Rouge, and September 5-11 were in the Sabine Pass expedition. During his very hard and varied war service Mr. Sullivan was not once wounded, nor did he spend a single day in the hospital, a very remarkable record.

On August 31, 1876, Mr. Sullivan married Rebecca M. Reeves, and they became the parents of the following children: William E., who lives at Springfield, Ohio, is connected with the O. S. Kelley Company, married Effie Igou, and they have three children, Leota May, William Theobert and Stanley E.; and Carrie May, who married E. G. Igou, an auto dealer, and they have one son, John Reeves.

While Mr. Sullivan never had much schooling he is a very well-informed man and can talk entertainingly upon a number of subjects, especially those relating to his army experience. He is a member of Mitchell Post, G. A. R., and has held all of the offices except that of commander. While he is a staunch republican he has not been active in politics. A loyal soldier, good citizen and sound business man, Mr. Sullivan has done his full duty and has earned the position he holds in the esteem of his neighbors and friends.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 205

N. SUMMERBELL, D.D., minister, Enon, long known as the Pastor of Bible Chapel, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at present the oldest pastor in Cincinnati, was born in New York March 8, 1816, and is the son of Rev. J. Summerbell, a minister in behalf of the M. E. Church. Our subject early began to develop great reverence for the Scriptures, and a corresponding minister of Isaac N. Walter, a Christian minister, was ordained at Little Compton, Rhode Island, in 1839, by Baptist and Christian ministers. His early ministry was in New York City, New Jersey and New England. From the beginning, he became an unwearied Bible student, attending school during the day, and studying the Word of God at night; so well was this known that his brother, a house-carpenter, requested to be awakened when he retired for his two or three hours’ rest. The first winter after his conversion, he studied the Bible carefully, word after word, and adopted its leading principles and doctrine, which have since governed his life. In 1849, he removed from Milford, New Jersey, to Cincinnati, Ohio. After building the Bible Chapel, on Longworth street, in 1855, he then removed, as a missionary, to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1859, where, after being the leading instrument in erecting a church, he was called to the Presidency of the Union Christian College, in Indiana, where he faithfully labored six years. By this time the college became well established, and finding that his established cause had declined in Cincinnati, he returned to his old field of labor. He married, in 1843, Miss Euphemia J. Sulton, of Hope, Warren Co., N. J., an accomplished lady and a great worker in the cause of Christ. They are the parents of Rev. J. J. Summerbell, a graduate of Union Christian College, and at present Pastor of the Christian Church at Milford, N. J. His daughter, who was an accomplished lady and teacher of vocal and instrumental music in the above-named college, was called hence in 1877.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1047