Clark County Ohio Biographies

ALEXANDER WADDLE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. South Charleston. To the gentleman whose name appears above, we are pleased to give apace in the biographical portion of this work. He was born in Chillicothe, Ross Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1808, and is a son of John and Nancy Waddle. John Waddle was born in October, 1783, in Belfast, Ireland, and came to America with his parents when a child. In 1802, he came to Ohio and settled in Ross County, where, in 1806, he married Nancy Mann. She was born in Scott Co., Ky., Jan. 3, 1790, and came to this State in 1798. To them nine children were born—Alexander, Elizabeth, William, John, James, Ellen, Lucy, Edward and Angus L. Elizabeth, James and Edward died in early life; the other six are still living. Mr. Waddle had purchased 1,700 acres of land in Madison Township, Clark Co. (as it is now) in 1812, and in 1830, they located on their land. While on a visit at Chillicothe, in 1831, he died, and his widow then moved back to Chillicothe, where she resided till 1874, when she too was summoned to quit the cares of earth. Alexander was the only one who remained on the farm. For half a century this has been his home, and he now owns 700 acres of the original tract. His early life was spent in attending school, and he received an academic education, since which time he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. Waddle has been identified with the most important offices of the township, and has represented Clark County twice in the Legislature. He has also served two terms each in the House and the Senate. In 1854, he was appointed agent to go to England to make a selection of stock for a company formed in Clark County, for the purpose of importing fine cattle. He was also instrumental in the organization of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture; was one of the secretaries of the same, and was afterward a member of the board for six years. He was appointed one of the Trustees of the Lunatic Asylum, at Dayton, by Gov. Dennison, and served in that capacity till the re-organization of the institution in 1874. His first marriage was celebrated in August, 1833, with Sarah Woodson, by whom he had one child, Samuel W., residing in Illinois. Mrs. Sarah Waddle departed this life in September, 1834. The second marriage of Mr. Waddle was consummated in October, 1843, with Rebecca J. Howell, a native of Virginia, born Jan. 10, 1812. She came to Clark County with her parents in 1834. Alexander and Rebecca J. Waddle are the parents of four children—John, Howell, Alexander and Nancy. Mr. Waddle and the children, except one, are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Waddle is a member of the Friends’ Church. Few men are better know throughout Clark County than this old, representative farmer of Madison Township, and the official positions he has filled demonstrates the respect and confidence which the people have reposed in him. He has always been found in the front rank, battling for every enterprise which he believed would be a lasting benefit to the county and community, of which he has ever been an honored, influential and respected member.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1075

WILLIAM T. WADDLE is consistently given high rank as one of the vital and successful representatives of farm enterprise and the dairy industry in Clark County, and his progressive operations are staged on his well improved farm of approximately 164 acres, in section 35, Greene Township. He was born in this township on the 23d of April, 1876, and is a son of Joseph M. and Martha B. (Taylor) Waddle. Joseph M. Waddle was born near the present city of Wheeling, West Virginia, December 30, 1839, and was a son of William and Maria (McMackin) Waddle, who came to Ohio in 1865 and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by their grandson William T. Waddle, of this review. Here the grandparents passed the remainder of their lives, both having been devout members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which William Waddle was an elder. Of their seven children only one is living in 1922, Addison, who is a resident of the State of Kansas.

Joseph M. Waddle was reared in what is now the State of West Virginia, and was twenty-five years of age when he accompanied his parents to Clark County, Ohio. In Greene Township, this county, on the 23d of August, 1870, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Martha B. Taylor, and of the eight children of this union only one is deceased: Miss Nellie M. continues her residence in Clark County; William T., immediate subject of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Jessie is the wife of Albert Anderson, a farmer in Greene Township; John E. is engaged in the grocery business at Xenia; Forrest is a farmer in Cedarville Township, Greene County; Harry A. is a salesman for a wholesale lumber company in the City of Columbus; and Roy is a progressive farmer in Greene County.

The environment and activities of the home farm compassed the childhood and early youth of William T. Waddle, and in the local schools he gained his early education, which was supplemented by his attending the Clifton High School. He remained at the parental home until he had attained to his legal majority, and thereafter was employed at farm work until he was twenty-six years of age, when he married and soon afterward initiated his independent career as a farmer. He has the satisfaction of utilizing the old homestead farm of his paternal grandparents, and has been specially successful both as an agriculturist and stockgrower. He now gives special attention to the dairy department of his farm enterprise, is a successful breeder of Polled Jersey cattle and maintains on his farm a fine dairy herd of about fifty cattle of this splendid type. He is a stockholder in the Emery Farmers Grain Company at Springfield. Mr. Waddle is a stalwart republican, and while he has had no desire for public office he has shown his civic loyalty through eight years of effective service as a member of the School Board of his district. He and his wife are zealous and honored members of the United Presbyterian Church at Clifton, and he is serving as an elder of the same.

On the 20th of February, 1902, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Waddle and Miss Ethel M. Shaw, who was born in Greene Township, August 10, 1878, and who is a daughter of John A. Shaw. Mr. and Mrs. Waddle have three children, whose names and respective dates of birth are here recorded: Kenneth S., March 28, 1906; Wilber J., March 3, 1912; and Lois, January 30, 1917.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 212

JULIA ANN WAGNER, farmer; P. O. Medway; was the wife of Joseph Wagner, who was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., March 12, 1833, and emigrated to this township in 1864, and purchased the farm where he lived until his death; he died March 30, 1878. The subject of this sketch now lives upon and owns the same; she was born June 26, 1839, Leitersberg District, Washington Co., Md.; was the daughter of Jacob Bowers, and was married to Joseph Wagner Jan. 30, 1862; they were the parents of six children—four sons and two daughters—five now living, viz.: Elmer C., born Oct. 18, 1862; Edward H., Dec. 5, 1864; Mary A., July 2, 1868, died April 12, 1869; Clara E., born April 12, 1870; Harvey J., Feb. 25, 1874; Lewis J., March 10, 1878. Mr. Wagner was a member of the German Reformed Church; his wife a member of the Lutheran Church; her family are all at home with her and attending school. Mr. Wagner was twice married; his first with Miss Sarah Hartle, Washington Co.; Md.; by this one child was born—Josiah A., June 26, 1859.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1035

ARTHUR H. WALKER is a civil engineer by training, but for a quarter of a century has devoted his professional knowledge and other talent to the management of a high class farm in Clark County, a place that has been in the Walker family for three generations and is known as the Able Walker homestead, situated in Madison Township.

Mr. Walker was born in this township September 6, 1876, son of Phineas and Catherine L. (Harrison) Walker. His mother was a daughter of Seth and Sarah (Fawkes) Harrison. Phineas Walker was also born at the old homestead, son of Able and Hannah (Lupton) Walker. Arthur H. Walker represents the tenth generation in descent from Lewis Walker, who came from Wales in 1686. Able and Hannah Walker came to Clark County from the vicinity of Winchester, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley and secured the old homestead now occupied by their grandson.

Arthur H. Walker grew up on the farm, attended the public schools, graduated from high school, and in 1897 finished his course and received the Civil Engineer’s degree at Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania. He served as a volunteer in the Spanish- American war, joining the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was with this regiment in the Porto Rico campaign. After his college and military experience Mr. Walker returned to the farm and has shown a high degree of efficiency in the management of the place. This farm comprises 144 acres.

September 29, 1906, he married Anna Leidigh Pringle, who is a high school graduate. They have one daughter, Catherine, born July 18, 1907. Both Mr. Walker and his wife are birthright members of the Friends Church. He is affiliated with Fielding Lodge No. 192, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master, is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter and Council at London, Ohio, Palestine Commandery No. 33 at Springfield, the Scottish Rite Consistory, and is a member of Lu-Lu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In politics he is a republican.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 215

EDWIN S. WALLACE, attorney, Springfield; was born in Mt. Sterling, Montgomery Co., Ky., July 28, 1846; is a son of Dr. Joseph S. Wallace, whose father is prominently mentioned in connection with the history of New Carlisle, Bethel Township. Dr. Wallace removed to Kentucky about 1812, being then but a boy; returned to Clark County in 1855, when he became a resident of Springfield, and resided here until his decease, which occurred in 1876; he was the youngest child of Rev. Thomas Wallace; he had a family of six children, four of whom are living; Edward S. and Charles D. are the only representatives of the family now in Clark County; William T. is the present Chief Justice of California; Joseph S., is also in California; has been for a number of years Superintendent of the San Francisco & San Jose Railroad; a daughter, Mrs. Little, is a resident of Boston. The subject of this sketch came from Kentucky with his father’s family in 1855, and, after attending Wittenberg College several years, went to Europe in 1865; during his stay of nearly four years, he graduated at Heidelberg University, receiving the degree of LL. D., and, after visiting different parts of Europe, returned to Springfield in the fall of 1868; was admitted to the practice of law in the Supreme Court in November of the same year; opened a law office in Springfield and practiced his profession. Mr. Wallace has been an active Democrat in politics; was the Democratic candidate for the office of Attorney General of Ohio in 1871, and, although there is a standing Republican majority of five to seven hundred in this city, he was elected Mayor in April, 1879, by about four hundred majority. He married, in 1875, Mrs. Mary L. Coleman, of Dayton; she is a daughter of William Reynolds; her mother was a daughter of Col. John Johnston, of Piqua, and was born in Cincinnati, on the present site of Robert Clark & Co.’s publishing house.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 938

SMITH WALLACE, farmer; P. O. Donelsville; is a son of Hugh M. Wallace, who was born in Kentucky, Aug. 14, 1778, and lost his parents when young, but remained in his native State until about 20 years old, when he came to the Northwest, stopping in what is now Bethel Township, Clark Co., Ohio; here began work for a previous settler, David Lowry, who had erected a rude pioneer grist-mill on Donnel’s Creek. His labors continued for Mr. Lowry several years, and it is supposed that he married in the year Ohio was admitted in the United States, Margaret Smith (an aunt of Gen. J. Warren Keifer). She was born in what is now Bethel Township. Their union lasted only a few years, when the terrible destroyer, consumption, tore her from the earthly care, leaving husband and one child. The latter soon too passed into eternity and the former during their union had entered the southwest quarter of Sec. 27, Bethel Township. After continuous efforts and hard labor, he had paid eighty dollars, but failed to complete the task, hence lost both land and money. After the death of his wife, he remained in the employ of Mr. David Lowry until the desperate red man’s deeds in 1812 were to be suppressed. In this struggle he was a participant, enduring many privations, but on July 6, 1814, he married for his second wife, Eleanor Richison, who was born in the Northwest Feb. 10, 1793. Nine children were born to them, of whom seven now survive. Soon after this marriage, Hugh again, with renewed efforts, entered the same quarter section; by perseverance and determination succeeded in completing his task. This dense wilderness was gradually converted into open fields. When they first settled on this farm, Mrs. Wallace and her mother Mrs. Richison, would frequently walk to Dayton, do their trading and return the same day with groceries, etc., on their backs, making a round trip of about 35 miles. Thus Hugh and family trod the path of life until Feb. 15, 1864, when his death severed the union, and she, too, passed away July 1, 1875, and thus ended the life of two worthy pioneers of Clark Co. Smith Wallace was born June 23, 1817, on the farm he now owns, on which his entire life, save five years, has been spent. His early life was spent in assisting his father to clear up the farm on which he cultivated crops. The log schoolhouse in which he procured most of his education was at a distance of only half a mile. His marriage was celebrated May 11, 1843, with Sarah Stevens, of Shelby Co., Ohio, where she was born, Aug. 4, 1822. The fruit of this union was nine children, of whom seven are now living. After the marriage, he settled on the home farm and continued to cultivate it until his younger brothers were of sufficient size to take charge under the father’s supervision, thence he settled near Springfield as a renter, and five years later returned to the home farm, which he purchased, and is now well situated, though he and family labored long and hard. On June 3, 1868, when a large, new brick house was just completed, her death severed the union. He married again on Dec. 10, 1874, for his second wife, Julia A. Copp, who was born in Logan Co., Ohio, January 4, 1838, and died in the faith of the Christian Church, Oct. 26, 1879, leaving husband and one child, a daughter, Gracie A. Mr. Wallace has been solicited to fill various offices of trust in county and township, but as yet never accepted. The family have been members of different Protestant churches, and no doubt much good has grown out of their labors.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1035

W. C. WALLACE. One of the well kept and valuable country properties in Bethel Township, owned by W. C. Wallace, has been in the Wallace family for three consecutive generations and is the homestead of a family that has been in Clark County for more than a century. This farm is situated ten miles west of Springfield and a mile south of the National Road.

W. C. Wallace, his father, Joseph C., and the two sons of W. C. Wallace were all born in the same house. W. C. Wallace was born July 13, 1864.

The pioneer of the family here was Reuben Wallace, who came from Rockingham County, Virginia, and bought the land included in the Wallace homstead in 1818. This land then cost $11 an acre. He acquired a half a section. A school stood on adjoining land, and he had to acquire a strip eleven rods wide, containing twenty-two acres, in order to make the school accessible to his land. Two school houses stood on that site, the second one a brick building erected about 1833 and abandoned in 1872 and torn down in 1888. Reuben Wallace was born August 13, 1778. He became a man of substantial character in Clark County, and was a member of the State Legislature at the time Fayette County was created and was one of the three commissioners to locate the county seat. Reuben Wallace was a cabinet maker by trade. He sold off from his original tract until he owned two hundred acres at the time of his death. His sons Joseph C. and Benjamin F. acquired this portion of the homestead. Reuben Wallace died May 11, 1855. On April 5, 1803, he married Anna Lamme, of a family that came from Virginia about the same time as the Wallaces. His second wife was Barbara Cecil, and his third wife, Eleanor Mitchell, survived him some years. There were several children by the first marriage, and a granddaughter living at New Carlisle is Mrs. William Higgins. The children of the second marriage were: John W., born in 1820 and died young; Benjamin F., born in 1822, and removed to Indiana, where he died; Anna, born in 1823, became the wife of Robert Black and died, north of Carlisle, in middle life; Reuben B., born in 1825, and died young; Joseph C.; Nancy, born in 1828, died unmarried in 1903; Sarah, born in 1830, married Monroe Dyche, and died in California in 1905, and William W., born in 1831, was drowned at the age of nineteen.

Joseph C. Wallace was born December 7, 1826. October 3, 1861, he married Mary N. Smith, who was born at Greenfield, Ohio, June 16, 1838. She died March 19, 1903. Joseph C. Wallace was killed at a railroad crossing January 7, 1897. At the time of his death he owned 153 acres of the homstead, and also another place of eighty-six acres near there. He was a prosperous farmer, stockman and cattle feeder. His family consisted of two sons, W. C. and Fred S. The latter attended the University of Delaware, Ohio, read law, was editor of the old Republic, and is now publisher of the Tribune at Coshocton, Ohio.

W. C. Wallace was given a high school education, and his life has been practically devoted to the interests of the farm since early manhood. On June 9, 1906, he married Grace Wise, daughter of William and Martha (McKinney) Wise. Her great-grandfather, Samuel McKinney, came to Clark County about the same time as the Wallaces. Martha McKinney was the daughter of Cyrus McKinney. The Wise family were pioneers at Medway, where they owned the site of the old power house and erected a saw mill and woolen mill. William Wise is now living retired at Medway and was for over fifty years a justice of the peace.

After his father’s death W. C. Wallace acquired the old farm, and his business life has been completely devoted to its management. He is a dairyman and stock raiser. The family residence now occupied by him was erected in 1900. He is a republican, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Medway. The Ward Chapel was practically built by his grandfather, and was used by the congregation until a new church at Medway was built, about 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have a family of three children: Donald M., who graduated from the Ohio State University in 1922; Roscoe W., a member of the class of 1923 in the state university; and Anna E., who graduated from high school in 1922. Both sons are also graduates of high school.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 149

JAMES WALLINGSFORD, auctioneer, Springfield. Mr. Wallingsford owns a farm of 100 acres where he lives, two miles south from Springfield, on the road leading south from the Charleston Pike. Mr. Wallingsford devotes his attention chiefly to auctioneering, and those wanting a good, reliable man to sell property, both personal and real estate, should call on Mr. Wallingsford. He was born in this county in 1826. In 1855, he opened a store in Vienna, this county; after running the store some five years, he sold out, and has since then devoted his time to his present occupation. Mr. Wallingsford is the leading auctioneer of Clark County; he is a man of good judgment, and keeps himself well informed in prices, and the record he has made as a salesman entitles him to the rank of the “best auctioneer in the county.” He was married, in 1847, to Percy H. Sprague, daughter of James and Mary (Bailey) Sprague; they have two children—Nannie J. and Gilkey J. Mr. Wallingsford is the son of Richard and Fannie (White) Wallingsford; Richard, the father of James, was a native of Kentucky and died in this county in 1842; Fannie, his mother, was born in this county, and departed this life in 1872; her (Fannie’s) father was a native of Canada, and her mother of Massachusetts. The Wallingsfords were among the early settlers of this county. James, our subject is a member in good standing of Ephraim Lodge, No. 146, I. O. O. F.; he was instructed in the mysteries of said order and became a member of said lodge in 1856; when he moved to Vienna, he took his card from Ephraim Lodge, and was one of the charter members of Vienna Lodge, No. 345; of said lodge he obtained the rank of Past Grand; he has, since leaving Vienna, again removed his membership to Ephraim Lodge.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 939

MRS. CATHERINE WARD, Springfield; was born in Moorefield Township in 1810, and grew to womanhood in the pioneer days, and was familiar with the flaxbrake, spinning-wheel, and other useful pioneer treasures. She was married, in 1827, to Charles Ward, and raised a family of seven children, five of whom are living, all residents of Springfield. Mr. Ward was a son of William Ward, one of the early settlers of Moorefield Township; after their marriage, they began domestic life in Moorefield Township, and resided on the same farm until Mr. Ward’s decease, which occurred in 1847. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Ward remained on the farm with her children until after her father’s death, in 1863, after which, her youngest child being nearly grown, she removed to Springfield, where she has a handsome residence on High street, and has resided here since; she also owns a large tract of land in Moorefield Township, which formerly belonged to her father. She is now in her 71st year, enjoying very good general health, and, notwithstanding she has had a very laborious life, is still in possession of all her faculties.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 939

GEORGE M. WARREN, farmer; P. O. Vienna X Roads. The subject of this biographical sketch is a native of Clark Co., Ohio, having been born March 17, 1837. His father came from the state of New Jersey, and settled in Clark County in the year 1827, in Pleasant Township; he died Jan. 27, 1877. The subject of this sketch began to work on a farm when quite young, and has followed farming since. Mr. Warren was united in marriage Jan. 21, 1858, to Miss Nancy Rathbun, a daughter of Clark Rathbun, a son of Col. Rathbun, who was one of the early pioneers of Clark County. Mr. Warren is the owner of a very fine farm of 109 acres of land adjoining the town of Brighton, in Harmony Township, where he resides, surrounded with the comforts of life. He is a Past Grand in the Independent Order of Odd Fellowship; he is a member of Vienna Lodge, No. 345, and is a member of Mad River Encampment, I. O. O. F., also. Mr. Warren is a man of fine social qualities; he is an honored citizen.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 969

GEORGE WATSON, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. South Charleston, Ohio. John Watson, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in England Feb. 25, 1786; he was married there and came to America in 1829; he first came to Cincinnati, and in the fall of 1829, he settled in Harmony Township. Mr. John Watson while in England was the owner of a farm of 40 acres. He died on the old home place in Harmony Township May 13, 1844, in his 59th year; he left a wife and nine children, three of the children are living now, viz.: George (the subject of this sketch); William, who resides at South Charleston, Ohio, and Sarah, who lives at College Corner, Ind. His wife, Sarah, was born in England, April 11, 1783, and died in Harmony Township, Jan. 5, 1877, in the 94th year of her age. George, the subject of this sketch, was born in Cumberland County, England, Dec. 1, 1816, he came to America with his parents in 1829, and is now living upon part of the farm that his father purchased in that year. He was united in marriage March 4, 1851, to Miss Margaret E. Price, a daughter of James Price, late of Harmony Township; as a result of this marriage there have been born to them two children—John P., who was born Jan. 28, 1852, and Laura A., was born Nov. 16, 1854 (now the wife of Charles W. Batchelor, of Piqua, Ohio); John P. is married to Miss Luella E. Scott, of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Watson is the owner of one of the finest and best improved farms of 520 acres that is in Clark County, it is all in one body in Harmony Township, excepting 8 acres across the line in Madison Township. Mr. Watson and his son John P. run the farm in partnership, and deal in fine short-horn cattle. He is a Deacon in the Baptist Church at Lisbon, and his entire family are members of the same church. Mr. Watson is a member of the F. & A. M. at South Charleston, is also the oldest Past Grand of the Lodge of I. O. O. F., to which he belongs. He is now in his 65th year, a man full of vitality, and, as he says, without an “ache or pain.” Socially, he is very pleasant, a man who is given to hospitality; he is a man who is much respected in the community in which he lives, and is an honest citizen.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 969

SAMUEL WATSON, retired farmer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. A son of William Watson, a native of Maryland, who came to Ohio in 1837, and located in Green Township, Clark Co., and lived there until 1849, when he sold his farm and moved to Greene Co., and purchased a farm and lived upon it until within a short time previous to his death, which occurred in January, 1863. He served in the war of 1812. His wife was a daughter of Samuel Dunham, of New Jersey. Samuel Watson was born April 9, 1813, in Frederick Co., Va.; was raised and educated a tiller of the soil. When 18 years old, he learned the shoemaker’s trade, and worked at it there three years. He, with another young man, started for Ohio on horseback, and arrived at New Lisbon in July, 1834. He then engaged in working as a farm hand, and also engaged in horse-trading, at which he was very successful. He was twice married; first, Jan. 10, 1838, to Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob Kiser, of this county. After his marriage he leased two acres of ground and began working at his trade. He lived there four years; then purchased thirty acres of land and began farming, with his trade. He afterward added to this until he had 153 acres. He lived upon this farm until the fall of 1864, when he sold it and purchased the one where he now lives, located in the south part of Pleasant Township, containing 390 acres, with good improvements. Mrs. Watson died Jan. 19, 1874. He was again united in marriage April 11, 1876, with Miss Jennie Steward, daughter of Samuel F., of this county.

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

MICHAEL WAY, South Charleston; Mayor of South Charleston, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. Michael Way’s father was born in Pennsylvania, Feb. 22, 1787. In the early part of his life he served as pilot on the Susquehanna River during the rafting season. He was a shoemaker by trade. In those days all work was done by hand, and be carried on the business quite extensively, employing from ten to fifteen hands, and furnished the lumbermen from the head-waters of the Susquehanna with boots for their employes; selling as much as $1,000 worth to one dealer. About 1807, he married Susan May; she was also a native of Pennsylvania, born in November of 1790. Ten children (five sons and five daughters) were the fruits of this union; four of the sons died in infancy; the survivors are Mary, now Mrs. J. Hinkle, near Springfield; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Arthur Osborn, of Scioto Co.; Susan, Mrs. F. Shanholtz, of Kentucky; Margaret, widow of Stephen Llewelly, residing near Springfield; Michael, and Ellen, now Mrs. W. A. Kershner, near Springfield. Michael Way, Sr., departed this life in 1838, his widow is still living in this county, where she located in 1840. Michael, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Aug. 29, 1823. He worked at shoemaking for his father till his death, and, after coming to this State, completed the trade, and carried on the business for several years. He served in the civil war as a member of Co. E, 142d O. N. G., under Col. Stowe. In December of 1868, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served three years. He was again elected to the same office in 1877, which he still holds. He has been Notary ever since his first election to the office of Justice, and has been Township Clerk since 1867, except one year. On the 9th of July, 1846, he was united in marriage with Sarah Hinkle. She was born in Pennsylvania in December of 1827; to this union eleven children have been given. Six survived their infancy, Susan, John H., Arthur O., Mary A., Michael L., and Elizabeth O. Arthur O. died of typhoid fever at the age of 18. Mrs. Way is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1075

ABRAHAM WEAVER, farming and blacksmithing; P. O. Vienna X Roads. The subject of the following sketch was born in Hampshire Co., Va., Jan. 24, 1823. He was married to Miss Sophia Sprague in 1847; the result of this union was two children, to wit: Theressa, who died Aug. 20, 1849, aged 9 months and 4 days; and Orlando, who died Jan. 20, 1851, aged 3 months and 4 days; and, on July 16, 1851, the mother of the above-named children also passed away. Abraham Weaver was married to his present wife, Miss Mary Ann (Jones) Weaver, in 1852. Miss Jones was born Aug. 26, 1828; the result of this union is nine children, all of whom are living, except Nancy, who died in her 9th year; the names of the living children are as follows: Eliza was born Oct. 19, 1852; James E. was born Sept. 11, 1854; Charles F. was born Jan. 14, 1856; Kate was born Sept. 22, 1857; Joseph was born April 13, 1859; Nancy was born Feb. 8, 1861; Harriet was born July 8, 1862; Laura was born Jan. 13, 1865; Frank was born Sept. 20, 1866. The parents of Mr. Weaver were natives of Virginia, whence they emigrated to Ohio in the year 1829; Joseph Weaver, his father, was born Jan. 2, 1794; Sarah Weaver, his mother, was born June 22, 1798. The names of the brother and sisters of the subject are as follows: Eliza was born May 5, 1821; Abraham, the subject, whose age is already given, and Nancy Feb. 13, 1825; the three above named were born in Virginia; Amanda was born in Springfield Township, Clark Co., Ohio, June 8, 1832; George, who is a half-brother of the subject, was born in Wisconsin, and connected with which there is a bit of romance. Mr. Weaver, who was a well-to-do farmer, meeting with heavy reverses by going security, concluded that he would leave his family for a time with the design ostensibly to repair his shattered fortunes, went to the young but growing State of Wisconsin, where fabulous amounts were suddenly realized in the lead mines, stock-raising, etc; he never returned, but married there; the result of the union was one son, George, who came to Clark Co., Ohio, on a visit to his relatives a few years ago; Sarah, wife of Joseph, struggled along with her large family as best she could, supposing her husband dead, and, after a lapse of eleven years, was united in matrimony with Mr. Silas Melvin, with whom she lived until his death, which occurred in the year 1859. David Jones, the father of our subject’s second wife, was a native of Virginia, came to Ohio in an early day and died in this, Harmony Township, in October, 1857; Jane (Ellis) Jones, his wife, was born in Clark Co., Ohio, and is yet living at the advanced age of 76 years. Mr. A. Weaver, our subject, has been a resident of Clark Co. since 1829, is in his 58th year, and has watched with a deep interest the rapid transformation of this once wilderness, to what may property be turned the garden of Ohio.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 970

CHAUNCEY ILES WEAVER. Of the public utilities companies of Clark County which have functioned to the entire satisfaction of the people, few have been placed in a more favorable light than the Springfield Light, Heat and Power Company. Not a little of the credit for the success of this concern and for its high standing in the confidence and esteem of the people must be given to the vice president and general manager, Chauncey Iles Weaver, a man of liberal training and broad practical experience, whose knowledge, ability and energy have contributed materially to the placing of the concern upon a high pedestal.

Mr. Weaver was born at Everest, Kansas, February 13, 1886, a son of Calvin B. and Margaret (Iles) Weaver. He spent his youth in Kansas, where he attended the public schools, including high school, and then entered the Kansas State College, where he pursued a course in electrical engineering, and was graduated from that institution after a satisfactory college career with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Following this he took up special work in electric measurements at Armour Institute, Chicago. Mr. Weaver was employed afterward by the General Electric Company at Schenectady, New York, whence he was subsequently transferred to that company’s sales department at Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he left the General Electric Company’s employ he went to Chicago, where he entered the service of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company as salesman in connection with coal mines.

In the fall of 1912 Mr. Weaver became identified with the Commonwealth Power, Railway and Light Company, which is the holding company for the Springfield Light, Heat and Power Company. For three years at first Mr. Weaver acted in the capacity of sales manager. In 1915, 1916 and 1917 he was manager of the Eastern Michigan Power Company, a construction concern engaged in building hydro-electric and steam plants and transmission lines, also doing other construction work for the Consumers Power Company in Michigan. On January 3, 1918, he took charge of the Springfield Light, Heat and Power Company in the capacity of general manager, and in the following year was also made vice president, having held these two positions to the present time.

Mr. Weaver is an active member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineering, the National Electric Light Association and other organizations of his profession. As a fraternalist he is a charter member of H. S. Kissell Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Springfield. He likewise holds membership in the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the Springfield Rotary Club, the Lagonda Club, the Springfield Country Club and the Young Men’s Christian Association. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian Church.

In 1909 Mr. Weaver was united in marriage with Miss Laura Lillian Lyman, who was born February 11, 1888, at Manhattan, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have one daughter, Margaret Gertrude.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 128

JAMES S. WEBB. Many boast of Springfield as the place of their nativity, but there are others who are proud of the fact that they have had the discernment and good judgment to become adopted sons of Clark County, and this is the fact with regard to James S. Webb, one of the leading insurance brokers of this part of the state. While his permanent location in the city is of relatively recent date, he may be fairly accounted as one of the county’s progressive, helpful and dependable business men, typical of his day and calling.

Born at Louisville, Kentucky, December 16, 1869, he is a son of John G. and Adelaide (Wardlaw) Webb. John G. Webb, a native of England, immigrated to Canada, and from there came to the United States and located in Clark County at a date prior to the war between the states. For some time he conducted a farm in Springfield Township. With the outbreak of the war between the two sections of the country he symbolized his loyalty by enlisting to help preserve the Union, and served as a military telegrapher. Mr. Webb was under the command of General Grant at Vicksburg and elsewhere, and his military career in behalf of his adopted country reflected much credit upon him and the cause in which he served. After the termination of the war he located at Louisville, Kentucky, there engaged in mercantile pursuits, and there died in 1884.

James S. Webb grew to years of maturity in his native city, and there received his educational training in its excellent public schools. He first came to Springfield in 1892 to become superintendent of the old Hastings Paper Mill. Later he moved to New York as eastern manager for the Victor Rubber Company. Ohio had its attractions for him, however, for in 1906 he became treasurer of the Webb Construction Company at Columbus, Ohio. In 1913 he came once more to Springfield, and established himself in business as an insurance broker, at which he has since continued with more than average success. In Springfield Mr. Webb has contributed time and money in furthering all laudable aims of the community. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Fire and Underwriters Casualty Association, and the Rotary, Lagonda and Country clubs, having served as president of the former. He is a communicant of the Episcopal Church, belongs to the Young Men’s Christian Association, and is one of the executive committee of the republican party in Clark County. For years he has been active in local Masonic history. He served as master of Anthony Lodge No. 455, Free and Accepted Masons, and was the first master of St. Andrews Lodge No. 619, Free and Accepted Masons. To him has been accorded the rare honor of having conferred upon him the thirty-third degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry, and he also holds membership in the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. During the World war Mr. Webb took an extremely active part in local work. He served the Government in various local camps, urging upon the soldiers and sailors the importance of taking out insurance. He was chairman of the Fraternal Committee in the sale of Liberty Bonds, and was song director for the Clark County War Chest.

On October 13, 1903, Mr. Webb married Miss Lucy Harrison, of Louisville, Kentucky, a daughter of Col. William Harrison, one of the prominent men of Kentucky. Mr. Webb is a man of strong character and noble impulses, and lives up in his everyday life to what he believes to be his duty. Whenever responsibilities have come to him he has labored earnestly and effectively to discharge them, and has never shirked a personal or civic duty, but rendered full value for whatever has been demanded of him. Such men are rare, but when found are a valuable asset to their community.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 28

WILLIAM H. WEBB, Pastor Second Presbyterian Church, Springfield. If there are any, the recollections of whose lives and personal associations will awaken in the hearts of the rising generations at some future day more pleasurable emotions than others, they must be their Pastors, whose ministrations, pleadings and exhortations served to keep them clear of the temptations that so thickly and persistently beset the unwary in the springtime of life; his words of reproof, warning and counsel from the pulpit, of consolation at the death-bed, and of good cheer and encouragement in social intercourse, will live in the mind and memory, when the recollection of contemporaneous happenings and acquaintanceships have grown dim. To this revered and beloved class belongs the subject of this sketch, the Rev. William H. Webb, present Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Springfield, which pulpit he has filled, in the most satisfactory manner, for seven years. Mr. Webb was born June 7, 1833, in Homer, Courtland Co., N. Y. On May 9, 1861, a little after the first gun of the great civil war had been fired, he married Miss Harriet Elizabeth Prince, of Auburn, N. Y., their only living child being a son of 9 years, they having lost two sons and one daughter by death. Mr. Webb graduated from Hamilton College, in 1858, and Auburn Theological Seminary, N. Y., in 1861; he had a charge in Adrian, Mich., nine years just preceding his coming here. Mr. Webb is a minister of the earnest, persuasive sort, converting by pleas rather than threats, preaching the doctrine of infinite love to reward rather than infinite power to punish; his sermons are replete with graceful metaphor, aptly drawn simile, and happy illustration, and he has the faculty of holding his congregation well in hand, and keeping their attention closely to the last; his impression on strangers is immediately favorable, and by his congregation, as well as the community at large, he is held in the highest esteem and affection, as is his excellent wife, whose thorough gentility and refinement are apparent at a glance. The Second Church commenced its separate existence eighteen years ago, and is in a most flourishing condition, numbering among its members some of the oldest, best and wealthiest of Springfield’s citizens. Long will the memory linger in the minds of his congregation, of that most feeling, pathetic and plain discourse delivered on Sabbath night of Oct. 31, 1880, from one of the most prolific themes ever used as a text, the words of the Master as recorded in John, viii, 11: “Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more."

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 940

PHILIP WEIMER, merchant tailor and dealer in clothing and gents’ furnishing goods, Springfield. Among the business men of Springfield who deserve a more than passing notice, is Mr. Weimer; he is a native of France, born in Woeth in 1834: came to the United States in 1849; learned the tailor’s trade in New York City; he first engaged in business for himself in Jeffersonville, Fayette Co., this State; after doing business there about ten years, removed to this city, and has been a leading and reliable business man for the past fifteen years; being a practical tailor of long experience, he has secured a large patronage in custom made work, while his extensive acquaintance with the trade, enables him to get all possible advantages in the selection and purchase of his goods; he carries the largest stock of ready-made clothing to be found in the city, and his straightforward style of business has enabled him to build up a valuable reputation and profitable trade. He married, in 1857, Miss Mary J. Creamer, of Jeffersonville; she having died, he married again, in 1861, Miss Sarah J. Honey, also of Jeffersonville; they have three children. Mr. Weimer’s residence, No. 304 East High street is a handsome property, improved and built by him; he is member of the Masonic fraternity, and an active, enterprising businessman and respected citizen.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 940

JOHN WELLER, farmer; P. O. Clifton; son of Joseph Weller, a native of Maryland, was born Dec. 11, 1817, at Augusta Co., Va.; his early years being mostly required in the maintenance of his father’s family, his opportunities for the development of his mind in youth were limited to occasional attendance at subscription schools; but a large experience with the world and its business affairs, has made ample amends for this, and given his country a citizen who respects its laws, acts well his humble part in its growth and development, and cherishes its fundamental principles of government. In 1830, with his father’s family, he removed to this township, where they settled on the east branch of the Little Miami, and in 1836 his father settled on his present farm of 160 acres, which he afterward, on April 10, 1851, purchased. Jan. 9, 1845, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Wyant, daughter of John Wyant, of Champaign Co., this State. Of this marriage, two children were born; a son, John A., who assists on the farm, and a daughter, Sarah Jane, wife of John E. Johnson, a neighbor.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1058

JAMES L. WELSH, who is serving as a valued member of the Board of County Commissioners of Clark County, of which he was formerly sheriff, has been a business man of prominence in the City of Springfield and is known and honored as one of the broad-gauged and progressive citizens of the county. His residence in the City of Springfield is at 2565 East High Street.

Mr. Welsh was born on a farm five miles west of Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, Ohio, on the 4th of November, 1863, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Spry) Welsh, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Champaign County, Ohio, where the Spry family settled about the year 1801 and became actively associated with pioneer development and progress. John Welsh was an infant at the time of his parents’ removal from Virginia to Champaign County, Ohio, where his father, Levi Welsh, became a prosperous farmer, besides having assisted in the construction of the old National Road. He continued his residence in that county until his death, November 4, 1854.

John Welsh became extensively engaged in farm enterprise in Champaign County, and in 1878 he came with his family to Clark County, and operated a large farm in Moorefield Township. He was one of the venerable and honored citizens of this county at the time of his death, which occurred at the home of his son James L., in 1916, when he was eighty-one years of age, his wife having passed away in 1893. Of their five children James L., of this sketch, is the eldest; John, Jr., who was for many years engaged in the dry-goods business at Springfield, is now a merchant in the City of San Diego, California; Miss Lousetta May died when comparatively a young woman; Newton is engaged in the livery business at Springfield; and Fanny, who became the wife of Charles Shafer, died at the age of thirty-two years.

That James L. Welsh made good use of his early educational advantages is shown in the fact that at the age of seventeen years he became a successful teacher in a district school, his emolument for this service having been $100 for the term of three months. He continued his effective labors in the pedagogic profession seventeen years, and in the meanwhile advanced his own education by attending the normal department of Wittenberg College and the normal school at Lebanon, under Professor Holbrook. For nine years he taught in the graded schools of Oakdale, and he gave four years service as a teacher in Congress Hall, in Springfield Township. In the summer vacations Mr. Welsh was a traveling representative of the Champion Machine Company, and in this connection he visited virtually all of the grain-producing states of the Union, as well as Manitoba, Canada. He later became general agent for the Osborne Machine Company of New York for Southwestern Ohio, and maintained headquarters in the City of Cincinnati. After retiring from this position he opened a farm-implement store at Springfield for the handling of all kinds of farm implements and machinery. Mr. Riggle, another veteran salesman for the Osborne Company, was his partner in the business three years, and for three years thereafter the enterprise was conducted under the firm name of Welsh & Watkins, with Daniel Watkins as junior member. Mr. Watkins was succeeded by Newton Welsh, and thereafter the business was continued under the title Welsh Brothers about four years. After the retirement of Newton Welsh, James L. Welsh continued the business in an independent way until 1917, when he sold the stock and business, after having been successfully engaged in this line of enterprise fifteen consecutive years.

In 1916 Mr.Welsh was elected sheriff of Clark County, as candidate on the republican ticket, on a strictly Dry Platform and Law Enforcement, and in this office he served two terms of two years each. While making an arrest of a drink-crazed criminal Mr. Welsh was shot in the leg, the injury causing a permanent shortening of the member. While still sheriff he was, in 1920, elected a County Commissioner, and he has been in active and effective service in this office since September 19, 1921. He has been a loyal and influential figure in the local councils and campaign of the republican party. He and his wife are zealous members of the United Presbyterian Church in their home city, both having been specially active in the work of its Sunday School, besides which Mr. Welsh has served as vice president and president of the Clark County Sunday School Association, in which he is at the present time superintendent of the adult department. He is affiliated with the Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Mad River Encampment; the Lodge and Uniformed Rank of the Knights of Pythias; the local council of the United Commercial Travelers; and the Springfield Council of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

Mr. Welsh married Miss Louie E. Dugan August 5, 1890. She was born and reared near Springfield. They have no children. Mrs. Welsh is influential in the local organization of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and in various departments of the work of the United Presbyterian Church of Springfield.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 113

ELI WEST. The attractive community of Catawba, in Pleasant Township has its full quota of citizens who have stepped aside from the path of active endeavor to allow the passing of the younger generation with its high hopes and ambitions. A highly respected member of this retired colony is Eli West, who for many years was engaged in blacksmithing and who gained a competence and many friends by a career of industry and straightforward dealing with his fellowmen.

Mr. West was born at Catawba, July 1, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Wood) West. His great-grandfather, Edmund West, was born in Virginia and in young manhood came to Ohio, where he settled as a pioneer in Madison County. Here he rounded out his career as an agriculturist. Alex West, the grandfather of Eli West, was born in Madison County, where he was reared on his father’s farm and educated in the public schools of his day. He passed his life as a farmer of Madison County, and passed away on his property, as did his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Curl. Henry West, the father of Eli West, was born in Madison County, December 23, 1832, and was reared and educated in his native community. He followed farming and stockraising all his life and died at the early age of forty years, May 2, 1872. Mrs. West, who was born in 1832, at Catawba, was educated in the public schools and died June 28, 1866, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. West was also a member. He was a republican in politics. In their family there were six children, of whom five are living in 1922: Eli, of this notice; William, a resident of Virginia; Lettie, the wife of C. G. Wilson; Isaiah, of Columbus, Ohio; and James H., also of Columbus. After the death of his first wife Mr. West married Miss Elizabeth Brocker, and they became the parents of three children: Lewis, who is deceased; Foster, a resident of London, Ohio; and Clark of Springfield.

Eli West was given a common school education and was reared on the home farm, where his boyhood and youth knew much of hard work because of the death of his parents. When he was thirty years of age he applied himself to the task of learning the trade of blacksmith, and this he followed in his home community for thirty-six years, or until the time of his retirement. A skilled and thorough master of his trade, his work was always of the highest character, and he became widely known for his ability in matters pertaining to his vocation. His shop at Catawba was well patronized, even after the advent of the automobile, and his services were in demand in special work requiring deftness and strength.

Mr. West married Miss Lydia Steps, who was born at Catawba, at the place where she now lives, August 5, 1858, and is the mother of five children: Clola, the wife of John Skilman; Mary and Millie, twins, the former single and at home and the latter the wife of Wilbur Davidson, of Urbana Township, Champaign County; Lottie, the wife of Charles Snyder; and Letty, the wife of John W. Lafferty. Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which Mr. West has been active for thirty-four years, being a class leader and member of the board of trustees for a long period, and formerly having been superintendent of the Sunday School. In politics a republican, he has been active in public affairs for many years. He was mayor of Catawba and for four years has served in his present capacity as treasurer of Pleasant Township, in addition to which he has held other township offices. His business connections are numerous and he is a stockholder in the Hub Mountain Coal Company, the Templar Motor Company of Cleveland and the United States Axle Company.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 355

BURTON J. WESTCOTT, who in 1921-22 served as mayor of the City of Springfield, is distinctly an exponent of progress along both civic and business lines and has been prominently concerned with the commercial and industrial advancement of his home city.

Mr. Westcott was born at Richmond, Indiana, July 18, 1868, and is a son of John M. and Caroline (Mitchell) Westcott. John M. Westcott was born in Union County, Indiana, and was a son of Henry Westcott, the latter having been a boy at the time of the family removal from New Jersey to Indiana, about the year 1812. The family name became one of no little prominence in connection with the pioneer development and progress of the Hoosier State, and its prestige was fully upheld in constructive activities in later generations. Soon after the close of the Civil war John M. Westcott established his home at Richmond, Indiana, and he became one of the prominent manufacturers and influential citizens of that fine old city, long known as one of the leading American headquarters of the Society of Friends. Mr. Westcott became the sole owner of the important manufacturing business conducted under the title of the Hoosier Drill Company, and his civic liberality was manifested in his valuable contributions to the civic and material upbuilding of Richmond. There his death occurred in 1907, his wife having passed away in 1901. Of their seven children the present mayor of Springfield was the fifth in order of birth.

The public schools of his native city afforded Burton J. Wescott his preliminary education, which was supplemented by his attending Swarthmore College and DePauw University. He initiated his business career by becoming associated with the Hoosier Drill Company, of which his father was the president. In 1903 this concern, with numerous others of similar order, was merged into the American Seeding Company, and in March of that year Mr. Wescott came to Springfield, Ohio, as treasurer of the latter corporation, which here established its general offices. He has retained this executive position to the present time. In 1896, at Richmond, Indiana, was organized the Westcott Carriage Company, and in later years the same was reorganized as the Westcott Motor Car Company, the headquarters of the company being removed from Richmond to Springfield in 1916. Of this corporation Mr. Westcott is the president. He is a director of the Lagonda National Bank and is financially interested in other business enterprises of important order, including several of the representative industrial concerns of Springfield.

Springfield’s mayor is a staunch republican, and in public affairs of a local order he has been significantly loyal and progressive. In 1913 he was elected a member of the city commission of Springfield, upon the adoption of the commission system of municipal government, and was later made president of that body, which makes him ex-officio mayor of the city. He has remained the incumbent through successive reelections that have attested popular appreciation of his vigorous and effective administration. He is a member of the Lagonda Club, the Springfield Country Club and the Dayton Club of Dayton, this state.

Mr. Westcott married Miss Orpho Leffler, of Hamilton, Ohio, and they have two children: Jeanne (Mrs. Richard M. Rogers), and John M. II.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 15

WILLIAM WHITE, Judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio, Springfield. The hardy growths of nature are those that battle the storms, the fiercer the conflict the more robust becomes the trunk, and the deeper down do the roots descend. Man is but a part of nature, and he who has endured the storms of life from childhood, mounting, step by step, the rugged path leading to success, winning recognition by his talent and force of character, until he has reached one of the highest positions in the gift of his adopted State, is the strong growth, the man of mark. In every generation, a few such men come to the front, and the people recognize them; they make our laws, mold our institutions and free the minds of the masses from that ignorance that would otherwise trammel its intellectual development. In the foremost rank of this class of men can be safely placed the Hon. William White, Judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio, who was born in England Jan. 28, 1822; his parents having died when he was quite young, he came to the United States with his uncle, James Dory, in 1831, who took up his residence in Springfield; when William became 12 years of age, he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker for nine years; after serving six years, he obtained a release from his master, giving his notes for a considerable amount, which he paid by working at his trade in Springfield; he was instilled with a laudable desire to obtain an education, and to secure the necessary means for this purpose, he devoted all his energies to his trade, working during vacation, and such other spare time as he had; his principal education was obtained at the Ohio Conference High School, under the tutorship of Chandler Robbins; on completing his studies, he was encouraged by the late William A. Rodgers to read law, which he did, managing to earn sufficient means to defray his expenses by teaching school at intervals and serving as night clerk in the post office; in 1846, he was admitted to the bar and immediately taken into partnership by his preceptor, Mr. Rodgers; this relation continued to exist until 1851, when the latter was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. White was elected Prosecuting Attorney at the October election of 1847, and continued to hold that office eight years, receiving large majorities at each succeeding contest; in 1856, without solicitation on his part, he was put in nomination as an independent candidate for the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, by the members of the bar of his subdivision, embracing the counties of Clark, Greene, Warren and Clinton, and was elected by a large majority over the nominee of the dominant party, his own county giving him an almost unanimous vote; in October, 1861, he was re-elected; on the resignation of Judge Hocking H. Hunter, Judge White, at the request of the bar of his district, was appointed, by Gov. Brough, Judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio, in February, 1864, and in October of the same year was elected to the unexpired term; in October, 1868, he was re-elected, and again in 1873 and 1878. At the latter election he received in the county 2392 majority, being about double the usual party majority; his vote in the State was also the highest of any candidate on the State ticket. He has always been devoted to his profession and regarded as a pre-eminently safe Judge; his reported decisions (see Ohio State Reports, Vols. 14 to 26 inclusive, and Vols. 29, 31, 34 and 35) are distinguished for clearness and accuracy, and are justly held in high esteem by his contemporaries. He married, Oct. 21, 1847, Miss Rachel, daughter of Charles and Margaret Stout. Her family were old residents of Springfield, and her mother, now upward of 86 years of age, resides with Mrs. J. Warren Keifer, who is also a daughter. Mrs. White is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, and a pleasant, intelligent lady. Of their six children, three are living—Charles B., Mrs. Robert Rodgers and Nora R., all of whom have received the advantages of a liberal education.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 941

W. J. WHITE, Superintendent Springfield Schools. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the Superintendent of the Public Schools of this city, and by virtue of his position, is one of those who have much to do in the education of the pupils under his supervision. In his department there is a large amount of work, occupying wholly his time, as the 2,266 students in the different schools and the teacher of each department are visited frequently during each week. Mr. White was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, April 1, 1844; until his 17th year his education was limited to what the common schools afforded; in the fall of 1861, although a mere boy, he enlisted in the O. V. I.; for five long years he served under his country’s flag, during which time he was in every battle in which his regiment was engaged, and was at no time excused from duty during his entire term of service; after his discharge from the service, he took a four years’ classical collegiate course in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, graduating in 1870; he married, in the same year, Miss Bertha A. Butterfield, of Bucyrus, Ohio, who graduated in the class of 1870 from the Ohio Wesleyan Female College, Delaware, Ohio; they removed to Pana, Ill., in 1870, where he was engaged as Principal of the high school, and afterward Superintendent of the schools; in 1874, returning to Ohio, he became connected with the schools of Springfield as Principal of the high school, in which capacity he served one year, when he was elected Superintendent of the schools, and has filled this position since with credit and honor. At the last election, June, 1880, he was unanimously elected for two years, thus adding additional luster to his name as an efficient worker in the educational interests of the people. Since his connection with the schools, the enrollment of names has been nearly doubled and the efficiency greatly increased, due, largely, to the untiring efforts of Prof. White and his excellent corps of teachers. During the whole of the time since his connection with the schools of this city, he has been County Examiner, and has examined, probably, 2,000 teachers; his efforts have ever been to elevate the standard of the teachers of the county, necessarily increasing the efficiency of the county schools; for six years he has been a member of the City Board of School Examiners; he is Master of Clark Lodge, No. 101, A., F. & A. M., and a member of Palestine Commandery, and, for a number of years, Sabbath School Superintendent of High Street Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 942

AMOS WHITELEY, manufacturer, Springfield; is a native of Clark County; was born near Springfield in 1838; he spent his boyhood on the farm with his father, Andrew Whiteley, but like his brother, William N. Whiteley, early gave mechanical pursuits nearly his entire attention, spending most of his time in the same workshop, serving an apprenticeship, and thus rendering valuable service to his brother, and assisting in producing the first Champion machine; from the formation of the firm of Whiteley & Fassler and Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly, he was the principal business manager (the firm devoting most of their time to the improving and perfecting of the Champion machines), having charge of the accounting department and traveling salesman, until 1867, when the Champion Machine Company, the history of which is fully given elsewhere in this work, was organized with Amos Whiteley at its head, since which he has held the office of President of this company; he is also the Treasurer and the General Ticket Agent of the Springfield Southern Railroad Company, having entire charge of the accounting department; his rare energy and business ability, the economy of his management and the value of his systematic methods, are fully demonstrated by the prosperous condition of the immense interests under his supervision; he is one of the foremost citizens in all public enterprises; is President of the City Council, and one of the men to whose progressive energy and industry is due the development of Springfield, from a country village to one of the leading manufacturing cities of the country; he married, in 1860, Miss Josephine Ferrell, daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah Ferrell. She has borne him two children, both of whom were boys, and are receiving a thorough education at Wittenberg College.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 944

ANDREW WHITELEY; resident of the city of Springfield; was born in Harrison Co., Ky., May 31, 1812; his parents were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky; the father, John Whiteley, was born in the former State, and the mother, Christiana Hall, in the latter; the father, though born in the State of North Carolina, was reared in Virginia, going to Kentucky in early manhood; the ancestrial lineage was English on the side of the father, and likewise English on the mother’s side, the more remote ancestors, however, on the father’s side have been traced back to France, Ireland and Germany, and those of the mother to France, Scotland, Wales, Germany and Spain. The father was married to Christiana, daughter of William Hall, at the house of the latter, some five miles east of Springfield, Ohio (now owned by William Wilson), in the year 1811, and returned to Kentucky, where they remained until 1814, when they came to the Reid neighborhood, some three and a half miles east of Springfield, where he was occupied for two years in teaching school, then permanently located in the vicinity of the Hall farm. He was a man of considerable prominence, having been for some years County Commissioner and a Justice of the Peace. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Nancy C. Nelson, of New England parents, Sept. 24, 1833, to which union there were born six children, viz.: William N., Amos N., Eliza J., Nancy C., Caroline and James B., all of whom are married and have children. William N. married Mary McDermett; they have two children; Amos married Josephine E. Ferrell, and has two children; Eliza married Johnson Morton, and has one child; Nancy married W. T. Stillwell, and has one boy; Caroline married Edward Myers, and has one child, and James married Maggie Johnson, and has one girl. Until the year 1852, Mr. Whiteley had devoted his entire attention to farming; then, for the next five years, in connection with farming, he was engaged with his son, William N., in the invention of the reaping and mowing machine, which, as it were, has been wafted by the four winds of heaven to all parts of the civilized globe, and the genius of the inventor heralded to every clime. Since that period, Mr. Whiteley has given his attention to inventions, principally, in the line of the same machines—improving the reaping and mowing machines, and the automatic and spring binder; taking out and re-issuing patents, etc., etc. Many of his best inventions are found in the Champion reapers, mowers and binders. The father of our subject was a strong Whig, in whose footsteps his son trod, and on the coming of the Republican Party, became an advocate of its principles, to which he adhered until the close of the war. In 1872, he voted for Horace Greeley; in 1876, for Samuel J. Tilden, and in 1880, for Weaver, who, in his opinion, was an upholder and respecter of the rights of the laboring classes.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 942

WILLIAM WHITELEY, Springfield. Throughout Clark County the name of Whiteley is a household word, and there are few families more widely known over the State, in fact from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and wherever machinery for farm labor can be utilized, there the product of the inventive genius of the Whiteley family have found a lasting welcome. They come of English stock, who settled in Virginia before the Revolution, William’s grandfather, Joseph, with his brother, John Whiteley, serving throughout that struggle for liberty, the latter yielding up his life in that great cause. Joseph raised a large family, John, the father of William, being one of the number, he being born in North Carolina while his parents were on a visit to that State, but always claiming Virginia as the State of his nativity. In 1804, John Whiteley came from Kentucky to Ohio on a prospecting tour, and again, in 1810, made a like trip, and in the spring of 1811, was married in what is now Clark County, to Christiana Hall, a native of Virginia, of English, German and Scotch extraction, whose parents came to this portion of Ohio at an early day. John and wife went back to Kentucky where he engaged in teaching school, being a man of good education, and there they remained until 1814, when they returned to Clark County, where he continued school-teaching, being one of the early educators in the neighborhood of “Fletcher Chapel;” they raised a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, as follows: Andrew, Freelove, William, Abner, Joseph, Nancy and Sarah, the eldest being the father of William N. Whiteley, head of the Champion Works, and the leading spirit in their growth and development. John and wife lived and died in this county, having done their duty well in the building up of the moral and material interests of the neighborhood, in which they were honored and respected people. The subject of this sketch was born in the eastern part of Springfield Township Jan. 18, 1815, and grew to manhood, working on the home farm but the whole family being natural inventors, they early turned their attention to the invention and improvement of farm machinery. Beginning in a small way on the farm in the manufacture of plows, and later, mowers and reapers, which have developed into the gigantic manufacturing interests known far and wide as the Champion Company, the history of which will be found in this work. William was married, in 1848, to Mary Ann Stickney, daughter John and Sarah Stickney, natives of England. Mrs. Whiteley was born in this county, and has had one child, Mary E., and the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Whiteley has been identified with nearly every manufacturing interest that Springfield can boast of to-day, and has been prime mover in many of them; his time and money have ever been devoted to all classes of public benefits, and few men have done more, according to his means, for the material welfare of his native county, than William Whiteley; charitable and benevolent to all, his generosity in helping his neighbor has been the cause of much financial trouble to himself, yet he has gone on in this path and his indefatigable industry, coupled with his great natural inventive genius, has again attained for him a competency; politically a Republican, he has filled many positions of trust and confidence, and his only desire through life has been to do his duty, benefit his fellow-man, by helping to build up the moral and material interests of his native county, and thereby merit the respect of all good citizens, as well as leave to his family an unsullied character.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 943

WILLIAM N. WHITELEY, manufacturer, Springfield; is a son of Andrew and Nancy (Nelson) Whiteley; was born near Springfield, Aug. 3, 1835.

NOTE.—Mr. Whiteley needs no biography for the citizens of Clark Co., his history is synonymous with that of Springfield and its best and greatest interests. His native modesty moved him to request that no personal mention be made of him.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 944

ROBERT WIGGINS is an old time railroad man of Springfield, now retired and residing at 520 West Mulbury Street. Taking his career with that of his father, it is possible to connect the name Wiggins intimately with the history of practically every railroad in Springfield from the pioneer transportation line of that city.

Mr. Robert Wiggins was born in Springfield, February 16, 1849, son of James and Mary Louise (Hutchinson) Wiggins. His parents in 1846 came from Philadelphia to Springfield. His father was a locomotive engineer, and had been trained to the business on some of the first locomotive engines in America. James Wiggins ran the locomotive while track was being laid on the little Miami Railroad from Cincinnati to Springfield. At that time this was intended to be the main line. However, the Springfield stockholders objected on account of the noise, and subsequently this became a short division, while the main line was run by way of Xenia to Columbus. James Wiggins was in the service of this railroad from 1846 to 1873, a period of nearly thirty years. On account of the railroad strike in 1873 he left the service, and after that remained in Springfield, following the employment of stationary engineer. James Wiggins was born September 14, 1806, and died November 3, 1892. His wife was born December 18, 1812, and died August 25, 1894. Their children were: Charles A., born October 8, 1834, and died February 1, 1873; Benjamin S., born October 11, 1835, died September 20, 1854; Mary L., born April 24, 1837, died December 21, 1858; James A., born March 11, 1839, died March 21, 1906; Emma E., born April 5, 1841, died March 22, 1842; Joseph B., born July 14, 1843, died June 17, 1890.

The youngest of the children was Robert Wiggins, and he is the only survivor. He grew up at Springfield, attended public schools and also the McGoogan private school. At the age of sixteen he began his career at railroading, starting as a fireman on the Little Miami Railroad. He was in the service of this division for about six years as fireman, and on May 1, 1871, was promoted to engineer, with a run between Cincinnati and Columbus. After about nine months he went with the Baltimore & Ohio, with headquarters at Chillicothe, Ohio. February 1, 1873, he again transferred his employment, joining the Pennsylvania system, with headquarters at Logansport, Indiana. In December, 1873, on account of the railroad strike, he returned to Springfield, and soon afterward went to the Southwest, to Houston, Texas, and for a few months had a run on the Houston & Texas Central. Again returning to Springfield, Mr. Wiggins was for two and one-half years a stationary engineer in a local malleable iron factory. When he resumed railroading it was with the Detroit, Toledo and Ironton, but his first trip required three days and three nights, and he left the service promptly. Going to Columbus, he was taken into the service of the Scioto Valley Railroad as an engineer during the construction of that line. Six months later he came back to Springfield, and was again employed by the Ohio Southem, now the D. T. and I., and was in its service continuously until December 8, 1914. He retired at that date, after having given practically half a century to the duties of fireman or engineer. He is one of the oldest members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and for one term served as chief engineer of Division No. 208.

Even after leaving the railroad service Mr. Wiggins did not retire absolutely, since for five years he was an employee of Webster and Perks. Mr. Wiggins is a republican, and is affiliated with Clark Lodge No. 101 Free and Accepted Masons.

April 4, 1872, he married Miss Isabella J. Culp. She was born at Yellow Springs, Ohio, daughter of Levi and Margaret (Hart) Culp, who came to Ohio from Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Wiggins were the parents of two sons: Burton R., born July 4, 1874, died December 26, 1918; and Walter C., born February 9, 1892, living at home and a clerk in Springfield.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 99

WILLIAM WILDMAN, farmer and grain dealer; P. O. Selma; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, June 19, 1833, a son of Edward and Hannah Wildman. Edward was of English extraction, born in Virginia in 1806, and in 1814 came to Ohio with his parents, John and Elizabeth Wildman. At intervals, and at different prices, ranging from $1.50 to $3 per acre, they purchased the farm of 300 acres now owned by our subject. John Wildman was probably the first in this vicinity to make improvement in the way of draining his land. He used to, with his son Edward, haul flour to Maysville, Ky.; they took provisions and horse feed with them for the round trip, and on their way down would, at certain distances, put out a sack of corn, to be taken up for use as they returned. In 1831, Edward was united in marriage with Hannah Thorn, a native of this State, born in 1811; four children were the fruits of this union—William, John, Marion and Rachel E., now Mrs. I. H. Hollingsworth; all living, and have families. Edward Wildman departed this life in 1870, having been a life-long member of the Society of Friends. William was reared a farmer, and assisted his father in the labors on the farm till 26 years of age, when he began business for himself. Besides the old farm on which he lives, he owns the farm of 200 acres, where he located when beginning in life; his land is in a high state of cultivation, and the improvements are excellent; his brick dwelling is heated by a furnace, is of modern style and makes a fine appearance. In addition to his farm interests, and feeding some stock, he has an interest in a general store at Selma, and deals in grain. He is a man who takes a deep interest in the cause of education. His marriage was celebrated Oct. 19, 1859, with Miss Eliza Harrison; she was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 25, 1834, and is a sister to Caleb Harrison, whose biography appears in this volume. The fruits of this union are six children—Bertha E., Walter J., Alvin E., Lewis H., Rachel T. and Ernest. Mr. and Mrs. Wildman are members of the Orthodox Society of Friends.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1076

ELIHU STEPHEN WILLIAMS, was born Jan. 24, 1835, near New Carlisle, Clark Co., Ohio, and is the son of Elder Henry Williams and Elizabeth Williams, formerly Elizabeth Pettigrew. His parents were born in Virginia, his mother remained there until she was of age. His father was brought to Ohio in 1807 when a child, and the family settled near New Carlisle, where Eld. H. Williams now lives. E. S. Williams worked on a farm until 16 years of age, getting what education he could in the winter school of the country district in which his parents resided. Not satisfied with the outlook, he demanded of his father that he should be sent regularly to school. His father replied that if he wanted a better education than he was getting at home, to get it himself. The boy took his father at his word, and with $1.50 in his pocket he started out in life for himself. He worked by days’ work among the farmers until he got money enough to pay his board for a few months, then, under the tuition of Mr. Arnett, of Troy, he fitted himself to pass examination for a certificate to teach school, which he obtained, and taught school the following winter in Brontet, of this county. By working in the summer and teaching in the winter, he struggled on until he acquired a fair education. In 1858, he commenced reading law in the office of F. P. Cuppy, Esq., of Dayton, Ohio, and by working in the summer, and teaching school, he supported himself until February, 1861, when he was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Ohio. After closing a school he was then teaching, he went to Southern Illinois to select a location to follow his profession, and while there Ft. Sumter was fired upon, and the nation had need of her young men; he took the first train north for the purpose of enlisting, but before he reached home Ohio’s quota was full; he then went to Mercer Co., Ohio, and hung out his shingle in Celina, but in a few weeks the second call for troops was made; he then took the stump for volunteers in Mercer Co., then, as now, one of the strongholds of Democracy. He raised fifty-six men and reported to Camp Tod, Troy, Ohio; he then went into the ranks as a private. The 71st O. V. I. was organized, and on Oct. 5, 1861, he was elected 1st Lieutenant of Company A, was commissioned February 14, 1862, was promoted Captain Feb. 10, 1863. He was in the battle of Shiloh, leaving a sick-bed to fight with the boys he enlisted; his Captain being slightly wounded in the morning, he had command of the company during the bloody battle of Sunday, holding his men in front of the fight until night closed the contest. He was with the four companies of the regiment, stationed at Ft. Donelson, and was in the fight at Donelson when his four companies defeated Col. Woodward’s regiment, who had captured Col. Rod. Mason and the six companies at Clarksville; he was promoted to the command of Company H, and was with the regiment in all its marches and skirmishes until September, 1863, when, although the fifth Captain in the line of his regiment, he was given the command of three companies and a section of artillery and sent by the General commanding to take charge of the post of Carthage, Tenn., situated 150 miles by river above Nashville. The post was established by Gen. Crook with a division and afterward held by Gen. Spears, with a brigade. There were a large amount of Government stores accumulated there for the use of the army, which could not be removed on account of low stage of water in the Cumberland River. The post was thirty-six miles from any support, and the confederate commands of Col. Hughs and Col. Hamilton, estimated at from one thousand to fifteen hundred men, were within striking distance of Carthage; and Gen. Payne afterward told Capt. Williams that he did not expect the post to be held a week; that he could not spare any more troops; but from what he had heard of him he knew the rebels would not get the place without a hard fight. But Capt. Williams not only held the post until the river raised so that the Government stores were removed, and his troops were not only vigilant and active in camp duty, but a part of them were mounted from horses captured and “pressed” from rebels, and did splendid service in driving the guerrillas out of the country, and before Christmas had killed and captured a rebel soldier for every man in his command, and by the spring of 1864 had recruited a regiment of loyal Tennesseeans, which, under the command of Col. Garrett, did effective service for the Federal cause. Carthage was then made a recruiting station, and by the petition of Union citizens and the request of Andy Johnson, then Military Governor of Tennessee, he was detailed for service in organizing Tennessee troops, and remained in Carthage until the close of the war, participating in every movement against the enemy in that part of Tennessee, and rendering effective service against the forces of the rebel Gen. Wheeler in his famous raid in Middle Tennessee. After the war was over, he remained in Smith Co., Tenn., and engaged in the practice of law, and took an active part in the reconstruction of Tennessee, being a member of the first convention held for that purpose in Nashville. In April, 1865, he was commissioned District Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District of Tennessee, and held that position until the summer of 1867, and then resigned to accept the nomination as Republican candidate for the Legislature to represent the district of Sumner, Smith and Mason counties. After an exciting and dangerous canvass, he was elected by a handsome majority; and received the largest vote ever polled for the Republican party in those counties, and served for two years in what is known as the Radical Legislature of Tennessee; he took an active part in all the leading measures, and retired at the close of the term with the confidence of his party and the respect of opponents. He was married May 31,1866, to Alice Gordon, daughter of Dr. Wiley B. Gordon and Virginia Gordon, who was the daughter of Gen. Russwunn. In 1869, Capt. Williams refused to be a candidate for any political office, and remained on his farm until the year 1875, however taking an active part with the Republican party, fighting in battles all the more earnestly because the party was in Tennessee proscribed and persecuted, and in a hopeless minority. In January, 1875, he entered into a partnership with his brother, H. H. Williams, to practice law in Troy, Ohio, and moved his family to that place, where he now resides, busily engaged in the practice of his profession.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1037

HENRY WILLIAMS, retired farmer; P. O. New Carlisle. We take great pleasure in introducing to our readers the oldest continuous resident of Clark Co. now living, Mr. Henry Williams, who, since 1805, has lived almost within sight of his present home. Long before Clark Co. was organized our subject was engaged in doing the duty of the pioneer boys, whose parents had emigrated from other States to the great Northwest, to make homes for themselves and children; and as they toiled early and late, they little thought that their labors would be productive of such great results as have followed during the life of the second generation, whereby this beautiful land, by their labor, has become the pride of Ohio. The father of our subject, Henry Williams, Sr., with his wife, Elizabeth (Albert) Williams, came from Greenbrier Co., Va., in 1805, on horseback, each of them carrying two children, our subject being the youngest, then only 3 months old. They settled on the farm now in possession of Mr. Williams, the land having been previously entered by a Mr. Shorts, a land speculator, of Cincinnati. Henry, Sr., built the first cabin in the virgin forest, which nothing had inhabited save the wild animals and the Indian, of whom there were many still living in the vicinity. He was drafted during the Indian war of 1812, under Capt. McPherson, leaving his wife and small children to care for each other, while he, with nearly every other able-bodied man, was protecting the frontier from inroads by savages. There were nine children in all—Isaac, Nancy, Jane, Henry, Margaret, Elizabeth, Selah, Mary and John J. A. Williams. The four eldest were born in Greenbrier Co., Va. Our subject, the two youngest daughters and the youngest son are still living. The game was very plentiful in early times, and Mr. Williams tells us that his father, at one shot with a rifle, killed seven wild turkeys. He remembers well when Gerard was killed, near Troy, by the Indians. The father of our subject died in 1845, after living a long and useful life, his wife preceding him, Nov. 9, 1829. The subject of our sketch was married in 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Pettigrew, of Rockbridge Co., Va. Her parents died some years previous, they being aged when first settling here. Their children were five in number—Elihu S., Julius C., Henry H., Isaac W. and Elizabeth B. Mr. Williams furnished three brave sons for the Union army during the war of the rebellion, E. S. Williams being Captain of Co. H, 71st O. V. I. Isaac W. contracted disease and died a few years after the close of the war. Henry H., now the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Miami Co., was also wounded, which has disabled him for life. Capt. E. S. Williams was also Representative from Smith Co., Tenn., in the Legislature of 1867, and was Attorney General of that State for two years, being appointed by Gov. Brownlow. Our subject has for many years been acting as Pastor in the Christian Church. His sons are all prominent men, and do credit to their name. Their mother died on Dec. 23, 1869, leaving an example worthy of imitation. Briefly, then, we have given a sketch of a gentleman and his family, who have for many years been recorded among the prominent ones of this county. During his pastorate, extending over a period of forty years, Mr. Williams received from all sources $200 in cash; and under his ministrations, 500 souls were brought to Christ. He is still active in mind, but infirm in body, and is at this time 76 years of age, being born Feb. 27, 1805.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1036

JOHN J. A. WILLIAMS, farmer; P. O. New Carlisle; belonging to the family of the first settlers of Bethel Township is J. J. A. Williams, youngest son of Henry and Elizabeth Williams, mentioned in the biography of Henry Williams, of this township. He is now reckoned among the old settlers of this county, being born in 1818, the same year that Clark County was organized. He has from choice followed the occupation of farming, and is now living on the farm where he was born; the house is still standing, and in good repair. Few boys cling so closely to their childhood’s home, but those that do have the satisfaction of knowing the appreciation felt by their neighbors, and also have witnessed the grand improvements made in the county since their boyhood. The numerous lines of railroad, skirted by the magic wires that transmit the news in an instant from one end of the State to the other, have all been built and put into active operation since his recollection, while the pretentious farmhouse takes the place of the rude log cabin, that were sparsely scattered through the woods a half century ago. J. J. A. Williams was married in 1847 to Miss Annie M. Kissinger, of York Co., Penn. Her parents, Benjamin and Margaret Kissenger, came to this township about 1833. John and his wife had seven children; those living are Mary E., the wife of John Mann; Margaret A., the wife of John W. Shroyer; John F., Ida M. and Charley E. Henry C. and Ella died in infancy. The children will never know, except by the recital of the stories, of the privations of the early settlers, and in this history will be found the sketches and incidents connected with the lives, not only of the first settlers of this township, but of the pioneers of the county. Mr. Williams has been connected with the public schools, in an official capacity, for sixteen consecutive years. He enjoys an excellent reputation as a man of correct business habits, and his children may have a just pride in the record of their ancestry, who have always been noted for their integrity and excellent business qualifications.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1037

FRED WERTZEL WILLISS is the executive head of a splendidly ordered educational institution that contributes much to the prestige of his native county and the City of Springfield, where he is proprietor and director of the Williss Business University. He was born on a farm in Madison Township, Clark County, June 18, 1858, and is a son of the late P. W. and Anna (Williss) Williss. He was reared in the home and on the farm of his paternal grandfather, John Williss, and supplemented the discipline of the public schools by a course in the Ohio State Normal School at South Charleston, this county, in which he was graduated. Thereafter he studied medicine under the preceptorship of his grandfather, Dr. Williss, of Cincinnati, and that of Dr. Buckingham, of Springfield, but he deflected from the medical to the legal profession. He read law in the offices of Keifer & White, of Springfield, and was admitted to the bar in the year 1880. He initiated practice in the office of the late Samuel Bowman at Springfield, but in 1882 returned to the offices of his preceptors, Keifer & White, with whom he continued to be associated in practice during the ensuing twelve years. He was private secretary to General J. Warren Keifer during the latter’s terms of service as a member of the United States Congress, including the term when General Keifer was speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. Williss also gave characteristically effective service as private secretary to the late Judge William White, who was then presiding on the bench of the United States District Court of Ohio.

Mr. Williss learned stenography and typewriting under the direction of Benjamin Gaines, and when he came to Springfield he was the only man in the city at that time who earned his living by stenography. His appreciation of the value of such work and of the desire of many young men to prepare themselves for service as stenographers and typewriter operators lead to his responding to a distinct demand and opening, in 1880, the pioneer school of shorthand and typewriting in Springfield, he having employed competent teachers to conduct the institution. From a most modest inception this school, which originally received only local supporting patronage, has grown into one of the important and well conducted institutions of its kind in the state. The Williss Business University occupies the entire fourth floor of the Bushnell Building, has students from every state in the Union, as well as from other countries, and it is now one of the largest and most celebrated schools for business training to be found in the entire United States, its facilities being used by the Government in its reclamation service for soldiers of the World war. By 1890 the growth and demands of the school made it expedient for Mr. Williss to retire from the practice of law, and he has since given his entire time and attention to its management, his progressive policies having brought its service in all departments up to the highest standard of efficiency and usefulness. Mr. Williss received from Nashville College the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and from the American Institute of Commerce he has received the degree of F. C. I., as has he also from the British Institute of Commerce, of London, England.

At South Charleston, Clark County, in 1881, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Williss and Miss Martha H. Sands, who was born in Illinois but who was an infant at the time of the family removal to Clark County, Ohio, where she was reared and educated. Her father, Israel Sands, later removed to Winfield, Kansas. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Williss the following brief data are available: Carl L., born in 1883, received his business education in the Williss Business University, the advantages of which have been utilized also by the other children, and he is now manager for the Standard Oil Company at Memphis, Tennessee; Frank S., born in 1885, won the gold medal in typewriting at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904, and at the time of his death, in October, 1920, he w r as sales manager for the Standard Oil Company at Jackson, Tennessee; Warren K., born in 1887, received from the National Association of Accountants, Washington, D. C., his technical recognition as a certified public accountant, and as an expert accountant he is now engaged in practice at Springfield; Grace A., born in 1889, is the wife of Adolph F. Long, of Springfield; Fred W. died in childhood; LeRoy M., born in 1900, is bookkeeper for a representative business concern at Springfield.

Mr. Williss is affiliated with the Ohio Commercial Teachers Association, the Ohio State Stenographers Association and the National Stenographers Association. In their home city he and his wife hold active membership in St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 64

GEORGE S. WILSON, farmer; P. O. Selma; son of Dr. J. S. Wilson, of Xenia, Ohio, was born at Medina, Ohio, in 1830. He was educated in the common school. At the age of 20 years, he felt and showed a preference for agriculture as a pursuit in life, adopted it as his choice, and commenced farming upon his father’s farm, where the village of Selma now stands. Here he lived fifteen years, and in the meantime became the owner of this farm, which, in 1865, he sold, and bought and occupied a farm between Xenia and Dayton, where he resided about ten years, when he sold this and bought his present farm of 212 acres, which embraces the Robert Hatton farm and other lands adjoining. On Feb. 22, 1852, he married Miss Harrison, daughter of Seth Harrison, of Madison Township. Of this marriage there is issue—Florence P., Fred M., W. Harry, Stella, Maud and Elsie, all with parents except the second, who has commenced business for himself. Of those remaining, Harry is especially deserving of particular mention as a young man of good parts, and full of promise. The farm always seems to revert to the Wilson family, of which it seems to be the destined heritage, having time and again been in the possession of some member of this family for a period of fifty years.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1058

MRS. LAVINIA WILSON. Among the old pioneer families of Clark County perhaps none did more in the way of substantial agricultural development than that of Crabill, which was founded here more than one hundred years ago. A well-known and highly esteemed descendant of this fine old family is Mrs. Lavinia Wilson, who has a wide social acquaintance at Springfield, which city has been her home for a number of years.

The first of the Crabill family to settle in Clark County was David Crabill, who was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Wilson. He was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1782, grew to manhood there and married Barbara Baer, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1788. In 1808 they came to Clark County to carve out a home in the wilderness, and eventually David Crabill bought a tract of land in Moorefield Township. It was wild land but he was a man of industry and in the course of time cleared and greatly improved it. With other settlers of that period and locality the Crabills found themselves involved in the War of 1812, and when David marched off to serve as first sergeant in the army of General Wayne his wife was left with little children in the lonely cabin, in constant fear of wild animals and marauding Indians. David Crabill survived the dangers he encountered and returned safely, and as he was thrifty as well as industrious, was able to leave a fair estate at the time of his death in 1836. His military services were not forgotten by the Government, and after his death his widow received a large grant of land. Her death occurred many years later. They were the parents of twelve children, all of whom are deceased: Sarah, who was the wife of George Kiser; Maria, who was the wife of Adam Yearger; John, who died in boyhood; Thomas V., who married Sydney Yeazill; David, who married Eliza Hedges; James and Joseph, both of whom died young; Mary, who married Joshua Crown; Susan, who was the wife of Rev. Levi E. Wreir; Pierson S.; William H.; and Eliza, who was the wife of Oscar Jones.

Thomas V. Crabill, second son of David, was born on the home farm in Moorefield Township, Clark County, November 2, 1810, and gave his father assistance until his own marriage on January 31, 1833, to Sydney Yeazill, who was born in Clark County, February 6, 1815, a daughter of Abraham and Mary Yeazill, also pioneers. Soon after marriage Mr. Crabill rented one of his father’s farms and later bought it, and there he and his wife spent their lives, honored and esteemed by all who knew them. Their children were as follows: William, who married Sarah Wise; David, who married Nancy Rock; Nancy Jane, who died at the age of sixteen years; Ann Eliza, who married Joseph Winger; James, who married Clara Nicklen; Susan, who died in childhood; Louisa, who married Jacob Tuttle; Lavinia, who lives at Springfield; John, who married Barbara Zimmerman; Elizabeth, who married Alonzo Leffel; Thomas, who married Rebecca Ostot; Emma and Pearson, both of whom died in infancy; Milton, whose first wife was Mary Leffel and whose second was Elizabeth Hiltz; and Joseph, who married first, Minnie Smith, and second, Flora Lawrence.

Lavinia Crabill was born on the old family homestead in Moorefield Township, Clark County, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas Voss and Sydney (Yeazill) Crabill. She attended the district schools in girlhood, and, according to the custom in old-time substantial households, had practical training under a careful and competent mother, in domestic tasks as well as the social usages of the time, for the Crabills were always hospitable and the large family in the old home had many friends. Her first marriage was to Thomas Walsh, who was born also in Moorefield Township, Clark County, April 15, 1837, and died in 1884. Her second marriage took place in 1886, to Michael Wilson, who was born in Harmony Township, Clark County, Ohio, March 16, 1837, and died at Springfield, November 14, 1909.

During his earlier years Mr. Wilson engaged in farming, but later retired to Springfield where, for a number of years he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business. He was a man of sterling character. Mrs. Wilson still occupies her comfortable residence on West High Street and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the general welfare. She has long been a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Her father died in September, 1884, but her mother survived until 1907.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 426

MICHAEL WILSON, SR. (deceased). The stroke of the mallet chisels the firm marble block into a shaft of beauty, and artistic skill fashions the letters that tell of the birth, years and death of the silent sleeper beneath; but time covers the monument with the mosses of decay, and defaces the inscription. As we well know, change is constant and general; generations are rising and passing unmarked away; and as it is a duty to the child and parent, as well as a gratification to the descendants of him who now “sleeps the last sleep,” we place on record a brief sketch of the life and character of one of the leading pioneer farmers of Clark Co. Michael Wilson, Sr. was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, March 15, 1814, and was the youngest in a family of three children, viz., Washington, Josiah and Michael. His parents, Michael and Temperance (Judy) Wilson, were natives of Kentucky, who settled in Greene Co., Ohio, in an early day. On the breaking-out of the war of 1812, his father went into the army, where he served a short time, then returned home, procured a substitute and shortly afterward took sick and died. The widow, with her two oldest boys, came to Clark Co., and soon after settling in Harmony Township the subject of this sketch was born. It is unnecessary for us to speak of the hardships and privations to be endured by the widow with her three small children. Settling in the woods of Harmony Township, suffice it to say that she watched over them with loving care, and lived to see them become leaders of the township in which she settled, as well as large land-owners and respected citizens. Michael grew up in his native township, and was there married by John Judy, April 12, 1835, to Lavina Henry, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Johnson) Henry, natives of Kentucky, who came to Clark Co. about 1814, settling in Harmony Township. There Mrs. Wilson was born Jan. 23, 1815, and has never lived outside of her native township. To Michael and Lavina Wilson were born the following children: Jasper N., Temperance (deceased), James T., Elizabeth, Jefferson (who was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and there died), Johnson M., Michael B., Lavina (the deceased wife of Edmund West), Washington H., Emma D. (deceased), Martha Ann (deceased), John C. F. and Francis S. All of the children are settled on farms of their own with the exception of two, who reside at the old homestead with their mother. Mrs. Wilson is the eleventh in a family of thirteen, as follows: Polly (deceased), John (deceased), Johnson (deceased), Willie (deceased), Martha, Jonathan (deceased), Nancy, Sarah, Benjamin (deceased), Lavina, William (deceased) and Betsey. From childhood, Michael Wilson was noted for his quiet demeanor and steady, industrious habits, and his success in life was due to those leading characteristics which he inherited from his sturdy parents, and which were fostered under the care of a good mother. Beginning in life poor, he began at once to practice economy, and this, coupled with steady, persevering industry, caused him to rise, step by step, and fortune to smile upon him, until at the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 10, 1879, he owned over 1,100 acres of land, all in his native township with the exception of 100 across the line in Madison Co. From the age of 30 until his death, he belonged to the Christian Church, of Plattsburg, and a Deacon of the same for several years previous to that sad event. Politically a Republican, he never took a very active part in politics, but was always an earnest advocate of schools, churches and public institutions generally, and his death was a serious loss to the community of which he was an acknowledged leader. He was a quiet, modest, retiring man, who attended strictly to his own affairs, leaving his neighbor to do the same; but no man was more firm and rigid in upholding a just cause when necessity impelled him to take sides. His life was an upright one, free from those imperfections that are so common among business men; and his character was strongly marked by those noble traits of honesty and charity toward all men which won for him the unlimited confidence and respect of all good citizens.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 970

ROBERT WILSON, retired woolen manufacturer, Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Wilson was born in Selkirkshire, Scotland, near the home of Walter Scott, June 26, 1807; he came to America in 1819; lived in New York State until 1836, when he moved to Pennsylvania, where he resided two years, and thence to Knox Co., Ohio, where, in 1843, he erected a woolen-factory, which he ran until 1863, when he sold out and retired from active business, and in 1878 removed to Springfield, Ohio, and is comfortably located at No. __ South Limestone street. He was married, in 1837, to Adeline Whitney, who was born in New York Jan. 19, 1814; they have but two children—Aurilla U. and Charles; Aurilla was married, Sept. 2, 1880, to James H. Perrin, of the firm of Perrin & Shanks, house-builders of this city; Charles is located at South Charleston, Clark Co., Ohio, where he is engaged in commercial pursuits.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 945

THOMAS C. WILSON, farmer, P. O. New Moorefield; was born in Mercer Co., Ky., Sept. 11, 1806. Is a son of James and Anna (Clelland) Wilson; he a native of Virginia and she of Maryland, becoming settlers of Kentucky about 1802, and remained residents there about five years; thence removed to Indiana near Lawrenceburg; thence to Greene Co., Ohio, about 1813; thence to Clark Co., about 1815, remaining about one year; thence into Champaign Co., where they resided till their death. He died Feb. 27, 1837, aged 64 years; his wife died in October, 1833, aged nearly 57 years. They were parents of eleven children; five now survive—Rebecca, Elizabeth, Thomas C., Philip S. and David V. They were noted as active members of the Presbyterian Church from their early life, and died in the triumphs of a living faith. Our subject, at his majority, started out in the world for himself by working for $7 per month, and from this made his first capital and start in life. Was married, March 19, 1835, to Miss Jane H., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Baldwin, natives of Virginia. She was born Dec. 19, 1801, being one of a family of eight children; one only now living—John W. Their issue is three children—Elizabeth Ann (now Mrs. Kennedy), James B. and Mary Jane, who married Evan R. Price, by whom she had two children—Evan Clelland and James B.; her husband died Sept. 26, 1871. Mr. Wilson’s wife died Nov. 20, 1875. Mr. Wilson spent the first portion of his married life upon the farm where he now lives; thence bought a farm near New Moorefield, where he resided seventeen years. In June, 1856, he bought and located again upon the farm where they first lived, and where he has since resided for a period of twenty-four years. He has 340 acres of excellent land, with fine buildings and improvements, most beautifully located, constituting a very pleasant farmer’s residence. Mr. Wilson has never held or sought office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his own business affairs. Has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church since 1833, almost half a century. Has been a friend to education, having given his children special advantages by sending them to the high school at Springfield several terms. His life has been one of active usefulness, giving liberally of his abundant means to the support of schools and churches and all worthy objects.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 995

TIMOTHY WILSON, now eighty-two years of age, has spent the greater part of his industrious life in the rural sections of Clark County. He occupies a farm in Harmony Township that is a monument to his industry.

He was born at Walton, Yorkshire, England, April 1, 1840, son of Timothy and Sarah (Rhodes) Wilson. His parents spent all their lives in Yorkshire and of their ten children nine reached mature years. Timothy Wilson has a sister Harriet, now the wife of William Parker, living in Kansas.

Timothy Wilson lived in England until he was eighteen. He attended school there, but at the age of twelve years he began working and for three years was employed in a dairy. After that he continued farm work until he came to the United States, landing at New York City. He joined his brother at Elyria, Loraine County, Ohio, and after a short time came to Springfield. He worked on farms and in the timber district around South Charleston. While here he married Nancy Smith, who was born on a farm in Harmony Township. After his marriage Timothy Wilson secured twenty acres of land, and by hard work has achieved the ownership of about eighty acres, well improved and highly developed. His wife died there in 1919. Of their six children, five are living: Miss Sara E.; Charles H., a sketch of whom follows; Arabella, wife of W. B. Hunt of Columbus, and they have two children, Barton L. and Charlotte M.; Anna M., wife of Charles F. Gilbert, of South Charleston; and Ault G., a farmer in Harmony Township. He married Ethel L. Morningstar and they have one child, Ruth E. Mr. Timothy Wilson attended the Lisbon Baptist Church and is a democrat.

Charles H. Wilson was born at the old Timothy Wilson homestead June 19, 1872, and is now a prosperous farmer in an adjoining place in Harmony Township. He grew up on a farm, had a common school education and he worked as a farm hand and for a time rented land. He now owns 137 acres.

February 25, 1909, he married Nellie McDonald, who was born in Madison Township, February 18, 1886, daughter of Job and Elizabeth (Mort) McDonald, her father a native of Virginia and her mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson have one son, Charles R., born September 25, 1910. They are members of the Baptist Church, in which he is a deacon, and in politics he votes as a republican.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 217

WASHINGTON WILSON, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield; son of Michael and Temperance (Judy) Wilson; was born in Greene Co., Ohio, near Fairfield, Oct. 18, 1811; his father was in the war of 1812, came home, took sick and died from disease contracted while in service. Shortly after his death, the mother, with her two children, Washington and Josiah, moved to Clark Co., Ohio, and settled in Harmony Township, where Michael, the youngest child, was born; she was again married; this time to James Turner; she died, in 1880, at the age of 92 years. Washington spent his boyhood days working on the farm in summer, and attending school in winter; he taught one term of school when about 20 years old, for $10 per month; he was married, May 22, 1836, to Mary Ann Foreman, daughter of William and Nancy (Johnson) Foreman; they have ten children, viz.: Michael, William J., George W., Harrison, John J., Addison, Nancy T., Harriet, Mary Ann and Flora, all of whom are married except Addison and Flora, and well-to-do. Mrs. Wilson was born in this county, Feb. 9, 1820; her parents came from Kentucky, and settled in Clark County at an early day. When Washington was 21 years old, he and one of his brothers purchased 500 acres of land, at $3.60 per acre, and afterward, 300 acres more, at $5 per acre; and so on, from time to time, bought different portions of land, ranging in price from $10 to $50 per acre; he was one of the Trustees of Harmony Township for twelve years, and a member of the School Board of that township some six or eight years; he has, mainly through his integrity and good management, acquired his handsome fortune; he moved to Springfield in 1868, and is pleasantly located, corner Washington and Factory streets, where he and his good wife enjoy the fruits of their labor. Mr. Wilson, his sons and sons-in-law, in 1880, gave to James A. Garfield ten straight, solid votes. Mr. Wilson has been a life-long Republican.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 944

WM. KIMBLE WILSON, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born three miles west of Mechanicsburg Oct. 1, 1835. He was the youngest of eight children; five of whom, with his parents, survived him. His parents came from Virginia to Ohio at an early day, landing at Fort Washington, now Cincinnati, when it was but a village of log-cabins. They remained in that vicinity until 1804, when they removed to Champaign Co. They passed through Springfield when it consisted of but two houses, a dwelling-house, tavern and grocery, and in one double log cabin, besides this, there was a smith shop. Simon Kenton had a mill where the Lagonda now is. Urbana was not in existence. His grandfather assisted in laying it out about that time. Indians were numerous then, and often the women and children were compelled to run to the block-houses for protection at night, while the fathers were on the war-path, and would subsist for days on parched corn, the Indians having taken every mouthful of bread in the house, and threatening with tomahawk and scalping-knife if it were not forthcoming. When the Doctor’s parents were married (his mother’s maiden name was Jones) they moved into a cabin with blankets for doors and windows, the earth for a floor, stools for chairs, a chest for a table, forks driven in the ground with poles across for a bed; thus they started in life, and journeyed together for half a century. The Doctor’s spiritual birth took place at the early age of 12 years, although he was always a gentle, obedient and loving child. He was strongly convicted of his sin under the preaching of Rev. Charles Warrington and a short time after was enabled to lay hold of the promises of God under the ministry of Rev. Samuel Clayton. His conversion was so clear that clouds of doubt seemed never to hover over or trouble him. From the age of 4 years, a severe cough was his constant companion. He worked on his father’s farm until he was 17, at which time his parents sent him to Delaware, where for six years he reveled in close application to books, and other advantages so highly appreciated, and of such lasting benefit to him in his later work. He graduated with high standing in the class of ’58. In 1859, he entered upon his chosen profession (that of teaching) in Maumee, Ohio, but ere the close of his second term his health gave way. The next year he again attempted (with better success) an entrance into the field of his choosing, in Kentucky, and, until driven home by the rebellion, he labored arduously a year and a half. Two very successful terms at home were taught by him, at the close of which his physician informed him that he could never be well in so confining a profession, in consequence of which he turned his attention to the study of medicine. In this we find him as careful in his preparation as in the preceding one. In it he had eleven years of successful practice. He graduated at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, 1865. Oct. 1, 1865, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Rosegrant, granddaughter of Cooper Ludlow, who was among the first settlers of Springfield. In 1868, he moved to South Charleston, Ohio, there being six physicians in the village at the time. He entered a drug-store, where he attended to the prescription department the first year. At the end of that time he was prostrated with hemorrhage of the lungs. After recovery he left the store, and went into active work. He rode six years, his practice increasing every year; never refused to go when called. His noble mind did not stop its interest with the healing of the body, but he studied more closely the difficult task of healing the discorded mind, and pointed with child-like simplicity to the Cross as the remedy. He was a positive character but possessed so much of the spirit of Christ that he seldom or never gave offense to those with whom he worked. Besides his profession the Church, which he dearly loved, had many demands upon him. He was chorister and a class-leader in the church, and always attended all the means of grace as far as possible. He was at the head of and kept alive a lyceum for several years for the benefit of the young. He often expressed a desire that he might be permitted to work up to the last, which was granted him. He took his bed on Thursday, the 23d of December, prescribing for the sick until Saturday afternoon; died Sabbath night a few minutes past 12 o’clock, Dec. 27, 1875, aged 40 years 2 months and 27 days. He slept to awake in a brighter world; his beautiful voice was hushed to be tuned on high. Methinks the gates were opened wide, and an abundant entrance was made for him.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1076

WILLIAM S. WILSON, Treasurer, Springfield. Mr. Wilson was born in Moorefield Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in 1836; removed to the city of Springfield in 1851; in 1861, enlisted as private in the 71st O. V. I, and re-enlisted in 1864, when the regiment was veteranized; he was promoted, from time to time, through all the intermediate grades, to the office of Captain; he served on the staff of Maj. Gen. Rosseau as Provost Marshal of the District of Middle Tennessee; also on the department staff of the the Department of the Cumberland as Commissary of Musters: he resigned in October, 1865, holding the last-named staff appointment. In 1880, he was elected Treasurer of Clark County, receiving a larger majority of votes than any of the candidates for the different offices on either the State or county tickets.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 945

WILLIAM W. WILSON, manufacturer, Springfield; is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Washington County in 1821; he was raised on a farm, then a want of facilities made it necessary for the boys to know hard work, and he began to follow the plow when 12 years of age, and made a full hand in the harvest field at 16, and consequently received but little education. He remained on the farm assisting his father, until 27 years of age; afterward, was engaged in milling and mercantile pursuits, and did quite an extensive business; but two fires, one burning his mill and the other his store, were a severe loss, and led to his removal to Springfield in 1865, and in 1868 he became a member of the new Champion Machine Company, being the road man of the firm, and traveled eight years; but of late years, the home business has required the attention of all the members of the firm. Mr. Wilson is one of the self-made men, having begun life as a farmer boy, and remembers when he cradled all day for 75 cents, and, although so unfortunate as to have the proceeds of the labor of his early years consumed by fire, has more than replaced his loss, and is now in good circumstances. He has been twice married; his first wife was a Miss Mary Parish, of Eastern Ohio, and his present wife was Nancy Sharpe; she is a native of Belmont County; by her he has one child—Anna, now Mrs. I. W. Frey.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 945

THOMAS WINGATE, merchant; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Peter Wingate, native of Cecil Co., Md., who moved to Delaware in 1834, and emigrated to Ohio in 1844, and located in the eastern part of Pleasant Township, Clark Co.; lived there ten years; then moved to the southern part of Missouri, and lived there until his death. Thomas was born Jan. 24, 1827, in Maryland; came to Ohio with his parents; was raised and educated a farmer. When he attained his majority, he learned the trade of a carpenter and followed the business six years. In 1856, he went to Missouri, and while there he engaged in farming six years. He returned to Ohio in 1865, and embarked in the mercantile business in Catawba. He keeps a fine general merchandise store, with a good assortment of the best grade of goods; is a liberal, wide-awake citizen and business man, and enjoys a good paying trade, and the confidence of a large number of warm friends. He was married Jan. 16, 1853, to Miss Mary Lafferty. They had six children, five of whom are living, viz., Laura, Ella, George, Burton and Maude. Mr. Wingate has held the office of Township Treasurer for eight years.

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

AMAZIAH WINGER, lumber-dealer, Springfield; he is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Trout) Winger; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn. He came with his parents to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1838. His boyhood days were spent in school; at the age of 20, he began work in a lumber-yard. In 1862, he received a commission as 2d Lieutenant to recruit a company, and was assigned to the 94th O. V. I; he served to the close of the rebellion, when he received an honorable discharge; in 1864, he was promoted to the rank of Captain for meritorious service; he was in the battles of Chickamauga, Stone River, and with Sherman on the march to Atlanta, participating in the battles of that march, and was also in Sherman’s grand march to the sea; he was in the grand review before the President, Gen. Grant and others in 1865. His father, Jacob Winger, an old pioneer of Springfield, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Aug. 6, 1810, where he lived until 1837, when he moved to Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, in a wagon; he has been connected with quite a number of enterprises here, but his chief occupation has been that of a house-builder. In 1852, he went into partnership with William Whiteley, Esq., and erected a shop for the purpose of building cars, but first began making the Cook reaping machine; they sold one of these machines to Andrew Whiteley for $30; with this machine, he (Andrew Whiteley) experimented, and the now famous Champion is the outgrowth of that machine. They began building cars in 1853, but in 1854, when the railroads failed, they were compelled to quit the business. In 1857, Jacob was engaged very extensively in manufacturing wheat drills, known as the Enoch drill, but, on account of the failure of the “Trust Company,” it so affected his trade that he was obliged to suspend; but, being of an indomitable will, never allowed himself to be discouraged. He was married, Dec. 27, 1832, to Catherine Trout, who was born May 11, 1809, in Pennsylvania; of their ten children, but six are now living; their son Hezekiah died at the age of 26, from the effects of wounds received in the late rebellion. Amaziah has been twice married; the first time, to Mary A. Crothers, in November, 1867; she died in 1873, leaving two children, both girls; his second wife was Mrs. Mary D. Torbert, widow of James L. Torbert (deceased), and daughter of Amos Barr. In 1865, the Captain formed a partnership in the lumber trade with Mr. Hayward, his present partner.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 946

WILLIAM WINTERS, P. O. Dialton; was born March 10, 1813, in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio; his father, Lewis Winters, was born in the State of New York in the year 1768, two of his brothers having served in the Revolutionary war, one of whom, John Winters, being captured by the British, suffered the rigors of confinement in prison ship. Anna Prilleman, his mother, born in the year 1777, in Virginia, of which issue were twelve children—Jacob, Elizabeth, Obdiah, Margaret, John, James, Daniel, William, Susan, Sarah, Mary and Thomas. The latter was united in marriage to Nancy A. Fuller Feb. 28, 1837, her father, Robert Fuller, born in Virginia in the year 1785, having early removed from that State and located in Pike Township, where he entered quarter section land. Her mother, Margaret Thompson, born in Virginia in the year 1794; there were thirteen children born to them: Andrew, William, Nancy, Cynthia, James, George, Mary, Robert, Northrop, Archibald, Minerva, Irvin and Wesley. William Winters, the subject of this biography, bought one hundred acres of land in Sec. 22, Pike Township, in the year 1838, which has continued to be his home. He has added thereto until he now owns upward of three hundred acres. He has always been a consistent, upright man, attending strictly to his own business and letting other people’s alone. He united with the M. E. Church at Beech Grove in 1840; his wife having in the year 1835 joined the same church at McKendree. Their issue was one child, Cynthia Ellen, born Aug. 9, 1842, who was married on the 8th day of March, 1863, to W. H. Sterrett, a resident of same township.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 1025

CHARLES F. WISE, has been an active figure in farming and stock raising circles in Clark County for over forty years. While he has turned over some of the heavier responsibilities to younger shoulders, he still owns a large amount of valuable farm property and lives on a farm in Greene Township, six miles west of South Charleston. He was born on a farm in Springfield Township, December 26, 1861, son of Lewis and Malinda (Hatfield) Wise. His father was born in Madison Township, near South Charleston, December 14, 1829, son of Jesse and Debora (Strong) Wise. Jesse Wise was a native of Virginia, and came on horseback with his mother across the mountains to the vicinity of South Charleston about 1810. His mother lived there the rest of her life, and he grew up and at the age of eighteen married Debora Strong. The Wise family has therefore been identified with this part of Clark County for considerably more than a century. The three children of Jesse Wise were: Phoebe, wife of John Butcher; Anna, who became the wife of Hamilton Wade; and Lewis Wise. Charles F. Wise spent his early life on the old farm in Springfield Township, and while there attended the local schools. At the age of twenty-one he went for himself and on August 1, 1883, married Minnie A. Schukedantz, who was born in Madison Township, November 5, 1863. After his marriage Mr. Wise rented land from his father, and at his father’s death he secured 160 acres in Greene Township. He lived on that place thirty-four years, and in 1920 moved to his present home of seventy-nine acres. Altogether he owns nearly four hundred acres. Mr. and Mrs. Wise have three sons. Blain C., born June 1, 1884, is a graduate in the Pitchin High School, as are his two brothers, and he is a farmer and married Emma Truesdale. Clarence L., born June 16, 1886, is a farmer and married Daisy Craig. Jesse C., born December 14, 1891, married Louise Skillings. He is a farmer, and is also a well trained and talented vocal and instrumental musician. The entire Wise family are members of the Pitchin Grange. Mr. Wise is a republican, has served as trustee and a member of the School Board, and is a stockholder in the Farmers National Bank at Springfield. In live stock he has specialized in the breeding of Poland-China hogs. Mrs. Wise is a daughter of Christopher and Judith (Clemens) Schukedantz. Her father was born near Frankfort, Germany, and her mother near South Charleston, Ohio. Her father was a boy when his parents came to America, locating near South Charleston, where he grew up and married and became a successful farmer and livestock shipper. Of the nine children in the Schukedantz family five are living: Sarah, wife of Thomas Day, of Lagonda; Mary, wife of James Littler, of Springfield; Anna C., widow of John Hess, of Springfield; Mrs. Wise; and Henry, living near Selma.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 92

H. A. WISE, of the firm of Andrews, Wise & Putnam, Springfield; is a native of Massachusetts, born in Deerfield Jan. 18, 1845. His youth was spent on a farm and attending school; he began his business career as a clerk in Greenfield, Mass., when about 21 years of age; subsequently learned the photographer’s art, and was thus engaged in Greenfield until 1869, when he removed to and continued his business in Springfield until the fall of 1874; during this time, he also conducted a gallery in Xenia. In January, 1876, he became a member of the firm of Wilson, Wise & Putnam, who were the successors of Rice & Co.; this firm continued without change until 1878, during which time they had established a branch house at Urbana, under the firm name of H. A. Wise & Co., Mr. Wise being in charge; in 1878, Mr. Wilson took the Urbana stock, and Mr. Wise returned to the establishment here, the firm then being Wise & Putnam until April, 1880, when Mr. Andrews came in, and the style of the firm became as now, Andrews, Wise & Putnam. Mr. Wise is now in the prime of life, systematic, enterprising and successful in business, and affable and respected in the social circle. He married, in 1868, Miss Frances E. Burnam, who was also a native of Deerfield, Mass.; she having died, he married, in 1876, Miss D. Flora, daughter of William Ford, now a resident of Urbana, but formerly for a number of years a resident of this city; two children have been born of the second union—H. Edna and Mallie.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 946

LEWIS WISE, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Wise was born in this county Dec. 14, 1829; he has followed farming all his life, and is of a true, genuine, hospitable nature. He was married, Sept 18, 1856, to Melinda Hatfield, daughter of James and Margaret (Kitchen) Hatfield; they have had six children, viz., Alice, Joseph, Charles C., James H., Minnie E., John S., all living except Alice and Joseph, who have crossed the river to that purer and better home in heaven. Mrs. Wise was born in this county Sept. 8, 1833; Mr. and Mrs. Wise moved to their present home a few days after their marriage, being their first and only moving. Mr. Wise is the son of Jesse and Debora (Strong) Wise; Jesse was a native of Virginia, and, when but a small boy, his father died, leaving the mother with the care of their two children, Jesse and Polly, and, in 1807, she, with her children, came to Ohio and to this county, traveling all the way from Virginia here on horseback, with one of the children before and the other behind her on the horse. Mrs. Wise’s father, James Hatfield, was a native of Kentucky, and her mother of Pennsylvania, he coming to Clark County in 1806, and she in 1812. Lewis’ mother died in 1832, and his father in 1876. The farm on which he and Mrs. Wise now live was entered by her Grandmother Hatfield about the year 1808, and has remained in the possession of some of the family ever since; and on the 25th of August, 1880, when a family re-union was held on the old farm, there being present 100 persons, all relatives, except three, of Mrs. Wise; during the day, the older ones related many interesting incidents which had occurred on the old farm during their boyhood days.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 947

DANIEL WISSINGER, wholesale and retail coal, Springfield. Mr. Daniel Wissinger comes from good old Virginia stock, being born at Harper’s Ferry March 27, 1812; came to Springfield in 1833, commencing business as a builder and contractor, which he followed thirty-five or thirty-six years. In 1871, he commenced the sash, door and blind manufacture, under the firm name of Wissinger & Shanks, which was subsequently changed to Wissinger & Arthur. In March, 1879, he discontinued this business, and, in September following, he went into his present business—wholesale and retail coal—with his son, under the style of C. F. Wissinger & Co. Mr. Wissinger was married, in 1834, to Miss Cynthia Conklin, of this city, by whom he had eight children, of whom four sons and two daughters are living. Losing Mrs. Cynthia Wissinger in August, 1848, he was again married, on Feb. 7, 1850, to Miss Catherine Kelly (cousin of Oliver S. Kelly, so prominently known here), who bore him three sons and three daughters, the latter of whom they lost; all three of his sons by the first marriage were in the Union army, the first, Luther, enlisting in the 94th O. V. I.; the second, Daniel, was also in the infantry service, and the youngest, John, in the 5th O. V. C. first and, after being wounded, he joined the 110th O. V. I.; he was again shot, through the hip, in this, in the battle of Monocacy, Md. Of Mr. Wissinger’s sons by his second union, C. E. Wissinger is his partner in business, and was formerly of the firm of Morrow & Wissinger; the second, F. K. Wissinger, is a physician; and George W. Wissinger is a book-keeper in Peet & Elster’s Novelty Works; Oscar W., his oldest son, is a coal-dealer in Urbana; Luther is a machinist in railroad employ in Memphis, Tenn.; Daniel, a carpenter in Springfield; and John, machinist in the Champion Knife & Bar Works. The Wissingers are a large, widely known and highly respected family, and have been for many years identified with Springfield’s best interests. Mr. Wissinger’s family attend the Second Presbyterian Church.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 947

SAMUEL WOLFE, farmer; P. O. Springfield; son of Henry and Elizabeth (Haller) Wolfe was born near Harpers Ferry, Va., June 14, 1809. When Samuel was 11 years old, his parents came to Ohio and settled on the farm now owned by him; they were among the early settlers of this county; their family consisted of nine children, of whom Samuel is the seventh child. Mr. Wolfe was a man who never sought public office, but worked quietly along on his farm, providing well for his household; and Samuel, like his father, has passed through life having the Golden Rule for his motto, following the same strictly, being loved and respected by all who know him. Samuel has always lived on the farm, and received his education at the district school. He was married, in 1847, to Margaret J., daughter of George and Rachel (Prickett) Kitt; Mrs. Wolfe was born in this county in 1823, and it was her Grandfather Prickett who bought the old mill of Lagonda from Simon Kenton. To Samuel and Margaret J. Wolfe were born the following children: Elizabeth C., Rachel Ann, James Milton, George H., Louisa, John K., William (who died Jan. 20, 1878), Frank and Howard. For thirty-three years they lived happily together, enjoying the comfort of each other’s society and doing their duty in all things; but, on the 19th of July, 1880, death visited this happy home and took from him his partner through life’s joys and sorrows, leaving a void in the household and heart of her companion that can never be filled. Mr. Wolfe remembers, when a boy, of seeing the Indians on his father’s farm, but at that time they were friendly. He is a Republican in politics, and is considered one of the honest, upright pioneers of his township—a plain, practical man, with no pretensions but honesty, morality, charity and justice toward all mankind. In 1865, he and wife united with the Baptist Church, in which faith his wife died, and of which Mr. Wolfe is a consistent member, patiently awaiting the day when he shall meet, in a better land, those whom he knew and loved on earth—such being the hope and consolation that religion gives him.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 947

PHILIP N. WOLISTON, manufacturer of plows, etc., Springfield. At the tender age of 4½ years, Philip N. Woliston accompanied his parents to Springfield; they came from Adams Co., Penn., in May, 1828, the place of his nativity. In the fall of 1849, Mr. Woliston married Eliza Anderson; they traveled life’s journey together for thirty years; she was taken from him by the hand of death May 10, 1879; Mrs. Anderson, his mother-in-law, and her daughter Mary, are living with him at 25 Clifton avenue; his only brother, John G. Woliston, his senior by four years, lives in South Springfield. Mr. Woliston has been all his life a wood-worker, pattern-maker and machinist, and an industrious and thorough-going man; four years since, he formed his present copartnership of Woliston, Chambers & Burnett, for the manufacture of the Whiteley plow, and sash, doors and blinds, under the trade name of the Springfield Plow Manufacturing Company; their business has prospered, and they have all they can do to supply the demand for their manufactures. Among Mr. Woliston’s recollections of early days is that of the rude log crib-bridge over Mill Run, its south end occupying the present site of the extensive factory of the St. John’s Sewing Machine Company; he says he used to hunt squirrels at what is now the corner of High and Plum streets, and remembers when the Springfield Republic was printed on a hand-press of the old quaint style, in a one-story frame house, and edited by John D. Nichols; he also alludes to a 4th of July celebration on the common about where David West’s shop now is, on which occasion Samuel Rouser’s arms were shot off by the accidental premature discharge of the cannon. Rouser was an intemperate man, but this terrible accident quite reformed him. In the mouths of these same cannon, birds used to build their nests, ad interim. Mr. Woliston is a consistent member of the First Congregational Church—a whole-souled, cheerful man, with a smile and manner that bespeak the absence of guile or malice.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 948

ISAAC COREY WOOD, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. This well-known pioneer comes of pure English origin, his paternal and maternal grandfathers, Jeremiah Wood and Thomas Corey, having been natives of England, who settled in New Jersey at an early day. Here his father, Isaac Wood, was born, July 10, 1771, and was married, Oct. 9, 1797, to Jane Corey, a native of that State, born July 2, 1779, and in 1798 they came West and settled in Warren Co., Ohio, where they remained until March, 1812, when they came to Clark County, settling on Sec. 15, Springfield Township, removing, in the following year, to Sec. 9, where his son Thomas now resides; they had thirteen children; six are yet living; five sons reside in this county, and one daughter in Allen Co., Ohio; he died Aug. 24, 1825, his wife surviving him forty-six years, dying May 12, 1871. The subject of this sketch was born in Warren Co., Ohio, May 16, 1802; removed with his parents to this county in 1812, and here grew to manhood, attending the primitive log schoolhouse a short time, where he learned the rudiments of reading, writing, etc. On the 15th of June, 1825, he was married to Honora Scantlin, daughter of Jeremiah and Diana Scantlin, he a native of Ireland and she of Virginia, her father being killed in the war of 1812, while bravely fighting against the English foe, sacrificing his life in behalf of freedom and to defeat the oppressors of his native land. Mrs. Wood was born in Virginia Dec. 12, 1808, and, after her father’s death, her mother married John Collins, who died in that State, when she was married to Spalding Winchester, who came with the family, in November, 1822, to Clark County, settling in the west part of Harmony Township, removing thence to Springfield Township, where they died in 1857, sincere members of the M. E. Church, she dying Aug. 15, and her husband Sept. 15, of that year. About forty-five years ago, Mrs. Wood joined the Free-Will Baptist Church, and has since taken an active interest in that denomination. Politically, Mr. Wood was a Whig, casting his first vote for Clay in 1824, but, upon the formation of the Republican party, he joined its ranks, and, since his first vote, has never missed casting his ballot for the Presidential nominee of his party, and has always been an Abolitionist; he has been a rigid temperance man all his life, and his honesty and integrity are too well known to be doubted, his word at all times being as good as his note. On the 15th day of June, 1875, they celebrated their golden wedding by an excursion to the Soldiers’ Home at Dayton, whither they were accompanied by twenty-two of their friends, and, if both live to the same date of June, 1881, they will be fifty-six years man and wife—an event that seldom occurs in the annals of married life. Mr. Wood belongs to no church, his motto through life being the Golden Rule, which he has ever tried to follow in all his transactions with his fellow-men. For over sixty-nine years he has lived in Clark County, and has judiciously saved the results of his industry, but is without children on whom to bestow his means; he has retired from active business, and, with his aged wife, is now enjoying the blessings of a moral, well-spent life.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 949

THOMAS S. WOOD, farmer: P. O. Springfield. His farm, which is located four miles east of Springfield, on the Charleston Pike, is among the best in the county. He was born in Butler County, this State, April 30, 1810; he is a son of Isaac and Jane (Corey) Wood. In 1812, his father entered the land now owned by Thomas, on which he settled the following year and began clearing the land, getting it ready for cultivation. When Thomas was 6 years old, he started to school; he had a little over a mile to go, and would frequently meet twenty and thirty Indians on the way. Of his father’s family of thirteen children, but six are now living. When Thomas was 15 years old, his father died, and he, being the oldest of the boys at home, took charge of the farm for his mother. He was married, March 27, 1837, to Rhoda Ann Morton, daughter of Abraham and Jane (Sampson) Morton; Rhoda was born Oct. 25, 1819, near Gallipolis, this State; their issue has been fourteen children—seven boys and seven girls—three boys and five girls still living. Mr. Wood cast his first Presidential ballot for Henry Clay, and has been identified with the Whig and Republican parties ever since; he has never missed an election, except two township elections, since he has been old enough to vote. He is now 70 years old and is considered one of the well-to-do, upright citizens of his township.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 949

JOHN WOODROW, wood worker and turner, Springfield. Mr. John Woodrow, although numbering his threescore and fifteen, is virtually a native of Clark County, for, although born in Fayette Co., Western Pennsylvania, in 1805, his father moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky when the subject of this sketch was less than 1 year old, and moved again to this county, settling in Montgomery County, at so early an age that Mr. Woodrow has but the faintest recollections of it, being too young to remember well the events of this period. He relates from hearsay that, after coming to Ohio, his father and a man named Oberholz made up a flat-boat load of flour, pork and similar produce for the Lower Mississippi market; on reaching Natchez, his father was taken sick and died, and was buried at Natchez, Miss.; young Woodrow was then left an orphan. Oberholz went to New Orleans and sold out; a short time thereafter, one Daniel Rouser, from Maryland, but then living in Miami County, about half way between Springfield and Troy, came to Dayton looking for a boy to adopt, he and wife being well-to-do and childless, and, finding our subject a bright boy and an orphan, and liking him, adopted him and took him with him to Miami Co. and raised him to years of maturity and self-support. From Miami Co., he came to Clark Co. to live, when Woodrow was but 10 years old. He first worked on a farm, then commenced learning the trade of wood-working and turning, under a man named David Pettigrew. His adopted father died on Oct. 18, 1832, when young Woodrow was about 18 years old, since which time he has, in every sense of the word, “paddled his own canoe,” having no help whatever from any one. This Daniel Rouser, his foster-father, was the uncle of Samuel Rouser, whose arms were blown off at a 4th of July celebration in early days, of which mention is made in the sketch of Philip N. Woliston, of Springfield; he afterward fell down the stairs and broke his neck. Mr. Woodrow belonged to a home artillery company about seven years, from 1830 to 1837. He was married, on March 8, 1829, to Mary Berry, from Virginia. He has one son and two daughters living, one of his daughters having married Mr. J. D. Smith, of this city; his son, David N. Woodrow, was in the Union army as a member of the 100-day troops, and re-enlisted in the 58th O. V. I., and is now working in the Champion reaper shops, and is still unmarried. Mr. Woodrow has been a wood-turner for over half a century, and probably no man in Ohio has done more work with a foot-lathe than he; and he still does it daily, at his advanced age of 75. Mr. Woodrow is one of stock that are now so rare—blunt, square, to the point, but withal so courteous and kind, and to know him even slightly is to like him.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 950

ROBERT C. WOODWARD, City Librarian, Springfield; is a native of Springfield, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Christie) Woodward; his father was a native of Pennsylvania, and came, when a young man, to Springfield, and was connected with the business interests here until his decease, which occurred in 1829, being associated with Judge Ira Paige in the proprietorship of the woolen-factory, and subsequently a merchant; his widow and two sons still survive. The subject of this sketch was born in 1829, and was but 3 months old when his father died; his mother, by teaching, took care of him and gave him a rudimentary education, and, after her second marriage, in 1837, he attended the Ohio Conference High School, and was one of the first students enrolled at Wittenberg College, but, after passing the Freshman year, circumstances compelled him to relinquish school, and he entered the Republic office, and, after two years’ service as “devil,” was promoted to foreman of the office, but three months later, accepted a position as compositor on the Cincinnati Commercial, a position he obtained by reason of his ability to read short-hand; during the three months in which he was employed in the Commercial office, he completed a commercial course under the direction of R. S. Bacon, after which he returned to Springfield and accepted a position as traveling salesman for his step-father, J. D. Nichols, who had a special contract to sell stationery, etc., on the Pan Handle line of railroad; after one year’s experience, he discontinued that business, as it did not prove as profitable as he had hoped; after spending eighteen months at Davenport, Iowa, he went South and spent the winter of 1857-58, and in 1859 he was induced to purchase a book store here in Springfield, which business he continued until September, 1861, when he engaged in the same business in Lima, Ohio; there Mr. Woodward became prominently identified with the local religious interests, being the honored and trusted Superintendent of the Sunday school connected with the Presbyterian Church, and his wife, nee Miss Lizzie A. Crooks, formerly from Lowell, Mass., but at the time of their marriage, April 12, 1860, a teacher in the Springfield public schools, was an active and prominent member of the women’s Christian Commission, gratefully remembered by every soldier of the late war; but in 1865 his wife died, and the five years which followed were filled with bitter experiences; dispirited by the loss of his wife, his partners took advantages of him, and, in the spring of 1868, he returned to Springfield, to retrieve, as far as possible, the losses he had sustained. In 1869, he, in partnership with his step-brother, W. G. Nichols, bought his old bookstore, and, with the proceeds of that stock, credits, and some money Mr. Woodward was able to borrow, they started a job printing office, and in eighteen months, by dint of careful management and at the expense of severe wear to his constitution, they sold out and were clear of debt. From this time Mr. Woodward was variously employed until 1877, when he was appointed City Librarian. When he entered upon his duties, he found matters in a chaotic state; but by his usual energy and industry, he has brought system and order into all the details, and no better regulated public library can be found than that over which Mr. Woodward presides; he is ably assisted by his wife, nee Miss Harriette De Witt formerly of Fostoria, but, at the time of their marriage, Oct. 10, 1866, a teacher in the Springfield schools.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 950

BENJAMIN F. WRIGHT, farmer and stock-shipper; P. O. Springfield. He is a son of John and Jane (Sampson) Wright, and was born in this county Jan. 28, 1827; has followed farming and stock-shipping the greater part of his life. He was married, Dec. 24, 1848, to Olive C., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Chenoweth) Whittredge; they have five children—four girls and one boy—all of whom are married. Her father was a native of Vermont, and came to Clark Co., Ohio, about the year 1820; he departed this life in 1869. Her mother was born and raised in this county. Mr. Wright’s father was a native of England, and emigrated to America in 1820, and settled in what is now Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, the same year. His mother was born in Massachusetts; came to this county in 1822. The father died in 1842, and the mother in 1844. In 1865, while engaged in threshing wheat, Benjamin got his arm caught in wheels of the thresher, losing his right hand. In 1868, he engaged with the Champion Manufacturing Company of Springfield as agent, and since then has traveled for said firm during the busy season of each year; during the winter, he devotes his attention to the buying and shipping of stock, which he has followed for the past thirty winters, being the oldest stock-shipper now in this county. In all his dealings, he has ever sustained an honorable reputation.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 951

GEORGE S. WRIGHT, P. O. Enon. Mr. Wright was born March 1, 1845; is the son of Levi and Mary J. Wright; whose parents emigrated from Frederick Co., Va., settling in Clark Co., Ohio, at Green Plains (a Quaker settlement), in 1818. He remembers of having heard his grandfather (Richard Wright, who died in 1864) say that when he settled at Green Plains, that he was compelled to wagon his grain to Cincinnati for market, often trading a bushel of wheat for a pound of coffee. Our subject was reared on a farm, and his father having died in 1848, he was compelled, in early life, to attend the arduous duties of providing for sister, brother and widowed mother, who still reside on the same farm near Green Plains, with the exception of the sister, Mrs. Howe, who resides in Brattleboro, Vt. On account of these early cares, he received but a common school education. When the cry of war rang through the land for volunteers, and President Lincoln made his first call for 300,000 to protect the nation’s flag, Mr. Wright dropped his school-books, and at the early age of seventeen years responded to that call, by enlisting, on the 11th day of January, 1862, in the 10th O. B., which was soon assigned to the Army of the Southwest, under Gen. Grant, participating in the battles of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing), Corinth (where he and his gun came near being captured, only escaping by a desperate struggle), Iuka Jackson, Grand Gulf, Vicksburg (forty-two days’ siege), Kenesaw Mountain, Marrietta and Atlanta, Ga., where his gallant corps commander, Gen. McPherson, was killed on that memorable 22d of July, 1864. The rebels, having been driven entirely out of the Southwest, and Gen. Sherman taking up his march for Savannah, all troops, whose terms of enlistment were fast expiring, were ordered to Nashville, to which place the rebel Gen. Hood was fast making his approach; but the Union forces were there in time to give him a hot reception, and at this place the 10th O. B. fought its last fight for the Union cause and the stars and stripes. Mr. Wright having served his three years, was held two months over that time, on account of the battle of Nashville, where 600 soldiers laid down their lives after the term of enlistment had expired; he was then honorably discharged from the service of the United States, March 2, 1865. Though serving as a private through all this period, he was recommended for a commission for bravery at the battle of Corinth, of which particular mention is made in the army records, and in Whitelaw Reid’s History of Ohio in the war (2d Vol.). On account of his age the General of the Army did not consider the recommendation favorably. Leaving the service, we again find him engaged in the quiet pursuit of farming and stock-raising. Continuing at that vocation until 1870, at which time he studied railroading and telegraphing, and was employed on several Western roads in Illinois and Iowa. Returning to Ohio in 1875, he connected himself with the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad, as agent and operator at Enon, Ohio, where he still is employed. On Oct., 1875, he was married to Miss Mary E. Randall, of Springfield, Ohio, the issue of this marriage is a daughter (Estie), born January 10, 1880. We are sorry to record the death of Mr. Wright’s wife, which took place April 14, 1880, in the 23d year of her age. We leave Mr. Wright where we found him, young in years, but old in experience, ready and waiting (if need be) his country’s call. Is a supporter of the present administration.

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

LEONARD S. WRIGHT is one of the men who is setting a high standard for the agricultural and stock raising industry of Clark County.

He is a man of very good judgment and business ability, and his industry has carried him far toward the achievement of individual success. Mr. Wright for the past ten years has lived on the old McGrew farm, four miles west of South Charleston.

He was born on a farm in Fayette County, Ohio, December 13, 1884, son of Allie and Alice (Fannon) Wright. His father was born in Fayette County, March 31, 1861, son of Walter S. and Nancy (Allen) Wright, and grandson of Benjamin and Rebecca (Cave) Wright. Allie Wright was reared and educated in Fayette County, and after his marriage lived on a farm there for a number of years.

He now owns a farm in Greene Township of Clark County, but his home is in Springfield. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a republican in politics. Allie Wright and wife had five children: Leonard S.; Ansel, a farmer in Madison County, Ohio; Samuel, a farmer in Clark County; Ova, wife of Thomas Winner, a carpenter at Springfield, and Dorothy, attending the Springfield High School.

Leonard S. Wright spent his early life on farms in Fayette and Madison counties, and while there made the best possible use of his advantages in the district schools. He was at home until he was twenty-one, and two years later he married Della Foster. She was born in Madison County, November 13, 1887, and had a public school education.

After his marriage Mr. Wright rented a farm in Madison County for four years, and then, ten years ago, moved to Clark County and took charge of the extensive property of 577 acres which has been under his capable direction and management. He has made this farm the home of a herd of registered Shorthorn cattle. He and his brother Ansel own together a farm of 207 acres in Greene County, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Wright have two children: Ruth, attending the Harmony Township High School, and Benjamin C., who is still in the grade school. Mr. Wright is affiliated with the Springfield Lodge of Elks, is a republican, and the family are Presbyterians and attend worship at South Charleston.

Source: A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Benjamin F. Prince, 1922, page 75

JONAS WYANT, farmer; P. O. Springfield; born in Maryland, April 25, 1822; is a son of Jacob and Susanna (Ridenour) Wyant, also natives of Maryland, but who removed to Ohio in October, 1837, locating in Miami Co., where they remained till the spring of 1838, when they removed to Champaign Co., residing in that county till 1845, when his sons bought the farm upon which they now live, and the family located here, where they lived until the death of Mr. Wyant; he died in January, 1851. They were parents of nine children, six now living—Susanna, Mary Ann, Hannah, Emily, Joseph and Jonas. Mrs. Wyant was married the second time to John Wyant, and became a resident of Warsaw, Ind., where she lived till her death. Our subject came with his parents to Ohio when in his 17th year, remaining with his father till his death. Was married Nov. 6, 1851, to Susan Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Dolly Ann (Vowls) Dennis, natives of Virginia, becoming residents of Ohio about 1835, where they resided till her death. She died Nov. 2, 1865. He is still living, now about 78 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Wyant have had nine children; eight now survive—Mary, Catharine, John F., William J., Chas. Edward, James V., Walter J., Emma V. and Clive Parker. Mr. Wyant has a farm of 112 acres of good land, mostly in good cultivation; with good buildings and improvements; also a small farm in Champaign Co. of 40 acres, well improved; also some good town property in Lagonda; all of which has been made by his own industry, as when Mr. Wyant started out in life, he had no capital. Has labored hard and diligently, and, with economy and good management, has become well and comfortably situated, with an abundance of this world’s goods for all the comforts of life. Mr. Wyant has been a member of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches for over thirty years, and his wife a member of the Reformed Church eleven years.

Source: The History of Clark County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., 1881, page 995