Clark County, Ohio - The whole text, 1881 (part 20 of 20)

N. T. PAULLIN, deceased. Uriah and Rebecca Pauilin, his parents, were natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated from Pennsylvania to Kentucky at a very early day, and in 1809 or 1810, to Greene Co., Ohio. It is said that Uriah Pauilin made the first barrel of salt that was made at the Scioto Salt Works. He died in a few years after locating in Greene Co., having been the father of nine children. Newcomb T., the youngest child, was born in Greene Co., Jan. 18, 1811. He was raised to agricultural pursuits, and, after starting in life for himself, resided on the old homestead for about five years, when he moved to Clark Co. aud located on a grazing farm, the greater part of which was in Greene Co. He was an enterprising man, and dealt extensively in stock. In 1854, he left the farm and moved to South Charleston, but continued the stock trade to the last. He had served his township as Trustee for a number of years, and was identified with the orders of Odd Fellows and Freemasons; was one of the charter members of the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge, of South Charleston. His marriage with Mary Ann Harpole was solemnized Dec. 20. 1832. To this union nine children were given - Jessie II., Joanna, Matilda, Ccrelda, Elizabeth, infant daughter (deceased), Ann Amelia, Melissa and Emma. Mr. Pauilin departed this life July 25, 18S0. His widow survives him. She was born in Greene Co. June 21, 1816, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Harpole. They were natives of Virginia, he born May 8, 1786, and she Nov. 1, 1792. They settled in Greene Co. in 1812, having lived a short time in Ross Co. Nine children were born to them - Jesse, Mary Ann, John, Matilda, Phebe, William, Mellissa, Elizabeth and Peter. Mr. William Harpole departed this life in February of 1853. and his wife in June of 1S66.

MELVIN PETERS, tin-smith; P. 0. South Charleston. Samuel J. Peters, his father, was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, in 1S29. He was reared a farmer, and followed that occupation till about 21 years of age, when he began the trade of blacksmith. Shortly after completing his trade he removed to Springfield, Clark Co. ; thence in a few years to Vienna, of the same county, and finally, in 184S, to South Charleston. Here, as well as at Springfield aud Vienna, he prosecuted his trade. l.n August of 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 1 10th O. V. I.. and served till the close of the war. H< was captured at the battle of Winchester, but escaped imprisonment by being a member of the order of F. A A. M. On receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war, he returned to his family, but his health was so impaired that he was obliged to retire from business. His marriage with Nancy Weaver had been celebrated in Springfield in 1844. To them five children were given - Oliver K., Melvin, Charles B., Flora and Edwin. Samuel J. Peters departed this life Nov. 17, 1875. Mrs. Nancy Peters is still living, and resides in South Charleston. She was born in West Virginia. January, 1825. Melvin, the subject of this sketch, was born at Y'ienna, Clark Co.. Ohio, Dec. 22, 1846. lie was engaged in various ways until he became of age. He then went to learn the tinner's trade. In February of 1S73, he started in the business for himself, and now commands a good trade in stoves and tinware of all kinds. On the 29th of January, 1868, he was united in marriage with Luvenia Barratt. She was born in Clark Co., Ohio, but raised in La Salle Co., 111. June 7, 1845, is the date of her birth. Four children have been born to them. Two died in infancy, and Jessie M. at the age of 8, of diphtheria, Oct. 25, 1879. Frank W., the oldest, is the survivor.

JAMES PRINGLE, farmer; P. 0. South Charleston. Among the pioneer families of Madison Township, the Pringles deserve mention. In 1810, Thomas Pringle, with his son, James, and family, emigrated from Kentucky and settled in the township above mentioned. Thomas was of English birth ; was in the British Array when it was defeated by the French at Quebec. He did not return to his native land, but located in Pennsylvania, where he married, and where his son James (the only one of whom we have any account) was born Dec. 26, 1782. They soon moved to Kentucky. Susannah, wife of Thomas Pringle, died Sept, 21, 1807. He survived till Dec. 21, 1823, and was about 90 years of age. The marriage of James Pringle with Sarah Vance was consummated April 11, 1805. She was of Scotch descent - born in Kentucky, May 20, 178S. On coming to Ohio they purchased 87 1 acres of land, and in the course of time, by hard labor, coupled with economy and integrity, obtained a handsome competency. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew" them. He was Puling Elder in the church for nearly forty years. His earthly career closed Aug. 1, 1867, when he fell asleep in Jesus. His wife followed April 20, nine years later. Their children were four in number, and named as follows: Thomas, David V., William D. and James, the subject of this memoir. He was born in Madison Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Feb. 6, 1815, and was raised to agricultural pursuits, which, in connection with stock-dealing, has been his principal occupation. He was united in marriage with Miss Susan A. Bales Feb. 5, 1835. Susan A. was born in Frederick Co., Va., March 5, 1815. James and Susan A. Pringle are the parents of eight children. Sarah Jane, the only survivor.' was born April 16, 1816. She is now the wife of J. M. Jones, whose sketch appears in this work.

EBENEZER WILEY STEELE (deceased). Dr. Steele was born in Xenia, Ohio, July 7, 1823, where his father, Thorna3 Steele, was for many years Principal of an academy. His mother was a native of Kentucky. He studied medicine with the late Dr. John Dawson, Professor of Anatomy in the Starling Medical Institute, Columbus, lie attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, where he graduated with the honors of his class, March 2, 1847. His marriage with Eliza Hodges, of Jamestown, Greene Co., Ohio, was consummated June 13, 1848; her father was a native of Virginia ; her mother of Kentucky. The issue of the marriage was two children - Ada and Florence - the latter died in infancy. Ada and her mother still reside in South Charleston. He commenced the practice of medicine in South Charleston, Ohio, in the fall of 1848, where he gained a wide reputation and an extensive practice. His health declining, he retired from practice in October, 1854. Removed to Xenia in 1855, where he resumed the practice of mediciue as a partner of Dr. T. B. llarbison. Soon after the commencement of the civil war, he enlisted in the 74th O. V. I. as surgeon; rt signing his position on account of ill-health, he accepted the position as Sureeon in the Twenty third Hospital, at Nashville, Term, where he died April 3, 1860. His remains were interred in Woodland Cemetery, Xenia.

JOHN W. THOMAS, retired farmer; P. O. South Charleston. Amoug the pioneers of Madison Township, the gentleman whose name appears above, deserves mention on the pages of this work. His lather, Samuel Thomas, was horn in the State of Delaware in 1785. He came to Ohio when a young man, and settled in Warren County, where he married Mary St. John. She was born in the State of New York May 30, 1783, and came to this State with her parents when about 12 years of age. They first settled in Hamilton County, about ten miles from Cincinnati, but afterward moved to Warren County. Samuel and Mary Thomas were the parents of nine children - John W., Anna and Prudence, born in Warren County; James, Nancy, Isaac, Sarah M., Joseph aud Samuel, born in Clark County. The last named died in youth, and Nancy and Anna after reaching maturity. The rest are all living. Samuel Thomas departed this life July 4, 1867, and his wife Aug. 2, 1871. John W., the oldest child, was born March 21, 1809; was raised a farmer, which occupation he followed very actively until within a few years,, and also dealt in stock. He still engages in stockraising. For the last sixty-seven years he has resided in Clark County, within two miles of South Charleston. On the 28th of February, 1858, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Harriet Snyder, wridow of Joseph Snyder, deceased, by whom she had four children - Sarah A., deceased; Mary E.; Anna Belle, deceased, and Charlotte A. Harriet was born in England Feb. 2, 1823, and came to America at the age of 6 years. Trusdale was her maiden name. John W. and Harriet Thomas are the parents of one child - Emma D., now Mrs. Samuel .H. Brandenburg and resides with her parents. Mrs. Thomas is a member of the M. E. Church.

THOMAS THORP, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. South Charleston ; was born in Belmont Co., Ohio in 1829, 2d month and 23d day ; a son of Thomas and Mary Thorp. She was a native of Bucks Co., Penn., born in the 3d month of the year 1790. He was born in Newcastle Co., Del., in 1781, 11th month and 11th da}r, of English parentage. At the age of 21, he moved to Pennsylvania, where, in 1809, he married Mary Fouik. In 1823, they emigrated to Belmont Co., Ohio, and in 1834 to Morgan County. Eleven children were born to them - Sarah Ann, Samuel, James. Eleanor, Jabez, Hannah, Elizabeth, Jesse, Mary, Thomas and Ann. The last three and Jabez and Hannah are the survivors. Mrs. Mary Thorp departed this life on the 30th day of the 7th month in 1869. Her husband survived till 1877, the 1st month and 18th day. Both were birthright members of the Society of Friends, in which they reared their family. Thomas, the subject of this memoir, was bred a farmer. For several years he has paid considerable attention to stock-raising. He never served an apprenticeship at any trade, but is able to work at coopering and carpentering. He aspires to no office, but has been a School Director for a number of years ; has been and is a member of the Board of Education. In the spring of 1865, he located on the farm of A. Packer, where he still resides, and now owns SO acres adjoining, lie was united in marriage in 1859, the 11th month and 26th day, with Maria Reeder. She was a native of Columbiana Co., Ohio, born on the 28th day of the 7th month, 1825 : a daughter of William aud Lydia Reeder. Thomas and Maria Thorp were the parents of one child - William R., born on the 22d day of the 8th month, 1865. Mrs. Maria Thorp departed this life on the 20th day of the 4th month, 1863, having been a member of the Society of Friends from youth.

R. E. VAN METER was born Sept. 16. 1853, on a farm in Mad River Towuship, Clark Co., Ohio., where he lived until he was about 17 years of age, when he went to Minnesota, where he spent about five years attending school and teaching. In the fall of 1875 he went to Illinois, where he taught school until the next spring, when he visited Texas with a view to locating there; there, again, he engaged in the pursuit of teaching school, but returned to Illinois before the year was out ; the fall and winter of 1876-77, he taught the same school he had presided over the year before ; in the spring of 1877 he returned to his old birthplace in Ohio. The following winter he removed to Springfield, and began the study of law with the firm of Wolf & Grillett; but before the year was out, he gave up his law studies, and connected himself with one of the newspaper offices in that city, and ever since has been in journalism. In the spring of 1879, he went to South Charleston, Ohio, where he now lives, to work on the Clark County Republican , and, with the exception of a few months, has been connected with it ever since, now being editor and joint proprietor. Ail that he has and is to-day he owes to his own industry, having gone forth into the world, at the age of 17, to seek his own fortune. He and his twin sister 'were unfortunate in being left motherless at their birth. Mr. Van Meter's father married the second time, a woman far inferior to his first wife, making the home of the motherless children anything but comfortable and happy, though it might have been otherwise, for so far as earthly possessions is concerned, there was everything that heart could wish for. This accounts for the fact that the subject of this sketch left his home so young, and went to live among strangers, and, though yet less than 28 years old, has experienced more, perhaps, of the ups and downs of life than many men twice his age, and through it all has managed to maintain an integrity that any man of his age may well be proud of. He is a stanch Republican, inheriting the uncompromising Republican principles for which his father and grandfather, especially the latter, were so notorious. His grandfather, Joel Van Meter, was, at one time, the only Abolition voter in Clark County, and did more, perhaps, for the fugitive slaves and the abolition of slavery than any other man in the county. Mr. Van Meter is a descendant of one of the oldest and most noted Holland families, his ancestors settling in New York in the beginning of the seventeenth century.

ALEXANDER WADDLE, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. South Charleston. To the gentleman whose name appears above, we are pleased to give space in the biographical portion of this work. He was born in Chillieothe, Ross Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1808, and is a son of John and Nancy Waddle. John Waddle was born in October, 1783, iu Belfast, Ireland, and came to America with his parents when a child. In 1 802, he came to Ohio and settled in Ross County, where, in 180G, 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 Chillieothe, in 1831, he died, and his widow then moved back to Chillieothe, 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 lias been his home, and he now owns 100 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 1851, 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 iu 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 Luua tic 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, witli Sarah Woodson, by whom he bad one child, Samuel W., residing in Illinois. Mis. 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 arid 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 filk d demonstrates the respect and confidence which the people have reposed in him. He has always hern found in the front rank, battling for every enterprise which lie beliew.d would b > a lasting benefit to the county and community, of which lie has ever been an honored, influential and respected member.

MICHAEL Y A \ , 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 he 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 31,000 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, aud Ellen, now Mrs. W. A. Kershner, near Springfield. Michael Way, Sr., departed this life in 1S38, 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 1S68, he was elected Justice of the Peace, aud served three years. He was again elected to the same office in 1S77, 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 IS. Mrs. Way is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM WILDMAN, farmer and grain dealer; P. 0. 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 Lis parents, John and Elizabeth Wildman. At intervals, and at different prices, ranging from 81.50 to 83 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 Hour 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 Thom, a native of thi State, born in 1811 ; four children were the fruits of this union - William, John, Marion and Rachel E., nowr Mrs. I. EL 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; bis brick dwelling is heated by a furnace, is of modern style and makes a fine appearance. In addition to his farm interests, and feediug 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 Oet. 19, 1S59, 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 uniou 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.

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 uutil 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. Indiaus 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 bold of the promises of God under the ministry of Rev. Samuel Clayton. His conversion wras 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 '53. Iu 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 (w?th better success) an entrance into the field of his choosing, iu Kentucky, and, until driven borne 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 bis physician informed him that he could never be well in so confining a profession, iri cor sequence 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. Rosegraut, 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 disorded 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. Resides his profession the Church, which he dearly loved, had many demands upon him. He was chorister and a class-leader iu 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 3rouug. 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. Metbinks the gates were opened wide, and an abundant entrance was made for him.

Business References

The Evans & Foes Manufacturing Company, Manufacturers of Evans' Two-horse Corn Planters, .Evans' Triple and Two-section Harrows, etc., West Main street.

| FOOS & Co., Manufacturers of the "New Champion Clothes Wringer," Self-Adjusting, Galvanized, Malleable j Iron frame, Simple, Strong aud Coru- | pact, easily attached to any tub or box.

| Gardiner, C. O., Manufacturer. Goode, James S., Attorney at Law and Judge of Court of Common Pleas. Gore, JosllUa, Dealer in Sewing Ma- | chines, 16 East Main street, j' Grant, William, Meat Market.

Jat dine, M. Ij., Successor to Jardine j & Co., Plumber, Steam and Gas Fitter | and Dealer in Pumps, Hydraulic Rams, j Lead and Iron Pipe, Gas Fixtures and Plumbers', Steam and Gas Fitters' material, 62 South Limestone street.

Leffei, E. C., Manufacturer of " Croft's Improved Iron Wind Engine;" also Dealer in Pumps, Tanks, Pipes, Corn Shellers, Corn Grinders, Power Converters with both Lever and Rotary Motion applied to Wind and Mill Power, and everything pertaining to Wind Engine Machinery.

Moore, W. S., General Agent of the Equitable Life Insurance Society of the United States. Its financial strength : Assests, 841,108,602, an increase of Three and Three-quarter Million Dollars in 1880. Surplus, 89,223,29-4, an increase of One and Three-quarter Million Dollars in 1880. New Business, 8*35,170,805, an increase of Eight and a half Million Dollars in 1880. Risks outstanding, 8177,597,703 ; increase over 18S0, 815,239,988. Amount paid to Policy-holders and their representatives during 1880, 84,792,937.

Pimlott, William, Wholesale and j Retail Dealer in all kinds of Coal and Coke, also miner and shipper of Jack- son Hill Coal. Office, 61 South Lime- j stone street.

Tennant, Irvin, Manufacturer of and Dealer in Carriages, Buggies, Spring Wagons, etc. Farm Wagons built to order. Repairing done on short notice.

Jones, Ed G., Druggist aud Pharmacist, and Dealer in a General Stock of Pure Drugs and Druggists Sundries. Especial attention paid to Compounding Prescriptions. Store in Paullin's Corner.

Post Office, dealers in Groceries, Provisions, Flour, Coal and everything kept in a first-class Family Grocery. School Bootes, Paper, Envelopes, Inks, Pens and School Supplies of all kinds. Perfumery, Fancy Articles, Notions, etc.

Black, Andrew B., Physician, Secs. I 13, 19, New Carlisle P. O. Marquart, John A., Farmer and Dealer in Fine Horses, Sec, 20, Nortli Hampton P. O.