BROWN COUNTY, OHIO
OHGenWeb Project
B
BAMBACH, G. of Union Township
submitted by Lorraine Hatfield
G. Bambach, attorney, Ripley, is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, where he was born in 1840. His father, Gotlieb, crossed the ocean to the American shore in 1848, and in the following year returned, and with the family, consisting of his wife and two children, again embarked to the United States. Her maiden name was Barbara Borzmeyer, native of Alsace, Germany. The youngest child, a daughter, died soon after reaching this country. Gotlieb located at Levanna, Brown County, in September 1849, and began raising grapes and butter making, but became wholly engaged in the former pursuit, in which he is still engaged in connection with farming. He and his son have a farm of 130 acres and other property at Levanna. The subject of this sketch secured a common school education, and began reading medicine under Dr. Eberhart of this city. Two years afterward, he attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which institution he graduated in 1859. The following year he recited law in the office of Chambers Baird, of Ripley, and entered the Law School at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in 1861. He then entered the ranks of the Union army as Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and three months afterward was assigned to the Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry of the Seventeeth Army Corps. He served with this regiment until after the surrender of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, when he returned home on account of his father's ill-health. He was tendered promotion by the Governor as Surgeon, but declined. In 1877, he was selected by the Republicans of this district as a candidate for Legislative honors, but suffered defeat in this strong Democratic territory. In 1881, he name was placed on the county ticket by the Repbulicans for Probate Judge. His opponent, George P. Tyler, secured the election by a small majority.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 51-52.
BAMBER, Thomas of Perry Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
Thomas Bamber, famer, P.O. Fayetteville, second son of William and Elizabeth Bamber, was born in this township January 8, 1845. He was reared on a farm. Was married here in 1874, to Johana, daughter of James and Mary Campion, a native of Ireland. They have three children—William, James and Mary E. Thomas received 88 acres of land of his father, about twenty-five of which are situated in Sterling Township, this county, sixty-five under cultivation. Himself and family are member of the Catholic Church.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 130.
BAMBER, William, Sr. of Perry Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
William Bamber, Sr., (deceased), was born at Charing Cross, England. He was a dyer by trade and carried on the business quite extensively. He married Elizabeth Crumblum. They had a family of ten children, and, being in limited circumstances, Mr. Bamber conceived the idea of coming to America, where land was cheap and a farm could be obtained for each member of his family. He accordingly came to this country, and, as early as 1819, he bought 1,000 acres of land in the southern part of this township. He immediately moved his family into the heart of the wilderness, built a log cabin and commenced the immense task of clearing a farm. Himself and family endured untold hardships and privations, and succeeded in clearing a large tract of land. William Bamber, Jr., was born in England May 25, 1806, and came here with his parents. He was married at St. Martin's, this township, in 1833, to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Mary Crone, also old settlers of this township. They had six children, five living: Mary, William, Elizabeth, Ann and Thomas. William Bamber, Jr., died August 29, 1866; his widow is still living, residing with her son William, who received 100 acres of the paternal estate of 290 acres. He now has sixty acres under cultivation. He has held numerous township offices, such as member of School Board, School Director, Supervisor, &c. The family are all members of the Catholic Church.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 130.
BARBER, Joseph of Perry Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
Joseph Barber, saloon, P.O. Fayetteville, son of Tousaint and Mary A. Barber, was born in this township in 1849. He was reared on a farm in this township, and was married at Vera Cruz in 1878, to Rosa Oubrey, born in this township. They have two children—Theresa and Joseph, born in this township. In the spring of 1879, Mr. Barber came to Chasetown and opened a saloon and grocery, where he keeps a choice stock of liquors, cigars and tobaccos, and a well-selected stock of staple and fancy groceries. Himself and family are members of the Catholic Church of Vera Cruz.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 130.
BARBIER, Tousaint of Perry Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
Tousaint Barbier, farmer, P.O. Vera Cruz, son of Joseph and Margaret Barbier, was born in France, June 12, 1818. He came to the United States in 1838, and settled in Vincennes, Ind., where he worked eight years by the month farming, during which time he was married, in 1843, to Mary A. Nolan, born in Vincennes. They have seven children—John, Joseph, Mary, William, Lenora, Michael and Margaret. In 1846, they came to this township and rented land of Joseph Mair Etienne, five years, when they bought 80 acres of him. They now own a fine farm of 130 acres. The family are members of the Catholic Church.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 130.
BARRON, Patrick of Perry Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
Patrick Barron, farmer, P.O. Fayetteville, son of William and Frances Barron, was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, March 17, 1816. When seventeen years of age he came to this country and following laboring, working in Philadelphia, Penn., two years, when he took a trip to New Orleans, where he remained till the spring of 1836. He then came to Hamilton County, Ohio, where he contracted for and built pikes. He formed a partnership with Jacob Brooks, and they graded three miles on the line of the Little Miami Railroad, near Xenia. He also graded some on the same line further west, in company with John Quinn. In 1840, he bought 67 1/2 acres of his present farm, situated two miles northwest of Fayetteville. He now has a fine farm of 449 acres, thirty of which extend into Clermont County. On his farm he has built a fine brick residence and made considerable other improvements. He was married in Cincinnati, in 1845, to Mary Kerr. They have four children—Patrick, John, Mary and Ellen. Mr. Barron has held numerous township offices, among others Supervisor two terms. The family are members of the Catholic Church.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 130.
BEASLEY, Jeptha
submitted by Lorraine Hatfield
Jeptha Beasley came to Union Township about 1798 from Spottsylvania County, Va., he was born August 20, 1769. He had emigrated to Limestone, now Maysville, KY, years before, and in times when Indian ravages were imminent, he served as a spy to watch the movements of the savages across the river. He purchased the form his Jeptha, now occupies, in the northeastern part of the township, and for a number of years engaged in farming and boating. He then moved to Ripley, and was the villiage inn-keeper for a while, but, tiring of this life, he returned again to the farm. He was Justice of the Peace for many years, and County Commissioner. His children were Sally, William, John, Elizabeth, Levi, Jeptha and Nancy.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 413.
BEASLEY, Jeptha C. of Union Township
submitted by Lorraine Hatfield
Jeptha C. Beasley, farmer, P.O. Ripley, was born in Union Township, January 5, 1809. He is the son of Jeptha and Sarah (Fisher) Beasley, natives of Spottsylvania County, VA. Mr. Beasley was born August 20, 1769, and Mrs. B. the same year. In 1794, they were married, and in 1796 removed to Maysville, KY., and the following fall crossed the Ohio and located in Union Township, where he purchased 100 acres of land. In 1818, he removed to Ripley and followed boating to New Orleans for ten years successively. He was, for a number of years, engaged in merchandixing with his borther Nathaniel Beasley. In 1828, he planted a vineyard containing two acres, which was the first in the State. His death occurred April 9, 1858. He had served in various official capacities; among them was the office of Justice of the Peace, which he held for fifteen years; and County Commissioner four years. His father, Ezekiel Beasley, and family removed from Virginia to Maysville, KY., in 1800 and died there. James Beasley, brother to Jeptha Beasley, Sr., served in the Revolutionary war, and was killed by the Tories in South Carolina. His brother, Charles Beasley, left Virginia and went to Lexington, Ky., thence for Louisville, but was captured on the way by the Indians; he finally escaped at Troy. He and his brother John both participated in the battle of Blue Lick, where the latter was captured by the Indians. Mr. Beasley, our subject, was reared on a farm and received his training in the common schools. When of age, he and his brother, William Beasley, engaged in boating to the Crescent City, and followed it six years. He was married, July 27, 1833, to Sarah Shelton, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Shelton. Mrs. B. was born in Mason County, Ky., October 20, 1815. One child was born to this family, viz., William T., married July, 1857, to Miss Frances Douglas, a daughter of David and Mariah Douglas of Kentucky. Two children were the fruits of this union; of these, one is living—Hattie; Horace G. (deceased). Mr. Beasley is by occupation an agriculturist and stock-raiser, and has been successful in the pursuits of life.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 52.
BERGER, Florin of Perry Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
Florin Berger, farmer, P.O. Blanchester, Clinton Co., Ohio, son of Lucien and Annie Berger, was born in Baden, Germany, May 5, 1829. In 1837, his parents came to this country and settled in this township with seven other children. His parents both died here; his father in 1862 and his mother in 1857. Mr. Berger was married here, July 29, 1852, to Nancy, daughter of John B. and Eleanor Gustin, born in Clinton County, Ohio. They have eleven children—Peter, Sarah, Jemimah, Enoch, John, Andrew, Benage, Flora, Ellen, Fannie and Joseph. Mr. Berger now has a fine farm of 70 acres, one mile northwest of Ferristown, 20 acres of which he received from his father. He has been Township Trustee several years, and Supervisor a number of years, and is at present a School Director.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 131.
BERGER, Joseph L. of Perry Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
Joseph L. Berger, farmer, P.O. Fayetteville, son of Lucien Berger, was born March 19, 1818, in Germany. In 1835 or 1836, he came to this country and settled in this township, two miles south of Fayetteville. Several years later, he bought a farm of 160 acres in the northwest part of the township. He was married in this township, at the age of twenty-seven years, to Lugard Berger, by whom he had eleven children, nine now living—Martin, Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Frances, Annie, Christina, Ellen and Peter. His wife died in 1864, and he again married in this township, in 1865, to Margaret Heitzelman. They have three children—Louis, Margaret and Matilda. Mr. Berger received through his wife, who was an only daughter, 100 acres of land. He afterward bought 53 acres adjoining. In 1867, he bought 117 1/2 acres of land where he now lives, on which he moved in February, 1882. He now owns 432 acres of fine land, about two hundred of which are now under cultivation. Mr. Berger has held numerous township offices. He is at present serving his third term as Supervisor; was Township Trustee about nine years and County Commissioner three years. The family are all members of the Catholic Church of Fayetteville.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 131.
BERRY, Jacob and Thomas
Jacob and Thomas Berry, two brothers were living on the Ohio near the mouth of White Oak, prior to 1798. They were of Irish descent and born in Pennsylvania. Jacob Berry, in 1798, married Elizabeth Shick, the daughter of Lewis Shick, a German, who had settled just across the line of Pleasant in Scott Township, and he and his brother Thomas took a lease on Walter Wall's land where they remained about fifteen years. After expiration of the lease, Jacob purchased a farm near the northwest corner of Pleasant township, and spent the remainder of his life there. He had a family of eleven children, the only survivor of whom is Samuel, the second child. He lives on the old place, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. Thomas Berry bought a farm just north of Georgetown, but died there soon after.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 374.
BEYERSDOERFER, M. of Union Township
submitted by Lorraine Hatfield
M. Beyersdoerfer, tobacconist, No. 34, Main Street, Ripley. Mr. B is among those of the energetic and enterprising businessmen of Ripley. A native of Germany, where he was born in 1834. In 1852, he emigrated to the United States and for one year was employed at his trade, blacksmithing, in Levanna, after which he purchased a piece of land and opened a vineyard. In the summer of 1865 he suffered by sunstroke, and was obliged to relinquish out-door employment. Disposing of his place, he established his present business in 1866, where he manufactures cigars, and enjoys a good trade. He was married, in 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Winser, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Their living children are Conrad, Anna M., Ida and Flora. Mr. B. served three months in the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and is a respected member of the K. of P. and U.O. of W.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 54.
BLAIR, Samuel M.
Samuel M. Blair was born October 24, 1798 near Knoxville, Tennessee and at the age of eleven years removed to Brown County, Ohio, with his father, who settled on the farm now owned by W. P. Macklem, two miles north of Georgetown. In 1821, when twenty-three years old, Mr. Blair settled on J. Watt's Entry No. 3,781, one mile northeast of Hamersville. He was twice married, first to Matilda Tweed, by whom he had three children--Amanda, Jane and Matilda. Amanda is the widow of Samuel Wilkes, and still lives in Hamersville, the 'good Samaritan' of the village. Mr. Blair's second wife was Mary Ann Davis, by whom he had ten children--four boys and six girls, viz.: Marcus, Lafayette and Leander, who live in Illinois; C. Columbus, the Clerk of the Court of Brown County; Samuel Warren, the ticket agent at Hamersville; America, Martha, Almira, Minerva, Eliza and Sarah, the three eldest girls being dead. Mr. Blair, after filling most of the township offices, including six years as Justice of the Peace, was in 1857 elected County Commissioner, which position he creditably filled six years. He was a consistent Christian, buried in the cemetery at Unity Church; his wife survived him ten years, dying July 24, 1881.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 523.
BROOKS, John
John Brooks came to Clark Township in 1805, where he remained until his death in 1833. He raised a family of twelve children--three boys and nine girls: Jane, the eldest, was born in 1801, and is now the widow of William Neal, Sr.; John and Elizabeth, twins, were born in April, 1803; John is still a resident of the township, a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and a highly respected citizen; William, born in 1805, resides on the old homestead; he was for many years a minister in the Baptist Church, and is characterized by his honesty and piety.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 522.
BROWN, James
James Brown, a native of Kentucky, born in 1795, came to Pike township in 1812; was married in 1814, and built a cabin on the land where George W. Watson now lives. He lived in the township until 1855, when his career ended, and his remains were deposted in the Hendrickson Graveyard. His wife, Mary, in her eighty-fifth year, still lives in the township with her daughter, Maria Higgins, and is the oldest of the early pioneers of the central part of the township who are now living.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 559-560.
BROWN, Reason R. of Eagle Township
submitted by Lorraine Hatfield
Reason R. Brown, farmer, P.O. Emerald, Adams Co, was born in September, 1813, in Adams County Ohio; son of Thomas and Catharine Brown, who were among the early settlers of Adams County. Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm, and received a rudimentary education in a district school. In November, 1841, he married Elizabeth Gutridge, daughter of Benjamin and Rachel Gutridge. To them have been born five children, three of whom are still living, viz.: Robert F., Lucinda J. and Franklin W. In March 1842, Mr. Brown located in the eastern portion of Eagle Township, where he still resides.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 224.
BROWN, Vincent
Vincent Brown was born in Kentucky in 1786; came to this township in 1801, and was married soon after his arrival her to Martha Ann Allen, thus being the first marriage ceremony performed in the township. Martha Ann was born in Kentucky in 1793 and died at the old homestead October 17, 1857; Vincent died January 7, 1853. His daughter, Mary, was born April 6, 1814 in the township and married James Young who was born in 1811 in Bracken County, Ky. James settled in the township in 1856 and was a lawer by profession.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 559.
BURGETT, George of Pleasant Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
George Burgett, farmer, P.O. Georgetown. Mr. Burgett was born in this township March 24, 1840. His parents are Samuel and Mary (Brazelton) Burgett, the former a native of this county, the latter of Gibson County, Ind. He attended school in his own township, and has followed the avocation of farming. In 1863, he united in marriage with Louisa Mitchell, the daughter of George Mitchell, an early settler of Brown County. Five children has blessed their marriage—Emma, Felix S. (deceased), Everett Lewis, Ella and Samuel. The religious connections of Mr. and Mrs. Burgett are with the New Light Church.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 7.
BURGETT, John V. of Pleasant Township
submitted by Yolanda Campbell Lifter
John V. Burgett, farmer, P.O. Georgetown. Mr. Burgett was born in this township in 1842, and is the son of Samuel and Mary (Brazelton) Burgett. He received a good common school education in his home district, and then gave his attention to farming. He has a pleasant little home of sixty-eight acres, and has recently erected a neat and substantial residence. In politics, he is a staunch Republican, and is outspoken in the expression of his political opinions. His marriage to Mary Milburn, of Gibson County, Ind., occurred in 1865. Three children have blessed this marriage—Clara Lee, Clark Milburn and Cordelia Florence.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 7.
BUSH, George of Eagle Township
submitted by Lorraine Hatfield
George Bush, farmer, P.O. Bernard, was born February 2, 1822, in Bavaria, Germany. His parents were Adam and Charlotte Bush. In his youth, he learned the trade of shoe-making which he followed for many years. In September, 1847, he married Catharine ZERELL, by whom he had eight children, viz.: Louisa, Catherine, Henry, George, Mary, Matilda, Elizabeth and William. In 1853, with his family, he emigrated to America; came to Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade about two years. He then moved to Fincastle, Brown County, where he was engaged in shoemaking five years. He then moved to the farm on which he at present is located, in the northern portion of this township.
The History of Brown County, Ohio Containing A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches, Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of Brown County; Constitution of the United States, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc., Etc. (Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1883), 224.
Yolanda Campbell Lifter, Brown County Coordinator
Copyright © 2005-2010 Yolanda Campbell Lifter
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