Personal Sketches V-Z

John W. Van Cleve (deceased), born in Dayton

Butler[Township]

This gentleman was born in Randolph County, North Carolina, February 8, 1802. He came with his father's family to Ohio, in the year 1805; at that time he was not quite four years old. His father settled on the Troy Road, Butler Township. He lived and died there. His death occurred half a century ago. The subject of our sketch had very meagre advantages to procure an education; however, he has by reading and reflection acquired a good share of practical knowledge.

Mr. Waymire, on the 10th of February, 1831, united himself in the bonds of marriage with Miss Mary Pearson. The result of this happy union was four children, one girl and three boys; the girl died when not quite four weeks old; the boys are still alive, and live near the old homestead. Squire Waymire's wife was born in the year 1808, on the road between here and South Caolina. When the Squire came here all was a dense wilderness. He bought the half of a section, and commenced the battle of life in earnest. By industry and frugality he has accunmulated a large property, and has given his sons an honorable "start" in the world. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1831, and served some forty years. He resigned twice, but was re-elected.

He was intrigued with the important office of County Commissioner nine years, and gave general satisfaction. He was also Township Clerk some forty years. Squire Waymire is a man who has always been held in the highest esteem of his acquaintances. He is of German descent on his father's side; his mother was of English extraction. He will be seventy-three years old in February, 1875, but he is still rosy-cheeked, and yet possesses his intellect unimpaired. He has resided on his present farm nearly forty years. A fine view of Squire Waymire and his three brothers may be seen in this Atlas. [Referring to another page in Everts 1875 Combination Atlas Map.]

Miamisburg

The subject of this sketch, eldest son of Richard and Hannah Wheatley, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, September 5, 1809. He came with his father's family to Washington Township, in this State. May 7, 1844, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia E. P. Holl, daughter of Cyrus and Charlotte Holl. The result of this marriage contract was ten children, six of whom are living and four dead. Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley settled on the place where the family now reside in April, 1862. Hi advantages for an education were limited. By strict economy and industry they have accumulated a fine property, a view of which may be seen on another page. [referring to another page in L. H. Everts 1875 Combination Atlas Map] He was a member of the German Reformed Church, also one of its deacons, and a bright example of a good Christian.

John Wheatley died February 3, 1873, and was interred in David's Cemetery, Van Buren Township.

His social qualities were conspicious. He was a favorite, and one to be trusted; in fact, all of his acquaintances could freely put their entire confidene in him. He was a kind and devoted husband and an affectionate father. He was a shining example for the rising generation to follow.

Washington [Township]

James Wilson was born on the 2d day of July, 1802, in Greene County, Ohio. His father was Major Daniel Wilson, a revolutionary soldier, who settled in Greene County in 1796, coming from Pennsylvania. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was John Wilson, who was also an early settler of Greene County, and a Revolutionary soldier who had lost all of his property through the war. They were both men of intelligence and integrity, and John was a member of the first Constitutional Convention of Ohio. Major Daniel Wilson died in August, 1847. The first occupation of James was farming. Having a good education, he bagan life at the age of twenty-one as a teacher, which occupation confined his attention for about five years. In 1827 he was married to Nancy Homer, a native of Greene County and daughter of Jacob Homer, an early settler of Greene. Mr. Wilson is the father of seven children. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for forty-two years. He was Justice of Washington Township for nine years. The first vote he cast was for John Quincy Adams. Later in life he became enthusiastic in his admiration for Abraham Lincoln. Socially, the Squire is pleasant and courteous. He is a man who has moved through life without ostentation, and it will be in taste to observe that his life has been one of influence for the right. His family will always remember with pride his high moral principles and friendly manners. It will be in taste to observe that he has always been remarkable as the guardian of children and administrator of wills. For twenty-three years he was Clerk of the Township, and then peremptorily declined re-election. He has at first declined all offices of a public nature he has ever held.

Washington [Township]

John Sutton Wilson, son of Daniel and Sarah Wilson, was born December 29, 1786, in Washington County, Pa. He removed to Green County, Pa.; thence he came to the West Branch of Mill Creek, about eleven miles from Cincinnati. In March (3d), 1797, he removed to Green County, this State, with his father's family, eight in all, and settled in Sugar Creek Township, southwest corner. His educational advantaes were meagre, but by reading and reflection he has acquired good practical information.

October 30, 1806, he formed a union for life with Miss Nancy D. Widdie; nine children wee born, four of whom are living. Mr. Wilson is an esteemed member of the Baptist Church, and has been honored with several offices in said church. He is a friend of education, as it should be, liberal and diffused--and is also a strong supporter of all missionary work. In politics, he is a Republican. His much beloved partner passed from earth to that happier land August, 1842. She was a good mother and an affectionate wife. Mr. Wilson was a soldier in 1812, and was honorably discharged. He is spending his days with his son Abner and daughter Lydia, who are the generous donors of this biography and his portrait. [referring to picture in L. H. Everts 1875 Combination Atlas Map] Mr. Abner Wilson is the earnest and intelligent donor of the sketch of the Baptist Church at Centerville, Montgomery County. [referring to picture in L. H. Everts 1875 Combination Atlas Map]

Peter Zearing, born in Pennsylvania and residing in German Township

John Zehring

John Zehring, born in Pennsylvania and residing in German Township

Nancy Zehring