BIOGRAPHIES

The following biographies are extracted from:
Source #1 - The County of Ross: a history of Ross County, Ohio
By Henry Holcomb Bennett
Published by S. A. Brant, Madison, Wis., 1902
Source #2 - A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio
Vol. II.
Published by The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago & New York 1917

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SEYMOUR BRIDGE.  The bridge was built in 1840, by R. R. SEYMOUR, the contractor.  It is a double track covered bridge and the only one of its kind known by the writer.  It was built before the age of concrete and steel.  and therefore is built entirely with stone and wood, the wood being mortised together and pinned with wooden pins.  The stone used in the abutments of this bridge came to the William Dill stone quarries at the top of a large hill about one mile east of the bridge.  The stone was quarried out at the top of the hill and a double track laid up and down the hill.  Large posts  were planted in the ground at the top of the hill and a windlass placed thereon.  The stone were loaded on the car, and let down the hill to the pike, the down-going car pulling the empty car up to the top to be loaded and vice versa, the loaded car going down pulling the empty up, and the empty helping to brake the loaded car going down, when the stone were loaded on wagons and hauled to the bridge.  This bridge is planked up the sides to keep the rain from injuring the timber, and of the dark night it was surely dark in there.  There have been two robberies reported to have occurred in this bridge, but the parties robed always escaped uninjured.  The writer remembers that when he was sent on shopping expedition to Bainbridge or for the mail when he was a boy, that he was told of the robberies, and ghost stories, to bring him home before dark, and it worked  well for a time, but one time he was sent for the mail so late it was worked well for a time, but one time he was sent for the mail so late it was not possible to get back through this bridge till darkness fell, and how he engaged this bridge with all these ghost stores and robberies fresh in his mind, and expecting any time after entering the bridge to be nabbed, but passed safely through.  After that time the ghost story did not work any more, and he stayed in town without any horror of passing through the bridge.      R. R. Seymour, the contractor, came from Moorefield, Hardy County, Virginia, in the early part of 1800.  He did his work well, for now, seventy-six years since the building of the bridge, it is still standing in a good state of preservation without much repairs, except roofing and is the equal of the later day steel structures.  He afterward became a director in the Milford and Chillicothe Turnpike Company. Source #2 - A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio - Vol. II. - Published by The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago & New York 1917 - Page 883 WERTER M. SEYMOUR.  Among the representative men of Ross County, Ohio, is Werter M. Seymour, whose magnificent estate of 540 acres, known as Maple Lawn Farm, is situated in Paint Township, four miles west of Bainbridge.  Sturdy ancestors are back of Mr. Seymour and he bears a family name well known and honored almost a century ago in old Virginia, now a part of West Virginia.  There, in Hardy County, of Feb. 4, 1821, his father, Aaron W. Seymour, was born, and twenty-seven years later came to Ross County, Ohio.      Werter M. Seymour was born in Paxton Township, Ross County, Oct. 25, 1854.  His parents were Aaron W. and Catherine E. (McNeill) Seymour, the father a native of Hardy County, Virginia, and the mother born in Ross County, Ohio.  They were married at Frankfort, Ohio, June 30, 1847, and in the follow year they came to Ross County and settled in Paxton Township, two miles east of Bainbridge.  They lived on that place for forty-eight years, it being the property now owned and occupied by L. C. Anderson.  He accumulated 1,400 acres of land and resided on it until late in life, when he removed to the home of his son and there he died Mar. 22, 1900.  In every relation of life he was a man of worth, an elder in the Presbyterian Church, a leader in moral and benevolent movements, a good neighbor and a worthy example in kindness and generosity to everyone. He was a strong supporter of the principles of the democratic party and quite often was chosen by his neighbors to serve in responsible positions.  Of his three children, Werter M. is the only survivor.      Werter M. Seymour was reared on a farm, mainly in Paxton Township.  He was given better educational opportunities than many country boys of that day enjoyed, for after attending the district schools he was sent to a higher grade school in Kentucky.  To come extent this has had an effect in the management of his large estate, leading him intelligently to accept modern methods in agriculture and to stock his farm with approved live stock of every kind.  The products of Maple Lawn Farm are known all over the county and command the highest prices.      On Oct. 31, 1883, Mr. Seymour was united in marriage with Miss Agnes E. McMeachen, who was born in Ross County in September, 1856, and died Nov. 7, 1909, a daughter of Seymour and Catherine (McAllister) McMeachen.  Mrs. Seymour was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church.  She was the mother of three children, two of whom survive:  Allen H., who was born July 1, 1888, is a graduate of the local high school and the Ohio State University at Columbus, and lives at home; and Catherine H., who was born Sept. 3, 1891, who is a graduate of the Bainbridge High School as well as of the local body.  Mr. Seymour stands high in the estimation of his community and is an elder in the Presbyterian Church.  On numerous occasions he has been elected on the democratic ticket to township offices, in filling the duties of which he has been honest and faithful. Source #2 - A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio - Vol. II. - Published by The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago & New York 1917 - Page 709 JAMES V. SHOOK, a resident of Ross County more than twenty years, has become especially well known as a dairyman, and is the owner of the picturesque and historic estate at Chillicothe known as the Woodbridge Homestead - Dun Glen Farm.      He has had a career of varied environment and achievement.  He was born at Bremen, Fairfield County, Ohio, Oct. 13, 1855.  His grandfather was born in Pennsylvania of early German ancestry, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Fairfield County, where he met his death by accident when in his prime.  John A. Shook, father of James V., was also born in Fairfield County, was reared there, and from early youth found his greatest pleasure in handling horses.  After reaching manhood he trained many noted horses for the track.  On Feb. 10, 1864, John W. Shook enlisted in Company M, of the Twelfth Regiment of Ohio Cavalry, being appointed sergeant of his company.  He went to the front, and during more than a year of active service was present at the following battles: Mount Sterling and Cynthiana, Kentucky; Sallville, Virginia; Kingsport and Bristol, Tennessee; Abingdon, Wytheville and Marion, Virginia; second battle of Sallville, Virginia; Salisbury, Dallas and Catawba River in North Carolina.  With the close of actual hostilities his regiment was engaged in guard duty until honorably discharged at Nashville on Nov. 14, 1865.  After his army career John W. Shook returned to Fairfield County, and died there about one year later.  The maiden name of his wife was Elenora Crooks and she died still earlier in life, leaving four children named Charles, John W., James V. and Elizabeth.  The son Charles died young; John W. is an active physician at Canal Winchester; Elizabeth  is married and lived in Zanesville.      James V. Shook was little more than an infant when his mother died, and he was only about ten years of age when his father passed away.  In the meantime after his mother's death he went to live with Solomon Berry at North Bern, and became a member of that family.  He received his education in the district schools, and early found employment at the home of his foster father.  Mr. Berry was an extensive land owner, operating his land trough tenants, and he also made a business of buying and feeding cattle.  In this latter department James V. Shook began taking an active part at an early age, and he continued a member of the Berry household until he was twenty-six.  He then moved to Chillicothe, and four years was associated with his brother-in-law in the millinery business.  In the meantime his foster father had moved to Upper Sandusky, and there Mr. Shook joined him.      In 1889 Mr. Shook returning to Chillicothe engaged in the livery business and was active in that line until 1896.  At that date he made his first venture as a dairyman.  With only one cow he supplied five customers, but in a short time was at the head of a growing business, and he now keeps a herd of from forty to fifty cows.  In 1907 Mr. Shook bought the estate formerly known as Dun Glen, which for many years was the home of John Woodbridge, president of the first bank ever established in Chillicothe.  It is one of the most picturesque suburban homes in Ross County, and under Mr. Shook's management is both a beautiful home and a fine business plant.  His is one of the leading dairies of this section of Ohio, and he and his family reside in an attractive home surrounded with extensive grounds kept in the best repair.      In April, 1883, Mr. Shook married Elizabeth Dydarman, who was born in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio.  Mrs. Shook is an active member of the Walnut Street Methodist Church at Chillicothe.  Fraternally Mr. Shook is affiliated with Chillicothe Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.       CHARLES W. STITT.  For many years actively identified with farming enterprise in both Ross and Pickaway counties, Charles W. Stitt is one of the prominent residents of Clarksburg, and is now president of the Clarksburg Commercial Bank.       Representing some old families of Ross County, he was born on the Stitt homestead in Union Township, July 4, 1856, a son of Moses and Margaret (McCoy) Stitt.  As a young man he attended the public schools and his earliest experiences were with the farm.  Before reaching manhood he had mastered the details of farming, and took up his independent career in Deerfield Township.  He managed the farm there very profitably until 1906, when he removed to Pickaway County, and his principal farm interests are still in that locality.  He resided on the farm until the spring of 1916, at which date he removed to Clarksburg.      On the organization of the Clarksburg Commercial Bank he was elected president and has successfully directed the affairs of that substantial institution.  He became affiliated with Clarksburg Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Sept. 25, 1901.  Mr. Stitt has been twice married.  His first wife was Ellen Taylor, who died leaving one son, Elmer.  Mr. Stitt married for his present wife, Tillie Peck, who was born in Deerfield Township, a daughter of John J. Peck.  They are the parents also of son, Ralph. Source #2 - A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio - Vol. II. - Published by The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago & New York 1917- Page 799 DAVID MCCOY STITT represents one of the old and prominent families of Ross County.      His grandfather, John Stitt, was born in New York State in 1800.  He was brought to Ohio when a boy, the family becoming pioneers in Fayette County.  John Stitt learned the trade of shoemaker.  In that day and generation all shoes and boots were made by hand and for the custom demand.  He followed his trade in Bloomingburg for some years, and then went to Guernsey County, where he became interested in coal lands and was a mine operator there until his death.  While in Fayette County, he served as a member of the board of county commissioners.  The name of his first wife was Elizabeth McCoy.  Her parents were Thomas and Nancy (Wilson) McCoy.  Thomas McCoy came to the Northwest Territory in 1796, locating in what is now Ross County and being one of the first white settlers.  He was accompanied by two brothers.  Thomas McCoy bought a tract of timbered land in Union Township, and in 1808 built what is said to have been the first brick house erected within the limits of Ross County.  The nails for the construction were packed all the way from Kentucky and cost 12½ cents per pound.  He hired a sawmill and used it during the night time to saw the lumber used for the dwelling.  As an evidence that it was well built, the house is standing today in good condition and now shelters the sixth generation of his descendants.  Thomas McCoy improved upwards of 300 acres, and was one of the great old-time pioneers of this county.  Mrs. John Stitt died in early life, leaving only one son, who was born on the Thomas McCoy homestead, Dec. 9, 1824.      This son, father of David McCoy Stitt, spent his early life with his maternal grandparents.  He attended a school taught in a log house, and some years later succeeded to the ownership of the old Thomas McCoy homestead.  He was successfully engaged in farming there until his death.  On Oct. 26, 1852, he married Margaret McCoy, who was born in Union Township, daughter of William and Margaret (Appleck) McCoy.  She is still living and owns the old homestead but resides in Chillicothe.  Her seven children were William A., Charles W., Carrie E., David McCoy, Bess M., John G. and Elsie P. The parents of these children were both active members of the Presbyterian Church, and the father served a number of years as an elder and for twelve years was a justice of the peace.      David McCoy Stitt was born on the old Thomas McCoy homestead, attended the rural schools and also the public schools of Chillicothe, and his entire career has been devoted to farming.  At the time of his marriage he located on the farm where he now resides.  The land then belonged to Mrs. Stitt's father.  It was a well improved farm with excellent buildings, and Mr. Stitt has always made a point of keeping the best implements and handling only the better grades of stock.  His farm is located within five miles of his birthplace.      On February 25, 1891, he married Elizabeth T. Dunlap.  Mr. Stitt was born in Union Township, a daughter of Major Dunlap, who was born in Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia, June 1, 1814.  His father, John Dunlap, was born in Virginia in 1776, and moved from that state into Kentucky and in 1796 visited that portion of the Northwest Territory now included in Ross County.  Together with Alexander Dunlap he bought a land warrant for the Fowler Survey.  This warrant included a large tract of the Scioto River bottom land in what is now Union Township.  After securing this land, John Dunlap returned to Virginia, where he married Dorcas Dowell.  They lived in Virginia until 1825, and he then brought his family to Ross County, settling on a portion of his land near the mouth of Dry Run.  There he improved a farm and lived there until his death in 1865.  Major Dunlap was about eight years of age when he came to Union Township with his parents.  His education was finished in the pioneer schools taught in a log house.  After reaching his maturity he settled down to farming and also became an extensive dealer in cattle and hogs.  Successful in both occupations, he acquired a large estate.  His death occurred as a result of an injury when he was kicked by a horse in 1876.  At that time he was in full health and strength with a promise of many years of usefulness before him.  Major Stitt was married Sept. 5, 1848, to Martha McCallister, who was born in Pike County, Ohio, daughter of Charles McCallister.  She died Mar. 6, 1850.  For his second wife, Major Dunlap married Ellen Goodman.  She was born in Green Township of Ross County, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Cullum) Goodman and a granddaughter of John and Charlotte (Shuch) Goodman.  Mrs. Stitt's mother died at the age of sixty-five, having reared children, named Blanche, Oliver Lorenzo, Elizabeth Tabitha, Margaret Ellen and David Major.      In their home, Mr. and Mrs. David M. Stitt have reared five children, named Ellen Dunlap, Leonard McCoy, Florence E., David Major and Margaret A.  Another child, William Kerr, died when seven months old.      Mr. and Mrs. Stitt attend the Presbyterian Church, and fraternally he is affiliated with Scioto Lodge No. 6, Free and Accepted Masons, and for several years has served on the local township board. Source #2 - A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio - Vol. II. - Published by The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago & New York 1917- Page 822 JOSEPH ROY STITT.  Secretary and treasurer of the Jardine Plumbing Company, Joseph Roy Stitt is one of the youngest business men of Chillicothe, but his business experience is much longer and more varied than his years would indicate, since he began when a very young boy to pay his own way and make his advancement in business affairs.      Born Sept. 27, 1883, in Madison County, Ohio, he is the youngest child of James H. and Mattie E. (Green) Stitt.  Both parents were born in North Carolina, and in 1883 the father brought his family to Ross County and located on Water Street in Chillicothe, where he was engaged in the bakery business for ten years.  Later he turned his attention to market gardening, and followed that occupation steadily for a number of years, until he retired from active pursuits in 1911.  He then removed to Green County, Ohio, where he still resides.  There were four children in the family.      Joseph Roy Stitt received his education in the Chillicothe public schools and in the Chillicothe Business College.  When fourteen years of age he began work as a retail clerk in a notion store.  He remained there a year, and was still a boy in years when he was taken into the Jardine Plumbing Company as bookkeeper.  He has continued steadily with that firm, which is the principal one in its line in Chillicothe, and when the business was incorporated in 1913 he was made one of the executive officials.  The president is James H. Harps, the vice president is Graham Jardine, while Mr. Stitt has much of the detail management as secretary and treasurer.      Mr. Stitt is a member of the Catholic Church and of the Catholic orders of Knights of St. George and St. Ignace.  He is independent in politics.  On Sept. 16, 1909, in Chillicothe, he married Miss Anna C. Bohn.  They are the parents of two sons, Lawrence C., born Sept. 2, 191, and John Francis, born Feb. 27, 1916. Source #2 - A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio - Vol. II. - Published by The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago & New York 1917- Page 784 CLARK W. STORY.  Inheriting in no small measure the habits of industry and thrift, and the integrity and ability, characteristic of a long line of sturdy New England ancestors, Clark W. Story, of Chillicothe, is amply fitted for the responsible position he is holding as president of the Ross County National Bank.  He was born in Cuttingsville, Rutland County, Vermont, a son of Jonathan B. Story, and grandson of David Story, a life-long resident of New England.      Born, October 7, 1804, in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, Jonathan B. Story was there brought up and educated.  Learning the carriage make's trade, he established a factory at Cuttingsville, Vermont, where he made a specialty of building Concord wagons, a popular vehicle in that section of the country.  He continued in business there for half a century, remaining a resident of the place until his death, at the very advanced age of ninety-seven years.  The maiden name of his first wife, mother, of the subject of this sketch, was Ann Jane Hill Putnam.  She was born in Craydon, New Hampshire, a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Gibson) Putnam.  She died in middle life, leaving five children, as follows:  Susan M., who married John A. Poole; Austin P.; Emma L. who married Henry Jones; Lucy J., who became the wife of J. Manley Snyder; and Clark W.  The father subsequently married, for his second wife, Mrs. Nancy Todd, who survived him a short time.      Receiving a practical education in the public schools of Cuttingsville, Vermont, Clark W. Story came to Chillicothe when but fifteen years old to enter the dry goods establishment of his brother Austin P., with whom he remained until thoroughly mastering the details of the business until 1901, more than a quarter of a century.  Mr. Smith withdrew from the firm in that year, and Mr. Story's second son, Otis Jewett Story, and John G. Brandle were admitted to partnership, and the business has since been successfully carried on under its present firm name, "Story, Brandle & Story."  In 1888 Mr. Story was made a director of the Ross County National Bank, and the following January was elected vice president, and with this institution he has ever since been officially connected, having been elected its president upon the death of Major Poland, in 1908.  He is much interested in agriculture and horticulture, and has a fine estate, known as "Grand View Farm," situated near Chillicothe.  For several years he served faithfully and intelligently as president of the Scioto Valley Agricultural Society.      Mr. Story married in June 16, 1874, Mary A. Campbell, who was born in Chillicothe, a daughter of Samuel D. and Mary Ann Campbell, natives of Pennsylvania.  Five children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Story, namely:  Samuel C.; Otis Jewett, who married Ruth Pattison, of Easton, Maryland; John Burnham, who married Gertrude Sunnyfrank, and has one child, Elizabeth; Clark W., Jr.; and Mary, wife of T. Somerville Pattison.  Mr. and Mrs. Story belong to the Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, in which he has served as vestryman. Source #2 - A Standard History of Ross County, Ohio - Vol. II. - Published by The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago & New York 1917 - Page 492

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