James H. Daugherty
Carlyle has said that "biography is the most interesting as well as the most profitable of all reading." It serves the two-fold purpose of honoring the living and perpetuating the memory of those who have at one time occupied a position of prominence and distinction in any of the avenues of life which contribute to the world's progress. James H. Daugherty was for some years an active factor in business circles in Greene county and his efforts were so discerningly directed that he won creditable success, while his uniform honesty and reliability gained for him an honored name.
A native of Greene county, he was born near Spring Valley, on the 14th of January, 1827, his parents being Michael and Lucinda (McReynolds) Daugherty. Being identified with mercantile interests he carried on a general store at Spring Valley in connection with his father for several years. After selling his interest in that enterprise he built a mill for the manufacture of linseed oil about two miles from Spring Valley. There he carried on an extensive and successful business, giving employment to a large force of operatives. He remained there until his retirement from active business life, in 1880, at which time he removed to Xenia, where his remaining days were passed. He had conducted all his business affairs with keen discernment and unfaltering honesty and his capable management and unflagging industry brought to him very creditable and desirable success. He became one of the prosperous residents of the county and the last six years of his life were spent in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
Mr. Daugherty was twice married. He first wedded Miss Pamelia Goe, and unto them was born a son, Charles M. Later our subject was joined in wedlock to Miss Cynthia Compton, a daughter of Henry Compton, who was a native of North Carolina, but had been brought to Greene county when eight years of age. The second marriage of Mr. Daugherty was celebrated on the 15th of August, 1860, and was blessed with two children, but Ella E. died at the age of eight months, while Rosa D. became the wife of F. N. Shaffer. Mr. Daugherty died in August, 1886. In his death Xenia lost one of its worthy citizens, for he was a man of sterling worth, possessed of characteristics that endeared him to many friends. His life was at all times guided by principles of an upright manhood, by reliability in business, by fidelity to every trust reposed in him. and when death came he left behind him an untarnished record.
From History of Greene County, Ohio, by George F. Robinson (S. J. Clarke Publishing Co, 1902)