Joseph Myers
A traveler through Greene County, sees many attractive homes, not only in the thriving towns, but in the agricultural districts, the evidences of enterprise crowned with success being plentiful on every hand. In Silver Creek Township, about one mile west of Jamestown, on the Jamestown & Xenia Pike, stands a substantial, two-story brick residence around which fine barns and other outbuildings cluster, and well-tilled acres stretch. Everything about the place bears the air of neatness and order, and the evidences of good taste which mark the occupants as people of intelligence, thrift and culture. Investigation shows that this estate, which is one of the finest in the township, comprises one hundred and fifty-three broad acres, and is owned and occupied by Joseph Myers and his estimable wife.
The gentleman whose life it is our purpose to outline in these brief paragraphs, is of German ancestry, more recent generations having lived in Pennsylvania. His father, John Myers, was born in that State, reared upon a farm, and married to Miss Lucy PLUMMER, whose birth and lineage were similar to his own. After the birth of two daughters they removed to Ohio, settling in Ross Township, this county, on a slightly improved farm. Here the husband and father died a few years later while yet in middle life, being but fifty-five years old. An honest and hard-working man, a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and one who endeavored to carry the principles of religion into his daily life, he was respected by his associates, and mourned by his family and friends. In his political belief he was a Republican. The widow survived for many years, making her home with her son, our subject, after he became of age, and passing away under his roof when nearly sixty years old. She was a kind and loving mother, a Christian woman, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church during the greater part of her life, and left a record which her descendants contemplate with affectionate pleasure.
Of seven children born to the couple above mentioned, our subject and his brother William are all who are now living. The latter is a farmer, as were the most of the family. He of whom we write became of age in Ross Township, obtaining his education there, and early acquiring the industrious habits and high principles which have characterized his life. After reaching man’s estate he chose for his companion Miss Susan LONG, of Silver Creek Township, their marriage being celebrated at her home, after which the newly wedded couple settled on a farm in Ross Township. There they resided for some years, changing their location to their present home about 1852. Here Mr. Myers has built up his splendid farm, while not neglecting the duties devolving upon a good citizen and neighbor.
The companion of Mr. Myers was born in New Jasper Township, May 12, 1827, and being reared by pious parents amid surroundings favorable to development of the higher qualities of character, grew to womanhood in the possession of many virtues, together with a knowledge of domestic arts which has made her useful at home and in society. Her parents, James and Alice (Boggs) Long were born in Virginia and Ohio respectively, and married in Jackson County, this State. Some years afterward they identified themselves with the pioneer settlers of this county, occupying a farm in Silver Creek Township until death. The father passed away at the age of fifty-two years, and the mother when twenty years older. Both were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their home for years was the stopping place of the ministers, and was thrown open for the meeting of the congregation which desired to assemble in that vicinity. They were numbered among the leading families in this part of the county, their influence being ever on the side of that which is elevating.
The family of our subject is made up of eight sons and daughters: William, the first-born, still remains with his parents; Henry C. is farming in the same township, having married Miss Nettie Crampton; Louisa is the wife of John Gano, a boot and shoe manufacturer in Springfield; Charles A. married Miss Flora Sapp, and is farming at Fowler, Benton County, Ind.; James A., who married Miss Emma Horner, is a foundryman in Springfield; Laura B. is the wife of Frank Bryant, their home being on a farm in Ross Township; J. Franklin is connected with Mr. Ginn in the lumber business; Harvey E. married Miss Nellie Griffith, and is timekeeper in his brother’s foundry in Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Myers is a sound Prohibitionist. For sixteen years he served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Township Trustee. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and rank very high with the best class of citizens, enjoying the pleasure of knowing that they have many true and tried friends in the county. Although Mrs. Myers has been an invalid for some time, she bears her suffering and inactivity without a murmur of discontent, preserving her genial manner and lively interest in the true and the beautiful, and retaining her influence over those with whom she comes in contact.
From Portrait and Biographical Album of Clark and Greene Counties, Chapman Bros., Chicago, published 1890