Rev. John William Spring
Rev. John William Spring, of Ridgeway, Hardin County, Ohio, was born August 13, 1842, near Hamilton, in Butler County, Ohio. His father was Charles R. Spring, born in Pennsylvania. His mother, Nancy P., was born in Ohio. They had four sons and two daughters. Our subject was the eldest. When he was about three years of age, his parents moved to Brown County, Ohio, where they resided for five years. When he was eight years of age, his parents moved on a farm near West Union. At the age of ten, he went to work for himself on a carding machine in West Union. He worked there in Summers for nine years, and attended the District schools for a few months each Winter.
On the Fourth of July, 1861, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in Company I, 39th O. V. I, as a Private. This was the celebrated Grosbeck Regiment. He was made a Corporal soon after his enlistment, and made a Sergeant November 16, 1861. He was in all the battles in which his regiment participated; and for further information on that point, reference is had to the article on "Adams County in the Civil War," in this work. It is sufficient to say here that no Ohio regiment saw more active service or participated in more engagements than the 39th O. V. I. In February, 1864, he re-enlisted and obtained his veteran furlough. At this time, he married Miss Carmillie Kendall. He returned to the war, and on March 8. 1865, was discharged to accept the captaincy of Company D, 191st O. V. I. For this position he was recommended by his Colonel, Edward F. Noyes, afterwards brevetted Brigadier General. This is what Colonel Noyes said of him in recommending him to the Adjutant General of Ohio:
"January 24, 1865.
"Sergeant Spring has been three years and a half in the service, and is one of the best soldiers in the regiment. He is competent for almost any position in the regiment, and is a man of spotless character. It was my intention to have him promoted in my command had I remained on the field. I most earnestly and heartily endorse him."
For this position he was also recommended by Edward P. Evans, then Chairman of the Military Committee of Adams County. Here is what Mr. Eyans said for the Committee:
"January 28, 1865.
"We concur in the recommendation of Col. Noyes as to his services and capacity.
"E. P. Evans, Chairman.
"J. N. Hook, Secy."
As Captain of the 191st O. V. I., our subject was Provost Marshal at Winchester, Virginia, in May, June, and July, 1865. He served until August 27, 1865, when he was discharged. The Government never had any more faithful soldier or officer than he, nor did it ever have any from whom it obtained more service, nor did it have a more patriotic soul in its grand army. John W. Spring served his country on his conscience. He gave it all he had to give, and gave it with all his soul. In the four years, one month, and twenty-three days he was in the service, the Government never lost a day's service from him.
In September, 1865, he became a minister of the Methodist Protestant Church, and has been engaged in that work ever since. From the army of his country he was transferred to the army of the Lord, and has been a faithful soldier al! his life. He has been President of his Conference, and has been stationed at Cincinnati, Bainbridge. West Middleburg, Springfield. Sabina, Manchester, Waynesfield, Dayton. Middletown, Richmond, Forest, and Ridgeway. He served as a missionary in Kansas from September, 1883, to August, 1890. His wife died June 25. 1883; and while in Kansas, on June 1, 1893, he was married to Mrs. Harriet Moore, and returned to Ohio. He has one son. Charles Alva Spring.
From "History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time" - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900