Robert K. Enos
Robert K. Enos was born January 7, 1806, in Hanover Township, Washington Co., Penn. He was the eldest son of Francis Enos, a native of New Jersey. His grandfather was born in Scotland, and was a prominent citizen of his native country. His energy leading him to seek a new home in the then "New World," he emigrated with his wife and small family to New Jersey, where his son Francis was born. He (Francis) married Elsie Murphy, an estimable young lady, a native of New Jersey, but of Irish descent, and they soon afterward moved to Washington County, Penn., where Robert K. Enos was born, the second of their seven children, the eldest being a girl.
Robert K. Enos began his business life in Florence, Penn. (near the home farm), on January 2, 1822, as clerk in the dry goods store of Mr. Samuel Henry. Mr. Enos removed with him to New Lisbon, Ohio, in 1823 (his father and family proceeding to Richland County, Ohio, about the same time), and there remained until September 8, when he left for Mansfield. Arriving there on the 13th, he went into the store of Mr. Hugh McFall, where he clerked until April 14, 1824, coming to Millersburgh on that day. He was at once employed by Mr. Henry, his former employer, who had preceded him, and was at that time the only merchant in Millersburgh. Robert K. Enos soon developed into a young man of more than ordinary capacity. He remained with Mr. Henry until the early part of 1830, when he began the study of medicine, attending medical lectures at the Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati, during 1830 and 1831. After this he practiced medicine in Millersburgh, in partnership with Dr. James S. Irvine. Dr. Enos was a close student, and intelligent and reliable in the discharge of all his engagements. Dr. Irvine was appointed clerk of the courts for Holmes County in May, 1825, and Dr. Enos acted as deputy clerk for him until September, 1831, when the latter was appointed clerk of the court of common pleas, and of the supreme court for Holmes County, which office he held until October, 1845, when he resigned in favor of his friend, Hon. Martin Welker, then a young man of great promise, and now judge of the United States court for the Northern District of Ohio. Dr. Enos was the first township clerk for Hardy Township; he was deputy postmaster at Millersburgh from the time the office was located there until 1838; he was deputy recorder of Holmes County from 1826 until 1831; was a clerk in the auditor's office for a short time, and was for several years mayor of the town of Millersburgh. The energy, capacity and character of Dr. Enos can be seen in the fact that he filled several of these important offices at the same time. He was an acitve member of the Whig party from its organization, until the formation of the Republican party, when he united heartily with that organization. In 1860 he was chosen one of the delegates from his congressional district to the Republican National Convention at Chicago, and was the first of the memorable four of the Ohio delegation, who, at the critical moment, on the third ballot, changed their votes from Salmon P. Chase to Abraham Lincoln. The Doctor was a rapid accountant, and kept a tally of the votes cast in the convention for the several candidates; before this vote had been announced, he discovered that Mr. Lincoln lacked but two and one-half votes of the nomination; turning quickly to Mr. Corwin and Mr. Gurley, he informed them how the vote stood, and asked them to join him in voting for Mr. Lincoln, which they did, together with Mr. L. Steese, and he at once requested Judge Carter, chairman of the Ohio delegation, to announce the change of their votes, thus securing the nomination. Dr. Enos felt favorable toward Mr. Lincoln from the first, and had been urged by his friends, Columbus Delano, of Mount Vernon, and Levi Geiger, of Urbana (both delegates of the convention and supporters of Mr. Lincoln from the beginning), to cast his vote with them, but having pledged himself to support Mr. Chase, he felt bound by his pledge to support him as long as there was any hope for his nomination; but it now being apparent that there was no hope for Mr. Chase, and that Mr. Seward or Mr. Lincoln would be the nominee, he felt absolved from his pledge, and then as ever, quick to see the importance of prompt action, and the grand opportunity, he as if almost inspired, at the critical moment, cast his vote, and secured the votes of others, thereby becoming instrumental in securing the nomination of the immortal Lincoln. The history of this great nation alone can tell the effect of that important act at that auspicious moment. Dr. Enos was a man of extensive and varied information. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1850.
For many years while Dr. Enos was clerk of the courts, many of the leading attorneys from neighboring counties were frequently entertained at the hospitable home of Dr. Enos, he and his wife always enjoying the society of these welcome visitors. Dr. Enos in his domestic and social relations was a model man; he was not a great talker, but his words were "like apples of gold in pictures of silver." His society was sought by persons of culture. At one time Dr. Enos was the owner of considerable real estate in and about Millersburgh, and he always took a deep interest in the development and welfare of the town. To him more than to any other man is due the locating and construction of the present railroad through Millersburgh; he was the esteemed friend of Mr. Simon Perkins, the president of the road, and it was by his great influence that the road was secured. Between their families there have ever been the strong bonds of friendship.
Dr. Enos was married March 31, 1834, to Elizabeth Neely, daughter of James and Sarah Neely, a family of distinction in Reading Township, Adams Co., Penn., where Mrs. Enos was born March 10, 1812, in a large stone house still standing, in a good state of preservation, about ten miles east of Gettysburg. Her father died in 1821, after which her mother and family moved to Hampton, where they lived until 1826, when they removed to Millersburgh, where Dr. Enos first formed the acquaintance of his wife. She attended Dr. Beatty's seminary for young ladies at Steubenville, Ohio. At the close of her last term at school the Doctor visited the seminary, where they were married, and returned to Millersburgh, where they have lived happily every since, he as a devoted husband, and she as a constant and confiding wife, until the death of the Doctor. They had seven children--four of whom are still living: Henry K., a broker in New York City, and vice-president of the M.K. & T. Railroad; Francis A. and Richard W., business men living in California; and Helen M., a lady of refinement and culture, who makes her home with her mother at Millersburgh. She was the organizer of the Woman's Centennial Association for Holmes County, was secretary of the association, and its grand success is attributed to her energy, tact and executive ability. She was the chosen representative of the county organization to the State Centennial of Ohio, where Holmes County was complimented as making one of the best exhibits of any county in the State. Miss Enos was one of the very efficient corps of managers in the Woman's department, and assisted in putting up the exhibit in the Historical and Archaeological department (was the only lady connected with the latter), and was awarded the merit of contributing very largely to the success of both departments.
Dr. Enos died September 13, 1884, at his home in Millersburgh, aged seventy-eight years , nine months and six days. He was one of the most exemplary, enterprising and influential citizens of Holmes County, and his memory will long be cherished by the old citizens of this county, and his hosts of friends. He was a firm believer in the Christian religion, and peacefully and gently passed to his eternal home. He rests from his labors and his works do follow him. Mrs. Enos still survives, the oldest housekeeper now living in the town, having kept house continuously in Millersburgh since April, 1834, until the present time, 1889. Her life has been marked with acts of hospitality, charity, and philanthropy, being always ready for every good word and work. She has been not only a blessing in her own home, but greatly so to others, "and many shall rise up and call her blessed."
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889