My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Brown County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1883.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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W. T. GALBREATH, banker, Ripley, is a son of Elisha and Rachael (Crosley) Galbreath; was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife of Maryland; he came to this county in 1812, with an uncle when, sixteen years of age. He was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and learned his trade with James Wright in this county. He moved and settled on a farm near Georgetown, after the location of county seat at that place, where he died of cholera in 1833; her demise is recorded in 1849. He was an excellent workman at his trade, of quiet habits, unostentatious, yet having an interest in the enterprises of the early times. The subject of this sketch was born in Brown County in January, 1818. He learned the trade of his father and became a proficient mechanic. In 1837, he began business for himself, which he carried on four years, when his health failed, and he was obliged to relinquish his labor. In 1840, he opened a small grocery store, which he conducted one year, and the four succeeding years followed a clerkship, during which time his health became greatly improved, and in 1845 he established himself in the dry goods business, which was successfully conducted for twelve years. In 1860, a partner was admitted to the concern, and the firm operated until April, 1864, at which time Mr. Galbreath withdrew, being appointed by the United States Government as Pay Agent in the Ohio Military Agency. This duty was faithfully discharged, and in the fall of the same year he resigned to fill a second position tendered by the United States Government. He entered upon the duties of his office in the Assessor’s office as Assistant Assessor for the west half of this county, with headquarters at Georgetown. This position he filled until the occupancy of the Presidential chair by Andy Johnson. The following year, he engaged in the mercantile trade, and in May, 1869, was invited to the charge of the First National Bank of Ripley as Cashier. This important trust he has filled with great satisfaction, having under his charge the entire responsibility of the institution. Although Mr. Galbreath has attained this position and won for himself hosts of friends, he is yet proud of his mechanical abilities, through which, with industry economy and sobriety, has won for him a place in the foremost rank of Ripley’s honored citizens. Mr. Galbreath was married in 1839 to Miss Jane Maklen, a native of this county, who died in 1849, leaving one child, Martha, now the wife of John Blair. His present wife, Nancy McClain (Galbreath), was born in Brown County. Seven children were born to this union, six of whom are living — Charles, Eva, Warren B., George W., and Elmer (who is associated in the bank), and Ella May. Mr. Galbreath has been associated with the Presbyterian Church of Ripley many years, and is widely and favorably known.

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This family biography is one of 992 biographies included in The History of Brown County, Ohio published in 1883 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Brown County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Brown County, Ohio family biographies here: Brown County, Ohio Biographies

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