My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL NAWMAN. This life-long resident of Clark County is one of those energetic, public-spirited and worthy men who gain the esteem of their fellow-citizens and who are pointed out as excellent representatives of the farming communities. His home is located on section 7, German Township, and comprises a part of the old Nawman estate. It includes sixty-four and seventy one-hundredths acres of productive land under good cultivation, and bearing such improvements as are usually made by men of ability.

Mr. Nawman is of respectable German lineage in both ancestral lines, and in his veins flow the blood of patriot soldiers. Both Grandfather Nawman and Grandfather Baker were Revolutionary soldiers, and his father participated in the War of 1812. His parents, Thomas and Catherine (Baker) Nawman, were born in the Old Dominion, whence they emigrated to Clark County, Ohio, in 1806. They were among the very first settlers of German Township, in which Grandfather Nawman also made a permanent settlement in 1809. He died about twelve years afterward. A house was built of small round logs, a puncheon floor put in, and the Nawman family took up their residence in this primitive structure, which was subsequently replaced by a better dwelling made of hewn logs. On January 28, 1863, Thomas Nawman joined the “sheeted nations of the dead,” an excellent citizen and indistrious pioneer being thereby removed from the midst of his fellow-men. He was a Republican during the latter years of his life, and had formerly been a Whig. Of the children born to him and his good wife, the only survivors are the subject of this sketch and Magdaline, now Mrs. Birks, whose home is in Springfield Township.

On February 3, 1819, the eyes of Samuel Nawman opened to the light of day, and amid the scenes of pioneer life he grew to manhood. In the labors of development which were going on around him he bore a part as his strength increased, and many a scene of pioneer life does he recall. A great change has taken place in the country with which his childish eyes were familiar, and he takes a just pride in the development of which he has been an eye witness and to which he has contributed. In common with his companions he attended the subscription schools which were held in the traditional log schoolhouse, also enjoying some of the public school privileges which are one of our nation’s pride at this day. The pupils of those early schools almost invariably became anxious to keep step with their county, and by reading and observation have increased the store of knowledge which they acquired in boyhood. This is the case with our subject, who is well posted on general topics of information.

The estimable companion of Mr. Nawman bore the maiden name of Louisa M. Rhonemus. They were united in the bonds of wedlock August 26, 1855. Mrs. Nawman was born September 28, 1838, on the Blue River in Indiana, her parents being William Rhonemus (now deceased) and his wife, Matilda. During her girlhood her parents removed to Clinton County, Ohio, and after residing there a few years took up their abode in Clark County. She is a notable housewife, a kind neighbor, and devoted to her family. She united with the Christian Church when thirteen years of age, and her life has been marked with a consistent endeavor to walk worthy of her high vocation. Mr. Nawman is a believer in the principles laid down in the Republican platform.

A large family has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nawman, the survivors being Thomas W., Henry B., Emma, Charles C., George W., Jasper G. and Ollie. The eldest daughter is now the wife of Irvin Bymaster.