My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio published by Chapman Bros., in 1890.  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.

* * * *

JOHN MIDDLETON. The results of industry and perseverance are well illustrated in the life of John Middleton, of Xenia Township, Greene County, who is looked upon as one of its substantial citizens. His early surroundings were such as to implant within him the stability and self-reliance which are essential in the formation of a complete character. He was at an early age inured to hard work, and with only a limited education, started out on the highway of life, commencing the journey entirely dependent upon his own resources. Years of labor and the practice of a prudent economy finally brought their legitimate reward. Mr. Middleton is now the owner of a fine home in the shape of a farm consisting of three hundred and eighty-three broad acres which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and which are the source of an ample income. His fields are enclosed with neat and substantial fencing, while the residence and outbuildings indicate in a marked degree the enterprise of the proprietor. Everything about the premises is kept up in good shape, and there is an air of thrift and prosperity surrounding them which is delightful to contemplate. The traveler passing by this attractive homestead, invariably pauses to look a second time, and carries away with him a picture which he will often think of afterward.

The subject of this notice, a son of one of the earliest pioneers of this county, was born January 14, 1827, in Caesar’s Creek Township, at the homestead which his father had practically built up from the wilderness. There he spent the first thirty-five years of his life, confining his attention to agricultural pursuits, and becoming thoroughly familiar with the arts of plowing, sowing and reaping, and the multifarious duties always attending a well-conducted farm. About 1864 he changed his residence to Xenia Township, of which he has since been a resident. It is hardly necessary to state that he is widely and favorably known throughout the county, as forming a part of the bone and sinew of its material interests, and he has contributed largely to its growth and development. Its treasury each year receives from him a fine revenue in the shape of taxes, while his influence has always been cast upon the side of progress, education and morality.

The marriage of John Middleton and Miss Rose Ann Huffman, was celebrated at the bride’s home in Xenia in June, 1851. Mrs. Middleton was born March 6, 1829, in Clinton County, this State, and is the daughter of Daniel and Mary Huffman, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio. The mother is deceased, and the father resides on the old homestead in Clinton County, Ohio. Mr. Middleton at the time of his marriage was a young man of twenty-two years. He settled with his young wife upon the old homestead, and lived there until his removal to Xenia Township. They have labored together in the accumulation of their property, and side by side have established themselves in the esteem and confidence of those around them.

The father of our subject was James Middleton, who emigrated to Ohio from Martinsburg, Va., about 1825, and settled in Caesar’s Creek Township. Taking up a tract of wild land, he proceeded with its cultivation and improvement, and there established a comfortable home for his family. There he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1887. The maiden name of his wife was Angeline Mussetter. She likewise died at the old homestead soon after the close of the late Civil War. The parental family consisted of eleven children, nine of whom are living. Mr. Middleton while keeping himself posted upon events of general interest, has wisely held himself aloof from politics, simply casting his vote at the time of general elections in support of the Democratic party. He is one of those men whose name will be remembered throughout the county long after they have been gathered to their fathers.

* * * *

This family biography is one of the many biographies included in Portrait and Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio published by Chapman Bros., in 1890. 

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

View an historic 1901 map of Greene County, Ohio

View family biographies for other states and counties

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of family biographies.

Follow My Genealogy Hound: Follow me on Facebook