My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH ANDERSON. In the death of the above-named gentleman Greene County lost a high-minded and public-spirited citizen, while from the bereaved family circle a loving husband and father was removed, leaving a void in their lives that not even his honored memory can fill. He was a native of this county, having been born on the farm now occupied by James R. Anderson, December 10, 1815. He was reared on the homestead, receiving a common-school education, and having instilled into his mind the firm principles which characterized him through life.

On May 9, 1839, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Stanfield, and located on three hundred acres of land in Spring Valley Township, which forms the farm now occupied by his widow and family, he began his career in life without other capital than his natural abilities and the knowledge and habits acquired in youth, but his energy and industry led to his success in his chosen calling. He accumulated land until his possessions in Greene County amounted to three hundred and seventy acres, and he also owned a farm of eighty-two acres in Delaware County, Ind. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and in religion a member of the Reformed Church, in which he was an Elder about forty years. He was still holding that office when called home, September 19, 1889.

The widow of our subject was a daughter of John and Ruth (Mendenhall) Stanfield, both of whom were born in Spring Valley Township, Greene County. She was born on the banks of Caesar’s Creek, four and one-half miles south of Xenia, July 26, 1821, being the second in a family of eight children. Her eldest sister, Charity, who is now deceased, was the wife of John Anderson; Minerva, the next younger than herself, is the wife of William Crumley; the fourth member of the family circle is Margaret; the next is Mary J., the wife of Thomas Anderson; the sixth member of the band is William; two children died in infancy. The grandparents of Mrs. Anderson were William and Charity Stanfield, who settled on Caesar’s Creek about 1800, having come from Guilford County, N. C. They had two sons and four daughters, all of whom reared families. The faith of the Stanfields was that of the Society of Friends.

The widow of our subject is a noble-hearted woman who has carefully reared her children and endeavored in every department of life to faithfully discharge the duties before her. She belongs to the Reformed Church, and like her deceased husband has ever been regarded with respect by those among whom her lot in life is cast. She is the mother of twelve children, ten of whom survived their father’s death — John S., the first-born, died at the age of three years; James, whose home is in Indiana, belonged to the One hundred and Sixtieth Ohio Infantry, and was wounded while serving his country during the late war; A. C. was also a soldier, having been in the one hundred day service; Felix is living in Indiana; following on the family roll are: Milo, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Margaret A., Lewis and David (twins), Joseph F., Mary J. and Ruth C. The last named is the wife of George M. Hegler; David married Emma Crets, who died leaving one child, named Bertha.