Portsmouth Ohio

Shawnee Indians

The Shawnee Tribe, meaning “southerners,” is recognized for its significant role in the history of numerous regions across the United States, with its name reflected in places from Pennsylvania to Georgia. The Shawnee were part of the Algonquian linguistic group, closely related to tribes such as the Fox, Sauk, and Kickapoo. Known for their frequent migrations, the Shawnee had historic settlements in locations like the Cumberland River Valley and Ohio, forming five primary divisions, including Chillicothe and Piqua. Their complex history of relocation, resistance against European settlers, and leadership under figures like Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa has made them a central part of early American history. Shawnee populations were dispersed over time, eventually settling primarily in Oklahoma by the 20th century.

Early Exploration and Native Americans

De Soto and his band gave to the Choctaws at Moma Binah and the Chickasaws at Chikasahha their first lesson in the white man’s modus operandi to civilize and Christianize North American Indians; so has the same lesson been continued to be given to that unfortunate people by his white successors from that day to this, all over this continent, but which to them, was as the tones of an alarm-bell at midnight. And one hundred and twenty-three years have passed since our forefathers declared all men of every nationality to be free and equal on the soil of the North … Read more

Biographical Sketch of John R. Lawson

John R. Lawson, lumber and building materials, Oakland; born in Portsmouth, Scioto Co., Ohio, June 3, 1847, where he attended school constantly until 21 years of age, the last five years at the Portsmouth Normal School; at the above age, he engaged in book-keeping for the Portsmouth Foundry Co., which position he filled for two years; then, in 1871, he came West and engaged in book-keeping for Lawson & Burt, at Tuscola, Douglas Co., for two years, at the expiration of which time, he came to Oakland, Coles Co., and engaged in the lumber trade, dealing in lumber of all … Read more

Hamilton, C. W. – Obituary

C. W. Hamilton, Of Lower Cove, Called by Death Charles W. Hamilton was born in Scioto, county, Ohio, May 2, 1845 where he lived until 1869. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Union army. From May 2, to Sept. 3, 1864, he served as corporal in Company I of the 140th regiment. In this long and terrible struggle he offered his life daily for his country standing where only the bravest can stand. Sept. 13th, 1864 at Platsmouth [sic – Portsmouth], Ohio, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah F. Bridwell and to this union were … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Carl Lorenz

Lorenz, Carl; journalist; born, Stuttgaart, Germany, March 31, 1858; early education in Germany; at the age of 18, went to Switzerland for further study; remained three years; graduated from the University of Geneva, in 1879; taught school in Paris for two and one-half years; taught Languages in London for two years; came to the United States in 1881; engaged in newspaper work in New York City, for two years; in 1883, located in Portsmouth, O.; resumed teaching, and was principal of a German School until 1887; came to Cleveland, and in 1880, became connected with The Waechter and Anzeiger; now … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Oliver N. Chamberlain

Chamberlain, Oliver N.; architect; born, Portsmouth, O., Oct. 10, 1882; son of Irwin and Mary J. Finy Chamberlain; educated, common schools, Portsmouth, O., and private instructor at Columbus, O.; married, Sandusky, July 22, 1905, Carrie Iona Richards; one child; ten years work at practical construction work; two years in the general contracting business, in Cleveland; six years a practicing architect, in Cleveland, doing a general line of work; member Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Recreations: Baseball and Bowling.

Biography of Frank Edimer McFarland

Frank Edimer McFarland. A resident of Kansas since March, 1888, Frank Edimer McFarland was for many years connected with different departments of the Santa Fe Railroad, and for the past five or six years had been assistant secretary of the state board of agriculture. He is also one of the most prominent Masons in Kansas, and had had a long and creditablo career. He is a native of that section of Ohio known as the Hanging Rock Iron Region. He was born on the Ohio River at Portsmouth October 29, 1856, the year the republican party was born, and after … Read more

Gibson, Larry Edward – Obituary

Enterprise, Oregon Larry Edward Gibson, 60, of Alder Slope, died Saturday, April 5, 2008, with family members at his side. Larry was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer and died after a six-month fight and a short hospital stay. Larry was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, and raised in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he graduated from Bishop Luers High School in 1966. He continued his studies at Lewis University in Lockport, Ill., where he earned a BS degree in political science and history, with a teaching endorsement. He also served six years in the military policy in the … Read more

Biography of M. B. Valodin

M. B. Valodin, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Oakland; born in Portsmouth, Scioto Co., Ohio, March 28, 1828; at 8 years of age, he removed with his parents to New Madrid, Mo., living there until 1838, at which time his father died, when he removed with his mother and sister to Edgar Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming until 1844, with the exception of one year in which he attended school in Paris; he then went to Wisconsin, where he was engaged at work in the shot tower at Helena, six months, and followed mining the same length of … Read more

Biography of Jacob Swick

Jacob Swick. A resident of Champaign County during a period of sixty-five years and still interested in the pursuit of agriculture here, Jacob Swick is one of the best known among the citizens of Broadlands and the vicinity. During his long career it has been his fortune to have gained many of the rewards of industry and integrity, and in addition to material remuneration to have attained a position of substantial prominence in his community and a place in the respect and confidence of those among whom his long life has been spent. Mr. Swick was born in Germany, June … Read more