Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


CHARLES EDGAR ASPINALL


Among the native sons of Miami county now actively interested in its business affairs, and well known as a reliable citizen of sterling worth, is Charles E. Aspinall. He was born April 1, 1869, on the old homestead farm of the family in Newberry township and traces his ancestry back to England. His grandfather, William Aspinall, was a native of that land and his wife and three children came to America about 1830, landing at New York city. He spent a short time in Philadelphia after which he removed to Greene county, Ohio, and subsequently settled on a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Newberry township, above Clayton. He sold that tract three years later and purchased eighty acres on section 21, Newberry township, and there successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1869. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Miss Brown, survived him until 1895, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-three years.

Richard Brown Aspinall, the father of our subject, was reared in the Buckeye state. He did not manifest a very studious disposition in youth, preferring to aid in the work of the farm. After the death of his father he remained for one year on the old homestead with his mother and then started out to make his own way in the world, being employed as a farm hand in the neighborhood of his home. On the 9th of August, 1862, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he offered his services to the government and was enrolled among the "boys in blue" of Company I, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served on detached duty most of the time and was in a hospital for nine months, spending part of that time in Cumberland, Maryland, after which he was sent to a regimental hospital at Mooreville. He then was taken in a wagon with the regiment until able to take his place in the line of march. He participated in the battle of Winchester and received an honorable discharge at Columbus, July 25, 1865.

Returning to his home, Mr. Aspinall engaged in farming on a tract of forty acres which he had purchased in 1864, while in the army. About 1895 he bought another tract of forty acres and is now the owner of a valuable farm, which adds materially to his income. Here he has successfully carried on agricultural pursuits, and is now recognized as one of the leading farmers of the community. He married Miss Hattie E. Rain, a daughter of Francis and Sarah (Roney) Rain. They had ten children, namely: Frank, who died in infancy; Sarah E., wife of Charles Helmich, of West Milton; Charles E., of this review; Harry Brown, who died at the age of twenty years; Cora Belle, wife of Warren B. Crampton, of Covington; Benjamin Lee, at home; George Luther Lorin, who is a student in school; Emma L., Carl and Bertha.

Mr. Aspinall, whose name introduces this review, spent the days of his childhood and youth upon the old homestead farm and early became familiar with the various duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He did not desire, however, to make farming his life work, and in consequence, on attaining his majority, he left home and began to learn telegraphy, in December, 1889, under the instruction of William Sowers, the operator at Summit. After mastering the business he was employed as an extra man at different places along the Panhandle line. His ability and faithful-ness were soon recognized and he was given the position of operator at Covington, where he acceptably served until October, 1899, when he was placed in charge of the Covington tower, his present position. He is an expert operator, very careful and accurate, and well merits the confidence of the corporation by which he is employed.

On Christmas day of 1894 Mr. Aspinall was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Myers, of Washington township, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Brinkman) Myers. One daughter now graces their union, Edith Josephine. In politics Mr. Aspinall is a stanch Republican and socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Encampment and the Sons of Veterans. A consistent member of the Christian church, he is highly esteemed as a young man of many excellent qualities, and both he and his wife occupy an enviable position in social circles and enjoy the warm regard of many friends.

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