My Genealogy Hound

SPICER & WASHBURN, millers, Five Mile. James J. Washburn, the older member of the firm we represent in this sketch, was born in June, 1848, in Clermont County, Ohio. His parents were John and Elizabeth Washburn. In February, 1881, he married Miss Maggie Beam, daughter of William and Ellen Beam, by whom he has one child — Anne. In March, 1879, he formed a partnership with James B. Spicer in the grist and saw milling business, their place of business being located at Upper Five Mile, Green Township. James B. Spicer, the younger member of this firm, was born in May, 1846, in Vinton County, Ohio. His parents were George W. and Rachel Spicer. Having reached the age at which he considered himself capable of providing for himself, he was employed for five years as a fireman for the Cincinnati & Marietta Railroad Company; thence was employed for three years as an engineer in the Zaleski Car Works, in Vinton County. He then went into the milling business, and after spending several years in each of Clinton, Warren and Clermont Counties, he finally came to Green Township, Brown County. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battles of Murfreesboro, Nashville, Kingston and numerous other engagements and received an honorable discharge in August, 1865. In January, 1861, he was united in marriage to Matilda Wolfe, daughter of Jacob and Phoeba Wolfe, of Warren County. To them have been born eight children, of whom seven are now living — Edward, Charles, William, Oscar, Elbe, Frank and James G. In 1879, Mr. Spicer located with his family at Upper Five Mile, where he still resides. As a firm, those two gentlemen sustain an excellent reputation in business circles, their word being considered as good as their bond. They do principally custom work, and always aim to give satisfaction. They are both practical workmen in their separate departments of business, and merit the patronage which is bestowed upon them by the surrounding citizens.