Union County, Ohio Biographies Project - Capt. Jonas C. Cline
CAPTAIN JONAS C. CLINE
Capt. Jonas C.
Cline was a merchant of Pottersburg. He was born in Washington
County, Penn., November 1, 1824. His father, Michael Cline, was
born in Germany March 8, 1789, and his mother, Phebe Condit, was born
in Wales November 12,1800. Mr. Cline was a son of William and
Margaret Cline (originally Kline), who were also natives of
Germany. Mr. Cline died in his native country, and some years
afterward Mrs. Cline, with her three children-George, William and
Michael-emigrated to America. George settled near Cincinnati;
William, near Wheeling, W. Va., and Michael and his widowed mother
settled in Washington County, Penn., where he grew to manhood. He
served one year as Drum Major in the war of 1812, and then returned to
his former home in Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Lovina Clutter,
who died there. In 1817, he was again married-to Miss Phebe Condit,
daughter of Jonas and Eunice Condit, who crossed the waters from Wales
about the year 1812. In 1827, Mr. Cline removed to Belmont
County, Ohio, thence to Knox County, where he died in 1866. Mrs.
C. died in Union County in 1877. Capt. Cline is the youngest son
of nine children. He was reared on a farm till seventeen years
old, when he came to Union County and learned the carpenter trade,
which he followed till the breaking-out of the war. August 7,
1862, he responded to the call of his country, by enlisting in Company
K, Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was elected
First Lieutenant, and served in that rank till April 1, 1863, when he
was promoted to Captain, and assigned to Company C. He remained
in charge of this company till March 11, 1864, when he received
an-honorable discharge at Frankelton, La., on account of disability.
Among the principal battles in which he was engaged were: Chickasaw
Bluffs, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Coteau, and a
number of minor engagements. At the last named battle he was
slightly but not seriously wounded. At the expiration of his term
of service he returned to Allen Center, and resumed his trade,
following it up to 1868, when he engaged in merchandising at
Pottersburg, where he has enjoyed a good trade. January 11, 1848, he
was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Ware, a daughter of
Lester Were, and a native of Champaign County. Her birth occurred
January 24, 1831. They were blessed with five children, of whom
four are living: Lester W., Allie F., wife of Franklin Robinson, Ira
B., and Phillelia A., wife of George Burr. Mr. Cline and family
are members of the Universalist Church. Mr. C. is connected with the
F., & A. M. and I. O. O. F. orders, and Post of the Grand
Army. He served as Township Treasurer two terms, and politically
is a Republican. His farm, located near Allen Center, contains
seventy-one acres.