Ohio Genealogical Society
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Montgomery County Chapter Ohio Genealogical Society |
Personal Sketch
Simon Huiet, MiamisburgThe gentleman whose name heads this biography is the seventh son and eleventh child of Philip and Elizabeth Huiet. Simon was born August 13, 1802, in Lincoln County, North Carolina. With his father, he removed to Utica, Indiana, in the year 1806, in which place he lived one year. His health failing, he went, in 1807, to Preble County, Ohio; at this place he arrived on Christmas Eve. He moved to Miamisburg May 22, 1812, and bought land with the intention of erecting a grist- and saw-mills; erected a mill the same year, which was the second one in the Township, on Miami River; this was about six years before the present city of Miamisburg was laid out. There was then but one school-house, called "Gephart," which was a great distance from any other. Young Simon received the principal part of his education in that school-room, at which place both German and English were taught. It is said that now the same structure would hardly be considered a fit abode for pigs. They had employed a good teacher, who was paid by subscription. But Simon got but a limited education, as he had only the privilege of attending the winter terms. At the age of sixteen he had completed his studies. In the year 1823, he commenced business for himself, by hiring a saw-mill in Warren County. He started with a capital of two dollars and a half, and was obliged to very nearly rebuilt the mill and dam. He slept on the floor very often when first engaged in his work here, and ate corn-bread for this daily fare.By the time the year 1824 came round, he came out of his mill speculation a trifle ahead.
In 1825, Mr. Huiet rebuilt his father's mill, and continued in the business two years with good success. It was about this time he entered into the bonds of marriage, by uniting himself with Miss Ellenor Syms, of Miamisburg. This pleasing event occurred October 5, 1829; from this union ten children were born, two sons and eight daughters, six of whom are now living. His next business transaction was a canal contract. He had very poor luck, and retired from it about even with the world. In 1830, he commenced boating on the canal, which occupation he pursued for five years. Now fortune condescended to smile on him; he became Captain, and came out five thousand dollars better off than at the commencement. He built a distillery in Miami, and continued to run it for five years; but now capricious is Dame Fortune! At this time he again discovered himself only even with the world. Tough times then for Simon, but his heart quailed not. He again commenced a boating life, and followed it up during twenty years, and with splendid success. In 1858 he bought a farm and tried his genius at tobacco-raising. He was favored with success. In 1862 he commenced mercantile business, and made considerable thereby; then, in 1864, he again went to farming. He removed to Miamisburg in 1865, and has resided there ever since. He now takes the world easy, and is one of the few remaining pioneers. In politics, formerly a Whig, now a strong Republican. He is a member of the German Reformed Church. He is eminently respected by his neighbors. He is now seventy-three years of age, and is hale and hearty. Mrs. Huiet is the picture of health, and she and her husband have lived nearly half a century together.
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