HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 401 of Adamsville, Ohio; E. R., who is engaged in merchandising in Plainfield; Lizzie L., deceased; Maud, the wife of Alexander McCallister, of this county; Jesse, who is teaching school in Bakersville, Coshocton county; Vernie, the wife of Ed McCallister, of Muskingum county; and Charles R., who is engaged in teaching school at Bacon Run. In the management of the home farm Mrs. Kinner is assisted by her son. Being left through the death of her husband after a short married life of but nineteen years, with a family of small children, she carefully reared and educated them, doing a mother's full part in the heavy responsibility that rested upon her. She has many friends in the community in which she has so long made her home and deserves much credit for the able manner in which she conducts her business affairs. EDGAR O. SELBY. In a review of the life record of Edgar 0. Selby it will be noted that every business enterprise with which he has become connected has been crowned with success, and while he has promoted his individual interests he has contributed in substantial measure to the city's growth and improvement, so that Coshocton may well number him with her builders and promoters. He was born May 30, 1857, at Spring Mountain, in Coshocton county, his parents being Joseph Benson and Isabella (Sturgeon) Selby. His father was at that time principal of the very flourishing Spring Mountain Academy and he was reared in an atmosphere of intellectual culture and refinement. Early in his business career he became connected with the dry-goods trade in Coshocton and afterward consolidated his interests with those of the firm of Moore & Caton, under the firm style of Selby, Moore & Caton. The business was later incorporated under the name of the Fountain Dry Goods Company, and the enterprise has become the pride of Coshocton. Along the lines of gradual and healthful advancement the business has reached proportions which would make it a creditable business concern in a city of much larger size than Coshocton. Its methods are in keeping with the most modern ideas of trade and, quick to utilize any new idea for the advancement of its interests, the company has also instituted many original plans which have been factors in its substantial grOwth. In 1895 Mr. Selby erected the Selby building, the largest structure used for mercantile psurposes in Coshocton. This building, as every other undertaking with which Mr. Selby has been connected in the thirty years of his successful business career in Coshocton, has proved a profitable investment and is a credit to the city. A man of broad enterprise and of varied resources Mr. Selby has extended his efforts into many fields, all of which have profited by the stimulus of his intelligently directed efforts. He became actively associated, with the Meek Company in 1898, at that time the Tuscarora Advertising Company, and for ten years has been its treasurer. He has also 402 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY been a director in the Coshocton National Bank since its organization in 1898, and is treasurer of the Realty Company which erected the Realty building on Main street in 1905. He is a director in the Vail Company and an active member of the Board of Trade, which organization is doing so much for Coshocton's development, accomplishing results that seem almost magical. Much of the prosperity of the large Methodist church of Coshocton is also due to the faithful work of Mr. Selby. A. Spring Mountain boy, raised In economy, the years have watched his gradual advancement in a uniformly successful career and his life is a story of inspiration. All of his energies and accumulations are now directed to building and manufacturing interests, and while he thus promotes his individual success Coshocton shares in the good results which follow his efforts. The Selby summer home, known as Orchard Heights, is situated at Roscoe hill in a beautiful spot, where the valleys are in view and the wind-swept hills are a constant delight. SAMUEL A. STOWE. Samuel A. Stowe, a retired merchant of West Lafayette, was born near Plainfield, Coshocton county, Ohio, February 7, 1855. His father, John Stowe, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, December 11, 1823, and in 1845 when a young man of twenty-two years, emigrated to the United States, first locating in New York, where for two years he was employed as a dairy hand. He was afterward engaged as timekeeper by a firm of contractors for one year and on the expiration of that period came to Louisville, Ohio, where he wedded Miss Mary Michael, a native of Baden, Switzerland. In 1850 he located at Roscoe, Coshocton county, Ohio, where for five years he conducted a tavern which was largely patronized by the canal boat men. Selling out in 1855, he then purchased a farm and was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until about 1875, when he removed to Coshocton, Ohio, where both he and his wife lived retired until called to the home beyond. John Stowe passed away on the 9th of December, 1898, his wife's death having occurred in 1897, when she had attained the age of sixty-eight years. They were both lifelong members of the Methodist Protestant church. The record of their eight children is as follows: John, deceased; Samuel A., of this review; Aaron and Elizabeth, who have also passed away; Asa, who is yardmaster for the Nickel Plate Railroad; Alfred, who is employed as yardmaster by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Dennison, Ohio ; Ellen, the wife of Professor E. O. Phillips, a teacher in the Madison County (Ohio). Reformatory; and Hiram, deceased. Samuel A. Stowe was reared to agricultural pursuits, and supplemented his common-school education by a business course in Meredith College at Zanesville, Ohio. When twenty-two years of age he began operating a small farm which he owned in Oxford township, but in 1884 sold the property and removed to Isleta, where he became connected with general merchandising. For twenty-one years he successfully conducted his store, carrying a HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 403 well selected stock of goods and at all times maintaining an unassailable reputation for business integrity and reliability. In 1905 he sold his mercantile enterprise and removed to West Lafayette, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, occupying an attractive and commodious residence. He is the superintendent of the Banner Oil & Gas Company of New Comerstown, Ohio, and is well known and highly esteemed as one of the prosperous and progressive citizens of his native county. On the 16th of June, 1877, Mr. Stowe was united in marriage to Miss Clara J. Leiathinenger, whose birth occurred in Lafayette township, April 18, 1857, her parents being Hiram and Susan (Loos) Leighinenger. The father, who was born in Oxford township, January 13, 1822, was a farmer by occupation. The mother, also a native of Oxford township, was born August 2, 1832, and on the 30th of October, 1847, gave her hand in marriage to Hiram Leighinenger. The latter frequently filled the pulpit in the Methodist Protestant church, of which both he and his wife were life-long members. He worked earnestly and untiringly for the organization of the church in West Lafayette but on the day the corner stone was laid, February 2, 1892, he was called to his final rest, his last words to those surrounding his deathbed being, "See that the church does not fail." He had attained the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, and was survived by his wife until April 23, 1903, her demise occurring at the home of our subject. Unto this worthy couple were born ten children, namely: Mrs.. Stowe; Marion, of Lafayette township; Elmer, residing in California; Alta C., the wife of J. S. Barnett, of New Comerstown. Ohio; and six who are deceased. Mrs. Stowe was educated in the Lafayette high school and is a lady of culture and refinement. She has one son, Silvio Lee, who was graduated from the West Lafayette high school and subsequently attended college for one year at Adr&n, Michigan. He then completed the collegiate course at Westminster College in Maryland, and for three years preached the gospel as a minister of the Methodist Protestant church. He is now secretary of the Banner Oil & Gas Company at New Comerstown, Ohio. His wife bore the maiden name of Minta Starker. In his political views Mr. Stowe is a stanch republican, and while living in Isleta served as postmaster for twelve years, also holding all the township offices. In 1901 he was a candidate for state representative on the republican ticket. For twenty-one years he has been a member of Lone Star Lodge, No. 125, A. F. & A. M., at New Comerstown, and both he and his wife are identified with the Methodist Protestant church. MRS. ANNA A. EMERSON. Mrs. Anna A. Emerson, a resident of Isleta, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on a farm in Adams township, January 20, 1884, her parents being William and Catharine (Reed) Norris. Her father was born in Virginia, while her mother was a native of Ohio and came to Coshocton county 404 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY with her father when this was an almost unbroken wilderness. He took up government land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made and in the midst of a forest he built a log cabin, which continued to be his home until his death. Mrs. Emerson was one of a family of seven children and is the only one now living. Her father died in 187 while her mother passed away in 1840. Many changes have occurred in Coshocton county during the lifetime of Mrs. Emerson, who is now numbered among the old residents here, having lived within its borders for seventy-four years. In her girlhood days many of the homes on the farms were built of logs and were heated by broad open fireplaces, while tallow candles were used for illuminating purposes. The farm machinery, too, was very crude in comparison with that in use at the present time, but as the years have gone by many changes have been made in the methods of life and the Emerson family have always kept in touch with modern ideas of farming. It was on the 15th of April, 1855, that Anna A. Norris left her parents' home and gave her hand in marriage to William H. Emerson, who was born in this county in 1833. His father, Timothy Emerson, was a native of Massachusetts, and on coming to this county built a flour mill at the old canal lock in partnership with John Wolfe, whose interest he later purchased, conducting the mill alone up to within a year of his death, when he sold the property. He was one of a family of seven children, was reared to agricultural pursuits and throughout his entire life, followed the occupation of farming He carefully tilled-the fields, raising such crops as were best adapted to soil and climate, and as the years passed by he brought his land under a 'high state of cultivation and became one of the prosperous farmers of the community. At the time of his death he owned two hundred and fifty-five acres of .good land in Oxford township, and upon his place were many modern improvements, which stood as monuments to his thrift and labor. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Emerson were born the following children : Willie F., who carries on the home farm; Mary Annora, the wife of Theodore Powell, who died leaving a daughter, Laota, who is now a resident of Old Philadelphia ; Timothy C., deceased; Henry Siegel, who was killed on the Pennsylvania Railroad; Sherman Elmer, who is living in Alabama; Neva, who makes her home with Mrs. Emerson; U. S. Grant, a miller, residing in New Comers-town : and Sheridan A., who is conducting a bakery business in New Comemtown. Mr. Emerson was a man of straightforward principles, whose life w upright and who enjoyed the respect and good will of all with whom he cam in contact. He was honest in all his dealings and was never known to tak advantage of the necessities of another in a business transaction. To hi family he was a devoted husband and father and his loss was the occasion of deep regret, when, on the 17th of April, 1874, he passed away. He gave his political support to the republican party but never sought nor desired public office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business inter ests, in which he met with creditable success. Mrs. Emerson still owns th old home farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres in Oxford township and HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 405 from this property derives a gratifying annual income. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, faithful to its teachings and in the community where she resides has the friendship of many and the respect of all who know her. ALBERT D. PRESTON. Albert D. Preston, whose efforts for the betterment of the methods of public instruction in Coshocton county have made him widely recognized as a man of progressive and forceful ideas, was born in Perry township, Coshocton county, Ohio, August 17. 1869, his parents being Bernard and Mary (Westlake) Preston. The first eighteen years of his life were spent upon the home farm and in the summer seasons he assisted his father in the work of the fields, While, in the winter months he attended the district schools. Later he became a student in the schools of West Carlisle and subsequently took a course in mechanical drawing and designing in the National Correspondence School of Chicago. In 1888 he began his career as an educator and for three years taught in the district schools of Coshocton county, while for the next twelve years he was a teacher in the schools of West Carlisle. Subsequently he was engaged for one year as an instructor in the Warsaw high school and in the fall of 1903 became connected with the Coshocton city schools, introducing and taking charge of the manual training department.. He has always been greatly interested in work along this line and has given the subject much thought and attention, being recognized in educa. tional circles as one whose labors have been effective and far-reaching in developing the latent possibilities of youth. On the 17th of May, 1900, Mr. Preston was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Gamble, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Kratz) Gamble, her father being a merchant of Warsaw. To this union there was born a son, Edgar. The wife and mother passed away March 4, 1901, and on the 5th of September, 1906, Mr. Preston was again married, his second union being with Miss Bessie Wilson, a daughter of Arnold and Charity (Daugherty) Wilson, the former a farmer of Oxford township. By his second wife our subject has a daughter, Mary M. Though his school work makes heavy demands upon him, Mr. Preston still finds time to take an active and helpful part in public affairs and is a stalwart advocate of republican principles. In 1903, without his solicitation, he was nominated for the office of county recorder and the fact that he was defeated by only seventy-four votes in a county having a democratic majority of six hundred, stands in incontrovertible evidence of his personal popularity and .the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. Fraternally he is connected with New Guilford Lodge, No. 666, K. P., and Wakatomika Lodge, No. 108, F. & A. M., while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. In his life are the elements of greatness because of the use he has made of his talents 406 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY and his opportunities, because his thoughts are not self-centered but are given to the mastery of life problems and the fulfillment of his duty as a man in his relations to his fellowmen and as a citizen in his relations to his city, state and country. ALLEN WIER. Allen Wier is the owner of a valuable farm property of two hundred and fourteen acres, which includes the old family homestead. Nearly his entire life has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits and in his work he, displayed unfaltering energy and perseverance. He was born in the township in which he still makes his home, March 23,. 1855, and is a son of Samuel and Eleanor (Elliot) Wier. The father was born in Ireland but came to America in 1844 with his mother, his father having died on the Emerald Isle. The family home was established in Coshocton county and Samuel Wier was there connected with 'agricultural interests for many years. He became the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he brought under a high state of cultivation, annually tilling the fields until rich crops were harvested. He was also the owner of eighty acres in White Eyes township. He was in hearty sympathy with the abolition movement and did all in his power to oppose and to break down the system of slavcry, acting as one of the conductors on the famous underground railroad. When the republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks and was one of its active, earnest and faithful workers up to the time of his death. He held several township offices and was always loyal to the trust reposed in him. He died February 4, 1889, while his wife passed away October 6, 1906. They were both people of genuine personal worth and the friendship of all who knew them was freely accorded them. They had three children, of whom Allen is the eldest, his sisters being Martha J., the wife of Elmore Davis, of this township, and Margaret A., the wife of J. A. Lock, hart, of White Eyes township. Allen Wier remained at home until twenty-eight years of age and was then married to Miss Martha Craig, a native of Richland, Ohio, born in 1858. She, was a student in the Lexington Seminary and after her graduation taught school for a few years prior to her marriage. Mrs. Wier's parents were Milton and Eliza (Shafer) Craig, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Franklin county, Pennsylvania.. Their family numbered two children. Mr. Craig died in 1894 and his wife, who survived him for more than a decade, passed away in April, 1905. After his marriage Allen Wier removed to a farm in White Eyes township and thus began business life on his own account. He was well qualified for the arduous duties of a- successful, business career, for added to his men development was his broad and practical experience in farm work so that he thoroughly understood what he was to do when he took up the task of HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 409 tilling his own fields. He lived upon a farm of one hundred acres in White Eyes township for twelve years and then purchased the old homestead of one hundred and fourteen acres upon which he, has since resided. As the years have passed and his financial resources have increased he has added to his property until he now owns two hundred and fourteen acres, constituting one of the, valuable and attractive farms of the neighborhood. He also owns eightAthree _acres of rich river bottom land in Lafayette township. Through modern agricultural methods he keeps his land in good condition and everything about the place indicates his careful supervision and practical methods. He makes a specialty of raising and breeding stock and this contributes materially to his annual income. Mr. Wier votes with the republican party and believes in its principles but has no desire for public office. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church and Mr. Wier is serving as one of its leaders, while Mrs. Wier has been a teacher in the Sunday school for about twenty-three years. Mr. Wier takes an active part in the work of the church and contributes generously to its support and guides his life by its teachings, so that he is an honorable, upright man in whom his fellow citizens have implicit and well founded confidence. PIATT WILLIAMSON. Piatt Williamson, who for the past three years has lived retired in Warsaw, was for a long period numbered among the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Coshocton county and he still owns one hundred and forty-two acres of valuable farm land, from which he derives a good income. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Clark township, Coshocton county, January 28, 1842, his parents being Isaac and Louisa (Matticks) 'Williamson. The father was born in New Jersey and was brought by his parents when two years old to Zanesville, Ohio, where he spent the winter. He remained there for only a short time, however, when he removed to Clark township and preempted land near Blissfield, on which he erected a brick house, which at that time was considered a mansion. This home is still standing and is now occupied by a son, Johnston Williamson. The grandfather served in the war of 1812. Isaac Williamson, the father of our subject, learned the blacksmith's trade under the direction of his father but after he had reached mature years he engaged in farming, purchasing land adjoining the old homestead. He continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits until his demise, which occurred in 1887. The mother bore the maiden name of Louisa Matticks and was born in Pennsylvania, but was married in Ohio. She, too, has passed away. The marriage of Isaac and Louisa Williamson was blessed with four children: Piatt, of this review; William H., a retired farmer of Bloomfield, Ohio ; J. A., who has departed this life; and one who died in infancy. After the death of the wife and mother, the father was married 410 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY again, his second union being with Sarah Martin, by whom he had three children, but the two daughters are now deceased. The only son John Martin, is a painter and makes his home near Warsaw. Piatt Williamson, of this review, acquired his education in the old-time log schoolhouse, the building being made of round beech logs or poles, with puncheon floor, and the seats and benches were made of slabs which rested on wooden pins. The method of learning, too, was quite as primitive as the building and the session lasted but a few months during the year, so that his educational advantages were very meager. However, in later life, through reading, experier ce and observation he has greatly added to his fund of knowledge until he has become a Well informed man. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early being trained to the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farmer. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company K, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain William M. Stanley. This was the second company raised in Coshocton county which enlisted for three years' s3rvice. Mr. Williamson took part in many important battles and skirmishes. He was in the battles of Green Brier, Bull Pasture Mountains. participated in the fight up the Shenandoah valley to Cross Keys, Virginia, thence to Winchester, where for a time the men, were engaged in the construction of forts. They then went to Harpers Ferry. Mr. Williamson was next sent north on a parole and exchanged in January, 1863. He then reported for duty at Memphis and went with Grant's fleet to Lake Providence. He was in the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Mississippi, and Champion Hill and also in the siege of Vicksburg. After the surrender of that city he was detailed for six months to act as bodyguard to the paymaster. He reenlisted and then rejoined his regiment at Cairo, Illinois, going from there to Paducah, Kentucky. He was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea and was discharged at Columbus with the rank of corporal. Following the close of hostilities Mr. Williamson returned to his home in Coshocton county and resumed farming pursuits, which continued to be his occupation throughout his active business career. He is still the owner of his homestead property, comprising one hundred and forty-two acres located in Monroe township, but three years ago took up his abode in Warsaw, since which time he has lived retired, his farm bringing to him the competence which supplies him with all the comforts of life. Mr. Williamson was for sixteen years engaged in threshing, owning the first steam thresher in Coshocton county. Mr. Williamson has been twice married. He was first married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Brillhart, by whom he had one son, Samuel D. R., now deceased. The wife and mother died February 6, 1903, and in 1904 Mr. Williamson wedded Mrs. Mary J. Williams, who still survives. In politics Mr. Williamson is independent, voting for men and measures rather than adhering to party ties. He has served as assessor and trustee of Monroe township. He was reared in the faith of the Evangelical church and for many years was an active worker in the church, but upon his removal to HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 411 Warsaw he became identified with the Presbyterian church. He is a Mason, belonging to Warsaw lodge, at Spring Mountain, and also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, having served as commander of the post at Warsaw for two terms. He has now passed the sixty-sixth milestone on the journey of life and in his pleasant home in Warsaw is surrounded by many friends and acquaintances, who entertain for him the warmest regard. ALLEN M. MARSHALL. The present home farm of Allen M. Marshall comprises three hundred and forty acres of land situated in Jackson township. The family was founded in Coshocton county by the paternal grandfather, Thomas Marshall, who, coming from Hampshire county, Virginia, located on a farm a mile and a half south of Coshocton, the year of his arrival here being 1809. He served in the war of 1812 under General Harrison. He was not permitted to enjoy his new home but for a few years, for his death occurred March 4, 1814. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth McKim and came of English ancestry. Following the death of Thomas Marshall, his family removed to Bedford township, where they made their home until 1827, when they came to Jackson township and purchased with money that had been saved from a meager salary of thirty-seven and a half cents per day forty acres of wild land, which constitutes a part of the old Marshall homestead. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Marshall included Owen, who became the father of our subject. He wedded Miss Mary Tredway, whose family numbered eight children, of whom Allen M. is the seventh in order of birth. Allen M. Marshall was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads of that early period, assisting in the development and improvement of a new farm and in the care and cultivation of crops from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn, while a brief period during the winter months was devoted to the acquirement of an education in the district schools. He has made farming his life work and now owns three hundred and forty acres of land in Jackson township, which is devoted to general farming and stock-raising, in which he is meeting with gratifying success, for he ever follows the most modern methods of agriculture and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors. Mr. Marshall was married December 17, 1874, to Miss Clara McCoy, a daughter of William and Catherine (Johnson) McCoy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have been born six children, as follows: Arizona, the wife of Melville Barrett, a farmer of Bedford township; William O., who is employed as an engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad, with headquarters at Columbus, Ohio; Mary C., the wife of Frank Walker, a merchant of West Bedford; Ivy G., who is successfully engaged in teaching; Grace A., at home; and Fren, who died in infancy. 412 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY Mr. Marshall has given his political support to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. in 1897 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners and he is frequently spoken of as one of the best officials that ever represented the county in this connection. He is a public-spirited citizen and occupies a conspicuous position in the business and social life of the community, while his work in the moral development of the community is exercised through his membership in the Baptist church. JACOB FISHER. Jacob Fisher is numbered among the enterprising and prosperous young farmers of New Castle township, where he operates a well improved farm, comprising one hundred and ninety acres, on which are found good buildings. Mr. Fisher is a native son of Coshocton county, born on a farm in Tiverton township, July 14, 1874, a son of Lewis F., Sr., and Margaret (Christman) Fisher. The father was born in Germany and emigrated to the United States when a youth of seventeen years. He at once made his way to Coshocton county and located on Dutch Run, where he engaged in farming. Although he had no money when he landed in the new world he has prospered as the years have come and gone, and is today the owner of six hundred and ninety acres of valuable land situated in Tiverton, Monroe and New Castle townships. He has taken a prominent part in the public life of this section of the state and for six years served as county commissioner. He is now living retired in a pleasant home in Warsaw, deriving a good financial return from his extensive landed interests. He has been twice married and by the first union there were born four children, as follows: Lewis F., a farmer of Monroe township; Margaret, the wife of John Kaser, a resident farmer of Jefferson township; Louisa, the wife of John Gamertsfelder, who follows farming in Tiverton township; and John William, who also follows farming in Tiverton township. His second union was with Miss Margaret Christman, who was likewise born in the fatherland and upon her emigration to is country located in Zanesville, Ohio, while her marriage was celebrated in Coshocton county. She still survives and has many friends in Warsaw, where the family now make their home. She has become the mother of five children, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of Silas Bowers, of Monroe township; Nicholas, a resident farmer of Tiverton township; Jacob, the subject of this review; Albert, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in North Judson, Indiana; and Charles, deceased. Jacob Fisher, the immediate subject of this review, acquired his earl education in the district schools of Tiverton township, this being suppl men ted by a course of study in the ncoml school at Danville. After completing his education he engaged in teaching for two years, but believing that farming pursuits would prove a more congenial occupation, he aban- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 413 doned the profession and began life as a farmer, which has claimed his time and attention for the past twelve years. He now rents from his father a tract of one hundred and ninety acres situated in New Castle township, all of which is arable and well improved. He has erected two good barns and other. substantial outbuildings and now has one of the valuable farm properties of this section of the state. Mr. Fisher was married in 1896, the lady of his choice being Miss Madge Winterringer, a resident of Union township, Knox county, Ohio, and of German descent. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher has been blessed with an interesting little daughter, Lizzie S., now ten years of age. Mr. Fisher's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the men and measures of democracy. He has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill some public offices, having served for seven years as trustee of the township and he has also acted as a member of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church, while his wife belongs to the Lutheran church. His fraternal relations are with the Maccabees tent of Walhonding and with the Patrons of Husbandry. He is highly esteemed in the community in which he has so long made his home and as an enterprising, energetic end prosperous agriculturist he well deserves mention in this volume. LD OTTO DAWSON. Ld Otto Dawson, factory manager of the calendar and miscellaneous department of the Meek Company, was born in Virginia township, Coshocton county, November 28, 1876. His father, Edward Dawson, also a native of the same township, started on life's journey February 20, 1849, and was a son of Marcus Dawson who, about the year 1800, came to Ohio from Virginia with his three brothers; Bradford, William and Benjamin. The state had not then been admitted to the newly created Union and its Indian inhabitants far, outnumbered its white settlers. There were few of the latter race who had penetrated into this wild western wilderness, yet the seeds of civilization had been planted in a slight degree. The Dawson brothers settled on a section of land entered from the government, cleared away the forests and made homes upon farms which they developed and which continued to be their place of residence throughout their remaining days. A part of the old homestead of Marcus Dawson passed into possession of his son Edward, who continued to till the soil and improve the place until 1897, when he removed to Coshocton and spent his remaining days in honored retirement from further labor, his death occurring in that city in 1899. L. 0. Dawson, of this review, was reared in his parents' home, and after attending the common schools became a student in the Lafayette Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1898. Immediately following his graduation he became associated with the Tuscarora Advertising Com- 414 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY pany, which later merged its interests with the Standard Advertising Company, under the name of the Meek & Beach Company. A later change in the partnership brought about the organization of the present Meek Company. This is one of the prominent companies of the United States engaged in the manufacture of advertising specialties, and through various stages of promotion Mr. Dawson has gradually worked his way upward. His first position was that of press boy and at different times he was employed in various capacities in the factory, while for a year and a half he was in charge of the stockroom. From that position he was advanced to a place in the office and on the 1st of January, 1907, he was given his present position as factory manager of the calendar and miscellaneous department. In the meantime he had thoroughly mastered every task assigned him, had become thoroughly familiar with the business in its various departments and connections, and was thus well qualified to assume a position of executive control, having a large force of workmen under his direction. On the 27th of November, 1901, Mr. Dawson was married to Miss Ida F. Nelson, a daughter of Robert and Suzanne (Jones) Nelson, of Canal Lewisville, Ohio, and now residents of Coshocton. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have been born a son and two daughters: Walter Clinton, Vera Rosamond and Dorotha Madaline. While Mr. Dawson's family have always been supporters of the democratic party, L. 0. Dawson has withdrawn from the political faith of his fathers and gives stalwart allegiance to the republican party. He is prominent and popular in fraternal circles, holding membership in Coshocton Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M. and Fidelity Lodge, No. 135, K. P. In the latter he is past chancellor and in the work of the lodge has been most active, being well known in Pythian circles in the nineteenth district, which comprises four counties. He has assisted largely in organization work, is a member of the Past Chancellors Asociation and served for one term as district deputy of the nineteenth district, while at the present writing he is keeper of the records and seals of Fidelity lodge. He is in hearty sympathy with the purposes of this order, and his enthusiastic support thereof has constituted a strong element in its growth. Mr. Dawson owns a pleasant home at No. 450 South Third street and is well known in Coshocton and the county, while the fact that many of his warmest friends are those with whom he has been acquainted from his boyhood days indicates that his life has been honorable, and his actions manly and sincere. C. N. RAINS. C. N. Haim, a well known and successful agriculturist of Bedford township, was born in this township on the 11th of July, 1860, his parents being Levi and Lucinda (Troutman) Hains. The grandfather, Henry Hains, whose birth occurred in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1782, went to Licking county, Ohio, in the fall of 1810. After spending the winter HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 415 there he came to Bedford township, Coshocton county, Ohio, in April, 1811, and purchased from the government a tract of land, since known as the old Hains homestead, at a dollar and a quarter per acre. The first taxes on the land were paid with coonskins, which were then accepted as legal tender. After chopping down the trees which obstructed the road from Wakatomika to his new location, Mr. Hains cleared a small space and thereon built a triangular log cabin with greased paper windows. On the completion of this pioneer structure he walked back to the Keystone state in order to settle the estate of his father, leaving his wife and three small children to combat with the dangers that were to be met in a country infested by wild beasts and hostile Indians. The wife courageously and resolutely began to clear the land and when her husband returned from his journey on foot, she had cleared two acres. Mr. Hains finished the task which had been so well begun and spent the remainder of his life on the farm, being buried there in 1863. His wife was called to her final rest in March, 1849, and her remains were also interred on the old homestead farm. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, namely: John, Daniel, Henry, Amos, Lana, Barbara and Joseph, all of whom are deceased. Following the death of his first wife Henry Hains was again married, but there were no children by that union. Levi Hains, the father of our subject, was born in Bedford township, Coshocton county, Ohio, February 7, 1817, and was there reared and spent his entire life, passing away on the same farm on which his birth had occurred. At the time of his marriage his financial resources amounted to but one hundred dollars, five dollars of which he invested in logs with which to build his first cabin. He then began to develop a farm, first performing the arduous task of chopping down the trees and clearing the land, and as the years passed by prospered to such an extent that at the time of his demise he owned five hundred acres of rich and valuable land. He well merited the proud American title of a self-made man, and not only provided well for himself and his wife, but also gave his children a good start in life. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and he held a number of township offices, his fellow townsmen recognizing his capability and fidelity. He passed away on the 29th of June, 1902, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, and was buried in the old Bedford cemetery. His wife was born in Gambier, Knox county, Ohio, in 1818, celebrated her marriage in Coshocton county and was called to her final rest in Coshocton, October 24, 1892. She was the mother of thirteen children. C. N. Hains attended the district schools of his native township and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-eight years. He then began farming on a part of the old Hains place and prior to his marriage had erected a commodious and attractive residence, while the many substantial improvements which are now seen on his property stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. The farm comprises one hundred and seven acres of well improved and valuable land, and his wife owns a tract of twenty acres on Puget Sound, Washington. He is likewise a stockholder in the Electric Heating Company of Coshocton, Ohio, and 416 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY is widely recognized as a prosperous and progressive citizen of the community. On 6th of October, 1887, Mr. Haains was united in marriage to Miss Addie Kirker, of Jackson township, by whom he has one child, Twila Kirker Hains, whose birth occurred January 11, 1899, and who is now attending school. In his political views Mr. Haim is a stalwart republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. with which his wife is also identified. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family of the county and in all relations has fully sustained the excellent reputation borne by his father and grandfather. ANDREW J. MILLER. When death claims an individual it is usual to review his life work and note the qualities which worked for good or evil while he was yet an active factor in the affairs of the world. An analyzation of the record of Mr. Miller shows that in his various relations he stood as a man among men, respected and honored for his genuine personal worth. He was born in Allegheny county, Maryland, February 27, 1829, and lived in Coshocton county from early life, corning to Ohio with his parents His youth was spent amid the environment and interests of the farm and after acquiring his education in the public schools he gave his undivided attention to general agricultural pursuits for a number of years. About 1862, however, he decided to leave the work of the fields and turned his attention to the manufacture of brick, which business he carried on successfully in Coshocton for several years. His plant was well equipped and no extravagant methods were ever used in his manufacturing processes. However, he turned out an excellent quality of brick, and the product found a ready sale on the market. In the year 1881 Mr. Miller was called from private to public life in his election to the office of sheriff of Coshocton county. He entered upon the duties of the position with the determination to faithfully meet every obligation that devolved upon him and that he did so was indicated by the fact that he was reelected for the second term, continuing in the office from January, 1882, until January, 1886. He was one of the most efficient and popular sheriffs the county has ever had and neither fear nor favor were allowed to influence him in the discharge of his duties. He had previously filled the office of trustee of Tuscarawas township for several years and did much to improve the highways leading into Coshocton. At length Mr. Miller retired from the office of sheriff and for a few years thereafter devoted his energies to general farming on what was known as the McFadden place, just east of the city. Later he moved his family to the home on Chestnut street, where his last years were spent, and there ha enjoyed a well earned rest, for his former activity entitled him to this honorable retirement from labor. He had in the meantime made judicious investment in property and in connection with Mr. Robinson owned the Co- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 419 shocton Rockett House and also owned the ROCkett store. He gave much of his time to its care and management until physical disability prevented this. On the 24th of October, 1852, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Timmons, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, April 10, 1835. Theirs was a most congenial and happy married life, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years passed by. For some years prior to his death Mr. Miller was a faithful member of the Methodist Protestant church and his Christian' faith was exemplified in his manner of living and in his relations with those with. whom he came in contact. He felt that the best in life was the development of an upright, honorable character and in all of his business relations he was straightforward as well as energetic, never taking advantage of the necessities of a fellowman in any business transaction. He had friend's in every township and village in the county and thus his death, which occurred in February, 1905, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. For some time prior to his demise he suffered greatly with rheumatism, but he bore his suffering uncomplainingly and was always bright and cheerful when friends and neighbors called. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and it was with the burial rites of that order that he was laid to rest. His memory is yet cherished by those who knew him and most of all by her with whom he traveled life's journey so happily for many years. ASBURY NORMAN. The farming interests of White Eyes township find a worthy representative' in Asbury Norman, who is devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and improvement of a good tractof land of one hundred and one acres. He is numbered among Coshocton's native sons, his birth having occurred in Lafayette township, May 18, 1866. He is a son of Daniel and Mary J. (Karms) Norman, and his early boyhood days were spent under the parental roof, his time being divided between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the labors of the field. He started out upon his own account when sixteen years of age, securing employment as a farm hand, in which capacity he worked for five years. He then bought a farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres in White Eyes township and lived thereon until 1903. In that year he sold his property and invested in one hundred and one acres in White Eyes township, constituting his present farm, which is well improved and returns to him a gratifying annual income. He is diligent and persevering in his labors and he employs the most modern methods of farming so that the soil is always kept in good condition and his fields yield the best possible return. In 1889 occurred the marriage of Mr. Norman and Miss Virginia. Patterson, who was born in Oxford township, Coshocton county, January 17, 1871, her parents being John M. and Mary (Everel) Patterson. Her father now lives in Guernsey county, Ohio, while her mother passed away in 1881. 420 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY Mrs. Norman was one of a family of six children, of whom four are yet living, and by her marriage she became the mother of six children: May B., deceased; Bertha M., John F., McKinley M., George Dewey, and Clarissa, all yet at home. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and attend its services. Mr. Norman belongs to the Grange and is interested in all pertaining to the agricultural development of the community. In politics he is an earnest republican and, while he does not seek nor desire political office, he has served for four years as school director and is a warm friend of the cause of public education. His entire life has been passed in this county where he is now widely known and the fact that many of his warmest friends are those with whom he has been acquainted since his boyhood days indicates that his career has always been upright and honorable. ORIN JENNINGS. Orin Jennings was throughout a long period actively and busily engaged in general agricultural pursuits on a well improved tract of ninety-four acres situated in Lafayette township, but he has now put aside the more active duties of life and is. living retired, merely giving his supervision to his farming interests. He is a native son of Coshocton county, born March 23, 1829, the eldest in a family of eleven children, born of the marriage of Joseph D. and Abigal (Powelson) Jennings. The fathercamea native of New Jersey and caine to Coshocton county at a very early day, purchasing two hundred acres of land and following farming throughout his entire life. The record of the family is as follows: Orin, of this review; Hiram, also of Coshocton county; Alexander, Reuben, John and Emily, all of whom have departed this life; Harrison and Leander, of this county; Samuel, who has departed this life; David, also of Coshocton county; and Joseph, deceased. Orin Jennings, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the common Schools and was trained to the duties of the home farm, assisting in the plowing, planting and harvesting from an early age. He remained under the parental roof until he reached mature years, when he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Susan Wells, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio. Following their marriage the young couple began their domestic life upon the homestead farm, which Mr. Jennings rented from his father. During this period he accumulated a sum of money that enabled him to invest in land, thus becoming the owner of ninety-four acres in Lafayette township. With the exception of one hundred days' service rendered to his country during the Civil war, Mr. Jennings followed farming throughout his entire business career. Although he still retains his residence on the home farm, he is practically living retired, leaving the more active duties to others. In former years he worked hard and persistently, so that the rest which he is now enjoying is well merited. The marriage of Orin and Susan (Wells) Jennings was blessed with eight children, as fol- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 421 lows: Louis, of Coshocton county; Mary, the widow of George Wertz and a resident of this county; Alexander; Abbie, the wife of William West, a resident of this county; Clistic, the wife of Price Owens, also of Coshocton county; Margaret J., the wife of Joseph Gray, also residing here; Hiram, a resident of Coshocton, Ohio; and William, in this county. The wife and mother died in 1892, after which Mr. Jennings was again married, his second union being with Harriett Law, who still survives. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Jennings has supported the republican party and has served as supervisor and as school director, the cause of education finding in him a warm and helpful friend. He is a self-made man, one who through the inherent force of his nature and the utilization of opportunities has worked his way upward until he is numbered among the honored and revered citizens of his section of the state. E. R. KINNER. E. R. Kinner, who for the past three years has been engaged in the conduct of a mercantile enterprise, is a young man who possesses the progressive spirit of the west that has been a dominant factor in producing the wonderful development of this section of the country. Mr. Kinner is a native son of the Buckeye state, born in Linton township, December 5, 1874, a son of W. M. and Sarah (Cochran) Kinner, both of whom were natives of this state, the former born in Linton township, Coshocton county, and the latter a native of Lafayette township. The father followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life and died in 1881. His sketch will be found on another page of this work. The mother still survives. E. R. Kinner was reared to farming pursuits and acquired his education in the Plainfield schools, completing the high-school course. At the age of eighteen years, having completed his education, he engaged in teaching, following the profession for three years. H then accepted a clerkship in the mercantile enterprise of his father-in-law, S. P. Woodward, where he continued for five years, on the expiration of which period he engaged in business on his own account. He carries a large and complete line of general merchandise and has successfully conducted business for three years. He studies closely the demands of his patrons and endeavors to meet these demands, and in every particular watches the details of his business, so that he is meeting with success in his new field of labor. Mr. Kinner chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Verna Woodward, and by their marriage four children have been born: Sarah B., deceased; Blanch M.; Steven W.; and James. Mr. Kinner has always given his political support to the republican party and is now serving efficiently as a member of the .school board. His fraternal relations are with Plainfield Lodge, No. 224, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled most of the chairs, while religiously, both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church. He is quick, pastitive, exacting and comprehensive 422 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY of every detail of affairs that comes within the scope of his action and has`'" a talent for leading, which is one of the highest attributes of men; a necessity in these days of close competition to the man in the business world. JAMES W. PRESTON. One of the most important industries of Coshocton is that operating under the name of the Meek Company and which has drawn to itself in its development and management many young men of marked business enterprise, who are contributing to the splendid success which the business is now enjoying. Among this number is James W. Preston, who occupies the responsi¬ble position of chief clerk. He was born in West Carlisle, Coshocton county, his natal day being April 26, 1871. His parents, Lewis B. and Julia A. (White) Preston, were also natives of West Carlisle, and the former was a son of Bernard Preston, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, who came to Coshocton county at an early day and engaged in merchandising at West Carlisle, becoming one of the pioneer business men of this section of the county. He did not confine his operations, however, to one line but became an active factor in other business fields. He engaged quite extensively in wool buying and also in buying cattle and though he, has now reached the age of eighty-six years he has not put aside business cares but still manages his investments and interests. His is a most useful and honorable old age. He has for many years been the largest wool buyer and cattle dealer in Coshocton county and is widely recognized as a man of strong and forceful character, commanding the respect and good will of all who know him. While he has long since passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, in spirit and interest he seems yet in his prime, while his vigorous manhood makes him still a leading and influential factor in the life of his community. In politics he is a stalwart republican and wields considerable influence in the councils of his party, yet has never been an aspirant for political preferment. Lewis B. Preston was reared at home, acquiring his education in the common schools, and in early manhood turned his attention to farming and stock-raising. For some years he was extensively engaged in the purchase and sale of stock and also speculated along other lines. In 1883 he went west to Kansas, where he dealt extensively in stock and also bought and sold farm lands, making judicious investments and profitable sales owing to his keen business discernment and unfaltering enterprise. In 1893 he returned to Ohio and for about a year was located in London, after which he removed to Mansfield, where he made his home for four years. On the expiration of that period he came to Coshocton, where he resided until the year 1907, when he took up his abode on a farm near West Carlisle, where he is now residing. The active years of his life have been devoted to speculation. He has the business instinct and training which well qualify him for the conduct of interests of this character and his powers in this direction he has developed HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 423 to a marked degree. His judgment is seldom, if ever, at fault concerning the value' of a business opportunity, and added to his keen sagacity and discrimination is a high sense of business honor that has won for him the respect of those with whom he has conducted transactions and at the same time he has gained gratifying success. An influential republican whose efforts are an effective force in the party ranks, he has never sought office as a reward for his fealty nor his labors. In 1 906 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died at the age of fifty-six years. James W. Preston was a youth of ten years at the time of his parents' removal to Kansas and he attained his early manhood on the ranch. There is something about the free, open life of the plains which brings out the real man, for there he copes with the forces of nature, which cannot be deceived by pretense or claim to superiority. Reared amid such surroundings, Mr. Preston learned to correctly value life and its opportunities and in the demands of the ranch developed his latent business powers and capacity. When about eighteen years of age he became identified with the Wichita Union Stockyards Company as assistant secretary and filled the position for three years. In 1893 he resigned in order to return to Ohio, where he became connected with retail mercantile interests in London. A year later he went to Mansfield, where he conducted a wholesale mercantile establishment for five years and in December, 1898, he came Coshocton to engage in merchandising. For a year he was alone in business and then accepted a position with the Snyder Grocery Company, which he represented for, three years. In 1903 he assumed charge of the office force of the Meek Company, which he has since represented in .a position of large responsibility. He is an expert accountant and one of the ablest of Coshocton's office men. An alert mind enables him to readily understand a business situation and to bring the best possible solution for any complex and involved problem. The company which he represents controls one of the most extensive and important industrial concerns of Ohio and finds in Mr. Preston one well able to care for the manifold interests and duties which devolve upon him. Mr. Preston was married February 12, 1901, to Miss Cora Miller, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Miller, of Keene township. Her father is now deceased but her mother still occupies the old historic Miller farm with her son. A republican in his political views, Mr. Preston has served for the past three years as president of the board of public safety of Coshocton and in his official capacity was largely instrumental in securing the establishment of the fire stations and the installation of the modern equipments of the fire department, of which Coshocton has every reason to be proud. While a business man of alert and enterprising spirit, there is also much of the student, in his makeup and he has carried his investigations concerning Indian lore far beyond those of the average student. He has one of the finest collections of Indian relics in this section and one which is of much interest to the ethnologist. A lover of outdoor life and one of nature's devotees, he enjoys annual hunting trips in the mountains and these have given him a knowledge of nature in its various forms that is acquired by few 424 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY men. For some time past he has advocated the preservation of the Indian mounds, the forts and all objects of historical interest in Coshocton county and through his efforts and the recent work in the preparation of a history of the county there is now a movement on foot to remove to Coshocton the blockhouse which is still standing in Oxford township midway between Isleta and Orange. Other movements of a similar nature are also in contemplation and Mr. Preston signally favors everything that will preserve the early records and evidences of Indian occupancy and the beginnings of history by the white man. JAMES BRADNER BURT. James Bradner Burt was one of the most highly esteemed and honored residents of Coshocton. The simplicity and beauty of hi; daily life as seen in his home and family relations constituted an even balance to his excellent business ability resulting in the conduct of important commercial and financial enterprises here. Mastering the lessons of life day by day until his post-graduate work in the school of experience placed him with the strong and able men of the county, he was for years recognized as a leading banker and as a business man whose judgment was sound and reliable. While he deserved credit for his success, it was his manhood, his sturdy honor, his unfaltering integrity and his kindly spirit that most endeared him to those with whom he came in contact. Mr. Burt was the oldest son and second child in a family of twelve whose parents were James Madison and Mary Ann Burt, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume. Of the family two sons and a daughter yet survive, L. P., of Coshocton, Ohio; W. F., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; and Mrs. Harriett B. Rogers, of West Lafayette. The birth of James Bradner Burt occurred April 4, 1837, in the settlement long known as Orangeville and now partially within the corporate limits of Coshocton, Ohio. his father had recently removed the little family from Orange County, New York, to Ohio and after about a year spent at the original location removed to a farm near West Lafayette, on which the subject of this review was reared to manhood amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. He lived to witness many remarkable changes here for the forests were cut down and the land converted into productive fields. The old time farm implements, too were replaced by the modern reaper, mower and harvester, while steam and electricity successfully took the place, of hand labor. Mr. Burt always rejoiced in the progress that was made and contributed his share toward the work of general improvement and upbuilding. In his youth he attended the district schools and also spent some time as a student in the high school at New Comerstown, Ohio. On the 19th of September, 1865, Mr. Burt was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Beall, a native of Coshocton county and a daughter of Colmer and Mary (Lantz) Beall, both of whom were natives of Harrison county, this HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 427 state. They came, however, to Coshocton county and here passed away. They were parents of seven children: Mary, who is now deceased; Mrs. Sarah E. Dinsmore; a widow, now making her home in the state of Washington; Adaline B., the wife of M. M. Morgan and a resident of California; Mrs. Burt; A. T., who is living in West Lafayette; Anna E., the wife of N. S. Morehead, a resident of the State of Washington; and H. P., who makes his home in West Lafayette. Mrs. Burt was reared in Coshocton county and enjoyed good educational advantages. She is a faithful, devoted member of the Baptist church and is an estimable lady of culture and refinement, who enjoys the esteem of all who know her because of the many kindly traits of character which she displays. She still owns the old country home in Lafayette township but makes her home in the village of West Lafayette, where she occupies a fine modern residence. At the time of her marriage to J. B. Burt they began their domestic life upon a farm adjoining his father's place. There for many years Mr. Burt carried on general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually gathering therefrom rich crops which found a ready sale on the market. While living upon the farm five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Burt; Perry Emerson, now general manager of The Lafayette Stamping & Enameling Company; Mary, the wife of Dr. Jesse McClain of Coshocton ; Jennie, a kindergarten teacher in Detroit, Michigan; Carrie, who died at the age of fourteen months; and James Roe, also of The Lafayette Stamping & Enameling Company. In 1895 Mr. Burt left the farm, removing to Coshocton, where the family resided until 1899. He then spent another year on the farm, after which he took up his abode in West Lafayette, where his remaining days were passed, and his death there occurred February 16, 1907, when he had reached the age of sixty-nine years, ten months and twelve days. He was identified with the business interests of the town as president of The West Lafayette Bank Company, acting in/ that position from its organization until his retirement, only a few weeks prior to his death. He had the entire confidence of all who had business relations with him and enjoyed to the fullest extent the friendship of those whom he met in social ways. The county likewise numbered him among the progressive citizens, knowing that his aid and cooperation could be counted upon to further every movement for the public good. For many years he filled the office of justice of the peace. While attending school in New Comerstown, Mr. Burt joined the Baptist church in 1856 under the ministry of the Rev. Hugh Broome. He was a member of the White Eyes Plains Baptist church until 1870, when the western section of that congregation was organized into the West Lafayette Baptist church, in which Mr. Burt served as a deacon from 1870 until 1895. He was also a deacon of the Baptist church of Coshocton during his residence there and he acted as clerk of the Coshocton Baptist Association from 1884 until 1896, as moderator from 189 to 1903, and then again as clerk from 1903 until 1904, when failing hea h compelled him to give up the work. He was also mayor of West Lafayet eat one time and efficiently administered the municipal affairs of the town. He believed in temperance, in 428 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY truth, in justice and in generosity, and his belief was exemplified in hi daily life. Perhaps no better estimate of his life and character can be given than in the words of one who knew him well who said: "The record of his life is a record of steadfast and active devotion to the faith that he accepted in early manhood. All other objects of human endeavor were small to hir in comparison with the formation of Christian character. He was willing to stand by what he considered right, regardless of consequences and regardless of the multitude. His mind was of the judicial cast. He refused t come to a final decision without weighing the evidence. His thoughts wer not confined to his own generation. He took pleasure in searching fa worthy persons and deeds in the records of his ancestors. He planned fa the welfare of his own posterity and that of his neighbors. He collected an published a large amount of historical matter relative to his own community, which will some day be thought more valuable than now. In doing this work he used the most modern historical method of going directly to th original records, organizing his materials and putting them into literary form. If the memory of his life does not add new hope and courage to the lives of his old friends; if his neighbors do not recognize a positive aim in h efforts; if the younger generation does not receive some contribution to thei comfort and happiness, the outcome of his life will be contrary to the arder hope and prayer of James Bradner Burt." Mr. Burt was in hearty sympathy with the sentiments expressed b Lincoln that "There is something higher than making a living—making life." Be knew, too, that it is not from the few conspicuous deeds of life that the blessings chiefly come which make the, world better, brighter, happier, but from countless lowly ministries of the everydays, the little faithfulness that fill long years. He therefore met his family, his friends and business associates in the spirit of kindliness and consideration, and that he had a very strong hold upon the hearts of those who knew him was indicated by the deep sorrow that was felt at his passing. JOHN WESLEY STANTON. John Wesley Stanton, who for many years was identified with the agri cultural life of Coshocton county, is now living retired in Warsaw. He was, born in West Bedford, Ohio, October 19, 1840, a son of Dr. William and Mary (Peppees) Stanton, the latter born in Hartford,. Connecticut, in 1812. The paternal grandfather, William Stanton, was a native of England. Th father of our subject was reared and educated in the east and in 1832 cam to Coshocton county with little else than his diploma. He located for prac tice in West Bedford, where he remained for a short time, after which he came to Warsaw and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession for a number of years. He then took up farming on land a mile and a half HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 429 west of Warsaw, but in 1859 returned to the village and engaged in the mercantile business,, in which he continued until 1865. He then removed to Coshocton, where he was engaged in the brokerage business until his demise, which occurred in 1888, his remains being buried in Woodlawn cemetery. He was a self-made man and accumulated a fortune, which at the time of his death was estimated at between forty and fifty thousand dollars. He was a republican and during the Civil war was elected state senator in a strong democratic county. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was three times married, our subject having been born of the 'first union. As above stated, his mother bore the maiden name of Mary Peppees and was married in Coshocton county. She died in West Bedford in 1840. She had two children : Newton, who died in infancy ; and John W., of this review. For his second wife the father chose Susanna Workman, by whom he also had two children, but both are deceased. His last union was with Caroline E. Stewart, by whom he had three children, but two died in 1858 from the effects of poison from ivy vine, and the other is also deceased, The wife and mother still survives and makes her home in Coshocton. John Wesley Stanton acquired his education in the schools of Warsaw, Bedford and Spring Mountain, graduating from the high school at the latter place. He remained under the parental roof until the outbreak of the Civil war, when at the age of nineteen he enrolled his name as a member of Company K, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months' service. He reenlisted as a member of Company K, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for thirty-one months. He entered the army as a private, but was promoted first to the rank of corporal and later to that of first lieutenant. He took part in the battles of Allegheny Mountain, McDowell, Cross Keys, Jackson, the siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge and many others of lesser importance. He returned home in August, 1863, and in 1864 reenlisted for service with Company G, One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio Regiment, Captain Caleb Wheeler commanding the company. He was promoted from the ranks by Colonel Cooper, commanding the regiment, to commissary sergeant, and served as such while connected with that regiment. After his discharge from the army he returned to his home in' Warsaw and was with his father in the store for one year. He later engaged in farming, which continued to be his occupation throughout the remainder of his active business career, or until 1901, since which time he has lived retired in Warsaw. He is interested in the brick and tile plant of Unionville, Missouri. On the 22d of February, 1865, Mr. Stanton established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Ann Wilson, who was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and is of English extraction. To this union were born seven children : Mary A., who died at the age of eighteen months; William T., a traveling salesman located in Coshocton ; George Newton, who operates a sawmill and threshing machine, making his home in Warsaw; Lillie May, the wife of Samuel Steirheine, a farmer of Clark township; Clifford, deceased; Frank 430 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY S., who wedded Lillie Van Karmell and lives in Warsaw; and Logan, a resident of Cincinnati. Mr. Stanton gives firm support to the republican party and has served as trustee of Clark township, while at the present time he is serving as marshal and street commissioner of Warsaw. He is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he was past commander for four terms; while at the present writing he is quartermaster. In 189'3 he was quartermaster general of the state of Ohio. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. No matter in what relation of life we find him, whether in business life, political or social circles he is always found to be the same honored and honorable gentleman, who is interested in the community at large. He has many friends not only in Warsaw but in various sections of Coshocton county and is highly esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact. JASPER N. SMITH. Jasper N. Smith is a prosperous farmer who owns three hundred acres of highly improved land in Tiverton township. He was born in Holmes county, this state, November 22, 1844, a son of William and Elizabeth (Lepley) Smith. The father was born in 1826, presumably in New Jersey, and came as a young man to this state, making a location in Holmes county. In early life he followed the shoemaker's trade but when the manufacture of shoes was done by machinery he had to abandon his trade and then opened up a sawmill, which he conducted throughout a long period. He also owned a good farm, which was operated by his sons. He was a democrat in his political views and affiliations and became a very successful man, his death occurring in 1879. His remains were interred in Tiverton cemetery. The mother, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, died in Coshocton county. It was while visiting relatives in Knox county, Ohio, that William Smith met Elizabeth Lepley, who afterward became his wife. They were the parents of ten children: one who died in infancy; Jacob. a farmer of southwestern Iowa; Margaret, deceased; William, who follows farming in Iowa; Barbara, deceased; Laban, who was a practicing physician but has also departed this life; Simon, deceased; Peter, who is engaged in farming in Indiana; Jasper N., of this review; and John L., also of Tiverton township. Jasper N. Smith acquired his early education in the district schools ,near his father's home and later pursued a course in Bryant & Stratton College in Cleveland. When he started out upon an independent business venture he chose the occupation to which he had been reared and has made this his life work. He now owns three hundred acres of valuable land in Tiverton township and all of the, improvements have been made by Mr. Smith. He owns one of the finest country homes in the township and his place is also supplied with a good barn and outbuildings. He carries on HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 431 general farming and also keeps good grades of stock. He owns realty in Barberton, Ohio, and is also a stockholder and the president of the Tiverton Bell Telephone Company.   Mr. Smith was married October 21, 1868, the lady of his choice being Miss Sophie Cooper, a resident of Coshocton county. Their marriage has been blessed with seven children, namely: William, who was born February 8, 1870, and follows farming in Tiverton township; Iva, who was born November 3, 1873, and is now the wife of Lewis Petry, a real-estate dealer of Coshocton; Charley C., who was born May 4, 1875, and resides in Orville,, Holmes county; Sophronia, who was born in September, 1878, and died August 30, 1881; Lewis and Lucy, twins, born September 25, 1882. the former at home, and the latter the wife of Otis Spurgeon, a farmer of Tiverton township; and Jasper B., who was born December 9, 1890, and is a lineman for the telephone company.   Politically Mr. Smith is a democrat and has served as clerk and treasurer of the township for a number of years. He and his family are members of the Church of Christ. Mr. Smith possesses considerable musical talent and in earlier life devoted much of his time to teaching vocal music. His time is now fully occupied with his agricultural interests, and that he has been successful in his undertakings is indicated by the fine farm which he today owns. He has spent the greater part of his life in Coshocton county and is therefore familiar with its history, while, his own high moral worth is recognized by a large circle of friends.   ABSALOM C. TROVINGER.   The name of Trovinger is a familiar one in Coshocton county, and he whose name introduces this review is a worthy representative of this prominent pioneer family, and the owner of one of the most productive and valuable farms in this section of the state. Mr. Trovinger was born September 15, 1851, in Lafayette township, a son of Daniel S. and Iva (Rhoderick) Trovinger. The son was reared on the homestead farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farmer's son. He worked in the fields from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn, while during the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage, which occurred December 21, 1872, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Rowena A. Brewer, a daughter of Jacob and Elinor M. (Tilton) Brewer, of Coshocton county.   Following their marriage the young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Lafayette township, where they made their home for ten years, subsequent to which time they came to their present home. This tract comprises forty-eight acres in Tuscarawas township, and is one of the finest farms in this district. It is well supplied with good buildings and has one of the most attractive homes in the entire county. Mr. Trovinger   432 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY   is engaged in general farming and in his undertakings is meeting with success.   The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Trovinger has been blessed with two daughters: Lula I., now the wife of Dr. Thomas W. Lear; and Nellie E. Mr. Trovinger gives his political support to the democratic party and has been a member of the district school board for several years and superintendent of public roads in the district in which he makes his home. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Both the Trovinger and Brewer families are old and prominent ones of Coshocton county, thoroughly identified with its early history and development, so that both Mr. Trovinger and his estimable wife command high regard in the locality in which they make their home, while his straightforward dealings and his deep interest in the welfare of the community and the country at large are strong elements in his life record.   C. W. HENDERSON.   C. W. Henderson, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising in White Eyes township, was born on the place where he now resides, on the 11th of August, 1871. His parents, G. W. and Lavinia (Goodhue) Henderson, were both natives of Coshocton county, the former having been born in White Eyes township and the latter in Keene township. G. W. Henderson was called to his final rest in 1904 but his wife still survives him and makes her home in Coshocton. Unto this worthy couple were born twelve children, namely : one who died in infancy; Anna L., the wife of R. West, of Coshocton; Luella M., the wife of C. Norman, deceased; C. W., of this review; Joseph H. and Dora B., both residents of Coshocton; M. 0., living in Los Angeles, California ; Robert, who has passed away; Alice, the wife of P. Allen, of New Castle, Ohio; George W., who is also deceased; Ernest, of Dever, Colorado; and Minnie M., a resident of West Virginia.   C. W. Henderson acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he worked in a livery barn for one year and on the expiration of that period purchased the old homestead farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres in White Eyes township, in the cultivation and improvement of which he has since been successfully engaged. He also raises all kinds of stock and in both his farming and live-stock interests has won that measure of prosperity which is always the reward of earnest and unremitting labor, guided by sound judgment.   In 1900 Mr. Henderson was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary C. King, whose birth occurred in Coshocton county in 1880, her parents being Jacob and Eliza (Burkey) King, residents of Fresno. Mrs. Henderson was one of a family of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of five, as follows: Clarissa L., Joseph E., Paul E., French K. and George H.   HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 433   In his, political views Mr. Henderson is a stanch republican and has served as assessor for two terms, discharging his public duties in a prompt and capable manner. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 11688, at Fresno, and also with the Grange at that place,, while both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Having spent their entire lives in this county, they are well and favorably known here and have gained the warm esteem and regard of all with whom they have come in contact.   C. E. LYNCH.   C. E. Lynch, a well known and successful agriculturist of Perry township, was born on the farm where he now resides, January 13, 1836, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Wolfe) Lynch. The paternal grandfather emigrated to the United States from Ireland and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. William Lynch, a native of Pennsylvania, learned the hatter's trade and, traveling as a journeyman hatter, came to the present site of West Bedford. Subsequently he located on the farm on which our subject now resides and followed farming in connection with his trade. After entering his land he came out to the farm to build his log cabin and was compelled to blaze the trail from Bedford in order that he might find his way back. He cleared the, land and made his home thereon until called to his final rest in 1864, his remains being interred in Perry township. His wife, also a native of the Keystone state, was likewise buried there. Their children were John, Simon, Polly, Hugh, Hettie, Absalom, C. E., Susan, Catherine and one who died in infancy. Following the death of his first wife William Lynch was again married, his second union being with Miss Martha Thornhill   C. E. Lynch acquired his education in a little log schoolhouse and remained with his father until the year 1855, when he took up his abode near Iowa City, Iowa, there witnessing the arrival of the first train in the town on the completion of the railroad. When a year had passed he returned to Coshocton county and began farming on the place where he now resides. By the father's will he and a brother inherited two hundred acres of land on condition that they pay two thousand dollars to two heirs. This they did and, after operating the farm in partnership for some time, divided the property. C. E. Lynch now owns one hundred and twenty-eight acres of rich and productive land in Perry township, and in addition to the work of general farming has engaged to some extent in the raising of Spanish Merino and Black Top sheep. He has placed all of the improvements on the property and has one of the finest homes in the township, while the well cultivated fields annually return abundant harvests. He is a stockholder in the Bell Telephone Company, and is widely recognized as a substantial and highly respected citizen of his native county.     434 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY   In 1856 Mr. Lynch was united in marriage to Miss Dorcas Angeline Fry, a native of Coshocton county, by whom he has three children, namely: Viola, the wife of Joseph McGregor, who is employed on the, electric car line in Columbus, Ohio; William S., deceased; and Louella, the wife of N. G. Ralston, a grocery merchant of Coshocton, Ohio.   Mr. Lynch gives stalwart allegiance to the, men and measures of the democracy and has served as township trustee, township treasurer and as a member of the school board. He has also acted as trustee and steward in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members. He' has resided in this county throughout almost his entire life, and his memory goes back to the time when this part of the country was but sparsely settled, when the, Indians were more numerous than the white men, and the land had not been reclaimed for purposes of cultivation but remained in the primitive condition in which it came from the hand of nature. For more than the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten Coshocton county has numbered him among its honored native residents and he now receives the veneration and respect which should always be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and wnose career has ever been upright and honorable.   JOSEPH KERR JOHNSON.   Joseph Kerr Johnson, who at the time of his death was assistant cashier of the Commercial Bank of Coshocton, was born in this city January 7, 1859, his parents being William K. and Elizabeth Johnson one of the old families of this part of the state. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges until he had mastered the elementary branches of learning, and later he attended the Chester (Pennsylvania) Military Academy, where he received training which was ever afterward evidenced in his bearing. He possessed an erect, soldierly appearance that was most attractive. He entered the business world as proprietor of a grocery store, which he conducted very successfully, building up a large and growing trade. To that enterprise he devoted his energies until he was appointed postmaster of Coshocton during the administration of President Harrison, receiving unanimous support for the office, which he filled in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. On retiring from the office he accepted a position in the Commercial Bank of Coshocton, and was soon promoted to assistant cashier, in which capacity he was serving at the time of his death.   On the 25th of June, 1885, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Mary L. Hack, who was born in Roscoe, this county, and is a daughter of Peter and Rosalind (Adam) Hack, both natives of Germany. Her father was a tailor by trade. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born two daughters and a son: Edith, born June 22, 1886; Mary, born March 29, 1893; and Joseph Kerr, born March 2, 1895.   HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 437   Mr. Johnson erected for his family a beautiful and commodious home on South Water street, and was ever most devoted to the welfare of his wife and children. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, to the National Union, and to the American Insurance Union. He gave stalwart support to the republican party and at the time of his death was a member of the city council, having filled the position for several years, during which time he exerted his official prerogative in the support of many measures that were beneficial in upholding municipal honor and in advancing municipal progress. Aside from all business and public relations, Mr. Johnson was one of the most popular and highly esteemed residents of the county. He had the happy faculty of winning and retaining friends, and at all times he held friendship inviolable. He was ever genial, courteous and kind, was considerate of the feelings of others and manifested deference to their opinions. Such was his position in public regard that at the time of his funeral every business house in Coshocton closed its doors in respect to one who was honored in life and whose memory is cherished in death.   EDWIN W. HEINKE   Edwin W. Heinke, sales manager of the novelty and calendar department of the Meek Company, was born in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, May 4, 1871, his parents being Henry H. and Minnie (Bornefield) Heinke. The father was a farmer of Wisconsin and both he and his wife died ere Edwin W. Heinke had reached his seventh year. His boyhood' days were spent among strangers and at his twelfth year he had reached that state of maturity when he began to realize something of the problems of life that confronted him. He started out on his own account and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources, so that he deserves much credit for the efforts that he has put forth and which have brought him to his present position of power and responsibility'. For three years he worked as a farm hand and at the age of fifteen entered upon an apprenticeship to the tinner's trade at Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He followed that pursuit for six years, after which he became connected with the laundry business, devoting two years to that work.   In 1893 he went upon the road as a salesman for Edward Donker of Chicago, a manufacturer of advertising novelties. He had had no previous experience in the advertising business but he soon mastered the work assigned him and remained with Mr. Donker for two years, during which time he gained a splendid reputation as a successful salesman. His services were then sought by the Tuscarora Advertising Company of Coshocton and, accepting their offer, he took charge of the northwest territory, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and North and South Dakota. He had under his direction six or eight men with headquarters in Minneapolis. When the Tuscarora, Company was merged with the Standard Advertising Company under the name of the Meek & Beach Company and still later when the   438 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY   business was reorganized under the name of the Meek Company, Mr. Heinke remained with the house, and on the 1st of February, 1908, his faithful and meritorious service won recognition in that he was called into the house to assume entire charge of the novelty and calendar sales department of the plant. He is a man of marked ability, able to grasp and correctly value all the points of a situation and in his control of the department fully meets the demands of the trade and keeps abreast with the progressive spirit of the times. Each experience which has been his has come to him as a lesson to be learned and mastered. He early appreciated the fact that to win advancement he must give faithful, capable, service, and in laboring indefatigably for the interests of those whom he has represented he has also furthered his individual promotion and success.   In 1896 Mr. Heinke was married to Miss Gussie M. Venneberg, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and unto them have been born three sons: Leland E., Edwin C. and Carleton H.   Mr. Heinke exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has membership relations with the Methodist Episcopal church and Coshocton Lodge, No. 376, B. P. O. E. His life is an illustration of the fact that true worth will come to the front and that environment cannot hamper real ability. Denied many of the advantages which most boys enjoy, including home and educational training, Edwin W. Heinke through the force of his character positioned his way upward to a position in the business world of which he has every reason to be proud, where his worth is acknowledged by the company which he represents, while all who know him yield to him their tribute of admiration and, respect for what he has done.   GEORGE SHAFER, SR.   George Shafer, Sr., who dates his residence in Coshocton county since 1832 and has made his home on his present farm of one hundred and seventeen acres in Lafayette township for the past forty-six years, was born in New York state, August 6, 1822, the son of Peter and Elizabeth Shafer. He was quite young when his father died in New York and later his mother brought the family, consisting of ten children, of whom our subject is now the only surviving member, to Coshocton county, where they made their home, and it was here that the mother's death occurred.   George Shafer received a common-school education and at the age of eighteen years began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, which he followed for about twenty-two years, meeting with marked success in his work and deriving a sufficient profit therefrom to enable him to purchase his present home, which he did in 1862, and since that time his energies have been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits.   On July 13, 1847, Mr. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania, March 6, 1828, and came to Ohio   HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 439   with her parents at an early date. She was one of a family of ten children. Mr. Shafer has been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on March 18, 1903, after a companionship of nearly fifty-six years. Ten children were born to their union, namely: George, deceased; Martha R, the wife of John Bassit. of Plainfield, Ohio; John F., deceased; Mary C., who resides at home; William H., a resident of Lafayette; Benjamin, who lives in Coshocton; Charles E., of Lafayette; Susan, deceased; Sidney J., the wife of Burt Van Ostram, of Youngstown, Ohio; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Shafer was a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.   The political allegiance, of Mr. Shafer has ever been given to the republican party, and he has been elected to minor offices, having served as supervisor aid as school director, It is the record of the quiet, faithful, unassuming lives of citizens such as Mr. Shafer that has given to Coshocton county its solidity and worth and has been the means of its attaining its present high state of cultivation and the solid financial basis upon which its future development and growth must depend.   CHARLES H. BEAL.   Charles H. Beal, who is engaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits on a well improved farm of eighty-two acres situated in New Castle township, is numbered among the straightforward and honorable citizens of this section of the state. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, born on a farm in Butler township, Knox county, July 2, 1847, one of thirteen children, of whom nine survive, born of the marriage of Michael and Margaret (Allbright) Beal.   The father was born in Pennsylvania, whence he went to Knox county at an early day, being numbered among the pioneer settlers of this state. He was a wagonmaker by trade and in connection with this followed farming. The mother was also a native of the Keystone state and became the mother of thirteen children, of whom nine still survive, namely: Charles H., of this review; Levi, who follows farming on a tract of land adjoining that of our subject; Mary Margaret, who lives on the old homestead farm in Knox county; Lucy, the wife of Osborn Hunter, of Union township, Knox county; Martha Ellen, the wife of Milon Underwood, also of Knox county; Christopher, who follows farming near Mount Vernon; Sarah Jane, the wife of Thomas' Shipley, a resident of Union township, Knox county; Joseph. who operates the old homestead farm; and Michael, a resident of Pasadena, California. Both the parents are now deceased, the mother passing away in 1886, while the father survived until 1892, when he, too, was called to his final rest, their remains being interred in Campbell cemetery, Knox county.   Charles H. Beal was reared on the home farm in Knox county and acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when he   440 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY   began farming on his own account and this has continued to be his occupa tion to the present time. He first farmed in his native county but in 187 took up his abode in Coshocton county, now owning eighty-two acres of lan in New Castle township He raises the cereals best adapted to soil an climate and also gives attention to fruit-raising, his products finding a read sale on the market, where he demands good prices.   It was on the 19th of March, 1868, that Mr. Beal was united in marria to Miss Mary Carpenter, who was reared in the same neighborhood wher Mr. Beal spent his boyhood and youth. Their union was blessed with two children but one died in infancy. Charles E., who was born August 10 1872, wedded Miss Olive B. House and assists his father in the operatio of the home farm. After a happy married life of thirty-six years the husban and wife were separated by the death of the latter, who was called to he final rest in 1904, her remains being interred in Campbell cemetery in Kno county.   Mr. Beal gives his political support to the republican party and is strong advocate of temperance principles. He has served as trustee of th township but otherwise has held no official positions. His religious fait is indicated by his membership in the, Methodist Episcopal church at Ne Castle. He has spent thirty-seven years in Coshocton county and is there fore widely and favorably known for he has the reputation of a man of honorable and straightforward methods in his business dealings and thu commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact   JAMES H. AND SAMUEL B. ELDER.   The gentlemen whose names introduce this review are enterprising prosperous and progressive agriculturists of Coshocton county, each ownin and operating .two hundred acres of land, located in Jefferson township, al of which is tillable and returns a good income. They are sons of John G and Jane (Moffett) Elder. The great-grandfather, in the paternal line served for seven years in the Revolutionary war.   The family was first established in America by the grandfather, wh came from County Antrim, Ireland, and followed farming along the Walhonding river. He, died in 1851 or 1852. The father, John G. Elder, AT born in Jefferson township, February 2, 1822, while the mother was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. The father gave his political support to the democratic party, while his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of which he, was an active worker for many years, or until his death, which occurred in 1905. The mother, however, still survives a the advanced age Of eighty-three years and makes her home with the, son James H., of this review. Her family numbered seven children: John, who lives retired in New Concord, Ohio; Mary, deceased; James H., one wh died in infancy; William S., of Deadwood, South Dakota, where he is practicing law; one who died in infancy; and Samuel B., also of this review.   HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 441   James H. Elder was educated in the district schools and in Warsaw high school. He spent his boyhood and youth on the home, farm, which adjoins that on which he now lives, his possessions comprising two hundred acres situated In Jefferson township. This is a valuable tract and is now under a high state of cultivation, his fields yielding abundant crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He gives his time and attention to general farming and stock-raising, and is meeting with good success in his undertakings. He is also interested in realty in Rapid City, Iowa. 41e is one of the organizers of the Bank of Warsaw, of which he, is now serving as a director and is a stockholder. He is likewise one of the promoters and one of the stockholders of the Coshocton Telephone Company.   Mr. Elder gives his political support to the men and measures of democracy and has filled some township offices. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is serving as a trustee, while his fraternal relations are with the Maccabees.   Samuel B. Elder, the younger son and youngest child of his father's family, was born on the farm which is now his home, March 7, 1865, and acquired his education in the district schools and in the Warsaw high school. He remained under the parental roof during the period of his boyhood and youth, and at the age of twenty-five years started out upon an independent business career by operating the home farm, which he now owns, this comprising two hundred acres of land, on which he has placed some of the improvements. He is engaged in general farming, and in his work follows the most modern methods, so that his labors are attended with good results.   Mr. Elder, was married in 1889 to Miss Lizzie Williams, who was born in Linton Mills, Coshocton county, in 1865, a daughter of Marion H. and Mary J. (Weatherwax) Williams. The father was born in East Plainfield, Ohio, July 24, 1838, and was reared in Coshocton county. He was engaged in farming and milling and was married to Mary J. Weatherwax, October 6, 1864. His father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1802, of Welsh and Irish extraction, and came to Coshocton county when a little, lad of six years. He was married to Elizabeth Fowler, of Bacon Run, Ohio. Mr. Williams was a carpenter and cabinetmaker, and at the time of his death was probably the oldest man in Coshocton county. The marriage of Mr! and Mrs. Marion H. Williams was blesse,d with two children: Lizzie, now Mrs. Elder; and Howard P., who was born February 26, 1870. The latter is a farmer of Monroe township and is mentioned on another page of this work.   The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Elder has been blessed with three children, as follows: Fred Ethelbert, who was born July 18, 1890; Mary Jane, who was born March 31, 1892, and is now deceased; and Ethelwin, who was born September 9, 1895. Mr. Elder is a democrat in his political views and has served as trustee of Jefferson township and also as a member of the board of education. He and his wife are members of the, Presbyterian church, while his fraternal relations are with the Maccabees tent.   Both the brothers are honorable and straightforward business men, and are deeply interested in the welfare of the community in which they have   442 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY   always made their home. They are today numbered among the substantial citizens of Jefferson township, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know them.   SAMUEL T. McGUIRE.   Coshocton county is indebted to Samuel T. McGuire, who resides on farm of one 'hundred and sixty-three acres in Lafayette township, which w acquired by his grandfather over a century ago, for thf preservation of som relics of pioneer days which even now are prized most highly and whos value will be more and more appreciated in years to come. Among these may be mentioned an old log chain whostherigin can be traced to Revolutionary days. It was bought by his grandfather, who was whose about 1777, from near Romney, Virginia, on the south branch of the Potomac river, to Ohio in 1804.   Francis McGuire, the paternal grandfather of our subject, traveled from. Virginia with his family by wagon to the Tuscarawas valley, following the. course of the river, using it as a guide, and at times as a roadbed when hi passage was otherwise obstructed. He first located above New Comerstown, where he remained a short time, but further investigation induced him to permanently locate in Coshocton county, where in 1807 he purchased over one thousand acres of land in Lafayette township. The country was wholly unimproved, unmarked by building, fence or field, and the bed of the wago was utilized as a shelter and sleeping place until a cabin could be buil which required some time owing to the scarcity of neighbors to assist in the work, and the absence of effective carpenters' tools. Mr. McGuire was equal, however, to all obstacles which he encountered, making the best of circumstances and limiting his desires for the time being to what he could actually accomplish. He died in 1853, not, however, without leaving his "footprints on the sands of time."   The place which he improved passed into the possession of Francis McGuire, Jr., the father of our subject, who, was born here in 1811. He aided his father in the work and development of the place, and in early manhood wedded Fannie G. Thompson, who was born in Mill Creek township in 1811. They became the parents of ten children, of whom but three are now living, namely: Mary E., the widow of Joseph Lyden, residing in West Lafayette; Francis, also a resident of West Lafayette; and Samuel T., of this review. Both parents are now deceased, the father having passed away in 1885, while the mother survived him for four years, her death occurring in 1889.   Samuel T. McGuire was born at the old homestead, which he now owns, October 5, 1853. He received his education in the district school and devoted his youthful energies to the aid of his father in his extensive farming operations. There was no detail in connection with the work that he did not master early in life, and he remained with his father, his stanch support   HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 445   and aid, until twenty-seven years of age when, following his marriage, he rented a place from his father and began farming for himself. At the time of his father's death he succeeded to the possession of the old homestead, besides which he now owns one hundred and eighty-seven acres, which he rents. In -addition to general farming he devotes a great deal of attention to stock-raising, his specialty in cattle being Jerseys; in hogs, the Chester Whites; and in sheep, the Merinos. He owns a beautiful home and a finely improved farm.   On April 8, 1880, Mr. McGuire was united in marriage to Miss Eliza E. Rickets, who was born in Jackson township, this county, in April, 1857, the daughter of Anthony and Mary Jane (Wilkins) Rickets. The father is a native of Jackson township, where he was born in 1834, and he now resides in Indiana, where he located in 1898. The mother was a native of Pennsyl vania. She died in 1881, aged fifty-two years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rickets were born nine children, of whom the following are living: Eliza E., the wife of our subject; Henrietta, the wife of Charles Wolf, of Coshocton; Andrew, who resides in Coshocton; William, a resident of Story county, Iowa, where he is now serving as sheriff ; Delia, the wife of Henry Bond, of Columbus; and Annie, the wife of Frank Henderlang, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. McGuire have become the parents of five children, of whom Nettie E. is the wife of George Spangler Sicker, who resides in Linton township. The other four, Francis R , Fanny Jane, Samuel C. and Edna L., reside at home with their parents.   Mr. McGuire has ever been interested in the advancement of the agricultural. interests of his locality and is a member of the local Grange. In affairs of national import his political allegiance is given to the democracy, though in local politics he supports the men and measures that he deems will best conserve the interests of the community at large. He has held the office of school director and has also served as road supervisor, positions which he filled most creditably and satisfactorily.   DAVID A. RAIFF.   The intelligent citizen who cherishes a proper measure of civic pride in his home community can never weary of contemplating the business development as manifest in the establishment and conduct of the great manufacturing and commercial industries which are at once the basis of the present prosperity of the city and the hope of its future advancement. Among those who have been promoters of the city's industrial development is numbered David A. Raiff, the vice president of the Spellacy-Raiff Company. He was born in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 1, 1852. His father, Aquilla T. Raiff, was a native of New London, Ohio, and carried on business as a hardware merchant, but after the war retired from active connection with commercial pursuits. He died in the year 1903. The Raiff family, of which he was a representative, was of Pennsylvania German de-   446 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY   scent and the original ancestors lived in Germany. Belinda C. Baltzley, t the mother of our subject, was a native of New Philadelphia and in ear womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Aquilla T. Raiff. She still s vives her husband at the age of seventy-eight years.   The first step worthy of note in the life record of David A. Raiff dates to the fact that he was a public-school student in New Philadelphia and afterward attended a business college in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, thus qualifying for life's practical and responsible duties. He then entered his father's employ in the hardware business and becoming familiar with the trade he purchased the store in 1868, conducting the enterprise for a number of years. He enjoyed large and profitable sales, being accorded a liberal patronage because of his extensive and well selected stock, his reasonable prices and his earnest efforts to please his customers. In 1891, however, he sold out to his brother-in-law and came to Coshocton where he opened a machine shop under the name of the Raiff Machine Works, carrying on the business until 1896. In 1894, However, he was appointed superintendent of the Coshocton waterworks and continued to fill that office for twelve years or until January 5, 1906, during which time he caused to be put into operation the present efficient department, which furnishes to the city an unlimited -supply of water, the quality of which cannot be surpassed in the state, it being kept up to a certain standard as demonstrated by chemical analysis.   About a year after severing his connection with the waterworks' department Mr. Raiff, on the 1st of January, 1905, formed the Lafayette Stamping & Enameling Company, of which he became the president and general manager. This company was organized through the influence of W. H. Sweeney, of New York, who interested Mr. Raiff in the movement but the latter left the concern on account of the poor field in January, 1906, and joined Mathew Spellacy in organizing the Spellacy-Raiff Company for the purpose of manufacturing enameled kitchen ware. There is no finer ware of this kind manufactured in the entire world. They have a most modern and complete plant, Mr. Raiff having visited every plant in America before establishing the process which is now employed in the Coshocton works. Its capacity is more than that of any other plant in America. The furnaces are larger, the heat greater and the processes better. The rapid growth of the business is indicated by the fact that the company has had to double its capacity since the organization of the business. Mr. Raiff devotes his entire attention to the concern, makes all the chemical tests and has the complete management of this enterprise, which is one of the important productive concerns of the city, constituting a leading factor in Coshocton's business development.   In January, 1885, Mr. Raiff was married to Miss Edith C. Wolfe, a daughter of Francis Wolfe, of Coshocton county. They have one son, Frank, who was born in 1889 and is now associated in business with his father.   Mr. Raiff is a member of Coshocton Lodge, No. 376, B. P. O. E., the Royal Arcanum, and the National Union His life has been a most busy and useful one. He has never been afraid of hard work, nor of that laborious attention to detail, which is so necessary in the achievement of success. He works to secure maximum results at a minimum expenditure of time and   HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 447   labor which is the secret of all successful manufacture. He employs, too, only the best processes, and that the concern is conducted along the most progressive lines is proved by the fact that no better quality of ware is produced in the entire country.   VALENTINE E. BAHMER.   Valentine E. Bahmer, deceased, who for nearly forty years was engaged in the boot and shoe business in Bakersville, and was the owner of a valuable farm of eighty-four acres in Adams township, was born in Bucks township, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 11, 1841. His parents were Valentine and Elizabeth (Thomas) Bahmer, natives of Germany. They came to Tuscarawas county at an early date, and thence to Adams township, Coshocton. county, about 1878. Here they engaged in farming and spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of ten children, of whom six are now living, namely : Daniel, of Winona, Minnesota; Audrey, a resident of New York city; Adam, who lives in Philadelphia; Jacob, who resides in Adams township; Elizabeth, the wife of Alexander Agnus, of New Cumberland, Ohio; and Emma, the wife of C. E. Mizer, of Bakersville.   Valentine E. Bahmer at the age of fifteen years was apprenticed to John Eckhart, of Ragersville, to learn the shoemaker's trade. He remained with him for two and one-half years, then went as a journeyman to Canal Dover, where he remained for a short time, and from there to Shanesville. At this period the Civil war was in progress, and October 13, 1862, Mr. Bahmer returned to Ragersville and enlisted in Company K, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the army for eleven months, receiving his discharge in September, 1863. He then resumed work at his trade and was employed consecutively at Mansfield, Ohio; Ashland, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; Columbus, Ohio; Covington, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Galion, -Ohio, going from the last named place to Bakersville in 1869, where he resided permanently henceforth. Here he built up a flourishing business and became one of the prominent citizens of the place. In 1880 he was appointed postmaster, an office which he held for the succeeding four years. He was again appointed in 1890 and served until 1894, and in 1907 received the appointment for the third time, a position which he was occupying at the time of his death.   On January 3, 1866, Mr. Bahmer was united in marriage to Elizabeth Schweitzer, who was born in Bucks township, Tuscarawas county, May 16, 1844, the daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Froelich) Schweitzer. Both parents were natives of Germany, where they were married. They came to America in 1839 and located on a farm in Tuscarawas county, where they spent the remainder of their days. The father died in 1855, aged fifty years, while the mother passed away in 1868 at the age of sixty. They were the parents of five children, of whom four are now living, namely: Henry V., of New Philadelphia, Ohio; Adam, who resides in Shanesville; Elizabeth,   448 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY   the wife of our subject; and Margaret, the wife of John Dreher, of Adams township.   Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bahmer were born eight children, namely; Phoebe, the wife of Dr. J. D. Lower, of Coshocton, Ohio; Charlie V.; William, who is deceased; Lewis E., who resides in New Philadelphia, Ohio; Alfred F., deceased; Harry J., a resident of Columbus; Carrie B., who is a twin sister of Harry J., and the wife of Rev. D. S. Carpenter, of Conesville, Ohio; and Mayme, who resides at home.   The eldest son, Charlie V., was born in Bucks township, Tuscarawas county. Ohio, December 16, 1869. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, receiving his education in the public schools. At the age of twenty-one he engaged in teaching, an occupation which he followed in Tuscarawas county for three years. He then went to Cleveland, where he remained one year, and August 13, 1898, he enlisted in the Spanish war and was assigned to the hospital corps at Camp Wyckoff, Long Island. He received his discharge at Fort Washington, New York, on May 18, 1899, following which he returned home for his marriage, which occurred December 29, 1899. His wife was Miss Flora Wasem, a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, born May 4, 1876, and a daughter of Henry and Sarah Wasem. Both parents are natives of Tuscarawas county where they have ever made their home and are now living, the father at the age of sixty-five years, and the mother aged sixty. They were the parents of seventeen children, of whom fifteen are now living. Following his marriage Charlie V. Bahmer returned to Cleveland and engaged in the occupation of cable splicing for the telephone company. He later located in Columbus and from there went to Baltimore, where he has resided for the past eight years. His political allegiance is given to the democracy, while religiously he is affiliated with the Presbyterian church.   In his political views Valentine E. Bahmer was a stanch democrat and was an active worker for his party's interests. There was not a township office that he did not fill at some period of his career, which simple statement attests the confidence that was reposed in him by his fellow citizens, a confidence which was never betrayed. In his death, which occurred on the 1st of July, 1908, the community lost one of its most valued members, as his faithful service in office, his trustworthiness in business and his faithfulness in friendship, all combined to make him one of the leading citizens of this part of the state.   JAMES NELSON.   James Nelson, who throughout a long period was identified with the agricultural life and interests of Coshocton county and has lived retired since 1902, is also an honored veteran of the Civil war. He was born in Coshocton county. February 14, 1843, and acquired his education in the district schools, attending, however, for only a few weeks each year, until he had reached   HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 449   the age of fifteen years. He then learned the shoemaker's trade under the direction of his father but at the outbreak of the Civil war put aside all business and personal considerations and when a youth of eighteen years offered his services to the government. He enlisted in September, 1861, as a member of the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. At the end of that time he reenlisted and served until the close of hostilities. He took part in many of the most important engagements of that long and bitter struggle and was with Sherman on his campaign through Georgia. He was wounded September 3, 1864, and was in the hospital until he was mustered out at Nashville, July 28, 1865.   Following his return from the war, Mr. Nelson engaged in farming in Coshocton county, near Canal Lewisville, where he has lived to the present time. 'He was throughout a long period connected with agricultural interests and in his undertakings met with unbounded success. In 1902 his public-spirited citizenship brought to him honor through his appointment to the position of postmaster of Canal Lewisville, in which capacity he served for five years, giving prompt and efficient service in the discharge of his public ,duties. When his term of office had expired he retired to private life and now occupies a nice home in this village, where he is surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.   Mr. Nelson established a home of his own by his marriage, on the 1st of January, 1871, to Miss Isabelle Kitsmiller and their union has been blessed with nine children, five sons, and four daughters, of whom one son and two daughters are now deceased. Mr. Nelson gives his political support to the republican party and has always taken a deep and lively interest in public affairs. He is a representative of the class of substantial builders of a great commonwealth, who serve faithfully in establishing and maintaining its material interests and he exerts a wide influence throughout his home locality, where he is held in high esteem.   WILLIAM MONTGOMERY SMITH.   William Montgomery Smith, engaged in the drug business in Coshocton, was born in Lafayette township, this county, August 21, 1854. His father, Daniel A. Smith, was a native of the same locality and became a farmer, devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits. His diligence and perseverance resulted in bringing to him a gratifying measure of success. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted with the one hundred-day men, but never saw active service. He wedded Mary Barcroft, a native of Harrison county, Ohio, who at the age of seventy-eight years still survives her husband, Mr. Smith having passed away in 1888.   In the district schools of the neighborhood William M. Smith pursued his education, dividing his time between the duties of .the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm. After he put aside his. text-books he worked on the farm, and the broad, practical experi-