(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) BIOGRAPHICAL JUDGE SAMUEL H. NICHOLAS. Judge Samuel H. Nicholas, occupying the common pleas bench in Coshocton, adds to his comprehensive knowledge of the law in the performance of his judicial duties the commendable trait of executing the business of the courts with dispatch as well as fairness. Roscoe numbers him among her native sons, the year of his birth being 1856. His father, Hon. John D. Nicholas, served on the common pleas bench from 1887 to 1897. The son attended the common schools of Roscoe and Coshocton, and in 1875 became a student in Kenyon College, but was obliged to discontinue his course there because of ill health. The following year, however, he pursued a course in psychology and English literature at Wooster University and, ere entering upon the study of law, devoted one year to the carpenter's trade. Determined to follow in the professional footsteps of his father, he became a law student in the office of Nicholas & James, then regarded as one of the strongest law firms of Coshocton. After three years of study he was admitted to the bar and located for practice in the county seat. Gradually he has advanced in his Profession to a foremost place in the ranks of the legal fraternity, possessing the ability that enabled him to cope with intricate legal problems and bring them to successful. solution. With a mind naturally logical and inductive in its reasoning and analytical in its tendency, Judge Nicholas has never feared the arduous labor which is so necessary in the preparation of cases for the courts, while in his presentation of his case he has displayed the soundest reasoning, together with the utmost accuracy in the application of legal principles to the points at issue. In 1885 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county and made an exceptional record by his energy and fidelity in serving the people during his two terms' incumbency in the position. In 1889 he was given an appointment as member of the supreme court examining commission of the state, for the examination of candidates for admission to the bar, and thus served for three consecutive terms. In 1897 he was a candidate for common pleas judge and had strong - 5 - 6 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY support, but at length the convention endorsed the candidacy of Judge Cason. In 1906, however, the name of Mr. Nicholas was again before the primaries when, gaining the nomination he was later elected by ,a large majority. Following his election he immediately dissolved his partnership with W. S. Merrell, and since his elevation to the bench has allowed no personal element or opinion to sway him in the fair and faithful administration of justice. He is entirely opposed to the methods of some judges who allow the work of the courts to accumulate on the docket until judgment, if at length secured, comes after long delay. He dispatches the business of the courts in the same prompt and able manner which he displayed in caring for the business of his clients as a practitioner. Several murder cases and others of importance have been tried before him, and he, has vindicated the highest expectations of his friends, giving, proof of the fact that he possesses a judicial mind and is an able minister in the temple of justice. After the death of his father Judge Nicholas was elected an honorary member of all the military associations to which his father had belonged. He stands as one of the prominent representatives of democracy in this part of the state and has been an able, speaker on the hustings, always addressing his audience in forceful manner upon the questions of the day, of which he has ever been an intelligent and discriminating student. Fluency of speech and clearness of thought have made him a valued orator on many public occasions and he is regarded as one of the most popular speakers in Coshocton county. C. W. KARR. C. W. Karr, a successful and enterprising merchant of Keene, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, March., 9, 1872, his parents being John W. and Hester J. (Duncan) Karr, the former a native of Coshocton county, Ohio. and the latter of Holmes county, Ohio. John W. Karr was called to his final rest May 30, 1903, but his wife still survives him and makes her home in this county. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, namely: W. D., a resident of Coshocton county; Lula, the wife of D. C. Lawrence, of this county; one who died in infancy; C. W., of this review; Frank E. and John, both of whom are residents of Coshocton county; Joe, living in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; and Ross, of. Wayne county, Ohio. C. W. Karr obtained his education in the common schools and when fifteen years of age entered upon his business career as a clerk, being thus engaged for seven years. On the expiration of that period he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he was employed as a street-car conductor for five years. In 1899 'he became connected With the mercantile interests of this county, opening an establishment at Keene which he has since successfully conducted. Because of his well selected line of goods, reasonable prices and straightforward business methods he receives an extensive and profitable patronage HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 7 and is well known as one of the prosperous and enterprising merchants of the county. On the 22d of April, 1902, occurred the marriage of Mr. Karr and Miss Nettie Densmore, a daughter of Hiram and May (Wolfe) Densmore, who are residents of Coshocton county. Mrs. Karr was one of a family of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of two, Francis and John W. In his political views Mr. Karr is a stalwart republican and has served as township treasurer for six years, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and many sterling traits of character. JOSEPH M. HAGANS. The agricultural interests of Coshocton county find a worthy representative in Joseph M. Hagans, who owns and operates sixty-eight acres of well improved land, located in New Castle township. Mr. Hagans was born in the village of New Castle, December 16, 1861, a son of John and Elizabeth (Gowder) Hagans. The father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, May 12, 1824, and was reared and married in his native state. The year 1859 witnessed his arrival in Coshocton county, at which time he located in the village of New Castle. He later purchased land in New Castle township and was actively engaged in fanning throughout his remaining days. In 1866 he joined the Christian Union church and remained an active member of the same until the church was abandoned, after which he became identified with the Methodist Protestant church, of which he was a devoted and helpful member until his death, which occurred April 22, 1898, when he was seventy-three years of -age. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Gowder, was likewise a native of the Keystone state and was there united in marriage to Mr. Hagans, November 22, 1849. She came with her husband to the Buckeye state and was numbered among the pioneer women of this section. She, too, has passed away, her death occurring June 6, 1908, and her remains were interred by the side of her husband in the New Castle cemetery. Their family numbered eight children, as follows: Samuel, a motorman of Newark, Ohio; John F., a railroad man of Nellie, this state; Benjamin, a farmer of New Castle; Ellen, the wife of Albert Houston, a resident farmer of Newark; Isaac S., also farming near New Castle; Joseph M., of this review; George W., who follows farming near New Castle; and Lillie, the wife of French Donaker, a farmer of Perry township. There are also thirty-two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in the family. Joseph M. Hagans, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the common schools of New Castle, and remained under the 8 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he began mining coal, being thus engaged for sixteen years. He then purchased his present farm, comprising sixty-eight acres of land in New Castle township, and here he has made his home to the present time. He has built a good house and barn and has otherwise improved the place and everything is kept in a neat and thrifty condition, indicating the progressive methods of the owner. He is engaged in carrying on general agricultural pursuits, and in addition to this, in connection with his brother, he operates a threshing machine, clover huller and corn shredder during their respective seasons and is employed in this way in various sections of the county. Mr. Hagans was married December 7, 1883, to Miss Margaret Allen, who was born in New Castle township, a daughter of Elias Allen, who resides in this township. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hagans has been blessed with eleven children, as follows: Sophia Ellen is the wife of Robert Renfrew, a. resident of New Castle township, and has three children living, Helen, Hazel and Pearl; and Joseph Lee, who was born May 6, 1901, and died May 11, 1901. Eugene is at home. Daisy May has departed this life. Hattie Elizabeth is the wife of Robert L. Kent, a. resident of New Castle township, and they have one child, Allison J.; and Joseph Earl, Benjamin, Leonard, Dora Oda, Dennis Royal and Gilbert Edward are still under the parental roof. Robert Lee died February 10, 1903. Mr. Hagans gives his political support to the democratic party and attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church. His success is well merited, for he has ever followed the most honorable methods in carrying on his business, is true to the terms of a contract and conscientiously discharges every business obligation to the satisfaction of all with whom he has dealings. JUDGE RUSSELL L. DONLEY. Judge Russell L. Donley, serving for the second term as probate judge of Coshocton county, is a citizen whose life record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for in this locality, where he was born and reared, Judge Donley has made for himself a most honorable place in public regard and is today numbered among the leading representatives of the legal fraternity. He was born in Bedford township on the 16th of November, 1876, a son of Thomas and Mary E. (Gelsthorpe) Donley. The father was also a native of Bedford township and a son of Joseph Donley, who was one of the first settlers of that locality, coming to this county from Pennsylvania, the place of his nativity. He married a Pennsylvania Dutch woman, and later they removed to Coshocton county, Ohio. Upon the old homestead farm here Thomas Donley was reared and the occupation with which he became familiar during his boyhood remained the pursuit to which he gave his time and energies in his later years. He has continued to reside in the same school district since the land on which the Donley schoolhouse stands HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 9 was given by his father to the district for the purposes for which it is still used. His farm comprises one hundred and thirty acres, which he has bought under a. good state of cultivation and which now returns to him a substantial income annually. In early manhood he wedded Mary E. Gelsthorpe, a native of Wellsburg, West Virginia, and a daughter of William Gelsthorpe, who was born at Kent on the Thames in England. The boyhood experiences of Judge Donley were such as usually fall to the lot of the farmer lad. Spending his youth under the parental roof he mastered the elementary branches of English learning in the public schools and afterwards attended the West Bedford high school. Determining to direct his efforts into those channels which demand strong intelligence and close application he took up the reading of law under the direction of J. C. Adams, of Coshocton, in 1896, while later he was a student in the law office of Pomerene & Pomerene, of this city. Eagerly availing himself of every opportunity for advancement in the fall of 1898 he matriculated in the law department of the Ohio State University and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1900. In June of that year he entered upon the active practice of his profession in Coshocton. He had practically made his own way through college, and the inherent force of character which he thus manifested has since been displayed in the ability and determination with which he has worked his way upward. After his graduation he found it necessary to borrow five dollars with which to pay his fare home but, though there was no brilliant outlook before him, he possessed the courage and resolution necessary to face the situation and gradually he gave to the public proof of his ability in the practice of law. For one year he practiced independently and in 1902 entered into a partnership with E. F. Stockum under the firm name of Stockum & Donley. In the preparation of his cases he was very thorough and painstaking, and his presentation of the cause before the courts showed that he had mastered the subject in dispute and was ready to meet every attack of the adversary. He was called from private practice to the bench of the probate court, being elected in November, 1902, on the democratic ticket for a term of three years. So acceptable was his service during the first term that in November, 1905, he was reelected and will continue as the incumbent of the office until February, 1909. He has been diligent in his study, thereby preparing himself still more thoroughly for the duties of the office. The recent act of the legislature makes him also the judge of the juvenile court, and in this capacity he has done a noble work in bringing delinquents under proper restraint, finding homes for many children, where they are being trained for good citizenship, and sending the more incorrigible to the reform institutions of the state. He is in thorough sympathy with the humanitarian spirit which constitutes the foundation of the juvenile courts, believing that with proper environment and training the great majority of the youthful offenders may be redeemed for lives of usefulness. On the 21st of December, 1905, Judge Donley was married to Miss Shirley Rose Thompson, who for several years prior to her marriage was the effi- 10 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY cient principal of one of the ward schools of Coshocton. They now have a little daughter, Sarah Esther. Judge Donley belongs to Fidelity Lodge, No. 135, K. P., and is an active and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is now serving on the official board. He is a young man of marked force of character and individuality, who realizes the possibilities of life and has so utilized his opportunities that each step in his career has been a forward one, bringing him nearer the goal toward which a laudable ambition urges him. It is his purpose, on the expiration of his present term, to resume the practice of law .in Coshocton and an analytical mind, untiring energy and strong purpose will gain for him success in practice equal to that which he has won on the bench. JOHN JACKSON BROWER, M.D. Dr. John Jackson Brower has well earned the proud American title of a self-made man. Necessity forced him to start out in life for himself at the age of seven years and he has since been dependent upon his own resources. For fifty years he has been a member of the medical fraternity and for forty-two years has been a practitioner in Coshocton county, where he has long enjoyed an extensive and profitable practice.. He now confines his attention to office work and consultation, desiring to retire from the more arduous duties of the profession and enjoy a period of comparative rest in the evening of life. The deference and respect which the community instinctively pays him is not the less the result of his professional ability than of an irreproachable private life. Dr. Brower was born in Leesville, Carroll county, Ohio, August 17, 1838. His father, Joseph Brower, was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, born in 1811, and when six years of age was taken to Carroll county, Ohio, by his parents. His father purchased a section of land where the city of Columbus now stands but was afterward persuaded to sell out and bought land in Carroll county. He was a veteran of the war of 1812, serving as a colonel in the second contest with England, and it was after that war, in 1817, that he left the Keystone state for Ohio. His son, Joseph Brower, was reared on a farm and throughout his entire life carried on general agricultural Pursuits. He married Polly Chinneth Jackson, whose father, John Jackson, was a cousin of General Andrew Jackson, the sixth president of the United States. He, too, was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving throughout the, war as a captain under Andrew Jackson. At the battle of New Orleans he picked up a sword. Mrs. Brower was born near Hagerstown, Ohio, and in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Joseph Brower. His death occurred in 1876, while the wife died in 1878. John J. Brower was educated at a private academy near Hagerstown, Ohio. His father was in very limited financial circumstances and, owing to HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 13 this, he left home at the age of about seven years and cared for himself until twelve years of age, spending this time in the employ of a physician. At this juncture a fortunate circumstance occurred. He won the attention and interest of a Mr. Carr, a wealthy resident of Leesville, who had lost all his children and, becoming interested in young Brower, made a proposition to educate him for a professional career provided that Mr. Brower would repay the money later. He eagerly accepted Mr. Carr's offer and became a student in the academy at Hagerstown, Ohio, where he was graduated at the age of sixteen years. He then took up the study of medicine at New Hagerstown, Ohio, in the office of Custer & Stocton, practitioners of the regular school, and afterward pursued his reading under the direction of Dr. Lathers, of Leesville. He began practicing medicine in that town in 1858 and when he entered upon his professional career was nineteen hundred dollars in debt. This would have utterly discouraged many a man of less resolute spirit and determination but he believed that he could "make good" and bent every energy toward discharging his financial obligations. He enjoyed a moderate practice at Leesville until 1866, when he located at West Lafayette, Coshocton county. In the meantime he had taken up the study of eclectic medicine under Dr. Joseph S. Burr for two years and began practice at Lafayette as a partner of his preceptor. He also studied homeopathy with Dr. Burr's wife, who was a practitioner of that school, and attended the Starling Medical College at Columbus in 1865-'6. In 1868-9 he was a student in the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, and was graduated with the M.D. degree in February, 1869. In the fall of 1866 he went to Canal Lewisville in Coshocton county, where he continued in practice until 1874. His first year's earnings there were only about six hundred dollars. This was very discouraging but in the second year his practice netted him over two thousand dollars. In the year 1874 he became a resident of Coshocton and the first year his practice brought him three thousand dollars. Since that time his business has constantly increased in volume and importance and he has always enjoyed a reputation for honorable and conscientious professional service. He now confines his attention to office practice but for a long period was the family physician in many a household in Coshocton and other parts of the county. He belongs to the Ohio Eclectic Medical Society and in professional lines is a man of broad learning and marked capability. Dr. Brower has been married three times. On the 10th of February, 1858, he wedded Miss Susan E. Benedum, of Leesville, Ohio, who died in 1883. They were the parents of three children, of whom the eldest is still living, Lucy Ida, who was born in February, 1862, and is the wife of George Kitchens, of Coshocton. In 1884 Dr. Brower wedded Martha Stockman, of this city. On the 7th of December. 1886, Miss Lillie Benedum, of Leesville, became his wife and is still living. Dr. Brower has been an extensive traveler, visiting every state in the Union and also traveling over the British Dominion from Newfoundland west, and through old Mexico. He possesses an observing eye and retentive memory and in his travels has gained a broad and comprehensive knowledge 14 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY of the places that he has visited, while his reminiscences of his trips enrich his conversation and afford him many delightful memories. Dr. Brower has now reached the age of three score years and ten, but is still an active man and one whose creditable life record well merits the respect and good will which are uniformly given him. WILLIS S. HUTCHINSON. In a history of Coshocton and its representative citizens it is imperative that mention should be made of Willis S. Hutchinson, else the record would be incomplete, for during thirty years he has been a well known, progressive and successful merchant of the city and has been a factor in other business lines which have contributed to the general commercial development. Moreover, he is one of Coshocton's native sons, and the qualities which he has displayed in his social life and in his relations to the city at large have been such as to commend him to the confidence and good will of all. His birth occurred December 31, 1847, his parents being John H. and Abagail (Phillips) the latter a native of New Jersey, while the former was born in Ireland in 1799. In early manhood John H. Hutchinson came to the United States and after a short time spent in the east removed to Coshocton about 1824, becoming one of its pioneer settlers. He was a tailor and for some years followed his trade, receiving a liberal patronage from the early residents of the county. In 1830 he was elected sheriff and filled the office for four years, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He erected what is now one of the oldest if not the oldest house still standing in Coshocton and it has no predecessors among the brick structures of the city. In later years he was engaged in farming and thus provided the necessities and comforts of life up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1870. His political support was given to the democracy, and whether in office or out of it, he labored earnestly and effectively for the public welfare. His wife was a granddaughter on the maternal side, of John Hart, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. She survived her husband about eighteen years and passed away in 1888, at the age of eighty-four. Willis S. Hutchinson was reared in Coshocton and pursued his education in the public and high schools of the pity. He made his initial step in the business world at the age of eighteen as a salesman in a dry goods store, but, ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he eagerly availed himself of an opportunity in that direction and in 1878 opened a grocery store. His previous training in merchandising well qualified him' for the successful conduct of the new enterprise and for thirty years he has conducted his store, which throughout this period has been recognized as one of the leading establishments of the character in the city. He has always carried a large and well selected line of goods and his straightforward business methods have resulted in winning him gratifying success. Moreover he HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 15 has extended his efforts to other fields of endeavor and is now a stockholder in the Electric Light & Heating Company of Coshocton, also the Coshocton Glass Company and the Citizens Telephone Company—business interests which are of value to the community as well as a source of gratifying revenue to the owners. In the year .1873 Willis S. Hutchinson was married to Miss Mary Ricketts, of Coshocton, Ohio, and unto them have been born three children: May D., the wife of E. W. Sresap, superintendent of schools at El Paso, Minds; Charles H., now deceased; and Nellie, the wife of J. W. Jones, a miller of Oak Hill, Jackson county, Ohio. Mr. Hutchinson gives stalwart support' to the democratic party and in 1886-7 served as a member of the city council. He was also one of the first members of the board of public works under the new municipal code, filling the position for about five laws. He has likewise been a member of the board of education of Coshocton, serving for fifteen years, and is the present incumbent in the office. In all of his relations to the public he has been found as a capable and faithful official, bringing to the discharge of his duties the same keen insight and spirit of enterprise which characterize him in the management of his business affairs. Fraternally he is connected with Coshocton Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and with Walhonding Council of the Royal Arcanum, while his religious belief is, indicate& in his membership in the Presbyterian church. His salient characteristics are such as have commended him to the confidence and good will of all and he now occupies an enviable position in public regard, while in business circles he has gained that material reward for labor that now classes him with the substantial and prosperous residents of his native city. BERNARD BORDENKIRCHER. Bernard Bordenkircher is one of the wealthiest landowners of Coshocton county, owning four hundred and fifty-five acres of well improved land in Linton township, all of which has been acquired through his own careful management and well directed labors. He is a native son of Coshocton county, born August 3, 1848, of the marriage of John and Katharine. (Ashbaker) Bordenkircher, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to America about 1830, at which time the father located on land in Coshocton county, erecting a log cabin with clapboard roof and puncheon floor and in this the family made their home for several years, living in true pioneer style. He eventually became the owner of one hundred and fifty-nine acres. which he improved and placed under a high state of cultivation, being numberd among the honored pioneers of this section of the state. Both the parents are now deceased; the mother passing away July 17, 1878, while the father was called to his final rest December 12, 1878. Their family of twelve children were as follows: John, Mary Ann, Rachel, Maria and Joseph, all of whom have departed this life; Jacob, a resident of Coshocton; George, who 16 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY died during his service in the Civil war; David, who makes his home in Mount Sterling, Illinois; Magdaline, also of that city; Wendell, who lives in Linton township; Bernard, of this review; and William, deceased. Bernard Bordenkircher, whose name introduces this record, acquired his education in the common schools and was reared on the home farm, spending the period of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farm lads, assisting in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and in the various other duties connected with rural life. He remained under the parental roof until the death of the parents, when he purchased of the other heirs seventy-five acres of the homestead farm and began life on his own account. As his financial resources have increased he has added to his landed possesions until he now has four hundred and fifty-five acres, all in Linton township. This land has been tiled and fenced, buildings have been erected and it has been made a valuable property. He is engaged in rasing the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, including wheat, corn and oats, and in his methods of farm work is practical and energetic, thus meeting with an excellent measure of success. Mr. Bordenkircher established a home of his own on the 22d of August, 1876, by his marriage to Miss Anna Royer, by whom he had ten, children: one who died in infancy; Adaline, at home; Frank ., who is married and has three children and who operates a part of his father's land; Ambrose, a resident of Linton township, also cultivating a part of his father's land; Jessie, who makes her home in Coshocton county; Anna, the wife of William Halesy, of Columbus, Ohio; Matilda, who is under the parental roof ; Bertha, who has departed this life; and Clarence and Katharine, also at home. The wife and mother departed this life April 15, 1907, and thus ended the life of one who was endeared not only to the members of her own household but to many neighbors and friends. Mr. Bordenkircher gives his political support to the men and measures of democracy, and for the past ten years has served as township trustee. He is a communicant of the Catholic church. Inheriting the sterling characteristics of a long line of German ancestry and endowed by nature with a good constitution, he early developed all the attributes which make the successful man. He has ever taken a lively interest in community affairs and his aid and influence can always be counted upon to advance any movement promoting the progress of his home locality. J. A. FUNK. J. A. Funk, who owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-four acres in Jefferson township, is numbered among the enterprising and prosperous farmers of this section of Coshocton county. He was born in this county, January 11, 1864, a son of Abram and Margaret (Urey) Funk, the former also a native of this county. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 17 His father, Jacob Funk, removed to the Buckeye state from Pennsylvania and settled on a farm in White Eyes township, where he remained until his death in 1864. The father lived on a farm in Jefferson township, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits until he passed away in September, 1906. He gave his political support to the republican party. The mother was born in Coshocton county and died here in 1907. The family numbered eleven children, as follows: John, a resident of Warsaw; William, who died in infancy; George, a farmer of Jefferson township; Mary, the wife of Reuben Petit, a retired farmer of Butler county, Kansas; Jane, the wife of Lambert Bucklin, who operates the home place in Jefferson township; J. A., of this review; Nanny, the wife of H. Wright, a blacksmith of Warsaw; Cora, the wife of Abe Clark, a farmer of Michigan; Harrison ; Joseph, who is engaged in farming in Jefferson township; and Anna, who met death by drowning at the age of two years. J. A. Funk, the immediate subject of this review, was educated in the public and high schools of Warsaw. He was reared on the home farm and during the summer seasons assisted his father in the operation of the home place, while in the winter months he engaged in teaching until he had attained the age of twenty-four years. At that time he engaged in the mercantile business in Warsaw, in which he continued for eight years. He then purchased his present farm of one hundred and thirty-four acres situated in Jefferson township, and here he has continued to follow farming to the present time. He has a well improved place, being supplied with substantial barns and outbuildings, while the fields have been placed under a high state of cultivation. In addition to general farming Mr. Funk is also engaged in breeding horses and owns some valuable animals. Mr. Funk was married in January, 1889, to Miss Sadie Wilson, a resident of Jefferson township, and a daughter of George Wilson. Three children grace the home, Clara, Charley and Leona. Mr. Funk supports the men and measures of the republican party, and served for four years as township clerk and for one term as trustee. He is also a member of the school board and is a member of the city council, now serving as clerk. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has ever taken a lively interest in public affairs, lending his aid and influence to the cause of every good movement and heartily promoting the progress and advancement of his community. HAMILTON BROWNING. Coshocton county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied its public offices. Among the number whose records are creditable to themselves and satisfactory to their constituents is Hamliton Browning, now serving as county sheriff. He was born in Franklin township, this county, on the 7th of June, 1851, and is a son of James and Rebecca (Elson) Browning. His father's birth occurred in Maryland, March 4, 1813, and as 18 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY a young man he came to Coshocton county, being one of the early settlers of Franklin township. He had learned and followed the millwright's trade in his native state, but soon after coming to Ohio he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and was identified with the farming interests of Franklin township until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1872. Soon afterward he removed to Tuscarawas township, where he resided until called to his final rest on the 14th of October, 1887. In the meantime he had again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Jennings, who was the widow of Reuben Jennings and still survives Mr. Browning. In his political views he was a republican and, while without ambition for public office, he was active in support of many measures for the general good along political and other lines. Hamilton Browning, like the great majority of men who have worked their way upward in commercial, industrial, professional and other lines, spent his boyhood upon a farm and began his education in the district schools. Following his mother's death he started out in life on his own account and in 1873 began work at the carpenter's trade. He seemed to possess natural taste and ability along mechanical lines and entered the employ of his brother-in-law, under whom he mastered the business, becoming an expert workman. While Mr. Browning owned and occupied a farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres in Lafayette township and supervised his agricultural interests, his time was given to carpentering and contracting and he thus prominently represented the building interests of the county until 1904. In the fall of 1903 he was elected to the office of county sheriff on the republican ticket, being the first member of his party chosen to the office in the county since 1854. That he proved capable and loyal was indicated by a reelection in 1905 and he is now serving for the second term, being one of the popular county officials of Coshocton county and one who in the discharge of his duties is as fearless as he is prompt and efficient. In February, 1879, Mr. Browning was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Craig, of Lafayette township, and unto them have been born two daughters: Emma Odessa, the wife of Ira F. Wiggins, a farmer of Lafayette township; and Bernice Alfredo, at home. Such in brief is the life record of Hamilton Browning, a native son of Coshocton county and one who in every relation of life has enjoyed the good will of many friends. H. H. BRILLHART. H. H. Brillhart, who was formerly actively identified with general agricultural pursuits in Coshocton county, is now living retired in Warsaw, although he is still in possession of valuable land, owning three hundred and ninety-two acres, situated in Jefferson township. Mr. Brillhart is a native son of Coshocton county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Monroe township, April 9, 1841, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Chambers) Brillhart. The family is of Holland descent, the paternal grandfather of HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 19 our subject having come from that country to America in a very early day. He located in York, Pennsylvania, and it was there that Samuel Brillhart was born in 1795. He was, however, reared in Rockingham county, Virginia, having been taken there by his parents during his early boyhood. At the age of Fifteen years Samuel Brillhart made his way to Coshocton county, Ohio, and located on a farm in. Monroe township. On his arrival here he had but seventy-five tents in money and a large family to support. The first year their food consisted mainly of the little corn which he was able to raise and wild game. Being a natural mechanic and gunsmith, he made his own gun, with which he brought down many a deer. He was an expert shot and often Attended shooting contests, where the prizes consisted of sections of beef, at one time three-quarters of a beef and the hide being offered. In his youth Mr. Brillhart learned the trades of a cooper, wagonmaker, blacksmith and house joiner and he made the first wagon in Monroe township. In those early days he took his grain to mill at Zanesville, Ohio. He became a wealthy man, owning at the time of his death one thousand acres of land in Monroe township. He was engaged in general agricultural pursuits and also speculated in lands, accumulating quite a competency in this manner. He died in 1870 and was buried in the Spring Mountain cemetery. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Susanna Whitezel, by whom be had nine children, namely: David, Mary Anne, Elizabeth, Sarah, John and Catherine, all of whom are deceased; Samuel, a resident of Blissfield, Ohio; Phoebe, deceased; and one who died in infancy. His second wife bore the maiden name of Mary Chambers and their union was blessed with three children: William A., of Muncie, Indiana; H. H., of this review; and B. F., who is mentioned on another page of this work. H. H. Brillhart was educated in the Spring Mountain schools and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, assisting his father from the time of early spring planting -until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. His patriotic spirit being aroused at the time of the Civil war, he enlisted for service in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days' service, but was taken sick soon afterward and discharged on account of disability. Returning from the war he resumed farm labor on the home place and remained under the parental roof until his father's demise, which occurred in 1870. He then came to Jefferson township and engaged in farming. As the years have come and gone and he has prospered he has added to his possessions until today he owns three hundred and ninety-two acres, all located in Jefferson township.- He was formerly actively and busily engaged in farming but is now living retired in Warsaw, merely giving supervision to his property. Although he has acquired wealth, he has not allowed this to claim his entire attention, for he has ever been deeply interested in the welfare of his community. Mr. Brillhart was married to Miss Caroline Heaton, a resident of Coshocton county, and their union has been blessed with one son, Charlie, who follows farming in Jefferson township. He gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, but has never been active as an 20 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY office seeker. He belongs to tthe Patrons of Husbandry at Princeton and to Newton Stanton Post, G. A. R.., at Warsaw, while his wife is a member of the Evangelical church. The terms progress and patriotism might be considered the' keynote of his character, for throughout his career he has labored for general improvement and his own individual success today classes him with the wealthy and substantial citizens of this section of the state. JOHN JACKSON ROSE. It is seldom that the news of death causes such uniform regret as was felt in Coshocton and this county when it was announced that the life record of John Jackson Rose was ended. This could only be said of a man whose many good qualities and sterling worth, whose genial manner and kindly disposition had made him popular. He was for a number of years associated with the commercial interests of the city and his salient traits as a merchant constituted a most commendable feature in his career. There were, however, many other elements in his life that made him worthy the regard and good will of those with whom he came in contact and his life history cannot fail to prove of interest to the readers of this volume850rn in Roscoe, November 19, 11850, he died in Coshocton, May 22, 1907, at the age of fifty-seven years. He came of French ancestry fortified with old Virginian blue blood. His father, Daniel Rose, was a manufacturer, furniture dealer and undertaker. His birth occurred at Zanesville, Ohio, to which place his parents had recently removed from the isle of Guernsey, Franca. He married Alcinda G. Ricketts, who was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, and accompanied her parents, Anthony and Henrietta Ricketts, to Ohio when six years of age, the family fording the Ohio river at Steubenville. Thus in both the paternal and maternal lines J. J. Rose was descended from pioneer families of this state. His paternal grandfather built the first foundry and machine shop in Coshocton county at the end of the Roscoe bridge, and from that time representatives of the name have figured prominently in connection with the industrial and commercial interests of the locality. The death of Daniel Rose occurred April 28, 1888, when he was sixty-three years of age, while his wife passed away January 7, 1888, at the age of fifty-nine years. Reared in his native village, J. J. Rose pursued his education in the public schools until he completed the high-school course by graduation. He was a close and earnest student and always a well read man, keeping in touch with the questions and issues of the dacontinuallythe same time he was cont'nually broadening his knowledge of business matters and conditions. Soon after putting aside his text-books he was apprenticed to the plasterer's trade and became a journeyman. Eventually he began contracting on his own. account and, meeting with good success in that undertaking, was thus enabled to enter commercial circles as a furniture dealer and undertaker in partnership with his father. The business relation between them was estab- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 23 liked in 1876 and was so continued until the death of the senior partner in 1888. John J. Rose then became sole proprietor. This was one of the leading establishments of the kind in the city. The firm enjoyed an extensive and growing patronage because of the straightforward business methods they pursued and the excellent line of goods which they carried. Mr. Rose would never countenance the employment of any business methods that would not bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. His path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes, nor would he allow any act of his to prove a stumbling block in the business career of another who was working diligently and honorably to secure success. A careful review of the business situation had led him' to understand that in the individual, and not in his environment nor circumstances, are the possibilities of success and, knowing this, he closely applied himself to his work and in the course of time established an enterprise which is one of the leading commercial concerns of Coshocton. Mr. Rose was married twice. On the 5th of January, 1876, he wedded Miss Weltha L. Ransom, who died leaving a daughter, now Mrs. Charlotte Herbig. The mother passed away February 17, 1892, and on the 8th of September, 1896, Mr. Rose wedded Miss Linnie M. Sims, who still survives together with their little daughter, Phyllis Kathryn, born June 21, 1898. Mr. Rose gave his political support to the republican party with which he became identified on attaining his majority. He was in full sympathy with its principles and worked for their adoption but he never sought office as a reward for his party loyalty. He, however, served as a delegate to several state conventions and on one occasion was an alternate to the republican national convention. He was well known for his active and helpful interest in fraternal matters, holding membership with the Knights of Pythias, while, in Masonry he had attained the Knight Templar degree, being the first member of the commandery at Coshocton who departed this life. He was also a member of the Sons of Veterans and all these organizations followed his remains to their last resting place. Although he did not hold membership with any church, he was in hearty sympathy with religious work and contributed to its support, attending the services of the Presbyterian church with his wife. When death claimed him one of the local publications said: "Mr. Rose was a self-made man, who raised himself to comparative affluence by his own industry and integrity. Life was not an easy path for him but he smiled and laughed along the way and the burdens grew lighter. There was no better known figure on the streets of Coshocton, no one who was more welcome in a little informal gathering of business men. He always had his viewpoint on public questions and men knew his opinions and respected them. Every one recognized that he was sincere in what he believed and while he never failed to give strong and sturdy expression to his views if the occasion demanded, his friends and those who came within the closer circle of his acquaintance knew him as a most tender-hearted man. No one came to him for help or counsel in vain and his words of sympathy cheered many a man in facing difficulties. Outspoken and emphatic in his words, firm in 24 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY his convictions and unswerving in carrying out his own ideas, when the day came at last he was notified to lay aside the worries of his life, as all men must some day, nobody could harbor anything but the most heartfelt good will for this man, who had the courage as few men have to speak his thoughts and fight to the last ditch for what his inner nature prompted him' to support." The funeral of Mr. Rose was one of the largest ever seen in Coshocton. Knights Templar, Knights of Pythias and Sons of Veterans, to the number of nearly three hundred and fifty, marched in solemn procession to the cemetery where the interment was made, and more than these, there came many other friends who had known him in the varied relations of life and had learned to honor and respect him. He was faithful to those to whom he gave his friendship, was loyal in his citizenship and true to every trust, but his best traits of character were reserved for his own home and fireside and there it is that his loss will be most deeply felt. However, he left his impress for good upon the community, while his history forms no unimportant chapter in the annals of Coshocton during the latter years of the nineteenth and the opening years of the twentieth century. CHARLES P. STEPHAN, M.D. Dr. Charles P. Stephan, a well known representative of the medical fraternity of Coshocton county, now successfully practicing in New Bedford, was born in Baltic, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, September 26, 1880. His parents were P. and Elizabeth (Hahn) Stephan, the former born in Germany and the latter in Tuscarawas county. In early life P. Stephan accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world and at the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of his adopted country and served for four years as a volunteer in the Union army, enduring all of the hardships and privations which are meted out to the soldier. He participated in many hotly contested battles, including the engagements at Murfreesboro and Shiloh. He was twice wounded while in the service, once in the limb and again sustained a scalp wound. He never faltered in the performance of his military duty, whether it called him to the thickest of the fight or stationed him on the lonely picket line. After the war was over he returned to Coshocton county and for one year was a resident of Bakersville. On the expiration of that period he went to Baltic, Tuscarawas county, where he established a store and has since been identified with its commercial interests. He has prospered as three years have passed and now owns and conducts two large stores in Baltic, and is also the owner of an extensive farm in Tuscarawas county. He posses energy and perseverance and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His family numbers six children: Edward, at home ; Margaret, the wife of Professor Shutt, of Canton, Ohio; Cora I., the life of Rev. J. R. McFadden, of Kansas; Amelia, the wife of E. J. Putt, of Ric; Charles P., of this review; and Orbin, deceased. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 25 At the usual age Dr. Stephan was sent to the public schools and, continuing his course through consecutive grades, was graduated from the high school at the age of sixteen years. He then engaged in teaching for a year, after which he spent two years as a student in Baldwin University, devoting his time to the study of medicine. He was also a student at Mount Union fcr two years and then went to Columbus, where he was graduated in 1906. Following his graduation he practiced for one year with Dr. D. N. Kinsmere, of the capital city, and on the expiration of that period came to New Bedford, where he has since been located in the active practice of his chosen profession. He is a physician of ability and moreover possesses laudable ambition to achieve success by promoting his efficiency in further study and research. To this end he is planning to spend a portion of 1909 in New York city with the intention of there pursuing a course in women's and children's diseases. On the 1st of September, 1907, Dr. Stephan was married to Miss Wilda Lower, who was born in New Bedford in 1888 and is one of the eight daughters of Henry and Amanda (Lowe) Lower, who are still residents of New Bedford. Dr. and Mrs. Stephan are very prominent socially in their home town, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Stephan votes with the republican party but, while he is deeply interested in its success, he takes no active part in its work, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties. WILLIAM F. MOWERY. William F. Mowery, who owns and operates a valuable and well improved farm of three hundred and ten acres in Bethlehem township, was born in this township on the 12th of December, 1850, his parents being Abraham and Mary (Konkle) Mowery. The father's birth occurred in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia in 1830, and when a little lad of four years he was brought by his parents to Coshocton county, Ohio. This part of the country was at that time practically a wilderness and, though a few courageous frontiersmen had dared to locate within its borders, the work of progress and improvement remained to the future and there was little promise of early development. The grandparents of our subject spent the remainder of their lives here, however, witnessing the gradual transformation of the wild region into a well populated and rich agricultural district. Abraham Mowery, father of William F. Mowery, followed general farming and stock-raising as a life work and by reason of his unremitting industry and perseverance accumulated a handsome property. In 1844 he wedded Mary Konkle, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1822, and who was called to her final rest on the 2d of April, 1904. His demise occurred November 11, 1877, when he had attained the age of sixty-seven years. Unto Abraham and Mary (Konkle) Mowery were born six children, namely: Alvira, deceased; William F., of this review; George S., a resident of St! Louis, Missouri; Hawley, of Warsaw: 26 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY Ohio; May S., the wife of George McClure, of Bethlehem township; and Henry E., who has also passed away. William F. Mowery acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age. He then took up his abode on one of his father's farms in Bethlehem township, but after residing on the same for a year, sold the property and purchased the place of three hundred and ten acres in Bethlehem township where he now lives, having placed many improvements thereon. In addition to the work of general farming he is extensively engaged in raising and feeding stock and both branches of his business return to him a gratifying- annual income. He is well known and esteemed throughout his native county as a prosperous and enterprising agriculturalist, as well as a public-spirited and substantial citizen. Mr. Mowery has been married twice. In 1876 he wedded Miss Mary Wood, whose birth occurred in Keene township in 1857. By this union there were born two sons: Ward, who is engaged in the real-estate business at Oak City; and George A., a practicing attorney of Cleveland. On the 18th of December, 1895, Mr. Mowery was again married, his second union being with Miss Emma Seward, who was born in Keene township, Coshocton county, in 1873, her parents being James and Sarah (Grim) Seward, who are still living in Keene township. Mrs. Mowery was one of a family of twelve children and by her marriage to our subject has become the mother of three sons: Wellington ., whose natal day was December 10, 1900; Walter J., born November 8, 1902; and William C., whose birth occurred November 25, 1905. Mr. Mowery gives stalwart allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has served as school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church and enjoy the regard and friendship of all with whom they have come in contact. Having resided in this county for more than a half century, he is thoroughly identified with its interests and at all times is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development. ANDREW M. FISHER. Coshocton has reason to be congratulated on having in her office of city engineer and superintendent of waterworks a man who is as capable, efficient and faithful as Andrew M. Fisher, and a proof of his ability and loyalty is found in the fact that there is not a city in Ohio of the size of Coshocton that has as many miles of paved streets or a more perfect water and sewerage system. It was in the vicinity of Coshocton that Mr. Fisher was born, May 22, 1864. His father, Andrew J. Fisher, was a native of Harrison county, Ohio, and at the time of the Civil war became a member of Company F, Fifty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Ho laid down his life on HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 27 the altar of his country, for he died in the service, while in the hospital at Madison, Indiana, May 26, 1864. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary J. Vance, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and still survives her husband, now making her home on the old Nance farm, which she owns and which was formerly the property of her father. Andrew M. Fisher was reared on the farm and after acquiring his preliminary education in the district" schools, he attended the Hopedale College, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1882. He then turned his attention to teaching and for eight or ten years was identified with educational work. He afterwards took up the study of civil engineering, pursuing a special course, and was then appointed and served for one term as county surveyor. On his retirement from that office he engaged in the general surveying business. He was then called to public office by appointment to the position of deputy county auditor under Newton. Speck-man and again by Charles Lamberson, while in 1902 he was appointed city engineer of Coshocton. Two years later he was appointed superintendent of the waterworks and is now filling the dual position. Much of his life since attaining his majority has been devoted to public service, and to the discharge of his duties he brings strong resolution and loyal purpose as well as good business ability. On the 13th of October, 1886, Mr. Fisher was married to Miss Hattie B. Gleaves, of Belmont county, Ohio. They have three children: Laura B., who is a teacher in the Coshocton schools; Cozette, who is also teaching in this city; and Emma. All are graduates of the Coshocton high school and the eldest daughter is now pursuing a special course in art in Valparaiso, Indiana. Mr. Fisher holds membership in Fidelity Lodge, No. 135, K. P., and is a member of the Disciples church, serving now on its official board. In politics he has always been a stanch democrat, but he never allows partisanship to interfere with the faithful discharge of the duties of the office. During his incumbency in the positions which he is now filling much of the street paving has been done and the sewerage system has largely been extended, so that in these regards Coshocton's advantages are equal if not superior to any city of the size in the state and, in fact, can hardly be improved upon in the larger cities. In his social relations Mr. Fisher has manifested those qualities which win a warm regard and lasting friendship and is widely known in the county of his nativity. W. H. WINSLOW. W. H. Winslow, who owns and operates one hundred and thirty-five acres of well improved land in Tiverton township, is also engaged in the nursery business, in which he is meeting with gratifying success. He is a worthy representative of an old and prominent pioneer family of Coshocton county, and was born in the township in which he now makes his home, May 21, 1856, a son of William and Louisa (Taylor) Wins- 28 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY low. The father was born in Tiverton township, Bristol county, Massachusetts, August 6, 1816, and was a lack of nine years when, in 1825, his father, William Winslow, removed with his family to this county, the family home being established in what is now Tiverton township, it being named in honor of the township of Massachusetts, where the family had previously lived. The grandfather was a farmer and mechanic, making parts of rigging for sailing vessels in the east, but after removing to Coshocton county he gave his entire time and attention to agriculture. He died here in 1858, his remains being interred in Yankee Ridge cemetery. His father, who also bore the name of William Winslow, and who was the paternal great-grandfather of our subject, was born in the old bay state and was a stonemason by trade. He was engaged in laying the foundation for a house for a Mr. Hathaway when the news regarding the Boston Tea Party reached him. He laid aside his tools and started for Boston, where he spent seven years fighting for American freedom. During this time he served under General Warren and participated in the battles of Long Island and Bunker Hill, being at the latter place when General Warren was killed. In 1812, when the British invaded Fall River, he took the old rifle which he had carried during the Revolution and handing it to his son William, told him to go to the front. He saw duty at Fall River for about two weeks. The father of our subject was reared in Tiverton township and was here engaged in farming throughout his active business career. He was a republican in his political views and affiliations. His death occurred in 1890, when he had reached the age of seventy-four years, his remains being interred in Yankee Ridge cemetery. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Louisa Taylor, was born near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and was a little maiden of six years when she accompanied her parents on their removal from the Keystone state to Holmes county, this state. She later came to Coshocton county and was here married, becoming the mother of ten children: Samantha, the wife of Austin Gaumer, a farmer of Knox county, Ohio; Rosetta, the wife of Thomas Sapp, who also follows farming in that county; Isabelle, the wife of Samuel Basin, a farmer of Knox county; Amanda, who has departed this life; Artemesia, the wife of A. W. Tendrick, a farmer of Knox county; W. H., of this review; Thomas, a resident of Brinkhaven, Ohio; Winfield Scott, deceased; Ida, the wife of Joseph Severens, a retired farmer living in Warsaw; and E. L., a practicing physician of Danville, Illinois. The mother departed this life in the fall of 1882. W. H. Winslow was reared on the home farm, early being trained to the duties which usually fall to the lot of the farmer boy. He acquired a limited education in the district schools, but is largely a self-educated man. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-eight years, when, having purchased land, he engaged in farming on his own account. He now owns one hundred and thirty-five acres situated in Tiverton township, which is improved with good buildings, while the land is in a good state of cultivation. Eight years ago, in association with a nephew, Charles McDonald, he engaged in the nursery business, which he has since conducted in connection with his farming interests. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 29 Mr. Winslow was married February 21, 1884, to Miss Ida Hunter, a resident of Tiverton township, and their union has been blessed with two daughters: Carrie Florence, who is still with her parents; and Nellie B., the wife of Claud Gamsfelder, a resident of Tiverton township. Mr. Winslow gives his political support to the republican party and he and his wife and daughters are members of the Evangelical church. His fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows and with the Patrons of Husbandry. He is deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished in the business world, for all that he today possesses has been acquired through his own careful management and well directed labors. He has never sought to figure in public life, preferring to do his duty as a private citizen and he is highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends. URIAH N. MAXWELL. Uriah N. Maxwell, who at the present time is serving as road supervisor of Tuscarawas township, where he also is engaged in general farming, is a native son of the county, born November 8, 1860, of the marriage of John and Eveline (Day) Maxwell, who were farming people. The son was reared to the duties of the home farm and pursued his studies in the district schools near his father's home. When he started out in life to make his own way in the world he engaged in farming in Franklin township, his time being thus occupied for several years. He then removed to Coshocton and was employed in various factories for several years, subsequent to which time he resumed farming in Tuscarawas township, where he has made his home since 1906. He is a practical farmer and follows the most modern methods and also uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors. He rents a fine tract of land, comprising one hundred and seventy-five acres, and improved with a good residence and substantial barns and outbuildings. Mr. Maxwell established a home of his own by his marriage on the 2d of July, 1884, to Miss Mary J. Stickle, a daughter of Jeremiah and Emma (Littick) Stickle, of Coshocton county. Their union has been blessed with six children, of whom one son died in infancy, while Agnes I. is also deceased. The living members are Stacy M., Lena R., Harland R. and Clifford L. Mr. Maxwell gives his political. support to the men and measures of the democracy and has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill public positions. From 1901 until 1904 he served as clerk of Franklin township, while prior to that time he acted as road supervisor of the township. In 1908 he was appointed to the position of road supervisor of Tuscarawas township. He is conducting his work in connection with this office to the entire satisfaction of the public and with credit to himself and thus commands the esteem and confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Protestant church, of which he served as steward for several years, while at the present writing he is acting as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a man of high moral 30 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY worth and the ideals of men like this, their personality, the history of their lives, and their profound sense of integrity could be made the text of a lesion from which the young men of today could study success. REV. OWEN J. SYNAN. Rev. Owen J. Synan, pastor of the Sacred Heart church in Coshocton, was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, October 3, 1866, a son of William E. and Catherine (Eagan) Synan, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The fat her came to the United States at the age of sixteen years and afterward learned and followed the carpenter's trade. He was employed for some time as boss carpenter in the American Print Works at Fall River. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and he was one of its leaders in Fall River, where he served for some time as alderman of the city. He died in 1873 at the comparatively early age of thirty-seven years. Rev. Father Synan was reared at home and acquired his education in. the Fall River public and high schools, being graduated from the latter in the class of 1884. He then entered Holy Cross College at Worcester, Massachusetts, and was graduated in the fall of 1887. He next matriculated in Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada, and in 1889 he was, made professor of mathematics in Regand College in the province of Quebec, remaining a member of the faculty there for four years. Father Synan took holy orders on the '16th of December, 1892, being ordained to the priesthood in Holy Cross Cathedral at Boston, Massachusetts, by the Most Rev. John A. Williams, archbishop of Boston, now deceased. In August, 1893, Father Synan came to Ohio and spent some time at the cathedral in Columbus. a In December, 1893, he was sent to Martins Ferry as assistant priest, and in January, 1894, became assistant at St. Peter's ch arch in Steubenville, Ohio. He was pastor of the Catholic church at Jackson, Ohio, for a time, and in February, 1896, was assigned to the Catholic church of Glouster and its missions in Washington county, Ohio. On the 4th of September, 1900, he was appointed pastor at Coshocton, having charge of the Catholic congregations of Coshocton county. Here Father Synan has done an excellent work during the eight years of his connection with the church. The church property includes a fine house of worship, a parsonage on the north and an excellent parochial school building. The congregation numbers about six hundred communicants and is one of the strongest and most influential religious bodies in the community. The parochial school is a new ones and its completion was the realization of a dream long and fondly cherished by Father Synan and his congregation. The ground was broken for the school building in the spring of 1906 and the structure was practically completed in the fall of that year. It was erected at a cost of about sixteen thousand dollars and is. a commodious structure, with four large schoolrooms, an attic and splendid basement which can be used as a playground in bad weather. It is built after the most HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 33 approved modern styles in school architecture, and a wing on the northwest side of the school serves as the sisters' house. The school is under the charge of the Dominican sisters, and from the beginning has enjoyed a period of prosperity. Father Synan is indeed doing a good work in Coshocton among the Catholic people and has their love in large measure, while he enjoys the respect of people, of all denominations. He is a man of scholarly attainments, most earnest and consecrated in his work, and is ever watchful over the interests of his people, his words of wisdom proving a strong element in their character building. ADAM STOCKUM. Enterprise, industry, thrift and economy are the characteristic elements in the life of Adam Stockum, who is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of Tuscarawas township, where he owns and operates a well improved -farm of one hundred and thirteen and two-thirds acres. He was born on a farm in Linton township, Coshocton county, July 4, 1844, a son of Christopher and Mary A. Stockum, being the eldest son of the family. His parents were natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in an old-time sailing vessel, the voyage requiring eighteen weeks. The father had no money when he came to the new world but, establishing his home in the wilderness of Coshocton county, as it was in that early day, he began the work of development and improvement and soon had a valuable property. Adam Stockum acquired a very limited education in the country schools, for his services were needed on the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when on the 23d of March, 1865, he offered his services to the government during the progress of the Civil war, enlisting as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, being mustered out on the 18th of December of the same year. Returning to the homestead farm, he there resumed his former tasks in which he was engaged until January 1, 1872, when he removed to Coshocton. On the 22d of March, 1877, he was .united in marriage to Miss Nancy Wells, a daughter of Charles and Susan Wells, of Coshocton county. Their marriage has been blessed with five children, two sons and three daughters: Earl; Guy F.; Louise B., now the wife of Joseph Henderson; Daisy, the wife of Samuel Ashman; and. Pearl. Following his marriage Mr. Stockum continued to follow general agricultural pursuits and now owns a fine trace of land comprising one hundred and thirteen and two-thirds acres situated in Tuscarawas township. He has made a close study of agriculture and is methodical. and systematic in his labors, so that he is numbered among the most successful farmers of his section of the state. 34 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY Mr. Stockum is a democrat in his .political affiliations and his religious views are the Englishy his membership in the.English Lutheran church. For many years he was a member of the township board of education, but has never been active as an office seeker, for his time has been fully occupied with the duties of the home farm. His enterprising and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every sense of the word. By constant exertion associated with good judgment he has gained a place among the substantial citizens of Coshocton county and commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he has business dealings. PLATT & DAVIS. The enterprising town of Plainfield finds prominent representatives of its business activities in the two gentlemen who constitute the firm of Platt & Davis, conducting a profitable and growing general mercantile business The senior partner, Joseph H. Platt, was born May 23, 1860, in Linton township, Coshocton county, his parents being Thomas and Eliza (Harbison) Platt. Both the Platt and the Harbison families were early settlers of this section of the state, the paternal grandfather having settled here in 1816, at which time he entered land from the government. He served in the war of 1812. The maternal grandfather came from Baltimore, Maryland, to Linton township, Coshocton county, in 1830, and was therefore classed among -its pioneer settlers. The father, Thomas Platt, was born in Newark, New Jersey, while the birth of the mother occurred in Baltimore, Maryland. The father was a carpenter by trade but abandoned that pursuit at the time of the Civil war to become a member of Company I, Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer- Infantry, with which he served for two years. He participated in the battle of Stone River and in many other hotly contested battles during the struggle between the north and the south. He was a democrat in his political views and allegiance and took a prominent and active part in the political life of this section of the state. He served as coroner and as sheriff of Coshocton county. His death occurred May 12, 1897, while his wife preceded him to her final rest many years before, her death occurring May 12, 1861, just thirty-six years previous. Their union was blessed with ten children, namely: Allen H., a resident of Coshocton; Mary J., the widow of William Smith; Major T. J. Platt, of West Lafayette; John P., who makes his home in Cameron, Missouri; Robert V., who has departed this life ; Agnes, the wife of Victor Vickers; Emmett, deceased; Bell, the wife of Henry Norris, and a resident of Coshocton county; Joseph H., of Plainfield, Ohio; and one who died in infancy. Joseph H. Platt was reared on the home farm and supplemented his district school education by studying in Valparaiso, Indiana. He afterward engaged in teaching in that city for two years, and from 1886 to 1890 was engaged in merchandising in West Lafayette under the firm name of Craig HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 35 & Platt. He then disposed of the business and through the next three years was again connected with educational work. In 1893 he established the present firm of Platt & Davis in Plainfield. The enterprise is proving an element in the commercial progress of the town and the business of the house is constantly increasing, owing to the straightforward methods and enterprising spirit of those who are active in its conduct. Samuel Davis, the junior partner of the firm, was born March 4, 1846, in Loudoun county, Virginia, the son of Persley and Mary A. (Gladen) Davis. The father, a native of Virginia, was born in 1811 and died while serving as a soldier in the Civil war in 1863, being at that time fifty-two years' of age. His wife, also a native of the Old Dominion, died in 18'33, at the age of fifty-two years. They had come to Coshocton county in 1852, settling in Linton township, where the father followed the, occupation of farming. He enlisted as a member of Company F, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the fall of 1862 and went to the defense of the Union, but the rigors and hardships of war undermined his health and he died the following year of pneumonia. His wife passed away the same year. They-were parents of the following children, three of whom are deceased, the others being: James H., a resident of Harrison county, Ohio; Samuel; Ann E., the wife of Daniel Larmie, of Illinois; and Mary C., the wife of James Smack, of Whiteside county, Illinois; and Malinda wife of Tunnis Eckelhemy, Cordova, Illinois. Samuel Davis was about six years of age at the time of the removal to Ohio so that he was reared upon the home farm in Coshocton county, but at the age of eighteen years he offered his services to the government. It was in September, 1864, that he joined the, boys in blue of Company I, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and thus served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Washington, D. C., while he received his honorable discharge at Cleveland, Ohio. He went with Sherman on the famous march to the sea and took part in a number of hotly contested engagements. But a boy in years, he proved a man in his loyalty, showing his devotion to the cause which he espoused by loyally following the stars and stripes until they at last floated over the capitol of the southern Confederacy. When the war was over Samuel Davis returned home and worked by the month at farm labor for two years. He then entered the employ of Major Platt, a brother of his present partner, in whose store he remained as a clerk for sixteen years, his long continuance there plainly indicating his ability and entire trustworthiness. As stated, the present firm of Platt & Davis was organized in 1893 and has since enjoyed a prosperous career. On the 13th of September, 1868, Samuel Davis was married to Miss Nancy Smith, who was born in Plainfield, July 21, 1850, and is a daughter of Thomas F. and Mary (Wells) Smith. Her father, a native of Harrison county, Ohio, was born April 8, 1817, and died November 4, 1883. His wife, also a native of Harrison county, was born November 12, 1819, and reached the ripe old age of eighty-five years. This worthy couple were married December 14, 1837, in Coshocton, Mr. Smith arriving in that city in 1836. In early life he had learned and followed the wagonmaker's trade, 36 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY but afterward engaged in merchandising in Plainfield, becoming one of the influential business men of that part of the, county. There he conducted a hotel and also was a stock-buyer. He likewise became station agent at West Lafayette, Ohio, and bought and sold land. His several business interests were well conducted and brought him a generous amount of success. He, carried the mail from Cadiz to Wheeling, West Virginia, and from Plainfield to Coshocton and Zanesville in the early days before the railroad furnished the means of rapid transportation. About four years prior to his demise he disposed of his interests and removed to Michigan, where his last days were passed. He was a very busy man and also a man of good heart and kindly spirit. Mrs. Davis says she can remember many a. time when her father would receive a. tramp into the hotel and her mothr would allow him to sleep in a clean bed, while her father would stay up all night and keep the fire going that the fellow might be comfortable. His good deeds won him the gratitude, of the community and caused his memory to be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. Into many lives he brought sunshine that brightened dark shadows and gave hope for the future. The Smith family were well known in this part of the county and all who have come in contact with them entertain for them warm a.nd kindly regard. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis was blessed with six children, but they have now lost two. Those still living are Charles, Francis, W. C. and Clarence, D., all residents of Coshocton. The parents are active and helpful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Davis is serving as a trustee. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he served as township clerk for two terms, but he, has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to "give his undivided attention to his business affairs. Comparatively few men of his years are entitled to membership with the Grand Army of the Republic, but he belongs to Work-Man Post, No. 323, and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He has always been faithful in his citizenship and progressive in his support of measures for the public good. Both Mr. Platt and Mr. Davis are held in high esteem not only in Plainfield but throughout Coshocton county, and are meeting with gratifying and well merited success in their business. FRANK MAXWELL. Frank Maxwell is an enterprising and progressive farmer of Jackson township, owning and operating ninety acres of well cultivated land. He was born in this township, September 15, 1862, a son of William and Diana (Bible) Maxwell. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and came with his parents to Coshocton county when a young lad, while the mother, whose birth occurred in Virginia, also accompanied her parents to this county when a child. The father was a man of high character and strict integrity and became prominent in the early development of this section of the state. He lived to an advanced age, passing away July 5, 1904. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 37 Frank Maxwell was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the Roscoe public schools. When he started out to make his own way in the world he chose as his life work the occupation to which, he had been reared, and in this he has continued to the present time. He has improved his farm with good and substantial barns and outbuildings, has tiled and fenced the fields, so that they yield abundant harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. Mr. Maxwell established a home of his own by his marriage on the 15th of February, 1881, to Miss Pauline Kaser, a daughter of Gottlieb and Christine (Cooker) Kaser, the former. a native of Germany and the latter of Coshocton county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell has been blessed with six children, three sons and three daughters: Claude, who married Floy Neldon and now lives in Coshocton; Mabel; Grace; William; Hazel; and Russell. The daughter Mabel is now the wife of Abe McConnell. Mr. Maxwell's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party. He takes an active part in the public life of this section, of the state and since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has served as a delegate to every county convention of the republican party. For six years he served as trustee of Jackson township, while at the present writing he is a member of the Roscoe board of education. He is also a member of the Methodist. Protestant church. He has an attractive home, the hospitality of which is enjoyed by the many friends of the family, while in his business and public relations he has gained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he is associated. B. F. BRILLHART. B. F. Brillhart, who is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of Coshocton county, is a representative of one of the oldest families of this section of the state. He is now the owner of one hundred and eighty-four acres of land in Monroe township, which constitutes the old homestead property. He was born April 28, 1849, a son of Samuel and Mary (Chambers) Brillhart. The family is of Holland descent, the paternal grandfather of our subject, John Brillhart, having come from that country M America in a very early day. He located in York, Pennsylvania, and it was there that Samuel Brillhart was born in 1795. He was, however, reared in Rockingham county, Virginia, having been taken, there by his parents during his boyhood. At the age of thirty-six year Samuel Brillhart made his way to Coshocton county, Ohio, and located on a farm in Monroe township. He was a natural mechanic and during his youth learned the trades of a cooper, wagon-maker, blacksmith and house joiner. He was also a gunsmith- and was an expert at shooting. He became a wealthy man, owning at the time of his death one thousand acres of land in Monroe township, though he started out in life almost penniless. He was engaged in general agricultural pursuits and also speculated in lands, accumulating a competence in this manner. 38 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY He died in 1870 and was buried in Spring Mountain cemetery. He was twice married, being only twenty years of age when he married Miss Susanna Whitezel, by whom he had nine children, namely: David; Mary Anne, Elizabeth, Sarah, John and Catherine, all of whom are deceased; Samuel, a resident of Blissfield, Ohio; Phoebe, deceased; and one who died in infancy. In 1838 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Chambers, who was born in 1806 and died in 1897. Their union was blessed with three children: William A., of Muncie, Indiana; H. H., now living retired in Warsaw, who is mentioned on another page of this work; and. B. F., of this review. B. F. Brillhart was educated in the district schools of Monroe township and in early life assisted his father in the operation of the home, place until the latter's death, after which he managed the farm for his mother until he himself took possession of the property. In 1883 he erected a fine brick residence, which is one of the largest and most substantial in Monroe township. He, has otherwise improved the place with good buildings and has placed the fields under a high state of cultivation. He has one hundred and eighty-four acres and is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, making a specialty of sheep. Like his father, he learned the trades of a blacksmith and wagonmaker but has always given his time and attention to farming and is today numbered among the successful citizens of this section of the state. Mr. Brillhart was married November 27, 1873, to Miss Eliza A. Miller, who was born in Keene township, Coshocton county, a daughter of Saul and Elizabeth (Miller) Miller. Her great-grandfather, Henry Miller, served for seven years in the Revolutionary war, while her grandfather, Nicholas Miller, belonged to a company of militia organized to defend the homes against the Indians. The latter came to Coshocton county from Hampshire county, Virginia and preempted land from the government, which he cleared and improved. While building his cabin he lived under a rock and often had to frighten away the bears and other wild animals. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Darling and was a daughter of Robert and Cynthia (Severs) Darling. She drove a four-horse team on the removal of her family to this county when she was eighteen years of age. Mrs. Brillhart's father, .Saul Miller, was born in Keene township, September 18, 1815, and became a prosperous farmer, owning at the time of his death more than seven hundred acres of land in that township. He died December 30, 1882, at the age of sixty-seven years, and Mils. Brillhart's mother passed away in 1879. being laid to rest in Roscoe cemetery. Mr. Miller was' again married in 1881, his second union being with Jane Cresap. By his first wife he had thirteen children, four of whom died in infancy, the others being Franklin I)., deceased, who was a soldier of the Civil war; Eliza A., now Mrs. Brillhart; Alexander, deceased; Anderson D.; Mary, deceased; Howard; Isabel, deceased; Julia; and Lizzie. On the maternal side Mrs. Brillhart is a great-great-granddaughter of Major William Robinson, of the Revolution ary war, who during Dunmore's war was captured by the Indians and three times tied to the stake, to be burned but each time was untied by Logan, chief of the Mingoes, and a belt of wampum was placed around his waist HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 39 as a mark of adoption. (See Howell's History of Ohio for further. particulars). The Major's daughter Margaret was Mrs Brilihart's great-grandmother, and her daughter, Edith Tanner, was the grandmother and Elizabeth A. Miller the mother of Mrs. Brillhart. Mr. Brillhart gives his political support to the republican party where national issues are involved but at local elections he casts an independent ballot. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church but they attend the Evangelical church. Mr. Brillhart has spent his entire life on his present farm and it has therefore, been made dear to him through the associations of his early boyhood and youth as well as through the experiences of later life. He is thoroughly identified with every interest tended to promote the welfare of his community and no man in this section of the state is held in higher esteem than is Mr. Brillhart. W. J. WALKER. W. J. Walker, who is successfully engaged in general merchandising at West Bedford, was here born on the 11th of July, 1871, his parents being John and Narcissa (Barnes) Walker. The grandfather, James Walker, who was a native of Ireland, took up his abode in New York after emigrating to the new world but later journeyed westward, locating in Jefferson township, Coshocton county, Ohio, where he spent the, remainder of his life and was buried. John Walker, the father of our subject, is a native of Jefferson township, Coshocton county, Ohio, and throughout his active business career was engaged in general agricultural pursuits but is now living retired in West Bedford. In 1861 he enlisted as a soldier in the Union army as a member of Company H, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of hostilities. He was wounded in the battle of Stone River and was ever a faithful and loyal soldier, never faltering in the performance of any duty assigned him. His wife, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, was brought to this county when three years of age and continued to reside here until called to her final rest in 1906, her remains being interred at West Bedford. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Walker were born seven children, namely: Blanche, deceased; Charles B., a farmer of Bedford township; W. J., of this review; Frank and Fred, twins, residing in West Bedford; and Wade and Worth, both of whom have passed away. W. J. Walker supplemented the preliminary education which. he had acquired in the district schools of Bedford township by a course of study at Lebanon, Ohio. When sixteen years of age he began teaching school and was thus successfully engaged for fifteen years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In 1903 he purchased the mercantile business of A. L. Smith and has since been engaged as a dealer in general merchandise, including flour, feed and salt, at West Bedford, having gained an extensive patronage by reason of his straightforward business methods and reasonable prices. When he bought the store his 40 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY stock was valued at thirteen hundred dollars but it has been gradually increased until it is now worth four thousand dollars. The firm of Walker Brothers owns the store building, while W. J. Walker also owns the finest residence in the, town of West Bedford. He is widely recognized as a man of excellent business ability and unfaltering integrity, his success being entirely the result of his unremitting industry and well directed energy. In 1903 Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Olie Z. Reed, a resident of Keene township, by whom he has one child, Ruth. He is a stalwart republican in his political views and takes an active interest in public affairs, his fellow townsmen having called him to various positions of trust and responsibility. He is a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as class leader, and his wife is also identified with the same denomination. They are widely and favorably known as people, of genuine personal worth and many sterling traits of character and have gained an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the community. ARCHIBALD HARVEY THOMSON. The events in which the subject of this review has participated cannot fail to make his history one of intense interest to the readers-of this volume, especially as, to quote the words of a fellow townsman, "No man rides the streets of Coshocton in whom the people take greater pride than Archie Thomson." He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, October 29, 1835. His father, Dr. Joseph Thomson, was a physician of national reputation. He was educated in the Edinburgh University and practiced with splendid success for fifty-three years. At his death in 1870, a large and beautiful monument was erected to his memory by his patients. He had the keenest love for sport but was strongly opposed to gambling and never allowed that feature of life to enter into his enjoyment of sports. His wife, Jean Harvey, also a native of Scotland, passed away in 1882. There were seven sons in the family, to whom the father left a handsome patrimony. This number included A. H. Thomson, of Coshocton, who, reared under the parental roof, pursued his early education in a private school at Dalmeny, about four miles from Edinburgh. Subsequently he attended the Merkison Academy, and in 1855 he joined the British troops engaged in the Crimean war, going to the front with a cousin who was adjutant of the Forty-second Regiment. Mr. Thomson acted as adjutant's clerk without pay, prompted to this step by a desire to see the world, and while at the front he witnessed most of the engagements in which the British troops participated. Following his return, to Scotland in 1856, Mr. Thomson became a student in the veterinary college. at Edinburgh, which is the finest in the, world. He did not complete his course there, however, but returned to Merkison Academy, where he remained as a student for a year and a half. He made his initial step in the business world as a junior partner in the wholesale HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 43 tea house of R. H. Thomson & Company of Edinburgh, there continuing until twenty-four years of age. This proved a successful venture and while he was thus engaged he found pleasure and recreation in indulging his love of horses, owning a number of fine jumpers and other good steeds. In 1859 he decided to come to the United States and located in Akron, Ohio, where he obtained a position as clerk in the Empire Hotel. He had been a resident of the new world for only a brief period, however, when in the spring of 1861 he espoused the Union cause and enlisted as a member of Company G, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, in response to the call for ninety-day men. Over one-half of the company reenlisted as members of the Second Ohio Cavalry ten days prior to the expiration of their first term. Mr. Thomson was among the number who reenlisted for three years and did active duty at the front and elsewhere. In the summer of 1863 seven of the regiment were sent home to recruit enough men to fill up the regiment. It was during that time that he was made a sergeant of his company and soon afterward was promoted to the, rank of second lieutenant. He and his comrades were so successful in recruiting service that they enlisted a new regiment known as the Twelfth Cavalry, and in this Mr. Thomson was made a captain. He participated in thirty-seven battles and was slightly wounded three times, on one occasion his left hand being injured in a hand to hand conflict. He participated in the last fight of the war in August, 1865, and was honorably discharged on the 29th of November following. Aside from the usual experiences of the soldier and officer, Captain Thomson was the participant in a number of events which he recalls with great interest and which are worthy of mention here. About the 18th of April, 1865, he was sent under a flag of truce to Charlotte, North Carolina, with E. M. Clark, a member of his company, as an escort. They were conducted to headquarters, where. the guard pointed out General Echols, who sat at one end of a long table and to him Captain Thomson gave his dispatches. While waiting for a reply he glanced around the room, where he saw sixteen or eighteen gentlemen, all in military uniform with one or two exceptions. Colonel Cal Morgan, who had been a Union prisoner a few months before, approached Captain Thomson and said, extending his hand, "I believe you and I are hot altogether strangers." As they chatted, a gentleman in a civilian suit addressed General Echols. As he did so Captain Thomson recognized Jeff Davis and says that he saw " a much pleasanter faced man than the northern papers had pictured—a soul of kindly impulses beaming from every feature." On reading the dispatch General Echols handed it to Mr. Davis, who read it slowly and handed it back with the remark, "Well, we have lost a generous enemy." It was with these words that Mr. Davis received the, news of the assassination of President Lincoln, for the dispatch which Captain Thomson bore read as follows: "Greensboro, North Carolina. Lincoln was assassinated the night of the 14th in Ford's theater. Seward, was assassinated about the same time in his own house. Grant has marched his army back to Washington to declare himself military dictator. .(Signed) J. E. Johnson. Thus it is that there comes to the public from Captain Thomson the knowledge of the way in which the Confederate president received the news 44 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY of the death of the man whom he regarded as the greatest enemy of his (Davis') newly created country. While still at headquarters Captain Thomson was asked by General Echols, "Where is Burbridge?" "Just back of Lincolnton," came the answer but, somewhat incensed at the question, he retaliated with, "I see you have President Davis with you, General." General Echols then said, "Mr. Thomson, I am surprised at your asking any such questions while here under a flag of truce," whereon Captain Thomson rejoined, "Oh, I beg pardon, General, you broke down that bar by asking about Burbridge." General Echols then smilingly said: "Yes, President Davis is with us." After a hasty repast furnished by Mrs. General Echols, Captain Thomson and his comrade were ready to leave the post, when they were approached by General Ed Johnson, who asked as a special favor that Captain Thomson solicit General Gillem to allow an escort to accompany Mrs. General Johnson, who was then living with a relative in Lincolnton and had not met her husband for years. Their honeymoon, he said, had not well begun when the south demanded his services and he had since been separated from his wife. Captain Thomson promised to do what he could and when he had once more arrived at General Gillem's headquarters he started to present his request as to the escort of Mrs. Johnson in a very eloquent appeal but broke down in, the middle of the first sentence of his prepared speech. Gillem, looking at him a moment, said, "Come down to us, young man, and say in plain words what you want." After' Captain Thomson had done so the General replied: "Oh, there's a lady in the case. All right, go see the lady, and when she is ready an ambulance will be furnished, and take what men you want from your own company and escort her to her husband, and if you meet him this side of the Catawba at a safe distance, see them across the river." When Captain Thomson presented himself at the residence where Mrs. Johnson was staying and she saw his Yankee uniform, he was greeted with a supercilious curl of the lip, but he mustered up courage to say, "Madam, I am not here on any military duty, for I left my side arms in honor of the wife of General Johnson at General Gillem's quarters, but am on a mission of love from your husband." The expression of her face changed instantly and she shook hands with Captain Thomson, who, on delivering the message, told her that the mode of transportation was ready if she wished to go. In an hour they were on their way with an escort of eight men. After riding about twenty miles Captain Thomson, looking through the ambulance which was in front of them, saw about a mile ahead some horsemen coming. He believed it to be General Johnson's escort and so 'discovered on looking through his field glass. At the rear of the ambulance he engaged. Mrs. Johnson's attention and she did not know anything about the approach of her husband until he rode to the rear of the conveyance and dismounted. With a little scream the wife jumped unaided to the ground and the Confederate officer and his wife were happy in their reunion. Sometime later, when Captain Thomson parted with them, Mrs. Johnson said, "You have changed my opinion of the whole north. How prejudiced and bitter I was against the north—but that is finished now;" while the General added, "This is the oasis of the desert in the military life." HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 45 When the war was over Captain Thomson returned to Scotland on a visit, remaining there a few months. His father offered to put him in business if he would continue in that country but he decided that the United States was better for him and in 1866 took up his abode at Lancaster, Ohio. The following year he engaged in the livery business at Roscoe, Coshocton county, meeting with success there until 1870, when he established his present business in the city of Coshocton as a dealer in feed and builders' supplies. This enterprise has grown to be one of considerable magnitude. In the meantime, in 1882, Captain Thomson leased his buildings and warehouse and, leaving his family in Ohio, went into the cattle business near Raton, New Mexico. He was interested in this undertaking for nine years and drove the largest herd of cattle that ever went from Texas into New Mexico, numbering ten thousand four hundred and eighty head, all of which, with the exception of four hundred cows, were the property of Delano & Dweyer, then living near Raton, the latter having formerly been a Coshocton man. Mr. Thomson had managed four farms near Coshocton for Mr. Dweyer, who recognized his business ability and therefore placed the, cattle in his hands, he carefully managing the large herd on the eleven hundred mile ride,. His cattle venture on the whole, however, terminated badly be. cause of the hard winters. In 1886, therefore, he resumed his former business in Coshocton as a dealer in grain and builders' supplies and in 1898 admitted his son, Joseph W.; to a partnership in the business, which is still being successfully conducted, although in 1900 Captain Thomson practically, retired from the management. He it was who introduced the first delivery wagon in Coshocton, and from 1895 to the present he has been agent for the Standard Oil Company, his business in this connection being a considerable source of revenue. On the 21st of October, 1868, occurred the marriage of A. H. Thomson and Miss Maria Romaine Hutchins, whose mother was a cousin of Benjamin Harrison. Mrs. Thomson is a native of Lancaster, Ohio, and their only son is Joseph Thomson, who was born in 1869. He is now his father's partner in business. The latter is a member of the various Masonic bodies, including Coshocton Lodge, No. 97, A. F. & A. M., Samaritan Chapter, No. 50, R. A. M., and Coshocton Commandery, No. 63, K. T. He is a member and adjutant of Richard Lanning Post, No. 69, G. A. R., a member of the Loyal Legion and of the Wranglers' Club. In the winter of 1902 he visited his old home in Scotland. There many years before he had found great delight in riding over the hills and plains after the hounds, and recently he has become a member of the Central Ohio Club, a hunting club, which has awakened his old enthusiasm for a sport which was to him of deepest interest in his youth and early manhood. His political allegiance is given to• the republican party and in all relations of citizenship he has been as loyal and faithful to his adopted country as when he followed the old flag on the battlefields of the south. His life has been varied in its experiences, covering his boyhood and youth in Scotland, his sojourn on the Crimean battlefields, his active service in the Union army in the Civil war, his cattle interests in the southwest and his business ventures in Coshocton. He 46 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY possesses a retentive memory and his mind is stored with many interesting incidents, some of which he has written up for different papers and publications. He has now passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey but in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime, and young and old find no more congenial and interesting companion than A. H. Thomson. THOMAS W. LEAR, M.D. That Dr. Thomas W. Lear is personally popular and that his fellow townsmen entertain high regard for his ability and worth are indicated by the fact that he was the only republican on the county ticket elected in the fall of 1906, when he was chosen for the, second term for the office of county coroner. He also engages successfully in the practice of medicine and surgery, his knowledge and capability in those lines gaining him an extensive and growing patronage. Born in Coshocton, February 22, 1871, he is a son of Henry and Louise (Marshall) Lear, the former a native of Gloucester, England, and the latter of Hagerstown, Maryland, in which city they were married. Henry Lear had come to the United States as a young man and soon after his marriage removed westward to Ohio, settling in Coshocton county. In early life he became a miner and throughout the period of his business activity has been identified with mining interests, being now actively engaged in the operation of a mine near Coshocton on the Cambridge road. At the usual age, Dr. Lear entered the public schools and, completing the, work of successive grades, was at length graduated with the class of 1890. He then took up the profession of teaching and for two years was associated with educational work, but he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor and while still in the schoolroom as a teacher began the study of medicine, reading under the direction of Dr. M. H. Hennel, of Coshocton. In the fall of 1892 he became a student in the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is now numbered among the alumni of that college of 1894. Immediately following his graduation he located for practice in Warsaw, this county, where, he remained for a little more than a year and then removed to Wills Creek, where he enjoyed a successful practice for four years. In 1900 he pursued a post-graduate course at Cincinnati and then seeking a broader field of labor than the little village of Wills Creek afforded, he came to Coshocton, where he has since built up a lucrative practice. He gives special attention to X-ray and electrical work and his labors, when viewed from both a professional and scientific standpoint, have been most successful. His knowledge of medical principles is comprehensive and exact and his application thereof to the needs of his patients is most accurate. He is a member of the State Medical Society and of the Coshocton County Medical Society, and thus keeps abreast with the advanced thought of the profession. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 47 Pleasantly situated in his home life, Dr. Lear was married in 1894 to Miss Lulu Trovinger, of this county, and they now have three children: Louise, Harold and Marjorie. The parents ,are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Dr. Lear belongs to Coshocton Lodge, No. 363, of the Pathfinders, Coshocton Tent, No. 367, Knights of the Maccabees, and is medical examiner for the Knights of Columbus. In politics a stalwart republican, he was elected in the fall of 1904 to the office of county coroner and further proof of the esteem in which his fellow townsmen hold him was indicated in the fact of his reelection in 1906—the only representative of his party in the county to be so honored. He is a gentlemen of genial manner and cordial disposition, who sheds around him much of the sunshine, of life. His salient characteristics are those which in every land and clime awaken confidence and good will and today the circle of his friends is only limited by the circle of his acquaintances. CHARLES H. BOYD. Charles H. Boyd, who is successfully engaged in farming in Mill Creek township, was born in Keene township, Coshocton county, Ohio, January 4, 1866. His father, Robert T. Boyd, whose birth occurred in Ireland, March 4, 1823, was brought to America by his parents when six years of age, the family home, being established in Keene township, Coshocton county, and later in Crawford township, where the grandfather of our subject passed away. The mother of Charles H. Boyd bore the maiden name of Margaret Hood and is also a native of the Emerald Isle, her natal day being February 14, 1836. She was twelve years of age when brought to the new world by her parents, who located in Crawford township, Coshocton county. Here she gave her hand in marriage to Robert T. Boyd and, purchasing eighty-four acres of land in Keene township, the latter became connected with agricultural pursuits. He was also a carpenter and blacksmith and in fact was a skilled mechanic, having built some of the first threshing machines used in Coshocton county. In his business undertakings he has met with a large and well merited measure of prosperity, and both he and his wife are still living, making their home on a farm north of Keene in Keene township. Their family numbered nine children, namely: Sarah M., the wife of William E. Beall, of Keene township; Elizabeth, the wife. of Joseph Robertson of Coshocton, Ohio; Margaret, who is the wife of Lewis K. Robertson, and also makes her home in Coshocton; William E., a resident of Park City, Utah; Charles H., of this review ; Nancy J., deceased; Robert L., living in Coshocton; Ernest, residing in Mill Creek township; and one who died in infancy. Charles H. Boyd acquired a common-school education, and when he had attained his majority began farming on rented land in Crawford township, being thus engaged for five years.- Subsequently he purchased a tract of forty-eight and a half acres in Keene township, where, he made his home 48 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY for five years, on the expiration of which period he sold the property and located on the farm which he now owns in Mill Creek township. After renting the land for five, years he bought eighty-eight acres in Keene township, but at the end of seven months sold the same and returned to Mill Creek township, purchasing his present farm of one hundred and forty-six acres in the winter of 1903. He has erected a beautiful home and a fine barn and has a finely improved farming property, which in its neat and attractive appearance indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. In addition to his general farming interests he is also engaged in stock-raising, giving his attention most largely to sheep and hogs. He is recognized throughout the community as a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist, whose success has been acquired entirely through his own well directed labor and excellent business ability. On the 25th of April, 1887, Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. Funk, whose birth occurred in White Eyes township, July 14, 1866, her parents being Morgan and Lucinda J. (Stall) Funk. The father was born in Pennsylvania, July 24, 1831, and when twelve years of age came with his parents to Coshocton county, where he was reared and married and followed farming throughout his active business career. A few years ago, however, he retired and now makes his home, with our subject. His wife, who was born in Adams township, Coshocton county, in 1844, was called to her final rest on the 26th of July, 1906. Unto this worthy couple were born three children, as follows : Clara, deceased ; Mrs. Boyd; and Vesta F., the wife of Walter L. Johnson, of Coshocton. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd had four children : Harrison M, Robert I. 'and Bernice., all of whom are at home; and one who passed away in infancy. In his political views Mr. Boyd is a republican and has taken an active interest in the local work of the party, having served as township assessor for three years, as president of the school board for five years and also as road supervisor. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Presbyterian church at Keene, in which he is serving as trustee. Having spent their entire lives in this county, they are widely and favorably known here and the hospitality of the best homes is freely extended them. THADDEUS LEMERT MONTGOMERY. Thaddeus Lemert Montgomery, a leading representative of financial interests in Coshocton has, through successive stages of development in his business career, worked his way upward to his present responsible position as cashier of the Coshocton National Bank. He was born in Jackson township, Muskingum county, Ohio, near Perryton, July 3, 1867. His parents, Henry A. and Mary E. (Lemert) Montgomery, were both natives of Licking county, Ohio, the former born in 1824 and the latter in 1828. They are still living and have recently celebrated their sixty-first wedding anniversary. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 49 Henry A. Montgomery was reared in the county of his nativity and on attaining his majority engaged in farming, to which occupation he Lad been reared. He became the owner of a tract of land in the corner of Muskingum, Licking and Coshocton counties and resided in Muskingum, making his home there, at the time of the birth of his son, Thaddeus. He owns altogether eight hundred acres but sold the Licking county land in 1878 when his son, Henry Clay Montgomery, removed to Macon county, Illinois, to settle on land purchased for him by his father. The, remainder of the Ohio farm was retained by Mr. Montgomery until 1905 when it was sold to George W. Crawford, a well known importer and breeder of horses. Since the, sale of that property Henry A Montgomery has lived retired from business cares and now makes his home in Newark, Ohio. Thaddeus L. Montgomery is one of a family of ten children, seven of whom reached adult age. All were, given the advantages of a thorough education and acquired a competence through the father's farming operations. Six of the children still survive. The eldest is Dr. E. E. Montgomery, a graduate of the Denison University at Granville, Ohio, and of the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, in which institution he has been professor of gynecology and diseases of women for the past twenty years. He, is also president of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital of Philadelphia, is one of the trustees of the American Medical Society, ex-president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, president of the Ohio Society of Philadelphia and a member of many of the leading social and scientific clubs of the city, including the University and Country Clubs. He has a country estate of sixty-one acres on the Yorktown road about nine miles from the city hall in Philadelphia. The other members of the family are: Alice E., who is the widow of James E. Bradfield and resides in Emporia, Kansas; Ida M., who is the widow of Dr. Francis F. Chase, of Philadelphia, and is now living with her father in Newark, Ohio; John A., who is a graduate from the law department of the University of Michigan and is now practicing his profession in Decatur, Illinois; Thaddeus L., of this review; and Nellie L., the wife of Ernest. T. Johnson, of Newark, Ohio. Thaddeus L Montgomery spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, was given the advantages of educational training in the common schools of Perryton, Ohio, the Central high school of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Bryant & Stratton Business College of the same, city. He was graduated from the last named in 1888 and entered upon his business career as a messenger in the service of the Franklin Bank Company, later the Franklin National Bank of Newark, Ohio. His ambition, his energy and his faithfulness led to his promotion from time to time, until he had filled all of the appointive positions in the bank when he, severed his connection and withdrew in 1898. He resigned in order to accept the cashiership of the Coshocton National Bank, to which he had been elected, and since that time he has become recognized as one of the authorities on finance in Coshocton and this part of the state. Throughout his entire business career he has been connected with banking, which he has mastered in every department, both in principle, and detail. He is now a director of the Coshocton National