650 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Alva A. Dowds, one of Mt. Vernon's most progressive merchants, who, while yet a young man, has achieved marked success in the material affairs of life, was born on April 6, 1875, in Democracy, Knox county, Ohio, the son of Elijah W. and Mary E. (Barber) Dowds and a brother of S. G. Dowds, a sketch of whom appears in another part of this work. Alva A. Dowds was educated in the public schools of his native town and at the age of eighteen, in 1893, he came to Mt. Vernon, ostensibly to attend school, but he spent only one day in the school room, for he was anxious to enter the business arena, so he secured a clerkship in the clothing store of A. M. Stadler, but remained there only a short time when he went with L. A. Quail in the same business, remaining with him three years, then went with W. D. Browning as a clerk in his dry goods store. He learned the various phases of the mercantile business in these several positions and gave his employers eminent satisfaction. He then formed a partnership with F. E. Kirby, under the firm name of Kirby & Dowds, in the wall paper china and queensware business. This partnership continued successfully for four years when Mr. Dowds formed a partnership with his former employer, W. D. Browning, in the dry goods business as Browning & Company, which continued about two years, or until the death of Mr. Browning, whereupon Mr. Dowds organized the A. A. Dowds Dry Goods Company. as successor to Browning & Company. From the organization of this company, Mr. Dowds has been the president and general manager of the same. Associated with him in the active conduct of the business is J. W. Ruden, vice-president and assistant manager, he ,being formerly of Columbus, Ohio also Edward L. Beldin, secretary and treasurer of the company, formerly of Buffalo, New York, he having come to Mt. Vernon about four years ago. The company first began business in the room at the southwest .corner of Main and Gambier streets, but later moved to its present commodious, attractive and well-arranged quarters at Nos. 211-213 South Main street. They conduct a real department store, including everything kept in an up-to-date dry goods store, all kinds of ready-to-wear suits and garments for women. carpets and all kinds of floor coverings, window hangings and a full line of china and queensware, always carrying a large and carefully selected stock which is tastefully stored in their large double frontage building of four stories, occupying the entire space. The building is modern, equipped with elevators and all conveniences. The store rooms, store equipment and quantity and quality of goods carried would be creditable to a city many times the size of Mt. Vernon, and their very large and ever increasing trade evidences that the public appreciates the efforts of these enterprising gentle- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 651 men along these progressive business lines. Here customers gather from remote parts of the county, making this splendid establishment a sort of headquarters while in the county seat, and here they always find a generous welcome, courteous and considerate clerks and obtain full values for their expenditures. Mr. Dowds also has various other business interests, including a valuable, well improved and highly productive farm to which he gives considerable of his time and attention. He is also interested in the Kelser-Dowds Company, wholesale grocers, doing an extensive business in Mt. Vernon; also other interests and enterprises have his support. With duties that would greatly confuse, if not distract outright the ordinary man, Mr. Dowds has his affairs under such a superb system that he experiences no difficulty in their successful management. He has rare innate business acumen and foresight and is easily one of the leading business men of this section of the state. Politically, Mr. Dowds is a Republican and, while not an active participant in party affairs, he is always interested and keeps thoroughly informed on the questions of public importance. While he has never been an office seeker, he is at present a member of the Mt. Vernon city council, and a wide-awake member, always on the alert for the interests of the city and the people of this community and always ready to assist in any movement having as its object the general good of the locality honored by his citizenship. Mr. Dowds is an active member of the Mt. Vernon Citizens Association, and for some time was a member of the executive committee of this organization, which has for its object the betterment of business conditions and the advancement of the city commercially and along all lines that are for the betterment of conditions. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order, the Knights Templar and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Dowds was married on February 5, 1901, to Olive Clark, a lady of culture and refinement, the daughter of Walter and Mary (Baily) Clark, formerly a well known Mt. Vernon family, both parents being now deceased. This union has been graced by the birth of two children, Mary E. and Alva A., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dowds are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, he being a steward of the same. They have a beautiful and neatly kept home at the corner of North Gay street and Wooster avenue, Mt. Vernon. Personally. Mr. Dowds is a man of pleasing address, kind, generous, obliging, commanding the respect and good will of the entire community. 652 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. CHARLES M. GRAY, D. D. S. In a locality ranking high for its professional talent, whose dentists take conspicuous places among their colleagues throughout the state, is Dr. Charles M. Gray, who is located at Mt. Vernon, Knox county, where he is enjoying a lucrative practice and, although a young man, is rapidly taking his position as one of the representative citizens of this locality whose interests he seems to have at heart. Doctor Gray was born April 23, 1879, in Muskingum county, Ohio, the son of James and Medolia (Hicks) Gray, both natives of Muskingum county, where the father was a successful farmer and prominent in public affairs, being an ardent Republican. For many years he served as justice of the peace. He stood high in the county and his character was above reproach. Charles M. Gray grew to maturity on the home farm, which he worked during the crop seasons, and attended the district schools in the winter time, remaining under the parental roof until he was twenty years of age, when he took a position as foreman of the decorating department of the J. B. Owens Pottery Company at Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained three years, having as many as forty men under him, and his services were eminently satisfactory to the management. In 1904 he left this establishment, and, having always had a desire and ambition to become a dentist, he entered the office of Dr. J. J. Hill, of Zanesville, and later that of Dr. Charles Hill. of Wheeling, West Virginia, having spent a year in the office of the former and a year and a half in that of the latter. In the fall of .1906 he entered the dental department of the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, to complete his dental course, and he remained a student there three years, graduating there with a splendid record in the spring of 1909. Soon afterward he located at Mt. Vernon, opening a neat office for the practice of his profession at No. III 1-2 South Main street and he has since remained in the same location. His office is admirably arranged, modern in every appointment and all equipment is thoroughly up-to-date. his apparatus being of the best and latest models. Notwithstanding the fact that he has been in Mt. Vernon a comparatively short time, Doctor Gray has built up a very large and lucrative patronage which is continually growing, he and his assistant being kept constantly busy. Personally, Doctor Gray is a genial and affable gentleman and, being skilled and honest in his work, he has no trouble in securing and retaining patients. Adhering to the political faith of his father, Doctor Gray is a Republi- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 653 can, but is not active in political affairs, though he is always interested and well informed on public matters. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order and has attained to the Knight Templar degree. He affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal church. He has remained unmarried.
CHARLES ALBERT BECK, D. D. S.
Occupying a conspicuous place among the leading dentists of Knox and adjoining counties, Dr. Charles Albert Beck, of Mt. Vernon, enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. His record demonstrates that where there is a will there is a way and that obstacles to success may be overcome by courage and self-reliance.
Doctor Beck was born July 28, 1879, two miles east of Mt. Vernon and is the representative of an excellent old family of this county, being the son of James C. and Elizabeth (Fox) Beck. The father was born in Gaston county, Michigan, and the mother in Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio. James C. Beck came to Knox county, Ohio, with his parents in 1855 and as a young man learned the carpenter's trade, becoming one of the leading carpenters and contractors in this locality, many of the substantial business houses and dwellings of the county standing as monuments to his skill as an architect. He married Elizabeth Fox in 1876. Politically, he was a Democrat and was past noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He helped organize the local lodge; he was the first presiding officer of the carpenter's union of Mt. Vernon and was active in many local matters. He moved to Mt. Vernon about 188o, where he spent the balance of his life, actively engaged as a contractor. His death occurred on July io, 1906; his widow, five sons and one daughter survive; the children are Melvin, of Fredericktown ; Charles A., Mary L.; Harry C. is married and lives in Mt. Vernon ; Earl C. and George F., all of Mt. Vernon.
Dr. Charles A. Beck was educated in the Mt. Vernon public schools, graduating from the high school in 1900. He then entered the dental department of the Ohio State University at Columbus. where he made an excellent record, graduating with the class of 1903 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. Immediately after his graduation he opened an office at No. 14 South Main street. Mt. Vernon, for the practice of his profession and he has been in the same location ever since. He has a thoroughly equipped office, all instruments and office supplies known to modern dentistry
654 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO.
being at his command. He has been very successful and now enjoys a very lucrative and extensive practice with the city and surrounding country. He owns several pieces of valuable real estate and is among Mt. Vernon's most substantial young men. He is a past master of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 9. Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the Knights Templar, and is very active in lodge circles. He has been recording secretary of Quindaro Lodge No. 316, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, for eight years and is still in that office. He is also a member of the Homestead Club, composed of young men of Mt. Vernon. Politically, he is a Democrat and takes an active interest in public affairs. In 1908 he was elected a member of the Mt. Vernon board of education for a term of four years. being the first Democrat ever elected a member of that board.
Doctor Beck was married on Tune 30, 1909, to Faith Willison, daughter of William B. and Alberta (Green) Willison, of Croton, Ohio, a highly respected family there. The Doctor and wife are earnest members of the Congregational church and active in church and Sunday school work ; they have a pleasant and neatly kept home at No. 304 North Gay street, and they are both popular with the best social circle of the city.
ISABELLE B. NIXON. M. D.
From the remote age of Pericles; when Aspasia and the poetess Sappho startled the world by a display of brilliancy of intellect that had never been known before that period and has never been equalled, women have been playing a more important role in the drama of civilization, though for centuries their progress was indeed slow. It has been during only the past few decades that they have proven themselves capable of filling almost any position and doing about everything that men do. They have become factors in the political world and are holding some of the highest offices within the gift of the people; in literature, they have long ranked among the top-notchers, each succeeding year bringing out their names among the "best sellers ;" on the stage they have been leaders throughout the world for a long time; and in the realm of the sciences they have displayed remarkable tact and made helpful experiments and discoveries ; they have invaded the professions and women lawyers, dentists, doctors, etc., are to be found in almost every great metropolis. This, of course, is confined more to America than any where else on our planet, for here everybody is given a "fighting chance" at everything.
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In the above class Mt. Vernon, Ohio, has a most creditable and worthy representative and the medical profession an advocate of which it may well be proud in the person of Isabelle B. Nixon, one of the best known and most popular of Knox county women. She was born in Lima, Allen county, this state, and is the daughter of Michael and Clara (Beaty) Nixon, both parents natives of Ohio, the father's birth occurring in Holmes county and the mother first saw the light of day in Morrow county. For a time Mr. Nixon was landlord of the Lima hotel in Lima. and in 1877 the family came to Mt. Vernon and the father engaged in the dry goods business, in which he remained for a period of thirty years, retiring to private life in April, 1910. He built up an extensive patronage and was one of the best known merchants in the county, and he is a highly respected and well known citizen of Mt. Vernon, whose interests he has never hesitated to promote.
John Beaty, the subject's maternal grandfather, was a pioneer of this state, coming here from Washington county, Pennsylvania. He was a man of unusual industry, courage and fortitude, and he became influential in the affairs of Knox county, which he served as treasurer for four years. He was also engaged in the mercantile business and was a land owner of considerable proportions. He was widely known and highly respected. In politics he was a Republican and in church affairs was a devoted Congregationalist and was one of the founders of the church in Mt. Vernon.
Michael Nixon, mentioned above, was a loyal Democrat, but he had no aspirations to be a public. man and never held office. He is also a Congregationalist and active in church work and a liberal supporter of the same. He has only one child. Isabelle Beaty Nixon, the immediate subject of this sketch. She was educated in the public schools of Mt. Vernon,' from which she was graduated with the class of 1893, after which she entered the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College, where she made a splendid record and was graduated with a class of fifty-one in 1899, she being the honor member of the class. After her graduation she took a rest of six months, then opened an office in Mt. Vernon for the practice of her profession, and remained here two and one-half years, having a splendid start ; but, desiring a broader field for the exercise of her talents, she then went to the city of Cleveland, and there, for nineteen months, she had charge of the children at the "infant's rest," remaining in the Lake City two and one-half years, during which time she took a course of special work, covering a period of twenty-two months. Then she returned to Mt. Vernon, where she opened on office and where she has since remained and has been very successfully engaged in practice. She makes a specialty of the ailments of children and women and she has met
656 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO
with pronounced success, building up an extensive and ever-growing practice and gaining the confidence and good will of the public. She is an indefatigable student and keeps thoroughly up-to-date in all phases of the profession. in which she ranks high and has an honored standing. Her office and residence is at No. 403 East First street. It is remarkable that after a practice of twelve years she has signed only three death certificates. She is a member of the Congregational church and an active church worker. She belongs to the Woman's Christian Association and the Mt. Vernon Humane Society, her parents also both belonging to the latter.
The Doctor is a woman of broad intelligence and liberal education thoroughly trained in her profession. takes an active interest in all movements calculated to uplift her sex and, being of a pleasing. genial and attractive address, she is popular with a wide circle of friends and admirers.
WILLIAM A. BOUNDS.
There are no citizens of Knox county who are more highly respected and whose genuine worth is more widely recognized than that of William A. Bounds, president of the Knox Mutual Insurance Company of Mt. Vernon. who, although advanced in years. is active and hale as the result of a life of clean living and pure thinking. His worthy career has been such that the younger generation in the locality of Which this history treats can emulate it with profit to themselves and their fellow men, owing to the fact that his life has been successful from a material standpoint and singularly free from all that would deteriorate from the highest standards of living and he has shown what the life of a good citizen should be socially and in the sphere of material business as well as a patriotic supporter of those movements having for their-aim the general good and upbuilding of the country.
Mr. Bounds is the scion of a sterling old Southern family, he himself having been born in Brooke county. Virginia, January 28, 1828, and he is the son of James and Rachael (Browning) Bounds, who came to Ohio in 1840 and settled in Licking county. where they spent the rest of their lives, the father being a carpenter by trade, and he was well known and highly respected in his community which he helped develop in those early days.
William A. Bounds obtained a very limited education in the public schools of his native locality, and when fourteen years of age he began learning the carpenter's trade under his father and he has followed the same all his
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life, being a very skilled workman, so that his services have ever been in great demand.
On May 3, 1849, Mr. Bounds was married to Mary Jane Simmons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tilman Simmons, of Homer, Licking county, Ohio. In October. 1849, Mr. Bounds brought his young wife to Mt. Vernon. Knox county, and began working at the carpenter's trade and contracting, and thus for over sixty years he has been identified with the growth of this city, having erected many of the best and most important public buildings, business blocks. machine shops, concrete buildings, besides many of the most substantial and attractive residences of this city and surrounding country and cities, which will long stand as monuments to his skill as an architect, which is second to none. He is one of the directors of the Knox Mutual Insurance Company and, as above indicated, is now president of the company, which was organized in 1836 and has long been doing a most successful insurance business all over the state of Ohio. Its recent rapid growth in importance and popularity has been due to the able and judicious management of Mr. Bounds.
Politically, the subject is a Republican and he has long been active in public matters, his services having been especially effective in the campaign of 1884, when James G. Blaine was the Republican presidential candidate. At that time Mt. Vernon had the banner Blaine and Logan club, Mr. Bounds having been prominent in its organization and general work of the club. Blaine's defeat was a sore- disappointment to him. He served in the city council for three terms; he was fire chief for fifteen years and a member of the fire department for twenty-five years. He served as a member of the board of health for three terms and as a member of the board of public service for three terms. In all positions of public trust he performed his duties in a most satisfactory manner. Although he never sought office, offices sought him and he always responded to the public duty. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge since 1876.
One daughter, Eva. was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bounds; she married N. W. Allen. a carpenter. who was at one time sheriff of Knox county.
The wife of Mr. Bounds passed away on May 27, 1910, after traversing the royal road of life with him for sixty years, sharing his joys and sorrows, his victories and defeats, at all times proving to be a most helpful and genial companion. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for fifty-two years and a women of strong Christian faith. The religion of Mr. Bounds is founded upon the Golden Rule and his life has been characterized by carrying its sublime precept into his every-day affairs.
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The family home, a large, pleasant dwelling, is at No. 119 East Burgess street, where he has lived since May 3, 1852, the anniversary of his wedding, and he has lived here continuously ever since. The impress that he has left upon this community will continue to bear fruit throughout the generations to come.
AMAZIAH H. SIMMONS.
It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and \yell applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance. She is never known to smile upon the idler or dreamer, she never courts the loafer, and only those who have diligently sought her favor are crowned with her blessings. In tracing the history of Amaziah H. Simmons, well known colored man of Mt. Vernon, Knox county, it is plainly seen that the prosperity which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities and it is also his personal worth that has gained for him the high respect of those with whom he has come into contact.
Mr. Simmons was born August 2, 1860, in Morgan county, Ohio, the son of Jonathan P. and Rhoda ( Jones) Simmons. This family moved to Mt. Vernon in 1870 and have since resided here, the parents now being deceased. Their family consisted of five children, one dying in infancy; Jemima J., now Mrs. Charles Jackson, of Youngstown, Ohio; Rilla J. is deceased; Samuel J. lives in Mt. Vernon, and Amaziah H., of this review.
The subject received his education in the public schools of Mt. Vernon and he spent one year in the high school. When ten years of age he went into the family of Morgan Rowe, a lawyer of Mt. Vernon, with whom he lived two years, then went to the home of Mrs. Robert Thompson, where he remained a year. In the spring of 1874 he went to live with Dr. F. C. Larimore and remained there for over six years, during which time he attended the public schools, and, being a diligent student, he made the eight years' grades to the high school in six years. Following this he found employment with John Denney, proprietor of the Curtis House, as night clerk and here he remained one winter. In the spring of 1881 he went to live with Frank L. Fairchild as a houseman for the summer, when he was taken sick, which caused him to give up his place and he was sick all winter. During the summer of 1882 he worked at whatever he could get to do. In' the spring of 1883 he went with the firm of Armstrong & Miller, grocers. driving a delivery wagon for them for ten years. In the spring of 1893 he engaged in
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the restaurant business for himself at No. 6 South Main street, Mt. Vernon, which he continued three years. In 1896 he sold his restaurant and engaged in the fish and poultry business for three years, when he sold out and entered the employ of Mrs. Gen. George W. Morgan, remaining with her six years. Since 1905 he has been engaged in looking after his real estate holdings, which are extensive; he has also engaged in handling real estate for others. He has been very successful in his real estate investments and has accumulated considerable property and is now one of the financially solid men of his city. This has been done through his individual efforts in the face of all kinds of discouragements, but he has been persistent and has managed well.
Politically, Mr. Simmons is a Republican, but has never been active in the ranks. He is a member of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, also the Knights of Pythias and the Household of Ruth. He has filled all the chairs in these lodges and has been representative to the grand lodges. In 1892 he was the representative to the biannual movable committee of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, which met in Washington, D. C. He has represented the Knights of Pythias lodge in the grand lodge. He has long been an active lodge worker and stands high in fraternal circles.
Mr. Simmons was married on July 23, 1883, to Sarah J. Ramsey, of Mt. Vernon, who passed to her rest on October 16, 1907, without issue. He is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of the church's official board. He has been superintendent of the Sunday school for fifteen years, and has been an ardent church. and Sunday school worker. He has a modern, well furnished residence at No. 110 East Front street. He is a man of whom his race may well be proud, and he has done a great deal of good for his people in this vicinity.
LEGRAND BRITTON.
Wherever Legrand Britton, farmer and stock man of Howard township, Knox county, is known his word is as good as his bond, and his reputation for truth and veracity has never been impeached. It is such men as he that give stability and character to a community and, although their names may not adorn national or state history, their deeds cause them to be numbered among the best citizens in the true sense of the word : they are worthy because humble, for greatness consists largely of humility. He has not depended upon the labor of others to place him where he is. but has worked
660 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO.
diligently all his life, earning his bread by the sweat of his brow and led an upright career, so that he has the respect of his neighbors and friends.
Mr. Britton was born on August 28, 1856, on the farm in Howard township, this county. where he has spent practically all his life. He is the son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Critchfield) Britton, the father a native of Millwood, this county, being the first child born in the village of Millwood, and he was the first postmaster of the same. Grandfather James Britton came from Maryland to Knox county in a very early day and he built the first house in Millwood. He was a blacksmith by trade. The log cabin home which he built there still stands. He lived there until about 1840, when he moved to Iowa, making the overland trip in a "prairie-schooner." camping along the way. He was a typical pioneer and when civilization crowded too close around him he sought a new country. spending his last years in Iowa, dying there in 1878.
Lewis Britton, father of the subject. maintained a store in Millwood for a number of years, later moving to Mt. Vernon, where he was in business many years. In 1876 he was elected treasurer of Knox county, serving one term. While in business in Mt. Vernon he lived on his farm in Howard township, three miles west of Howard, and there he spent the latter years of his life in retirement, his death occurring on September 28, 1901, his wife preceding him on April 17. 1897, and both are buried in Pleasant Valley cemetery. His wife, Elizabeth Critchfield, was a member of an early pioneer family, prominent in the affairs of the township. The farm where the subject lives was entered from the government by her father, Isaac Critchfield, who came from Pennsylvania very early, and who here became prominent and prosperous. The farm has remained in possession of the family to the present time.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Britton, namely: Legrand, of this sketch ; Samuel H., a physician of Marion; Eva, who married James Berry, of Howard township; Nannie, now Mrs. Columbus D. McCullough, of Elyria, Ohio.
Legrand Britton was reared on the home farm and educated in the country district schools, and he remained with his parents until his marriage, on August 24, 1876, to Ella Critchfield, daughter of Harris and Sarah Jane (McCarty) Critchfield, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Lewis H., a physician of Marion, Ohio; Bertha, who married James Mitchell, of Marion; Tamsey is deceased; Carl H. is married and is at home.
Mr. Britton farmed on the home place for some time and in 1883 he engaged in the general mercantile and grain business with George W. Mc-
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Nabb in Howard for two years. In 1885 he moved to Marion county, Ohio, and there engaged in the general mercantile business and was postmaster at Adelaide, that county, for some time. He remained in Marion county about eight years and in 1895 he returned to the home farm in Howard township, where he was born and here he has since remained, successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, his fine farm consisting of over one hundred acres of well improved land and he has a good home.
Politically, Mr. Britton is a Democrat and he has been active in public matters since reaching maturity. For a number of years he served as a member of the Democratic county central committee as chairman and has been a frequent delegate to county, district and state conventions. He served as trustee of Howard township for thirteen years in succession prior to moving to Marion county, resigning when he left the county, and he proved to be a most faithful official. He has been township assessor for four years and was land appraiser of Howard township in 191o. He has served as a member of the township board of education for a number of years, being president of the board. In the fall of 1910 he was elected a member of the county hoard of commissioners, and he took office on September 18, 1911, and is discharging the duties of the same in a very able and conscientious manner. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Howard and he was trustee of the church for some years. He has been an active church and Sunday school worker, and is a public-spirited. broad minded man who believes in progress and right living.
HOMER C. SMITH.
The present age is essentially utilitarian and in the life of even- successful man carries a lesson which, told in contemporary narrative, is productive of much good in shaping the destiny of others. There is, therefore, a due measure of satisfaction in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achievements of such men. and in preparing the following history of the successful young business man of Centerburg whose name initiates this paragraph, it is with the hope that it may prove not only interesting and instructive, but also serve as an incentive to those who contemplate a business career. Mr. Smith possesses concentration of purpose and energy that laughs at restraint. excellent judgment and the executive ability that makes everything undertaken accomplish the purpose for which intended.
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Mr. Smith was born in Centerburg, this county, on October 5, 1877. He is the son of William and Esther (Hopkins) Smith, both natives of Greene county, Pennsylvania, where they grew up, were educated and married, coming to Bloomfield, Morrow county, Ohio, in 1867, where they remained until 1875, when they moved to Centerburg, where Mr. Smith engaged in the grain business and afterward the clothing business until his death, on April 16, 1896. He (lid a large business and was one of the leading men of the community, well known and highly respected. Politically, he was a Republican and for years was active in local political affairs. He filled the office of mayor of Centerburg in a most commendable manner and for some time was a member of the town council, also of the board of education. Fraternally, he belonged to Bloomfield Lodge No. 422, Free and Accepted Masons,. and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and superintendent of the Sunday school for a period of twenty-two years. He was a devout man and active in church affairs, and a man of unquestioned integrity. During the Civil war he proved his loyalty to the Union and made a faithful soldier in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. His widow survives, making her home at Centerburg.
Homer C. Smith, of this sketch, was reared in Centerburg—in fact, has always lived here. He was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the local high school in 1894. Following his graduation he engaged in the grocery business from 1894 until 1907, enjoying an excellent trade with the town and surrounding country. He next turned his attention to the shoe and the produce business, the latter growing to large proportions. In January, 1911, he established the Arch City Produce Company at Columbus for the purpose of handling butter and eggs to jobbers, and it proved to be most successful from the first, an extensive trade soon being established. He still maintains his shoe store in Centerburg, which is one of the best known in the county, customers from a wide radius coming here. for they always find a large, up-to-date and carefully selected stock and courteous and obliging clerks. The very best shoes are handled and this splendid store would do credit to a town much larger than Centerburg.
Mr. Smith was married on June 24, 1908, to Ferne Miller, daughter of William and Mary (Payne) Miller. her father being a prominent dry goods merchant of Centerburg.
Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican and he is active in public affairs, endorsing and supporting all progressive movements. He has filled many of the local offices and is at present a member of the town council and school board. As a public servant he has discharged his every duty in a faithful and conscientious manner, to the satisfaction of all the people.
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Fraternally, Mr. Smith is a member of Bloomfield Lodge No. 422, Free and Accepted Masons, and he and his wife are members of Manila Chapter No. 100, Eastern Star. He is a member of Hawthorne Lodge No. 228, Knights of Pythias, and the Sons of Veterans. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years, succeeding his father. He is also a member of the official board of the church. He and his estimable wife are prominent in local social circles. They have a pleasant home and are most affable and hospitable, numbering their friends only by the limits of their acquaintance.
ARTHUR W. BROWN, D. D. S.
To attain a worthy citizenship by a life that is always honored and respected even from childhood deserves more than mere mention. It is. no easy task to resist the many temptations of youth and early manhood and plant a character in the minds and hearts of associates that will remain an unstained figure for all time. One may take his place in public life through some vigorous stroke of public policy, and even remain in the hearts of friends and neighbors, but to take the same position by dint of the practice of an upright life and without a craving for exaltation and popularity is worthy of the highest praise and commendation. Arthur W. Brown, of Centerburg, recognized throughout Knox county as one of the leading dentists of the younger professional fraternity in this locality, has won the honor and respect of the people here since casting his lot among them a few years ago, not because of the vigorous training of his special talents. but because of his daily life, passed upon in the light of real true manhood.
Doctor Brown was born on September 5, 1881, in Maple Rapids, Michigan. He is the son of D. D. and Isabelle (Frazier) Brown, both of Scotch ancestry: neither ever became residents of Ohio. The father is deceased, having died when his son. Arthur W., was only seven years old. The mother survives.
Dr. Arthur W. Brown was educated in the schools of Maple Rapids. Michigan. and was graduated from the high school in 1898. He then entered the University of Michigan in 1907, department of dentistry, in which he remained one year. In the fall of 1902 he entered the dental department of the Ohio Medical College at Columbus. Ohio. and was graduated from the same in 1904, having made an excellent record, winning the admiration of
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his colleagues and the praise of the instructors. Thus well equipped for his chosen life work he located the year of his graduation at Centerburg, Knox county, this state, and here he has continued to successfully practice his pro. fession, having enjoyed a large and ever-growing patronage from the first and taking his place in the front rank of dentists in this and adjoining counties. He has a neat, well arranged and modernly equipped office, in fact, every approved appliance for the prompt. safe and skillful performance of all phases of dental work.
Doctor Brown was married on June 5, 1907, to Edna Florence Faraba, daughter of Marion and Claude (Brentlinger) Faraba. a highly respected family, and this union has been graced by the birth of two children. Faraba Devon and Marian Isabelle Brown:
Fraternally, Doctor Brown is a member of the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias, and politically he is a Republican. He belongs to the Ohio State Dental Society, and while in college he was a member of the Xi Psi Phi fraternity. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is at present clerk of the town council at Centerburg.
The Doctor is fond of athletics and was well known in this field while in school. Since coming to Centerburg he and his wife have made a host of warm personal friends and they take an active part in local social affairs.
L. TATE CROMLEY.
One of the best known of the younger professional men of Knox county is L. Tate Cromley, of Mt. Vernon, for many years a national figure in athletics. Combined with the excellent personal and official qualities of the successful attorney, he is infused with the genius of enterprise and is a man of enlarged public spirit. He always stands ready to identify himself with his fellow citizens in any good work and extends a co-operative hand to advance any measure that will better the condition of things, that will give better government, elevate mankind, insure higher standards of morality and the highest ideals of a refined, ennobling, intellectual culture.
Mr. Cromley was born on March 14. 1880, at Paulding, Ohio. He is the son of Joseph B. and Anna J. (Tate) Cromley, both natives of this state, the father born in Defiance county and the mother in Paulding county. The father devoted his business life to merchandising and he served two terms as clerk of courts of Paulding county. In politics he was a Republican and
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was always active in party affairs. He was a member of the Republican county executive committee, and was a frequent delegate to party conventions. He was an admirer and breeder of fine horses in Paulding county, and was long a prominent man there in both private and public affairs. Fraternally, he belonged to both the Masonic and Independent Order of Odd Fellow lodges. His death occurred on November 6, 1891, and his widow subsequently married Capt. 0. G. Daniels, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio.
Mr. Cromley, of this sketch, was reared in Paulding county, and he was graduated from the Paulding high school, class of 1897, then, coming to Mt. Vernon, he took an additional course in the high school here, and in the fall of 1899 he entered Kenyon College, from which he was graduated in 1903, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, having made an excellent record, While in college he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon college fraternity and the honorary fraternity Phi Beta Kappa as a reward of high standing as a student. He was a member of the college athletic teams during his college course and was captain of the baseball club for three years and manager of the club one year. He also acted as secretary to President Pierce of the college during his entire course, and while in school there he was elected justice of the peace of College township, in which capacity he served with much credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned until leaving college, discharging his duties faithfully and in a fair and unbiased manner. He was salutatorian of his class at the commencement exercises. In the fall of 1905 Mr. Cromley entered Georgetown University at Washington for the course in law, remaining there one year. During his stay there he was a member of the baseball and football teams. During Easter week of 1904 he shut out Princeton, Yale and Harvard baseball nines, one after the other, a feat never accomplished before or since. In the three games only ten hits were made off his pitching. In the fall of 1904 he joined the Indianapolis team of the American Association, as pitcher and he played with them four seasons. In the latter part of 1907 he finished up with the Kansas City team of the same league and in 1908 he played with the Rochester, New York, team of the Eastern league and closed his baseball career with the Toledo, Ohio, team of the American Association in the fall of 1908, having become one of the popular American players and widely known to the fans throughout the country, his record being a most enviable one.
Mr. Cromley then turned his attention exclusively to the law, returning to the offices of H. H. & R. W. Greer, of Mt. Vernon, where he had really been a law student during the intervals and vacations for ten years. During his baseball career he was admitted to the bar in 1906 on examination at
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Columbus. During the winter of 1907 and 1908 he was bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Mt. Vernon, where he gave eminent satisfaction to officials, stockholders and patrons. leaving the same to resume baseball in the spring of 1908.
Since then his attention has been given exclusively to his profession and has met with a large measure of success. As a lawyer he ranks deservedly well at the Knox county bar. His habits of study, research, ability to analyze and comprehend the law, to deduce and apply it, make him an informed, reliable and certain lawyer. and necessarily popular. In his practice before the court he is characterized by fairness in stating the position of an adversary. and strong enough and broad enough to desire no undue advantage. His utterances are expressive of a calm dignity. a tolerant spirit, but a fixed purpose. In his discussion of the law he is clear. precise and incisive. and to the jury he is clear and deliberate. In his active practice of the law his character for personal and professional integrity has been fully recognized and appreciated. He has escaped the suspicion of ever having knowingly failed to fulfill all proper obligations of his profession.
Politically, Mr. Cromley is a Republican, but he has not been especially active. In the fall of 1910 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Knox county, the county giving the head of the Democratic ticket a majority of four hundred and ninety-nine, and Mr. Cromley received a majority on the Republican ticket of seven hundred and ten, a difference of twelve hundred votes. This is certainly criterion enough of his popularity and high standing in Knox county. He has discharged the duties of this important office in a manner that has reflected much credit upon his ability and to the satisfaction of all concerned, irrespective of party alignment.
Fraternally. Mr. Cromley is a member of the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. In religious matters he belongs to the Presbyterian church. He has remained unmarried. Personally, he is a good mixer, genial, obliging and unassuming and is universally liked.
FRANK O. PADGETT.
Whether we are more indebted for the improvement of the age to the men of study or the men of action, these two classes being the most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live, is a question of honest difference in opinion. Since neither can be spared, both should be encouraged to occupy their sev-
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eral spheres, zealously and without mutual distrust, spreading their influence and prosecuting their chosen labors. In the following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of the energy of the studious, public-spirited man of affairs, a man who has made his influence felt for the upbuilding of the town of Danville and the county of Knox, and is not unknown to the wider field of journalism of the state, occupying, as he does, a prominent place in his profession.
Frank O. Padgett, publisher of the Tri-County Leader, was born on February 12, 1875, in Columbus, Ohio. He is the son of Pius J. and Sarah J. (Weaver) Padgett, both parents natives of Ohio, and here they grew up. received their education in the public schools and were married. The father was a newspaper man of considerable reputation in various Ohio cities and a man of high standing. His death occurred in September. 1894. at his home in Zanesville. His widow is still living.
Frank O. Padgett was eight years old when he moved with his parents to Zanesville and there he grew to manhood and was educated in the public schools. His first employment was a reporter on the Zanesville Signal, during the school vacations, and after leaving school he was regularly employed as reporter on that paper. He was a senate page at Columbus while Hon. D. H. Gammer, the editor of the Signal, was a state senator. He went from Zanesville to Marion, Ohio, as reporter on the Daily Mirror. During the Spanish-American war Mr. Padgett was active in the field, having enlisted in Company G, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he saw service in Porto Rico as a private. After the war he went to Delaware, Ohio, where he worked as reporter on the Daily Herald, of which paper his brother, George L. Padgett, was editor. He had achieved an envied reputation as an able news gatherer and writer, having possessed all the qualifications of the successful reporter—tact, diplomacy. untiring energy, perseverance and a genial address.
In January, 1902, Mr. Padgett left Delaware and came to Danville, Knox county, and purchased the Danville Citizen, which he named the Tri-County Leader, with a view of covering the field in Knox, Coshocton and Holmes counties, the town of Danville being located near the borders of all these counties. He was successful here from the first and soon the circulation of the paper was increasing at a rapid rate, which it has kept up, and he has made this one of the leading papers of its type in the state, brightened its mechanical appearance, rendered it a newsier and more valuable advertising medium, while its editorial page carries much weight in the affairs of the
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three counties. It is independent in politics and fearlessly advocates whatever seems to be for the best interests of the community which it so ably serves. He also conducts a large, modernly equipped job office in connection with his paper, prompt and high-grade work being his aim. and this department is extensively patronized.
Mr. Padgett was married on February 28, 1901, to Anna Mary Dodd. daughter of James F. and Ruth E. (Murray) Dodd, a highly esteemed family of Delaware, Ohio. This union has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Ruth Ann.
Politically, Mr. Padgett is a Democrat, but he is not a biased partisan. He is a public-spirited man and uses his paper for the general betterment of the community. He has never been an office seeker or an office holder. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ORANGE H. ELLIOTT.
The respect which should always be accorded the brave sons of the North who left homes and the peaceful pursuits of civil life to give their services, and their lives if need be, to preserve the integrity of the American Union is certainly due Orange H. Elliott, a venerable farmer and respected citizen of Monroe township, Knox county, where his long and industrious life has been spent. He proved his love and loyalty to the government on the long and tiresome marches in all kinds of situations, exposed to summer's withering heat and winter's freezing cold, on the lonely picket line, a target for the missile of the unseen foe, on the tented field and amid the flame and smoke of battle, where the rattle of the musketry mingled with the terrible concussion of the bursting shell and the deep diapason of the cannon's roar made up the sublime but awful chorus of death. All honor to the heroes of the early sixties. To them the country is under a debt of gratitude which it cannot pay, and in centuries yet to be posterity will commemorate their chivalry in fitting eulogy and tell their knightly deeds in song and story. To the once large but now rapidly diminishing army that followed "Old Glory" on many bloody fields in the sunny South, crushed the armed host of treason and re-established upon a firm and enduring foundation the beloved government of our fathers, the subject of this sketch belonged. Like thousands of comrades equally as brave and patriotic as himself, he did his duty nobly and well 'and retired from the service with a record unspotted by a single unsoldierly act.
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Mr. Elliott was born in Monroe township, this county, on June 16, 1838. He is the son of James and Hannah Reed (Berry) Elliott, the father born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Knox county, Ohio. When eight years of age James Elliott came with his parents to Knox county. Grandfather William Elliott was a miller by trade and he built a mill on Owl creek, this being one of the very first mills in this locality. The father of this subject was also a miller and in addition an operator in a woolen mill. He worked for Orange Hollister, who conducted an early business establishment here. James Elliott later in life turned his attention to farming and became the owner of considerable land and was an active man of affairs. Politically, he was a Democrat in early life, but after 186o he voted the Republican ticket. He took considerable interest in public matters, and was a man of upright character and sound judgment. His death occurred in February. 1887, his wife preceding him to the grave about twelve years.
To James Elliott and wife ten children were born, only four of whom are now living, Orange H., of this sketch, being the eldest of the serviving children. The others are Elizabeth, who has remained single; Alice Mary, who married Leander Farquar, of Gambier, died November 8, 1911; Alexander lives in Mt. Vernon.
Orange H. Elliott, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm, on which he worked hard when a boy during the crop seasons, receiving such education as he could in the old-time schools of his neighborhood.
Mr. Elliott enlisted in Company C, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the fall of 1861 and he served over two years in the Army of Western Virginia, taking part in many hard-fought engagements and trying campaigns. finally being discharged for disability. He was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry in 1862, the entire command of nearly twelve thousand men, including his whole regiment, being captured. He was immediately paroled and exchanged in due time, returning to his company and regiment. He returned home and, after regaining his health, he resumed farming, remaining at home until his marriage, on March 17, 1865, to Emily J. Hartsook, daughter of William and Amy (Ganoe) Hartsook, a pioneer family of Monroe township. To the subject and wife was born one daughter, Amy R., who married John W. Totman, a farmer of Monroe township, this county.
After his marriage Mr. Elliott lived one year in Milford township, then returned to Monroe township, where he located about two miles north of Gambier and engaged in general farming and stock raising of all kinds, and here he has continued to reside. He has a fine farm and has laid 1w a
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competency for his old age. He has always been a Democrat and is a great admirer of William J. Bryan, the great commoner. He has served as township trustee and as a member of the school board. He has always been deeply interested in public matters. He has been a frequent delegate to county and district conventions. He and bis family are members of the Dunkard church, in which he is a deacon and is active in church and Sunday school work.
ROLLIN S. CLEMENTS.
Those who belong to the respectable middle class of society, being early taught the necessity of relying upon their own exertions, will be more apt to acquire that information and those business habits which alone can fit them for the discharge of life's duties. and, indeed, it has long been a noticeable fact that our great men in nearly all walks of life spring from this class. The subject of this sketch whose life history is herewith delineated is a worthy representative of the class from which the true noblemen of the republic spring. He is the present able and popular chief of police of Mt. Vernon.
Rollin S. Clements was born July 26, 1875. on a farm four miles north of Mt. Vernon. Knox county, and he is the son of George W. and Paulina (Scott) Clements, both natives of this county, where they grew up, were educated and married and here the father engaged as a stone mason and farmer. Politically, he was a Democrat- and he very ably served as justice of the peace in Monroe township for more than twelve years. He was a man of exemplary character and highly respected: his death occurred on May 1900; his widow survives, making her home in Mt. Vernon.
Rollin S. Clements grew to maturity in Monroe township, this county, and attended the district schools. He came to Mt. Vernon when fifteen years of age and attended the public schools for two years. In 1894 he began clerking for A. F. Sauffer in the clothing business, remaining with him until October 5, 1905. giving entire satisfaction. n the fall of that year he was appointed sheriff of Knox county to fill an unexpired term, and he performed his duties in such a capable and praiseworthy manner that in the fall of 1906 he was elected to the office of sheriff, which term continued until January 4. 1909, having made a record that reflected much credit upon himself and gave eminent satisfaction to all concerned, irrespective of party alignment. Upon the expiration of his term of office he engaged in the livery business in Mt. Vernon for over a year: then he went with the Ohio
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Fuel Supply Company in the leasing department and operated in Ohio and West Virginia and he continued with this company until April 1, 191r, when he was appointed chief of police of Mt. Vernon, which office he is holding in his usual satisfactory manner, giving it his closest attention and discharging his every duty with fidelity and a public spirit that elicits the hearty approval of the people. Politically, he is a Republican and he has been active in party affairs since attaining his majority. He was a member of the city council from the sixth ward in 1902, serving one term, and was city treasurer in 1903 and 1904. He has always been regarded as a faithful and efficient public official.
Fraternally, Mr. Clements is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he has been exalted ruler he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World, standing high in all these orders.
Mr. Clements was married on June 25, 1896, to Mary C. Chase, daughter of 0. C. and Jerusha (Holt) Chase, a highly honored family of Mt. Vernon, who came from Morrow county, Ohio. Mr. Chase is a tinner and is engaged in business in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Clements have the following children : Mildred B., Margaret. George W. and Marian E.
The family home is at No. 201 East Hamtramck street. Mr. Clements is a man of high character and standing in the community and is faithful to every trust that has been reposed in him, seeking to do the right at all times as he sees and understands the right.
LYMAN WORKMAN.
Among those who first braved the wilds of Knox county when the Indians were still here and wild animals were everyday sights in the dense woods, was the progenitor of Lyman Workman, well known carpenter and builder of Brown township. At the time all of southern Ohio was an almost unbroken wilderness, with a general covering of heavy timber, but here and there interspersed with small open tracts or prairies. When the first Workman arrived here the wigwams of different tribes of red men dotted the banks of every stream in the country. They fished and hunted and always brought in many kinds of game they killed. Joseph Workman, the subject's paternal grandfather, came from Maryland with his family in 1812. leaving his home in company with other emigrants for Ohio. but while enroute he
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was drafted for service in the war of 1812, thus, leaving his family and teams. he returned to Maryland, secured a substitute, later rejoining his family and proceeded to Ohio. He first settled in Union township, south of Danville. Knox county, there entering one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government. This was wholly in the deep woods and the trees and brush had to be cleared off before a crop could be raised. Here he erected a log cabin and began to experience the hard work and privations of the life of a first settler. But there were many pleasures in the woods for all that. the pleasure of rearing his large family being not the least, for in such environment a happy household may be established easier than in the midst of populous surroundings. for reasons too evident to recite here. There were eight sons and six daughters in Joseph Workman's family, a remarkable thing about this large family being that they all grew to manhood and womanhood and lived useful lives. Here the parents, Joseph and Sarah Workman, spent the balance of their lives, becoming leaders in Union and adjoining townships, known for their integrity and hospitality, Joseph Workman dying at the age of sixty-six years. his widow surviving to quite an old age.
Joseph Workman, Jr., father of Lyman Workman, the immediate subject of this sketch, was the first child of this large family to be born after coming to Knox county. He grew up amid pioneer conditions and worked hard on the home place, in fact, he devoted his life to farming, married Christine Ross, who was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. from which the Ross family came to Knox county, Ohio, about 1835.
To Joseph, Jr., and Christine (Ross) Workman four sons and two daughters were born to grow to maturity, others dying in infancy ; those who survived were Elizabeth, now Mrs. Irvin Armstrong; Solomon R., of Brown township, this county ; Lyman. of this review ; Marina married Jobe Grant, of Pike township ; Channing lives in Seattle, 'Washington. The parents of these children are both deceased, the father having died in August, 1881, and the mother at an earlier date, in October, 1864.
Lyman Workman, of this sketch, was born in Brown township. Knox county, Ohio, on July 16, 1845, on the home farm four miles north of Danville, and there he grew to manhood, assisting with the general work about the place, and he received his education in the common schools during the time that he was not assisting with the crops on the farm. He was married on November 15, 1874. to Victoria Vincent, daughter of S. M. and Rosanna (Lybarger) Vincent, a highly respected family of Brown township, this county, and this union has resulted in the birth of four children, namely:
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William V. is married and lives on the home farm ; Myrtle is now Mrs. Albert J. Young, of Akron, Ohio; Samuel J. lives in Brown township, this county; Charles is single and is living at home.
Early in life Lyman Workman learned the carpenter's trade and this he has followed to the present time, being one of the most efficient and popular carpenters and builders of this part of the county. Most of the best farm residences and large barns, also many public buildings in this locality, stand as monuments to his skill as a builder. He is one of the busiest contractors in the county. He also has a farm four miles north of Danville, where he has always resided, overseeing the operation of the same, which is a valuable, productive and well improved place, and here he has a substantial and pleasant home.
Politically, Mr. Workman is a Democrat and he has long manifested an interest in public affairs. Something of the confidence in which he is held by the people of his community may be seen from the fact that he served as trustee of Brown township for a period of twenty years. He was also a member of the township school board for many years. His friends have frequently urged his candidacy for county commissioner, but he has persistently refused. He is a progressive citizen, favoring all legitimate public improvements in so far as they are consistent to the public good.
JOHN J. PFOUTS.
Optometry has become within the past two or three decades a distinct and, indeed, an indispensable branch of science and those who have selected it as their life work and have taken the proper pains to prepare themselves for its successful application are meeting with gratifying results and are to be found in nearly every city. We of the present generation seem to be much more in need of their services than were our fathers and grandfathers. Young people in the days of the early settling of this country had no trouble, generally or abstractly speaking. with their eyes, but for various reasons, which we would be presumptuous to attempt to explain or to account for here, the human race, as a whole, is not blessed with the perfect sight known in former epochs.
A man of marked capacity and capability in this special profession is John T. Pfouts. of Mt. Vernon. Knox county. He was born on April 9, 1883. near Wilmot, Stark county, Ohio, and he is the son of John and Samantha (Beidler) Pfouts, both natives of Stark county. and there they
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grew up, were educated in the early schools and were married and there they spent their lives engaged in agricultural pursuits, both being now deceased.
Doctor Pfouts grew to maturity on the home farm, where he made himself useful in his boyhood days, and in that vicinity he attended the district schools. He was a very assiduous student and mastered the various branches quickly and easily, so that at the early age of sixteen years he began teaching school. Later he attended Wooster University at Wooster, Ohio, for two years and there made an excellent record, after which he resumed teaching, which he followed successfully for six years in all, and he ranked high among his contemporaries in this field of endeavor: but filially, tiring of the school room, he entered the Bradley Polytechnic nstitute at Peoria, Illinois, from which he was graduated in optometry in 1907, with an excellent record. He then went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. where he was employed in a jewelry and optical store for one year, at the expiration of which he came to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and opened jewelry and optical parlors at No. 6 Vine street. where he has a neat, attractive and thoroughly and modernly equipped place of business. He gives his special attention to optical work and is a recognized expert and he has a large and rapidly growing clientage, his patrons coming from remote distances. His work has proven eminently satisfactory in every respect.
Mr. Pfouts is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 14o, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was married on September 28, 191o, to Susie Willaman, the accomplished daughter of J. S. and Sarah (Shick) Willaman, of New Berlin, Stark county, Ohio, where the father is one of the community's prosperous and highly respected farmers. The mother is also still living.
Mr. Pfouts is a young man of pleasing address, makes and retains friends easily. is highly educated and is always a student, especially in the branches that pertain to his profession and he has won the respect of a large circle of acquaintances and friends since casting his lot in Mt. Vernon.
SAMUEL H. ISRAEL.
Prominent in the business life of Mt. Vernon and this locality, preeminently distinguished for his splendid ability in carrying to completion important enterprises and enjoying marked prestige in many things, aside from his pronounced financial talents, far beyond the limits of the community honored by his citizenship, Samuel H. Israel stands out a clear and conspicu- |