350 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY service he returned home and in 1872 was married. He has since lived in Wellington and for twelve years was marshal of the town and also night watchman. Later he served for several years as field manager for various publishing houses but is now living retired in Wellington, enjoying a well earned rest. Under the parental roof L. A. Williams spent the days of his boyhood and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. However he is largely a self-educated man, for owing to the illness of his mother and the comparative poverty of his parents, for there was a large family of children it was necessary for him to provide for his own support from the age of eleven years. Although he attended school to some extent after this, he met the expenses of his course through his own labor. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he enlisted in the service as a member of Company F, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he woks connected for six months. After his discharge on the 26th of October, of that year, be returned to Ohio and took up his abode in Columbus, becoming, a stockholder and director of the Columbus Saw Mill Company. He afterward engaged in buying and exporting white oak and walnut timber and developed an important business in that line. He was connected therewith for about six years, but in 1900 withdrew from the Columbus Saw Mill Company and established a monument business in West Salem, Ohio. He retained his residence in that place for nearly two years, when he came to Ashland to find a larger and more advantageous field for his business. He had made a verbal agreement with J. I. Dorland to purchase his business but after Mr. Williams' arrival in Ashland Mr. Dorland refused to sell and therefore Mr. Williams established himself in business in other quarters. Two years later, however, Mr. Dorland signified his willingness to fulfill his part of the contract and Mr. Williams took over the business and later purchased the property and buildings in which he is now conducting his enterprise. He has a thoroughly modern plant and taking the rough stone he carries it through the various stages until it is turned out a finished and beautiful monument. His patronage has grown rapidly and, while his trade is extensive throughout the state, he also ships as far west as the State of Washington. Each year as it passed chronicled a substantial growth in his business and he is today one of the prominent representatives business was of industrial interests here. On January 1, 1909, the business was organized into a stock company of which Mr. Williams is president and general manager. In 1900 Mr. Williams was married to Miss Emma Naftzger, a daughter of S. S. and Lydia (Berry) Naftzger, of West Salem, now residents of Ashland. 'Then children are Naftzger Avery and Loyis Arlin. The parents held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. Mr. Williams is now teacher of one of the largest Sunday-school classes in the state, having a membership of one hundred and seventy, and was president of the class for three years. This class has been in existence for three years and is proving a potent element for good in the moral progress of Ashland. His political allegiance is given to the republican party where questions of national importance are involved, but at local elections he casts an independent vote. He is one of the active supporters of the present organization of the Business Men's Association. He has always stood in the HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 351 vanguard of progress and any movement for the good of the community at large will always find him among the leaders. He is now numbered among the successful business men of Ashland. With him there is no dividing line between commercial interests and religion and his life is an exemplification of the truth "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and its ighteousness and all these things shall he added unto you," for his temporal prosperity has followed his devotion to the church and to the life purposes as outlined in the teachings of the lowly Nazarene. He is in all things alert, energetic and progressive, and Ashland has reason to number him among her valued residents. DUFF PANCOAST. Duff Pancoast, a leading druggist of Ashland and head of the firm of Panencoast & Spencer, was born here February 29, 1868, a son of Ohio and Adeline (Murray) Pancoast. His father a native of Johnsville, this state, came to this place when a lad with his parents. his father, the grandfather of the subject of this review. having also engaged in the drug business in which he was a. pioneer of this city, continuing in the enterprise for nary years. Upon his death he was succeeded by his son; Ohio Pancoast, who during the later years of his life was identified with the insurance business. He was a stanch supporter of the republican party and although not an office seeker he was a. strong advocate of its principles and was a delegate to the national convention which nominated James A. Garfield for president. Prominent in Masonic; circles be was a member of the Blue Lodge and also of the Cornmandery and, being a man well known for his aggressive spirit, he was an influential asset to the commercial interests of the city. He departed this life in 1888. He reared a family of three childen, namely: Anna, the wife of A. C. Bugniard, residents of this city; Ray, also of this place; and Duff. Duff Pancoast, who succeeded his father in the drug business established by his grandfather, was reared in Ashland where he acquired his preliminary education in the common schools and subsequently completed courses of study in the high school and the pharmaceutical department of the Ohio Normal University, at Ada. He was practically born to the drug business, from early chidhood having been employed about his father's establishment, and after his father disposed of the business to Rhodes & Hess, he remained in the employ of that firm for three years. It was at this period of his life that he pursued a course of study in pharmacy at the Ohio University, after graduating from which institution he returned to this city and was employed by J. W. Brant as a pharmacist and later by Fred J. Backley. In February, 1899, he engaged in business for himself in partnership with W. H. Carter, the firm being known under the name of Pancoast & Carter. This partnership existed but one year when Mr. Pancoast bought out the interest of his associate and conducted the business independently until March, 1906, when he affiliated with him David H. Spencer, changing the firm name to that of Pancoast & Spencer. The store is one of the most modern in every particular, and; being 352 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY conducted upon progressive lines, is very popular throughout the city and has an extensive patronage. Moreover he conducts a drug store in Plymouth. Ohio, where he does a large business and enjoys an enviable reputation is pharmaceutical circles. In 1898 Mr. Pancoast was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Roller of Ashland, a daughter of Wesley Roller, deceased, and the couple have one daughter, Helen Louise. Prominent among fraternal organizations Mr. Pancoast belongs to Ashland Lodge No. 151, A. F. & A. M. ; Ashland Chapter, No. 67, 6. R. A. M.; Mansfield Council, No. 94, R. & S. M. ; Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T.: Elida Lodge of Perfection; and Lake Erie Consistory, A. & A. S. R. He is a member of the Ashland Board of Trade and also of the Ashland Commercial Club, in both of which organizations he is a live factor, and, ever ready to promote measures for the betterment of the community, he is a valuable factor in its business coterie. HORACE A. ROBERTS Horace A. Roberts, of Nankin, who since January, 1901, has efficiently served as rural free delivery carrier, is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of the county. He was born in Orange township on the 16th of February, 1860, a son of Harvey and Mary (Risher) Roberts, the former being a native of Vermont. In 1825, the paternal grandfather, Aaron Roberts, and James Murray, of Orange township, met at a church conference at Cincinnati and on becoming acquainted and finding that they had one hundred and seventy and one hundred and sixty acres of land respectively, they agreed to exchange farm sight unseen. The following year Aaron Roberts brought his family to Ashland county, Ohio, and settled on the property for which he had exchanged his homestead in the Green Mountain state, but the place was covered with timber, which he had to clear away before the land could be utilized for farming purposes. He was successfully identified with agricultural interests here until the time of his retirement, when he took up his abode in Ashland, there remaining until called to his final rest. Harvey Roberts, the father of our subject, who accompanied his parents on their removal westward, followed flat boating on the Ohio river and later went to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Subsequently, however, he took up farming on the old family homestead in Orange township and carried on agricultural pursuits until he retired from active business. His demise occurred in Ashland on the 1st of November, 1895, while his wife passed away December 24, 1900, the community thus losing two of its most honored. respected and representative residents.. Unto this worthy couple were born five children, four sons and one daughter, namely: John, who is deceased; James A.; Howard M.; Horace A.,. of this review; and Laveda, the wife of C. P. Winbigler, of Ashland. Horace A. Roberts was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the district schools. . After attaining man's estate he engaged in railroading on the Erie road for two years, on the expiration of which period HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 353 he returned to the old home place and for a mumber of years carried on general farming and stockraising, meeting with well merited prosperity in his undertakings. In 1899 he took tip his abode at his present place in Nankin and from there superintended his farming interests. He was appointed rural free delivery carner in January, 1901, and has thus capably served to the present time. On the 10th of June, 1883, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Florence Wiley, a daughter of George and Urania (Gearhart) Wiley, of Montgomery township, both of whom are deceased. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born six children: Charles O., a resident of Ashland; William McKinley; Milo A.; and three who died in infancy. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Roberts has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has been an active worker in its local ranks. He has been a member of the central committee for many years, a delegate to county, district and state conventions and has frequently been a candidate for office but failed of election, the party being in the minority in his township and county. He is a stalwart advocate of all public improvements along the line of material, intellectual and moral advancement and is a most public-spirited, progressive and loyal citizen. Fond of fishing and hunting, he indulges his love of those sports when on trips to Michigan and elsewhere and is likewise a great admirer of a, fine horse. Practically his entire life has been passed in this county and the favorable regard entertained for him by his fellow townsmen is proof that his career has been an honorable one. HARRY B. VANOSDALL. Harry B. Vanosdall, a member of the firm of H. B. Vanosdall & Brother, furniture dealers of Ashland, was born here May 30, 1868. He acquired his preliminary education in the public schools, subsequently completing a course in the high school and for one term attended Ashland College. He began his business career early in life and when eighteen years of age opened a barber shop, following that occupation for ten years, and for three years of this period he had the agency for domestic papers and at the same time engaged in the realestate business. Prior to opening the barber shop he worked in a grocery store. He was quite successful in his undertakings and while in the paper business he conceived the idea of entering the legal profession, and to prepare himself for this vocation he took up Sprague's Correspondence course in law, which he continued for a period of two years, at the termination of which time he concluded that he would rather follow a business life, and in 1899, in partnership with his brother, he established himself in the furniture trade. Both men being industrious and energetic, they soon succeded in establishing a large trade so that at present their business is one of the most considerable in the city. So favorable have been his commercial relations that he has been justified in entering upon a wider business career, and in addition to being a stockholder and 354 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY director of the Reliable Match Company, of which he was among the organizers, he and his brother also own a half interest in the Improved Manufacturing Company and Mr. Vanosdall is also vice president of the Ashland Building & Loan Association. He had practically nothing with which to begin his business career. and deserves great credit for the rapid strides he has made in the commercial world, his success being due to his diligence and perseverance, reenforced by excellent business judgment and untiring energy. On November 22, 1852, Mr. VanosdralI was united in marriage to Miss Emma Arnold, a daughter of Samuel L. Arnold, of this city, and the couple have one daughter, Kathleen. Be belongs to Montgomery Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F.. is a member of the volunteer lire company of this city, of which for six years be has been secretary, "and belongs to that denomination of Christians known as the Disciples of Christ. He is in every particular worthy of honor and respect as a representative citizen whose aggressive spirit and laudable ambition have enabled him to rise in the commercial world from comparative obscurity, until at present he is ranked among the moneyed men of the community. Ile and his brother, Henry N. Vanosdall, with whom he is associated in the furniture business, own considerable real estate in various parts of the city. They are amoung the prosperous and aggressive merchants of this vicinity and have not only largely contributed to their own prosperity but their commercial industries have greatly enhanced the city's financial worth. JOHN STONER John Stoner, one of the venerable, respected and representative citizens of Milton township, where he has for many years been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, was born on the 25th of November, 1836, his parents being David and Barbara (Bechtel) Stoner, both natives of Lancaster county Pennsylvania. The father came to Ashland county, Ohio, in early life, taking up a quarter section of land here when this district was almost entirely covered with timber. He cleared the place and as the years passed developed a valuable farm and made a good home for his family. On this property, which is nosy in possession of his son John, he spent the remainder of his useful and honorable life, his sons assisting him in the cultivation of the fields until they reached years of maturity. his children were four in number, namely: Jacob, John. Abram and David. In his youthful days John Stoner divided his time between the mastery ofthe lessons assigned him at the district school and the work of the home fan: After attaining adult age he worked at the carpenter's trade for several years but subsequent to the death of his parents he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead place and has here since been engaged in general farming and stock raising, meeting with a well deserved and commendable measure of prosperity in both branches of his business. He is practical and progressive in all that he does and is amounted one of the leading and substantial citizens of the community. HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 355 In 1871 Mr. Stoner was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hartman, a daughter of Henry Hartman, and they have one child, Cora, who is now the wife of J. O. Bally. In his political affiliation, M. Stoner is a stanch republican, while his religions faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church. 'Throughout the long years of his residence in this county he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends, his upright manhood and genuine personal worth having won him the regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. CHARLES ENCK. Charles Enck, stockholder and general manager of the Improved Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of children's wearing apparel, of Ashland, and one of the energetic young business men of this city, whose brief period of commercial life has already given him high standing in the financial circles of the city, is a native of Hayesville, this county, where his birth occurred January 3,1880. his parents, Joseph and Julia, (Wenger) Enck, were natives of Pennsylvania, reared in the city of Reading, where they were united in marriage. Subsequently coming to this county and locating in Hawesville, the father there followed the carpenter trade for a number of years, and in 1884 removed to this city where for some time he was employed as a machinist in the Myers Shops. After leaving the employ of that firm, he gave up active life and is now living in retiremet. His wife entered into rest in 1907. The elder Mr. Enck is a democrat. always loyal to the candidates of his party and is also a veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout the entire conflict, in which he received a gun-shot wound, causing him much subsequent suffering. Charles Enck was reared in the home of his parents and when he was three years old came to this city, where his boyhood clays were spent, during which time he received his education in the public schools. When fifteen years of age, desirous of entering the business world, he secured a. position in the machine shop of F. E. Myers & Brother, where he served an apprenticeship as a machinist and for seven years was employed by this company as a journeyman. In 1903, in company with others„ Mr. Enck engaged in the manufacturing business, organizing what was known as the Improved Gaiter Company, of whic he was made manager. The factory had been in operation something over three years when the present larger manufacturing firm was organized, of which Mr. Enck was made general manager, the duties of which office he is now performing with remarkable ability. The enterprise, which was commenced in a molest way, has grown to one of considerable magnitude and is now among the city's important industries, thirty-five men being employed in the factory, manufacturing a high grade of children's wearing apparel, in which the firm does an immense shipping business throughout this state and in fact throughout the entire country. In 1902 Mr. Enck wedded Mamie Phillips, a daughter of D. A. Phillips, a wealthy contractor of this city, and the couple have one child, David P. While 356 - THE HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY Mr. Enck is a democrat politically, loyal to his party in national and state politics, he is very liberal in his views relative to Municipa1 matters and castS his vote for such candidates as he judges best fitted to serve in the offices they seek irrespective of.their party affiliations. he belongs to mohican Lodge. No.85, I. O. O. F., and holds membership with the Disciples of Christ, being a leading factor in the affairs of the church. Mr. Enek is a worthy example of a truly self-made man. While a boy employed in the Myers & Brother Machine Shops he determined to become independent in life, and by bringing to the surface his latent business qualities he soon found himself capable of transacting large affairs. In the manufacturing business he is meeting with a full measure of success and today justly deserves a place among the city's most reliable and representative business men. JOHN FLUKE. John Fluke, numbered among the prosperous, influential and respected citizens of Ashland county, has spent his entire life on the farm in Orange township on which he still resides, his time and energies having been given to general farming and stock-raising throughout his active business career. He was born on the 4th of June, 1831, his parents being Philip and Mary Summers Fluke. The father, whose birth occurred in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1791, wedded Miss Mary Summers about 1811 and unto them were born eleven children, namely: Henry, Lewis. Samuel, Philip, Catherine, Jacob, David, Eliza., Lucinda, Margaret and John. In 1816, a few years after his marriage, Philip Fluke made his way to Ohio, locating in Orange township, Ashland county, when this district was almost entirely covered with heavy timber and only here and there had a hardy pioneer ventured to establish his home. He was fully aware of the arduous labor that was before hi m and set to work with determined resolute spirit. His first task was the erection of a small log cabin for himself and his family as a protection from the inclement weather and also from the wild beasts that nightly prowled, in the vicinity. He then bent his energies to clearing a tract of land on which to plant corn, so that he might raise something for the subsistence of his family. In due time his original farm was cleared of the timber but, possessed of untiring energy and laudable ambition, he increased its boundaries from time to time, is his financial resources permitted, until his holdings aggregated eight hundred acres of productive and valuable land. When his sons reached maturity he gave each of them a farm of one hundred acres of improved land with which to make a start in life, for he was unwilling that they should undergo the trials and difficulties which beset him in early manhood. He passed away in 1867, having survived his wife by six weeks, and their remains were interred side by side in St. Luke's cemetery, Their exemplary lives and many virtues are still held in loving remembrance by their children and relatives. Jacob Fluke, a brother of John Fluke of this review, was, born in 1820 and always resided on a farm adjoining the original homestead of the family, suc- HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 361 cessfully carrying on general agricultural pursuits as a life work. On the 25th March. 1847, he wedded Miss Mary Gordon, whose birth occurred March 28, 1827. her father being John Gordon, of Orange township. By this union there were born three children, as follows : Mrs. Jennie L. Booles, whose natal day was August 23, 18,50; J. Gordon, born November 11, 1856; and Mrs. Carrie L. Norris. who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 3d of June, 1857. Jacob Fluke was a, devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which he passed away July 11, 1884, his demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His farm still remains in possession of the family. As before stated, John Fluke, the youngest son of Philip and Mary (Summers) Fluke, has always remained on the place where he was born and since attaining years of maturity has been engaged in general farming and stock-raising with excellent succcss. He has made a specialty of raising sheep and short horn tattle raising, being a recognized authority on the subject and has long been numbered among the most substantial, progressive and esteemed citizens of his native county. John Fluke has been married twice. On the 24th of November, 1864, he wedded Miss Elizabeth McDowell, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Sloan) McDowell and a representative of a prominent family of Ashland county. Three children were born to this union: James McDowell Fluke, a well known agriculturist of Orange township; Mary S., deceased; and Ethel C. The mother of these children passed away February 15, 1879, and on the 25th of February 1880, Mr. Fluke was again married, his second union being with Miss Freelove A. Thomas, a daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Thomas, of Orange township. Both the Thomas and Zimmerman families were among the early pioneers of this county, taking a prominent and helpful part in its material and moral development. Unto Mr. Fluke and his second wife have been born three children : Josiah T., Frederick W., and Orin R. In his political views Mr. Fluke is a democrat and, though never an office seeker. is interested in the public, welfare and has capably served his fellow townsmen in the position of township trustee for several years and also as a member the school hoard. He formerly belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and his entire life has been in harmony with his professions. Honesty, uprightness and integrity have ever been his salient characteristics and he is now spending his declining years in peace and plenty, with the consciousness of a well spent life that has won him the merited regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. S. G. WIEST. S. G. Wiest a representative of commercial interests in Ashland, where he is now conducting a well appointed and profitable drug store, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1850, his parents being Jacob and Margaret (Gates) Wiest, also natives of the same county. The father's death there occurred in 1902, while the mother is still living at the advanced age of eighty-three years. 362 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY S. G. Wiest spent his youthful days in his parent's home and is indebted to the public school system of the state for the early educational opportunities afforded him. He also. studied for a time in Pennsylvania College at Gettsyburg and when sixteen years of age he began teaching. Believing that he might have better business opportunities elsewhere than in his native locality. he turned his face westward in 1873 and on the 24th of June, arrived in Ashland. During the following fall and winter he taught the Ackley School in Vermillion township; this county, and in April, 1874, he entered the drug store of J. P. Harley to act as clerk and learn the business. On the 1st of February, 1878, he became proprietor of a store through the purchase of the business of Dr. G. B. Cole, then located the second door south of the building now occupied by the postoffice. Two months later, on the 1st of April, 1878, he rented a room on Main street below the Miller house, formerly occupied by Dr. W. K. Foltz and now occupied by the drug store of W. L. Rhoads & Company. In this room he placed new fixtures and modern equipment, moving his stock thereto, and conducted the business until 1880, when he sold out to E. W. Reaser. He then engaged in the manufacture of cigars in partnership with William Flinn, with whom he was associated for three years. In 1883, he purchased from C. A. Godman the drug store on Main street which he has since conducted, having carried on the business for more than a quarter of a century. He has a large and well selected line of goods and the tasteful arrangement of the store, together with his reasonable prices and unfailing courtesy in business dealings, has brought him enviable success. In 1876, Mr. Wiest was married to Miss Belle Mansfield. of Ashland. and unto them have been born three children: John, a resident of this city; Katherine, the wife of Zenith Wile, of Ashland, Ohio; and Fred C., who is pursuing architectural and special courses at the University of Pennsylvania. being now in his senior year. In politics Mr. Wiest is a stalwart democrat but without aspiration for office. . He belongs to Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., Ashland Chapter, R. A. M., Mansfield Council, R. & S. M., Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T., Cleveland Consistory, A. & A. S. R., and Al Koran Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cleveland. He was formerly identified with the Odd Fellow and with the Knights of Pythias but does not keep up his connection with either organization at the present time. He posseses a genial disposition and his friends in Ashland are legion. EBENEZER E. WHARTON There is a marked contrast between the fine residence which Ebenezer E. Wharton now occupies and the little log cabin in which he was born. One is an indication of his personal prosperity, the other of the condition which existed in the codnty at the time of his birth, a period in which the work of improvement and civilization had been carried on only to a slight extent. As the years passed he became an active factor in agricultural circles and is now extensively engaged in raising cattle and sheep. He was born in this county, HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 363 September 8, 1849, a son of James and Nancy (Williams) Wharton. The former was a son of John and Mary Wharton, both of whom were natives of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where their four children were also born. These were James, Malinda, Mary and John Wharton. Having lost his first wife John Wharton married again and the children of that union were Thomas, Robert, Hulbert, Franklin, Minerva and Clara. It was in the year 1823 that John Wharton arrived with his family in Ohio, settling in what was then Richland and now Ashland county. All around him were the green woods, the trees standing in their primeval. strength. In the midst of the forest he built a little cabin and commenced to clear away the trees that he might prepare the fields for cultivation. He became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, converting it into a new farm, and with the early development of the county he was closely and helpfully associated. James Wharton, whose birth occurred in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1817, was but five years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. He remained with his father until he reached the age of ten when he started out to earn his own living. He made the attempt by working in a sugar camp, making maple sugar on shares, but he lost all that he earned in that way. He next bought a calf but that went mad and afterward bough a colt and it died. These were disheartening ventures boy who must depend upon his own resources for a living, but being resolute and determined, he persevered in the face of obstacles and at last fate smiled upon his attempts. He could always see the bright side of everything and through speculation he added largely to his resources, becoming in the course of years one of the wealthy and distinguished citizens of Ashland county. At the age of twenty-five years he purchased his first farm and kept increasing his holdings as his financial resources were augmented until he was at one time the owner of fourteen hundred and sixty acres of valuable land. He also dealt extensively in sheep and cattle, keeping on hand large flocks of sheep, owning as many as thirteen hundred head at one time, in which season his sale of wool amounted to more than five thousand dollars. He also engaged in buying and selling wool and handled sheep and cattle ob a large scale. His success came as the direct result of his industry, careful management and judicious investment. He was a very influential man in his day and as financial resources increased he manifested a spirit of charity that was most generous and helpful, being always one of the first to respond to the call of the needy. His sympathy found expression in ready and liberal gifts of money and no one in want ever appealed to him in vain. In matters relative to the public welfare he also took a deep interest and served his community in several positions of importance, acting as one of the county commissioners for six years, while for many terms he was trustee. His judgment and advice were frequently sought by his neighbors, friends and associates, and his opinions were considered of great value. In 1838, he married Miss Nancy Williams, who was born in 1821, and they became the parents of nine children: Mrs. Adeline Hunter, who died in March, 1891; Ebenezer E.; Mrs. Malinda Franks; John A.; Judson R. ; Willard C. ; Ulysses Grant; and two who died in infancy. 364 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY Ebenezer P. Wharton pursued his education to the district schools and remained upon the home farm until he had attained his majority. He was married at the age of twenty-five years and established his home in a little log cabin, but his wife has been of much assistance to him and his industry and perseverance have enabled him to work his way steadily upward. Carefully controlling his business affairs, he has A length become financially independent and something of his prosperity is indicated in the fact that in 1903 he erected a fine residence which is one of the attractive country homes of this part of the county. All of the other buildings upon his place are kept in good repair. Like his father, he is extensively engaged in raising sheep and has made much money in this way, being now one of the best known shippers in this portion of the state. He owns four hundred acres of valuable land and his success is continually increasing. He gives much credit to his wife for her sound judgment and the ability with which she has managed the household affairs while he has earned on the work of the fields or managed his live stock interests. Ile is regarded as an authority upon sheep, being familiar with the best breeds and handling only high grade stock. In 1874 Mr. Wharton was married to Miss Lillie Loretta MCluskey. a daughter of John A. and Elizabeth McCluskey, and they became the parents of four children: James A., who Was born February 13, 1876, and died in 1908; Charles Edward, born March 4, 1878; Judson, born July 27, 1880; and John William, September 7, 1882. Mr. Wharton and his family attend the United Brethren church in which he holds membership, and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. his political endorsement is given to the republican party and he has been a delegate to seyeral state conventions. Ile is numbered among the class of citizens on whom the community depends to further its best interests, for while he does not seek or desire office he is loyal to the public good and cooperates in many measures for its advancement. His record is in harmony with that of his father and grandfather who from an early period in the development of the county took a helpful part In shaping its policy and molding its destiny. HERBERT E. ENCK Herbert E. Enck, prominent in the financial affairs of this city as gneral manager of the M. & E. Manufacturing Company, producers of ladies' belts and children's wearing apparel, was born in Hayesville, May 28, 1877, a son of Joseph and Julia (Wenger) Enck, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania Reared in the city of Reading, where they were united in marriage, they subsequently came to this county and located in Hayesville, where the father followed the carpenter's trade for a number of years. In 1884 he removed to this, city where for some time he was employed as a machinist in the Myers Shops and, after leaving the employ of that firm, he gave up active life and is note living in retirement. His wife entered into rest in 1907. The elder Mr. Enck is a democrat an. has always been loyal to the candidates of his party. He is a HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 365 veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout the entire conflict, in which he rewired a gun-shot wound, from which he has since endured much suffering. The public schools of this city afforded Herbert E. Enck his education and at the age of eighteen years, being ambitious to become associated with the affairs the commercial world and become independent in life, he secured a position in the office of F. E. Myers & Brothers, in whose employ he remained until 1903. At that early period of his career, becoming dissatisfied with working for others in a salaried position and determining riot to pursue this course all his days, he resigned his position, in which he had served with great efficiency and benefit to the company and organized the Improved Gaiter Company, launching out in the manufacturing business in November, 1903. At the organization of the firm he became general manager and transacted its in an able manner until 1907, when solicitous to widen out in the commercial world he disposed of his interests and organized what is known as the M. & E. Manufacturing Company, of which he was also made general manager. In this connection he has since been performing his duties. An the advantage of the interests of the business. The enterprise is constantly growing, the firm at present employing from thirty to forty operatives and suppaying an immense local and out-of-town trade. On February 22, 1907, Mr. Buck was united in marriage to Millie Ridgeley, a daughter of Frank Ridgeley deceased formerly a commercial salesman of this city. Mr. Enck is interested in religious work and with his wife attends divine services at the Christian church, of which he is a member and a leading factor. He is recognized as a conservative business man and the industry and aggressiveness which he has thus far evidenced and which have been instrumental in placing him amid his present prosperous circumstances, bid fair to put him in a still higher position in the commercial and financial circles of the city. CHRISTIAN KUNKEL Christian Kunkel, who is now living retired in Ashland, was for many years numbered among the prominent and successful dry-goods merchants of the city. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, January 31, 1844, his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth (Stalter) Kunkel, who were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and in early manhood and womanhood went with their respective parents to Knox county. Ohio, where they were married. They made their home in that county until 1854, when they came to Ashland county, locating in Mifflin township, wince they spent their remaining days, the father passing away in 1863, while the mother survived until 1869, when she, too, was called to her final rest. Christian Kunkel acquired his education in the common schools and remained at home until eighteen years of age, when he came to Ashland and for two years worked in a grocery store. The next clerked for two years in a dry-goods store and at the end of that time, having carefully husbanded his resources, he purchased an interest in the day-goods business of Brubaker Brothers, which 366 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY however, he eventually sold. A year later, in association with Brubaker Brothers, he purchased the business of N. B. Parmely, the enterprise being then conducted under the firm style of Brubaker & Kunkel. Subsequently I. H. Good was admitted to a partnership and the name of the firm was changed tp Brubaker, Kunkel & Good, while still later L. J. Miller bought the interest of Mr. Brubaker and the concern became known as Kunkel, Good & Miller. Thos relation continued for about five or six years, when the interest of Mr. Miller was purchased and the business was then conducted under the style of Kunkel & Good until 1902, when Mr. Kunkel retired, selling out to Mr. Sellers. Since that time Mr. Kunkel has lived practically retired, his carefully conducted and well managed business interests in former years having brought to him a competence that now enables him to enjoy many of the luxuries and all of the comforts of life. He owns a valuable farm a mile east of Ashland and is widely recognized as one of the substantial, progressive and public-spirited residents of the city. In 1866 Mr. Kunkel was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Jackson, of Ashland. By this union there have been born five children, four of whom still survive: Frank W., who is connected with the firm of Sellers & Good, dry-goods merchants of this city; Blanche, the wife of T. M. Harkness, an insurance man of Ashland ; George, who follows agricultural pursuits in Montgomery township; and Carrie, the wife of William Wiley, of Ashland, Ohio. The two sons, Frank W. and George, are extensive breeders of thoroughbred fox and coon hounds and ship their dogs to all parts of the country, their kennels being maintained on the home farm near Ashland. They began breeding hounds a few years ago on a small scale and have met with remarkable success in the venture, their business being now one of magnitude. Mr. Kunkel gives his political allegiance to the democracy and for its years has served continuously as a member of the city council, proving a faithful and efficient public official. He is interested in the city's welfare and has taken an active and helpful part in every movement or measure instituted for its advancement along moral, intellectual and material lines. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which his wife is also identified. He has made his home in this county from early boyhood and the principles that have actuated his life have ever been such as to win for him the highest esteem and good will of his fellow townsmen. ARTHUR LeROY GARRISON, M. D. Dr. Arthur LeRoy Garrison is one of the younger members or the medical fraternity, and although he has been located in Sullivan only for the past six years, he has a well established practice, which is constantly increasing each year. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having, occurred in Rochester township, Lorain county, his parents being George M. and Almeda (Jones) Garrison. The father was formerly engaged in merchandizing in Rochester and both he and his wife still survive. HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 367 Dr. Garrison pursucd his early education in the schools of Rochester, this being supplemented by a course in Berea College, at Berea, this state. Being favorably impressed with the profession of medicine as a life work, to this end he matriculated in the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Cleveland, completing his course, however, in Western Reserve University of that city with the class of 1902, his expenses being met by the money which he had saved from teaching for three years in the schools of Lorain, after he had completed hisliterary course. Following his graduation in 1902, he spent one year in hospital. work in Cleveland, whercby he gained practical knowledge of the science of medicine and surgery and thus he was well qualified to engage in practice on his own account, when in 1903 he opened an office in Ravenna. However, Sullivan seemed to offer better opportunities for a general practitioner and after six months spent in Ravenna, he came to the latter city, opening an office here in January, 1903. From the beginning he met with success and it was but a short time ere he had a well established practice for he has demonstrated his skill and ability in the handling of many complex medical problems and his services are in almost constant demand. Dr. Garrison chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Frances M. Campbell, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 8th of June. 1901. Mrs. Garrison is a daughter of Frank and Hannah (Lewis) Campbell the former a prominent agriculturist of Lorain county, Ohio, and a veteran of the Civil war. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Garrison has been blessed with daughters, Christine J. and Hortense L., but the latter is now deceased. Politically the Doctor is a republican, while as a public-spirited citizen he is a strong advocate of good roads, good schools and all public movements which are calculated to better conditions and the best interests of his home locality. As a diversion from his professional duties he gives his leisure hours to the raising of chickens, being a fancier of high grade poultry and he is also a great lover of all kinds of thoroughbred animals. The Doctor is highly esteemed in Sullivan and vicinity, not only as a professional man but also as a citizen and friend of humanity who lives for the good he can do to his fellowman. JOHN A. CREVELING. John A. Creveling, who since September, 1905. has served as postmaster at Nankin. was born in Orange township, Ashland county, Ohio, on the 27th of April, 1867. his parents being Francis and Rebecca (Duck) Creveling. The father, whose birth occurred in November, 1840, followed agricultural pursuits in Orange township throughout. his active business career. He was an upright. industrious citizen, interested in all movements pertaining to the general welfare and gave his political support to the republican party. For many years he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which he passed away on the 1st of February, 1908. His wife still survives and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which she resides. 368 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY John A. Creveling, the eldest in a family of six children, four of whom are still living, a brother and sister being deceased, was reared upon the old homestead place and divided his time in his youthful years between attendance at the schools of Nankin and the assistance which he gave his father in the work of the home farm. When twenty-four years of age he was married and for eleven years afterward was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Failing health, however, convinced him of the necessity of securing employment requiring less physical exertion and in the spring of 1902 he came to Nankin with his family, accepting a clerkship with I. L. Fortney, who conducted a general mercantile store. He remained in that position until September, 1905, when he was appointed postmaster at Nankin, in which capacity he has served in a satisfactory and efficient manner to the present tune. He has also studied photography and has become quite an expert in the use of the camera, making specialty of postcard work, which proves a source of diversion as well as of revenue. On the 4th of March, 1891, Mr. Creveling was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Al. Murray, a daughter of Wilson and Isabelle (Stowe) Murray, of Richland county, the father being a prominent agriculturist. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children, namely: Connor M., Virgil W., Esther M. and Rhea A. In his political views Mr. Creveling is a stanch republican and has been prominent and active in the local councils of the party. He and the member of his family belong to the Presbyterian church and take a helpful part in both church and Sunday school work. They are likewise popular and prominent in social circles, their many excellent traits of character having won for them the warm esteem and regard of all with whom they have come in contact. Mr. Creveling has always lived in this county, so that his acquaintance is a wide one, and that he is best liked where best known is an indication that his salient characteristics are those which command respect and good will. HON. GEORGE W. BRUBAKER Hon. George W. Brubaker is preeminently a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. He is accounted one of the leading farmers of Lake township and while successfully controlling his agricultural interests he has at the same time been a factor in the public life of the community and has been honored by his fellow townsmen with various local offices while twice he has been called to represent his district in the state legislature, A native Pennsylvania he was born in Bedford county, January 12, 1828, his parents being George and Elizabeth (Burkhart) Brubaker. The father was born November 17, 1798, in Pennsylvania, and the mother's birth occurred near Altoona, that state, on the 5th of October, 1801. They were married November 28, 1819, and spent several years of their early married life in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, after which they went to Fayette county and in 1834 arrived in Ohio. The journey westward was made in a covered wagon drawn by three horses and after HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 371 a long and weary trip through the forests they reached Mohican township and established their home near Mohicanville in that part of Wayne county which is now it part of Ashland county. Mr. Brubaker at once built a log cabin, eighteen by twenty feet in the midst of the dense forest. It had a puncheon door and its furnishings were of a most primitive character. The father at once began to clear his land and place it under the plow while the family experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Both he and his wife spent their last days in Lake township where his death occurred in January, 1862, while his wife passed away March 18, 1887. He had devoted his entire life to general farming, thus providing a comfortable living for his family while his labors were also an element in the reclamation of a wild western district which through the work of Mr. Brubaker and others was converted into a prosperous and populous section. In polities he was a Jacksonian democrat, stanchly advocating the principles promulgated by "Old Hickory," for whom he voted. He also cast a presidential ballot for James Monroe and as the years passed he continued to support the democratic nominees until he was called from this life. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged. Their family numbered ten children : John, Ephraim and Joseph all now deceased; Margaret, who became the wife of the Rev. A. K. Owen, both of whom have now passed away ; George W. ; Elias P., living in Shandon, California; Mary Elizabeth, who married Dewitt Kean, both now deceased Harrison A., who has departed this life ; Thomas M., who died in early life ; and Nancy Magdalene, the deceased wife of A. C. Kean, a brother of Dewitt Kean. The Hon. George W. Brubaker was an infant at the time of the removal of family to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and was but six years of age when he arrived in Ohio so that practically his entire life, has been passed in Ashland county. He was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of the frontier and remained upon the old homestead until twenty-one years of age, aiding in the work of clearing and cultivating the land. From early boyhood he was very active and at a time when most boys are concerned with the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground he was engaged in driving a team in the fields taking part in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He became an expert cradler. When he began work of that character the cradle which he used was a very inferior construction but he kept making demands for a better cradle until he had one that suited him and with it he cradled eight acres of wheat in a day while later he cut ten acres in a day. Afterward he cut oats at the rate of eleven acres in a day on a field of seven acres. His cradle had an edge of fifty-four inches. His record surpassed any that has ever been made in this part of the state. He was blessed with great strength, vigor and endurance and could split one thousand rails in a day. He learned how best to conserve and use his energy and in his sixty-eighth year he cut one hundred shocks of corn with one hundred hills to the shock. He remained upon the old homestead until he attained his majority, at which time his father purchased a farm near the present home of our subject in Lake township and a removal was made to that place. Mr. Brubaker's educational privileges in his boyhood were extremely limited but when nineteen years of age he became a student in Hayesville 372 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY Academy for three years and afterward took up the profession of teaching as a part of his regular work, continuing in active connection with the schools from 1848 until 1884, teaching each winter in the district schools. That he enjoyed a most excellent reputation in this direction goes without saying for his lone connection with the schools at once manifests the ability which he displayed a his work. For one year he was superintendent of the Loudonville schools but most of the time taught in the country. In the summer months during his early manhood he worked on farms in the neighborhood and eventually took up farming on his own account. He has done considerable clearing, having cleared about sixty acres in Lake township in addition to the work which hc did in that direction in Mohican township. He was married in 1852 and purchased a small farm of fifty-seven acres in Green township in 1854. In the spring of 1855 he removed to his present home on section 6, Lake township, where he has since resided. His first purchase made him owner of seventy acres to which he has added from time to time until he now has three hundred acres in his home farm and an additional tract of one hundred and eight acres in Green township. The present substantial buildings on his place were erected by hire and much of the land was cleared by Mr. Brubaker who has always been an energetic, industrious man, accomplishing what he has undertaken by reason of his persistency of purpose and capable management. He now makes a spccialty of raising horses and at one time he also engaged quite extensively in raising sheep and hogs, his live-stock interests being an important feature of his place although he also gave considerable attention to the cultivation of grain. He practiced the rotation of crops, gave his soil needed rest and as the years passed annually gathered large harvests. On the 21st of October, 1852, Mr. Brubaker was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Smith, who was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, July 14, 1829, and came to Ohio with her parents in the fall of 1834. She is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Barkdale) Smith, who were natives of Maryland, but spent their last days in Green township, Ashland county. On the journey westward they had a, single horse hitched to a wagon in which they put their three little children and the household goods, while the father and mother walked most of the way. At length they settled in Jeromeville, which was then a part of Wayne county and subsequently took up their abode in Green township, where Mrs. Brubaker remained until her marriage. She was one of a family of six sons and six daughters and by her marriage she became the mother of ten children : Emma Elizabeth, the wife of Abel Goudy, who resides near Jeromesville; Simpson A., who died at the age of three years; Saphronia. the wife of H. A. Cooper, of "Ashland ; Mary L., the wife of S. E. McKinley. of Hayesville : Rosella, the wife of R. F. Helbert, now deceased; Diantha, the wife of Reuben M. Butler, of Wayne county, Ohio; Edson O., of Lake township, who is living on the, farm where his grandparents died; Anna Belle, the wife of Willis .McGuire, of Vermillion township ; George W., living in Green township; and a son who died in infancy. Mr. Brubaker has been a lifelong democrat, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party. He cast his first presidential vote for Tames Buchanan and he can remember the presidential campaigns of William Henry Harrison, Polk, Taylor HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 373 and Pierce. He has flled several local offices, serving as clerk and trustee while for nine years he was justice of the peace, his decisions during that time king strictly fair and impartial. In the fall of 1893 he was elected to the lower house of representatives and served so faithfully in the assembly that he was reeleeted for a second term in 1895. Tie thus aided in shaping the legislation of the state, giving to each question which carne up for settlement his earnest consideration. When fifteen years of age he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and his Christian faith has been the guiding spirit of his entire life. He has served as class leader and recording: stcward in the Mohican church, has taken a very active part in this work and contributed generously to its support. Mr. Brubaker is a remarkably well preserved man for though he has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey he possesses the strength and vigor of many a man in his prime and in spirit and interest seems yet in middle life. He has never felt, as so many do, that with advancing Years he should withdraw from the activities and interests of the present and concentrate his thoughts upon memories of the past but is alive to all of the vital questions of the day, keeping informed on all of the issues which affect local and national progress. upon memory, however, forms a connecting; link between the primitive past and the progressive present and few men of this part of the comity are more thoroughly informed concerning its history or the events which have shaped its annals. Ile has himself borne a most active part in the transformation of the county as it has emerged from the conditions of pioneer life and taken on all of the evidences of a modern and progressive civilization. No man of the community is more honored and respected than George W. Brubaker and no man more fully deserves the confidence and good will thus extended. GEORGE P. RIEBEL, M. D. Although one of the younger members of the medical profession in Ashland, his age does not seem a bar to his progress, for since opening his office here Dr. Riebel has become well known as a physician and surgeon, with a large and growing practice. He is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Columbus, March 9, 1881. His parents were Augustus and Margaret (Seeger) Riebel, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to the United States with his parcnts when about fourteen or sixteen years of age, the family home being established upon a farm in Franklin county. Margaret Seeger came to the Unitcd States with two sisters arid two brothers when she was fourteen scars of age, her parents having died in Germany. The Seegers also made their way to Columbus and there the marriage of Augustus Riebel and Margaret Seeger was celebrated. Turning his attention to farming, he followed that pursuit in Franklin county and was closely associated with agricultural interests is up to the time of his death, which occurred June 6, 1892. While he never sought to figure prominently in public life, he was a man of genuine personal worth, straightforward and reliable in all dealing's and enjoyed to the 374 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY full extent the confidence and good will of those who knew him. His widow is still living and resides with a daughter in Dublin, Ohio. Dr. Riebel spent his youthful days in his parents' home and the district schools afforded him his early educational privileges, while later he attended high school at Jerome, Ohio, and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1901. He then attended two terms at the Ohio Northern university at Ada. Ohio, and in 1902 he bcgan the reading of medicine nuclei the preceptorship of his brother. Dr. J. A. Riebel, of Columbus. In order to thoroughly equip himself for his chosen calling, in the fall of 1902 he entered the Ohio Medical University of Columbus and was graduated therefrom as a member of the class of 1906. Ile then took the examination for an interneship in the Protestant Hospital at Columbus and was successful in winning the appointment, serving as interne for one year, during which time he gained much valuable knowledge from the broad and varied experience of hospital practice. He also took a post-graduate course in general work at the New Pork Post Graduate Hospital College. Thus well qualified for the general practice of medicine, Dr. Riebel came to Ashland in May, 1907. In the meantime, however, during the summer of 1905, he attended the Ohio Northern University, where he completed his scientific course. After coming to Ashland he opened his office in this city and had been here but a short time when he was accorded an enviable patronage. His ability is marked and his devotion to the interests of his patients unquestioned. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and is making continued advancement in his chosen field of labor. He belongs to the Ashland County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and thus keeps in touch with the onward march of the profession. Pleasantly situated in his home life, Dr. Riebel was married September 25, 1907, to Miss Helen Scott, of Granville, Ohio. and they are well known in the social circles of the city. They hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Dr. Riebel gives his political allegiance to the republican party where state and national issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give the undivided attention to his profession, in which he is meeting with signal success. THOMAS R. SHINN from an early period in the development of business activity in Ashland, Thomas H. Shinn has been connected with its mercantilc interests, having long figured as one of its foremost business. men. His at the head of the firm of Shinn, Stockwell & Company. conducting an extensive business as dealers in dry goods. In matters of trade his judgment is sound and reliable, his sagacity keen and along well defined lines of labor he has won merited success. Mr. Shinn was born in Mount Washington, Hamilton county. Ohio, October 31, 1845, and is a son of Job R. and Maria (Miller) Shinn, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of the state of New York. They came to Ohio HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 375 prior to their marriage, which was celebrated in Salem, after which they located on Walnut. Hills in Cincinnati. Ohio, where the father engaged in farming, with which pursuit he was identified during his active life. He died in Mount Washington in 1872 when seventy-two years of age. After his death the mother removed to Marion. Ohio, where she passed away in 1887 at the age of seventy-nine Years. Thomas R. Shinn was educated at the Mount Washington Academy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1863. Almost immediately afterward he joined the army, enlisting on the 13th of May of that year as a member of Company H. One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He thus served until honorably discharged December 15, 1864, with the rank of first sergeant of his company. While at the front he was with the eastern army and took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Oak Harbor, White House Landing and Petersburg, together with a number of lesser engagements. He proved a to loyel defender of the old flag and the cause it represented and after receiving his discharge he returned to Delaware and resumed his interrupted education by entering the Ohio Wesleyan University. There he was graduated with the class of 1866 on the complction of a scientific course. For same time after completing his studies Mr. Shinn remained in Delaware a salesman in the mercantilc establishment of S. B. and J. J. Sherr, dry-goods merchants. For four years he remained with that firm and there laid the foundation for his future successful eareer in the thorough business training which he there received. While a resident of Delaware, Mr. Shinn was married in 1869 to Miss Mry Bieber and in 1871 he returned to Marion county, Ohio, establishing himself in the dry-goods business in the town of Agosta. While living there his wife died and on the 24th of February, 1879, he was again united in marriage, his second union being with Miss Emma Stockwell. He continued in Agosta until 1886, when he disposed of his interests there, came to Ashland and purchased the Central Shoe Store. Subsequently he purchased the dry-goods stock of J. J. Shoemaker, after which he consolidated the two stores and in 1888 removed the business to its present location at the corner of Main and Church streets.. Where he conducted the enterprise under his own name until 1906. In that year he admitted his son-in-law, John M. Stockwell, and his son, T E. Shinn, to a partnership under the firm style of Shinn, Stockwell & Company. For years past he has been one of the foremost business men of Ashland, conducting his store along progressive, modern lines and through his straightforward dealing and enterprising spirit securing a liberal share of the public patronage. Aside from his interests in that connection Mr. Shinn is also the president of the Ashland Steel Range Company, which he aided in organizing and at that time was chosen its chief executive officer. Aside from his individual interests he has contributed to the welfare of the city through his membership with the Ashland Board of Trade. He has been a member of its board of directors since its organization and has been foremost in securing new industries for the city. The work of this organization, combined with that of other progressive business men, has been so effective that within the past eight years the population of Ashland has doubled. 376 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY Unto Mr. Shinn and his first wife there were born two children: Ada, no deceased ; and Myrtle, the wife of John M. Stockwell, who is now her father's partner in business and by whom she has one son, Harold. Of the second marriage there were two daughters and three sons. Eva is the wife of H. B. Gates, superintendent for the Pittsburg Mining Company at Joplin, Missouri, and they have two children, Dorothy and William. Rea is at home. T. Ellsworth, who is associated with his father in business, married Louise Carter, of Ashland, and they have one child, Jane Louise. Carl M., residing in Ashland, wedded Miss Marcia McClelland, a daughter of Dr. W. M. McClelland, of Ashland. Guy Blaine, the youngest of the family, is deceased. Mr. Shinn is in thorough sympathy with various movements which have been contributory factors to the growth and progress of the city and is interested in all those things which are a. matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He belongs to Andrews Post, No. 132, G. A. R. and in 1899, at Youngstown, Ohio. was elected commander of the state department. ITe belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and in politics is an ardent republican, who has done effective work for the party. For two years he served as a number the republican state central committee and was its secretary. For fifty-two years he has been a member of the. Methodist Episcopal church and has served on its board of trustees since coming to Ashland, acting as its president at this time. The principles which have governed his life and shaped his conduct are such as ever awaken and inspire confidence and regard and he stands today as a. man among men, honored and respected by all who know him. WILLIAM F. EMERY, M. D. Dr. William F. Emery, who in all of his professional relations has been actuated by a sincere and earnest desire to be of real benefit to his fellowmen, has come to be recognized in Ashland as a. physician and surgeon well worthy an extensive patronage. He started upon the journey of life at Rowsburg, this county, September 22, 1872, his parents being Zachariah and Margaret (Weikal) Emery. The father, a native of Ashland county, was left an orphan in early childhood and went to the home of an aunt, by whom he was reared. After attaining his majority he wedded Margaret Weikal, who was a native of Pennsylvania and when a young lady carne to Ashland county with her parents who located on what was known as the Rowe farm near Rowsburg. The maternal grandfather, William Weikal, became very well-to-do there and owned extensive tracts of land, his holdings making him, one of the most prosperous residents of the community. Late in life he took lip his abode in the town of Rowsburg, where he resided until his death. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Zachariah Emery they took up their abode on a farm near Rowsburg, where they resided until their son, Dr. Emery, was in his sixteenth year. They then removed into the village, where the father has since lived retired, For many years he was actively engaged in business pursuits and through his well directed enterprise and diligence he accumulated the competence that enabled HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 377 him to put aside active business cares in his later years. In 1895 and 1896 he was first assistant sergeant at arms in the state capitol. In politics he is an ardent republican and in religious faith is a Lutheran. For many years he has beets an officer in the church and has always been loyal to its teachings and generous in its support. While he now lives in the village, he still owns the farm and derives from it a good rental. Dr. Emery was reared at home to his seventeenth year and then started out to make his own wa in the world. He has largely educated himself and after attending the district schools he entered the Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio, where he pursued a normal course. Still unsatisfied with the educational opportunities that he had thus far been able to enjoy, he entered Wittenberg college at Springfield. Ohio, where he spent two years as a student, during which time he determined to take up the study of medicine and make its practice his life work. Therefore, in the fall of 1893, he entered the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio, and on the completion of a four years' course he was graduated with the class of 1897. Having now qualified for the practice of medicine and surgery, Dr. Emery located in the village of McZena in the southern part of Ashland county, where be practiced for three years and on the 6th of March, 1900, he removed to Ashland. where he has since continued. Although yet a young man, he has built up an extensive practice and is ranked among Ashland's prominent physicians, his wide knowledge well qualifying him to cope with the intricate and complex problems that continually confront the physician. Furthermore he keeps in touch with the profession through his membership in the Ashland County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Union Medical Society of the sixth consular district. In 1897 Dr. Emery was married to Miss Artie A. Myers; a daughter of Daniel Myers, who lived in Perry township near Rowsburg. Dr. and Mrs. Emery became parents of two children but only one is living, George Myers. The Docter holds membership in the English Lutheran church and in fraternal lines is connected with Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F., Excelsior Camp, No.3287 M. W. A., and Ashland Tent, No. 515, K. O. T. M. In his relations outside of professional lines he is found to be a genial courteous gentleman, interested in those things which are essential to the welfare and progress of the commuuity, while in his chosen life work he is giving his patients the benefit of conscientious service and of careful preliminary training. JOSEPH A. SHEARER Joseph A. Shearer, one of Ashland's prominent citizens, is a man whose business ability and administrative qualities have enabled him to attain considerable distinction in its political circles, being at present county clerk of Ashland county. To this position he was elected by a large majority, indicating his popularity and also the fact that he has a host of friends throughout the county. His birth occurred in Montgomery township, this county, September 30, 1877, a 378 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY son of John and Henrietta (Hammett) Shearer. His father was born in the same township May 14, 1839, and there he was reared and remained until some time during the early '50s when, becoming inspired by the news of fortune-making in the gold fields of California, he went to that state, making the trip by way of Cape Horn. Remaining there for about two years, at the expiration of that time he returned to this county, where he has since been residing, identified with merchandising and farming interests. He is now living on an excellent farm in Montgomery township, near Ashland, the property being his own. Politically he is a democrat, at all times upholding the policies advocated in the party's platform, while religiously he is a stanch supporter of that denomination of Christians known as the Disciples of Christ. The grandparents of the subject of this review on both sides of the house were among the early settlers of this county, his paternal grandfather; William Shearer, having come here from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, some time during the '30s, while his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Eliza (Mallott) Hammett, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Richland county, also, settled here about that time. His mother, a native of Richland county, was born in the year 1857 or 1858. Under the parental roof Joseph A. Shearer was reared, acquiring his education in the public schools, and after completing his studies, being then about nineteen years of age, he at once began his career as a school teacher and for fifteen terms, covering a period of about nine years, he followed that vocation. He followed the profession with a considerable degree of distinction until the fall of 1905, when on account of his excellent judgment and administrative ability he was nominated on the democratic ticket for the office of county clerk to which office he was elected by a large majority and assumed his duties is August, 1906. In November, 1908, he was reelected and has since been transacting the affairs of that responsible official position. Mr. Shearer is affiliated with a number of fraternal organizations arid is a, member of Montgomery Lodge, No. 355, K. P.. and Vermillion Camp, No. 7607, M. W .A., of Hayesville. The is a man whose excellent demeanor together with his abilities have won him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come into contact, and the capable service which he has rendered the county in the position in which he is now officiating has won him wide popularity and gained him the reputation of being one of Ashland's most useful and beneficial citizens. L. R. ASH, M. D. In a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, Dr. L. B. Ash has made for himself an enviable name and place, being now accounted one of the successful physicians and surgeons of Ashland. His birth occurred in Wayne county, Ohio. September 22, 1855, his parents being Josiah and Nancy (Beidler) Ash, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Wayne county with their respective parents and after attaining adult age were married there. Josiah Ash then turned his attention to general farming, with which he was identfied during his active life. His last days HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 381 were spent in Goshen. Indiana, where he died in 1898, at the age of eighty-three years while visiting his son, Dr. E. E. Ash, of that place. In politics he was an ardent democrat and was recognized as one of the local leaders of the party, doing all in his power to promote its growth and secure the adoption of its principles. For years he served on the election board in his district and for a considerable time he was township trustee and for a number of years a member of the board of education. He was always interested in educational progress and was, moreover, an active worker in the Lutheran church, thus giving his aid and influence to those movements which tend to uplift and benefit humanity. His wife died on the old home farm in Wayne county in 1885, when sixty-seven years of age. She, too, was a consistent. member of the Lutheran church. In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children, three of whom became physicians. Six of the number yet survive, namely: Martha, the wife of Andrew Mumaw, of Mount Eaton, Ohio; Samantha, the wife of Wade Naftzger, of Wooster. this state; Joseph, a miller of Defiance, Ohio; Minda, the wife of E. J. Worst, of Ashland; L. B., of this review; E. E., a practicing physician of Goshen, Indiana.. Dr. W. N. Ash passed away in Mount Eaton. While spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Dr. L. B. Ash acquired his primary education in Smithville (Ohio) public and high schools. At seventeen years of age he began his career as a teacher and for twelve terms was identified with educational work, doing good service for the schools with which he was connected. In 1879, he went to Belmore, Ohio, where he engaged in the drug business and while following that pursuit he began reading medicine with Dr. Pooley, of Toledo, Ohio, as his preceptor. In the fall of 1884 he entered Toledo Medical College and completed his course by graduation in the class of 1887. In the meantime he disposed of his drug business prior to entering upon his collegiate course, and immediately following his graduation he came to Ashland, where he began the practice of his chosen profession, which he has followed continuously and successfully since. He is a. skilled practitioner and has built up an extensive practice, being today ranked among Ashland's most prominent physicians. Anything that tends to bring to man an understanding of the complex principles which underlie the work of the medical fraternity is of interest to him and he has carried his studies and investigations far into the realms of scientific knowledge. He keeps in touch with the continuous advance of the profession through his membership in the Ashland Medical Society, the Sixth District Medical Association, which comprises eleven counties, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In 1878, Dr. Ash was married to Miss Sarah A. Rumbaugh of Wooster, Ohio. and they have one son, Ray C., who is now practicing medicine in partnership with his father. After pursuing a. three years' course in the Ohio State University he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago and was there graduated in 1904. In the fall of that year he married Miss Gail Arnold of Ashland, and they have one child, Wilma. Dr. Ray C. Ash is also a member of the different medical societies, to which his father belongs and is one of the popular young physicians of this section. Aside from professional relations Dr. L. B. Ash is connected with Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., and has likewise taken the degrees of the chapter. 382 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY He is also a member of Montgomery Lodge, No. 355, K. P., and of the Uniformed Rank, and for the past twelve years has been surgeon of the Eighth Regiment. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a member of the Lutheran church, while his political allegiance is given to the democracy. He never seeks nor desires office, however, although he keeps well informed on the political questions and issues of the day as every true American citizen should do. His time and attention are largely given to his professional duties, which he discharges with a sense of conscientious obligation and with marked ability that has gained him prominence in his chosen calling. ALLEN B. RICHARDS. Allen B. Richards was for two decades identified with the educational interests of Ashland county and various other sections of the state but since 1898 he has given his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, making his home on a well improved farm of one hundred and ten acres, located in Troy township. He was born in Sullivan township, Ashland county, December 6, 1860, and in the paternal line is of German extraction, while in the maternal line he comes of Scotch ancestry. His paternal grandfather, John Richards, was a very prominent farmer and influential citizen of this section of the state and lived to be eighty-eight years of age. His son, Samuel W. Richards, the father of our subject, was also a prominent farmer and dairyman, owning an extensive tract of land. He was a man of strong character and influence in the community and took an active part in all pubilc affairs. He wedded Miss Mariah McMillin, who was a native of Richland county. Allen B. Richards spent the period of his boyhood and youth on the home farm in Ashland county, early being trained to the duties of the farm and the dairy. His early education, acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study at Ashland, Ada and Oberlin Colleges, where he qualified for teaching In 1878 he entered the profession and was thus engaged until 1898, or for a period of twenty years, five years of this time being spent as a teacher int the Rochester (Ohio) schools and three years in the Nova high school. while the remainder of the time was spent in the district schools of Ashland and Lorain counties. He was progressive in his methods of instruction and became a very successful as well as popular instructor. As above stated, Mr. Richards retired from educational work in 1898, since which time he has devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising on a farm of one hundred and ten acres in Troy township, which he owns. He is also a breeder of Jersey cattle . and each branch of his business is proving a profitable source of revenue to him. In addition to his home farm, which is well improved, he also owns sixty acres in Lorain county. Aside from his business interests, Mr. Richards also finds time to devote to matters of a public nature. He is a stockholder in the Nova Banking Company, is chairman of the Nova Farmers Institute, one of the most progressive institutes in the state, while as a member of the Nova board of education he takes a deep and active interest in order that his own and other children may receive an education suited to HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 383 the demands of the time and start out in life well equipped for the strenuous service of this exacting age. Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Simmons, on the 6th of May, 1888. Her father, Jesse Simmons, came with his parents to this state from Maryland, the family home being established in Tuscarawas county, where they lived for a time but in 1834 removed to Troy township, Ashland county, and settled on the farm which is today owned by our subject. Mr. Simmons wedded Miss Effie Andrews and was engaged in fanning throughout his entire life. He was a man of wide influence, prominent in public affairs, so that when death claimed him in May, 1900, the community lost one of its most highly esteemed citizens. The mother still survives. The daughter, Mrs. Richards, was provided with excellent educational advantages, her early education, acquired in the public schools, being supplemented by study in Savannah Academy. She engaged in teaching prior to her marriage. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Richards has been blessed with five children, Wade E., Leland D., Ella H., Esther A., and Theodore W. The political views of Mr. Richards accord with the principles of the republican party and in its work he is very active,' frequently serving as a delegate to party conventions. For several years he has served as justice of the peace. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a trustee and as class leader. For a long period he acted as superintendent of the Sunday school and is now assistant superintendent and a teacher in the school, while Mrs. Richards is also active in various departments of church and Sunday school work. An atmosphere of education and refinement predominates in their hospitable home and their children are provided with good books. Mr. Richards is progressive in his ideas regarding public improvements, especially good roads and good schools, and all measures that are calculated to benefit his home locality. F. R. MARKS. The man who recognizes opportunity and then bends every energy toward the accomplishment of his purpose wins success. There is no secret method by which prosperity is attained. Its basis is always effort—unrelaxing effort a statenent which finds verification in the life record of F. H. Marks and thousands of other successful men. He is today a prominent factor in commercial circle in Ashland. where he has long been known as a dealer in stoves and tinware. He forms his plans readily, is determined in their execution and as the years pass so utilizes his advantages that he has come to be known as one of the leading and representative citizens here. His birth occurred in Monroe township, Richland county, Ohio, May 5, 1844, his parents being Abraham and Sarah (Young) Marks. The father was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennnsylvania, born in 1802, and the mother's birth occurred in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1.808. Abraham Marks lost his parents when he was an infant and he was reared by his guardian, Mr. Mykrantz, who became one of the early 384 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY settlers of Ashland county. Thus Mr. Marks spent his youthful days here and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Sarah Young, who had come to Ashland county, then Richland county, with her parents in 1814. Following his marriage Abraham Marks entered eighty acres of government land in Monroe township, Richland county, and began the development of a new farm. which he continued to cultivate and improve until his death in February, 1865. his political views accorded with the principles of the democracy and he therefore gave to the party his stalwart support. his religious faith was that of the Lutheran church and he was a man who'in to know was to respect and honor. His widow survived him for more than forty years and passed away in March, 1905, in her ninety-seventh year. F. R. Marks spent his youthful days on the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools. His father was one of the founders and active spirits in promoting the. Lutheran school known as Wittenberg College at Springfield, Ohio, and F. R. Marks held a scholarship for that college but the breaking out of the Civil war changed the course of his life. Educational interests were put to one side and with patriotic ardor he offered his services to his country enlisting as a member of Company H, One Hunderd and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Before the regiment was fully organized he was transferred to Company A of McLaughlin 's Squadron of Cavalry and was made bugler of his command. He served in that connection for three years. Having enlisted August 1, 1862, he was mustered out after the close of the war June 23, 1865, at Concord, North Carolina. He participated in all of the engagements in which McLaughlin's Squadron took part and was with Sherman 's army on the celebrated march to the sea. Through almost three years he participated in some of the most strenuous campaigns of the war but was never in the hospital during that time and whenever roll was called responded to his name. being ready for duty. When hostilities had ceased and the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Marks took up the pursuits of civil life. He worked from July, 1865, until February, 1866, on the construction of a reservoir for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Lucas, Ohio, and at the latter date came to Ashland, where he apprenticed himself to the tinner's trade. On the expiration of his term of indenture he returned to Lucas, where he conducted a tin shop on his own account for several years or until March, 1871, when he removed to Boydton, Virginia. There he conducted business for five years and. in 1876 he went to Washington, D. C., where he worked as a journeyman for two years. in 1878 he arrived in Ashland and for a year thereafter worked at his trade as a journeyman in this city. In the meantime he had carefully saved his earnings and on the expiration of that period he engaged in business on his own account, forming a partnership with A. J. Burns, which continued for three years. This connection was then terminated by mutual, consent and Mr. Marks bought an intererst in the firm of Pille & Knoth, the firm style being then changed to Pille, Knoth & Marks. In 1885, however, Mr. Marks withdrew and purchased the stock of Hugh Burns at sheriff sale. He then founded his present successful business and in the intervening twenty-four years he has built up an extensive trade in stoves and tinware. He is the only exclusive stove dealer in Ashland and in HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 385 connection with the sale of the goods which he handles he does slate metal and composition roofing and was the first to introduce slate roofing into Ashland county. He is the patentee and manufacturer of a slate trimming machine which has received universal endorsement and is today not only widely used among the slate roofers of this country but also of foreign countries. He is today ranked among Ashland's foremost business men and is a stockholder in and vice president and director of the Ashland Steel Range Company. Mr. Marks has been married four times. On the 5th, of September, 1868, he wedded Miss Caroline Markley, of Ashland, and unto them were born four children but only one is now living, Blanche, the wife of .Reginald Warren of Ashland. Mrs. Marks died in 1878 and on the 31st of August., 1880, Mr. Marks wedded Mrs. Nelson Maize, who in her maidenhood was Miss Susan De Shong, of Ashland. Following her demise Mr. Marks was married January 8, 1898, to Miss Miranda Myers, of Ashland, who died April 22, 1906. On the 30th of August, 1908, he wedded Mrs. Mary E. Aleshire, formerly a Miss McClung, of Chambersburg, Pike county, Illinois, who at the time of their marriage was editor and publisher of the Gibsonburg Derrick. Mr. Marks is a member of the Ashland Board of Trade and is interested in all the measures instituted by that organization for the upbuilding and progress of the city. He is also connected with the Business Men's Club and is a member of Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., Mohican Lodge, No. 81, I. O. O. F., and Andrews Post, No. 132, G. A. R., of which he is a past commander. His views on the temperance question led him to give his political support to the prohibition party and he is an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has long been honored as one of the leading business men and prominent citizens of Ashland. In manner he is over genial and courteous and though his time is largely occupied by the details of important business interests, he always finds time and opportunity to devote to those of his friends whose calls are purely of a social character. He is a"thorough exemplification of the typical American business man and gentleman. GEORGE W. MILLAR George W. Millar, known as one of the prominent and successful farmers, stockraisers and dairymen of Orange township, is the son of Thomas and Rachel (Wangner) Millar. His father who was a soldier of the war of 1812, was born in the north of Ireland and came to this country when fourteen years of age. In Baltimore, Maryland, in 1817, he wedded Rachel Wangner, a native of York county Pennsylvania, and in 1825 they became residents of Washington county, that state, where they resided until 1830, when they removed westward to Richland county, Ohio, taking up their abode on a farm, where one of their sons now resides. With characteristic energy and determination Thomas Millar began the work of clearing away the forest and preparing the fields for cultivation. In due course of time he had placed his land under the plow and annually 386 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY gathered rich harvests as a reward for his labors. Upon that farm he raised his family of eleven children, nine of whom reached years of maturity, namely: Margaret; Mary; Thomas J.; Jacob; Sarah J.; Sophie; John, who died while serving in the army in the Civil war; Christina; Adeline; George W.; and Den- ton 0. The last named was killed in the battle of Vicksburg. Of this family. Thomas, the eldest son, became a. large landowner, having at one time fourteen hundred acres of productive and valuable land. The father was a shoemaker by trade and after coming to Ohio he worked at his trade in exchange for farm labor, and thus his fields were cleared. George W. Millar, whose name introduces this review, was born on the old homestead in Richland county, Ohio, December 20, 1838, and was there reared amid the surroundings of rural life. When but a boy in years he began work in the fields and has since been connected with general agricultural pursuits. He was educated in the district schools and in Savannah Academy and for two terms he engaged in teaching school. Ile. is now the only surviving member of his father's family and has himself reached the age of seventy years, being throughout this time a resident of Ohio, so that he has witnessed much of the growth and progress of the state. On the 18th of January, 1863, Mr. Millar was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Porter, a daughter of Nathaniel and Clarissa (Knealand) Porter. Her father was one of thirteen sons who came fofromreland. Her mother was a native of Massachusetts and they were married in that state, subsequently removing westward to Ohio, about. 1823, at which time they took up their abode at Elyria. The father was the first brick maker in Sullivan, Ohio, and manufactured most of the bricks used in the construction of all the buildings between Cleveland, Sandusky and Sullivan. He died on the 25th day of March. 1877, having long survived his wife, who passed away December 1., 1854. They were the parents of nine children : Hannah, James, Clarissa, Samuel, Edward, Caroline, Alexander, and Juliette and Julian twins. Of this family six are now living. Following his marriage Mr. Millar engaged in farming and ththreshingWhen seventeen years of age he went west to Minnesota, where he remained for four years and was employed during that period at farm labor and in threshing, taking the first thresher from Ohio into that state. He then returned to stay with his mother on a farm and has continued on the old home place sisinceis marriage. He has not only tilled the soil and cultivated his crops but was also for a time engaged in the lake freight business, carrying grain from Chicago to Buffalo and also transporting other kinds of freight, with headquarters at Lorain. He sold out in that business in 1889, and for four years thereafter engaged in farming and dairying, being quite successful in those departments of activity. In fact he has long been connected with the dairy business and makes a specialty of handling thoroughbred Holstein cattle. He carries on general farming in the cultivation of his fields and is also well known as a stock. raiser, buying and selling on quite a large scale. For a time he also handled sheep extensively. Ile now has two hundred and forty acres of land, which is well improved and highly cultivated. Ile has the greatest admiration for line stock and is a member of the Holstein-Fresian Cattle Association of America. HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 387 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Millar have been born three children, a daughter andtwo sonss; Minnie, now the wife of James 0. Garver; Denton J., an engineer on the Sea Board Railroad ; and John, at home. Mr. illarr is an advocate of good roads and all public improvements manifesting at all times a progressive spirit that looks to the interests of the community at large as well as to the personal success. In the early days he greatly delighted in hunting and the forests of Ohio afforded excellent opportunities for indulging in that sport, but with the settlement of the state the game supply was exhausted. ee can well remember when many districts were wild and unimproved, but rejoices in what has beenaccomplishedd through the efforts of civilization whereby uncultivated lands have been transformed into rich and fertile fields, yielding abundant harvests for the maintenance of those who improve them. JOSEPH E.CROWELLL, M. D. Dr. Joseph E. Crowell is now living retired, but for some years prior to 1903, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Ashland and in all professional and non-professional relations he has proved himself a worthy andprogressivee citizen here, his influence ever being found on the side of progress and improvement. His birth occurred in the town of Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio. May 15, 1850. iss parents, George E. and Mary A. (Sampsell) Crowelll. were natives of Pennsylvania and Columbiana county, Ohio respectively, and were married in Lisbon, Ohio, where George E. Crowell engaged in contracting for a number of years. In 1856 he removed to Ashland, where he had erected the Sampsell Hotel in 1850. He continued a resident of this city up to the time of his demise and was prominently associated with its improvement through building operations. iss aid and influence could always be counted upon to further progressive measures and although he was never an office seeker, he was a stalwart advocate of the principles of the democracy. He likewise held membership in the Lutheran church and was loyal to its teachings. In the family were six children : Isabella, the wife of David Hisser, of Onargo, Illinois; Celia. the wife of Dr. S. W. McClain, of Loudonville, Ohio; Thornton, a practicing physician of Nankin, this county ; David and Edgar, both of whom were physicians but are now deceased; and Joseph E. Of this family the four sonsbecamee members of the medical profession, while one of the daughters married A physician. Dr. Crowell spent his youthful days in the home of his parents and acquired his education in the public schools of Ashland, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high school student. In 1870, he began reading medicine under the direction of his brother Edgar, who at that time was located at Greencastle, Pennsylvania. While preparing for the profession Dr. Joseph :B. Crowell became engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements and was identified with that business for about twenty years. Not until 1890, did he enter medical college, at which time he became a student in the medical department of the Wooster University at Cleveland, from which he was graduated 388 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY in the class of 1893. Following his graduation he located at Burbank, Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained for only eighteen months, when he cane to Ashland, where he continued in the active practice of the profession for nine years. In 1903, he put aside the duties of that calling and has since lived a retired life. In 1869, Dr. Crowell was married to Miss Sarah Hastings, a daughter of Levi and Margaret (Montgomery) Hastings, of Columbiana county, Ohio. Unto this marriage has been born a son,George Edgar, who is a fine musician, being an expert performer on the violin and piano. He acquired his musical education in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he attended Keymar College for five years. He afterward studied under private instructors in Cleveland for two years and then went to Germany, where he attended the King Royal Conservatory of Bavaria, in the city of Wurzburg, for three years. While there he married bliss Gretchen Jacob, by whom he has four children : George Edgar, Lore, Naomi and Frances. After finishing his education George E. Crowell returned home and for some time engaged in teaching violin in the Wooster University but finding that too confining, he resigned his position to take up private teaching, Later, however, he again took up school work, teaching the violin and piano in the schools of Medina, Wellington, New London, Lodi and Olmsted Falls. He is said by musical critics to be the best violinist in the state of Ohio. His work is certainly most creditable and his ability has won him well merited honors. He makes his home in Ashland. In his political views Dr. Crowell has always been a democrat but has never been an office seeker. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and its teachings have largely been the guide of his life. He has been active and honorable in every relation in which he has been found and in industrial as well as professional circles made steady progress, his well directed energy carrying him into important relations with the public. ARTHUR J. SPRINKLE. Arthur J. Sprinkle, one of the younger men of Ashland county who are devoting their energies to the soil, out of which they are molding their fortunes, was born in Troy township, April 17, 1872, and here since his birth he has, with eminent success, been following general farming and stock-raising. He is a son of John and Catherine (Spousler) Sprinkle, his father, a native of this county, while his mother was born in Columbiana county, the former hating been one of the most successful and widely known agriculturalists and stock. raisers of this region. On his father's farm Arthur J. Sprinkle was reared, participating in the experiences common to a country lad, agricultural duties commanding his attention during his boyhood days, the district schools affording him his educational advantages, and after completing his education he settled down to a life of husbandry which he has since been- following upon modern principles, being one of the most progressive agriculturists in the township. His entire life with the HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 391 exception of a year in Orange township and one in Sullivan township, has been spent on this farm and since he was sixteen years of age he has been actively engaged in tilling the soil and raising stock. As a stock man he has attained quite a reputation, devoting his energies especially to breeding Percheron and German coach horses, handling only thoroughbreds in both breeds, and the experience which he acquired under the supervision of his father has enabled him to become the equal of any in the county in this department of his business. He does not handle any under-grade animals but makes it a point to keep only the very best for breeding purposes and his stables contain specimens of horses which cannot be paralleled anywhere in the county and in every particular he merits the reputation he holds as an authority on the several points requisite to commend this class of stock. On his farm he raises various grains, being quite successful in their production but he is particularly known as a horseman and perhaps no man in this vicinity is better able than he to judge their breeding dualities. His farm contains two hundred and sixty acres, his entire tract of land being in excellent condition and well improved and its system of tile drainage, being one of the best, his place, both for the production of general crops and stock raising, constitutes one, of the finest farms in the vicinity. On December 4, 1892, Mr. Sprinkle wedded Nora Smith, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Richards) Smith, and they have five children: Nellie L., Stanley A., Cobah D., Glenn A., and Forest C. Politically 14 Tr. Sprinkle has allied himself with the democratic party, being a firm believer in the policies it advocates, and since casting his first vote he has always been loyal to its candidates. Local affairs have also commanded his attention. He has served as constable, at present is a trustee and a member of the school board, and he has also performed the duties of road supervisor. Ile is an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, a man with strong convictions and with the courage to express and maintain them and, being upright in all his transactions and striving to lead a life above reproach, he may well be .numbered among the valued and substantial men of the community. REV. ALEXANDER SCOTT, D. D. Rev. Alexander Scott at the age of eighty-seven years is living retired in Savannah. He was for more than six decades actively associated with the ministry of the Presbyterian church, using his energies, his talents and his influence for the promotion of the cause of Christianity among men that they might be uplifted and bear witness to the truth. A log cabin near Richmond,. in .Jefferson Bounty, Ohio, was the birthplace of the Rev. Alexander Scott, and his natal day was February 14, 1822. He traces his ancestry back to Hugh Scott, who came from Ireland about two hundred years ago. The line comes on down through Abraham, Josiah and Alexander to John Scott, the father of Rev. Alexander Scott. His mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Skelly. Her father was of Irish birth, having come from the Emerald isle when a boy. 392 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY Josiah Scott established his home in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1773, removing to that locality from York, Pennsylvania. He was among the earliest settlers in what was then Catfish but is now Washington, Pennsylvania, where he spent his remaining days and reared a large family, including Alexander Scott, who was the eldest. The latter's brother, James Scott, was the founder of the Presbyterian church in Mount Vernon and in Knox county, Ohio, and was a distinguished representative of the ministry. Another brother, Abraham Scott, settled in Jefferson county, Ohio, and both were among the pioneers in establishing the Presbyterian church in this state. Mrs. Violet Colmey, the eldest daughter of Alexander Scott, son of Josiah, had a large family that included four sons who entered the ministry. Of these William, Robert and David all became prominent as representatives of the Presbyterian clergy. Another distinguished representative of the family was Judge Josiah Scott, who was on the supreme bench of Ohio for seventeen years. He was a brother of John Scott. It was in the year 1818 that John Scott became a resident of Jefferson county, Ohio, founding this branch of the family in the Buckeye state. He was a fuller by trade. His family numbered six children, including his namesake, John Scott, who became a lawyer of Steubenville, Ohio, and served as a soldier in the Mexican war under General Clay. Later he went to Iowa and became prominent in politics of that state. When the Civil war was inaugurated he joined the Union army and served throughout the period of hostilities, holding the rank of colonel at the close of his service. He was a member of both houses of the state legislature and was also for a time lieutenant governor of Iowa. He exerted a widely felt influence in public affairs and left the impress of his individuality upon the legislative history of the state. Rev. Alexander Scott was educated in the schools of Martinsberg, Ohio, and in Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1846, being a classmate there of Judge West and of the Rev. I. N. Shannon. Nature endowed him with strong intellectual force and he used his opportunities to good advantage. Following his graduation he went south and taught in Hampton Sydney College of Virginia, but determining to enter the ministry and give his life to the work of the church he took up the study of theology in the Union Theological College and was licensed to preach in April 1849. Subsequently he returned to Martinsburg, Ohio, and took charge of the academy in which he had previously studied. He also engaged in preaching for two small congregations, making an average ride each Sunday of twenty-five miles and receiving for his services only one hundred and fifty dollars per year. At the end of the first year he accepted the pastorate of the church at Olivesburg and Rome Richland county, Ohio, continuing in charge for four years, after which he came to Savannah in 1854 and for sixteen years filled the pastorate of this church. His labors were a potent element in the moral development of the community and the seeds of truth which he sowed bore rich fruit in lutes' years. In 1856 he founded the academy which has flourished to the present time, proving an influential factor in intellectual progress of this part of the state. In 1868 the synod of Ohio met in Coshocton and it was decided to place a man in the field to look after the weak churches. Rev. Scott was selected as the one HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 393 best qualified this important work and devoted his energies thereto for a year. In the spring of 1870 he was offered the pastorate of the church at Kossuth, Iowa, an old and large congregation—the largest in the state—having a membership of three hundred. There he continued for ten years, carefully organizing and promoting the work of the church, while his utterances from the pulpit sank deeply in the hearts of his hearers. He was a forceful, logical and earnest speaker, making strong appeal to the intelligence of his hearers and at the same time impressing all with his ready sympathy. While at Kossuth he become one of the founders of Parsons College, a Presbyterian school at Fairfield, Iowa, and acted as one of its trustees for twelve years. Subsequently he went to Des Moines and engaged in preaching for two years at the South Side church and later was at Dallas Center, Iowa. He organized the church at Grimes, Iowa, spent one year at Russell, and was afterward located at other places in the state, continuing his pastoral work with good success. For a time he was at Bethel, remaining there for four years, and in 1889 he went to Littleton, Colorado, near Denver where he continued for a year. He afterward accepted the call of the church at Central City and at Black Hawk, situated at an altitude feet. He went there for the benefit of his wife's health and continued at that place for three years. It was in 1894 that the Rev. Mr. Scott returned to Ohio, and for thirteen years was pastor of the church at Congress, on the expiration of which period he retired because of advanced age. in November, 1907. He had devoted more than sixty years to the work of the ministry. Throughout his active connection therewith continued a close student, reading broadly and thinking deeply, not only upon theological questions advanced by his church, but also upon the great problems which affect life at the present tine, so that his deductions were clear and logical and constituted a practical help in the lives of those who came under his minstry. Following his retirement he returned to Savannah where on the 21st of February, 1909,—the eighty-seventh anniversary of his birth. He preached a most interesting and instructive sermon. He has done much evangelical work, gathering many into the church wherever he has been, his words of wisdom and admonition awakening the moral conscience and bearing fruit in the lives of those with whom he was associated. He chose Savannah the place of his residence because of early attachments here, his love for the city and its people constituting a strong force with hint throughout all the intervening years. Rev. Scott was first married July 18, 1848, at Martinsburg, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Brown, a daughter of Jeremiah and Margaret Brown and a representative of a prominent family of that locality. She died in December, 1850, leaving two children, Virginia and Merritt. The latter died at the age of two years, while the former is now the wife of Augustus A. Polk who is the owner of a fifteen hundred acre ranch near Emporia, Kansas. On the 20th of January, 1852, Rev. Scott was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Anne Katherine Hall, who died April 16, 1854, leaving a little daughter, Emma, now the wife of Joseph Troutman, also owner of an extensive ranch in Lyon county, Kansas. On the 18th of September, 1855, Rev. Scott was again married and on the 12th September, 1905, he was again called upon to mourn the loss of 394 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY his wife. In her maidenhood she was Miss Amanda Chidester, a daughter of Samuel Chidester. There were two daughters of this marriage, Clara Belle. now the wife of Professor Behoteguy, of Wooster University; and Alice who became the wife of the Rev. S. M. Johnson and died August 31, 1887. On the 30th of October, 1.907, Rev. Scott married Mrs. Margaret Chambers, the wider of William Chambers, at one time a farmer of this locality. They are now living happily among early friends, Rev. Scott spending the evening of life in quiet retirement, interested in his books as well as in the questions of the day. A man of strong purpose actuated by the highest Christian ideals, his life has Irene a potent force for good and merits the encomium, "Well done, thou good and faithfull servant.'' SAMUEL H. GRABILL. Samuel H. Grabill, who is practically living in retirement in this city, after having spent considerable time in the pursuit of husbandry and also in connection with a number of financial enterprises, is one of the foremost men in this county. He was born in Vermillion township, August 29, 1846, a son of John S. and Nancy (Harper) Grabill. His father, a native of Bavaria, German; was born May 4, 1818, was educated there and came to this country about the year 1833 with his parents. After a sea voyage of forty-nine days they landed in Philadelphia shortly after the holidays and, there purchasing wagons, they made the trip by that means to this county. They purchased eighty acres of land in Vermillion township and there lived until they entered into rest. The elder Mr. Grabill; following his marriage, also purchased a farm in that township, upon which he spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits, death terminating his activities February 10, 1887. He owned four hundred and twenty acres of excellent land upon which he engaged in stock feeding and general husbandry and was one of the most successful farmers in this part of the county. In his early days he allied himself with the democratic party but on the formation of the republican party he allied himself with the latter and cast his ballot for its candidates. Local affairs also commanded his attention and daring the our period he served as trustee of the township and was well known for his progressiveness relative to instituting and promoting measures for the betterment of the community. A Mennonite, religiously during his early days, he finally became a member of the Presbyterian church, in the affairs of which he was quite active. John Harper, father of Nancy Harper, mother of the subject of this review, came to Jefferson county, Ohio, with his father, William Harper, from Fairfaxs Court House, Virginia, at an early date and upon entering that county heard of the Virginia Military School lands in Ashland county, upon which in 1814 they repaired to this place where each of them entered eighty acres of land in Vermillion township and here both her father and grandfather followed agriculture until they departed this life. Her great-grandfather, William Harper, also came to this state and met death in a runaway while hauling wheat to the HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 395 market at Milan, this state. Her paternal great-grandmother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Dove, was one of those honored young women who, appareled in white vestment, welcomed George Washington to his home at Mount Vernon, at the close of the Revolutionary war. The Harper family was noted for the longevity of its members, the grandfather having lived to a very advanced age While his wife was a centenarian. On the home farm Samuel H. Grabill was reared and during his boyhood days took advantage of the educational privileges offered him in the district schools, subsequently pursuing a course of study in Vermillion Institute at Hayesville, where he spent four years. At the termination of that period he returned to the home place and was associated with his father in agricultural pursuits until the death of his parents, at which time he fell heir to the property, which he still owns, and upon which he resided until 1903, when he removed to this city where he built one of the finest residences in this part of the county. Mr. Grabill has been eminently successful in his business undertakings and is vice president and a director of the Star Telephone Company; is general manager of the Ashland Gas & Electric. Light Company; and a stockholder in the First ,National Bank, of this city. On March 13, 1877, Mr. Grabill wedded Miss Anna Ewing, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Gregg) Ewing, her father being deceased while her mother, who still survives, resides with a son in Denver, Colorado. To Mr. and Mrs. Grabill have been born four children: Nancy, Howard P. and John G., all of whom reside at home; and Elizabeth, who is united in marriage to John L. Donley, of this city. Politically Mr. Grabill is a republican and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. As to his fraternal relations he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, being a firm believer in the principles set forth by the order, in which he takes an active interest. GEORGE JUDSON MITCHELSON. Mr George Judson Mitchelson, devoting his life to the cause of education, in which connection he is doing a good work in developing and preparing the minds of the younger generation for the responsible and practical duties of life, is now occupying the office of superintendent of the Nankin schools, to which position he has recently been reelected for another term of two years. A native of Ashland county, where almost his entire life has been spent, he was born in Jackson township, April 19, 1874, a son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Matthews) Mitchelson, natives of Wayne and Ashland counties respectively. The former came to Ashland county about the year 1852 and has since devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. This wife, however, passed away February 11, 1908. Reared on his father's farm, George Judson Mitchelson acquired his early education in the district schools and later attended the Polk high school. Ile supplemented his preparatory work by one year's work in Ashland College and or three years attended the Wooster University summer school. Thus well 396 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY equipped, he took tip the profession of teaching as a life work and remained for eight years as a teacher in the district schools, while in 1903 he removed t Nankin where he taught for three years, after which he spent one year as a teacher in the Polly high school. In 1906 he was appointed by the board of education to the superintendency of the Nankin schools and has since occupied this position, having recently been reelected by the board for two more yeah. A man of fine physical, mental and moral strength, Mr. Mitchelson is peculiarly well fitted for a profession that is conceded to be one of the most important to which man may devote his time and energies, and in his chosen calling he has become recognized as one of the successful and progressive educators of is section of the county. He keeps in touch with the great forward movements, along educational lines through his membership in the National Teachers A' ciation, the Ohio Teachers Federation and the Ohio Teachers Reading Circle. while he keeps abreast of the modern ideas and methods being continuously introduced in this line of activity. His ability and true worth, combined with a pleasing personality, make him popular alike with pupils and patrons, and that his work is receiving the endorsement of the community is indicated by the fact that for five years he has been a member of the county board of examiner'. while he enjoys the confidence of teachers and all interested in the public-school system. e holds a five years' high school certificate. On the 20th of August. 1902. Mr. Mitchelson was married to Miss Mary Young, a daughter of Frank and Ellen (Brillhart) Young, of Stark county, Ohio. The father is a commercial traveler and also engages in agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchelson have become the parents of one daughter, Opal Evangeline. A woman of refined and cultivated tastes, Mrs. Mitchelson is an excellent companion for her husband, in whose educational work she deep) sympathizes, while both are active and helpful members in the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Mitchelson also taking much interest, in the work of the Sunday school. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and while not active in political matters nor desirous of public office, he nevertheless keeps well informed upon all questions of vital importance to the community in which he lives and the country at large. Mr. Mitchelson is fond of athletics and finds needed rest and recreation from the daily routine of hard mental work in occasional hunting and fishing trips. WILBERT TILTON. Wilbert Tilton, a representative agriculturist and well known citizen of Orange township, is a native of Ashland county, having been born in this township on the 3d of September, 1850, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Rams Tilton. The first representatives in America of both the Tilton and Ramsey families came from Ireland and were numbered among the industrious frugal pioneers whose labors contributed so much toward the early development of this county. They cleared the, land of the timber and as time passed developed good farms, becoming prosperous and substantial citizens. HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY - 397 Wilbert Tilton attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and grew to manhood on his father's farm, early receiving practical training the best methods of tilling the soil and converting the fields into a productive tract of land, bringing forth rich harvests. Throughout his active business career he has been identified with farming interests, his well directed energy and untiring industry being rewarded by a creditable and gratifying measure of success. On the 25th of November, 1871, Mr. Tilton was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Countryman, a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Kline) Countrynan. Her father came to this county from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, 1846, became a prosperous agriculturist of Perry township and was a man of prominence and influence in the community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tilton have been born two children, namely: Frances L., now the wife of William Kelley; and John C., who assists his father in the conduct of the home place and is widely recognized as a progressive young farmer. He wedded Miss Bessie Lovering, a daughter of Joseph B. and Rilin (Lutz) Lovering. Mr. Tilton exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty, his official career having been limited to two terms' service as a member of township school board. He is a most, loyal and public-spirited citizen, ever giving his aid and influence on the side of progress and improvement. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, having been a consistent and devoted member of that church for many years. Both he and his wife have an extensive circle friends throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives, their many excellent traits of heart and mind having won them the kindly regard all with whom they have conic in contact. JACOB FRIDLINE, M. D. Dr. Jacob Fridline, a. well known representative of the medical profession in Ashland, having for thirteen years engaged in active practice as a physician surgeon of this city, was born in Ashland county on the 21st of October, 1863, his parents being Ludwick and Elizabeth (Boffenmyre) Fridline, the former a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of what is now land county, Ohio. but was then a. part of Wayne county. The grandfather, Conrad Fridline, became a resident of that section of Wayne county which is now included in Ashland county in the year 1821. It was largely an unimproved district. giving little evidence of settlement by the white. race. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Perry township, the deed signed by James Monroe, then president of the United States. With characteristic energy he began the development of the fields and continued to male his home upon that farm until his death, when it became the property of his son, Ludwick Id line. who spent almost his entire life upon that farm. As the ,years passed devoted his energies to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and mate and for many years was a leading agriculturist of the community. He 398 - HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY died March 1, 1307, in his eighty-sixth ear, while his widow still survives in her seventieth year and yet resides on the. old Fridline homestead, which is still in the possession of the family, but one deed ever having been recorded and that indicate the transfer of the property from the government to the grandfather. It was upon the old homestead farm that Dr. Fridline was reared and he. early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In his youthful days he attended the district schools and in order to acquire a more advanced education he entered Wooster University, where he spent five years as a student. Before taking up his university we however, he taught school for a time and thus earned the funds necessary meet his tuition. While a university student he devoted the summer months l cultivating one of the three farms belonging to his father. Soon after the completion of his university course he supplemented his literary education preparation for the practice of medicine, entering the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, from which he was graduated in the class of 1896. Immediately afterward he located in Ashland and has since been connected with this calling, making steady progress in professional lines. For two years practiced in partnership with Dr. L. B. Ash and since that time he has been alone, enjoying gratifying success in his chosen field of labor. He is a ski practitioner and keeps in touch with the advance of the profession, knowing investigation is continually bringing to light new ideas concerning the causes of disease and the methods of its treatment. He belongs to the Ashland County Medical Society and enjoys the entire respect of his fellow practitioners because of his close conformity to a high standard of professional ethics. In 1897 Dr. Fridline was married to Miss Anna Welsher, of Ashland, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Humes) Delsher. They now have one son, Delsher. Dr. Fridline is a member of Mohican Lodge, No. 85, of the Independent Order of Odd Follows, and is also a member of Ashland Canton, No. 41. He is likewise connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a me of the Knights of Maccabees, being in hearty sympathy with the hens principles which underlie these organizations. In politics Dr. Fridline is a republican, interested in the growth and Success of the party. He is one of the directors of the Ashland Board of Trade and one of the leaders in every movement pertaining to the good of the community, withholding his support from no measure which he believes will prove of substantial benefit in promoting the interests and upbuilding of his adopted city. JOHN W. HARPER. There are few men of his years—for he has now reached the age of eighty years—who displays such activity and energy as does John W. Harper who appearance seems twenty years younger. He was born on his present he farm January 24, 1829, his parents being John and Eva (Friend) Harper, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. When a young man the father accompanied his parents on their removal to Jefferson county