250 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY the widow of Joseph Lydon, and a resident of West Lafayette; Francis, of this review; John, deceased; and Samuel T., a resident of Lafayette township. Francis McGuire, Jr., acquired his education in the common schools and was reared on the home farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-nine years and then began farming or a tract of land which was given him by his father. As the years passed and he prospered in his unde takings he added to his original holdings until he is now the owner of wo hundred and twenty acres, all in Lafayette township. During his business career he, made a specialty of raising and breeding stock, and met with excellent success in his business affairs. For the past few years he has lived retired in West Lafayette, owning here a fine residence, which is surrounded by nine acres of land. He also retains possession of this tract of land in Lafayette township, and from this he derives a good financial return. He has ever followed honorable methods in his dealings with his fellowmen, and all with whom he is associated have for him high regard. Mr. McGuire chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Susan J. Russell, whom he wedded March 29, 1871. She was born in Carroll county, Ohio, February 14, 1849, a daughter of John N. and Harriett (Williams) Russell, both of whom were natives of Jefferson county, Ohio, and the parents of nine children. Both are now deceased, the mother passing away February 25, 1886, while the father survived for only a few years, his death occurring January 19, 1889. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McGuire has been blessed with two daughters: Cora E., who was graduated from the West Lafayette high school and is now the wife of H. A. Sicker, of this village; and Fanny G., the wife of L. H. Householder, who is operating her father's farm. Mr. McGuire supports the democratic party, and for several years has served as a member of the school board, but aside from this has filled no official positions. Both .Mr. and Mrs. McGuire attend and support the Presbyterian church. To those whose good fortune and pleasure it is to know him intimately, his companionship, friendship and counsel are appreciated and helpful. He has ever led an upright, honest and honorable life, and in his relations with his fellowmen and in his treatment of his neighbor he never loses sight of the principle of the Golden Rule. JOHN LENNON. John Lennon is now following the occupation of farming in Coshocton county. At one time he was sheriff of the county and made a creditable record by his prompt and fearless discharge of duty. He has now reached the age of seventy-five years and Coshocton county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Tuscarawas township, November 11, 1833. He represents one of the old families here, his parents being HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 251 James and Keziah (Thompson) Lennon, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Conneaut, Ohio. The former came to his county when the Ohio canal was being dug and was one of/ the contractors engaged on the construction of that public waterway. After the opening of the canal he was appointed division superintendent and so acted for four years. On the expiration of that period he located on a farm in Tuscarawas township, giving his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in the year 1854. When Coshocton county was still largely a frontier district and had but comparatively few modern improvements Mr. Lennon lived within its borders, meeting the usual experiences which come to farmer boys. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and his labors have been practical and therefore productive of good results. He is still the owner of ninety-seven acres of the finest bottom land that Tuscarawas township produces. The soil is very rich and fertile and responds to the cultivation in rich and bountiful harvests. In 1858 Mr. Lennon was married to Miss Lydia Towns, of Roscoe, and unto them were born three children: James, who follows farming in Tuscarawas township; Howard, superintendent of the county poor farm; and William, deceased. Mr. Lennon is a democrat in his political views and for eight years served as township trustee of Tuscarawas township. His course was entirely trustworthy and commendable and he filled the position until 1874, when he resigned to assume the duties of the sheriff's office, to which he had been elected. He acted as the custodian of public safety for two terms, discharging his duties without fear or favor and then retiring from office as he had entered it with the confidence and good will of all, On leaving the position he returned to the farm, where he has since resided and in the community is known as a substantial agriculturist, while his life of well directed activity is manifest in the excellent appearance of the place which he owns and operates. ERASTUS BOYD. Erastus Boyd, who is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits in Keene township, was born in White Eyes township, Coshocton county, Ohio, February 23, 1859. The father, Robert R. Boyd, was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, where his birth occurred August 11, 1811; his parents being Robert and Jane (Ramsey) Boyd. Emigrating to America, he located in White Eyes township, Coshocton county, arid there entered government land. On the 23d of May, 1839, he wedded Mary Ann Johnson, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Stephenson) Johnson. Unto this union were born fourteen children, namely: W. J., of Missouri; Jane, the wife of Thomas Hamilton, of White Eyes township; Samuel F., likewise residing in White Eyes townships Robert A., who makes his home in Marion county; Mary Ann, the wife of Alexander Adams, of Keene township; Hester E., who is 252 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY the wife of James Elliott and lives in Coshocton; Elizabeth, the wife of John Clark, of Coshocton county; Daniel, a resident of Coshocton; Erastus, of this review; Zelma, the wife of J. E. Hamilton, of White Eyes township; Carvetta, the wife of Samuel Crawford, of Coshocton county; Everett, living in White Eyes tcwnship; and Richard and Caroline, both of whom are deceased. Erastus Boyd was reared on a farm and in the common schools mastered the branches of learning which equip one for life's practical and responsible duties. When twenty-four years of age he began operating one hundred and nine, acres of the farm on which he now resides in Keene township, and has since extended the boundaries of the place until it comprises one hundred and seventy-five acres of rich and prOductive land. The property is equipped with all of the improvement and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century, and in his general-farming interests Mr. Boyd is meeting with a well earned and creditable measure of prosperity. On the 2d of November, 1882, Mr. Boyd was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E Hamilton, who was born in Keene township, in December, 1859, her parents being Thomas C. and Catherine (Overholt) Hamilton. The father, whose birth occurred November 2, 1822, in Keene township, passed away in 1902. The mother, a native of Pennsylvania, now makes her home with her son Frank and has attained the age, of seventy-four years. She has three children, as follows: Frank, a resident of Keene township; Samuel, of Bethlehem township; and Mrs. Boyd. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have been born two sons, Clifford H., who is at home; and Jesse F., who died in 1901. In his political views Mr. Boyd is a. republican. He is serving as township trustee and has held a number of school offices, the duties of -which he has discharged in prompt and capable manner. He and wife are members of the Grange, No. 1558, and are identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has acted as steward for a number of years. They have resided in this county for almost a half century and are well known and highly esteemed as people of genuine personal worth and upright, honorable lives. CHARLES E. ANDERSON. Charles E. Anderson has been engaged in the drug business in Coshocton since 1878, and the establishment of which he is proprietor has had an even longer existence. It has always been a synonym of.high ideals in business here, for only pure goods are carried, while the business methods of the 'house are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. Mr. Anderson was born in the town of Keene, July 16, 1857, and is a son of Dr. John and Anna (Stevenson) Anderson. His father was for many years one of the respected and honored merchants of Coshocton. In early life he studied for and entered upon the practice of medicine, in which he continued successfully for a number of years, but ill health at length com- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 253 pelled him to give up the active practice of his chosen profession, and on coming to Coshocton in 1866 he entered the drug business, with which he was associated up to the time of his death in 1889. He voted with the republican party and believed its principles contained the best elements of good government, but he was content that others should enjoy the rewards of office. As he passed, in and out among the citizens of Coshocton they came to know him as a reliable man, a progressive, citizen and faithful friend, and his name is now enrolled on the list of Coshocton's honored dead. Charles E. Anderson, whose name' introduces this review, has been identified with the, drug trade from his early boyhood, as he was but nine years of age when his father established the store. He pursued his education through successive grades in the public schools and eventually became a high-school student. During the vacation periods and often in the evening hours he assisted his father in the store and early gained a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the business. In 1878 he was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of Dr. J. Anderson & Son and this relation was continued until the senior partner was called to his final rest, when Charles E. Anderson became sole owner. The concern today maintains the reputation which it has always enjoyed, of being the leading drug store of Coshocton. It is characterized by neat, tasteful and attractive arrangement, and the business methods employed are such as awaken respect and win patronage. In the year 18836 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Mary Irvine, of Coshocton, a daughter of James Irvine, now deceased, and who was one of the prominent attorneys of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have three children: Ann, Irvine and Sarah Margaret, all yet at home. Active, in the work of the Presbyterian church, in which he holds membership, Mr. Anderson is now serving as one of its trustees and acted as treasurer of the building committee at the time of the building of the magnificent new house of worship. While he has confined his attention closely to business, he has yet found time to interest himself in those affairs which should always claim the attention of good citizens. He aids in keeping Coshocton apace with the march of general advancement, and has put forth effective work in upholding its legal and moral status. WALTER McCREA. Walter McCrea is an enterprising and progressive farmer of New Castle township, owning and operating' sixty-seven acres of land. He was born in New Cumberland, Hancock county, West Virginia, January 10, 1852, a son of Walter and Esther (McKahn) McCrea, whose family numbered five children, all of whom have passed away, with the exception of our subject. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and in 1857 removed to Knox county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming, The mother was born in Washing- 254 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY ton county, Pennsylvania, where she was reared and married. After the father's demise she made her home with her son and passed away in 1903. Walter McCrea, the only living member of the father's family, was educated in the district schools of Knox county. He lost his father in 1862, when a lad of eleven years, and from that early age the responsibility of the family fell upon his young shoulders. He remained with his mother and managed the home farm until he had reached the age of twenty-three years, when he began farming on his own account, spending two years in Knox county, subsequent to which time he took up his abode in New Castle township, Coshocton county, where he owns sixty-seven acres of land. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and is meeting with good success. Mr. McCrea was married in 1874, the lady of his choice being Miss Emma Busenburg, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Busenburg, who still survive, the father having reached the advanced age of eighty years. He formerly engaged in farming and blacksmithing, and is still a well preserved man. Their family numbers ten children, all of whom survive. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McCrea has been blessed with one son; Orlando B., who was born in Knox county, December 30, 1875, and was married to Miss Tacy Garrison, their home being in Walhonding. The son belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Mr. McCrea gives his political support to the republican party, and is a member of the Disciples church, of which he is now a deacon. His success is well deserved, for it has come to him through his own energy, determination and well applied efforts. From an early age he has assumed heavy responsibility and today he is numbered among the substantial residents of New Castle township. S. N. BORDEN. S. N. Borden is a public-spirited citizen and enterprising farmer, owning one hundred and ninety-four acres of land situated in Monroe and Tiverton townships, which has been acquired through his own energy and careful management, for he started out in life empty-handed and has worked earnestly and persistently, and today his valuable property is evidence of the success which he has achieved. Mr. Borden was born in Tiverton township, Coshocton county, March 19, 1862, a son of Bradford D. and Sarah Ellen (Hart) Borden. The paternal grandfather came to Coshocton county from Massachusetts in 1806 and from that early date representatives of the name have lived in this section of the state,. The father was born in Holmes county, Ohio, but was reared by his grandmother in Tiverton township, Coshocton county. Both the father and mother are still living and their marriage has been blessed with four children, but the eldest died in infancy, those living being: R. H., who is with his father; S. N., of this review; and Sarah, the wife of August Ackert, of Tiverton township. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 255 S. N. Borden was taken to Massachusetts at the age of three years and was there reared to the age of eleven years, when he returned to Coshocton county. He acquired his education in the, district schools and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he was employed by others for three years at farm labor. During this time he carefully saved his earnings and invested the same in land in Tiverton township and there made his home until 1904, in which year he purchased more land, this being two hundred acres in Monroe township and he then took up his abode on the latter place. He now owns altogether three hundred and twelve acres, one hundred and twelve acres of which is located in Tiverton township, while the remainder lies in Monroe township. His land is all well improved and arable and in connection with his general agricultural pursuits he is engaged in the timber business. He also owns a trotting horse and has other valuable stock on his place. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in the business world, for at the time he established a home of his own he possesed but eighty dollars in money and through his own efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife he has now reached the goal of prosperity. It was on the 1st of January, 1881, that Mr. Borden was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Matheny, a resident of Tiverton township. Their union has been blessed with six children but the eldest died in infancy. The other members are: Oscar, who wedded Jennie Richards and follows farming in Tiverton township; Edgar, who wedded Myrtle Hawkins and follows farming in Monroe township; Delilah, who has passed away; Mathew C., who is with his parents; and Oliver, also under the parental roof. Mr. Borden gives his political support to the republican party and is at present serving as trustee of Monroe township, and has held other minor offices. He also claims the distinction of being the only republican assessor ever elected in Tiverton township. His fraternal relations are with the Patrons of Husbandry, while his wife is a member of the Baptist church, Mr. Borden is truly a self-made man, for starting out in life at the age of nineteen years without financial aid, he has through his own labors and the assistance of his estimable, wife accumulated an excellent farming property and is classed among the substantial and public-spirited citizens of Coshocton county. SAMUEL SIEGRIST. Samuel Siegrist, of the S. Siegrist & Sons Automobile Works, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, September 4, 1868. His father, Michael Siegrist was of German birth and in early manhood married Elizabeth Stine, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, and was of German lineage. They arrived in Coshocton county in the late '70s and Mr. Siegrist turned his attention to farming in Washington township, where he carried on the work 256 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY of cultivating the soil until his death in 1886. His widow survived him for about eleven years and passed away in 1897. In his boyhood days Samuel Siegrist was a pupil in the common school of this county. He was a young lad on the removal to this part of the state and his youth was passed on the home farm until a year after his father's death, when at the age or eighteen he purchased a sawmill and engaged in the lumber business, buying pieces of standing timber which he cut and converted into marketable lumber. Four years were given to that undertaking, and in 1891 he married and located on the home farm, confining his attention to general agricultural pursuits for two years. In 1893 he became a resident of the city of Coshocton, where he built and equipped a distillery and engaged in its operation until January, 1906. He also during that time conducted a wholesale liquor business and after the suspension of the distillery he became associated with J. J. Murray in the wholesale liquor business, the partnership being still maintained. In January, 1908, however, Mr. Siegrist further extended the scope of his activities by opening an automobile garage on Fifth street with a building containing eleven thousand two hundred and fifty square feet. Mr. Siegrist believed this would give him ample room but his patronage has increased so rapidly that he is planning to double the space of his garage in the near future. He also has a well equipped and modern machine shop, doing not only all repair work for automobiles but also special machine work for various factories of Coshocton. He has a thorough and practical knowledge of mechanics and is thus able to direct the labors of those who serve him in this department. In 1891 Mr. Siegrist was married to Miss Maud M. .Royer, of Franklin township, and they now have two sons, Carl S. and Raymond A., both of whom, are associated with their father in business. Mr. Siegrist is an advocate of democratic principles and a communicant of the Catholic church. He confines his attention closely to business affairs, is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment and his executive ability and excellent management have brought to the concerns with which he is connected a large degree of success. THOMAS B. RENFREW. Thomas B. Renfrew, a successful agriculturist of Keene township, where he owns a valuable farm of two hundred and four acres, also has three hundred and twenty acres of land in Paulding county and is widely recognized as a most prosperous and enterprising citizen. His birth occurred in Keene township, Coshocton county, Ohio, April 23, 1840; his parents being Alexander and Nancy (Carnahan) Renfrew, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was born in Union county of the Keystone state,, came to Coshocton county in 1826 and for a number of years was successfully identified with mercantile interests. He passed away on the 16th of February, 1872, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 10th of August, 1885. Of HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 259 their family of six children, three died in infancy. The others were: Catharine, deceased; Alexander, who is a farmer of Keene township ; and Thomas B,, of this review. The last named was reared on the home farm and acquired .a college education, remaining under the parental roof until the death of his father. He now owns and operates a tract of two hundred and four acres of rich and productive land in Keene township, and his landed holdings also include a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Paulding county and several town lots. In addition to the work of general farming he makes a specialty of raising and, feeding stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. On the 24th of February, 1876, Mr. Renfrew was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Craig, whose birth occurred Coshocton county, June, 23, 1842, her parents being John and Maria (Murray) Craig, now deceased. Unto our subject and his wife has been born one daughter, Bessie, the wife of Charles K. Graham, who operates the home farm. Mr. Renfrew also has one grandson, Orliff B. Graham. In his political views Mr. Renfrew is a stanch republican and has served as supervisor, capably and promptly discharging the duties of that office. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well known and highly esteemed native residents of this county, within the borders of which they have now resided for more than two-thirds of a century, witnessing its 6,evelopnient from a pioneer region into a rich agricultural district, in which all the comforts and conveniences of modern civilization abound. WILLIAM F. DULING. William F. Duling,. who is successfully engaged in general merchandising at Bacon Run postoffice, in Linton township, was born in Alexander, Jefferson county, Ohio, February 19, 1849, his parents being William and Rebecca (Richardson) Duling. The father was a native of Virginia, where his birth occurred April 15, 1815, and preached the gospel as a minister of the Methodist Protestant church, being an old circuit rider. He was the first recorder elected in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the republican ticket and was the incumbent in that position at the time of his death, which occurred when he had attained the age ot forty-three years. His wife, who was born in New York in February, 1814, passed away in Plainfield in 1867, when fifty-three years of age. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, namely: Joseph W., of Colorado; Caroline and Joab R., both of whom are deceased; David, residing in Denver, Colorado; Martin, of Plainfield, Ohio ; William F., of this review ; and Mary, the wife of Jerome Sherrie, of Colorado. William F. Duling was reared on a farm in Jefferson county and acquired his education in the common schools. When fourteen years of age 260 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY he went into the government service, erecting barracks at Nashville, Tennessee, for he was too young to enter the army. After spending a year at Nashville he returned home and took up the work of farming On the 9th of August, 1867, when seventeen years of age, he enlisted in the regular army as a member of Company D, Thirty-third Infantry, which was soon consolidated with Company D, Eighth Infantry. After his three years' term of enlistment had expired he was honorably discharged and returned to Coshocton, where he spent two years learning the harness and saddlery trade. Subsequently going west, he worked as a journeyman in Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and Illinois, but in 1889 returned to Coshocton county. Here he was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until October, 1907, when he purchased a general mercantile store at Bacon Run postoffice, which he has since conducted with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity. He, owns one hundred and twenty-six acres of finely improved land, which is now operated by his son. Mr. Duling has been married twice. He was first wedded in 1873, to Miss Alice Latham, by whom he had two children: Edna, who is deceased; and Lena, the wife of David Norris, of Coshocton, Ohio. In 1889 Mr. Duling was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Jane Jones, who was born on Bacon Run in Linton township, March 30, 1851, a daughter of David and Margaret (Hunt) Jones. Her parents, who were natives of England and were married in that country, came to Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1845, locating on Bacon Run on the farm which our subject now owns. Both died on this place. Unto William F. and Mary Jane (Jones) Duling have been born three children, namely : Joel W., Capitola and Harry, all of whom are still under the parental roof. In his political views Mr., Duling is a republican, to the .men and measures of which party he gives stalwart support. His wife is a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which she has spent her entire life. His career as been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens oaf his county. JOHN M. COCHRAN. John M. Cochran was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, August 9, 1830, his parents being Jacob and Elizabeth (Myers) Cochran, the former a native of Pennsylvania and of Irish descent. The year 1833 witnessed their arrival in Lafayette township, Coshocton county. Here the father purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres and after clearing a small place on which he erected a log cabin, he cut the timber from the rest of the land and was thereafter successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until the time of his death in 1849. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, namely: John M., of West Lafayette, Ohio; Maria J., who is a widow re- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 261 siding ha West Lafayette, her husband, John Elston, having died from disease contracted in the army and was buried in the Gulf of Mexico; Catherine, the wife of D. Baker, of Plainfield, Ohio; Amanda, who is the wife of Edward Wiggins and makes her home in Lafayette, township; Mary, deceased; Joseph A., of West Lafayette; Sarah, the widow of Willis Kinner, residing in West Lafayette, Ohio; and Eliza and Rebecca, also living in West Lafayette, Ohio. John M. Cochran was three years of age when brought by his parents to this county, and was reared on the home farm, remaining under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age. He then took up the carpenter's trade and subsequently spent two years prospecting in the west. In September, 1861, he enlisted for three months' service as a member of Company D, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and afterward reenlisted, becoming enrolled in Company I, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for two years and nine months. He once more enlisted as a veteran in the same company and regiment and thus served until the close of hostilities. He was twice captured by the enemy but soon rescued by his comrades, and saw much arduous service but ^lits never wounded. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Tennessee, Stone River, Chickamauga and Atlanta, was then sent back to Nashville, down into Georgia and subsequently back to Johnstown and then to Texas, where he was honorably discharged at Victoria in the fall of 1865, having for nearly five years been a faithful and loyal defender of the Union cause. During his absence his wife, had removed to Lafayette and when Mr. Cochran returned to the north he joined his family here, becoming connected with the carpenter's trade, which he successfully followed until a few years ago. On the 15th of March, 1853, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Cutter, who was born in West Lafayette, Ohio, January 13, 1837, her parents being Benjamin and Mary (Nash) Cutter, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Cutter were very early settlers of Coshocton county, Ohio, but both passed away in Illinois. Their family numbered six children, namely: William, residing in Illinois; Cohen, who died while serving as a soldier in the army; Ross, who makes his home in the west;. John, likewise of Illinois; Mrs. Cochran; and one who died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have been born five children, as follows: Cassandra, the wife of Frank Miller, of West Lafayette, Ohio; Clesson, also of West Lafayette; Leona, the wife of Frank Familton, of Coshocton, Ohio; and Berdell and Clyde, both at home. In his political views Mr. Cochran is a stanch democrat and has taken an active and helpful interest in the local work of the party, his fellow townsmen calling him to various positions of public trust and responsibility. For six years after the Civil war he acted as township clerk, while for twenty-one consecutive years he has served as justice of the peace and is still holding the office, his decisions being ever strictly fair and impartial. He is also a notary public. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the, Republic, and both he and his wife are faithful and devoted members of the Baptist church. 262 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY His record as a soldier, as an official and as a business man has been honorable that he has gained the confidence and good will of all with who he has been brought in contact. JACOB B. LEAVENGOOD. Coshocton county, rich in its natural resources, has in its midst various enterprising towns and cities which owe their development largely to the merchants and manufacturers. Each successful business enterprise is an element in the growth and progress of a city and thus Mr. Leavengood as a hatter, clothier and men's furnisher, is connected with the progress of Coshocton. He 'was born in Mill Creek township, this county, February 23, 1867, and is a son of John and Phoebe (Bretzus) Leavengood. The father was born in Crawford township, this county, and was the son of Jacob Leavengood, who was one of the early settlers of that township, coming to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The work of development still largely lay in the future, but the county offered good opportunities because of the rich land and climate favorable to the production of various cereals and fruits. Much of the territory embraced within the borders of the county was still government property and Jacob Leavengood, Sr., purchased eighty acres of land from the government for one dollar and sixty-five cents per acre. On this he built a log cabin in the midst of the forests, and there, amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life, John Leavengood was reared, early becoming familiar with the arduous task of developing new land and transforming a forest region into productive fields. After his marriage he removed to Mill Creek township, where he still resides and is a well known and successful farmer. His political endorsement is given to the democracy, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. Mr. Leavengood, of this review, was also reared as a farmer boy and worked in the fields and meadows from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. The district school afforded him his educational privileges and he continued as the main hand in the farm work until his twenty-third year when he started out in business on his own account. For three years he had a creamery wagon and later went to Fresno, where he entered the employ of his brother, W. H. Leaven good, a merchant at that place, with whom he remained for four years, mastering all the details of the business and commanding a thorough knowledge of commercial methods. In 1899 Mr. Leavengood came to Coshocton and for two years was employed by the Fountain Dry Goods Company, after which he resigned to accept a position with the Hub Clothing Company, with which he continued for four years. He has been engaged in business on his own account since 1905, in which year he became associated with B. C. Senter. He was the active spirit in organizing the firm of Senter & Leavengood, and on March HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 263 1, 1905, they opened a modern men's outfitting establishment. Both of the partners were practical and experienced merchants and the business succeeded from the beginning. On the 27th of January, 1908, Mr. Leaven-good acquired Mr. Senter's interests in the business, which he has since conducted independently. He has a well appointed store and the line of goods attracts an extensive patronage, while reasonable prices and reliable dealing insures him a continuance of the trade. On the 21st of March, 1819, Mr. Leavengood was married to Miss Salome Everhart, of Chili, Ohio. Their friends in Coshocton are many and their home is notable for its hospitality. Mr. Leavengood belongs to the Fidelity Lodge, No. 135, K. P. and to Ohio Tent, No. 1264, Knights of the Modern Maccabees. He likewise belongs to the Lutheran church, and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party. He is a self-made, man who has learned to correctly value life's contacts and experiences. He is a well-balanced man, mentally and physically, possesses sufficient courage to venture where favoring opportunity is presented, and his judgment and even-paced energy have carried him forward to the goal of success. JOHN KIRCH. John Kirch owns and occupies a well improved and tillable farm property consisting of one hundred and fifty acres situated in New Castle township. He is a native son of Coshocton county, his birth having occurred in Tiverton township, December 24, 1862, the youngest of a family of five children, whose parents were Peter and Elizabeth (Christman) Kirch, both of whom were natives of Germany, where they were married. They emigrated to the United States at an early day and located in Tiverton township, Coshocton county, where the father worked at the stonemason's trade, which he had learned and followed in the old country. He also engaged in farming in connection with his trade and became a very successful and prosperous man. Both the parents are now deceased. Their family consisting of five children is as follows: Elizabeth, the wife, of J. A. Lonsinger, a resident farmer of Tiverton township ; Daniel, who is deceased; Phoebe, the wife of John G. Fry, a farmer of Dutch Run; Le.wis Frederick, who follows farming in Tiverton township ; and John, of this review. John Kirch was educated in the district schools near his father's home and was trained to the duties of the home farm, remaining under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he began farming on his own account, operating rented land in Tiverton township. He lived frugally and economically and managed to save a sum sufficient to invest in property, thus becoming owner of one hundred and fifty acres located in New Castle township. He has built a good house, barns and other substantial outbuildings, has developed and improved his land and 264 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY each year harvests rich crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon his fields. Mr. Kirch was married in 1885, the lady of his choice being Miss Magdaline Fry, by whom he has three children: C. S., Rosa May and Sylvia Burnadetta, all under the parental roof. Mr. Kirch gives his political support to the men and measures of democracy, but is not active as an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his private business affairs. His fraternal relations are with the, Patrons of Husbandry, while his religious fail h is that of the Evangelical church, of which his wife is also a member. His enterprising and progressive spirit has made him a typical American in every sense of the Word. By constant exertion, associated with good judgment he ha.. achieved success and today stands among the substantial citizens of this section of the state. EMANUEL S. FISHER. Emanuel S. Fisher, a successful agriculturist of Bethlehem township, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, March 29, 1845, his parents being C. C. and Rebecca (Lower, Fisher, who were natives of York county, Pennsylvania, and Coshocton county, Ohio, respectively. The mother passed away in February, 1895, and .the father survived her for only about two months, being called to the home beyond in April of that year. Their family numbered ten children: one who died in infancy; E. S., of this review; Valentine C., a resident of Tuscarawas county, Ohio; Susan C., William H. and Isaac B., all of whom are deceased; Mary E., the wife of Fred Shoemaker, of Chili, Ohio; Jona than, living in Coshocton, Ohio; Arminda, who has also Passed away; and Sarah A.', the wife of William Young, of Coshocton county, Ohio. E. S. Fisher was but a month old when he was brought by his parents to this county and he remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of eighteen years. Having qualified himself for the duties of a teacher, he successfully followed that profession for twenty years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he, had acquired. In 1874 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Crawford township, was married the following year and for the next seven years continued his labors as a school teacher. Subsequently he took up his abode on the farm which he had bought in 1874 and was engaged in its cultivation and improvement until 1903. In that year he sold the property and made his home in Baltic, Thscarawas county, Ohio, for the next twelve months, on the expiration of which period he purchased his present place of one hundred and sixty and a half acres in Bethlehem township. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity by reason of his unwearied industry, perseverance and capable management. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 265 In 1875 occurred the marriage of, Mr. Fisher and Miss Amanda Fair, whose birth occurred in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1851, her parents being Elah and Eva Fair, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Fisher was one of a family of nine children and by her marriage has become the mother of four, namely: Theda E., the wife of W. H. Barth, of Coshocton county; Milo E., married and living at home and a graduate of the state university; John Warren, at home; and Elah Cletus. In his political views Mr. Fisher is a democrat and has served as justice of the peace and also as a member of the school board for several years. He was likewise notary public for sixteen years and has ever discharged his official duties in a trustworthy, energetic and capable manner. Fraternally he was connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 446, at New Bedford, Coshocton county, Ohio. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of, his community. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Coshocton county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development. EDWIN S. LEE. The name of Lee has figured prominently in the history of Coshocton county for many years, as representatives of the family in different generations have contributed to the upbuilding and development of this section of the state along various lines. Edwin S. Lee, proprietor of the Empire Mills, fully sustains the high reputation which has always been borne, by the family and is now numbered among those who are factors in the industrial activity of Coshocton. He was born in this city, April 4, 1859, his father being Samuel H. Lee, well known as one of the prominent and honored residents here. In his boyhood he was sent to the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until he completed the high-school course. He afterwards pursued the work of a freshman year in the Ohio State University, and at the age of eighteen years entered his father's drug store, where he spent a year. In 1885 he turned his atte,ntion to the milling business, becoming a member of the firm of Barney, De Moss & Company. The relationship was continued until the two older partners were called from this life, when Mr. Lee acquired their interests but continued the business under the old firm style until in 1903, since which time his name has figured alone in connection with the proprietorship of the, Empire Mills. The business is one of the most extensive and important productive industries of the city and its trade relations reach not only to all parts of the United States but also to foreign lands, for he has exported extensively to Great Britain and the West Indies. The output of the mills has a reputation for excellence that assures a continuance of the trade and is constantly bringing to the house further patron- 266 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY age. The, most modern methods are employed in the manufacture of flour and the latest improved machinery is used, no expense being spared in making the product one of superiority. In 1887 Mr. Lee was married to Miss Charlotte Rathbone, of Marietta, Ohio, who died in 1905 leaving two children, Charlotte Eleanor and Loring Rathbone. Mrs. Lee was connected with some of the oldest and most prominent families of Marietta, including the Putnams and the Lorings. In his political views Mr. Lee is a stalwart republican, for he believes in the principles of the party and he is always loyal to any cause which he espouses. He is prominent in Masonry, belonging to Coshocton Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Samaritan Chapter, No. 50, R. A. M.; and Coshocton Commandery, No. 63, K. T. He was the active spirit in organizing the commandery in 1906, and became its first eminent commander He is in hearty sympathy with the work of the craft and its beneficent principles, and is a worthy exemplar of the order. He is also a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and his influence is ever found on the side of progress and improvement and in support of those movements which promote the material, intellectual, social and moral welfare of the community. CHARLES J. BANTHAM. Charles J. Bantham,. a successful agriculturist and stock-raiser residing in Bethlehem township, was born in this township on the 12th of March, 1857, his parents being Benjamin and Jane. R. (Benning) Bantham, also natives of Coshocton county. The great-grandfather of our subject came to this country from England in 1771 and participated in the Revolutionary war of 1776. He married the, widow of General Riley. Benjamin Bantham, father Of Charles J. Bantham, whose death occurred June 10, 1900, owned over fiTre hundred acres of land in this county. His family numbered thirteen children, namely: John M., of Coshocton; Elizabeth Ann, the wife of Henry Curl, of Coshocton; James L., a resident of Bethlehem township; Charles J., of this review ; Julia and Lincoln, who are deceased; Burnside, also living in Bethlehem township; Mary J., the wife of John E. Ranles, of Coshocton; Hattie, the wife of James Richardson, of Coshocton county; Samantha, the wife 'of R. Cochran, of Coshocton; Ida, the wife of J. Funk; and two who died, in infancy. Charles J. Bantham obtained his education in the common schools and remained at home until he had attained mature years, when he was married. He was then engaged in the operation of a rented farm in Mill Creek township for four. years, on the expiration of which period he went to Clark county, Illinois, where he made his home for four years. Returning to Coshocton county in 1888, he has since resided here, while his landed holdings now comprise two hundred and sixty-three acres in Mill Creek and Bethlehem township. He makes a specialty of raising and breeding Short- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 271 horn cattle and trotting horses and in both his farming and stock-raising interests has gained a large degree of prosperity, owing to his unwearied industry and excellent business ability. Mr. Bantham was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Parkhill, whose birth occurred in Mill Creek township, November 13, 1860, her parents being David and Matilda (Beard) Parkhill, both of whom are deceased. She was one of a family of nine children.. Our subject and his wife have no children of their own but have reared two daughters of his brother Lincoln, namely: Verna M., the wife of William A. Randall, of Bethlehem township; and Barbara E., who still makes her home with Mr. Bantham. In his political views Mr. Bantham is a stalwart republican and has served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife support the Presbyterian church and are well known and highly esteemed residents of the county of their nativity. CALEB WHEELER. Caleb Wheeler, who for several years has lived retired in Nellie, Ohio, was for a long period identified with the mercantile interests of this being numbered among the pioneer merchants of this section of Coshocton county. Mr. Wheeler was born in Jefferson county, this state, August 13, 1829, and is the only living member of thirteen children born of the marriage, of Caleb and Mary (De Huff) Wheeler. The father followed the Ohio river in early life. Caleb Wheeler, whose name introdUces this record, acquired his education in the district schools of Jefferson county, where he was reared. In early life he learned the saddler's business, following the same in Coshocton and in Uhrichsville for about twenty years. He, then came to Nellie, Coshocton county, and purchased the first lot in the village, on which he built a house and he also erected a store building, in which he opened up a general mercantile enterprise, conducting the same throughout a long period. He was very successful in his undertakings and built up a large trade, which brought him the competence that now enables him to live retired in a comfortable home in Nellie, and he, also owns considerable other realty in this village. The only interruption to his private business interests was when he gave his service 'to the country during the Civil war, in which he, served as a captain of Company G, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Elizabeth Kinsey, and they became the parents of nine children, as follows: W. H., who is a harnessmaker of Warsaw; L. P., who is engaged in the grocery business in Utica, Licking county; E. K., a merchant of New Guilford; H. M., a farmer and stock-dealer of Jewell county, Kansas; Elsworth, who died at the age of two years; Grant, who is engaged in teaching in Florida; Charlie, who has departed this life; Minnie, M., who conducts a general store and has also been postmistress at Nellie for fifteen years; and Nellie, at home. 272 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY Politically Mr. Wheeler has been a lifelong republican, and religiously is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has seen his home town grow from its infancy to a thriving little village, inhabited by an industrious and prosperous people. When Mr. Wheeler located here it was a long strenuous task which was presented to the sturdy pioneers but they met it with a steady, unwavering resolution. They did not see in advance the full dimensions and importance of the work they were accomplishing. From a wilderness they converted the broad plains and hills into rich tracts, adorned not only with the beauty of waving fields of grain but with commodious homes, surrounded with many evidences of taste and refinement, with. schoolhouses, where their, children were trained and taught for future honor and usefulness, with churches, whose spires pointing upward showed hopes and aspirations that reached higher than the earth. By their patience and energy they built up a community, which in its general prosperity, its orderly society, the pleasantness of its homes, the intelligence and moral tone of the people and in all that goes to make up a desirable civilization is nowhere excelled. No more desirable place for a quiet home can be found than here in this community which Mr. Wheeler helped to establish and now at the age of seventy-nine years he is enjoying in retirement the accumulation of a profitable, successful and honorable career. JOHN MILLER. After many years of persistent labor and toil John Miller has accumulated a competence that has enabled him to live in honorable retirement since 1903. He now makes his home in a comfortable residence in Linton Mills. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, born in Belmont county, February 14, 1832, the eldest of eighteen children, of whom five still survive, born of the marriage of Anthan W. and Rebecca (Groves) Miller, who were likewise natives of Belmont county, whence they took up their abode in Tuscarawas county in 1836, entering land from the government, whereon the father erected a log cabin with clapboard roof and puncheon floor, in which the family made their home for several years. The, surviving members of the family are: John, of this review; Nathaniel, a resident of Tuscarawas county, this state; Samuel, of Defiance county ; Thomas, a resident of Kansas; and Mary, the wife of Daniel Gruel, also a resident of Tuscarawas county, this state. The father died in October, 1862, his wife having preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1858. John Miller pursued his studies in the common schools and spent the period of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farm lads. He remained under the parental roof, giving his father the benefit of his services until he had reached the age of twenty-eight years, when he, went to Defiance county, where he was engaged in clearing timber for a time. He then learned the milling business, and after completing his term of indenture went to Tuscarawas county, where he purchased a mill and con- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 273 ducted the same successfully for ten years. In 1869 he made a change in location, coming to Linton Mills, where he purchased a mill and conducted the same, for thirty-four years, or until 1903. During this time he built up his trade from a small beginning to one of mammoth proportions and was numbered among the prominent representatives of industrial circles here. He is now living retired in a nice home in this village, surrounded by all the comforts of life and a host of warm friends. Mr. Miller has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Mary J. Chadwell, whom he wedded in 1862. She was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, and became, the mother of six children: George, who resides in Linton Mills; Henry, of Guernsey county; Ada, deceased; Ruth the wife of George Carr, a resident, of Nebraska; and Roy and Wilbur, who have also departed this life: The wife and mother departed this life in 1875 and Mr. Miller was again married, his second union being with Caroline Cole, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1854. This union has been blessed with two sons, but the elder, Howard, is deceased, while the younger, William F., resides in Guernsey county. Mr. Miller is a radical democrat but is not an office seeker. While not accepting some of the dogmas of religious bodies and uniting with no church, he is nevertheless deeply interested in religious wort and has helped to build and support a number of churches. His life, in former years was one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Linton Mills, enjoying in well, earned ease the fruits of his former toil. CURTIS C. PORTER. Curtis C. Porter, a successful agriculturist of Mill Creek township, was born near Steubenville, Jefferson county, Ohio, February 10, 1853, his parents being William and Eliza (Stark) Porter. The father, whose birth occurred in 1829, passed away in 1900, but the mother, whose natal day was September 29, 1828, still resides on the farm in Coshocton county. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, namely: Curtis C., of this review.; Frank, at home; Wiley, a resident of Missouri; Mary, the wife of Joseph E. Richie, of Keene township ; Benton, living in Keene township; Ross, at home; and Edwin D., in Keene township. Curtis C. Porter obtained a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of thirty-one years, when he was married and began farming on his own account. In 1885 he rented the farm on which he now resides but the following year purchased the place, comprising one hundred acres. He has added to the farm, however, by additional purchase until it now embraces two hundred and twenty acres of rich and, productive land, to the cultivation of which he devotes his time and attention. He has remodeled the, house and has placed many sub- 274 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY stantial improvements on the property, so that it is now lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. Mr., Porter has been married twice. He was first wedded, on the 31st of January, 1884, to Miss Catherine McConnel, a native of Coshocton county, who passed away May 17, 1887. One child was born of that union, Mary Katherine, at home. On the 4th of April, 1889, Mr. Porter was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Glover, whose birth occurred in Clark township, January 9, 1854, her parents being Joel and Elizabeth (Shannon) Glover, both natives of Jefferson county, Ohio. The father was born on the 1st of April, 1808, and in 1826 married Miss Elizabeth Shannon, Who was born April 4, 1808. In 1828 the young couple came to Coshocton county, Ohio, and for a short time rented a farm on which Mr. Porter of this review now resides. On first taking up his abode here Joel Glover, like the majority of the early settlers, was in limited financial circumstances, and on one occasion received fifty cents in return for a day's work which he had done for a neighbor. On returning home in the evening he held out his hand containing the coin and said to his wife: "See what I have." She playfully attempted to seize it but only succeeded in knocking it out of his hand and many's day's search for it was in vain. Seventy years later, after Mr. and Mrs. Porter had bought the farm, the missing half dollar was most unexpectedly found. While playing barefooted in the yard one day, their little son stepped on something sharp and on stopping to investigate discovered that it was the coin which had been lost so many years before and which had become imbedded in the earth edgewise. The coin, which is in as perfect acondition as it was on the day it came from the mint, bears the date 18,26 and is highly prized by Mrs. Porter. The story of how he lost this half dollar was frequently related by Mr. Glover, for in those days fifty cents was considered quite a bit of money. As before stated, Mr. Glover rented the farm, which is now the property of our subject, for a short time and subsequently purchased a tract of timber land in Clark township. He cleared the place and as time went on extended the, boundaries of his farm by additional purchase, and there made his home until called to his final rest in 1887. He possessed a comprehensive knowledge of the law and for twenty-two years served as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial and seldom, if ever, being reversed by the higher court. He was a life-long member of the Presbyterian church and for many -years was an elder in the church at Keene. His wife, who was born on the 4th of April, 1808, was called to the home beyond in 1885. Unto. Mr. and Mrs. Glover were born fifteen children, eleven sons and four daughters, six of whom still survive, as follows : Samuel, a resident of Van Wert county, Ohio; Cuthbert H., of Coshocton, Ohio; Nathan, who is a professor of music at Akron, Ohio; Sarah, the wife of H. B. Lewis, of Decatur, .Illinois; Harrison, who makes his home with Curtis C. Porter; and Mrs. Porter. Unto Curtis C. and Mary (Glover) Porter have been born two children : William Glover and Curtis Harrison, both at home. In his political views Mr. Porter is a stalwart advocate of democratic principles and has served as land appraiser and assessor of his township. HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 275 He is a member of the Grange and has now for sixteen years been a member of the Agricultural Society, of which he is now president. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Presbyterian church at Keene, and have gained an extensive circle of warm friends in the county during the long period of their residence here. WILLIAM MILO SCHLAH. William Milo Schlah is proprietor of a furniture store, No. 423 Main street, in Coshocton, which he has conducted since 1904. He is winning a place in the foremost rank of the merchants of this city, for he makes his business interests his chief concern, bringing to the, conduct of his enterprise that close application, indefatigable energy and strong purpose, without which the highest degree of success can never be attained. A native son of Coshocton, he was born June 22, 1870, of the marriage of John George and Mary Schlah." His father was a native of Germany and became a pioneer wagonmaker of Coshocton. Locating here at an early day he conducted his business for many years and made for himself a creditable place in the, regard of his fellow townsmen. He died in the year 1885 and was survived for eleven years by his wife, who passed away in 1896. John G. Schlah never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, for he here found the business opportunities which he sought, and gradually he worked his way upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence. His life may well serve as a source of encouragement, and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do. At the usual age William M. Schlah was sent as a pupil to the public schools where he won promotion from time to time as he mastered the various branches of learning that constitute the curriculum. After leaving the, high school he attended the Columbus Business College, and later went to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he entered the employ of the Pan Handle Railroad Company, spending four years as clerk in the freight office. He afterward removed to Los Angeles, California, where he also had a clerical position for a year. In 1892 Mr. Schlah returned to Coshocton and soon afterward secured a position with the Coshocton Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of advertising novelties. In 1903 he purchased an interest in the business and became a director and treasurer, so continuing until- 1904, when he sold out to the Premium Manufacturing Company. In that year Mr. Schlah purchased the furniture store of Howard Wolfe and has since ,00nducted this enterprise. He has developed a large and rapidly increasing business, receiving a good patronage from the best people of the city. He is careful in the selection of his stock, for he has studied the desires of the public in this direction, and in his sales he seeks only to make a fair and legitiatate 276 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY profit. His commercial integrity is unassailable and public opinion is altogether favorable ,regarding his attributes and actions as a business man. In 1896 Mr. Schlah was married to Miss Cora Norman of this county and unto them have .been born two children: George, William, born in 1903; and Margaret Virginia, in December, 1906. The parents are widely and favorably known in 'the locality and have an extensive circle of warm friends. Mr. Schlah belongs to Coshocton Lodge,, No. 376, B. P. 0. E. and in Masonry has taken the degrees of the chapter and commandery. His rise in the business world has been a gradual one. His developing powers, his broadening experience and his firm, determination to do what others have done in the acquirement of success have constituted the impetus that has led him to put forth persistent effort in making his way steadily forward toward the goal of prosperity. WILLIAM C. HAWK. William C. Hawk, a successful agriculturist of Adams township, was born in this township on the 24th of June, 1837, his parents being Leonard and Margaret (Ridenour) Hawk, the former a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Jefferson county, Ohio. In 1807, Leonard Hawk came to Coshocton county, Ohio, entered land from the government and built a log cabin with clapboard roof and puncheon floor, in which he made his home for twenty-five years. He, then erected a large brick residence which is still standing. His labors were an important element in the agricultural development of this county at an early day, and when he was called to his final rest Coshocton county mourned the loss of one of its worthy and honored pioneer settlers. Both he and his wife passed away at Bakersville, Mr. Hawk dying in the year 1871 and his wife in 1888, the former at the age of seventy-five years and the, latter when eighty-seven years of age. Their family numbered ten children, namely: John and David, who are deceased; Barbara, the wife of George Need, of Ohio; Jonathan and Andrew, who passed away in Kansas; David and Samuel; residents of Coshocton county; William C., of this review; and Sarah and Abraham, who are also deceased. William C. Hawk acquired his education in the common schools, and remained under the parental roof until he enlisted for service in the Union army, in 1861, as a member of the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, For twenty-two months he continued as a loyal defender of the cause which he had espoused, and at the battle of Stone River was wounded in the, ankle, On returning to this county he took up farming and was engaged in the operation of a rented tract of land for five years. On the expiration of that period he purchased sixty-four acres and later added more land, as his financial resources increased, until his holdings now comprise one hundred and eighty-two acres in Adams township. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity, HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 277 which has come to him entirely as the result of his own well directed labor and untiring perseverance. In 1863 Mr. Hawk was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Leach, who was born in Adams township, August 21, 1845, her parents being Archibald and Sarah (Ferguson) Leach, both of whom were natives of Jefferson county, Ohio. Her father passed away in 1859, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1854. Mrs. Hawk was one of a family of seven children and by her marriage has become, the mother of eight children: Lauretta A., the wife of Jacob Bahmer, of Adams township; Morris A., also a resident of Adams township; Margaret' E., the wife of Henry Eberwine, of Coshocton county; Mary E., at home; Carrie 0., the wife of Grant Norris, of Tuscarawas county; Lillie F., the wife of John Maurer, of Beach City, Stark county, Ohio; Nora E., the wife of Edward Koos, of Dover, Ohio; and Lomon L., at home. In his political views Mr. Hawk is a stalwart republican and has served as school director and towifiship trustee, ever discharging his public duties in a prompt and capable manner. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian church, and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives. COSHOCTON PUBLIC LIBRARY. There is perhaps no other agency outside of the public school system that contributes in so forceful and beneficial a manner to the intellectual progress and development of a community as does its public library. 'Coshocton has an institution of this character of which the citizens are justly proud. The institution had its beginning in 1897, when a public library was established by members of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. For years its home was in an upstairs room of a business block and for some time before the erection of the new building was located in a commodious hall and was doing well. Then came the offer of a building from Andrew Carnegie who, as he expressed it, is in the "library manufacturing business," and who told F. E. Pomerene that he would provide the city with a library building, there being no condition attached save that the city would furnish the site and make an annual appropriation of one-tenth of the amount of his gift. This offer was made in December, 1902, and a month later the council accepted. To the fifteen thousand dollars originally offered the city by Mr. Carnegie was added the sixteen hundred dollars surplus left after the council had purchased the site, which had cost less than the sum appropriated to buy it, together with a cash gift of fourteen hundred dollars from the citizens and two thousand dollars more from Mr. Carnegie, making the total twenty thousand dollars. 'Columbus architects were employed to draw up the plans and work was begun on the building, which is constructed of granite colored pressed brick, with stone trimmings and a red tile roof. 278 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY The building is splendidly arranged for the purpose used, the main floor holding the book racks, reading rooms, trustees' room, the cloak room, etc. The whole upper floor is used as an assembly hall with-seating capacity for three hundred, while in the basement are neatly furnished club rooms where the ladies' clubs hold monthly meetings and a museum and a store room. While the old library was having good support, after the removal to the new building the daily patronage increased more than eight hundred per cent and the library now boasts of more than seven thousand volumes, while the number of cards issued is over twenty-seven hundred. While all kinds of works found in a well appointed library are here to be seen, Coshocton has special reason to be proud of the department of American histovy, which is particularly strong. While the city gave its word—no bond to Mr. Carnegie to make an annual appropriation of fifteen hundred dollars for the support of the library, that Coshocton appreciates her benefit in this connection is shown by the fact that she has increased her yearly appropriation until it is now almost twenty-four hundred dollars. Much of this is used in the purchase of new books, and each year the library board holds a picnic that is largely attended and from which is netted from five hundred to eight hundred dollars, all of which is used in the purchase of books. The library is in charge of a board of trustees, consisting of F. E. Pomerene, president; R. C. Snyder, secretary; M. Q. Baker, H. R. McCurdy, Rev. Stolely Fisher D. D., S. C. D. and John Hay and a librarian and an assistant librarian are employed. J. E. HAHN, M. D. Dr. J. E. Hahn, who since June, 1901, has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Tiverton, has through his skill and ability gained a large practice, which is increasing as the, years go by. He was born near Plainfield, Coshocton county, April 16, 1871, a son of William and Catherine (Coffman) Hahn, the former born near Adamsville, Muskingum county, this state, while the latter was born in Coshocton county. The paternal grandfather, John Hahn, was born in Germany and in 1836 emigrated to America and located in Muskingum county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming as a life work. William Hahn, the father of our subject, was reared in that county but after attaining mature years he made his way to Coshocton county, locating near Beacon, where he is still living. He has made farming and threshing his life 'work and is still thus engaged in Linton township, being numbered among the representative citizens of this section of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William Hahn were born ten children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others are: John, who was drowned at Coshocton in 1907; W. A., who follows farming near Coshocton ; Rena, the wife of John Amore, who resides near Plainfield; Charles and Henry, who have departed this life; HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 281 Frank, who is operating the Morgan Run mines at Coshocton; two who died in infancy; and Emma, at home. J. E. Hahn acquired his early education in the district schools of Linton township, supplementing this course of study by attendance at the high school in Plainfield. After completing his education he engaged in teaching, following this profession in the, district schools of Linton, Franklin and Oxford townships for eight years. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work he then began study in the medical department of the Ohio University at Cincinnati, receiving the degree of M. D. in May, 1901. In June of that year he located for practice in Tiverton, where he has since been identified with the medical profession. He has demonstrated his skill in the successful handling of a nuMber of complex medical problems and has already built up a good practice. Dr. Hahn was married in 1902 to Miss Myrtle Conkle, of Danville, Knox county, this state, and their union has been blessed with a little daughter and son, Mildred K. and Samuel Conkle. The family occupy a nice home in Tiverton, which the Doctor owns, and in addition to this he owns two lots, a good barn and a modern office building. The Doctor gives his political support to the democratic party where national questions are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has served as township treasurer for three terms. He and his wife are members of the Disciples church, and the Doctor is a teacher in the Sunday school. His fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows lodge at Nellie. The spirit of self-help is dominant in the life of Dr. Hahn, for he has depended entirely upon his own resources in fitting himself for the medical fraternity. He is a man of culture and sense, generous to friend or foe, and his life of industry has brought a rich reward in the high estimate his acquaintances place upon him as a physician and a man. CHARLES C. SCHMALTZ. Charles C. Schmaltz, who for the past two years has been identified with the Miller & Schmaltz Dry Goods Company of Fresno, is a native, son of the Buckeye state, born at Millersburg, Holmes county, August 4, 1865. He is the youngest in a family of five children, born of the marriage of Christian and Sarah (Martin) Schmaltz and as the name indicates comes of German ancestry. The father, who was born in Germany, was a lad of three years when he was brought by his parents to America, they being among the first settlers of Holmes county. The grandfather was a shoemaker by trade, following that occupation for fifty years. The father also worked at the shoemaker's trade until his demise, which occurred in 1874. The mother, however, still survives. The record of their family is as follows: Christian, who has passed away ; William A., a resident of Defiance, this state; Emma, the wife of W. A. Rinehart, a resident of Coshocton 282 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY county; Mary, Alp wife of A. H. Wallace, a resident of California; and Charles C., of this review. The last named acquired his education in the common schools but his advantages in this direction were somewhat limited, for at the early age of nine years he started out to make his own way in the world, being employed in a store. In this way he became, familiar with business methods and in 1883, when a youth of only eighteen years, he engaged in business on his own account in Fresno and since that time has been a prominent factor in its business circles. He is now a member of the Miller & Schmaltz Dry Goods Company and for the past two years they have conducted a successful enterprise, his partner being C. E. Miller. They ever adhere to the, strictest rules of integrity and honor in the conduct of their affairs and have built up a large, and constantly increasing patronage. Mr. Schmaltz established a home of his own in December, 1893, by his marriage to Miss Mantic Miller, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Henry and Susanna (Caton) Miller, both of ;whom are now deceased. Mrs. Schmaltz is one, of a family of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: Clifford C., who was born December 21, 1894; Vernon, who was born June 28, 1896; William A., whose birth occurred October 23, 1899; and Mary Edith, who was born on the 12th of September, 1902. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schmaltz are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he gives .his political support to the democratic party, having served for four terms as trustee of the township. His fraternal relations are with Fresno Camp, No. 11688, M. W. A. Mr. Schmaltz started out in life in a humble capacity but through his industry and perseverance he has gradually worked his way upward until today he is identified with one of the leading concerns of this section of the state. CHRISTOPHER C. GEESE. Christopher C. Geese, a well known agriculturist of White Eyes township, m here he is also engaged in merchandising, was born in this township on the 22d of March, 1846, his parents being Christopher and Jemima (Kimball) Geese. The father, whose birth occurred in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1805, was a sailor in his early manhood and crossed the Atlantic eighteen times, visiting the important ports of the world. Subsequently he followed steamboating on the Mississippi river and for some 3. ears was captain of a boat. In 1840 he came to Coshocton county, purchased land in White Eyes township and here successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits until the time of his death, which occurred September 26, 1870. When he passed away his holdings comprised more than six, hundred acres of valuable land. His wife, whom he married April 27, 1845, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1818, and was called to her final rest October 21, 1863. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 283 two of whom survive, namely : Christopher C., of this review; and George W., a resident of Fresno, Ohio. Christopher C. Geese was reared on the home farm, acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage, when he began farming for himself on his present place. After his father's death he received, as his share of the estate, two hundred and twenty-five acres, which he improved and successfully cultivated until he, obtained a legal separation from his first wife, at which time he divided the property with her. On the 1st of June, 1896, he took up his abode on his present farm, comprising one hundred and forty acres, and has placed many substantial improvements thereon, though he now rents the place. In 1900 he established a grocery store on his property and has since given his time and attention to the conduct of his mercantile enterprise, in which he has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity. On the 5th of May, 1868, Mr. Geese was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Endlich, who was born in Adams township, September 27, 1847, and by whom he had four children, namely: Elmer E., of Fresno, California; Clarinda C., the wife of Edward Chidlaw, of Cleves, Ohio; Laura, deceased; and Cordelia M., the wife of Dr. George Hassman, of Springfield, Illinois. Christopher C. and Catherine (Endlich) Geese were divorced and the latter has married again, making her home in White Eyes township. For his second wife Mr. Geese chose Mrs. Susan Jane Phillabaum, whose birth occurred in Monroe township, Coshocton county, April 19, 1858, her parents being John T. and Marjorie (Foster) McNeeley. Her father, a native of Ireland, was seventeen years of age at the time of his emigration to the United States and was a young man of twenty years when he, took up his abode in Coshocton county, Ohio. He carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and passed away on the 24th of May, 1875, when he, had attained the age of forty-seven years. His wife, a native of Coshocton county, passed away in 1889 at the age of sixty-three years. Their family numbered six children: John T., a resident of Keene township; Mrs. Geese, Frances C., deceased; Isabelle, the wife of T. A. Lockard, of Coshocton; Mary E., who has also passed away; and Martha E., the wife of Edgar Carnmarn, of Bloomfield, Ohio. Susan Jane McNeeley first gave her hand in marriage, on the 15th of November, 1883, to Adam Phillabaum, who was born in White Eye,s township, April 9, 1855, and whose demise occurred November 27, 1890. By this union there were two children: Maude, the wife of Stacy Maxwell, of Pleasant Valley, Ohio: and Frank Phillabaum, residing in Coshocton. Unto Christopher C. and his second wife have been born two children, namely: Columbus Sheridan and Nellie Irene, both at home. In his political views Mr. Geese is a democrat and has taken an active and helpful interest in the local work of the party, having served as road supervisor and in a number of school offices. He was justice of the peace for twenty years, while for twenty-five consecutive years he has been notary public. From 1874 until 1882 he was township clerk and was complimented for his service in this connection, his books being the neatest and best kept 284 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY in the entire county, comprising twenty-two townships. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 11688, at Fresno, and Fresno Grange, NO. 1642. Both he and his wife, are devoted and faithful members of the United Presbyterian church, and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives. JOHN MARSHALL COMPTON. John Marshall Compton, devoting his time and energies to the practice of law at the Coshocton bar, was born in Jackson township, this county, February 3, 1843, and was named in honor of Chief Justice Marshall. The Compton family is of English lineage and was founded in America by two brothers who came to the new world about 1700, one settling in Virginia and the other in Maryland. Several representatives of the family have gained notable distinction in various walks of life. Elisha Compton, the father of John M. Compton, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, and is still living at the venerable age of ninety-two years. He was one of a family of thirteen children and resided in the Old Dominion until fifteen years of age, when he became a resident of Jackson township, Coshocton county, Ohio. This region was then largely a pioneer district in which comparatively little improvement had been made. He took up his ,abode on the farm where, his son John was born and continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits to the age of fifty years. He is widely known in the county as an early settler and business man, meeting with excellent success in his farming operations. The honors and emolments of public office have had no attraction for him and yet he has been deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community. He now lives near Roscoe. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hulda A. Hays, was a daughter of Jeremiah Hays, who was sheriff of the county during the early period in its history. Mrs. Compton was born in Virginia township, Coshocton county, and died in October, 1881. In his boyhood days John M. Compton divided his time between the work of the farm, the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. He attended the district schools of Jackson township until he reached the age of nineteen years and through the periods of vacation he assisted largely in the work of the fields and in paying off the mortgages. He was thus engaged at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. He had watched with interest the progress of the events in the south until, feeling that his first duty was to his country, he enlisted on the 5th of August, 1862, as a member of Company H, Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was organized at Camp Zanesville, and immediately advanced to Kentucky, repulsing the forces under Kirby at Covington Heights. The regiment was then transported to Louisville, joined General Buell's army and witnessed the assassination of General Nelson there. The troops then pursued Bragg through Kentucky and Mr. Compton was under fire at the HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 285 Battle of Perryville. He afterward marched to Wildcat Mountain and on to Nashville, Participating in the battle of Murfreesboro on the 30th and 31st of December; 1862, and the 1st of January, 1863. From that point the Ninety-seventh Ohio took part in the Chattanooga campaign and was the first regiment to enter the city of Chattanooga., its members being made post guards there. Mr. Compton was next in the battle of Missionary Ridge, where, the regiment lost heavily. Later the command was sent to eastern Tennessee, arriving three days after Longstreet's attack on Burnside. During that winter Mr. Compton and .his comrades suffered great hardships. In 1864 he went with Sherman on the Atlanta campaign and was for one hundred days under almost continuous fire. The troops later returned from tennessee to head off General Hood, who had thirty thousand ,men, while General Thomas commanded nineteen thousand. The armies met in battle at Pulaski, Tennessee, and the Union troops fell back to Columbia, Tennessee, and next to Spring Hill, Tennessee, where they were nearly surrounded, the Confederates attacking their rear. They afterward went to Franklin, Tennessee, where Mr. Compton participated in the most desperate battle of the war. The rebel army made seven charges in a few hours and a terrific slaughter ensued. The Union troops retreated to. Nashville, Tennessee, the same night after defeating Hood who had surrounded Nashville, fortified though it was. The colors of the, Ninety-seventh regiment were shot through several times. The Union- forces went out with fifty thousand men and attacked Hood, a two days' battle occurring on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864. This was the last battle in which the Ninety-seventh Ohio took part and on this occasion ten thousand prisoners Were captured. Hood retreated and the Ninety-seventh Ohio under General Thomas returned to eastern Tennessee and engaged in repairing railway tracks. General Lee had surrendered and on the 10th of June, 1865, Mr. Compton was honorably discharged, arriving at Coshocton six days later. Desirous of acquiring a more advanced education Mr. Compton attended the high schools of Roscoe and Coshocton for two years. He also engaged in teaching a school in the latter city for four years and in the meantime he took up the study of law under the, direction of the firm of Lee & Pomerene, well known attorneys. He was admitted to practice in the fall of 1869 and in April, 1870, entered upon the active prosecution of his profession. He is recognized as a strong and able lawyer, one whose knowledge of the law has been of marked benefit to him in his public service. In 1872 he was elected mayor of Coshocton and discharged his duties in such a prompt, businesslike and commendable manner that he was reelected in 1874, his incumbency therefore covering four years. He was also city solicitor in 1900. Aside from these offices he has never filled positions of political preferment but has devoted his attention largely to general practice, making a specialty, however, of probate matters. He has settled more estates than any other man in the county and has practiced largely in the department of civil law, where his analytical mind and logical deductions constitute important features of success. Mr. Compton is also interested in several business enterprises of the city, being a director of 286 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY the Boston Piano & Organ Company, of the Vail Company and the Age Publishing Company. On the 2d of June, 1870, Mr. Compton was united in marriage, to Miss Camilla Burns, a daughter of John Burns. Their eldest son, Charles, born in 1873, was formerly a captain in the Regular Army for three years after the Spanish-American war and is now superintendent of posts in the Philippines. William, born in 1875, is now a traveling salesman for a Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, house. Jesse was born in 1877. Ed C. is city editor of the Age Publishing Company. Mr. Compton was secretary of the board of education for six years and the public schools have found in him a stalwart friend and champion. He is a member of the Coshocton Bar Association of which he was formerly the president, and he is very prominent in the Grand Army Post, with which he has been identified since its organization. The salient features of his career are such as entitle him to be classed with the leading residents of Coshocton. He holds to high ideals in his law practice, has ever given his influence in behalf of the most progressive and beneficial elements in citizenship and at all times has been as true and loyal to his country in her varied relations as he was when he followed the old flag upon the battlefields of the south. CHARLES EDWIN RANSOM. The various business. interests which contribute to the substantial up-building of Coshocton are not the result of the labor of one or even a few individuals but of the aggregate effort of many, and yet there are certain men who are the acknowledged leaders in the business world, men of energy, capable of forming original plans, which they carry forward to successful completion. Moreover, they see and embrace the opportunities which arise and utilize each legitimate advantage to its utmost. TO this class of men belongs Charles Edwin Ransom, the president of the Ransom Dry Goods Company, and his life record contains lessons, which may profitably be followed by all who seek to progress in the business world. He was born in Roscoe, Coshocton county, June 3, 1856, and is a representative of an old New England family. His father, Alonzo Ransom, came from Connecticut to this county in the early '30s and here followed the carpenter's trade, being identified with building operations in this, locality for many years. He married Charlotte W. Denman, a native of New Jersey, whose father was a pioneer resident of this locality. The, death of Alonzo Ransom occurred May 24, .1874, after a residence of about forty years in the county, and his wife passed away in 1898. At the usual. age, Charles E. Ransom began the mastery of the common branches of English learning as a pupil in the public schools of Roscoe but at the age of fourteen years put aside his text-books to accept a position in the brickyards of his native town where he worked as a laborer until seven- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 287 teen years of age. He afterward spent one year at the Coshocton Steel & Iron Works, and later was a clerk in a grocery store in Roscoe for a year. He next entered the employ of Le Retilley & Crawford, general merchants, whom he served as a clerk until they failed in business a short time later. in 1877 Mr. Ransom removed to Coshocton with his mother, to whom he has always been a most dutiful and helpful son, thus repaying her in large measure for the care she bestowed upon him in his youth. Following his arrival in this city, Mr. Ransom secured a situation in the hardware store of B. Worth Rickets, where he continued for a year, after which he spent three years as a salesman in the general store of Hay & Mortley. He gave such proof of his sound business judgment and enterprise that when Mr. Mortley retired from the firm in July, 1882, he was admitted to a partnership in the business under the firm style of Hay & Ransom. Another change in the, firm occurred when Mr. Hay sold his interest to Charles J. Glover. In 1891 the business was removed from the old Hay building on Second street to its present location in Nos. 425-427 Main street. The firm of Ransom & Glover continued in existence until 1893, when Mr. Glover sold out and a stock company was formed under the name of the Ransom-Geidel Company, with Mr. Ransom as president. In 1896 .Mr. Geidel disposed of his interests and the business was then organized under the name of the Ransom Dry Goods Company, Mr. Ransom still remaining as president and active manager. He, started upon his independent commercial career with borrowed capital, but in the last few years he .has made rapid strides toward the goal of prosperity. The house, of which he is now the head, is one of the leading mercantile concerns of the city and the methods there employed commend it to the confidence and support of the public. It draws its trade from among Coshocton's best people and is one of the leading commercial houses of the city. In November, 1882, Mr. Ransom was united in marriage to Miss Elsie S. Smith, of Roscoe, and they have two children: Harry S., who was born in June, 1885; and Charles E., born in March, 1887. The elder son is now with the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company of Columbus, Ohio, and the younger son is in his father's store. Mr. Ransom finds his chief source of recreation in fishing. He gives his political support to the republican party and is active in citizenship, especially in support of all projects that are calculated to promote general progress and improvement. He belongs to the Business Men's Association, is also a member of the Elks lodge and in Masonry has taken the degrees of lodge and chapter. When he started out in business life it was with the firm determination that he would work his way upward and the rules which have guided him are such as have gained for him the good will of all. There is in the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competence but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter, but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of a man who, without Other means than a clear head, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers adversity and toiling on through the workaday years of a long career finds that he has won, 290 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY not only wealth but also something far greater and higher—the deserved respect of those with whom his years of active life have brought him in contact. Such is the record of C. E. Ransom, who has always lived in county and is now known as one of its formost merchants. C. E. DAY. C. E. Day, who for a number of years has been identified with the business interests of Coshocton county, has for the past two years conducted a successful mercantile concern in Tiverton, his enterprise being the on one of the kind in this village. Mr. Day was born in Buffalo, Kansas, February 10, 1875, a son of Edwin Elias and Drusilla (Sapp) Day. They became the parents of ten children: Bernice, the wife of S. S. Simmons, of Millersburg, Ohio; Ida, deceased; Chase, who has also departed this life; Fanny, the wife of L. G. Barnes, a farmer of Tiverton township; C. A., who is a practicing physician in Johnstown, this state; Ina May, the wife of W. R. Walker, a minister of the Church of Christ at Killbuck, Ohio C. E, of this review; S. S., a general merchant of Brinkhaven, Knox county; Edith, the wife of Dr. E. M. Wright, of Warsaw; and Nellie, th wife of Henry Titus, a carpenter of Brinkhaven. C. E. Day, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the district schools and in a normal school. After completing his education h engaged in teaching for two years, after which he returned to the home farm for a time and in 1896 engaged in general merchandising in Tiverton, investing his entire capital in this concern. Four weeks later his entire, stock of merchandise was destroyed by fire and he lost everything. Mr. Day then was compelled to once more begin at the bottom round of the ladder and although this would have utterly discouraged many a man, he set to work with a resolute purpose to retrieve his lost possessions. He was then employed by his father for a year, receiving as compensation eighteen dollars per month. At the end of the year, in association with his brother, h purchased his father's merchandising enterprise, which he conducted unt two years ago, having in, the meantime purchased an interest in the father's business at Brinkhaven. Two years ago he purchased his brother's interest in the store at Tiverton and has carried on the business very successfully since that time. He, carries a full and complete line of general merchandise, his store being considered the best enterprise of its kind in any small city of Coshocton county. In addition to his stock of merchandise Mr. Day, in connection with his brother, also owns one hundred acres of land in Tiverton township, owns realty in Centerburg and his store building in Tiverton. He also owns and occupies a nice residence, surrounded by twenty acres of land. As a business man he has a talent for leading, which is one of the highest attributes of men. Mr. Day was married in 1897 to Miss Elizabeth Smith, a resident of Coshocton county, and by her marriage has become the mother of four chil- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 291 dren: Paul B., Edwin S., Robert 0. and Claud, all at home. Politically Mr. Day is a republican and religiously is a member of the Diciples church, of which his wife is also a member. He is a Mason, belonging to. Warsaw lodge, at Spring Mountain. He is very methodical, very accurate as to details, and shows splendid judgment in the treatment of those with whom he is daily brought in contact. Ht always employs the latest methods for conducting his business and that he has met with unbounded success is shown by the splendid enterprise of which he is now the head. HON. J. C. ADAMS. Hon. J. C. Adams is not only connected with the interpretation of the law as a practitioner in the courts of Coshocton county, but has also been connected with the framing of the laws of the state as a member of the legislature, representing Coshocton county therein during the seventy-second and seventy-third sessions. He was born in Bedford township, this county, a son of Jacob and Maranda Adams, the former a farmer by occupation. The son early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, assisting in the work of the home farm from the time of early spring planting until crops were gathered in the autumn. He was not denied the privilege of attending the public schools, however, and after mastering the branches taught in the district school near his father's home he continued his education in the West Bedford high school. Thinking to find the practice of law a congenial pursuit he began studying in the Lebanon Normal University, and after a thorough preparation he entered upon the active practice of his chosen profession in Coshocton. He has since remained a representative of the legal fraternity here, and the liberal clientage accorded him indicates clearly the confidence reposed in him by the general public, while the records of the courts attest his ability in the trial of both civil and criminal cases. Aside from his profession he has other business interests, being secretary of the Sixth Street Theater Company. Mr. Adams is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and although not identified with any religious denomination his preference is, perhaps, for the Methodist church. He is known as one of the leaders in democratic ranks in this county and is frequently heard on the campaign platform addressing the people upon the issues of the day, with which close study and thorough investigation have rendered him familiar. He was chosen to represent Coshocton county in the seventy-second and seventy-third sessions of the state legislature and proved an able working member of that body. The qualities which fit him for the practice of law were of marked benefit in his legislative service, for he understood clearly the limitations placed upon the law-makers through the measures already on the statute books of the state. His position is never an equivocal one, for he stands firmly in the support of a principle in which he believes and the opposition respects 292 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY him for his loyalty to, his opinions, while the party regards him as a sal and able leader. However, the practice of law is his real life work and in the profession he has won that general advancement which comes throurg experience combined with indefatigable energy. JOHN R. GAMBLE. The industrial and commercial interests of Walhonding find a worthy representative in John R. Gamble, who owns and operates a mill in this village. He was born in New Castle township, Coshocton county, March 26, 1837, a son of John R. and Lavina (Collins) Gamble. It is supposed that the father was a native of the Keystone state, but he spent his early life in the Buckeye state, living in Columbus, Newark and Delaware counties, while later he engaged in farming in this state. He took a contract for the construction of part of the Walhonding canal, being thus employed until the completion of the same, and with the money he saved from this work he in- vested, in land in Butler township, Knox county, on the border of Coshocton county, operating the same until 1856, or until his death. He was a. very successful business Man, and in political faith was a democrat. His death occurred in Knox county, his remains being interred in Danville cemetery. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania and was married in this state. She died in Knox county in 1881. She was identified with the Methodist Episcopal church for sixty-five years. Their family numbered six children: C. C., William, George W., and Horatio N., all of whom have departed this life; Sarah J., the widow of M. W. Soule, and now a resident of Knox county; and John R., of this review. John R. Gamble acquired his education in the district schools of Butler township, Knox county, and in 1860 took up the study of medicine, first attending lectures in the University of Michigan, after which he was graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city in 1866. He located for practice in New Castle, where he was identified with the profession for ten years, at the end of which time he went to Blandinsville, McDonough county, Illinois, being successfully engaged in practice at that place for fourteen years. Owing to his health he was compelled to abandon the profession,, and from the latter city came to Walhonding and in connection with L. F. McVey conducted the mill at this place for three years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Gamble purchased the mill and since that time has been conducting it alone. When it came into his possession the mill was operated by waterpower, but he has since installed a steam plant and the machinery is of the most modern pattern, the output of the concern being seventy-five barrels daily. Mr. Gamble possesses excellent business ability in the management of his affairs and his success is richly merited. In addition to the mill he is also the owner of other realty in Walhonding. Mr. Gamble was married in 1866 to Miss Martha J. McVey, a daughter of J. S. McVey and a sister of L. F. McVey, who is mentioned on another HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 293 page of this work. Their union has been blessed with six children, as follows: Rolland C., who is deceased; Frank H., who is associated with his father in business; H. L., a mechanical draughtsman, located at Mount Vernon, Ohio; John R., Jr., who is cashier for the Walhonding Banking Company, at Walhonding; Winifred, the wife of Rev. D. A. Morris, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fresno, Ohio; and Mamie, deceased. Mr. Gamble has always given stalwart support to the democratic party but has never been active as an office seeker, for his time has been fully occupied with his private business affairs. Mrs. Gamble is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gamble belongs to the little group of distinctively representative business men who have been instrumental in building up one of the chief industries of this village. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern, the eminence which the future had in store for this enterprising little city, and acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment he has garnered the generous harvest, which is the just reward of honorable effort, indomitable industry and excellent business ability. JESSE WILLIAM LAWRENCE. Jesse William Lawrence was born on the 25th of August, 1877, in Keene township, Coshocton county, Ohio, on the farm where he still resides. His parents are M. A. and Elizabeth (Morhead) Lawrence, the former born in this county, in 1840, and the latter in Virginia in September, 1841. The father owns one hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land in Coshocton county and both he and his wife are now living retired in Keene, being highly respected and worthy residents of the community. Their family numbered three children, namely: Ora J., deceased; Olive E., the wife of S. T. Elliott, of Keene township ; and Jesse William, of this review. The last named supplemented his preliminary education by a course in the high school at Keene and also by one year's attendance at college. On attaining his majority he became a partner of his father and they successfully carried on farming and stock-raising for a number of years. Jesse W. Lawrence now owns two hundred acres of well improved and valuable land in Keene township and is widely recognized as a substantial and enterprising agriculturist of the community. On the 20th of December, 1900, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Josephine Elder, whose birth occurred in Jefferson township, Coshocton county, February 27, 1881. Her parents, John T. and Nancy E. (Creighton) Elder, were natives of Coshocton county, Ohio, and Pennsylvania respectively, and had a family of ten children. Mrs. Lawrence is a graduate of the Roscoe high school, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Myron E., born September 17, 1904; and Milan Morhead, born June 15, 1908. 294 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY In his political views Mr. Lawrence is a stanch republican but has no desire for the honors or emoluments of office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his private interests. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias arid the Sons of Veterans at Coshocton. Both he and his wife are members of the Grange at Keene, Ohio, while their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Presbyterian church at 1 Coshocton. The young couple have an extensive circle of friends throughout the county in .which they have 'spent their entire lives and the hospitality of 1 the best homes is cordially extended to them. JAMES A. BELL. James A. Bell, who starting out for himself at the age of fourteen years has gained a place among the men of affluence in Roscoe, has throughout his entire business career done faithfully and well whatever his hand has found to do, and his, personal worth and business ability have been the distinguishing features of a successful career, whereby he has become a leading hardware merchant of Roscoe. He was born in Manchester, England, December 28, 1857. His parents, James A. and Fannie (Williams) Bell, are also natives of Manchester, where they still make their home. A brother of our subject, George Bell, and a sister, Alice, are also living there. The family circle has never been broken by the hand of death. The father was engaged in the grocery and bakery business in Manchester for a long period, ranking among the city's enterprising and prosperous business men, but for some time he has lived retired and is now more than ninety years of age, James A. Bell remained in England to the age of fourteen years, when he came with some cousins to the United States, settling first near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Soon ,afterwards, however, he went to Springfield, Illinois, where he had an uncle living. There he remained until the spring of 1876, when he came to Coshocton and worked at mining until 1886, when he purchased a farm in Jackson township, on which he resided until 1892. His labors brought the place under a high state of cultivation and as a result of his careful management and industry he annually gathered good harvests. At length, however he sold his farm in 1892 and came to Roscoe to engage in the hardware business, with which he has since been prominently identified, having one of the leading stores of this kind in the town. For some time he was in partnership with George Sykes, but in 1899 he purchased Mr. Sykes' interest and has since conducted the business independently. He justly deserves classification with the leading business men of this section, for he possesses the unfaltering energy that enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His business methods, too, are strictly fair and have gained for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has had trade relations. In April, 1880, Mr. Bell was married to Miss Ella Austin, of Bowman Section, Coshocton county. They became the parents of six children, of HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 295 whom five are living, namely : William L.., an electrician of Ashtabula county, Ohio; Edith Lovenia, thee wife of Fred Landerman, a tinner of Coshocton; Lulu, the wife of J. W. Randolph, of Columbus, Ohio; and Leland and Lowell, both at home. Mr. Bell votes with the republican party and since 1880 he has been a member of Coshocton Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M. He has been a director of the Roscoe schools for nine years, and treasurer of Jackson township one term. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, and though he started out in life empty-handed he has gradually worked his way upward, enjoying the advantages offered in this country, which is unhampered by past or class. His steady progress has resulted from the able use of his innate talents and powers and of the opportunities with which he has been surrounded, and his life record proves that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously. ELMORE M. DAVIS. Elmore M. Davis owns and cultivates an excellent farm of one hundred and forty-two and one-half acres pleasantly situated in White Eyes township not far from the village of Fresno. Everything about the place indicates that he is in touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines. He was born in Adams township, Coshocton county, March 28, 1856, and is a son of James R. and Rachael Jane (Kimball) Davis, of whom mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of their daughter, Myra Davis. The paternal grandparents were John and Ann Davis while the maternal grandparents were Abner and Nancy (Jeffries) Kimball. Upon the home farm Elmore Davis was reared and there remained until thirty-five years of age. He acquired a common-school education and when not busy with his text-books worked in the fields, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and carrying on the farm. He afterward rented his mother's farm for six years and was quite successful in its cultivation, acquiring thereby a capital that enabled him to later purchase a farm. In 1891 Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Wier, who was born in White Eyes township, November 24, 1861, a daughter of Samuel and Eleanor (Elliott) Wier, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of Allen Wier. Following his marriage Mr. Davis purchased the farm whereon they now reside. They first invested in ninety acres of land but as their financial resources have permitted they have added to this property and now own one hundred and forty-two and one-half acres, constituting a well improved farm in White Eyes township. Here Mr. Davis raises the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and in addition he makes a specialty of raising cattle and other stock. 296 - HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY Mr. and. Mrs. Davis are members of the United Presbyterian chum and he has served as one of its trustees for eight years. He is also genero in his contributions to its support and is a helpful worker in its various activities and interests. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has no desire for office, preferring to concentrate his time a energies upon his business interests in which he is now meeting with sign success. JUDGE RICHARD MARION VOORHEES. The judicial history of Coshocton county would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make prominent and extended reference Judge Richard M. Voorhees, who in 1908 was reelected to the circuit court bench. For almost one-half century he has been a member of the bar of this county and has ever been known as an able and conscientious minister in the temple of justice. Throughout his entire career he has displayed unwearied industry and rare learning and above all he has never forgotten that there are certain things due to the court and his own self-respect and above all to justice and a righteous administration of the law, which neit the zeal of the advocate nor the pleasure of success would permit him disregard. A native of Harrison county, Ohio, Judge Voorhees was born October 6, 1838, and is indebted to the public-school system of that locality for the early educational "privileges he enjoyed. He afterward became a pupil of the schools of Hopedale, Ohio, and in preparation for the practice of la which he determined to make his life work, he became a student in the offi of Barcroft & Voorhees, attorneys at Millersburg, Ohio. Thorough prelimin ary reading secured his admission to the bar on the 6th of July, 1860, a on the 17th of the same month he located for practice in Coshocton, wh he has since remained. Advancement at the bar is proverbially slow a yet no dreary novitiate awaited Judge Voorhees. He has always remain a close student of the fundamental principles of law and his preparation of his cases was so thorough and exhaustive that he seemed ready to meet every possible point of attack and often surprised his colleagues by his retentive memory of law principles and precedent, as well as by the manner in whi he marshalled all of the points in his case. He had hardly entered up active practice, however, when the Civil war was inaugurated, and imbued with the spirit of patriotism he responded to President Lincoln's call troops to defend the Union. The smoke from Fort Sumter's guns h scarcely cleared away when he offered his aid to the government and listed in April, 1861, as a member of Company A, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On the expiration of his three months' term of enlistment he returned home, but on the 28th of October, 1861, again enrolled as a private. A month later he was promoted to a captaincy in command of Company F Sixty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Infantry. This command saw arduous service participating in a number of hotly contested battles, and on the 31st of De- HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY - 299 cember, 1862, at Stone River, Captain Voorhees was severely wounded. He was sent home on furlough to receive treatment and recuperate and was afterward assigned to a command in the Veteran Reserve Corps, serving with distinction until the close of the war, handing in his resignation November 18, 1865. His military record, like every other important phase in his career, was entirely creditable and the country benefitted by his undaunted loyalty and bravery, which served to inspire and encourage those who were under his command. When the war was over Judge Voorhees resumed the practice of law in Coshocton and in 1866 accepted the only office which he has ever filled outside the strict path of his profession. He, was appointed in that year by President Johnson to the position of postmaster of Coshocton and continued to serve until the first year of President Grant's administration. In 1868 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Coshocton county and reelection continued him in office for two terms, his service being alike creditable to himself and satisfactory to the general public. On retiring from the office he once more entered upon the practice of law, wherein he attained notable success. He possesses, perhaps, few of those brilliant, dazzling, meteoric qualities which have sometimes flashed along the legal horizon, riveting the gaze and blinding the vision for the moment, then disappearing, leaving little or no trace behind, but rather has those solid and more substantial qualities which win through the force of argument and the strong, clear presentation of the case. His mind is analytical, logical and inductive and he has the faculty of so presenting his arguments as to impress court, jury and the general public alike with his full meaning and lead them to see the clear relation of fact to the law. He has taken part in some of the most famous legal contests of the county and has always been, one of the closest students seen at the Coshocton bar. He has a splendidly equipped legal mind and is unusually eloquent in his arguments to a jury. There came to him a recognition of his ability in the line of his chosen profession in his election to the circuit judgeship of the Fifth Ohio Circuit in 1898. He served for a full term and was renominated in 1904, but in that year a general republican landslide swept the country and, being a democrat, he was defeated. No one doubted or questioned his ability, for the office, the election being merely a partisan measure. Many of the opinions written, by him and handed down by his circuit have come to be recognized standards almost universally, followed since by the courts. With a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of law he combines a familiarity with statutory law and a sober, clear judgment, which makes him not only a formidable adversary in legal battle but gave him the distinction while on the bench of having very few decisions revised or reversed. On the 22d of November, 1862, Judge Voorhees was married to Miss Georgiana Burt, of Coshocton. They became the parents of two sons and a daughter: Campbell M., who is a practicing lawyer of Columbus; Burt F., a prominent practitioner of the Coshocton county bar and a member of the firm of Voorhees & Voorhees; and Georgiana. The Voorhees home on "The Terrace" is one of the most imposing and attractive in the city and is widely known for its hospitality and generous entertainment.