400 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. way at the Ohio state constitutional convention. He also—best work of all—assisted in the organization of the Republican party in Ohio. Judge West died but a few years ago, and was way past his four score years in age, really dropping off like a well ripened ear of corn late in the autumntime of his useful life. A NOTED CHARACTER-"JOHNNY APPLESEED." John Chapman (usually known as "Johnny Appleseed") was associated with the pioneer band of Knox county in many ways, but perhaps will be longest remembered by everyone who raises fruit in this section of Ohio, for it was this truly good, but eccentric man who made it his business to gather and scatter in settlements here and there, throughout Ohio, Indiana and other states, tens of thousands of apple seeds, which finally gave this county and others a good start in fine varieties of apples. There are trees yet growing in Knox county that owe their existence to the good. thoughtful man. "Who sows a field, or trains a flower, Or plants a tree, is more than all." Mr. Chapman certainly deserves a place in history. His whole life was given to what he believed the public good, without regard to personal feelings or hope of reward. Not once in a century can such a character be found to write about. There never was, in fact, but one "Johnny Appleseed," and he lived a life so peculiarly isolated, and withal so worthy, that his name should be perpetuated. Mr. Chapman was a native of Massachusetts. His father, Nathaniel Chapman, emigrated from the vicinity of Springfield to Marietta, Ohio, at a very early day, about the beginning of the nineteenth century. He had a large family and they all came with him but John, the eldest child. The date of John's birth is not known for certain, but "as early as 1780 he was seen in the autumn, for two or three successive years, along the banks of the Potomac, in eastern Virginia," writes C. S. Coffinberry. He must have been quite a young man at that time and was following the same calling that so distinguished him in later years. It is believed that he came west ahead of his father and followed planting apple seeds in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Why he left his native state and came west to devote his life to spreading apple seeds was never known to anyone, not even his friends—he knew, and that was enough, he said. Possibly his mind might have been impaired somewhat, but, usually speaking, he seemed bright enough and was certainly good beyond the average mortal. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 401 So kind and simple was his heart that he was equally welcome with the Indians or pioneers, and even the wild animals of the forest seemed to have an understanding with Johnny, and never molested him. He was rather below the average height, wiry, quick in action and conversation, nervous and restless in his motions ; eyes dark and sparkling; hair and beard generally quite long, but occasionally cut very short ; dress scanty, and generally ragged and patched; generally barefooted and frequently bareheaded; however, always wearing some old shoes, sandals or moccasins in very cold weather, and an old hat some one had probably cast off. He was frequently seen with an old tin pan or pot on his head, that served the double purpose of hat and mush-pot, with a very broad visor to protect his eyes from the sun. Johnny's diet was indeed very simple, consisting of milk, when it was to be obtained, potatoes and other vegetables, fruits and meats; but never any veal, as he said this should be a land flowing with milk and honey, and the calves should be spared. He would not touch tea, coffee or tobacco, as he felt that these were luxuries in which it was wicked and injurious to indulge. He was averse to the taking of life, even that of any animal or insect, and never indulged in hunting with a gun. He thought himself a messenger sent into the wilderness to prepare the way for the people, as John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, hence he made it a part of his duty to keep in advance of civilization. He gathered his appleseeds, little by little, from the cider presses of western Pennsylvania and, putting them carefully in leathern bags, he transported them, sometimes on his back, and other times on the hack of his horse or mule, to the Ohio river, where he usually secured a boat, and brought them to the mouth of the Muskingum, and up that stream, planting them in wild secluded spots along its numerous tributaries. Later in life he continued his calling farther to the west. When his trees were ready for sale he usually left them in charge of some trusty pioneer to sell for him. The price was low, a "flippant-hit" apiece, rarely paid in money, and if the people were too poor to purchase. the young apple trees were freely donated to them. One or two of his nurseries were located on Owl creek, and many of his orchards were scattered over Knox. Richland and Ashland counties. One of his best nurseries was located at the old "Indian Fields," on the north hank of Owl creek, directly wept of Center run, and another on the ground where later years James Forest had his pottery. As late as 1880 some of these trees were still bearing their annual good fruitage. Other orchards of his planting were in Milford township along the banks of the Kokosing river. His residence in this county was during the period of the war of 1812-14 and later. (26) 402 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. During the war of 1812-14 he was very earnest and thoughtful concerning the safety of the settlers and was looked upon as the true friend of the women and children while the men were away in that war. He never shrank from danger or personal hardship where the settlers were in danger. He happened to be at Mansfield when Jones was killed, and immediately volunteered to go to Fredericktown and Mt. Vernon for help, as it was supposed a large body of Indians were lurking about the blockhouse and about to make an attack; and that they had probably committed murders in the neighborhood. Speaking of this dangerous trip, an early pioneer remarked once that "Although but a child, I can remember as if it were but yesterday the warning cry of Johnny Appleseed, as he stood before my father's log cabin door on that light. I remember the precise language, the clear, loud voice, the deliberate exclamation and the fearful thrill it awoke in my bosom. 'Fly ! fly for your lives ; the Indians are murdering and scalping at Mansfield.' These were his words. My father sprang to the door, but the messenger had gone. and midnight silence reigned without." While this was but an Indian scare, he was faithful and innocently believed there was danger. Many of the settlers hurried away, leaving all behind them and sought the blockhouse at once. Thus he went from one cabin to another along the entire route. A reliable author says that Mr. Chapman was a regularly constituted minister of the church of the New Jerusalem, according to the revelations of Emanuel Swedenborg. He was also a constituted missionary of that faith under the sanction of the church at Boston, Massachusetts. He always carried a supply of tracts in his packets and took great delight in distributing the same in the humble cabin homes. That he was closely identified with the early history of Mt. Vernon as will be seen by the following document now on record in the court house : "John Chapman to "Jesse B. Thomas. "Know all men by these presents that I, John Chapman (by occupation a gatherer and planter of apple seeds), residing in Richland county, for the sum of thirty dollars, honest money, do hereby grant to said Jesse B. Thomas, late senator from Illinois, his heirs and assigns forever, lot No. 145 in the corporation limits of the village of Mt. Vernon, State of Ohio." This deed was given in 1828. The lot is on Main street and very valuable today. He also owned other lots in the village. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 403 Besides scattering apple seeds, he also scattered many wild vegetables, which he believed contained medicinal properties. He commenced to operate in Indiana, about Lafayette, in 1836 and continued ten years. In 1847, being within ten miles of his nursery on the St. Joseph river, word was brought to him that cattle had broken into the nursery and were destroying his trees, and he immediately started for the place. When he arrived he was greatly fatigued; being quite advanced in years, the journey proved too much for him. He lay down that night, never to rise. A fever settled in and in a few days he passed away. "We buried him," says Mr. Worth, "in David Archer's graveyard, two and a half miles north of Fort Wayne." Thus ended the wonderful career of a strange character, who made the wilderness better for his touching it in its wildest state. DANIEL DECATUR EMMETT. By Rev. William E. Hull. This actor is known in stageland, when the home of his birth, and the mound of his grave is unknown. So, too, a song may continue to thrill and gladden, though the name of the author is not remembered and his last resting place is obscure. Who has not heard "Dixie,- if music has had any power to charm. Yet, no doubt, the great majority may never have heard of the place of the author's birth or the name of the minstrel himself. Daniel Decatur Emmett was born in a humble home at the northwest corner of Mulberry and Front streets in Mount Vernon, Ohio, October 29, 1815. His ancestors were of Irish descent. They were among the pioneers of Virginia, but, led by the course of empire westward, they entered the new state of Ohio, at that time almost a wilderness, by way of Wheeling. Emmett's grandfather, John Emmett, who came from Augusta county, Virginia, was a soldier of the Revolution. His father, Abraham Emmett, was early apprenticed to a blacksmith, but at the breaking out of the war of 1812 entered the army and did creditable service. After the close of the war he married Sarah Zerick in Clinton, then the county seat of Knox county. To them were born two sons and three daughters. Daniel was the oldest of the children. His early education was of course very limited, as the public school system had not yet been formulated. At the early age of thirteen he began work in the printing office of the Huron Reflector, published at Norwalk, Ohio, but soon returned to Mount Vernon, where he worked on the Western Aurora, then published by C. P. Bronson. It is probable that Mr. Bronson 404 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. brought young Emmett back to Mount Vernon. as Bronson lived at Norwalk before coming to Mount Vernon. The Emmetts were a musical family. Daniel's sister, Martha, afterwards became a music teacher. About the year 1830 or 1831, Emmett, when fifteen or sixteen years old, composed "Old Dan Tucker," a song that gained wide publicity. "Tucker" was the name of his father's dog and "Dan" his own. Neither the sentiments of the song nor its title indicate much continuity. He entered the army at the age of seventeen, as a fifer, but was discharged July 8, 1835, "by process of civil authority on account of his minority. He then traveled with circus shows, as a musician, and continued to exercise his musical genius upon different instruments, and also became an expert drummer. He was associated at different times with Spaulding and Rogers, Samuel Sticknev, Seth Horne and Dan Rice. His next venture in the early forties was the first organization of negro minstrelsy. C. B. Galbreath, state librarian at Columbus, Ohio, Emmett's biographer, says: "The first troupe was organized in New York city at the boarding place of Mr. Emmett, on Catherine street, in February or March of 1843. The parties participating were 'Dan' Emmett, Frank Brower, 'Billy' Whitlock and 'Dick' Pelham. Emmett played the violin, Whitlock the banjo, Brower the bones and Pelham the tambourine. After practicing for some time they made their appearance on the Bowery. The costumes for the occasion, designed by Emmett, included white trousers, striped calico shirt and blue calico coat, the latter made dress- suit style with elongated tails. At the conclusion of the opening chorus the crowd became quiet and attentive. Brower's funny song made them howl with delight. Whitlock's voice had a like effect. Emmett then sang and the little room went into an uproar of applause." The performance was so well received that soon the quartet was organized as the "Virginia Minstrels" and called to the stage. The company made a hit at Boston as well as New York. A trip to Europe was arranged, but it (lid not meet with success across the water. When they returned other minstrel companies were in the field. Mr. Emmett accompanied some of the circus troupes in summers for a time, and played in the winter in the city. In 1857 he became associated with the Bryant Brothers, proprietors of a minstrel show on Broadway, and continued with them until 1865 as musician and composer in both Irish and negro dialects, but especially the latter, in which he wrote walk-rounds, hymns and sermons. The music to songs and hymns was at times old familiar ones, others he composed himself. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 405 In the spring of 1859 Jerrie Bryant came to him one Saturday evening after the performance was over and requested a new walk-round and that he should bring it to rehearsal Monday. The next day was Sunday and a rainy day, and looking out of the window he thought of the "Sunny South," then turned to his table, sat down and composed the tune "Dixie," and in an hour had both tune and words. Monday night it was produced and took immensely, beyond all expectation. Finally the Confederate soldiers adopted it as their national air, which accelerated its wide popularity. Mr. Emmett traveled all over the United States with famous minstrel troupes, and the minstrel parts of circuses, and was the favorite minstrel wherever he went. Later he arranged the music for orchestras, writing the music of the different parts in separate books with his quill (he never used anything else) with artistic finish. His mastery of the writing of words and music was as distinguished as the eminence of his success in minstrelsy. The Bryants disbanded in 1865, and Mr. Emmett went to Chicago, where he followed his vocation as musician and played in various theaters, at one time conducting and managing a stage of his own, and during this time once had in his company Al G. Field, who continued his fast friend ever afterward. In the year 1888 he quit the stage, at the age of seventy-three, and a longing for his old boyhood haunts brought him hack to Mount Vernon, Ohio, to round out his declining days. The name of his first wife was Katherine Rives, born in New York city April 15, 1829, and died in Chicago May 3. 1875, and buried in Mound View cemetery at Mount Vernon. The marriage occurred about 1852. On October 16. 1879. at Chicago. he married a second time, Mrs. Mary Louise Bird, whose maiden name was Brower, with two children by her former husband. Mr. Emmett never had any children of his own, but between him and these daughters there was the warmest affection. Upon leaving the old associations of his professional life he had a desire to get away from the busy haunts of men, and, against the pleadings of his family, he came to Mt. Vernon and secured board a. mile north of town, near lands owned by his grandfather and upon which his mother was born, and on July 5, 1888, purchased an acre of ground adjoining and had erected thereon a cabin home. Mrs. Emmett came later, but so few comforts were to be had in the little home that she returned to Chicago. In limited means Mr. Emmett secured a frugal living, writing copies of "Dixie," and at one time, as in early days, he swung the ax in cutting wood. Some time thereafter, through the kindly efforts of Henry W. Jennings. and Paul Kester, the play writer, formerly of Mt. Vernon. a weekly allowance of 406 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. five dollars was secured from the Actor's Fund of New York. This continued until his death. In 1895 Al G. Field secured the consent of Mr. Emmett for a tour of the South. While on that trip "Uncle Dan" was given an ovation wherever he appeared. The trip, however, did not cause the old minstrel to have any desire to remain before the public, and he returned again to his little home. Mrs. Emmett came to take care of "Uncle Dan" during sickness about five years before his decease. She had many improvements made to the house for their comfort and remained to the time of his death. Suddenly the end came on Tuesday evening, June 28, 1904, as Mr. Emmett had been out of doors during the day, although in failing health for some time. Though baptized, as a child, he had not united with any church. A little prayer book of the Episcopal church given him by his sister was greatly treasured by him. He had been a great student of the Bible, not only for subject matter for his negro hymns and sermons in earlier days, but in his declining days procured a large print Bible to read for his pleasure in its truths. The funeral was under the direction of the local lodge of Elks, and the burial service and a short address of appreciation by the Rev. William E. Hull was read at St. Paul's Episcopal church, and the remains laid to rest in Mound View cemetery on Friday afternoon July 1, 1904. After some years of delay the entire collection of writings and music left by Mr. Emmett were permanently deposited in the state library at Columbus. VOLUME TWO BIOGRAPHICAL WILLIAM W. PENNELL, M. D. The man who devotes his talents and energies to the noble work of administering to the ills and alleviating the sufferings of humanity is pursuing a calling which, in dignity, importance and beneficial results, is second to no other. If true to his profession and earnest in his efforts to enlarge his sphere of usefulness, he is indeed a benefactor to his kind, for to him more than to any other man are entrusted the safety, the comfort, and, in many instances. the lives of those who place themselves under his care and profit by his services. Standing in the front rank of Knox county's professional man is Dr. William W. Pennell. of. Mt. Vernon, who is not only held in high esteem for his professional ability, but for his public-spirited nature, his wholesome private and social life, and that he has become one of the influential citizens of the locality of which this history treats, although a comparative newcomer. Doctor Pennell. the third son of Hugh and Martha A. (Liggett) Pennell. was born at Benton, Holmes county, Ohio, February 2, 1853. His father was a native of Maryland, his mother of Pennsylvania, both being of English descent. These parents came to Ohio as young people, were married in Holmes county and there settled and spent the rest of their lives. Hugh Pennell was a harness manufacturer; politically, he strongly opposed the fugitive slave law by' assisting to operate the "underground railroad," a matter which required some courage in his locality. He was the first Republican postmaster appointed in Holmes county after the election of President Lincoln. A man of strong convictions, he had the courage of advocating what he believed to be right, and this was the basis of his influence. He died in November, 1900, and his widow joined him in the Summerland in January, 191o. Doctor Pennell was reared in Holmes county, in the atmosphere of a Christian home, and was educated in the schools of his native county. He began life by teaching school, and, having an ambition to become a physician, 432 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. but penniless and already inured to frugality, he followed teaching while prosecuting his medical studies under the preceptorship of Dr. Isaac H. Hague, of Nashville, with whom he remained four years, not hesitating to perform any service to further the fulfillment of his ambition. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in February, 1875, from the medical department of the University of Wooster at Cleveland, and immediately associated himself with Doctor Hague in the practice of medicine at Nashville. In April, 1875, he married Melvina M. Williams, daughter of James and Mercy (Morgan) 'Williams, of Monroe township. Holmes county, and, in October, 1876, succeeded his preceptor at Nashville. In 1882 Adelbert College, of the Western Reserve, conferred on him the ad eundem degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1884, after a post-graduate course in special studies at Philadelphia, he moved to Fredericktown, Knox county, where he remained in the successful practice of his profession until 1904, when, wishing to enlarge his sphere of work, he again pursued a post-graduate course on special lines, this time in New York, and then located at No. 205 North Main street, Mount Vernon. Here he has maintained his residence, busy with the affairs of his work. Although specializing in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, it is demanded of him to do a vast amount of general practice. It is not too much to say that his professional reputation is widespread and his opinion sought and esteemed. By nature a student, it has been easy for him to keep abreast of the times in all that pertains to his vocation and allied subjects, and to preserve a full survey of matters in general. Doctor Pennell is a member of the Knox County Medical Society, serving as temporary chairman during its present organization, and once its delegate to the Ohio State Medical Association ; a member and ex-first vice-president of the Ohio State Medical Association, member and ex-president Ohio State Pediatric Society, member of The Mississippi Valley Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Association for the Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis, and, in all, has presented some thirty acceptable and valuable papers to state and national societies in the past twenty-five years. A member of the first Pan-American Medical Congress, which met at Washington, D. C., in 1893, he was one of the delegates from the United States to the fifth congress. which met at Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America, in 1908, and presented an able paper before that body. The Doctor is a literary man of no mean ability, having a clear, forceful style that grips his readers with the neat-rounded message he has to KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 433 convey. Aside from his contributions to medical literature, he has written "Poetical Compositions," a pleasing metrical volume, revealing that rhythm and poesy are in his essence ; "The Buckeye Doctor," a tale of the struggles and final triumph of a young doctor in the earlier days of medicine in Ohio—racy, humorous, sincere, pathetic ; "Jonas Hawley," a politico-social novel, abounding in references to historical conditions in Ohio during the Civil war, especially the Brough-Vallandigham campaign; "Dan," the romance of a nameless boy, his adventures, experiences, and triumphs, in vindicating his mother, is forthcoming and is awaited by a widening circle of admirers among whom the Doctor has become popular. Among his shorter productions that have been published in the magazines are, "Not the King's Will," a story of the Babylonian captivity ; "Mixing Medicine and Law," an episode of medical practice which might be duplicated by scores of physicians, and "Sammy's Substitute," the story of a boy who was curiously rewarded for faithful service. A Presbyterian in religious belief, Doctor Pennell is, politically, a Republican; and, while he has always taken a good citizen's interest in public matters, he has never sought the emoluments of public office. Educational affairs appealed to him differently, however, for, while living at Frederick-town, he was elected to the hoard of education several successive terms. Here it pleased him to see the public schools rise to a high plane of usefulness, and, for the ten years that he served as president of the board of education, gave his efforts to that end. Fraternally, he is a Mason. A member of Thrall Lodge No. 17o, at Fredericktown, he served it as master for four years : of Clinton Chapter. Royal Arch Masons; Kinsman Council, Royal and Select Masters, and Clinton Commandery, Knights Templar, at Mt. Vernon; of Aladdin Temple. Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Columbus Chapter, Rose Croix H. R. D. M., eighteenth degree, Valley of Columbus; and of Ohio Sovereign Consistory, S. P. R. S., thirty-second degree, Cincinnati, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. The Doctor has been twice married. To his first union two daughters and one son were born, all at Nashville: Edna E., now Sister Cecilia, Order of St. Anne. Arlington Heights, Massachusetts; Carroll Celsus died in infancy ; Adah Aline, wife of J. Handel Williams, editor of the Republican-Record, Washington C. H., Ohio, who has presented her father with two grandsons and two granddaughters. The wife and mother passed to her rest in October. 1903, after a long period of sickness. In April, 1908, the Doctor was again married, uniting with Mrs. Emma J. Seiler, daughter of E. Casteel. late of Hawesville, Ohio. 434 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Personally the Doctor is a genial, high-minded, progressive and honorable gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet; profound scholar, versatile writer, able physician and surgeon; an unassuming representative of the masses. The comfortable home of the Pennells, at No. 205 North Main street, presided over by the pleasing personality of the wife, contains all the elements of cheer and hospitality. JUDGE CHARLES E. CRITCHFIELD. Examples that impress force of character on all who study them are worthy of record. By a few general observations may be conveyed some idea of the high standing of Judge Charles E. Critchfield, of Mt. Vernon, as an attorney, a man of affairs and a citizen and public benefactor. United in his composition are so many elements of a solid and practical nature. which during a series of many decades have brought him into prominent notice and earned for him a conspicuous place among the enterprising and scholarly men of the county honored by his residence, that it is but just recognition of his worth to speak at some length of his life and achievements, although he is conservative and unpretentious, caring little for the admiring plaudits of men, satisfied if he is conscious of doing his duty well in the several relations of life. Judge Critchfield is the scion of a sterling old pioneer family and he himself may be referred to as a connecting link between the pioneer epoch and the present, having spent his long, active and useful life in this locality whose interests he has ever had at heart and which he has ever sought to promulgate, playing an important role in the drama of civilization. He was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, near the Knox county line, on November 25, 1836, and he is the son of Charles and Matilda (Butler) Critchfield. The great-grandfather of the subject, who was of German lineage, fought in the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, William Critchfield, was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, from which he emigrated to Knox county, Ohio, in 1812 when this section was but a forest .wilderness and yet the haunts of wild beasts and the home of the red man. He was an honored and. influential pioneer and aided materially in laying the foundation for the prosperity and civilization that was to follow. Charles Critchfield, father of the Judge, was also born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and he emigrated to Knox county, Ohio, with his parents in 1812, later moving to Coshocton county, where his son, Charles E., of this review, was born. Twelve years KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 435 later he returned with his family to Knox county and located upon a farm which is still in possession of his descendants. He followed farming on a large scale during the active years of his life, and was widely known as an enterprising agriculturist and honorable citizen. His wife, Matilda Butler, was the daughter of Benjamin Butler, who came from Virginia to Ohio, and who, with Joseph Walker and Thomas Bell Patterson, at one time owned the site of Mt. Vernon, and who laid out the town here in 1805. So on both the paternal and maternal sides of the house, Judge Critchfield is a representative of worthy pioneer stock, intimately identified with the history of the city and county from its earliest days, and he has ever striven to keep untarnished the bright escutcheon of an honored family name. The literary education of Charles E. Critchfield was obtained in the home schools, as already intimated, and while he did not enjoy. so extensive advantages of many of the present day, he made the most of every opportunity and laid a broad and secure foundation for the subsequent structure. When a young man he began reading law in the office of Major William R. Sapp, of Mt. Vernon, and in 1865 he was admitted to the bar and opened an office in Mt. Vernon, and with the exception of the years when he was in official positions he has practiced here ever since, covering a period of forty-six years, which have been replete with honor and a very high degree of success such as few attain and none of his contemporaries have surpassed. It was not his nature to occupy any mediocre position, but his ambition was to excel and, with "his wagon hitched to a star,- he has ever striven for the highest and best. By thorough preparation. profound study and research and absolute devotion to his calling and the cause of his clients, he early in his career won an envied place in his profession. He has followed a general practice in all the courts of the state and United States courts. In 1869 he was elected probate judge of Knox county and served two consecutive terms of three years each and again after an interval of three years he was re-elected for a third term. thus serving nine years, in a manner that not only reflected much credit upon himself but also won the hearty approval of all concerned. irrespective of party alignment. and it is doubtful if the county ever had, before or since, a more able official in this capacity and one who discharged his duties with greater fidelity and alacrity. He has also filled other important public positions, always in a manner that proved the wisdom of his selection. He has been a life-long Democrat and always loyal to the principles of the party. During President Cleveland's second administration he served as postmaster at Mt. Vernon from 1893 to 1897. In 1889 he was elected representative from Knox county to the state Legisla- 436 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. ture and during his term participated in the election of Calvin S. Brice to the United States Senate. He won the admiration of his colleagues and the hearty approval of his constituents while in the House and added additional luster to an already distinguished name in the Buckeye state. Judge Critchfield was married in 1862 to Amanda Vincent, daughter of Alexander and Eliza (McElroy) Vincent, of Washington county, Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in an early day and located on a farm in Knox county, where they became well established and highly respected. Two children have been born to the Judge and wife, Charles Vincent, manager of the Mt. Vernon electric light and power plant, and Nellie, the estimable daughter. Few men have a wider acquaintance and are more favorably known than Judge Critchfield. In this community, where his entire life has been spent, his high character, his marked ability, his sterling worth and his fidelity to duty in public life commands the consideration and high regard of his fellow men, which they have ever very freely accorded, honoring him as one of the notable men of his day and generation, as he justly deserves, in this section of Ohio. REV. WILLIAM E. HULL. Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguishing qualities, and it can not be retained without effort. Those by whom great epoch changes have been made in the religious, political and business world began early in life to prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities and it was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they succeeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the goal of their ambition. Such lives are an inspiration to others who are less courageous and more prone to give up the fight before their ideal is reached or definite success in any chosen field has been attained. In the life history of Rev. William E. Hull, the able and popular pastor of St. Paul's Episcopal church, at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, we find evidence of a peculiar characteristic that always makes for achievement—persistency, coupled with fortitude and lofty traits, and as a result of his useful, consistent and unselfish life he is one of Knox county's most 'highly esteemed, influential and best known citizens, a man whom to know is to respect and admire, owing to his scholarly attainments, his faithfulness in his efforts to ameliorate the condition of his fellow men, and his abandonment of worldly KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 437 ambitions in his efforts to follow in the footprints of the lowly Nazarene, content merely in doing His will, with no thought of reward or plaudits of those with whom he labors here. Rev. Mr. Hull was born November 23, 1858, at Hartwick Seminary, Otsego county, New York, the scion of a sterling old family of the Empire state, being the son of William and Elizabeth (Skinner) Hull, both natives of the state of New York. The father was for many years a well known minister in the English Evangelical Lutheran church. He was a man of great learning and rare strength of character; he spent his life in church work in the state of New York and he did a wonderful amount of good there during his day and generation. He and his wife have both passed to their rewards. William E. Hull was educated in a preparatory school at Hartwick, New York, later entered Wittenberg College at Springfield, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1884. Early in life he evinced a laudable ambition to enter the ministry and after his college course he entered the Theological Seminary at Hartwick, New York, where he made a splendid record, and then entered the ministry in the church of his father, in which he remained for ten years. He was pastor of the church of the English Evangelical Lutheran church at Cobleskill, New York, where he remained four and one-half years, when he came to Ohio and was pastor of a church of the same denomination at Bellefontaine for four years. In 1897 he transferred his. church allegiance from the English Evangelical Lutheran church to the Episcopal church, and became rector of the Episcopal church at Bucyrus, Ohio, where he remained a year and a half, then, in September, 1899, he came to Mt. Vernon as rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church, one of the earliest churches of the denomination in the state, having been organized in 1826. Here he still continues to labor for the Master. Like all the charges he has been given, Rev. Mr. Hull has greatly strengthened and built up the congregation here and has von his way into the hearts of the people, not only in his own congregation, but the general public as well. He has always been a profound student and is fearless in his advocacy of whatever he deems to be right, is broad-minded, whole-souled and progressive, alert, painstaking and energetic, and as a pulpit orator he is earnest, logical and often truly eloquent, never failing to hold his audience in rapt attention. On May 7, 1889, Rev. Mr. Hull was united in marriage with a lady of culture and refinement, known in her maidenhood as Wenona H. Weimer, daughter of Philip and Sarah J. (Horney) Weimer, a prominent family of 438 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Springfield, Ohio. One son and two daughters have graced the union of Rev. and Mrs. Hull, namely : Philip W., now a student at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio; Ruth E. and Alice L., both students in the Mt. Vernon high school. Rev. Mr. Hull is a member of the Masonic order and he has been prelate of the commandery for ten years. In his political affiliations he is a Republican. The family home is at No. 117 East Chestnut street and its refined influences permeate the moral and social life of the entire community. JOHN B. WAIGHT. John B. Waight was born on May 14, 1854, at Scio, Harrison county. Ohio. He is the son of George A. and Biddy (Gordon) Waight, the father born near Frankfort, Germany, and from there he emigrated to America when nine years of age with his mother, his father having died in Germany. They came direct to Tuscarawas county, Ohio. The mother of the subject was born in Ohio, and the father was a merchant in the town of Scio for many years and there his death occurred in 1891, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1887. The Gordons were of Revolutionary stock and were prominent in their communities from the early history of the country. John B. Waight was reared in Scio, Ohio, and was educated in the public schools there and in Scio College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1871. His father was one of its financial backers and its popularity was due in no small degree to his efforts for many years. He was a member of the board of trustees during his life, from the founding of the college in 1866 until his death. He was a successful business man and was influential in all circles in which he moved. John B. Waight took up the study of law immediately after his graduation with Hon. Lewis Lenton, a prominent. attorney of Cadiz. Ohio, and, having made rapid progress, he was admitted to the bar in the winter of 1874 and in 1875 he came to Mt. Vernon and opened an office and here he has been engaged in practice ever since, having met with success from the first and his clientele has continued to increase until today he is one of the busiest attorneys in this section of the state. He practices in all the courts of the state and in the United States court. Mr. Waight was married on April 13, 1882, to Kate M. Ready, a lady of culture and refinement, the daughter of A. T. and Jennie (McBane) KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 439 Ready, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, a prominent and influential family of that city. This union has been graced by the birth of two children : Armisted T., who was graduated from Cornell University in 1908, is in business in Chicago where he has made a successful start in the world of affairs Jennie M. married Carl Rickets, of Columbus, Ohio. Politically, Mr. Waight is a Republican and has long been prominent in the affairs of his party. He has been city solicitor of Mt. Vernon and he was common pleas judge for one term. As judge he has an enviable and commendable record, his decisions having been characterized by fairness and a knowledge of the law in all its ramifications. He has never been an office seeker, though he has been frequently urged to run for various offices or to become a candidate for high official positions. Mr. Waight is interested in the gas development of this section and he has been successful in a business way and is one of the substantial men of affairs at Mt. Vernon. Fraternally, Mr. Waight belongs to the Masonic order and all degrees up to Knight Templar. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Religiously, he belongs to the Presbyterian church, being a regular attendant, and he is a high-minded Christian gentleman, advocating clean politics and wholesome living and honesty in all the relations of life, having had these principles inculcated in him by his sterling father, who was a man in whom honesty and integrity were cardinal principles. The Waights have always been prominent in the social life of the community and their pleasant, modern home is known to a wide circle of friends as a place of hospitality of an old-time genuine sincerity and of good cheer, and is one of the social meccas of the city. GEN. GOSHORN A. JONES. Human life is like the waves of the sea—they flash a few brief moments in the sunlight, marvels of power and beauty, and then are dashed upon the relentless shores of death and disappear forever. As the mighty deep has rolled for ages past and chanted its sublime requiem and will continue to roll during the coming ages until time shall be no more, so will the waves of human life follow each other in countless succession until they mingled at last with the billows of eternity's boundless sea. The passing of any human life, however humble and unknown, is sure to give rise to a pang of (29) 440 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. anguish to some heart, but when the fell destroyer knocks audibly at the door of the useful and great and removes from earthly scenes the man of honor and influence and the benefactor of his kind, it not only means bereavement to kindred and friends, but a public calamity as well. In the largest and best sense of the term, the late Gen. Goshorn A. Jones, of Mt. Vernon, was distinctively one of the notable men of his day and generation, and as such is entitled to a conspicuous place in the annals of his city, county and state, for as a citizen he was public-spirited and enterprising to an unwonted degree, as a friend and neighbor he combined the qualities of head and heart that won confidence and commanded respect and as a business man he stood second to none in Knox county. General Jones was born in Burnt Cabins, Fulton county, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1812, and after a long, useful and strenuous life, he passed to his rest on April 18, 1904, at the advanced age of ninety-two years, his long life being due, no doubt, in very large measure to his exemplary habits and right thinking. He was the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Goshorn) Jones, both natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. In 1813 the parents emigrated to Washington county, Pennsylvania, and located at Claysville and West Alexandria. In this locality the son, Goshorn A., spent his youth and obtained his education in the public schools there. In 1834 he came to Mt. Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, and began active business as a merchant, dealing also in produce and wool, continuing this business with gratifying results until 185o, in which year he gave up business for the purpose of accepting an appointment as United States marshal by President Zachary Taylor for the district of Ohio, the duties of which important position he discharged in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. At the expiration of his term of office he, in connection with John H. Winterbotham, engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements, employing the convict labor of Fort Madison, Iowa. He continued in this business for about eleven years with much success, then spent several years in prospecting, visiting several of the most important min-. ing regions of the United States. General Jones was the originator of the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad, now the Akron & Cincinnati railroad, and better known as the Akron division of the Pennsylvania lines, and in 1869 was made superintendent of the road, in which position he continued until William N. Monsaratt became president of the road. He managed its affairs in a manner that stamped him as an up-to-date business man, a natural born organizer and promoter and won the hearty commendation of the stockholders. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 441 General Jones was married in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, to Sarah Raymond, daughter of Rev. Nathan Raymond, a popular minister in the Methodist Episcopal church who resided in Mt. Vernon for a number of years, having come here from New York. The death of Mrs. Jones occurred a number of years prior to that of her husband. Five children were born to them, as follows : Mrs. Mary J. Baker. Fanny, Mrs. Rachael Tilton, Ada, who married James Israel: whose sketch appears in another part of this work ; Fred W. (deceased). General Jones was a Whig and later a Republican in politics. He was a general in the Ohio state militia prior to the Mexican war. He was a man of strong mental caliber and courageous in defense of his opinion when once convinced that he was right. He was one of the strong and important factors in this community. He is buried in Mt. Vernon cemetery, and his influence and many good deeds will cause his memory to be cherished through coming generations. JUDGE GEORGE COYNER. An enumeration of the representative citizens of Knox county who have won recognition and success for themselves and at the same time conferred honor upon the community, would be incomplete were there failure to make mention of George Comer, whose name has long been a household word in this and Delaware counties, where he has held worthy prestige in legal and political circles. He has always been distinctively a man of affairs, wielding a wide influence among those with whom his lot was cast, ever having the affairs of his county and state at heart and lending such aid as he could in whatever pertained to their general progress, and it has been due to such men as he that this locality could justly claim a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which conserved consecutive development and marked advancement in its material upbuilding. This section has been, and is, signally favored in the class of Men who have controlled its affairs in official capacity, and this is one of the connections in which Judge Coyner demands recognition, having served faithfully and well, in positions of distinct trust and responsibility. He achieved a brilliant record at the bar at an age when most men are merely starting on their life work, for from the beginning he was intensely methodical and unswervingly scientific in search and seizure of the true light and of the essential morality and inspiration of the legal 442 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. foundations, and in sources of legal conception and thought, conscientious and intensely pure, having an exalted firmness with which he recognized the ethics of the fixed principles of judicial systems, holding tenaciously to embellished records of equity, the invariable theorems of law, the sure, certain. invincible methods of practice; therefore abundant success could not help crowning his efforts and placing him on the topmost rung of the legal and judicial ladder and winning for him the well merited laudation of his fellow men. George Coyner was born on June 5, 1858. in Lexington, Richland county, Ohio, of a sterling pioneer family of the Old Dominion. He is the son of Rev. David H. and Eliza Catherine (Snodgrass) Coyner, the father born in Augusta county, Virginia, and the mother in Hardy county, West Virginia. The former was reared and educated in Virginia, having attended Washington-Lee University, later graduating from Princeton Theological College. His ministerial work was confined mostly to the Northern states, especially Pennsylvania. He was compelled to leave the South because of his loyalty to the Union. He was three times married. His first wife was Catherine McNeal, a member of the famous McNeal family of Virginia, wealthy and active in the Confederate service, both as soldiers and advisers; his first wife died in early life, at the birth of their first child, Catherine McNeal Coyner, now deceased, who married Samuel Alexander, a prominent figure in the Confederate army. Rev. Mr. Coyner's second wife, Eliza Catherine Snodgrass, was the mother of the subject. Soon after their marriage they came to Indiana, the father becoming superintendent of public schools at Indianapolis, the duties of which he discharged for two years ; then went to Ohio and engaged in the ministry, that being his chief life work. He was located at Lexington, Ohio, when his son George, of this review, was born, and there his second wife died, leaving a family of seventeen children. He subsequently married Frances Snodgrass, a sister of his second wife and she is still living, making her home in Delaware county, Ohio. To this last union three children were born, making the Rev. Mr. Coyner the father of twenty-one children in all. The Snodgrass family were also Virginians, and after the death of his second wife the father returned with his large family to the old home at Moorefield, West Virginia, which was during the Civil war. His well known stand for the Union aroused public sentiment against him and he was forced to return to the North, his life being threatened, in fact, he was only saved through the intervention of a relative of the McNeals who was in command of a Confederate band who sought to make the Rev. Mr. Coyner prisoner. He KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 443 brought his family to Columbus, Ohio, and was appointed chaplain of the Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry by Governor Todd, of Ohio, and he and three of his sons were in the Federal army, one of the sons, Harvess, dying while in the service, from the effects of a wound; William was a member of the Tenth Ohio Cavalry, and Luther of the Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry with his father, serving until the close of the war. After his return home when hostilities had ceased, Rev. Mr. Coyner married Frances Snodgrass, a sister of his second wife, as before stated. He remained in the ministry for many years in Ohio. His death occurred in 1883 at Eden, Delaware county, Ohio. He was prominent in his denomination in that section of the state and ranked high in church life. George Coyner, of this sketch, was reared mostly in Ohio and he was educated in the public schools of Eden, this state, later entering the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated in 1893'. But prior to taking up the study of law he taught school for a number of years, winning a reputation as a progressive and able educator. In March, 1879, he was united in marriage with Emma Hippie, daughter of George W. and Anna (Ferris) Hipple, of Delaware county, Ohio, both being now deceased. To the subject and wife three sons were born, namely : Charles S. and Leon, deceased; Carl, the youngest, lives in Akron, Ohio. Mr. Coyner is a Republican in politics and has long been a potent factor in party affairs, his first public office being that of township clerk, which he held for a period of five years; then he was superintendent of the Delaware County Infirmary for four years. During three years of that time he read law during his spare moments, and it was in 1891 that he entered the law school, graduating from the same in 1893. He at once began practicing in Delaware county, where he met with instantaneous success and in 1895 he was elected prosecuting attorney of that county, his record being so eminently satisfactory that he was re-elected for a second term in 1898, serving for six years in an able and praiseworthy manner. In 1901 he was elected common pleas judge for five years. He brought to the bench a dignity becoming the high position, and in the line of duty was industrious, careful and singularly painstaking, which, combined with his sterling honesty and fearlessness of purpose, made him one of the most popular and efficient men ever called to preside over the affairs of that court. His opinions and decisions attested his eminent fitness for judicial positions, being always lucid, unstrained, unbiased and vigorous, his statements full and comprehensive, and his analysis and interpretations of the law conspicuous and complete, with a profound knowledge of all phases of the law and the statutes. 444 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Judge Coyner has always stood high in his profession and after his term as common pleas judge expired he moved to Mt. Vernon in 1907 and here he has built up an extensive practice in this and other counties, being frequently called in important cases in courts remote from his place of residence. In 1910 he was elected a member of the Mt. Vernon board of education and is secretary of the board. He still maintains his interest in public affairs, especially educational matters. The Judge is a member of the Masonic order, the council and chapter at Mt. Vernon; also the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member and the present commander of Henry B. Banning Camp No. 207, Sons of Veterans. He and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church. In point of critical legal scholarship, keen intellectuality and professional success, Judge Coyner easily stands in the front rank, while in all that constitutes the upright man, the public-spirited citizen and the high-minded gentleman his position in the social circle and the world of affairs has been firmly established, and he stands today among the leaders of thought and molders of opinion in a county prolific of men of distinction. JAMES ISRAEL Self-assertion is believed by many people to be absolutely necessary to success in life, and there are good reasons for the entertainment of such belief. The modest man very rarely gets what is due him. The selfish, aggressive man elbows his way to the front, takes all that is in sight and it sometimes seems that modesty is a sin with self-denial the penalty. There are, however, exceptions to all rules and it is a matter greatly to be regretted that the exceptions to the conditions referred to are not more numerous. One notable exception is the honorable gentleman whose life history we here present. who possesses just a sufficient amount of modesty to be a gentleman at all times and yet sufficient persistency to win in the business world and at the same time not appear over bold, and as a result of these well and happily blended qualities Mr. Israel has won a host of friends throughout Knox county, being well known as a man of influence, integrity and business ability, and as a patriotic citizen who has ever had the welfare of his county and state at heart. James Israel, of Mt. Vernon, was born in this city on October I, 1843, and he is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Harper) Israel. The father KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 445 was born on October 8, 181o, at Bedford, Westchester county, New York, and when a young man he learned the trade of brick mason. In 1830, being influenced by better prospects, he proceeded to the West, a companion accompanying him from New York to the land of promise. They first went to Detroit, Michigan, where they remained only a short time, then crossed Lake Erie to Sandusky and there put all their earthly belongings into a one-horse wagon and started for Mt. Vernon, which they reached in due time. Here Mr. Israel found employment at his trade as brick mason and soon found favor with the people. On January 28, 1831, Samuel Israel and Elizabeth Harper were married. The latter was a member of a prominent family of Muskingum county, living near Zanesville, and she was born May 9, 1808. Establishing his permanent home here, Mr. Israel continued to work as a brick mason. He always had an insatiable ambition to obtain a high education, but he had few advantages in his youth. He wanted to be a lawyer. Mrs. Israel had been better provided with text-book training • and she became her husband's tutor. About this time he was employed at his trade in erecting some of the Kenyon College buildings at Gambier, Ohio, five miles east of Mt. Vernon. While thus engaged he walked to and fro between these towns every day, working all day and eating a cold lunch at noon. After supper he would pore over his books until ten or eleven o'clock, repeating his ordeal day after day. As he made progress in general education his desire to become a. lawyer increased and Blackstone was added to his studies. He made progress rapidly and in time became a student in the office of Hon. Columbus Delano, becoming his partner after being admitted to the bar, and this partnership continued successfully for several years. In due course of time Mr. Israel became a prominent and successful member of the Knox county bar and was engaged in many of the most important cases in the courts of his district. His entire time and energies were given to his profession, with the exception of about six years, when he became interested with Gen. Goshorn A. Jones and Colonel Hard in the extension and construction of what is now the Cleveland. Akron & Cincinnati Railroad, known as the Akron division of the Pennsylvania Lines, from Millersburg, the county seat of Holmes county, to Columbus. After this was completed and in successful operation, Mr. Israel resumed the active practice of law, which he continued with his usual marked success until. his death, August 15, 1889, his wife having preceded him to the grave on September I I, 1882. They were the parents of seven children, only three of whom are now living, namely : Francis is deceased ; Adeline is deceased ; Amanda, deceased; Sarah, deceased ; Lavinia. of Mt. Vernon ; James, of this review, and Samuel H., president of the Knox County Savings Bank. 446 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Samuel Israel, father of these children, was a Democrat of the old school, but during the Civil war he was a staunch supporter of the government. He was never an office seeker or an office holder, but he was frequently active as a stump speaker during campaigns. upholding the principles- of his party in an able manner. He was a man who always applied himself with full force to the task in hand. He was a man of broad and liberal views and thorough information upon all subjects of public import. He was a conspicuous example of what a young man may aspire to and acquire in a country like ours, without money, without influence and without the advantages of even a preliminary education he acquired all of these after reaching his majority and attained a place in the public estimation that might satiate the ambitions of any man. James Israel, the immediate subject of this review, obtained his education in the Mt. Vernon public schools and in his youth assisted with the work on his father's farm near the city. In the spring of 1864 he enlisted for service in the Union army, as a private in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the one-hundred-day service. He contracted typhoid fever and after recovering from a protracted illness he went to Chicago in the fall of 1864 and was employed in the wholesale hardware house of Seiberger & Breakey, remaining in their employ for five years, during which time he learned the ins and outs of this line of business and gave the firm entire satisfaction. Returning to Mt. Vernon in the fall of 1869, he engaged in the manufacture of linseed oil and a general grain business, in which he met with success. He closed out his oil and grain business in 1897 -and at the re-organization of the Mt. Vernon Bridge Company he became secretary and treasurer, also general manager of the same and he continued in this capacity until January, 191o, when he became president of the company and was succeeded by his son George, as secretary and treasurer. During Mr. Israel's able and judicious management he has seen the company grow from a concern of very modest proportions to one of the largest and most important factories of its kind in the state and the Middle West. He is a man of splendid business acumen, tact and foresight, with fine executive ability and keen discernment, succeeding at whatever he turns his attention to, being methodical and systematic in everything. He is also vice-president of the Knox County Savings Bank, of which his brother, Samuel H., is president, and they have a very potent influence in the financial circles of this locality. Mr. Israel is a Republican in politics, and for many years was active and influential in party councils and party affairs. During the administra- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 447 tion of President Harrison, Mr. Israel was postmaster at Mt. Vernon and during his term of office the free mail delivery system was established for Mt. Vernon. He also served as a member of the city board of education for ten years. He is a member of the Joe Hooker Post, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Israel was married on June 17, 1872, to Ada B. Jones, a lady of culture and refinement, daughter of Gen. Goshorn A. and Sarah (Raymond) Jones. a prominent Mt. Vernon family, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children, namely: George is married and he is secretary and treasurer of the Mt. Vernon Bridge Company, as before stated: John W. is now deceased; Sarah married Edward Dunnick, of Mt. Vernon. The family home is located at No. 105 East Gambier street and is the favorite gathering place of the best people in this vicinity, the family having long been important factors in local social circles. JOHN S. ALAN. The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are two classes, the men who study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted for the improvement of the age to the one class or the other is a question of honest difference of opinion : neither class can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their several spheres of labor and influence, zealously and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. Devoted to the noble and humane work of teaching, he has made his influence felt in the school life of the city of Mt. Vernon and Knox county and he is not unknown to the wider educational circles of the state. occupying as he does a prominent place in his profession and standing high in the esteem of educators in other than his own particular field of endeavor. Mr. Alan is a descendant of sterling ancestors of the old Keystone state. of which he is a native, his birth having- occurred in Greenville. Mercer county. Pennsylvania. October 28, 1872. He is the son of Walter T. and Laura (Sill) Alan. the father a Presbyterian minister of Greenville and 448 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. still active, being prominent in that denomination in his section of the state. The mother of the subject passed to her rest in the spring of 1904. John S. Alan was reared in a wholesome Christian atmosphere and the ethics inculcated there have had much to do in shaping his subsequent career. He was educated in the public schools of Greenville, later entering Thiel College at that place, where he made an excellent record for scholarship and from which institution he was graduated in 189,3, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1900 he received the degree of Master of Arts from the same institution. He has long entertained a laudable ambition to devote his life to teaching and, thus well .equipped for his chosen vocation. he began teaching in the public schools of Greenville, where he continued for a period of four years, giving success from the first, his record auguring greater things in coming years. Then, for three years he was superintendent of the schools at Lowellville, Ohio. The next four years were spent as superintendent of public schools at Fredericktown, Knox county. and following this, in 1905, he came to Mt. Vernon as principal of the high school and a year later he was promoted to the superintendency, which position he still holds in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. Professor Alan's years of service as a superintendent have been characterized by a series of advancements in educational methods which demonstrate his ability as a man of progressive ideas, besides winning for him an honorable place among the leading superintendents of the state. Possessing great force of character and executive ability of a high order, he has brought the schools under his care to a high standard of efficiency, insisting that only teachers of recognized scholarship and professional experience be employed, and strengthening the courses of study. As an educator he is widely known and his suggestions pertaining to matters educational command respect in all the institutes, associations and conventions of superintendents which he attends, his well known success as a school manager and wide practical experience in general educational matters having long been of special value to his fellow associates, among whom he is held in the highest personal esteem. He is still a young man, in the very prime of vigorous physical and mental powers and in possessing genial manners, superior scholarship, which, with his years of close application from common school to high school principalship, and membership with some of the highest educational bodies of the land, it is eminently proper to bespeak for him a future of still greater efficiency and distinguished service in his chosen field of endeavor. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 449 The domestic life of Superintendent Alan began on June 15, 190o, when he was united in marriage with Edna L. Jackson, daughter of John and Sisson E. Jackson, a highly esteemed family of Greenville, Pennsylvania. This union has been without issue. In his fraternal relations Mr. Alan belongs to the Masonic order, the chapter and commandery, being a past master of the Mt. Vernon lodge. Politically, he is a Republican and while he is always interested in the general progress of his community, supporting such measures as make for the general good, he is not a biased partisan or a seeker of political honors, preferring to devote his exclusive attention to his chosen calling and keep abreast of the times in all phases of the same. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and he has long been active in church affairs and Sunday school work. CHARLES C. JAMS. Charles C. lams was born October 23, 1860, at Tomah, Monroe county. Wisconsin, and he is the son of the late Rev. Francis M. and Mary M. Jams. On November 11, 1875. the family located in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where the subject has since made his home. In December, 1875, he was apprenticed to learn the printers' trade in the office of Park's Floral Magazine, and about fifteen months later he became the "devil" in the office of the Mt. Vernon Republican, a weekly paper then published by Wilkinson and Knabenshue. He learned the business thoroughly and passed through all the stages of "devil.- pressman. job printer and foreman, and in 1887 became city editor of the Republican under the editorship of the late Col. Charles F. Baldwin, whom he succeeded as editor in the fall of 1894. In January, 1900, the Republican Publishing Company. publishers of the Mt. Vernon Daily Republican-News and the Knox County Semi-Weekly Republican-News reorganized as follows: Ben Ames, president ; Charles C. Jams, vice-president, editor and manager. and L. A. Culbertson, secretary and treasurer: and this organization still continues. The news columns of the papers published by this company teem with the best and brightest chronicles of the world's happenings, and from a mechanical standpoint the Republican-News ranks with the best in the state, and it is rapidly growing in importance as an advertising medium. Politically. Mr. Jams is a Republican and has ever been loyal in supporting and defending his party principles and he is prominent and influ-