450 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. ential in the councils of the party, both in county and state campaigns. He has never been an office seeker, but has aided in placing the best men in local offices. He is widely regarded as an able and worthy exponent of good government and right living. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic order, having passed the chairs in the subordinate lodges of these orders as well as in the chapter, council and commander, he is a Knight Templar. a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Jams was married on November 25, 1880, to Katherine M. Hill, daughter of the late J. M. and Elizabeth Hill. and this union has resulted in the birth of one daughter. Edythe. The Mt. Vernon Republican was established in 1840, and it was continued as a weekly paper until 1885. when it became a semi-weekly, attaining a large circulation. Col. C. F. and W. F. Baldwin, proprietors. Col. Charles F. Baldwin being editor-in-chief. A few years later the paper was purchased by the Republican Publishing Company. and in September, 1897, the publication of a daily edition was begun. The following year the word New's was added to the original name. the publication becoming the Mt. Vernon Daily and Semi-Weekly Republican (UV. These papers have a wide circulation and are recognized among readers and advertisers as being up-to-date. The company also has a well equipped job office and this department does a large business. The office is modernly equipped in every respect, including a duplex newspaper press, rapid job presses. an abundance of modern type and other materials: the equipment also includes two lino-type machines. The company owns its own building, a substantial two-story brick with basement, and admirably arranged for modern newspaper work. FRANK O. LEVERING. The life of the scholarly or professional man seldom exhibits any of those striking incidents that seize upon public feeling and attract attention to himself. His character is generally made up of the aggregate qualities and qualifications he may possess, as these may be elicited by the exercise of the duties of his vocation or the particular profession to which he belongs. But when such a man has so impressed his individuality upon his fellow men as to gain their confidence and through that confidence rises to high and important KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 451 public trust, he at once becomes a conspicuous figure in the body politic of the community and state. Frank 0. Levering, ex-probate judge, and one of the leading attorneys of this section of the Buckeye state, is one of the scholarly, public-spirited, progressive citizens of the locality of which this history deals, who, not content to hide his talents amid life's sequestered ways, has by the force of will and a laudable ambition forged to the front in a responsible and exacting calling. and earned an honorable reputation in one of the most important branches of public service. Mr. Levering is a worthy representative of two of our sterling pioneer families and his life has been spent in Knox county, his birth having occurred in Middlebury township on September 29. 1862. He is the son of John Cook Levering and Carrie ( Richardson) Levering. When Ohio was a vast wilderness and the land still in possession of the government, and the abode of Indians and many species of wild beasts, the Levering family invaded its primeval solitudes and the name has been well known here ever since. figuring more or less conspicuously in the annals of the county of Knox. especially. The first progenitors of this family came to America in the latter years of the seventeenth century—Gerhard and Wigard Levering, who were sons of Rosier Levering. who was born in Holland of Anglo-Saxon parentage. his father and mother having been exiled from England on account of their religious belief. Rosier Levering married Elizabeth Vandewall. of Westphalia. Germany. and their son Gerhard was born in Camen, Germany, in 1660. In 1-685. accompanied by his brother. Wigard. he crossed the Atlantic to America. Gerhard Levering married. and among his children was Daniel. who was born on December 2, 1704. and on May 12, 1735. Daniel was married, in Christ church. Philadelphia, to Margaret Beane, and they lived on a farm of one hundred acres in Whiteplain township, Montgomery county. New Jersey. To them was born a son, Henry, on June 1o, 1738. who was the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. For many years Henry Levering lived at the Durham iron works in New Jersey. but in 178; he removed to a farm in Bedford county. Pennsylvania. He married Ann Wynn. and to them was born Daniel Levering, the subject's great-grandfather. in New Jersey. on February 3, 1764. In 1785 he accompanied his parents to Bedford county, Pennsylvania. where he married Mary Kerney. In 1811 he visited Knox county. Ohio. and purchased a large tract of land from the government, in Owl creek valley, where he later located with his family and there spent his remaining years. starting as pioneer in the forest. His death occurred in 182o, his widow surviving until October 24. 1846, dying at the advanced age of eighty-four years. They were devout Presbyterians and leading citizens in the community. 452 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Noah Levering, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch. was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. on November 7. 1802, and in 1813 he came with his parents to Knox county. Ohio, and here he was married on March 25, 1828. to Armanella Cook. (laughter of John and Ann Cook, who came to Ohio from Washington county. Pennsylvania, about 1805. Noah Levering was a farmer and his death occurred on March 4. 1881. his wife having preceded him to the grave on June 13. 1879. John Cook Levering. father of the immediate subject of this review, was born on the old family homestead in Middlebury township, September I I. 1829, being- the eldest of a family of ten children. Ile assisted his father with the general work on the farm and when twentvone years old he purchased a farm of eighty acres and began farming for himself. In the year 1860 he was united in marriage with Carrie Richardson. daughter of Daniel and Thankful ( Camp) Richardson. the father l;eing a well known lumber merchant in New York for many years. \l r. Levering continued farming and adding to his holdings until he became one of the extensive landowners and substantial farmers of the county. actively interested in everything that made for the general progress of the community. Ike had an extensive reputation as a stockman. handling the best grades in the county, winning many first premiums, and he did as much if not more to improve the grade of domestic animals here in his day as any one. In 1866 he became a member of the Knox County Agricultural Society, of which he was a member for many years and for a number of years the president of the same. In 1881 he was elected a member of the Ohio state hoard of agriculture, and he assisted in the purchase and improvement of the 'present beautiful state fair grounds at Columbus, Ohio. For six years he was a member of the board, and was its first treasurer in 1885 and its president in 1886. In 1883 he represented Ohio in the national convention. In 1887 Governor Foraker appointed him a member of the Ohio centennial board. In 1890 he read a paper at the request of the secretary of the State Society of Agriculture before the Ohio agricultural convention on " Farmers' Horses and Horse Breeding." This led to the formation of the Ohio State Draft and Coach Horse Association in 1891, of which Mr. Levering was the president for three years. In 1871 he was elected commissioner of Knox county and re-elected in 1874, and many of the substantial improvements of the county were made during these years He was a life-long Democrat in politics, and in 1886 his party nominated him for Congress in the nineteenth Ohio district. He was always painstaking and conscientious in the performance of all public duties and he became known throughout the state, especially as an agriculturist and stock KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 453 man, and his influence was very potent and far reaching in promoting modern phases in both. He was a man of keen business discernment, sound judgment and wise foresight, public-spirited and always ready with time and means to further any laudable undertaking for the general good of his locality. Early in life he became a member of the Presbyterian church. and was a devout church member. He was a good and useful man and enjoyed the confidence, admiration and universal esteem of all who knew him. His death occurred September 13. 1903. and his widow is still living. Frank O. Levering spent his youth on the farm and obtained his early education in the district schools, which he attended in the winter time, assisting with the general farm work during crop seasons. He later attended and graduated with honors from Eastman's Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, New York. In 1885 he entered the mercantile business at the village of Levering. Knox counts-. but not finding this line of endeavor entirely to his liking- he abandoned the same in 1890 and took up the study of law in Mt. Vernon in the office of Hon Frank V. Owen and was admitted to the bar in 1892. He immediately began practicing in Mt. Vernon and he has built up a large and growing clientage, taking a place in the front rank of the legal profession in a locality long noted for the high order of its legal talent. He has kept fully abreast of the times in evervthing pertaining to his profession. winning a reputation for persistency, caution and a safe and prudent advocate, with few equals and no superiors. In 1883 he was appointed a member of the county board of elections and he performed his duties so faithfully that he was twice re-appointed. In 1896 he was elected probate judge of Knox county, which office he filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, irrespective of party alignment and giving- evidence of attributes of a superior order and a fidelity to right that knew no bias. Retiring from office, he resumed the practice of the law, which he has continued with his usual success. In connection with his professional duties, Judge Levering has been actively associated with the gas and oil development of this section of the state. and through his efforts much of the success of the field is attributable. and he has net with much success in a business way. Politically, the Judge is an uncompromising Democrat, as was his honored father before him. and he has been active and prominent in party councils. He was a delegate to the Democratic national convention of 190o, and his work in committees has been effectual and has resulted in much good to the party. He has been a very influential delegate to county. district and state conventions. Fraternally. he belongs to the Masonic order, the chapter. 454 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. council and commandery, and is a past officer in all of the bodies: he is also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and has filled the presiding offices in these lodges, being prominent in fraternal circles of the county. Mr. Levering was married in 1886 to Bvrdess E. Leiter, daughter of Capt. C. P. Leiter, a prominent citizen of Shelby, Ohio, of which city he was mayor for a number of years and otherwise an influential citizen there. To Mr. and Mrs. Levering have been born six children. namely : Howard A., Russell Edgar, John Collin. Nina May, Carlos and Ada. GEORGE D. ARNDT. M. D. Good intellectual training, thorough professional knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities and attributes essential to success, have made Dr. George D. Arndt, of Mt. Vernon, eminent in his chosen calling, and he stands today among the enterprising and popular physicians in a community noted for the high order of its medical talent, having, by his own persistent and praiseworthy efforts, won for himself a name whose luster the future years shall only augment. for at the same time he has won the confidence and esteem of the people of Knox county as a result of his exemplary life and obliging, genial nature. Doctor Arndt was born in Amherst, Ohio, March 5, 1865, and is the son of John L. and Catherine (Graw) Arndt. The father was born in Germany, and there grew to manhood and was educated. He was one of the revolutionists of his country in 1849 and was imprisoned until 1853, in which year he was banished from the country, having been one of the early organizers of the revolution. He came direct to America and located in Hartford, Connecticut. He was educated as a minister in the German State church, but he had abandoned this for the study of medicine, and upon coming to America became qualified to practice and he opened an office in Hartford, later going to New York City and while engaged in practice there he was married to Catherine Graw, of Newark, New Jersey. In 1858 he came to Cleveland, Ohio, where he became connected with the Cleveland Homeopathic College. In 1863 he moved to Amherst, Ohio, and here he was commissioned to recruit a company for service in the Civil war, and at a meeting for securing recruits he had occasion to make some KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 455 caustic remarks regarding the attitude of some anti-war Democrats and for his utterances he was attacked by some of the men present and was left for dead, but he finally recovered and lived two years afterwards, but eventually died from the injuries received upon that occasion. His widow then entered the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College, from which she was graduated in the year 1869, in the class with her oldest son, Hugo R., who is now field secretary of the American Institute of Homeopathy and an author of text books on homeopathy. The mother then practiced at Amherst, with much success until her death, in August, 1887, her death having been due to a sun-stroke, sustained on the streets of Cleveland. Five children were born to John L. Arndt and wife, three of whom are living: Henry F., in addition to those mentioned above, is a successful business man, active in the development of the famous Amherst quarries, and is also prominent in public affairs; he is now one of the county commissioners of Lorain county. These children were reared and educated by the mother, who was a woman of unusual tact, intelligence and praiseworthy qualities. She was highly skilled in her chosen profession and enjoyed a large patronage and the friendship of a wide acquaintance. George D. Arndt was educated in the public schools of Amherst until he was thirteen years of age, when he \vent to work on a farm and at the age of nineteen he returned to the public schools in Amherst where he completed the high school course in four months. He had previously learned the carpenters' trade. Upon leaving the home schools he was an attendant at the Kalamazoo State Asylum for the Insane, preparatory to taking up the study of medicine, for which he had a natural bent. in view of the fact that both his parents had been medical people. In October, 1885, the subject entered Michigan University at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in which institution his brother, Dr. Hugo Arndt. was a professor of materia medica. George D. was graduated from this department in June. 1888, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, having made an excellent record there for scholarship. He then went to St. Joseph's Retreat, at Dearborn, Michigan, as physician and here he was meeting with encouraging success when he was injured by an inmate. While he was recovering he was induced to locate at Berlin Heights, Erie county, Ohio, and there he was engaged in practice for a year and a half, and while there he was married, on March 5, 1890, to Ada M. Pearl, daughter of Capt. A. H. and Thursa M. (Hyde) Pearl, a well known family of that place The union of the Doctor and wife was graced by the birth of three daughters, namely : Louise E., Loma P. and Mary C.. all living at home at this writing. (30) 456 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. In 1889 Dr. Arndt moved to Granville, Licking county, Ohio, where he continued practicing with his usual success for one and one-half years. He then moved to San Diego. California, where he spent three years. Returning to Ohio in 1894, he located in Mt. Vernon and has practiced here ever since, haying built up a large and ever-growing practice with the city and county and taking first rank among the leading medical men of this section of the Buckeye state. He maintains a well-equipped office at No. 7 South may street. He has been very successful as a general practitioner and, ever a profound student of medical science, he has kept w v el 1 abreast of the times in all that pertains to his chosen calling. He belongs to the Knox County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society ; Homeopathic State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association; American Institute of Homeopathy, the American Roentgenological Society, the American Electro-Therapeutic Society, before all of which he has read papers which have always been well received and carried weight ; he also belongs to the Southeastern Ohio Medical Society, and he has been a research student, always upon special subjects. Politically, the Doctor is independent. He is a member of the city board of education, and he and his family are members of the Congregational church. While Doctor Arndt does a general practice, he has made a specialty of the eye, ear, nose and throat and he has won a wide reputation in this line, having few peers among his colleagues in this locality. The family is prominent in medical, literary and social circles of Mt. Vernon and their friends are limited only by the bounds of their acquaintance. SHERIDAN G. DOWDS. In the constant and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a creditable name on the part of business or professional men, there is little to attract the reader in search of a sensational chapter, but to a mind thoroughly awake to the true meaning of life and its responsibilities there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who. with little other means than a sound mind., fertile perceptive faculty, a true heart and willing hands, conquers adversity and not only wins a prominent position in the industrial world, but what is equally as great, the deserved esteem and confidence of his fellow men. Such a man is Sheridan G. Dowds, for many KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 457 years one of the leading business men of Knox county and the present efficient and popular postmaster of Mt. Vernon, whose name is so intimately associated with the material and civic interests of the locality where he has spent his life, his upright career and wholesome moral influence making him popular with all classes. irrespective of party alignment. Mr. Dowds was born on July 18, 1865, on a farm near Amity, Pike township, Knox county, Ohio. He is the son of Elijah W. and Mary E. (Barber) Dowds, the father born in West Virginia and the mother in Knox county, Ohio. Elijah Dowds came to this county when a young man, following the death of his father in West Virginia, when the country was only partly developed, his mother having accompanied him, and they settled in Monroe township. in the woods, having bought land, which he began clearing, and, by hard work and good management, he had a good farm and a comfortable home in due course of time. They underwent the hardships incident to the lives of early settlers, meeting the struggle commendably and courageously. The Barber family came from Pennsylvania and settled in Pike township, Knox county, and here Elijah Dowds and Mary E. Barber were married. The elder Dowds became one of the prosperous farmers of the township and a large landowner and prominent in local affairs. He was a man of exemplary character and was highly regarded. His death occurred in May, 1878, when his son, Sheridan G., of this sketch, was fourteen years old. His widow survives. She was born on November 3, 1833, being twenty-seven years the junior of her husband. who was born in 1806. They were the parents of seven sons, namely : Wilson B.. deceased ; Joseph S., deceased: John H.. of Los Angeles, California ; Sheridan G., of this sketch : Charles. C.. of Mt. Vernon ; Cornelius K. is farming in Pike township, this county; Alva A., of Mt. Vernon. Sheridan G. Dowds was reared on the home farm, where he worked when of proper age during the crop season, attending the country district schools in the winter months. He remained at home on the farm until his marriage, on February 18. 1888, to Amnia D. Black, daughter of Dr. J. L. and Dors J. (Sapp) Black, an excellent family of Amity ; Mr. Black is deceased, but Mrs. Black is still living. Two sons and two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dowds, namely : Robert E. is a student at Ohio Wesleyan University. at Delaware, Ohio; Edwin D. is a medical student ; Vivian is a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University ; Marjorie E. is at home with her parents. After his marriage Mr. Dowds engaged in the general mercantile business at Democracy. Pike township. this county, which he continued there 458 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. until 1891, when he was elected treasurer of Knox county and moved to Mt. Vernon, holding this office during two terms, being regarded as an efficient and faithful public servant. He then went to Chesterville, Morrow county, this state, where he resumed merchandising, maintaining a store there four years, when his store was burned, after which he returned to Mt. Vernon, in 1900, and here engaged in the wholesale grocery business under the firm name of J. Hildreth & Company, continuing with his usual success until 1905, when Air. Hildreth died and the Kelser-Dowds Company was formed, wholesale grocers, as a corporation and they have continued in business to the present time, enjoying a large patronage throughout this section of the state, carrying a large and carefully selected line of staple and fancy groceries, shipping large consignments of goods to surrounding towns and taking a high rank in the local business world. Politically, Mr. Dowds is an uncompromising Republican and he has always been prominent in public affairs and a local party leader. In 1905 he was elected to the state Legislature as representative from Knox county and he served one term in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and won the hearty approval of his constituents. He made his influence felt for the good of his community and the state in general and won the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He assisted in the election of Mark Hanna to the United States Senate. In 1908 he was appointed postmaster at Mt. Vernon and has discharged the duties of the same to the present time in a highly satisfactory manner to the people and the department. He has been a frequent delegate to party conventions and has been a member of county and district committees and prominent in the councils of his party. Fraternally, Mr. Dowds belongs to the Masonic order, and is a member of the commander), and the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and he is active in fraternal affairs. He and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a faithful supporter of the same. The family takes a leading part in the social life of the community. JOHN TAYLOR SMITH. It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life, whose record has been such as to command the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such in brief is the record of John Taylor Smith, farmer of College township, Knox county, an honest, KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 459 whole-souled gentleman who has tried to lead a life of sobriety and uprightness, one that would give offense to no one, laboring not only for his own advancement and that of his immediate family, but also for the improvement of the entire community whose interests he has long had at heart. Although he hails from the old Oriole state, the major part of his active career has been spent in the vicinity of which this history treats. Mr. Smith was born in Washington county, Maryland, on November 26, 1846. He is the son of Joseph B. and Mary ( Brewer) Smith, who grew up and were married in the Eastern states and came to Knox county, Ohio, in 1861, with their family, and settled on a farm in Pleasant township and here became very well established Politically, the father was a Republican, but was not active in public affairs. though always interested. His death occurred in February, 1869, when he was fifty-two years old, his widow surviving many years. her death haying occurred in 1901 at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. Their family consisted of nine children, five of whom are now living, namely : John T.. of this sketch ; Mary, who married Alva Steinmetz, he being now deceased ; Elizabeth has remained single ; Daniel B. lives in Mt. Vernon ; Matilda married Edward Kring, of Mt. Vernon. John T. Smith, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm where, as soon as old enough, he was put to work in the fields. During the winter months he attended the district schools. He was married on January 28, 1880, to Mary J. Boyd. daughter of Hugh and Jane (McLean) Boyd, of Clay township. Knox county. Three children have been born to the subject and wife, namely : J. Boyd ; Grace L. is deceased ; Joseph Charles is also deceased. The living child is married and is making his home with his father, assisting with the general work on the farm. After his marriage John T. Smith began farming in Pleasant township, this county, where he remained ten years. then moved to College township in 1890, locating on the farm where he still resides, and which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation. In connection with general farming he makes a specialty of raising sheep, keeping large herds, which, owing to their excellent quality, bring good prices. He has been successful in the wool business and for twenty-five years he engaged in saw-milling in Pleasant township. He has been very successful in a business way and now has a good farm, a pleasant home and a fair. competency. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican and he has been active in public affairs. He has been township trustee and school director for several years. He was elected county commissioner in 1901 and he served two terms or seven years. He has always discharged his duties very acceptably and effi- 460 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. ciently in all public positions. He has been a frequent delegate to district and county conventions, and is an influential and well known citizen in this part of the county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mt. Vernon Lodge, also the Pleasant Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, being a charter member of No. 677, of the latter. He has been an active member and officer in the Grange. He and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder and an active worker in the church and Sunday school. STEPHEN B. DODD. The gentleman whose life history is herewith outlined is a man who has lived to good purpose and achieved a much greater degree of success than many of his contemporaries, who started out together "in life's morning march when the bosom is young." By a straightforward and commendable course Mr. Dodd has made his way to a respectable position in the business world, winning the hearty admiration of the people of Martinsburg and the southern part of Knox county, as an enterprising, progressive man of affairs which the public has not been slow to recognize and appreciate. Stephen B. Dodd was born on July 8, 1847, on a farm in Clay township, one mile east of Martinsburg. He is the son of Stephen Baldwin Dodd and Sarah Ann (Sinkey) Dodd, both natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, from which they each came with their parents to Knox county, Ohio, when children and here they grew to maturity, received their educational training in the common schools and were married. Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, grandfather of the subject, came here with his family in an early day and the Sinkey family were also early settlers. The paternal grandfather was a man of much influence in the Presbyterian church and he (lid much good in his ministerial work wherever he went in the early days. His son, Stephen B. Dodd, father of the subject, was a physician and practiced his profession at Martinsburg for many years. He became one of the best known doctors in the county in his day. He studied medicine after he was married, later attending the Cincinnati Medical College. He was a physician of the old school and, although some of his methods were somewhat heroic, he was very successful. He had four sons : Abraham, who was born March 1, 1843, was a medical student when he died February 16, 1864; Stephen B., of this review; Alfred M., born March 29, 1851, is a traveling salesman and resides in Columbus, Ohio; James F., born July 21, 1858, lives in Delaware, Ohio, and is also a traveling salesman. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 461 The Dodd family is of English origin. Daniel Dodd, the first member of the family in America, was born in England and he came to the United States in early years as the sole representative of his family and his death occurred at Bradford, Connecticut, in 1665. He had four sons, Daniel, Ebenezer. Stephen and Samuel. The subject of this sketch is a descendant of Stephen Dodd, who was a Presbyterian minister, and the professions have been represented by each succeeding generation. The Christian name, Stephen, has been adopted by succeeding members of the family to the subject. There is no representative at present in Knox county of the family of Abraham Sinkey. This family was related to President James Buchanan, also Robert Fulton, the great inventor. The death of Grandfather Sinkey occurred on June 20, 1841, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife survived until February II, 1872, reaching the advanced age of ninety-eight years. The grandparents on both sides of the house of the subject were buried in the Martinsburg cemetery. Grandfather Sinkey served in the army during the Indian wars. Dr. Stephen B. Dodd was born on June 10, 1820, and he died on June 30. 1863. his widow surviving until May 13. 1891, when seventy-two years old, having been born on March 20, 1818. They spent practically their entire lives in Clay township, Knox county, having come here in 1823, and they saw the county develop from a wilderness to one of the foremost sections of the Buckeye state, and took no small part in the same, being industrious and highly honored people. Stephen B. Dodd, of this sketch, worked some on the farm in his boyhood and he received his education in the public schools of Martinsburg. He was married on April 22, 1875. to Mariah E. McClelland, (laughter of Henry and Vasti (Woodruff) McClelland. Her father came from Pennsylvania when a small boy, his father having emigrated here with the early pioneers and settled in Licking county. Ohio, where Mrs. Dodd's father grew to man. hood, and this family has been prominent in this section ever since. Mr. McClelland died in July. 1908. and his wife on March 20. 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Dodd are the parents of three sons and three daughters, namely : Abraham Nelson, born September 16, 1876, lives in Newark. Ohio: Alfred M.. born March 5, 1878. lives in Utica: Lena L., born August 28. 1879, married Mark Edmond, of Licking county: Blanche B., January 14, 1881, married Clyde .Berger, of Martinsburg: Ida M., May 19, 1883, died August 5, 1889: William H.. born March 9, 1887. lives at Utica: Ethel F.. born May 28, 1889, married Ray Layman, of Licking county. After his marriage Mr. Dodd settled in Martinsburg and engaged in 462 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. the mercantile business for several years; since then he has followed various pursuits, always with success. He is a man of industry and applies himself closely to whatever he has in hand. He has long maintained a saw mill and feed mill in Martinsburg, and has also been engaged in water-well drilling for a number of years. In connection with these interests, he looks after his farm, a half mile south of Martinsburg. He has been a busy man of affairs and has established a commodious and pleasant home. Politically, Mr. Dodd is a Republican and is a loyal supporter of his party's principles, in fact, has long been regarded as a local leader, his counsel being frequently sought by candidates. He supports such measures as make for the general upbuilding of the community. At one time he very ably represented Clay township as a member of the Republican county central committee and he has been a frequent delegate to conventions of his party. He has been a member of the Martinsburg school board and has held various other local offices. He is a member of the township elect m board. Fraternally, Mr. Dodd belongs to the Masonic order, having been a Mason for more than thirty years. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a class leader in the same and has long been active in church and Sunday school work. Mrs. Dodd is a worthy member of the various church societies. The Dodds have long been prominent in the circles in which they have been pleased to move, their influence having always been strong in the general upbuilding of the community of their residence. GEORGE E. HOOK. Devoting his energies to agriculture, George E. Hook, of the vicinity of Martinsburg, enjoys distinctive prestige as one of the most enterprising and progressive of our younger generation of farmers. He is one of the large land owners of Clay township, of which he is a native and where he has been content to spend his life, having wisely decided that no better opportunities were to be found by a man of his bent than right here in this nature-favored section of the great Buckeye state. In point of general improvements his fertile fields and substantial buildings are not surpassed in his neighborhood. With not an abundance of capital, but with a liberal endowment of self-reliance, a clear brain, a strong will and a determined purpose, Mr. Hook has overcome many obstacles and discouraging circumstances and has gradually KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 463 forged to the front in the chosen arena of his endeavor while yet "in life's morning march when the bosom is young." As a citizen he has sought to be a supporter of such movements as are calculated to make for the general improvement of the community in which he resides, and he has kept untarnished the honored name of his forebears, the family having been well known and highly esteemed here for over a half century. Mr. Hook was born in Pleasant township, Knox county, June 7, 1874, on a farm. He is the son of Thomas and Ella (Bell) Hook, the father born in Kirkersville, Licking county, Ohio, September 4, 1847, and the mother was born near Utica. that county. They both came to Knox county as young people and were married here, first settling on a farm near Hunt's Station. and they became well established through industry and close application. The father is still living, his wife having died on May 8, 1888. Two sons were born to these parents. George E.. of this review, and Charles, who lives in Licking county. The Hook family has been a prominent one in Clay township, and there the grandparents, Ezra and Jane (Hunt) Hook, are still living, with their son, Thomas, father of the subject. George E. Hook was reared on the home farm, where he assisted with the general work and he was educated in the country district schools and the Martinsburg high school. He was married on September 29, 1894, to Zona McCamment, daughter of George and Adeline (Wolf) McCamment, of Clay township. Both- parents are now deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hook, namely : Ella, Jay and Alice. Mr. Hook has been very successful in a business way and, by frugality, indomitable energy and straightforward dealings with his fellow men, he has become one of the substantial young farmers of the township, being the owner of a fertile, well improved and well-kept farm of four hundred acres, lying two and one-half miles southeast of Martinsburg. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale and he feeds large numbers of live stock for the market, no small part of his annual income being derived from this source. Politically, Mr. Hook is a Republican and he has taken a good citizen's interest in the affairs of his township and county. He has served as township trustee for a period of ten years consecutively, which is certainly a criterion of his high standing among his neighbors. He is also a member of the township board of education and has always 'been known as a man of progressive ideas. He is an advocate of public improvements of all kinds—good roads, better schools and public buildings. in fact, everything that tends to uplift the people. 464 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. CHRIS E. DUDGEON. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes not as the caprice of chance, but as the legitimate result of well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action once decided upon by the individual. Only those who diligently seek the goddess Fortuna, find her; she was never known to smile upon the idler. The subject of this sketch clearly understood this fact early in life when he was casting about for a legitimate and promising line to follow, and in tracing his life history it is plainly seen that the prosperity he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities, and it is also his personal worth which has gained for him the good standing among his fellow citizens in Clay township, where he owns a valuable farm. Mr. Dudgeon is the scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of Knox county, and he was born here on September 7. 1875, on the farm where he still lives. He is the son of Timothy and Lovey (Campbell) Dudgeon, the father born in Auglaize county, Ohio, and the mother in Knox county, and here they have devoted their lives to farming, the father becoming one of the large landowners and substantial citizens of Clay township, and he carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, his home farm of three hundred and seventy acres comprising some of the best land in the county. He led a quiet life, and although he was a strong Democrat he never held office. His death occurred in February, 191o. His widow survives. Two children were born to them," Scott, of this review, and Christopher, who is married and living on a part of the homestead. This land was first entered from the government by the father of Margaret Elliott, wife of Charles Dudgeon, grandfather of the subject, the elder Dudgeon having moved his family to Clay township in pioneer days. Mr. Dudgeon was reared on the home farm and assisted with the general work there during his boyhood and he attended the country district schools. He was married on February 16, 1898, to Margaret Ely, daughter of Homer and Dorcas (Veatch) Ely, of Harrison township. These parents are both deceased. They were highly esteemed people in their community. The father devoted his life to farming and established a good home. Two daughters have been born to the subject and wife, Ruth and Grace. Since his marriage Mr. Dudgeon has lived on one hundred and forty acres, a part of the old home farm, which he has kept well improved and well cultivated and has so skillfully rotated his crops and employed the best of the modern methods of farming that the land has not been depleted in KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 465 strength, retaining its original fertility. In connection with general farming he raises various kinds of live stock, of excellent grades. He has been a Democrat since reaching maturity, but has never been a public man. He is a member of the township board of elections, having held this position for eight years. In his faternal relations he belongs to the Bladensburg Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. CORWIN D. MOREY. Among the honored veterans of the greatest war in all history and one of the respected citizens of Milford township, Knox county, who, for many reasons, are entitled to specific mention in this history is Corwin D. Morey. All honor is due the brave boys in blue who, when slavery and treason was rife in the land and the very foundations of the Union threatened, laid aside personal consideration, forsook home and fireside, the field or the mart, and went to the bloody arena in the Southland, gallantly offering their services and their lives, if need he, in order that "the government for the people and by the people might not perish from the earth," in the language of the great martyred leader of that period. Mr. Morey was born in Milford township, this county, November 26, 1846. He is the son of, Joseph and Rhoda (Dailey) Morey. The father was born in Vermont in 1800 and the mother was born in Virginia in 1810. The father came to Ohio when but a boy and the mother was also a child when she arrived in this county. Here they grew to maturity and were married and began life on a farm which they became owners of and had a good home. Two children were born to them, Rosa T., and Corwin D., of this sketch. The father was a Republican and was active in the affairs of his township, though he never sought office. He belonged to the Congregational church, while she belonged to the Disciples church. They had both been married before. and he had three children by his first wife and she three by her first husband. The death of Joseph Morey occurred in 1880 and the mother of the subject died about 190o. Corwin D. Morey was educated in the public schools of Milford township and he was reared on the home farm. He took up farming early in life. and after the war he rented his father's place, in Milford township, later purchasing it, seventy acres, and put good buildings on the same and here made a success as a general farmer and has made this his home to the present time. He has kept the old place well improved and well cultivated so that it has retained its original fertility. 466 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. When the Civil war began Mr. Morey wanted to enlist, but was not old enough to bear arms, so he waited patiently and finally, on May 4, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with much credit one hundred days or until September 4th of the same year, in the Army of the Potomac. in front of Petersburg. He re-enlisted on January 27. 1865, in the Sixth Independent Company of Ohio Sharpshooters, serving with the Army of the Cumberland till the close of the war. Mr. Morey was married in 1872 to Sarah L. Bishop, a native of Knox county, and the daughter of Arnold Bishop, one of the three brothers who first settled here, and Mrs. Morey here grew to womanhood and received her education. To the subject and wife five children have been born, namely : Roy C.. who married Kitten Brazil, was a soldier in Company L, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the Spanish-American war, seeing service with the army in Porto Rico; Ethel L. is the wife of Clarence Coe; Pearl C. was next in order of birth; Raymond B. is in the marine service of the United States and is at present located at Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Madge E. is the wife of Melvin Fry. Politically, Mr. Morey is a Republican and is a member of the school board. He is a member of the Disciples church. He is a member of the Grange, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs. ELMER ELLSWORTH HOLLISTER. The agricultural interests of Knox county have no better representatives than her native-born citizens, many of whom are classed among its most practical, enterprising and successful farmers. One of this number is Elmer Ellsworth Hollister, of Milford township, who, dependent largely upon his own resources from boyhood, has so applied his energies and ability as to attain a success worthy the name, while his high standing in the community indicates the objective appreciation of his sterling character. Mr. Hollister was born in Liberty township, this county, December 2. 1861. He is the son of Orange and Loduskey (Osborne) Hollister. The paternal grandparents. Harmon and Mahala (Bird) Hollister, were early settlers in Liberty township, where they had a good farm, and there they died. The maternal grandparents, John and Nancy Osborne, came from KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 467 Pennsylvania to Morrow county, Ohio, in an early day and there spent the balance of their lives. The father of the subject was born in Liberty township, this county, in 1834, and the mother was born in Mt. Liberty in 1843. They were married in the latter place and they spent their lives on the small farm which they owned. Their family consisted of three children, two of whom are living, Elmer E., of this review, and Emma A., Alonzo, the third in order of birth, being deceased. Politically, the father was a stanch Republican, but he never held office or aspired to public honors. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Mt. Liberty. His death occurred in 1875, but his widow still survives. Elmer E. Hollister was reared on the farm and he received his education in the common schools, the Red Hill school house, Morrow county. He started in life for himself by working out by the month, then he rented land for eight years, thereby getting a good start. His wife then inherited a farm in Milford township and there they now own seventy-four acres of excellent land on which they make a comfortable living and have a good home there. In connection with general farming, stock raising is carried on. Mr. Hollister is a Republican, and both belong to the Baptist church at Lock, and they also belong to the Grange, and the Red Men. Mr. Hollister was married on June 3, 1883, to Hattie Larimore, who was born on October I, 1859, on the farm where the subject now lives and here she grew to womanhood and received her education in the neighboring schools. She is the daughter of Isaac and Mary Larimore, old settlers here, the father born in Virginia and the mother in Licking county, Ohio. Isaac Larimore was born in 1821 and he came to Knox county about 1843 and here was married. He was a successful farmer, a large landowner and a well known and well liked citizen. His family consisted of eleven children, five of whom are living, Joseph M.. Hattie, James, William and Rose C., wife of F. M. Sutton, of Knox county. Politically, Mr. Larimore was a Democrat, but was never an office seeker. He was a member of the Methodist church. His death occurred in 1905: his wife was born in 1829 and she died in 1909. The parental grandparents of Mrs. Hollister, James and Naomi Larimore, were natives of Virginia, in which state they lived and died. They never lived in Knox county, but they made a visit here. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Hollister, Joseph and Mary Montonja, were natives of Virginia. Each came to Licking county single, but were widower and widow at the time of their marriage. 468 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. LEVI S. BURGER. One of our most worthy and highly respected pioneers is Levi S. Burger, of Pike township, one of the best known men of the northern part of Knox county. He has lived most of his long and useful life in this locality which he has seen developed from a sparsely settled wilderness and in which transformation he has taken no small part, having been a hard worker and a public-spirited man, who believed in encouraging industry and right living in others and fostering material and public improvements while advancing his own interests. He talks interestingly of the olden days when the country was new, conditions different, customs not the same as they are today.—in fact, when everything was changed. Now that the mellow Indian summer of his years has settled serenely around him he is living a quiet life, leaving the active management of his farmstead to others of his family, enjoying a well earned rest, and he can look back over his life path, flecked with sunshine and shadow, with no compunction for misdeeds and no regrets for ungentlemanly acts, and he therefore merits the high esteem in which he is held by all. Mr. Burger was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, March 9. 1833, and is the son of Jacob and Susanna (Rush) Burger. His paternal grandfather, Abraham Burger, most probably came to this country from Germany in an early day, locating in Pennsylvania and there lived and died. The maternal grandfather, George Rush, was a native of Germany, who came to America in early life, spending the remainder of his years in Pennsylvania. The father of the subject was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Center county, that state, and there they grew up and were married, living there until 1835, when they moved to Knox county. Ohio. and here he bought land which his brother had entered from the government and which is still owned by the Burger family. Here he established a good home and spent the rest of his life. Politically, he was a Democrat and was at one time supervisor, but he led a quiet life. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Burger, six of whom are still living. Levi S. Burger was educated in the public schools of Knox county and reared on the home farm, having been about two years old when he was brought here by his parents. The country being new, he had to work hard when a boy and he quite naturally took to farming for a livelihood ; later he bought out the other heirs after the father's death and he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Pike township, which he has kept well improved and under a high state of cultivation and on which he has made a KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 469 good living at general farming and stock raising. When he first came to this place only half an acre was cleared. The rude house and barn that was there gave way in due course of time to six more substantial buildings. Politically, Mr. Burger is a Democrat. He has been school director, also supervisor for ten years, and he has served on the grand jury frequently. He has been living retired for some time and his sons have operated the place. He purchased a very cozy dwelling in North Liberty some time ago. He and his wife are members of the Brethren church. Mr. Burger was married in 1859 to Catherine Wolford, a native of Wayne county, and the daughter of George Wolford, one of the old settlers there. Children have been born to Levi S. Burger and wife, named as follows : George, Joseph and John are deceased; Ella, Blanche, Della, Allison P., Jacob, James, Edward and William A. CLARENCE D. SWETLAND. Energy, sound judgment and persistency of effort, properly applied, will always win the goal sought in the sphere of human endeavor, no matter what the environment may be or what obstacles are met with, for they who are endowed with such characteristics make of their adversities stepping-stones to higher things. These reflections are. suggested by the career of Clarence D. Swetland, one of the enterprising and progressive farmers and stock raisers of Wayne township, Knox county, who has not permitted obstacles to thwart him in his life purpose, but has forged ahead in spite of them and is today one of the representative citizens of his community. Mr. Swetland was born on August I. 1863, in Sparta, Morrow county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Cornelia (Hulse) Swetland, both natives of Morrow county, where they grew up, were educated, married and, in fact, have spent their lives, the father yet living on the farm where he was born; the mother also survives. They are well known and prosperous citizens of that locality. The son, Clarence D., of this review, spent his boyhood and youth on the home farm and there he began working as soon as old enough. He received his education in the country district schools of Morrow county, and on November 19, 1884, he was married to Clara B. Rood, daughter of William H. and Mariah (Bell) Rood, of Wayne townhip, Knox county. Her father was born in Fayette county, Ohio, and the mother was a native of Ireland. 470 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Swetland, namely : Edith, Roscoe and Florence. Edith married Ray B. Dickson December 21, 1911, and Roscoe married Hazel Trobridge November 8, 1911. For a period of five years after their marriage the subject and wife lived on the home farm in Morrow county, and in 1890 they moved to their present farm of two hundred acres of fine fertile land three miles southwest of Fredericktown, Knox county. Mr. Swetland has been a hard worker and has managed well, his place being under a high state of improvement and cultivation. He believes in employing modern methods of agriculture, carefully studying all phases of modern fanning, in connection with which he raises all kinds of live stock, specializing in sheep raising. He has a large, comfortable home and substantial outbuildings and everything about his place denotes that a gentleman of thrift and good taste has its management in hand. Politically, Mr. Swetland is a Democrat, and while he takes the interest of a loyal and public-spirited citizen in public affairs, he has never been an aspirant for political honors or the emoluments of offices within the gift of the people, though he has served as a member of the township board of education. He is a member of Fredericktown Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is one of the promoters and directors of the First National Bank of Fredericktown. His support may always be depended upon in movements having as their object the betterment of conditions, especially educational, of his community and he is in every way worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him. MAX MEYERS. No people that go to make up our cosmopolitan civilization have better habits of life than those who came originally from the German empire. They and their descendants are distinguished for their thrift and honesty, and these two qualities in the inhabitants of any country will in the end alone make that country great. When with these two qualities is coupled the other quality of sound sense, which all the Germanic race seems to possess to a large degree, there are afforded such qualities as will enrich any land and place it at the top of the countries of the world in the scale of elevated humanity. Of this excellent people came Max Meyers, prosperous business man and influential citizen of Mt. Vernon, Knox county. He comes of a race that produced the famous "Iron Chancellor," the greatest statesman. all KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 471 things considered, that ever walked this terrestrial footstool. He comes of a race that is noted for its original investigations in the problems of civilized life—such men as Goethe and Heckel, Schiller and Beethoven. The Germanic blood is found in many of the greatest men and women of this and former decades, and the subject of this sketch may well be proud of his descent from such a race. Mr. Meyers was born on November 17, 1843, in Prussia, near Berlin, Germany. He is the son of Herman and Rose Meyers and was one of a family of nine sons and one (laughter. The father was a tailor and for many years followed his trade in the city of Berlin. The son, Max, was educated in the schools of Berlin, and when only fourteen years of age he began clerking in a store, where he remained three years. He then became a traveling salesman for a tobacco firm and this he followed with success until he was twenty-one years of age, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York on July 3, 1865, with nothing but the clothing he wore, his strong body and an ambition to work and succeed. He could speak no English, and he was forced to take any employment he could get. His first job in the new world was in a hat and cap factory, where he remained until the season closed in January, 1866, haying advanced to the position of shipping clerk, and during that time became acquainted with our language. He then went to Hornellsville, New York, where he took a position as clerk in a clothing store, later driving a wagon with a man who sold tinware over the country and buying junk at the same time, also hides, furs, etc. Here he remained until 1871, when his employer came to Columbus, Ohio, bringing Mr. Meyers with him and he continued in that gentleman's employ until 1872. He also worked in Cincinnati for a time, but cast his lot with the people of Mt. Vernon in 1872 and here he has since remained, having begun business for himself. He first started with a peddling cart, selling tinware and glassware or trading it for junk. His business prospered until he had several wagons on the road selling tinware and gathering junk, hides and furs. His teams and wagons traveled over this section of the state for about twenty years, his business prospering all the while. In 1874 he added a stove and tinware store to his business and later a plumbing department, and by fair dealing and close attention to business all of his enterprises prospered. After discontinuing his road wagons, about 1894, he gave all his attention to his store and plumbing- business, which has long since grown to large proportions, and which he still continues. However, in 1908, he turned over the plumbing department to his sons, George R. and Joseph H., who are both practical workmen and who carry on that department of the busi- ( 31 ) 472 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. ness in a most successful and able manner, the elder Meyers giving his entire attention to his tin and stove business. The former line is conducted by the sons under the firm name of the Knox Plumbing & Heating Company. The subject also has other business interests. He owns and occupies a large, substantial and modern business building at the corner of Gambier and Sandusky streets, his attractive, up-to-date residence occupying the opposite corner of the street. He has peen very successful in all his undertakings and, having been a man of integrity and straightforward principles, he has won the confidence and respect of all who know him and is in every way deserving of the large success which is today his. Mr. Meyers was married on October 25, 1868, to Sarah Shaw, of Hornellsville, New York, and to this union six children have been born, three of whom are living at this writing; they were named as follows : George R. and Joseph H., who are associated with their father in business; Cora married Carl Ackerman, of Columbus ; Charles and Elizabeth are deceased, and one child died in infancy. Mr. Meyers is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order. Politically, he is a Democrat and has long been an influential factor in local politics and a leader in public affairs. For a period of ten years he served as a member of the city council of Mt. Vernon, representing the second ward in an able and praiseworthy manner, and in 1909 he was a member of the city board of real estate appraisers. He is the only member of the family who came to America and he is glad he came. He is a fine example of what thrift, energy and honesty can accomplish when rightly directed, notwithstanding early handicaps. ROBERT S. GAINES. The name of Robert S. Gaines, of Howard township, is too well known to the people of Knox county to need much comment, for the readers of this work nearly all know him as an excellent representative of the better class of farmers and stock men of the United States. However, he is at present living in practical retirement, after a long life of industry. He comes from an ancestry that figured more or less prominently in the affairs of the country in pioneer days and it would seem that he has inherited many of their sterling traits which have guided him in useful and successful channels. Mr. Gaines has dignified his every station in life with a charm that has constantly added KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 473 to his personal worth and has discharged the duties of citizenship with the earnestness and loyalty characteristic of the true American. His popularity extends wherever he is known, his probity is recognized by his fellow men, and his sterling character both as a private citizen and public servant has won him the lasting regard of the people of his township and county. Mr. Gaines was born on October 4, 1843, on a farm in Brown township, this county, four miles north of Howard. He is the son of Thomas B. and Susanna (Burkholder) Gaines, both natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, where they grew up, were educated and married. They emigrated to Knox county, Ohio, in April, 1834, and settled in Brown township when the country was new and little developed and here they worked hard to get a start, but in due course of time had a good home, in fact, the elder Gaines became a large land owner and prosperous farmer. He was an extensive sheep raiser, being among- the first large sheep raisers of this county, assisting to further an industry for which the Buckeye state has been noted for three-quarters of a century. His stock and wool clips were always high grade and found ready markets. Although a Virginian by birth and his father a slave owner, Thomas B. Gaines was not an adherent of the customs prevailing in the Old Dominion, but was a Republican in politics and he was active in the affairs of his township and county, holding various local offices. His death occurred here on July 26, 1876, his wife having preceded him to the grave only a few days. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Jacob, of Mt. Vernon; John C.; of Danville : Sarah, who married H. H. Workman; Joannah is deceased ; Mary E. married Worthington Hyatt ; Robert S., of this sketch; Louisa married H. C. White, of Brown township; Uriah lives in Mt. Vernon. Robert S. Gaines grew up on the home farm, where he early in life became acquainted with hard work. In the winter time he attended the public schools of his district. On October 20, 1869, he was united in marriage with Isabelle Baker, (laughter of Joseph and Margaret (Love) Baker, of Union township, and to this union seven children were born, named as follows : Thomas, of Danville; Joseph, of Brown township: Chaney, of Danville: Elizabeth married Elmer Parker, of Howard township; Harry, of Danville: Sherman, of Harrison township. Mr. Gaines began his married life on the farm adjoining the home place in Howard township, and engaged in general farming, stock raising and feeding, and for many years he was engaged in buying and shipping all kinds of live stock in the east end of Knox county, becoming widely known as an 474 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. excellent judge of stock and a fair and square dealer. He had a fine farm and kept it well improved and under a high state of cultivation, at one time being an extensive land owner, but in recent years he has reduced his holdings and business cares, retaining only eighty-eight acres, and is practically retired from all activities, as before intimated. He has a splendid place and is enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil. The death of his wife occurred in October, 19o4, since which time he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Parker. He was also extensively engaged in wool buying for many years, being an expert judge of this commodity. Politically, Mr. Gaines is a Republican and has always been very active and influential in party affairs and public matters. Though he has never been an office seeker, he has filled a number of township offices, such as a member of the township school board, which position he occupied for a number of years. He has always been alert to the best interests of the county. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, faithful in the work and support of the same, his wife having also held membership in this denomination. GEORGE J. EWERS. Among the substantial men whose labor and influence have given impetus to the agricultural interests of Middlebury township and to the public improvement of Knox county, is George W. Ewers, who, while laboring for his individual advancement, has never lost sight of his duties to his neighbors and the general public, and he is therefore held in the highest esteem by all classes. Mr. Ewers was born in Brown township, this county, on April I. 1848. He is the son of George, Sr., and Elizabeth ( Johnson) Ewers, the father born in Middlebury township, Knox county, Ohio, May 27, 1812, and the mother in Vermont in 1813. The paternal grandfather was David Ewers, a native of Virginia, from which state he emigrated to Knox county, Ohio, in 181o, when this country was a wilderness and the home of the red men, who were none too friendly. He married Menassa Baldwin, member of a Quaker family. The maternal grandparents were James and Abigail Johnson, who came from Vermont and settled in Middlebury township, Knox county, Ohio, in an early day, and here entered land from the government . which they cleared and improved. Of this the father of the subject owned ninety-six acres. George Ewers, Sr., was first a Whig and later a Republi-