750 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. was under way in charge of Father Lamy. It was a small brick structure and when roofed and plastered, fire broke out and destroyed everything but the walls, and they were damaged. In time work was resumed and on Sunday, October 14, 1849, St. Vincent de Paul's church was dedicated. The pastor of the Danville church continued in charge of the Mt. Vernon church until September, 1851, when Rev. Julius Brent was given charge of the Knox county missions and here he remained until his death, nearly thirty years later. He was pastor of both Danville and Mt. Vernon until 1874, when he gave up the Danville church and devoted his remaining years to St. Vincent de Paul's, Mt. Vernon. In 1855 the present brick parochial residence was built. In 1862 an addition was made to the church and in 1872 a neat two-story frame parochial school was built and school opened in September. 1873. From the death of Father Brent in 188o until September, 1885, Father Lane was pastor and was then succeeded 1w Father Mulhane, of this sketch, who has faithfully and ably continued the work to the present time in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, his services here covering a period of over twenty-six years, he having taken charge of the parish on October T. 1885. His work here has greatly increased the influence of the church and he has won the confidence and esteem of all who know him, irrespective of creed. In addition to the material improvements he has made to the church property already mentioned, he erected in 1890 the new school building at a cost of ten thousand dollars, complete with all modern improvements and having an enrollment of more than two hundred pupils. Only recently a large addition was built and a high school established. There are over one thousand parishioners, nearly two hundred families and upwards of seven hundred communicants. The various societies of the church are in good working order and Father Mulhane has the love and co-operation of his parishioners in an unusual degree. He is profoundly educated, having remained a student all his life and as a speaker he is logical, earnest, forceful and not infrequently truly eloquent, his powers of oratory being of a very high order. He is also a writer of a high order of ability, versatile, convincing and pleasing, always fearless in advocating what he believes to be right. He has been a large contributor to church and other periodicals. For many years he has made a study of leprosy and the work of the church in behalf of those afflicted with this dread scourge. In 1886 he published a book on the subject, which attracted widespread attention. He has labored earnestly to- induce Congress to establish a national home for lepers and in January, 190o, he visited Cuba and spent a month there. making a special study of leprosy. The result of his KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 751 investigations was given to the world in an article in Donohue's Magazine, which was widely read and commended. He has also written works on the life of General Rosecrans, the great Union leader in the Civil war, also on Hon. Frank Hurd, a native of Mt. Vernon and a distinguished Ohio statesman. During the winter of 1910 and 1911 Father Mulhane made a trip to the Pacific coast in the hope of benefiting his failing health and he furnished several letters covering the points of interest visited, for the local press. During the twenty-six years as pastor of the parish at Mt. Vernon his labors have been crowned with great success in every way, and because of this fact and partly because of his genial, obliging, unselfish and unassuming disposition he is revered by a vast circle of friends and acquaintances. LEVI S. BRADFIELD. Among the men of influence in Knox county, who have the interest of their locality at heart and who have led consistent lives, thereby gaining definite success along their chosen lines, is Levi S. Bradfield, now engaged in the grain and feed business at Mt. Vernon. He has spent his life in this locality in which his family have been well known since the pioneer period. Mr. Bradfield was born on November 13, 184.9, in Brown township, this county, the son of James W. and Sarah A. (Sapp) Bradfield, both the Bradfields and the Saps being early settlers in this county. the paternal side of the family coming from Virginia when James W. Bradfield was a mere child, and the Sapps came from Pennsylvania. Members of each family have been prominent in the affairs of Knox county ever since they came. The father of the subject was a millwright in his early life, but later devoted his attention to farming. He and his wife are both deceased. Both are buried in the Robinson cemetery in Union township. Eleven children were born to them, of whom these five are living: Levi S., of this review Thomas J., of Danville, this county : Mrs Lydia Body, also of Danville; William V.., of Mt. Liberty, this county; and Mrs. Dolly Moore, of Boston. Massachusetts. The son, Levi S.. spent his boyhood and youth on the home farm, where he assisted with the general work during crop seasons and attended the neighboring schools in the winter time. When a lad he learned telegraphy and afterwards worked as an operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. on the Pittsburg & Ft. Wayne divisions, for several years, giving the company the utmost satisfaction and being regarded by them as one of the effi- 752 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO cient and trusted employes. Following this he was in the mercantile business at Danville, Knox county. for several years, during which he enjoyed a very satisfactory trade ; later he was in the same business at Mt. Liberty, this county. After spending several ears at the latter place he exchanged his stock of goods for a farm in that locality and while conducting the same he continued to live in Mt. Liberty. While operating his farm he also engaged rather extensively in stock buying and shipping. and he continued very successfully in these two lines of endeavor for about fifteen years. In February. 1908, he moved to Mt. Vernon and has since been engaged in the grain and feed business, having built up a very large trade which is constantly growing. He has been very successful in whatever he has turned his attention to and is now very well fixed in material things. Mr. Bradfield was married on June 22, 1879. to Mary E. Bennedict, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Bennedict, of Milford township. this county. Of the thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bennedict, only three are now living, Mrs. Margaret Beeny, of Milford township; Abraham S.. of Mt. Vernon. and Mrs. Bradfield. The subject and wife have no children. Politically, Mr. Bradfield is a Republican, but he has never been an office seeker, though he is always interested in whatever concerns the general public. He is a member of Canterbury Lodge. Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife belong to the Disciples church. They stand high in the congregation of the same and have many true friends throughout the county. CHARLES D. HAYDEN. It is not an easy task to describe adequately a man who has led an eminently active and busy life and who has attained a position of relative distinction in the community with which his interests are allied. But biography finds its most perfect justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life history. It is, then, with a full appreciation of all that is demanded and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded each statement, and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of touching briefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of Charles D. Hayden, prominent attorney and business man, of Centerburg, who, while yet young in years, stamped the impress of his strong personality upon the people of Knox county and is universally recognized as one of the leaders of the younger members of the local bar, and, judging by his past record, the future must needs hold many worthy largesses for him. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 733 Mr. Hayden was born on October 28, 1879, on a farm near Centerburg, Ohio. and here he has been content to spend his life, having never heeded the voice of the wanderlust that lures most young men from their native heaths. He is the son of John K. and Emma E. (Halsey) Hayden, both born in this county. each representing sterling old pioneer families, who were influential here in the days of the far-stretching wilderness and who took a leading part in the subsequent development of the locality. The father of the subject was born in Hilliar township and the mother in Clinton township. The former spent his entire life in his native township, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming a large land owner, engaging in general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He was one of the substantial and influential men of southeastern Knox county, and later in life he engaged in banking. having been connected with the first bank established at Center-burg, which was known as the Centerburg Bank. Later he assisted in the organization of the First National Bank and he was its first cashier, and at the time of his death he was vice-president and a director ; much of the success and popularity of these well known institutions were due to his efforts, his wise foresight, sound judgment and conservative plans. The death of this excellent and prominent citizen occurred on May 4, 1908; his widow still lives in Centerburg. Politically, the elder Hayden was a Democrat and was long active in public affairs, his counsel being frequently sought by party leaders and candidates, and he held positions of public trust in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He at one time represented Knox county in the Ohio state Legislature, where he made his influence felt for the general good of his community and the party, and he filled numerous local offices, such as land appraiser, a member of the board of education and others. For a number of years he was engaged in the mercantile business in Centerburg, and was interested in a number of other enterprises. He was a man of progressive ideas, broadminded, well informed on current topics and he did as much, if not more, for this vicinity than any other man. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian church and an elder in the local church for many years and was a liberal supporter of the church. He was a man of unquestioned integrity, endeavoring to carry the Golden Rule into his every-day life and his obliging, genial and gentlemanly nature made him popular with a wide circle of friends and admirers. Charles D. Hayden. of this sketch, was educated in the Centerburg public schools, and he was graduated from the high school there in 1897. He subsequently entered Dennison University at Granville, Ohio, from which he 754 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. was graduated in the year 1904 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then entered Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, for a course in law, receiving a degree of Bachelor of Law with the class of 1906. His father's death necessitated his presence in Centerburg, and since that time he has been engaged in looking after his father's estate and general business interests. He practices law and also does a real estate business and he is secretary and treasurer of the Farmers Fertilizer Company, of Columbus. and he is a director in the Capital Limestone Company. also of that city. Thus he is a very busy man, and is, in every sense of the word, a worthy son of a worthy sire. Mr. Hayden is a member of the Masonic order, Bloomfield Lodge No. 422, and also a member of Hawthorne Lodge. Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, and in his political relations is a loyal supporter of the Democratic party however, he has never been active in public matters, nor an office seeker, preferring to devote his attention to his large private affairs. Mr. Hayden was married December 18, 1911, to Nancy Lillian Lewis. daughter of Dr. R. C. M. and Lou (Holmes) Lewis, of Marion, Ohio. Personally he is a young man of pleasing address and is \yell liked by all with whom he comes into contact. SYLVESTER ROBERT BEST. M. D. The medical profession in Knox county has an able exponent in Dr. Sylvester Robert Best, of Centerburg, who while yet young in years, has shown what honesty of purpose, close application and unswerving energy can accomplish, and in every relation of life he has proved to be signally true to every trust. He possesses a social nature and by his genial and kindly attitude to those about him, has won the respect and confidence of everyone. He has been very successful, being known as an able and careful general physician whose integrity and thoroughness are unquestioned. Doctor Best was born on April 5, 1872, in Lock, Milford township, this county. He is the son of Sylvester and Martha (Annett) Best, both natives of Hilliar township. this county, and here they grew to maturity, received their educational training in the common schools and were married. Grandfather Peter Best came to this county with his family in 1839 from New Jersey. He was of Scotch descent. He settled in Hilliar township and there be- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 755 came a large landowner and one of the substantial and influential citizens of those early days. Sylvester Best, father of the Doctor, devoted his life to farming and became well established. He was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted on April I I, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a corporal and he saw much hard service. He was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, Tune 27, 1864, and permanently disabled. He has a fine record as a soldier. After the close of the war he studied photography and followed this for a number of years at various points, later returning to farming on a part of the old homestead in Hilliar township. He remained on the farm until a few years ago, when he gave up active work and is now living with his son in Centerburg. His wife died in August, 1909. Politically, he is a Republican and he has filled several local offices. He has always been a strong advocate of temperance and for some years affiliated with the Prohibition party. Dr. Sylvester R. Best spent his youth on the farm and he attended the country schools and was graduated from the Centerburg high school in 1892. Following his graduation he clerked in a store in Centerburg for about three years. He had taken up the study of medicine while clerking, and later he entered the Ohio Medical University at Columbus and was graduated from that institution in 1898, having made an excellent record there. He at once began practicing medicine at Brandon, Knox county, where he remained one year, then came to Centerburg and has been here ever since, having enjoyed a large and ever-growing practice from the first and taking a high rank among the medical fraternity of this locality. He has kept fully abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession, being ever a student. He has paid considerable attention to surgery and has met with much success. Doctor Best was married on October 22. 1897, to Madge Cook, daughter of Capt. E. B. and Elizabeth (Howe) Cook, of Centerburg, where Mr. Cook was long prominent in business. The father of Mrs. Best served through the Civil war as first lieutenant of a company in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and he served with distinction during almost the entire war. He was a successful business man and was influential in Republican politics, holding a number of public offices. His death occurred in the spring of 190o. his wife having preceded him to the grave several years previously, when their daughter, Madge, was a child. Two daughters have graced the union of Doctor and Mrs. Best. Margaret Cook and Ellenor R. Doctor Best is a member of the Knox County Medical Society and the Ohio Medical Association. He is a Mason. a past master, and is now secre- 756 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. tary of Bloomfield Lodge No. 422, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of Camp No. 62, Sons of Veterans, Division of Ohio. Politically, he is a Republican and has been active in political matters. He has served on the Republican county central committee, and has been a delegate to county, district and state conventions, and has held various offices. He has served as town clerk, and in the fall of 1909 he was elected mayor of Centerburg, and has proven to be one of the best mayors the city has ever had. doing much for its permanent good, being a man of progressive ideas, broadminded and optimistic. During his term he has acquired a water works system and other valuable public improvements. He was the candidate of his party in Two as representative from Knox county to the state Legislature, but Knox being a Democratic county, he was defeated, though he made a splendid campaign and an excellent impression on the voters. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are active in church and Sunday school work. He is a popular and progressive citizen and stands high throughout the county. FRANK V. OWEN. Achieving an honorable record in the legal profession and as a public servant, Frank V. Owen, of Mt. Vernon, is esteemed for the many qualities that go to make up the inherent and finer attributes of head and heart of the refined gentleman. He is regarded by all classes as one of Knox county's enterprising, progressive, public-spirited citizens, quick to act and aid in any project that means prosperity and growth of the locality honored by his residence, and cherishing a deep interest not only in material and civic affairs, but also in educational and moral matters. Mr. Owen is the scion of a sterling old pioneer family of this county, and he was born in Middlebury township, Knox county, Ohio, in 1857. He is the son of Gilbert R. and Elizabeth (Green) Owen, the former being of New England stock, his father, Warren Owen, having come from Vermont to Ohio among the early pioneers, settling in what is now Middlebury township, Knox county, when that locality was almost uninhabited and was an almost interminable forest, the abode of Indians and abundant wild game of all kinds. Here he built a cabin and began clearing and improving a farm, which in due course of time ranked among the best in the township, Mr. Owen becoming one of the leading farmers of his time and a prominent citizen in the affairs of the county. His death occurred in Delaware county. this state, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. On the old family home- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 757 stead in Middlebury township, this county, Gilbert R. Owen, father of Frank V., of this review, was born, reared and educated and there spent his entire life, engaged in farming, becoming well established through his industry and honesty, being a highly respected citizen. His death occurred in 1863, in the prime of young manhood, being only thirty-eight years old. His wife, Elizabeth Green. was the daughter of Benjamin Green, who came to Ohio from Baltimore, Maryland, and he died in Perry township. Morrow county, where he was successfully engaged in farming. The son, Frank V. Owen, spent his youth on the farm, assisting in the ordinary duties about the place and he attended the district schools in that vicinity. Early in life he was seized with an ambition to become a lawyer and he began bending every effort in that direction, finally entering the law office of Col. William C. Cooper & Moore as a student and he was admitted to the bar in 1884, since which time he has practiced at Mt. Vernon. Always a student, he has continually added to his knowledge of the law and has been very successful in the practice. His recognized ability, his diligence and faithfulness to every trust reposed in him have brought him a clientele of the highest character and he has grown to be recognized as one of the foremost lawyers of this section of the state. Mr. Owen is a man of intense energy and application. He goes into court with his case completely in hand. The labor of preparation is not considered. Everything depends on work and study—the study of men as well as books. In council he is inquisitive, exacting and exhaustive, wanting to know the truth and the facts. As an advocate he is earnest, honest and resolute, persuasive. but seldom drawing upon his powers of forensic oratory when the plain, straightforward facts are preferable in presenting his argument. He is industrious and untiring in his profession and in his duties as a public servant, and it is a rare thing to find him when not busy and in action. The domestic life of Mr. Owen began in 1894, when he was united in marriage with Bessie Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Johnson. an influential family of Mt. Vernon. This union has resulted in the birth of two children, Elizabeth and Isabelle. By a former marriage Mr. Owen became the father of two sons, Charles and Robert. Politically, Mr. Owen is a Republican and has always stood for what is best in political and public life. In 1887 he was elected as Knox county's representative to the state Legislature and while a member was active in securing important legislation. He served on some of the most important committees and was an active and earnest advocate of such measures as most intimately affected the interests of the people. During his term he introduced mid secured the passage of a bill known as the “Owen Sunday Closing Law,'' 758 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO requiring all the saloons of the state to be closed on Sunday, which has since been copied by many other states. At the expiration of his term he declined a second nomination, preferring to devote his time and talents to his profession and he has since declined all political preferment. His career in the House stamped him as a man of keen civic insight, rare ability and public spirit and won the hearty approval of his constituents. Fraternally, Mr. Owen is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of recognized ability and professional attainments, is a companionable and congenial gentleman and universally popular. GEORGE W. McNABB. That the plenitude of satiety is seldom attained in the affairs of life is to be considered a most beneficial deprivation, for where ambition is satisfied and every ultimate end realized, if such be possible, apathy must follow. Effort would cease, accomplishment be prostrate and creative talent waste its energies in inactivity. The men who have pushed forward the wheels of progress have been those to whom satisfaction lies ever in the future, who have labored continuously, always finding in each transition stage an incentive for further effort. Such a man is George W. McNabb, well known citizen of Mt. Vernon, whose well directed efforts have gained for him a position of desired prominence in the commercial circles of Knox county and his energy and enterprise have been crowned by success. Mr. McNabb was born on November 25, 1867, on a farm in Bedford township, Coshocton county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Susan (Adams) McNabb, the father born in Harrison county, Ohio, and the mother in Coshocton county, this state. John McNabb came to Coshocton county when young and there engaged in farming, stock buying and shipping, also bought and shipped wool on an extensive scale. In 1880 the family moved to Howard, Knox county, where the father engaged in the hotel and livery business until 1893, when he moved to Mt. Vernon, continuing the livery business here. His death occurred in 1905, his wife having preceded him to the grave in August, 1897. They were the parents of six sons and three daughters, all living but two sons. George W. McNabb was educated in the public schools of Coshocton county, and when the family moved to Knox county he began clerking in the store of W. H. Ralston, of Howard, at the age of fifteen years, remaining there for six years, during which time he mastered the ins and outs of merchandising, then bought the business of his employer and continued general KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 759 merchandising until 1896, having built up a large patronage through his close application, tact and honest dealings. Then, seeking a larger field for his operations, he moved to Columbus. While living in Howard, Knox county, Mr. McNabb was married on June 6, 1889, to Lydia Tracy, daughter of Joshua and Mary (Rightineyer) Tracy, of Knox county, and to this union two children have been born, Helen, who is living at home, and Dwight T., also at home and a student in high school; the daughter is a talented musician. On moving to Columbus, Mr. McNabb engaged in the grocery business for three years and for the three succeeding years he was secretary and treasurer of the Columbus Sporting Goods Company. Although his career in the capital city had been successful in a business way, he returned to Knox county in 1903 and opened a retail grocery business in Nit. Vernon, in which he has continued to the present time with ever-increasing success, his trade covering a large territory and constantly branching out to new fields. He always carries a large, up-to-date and carefully selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and he has a well arranged store building, his present location being at No. 139 Main street. In the spring of 1911 he also opened a grocery store at Gambier, which has been a most successful business venture. He has won a position in the front rank of enterprising and progressive business men of this locality and proven himself to be a man of rare acumen, foresight and sound judgment. Mr. McNabb is a Member of the Business Men's Association and is active in promoting the best interests of the community. He is a loyal Republican and while always interested in public matters has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Masonic order and the chapter of Mt. Vernon ; also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No.. 140. He and his family are members of the Christian church, he being a deacon in the same and is also treasurer of the local congregation and active in church affairs. The family home is at No. 201 East Vine street, Mt. Vernon. and the family is prominent in social affairs. WILLIAM H. MAY. The record of William H. May, well known and progressive lumber dealer and mill man of Mt. Vernon, Knox county, is that of a man who has, by his own perseverance and indomitable energy worked his way from a modest beginning to a place of influence and comparative affluence, (49) 760 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. his life having been one of strenuous, straightforward endeavor and the notably systematic and honorable methods he has employed have won him the unbounded confidence and regard of those with whom he has come into contact. Mr. May has taken an intelligent interest in the welfare of the community and gives his unreserved support to every movement that promises to benefit the community along moral. educational or material lines. Genial and courteous in his re!ations with his fellow men, he enjoys a large circle of warm friends who esteem him for his personal worth. Mr. May was born November 23, 1859. in Easton, Northampton county. Pennsylvania, and he is the son of John and Margaret (Rafferty) May. The father was born in England and he emigrated to America with his parents when a child and settled in Pennsylvania. The Rafferty family came from Ireland. At the breaking out of the Civil war the father enlisted in a Pennsylvania regiment and served through the war, being promoted to the rank of captain for meritorious service. Just prior to the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, Captain May's company was fired on from ambush and he and one of his men were killed. During his absence in the army his family moved from their home in Pennsylvania to Sandusky county, Ohio. and located on a farm, and there William H. May, of this review, grew to manhood and became familiar with farm work during the crop season, attending the district schools in the winter time. When about twenty-two years of age he engaged in the lumber business and he furnished large consignments of railroad ties to various companies under contract and soon had a good start. Later he added a saw mill to his equipment and for many years was extensively engaged in the timber and lumber business in Sandusky, Putnam and Paulding counties. In the spring of 1900 he came to Mt. Vernon and engaged in the same business on an extensive scale and met with pronounced success from the start. A few years later he established a saw and planing mill at the foot of Front street on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and from that time to the present he has been extensively engaged in the lumber business, supplying many of the principal lumber-consuming cities and he is widely known as a lumberman. He is a man of excellent business ability and of keen discernment, making few mistakes and his straightforward methods have won for him the confidence and good will of all who know him. Mr. May was married on December 19, 1889, to Mira Spitler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Spitler, of Hancock county, Ohio. This union has been without issue. Mr. May is a Democrat in politics, but not active in party affairs, hav- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 761 ing never been an office seeker, though he is interested and well informed on public matters. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order and the Knights Templar commanders of this order; he has attained the thirty-second degree and belongs to the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is prominent in Masonic circles and he is a worthy exponent of its sublime principles, as his daily life would clearly indicate. He is the type of business man that makes a community thrive and he is popular with all classes of citizens. Considering his discouraging environment in early life, and the fact that he has been compelled to go it alone, he has been successful beyond the average business man. WILLIAM J. WELSH. The most elaborate history is perforce merciless abridgment, the historian being obliged to select his facts and materials from manifold details and to marshal them in concise and logical order. This applies to specific as well as general history, and in the former category is included the interesting and important department of biography. In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of interesting situations and incidents, and yet in summing up such a career the writer must needs touch on the more salient facts. giving the keynote of the .character and eliminating all that is superfluous to the continuity of the narrative. William J. Welsh, well known and successful insurance and real estate dealer in Mt. Vernon, Knox county, has led an active and eminently useful life, the more important facts of which have been so identified with the useful and practical that it is to them that the reader's attention is for the most part directed. Mr. Welsh was born on June 1, 1868, in Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio, and he is the son of Peter and Catherine (O'Connor) Welsh, both natives of Ireland, from which they emigrated to America when young and married in the United States: they are now deceased. Soon after the birth of the subject, the family moved to Mt. Vernon and here William J. was educated in the city schools, where he applied himself well and received a good text-book training. While yet a mere boy he turned his attention to the insurance business, which has constituted his chief life work, and as early as 1884 he became associated with the Peterman agency, whose interests he looked after in this locality in a most satisfactory and successful manner until T903. in which year he engaged in the confectionery business, in con- 762 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO nection with which he maintained a news stand, operating these until 1907, having built up an extensive patronage in both. Upon the last mentioned date he returned to the insurance business and established a general agency for himself, handling a general line of insurance, which has grown to considerable proportions and is still on the increase through his able and judicious management. Fraternally, Mr. Welsh is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 14o. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; of the Kokosing Aerie No. 76o. Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Hiawatha Lodge No. 824, Royal Order of Moose. Politically, he is a Republican, and while he is not a politician and does not take a very active part in the affairs of his party, yet he is always ready to support any movement looking to the furtherance of the public welfare. He is a worthy upholder of the Catholic faith. He is a notary public and does a great deal of business as such. Mr. Welsh has remained unmarried. Being a man of straightforward business principles and of upright character and genial manners, he is a good mixer and has numerous friends throughout the country. GEORGE H. HEARD, M. D. A name known to every household in Mt. Vernon and Knox county is Dr. George H. Heard, who has long -stood at the head of the medical fraternity in this and adjoining counties: at least his reputation as a general practitioner is second to none. He has done much for the later-day development of this locality where he has ever had the confidence and good will of all classes owing to his public spirit, his high sense of honor and his success in the alleviation of "the thousand ills to which flesh is heir." Thus he is entitled to commendation for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that when the tocsin of war sounded during the dark clays of the sixties he readily responded and served his country well in defense of the flag. Doctor Heard was born May 23, 1844, in Dublin, Franklin county, Ohio. and he is the son of Thomas and Sarah (Haynes) Heard. The father was a native of Devonshire, England, from which country he came to America when twenty-four years old and settled at Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio. Grandfather George Haynes was a millwright and built the first grist mill erected on Paint creek, near Chillicothe : he was also a blacksmith, and a man KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 763 of rugged constitution and sterling character. His death occurred in 1851 at the remarkable age of ninety-nine years his widow, who survived until 1878, reached the age of ninety-seven. Thomas Heard, father of the subject, was a physician and practiced in Chillicothe, Ohio, for many years. He was also a minister and became pastor of the Methodist church in Dublin, Franklin county, this state, which church edifice is still standing. He later moved to Columbus where he lived many years and where his death occurred in 1898, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1851, nearly a half century. Dr. George H. Heard was the second child of a family of five children. He obtained his early education in the public schools of Columbus. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three months, at the expiration of which he re-enlisted for three years in the Twenty-second Battery, Ohio Light Artillery, and served with distinction until the close of the war. He was taken prisoner at Strawberry Plains, Virginia, in June, 1864, and was sent to prison at Salisbury, North Carolina, for five weeks, when he was released and rejoined his battery, remaining with it until the close of hostilities. After the close of the war he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he remained two years, then he taught school a year in Franklin county, after which he entered Starling Medical College at Columbus and remained there a term. When his father removed from that city to Richmond, Indiana, he continued his medical studies under his father, but later returned to the Starling Medical College, from which he was graduated in 187o and began the practice of his profession at Hillsboro, Indiana, where he remained two years. then moved to Richmond, Indiana, where he practiced successfully for nine years. Locating in Lafayette, Indiana, he remained there two years, thence moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, with his father, where they practiced two years. He then came to Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1881, where he was married to Jane Cryder, daughter of Jacob Cryder, of Hopetown, Ross county, this state. Dr. Heard practiced at Chillicothe for five years. From there he came to Mt. Vernon in 1888 and has continued in the practice from that time to the present, having built tip a very large and lucrative clientage and his name has long since become a household word in this locality. He has kept well to the fore on all matters pertaining to materia medica and holds a high place among his professional brethren. Two children have been born to the Doctor and wife, a son and daughter. Eugene is a surgeon in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Ada is now Mrs. Edward Thompson, of Richmond, Indiana. They were given excellent educational advantages. 764 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Doctor Heard was married October 12, 1892, to Daisy Lane, of Mt. Vernon, daughter of John and Mary (Senior) Lane. Politically, Dr. Heard is a Republican, but is not active in the party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Joe Hooker Post No. 21, Grand Army of the Republic, and he has been surgeon of the post for eight years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Heard being active in church work. They have a home here, but have been accustomed to spend the winters in the South for some time in order to avoid the rigors of a northern climate. LAWRENCE C. PENN. The enterprising citizen whose name heads this article needs no introduction to the people of Knox county. He has been for some time prominently identified with the mercantile and industrial interests of the community where Ile resides and always manifesting an active interest in the public welfare. The life of Lawrence C. Penn having resulted in success in material things and in much good to his fellow men, therefore is worthy of emulation by the youth whose fortunes are yet matters for future years to determine. Mr. Penn was born on June 10, 1863, near Darlington, Richland county, Ohio. He is the scion of a sterling old Buckeye family, the son of Ezekiel and Sarah J. ( Winand) Penn, both having been born in the same vicinity as was their son, Lawrence C. The father devoted his early life to farming, later engaging in the farm implement business in Mt. Gilead, Morrow county: later the family moved to Mt. Vernon, where the father was foremost in promoting the Mt. Vernon Sanitarium and became its manager. Here he became well known and prominent he and his wife are now living retired in this city. The son, Lawrence C., spent his boyhood on the home farm, and in the winter months attended the district schools. When sixteen years of age he moved with the family to Mt. Gilead and there he attended the high school. He had also attended the high school at Belleville. During this time he. was also studying music, for which he had a great fondness and aptness. After one year at Mt. Gilead he began teaching music, giving private lessons on the piano at Mt. Gilead and in that vicinity, continuing his musical studies at Delaware, Ohio, under such eminent instructors as Carrie Laramore and Professor Thomas. both regarded as instructors of a very high order and KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 765 ability. He continued teaching for ten years and keeping up his study of music the meanwhile, being for a time under Prof. Hans Von Schiller, of Columbus, the celebrated German instructor, now head of the piano department of the Chicago College of Music. After coming to Mt. Vernon in 1892, Mr. Penn continued teaching for three years. .About this time he opened a store here for the sale of all kinds of musical merchandise. Although his services were in great demand as a teacher and he was meeting with exceptional success in this vocation, he gave up teaching to devote all his attention to his rapidly growing business interests, which has now reached extensive proportions, his numerous patrons coming from all parts of Knox and surrounding counties. He employs a number of experienced and courteous salesmen in connection with his Mt. Vernon establishment. He also maintains a store at Delaware, Ohio, under his direct supervision with a local man in charge. He carries a full, complete and carefully selected stock of all kinds of instruments in both stores. everything in the musical line, pianos of the best high grade make. pianolas, organs, phonographs, in fact. every kind of musical instrument, sheet music and musical supplies. He also maintains in connection with his Mt. Vernon establishment a well stocked jewelry department, where everything in the jewelry line. cut glass. watches and clocks are carried: in connection with this is also a first-class repair and engraving department. In addition to these interests, Mr. Penn has various other important interests. He is proprietor and manager of Thistle Ridge Hospital and Sanitarium at Mt. Vernon, which is both a general and emergency hospital: he is secretary and treasurer of the Mt. Vernon Coal and Ice Company he is president of the Hiawatha Park Association, a beautiful pleasure and recreation park near lit. Vernon. He gives all of these his close attention, but having his business under a splendid system, he manages with ease these important affairs which would no doubt give others of less business calibre and acumen no little amount of laborious labor and trouble. He is a man of rare business ability and foresight, a born organizer and promoter and whatever he turns his attention to is a success. Always interested in the general upbuilding of Mt. Vernon, he has ever stood ready to do his full share in promoting its general interests, along both material and civic lines. He is now serving his third consecutive term as president of the Mt. Vernon Citizens Association, the purpose of which organization is to devise was and means for the betterment and material progress of Mt. Vernon and Knox county. Mr. Penn was married to Frances Frost. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Munson Frost. of New York, a lady of talent and refinement. This union 766 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO has been graced by the birth of one daughter, Helen Cynthia. Mrs. Penn is an accomplished musician, both vocal and instrumental. Politically, Mr. Penn is an independent Democrat. He is past commander of the Sons of Veterans, local camp, being entitled to membership in view of the fact that his father was a member of Company C, Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war. He and his family are members of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. and they stand high in the best social circles of the city. HUGH NEAL. Early in life Hugh Neal, prominent professional and business man of Mt. Vernon, realized the fact that success never smiles upon the idler or dreamer and he has accordingly followed such an aphorism, devoting his life to ardent toil along lines that cannot but insure success. The popularity and prosperity which he enjoys has been the result of energy rightly applied and have been won by commendable qualities. Mr. Neal was born on November 15, 1854, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and here he has been content to spend his life, wisely deciding that better opportunities existed for him right here at home than elsewhere. He is the son of Hugh and Ruth ( Jackson) Neal, and a brother of George D. Neal, an excellent Knox county family, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. The son, Hugh Neal, attended the public schools in his native town and later the normal school at Danville, this county. After leaving school he engaged in the carriage business with his brother George. for a time, reading law in the meantime with Col. W. C. Cooper and was admitted to the bar in June, 1885, soon afterwards opening a office for practice in his home town and was making a good start when his practice was interfered with by his friends electing him clerk of the courts of Knox county, in 1886, the duties of which he discharged in such an able and conscientious manner that he was re-elected in 1889, and he received the benefit of the extension of the official term, serving six years and a half. After leaving this office he resumed the practice of law, becoming associated with William McElroy, and he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession, being regarded as among the leading members of the Knox county bar and figuring prominently in the local courts, being an ardent, straightforward, vigilant and capable advocate and very successful in the trial of cases. He has always KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 767 been a profound student and has kept abreast of the times not only in whatever pertains to his profession, but in all current matters of civic, political, scientific and literary import. He practices in the district and state courts as well as those of the county. When the oil and gas development began in Knox county Mr. Neal soon became active in this field and he has been most successful in the same, his operations extending to Wayne, Ashland. Richland and Coshocton counties in addition to Knox county. Politically, Mr. Neal is an old-line Democrat and has ever stood ready to defend the principles of his party, being active and influential in the ranks for many years. When a young man he was a member of the county committee and was frequently a delegate to county, district and state conventions where he always did effective work for the good of the party and the people he represented. Mr. Neal was married in December, 1875, to Eva Beum, daughter of, Isaac T. and Matilda (Robinson) Beum, a highly honored Knox county family, and this union has resulted in the birth of four children, namely : Jennie R. married Burges E. Sapp, an attorney of Mt. Vernon; Georgia is in business in Kalamazoo, Michigan Clinton married and is living in Columbus, Ohio: Edith is at home. Mr. Neal is a member of the Masonic order, haying attained the Knight Templar degree : also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has filled all the offices in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been a delegate to the grand lodge: and has also filled most of the chairs in the other lodges to which he belongs. He has a neat office, well equipped with law books, at No. 130 South Main street. and his pleasant residence is at No. 906 West High street. SAMUEL FLACK. The life of Samuel Flack, well known farmer of Butler township, Knox county. has been that of the average man—of sunshine and shadow, victory and defeat, toil and respite, failure and success, but withal a commendable and satisfactory one, and now that the harvest time is over and the autumn winds have come, he finds himself very comfortably situated and can take a retrospective glance over the backward-leading way and. seeing nothing of which he might be ashamed, for he has always been a man of upright principles and has done his duty as he has seen and understood the right. 768 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. Flack was born in Prairie township. Holmes county. Ohio, August 7, 1834. He is the son of James and Jennie ( Grant) Flack. The maternal grandparents, Jonathan and Sarah (Kelley) Grant, were natives of Beaver county, Pennsylvania. and they came to Ohio in a very early day, and in 1809 built the first cabin in Prairie township. Holmes county. when this country was a wilderness and the haunt of Indians and wild beasts. The grandfather cleared a "patch" and then fell ill, as so many of the newcomers to a wild country did, and for twenty-eight days lived by roots and barks, provided by his son. When about to die, an Indian buck happened along and directed them to the family of a "pale-face" on the Killbuck river. and there the son found Jonathan Butler, who, with his father-in-law, had reached the place the day previously, and subsequently the two families became very friendly, and as Grant could speak the Indian language he acted as "outlook.' for surveyors who were surveying the "new purchase.” He was a mighty hunter and many deeds of prowess are told of him. He returned to Pennsylvania the winter after his arrival here, and in April. 1810, brought his family to his new home : and, prospering through hard work, he made a good home here and in it spent the balance of his life. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary war, and for many years was a spy among the Indians of the early times. His family was a large one. and the mother of the subject had the distinction of being the first white girl born in Holmes county. Samuel Flack, the paternal grandfather of the subject. came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to Holmes county, Ohio, in 1812. His wife, Betsy Smith, was of Irish descent. Their family consisted of nine children, namely : Robert, Jennie, James, Richard, Ibbie, Mary, Samuel, Thomas and William. After the death of his first wife, Betsy Smith, Mr. Flack married a Mrs. Beaver, a widow with two children. and to his second union five children were born. James Flack, father of the subject, married Jennie Grant. He lived to be seventy-two years old, having devoted his life to farming. finally owning a good home. His family consisted of nine children. Politically, he was a Democrat, and he and his family belonged to the Disciples church. Samuel Flack, of this sketch, grew up on the homestead in Holmes county and received such education as he could in the pioneer log cabin schools, and early in life took up fanning for a livelihood, in connection with which he worked at the broom-maker's trade. He moved to Knox county about 1863. locating on a farm in Butler township, one mile north of his present home, then for ten years rented where he now lives, then bought land KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 769 in Liberty township, on which he lived for seven years, returning to Butler township about 1881 and bought the Lepley homestead, a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and here he has since resided, keeping the place well improved and under a fine state of cultivation, carrying on general farming and stock raising successfully. This farm was entered from the government by Jacob Lepley. it now consisting of about nine hundred acres in Butler township, one of the best farms in the county. Politically, Mr. Flack is a Democrat and he belongs to the Grange, and he has always taken the interest of a fair-minded citizen in public affairs. Mr. Flack was married in 1860 to Elizabeth Lepley, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Hoyman) Lepley, a complete sketch of whom is to be found on another page of this work. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Flack, namely : Jacob, born August 29, 1861 ; Sylvia Ellen, born March 17, 1864; Philip W., born July 13, 1866, married, in 1904, Georgina Babcock, and they have four children, James C., J. Paul, Elizabeth Ann and Sylvia Ruth ; Joseph L. was born on September 12, 1870 ; Dessie R. was born April 22. 1878. Two sons and two daughters live at home, all constituting a happy and congenial family. Personally, Mr. Flack is a very pleasant gentleman, hospitable, obliging and he and his family have always stood high in the social life of this part of the county. JOHN E. STONEBROOK. In such men as John E. Stonebrook, the present able and popular treasurer of Knox county, there is peculiar satisfaction in offering in their life histories justification for the compilation of works of this character—not that their lives have been such as to gain them particularly wide notoriety or the admiring plaudits of men, but that they have been true to the trusts reposed in them having shown such attributes of character as entitled them to the regard to all. Mr. Stonebrook is the representative of one of the honored old families of Knox county, where he has been content to spend his life, laboring in such a manner as to bring success to himself and good to the community in general. He was born in Brown township, this county, on July 28, 1867, and he is the son of Mathias and Mariah (Hagerman) Stonebrook, both natives of Carroll county, Ohio, from which they came to Knox county in the early fifties. The father was a successful farmer; he and his wife are both deceased, John F. Stonebrook, of this review, being the only member of the family now living. He was reared on the home farm where he labored during the crop 770 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO seasons when a boy; attending the district schools, during the winter months, later attending a normal school for a short time. He prepared himself for a teacher and followed that profession with singular success for several years and later engaged in various pursuits. Being a young man of studious and inquisitive habits, courageous and fostering proper ideals, he continued to press forward in the face of obstacles until he has been appropriately rewarded. He finally became connected with the C. & G. Cooper Company, of Mt. Vernon. in the capacity of timekeeper and he remained in the employ of this company until the fall of 1908. rendering most efficient service. In the year mentioned he was elected treasurer of Knox county, and he gave such high-grade and satisfactory service that his constituents gladly returned him to the same office in the fall of 1910 and he entered upon his second term in September, 1911. He gives his individual attention to the affairs of the office and the consensus of opinion is that the county has never had a better treasurer. He has always been a loyal Republican and ever since he was a young man he has been deeply interested in public affairs. For some time he represented Brown township. his home community, upon the Republican county central committee. Mr. Stonebrook is a man of splendid characteristics and business qualifications and has proven himself to he a painstaking and popular public official. His influence in the community is always for the betterment of conditions and the uplift of the people. On June 12, 1902, Mr. Stonebrook was united in marriage with Sarah Beck, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Beck, of Holmes county, Ohio. and this union has resulted in the birth of four children, two sons and two daughters, Kenneth, Mary. Albert and Ruth. Fraternally, Mr. Stonebrook is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife belongs to the German Evangelical Lutheran church. JACOB LEPLEY. One of the well known and highly revered pioneers of this section of the Buckeye state who is eminently entitled to a place in his country's history was Jacob Lepley, long since departed to that "undiscovered bourne from whence no traveler e'er returns.- He is remembered as a man of many KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 771 sterling attributes of head and heart, courageous, loyal to the right as he saw and understood the right, a persistent worker and a man of public spirit. He lived in an epoch that tried men's souls and tested their mettle, and he was not found wanting in the performance of his innumerable tasks. He was a fine type of those men who redeemed the fertile farms of today from the wilderness and made possible the pleasant homes of the present generation. Mr. Lepley was born in Pennsylvania on June 7, 1801, and there he grew to manhood, his early life not differing materially from that Of other pioneer children. Upon reaching manhood he married Margaret Hoyman, who was also born in Pennsylvania on April 17, 18o E. They left Somerset county, that state, in 1825 and came to Knox county, Ohio. locating on a farm in Butler township. and there by hard work developed a farm on which they spent the balance of their lives, his death occurring on October 15, 1882, and the mother on May 5. 1878. In connection with farming, he also followed carpentering. He entered a quarter section of land here, thus foundling the Lepley homestead. Hunting and fishing were his recreations, and he delighted in each, being a successful sportsman, in the days when game was abundant. Politically, he was a Jeffersonian, Jacksonian Democrat and loyal to his convictions. His wife was a great worker in the church, the field and the home. She wove and spun their own clothing for her family. They were Lutherans. To Jacob Lepley and wife ten children were born, named as follows: Caroline, born March 31, 1-824, died March 29, 1891; Valentine, born January 22, 1826, lives in Hardin county, Iowa: Polly. born September 12, 1827, died September 15. 1828: William. born July 6. 1829, died June 14, 1903: George, born January 26. 1831, died March 20, 1902 ; Susanna, born April 25, 1833, died February 25, 1905: Adam, born April 16, 1835, died November 1o. 1908, in Hardin county, Iowa Philip, born April II, 1837, died October 22, 1909, in Polo county, California : Elizabeth, October 5, 1839: Nancy, October 16, 1841. Tradition says that Adam Lepley, Sr.. was the first of the Lepleys to come to America : and that he emigrated from Wurtemberg, Germany. and settled in Pennsylvania. later moving to Ohio, where he spent the balance of his days, being an early pioneer here. and he and his wife are both buried in the Lepley cemetery in Knox county. He was born on February 6, 1755, and died on August 26. 1831 his wife was born on March 22. 1755, and her death occurred on April I 1, 1842. They had several children, of whom Adam Lepley. Jr., was one. and he was the father of Jacob Lepley, subject of this sketch. 772 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. LEANDER CAYWOOD. The march of improvement is accelerated day by day, and each successive moment seems to demand of men a broader intelligence and greater discernment than did the preceding, showing that successful men must be live men in this age. bristling with activity. The purpose of biography is to preserve the records of such men for the edification of succeeding generations; thus the lessons of biography may be far-reaching to an extent not superficially evident. A man's reputation is the property of the world, for the laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the controlling influence of others or wields an influence which touches, controls, guides or misdirects others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with like success. Consequently, it is believed that a critical study of the life record of Leander Caywood, one of the substantial and prominent citizens of Knox county, long a leading agriculturist and stock man. now living in the city of Fredericktown, will benefit the readers of this history. for it has been one of large success. usefulness and honor. Mr. Caywood is a worthy representative of one of the sterling old pioneer families of Knox county, and here he has been content to spend his life, his birth having occurred in Middlebury township on January 9, 1844. on a farm. He is the son of John and Sarah (Murphy) Caywood. William Caywood, paternal grandfather of the subject, came from New Jersey in 1812 and settled in Middlebury township. this county, when this part of the state, indeed most of the state, was yet a wilderness and the home of the red. man and wild beast. He entered a section of land from the government. and here he resided until his death, a few years later, in 1816. He was buried in the Friends cemetery. near the Owl Creek church, now fallen to decay. Many of the pioneer settlers were buried here. The elder Caywood's wife died in New Jersey and he brought with him his three sons, William, David and John. The hostility of the Indians caused him to return the sons to the home of their grandfather in New Jersey, with whom John remained until 183o. The other two sons returned to Knox county, Ohio,' and took charge of their father's estate about the time of his death. David was killed by a falling tree and William remained in the community ; neither ever married. John Caywood, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was married in Middlebury township, this county, to Sarah Murphy, a native of KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 773 the township and a daughter of William Murphy, who came to Knox county from Pennsylvania in early pioneer days. Mr. and Mrs. Caywood began their married life on a farm purchased by his father in 1812, and there they established a good home. in which they spent the balance of their lives, both dying at the age of seventy-two years. Early in life Mr. Caywood was a Whig in his political belief, and later he voted the Republican ticket, at the birth of the party. To these parents thirteen children were born, nine of whom reached maturity and five are vet living, namely : Leander, of this sketch: Alfred, of Trinidad, Colorado: Lewis D., of Fredericktown: Lavilla married Zachariah Zedaker and they live on part of the old home farm in Middlebury township : Luella married C. J. Mann and they also live on a part of the old homestead. Three of the Caywood brothers were soldiers in the Civil war. Abner, Sylvester and Leander, the latter being the only one of the three now living. The subject of this sketch was the sixth child in order of birth and he grew to manhood on the home farm, and when but a boy he began the hard labor of the fields. He received what education he could in the log cabin schools of his community. He was married in March, 1872, to Frances Ewers, who was born in Perry township, Rlichland county, Ohio. November 23, 1848, the daughter of David G. and Almina ( Johnson) Ewers. David G. Ewers was a son of Robert and Martha ( Gregg) Ewers, who eloped in youth and were married in the middle of the Potomac river. She was a worthy representative of the Gregg family, who underwent the hardships incident to the memorable siege of Londonderry. Ireland, and the blood of her Presbyterian Scotch-Irish ancestry made her a strong character. The Ewers family was prominent in the locality where the members of the same lived. Robert Ewers was the son of John and Sarah ( Gladden) Ewers, of Loudoun county, Virginia. The ancestry of this family is traced back to the Norman conquest. The early emigrants of the Ewers family first settled on the banks of the Delaware river, near Philadelphia. Their property was later destroyed by the British and they moved to Virginia. Besides Robert Ewers and his brother David, who came to Knox county, Ohio, in 1812. Richard and Jonathan soon followed, all of whom lived to an advanced age and all are buried in the Friends cemetery on Owl creek. Robert settled in the northern part of Middlebury township, where he lived and died and where he became prosperous, owning upwards of one thousand acres of good land. His children were George Washington, John William, David Robert, Thomas, Mariah ( who became Mrs. William Bigbee) and Martha (who married W. S. Files). There are no survivors. Almina Johnson, the mother 774 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO of Mrs. Caywood, wife of the subject, was a daughter of Squire James and Abigail (Richardson) Johnson. Mr. Johnson served for nearly a half century as justice of the peace. He first settled in Wayne township, Knox county, in 1813. Much of their later life was spent with their daughter, Mrs. Caywood, where they died, he at the age of seventy-two and she at the age of seventy-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Leander Caywood began married life on a farm in Middlebury township, where they continued to live until 1907, successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising; in that year they moved to Fredericktown. By judicious management and the exercise of sound judgment and honest business principles, Mr. Caywood prospered, became a large land owner and his was one of the finest and most desirable farms in Knox county. He always believed in employing the latest methods in agricultural pursuits and in keeping fully abreast of the times. He studied the soils, grains, crop rotation, fertilization and all phases of his work so as to get the largest results for the least outlay of labor. He kept his land under a high state of cultivation and improvement, kept the most approved modern machinery and his buildings were always in order. He has devoted much attention to the raising and breeding of live stock, being an excellent judge of the same; in fact, it is doubtful if any man in this locality has done more to improve the breed of cattle. For many years he made a specialty of breeding Polled Durham cattle and his Kokosing herd of Polled Durhams were widely and favorably known among breeders everywhere, and many excellent animals have gone from this herd to improve the country's live stock in many states. Mr. Caywood was one of the promoters and charter members of the American Polled Durham Breeders' Association, organized at Chicago, November 18, 189o, and he was a member of the first board of directors. His herd was a prize winner wherever exhibited, and single animals brought fancy prices. He was a recognized leader among cattle breeders, as he was a model farmer among farmers. Mr. Caywood sold his fine herds when he moved to Frederickto•n in 1907, and has since lived a retired life, having accumulated a competency. He retained one of his excellent farms and has looked after this in a general way. Politically, Mr. Caywood has always been a Republican and active in party and public matters. He was justice of the peace for twenty years, during which time he discharged the duties of this office in a manner that brought much credit to himself and won the confidence and hearty commendation of all concerned, his decisions being characterized by fairness and