800 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. The maternal grandmother, Mrs. Dickerson, was a physician, one of the early women practitioners of this country. Sarah E. McDonald's mother was born in Knox county, Ohio, August 28, 1819, and the father was born May 17, 1807. in Bedford county. Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents, Alexander and Hannah McDonald. were a well known early family, his people being of Scotch-Irish descent. The maternal grandparents were John and Sarah ( Reed) Fiddler. The great-grandparents were Nathan and Hannah Fiddler, the former born March 11, 1774, and the latter on April 3. 1773. The subject of this sketch has in his possession a journal of an ox team driver. while crossing the plains en route for California, via Independence, Larimie and Carson Valley, written in 1859. by an uncle, -William Wagner, deceased, who spent the most of his life in California. The journal is bound in leather and has two hundred and sixty pages very nicely arranged and is written with his own hand very plain and easily read, with some illustrations. The book is highly prized. SAMUEL T. VANNATTA. As a citizen Samuel T. Vannatta, of Mt. Vernon, has always given his support to all measures for the public good, and his name has long been synonymous with honorable dealings in all the relations of life. As he has passed practically all his life in Knox county he has a wide acquaintance among its best citizens, many of whom are included within the circle of his warm personal friends. Some three score years have dissolved in the mist of time since he came to this part of the country, but during that time his integrity has never been questioned, nor has anything savoring in the least of dishonor ever attached to his name or reputation. He has always tried to measure up to the standard of correct manhood. and this locality is proud to number him among its progressive and representative men. He is now retired from active life and has a well-appointed home in the county seat, where he is passing his declining years in quiet and content. Mr. Vannatta was born in New Jersey in 1835. He is the son of Peter Vannatta, and his mother was the daughter of Phillip Weller. Peter Vannatta was born in Warren county, New Jersey, and his death occurred in his native state when the subject was one year old. Phillip Weller came to Miller township, Knox county, about 1840 and became a wealthy and influential citizen. His death occurred at his home in Miller township in 1863. The mother of tihe subject came to Miller township, this county, from New Jersey, following KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 801 the death of her husband in 1841, and here she spent the balance of her life, dying in 1882. She was a member of the Christian church and a woman greatly beloved for her many good qualities. Samuel T. Vannatta located with his mother on a farm in Miller township and obtained his education in the county district schools here. When of proper age he worked at farming on lands owned by his grandfather, Phillip Weller. Later purchasing a farm, he moved thereto and began life for himself and mother there. He managed well and closely applied himself and in due course of time had a good home and became one of the prosperous farmers and stock men .of that township, adding to his original holdings from time to time until he became a large land owner, at one time owning five hundred acres in Miller township, also owned a farm in Monroe township, besides valuable real estate holdings in South Vernon, Dayton and Findlay. Ohio. He was very successful in whatever he turned his attention to, being a man of keen discernment, wise foresight and some judgment, and of such scrupulous honesty that he always enjoyed the confidence and good will of all. Mr. Vannatta was married in 1862 to Lavina Hawkins, an estimable lady of Mt. Liberty, this county. the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Hawkins, he a prominent stock dealer and wealthy farmer of Knox county. Her parents came here from Rockingham county, Virginia, in early pioneer days. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Vannatta, namely : F. A., a successful farmer in Miller township until his death in July, 1908, married Isabelle West, daughter of jay West and wife, of Miller township, and at his death he left a widow and three children, Blanche, Samuel and Charles. Charles O., the second son of the subject. is mentioned in a separate sketch in this work : Emeline, the daughter. married Calvin Forev, a prominent farmer of Pleasant township, and they have two daughters. Isabelle and Edith. The wife and mother passed to her rest on May 15, 1903. She always enjoyed the friendship of a wide acquaintance and was a favorite with them, haying numerous attributes of a most commendable nature. Samuel T. Vannatta has all his life been a very active man of affairs. Besides his extensive private interests he has been an influential factor in public matters. Politically, he is a loyal Republican, and for a period of nine years he served as trustee of Miller township, one year as land appraiser and two terms as appraiser of personal property. In 1888 he was elected a member of the board of counts' commissioners and re-elected in 1891, serving two terms. and he was president of the board both terms. During his incumbency of this office the viaduct at the foot of Main and Mt. Vernon streets was con- 802 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. structed, largely through his efforts, and it stands today as a monument to his public spirit and practical business sense. As a public servant he has always discharged his duties most faithfully and conscientiously, winning the hearty approval of all concerned. In 1895 Mr. Vannatta left the home farm and moved to South Vernon, where he has since resided, maintaining there an attractive, modern and well kept home. enjoying the fruits of his former years of labor, a justly earned respite. Few men have been more active in both public and private life and few are better known or more highly esteemed in Knox county than he. Personally he is a pleasant gentleman to know. cultured. well informed. broadminded. charitable and obliging. CHARLES O. VANNATTA. In examining the life record of Charles O. Vannatta. one of the most substantial and progressive agriculturists and stock men of Miller township, Knox county, we find that he is the possessor of those elements which always make for success. Earnest labor, unabating perseverance, good management and a laudable ambition—these are the elements that have brought him a comfortable competence and the good will of his fellow citizens. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world, for, like his honored father, he has ever transacted all business on the strictest principles of integrity, and, like him, his devotion to the public good is unquestioned and arises from a sincere interest in his fellow men. Mr. Vannatta was born on January 12, 1869, on a farm in Miller township, where he now resides. He is the son of Samuel T. and Lavina (Hawkins) Vannatta, a complete sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. Mr. Vannatta was reared on the home farm and when of proper age assisted with the general duties there during the crop seasons, and during the winter months he attended the common schools near his home. This training was supplemented later in life by actual contact with the business world and by wide miscellaneous home reading and study. On December 4. 1896, he was united in marriage with Maude Sperry, a lady of fine traits of character and the daughter of Newton and Laura (Thatcher') Sperry, one of the prominent early families of Knox county. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 803 To the subject and wife six children have been born, named as follows: Olive E., Enos E., Anna L., Sperry Thomas, Fred M. and Frank A. Mr. and Mrs. Vannatta have lived on the home farm since their marriage and haye kept the place under a high state of cultivation and improvement. It consists of four hundred and fifty acres of as valuable and desirable land as the county can boast. In connection with general farming on an extensive scale, Mr. Vannatta raises all kinds of live stock, handling excellent grades and no small part of his annual income is derived from this source. He raises large droves of sheep, and is an excellent judge of all kinds of live stock. Politically, Mr. Vannatta is a Republican. and has been more or less active in public affairs. He is at present serving as trustee of Miller township and he is a member of the school board of his township, and he has served as a member of the Republican county central committee, also as a member of the township election board. He has been very faithful in discharging his duties as a public servant and has won the approval of all concerned by his judicious course. Fraternally, he belongs to the Fairview Grange. Patrons of Husbandry, being a charter member of that organization. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church at Brandon. They are both well liked socially and number their friends only by the limits of their acquaintance. WARREN T. PAIGE. The early agriculturists of Knox county. Ohio, will ever be held in the grateful memory of the present generation and of the active young farmers of today. The husbandman who came here some three-quarters of a century ago and hewed from the dense forest a breathing place and erected for himself and adventuresome family of wife and children a rude log cabin, opening the country, then roadless and the home of the red man and many a species of wild beast, for the advance of a higher civilization, well deserves the respect which is accorded him after he has passed his allotted span of years and taken up his work on higher planes of endeavor, leaving to succeeding generations a heritage which is priceless. Of such sterling people sprang Warren T. Paige, one of Monroe township's successful farmers. Mr. Paige was born on October 25. 1863. on a farm in Clinton township, this county. He is the son of James M. and Sarah Jane (Adams) ( Scott) Paige, both born in Monroe township. Knox county. where they 804 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. spent their entire lives with the exception of four years in Clinton township. They each represented pioneer families and here they received such education as the early schools afforded and were married, spending their lives on a farm. Politically, the father was a Republican and actiye in public affairs. For a time he was trustee of Monroe township, but was not an office seeker,. preferring to lead a quiet life, attending strictly to his own affairs. His death occurred on April 10, 1900, having survived his wife thirty-two years, she having preceded him to the grave on July 3, 1868. They were the parents of two sons, Warren T.. of this sketch, and John W.. who lives in Mt. Vernon. Warren T. Paige was reared on the home farm, four miles northeast of Mt. Vernon, where he still lives, and there he has directed his life energies and has been repaid with a large measure of success, the place consisting of one hundred acres of excellent land, which he has kept well improved and well tilled and the buildings are in good shape. The father of the subject was married a second time, his last wife being Catherine McKinney, of Monroe township. where she was born October 14, 1832, and she was reared and educated here, in fact has spent her life in her home community and is now making her home with the subject. Mr. Paige has never married. Politically, Mr. Paige is a Republican and he has been active in public matters and a frequent delegate to party conventions. In 1907 he was elected trustee of Monroe township. He is not an office seeker. but always interested in whatever tends to the advancement of his community. He is a member of the Masonic order, having joined in Netawaka. Kansas, where he spent several years engaged in farthing and the milling business. He returned to Knox county when his father died. Mr. Paige is a man of strong convictions and he stands high in his community. He has been very successful in a business way and has accumulated a competency. JOHN T. COLWILL. Not a pretentious or exalted life has been that of John T. Colville, farmer and stock man of Monroe township, this county, but one that has been true to itself and to which the biographer may reyert with feelings of satisfaction and respect. Having attained prestige by successive steps in the agricultural world, from a modest beginning, it is eminently fitting that a sketch of his life, together with an enumeration of his leading characteristics, KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 805 be given in this connection, as he is recognized as a man deeply interested in everything pertaining to the community along material lines. Having started in a lowly capacity. he has forged to the front from the old log cabin days, and by faithful service and prompt discharge of all duty devolving upon him he has become one of the representative men of his county. Mr. Colwill was born on March 21. 1848, in Gambier. College township, Knox county, Ohio. He is the son of Simon and Anna (Heard) Col-will, both born in Cornwall, England, where they grew to maturity and were married, emigrating to America immediately after their wedding, coining direct to Gambier, Ohio, in 1835, where the father engaged at his trade of cabinetmaking and carpentering. In the fall of 1848 the family moved to a farm which they purchased on the border of Monroe and College townships, just north of Gambier here the elder Colwill farmed during the crop season and worked at his trade of cabinet making in the winter. He established a good home here. in which he continued to reside until his death, in August, 1884, at the age of seventy-four years, his widow surviving until December. 1904. reaching the unusual age of ninety-four years. These parents belonged to the Episcopalian church at Gambier, and at her death Mrs. Colwill was the oldest member of this church. To Mr. and Mrs. Simon Colwill nine children were born, namely : Mary Jane, deceased: William enlisted in the Civil war and died before his enlistment expired: Daniel was also a soldier in the Union army and he was killed at the battle of Stone River, Tennessee: Emma is deceased: Elizabeth Ann married Robert Hall, the latter being now deceased, and she is living in Pleasant township: John T.. of this review : Emma L. married Ross Pumphrey, of Martinsburg, this county : Frances E. married Dr. A. D. Welker. of Gambier Simon A. lives at Croton, Licking county. Ohio. Both parents of these children are buried in the cemetery at Gambier. Politically, the father was a Republican and he was always interested in public matters, but was never an office seeker, beyond several township offices. John T. Colwill, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm and assisted with the work there in the summer time, attending the common schools in the winter, also the schools. of Gambier. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. On May 7, 1881, he was married to Florence flay Lyborger, daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Brown) Lyborger, a prominent pioneer family. Three children have been born to the subject and wife, namely: Harry, deceased: William C. is married and living in Gambier ; Clarence B. is married and is living with his father on the farm. 806 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. The subject has lived on this farm ever since he was married, the first six years being spent in a log cabin, near the site of his present modern and comfortable home. His place consists of one hundred and ten acres of excellent land, which he has kept well improved and under a fine state of cultivation, carrying on successfully general farming and stock raising. Politically, Mr. Colwill is a Republican, as are both of his sons and they are all public spirited in that they lend such aid as is proper in furthering the interests of the community in a public way. He has served as road supervisor and as a member of the township board of education. He and his family are members of the Episcopal church and have always been active in church and Sunday school work, and the family stands high in the social life of the community. L. H. BURGESS. Milford township has no better known citizen than L. H. Burgess, one of the worthy native sons of Knox county and a connecting link with the pioneer epoch and the present, for here he has spent his useful and industrious life and has seen the county develop and so ordered his course as to commend the respect and good will of all. Mr. Burgess was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, March 17, 1841. He is the son of William P. and Lydia G. (Plummer) Burgess. The paternal grandparents, William Burgess and wife, were natives of Frederick City, Maryland, where they lived and died, he being a large slave-holder and during the Civil war attempted to ship slaves to New Orleans. but his property was confiscated. The maternal grandparents, Jesse and Ruth E. Plummer, were also natives of Maryland, from which state they came to Ohio in 1825 and here lived the lives of pioneers, deyeloping a good farm on which they died. They were both Quakers. William P. Burgess, father of the subject, was born in Maryland in 1794, and there the mother's birth also occurred. They were married in 1816, and in 1825 moved to Knox county, Ohio, and settled in Mt. Vernon, Mr. Burgess entering the mercantile business in that city and remained there until his death, on July 7, 1845. He was very successful in his chosen line and enjoyed the good will of all who knew him, being a man of integrity and industry. He took quite an interest in public affairs, and seryed at one time as mayor of Mt. Vernon. He was prominent in both municipal and church affairs. He was a stanch Methodist. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 807 Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. William P. Burgess, three of whom are living at this writing, namely : William Thomas lives in Wichita, Kansas; Ruth E. lives in Mt. Vernon; L. H. of this review ; Louisa P., who was the wife of William T. Bristol, of Illinois, died January 8, 1912. The immediate subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools and when a young man began farming, working by the month for a time, later renting land, and finally in 1863 he bought a farm of sixty acres in Morris township which he sold a year later and bought in Milford township a farm of seventy acres. Since then he spent two years in Iowa and Kansas, and he is now the owner of eighty-two acres in Milford township, which he has kept well improved and well cultivated, carrying on general farming and stock raising, and for a period of twenty-five years he was widely known as a breeder of Poland-China hogs, though he has discarded that line of business. He has a good home and is very comfortably situated. Politically, he is a Republican and has held a number of the township offices. always with much credit. Mr. Burgess. was married in 1863 to Emily M. Beardslee, who was born on the farm now owned by the subject and here she grew to womanhood and received her education. She is the daughter of Platt G. and Mary M. ( Miller) Beardslee, old settlers here. Her paternal grandfather, William Beardslee. came to Knox county in 1812 among the pioneers. He lived two Years at Granville, Licking county, then moved to Milford township, this county. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burgess. namely : William B., Jessie ( deceased), Orrel (died November 5, 1911), Lola and Erma. J. EDWARD BELL. It is an excellent thing to be born to great wealth, like a Vanderbilt, but it is also an excellent thing to be born to a good name. When ancestors through many generations have lived useful lives and have made a splendid name for themselves by devotion to duty and honor, it is one of the brightest inheritances that can be left to descendants. And so the families that had ancestors in the Revolution or in the service of the country many Years ago boast of such services and found organizations of the descendants with the record of their fathers for the foundation stone. And so descendants of families that came to the wilderness of Ohio and carved refined and Christian homes from the primeval wilds may well boast of the deeds of their fathers (52) 808 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO and mothers who conquered the woods and made the soil blossom with the flowers of industry and peace. J. Edward Bell, farmer and stock man of Hilliar township, Knox county, had such ancestors. Mr. Bell was born on February 12, 1865. on the farm, three miles northwest of Centerburg, where he has always lived. He is the son of Hiram and Mary Ann ( Hughes) Bell, the father born near Utica, Licking county. and the mother on a farm in Clay township, Knox county. The father spent his boyhood in his native county, coming to this county in early life and he and his wife settled in the spring of 1864 on the farm in Hilliar township, where their son, J. Edward, now lives, and there they continued to reside. This farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty-five acres, has always been regarded as one of the best in the community. The father was a progressive farmer for his day and became' an influential citizen here, active in Democratic politics, and he held local offices with credit, such as that of township trustee. His death occurred on July 6, 1900. His widow survives. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Bell, one of whom died in infancy; besides the subject. Florence is living, being the wife of J. M. Ervin, of Columbus, Ohio. J. Edward Bell spent his childhood and youth pretty much as the average farmer boy, and he received his education in the common schools. He was married on October 2, i886, to Mary Taylor, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth Ann (Bradfield) Taylor, of Morrow county, Ohio, and to this union two sons have been born, Ray C. and Jay M.. both at home. For fourteen years after he was married, Mr. Bell operated a rented farm of one hundred acres, lying north of his father's farm, and at the death of the father the subject bought all the interests in the home place, and moved there and this has continued to be his place of abode. He has kept the old place so well cultivated that it has retained its original fertility and has yielded abundant crops from year to year. He has kept it under a high state of cultivation and has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and has a good home and a competency as a result of his close application and good management. He has also purchased the farm which he rented for fourteen years when he first started out in life, and in addition to this another tract, all adjoining, making in all a most excellent farm of two hundred and ninety acres. But notwithstanding this large amount of productive land, Mr. Bell is not an extensive crop raiser, producing only enough to properly feed his flocks of sheep and other stock. He has long been one of the largest sheep raisers in this part of the state. His Delaine sheep are greatly admired by all who see them and because of their superior quality they find a yen- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 809 ready market when offered for sale, and they are known to be great wool producers. His home is one of the most attractive in Hilliar township. Mr. Bell is a thoroughly progressive man in all that the term implies, adopting whatever measures, through investigation, prove to be the best. Politically, he is a Democrat, but is not a partisan, being an independent voter, supporting candidates and measures instead of parties. He has never been an office seeker. Fraternally, he is a member of the Centerburg Knights of Pythias lodge. JOHN F. WOODRUFF. It is always a great comfort and gratification to descendants to be able to affirm that their parents, and, in fact, all of their ancestors were people of exemplary habits and always lived respectable and honorable lives. On the contrary, what a strange sensation a high and excellent man must have to know that his father was always considered by his neighbors and friends as a man of low and mean instincts and of dishonorable practices. The parents of John F. Woodruff and their ancestors led such sterling lives that it seems nothing but good results have flown from their life works and they have left behind them inheritances of good deeds and honorable characters such as their descendants may be proud of, their influence having been very strong for upright living in the home and public life, and they were persons of intelligence and steady industry. Mr. Woodruff was born on September 25, 1863, on a farm four miles east of Utica, in Washington township, Licking county, Ohio. He is the son of Calvin and Emiline (Cox) Woodruff, both born in Clay township, this county, each representing excellent pioneer families. Here they grew up, received their education in the early schools of their community and were married and here they have spent their lives engaged in agricultural pursuits, the father still living, making his home in Eden township, Licking county, having left Clay township. Knox county, in 1862. His wife also survives. Four sons have been born to them, namely : John F.. of this review ; Hiram C. lives in Cleveland ; William W. lives with his parents : Andrew J. is deceased. John F. Woodruff was reared on the home farm and there he assisted with the general work when of proper age. He received his education in the public schools and the high school at Martinsburg, and the Utica Academy. He lived with his parents until his marriage. on December 31, 1891, 810 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. to Laura Moody, daughter of Elisha W. and Allie (Jewell) Moody. The father is now living at Centerburg, this county. Four children have been born to the subject and wife, named as follows : Allie, Emma. Harry G. (deceased) and John J. After his marriage Mr. Woodruff located in Washington township, Licking county, and in 1896 he moved to Martinsburg. and there maintained his home until the spring of 1898 when he moved to his present farm in Morgan township, which consists of three hundred and sixty-seven acres. which comprises as good land as this part of the county can boast, and which has received his careful, painstaking attention until it now ranks with the best farms in the locality, being under a high state of improvement and cultivation, and here he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and feeder. He has a pleasant home and large. convenient barns and other buildings, and is well established in every respect. Mr. Woodruff is a Democrat and has always been active in party matters, a friend of education, an advocate of good roads and of everything that contributes to a country's betterment. He has ably served as township trustee and as a member of the board of education for ten years. He is a member of the Democratic county central committee, and has been a frequent delegate to county, district and state conventions, in all of which he has made his influence felt for the good of the community and the party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Morgan Grange No. 829, Patrons of Husbandry, and is active in its affairs. He and his family are members of the Disciples church, having long been active in church and Sunday school work, and they stand high in all circles in the community. HENRY GRUBB. This venerable native son of Knox county is one of the few remaining links in the chain that connects the present age to a period long buried in the mists of the past, and he has been a witness to the development of this locality from the yirgin forests to its present prosperous condition as one of Ohio's most advanced and enlightened counties. Homes and villages have sprung up on every hand since his father, the first Grubb to make his advent in this section, cast his lot here eighty-two years ago. Since then forests have disappeared before the axe wielded by the strong arm of the woodsman; farms: with fertile, well-tilled fields, fine orchards, comfortable homes, im- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 811 posing public buildings and all the adjuncts of ciyilization, have taken the place of the tangled wilderness which sheltered numerous beasts of prey and, at no very remote period, the painted savage. The music of traffic, mingled with the notes of ceaseless industry, make melody where once the solitudes were broken at intervals by the scream of the ferocious wild animal or disturbed by the symphony of the breeze, the dirge of the winter storm or the blasts of the summer tornado. It is interesting to hear the subject recall reminiscences of early days in Knox county and to note the steps in her advancement in which he played no inconspicuous part in his community, for he was always ready to do his full share in the march of civilization as here inaugurated by the sturdy first settlers. Henry Grubb, well known farmer of Monroe township. was born in Pike township. this county. on December 4, 1834, and here he has been content to spend his long and useful life. He is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth ( Broombaugh) Grubb. who came from Hagerstown. Maryland, about 1830. driving in an old-fashioned covered wagon through the defiles of the Alleghany mountains into the wilderness to the westward. They located in Pike township. this county, here built a log cabin, began clearing a place in the woods and. in due course of time, had a good home and a productive farm, in connection with which the father operated a tannery for a number of years. He became one of the substantial and influential men of his township. taking an active interest in public affairs, and here he spent the remainder of his life. died and is buried here. Henry Grubb grew tip on the home farm, which he helped deyelop from the woods when he became of proper age. He knew the meaning of hard work when quite young and he took to farming naturally, making this vocation his life work. He received such education as the early times afforded in the district schools here. He worked on his father's farm until his marriage. on November 27, 1856, to Mary Ann Jeffries, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Beck) Jeffries. an early pioneer family of German origin, her parents having settled first in Stark county. later moving to Knox: Jacob Jeffries was a soldier in the Civil war. Four children were born to the subject and wife, namely: J. Wilson lives in Monroe township: Celestia A. is at home: Charles M. lives at Centerburg. this county: Daniel B. lives in Mt. Vernon. After his marriage Mr. Grubb lived two year's in Pike township, then moved to Morris township where he liyed seyenteen years, then came to Monroe township and bought a farm five miles northeast of Mt. Vernon. He has one hundred and seventeen acres of excellent land which he has 812 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation where he has carried on general farming and stock raising in a manner that has brought substantial rewards from year to year. Mr. Grubb has always been a Democrat politically. but never an office seeker, although interested in public matters: however, he served as township trustee for several years and as a member of the township school board. He and his family are members of the German Baptist church. In addition to general farming. Mr. Grubb has been extensively engaged as a horse raiser and a breeder of fine horses, especially however, he has raised all kinds of live stock, there being few better judges of stock in this county. He is an especial admirer of good horses. Mr. Grubb is a man of old-fashioned ideas regarding hospitality and strict honesty and he is therefore worthy of the high respect in which he is held throughout the county. WILLIAM LEGRAND GORSUCH. Among the progressive farmers and representative men of Jackson township, Knox county, deserving of special mention in a historical work of this nature is William Legrand Gorsuch, one of the connecting links with the pioneer epoch and one of the county's worthy native sons. a man who has lived a life of industry and well defined purpose. and while laboring for his individual advancement he has not neglected to assist in the general upbuilding of the community. Mr. Gorsuch was born in this county on February 18. 1847. He is the son of William and Mary (Dudgeon) Gorsuch. The paternal grandfather was a native of Scotland. and it is probable that his wife was a Scotch woman. They came to Knox county, Ohio, very early and located in Harrison township and there the father of the subject was born. The maternal grandparents, Simon and Nancy (Elliott) Dudgeon. were also of foreign blood, he having been a native of Ireland, and it is believed that she was a native of the Emerald Isle also. Early in life Mr. Dudgeon emigrated to New York, and he was married in Pennsylvania. About 1814 they moved to Knox county, Ohio, when this country was a wilderness and neighbors were few, and here he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, and developed a good farm in Harrison township. where he spent the rest of his life. becoming one of the large land owners of his clay. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 813 the possessor of about seven hundred and twenty acres. He was one of the influential men of the county in its early history. Many of his descendants still live in Harrison township about the old homestead. There the mother of the subject was born, in fact. lived and died in the same house that heard her earliest infant cry. The parents of Mr. Gorsuch were reared in Harris0n township and there attended school. and were married. Mr. Gorsuch was a successful farmer, and he died early in life. He had but one child, a son, William Legrand, of this review. After his father's death the mother married Moses Schooler, by whom two children were born, Elliott and Minerva Schooler, the latter being now the wife of a Mr. Davis. The mother of the subject continued to live at the old home until her death, on December 9, 1902, lacking a few days of being seventy-five years old. William L. Gorsuch was reared on the home farm and he received his education in the old log school house of his district. He remained under his parental roof-tree until he was twenty-one years of age, when, in 1869, he went to Iowa where he made his home for a period of twenty-five years, working three years on a farm and twenty-two years at the carpenter's trade, being a very skilled workman. He returned to Ohio and was married, in June, 1895, to Mary Laughery, a woman of Irish descent. the daughter of James and Ruann (Meeks) Laughery, old settlers of Knox county, of which he was a native and she, was born in Muskingum county. The wife of Mr. Gorsuch was one of a family of six children, two of whom are deceased, she having been the fourth in order of birth; those living are James. of Harrison township; Mrs. Elizabeth Melick, now a widow, lives in Jackson township; Mary, wife of Mr. Gorsuch of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Ann Robinson, who lives in Coshocton county. The union of the subject and wife has been without issue. Mr. Gorsuch is a Socialist in his political faith, and he was the only supporter of this party in his township for two years. While living in Iowa he served two terms as assessor, in Ringgold county. He is a member of the independent Order of Odd Fellows in Iowa. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gorsuch bought a farm in 1904. of thirty-seven and one-half acres. To this he has added thirty-four acres, all in Jackson township. He also owns a house and lot in Clay township. He is a general farmer and stock raiser, making a specialty of sheep, cattle and Berkshire hogs. His land is well improved and he has a very valuable farm and a good home. 814 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. OSCAR RANSOM. It is interesting to note from the beginning the growth and development of a community, to note the lines along which progress has been made and to take cognizance of those whose industry and leadership in the work of advancement have rendered possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. Oscar Ransom, well known contractor and builder of Mt. Vernon, Knox county, is one of those strong, sturdy individuals who has contributed largely to the material welfare of the city and community in which he has spent his life, being a progressive and public spirited citizen in all that the terms imply, and for a number of years he has been a potent factor in promoting its progress along all lines. consequently his name well deserves a place in the record of the county's representative citizens. Mr. Ransom was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, June 9, 1849, the son of Henry and Ellen (Upfold) Ransom, both born in England. from which country they came with their parents when young to Gambier. Knox county, Ohio. The father was a mason contractor and after his marriage came to Mt. Vernon and followed his trade in this and surrounding towns during his active life. He superintended the construction of the present court house and during his years of activity built many of the best business blocks and residences in this and surrounding counties. He was a man of fine business qualities and strong character. Many matters were referred to him, owing-to his remarkable faculty for remembering facts and dates. His death occurred on October 19, 1895, his widow. surviving until in April, 1903 both are buried in Mound View cemetery, Mt. Vernon. In their family were four sons, three of wbom learned the trade and followed the calling of their father. Oscar Ransom. of this review, grew up amid these environments, so he took quite naturally to his vocation. He attended the Mt. Vernon public schools, but when sufficiently advanced to enter the high school, he left his books to become a producer for the family. His first employment was as a clerk in the dry goods store of Mark Curtis, with whom he remained four years, but he turned from this line of endeavor to take up the trade of mason under his father, and he soon became an expert workman, and in the spring of 1878 he engaged in the business for himself and has since continued as a contractor, having erected many of the factories, business buildings and private residences in this and surrounding counties and towns. He did the first job of brick street paying in Mt. Vernon and he built the first public sewer in the city. In the spring of 1907 he added to his business a full line of building supplies such as wooden mantels, tiling of all kinds, grates and KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 815 ornamental work, many of them being of his own designing, and he is the only person in the city handling such a line, his place of business being at No. 105 West Gambier street. In his stock can be found most extensive and high class equipment for fine homes and buildings in general of any house in this part of the country. He has been yery successful as a business man accumulating a competency through hard work and good management. Mr. Ransom was married on August 10, 1870, to Mary E. Plummer, daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Walters) Plummer, of Mt. Vernon. Her father has been deceased for several years, but the mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Ransom four sons have been born, one of whom died in early youth from an injury received while coasting with a sled. Those living are: Harry. who is married and lives in Mt. Vernon; Rolland J. is single and lives at home; Charles Edward is married and lives in Canton, Ohio. These children were all educated in the Mt. Vernon public schools and when old enough learned the trade of brick mason and have been associated with their father in business. Mr. Ransom has always been a Republican in politics and while always interested in public affairs and well informed on matters of political and general import he has never sought office. He has an attractive and substantial home at No. 513 East Chestnut street, one of the best residence sections of the city. The house is modern in all its appointments and is well furnished and known as place of hospitality to the many friends of the family. Four generations* of the Ransom family have learned the mason trade in Mt. Vernon. FRED C. BISHOP. One of the well known business men of Centerburg, Knox county, is Fred C. Bishop, a man of sound judgment and far-seeing in what he undertakes and without an exception every enterprise to which he has addressed himself has resulted in success. He possesses concentration of purpose and a tireless energy, keen foresight and the rare executive ability that overcomes all restraint and accomplishes the purposes for which intended. To these qualities may be added scrupulous integrity, honesty and uprightness in all dealings with his fellow men and an honor in keeping with the ethics of business life, while behind all and controlling all are the commendable principles embodied in the Golden Rule, without which no man, how great his wealth and however distinguished his name. can be truly successful. 816 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. Bishop was born in Centerburg, this county, on January 3, 1878. He is the son of Charles L. and Addie (Harmer) Bishop, both born in Knox county, each representing excellent old pioneer families and here they grew to maturity, received their education and married, and they are still living. making their home in Centerburg. The elder Bishop devoted the earlier years of his life to farming, but in 1876 he moved to Centerburg and engaged in the lumber and milling business, handling all kinds of builders' supplies, also coal, enjoying a large trade and managing these lines successfully until 1897, when he was succeeded by his son, Fred C., of this review. After that the father engaged in various pursuits for some time, but is now living retired. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Bishop, two sons and one daughter, namely : Fred C., of this sketch Harry C., who is engaged in mining in Colorado, and Ethel, who married Guy Hulse, of Galion, Ohio. The Harmer family have long been prominent in business and public affairs of Hilliar township, this county, he being one of the prominent men of this part of the county. Fred C. Bishop, of this review, has spent his entire life in Centerburg, and here he received his education in the public schools, and was graduated from the high school in 1894. He immediately went into the flouring mill of his father, which the latter was operating in addition to his lumber yard. In 1898 the son purchased the lumber business of John Jeppesen, who had purchased the same only two years previously from the subject's father, and since 1898 Fred C. has continued.. to operate the business, to which he has since added cement block manufacturing, the latter having assumed large proportions. His is the only lumber and builders' supply concern in Centerburg. and he enjoys a large and constantly growing business. He handles everything in the building line except hardware. Mr. Bishop was married on May 28, 1902, to Frances W. Waldorf, daughter of William and Eya (Messmore) Waldorf, a highly esteemed family of Centerburg. Mr. Waldorf is still living, but his wife died when their daughter, Frances W., was a child. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bishop, a son and a daughter. Dorothy, aged eight, and Dallas, now three years old. Politically, Mr. Bishop is a Republican, but although always interested in public affairs, he has never been active. Fraternally, he is a member of Bloomfield Lodge No. 422, Free and Accepted Masons, being past master of the same. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, he being a member of the building committee of the same. and he has KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 817 been one of the principal factors in securing the fine new church edifice, which this congregation is now erecting. He is also a member of the official board of the church, and is active in church and Sunday school work. Mr. Bishop is a public-spirited, industrious, obliging and genial gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet. HARVEY SYLER. In the township in which he has lived the best part of his life, Harvey Syler, well known grain dealer of Ankenytown, Knox county, is favorably looked upon as an upright citizen and as an industrious business man whose success is well deserved, for he realized early in life that the goal of prosperity is never reached by the indolent and slothful, by the man who sits icily by waiting for something to turn up. but that if he was to do anything worth while he would be compelled, Don Quixote like, to get out and stir up something for himself, so, deciding upon a legitimate course of action. he has never waited or hesitated and thus while yet young in years he has secured a solid footing in the world of business, with bright prospects for the future, being in partnership with his brother. Ross Syler, under the firm name of Syler Brothers. Harvey Syler was born in Geauga county, Ohio, August 30, 1886. He is the son of Harvey and Josephine (Luke) Syler, both of whom were born in Ohio. Here they were married and began life on the farm, Mr. Syler becoming an extensive stock buyer. and in 1910 he moved his family to Ankenytown. where he still resides, having a very pleasant home here. He is still engaged in buying and shipping live stock. Eight children have been born to Harvey Syler, Sr., and wife, all of whom are living, Harvey of this review being the eighth in order of birth. Politically, the father is a Republican, and his wife belongs to the German Reformed church. Harvey Syler, of this review, was educated in the public schools of Walnut Creek and in Wooster College. attending the latter several years. He started in life for himself by engaging in the warehouse business in Sugar Creek for one year, then, in 1907. he came to Ankenytown and built an elevator here which he has continued to operate successfully to the present time, enjoying a large and constantly growing business in partnership with his brother. Ross. as stated in a preceding paragraph the latter, however. 818 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. operates the elevator at Climax, Ohio, which he and the subject purchased on October 1, 1911, and they also do a large business in that vicinity, buying and shipping all kinds of grain. Harvey Syler has remained unmarried. Ross Syler was married in 1907 to Edith Spahr, a native of Tuscarawas county. Politically, the subject is a Republican and in religous matters he belongs to the United Brethren church. JOHN BROWN. It is the pride of the inhabitants of this country that when the great Civil war closed all the vast army of citizen soldiery quietly laid down their arms and returned to the pursuits of peace. It was predicted by the governments of Europe. not only that the country would be divided. but that after the war an enormous army would be kept up and a military dictatorship be established on the fragments of perhaps every state Foreign nations did not understand the spirit of the people of this country, that is, the spirit of the people in all of the free states. They could not understand how we had come to love the name of liberty and be willing to sacrifice blood and treasure to save a country founded upon the rock of freedom. In view of these misguided ideas, the most of the foreign nations stood ready to pounce upon the fragments when the smoke of war had rolled away. But they beheld a splendid spectacle instead they saw the great armies melt away, saw a reunited country in which liberty was a fact as well as a name. and saw the soldiers return to their farms. mills. shops and various other vocations. One of the gallant boys in blue thus to return was John Brown, for many years a well known farmer of Wayne township, Knox county. He was born on June 17, 1844. on Jamaica Island, near Falmouth. His parents were Andrew and Catherine (Dexter) Brown, the father of Scotch blood and the mother of English descent, her father having been Captain William Dexter, of the English army. The subject's father went to Jamaica as a young man, having been employed there by an English company. and while there he was married and for many years engaged in operating a plantation. In January, 1855, he came to the United States with his family, landing at Baltimore, Maryland, from there proceeding to Wayne township. Knox county, some friends haying preceded them to this locality from Jamaica. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 819 The father purchased a farm two miles southwest of Fredericktown and engaged in farming, his place consisting of over one hundred acres. He was a sturdy Scot, honest, industrious, and of decided convictions and firm opinions. His death occurred in February, 1876, his widow surviving until in June, 1882 ; both are buried at Fredericktown. They were the parents of five sons and two daughters, namely : John, of this review ; William, of Black River, New York; Robert lives in Fredericktown; James lives in Wayne township; Thomas lives in Arkansas; Sarah is deceased; Catherine lives in Fredericktown. John Brown, of this sketch, was sent, with his brother, William, when the former was eight years of age, to Scotland for school privileges; these brothers remained in Scotland several years, finally coming to America to join their parents in Knox county, Ohio, and after coming here John attended the district schools and the schools of Fredericktown. He assisted his father on the home place. In May, 1864. he proved his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he served very faithfully for one hundred days, until in September. 1864, under General Butler on the James river, seeing considerable active service during that brief period. Returning home from the army, he remained on the farm until the spring of 1870, when he moved to Vernon county, Missouri, where he engaged in farming, remaining there until 1882, and during that period was married, in April, 1875, to Alice Heskett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Heskett In 1882 he returned to Wayne township, Knox county, Ohio, and here he has remained to the present time, successfully engaged in farming. His wife . died in October, 1882, soon after coming to Ohio. Two children, a son and a daughter, were born to this union, Catherine, who married William Galiagaugher. lives on the farm with .Mr. Brown; Clarence lives in New York City Mr. Brown owns a well-improved and very productive farm of one hundred and five acres one and one-half miles southwest of Fredericktown, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. He has a good hoMe and his place is well stocked. Politically, Mr. Brown is a Republican and he has long been active in public affairs. He has served as constable of Wayne township and for seven years was trustee of this township, and after an interval of five years he was re-elected to that office and again re-elected in the fall of 1911. being still the incumbent of the same. While in Missouri he was a member of the board of education in his district. He is regarded as a most able and 820 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Conscientious public servant. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and has filled all the offices of the local post, taking much interest in the same. He is a member of the Fredericktown Presbyterian church. He is a man of exemplary character and stands high with those who know him. JASPER VAN HORN In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their way to success through unfavorable environment we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which not only can endure so rough a test. but gain new strength through the discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance. industry and wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life. Jasper Van Horn, of Centerburg. Hilliar township, Knox county. for many years one of the best known educators in this section of the state. later a progressive agriculturist and civil engineer. which vocations at present claim his attention, was born September 25, 1855. in Danville, this county. He is the son of William and Lucinda ( Robinson) Van Horn, the father a natiye of Loudoun county. Virginia, and the mother of Knox county. Ohio, her family being among the early pioneers, having located here when the country was covered with primeval Woods, when settlers were few and the Indian still hunted in the forest's depths, and when wild game was in abundance, and here the Robinsons became well known and influential in the affairs of the community. William Van Horn was also an early settler of Knox county, having come here from Virginia in 1836 as a young man, his father having died when he was very young. He had learned the carpenter's trade back in the Old Dominion, and this he followed for years after coming to Knox county, in connection with farming. Politically, he was a Democrat in early life, later supporting the Republican party. He led a quiet life and was neyer an office seeker. He was a member of the Christian church, as were also his wife and family. His death occurred on June 9, 1888, his widow surviving until March 15, 1905. Both are buried in the cemetery at Danville. They were excellent people and had the respect of a wide circle of friends. Jasper Van Horn, of this review. spent his boyhood on his father's KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 821 farm, where he worked during the summer months, and in the wintertime he attended the district schools, later attending school in Mt. Vernon ; but his higher education has been obtained by personal application, having ever been a student and a close reader of miscellaneous literature. In 1876 he began teaching in the country district schools and followed this line of endeavor for a period of twenty-seven years, during which time he became one of the best known teachers in this locality, his services being in great demand, for he gave the utmost satisfaction to both patron and pupil, being both an entertainer and an instructor in the school room and' employing advanced methods. In 1887 he began teaching in the schools of Danville, continuing there for four years, and in 1895 he came to Centerburg as principal of the high school, which position he held with his usual satisfaction for a period of eight years. In 1903 he retired from teaching, much to the regret of the public, and turned his attention to farming and civil engineering. He has been the local engineer on the state road work in Hilliar township and is also the state inspector of the construction work, and he has proven to be a faithful as well as efficient official. performing his every duty in a most satisfactory manner. He also has an excellent farm in Hilliar township which receives much of his attention and which he keeps well improved and well tilled. Mr. Van Horn has been twice married, first, on January 9, 1879. to Laura R. Howell, daughter of Craven and Amy Howell, an old family of Loudoun county, Virginia. To this union five children have been born, namely : Bulah, Arthur L., Ethel. Lula and Wilbur, all single at this writing. The wife and mother passed to -Her rest in September. 1898. On June 10, 1902, Mr. Van Horn was united in marriage with Mrs. Della (Ramey) Kerr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Ramey. of Morrow county, Ohio. a highly respected family there. Mr. Van Horn is a member of Bloomfield Lodge No. 422. Free and Accepted Masons, haying filled the chairs in the same and is present master of this lodge. Politically, he is a Republican and is always interested in public matters and is a frequent delegate to party conventions. He has been township trustee and a member of the board of education, now occupying the latter position. He has always been a friend to education. He and his family are members of the Christian church and he has long been active in church and Sunday school work. He is an advocate of public improvements. better roads, better public buildings, better school facilities, and every movement having as its object the general improvement of the county has his support. 822 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. JOHN ELMER LlTZENBERG. The subject is a representative of honored pioneers of Knox county, so that a consideration of his genealogical and personal history becomes doubly interesting and doubly apropos in connection with the prescribed province of this publication. Mr. Litzenberg is one of the successful farmers of Hilliar township, having a finely improved landed estate there. and is carrying forward his operations with that energy. foresight and careful discrimination which ever betoken the appreciative and model yeoman. John Elmer Litzenberg was born in Milford township, Knox county, September 19, 1865 and is the son of John and Abigail Ellen ( Kisor) Litzenberg. His paternal grandparents. John Litzenberg, born June 13. 1786, and Ann (Prong) Litzenberg, born November 7, 1786, were natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and were married March 14, 1808. They came to Knox county, Ohio, in 1836, and settled in Milford township. He was a farmer and stock raiser and here they spent the rest of their lives. About the year 1700, a man by the name of Kisor and his two brothers came to the United States from Germany and settled Philadelphia. Later, when the Shenandoah valley was being settled, he moved into it. In the year 1807, John Kisor, a descendant and the maternal grandparent of the subject of this sketch, moved with his widowed mother, two brothers and three sisters from Rockingham county, Virginia. and settled in Knox county, Ohio. on the Big run, in the southeastern part of what is now Pleasant township. John Kisor and his two brothers, Christobel and Frederick, served in the war of 1812. he being detailed as dispatch bearer and scout. belonging to the Light Horse Cavalry. After the war he was married to Elizabeth Bolton, also of Rockingham county, Virginia. At the time of their settlement in Knox county, Ohio. the country was indeed a wilderness, and here he entered government land, built a cabin, cleared and improved a good farm, and here reared his family of ten children. Later in life he moved to Milford township, and finally to Hilliar township, dying on the place now owned by the subject. He was a man of bravery, courage and never halted at obstacles or hardships. John Litzenberg, father of the subject, was born in Washington county. Pennsylvania. February 1, 1819, being the seventh child of a family of eleyen children, the only one of the family now living being Susan (Litzenberg) Jackson of Liberty township, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. The mother was born in Knox county, Ohio, .April 3, 1830. The father spent his boyhood in his native state, coining to Knox county in 1836, with KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 823 his parents, and here he was married March 18, 1855, to Abigail Ellen Kisor. He deyoted his life to farming, and lived an honest retired life. Politically, he was a Democrat, and he and his wife belonged to the Church of Christ. They had but one child, John Elmer, of this sketch. The father had been married before, and by his first wife had five children, two of whom are now living, George Nelson and Louis Jefferson. The death of the father occurred on September 14, 1901, and the mother on August 29, 1897. John E. Litzenberg was reared on the home farm and there worked hard when a boy. He received his education in the school house near the home place. At the age of fifteen, he began teaching in the schools of his native township, being the youngest person to whom a certificate to teach was ever issued in Knox county. He followed this profession for eight years and then devoted himself exclusively to farming for a livelihood. In 1887 he bought thirty-seven acres in Hilliar township, and he is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-two acres in Hilliar and Milford townships, which he has placed under excellent improvement, and on which he makes a very comfortable living as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has a good home and has built a large, fine barn. Politically, Mr. Litzenberg is a Democrat, but has never aspired to office. On January 16, 1881, he and his wife united with the Church of Christ at First Milford. Mr. Litzenberg was Married on January I, 1887, to Caroline Chrisman, a native of Knox county, and the daughter of Harvey C. and Sarah Elizabeth ( Jaggers) Chrisman, he a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and she of Knox county, Ohio. One child has been born to the subject and wife, Lenna May, January 24, 1890, and now the wife of Frank Ward Chapman, of this county. CLARK M. BARBER. A well known and popular citizen of Knox county is the able educator whose name initiates this biographical review, who for a period of nearly thirty years has labored in his chosen field of endeavor in Pleasant township with remarkable success. his labors making him a much liked public character, being known as a man of keen perceptive faculties, scholarly attainments, unusual soundness of judgment and upright in all the relations of life. Continuous application for over three decades of advancement has given him a (53) 824 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. clear and comprehensive insight into the philosophy of education and the largest wisdom as to method and means of attainment of ends, while his steady growth in public favor wherever he has labored and his popularity with pupils and patrons have won for him a high educational standing. He possesses the personal charm and tact which make him popular with the Voting, and by entering into their spirit and pastimes, sympathizing with them in their troubles, listening to and settling their disputes and making their interests his own, he has become the idol. almost, of the juveniles of this part of the county, his being one with them rendering his work easy and adding greatly to his popularity. Clark M. Barber was born on May 6, 1862. in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Abram and Margaret (Hindman) Barber. In 1862 the family moved to Pleasant township, Knox county, and here the subject grew to manhood. in fact. has spent his life. Here the father engaged in farming, becoming very comfortably established. Politically, he was a Democrat and was active in public affairs. For a period of seventeen years he was treasurer of Pleasant township, Knox county, this being criterion enough of the confidence which his neighbors reposed in him. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. He was a man of exemplary character and was well liked. His death occurred on November 3, 1901. and his wife died on August 3(1 of the same year. They were the parents of six children, five sons and one daughter, namely : John lives in Rock Island, Illinois: Jennie married John Wood, of Mt. Vernon : Samuel M. lives in Hyattsville, Wyoming: Thomas P., of Pleasant township, this county :Allen S. resides in Traverse City. Michigan : Clark M. of this review. These children are all living. Clark M. Barber spent his childhood and youth on the home farm where he assisted with the general work about the place during the crop seasons, attending the district schools in the winter time. He always had a laudable ambition to be a teacher and when scarcely past the age of fifteen years he began this line of endeavor and has taught in the schools of Knox county every year since, twenty-nine years of this time being spent in the schools of his own township. Pleasant. As already intimated, he is recognized as one of the most progressive teachers of Knox county and he stands high in educational circles in this part of the state. In 1906 he was appointed one of the county school examiners and is still serving in that capacity, having been reappointed for a second term in 1909, and he is clerk of the board. He is a member of the state organization of county examiners and during the, year 1911 was a member of the executive committee of that organization.