850 - KNOX COUNTY: OHIO. who, by his own industry, frugality and integrity has climbed up from the foot of the ladder to a commanding position in his county and is in every respect deserying of his success. A sketch of Charles B. Shellenbarger, brother of the subject. and associated with him in business, will be found on another page of this work. LLOYD ODELL MIZER. The qualities of an individual that make for success in this life do not have to be of transcendent character to enable him to accomplish important undertakings. It is more the way he does it and the skill he employs in grasping the opportunities presented, than to any remarkable qualities possessed by him. One of the successful young business men of Bladensburg, Knox county, who has won a definite goal in life as a result of his close application and good management, rather than to inherited ability or the assistance of influential friends is Lloyd Odell Mizer, who was born in Coshocton county. Ohio, on August 3, 1873. He is the son of Alfred L. and Mary (Clarnahan) Mizer, both natives of Coshocton county and each representing pioneer families of that locality. There they grew to maturity, received such education as the early schools afforded and were married. The father has devoted his life principally to farming, having come to Jackson township. Knox county, in 1882, where be has since resided, becoming the owner of an excellent farm, and where he is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. For a fuller history of the parents of the immediate subject of this sketch the reader is referred to the record of Alfred L. Mizer, appearing on another page of this work. Lloyd O. Mizer grew up on his father's farm where he helped with the general work when of proper age, and he receiyed his education in the public schools of Holmes county, later attending the Stricker school in Knox county, also the schools of Bladensburg, having moved to this county with his parents in 1882. Mr. Mizer engaged in the manufacture of cheese in northern Ohio and Michigan for a period of ten years, and he then moved to Newcastle and started a general store, where he remained two years and ten months, then, in the fall of 1908, he came to Bladensburg and resumed merchandising in partnership with Mr. Rine, who later sold out to Mr. Hull, and here the subject has remained, having built up a large and growing trade with the KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 851 town and surrounding country. He has always carried a carefully selected stock of goods and treated his many customers with eyery consideration, winning thereby their friendship as well as their good will. In politics, Mr. Mizer is independent. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife are members of the Disciples church. Mr. Mizer was married in Swanton, to Estella Smith, a native of Fulton county, and the daughter of Gilbert Smith, a resident of Swanton. The mother's people were residents of Michigan. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mizer, namely : Lawrence, Lenore and Gilbert. ALFRED L. MIZER. It is yery often found in this country that our captains of industry,. leaders in statesmanship and other yocations and avocations possess no higher ability than thousands of other citizens. They have simply taken better advantage of their circumstances than their fellows. And this truth runs through every occupation. The agriculturist who rises above his neighboring tillers of the soil does so because he has found out how to rise above the surroundings and conditions which hold others down. Such a farmer is Alfred L. Mizer, of Jackson township, and for thirty years one of the honored citizens of southeastern Knox county. Mr. Mizer was born in Crawford township, Coshocton county, Ohio, August 4, 1847. He is the son of John and Julia Ann (Leathrow) Mizer. His paternal grandparents, Jacob and (Faucler) Mizer, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew to maturity, received their education in the old-time schools. and were married. From there they came to Coshocton county. Ohio, very early, and entered government land, which they improved into a good farm, which is still in possession of the Mizer family, and there they both spent the rest of their lives. The paternal great-grandfather. was also named Jacob. The maternal grandparents, John Leathrow and wife, were natives of Pennsylvania. from which state they came to Ohio in one of the old-fashioned English four-horse wagons, and located in Mill Creek township, Coshocton county, and there they spent the rest of their lives. Mr. Leathrow was twice married. John and Julia Ann Mizer, parents of the subject, were born in Coshocton county. this state. he in 1817 and she in 1822, and there they grew up, were educated and married. The father devoted his life to farming, entering government land during the administration of Andrew Jackson. He 852 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. also owned other land there. He finally moved to Monroe township, Coshocton county, where he became the owner of one hundred and twenty-eight acres at his death in 1891. Politically, he was a Democrat, but was never an office holder. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. Their family consisted of five children, three of whom are living, namely : Jacob S., of Fulton county ; John E., of Butler township, Knox county ; and Alfred L.. of this sketch. The latter was too young to serve in the Civil war. but the other two sons were soldiers in the Union army. The mother of the subject died in 1850, and the father remarried, but the second union was without issue. Alfred L. Mizer was reared on the one farm and received his education in the public schools. He has devoted his life to farming, first renting awhile, and in 1876 he bought twenty acres in Holmes county, and he lived there until 1882, when he moved to Jackson township, Knox county, where he bought eighty acres. To this he later added another eighty, and he still owns the one hundred and sixty acres. which he has placed under excellent improvements and has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He has built here a fine dwelling, substantial barn and other buildings. Politically, Mr. Mizer is a Republican, but he has lately been an independent voter. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mizer was married on February 16. 1873, to Mary M. Carnahan, a native of Coshocton county and the claughter of Adam and Harriet ( Smith ) Carnahan. who were old settlers there; from Virginia. Mr. Carnahan having been a slave-holder before the Civil war. His death occurred in Coshocton county, and his wife died at the home of the subject in 1891, at the adyanced age of ninety years. To Mr. and Mrs. Mizer nine children have been born, named as follows: Lloyd ; Odell, a sketch of whom appears in this work Laura, Cyrus F., Hattie. Howard, Roy, Everett, Alice M. and James Elmer. ISAAC LEEDY. No state has sent so many of its enterprising native sons to Knox county as Pennsylvania. This may have been due partly to the fact that the two states he in close proximity; but the reason for their coming here is of little consequence—the fact that they have come within our borders, cast KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 853 their lot with us and assisted in developing the material, civic and moral conditions here is the main question, for they have almost without exception been men of sterling characteristics, courageous, patient, enduring and honorable, so that we are greatly indebted to them. One of this worthy band in Isaac Leedy, who was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1827, the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Zook) Leedy. The paternal grandfather, Abraham Leedy, was probably a native of Switzerland and he came to America very early, locating in York, Pennsylvania, according to family tradition, and there he spent the balance of his life. Samuel Leedy, brother of Abraham, settled in Virginia, and established the Virginia branch of this family which for generations has figured more or less prominently in the affairs of the section of the Old Dominion where they have resided. It is believed that the maternal grandparents of the subject were natives of Switzerland, from which country they emigrated to America and were early settlers in Pennsylvania. Abraham Leedy, father of the subject, was born in Pennsylvania, April 5, 1789, and there also occurred the birth of the subject's mother, on March 25. 1791. They were married on February 23, 1812. The father devoted his life to farming and in September. 1829, he moved to Ohio, and entered government land in Berlin township there he built his cabin in the woods, began clearing and in due course of time had a good farm, with the help of his nine sons. He became the owner of five hundred or six hundred acres, probably four hundred acres of which were in one tract, and he was one of of the substantial and progressive farmers and influential citizens of that part of the county, and there he spent the rest of his life, dying on March 8, 1860, his widow surviving until January 24, 1864. They were members of the old I)unkard church and were devout people. Mr. Leedy was exempted from draft in the Civil war owing to his advanced age. Politically, he was a Democrat, but, preferring a quiet life, he never sought public office. though he once served as supervisor. His family consisted of nine sons and two daughters. only two of whom are living in 1912, Isaac. of this sketch. and a sister, Susanna, who was married first to David Garber. and lastly to Dr. Stephen Dyer : she now lives with her daughter. The father is remembered as a very hospitable. charitable and public spirited man whom to know was to respect and admire. He was always good to the poor, never turning any one away from his door who needed help. Isaac Leedy was educated in the common schools of Berlin township and reared on the home farm, where he worked hard cluring the summer time when growing to manhood, thus grew up amid pioneer conditions and has lived to see the wonderful development of the country. taking no little 854 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. part in the transformation of the same. He worked for his father for several years without pay, and when twenty-four years old he married, and thereupon rented the home farm in partnership with his brothers. When his brother Jacob moyed away, the subject took over the entire farm. Now the father. getting advanced in years. desired to dispose of most of his land, having too much to look after easily, so on an appointed day all the sons and daughters met and divided up the place in a manner that was satisfactory all around, making ample provision for the old folks. In this manner the subject got his real start in life, and he has never done anything but follow agricultural pursuits, and through his industry and good management he accumulated one of the finest farms in the township and a competency. Recently he retired from the active duties of life and is now living in honorable retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former years of labor. His place consists of over two hundred and forts- acres and is well improved and has always been under a high state of cultivation. Following his father's example. he gave each of his children two thousand dollars. thus giving them a good start in life. Politically, Mr. Leedy was a Democrat up to 1884. when he became a Prohibitionist and has been active in the ranks of the same. He is a member of the Grange and he and his wife are members of the Disciples church. Mr. Leedy was married on December 25. 1881, to Nancy Rostater, who was born on September 30. 1828, and to this union ten children were born. named as follows : Elias, deceased ; William. the third child, died in infancy ; Elizabeth ; Martha is deceased ; Caleb, Hannah. Emily and Joshua are deceased ; Susanna. The wife and mother passed to her rest on March 4, 1866, and on October 23, 1866. Mr. Leedy was united in marriage with Lovina Wolfe, who was born on March 16, 1838. To this second union seven children were born, namely : Minerya ; Noah is deceased ; Normanda A. is deceased ; she was a twin of Mary E.; the next child died in infancy ; Samuel A. and Verdia A. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DELONG. One of the best known tillers of the soil in Butler township, Knox county. one of her worthy native sons and one of the connecting links between the pioneer epoch and the present is Benjamin Franklin Delong. He has seen the growth of this locality and has played well his part in the same, never hesitating in his support of all material, civic and moral movements that KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 855 were fostered for the general good of the locality, and he has led such an exemplary life that he has won the respect of all who know him, being somewhat old-fashioned in his ideas of sterling honesty and in following the Golden Rule. Mr. Delong was born in Knox county, Ohio, on August 21, 1839, and is the son of John and Mary Ann (Schultz) Delong. His maternal grandparents were Jacob and (Shafer) Delong, he a native of Pennsylvania, from which state he came to Knox county and entered .government land, two or three hundred acres. and here became well established. The father of the subject was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and the mother in Pennsylvania, from which state she came to Knox county when a child, here grew to womanhood and was married. John Delong also entered land from the government, and when a boy he worked on the canal for some time and assisted in building Kenyon College, but after his marriage he took up farming for a livelihood and owned a good farm of one hundred and forty acres at the time of his death, which occurred in the early fifties. The mother's death occurred about 1899, having reached an advanced age. They were the parents of eight children, an equal number of sons and daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters are now living. Benjamin F. Delong was reared on the home farm and when very young made a hand in the fields during crop seasons, and in the brief winter months he received such education as he could in the schools of his clay. He took up farming for his life work, and after renting awhile bought a farm of one hundred acres in Butler township about 1880, and in 1889 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in that township. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and has a very comfortable home. Politically. Mr. Delong is a Republican, and he has been more or less active in public affairs. He has held a number of the local offices, such as township trustee, always with satisfaction to the people. He belongs to the Grange, and was formerly a member of the Disciples church, in which his wife still holds membership. Mr. Delong was married on January 18, 1866. to Katherine Ealy, a native of Knox county and the daughter of Benjamin and Maria (Stotts) Ealy, old settlers here from Pennsylvania. he having come in pioneer times as a child with his parents and here he grew to manhood. The mother was born in Knox county and here grew to maturity and they were married here and began life on the farm, finally becoming owners of several hundred acres of good land. They had ten children, five of whom are living, namely : Louis. (55) 856 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Joseph, Katherine (wife of Mr. Delong of this sketch), Maria, Benjamin, of Delaware county, Ohio. Mr. Ealy was a strong Democrat and always active in public affairs. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Delong were Peter and Polly (Horn) Ealy, and her maternal grandparents were Joseph Statts and wife, of Irish descent. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Delong, namely : Zora Ellen, wife of Marion Cullison, Louis B., and Mary, wife of Dan C. McLarnan. CHARLES H. BEACH. Having been identified with the general advancement of the southeastern part of Knox county all his life, Charles H. Beach is entitled to special mention in a work of this nature. He has attained gratifying results as a recompense for the industry he has expended in connection with the development of the resources of one of the most favored localities of the Buckeye state. owning one of the most productive landed estates in Jackson township. Mr. Beach was born in Harrison township, Knox county, August 6. 1854. He is the son of Thomas and Margaret Jane (Moore) Beach, both natives of Pennsylvania, from which state they came to Ohio while still single and they were married in Coshocton county. Later they moved to Knox county and here became the owner of a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He devoted his life to farming and he lived a quiet, home life, giving his time and attention exclusively to his farm and his family. Through hard work and the exercise of such principles as always win, he became very comfortably established. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Beach, all of whom are living. The death of the father occurred in 1905 and the mother died about 1891. Charles H. Beach grew up on the home farm and there made himself useful in his boyhood days. He received his education in the public schools of Harrison township. He earned his first money by working hr the woo which he continued on various farms for about six years. He w and in time had a fair start, so in 1891 he bought seventy-two acres of good land in Jackson township and here he has been carrying on general farming and stock raising to the present time, and is constantly improving his place. He has a good home, his buildings being in good condition, having been remodeled from time to time. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 857 Mr. Beach is a Republican in politics, but he has never aspired to public life or sought office. However, he has twice been supervisor of roads in his community. Mr. Beach was married in 1883 to Mary Ann Horn, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Horn, one of the early families of Harrison township, this county, where Mrs. Beach's grandparents, Joseph and Susan Horn, settled about 1810, thus for over a century the name Horn has been a familiar one in this locality. They originally lived in Pennsylvania. The maternal grandparents, George and Mary Adrian, were also natives of Pennsylvania and very early settlers in Knox county. The parents of Mrs. Beach were born. reared and married in Knox county and here Mr. Horn became the owner of about four hundred acres of good land and ranked as one of the substantial farmers of the community. His death occurred on October 9, 1910, having survived his wife over a quarter of a century, she haying died on March 10, 1883. Mrs. Beach is one of a family of ten children, all of whom are living. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beach, named as follows Curtis lives in South Dakota Beatrice. Sadie, Clifford. Ida. Hattie and Elmer Leroy. GEORGE ALLEN. In all that constitutes true manhood and good citizenship George Allen, a venerable tiller of the soil in Jackson township, Knox county, is a notable example and none stands higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community. His career has been characterized by duty faithfully performed and by industry. thrift and wisely directed efforts he has acquired a comfortable share of this world's goods, besides earning a reputation which has never been clouded by the commission of a single unworthy act. His experiences through his long life have indeed been varied, not infrequently interesting and sometimes exciting. He grew up amid pioneer conditions, where weaklings could hot well thrive, where it took courage and perseverance, and he was one of the sturdy band that crossed the great plains of the West during the California gold fever days. He is a man of many commendable virtues. Mr. Allen was born in Monroe county, Ohio, March 24, 1831. He is the son of Elias and Mary (McClarnan) Allen, the father a native of Virginia. The paternal grandfather moved to Monroe county, Ohio, in a very early day. He was a farmer and he entered school land there. which he developed and on which he raised his eleven children. His family consisted of twelve children, one of whom died in early life. The Allen family moved to 858 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Knox county in 1832 and settled in Butler township and there became well established on a farm. George Allen. of this sketch, grew up on the home farm and when but a lad he went to work in the fields, clearing timber, breaking new ground and helping with the general work. He received such education as he could in the old-time log school house near his boyhood home, and in early life he took up farming for a livelihood. In 1852 he joined the tide of fortune hunters and drove overland to California, the trip requiring ninety days, and he met with a fair measure of success in the gold fields, returning to Ohio four years later with about fourteen hundred dollars. He talks very interestingly of his experiences in the Pacific coast country. A few years after his return to his native state he bought the original homestead of his father, one hundred and sixty acres in Butler township, and this he has kept well I improved and under a fine state of cultivation, carrying on general farming and stock raising. During the Civil war he went to Illinois, where he bought and sold live stock. After his marriage he bought out his father-in-law, one hundred and sixty acres, also in Butler township. Knox county. Then he bought land in Jackson township. and has been buying and adding to it from time to time until he is now the owner of about seven hundred acres of valuable land, all of which he keeps well improved, and he has long carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, and is one of the substantial and progressive agriculturists of the southeastern part of the county. He raises and prepares for market cattle, sheep and hogs. He leaves the active management of his place to his sons, merely overseeing his affairs in a general way. He has accumulated a competency through his industry and good management. Politically, Mr. Allen is independent. preferring to vote for the candidate best qualified for the office sought rather than for the party. He has always supported any measure looking to the general upbuilding of his community and his influence has been salutary. Mr. Allen was married about 1868 to Julia Ann Ashcraft, a native of Butler township, Knox county, where she was reared and educated. She was the daughter of Jesse Ashcraft, an old settler, having come to Butler township from Coshocton county. There Mrs. \Hen grew to womanhood and attended the public schools. To the subject and wife three children have been born, namely : Mary Ann, wife of Manuel Rine, who lives in Butler township and is the mother of two children; Philip and James Allen are both single and living at home, operating the farm and they are young men of much promise in a business way . KNOX COUNTY. OHIO - 859 J. E. MISER. Another of the honored veterans of the great Union army who, when Fort Sumter was fired upon by the hosts of treason on that memorable day in 1861, unhesitatingly forsook his hearthstone and all the sacred things of home and went bravely to the sanguinary fields of the Southland, there to "do and die" in the cause of right, "that the nation under God might live," was J. E. Miser, one of Knox county's well known farmers and stock men, whose finely improved landed estate lies in Butler township. He has always enjoyed the good will and respect of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances as a result of his public spirit, his industry and upright character; so, for divers reasons, there is peculiar consonance in giving his life record specific position in this volume. Mr. Miser was born in Chili, Coshocton county, Ohio, on February 15, 1812. He is the son -of John and Julia Ann (Leathrow) Miser. The paternal grandparents, Jacob and Margaret Miser, were natives of Pennsylvania, from which state they came to Coshocton county, Ohio, in a very early day and here spent the balance of their lives. The maternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Leathrow. were born in Harrison county and they came to Coshocton county in a very early day and there lived and died and are buried at Keane. The parents of the subject were both born in Coshocton county, and there they grew to maturity and were married. Jacob Miser devoted his life to farming and became the owner of one hundred and twelve acres. Politically, he was a Democrat. His family consisted of five children, four sons and one daughter. three of whom are living, namely : J. E , of this sketch: A. L. and Jacob. of Fulton county. J. E. Miser was educated at the Whip-poor-will school house, Crawford township, Coshocton county, Ohio, and he was reared on the home farm where he made himself generally useful as he was growing up. When a young man he began life by renting land for two years, then bought three and one-fourth acres. Two years later he bought sixty acres in Coshocton county, to which he added ten acres. In connection with farming he began operating a threshing machine, later selling out and began dealing in land, which he has continued at intervals ever since. He has been very successful as a general farmer, stock raiser and trader, and he is now the owner of one of the choice farms of his township, consisting of two hundred and fifty-seven and one-half acres, in Butler township, which he has brought up to a high state of improvements and cultivation. He makes a specialty of sheep 860 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. raising, also horses. He has a good home and convenient outbuildings, everything about his place denoting thrift and excellent taste. Politically, Mr. Miser is a Republican and he has served as supervisor of his township. He has long been a member of the Lutheran church, but is not active in the same. He is a member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, which he has served as commander. He has a long military record, having served most faithfully as a soldier in the Federal army for five years and four months, having enlisted in Company G, Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1861. He was in the Pioneer Corps, of the Thirteenth Division, and he was with General Sherman on his march to the sea and saw during his term of enlistment much hard service. Mr. Miser was married on December 26, 1866, to Mary Vote, a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, the daughter of Peter Vote and wife, but Mrs. Miser was reared by an uncle. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miser, named as follows : The eldest child died in infancy ; William, Milan, Emma Jane, Flora Ellen, Alfred, Martin, Lulie, Ed., Dugg and Lee. WILLIAM SNYDER. Butler township, Knox county, has few more scientific farmers than William Snyder, who has been wise enough to remain in his native community, knowing that few better could be ,found for his vocation, and here he has not only labored well in his field of endeayor, but he has done his share in promoting the general welfare of the people in a public way, neyer withholding his support from measures calculated to advance the good of all, and therefore he is held in high esteem by his neighbors and friends. Mr. Snyder was born in Union township, this county, on November 3, 1857, and is the son of Samuel and Grace (Workman) Snyder. The paternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylyania and it was about 1845 that they came to Ohio, locating in Knox, where he farmed and here they spent the balance of their lives. The maternal grandparents were also very early settlers of this county. The father of the subject was born in Pennsylyania and came to Ohio with his father and here engaged in farming. The mother was born in Coshocton county. They were the parents of five children, namely : William, of this review; 011ie died when one year old; James L., Samantha and Emily. The father liyed a quiet, retired life, giving his attention to his farm and his family. He and his wife were members of the Disciples church. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 861 William Snyder was educated in the public schools of Union township and was reared on the home farm, where he worked when a boy. He began life for himself by working on a farm by the month, later rented land and he is now renting one hundred and sixty acres, his brother's farm. He is at this writing contemplating buying a good farm in this vicinity. He carries on general farming and breeds Belgian horses, which he occasionally exhibits at the Mt. Vernon county fair. He is a good judge of live stock, especially horses. Politically, he is an independent voter, and he and his wife belong to the Disciples church. Mr. Snyder was married in 1881 to Matilda Tope, by whom two children were born, one dying in infancy Matthew grew to manhood and married Minerva Lepley. William Snyder was twice married. His last wife, in 1887, was Rebecca Tope, a sister of his first wife, and by her he had one son, Curtis. This wife dying about 1893, Mr. Snyder was again married, about 1904, to Minnie Meredith, a natiye of Knox county. and to this last union one son was also born, Clyde Meredith. J. B. BUSENBURG. Upon the roll of representative farmers of the eastern part of Knox county consistently appears the name of J. B. Busenburg, a man who seems to have inherited from his sterling Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestors many qualities that make for success in any field of endeavor, such as perseverance, close application, unflagging industry and unswerving honesty, and he has therefore won and retained the good will and respect of all his neighbors and friends. Mr. Busenburg was born in Knox county, Ohio, September 15, 1861. He is the son of Peter and Caroline (Woods) Busenburg. The parental grandparents, Isaac Busenburg and wife, were natives of Pennsylvania, and they came to Knox county, Ohio, in a very early day, locating in Butler township and there entered land from the government, and there they spent the balance of their lives. The maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Woods, the latter's maiden name having been Riley, were also natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers in Knox county. The parents of the subject were both born in Knox county, and here they grew to maturity and were married. Mr. Busenburg was a farmer and became an extensive land owner and one of the substantial and well known citizens of this part of the county. 862 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. His home farm consisted of about two hundred acres. His family numbered seven, five of whom are still living. Politically, he was a Democrat, but not a public man, never seeking office. His death occurred about 1896. His widow, a worthy member of the Disciples church, is still living, having passed her eighty-third birthday on September 9, 1911. J. B. Busenburg, of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and reared on the home farm, and early in life he took up farming for a livelihood and has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He first worked by the year, then rented land, and about 1901 he bought a farm of one hundred acres in Butler township. and here he has since resided. He keeps good live stock and has a pleasant home, and his place is modernly improved. Politically, Mr. Busenburg is a Democrat. but he has never aspired to public offices. His wife belongs to the Baptist church. Mr. Busenburg was married in 1883 to Eliza Jane Wharton, a native of Knox county and the daughter of William Wharton, who came from England and here became very well established. The subject's wife grew to womanhood and was educated in her native county. To this union four children have been born. namely : Bessie, Dora (the wife of Robert Rodeheffer), Bart and Walter. JAMES WALTER SCOTT MITCHELL. A very creditable and worthy representative of one of the sterling old families of Knox county is James Walter Scott Mitchell, successful young farmer of Union township, a man who has succeeded at his chosen life work because he has not depended upon anyone to do his work, believing in being self-reliant, honest and straightforward in all the relations of life and he is therefore deserving of the confidence and good will of his fellow men. Mr. Mitchell was born on the farm he now owns in Union township, January 26, 1881, and is the son of W. O. C. and Sarah Ellen (Boyer) Mitchell. The paternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers in Allen county. He was a farmer and there spent the rest of his life, dying many years ago. The maternal grandparents were natives of England and early settlers in Auglaize county and there spent the rest of his life. The father of the subject was born in Allen county, Ohio, in 1831 and the mother in 1839. He was a carpenter by trade and a stock shipper, which he followed until 1876, when he came to Knox county and engaged in the milling busi- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 863 ness at Millwood. About four years later he traded the mill for a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Union and Butler townships and there spent the balance of his life, haying sold about fifty acres of his farm pri0r to his death to the Millwood White Sand Company. His death occurred in March, 1907. The mother is still living at the age of seventy-two years. Politically, he was a Democrat, and a man who took an active part in political and public affairs. He was the man who founded the special Millwood district and made it possible to have a high school here. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, having joined the Millwood church soon after coming to this locality. They were the parents of seven children, namely : Moses Mac McCoy, John Marion Alfonso, Charles Delmont. Minnie Milinda Rose, Mary Jane Eugene is deceased Royal Noble Desmond, and James Walter Scott, of this review. James W. S. Mitchell, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm and received his education in the Millwood and Danville high school, graduating in the year 1902. Early in life, while living at Sand Plant, he learned the machinist's trade, but he took up farming, which has been his chief life work. He and his brother, Moses Mac, bought one hundred and twenty-five acres of the home place, and the subject also owns twenty acres in Butler township. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock man, being widely known as a breeder of Delaine sheep and Percheron horses, also has bred Welsh ponies, and because his stock has been of superior grade they have found a very ready market. Politically, Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat. He has filled a number of township offices, such as trustee for one term, and is now school director in Millwood, a special district. During camp meeting seasons Mr. Mitchell rents the "Caves" (a resort) to religious societies for revival purposes. His wife is a member of the Disciples church. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Patrons of Industry and the Maccabees. Mr. Mitchell was married in 1902 to Alma Beal, a native of Knox county, where she grew up and was educated. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Phoebe (Stricker) Beal, he a veteran of the Civil war and still living. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, namely : Robert Ottowa, Charlotte Rosale and Benjamin Gordon. The father of the subject was one of the best known and most influential men in this section of Knox county. In connection with farming, which for years he superintended, while his sons did the actual work, he conducted a general store at the Caves, enjoying a good trade. 864 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. HODGSON WILSON. We are much indebted to England for what she has done toward our civilization, the influence she has had on our institutions, literature and material progress. Most of us are descended from English people, our progenitors having left that country and taken up their abode in the New World some time during the past four hundred years. They have proved to be good citizens in whatever locality they have settled, for they are. as a rule, people of clean habits, industrious and ambitious, and they are also loyal to our flag, while of course never failing to revere the Union jack, and large numbers of them have fought in our wars. One of the worthy representatives of this great people is Hodgson \Nilson, a farmer of Butler township, Knox county. He was born in England, March JO, 1847. He is the son of Walker and Jane (Hodgson) Wilson, both natives of England, where they grew up and were married, and from there they came to America in 1851, locating in Knox county, Ohio. The elder Wilson was a farmer and he came to own about one hundred acres of land in Ohio and one hundred and sixty acres in Illinois. They reared a family of eight children, of whom three are living. Hodgson, of this sketch, Chapman and Mrs. Margaret Lipley. Politically, Walker Wilson was a Republican and was active in party affairs. He was born in December, 1823, and his death occurred on May 18, 1871, his widow suryiving until 1878. Hodgson Wilson received his education in the common schools of Newcastle, Ohio, and in the school at Fostoria, Missouri. Early in life he devoted his attention to teaching in Knox and Coshocton counties and was yery successful as an educator for a number of years, but finally, tiring of the school room, he turned his attention to farming and was very successful in this vocation here and in Effingham county, Illinois. About 1881 he bought thirty-two and one-half acres in Butler township. Knox county, though prior to this he had inherited eighty acres in Illinois. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-two and one-half acres in Knox county and eighty acres in Oklahoma. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock man, and is well known as a breeder of Jersey cattle. Politically, Mr. Wilson is an independent voter, believing in progress in public affairs as well as material and social. He has been a member of the school board and for two years has been justice of the peace, filling this office in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned, his decisions being characterized by a profound knowledge KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 865 of the law and by fairness to all concerned. He is a member of the Grange and the Patrons of Industry. Mr—Wilson has never married. On February 29, 1864, Mr. Wilson proved his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served gallantly until the 30th of June, 1865. He did a great deal of guard duty and special detail work, and was in the battle of Nashville. NEWTON S. CESSNA. One of the leading farmers and stockmen of eastern Knox county is Newton S. Cessna, whose fine landed estate lies in Butler township, a man who has had a varied and interesting career which has been fraught with a large measure of success all along the line, for he has shown rare adaptability, foresight and general business acumen. He has lived an exemplary life in all its relations and has therefore merited the good will and esteem which are freely accorded him by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Cessna was born in Trumbull county. Ohio, July 9, 1860, and is the son of John W. and Harriet E. (Carson) Cessna. The maternal grandparents, George and Nettie Carson, were residents of Berlin Center, Mahoning county, Ohio, where he was justice of the peace for a period of twenty-five years, and there they both died. The paternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania and were of old Pennsylvania German descent. and they spent their lives in Ohio. The father, John W. Cessna. was born in Mahoning county and there, too, his wife, Harriet E. Carson, was born; there they grew up and were married He was a contractor for stone and brick work. After living in their native county for a few years after their marriage. they moved to Trumbull county, where he continued the same business. There he built his home and reared his family and both parents died there, the father about 1901 and the mother in October, 1909. John W. Cessna was a soldier in the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry during three years of the Civil war. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically was a Republican. His family consisted of three children : Melinda. wife of James Kerr. who lives in Niles: Clara lives in Warren, Ohio: and Newton S. of this sketch. Newton S. Cessna was educated in Niles, Ohio, and at the Mineral Ridge high school. He began life for himself by teaching school one year. 866 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. then was employed by the Erie railroad as trainman for a year, then went to Cleveland for the same road and there he later bought out a teaming interest, delivering goods and working for the Variety Iron Works for a period of ten years He then took a position with A. List & Son, poultry dealers, taking charge of their wholesale house, which he continued to manage with his usual success for a period of three years. In the spring of 1903 he went to New Mexico and engaged in sheep raising. which he continued until 1909. He met with uniform success in this new field and operated on an extensive scale. In the fall of 1908 he had as many as ten thousand sheep on his ranch and he shipped over fifty-one thousand pounds of wool to Boston. He sold out in 1909 when wool and sheep were high, and returned to Cleveland and there engaged in building and selling houses and lots, and soon hart very flourishing business. In the spring of 1911 his father-in-law, William B. Butler, died. and, as per his will, Mr. Cessna came here to take charge of his property, and the subject and family now own by inheritance and will two hundred and sixty-eight acres of as choice land as the county affords. This has been brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation, and on it stand a commodious and attractive home and large convenient outbuildings. It is Mr Cessna's intention to make a specialty of raising Merino sheep in connection with general farming. Mr. Cessna was married on October 14, 1905. to Mrs. Mary W. Hauger, a native of Knox county. where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a lady of many estimable characteristics which has rendered her popular with a wide circle of friends. She is the daughter of William R. and Martha E. Butler, he being an old and highly -respected resident of Knox county, and the son of George Butler and the grandson of Benjamin. who laid out Mt. Vernon. This, the Butler family, has been more or less prominent in Knox county history for more than a century. The union of the subject and wife has been graced by one daughter, Ruth Elizabeth, born April 14, 1907. JOHN FREDERICK AMOS. The enterprise of John Frederick Amos, one of the progressiye farmers and stock raisers of Middlebury township, Knox county, has been crowned by success, as the result of rightly applied principles which never fail in their ultimate effect when coupled with integrity, uprightness and congenial disposition, as they have been done in the case of Mr. Amos, judging from his high standing among his neighbors and friends. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 867 Mr. Amos was born in Perry township, Richland county, Ohio, August 26, 1850, and is the son of Frederick and Margaret (Shafer) Amos. The paternal grandparents, Frederick and Elizabeth Amos, were natives of Maryland, and in 1836 they came to Richland county from Pennsylvania, where they had first located. Here they bought a farm and spent the balance of their lives in Ohio. The maternal grandparents, Frederick and Eve Shafer, were natives of Pennsylvania and in 1830 or 1832 they came to Ohio, locating in Richland county. where they became large landowners and there they spent the rest of their lives. The father, Frederick Amos, was born in Hartford county, Maryland. June 16, 1809, and the mother, Margaret Shafer, was born about 1819 or 1820 and she came to Ohio in early life. These parents were married about 1841 or 1842. The father took up farming and owned good land. In 1869 he came to Knox county and bought ninety acres in Middlebury township and on this he and his wife spent the balance of their lives, his death occurring in 1891. His first wife dying in 1859, he re-married in 1861. His family consisted of six children, four sons and two daughters, namely: Amanda M., Joshua, Mary E. (deceased), John T., Albert D. (deceased), and Frank P. The father was reared a Baptist, while the mother belonged to the Lutheran church. John F. Amos was reared on the home farm and there worked hard as a boy, and he received his education in the common schools and the Frederick-town high school. He began life for himself by teaching, which he continued very successfully for eight years during the winter months, farming in the summer time. Tiring of the school room. he turned his attention exclusively to farming. In 1891 he bought the home place of ninety-one acres in partnership with his brother Frank P., and here he has lived to the present time. meeting with continued success as a general farmer and stock raiser, adding to his original holdings until he now owns one hundred and sixty-one acres of excellent land, well improved and under an excellent state of cultivation. as choice a farm, in fact, as Middlebury township has to offer. In connection with general farming he makes a specialty of raising and feeding sheep. He has a good home and well kept outbuildings. Politically, Mr. Amos is a Republican and he has been township trustee and a member of the local school board. He always supports any measure looking to the general development of his community. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge No. 170, Free and Accepted Masons. He formerly belonged to the Baptist church at Fredericktown. Mr. Amos was married on October 8, 1874. to Mary E. McNutt, who 868 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. was born near Canton, Stark county, Ohio, the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah McNutt; from Zanesville, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, respectively, who later moved to Knox county and here they spent the rest of their lives, becoming well established and highly esteemed here. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Amos, namely : Howard T., who is still at home. J. W. CALLIHAN. There is now taken under review the career of one of the sterling citizens of Milford township, Knox county, J. W. Callihan, who has passed his long and industrious life in this excellent section of the Buckeye state and where he has ever commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem. The name which he bears has been prominently identified with the annals of the locality since the clays when the work of redeeming the sylvan wilds of this section of the state was inaugurated, the Callihans having ever stood ready to do their full share in the work of pushing forward the car of civilization. The subject is numbered among our upright and progressive citizens; thus it may be seen for many reasons that he is peculiarly worthy of representation in a work of this character. Mr. Callihan was born near Croton, Licking county, Ohio, on October 27, 1839. He is the son of Stephen and Susan (Morehouse) Callihan. The paternal grandparents, Thomas and Hannah Callihan, were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, his father having been a native of Ireland. Thomas and Hannah Callihan came to Licking county, Ohio, about 1811 or 1812 and bought a farm and there reared their family, a large one, and there these parents spent the balance of their lives. The mother of the subject was born in Maryland about 1817 and when ten years old she came to Licking county, Ohio, with an uncle and here she was reared. The father was born in 1815 in Licking county and was reared there and married. He devoted his life to farming and became the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and ninety-four acres. They were the parents of six children, of whom J. W., of this review, was the second in order of birth and the only one living. Politically, Stephen Callihan was a Whig in early life, later a Republican and Abolitionist. He removed to Knox county in 1854 and here spent the remainder of his life, dying on March 29, 1878; his wife survived until July 4, 1890. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 869 J. W. Callihan was reared on the farm and when but a. boy he knew what hard work meant. He received such education as he could in the rural schools of his district, and for ten winters he taught school in a most satisfactory manner, working on the farm in the summer months. At the commencement of the Civil war he attended Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware for one term. He finally purchased eighty acres in Milford township, and, having prospered through close application and good management, he added to his original holdings until he is now the owner of five hundred acres of valuable and desirable land in this township, which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation, in fact, it ranks with the best landed estates in southwestern Knox county, and here he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He has a large, attractive and cozy home, and eyerything about his place denotes thrift, prosperity and the exercise of good taste. Politically, Mr. Callihan is a Republican, and he has been more or less active in public affairs. He has served as township clerk, trustee and other offices. Mr. Callihan has never married ; his niece, Florence Collins, keeps house for him. She is the claughter of Sabra Callihan, wife of Austin Collins. Her mother died on July 2. 1911, and her father died a number of years ago. STANLEY A. LAYMAN. One of the enterprising young agriculturists of Knox county is Stanley A. Layman, of Pike township, a man who is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished because he has relied solely upon himself, not depending upon inherited wealth or influential friends, for he had neither ; but well knowing that success comes to the deserving, after all, and that our lives are practically what we make them, he started out bravely and has not permitted obstacles to thwart him in his course. He has not only won material success at an early age, but at the same time has won and retained the respect and good will of his associates and acquaintances. Mr. Layman was born in Pike township, this county, on February 12. 1881. He grew up in his native locality and has always made his home in the county of Knox. He received his educational training in the schools of North Liberty. When fourteen years of age he began working by the month on a farm, continuing thus until 1900. 870 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. Believing that railroading held special charms for him, at least held more excitement than the prosaic life of a farmer, he sought and secured employment on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad in 1900, working as fireman, for which he seemed to have special adaptation, and he bid fair to rise rapidly in the service of the company, but after remaining in this line of endeavor for thirteen months, he quit the road and turned his attention to threshing and baling hay and straw. During two summers he did painting and carpenter work. In December, 1911, Mr. Layman formed a partnership with A. R. Beal in the general merchandise business and is still thus engaged. They carry a well selected stock of goods such as meet the needs and wants of the average farmer and they are building up a large and ever-growing trade with the people of Pike township. They bought out J. M. Lewis, who had managed a store here for some time. Mr. Layman was married on January 25, 1911, to Elizabeth Belle VanWye, a daughter of Burr and Emily VanWye, a highly respected and well known family of this township, where they have long been engaged in farming. Here Mrs. Layman grew to womanhood and received her education. Mr. Layman and wife are members of the Methodist church. WILLIAM H. LEEDY. One of the enterprising business men of Knox county is William I I. Leedy, of Ankenytown, one of our worthy young native sons whose labors have been directed to successful ends in the land of his forbears, with which he has ever been quite contented. He has led a quiet life and his integrity has always been unassailable. He is one of the representative men of his community, with no ambition for anything but the sphere of a private citizen, and his many friends bear willing testimony to his amiable qualities and sterling characteristics. Mr. Leedy was born at Ankenytown, Ohio, on March 10. 1873. He is the son of Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Keiser) Leedy, the father born in Pennsylvania in 1825. and the mother in Richland, near Mansfield. Ohio. in 1834. When fiye years old, in 1830, Joseph A. Leedy was brought by his parents to Knox county, Ohio, and located at Ankenytown, where he grew to manhood and married in that vicinity, and there he took up farming for a livelihood; and, prospering through hard work and close application, he became the ()wrier of three hundred and twenty acres of land, and was for years re- KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 871 garded as one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of his community. He led a retiring life, devoting his attention to his farm and family, manifesting little interest in public affairs. His family consisted of eleven children, of whom William H., of this sketch, was the tenth in order of birth. They are all grown. married and have families of their own. The death of the father occurred in 1902 and the mother died in 1906. William H. Leedy, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm, where he assisted with the work during his boyhood days, and attended the district schools near his home. Early in life he began farming. which he continued successfully until 1901, when he entered the mercantile business at Ankenytown, near the station, having bought a stock of goods there. He started off successfully in his new field, but subsequently, sold out, and in 1906 built a store house, eighteen by forty feet, and here he has since conducted a general store, carrying a large and carefully selected stock of goods, and has enjoyed an ever-increasing trade, his customers coming from a wide radius of territory in this part of the county. Politically, Mr. Leedy is a Democrat and has been more or less active in party affairs. He has served his township as assessor and treasurer in an able and praiseworthy manner. Fraternally, he belongs to the Maccabees, and in religious matters he and his wife are members of the Brethren church. Mr. Leedy was married on January 27. 1901, to Belle Guthrie, a native Of Ankenytown, having been born just south of here, and here she grew to womanhood and received- her education. She is the daughter of John and Rachael Guthrie, the father a native of Pike township, Knox county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Leedy, named as follows : Florence, Robert, John. HARRY CLIFFORD BANBURY. One of the native sons of Knox county who gives much promise of a successful career in the business world is Harry Clifford Banbury, of Greenville, a young man who has by close application and special study, prepared himself for a useful career along industrial lines and who couples with an innate tact and sagacity a stability of character and loftiness of purpose which insure for him good things in the years to come. Mr. Banbury was born in Jefferson township. Knox county, Ohio, two miles north of Danville, January 19. 1881. and is the son of John C. and Eliza ( Caldwell) Banbury. His paternal grandparents. Richard Banbury (56) 872 - KNOX COUNTY, OHIO. and wife, were natives of England, from which country they emigrated to America in an early day. locating about two and one-half miles from Danville, Ohio,' where they engaged in farming, owning a good place in Union township, on which they spent their last clays. The maternal grandparents were also natives of England, emigrating to Knox county, .Ohio, at the same time as did the Banbury family. They established themselves near Mt. 'Vernon. where they spent the balance of their lives. John C. Banbury, father of the subject, was born in England in 1832, and there the mother's birth occurred in 1836. They came to America with their parents while yet single and were married in Knox county. The father was a farmer and later in life took up stock buying. During the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Federal army, but was not permitted to go to the front, remaining in the Home Guards. He continued to live in Jefferson township and engaged in buying live stock, and at his home there he spent the balance of his days. He was always interested in public affairs and he served as justice of the peace for several years. Politically, he was a Republican and more or less active in party affairs. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred in 1894, and the mother died in 1901. They were the parents of thirteen children, all of whom grew to maturity, and eleven of them are living in 1912. Harry C. Banbury was educated in the public schools and in the Danville high school. He spent two years in the Ohio State Business College, where he made an excellent record and from which he was graduated in 1900. He started out on his business career with his brother, C. V. Banbury, in the warehouse and grain business at Greenville, this partnership lasting one year. After this the subject went to Santa Ana and there engaged successfully in the grocery business for two years. Then for a period of seven years he was employed by the well known River Brothers, commission merchants of Los Angeles, California, giving them the utmost satisfaction and handling the duties assigned him in a most capable and praiseworthy manner. On June 1, 1911, Mr. Banbury returned to Greersville, Ohio, and is now in the employ of his brother. Politically, Mr. Banbury is a Republican, but has not been especially active in public matters. Religiously, he belongs to the Dunkard church. Mr. Banbury was married in 1902 to Hazel Dell Workman, a native of Knox county and the daughter of Barnett and Louise Workman, a prominent old family of this county. Here Mrs. Banbury grew to womanhood and received her educational training in the local schools. Three children have been born to the subject and wife, namely : Nellie Lucile, Ramona Dell and Barnetta Louise. KNOX COUNTY, OHIO - 873 BURGESS E. SAPP. It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, hear his views on public questions, observe the operations of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization, and are therefore competent to judge of his merits and his demerits. After a long course of years of such obseryations, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth. In this connection it is not too much to say that Burgess E. Sapp, a well-known and prominent attorney of Mt. Vernon, Knox county, is leading an honorable, industrious and useful life and that he enjoys the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mr. Sapp was born December 27, 1872. in Brinkhayen, this county, the son of William H. and Kamitt (Bailey) Sapp, the former a native of Knox county and the latter of Coshocton county', Ohio, the Sapps being among the early pioneer families here and influential in the affairs of the early days. William J. Sapp devoted his life to farming, and in politics he was a Republican and active in public affairs. About twenty years ago he and his wife left the farm and moved to Mt. Vernon, where they still reside, having been retired since then. The elder Sapp is a man of strong personality and exemplary character and he and his wife have a host of warm personal friends throughout the county. The son. Burgess E. Sapp, spent his youth on the home farm and attended the district schools, later the Loudenville public schools, from which he was graduated in 1889. Then he entered Baldwin University at Berea. Ohio. which he left during his second year and began teaching school in the district schools of the state, and he was the first township superintendent in Ashland county under the Boxwell law and later he was superintendent of the schools of Brinkhaven for two years. He was a yery successful and progressive teacher and his services were in great demand, for he gave eminent satisfaction both to pupil and patron. Had he continued in that yocation he would doubtless have become one of the leading educators of the state, but the legal profession had long had its attractions for him and he entered the offices of Joseph C. Devin of Mt. Vernon, where he pursued Blackstone and other standard legal writers for six months, then entered the law office of Col. William C. Cooper and Frank Moore, remaining with that firm until he was admitted to the bar in October, 1898. He immediately began the 874 - KNOX COUNTY. OHIO. practice of law in Mt. Vernon where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice, taking his place in the front rank of local attorneys, keeping well abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession. He is earnest. painstaking and vigilant of his client's interests and in the trial of cases is persistent, careful and courteous to the court and his opponents. Politically, Mr. Sapp is a Republican and while he has been active in party affairs he has never sought office, though he was city clerk during the years 1903 and 1904. He has served as a member of the Republican county committee and has been a frequent delegate to county, district and state conventions. Fraternally, he is a -member of the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Sapp was married on May 16. 1899, to Jennette Ruth Neal, daughter of Hugh and Eva (Beum) Neal, of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Neal is a Democrat and he has served as clerk of the courts of Knox county for two terms of six years. He is still active in public affairs and is prominent in local affairs and stands high in all circles. Mr. Sapp and wife have had no children. The family home is at No. 711 East High street, in one of the best residence districts of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Sapp are members of the Disciples church and active in the work of the same; they are both prominent in the best social life of the community. LEVI S. BRADDOCK. That period of the nineteenth century embracing the first half was characterized by the emigration of the pioneer element which made the great state of Ohio largely what it is today. These newcomers were heroic, sincere and, in the main, upright people, such as constitute the strength of the commonwealth. It scarcely appears probable that in the future of the world another such period can occur ; or, indeed, any period when such a solid phalanx of strong-minded, strong-armed men and noble, self-sacrificing women will take possession of a new country. The period to which reference is made, therefore, can not be too much or too well written up, and the only way to do justice to such a subject is to record the lives of those who led the van of civilzation and founded the institutions which today are the pride and boast of a great state and a strong and virile people. Among those who came to Knox county when the county was in its primitive wildness,