(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) History of North Central Ohio Richland, Ashland, Wayne, Medina, Lorain, Huron and Knox Counties By WILLIAM A. DUFF IN THREE VOLUMES ILLUSTRATED VOLUME THREE HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY TOPEKA-INDIANAPOLIS 1931 History of North Central Ohio Joseph Patterson, president of the First National Bank at Ashland, Ohio, and one of the prominent citizens and substantial business men in Richland County, was born at Savannah, Ohio, Oct. 18, 1843. He is a son of John and Christian (Lawson) Patterson, natives of Scotland. John Patterson came to the United States in 1835 and settled at Newburg, N. Y., where he worked at the wagonmaker's trade. Two years later he came to Ohio and settled near Savannah, where he engaged in general farming until he retired in 1886. He died Jan. 8, 1892, and his wife died May 4, 1909. They are buried at Clear Creek Township Cemetery, Savannah, Ohio. Mr. Patterson was a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and an ardent worker for the abolition of slavery. To Mr. and Mrs. John Patterson ten children were born: 1. Joseph, the subject of this sketch. 2. Annie, died June 14, 1853, aged eight years. 3. Dr. John Deans Patterson, died Jan. 12, 1930, in Kansas City, Mo. 4. James Lawson, who was head master at Chestnut Hill Academy for 26 years until he retired in 1926, resides at Burlington, N. J., on a farm. 5. Margaret, died Sept. 13, 1916. 6. Alexander, lives at Butte, Mont. He was for 40 years secretary and treasurer of Murray Hospital. 7. Henry Martin, died at Los Angeles, Calif., Oct. 20, 1928. 8. Mary, died Sept. 29, 1861, aged three years. 9. Charles Thompson, died Aug. 10, 1915, at New Orleans, La. 10. Jennie Millard Patterson, lives at Los Angeles. Joseph Patterson was reared on his father's farm. He attended the rural schools and Savannah Academy, and began his business career as a messenger boy and clerk in the Luther Crall & Company Bank. This was on March 20, 1861. In January, 1864, the bank was reorganized and became the First National Bank. It was located on West Main Street, the present site of the Kresge store. In 1874 the bank moved into its present quarters at 2 West Main Street. Mr. Patterson qualified for every position of responsibility with this financial organization. On Jan. 18, 1870, he was elected cashier; in January, 1914, was elected vice president, and on Jan. 8, 1924, was made president. He is also a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Patterson married, Oct. 14, 1886, Miss Emma Kellogg, of Ashland, the daughter of Sage and Sarah A. (Burgett) Kellogg. Mr. Kellogg died - 1091 - 1092 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Jan. 2, 1867. His wife, a native of Richland County, died Sept. 1, 1872. They are buried at Ashland. Mr. Patterson is a Republican. He is affiliated with Ashland Lodge, No. 151, F. and A. M.; Ashland Chapter, No. 67 ; a member of the Colonial Club, the Rotary Club, and Ashland Country Club. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a trustee for 30 years. Fishing is Mr. Patterson's hobby, and for the past seventeen years he has spent his vacations at Squirrel Inn in the Catskills where he pursues his favorite sport. J. P. Hunter. As auditor of Ashland County, J. P. Hunter has a wide acquaintance throughout North Central Ohio, and is a member of one of the oldest and best known families in the county. He was born in Green Township, Ashland County, Aug. 20, 1878. J. P. Hunter is of Irish ancestry and traces his family back to William Hunter, who was born in Ireland in 1772, and come to America sometime during 1788, when 16 years of age. He located near Mt. Pleasant, Pa., and in 1794 was made an officer in the Federal service against the insurgents in the Whiskey insurrection. He married Jane Steel, the daughter of James and Margaret Steel. Their marriage took place in 1800 and they were the parents of nine children : 1. Elizabeth, married R. Castor. 2. Jane, married Isaac Barger. 3. Mary, married S. Bower. 4. Margaret, married George Lincoln. 5. Sarah, married H. Hardesty. 6. David, married Catherine Scholes. 7. James S., married Esther Collins. 8. William, married Sarah Cummins. 9. John, married Mary Dowell. It was in March, 1818, that William Hunter removed from Westmoreland County, Pa., to Ohio with his wife and children and began the development and improvement of the northern half of Section No. 26, Green Township, Ashland County, which was entered from the government by him and his brother-in-law, John Steel. Mr. Hunter struggled with the privations and hardships which beset the early pioneers in clearing away the forests and planting their crops among the blackened stumps. Mr. Hunter continued, however, to carry on this work until his death in 1819 at the age of 47 years. His wife died two years later, leaving a family of nine orphan children, the oldest daughter being 19 years of age and the oldest son 17 years. The family all grew to maturity, however, and the sons, David, James, William, and John were lifelong residents of Green Township, where they became successful farmers, and as the years passed by they became the largest landowners in the township. David HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1093 Hunter married Catherine Scholes, and they had seven children: Hettie, Jane, Isaac, David, Martha, Catherine, and Ellen. The father died in 1873 at the age of 70 years, and the mother died in 1868. James Hunter died in 1886 at the age of 80 years. He was married in 1838 to Esther Collins, and they had four children: Sarah, married George Reinhart ; Margaret, married George Jordan ; Eliza, who died at the age of 18 years ; and Mary J., who lives on the Hunter homestead. James Hunter was employed as a young man on the building of a canal in Southern Ohio, and later purchased a large farm in Green Township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1886 and his wife died in 1885. William Hunter, the third son, married Sarah Cummins, and he died in 1875 at the age of 65 years. John, the youngest son, who died in 1899, at the age of 76 years, had married Mary Dowell, and they had seven children: John, David, Amos, Lewis, Reuben, Mary, and Jane. J. P. Hunter, the subject of this sketch, attended the district schools of Green Township, Meanor's school, and the Greentown school. After completing his elementary studies he attended Loudonville High School, from which he was graduated in 1897. He then spent two years at Ohio Northern University, after which he became a teacher in the district schools of Ashland County, being identified with that profession for a period of 21 years, six years of which he served as district superintendent in charge of the schools in the southern half of Ashland County. During this time Mr. Hunter also was interested in farming on the old Hunter homestead of 80 acres in Section 23, Green Township, which was settled by his grandfather, James S. Hunter. J. P. Hunter had lived on this farm continuously until March, 1927, and he has since been a resident of Ashland. Mr. Hunter was elected township assessor at the age of 22 years, and served two terms later. He also was township trustee for two terms, and held the office of deputy state supervisor of elections for Ashland County for a five-year period. He was a member of the county board of school examiners for five years. In 1926 Mr. Hunter was elected auditor of Ashland County, and was re-elected in 1930 by a large majority. On Aug. 2, 1916, Mr. Hunter was united in marriage with Miss Ethel V. Switzer, and they have three children: James T., Portia E., and Lillian L. All are students in the Ashland public schools. Mr. Hunter is a Democrat and is affiliated with the Masonic Blue Lodge and Chapter at Loudonville, the Council at Ashland, and the Commandery at Mansfield. He is also a member of the Lions Club of Ashland. He is an attendant of the Church of Christ, Ashland, of which his wife and children are members. 1094 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Hon. Charles Calvin Chapman, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, of Ashland, has made a distinguished record as a lawyer and public official in Ashland County. He was born near Lake Fork, Ohio , (formerly Tyletown, Mohican Township), the son of Richard M. and Rhoda A. (Webster) Chapman. Richard M. Chapman was born June 4, 1838, in Lake Township, and died in 1916. He was reared in Ashland County and attended the rural schools. Throughout his life he was engaged in farming. He was a Democrat. His wife, who was also born in Lake Township, in 1843, resides in Ashland. Before her marriage she was a teacher in the public schools of Ashland County. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Chapman's mother died in 1918 at the age of 95 years. To Richard M. and Rhoda A. (Webster) Chapman four children were born : Mrs. Flora B. (Chapman) Craig, lives at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in the winter and has a summer home in Vermont ; Jessie, who died in infancy ; Charles Calvin, the subject of this sketch; and George W., a farmer in Mohican Township, near Jonesville, Ohio. Charles Calvin Chapman was reared on a farm in Ashland County and acquired his early education in the rural schools, then Hayesville Academy, and Ashland College. His keen mind and scholarly traits turned him almost as a matter of course toward the study of law. He entered Ohio Northern University and in 1908 received the degree of B. S. and also his LL. D. degree. In June of that year he was admitted to the Ohio State bar and engaged in the practice of law at Ashland, with offices at 14 East Main Street. In 1899 he was elected to Clerk of the Courts, holding that office for two terms until 1906. In 1912 he was the Democratic candidate for prosecuting attorney but was defeated by Thomas H. Moore. In 1916 he was again a candidate for the office and was elected. He served two terms, during which time he was appointed legal adviser of the Army Draft Board and Government Appeal Agent during the World War. He was appointed to this position by President Wilson and during that time examined and made out over 5,600 questionnaires. He then resumed his practice, specializing in the settlement of estates. In 1920 he was the Democratic candidate for Common Pleas Judge, his opponent being Judge Graven, who was seeking reelection to a second term. In 1926 Mr. Chapman was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, by a majority of 2,660 votes. Judge Chapman is affiliated with the Masonic Order, being a member of Ashland Lodge, Ashland Chapter, Council, and Mansfield Commandery ; a member of the Modern Woodmen of America ; Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1896 ; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; and is a member of the Rotary Club, the Farm Bureau, and Chamber of HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1095 Commerce. He has been secretary and treasurer of the Federal Farm Loan Association since 1921, and is president of the Ashland County Historical Association. Judge Chapman was married in March, 1898, to Adeline Kohler, of Ashland, the daughter of Henry and Harriet (Bruebaker) Kohler. Mr. Kohler, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, died in 1877. His wife, who was born in Milton Township, Ashland County, died in 1918. They are buried in Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Ashland. Judge and Mrs. Chapman have a daughter, Florence R., who was born March 16, 1899. She is a graduate of Ashland High School, and Ohio Wesleyan University, 1917, and was an honor pupil. She married Dr. Claire Wilcox in 1924, a teacher of Economics at Swathmore (Quaker) College, Swathmore, Pa. They have a daughter, Andrea, aged two years. Judge Chapman and his wife have been members of the Presbyterian Church for nearly 30 years. Judge Chapman has an interest in a farm three miles east of Ashland where he spends his leisure time pursuing his hobby--that of farming. Their town residence is at 303 East Walnut Street, Ashland. Todd V. Simanton, who is president of the Home Savings & Loan Company, of Ashland, is one of the representative business men of Ashland County. He was born in Clearcreek Township, Ashland County, June 11, 1869, the son of Robert J. and Elizabeth (Vanostrand) Simanton. Robert J. Simanton was a native of Northampton County, Pa., and one of the earliest settlers of Ashland County, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising. He was president of the old Ashland County Fair Company for ten years. He died Nov. 6, 1906. His wife, born in Clearcreek Township, died Nov. 16, 1919. Both are buried in the Ashland Cemetery. They were members of the Christian Church. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Simanton: Todd V., the subject of this sketch ; Alda, and George, both deceased. Todd V. Simanton received his education in the district schools of Clearcreek Township. He also attended Savannah Academy and Oberlin College. He served as a member of the building commission in the erection of the new Ashland County court house, and was chairman and treasurer of the building committee that built the new Methodist Social and Educational Building. On Oct. 4, 1894, Mr. Simanton married Miss Della S. Imhoff, of Milton Township, Ashland County, the daughter of William G. and Martha (Brown) Imhoff, of Ashland County. To them were born four children: Martha Elizabeth, a teacher, Pleasant Street School, Ashland ; Mildred, 1096 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO who died in 1910 ; Robert J., married Juliana McGuire, lives at Ormond, Fla.; and Frances W., who lives at home. Della S (Imhoff) Simanton died Aug. 6, 1908. Mr. Simanton was married on Jan. 4, 1913, to Miss Martha M. Bryte. Mr. Simanton is a Republican and has held the office of justice of the peace and township trustee in Clearfield Township. He and his wife hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal Church. Peter VanNordstrand, paternal grandfather of Todd V. Simanton, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Francis E. Myers, whose death occurred in Ashland, Dec. 2, 1923, was a man whose life justified itself in every relation. His splendid stewardship was shown not only in his service in the upbuilding of a great industrial enterprise, and in his great loyalty to his home city and county, where he was assured leadership in both civic and material progress, but also in the objective generosity, benevolence, and philanthropy that betokened the strong and noble nature and personality of the man. He and his brother, Philip A. Myers, were associated closely, and with remarkable coordination of thought and action, in the development of the largest and most important industrial enterprise of its kind in the world, and that this enterprise has meant much to the commercial prestige and social prosperity of the city of Ashland need scarcely be said. In this city is situated the great pump and hay-tool manufacturing plant of F. E. Myers & Brother, and of the far-reaching industrial enterprise thus represented, the subject of this sketch continued the executive head until the close of his long and useful life. As a captain of industry, financier, loyal and liberal citizen, and man of intrinsic nobility of character, Francis E. Myers had no minor distinction of greatness in thought, sentiment, service, and achievement, and this history of his native commonwealth properly accords to him a tribute of appreciation and honor. Francis E. Myers was a native son of Ashland County and a representative of one of its sterling pioneer families. He was born on his father's farm in Perry Township, March 16, 1849, and was the eldest of a family of nine children, of whom six survive. He was a son of George and Elizabeth (Morr) Myers, and a grandson of Jacob and Mary (Stein) Myers. Jacob Myers was born and reared in Muhlbach, Germany, and came to America in 1748. He purchased a large tract of land in what is now Center County, Pa., where he reared a family of nine children. He finally came with his family to Ohio and became a pioneer farmer in Ashland County, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1097 George Myers was reared in Ashland County and early engaged in farming. He also had exceptional mechanical ability, and found much requisition for his service as a carpenter and general worker in wood, while he also gave his attention to the management of his fine farm, which was located about six miles east of the city of Ashland. In this connection it is interesting to record that George Myers did the woodwork on the first wagon built by the Studebakers, who later located at South Bend, Ind. George Myers was one of the substantial, unassuming, and uniformly respected and honored citizen of Ashland County, and here he and his wife continued to maintain their home until their deaths. Francis E. Myers passed his childhood and early youth on the home farm and in the meantime availed himself of such advantages as were afforded in the district school of the locality and period. Apropos of his early educational limitations are the following significant statements that appeared in the Ashland Times-Gazette at the time of his death : "He stood as an excellent example of the American gentleman of rugged health, fine physique and strong mind, while his contact with the world brought him the polish which many acquired in schools of learning. He was charitable, kindly, and easily approached, and had the rare faculty of putting one immediately at ease in his presence. He had a handsome face because of its strong character, good features, and a humorous twinkle in his eyes. All Ashlanders and every one else who knew Mr. Myers honored him for the wonderful things he accomplished and admired and appreciated him for his genuine personal worth. He stood first in the hearts of the people in his home city. The life history of such a man is one that cannot fail to prove of interest, for the world pays its tribute of admiration and respect to him that accomplished large things without assistance and by honorable methods." Mr. Myers found employment as a clerk in the dry goods store of M. B. Parmalee, Ashland, when 22 years of age, and the following year he became a salesman of farm machinery. In 1875 he established on a very modest scale an independent business as a dealer in agricultural implements, and in this connection he sold plows, manufactured by the Bucher & Gibbs Plow Company, of Canton, by whom he was finally called into service as a traveling salesman, a position in which he made a characteristically successful record. In 1879 his brother, Philip A., perfected his first important invention, a double acting force pump, and secured a patent on the same. Francis E. Myers had faith in the invention and the two became associated in the manufacturing of this new type of pump, which was assembled in the Myers implement establishment after the castings had been made in other cities. The skillful service of Philip A. Myers, the inventor, and the progressive executive ability of Francis E. 1098 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Myers soon gained for the new pump a popular recognition that resulted in the continuous expansion of the business, so that in 1885 the firm of F. E. Myers & Brother erected the first unit of what has become the largest manufacturing plant of its kind in the world. Of direct interest in this connection are the following quotations : "There is probably no better example of two brothers who worked together during the development of a great industry than Philip A. and Francis E. Myers, the one a mechanical genius and the other endowed with great executive and administrative ability. They formed as partnership many years ago but it was not until July, 1921, that the gigantic industrial enterprise was incorporated as the F. E. Myers & Brothers Company. F. E. Myers did not owe his success to any esoteric methods, but to close application, unremitting energy and keen discrimination. He was at the head of the largest plant in the world manufacturing pumps and hay tools exclusively, a plant that turns out a complete implement every half minute during working hours. The Myers concern is one of the most remarkable developments of the age—a poor farm boy with little education, who with the help of a brother developed this mammoth plant and business." The annual volume of business controlled by this great Ashland concern now runs into the millions, and approximately 30,000 dealers, all over the world, handle the products of the great Myers factory. Agencies are maintained in all the important European countries, in Central and South America, and in South Africa, India, Japan, and Australia. Mr. Myers not only gained prestige as one of America's leading captains of industry, but also found time and opportunity to advance other business enterprises than the one of which he was the executive head, and to fulfill his stewardship by worthy and liberal support of agencies and measures making for communal prosperity and for national advancement. At the time of his death he was president of the Cleveland, Southwestern & Columbus Railroad, a director of the Nickel Plate Railroad, a director of the Union Trust Company and Guarantee Title & Trust Company of Cleveland, president of the First National Bank of Ashland, a director of the Faultless Rubber Company, and associated with other important corporations. He was chairman of the Ohio Commission of the Panama-Pacific Exposition, at which he served on the international jury awards. At the time of his death he was chairman of the board of trustees of Wittenberg College, Springfield, to the support and advancement of which he and his brother, Philip, made liberal contributions. He also made a large donation to Ashland College, and no worthy movement advanced for the general good of the community failed to receive his loyal and constructive support. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1099 Mr. Myers never consented to become a candidate for political office of any kind, notwithstanding many opportunities made in this connection. In politics he was a Democrat. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, including Ashland Lodge, No. 151, F. & A. M., and the Commandery of Knight Templar at Mansfield, besides which he had membership in the Mystic Shrine. He was a valued member of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, the local Rotary and Colonial Clubs, and was affiliated with the Ashland Lodge of Elks. He and his wife were active members of the Lutheran Church. He had full appreciation of the responsibility which success imposes, and manifested this in his earnest support of charitable and philanthropic agencies and service, ever with characteristic modesty. The great Ashland industry which he and his brother founded has been in continuous operation more than 40 years, has never had a shut down on account of financial panic or labor troubles, and affords employment to fully 1,000 workers. Like most other men of great achievement, Mr. Myers had special power of selection and concentration, and justice characterized his every thought and action throughout the entire course of his long and admirable career. On Jan. 18, 1871, Mr. Myers married Miss Alavesta Hohenshil. She died March 28, 1923. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are survived by three children: 1. Mary, married Frederick L. Parker of Westfield, Mass. 2. Helen A., married T. W. Miller, of Ashland. 3. John C., who has been closely associated with the great industrial enterprise founded by his father and uncle, and who has assumed much of the executive responsibility since the death of his father. There were three other children: 1. Charles, who died in infancy. 2. Katherine E., who died in Florence, Italy, in March, 1906, while on a European tour. 3. George Jay, who died in August, 1915. Mrs. Myers earnestly seconded her husband in charitable and philanthropic service and to her Ashland is indebted for the Nurses Home of the Samaritan Hospital. Arthur L. Vanosdall, postmaster of Ashland, has long been recognized as one of the representative citizens of Ashland County. He was born at Ashland, Oct. 11, 1875, the son of Clark and Isabelle (Willis) Vanosdall. Clark Vanosdall was born near Castalia, Huron County, Ohio, in 1843, the son of Nathan and Sarah (Finley) Vanosdall, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter a native of Ohio. Nathan Vanosdall came to Huron County with his parents when a small boy. In 1845 the family moved to Ashland County, where Nathan died Feb. 16, 1892, aged 72 years. 1100 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Clark Vanosdall was 14 years of age when the family came to Ashland. He attended the district schools and at the age of 18 he was employed as a stage coach driver between Ashland and Wooster, Ohio. Following the Civil War he carried the mail between these two towns, and he was the first person to bring word to Ashland of the assassination of President Lincoln. He continued as a mail carrier until the railroads took over the carrying of mail. He then engaged in the restaurant business at Polk, Ohio, and at the end of a year located on a farm near Shelby, where he lived until 1875 when he settled in Ashland. He served as superintendent of the Ashland Cemetery for 40 years. He retired in 1924. To Clark and Isabelle (Willis) Vanosdall eight children were born : Harry B., a furniture dealer, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere ; William L., a grocer; Carson V., clerk in the Erie Railroad offices, and secretary of the Republican Executive Committee ; Arthur L., the subject of this sketch ; Ray W., a dispatch clerk in the post office ; Henry N., of the firm of H. B. Vanosdall & Brother, furniture dealers, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; Charles S., assistant to superintendent of Ashland Cemetery ; and Cloyd J., associated with J. L. Clark Company. All are residents of Ashland. Isabelle (Willis) Vanosdall, who was born at Magadore, Ohio, died in 1924, was the first death in the present Vanosdall family. Mr. and Mrs. Vanosdall had been married 58 years. She was a member of the Church of Christ, and her husband is a member of the Dunkard Church. Politically he is a Democrat. Arthur L. Vanosdall attended the public schools and in 1895 was graduated from Ashland High School. He began teaching in the rural schools of the county and continued in that activity for five years. He then worked in the office of F. E. Myers until Dec. 1, 1898, when he was appointed city mail carrier. He continued in the service and on March 1, 1924, was appointed postmaster of Ashland by President Coolidge. Mr. Vanosdall has seen the mail service grow from the small beginning of rural free delivery to the present time when the Ashland post office receipts for stamps amount to over $200,000 annually. This office has the distinction of having the largest receipts per capita population of any first class post office in the United States. Mr. Vanosdall is a Republican. In 1900 Mr. Vanosdall was united in marriage with Miss Kate Phillips, of Ashland, the daughter of D. A. and Mary (Reep) Phillips, the former a native of Holmes County, Ohio, and the latter of Ashland. Mr. Phillips died in 1921 and his wife died in 1930. They are buried in Ashland. Mr. and Mrs. Vanosdall have a son, Arthur A., Jr., born March 10, 1917, a student at Ashland High School. He is active in Boy Scout's work and is a member of the Y. M. C. A. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1101 Mr. Vanosdall is a director of the Y. M. C. A., and has served as its president for two terms ; is a member of the executive committee and Court of Honor of Boy Scouts of the Johnny Appleseed Area, and chairman of Ashland County. He is also a member and one of the organizers of the Ashland County Historical Society, and is vice president of Montgomery Township. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Ashland Lodge, Chapter and Council ; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; the Isaac Walton League ; and the Lion's Club, of which he was secretary for two years. The family are members of the Church of Christ and take an active part in church work. He is a deacon and a teacher of the Men's Bible Class, which has an average attendance of 50 men. During the World War Mr. Vanosdall was very active in soliciting funds to help carry on the war. He stood fourth in Ohio and Pennsylvania in selling War Savings stamps. The family residence is at 336 West Main Street. Hugh E. Culbertson. Widely known in legal circles throughout North Central Ohio is Hugh E. Culbertson, of Ashland, who is serving as prosecuting attorney of Ashland County. He was born at Havana, Ohio, April 15, 1883, the son of Dr. Elihu and Ida (Gregory) Culbertson. Dr. Elihu Culbertson, who lives retired at Ontario, Ohio, was born in Orange Township, Ashland County. He attended the district school, and was a graduate of Savannah Academy. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Cleveland Medical College in 1880, and began his professional career at Havana, Ohio. He later removed to Milan, Ohio, where he remained until October, 1918. He has since lived practically retired at Ontario. Dr. Culbertson is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. Ida (Gregory) Culbertson was born at Havana, and died Feb. 23, 1892. She is buried at Peru, Ohio. Three sons were born to Doctor and Mrs. Culbertson: Hugh E., the subject of this sketch ; Bruce W., lives at Coshocton, Ohio; and Burr, who died in infancy. Hugh E. Culbertson was educated in the public schools of Havana and Milan. He attended Ohio State University in 1904, 1905 and 1906. He then spent almost three years as a member of the editorial staff of the Laning Company of Norwalk, Ohio, publishers of law books. From 1908 until 1911 Mr. Culbertson was identified with the Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Company, of Rochester, N. Y., and during that time wrote a book entitled "Medical Men and the Law," which dealt with the legal rights, duties, and liabilities of physicians and surgeons. More than 5,000 copies were sold. Mr. Culbertson engaged in the private practice of law 1102 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO at Loudonville from December, 1911, until January, 1920, at which time he located in Ashland and established his present practice. He has offices at 34 West Main Street. Mr. Culbertson was elected prosecuting attorney of Ashland County in 1924 and is now serving his fourth term in that office. He has also held the office of Mayor of Milan, and city solicitor of Loudonville. On March 17, 1906, Mr. Culbertson was married in Cleveland to Miss Flora M. Paul, of Milan, the daughter of Theodore and Frederica (Zepp) Paul, natives of Massilon, Ohio. Mr. Paul died April 3, 1906, and his wife died in 1914. Both are buried at Milan. To Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson have been born three daughters : Edna Pauline, born Jan. 10, 1907, a graduate of Ashland College, class of 1928, now a teacher in Ashland High School ; Mary Margaret, born Dec. 7, 1914, attends Ashland High School ; and Helen Louise, born June 12, 1918, attends Ashland Junior High School. Politically, Mr. Culbertson has always been identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge and Knights of Pythias. Roger W. Topping. Among the younger men prominent in the business life of Ashland, is Roger W. Topping, who is president and treasurer of Topping Brothers Motor Company, and president of the Capital Finance Company. He was born at Ashland, April 23, 1889, the son of William V. B. and Nellie E. (Roller) Topping. A complete sketch of William V. B. Topping appears elsewhere in this history in the biography of Maurice T. Topping. Roger W. Topping attended the public schools of Ashland and was graduated from Ashland College in 1908. He began his business career with the Wells Fargo Express Company, and in early life became associated with his father's business, which was formerly known as the Safety Door Hanger Company. The business was later incorporated as the Topping Manufacturing Company, with William V. B. Topping as president. At the latter's death in 1922, Maurice T. Topping became president. Since 1912 Roger W. Topping has been interested in the automobile business in partnership with his brother, the business being incorporated in 1922 as the Topping Brothers Motor Company. They are local agents for the Ford automobile, and have an attractive salesroom and service garage at Fourth and Union streets. On Jan. 15, 1913, Mr. Topping was united in marriage with Miss Florence Reep, of Ashland, the daughter of William and Sarah (Brubaker) Reep, natives of Ashland County. Mr. Reep died in 1928 and his widow HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1103 lives on West Walnut Street, Ashland. To Mr. and Mrs. Topping have been born two children : John Edward, born March 5, 1914 ; Elizabeth Jane, born Feb. 5, 1915. Both are students at Ashland High School. Mr. Topping is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and belongs to the Ashland Country Club. He is a Republican and holds membership in the Lutheran Church. He lives with his family on the Hayesville Road, just opposite the Ashland Country Club. He is interested in riding and is the owner of some exceptionally fine horses. Maurice T. Topping. As president of the Topping Manufacturing Company and vice president of the Topping Bros. Motor Company, Mr. Topping is recognized as one of the highly successful business men of Ashland. He was born in this city, Feb. 2, 1887, the son of William V. B. and Nellie E. (Roller) Topping. William V. B. Topping, deceased, was a representative citizen of Ashland. He was educated in the public schools and was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Md. After some time he resigned from the service and became interested in the hardware business with his father at Ashland. He later was a representative of the McIntyre-Huntington Hardware Company, of Cleveland, and in 1900 became interested in the hardware manufacturing business at Ashland, as president of the Safety Door Hanger Company. The business was incorporated as the Topping Manufacturing Company, with Mr. Topping as president, and he served in that capacity until his death in 1922. He is buried in Ashland Cemetery. His widow lives in this city. Mr. Topping was a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and Colonial Club. There were five children in the Topping family. 1. Edward W., who died in 1909. 2. Mrs. Ruth A. Baer, lives in Ashland. 3. Maurice T., the subject of this sketch. 4. Roger W., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 5. Mrs. Frances Needham, lives in Boston, Mass. Maurice T. Topping obtained his early education in the public schools of Ashland, and is a graduate of Culver Military Academy. Throughout his business career he has been interested in the business established by his father, and succeeded him as president at the latter's death in 1922. Mr. Topping has also been interested in the automobile business since 1906, having had the local agency for the Mitchell automobile until 1912. In that year he took over the Ford agency in Ashland in partnership with his brother, Roger W. Topping. In 1908 Mr. Topping married Miss Ethel Snader, of Ashland, the daughter of Frank and Ray (Elson) Snader, both deceased. They have 1104 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO two daughters : 1. Ann, born June 23, 1909, a graduate of Ashland High School, and Bishopthorpe Manor, Bethlehem, Pa., class of 1929. She is now an art student at Washington, D. C. 2. Janet, born June 11, 1911, a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1929, attends Arlington Hall School for Girls, Washington, D. C. Mr. Topping is a Republican, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. The Topping residence is located on the Hayesville Road, R. F. D. No. 8, and is among the fine estates of Ashland County. Thomas W. Miller is active and widely known in the business life of Ashland where he is chairman of the Board of Directors of the Faultless Rubber Company. He was born in Summit County, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1875, the son of Freeman and Rebecca (Fisher) Miller. Freeman Miller and his wife were natives of Summit County and spent their entire lives there, being highly respected and worthy citizens. The father was a blacksmith and carriage builder by trade and engaged in that work for many years at Manchester. Thomas W. Miller received his education in the public schools of Manchester and also attended a boarding school at Uniontown. At the age of 16 years he became a teacher in the district schools, but the following year attended a business college in Akron. He later secured a position in the factory of the Akron Silver Plate Company, and after serving an apprenticeship was sent out on the road as a commercial representative of the company. He was thus engaged until 1896. Ambitious to engage in business for himself, Mr. Miller established a rubber manufacturing industry and formed a copartnership with several business men of Rochester, N. Y. They organized the Faultless Manufacturing Company, which was succeeded in 1900 by the Faultless Rubber Company, a West Virginia Corporation. In 1903 Mr. Miller and H. B. Camp organized the Camp Rubber Company and established a plant in Ashland. The following year the Camp Rubber Company and the Faultless Rubber Company merged their interests with a capital stock of $325,000, and conducted the business under the name of the Faultless Rubber Company, with a large and well equipped plant at Ashland. Mr. Miller became treasurer and general manager of the Faultless Rubber Company and acted in the same capacity for the Camp Rubber Company after the merging of the two industries. He continued to act as treasurer and general manager until the illness of Mr. Camp in July, 1907, when he was elected president. He served as chief executive until December, 1927, when he resigned the presidency in favor of C. D. Hubler, who is now HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1105 president of the company, and Mr. Miller is chairman of the board of directors. The Faultless Rubber Company manufactures druggists sundries, specialties, novelties, and sponge rubber products, having practically a monopoly on the manufacture of the last named article in this country. The business has gained extensive proportions under the capable management and direction of Mr. 'Miller, whose enterprise has made him one of the foremost business men of the city. He is also a director of the First National Bank of Ashland and a director of F. E. Myers Brother & Company, Ashland. On March 31, 1908, Mr. Miller married Miss Helen Myers, of Ashland, the youngest daughter of F. E. and Alavesta (Hohenshil) Myers. They have four children : Thomas W. J., born July 12, 1910, attends Rollins College ; Frank Myers, attends University School, Cleveland ; Mary Myers, a student; and Parker Everett, born in 1923. Mr. Miller is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, Colonial Club, Union Club, the Country and Mid-Day Clubs of Cleveland, also the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, Bankers Club of New York City, Ashland Country Club, and St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Mr. and Mrs. Miller live in Ashland and also have a winter home on the west coast of Florida. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. C. G. DeVoe, D. D. S. One of the most successful dentists of Ashland County is Doctor DeVoe, who has engaged in the practice of his profession in Ashland since 1913. He was born at Lewisville, Ohio, May 31, 1888, the son of Joseph O. and Mary (Billman) DeVoe. Joseph O. DeVoe, retired, was born at Lewisville. He has spent his entire life there, and until his retirement in 1920 successfully engaged in business as a dealer in farm implements. His wife died in 1914 and is buried at Lewisville. Mr. DeVoe is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. He has served as a member of the county school board. To Mr. and Mrs. DeVoe were born six children: 1. C. G., the subject of this sketch. 2. Thurman J., who died in 1920, from the effects of being gassed while in service in France during the World War. He volunteered for service and 30 days after his enlistment was serving at the front in France with the First Division. He saw 26 months of active service and participated in several major engagements, being severely gassed. He was discharged at Washington, D. C., in 1919. 3. Walter W., 1106 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO lives at Woodsfield, Ohio. 4. Mrs. Grace Hines, lives at Cambridge, Ohio. 5. May, married 0. M. Matthews, who is superintendent of schools at Bartlett, Ohio. 6. Alice, lives at Lewisville. C. G. DeVoe received his early education at Lewisville and was graduated from high school in 1906. He then attended a normal school at Woodsfield, and taught for three years before entering the College of Dentistry at Ohio State University. After receiving his degree, Dr. DeVoe immediately established his present practice in Ashland. He has been located in the Farmers Bank Building since 1919. During the World War, Dr. DeVoe volunteered for service but was not accepted. In 1913 Dr. DeVoe married Miss Louise Ogden, of Columbus, the daughter of Luther and Emma (Miles) Ogden, of Racine, Ohio. Both are deceased. Doctor and Mrs. DeVoe have no children. Dr. DeVoe is a Republican and is active in local politics. His wife is vice-chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Ohio. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Dr. DeVoe is affiliated with the Masonc Lodge, 32nd degree ; Lions Club, Isaac Walton League, Psi Omega fraternity, Chamber of Commerce, and Ashland Country Club. He holds membership in the Ohio State Dental Society, and American Dental Association. Dr. and Mrs. DeVoe live at 304 West Walnut Street. Clarke C. Patton, M. D., is one of the well known and talented physicians of Ashland, and a veteran of the World War. He was born at New Athens, Harrison County, Ohio, Nov. 22, 1883, and is a son of George M. and M. Louise (Campbell) Patton. George M. Patton was born at Fairpoint, ,Belmont County, Ohio, and was reared on a farm and later lived in Harrison County. During the Civil War he served with the 98th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Company B. He was a member of the Ohio State Legislature in 1886-88, and served on the county school board. For 30 years Mr. Patton was director of the Children's Home of Harrison County. He died in 1926. His wife, who was born in Uniontown, Ohio, died in 1903. They are both buried in Belmont County, near New Athens. They were devout church members and belonged to the United Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Patton were born six children : 1. Olive, married Rev. James B. Ely, retired minister, lives at Akron, Ohio. They served five years as missionaries to India, and upon their return to the United States, he conducted evangelistic meetings in New York City, Philadelphia, and other cities throughout the East until he retired. 2. Carrie, married Rev. A. A. Giff en, Pres- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1107 byterian minister. They are both deceased. 3. Albert B. C. Patton, engaged in the milling of flour at Washington, Pa. 4. J. B., a retired farmer, lives at St. Clairsville. 5. M. Keo Patton, lives at New Athens, Ohio. 6. Dr. Clarke C., the subject of this sketch. Clarke C. Patton was reared on his father's farm near New Athens, where he attended the rural schools, afterwards attended Franklin College, New Athens. He was then a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Cleveland, Ohio, from which he received his medical degree with the class of 1910. He served as resident Pathologist at Cleveland City Hospital during 1910, 1911, and part of 1912. After serving as an interne at City Hospital for 18 months, he established his practice in Lakewood, Ohio. On account of ill health he was forced to discontinue his practice and in the fall of 1913 he went to Vermillion, S. D., where he was an assistant Pathologist and Bacteriologist at the University of South Dakota, in the State Health Laboratory. He returned to Ashland on Jan. 1, 1917, and opened an office in his present location. Doctor Patton entered the service in the World War in May, 1918, and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the U. S. Medical Corps. He was engaged in laboratory work at the Rockefeller Institute in New York until the middle of July, when he was sent to Camp Joseph E. Johnson, Jacksonville, Fla. He served in the Base Hospital there until Sept. 1, 1918, when he was transferred to Camp Beauregard, La., and assigned to Base Hospital No. 111 for overseas duty in charge of laboratory work. The outfit sailed for France on Nov. 11th, and Doctor Patton was placed in charge of laboratory work at the base hospitals at Beau Desart, Bordeaux, and later at DeJon. He received his honorable discharge at Camp Dix, N. J., July 14, 1919, and returned to Ashland where he resumed his general medical practice, and where he is a member of the medical staff of Samaritan Hospital. In his professional associations he is a member of the Ashland County Medical Society (former president), the Ohio State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. His fraternal affiliations are those of the Masons, being a member of Ashland Lodge, Chapter, and Mansfield Commandery ; Al Koran Shrine, Cleveland ; Ashland Country Club ; and the Phi Chi medical fraternity. Dr. Patton married in 1914, Miss Marie Kellogg, daughter of Frederick B. and Dora (Zimmerman) Kellogg, natives of Ohio, and residents of Ashland. Mr. Kellogg is secretary and treasurer of the F. E. Myers & Bros. Company. Doctor and Mrs. Patton are the parents of four children : Dora Louise, born Oct. 27, 1915, at Vermilion, S. D., a sophomore in Ashland High School ; Marjorie Marie, born Feb. 27, 1917, at Ashland, a freshman at Ashland High School ; Helen Lucile, born Oct. 19, 1920, at Ashland, attends Pleasant Street School ; and Richard Kellogg, born June 30, 1930. 1108 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO The family home is at 702 Sandusky Street. The family are tennis enthusiasts and have a fine court opposite their home, and Doctor Patton is also fond of golf. Eldred L. Clem, M. D., a successful physician and surgeon of Ashland, engaged in the practice of his profession at 130 East Main Street, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Piqua, Miami County, Nov. 7, 1899, the son of Frank and Minnie (Offenbacher) Clem. Frank Clem was born near St. Paris, Champaign County, Ohio. He was engaged in farming until 1914 when he removed to Ashland and was employed by the Faultless Rubber Company, and subsequently by the Eagle Rubber Company. He is now living retired. He is a member of the Christian Church and politically is a stanch Democrat. His wife, who was born near Springhill, Champaign County, died in 1915 and is buried at St. Paris, Ohio. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clem : Florence, who married W. D. Emmerson, lives at Ashland ; Leila, married Warren M. Spreng, lives at Ashland ; Mabel, married Karl Roesman, lives at Elyria ; and Eldred L., the subject of this sketch. Eldred L. Clem attended the grade schools of Piqua and was graduated from Ashland High School in 1917. His college course was taken at Adelbert College, Western Reserve University, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1921. Three years later he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine from Western Reserve Medical College. His interne work was done at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Cleveland, and in 1925 he engaged in the practice of his profession in Ashland. He is a member of the surgical staff of Samaritan Hospital. In October, 1918, he enlisted for service in the S. A. T. C., Western Reserve University, and was honorably discharged Dec. 18, 1918. In 1924 he was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Medical Officers Reserve Corps, and in 1927 was appointed a captain in the Medical Corps, Ohio National Guard, assigned to Hospital Company 135, 112th Medical Regiment, which commission he now holds, being in command of this organization from May 4, 1928. On Sept. 12, 1924, Doctor Clem was united in marriage with Miss Vera Lucille Smalley, of Ashland, the daughter of John and Anna (Shetler) Smalley. He was born near Red Haw, Ohio, and died in 1923. He is buried at Ashland. His widow, born at New Philadelphia, Ohio, lives at Ashland. Doctor and Mrs. Clem have two daughters : Vera Lenore, born July 1, 1927 ; and Sheila Ann, born April 1, 1929. Mrs. Clem, who was born at Pacific City, Iowa, is a graduate of Ashland High School and Ash- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1109 land Normal College, and for six years prior to her marriage was a teacher in the Ashland schools. Doctor Clem is a past president of the Ashland County Medical Society, and is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, and a Fellow of the American Medical Association. He served as city health commissioner from 1926 to 1930, and is medical examiner for a number of life insurance companies. He is a member of the American Legion, Army and Navy Union, Ashland Rotary Club, and his fraternities are Nu Sigma Nu and Lambda Chi Alpha. Doctor and Mrs. Clem are members of the Christian Church, and politically he is a Democrat. Doctor Clem takes recreation at times from his professional cares in hunting and fishing. Charles E. Enck. A substantial citizen and dependable business man of Ashland is found in Charles E. Enck, who is proprietor of the Improved Manufacturing Company. He was born at Hayesville, Ohio, Jan. 3, 1880, the son of Joseph and Julia (Wenger) Enck. Joseph Enck, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Pennsylvania and spent his early life on a farm. For a number of years he engaged in the meat business at Hayesville, and in 1884 entered the employ of F. E. Myers & Brothers Company, contractors. He retired in 1908 and died in Ashland in 1915. His wife, also born in Pennsylvania, died in 1907. Both are buried in Ashland Cemetery. Mr. Enck was a Democrat and held membership in the Church of Christ. To Mr. and Mrs. Enck were born six children: 1. Mrs. Elta Hartman, lives at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 2. Catherine, who died in 1930. 3. Mrs. J. V. McHose, lives at Ashland. 4. H. E., lives at Ashland. 5. R. W., lives at St. Louis, Mo. 6. Charles E., the subject of this sketch. Charles E. Enck has always lived in Ashland. He was educated in the public schools and for several years was employed in the shops of F. E. Myers and Bro. Company. In 1903 he became interested in the manufacture of jersey leggins, and conducted a small shop in his home, his only piece of machinery being a foot power sewing machine. From the beginning the business grew rapidly and after three years larger quarters were leased in the Ogden Building on Sandusky Street. Power sewing machines were installed and the business was reorganized as the Improved Gaiter Company. In 1923 the present property at 703 Union Street was purchased by Mr. Enck and a modern factory building erected. The business, now operated as the Improved Manufacturing Company, specializes in the manufacture of rainproof garments and wearing apparel, its widely known trade-mark name being "Cresco." About 125 1110 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO people are employed in the plant and 13 traveling salesmen carry on the company's business throughout the entire Middle West. In 1901 Mr. Enck married Miss Mary Phillips, of Ashland, the daughter of D. A. and Mary (Reep) Phillips, both deceased. They have two children : 1. David P., born Dec. 8, 1908, a graduate of Ashland High School and Wittenberg College, class of 1929, now associated in business with his father as sales manager of the Improved Manufacturing Company. He was married, June 20, 1930, to Miss Ruby Francis, of South Charleston, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. William F. Francis. David P. Enck is a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and his wife, who attended Wittenberg College, is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She was a teacher in the public schools of South Charleston and Bucyrus before her marriage. 2. Julia Helen, born April 27, 1912, a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1929, attends Wittenberg College. Mr. Enck is a deacon of the Church of Christ, Ashland, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Colonial Club, and Ashland Country Club. He is president of the Y. M. C. A., and a charter member of the Rotary Club. Politically, he is a Democrat. P. F. Sharick. One of Ashland's best known citizens is P. F. Sharick, who has been interested in the jewelry business in this city for almost half a century. He was born at Orange, now Nankin, Ashland County, May 19, 1862, the son of John and Margaret (Fluke) Sharick. John Sharick was a native of Pennsylvania. At the age of 12 years he came to Ohio with his parents and settled in Ashland County, where he lived during the remainder of his life. He was well known as a farmer. His wife was born in Orange Township. They are deceased and are buried at Nankin. He was a Democrat and a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Sharick 12 children were born, as follows : 1. Irvin, jeweler, lives at Juno, Alaska. 2. Emick, retired, lives at Nankin. 3. Jennie Crowell, who died at Nankin in 1905. 4. W. A., jeweler, lives at Ashland. 5. Wilbert, deceased. 6. Eliza, the widow of Dr. Crowell, lives at Nankin. 7. P. F., the subject of this sketch. 8. 0. L., who died at Nankin in 1923. 9. R. P., jeweler, lives at Willard, Ohio. 10. Luella, unmarried, lives at Ashland. 11. Mary, who died in infancy. 12. Ora, who died in infancy. P. F. Sharick grew up at Nankin and attended the public schools. He became interested in the jewelry business as early as April, 1877, and spent three years at West Salem, Ohio. From 1880 until 1883 he engaged in business with his brother at Albuquerque, N. M., after which he spent HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1111 two years as manager of branch jewelry stores at Deming and Socorro, N. M. Mr. Sharick returned to Ohio in 1885, and at that time established his present jewelry business in Ashland. He has been located at East Main Street since 1918. Mr. Sharick is also widely known throughout Ashland County as an optometrist. In 1892 Mr. Sharick married Miss Emma Heitman of Ashland, the daughter of W. G. and Mary (Redman) Heltman, both deceased. They have two daughters : Ellen, and Kathryn. The latter was born in Ashland, April 5, 1900, and is a graduate of Ashland College. Mr. Sharick is a Democrat, and belongs to Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Rotary Club. He is a member of the Methodist Church, of which he has served as trustee for 20 years. Alexander C. Bogniard, who is cashier of the First National Bank of Ashland, has been identified with this institution for a period of 46 years, and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Ashland County. He was born in Venere, Department of Haute-Saone, France, March 18, 1866, the son of Jean Baptiste and Marie Therese (Petot) Bogniard. Jean Baptiste Bogniard spent his entire life in France and for many years was a wood worker, being especially expert in the making of wooden shoes. He died in France in 1871, and his wife died at Mansfield, Ohio, in 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Bogniard were the parents of four children: Louis, who died at Loudonville in 1881 ; Alexander C., the subject of this sketch ; Bertha, who died in 1927, was the wife of G. W. Brunk, of Mansfield ; and Matilda, married George Wolf, lives at Mansfield. At the age of seven years Alexander C. Bogniard came to this country with his mother from France. They spent nine years at Loudonville, where Mr. Bogniard was educated. After his graduation from high school in 1882 he entered the Farmers Bank at Loudonville, but after several months came to Ashland, where he was identified with the Farmers Bank. In February, 1884, he entered the employ of the First National Bank of Ashland, with which he has since been identified. Mr. Bogniard was employed in practically every department in the bank and steadily advanced to the responsible office he now holds of cashier. In 1900 Mr. Bogniard was united in marriage with Miss Anna Pan-coast, of Ashland, the daughter of Ohio and Adeline (Murray) Pancoast, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Pancoast, who served throughout the Civil War, is deceased. His widow lives in Ashland and is 94 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Bogniard were born two children: 1. Marie, born July 27, 1901, a graduate of Ashland High School and Lake 1112 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Erie College, class of 1923. She was a teacher in the public schools of Rocky River, Ohio, for six years before her marriage to G. W. McCool. They live at Richmond, Ind. 2. Robert Pancoast, born Oct. 22, 1902, a graduate of Ashland High School and Wooster College, class of 1924. He taught school at Painesville, Ohio, for one year, after which he took up the study of medicine at Rochester (N. Y.) University. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1930, and is now assistant resident pathologist at the Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. Mr. Bogniard is a Republican and has served for two terms as a member of the Board of Education. He holds membership in the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Colonial Club. Mr. Bogniard has held the office of Sunday School superintendent in his church for 17 years and is also a member of the Presbyterian Session. John C. Myers. One of Ashland's most outstanding citizens and representative business men is John C. Myers, who is first vice president of F. E. Myers & Bro. Company. He was born in Ashland County, April 25, 1878, the son of F. E. and Alavesta (Hohenshil) Myers. A complete sketch of F. E. Myers appears elsewhere in this history. John C. Myers attended the public schools of Ashland and is a graduate of Dummer Academy in Massachusetts. He also attended. Harvard University, from which he received a degree in 1902. His entire business career has been devoted to the interests of the F. E. Myers & Bro. Company, leading industrial enterprise of North Central Ohio. He is also a director of The Faultless Rubber Company and the First National Bank, Ashland. On June 17, 1908, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Miss Alice S. Mould, of Cheyboygan, Mich., the daughter of Charles E. and Elizabeth (McArthur) Mould. Mr. Mould, who was born at Boston, Mass., died in 1920. His widow lives at Toledo, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers have been born five children : 1. Marjorie K., born Oct. 12, 1909, a graduate of Miss Choate's School, Boston, Mass., and Smith College. 2. Francis E. II, born July 26, 1914, attends University School, Cleveland. 3. Brooks M., who died in infancy. 4. John .C., Jr., born Jan. 31, 1918, attends Ashland High School. 5. Everett M., born Aug. 27, 1921. Politically, Mr. Myers is identified with the Democratic party. He and his family are members of Trinity Lutheran Church and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Elks Lodge, Lions Club, Colonial Club, Ashland Country Club, Union Club of Cleveland, Mid-Day Club of Cleveland, Cleveland Country Club, West Brook Golf Club of Mansfield, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1113 Mullet Lake Country Club, and Burt Lake Country Club, at Indian River, Mich. Mr. Myers is president of the Board of Trustees of Samaritan Hospital, Ashland, and is a director of the Ashland Community Chest. Mr. Myers has served on the executive and advisory committees of the National Association of Farm Equipment Manufacturers for a number of years, and as president of that body during 1929. John C. Shafer, who is successfully engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Ashland, with offices at the corner of Main and Church streets, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Wayne Township, Monroe County, April 22, 1866, the son of I. W. and Pluma (Conger) Shafer. I. W. Shafer was born in Belmont County, Ohio, the son of John Shafer, who served throughout the War of 1812. I. W. Shafer followed general farming and stock raising throughout his life and lived in Monroe County. He was a Democrat and a member of the Church of Christ. Mr. Shafer died in 1916 and his wife died in March, 1917. Both are buried at Woodsfield, Ohio. Mrs. Shafer had seven brothers, who served throughout the Civil War, all of whom returned except one. To I. W. and Pluma (Conger) Shafer were born the following children : Juliet, who died in infancy ; John C., the subject of this sketch ; H. S., lives at Scotts, Mich.; S. J., who died July 8, 1930 ; Hannah E., who died in February, 1930, was the wife of James Moose ; Emma, married P. L. Schaffer, lives at Ashland ; and Ellen J., who lives at Ashland. John C. Shafer attended the district schools and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He was graduated from Woodsfield Normal School, and for 13 years was a school teacher. He came to Ashland County in 1902 and purchased a farm, which he successfully operated for eight years. Mr. Shafer then located in Ashland, where he spent six years in the employ of F. E. Myers & Bros. Company. Since 1916 he has been interested in the real estate and insurance business. On Feb. 6, 1890, Mr. Shafer was united in marriage with Miss Campie Moose, of Monroe County, Ohio, the daughter of John J. and Sarah E. (Early) Moose. Mr. Moose served throughout the Civil War and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. He met with an accidental death in 1902, and is buried in Center Township, Monroe County. His wife died in 1929. To Mr. and Mrs. Shafer were born four children: 1. Bessie, born in March, 1891, attended Ashland College, and was a teacher before her marriage to B. H. Hoffman, and they have four children: Marlin, Madell, Dorothy and Doris. The latter two are twins. The Hoffman 1114 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO family lives at Wilsey, Kan. 2. Crystal, born in February, 1894, a graduate of Ashland High School, married W. D. Newell, lives at Ashland. They have a son, Wayne Newell. 3. Myrtle, who died in 1901. 4. Opal, born in November, 1901, married C. D. Gorham, lives at Ashland, and they have a son, Jack Ferrel Gorham. By a former marriage she has two daughters, Marylin and Vivian. Politically, Mr. Shafer is a Democrat, and has served as central committeeman. He also held the office of president and clerk of the school board in Orange Township, and served two terms on the Ashland City Council from the Second Ward. The Shafer family lives at 902 Orange Street, Ashland. G. S. Schuler, who is manager of the City Loan and Savings Company, is a progressive young business man of Ashland. He was born in Mansfield, Feb. 19, 1898, the son of Leopold and Augusta (Quass) Schuler. Leopold Schuler was born in Germany, and his wife is also a native of that country. At the age of 16 years he came to the United States and immediately settled in Mansfield, where he was employed for a number of years at his trade as a stonemason. Later he was engaged as caretaker on a number of large estates in Mansfield. He now lives retired. Mr. Schuler is a Democrat, a member of the Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Schuler are the parents of the following children : 1. Anna, married 0. V. Erdenberger, lives at Mansfield. 2. Harry, lives in Mansfield, is a veteran of the World War, having been severely gassed while in the service in France. 3. G. S., the subject of this sketch. 4. Ernest, who is manager of the Sandusky office of the City Loan & Savings Company. 5. Helen, lives at home. 6. Richard, lives at home. G. S. Schuler received his education in the public schools of Mansfield. When 18 years of age he went to New York City, where he spent two years in the study of window trimming and show card writing. He was then located in Chicago for two years, and later went to Cleveland, where he remained until 1921. He then went to Mansfield and two years later became associated with the interests of the City Loan & Savings Company as assistant manager of their Mansfield office. In September of that year he opened the Ashland office, of which he is manager. He is a stockholder in the company which has its main office at Lima, Ohio, with 38 branches located throughout Ohio. He is also a member of the board of directors of the North Central Ohio Association of Personal Finance Company. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1115 In September, 1923, Mr. Schuler was united in marriage with Miss Treva Robinson, of Mansfield, the daughter of C. I. and Myrtle (Tuttle) Robinson; both were born at Greenwich, Ohio, and reside in Mansfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Schuler three children were born: Norma Jean, born Nov. 21, 1925 ; Judson, died in infancy ; and George Dudley, born Sept. 27, 1930. Mr. Schuler is a Republican, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and belongs to B. P. O. Elks, Ashland, Lions Club, and Ashland Country Club. He is a charter member of Franklin Marquis Lodge, F. & A. M., Mansfield, and the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Schuler and his family live at 213 Samaritan Avenue, Ashland. James Wilson Shaw, of Ashland, is one of the leading funeral directors of Ashland County, where he has followed his profession for the past 20 years. He was born on a farm east of Savannah, Ohio, Feb. 9, 1866, the son of John and Ann (Lindsay) Shaw. The Shaw family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1818 and were among the first settlers of Savannah. John Shaw was born here and spent his entire life in this section as a farmer. He died in 1906 and his wife died in 1918. Both are buried in Savannah Cemetery. Ann (Lindsay) Shaw was born in Ruggles Township, Ashland County, and was of Scotch ancestry. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaw were born two sons : James Wilson, the subject of this sketch ; and Robert Nelson, who is a pharmacist in charge of the drug department of Akron City Hospital. He served in France throughout the World War, and his son, Harry, also was in the service. James Wilson Shaw lived on his father's farm during his early life and attended the public schools of Savannah, also being a graduate of Savannah Academy. As a young man he became interested in the drug business at Savannah in partnership with his brother, and they continued in business for a period of 14 years. Mr. Shaw then took up the study of embalming in Columbus under the direction of Prof. Clark, and in 1892 obtained his license at Cleveland. It was numbered 309A, which indicates the fact that Mr. Shaw was among the first few hundred to be licensed in Ohio. He disposed of his business interests at Savannah in 1911 and at that time located in Ashland, where he has since been well known as a funeral director. His funeral home and chapel are located at Washington and Center streets. Mr. Shaw was married (first) in 1888 to Miss Mary Gibson of Savannah, who died in 1916. She was the daughter of John and Catherine 1116 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO (Grissinger) Gibson, both deceased. To this union was born one daughter, Edna, who is the wife of Ralph Moore, of Ashland. Mr. Shaw was married (second) in 1918 at Ashland to Minnie (Hoover) Denbow, who was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, May 25, 1885, the daughter of Arthur C. and Adeline (McDaniel) Hoover. The former died in 1926 and the latter in 1890. By a former marriage Mrs. Shaw has three children : 1. Dorothy Faye, born in 1907, a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1925, lives at home. 2. Harry Wilbur, born in 1909, a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1927, lives at Painesville, Ohio. 3. Gladys Vera, born in 1912, a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1930. Mr. Shaw is a Republican and served as a member of the Ohio State Legislature from 1921 until 1924. He holds membership in the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree. He also belongs to the Lions Club and Ashland Country Club. R. C. Garretson. Prominent among the successful young business men of Ashland is R. C. Garretson, who is vice president and general manager of the Garretson Lumber Company. He was born at Harriettsville, Ohio, April 24, 1895, the son of Charles S. and Clara (Wilson) Garretson. As president of the Garretson Lumber Company, Charles S. Garretson is numbered among the representative citizens of Ashland County. He was born at Harriettsville, as was his wife. At an early age he became interested in the lumber business and owned and operated a lumber yard and sawmill at Harriettsville until 1906, when he located at Granville, Ohio. In 1911 he established the Garretson Lumber Company in Ashland, where he operates a complete lumber yard and planing mill with a full line of builder's supplies, carrying on both a wholesale and retail trade. The company also operates lumber yards at Sandusky, Norwalk, and Wellington, as well as at Ormond, Fla. The firm also specializes in the financing and building of homes. Clara (Wilson) Garretson died in 1897 and is buried at Harriettsville. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Garretson: Rolla R., who died in 1917 ; and R. C., the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of R. C. Garretson was spent in Harriettsville, where he was educated in the public schools, being a graduate of Ashland High School. He has since been identified with the interests of the Garretson Lumber Company, being a member of the firm since 1914. He is now vice president and general manager. Mr. Garretson was married in September, 1921, to Miss Dorothy M. Myers, of Ashland, the daughter of John W. and Emma (Sluntz) Myers. Mr. Myers died in 1925 and is buried at Ashland, Ohio. His wife, a HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1117 native of Pennsylvania, is also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Garretson have been born two children: Ronald C., born March 12, 1923 ; and Ann, born Dec. 29, 1928. Mr. Garretson is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree ; B. P. 0. Elks, and belongs to the Ashland Country Club. He is a Republican and holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. His father is also a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Rotary Club, and Ashland Country Club. Frank B. Downs. Active and progressive in business, Frank B. Downs is numbered among the representative citizens of Ashland, where he has engaged in the jewelry business for a period of 30 years. He was born in this city, Dec. 31, 1875, the son of Richard G. and Sarah (Latter) Downs. Richard G. Downs was born in London, England, as was his wife. He now lives in Ashland. His wife died in this city, Nov. 3, 1898, and is buried in Ashland Cemetery. A complete sketch of Richard G. Downs appears elsewhere in this history in the biography of his son, Charles H. Downs. Frank B. Downs received his education in the public schools of Ashland, and for a time was employed by the F. E. Myers & Bros. Company. Later, he went to LaPorte, Ind., where he "learned the watchmaker's trade. He spent some time in Toronto, Canada, and then returned to Ohio and located at Bellevue. From there he went to Jamesburg, N. J., and returned to Ashland in 1902, where he established a jewelry business in the Crowell Building. Mr. Downs removed to the Ames Building in 1907 at 37 West Main Street, and purchased the building three years later. He conducts one of the city's most attractive shops and has a well established trade. In 1903 Mr. Downs married Miss Isadore Toomey, of Ashland, the daughter of James and Ella (Bowman) Toomey. Mr. and Mrs. Toomey reside in Ashland. Mr. and Mrs. Downs have no children. Mr. Downs is a member of the Christian Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree. He also belongs to the Isaac Walton League. Mr. Downs is a leader in philanthropic work in the city and has always devoted much of his time and means in this direction. He was one of the founders of Brookside Park in 1919, being identified in this work with Rev. A. B. Robinson. They were the donors of eight acres of land for 1118 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO this purpose which was later enlarged to 17 acres by a fund left for that purpose by Miss Bell Osborne, of Ashland. Brookside Park, located on the west side of the city, is a complete amusement and recreation center. Tennis courts, croquet courts, horseshoe pitching courts, children's playgrounds, and picnic grounds are among the numerous attractions offered to the public. Band concerts are also held weekly during the summer months in the park. Mr. Downs was one of the organizers of the municipal swimming pool, which was built at a cost of $22,000. It is 60 x 150 feet, with a depth ranging from 30 inches to 9 feet 6 inches. The pool is of latest type of construction, built of concrete, and is thoroughly filtered. A small pool for the children is also operated in connection with the large pool. Henry J. Schulz. As president of the Ashland Building & Loan Company, and chief of the Ashland Fire Department, Henry J. Schulz is numbered among the city's most outstanding citizens. He was born here, Sept. 18, 1867, the son of John and Christina (Long) Schulz. John Schulz, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Wittenberg, Germany, as was his wife. At the age of 18 years he came to the United States and immediately located at Elyria, Ohio. At the outbreak of the Civil War he volunteered for service and saw more than three years of service. He came to Ashland in 1866 and followed his trade as a carpenter for a number of years, but later became interested in the grocery and produce business. He was also the proprietor of a restaurant. Mr. Schulz died April 14, 1899, and his wife died June 15, 1904. Both are buried in Ashland. Mr. Schulz was a Democrat, a member of the Peace Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. To Mr. and Mrs. Schulz were born five children, as follows: Henry J., the subject of this sketch ; Charles, lives at Ashland; Anna, who died Sept. 21, 1906 ; Augusta, who died Dec. 18, 1905 ; and Lottie C., who died Aug. 28, 1913. She was the wife of Charles Crowenwett, of Ashland. Henry J. Schulz has always lived in Ashland. He is a graduate of the public schools and as a young man was employed as a painter in the city. He is perhaps the oldest active member of the Ashland Fire Department, having become a volunteer in the service in 1889. He served under Chief Myers, and as assistant chief under Chief Strauss. In 1922 Mr. Schulz was appointed chief of the department. For many years he has been identified with the interests of the Ashland Building & Loan Company, and has held the office of president since 1918. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1119 In 1906 Mr. Schulz was united in marriage with Miss Emma C. Rick, of Galion, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Mueller) Rick. He was born in Germany and came to this country in early life. He met with an accidental death at Galion on July 7, 1895, and his wife died in 1925. Both are buried at Galion. Mr. Rick had served throughout the Civil War. Emma C. (Rick) Schulz was born at Galion, July 8, 1875, and was educated there in the public schools. She was a teacher in the schools of Galion for ten years before her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Schulz was born a daughter, Ruth Virginia, born Sept. 21, 1909. She is a graduate of Ashland High School and Capital University, class of 1931, where she specialized in the study of fine arts. She held the office of art editor on the "Capitalian," the college annual. Mr. Schulz has always been a Democrat and has served as central committeeman and chairman of the Democratic central committee. He held the office of recorder of Ashland County from 1911 until 1915, and was a member of the commission which framed the Ashland city charter. Mr. Schulz and his family are active members of the Peace Lutheran Church, and for many years he belonged to the Sons of Veterans. During the World War he served as a member of the draft board in Ashland County, being appointed by Governor Cox. A. H. Kennell, who is well known in Ashland as the superintendent of the city water works, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Somerset County, Sept. 19, 1892, the son of J. W. and Susan (Miller) Kennell. J. W. Kennell lived his entire life in Somerset County, Pa., and was a prosperous farmer. He died in 1920. His widow lives on the homestead in Somerset County. Mr. Kennell was a Republican and a member of the Reformed Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennell were born six children : 1. Bessie, married G. C. Tedrow, lives at Akron. 2. A. H., the subject of this sketch. 3. Clifford, a World War veteran, lives at Akron. 4. Mrs. Frank Thomas, lives at Ashland. 5. Golda, married Isaac Blake, lives in Somerset County, Pa. 6. Laura Cochlin, lives at Akron. A. H. Kennell received his education in the public schools of Salisbury, Pa., and entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company in Pennsylvania after his graduation from high school. He spent five years with that company, later was identified with the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company at Akron, and then came to Ashland as assistant superintendent of the city water works. He has served as superintendent since 1918. During Mr. Kennell's incumbency the new reservoir has been built, which has a capacity of 140,000,000 gallons. The entire water system has also been 1120 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO revalved, and the new filtration plant erected. At the present time this department is enjoying greater prosperity than at any other time in its history. Records of the department have been kept in a detailed and efficient manner and improvements throughout the entire water works are to be noted. In 1930 the total valuation of the water works amounted to $330,300. Until 1929 Mr. Kennell was also in charge of city parks and the city garbage department. In 1918 Mr. Kennell was united in marriage with Miss Rose Pickens, of Barnesville, Ohio, the daughter of John and Ida Pickens. They have a daughter, Theda Jane, born Dec. 18, 1919. Mr. Kennell is affiliated with the Elks Lodge. He and his family live at 103 West Third Street. P. A. Myers, president of the F. E. Myers & Bro. Company and surviving founder of the original partnership—which became a corporation in 1921—remains to carry forward the ideals of Ashland's most important industrial concern. Myers pumps and hay tools have spread the name of Ashland to every civilized corner of the globe. Without an important exception every Myers product since the beginning of the business a half century ago has been the child of P. A. Myers' inventive genius. Mechanical skill and pride in fine craftsmanship are just as much Myers family traits as are the business acumen and financial leadership which have made Myers enterprises prosper. Jacob Myers, first of the family to settle in the Ohio wilderness, came from the Pennsylvania Dutch settlement of Millheim when his son George was about ten years old. On the homestead six miles east of Ashland George Myers learned and handed down the love of working well with tools, and on the Myers farm built the woodwork of wagons which John Studebaker, down the road in his blacksmith shop, ironed so well that one of the first Myers-Studebaker wagons still stands—a good wagon—in the Myers plant as a monument to Ashland County's pioneer manufacturing. Philip Andrew Myers and his brother Francis E. (q. v.), five years his senior, were born in a log house on the original Jacob Myers homestead. Francis, oldest of George Myers's nine children, conquered farm drudgery by avoiding it as soon as he could. A born salesman, he eagerly accepted an offer of $100 a year to work in a drygoods store in town, while Philip continued to struggle with rail-splitting, stump-pulling and plowing. Philip no less than his brother hated the back-breaking toil of those days, but his method of avoidance was to "invent something" to do the HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1121 work. He tinkered with everything on the farm, repaired and improved the machinery, made the farm gates operate automatically, harnessed the calf to the churn. When farm work permitted, he attended Smithville Academy until he was 21. Then Francis, already graduated from dry-goods to the farm implement business, offered Philip $20 a month as a salesman. For this salary the salesman had to supply his own horse and buggy. Francis had developed into an aggressive, successful business man. His younger brother lacked that self-assertiveness, but his patience and persistence were winning qualities and he soon demonstrated that he, too, could sell. He could not only show the farmers how to use the newfangled machines but he could repair them when they broke down. This combination job of sales and service man whetted the younger brother's inventive mind and incubated ideas that soon became the foundation of the Myers family fortunes. Failure of the Ashland Machine Company, for which Francis Myers had worked, gave opportunity for F. E. Myers & Bro. to take over that company's implement business. Together "F. E." and "P. A." were able to scrape up $4,500. "P. A." borrowing half of his share of this original capital. "P. A." continued with his horse and buggy to call on the farm trade. The young firm sold everything mechanical for the farm, including pumps. "P. A." spent his spare time in the service shop perfecting his first patented invention, a double-action force pump—in that day a great advance over the best pump F. E. Myers & Bro. could find for their customers. "The fellows for whom we are selling get the bulk of the profit ; we should go into the manufacturing end—and my pump is the way for us to make a start," was the younger brother's argument. "F. E." laid no claims to invention. He would not have attempted on his own to design and build a wheelbarrow; but he knew a good device when he saw it, and he had faith and courage to be a pioneer. From boyhood "F. E." and "P. A." were a team, abetting in mischief, consulting and supplementing each other in business. They were always more than partners and brothers; they were pals. "When you are sure you have it as near right as you think you can get it, we'll go ahead," was the older one's usual answer to the younger. P. A. Myers' first pump patent launched the young firm of implement dealers in, a manufacturing business which grew conservatively until it became the largest of its specific kind in the world. One invention after another popped from the fertile brain of the younger brother. The Myers hay-unloading tool and the barn track on which it runs followed the first pump invention. Later came the rolling barn-door hanger which 1122 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO nettled a small fortune in itself. In all P. A. Myers has taken out about 100 patents, and he still continues to evolve new mechanical ideas and apply every year for more patents. Doubtless there would have been many more Myers patents if the inventor had permitted his imagination to run into channels outside of the firm's manufacturing activities. But every time "P. A." thought of a patent able idea it was put to the Myers business test. "Does it fit into our line? If not, forget it." Concentration of energy and division of labor were cardinal principles of the two brothers heading the firm—in which many of their family eventually participated. "F. E." and "P. A.", while always working in closest harmony, fell naturally into the functions for which they seemed best fitted. "F. E." retained charge of finances and sales, while "P. A." was supreme in invention, factory organization, and production. "F. E." was president until his passing in 1923, whereupon "P. A." succeeded to the leadership. Individually and together the Myers brothers were drawn into outside financial and business interests until their ramifications extended in many directions, including tractions, steel and iron, rubber, insurance, and banking. Although Mr. Myers has shouldered onto others the management of executive details, he still retains active direction of the F. E. Myers & Bro. Company as president and general manager. He is also a director and vice president of the Faultless Rubber Company and of the First National Bank, both of Ashland; a director of the Union Trust Company, Cleveland ; president of the Chase Foundry & Manufacturing Company, Columbus, Ohio; director Security Life Insurance Company of America, Chicago ; director Pocono Rubber Cloth Company, Trenton, N. J. Mr. Myers is a Democrat, a Mason, a nationally prominent layman of the Lutheran Church and a liberal supporter of Ashland College. His clubs are the Country, Rotary and Elks, Ashland; the Union and Mid-Day, Cleveland. He is a member of the Ohio Society of New York. Possessed of indwelling human sympathy and kindliness, Mr. Myers has given generously, though always unostentatiously: Aside from his gift of nine acres of valuable land in the heart of Ashland as Myers Athletic Field, under Y. M. C. A. control, he has never willingly permitted any of his philanthropies to become public. The beautiful chancel window in Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland, is a memorial to Grace Myers, who died at the age of eight. She and her twin brother, Guy Chase Myers, were the only children of Mr. Myers's marriage with Samantha Alice Chase, who passed away in 1923, beloved by all the community to which she contributed outstanding leadership in things cultural and spiritual. The late Mrs. Myers was the daughter of James Ezra and Jane (Doty) Chase, who were leading citizens of HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1123 Ashland County. Guy Chase Myers was educated at Harvard, entered the F. E. Myers & Bro. firm as a young man, and is now vice president and a director of the corporation ; also a director of Faultless Rubber Company. In recent years he has taken over many of the business responsibilities of his father. Mr. Myers married Josephine Forsyth, daughter of the late Joseph William and Mary (Pentecost) Forsyth, of Cleveland, April 28, 1928, at Irvington-on-Hudson, N. Y. Miss Forsyth's musical talent was so pronounced that while she was still a young singer in Cleveland she was selected as a pupil by Mme. Marcella Sembrich, and before her marriage to Mr. Myers she had become widely known on the concert stage. Several of her musical compositions have received high recognition, particularly her setting of The Lord's Prayer, which she composed on the day of her marriage and dedicated to Mr. Myers. A daughter, Phyllis Arlene, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers in New York, Aug. 25, 1929. They spend most of their winters in California and the South and divide the remaining time between Ashland and New York. B. W. Livingston, D. D. S. One of the most prominent dental surgeons of North Central Ohio is Dr. B. W. Livingston, who has been associated in practice with Dr. Copeland at Ashland since 1905. He was born at Savannah, July 25, 1879, the son of H. M. and Mary D. (Davis) Livingston. The Livingston family came to Ohio during the early days from York County, Pa., and were among the first settlers of Ashland County. The Davis family has lived in this county for several generations, being prominent pioneers of Savannah. H. M. Livingston was born at Red Haw, Ashland County, in 1850. He attended the district schools and was a graduate of Vermillion Institute at Hayesville. Mr. Livingston followed farming until 1879, when he removed to Savannah and lived retired. He was a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Livingston died in May, 1898, and his wife, who was born at Savannah in 1848, died in April, 1929. Both are buried at Savannah. Their children were : Clyde D., who died at Houston, Texas, in 1926 ; B. W., the subject of this sketch ; Edgar R., farmer, lives at Savannah ; and Mary H., who died in 1892, at the age of four years. B. W. Livingston spent his early life at Savannah, where he attended the public schools. He is also a graduate of Savannah Academy. He took up the study of dentistry at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, from which he received a degree in 1903. Dr. Livingston immediately 1124 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO located at Ashland and in 1905 became associated in practice with Dr. Copeland. They were located in the old Farmers Bank Building until 1910, when they removed their offices to the new Myers Building at Center and Main streets. Dr. Livingston is a veteran of the Spanish-American War. In June, 1904, Dr. Livingston was united in marriage with Miss Alberta May Reep, of Ashland, the daughter of William F. and Sarah (Brubaker) Reep. Mr. Reep, born at West Salem, Ohio, died in 1928, and is buried in Ashland. His widow resides in this city. Doctor and Mrs. Livingston have no children. Dr. Livingston is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church, and a charter member of the Ashland Country Club. He is affiliated with Ashland Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 151, Past Master ; Ashland Chapter, Past High Priest ; Ashland Council ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; and Al Koran Shrine, Cleveland. Harry B. Vanosdall. Active and progressive in business, Harry B. Vanosdall is widely known in Ashland, where he is interested in the H. B. Vanosdall & Bro. Furniture Company. He was born in this city, May 30, 1868, the son of Clark and Isabelle (Willis) Vanosdall. Clark Vanosdall was born on a farm near Castalia, Huron County, Ohio, in 1844. He attended the rural schools and when he was 14 years old his parents came to Ashland. Clark Vanosdall secured a position as a stage driver between Ashland and Wooster, and just at the close of the Civil War also carried the mail between these two cities. He brought the first word to Ashland of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Vanosdall was an interesting figure in the community for many years. Later, he was widely known as the proprietor of a popular restaurant at Polk, in Ashland County. He also owned and operated a farm near Shelby in Richland County for a few years, and later lived in Ashland, where he served for a period of 40 years as superintendent of Ashland Cemetery. Mr. Vanosdall retired in 1924 and still lives in Ashland. He is a Democrat and a member of the Dunkard Church. His wife died in 1924 and is buried at Ashland. She held membership in the Christian Church. Clark Vanosdall's father was Nathan Vanosdall, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio with his parents when he was a small child. He lived in Huron County until 1845 and at that time removed to Jackson Township, Ashland County. He spent the latter part of his life in Ashland and died Feb. 16, 1892, at the age of 72 years. He married Sarah Finley, who was a native of Ohio. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1125 To Clark and Isabelle (Willis) Vanosdall were born the following children: Harry B., the subject of this sketch ; William L., grocer, lives at Ashland ; Carson V., lives at Ashland; Arthur L., postmaster, Ashland, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history; Ray W., lives at Ashland ; Henry N., who is identified with H. B. Vanosdall & Bro. Furniture Company, a sketch of whom also appears elsewhere in this history ; Charles S., lives at Ashland ; and Cloyd J., lives at Ashland. The boyhood of Harry B. Vanosdall was spent in Ashland and he attended the public schools and Ashland College. He conducted a news agency in the city for a number of years and in 1900 became interested in the furniture business with his brother, Henry N. Vanosdall, and they established the business which now bears their name. The store's original location was in the building on the present site of Freer Bros. Store. In 1916 it was removed to the new location of the Masonic Temple, and in 1924 the new store building was erected on East Main Street. It is among the up-to-date stores in the city and carries a fine line of furniture, house furnishings, radios, etc. Since 1925 Charles Galragen has also been associated with the business. Mr. Vanosdall has also been interested in the real estate business in Ashland for more than 25 years and has extensive holdings in the city. He is vice president of the Ashland Building & Loan Company. On Nov. 22, 1892, Mr. Vanosdall was united in marriage with Miss Emma Arnold, the daughter of Samuel L. and Amanda (Bright) Arnold, natives of Ohio, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Vanosdall have a daughter, Kathleen Arnold, born Feb. 12, 1907. She is a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1923, and was graduated from the Tucker School of Expression, Cleveland, as well as at Virginia College, where she specialized in the study of music and expression. She later received a degree from Ashland College and in 1929 married George Donges, also a graduate of Ashland College. Mr. Vanosdall is a Republican in politics, and holds membership in the Christian Church. He also belongs to the Ashland Country Club. The Vanosdall summer home is located at Mittewanga Beach on Lake Erie. Henry N. Vanosdall. A substantial citizen and dependable business man of Ashland is found in Henry M. Vanosdall, who is identified with the H. B. Vanosdall & Brother Furniture Company. He was born in Ashland, Sept. 26, 1881, the son of Clark and Isabelle (Willis) Vanosdall. A complete sketch of Clark Vanosdall appears elsewhere in this history in the biography of his son, Harry B. Vanosdall. 1126 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Henry N. Vanosdall was reared and educated in Ashland public schools. Since 1900 he has been interested in the furniture business in this city in partnership with his brother as proprietors of the H. B. Vanosdall & Brother Furniture Company. Mr. Vanosdall married Miss Nina Jackson, of Ashland, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Burkholder) Jackson, natives of Ashland County, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Vanosdall have no children. William D. Otter. One of Ashland's best known citizens is William D. Otter, who has been identified with the hotel business in this city for more than 30 years as proprietor of the Hotel Otter. He was born in Ashland, Feb. 27, 1863, the son of Frederick William and Catherine (Michael) Otter. Frederick William Otter was a native of Germany, as was his wife. He was reared in Coburg, and in 1861 emigrated to the United States. He followed his trade as a locksmith for several months in Philadelphia, and afterward located in Ashland where he became well known as the owner of a brewery. He also owned and operated a brewery plant at Wooster, as well as a restaurant business in Ashland. Mr. Otter died Jan. 19, 1874. He was a Democrat in politics. To Mr. and Mrs. Otter was born one son, William D., the subject of this sketch. By a former marriage to John Herbrand, Mrs. Otter was the mother of eight children, all of whom are deceased except Frank P. Herbrand, who lives in Mansfield. William D. Otter has always lived in Ashland. After his graduation from high school he attended Ashland College. He spent several years as a watchmaker with Henry Van Tulburg. In 1899 Mr. Otter became interested in the hotel business and has since owned and operated Hotel Otter. It was originally a 32-room hotel and has since been enlarged and remodeled on several occasions. The addition of the Ashland Hotel serves as an annex and gives the hotel a total of 82 rooms. Hotel Otter is the leading hotel in the city and is widely known throughout the entire state, both for its service and cuisine. He is also extensively interested in the real estate business in Ashland. Mr. Otter was married (first) in 1881 to Miss Etta Wood, of Ashland, the daughter of Henry Wood. They had a daughter, Ethel W., who is the wife of Frederick Gordon. They live at Cincinnati. On May 19, 1890, Mr. Otter was married (second) to Miss Fannie Jane Crippen, of Ashland, who died in October, 1924. They were the parents of three children : Edna Kate, born Feb. 28, 1891, died in 1901 ; Gus W., born Feb. 1, 1893, lives in Chicago ; and Fred W., born Nov. 13, 1899, lives in Ashland. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1127 Mr. Otter is a Democrat, a member of the Christian Church and belongs to the Elks Lodge. He has always been interested in the progress of Ashland, and the energetic and unselfish part, which he takes in the promotion of all movements for the betterment of the city is widely recognized. William R. Flaherty, optometrist, with offices at 21 East Main Street, is a representative citizen of Ashland, and a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, March 26, 1893, the son of Edward S. and Luella (Sprinkle) Flaherty. Edward S. Flaherty is a widely known citizen of Mansfield, where he is owner and manager of the Adelphia Hotel. He was born in Ashland, but spent his early life at St. Joseph, Mo., where he was educated. As a young man he returned to Ashland where he was identified with the Miller House and the McNally Hotel. In 1898 he purchased the Park Hotel in Ashland, which he successfully operated for five years, afterward becoming proprietor of the Arlington Hotel. The latter was sold to New York interests and Mr. Flaherty removed to Mansfield, where he owned and operated the T. & A. Hotel for a period of 20 years. Since 1927 he has been manager of the Adelphia Hotel. Mr. Flaherty is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. His wife was born at Congress, Ohio. They have only one child, William R., the subject of this sketch. William R. Flaherty lived in Ashland until he was 13 years of age and received his early education here. He was graduated from Mansfield High School in 1913, and afterward attended Mansfield Business College. He then studied at the Northern Illinois College of Ophthalmology and Otology, Chicago, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Optics in 1917. He was located at Springfield, Ohio, until July, 1917, at which time he enlisted for service in the World War. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and was sent to the Great Lakes Training Station in Chicago. Later he was attached to Pittsburgh Hospital, Unit No. 1, and in April, 1918, became a first-class quartermaster instructor in aviation. He was discharged from the service, Jan. 5, 1919, and resumed his professional work in the offices of Dr. Russell 0. Hayes, optometrist, Cleveland. He has been located in Ashland since 1924 and in October, 1929, removed to his present location, 21 East Main Street. Mr. Flaherty was married in 1920 at Mansfield to Miss Ruth Marie Vonderhide, of Waukegan, Ill., the daughter of Henry and Minnie (Schwarn) Vonderhide. The former, a native of Germany, died in February, 1930, and is buried at Waukegan, the latter is a native of that 1128 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO city. To Doctor and Mrs. Flaherty have been born two children: Norma Jane, born Oct. 4, 1921 ; and Douglass William, born July 29, 1926. Dr. Flaherty is a Democrat, a member of B. P. O. Elks, Ashland Country Club, and Ashland Chamber of Commerce. He also belongs to the American Legion, and 40 and 8 Society. He is vice president of the Lions Club. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Patrick K. Flaherty and Adam Sprinkle, grandparents of Doctor Flaherty, served throughout the Civil War. S. H. Grabill, a well known and excellent citizen of Ashland, was born in Vermilion Township, Ashland County, Ohio, Aug. 29, 1846, the son of John S. and Nancy (Harper) Grabill. John S. Grabill was born at Kaisers-Lautin, Germany. He came to the United States with his parents on a sailing vessel in 1834, when he was 15 years of age. Upon their arrival in New York they drove overland to Ohio where they bought a farm, a mile northwest of Hayesville, consisting of 80 acres. John S. Grabill was a farmer and for several years a carpenter. He was a Republican and served as township trustee. He died Feb. 10, 1887. His wife, who was born in Vermilion Township, died in March, 1876. They are buried in Hayesville Cemetery. Their only child was S. H., the subject of this sketch. S. H. Grabill was reared on his father's farm near Hayesville and attended the district schools and Vermilion Institute. He then worked on his father's farm and later became a partner in the business, which was known as Grabill & Son. This farm was successfully operated until in June, 1903, when Mr. Grabill moved to Ashland. Here he had erected on a lot 113 x 180 feet a beautiful 12-room Colonial house, located at 413 Center Street. This house was designed by Vernon Redding, the well known architect. Mr. Grabill still maintains an active interest in his well improved farm of 482 acres. The farm is still known as Grabill & Son's Farms, No. 1 and No. 2, his son Howard being a partner in the business. They have recently built a modern two-story brick business block on East Main Street, Ashland, which they have leased to Montgomery, Ward & Company, of Chicago. On March 13, 1877, Mr. Grabill was married at the Ewing homestead, south of Hayesville, Ohio, to Miss Anna Ewing, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Gregg) Ewing. Mr. Ewing, who died in 1872, was born near Hayesville, where he is buried. His wife, who as born at Savannah, Ohio, died in Colorado in 1900, and is buried there. To Mr. and Mrs. Grabill four children were born: 1. Nancy Grabill, born Jan. 12, 1878, near HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1129 Hayesville, died May 24, 1929. She is buried at Ashland. 2. Howard, born May 10, 1879, a graduate of the Hayesville High School and Oberlin College, class of 1903, now in partnership with his father in the operation of their farms, resides with his father. He is a member of Ashland Lodge, F. and A. M. 3. John G., born Sept. 28, 1880, died in Colorado. He is buried in Ashland. He was a graduate of Hayesville High School, spent two years at Oberlin College, and later was graduated from Oberlin Business College. He was employed in the credit department of the Goodyear Rubber Company at Akron for a year, then as credit manager for the company at Buffalo, N. Y., and later was chief credit man of the Mason Tire & Rubber Company, at Kent, Ohio. He married Lola Newkirk, of Ashland. They had two daughters, Jean and Dorothy. Mrs. Grabill is now librarian of the Ashland Library. 4. Elizabeth, married John L. Donley, who is in the elevator business at Ashland. She was born June 22, 1882, and is a graduate of Hayesville High School and attended Oberlin College for two years. Mrs. S. H. Grabill died in 1915 and is buried in Ashland Cemetery. Mr. Grabill is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church ; the Knights of Pythias ; Colonial Club ; a director of the First National Bank ; and president of the Star Telephone Company and is the only living member of its first board of directors. The company was organized in 1898. He was one of the owners of the old Ashland Gas & Electric Light Company. Mr. Grabill's chief interest is and always has been connected with agricultural pursuits. J. L. Grindle, who has served as clerk of the city school board of Ashland since 1914, is a native of Ohio. He was born on a farm near Shreve, Wayne County, May 19, 1870, the son of Henry T. and Catherine (Grimm) Grindle. Henry T. Grindle, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born near Wooster, in Wayne County, and spent his early life as a farmer. He came to Ashland in 1875 and was interested in the stove business in this city, in partnership with a cousin, Mr. Thomas. Later, he engaged in the produce business and was thus engaged at the time of his death in 1903. His wife died in 1905. They are buried in Ashland. Mr. Grindle was a Republican, a member of the Church of God, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife held membership in the Evangelical Church. Mr. and Mrs. Grindle were the parents of five children: H. S., deceased; I. E., lives at Ashland ; Jane, lives at Cleveland; J. L., the subject of this sketch ; and Asa K., lives at Ashland. 1130 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO When he was five years old the parents of J. L. Grindle came to Ashland, and he was educated in the public schools of this city. After his graduation from high school he entered the employ of F. E. Myers & Bro. Company, with whom he was identified for a period of 16 years. In 1914 Mr. Grindle was elected clerk of the city school board, and has since served in that capacity. In June, 1896, Mr. Grindle was married (first) to Miss Elizabeth Stahlheber, of Ashland, who died in June, 1905. To them were born two sons : C. L., born May 21, 1900, a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1918 ; and Howard E., born June 30, 1904, a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1921. The former is identified with the Mohican Rubber Company, and the latter with the Ohio Public Service Company. Mr. Grindle was married (second) to Miss Louise Parkison, of Mansfield, in 1922. Mr. Grindle is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Ashland Country Club. He lives at 302 West Washington Street. Irving W. Copeland, D. D. S., is among the leading and successful professional men of Ashland, where he has engaged in practice for 35 years. He was born at Lima, N. Y., Nov. 18, 1873, the son of Charles D. and Anna (Stainton) Copeland. Charles D. Copeland, deceased, was a native of New York, born at Geneva. He was graduated from Geneva High School and received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Wellesley Seminary, Lima, N. Y. He then engaged in the drug business at Geneva, N. Y. Later he became interested in the nursery business at Geneva and Lima, N. Y., having succeeded to the business which was established by his father, Rev. John Copeland, a minister of the Methodist Church. Charles D. Copeland died in 1886 and is buried at Rochester, N. Y. His wife died in 1922, and is buried in Ashland. They had two sons : Fred D., who died at Los Angeles, Calif., in 1887 ; and Irving W., the subject of this sketch. Irving W. Copeland attended the public schools of Rochester, N. Y., and after his father's death in 1886 he was taken by his mother to Kalamazoo, Mich., and later to Paw Paw, Mich., where he completed his schooling. He was graduated from the College of Dentistry, University of Michigan, in 1896, and immediately established his practice in Ashland. He first came to Ashland in 1894 and worked in the office of Dr. J. A. Hisey. Doctor Copeland had his first offices in the Farmers Bank Building, and in 1910 removed to his present location in the Myers Building. For the past 26 years he has been associated in practice with Dr. B. W. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1131 Livingston, and they are recognized as leading dental surgeons of North Central Ohio. In 1897 Doctor Copeland was united in marriage with Miss Mary Beninghof, of Ashland, the daughter of John and Catherine (Thomas) Beninghof, the former died in 1915, and the latter in 1893. Both are buried in Ashland. To Doctor and Mrs. Copeland have been born four children : The eldest died in infancy. 2. Donald I., born July 14, 1901, a graduate of Ashland College and Ohio State University, now city chemist in Ashland. He married Miss Ruth Whiting, of Ashland, and they have two daughters, Betty Jane, born in 1923, and Miriam Louise, born in 1930. 3. Kathryn Ann, born Oct. 30, 1903, a graduate of the Mechanics Institute, Rochester, N. Y., and Ashland College, class of 1925. She was a teacher before her marriage in 1929 to Robert A. Fox, who is a graduate of Ashland College and the University of Illinois. They live at Lorain, Ohio, where Mr. Fox is manager of the Lorain Broadcasting Company. 4. Marjorie L., born Sept. 5, 1906, a graduate of Ashland College, class of 1926, and a teacher before her marriage, in 1929, to George M. Guyley, who is a graduate of Ashland College. They live at Canton, Ohio. Doctor Copeland is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Ashland Country Club. He served as first president of the Ashland Automobile Club, with which he is still actively identified. He is also secretary of the board of trustees of the Ashland County Children's Home, and the Ashland County Visiting Board. During the World War, Dr. Copeland was in charge of dental work for the local draft board. H. A. Mowrey is among the leading and successful business men of Ashland, where he has been identified with the Mowrey Studio for more than 40 years. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, Oct. 13, 1864, the son of Michael and Mary (Steward) Mowrey. Michael Mowrey was born near Wooster in Wayne County in 1839, and his wife was a native of Wood County. The early life of Mr. Mowrey was spent in Wayne and Wood counties and he later settled in Ashland County, where he purchased the Henry Binckley farm, on the Savannah Road. After 13 years he retired and removed to Ashland in 1886, where he died in 1923, at the age of 84 years. His wife died in 1893. Both are buried in Ashland. After coming to Ashland Mr. Mowrey became interested in the furniture and undertaking business, being associated for a number of years with the firm of Mowrey, Sheets & Rice. The partnership was dissolved in 1892, and Mr. Mowrey retained the undertaking business 1132 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO which is now conducted by his son, Willard Mowrey. Mr. Mowrey was a Republican and a member of the Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Mowrey were born four children: H. A., the subject of this sketch; W. L., lives in Ashland; Cora A., married W. H. Balch, lives in Ashland ; and Jessie L., lives at Detroit, Mich. H. A. Mowrey spent his boyhood on a farm in Wayne County and obtained his education in the public and high schools of Ashland. As a boy he became interested in photography, with which he has been identified his entire life time. In December, 1889, he purchased the interest of a Mrs. Stevens in the firm of Shoemaker & Stevens, photographers, and in 1901 became sole owner of the business, which was thereafter known as the Mowrey Studio. Mr. Mowrey is recognized as the city's leading commercial photographer and is also widely known as a portrait artist. Since 1920 his son, Donald F., has been a partner in the studio. Mr. Mowrey was married in 1891 to Miss Eva J. Ferrell, of Ashland, the daughter of John and Eliza (Greece) Ferrell, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mowrey have two children: Margaret, attended Ashland College, now the wife of Clifford R. Neal, lives in Columbus ; and Donald F., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. Politically Mr. Mowrey is a Republican. He and his family are members of Trinity Lutheran Church and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Mowrey is an expert marksman and is well known as a rifle and trap shooter. He is also interested in archery, and is the owner of a summer cottage at Long Lake, in northern Michigan. Donald F. Mowrey. Numbered among the popular young business men of Ashland may be mentioned Donald F. Mowrey, who is a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, June 2, 1894, the son of H. A. and Eva J. (Ferrell) Mowrey. A complete sketch of H. A. Mowrey appears elsewhere in this history. After his graduation from Ashland High School in 1913, Donald F. Mowrey entered Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, where he spent three years. He was then identified with the Bell Telephone Company in Pittsburgh, and later with the Bureau of Aircraft production on Liberty engines at Detroit, Mich. Early in 1918 he enlisted for service in the World War in the U. S. Navy, and attended the U. S. Naval Steam Engineering School at the Battery, New York. He was assigned to duty on the U . S. Polar Bear, and went to France. He was promoted to the rank of ensign and was stationed on various ships until the close of the HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1133 war, being discharged in August, 1919. Mr. Mowrey then spent several months in Detroit, Mich., where he was interested in the real estate business. He also traveled as a representative of the United Projector Film Company until 1920, at which time he returned to Ashland to become associated in business with his father, who has been interested in photography in this city for 41 years. In June, 1920, Mr. Mowrey married Miss Helen Yolton, of Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of A. G. and Mary Yolton. They have two children: John, born in 1921; and Marilyn, born in 1926. Mr. Mowrey is a member of the Presbyterian Church, American Legion, 40 and 8 Society, Lions Club of Ashland, and Theta Xi fraternity. In politics he is a Republican. C. W. Landis is a highly esteemed citizen of Ashland, where he has successfully engaged in the grocery business for almost half a century. He was born in Richland County, Feb. 12, 1866, the son of Samuel and Mary (Brubaker) Landis. Samuel Landis was a native of Switzerland. He was three years old when his parents came to the United States and settled on a farm in Lancaster County, Pa. At the age of 25 years Mr. Landis came to Ohio and located on a farm in Miflin Township, Richland County. He died there in 1880, and his wife, a native of Lancaster County, Pa., is also deceased. Mr. Landis was a Democrat and held membership in the Dunkard Church. He was married twice, C. W., the subject of this sketch, being the youngest child of the second marriage. Of 14 children only two survive: Mrs. Frank Hiller, who lives near Ashland ; and C. W. C. W. Landis grew up on his father's farm in Richland County and attended the district schools. He came to Ashland in 1882 and entered the employ of Poag & Brubaker, grocers, whose store was located on West Main Street. The following year a Mr. Brown purchased an interest in the business, which became known as Poag-Brubaker & Company, until 1885, when Mr. Brown purchased Mr. Poag's interest, the firm being known as Brown & Brubaker until 1890. In that year Mr. Landis purchased an interest in the business and the company was known as Brown, Brubaker & Company until 1897, when Mr. Brubaker retired from the firm, which continued as Brown & Landis. Upon the death of Mr. Brown in 1902 Mr. Landis became sole owner of the business. It is recognized as the city's leading grocery store and Mr. Landis is a dependable merchant. He is a director of the Ashland Building & Loan Company and the Star Telephone Company. 1134 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Landis married Miss Flora Jeanette Saal of Wooster, the daughter of John and Mary Saal, natives of Germany, both deceased. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Landis : 1. Allene, attended Wittenberg College, married M. W. Lamprecht, lives at Lakewood, and they have two children, Ned, born in 1922, and Jack, born in 1924. 2. Lucille, a graduate of Ashland High School and a teacher in the Ohio State School for the Deaf and Dumb, Columbus, for two years before her marriage to C. W. Freer, of Ashland. They have two children : Jeanette, born in 1924; and Sarah, born in 1925. 3. John, attended Wittenberg College and was graduated from Dyke Business College, lives in Cleveland. Mr. Landis is a Democrat and has held numerous public offices, at the present time being president of the Ashland school board. He is an active member of the English Lutheran Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has always taken a prominent part in Y. M. C. A. work in Ashland and for many years served as treasurer of the local organization. F. E. Harris, who for more than half a century has been identified with the interests of the F. E. Myers & Bro. Company, is a representative citizen of Ashland. He was born on a farm in Perry Township, Ashland County, Jan. 28, 1859, the son of Joseph W. and Margaret J. (Strayer) Harris. Joseph W. Harris was born in Perry Township, Ashland County, in 1825, the son of James Harris, who was of Scotch-Irish descent and a native of Virginia. He was among the first settlers of Ashland County, and his son, Joseph W., was a carpenter and farmer. The later died in 1870. He was a Republican. His wife was a member of the Lutheran Church. She died in 1905. Both are buried at Rowsburg, Ohio. Their children were: Harriet, deceased ; J. A., who died in 1910 ; F. E., the subject of this sketch ; Margery, who died in February, 1930, was the wife of Thomas Fortney ; and Joseph W., a retired farmer, lives at Ashland. F. E. Harris attended the district schools of Perry Township, and in 1876 went to Oberlin, Ohio, where he studied at the Kline and Howland Business College. He then spent two years at Rowsburg in the employ of Frank Porter, general merchant, and in 1880 became a salesman for the Peerless Reaper Company, of Canton, Ohio, as agent in Ashland County. The following year F. E. Myers & Bro. Company took over the agency for this machine, and Mr. Harris entered the company's employ as a general utility man at the salary of $40 per month. At that time F. E. Myers & Bro. Company were selling plows and general farm implements, and in 1882 when they became interested in the manufacture of pumps, Mr. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1135 Harris was put in charge of the business in the territory outside of Ashland. He later traveled throughout the United States as a representative of the company, and as the business developed it was necessary to establish a wholesale department, of which Mr. Harris has charge. His territory extends throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mr. Harris has the distinction of having sold the first pump manufactured by the company, and he is the oldest employe in point of continuous service with the company. Since Aug. 1, 1929, Mr. Harris has made only special trips for the company, although he still maintains charge of the wholesale department. In 1881 Mr. Harris married Miss Mary E. Ecker, of Rowsburg, the daughter of Jacob and Ann (Brandt) Ecker, natives of Ohio, both deceased. They were the parents of two sons: Don C., born in 1882, met with an accidental death at the age of ten years ; and Harry D., born in 1884, died at the age of four years. Mr. Harris is a Republican and belongs to the Colonial Club and Ashland Country Club. Mrs. Harris is a member of the Methodist Church. John C. Dilgard is a substantial young business man of Ashland, where he is proprietor of the well patronized shop which specializes in automotive parts and supplies, as well as expert battery service. He was born at Lake Fork, Wayne County, Sept. 9, 1901, the son of P. A. and Cora (Molter) Dilgard. P. A. Dilgard and his wife are natives of Wayne County, and are now residents of Mohican, Ohio. He engaged in farming for a number of years and for a time followed the carpenter trade in Ashland. He is a Democrat and a member of Fairview Church. There were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Dilgard : John C., the subject of this sketch ; Clarence, who is associated in business with his brother in Ashland ; Esther, married Leo Nell, lives at Ashland ; Flora, Ralph, Thomas, and Glenn, all at home. John C. Dilgard left school when he was in the seventh grade and came to Ashland and entered the employ of the Eagle Rubber Company. For a time he was also associated with the F. E. Myers & Bro. Company and Faultless Rubber Company. He became interested in automobile mechanics while in the employ of the local Buick garage, and also spent two years in the electrical business with Carl Brown. Since 1922 Mr. Dilgard has engaged in business for himself, having conducted a battery service station exclusively until 1926, at which time he became a dealer in automotive parts. His place of business is located at 312 Cleveland Avenue. 1136 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO On July 9, 1922, Mr. Dilgard was united in marriage with Miss Beulah Cottrell, of Ashland, the daughter of William and Frances Cottrell. Mrs. Dilgard is a graduate nurse, having studied at Samaritan Hospital in Ashland. To Mr. and Mrs. Dilgard have been born three children. Bettie Louise, born in June, 1925; Ruth Ann, born in November, 1927 ; and Charles Kenneth, born in February, 1929. Mr. Dilgard is a Democrat, a member of the United Brethren Church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Alvah Newton Myers. As director and vice president of the F. E. Myers & Bro. Company, of Ashland, Alvah Newton Myers is numbered among the most prominent business men of North Central Ohio. He was born in Perry Township, Ashland County, Sept. 3, 1862, the sixth of nine children of George and Elizabeth (Morr) Myers. They are direct descendants of Philip Meyer, who served in the Revolutionary War. George Myers was born in Center County, Pa., Nov. 12, 1822, and his wife was a native of the same county, born April 12, 1827. After spending his boyhood on a farm, he was apprenticed to a wagon manufacturer and established a shop on the homestead in Perry Township, where he made wagons and implements for 22 years. He made the woodwork for the first Studebaker wagon, for it was in the same neighborhood that the original Studebaker shop was located. When they moved to South Bend, Ind., Mr. Myers was urged to accompany them but he decided to remain in Ohio, and several years later turned his attention to farming. Mr. Myers died Nov. 1, 1909, and his wife died Aug. 28, 1912. Both are buried in Ashland. Their children were: 1. Francis E., deceased. 2. Celina, married Peter Countryman, lives at Jeromesville. 3. Philip A., lives at Ashland. 4. Miranda, deceased, was the wife of F. R. Marks. 5. Savilla E., married J. E. Spreng, lives at Ashland. 6. Arminda Viola, deceased. 7. G. Denton, lives at Ashland. 8. Effie C., married E. H. Fuhrman, lives at Ashland. 9. Alvah Newton, the subject of this sketch. Reared on the farm, "A. N.", as he is familiarly known, attended the district schools, Vermilion Institute at Hayesville, Ashland College, and took a business course at Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio. While he was still attending school his two older brothers, Francis E. and Philip A., had engaged in the retail farm implement and feed business. He worked for them during the summer, while attending school in the winter. After he finished school in 1880 he became permanently established with his brothers. At about this time they began the manufacture of pumps in a small way. This proved to be more profitable than the retail business, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1137 and in a few years extensive factory buildings were constructed and put into operation. For many years A. N. Myers acted as assistant to P. A. Myers as superintendent. He handled the firm's purchasing and was in charge of the employment and payroll from the beginning. During the rapid expansion of the business he systematized departmental activities, many of his original developments along this line being in use at the present time. He became a vital part of the administration, particularly in the matter of lending far-sighted advice and sound judgment in the establishment of financial policies. In 1921, when the business was incorporated he became a director and vice president, and continues actively in these capacities. With his brother, G. D. Myers, he organized and still retains his interest in the Union Hardware & Supply Company of Ashland. On May 12, 1887, Mr. Myers married Miss Zoie B. Parker, the daughter of Calvin H. and Catherine E. (Travis) Parker, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. Mr. Parker died March 28, 1916, and his wife died Jan. 26, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have a daughter, Hazel Catherine, born Sept. 30, 1890. She is the wife of George B. Spreng, of Cleveland. Mr. Myers has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years and has served as trustee for 35 years, and as chairman of the finance committee for many years. He is a charter member of the Men's Adult Bible Class, which originated in Ashland. He holds membership in the Colonial Club, Ashland Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Myers is a Democrat in politics, but has never held public office. A man of keen foresight, honesty and integrity, with always a genial friendliness, Mr. Myers has many friends, and he and his family have been actively identified with the civic, social and religious life of Ashland. B. Frank Zercher. One of the best known and most esteemed citizens of Ashland is B. Frank Zercher, former mayor, who now lives retired. He was born on a farm in Chester Township, Wayne County, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1863, the son of Benjamin F. and Mary (Hershey) Zercher. Benjamin F. Zercher came to Ohio in 1850 with his parents from Lancaster County, Pa. His wife was also born in Pennsylvania, being a native of Lancaster County. Mr. Zercher spent the remainder of his life in Wayne County and became an extensive landowner. He was widely known as one of the county's outstanding teachers and also served as justice of the peace. His unquestioned integrity and ability caused his services to be greatly in demand. Mr. Zercher died at the age of 80 years, and his wife died at the age of 76 years. 1138 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO B. Frank Zercher spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Wayne County and attended the district school. He was also a student at Smithville Academy, and for several years was a teacher in the Wayne County schools. At the age of 25 years he was married and continued his farming interests in Chester Township until 1893, at which time he removed to Orange Township, Ashland County, and purchased a farm. He became the owner of several fine farms in this township which totaled 245 acres, as well as a farm of 120 acres. in Montgomery Township. In later years Mr. Zercher devoted his time to the supervision of his farms. Since his retirement he has lived in Ashland. On Sept. 6, 1888, Mr. Zercher was united in marriage with Miss Jennie M. Shidler, the daughter of Hartman H. and Susanna (Shutt) Shidler. Mr. Shidler was a prominent farmer of Perry Township, and took an active interest in public affairs in Ashland County. To Mr. and Mrs. Zercher were born three children : Rhea G., married Fred Moherman, lives at Ashland, and they had a son, Ned, who died in 1928 ; Benjamin F., Jr., lives at Ashland, married and has two sons, Benjamin Franklin and Glenn ; Donald, unmarried, lives at Cleveland. Mr. Zercher has always been a stanch Republican and while a resident of Wayne County served as township clerk for five years. After coming to Ashland County he served as assessor and was also a member of the board of education. He has always been an active worker in the ranks of his party, having for a number of years been a member of the County Republican Central Committee from Orange Township, and he has been a frequent delegate to county, district and state Republican conventions. The fact that a certain movement or measure has his endorsement or cooperation, is sufficient guarantee to many of his fellow citizens that it is worthy of their support, and his influence has been a factor in the development of Ashland County. He is an enthusiastic supporter of all public improvements, such as good roads and liberal education. Mr. Zercher was elected county commissioner in November, 1920, serving three years and four months. In November, 1925, he was elected mayor of Ashland, taking office Jan. 1, 1926, and serving in that capacity until Jan. 1, 1930. During his administration as mayor he reduced the public debt materially, reducing the bonded indebtedness of the city practically $100,000. Also during his administration more land was purchased by the city for Brookside Park and several hundred trees set out. The shellhouse and bandstand were built, as well as retaining walls for the creeks on the park grounds. Mr. Zercher and his family belong to the Brethren Church. They live at 120 Maple Street. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1139 Rev. Dr. Arthur H. Smith. As pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland, Doctor Smith is numbered among the influential and highly esteemed citizens of North Central Ohio. He was born at Wapakoneta, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1867, the son of Rev. D. W. and Sarah Elizabeth (Eby) Smith. Rev. D. W. Smith was a native of Maryland, born at Myersville. He was reared on a farm in the Middletown valley of Frederick County, Md., and attended the rural schools. He also was a student at Middletown Academy, and in 1859 came to Springfield, Ohio, and entered Wittenberg College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1863. he subsequently was graduated from the Wittenberg Theological Seminary, and during his early career as a pastor, had charges at St. Paris, and Wapakoneta. Most of his life in the ministry, however, was spent in Mansfield as pastor of the First Lutheran Church, and in 1883 he went to Springfield, Ohio. In 1887 he returned to Mansfield and had charge of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. He died in that city in 1893 and his wife died in 1896. She was born near Wheeling, W. Va. To Reverend and Mrs. Smith were born three children: Arthur H., the subject of this sketch ; Clara, deceased ; and Annette M., who died in Ashland in 1923. Rev. D. W. Smith served as president of the Wittenberg Synod and was also a member of the Wittenberg College Board of Directors for a number of years. He was a Republican and always took an active interest in Arthur H. Smith acquired his early education in the public schools of politics and civic affairs. Mansfield, and in 1883 removed with his family to Springfield, where he entered the Academy of Wittenberg College. After his graduation in 1884 he became a student at Wittenberg College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1888. He continued his studies at Wittenberg Theological Seminary, now the Hamma Divinity School, from which he was graduated in 1891. Reverend Smith came to Ashland during that year as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and has continued in that charge to the present time with the exception of four years, 1904-08, when he was located in Springfield as pastor of the Fourth Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Lutheran Synod of Ohio, which is a constituent synod of the United Lutheran Church in America. He has also been president of the East Ohio Synod, and for seven years was a member of the executive board of the United Lutheran Church in America. Doctor Smith is a member of the board of directors of Wittenberg College. He was assistant editor of the Lutheran World from 1904 until 1908, and for several years was an editorial writer on the Lutheran Church Work and Observer. In 1924 he was the author of a history of the East Ohio Synod and the following year published "Preachers and Preaching." He 1140 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO is also the author of "The Lutheran Church and Child-Nurture." During 1926 he traveled extensively in the Holy Land and in 1929 traveled throughout Europe. In 1892 Doctor Smith was united in marriage with Miss Abby D. Billow, of Springfield, the daughter of George W. and Sarah J. (Tressler) Billow. The former died in 1924 and is buried in Springfield. His widow, who was born in Perry County, Pa., is now 92 years of age and lives in Ashland with her daughter, Mrs. Smith. To Doctor and Mrs. Smith were born two daughters : Dorothy, a graduate of Wittenberg College, died in 1923, was the wife of Charles Means ; and Sarah B., born May 2, 1902, a graduate of Wittenberg College, now a teacher of Latin in Ashland High School. In 1909 Doctor Smith was given the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Wittenberg College. He is a Republican. Virgil G. Miller, retired, is widely known and well liked throughout Ashland County, where he has spent his entire life, having been identified with the F. E. Myers & Bro. Company for a period of 36 years. He was born on a farm in Montgomery Township, five miles east of Ashland, May 22, 1854, the son of J. A. J. F. and Harriet (Evans) Miller. J. A. J. F. Miller was a native of Pennsylvania and was brought to Ohio by his father, John Miller, who settled on a farm near Ashland. The son studied pharmacy but after several years went West on a prospecting trip to the gold fields of Idaho, taking with him his son, Elmer. After three years J. A. Miller returned to Ashland, where he spent a number of years as a pharmacist in the employ of the Squire Drug Company. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried in Ashland. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. J. A. J. F. Miller were born the following children: Elmer, who died in 1924; Milton M., retired, lives at Ashland ; Virgil G., the subject of this sketch ; Wesley, deceased ; Florence, who died at the age of 15 years ; and Fletcher, who died at the age of three years. Virgil G. Miller left school at the age of 16 years to enter the employ of Johnson Brothers, of Ashland. He spent some time in the shops of the Whiting Machine Company, and in 1880 went to Mansfield, where he remained for two years. Upon his return to Ashland Mr. Miller entered the employ of F. E. Myers & Brother Company as a foreman in the tool room, later being promoted to machine shop foreman. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1918. He lives at 420 Cottage Avenue, and also owns numerous pieces of real estate in Ashland. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1141 In 1876 Mr. Miller was married at Loudonville to Miss Clara A. Henry, of Ashland, who died Feb. 5, 1925. They were the parents of four sons : Milton H., who is identified with the Ashland post office. He has two sons, Charles and Dudley. 2. Charles Ferry, who died while in service in the Spanish-American War. The Spanish-American War Veterans Camp in Ashland is named in his honor. 3. Roy, who is identified with the F. E. Myers & Bro. Co. of Ashland. 4. Earl, twin brother of Roy, and a World War veteran. He died in 1924, leaving two children : Paul, who is employed by A. L. Garber, of Ashland ; and Raymond, who attends Wooster College. Mr. Miller has always been a Republican and has taken an interest in civic affairs, having served as a member of the city council. He was also Republican committeeman for 35 years, and as chairman of the county central committee served on the Congressional county committee. He is affiliated with Masonic Lodge, and has the distinction of being the oldest living Past Master of the Ashland Lodge. He also is a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Miller holds membership in the Methodist Church. Newton Mansfield, Lt. Commander U. S. Navy, retired, is a prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Ashland, where he was born Sept. 18, 1873. He is the son of M. H. and Anna (Saiger) Mansfield. M. H. Mansfield was born in New York City, Dec. 1, 1821, and died in Ashland, in 1880. His wife, a native of Mifflintown, Pa., born May 16, 1828, died in 1898. Mr. Mansfield was left an orphan at an early age and was reared by a family in Baltimore, Md. For a time he also lived with the family of Governor Patterson of Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio in 1849 and located in Ashland, where he became interested in the manufacturing of clover hulling machinery, his factory being located on the present site of the Ohio Public Service Building on Main Street. Mr. Mansfield was a Democrat and a member of the Lutheran Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield : 1. John F. S., born Oct. 23, 1848, died March 14, 1852. 2. Martin William, born Nov. 19, 1850, died Sept. 25, 1908. 3. Cloyd, born Aug. 7, 1852, died April 16, 1926. 4. Mary Elizabeth, born Nov. 19, 1854, died May 25, 1922. 5. Annabel, born Oct. 3, 1856, died Jan. 19, 1912. 6. Howard Arthur, born Sept. 2, 1859, died March 18, 1863. 7. Edwin, born Jan. 9, 1861, lawyer, lives at Mansfield, former judge of the Common Pleas Court. 8. Margaret Portia, born Jan. 13, 1863, died Feb. 7, 1889. 9. Myra, born July 31, 1865, resides in New York City. 10. Henry, born Nov. 16, 1868, died March 5, 1925. 11. Newton, the subject of this sketch. 1142 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Newton Mansfield attended the public schools of Ashland and later entered the United States Naval Academy. He was graduated from the Academy in 1895 and went to sea on the U. S. S. Amphitrite, but was soon transferred to the U. S. S. Maine, on which he served for two years, having left that boat eight months before it was blown up by the Spanish fleet. Upon his return from that two-year cruise he was commissioned as assistant engineer in the U. S. Navy, and ordered to serve on the U. S. S. Detroit, and later the U. S. S. Dixie, being stationed on the latter during the Spanish-American War. He saw active service throughout the entire war period and later was ordered to the Philippine Islands. He was ordered home, however, in 1900 on account of ill health, and when he rejoined the service he was stationed on the U. S. S. Solace for service in China, serving on that vessel for one year in Chinese waters. Later, he was ordered to take command of the gunboat U. S. S. Leyte for four months, after which he took command of the U. S. S. Mariveles during the Philippine insurrection. His next appointment was on shore duty at Shelby, Ohio, as a United States Navy inspector at the tube works, inspecting engineering materials in the district west of Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1903 he was again ordered to sea as chief engineer of the U. S. S. Scorpion and served in South American waters for one year. He then returned home and served as chief engineer on the U. S. S. Dixie during a European trip of one years duration, after which he was appointed chief engineer of the U. S. S. Columbia in the Atlantic Fleet. In 1906, due to ill health, he returned home, and was given a one and one-half year leave in New Mexico, being retired from the service on July 1, 1907. He spent the following year in Colorado, and from 1910 until 1912 engaged in private engineering work in Ashland. He then spent five years in Tennessee, where he was engaged in the building of locks for the government on the Cumberland River. He returned to active duty in the Navy in 1917 and was stationed at Pittsburgh, Pa., as a recruiting officer of the Western Pennsylvania District. He was transferred to the New York Metropolitan District in 1918, and was later made inspector of recruiting of the Eastern Division, the largest division in the United States. He returned to Ashland in 1919 and has since been identified with private engineering projects in Ohio and Indiana. During the year of 1921 he built a chemical plant on the Ohio River at Syracuse, and the following year went to Monticello, Ind., where he was engineer in the building of a hydro-electric plant and dam across the Tippecanoe River. During 1924 Mr. Mansfield repaired the Ashland City Reservoir, and the following year built a theater at Steamboat Springs, Colo., for the Perry-Mansfield Company, which company he is still identified with. He also does general engineering work for the Dr. Hess & Clark Company. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1143 On July 12, 1898, Mr. Mansfield was united in marriage with Miss Norene Stockman, of Shelby, Ohio, the daughter of George B. and Elizabeth (DeLong) Stockman. The former was born at Loudonville, Ohio, and died in 1915. The latter, a native of Butler, Richland County, Ohio, died in 1912. Both are buried in Ashland. To Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield were born three children: 1. Brook Stockman, born at Shelby, April 23, 1899, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., class of 1919, now a lieutenant in the U. S. Navy, attached to the U. S. Naval War College at Newport, R. I. He married Miss Ruth Wile, of Wooster, Ohio, and they have a son, Malcolm Brook. 2. Norene, born March 16, 1901, attended the Maryland College for Women, married H. Marshfield Clark, of Ashland, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 3. Virginia, born June 4, 1905, a graduate of Ashland High School, is an accomplished dancer, having traveled on the Loew, Keith, and Paramount circuits. Mr. Mansfield is a Democrat, and belongs to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, past commander of Harry Hogan Post, and Ashland Country Club. He is secretary and treasurer of the Ashland Community Chest, and is a member of the board of trustees of Samaritan Hospital. He has also served as a member of the Ashland School Board. He is a member of American Society of Civil Engineers and also a member of American Society of United States Naval Engineers. Earle Howard Hetler. One of the popular young men of Ashland is Earle Howard Hetler, who is the proprietor of a restaurant and confectionery business on West Main Street. He was born in Ashland County, March 6, 1902, the son of Charles L. and Jane (Lewis) Hetler. Charles L. Hetler is a native of Richland County and his wife was born in Ashland County. For many years Mr. Hetler has been interested in the retail implement business as a traveling representative, and at the present time is identified with the International Harvester Company. Mr. and Mrs. Hetler have only one child, Earle Howard, the subject of this sketch. Earle Howard Hetler received his education in the public schools of Ashland, Ashland College, and Western Reserve University. During his college career he was employed as a bookkeeper and clerk by several business houses. He taught school for one year and since 1922 has been interested in the restaurant and confectionery business in Ashland. Mr. Hetler was married Oct. 26, 1922, to Miss Thelma Foster, of Pasadena, Calif. She is the daughter of Ream J. and Leone G. (Harter) Fos- 1144 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ter, the former a native of Illinois, and the latter of Ohio. They are now residents of Claremont, Calif. Mr. and Mrs. Hetler have a son, James Foster. Mr. Hetler is a member of the Lutheran Church and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Ashland Country Club, Phi Delta Kappa, and Sigma Nu fraternities. Jacob Hetler, great-uncle of Mr. Hetler, is an interesting pioneer of Richland County, having fought against the Indians with General Custer. George Hildebrand, deceased, was a prominent citizen of Ashland, where he was identified with newspaper work for over half a century as owner and editor of the Ashland Times. He was born in this city, Jan. 5, 1859, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Hildebrand, natives of Germany and Maryland, respectively. At the age of 17 years George Hildebrand became an apprentice in the office of the Ashland Times, and during his long career in newspaper work filled every position connected with newspaper work, finally becoming editor and owner. He was sole owner of the Ashland Times from 1889 until 1902, when a stock company was formed to purchase both the Times and Gazette, and in the new company Mr. Hildebrand had a controlling interest. He served the paper which he owned faithfully and with credit to the community, and at the time of his death, Sept. 11, 1929, Mr. Hildebrand was a stockholder and director in the Ashland Printing Company. In 1877 Mr. Hildebrand was graduated from Ashland High School, having earned his own way in the world when he was 14 years old. He was always a leader in his class and when 16 years of age was president of the Jones "Best Boy's" organization. In 1889 Mr. Hildebrand served his first term as State Senator and made a splendid record in the Ohio Legislature, being a member of many important committees. He was postmaster of Ashland from 1906 until 1914, at that time being in charge of the largest postoffice in a city of this size in the United States, and it was largely through his effort that the Federal Building was secured for Ashland. He had been appointed postmaster by President Theodore Roosevelt. In politics Mr. Hildebrand was a stalwart Republican, and was one of the leaders of his party in this county and in this section of Ohio. For 13 years he served as chairman of the Ashland County Republican Executive Committee. He took an active part in every presidential cam- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1145 paign, serving as head of the "Hoover for President" Club. Mr. Hildebrand was a close personal friend of President Harding and was a guest of the president at the White House on numerous occasions. Mr. Hildebrand served as president of the Ashland school board and was president emeritus of the Y. M. C. A. He was a director of the First National Bank, public library board, Samaritan Hospital, and Ashland College. He was secretary of the American Red Cross Chapter in Ashland and served as chairman of the War Savings committee and secretary of the War Loans during the war. For several years he was secretary of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the volunteer firemen's organization. He also held membership in the Rotary Club and was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias. He held membership in the Congregational Church. On Oct. 4, 1900, Mr. Hildebrand was united in marriage with Miss Laura E. Eddy, a member of a Colonial family, who shared with her husband in his active work in the community. She was born on a farm six miles south of Ashland, July 26, 1865, the daughter of Milton Volney and Lydia Jane (Newman) Eddy. The former was born in Wayne County, July 10, 1830, and died Aug. 25, 1898. His wife was born in Ashland County, May 5, 1831, and died Dec. 25, 1884. Both are buried in Eckley's Cemetery, Ashland County. Mr. Eddy was active in church work and throughout his life was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Eddy were born the following children: 1. Mrs. Sarah E. Parr, lives at 16809 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio. 2. Rev. A. B., who died at Seattle, Wash., Feb. 6, 1926, at the age of 70 years. 3. Rev. Barton T., who died in India, Jan. 12, 1886, at the age of 26 years. 4. Mrs. Mary Cherry, who lives at Ashland. 5. Mrs. Laura Hildebrand. Mrs. Hildebrand attended Ashland College and Baldwin University. She holds membership in the Congregational Church and belongs to the Columbia Club. She traces her ancestry directly to Samuel Eddy, who landed at Plymouth, Mass., from England, Oct. 29, 1630. Mrs. Hildebrand is vice president of the Ashland Printing Company. Rev. Roy E. Bowers, former pastor of the Congregational Church in Ashland, paid the following personal tribute to the life of Mr. Hildebrand : "I have known George Hildebrand since 1891 and was associated with him in many civic interests. I greatly appreciated his high character and purpose in life. He was a good Christian citizen and kept the best interests of his community at heart at all times. He was a genial man, and a man of ability, conscience and integrity. He held strongly to the faith and that made him a valuable man in the community. We have 1146 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the memory of a noble, honorable life, so lived to be worthy of esteem in this entire city. His life should be an incentive to everyone to become a more devoted Christian citizen." John C. Heifner, who is identified with the J. C. Heifner Manufacturing Company, is a representative business man of Ashland. He was born on a farm in Milton Township, Ashland County, May 3, 1884, the son of Hyman and Sarah (Lutz) Heifner. Hyman Heifner was born in Orange Township, Ashland County, and spent practically his entire life as a farmer. He was a carpenter also, and followed that trade at various times. Mr. Heifner was a Democrat and held the offices of justice of the peace and school board member. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Heifner died in 1902 and his wife died in 1909. Both are buried near Nankin, Ohio. Their children were : Laura, married C. D. Moritz, lives near Ashland ; Bertha, who died in 1926 ; Ida, married M. M. Fackler, lives near Ashland ; Daniel, lives near Ashland ; John C., the subject of this sketch ; and Stella, married J. E. Lautzenhiser, lives at Ashland. The boyhood of John C. Heifner was spent on his father's farm and he attended the district schools. He also took correspondence work in sheet metal work, and at the age of 22 years entered the employ of F. E. Myers & Bro. Company in Ashland. Later, he learned the tinning trade with T. B. Ambrose, with whom he spent three years. His next business connection was with the Ashland Folding Scaffold Company, and in 1912 he engaged in business in partnership with L. M. Demoss, as proprietors of a sheet metal, roofing and furnace business. During the same year Mr. Heifner retired from the partnership and early in 1913 purchased new tools and equipment and opened a shop of his own in Ashland. In 1914 plumbing was added to the company's interests, and after a time they became contractors in electrical wiring. The business was moved into larger quarters in 1917 and in 1919 a machine shop was installed with complete equipment for the building of rubber working equipment. Large contracts were completed for the Wooster Rubber Company, of Wooster, the Barr Rubber Company, of Lorain, the B. & G. Rubber Company, of Nankin, and the Mohican Rubber Company, of Ashland. This new venture proved most successful to Mr. Heifner and during the first three weeks of its introduction sales amounting to $17,000 were completed by the company. They have made a specialty of installing heating and ventilating plants for rubber concerns. Mr. Heifner also manufactures such well known products as the Ashland Steel Creeper and Success Dish Washer, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1147 both of which have a wide sale throughout the United States and Canada. Since 1927 the J. C. Heifner Manufacturing Company has been equipped to handle all types of milling machine and lathe work. He was the owner of the first electric welding machine in Ashland in 1919. In September, 1907, Mr. Heifner was united in marriage with Miss Ella Carlin, of Congress, Wayne County, the daughter of Mack and Sarah Carlin, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Heifner have been born five children: 1. Bessie Pauline, born March 13, 1908, a graduate of Ashland High School, and Ashland College, class of 1930, where she specialized in the study of expression. 2. Carlin Lewis, born in June, 1909, a graduate of Ashland High School, now identified with the Guarantee Trust Company, of New York City. He was married in June, 1929, to Miss Anna Manchester, of Canfield, Ohio. 3. Donald Eugene, born in November, 1911, lives at home. 4. Robert Woodrow, born in November, 1917, lives at home. He is an accomplished musician and is a member of the Nankin Community Orchestra and Jeromesville bands. 5. James William, born May 13, 1920. Mr. Heifner has always been a Democrat in politics. He holds membership in the Evangelical Church, and is a member of the board of stewards. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Heifner family residence is located three miles east of Ashland on Route No. 42. A. W. Daubenspeck, who has been identified with the interests of the Dr. Hess & Clark Company, of Ashland, for a period of almost 30 years, is a highly esteemed citizen of Ashland County. He was born at Hayesville, Ohio, Nov. 30, 1879, the son of Henry and Anna (Eichelberger) Daubenspeck. Henry Daubenspeck was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., and his wife is a native of Ashland County. He grew up in Pennsylvania and as a young man came to Richland County with his father and settled on a farm. Throughout his life he was interested in farming and stock raising. He was a Democrat and held membership in the Dunkard Church. Mr. Daubenspeck died in 1916 and is buried at Hayesville. His widow is now the wife of S. E. Budd and lives in Ashland. She holds membership in the Methodist Church. To Henry and Anna (Eichelberger) Daubenspeck were born three children: Capitola, who died in 1921, was the wife of Dr. J. W. Ogden, of Hayesville ; Lelia, married E. L. Sharp, lives at Mansfield ; and A. W., the subject of this sketch. A. W. Daubenspeck grew up on his father's farm near Hayesville and obtained his early education in the district schools. He also attended 1148 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Hayesville Academy. In 1902 he came to Ashland and entered the employ of the Dr. Hess & Clark Company. Since 1915 he has held the responsible position of factory superintendent. On April 19, 1909, Mr. Daubenspeck was united in marriage with Miss Allene Sanford, of Ashland, the daughter of J. E. and Emma (Morse) Sanford. Mr. Sanford was born in Ohio, Nov. 10, 1842, and died March 13, 1900. He served throughout the entire period of the Civil War. His wife, born at Fort Atkinson, Wis., April 3, 1856, died Feb. 13, 1893. Mrs. Daubenspeck was born in Chicago, Aug. 13, 1888, and has lived in Ashland since 1900. Her brother, H. M. Sanford, is a veteran of the World War, and lives at Lakewood, Ohio, where he is interested in the insurance business. To Mr. and Mrs. Daubenspeck two daughters were born: 1. Edith Anne, born Aug. 4, 1910, a graduate of Ashland High School, and Ashland College. She is now studying music in Cleveland and has made frequent radio broadcasts. 2. Helen Louise, born Sept. 9, 1915, died Dec. 16, 1926. In politics Mr. Daubenspeck is identified with the Democratic party. He holds membership in the Methodist Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, and Ashland Country Club. Mr. Daubenspeck is the owner of a well improved farm of 70 acres, which is located on the King Road, two and one-half miles south of Ashland. He has a tenant on the farm but spends much of his leisure time in the interests of his farm and pure bred stock. J. T. Reed. One of Ashland's best known and most dependable merchants is J. T. Reed, who is proprietor of the Peoples Grocery, 255 Orange Street. He was born in Milton Township, Ashland County, June 6, 1876, the son of J. D. and Catherine (Gilland) Reed. J. D. Reed was born at Harrisburg, Pa., where he spent his early life. He was a weaver by trade and followed that for many years after coming to Milton Township, Ashland County. He also served as a soldier during the Civil War. Mr. Reed was a Democrat and held membership in the United Brethren Church. He died in 1927, and his wife, who was a native of Ohio, died in 1900. They are buried in Imhof Cemetery, Milton Township. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reed: Ida, the widow of David Stoner, lives in Milton Township ; Nancy, married Henry Hartman, lives in Milton Township ; Minnie, who died in 1902; Nora, married Thomas Au, lives at Ashland ; and J. T., the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of J. T. Reed was spent on a farm in Milton Township, and he received his education in the district schools. He followed farm- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1149 ing until 1900, at which time he came to Ashland and entered the employ of the Kauffman Manufacturing Company. He spent 18 months with that concern and was then associated with Sharp's grocery for a period of nine years. In 1912 Mr. Reed purchased the business, at that time located on East Main Street, and the following year removed to his present location. During his many years of service in the city as a grocer, Mr. Reed has established an excellent trade. Mr. Reed was married in 1898 to Miss Mary B. Percival, of Clearcreek Township, Ashland County, the daughter of James and Martha (Moore) Percival. Both were natives of Ohio, the former having died in 1880, and the latter in 1928. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reed : 1. Virgie May, a graduate of Ashland High School and Kent State Normal School, was a teacher in Ashland before her marriage to Howard Iceman, of Ashland. They have two children, Margie Ellen, born in 1925, and James William, born in 1928. 2. Clarence P., born in 1902, met with an accidental death when 13 years of age. 3. Harry W., born Sept. 6, 1904, associated in business with his father. He was married in 1928 to Irene Reynolds, of Ashland, the daughter of George H. and Myrtle (Brady) Reynolds, of Mansfield. 4. Ralph William, born in 1906, attends Ashland High School. Politically Mr. Reed is a Republican. He belongs to the United Brethren Church and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. The family lives at 815 College Boulevard. E. L. Bowsher, who is superintendent of city schools in Ashland, is a widely known educator of North Central Ohio. He was born at Cridersville, Allen County, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1890, the son of Irvin and Clara (Burke) Bowsher. The Bowsher family is of German descent, having come to this country from Alsace-Lorraine. Members of the Burke family came from England, and John Burke, grandfather of E. L. Bowsher, was a soldier during the Civil War. Irvin Bowsher is a native of Allen County and resides at Cridersville. For many years he was interested in general farming and also engaged in the oil business. He has lived retired since 1925. Mr. Bowsher is a Democrat and has served as a member of the city council. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Church. Their children are : 1. E. L., the subject of this sketch. 2. Crystal, married N. W. Burton, lives at Lima, Ohio. The preliminary education of E. L. Bowsher was received in the public schools of Cridersville and Wapakoneta, being graduated from Wapa-