(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 1400 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Way died Dec. 27, 1918, and his wife died June 11, 1930. Both are buried in Imhoff Cemetery, Paradise Hill, Ashland County. Mr. Way served throughout the Civil War as a member of Company G, 197th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs Samuel Way : William, lives at Ankeny, Ia.; Mrs. Sarah E. Copland, of Savannah ; Mrs. Irene Swartz, of East Akron, Ohio ; Lester ; Elisha B., of Ashland ; Ea, wife of George Warner, West Salem, Ohio ; George, deceased ; Mrs. Daisy Marken, deceased ; Jesse, deceased ; H. A., of East Akron, Ohio. By a former marriage Sarah Elizabeth (Way) Wilson Copland has a daughter, Lula Mae Wilson, the wife of E. L. Davidson, and they live at Savannah. They have two children, Helen and Lloyd. Mr. Copland was an active member of the Masonic Lodge for 36 years, and Mrs. Copland is affiliated with the Ashland Eastern Star Lodge. She is also a member of the Federated Church, and is local correspondent for the Ashland Times-Gazette and New London Record. Since 1899 she has been a member of the Women's Benefit Association of Ashland. At the death of Mrs. Marken, in 1918, Mr. and Mrs. Copland took their daughter, Elizabeth Marken, and she has since made her home with them. Joseph F. Uhlich. Steadily increasing activity and prosperity have been continuous features of the bakery business which Mr. Uhlich has conducted in Mansfield for more than 35 years. He is a native of Richland County, born in Madison Township, April 4, 1867, the son of George and Abagail (Whetro) Uhlich. George Uhlich was born on a farm in Madison Township, Richland County, in 1844. As a young man he came to Mansfield and purchased the grocery business of Richard A. Kimmel at North Main and Fifth streets. He conducted the business for a period of 14 years and then disposed of it to his brother, Jonathan Uhlich. While a resident of Mansfield Mr. Uhlich served as a member of the city council and as trustee of the city water works. He purchased 132 acres of land near Amoy, in Richland County, and engaged in farming until his death in 1914. His wife, who was born in Virginia, in 1844, died in 1910. Both are buried at Mansfield. Their children were: Dora, married John Cairns, both deceased ; Joseph F., the subject of this sketch; Jessie, deceased; George W., lives at Mansfield ; Roley, lives on the old homestead in Richland County ; and LeMont, lives at Mansfield. Mr. Uhlich was a Democrat, a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Joseph F. Uhlich obtained his education in the district schools of Richland County, and has lived in Mansfield practically his entire life. For a HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1401 time he clerked in his father's store, and in 1893 became interested in the bakery business with Frank Henry. They established the American Bakery Company at Sixth and North Mulberry streets. Two years later Mr. Uhlich purchased his partner's interest in the business, which has since been known as the J. F. Uhlich Bakery. A modern plant was erected by Mr. Uhlich at 429 Spring Mill Street in 1903. It is the oldest establishment of its kind in Richland County and one of the most modern bakeries to be found in North Central Ohio. The business is exclusively wholesale. Mr. Uhlich is a member of the Ohio Bakers Association, American Bakers Association, and the American Institute of Baking. In 1892 Mr. Uhlich married Miss Emma Enlow, who died in Mansfield, Nov. 25, 1928. She was the daughter of Jackson and Ann (Slucker) Enlow, natives of Richland County. Both are deceased and are buried at Spring Mill, Ohio. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Uhlich : 1. Wade, who is identified with the J. F. Uhlich Bakery. He married Miss Fannie Houts, and they have two daughters, Betty Jane and Norma. 2. Rhea, twin sister of Wade, married George Russell, lives at Mansfield. They have three daughters, Sally Ann, Marjorie, and Joan. 3. Dalee, married George Hahn, lives at Mansfield. They have three children, Dean, James, and Janet. Mr. Uhlich is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and is vice president of the Church Council. Mr. Uhlich lives at 443 Marion Avenue. William Samuel Henry, who is recognized as one of the most successful merchants of Ashland County, engaged in business at Savannah, is a member of a well known pioneer family of that section. He was born at Savannah, Oct. 12, 1882, the son of Samuel William and Jane (Moat) Henry. Samuel William Henry was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 24, 1827, and came to Ashland County with his parents when he was a small child. They settled on a farm south of Savannah and early in life Mr. Henry became interested in the general mercantile business at that place. He was thus engaged at the time of his death, Oct. 16, 1900. His wife was born enroute from Scotland to the United States, aboard a sailing vessel, Feb. 23, 1847. She died Aug. 11, 1895. Both Mr. and Mrs. Henry are buried at Savannah. He was a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a 32nd degree Mason. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry: 1. Eldora, born May 16, 1862, died Aug. 9, 1864. 2. John Henry, born Sept. 13, 1864, died Aug. 15, 1926. 3. Alice, mar- 1402 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ried J. S. Benton, lives near Savannah. 4. James P., born Aug. 24, 1869, lives at Mansfield. 5. William, born June 18, 1872, died Oct. 14, 1872. 6. Jennie, born Oct. 11, 1876, married R. B. Masters, lives at Pittsburgh, Pa. 7. William Samuel, the subject of this sketch. William Samuel Henry was reared and educated at Savannah, and as a boy clerked in his father's store. Upon the death of the latter Mr. Henry spent nine years in business at Mansfield, and for a time was interested in farming. He returned to Savannah in 1919 and at that time purchased the business which had been established by his father. After two years he removed to his present enlarged quarters, where he successfully conducts his business. On Feb. 24, 1909, Mr. Henry was married at Mansfield to Miss Oda B. Lewis, who was born near Butler, in Knox County, July 28, 1889, the daughter of Clarke E. and Etta (Smith) Lewis. Mr. Lewis was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1861, and his wife was born in Knox County, Sept. 5, 1864. He was the son of John and Anna (Armstrong) Lewis, who were natives of Fredericksburg, Ohio, and early settlers of Holmes County. She was the daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Wallace) Smith, who came to Knox County from Pennsylvania, and settled near Butler. Mr. and Mrs. Clark E. Lewis now live in Mansfield. To William Samuel and Oda B. (Lewis) Henry have been born two children : Jeanette Lucille, born March 31, 1921, died in infancy ; and Ralph Eugene, born June 9, 1923. Mr. Henry has served as mayor of Savannah, as a member of the city council, and has held the office of city clerk for 20 years. He has always been a Democrat. His wife is a Republican. They are members of the Federated Church, and Mrs. Henry belongs to the Savannah Civic Improvement Club, and W. C. T. U. W. M. Priest, who is president of the Polk State Bank, is a prominent citizen of Ashland County. He was born on the old Priest homestead, east of Polk, Dec. 16, 1861, the son of Andrew Jackson and Dian (McFadden) Priest. Andrew Jackson Priest, deceased, was a representative citizen of Polk. He was the son of Henry Priest, one of the first settlers of Ashland County, who came to Ohio from Lancaster County, Pa., in 1817, and purchased a tract of 160 acres from the government, the deed being signed by President James Monroe. This is the Priest homestead, which is still in possession of the family. Andrew Jackson Priest engaged in general HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1403 farming during his entire lifetime and lived in Ashland County. He died in 1900, and his wife, a native of Orange Township, Ashland County, died in 1920. Both are buried at Polk. He was a Democrat and held membership in the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Priest were born two children: W. M., the subject of this sketch ; and Margaret, married James Kauffman, who lives at Polk. W. M. Priest grew up on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools of Polk. At an early age he engaged in general farming and became widely known also as a breeder of fine horses, being the owner of one of the finest bred mares in Ohio, which held the world's record as a pacer in 1903. Mr. Priest retired from his farming interests in 1913 and has since been a resident of Polk. He was one of the organizers of the Polk State Bank in 1916, and has since served as its president. On Nov. 15, 1886, Mr. Priest was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Findley, of Ruggles Township, Ashland County, the daughter of Joseph and Jennie (Cober) Findley, both natives of Pennsylvania, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Priest have a son, Guy, who was born in 1889. He is a graduate of Polk High School, class of 1908, and attended Ohio Northern University. He is now identified with the Dr. Hess & Clark Company, of Ashland, where he lives. He married Miss Goldie Grafton, of Redhaw, Ohio, and they have a daughter, Monica, born in 1913. Politically, Mr. Priest is a Democrat. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Church. John R. Bailey, Sr., was born on a farm southeast of Ashland on Nov. 5, 1801, and died at the home of his son, Thomas Wesley Bailey, of Savannah, on April 8, 1907, aged 86 years, five months and three days. His long life was a very active one up to within about ten days of his death. Mr. Bailey was the son of Abel and Acsah Bailey, who were among the early pioneers of Ashland County. He was one of eight children and the last of the family. When three years of age John R. Bailey, Sr., came with his father's family to a farm one mile south of Savannah, which was purchased from the government by his father and grandfather, also John Bailey by name. Here he grew to manhood and after his marriage remained on the farm for several years. On Nov. 14, 1844, he was married to Mary Ann Wright. To them was born one son, Thomas Wesley. Mrs. Bailey died Sept. 15, 1852. On Nov. 22, 1853, Mr. Bailey was again married to Mrs. Hattie Thayer, from near Loudonville. To them were born a son and a daugh- 1404 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ter. The son lived about 18 years, the daughter dying in infancy. For more than 40 years Mr. and Mrs. Bailey lived happily together, their home being one of great hospitality where a hearty welcome was always accorded to visitors. The traveler knew that at Mr. Bailey's home he could always find rest and refreshment. Mrs. Bailey died Dec. 30, 1893, after which for a number of years Mr. Bailey's grandson, L. W. Bailey and wife, lived with him and kept house for him. For the last three years preceding his death he lived in the home of his son, Thomas Wesley, where he received the most tender and thoughtful care. In 1867 or 1868 he left the farm and moved his family into Savannah, where he identified himself very closely with the interests of the village. He was always ready to aid in its growth and to rejoice in its prosperity. He was not a politician. The only public office he ever held was township treasurer. For a number of years he operated a general merchandise store in Savannah, and at one time owned much real estate in the village. For about 40 or 50 years he was an extensive buyer of wool and live stock and had a wide acquaintance over Ashland County. He was always interested in the cause of education, and took an active part in the founding of Savannah Academy. He was elected a member of the first board of trustees of the Academy and was continuously retained on the board for about 50 years. At his death he was still a member of the board and a liberal contributor to the financial support of the institution he helped to found. On Feb. 26, 1884, he was elected treasurer of the Academy to succeed Robert McKibben, who resigned because of failing health. This position of trust Mr. Bailey held continuously until Aug. 15, 1904, when on account of advancing age he resigned. At the time of his resignation the board recognized his work and his worth in suitable resolutions. Mr. Bailey was a loyal member of the Savanaah Baptist Church, was one of its main supporters and always ready to lend a helping hand to its work and maintenance, but he was still liberal minded enough to be interested in the growth and progress of the other churches in the village. Mr. Bailey was buried in Savannah Cemetery on April 11, 1907. At the time of his funeral all business in Savannah was suspended, schools and stores closed, and a large audience of friends and neighbors were present to pay their last respects to their citizen-friend, the students of the Academy attending his funeral in a body, members of the Board of Trustees acting as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. Mr. Bailey was always a man of kind disposition and thoughtful of others. He never spoke unkindly of anyone. If he could not speak good of one he said nothing. Those who knew him best believed him to be a man who would not wilfully and knowingly do a wrong to anyone. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1405 Uri H. Eberhart, retired, is a prominent citizen of Ashland County and lives at Savannah. He was born at New Pittsburgh, Ohio, March 26, 1866, the son of Daniel and Rachael (Duncan) Eberhart. Daniel Eberhart was a native of Blair County, Pa., as was also his wife. As a young man he came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Wayne County. Besides being a successful farmer, Mr. Eberhart was an expert wood worker. He was a Republican and held membership in the Lutheran Church. He died Dec. 20, 1884, and his wife died December 28th of the same year. Both are buried at Reedsburg, Wayne County. Their children were : DeWalt, who died in 1919 ; Edward, who died in 1929 ; Anna Matilda, who died in infancy ; Dr. George W., who died in 1882 ; Samuel, who died while in service during the Civil War; Harvey, deceased ; William, deceased ; Isaiah, who died in 1887; Mary, the widow of Clinton M. Jackson, lives at New Pittsburgh, Ohio ; Luther, who died in infancy ; Rev. Benjamin Franklin, a minister of the Methodist Church, lives in Nebraska; and Uri H., the subject of this sketch. Uri H. Eberhart received his education in the schools of New Pittsburgh, Wayne County. In 1886 he came to Savannah where he followed the trade of a barber for 14 years. He was also a carpenter and until 1930 engaged in general farming on his well improved farm of 128 acres on the Mansfield Road, south of Savannah. Since his retirement he has lived at Savannah. Mr. Eberhart was married (first) on March 26, 1892, to Miss Alice Farquarhason, of Savannah, who died March 31, 1893. She was the daughter of Robert and Jessie (Berry) Farquarharson, natives of Scotland. Mr. Eberhart was married (second) Sept. 5, 1899, to Miss Belle Mercer, of Savannah, the daughter of Abner and Ellen (Hunter) Mercer. The former died in 1928 and the latter in 1916. Both are buried at Savannah. To Mr. and Mrs. Eberhart were born three children : 1. Esther Ellen, a graduate of Oberlin College, class of 1925, now principal of Savannah High School. She married John Gibson, postmaster, Savannah. 2. Paul M., born March 3, 1903, a graduate of Albion (Mich.) College, and the University of Michigan, class of 1927, now a teacher at Parma High School, Cleveland. He married Miss Viola Forbes, and they have a daughter, Gwendolyn. 3. Dale R., born Dec. 11, 1906, a graduate of Ohio State University, class of 1929, now a chemist in the laboratories of the Dupont Nemour, Inc., Wilmington, Dela. He married Miss Phyllis Bahn, of Savannah, and they have a son, David Bahn Eberhart. Mr. Eberhart is a Republican and a prominent member of the Methodist Church of Savannah. Mr, Eberhart is recognized as an expert woodworker, his masterpiece being known as the Eberhart secretary. It is a combination writing desk 1406 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO and bookcase, and is inlaid with 135,341 separate pieces of wood, which include 550 varieties from all parts of the world. Pieces of historic woods are also included, such as souvenirs from the battleships Maine, Kearsarge, and Merrimac, as well as a bit of a shingle from Washington's Headquarters at Morristown, N. J. These interesting bits of wood are inlaid in such a way as to be plainly identified through records. This work required almost four years of Mr. Eberhart's time in its completion. It was recently on exhibition in Cleveland. Will L. Chambers is among the enterprising business men of Savannah, where he has been well known as a building contractor for almost 30 years. He was born on the John Chambers homestead in Butler Township, Richland County, July 23, 1877, the son of F. W. and Mary J. (McLaughlin) Chambers. F. W. Chambers is a prominent citizen of Butler Township. He was born at Shelby, Ohio, the son of James Chambers, who served for many years as station agent for the Big Four Railroad at Shelby. After retiring from his position, the family removed to Ruggles Township, Ashland County. F. W. Chambers became a prosperous farmer of Butler Township and also was interested for a number of years in the breeding of fine horses. The Chambers family later lived in Ruggles Township, and in 1898 removed to Clear Creek Township. They returned to Butler Township in 1911, where Mr. and Mrs. Chambers now reside. She was born in Cass Township, Richland County. Mr. Chambers is a Republican and holds membership in the Methodist Church. Anthony McLaughlin, maternal great-grandfather of Will L. Chambers, came to Richland County from Pennsylvania about 1800. His father had served throughout the Revolutionary War. John Chambers, paternal great-grandfather, served throughout the War of 1812 and came to Ohio in 1818, settling on 160 acres of land in Butler Township, Richland County, which has continued as the Chambers homestead to the present time. To F. W. and Mary J. (McLaughlin) Chambers were born four children: 1. Will L., the subject of this sketch. 2. Harry, lives in Butler Township. 3. Leola, married Morrell Enzor, lives in Butler Township. 4. Ruth, married Lester Ellis, lives in Cass Township, Richland County. Will L. Chambers attended the district schools of Butler and Ruggles townships, and attended Savannah Academy. He taught school for three years and in 1902 located at Savannah as a building contractor. He has also specialized in metal work. The Chambers home was built here by Mr. Chambers in 1917, and is of stucco construction. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1407 In 1901 Mr. Chambers was united in marriage with Miss Lottie M. Gibson, of Clear Creek Township, the daughter of William and Mary (Leistensnider) Gibson. Mr. Gibson, a native of Ohio, died in 1883, and his wife, who was born near Harrisburg, Pa., died in 1914. Both are buried at Savannah. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have a son, Ralph Eugene, born June 1, 1905. He is a graduate of Savannah High School and attended Ashland College, and is now associated with the Sun Glow Furniture Company of Mansfield. He married Miss Mabel Spence, of Ashland. Politically, Mr. Chambers is a Republican, and held the office of mayor of Savannah for six years. He is now a member of the newly organized Federated Church, having held membership for 30 years in the Methodist Church of Savannah. J. F. Hartsel, a well known citizen of Polk, is identified with the firm of Hartsel & Irwin, general merchants. He was born on a farm southeast of Polk, Nov. 2, 1869, the son of John and Irene (Fast) Hartsel. John Hartsel was a native of Wayne County, and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born near Wooster and attended the district schools. As a young man he came to Ashland County, and engaged in general farming until his retirement in 1877. He then resided at Polk until his death, April 24, 1929. His wife, born in Jackson Township, Ashland County, died in 1922. Both are buried at Polk. Mr. Hartsel was a Democrat, a member of the Christian Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. There were three sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartsel: 0. C., who lives at Polk ; J. F., the subject of this sketch ; and Clifford, who is associated with the firm of Cassel & Hartsel, Ashland. J. F. Hartsel grew up on his father's farm near Polk and received his education in the district schools. He came to Polk in 1911 and engaged in business with E. S. Wicks, under the firm name of Wicks & Hartsel, elevator owners. Two years later the firm was reorganized as Hartsel & Bryan, and in 1919 the elevator was disposed of to a farmers cooperative association. Mr. Hartsel remained with the organization for a year as manager and in April, 1920, purchased the general store of C. F. Losh, which he has since successfully conducted. Since 1925 his son-in-law, Clifford Irwin, has been associated in business with him. Mr. Hartsel is a director of the Polk State Bank, of which he was an organizer in 1916. In 1890 Mr. Hartsel was married at West Salem to Miss Emma Bryan, of Polk, the daughter of J. F. and Sarah (Wicks) Bryan. The former died in 1915 and the latter lives at Polk. To Mr. and Mrs. Hartsel were born three children : 1. Cloyd C., born in 1891, a graduate of Polk High School and Savannah Academy. He also attended Ashland College and 1408 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Wooster College, and for a number of years was a teacher in the public schools of Polk, Sullivan and Strongsville. He enlisted for service in the World War and served overseas with an engineering corps. He is unmarried and lives at home. 2. Irene S., married Clifford R. Irwin, and they have two sons, Burl and Dean. 3. Irma E., married R. W. Arnold, lives near Polk. They have five children : Donald, Monica, James, Virginia, and Portia. Mr. Hartsel is a Democrat and has held the offices of township assessor, trustee, and school director. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Jacob S. Garber is widely known in Butler and represents one of the most prominent pioneer families of North Central Ohio, his grandfather, Michael Garber, having settled in Richland County in 1834. Jacob S. Garber was born in Worthing Township, Richland County, March 27, 1867, the son of Daniel and Matilda (Oldfield) Garber. Daniel Garber was born in Washington County, Pa., April 8, 1828, and his wife was a native of Jefferson Township, Richland County, born Sept. 24, 1828. They were married in 1849. Daniel Garber was a shoemaker by trade and was recognized as an expert in his line. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted and served as a member of Company E, 102nd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was captured at the Battle of Athens, Alabama, in September, 1864, and sent to Cahaba prison, where he was held until March, 1865. He was then taken to Vicksburg and was one of 15 put aboard the steamer Sultan, which was destroyed on the trip when its boilers exploded. Mr. Garber was one of three survivors of the 15 on board. He floated on a raft for 11 miles before being rescued. Mr. Garber resumed his former employment as a shoemaker, but in 1875 retired from business and purchased a farm in Worthington Township, where he died in 1906. His wife died in 1915. Both are buried in the Garber Cemetery, Jefferson Township. Mr. Garber was a Republican and served as township trustee for two terms. He was a member of the Universalist Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic and Fredericktown Lodge, F. and A. M. The following children were born to Daniel and Matilda (Oldfield) Garber : Elmina, born in 1850, married J. A. Hamilton, both deceased ; Uriah, born in 1851, died in 1852 ; Michael, born in 1853, died in 1929 ; Inez, born in 1855, the widow of Leroy Lobach, lives at Los Angeles, Calif. ; Melissa, born in 1857, died in 1858 ; Anna Elizabeth, born in 1859, married F. J. Divelbiss, lives in Worthington Township ; Ohio Belle, the widow of A. Weinland, lives at Mt. Vernon ; Richard, born in 1866, died in infancy; Jacob S., the subject HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1409 of this sketch ; Henry T., twin brother of Jacob S., died in April, 1874 ; and David S., born in 1871, lives at Atlanta, Ga. Daniel Garber was the son of Michael and Elizabeth (Kouts) Garber, who were natives of Washington County, Pa. They came to Jefferson Township, Richland County, in 1834, and took a government land grant of 40 acres. He was a shoemaker and farmer. He and his wife are buried in the Garber Cemetery. Matilda (Oldfield) Garber was the daughter of Richard and Elmina (Phelps) Oldfield, natives of New York and New Hampshire, respectively. They were among the first settlers of Jefferson Township and lived on a farm just south of Bellville. They are buried in Bellville Cemetery. Richard Oldfield was the son of William Oldfield, who died at Bellville in 1836, being the only soldier of the Revolutionary War ever to be buried here. He had settled in Jefferson Township in 1812. Jacob S. Garber attended the district schools of Worthington Township and grew up on his father's farm. He has been a resident of Butler since 1892, and has served as rural mail carrier on Route No. 2 continuously since 1904. He has been widely known throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania as the "Singing Evangelist." He belongs to the Sons of Union Veterans and Sons of the American Revolution, and has always considered it a duty and privilege to take an active part in all functions concerning the welfare of the old Union soldiers. On Aug. 2, 1888, Mr. Garber was united in marriage with Miss Maria Swank, the daughter of Christian L. and Adeline (Stelts) Swank, who were natives of Jefferson Township, both now deceased. He was a farmer. There were three children in the Swank family : Mrs. Garber; Elmer, lives in Worthington Township ; and Verda, married Charles Rusk, lives at Mansfield. To Jacob S. and Maria (Swank) Garber were born five children. 1. Adeline, married Martin Berthold, lives at Akron, Ohio, and they have two children, Martin and Paul. 2. Clark M., who is superintendent of schools, U. S. Educational Department, Western District of Alaska, lives at Akiak, Alaska. He married Miss Madge Replogle, and they have a son, Clark M. 3. Paul, who is a draftsman in the employ of the National Cash Register Company, Dayton, Ohio. He served in France during the World War with the rank of first lieutenant. Prior to the war he had been in the service of the U. S. Navy for a period of four years. He married Hazel Tinker, of Dayton. 4. Dwight Wesley, who is chief pharmacist's mate, U. S. Navy, stationed at Portsmouth, N. H. He is a World War veteran. He married Vera Swalborg, of Oregon, and they have a daughter, Constance, who was born in Honolulu. 5. Dio Lewis, deceased. Mr. Garber is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Sturgis Lodge, No. 357, Past Grand. 1410 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Earl R. Gribben, of Polk, is numbered among the enterprising and progressive young business men of Ashland County, and is a veteran of the World War. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1894, the son of John Curtis and Catherine (Kauffman) Gribben. John Curtis Gribben, a native of Ashland County, now lives retired at Polk. He was reared and educated at Rowsburg and Polk, and in early life went to Cleveland, where he spent 30 years in the employ of the Forest City Steel & Iron Works. He resigned in 1914 as superintendent of erection, and the following year returned to Polk, where he purchased the general mercantile establishment of Jim Hess. Mr. Gribben retired from business in 1928 and disposed of his business interests to his son, Earl R. Gribben. He is a Republican, a member of the Lakewood Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. He served as a member of the Ohio National Guard and held the commission of first lieutenant. Mr. and Mrs. Gribben are the parents of three children : Mae, married Edward Colpert, lives at Lakewood ; Cleo, married H. J. Wiltrout, lives at Polk ; and Earl R., the subject of this sketch. Earl R. Gribben received his education in the public schools of Cleveland and Lakewood, and attended Lakewood High School and Dyke's Business College. He was associated with his father's business at Polk until his enlistment for service in the World War, Aug. 31, 1917. He was stationed at Camp Jackson, Jacksonville, Fla., until May 25, 1918, and then was transferred to Camp Stewart, Newport News, Va. He sailed for overseas duty in June, 1918, and was attached to the 312th Supply Train and later was unattached to become a sergeant. At the close of the war he returned to the United States and was discharged at Camp Sherman, Ohio, July 15, 1919. He then resumed his business connections at Polk, and on Jan. 1, 1928, purchased the store from his father. It is a general store of the latest type, and Mr. Gribben carries a high grade line of merchandise. He also handles groceries and meats, and has an extensive trade. In November, 1927, Mr. Gribben was united in marriage with Miss Helen Opal Pence, of Sullivan, Ohio, the daughter of Clyde V. and Anna (Smith) Pence. Mr. Pence was born at Nankin and his wife was born at Sullivan, Ohio. Mr. Pence now resides in Sullivan. His wife died in 1926 and is buried in the Sullivan Cemetery at Sullivan. They were the parents of two children : Mrs. Gribben and Harry V. Pence of Cleveland. Mr. Leatherberry, the great-great-grandfather of Mrs. Gribben, came to this country from England, and served throughout the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Gribben is a graduate of Sullivan High School and Ashland College, and before her marriage was a teacher in the schools of Sullivan. Mr. and Mrs. Gribben have had two children: John Clyde, born Sept. 23, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1411 1928, died Sept. 7, 1929 ; and Joan Doris, born May 21, 1930, died in infancy. The children are buried in the Sullivan Cemetery. Politically, Mr. Gribben is a Republican, and he has served as village clerk and committeeman of the Polk district. He holds membership in the Lakewood Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to West Salem Lodge, F. & A. M.; Oriental Chapter, No. 128 ; Ashland Council, No. 128 ; and the Mansfield Commandery; and is a life member of Al Koran Shrine. Mr. Gribben and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. He is a member of the American Legion, Lucas-Vaughn Post No. 219, of Polk, of which he is one of the organizers and served as commander and adjutant. He is now service officer of the Post. In 1930 he received from the American Legion a recognition card of loyal and efficient service, surpassing the average of the last four years. He is a member of the Ashland County Automobile Club. J. S. Kauffman. One of the representative and widely known citizens of Ashland County is J. S. Kauffman, who is identified with the Polk State Bank as cashier. He was born in this city, July 21, 1869, the son of John and Eva (Oxender) Kauffman. John Kauffman, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Berne, Switzerland, where he spent his early life. About 1854 he emigrated to the United States and came to Ohio, settling in Ashland County. He was a blacksmith by trade and later located at Polk, where he continued to live during the remainder of his life. He died in 1924, and his wife, a native of Pennsylvania, died in 1900. Both are buried at Polk. Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman were the parents of the following children: E. A., lives at Ashland ; Mary Westhofer, who died in 1920 ; Catherine Gribben, who lives at Polk; James, who lives at Polk; and J. S., the subject of this sketch. J. S. Kauffman grew up at Polk and attended the public schools of the village. He also took a general course at Ohio Northern University and later attended Ashland College, from which he was graduated. Mr. Kaufman engaged successfully in the drug business at Polk from 1891 until 1909. He then sold farm implements for the Walter A. Wood Company until 1915, and the following year took an active part in the organization of the Polk State Bank, being elected to the responsible office of cashier. This dependable institution has a capital stock of $25,000 and total assets amounting to $165,000. On Nov. 19, 1914, Mr. Kauffman was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Reed, of Ashland County, the daughter of J. W. and Mary (Baum) 1412 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Reed. Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman have three children : Mary Eva ; Kathryn Grace and Ethel Mae. Politically, Mr. Kauffman has always been a Democrat. He has held the office of mayor of Polk, and also was postmaster during the administration of President Grover Cleveland. He also served as township treasurer for a number of years. Mr. Kauffman was a member of the Ohio National Guard for many years, and resigned from that organization in 1893 with the rank of captain. Mr. Kauffman is a member of the Methodist Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, having both the York Rite and the Consistory. Eugene G. Dick, who is postmaster of Oberlin, is one of the best known citizens of Lorain County, and is a veteran of the Spanish-American War. He is a native of Ashtabula, Ohio, born June 25, 1875, the son of M. G. and Irene J. (Barber) Dick. M. G. Dick, deceased, was a representative citizen of Oberlin. He was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and became a teacher in the district schools of that county. Later he conducted a general store in Ashtabula, and in 1883 removed with his family to Oberlin, where he spent four years as a superintendent of the Barber Asphalt Paving Company. He then successfully engaged in the grocery business in this city until his retirement. He was a Republican and served as mayor of Oberlin, as well as a member of the city council. He belonged to the Second Congregational Church and while a resident of Ashtabula served for 25 years as Sunday School superintendent. He was a trustee of the Oberlin Church. Mr. Dick died in May, 1923, and his wife, a native of Vermont, died in 1927. Both are buried in Oberlin. Their children were : 1. William A., lives at Pittsburgh, Pa. 2. Frank J., lives at Miami, Fla. 3. 0. Howard, lives at Los Angeles, Calif. 4. Walter M., lives at New Rochelle, N. Y. 5. Eugene G., the subject of this sketch. 6. Mary I., lives at Oberlin. After his graduation from the public schools of Oberlin, Eugene G. Dick attended Oberlin Academy, having come to this city in 1883. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he enlisted for service and served during the duration of the war as a member of Company A, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1901 Mr. Dick went to Bridgeport, Conn., where he spent six years in the employ of the Locomobile Company of America. Due to ill health he returned to Oberlin in 1906, spent two years as an associate of his father in the grocery business, and on July 5, 1907, entered the local post office as a clerk. He served in various capacities HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1413 until his resignation, July 1, 1918. Mr. Dick then held the office of city clerk of Oberlin until March 1, 1923, at which time he accepted the appointment of postmaster by President Warren G. Harding. He was reappointed to office, Feb. 11, 1927. Mr. Dick is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Oberlin Golf Club and Exchange Club. He has the following lodge affiliations : Oberlin Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 380, Past Master, and has held the office of secretary for the past 17 years ; Oberlin Chapter, R. A. M., No. 219, Past High Priest ; Elyria Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 86; Elyria Commandery, K. T., No. 60 ; Lake Erie Consistory, 32nd degree ; Al Koran Temple, Cleveland ; Oberlin Masonic Club, Past President ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 465. He is also identified with the Tri-State Postmasters Association, and National Association of Postmasters. He is Past Senior Vice Commander of Major Woodsworth Camp, U. S. Spanish War Veterans, No. 62, and a member of Sons of the American Revolution, Western Reserve Chapter of Cleveland. Ira L. Porter. Prominent in business and financial circles in Lorain County, is Ira L. Porter, who is cashier of the People's Banking Company, of Oberlin. He was born at Marengo, Morrow County, Ohio, July 2, 1889, the son of George W. and Melinda (Rose) Porter. George Porter was a native of Green County, Pa., born at Clarksville, and his wife was a native of the same county. Shortly after their marriage they came to Ohio in 1877 and settled in Morrow County, where Mr. Porter engaged in general farming. Until coming to Ohio Mr. Porter had followed his trade as a blacksmith at Clarksville, Pa. He was a Democrat and affiliated with the Methodist Church. Mr. Porter died in 1921, and his wife died in 1915. They are buried at Marengo, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Porter were born six children, as follows : J. Lawrence, lives at Columbus ; David Allen, lives at Mt. Vernon ; Elsie M., married J. Benedict, lives at Marengo; Guy, lives at Marengo ; Fred G., lives at Marengo ; and Ira L., the subject of this sketch. Ira L. Porter obtained his education in the district schools of Morrow County and engaged in general farming for two years after his graduation from Marengo High School in 1907. He completed a course of study at the Oberlin School of Commerce in 1910, and during the following four years was identified with the Oberlin Banking Company as a teller. In 1914 he was appointed cashier of the Peoples Banking Company, and has also been a director of the institution since 1917. Mr. Porter was married in 1916 to Miss Ethel Slack, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Slack, natives of England, and now residents of 1414 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Oberlin. To Mr. and Mrs. Porter have been born three children: Elizabeth, Robert J., and Jean Louise. Politically, Mr. Porter is a Republican and he has served as a member of the city council, and also as a member of the school board. He is a trustee and active member of the Methodist Church, former president of the Oberlin Business Men's Club and Exchange Club, and is affiliated with Oberlin Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 380, Past Master; and is past president of the Oberlin Masonic Club ; Oberlin Chapter, R. A. M., No. 219; Lake Erie Consistory, 32nd degree. He is also the governor of the Sixteenth Ohio District of Affiliated Exchange Clubs. Leon A. Sears. One of the leading citizens of North Central Ohio is Leon A. Sears, who is serving as city manager of Oberlin. He is also a veteran of the World War. Mr. Sears was born at LaGrange, Ind., Feb. 24, 1896, the son of Charles W. and Jeanette (Landon) Sears. Charles W. Sears was a native of Sturgis, Mich., and in early life was interested in general farming in Michigan. He later lived at LaGrange, Ind. Mr. Sears died in 1923 and his wife died in 1921. He was a Republican, held membership in the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sears : Hulda, married Earl Niles, lives at Fort Wayne, Ind.; Frederick, lives at Three Rivers, Mich.; and Leon A., the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Leon A. Sears was spent in Indiana and Michigan. After his graduation from Sturgis High School in 1916 he entered the University of Michigan. He left college on April 6, 1917, to enlist for service in the World War. He served with the U. S. Navy and was stationed at the Great Lakes Training Station in Chicago. He was discharged as a third class electrician, Dec. 20, 1918, and immediately resumed his studies at the University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science and Electrical Engineering in 1921. For a short time he was identified with the engineering department of the General Electric Company at Fort Wayne, Ind., and in September, 1921, became an instructor in mathematics and applied engineering at Albion (Mich.) College. During 1922-23 he was city engineer of Albion, and also continued as an instructor at the college. He received the degree of Master of Arts at the University of Michigan in 1924, and resigned as an instructor at Albion College in January, 1926, in order to accept the office of city manager of Albion. Mr. Sears was made city manager of Oberlin, Sept. 1, 1928. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1415 In 1919 Mr. Sears married Miss Gladys Reber, the daughter of Leonard and Ida (Catton) Reber, both deceased. The former was born at Sturgis, Mich., and the latter was a native of White Pigeon, Mich. They are buried in Sturgis. Mr. and Mrs. Sears have a daughter, Joanne, born March 14, 1929. Mr. Sears is affiliated with Murat Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 14, and belongs to the American Legion and Oberlin Golf Club. He is a Republican. Seth Eugene Miller, M. D. Outstanding among the successful professional men of North Central Ohio is Doctor Miller, who is established in practice at Oberlin. He was born at Spencer, Medina County, Ohio, Jan. 17, 1871, the son of John and Candace (Oakley) Miller. John Miller was born in Fulton County, Pa., the son of John and Catherine Miller, who were among the first settlers of Homer Township, Medina County. They were prosperous farmers. John Miller, father of the subject of this sketch, was four years old when his parents removed to Ashland County. At an early age he enlisted for service in the Civil War and served as a member of Battery I, First Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery. He became a successful farmer of Homer and Spencer townships in Medina County, and after his retirement in 1908 was a resident of Spencer, Ohio, where he died June 15, 1917. His wife was born at Spencer, and died July 2, 1926. She was the daughter of Joseph and Roxina (Davis) Oakley, who were prominent pioneers of Northern Ohio, Mrs. Oakley's father being the owner of one of the first grist mills in Medina County. Both he and his wife are buried at Spencer. To John and Candace (Oakley) Miller were born two sons : Seth Eugene, the subject of this sketch ; and Bert E., who lives at Navarre, Ohio. Mr. Miller was a Republican and served as township trustee. He held membership in the Baptist Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. The early education of Seth Eugene Miller was received in the district schools of Spencer Township, Medina County, and following his graduation from Spencer High School he attended Hillsdale (Mich.) College. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Starling Ohio Medical College in 1896, now Ohio State University, and began the practice of medicine at Savannah, Ohio, where he remained only for several months. In October, 1896, he removed to Kipton, Ohio, and ten years later to Lorain, Ohio. Doctor Miller has been in Oberlin since 1912, and has established a fine practice in that city. He served for six years as coroner of Lorain County, being re-elected to that office on three successive occasions. He is a member of the Allen Hospital staff, Oberlin, and is identified with 1416 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the Lorain County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. In 1896 Doctor Miller was united in marriage with Miss Sibyl Stroup, the daughter of Jackson and Amelia (Kilbourne) Stroup, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Both are deceased. To Doctor and Mrs. Miller have been born two children : Ralph J., attended Oberlin College, and was graduated from West Point Academy in the class of 1918, being among the first members in that class to visit the battle fields of France. He served with the rank of first lieutenant but resigned from the service on account of ill health. He is now interested in the importing business in Paris, France. 2. Ruth Sibyl, married Stanley Mark, lives at Glendale, Calif. They have a daughter, Sibyl. Mrs. Mark is a graduate of Hillsdale (Mich.) College and also attended Oberlin College. Doctor Miller is identified with the Republican party in politics. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is affiliated with Oberlin Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 380 ; Oberlin Chapter, R. A. M., No. 219 ; Elyria Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 86; Elyria Commandery, K. T., No. 60; Lake Erie Consistory, 32nd degree ; Al Koran Temple, Cleveland ; Masonic Club. He also belongs to the Oberlin Exchange Club. A. M. Zebold, M. D., who has practiced his profession at Shelby for the past 33 years, is among the prominent physicians and surgeons of Richland County. He was born at Amanda, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1853, the son of John George and Louise (Lance) Zebold. John George Zebold, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Baden Baden, Germany, in 1829, and was three years old when he was brought to the United States by his parents, John George and Elizabeth Zebold, and they settled in Perry Township, Hocking County, Ohio. John George Zebold, Sr., spent a number of years in the building of the Ohio canal, being employed on that section between Carroll and Sugar Grove, Ohio. He died in March, 1870, and is buried at Pisgah Chapel, Ohio. His wife is buried in Price Cemetery, near Essex, Union County. Their son, John George, Jr., was a carpenter and millwright by trade, and after the death of his wife in 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, and served as a member of Company A, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being the first man to enter the breastworks at the battle of Corinth. He was discharged Aug. 3, 1864. Mr. Zebold was a Republican, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. He died in 1899, and is buried in Price Cemetery, Union County. To John George and Louise (Lance) Zebold were born four children : Elizabeth, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1417 who died in 1913, was the wife of Corydon Garwood, of Monon, Ind.; A. M., the subject of this sketch ; Rev. Christian, deceased, was a member of the Colorado Conference of the Methodist Church ; and Samuel, deceased. John George Zebold was married (second) to Louisa Judy, who is deceased. To them were born five children: Carrie, lives at Richwood ; Alona, married Marsh Bell, lives at Richwood ; Charles and Francis, who live at Springfield ; and Mary, lives at Richwood. A. M. Zebold attended the district schools of Hocking and Union counties and taught school after his graduation from Ada Normal School. He taught in the schools of Allen, Hardin and Franklin counties, and subsequently took up the study of medicine in 1882. He entered Starling Medical College, now the College of Medicine, Ohio State University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1884. He had served his interneship during the previous year at St. Francis Hospital, in Columbus. Doctor Zebold began his professional career at Johnson City, St. Clair County, Mo., and later was located at Deepwater, Henry County, Mo., and Fort Scott, Kan. He served as a member of the medical staff of the Kansas State Asylum at Osawattomie, Kansas, from 1888 until 1893, at which time he returned to Ohio and established his private practice in Columbus. He was later located in Hector, Putnam County, and in 1898, came to Shelby. Doctor Zebold is a member of the staff of Shelby Memorial Hospital and belongs to the Richland County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. In 1886 Doctor Zebold was united in marriage with Miss Anna J. Sniffen, of Marietta, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph F. and Eliza Ann Sniffen, who were natives of Ohio, and residents of Columbus. Both are deceased. To Doctor and Mrs. Zebold were born eight children, as follows : 1. Mabel A., married Wilbur Hunter, lives at Chardon, Ohio, and they have seven children: Robert, John, Wilbur, Philip, James, Eugene, and Martha. 2. Willard T., deceased. 3. Russell W., lives at Garden City, Long Island, N. Y., is a World War veteran having served with the U. S. Navy. He married Miss Ida Lundberg, and they have a daughter, Barbara Jane. 4. Cloyd, lives at Shelby, is a World War veteran, having served with the Student Army Training Corps at Otterbein College. He married Miss Helen Bay, and they have two children, Cloyd, Jr., and Carolyn. 5. George A., lives at Chicago, Ill. He married Miss Emelia Voltz, and they have two children, George A., Jr., and Virginia L. 6. Glenn F., lives in New York City. 7. Robert S., lives at Cincinnati, Ohio. 8. Haven, lives in New York City. Doctor Zebold has served as a member of the city council four years, and is independent in politics. 1418 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO John J. Brown, retired, is a highly respected and well known citizen of Savannah. He was born on the Brown homestead two miles east of Savannah, Nov. 28, 1855, the son of Thomas and Jane (Stewart) Brown. Thomas Brown was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and in 1835 emigrated to the United States and settled on the present Brown homestead near Savannah in Ashland County. He died in 1858, and his wife, a native of Richland County, died in 1907. Both are buried at Savannah. They were lifelong members of the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown the following children were born: William, who died in 1917; Hannah, who died in 1851; Margaret Jane, who died in 1914 ; Marjorie, who died in 1851; Thomas, lives at Chicago ; Charles, who died in 1925; Mary, who died in 1855 ; and John J., the subject of this sketch. With the exception of two years which were spent in Colorado and California, John J. Brown has spent his entire life in Ashland County. He attended the rural schools of Orange Township, and until his retirement in 1920 he was numbered among the successful farmers and stockmen of the county. He purchased the residence of Doctor Crowell in Savannah, where he resides. He is still the owner of the Brown farm, which contains 225 acres of land. Mr. Brown was married (first) in 1899 to Miss Emma Anderson of Ashland, who died in 1915. They had no children. He was married (second) in 1920 to Miss Kate Thomas, of Middleport, Ohio, the daughter of Jason and Avalena (Rice) Thomas, who were natives of Meigs County, Ohio. Mr. Thomas died in 1911 and his wife died in 1912. Both are buried at Middleport. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has served as trustee for many years. John T. Henderson. Few men engaged in business education have had a longer or more useful teaching experience than Mr. Henderson, president of the Oberlin School of Commerce, who will complete his 47th year with that institution on Aug. 31, 1931. He combines in a very unusual way a wide business experience and a long teaching career. As a young man he kept books in a national bank, and has for a quarter of a century been president of the Peoples Banking Company of Oberlin. He has always been intensely interested in the religious and social side of life. He was one of fourteen men who founded the American Anti-Saloon League 38 years ago, only three of whom survive. His greatest success, however, has been as a teacher, and it has been his good fortune to start thousands of young men and women on the road to successful lives. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1419 Mr. Henderson was born on a farm near McConnelsville, Morgan County, Ohio, May 18, 1862, the son of John and Cecelia (Richardson) Henderson. John Henderson was born in Virginia in 1822 and came to Ohio with his parents when he was three years old. They settled in Morgan County where he became a prosperous farmer. He died in 1884 and his wife, born in Morgan County in 1831, died in 1921. Both are buried in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Morgan County. He was a Republican, and held membership in the Methodist Church, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henderson : J. Harvey, lives in Morgan County ; Emma, deceased, was the wife of George Hildred ; Charles R., lives in Morgan County ; John T., the subject of this sketch ; William, who was assistant county superintendent of schools, Wooster, Ohio ; Jennie, and Walter, who live on the old Henderson homestead in Morgan County; Goodsel, lives in Ashland County; and Frank, deceased. John T. Henderson obtained his education in the district schools of Morgan County. He became a teacher and during the summer months attended the Morgan County Normal College. Later he studied at Baldwin-Wallace College, and in 1884 came to Oberlin as a student in professional penmanship under the late Uriah McKee. He subsequently purchased a half interest in the Oberlin Business Institute, and in 1892 became sole owner. It was incorporated in 1895 as the Oberlin Business College, with Mr. Henderson as president, and in April, 1928, the name of the institution was changed to that of Oberlin School of Commerce, Inc. In 1885 Mr. Henderson was united in marriage with Miss Ada Lawrence, the daughter of Webster Lawrence, a native of Ohio, now deceased. He and his wife are buried in Mt. Zion Church Cemetery, Morgan County. To Mr. and Mrs. Henderson were born five children: 1. Fred, who is deceased. 2. Elmer C., who is football coach at Tulsa (Okla.) University. He is a graduate of Oberlin College, and for a time was football coach at the University of Southern California. He served throughout the World War with the rank of lieutenant, U. S. Navy. He is the owner of a summer camp for boys in the Catalina Islands, and has an annual enrollment of 100 students. 3. Harold L., who is director of the State Bureau of Government Research at Madison, Wis. He is a graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia University, having specialized in the study of city government. For ten years he was director of the Citizens Bureau of Milwaukee, Wis., and went to Madison, Wis., in 1928 as assistant to Governor Kohler. He married Miss Hazel Clark of Wakeman, Ohio, and they have two children: Lawrence, and Shirley. 4. Alice, who is a graduate of Oberlin College. She is the widow of George Close, who was an instructor in the Oberlin School of Commerce. She has two sons: William and 1420 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO James. 5. Herbert R., who is a graduate of Ohio State University, now identified with the Kargis Furniture Manufacturing Company of Evansville, Ind. He married Miss Mary Hedges, of Reading, Mass., and they have three sons : Bancroft, John, and Charles. Mr. Henderson is a Republican. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Church and for 35 years was a teacher of the Young Peoples Class, as well as the assistant Sunday School superintendent. He is also identified with the Ohio Business School Association, and the National Association of Accredited Commercial Schools. The Oberlin School of Commerce. Some surprise has been expressed that in a small city like Oberlin, with a population of between five and six thousand, should be located one of the best known and most successful schools of business training in the entire country—a school whose graduates are holding splendid positions in all parts of the country, a school which has been under its present management for nearly a half century, and a school which attracts high school graduates from all over Ohio and from many other states. Under these conditions it is not surprising that the Oberlin School of Commerce has come to occupy its great place in training young men and women for the better class of business and office positions, and that its graduates are in demand by leading business firms. It is one of the few business training schools in the entire country having the college entrance requirement. Another policy which has had much to do with the quality of work done in this school comes from the fact that students are admitted only at the beginning of terms and are formed into classes just as is done in all high schools, colleges, and universities. As this school admits only high school graduates, application for admission is required. It was the first business school in Ohio to be placed upon the Accredited List of Ohio Colleges by the State Department of Public Instruction at Columbus, by which it was authorized to offer a two-year normal teachers training course, leading to the state certificate. This course was given from 1914 until 1926, at which time the State adopted a four-year course. Since the above date no business school in Ohio is permitted to offer the course. It is now one of seven business schools in Ohio, accredited by the State Educational Department with the grade of Junior College. It is also a member in good standing of the National Association of Accredited Commercial Schools of the United States. Its courses have been examined and approved by officials of this association. It is also a member of the Ohio Business Schools Association. The history of business education in Oberlin dates back to the very earliest period when such instruction was given anywhere in this country. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1421 Oberlin College was founded in 1833 and almost at once became a noted institution because of its anti-slavery attitude, and because it opened its doors to both men and women of every race—the first college in the world to admit women upon equal terms with men. As early as 1845 E. G. Folsom taught classes in bookkeeping and writing. By 1860 the business school had become firmly established and for several years following the Civil War the attendance reached 100 students or more annually. Since the early days of Mr. Folsom some of the most prominent business educators of the country have been associated with the school as instructors. Among these are : Platt R. Spencer, S. S. Calkins, the Drake Brothers, C. P. Griffin, W. F. Lyon, H. T. Tanner, Uriah McKee, and in more recent years, George L. Close, and J. D. Yocom. The names of these men stand high in the annals of business education in this country. In 1884 J. T. Henderson entered upon his long career as a teacher in this school. The incorporation of the school in 1895 marked the beginning of a long step in advance and a new period in the history of the school. In 1927 the name of the school was changed from the Oberlin Business College to the Oberlin School of Commerce. This was made necessary because of the fact that the school had advanced beyond the business college stage, and into the field of higher business education. It offers a two-year business administration course, a fifteen months' secretarial course, as well as other courses requiring a student body of college grade. On Jan. 1, 1896, the school moved into its new building on South Main Street, which it has now occupied for a period of 34 years. By 1915 the school had outgrown this building and the second building was erected just south of the main building. Present facilities will accommodate about 200 new students each year, and consequently the attendance is limited. The class method of instruction, supplemented by individual instruction during the study periods, has had much to do in giving this school its great reputation for sending out successful graduates. George T. Sedgeman. Prominent among the energetic and progressive business men of Oberlin is George T. Sedgeman, who is interested in the furniture and undertaking business in this city. He was born at Port Huron, Mich., July 15, 1878, the son of Henry and Priscilla (McCauliff) Sedgeman. Both Henry Sedgeman and his wife were natives of Port Huron, Mich., and are now deceased. He was interested in the lumber business and became a general contractor. At the time of his death, Mr. Sedgeman was living retired. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist 1422 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World, and Maccabees. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sedgeman: Clara, married George Vaughn, lives at East Tawas, Mich.; Ada, married Edward Hawthorne, deceased, and she lives at Bay City, Mich.; George T., the subject of this sketch ; Frank, lives at Oberlin ; Ella, married George Cleaver, deceased, and she lives at Saginaw, Mich.; William, lives at East Tawas, Mich.; and Fred, lives at Saginaw, Mich. George T. Sedgeman was reared and educated in Michigan and attended the public schools of East Tawas. He was identified with the E. L. King Furniture Company for a time, and while in their employ became interested in the undertaking business. He was graduated in 1909 from the Lansing School of Embalming and still holds a license to practice in Michigan. For a time he was also employed by the Detroit & Mackinaw Railroad Company. Later, he traveled for the DeLaval Separator Company, selling centrifugal, clarification and filtration apparatus, his territory extending throughout the East and Middle West. In 1918 Mr. Sedgeman purchased the interest of Mr. Haylor in the firm of Allen & Haylor, furniture dealers and funeral directors, the firm thereafter being known as Allen & Sedgeman. In September, 1921, Mr. Sedgeman became sole owner of the business, and it has since been known as the G. T. Sedgeman Furniture Company & Funeral Directors. Mr. Sedgeman obtained a certificate from the Cincinnati School of Embalming in May, 1925. He removed to his present location on East College Street in September, 1928, where he has an attractively appointed and well equipped funeral establishment and chapel. His service is completely equipped with Cadillac motor cars. Mr. Sedgeman is identified with the North Central Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, and the Retail Furniture Dealers Association. On Feb. 22, 1900, Mr. Sedgeman was united in marriage with Miss Bell Russell Scarlett, the daughter of Wentworth and Jessie Scarlett. The former is deceased and is buried in Florence, Canada. His widow, a native of Scotland, lives in Oberlin. To Mr. and Mrs. Sedgeman were born three children : Jesse Russell and Lelia N., both deceased ; and Priscilla, a graduate of Oberlin High School, class of 1931. She has been a student of music in the Junior Oberlin Conservatory of Music for the past two years. Mr. Sedgeman has always been a Republican. He holds membership in the First Church of Oberlin, and belongs to the Exchange Club and Oberlin Business Men's Club. He is also a member of Oberlin Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 380 ; Oberlin Chapter, R. A. M., No. 219 ; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1423 Jacob A. Knechtges. One of the most prominent business men and representative citizens of Lorain County is Jacob A. Knechtges, who is president of the Grafton Savings & Banking Company, president of the Grafton Lumber & Coal Company, treasurer of the Grafton Realty Company, and a director of the Elyria Savings & Trust Company. He is a native of Lorain County, born in Carlisle Township, Dec. 14, 1864, the son of Michael and Anna (Dietrich) Knechtges. Michael Knechtges was born in Prussia near Alsace-Lorraine, and came to the United States with his parents in 1840, when he was three years old. They settled on a farm near Avon, Ohio, where Mr. Knechtges spent his early life. He entered the employ of the Grafton Stone Company in 1871, and for many years served as superintendent of the company. He was living retired at Elyria for several years before his death, which occurred in 1923. His wife was also born in Prussia. She died in 1895. They are buried in Elyria. Mr. Knechtges was a Democrat and held membership in the Catholic Church. There were ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Knechtges : 1. Joseph P., in the pulp stone quarry business, lives at Grafton. 2. Gertrude Flood, lives at Cleveland. 3. Mary, lives at Elyria. 4. Jacob A., the subject of this sketch. 5. Mrs. Katherine Stacks, deceased. 6. Margaret O'Connor, lives at Grafton. 7. Emma, now Mrs. T. C. Washington, lives at Grafton. 8. John W., cashier of the Grafton Savings & Banking Company. 9. Frank, lives at Dearborn, Mich. 10. Celia, lives at Elyria. Jacob A. Knechtges obtained his education in the public schools. For a period of 15 years he was employed in the stone quarries and in 1895 established a retail grocery business in Grafton. He became associated in the same business in 1900 in partnership with J. H. Gorman, at that time adding shoes to the grocery business, and the business still continues under the firm name of Knechtges & Gorman. He organized the Grafton Lumber & Coal Company in 1908, and in January, 1918, was one of the founders of the Grafton Savings & Banking Company, having been elected to the office of president at that time and still holds that office. In 1891 Mr. Knechtges married Miss Theresa O'Connor, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Whalen) O'Connor, of Lorain County, both now deceased. They are buried in Elyria. Mr. and Mrs. Knechtges are the parents of the following children : 1. Harlan, a veteran of the World War, Jives at Elyria. He married Miss Clara Kirkbride, and they have five children : Thomas, Patricia, Harold, Jerry, and Mary. 2. Sister Casimer, lives at Buffalo, N. Y. 3. Gertrude, a public health nurse, widow of George Walsh, lives at Cleveland. 4. Chauncey, married Catherine Ward, and they have three children : John, Jean, and William. They live at Grafton. 5. Sister Rosalima, lives at Lowellville, Pa. 6. Miles, married 1424 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Eleanor Kissling, lives at Elyria, and they have one daughter, Ellen Jane. 7. Alice, teacher, lives at Cleveland. 8. Clement, attends Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. 9. Gilbert, deceased. Mr. Knechtges is a Democrat and has served as treasurer of Village of Grafton for 25 years, and was postmaster of Grafton in 1896 and 1897. He and his family hold membership in the Immaculate Conception Church, and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus. Orsan S. Hofman. One of the best known citizens of Huron County is Oran S. Hofman, who lives retired at Plymouth. He was born here, Oct. 5, 1852, the son of Augustine and Sarah Lingle (Light) Hofman. Augustine Hofman was a native of York, Pa., born Sept. 14, 1822, and his wife was born at Plymouth, Feb. 20, 1830. At the age of five years he was brought to Plymouth, Ohio, by his parents, John and Caroline Hof-man, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania during the early days. John Hofman established a jewelry business at Bucyrus, Ohio, and was thus engaged at the time of his death. He served in the Mexican War, as drummer boy. Augustine Hofman lived at Mansfield, where he was educated. He learned the jewelry business with his father, and later founded a jewelry business at Plymouth, which he disposed of to his brother, George Hofman. Mr. Hofman died in October, 1878, and his wife died in 1915. Both are buried at Plymouth. Their children were: Mary Elizabeth, the widow of George Startzman, lives at South Pasadena, Calif.; Eleanor Augusta, married D. B. King, both deceased ; Orsan S., the subject of this sketch ; Annie Marie, married James G. Graham, lives at South Pasadena, Calif.; and Chase P., lives at Springfield, Ohio. The education of Orsan S. Hufman was received in the public schools of Plymouth, and at an early age he became associated with his father's jewelry business. In 1873 he went to Newark, Ohio, where he was employed in a jewelry store. Three years later he was located at Bloomville, Ohio, and from 1879 until 1881 managed the interests of his mother at Plymouth. Mr. Hofman then opened a jewelry store at Springfield, Ohio, which he sold in 1894. In that year he went to Columbus, Ohio, and organized the Hofman Jewelry Company, at 78 North High Street, which was incorporated. Mr. Hofman became president, treasurer and general manager. The business was wholesale as well as retail, and became one of the well known establishments of Columbus. Mr. Hofman sold his interests in 1915 and has since lived retired at Plymouth. He had erected the Hofman Building at 78 North High Street, Columbus, in 1907, and in 1914 built a fine residence in Bexley, which he sold in 1919. Mr. Hofman HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1425 also acquired extensive real estate holdings at San Diego, Calif., in 1919, of which he is still in possession. He is a director of the Peoples National Bank of Plymouth, and served for three years on the board of trustees of the Huron County Children's Home. In October, 1876, Mr. Hofman was united in marriage with Miss Sina Ann Beelman, who died in 1908, and is buried in Mansfield. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary Beelman, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. He engaged in the furniture business for a number of years and was also a funeral director. He is buried in Columbus and his wife is buried in Mansfield. To Orsan S. and Sina Ann (Beelman) Hofman one son was born, Jay B., who died Sept. 23, 1898, while in service during the Spanish-American War. Mr. Hofman was married (second) on May 4, 1910, to Mrs. Cynthia (Dalie) Allen, the daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Crofts) Dalie, natives of Maine and England, respectively. Both are buried at Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Hofman is a Republican and has served as central committeeman. He is former president of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and holds membership in the Church of Christ Scientist. He is affiliated with Franklin Lodge, F. & A. M., and on Oct. 24, 1894, was crowned a 33rd degree Mason, of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in New York City. Robert E. Andrews is numbered among the progressive and well known young business men of Wellington, where he is cashier of the First National Bank. He was born in Wellington, Feb. 6, 1903, the son of Fred E. and Alena (Starr) Andrews. Fred E. Andrews, retired, was for many years a representative business man of Wellington, where he was identified with the firm of Andrews & Estey, furniture dealers and funeral directors. He was born at Meriden, Conn., and his wife is a native of Penfield, Ohio. Early in life he came to Ohio and spent some time as a farmer. He later conducted a retail meat business at LaGrange, Ohio, and in 1900 removed to Wellington, where he was employed for a short time in a flour mill. He became interested in the furniture business as a member of the firm of Damon & Andrews, and subsequently was associated with Mr. Estey. Later Mr. Andrews purchased the latter's interests and conducted the business alone. At the time of his retirement in 1925 he was devoting his entire time to the interests of his funeral home. Mr. Andrews is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Wellington Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 127. He has been a director of the First 1426 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO National Bank for a number of years, and served as its president five years. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were born four children: 1. Georgia, who is secretary to the editor of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland. 2. Mayme, deceased. 3. Keith, funeral director, Wellington. 4. Robert E., the subject of this sketch. Alena (Starr) Andrews is the daughter of 0. K. Starr, deceased. He spent his entire life at Penfield, Ohio, and was widely known throughout North Central Ohio as a stock dealer. Robert E. Andrews received his education in the public schools of Wellington, from which he was graduated in 1921. He spent one year at Oberlin College, and completed a course of study at the Oberlin School of Commerce in 1923. In that year he entered the First National Bank of Wellington as a bookkeeper, and in 1926 was elected cashier. He also was appointed a director of the bank in 1930. In politics Mr. Andrews is independent. He is a member of the Methodist Church, Wellington Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 127, and Kiwanis Club. Arthur H. Binder. One of the best known and most successful business men of Lorain County is Arthur H. Binder, who is president of the First National Bank, of Wellington, and leading druggist. He was born at Meadville, Crawford County, Pa., Oct. 28, 1878, the son of Charles and Wilhelmina (Smith) Binder. Charles Binder, retired, is a native of Germany. As a youth he came to the United States and settled at Meadville, where he became prosperous as a lumber dealer. He now lives at Wellington. Wilhelmina (Smith) Binder was born at Meadville, Pa., died at Wellington, April 30, 1928. Mr. Binder is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Binder had only one child, Arthur H., the subject of this sketch. The early education of Arthur H. Binder was received in the public schools of Meadville, and after his graduation from high school in 1894 he entered the employ of Klopfenstein & Bousch, druggists, of Meadville. He subsequently took up the study of pharmacy and was graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 1902. He became a registered pharmacist in the State of Pennsylvania during the same year and spent the following four years as a druggist at Titusville and East Brady, Pa. In 1906 Mr. Binder came to Wellington and purchased the drug business of Bert Skaden. From a small beginning in business here Mr. Binder has developed one of the leading drug establishments in the county, and has an excellent trade. He removed to his present location in February, 1920. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1427 Since 1927 Mr. Binder has been identified with the First National Bank, of Wellington, as a director, and was elected president of the institution in 1930. In 1913 Mr. Binder married Miss Sarah Leming, the daughter of George and Henrietta Leming, of St. Louis, Mo. Both are deceased. Mr. Binder is a Republican in politics and has served as a member of the city council for five years. He belongs to the Congregational Church, Kiwanis Club, Ohio State Pharmaceutical Society, and has the following lodge affiliations: Wellington Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 127 ; Wellington Chapter, R. A. M., No. 109; ElyCommandery R. & S. M. M.; Elyria Cornmandery, K. T.; Lake Erie Consistory, 32nd degree, life member; 0. E. S., Chapter 103 ; and White Shrine of Jerusalem. Ernst L. Henes. As owner and editor of the Wellington Enterprise, Ernst L. Henes, a veteran of the World War, has a wide acquaintance throughout Lorain County. He was born at Lorain, Ohio, May 2, 1900, the son of Anthony and Martha (Schultz) Henes. Anthony Henes is a native of Ohio, born in Lorain County. Mrs. Henes came to America from Germany when only sixteen years of age and made her home from that time until her death in Lorain County. When approximately nineteen years of age she and Mr. Henes were married and to this union were born two sons and one daughter, as follows : Elmer, a World War veteran, now engaged in mercantile business at Huron, Ohio ; Hazel, who married Adolph Bergstrom, a machinist living at Cleveland, Ohio ; Ernst L., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Henes died in 1908 and is buried in Amherst, Ohio. In 1910 Mr. Henes was married the second time to Miss Ida Cook, the daughter of William and Margaret Cook, of Huron, Ohio. To this union have been born two sons, Russell, now living at Lorain ; and Grant, now living at home. Mr. Henes successfully engaged in general farming in Lorain County until 1922. In that year he retired and moved to Huron, Erie County, Ohio. Since 1924 Mr. and Mrs. Henes have been living at Coral Gables, Fla. He is Republican in politics, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Maccabees. Ernst L. Henes attended the rural schools of Lorain County and was graduated from Amherst High School in 1917. He was among the first to enlist for service in the World War from this county, having enlisted April 6, 1917, as a member of Company B, Fifth Ohio National Guard, which became Company B, 145th Infantry, 37th Division. He was later 1428 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO transferred to Company A, First Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Battalion, and went to France with that unit. He participated in such important engagements as the Battle of St. Mihiel, Chateau Thierry, and Meuse-Argonne, being discharged with the rank of corporal in May, 1919. Mr. Henes was graduated from Oberlin School of Commerce in 1920 and began his career as a clerk in the offices of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company at Akron, Ohio. He was later identified with the Willys-Overland Company as an accountant in their offices at Elyria, and began his newspaper career with the Ashtabula Star-Beacon. On Aug. 16, 1924, in partnership with Paul L. Powell, he purchased the Wellington Enterprise, and became sole owner of the publication in February, 1929. It is published semi-weekly and has an extensive circulation. In 1923 Mr. Henes married Miss Martha Artz, a daughter of Simon Artz, who is a leading merchant of Shelby, Ohio. They have one child, Helen, born Feb. 28, 1931. Mr. Henes is an active member of the Methodist Church and belongs to Wellington Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 127; Order of Eastern Star, No. 103 ; American Legion ; and Kiwanis Club. He is a Republican in politics. Ralph Warren Faus, M. D., of Wellington, who ranks among the capable young physicians and surgeons of Lorain County, is a veteran of the World War. He was born in Cleveland, March 17, 1892, the son of Oliver W. and Hattie E. (Highley) Faus. Oliver W. Faus lives retired in Cleveland. Both he and his wife are natives of Ohio, born at Port Clinton and Rocky River, respectively. As a young man he learned the printer's trade and for many years was identified with the A. N. Kellogg Newspaper Company of Cleveland. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Faus are the parents of four children: 1. Ralph Warren, the subject of this sketch. 2. Mildred, married James Barr, lives at Cleveland. 3. Melvin W., a veteran of the World War, having served in the U. S. Navy. He lives at Cleveland. 4. Dr. James C., a graduate of Western Reserve University, lives at Cleveland, where he is engaged in the practice of dentistry. Ralph Warren Faus obtained his early education in the Cleveland public schools, being a graduate of West High School in 1910. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Cleveland Homeopathic College in 1914, spent the following year as an interne in Huron Road Hospital, Cleveland, and during 1915-16 engaged in private practice at LaGrange, Ohio. He established his present practice in Wellington in 1916, but in September, 1917, enlisted for service in the World War, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1429 being commissioned a first lieutenant, U. S. Medical Corps. He was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind., and in December, 1917, was transferred to Camp Dodge, Iowa. He was discharged from the service in 1918 and resumed his practice in Wellington at that time. The Faus Clinic, which was founded by Dr. Faus at Wellington in June, 1929, is the first enterprise of this type ever attempted in the city, and has already proven to be of exceptional value to the community. In 1915 Doctor Faus was united in marriage with Miss Elsa M. Sydow, the daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Miller) Sydow. They are residents of Nottingham, Ohio. Doctor and Mrs. Faus have a daughter, Marjorie. Politically, Doctor Faus is a Democrat. He is a member of American Legion, Post No. 8; Phi Alpha Gamma fraternity ; Spring Valley Country Club ; Wellington Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 127 ; Wellington Chapter, R. A. M.; and Elyria Council, R. and S. M. M. He also is identified with the Lorain County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Thomas Hugh Kane, who is president of the Kiwanis Club, at Wellington, is a substantial and well known citizen of Lorain County. He was born at Centreville, Iowa, July 21, 1875, the son of Thomas Hugh and Ellen (O'Connor) Kane. Thomas Hugh Kane was a native of Vermont. His wife was born in Ireland. As a young man he went to Michigan and settled at Sturgis, where he was engaged as a railroad contractor. He was a Democrat in politics and held numerous township offices. Both he and his wife were members of the Catholic Church. They are deceased and are buried at Sturgis, Mich. To Mr. and Mrs. Kane the following children were born: William, lives at Wadsworth, Ohio ; Mary, married Theodore Cummings, lives at Sturgis, Mich. ; Thomas Hugh, the subject of this sketch ; Charles Morris, lives at Ashtabula, Ohio ; Nora, married George Condon, lives at Sturgis, Mich. ; Julia, who died in 1921; and George, who lives at Canton, Ohio. Thomas Hugh Kane received his education in the public schools and is a graduate of South Bend (Ind.) High School. As a young man he followed the blacksmith trade and was thus employed throughout the Middle West. He settled at Wellington in 1901 and was employed in the shops of R. T. Spicer, until in 1902 he purchased the business. Mr. Kane spent 1914 as a special student at Cornell University, but continued his business in Wellington until 1920, at which time he disposed of it on 1430 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO account of ill health. In November of that year he purchased the business interests of Ralph Rowlin, of Howk & Rowlin, proprietors of a recreation room, cigar store and confectionery. The business continued as Howk & Kane until the death of Mr. Howk in April, 1922, when Mr. Kane became sole owner. In 1903 Mr. Kane was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Hilliker, the daughter of Merle and Emma Hilliker, natives of New York. Mr. Hilliker lives in Wellington. His wife is deceased and is buried at North Collins, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Kane have no children. Mr. Kane has always been a Republican. He is a charter member of the Wellington Kiwanis Club, of which he is also president. His lodge affiliations are : Wellington Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 127 ; Wellington Chapter, R. A. M., No. 109, Past High Priest ; Elyria Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 86 ; 0. E. S., Chapter No. 103 ; and Tribe of Ben Hur, Chief. Ernest C. Toghill, who is superintendent of the Osborn Manufacturing Company, at Grafton, is a substantial citizen of Lorain County. He was born in Cleveland, Aug. 10, 1895, the son of George and Jane (Thompson) Toghill. Both George Toghill and his wife were born in Gloucestershire, England, where they spent their early lives. After their marriage they came to this country and settled in Cleveland, where Mr. Toghill was employed as a stationary engineer. He is now serving in that capacity with the Chandler & Rudd Company in Cleveland. Mr. Toghill is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Forresters. To Mr. and Mrs. Toghill four children were born : Katie, married John Dix ; Elizabeth ; Ernest C.; and Viola. All are residents of Cleveland except Ernest C., the subject of this sketch. Ernest C. Toghill is a graduate of the public schools in Cleveland, including East Technical High School. He spent four years in the employ of the Cleveland Automatic Company as a pattern maker, and later served in the same capacity with the Wellman-Seaver Company, and Superior Foundry Company, of Cleveland. He has been identified with the Osborn Manufacturing Company since 1916, and came to Grafton in 1920, when the company built a local plant and foundry. He has served as superintendent since 1924. Mr. Toghill has taken numerous courses in extension work in metallurgy, electrical engineering, engineering maintenance, shop management, and law. On June 4, 1919, Mr. Toghill was united in marriage with Miss Stella C. Metzger, the daughter of John and Frederica Metzger, natives of Val- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1431 ley City, Ohio. Mr. Metzger lives in Cleveland. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Toghill have three children: LaVerne C., Adelbert E., and Clifford George. Mr. Toghill has always been a Republican. He served as president of the council during 1925 and is still a member of that body. He has also been a member of the school board. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to LaGrange Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 399 ; Independent Order of Forresters ; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Past Noble Grand. He also belongs to the Ohio State Foundrymens Association. He and his wife are members of The Anchor Rebecca Lodge, No. 361, of Grafton, Ohio, and she belongs to Linden Chapter of Eastern Star. Rev. Anthony B. Orlemanski, who is pastor of the Church of the Assumption, of Grafton, is a prominent citizen of Lorain County. He was born at Erie, Pa., June 6, 1896, the son of Stanislaw and Helena (Dabroski) Orlemanski. Stanislaw Orlemanski was a native of Posen, Poland, as was his wife. He was the manager of a large estate in his native land, but shortly after his marriage emigrated to the United States and settled at Erie, Pa., where he became the proprietor of a well established grocery business. For several years he was also in the employ of the New York Central Railroad, and as a reward for an act of bravery while in the latter's employ he received the Carnegie medal. Mr. Orlemanski died in February, 1928, and his wife died in August, 1929. Both are buried at Erie. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: 1. Anna, the widow of Max Krzyzan, lives at Youngstown. 2. Mary, married Michael Polaski, lives at Erie. 3. Joseph, lives at Erie. 4. Rev. Bernard, deceased. He was ordained to the priesthood after his graduation from St. Francis (Wisconsin) Seminary, and at the time of his death was located at Kankakee, Ill. 5. Rev. Stanley, who was ordained to the priesthood after his graduation from the Grande Seminary, Montreal, Canada, now located at Springfield, Mass. 6. Rev. Cassimer, ordained to the priesthood after his graduation from St. Mary's Seminary, Orchard Lake, Wis., now located at Natrona Heights, Pa. 7. Rev. Anthony B., the subject of this sketch. 8. Hattie, lives at Springfield, Mass. 9. Louise, lives at Erie. 10. Theresa, deceased. After his graduation from the parochial schools of Erie, Pa., Anthony B. Orlemanski attended Central High School, Erie. He was graduated from St. Mary's Seminary, at Orchard Lake, Mich., in 1917, and from St. Mary's Seminary, Cleveland, in 1922, being ordained to the priesthood 1432 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO by Bishop Joseph Schrembs, D. D., at St. John's Cathedral, Cleveland, in the latter year. He then served as pastor of St. John the Baptist Church at Campbell, Ohio, until June 6, 1925, when he was transferred to his present charge in Grafton as pastor of the Church of the Assumption. Rev. Orlemanski is identified with the Cleveland Council, Knights of Columbus ; and is chaplain of the Knights of St. John, No. 322. Aaron L. Lockheart. Outstanding among the representative farmers of North Central Ohio is Aaron L. Lockheart, who is general manager of the Willeben Farms, located near Lexington, in Richland County. Mr. Lockheart was born in Jefferson Township, Richland County, June 15, 1888, the son of A. M. and Ella (Garber) Lockheart. A. M. Lockheart was born in Jefferson Township, and his wife is also a native of that section. He was a successful dairy farmer for a number of years, being the owner of a well improved farm of 160 acres. He was also one of the leading potato growers of Richland County. Mr. Lockheart died in 1917 and was buried at Bellville. His widow lives at that place. Mr. Lockheart was a Republican and served as a member of the school board. He held membership in the Universalist Church and belonged to the Knights of Pythias, and Bellville Lodge, F. and A. M. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lockheart: Aaron L., the subject of this sketch ; Fred, deceased ; Mary, married Richard Kochheiser, lives at Mansfield ; and Martha, married Lee Weaver, lives at Bellville. Aaron L. Lockheart grew up at Bellville, where he received his early education. In 1909 he was graduated from Ohio State University, spent the following two years on his father's farm, and then engaged in general farming in Jefferson Township. He has been identified with the Willeben Farms as general manager since 1919. It is one of the largest and most successful dairy farms in this part of Ohio and contains 600 acres of fine farm land. During 1929 Mr. Lockheart's select herd of 36 Holstein cows averaged 425 pounds butter fat. In 1924 he was awarded highest honors for the premier exhibit of Hampshire hogs at the Ohio State fair, and during 1929, Mr. Lockheart served as judge of Hampshire hogs at the annual State fair. He is even better known as a potato grower and during 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, had the highest average yield on a measured acre in the State of Ohio. On Sept. 17, 1930, "Potato Field Day," for the entire State of Ohio, was held at Willeben Farms, with an attendance of over 1,500 people from all sections of the state. Mr. Lockheart was president of the Ohio Potato Growers Association during 1929-30 and is now HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1433 vice president of the Ohio Certified Potato Seed Growers Association, and president of the North Central Milk Producers Association. On March 11, 1912, Mr. Lockheart was united in marriage with Miss Maville Lodewick, the daughter of Aiken and Cora Lodewick, natives of New York and Indiana, respectively. Mr. Lodewick is deceased, and is buried at Auburn, Ind. His widow lives at Roswell, N. M. Three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lockheart : Dorothy E., Margaret A., and Elizabeth Ann. Mr. Lockheart is a Republican, a member of the Universalist Church, and belongs to Bellville Lodge, F. & A. M., Richland County Farm Bureau, and the Grange. In 1930 he was selected as a master farmer by the Ohio Farmer. This is the highest honor that can be conferred upon a farmer. There are now about 55 master farmers in the State. Mr. Lockheart is the first farmer to have that distinction in Richland County. Floyd E. Sharp. One of the progressive business men of Lorain County, is found in Floyd E. Sharp, who is manager of the Kipton Elevator Company, of Kipton. He was born in Sylvania Township, Lucas County, Ohio, May 1, 1877, the son of Henry and Ella (Metcalf) Sharp. Henry Sharp was born in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1850, and spent practically his entire life in Lucas County, Ohio, his parents having removed there when he was three years of age. He was a farmer and the owner of 120 acres of well improved land. Mr. Sharp died in 1925 and his wife, also a native of New York, died in 1913. They are buried at Berkey, Ohio. He was a Republican and held membership in the Christian Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sharp: Floyd E., the subject of this sketch ; Roy, deceased ; Mabel, deceased ; Clyde, lives at Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Cleon, deceased ; and two others who died in infancy. The boyhood of Floyd E. Sharp was spent in Lucas County, where he attended the district schools. He is a graduate of Fayette Normal School, and in 1900 completed a course of study at Fayette Business College. From 1900 until 1911 Mr. Sharp engaged in general farming and stock raising in Sylvania Township, and during the latter year purchased a well improved farm of 151 acres in Camden Township, Lorain County, where he remained until 1918. He has since been a resident of Kipton, and in 1919 accepted his present position as manager of the Kipton Elevator Company. Mr. Sharp is still the owner of 390 acres of land in Camden Township, some of which extends into Lucas County, Ohio. In 1901 Mr. Sharp married Miss Louise Bartholomew, the daughter of Jay and Emily Bartholomew, natives of New York, both of whom are 1434 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Sharp were born three children: 1. Darwin, lives at Lorain. He married Miss Dorothy Raab, and they have a son, Darwin, Jr. 2. Jay, lives at Kipton. He married Miss Stella Krieg, and they have a son, Cleon. 3. Madge, married Earl Smith, lives at Cleveland. Mr. Sharp has been a member of the Kipton School Board for one term and has served as clerk of the Camden Township School Board for 12 years. He is master of the Kipton Grange, former director of the Lorain County Farm Bureau, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican and holds membership in the Community Church. Clarence E. Cooper. As mayor of Amherst, Mr. Cooper is prominent in the city, having had numerous business connections there for many years. He was born at Ida, Mich., Oct. 14, 1887, the son of John G. and Mary Catherine (Wertenberger) Cooper. John G. Cooper was a native of Germany and his wife was born in Ohio. He was three years of age when he was brought to this country by his parents. He grew up at Ida, Mich., where he was educated, and he also attended Michigan State Normal School. He engaged in the teaching profession most successfully for almost 30 years, and also was the owner of a well improved farm. He was living retired at the time of his death in 1924. His wife died in 1910. Both are buried at Ida. Mr. Cooper was a Republican in politics and held membership in the Evangelical Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper: John F., lives at Hamburg, Mich.; G. E., lives at Utica, Mich.; 0. Freeman, lives at Lone Rock, Wis.; Frank, deceased ; Mrs. A. J. Cole, lives at Toledo, Ohio ; J. Irwin, deceased ; Clarence E., the subject of this sketch ; Grace, who is assistant professor in English at Michigan State Normal School; Mrs. W. J. Scheid, registered nurse, lives at Ida, Mich.; Mrs. Ada French, registered nurse, served throughout the World War, lives at Los Angeles, Calif.; Sidney, a World War veteran, now a teacher in Ludington (Mich.) High School ; Ralph W., a World War veteran, lives at Monroe, Mich.; and Orlo, a World War veteran, lives at Ida, Mich. The early education of Clarence E. Cooper was received in the public schools of Ida, Mich., but at the age of 13 years he left school and went to work as a farm laborer. In 1910 he became a stationary engineer at the Ebenezer Orphan Home at Flat Rock, Ohio, and two years later removed to Amherst as a mechanic in the employ of the U. S. Automatic Company. He left that concern after twelve years, after having established an insurance agency in Amherst in 1921. He represents the fol- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1435 lowing well known companies : U. S. Fidelity & Guaranty Company ; Automobile Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn. ; Aetna Fire Ins. Co.; Commercial Union ; Spring Fire Insurance Co.; North British Insurance Co.; and Ohio State Insurance Co. In 1912 Mr. Cooper was married to Miss Amelia Dute, the daughter of John and Aurella (Heussner) Dute, natives of Ohio, both now deceased. Politically Mr. Cooper is a Republican, and in 1929 was elected to the office of mayor of Amherst. He is vice president of the School Board, having served as a member of that body for the past six years, and he is also a member of the Lorain County Republican Executive Committee. He is secretary and treasurer of the Amherst Hospital Association, president of the Amherst Business Men's Association, Deputy Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, and trustee of the Amherst Outdoor Life Association. He has the following lodge affiliations : Stoningham Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 503, Past Master ; Lorain Chapter, R. A. M.; Lorain Council, R. & S. M. M.; Lorain Commandery, K. T.; Order Eastern Star, Stone City Chapter, Past Patron ; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Plato Lodge, No. 403; Knights of Pythias ; F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 1442. Mr. Cooper is a prominent member of the Congregational Church, having served for 13 years as Sunday School superintendent. He also held the office of president of the Brownhelm-Amherst Township Sunday School Association for three years, and was president of the Lorain County Sunday School Association for three years, as well as deacon for 12 years, trustee for eight years, and treasurer for five years. J. G. Holland. As the capable superintendent of the Lorain County Childrens Home at Oberlin, Mr. Holland is well and favorably known throughout North Central Ohio. He was born at Huntington, Lorain County, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1890, the son of W. S. and Alice (Jones) Holland. W. S. Holland, who lives retired at Wellington, spent his entire active career as a farmer in Lorain County, and was widely known. He retired in 1916. He is a Republican and holds membership in the Methodist Church. His wife, born at Canal Dover, Ohio, died in 1914, and is buried at Huntington. Their children were : Lucille, the widow of E. F. Walker, lives at Cleveland ; J. G., the subject of this sketch ; Dorothy, married Clifton West, lives at Wellington ; and Marian, married M. J. King, lives at Wellington. J. G. Holland attended the district schools near Huntington and is a graduate of Wellington High School, class of 1908. He was interested in general farming until 1924, at which time he retired on account of ill 1436 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO health. He received his present appointment as superintendent of the Lorain County Childrens Home in 1926. In 1915 Mr. Holland was united in marriage with Miss Erza Dirlam, of Huntington, the daughter of E. B. and Charlotte (Peet) Dirlam, the former a native of Kansas and the latter of Michigan. They are residents of Oberlin. Mr. and Mrs. Holland have no children. Mr. Holland is a member of the Methodist Church and is affiliated with Oberlin Lodge, F. and A. M. He is also a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Wellington. Politically he is a Republican. His wife is a member of the Universalist Church and belongs to the Eastern Star. Ernest Hatch Wilkins. As president of Oberlin College, Ernest Hatch Wilkins is numbered among the prominent citizens of North Central Ohio. He was born in Newton Center, Mass., Sept. 14, 1880, the son of Samuel Francis and Laura Elizabeth (Hatch) Wilkins. Ernest Hatch Wilkins received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College in 1900, being elected to the honorary fraternity of Phi Beta Kappa, and he also received the degree of Master of Arts from the same institution in 1903. During 1904-5 he was a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University, and in 1910 was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Harvard University. He has since received the degree of Litt. D. at Amherst College in 1920, and the degree of LL. D. at the University of Chicago, Western Reserve University, and Beloit College. Doctor Wilkins was identified with Amherst College from 1900 until 1904 as an instructor in Romance languages, served in the same capacity at Harvard University from 1906 until 1912, and then went to the University of Chicago, where he served as associate professor from 1912 until 1916, and with the rank of professor from 1916 until 1927. He was Dean of the Colleges of Arts, Literature, and Science, 1923-26, at the University of Chicago, and has served as president of Oberlin College since 1927. Doctor Wilkins was associate executive secretary of the War Personnel Board, of the National War Work Council of the Y. M. C. A., from June until August, 1918, and director of the Educational Bureau, of the same council, in charge of educational work carried on by that organization in camps throughout the United States, from September, 1918, until June, 1919. He is a member of the board of directors of the Institution of Social and Religious Research ; chairman of the Commission on Co-ordination of Efforts for Peace ; Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science ; member of the Modern Language Association of America, of HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1437 which he was vice president during 1918-19 ; member of the American Association of University Professors, and chairman of Commiteee G, on Intellectual Interests of Undergraduates, during 1921-26; member of the Mediaeval Academy ; member of the Dante Society ; of the American Oriental Society, and of the Ohio Society of New York. For the year 1931 he was president of the Association of American Colleges. Doctor Wilkins holds membership in the Faculty Club and Golf Club of Oberlin ; the Union Club of Cleveland ; the University and Quadrangle Clubs of Chicago ; the Harvard and Town Hall Clubs of New York ; and the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was made Cavaliere della Corona d'Italia in 1920. Doctor Wilkins is a Republican in politics. He is the author of such important works as "Dante—Poet and Apostle"; "The Trees of the Genealogia Deroum" ; "The Changing College"; "Above Pompeii"; joint author of "Concordance to the Latin Works of Dante"; translator of Papini's "Four and Twenty Minds" ; and writer of numerous works on Italian literature. On June 12, 1906, Doctor Wilkins was married to Miss Oriana Phillips Hall, of Cambridge, Mass. They have two children, Eleanor C. and Robert H. Wilkins. Alvin William Jones, who is proprietor of the Jones Floral Company, is a progressive business man and substantial citizen of Oberlin. He was born at Weeping Water, Neb., July 24, 1887, the son of William Henry and Elizabeth E. (Wright) Jones. William Jones, who died at Lorain, Ohio, in 1920, was a native of England. He came to this country with his parents, who settled on a farm in Lorain County, and at the age of 16 years went to Weeping Water, Neb., where he became interested in the greenhouse business, as well as truck gardening. He removed to Grand Island, Neb., in 1888, and in 1899 returned to Ohio and located at Geneva. He established a greenhouse business in Lorain in 1900, which he successfully conducted until his death in 1920, being recognized as one of Lorain's pioneer florists. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. His widow, born near Painesville, Ohio, in 1864, lives at Oberlin. Mr. Jones was a Republican, and an ardent worker for the cause of prohibition. He held membership in the Methodist Church and Modern Woodmen of America. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born three children: Alvin William, the subject of this sketch ; Aurel E., lives at Oberlin ; and William Henry, Jives in New York. The boyhood of A. W. Jones was spent in Nebraska, and he was educated in the public schools of Geneva and Lorain. He also attended 1438 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Lorain Business College, and at an early age became associated in business with his father. With the latter's aid in 1907 he established a floral business in Oberlin, which he successfully conducted until 1914. At that time he sold the business to a Mr. Cook, but continued in Mr. Cook's employ until 1920. Mr. Jones then formed a partnership with W. A. Humm, and the firm of Humm & Jones, florists, continued for a period of four years, when Mr. Jones disposed of his interest to his partner. In January, 1926, Mr. Jones purchased the greenhouse and florist business from Mr. Cook, which had been established by him many years before. An attractive flower shop is located at 59 South Main Street. Mr. Jones was married (first) to Miss Edith Papworth, of Oberlin, the daughter of John and Clara (Hilliard) Papworth. To them a daughter was born, Alice May, born Jan. 17, 1915, attends Oberlin High School. Mr. Jones was married (second) to Mabel (Marsh) Ryan, of Elyria. By a former marriage Mrs. Jones has a son, Fred Ryan, born in 1922. To A. W. and Mabel (Marsh) Jones has been born a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born in May, 1928. Mr. Jones is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Oberlin College Library contains over 323,000 bound volumes and more than 200,000 unbound volumes and pamphlets. Beginning very modestly with a few volumes gathered by the Reverend J. J. Shipherd at the time of the founding of the College, it has in less than a century grown to be one of the large educational collections of the country. Until 1874 members of the faculty had charge of the library in addition to their regular teaching work, the first on record being Henry E. Whipple, principal of Preparatory Department, who was librarian from 1850 until 1853; and the second, Professor James Dascomb, who served from 1853 until 1874. In 1874 the Rev. Henry Matson was appointed with the librarianship as his sole duty. In 1887 when Prof. Azariah S. Root succeeded him, the great period of the library's growth began. Under Professor Root's wise administration, extending over 40 years, the library grew from 14,000 volumes to almost 300,000. He was a recognized authority on library matters, honored with many responsibilities in both state and national organizations, including the presidency of the American Library Association. He died in 1927. The present librarian is Julian S. Fowler, who was formerly librarian of the University of Cincinnati. During the first 50 years of its existence the library was housed in various college buildings, such as the old chapel and Society Hall, both HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1439 long since demolished. In 1885 funds were provided for the erection of the Spear Library, and the library for the first time had a building of its own, but this was outgrown in a comparatively short time. In 1908, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the College, was marked by the opening of the new Carnegie Library. In this same year an arrangement was made by which, in return for a very small tax levy, free library service is given to all residents of the village and union school district. Oberlin thus became the first combined college and free public library in the United States. Keith S. Andrews. Outstanding among the representative young men of Lorain County is Keith S. Andrews, who is identified with the Andrews Funeral Home of Wellington. He was born at Penfield, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1899, the son of Fred E. and Alena (Starr) Andrews. Fred E. Andrews, retired, is a prominent citizen of Wellington, where he has spent many years. He was born at Meriden, Conn., and his wife was a native of Penfield, Ohio. Early in life he came to Ohio where he spent some time as a farmer. He later conducted a retail meat business at LaGrange, Ohio, and in 1900 removed to Wellington, where he was employed for a short time in a flour mill. He then became interested in the furniture business as a member of the firm of Damon & Andrews, and subsequently was associated with Mr. Estey, under the firm name of Andrews & Estey. Later Mr. Andrews purchased the latter's interest and conducted the business alone. At the time of his retirement in 1925 he was devoting his entire time to the interests of his funeral home, which is now conducted by his son. Mr. Andrews has been a director of the First National Bank for a number of years and served as its president for five years. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were born four children : 1. Georgia, who is secretary to the editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. 2. Mayme, deceased. 3. Keith S., the subject of this sketch. 4. Robert E., who is cashier of the First National Bank of Wellington. Mr. Andrews is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Wellington Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 127. After his graduation from Wellington High School in 1915, Keith S. Andrews attended Western Reserve University for one year. Upon his return to Wellington he became associated in business with his father and became a partner in the business in 1923. It was conducted as F. E. Andrews & Son until the retirement of Mr. Andrews' father in 1925, the business since being known as The Andrews Funeral Home. It is located at 111 Cortland Street. 1440 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Andrews was married in 1925 to Miss Dorothy Foote, of Wellington, who is a graduate of Oberlin College, class of 1921. She is the daughter of Rollin D. and Elizabeth (Carter) Foote. The former was born at Huntington and the latter at Norwalk. They are residents of Wellington. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have a son, David F., born Feb. 9, 1930. Mr. Andrews is affiliated with Wellington Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 127, Past Master; Wellington Chapter, R. A. M., High Priest; Order Eastern Star ; Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Fraternal Order of Eagles ; and Kiwanis Club. He holds membership in the Methodist Church and his wife belongs to the Congregational Church. Robert Hugh Nimmons. Numbered among the leading business men of Plymouth, Ohio, is Robert Hugh Nimmons, who is president of the Peoples National Bank, of Plymouth. He was born near Butler, DeKalb County, Ind., Dec. 16, 1855, the son of Maholn T. and Louisa (Krafft) Nimmons. Maholn T. Nimmons was born near Binghamton, N. Y., and at an early age came to Ohio with his parents and settled at Plymouth in Richland County. After his marriage in 1855 Mr. Nimmons went to DeKalb County, Ind., where he taught school and farmed. He returned, however, to Plymouth in 1865 and died here that year. His wife was born in Baden, Germany, and was 12 years of age when she came to this country with her parents. She is also deceased. They are buried at Plymouth. To Mr. and Mrs. Nimmons were born three children: Robert Hugh, the subject of this sketch ; John, deceased, was a widely known farmer of Plymouth Township, Richland County ; and Minnie, deceased. Mr. Nimmons was a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Robert Hugh Nimmons began his school career in DeKalb County, Ind., but came to Richland County with his parents in 1865 when he was ten years old. He is a graduate of Plymouth High School. On March 11, 1889, he purchased an interest in the hardware store of B. F. Dimm, the firm being known as Dimm & Nimmons. The following year Samuel E. Nimmons purchased Mr. Dimm's interest in the business, which thereafter was known as Nimmons & Nimmons. Fred Nimmons, a son of Robert H. Nimmons, became manager later, and Samuel Nimmons disposed of his interest in the business to R. H. and Fred Nimmons, and removed to Michigan. The store was sold to Brown and Miller in 1925 and they still conduct the business. In November, 1903, Mr. Nimmons was one of the organizers of the Peoples National Bank and became its first vice president and a director. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1441 He was elected president of the institution on Jan. ohn918. The other officers are : Jiohn I. Beelman, vice president; J. E. Nimmons, cashier; and C. M. Lofland, assistant cashier. Directors are : R. H. Nimmons, John I. Beelman, Emerson Dickson, Charles E. Heath, J. W. McIntire, 0. S. Hofman, F. M. Nimmons, C. M. Lofland, and J. E. Nimmons. The statement of the Peoples National Bank as of Sept. 24, 1930, follows : Resources: Loans and Discounts, $437,432.18 ; Overdrafts, $178.45 ; U. S. Government Securities, $52,550.00 ; Other Bonds and Securities, $57,378.35; Banking House and Fixtures, $6,200.00 ; Other Real Estate Owned, $23,651.00; Cash and Due from Banks, $117,556.86; Redemption Fund, U. S. Treasury, $2,500.00; Other Assets, $3,144.41. Total Resources : $700,591.25. Liabilities: Capital Stock, $50,000.00 ; Surplus and Undivided Profits, $49,264.80 ; Circulation, $50,000.00 ; Deposits, $551,326.45 ; Bills Payable, none ; Rediscounts, none. Total liabilities, $700,591.25. In November, 1879, Mr. Nimmons was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Upp, the daughter of Philip and Susan Upp, natives of Pennsylvania, both now deceased. He was a representative citizen of Plymouth for many years and served as vice president of the Peoples National Bank. To Mr. and Mrs. Nimmons were born two children: 1. Fred M., born Sept. 3, 1880, is a director of the Peoples National Bank and engaged in the dry goods business at Plymouth. He married Miss Lois Pugh, and they have three children: Margaret, married Harold Duncan, lives at Norwalk, Ohio ; Ruth, married Frank Twaddel, lives at Plymouth ; and Robert, a student. 2. Mame, married Charles McDonough, lives at Cleveland, Ohio. They have a son, Norman. Mr. Nimmons is a Republican and has held the offices of school director, township trustee and councilman. He is a trustee of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Richland Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 201, and Knights of Pythias. Mr. Nimmons is the owner of three fine farms, located in Richland County, each of which contains 120 acres. He and his family live in Huron County. L. H. Trufant, M. D., who is widely known throughout Lorain County as a representative physician and surgeon of Oberlin, is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Auburn, Me., Aug. 11, 1882, the son of Arba H. and Mary J. (Staples) Trufant. Arba H. Trufant, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Danville, Maine, received his early education in the public schools and was a graduate of Bates Academy, at Lewiston, Me. Throughout his 1442 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO business career he was interested in the shoe business and had a well established business at Auburn. He retired in 1916 and died ten years later. His wife died in 1925. Both are buried at Auburn. Mr. Trufant served during the Civil War as a member of Company A, 29th Maine Volunteer Infantry. He was a Republican, held membership in the Baptist Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Only two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Trufant: Lillian, married E. C. Thompson, lives at Auburn ; and L. H., the subject of this sketch. The early life of L. H. Trufant was spent at Auburn, Me., and he was graduated from Edward Little High School in 1899. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Bates College in 1903, after which he took up the study of medicine at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution in 1907. He spent several months as an interne in the Montreal General Hospital, and in 1907 established a private practice at Norway, Me., and also was the founder of the Norway Surgical Hospital at that place. He continued there as a successful physician and surgeon until his enlistment for service during the World War in June, 1918. Dr. Trufant received the commission of first lieutenant, U. S. Medical Corps, and was sent to Camp Greenleaf, Ga., for special training. He was then in charge of surgical service at Camp Taylor, Ky., and from there was transferred to Camp Knox, as chief surgical officer, of the base hospital. He continued in that charge for one year, being discharged from the service, Aug. 28, 1919. He established his present practice in Oberlin in the spring of 1920, and has met with unusual success in his chosen profession. He is a member of the staff of the Allen Memorial Hospital, and is identified with the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, Lorain County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. He was awarded the Woodruff Gold Medal for highest honors in Opthalmology, and the McGill Gold Medal for the highest rank in the medical school over a four-year period. On Aug. 28, 1907, Doctor Trufant was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Hodnett, of Danforth, Maine, the daughter of Albert and Annie (Butterfield) Hodnett. The former died in 1919 and the latter lives at Danforth. Doctor and Mrs. Trufant have a son, Robert Hodnett, born at Norway, Me., Aug. 30, 1914. He attends Oberlin High School, class of 1931, and takes a prominent part in the school's musical activities. Doctor Trufant is a Republican in politics. He and his family hold membership in the Methodist Church and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Knights of Pythias. Doctor Trufant is a member of the American Philatelic Society, Garfield Perry Stamp Club of Cleveland, and Rutherford Stamp Club of New Jersey. He has been greatly interested in the collection of stamps for HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1443 many years and at the present time is, editor of the Junior Department of Stamp Collectors Magazine, which is published in New York City. His private collection of stamps is among the most interesting and extensive to be found in Ohio. C. M. Byars is a leading young business man of Lorain County and a veteran of the World War. He was born in Ashe County, North Carolina, March 2, 1896, the son of Walter and Louise (Hudler) Byars. Walter Byars, retired, is a native of Virginia and his wife was born in North Carolina. He was reared and educated at Marion, Va., and until 1901 was interested in the raising of tobacco. He then went to Shelbina, Mo., and remained there until 1918. Mr. Byars' next employment was with the Worthington Golf Ball Manufacturing Company, of Elyria. He has lived retired in that city since 1922. He is a Democrat, a member of the Baptist Church, Modern Woodmen of America, and Loyal Order of Moose. Louise (Hudler) Byars died in 1912 and is buried at Shelbina, Mo. There were five children in the Byars family: Luna, who died in 1928, was the wife of Edgar Purdy ; C. M., the subject of this sketch ; Guy W., a World War veteran; Harry N.; and Louise. The latter three live at Elyria. C. M. Byars received his education in the pubic schools of Shelbina, Mo., and in May, 1913, came to Elyria, where he spent three years in the employ of the Henry Wick Furnace Company. He was subsequently identified with the Willys-Overland Company and the Perry Fey Manufacturing Company until 1917, at which time he attempted to enlist for service in the World War, in the U. S. Marine Corps. After an unsuccessful attempt to enter the service, he returned to Elyria and entered the employ of the Elyria Telephone Company. On April 27, 1918, however, Mr. Byars enlisted in the U. S. Army and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio. He served in France and was also on the Italian front for some time. He was discharged May 2, 1919, after having served as a member of Company A, 332nd Regiment, 83rd Division. Mr. Byars then resumed his former employment with the Elyria Telephone Company, but resigned in January, 1920, to accept the position with the Oberlin Telephone Company, now the Northern Ohio Telephone Company. He was promoted to wire chief in 1926 and became manager of the plant in November, 1927. On Oct. 18, 1919, Mr. Byars was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Helen Coniam, of Elyria, the daughter of William and Ora (Tucker) Coniam, natives of Ohio and Michigan, respectively. Mr. Coniam died in 1911 and is buried at Ridgeville, Ohio. His widow lives at Elyria. To Mr. and Mrs. Byars were born four children: Isabel H., born Dec. 4, 1444 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO 1920 ; Jane Elizabeth, born April 3, 1922 ; C. M., Jr., born Dec. 25, 1923 ; and Warren W., born Nov. 4, 1926. Mr. Byars holds membership in the Baptist Church and his wife belongs to the Second Congregational Church. He also belongs to the Oberlin Business Men's Club and the American Legion. T. O. Murphy is recognized as one of the able and highly successful business men of Oberlin, where he is president of the T. 0. Murphy Company, plumbing and heating contractors, 25-27 East College Street. He was born at Manchester, England, Oct. 8, 1881, the son of William 0. and Elizabeth (Burslem) Murphy. William O. Murphy was born in Manchester, England, as was also his wife. They came to the United States in 1892. Mr. Murphy had been a textile worker in England for more than 40 years and was an inspector of print goods. After their arrival in this country, the Murphy family located at Putnam, Conn., where Mr. Murphy became interested in the life insurance business as general agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He continued in that business until his retirement. He died at Moline, Ill., in 1915, and his wife died there in 1912. Both are buried at Moline. Mr. Murphy was a Republican and held membership in the Episcopal Church. There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy: William M., plumbing and heating contractor, lives at Oakland, Calif. ; Harry 0., who died in 1916 ; T. 0., the subject of this sketch ; and Fred, who died in 1912. T. O. Murphy was ten years old when he came to the United States with his parents from England. He was educated in the public schools of Putnam, Conn., and also attended the Becker Business College, at Worcester, Mass. In 1898 he became interested in the plumbing and heating business as an apprentice in the shops of the Putnam Foundry & Machine Company. He went to Moline, Ill., in 1901 and until 1915 was identified with the Moline Heating & Construction Company. From there he went to Defiance, Ohio, as general superintendent of construction for the Carey & Hall Company, with whom he remained continuously until 1923. He has since been a resident of Oberlin, and in 1923 was active in the organization of the T. 0. Murphy Company. At the date of its incorporation he became president and secretary, with E. J. Sable as vice president and treasurer. The company has enjoyed a phenomenal growth and does an annual volume of business which amounts to approximately $200,000.00. An average of about 25 men are employed. Among the noteworthy contracts completed by the firm are the following: Roosevelt School, Newark, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1445 Ohio ; Lincoln School, Newark, Ohio ; Ashland High School ; Baldwin-Wallace Dormitory, Berea, Ohio ; Mansfield-Leland Hotel, Mansfield, Ohio; Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Willoughby, Ohio ; Ohio Oil Company, Findlay, Ohio ; Lorain County Tuberculosis Hospital, Lorain, Ohio ; and Pierce Hall, Gambier, Ohio, and others. Mr. Murphy was married in 1902 (first) to Miss Jessie A. Smith, of Moline, Ill., and to them was born a daughter, Gertrude E., born in 1903. She is the wife of Frederick Dasso, of Moline, and they have two daughters, Mary Jane, and Douna Jean. Mr. Murphy was married in November, 1917, (second) to Gertrude Mahan, of Garrett, Ind. By a former marriage she has three children : Daisy, Clarence, and Vern Mahan. To T. 0. and Gertrude Murphy has been born a son, Thomas Edward, born in 1922. Mr. Murphy is a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with Oberlin Lodge, F. & A. M., and Knights of Pythias. Mr. Murphy is widely known in musical circles throughout Lorain County and is an accomplished pianist. From 1901 until 1915 he conducted an orchestra, which had been organized by him and which enjoyed great popularity. Howard E. Irvin, who is president of the United Mills Company, of Grafton, is well known throughout Lorain County as an enterprising business man. He was born near Akron, in Summit County, Ohio, the son of William L. and Anna (Treen) Irvin. William L. Irvin and his wife are natives of Akron, where they have always lived. He engaged in railroad work until his retirement in 1920. Mr. Irvin is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and Masonic Lodge. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Irvin : Howard E., the subject of this sketch ; and Floyd W., who lives at Whiting, Ind. Howard E. Irvin was reared by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson H. Russell, of Kent, Ohio. He attended the public schools and following his graduation from Kent High School in 1912, he took a business course, after which he spent several months in the engineering department of the B. F. Goodrich Company, of Akron. Later, he was employed for nine years by the Williams Brothers Company, of Kent, and resigned as assistant manager to accept the office of manager of the Orrville Milling Company. After one year he came to Grafton as vice president of the Grafton Flour Milling & Elevator Company and in July, 1928, he became president of the United Mills Company, which is a subsidiary of the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. The local plant manufacturers 900 barrels of flour per day and has a daily capacity of two carloads of feed. Approximately 30 men are employed. 1446 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO In May, 1919, Mr. Irvin was united in marriage with Miss Blanche Sampsel, of Kent, Ohio, the daughter of H. L. and Myrtle (Thompson) Sampsel, both of whom were born at Twinsburg, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Irvin have a daughter, Gwendolynn Marie, born April 7, 1920. She is a student in the Elyria public schools. Politically, Mr. Irvin is a Republican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. They live in Elyria. James A. Hewitt. As mayor of Elyria, Mr. Hewitt is recognized as one of the influential citizens of North Central Ohio. He was born at Blyth, Ontario, Canada, Dec. 26, 1878, the son of James A. and Anna E. (Wismer) Hewitt. James A. Hewitt was a native of England, and his wife was born in Canada. At the age of 11 years he was taken to Canada by his brothers and received his education in the public schools at Oshawa. As a young man he learned the carpenter trade and became successful as a building contractor. Until 1903 he conducted a contracting and lumber business at Grimsby, Ont., and in that year when the entire plant was' destroyed by fire Mr. Hewitt removed to Beamsville, Ont., where he continued in business during the remainder of his life. He died in 1925, and is buried at Grimsby. His widow resides at Beamsville. Both held membership in the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Hewitt was a liberal and served as Reeve and as a member of the village council at Grimsby. To Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt were born five children : Lillie Russ, lives at Beamsville ; James A., the subject of this sketch ; Lottie Sussex, lives at Glencoe, Ont.; Ethel, lives at Toronto; and Albert Roy, who was killed in service during the World War, Aug. 30, 1918, while serving with the Canadian forces. James A. Hewitt was reared and educated at Grimsby, Ont. He came to the United States in 1903 and settled in Elyria, where he was employed as a carpenter by Hinkson & Halpin, building contractors. He also spent three years as foreman for Fred Wolf, general contractor, and in 1907 engaged in business for himself as a builder of fine residences. From 1907 until 1923 Mr. Hewitt completed the construction of more than 150 of the city's high-class residences, and he has since also completed contracts for-the erection of numerous factory and office buildings. He is a director and secretary of the Northern Savings & Loan Company, a director of the Lorain County Savings & Trust Co., director of the Citizens Budget Company and secretary-treasurer of the Masonic Temple Company. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1447 In 1901 Mr. Hewitt married Miss Fannie Gibson, of Beamsville, Ont., the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (McGill) Gibson, natives of Scotland, both now deceased. They are buried at Olmsted Falls, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt were born two children: 1. Margaret Frances, born at Beamsville, in July, 1903, a graduate of Elyria High School, attended the University of Michigan for one year, Kent Normal School, and is a graduate of the Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti. She is now a member of the faculty at McKinley School, Elyria. 2. George P., born in Elyria in 1908. He is a graduate of Elyria High School and attended Ohio State University. He lives in Oklahoma. Mr. Hewitt has always been a Republican. On Jan. 1, 1924, he was appointed as city service director, and served in that capacity for a period of four years. In November, 1927, he was elected mayor of Elyria and reelected to office in 1929. He served as president of the city council during 1920-21. In January, 1931, Mayor Hewitt announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection as mayor, and the following editorial appeared in the Chronicle-Telegram : "We have observed the work of Mayor Hewitt very closely during the past three years, and have been very much pleased with the judgment and the zeal that he has shown in the performance of his duties as the highest executive in the city. In his service as city service director, prior to being elected mayor, Mr. Hewitt had an opportunity to study and learn some of the conditions surrounding the mayor's office, which gave him a valuable background with resultant benefit to the city. Mayor Hewitt has and is giving the city a businesslike administration. If we were selecting the outstanding achievement of the past three years we would certainly consider the matter of the way the business affairs were handled so that the city avoided yearly deficits and and at the same time paid off practically all of its deficiency bonds. Mayor Hewitt has given credit to the council and other city officials who have cooperated with him, but at the same time we believe he is largely responsible for the methods with which the city's business affairs are handled today. We have been greatly interested in watching the development of the sewage treatment works. This is a most important project. During his administration the city has erected a rest room and lavatory ; two new pumpers were added to the fire department ; streets were widened; curbs at street intersections were cut back and rounded, making the streets safer and facilitating the movement of traffic ; the cemetery project was initiated and completed ; street signs have been placed, and other projects carried out which have been of the greatest benefit. "We have had a great respect for the way that Mayor Hewitt has conducted the affairs from a business standpoint, but we have also enjoyed our contacts with him because of his humanitarianism. During 1448 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO recent months we have worked with him in a program of relief for those who have met with misfortune during the business depression. We have found him to be a man with a big heart and largely through his efforts the relief program is functioning efficiently. "Mayor Hewitt is a booster for Elyria. He has accompanied the American Legion delegation to national conventions. He has been active in chest campaigns. He has gone before luncheon clubs and other groups and tried to give them a fair picture of where the taxpayers dollars go. We believe that Mayor Hewitt has been a very efficient public servant and that his administration will go down as one of great benefit to the city of Elyria during a rather trying period. "Being mayor is not an easy task. The mayor's office is a clearing house for the complaints of citizens. The mayor, through his police court, comes in contact with the troubles of human life, and his viewpoint must be that of a humanitarian as well as that of an administrator. Whoever follows Mayor Hewitt will have a big job. There are many projects to be carried out during the next few years which will require very careful, painstaking and intelligent handling." Mayor Hewitt is a member of the First Congregational Church and has the following lodge affiliations : King Solomon Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 56, Past Master; Marshall Chapter, No. 47, Past High Priest ; Elyria Council, No. 86; Elyria Commandery, No. 60, Past Commander; Lake Erie Consistory, 32nd degree; Al Koran Temple, Cleveland; Order of Eastern Star ; Royal Order of Jesters ; Elyria Country Club, and Rotary Club. The Hewitt family live at 315 Park Avenue. Herbert L. Heyl is recognized as one of the dependable and substantial business men of Ashland, where he is identified with the Heyl Funeral Home, 227 Broad Street. He is also a veteran of the World War. Mr. Heyl was born near Lake Fork, Ashland County, Oct. 25, 1894, the son of George and May (Bell) Heyl. George Heyl, retired, was a native of Wayne County. He has spent his life in this section of the state and until his retirement in 1927 was well known as a farmer in Wayne County. He now lives in Ashland. Mr. Heyl is a Republican, and a member of the German Lutheran Church. His wife, who was born near Nashville, Ohio, died in 1901, and is buried at Loudonville. She was a member of the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Heyl were born two sons : Ora L., who died in 1912 ; and Herbert L., the subject of this sketch. Herbert L. Heyl was educated in the public schools of Ashland and after his mother's death was reared by Mrs. Alice Heiser, of Mt. Wisdom, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1449 Wayne County. He is a graduate of Jeromesville High School, class of 1912. 1n April, 1917, at the outbreak of the World War, Mr. Hey! enlisted for service and was sent to Camp Taylor, Ky. He later was transferred to Camp Beauregard, La., and in June, 1918, sailed for France as a member of Battery D, 142nd Field Artillery. He served also with the graves registration service, and in June, 1918, returned to the United States. He subsequently entered the Cincinnati College of Embalming, and after completing a course in that institution in October, 1919, he returned to Ashland. He established his own business in this city in October, 1924, at that time having purchased the Herbert Kagy property on Broad Street. The place was completely remodeled in 1930, and is now numbered among the finest funeral homes in Ashland County. A chapel, display rooms, and living quarters are among the features provided by this modern establishment. Mr. Heyl is a director of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and is secretary and treasurer of the Second District. Mr. Heyl was married (first) in 1917 to Miss Eleanor Frances Wood, of Ontario, Canada. He was married (second) on Dec. 25, 1928, to Miss Alice Elizabeth Vail, of Lucas, Ohio, the daughter of John and Jessie (Sheets) Vail. They have a son, Herbert L., Jr., born Jan. 1, 1930. Mr. Heyl is a member of the Methodist Church, and his wife belongs to Trinity Lutheran Church. He belongs to Ashland Lodge, F. & A. M. ; B. P. 0. Elks ; Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Modern Woodmen of America ; Maccabees ; American Legion ; Veterans of Foreign Wars ; Beta Phi Sigma fraternity ; and the Rotary Club. J. F. Guild, public accountant, with offices in the Broadway Building, is a representative citizen of Lorain. He was born in Dundee, Scotland, in September, 1879, the son of J. F. and Annie (Mitchell) Guild. J. F. Guild, deceased, was born in Dundee. Throughout his life he was a mechanical engineer by profession and spent 16 years in China as an engineer and surveyor for the Merchants Steam Navigation Company. Upon his return to Scotland he became interested in the steamship business as an owner. He died in 1914 and his wife died in 1908. Both were members of the Established Church of Scotland. They were the parents of the following children : 1. Jennie Fyfe, lives in London, England. 2. John, who is manager of the Emerson-Walker Engineering Company, lives at New Castle, England. 3. Anna McEachrin, lives in Dundee. 4. Elizabeth Tullis, who died in 1911. 5. J. F., the subject of this sketch. 6. William, who lives in Canada. 7. Robert, who lives in India.