(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 1550 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO fine horses, and during 1929 one of his horses, "Kunkel," won the Director of Agriculture Trophy and first money in the 220 Race. With his brother, Frank Kunkel, he is also well known as a breeder of fox and coon hounds, hundreds of their dogs having been sold throughout the United States. In 1896 Mr. Kunkel was united in marriage with Miss Millie Hess, of Ashland the daughter of Martin and Jane (Goard) Hess. Mr. Hess died in Ashland in 1925 and his widow resides in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel's only child, Gerald C. was born in Ashland in 1897. He married Grace Fearier, of Ashland. During the World War he enlisted for service and went to France as a member of Company E, 421st Telegraph Brigade. He was discharged from the service May 17, 1919. Mr. Kunkel is a Democrat. Rev. Joseph E. Corner. One of Ashland County's most highly esteemed and best known citizens is Rev. Joseph E. Corner, who is conference superintendent of the East Ohio Annual Conference, United Brethren in Christ Church. He is a native of Jackson County, Ohio, born near Oak Hill, Aug. 7, 1871, the son of Harrison T. and Susanna (Cummins) Corner. Harrison T. Comer was born at White Sulphur Springs, Va., and died at Oak Hill, Ohio, in 1905. He was well known in Galia County during the early days as a stage coach driver between Oak Hill and Galia. His wife, who was born at Galia, resides in Columbus. Mr. Corner was a Republican and held membership in the United Brethren Church. They were the parents of five children : Joseph E., the subject of this sketch ; W. D., who died at St. Louis, Mo. in 1925 ; Lola, married John Nicholas, lives at Columbus ; Rose, married H. Mouch, lives at Columbus ; and Curtis, who died in infancy. Joseph E. Comer remained on the Corner homestead in Jackson County until he was 16 years of age, and received his education in the rural schools. As a young man he was granted a quarterly conference license as a minister, and in 1894 joined the Scioto Annual Conference. After completing a four years course of study he was ordained as a minister of the United Brethren Church in 1897. He spent six years at Portsmouth, Ohio, as pastor of the United Brethren Church, being the first English pastor in that charge. Reverend Corner has also been located at Circleville, Barberton, Lorain, and Akron, and in 1910 came to Ashland, where he served the church of the United Brethren in Christ for four years. He then spent several years in Mansfield and in 1918 was elected Conference Superintendent of the East Ohio Annual Conference. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1551 He resigned, however, at the beginning of the third year, and returned to his original charge at Portsmouth, Ohio, where he remained for one year. He has since engaged in active ministry at Ashland, and has again been elected as Conference Superintendent in 1927. He has complete supervision of 63 charges, and is a member of the Ohio Council of Churches. In 1924 Rev. Comer served as a delegate to the World's Sunday School Convention at Glasgow, Scotland, and at that time traveled extensively throughout the continent. In 1893 Rev. Corner was united in marriage with Miss Frances Crawford, of Adams County, Ohio, the daughter of George W. and Margaret (Holmes) Crawford. Mr. Crawford, who died in 1925, was a direct descendant of the famous Indian fighter, Colonel Crawford. Mrs. Crawford died in 1919. Both are buried at West Union, Ohio. To Reverend and Mrs. Corner six children were born: 1. Paul C., born in 1894, is a veteran of the World War, having served in France. He was married in 1919 to Miss Helen Jurgens, of St. Louis, Mo., and they have two daughters, Dorothy Jane, born in 1922, and Ruth Ann, born in 1927. They live at Ashtabula, Ohio. 2. George Emerson, born in 1896, also a veteran of the World War. He was married in 1921 to Miss Marjorie McClure, of Mansfield, and they have two children, Caroline, born in 1922, and Curtiss, born in 1927. 3. Ralph E., born in 1900, died in 1913. 4. Howard R., born in 1902, died in 1925. 5. Ruth C., born in 1905, a graduate of Kenmore (Ohio) High School, married Ned Grindle. They live in Ashland. 6. Lois N., born in 1910, a graduate of Ashland High School, lives at home. Rev. Comer is affiliated with Portsmouth Lodge, F. & A. M. Lewis A. Winbigler is prominent in business circles in Jeromesville, where he is proprietor of the Winbigler Furniture Store. He was born near Jeromesville, Oct. 3, 1873, the son of James P. and Annie E. (Norris) Winbigler. A sketch of James P. Winbigler appears elsewhere in this history. Lewis A. Winbigler attended the district schools of Ashland County, and was also a student in the Jeromesville public school. He was interested in farming on the Winbigler homestead until 1901 and engaged in business in Jeromesville from that date until 1914. He then located at Reedsburg, Wayne County, where he succeeded to the furniture and undertaking business of H. C. Wintersteen. Mr. Winbigler returned to Jeromesville, however, in 1919, where he became identified with the furniture and undertaking firm of Fickes & Winbigler. On Jan. 1, 1927, 1552 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Winbigler taking over the furniture end of the business, and Mr. Fickes the funeral home. In October of that year Mr. Winbigler removed to his present location on North High Street, where he carries a complete line of high grade furniture, house furnishings, floor coverings, radios, etc. On Oct. 24, 1900, Mr. Winbigler married Miss Ethel E. Ebert, of Jeromesville, the daughter of Millison and Elvira (Lee) Ebert, natives of Wayne County. Mr. Ebert died in 1919 and his widow resides at Jeromesville. Mr. and Mrs. Winbigler have no children. Mr. Winbigler is a Democrat in politics and has served as a member of the city council. He is a prominent member of the Church of Christ, of which he is elder and has been superintendent. Gaillard B. Fuller, M. D., of Loudonville, is recognized as one of the leading members of the medical profession in Ashland County, and is a member of a family that has long been prominently identified with the practice of medicine in Loudonville. He was born here, March 25, 1877, the son of Dr. Amos B. and Mary E. (Stewart) Fuller. Dr. Amos B. Fuller was born in Loudonville, July 23, 1842, the son of Dr. Ephriam B. Fuller, who was born in New York, July 8, 1799. The latter located in Loudonville in 1831, and thus engaged in the practice of medicine in this city a century ago, having received his medical education under the preceptorship of Doctor Parkis, in Tioga County, Pa. He was recognized as the leading medical practitioner of the community until his death in 1867. He married Miss Sarah Culver, a native of Elkiand, Pa. Both were member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his practical christianity found expression in the aid which he gave to many who needed professional assistance but were unable to pay the customary charges. He was a Democrat and was greatly opposed to the fugitive slave law. As early as 1856 fugitive slaves were brought to his home, fed and sheltered by him, and assisted on their way. He was the father of the following children: 1. Catherine, who married (first) Gilbert Pell, and (second) Calvin Hibbard. 2. Hannah, who married Samuel B. Smith. 3. Susan, who married J. W. Hildebrand. 4. Laverna, who married Y. C. Case. 5. Sarah M., who married Dr. A. J. Scott. 6. Elizabeth, who married J. W. Stacker. 7. Christina, who was the second wife of Dr. A. J. Scott. 8. Amasa Culver. 9. Amos B., father of the subject of this sketch. 10. Elodine. Dr. Amos B. Fuller spent his entire life in Loudonville and practiced medicine here for 35 years. He was associated with his father, and at HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1553 the outbreak of the Civil War received a commission as a surgeon with the 120th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Upon his return from the service he resumed his studies at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1867. During 1872 he took post-graduate work at Bellevue Medical College, New York City. Doctor Fuller was married in 1868 to Miss Mary E. Stewart, who was born at Loudonville, Aug. 23, 1842. Their children were: 1. Mary M., married Francis L. Niederheiser, of Bucyrus, Ohio. 2. Grace J. 3. Dr. Gaillard B., the subject of this sketch. 4. Stewart E., who died at the age of two years. Dr. A. B. Fuller was associated in practice for a number of years with Dr. William H. Wirt. He held membership in the Methodist Church, and his wife was one of the 17 original members of the Presbyterian Church of Loudonville. Doctor Fuller died at Pomona, Calif., April 8, 1899, and his wife died in Loudonville, 1891. Both are buried in Loudonville. Gaillard B. Fuller attended the public schools of Loudonville and was graduated from high school in 1895. He spent two years at Ohio Wesleyan University and two years at Wooster College. He then took an extended trip to California with his father on account of the latter's failing health, and upon the death of his father in 1899, he returned to Loudonville. In 1900 he entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and after his graduation in 1904, he spent a year as resident physician in the Easton City Hospital, Easton, Pa. Upon his return to Loudonville he engaged in practice with his father's former associate, Dr. Wirt, just 35 years after the original partnership had been established. Since the death of Dr. Wirt, Dr. Fuller has practiced alone. He has served for ten years as Ashland County's health commissioner, and for 17 years was a member of the Loudonville School Board. He is identified with the Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association, and is treasurer of the Ashland County Medical Society. On Dec. 27, 1905, Doctor Fuller was united in marriage with Miss Helen Barbara Stitzel, of Loudonville, the daughter of Jacob J. Stitzel. They have two sons : 1. Carl S. B., born Jan. 29, 1908. He is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, class of 1929, and was awarded the John D. Simpson Fellowship at New York University, where he specialized in business administration. He is now assistant buyer in the Bramberger Department Store, Newark, N. J. 2. Jacob Stewart, born March 28, 1916, attends Loudonville High School. Doctor Fuller is a member of the Lutheran Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He served as first president of the Rotary Club of Loudonville, of which he is a charter member. 1554 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO David Bailey. Widely known and highly esteemed throughout Ashland County, where he has spent practically his entire life, David Bailey is numbered among the prominent citizens of North Central Ohio. He was born in Highland County, Ohio, Oct. 16, 1847, the son of John and Sarah (Kinzer) Bailey. John Bailey, born at Lynchburg, Va., spent his entire life as a farmer, and came to Ohio in 1809. He obtained a land grant in Highland County, and became one of the prosperous farmers of that section. He died in 1884 and his wife, a native of Highland County, died in 1889. Both are buried in the Quaker Cemetery. He was a Whig and later became a Republican in politics. Both he and his wife held membership in the Brethren Church. Their children were: William Y., who died in 1864; Lydia A., who died in 1915, was the wife of George Buzzard; Mary E., who died in 1918 ; Hannah J., married W. Harold, both deceased; John H., deceased; Joseph, who died in 1915; David, the subject of this sketch ; and Sarah C., the widow of S. T. Smithson, of Highland County. The boyhood of David Bailey was spent on his father's farm in Highland County and he attended the district schools. He is a graduate of the National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio, now known as Wilmington College, from which he received a degree in 1871. He then studied law at the Iowa State University, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1874. Mr. Bailey engaged in general farming on the homestead until 1879, at which time he came to Ashland and became an instructor of mathematics in Ashland College. He also purchased an interest in the Centennial Store in 1881, which was located on the present site of the Pries Store. The business was later conducted under the name of the Bailey Book Store, and in 1888 Mr. Bailey disposed of his interest to a Mr. Brandt. He has since been retired from active business and devoted his entire time to farming, having lived on the same farm on the Wooster Road out of Ashland for the past 36 years. Although 83 years of age, he is still enjoying life to the fullest extent. He devotes much of his time to writing and is especially interested in family geneaology, having traced the ancestry of the Bailey family back to the 17th century. In 1881 Mr. Bailey was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth T. Moherman, of Ashland County, the daughter of Austin and Hetta (Wagner) Moherman. The former died in 1894 and the latter in 1915. Both are buried in Dickey Church Cemetery, Ashland. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were born four children: 1. F. M., born in 1882, a graduate of North Manchester College in Indiana, married Miss Elma Keener, of Ashland, and they have three children: David, Elizabeth, and John M. They live at Lakewood, Ohio. 2. Paul A., born in 1884, a graduate of North HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1555 Manchester College, married Miss Cora Bartemess, and they have two children : Robert and Richard. They live at Ashland. 3. Georgia E., born in 1887, a graduate of Ashland College and Huron Road Hospital, Cleveland, now a registered nurse, lives at home. 4. Hetta H., a graduate of Ashland College. She is a stenographer and lives in Lakewood, Ohio. Politically, Mr. Bailey is a Republican, and he is an ardent prohibitionist. He served as a member of the Township School Board for several terms. He served on the Board of Trustees of Ashland College for about 20 years. He has been a member of the Brethren Church (Progressive) for over 50 years. G. G. Grunewald is among the prominent and widely known business men of Ashland County, being identified with the lumber business of Kershner & Grunewald, at Perrysville. He was born in Mifflin Township, Ashland County, Dec. 16, 1864, the son of Henry and Anna (Droll) Grunewald. Both Henry Grunewald and his wife were natives of Germany. Their marriage took place shortly after their arrival in the United States and they settled on a farm just south of Ashland. Later, they removed to a farm south of Mifflin, in Ashland County, where they became prominent citizens. Mr. Grunewald died in 1907 and his wife died in 1899. They are buried in Mifflin. Mr. Grunewald was a Democrat and held membership in the Evangelical Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Grunewald : Ellen, who died in 1869 ; Adam, who died in 1916; Herman, who died in 1917; John Henry, who died in 1919; Samuel, who died in 1924 ; Christ, who died in 1922 ; G. G., the subject of this sketch ; Lydia, the widow of Milton Shembarger, lives at Mifflin ; and Anna, married William Milligan, lives at Shelby. G. G. Grunewald grew up on his father's farm and attended the public schools of Mifflin Township. He was a student of Hayesville Academy, and attended Wittenberg College and Ashland College. He also was graduated from the King School of Oratory in 1895, and previous to this for 12 years taught school in Ohio. For several years he was a member of the faculty at Mt. Hope College. Since his retirement from the teaching profession, Mr. Grunewald has been interested in the lumber business, and in 1908 became a member of the firm of Kershner & Grunewald, at Perrysville. They are dealers in hardwood lumber exclusively, and are considerably interested in building operations. In April, 1901, Mr. Grunewald married Miss Ida R. Jones, of Green Township, Ashland County, the daughter of J. F. and Maria (Balliet) 1556 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Jones. The former died in 1925 and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Perrysville. His widow resides here. Mr. and Mrs. Grunewald have no children. Mr. Grunewald has always been a Democrat, and for a number of terms held the office of mayor of Perrysville. For the past 20 years he has served as a member of the local school board, and was president of that organization at the time of the building of the new high school in 1924-25. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and his wife belongs to the Baptist Church. Mr. Grunewald was one of the organizers of the Idlewood Company, Inc., which purchased 120 acres of beautiful land on Clear Fork Creek, for the purpose of developing a public park for Perrysville. Rev. John F. Brant, who now resides at 407 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass., is a native of Hayesville and a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Ashland County. He was born at Hayesville, Ohio, March 29, 1849, the son of Henry and Nancy (Whittington) Brant. Henry Brant was born in Mannheim, Germany, and his wife was a native of Hayesville. He came to the United States at the age of 15 years and located first at Jeromeville, where he engaged in the mercantile business for a short time. His store was destroyed by fire, and at that time Mr. Brant removed to Hayesville, where he became interested in business as a manufacturer of boots and shoes. He also owned and operated a store at Mifflin and continued in business until the close of the Civil War, when he was stricken with fever and died in 1865 at the age of 45 years. His wife died in 1882. Both are buried at Hayesville. Mr. Brant had acquired a considerable fortune and had provided well for his family of eight children. They were: 1. James Whittington, deceased, had served as treasurer of Ashland County. 2. Elizabeth Zurialla, the widow of Newton C. Bryant, lives at Brookline, Mass. 3. John F., the subject of this sketch. 4. Dr. Austin Coleman, who died in 1928. He became a prominent physician and surgeon at Canton, Ohio. 5. Dr. Edmund D., physician, lives at Canton, where he is engaged in the practice of his profession. 6. Effie Eldora, who lives at Hayesville. She is a graduate of Vermilion Institute, and attended Oberlin College. Later, she studied art in Paris, France, and also majored in the study of the French language. She is one of the leading and highly esteemed residents of Hayesville, and still maintains the hospitality of the Brant family in the old homestead at this place, which is located on the Ashland Road. 7. Edna Florence, the widow of Charles Geidel, of Coshocton, Ohio, lives at Manitou, Colo. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1557 8. Henry Whittington, who died in 1925. He was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and the Yale Law School, having been awarded the Townsend scholarship for the best oration in his senior year of law. John F. Brant grew up at Hayesville and attended Vermilion Institute. He studied under Professors Saunders Diffendorf and John Simpson, for whose memory he later initiated the movement for placing bronze tables in Hayesville in their honor. Mr. Brant was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1873. He spent one year in study at Drew Theological Seminary, and was graduated from the Boston University School of Theology. While at Boston University he served for two years as associate pastor of the Brookline Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Trafton, known as the Poet of the New England M. E. Conference. In 1876 he joined the North Ohio Conference and was sent to Greenwich, Ohio, for one year, one year at Orville, and later spent three years at Oberlin as pastor of the M. E. Church and gave Oberlin the plan which drove the three saloons from town. After his marriage he went abroad and upon his return to his work he was sent to Cleveland, as pastor of the Lorain Street Methodist Church. He spent two years at Mt. Gilead, two years at Crestline, four years at Sandusky, two years at Wellington, and two years at Port Clinton, Ohio. He then went to Cleveland as the first district superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League and was the first secretary of the league who wrote the minutes at the organization in Oberlin in 1897. Reverend Brant then went to Lansing, Mich., where he organized the state for the Anti-Saloon League. After four years of work there he was located at Buffalo, N. Y., for four years as superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League. His next superintendency was in Boston, Mass., as superintendent of Greater Boston Anti-Saloon League, with the entire city of Boston and environment in his charge. After four years in that capacity he was chosen as the New England secretary of the International Reform Bureau, with Dr. Wilbur Craft as superintendent, with headquarters at Washington, D. C. At the present time Reverend Brant still holds this responsible office. He makes two visits to his old home at Hayesville each year, and although now 82 years of age, he still possesses his marvelous mentality and aggressive spirit. In 1880 Reverend Brant was united in marriage with Miss Lydia May Morse, of Elyria, Ohio, going to Europe on their wedding trip. She was the daughter of Levi and Lydia Morse, natives of Connecticut and New York, respectively. Mr. Morse died in 1885 and his wife died in 1890. Both are buried in Elyria. To Reverend and Mrs. Brant were born five children : 1. Doctor Austin, born in 1881, a graduate of Boston University and the Medical School of Harvard University. He is now a practicing physician in Boston, Mass. 2. Carlotta May, born in 1883. She 1558 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO is a graduate of Boston University, now secretary to the editor of Ginn & Company, publishers, Boston, Mass. 3. Helen Frances, born in 1885. She is a graduate of Newton (Mass.) High School, and also specialized in the study of music. She married Frederick Winslow Rust, of the Rust Craft Gift Card Stores, Boston, Mass. They have a son, Frederick Winslow Rust, Jr. They live at Newtonviile, Mass. 4. Marguerite Whittington, born in 1887. She was a student of Boston University, majoring in English literature. She married Frederick Choat Eaton, a graduate of Dartmouth University, and they live at Auburndale, Mass. They have three sons : Frederick Choat, Jr., John Brant, and Austin Eaton. 5. Pauline Morse, born in 1889. She is a graduate of LaSalle College, Boston, Mass., and is identified with the New York City offices of the Rust Craft Gift Card Stores. Reverend Brant is a Republican, and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. James Whittington, maternal grandfather of Reverend Brant, was born in Chester, Wales, and was among the very first settlers of Ashland County. He came to America about 1786 and settled in Baltimore, Md. He came to Ohio and cleared the forest where the Ashland County Infirmary stands and the farm north, about three sections in all. The Loudonville Public Library. It had always been the earnest desire of the women of Loudonville to do something to help the young people of the town, and on Jan. 13, 1905, thirty-four women imbued with this spirit met in conference at the mayor's office. Mrs. Byrl Bacher opened the meeting by stating the object in view and the outcome of the meeting was the determination to open a public reading room. The first funds, amounting to $28, were given by a group of sixteen women organized as a Ladies Chorus, with Mrs. Bacher as director, and Mrs. G. B. Fuller, pianist. This chorus gave concerts, the proceeds of which were to go for the purpose of a public reading room. The following officers were elected at this meeting: Mrs. Earl Wolf, president ; Mrs. G. P. Weber, vice president ; Miss Martha Shelley, secretary ; and Mrs. Cora Horn, treasurer. A second meeting was held Jan. 25, 1905, and the name of the organization became The Public Library Association of Loudonville. The following directors were elected : Miss Harriet Gilbert, Miss Golda Priest, Mrs. W. P. Ullman, Mrs. C. S. Goard, and Mrs. S. A. Losh. After a campaign for members, at twenty-five cents due for each person, a "Rubber HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1559 Da," a Washington Birthday Dinner, and proceeds from the Dixie Minstrels and another Ladies Chorus concert, enough funds were in sight to procure a suitable room. After overcoming many difficulties these pioneer women succeeded in having opening day on Thanksgiving afternoon, 1905, to which the public was invited. The people responded and encouraged the association very much by their presence and gifts of money and books. On Dec. 13, 1905, the Public Library was opened in the Ebert Room, over Mr. Lemmer's shoe store, with 113 books, a few magazines donated by clubs and churches, and a membership of 140 members, with Miss Bertha Scott as librarian. In 1907, having outgrown their quarters, a room in the Citizens Savings Bank Building was rented. This room was used until the present quarters in the City Building were donated in 1911, which meant much for the association in eliminating the expense of light, heat, and rent. The money for all running expenses and books had up to this time been secured by suppers, lecture course receipts, and the usual methods, which meant a continual struggle on the part of those in charge. April 3, 1912, marks an epoch in the history of this association, for upon that date the association passed into the hands of a board of trustees, appointed by the board of education, and thus became a real Public Library, supported by a special tax appropriation, which had been procured by the board after more than a year's untiring efforts. This was indeed a happy day for the band of women who had struggled along almost desperately at times for more than seven years to keep the vision of a public reading room for the boys and girls from dying out, and gave them an impetus for more and better things. The first board of trustees of the Public Library Association appointed by the Board of Education were: Mrs. Earl Wolf, Mrs. Harry Priest, Miss Elma Stockman, Mrs. Harry Haudenschild, Mrs. L. F. Smalley, Mrs. Martha Clouse, and Mrs. G. B. Fuller. The past few years a larger appropriation has been given for the use of the library, due to the new library laws, with the result that the Public Library is growing every day, and under the leadership of Mrs. G. B. Fuller, who has been president of the board of trustees for eleven years, is moving steadily onward to serve the needs of the public. During 1930 the circulation was 16,362, a per cent in proportion to the population far in excess of many cities. An enrollment of 1,700 patrons, with 7,000 volumes on accession book, not including magazines and periodicals. Miss Bertha Scott is a faithful and excellent librarian, and has been in the library from the beginning. The following members compose the board of trustees : Mrs. Gaillard B. Fuller, president ; Mrs. 0. D. Culler, vice 1560 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO president ; Mrs. Martha Shelley Whitney, secretary ; Miss Hoyland Pippitt, treasurer; Mrs. Charles Fisher, Miss Ella Miller, and Rev. J. H. Kuhlman. The people of Loudonville are justly proud of their present Public Library and its promise of service in the future. Mounce E. Byrd, M. D. Numbered among the highly successful professional men of Huron County is Doctor Byrd, who has engaged in the practice of medicine at North Fairfield since 1927. He was born in Jay County, Ind., Aug. 2, 1884, the son of George W. and Lily (Beacham) Byrd. The Byrd family is directly descended from the famous Byrd family, of the Shenandoah Valley, and four brothers of George W. Byrd, father of the subject of this sketch, served throughout the Civil War. George W. Byrd was a native of Green County, Ohio. He received his education in the public schools of Dayton where he spent a number of years following his trade of a machinist. Later he was identified with the Park Theatre, of Dayton, as stage manager. He was thus identified with numerous other theatres throughout Ohio. Mr. Byrd died at Zenia, Ohio, in 1910. His widow lives at North Fairfield. He was a Democrat and held membership in the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Byrd were born three children: Florence May, who died in infancy ; Mounce E., the subject of this sketch ; and George C., who lives in New York City. The early education of Mounce E. Byrd was received in the public schools of Middletown, Ohio. He spent two years in the preparatory school of Prof. Lyman J. Fisher, and later attended Bethany College in West Virginia. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1910 at the Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, which is now identified with the College of Medicine, Ohio State University. He was then appointed resident physician at the Mansfield Reformatory, in which capacity he served for 18 months. Altogether Dr. Byrd spent eight years in state work, being connected during this time with the Cleveland State Hospital, Ohio State Hospital for the Criminal Insane, at Lima, Dayton Soldiers' Home, and the Massillon State Hospital for the Insane. During 1923-24 he was connected with the Pennsylvania State Hospital at Allentown, Pa. He engaged in the private practice of medicine at Port William, Clinton County, Ohio, in 1924, and two years later established a joint practice at Burbank and Lodi. Since 1927 Doctor Byrd has been located at North Fairfield, having at that time succeeded to the practice of Dr. L. L. Jones. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1561 He is a member of the staff of the Willard Hospital and is identified with the Huron County, Ohio State, and American Medical associations. In 1923 Dr. Byrd was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bicknell, of Columbus. She has been a teacher in the public schools of Columbus for the past 20 years and is now principal of the McGuffey School in that city. She is the daughter of Oliver and Susan (Campbell) Bicknell, who were natives of Massachusetts and early settlers of Columbus. The former died in 1900 and the latter in 1903. Both are buried in Columbus. Doctor and Mrs. Byrd have an adopted daughter, Elizabeth Ann Byrd, born in 1921. Doctor Byrd is a Democrat and belongs to Beta Theta Pi and Alpha Sigma fraternities. Thomas M. Harkness. Among the leading business men of Ashland is Thomas M. Harkness, who is identified with the Harkness & Leed Insurance Agency. He was born at Knoxville, Ill., Sept 12, 1863, the son of Horace H. and Nancy (Campbell) Harkness. Horace H. Harkness was born in Ohio in 1829, and his wife was born in Orange Township, Ashland County, Jan. 16, 1827. Throughout his life he followed the trade of a harnessmaker and lived at Nankin. He died Jan. 17, 1911, and his wife died in 1867. Both are buried at Nankin. They were the parents of four children: Dora Jane, born Aug. 27, 1854, lives at Nankin; Samantha Ann, born April 26, 1859, died Aug. 7, 1862; Thomas M., the subject of this sketch ; and Barton C., born June 3, 1873. The latter is a half-brother of Thomas M. Harkness. The boyhood of Thomas M. Harkness was spent at Nankin, where he was educated. He was employed by Irvin Stentz, of Nankin, who was a dealer in produce, and in 1887 went to Mansfield, where he spent a year in business. He then came to Ashland and for seven years was a clerk in the Freer Brothers Clothing Store. Later he was associated with the dry goods business of Kunkel & Good, and spent eight years as assistant postmaster of Ashland under Clifton G. Ducomb. In May, 1916, Mr. Harkness became interested in the fire insurance business, at that time having purchased the agency of A. G. Beers, on West Main Street. He removed to his present location in the Myers Building in 1913, and since 1924 has been associated with Earl E. Leed, as operators of the Harkness & Leed Insurance Agency. They handle all types of insurance. In 1909 Mr. Harkness produced the largest amount of live stock insurance in the State of Ohio for that year, and in the following year was given supervision of 27 counties in Northeastern Ohio. When the Hartford Live Stock Insurance Company took over the interests of the Indiana and 1562 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Ohio Live Stock Insurance Company in 1916, Mr. Harkness was made State Agent in Ohio. In 1923 he was also made State Agent of Michigan. Mr. Leeds is in charge of the local interests of the agency. On Aug. 22, 1894, Mr. Harkness was married (first) to Miss Blanche Kunkel, who died in Ashland, April 26, 1922. She was the daughter of Christian and Margaret (Jackson) Kunkel, who were natives of Knox and Ashland counties respectively. Mr. Kunkel died in 1927, and his wife died in 1920. Both are buried in Ashland. Mr. and Mrs. Harkness had no children. Mr. Harkness was married (second) March 26, 1925, to Alene (Smith) Fluke, of Ashland, the daughter of George B. and Jessie (Southerland) Smith. The former is deceased and the latter lives in Ashland. Politically, Mr. Harkness is a Republican. His wife holds membership in the Presbyterian Church and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the old Ashland Board of Trade, and was acting secretary when the Faultless Rubber Co. located in Ashland. Chambers Ash Levering, M. D. One of the most influential figures in professional and business circles in North Central Ohio was Doctor Levering, of Ashland, who died in this city, Feb. 13, 1916. He was born on a farm near Chesterville, Morrow County, Ohio, Oct. 26, 1866, the son of Enoch and Amanda (Resley) Levering. The Levering family history may be traced to the early part of the 17th century to Rosier Levering, who was born in Holland, of Anglo-Saxon parentage. His wife was Elizabeth Vande Walle, of Wesel, Westphalia, Germany, near the frontier of Holland. Their first child was born in 1648. Enoch Levering was born near Levering, Knox County, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Mt. Vernon. He was a farmer and owned a large estate near Chesterville. Both he and his wife are buried at Mt. Vernon. They were the parents of the following children: Calvin, Riley, and Anna, all deceased; Judson, farmer, lives near Fredericktown, Ohio ; Charles R., farmer, Leverington Place, near Fredericktown; Benton and Rosetta, both deceased; Mrs. Ella Vernon, lives at Fredericktown; Mrs. Margaret Wright, lives at Newark ; and Chambers Ash, the subject of this sketch. The early education of Chambers Ash Levering was received in the public schools of Fredericktown, and after his graduation from Starling Medical College, March 8, 1888, he practiced medicine for 11 years at Mohicanville. He was a very successful physician, and stimulated in his HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1563 patients faith in their powers for recovery. He was a very successful surgeon as well as a general practitioner. Owing to poor health, however, he gave up the practice of medicine and became a candidate for county treasurer, an office to which he was elected by an unusually large majority, being also reelected for a second term. Doctor Levering always had an ambition to establish a bank, and successfully organized the Ashland Bank & Savings Company in 1905, which became one of Ashland's leading financial institutions. He accepted the office of cashier and later became vice president. On Jan. 30, 1887, Doctor Levering married (first) Miss Silenda L. Swetland, the daughter of William L. and Cornelia (Hulse) Swetland, at Sparta, Ohio. Of this union two children were born: 1. Berton Swetland, born April 9, 1890, now the Rev. Berton Levering, of All Saints Episcopal Church, Detroit, Mich. 2. Laurel, born July 10, 1894, married Dr. M. W. Jacoby, lives at Cleveland Heights, Ohio. On Feb. 3, 1909, Doctor Levering married (second) Miss Grace Edwina Stevens, of Ashland, the daughter of Jonas and Mary Ann (Baker) Stevens, both natives of Maine. Mr. Stevens died in July, 1912, and his wife died in March, 1913. Both are buried in Ashland Cemetery. Mrs. Levering has been Regent of Sarah Copus Chapter, D. A. R., and is active in literary and social organizations. Doctor Levering was a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Church. He was affiliated with Ashland Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 51; Ashland Chapter, R. A. M., No. 67 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also was a member of the Colonial Club. Doctor Levering was a man of dauntless courage and initiative, possessed great executive ability, and was a lover of mankind. Many are the testimonials of his sympathy and helpfulness in time of need. Concerning the death of Doctor Levering, the following is copied from an Ashland newspaper of Feb. 13, 1916: "Doctor Levering, during his residence in Ashland, proved himself one of the city's most capable and stable business men. He was active in all movements for the advance of the community, and took a keen interest in the work of the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations working toward a better Ashland. He was a Democrat in politics, and while not an extremist in his beliefs, he was a strong party worker. Always courteous and kindly in his business, as well as in his private life, as a physician and as a county official, and with high ideals of integrity and public service, Doctor Levering's circle of friends was a wide one, and his untimely death brought sorrow in all parts of the county to the many who had known him." 1564 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO James P. Winbigler, deceased, was a representative citizen of Jeromesville, where he spent practically his entire life. He was born on a farm in Ashland County, Jan. 10, 1841. The parents of James P. Winbigler died when he was a small child and, with his sisters, he was forced to depend upon his own resources. At the age of 19 years he had established himself in business at Loudonville. He was also the owner of a well improved farm. On April 16, 1868, Mr. Winbigler married Miss Annie E. Norris, and to them were born six children, three of whom died in infancy. The three surviving are: Carrie M., born Jan. 1, 1870, the widow of Joshua F. Glenn, lives at Loudonville; John D., born March 15, 1872; and Louis A., born Oct. 3, 1873. Annie E. (Norris) Winbigler died Feb. 12, 1875. Mr. Winbigler was married (second) June 20, 1876, to Margaretta (Hammett) Glenn, the widow of James I. Glenn. She was the daughter of James and Anna Hammett. By her first marriage she had two daughters: Sadie E., born Sept. 3, 1863; and Mary A., born Sept. 10, 1865, died June 29, 1868. Mr. Winbigler was a Democrat, and held membership in the Presbyterian Church. William McWilliams. Mr. William McWilliams, one of Savannah's esteemed and honored citizens, was born and spent his entire life in this community. His parents, Charles and Agnes (Beveridge) McWilliams, came from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. They were married soon after coming to this country and settled on their farm just southeast of Savannah, which was a center of industry and progress, where they lived until called to their reward,—Mr. McWilliams, in 1902, and Mrs. McWilliams, in 1911. Both were interred in Savannah Cemetery. To them were born six children, four sons and two daughters: James, deceased; Sarah, widow of John Stuart, of Butler Township, Richland County, Ohio ; John, of San Jose, California ; William, the subject of this sketch ; Mary, widow of J. G. Paxton, of Ashland; Alexander, who died in 1880. William, the fourth child, was born May 25, 1856, and lived on the old homestead until moving to Savannah in 1913. He was educated in the public school and Savannah Academy, but his interest was in farming and during the active years of his life his home and farm were examples of pride and industry. On Oct. 14, 1880, Mr. McWilliams was united in marriage with Miss Phoebe Snyder, of Clarksfield, Ohio, a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Ann (Rickenbrod) Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Snyder died in 1917, and his wife in 1913. Both buried at Nova, Ohio. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1565 Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams had no children, but reared and educated a foster child, Ermanetta Whitney, wife of Byron Sprott, who are the parents of two children, Lucille and Olive. Mr. McWilliams, like his father, was a staunch Republican, and was an exponent of clean politics in all the activities of the community, giving unlimited time to the offices of the township and county. His entire life was spent in fellowship with the United Presbyterian Church of Savannah. He proved himself to be a faithful and most dependable servant of the congregation. While some of the years of his leadership were eventful in her history, as a wise and uncompromising leader, Mr. McWilliams shared a large part in piloting her through storm and difficulty, and today the congregation stands as a monument to his unshakable zeal and faithfulness. In 1880 he was ordained as an elder and for 48 years he proved himself a worthy servant of the Master. For 34 years he was superintendent of the Sabbath School and although three miles from the church, unless providentially hindered, he seldom failed to be present at the appointed time. He was deeply interested in both the physical and spiritual education of the young and gave largely of his time and means to that end. Mr. McWilliams was called to his reward Feb. 8, 1928, but his memory still lives as a monument to a life of fidelity and trust, in things that pertain to God and man. Mrs. McWilliams still upholds the high standards of this leadership in the community and church work, and is also a life member of the Woman's General Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian denomination. John F. Newcomb, one of Ashland's adopted citizens, was born at Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio, Aug. 22, 1871, a son of Arthur D. and Emmar (Fletcher) Newcomb. Arthur D. Newcomb served in the Civil War, in the 4th and 82nd 0. V. I. regiments, until disabled by sunstroke. He was born in Knox County, spent a good part of his young manhood in Hardin ; then removing early in the 70's to Jersey City, Wood County, to take advantage of the advent of the "Coldwater" Railroad, by engaging in sawmill business. He later filled the village offices of clerk and trustee ; carried the mail between the local postoffices and that of Mungen ; and was a noble grand in the Vitus Lodge, No. 602, of the I. 0. 0. F., in 1878. He died as a result of his war disabilities, in 1881, and is buried in Fostoria, Seneca County. His wife, born in Wood County, died at Fostoria in 1889. She was a school teacher in early life ; held memberships in the Presbyterian Church, and the 1566 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Women's Relief Corps, of Fostoria. To this couple were born four children: John F., the subject of this sketch; Violet E., married Frank Martinez, of New Orleans ; David A. and Clark N., both residents of Los Angeles. John F. obtained his education in the public schools of Perry Township, Wood County, and Fostoria, and at the Fostoria Academy. He then interested himself in the hardware business until in 1891, after which he engaged in the Salvation Army work for 20 years, attaining the rank of adjutant as used by the Army. After serving in various posts in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York, he retired from that work because of a breakdown in health, in 1911. The succeeding nearly five years were passed in helping to establish in South Florida the beautiful little city of Sebring, and its thousands of acres of citrus groves. Removing to Ashland in 1916, he was engaged chiefly in construction work with W. C. Forbes for many years, until his association with the Rybolt Heater Company, with which he is now identified. On Oct. 15, 1900, Mr. Newcomb was united in marriage at Philadelphia with Captain Hannah M. Hayes, of Ashland, the daughter of Fred and Ella (Burton) Hayes ; the former coming from London, England, in 1873; the latter a native of Fremont, but whose parents had moved to Ashland early in the 60's. Mrs. Newcomb attended the Ashland Schools, and is a graduate of the Salvation Army Training College of New York City ; she had engaged in this work from her childhood, her parents being officers for some years ; and she continued it faithfully following her marriage. Her grandfather, Z. G. Burton, is another who occupies an honored grave as a Civil War veteran. His family originally came from Virginia to Tuscarawas County. Mr. Hayes, after many years with the F. E. Myers and Bro. Company, became a member of the local police force. Retiring because of failing health in 1926, he passed away on January 21, 1931, highly honored as a Christian and citizen. Of Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb's five children, Maude H., Fred H., and Harold F. are graduates of the Ashland High School. Maude was for some years with the Farmers' Bank, and an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, but is now located at Palo Alto, California, as secretary to John C. McDowell, of the Alumni Association of Leland Stanford University. Fred, born June 15, 1904, entered Stanford in 1924 ; is now engaged in business in San Francisco. He married Miss Vera Weeks, of Palo Alto, and they have a daughter, Vera Jean, born in 1930. Harold, born July 22, 1906, married Miss Lucile Fendrick, a graduate of Ashland High School, and business woman. Both are identified with the Ashland Times-Gazette. Arthur M., born in Sebring, Fla., HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1567 April 10, 1914, and Robert B., born in Ashland, Oct. 6, 1916, attend the local high school. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb attend the Park Street Brethren Church, where he is an assistant superintendent of the school. Both are independent in politics. Robert H. Johnson, who is proprietor of the Johnson Tire & Battery Service Station, is a member of a well known family of Mt. Vernon. He was born here June 5, 1906, the son of Ellsworth and Grace A. (Durbin) Johnson. Ellsworth Johnson was born in Mt. Vernon in 1878, and his wife was born here in 1881. He is the son of Charles Johnson, who was among the first settlers of Knox County, and the owner of a well improved farm near Mt. Vernon. He is deceased. His wife, Eliza, died in 1927. Their son, Ellsworth, now resides at Zanesville, Ohio. Robert H. Johnson was educated in the public schools and is a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. For a time he was employed by the Burson & Knerr Tire Company, and later spent a year with the Simmonds Company at Zanesville as their service manager. On Jan. 29, 1931, he established his present business at Westerville. He has the agency for the Seiberling tire, and also specializes in battery service. He is located at 9 South State Street. Wellman E. Cline, retired, is widely and favorably known in Doylestown, where he has spent his entire life. He was born Sept. 23, 1857, the son of Peter and Margaret (Seitz) Cline. Peter Cline and his wife were born in Germany. At the age of 16 years he came to the United States and settled first at Canal Fulton, Ohio. After a short time he removed to Doylestown, where he became a prominent business man. In 1861 he was associated with John F. Seiberling and John H. Hower as manufacturers of reapers and mowers, Mr. Seiberling being well known as an inventor. During the company's first year of business a total of 25 reapers were manufactured and sold, and a branch factory was established at Akron, Ohio. During 1865 the Akron plant built 625 machines, and the Doylestown plant continued in operation until 1875, under another name continued to manufacture many years. Mr. Cline retired from the firm in 1875. He died at the age of 55 years and is buried at Doylestown. His wife is also deceased. They 1568 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, who died in 1866, at the age of 16 years ; Ferdinand, deceased; Charles Alfred, deceased; W. E., the subject of this sketch; and Samuel, deceased, and Frank G., who is in the mining business in New Mexico. Peter Cline was married (second) to Miss Hettie Ries, of Doylestown. Their son, Ross Cline, is identified with the Columbia Chemical Company, at Barberton, Ohio. Wellman E. Cline attended the public schools of Doylestown and has spent the greater part of his life on the farm which was bought by his father in 1866. Until his retirement Mr. Cline was interested in the shoe business at Doylestown, and was the owner of one of the city's well patronized shops. He is now interested in the raising of fruit, having 20 acres under cultivation. On April 22, 1879, Mr. Cline married Miss Mary Wilhelmina Ries, who was born in Chippewa Township, July 16, 1860. She died in 1915 and is buried in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Doylestown. They were the parents of three daughters: Carrie L., married Walter Scott Galehouse, lives at Doylestown, and has two children, Walter Wellman and John Henry; Mary 0., who was cashier of the Bank of Doylestown, and is now married to Dr. H. A. Baldwin and lives in Wadsworth, Ohio; and Emma E., married Frank Butterworth, who is identified with the Akron Times-Press. They have two children: Wells and Mary. The latter is a teacher in the Akron public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Cline have an adopted son, Paul Samuel, who lives at Doylestown. He married Frances Stuckey, and they have three children, Robert, William, and Betty. Mr. Cline is a Republican and a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. He is a life member of the American Bible Society. Walter Hickman Watts. Recognized as one of the leading citizens of Elyria, where he is serving as justice of the peace, Mr. Watts is widely known throughout Lorain County. He was born in London, England, the son of William Andrews and Louisa (Hickman) Watts. William Andrews Watts spent his entire life in newspaper work, for many years being identified with the Manchester Evening News, Manchester, England. He met with an accidental death when 62 years of age, and his wife is also deceased. Both are buried in Manchester. She was the daughter of John Hickman, who was a prominent character in the social life of London during the early Victorian days. Walter Hickman, the subject of this sketch, is one of eleven children born to his parents, five of whom survive, and he is the only member of the family living in the United States. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1569 Walter Hickman Watts was educated in England and received his early training in newspaper work on the Manchester Evening News. In 1892 he came to this country and was connected with a Cleveland newspaper for a short time. He later became city editor of the Sandusky Register. In 1894 he was appointed official court reporter of Erie County, which position he resigned in 1907, when he came to Elyria as official court reporter, and was thus engaged for a period of almost twenty-three years. He assumed the office of justice of the peace in January, 1931. On July 30, 1888, Mr. Watts married Miss Clara Reed, the daughter of Capt. William and Maria Reed, natives of England. Both are deceased and are buried in Elyria. Mr. and Mrs. Watts have two daughters : Alice Reed, married H. G. Beyer, lives at Lorain ; and Dorothy Louise, lives at home. Mr. Watts is a Republican and for a number of years served as president of the Elyria school board. He holds membership in the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, having been identified with that body since 1894. He also belongs to the Mystic Shrine, the Order of Eastern Star, the White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. H. E. Roberts. As mayor of Hayesville, Mr. Roberts is numbered among the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Ashland County. He was born in Richland County, March 10, 1883, the son of E. H. and Mary (Coble) Roberts. E. H. Roberts, a native of Richland County, spent his early life there and about 1880 removed to Ashland County, where he continued his farming interests during the remainder of his life. He died in 1928 and is buried in Ashland. His widow, born in Ashland County, lives at Hayes-vine. Mr. Roberts was a Democrat, and held membership in the Dunkard Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts : Orin, who died in 1928 ; Charles, lives at Red Haw, Ashland County ; William, who lives near Ashland ; H. E., the subject of this sketch ; and John, lives at Akron, Ohio. H. E. Roberts obtained his education in the district schools of Ashland County, and was interested in general farming until after his marriage in 1903. He then came to Hayesville and engaged in the manufacture of wire fence, later became a dealer in poultry, butter and eggs, and subsequently entered the grocery business. Mr. Roberts also continued as the owner of a well improved farm south of Hayesville, and later became the owner of the John Tilton farm near Nankin. He is now engaged in the painting and decorating business as a contractor. 1570 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO In 1903 Mr. Roberts was united in marriage with Miss Nellie C. Strine, of Hayesville, the daughter of William and Leora (Humbert) Strine. They are residents of Hayesville. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have no children. Politically, Mr. Roberts has always been a Republican. He served for a number of years as a member of the city council and was elected to the office of mayor of Hayesville in November, 1929. He took a prominent part in the recent centennial celebration at Hayesville, and handled the affair in a highly satisfactory and successful manner. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the Presbyterian Church. Heister G. Hess, popular automobile dealer and garage owner of Hayesville, is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Ashland County. He was born in Montgomery Township, Ashland County, Nov. 23, 1882, the son of Christian, Jr., and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Hess. Samuel Hess came to the United States from Zurich, Switzerland, in 1712, and settled in Lancaster County, Pa., the family having been driven from France as Huguenots during the year 1637, and following the Protestant Reformation. They were imprisoned in a dungeon and robbed of 4,000 guilders. From Lancaster County, Pa., Christian Hess, Sr., came to Ashland County in 1852 and purchased 600 acres of land three miles east of Ashland. This was divided into four farms and occupied by his sons, Christian, Jr., Martin, Milton, and Henry Hess. This land is largely held by this family at present. There were two other sons of this family, Joseph and Dr. Gilbert Hess. Christian Hess, Jr., was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., and was seven years of age when he came to Ohio with his parents and settled in Ashland County. Throughout his active career he engaged in general farming, and at the time of his death in 1927 was living in Ashland. His wife, a native of Maryland, died in 1923. Both are buried in Dickey Church Cemetery, Ashland County. He was a Republican and held membership in the Dunkard Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hess : Albert, lives at Spokane, Wash.; Harry L., who is assistant cashier of the Farmers Bank of Ashland ; Stella, married J. E. Brubaker, lives at Ashland ; Charity, married Frank B. Brandt, lives at Columbus, Ohio ; and Heister G., the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Heister G. Hess was spent on his father's farm in Montgomery Township, Ashland County, and he attended the public schools. He attended Ashland College for two years and Oberlin School of Commerce in 1902. He began his business career with the Pittsburgh HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1571 Valve and Fittings Company, at Barberton, Ohio, as cost clerk. Later, he was identified with the Bockley Stock Food Company, of Ashland, and spent three years as cashier of the Oliver Typewriter Company at Cleveland, Ohio. Later, he was transferred by that firm to their general offices in Chicago, as assistant traveling auditor under Charles Steele. Mr. Hess also spent two years with the West Construction Company, at Chattanooga, Tenn., and later was with Fritz & White, wholesale druggists. His next business connection was with the Shreveport Lumber Company, at Shreveport, La., and he went from there to Butte, Mont., and St. Marys, Idaho. Mr. Hess engaged in farming in Ashland County for several years on the Hess homestead, and he also became the owner of the Plank farm on the Ashland Road between Ashland and Hayesville. Since March, 1920, he has been interested in the automobile business at Hayesville, as the local representative of the Ford Motor Car Company. He has an up-to-date garage and attractive display room, as well as storage capacity for 30 cars. Automobile accessories are also handled by Mr. Hess, who is recognized as an able mechanic. In 1909 Mr. Hess was united in marriage with Miss Nora Kelley, of Jeromesville, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Strickland) Kelley, the former a native of York County, Pa., and the latter of Ashland County. Mr. Kelley died in 1920 and is buried at Hayesville. He spent his active career in Ashland County and was a representative citizen of Vermilion Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hess have no children. Politically, Mr. Hess is a Republican. He holds membership in the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge. Earl Kyser. One of the best known citizens of Ashland is Earl Kyser, who is serving as sheriff. He was born at Lexington, Ohio, May 11, 1879, the son of James U. and Margaret Ellen (Smith) Kyser. James U. Kyser is a native of Holmes County, Ohio. Throughout his life he has been a teacher and farmer. He also held the office of clerk of Hanover Township. He lives retired at Mt. Corey. His wife, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio, died in 1885, and is buried at Crestline. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Kyser had two sons : E. N., lives in Arkansas ; and Earl, the subject of this sketch. The education of Earl Kyser was received in the district schools of Crawford and Hancock counties. When a young man he learned the carpenter trade and also engaged in general farming. He entered the offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a clerk at Loudonville 1572 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO in 1918, and was granted a leave of absence from Orrville ticket office, on Dec. 18, 1928, in order that he might assume the duties of sheriff of Ashland County, to which office he was elected in November, 1928. Mr. Kyser resides at Loudonville. He also owns a small farm ten miles east of Ashland. In 1904 Mr. Kyser married Miss Gladys A. Shank, of Nashville, Ohio, the daughter of Barnard and Laura (Joyce) Shank. He was born in Holmes County and lives at Hayesville. His wife, a native of Wooster, died in 1922. Mr. and Mrs. Kyser have two daughters : 1. Laura E., born in 1906, a graduate of Loudonville High School, also Wooster and Oberlin Business Colleges. She married Leslie L. Berry, and they live at Wooster. 2. Esther Marcelle, born in 1907. She married Clifford Fox, and they have two children, Clifford Wayne, Jr., and Betty May. They live at Wooster. Mr. Kyser is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Knights of Pythias. He also is a member of the Rotary Club. Charles F. Griebling, M. D., is among the best known of the younger physicians and surgeons of Ashland County, engaged in the practice of his profession at Jeromesville. He was born in Troy Township, Richland County, Jan. 29, 1899, the son of John and Jennie (Cairns) Griebling. John Griebling is a representative citizen of Troy Township, Richland County, where he has always lived. His wife, who was born in Canada, died in 1913, and is buried at Lexington, Ohio. As a boy John Griebling lived on his father's farm in Troy Township and attended the rural schools. He became the owner of a well established milling business, and was thus engaged until 1909, when he retired to farming. He was a Democrat, and at present is serving as township trustee. He has also held the offices of township assessor and county commissioner. He has been a life long member of the Congregational Church. There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Griebling : Paul Scott, lives at Mansfield ; Charles F., the subject of this sketch ; and Margaret C., lives at Mansfield. Charles F. Griebling attended the district schools of Troy Township and after his graduation from Lexington High School in 1917, he entered Ohio Northern University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1921. He was graduated from the College of Medicine, Ohio State University, in 1926, and served as interne in the University Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and the Children's Hospital, of Columbus. He then spent a year as medical examiner for the Ohio State Industrial HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1573 Commission at Columbus, and during that time also engaged in private practice in the Hilltop section. Doctor Griebling established his present practice in Jeromesville in June, 1928. In 1924 Doctor Griebling married Miss Edna Mary Kuch, of Columbus, the daughter of Henry and Luella (Plummer) Kuch. Both are deceased. Doctor and Mrs. Griebling have a son, Charles F., Jr., born in Columbus, Jan. 28, 1927. Doctor Griebling is identified with the Ashland County, Ohio State, and American Medical associations. He also belongs to Kappa Psi fraternity. During the World War he was a member of the Student Army Training Corps, and now holds the commission of lieutenant in the Reserve Officers Medical Corps. Stephen A. Losh. Honored, respected and esteemed in Loudonville, Stephen A. Losh, deceased, was one of the city's most prominent men. He was born on a farm in Knox County, seven miles south of Loudonville, Dec. 18, 1858, the son of Joseph and Fannie Losh. Joseph and Fannie Losh were natives of Germany and prominent pioneers of Knox County. Stephen A., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest of nine children. At the age of 18 years he left his father's farm and came to Loudonville, where he began his career as a clerk in the store of Norrick & Krause. Six years later he engaged in business for himself, opening a small dry goods and notion store in April, 1882. He broke away from the old business methods, and by widespread advertising, something almost unknown in those days, the business grew until the Losh store was known far and wide as a store where customers received good value for their money. Mr. Losh was thus engaged successfully in business in Loudonville for 38 years, and in 1920, at the time of his retirement, turned the business over to his two sons, Arthur F. and C. Edwin Losh, and Floyd K. Kopp, the business thereafter being known as S. A. Losh Sons & Kopp. Mr. Losh died June 14, 1925, and is buried in Loudonville. Mr. Losh married Miss Margaret A. Wire, of Crestline, Ohio, the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Wyble) Wire, natives of Pennsylvania, both now deceased. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Losh: Arthur F., and C. Edwin, sketches of whom appear elsewhere in this history. The life and interests of Mr. Losh were most deeply rooted in the community in which he lived, and he was one of its most progressive citizens. Any movement in the way of progress always appealed to him. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and for a number of years was its president. He was actively identified with the Farmers 1574 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Bank, of which he was a director. He served on the city council, board of education, and board of public affairs, and during the World War took an active part in all loan and Red Cross drives. Mr. Losh was a member of the Loudonville Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. I. LeRoy Miller. One of the representative business men of Ashland is I. LeRoy Miller, who is president of the Atlas Coal & Supply Company, and a director of the Faultless Rubber Company. He was born at Manchester, Summit County, Ohio, March 19, 1875, the son of Henry H. and Mary J. (Baxter) Miller. Henry H. Miller was a veteran of the Civil War. He was a native of Summit County and his wife was born near Harrisburg, Pa. The Baxter family settled at Marshallville, Wayne County, and later removed to Canal Fulton, where Mary Baxter was living at the time of her marriage to Mr. Miller. Throughout his entire life he engaged in the painting business as a contractor. He served for three years during the Civil War and participated in a number of important engagements, being wounded at the battle of Stone Run. He died in 1894 at the age of 58 years, and his wife died in 1924. Both are buried at Manchester. I. LeRoy Miller attended the public schools of Manchester, Ohio, and when a young man became an apprentice jeweler with the firm of Frank & Laubach, of Akron, Ohio. After a year he returned to Manchester and completed his education, later taking up the profession of teaching, which he successfully followed for six years. In 1900 he became interested in business as an associate of T. W. Miller as dealers in undertakers supplies. After a time they organized the Faultless Rubber Company in Manchester. General offices of the company were removed to Ashland in March, 1907, and on July 1 of that year, I. LeRoy Miller was elected secretary of the company. He served in that capacity for a number of years and proved the most capable officer in the control of the important and growing interests of the business, and he is at present a member of the board of directors. In March, 1899, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Nellie E. Grove, of Summit County, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Alvira (Grubb) Grove. They are the parents of three sons : 1. Vernon LeRoy, born Aug. 10, 1900, a graduate of Western Military Academy, Alton, Ill., and Wooster College. He also attended Ohio State University and is now chief chemist with the Faultless Rubber Company. During the World War he served with the rank of second lieutenant. He married Miss Ger- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1575 trude Daniels of New London, and they have two sons, James LeRoy, born in 1926, and Robert Vernon, born in 1928. 2. Richard G., born Dec. 2, 1902, a graduate of Western Military Academy and Carnegie Institute of Technology, now assistant sales manager of the central division, Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. He married Miss Honor Mullaly, of Pittsburgh, and they live at Akron, Ohio. 3. James Lee, born Nov. 8, 1910, a graduate of University School, Cleveland, now attends Dartmouth College. Mr. Miller is independent in politics. He holds membership in the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He also belongs to the Rotary Club, Commercial Club, Colonial Club, Ashland Country Club, and Plum Brook Country Club of Sandusky. Arthur F. Losh is among the best known business men of Loudonville, where he is identified with Losh Sons & Kopp, leading dry goods merchants of Ashland County. He was born in this city, Oct. 1, 1886, the son of Stephen A. and Margaret A. (Wire) Losh. A complete sketch of Stephen A. Losh appears elsewhere in this history. Arthur F. Losh attended the public schools of Loudonville and spent one year at Dana Musical Institute, at Warren, Ohio. Since his return to Loudonville he has been actively identified with the dry goods business, which was established by his father in 1882. Mr. Losh married Miss Cleo Goll, of Loudonville, the daughter of C. F. and Catherine Goll, both deceased. They have two sons: Kenneth Stephen, born in 1917 ; and Carl Frank, born in 1921. Mr. Losh is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Loudonville Lodge, F. and A. M., and Loudonville Chapter. He is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Losh is a director of the Farmers & Savings Bank, Loudonville. C. Edwin Losh. Prominent among the representative young business men of Ashland County is C. Edwin Losh, who is connected with the firm of Losh Sons & Kopp, of Loudonville. He is also a veteran of the World War. Mr. Losh was born in Loudonville, June 27, 1895, the son of Stephen A. and Margaret A. (Wire) Losh. A complete sketch of the life of Stephen A. Losh, founder of the business which bears his name in Loudonville, appears elsewhere in this history. 1576 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO After his graduation from Loudonville High School, C. Edwin Losh entered Western Reserve University, Cleveland, from which he received a degree in 1917. Almost immediately he volunteered for service in the World War, and was sent to the officers training school at Fort Benjamin Harrison as a member of Troop A. He received the commission of second lieutenant on Sept. 17, 1917, and was then sent to Camp Green, North Carolina. Early in 1918 his company sailed for overseas duty and Mr. Losh went as a member of Company A, 39th Infantry, 4th Division. He was put in command of Company C, and participated in numerous important engagements of the war, also being with the Army of Occupation in Germany. He was discharged in December, 1919, and upon his return to Loudonville became identified with the business of Losh Sons & Kopp. Mr. Losh was married (first) in 1921 to Miss Margaret Parkinson, who died in 1925. She was the daughter of T. H. and Margaret (Leopold) Parkinson, natives of Ashland County, and now residents of North Carolina. Mr. Losh was married (second) in 1927 to Miss Irene Schauwecker, of Loudonville, the daughter of S. G. and Minnie (Priest) Schauwecker. Mr. Losh is affiliated with Loudonville Lodge, F. & A. M., Loudonville Chapter, Knights of Pythias, and American Legion, London Post No. 257. He also belongs to the Ashland Country Club. Joseph Hart Larwill, deceased, was outstanding among the influential and widely known pioneer citizens of Wooster. He was born at Chesterton, England, in 1784, and was nine years of age when he came to the United States with his parents and settled in Philadelphia. Later, the family removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. Mr. Larwill was appointed in 1804 by the United States Land office, under management of Col. John Beyer, with assistants, to survey by sections the lands of Wayne, Stark, and Columbiana counties. After preliminary surveys he located his younger brother, William, in Wooster to continue the work. From 1806 until 1808, Joseph H. Larwill was one of the proprietors of the site of Wooster and of Mansfield in Richland County. In 1810 he was appointed by the General Assembly as commissioner for laying, opening and making public the road from Canton west through Stark and Wayne counties to Mansfield. The following year he was appointed by Hon. William Eustic, Secretary of War, as first lieutenant of artillery in the U. S. Army. In 1912 he took part in the British and Indian War and drew the original map of Fort HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1577 Meigs within six weeks of its seige. He was also held prisoner of war for several weeks. Faith in the future of the little town of Wooster prompted Mr. Larwill in 1814 to persuade his father, William C. Larwill, to remove here and establish a home just north of the present public library. The family consisted of Joseph, Julia, William, Mary, John and Jabez. On an acre of ground extending west from Market Street the family established a homesite. In 1817 Joseph H. Larwill married Nancy Quinby, the daughter of Ephriam Quinby, the proprietor of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio. Mr. Larwill served as senator from Wayne and Holmes counties during 1826, and in 1829 he was appointed receiver of money for public lands at Tiffin by President Andrew Jackson, who was his close friend and associate. Mr. Larwill also was receiver for public lands at Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1834. He and his brothers were prominent in Ohio politics for many years and held the offices of commissioner, recorder, clerk of court, clerk of the senate, and senator. Mr. Larwill died in 1867 and is buried at Wooster. He was known for his stern integrity, resolute purpose, and broad intelligence. He was a member of the Baptist Church at Wooster, of which his uncle, David Kimpton, was a charter member and lay preacher. Although having no children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Larwill showed great interest in their many nieces and nephews, all of whom spent much time in the Larwill home. Harvey S. Hutt. Outstanding among the successful business men of Wayne County is Harvey S. Rutt, who is vice president of the Smithville Farmers & Marchants Bank, and also associated with the Rutt Amstutz Feed & Grain Company. He was born in Chester Township, Wayne County, June 10, 1873, the son of Henry G. and Rebecca (Shaum) Rutt. Henry G. Rutt was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Feb. 1, 1837. After his marriage in 1862 he removed to Chester Township, Wayne County, and engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1908. He spent the remainder of his life at Smithville and died there May 26, 1912. Rebecca (Shaum) Rutt was born in Chester Township, June 11, 1840, and died Sept. 22, 1923. Mr. Rutt served as Township assessor, clerk, trustee and justice of the peace, and held membership in the Mennonite Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rutt: John Franklin, born April 9, 1863, died Dec. 25, 1923; William Henry, born 1578 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO June 26, 1864; Mary Ellen, born Aug. 4, 1865; Charles, born Feb. 15, 1868; Harvey S., the subject of this sketch. Harvey S. Rutt was educated in the district schools of Chester Township and attended Ada Normal School. He was a student at Wooster College in 1898. Mr. Rutt was interested in the teaching profession from 1894 until 1907; also at the same time he was engaged in farming, at which time he purchased the feed and grain business of L. B. Hostetler. Since 1929 Mr. Rutt has been associated in business with his son-in-law, Harvey J. Amstutz. Mr. Rutt has extensive real estate holdings in Smithville and is the owner of fine farms in Chester and Green Townships. On Feb. 15, 1899, Mr. Rutt was united in marriage with Miss Maude Valeria Snyder, the daughter of Daniel N. and Mary (Worst) Snyder. The former is deceased and the latter lives with her children. Mr. and Mrs. Rutt have a daughter, Beulah Marie, born Feb. 23, 1901. She is a graduate of Smithville High School and Ashland College, and before her marriage was a teacher in the high schools at Smithville and Marshallville. She married Harvey J. Amstutz, who is a graduate of Sterling High School and Wooster College. Mr. Rutt is a Republican and has held the office of clerk of Chester Township. He has also served as a member of the school board. He and his family hold membership in the Brethren Church of Smithville where Mr. Rutt has been superintendent of Sunday School for a number of years. O. Otto Harp. One of the most prominent citizens of Medina County is 0. Otto Harp, who is serving a second term as county treasurer. He was born in Jefferson County, Pa., April 28, 1868, the son of Andrew and Louisa (Startzer) Harp. Andrew Harp was born in Jefferson County, Pa., in 1833. Throughout his life he followed his trade as a blacksmith and wagonmaker, and spent many years at Akron, Ohio, where he died in 1901. His wife was a native of Clarion County, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Harp were born the following children: William, lives at Akron, Ohio ; May, married Fred Baker, lives at Akron, Ohio ; Elmira, married Simon Mosher, lives at Akron, Ohio ; and 0. Otto, the subject of this sketch. O. Otto Harp grew up in Butler County, Pa., and received his education in the district schools there. He became an apprentice to a baker in Akron, Ohio, and remained in his employ for a period of eight years. In 1891 he went to Barberton, Ohio, and two years later came to Medina, where he spent eight years in the employ of M. D. Kimmell. Later, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1579 Mr. Harp established a bakery business at Wadsworth, Ohio, which he successfully operated for 18 years. He sold the business in 1919 and spent the next five years in the building business at Wadsworth. In 1925 Mr. Harp became manager of a chain grocery store at Wadsworth which was owned by the Albrecht Grocery Company, of Akron. Since 1926 he has held the office of county treasurer of Medina County, having been re-elected to office for a second term. Mr. Harp was married on Sept. 26, 1894, to Miss Margaret Ellen Morton, the daughter of George and Mary Morton, of Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Harp have a son, Russell E., born June 27, 1896. He is president of the Russell E. Harp Service, Inc., of Akron, Ohio. Politically, Mr. Harp is a Republican. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to Wadsworth Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 389, Knights of Pythias, and Winyah Club. Ulysses Grant Wells. Ranking among the substantial citizens of Mt. Vernon is Ulysses Grant Wells, who is identified with the Hope Engineering Company. He was born in Noble County, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1865, the son of Cornelius and Ruth (Palmer) Wells. Cornelius Wells was born near Zanesville, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1832, and his wife was a native of Washington, Pa., born Nov. 17, 1836. Both are deceased. Their children were William, who died in 1924 ; Rebecca Weekly, who died in 1929, at the age of 82 years ; Lemuel, who died in 1906; Mary, who died in 1927, was the wife of Martin Young ; Emma, deceased, was the wife of Columbus Young; and Ulysses Grant, the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Ulysses Grant Wells was spent on his father's farm, and he attended the district schools. In 1903 he entered the employ of the Mark Manufacturing Company at Zanesville, with whom he was identified for 14 years. He spent the next six years with the Owens Tile Works, of Zanesville, and since 1922 has been associated with the interests of the Hope Engineering Company at Mt. Vernon. On Feb. 3, 1889, Mr. Wells was united in marriage with Miss Phoebe Ball, the daughter of Elisha and Rebecca (Weekley) Ball, both deceased. Mr. Ball served throughout the Civil War having enlisted at Marietta, Ohio. He participated in the Battle of Gettysburg, as well as in numerous other important engagements. He died at the age of 84 years and his wife died at the age of 65 years. Both are buried at Archer Ridge Cemetery. Phoebe (Ball) Wells was born near Caldwell, Ohio, Sept. 20, 1869. There were eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wells : 1. Mary, 1580 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO married Homer Davis, lives at Mt. Vernon, and they have three children; Ruth attends Spring Arbor Seminary, in Michigan ; Mildred, married Dawson Porter ; and John. 2. Rebecca, married Martin Watson, lives at Zanesville, and they have four children: Catherine, Marie, James, and Genevieve. 3. Emma, married Frank Rapp, and they have three children: John, Marjorie, and Richard. 4. Adelbert, married Dorothy Perlbaugh, and they have two children: Eugene and William. 5. Richard, married Louise Lawrence, and lives at Mt. Vernon. 6. Forrest, married Mary Cross, and lives at Mt. Vernon. 7. Ferrell, who died at the age of nine years. 8. Mildred, who died in infancy. Mr. Wells is a member of the Free Methodist Church of Mansfield. Albert I. Wolfe. As president of The Danville Bank, Albert I. Wolfe is recognized as one of the outstanding figures in financial circles in North Central Ohio. He was born in Butler Township, Knox County, June 11, 1858, the son of Isaac and Harriet (McVey) Wolfe. Isaac Wolfe was born in Butler Township, Aug. 2, 1817, and died on his farm here, Sept. 19, 1891. He is buried in Workman Cemetery. His wife was born Jan. 28, 1828, and died Feb. 25, 1912. She was a daughter of Henry and Mary (Jones) McVey, both natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio after their marriage and settled in Coshocton County in 1813. Henry McVey died in 1850 and his wife died in 1870. Isaac and Harriet McVey were married April 20, 1847, and their children were: 1. Lucina M., born Sept. 10, 1848, married Martin H. Lybarger. 2. Peter R., born Aug. 8, 1852, lives at Topeka, Kan. 3. Dora S., born April 20, 1856, married Denton Burton. 4. Albert, born June 11, 1858, the subject of this sketch. 5. Willis Mac, born Aug. 20, 1863, died Oct. 9, 1897, buried in Hopewell Church Cemetery, Knox County. Isaac Wolfe was the eighth child in his family. His father, Peter Wolfe, entered a farm from the government in Butler Township, Knox County, which is now owned by his grandson, Albert I. The original home was a log cabin, but another dwelling was erected by Peter Wolfe, and this was completely remodled along Colonial designs of architecture in 1930. Isaac Wolfe devoted his early life to farming but became one of the leading business men of Knox County, being the founder of the Bank of Danville, which is now conducted by his sons. The bank began business in 1884, and remained a private institution until its incorporation in January, 1923. Albert I. Wolfe spent his boyhood on the Wolfe homestead in Butler Township and attended the district schools. In 1884 he became inter- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1581 ested in banking with his father, and is now president of the institution. He also owns and operates the Wolfe Farm of 270 acres, and has extensive real estate holdings in Danville and throughout Knox County. He also owns a winter home at Miami, Fla. On Nov. 28, 1895, Mr. Wolfe was united in marriage with Miss Pearl V. Swigert, of Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio, born Sept. 6, 1874, the daughter of Harry W. and Mary Ellen (Swigert) Swigert. On March 29, 1888, Mr. Swigert married (second) Miss Eldora Beckley, of Harrison County, Ohio. To Albert I. and Pearl V. (Swigert) Wolfe were born three children: 1. Rosalie Lucile, a graduate of Ohio State University, class of 1921, where she studied home economics. She received the degree of Master of Arts at Columbia University in 1930. Miss Wolfe has been teaching household arts and home economics for seven years, now being a member of the faculty of the Texas State College for Women. 2. Pansy Geraldine, a graduate of Miami (Fla.) High School, class of 1922, and Ohio State University, class of 1926, where she received a degree in the College of Education. She now attends Simmonds College, Boston, Mass., where she is specializing in the study of personnel work. 3. Valeria Pauline, died May 30, 1913. Mr. Wolfe is a prominent member of the Church of Christ, Danville, and his wife is also an active member of the religious, social and civic life of the community. The present officers of the Danville Bank are: Albert I. Wolfe, president ; W. S. Cooper, vice president ; Rodney W. Rice, cashier. Directors: Albert I. Wolfe, W. S. Cooper, Rodney W. Rice, Pearl V. Wolfe, and Columbus Ewalt. The bank was incorporated on Jan. 13, 1923, with the following officers: Albert I. Wolfe, president; W. S. Cooper, vice president ; and J. E. Daugherty, cashier. At that date the institution had a capital stock of $50,000. In 1930 the capital stock remained the same, with total resources of $400,000. In 1929 the Danville Bank erected a new bank building on the north side of the Square, which is of modern, fire-proof construction. Safety boxes were an added feature of the new banking house. The careful management of this bank from the date of its organization has made for it a reputation of safety, and it has been a real factor in the growth of the community. Two attempts have been made to rob the Bank of Danville, both of which were unsuccessful. The last one occurred in October, 1904. A newspaper account vividly described the incident : "In the early hours of Oct. 15, 1904, the stillness was suddenly broken by the noise of an explosion, which was quickly succeeded by others, rousing the people from their slumber, and soon calling many citizens to the streets, when it 1582 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO was learned that a desperate attempt was being made to secure the contents of the bank's safe. Armed citizens appeared on the scene, only to be met by a fusilade from the burglars, of whom it was later learned there were eight. An exchange of shots between the citizens and the guards of the robbers occurred, and the robbers were compelled to flee after they had blown the doors from the safe. Four took flight, while the horses of the others broke loose, making it difficult for the remaining four to escape. Citizens succeeded in capturing these remaining four at Utica, about 18 miles from Danville, and at the ensuing trial all pleaded guilty and were sentenced to the penitentiary for six and one-half to eight years. Albert I. Wolfe took a leading part in the capture of these bandits and was among the first on hand when the citizens started the attack on the robbers." Hon. George H. Lowrey, who is president of the Richland Shale Brick Company, has been identified with a number of leading enterprises in the city of Mansfield, all of which have benefited by his ability, good judgment and industry. He has also acted in a number of official and civic capacities, and has shown himself a citizen of the progressive, constructive type, possessed of the ability and willingness to assist his community. Mr. Lowrey was born at Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, Ohio, Nov. 20, 1857, the son of Deming Norton and Eliza J. (Harrison) Lowrey, natives of the same county. The grandfather of George H. Lowrey, Shubel Howe Lowrey, came in an ox wagon from New Canaan, Conn., in 1809, and settled at Tallmadge, Summit County, where he conducted a blacksmith shop until 1837. In that year he removed to Cuyahoga Falls, where his death occurred in 1871. Deming Norton Lowrey was born at Tallmadge and was a child when taken by this parents to Cuyahoga Falls, where he established himself in business as a merchant. He continued to conduct his modest business until the Civil War, and in 1862, became captain of Company G, 115th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which he had assisted in organizing. At the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., in October, 1864, Captain Lowrey and the greater part of his command were captured by the confederate troops under General Forrest and were confined in Andersonville prison until exchanged in 1865. On his way home he was aboard the ill-fated "Sultana," which blew up on the Mississippi River, just above Memphis, April 23, 1865, and Captain Lowrey was among those killed, he being but 40 years of age at the time of his death. His widow later married Minor H. Howe, and lived at Akron, Ohio, for a long period. She died there in January, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1583 1922, at the age of 87 years. Captain and Mrs. Lowrey were the parents of four sons and two daughters: Mrs. Helen E. Gray, of New York City ; Homer J., who was a clerk in his father's company during the Civil War, and later was engaged in railroad work at Rock Island, Ill., where he died in 1895 ; Ernest W., a graduate of Iowa State University, resided for a time at Lamed, Kan., and in 1888 became a resident of Denver, Colo., in the development of which city he played an important part, and where he died in 1920; Fred Deming, who joined his brother, Homer J., in railroad work at Rock Island, Ill., later joining his brother, Ernest W., at Lamed, Kan., where he established a bank, became well-to-do and died in 1920; and Hattie A., the wife of Fred S. Ozier, of Akron, Ohio, manager of the Howe Hotel, which was founded by him and by George H. Lowrey in 1915. George H. Lowrey accompanied his mother to Akron, Ohio, in 1866, and three years later went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended the public schools. In 1873, at the time of his mother's second marriage, she removed to Mansfield, where Mr. Howe was a commercial salesman in the employ of the Bissman Company. In 1887 Mr. Howe returned to Cuyahoga Falls and later went to Akron, where his death occurred. George H. Lowrey remained in Cleveland until 1875, having employment there as clerk in a shoe store. In the year mentioned he came to Mansfield, where he entered the employ of Keyser Brothers, shoe merchants, with whom he remained 15 years, and in 1890 he entered upon an independent career when, with W. W. Lemon, he opened the Lemon & Lowrey Shoe Store. He was identified with that business for a period of 16 years, and in 1906 disposed of his interests in that enterprise. In 1915, in company with F. S. Ozier, he built the Howe Hotel of 11 stories and 112 rooms, which is Akron's largest and finest hostelry. Mr. Lowrey in president of the Richland Shale Brick Company, having been identified with that concern for many years. He was vice president of the Security Trust & Savings Bank until it was merged with another bank. Mr. Lowrey served for some years as a member of the city council, of which he was president for four years, and at the time of the death of Mayor F. S. Marquis he succeeded him in office and served two years, from 1914. During the World War he was chairman of the Home Service and Civilian Relief Committee, and still retains that post. Mr. Lowrey has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since its organization, and was secretary for several years, of the retail merchants' division of that body. In 1878 Mr. Lowrey was married to Miss Catherine Hine, whose father conducted a retail meat business in Mansfield for many years. 1584 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO They have one son, Harrison Deming Lowrey, formerly a dentist, but now associated with the interests of the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company. Mr. Lowrey is a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Masonic and Elk lodges. He also has numerous club connections in the city, where he has an extensive acquaintance. Aaron Davis, known throughout North Central Ohio as the efficient sheriff of Richland County, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Massillon, Sept. 14, 1893, a son of David T. and Susan (Evans) Davis. David T. Davis was born in Swanzie County, Wales, in 1834. At the age of 13 years he came to the United States, where he was employed as a coal miner. He purchased a farm near Massillon, Ohio, in 1894, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1922 and his wife, born in Wales in 1848, died in 1926. Both are buried at Massillon. He was a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis: Morgan, who died in 1910; William, lives at Massillon; David T., Jr., who died in 1928; Aaron, the subject of this sketch ; Edward, lives at Massillon; Margaret, married James Bushman, lives at Massillon; Gwennie, married Eldon Eckroad, lives near Massillon; Anna, married Joseph Swihart, lives at Massillon; Jeanette, married John Nichols, lives at Wyandotte, Mich.; Susan, married Forrest Brown, lives at Canton, Ohio; and Mary, married Joseph Walsh, lives at Mansfield. Aaron Davis was reared and educated at Massillon. At an early age he entered the mechanical department of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad Company, and spent three years as an apprentice machinist. In 1913 he entered the employ of the Massillon Rolling Mills, under the supervision of W. H. Davey. The following year the plant was removed to Mansfield and known as the Mansfield Sheet & Tinplate Company until its merger with the Empire Steel Corporation. Mr. Davis continued in the rolling mills until March 6, 1930, at which time he was appointed sheriff of Richland County to fill the unexpired term of Ralph Schad, who had resigned from office. In 1916 Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Faye DeWitt, the daughter of Asbury and Jennie DeWitt, natives of Holmes County, Ohio, and for many years residents of Richland County. Both are deceased and buried at Mansfield. Mr. DeWitt was a well known building contractor. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two sons : Jack, born in 1918; and Aaron, Jr., born in 1925. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1585 Mr. Davis has always been a Republican and has taken a keen interest in political affairs for a number of years. He holds membership in the First Christian Church, and belongs to Frank H. Marquis Lodge No. 690, Free & Accepted Masons, Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R., Loyal Order of Moose No. 341, and Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He also belongs to the Mansfield Booster Club. Mr. Davis is greatly interested in football and baseball and for several years served as manager of the Mansfield Sheet & Tinplate Company's teams in the shop league. Theodore R. Meyer, M. D. As city and county health commissioner, Doctor Theodore R. Meyer is recognized as one of the leading medical practitioners of Richland County. He was born at Sag Harbor, Long Island, N. Y., March 28, 1897, the son of Morris and Rae (Smith) Meyer. Morris Meyer was born in Germany, as was also his wife. They came to the United States in 1875 and five years later established a real estate and insurance business at Sag Harbor, Long Island, which was conducted by Dr. Meyer for many years. He died June 20, 1929, and is buried at Sag Harbor. Mr. Meyer was a Republican and served as mayor for ten years. He held membership in the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to Continental Lodge, F. & A. M., Independent Order of Odd Fellows, B. P. 0. Elks, Order of Redmen, and Haymakers. To Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were born four sons : John, Harry, Myron, and Theodore R. All are residents of Sag Harbor with the exception of Doctor Meyer. Theodore R. Meyer received his education in the public and high schools of Sag Harbor, from which he was graduated in 1915. He spent 1916-17 at New York University and at the outbreak of the World War enlisted in the U. S. Medical Corps and was sent to France, where he was assigned to the chief surgeon's office of Advance Section, A. E. F. Doctor Meyer was discharged with the rank of sergeant on July 19, 1919, and then attended the University of Beauve in France, where he was awarded a certificate in public health work. During 1919-20 he attended Bowdoin College at Brunswick, Maine, and in 1923 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Carolina. He immediately engaged in public health work at Beaufort, S. C., and held the offices of city and county health commissioner, International Health Board of the Rockefeller Foundation. Doctor Meyer specialized in the study of malaria and hookworm during this period. In 1924 he became a member of the original committee of South Carolina, Corporation of the United States Public Health Service in the investigation and original 1586 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO certification for interstate shipping of shell fish. He also served as public health consultant for Commanding General Lee, U. S. Marines, Marine Barracks, Paris Island, S. C. In 1926 he was appointed by the state of West Virginia as city and state health commissioner, at Parkersburg, W. Va. He organized the unit and work that fostered the entire milk program of the U. S. P. H. S. throughout the United States, Parkersburg, W. Va., being the first city to adopt it. Doctor Meyer came to Mansfield in his present capacity as city and county health commissioner in 1928. In 1928 Doctor Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy Timmons, the daughter of Charles and Fannie Timmons, of Parkersburg, W. Va. Mr. Timmons is deceased and his widow lives at Parkersburg. Doctor Meyer holds membership in the Christian Church, and belongs to Centennial Lodge, F. & A. M. He is an honorary member of the Richland County Medical Society, and American Public Health Association. He also belongs to the American Legion, Battle Shellburg Post. L. W. Cotton. As manager of the Cotton Lumber Company, of Mt. Vernon, Mr. Cotton is recognized as one of the able business men of Knox County. He was born at Grant, N. M., in 1890, the son of Fred N. and May (Williams) Cotton. Fred N. Cotton was born at Mt. Vernon in 1868. He attended the public schools and at the age of 18 years went to New Mexico as a telegraph operator for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. He was located first at Grant, and later at Mojave and Albuquerque. Upon his return to Mt. Vernon in 1902 Mr. Cotton became interested in the lumber business and two years later organized the Cotton Lumber Company. Mr. Cotton died in 1926 and is buried in Mound View Cemetery, Mt. Vernon. He was married in 1889 to Miss May Williams, the daughter of John W. and Sarah Jane (Scott) Williams, of Mt. Vernon, both of whom are deceased. L. W. Cotton attended the public schools of New Mexico and Mt. Vernon High School. At the age of 16 years he became interested in the lumber business which his father had established. The company buys lumber from Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as from the West coast, and also deals in builders' supplies. In 1920 Mr. Cotton was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Webber, the daughter of John G. and Ida (Shepherd) Webber, of Mt. Vernon. By a former marriage Mr. Cotton has a daughter, Virginia Eloise. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1587 Mr. Cotton belongs to the B. P. 0. Elks, Mt. Vernon. During the World War Mr. Cotton enlisted for service in August, 1918, and served as a member of the 71st Field Artillery, 11th Division. He was stationed at Camp Knox, Ky., but did not see active service in France. William D. Axtell, Jr. As proprietor of the Axtell Dairy Products Company, Mr. Axtell is recognized as one of the enterprising young business men of Mansfield. He was born at Stockton, N. J., July 31, 1893, the son of William D. and Laura (Bodine) Axtell. William D. Axtell, deceased, was a native of Newark, N. J. He was a machinist by trade, and for many years served as superintendent of the Worthington Pump Company, of Harrison, N. J. He retired in 1921, and died three years later. He is buried at Stockton, N. J. Mr. Axtell was a member of the Baptist Church, and belonged to Belleville Lodge, F. & A. M., and Modern Woodmen of America. His widow lives at Mansfield and Stockton. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Axtell : Edward, who is cashier of the Sayreville National Bank, South River, N. J., is a World War veteran ; and William D., the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of William D. Axtell was spent at Belleville, N. J., where he received his early education. He was graduated from Ohio State University in 1916 with the degree of Bachelor of Science and spent the following year in extension work at the University, where he specialized in the study of dairying. In 1918 Mr. Axtell enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Camp Gordon, Ga., where he attended an officers' training school. The war ended before the course of study was completed by Mr. Axtell and he was discharged from the service in December, 1918, with the rank of first sergeant. He then resumed his extension work at Ohio State University, and in 1920 became identified with the Esmond Dairy Company at Sandusky, Ohio. The following year he came to Mansfield as manager of the Dickson Creamery Company, and in 1923 went to Covington, Ky., as manager of the Co-operative Pure Milk Association. Mr. Axtell returned to Mansfield in 1924 and at that time purchased the interests of the Dickson Creamery Company, which thereafter was known as the Axtell Dairy Products Company. They are extensive dealers in dairy products and also manufacture ice cream of a high quality. Both wholesale and retail divisions are maintained by the company, which employs about five men. The present modern dairy plant was built by Mr. Axtell in 1927. It is located at 30 Distl Avenue. 1588 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO In 1922 Mr. Axtell was united in marriage with Miss Norma Lancaster, the daughter of John and Mineola (Donnehauer) Lancaster, of Norristown, Pa. They now live at Belleville, N. J., where Mr. Lancaster is superintendent of the Eastwood Wire & Manufacturing Company. Mr. and Mrs. Axtell have one daughter, Elizabeth, born in 1923. Mr. Axtell is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 35, York Chapter, R. A. M. Columbus, York Council, R. & S. M. M., Columbus, Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21, Mystic Club, and Acacia fraternity. He is also a member of American Legion, McVey Post No. 16. Carlton S. Fernyak, who is identified with the sales department of the Empire Steel Corporation, is recognized as one of the progressive young business men of Mansfield, where he was born Nov. 24, 1898. He is the son of Charles W. and Leah M. (Sommers) Fernyak. Charles W. Fernyak was born in Bohemia, now Czeko-Slavakia. Early in life he came to the United States and settled in Mansfield, where he established the Fernyak Machine Company in partnership with his brother, Joseph. The latter met with an accidental death and Charles W. Fernyak then disposed of the business to Ackerman & Flockenzier, after which he entered the employ of the Aultman-Taylor Company. He resigned from that company's employ in 1919 to take charge of the tool and die department of the Mansfield Electric Company, but in 1926 went with the Ohio Brass Company. Mr. Fernyak is now identified with the Tappan Stove Company, of Mansfield. He is a Republican and holds membership in the Christian Evangelical Church. His wife was born in Mansfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Fernyak were born four children: Marie, married Levi W. Beer, lives at Mansfield ; Catherine, married Philip Stevens, lives at Toledo, Ohio ; Carlton S., the subject of this sketch; and Frances, a teacher in the public schools of Mansfield. Carlton S. Fernyak obtained his education in the public schools of Mansfield, and was graduated from Mansfield High School in 1914. He attended Miami University, and began his business career with the Empire Steel Company of Mansfield, with which he is still associated. On June 28, 1928, Mr. Fernyak was united in marriage with Miss Christine Engwiller, the daughter of Samuel and Christine (Leuthner) Engwiller, natives of Philadelphia and Mansfield respectively. The former died in 1922 and the latter lives in Mansfield. Mr. Engwiller was successful for many years as a jeweler and optometrist. Mrs. Fernyak is a graduate of Ohio State University and is now interested in the HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1589 optical business with her sister, Ann Engwiller. She is a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Mr. Fernyak is a Republican and in November, 1929, was elected councilman-at-large, taking office on Jan. 1, 1930. He is chairman of the public utilities committee and a member of the sewers and water committeee. Mr. Fernyak belongs to the Westbrook Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, University Club. Sigma Chi fraternity, and is secretary of the Kiwanis Club. Stanley C. Schiller, M. D. One of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Mansfield and Richland County is Doctor Schiller, who has offices at 18 North Mulberry Street. He was born at Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, Aug. 25, 1890, the son of Julius F. and Helen (Lin-foot) Schiller. Julius F. Schiller was of German descent. He was a harnessmaker by trade and for many years owned and operated a shop at Chillicothe, Ohio. Later, he followed the same line of business at Waverly, Ohio. He retired in 1922 and died the following year. He is buried at Waverly, where his widow still resides. Mr. Schiller was a Democrat, a member of the Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. His widow holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Schiller were born two children : Bertha, who lives at Waverly ; and Stanley C., the subject of this sketch. Stanley C. Schiller spent his boyhood at Waverly, Ohio, and in 1909 was graduated from Waverly High School. He clerked in a local drug store for three years, and then took up the study of medicine at Ohio State University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1916. He served during the following year as an interne at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, after which he located at Hayesville, Ohio, where he spent three months in general practice. On Nov. 15, 1917, Doctor Schiller came to Mansfield, where he has established an excellent practice. He is president of the staff of Mansfield General Hospital, and is an active member of the Richland County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. Doctor Schiller has also taken graduate work in Boston, Mass. In 1917 Doctor Schiller was united in marriage with Miss Marie Bergman, the daughter of Lawrence and Christina Bergman, of Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Bergman died in 1924 and his widow lives at Dayton. Doctor and Mrs. Schiller have three children: Elaine Marie, born in 1919; David Stanley, born in 1925 ; and Portia Ann, born in March, 1929. 1590 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Doctor Schiller is a Democrat, and belongs to the University Club, Mansfield City Club, West Brook Country Club, and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks No. 56. He was one of the organizers and is a charter member of Phi Chi fraternity, and also is past presiding senior of the Gamma Chapter. William H. Davey, who is chairman of the board of directors of the Empire Steel Corporation, Mansfield, is a leading figure in the business life of North Central Ohio. He is a native of Wales, born at Briton Ferry, May 6, 1873, the son of John and Elizabeth (Bright) Davey. John Davey was born at Devon, England, and his wife was a native of Wales. After their marriage in Wales, they spent a number of years in that country before coming to the United States in 1888. They settled at Pittsburgh, Pa., and later came to Canton, Ohio, where Mr. Davey followed his trade as a roller in the steel mills. He died at Massillon, Ohio, -in 1914 and his wife died in 1928. They are buried at Mansfield. Mr. Davey was a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church and Masonic Lodge. There were 13 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Davey, of whom William H., the subject of this sketch, was the third in order of birth. William H. Davey grew up in Wales and obtained his education in private schools. At the age of 13 years, however, he left school and entered the steel mills, where he began as a scrap boy. Later, he became a roller in the mills. Through hard work and persistent effort Mr. Davey advanced rapidly in his work and as early as 1908 established a business of his own, at that time being the founder of the Massillon Roller Mill Company, of which he served as vice president. He came to Mansfield in 1914 and in that year organized the Mansfield Sheet & Tin Plate Company. He was president of this company in 1928 when it was merged with the Empire Steel Corporation, and Mr. Davey became president of the new corporation. On June 18, 1930, he was elected chairman of the board of directors. He is also chairman of the board of directors of the Mansfield Savings & Trust Company. In 1903 Mr. Davey married Miss Gwendolyn Jones, the daughter of David Moorwood and Sarah (Davis) Jones, natives of Wales. Mr. Jones was also interested in the steel business throughout his life. Mr. and Mrs. Davey are the parents of two daughters : Ethel, married Ralph Fathour, lives at Cleveland, Ohio, and they have a daughter, Norma ; and Margaret, who lives at home. Politically, Mr. Davey has always been a Republican. He is an active member of the Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with Mansfield Lodge, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1591 F. & A. M. No. 35, Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 28, Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 94, DeMolay Commandery, K. T., Washington, Pa., Gorgas Consistory, 32nd degree, Pittsburgh, Al Koran Temple, Cleveland, and Mystic Club. He is an honorary member of the Rotary Club, and belongs to the West Brook Country Club, and Ashland Country Club. Mr. Davey also holds membership in the Union Club of Cleveland, Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh, and Ohio Society of New York. He was one of the founders of the Mansfield City Club, and also belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, No. 56. George Louis Bolesky. Numbered among the substantial citizens of Mansfield is George Louis Bolesky, who is serving as councilman from the Fifth Ward. He was born in this city, Jan. 27, 1891, the son of Charles and Amelia (Kern) Bolesky. Charles Bolesky and his wife were born in Germany. He settled first at Galveston, Texas, where he was employed by the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. Later, he came to Mansfield and spent many years in the employ of the Humphrey Manufacturing Company. He retired in 1920 and died three years later. Mr. Bolesky was a Democrat, a member of the German Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bolesky, as follows : William F., lives at Detroit, Mich.; Anna, married William Hipp, lives at Mansfield; John, lives at Mansfield; Frank, lives at Columbus, Ohio; Emma, married A. A. Bellore, lives at Mansfield; George Louis, the subject of this sketch; and Bertha, married Ralph Rook, lives at Mansfield. He is deceased. The education of George Louis Bolesky was received in the public schools of Mansfield, and as a young man he learned the core maker's trade with the Humphrey Manufacturing Company. He later went as a moulder with the Barnes Manufacturing Company and Triumph Valve Company, and subsequently became a foreman with the Thiery & Kendrick Manufacturing Company at Detroit, Mich. He resigned in 1918 and returned to Mansfield, where he became associated with the Ohio Realty Company as a salesman. He was connected with this firm until 1925, and since that time has been in the employ of the Buckeye Tempered Copper & Brass Company. In 1925 Mr. Bolesky married Miss Emma Tallut, the daughter of Frank Tallut, of Athens, Ohio. By a former marriage Mr. Bolesky has three daughters : Lucille Marie, married Kenneth Hill, lives at Detroit, 1592 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mich., and they have a daughter, Mary Lou ; Lillian Mae and Bertha Jean, both live at Detroit, Mich. Politically, Mr. Bolesky is a Democrat. He was elected to the office of councilman from the Fifth Ward, Mansfield, in November, 1929, and assumed office Jan. 1, 1930. He is a member of the streets and utilities committees and chairman of the claims committee. Mr. Bolesky is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Vernon Redding, retired, is numbered among the most prominent and influential citizens of Mansfield. He was born on a farm near Ashland, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1866, the son of Peter M. and Melinda (Rohland) Redding. A complete sketch of Peter M. Redding appears in the biography of Lester Redding. Vernon Redding received his education in the public schools of Ashland, Ohio, and as a young man began his career in Akron, Ohio, with the firm of Weary & Kramer, architects. Later, he went to New York City for the same firm as head draftsman. He returned to Ashland, however, in 1895 and opened his own offices. The following year he removed to Mansfield, where he established the well known firm of architects, which still bears his name, Vernon Redding & Associates. The activities of this company of architects extends throughout the United States. Mr. Redding is auditor and a director of the Citizens Savings & Loan Company, of Mansfield. Mr. Redding was married first in 1887 to Miss Margaret Sheets, the daughter of Aldred M. and Elizabeth Sheets, of Ashland County, both deceased. To them was born a daughter, Helen Elizabeth, who is the wife of Robert E. Burns, of Mansfield. They have four children : Barney, Emily, John and Ann. Margaret Sheets Redding died in 1900 and is buried at Ashland. Mr. Redding was married in 1902 to Miss Harriet R. Manahan, the daughter of William and Loretta Manahan, of Norwalk, Ohio, both deceased. Mr. Redding holds membership in the First Presbyterian Church, and had the following lodge affiliations : Venus Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 152 ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 28 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 94 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T. No. 21; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree ; and Mansfield Scottish Rite Society. He also belongs to the City Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Institute of Architects, and West Brook Country Club. In politics Mr. Redding has always been identified with the Democratic party. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1593 Philip Wolfe. As president of the Wickersham Printing Company, Mr. Wolfe is recognized as one of the successful business men of Mansfield and Richland County. He was born at Delaware, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1883, the son of J. Philip and Magdaline (Fenn) Wolfe. J. Philip Wolfe was born at Frankfort, Bavaria, Germany, and his wife was also a native of that country. He was a tailor by trade and following his marriage came to the United States and settled at Baltimore, Md. There were seven brothers in the Wolfe family and they engaged in business at Cumberland, Md., for a number of years under the firm name of Wolfe Brothers, merchant tailors. J. Philip Wolfe was forced to retire from the firm on account of ill health and for a time lived at Delaware, Ohio. In 1892 he located at Mansfield, where he became well known as a merchant tailor. He died in 1921 and his wife died in 1926. Both are buried at Mansfield. Mr. Wolfe was a Democrat and held membership in St. Luke's Evangelical Church. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe as follows : Anna, lives at Mansfield ; Molly, deceased ; Helen, lives at Mansfield ; Theresa, the widow of John Zilch, lives at Washington, D. C. ; Walter L., passenger agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, lives at Lima, Ohio ; and Philip, the subject of this sketch. Philip Wolfe received his education in the public schools of Delaware and Mansfield and was graduated from Mansfield High School in 1902. His first employment was as timekeeper for the Logan National Gas and Fuel Company of Ohio, and he later became assistant superintendent of construction for the company in Mansfield. In April, 1903, he became associated with the Mansfield News as an editorial writer. He later served in the capacity of sports editor, city editor, and managing editor, and in 1924 became editor-in-chief. He retired from newspaper work in 1929 and at that time accepted the office as president of the Wickersham Printing Company. In 1914 Mr. Wolfe was united in marriage with Miss Minnie L. Meister, the daughter of George and Louise (Voegele) Meister, the former a native of Carrollton, Ohio, and the latter of Germany. Both are deceased and are buried in Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have a daughter, Louise, who attends Mansfield High School. She is editor-in-chief of the high school paper, which was awarded first prize in 1929 in competition with 800 other high school publications. Mr. Wolfe is a Republican and during 1921-22 served as state representative. He is an active member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and has the following lodge affiliations: Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 35; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21, Past Commander; Dayton 1594 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Consistory, 32nd degree ; Mystic Club ; and Richland County Scottish Rite Society. Mr. Wolfe is secretary and treasurer of the National Directories Company. Harvey B. Bailey, who is manager of the Bailey Produce Company, 19-21 East Sixth Street, is a representative young business man of Mansfield. He was born in this city, Feb. 12, 1903, the son of James and Harriet B. (Bristor) Bailey. James Bailey is a prominent citizen and leading business man of Mansfield. He is a native of Richland County and his wife was born in Mansfield. Mr. Bailey was educated in the public schools and at an early age became interested in the buying and selling of horses. In 1915 he engaged in the retail coal and builders' supply business, at that time having purchased the Barton & Willis Coal Company, which was thereafter known as the Bailey Coal Company. He disposed of this in 1918 and in that year purchased the interests of the A. F. Spitler Company, wholesale dealers in butter, eggs and cheese. The business was reorganized as the Bailey Produce Company and Mr. Bailey still continues as the owner of this thriving business enterprise. He has been identified with the Franklin Finance Company, of Mansfield, as treasurer since 1926. Mr. Bailey is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 35, Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 28, Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 94, Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21, Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, Mansfield Scottish Rite Society, Kiwanis Club, and West Brook Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have two sons : Harvey B., the subject of this sketch ; and James Russell, born in 1907. He is a graduate of Mansfield High School and the University of Pennsylvania, now identified with the DuPont Company at Newburgh, N. Y. Harvey B. Bailey attended the public schools of Mansfield and entered Culver Military Academy after his graduation from Mansfield High School. He was graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1922 and two years later completed a course of study at Eastman College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Throughout his business career Mr. Bailey has been identified with his father's interests and in 1926 took charge of the business of the Bailey Produce Company. The company specializes in the handling of eggs and operates a cold storage plant in connection with its sales and service. In June, 1928, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage with Miss Marjorie McLean, the daughter of B. F. and Florence McLean, of Sidney, Ohio. Mr. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1595 McLean is office manager of the Ohio Brass Company, Mansfield. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have a daughter, Barbara Ann. Politically, Mr. Bailey is a Republican. He holds membership in the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 35, Y. S. Men's Club, and Chamber of Commerce. During his college career Mr. Bailey was especially interested in athletics and was a member of the varsity teams at Culver Military Academy and Eastman College. He played basketball. John Sidney Heil is recognized as one of the able business men of Mansfield, where he is vice president and general manager of the Perfect Rubber Company. He was born at Wamego, Kansas, Dec. 30, 1886, the son of John F. and Jessie (Gould) Heil. John F. Heil was born at Watertown, N. Y. He engaged in farming at an early age and settled in Kansas many years ago, being the owner of a homestead near Wamego, which was purchased by him in 1857. Mr. Heil has lived retired since 1920. His wife, born at Wamego, died in 1928. They were the parents of three sons : John Sidney, the subject of this sketch ; George M., a graduate of Yale University, class of 1913, engaged in the real estate business at Chicago; and Gene Gould, a graduate of the University of California, lives at Wamego. He is a veteran of the World War, having served in France with the Tenth Division. Mr. Heil is a Republican and holds membership in the Congregational Church. John Sidney Heil was graduated from Wamego High School in 1905 and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at the University of Kansas in 1910. He served as an advertising representative of the M. P. Gould Company, New York, from 1910 until 1912, and from 1913 until 1915 was district manager of the Illinois Indemnity Exchange of Chicago, with headquarters at Milwaukee, Wis. He spent two years as assistant manager of the Travelers Insurance Company, Philadelphia, and in 1919 came to Mansfield and organized the Perfect Rubber Company, of which he served as general manager and sales manager. He became secretary in 1921 and was made vice president of the company in 1928. Approximately 50 people are employed by the Perfect Rubber Company, which carries on a large volume of business annually throughout the United States and Canada. They are manufacturers of rubber advertising specialties. On Nov. 6, 1915, Mr. Heil was united in marriage with Miss Helen Kellogg, the daughter of Dr. E. W. and Estelle (Wescott) Kellogg, natives 1596 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO of Minnesota. Dr. Kellogg, a graduate of Rush Medical College, was a leading physician and surgeon of Milwaukee, Wis., where he successfully engaged in practice for 35 years. He is deceased and his widow lives at Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. Heil have two children: John Sidney, Jr., and Patricia. Politically, Mr. Heil is a Republican. He is a member of the First Congregational Church, Mansfield Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 35, B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56, City Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Westbrook Country Club. He has also served as vice president and director of the Kiwanis Club. LaDru R. Dronberger. One of the best known citizens of Mansfield and Richland County is LaDru R. Dronberger, who has been identified with the Mallinkrodt Chemical Works, of St. Louis and New York, as a sales representative for more than 30 years. He was born at Homer, Medina County, Ohio, Feb. 18, 1850, the son of Ebenizer and Mary Ann (Harley) Dronberger. Ebenizer Dronberger was a native of Bedford, Ohio, and his wife was born in Plymouth Township, Richland County. He was a farmer and for a number of years also engaged in the drug business at Plymouth in partnership with his son, LaDru R., the firm being known as E. Dronberger & Son. To Mr. and Mrs. Dronberger were born the following children : LaDru R., the subject of this sketch ; Alla Wilda, deceased ; Emma Loretta, deceased ; and Francis Adelbert, identified with the Cleveland News, Cleveland, Ohio. LaDru R. Dronberger was reared and educated at Plymouth, his parents having moved there when he was two years old. He remained on the farm until he was 20 years old and then clerked in a Plymouth drug store. From 1871 until 1873 he was associated in business with his father, the drug store being totally destroyed by fire in 1873. Mr. Dronberger then went to Newark, Ohio, where he purchased a stock of drugs and medicines, and conducted a business for several years. He also spent some time at Flint, Mich., where he owned and operated a large retail drug business. In 1880 he became associated with Lazelle, Marsh & Gardner, wholesale druggists, New York City, and his territory included New York and Pennsylvania. In 1899 he made his present business connection with the Mallikrodt Chemical Works, and he is the dean of salesmen in their employ. He has traveled throughout the United States for this firm, but his present territory is western Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. He maintains offices in Mansfield, and has two salesmen under his direction. Mr. Dronberger is a director of the Richland Trust Company. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1597 On June 10, 1873, Mr. Dronberger was united in marriage with Miss Frances Gunsaullus, the daughter of Levi B. and Susan Maria (Hills) Gunsaullus, of Ohio, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dronberger had no children. Mr. Dronberger is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and a highly esteemed member of the community in which he has spent so many years. Willis Countryman, who has been identified with the lumber business at Butler for almost 30 years, is a widely known citizen of Richland County. He was born at Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio, April 21, 1865, the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Hart) Countryman. Peter Countryman was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Somerset County, Pa., and when a boy came to Ohio with his parents and settled at Hicksville. He served throughout the Civil War as a member of the 44th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in practically all of the important engagements of the war. After his discharge from the service, Mr. Countryman spent the remainder of his life as a farmer. He died in 1913 and his wife, who was born in Ohio, died in 1905. Both are buried at Newville, Ind. Mr. Countryman was a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. There were eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Countryman: Fred and Austin, both live at Fort Wayne, Ind.; Emma, the widow of William Barone, lives at Newville, Ind.; Willis, the subject of this sketch ; Allen, lives at Hicksville ; Lilly, married Henry Cover, lives at Portland, Ore.; Alta, deceased ; and Ora, lives at Monticello, Ind. Willis Countryman was reared and educated at Hicksville, Ohio, and after his graduation from high school he attended Richland Business College. He spent two years as a traveling representative for the Montpelier Hardware Company of Montpelier, Vt., and then was engaged as farm manager at Laneck, Ill. Since 1903 Mr. Countryman has been interested in the lumber business in Butler. He specializes in hickory lumber and owns large tracts of timberland in Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. His largest sales annually are to the Cleveland Rule Company, of Cleveland, and the Ohio Brass Company of Mansfield. Mr. Countryman is recognized as one of the foremost lumber men of Ohio. In 1900 Mr. Countryman married Miss Emily Russell, who died in 1917. She was the daughter of John and Mary Russell, who were natives of West Virginia. Mr. Countryman was married in 1918 to Iva Wells, the 1598 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO daughter of J. M. and Ida (Motts) Wells, of Fredericktown, Ohio. Both are deceased and are buried at Waterford, Morrow County, Ohio. Politically, Mr. Countryman is a Republican, and he has the following lodge affiliations: Hicksville Lodge, F. & A. M.; Northwestern Chapter, R. A. M., No. 45, Bryan, Ohio; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree ; and Richland County Scottish Rite Society. Jacob Wagenhals. Prominent among the younger attorneys of Richland County, is Jacob Wagenhals, who is successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Mansfield. He is a native of Franzfeld, Hungary, born Nov. 16, 1903, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Them) Wagenhals. Joseph Wagenhals is well and favorably known in Mansfield as a building contractor. He has been a resident of this city since 1912, having brought his family to this country during that year. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagenhals: Joseph, lives at Mansfield ; Frederick, lives at Mansfield; Barbara, married Fred VanCleve, lives at South Bend, Ind.; Jacob, the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Christina, married Casper Schmidt, lives at Mansfield; Elizabeth (second), deceased; Elizabeth (third), deceased ; Adam, lives at Mansfield; and John, lives at Mansfield. Jacob Wagenhals was nine years old when his family emigrated to the United States and settled at Mansfield. He attended the public schools and spent three years at Ohio State University after his graduation from Mansfield High School in 1921. He was then employed for several years before taking up the study of law at the University of Cincinnati, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1930. He was subsequently admitted to the Ohio State bar, Sept. 11, 1930, and at that time established offices in Mansfield. In politics Mr. Wagenhals is independent. Clarence H. Spain, who is station agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Bellville, is a veteran of the World War, and one of the prominent young men of Richland County. He was born at Bellville, Aug. 27, 1894, the son of Archie and Nettie (Daugherty) Spain. As a young man Archie Spain entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and was engaged in the construction of bridges. He is still in the company's employ as section foreman between Butler and HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1599 Bellville. Mr. Spain is a native of Bellville, the son of Henry and Mary Ann Spain, who were natives of Ohio. Both are deceased and are buried at Bellville. Mr. Spain is a Republican and has served as a member of the city council for six years. He holds membership in the Lutheran Church, and belongs to Bellville Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 376, and Knights of Pythias. His wife was born in Jefferson Township, Richland County, the daughter of Michael and Mahala Daugherty. They are deceased and are buried at Four Corners, near Butler, Ohio. To Archie and Nettie (Daugherty) Spain was born one child, Clarence H., the subject of this sketch. Clarence H. Spain attended the public schools of Bellville and is a graduate of Bellville High School, class of 1913. He entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad as a clerk, later learned telegraphy, and was employed as an extra operator on the Newark division. At the outbreak of the World War he enlisted in the Signal Corps and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio, later being transferred to Camp Pike, Arkansas, where he was assigned to the 312th Field Signal Battalion of the 87th Division, known as the "Acorn Division." Mr. Spain saw active service with this Division in France and was discharged with the rank of sergeant in April, 1919. He returned to his former employment with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad as operator at Neffs, Ohio, and in June, 1927, was transferred to Beliville as station agent and operator. Mr. Spain is affiliated with Bellville Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 376 ; Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R.; Knights of Pythias ; and American Legion, Irvin Hiskey Post, No. 535. Politically, he is independent. Mr. Spain is unmarried. John Davey is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Mansfield, where he is identified with the Empire Steel Corporation as superintendent of the hot mills. He was born in Gloustershire, England, Jan. 3, 1883, the son of John and Elizabeth A. (Bright) Davey. A complete sketch of John Davey appears elsewhere in this history in the biography of W. H. Davey. When he was a young boy John Davey came to the United States with his parents from England. He was educated in the public schools of Niles, Ohio, and is a graduate of Niles High School. He began his career in the steel mills in the employ of the United States Steel Corporation at Niles, and later was employed as a roller for the Carnahan Tin Plate Company, of Niles. He served in the same employment for the Massillon Rolling Mills, and in 1914 came to Mansfield as a member of the firm of 1600 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the Mansfield Sheet & Tin Plate Company. Two years later he was promoted to superintendent of the hot mills and still serves in that capacity. Since 1927 the business has been known as the Empire Steel Corporation. In 1907 Mr. Davey was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle S. Hayes, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Hayes, natives of England. Both are deceased and are buried at Massilon, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Davey have been born four children: Elizabeth, a graduate of Laurel School, Cleveland, class of 1928, attends the University of Wisconsin, is a member of Alpha Omega Pi sorority ; John, Jr., Martha Jane, and Joan Hayes. Mr. Davey is a member of the Episcopal Church, and belongs to Mansfield Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 35 ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Cleveland Consistory, 32nd degree; Al Koran Temple; Mystic Club ; and Mansfield Shrine. He belongs to the Westbrook Country Club and Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Davey is a Republican. Leon D. Smith. One of the prominent men of Wellington is Leon D. Smith, who holds the office of mayor. He is also manager of the western territory of Telling-Belle Vernon Company, of Cleveland. Mr. Smith was born at Parkman, Geauga County, Ohio, July 2, 1870, the son of Newell and Betty (Dunn) Smith. Newell Smith was born at Parkman, Ohio, as was his wife. He became highly successful as a cheese manufacturer in North Central Ohio, and was a pioneer in that particular business. He later owned and operated a farm at Troy, Ohio. He was the brother of the late Hon. Henry K. Smith, who served as probate judge of Geauga County for a period of 42 years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, deceased, are buried at Parkman. He was a Republican, a member of the Universalist Church, and belonged to Parkman Lodge, F. & A. M. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Ralph and Mary, both deceased ; and Leon D., the subject of this sketch. As a boy Leon D. Smith attended the Parkman public schools, from which he was graduated. He also attended Hiram College, and for several years was interested in the manufacture of cheese. He came to Wellington in 1904 as manager of the local plant of the Telling-Belle Vernon Company, later being appointed manager of the western territory of the company, with supervision over nine of the company's plants, most of which were erected under the able management of Mr. Smith. He has been highly successful in his work at the Wellington plant and is numbered among the company's able executives. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1601 Mr. Smith was married (first) in 1892 to Miss Nellie J. Ensign, who died at Parkman in 1915. She was the daughter of Henry and Jane (Hopkins) Ensign, who were natives of Geauga County. Both are deceased. Three children were born to Leon D. and Nellie J. (Ensign) Smith: 1. Harold, lives at Cleveland, where he is identified with the insurance and employment department of the Telling-Belle Vernon Company. He married Miss Louise Smith, and they have a daughter, Betty Louise. By a former marriage, he has two children, Leon and Myron. 2. Newell, lives at Bloomville, N. J., where he is identified with the General Electric Company. He married Miss Leola Craypeau, and they have three children : Robert, Laven, and Nevelle. 3. Rachel Smith Philips lives in Cleveland and has three children: Gen, Fay and Arthur. Mr. Smith was married (second) to Mrs. Belle Mills Wilbeck, the daughter of Edwin Mills, of Litchville, Ohio, a Civil War veteran. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican. He was elected a member of the city council in November, 1921, and re-elected to that office for four successive terms, being president of the body from 1927 until 1929. At the death of 0. B. Williams, he was appointed mayor by virtue of holding the office of president of the council. Mr. Smith is a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club ; Wellington Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 127 ; Wellington Chapter, R. A. M.; and Order of Eastern Star, Temple Chapter, No. 103, Past Worthy Patron. Lewis C. Switzer, who is associated with the firm of J. M. and L. C. Switzer, Bellville, is recognized as one of the most extensive buyers and shippers of stock in Richland County. He was born at Butler, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1878, the son of Edward and Mary (Rogers) Switzer. Edward Switzer, who lives retired at Bellville, is a native of Richland County. He was born at Newville, where he received his education. Early in life he became well known as a stock buyer and for many years was associated in business with his brother under the firm name of Switzer Brothers. Mr. Switzer retired from business in 1910. He is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife was born at Galion, Ohio, the daughter of Levi and Hannah (Uhl) Rogers. They were natives of Ohio. Mr. Uhl served throughout the Civil War. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried at Butler, Ohio. Mary (Rogers) Switzer died in 1927, and is buried at Bellville. There were two children in the Switzer family: Lewis C., the subject of this sketch; and Daisy, married Sidney Applegate, deceased, and she lives at Bellville. 1602 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Edward Switzer is the son of Jacob and Ella (Kurry) Switzer, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. Both are deceased and are buried in St. John's Cemetery, Newville, Ohio. After his graduation from Bellville High School in 1898, Lewis C. Switzer became interested in his father's business as a cattle buyer and shipper. When his father retired in 1910, he became associated with his uncle, J. M. Switzer. They are extensive shippers to eastern markets, the largest volume of this going to Buffalo, N. Y., and Pittsburgh, Pa. Mr. Switzer is also the owner of two well improved farms in Richland County. In 1900 Mr. Switzer married Miss Lena Gerlach, the daughter of William and Catherine Gerlach, the former a native of Mansfield and the latter of West Point, Ohio. Mr. Gerlach, retired, is a well known resident of Bellville, and for a number of years owned and operated a blacksmith, paint, and wagon-making shop. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer have no children. Mr. Switzer has been a member of the Bellville City Council for four years, and is a Republican. He belongs to Bellville Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 376, and Knights of Pythias. Ira T. Pittenger. Active and progressive in business, Ira T. Pittenger, who is identified with Pittenger's Garage, is a well known resident of Shiloh. He was born on a farm in Blooming Grove Township, Richland County, Sept. 10, 1873, the son of James W. and Mary Ellen (Aten) Pittenger. James W. Pittenger, deceased, was a widely known citizen of Richland County. He was born near Mansfield, and grew up on his father's farm. At an early age he enlisted for service in the Civil War and was a member of the 82nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Upon his discharge from the service he followed the carpenter trade for a short time, but later returned to farming. He died in 1891, and his wife died in 1878. Both are buried at Rome, Ohio. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and Grand Army of the Republic. To Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger were born six children : William, who died in 1929; Isabel, married G. B. Baker, lives at Greenwich, Ohio ; Henry, Minerva, and Rebecca, all deceased ; and Ira T., the subject of this sketch. The education of Ira T. Pittenger was received in the district schools of Blooming Grove Township. He has always been interested in farming and is now the owner of a well improved farm of 109 acres in Richland County. He came to Shiloh in 1918 and has since operated a garage in this city, being numbered among the expert automobile mechanics of the town. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1603 In 1894 Mr. Pittenger was united in marriage with Miss Elma France, the daughter of Wesley France, deceased. He was a well known resident of Shiloh. Three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger. 1. Ruth, married Clarence Forsythe, farmer, lives in Blooming Grove Township, and they have a son, Robert. 2. Grace, married Ronald Howard, farmer, lives in Cass Township, and they have two children, Beatrice and Richard. 3. Dorothy, deceased. Mr. Pittenger is a Republican in politics and has served as a member of the city council. He is a trustee of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. George Swayne Stewart, manufacturer and attorney-at-law, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, March 25, 1866, but soon thereafter his parents returned to the historic old Colonial house, 6 Church Street, Norwalk, Ohio, where Mr. Stewart and his family still reside. His father, Gideon Tabor Stewart, was born Aug. 7, 1824, at Johnstown, N. Y., of Scotch-Irish descent. His grandmother, Elizabeth Ferguson Stewart (daughter of Dr. Thomas Ferguson of Stewarttown, Ireland) a noted educator and scholar of her day, opened the first English school and academy at Schenectady, N. Y., which continued under her auspices until it was merged into Union College. His mother, Petreshe Hill, was 4 daughter of the distinguished divine and Revolutionary patriot, Rev. Nicholas Hill. The Hill family came to Schenectady from Londonderry, Ireland, at about the beginning of the 18th century. Henry Hill, grandfather of Petreshe, was a prominent citizen of Schenectady, and for his patriotic utterances, was arrested and so cruelly maltreated and tortured by the British soldiers, that he died in less than a year after, near the beginning of the Revolution. Inspired by his patriotism, and to avenge his death, his two youthful sons, Nicholas and Harry, entered the Second New York Regiment. They were with Washington at Valley Forge and Yorktown, and remained until his army was disbanded in 1783. Then, for the first time, they returned to Schenectady. Nicholas, completing his studies, entered the Christian ministry. He lived on his beautiful plantation by the Mohawk, to the advanced age of ninety years, greatly honored and beloved by his church and country. Petreshe Hill was a sister of the celebrated lawyer, Nicholas Hill, Jr., who had the largest private law library and most lucrative practice of any lawyer in the United States. Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography says of him : "He was appointed State law reporter in 1841, and became one of the best special pleaders in the State, taking part in over three-fourths of the cases on the docket of the Court of Appeals during his active practice." 1604 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO At his death, in 1859, his life-size portrait, as standing in the act of addressing that court, was placed in its rooms by the Bar of the State. She was also a sister of the eminent lawyer John L. Hill, who was leading counsel for the defense in the famous Tilton vs. Beecher case. She had four sons, who followed the example of her two brothers, sought the legal profession. The first was Merwin Hill, who graduated with honors from Union College, but died preparing for the bar. The second was James Ferguson, who graduated at Oberlin College, went with early settlers to California, and was one of the oldest lawyers of San Francisco when he died in 1893, leaving a son and grandson, who are worthy members of the bar of that city. The third was Alexander Adams Stewart, prosperous merchant of Columbus, Ohio. The fourth was Nicholas Hill, who was both scholar and lawyer, and acquired fame as an educator, being at the head of the principal educational institutions in the state of Florida, at Quincy, where he died in 1858. The fifth was Gideon Tabor, whose mother died in his infancy. As a boy he was brought by his father to Birmingham, Ohio, near Oberlin, at which college he obtained his education and began the study of law, which he completed at Columbus. He engaged largely in newspaper work, as editor of the Norwalk Reflector, Dubuque (Iowa) Daily Times, and as part proprietor and publisher of the Toledo Blade and Commercial. He was an ardent supporter of the Union, opposed slavery, was active in the Whig and Republican parties. Gideon Tabor Stewart called "The Father of the Huron County Bar" was admitted to the practice of law Aug. 14, 1846, and became a law-partner of Jairus Kerman. Mr. Stewart occupied first rank in his profession, and his ability was recognized throughout Ohio, and, in fact, beyond the confines of the State. Originally he belonged to the old Whig Party, and was opposed to slavery. At the commencement of the Civil War, he became a Republican ; but at the close he passed into the Prohibition party, where he remained and was always one of its most earnest and conscientious workers. He was fifteen years a member and four years chairman of its national committee. He was unanimously nominated by three State conventions of the party in Ohio as its candidate for president of the United States, but each time declined to be a candidate for that office. He was at one time the candidate for Governor of Ohio, and nine times its candidate for judge of the Supreme Court of the State. He was one of the founders and first officers of the Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences at Norwalk. He was one of the organizers and directors of the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad Company. His wife, Abbie Newell Simmons was also descended from, old pioneer stock. One of her ancestors Moses Symonson, landed at Plymouth, Mass., November 21st, 1621, having sailed from Leyden, Holland, on good Ship Fortune. Her great-grandfather lives in Rehobath, Bristol County, Mass., HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1605 owned large mills here, which were burned by the British during the Revolution, but afterwards rebuilt. He served as Captain in the Continental Line during the Revolution and was an influential figure in military affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Tabor Stewart were married March 30, 1857, and had four children: Mrs. Francis A. Powers, (nee Mary Abbie) who was born April 27, 1858, died June 24, 1924, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Norwalk ; Charles Hill, born Nov. 6, 1859, a resident of Cleveland for the last 40 years, interested in real estate and law; Harlon Lincoln, born Dec. 12, 1861, attorney at law, Panama City, Fla.; and George Swayne, the youngest of the family. George Swayne Stewart was educated in Norwalk schools and at Oberlin College. He later studied law in the office of his father, Gideon Tabor Stewart, and was admitted to the Ohio Bar March 3, 1888. He began his career in Norwalk as an attorney at law, and was associated with his father in the practice of law. Later he became interested in the manufacturing business which was incorporated as the G. S. Stewart Company, of which he is president. The principal products are cedar chests, screens, decorated furniture, and wholesale lumber. The G. S. Stewart Company factory occupies a block close to the business center of the town and is the largest employer of labor in Norwalk. Mr. Stewart has always been a Republican in politics. He is a Mason and Knight Templar, a member of the Shakespeare Club, Norwalk Country Club, and Plum Brook Country Club of Sandusky. He and his family are Episcopalians and for many years Mr. Stewart has been a vestryman in St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Mr. Stewart has always been a leader in civic activities in Norwalk—, and an ardent supporter of all great social movements, such as Prohibition and Woman Suffrage. He was an indefatigable worker for the dry cause and was chairman of the Huron County Dry Committee in the campaign preceding the fall election of Nov. 7, 1918, which finally enrolled Ohio in the dry column. Mr. Stewart helped to organize Norwalk's Memorial Hospital, and has been a member of the hospital board of directors ever since. He was one of the organizers of the local Kiwanis Club. He is a member of the library board and vice president of the Whittlesey Academy of which his father was one of the founders. During the World War he was active in the Red Cross and Liberty Loan Drives. Mr. Stewart married Cora Taber, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Taber of Norwalk, Jan. 10, 1893. She died Sept. 28, 1893. In 1899 Mr. Stewart married Marguerite Morris Rice of Chester, Pa., who was born in Wilmington, Del. 1606 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. George S. Stewart is a man of high ideals, earnest purpose, energetic, genial disposition, kindliness of heart. He is fond of life and sees it whole. He is possesed of the saving grace of humor. His merry, hearty laugh is contagious. His fondness for sport takes him on his holidays into the open, and makes him a rare raconteur of experiences with rod and gun. He is a lover of nature in her various moods. He is a keen business man, whose probity, conservatism, far-sightedness, unselfishness make him a man trusted, followed, honored. He is definitely domestic in his habits, and is never happier than with his family. He stands for the best things in his community. Mrs. George Swayne Stewart, nee Marguerite Morris Rice, was born in Wilmington, Del. Her father, John V. Rice, Esq., was a well known lawyer and member of the Pennsylvania and Delaware Bars, and a descendant of the ancient and noble family of Ap-Rhys of South Wales. Her mother, Sarah Lowe Rice, was descended from the Lowes of Talbot County, Maryland. One of the incorporators of the Virginia Colony, 1609, was Vincent Lowe. His descendants owned large estates in Talbot, Calvert and St. Marys Counties. From this family are also descended Charles and Daniel Carroll of Carrollton. General J. Oliver Bradford, maternal great uncle of Mrs. Stewart, was first Paymaster General of the Navy. General Bradford, close personal friend of Commodore Farragut, was on his staff when the United States Fleet made its tour of the world. He was also with Commodore Perry at the opening of the port of Japan, 1854. Mrs. Stewart inherited from her mother marked musical ability which she displayed at an early age, and before long made the pipe organ her special subject of study under the tutelage of David Wood and other noted musicians of Philadelphia. She soon became a member of the American Organists' Club of Philadelphia and her recitals were musical events. She is now a member of the American Organ Guild, Cleveland Chapter. On Dec. 27th, 1899, she married George Swayne Stewart, at the home of her brother, William Lowe Rice, Esq., Lowe Ridge, Euclid Heights, Cleveland, Ohio. In a few years her increasing responsibilities as mother of three small children led her to join a Child Study Club of which she became the first president. From the activities of that Club the Kindergarten movement with equipment was started in Norwalk, which afterwards was incorporated in the public schools of the city. She then became president of the "Child Conservation League." The natural sequence of her interest in childhood and its conservation led her to espouse the Suffrage Cause where greater opportunities were sought for women in their work of conservation. With the full sympathy and cooperation of her husband, Mr. George S. Stewart, whose father, Gideon Tabor Stewart, had been one of the ablest protagonists of progres- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1607 sive movements in Ohio, the Stewart Colonial home was the first to be opened to the propagandists of the suffrage cause, and Mrs. Stewart became the first vice president of the Huron County Equal Franchise League, raising more than the County's quota of names in the petitions for the vote. Mrs. Malcolm Patrick and Mrs. Stewart represented Huron County in Columbus when the petitions were presented at the State House. Fifty years before this Lucy Stone and Susan B. Anthony had been entertained in the Stewart home by Gideon Tabor Stewart. In 1899 he greeted there Carrie Chapman Catt, Anna Howard Shaw and Harriet Taylor Upton. Mrs. Stewart has since been made a life member of the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association. When the war broke out Mrs. Stewart served as first Huron County Chairman of the Woman's Committee, Council of National Defense under Mrs. George Zimmerman of Fremont and Miss Belle Sherwin of Cleveland, and organized a unit in every township of Huron County. The League of Women Voters was the fruition of the achieved suffrage cause and Mrs. Stewart was made director of the Thirteenth District of the Ohio League of Women Voters from its beginning to 1924. ("Her District was known at the State Office as the best organized District in Ohio.") She was next unanimously elected Director at Large of the State League in 1924 in place of Miss Belle Sherwin, and since 1926 she has been a trustee of the State League. For the year 1928-9 Mrs. Stewart was president of the Norwalk League of Women Voters, and has served as finance chairman, raising the League's quota almost every year since its inception. Mrs. Stewart has been a delegate to nearly every State Suffrage Convention, in Dayton, Lima, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, etc. She was elected Ohio delegate to the National Woman Suffrage Association in Philadelphia, 1912 ; St. Louis, 1919 ; the Jubilee Suffrage and League of Women Voters Convention in Chicago, 1920; to the National League of Women Voters Convention in Cleveland, 1921; National League of Women Voters Pan-American Convention in Baltimore, 1922 ; National League of Women Voters Convention in Buffalo, 1924 ; Richmond, 1925 ; and Louisville, 1930. But with all Mrs. Stewart's outside interests and activities, her family, her husband, her four daughters, Elizabeth Bradford (who attended Vassar and the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts) ; Margaret Morris (graduate of the Columbus School for Girls and Wellesley College) ; Anne Ide (graduate of Columbus School for Girls and also student at Wellesley and Antioch College) ; Patricia Hill (now a junior at Bryn Mawr) ; and her one son, George Swayne, Jr., (fifteen, and preparing for Princeton where his father's cousin, Dr. George Black Stewart is senior trustee)— 1608 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO have always come first. With their interests and future at heart has Mrs. Stewart thrown her heart and soul into the great causes with which she has been identified. None could be more proud and more appreciative of her activities than is each and every member of her family. Frederick S. Reefy.—If the city of Elyria had wished to express through the character of one citizen its best ideals of thought and action during the past half century, no one man could have represented those ideals so broadly and fully as the late Frederick S. Reefy. His death, June 9, 1911, was a distinct loss to the community, where he was identified for so many years with the Elyria Democrat as senior editor. His most outstanding trait as a newspaperman and editor was his positive expression of conviction. He was not content to deliver the news alone, but made his paper an assertive force in the molding and converting of public opinion. Frederick S. Reefy was born in the little village of Boetzingen at the foot of the Jura Mountains in Switzerland, Sept. 1, 1833. He was of Swiss Huguenot ancestry, and the son of Johan Heinrich and Marie (Gnaegi) Reefy. The family came to the United States in March, 1834, and settled at Mt. Eaton in Wayne County. They secured a tract of land, which had been previously cleared, and the father became one of the successful pioneer farmers in this section of the state. When Frederick S. Reefy was fifteen years old the family moved to Tuscarawas County to a farm of seventy-five acres near Wilmot. Mr. Reefy attended school during the winter months and in the summers assisted his father at home. At the age of nineteen years he was given a certificate and taught his first term in the district school. In the spring of 1860 Mr. Reefy went to Roanoke, Ind., where he organized the Roanoke Seminary, a co-educational institution. The building for the school was erected under his direction, and for eight years he remained the honored and beloved head of the school and worked with self-sacrificing zeal and earnestness in behalf of its welfare. At that time he also became superintendent of the subdistrict schools of Huntington County. On account of ill health he was obliged at the end of eight years to give up the seminary and other duties, and in 1868 removed to Bluffton, in the same state. There, after recuperating, he organized the graded schools and was superintendent for four years. In October, 1872, Mr. Reefy became a resident of Elyria, Ohio, where his brother, the late Dr. Philip D. Reefy, had established himself in the practice of medicine. Here, Mr. Reefy bought the Lorain Constitutionalist, a paper that had been established about seven years before, but whose HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1609 fortunes had been one of many vicissitudes. He afterward introduced two changes in the name of the paper. The town of Black River had become Lorain, and he thus substituted Elyria for Lorain in the newspaper title, and subsequently, in accordance with his political belief, changed the Elyria Constitution to the Elyria Democrat. For nearly fifty years the paper was under the management and editorial direction of the Reefy family. In his individual allegiance to the Democratic party, Mr. Reefy showed all the courage and persistence of a real pioneer. For fifteen years after he took control of the Democrat, the party in Lorain County was in a hopeless minority, but in spite of this condition he never faltered in advocating the doctrines in which he believed. He was the acknowledged leader of the party for many years, and in almost every campaign delivered speeches so that he became familiarly known in every district in the county. Mr. Reefy was appointed postmaster of Elyria under both Cleveland administrations, and was district delegate to the national convention in Chicago in 1896. In many other ways he also served the party well and faithfully. Outside of journalism and politics there were many other services which Mr. Reefy rendered the community and for which he should be remembered. He was one of the prime movers in getting a supply of lake water for Elyria, and felt something of a personal triumph when that improvement became a reality. For years, in season and out, he fought strenuously for temperance and was fearless and independent in his war against the saloon. In October, 1888, he was elected first president of the Elyria Board of Health upon its organization, and served continuously in that capacity until the close of his life. He was an active leader in the public health movement when comparatively little attention was given to those matters of public sanitation and general health. He was also president of the Lorain County Humane Society, and was largely responsible for the organization of the Lorain County Historical Society. Through his writings in the columns of his newspaper, and his personal leadership the natural beauty of Cascade Park, was brought to the attention and appreciation of the community. Fraternally, he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor and the National Union. Mr. Reefy was married in Roanoke, Ind., July 10, 1862, to Miss Mary Shearer. Mrs. Reefy died at Elyria, Ohio, March 13, 1929. Their children are: Rollin T., who was editor of the Elyria Democrat for a number of years after the decease of his father, now a resident of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Eva L.; Ada H.; Alta M., of Elyria, and Dr. Alice Reefy Arnold, of New York City. 1610 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO The Troxel Manufacturing Company. One of the pioneer business establishments of Lorain County, widely known throughout the United States, is the Troxel Manufacturing Company, of Elyria. It was founded in 1899 by the late D. S. Troxel, and had a capital stock of $50,000. Reorganization took place on Feb. 1, 1917, and at that time the stock was increased to $1,000,000. During that year the company also occupied its new plant and office building. It is estimated that 80% of bicycle saddles sold throughout the United States are manufactured by this well known concern. They also are specialists in fine leather goods, and have manufactured a highly successful line of golf bags and handbags. Products of the Troxel Manufacturing Company have a wide distribution throughout the country. Approximately 200 people are employed in the offices and manufacturing plant of the company in Elyria. J. W. Brandt is perhaps one of the best known business men of Lorain County, being president and general manager of the Troxel Manufacturing Company, of Elyria. He was born on a farm near Jeromesville, Ashland County, December 20, 1879, the son of David and Kathryn (Swartz) Brandt. David Brandt lived on a farm throughout his life, which was spent near Jeromesville. He died in 1905 and his wife died in 1926. Mr. Brandt was a Republican and held membership in the United Brethren Church. J. W. Brandt attended the public schools of Jeromesville and also studied at Elyria Business College. His first position was in Cleveland with the Squires Carriage Company as a stenographer, and he later went with the old Union National Bank, Cleveland, where he served in the same capacity. After an association of nine years with that institution, Mr. Brandt came to Elyria to enter the services of the Troxel Manufacturing Company. Later, he became general manager, and upon the death of Mr. Troxel Mr. Brandt was elected president of the company. He is also a director of the Lorain County Bank and the American Lace Company. Mr. Brandt was married (first) in 1901 in Cleveland to Miss Lela Vaughn, of Mantua, Ohio. He was married (second) in 1917 to Miss Emma French, of Elyria, the daughter of Dr. G. E. French, a native of LaGrange, Ohio, now lives in Elyria. To Mr. and Mrs. Brandt have been born two sons : J. W., Jr., born September 24, 1918, attended Culver Military Academy, now a student at University School, Cleveland, where he was elected captain of the 1932 football team ; William David, born July 1, 1920, also attended Culver Military Academy and is now a student at HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1611 University School, Cleveland. Both boys have held the boxing championship in their respective classes at University School. Mr. Brandt belongs to the Elks Lodge, Eagles Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, and Elyria Country Club. He is a Republican in politics. His wife and children hold membership in the Congregational Church, Elyria. The family residence is located at 418 Washington Avenue. John J. Kinney, M. D. Numbered among the successful members of the medical profession in North Central Ohio is Doctor John J. Kinney, who is president of the Kinney & Knestrick Hospital, of Wooster. He has been recognized as one of the leading surgeons of Wayne County for almost 40 years, and was one of the founders of the hospital which bears his name in 1903. Doctor Kinney was born in Ashland County, March 25, 1865, the son of Job and Susanna (Norris) Kinney. Job Kinney was born in Mohican Township, Ashland County, in 1835. He spent his entire life in that township and became a prosperous farmer. He was living retired at Hayesville at the time of his death in 1926. His wife, born in Mohican Township in 1844, died in 1900. They were the parents of nine children, of whom John J., the subject of this sketch was the oldest. Another son, William, is well known in Wooster as a veterinary surgeon. The boyhood of John J. Kinney was spent in Mohican Township and he attended the district schools. He is a graduate of Smithville Academy and spent two years in the offices of Dr. J. W. Lehr, of Cedar Valley, Ohio. He then went to Cleveland and studied medicine in the offices of Weed, Crile & Bunts. Later he entered the medical school of Wooster College, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1899. Doctor Kinney was then associated in practice with Dr. A. C. Knestrick at Creston, Ohio, until 1893, when he located in Wooster. Doctor Kinney has taken graduate work in medicine and surgery in London, Berlin, and Vienna, having spent 1912 and 1913 in study. The Kinney and Knestrick Hospital was founded in Wooster in 1903. Its original location was 243 East Liberty Street, now the offices of Drs. Kinney and Knestrick. The new hospital was built in 1916 and is located at 125 South Bever Street. Doctor Kinney is president, with Dr. R. C. Paul, of Wooster as vice president, and Dr. Lyman A. Adair, secretary and treasurer. The Board of Directors is composed of the following: Dr. A. C. Smith ; Dr. George C. Essick, of Congress, Ohio ; Dr. F. C. Ganyard, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; N. C. Mayer, of Apple Creek, Ohio ; Dr. Eva G. Cutright, 1612 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO of Wooster ; and Dr. S. C. Boor, of Creston. Miss Mary C. Zarlengo has served as superintendent of the hospital since 1922, with Miss Catherine Collins as bookkeeper. In 1889 Doctor Kinney was united in marriage with Miss Anna B. Walton, of Wooster, the daughter of Hiram and Mary Walton, both deceased. To Doctor and Mrs. Kinney have been born three children: Gail M., married Dr. A. C. Smith, lives at Wooster ; Walton John, lives at Bunnell, Florida; and Arden B., lives at Wooster. He married Miss Dorothy Keiser, of Wooster. Politically Doctor Kinney is a Democrat. He belongs to the fraternal Order of Eagles and Kiwanis Club, and is identified with the Wayne County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Howard M. Jones, who is a veteran of the World War, is well and favorably known at Redhaw, Ashland County, where he has spent his entire life. He was born here, Jan. 29, 1895, the son of Melvin and Leah (Weikel) Jones. Melvin Jones was born near Wooster, Ohio, the son of David Yarnell Jones, who served throughout the Civil War. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His father, David Drake Jones, was a native of Wales, and as a young man came to the United States and settled in Wayne County, Ohio. He was a wheelwright by trade, and had six sons, all of whom followed that trade. Melvin Jones was reared and educated at Redhaw and as a boy learned the blacksmith trade in the shop of John Sheppard. He was thus engaged during his entire lifetime, and was also the owner of a well improved farm of 120 acres, located two miles north of Redhaw. Mr. Jones died in February, 1929. His widow, born at Oil City, Pa., lives at Red-haw. Mr. Jones was a Republican and held membership in the Evangelical Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born three children: Zeda, married J. Willard Worst, lives at Nankin; Blanche Ann, who died in 1906; and Howard M., the subject of this sketch. Howard M. Jones attended the public schools of Redhaw, and until his enlistment for service in the World War was employed in his father's shop. He enlisted May 27, 1918, and was sent to Camp Taylor, Ky. He was later transferred to Camp Johnson, Florida, and sailed for overseas duty on August 6th. After the close of the war he was stationed in Germany with the army of occupation, being discharged from the service at Camp Dix, N. J., in October, 1919. He immediately returned to Redhaw, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1613 where he was associated with his father's business. At the latter's death in 1921 he became proprietor of the shop. On April 8, 1920, Mr. Jones was married at Tiffin, Ohio, to Miss Garnet Ruth Munk, of Barberton, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Wesley Munk, natives of Hancock County, Ohio. Mr. Munk died in 1919 and his wife died in 1924. Both are buried at Mt. Gilead. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones : Elvin Stanton, born June 23, 1926 ; and Naomi Blanche, who died in infancy. Mr. Jones is a Republican, a member of the Evangelical Church, and belongs to the American Legion, Lucas Vaugh Post No. 219, of Polk. Earle Wayne Brown. Outstanding among the representative citizens and highly successful business men of Lorain County and North Central Ohio is Earle Wayne Brown, who is general superintendent of the National Tube Company. He was born at South Coventry, Conn., Oct. 30, 1880, the son of Howard Curtis and Lucy (Tefft) Brown. Howard Curtis Brown was born at Willimantic, Conn., and spent his entire life in New England. He was the founder of the H. C. Brown Paper Company, of East Hampton, Conn. Mr. Brown died in 1915, and is buried at Willimantic. His widow, born in New York, lives at East Hampton. Mr. Brown was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born four children: Curtis Palmer, who is president of the H. C. Brown Paper Company; Jessie, married George Wilcox, lives at Willimantic, Conn. ; Earle Wayne, the subject of this sketch ; and Helen Louise, married Dr. Williams, lives at Los Angeles, Calif. The early education of Earle Wayne Brown was received in the public schools of East Hampton, Conn., and he is a graduate of Hillhouse Preparatory School. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Yale University in 1902 and the degree of Master of Engineering at the same institution in 1904. During 1903 Mr. Brown had spent some time in the blast furnace department of the Lorain Steel Company, now in the National Tube Company, and he later was appointed assistant superintendent of that department. He also held the office of superintendent of the docks and coke plants, and in 1928 was appointed assistant general superintendent of the entire plant. He has held his present responsible position as general superintendent since January, 1930. In 1909 Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Florence Suppes, the daughter of Max M. and Anne (McConhie) Suppes, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively. Mr. Suppes held the position of general superintendent of the National Tube Company for many years. Mr. and 1614 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mrs. Brown are the parents of four children: Betty, who was graduated from Miss Spence's School, New York, in 1929, lives at home; Anne, who attends Science Hill School, Shelbyville, Ky.; Earle Wayne, II, a student ; and Patricia, a student. Politically, Mr. Brown is identified with the Republican party. He holds membership in the Congregational Church, and belongs to King Solomon Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 56, Sigma Psi fraternity, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Elyria Country Club. Margaret K. Feldner. One of the leading professional women of Richland County is Margaret K. Feldner, who is founder of the Modern Business School & Position Unit, at Mansfield. She was born in this city, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Huetter) Feldner. John Feldner was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and his wife was born in Saxony, Germany. Both came to the United States in early life and settled at Baltimore, Md. Mr. Feldner was a tailor by trade and for a number of years followed his trade at Ashland, Ohio. Later, he lived at Mansfield and became a progressive business man of this city. He died in 1881 and his wife died in 1913. Both are buried at Mansfield. Mr. Feldner was a Democrat, an active member of the German Reform Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There were 12 children in the Feldner family, four of whom survive: George, retired, lives at Grand Rapids, Mich.; Minnie, deceased, was the wife of William McCullough ; Ida, married George Uhlich, lives at Mansfield; and Margaret K., the subject of this sketch. Margaret K. Feldner is a graduate of Mansfield High School, attended Ypsilanti Normal School, Ypsilanti, Mich., and the University of Chicago. She began her teaching career in the public schools of this city, and in 1907 was appointed principal of the junior and senior high school at Ravenna, Ohio. She served in that capacity for nine years and in 1926 returned to Mansfield, where she established the Modern Business School & Position Unit. The institution was located originally in the Sheets Building, and in 1927 was removed to 55 North Diamond Street. The following courses are included in the school curriculum: thirty day shorthand, typing, business English, commercial law, spelling, bookkeeping, billing, banking, and calculating. Both day and evening courses are offered with individual instruction. Miss Feldner is a member of the Congregational Church, and past president of the Women's Federated Clubs, of Ravenna. Politically, she is independent. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1615 William Edwin Artman, of Wadsworth, Medina County, Ohio, was born April 14, 1852, in Turbot Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, near what is known as the Follmer Evangelical Lutheran Church. His father, Charles Artman, and mother, Anna Maria McKnight, were natives of the same township, whose parents originally emigrated to the United States from Germany and Scotland respectively during the latter part of the eighteenth century. Charles Artman's occupation was farming, supplemented in his younger days by teaching in the common schools of the township during the winter months, and his entire life was spent upon the land on which he located shortly after his marriage. A Democrat in politics, he was an uncompromising unionist and foe to slavery; a stanch member of the Lutheran Church and efficient officer, and left his imprint upon the community as a man of integrity and honor, a good citizen, a kind neighbor, and one who helped elevate his associates to a higher plane of living. At the age of twelve years William Edwin Artman, the subject of this sketch, left home and started out in the world for himself, by engaging with a farmer of the neighborhood to work for his board and clothes, and with whom he remained about three years, acquiring such education as could be obtained in the schools of the vicinity during the winter months, and following various occupations until the age of twenty-one, when he came to Ohio, locating in Akron. At this place he secured employment, and after a short time commenced attending a school of telegraphy in the evening, and upon completion of the course secured employment on what was then known as the Atlantic & Great Western Railway, continuing with the company through its many changes (until finally merged into the Erie Railway) for a period of fifteen years, as station agent and telegrapher at various points on the line, and acquiring in this time a practical and valuable training in the business virtues of promptness, reliability and integrity. During the year 1889 he severed his connection with the Erie Railway and identified himself with the Garfield Injector Company by purchasing an interest therein, was elected to the board of directors and made secretary and treasurer of the company. By untiring industry, ably assisted by the board of directors, he helped place the company upon a sound financial basis, and in a short time it became the leading industry of the village. It is now known as the Ohio Injector Company and enjoys the distinction of being the largest manufacturer of locomotive and steam engine appliances in the state. Out of this establishment as a nucleus three large manufacturing plants have grown: the Ohio Match, Salt and Box-Board Company, with factories in Wadsworth, Rittman and Cleveland. In these companies he assisted in their organization, was a liberal contributor of 1616 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO time and money to each, and served on the board of directors and in an official capacity. They now have combined assets of over three million dollars. In finance he is connected with the Wadsworth National and the Rittman Savings banks, both of which are growing institutions and enjoy the complete confidence of the public. For the betterment of conditions in the village and to assist the people in securing the benefits of modern improvements, and with rates as low as consistent with good and efficient service, he assisted in the organization of the Wadsworth Light and Water and Telephone companies, serving each of these at various times in an official capacity. In civic life the interests of the village at all times received his attention, continually contending for improvement of the streets, beautifying the parks, elevation of the public schools and uncompromising hostility to the liquor traffic. Mr. Artman was married to Mary M., daughter of John and Lydia Kremer, of this village, April 19, 1879, and to this union one child was born, Mabel Corine. She received her education at Women's College, Frederick, Md., and was married to L. 0. Caine, of same city. To them one child was born, William Artman Caine. Mr. Artman is a member of the Board of Regents of Heidelburg University, Tiffin, Ohio, and he and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. They have done much to promote good morals and good citizenship, and by their efforts, morally and financially, hope to have helped make the world better for their having lived. B. B. Bittner, funeral director, is among the substantial young business men of Elyria. He was born near Grafton, Lorain County, Dec. 18, 1899, the son of Edward and Mary (Stanislawski) Bittner. Both Edward Bittner and his wife are natives of Germany. After their marriage they emigrated to the United States and settled in Ohio, where Mr. Bittner spent many years in the employ of the Grafton quarries. He was also identified with the Cleveland Stone Company, and later engaged in general farming in Eaton Township. They have three children: B. B., the subject of this sketch ; Clarence, born Nov. 1, 1901, associated in business with his brother in Elyria ; and Caroline, a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Elyria, now a stenographer, lives at home. B. B. Bittner attended the public schools of Grafton and in 1921 went to Columbus, where he was identified with the Ira Jones Funeral Home. He also attended the Columbus College of Embalming from which he was graduated in 1921. Upon his return to Elyria he spent two years in the employ of the Western Automatic Company, and in 1923, in partnership HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1617 with his brother, established the Bittner Funeral Home, which is located at 234 Third Street. They have a modern funeral establishment, and render high grade and dependable service. Mr. Bittner is a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree, and Eagles Lodge. He is unmarried. Mr. Bittner is identified with the Ohio State Funeral Directors Association, and Lorain District Association. Frederick Arthur Chamberlain. One of the most prominent business men of Richland County is Frederick Arthur Chamberlain, who is vice president and division manager of the Mansfield branch of the Ohio Public Service Company. He was born at Madison, Wis., Dec. 28, 1880, the son of Alvin H. and Victoria Sophronia (Jones) Chamberlain. Alvin H. Chamberlain was born at Underhill, Vt., in 1846, and his wife was a native of Connecticut, born in 1853. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Vermont and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted for service, and served with a Wisconsin outfit. He later became a commercial traveler and sold high grade papers and printers' supplies. Mr. Chamberlain also owned and operated a popular summer resort in Wisconsin for a time. He was a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, and Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Chamberlain died in 1901 and his wife died in 1925. Both are buried at Windsor, Wis. She was a life long member of the Presbyterian Church. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain : Frederick Arthur, the subject of this sketch ; and Robert Leon, who died in 1925. Frederick Arthur Chamberlain is the grandson of Orrin and Louise (Benedict) Chamberlain, natives of Vermont and early settlers of Wisconsin. They are buried at Windsor, Wis. Frederick Arthur Chamberlain attended the public schools of Madison, Wis., and was graduated from high school in 1899. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin in 1904, where he specialized in the study of electrical engineering, and he then began his professional career with the Madison Gas & Electric Company as junior engineer in the distributing department. In August, 1905, he became identified with the engineering department of the Henry L. Doherty Company, New York City, and two years later went with the American Gas & Electric Company, Philadelphia, as engineer. From 1908 until 1913 he was identified with the Wheeling Electric Company, of Wheeling, W. Va., as 1618 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO distribution engineer and general manager of the power and commercial sales department. From 1913 until 1919 Mr. Chamberlain was connected with the engineering and operating department of the Henry L. Doherty Company, New York City, and in June, 1919, became vice president and general manager of the Richland Public Service Company, of Mansfield. In 1922 the company became known as the Ohio Public Service Company and Mr. Chamberlain has since served as vice president and division manager of the Mansfield branch. In 1910 Mr. Chamberlain was united in marriage with Miss Carolyn G. Adams, the daughter of Hon. Henry Cullen and Anna B. (Norton) Adams, natives of New York and Wisconsin, respectively. Mr. Adams served as a member of Congress from his district in Wisconsin for several terms and was also food commissioner for that State. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain have a daughter, Carolyn Adams, born in June, 1915. Mr. Chamberlain is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and a member of its board of trustees. He has the following lodge affiliations : Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 35 ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 28; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 94; Mansfield Commandery, K. T. No. 21; Al Koran Temple ; Mystic Club ; and Mansfield Shrine Club. He is a charter member of the Rotary Club and served as its first secretary in Mansfield. He is also past director of the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the executive committee of the Mansfield Community Fund. Politically, Mr. Chamberlain is a Republican. Harold Hipp Henry. Perhaps one of the best known men of Mansfield is Harold Hipp Henry, who is personnel superintendent of the Empire Steel Corporation. He was born at Mansfield, May 24, 1892, the son of Norman P. and Emma 0. (Hipp) Henry. Norman P. Henry was born near Lucas, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Crawford County. He was a harnessmaker and spent more than half a century in the employ of George W. Zellner & Son. Mr. Henry died in September, 1916, and is buried at Mansfield. He took an active part in local politics and served two terms as councilman-at-large, two years as president of the council, and was vice-mayor. He was a member of the Baptist Church, Knights of Pythias, and Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 35, Past Master. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry : Norman P., who is associated with the G. & H. Supply Company, Mansfield ; Harold Hipp, the subject of this sketch ; and Robert L., who is associated with the Tinkey Brothers Lumber Company, Mansfield. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1619 Harold Hipp Henry was reared and educated in Mansfield and after his graduation from high school in 1910 entered the employ of the Roderick-Lean Company, as a bookkeeper. During 1912-13 he was assistant treasurer of the Browning Steam Shovel Company, and in 1914 entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1917. The next three years he spent as personnel superintendent of the A. M. Byers Company, of Girard, Ohio, and, in 1920 came to Mansfield as personnel superintendent and safety director of the Empire Steel Corporation. In June, 1917, Mr. Henry was united in marriage with Miss Laura Droxler, the daughter of Michael and Anna Droxler, of Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Droxler died in 1926. He was superintendent of the American Coal & Ice Company, Philadelphia. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry have been born four children: Harold Hipp, Jr., born in 1919; Virginia Louise, born in 1921; Joseph Patrick, born in 1925; and William Droxler, born in 1929. Mr. Henry is a Democrat and served as president of the Kellogg Boys Commission under Judge Bissman. He is a member of the Baptist Church and chairman of the board of trustees, and belongs to Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 35 ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 28 ; and Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 94. Mr. Henry is past president of the Exchange Club, president of the Foreman's Club, a member of the Manufacturers' Club, president of the Welfare Association of the Empire Steel Corporation, former secretary of the Community Fund Association, member of the Ohio Society Safety Engineers, member of the All Ohio Safety Congress, and the National Safety Council. He has served on the advisory council of the Mansfield Council of Boy Scouts, and is former president of the Industrial Basket Ball League, president of the 1925 Church Bowling League, manager of the Empire Steel Base Ball Club, and member of the advisory council of the Mansfield Play Ground Association. He also belongs to the Y. M. C. A., and chairman of the Industrial Safety Committee, Chamber of Commerce. The Henry Athletic Club, located at 26th and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia, is named in honor of Mr. Henry, who was its founder, during his residence in that city. It is an athletic club for boys.