(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) History of North Central Ohio Embracing Richland, Ashland, Wayne, Medina, Lorain, Huron and Knox Counties By WILLIAM A. DUFF IN THREE VOLUMES ILLUSTRATED VOLUME TWO HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY TOPEKA-INDIANAPOLIS 1931 History of North Central Ohio Edwin S. Nail, president of The Farmers Savings and Trust Company of Mansfield, and president and manager of The Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company, also of Mansfield, is one of the prominent and successful business men in Richland County and a civic leader in that community. He was born near Mansfield in Madison Township, Nov. 2, 1859, and is the son of Samuel and Jane (Peters) Nail. Samuel Nail was a native of Richland County and his early education was received in the district schools of that county. Subsequently he attended Oberlin College, after leaving which he engaged in the teaching profession for some time, serving as superintendent of the Madison Township Schools. He was an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church but never followed that calling. His business during his mature life was that of a builder, at which he was remarkably successful. He enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War and served as a second lieutenant until such time as he was honorably discharged because of ill health. He was a staunch advocate of the principles of the Republican party. Jane (Peters) Nail, the wife of Samuel Nail, was born at Trenton, N. J. Both are buried in Mansfield Cemetery. To this union were born Anna Louise, married Charles D. Ettinger, long an officer of the Murphy Varnish Company, both now deceased ; Mary E., the widow of Rev. W. C. Dawson, residing at Lakewood, Ohio ; Sarah J., the widow of Solomon S. Balliet, living at Mansfield, Ohio ; Chas. Wesley, deceased ; Alice, deceased ; Edwin S. Nail and his twin sister, Emma B. Nail, both residing in Mansfield. Edwin S. Nail attended the district schools of Richland County, the Mansfield public schools and Baldwin-Wallace College at Berea, Ohio. Under his father's instruction he learned the carpenter's trade and was actively employed in that trade for some years. In 1883 he purchased the lumber yard of the old established firm of McVey and Allison and conducted that business under the name of Nail and Connelly Lumber Company. Subsequently this business was incorporated as The Mansfield Lumber Company and is now perhaps the - 579 - 580 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO largest lumber concern in the city of Mansfield, Mr. Nail being the president. The Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company was started by Mr. Nail in 1895. In the beginning it was small, confining its business to the State of Ohio and to the lumber trade exclusively. It has grown into a nationally known institution with a surplus in 1930 of over one million dollars and doing business throughout the United States and the Dominion of Canada. Throughout all these years Mr. Nail has been its only president and manager. For a number of years Mr. Nail was a director of The Farmers National Bank, eventually becoming its president and serving in such capacity until that bank was succeeded by The Farmers Savings and Trust Company, of which he has been president for a period of 15 years. Mr. Nail, in partnership with William Isaly, organized The Isaly Dairy Companies of Youngstown, Marion and Mansfield and is the vice president of each of these corporations. Mr. Nail is a director of The Richland Hotel Company, The Mansfield-Leland Operating Company and The Lumber Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Boston, Mass. In 1890 Mr. Nail was united in marriage with Miss Minnie A. Mason, the daughter of Dr. Milton T. and Harriet Hedges Mason. Doctor Mason, now deceased, was a native of Ashland County, Ohio, and was for many years a leading physician of Mansfield. His wife, also deceased, was a descendant of Gen. James Hedges, one of the founders of the city of Mansfield. To Edwin S. and Minnie A. (Mason) Nail were born two children : 1. Harriet H., a graduate of Chevy Chase College, Washington, D. C. She married William H. Seiler, who is now engaged in the real estate business in the city of Mansfield. To this union were born three sons, Edwin, William and Justin. 2. Charles Edwin Nail was graduated from Amherst College, Amherst, Mass., and was a member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity. He is an assistant secretary of The Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company of Mansfield, and assistant to the manager of that institution. In 1928 he was married to Miss Margaret MacLean of Wilmette, Ill. Edwin S. Nail has at times within the last several years been president of the Chamber of Commerce of the city of Mansfield and a director of the Westbrook Country Club. He is a director of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Governor's Committee on Taxation. Mr. Nail belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. ; Mansfield Council ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21 ; and Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree. He is an active member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church in the city of HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 581 Mansfield, on the Official Board of that church and was a delegate to the General Conference of that denomination held in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1920, and at Springfield, Mass., in 1924. Hon. James William Galbraith, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, is recognized as one of the able jurists and representative citizens of Richland County. He was born at Mansfield, Jan. 23, 1874, the son of James Oliver and Margaret (Hunt) Galbraith. James Oliver Galbraith was born in Cumberland County, Pa., May 25, 1830, and his wife was a native of Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pa., born Nov. 18, 1837. He came to Ohio in 1856 and settled at Shenandoah. Two years later he located at Mansfield and until 1876 successfully engaged in the carriage and wagon manufacturing business. For many years he was also identified with the Aultman-Taylor Manufacturing Company and later engaged in the contracting business. Mr. and Mrs. Galbraith were married in 1871. He died April 25, 1912, and his wife died in October, 1919. Both are buried in Mansfield Cemetery. James William, the subject of this sketch, was their only child. James William Galbraith has always lived in Mansfield. He received his education in the public schools and at the age of 16 years was employed as a clerk in the dry goods store of Joseph Black. He began reading law in July, 1891, in the offices of Donnell & Marriott. He also served as recording clerk and deputy in the offices of the clerk of courts under John C. Burns, and Probate Judge, Lewis Brucker. On June 7, 1895, he was admitted to the bar and at that time formed a partnership under the firm name of Maguire & Galbraith. He practiced alone from March, 1905, and in November, 1908, was elected prosecuting attorney of Richland County and reelected to that office in 1910. From Dec. 31, 1912, until Feb. 8, 1919, Mr. Galbraith engaged in private practice, being elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in November, 1918, and taking office Feb. 8, 1919. He was reelected in November, 1924. On June 27, 1900, Judge Galbraith married Miss Isabella E. Wright, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, the daughter of Lewis A. and Hannah Catherine (Patton) Wright, natives of Knox County, both deceased. Judge and Mrs. Galbraith have a son, William Harold. Politically Judge Galbraith has always been identified with the Democratic party. He served as a member of the Democratic Executive Committee from 1914 until 1919, and as chairman during 1916-17-18. He holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has served as trustee, and teacher of the Doctor Leonard Bible Class for 582 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO 10 years. He belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons, Past Worshipful Master, 1900; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Mansfield Council; Mansfield Commandery, K. T.; and Knights of Pythias, Past Chancellor of Madison Lodge, No. 26, in 1903. He is also identified with the Richland County Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. Helen Jeanette Fox is prominent in Mansfield, where she has served as librarian of the Carnegie Public Library since 1914. She was born at Hayesville, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1882, the daughter of Joseph B. and Christiana (Wallace) Fox. Both Joseph B. Fox and his wife are deceased. They were natives of Hayesville. Mr. Fox was a well known merchant of Hayesville and in 1897 moved to Mansfield, where he engaged in the insurance business until his death in 1918. He was born in 1850. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fox : Fred H., lives at Ashland; Ralph D., deceased; George W., lives at Mansfield; Homer E., lives at Akron; Leo R., lives at Akron; and Helen Jeanette, the subject of this sketch. Helen Jeanette Fox attended Vermillion Academy and Mansfield High School. She is a graduate of Chautauqua Library School and began her professional career as a tutor and library assistant. She has been most successful in her profession and has ably carried on the work of her predecessor, Martha Mercer. Miss Fox is identified with the Ohio Library Association, of which she has served as secretary and vice president. She is also a member of the American Library Association, and is a member of the Fortnightly Club, Business and Professional Women's Club. She holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. John Hammel Nichols, M. D., is one of the prominent representatives of his profession in Richland County, and is established in successful practice in Mansfield, with offices at 58 Park Avenue, West. He was born in Pike Township, Knox County, Ohio, April 27, 1873, the son of John and Mary (Hammel) Nichols. John Nichols was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Howard Township, Knox County, in 1839, and engaged in general farming in that section until 1890, at which time he retired and removed to Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He had extensive real estate interests there and died in that city in 1913 at the age of 84 years. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 583 Hammel of Knox County. She died at the age of 72 years. Mr. Nichols held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nichols : Celesta A., Nancy Imogene, Ardella F., Permella, deceased, and John Hammel, the subject of this sketch. John Nichols was the son of Amos Nichols, who was born in Lowden County, Va., in 1800. He came to Ohio in 1814 and settled at Mt. Vernon. He married Sarah Davis in 1820. She was a native of Hagerstown, Md. Mr. Nichols died in 1868 and his wife died in 1879. John Hammel Nichols obtained his early education in the public schools of Knox County. He is a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School, Danville Normal School and attended college. He subsequently took up the study of medicine at Rush Medical College, now the University of Chicago, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution in 1896. He served as interne for awhile in the Cooke County General Hospital and was awarded a Fellowship at Rush Medical College, also first faculty medal and the Doctor Brainard gold medal. Throughout his professional career he has been located at Mansfield, with the exception of time spent in graduate study. Doctor Nichols has studied in numerous clinics in Europe and America. His time is devoted to surgery. He is a member of the staff of Mansfield General Hospital and identified with the Richland County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In 1896 Doctor Nichols married Miss Bertha F. Trott. They have a daughter, Mary Ruth, who is the wife of R. K. Porter, of Mansfield. Doctor Nichols is a member of St. Luke's Church and is affiliated with Venus Lodge, No. 152, Free and Accepted Masons ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree ; Mansfield Scottish Rite and Al Koran Temple. Politically he is a Republican. Martha Mercer, deceased, was widely known in library circles throughout Ohio, having served as librarian at Mansfield, where she was born, for a period of 24 years. Miss Mercer was appointed as the second librarian of Mansfield and it was largely through her splendid administration that the present library system was developed. It was through her efforts that the local library was made a Carnegie institution and at that time it was Miss Mercer who obtained the necessary $35,000 from the Carnegie fund for the erection of the present library building. In 1908 the collection of books was removed from the Memorial Building to the present library. 584 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Miss Mercer was known throughout the state for her interest in library work and was a charter member of the Ohio Library Association. She served at various times as an officer in the organization and was active in its work until her retirement. She resigned Sept. 1, 1914, but continued her residence in Mansfield until several years before her death. Miss Mercer died at Pelham Manor, N. Y., April 22, 1930, and is buried at Mansfield. Miss Mercer always considered the service of the public first and was anxious to build up a fine collection of books for the people of Mansfield. The splendid collection of magazines, which the library now owns and is now being used by the city and many patrons from surrounding counties, was started due to Miss Mercer's foresight. The work of the literary clubs was one of Miss Mercer's interests, and she herself was a charter member of the Nomad Club. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. Hon. Charles L. McClellan has been prominent in the civic and official life of Richland County for 35 years, and is now serving his second term as Judge of the Probate Court. He was born at Butler, Richland County, Nov. 29, 1864, the son of John A. and Sarah A. (Miles) McClellan. John A. McClellan was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in September, 1821, and was two years old when his parents came to Ohio and settled in Richland County. Early in life he was a carpenter but later engaged in general farming in Knox County. He was a prominent citizen of the community in which he lived. Mr. McClellan died Aug. 15, 1897, and with his wife is buried in Bunker Hill Cemetery, Worthington Township, Richland County. His wife was a native of this county. Politically Mr. McClellan was a Democrat. To Mr. and Mrs. McClellan were born five children : Rose, died in infancy ; Hattie Belle, deceased ; William D., deceased ; Charles L., the subject of this sketch ; and James H., lives at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Charles L. McClellan was educated in the home of his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. William Rider, of Butler, Ohio. He attended the district schools, Greentown Academy at Perrysville, and later attended Wooster University. He taught school for a period of eight years before taking up the study of law at the Cincinnati College of Law, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1894. He was admitted to the bar in that year and became a member of the firm of Weaver & McClellan, with offices in Mansfield. In 1900 Mr. McClellan entered the office of the clerk of courts as deputy under Allen S. Beach, and served until 1902, when he HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 585 was elected clerk of courts. He was reelected in 1905 and served in that capacity until 1909, at which time he became associated in practice with Mr. Cook. Later he became a member of the firm of Maner & McClellan, and this partnership continued until Harry T. Maner was appointed on the State Bureau. Mr. McClellan was elected in November, 1924, as Judge of the Probate Court on the Democratic ticket, and was reelected to office in November, 1928. On Sept. 19, 1894, Judge McClellan married Miss Ociea Mitchell, of Lucas, Ohio, the daughter of John and Ann (Rider) Mitchell, natives of Monroe Township, Richland County. Both are deceased and are buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Monroe Township, Richland County. To Judge and Mrs. McClellan were born five children : Ruth, a graduate of Wittenberg College, lives at Cleveland ; Lucille, a graduate of Wittenberg College, married Ivan Bauer, lives at Mansfield ; John R., deceased ; William Harold, attends Wooster University ; and Mary Elizabeth, attends Wittenberg College. Judge McClellan has always been a Democrat and served for three terms as chairman of the executive committee of the Democratic Central Committee. He and his family hold membership in the First Lutheran Church and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Maccabees, Optimist Club, and Amima Club. Hon. Edwin Mansfield, attorney, with offices in Mansfield, is a public spirited and influential citizen of Richland County, having taken a prominent part in the business and civic life of this section of Ohio. He was born at Ashland, Ohio, June 9, 1861, the son of Martin H. Mansfield, who was born in New York City, the son of a shipbuilder. The father of Martin H. Mansfield met with an accidental death and his widow, with her two sons, Martin H. and William, settled at Baltimore, Md. Martin H. later became attached to the family of the late Senator Patterson. The brothers subsequently went to Mifffintown, Pa., where they married sisters, Martin's wife being Anna Saeger. He owned and operated a small shop at Steam Corners, Ohio, where he manufactured a clover huller, which was his own invention. He patented his invention and others in the agricultural implement line and in 1842 removed to Ashland, Ohio, where he secured larger quarters. In 1876 he retired from active business at Massillon, Ohio, having assigned his patent to Russell and Company, Massillon, Ohio. Martin H. Mansfield died in 1880 and his wife died about 10 years later. He was a man of remarkable talent and his inventions were indicative of his mechanical genius. There were 11 children in the Mans- 586 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO field family, three of whom now survive: Edwin, Myra, the widow of Edward R. Swett, resides in New York, and Newton. The eldest son, W. M., deceased, was a civil engineer, and was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Zanesville, Ohio, and later at Richmond, Ind. Subsequently he was with the Pan Handle Railroad and later was superintendent of the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railroad at Indianapolis. He developed terminal facilities at Indianapolis while with the Pennsylvania Railroad and at the time of his death was assistant to the chief engineer at Pittsburgh, Pa. Cloyd Mansfield, deceased, was a resident of Ashland, became county clerk of Ashland County when a young man, held that office for six years, then for two terms was county auditor. He also served as probate judge for two terms and his period of public service extended over 25 years. Henry A. Mansfield, deceased, was also in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Indianapolis, where he became city engineer. He was also a contractor and engaged in government work on the construction of dams and power plants, with his residence at Indianapolis. Newton Mansfield was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., and served on the "Detroit" during the Cuban campaign and later in the Philippines. His health failed and he retired from the service but was recalled during the World War and placed in charge of naval recruiting in New York City. He now resides at Ashland, Ohio. The following children died in infancy : John and Howard. Edwin Mansfield attended Ashland University for two years and in 1881 was employed with a railroad surveying party. Four years later he took up the study of law in the offices of Skiles & Skiles, Shelby, and in 1886 was admitted to the bar, having successfully passed his examinations before the Supreme Court of the state. He immediately engaged in practice at Shelby, where he remained for 16 years. Two months after being admitted to the bar Mr. Mansfield was elected mayor of Shelby, then a city of 1,800 population. From 1901 until 1907 he engaged in practice with Frank Long. The firm was dissolved when Mr. Mansfield was placed on the bench as a Common Pleas Judge, to which office he was elected in 1906. The district comprised Richland, Ashland and Morrow counties, and Mr. Mansfield retired from the bench after 12 years of service in February, 1919. He also served for a number of years as city solicitor of Shelby and while in office he directed the installation of various public improvements, including the paving of streets, building of water works, placing of sewers, the construction of the electric light plant. Judge Mansfield was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of Shelby and has been a director from the time of its inception in 1903, being the only one of the original board still connected with the bank, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 587 and it is one of the strong financial institutions of the county. In 1899 he was one of the organizers of the Shelby Telephone Company, of which he has since been a director. In 1890 the Shelby Seamless Tube Company was organized and Judge Mansfield had an interest in that company. It was subsequently absorbed by the United States Steel Corporation, and the local plant was later destroyed by fire. In 1908 the Ohio Seamless Tube Company was organized and has developed into one of the leading industries of Ohio. Judge Mansfield was a member of its board and for five years served as its chairman. In 1929 he was elected president of the company and still acts in that capacity. In 1892 Judge Mansfield married Mrs. Ada E. Davis Lowe. They have a daughter, Margaret, married J. W. Cook, general manager of the Reed Store at Mansfield, and they have two children, John W. Jr., and Edwin Mansfield. Judge Mansfield is identified with the Richland County Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Rotary Club, and has other numerous connections. Hon. Curtis E. McBride. Numbered among the skilled, resourceful and highly successful attorneys practicing at the bar of Mansfield, Hon. Curtis E. McBride is easily one of the most distinguished men of Richland County, and one whose influence has had a determining effect upon his times. He was born in Richland County, Aug. 11, 1858, a member of one of the old families of this region. Alexander McBride, grandfather of Curtis E. McBride, located in Monroe Township, Richland County, about 1800, coming here from Hampshire County, Va. About the same time, another resident of that county, Lambert LaRue, also settled in Monroe Township. Alexander McBride's wife was a daughter of Benjamin Barns. The son of Alexander McBride and his wife, Union McBride, married Nancy Jane Smart, a native of Richland County, whose father, Joseph Smart, was a son of William Smart, who assisted in erecting the first house in what was then Frank linton, Ohio, but now a part of the city of Columbus. William Smart subsequently returned to Pennsylvania, where he married, and then with his wife he came back to Ohio and settled in Monroe Township. He and his son, Joseph Smart, Alexander McBride, and Lambert LaRue, all lived to advanced ages and enjoyed the confidence and respect of their neighbors. Union McBride and his first wife, Nancy Smart, were married in 1856, but she died in 1865. He later married Adeline Crider and moved to Illinois, where he remained for several years. He then returned to Rich- 588 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO land County, and died at the age of 68 years. By his first marriage three children were born, of whom Curtis E. McBride was the only one to reach maturity, and he was reared by his maternal grandfather. Growing up on his grandfather's farm, where he remained until he was 16 years old, Curtis E. McBride attended the country schools and at that age entered the preparatory department of Wooster University, where he remained until the close of his junior year. At the age of 21 years he married Minnis Rhodes. Having decided upon a legal career, the ambitious young man read law with Col. Barnabas Burns and Thomas McBride, his uncle, who were in partnership and among the older lawyers of this section of Ohio. Colonel Burns, a veteran of the Civil War, was one of the best known men in Ohio at that time. Mr. McBride pursued his studies so diligently and rapidly that he was admitted to the bar March 7, 1882, with his cousin, Curtis, the son of Thomas McBride, and for a year the three engaged in practice under the firm name of McBride, McBride & McBride. In 1884 Mr. McBride went with S. G. Cummings under the firm name of McBride & Cummings. The latter, a prominent attorney, is deceased. This association continued for some years. On Feb. 9, 1902, Mr. McBride and Mr. Cummings took Judge N. M. Wolfe into the firm on his retirement from the bench. When Mr. Cummings died in July, 1916, the present firm of McBride & Wolfe was formed. Mr. Cummings was one of the best office lawyers in Ohio and an authority on title, abstracts, and all other matters pertaining to realty transactions, a fine counsel, wholly devoted to his practice. In 1884 Mr. McBride became legal counsel for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and in addition, in 1896, became counsel for the Big Four Railroad Company. For 12 years he has been counsel for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company, for 10 years he has been counsel for the Erie Railroad Company, and from 1887 until 1916 was general attorney for the Mansfield Street Car Company, in which year the company sold its interests. Mr. McBride has been attorney for the Cleveland, Southwestern & Columbus Interurban Railway Company for 18 years. Very active in Democratic politics, in 1893 Mr. McBride was elected to the State Legislature, and was re-elected in 1895, both times as a representative from Richland County. Mr. McBride is the author of "Special Findings of Facts," now in force ; of the law to give a party the right to call an opposite party as witness and cross-examination, which is still a statute, and an unusual law. He succeeded in having both of these measures passed during his first term, and he is also the author of the law controlling the present manner of selecting juries. During his second term he was minority leader of the House. At one time he was a candi- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 589 date for Congress, but was defeated at the primaries. Mr. McBride has always been a campaigner on state and local committees. In 1898 Governor Bushnell named him a member of the Ohio Centennial Celebration Committee for his congressional district. Mr. McBride's district is overwhelmingly Republican, but in spite of that fact, he was appointed both times by Governor Bushnell, who frequently consulted with Mr. McBride while he was minority leader of the House with reference to contemplated legislation. Mr. McBride has not confined himself exclusively to law and politics, for he is a close student of many subjects, and has become an authority on Thomas Jefferson, his lecture on that great statesman being a very popular one. He possesses a very fine library, numbering over 5,500 volumes of general literature, including many works on early American history. He has always been a student of Latin and Greek and devotes some time daily to the study of these languages. Fraternally, Mr. McBride is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Masons, Consistory, 32nd degree, and Al Koran Shrine. The first wife of Mr. McBride died in 1900, leaving two children: Ethel, who is the wife of Guy H. Ruggles, superintendent of the mills of the Inspiration Cooper Company, of Inspiration, Ariz. ; and Mrs. W. J. Whitting, who lives at San Jose, Calif. On Jan. 1, 1911, Mr. McBride married Mrs. Frances (Clark) English, a former acquaintance of Mr. McBride at Wooster University, and a resident of Chicago, Ill., at the time of her marriage. Mrs. McBride has traveled extensively and is a fine scholar. She is active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and has been a delegate to the national conventions. Both Mr. and Mrs. McBride are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Mansfield, of which he is an elder, and he has been a delegate to the Ohio Synod. He is a teacher of the men's Bible class of 150 members, and has taught this class since 1906. Mr. McBride is a member of the Mansfield Bar Association, of which he is past president ; the Ohio State Bar Association, of which he was president during 1921-22 ; and the American Bar Association. It would be difficult to mention any forward movement of the past 35 years or more in the county or state, that has not received substantial assistance from this alert, scholarly attorney and good citizen, who wears his many honors modestly, and is satisfied with being able to render a service that is of real value to his fellow citizens. For the past 22 years he has been a member of the Richland County Children's Home, and 21 years of that time has been its president. 590 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Hon. Charles H. Huston, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Richland County, is a distinguished member of the Richland County bar, and a veteran of the World War. He was born in Butler Township, Richland County, July 27, 1871, the son of James and Dorcas (Ziegler) Huston. James Huston was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Franklin Township, Richland County, Feb. 22, 1842, a member of a well known pioneer family of this section. Throughout his life Mr. Huston was a farmer. He retired in 1910 and died in 1922. His wife, born in Butler Township, Richland County, in 1842, died in 1880. Both are buried at Shenandoah, Ohio. Mr. Huston was a Democrat and held the offices of township trustee and school director. He belonged to the Church of God. To Mr. and Mrs. Huston were born nine children, as follows : Carrie, married Jesse Esbunshade, lives at Shenandoah ; Charles H., the subject of this sketch ; R. R., farmer, lives at Greenwich, Ohio ; Ransom H., twin brother of R. R., farmer, lives at Shiloh, Ohio ; Rosella, married Arthur France, both deceased; a twin of Rosella died in infancy; Jesse, farmer, lives at Greenwich ; Bertha, married Ernest White, lives at Greenwich ; and O. J., cashier of the First National Bank, Greenwich. Charles H. Huston grew up on his father's farm in Richland County and attended the district schools. He attended the Shiloh High School, and received the degree of Bachelor of Science from Tri-State College, Angola, Ind., in 1894. He then taught school for several terms and subsequently entered the College of Law, Ohio State University, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1897. He has since been admitted to practice in the Federal courts and throughout his long professional career has been located in Mansfield. He has been a member of the firms of Laser & Huston, Huston & Marquis, and Huston & Hutchison. He was associated in practice with his son, Henry P., the firm being known as Huston & Huston, until he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas on Nov. 4, 1930, and is now serving in that capacity. On June 20, 1900, Mr. Huston married Miss Marie Pettker, the daughter of William and Hannah Pettker, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Springfield, Iowa. Both are deceased and are buried at St. Louis, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Huston have two children : Henry P., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; and Margaret E., attends Mansfield High School, member of the class of 1931. During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Huston enlisted as a private in Company M, Eighth Ohio Regiment. In 1913 he was on military duty at Dayton during the flood, and during 1916-17 served on the Mexican border as a captain of Supply Company, Eighth Ohio Regiment. He saw service during the World War and served with the rank of major, 112th Ammunition Train, 37th Division. He is a member of the 37th Division HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 591 Veterans Association, 112th Ammunition Train Veterans Association, Company M, Veterans Association, American Legion, McVey Post, No. 16, and United Spanish War Veterans, Camp No. 17. Judge Huston is affiliated with Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons ; Scioto Consistory, 32nd degree ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56; and Exchange Club. He belongs to the Richland County Bar Association, Richland County Law Library Association, and Ohio State Bar Association. Henry P. Huston. One of the most prominent of the younger attorneys of Richland County is Henry P. Huston, who is associated with the law firm of Huston & Huston, with offices at 221/2 South Park, Mansfield. He was born in this city, May 14, 1903, the son of Charles H. and Marie F. (Pettker) Huston. A complete sketch of Charles H. Huston appears elsewhere in this history. After his graduation from Mansfield High School in 1921, Henry P. Huston entered Ohio State University, from which he received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and LL. B. in 1925 and 1927 respectively. After his admission to the Ohio bar in 1927, he came to Mansfield as a member of the firm of Huston, Hutchison & Huston. Since 1928 the firm of Huston & Huston has been in existence. Mr. Huston is a Democrat, a member of Park Avenue Baptist Church, and belongs to the University Club, Y's Club, Gamma Eta Gamma fraternity, and Possum Run Golf Club. He is identified with the Richland County and Ohio State Bar Associations. Mr. Huston holds a commission of second lieutenant in the Reserve Corps, attached to Headquarters Brigade, 166th Infantry, having taken the four-year course in military training at Ohio State University. Raymond C. Hoiles. One of the leading figures in North Central Ohio is Raymond C. Hoiles, who is editor and publisher of the Mansfield News. He was born at Alliance, Ohio, Nov. 24, 1878, a son of Samuel and Ann (Ladd) Hoiles. Samuel Hoiles was a farmer throughout his life. He was born at Alliance, Ohio, and spent his entire life in that section. He died in 1909 and his wife died in 1906. Both are buried at Alliance. They were the parents of the following children: Frank A., lives at Alliance ; Rolland 592 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO L., lives at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio ; Effie M. Hilles, lives at Alliance ; Raymond C., the subject of this sketch ; and four children who died in infancy. Raymond C. Hoiles was reared in Alliance and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science from Mt. Union College in 1902 and at that time became interested in newspaper work, being employed on the Alliance Review. Mr. Hoiles purchased the Lorain Times-Herald in 1919 and has owned the Mansfield News since 1922. He acquired the interests of the Telegraph Forum in 1927. In 1905 Mr. Hoiles married Miss Mabel Crumb, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, the daughter of C. D. and Helen (Haines) Crumb, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Mr. Crumb lives at Cuyahoga Falls, where he has served as postmaster and clerk of courts. His wife died in 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoiles have been born four children: Clarence H., publisher, lives at Bucyrus, Ohio ; Raymond C., Jr., deceased ; Harry H., and Mary Jane, both students. Mr. Hoiles is an independent Republican. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, Lorain, B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56, Alpha Tau fraternity, and Westbrook Country Club. Charles H. Workman. One of the old families of Ohio is that bearing the name of Workman, and its representatives are to be found in different sections of the commonwealth, although the founder of it in Ohio, Elias Workman, settled in Holmes County, where Charles H. Workman, at attorney of Mansfield, whose names heads this review, was born April 23, 1859. The Workman family is of English origin, and for some time was locates. in Maryland, from whence Elias Workman, the grandfather of Charles H. Workman, came west and entered a large tract of land from the government in what is now Holmes County. The nineteenth century was just beginning ; Ohio was still frontier country ; and there were no provisions made for the instruction of the children. A well-educated man, Elias Workman in 1800 made an agreement with his neighbors that for four months of the year, when his farm duties left him at leisure, he would teach their children, and take his pay in bolts of cloth or produce of any kind, and through this barter gained the equivalent of fifty dollars a month. His son, John Workman, father of Charles H. Workman, was born on his father's homestead about 1831, and he, too, was a teacher. The elder man encountered more difficulties in his scholastic labors, for he faced an absolute dearth of textbooks, so he had to make his own, and some of his carefully written pages, still preserved, prove him to have been a splendid penman. John Workman HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 593 also was a farmer, and he died on this same farm when he was in his early '60s. Charles H. Workman was reared on the Workman farm in Holmes County, which became the site of a camp of Federal soldiers in 1863, at the time of the Holmes County rebellion. With the other children Charles H. Workman was sent to the Smithville Academy in Wayne County, Ohio, where he had the good fortune to be under the instruction of J. B. Eberley, a noted educator. This was the last of the old New England academies that had been established in the state from which came so many men later illustrious in the history of the state and nation. So well prepared was Mr. Workman in this academy that he was able to begin teaching in the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, occupying the chair of literature, rhetoric and civil government, and from 1883 to 1893 he maintained this connection with the institution. During this period, however, he was studying law, and taking an active part in local politics. In 1894 Mr. Workman was elected to the Legislature of his native state, and served during the two sessions of the first administration of President McKinley. Mr. Workman was author of two important measures while in the Legislature, one of them the Workman School Law, which recognized the township as the school unit, and which became the basis of the present school law ; the other being the law which established a board of arbitration to settle disputes between capital and labor, one of the first moves in this direction in any state. The youngest member of the Assembly, Mr. Workman consulted Governor McKinley with reference to the latter bill before he drew it up, and was advised by that dignitary to submit the latter to Attorney General Richards, whose views coincided with those of Mr. Workman. As this bill was introduced over thirty years ago, Mr. Workman was a pioneer in this line of legislation. It was in 1894 that Mr. Workman located permanently at Mansfield, and for five years was secretary of the board of managers of the Ohio State Reformatory. He was made a member of the board of examiners of applicants for admission to the bar, and held that office for many years. Probably no one man in Ohio has carried more legal questions originating in the local courts to the higher tribunals where precedent has been established than he. Independent and advanced in thought, new points have been fought out upon original lines, and in this way he has largely contributed to present legal practice, the law now practically demanding his entire attention. He is legal adviser for several important enterprises. Ever a Republican, the Blaine campaign found him making stump speeches, and there has not been a campaign since then that has not had his services. In 1896 he was sent by the National Executive Committee of 594 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO his party into the West to beard the "silver-tongued orator" on his native heath, and made gold-standard speeches all over those states considered strongholds of the free-silver doctrine. Having made a special study of economics, social conditions and civil government he was well prepared to meet any opposition, and so eloquent and convincing was he that although some of his addresses lasted for three hours, he held his audiences enthralled. No matter what questions were put to him he was ready with an answer, and he was very active in what was known as "Mark Hanna's Educational Campaign." Earlier in life Mr. Workman desired nothing more than to become an editor, and he did conduct a local paper. His institute and normal labors made him a popular figure during a number of years, and he added to those laurels on the lecture platform in connection with educational work. Mr. Workman was married to Mary Sheedy, who had been a teacher in the Miami Valley, and author of "An Americanized Singer in Paris." She was quite familiar with the romance languages, having spent some years in Paris with her two daughters, Helen and Florence, who were both educated there in modern languages and music. Both were accepted by the director of grand opera in Paris, but their studies were interrupted by the outbreak of the World War, although they have continued studying systematically ever since. Mrs. Workman died March 21, 1926. Long before the United States became involved in the war Mr. Workman had taken a decided stand publicly, asserting that no self-respecting citizen could be neutral. Upon the return of Company M of the National Guard from service on the Mexican border its membership dwindled to about forty men. With them as a nucleus he was constantly working, and after holding "open house" for ten days in the park, and having almost continuous speaking, the company was recruited to 180 men, who responded when the call came, and no Ohio county has greater cause for pride in its "Doughboys" than Richland. In Central Park, Mansfield, is erected his design of "The American Doughboy," a figure in Carrara marble mounted upon a granite boulder, seeming to say, "The American Doughboy could fight in a just cause in a foreign land, but his feet were forever on the rock of his native hills." It faces Lincoln Highway, and is viewed with interest by tourists from coast to coast. Mr. Workman successfully promoted the erection of the Richland Trust Building, located at the corner of Park Avenue, West, and Main Street, Mansfield. He is president of the Richland Building Corporation. He was instrumental in the consolidation of three banks in the city of Mansfield into one, the Richland Trust Company, and he is chairman of the executive board. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 595 John Lewis Stevens, M. D., is numbered among the outstanding physicians and surgeons of Mansfield, where he has successfully engaged in practice for 35 years. He was born at Blooming Grove, formerly Richland County and now included in Morrow County, April 1, 1870, the son of Alfred L. and Phoebe R. (Davis) Stevens. Alfred L. Stevens, retired, is a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Blooming Grove in 1843 and throughout his active career engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has lived retired since 1908 at Galion, Ohio. He served throughout the Civil War with an Ohio regiment of infantry. Mr. Stevens is a Republican, a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife was born at Blooming Grove and died in 1928. She is buried at Galion. To Mr. and Mrs. Stevens the following children were born: John Lewis, the subject of this sketch; Olga M., married Charles Douglass, lives at Akron, Ohio ; Gilbert, who served as marshal of the Third District of Alaska, with headquarters at Fairbanks, where he has extensive mining interests ; Harry B., farmer, lives near Galion; Glenn A., farmer, lives on the old homestead near Galion ; and Edwin, U. S. government service, Pittsburgh, Pa. Alfred L. Stevens is the son of Hiram and Phoebe (Stearns) Stevens, natives of Susquehanna County, Pa. He was born in 1800 and came to Richland County in 1823. For a time he was employed on the building of the canal at Cleveland, Ohio, and later purchased 80 acres of land near Blooming Grove at $1.25 per acre. He subsequently purchased a second tract of the same size and at the same price. Phoebe (Stearns) Stevens traced her ancestry back to Amos and Phebe (Tripp) Harding, who were her grandparents. Amos Harding was born at Port Jarvis, N. Y., March 19, 1764, and died in Richland County in 1839. His wife was born in 1769 and died in 1847. They were married in Luzerne County, Pa., in 1784. The late President Warren G. Harding was a member of the sixth generation descended from Amos Harding, who had come to Richland County in 1820. Phebe Tripp was a cousin of Frances Slocum, who was captured by the Indians at Wyoming, Pa. John Lewis Stevens received his early education in the public schools of Blooming Grove and Galion, and attended Battle Creek (Mich.) College. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Starling Medical College, now the College of Medicine of Ohio State University, in 1895, and immediately established his practice at Mansfield. In 1897 and 1899 he took post-graduate work in Chicago and in 1910 studied at the University of Vienna. He was elected a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 1914 and went to Panama in 1923 to attend the dedication of the 596 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Gorgas Memorial Institute, which completed the organization of the American College of Surgeons in the South American countries. In 1897 Doctor Stevens was united in marriage with Miss Anna J. Patterson, the daughter of John and Caroline Elizabeth (Sackett) Patterson, the former a native of Donegal, Pa., and the latter of New York. Mr. Patterson engaged in business in Columbus, Ohio, for many years and retired in 1912. He died at Mansfield, Aug. 18, 1918, and his wife died in April, 1891. They are buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson had three children: Walter S. and Earl, both deceased ; and Anna J. Stevens. Doctor and Mrs. Stevens have no children. Doctor Stevens is identified with the Richland County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Association, and American Medical Association. He is a Republican, a member of the First Congregational Church, and belongs to the Mansfield Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He has the following lodge affiliations: Venus Lodge, No. 152, Free and Accepted Masons ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Mansfield Council; Mansfield Commandery, K. T.; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree ; Al Koran Temple ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56 ; and Modern Woodmen of America. Doctor Stevens is a member of the staff of the Mansfield General Hospital and is an appointed physician for the United States Employees Compensation Commission. George H. Blecker. Outstanding among the representative young attorneys of Richland County is George H. Blecker, who has capably filled the office of prosecuting attorney for two terms, and is now engaged in private practice with offices in the Walpark Building, Mansfield. He was born in this city, March 16, 1892, the son of Ernest A. and May (Hoffer) Blecker. Ernest A. Blecker was born at Mansfield, Oct. 25, 1857, and died here Oct. 18, 1927. For more than 30 years he was associated in business with his brother, George H. Blecker, and they were recognized as breeders and dealers of thoroughbred horses. Mr. Blecker retired from business in 1905. He was a Democat and served as director of public service for two terms. He held membership in St. Luke's Lutheran Church and was a charter member of B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56. Mary (Hoffer) Blecker still resides in Mansfield, where she was born. George H., the subject of this sketch, was the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Blecker. Ernest A. Blecker was the son of Dr. William and Nancy (Finefrock) Blecker. Doctor Blecker was one of the earliest and most prominent physicians of Richland County and lived at Mansfield. May (Hoffer) HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 597 Blecker is the daughter of James Edward and Melissa (Crider) Hoffer, natives of Lancaster, Pa., and early settlers of Mansfield. They were Pennsylvania Dutch. George H. Blecker attended the public schools of Mansfield and was graduated from Mansfield High School in 1910. He spent two years at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, and received the degree of LL. B. at Ohio State University in 1915. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in January, 1916, and until 1921 was associated in practice with Major C. H. Huston, a prominent attorney of Mansfield. At that time Mr. Blecker was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney of Richland County under A. S. Beach. He was elected to that office in November, 1924, reelected in November, 1926, and served in that capacity until January, 1929. He has since engaged in private practice. On Sept. 12, 1925, Mr. Blecker married Miss Ruth Elizabeth Remy, the daughter of Albert F. and Etta (Risser) Remy, natives of Mansfield, where Mr. Remy is president of the Albert F. Remy Company, wholesale grocers. Mr. Blecker is a Democrat and has served as clerk of the county board of elections. He is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons, B. P. O. Elks, No. 56, Past Exalted Ruler, Westbrook Country Club and Chamber of Commerce. He is identified with the Richland County, Ohio State, and American Bar Associations. During the World War Mr. Blecker enlisted for service and did special duty until he was discharged in January, 1919. Arthur G. Beal. As chief deputy sheriff of Richland County, Arthur G. Beal has a wide acquaintance in the community. He is a native of Jefferson Township, Richland County, born June 13, 1880, the son of Calvin S. and Almeda (Russell) Beal. Calvin S. Beal, retired, was born in Jefferson Township. Throughout his active career he engaged in general farming and stock raising and was the owner of a well improved farm of 160 acres. He and his wife have lived at Belleville since 1920. Mr. Beal is a Republican and held the office of township trustee for five terms. He is a member of the Disciples Church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. Their children are: Arthur G., the subject of this sketch ; Glenn, who died in 1918 ; Carrie Edith, deceased ; and Rollin, lives at Mansfield. Calvin S. Beal is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Denman) Beal, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. They are de- 598 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ceased and are buried at Belleville. Almeda (Russell) Beal is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Bollinger) Russell, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. Arthur G. Beal remained on his father's farm until his marriage. He received his education in the schools of Jefferson Township and is a graduate of Belleville High School. He purchased a farm in Jefferson Township in 1900, and remained there until 1927, when he removed to Mansfield to accept the appointment of chief deputy sheriff under Sheriff Ralph A. Schad. He was appointed to the same office March 6, 1930, under Sheriff Aaron Davis. In 1900 Mr. Beal was united in marriage with Miss Maud Hardesty, the daughter of Nelson and Missouri (Tetter) Hardesty. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and she was born at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Both are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Beal were born three daughters: Hester, married Fred Patterson, lives at Mansfield, and they have a daughter, Wanda Jean; Florence, married William Copeland, lives at Mansfield ; and Elizabeth, lives at home. Mr. Beal is a Republican and has served as township trustee, as well as township supervisor, for a period of 15 years. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Loyal Order of Moose. George W. McFarland. As commissioner of Richland County, George W. McFarland is a representative citizen of this section where he has spent his entire life. He was born in Washington Township, Aug. 15, 1862, the son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Flemming) McFarland. Throughout his life Samuel McFarland was a farmer. He was born in Washington Township, April 21, 1832, and for many years was the owner of a fine farm of 130 acres in that township. He served throughout the Civil War. Mr. McFarland was a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, Grand Army of the Republic, Grange, and Royal Arcanum. He died Aug. 19, 1907. His wife was born in Franklin County, Pa., March 21, 1832, and died in 1918. Both are buried in Washington Cemetery, Washington Township. They were the parents of the following children: Sereta A., married Charles Stone, lives in Washington Township; Joseph 0., lives in Washington Township ; John H., deceased; Ella, lives at Los Angeles, Calif.; George W., the subject of this sketch ; Catherine, the widow of G. W. Robinson, lives in Madison Township; Mattie, married Frank Taylor, lives in Madison Township; Frank B., deceased; and Lilly, married I. J. Pollock, lives at Lexington, Ohio. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 599 George W. McFarland attended the public schools of Washington Township, Lucas High School, and in 1885 was graduated from Ohio Business College. He taught school for 12 years in the rural districts of Richland County and in 1906 was appointed as a rural mail carrier on Route No. 4, out of Mansfield. He resigned in 1917 and has since devoted practically his entire time to his farming interests. In November, 1928, Mr. McFarland was elected commissioner of Richland County. He became chairman of the board for 1929. Mr. McFarland's term of office expires in 1933. In 1891 Mr. McFarland married Miss Nancy E. Dillon, the daughter of William A. and Frances (Newlon) Dillon, the former a native of Franklin County, Pa., and the latter of Richland County, Ohio. Mr. Dillon was a Civil War veteran. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried at Mansfield. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McFarland: A son died in infancy ; Lilas M., lives at home ; and William Stanley, lives in Madison Township. He married Frances Hershey, and they have two children, Wayne Gilman, and Ruth Ellen. Mr. McFarland is a Republican and has served as trustee of Madison Township for two terms. He is an elder of the Christian Church and belongs to Modern Woodmen of America, and Springfield Township Farm Bureau. Albert D. Caddell is one of the most prominent citizens of Mansfield, where he is serving as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. He was born at Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 20, 1886, the son of Walter W. and Christina M. (Jack) Caddell. Walter W. Caddell and his wife were natives of Scotland, the former born at Stirling, and the latter at Edinborough. Mr. Caddell was successful as a building contractor and after his marriage in London, England, settled in Canada about 1860. He died in November, 1919, and his wife died in November, 1918. They are buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto. To Mr. and Mrs. Caddell the following children were born: James W., lives at Oakland, California ; Christina, married P. T. Hayes, lives at Indianapolis ; William W., lives at Illion, New York; Marion, married H. W. Farthing, lives at Toronto, Canada ; Margaret, lives at Los Angeles ; and Albert D., the subject of this sketch. The education of Albert D. Caddell was received in the public schools of Toronto and he also attended Toronto Technical College. He was employed for several years in Toronto as a watch case manufacturer, and after coming to the United States served as works manager of the North American Watch Company, at Mansfield. Later he held the same posi- 600 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO tion with the Deuber-Hampden Watch Company, at Canton, Ohio. In July, 1927, Mr. Caddell became secretary-treasurer of the Manufacturers' Club of Mansfield. He has served as secretary of the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce since February, 1929. On Dec. 28, 1916, Mr. Caddell married Miss Helen M. Remy, of Mansfield, the daughter of Charles August and Elizabeth (Englehart) Remy, the former a native of Coblentz, Germany, and the latter of Mansfield. Mr. Remy died in July, 1915, and is buried at Mansfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Caddell have been born three children: Jack Remy, William David, and Helen Margaret. Mr. Caddell is a Republican, a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church, and Rotary Club. He belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M. ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 28 ; and Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 94. John W. Frankeberger. A busy and constructive career has been that of John W. Frankeberger, who for almost half a century has been prominently identified with the business life of Mansfield. He is vice president and general manager of the Mansfield Lumber Company, and treasurer of the Lumberman's Mutual Insurance Company. Mr. Frankeberger was born at Galion, Ohio, Nov. 22, 1859, the son of William J. and Jane (Whitworth) Frankeberger. William J. Frankeberger was born in York County, Pa., and came to Ohio with his parents when he was a young boy. They settled on a farm south of Mansfield. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and later lived at Galion. His wife was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1836, and died in 1872. Both are buried at Galion. Mr. Frankeberger was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Frankeberger were born four children: Clara, the widow of B. Sawyer, lives in California ; John W., the subject of this sketch ; Edgar, deceased ; and Ada, married William Smith, lives at Medford, Ore. William J. Frankeberger was the son of William J. Frankeberger, a native of York County, Pa., and one of the early settlers of Richland County. He is buried at Little Washington, Ohio. Jane (Whitworth) Frankeberger was the daughter of Henry and Jane Whitworth, who came to the United States from England in 1854 and settled in Ashland County, Ohio. Later they removed to Galion. The Frankebergers are of Holland Dutch descent and are said to have come to this country as early as 1735. John W. Frankeberger obtained his education in the public schools of Galion and early in life was a carpenter by trade. He came to Mansfield HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 601 in 1885 and the following year became identified with the Nail & Ford Lumber Company. The business later became known as the Mansfield Lumber Company, and Mr. Frankeberger became its manager in 1900. He has served as vice president and general manager since 1906. For many years he has been identified with the interests of the Lumberman's Mutual Insurance Company and has served in the capacity of treasurer since 1917. He is a director of the Farmers Savings Bank, Mansfield; director of the Lucas State Bank, Lucas, Ohio; director of the First Savings & Loan Company, Mansfield ; and a director of the Indiana Lumber-man's Mutual Insurance Company, Indianapolis, Ind. On June 1, 1884, Mr. Frankeberger married Miss Jeanette Britcher, the daughter of Jacob Britcher, a native of Berks County, Pa., now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Frankeberger were born four children : 1. Fred, associated in business with his father, married Miss Anna Hoover, and they have two daughters, Josephine and Mildred. 2. C. E., a World War veteran, underwriter for the Lumberman's Mutual Insurance Company, Mansfield, married Miss Pearl South, and they have a son, John. 3. Nellie M., lives at home. 4. Inez, married Lincoln Fisher, lives at Valley Station, Ky. Mr. Frankeberger is a Republican and served as a member of the Board of Education from 1892 until 1898. He is a charter member of the City Club, past director of the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, and belongs to the Westbrook Country Club. He belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M.; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past grand and past patriarch. Ralph A. Schad, who served throughout the World War with the rank of captain, is widely and favorably known in Richland County as the capable chief of police of the city of Mansfield. He was born at Louisville, Ky., Sept. 17, 1884, the son of Anthony and Lena (Byers) Schad. Anthony Schad was born in Bremen, Germany. He was a tailor by trade and after his arrival in this country located at Louisville, Ky. He later lived at Nashville, Tenn., and in 1888 came to Mansfield, where he became popular as an expert tailor. He conducted a business in this city until his death, Feb. 9, 1924. He is buried in the Mansfield Cemetery. Mr. Schad held membership in the Presbyterian Church. His widow is a native of Louisville, and lives at Mansfield. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Schad were born five children: Lillian, a teacher, lives at Mansfield ; Anthony, who died at Los Angeles, 602 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Calif., in 1929 ; Ralph A., the subject of this sketch ; Antoinette, married J. Bennett, lives at Jersey City, N. J.; and Albert, a farmer, lives at Mantua, Ohio. Ralph A. Schad obtained his education in the public schools of Mansfield and is a graduate of Mansfield High School and Ohio Business College. For a time he was associated in business with his father. He had been a member of the Ohio National Guard and in 1916 went to the Mexican border as a second lieutenant, with Company G, Eighth Ohio Infantry. At the outbreak of the World War he became a first lieutenant and battalion adjutant of the First Battalion, 146th Infantry. He served in France with this outfit and took part in several important engagements. He was returned to the United States in July, 1918, to assist in the organization of a new division for overseas service, and was sent from Camp Dix, N. J., to American Lake, Wash., where he was put in command of Company D, 76th U. S. Infantry. He was discharged at the close of the war with the rank of captain. After his return to civilian life, Mr. Schad became a traveling representative for the Central Fruit & Grocery Company. He was elected sheriff of Richland County in November, 1926, and reelected two years later. He resigned, however, March 1, 1930, and after successfully passing the civil service examination, was appointed chief of police in Mansfield, March 10th. Mr. Schad married Miss Gladys Williams, the daughter of Hiram and Mary Williams, natives of Richland County, both deceased. They have a son, Ralph A., Jr., who lives at Mansfield. He is widely known as a dealer in thoroughbred horses, and is the proprietor of the Mansfield Riding Academy. Mr. Schad is a Republican in politics. He holds membership in the Congregational Church, and belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Mansfield Council ; Baku Grotto ; B. P. O. Elks, No. 56 ; American Legion; Junior Order United American Mechanics ; Police and Sheriffs Association. Albert L. Allen. One of the popular young professional men of Richland County, who is serving as county surveyor, is Albert L. Allen, a veteran of the World War. He was born at Copenhagen, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1892, the son of John E. and Lydia V. (Young) Allen. John E. Allen was born at Copenhagen, N. Y. He enlisted at Fort Riley, Kan., in 1878 and fought during the Indian Wars, and was later promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, but was discharged on account HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 603 of physical disability and received a compensation from the government. He served as mayor of Copenhagen, N. Y., and as president of the school board. He was extensively interested in the real estate business there and was a prominent citizen. Mr. Allen was a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and Masonic Lodge. He died in 1927 and is buried at Copenhagen. His widow still resides there. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen were: Lloyd, district manager, A. T. & T. Company, Watertown, N. Y.; and Albert L., the subject of this sketch. The education of Albert L. Allen was received in the public schools of Copenhagen and Watertown, N. Y., and following his graduation from high school in 1911 he taught school at Williams Corners, N. Y., for two years. In 1913 he entered Ohio Northern University, from which he received the degree of Civil Engineer in 1916. During his senior year he served as captain in the cadet battalion at the University. In 1915 he enlisted in the Second Ohio National Guard, being one of the organizers of this outfit, and was commissioned first sergeant. In June, 1916, he was promoted to second lieutenant and served on the Mexican border, being mustered out of the Federal service at Fort Sheridan, Ill., in April, 1917. He then went to Youngstown, Ohio, as assistant engineer in the construction department of the Carnegie Steel Company. However, on July 15, 1917, he was recalled into the military service and sent to Ada, Ohio, in charge of recruiting service, where he served with the rank of first lieutenant. He was sent to Montgomery, Ala., Sept. 1st, with his regiment and transferred to Company M, 146th Infantry. He received the commission of captain of that company June 8, 1918, and was sent to France, where he saw active service. He participated in the following engagements : Baccarat Sector, Meuse-Argonne, Paynes Sector, Ypres-Lyse, and Lyse-Escout. Captain Allen was discharged at Camp Sherman, Ohio, April 13, 1919, and returned with his company to Mansfield. He served as assistant city engineer for three years, and in November, 1922, was elected surveyor of Richland County. He was reelected to this office in 1924 for a three-year term, and again reelected for a four-year period in 1928. In 1917 Mr. Allen married Miss Beulah Belle Summerford, the daughter of Margaret D. Summerford, of Las Cruces, N. M. They have a son, Albert L., Jr., born in February, 1920. Mr. Allen belongs to Frank H. Marquis Lodge, No. 609, Free and Accepted Masons ; Ada Chapter, R. A. M.; Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree ; Sigma Phi Epsilon, Beta Sigma Psi, and Theta Nu Epsilon fraternities ; Earl D. McVey Post, No. 16, American Legion ; 146th Regiment Association; 37th Division Association ; Amima Club, and is president of the Optimist Club of Mansfield. He is identified with the Northwest Asso- 604 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ciation of County Surveyors, Ohio State Engineering Society, and American Road Builders Association. Mr. Allen is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Girard Edward Kalbfleisch. As the able prosecuting attorney of Richland County, Girard Edward Kalbfleisch is recognized as one of the prominent young lawyers of North Central Ohio. He was born at Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, Aug. 3, 1899, the son of Oscar Conrad and Magdalene (Gerstmeyer) Kalbfleisch. Oscar Conrad Kalbfleisch was born at Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, and his wife is a native of Miami County. They are residents of Mansfield, where Mr. Kalbfleisch is identified with the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company as master mechanic. For a number of years he served in that capacity with the Orr Felt & Blanket Company. He owned and operated the Piqua Motor Company until 1913, when his plant was completely destroyed by a flood. Mr. Kalbfleisch is the inventor of a lubricating process for oiling motors, which is now used by the government. He has lived at Mansfield since 1913 and has since been associated with the interests of the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company, with the exception of a period of six years, 1920-1926, which were spent with the Columbia Tire & Rubber Company in Mansfield. He is also the inventor of a valvular device which is used in connection with rubber tire construction. He disposed of his patents in 1928. Mr. Kalbfleisch is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church, B. P. O. Elks, and Eagles. There are three children in the Kalbfleisch family : Marie, who lives at home ; Girard Edward, the subject of this sketch; and Conrad John, attends Ohio State University. Oscar Conrad Kalbfleisch is the son of Capt. Conrad and Catherine (Beiser) Kalbfleisch. The former, a native of Germany, came to the United States in 1862 and settled at Hamilton, Ohio, where he conducted a grocery business until 1890. He then removed to Piqua and served as superintendent of the Orr Felt & Blanket Company until his retirement in 1910. His wife was born at Hamilton, Ohio. Both died in 1915 and are buried at Piqua. He served in Germany as a captain in Bismarck's army. Girard Edward Kalbfleisch attended the public schools of Piqua and Mansfield and is a graduate of Mansfield High School, class of 1917. He enlisted in the Students Army Training Corps in August, 1918, at Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio, and was honorably discharged from the service in December, 1918. He studied law at Ohio Northern University, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 605 from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1923. Mr. Kalbfleisch immediately engaged in practice at Mansfield. He was elected prosecuting attorney of Richland County in November, 1928, and assumed office Jan. 7, 1929. Politically Mr. Kalbfleisch is a Republican. He is affiliated with Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. and A. M.; Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R.; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56; F. 0. Eagles ; McVey Post No. 16, American Legion; Gyro Club; Amima Club ; Possum Run Golf Club ; Sigma Pi and Phi Delta Kappa fraternities. He belongs to the Richland County and Ohio State Bar Associations. John Charles Friday. One of the representative citizens of Mansfield, widely known throughout North Central Ohio, is John Charles Friday, who is commissioner of Richland County. He was born on a farm near Woodsfield, Monroe County, Ohio, May 4, 1886, the son of Jacob and Barbara (Landfeld) Friday. Jacob Friday is a native of Germany. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Friday emigrated to the United States and settled near Woodsfield, Ohio. They later removed to Noble County and in 1905 came to Richland County, where Mr. Friday owned and operated a large farm. He has lived retired at Butler since 1920. His wife died in 1892. Mr. Friday is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Friday: August, retired, lives in Noble County ; William, a farmer, lives in Richland County; John Charles, the subject of this sketch; Anna Catherine, married Clyde Ross, farmer, lives in Morrow County ; George E., enlisted for service during the World War and served in France with the 42nd (Rainbow) Division, a sergeant, was killed in action, Nov. 1, 1918, and is buried in the American Cemetery at Romagne-sur-Montfoucon; and Rosa Catherine, married George W. Keller, Dayton, Ohio. John Charles Friday spent his boyhood in Monroe, Noble and Richland counties. He attended Lexington High School, and for three years was a teacher in the Ricksicker School, No. 7, Springfield Township, Richland County. He then engaged in general farming on 94 acres of land, known as "Buena Vista Farm," his farm being located two miles west of Mansfield in Springfield Township. It is considered one of the fine farms of this section, and Mr. Friday is recognized as a successful farmer. In 1922 he took charge of the tractor sales and tractor equipment department for the Ford Authorized Sales and Service Company, of Mansfield, and 606 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO was connected with that enterprise until 1928. Mr. Friday was elected county commissioner in November, 1928, and in January, 1930, was elected chairman of the board of commissioners. During 1920-21-22 Mr. Friday was secretary and treasurer of the Richland County Farm Bureau, and in 1921 was a delegate to the American Farm Bureau Federation at Atlanta, Ga., representing this district, which was composed of several counties. His report was printed in the Mansfield News and was read at the district convention. He also served for five years as president of the Lincoln Highway Farmers Improvement Association. On June 10, 1908, Mr. Friday was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Leistensnider, the daughter of George and Mary A. (Robertson) Leistensnider, natives of Ashland County. Mr. Leistensnider, a farmer, died in August, 1911, and his wife died March 29, 1929. They are buried in the Mansfield Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Friday are the parents of four children : Edward Raymond, attends Springfield Township High School, member of the class of 1931; John Herbert, attends Springfield Township High School, member of the class of 1933 ; Helen Kathryn, and Martha Jane, students. Mr. Friday is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is a teacher of the Boys' Sunday School Class. He is affiliated with Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons. Politically he is a Republican. Arthur S. Hughes, who is president of the Hughes-Keenan Company, Inc., is one of the important figures in the industrial life of Mansfield. He was born here, Nov. 13, 1878, the son of John Hughes, who for 40 years engaged in the ice business in this city. The grandfather of John Hughes was William G. Hughes, a Hessian soldier, who was hired by King George III to fight against the American colonists during the Revolutionary War. Like many others of his class he deserted the army and settled in Pennsylvania. His son, the grandfather of Arthur S. Hughes, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio about 1828 and settled nine miles east of Mansfield, being one of the pioneers of Richland County. He and his family were early converts to the faith of Alexander Campbell, the founder of the Christian or Disciples Church. The Hughes family attended services in the old log court house at Mansfield, this being one of the early centers of the church denomination started by Alexander Campbell. Arthur S. Hughes attended the public schools of Mansfield and served an apprenticeship as a boilermaker with the Aultman-Taylor Company of HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 607 Mansfield. When he was 20 years of age the company sent him to San Paulo, Brazil, to install boilers for an electric power plant, probably the first in Brazil. This was a great responsibility for a young man, and he was obliged to learn the language of Latin-America, in order to manage a force of workmen. The boilers were shipped complete but it was necessary to connect them with the engines. The captain of the vessel that carried young Hughes as a passenger gave him sound advice concerning the care of his health in the torrid zone and cautioned him as to his dealings with the inhabitants, advice that proved of incalculable value. The two years spent at San Paulo, Rio Janiero and Bahia afforded excellent training, not only in actual construction work but in contact with human nature, perfecting the ability to handle men, which has made Mr. Hughes a responsible executive in advance of his years. In 1906 Mr. Hughes was active in the organization of the Hughes-Keenan Company, which was incorporated in the same year with a capital stock of $25,000. The company distributes a large tonnage of the manufactured products which leave Mansfield for distribution all over the country. It has the facilities for the fabrication of structural and pressed steel and ornamental iron. Some of its feature outputs consist of steel toilet partitions and pressed steel truck bodies for Ford cars. This is an industry that has had a steady and substantial growth. The company employs 150 men and has a monthly pay roll of $30,000. The plant covers six acres and the factory buildings are of modern construction. Mr. Keenan retired from the company in 1912 and since that date Mr. Hughes has been the controlling executive. Mr. Hughes is president of the Lexington Furniture Company, president of the Superior Body Company, of Marion, Ind., director of the United Tractor & Equipment Company, of Chicago ; and president of the Manufacturers Club. Mr. Hughes married Miss Bessie Morgan. They have two children, Alberta May, and Mary Helen, both graduates of Mansfield High School. Mr. Hughes is an active member of the First Christian Church and chairman of the Board of Trustees. He belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M.; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M.; Mansfield Commandery, K. T. No. 21 ; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree ; Baku Grotto, Past Monarch ; and Al Koran Temple. He is vice president of the Board of Trustees, Y. M. C. A., and chairman of the Community Chest Fund of 1930. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. 608 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Arthur Sheridan Beck, who is serving as auditor of Richland County, is numbered among the popular public officials of North Central Ohio. He was born at Mansfield, Sept. 17, 1886, the son of Charles and Della May (Hughes) Beck. Charles Beck has always lived in Mansfield. As a young man he learned the blacksmith and tool dressing trade, and remained in the employ of Aultman Taylor Company for a period of forty years. He is now foreman in the shop of the Hughes-Keenan Company, Mansfield. Mr. Beck is a Democrat, a member of the First Christian Church and Knights of Pythias. His wife was born in Washington Township, Richland County, Ohio, and died in 1924. She is buried at Mansfield. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beck: Arthur Sheridan, the subject of this sketch ; and Ruth, married Carl Kahl, lives at Mansfield. Arthur Sheridan Beck attended the public schools of Mansfield and attended Ohio Business College after his graduation from Mansfield High School in 1905. He was employed by the Ohio Brass Company until 1909, at which time he was employed in the office of the auditor of Richland County. He served as deputy auditor until Feb. 1, 1927, and at that time was appointed auditor to fill the unexpired term of John A. Howard. He was elected in November, 1928, for the balance of the term expiring in March, 1931. Mr. Beck was married in 1912 to Miss Mabel Stotts, a native of Richland County. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have a son, Charles, born in 1918. Politically, Mr. Beck is a Democrat. He holds membership in the First Christian Church and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. He has the following lodge affiliations: Venus Lodge, No. 152, Free and Accepted Masons ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28 ; Mansfield Council, R. and S. M., No. 94 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton, District of Ohio ; Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R. ; and Knights of Pythias. Charles H. Keating. One of the members of the Richland County bar is Charles H. Keating, who is vice president of the Lumberman's Mutual Insurance Company, of Mansfield. He was born in this city, July 23, 1870, the son of Thomas B. and Sarah Jane (Hedges) Keating. Thomas B. Keating was born in Columbia County, Pa. He came to Mansfield as contractor in charge of the building of the city water works, and after the completion of that project, was awarded numerous other important city contracts. Mr. Keating is deceased. His wife died in 1883. Sarah Jane (Hedges) Keating was the daughter of Ellsey Hedges, who was a prominent business man and influential citizen of Mansfield for HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 609 many years. She was a sister of Hon. Henry C. Hedges, and a niece of Gen. James Hedges, the founder of Mansfield. Her uncle, Josiah Hedges, was the founder of Tiffin, and the name of Hedges has long been identified with the history of Ohio. Her great-grandfather was Charles Hedges, a resident of Virginia, and the father of nine sons and two daughters. Joseph, Samuel, Hiram, and Otto remained in Virginia ; Elijah, removed to Fairfield County, Ohio ; John, removed to Muskingum County, Ohio ; James and Joseph settled in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1812, the former serving as sheriff and the latter as clerk of courts in that county. Ellsey Hedges, father of Mrs. Keating, served as deputy to both. In 1812 he went on foot to Columbus, Ohio, to carry the presidential election returns from Belmont County, his brother James, having been commissioned a captain of the U. S. army for service in the War of 1812. Charles H. Keating was a son of Thomas B. and Sarah Jane (Hedges) Keating. The education of Charles H. Keating was received in the public schools of Mansfield, from which he was graduated in 1889. He attended Amherst College, and read law in the offices of Cummings & McBride, being admitted to the Ohio State bar in 1894. He was subsequently admitted to practice in the federal courts. Mr. Keating served as referee in bankruptcy from 1898 until 1906, and as deputy auditor of the U. S. post office at Washington, D. C., from 1906 until 1914. Upon his return to Mansfield in 1914 he served for one year as tax commissioner of Richland County, and during the World War was secretary of the Richland County Draft Board. Mr. Keating has been identified with the Lumberman's Mutual Insurance Company as their attorney since 1917, and was elected vice president of the company in 1926. He is a director of the Farmers Savings & Trust Company, and president of the Richland Hotel Company. In 1900 Mr. Keating was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Simpson, the daughter of John and Millie (Stringer) Simpson. Mr. Simpson was born at Mifflin, Ohio, and his wife was born in Ashland County. Both are deceased. Mr. Simpson was widely known as the superintendent of schools at Mansfield for 20 years. Mr. and Mrs. Keating have a daughter, Helen Simpson Keating. She is a graduate of Mansfield High School, Abbott Academy, Andover, Mass., and attended Columbia University, and was for two years the children's librarian in the Mansfield Public Library. She was married Oct. 8, 1930, to Louis J. Ott of Mansfield. Mr. Keating is a Republican and in 1912 was assistant director of the speaker's bureau of the Republican National Committee, with headquarters in New York City. He is identified with the Richland County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and American Bar Association. He holds membership in the First Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club, City 610 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Club, Westbrook Country Club, and Delta Upsilon fraternity. He belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M. ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 28 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 94 ; and Mansfield Commandery, K. T. No. 21. Abram E. Piper, commissioner of Richland County, is a scion in the third generation of one of the sterling pioneer families of Richland County. His paternal grandfather, William Piper, was born and reared in Pennsylvania and came from Lancaster to Ohio in the early part of 1830 and settled on a farm in Washington Township, Richland County, his homestead being five and one-half miles south of the present city of Mansfield, two miles east of Lexington, and in the vicinity of the old Sickinger tavern, which was a prominent inn on the Sandusky road during the pioneer days. William Piper developed one of the excellent farms of this county and remained on the old homestead until his death, at the age of 75 years. He was one of Richland County's substantial citizens and honored pioneers, influential in the community in which he lived, and while never a seeker of public office, he gave fully 25 years of effective service in the office of justice of the peace. On the old homestead mentioned above, Hugh K. Piper, son of William, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born April 12, 1840, and his entire life was passed in his native county. He became the owner of the family homestead and continued its operation for half a century, although for many years he also followed the trade of plasterer, in which he was a skillful workman. He attained a venerable age and maintained his home in the city of Mansfield during the last 35 years of his life, he having served as a member of the city council and having commanded unqualified esteem in his native county. Mr. Piper died March 13, 1923, at the age of 83 years. His brother, John, of Mt. Gilead, and one sister, Mrs. Israel Fribley, are the only surviving members of his father's family. Mr. Piper was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was an earnest communicant of the First Lutheran Church of Mansfield, as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Eyerley, and who likewise was born and reared in Richland County. Four sons and one daughter were born to this union William, Abram E., John and James, twins, the latter is deceased and John resides in Mansfield, where he is engineer for the Mansfield Water Works, and Mary, the wife of James Brooks, Washington Township, resides in Texas, is traveling passenger agent for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Abram E. Piper was born on the ancestral homestead, Oct. 13, 1869. He remained on the farm until he was 18 years of age but received his HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 611 education in the public schools. As a young man he became identified with a mercantile enterprise at Mansfield, and for 28 years has been engaged in business in the northern part of the city. In 1922 he completed the erection of the Piper block, a modern two-story building at the corner of Bowman Avenue and Harker Street. In this structure, which is 85 x 45 feet, he conducted his well established grocery and meat business, his establishment catering to a large and appreciative patronage. The upper floor of the building is divided into three apartments and an office. A drug store occupies the corner of the ground floor, and there is a barber shop in the basement. In March, 1926, Mr. Piper sold his store to John Strom & Son, and in that year sold his business block to John Getz. Mr. Piper has assisted much in the development of this district of Mansfield, having located here when it was still a rural section. He individually helped to clear the land in this part of the city and has erected several houses and store buildings, so that he is to be credited with being one of the founders and developers of this now busy and attractive section of Mansfield. As a loyal citizen and progressive business man, Mr. Piper has well upheld the prestige of a family name that has been long and worthily linked with the history of Richland County. He and his wife are members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, of which he has been a trustee continuously since the erection and dedication of the church building. In 1891, at the age of 22 years, Mr. Piper married Miss Daisy B. Strater, the daughter of Frederick and Rhoda M. (Reed) Strater. Mr. Strater is deceased and his widow resides with Mr. and Mrs. Piper. In connection with the success that has attended his activities as a business man, Mr. Piper ascribes to his wife a large measure of the credit, for she has continuously been his efficient assistant and devoted companion. Their children are: 1. H. Earl, lives at Columbus, Ohio. 2. Barney, married Lucille Cole, lives in Richland County, and they have two children, Joanne and Patricia. 3. Joseph W., married Ruth Them, lives at Mansfield. On May 4, 1926, Mr. Piper removed to his 142-acre farm, which is located north of the city. For 18 years Mr. Piper was a member of the Mansfield Board of Education and held the office of president for nine years. He has been one of the most loyal and enthusiastic supporters of progressive measures in education in connection with the school system of Mansfield, and while he was a member of the board, the Western Avenue public school building was erected, and improvements made to several other school buildings in the city. He has been a stanch advocate of the highest possible standards in all the departments of the school work and service, and did much to promote the issuing of city bonds in the amount of $1,000,000 for the erection and equipment of a new high school, which 612 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO has been completed. In the entire 18 years of his service as a member of the board, Mr. Piper missed only four of its meetings. Mr. Piper is a Democrat, and in 1927 was appointed county commissioner to fill the unexpired term of the late W. H. Carter. In November, 1928, he was elected to that office for a two-year period. It is a matter of gratification to him that political influences have not touched him in his political career. He is affiliated with Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Mansfield Council ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; and Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree. Mr. Piper is identified with the Mansfield Savings Bank and is a director of the Citizens Building & Loan Association. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Hon. Frank Cave, who is serving as a representative from Richland County in the Ohio State Legislature, is a veteran of the World War and an outstanding citizen of Mansfield. He was born in this city, July 24, 1891, the son of Harry E. and Clara E. (Shunk) Cave. Harry E. Cave was born in Philadelphia and when a boy came to Ohio with his parents and settled at Galion. Later they removed to Mansfield where for more than a quarter of a century he conducted the city's leading haberdashery. This fine establishment catered to a large and exclusive patronage. Mr. Cave died in November, 1910, and his wife died in June, 1910. Both are buried in the Mansfield Cemetery. He was a loyal and liberal citizen, and gave many years of effective service as a member of the Mansfield Board of Education. His wife was a native of Knox County, Ohio, the daughter of Jeremiah Shunk, who served a long term as county auditor. Mr. Cave was a Democrat, a member of the Congregational Church, and belonged to B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56. To Mr. and Mrs. Cave were born four children : Harry, a World War veteran, lives at Winnetka, Ill.; Jerry, engineer for the International Telegraph and Telephone Company, Caracas, Ven.; Mary, married Charles Conklin, lives at Mansfield ; and Frank, the subject of this sketch. Frank Cave obtained his education in the public schools of Mansfield and after his graduation from high school in 1909, he entered the city engineering department as a draftsman. In August, 1917, he enlisted in the U. S. Army Signal Corps for service in the World War, and was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison as a first lieutenant of infantry. Later he was transferred to the U. S. Signal Corps as a first lieutenant and served at Hoboken, N. J., and Baltimore, Md., throughout the remainder of the war. He was discharged Dec. 28, 1918, and upon his return to Mansfield became HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 613 outside purchasing agent for the Aultman Taylor Company. In 1920 Mr. Cave was active in the organization of the Central Ohio Bond and Mortgage Company, of which he became secretary. He is now interested in the mortgage real estate and coal business in Mansfield, with offices at 300 North Mulberry. Mr. Cave is a Democrat and in November, 1926, was elected as a representative for Richland County to the Ohio State Legislature. He was reelected in November, 1928. Mr. Cave has been the author of several House bills, which were successfully passed. Important among them was the bill which established a municipal court in Mansfield. Mr. Cave has the following club and lodge affiliations: Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. and A. M.; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M.; Mansfield Commandery, K. T.; Baku Grotto; B. P. O. Elks, No. 56; American Legion; "40 and 8 Society"; and Westbrook Country Club. In 1914 Mr. Cave married Miss Minnie Sickmiller, the daughter of William and Clara (Brown) Sickmiller, natives of Pennsylvania, now residents of Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. Cave have no children. George W. Stephens. One of the most prominent business executives of Mansfield and representative citizen of Richland County is George W. Stephens, who is president of the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company. He was born at Washburn, Ill., May 9, 1880, the son of William A. and Anna (Corbin) Stephens. William A. Stephens, deceased, was a native of New York. He spent his early life in Illinois and in 1893 removed to Packwood, Iowa, where he successfully engaged in farming and stockraising. He retired in 1922 and died in 1927. He is buried at Packwood, where his widow resides. Mr. Stephens was a Republican. There were eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephens: George W., the subject of this sketch; William, Archibald, Nelson, and Lewis, all live at Packwood ; Effie, deceased; Cora, married Frank Sargeant, lives at Ward, Colorado; and Lavinna, deceased. George W. Stephens received his early education in the schools of Packwood, and in 1898 returned to Washburn, Illinois, where he cornpleted a high school course. He then taught school for a nine months period at Washburn and at the same time studied telegraphy, afterward becoming station agent at Washburn. Through correspondence work Mr. Stephens studied bookkeeping and in 1901 became associated with Banta Brothers & Co., at Lowpoint, Illinois, as office manager. The following year he went to Chicago to accept a position with the Pennsylvania Rail- 614 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO road Company in their offices, and in September, 1903, became office manager of the G. & J. Tire Company, Chicago. Mr. Stephens was sent to Indianapolis in 1906 as advertising manager and assistant to the sales manager of the company. Three years later he returned to Chicago, where he organized the American Tire & Rubber Company, and which was successfully conducted by him until 1916. He then disposed of his interests to the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company, of which he became general sales manager, with offices in Chicago. On Feb. 1, 1919, Mr. Stephens became vice president and general manager of the company, and was elected to the responsible position of president in 1923. In 1902 Mr. Stephens was united in marriage with Miss Coila E. Lichtenberger, the daughter of Noble and Ida (Wallahan) Lichtenberger, natives of Ohio, and both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Stephens were born two children: Edgar Paul, a graduate of Mansfield High School, attends Cornell University, and is a member of Sigma Nu fraternity; and Dorothy Elizabeth, a member of the class of 1931, Laurel School, Cleveland. Politically Mr. Stephens is a Republican. He is a trustee of the Congregational Church, president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Mansfield Planning Commission, president of the Mansfield City Club, and holds membership in the Kiwanis Club, South Shore Country Club, Chicago, and Medinah Athletic Club, Chicago. He has the following lodge affiliations : Kenwood Lodge, F. & A. M.; Normal Park Chapter, R. A. M. No. 10, Chicago ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 94; Mansfield Cornmandery, K. T. No. 21; Dayton Consistory 32d degree ; Scottish Rite Society, Mansfield ; Al Koran Temple ; and B. P. 0. Elks. James Purdy, deceased, was one of the most prominent citizens of Richland County and an outstanding figure in the early business life of Mansfield. He was born at Hopewell, York County, Pa., July 24, 1793, and died in Mansfield in 1886, at the age of 93 years. James Purdy received an excellent education but owing to his father's financial reverses he was obliged to begin his business career at the bottom. In 1811 his father had sold his milling business and purchased a farm near Canandaigua, N. Y., where James remained until he was 21 years old. After completing a college course he studied law for three years at Canandaigua, and during that time was also a teacher in the Canandaigua Academy. On Sept. 5, 1822, he went to Corydon, Ind., where the Supreme Court of the State and the United States District Courts were in session, and he was admitted to practice in both. On May 29, 1823, Mr. Purdy came to Mansfield, where he purchased the Mansfield HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 615 Gazette from J. C. Gilkison. After the purchase was completed he discovered that the type was worn out and rode horseback to Cincinnati, where he purchased type on credit, and returned with it in saddle bags to Mansfield. In 1831 he sold the paper to T. W. Bartley, a young attorney, who later became a judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio and governor of the state. In 1823 a new circuit of Court of Common Pleas was established, composed of Richland, Huron, Sandusky, Seneca, Marion, and Crawford counties, holding three terms annually, and Mr. Purdy made all these courts on horseback. He spent much time in Columbus during the years 1834-35, where he procured the necessary legislation to make improvements in this section of the state in the way of building railroads and canals. In 1838, with B. Jones, of Wooster, be obtained a charter from the state of Ohio with a joint charter from Pennsylvania, and the railroad became known as the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. In 1835 he went to Columbus with Judge Patterson and obtained a charter for a railroad, and a company was organized, of which Mr. Purdy served as president. In 1855 Mr. Purdy invested in land in Iowa and was one of the founders of the city of Clinton. In that year he became a stockholder in the Chicago, Iowa, and Nebraska Railroad, and was chosen to locate and construct the road, which he did. It later became known as the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, of which he was vice president. In 1855 he also purchased seven large buildings in Chicago, the title of which he retained at the time of his death. In 1845 Mr. Purdy had taken an active part in obtaining a charter for the State Bank of Ohio, and became a member of its board of control, and assisted in the management of its multifarious departments, which consisted of 40 branches. He was also one of the organizers of the Farmers Bank of Mansfield, and became its president and attorney. At the termination of the charter in 1865 the stockholders transferred their stock to the Farmers National Bank of Mansfield, of which Mr. Purdy served as president until his death. He was also connected with numerous other banking institutions in Ohio, and in 1850 was one of the organizers of a banking house at Sacramento, Calif. Mr. Purdy was a soldier during three wars. He served throughout the War of 1812 on the Niagara frontier, and by special authority from the Governor of Ohio, he enlisted Ohio's quota for the Mexican War. During the Civil War he succeeded in raising 100 men in 48 hours for the service. His son, James, enlisted at the age of 16 and was promoted to a first lieutenant and served throughout the war. 616 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO In 1836 Mr. Purdy had purchased lands on the south shore of the Maumee River, opposite the Grand Rapids, and an Island in the river, thereby becoming the proprietor of three-fourths of the Maumee and its water power. Here he erected a flour mill and sawmill, both of which were in operation at the time of his death in 1886. He had also acquired large tracts of farm land in Henry County, Ohio, with his fellow townsman and statesman, John Sherman. In 1839 Mr. Purdy married Miss Mary B. Hodge, of Buffalo, N. Y., the daughter of William Hodge. Their children were : Mary, the widow of William H. Weldon, lives at Mansfield ; Jeannette, the widow of Major Joseph A. Hedges, lives at Mansfield ; Helen P., the widow of Henry M. Weaver, lives at Mansfield ; Adelaide, deceased, was the wife of Frank P. Lahm, who lives in Paris, France ; Katherine, married Dr. Frank Bain, both deceased ; James, Jr., married Emma Kennedy, both deceased ; Hamilton, and Sarah, both deceased. Mr. Purdy was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and throughout his life was a generous donor to Wooster University. Politically, he was a Whig in early life and later a Republican. Harry A. Parker. One of the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Mansfield is Harry A. Parker, who is serving as county recorder of Richland County. He was born in Perry Township, Richland County, Aug. 6, 1887, the son of George W. and Sophia Jane (Black) Parker. George W. Parker, a native of Perry Township, was born July 17, 1838. He was a farmer and teacher and throughout his life lived in Richland County. He was a Democrat and held numerous township offices. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Parker died June 11, 1904. His wife, born at Kendallville, Ind., Nov. 25, 1849, died Feb. 22, 1914. Both are buried in Salem Cemetery, near Belleville, Ohio. Their children were: Blanche, who died Oct. 9, 1887; Florence E., married Harry E. Cook, lives near Johnsville, Morrow County, Ohio ; and Harry A., the subject of this sketch. George W. Parker was the son of Robert and Catherine (Schultz) Parker, the former a native of Scotland, and the latter of Germany. He was a pioneer settler of Perry Township, Richland County, having purchased 80 acres of land from the Wooster Land Office in 1822. Before coming to Ohio he lived at Baltimore, Md. He and his wife are buried in Center Cemetery, Perry Township. Sophia Jane (Black) Parker was the daughter of Frederick A. and Sophia (Shaffer) Black, natives of Richland HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 617 County, and early settlers of Noble County, Ind. They are buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, near Kendallville, Ind. The boyhood of Harry A. Parker was spent on his father's farm in Perry Township and he attended the district schools. Mr. Parker continued to operate the home place after his father's death in 1904, and remained there until 1914, at which time the estate was leased. During 1914-15 Mr. Parker traveled in the West and late in 1915 returned to Belleville, Ohio. Due to ill health he was forced to retire from business until 1919, at which time he established a tire and automobile accessory business in Mansfield. He disposed of the business two years later and became a representative in Richland County for the McClure Company of Saginaw, Mich., lumber dealers. In November, 1924, Mr. Parker was elected recorder of Richland County, and reelected to that office in November, 1926, serving until 1931. Mr. Parker is identified with the Democratic party in politics. He is a member of the First Lutheran Church and belongs to Frank H. Marquis Lodge, No. 690, Free and Accepted Masons, and Baku Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R. Roy B. Dickson. One of the recognized leading business men of Mansfield is Roy B. Dixon, who is the proprietor of the Evergreen Cafeteria. He is also a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Richland County. Mr. Dickson was born at Mansfield, April 5, 1875, the son of James and Sarah Dickson. James Dickson was a prominent merchant and banker of Mansfield. He was born in Richland County and in 1848 became interested in the mercantile business in Mansfield. He established a business at Third and Main streets in 1852, and in 1872 was the founder of the Mansfield Banking Company, of which he served as president for 28 years. It was then merged with the present Citizens Bank, and Mr. Dickson continued as a stockholder until his death in 1893. His wife died in 1913. Both are buried at Mansfield. They were the parents of the following children: Charles, deceased ; William and Edward, live at Mansfield ; George, deceased ; James, lives at Mansfield; Frances, deceased, was the wife of J. Andrews ; Lillian, lives at Mansfield ; and Roy B., the subject of this sketch. Roy B. Dickson attended the public schools of Mansfield and for a number of years was widely known as the owner of fine horses. He drove at numerous races throughout Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Virginia, and was the owner of such fine horses as "Ed O'Brien," and "Ruby," whose records were 2:10 1/2" and 2:20", respectively. Mr. Dickson retired from the racing profession in 1912. He then engaged in farming on 160 acres 618 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO at Black Fork, near Mifflin, Ohio, and later returned to Mansfield. For a time he engaged in the automobile business in Cleveland, but maintained his residence in Mansfield. In 1915 he organized the Dickson Market, which is still operated by him at Walnut and Third streets. It is an up to date market house with accommodations for 52 merchants. For a time he was also interested in a bakery business, which he disposed of in 1929. He is financially interested in the Woodland Allotment, Mansfield, and from 1920 until 1928, successfully operated concessions at Cedar Point, Ohio. He established a bakery business at Shelby, Ohio, in 1921, which he sold in 1926. Since 1922 Mr. Dickson has been the owner and manager of Mansfield's first cafeteria, known as the Evergreen, and located at North Walnut and Third streets. In 1922 he was the founder of the Dickson Dairy Company, which became known as the Axtell Dairy Products Company two years later, when Mr. Dickson became associated in the business with Mr. Axtell. He is also the owner of an attractive estate of 400 acres, located between Belleville and Butler, Ohio, known as Wildcat Hollow. In the summer of 1930 Mr. Dickson built a modern residence on this place. There are 250 acres of fruit on the place. The family's summer home is located at Cedar Point. In 1901 Mr. Dickson married Miss Grace Florence Lime, daughter of Solon and Emma Lime, natives of Indiana. Both are deceased and are buried at Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson have no children but they reared and educated a girl, Ruth Munnell. She is now the wife of James Brownscomb. Mr. Dickson is a Republican, a member of Richland County Farm Bureau, and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56. Mr. Dickson recently purchased two fine horses. They are "Signal Spring," 2:08 1/4", and "Irene Guy," a colt. T. R. Barnes. An able business man and a citizen of broad public spirit, T. R. Barnes has been a notable figure in the life and affairs of Mansfield. He was born near Salem, in Mahoning County, Ohio, on a farm, the son of R. A. and Avarilla Ann (Gilbert) Barnes. R. A. Barnes was born in Maryland, as was his wife. They came to Ohio in 1858 and settled on a farm near Salem. T. R. Barnes received a public school education and came to Mansfield when he was 21 years of age. For four years he was an employe of the Adams Express Company, and then became secretary of the Humphrey Manufacturing Company, a concern which engaged in the manufacture of pumps. While there Mr. Barnes acquired a practical knowledge of pump manufacture and with HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 619 that experience and some capital he became interested in the promotion of the Barnes Manufacturing Company in 1895. He is chairman of the board of directors. The Barnes Manufacturing Company was organized with a capital stock of $100,000. The industry has grown and steadily prospered, and in 1920 the capital was increased to $500,000. From the beginning Mr. Barnes had been secretary and general manager, and at the date of its reorganization he was made chairman of the board of directors. C. Gorman is president. The Barnes Manufacturing Company is a concern that has had much to do with making Mansfield known to the outside world as a source of manufactured products. Its output consists of house and farm pumps, hand and power pumps of all kinds, pumps operated by electric and gas power, and pumping machinery for oil wells and highway road construction. A few years ago a line of portable power pumping units was added for contractors' uses. The company also manufactures sanitary porcelain enamel ware. In its early history the company employed about 50 men, as compared with its present pay roll of 250. The plant and equipment represent an investment of approximately $700,000. Mr. Barnes has been connected with a number of Mansfield's progressive institutions. He is a director of the Mansfield Savings & Trust Company, director of the Mansfield Wire Spoke Company, director and president of the Buckeye Tempered Copper & Brass Company, director of the Superior Brass Company, vice president and director of the Citizens Savings & Loan Company, director of the Richland Mutual Insurance Company, director of Memorial Park and chairman of the Board of the Conservancy District. He is also director in the Mansfield-Leland Hotel. He has been a contributor to all worthy public causes and acted as chairman of the Community Chest during the World War. Mr. Barnes married Miss Lida R. Scott, the daughter of George Scott, a veteran employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have a daughter, Ruth, who is the wife of James C. Gorman. He is a graduate of Lehigh University, and is president of the Barnes Manufacturing Company. Mrs. Gorman is a graduate of Smith College, Northampton, Mass., and is prominently identified with social work in Mansfield. Mr. Barnes is a member of the county executive committee of the Republican party, is past president of the City Club, and for six years was a member of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Church. He also has served as a member of the city council. He belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M. ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M.; Mansfield Commandery, K. T. No. 21; Dayton Consistory, 620 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO 32d degree ; and Al Koran Temple ; and Jesters of Cleveland. He is also a member of the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Barnes recently built an attractive home on Woodlawn Road, just within the city limits of Mansfield. His beautiful flower gardens are a source of much pride and pleasure to Mr. Barnes. The Tappan Stove Company, one of the leading industries of Mansfield, was organized about 1884 as a partnership. The first factory was located at Bellaire, Ohio. In 1889 the business was removed to Mansfield and in 1890 the name was changed to the Eclipse Stove Company. In 1918 the business was incorporated and in 1920 became known as The Tappan Stove Company. Many changes have been effected from the first crude models, and today the Tappan Stove Company is recognized as a leader in the manufacture of high grade gas stoves. The buildings were erected over a period of years as expansion demanded and machinery and equipment have been installed to give the maximum of efficiency of operation with a minimum of handling of parts. Practically every part used in the manufacture of the stoves is produced in the factory. An up to date foundry pours the rough castings, and from there they go through the various operations, such as machining off the rough edges, japanning or enameling, and finally reach the assembly line in perfect condition. The enameling room is perhaps the most interesting part of the organization from the viewpoint of the layman. The enamel is mixed from raw materials, consisting of some 20 ingredients. The parts go through the room on a conveyor system and receive the various treatments from workmen stationed at points along the line. Without stopping they enter the oven and a few minutes later emerge fully enameled. The enameling oven itself is particularly ingenious. It is built to accommodate two moving lines of parts at the same time, each moving in a different direction. As one line of parts emerges from the enameling furnace the heat from it is sufficient to dry the enamel on the other line to a point where it may be safely fused. The assembly line is operated in a manner similar to the lines in the larger automobile plants. The parts are brought to it on a conveyor system and placed at strategic positions. The first operation is placing part of the crate in position, and the stove is assembled in it so that when the end of the line is reached it is ready for shipment. While the Tappan Stove Company was not the first to develop the insulated range, it began to manufacture it soon after that facility was dis- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 621 covered, and the company may be rightly called pioneers in this type. Tappan Stoves are also known as gas savers. The 1930 officers of the Tappan Stove Company are as follows : W. J. Tappan, president ; A. P. Tappan, vice president ; A. C. Rhoads, secretary; and Paul R. Tappan, treasurer. The factory is located at 150 Wayne Street. Stuart H. Cramer is numbered among the capable young lawyers of Richland County, engaged in the practice of his profession in Mansfield, with offices in the Richland Bank Building. He was born at Blooming Grove, Morrow County, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1895, the son of R. Hayes and Ida May (Miller) Cramer. R. Hayes Cramer is a native of Wayne County, Ohio. He engaged in farming during his early life and in 1892 removed to Blooming Grove, where he became assistant postmaster. He has been a resident of Mansfield since 1914 and since that time has been identified with the Ohio State Reformatory. Mr. Cramer is a Republican and a member of the First Methodist Church. His wife was born in Morrow County and died in Mansfield in 1926. She was the daughter of Henry and Martha Ellen Miller, both deceased. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cramer : Stanley M., born in 1889, lives at Akron, Ohio, where he is advertising manager for the General Tire & Rubber Company, and he is a veteran of the World War ; and Stuart H., the subject of this sketch. R. Hayes Cramer is the son of Michael Stuart and Mary Jane (Waldorf) Cramer, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Ohio. Mr. Cramer was a tanner by trade and served throughout the Civil War. He is deceased and is buried in Wayne County. His widow lives in Mansfield. Stuart H. Cramer obtained his early education in the public schools of Blooming Grove. He is a graduate of Mansfield High School, class of 1915, and entered Ohio Wesleyan University in 1916. He then was employed for a time in the offices of the Aultman-Taylor Company, Mansfield, and later read law under the supervision of L. H. Beam. His legal education was completed in Cincinnati in 1926, and on December 31st of that year was admitted to the Ohio bar. He has since been engaged in practice at Mansfield. Mr. Cramer was married in 1917 to Miss Helen Lucille Oberlin, the daughter of I. J. and Emma (Hassler) Oberlin, of Massillon, Ohio. Mr. Oberlin is deceased and his widow resides at Mansfield. For a number of years he was identified with the bookkeeping department of the New Method Stove Company, at Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have two 622 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO daughters: Helen Jean, born June 20, 1918 ; and Ellen Jane, born May 31, 1921. Mr. Cramer is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Church, and belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. and A. M., and Optimist Club. He is a member of the Richland County and Ohio State Bar associations. Frank J. May, who is the capable chief of the Mansfield Fire Department, is a native of Richland County, and a member of one of its well known families. He was born in Springfield Township, Oct. 22, 1877, the son of Lieut. Lyman and Sarah (Lavenspore) May. Lt. Lyman May was born near Plymouth, Knox County, Ohio. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was among the first to enlist from that county and at the expiration of his first enlistment he was commissioned a lieutenant in the 12th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for a period of four years, three months and 12 days. After his discharge he resumed his farming interests in Knox County, but in 1895 came to Mansfield, where he became identified with Bryanon Brothers Coal Company as manager. He continued in that capacity until his death in 1913. His wife was born in Springfield Township, Richland County, and died in 1911. Both are buried in the Mansfield Cemetery. Mr. May was a Democrat and served for three terms as a member of the city council from the Fifth Ward. He held membership in the First Lutheran Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. May: William and Frank, twins, William lives at Cleveland ; Jennie, married B. L. Lime, lives at Mansfield; Dora, married John Reggie, lives at Newville, Ohio ; Hattie, married Arthur Durham, lives at Santa Barbara, California ; Ella and Anna, both live at Mansfield; Frank J., the subject of this sketch ; George E., lives at Mansfield; Minnie, married Fred Kindinger, lives at Mansfield ; and Margaret, married Lem Parker, lives at Toledo, Ohio. Rufus May Bloodhart is an adopted son. Frank J. May attended the district schools of Springfield Township and is a graduate of Mansfield High School. Although he spent his boyhood on his father's farm, at an early age he learned the moulder's trade and was employed by the Eclipse Stove Company, now the Tappan Stove Company, Mansfield. He was later connected with the Ohio Brass Company. In 1913 he became a member of the local fire department, three years later was promoted to lieutenant of station No. 3, and in 1925 became captain of Station No. 2. He was appointed assistant chief of the department in 1927, and since 1929 has served in the capacity of chief. In 1930 he was appointed assistant state fire marshal by state fire marshal, Roy R. Gill. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 623 In 1902 Mr. May married Miss Elizabeth Bobbel, the daughter of Frederick and Mary Bobbel, natives of Germany, both now deceased. Mrs. May was also born in Germany. Mr. May is a member of St. John's Evangelical Church, a member of the church council, trustee, financial secretary, and secretary and treasurer of the Minister's Pension and Relief Fund of this district. His wife is serving her 25th year as secretary of the Home Department Sunday School of St. John's Evangelical Church. Mr. May has the following lodge affiliations : Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. and A. M.; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 92 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T. No. 21; Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R. Mr. May is a Republican. He is an honorary member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and belongs to the Firemen's and Police Pension Association. Joseph A. Bayer. Prominent among the younger attorneys of Mansfield is Joseph A. Bayer, who has offices at 94 1/2 North Main Street. He was born in Deutsch Stamora, Austria-Hungary, Oct. 24, 1896, the son of Jacob and Magdalene (Egner) Bayer. Jacob Bayer was born at Moravitza, Austria-Hungary, now Serbia. He was a civil and railroad engineer and died at Klopodia, Austria-Hungary, now Roumania, in 1902. His widow, born at Gross Zsam, Austria-Hungary, now Roumania, resides at Mansfield. Their children were : Martin, identified with the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company, Mansfield ; John, deceased ; Barbara, married Lorenz Jerger, lives at Mansfield ; and Joseph A., the subject of this sketch. In early boyhood Joseph A. Bayer removed to Wersetz, Austria-Hungary, now Serbia, with his parents, and received his education at that place. He came to the United States with his mother in 1911 and completed his schooling in Mansfield, as a student for one year at St. Peter's parochial school, and two years at Mansfield High School, being graduated from the latter in 1914. He spent the next two years as a machinist with the Roderick Lean Manufacturing Company, and then became associated with Anton Reiser, local contractor. His next connection was with the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company as assistant master mechanic, and he later returned to the Roderick Lean Manufacturing Company as assistant traffic manager. Mr. Bayer spent some time as cashier of the Ohio Textile Products Company, and was assistant manager of the Constance Lumber Company, now the Home Materials Company. During these 624 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO years he had registered with the Supreme Court of Ohio and read law in the office of attorney George W. Biddle, of Mansfield. He was admitted to the Ohio bar, Jan. 26, 1924, and on Feb. 21, 1925, to the Federal Courts. Mr. Bayer was also admitted to the Michigan State Courts, Oct. 8, 1929. Mr. Bayer has a daughter, Helen, who resides with her father. Politically, Mr. Bayer is a Democrat. He is an active member of the Richland County, Ohio State, and American Bar Associations. Herman Edward Homberger, who is successfully engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Mansfield, with offices in the Blecker Building, is a native of this city. He was born Sept. 30, 1876, the son of Edward and Susan (Robbins) Homberger. Edward Homberger was born in Giessen, Germany, May 11, 1842. At the age of 19 years he emigrated to the United States and went to New Mexico, where he became an Indian trader. He located in Mansfield in 1869 and for several years was employed as a clerk in the store of a Mr. Dittenhofer. In 1875 he became interested in the manufacture of cigars as a member of the firm of Homberger & Hautzenroeder, and they became nationally known cigar makers. Mr. Homberger died Aug. 21, 1901. His wife was born at Fort Wayne, Ind., Jan. 25, 1846, and died Oct. 24, 1926. Both are buried in the Mansfield Cemetery. Mr. Homberger was a Democrat and belonged to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M. ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. ; Knights of Pythias ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56, past exalted ruler. To Mr. and Mrs. Homberger were born four children: Adolph, deceased ; Herman Edward, the subject of this sketch ; Joseph and Mamie, both deceased. The boyhood of Herman Edward Homberger was spent in Mansfield and he attended the public schools. He is a graduate of Ohio Business College, and Media Academy, Media, Pa., class of 1896. He was associated with the cigar business which was established by his father as secretary and treasurer, and disposed of his interests in 1919. He spent the following three years as a stock broker and in 1921 he became interested in the real estate business. He has also specialized in insurance since 1926. He is owner of the Blecker Building, corner of Fourth and Main streets. On Dec. 28, 1914, Mr. Homberger was united in marriage with Miss Beulah Atkins, the daughter of John and Martha (Homan) Atkins, who are residents of Mansfield. Mr. Atkins was born at Wooster and his wife was a native of Dalton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Homberger have no children. Mr. Homberger is a Democrat and has been a member of the Richland County Executive Committee since 1920, eight years of which were HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 625 spent as treasurer. During 1912-13 he served as safety director under Mayor William O'Donnell, and in 1914 was elected treasurer of Richland County. He was reelected to the latter office in 1916. Mr. Homberger belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. and A. M. ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21 ; Dayton Consistory, 32d degree ; Baku Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R.; Al Koran Temple ; B. P. O. Elks, No. 56 ; F. O. Eagles, No. 336 ; Knights of Pythias ; and Richland Lodge, No. 161, I. O. O. F. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the executive committee of the Mansfield Savings Bank & Trust Company. William McE. Weldon. Honored, respected and esteemed is William McE. Weldon, attorney, who has successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Mansfield for almost 40 years. He was born here Dec. 28, 1868, the son of William H. and Mary (Purdy) Weldon. William H. Weldon was born at Mansfield in 1839, and his wife was born in this city in 1840. Throughout his active business career he was identified with the banking interests of Mansfield and Richland County. Throughout the Civil War he served as a paymaster in the navy. He died in 1868 and is buried at Mansfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Weldon were born two children: Mary, born in 1865, married E. W. Gans, of Mansfield, and she died in 1896; and William McE., the subject of this sketch. William McE. Weldon secured his early education in the schools of Mansfield, and was graduated from Mansfield High School in 1886. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science from Amherst College, in 1890, and subsequently read law in the offices of Jenner & Tracey, Mansfield. He attended the Law School of Columbia University and was admitted to the bar in 1892, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession at Mansfield. At various times he has been associated in practice with such well known lawyers as S. E. Jenner, F. K. Tracey, and Hon. John W. Jenner. He has been attorney and a director of the Farmers Bank of Mansfield for 35 years. Mr. Weldon is also director of the Ohio Brass Company, Franklin Finance Company, and Richland Hotel Company. In 1896 Mr. Weldon was united in marriage with Miss Sarah May Black, the daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Blymyer) Black. They have four children : Elizabeth, who died in 1920 ; William, Jr., a graduate of Amherst College, now identified with the Ohio Brass Company, Mansfield ; Margaret, deceased ; and Jean, a graduate of Dongan Hall, Staten Island, N. Y., attends Sarah Lawrence College. 626 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Weldon is a Republican and during 1899-1900 served as city solicitor of Mansfield. He is an elder of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the City Club, and Westbrook Country Club. He is president of the Rotary Club and president of the board of trustees of the Mansfield Public Library. He also holds membership in the Richland County, Ohio State and American Bar associations, and is former secretary of the Richland County Law Library Association. Edwin D. Ford. Among the men of Mansfield, whose large transactions in real estate have stimulated business and contributed to the growth of the city and its environs, the leader perhaps is Edwin D. Ford, who is also a member of one of the community's best families. Mr. Ford was born at Mansfield, Jan. 23, 1872, the son of Patrick P. and Mary C. (Stone) Ford. Hon. Thomas H. Ford, grandfather of Edwin D. Ford, was a prominent attorney of Richland County, and served as Lieutenant-Governor of Ohio from 1856 until 1858, during the gubernatorial administration of Hon. Salmon P. Chase. Thomas H. Ford was the original captain of Company C, Third Ohio Regiment, which was organized in 1846 and mustered out of service at New Orleans, La., June 23, 1847. Judge Osborne, upon the death of Judge Milton W. Worden, in referring to attorneys who had passed away, said of Thomas H. Ford : "A Ford of grand stature, of great physical strength, with intellectual endowments if aroused equal to any emergency, but for the most time inactive and useless, because not used." General Brinkerhoff wrote : "When I was a student of law in 1850-51 the giants of the Mansfield bar said of Ford : Thomas H. Ford was at his best and was a man of great natural powers, but was indolent and careless and did not make the mark he might have made at the bar.' " Patrick P. (Pat) Ford was one of the best known and most liked men of Mansfield. For many years he operated a grocery but later, for at least 20 years, was superintendent of the Sherman-Heinman Park. He died Feb. 28, 1922, at the age of 75 years. His wife died in 1920. One of the leading bankers of Mansfield, when asked who is the richest man in Mansfield, answered : "Pat Ford." While he did not accumulate property, he always paid his debts, had a wide circle of warm friends, and got the greatest possible amount of enjoyment out of life. He was a loyal citizen in every respect and others reaped richly from his life. For years he was active in the affairs of the Humane Society. Edwin D. Ford, after some years of association with his father in the grocery business, began to deal in horses and soon became the best known HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 627 horse trader and shipper in this region. His early training had been to the effect that he should save at least a few pennies out of every dollar earned and to keep out of debt, but after trying this system until he was past middle life, he came to the conclusion that this policy would not yield him great wealth. He thereupon began to assume obligations. His investments on borrowed money yielded him large returns, and attaining added confidence as well as wealth, he increased the scope of his enterprises. For 20 years he has been a trader and no deal is too large for him to handle. Ever keeping his credit above reproach, it has not been difficult for him to finance large deals, most of which have yielded handsome returns. Mr. Ford is now the largest borrower in the city, and one of Mansfield's leading landholders. He is proprietor of the West Fourth Street Market, which is the largest in Mansfield, having many stalls which are available for rental. Mr. Ford married Miss Ann Snyder, whose father, Henry Snyder, was for many years the proprietor of a grocery in Mansfield. They have three children: Kathryn, married Forrest Bancroft, lives at Mansfield ; Thomas E., a graduate of Miami College, lives at Ashland; and Mary Alice, at home. Mr. Ford is a member of the Baptist Church and is on the board of the Friendly House. He is also connected with numerous civic and social fraternities in Mansfield. Mr. Ford is a director of the First Citizens National Bank & Trust Company. P. W. Frederick, deceased, was a highly esteemed citizen of Mansfield, where for many years he was identified with the Mansfield-Ohio Business College, one of the leading institutions of its kind in the United States. He was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, Oct. 19, 1865. His grandfather, John G. Frederick, was born in Germany and in early life came to the United States and settled in Coshocton County, being a pioneer in that section. His son, John G., married Amy Curran, and they were the parents of P. W., the subject of this sketch. P. W. Frederick was educated in the public schools of Coshocton County and attended some of the best business colleges of the day at Delaware and Columbus, Ohio. He later became a teacher in the Zanesville Business College, soon bought an interest, and remained there for two years. In September, 1897, he founded the Mansfield Business College, after having spent a year as a teacher in Professor Sharp's Ohio Business College. After the death of Mr. Sharp in 1904 the Mansfield 628 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Business College and the Ohio Business College were consolidated as the Mansfield-Ohio Business College, and in 1912 the institution was incorporated. Mr. Frederick became sole owner in 1915 and then surrendered the charter. It was thereafter conducted as a private institution until the time of Mr. Frederick's death, July 24, 1928. On Aug. 15th, Mrs. Frederick disposed of the business and it was incorporated as the Mansfield Commercial Institute. She is now acting as secretary-treasurer of the corporation, and is head instructor in the school. In June, 1895, Mr. Frederick married Miss May Lauck, of Zanesville. They had a son, John Lowell, who died soon after his return from the World War. Mr. Frederick was a member of the First Methodist Church. He was one of the most valuable citizens of Mansfield and always took an interest in its religious, educational and social life. He was a man of great earnestness and his high ideals have had much to do with making the Mansfield-Ohio Business College, now the Mansfield Commercial Institute, one of the leading institutions of its kind. As a youth, Mr. Frederick was impressed with the value of education and regarded the teaching profession as the highest calling, worthy of his best efforts and all of his talent. Thomas A. Gruber. Perhaps one of the most prominent attorneys of Richland County is found in Thomas A. Gruber, who has engaged in practice in Mansfield for almost 20 years. He was born in Morrow County, Ohio, Jan. 17, 1868, the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Leonard) Gruber. Christian Gruber was born on a farm in Marion County, Ohio, the son of John Gruber, who had taken a land grant from the government as one of the first settlers of Marion County. The Gruber homestead was located on the present site of the Marion County Infirmary. Christian Gruber followed farming throughout his life and was also active in politics, having served as auditor of Morrow County. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. Mr. Gruber died in 1907 and his wife died in 1890. Both are buried at Marion, Ohio. Their children were : Thomas A., the subject of this sketch ; John, Homer, and Elza, all deceased. Thomas A. Gruber was educated in the district schools of Morrow County. He attended Otterbein College and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from that institution in 1889. Later he read law with Judge Powell, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, and was admitted to the Ohio State bar in 1897. Subsequently he was admitted to the Federal Courts, New York State Bar, and West Virginia State Bar. From 1897 until 1901 Mr. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 629 Gruber was associated with the Hess Publishing Company of New York City. From 1903 until 1912 he successfuly practiced law at Caledonia, Ohio, and served as mayor of that city from 1905 until 1912. Since 1912 he has been established in practice at Mansfield, with offices at 13 Park Avenue, West. On Dec. 19, 1906, Mr. Gruber was united in marriage with Miss Effie Coulter, the daughter of Harvey and Mary (Carmean) Coulter, natives of Pennsylvania, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gruber have a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who is a graduate of Mansfield High School. She is employed in Mansfield by the Westinghouse Electric Company as secretary to the sales manager. Mr. Gruber is a member of the Congregational Church and is a Democrat in politics. He holds membership in the Richland County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association and American Bar Association. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past noble grand ; Knights of Pythias ; and Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. and A. M. He also belongs to the Mansfield Real Estate Board. In 1930 Mr. Gruber was a nominee on the Democratic ticket for State Senator. N. O. Weamer. As proprietor of the successful and popular Southern Hotel in Mansfield, Mr. Weamer is outstanding among the leading hotel men of this section of Ohio. He is a native of Ohio, born close to the Indiana line, near Union City. When Mr. Weamer came to Mansfield he served in the capacity of steward at the Vonhof Hotel. In 1915 he became interested in the active management of the Southern Hotel. A former proprietor of the Southern Hotel was Colonel Andrews, a popular and efficient manager, who was later succeeded by his son-in-law, O. C. Berry. Upon the death of Mr. Berry his widow continued as owner of the hotel until Mr. Weamer and Mr. McClelland took over her interests. Later Mr. Weamer became sole owner. For three generations the corner of South Park and South Main streets has been the site of a public house. Colonel Andrews rebuilt and enlarged the hotel to its present dimensions. It now accommodates 100 guests, and its original diningroom, celebrated throughout Ohio for its fine food, is now conducted by Mr. Weamer as a popular coffee shop. This change in policy was inaugurated in August, 1929. Through its many years of thoroughly capable management it is little wonder that the Southern Hotel continues to the present day as a favorite way station in the journey of travelers. Guests have always found this a veritable home. 630 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Weamer is not only the youngest manager of any high-class hotel in Ohio, but is richly endowed with those personal traits so much appreciated by the traveling public. Besides the Southern Hotel he is also proprietor of the Central Hotel at Galion, Ohio. Mr. Weamer married Miss Ruth Bissman, the daughter of the well-known grocer of Mansfield, William H. Bissman. Mr. and Mrs. Weamer have one child, Nicholas Oliver, Jr., born Aug. 18, 1924. Thomas J. McDermott, who is one of the most successful of the younger attorneys of Mansfield, is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Stockport, Morgan County, Ohio, Feb. 9, 1900, the son of Frank and Grace (Gray) McDermott. Frank McDermott is a leading attorney of Morgan County, having engaged in the practice of law at Stockport and Zanesville, Ohio, for many years. He was born there and after completing his early schooling attended Georgetown University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was graduated from the Law School of Ohio State University. Grace (Gray) McDermott was born at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and died in 1918. She is buried at Stockport. Thomas J. McDermott was the eldest of a family of twelve children. He attended the public schools of Stockport and was graduated from McConnellsville High School in 1917. He enlisted for service in the World War, April 14, 1917, and was assigned to the Tenth Machine Gun Battalion, Fourth Division. He saw active service in France on the Meuse-Argonne and Aisne-Marne fronts, and at the time of the armistice was attending an officers training school at Langre, France. He was discharged in August, 1919, with the rank of sergeant. Mr. McDermott then began his business career in the offices of the Goodrich Tire & Rubber Company, at Akron, Ohio, and was later employed by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He studied law at John Marshall School of Law, Cleveland, and received the degree of LL. B. in 1926. In 1923, he was employed by the Cuyahoga Abstract Title and Trust Co. for two years as title examiner ; also one year at the Union Trust Company of Cleveland, then one year as assistant trust officer at the Cuyahoga Abstract Title and Trust Company. He spent three years in practice in Cleveland, and since 1929 has had offices in Mansfield. He is manager, secretary and treasurer of the Guarantee Title Company, Mansfield. Mr. McDermott is a Democrat, a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, and belongs to Delta Theta Phi law fraternity. He is a member of the Richland County, Ohio State, and Cleveland Bar associations. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 631 Russell L. Nichols. Outstanding among the prominent young attorneys of Mansfield is Russell L. Nichols, who is a veteran of the World War. He was born in Nevada, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1897, the son of Charles M. and Minnie (Johnson) Nichols. Charles M. Nichols, who is identified with the Ricketts & Nichols Printing Company, is a well known business man of Mansfield. He was born at Nevada, Ohio. Early in life he followed the printer's trade and for a number of years owned and operated the Belleville Star. For a time he also engaged in the meat business at Nevada, and later removed to Shelby, Ohio, where he was identified with the Shelby Sales Book Company, and also as superintendent of the Dickerson Printing Company. After coming to Mansfield he was associated with the Mansfield "Shield" and Mansfield "News." Since 1919 he has been interested in the printing business in Mansfield. Mr. Nichols is a Democrat, a member of the United Brethren Church, and belongs to Venus Lodge, No. 152, F. & A. M.; Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; and Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Minnie (Johnson) Nichols died in March, 1903, and is buried at Nevada. To Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were born four children: 1. Ruby, married O. T. Champion, lives at Mansfield. 2. Russell L., the subject of this sketch. 3. Robert J., twin brother of Russell L. 4. Darrell, lives at Mansfield. He is a veteran of the World War, having enlisted for service at the age of 17 years. He saw active service in France with the 28th Division. The early education of Russell L. Nichols was received in the public schools of Nevada, Shelby, and Mansfield. As a youth he learned the printer's trade in the employ of Kibler & Jackson. In June, 1916, Mr. Nichols enlisted in Company M, Eighth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, and served on the Mexican border. He returned in March, 1917, and on July 6, was called back into the service as a member of Company M, 146th Infantry, later being transferred to Headquarters Company, 146th Infantry. In France he participated in the drives at Meuse-Argonne, Baccarat Sector, and St. Mihiel, and took part in two offensives at Ypres. He was discharged from the service, April 13, 1919. Mr. Nichols is a member of the American Legion, McVey Post, No. 16, and 37th Division Veterans Association. Since 1926 he has been a member of Battery D, 134th Field Artillery. Upon his return to Mansfield, Mr. Nichols was associated with his father's printing business until September, 1921, at which time he entered Ohio Northern University. He was graduated with an LL. B. degree in 1924, and soon after was admitted to the Ohio Bar. He spent the following year in the office of Judge Armstrong, at Lima, Ohio, and in 1925 came to Mansfield, where he has already established an excellent practice. 632 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO He is attorney for the Auxter Motor Company, Rogers Jewelry Company, and Montgomery & Ward. He has also served as agent, secretary and attorney for the Humane Society in Mansfield. In 1922 Mr. Nichols married Miss Opal Vershey, the daughter of Albert and Gertrude (Smith) Vershey. He is deceased and his widow lives at Lakeview, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have a son, Bruce Charles. Mr. Nichols is a Democrat and belongs to the University Club. He is also a member of the Richland County Bar Association, and Delta Theta Phi fraternity. Reid Carpenter. As a director of the Citizens National Bank and Trust Company, Mr. Carpenter is recognized as one of the prominent business men and representative citizens of Mansfield. He was born in this city, June 6, 1853, the son of Major George F. and Jeanette L. (Reid) Carpenter. Major George F. Carpenter was born in Worthington Township, Richland County, Aug. 8, 1820. He came to Mansfield in 1842 and began the study of law in the offices of James Purdy, being admitted to the Ohio bar in February, 1845. The following two years were spent in partnership with Mr. Purdy and from 1847 until 1850 Mr. Carpenter was associated with Gen. William McLaughlin. Later he practiced his profession with Colonel Isaac Goss. He enlisted for service in the Civil War, April 6, 1863, and served until Nov. 12, 1865, being appointed paymaster of the Army of the Cumberland. He was discharged with the rank of Major and upon his return to Mansfield resumed the practice of law. He entered into a partnership with H. P. Davis in 1874. Mr. Carpenter was active in the organization of the Citizens National Bank, Mansfield, with his son, Reid Carpenter, and served as president of the institution until his death in 1901. He was married July 2, 1852, to Jeanette L. Reid, who died in 1889. Both are buried at Mansfield. She was the daughter of Rev. Robert Reid, who served as a chaplain during the Revolutionary War. He was a well known preacher at Erie, Pa. To George F. and Jeanette L. (Reid) Carpenter were born the following children: Reid, the subject of this sketch ; Frank G., a nationally known writer, who died in Nanking, China, in 1918; John L., banker and broker, who died in 1884; Elizabeth, married S. E. Findley, lives at Mansfield ; Daniel, deceased ; and Jeanette C., the widow of C. S. Tandy, lives at Vevay, Ind. After completing his early schooling at Mansfield, Reid Carpenter entered Wooster University, from which he was graduated in 1875. Two years later he was graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan, and in that year was admitted to the Ohio bar. He imme- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 633 diately engaged in partnership with H. B. Dirlan, of Mansfield, and at the same time was associated with the Humphrey Manufacturing Company, of which he served as treasurer for a number of years. He was one of the organizers and at the present time is a director of The Ohio Brass Company. In 1891, in partnership with the late Hon. M. B. Harter, Rush Taggart, of New York, and S. R. Ford, Mr. Carpenter purchased the Citizens Electric Railway, Light & Power Company, of Mansfield. This company later built the Shelby Interurban Railway. In a few years the company disposed of its interests to Klybolte & Company, of Cincinnati. Mr. Carpenter was active in the organization of the Citizens National Bank with his father, and after the latter's death in 1901 held the office of president until his resignation in 1921. The bank is now known as the Citizens National Bank & Trust Company. For many years Mr. Carpenter has been interested in the breeding of pure bred short horn cattle, and for 15 years was a member of the board of directors of the American Short Horn Breeders Association. For three years of that period he served as its president. His fine farm of 1,000 acres is operated by the Ohio State Reformatory. In 1889 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage with Miss Clara P. Cornell, the daughter of A. B. and Lucille Cornell, natives of Youngstown, both now deceased. Mrs. Carpenter died in 1928 and is buried in Mansfield. Three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter: 1. Helen, married Dr. John S. Hattery, physician, lives at Mansfield, and they have two children, Clara and John. 2. Jeanette, married E. R. Hartman, who is a member of the firm of Hartman & Spreng, lives at Mansfield, and they have two daughters, Barbara and Helen. 3. Amy C., married Dr. Marion Douglass, physician, lives at Cleveland, and they have two children, Reid and Elizabeth. Mr. Carpenter is a Republican. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and Westbrook Country Club. Capt. Robert W. Stephenson, of the Richland County Bar, has had a wide and successful practice in Mansfield for a number of years, and is a member of one of the most prominent pioneer families of Ohio. He is also a veteran of the World War. Mr. Stephenson was born at Sidney, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1874, the son of Judge John Gowdy and Anna Margaret (Thorne) Stephenson. Judge John Gowdy Stephenson was born at Xenia, Ohio, July 9, 1823. He was educated there and when a young man located at Sidney, where he studied law and taught school. He went to California in 1850 and 634 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO was fairly successful in gold prospecting. He was a member of the old Vigilante committee of California and was admitted to the California bar. He engaged in practice there until 1868, when he returned to Ohio and practiced law. While a resident of California Mr. Stephenson met with a serious accident, which resulted in the amputation of a leg. Upon his return to Sidney he served as mayor for two terms, and was elected as probate judge for three terms. He removed to Somerset, Ky., in 1882, and engaged in the practice of law and farming there until his death. Mr. Stephenson died Sept. 7, 1902, and his wife died April 4, 1918. Both are buried at Sidney. She was born there, Nov. 10, 1842, the daughter of Henry and Eliza Ann (Jones) Thorne, natives of Philadelphia and early settlers of Sidney. Mr. Thorne was the proprietor of popular hotels at Sidney and Wapakoneta, Ohio. To John Gowdy and Anna Margaret (Thorne) Stephenson were born five children: Gertrude, deceased ; Robert W., the subject of this sketch ; Mary, married Harry Waite, lives at Burnside, Ky. ; John G., Jr., deceased; and Charles Edwin, lives at Mansfield. Judge Stephenson was a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to Temperance Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 129, Sidney Chapter, R. A. M., and Sidney Council, R. & S. M. M. Judge John Gowdy Stephenson was the son of Captain Robert W. and Abigail (Gowdy) Stephenson. He was born at Harrisburg, Mercer County, Pa., in 1792, and his wife was also a native of Kentucky. He served throughout the War of 1812 with the rank of captain, and participated in numerous Ohio campaigns. Both he and his wife are buried at Sidney. Robert W. Stephenson, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the public schools of Somerset, Ky. He attended Centre Preparatory School, and was graduated from Centre College in 1898, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He enlisted for service in the Spanish-American War, July 15, 1898, and was sent to Knoxville, Tenn., as a member of the Sixth United States Volunteer Infantry. He saw active service in Porto Rico, and participated in numerous skirmishes. He was discharged with the rank of first sergeant at Savannah, Ga., March 15, 1899. Upon his return to Centre College he took charge of the military department, and attended the College of Law. Mr. Stephenson attended Ohio State University during 1903, after which he came to Mansfield and read law in the offices of Cummings, McBride & Wolfe. He was admitted to the Ohio State bar in 1906. From 1909 until 1917 Mr. Stephenson was identified with the legal department of the Aultman-Taylor Manufacturing Company, and on August 25th resigned from his position to enter the Second Officers Training School, at Fort Benjamin Harrison. He was commissioned a captain of infantry and assigned to the 331st In- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 635 fantry, 83rd Division, Camp Sherman, Ohio. Later he was transferred to the 29th Infantry at Camp Perry, Ohio, and subsequently was sent with this outfit to Fort Benning, Ga. While there he served as acting Judge Advocate on General Farnsworth's staff. Captain Stephenson was discharged at Camp Sherman, Ohio, Sept. 25, 1919, and has since successfully engaged in practice at Mansfield. He served as city solicitor from 1926 until 1930. Mr. Stephenson has offices in the Walpark Building. In 1917 Mr. Stephenson married Miss Mary A. Walker, the daughter of L. J. and Clara (McCammon) Walker, natives of Morrow County. Both are deceased and are buried at Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson have a daughter, Dorothy. Mr. Stephenson is a Democrat, an elder of the 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; Al Koran Temple ; and Amima Club. He also belongs to the United Spanish War Veterans, Charles Dick Camp, No. 17, past commander ; and American Legion, McVey Post, No. 16, past commander. Mr. Stephenson is a member of the Richland County, Ohio State, and American Bar associations. J. H. Gongwer. Representative of the successful young lawyers of Mansfield is J. H. Gongwer, who is associated with the firm of Henkel & Congwer, with offices in the Mohican Building. He was born in Mifflin Township, Richland County, May 13, 1898, the son of Maurice E. and Laura A. (Lutz) Gongwer. Maurice E. Gongwer is a prosperous farmer and stockman of Vermillion Township, Ashland County, where he is the owner of 87 acres of land. He was born in that township May 1, 1865, attended the district schools, Vermillion Institute, Savannah Academy, and Ashland College. For a period of 12 years he taught school. Mr. Gongwer is a Democrat and has served as a member of the Board of Education. He is an active member of the Lutheran Church. Laura A. (Lutz) Gongwer was born in Mifflin Township, Richland County, Jan. 1, 1865. To Mr. and Mrs. Gongwer were born four children: J. H., the subject of this sketch; Helen, married Howard Hess, lives in Montgomery Township, Ashland County; Myrtle, married Harold Wiltrout, lives at Windsor, Ontario, Canada; and George P., teacher, Ashland High School, Ashland. J. H. Gongwer attended the district schools of Richland and Ashland counties and entered Ashland College after his graduation from Ashland 636 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO High School in 1916. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1920, and the degree of Master of Arts in 1921. Mr. Gongwer served as assistant principal and coach of Loudonville High School from 1920 until 1923. He spent the following year in the law school of Western Reserve University, Cleveland, and the next year attended the law school of Ohio State University. In 1925 he became principal of Mt. Gilead High School, and in December of that year was admitted to the Ohio State Bar. Since 1927 he has successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Mansfield, and has been associated with C. H. Henkel since July 1, 1929. Mr. Gongwer is an active member of the Richland County Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. In 1925 Mr. Gongwer married Miss Gladys Garber, the daughter of Horatio and Sylvia (Swank) Garber, natives of Jefferson Township, Richland County. The former is deceased and the latter lives at Bellville. Mr. Gongwer is a Democrat and is a member of the Richland County Democratic Executive Committee. He holds membership in the Lutheran Church and belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M.; Ashland Chapter, R. A. M., No. 67 ; Ashland Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 128 ; and American Legion, McVey Post, No. 16. During the World War Mr. Gongwer served in the Student Army Training Corps, and during the summer of 1918 was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Ill. The following fall he was transferred to Ashland College. Herbert H. Schettler. One of the best known young attorneys of Richland County is Herbert H. Schettler, who is engaged in the practice of his profession at Mansfield, with offices in the Citizens Building. He was born in Madison Township, Richland County, May 13, 1903, the son of William H. and Pauline (Jud) Schettler. William H. Schettler was born in Richland County in 1864. He was a moulder by trade and for a number of years was employed by the Aultman-Taylor Manufacturing Company, Mansfield. He engaged in general farming in Madison Township from 1890 until 1909, when he returned to his former employment at Mansfield. Mr. Schettler has lived retired since 1916. He is a Democrat, a member of the Evangelical Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Pauline (Jud) Schettler was born at Westfield, N. Y., the daughter of an Evangelical minister. To Mr. and Mrs. Schettler the following children were born: Jeanette, lives at home ; Theodore, lives at Detroit, Mich. ; Clara, married William Leopold lives at Mansfield ; Florence, married Clare Marlow, lives at Detroit; Emma, married Philip Smith, lives at Mansfield ; Paul, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 637 lives at Mansfield ; Frieda, married William Hinsman, lives at Detroit ; and Herbert H., the subject of this sketch. William H. Schettler is the son of Theodore and Jeanette Schettler, natives of Germany, and early settlers of Richland County. In 1870 he established a grain and feed business at Mansfield, which he successfully conducted for 20 years. He spent the remainder of his life on a farm in Madison Township. Both he and his wife are deceased. Herbert H. Schettler obtained his early education in the public schools of Mansfield, from which he was graduated in 1921. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Adelbert College, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, in 1925, and the degree of LL. B. from the College of Law, Western Reserve University, in 1927. After his admission to the bar of Ohio, Mr. Schettler was identified with the offices of the Probate Court in Cleveland. He established his practice in Mansfield in July, 1929, and has met with marked success. Mr. Schettler is attorney for the Northern Insurance Company of New York and the Liberty Insurance Company. In 1929 Mr. Schettler was united in marriage with Miss Corinne Ziska, the daughter of Helen Ziska, of Berea, Ohio. She is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College, and spent five years doing social welfare work with the Juvenile Court of Cleveland. She is now secretary of the Mansfield Humane Society and is a member of the Phi Lambda Sigma sorority. Politically, Mr. Schettler is a Republican. He is a member of the University Club, Lions Club, and Phi Beta Kappa honorary fraternity. He is identified with the Richland County Bar Association and Cleveland Bar Association. Lt. Robert J. Nichols is a veteran of the World War and a representative citizen of Mansfield, where he is engaged in the practice of law with offices at 13 Park Avenue, West. He was born at Nevada, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1897, the son of Charles M. and Minnie (Johnson) Nichols. Charles M. Nichols, who is identified with the Ricketts & Nichols Printing Company, is a well known business man of Mansfield. He was born at Nevada, Ohio. Early in life he followed the printer's trade and for a number of years owned and operated the Belleville Star. For a time he also engaged in the meat business at Nevada, and later removed to Shelby, Ohio, where he was identified with the Shelby Sales Book Company, and also as superintendent of the Dickerson Printing Company. After coming to Mansfield he was associated with the Mansfield "Shield" and Mansfield "News." Since 1919 he has been interested in the printing business in Mansfield. Mr. Nichols is a Democrat, a member of the United Brethren 638 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Church, and belongs to Venus Lodge, No. 152, F. & A. M.; Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; and Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Minnie (Johnson) Nichols died in March, 1903, and is buried at Nevada. To Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were born four children : 1. Ruby, married 0. T. Champion, lives at Mansfield. 2. Russell, attorney, lives at Mansfield, and is a veteran of the World War. 3. Robert J., the subject of this sketch, and is a twin brother of Russell. 4. Darrell, lives at Mansfield. At the age of 17 years he enlisted for service in the World War and saw service in France as a member of the 28th Division of Engineers. Robert J. Nichols attended the public schools of Nevada, Shelby and Mansfield, and in 1916 was graduated from Mansfield High School. In June, 1916, he enlisted in Company M, Eighth Regiment, Ohio National Guard and served on the Mexican border. He returned in March, 1917, and on July 6, was mustered back into the Federal service as a member of Company M, 146th Infantry, 37th Division. He was transferred to Headquarters Company, Signal Platoon, 146th Infantry, and saw active service in France. He was seriously wounded during the Meuse-Argonne drive and returned as a casual to the United States, Class D, Nov. 13, 1918, and was honorably discharged Sept. 10, 1919. Mr. Nichols entered Ohio Northern University from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1923. After his admission to the Ohio bar he established his present practice in Mansfield. In 1927 Mr. Nichols married Miss Barbara Jones, the daughter of Thomas A. and Winifred (Morgan) Jones, natives of Wales. Mr. Jones is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London, England, and is a teacher of music in Mansfield. His wife is deceased and is buried at Fremont, Neb. Mr. Nichols is a Republican and has served as justice of the peace. He has the following club and lodge affiliations : Exchange Club ; University Club, president ; Delta Theta Phi fraternity, past dean ; Ohio Northern University Alumni Association ; American Legion, McVey Post, No. 16, of which he is commander ; Venus Lodge, No. 152, F. & A. M.; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94; Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R. ; Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and West Brook Country Club. In 1923 Mr. Nichols enlisted as battery clerk in Battery D, 134th Field Artillery, later was promoted to instrument sergeant, and in 1927 was commissioned a second lieutenant of this battery. He holds a commission of second lieutenant in the U. S. Reserve Corps, and is a member of the 37th Division Association. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 639 Charles W. Chew. Numbered among the prominent attorneys practicing at the bar in Mansfield, Charles W. Chew is conducting a general law practice and occupies a high position both professionally and socially. He was born in Monroe Township, Richland County, Aug. 19, 1873, the son of Henderson R. and Mary Jane (Flook) Chew. Henderson R. Chew was born in Monroe Township, Feb. 14, 1833, the son of James and Rebecca (Ritchey) Chew, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ireland. James Chew was a farmer throughout his life and died in 1861. His wife is also deceased. Both are buried in Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Mifflin Township, Richland County. Their son, Henderson R. Chew, engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and was the owner of 55 acres of land in Monroe Township. He retired in 1918 and died in 1922. His wife died in 1915. She was born in Monroe Township, June 22, 1836, the daughter of Casper and Melinda (Edwards) Flook, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. They lived for many years on a farm near Shiloh, Ohio, and are buried at Rome. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson R. Chew are buried in Mansfield Cemetery. He was a Democrat and an active member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Lucas, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Chew were born three children: Frank, who died in 1914 ; Sylvia, who died in 1924 ; and Charles W., the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Charles W. Chew was spent on his father's farm in Monroe Township and he attended the district schools. He was graduated from Lucas High School in 1890, and spent two years at the University of Michigan. He then took up the teaching profession and was identified with the schools of Richland and Ashland counties until 1897, at which time he entered the offices of Cummings & McBride to study law. He was admitted to the Ohio bar, Dec. 7, 1900, and immediately established offices in the old Barber Building in Mansfield. Later he was located at 74 1/2 North Main, and in November, 1929, removed to his present location in the Richland Trust Building. He served as city solicitor of Mansfield for two terms, and has always taken an active interest in the Democratic party. He has been a member of the Democratic executive committee and Democratic central committee. In 1907 Mr. Chew married Miss Grace E. Sowash, the daughter of John and Frances (Myers) Sowash, of Mansfield. The former is deceased and the latter resides in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Chew have a daughter, Virginia Jane. Mr. Chew is affiliated with Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 35 ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 24 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Toledo Consistory, 32d 640 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO degree; and Mansfield Scottish Rite Society. He is identified with the Richland County and Ohio State Bar associations. Mr. Chew and his family hold membership in the First Presbyterian Church. George Cashell, who is serving as trustee of Madison Township, is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Richland County, and a substantial citizen of the community in which he lives. He was born on a farm in Washington Township, Richland County, Nov. 17, 1864, the son of Jesse and Margaret J. (Patterson) Cashell. Jesse Cashell was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Medina County, Ohio, March 19, 1841, the son of George and Sarah (McDonald) Cashell. George Cashell was born near Wheeling, W. Va., in April, 1802, and his wife was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., born in 1812. He died May 20, 1875, and she died in April, 1893. George Cashell had come to Mifflin Township, Richland County, during the early days, and while a resident there was married to Sarah McDonald. In 1838 they removed to Medina County, but returned to Richland County in 1843. To them were born three sons : Wesley, who died in 1907 ; Jesse, father of the subject of this sketch ; and Chester, who died in 1891. Jesse Cashell came to Richland County with his parents when he was three years old and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in April, 1861, and served with Company D, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted in October, 1861, as a member of Company C, 64th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sherman's Brigade. He participated in the following important engagements of the war: Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Adairsville, Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville. Mr. Cashell experienced many hardships during his career as a soldier and was one of two soldiers from a party of 98 to return to Mansfield without any type of disability from their long and hazardous experiences. He was honorably discharged in December, 1865. Baughman's History of Richland County, published in 1908, states that Mr. Cashell served a longer period in the Civil War than any other soldier from this section of Ohio. He removed to Mansfield and retired in 1908. Mr. Cashell died in 1915. He was married Nov. 19, 1861, to Miss Margaret J. Patterson, theStatemiller Milo and Catherine (Staterniller) Patterson, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Patterson died in 1878 and his wife died in 1860. To Jesse and Margaret J. (Patterson) Cashell were born the following children: George, the subject of > HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 641 this sketch ; Willard, deceased ; Charles, farmer, lives in Troy Township, Richland County ; and Sadie, twin sister of Charles, lives at Mansfield. The education of George Cashell was received in the district schools of Washington Township, Richland County, and he was graduated from Lucas High School and Greentown Academy. He then attended Baldwin College, now Baldwin-Wallace College, and for a period of 35 years was a teacher in the schools of Richland County. In 1893 he purchased a well improved farm near Mansfield, which he still owns, and where he and his family reside. In 1891 Mr. Cashell married Miss Carrie H. McCullough, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Bowers) McCullough, natives of Mansfield, both now deceased. Mrs. Cashell died Jan. 15, 1930, and is buried at Mansfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Cashel' were born two sons : Hobert L., who is purchasing agent for the Hartman Electric Company, married Pearl Steffey, and they live in Madison Township ; and Lewis J., who is associated with the Hartman Electric Company, married Alice Grogg, and they live in Madison Township, Mansfield, R. F. D. No. 5. Mr. Cashell is a Republican, and served for four years as a member of the Richland County Board of Elections. In December, 1929, he was appointed trustee of Madison Township to fill an unexpired term. Mr. Cashell holds membership in the First Lutheran Church, of which he has been elder and Sunday school teacher. Grover C. Dickson is widely known as the capable superintendent of the Richland County Home, which is located in Weller Township. He was born in Franklin Township, Richland County, July 9, 1884, the son of John A. and Rachel (Starr) Dickson. John A. Dickson, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Cumberland County, Pa., May 9, 1843. He was nine years old when his father died and it was necessary for him to aid in the support of his mother and other members of the family. During the early part of the Civil War he drove mules and carried supplies to the army across the Potomac River. Later he enlisted in the 209th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was with General Grant's army and was present at the surrender of General Lee. After the close of the war Mr. Dickson spent a year in Missouri and then located in Richland County. He purchased a farm in Franklin Township and spent the remainder of his life there. Mr. Dickson died Aug. 13, 1904, and his wife, who was born in Richland County, Dec. 14, 1852, died March 18, 1930. Both are buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Mr. Dickson was a Democrat and a mem- 642 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ber of the Grand Army of the Republic. He belonged to the Baptist Church, of which he served as deacon and Sunday School superintendent for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Dickson were born nine children, as follows: Samuel, deceased; Edith, deceased; Lucinda, married M. R. Robinson, lives in Franklin Township ; Dessie, married Henry Zeeters, lives at Mansfield; Orville and Orinda, twins, both reside in Mansfield; Grover C., the subject of this sketch; Hazel, married P. V. Swisher, lives in Franklin Township ; and Ethel, married Arthur Clawson, lives in Blooming Grove Township. Grover C. Dickson received his education in the public schools of Franklin Township and was interested in farming with his father until the latter's death. He has since purchased the heirs' interest in the old homestead which contains 991/2 acres. Mr. Dickson was appointed superintendent of the Richland County Home in March, 1927. His wife is matron. In 1915 Mr. Dickson was united in marriage with Pearl Boyce, the daughter of William and Lovelizia Boyce, natives of Franklin Township, both now deceased. Mr. Dickson has served as a member of the Franklin Township Board of Education for eight years, and was its president for four years. He had also served as township treasurer and in 1923 was elected township trustee. He was reelected to the latter office in 1925, from which he resigned to accept his present position. Mr. Dickson holds membership in the Baptist Church and has served as Sunday School superintendent. He is affiliated with the Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M. William C. Mansfield. One of the best known men of Mansfield is William C. Mansfield, who is general secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association. He was born at Steubenville, Ohio, May 28, 1879, the son of Jacob and Ketheryn (Burris) Mansfield. Jacob Mansfield, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and throughout his life was a general farmer and stockman. During the Civil War he served with the 157th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Mansfield died in 1924 and is buried at Bloomingdale, Ohio. His widow resides there. Mr. Mansfield was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and Grand Army of the Republic. To Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield were born four children: Mary, married C. W. Cookson, lives at Bloomingdale, Ohio ; Charles, deceased; T. T., lives at Jewett, Ohio ; and William C., the subject of this sketch. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 643 William C. Mansfield grew up on his father's farm in Jefferson County and attended the district schools. He also studied at Scio College, now Mt. Union College, and was a teacher in the schools of Jefferson County for a number of years. From 1905 until 1907 he served as postal clerk at Steubenville, Ohio, and from 1907 until 1910 as railway mail clerk between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, Ind. From 1910 until 1917 Mr. Mansfield was an agent for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, and he then became executive secretary of the Y. M. C. A. work at Camp Sherman, Ohio, during the World War. In 1919 he was appointed general secretary of the Y. M. C. A. at Delaware, Ohio, and served in that capacity until 1922, at which time he came to Mansfield to accept his present responsible position. On Dec. 25, 1901, Mr. Mansfield married Miss Bontella Talbott, the daughter of Kinsey and Patience (McCoy) Talbott. The former lives at Chillicothe, Ohio. His wife is deceased. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield: Donald and Richard, both deceased ; Gladys, married Rev. Stanley Mullen, minister of the Methodist Church, Delaware, Ohio ; and Harold K., a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, class of 1929, attends Yale University. Politically, Mr. Mansfield is a Republican. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, a member of the official board, district steward, and superintendent of the adult Sunday School division. He served as chairman of Richland County in securing the Retirement Fund for the Methodist Ministers of the Northeast Ohio Conference. Mr. Mansfield has the following lodge affiliations: Frank H. Marquis Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 690, charter member and first chaplain ; and Delaware Chapter, R. A. M., No. 54. He belongs to the Kiwanis Club. Charles L. Hartenfels. A substantial citizen and dependable business man of Mansfield and Richland County is Charles L. Hartenfels, who is proprietor of the Lexington Oil Company. He was born in Troy Township, Richland County, Dec. 11, 1886, the son of George and Elizabeth (Kochheiser) Hartenfels. George Hartenfels was born in Richland County in 1857 and died in 1925. He was a successful farmer and stockman and was the owner of a well improved farm of 275 acres near Mansfield. He retired in 1907 and removed to Mansfield, although he maintained possession of his farm. Mr. Hartenfels was a Democrat and served as township trustee. He held membership in the Knights of Pythias and was an active member of the Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Hartenfels 644 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO were born two children: Meta, married C. E. Balz, lives in Columbus, Ohio ; and Charles L., the subject of this sketch. Elizabeth (Kochheiser) Hartenfels was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1864, the daughter of Lew Kochheiser, who was born in Germany in 1833. He came to this country in 1847 and was married in 1853 to Margaret Rummel, who was born in Konich, Germany, in 1831. Mr. Kochheiser purchased the original James Marshall farm in Richland County, Ohio, which he operated until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Kochheiser were born five children : William, John, Lewis, Mary C., and Elizabeth. Charles L. Hartenfels grew up on his father's farm in Troy Township, Richland County, and attended the public schools, being graduated from Lexington High School in 1905. He was employed in the office of the Joint Rate Inspection Bureau of the Erie, Pennsylvania, & Baltimore & Ohio Railroad for two years and in 1907 went to Toledo, Ohio, with the Pope-Toledo Automobile Company. He returned to Mansfield in 1908. Mr. Hartenfels was appointed deputy sheriff of Richland County under Sheriff Carroll in January, 1911, and in November, 1914, was elected sheriff of the county. He was re-elected to office in November, 1916. Since 1919 he has been interested in the oil business. At that time he built the first filling station in Mansfield at North Walnut Street, next to the Majestic Theater, and which he disposed of the following year. Another station was built by Mr. Hartenfels at Mulberry and Sixth streets, which he later leased. On June 1, 1927, he purchased a station at Lexington, Ohio, and in 1929 erected the largest and finest gasoline station in Mansfield at 100 Park Avenue West. It is the only station in the city, which has parking and garage accomodations. His business is known as the Lexington Oil Company. In 1913 Mr. Hartenfels was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Ackerman, the daughter of Fred and Jessie Ackerman, natives of Ohio. Mr. Ackerman lives at Mansfield. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hartenfels have a daughter, Suzann, who attends the Mansfield junior high school. Mr. Hartenfels is a Democrat and during 1922 and 1923 held the office of safety director of Mansfield. He and his family hold membership in the First English Lutheran Church, and he is affiliated with 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, Mansfield Scottish Rite Society, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks No. 56, and F. 0. Eagles. He belongs to the Possum Run Golf Club. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 645 Hon. William F. Voegele. One of the citizens of real worth in Richland County is William F. Voegele, who has successfully engaged in the practice of law in Mansfield for the past thirty years. He was born in this city, Oct. 1, 1876, the son of William F. and Mary (Ackerman) Voegele. A complete sketch of William F. Voegele, Sr., appears elsewhere in this history. William F. Voegele spent his boyhood in Mansfield and received his education in the public schools, from which he was graduated in 1896. He received the degree of LL. B. at Ohio State University in 1900, and has since engaged in practice in Mansfield. He was associated in practice with Judge Brucker under the firm name of Brucker & Voegele, from 1909 until 1913, at which time C. H. Henkel became a member of the firm. Since July, 1917, Mr. Voegele has practiced alone. He has offices in the Mohican Building. Mr. Voegele has numerous business interests in the city. He is associated in the wholesale and retail coal and builders supply business with his brother, Frank A. Voegele. He is also a director of the Barnes Manufacturing Company, and a director of the Citizens Savings & Loan Company. He is attorney for the Mansfield Savings Bank & Trust Company. For 22 years Mr. Voegele has been a trustee of the Madison Township Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building Association. On June 4, 1902, Mr. Voegele was united in marriage with Miss Mary Kennedy Stewart, the daughter of Dr. John Sloane and Mary (Kennedy) Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania, both now deceased. Doctor Stewart was a graduate of Western Reserve University and was a leading physician and surgeon of Mansfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Voegele were born three children : 1. Mary Susanne, a graduate of Sullins College, Bristol, Va., and Lake Erie College, married in September, 1926, to Gaylord W. Bahl, Jr., of West Ausdale, Ohio. They have a daughter, Mary Ann. 2. Mildred Ann, attended Ohio State University. She has studied in Norway and France and is an accomplished violinist. 3. Jane Stewart, who attends Mansfield High School. In politics Mr. Voegele is identified with the Democratic party. He has served as mayor of Mansfield and is a member of the Richland County Democratic Executive Committee and the Democratic Central Committee. He is identified with the Richland County, Ohio State, and American Bar associations, and belongs to the Richland County Law Library Association. He holds membership in the First Presbyterian Church and has the following lodge and club affiliations : Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M.; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21, past commander ; Day- 646 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ton Consistory, 32d degree ; Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R., life member and past monarch ; Al Koran Temple ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56, past exalted ruler ; Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Sigma Nu fraternity ; Kiwanis Club ; Westbrook Country Club ; and the Chamber of Commerce. He is an honorary member of McLaughlin Post, No. 131, Grand Army of the Republic. He was one of the original members of Company M, Eighth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, having enlisted in February, 1892. William F. Voegele, deceased, was a representative business man and highly esteemed citizen of Mansfield, and a member of one of the city's most honored pioneer families. He was born in Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, Germany, Dec. 2, 1850, the son of Henry J. and Louise (Haeffner) Voegele. Henry J. Voegele emigrated to the United States in 1853, and his family made the voyage the following year. He immediately settled at Mansfield where he engaged in the mercantile business. He met with an accidental death in 1867 and his wife died in 1886. Both were devout members of the Lutheran Church. They were the parents of the following children : Henry, who died at Indianapolis, Ind., in September, 1879; Frederick C.; Gustavus ; William F., the subject of this sketch ; Charles H. ; Albert C., who died Feb. 14, 1899 ; Louisa S., married George W. Meister; Wilhelmina, married George Ludwig ; Rose, married William Tonby ; and Emma C., married William A. Remy. At the age of four years William F. Voegele was brought to the United States by his mother. He received his education in Mansfield and was 16 years old when his father died. He immediately took charge of the business and continued as its manager until the store was disposed of in 1875. The following year, in partnership with his brother, Fred C. Voegele, he established a retail coal business in Mansfield. Another brother, Albert C. Voegele, became a member of the firm in 1880, and four years later William F. retired from the business. He had been elected county recorder of Richland County in November, 1883, and took office Jan. 1, 1884. Mr. Voegele was reelected to that office in 1886 and served until January, 1890. He was appointed chief of the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department in 1881, and was the first to recommend a paid fire department, which became a reality in 1883. Mr. Voegele also served two terms as assessor. In 1890 he purchased the interest of his brother, Fred C., and resumed his original interest in the coal business. With his brothers he also built the Voegele block in 1897. Mr. Voegele had numerous other business interests in the city and was active in its life for many years. He died Jan. 2, 1916, and is buried in Mansfield. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 647 In 1876 Mr. Voegele married Miss Mary Ackerman, a daughter of Adam and Rebecca Ackerman, natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. They were the parents of two sons : William F., Jr., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; and Frank A. Mr. Voegele was a life long Democrat. He held membership in St. Matthews Lutheran Church and for many years served as Sunday School superintendent. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was an honorary member of the Grand Army of the Republic. As a citizen, Mr. Voegele stood ready to discharge any duties devolving upon him, and as a business man be occupied an enviable position in the esteem of his fellow citizens. His genial, pleasant manner made him one of the outstanding citizens of Mansfield. Thomas A. Woodard. Numbered among the highly successful business men of Mansfield is Thomas A. Woodard, whose place of business is located at 385 South Main Street. He was born in this city, Nov. 10, 1891, the son of Alvin Nelson and Ardella (Loucks) Woodard. Alvin Nelson Woodard was born at Lansing, Mich. Throughout his life he was a salesman and for a number of years was associated with the Twentieth Century Machine Company. He died in Mansfield in 1912, and his widow lives in this city. She was born in Ontario, Canada. Mr. Woodard was a Republican and a member of the Congregational Church. There were five children in the Woodard family, as follows : Frank, lives at Mansfield ; Mina, lives at Mansfield ; Thomas A., the subject of this sketch ; Clayton, a World War veteran, lives in New York City; and Helen, married John Smith, lives at Findlay, Ohio. Thomas A. Woodard has always lived in Mansfield. He received his education in the grade and high schools of Mansfield. He then was employed by the Ohio Brass Company for a time, and in 1909 went to Akron, Ohio, where he was employed as a tread builder by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He returned to Mansfield later, and in 1910 became associated with the Calvert Laundry Company. In 1924 he purchased the business of Charles Young, which he has since successfully conducted. He handles a complete line of patent medicines, candies, tobaccos, etc. A soda fountain is also operated in connection with the store. In 1918 Mr. Woodard married Miss Clara Mae Calvert, the daughter of James M. and Addie (Sheriff) Calvert, natives of Richland County. Mr. Calvert, who died in 1924, was the successful proprietor of the Calvert 648 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Laundry in Mansfield. His widow lives in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Woodard have a daughter, Marjorie Jane. In politics Mr. Woodard is identified with the Republican party. He was elected councilman-at-large in November, 1929, and took office for a two year term on Jan. 1, 1930. 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; Baku Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R., Past Monarch and life member; Al Koran Temple; and Isaac Walton League. Mr. Woodard and his family hold membership in St. Luke's Lutheran Church. William Henry Gifford is among the representative and widely known men of Mansfield, where he has engaged in the practice of law for almost 40 years. He was born in Weller Township, Richland County, April 17, 1862, the son of James and Mary Ann (Hale) Gifford. James Gifford was born on the Isle of Thanet, Kent, England, March 28, 1832. He came to America in April, 1857, and after a short visit with an uncle at Berea, Ohio, he proceeded to Weller Township, Richland County, where he worked as a laborer. In 1880 he removed to Crawford County, Ohio, and engaged in farming near Tiro. In 1884 he purchased a farm in Morrow County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died Feb. 16, 1913. Mr. Gifford was a Republican, in early life a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later identified with the Evangelical Church. He was married Sept. 30, 1859, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to Miss Mary Ann Hale, who was born at Hodges, Hertfordshire, England, Feb. 3, 1833. She died Feb. 18, 1913. Their children were: E. J. H., lives at Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada ; William Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Ada C., who died in September, 1884 ; Hon. Thomas L., attorney, died in Toledo, Jan. 21, 1925, had served two terms as state senator from Lucas County ; Elizabeth R., who died in August, 1902 ; and Charles B. Mr. and Mrs. James Gifford are buried at Johnsville, Morrow County, Ohio. William Henry Gifford attended the district schools of Weller Township and in 1887 received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Ohio Northern University. Later he received the degree of Master of Science from the same institution. Mr. Gifford taught school for a time in Crawford and Morrow counties, later at Emporia and Kansas City, Kan. He read law in the offices of Cunningham & McCarthy, Emporia, and in 1891 was admitted to the Kansas bar. He returned to Ohio in December, 1892, being admitted to the Ohio State bar in March, 1893. He has since engaged in HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 649 private practice in Mansfield, and is recognized as one of the able attorneys of Richland County. He has offices at 741/2 North Main Street. Mr. Gifford is identified with the Richland County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and American Bar Association, and has been a member of the board of the Richland County Law Library Association for a period of 18 years, during this time having held numerous offices. In 1918 Mr. Gifford was united in marriage with Miss Florence McBride, the daughter of Thomas and Barbara (Brandt) McBride, natives of Virginia, both deceased. Mr. McBride was a leading attorney in Mansfield during his lifetime. By a former marriage Mr. Gifford has four children : 1. Helen, married Roy McFee, lives at Detroit, Mich., and they have two children, Kathleen and Douglass. 2. Harvey Harold, who is president and general manager of the Palmetto Tire Company, Tampa, Fla., a subsidiary of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He married Miss Blanche Copeland. 3. Lillian Hazel, married Clayton Bennaway, lives at Detroit, and they have two children, Mildred and Robert. 4. Paul McKinley, who is an adjuster for the Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company, Mansfield. He married Miss Hildred Clelland. He is a veteran of the World War, having served in France with the U. S. Marine Corps as a member of the Sixth Regiment. He also served in Germany with the Army of Occupation and was discharged as a private in 1919. Mr. Gifford is a Republican and has served as a member of the Board of Education and on the civil service commission for six years. He holds membership in the First Presbyterian Church and is a member of the following fraternal bodies : Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M. ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Toledo Consistory, 32d degree ; Mansfield Scottish Rite Society ; Modern Woodmen of America ; and Mystic Club. Mr. Gifford lives at 777 Park Avenue West. Robert Resee Black, M. D., has been for more than 25 years established in the successful practice of his profession at Mansfield, and is recognized as one of the thoroughly capable physicians of Richland County. He was born at Democracy, Knox County, Ohio, March 21, 1874, the son of Dr. John Luther and Dora Jane (Sapp) Black. Dr. John Luther Black was born at Danville, Ohio, in 1846. He attended the academy at Spring Mountain, Coshocton County, and studied medicine in the office of Dr. C. Sapp, of Danville, Ohio. He also attended lectures in Cleveland, Ohio, in the medical department of the University