150 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ward engaged in teaching in the country schools for five winter terms, and then took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1890. At Shelby a year later he entered into partnership with Edwin Mansfield, and the firm of Mansfield & Long has since been one well known in Shelby on account of its connection with the greater number of the important litigated interests Ithat have been tried in the courts of the district. Mr. Long's fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. In 1894 he was elected the mayor of the city and served so ably that he was re-elected in 1896. In 1898 he retired from office, but was again elected in 1900, so that he is the present incumbent. In the year 1893 Mr. Long was married to Miss Nellie F. Clowes, of Shelby, a daughter of J. O. A. and Mary (Van Horn) Clowes. Mr. Long is a Master Mason. His election and re-election to the office of mayor in a city in which the normal Republican majority is one hundred and fifty is a high tribute to his personal worth and an unmistakable evidence of his ability, for, though he is a Democrat, he enjoys the confidence of men of all parties and creeds. DR. MOSES DECAMP. The subject of this sketch, Moses DeCamp, deceased, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1816, and was of French Protestant descent. The family, on coming to America, first settled in New Jersey and afterward some of its descendants located in western Pennsylvania. The Doctor's father, John DeCamp, and his mother, Deborah Ross, after their marriage in Pennsylvania came in 1827 to Morrow county, Ohio. Here Moses DeCamp, though but a lad, bore his full share of the heavy task of clearing the forest. By an accident in logging, when eighteen years old, he was incapacitated for doing such heavy work. Naturally quick to learn, ambitious and studious, he had eagerly devoured the few books then within reach of pioneer boys. Such was his success that in 1842 he was teaching the preparatory classes in what is now Delaware University, his work including every branch except Latin and Greek. As he heard the recitations of every student, the work was arduous and his bodily strength broke, resulting in a loss of voice, which compelled his retirement. His fame as an instructor had passed beyond the college at Delaware, and he was offered by a college in Tennessee, at a salary of twelve hundred dollars a year, with an increase shortly to two thousand dollars, the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 153 character which have enabled him to pass on the highway of life many of the companions of his youth who at the outset of their careers we're more advantageously equipped or endowed. The subject of this review has through his own exertions attained an honorable position and marked prestige among the representative men of the west, and with signal consistency it may be said that he is the architect of his own fortunes, and one whose success amply justifies the application of the somewhat hackneyed but most expressive title, "a self-made man." The life record of Mr. Skiles had its beginning in Stoughstown, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, his natal day being December II, 1849. His parents were John G. and Sarah J. (Martin) Skiles, who were also natives of the Keystone state and were of Scotch and Irish lineage. They had seven children, namely : Mrs. Mary Caroline Cramer, William W., George M., John Clark, Mrs. Jennie Smith, Mrs. Valletta Bell and Mrs. Burgetta Crum. About the year 1854 the parents became residents of Richland county, Ohio, establishing their home upon a farm near Shelby, where the father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. His labors were ended in death in the autumn of 1893, and the community mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens. The mother still survives and has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. William Woodburn Skiles was reared on the old home farm and in the district schools began his education, where by close application to his studies he became qualified to teach in the schools in which he had formerly been a student. A laudable ambition prompted him to gain more advanced education, and with his earnings in the schoolroom he met the tuition and expenses of a course in the preparatory department of the Baldwin University, at Berea, Ohio. Teaching through the winter season, he was thus enabled by the practice of care and economy to continue his studies in the university throughout the remainder of the year. Great self-denial was required in order that he might pursue his school course, but he never faltered in his determined and honorable purpose and was graduated on the completion of the regular course with the class of 1876. Throughout his college days and business career he has been closely associated with his brother, their histories being so inseparably interwoven that to write of one is to give an account of the labors of the other. Together they began the study of law in the office of Matson & Dirlam, a prominent law firm at Mansfield, and after two years of study, in which he became familiar with many of the principles of jurisprudence and to some extent with the practical work of the courts, Mr. Skiles of this review was admitted to the bar, in the fall of 1878. His brother was admitted at the 154 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. same time, and then the law firm of Skiles & Skiles was organized and an office was opened in Shelby, where together they began their careers as legal practitioners. They have been continuously associated in practice since that time, the labors of the one supplementing and rounding out the labors of the other. Both have risen to high rank in their profession, and, while they have conducted a large general practice, they have made a specialty of railroad litigation, their knowledge of railroad law being very comprehensive and exact. In this rank of jurisprudence they have been particularly successful and have gained a reputation which extends throughout the state, having conducted many railroad damage suits of great importance. To the firm of Skiles & Skiles many a man owes a debt of gratitude for the conduct of legal proceedings, whereby he has been compensated for injuries sustained. Another important element in their success is undoubtedly the fact that they never enter upon a case which has not real merit. Their devotion to their clients' interests is proverbial. It is the theory of the law that counsels are to aid the court in the administration of justice, and no member of the profession in Richland county has been more careful to conform his practice to a high standard of professional efforts than W. W. Skiles. He has never sought to lead the court astray in the matter of fact or of law, nor would he endeavor to withhold from it a knowledge of any fact bearing on record. Calm, dignified, self-controlled, free from passion and prejudice, he gives to his clients the service of great talent, unfaltering industry and profound learning, yet never forgets that there are certain things due to the court, to his own self-respect and above all to justice and to righteous administration of the law which neither the zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of success permits him to disregard. He is recognized as a close student, well versed in the law, and above all he is honest and sincere. Shelby in a large measure owes its growth, promotion and progress to him whose name introduces this review. He is a man of resourceful business ability whose labors have proved effective along many lines. His contributions in time, money and labor toward the upbuilding of the city have been extensive and his business affairs have contributed not alone to his individual prosperity but have also been an important factor in promoting the general welfare. He is the president of the Citizens' Bank and the Shelby Electric Company, is a director of the Shelby Water Company, a director of the Ball-Bearing Umbrella Company and of the Shelby Stove and Foundry Company, and was also a director of the Steel Tube Company from the time of its inception until 1898, when the offices were removed to Cleveland, Ohio. In matters of education Mr. Skiles has always taken a great interest and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 155 the schools find in him a warm friend, ever ready to support any movement calculated. to promote their efficiency. For the past seventeen years he has served as the president of the Shelby board of education, and no higher testimonial of his able service could be given. He holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and various beneficiary orders. In his political views Mr. Skiles is an ardent Republican and has labored earnestly to promote the growth and success of the party. He has been a member of the Republican state central committee and has borne a conspicuous part in many campaigns, yet his labors have never been performed with the hope of rewards of an official nature. With a capacity and experience which would enable him to fulfill any trust to which he might be chosen he has never sought to advance himself in office, but has been content to do his duty along other lines and leave political honors to others. In May, 1900, however, there came recognition of his ability and his fidelity. The most hotly contested nominating convention ever held in the district resulted in his selection for congressional honors. The convention first met at Wellington, but was unable to agree upon a candidate. Later the convention adjourned to meet at Norwalk, where ballot after ballot was taken until two thousand had been registered, with no change in the result. It was then that the friends of Mr. Skiles put forth his name as a candidate. The following is taken from the Shelby Republican of May 24: "On the twenty-one hundredth ballot a recess was taken. The delegates were becoming sick and discouraged. The hour was 1:30 Saturday morning and it looked very much as if the convention would be compelled to adjourn to the city of Mt. Vernon to continue their labors. At this juncture Morrow county advised the Richland delegation that in case they voted for Mr. Skiles again they would come and settle the matter. Richland county, acting on this promise, cast her forty-seven votes for W. W. Skiles. Ashland followed with twenty-two votes, Huron gave Mr. Skiles twenty-nine votes, and when Morrow county was called there was a breathless stillness throughout the hall. This was only momentary, for almost instantly nearly half the Knox county delegation was up pleading, imploring, remonstrating with the Morrow county men to hold fast and not go to the Richland county man. All was turmoil, confusion. For five minutes Morrow county refused to give her vote, but at last the chairman of the delegation arose and announced that Morrow county cast her twenty-four votes for Skiles, and the great convention was at an end!" When Mr. Skiles returned to his home after the convention he received the most enthusiastic reception ever accorded to a citizen of the town. All 156 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of the business houses were decorated and the various business concerns with which Mr. Skiles is connected closed their works, and their employes, together with many other citizens, marched to the depot to receive their fellow townsman. There were altogether fifteen hundred in line, and with bands of music they escorted him to his home. The demonstration was without regard to political affiliations : it was one freely accorded by the men and. women of Shelby to one whom they had long known and whom they thoroughly respected. The election the following fall made him a member of the house of congress. In 1877 Mr. Skiles was united in marriage to Miss E. Dora Matson, of Shelby, and they now have two children,—a daughter and son,—Zante and Aubrey M. The former is a graduate of the Shelby high school, has been a student in the Ohio State University and was afterward graduated at the Comnock School of Oratory (Northwstern University) in Chicago, while the son is now a student in Northwestern University, Chicago. Personally, Mr. Skiles is a strong man, of excellent judgment, fair in his views and highly honorable in his relations with his fellow men. He is a man of very strong convictions, and his integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. He has always been a student, and the scope and amplitude of his knowledge render him a charming converser. He is in full sympathy with all the great movements of the world about him, and watches the progress of events with the keenest interest. Though severe at times toward men and measures deserving criticism, he is nevertheless a generous friend and a warm advocate of those who are battling for the right and of principles and policies for the public good. CHRISTIAN WELTY. Christian Welty, who is now living a retired life, was for many years identified with the agricultural interests of Richland county. He was barn in Washington county, Maryland, April 18, 1814. The subject of this review spent his early years upon a farm, and at the age of eighteen was apprenticed to learn the trade of house-builder and joiner, receiving twenty-four dollars per year as the compensation for his services, and the privilege of spending two weeks in the harvest fields. At the expiration of his term of apprenticeship he had saved twenty dollars. He also earned ten dollars more by performing little services for his neighbors, and with this capital of thirty dollars in his pocket he started from Washing- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 157 ton county, Maryland, on foot for Ohio. After visiting relatives in Carroll and Stark counties, Ohio, he began work as a journeyman carpenter in Massillon. Remaining there for a few months he then determined to see more of the world and made his way down the Ohio canal and Ohio river to Cincinnati, where he found employment at building steamboats. During the first summer he replenished his funds and procured a small kit of tools. He then resumed his travels, intending to meet the expenses of his trip by working upon the way. He left Cincinnati in the autumn and went to New Orleans and then to New York by way of the Atlantic route, and from the eastern metropolis proceeded to Philadelphia and Baltimore. Later he crossed the mountains to Cleveland, returning to Cincinnati and went on down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Natchez, where he spent the second winter in work at the carpenter trade. He returned the following year to Massillon, Ohio, having worked at most of the principal places en route. In 1837, he arrived in Monroe township, Richland county, and for twelve years he followed carpentering here. Times were dull, prices low and profits small. He made only about one hundred and fifty dollars per year. Quite a number of the houses and barns that were erected by him are still standing as a monument to his handiwork, for he was very thorough in all his labors and his contracts were executed in a first-class manner. In 1840 Mr. Welty was united in marriage to Miss Mary Crawford, who was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in .1819, but in early girlhood was brought to Monroe township, Richland county, Ohio, by her parents, David and Lucy (Applegate) Crawford. Her father was one of the first settlers of the township. He was a man of high moral purpose, strictly temperate in all his habits, and his upright life was well worthy of emulation. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Welty were born five children, four sons and a daughter. The two older sons, John and Henry, were volunteers in the Union service during the Civil war and died from disease contracted at the front, one serving for fifteen months, while the other was a member of the army for nearly three years. Mary is wife of D. F. Tucker, a prominent and wealthy farmer of Monroe township. James resides on the old homestead ; and Cary, the youngest member of the family, is also an agriculturist of Monroe township. After the death of his first wife Mr. Welty again married, in 1884, his second union being with Mrs. McCully, the widow of John McCully and a daughter of William McCreary. By her first marriage she had three children : Amanda, the wife of G. P. Brown, of Allegheny City. Pennsylvania ; James M.. a railroad conductor, who was killed in the yards in Chicago, Illinois, and Alice V., 158 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the wife of D. F. Shafer, the principal of the Hedges Street public school at Mansfield. Mr. Welty became identified with farming interests of Richland county in 1846 when he purchased an eighty-acre farm. A few years later he bought forty acres additional and afterward added to this an eighty-acre tract, so that in 1861 he was using two hundred acres of land. About that time farm produce brought excellent prices and he was enabled to save considerable money. As the years have passed he has anually augmented his income through his indefatigable industry and business sagacity. He has thus become one of the substantial citizens of this community and the capital he has acquired enables him to live retired. He is one of the stockholders of the Mansfield Savings Bank and is a member of the banking executive committee. In early life Mr. Welty gave his political support to the Whig party and on its dissolution joined the ranks of the new Republican party. At various times he has filled nearly all the township offices and has ever been found true and faithful to the trust reposed in him. For six years he was a justice of the peace, and his rulings were strictly fair and impartial. For two years he was the township clerk. His first presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison. He is a broad-minded man whose knowledge, though self-acquired, is comprehensive, for he has always been a great reader and has ever kept well informed on the questions of general interest, political or otherwise. For half a century he has been a member of the Lutheran church, and for a similar period has been affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Honor and integrity are synonymous with his name and his word is as good as his bond. DANIEL SPAYDE. Daniel Spayde is a retired farmer of Butler and a representative of one of the pioneer families of Richland county. He was born in Jefferson township, this county, near Bellville, September 11, 1836, and is of German lineage, his great-grandparents having been the founders of the family in America. His grandfather, John Spayde, was born in the Keystone state and in early life followed coopering, but later he engaged in farming and also devoted a part of his time to the manufacture of potash in Richland county at an early day. He was a member of the Lutheran church and died on the old homestead farm in this county, when about seventy years of age. His CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 159 son, William Spayde, the father of our subject, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and when a lad of fourteen years came to Richland county, where he spent his remaining days. In early life he learned the cooper's trade ,and for about fourteen years conducted a shop in Bellville. Politically he was a Republican and religiously was connected with the Evangelical church. His death occurred in Bellville, when he had attained the age of seventy-seven. His wife was in her maidenhood Catherine Huston, a daughter of William Huston, who was a native of the Emerald isle and came to the United States when a young man. He was married in Pennsylvania and afterward removed to Richland county, Ohio, carrying on agricultural pursuits near Bellville, where he died at about the age of eighty-six years. He, too, belonged to the Evangelical church. His daughter, Mrs. Spayde, was born in Pennsylvania, and during her girlhood came to Ohio. She was a member of the Evangelical church and died in that faith in Bellville, at the age of sixty-three years. In the family were eight children, six of whom are still living. Daniel Spayde, whose name introduces this record, was reared on the home farm and assisted in the work of the cooper's shop until twenty years of age, when he was married and entered upon an independent business career by renting .a farm in Worthington township. He operated that land until 1859, when he purchased his present farm and for many years he continued to cultivate his fields in connection with the stock-raising business ; but since 1880 he has lived retired. He was at one time the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land, but a portion of this he has since divided among his children. Mr. Spayde was married September 11, 1856, the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy J. Secrist, a daughter of Michael Secrist and a sister of Mrs. B. F. Oberlin. They now have five children : Clayton, a farmer of Worthington township ; Albina, the wife of Albert Mishey, a farmer and insurance agent ; Alberta, the wife of Charles McGinley ; Samuel C., a farmer of Worthington township ; and Ethel M., at home. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Spayde was found a loyal citizen who valiantly espoused the cause of the Union and on the 25th of September, 1861, he joined the army, becoming a private of Company E, Third Ohio Cavalry, with which he served as transportation master for eighteen months. He was discharged October 11, 1864, after serving for three years, one month and ten clays. He had two horses shot from under him, but he escaped uninjured. He participated in the battles of Nashville, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River and Chattanooga ; and whenever the starry flag led the way into 160 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. battle he faithfully followed, loyally defending this emblem of the Union. He is now a member of Samuel Bell Post, No. 536, G. A. R., and also belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, while his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1880, on account of failing health, he rented his farm and came to Butler, where he has since made his home. His business interests were carefully conducted and brought to him a comfortable competence. He has been found worthy of trust" in all of life's relations and enjoys the warm friendship of a large circle of acquaintances in his native county. In politics he is a Republican, and for six years has served as a township trustee and at present is serving as deputy sheriff. THOMAS B. RAMSEY. Among those who devote their energies to farming and stock dealing is Thomas B. Ramsey, of Worthington township. He was born in the neighboring county of Knox on the 26th of April, 184o, his parents being John and Eliza (Brown) Ramsey. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1812. He was only three years of age when brought to Richland county by his parents, Andrew and Isabelle (Halferty) Ramsey, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, the former born in 'Westmoreland county. They settled upon a tract of timber land in Worthington township and Andrew Ramsey erected a log cabin, in which the family began life in true pioneer style. As the years passed his property became a highly improved farm and continued to be his place of residence until his death, which occurred when he was eighty-five years of age. His wife passed away when eighty-six years of age. His political support was given to the Democracy and both were members of the Union church. In his business affairs Mr. Ramsey attained a practical and gratifying degree of success, becoming the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land. John Ramsey, the father of our subject, spent almost his entire life in Richland county, excepting a period of twelve years passed in Knox county, just across the line. He, too, made farming his life work and at one time became the owner of five hundred acres of land, which he divided among his children, thus enabling them to gain a good start in life. He cultivated the fields through the summer months and during a number of years engaged in teaching in the winter seasons, having charge of one school for thirteen terms. He also dealt in stock and during the Civil war engaged in buying and shipping horses for the government. His carefully conducted business CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 161 affairs brought to him prosperity and he gained a place among the substantial citizens of Richland county. The Democracy received his earnest allegiance and on that ticket he was elected 'and served as a justice of the peace for twenty-four years, his rulings being strictly fair and impartial. He was also a school director for several years and for two terms was a county commissioner. His wife was born in Knox county, Ohio, her parents being pioneers of that portion of the county which adjoined Richland. John Ramsey died at the age of seventy-seven, his wife when about seventy-eight years of age. In their family were four children : Isabelle, who became the wife of Jacob Spohn and died at the age of thirty-four ; Thomas B.; Andrew, a retired farmer living in Butler ; and Albert J., who carries on agricultural pursuits in Worthington township. On the home farm Thomas B. Ramsey remained until thirty years of age, when he married and settled on one of his father's farms in Ashland county, Ohio. Three years later he sold that property and from his father purchased one hundred acres of land upon which he now resides. His time and energies have been devoted to farming and stock-raising ; and as he is familiar wifh best methods of conducting both lines of his business and is a man of marked energy and strong purpose he has won well-merited success. Mr. Ramsey married Miss Mary B. Hosfield, who was born in Ohio and in early girlhood came with her father to Richland county. She died at the age of twenty-three years, leaving two children : William T., a farmer and teacher of Jefferson township ; and Anna Mary, the wife of John Kunkle, of Butler. For his second wife Mr. Ramsey married Mrs. Mary R. Harter, nee McBride, a native of Monroe township, Jackson county, and a daughter of Jackson and Susan (Douglass) McBride. Her father was born in Richland county and for eleven years engaged in teaching in connection with the prosecution of his farming interests. His father was Alexander McBride, a native of Maryland. The son gave his political support to the Democracy and socially was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while religiously he was connected with the United Presbyterian church. He died at the age of thirty-two years, while his wife, long surviving him, reached the advanced age of seventy. She, too, was a member of the United Presbyterian church. Her mother, Mary E. McCurdy, was born in Ireland. By the marriage of Thomas Ramsey and Mary McBride. two children have been born, namely : Jessie Weinona and Leo Benton. Mrs. Ramsey's first husband was Benjamin Harter, by whom she had a son, Walter S. Harter, a firmer 162 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and roofer of Bellville. Benjamin Harter died a few years after his marriage just referred to. Mr. Ramsey votes for men of any party where. only questions of local importance are involved, but at national elections votes with the Democracy. He belongs to the Grange and both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church, in which he has served as a trustee for three years. Their home is on their pleasant farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres, and in addition to the cultivation of his land Mr. Ramsey raises some horses, cattle and sheep. He also has a house and lot in Butler. His entire life has been passed in this portion of Ohio and all who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth. HARRY H. BEAVER. Harry H. Beaver, a member of the firm of Williams & Beaver, contractors and builders, was born in the town of Shiloh, Richland county, Ohio, May 30, 1867. His father, John Beaver, is a retired farmer, of the town of Shiloh, and was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and came to Ohio, locating at Tiffin in 1866, and in Richland county in 1867. His father was also named John and was a tanner, carrying on a large and prosperous business. He married a Miss Bower, by whom he had eight children,—four sons and four daughters,—all but one of them, a daughter, having families of their own. Three of the eight are still living, the father of our subject and two of his sisters. Grandfather Beaver died at the age of sixty-four and lies buried in Pennsylvania, his widow surviving him until about 1890, dying at the age of eighty, in Pennsylvania. The mother of the subject of this sketch, whose maiden name was Margaret Hewitt, was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Miller) Hewitt, and was born in West Virginia, near the Pennsylvania and Virginia line. July 21, 1835. She was married to Mr. Beaver at Tiffin, Ohio, in 1866. She and her husband lived in Tiffin one year, at the end of which period they removed to Shiloh, where they now reside. Mr. Beaver for many years followed the trade of cooper, being a foreman in the shop in which he worked. He had to begin with but a few hundred dollars, which he inherited, and is not a wealthy man to-day. For other years he followed farming, but moved to town for the purpose of educating his children, of whom he had five,—four sons and one daughter, the latter dying in infancy. These children are as follows : Harry H., the subject of this sketch ; Frank L., a commercial traveler CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 163 for a Dayton (Ohio) millinery establishment, and living in Columbus : he has a wife and one young daughter ; Charles R., a commercial traveler living in Plymouth, Ohio, who is married and has one daughter; and Willard W., a machinist connected with the Shelby Spring Hinge Company, of Shelby, Ohio. Mr. Beaver and his brothers received a good common and high school education, and at the age of seventeen, after graduating at the high school, began to learn the carpenter's trade at Shiloh, and being a natural mechanic soon began earning wages, receiving as high as one dollar and fifty cents per day, besides his hoard, the first year. He has been in the business four years, the firm of which he is a member being three years old and well established in the place. They have erected numerous dwelling houses, besides the Carmichael block, the United Presbyterian church and, notwithstanding they had strong competition, they received on July 1-6, 1900, the contract for the erection of the high-school building, which is to be of stone and brick and to cost thirty-one thousand dollars. The members of this firm are workers and thoroughly practical men in their line, employing as many as eight men. Mr. Beaver was married February 23, 1888, to Miss Jennie Lilian Kerr. of Crestline, a daughter of Isaiah and Amy (Head) Kerr, farmers of Jackson township, the former of whom was from Pennsylvania, but married his wife in Iowa. Mrs. Beaver has one brother, Thomas A. Kerr, an artist of Loudonville, Ohio, who is married and has one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver have three sons and one daughter, viz. : Fred A., born July 21, 1889, and, died in infancy; Vera A., born July 20, 1891 ; Franklin Howard, December 12, 1894 ; and Donald K., December 23, 1899. While Mr. Beaver was reared a Democrat yet he now votes the Republican ticket. He resides in his own house, No. 12 Oak street, into which he removed in April, 1896. He is a thorough gentleman besides being a thorough mechanic, and is by all who know him highly esteemed. BAILEY & WALTERS. The firm name of Bailey & Walters is one ever familiar to the residents of Mansfield. There James Bailey and John M. Walters, associated in a partnership, are engaged in the livery, feed and sale business. They enjoy a liberal patronage and have a large trade, which is accorded them by reason of their straightforward dealing, their uniform courtesy and their earnest desire to please their patrons. James Bailey was born in Sharon township, Richland county, on the 18th 164 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of April, 1868, his parents being James H. and Amanda (Root) Bailey. The father also was born in Sharon township, his natal clay being July 4, 1830. The paternal grandfather was William Bailey, whose parents were natives of Ireland. From Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, he removed to Richland county about 1824 and purchased eighty acres of land in Sharon township. He was a man of excellent education and for a number of years engaged in teaching in the public schools. By trade he was a tanner, and for some time after his arrival in Ohio he conducted a tannery on his farm. Later he removed to Newville and there engaged in the tanning business for a number of years, but finally returned to Sharon township, where he spent his remaining clays. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, took an active part in its work and died in the faith of the church, at the age of seventy years. James H. Bailey, the father of our subject, was reared at his parental home, and on attaining his majority purchased two farms of forty acres each near his father's home place. At the age of thirty-five he married Amanda Root and located on one of his farms. After his father's death he purchased the old homestead upon which he was born and reared and continued agricultural pursuits there until 1872, when he sold his lands and removed to Sandusky township, where he purchased three hundred acres, residing thereon until the spring of 1900. He then retired from active farming and removed to Mansfield, where he is now living in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He is an ardent Republican in politics. His business career has been a prosperous one and has been characterized by diligence, capable management and resolute will. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were born five children, of whom four are living : Clara, the wife of W. H. Gifford, a prominent attorney of Mansfield ; Minnie, James and Mattie. The daughters are still at home. James Bailey, the senior member of the firm of Bailey & Waiters, passed his boyhood days quietly in his parents' home and in the common schools acquired his elementary education, which was supplemented by study in the Ohio State Normal., at Ada, Ohio. On attaining his majority he entered upon an independent business career by operating a part of his father's farm on the shares. In early life he had manifested special fondness for horses and had clearly demonstrated that he was a good judge of "horseflesh." He began buying and selling horses, gradually extending his operations in that line of business in connection with his farming interests. Being an excellent judge of horses he was enabled to make wise purchases, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 165 that brought to him a good financial return, and as the years passed he became one of the most extensive buyers and shippers of horses in this section of the-country. In 1897 he became associated in the business with John M. Walters, and in 1898 he went to Kansas as the representative of the firm. There he purchased a car-load of western horses. This proved a profitable venture and since that time the firm has made extensive purchases through 'Iowa, Indiana and Illinois. On the 1st of September, 1899, they purchased the well known livery and sale barn of E. L. Miller and began a general livery business in connection with dealing in horses. The partners are both enterprising and progressive young business men, and through their good judgment have prospered and are now extensive buyers of the Chicago market. Mr. Bailey is a Republican in his political views and earnestly advocates the principles of the party, doing all in his power to promote its growth and success. Socially he is connected with Arcadia Lodge, No. 536, K. P., of Ontario. John M. Walters was born in Mifflin township, October 21, 1867, one of the nine children of George and Mary J. (Simpson) Walters. His father, also a native of Mifflin township, was born in 184.0 and was there reared to manhood. He engaged in farming for five or six years after his marriage and then moved to Mercer county., Ohio, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which he cultivated for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and returned to Richland county, settling in Mifflin township, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was only thirty-three years of age. He was for some years a constable of tile township and was one of the well known, influential and highly respected men of the county. His political support was given the Democracy. Of his children seven are vet hying : Frank S., an expert machinist of Dallas, Texas; Ella, the wife of William S. Brown, an engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad system living at Crestline, Ohio ; Ida, the wife of J. K. McIntyre, a fruit dealer of Crestline; John M. ; Cora A., the wife of Fred F. Findley, a woodworker, of Galion, Ohio; Laura A., the wife of James Adams, also an engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad, living in Crestline; and Lulu, the wife of Charles N. 'Wilson, a farmer of Franklin township. John Walters was only six years of age when he became an inmate of the home of Solomon Everett, a prominent farmer of Sandusky township, by whom he was reared. He pursued his education in the common schools, in the Galion Business College and in the Lima Business College, being graduated in the last named institution with the class of 1890. On reaching man's 166 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. estate he began operating a portion of his foster father's farm on the shares and continued his identification with, agricultural interests until September 1, 1899, when he became associated with James Bailey in their present business. He is a member of Arcadia Lodge, No. 536, K. P., of Ontario, which he joined on its organization. He votes with the Republican party and is recognized as one of its leaders in this locality. For two years he was a member of the central committee of Sandusky township and for several terms served as a member of the election board. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a young man of ability and enterprise who well merits the high regard reposed in him. NEWTON R. EASTMAN, M. D. Although one of the younger members of the medical profession of Richland county, Dr. astman's years seem no bar to his progress and success. He has well qualified himself for his chosen profession, and in a calling where advancement depends upon individual merit he has won an enviable position. Ohio is his native state, his birth having occurred in Crawford county, near Bucyrus, November 11, 1871. His father, Rev. James Eastman, was for fifteen years an active member of the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church and now makes his home in Mount Vernon. Ohio. He is also prominent as a leading Republican, and his labors in behalf of the party during campaigns have been very effective. He is an orator of ability, and has delivered many addresses in support of the party through western states. He was born in the eastern part of New York, and in early life became a resident of Seneca county, Ohio, being reared upon a farm near Tiffin. When a young man he entered his country's service as a member of the Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry, and for three years faithfully followed the old flag upon the battle-fields of the south. At Atlanta, while on horseback, he was wounded in the head by a sharpshooter, and still carries the rebel lead. For several years he was engaged in merchandising in Tiffin, Ohio, but is now a well-known merchant of Lorain, Ohio. At the age of sixty-four he is still very active in business and maintains a deep interest in all public affairs. His father, Rev. Ward Eastman, was born in the Empire state, and became a Baptist minister. In an early day he emigrated to Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which was occasioned by Asiatic cholera, when he was fifty-five years of age. He belonged to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 167 an old New England family. The progenitor of the Eastman family in America was Ward Eastman; he was a native of Wales, and in 1614 sailed from Wales, landing on the coast of New Jersey, and there is a complete record of fourteen generations succeeding this progenitor. Rev. Ward Eastman's wife, Margaret (Pierce) Eastman, was a cousin of President Franklin Pierce, and died at the age of seventy years. Mrs. Eastman, the mother of our subject, bore the maiden name of Catherine Vance. She was born in Crawford county, Ohio, and is still living, at the age of fifty-four years. Her grandfather Vance was a pioneer of West Virginia. and at the time of the inauguration of the Civil war he freed one hundred and forty slaves. Mr. and Mrs. Eastman had four children, three daughters and one son. Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are people of the highest respectability. The Doctor's father had but one brother, David M., who is now a prominent wholesale and retail grocer in Tiffin, Ohio. Our subject is the only male representative of his branch of the Eastman family. Amid the refining influences of a good home Dr. Eastman was reared, and his preliminary education was acquired in the public schools of Mount Vernon and were supplemented by study in the Baldwin University, where he continued his studies for three years. He then began preparation for his professional career as a student in Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, and on completing the three-years course in that institution was graduated in March, 1895. Previous to this time he had pursued a course of reading for four years under the direction of Dr. John E. Russell. of Mount Vernon. On the 19th of April, 1895, he opened an office in Bellville, where he has since been extensively engaged in practice. His knowledge of the science of medicine is comprehensive and accurate, and his efforts have been attended with excellent results, when viewed from both a professional and financial standpoint. In addition to a large private practice he is acting as a surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He keeps in touch with the progress that is being made by the fraternity through his membership in the North Central Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Association of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. He is an examiner for the Northwestern Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; the Union Central and National Union Insurance Companies; the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Travelers' Insurance Company, of Connecticut. 168 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. The Doctor was united in marriage to Catherine Schuler, a granddaughter of Frederick Fitting, whose sketch is to be found elsewhere in this work. They now have two sons,—Russell Vance and Robert. Mrs. Eastman is a member of the Presbyterian church and an estimable lady, having many warm friends in the community. The Doctor affiliates with Bellville Lodge, No. 376, F. & A. M., of Bellville, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of Mount Vernon. His political support is given the Republican party, but he has never sought nor desired office for himself, his time being given to his professional duties. No man has stricter regard for the ethics of his profession than has Dr. Eastman. He has a just appreciation of the great responsibility that rests upon the physician and is very careful in diagnosing disease. His comprehensive knowledge is manifest in his practice, and the liberal patronage accorded him is well deserved. JAMES V. THOMPSON. Few men who have passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey can claim the distinction of being one of the native sons of Ohio, but on the pages of the pioneer history of the state James V. Thompson well deserves mention, for throughout his entire life, covering a period of more than seven decades, he has watched with interest the progress and development of the commonwealth. He was born July 2, 1827, in Guernsey county, Ohio, his parents being William and Margaret (Raitt) Thompson. His father was born in Adams county, March 27, 1793, and after attaining his majority he wedded Margaret Raitt, of Fairview, Ohio. In 1828 he removed to a farm in Monroe township, Richland county, near Lucas, where he spent his remaining days, and in addition to the operation of his land he conducted a sawmill which was propelled by water power and was known as the old Mud mill. About 1852 Mr. Thompson was disqualified for further work in that direction by rheumatism and therefore abandoned the mill.. Not long afterward his eyesight began to fail and in the latter part of the '6os he became totally blind. He died October 13. 1877. A member of the United Presbyterian church, he for many years filled various church offices and at all times did whatever lay in his power to promote the cause of Christianity. While his educational privileges were limited he was broad-minded and a liberal thinker, and his word was as good as his bond. His honesty was proverbial and all who knew him had for him the utmost confidence. His father, Adam Thompson, died during the childhood of his son 'William; therefore no family records have been preserved. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 169 Mrs. Thompson, the mother of our subject, was a native of Dundee, Scotland, born May 3, 1799, and was a daughter of David and Lillis (Angus) Raitt, who were probably also natives of Dundee. An old volume says that the Raitt family has for many generations been represented in Dundee. The parents of Mrs. Thompson were married in March, 1798, and in 1802 emigrated to America, settling in Rockbridge county, Virginia. The voyage was a long one, owing to the stormy passage. Eleven weeks had gone by ere they reached the American harbor and they were almost upon the verge of starvation. They located in the south, but the practice of slavery was so distasteful to them that in 1810 they removed to Belmont county, Ohio, and in 1815 to Guernsey county. Two years later they loaded their household effects into a wagon and came to Richland county, settling on a small farm at Windsor, in Mifflin township, where they spent their remaining days. The grandfather of our subject was a weaver by trade and after coming to Ohio he continued to work at his loom, while his sons ran the farm. His wife was a woman of most kindly spirit and noble character, beloved by all who knew her. She acted as a nurse, and her services were in frequent demand throughout the neighborhood. She always made her trips on horseback. Both Mr. and Mrs. Raitt were members of the burgher's branch of the seceders' church in Scotland, then composed of some of the most enlightened people of the land. Mrs. Raitt died January 10, 1856, in her eighty-third year, and on the 8th of July, following, Mr. Raitt passed away, in his ninetieth year. Their daughter Margaret became the wife of William Thompson and the marriage was blessed with eleven children, of whom four are yet living, namely : William, a retired farmer, of Blairstown, Iowa; Maria, who lives with her brother William; Isaac N., a retired farmer of Monroe township, Richland county; and James V. The last named was reared upon the home farm. The family was a large one and a liberal share of the work of the farm and mill devolved upon him. His educational privileges were therefore limited. He was ambitious to acquire knowledge and through reading, experience and observation he became a well informed man. In the month of December, 1851, he decided to seek his fortune in California, and in February of the following year he took passage on the steamer Oregon for the Golden state, making the trip by way of the isthmus of Panama from New York city, and reaching California he went through that state and up the Yuba river until he reached Nevada City, where he spent the greater part of four years. His mining ventures were reasonably successful, and in the summer of 1856 he started on the return trip by way of the isthmus route, arriving home in the month of July. 170 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. On the 18th of December of that year Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Hadassah Wilson, a native of Harrison county, Ohio, and a daughter of William H. Wilson, a prominent farmer and stock dealer of that county and one of the leading abolitionists of his day. His home was one of the stations on the famous underground railroad prior to the Civil war, and he aided many a negro on his way to freedom. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, five of whom are now deceased. Those living are : John S., a minister of the United Presbyterian church, now located in Shannon City, Iowa ; Margaret L., the wife of Orin Tucker, a Pullman car builder, of North Harvey, Illinois; Mary A., the wife of Cary Welty, of Wooster, Ohio; Lillian L., the wife of C. B. Shorev, of Chicago, Illinois; Willard Jay, a successful teacher now attending the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio ; Lawrence A., who is operating the home farm ; and Ira V., a farmer of Odessa, Washington. After his marriage Mr. Thompson purchased eighty acres of land from his brother and later bought an eighty-acre tract from his father. For forty-two years he engaged in agricultural pursuits, placing his fields in a high state of cultivation and adding many modern improvements and accessories to his farm. In 1898 he turned his farm over to the care of his sons and removed to Lucas, where he is now residing, in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He is liberal in his political views, but usually supports the Republican party. For several years he served as a school director, and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. Though not a member of any religious denomination, he regularly attends Sunday-school and church serf-ice. His wife is a member of the United Presbyterian church. They are people of the highest respectability, known and honored for their sterling worth. Mr. Thompson has witnessed the great changes which time has wrought in Ohio. He has seen its forests cut down to make place for waving fields of grain, while towns and villages have sprung up and churches and schoolhouses have clotted the landscape, giving indication of the advanced civilization. At all times he has manifested a deep interest in the work of public progress and has done what he could to promote and substantially upbuild the community with which he was identified. JAMES M. FIRST. One of the veterans of the Civil war, who upon the field of battle manifested his loyalty to the Union cause, is Captain James M. First, now an esteemed resident of Lucas. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsyl- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 171 vania, December 11, 1831, his parents being Jeremiah and Ruth M. ( Critchfield) First. Their children were James M.; Amos, who served for three years as a private of the Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry during the war of the Rebellion; Caroline, the widow of William Switzer: and Elizabeth, the wife of William A. Hulit, a veteran of the Civil war. Captain First, of this review, was only four weeks old when his father brought his family to Ohio, making the journey by team from Pennsylvania. He located in Holmes county, and some time afterward removed to Knox county, and in 1846 came to Richland county, settling on a farm in Madison township, where he lived for three years. He then removed to Lucas, where he resided until his death, which occurred in T.878, when he had attained the age of sixty-five years. Captain First was a youth of fifteen years at the time of the arrival of the family in Richland county, and at the age of eighteen he began an apprenticeship to John Marshall, of Lucas, to learn the shoemaker's trade. He served two years, during which time he thoroughly mastered the business and then opened a shop of his own in Lucas, securing a good trade, which constantly increased. In 1862, however, he put aside all business considerations, for he felt that his duty was to his country, and on the 4th of August, of that year. he enlisted as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Infantry, being mustered in at Mansfield for three years' service. He was sent to the Covington barracks in Kentucky, and thence to Tennessee, where the regiment was assigned to the Thirteenth Army Corps in Sherman's division. Later Captain First took part in the engagement in the rear of Vicksburg, thence went with Grant into Arkansas, participating. in the battle of Arkansas Post, and still later went to Young's Point, Louisiana, where he remained until March, 1863. when he was discharged on account of disability and returned to his home in Lucas. He again enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio Infantry, on the 2d of May, 1864, thus again offering his service, was elected second lieutenant, and went to the front for one hundred days' service. On the expiration of that period he received an honorable discharge. For some years following his return to Lucas Captain First devoted his time to the study of law. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him 'to public office, and for seven years he served as the mayor of the town, discharging his duties most capably. His administration was progressive. business-like and practical, and resulted to the good of the town along many lines. He was also a notary public for several 172 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. years. In politics he is a Democrat, with a firm faith in the principles of his party. Socially he holds membership in P. A. Swigart Post, G. A. R., of Lucas, in which he has served as the commander. In 1852 Captain First was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Van Scoyoc, and unto them were born nine children, but three—Elizabeth, Lincoln and Van Scoyoc—are now deceased. Those still living are Alice, the wife of Franklin Gard, of Washington; John C., an electrician; Hattie, the wife of Dr. John F. Culler, of Lucas ; Ellsworth E.; Clara, the wife of Harry Gates, of Shelby, Ohio: and James A. The family is one of prominence in the community, the members of the household occupying an enviable position in social circles. The Captain is a man of genial and kindly disposition, courteous and obliging, and is very popular in Lucas, where he is regarded as one of the leading and influential men of the town. MARTIN VAN BUREN POST. Martin Van Buren Post, a prosperous farmer of section 32, Sharon township, Richland county, whose postoffice is Shelby, was born on the spot where he now lives, in the first log house in the vicinity. His father, Daniel Post, was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, in which state he was married to Hannah Slater, with whom he removed to Ohio in 1832 or 1833, driving through with a team and wagon and settling on government land. He and his wife reared seven children,—four sons and three daughters,—three of whom. are still living. These seven children were as follows : David, who was twice married, by his two wives rearing nine children, and dying in 1892, at the age of seventy-two ; Phebe Ann, a maiden lady, aged seventy-nine and living on the old farm; John, who in 1852 went to California and died there a bachelor in 1865 ; Sarah, who married George Raymond, and still survives him, and has six children; Asher Taylor, who in 1894 was killed by a railroad train at the age of sixty-four; Jane, who married Henry Shepard and died leaving five sons; and Martin Van Buren, the subject of this sketch. The mother of these children died in 1875, aged seventy-two or seventy-three. The father was for many years a paralytic and died at the age of eighty-seven years, seven months and twenty-one days. He was an unusually strong man, a plain farmer, and both he and his wife were hard-working, industrious, honest people, leaving at their death a handsome property which they had accumulated by their own efforts. The farm on which they lived, which con- CENTENNIAL BBIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 173 tained one hundred and sixty acres, was cleared by Mr. Post and his sons, with the exception of about thirty-five acres of timber, still standing. They were unusually domestic in their habits, and gave all their children the best education in their power, first in the early log schoolhouse, with its puncheon floor, seats and desks, and later in better schools. Martin Van Buren Post and his brother never left their home, he and his brother Asher carrying on the farm work. Mr. Post still owns the farm, but the sister has a life interest therein. Mr. Post is a Democrat in politics, but has not only never sought after office but has even refused the office of supervisor tendered him by his Democratic fellow citizens. He carries on general farming, keeping six head of cattle, three horses and some few hogs. The fine maple trees which furnish such excellent and delightful shade in the warm summer days and which are such a pleasant sight to the eye, standing on each side of the road, were planted by him, he having transplanted them in earlier days, carrying them on his shoulders from the places where they originally grew. The residence in which he lives was erected by himself and his brother some thirty years ago, on the spot where stood the house previously built by his father and eldest brother. Mr. Post belongs to an excellent family, and is highly esteemed as an industrious, honest citizen of his town and county. GEORGE W. RICKETTS. Tales of heroism on the field of battle have been the theme of song and story throughout the ages, and while memory lasts the American people will never forget the debt of gratitude which it owes to the soldiers who went to the front to defend the Union and thus preserved entire the greatest republic known in the world's history. Among this number was Mr. Ricketts, whose fidelity on the field of contest was many times displayed. In private life he is also as true and faithful to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the stars and stripes through the south. Mr. Ricketts was born June 19, 1846, in Mansfield, where he still makes his home. His father, John Ricketts, Sr., was born January 4, 1817, and died in Mansfield in March, 1895. For fifty-five years he resided in this city and was recognized as one of the prominent and influential men of the county. His widow is still living, and, although eighty years of age, is well preserved, retaining her mental and physical faculties unim- 174 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. paired. Their son, George W. Ricketts, pursued his education in the public schools of Mansfield. No event of special importance occurred during his early life to vary the usual routine, but after the inauguration of the Civil war all was changed, and the patriotic spirit of the boy was aroused. He determined to aid in the preservation of the Union, and, although only fifteen years of age, he enlisted on the 18th of December, 1861, as a member of Company F, Eighty-second Ohio Infantry. He was commissioned as a corporal and went to the front in West Virginia in 1862, becoming a member of Schenck's brigade, with which he was connected until September of that year. He was at the headquarters of the Eleventh Army Corps until June, 1863, and was with the Second Brigade, Third Division of the Eleventh Corps, until March, 1864, when his regiment became a part of the Third Brigade of the First Division of the Twentieth Corps, with which command it was associated until July, 1865. On the 25th of January, 1862, the regiment moved to Grafton, West Virginia, and on the 11th of April of that year started on the Lost River expedition. On the 8th and 9th of May occurred the battle of McDowell, and on the two succeeding days the Eighty-second Ohio participated in the battle of Franklin. With his command Mr. Ricketts participated in that engagement and also in the following : Strasburg, June 1st ; Cross Keys, June 8th; Cedar Mountain, August 9th; Rappahannock, August 18th; Waterloo Bridge, August 21st; Freeman's Ford, August 22d; Great Run, August 23d and 24th; White Sulphur Springs, August 24th ; Manassas, August 26th and 27th; Gainesville, August 28th ; Groveton, August 29th ; Bull Run, August 30th ; and after that engagement Mr. Ricketts was assigned to provost duty at the headquarters of the Third Division of the Eleventh Corps, where he remained until December. His command then acted as sharpshooters in the Third Division until July, 1863, and with his regiment he participated in the Mud March, January 24, 1863; the battle of Chancellorsville, which continued from the 1st to the 5th of May, and where he was slightly wounded on the 2d; Gettysburg, July 1st to 3d; Hagerstown, July 12th; the movement to Bridgeport, Alabama, from the 25th of September to the 1st of October ; the battle of Wauhatchie, Tennessee, October 27th and 28th; Chattanooga, November 23d ; Lookout Mountain, November 23d and 24th ; Missionary Ridge, November 25th ; Ringgold, Georgia, November 27th; and the march to the relief of Knoxville from the 29th of November to the 17th of December.