CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 275 and faithful. His political support was given to Republican principles, and from early manhood he was an earnest member of the Disciple church and did everything in his power to promote Christian work and to inculcate Christian principles among his fellow men. He was called to the reward prepared for the righteous in 1891. His wife was born in what is now Ashland county, but was then a part of Richland county, in the year 1826, her parents being Thomas and Freelove Bradin, who were of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock and came to Richland county among its pioneer settlers, entering a quarter-section of land from the government four miles southeast of Olivesburg, in what is now Ashland county, making their home there throughout their remaining days. The mother of our subject is still living and yet resides on the old homestead in Weller township. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children, four of whom yet survive, a. follows : David, of this review ; Sarah, the wife of William Smith, of Olivesburg; Lorinda, the wife of Clark Monyer, of Weller township; and Weller, who is living in Butler township. David McCormic spent his boyhood days upon the home farm, working in the fields from his early youth, and when his father was taken ill the burden of the farm work largely devolved upon his young shoulders. Thus his educational privileges were limited, he being permitted to attend school for about two months through the winter season. Reading and observation, however, have made him a well informed man on all public questions, and he is a broad-minded and intelligent conversationalist who talks in an interesting manner upon the issues and affairs of the day. On the 24th of November, 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McCormic and Miss Lydia Harlan, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel Harlan, who was born in Pennsylvania and became one of the pioneer settlers of what is now Ashland county. After his marriage he began his independent career as a farmer, renting a tract of land in Weller township, a mile and a half east of Shenandoah. The year following he rented land in Clear Creek township, Ashland county, where he met with a great misfortune, his home being destroyed by fire and almost all his household effects burned. In 1870, with capital he had acquired through his industry and economy, he purchased eighty acres of his present farm. He was at that time the possessor of four hundred dollars in money, one horse, two cows and twenty-five head of sheep. He labored industriously and indefatigably, however, and prosperity has attended his well directed efforts. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McCormic was blessed with five children, as follows : Edmund, who is now a farmer in Blooming Grove township; 276 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Estella, the wife of Perry Noble, of Cass township ; Margaret, the wife of Ransom Huston, of Blooming Grove township ; Bertha, wife of Frank Kotz, of Huron county ; and Dora, who is still at her parental home. Mr. McCormic is a supporter of Republican principles and has been a member of the Disciple church since his youth. He has always lived in this section of Ohio and has many warm friends who have known him from early life, an indication that he has ever merited the esteem and respect of those with whom he has associated. SAMUEL FERGUSON. Samuel Ferguson, deceased, was for many years one of the honored citizens and successful agriculturists of Washington township, Richland county, Ohio. He was born near Pittsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of August, 1816, a son of Samuel and Wilhelmina (Dye) Ferguson, in whose family were nine children. His father, who was a soldier in the war of 1812 and a traveler to a considerable extent, came to Richland county, Ohio, in 1820, and from the government entered the land upon which our subject's family now reside. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years. Mr. Ferguson, of this review, was reared on a farm in his native state, and continued to reside there until 1842, when he came to Ohio and took up his residence upon the farm in Washington township, Richland county, where he made his home up to the time of his death. In the original purchase there were three hundred and twenty acres, and the family still own two hundred and twenty acres, which is pleasantly located on section 8, four miles from Mansfield. Of this tract, one hundred and forty acres have been cleared and placed under a high state of cultivation. On the 2d of May, 1844, Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage to Miss Margaret C. Glasgow, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1820, a daughter of James and Betsy A. ( Sleator) Glasgow, both natives of Ireland. Her family removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio by team in 1832, and first settled in Knox county, but a year later came to Richland county. In June, 1834, there was a heavy frost, which did much damage to the crops. Mr. Glasgow purchased eighty acres of land where Joseph Hainley now resides, and erected thereon a log cabin. Here he followed farming for some years, but his last days were spent in Henry county. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson began their domestic life in a log cabin on the farm where the family is still living, and there ten children were born CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 277 to them, namely : James Glasgow, who is mentioned below ; Wilhelmina E., the wife of William Lawrence ; Samuel, deceased; Jennie, the wife of Ervin Beattie, of Michigan ; Lycurgus E., a resident of Hiawatha, Kansas ; Ella, the wife of Charles Dean, of Cameron, Missouri ; Wilda O. and Rilda A., twins, the former the wife of John Longshore, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and the latter the wife of John Dean, of Mansfield ; Nettie, the wife of Frank Brown, of Kansas ; and one who died in infancy. James G., the oldest son, is now successfully carrying on the home farm, and has served as a trustee in Washington township for three years. He married Louisa Hiskey, who died October 6, 1900, leaving seven children : Anna L., Ethel W., John S., Mary 0.,, Nettie M., Alice J. and William. Two children preceded her in death, namely : Josie, whose death was followed by that of her sister Maggie a few days afterward. Throughout his active business life Mr. Ferguson followed farming and his labors met with well deserved success. He was one of the most highly esteemed men of his community, and was called upon to serve as a trustee for several years. Politically he was a strong Democrat, and religiously was an earnest member of the United Presbyterian church. He died April 6, 1895. He had won by an honorable and upright life an untarnished name and the record which he left behind him is one well worthy of emulation. DAVID WOLFORD. In David Wolford we find a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Richland county, Ohio, his home being on section 26, Weller township, where he owns and cultivates a valuable farm. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Dauphin county, February 17, 1825, and is a son of J. George and Esther (Castle) Wolford. Of their eight children only two now survive, these being David, and Mary, the widow of Allen Haverfield and a resident of Mansfield. J. George Wolford, our subject's father, was also born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1795, his parents having emigrated from Germany to America shortly after their marriage. On reaching man's estate he wedded Esther Castle, also a native of Dauphin county, born November 3, 1798, of German parentage. In 1829 they came to Richland county, Ohio, and the father purchased a quarter section of land in Weller township, where our subject now resides,, making that place his home until 278 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. called to his final rest December 31, 1871. A Lutheran in religious belief, he took an active part in church work, and served either as a deacon or elder of his church for many years. Politically he was a stanch Democrat; and for two or more terms held the responsible office of infirmary director, be sides filling other minor positions, such as township trustee. His wife, who died in 1879, was also an active church worker from early life, was a kind mother and loving wife. During his boyhood David Wolford received a common-school education, and acquired an excellent knowledge of all the details of farm work. On Christmas day of 1849 he led to the marriage altar Miss Leah M. Kohler, a native of Adams county, Pennsylvania. Her father, Jacob Kohler, came to this county in 1829, arriving in Mansfield on the same evening as the father of our subject. He located in Franklin township, where he bought a farm of one hundred acres. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolford were born the following children : Maria, now the wife of Samuel Pugh, a farmer of Weller township; Amos Frederick, deceased ; Sarah E., the wife of Henry Pugh, a farmer of Franklin township; Darius K., a farmer of Nemaha county, Kansas; Allen H., who now owns and manages the home farm; Henry, deceased; and 'William B., at home. The wife and mother, who was an earnest and consistent Christian and a most estimable lady, died August 6, 1885, leaving many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her loss. After his marriage Mr. Wolford took his bride to the parental home, and for five years he worked with his father upon the farm. The children having by this time all married and left home, our subject took complete charge of the place and purchased it after his father's death. Here he has since resided, his time and attention being devoted to agricultural pursuits. As a Democrat he has taken an active interest in politics, and on his party ticket was elected infirmary director, which office he filled for two terms with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the public. He has also held other positions of honor and trust. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is one of the most highly esteemed men of his community. CHARLES G. GROSSCUP. Charles G. Grosscup, a prominent business man of Shelby, Ohio, was born at Lynnville, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1849, and is a son of Charles and Mary (George) Grosscup, who were of sturdy German extraction and most excellent people. They were the parents of four sons and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 279 two daughters, as follows : William, born in 1837; Caroline, in 1840; Owen, in 1843; Joseph, in 1846; Charles C., the subject of this sketch ; and Matilda, born in 1852. Owen died in 1896 ; and Caroline, who married Jonas George, of Germansville, Pennsylvania, died in 1894. The other members of the family are still living. The parents of these children died at Germansville, Pennsylvania, each of them at about three-score and ten years of age. Charles G. Grosscup located in Ohio in 1869, after having spent a year in visiting the west, especially Kansas and Nebraska. After his return from the west he married Amelia Neikirk, a daughter of Daniel C. Neikirk, of Republic, Seneca county, Ohio, the marriage taking place in the year 1873. To this marriage there has been born one daughter, who is the wife of Dr. G. A. Metzger, a practicing physician of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Grosscup located in Shelby in 1877, and was engaged in the pump business for ten years, at the expiration of which period he sold his business to J. L. Bloom. He then became engaged in the sale of creamery butter, being the first to introduce this system throughout this section of Ohio. This business he followed for nine years, when he purchased the business he had previously sold to Mr. Bloom, and engaged in the plumbing and pump business, taking as a partner Mr. Doty, who also had been engaged in the creamery buSiness about four years with Mr. Grosscup. They put in a full line of plumbing supplies and are doing a thoroughly modern plumbing business. Mr. Grosscup so won the confidence of his fellow citizens that they elected him a member of the city council in 1882, and he served in this position until 1886, and again from 1892 to 1899, with the exception of the year 1895, and they showed their confidence in his integrity by electing him, in 1898, the treasurer of Sharon township, which office he still retains. Politically Mr. Grosscup is a Republican, is a member of the 'Royal Arcanum, and attends the Methodist Episcopal church, though in reality he is what is known as a German Reformed Lutheran, as is also his wife. Both are among the best citizens of Richland county, and are highly esteemed by all their acquaintances. NORMAN WEBSTER TUCKER. The subject of this review is one of the most enterprising, energetic and progressive business men of Richland county. He owns and operates a well-improved and valuable farm on section 15, Mifflin township; is successfully engaged in the dairy and stock business, and is also interested in 280 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. other enterprises which have materially advanced the welfare of his community. A native of this county, Mr. Tucker was born in Monroe township May 29, 1867, and is a son of David Franklin and Mary W. (Welty) Tucker, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. He grew to manhood on the home farm and attended the local schools for some time, later becoming a student at the National Normal University at Lebanon, where he pursued a teacher's course and was graduated in 1888. During the following nine years he successfully engaged in teaching school during the winter months, while devoting the summer season to farm work. In 1891 his father purchased the farm of one hundred and forty-five acres upon which our subject now resides, and he kept the place as a renter until the spring of 1898, when he purchased it. For the past four years he has been largely interested in the dairy business, delivering his butter exclusively to private customers in Mansfield. In connection with his father and brother he has also engaged in buying and shipping stock since 1897, and in 1899 they organized the Mifflin-Lucas Telephone Company, which has since been in successful operation. On the l0th of March, 1892, Mr. Tucker married Miss Marilla Gatton, a native of Jefferson township, this county, and a daughter of Cyrus and Mary Gatton, one of the prominent families of that locality. By this union have been born four children, namely : Cyrus F., Mary E., George C. and Belva L. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are members of the Lutheran church. JAMES HARVEY CRAIG, M. D. For fifteen years a member of the medical profession of the city of Mansfield, honored and 'respected in every class of society, Dr. James Harvey Craig is numbered among the representative citizens of Richland county and as one of the able medical practitioners of the state. Dr. Craig entered upon the active practice of his profession here in 1885, immediately after his graduation at the Western Reserve Medical College, at Cleveland, in which he completed the course as a member of the class of 1885. He had previously read and studied in the line of his profession under the careful and discriminating direction of his father, James Wood Craig, M. D., who was one of the old and honored physicians of the state, having been a graduate of the Western Reserve Medical College in 1851, about three decades antecedent to his son's graduation in the same well known institution. Dr. James Wood Craig was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in the year CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 281 1821, and in 1830 removed with his father, Joseph Carson Craig, to Richland county. Joseph C. Craig settled in Sharon township, where he was prominently concerned in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1865, at which time he had attained the venerable age of seventy-six years. He was the son of a Revolutionary soldier, his father having maintained his home in or near the city of Boston during the great struggle of the colonies for independence. He later removed to Pennsylvania, and from that state his son, Joseph C., the grandfather of Dr. Craig, removed to Ohio. The grandfather was an active participant in the war of 1812, and at all times and in all generations the family name has stood significant of patriotism and loyalty. As the name implies, the lineage is of pure Scotch extraction. Joseph C. Craig married Mary Wood, of Belmont county, who died in the year 1880, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. Dr. James Wood Craig was about twelve years of age when he went to live at the home of his. maternal uncle, William Wood, an able attorney of Belmont county, and there he remained until he nearly attained his majority, when he began the study of law under the perceptorship of his uncle, continuing his studies, in the line about a year, after which he removed to the vicinity of Cincinnati, where he was engaged in teaching school for a period of two years. Later removing to Shelby, he there entered upon the study of medicine, with Dr. John Mack as his preceptor, having decided to abandon the study of law ; and then matriculating in the Western Reserve Medical College, as noted, he there completed the course and graduated as a member of the class of 1851. He forthwith began the practice of his profession in Ontario, this state, where he remained until the fall of 1870, when he removed to Mansfield, where he resided until his death. He retired from active practice about the year 1894, and his death occurred August 15, 1895, he having reached the age of about seventy-five years. Dr. Craig was one of Ohio's most distinguished physicians and surgeons, being called into consultation as far west as the Rocky mountains and to the eastern seaboard, his reputation being one which bespoke his eminent ability in his profession and his sterling worth as a man among men. In political matters the Doctor gave a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, in which he was an active worker, and in religion he held to the faith of the United Presbyterian church ; in his fraternal relations he was identified with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. In 1861, at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, Dr. James W. Craig entered the Union service as a surgeon, having charge of Camp. Mans- 282 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. field for a time, after which, not by assignment but as an individual, he went to the front in order to render his professional services and aid the cause to the extent of his ability. He was on the ground at the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Gettysburg, but was finally compelled to return to his home on account of impaired health, being relieved of his duties as surgeon. He chose as his companion on the journey of life Miss Eliza McConnell, who is still living, making her home with her son, the subject of this review, who accords her the utmost filial solicitude. She is in excellent health and in full possession of her mental faculties, being a woman of gentle refinement and noble character. She was the daughter of Hugh and Mary J. (McCommon) McConnell, of Springfield township, this county, the former having been born in 1802 and his death occurring in 1885, at the age of eighty-three; while the latter, who was born in 1804, died in 1890, at the venerable age of eighty-eight years. Hugh McConnell was a prominent and influential citizen of Richland county, whither he came as a pioneer from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Dr. James H. Craig, the immediate subject of this review, was born at Ontario, Ohio, on the 26th of July, 1857, and in the public schools of that place he received his preliminary educational discipline. Upon attaining his majority he matriculated in Geneva College, at Beaver Falls, Ohio, where he was a student for three years, after which he read medicine with his father and later graduated at the Western Reserve Medical College, as has already been noted. He at once came to his home in Mansfield, and here was associated in practice with his father until the latter's retirement, since which time he has been alone in his professional work, having not only held the extensive general practice of his father as a physician, but also having established a prestige which is essentially his own, his ability as a physician and surgeon being widely recognized. He is to-day one of the representative physicians of the state. The Doctor has been health officer of the city for the past five or six years. In social relations the Doctor is identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias, in the latter of which he has passed all the chairs, being also a major in the Uniformed Rank of that order. In religion he is a member of the United Presbyterian church. The Doctor has two sisters who are residents of Mansfield,—Mrs. Dr. Hedges and Mrs. M. 0. Gates; and one, Mrs. L. A. Ewing, who is a resident of Boulder, Colorado. The Doctor is extremely fond of animals and has many pets about him, while he also keeps a number of fine standard-bred horses, which have shown CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 283 up well on the grand circuit, making records down to 2 : 16. Dr. Craig is a man of genial nature and unfailing courtesy, and enjoys a marked popularity in both professional and social circles. GEORGE W. VANSCOY. Of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state George W. Vanscoy is a representative, his birth having occurred in Geauga county, Ohio, on the 16th of October, 1822, and his parents being Abraham and Mary (Knapp) Wanscoy. His father was born and reared in Westchester county, New York. After arriving at years of maturity he was married to Miss Knapp. He then engaged in farming in the Empire state and during his residence there three children were born unto him and his wife. With his family he then came to Ohio and after remaining for some years in Geauga county he removed to Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ohio, locating in Huron county where he purchased a small farm of ten acres, making it the place of residence up to the time of his death, with the exception of two or three years spent in New London, Ohio. Of the Democratic party and its principles he was an earnest advocate. By his marriage to Miss Knapp he had thirteen children, but only three of the number are now living, namely : Priscilla, who became the wife of a Mr. Jamison and is a widow living in Hillsdale, Michigan; George W., of this review ; and Abigail, who became the wife of Joseph Eddy, and is now a widow, residing in Calhoun county, Michigan. George W. Vanscoy spent his boyhood clays at his parental home and acquired his education in the common schools, but his educational privileges were limited, as the school facilities of that day were of a primitive character. On attaining his majority he entered upon an independent business career as a farmer, renting a tract of land which he operated on shares. He was industrious, ambitious and energetic and utilized his leisure time in chopping wood or at anything he could get to do which would yield to him an honestly earned dollar. This secured to him the nucleus of his present possessions. In December, 1850, Mr. Vanscoy chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Judith Strimple, a daughter of Aaron Strimple, who came to Richland county at an early clay from New Jersey. Five children have been born unto them : Myron Eugene, now a farmer in Butler township; Lavila Jane, who died. June 27, 1859, aged five years and nine months; Lester A., who cultivates the home farm; Elliott W., who is engaged 284 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in the cultivation of his father's land in Indiana ; and Noris D., who died December 27, 1879, aged fourteen years and seventeen days. After his marriage Mr. Vanscoy purchased thirty-five acres of his present farm and began the task of making a pleasant home for his young wife. Only a very small portion of the land had been cleared and the improvements upon the place consisted merely of a log cabin. As the years passed and prosperity attended his efforts, he has added to his farm from time to time until it now comprises two hundred and eighteen acres of land in Richland and Huron counties, and he also owns seventy-four acres of land in Jennings county, Indiana,. which he purchased in 1888. This is one of the rich farming districts of Ohio and he has a very valuable property which has come to him as the reward of his own labors. His political views connect him with the Democracy and on that ticket he was elected a trustee of his township for one year. He has also served for several terms as a supervisor and for many years as a school director, doing all in his power to promote the efficiency of the school. He is now one of the well known men of the county, having a wide circle of friends who recognize his worth and accord him their regard. ERASTUS S. CLOSE. Erastus S. Close, one of the most widely known citizens of Shelby, was born September 13, 1833, at Hinckley, Medina county, Ohio, and is a son of Zaccheus M. and Lydia (Crane) Close, who removed to Hinckley when there were not more than two dozen houses in the city of Cleveland. They had formerly lived in Genoa, New York, and traveled from their native state to Ohio by means of a team and wagon. Zaccheus M. died in 1840, and Lydia Close in 1833. Soon after his father's death Erastus went to live with his uncle, Dr. E. S. Close, of Springdale, Hamilton county, Ohio, to which place he was taken by his grandfather, the two traveling by way of the canal to Portsmouth, Ohio, and thence down the Ohio river to Cincinnati. Living with his uncle until 1853, he then went to Columbus for the purpose of taking a course of lectures in Starling Medical College, having previously studied medicine three years with his uncle at Springdale. After one course of lectures in the medical college above named he became tired of the study and decided to establish himself somewhere in business, and in order to the better qualify himself for such a career he entered a business college, finishing the course of training in due time. Then after working about Columbus a short time he removed to Shelby in 1856, and was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 285 there made clerk in the freight office of the S., M. & N. and the C., C. & C., now the Baltimore & Ohio and Big Four Railroads, and being about the same time appointed agent for the American Express Company, a position which he has filled ever since and still holds. About 1860 he was made joint agent for the two railroad companies and also for the United States Express Company, holding all these positions until within a few years, when the duties became too onerous for a man of his years and were divided. Mr. Close was married, March 4, 1857, to Miss Annis M. (Close) Close, of Sullivan, Ashland county, and a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Gale) Close, who were among the earliest settlers of Ashland county. To this marriage there were born seven children, six of whom are still (1900) living. Their names and the dates of their birth are as follows : Harry K., born November 19, 1858 Willis Irving, April 14, 1860 ; Anna E., July 20, 1861 ; Erastus S., Jr., October 29, 1867 ; Charles, born November 22, 1868, and died February 6, 1869 ; Harriet E., born May 1, 1870 ; and Annis Mary, September 24, 1871. The mother of the above named children died in 1873, and Mr. Close, in November of that year, married Lenora L. Barber, of Shelby, to which marriage there have been born four children, viz. : Charles Lilley, November 16, 1874 ; Zaccheus A., born May 26, 1876, and died December 2, 1900 ; Mamie Drake, born December 31, 1878 ; and Lucian Mack, January 18, 1881. Of these children Harry K. is the ticket clerk at the railway station ; Willis Irving is employed in the First National Bank of Shelby; Erastus S., Jr., is in Pueblo, Colorado ; Charles L. is the chief clerk in the tube works. The daughters are all employed as bookkeepers or stenographers. Annis Mary is a stenographer for J. A. Sultzer & Sons. The youngest daughter and the youngest son are in the office with their father. At the last election Mr. Close was chosen city treasurer for two years by his Democratic friends. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Presbyterian church, in the latter organization holding the office of elder. In 1860 Mr. Close built the house on North Gamble street now occupied by Charles Holbrook, and in 1865 removed to West Main street, where he at present resides. In 1872 he erected the large brick residence which still stands, one of the largest and handsomest in the city. Few men remain so long in the employment of the same company, to say nothing of filling the same office. And as agent of the express company he has become acquainted with almost every one in the vicinity of Shelby, and is highly 286 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. regarded by every one that knows him as an upright, honorable citizen and a good neighbor and friend, of all of which his long service with the American Express Company bears ample testimony. AUGUSTUS ALLEN DOUGLASS. Richland county, Ohio, is fortunate in the possession of a bar of which any county in any state of the Union might well he proud ; and one of her able lawyers whose success is most creditable is Augustus Allen Douglass, of Mansfield, who as prosecuting attorney for Richland county did a work in the interest of law and order which made him known throughout Ohio and adjoining states and set an example for public prosecutors worthy of emulation everywhere. Mr. Douglass was born in Monroe township, Richland county, Ohio, October 30, 1850, a son of John J. and Elizabeth (Schrack) Douglass, and on the paternal side is of Scotch-Irish descent. John J. Douglass was a son of Samuel and Mary (McCurdy) Douglass, and was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1821. Samuel Douglass brought his family and settled in Worthington township, Richland county, in November, 1829, and in March, 1831, they removed to the southwest quarter of section 28, which Mr. Douglass acquired by purchase. He was an energetic man who possessed many of the traits that have made the name of Douglass famous in many lands and in many generations. In Scotland the Douglass family, from the year 1605, when the first Lord Douglass appears in history, has furnished to Great Britain and to Europe more men prominent in war, statecraft and learning than any other family, and in these later days it has given to America some of its great and influential men. John J. Douglass, the only son of Samuel, bore his full share in the toils and achievements of a pioneer life. He possessed indomitable energy and great decision of character and mental qualities of a high order and lost no opportunity to improve in a time when opportunities for intellectual improvement were rare in that part of the country. He qualified for the performance of the duties of a teacher and for a number of years taught school, successfully, during the winter months. Such predominating traits of character as he inherited and cultivated, combined with a religious regard for and a faithful observance of the higher duties of life, have made the Scotch-Irish a wonderful factor in modern history. January 1, 1850, he married Elizabeth Schrack, and about that time became the owner of a homestead, on which they began their married life. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 287 For ten years he was in the employ, in a responsible capacity, of the Chicago, Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railway Company. His sterling qualities made him a power in local and county affairs, and during the trying days of the Civil war he was known as a stanch war Democrat. For four years he was the auditor of Richland county and discharged the duties of that important office with the signal ability and devotion he brought to all affairs, and during that busy period of his life his private business and farming interests were so well managed that there was no falling off in any quarter and his place was a model of cultivation and productiveness. He was an active member of Monroe Lodge, No. 221, Independent Order of _Odd Fellows, and he and his wife and children were members of the Evangelical Lutheran church at Pleasant Valley. He had two sons and a daughter, and Augustus Allen Douglass was his eldest child. In his youth the subject of this sketch worked industriously on his father's farm and attended the common school near his home. His father believed in bringing out the latent powers of his children and insisted that they should be self-reliant, hew out their own paths to worldly success, and their careers have justified his judgment and fully rewarded his confidence in them. At the age of seventeen Augustus Allen Douglass, following in the footsteps of his father, was a successful teacher. He completed his English and classical course at Greentown Academy, while yet little more than a youth, but he has never ceased to be a student and has ever sought deeper and broader views of all important questions through diligent investigation and reflection. He was for four years the superintendent of public schools at Shiloh, Ohio, and for three years was the superintendent of the public schools of Bellville, this state. In 1880 he was elected the school examiner for Richland county, and his success in the office was recognized by repeated re-election until he had a record for ten years' faithful and efficient performance of its duties. In 1882 he secured at Columbus a life certificate authorizing him to teach at any time in any public school in Ohio without further examination. His examiners were Prof. H. L. Parker, of Berea, Ohio; President Williams, of Delaware College ; and Prof. A. D. Johnson, of Avondale, Cincinnati ; and his examination was continued with searching thoroughness through three whole clays. After having accomplished the prescribed course of reading under competent professional instruction he was admitted to the bar of Richland county in 1884. In 1890, at the expiration of his service as an examiner of schools, he was elected prosecuting attorney for Richland county, and in 1893 he was re-elected, running three hundred and fifty-seven votes ahead of his ticket, 288 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and he served six years in the office. His administration was characterized by vigor and crowned with success in the conviction of guilty criminals. He prosecuted to conviction and landed in the penitentiary for eleven years each of the members of the Oliver gang, five in all, who had had a career of robbery and torture of aged people scarcely credible, and had for a long time eluded the law. Other important cases were handled by Mr. Douglass with equal success, and it is worthy of remark that only three of his indictments failed during the entire six years of his incumbency of the office. In his legal practice he has respected the law and the courts and turned his back on wrong and upheld what he has believed to be the right to an extent that has given him a most creditable individuality. His brother, Hon. S. M. Douglass, is the judge of the circuit court of this district and the chief events in his successful career are set forth in a biographical article which appears in this work. As a member of the law firm of Douglass & Mengert (A. A. Douglass and L. C. Mengert) Mr. Douglass attends strictly to his increasing practice, which includes the local attorneyship of the Pennsylvania Railway. Like his father, Mr. Douglass is a stanch Democrat. He is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, in which latter order he has passed all the chairs, and is an Elk, an Odd Fellow, a member of the Order of the Golden Eagle, and of the National Union, of which last mentioned society his firm are local attorneys. In 1895 he married Miss Ida Thompson, a daughter of John Thompson, of Mansfield, Ohio. Her mother was a Hughes, of Perryville, Ohio, where the family is prominent. They have two children : Don Hughes Douglass, born August m, 1897; and Ida Corinne Douglass. The family are attendants at St. Luke's Lutheran church. GEORGE M. EWING. George M. Ewing, who was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1837, is a son of Samuel and Emily (Miller) Ewing, and a representative of one of the honored families of the Keystone state. His father also was born in Allegheny county, June 20, 1810, and was one of nine children, five sons and four daughters, whose parents were Amos and Letitia (Potter) Ewing. The grandparents spent their entire lives in Allegheny county. None of their children are now living. The great-grandfather of our subject also bore the name of Samuel Ewing. He was of Welsh ancestry and became one of the first settlers of Allegheny county, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 289 where he took up his abode in the days when the Indians roamed through the forests and disputed the dominion of the land with the white men. He became the possessor of extensive landed tracts and was long known as a wealthy resident of his community. On the farm which he cleared and developed his son, Amos E., the grandfather of our subject, was reared, and later in life he came into possession of a part of the old homestead, upon which he lived and died. The father of our subject also spent his boyhood days under the paternal roof and became familiar with the labors of the, field and meadow, but desiring to follow some other pursuit he learned the trade of a wagon and carriagemaker, and engaged in business in that line during his residence in Pennsylvania. About 1834 he was united in marriage to Miss Emily Miller, who was born in Fredericksburg, Holmes county, Ohio, in 1811, a daughter of George and Anna (Galbreath) Miller. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ewing in Pennsylvania, and in the fall of 1839, with his little family, the father emigrated to Ohio, settling in Ashland county, two miles south of Hayesville, where he purchased a small farm of eighty acres, giving his attention to the cultivation of the soil. After two years, however, he removed to the town of Hayesville, where he opened a carriage and wagon shop, following his trade during the succeeding decade. He then returned to the farm and was identified with agricultural pursuits up to the time of his retirement from active business life in 1865. For thirty years thereafter he made his home in Hayesville, enjoying a well earned rest. He was a large, strong man, vigorous and energetic, was persevering and diligent. These qualities, combined with good business training, won him success in all his undertakings. At the time of his retirement his landed possessions aggregated two hundred acres, and he was numbered among the substantial residents of the county. In public affairs he was prominent, giving an earnest support to all measures calculated to be of public benefit. He was long an active member of the United Presbyterian church and served for many years as one of its elders. His political support was given to the Whig party and later he became a stanch Republican. He died in August, 1895, on the eighty-fifth anniversary of his birth, but his wife passed away in 1847. They were the parents of six children, of whom five are yet living, namely : Amos, a practicing physician in Greenwich, Ohio ; George M.; Ann L., who is living in Bates county, Missouri ; Samuel G., a farmer of Ashland county, Ohio ; and Amanda J., who resides on the old family homestead. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm 290 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. life for our subject during the period of his boyhood and youth. The sun shone down upon many a field which he plowed and ripened the grain which he later aided in harvesting, and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. At the age of twenty-two he began farming a portion of the old homestead on shares ; and the year following he went to Bureau county, Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand by the month for one summer, returning to his home on the expiration of that period. This was in 1861, the first year of the Civil war, and two of his brothers entered the service. Amos became a member of the Thirty-second Ohio Volunteers and was wounded on Champion Hill, while Samuel was a member of the Fifty-fourth Ohio Regiment and was wounded after leaving Corinth, while going with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. When the two brothers entered the service of the government George M. was importuned by his father to remain at home and take charge of the farm. This he did, continuing the operation of the fields until after the close of the war. A year later he and his brother, Samuel, who had returned from the south, together purchased a farm of one hundred acres joining the old homestead and cultivated their land in partnership for nine years, when, in 1875, George M. Ewing sold his interest to his brother and invested his capital in one hundred and fourteen acres of his present farm, whereon he has since resided. In the years which have come and gone he has replaced the small buildings by commodious farm structures and has made many substantial improvements, adding all the modern accessories and conveniences. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to this climate, he engaged extensively in feeding and selling stock. On the 13th of February, 1872, Mr. Ewing wedded Miss Martha J. Reed, a native of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Adam Reed, who in early life was a blacksmith and afterward removed to Ashland county, Ohio, about 1856, and engaged in farming. Six children blessed the union, but of this number only three are now living: S. Reed, who is the proprietor of a grocery in Greenwich, Ohio; Ethel V., the wife of Fred Mead, a farmer of Ashland county; and Nellie B., the wife of John Mead, an agriculturist of Butler township. Those who have passed away are Hortense, Eva N. and Ralph. A careful consideration of the political questions and issues of the day has led Mr. Ewing to ally his interests with the Republican party, for he believes firmly in its principles and gives a hearty endorsement to the present administration. He served for one term as justice of the peace and for one term as assessor of the township, but he prefers to give his attention CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 291 to his farming interests entirely, and has met with signal success. His religious views are in harmony with the faith of the United Presbyterian church, of which he is a member. He is one of the well known men of the county, for he has long resided in this portion of the state, as a worthy representative of that calling which Washington said is the most useful and honorable to which man devotes his energies. JOHN KNOX. Washington township has no more highly respected or worthy citizen than this well-known farmer, who has spent almost his entire life in Richland county. He was born on the 8th of February, 1836, on the old Knox homestead purchased by his father, John Knox, Sr., in 1820, and now owned by W. B. Knox, the brother of our subject. Their father was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Mary Muncie. In 1822 he came to Richland county, Ohio, and took up his residence in Washington township on the farm where our subject was born, and where he successfully engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life. When he located here only a few acres of land had been cleared, and a rude log cabin constituted the only improvement. He was five feet, ten inches in height, and weighed one hundred and eighty pounds, was a man of strong character and firm determination, and commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. In religious belief he was a United Presbyterian, and in politics was a strong Democrat. He died on the old homestead in 1866, at the age of eighty-two years. In his family were fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, all of whom grew to manhood or womanhood. The boyhood and youth of John Knox, Jr., were passed upon the home farm, and his early education, acquired in the common schools of the neighborhood, was supplemented by a course at Monroe Seminary at Hastings, Richland county, Ohio. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching school, and during the winter season followed that profession for ten terms, while the summer months were devoted to agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty-two he moved to Morrow county, Ohio, where the following four years were passed, but at the end of that period he returned to Richland county and has since resided upon his present farm on section 20, Washington township. It is pleasantly located on the Mansfield and Bellville road, and consists of one hundred and sixty acres, of which sixty-four acres had been cleared when he located thereon. Now one hundred and 292 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. twenty acres are under a high state of cultivation, and the place is improved with good and substantial buildings. Mr. Knox now owns two hundred acres of valuable land, and is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, having for many years made a specialty of the breeding of thoroughbred Poland China hogs. In 1858 Mr. Knox was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Campbell, and to them was born a daughter, Eva P., at home. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and religiously is a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian church. His life has been one of industry, and due success has not been denied him, and his career has ever been such as to win for him the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. FRANK D. WEBBER. The value of honesty and a good name to one who would succeed in business has been demonstrated in the career of Frank D. Webber, architect, contractor and builder, Mansfield, Ohio, and also in the careers of his ancestors in both lines of descent. Mr. Webber was born in Mansfield February 28, 1851, a son of Samuel Webber. The latter was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, a son of Jonathan Webber, who also was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Jonathan Webber's father, the great-grandfather of the immediate subject of this sketch, came from Holland, and one of his ancestors was once president of that country. Samuel Webber came to Mansfield first in 1836, when he was eighteen years old, but he went back to Pennsylvania and there married Miss Rachel Worthington, whose father came from England in his youth. He returned to Mansfield in 1843 and was master mechanic on the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railway, now a part of the Big Four system, which extended from Galion, Ohio, to Union City, Indiana. Later he was made master mechanic of the then newly constructed Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and was in a position to look back with complacency upon his humble employment, as stage driver on the old Wooster line during his first stay in Mansfield. About 1850 he began business for himself as a contractor and builder, and was prominent in his line in Mansfield until his retirement in 1892. He built some of the most important structures in the city, and during all his active years was an enterprising and public-spirited citizen and a leader in all the important affairs of the town. He was for twelve years a member of the city council and was for four years the president of that body. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 293 For many years he was the superintendent of the Richland County Agi cultural Society, and after his retirement from business served one term as a justice of the peace, and declined re-election on account of failing health. He has now reached the advanced age of eighty-two years, and though feeble of body he is strong and alert of intellect and a most genial and interesting companion, full of reminiscences of earlier clays. He has three sons and a daughter living in Mansfield : Samuel Webber, carpenter Frank D. Webber; Hamilton H. Webber, the proprietor of the Mansfield book bindery; and Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Frank Gregory. Anna (Mrs. S. Starry) died at Springfield, Ohio. Frank D. Webber was educated in the schools of Mansfield, learned the carpenter's trade of his father, studied architecture and for a time carried on business.in connection with his father. Since 1888 he has had no partner. He has been one of the most successful and popular architects in the city, and has built the county jail, the children's home, the Blecker block, the Baxter Stove works, extensive oil works, the Marion avenue, Bowman street and high school buildings, the M. B. Bushnell residence, the finest in Mansfield, and many other prominent business buildings and residences. He now carries a line of all kinds of building material. He is a Democrat in politics, but is too busy a man to take much part in public affairs. He is a member of the order of Maccabees and of the First Lutheran church, which he served nine years as a deacon and the secretary of its board of trustees, and for six years was the superintendent of its Sunday-school. He married Miss Addie Condon, a daughter of the late Elija Condon, a farmer of Madison township. They have children named Hattie, Lee, Roy, Pearl, Ruth and Paul, all of whom are members of their household. Lee and Roy assist their father in his business and the others are pupils in the public schools of Mansfield. DAVID NELSON. On one of the desirable farms in Richland county resides David Nelson, whose business methods, reliable dealing and progressive spirit have made him one of the leading agriculturists of his community. His home is situated on section 23, Cass township, where he owns and cultivates one hundred and fifteen acres of land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation, bringing to him a rich tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon it. Mr. Nelson was born in Olivesburg, Richland county, October 8, 1842. 294 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. His father, George Nelson, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1805. During his boyhood he came to Ohio with his parents, who, took up their abode on a farm near Wooster. There were only two children in the family, George and David. The latter went to Macon, Illinois, and engaged in merchandising, becoming one of the leading representatives of commercial interests in that portion of the country. In early manhood George Nelson apprenticed himself to the tailor's trade in New Haven, and after completing his term of service removed to Olivesburg, where he followed his trade until 1859, when he purchased the farm of eighty acres in Cass township now owned by Salathiel Bloom. Upon. that place he spent his remaining days, being called to his final rest in 1870. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Mary Crabs, who was born in Weller township, Richland county, about 180. Her father, David Crabs, was one of the early settlers of the county and would frequently relate interesting tales of his experience with the Indians and the trials and hardships endured when this region was a frontier settlement. Mrs. Nelson was reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life and was always a resident of Richland county. Her death occurred in 1853, and the father afterward again married, his second union being with Matilda Alberson, who still survives him and is now in her seventy-seventh year. By his first marriage he had eight children, six of whom are living: Elmer Y., a farmer of Madison township ; David ; George T., an agriculturist of Cass township; John, who owns and cultivates land in Jackson township; Silas, a farmer of Franklin township; and Rachel, the wife of Isaac Dick, of Cass township. The children of the second marriage were five in number, and the following are still living : William, an enterprising agriculturist living near Shelby, Ohio ; Belle, the wife of Thomas Forsyth ; Butler, of Cass township; and Laura, the wife of Daniel Burnheisiel, who lives near Shelby, Ohio. David Nelson was only eleven years of age at the time of his mother's death, and through the succeeding three years he found a home with an uncle. At the age of fourteen he began working as a farm hand in the employ of John Urich, receiving four dollars per month in compensation for his services during the first season. He remained with Mr. Urich for four years and annually received an increased salary, a fact which indicated that he was faithful to his duties and capably performed his work. When the country became involved in civil war he upheld the cause of the Union and demonstrated his loyalty by his enlistment on the 11th of August, 1862, becoming a member of Company D, One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which command he served until the close of the war. He par- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 295 ticipated in various skirmishes and in the engagement between the armies of Hood and Thomas. He was discharged in August, 1865, returning to his home on the II th of that month, exactly three years from the time of his enlistment. Through the four succeeding years he again worked for John Urich, and in 1869 he and his brother Elmer purchased seventy acres of land in Weller township, which they operated for two years. In 1871 David Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Swanger, a native of Richland county, born on the farm which is now her home. She is a daughter of Peter Swanger, of Pennsylvania, who entered from the government the tract of land now owned by Mr. Nelson. He made the first clearing upon the place and transformed much of it into well cultivated fields. After his marriage Mr. Nelson rented a farm in the southwest corner of Cass township for a year and through a similar period lived upon a rented farm two miles north of his first home. In the spring of 1874, with the capital he had acquired through his exertions, he purchased a tract of sixty acres a mile south of Shiloh, residing there for eight years. In 1882 he sold that property and removed to his father-in-law's farm, which he cultivated on the shares for five years, when, in 1887, he purchased the old family homestead. In 1898 he extended its boundaries by purchasing thirty-five acres of the old Mariott farm, and is now the owner of a valuable tract of one hundred and fifteen acres. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson has been blessed with ten children, nine of whom are living : Charlie D., a farmer of Blooming Grove township; Roy J., who is a farmer of Weller township ; Taylor A., who is engaged in the commission business in Cleveland, Ohio ; and Lloyd H., Martha, Frances, Benjamin L., Wallace A. and Gladys M., all at home. Mr. Nelson is an advocate of Republic an principles, standing by the party which has ever been the protector of American rights. He maintains pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post, and his record as a soldier is equaled by his record as a citizen. Whether upon the field of battle or in private life he is found true to his country, faithful to his friends and honorable in all his business relations. JOHN CORBETT. This honored and highly esteemed citizen of Lexington is a native of Pennsylvania, his birthplace being in Clarion county and his natal clay April 28, 1830. There he passed the days of his boyhood and youth in much the 296 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. usual manner of farmers' sons at that time,, and in the common schools of that locality he obtained his education. On leaving home in 1850, he came to Columbus, Ohio, and soon afterward took up his residence in Delaware county, where he worked at the carpenter's trade until coming to Richland county in 1876 to take charge of the Ferry woolen mills, which he operated twelve years, manufacturing cashmere, blankets, satinets, flannel and stocking yarn. The following three years were spent in contracting in Bellville, and at the end of. that time he removed to Lexington, where he has since worked at carpentering. In Troy township he owns a fine farm of eighty-two acres of very valuable and productive land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved by the erection of good and substantial buildings. In 1850 Mr. Corbett was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Brown, and they had four children : Conway W., a resident of Morrow county; Hortense O., Eva C., and Elna I. The daughters are deceased. During the dark days of the Civil war Mr. Corbett enlisted at Columbus, in January, 1865, as a private in Company G, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for two years or during the war, and was on detached duty much of the time. After serving five months and seventeen days he was honorably discharged and returned home. He is a member of Ashley Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., in Delaware county, and is an ardent Republican in politics. As every true American citizen should, he takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs and gives his support to every worthy enterprise for the public good. GUY T. GOODMAN, M. D. Among the medical practitioners of Mansfield is numbered Dr. Goodman, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1871, and is a son of David B. and Adeline (Lutz) Goodman. His father was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and during his boyhood accompanied his parents to the Buckeye-state, the grandfather of our subject dying when David Goodman was very young. Since 1890 the latter has been a resident of Mansfield. His wife is a very active member of the Methodist Episcopal church,—an earnest Christian woman whose influence on her family and friends has been most marked. She, too, was born in Ashland county, a daughter of Martin and Matilda Lutz. The father came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and was a well-to-do farmer of Ashland county and widely known in his own section of the state. He was also a prominent Methodist and served as an elder in his church. His death occurred in 1872. The Doctor's father was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Sixty- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 297 third Ohio National Guard, during the Civil war, and was ever loyal to his duties of citizenship. He has been a member of the Mansfield police since 1892. Dr. Goodman pursued his preliminary education in the public schools, and in 1890, when nineteen years of age, accompanied his parents on their removal to Mansfield. airing the years of 1888, 1889 and 1890 he was a student in Baldwin University, at Berea, Ohio, and on coming to this city he entered the business college in which he was graduated with the class of 1893. He then went to Chicago and for nine months was housed in the retail dry-goods house of Siegel, Cooper & Company. Returning to make the practice of medicine his life work, he began preparation for the profession by reading medical works, under the direction of Dr. J. Harvey Craig, of Mansfield, and in 1895 he was matriculated in the Western Reserve Medical College, at Cleveland, in which he graduated with the class of 1898. He has since engaged in the practice in Mansfield, and has secured a liberal patronage which many an older representative of the profession might well envy. He successfully passed the examination for assistant surgeon in the Lakeside Hospital, at Cleveland, for the treatment of diseases of women. There were twelve candidates for the position, but Dr. Goodman and a fellow student were appointed and he served for fourteen months in that institution. Although he engages in general practice to some extent, he makes a' specialty of the treatment of the diseases of women. In politics he is a Democrat. Socially he is connected with Madison Lodge, No. 26, K. of P., is a prominent Mason, belonging to Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. & A. M., Chapter CommanderyA. M., and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T. Dr. Goodman is ambitious, resolute and determined. He makes a close study of his profession, keeping abreast with its advancement, and his devotion to the duties of his calling, combined with his ability, both natural and acquired, has given him already an enviable rank in the medical fraternity. In 1899 Dr. Goodman married Miss Lucena Woodward, of Cleveland, Ohio. HIRAM W. HILDEBRANT. Hiram W. Hildebrant, the subject of this review, has risen to a high position as one of the representative .buFiiness men of Richland county. His identification with the industrial and commercial interests of Shelby is extensive and varied and embraces connection with those interests which in 298 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. their successful control demand the services of men of master minds, of keen discernment, of reliable judgment and of indefatigable energy. Mr. Hildebrant was born in Lockport, Niagara county, New York, in 1844, a son of Frederick and Cornelia (Snyder) Hildebrant, both of whom were also natives of the Empire state. The father died in October, 1848, at the age of forty-four years, and the mother passed sway in January, 1872, at the age of sixty-six years. In their family were seven children besides the subject of this sketch, namely : George, now a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri, who for four years served in the army during the Civil war and was then honorably discharged, with the rank of quartermaster, and was for a long period afterward a well known merchant, but is now living retired; Emeline is the wife of John L. Mosser, who resides in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he is engaged in the grocery business; James M., who is a groceryman in Griffin, Missouri ; Harriett Wallace, who is a resident of Lockport, New York ; Mrs. Elizabeth Sanders, who died in Lockport, New York, about 1875; Mrs. Sarah Morris, who passed away in 1868; and Duwan, who was identified with the Union Pacific Railroad Company, died in Omaha, Nebraska, about 1894. Mr. Hildebrant, of this review, was only four years of age at the time of his father's death. He acquired his education in the public schools of *Shelby, including the high-school course. He began teaching in 1868 and followed that profession for about five years. In 1872 he engaged in the real estate and insurance business, to which he has since devoted his energies. From its organization he served as the vice-president of the Plate Glass Insurance Company, and at the latter date was elected its president, since which time he has been the incumbent. He is also the president of the Building & Loan Association of Shelby and of the Shelby Stove Company, which was organized in May, 1900, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, to manufacture gas and gasoline stoves. Since its organization in 1895 he has been the president and a director of the Citizens' Bank. He also owns stock in the Shelby Tube Company, the Shelby Electrical Company and the Sutter Furniture Company. He is public-spirited and progressive and believes in encouraging the establishment of such enterprises, realizing that from commercial activity arises the progress and prosperity of the nation. In December, 1869, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hildebrant and Miss Adelaide Gamble, daughter of Judge Hugh Gamble, of Shelby, one of the first settlers of this section of the state. Three children have been born to them. The eldest, Carlos M., was born in December, 1871, and was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 299 thrown from a horse and killed in October, 1885. Hugh G. was born in August, 1873, and is now assistant cashier in the Citizens' Bank; and Bessie Fay, who was born in 1882, completes the family. Mr. Hildebrant is a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities, and of the Presbyterian church. He withholds his support frOm no measure or movement which he believes will advance the material, intellectual, social and moral development of the community. He has been called upon to fill a number of public offices, was elected city clerk about 1874, and, after filling the position for about half a term, was elected the mayor of the city, in which capacity he served for three consecutive terms. His administration was progressive and he exercised his prerogatives in a manner to commend him to the confidence and regard of all citizens interested in the welfare, upbuilding and progress of the community. For twenty-one years he was a justice of the peace, and his decisions were marked by extreme fairness and impartiality. For eighteen years he was a member of the school board, and with the exception of one year served as the clerk. In no other country than ours can the history of a private individual be written which will touch in various points the public interests, and in fact prove to be a portion of the political, social and moral growth of his community, in which the individual himself has sprung from the ranks of the people, and with no assistance from birth, fortune or environments, has carved out his own career and made for himself a name. It is a pleasure to do honor to such men, and their example cannot be too highly commended to our young men as an incentive to laudable ambition and earnest endeavor. Mr. Hildebrant has been indeed one of the active factors in the growth and development of Shelby along many lines and over the record of both his public and private career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. COLONEL JONATHAN W. SLOANE. Among the well known and honored early settlers of Richland county was Colonel Sloane, who located here when this region was wild and unimproved. In the work of development he took an active part in the early days and aided in opening up the country to civilization. As the years passed he faithfully performed his duties of citizenship and his interest in the welfare and progress of the community never abated. Becoming widely and favorably known, he made many friends, and his death was a loss to the entire community. A native of Ohio, the Colonel was born in Jefferson county November