450 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. NOBLE TAYLOR. Many of the worthy residents of Richland county are natives of Pennsylvania or at least trace their ancestry to the Keystone state. To the latter class belongs Mr. Taylor. His grandfather, William Taylor, was born, reared and married in Pennsylvania and on coming to Ohio took up his abode in Mansfield, but after a short time located in what is now Ashland county, but was then a part of Richland county. He purchased a section of wild land and for many years devoted his energies first in clearing and then in cutivating and improving his fields. He afterward retired to private life. taking up his abode in Loudonville. He was recognized as a leading and representative citizen of the community in an early day and for two terms served as a county commissioner, holding the position at the time the old county jail was built. In politics he was an active Democrat. His death occurred when he was about seventy-eight years of age. He was a cousin of Zachary Taylor, and his father was a native of Ireland and the founder of the family in America. David Taylor, the father of our subject. was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1813, and about 1821 accompanied his parents on their removal to Mansfield, Ohio. He was then a youth of ten years, so that his minority was largely passed amid the wild scenes of frontier life in Ohio, as at that time much of the state was still in its primitive condition and the work of improvement and advancement was being vigorously prosecuted by the pioneer settlers who left more comfortable homes in the east and became the founders of a commonwealth that is now second to none in the Union. He assisted in the work of clearing and developing the fields and remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he began business for himself as a stock drover, buying and selling cattle for several years. About 1843 he purchased eighty acres of land in Richland township and upon that farm made his home until his death, adding to the place from time to time as his financial resources increased until within its boundaries were probably four hundred acres. He was a man of resolute will and of marked individuality, and his labors were carried forward so vigorously that he won a very handsome competence. He successfully engaged in the breeding of horses and cattle and was a leading representative of agricultural interests. His fellow townsmen recognized his worth and ability and often called him to public office, and for two terms he was a county commissioner, acting as a member of the board at the time of the erection of the new courthouse. In politics he was an active Democrat. As a companion and helpmeet on life's CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 451 journey he chose Miss Eliza Calhoon, who was born October 10, 1814, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and came to this county about 1831, with her parents. Her father, Noble Calhoon, was a native of Ireland and was married in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, where he engaged in farming until his removal to Ohio. He there settled in Monroe township, Richland county, upon a large farm of three hundred acres, where he died at the age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Taylor spent her girlhood days in Richland county and by her marriage she became the mother of ten children, three of whom died in early childhood. The others are Alexander, a farmer and justice of the peace of Hayesville, Ohio; Sarah, the wife of J. J. Cunningham, of Frederickstown, Ohio; Margaret, the wife of Alexander Martin, of Lucerne, Ohio ; William, of Butler; Noble, the subject of this review ; Samantha, the wife of Thomas Simmons, of Worthington township; and John, who died in 1894, at the age of forty-four years. The father of these children passed away August 13, 1890, and the mother's death occurred on the 19th of July, 1891. She was a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church. The birth of Noble Taylor occurred September 21, 1846, on the old family homestead, which is yet his place of residence. This farm is endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as those of more mature years. He obtained his education in the common schools and remained with his parents until their death. For a number of years prior to that time he rented the farm and worked with his father, and later he purchased of his father a part of the homestead and inherited a portion at the time of his father's death. He owns ninety-five acres of land and is engaged in general farming, meeting with a creditable success. On the 5th of October, 1872, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Remy, a daughter of John William Remy and a native Of Worthington township. Four children grace their union : Frank ; Ardella, at home; Mary, the wife of Lloyd Yorger, of Butler; and Charles, at home. HIRAM MARVIN. Hiram Marvin, deceased, was born in Shelby, Ohio, April 21, 1829, and through the long years of an active business career made his home in the city of his birth, where he was recognized as one of its leading, influential and valued residents. His parents were Stephen and Sarah (Burr) Marvin, natives of Connecticut, whence they journeyed westward to Shelby, in 1800, this being their wedding trip. The journey was made in a one-horse wagon, leading through unbroken forests and often over almost impassable roads. 452 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. They were the parents of six sons and seven daughters who grew to the years of maturity. Amid the wild scenes of the frontier in Richland county, Hiram Marvin, of this review, was reared. He was married in 1854 to Miss Maria Hinman, and engaged in farming until the inauguration of the Civil war. He responded to the country's call for troops and went to the front in defense of the Union. He valiantly aided in protecting the stars and stripes until the battle of Vicksburg, where he sustained an injury which incapacitated him not only for further military service, but for agricultural pursuits as well. Upon his return home he entered into partnership with John Kerr in the drug business and successfully conducted that enterprise until 1881, enjoying a large and lucrative patronage. In the year mentioned, however, he sold out and returned to the farm, there spending his remaining days. He died in 1892, and hi3 wife in 1891, at the age of sixty-three years. In 1854 our subject was married to Maria Hinman, at Grafton, Ohio, and they were the parents of seven children, but three of the number died in infancy. In order of birth the four who are living are as follows : Sarah M.. who is' a member of the Bloom street school in Mansfield ; Hubbard Orten, who died in 1887, at the age of twenty-three years; Wilber Hiram, who is married and lives in Oregon ; and Laura Caroline. Through more than six decades Hiram Marvin was the witness of the development and upbuilding of Richland county, and saw many wonderful changes as it threw off the primitive surroundings and conditions and advanced into the latter-day civilization of the nineteenth century. His life was unmarked by any event of exciting interest, but was one of consistent, manly principles and faithful to every duty ; and such a career is indeed worthy of emulation. WILLIAM BONHAM. Among the representative business men of Lexington none are more deserving of mention in this volume than William Bonham, a prominent furniture dealer and undertaker of that place. He is a man of broad capabilities who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He was born in Washington, Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 16, 1854, and was the only child of Samuel and Martha (Montgomery) Bonham. The father was a native of England, born in 1806, and came to America when a young man. Until after his marriage he worked for others, and the first farm which he owned was in Morrow county, Ohio, where he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 453 lived for several years. He then spent four years in Wisconsin, and at the end of that time returned to Ohio and located in Richland county, purchasing the farm in Jefferson township now owned by John Spade. Upon that place he died, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The subject of this sketch was a child of seven years when the family settled in Jefferson township, and in its public schools he acquired his early education. After the death of his father, his mother married John Stough, of whom our subject commenced learning the cabinet-maker's trade at the age of eleven years, and continued to work with him until 1894, when- he bought out the business. As a dealer in and manufacturer of furniture he is doing an excellent business, and is also an accomplished undertaker. He is a wide-awake and progressive business man, energetic and reliable, and has succeeded in building up a fine trade, which is constantly increasing. On the 30th of October, 1878, Mr. Bonham led to the marriage altar Miss Margaret Haverstick. Both are active members of the Presbyterian church, and he also holds membership in Wyanaska Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Lexington. and Richland Lodge, No. 446, K. of P., of the same place. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democracy, and gives his aid to any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit or will in any way advance the interests of his community. THE MEMORIAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. Pursuant to a call made through the city papers, February 17, 1887, about fifty ladies of Mansfield assembled at the home of Mrs. H. P. 'Weaver, to listen to an address from Mrs. J. E. Dixon, of Columbia College, New York, upon library work. Long before this and on various occasions and in various ways the subject of a free public library for Mansfield had been discussed. But on this particular occasion a temporary organization was effected. It was decided to establish a memorial library, in memory of the soldiers and sailors of Mansfield and Madison township, Richland county. The surviving veterans and the citizens were called upon to aid in procuring a building which should be, with the library. the noblest monument which a grateful people could raise to the heroic defenders of their country. The proposal to erect a memorial building met with the heartiest response from both- veterans and citizens. Taking advantage of the privilege granted by a recent enactment of the state legislature, by means of which a tax might 464 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. be levied to erect a memorial building to the memory of deceased soldiers and sailors, the tax was voted and the grand result was the erection of an excellent memorial building, now used for a free public library and museum. an opera house and the home of the Mansfield post of the Grand Army of the Republic. This building was the first in the state erected under the above mentioned law. Its history is enduringly written in its noble proportions, its magnificent masonry, its elegant finish, its honest workmanship, and in these, too, is written the history of the untiring vigilance with which the trustees of the building discharged the arduous duties devolved upon them. The building was completed in May, 1890, and at once occupied. The Mansfield Memorial Library Association was incorporated March 2, 1887, scarcely more than three years prior to the completion of the building. During these three years the association maintained a free library, being located for a greater portion of the time in the court-house. From membership fees and private contributions the library was at first supported, but is now maintained entirely by taxation. The first books and property was secured from the Mansfield Reading Room Association, which turned over to the Memorial Library Association its books, property, reading room. with all its debts also, which were soon paid by the new association. Many books were obtained by private donations, and from the Philharmonic Society, the Beethoven Club, the Junto Club,' the Mansfield Lyceum and the Young Men's Christian Association. The latter turned over to the association hooks, property and money by the payment of one thousand dollars, making the first patron of the association. Boyd J. Mercer, a gentleman who years ago believed the city should have a free library, had bequeathed a sum of money to be used in founding one. The association adopted its constitution March 4, 1887, and effected a permanent organization, electing the following officers President, Mrs. E. O. Huggins ; vice-president, Dr. M. J. Finley ; secretary. Mrs. Mary B. Mitchell ; treasurer, Mrs. H. P. Weaver ; and the following trustees : Mrs. R. L. Avery, Mrs. H. P. Weaver, Mrs. T. T. Dill, Mrs. M. D. Harter, Dr. M. J. Finley, Mrs. P. Bigelow, Mrs. R. B. Maxwell, Mrs. M. B. Mitchell, Mrs. E. O. Huggins. Through the efforts of the ladies whose names are here given, and others whose names the writer is not able to give, the Memorial Library Association of Mansfield was established, and to the city a splendid free library given. For more than ten years Miss Martha Mercer has been in charge as librarian. The growth of the library has been continuous. From a small number of volumes at the beginning it has grown to be a library of over nine thousand well CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 455 selected and valuable volumes. Its management has been excellent and its arrangement and system admirable. The library and the building have become the noblest monument that patriotism could raise to heriosm and lasting good to the public. JOHN C. THOMSON. The family of which John C. Thomson is a representative is of Scotch origin. Charles Thomson, the father of our subject, was a native of the land of hills and heather. He was born in 1813, and upon a farm in that country he spent the clays of his boyhood and youth. When a young man he left Scotland for America. After his arrival in the new world he spent some time in traveling through various states in search of a suitable location, and during his wanderings he spent some time on the site of the present city of Chicago, when it was but a village. He purthased a claim, however, in that locality, but the title proved worthless and in consequence he left Illinois, coming to Ohio. He had one brother living in what was then Richland county, but is now Ashland county, a Scotch settlement having been established in this portion of the state. He located north of Savannah, where he purchased a farm, and soon afterward he was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Bowman. Not long afterward he came to the farm upon which our subject now resides, in Butler township, Richland county, purchasing fifty-seven acres of land, only a part of which had been cleared. There he took up his abode in a rude log cabin which had been built by a prior claimant to the place. Subsequently he erected a more commodious frame residence and throughout his remaining clays he continued to devote his energies to the development, cultivation and improvement of his land. He was reared in the United Presbyterian church, but after taking up his abode in Butler township he became one of the charter members and principal builders of the Disciple church of Butler township, and for a number of years he occupied its pulpit. Although his knowledge was largely self-acquired, he was a well educated man and in early manhood engaged in teaching for a number of years. Broad and liberal in his views, charitable and kindly, he was a man of much influence in his community, and enjoyed the unqualified regard of all who knew him. His political support was given 'in an unqualified manner to the Republican party, but the honors of office had no attraction for him. He died in 1879, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife, who Was born in Scotland in 1813, came to America with her parents when fifteen years of age, the family locating in Ashland county, where her father and mother both died. Mrs. Thomson 456 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. passed away in 1898, at the very advanced age of eighty-three years. She, too, was reared in the faith of the United Presbyterian church, but after her marriage became a member of the Disciple church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson had ten children, of whom five are living, namely : Agnes, the wife of George Mann, a farmer of Ashland county; William B., who is a minister of the Disciple church in Detroit; Ellen, the wife of Martin Crabbs, an agriculturist of Indiana; Anna, the wife of J. A. Wilson, who is county superintendent of the schools at Brainerd, Minnesota ; and John C., of this review. John C. Thomson has throughout his entire life been interested in agriculture. He was educated in the common schools. His brothers and sisters continued their mental training in Savannah Academy and after attaining their majority became teachers; but Mr. Thomson's taste lay in the direction of farm work and after his father's death, as he was the only son at home he received the burden and responsibilities of managing the home place, the mother residing with him until her death. In 1885, in connection with his brother-in-law, F. P. Fox, he purchased sixty-seven acres of his present farm, which they operated in partnership until 1890, when Mr. Thomson became the sole owner of the place, and after his mother's demise he purchased the old homestead farm from the other heirs. He has long been numbered among the successful and progressive agriculturists of this community, having a very attractive and desirable place. In 1889 occurred the marriage of Mr. Thomson and Miss Sadie A. Willis, a native of Ashland, Ohio, and a daughter of William Willis, a well known firmer of that place. Three chilli en have graced the union of our subject and his wife, namely : Bessie, Nellie and Mary. In his political views Mr. Thomson is a Republican, but has never cared to hold office, though he was once elected justice of the peace. It was without his consent and he refused to qualify. He is a member of the Disciple church. JAMES LIVINGSTON. Possibilities for advancement are open to all. There is always room at the top. Men who are competent and thorough are needed in every department of life, and it is those who are capable of filling advanced positions that are promoted to places of responsibility. James Livingston is now occupying the important position of foreman of the foundry owned by the Aultman-Taylor Machinery Company, of Mansfield. He was born in Lachine. Canada, May 28. 1849. His father, Richard Livingston, was a native of the north of Ireland, and having arrived at the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 457 age of maturity he wedded Miss Sarah L. Hilderbrand, who also was born in that section of the Emerald isle. They had eight children, of whom six are yet living, namely : James, Richard, Christopher, Sarah, Alexander and Ulysses Grant. Jennie, the fourth of the family, died in 1882, while Ruth, the seventh of the family, died at the age of four years. Richard, Christopher and Alexander are now in Los Angeles, California. The former is the owner of a very important industry there, the Keystone Iron Works. This has become an extensive concern, the buildings of which are admirably adapted to the purposes for which they are used. They contain fifteen thousand feet of floor space. The specialties of the firm are iron and brass castings, architectural work, pattern-making, water fittings, water gates, hitching-posts, spring pumps, pumping machinery, gasoline engines,. roof castings, ventilators and gang plows. General repair work along these lines is also done. The trade of the company is very extensive and results. from the excellence of their output, combined with honorable business methods. The plant is equipped with electric power, and electricity is also used in lighting. Richard Livingston is one of the most prominent business men of Los Angeles. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce there and is a citizen of pronounced public spirit. He married Miss Jennie Staryet, of Shelby, Ohio, and has four children : Frank, Maud, May and Susie. Christopher, who is associated in business with his brother Richard, was married in California. Alexander Livingston is also connected with the Keystone Iron Works. He wedded Miss Mary Royer, and was born in Mansfield, Ohio.. Jennie became the wife of R. E. Linham, and both are now deceased. Sarah became the wife of Frederick H. Wise, of the Ohio Brick & Tile Company of Ohio. The parents of the above named were for many years residents of Mansfield, and at their deaths their remains were interred in the Mansfield cemetery. James Livingston spent his early 'boyhood days in his native town, and acquired his preliminary education in the schools there, but completed his course in Mansfield, whither he removed with his parents when about fifteen years of age. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to a molder there for a term of three years, in the employ of the firm of Hall & Allen, the predecessors of the Mansfield Machine Company. He was with that concern for about twenty-seven years, during which time he thoroughly mastered the business in every detail, and continually worked his way upward to positions of greater responsibility than those which he had previously occupied. On severing his connection with the Mansfield Machine Works 458 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. he entered the employ of the Aultman-Taylor Machinery Company, and has been foreman of their foundry department continuously since. His entire life, his energy and best thought have been devoted to- his chosen vocation, and thus he has attained an important and responsible. position. On the 1st of July, 1874, Mr. Livingston was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Wise, who was born September 4, 1855, about two miles northeast of Mansfield, and there spent her girlhood clays. Her parents resided upon one of the best farms in Richland county. Mr. and Mrs. Wise were laid to rest in the cemetery in Mansfield. Mrs. Livingston passed away on the 9th of January, 1899, leaving a daughter, Myrtle M., who is still with her father. Mr. Livingston is a member of the National Union and the Pathfinders, is the vice-president of the Citizens' Savings Loan Company, and also a prominent member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and since its organization has served on its. advisory beard. He is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran church and is the vice-president of the church council. In business he is reliable and trustworthy, and he is recognized as a public-spirited citizen whose labors- have been a valuable contribution to the material advancement and substantial progress of his adopted city. EZRA J. POTTER. Ezra J. Potter, a photographic artist of Mansfield, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, September 19, 1844. His parents, Jacob and Mary Ann (Mickel) Potter, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born at Morrison's Cove, while the 'latter was a native of Bedford county. In Morrison's Cove is an old historic church known as the Potter church, and in Bedford county is a hill which for many years has been called Mickel Hill; both of which facts go to show that the families have been residents of Pennsylvania from early days. The parents of our subject were married in that state and in pioneer days came to Wayne county, Ohio. The father of our subject was a physician, and after practicing his profession for several years in Wayne county he removed to Knox county. Subsequently he went to the west to hunt a new location, and while on this prospecting tour lost his life in a railroad accident. Soon afterward his widow and her children removed to Ashland county, Ohio, where her parents then resided. She finally made her: home in Hayesville, where she reared her family. She had seven sons, three younger and three older than the subject of this review. Two of the sons died in childhood, but the others all reached mature years and rendered CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 459 valued service to their country in defense of the Union during the Civil war. Hezekiah, the eldest, died in 1862, while a member of the army ; William H. now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana ; James was killed at the battle of Shiloh; and Hiram died two years after the close of hostilities between the north and the south. Ezra J. Potter was only sixteen years of age when he joined the "boys in blue." He served as a member of Company E, Third Ohio Cavalry, enlisting on the 7th of September, 1861, for a term of three years. Among other engagements in which he participated were the battles of Stone River and Missionary Ridge. At Benton, Tennessee, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war for eleven months and eighteen days. He was taken from Atlanta to Libby prison, where he was incarcerated two nights and one day, after which he was held for six weeks on Belle island and for seven months was detained in the famous Andersonville prison, whence he was taken to Florence, South Carolina, and afterward to Charleston, where he was exchanged and placed on board a vessel which sailed for Annapolis, Maryland. On reaching that city he proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, where he was honorably discharged in January, 1865. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his comrades of the "blue" who fought for national honor and national supremacy. While Mr. Potter was absent at the front his mother had moved to Mansfield, and here he joined her. He afterward learned the art of photography, becoming interested in a gallary in Mansfield in 1866. Here he has since followed his chosen calling save for a brief period of about two years. He now has a well arranged studio, equipped with all accommodations and appointments for the execution of a fine line of work. He has done a large volume of business,.the number of his patrons reaching into the thousands. He is widely and favorably known and has long enjoyed the reputation of being a proficient artist in his line and an honest business man. In 1866 Mr. Potter was united in marriage to Miss Mary Backenstoe, of Richland county, and unto them have been born two sons, William and James. He and his wife hold membership in the Congregational church and are numbered among the representative families of Mansfield. His political support is given the Republican party. He is a self-made man in the fullest sense of that oft misused term, his prosperity in life being due to his industry and integrity. His record is a living illustration of what ability, energy and force of character can accomplish, and the city and county have been enriched by his example. 460 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. SAMUEL MARRIOTT. The subject of this review, who holds marked prestige among the members of the bar of Richland county, is a lawyer who has used his profession for the benefit of his fellow men, to advance the interests of good government and promote the general welfare, entertaining a just conception of the purpose of law as the conservator of the rights and liberties of the people, as the protector of the weak against the strong, the just against the unjust. As few men have done, he has seemed to realize some of the ideals of the profession to which he devotes himself, and his reputation as a lawyer has been won through earnest, honest labor, and his high standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability. Mr. Marriott is a native son of Richland county, having been born in Cass township, in the year 1847, the son of R. B. Marriott, who came to the county from Rochester, New York. The mother of our subject was Ann E. (Hill) Marriott, and she was the daughter of Samuel Hill, a worthy resident of the old Keystone state, who did yeoman service as a soldier in the war of the. Revolution. Our subject attained his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools of this county, supplementing this by further pursuing his studies in Savannah Academy and Oberlin College. He early formulated plans for his future career, and in this he showed no vacillation of purpose, but availed himself of the opportunity afforded him and began reading law under the direction of Judge May, of Mansfield, of whom detailed mention is made on other pages of this work. Under such effective preceptorship Mr. Marriott diligently continued his technical reading and study until he proved his eligibility for admission to the bar, being admitted to practice in 1874, since which time he has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Mansfield. He is a man of strong, intuitive judgment and this has been fortified by the most careful and discriminating study and investigation, his knowledge of jurisprudence and precedents being so exact and comprehensive, and always responding to any exigency which may occur, have gained to Mr. Marriott a reputation as not only one of the best read members of the bar of the county but as one whose counsel is always along safe and conservative lines. In the court room his powers are equally in evidence, and he invariably presents a case upon its merits, moving steadily toward the point in issue and winning by cogency of argument rather than by sophistry or verbal pyrotechnics. His is essentially a legal mind, well trained in the science of juris- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 461 prudence, and he is also endowed with a marked quickness of comprehension, which makes him a powerful adversary. Mr. Marriott has maintained an active interest in state and national politics, giving his allegiance and unwavering support to the Republican party and its principles. In his private and professional life he is implacably opposed to chicanery and fraud, intolerant of wrong and always prepared for the defense of abstract right or an oppressed individual, and although his intellect is of a keen and incisive quality, he prefers the arguments of right and equity to any that savor of sophistry or subtleties. In the year 1880 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Marriott and Miss Ada M. Courtney, a daughter of William Courtney, who was born in this county, where he still resides, one of our honored pioneer citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Marriott are attendants of the Lutheran church. GEORGE W. HOFMAN. George W. Hofman, the efficient postmaster of Plymouth, is a trustworthy officer who discharges his duties with promptness and fidelity, thus winning the commendation of all concerned. He was born in October, 1831, in Mansfield. His grandparents came from Maryland to Richland county, and died in Mansfield. The grandfather was a German Lutheran clergyman and his death occurred about the year 1832. He is the son of John H. Hofman, who worked at the jewelry trade in Mansfield at a very early date with John R. Robinson. In 1824 the parents of our subject were living in the Keystone state, but removed to Ohio, locating in Mansfield, where they resided until April, 1843, when they came to Plymouth. After a few years they removed to Bucyrus, Ohio, where the father died in 1852, the mother passing away in 1875, at the age of seventy-nine years. George W. Hofman, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public-school system for the educational privileges he received. In 1858 he was united in marriage to Miss Susan E. Fry, the wedding ceremony being performed by the Rev. Mr. Peters, a Lutheran clergyman. Unto them were born two daughters. Clara Belle, the eldest, was married in 1879 to Robert McDonough, and they have two sons, George and Charles, and they now reside in Plymouth. Maud was married, in Plymouth., in 1893, to W.. F. Reed, and they are living in that place, having three children,—Helen, Floyd and Donald. During the Civil war Mr. Hofman of this review responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting in 1862 as a member of the First Ohio Inde- 462 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. pendent Battery. He took part in all of the hotly contested engagements in which that famous battery participated, and his service was arduous, but he met duty uncomplainingly, being ever found at his post in defense of the old flag. At the close of the war Mr. Hofman returned to Plymouth and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him to the office of mayor in 1866. He has served in many positions of public trust, including both school and municipal. He was appointed by General Benjamin Harrison to the position of postmaster and served for four years, after which he was succeeded by a Democrat, during President Cleveland's administration. By President McKinley Mr. Hofman was again appointed to the office, of which he took possession on the 1st of January, 1898. He is a popular postmaster, courteous and obliging, and his administration is one which has gained for him high commendation. Since the organization of the party he has always been a stanch Republican, keeping well informed on the issues of the day and doing all in his power to secure the growth and success of the party. For many years he has been a valued representative of the Grand Army of the Republic. In ante-bellum days he became identified with the Masonic order, whose beneficent principles he exemplifies in his daily conduct. His family are members of the Presbyterian church at Plymouth, and the members of the Hofman household are people of high social standing, occupying a leading position in the circles of society. Their true worth and intelligence are received as passports. Mr. Hofman has long been in service, both municipal and national, and has ever been found true to the trust reposed in him. He has a creditable record and he justly deserves the high regard of his many friends. PERRY B. KOHLER. Perry B. Kohler, who follows farming on section 34, Franklin township, was born here on the old family homestead, March 5, 1860,. a son of Hezekiah and Rebecca C. (Myers) Kohler. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Kohler, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1787, and died April 27, 1870. He married Miss Elizabeth Miller, who was born October 20, 1791, and died December 17, 1868. Their marriage was celebrated in 1813 and in 1829 they came to Ohio, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Richland county. They had nine children : Daniel, who was born August 1, 1814, died April 9, 1881 ; Jeremiah, born November 25, 1815, died July 20, 1852 ; Jacob, born March 22, 1817, died July 26, 1871 ; Mary Ann, born July 28, 1818, died January 18, 1892 ; Elizabeth, born April 15, 1822, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 463 died March 29, 1880; Hezekiah, born April 25, 1825, died October 5, 1895; Leah M., born February 28, 1827, died August 8, 1885; John M., born July 22, 1830, died February 14, 1875; and Amos, born June 27, 1833, is living in Franklin township. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Samuel Myers, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, October 1, 1798. He was married to Sarah Albaugh, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1798. They were married January 1, 1821 and removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, locating near Lucas. In the spring of 1832 they took up th&r abode in Franklin township and Samuel Myers established the first nursery in the township. He died March 12, 1863, and his wife .passed. away April 3, 1879. They had nine children : Belinda, who was born November 9, 1821, died April. 9, 1896; Sarah Ann, born August 6, 1826, died September 11, 1828; Elham W. was born August 22, 1828 ; Rebecca C. was born November 19, 183o, and became the mother of our subject; Maria A. was born October 26, 1833; Hiram, born June 20, 1836, and died October 16, 1839; David R. P., born September 7, 1838, resides in Mansfield; Mary M., born November 16, 1840, died Oetober 9, 1878; and Francis M., born March 15, 1843, died June 1, 1851. The Kohler and Myers families became united. through the marriage of Hezekiah Kohler and Rebecca C. Myers, the wedding taking place September 26, 1854. The father of our subject was born in York county., Pennsylvania, but removed from Adams county, that state, to Richland county, Ohio, in 1829, taking up his abode on a farm one mile west of the home of our subject. He was a successful agriculturist whose capable business management brought to him a desirable financial return. His death occurred October 5, 1895, and the community thereby lost one of its valued and highly respected citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Kohler were the parents of eight children : Adaline M., born July 15, 1855, died January 11, 1867; Marion M., born September 14, 1856, was married, January 22, 1880, to Lucretia Osbun, and they have three children, Wallace, Howard and Elsie; Mary M., born August 24, 1858, was married, on the 4th of May, 1881, to Henry W. Crum, of Jackson township, and they have a daughter, Frances ; Perry B. was born March 5, 1860 ; Sabina, born March 30, 1862, and died in infancy; Sarah M., born August 26, 1863, became the wife of John Dixon, September 27, 1899, and they reside in Mansfield ; Flora B.., born October 4, 1869, was married, December 24, 1890, to W. L. Morthland, of Jackson township, and they have a daughter, Lois; and Myrtle C., born January 29, 464 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 1876, was married, May 20, 1896, to Park W. Osbun, and they reside in Franklin township. The old Kohler homestead on section 34, Franklin township, formed our subject's playground in his youth and has been the scene of his manhood's labors. He was educated in the common schools and in the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, and thus well equipped for life's practical duties he began farming. He is regarded as one of the most enterprising and successful agriculturists of his community, having a well improved place, his highly cultivated fields indicating his careful supervision. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Mansfield and has a large circle of friends, having many qualities which commend him to the good will and high regard of those with whom he is associated. Through more than seven decades the Kohler family has been connected with Richland county and its members have ever been active in supporting measures which contribute to the substantial upbuilding and material development of this section of the state. MRS. L. R. COWAN. Among the esteemed residents of Mansfield is numbered Mrs. L. R. Cowan, who has a wide acquaintance in the city. Her husband, Washington Cowan. was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and at the age of twenty-three years came to Ohio, locating in Holmes county, where he remained for about thirty-five years. There he engaged in farming and was also the proprietor of a hotel. He owned two large farms near Millersburg, and in the cultivation of his land met with gratifying success. On his removal to Columbus he became an agent for the Garrett Land Company, of Garrett, Indiana. He secured the site of that town and laid out the place in 1875-6. The town grew rapidly and the officials of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad purchased much property there. They located their repair shops at that place, which is half way between Chicago and this city. In 1873 Mr. Cowan became a director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, of which his son, John K. Cowan, is now the president. He married Elizabeth Lemon, whose parents were from Columbia county, Pennsylvania. She was a woman of strong character, of splendid mental qualities and most carefully reared her family. Her high intellectuality seems to have been inherited by her children, upon whose lives she left the impress of her strong individuality and her noble example. She died in Millersburg, Ohio, in 1875, when about sixty years of age. In 1876 Washington Cowan married the widow of the late Dr. W. Blecker, of Mansfield, for many years a promi- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 465 nent physician of Richland county and twice a representative in the Ohio legislature. About twelve years before his death Washington Cowan took up his abode in Mansfield and there he passed away in 1891, at the age of seventy-nine years. He acted as a director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad up to the time of his demise. He was a man of splendid business ability, quick to recognize and improve every opportunity. His sagacity and foresight enabled him to make judicious investments, while his enterprise, indomitable energy and unfaltering perseverance won him a prosperity that numbered him among the most substantial citizens. In politics he was a Democrat, but would never accept office. He was a man of striking personal appearance, straight, well proportioned and of distinguished bearing; and his pleasing personality, combined with the best traits of character, won him the respect and admiration of all with whom he was brought in contact. His widow, Mrs. L. R. Cowan, still lives at her home in Mansfield, where she has a wide acquaintance and is an active factor in intellectual, social and church circles. She is a lady of innate culture and refinement, and her hospitality is greatly enjoyed by her large circle of friends. John K. Cowan received his education in the local schools of Hayesville, Ohio, and in Princeton College, being graduated in the latter institution in the class of 1862. He then began preparation for the bar and was graduated in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor about 1864. His birth occurred in. Holmes county, Ohio, in November, 1845. Upon his admission to the bar he located in Mansfield, and, although he was a stranger here, he soon won prominence. He tried some cases in the Millersburg courts, which made him widely known, and after practicing for a short time alone in Mansfield he entered into partnership with Judge Manuel May, about 1867. His preparation for the bar was very thorough and thus well equipped he entered upon a very successful career. His preparation of cases was most thorough and comprehensive. He seemed almost intuitively to grasp the strong points of the law ; in fact he presented his cause with such force and logic as to leave no doubt as to the correctness of his views or of his conclusions. In the fall of 1871 he was elected county attorney of Richland county, and in 1872 he was called to Baltimore by John Garrett, the president of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, as an assistant attorney to Reverdy Johnson, a celebrated jurist, and then serving as attorney-general for this railroad company. On the death of Mr. Johnson Mr. Cowan was made his successor. He continued as the legal adviser and advocate for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad until elected its president, about 1894. He has proved himself a man of excellent business ability, 466 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. extremely resourceful and with splendid powers of management, and under his control the railroad of which he is the president is becoming one of the most important in the country. PROFESSOR JONATHAN C. TORRENCE. No history of the educational interests and advancements of Richland county would be complete without the history of Professor Jonathan C. Torrence, who for four years was connected with the schools of Mansfield. While the influence of the instructor upon his pupil is immeasurable, the world generally recognizes its great force. It has been an important factor in shaping the course of many a life, and in this way Professor Torrence contributed largely to the world's good. He was born in Pennsylvania, on the 17th of July, 1839, and was a representative of one of the most aristocratic Scotch families of the Keystone state. He came of an ancestry honorable and distinguished, embracing among its members many teachers, ministers and lawyers, men of strong mentality and marked individuality. Professor Torrence was a graduate and teacher of one of the leading colleges of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and in 1873 came to Mansfield to accept a position in the public schools here. For four years he remained in this city prosecuting his work and then went to Indiana, in response to a position offered him, and for seven years remained in that state, after which he became allied with the educational work in Pennsylvania, continuing his professional labors there until his death. In the year 1876 Professor Torrence was united in marriage to Miss Joanna M. Knapp, a native of Mansfield and a daughter of John N. Knapp, who located in Mansfield about the year 1838, coming to Ohio from near Philadelphia. Both himself and wife were of German ancestry. The mother died in 1898, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. She spent her last days in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Doll, now of Cleveland, and retained her mental faculties unimpaired until the last. In her girlhood days Mrs. Torrence enjoyed the privileges afforded by the public schools, and before her marriage she successfully engaged in teaching. She entered the school-room as an instructor in 1860 and for many years devoted her energies largely to educational work. She had the ability to maintain discipline and impart readily to others a knowledge of the branches of English learning taught in the public schools. At her home in Mansfield, in 1876, she gave her hand in marriage to Professor Torrence, who was then the principal of the Hedges street school. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 467 Professor and Mrs. Torrence held membership in the Presbyterian church and Mrs. Torrence is still identified with that denomination in Mansfield. She has two sons, Bartley M. and Carl F. Torrence, who are holding good Positions in the business world in Mansfield, while Etta Torrence, a daughter Of the Professor, is living in Mansfield with Mrs. Torrence. In March, 1894, she was called upon to mourn the loss of her husband, with .whom she had traveled life's journey for eighteen years. He was a man of high intellectuality, broad human sympathies and tolerance, was imbued with fine sensibilities and clearly defined principles. Honor and integrity were synonymous with his name, and he enjoyed the respect, confidence and high regard of all with whom he was associated. JOHN W. WILSON. John W. Wilson is a retired farmer living in Butler. He was born in this locality January 8, 1830. His father, William M., was a native of Ireland, born in 1795, and when only two years of age was brought to America by his parents. His father, Hugh Wilson, also a native of the Emerald Isle, took up his abode in what was then Mercer county, Pennsylvania, but is now Lawrence county. This was in 1797. He followed farming until the inauguration of the second war with England, when he entered the service of his adopted country, later resuming his agricultural pursuits. He died in Mercer county, at the age of eighty-seven years, and his wife also reached an advanced age. In their family were five children. William M. Wilson, the father of our subject, was reared on the old home farm in the Keystone state, and, after arriving at years of maturity, he married Elizabeth Williams, who was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. About 1818 they came to Richland county, taking up their abode upon a farm in Worthington township. Butler has since been built upon a portion of their land. There Mr. Wilson carried on agricultural pursuits until his death and met with. a fair degree of success in his undertakings. He donated the ground for the cemetery and was a public-spirited man, interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community. He became an active member of the Baptist church, doing much to promote its work and serving for some years as one of its elders. In politics he was an active Democrat and filled the office of justice of the peace for nine years and was a trustee of his township. He died in 1852, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, long surviving him, passed away in Iowa, at the age of seventy-eight. She, too, was an earnest member of the Baptist church. In their family were eight children, three of whom died in youth, while the others 468 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. reached mature years, but all are now deceased with the exception of our subject and one sister. John W. Wilson is the seventh in order of birth and was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, becoming familiar with the labors of field and garden and continued tinder the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, when, in 1852, he joined a party of thirty who went by wagon to California. There he engaged in mining and ran a pack train from Marysville to the mines. He owned claims of his own and in the Golden state met with prosperity. After eighteen months spent upon the Pacific slope he returned to Butler, Ohio, where he spent the winter and during that time engaged in the erection of a hotel, which he sold the following spring. In 1857 he went to Keokuk county, Iowa, where he conducted a sawmill for two years, after which he engaged in the operation of a rented farm until August, 1862. At that time Mr. Wilson responded to the president's call for aid to preserve the Union and became a private in Company E, Thirtieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged on the 5th of June, 1865. He went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea and participated in twenty-two important battles and in a number of skirmishes. He took part in the engagements of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain and was ever found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the old flag. While in loyal service he was made corporal and later became second sergeant. During his service two different colonels of his regiment were killed. While he was at the front Mr. Wilson also had the misfortune to lose his wife, who died in 1864. He afterward came to Butler and for a number of years rented a farm, after which he purchased a tract of land .a part of which is now within the corporation limits of the town. He has divided a portion of this into town lots and has a nice residence upon one of them. He was first married to Miss Miranda Minteer, of Amity, Knox county, Ohio. She died in Iowa, January 14, 1864, leaving three children : Eugene B., now a grain buyer at Rock Valley, Iowa ; Harry M., of Eagle Grove, Iowa ; and John H., a resident of Auburn, Iowa. After the death of his first wife Mr. Wilson married Mrs. Harriet A. Clever, nee Andrews, who was born in 1841, in Worthington township, Richland county, a daughter of Thomas B. and Manilla (Pollard) Andrews. Her father was a native of Stark county, Ohio, where he was reared and learned cabinet-making and carpentering. He came to Richland county about 1826, after a brief residence at Frederickstown, but later he purchased a farm near Butler, where he spent his remaining days, dying at the age of eighty-two years. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 469 He established a postoffice at Butler before there was any town organization. For many years he held the office of justice of the peace and for four years was a county 'commissioner. In public affairs he took a deep interest and was regarded as one of the leading and valued citizens of his community. His political support was given the Democracy and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Protestant church, of which he was a member. His parents, Moses and Patience (Cape) Andrews, came to Richland county at an early day and entered land from the government. He had served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and was known as Captain Andrews, probably having won the title during his loyal service. He had served as sheriff of Stark county, of which county his wife was a native. His death occurred in 1851, when he was about seventy years of age, and his wife attained the age of eighty years. Mrs. Marilla Andrews, the mother of Mrs. Wilson, was born in Vermont, in 181o, and is still living. In 1812 she was brought by her parents to Richland county, where she has since made her home. She is a daughter of Alva and Mary (Gates) Pollard, who settled upon a farm .near Mansfield, Ohio, and both passed away when about eighty-two years of age. Mrs. Wilson was reared in this county and in early womanhood married John Clever, who died August 14, 1865, leaving three children : Mary Marilla, now the wife of Charles Martin; Thomas Brown, of Toledo, Ohio; and William G., a resident of Chicago, Illinois. Unto the second marriage have been born nine children : Eddie E., of Toledo, Ohio; Miranda J., at home; Albina E., the wife of William Scott, of Mansfield ; James W., also of Mansfield ; Walter M., of Shelby; Hattie A., the wife of Harry Bolus; Alice May, the wife of Clinton C. Bender ; Dora L., at home; and Carrie Rogella, who died in infancy. In his political affiliations John W. Wilson is a stalwart Republican in the support of measures of state and national importance, but at local elections where no national issue is involved he does not consider himself bound to party ties and is liberal. He has served as a member of the city council of Butler and for fifteen or eighteen years was a member of the school board. He was a member of the first council, receiving not a single opposing vote, and in 1895-6 he served as mayor., His administration was business-like, progressive and practical. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and a charter member of Samuel Bell Post, No. 536, G. A. R., of which he has served as the commander. He is also past worthy patriarch of the Sons of Temperance, and was past master of Clear Fork Grange. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church. He owns fifty acres of land and derives from his farm a good income. As a representative of the pioneer settlers of the community and as a popular citizen whose well spent 470 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. life has gained him the high regard of all with whom he is associated, we present him to our readers. He has a wide circle of acquaintances in Richland county and all who know him esteem him for his genuine worth. HON. JOSEPH M. HUNTER. "The Farmer in Politics" would be an appropriate title for a book which, if planned on a comprehensive scale and carefully prepared and edited, would be. a valuable contribution to our political history. The number of farmers who have attained eminence in national affairs and prominence in county and state affairs is so large that it would scarcely be guessed at with any approach to correctness by one who had not given some thought to the subject. Hon. Joseph M. Hunter is a leading farmer politician of Richland county, Ohio. He was born in Blooming Grove township, Richland county, Ohio, April 29, 1844, a son of James and Mary (McLees) Hunter, who had seven children, as follows : Joseph M., who is the immediate subject of this sketch; Mary J., who married William R. Long, a farmer of Cass township, Richland county, Ohio ; Dorcas A., who married James W. Haun ; they are both dead, leaving four children, viz. : George B. ; Ella F., who married John Saum; John L., of Shelby, Ohio ; and Harry D., of Rome, Richland county; Charles S., who lives at Rome, Blooming Grove township, and is a justice of the peace and an ex-school teacher ; Hester J., who lives with her sister, Mrs. Long; and Johannah C., who is dead. James Hunter was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April 5, 1814. He acquired a little education in the schools, but by a course of reading, carefully selected and pursued thoroughly and systematically, became a well informed man. In 1833 his father, Samuel Hunter, came to Richland county and entered a quarter-section of land near Rome in Blooming Grove township, which is now owned by the heirs of Joseph P. and Benjamin Hunter. James Hunter came with him and remained two years. In 1835 he returned to Columbiana county and married Mary McLees, and returned immediately, bringing his bride with him. Not long afterward Samuel Hunter bought a farm of eighty acres in section 21 , in Blooming Grove township, which was heavily timbered and unimproved. On this James built a log cabin for himself and wife. He improved the place and developed it into a profitable farm and lived upon it until his death, which occurred November 3, 1864. He was a Democrat and a citizen of much influence, and filled the office of justice of the peace for six successive terms, the last of which was cut short bv his death. A man of much native talent, who took a broad view of things, he was self- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 471 educated to an extent which gave him a recognized supremacy, among his among his fellow men and his public spirit led him to identify himself with every movement tending movement tending to benefit his township and county. He was born and reared in the old 'Seceder" church, but after coming to Ohio drifted into the Presbyterian church and was for many years one of its elders. Samuel Hunter, the grandfather of Hon. Joseph. M. Hunter, was a native of of Washington county. Pennsylvania; arid, was a son of George Hunter who with two of his brothers fought for American independence the Revolutionary war. Sometime after the war George settled in Washington county, Pennsylvania, his brother James settled in Virginia, and Joseph, his other brother, settled in Georgia. Samuel Hunter was a veteran of the war a of 1812 and spent the winter of 1812-13 at Camp Council, Richland county; Ohio. He and Henry: Paul were comrades in arms and became such devoted friends that they entered into an agreement each to marry the sister of the other, and this and this carried out upon their return, to their old May McLees, mother of Hon. Joseph M. Hunter, was a daughter of; Charles McLees,, Columbiana county, Ohio, who was native of county Antrim, Ireland and was married there; but emigrated to America soon afterward. Mrs: Mary (Melees) Hunter was born in 1813, and died in 1889; In her seventy-seventh year; in Blooming Grove township Joseph M. Hunter was reared to manhood on his father's farm and was educated, in the public schools. At the time of his father's death he was nine- teen years old, and being the eldest of the family's he willingly assumed the burden of the family's support which naturally fell upon his shoulders. Not long before his death his father had purchased: additional land, involving some obligations which the young man assumed also. He was the head Of his mother's family, until 1874, when he married Miss. Alice Miller, a daughter of Michael Miller of Blooming Grove. township. Michael Miller was native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and was one of the early, settlers in Richland county. Now, in his eighty-sixth year; hale and hearty, he lives with his son-in-law, Dr. O. L. Hoffman, at Galion, Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Hunter settled down on the home farm, which, he managed successfully and incidentally looked after the affairs of his Mother's houehold. From his youth he has been, an ardent Democrat and for years her has been a leader in party councils April 1, 1883, he was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary of Richland county. His wife died May, 1888, and he wished to be relieved from the responsibility of the management of that institution, but the directors insisted upon his remaining and he filled the position until April 1, 1890, when he returned to Blooming Grove town- 472 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ship and bought a farm of eighty acres of his father-in-law, on which he lived until 1894. February 15, of that year, he married Mrs. Alverda Chew, the widow of E. M. Chew, formerly Miss Alverda Ferrell, and moved to his present residence. In 1898 he bought the old Hunter homestead, which is managed by his son, Claude M., who has achieved an enviable local reputation as a teacher. His daughter, Anna, married M. D. Ropp, a farmer of Blooming Grove township, who lives on the old Ropp homestead. Fenella is an accomplished teacher, who has taught four terms in district No. 2, Blooming Grove township. Allen G. T. and J. Garland Hunter assist theIr father in the management of his farm. In 1897 Mr. Hunter was the nominee of his party for representative in the general assembly of Ohio. He was elected by a handsome majority, carrying every precinct, and became a member of the seventy-third general assembly, in which he served with great ability and credit. In 1899 he was re-elected to the same position, becoming a member of the seventy-fourth general assembly. He was a delegate to the Chicago convention in .1896 and helped to nominate Mr. Bryan for the presidency. As a servant of the people, Mr. Hunter has never for a moment considered any question of expediency, and his only inquiry concerning any proposed measure has been as to its honesty and to its adaptability to the needs of the people. He is a model citizen, a model farmer, a model husband and father, such a man as benefits any community by association with it, and bravely accepts and faithfully fulfills every duty of life. ANDREW BURNESON. The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, who has acquired a high reputation in his chosen calling and whose prominence is not less the result of an irreproachable life than of recognized natural gifts. It is a pleasing indulgence to write the biography of a man of this character, such as Andrew Burneson is known to be. He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania in 1837 a son of Samuel and Mary (Cochron) Burneson. His father was born in Ireland and came to this country when young, while his mother was of Scotch descent. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county, and about 1853 came to Wellsville, Ohio, where he learned the machinist's trade of P. E. Guice, a steam-engine builder. He then worked in a large shop as a steamboat builder and helped build the New Brighton car factory, in which he owned CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 473 stock. In 1859 he moved to Canton, where he was employed on the construction of threshers, mowers and reapers for seven years. Two years were devoted to the commission business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in 1866 he came to Mansfield, Ohio, where he engaged in merchandising for a time, but soon sold out his stock, and on the 12th of January, 1867, he entered the employ of the Aultman & Taylor Company as their first foreman of their wrought-iron department, which responsible position he most acceptably filled for twenty-two years, or until 1889. In connection with William Ackerman and others he organized the Ohio Thresher and Engine Company, and erected a plant at Upper Sandusky, where they engaged in building threshing machines and engines for two years, in 1889 and 189o, employing about forty men. Mr. Burneson was the vice-president of the company, while Mr. Ackerman was the superintendent. But they closed out their interests there in 1893 and returned to Mansfield, where Mr. Burneson has erected seventeen buildings for himself, including residences and business blocks, and now gives his attention to his real estate. He also owns considerable vacant property in the city, and operates two farms, known as the Crabb and Houston farms, which are one mile southwest of Mansfield and aggregate two hundred and fourteen acres. They are under a high state of cultivation and well improved with good buildings. In connection with general farming Mr. Burneson carries on stock-raising, with good success. He is a man of considerable inventive genius and while with the Aultman-Taylor Company he made many improvements in the machinery for the wrought-iron department, which proved of great advantage to the firm on account of the speed and accuracy secured by these improvements. He is an energetic, progressive and reliable business man, who generally carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and the prosperity that has come to him is justly merited, as he began life a poor man, but ambitious and industrious. Religiously Mr. Burneson is a member of the First English Lutheran church, and politically is a supporter of the Republican party, but takes no active part in politics aside from voting, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his extensive business interests. AARON SMITH. Among the pleasantest rural homes of Monroe township is that of Aaron Smith on section 5. In all its appointments his well-improved and highly cultivated farm indicates the progressive spirit, enterprise and good business 474 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ability of the owner, who is justly numbered among the most skillful and thorough agriculturists of his native township. Mr. Smith was born on the farm where he now resides, May 23, 1836, a son of Jacob and Margaret ( Barkheimer) Smith, natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, the former born in 1803, the latter in 1805. The paternal grandfather, Henry Smith, was one of the prominent farmers of that county, where he spent his entire life, his father, a native of Germany, having located there at an early day. In the county of his nativity Jacob Smith was reared and married, and about 1830 came to Ohio in company with Samuel and David Barr, who had first choice of the three quarter-sections of land bought by them, leaving to Mr. Smith the farm now owned by our subject. Later it proved to be the one he would have selected, as it had plenty of water and other advantages. To the improvement and cultivation of his place he devoted his energies until called from this life, and in his labors met with most excellent success. Besides his property here he owned two quarter-sections of land in De Kalb county, Indiana, where some of his sons settled after attaining their majority. Religiously he was a member of the Dunkard church, and died in that faith July 6, 1863, while his wife died August 27, 1877. In their family were nine children, those living being Fannie, the widow of Jonathan Smith, of Ashland county ; Henry, a farmer of De Kalb county, Indiana ; Mary, the wife of Jackson Balliet, a farmer of the same county ; Levi, a resident of Madison township, this county ; Aaron, our subject ; John and Frederick, both farmers of De Kalb county, Indiana; and Susannah, the wife of Hiram McCreary, a gardener of Hudson, Michigan. Aaron Smith is indebted to the common schools of Richland county for his educational advantages. He remained at home, aiding in the work of the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1874, when he purchased the old homestead and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1884 he built his present substantial brick residence, and has made many other valuable and useful improvements upon the place, converting it into one of the model farms of the community. He purchased the Willis Hunt farm of one hundred acres in Mifflin township, in 1899, and now owns both places. In 1864 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Lavinie Ohl, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and a daughter of Stephen Ohl, who came to this state from Pennsylvania with his parents when a boy, and was one of the prominent farmers of Ashland county. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith are Ursula, the wife of A. W. Darling, a farmer of Monroe township, this county ; Givannah, a farmer of the same township;