600 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. always refused office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. He was an earnest and consistent member of the Dunkard church and well merited the high regard in which he was uniformly held. His wife, who still survives him, is a most estimable lady and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. HIRAM R. SMITH. Honored and respected by all, there is no man in Mansfield who occupies a more enviable position in financial circles than Hiram R. Smith, not alone on account of the brilliant success he has achieved but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. Though he is now practically living a retired life, as a capitalist, he is connected with a number of different enterprises which have been of material benefit to his town and county. Mr. Smith was born in Huron, Ohio, January 7, 1813, and is the only survivor of a family of seven children, whose parents were Asa and Hannah (Richmond) Smith, the former a native of Long Island, New York, the latter of Rhode Island. They were married in New York and made their home in Waterloo, that state, until their removal to Huron, Ohio, before steam navigation was used upon the lakes. The father died when our subject was only two years old, after which the mother sold the farm and moved to Sandusky City, Iv.' here her death occurred. There the remains of all the family have been interred, the father's body being removed from Huron. Hiram R. was the youngest of the children. William B., who died in Sandusky at about the age of eighty-three years, built the first frame dwelling, also the first brick house in that city ; the latter is still standing.. Fie also engaged in merchandising. Sallie married Silas Dewey, a distant relative of the Admiral, and both died in Clyde, Ohio, near Toledo. Nancy married Amos Fenn, a native of Massachusetts, as was also Silas Dewey, and a prominent early settler, manufacturer and farmer of Clyde, where he served as a justice of the peace for thirty years and where both he and his wife died. Clarissa became the wife of Hugh McFall, one of the first merchants of Mansfield, where both died and where two of their sons recently died. Frederick spent his life in Sandusky. Susan married James P. Bowman and lived in Mansfield many years. She died here, but her husband's death occurred at Bucyrus, Ohio. At the age of eleven years Hiram R. Smith came to Mansfield, which city has been his home for seventy-seven years. In this he enjoys the dis- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 601 tinction of having lived longer than any other of its citizens with one exception, and he has witnessed its growth from a country hamlet to a prosperous city of nearly nineteen thousand inhabitants. He attended the pioneer schools of Mansfield, his principal instructor being Alexander Barr, a prominent educator of his day. He finished his education under the tutorship of judge Stewart, the father of Mrs. John Sherman. Mr. Smith began life on his own account as a clerk in the mercantile establishment of his brother-in-law, Mr. McFall, and in 1839 he embarked in the same line of business for himself, carrying on merchandising very successfully until .1870. In early days he shipped his goods from Philadelphia by teams and he has crossed the Alleghany mountains in a canal-boat. After his retirement from mercantile business he erected the Smith block on Main street, which is one of the most valuable properties in the city, as well as one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture. In dimensions it is seventy by one hundred and, eighty feet and four stories in height. The entire ground floor is occupied by one mammoth mercantile establishment,—that of R. B. Maxwell & Company ; the second story is used for offices, and the third is a public hall. Mr. Smith purchased the lot in 1840 and for a period of sixty years it has produced regular annual rentals. He was one of the first directors of the Richland Mutual. Insurance Company, of which he is now the president, and he is the oldest director of the Farmers' National Bank and the vice-president of the same. He is also a director of the Mansfield Cemetery Association. Mr. Smith has been twice married, first in 1839 to Miss Ann C. Leiter, a native of Leitersburg, Maryland, and to them were born four children, but all are now deceased, with the exception of Richmond, who is the secretary and manager of the Richland Mutual Insurance Company. The wife and mother died in 1850, and four years later Mr. Smith married Miss Ann Ward, a native of Richland county and a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ward, early settlers of the county. By this union two children were born : Ward, who died in August, 1899, at the age of forty-three years, leaving a wife and two daughters; and Rena, the wife of E. B. Caldwell, a druggist of Mansfield, by whom she has two sons. Mr. Smith has been a lifelong Democrat, but he has never sought public office, though he has been called upon to serve his city in various official positions. Among other things he has done much for Mansfield, having been instrumental in securing the reformatory here. He and his family are all members of the Congregational church. Having never inherited a dollar, his success in life is due to his own unaided efforts. As a business man he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and carries forward to successful 602 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. completion whatever he undertakes. His career proves that the only true success in life is that which is accomplished by personal effort and continued industry. AMOS HUNTER. Born in Green township, Ashland county, on the 17th of May, 1856, Amos Hunter is the son of John and Mary (Dowell) Hunter, whose family number seven children. The grandfather, William Hunter, was a native of Ireland, and with his parents came to America in 1811, the family locating in Pennsylvania. Seven years later, in 1818, they became residents of Ashland county, Ohio, where they spent their remaining days. The grandfather of our subject died four months prior to the death of his son, John, and the grandmother died when her son was only thirteen months old, after which John Hunter was reared by an elder sister. The father of our subject was born in Ashland county on the 14th of March, 1831, and lived within two miles of his birthplace up to the time of his death. After his marriage he located on the homestead which he had purchased some time before, where he resided until about 1860, when he removed to what was known as the De Haven farm in 1871. He located on a farm one and one-quarter miles from Perryville, where he died February 22, 1899. He was a very active and successful business man and acquired eight hundred acres of land. As his financial resources increased he made investments in property, and his sound judgment and keen discrimination enabled him to place his money where it brought him a good return. He voted with the Democratic party and kept well informed on the issues of the day. John and Mary (Dowell) Hunter became the parents of seven children, all of whom are yet living, namely : John, a farmer of Monroe township; David, the next, who cultivates land in Green township, Ashland county; Amos, of this review ; Lewis, a farmer of Green township, Ashland county; Reuben, who follows farming in the same township ; Mary, at home; and Jane, the wife of John Rowe, an agriculturist of Green township. In the common schools Amos Hunter pursued his education through the winter months, while in the summer he worked on the home farm until the time of his marriage. With his practical training, which has fitted him for his business career, and with the comprehensive knowledge of the best methods of general farming, he began work for himself. He was married, in 1881, to Mary Snyder; a native of Ashland county, and a daughter of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 603 Henry Snyder, who was a prominent farmer of that county, but is now deceased. Their union has been blessed with three children : Lewis, Florence and Edison, all of whom are at home. After his marriage Mr. Hunter located on his farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres, which he purchased from his father, and which has since been his place of residence. He has erected a commodious building with very ample shelter for grain and stock. Well kept fences divide the place into fields of convenient size, and the latest improved machinery enables him to carry on his work in the most approved method. He raises the cereals best adapted to this climate and his fields give promise of golden harvests. He has no time nor inclination for public life, but keeps well informed on political issues, giving his allegiance to the Democratic party. He belongs to Madison Grange, No. 63, Patrons of Husbandry, arid is a member of the Congregational church, in which he is holding the office of deacon. He gives his support to every measure and movement that is calculated to prove of public good, and his worth as a citizen is widely acknowledged. All who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth, and his circle of friends in the community is extensive. GEORGE G. DICK. George G. Dick, an extensive land-owner and stock dealer of Franklin township, Richland county, living on section 6, was born in Cass township on the 22d of January, 1848. He is a representative of an old Maryland family. His grandparents were George and Sarah Dick, the former born in Maryland about 1796. They became the parents of eleven children, namely : Eliza, Josiah, Hannon H., Levi, Jacob, Sarah, Mary, George, David, Hiram and Susan. The second of the number, Josiah Dick, was the father of our subject. He was born in Pennsylvania and when about six years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. About 1827 he became a resident of Cass township,. Richland county. He married Miss Elizabeth Swartz, a native of Pennsylvania, and they had seven children, the eldest being George G., of this review. Hannon H., the third, married Mary Malone, by whom he had seven children, and in Plymouth township he follows farming; Isaac, who resides in Cass township, wedded Rachel Nelson and has four children; Oliver, a farmer of Jackson township, married Ida Arnold and has two children; Amanda is the wife of John Elliott 604 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and resides in Jackson township ; David, who is living on the old homestead in Cass township, married Ada Adams ; and Andrew, the youngest of the family, married Sarah Artz and has one child. His home is also in Cass township. In taking up the personal history of George G. Dick we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorable known in Richland county, his entire life having been passed within its borders. He has therefore witnessed much of its development and has given a hearty co-operation to its various movements contributing to the public good. He was educated in the public schools of Cass and Jackson townships and he chose as a life occupation that to which he was reared, having, as a means of livelihood since attaining his majority, carried on farming and stock-raising. In the spring of 1874 he removed to his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres .on section 6, Franklin township, and for twenty-six years has cultivated his land. After the death of his father, in November, 1896, he purchased the interest of the other heirs and has continued to devote his energies to the further development and improvement of the property. In connection with the cultivation of his fields he has been engaged in buying and shipping stock for about twenty years and has found this a profitable source of income. Mr. Dick was united in marriage, on the 3d of May, 1872, to Miss Malinda A. Reynolds, the wedding being celebrated at her parents' home. She was born about two miles from her present home in Franklin township, and by her marriage she has become the mother of nine children: William E., born July 8, 1873, and now a resident farmer of Jackson township, wedded Alice Coover, by whom he has two children,—Bryan W. and Ray ; Edward F., born July 27, 1875, and now a farmer of Blooming Grove township, married Pearl Chew, and has one child ; Carrie M., born July 7, 1875, is the wife of Wesley Holtz, an agriculturist of Blooming Grove township ; Josiah H., ern August 1, 1879 ; and Levi T., born in July, 1882, Lowie A., born in November, 1887, Lusetta E., born in 1889, and Alva G., born in 1892, are still with their parents. Lottie B., the sixth of the family, died in May, 190o, at the age of fourteen years. The family is well known in Franklin township, and the members of the household occupy leading positions in social circles; Mr. Dick has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man. He started upon his business career empty-handed, but he was not afraid tc work and his indefatigable industry has brought to him a high and gratifying degree of success. As his financial resources have increased he has CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 605 made judicious investments in real estate and is to-day the owner of more than four hundred acres of valuable land. He is thus classed among the substantial farmers of Richland county. ANDREW LYBARGER. This well-known farmer and highly esteemed citizen of Cass township, Richland county, now residing on section 13, was born in that township December 10, 1842, a son of Lewis and Margaret (Walkup) Lybarger. Of the eleven children born to this worthy couple only five are now living, namely : Valentine, a farmer of Crawford county, Ohio ; Oliver, a farmer of Cass township, this county ; Barbara E., the wife of Adam Weiser, a farmer of the same township; Belle, the wife of .William Coover, a farmer of Jackson township, this county and Andrew, of this review. Lewis Lybarger, the father of our subject; was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and when a boy came to Ohio with his parents, Daniel and Esther Lybarger, who first located in Knox county but a few years later moved to Richland county, the grandfather purchasing the farm in Cass township now owned by Salathiel Bloom, upon which he and his wife spent their remaining days. When the family located here the farm was a heavily timbered tract of one hundred and sixty acres, and to Lewis Lybarger's lot fell most of the work of clearing the land. He grew to manhood amid frontier surroundings and experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. After his marriage he remained at his parental home, and continued to carry on the farm until 1856, when he purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres in the northeast part of Cass township belonging to his father-in-law, Andrew Walkup. There he made his home until his death, which occurred in May, 1898, when he was seventy-eight years of age. He was a Democrat in politics, and in early life was a member of the Lutheran church, but on his removal to Ganges joined the Reformed church. Reared upon the home farm, Andrew Lybarger conned hiS lessons in a pioneer log schoolhouse of the neighborhood. At the age of twenty years he started out in life for himself, as a farm hand for Levi Dicks, and was thus employed for two seasons, after which he and an uncle cultivated his paternal grandfather's farm, on the shares, for two years. The uncle then purchased a farm of one hundred acres, leaving our subject to carry on the other farm for four years longer. At the end of that period he removed to the old Glasgow place, which he rented for the same length of time, 606 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and then, in partnership with his father, he bought a farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres in Cass township. Four years later the property was divided, our subject receiving sixty-eight acres, which he still owns. In the fall of 1899 he rented the Eli Glasgow farm, upon which he now resides, leaving his son-in-law, Elmer Garrett, to run the home farm. Mr. Lybarger was married, September 28, 1865, to Miss Catherine Rupert, a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jacob Rupert, who came to Ohio in 1839 and located in Ganges, where he followed his trade of shoemaking for some years, and later engaged in merchandising. Mrs. Lybarger's maternal grandfather, Ludwig Weber, was a soldier of the war of 1812, while one of his sons, George Weber, was a captain in the Mexican war. Mr. and Mrs. Lybarger have two children: Cordelia, the wife of Joseph Arnold, of Blooming Grove township, this county; and Ida Belle, the wife of Elmer Garrett. Politically Mr. Lybarger is an ardent Democrat, and religiously is a member of the Reformed church. He is thoroughly identified with the interests of his native county, and is well known as an enterprising and reliable business man. WILLIAM McCONKIE. William McConkie, a representative farmer living in Worthington township, is one of the native sons of Richland county, for his birth occurred in Worthington township July 25, 1830. His father, James McConkie, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1793, and there he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. When a young man he came to Stark county, Ohio, where he remained two or three years, and in 1816 he took up his abode in Worthington township, Richland county, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, locating here in 1818. He was accompanied by his father. The land was all covered with heavy timber and the work of improvement and progress in the county seemed scarcely begun. Mr. McConkie erected a log cabin upon the farm which he developed, and spent the remainder of his days there, devoting his energies to the work of clearing and improving his land. He died when about seventy-five years of age. In politics he was first a 'Whig, and on the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the Republican party. He served as justice of the peace and trustee in an early day. His father, Robert McConkie, was born and reared in Ireland and on emigrating to America settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He was of Scotch CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 607 lineage, for his parents were born in Scotland and removed thence to the north of Ireland. After residing in Westmoreland county for some time Robert McConkie came to Stark county, Ohio, and in 1818 he purchased the farm in Worthington township that is now owned by the subject of this sketch. He bought it from a man who had entered it from the government, becoming the owner of eight acres. There he carried on farming throughout the remainder of his days. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in his political belief was a Whig. The maternal grandfather of our subject was William Johnson. He, too, was a native of the north of Ireland, and on crossing the Atlantic to the new world made his home in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed to Knox county, Ohio, locating just across the line from Richland county at a period when this portion of Ohio was a frontier region. A portion of Liberty village stands upon his. farm. He was an active Democrat and held various local offices, discharging his duties with fidelity. He held membership in the United Presbyterian church and died in that faith, at the age of eighty-seven years. His daughter Sarah became the wife of James McConkie. She was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and in her maidenhood came to Ohio. An earnest Christian woman, she belonged to the United Presbyterian church, and her life was consistent with her profession. She lived to be eighty-four years of age and had eleven children, all of whom are now deceased. William McConkie spent his boyhood days upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He also experienced the hardships and trials of pioneer life. At the age of twenty-five he rented the homestead and managed it for two years. He afterward exchanged a farm in Iowa for his present home farm, and in 1859 took up his abode in Worthington township, on the farm where he has since resided. Mr. McConkie was united in marriage to Rebecca Vance, a daughter of John and Susanna Vance. The lady is a native of Stark county, Ohio, and by her marriage she became the mother of seven children, two of whom died in early childhood. The others are as follows : John Walter, who still resides at home, is engaged in dealing in buggies and is also a life insurance agent. He is very active in politics, being a stalwart Republican. In 1894 he was a member of the state central committee, and in 1896 was a member of the national committee. In 1900 he served as a member of the national Republican executive committee. For three years he has been a delegate to the state conventions and at the present time (1900) he is in 608 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Chicago, where the national headquarters of the Republican party have been established. Ten years ago he was a census enumerator in Richland county. Elwood 0., the second son, runs the home farm ; Lawrence is also engaged in farming, in Worthington township; Alfred is employed in a livery stable in Mansfield ; and Mary, the youngest, is a bookkeeper and stenographer in Cleveland. Mr. McConkie exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and is a stalwart advocate of its principles. He has served as a school director, but has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to devote his time and energies to the business affairs in which he has met with creditable success. He has now reached the psalmist's span of three-score years and ten. He is still actively concerned in business affairs in a way that should put to shame many a younger man, who, grown weary with the struggles of life, would relegate to others the burdens that he should bear. Mr. McConkie is numbered among the pioneers and has watched with interest the progress that has placed Richland county among the leading counties of the state. In the work of advancement he has ever borne his part, and in this history he well deserves representation. CAPTAIN JAMES CUNNINGHAM. Captain James Cunningham was a son of John Cunningham, a soldier of the American Revolution. John Cunningham was born in Ireland. His parents died when he was very young, and he was reared in his uncle's family until he was twelve years old, when he was put on board a sailing vessel bound for America and placed in charge of the captain. Arriving in Baltimore, he was indentured. Upon attaining his majority he was informed that there was the sum of two thousand dollars in a bank to his credit. He then went into business for himself, at Richmond, Virginia. Upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary war he returned to Baltimore and enlisted in the Second Maryland Regiment, and was wounded at the battle of Brandywine, September I I, 1777. General Lafayette was wounded in the same battle. The Cunningham estate in Ireland was very large, and it was afterward ascertained that the boy—John Cunningham—was sent to America and reported dead, and that his uncle then took possession of the property! Captain James Cunningham was born at Baltimore, Maryland, where he grew up to manhood and was educated. Later he went to Virginia, where, in 1804, he married Hannah Stateler, a daughter of Michael and Sarah CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 609 Stateler. Soon after his marriage he removed with the Stateler family to Licking county, Ohio. He had one child, named Elizabeth, who afterward married Jacob Baughman, of Richland county. There is a sketch of Mrs. Baughman elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Cunningham died when her child—Elizabeth—was six months old. After a few years the Captain again married, and removed to Richland county in 1808, and built the third cabin in the Newman settlement on the Rocky Fork. He afterward lived in the first house built in Mansfield, and boarded the surveying, party when the town was platted. Captain Cunningham was very prominent in the early history of the country, and was a captain in the war of 1812. He taught school for a number of years and was a man of note and of influence in the community. He united with the Christian church early in the '30s, and remained in its fellowship until his death, in August, 1870, when aged nearly ninety years. WILLIAM ACKERMAN. William Ackerman, of Mansfield, Ohio, comes from the fatherland and the strongest and most creditable characteristics of the Teutonic race have been marked elements in his life and have enabled him to win success in the face of opposing circumstances. He possesses the energy and determination which mark the people of Germany and by the exercise of his powers he has steadily progressed, and is to-day able to lay aside all business cares and spend his remaining years in ease and quiet. Mr. Ackerman was born in Esslingham, Germany, a son of Jacob and Magdalene Ackerman. When young he came to New York, and through his own exertions obtained a good practical education by attending night school in that city. On coming to Ohio, in 1857, he first located in Canton, where he worked for the Ball Machinery Company, but in 1861 came to Mansfield, which has since been his home. On his arrival here the first buildings of the Aultman-Taylor Company were being erected and he helped put in the machinery. He then worked in the wood department for several years, and held the responsible position of foreman for the long period of twenty-six years, retiring in 1897 on account of ill health. Those who know him best speak in unqualified terms of his integrity and honor, and the old employes of the company say that there never was a better man or better 'foreman. Of the original stockholders only Mr. Ackerman and Andrew Burneson are now living. Mr. Aultman, a practical machinist, interested Mr. Taylor, the president 610 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of the Elgin Watch Company, in the enterprise, and under the name of the Aultman-Taylor Company they began business in Mansfield, at first employing only a few men, but the business of the firm has now reached such vast proportions that eight hundred men find work in the factory. Mr. Ackerman and Mayor Huntington Brown were the first representatives of the company on the road. They traveled all over the western states and visited many agents in the interest of the company from 1860 to 1880, and in 1876 Mr. Ackerman rode throughout Texas on horseback, introducing their business. He and Mr. Brown are about the only ones left of the men who first composed the company. He had the pleasure of dining with Mr. Taylor at his home in Chicago about a week before the latter's death. His only son, Chatfield Taylor, inherited about two million dollars. Mr. Aultman died suddenly at his home in Canton, Ohio, about twenty years ago. M. D. Harter, also of Canton, became interested in the business at a very early day and was the manager and president for many .years. He was a congressman from his district two terms. Mr. Ackerman was once caught in a fifteen-foot fly-wheel which was going at the rate of thirty-five miles an hour and made two revolutions before he was released! He was under the care of three physicians for nine days, but at the end of five weeks was able to be out, his escape from death being almost miraculous. He had charge of the exhibit of the company. at the World's Fair in Chicago, where he remained seven months, going a month early in order to put the machinery in operation. They had the largest exhibit of the kind on the grounds. Mr. Ackerman designed and built the threshing machine that took the prize at the Nebraska State Fair in Omaha, in 1883. He served the company faithfully and well for many long years, and can now enjoy a well-earned rest. In Canton, Ohio, Mr. Ackerman married Miss Mary Bankof, a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Koons) Bankof, who were born in Switzerland and died in Canton, Ohio. Five children blessed this union, namely : William, who is now in the employ of I. R. Brown, of Mansfield ; Jannette, a graduate of the Aultman Hospital in Canton ; Ida, who was graduated at the high school of Mansfield and is now a stenographer in the office of the Aultman-Taylor Company ; and Maud, a .stenographer. The family have a pleasant home on West Third street. Politically Mr. Ackerman is a strong Republican, and in 1889 he was appointed a member of the election board of Mansfield for four years by Governor Foraker. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason, having joined the order in Canton in .1861, and was the first to take that degree in Mansfield, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 611 February 17, 1881. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was one of the organizers of the Richland County Historical Society. In 1864, during the Civil war, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served four months. Religiously he is a faithful member of the Lutheran church, and was an active member of the choir for many years. AMOS D. NORRIS. Amos D. Norris, a practical and progressive farmer and horticulturist of Worthington township, was born February 29, 1840, on a farm adjoining that on which he yet resides. His father, William Norris, was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, born September 19, 1816, and was of Irish lineage, for his father, Jonathan Norris, was a native of the Emerald isle, whence he emigrated to America at the age of nineteen years. Throughout a considerable period he resided in Pennsylvania, but died on the homestead farm of the family in Richland county, at the age of sixty-nine years and six months. He was an active supporter of the Republican party and served as supervisor and trustee of his township. He married Mary E. Caine, a native of France. Among their children was William Norris, who was brought by his parents to Richland county. Two years later the family located in Worthington township, and a farm of one hundred and sixty acres was purchased. At the age of nineteen years Amos D. Norris bought half of his father's farm and. cleared the greater portion of the tract, transforming it into richly cultivated fields. Upon that place he spent his remaining days and in his business affairs was highly successful, his labors bringing to him an excellent financial return, He was energetic and his efforts were guided by keen discrimination and sound judgment. As his financial resources increased he added to his land until he owned over half a section, and was also the possessor of personal property to the value of sixteen thousand dollars in money and mortgages at the time of his death. In addition to general farming he carried on stock-raising and became the wealthiest man in the township. His business affairs were conducted in a most honorable and straightforward manner and he enjoyed the confidence of all with whom he had dealings. His political support was given the Republican party and he never swerved in his allegiance thereto, yet he never sought office and served in no official position save that of school director. He married Rebecca Measel, a native of Frederick county, Maryland. Both were consistent Christian people, 612 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. holding membership in the 'United Brethren church. The mother died in Worthington township, at the age of forty-eight years, but the father survived until May 29, 1900. Amos D. Norris remained at his parental home until twenty-one years of age as his father's assistant, and then began cultivating the home farm on the shares, his attention being thus occupied until after his marriage. He then purchased seventy-five acres of land and upon that tract has since made his home. His landed possessions, however, have been largely increased in the meantime, and he is to-day the owner of three hundred acres of valuable land, the greater part of which represents his own earnings. His wife inherited five hundred dollars from her father, but with the exception of this assistance Mr. Norris has depended upon his own resources for his prosperity. He has one of the best improved farms in the county and his reputation as a horticulturist extends far beyond the limits of the local community. He has sixty-two acres planted to peaches, pears, plums, cherries and apples, and about thirty acres in berries. His opinions are received as authority on matters connected with the growth of fruit, for he has made a close study of this, and his knowledge of the habits and needs of fruit is comprehensive and accurate. Mr. Norris married Eliza Ann Snavely, a daughter of Joseph Snavely and unto them were born six children, but two of the number died in infancy. The others are Corie E., who rents one of his father's farms; Joseph, who is employed by a street-car company of Chicago ; William G., who works the home farm ; and Ada, the wife of Reman Piper, of Chicago. The political issues and questions of the day have led Mr. Norris to give his support to the men and measures of the Republican party. For nine years he has served as a school director and for two terms was supervisor, and in both positions discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. JOHN J. FREEZE. Of the farming interests of Richland county John J. Freeze is a representative, owning and cultivating a tract of land on section 12, Springfield township. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in June, 1848, and his father, Samuel Freeze, is an octogenarian of Crawford county, whither he was taken when a babe in his mother's arms eighty years ago. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, his father being John T. Freeze, whose birth occurred in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1788. About 1803 he came alone to this country, having lost both of his parents, who died CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 613 at about the same time. He landed in New York city with two dollars and seventy-five cents in his pockets. He was also the possessor of a Swiss watch. Going to Philadelphia he there worked for eleven years .in the employ of a baker. During that time he was married, in 1816, to Miss Eldis, who was born in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. They removed to Holmes county, Ohio, and soon afterward to Crawford county, where the grandfather of our subject purchased eighty acres of land. At his death he owned four farms, comprising five hundred and forty-three acres. He was a shrewd, enterprising business man, and his boys cultivated the farm while he speculated in stock. He reared five .children,—three sons and two daughters,----but Samuel Freeze is the only one now living. The grandparents were buried in the old cemetery in Galion, Ohio. Samuel Freeze was reared in Crawford county, and having arrived at man's estate he married Magdalena Eberly, a native of Prussia, Germany. She was born about 1826. Their marriage occurred in 1845. Four childred graced their union, namely : John J.; Caroline, the wife of Frederick Tile, of Crawford; Elizabeth, the wife of John Stoley, of Bucyrus; and William Albert, who is living on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres left by the grandfather. John J. Freeze, the subject of this review, was reared to farm labor and early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. By practical training he was thus well fitted for his own business career as a farmer. He received a common-school education and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred November 19, 1869, Hannah C. Snyder becoming his wife. She was the youngest of a family of thirteen children, and by her marriage she became the mother of two sons, one of whom was killed by a mule at the age of seventeen. She died May 1, 1873, and Mr. Freeze was afterward married to Miss Margaret Trumpler. Their children are : Albert R., Lulu. Samuel Frederick, Ora Minnie, Hattie, Ada, Roy Edward, Mary Elizabeth and Melvin Guy, the last named being only two years of age, the oldest child about twenty-one. The family reside on the home farm in Springfield township, where Mr. Freeze has carried on agricultural pursuits for seventeen years. The place comprises one hundred and sixty-five acres. a part of which he purchased of his father. It is called Fountain faint, on account of a flowing well which is upon the place. The land is a rich alluvial soil and the fields are well tilled, yielding good crops, which bring an ample competence to the owner. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Grange. He has served as 614 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. a school director and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and improvement of his community. His farming methods are progressive and his well-conducted place indicates that he is one of the leading agriculturists of the neighborhood. MRS. SARAH JANE ARTER. Mrs. Sarah Jane Arter is one of the estimable ladies of Sandusky township, Richland county. She has long resided here, so that she is widely known in the community. She is the widow of George Arter, who died on the old home farm June 21, 1896, in his seventy-fifth year. He was born in Sandusky county December 20, 1822, and a son of Henry Atter, who was born in Maryland in 1799 and died in Wyandot county, Ohio, in 1879. His father, George Arter, was a slaveholder in Maryland. The family originated in Germany. Henry Arter came to Ohio about 1830, previous to which time he had wedded Miss Susannah Musselman, also a native of Maryland. Coming to the Buckeye state, they began life anew in the woods in Springfield township, two miles from the present Arter homestead. There they reared seven of their nine children. After the death of the Mother the father wedded Delilah Huddle, who bore him three children, and of his ten sons and daughters who reached mature age and were married four are yet living, namely : Musselman, who resides in Williams county, Ohio, at the age of seventy-four ; Elizabeth, the widow of Timothy Young, and is living in California, at the age of seventy-one years ; John, who is living in Bushnell, Illinois, at the age of sixty-nine; and Daniel, who also is living in Bushnell, at the age of sixty-seven. George Arter was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life in Richland county, and after he had arrived at man's estate he wedded Sarah Jane Walters, a daughter of George and Mary (McGrew) Walters. Her father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and her mother in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1803. They were married about 182o and located on a tract of timber land east of Mansfield, this having been entered by his father from the government. There they became the parents of five children, three of whom reached adult age, namely : John, who was born in 1822 and is now a retired farmer of Crestline ; Rebecca, the wife of Matthew Reid, who went to California, her death occurring in Los Angeles, that state, about 1890 ; and Mrs. Sarah Jane Arter. The father died in 1875, being killed on the railroad track. His wife survived him .until 1879, passing away at the age of seventy-six. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 615 Mrs. Arter acquired a good education in the district schools and was early trained to the work of the household. On the 31st of December, 1846, she gave her hand in marriage to George Arter and they began their domestic life in Putnam county in the midst of the forest. The land had been entered from the government by her father, but was wild and unimproved. After making some improvements there they sold the property and removed to Crawford county, locating near Crestline: This was in 1850. Again Mr. Arter began the development of a new farm in the midst of a forest, having sixty acres of land, which he cleared and placed under a high state of cultivation. He erected good buildings on the place and made many substantial improvements, after which he sold the property and came to the homestead in Sandusky township in 1874. Here he secured one hundred and five acres. He improved the land and continued to make his home upon the place until his death. He followed progressive methods of farming. He built a new house upon his farm and carried on his place with marked energy. His determined purpose enabled him to conquer all difficulties and work his way steadily upward. Thus he acquired a handsome competence, becoming one of the wealthy agriculturists in his section of the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arter were born nine children. They lost one son in infancy, and John D., their fourth Child, died at the age of seventeen years. The others are : Rebecca Ellen, the wife of Daniel Bean, a farmer of Sandusky township; George Fremont, who follows farming in this locality ; Mary Alwilda, the wife of Aaron Oldfield, of Crawford county ; Sarah Jane, the wife of John Hout, of Springfield township Delilah Grace, the wife of Frank Smith, of Crestline; Charles Henry, who cultivates the old home farm of one hundred acres; and Florence Bell, the wife of Willard Frank, of Galion. These children were all reared to farm life and received good educational privileges. Mrs., Arter has lost one grandchild and now has eleven granddaughters, ten grandsons and four great-grandchildren. She is still vigorous in mind and body,—a most estimable lady, who enjoys the high regard of many friends. Her home is close to that of her son Charles, the two residences standing in the same yard. Charles Arter was married, in 1891, to Miss Mollie L. Parke, who died in 1895, leaving two children : Ruth E., born October 24, 1891 ; and Charles Parke, who is now seven years of age. The father was again married in 1898, his second union being with Nora Shambaugh, by whom he has a little son, Clarence Albert, born September 9, 1899. Mr. Arter is a Repub- 616 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. lican and has served as highway commissioner and is a member of the school board. George Arter, the husband of Mrs. Sarah Jane Arter, was a vigorous and healthy man during the greater part of his life, and was a great worker, continuing his active connection with business affairs until but a short time before his death, when a small cancer developed upon his temple, soon terminating his life. He possessed excellent business and executive force. He was a man of keen discernment and of marked energy, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undretook. He left to his family an estate valued at about one hundred thousand dollars, and thus his widow is amply provided with. all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and with that denomination Mrs. Arter is still identified. HARRISON M. ALVORD. The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual and is the means of bringing to man success when he has not the advantage of wealth or influence to aid him. It is this which has enabled Mr. Alvord to take his place among the substantial citizens of Mansfield, where for several years he has held the position of agent of the United States Express Company. He was born January 4, 1840, in Easthampton, Massachusetts. The father, Joseph F. Alvord, was of English descent, and died in January, 1899, at the advanCed age of eighty-eight years, passing away in Bement, Illinois, where he had long resided. His wife is still living in Bement, at an advanced age. In their family are four sons who still survive. W. C. Alvord, now fifty-four years of age, is an influential citizen engaged in the insurance and brokerage business in Peoria, Illinois. George, aged fifty-six, and Albert and Louis, aged fifty-two and forty-five years respectively, are all residents of Bement, where they occupy leading positions in business circles. Two sons of the family gave their lives in defense of the country during the Civil war. Joseph C., who was a member of the Twenty-first Illinois Infantry, was killed at the battle of Stone River, December 31, 1862 ; and Oscar L., a member of the Fifty-first Illinois Infantry, died of typhoid fever in the year 1861, while serving his country at the front. Prior to the Civil war Harrison M. Alvord accompanied his parents on their removal to the \Vest, the family locating in Bement, Illinois. He watched with interest the progress of events which precipitated the country into civil war, and, when twenty-two years of age, he enlisted as a member CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 617 of Company D, Seventy-third Illinois Infantry. On the 21st of August, 1862, he was commissioned as sergeant, and was promoted as orderly sergeant on the 21st of December following. During a portion of the year 1864-5 he was in command of his company, and on the 11th of April of the latter year he was commissioned first lieutenant for bravery and meritorious service on the field of battle. In August, 1862, his regiment was assigned to the Thirty-fifth Brigade of the Eleventh Division of the Army of Ohio, and in September, 1862, the division became a member of the Fourth Corps of the same army. In November of that year his regiment became a part of the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the right wing of the Army of the Cumberland, and in January, 1863, became a part of the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Twentieth Corps of the Army of the Cumberland, while in October, 1863, it was transferred to the First Brigade, Second Division and Fourth Corps, thus serving until the close of the war. The Seventy-third Illinois was organized at Camp Butler and was mustered into the United States service on the 21st of August, 1862. The regiment was ordered to Louisville and at once began the pursuit of Bragg to Crab Orchard, Kentucky, the movement continuing from the 1st of October until the 15th. On the 8th of that month was fought the hotly contested battle of Perryville, in which the Seventy-third gallantly distinguished itself. On the 16th of October the troops marched to Nashville and on the 7th of December entered upon the Murfreesboro campaign, proceeding to Nolensville, Tennessee, on the 26th of that month. Two days later they entered upon the great battle of Stone River, the contest continuing there until the 3d of January, 1863. The regiment then remained at Murfreesboro until June, 1863, and then started on the Tullahoma campaign on the 24th of the month, participating in the battles of Hoover's Gap, June 25 and 26; Fairfield, June 27; the occupation of Tullahoma, on the 1st of July. This was followed by the Chattanooga campaign, in August; the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20; the siege of Chattanooga, September 24-26 Orchard Knob, November 23 and 24; Mission Ridge, November 25 ; and on the 28th of November they marched to the 'relief of Knoxville, reaching their destination on the 8th of December. On the 14th of January, 1864, they were at Dandridge and participated in the Atlanta campaign from May until September, including the engagement at Catoosa Springs, May 5; Tunnel Hill, May 7; Buzzards' Gap, May 8; Rocky Face Ridge, May 9-11 ; Resaca, May 13-15; Dostenaula, May 16; Adairsville, May 17 and 18 ; Kingston, May 19 ; Altoona Hill, May 25 to June 1 ; Picket's Mill, May 27; Ackworth, June 3 and 4 ; Kenesaw Mountain, June 10; Pine Mountain, June 14 ; Lost Mountain, June 15-17; 618 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Culp's Farm, June 22; the assault on Kenesaw, June 27; Vining Station, July 3 and 4; Chattahoochie River, July 6-17; Peach Tree Creek, July 19 and 20; siege of Atlanta, from the 22d of July to the 25th of August; Ezra Chapel, July 28; Utah Creek, August 5-7; Jonesboro, August 31 to September 1; Lovejoy Station, September 2 to 6; battle of Franklin, November 3o; Pulaski, Tennessee, December 23; battle of Nashville, December- 15 and 16; the pursuit of Hood, from the 17th to the 26th of December ; and at Huntsville, Alabama, the troops there remained until March, 1865. They participated in the expedition to Bull's Gap, Tennessee, from March 28 until April 6; and then remained at Nashville until June, 1865, when on the 12th of the month the regiment was mustered out of service. Lieutenant Alvord was always found at the post of duty, faithfully protecting the old flag, whether on the tented field or on the scenes of contest between the armies. In 1867 Mr. Alvord was united in marriage to Miss Mary Beach, the wedding taking place at her home in Mansfield. A year later the young wife died, and two years afterward Mr. Alvord was married, in Derby, Connecticut, to Frances W. Beach, a cousin of his first wife. They now have two children : Joseph Grant and Myrtle. The son enlisted in Company M, Eighth Ohio Infantry, at the beginning of the war with Spain and was commissioned company quartermaster sergeant. The regiment went to Cuba and was on the firing line at Santiago at the time of its surrender. With his command Joseph G. Alvord then returned and was mustered out of the service. In May, 1899, however, he enlisted in Battery G, Seventh Artillery, of the regular army, and is now stationed at Fort Warren, near Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Alvord and his family attend the Grace Episcopal church in Mansfield, of which he is an active member, having for several years served as its treasurer. In politics he is a Republican, and in the Masonic fraternity he has attained the Knight Templar degree. He was an ideal and loyal soldier, is a reliable business man, a faithful friend, and his life record is in many respects well worthy of emulation. WILLIAM BRADSHAW HAMBLIN. As a contractor for street paving and grading, William B.. Hamblin has been actively identified with the business interests of Mansfield, Ohio, for over a third of a century, and is one of its representative and highly esteemed citizens. He was born in Knox county, this state, July 3, 1839, a son of Rev. Isaac and Luzella (Landerbaugh) Hamblin. The father was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 619 graduated at Knox (now Kenyon) College, at Gambier, Ohio, about 1838, was ordained a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and engaged in preaching in Indiana thirty-six years, being sent out by the North American Bible Society. He was a very intelligent man and an able minister, and did effective work as a missionary among the pioneers. He built a church at his own expense on the state road near Jonesboro, Indiana. He died in 1880, at the age of sixty-three years, and the mother of our subject died in 1844, leaving two sons, who are still living : William B., our subject; and Charles, who lives near San Francisco, California. Our subject's maternal grandfather was Charles Landerbaugh, who removed from Pennsylvania to Knox county, Ohio, about 1820. The paternal grandfather, James Hamblin,, was a native of England, and on his emigration to America settled in Connecticut, but later made his home in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and spent his last days in Manchester, Iowa. He entered the land on which that town now stands, and much of the property is still owned by one of his sons, who is a very prominent and influential man in that community. The grandfather was an officer in the war of 1812, under the command of General William H. Harrison, and was taken prisoner during his service. During his boyhood William B. Hamblin attended the common schools, and on starting out in life for himself engaged in street contracting. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he laid aside all personal interests and offered his services to the government, enlisting April 20, 1861, in Company D, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Second Corps, Army of West Virginia. He remained in the service three years and two months, and participated in a number of engagements, the last being that of Cold Harbor. In 1859 .Mr. Hamblin married Miss Lucinda A. Hulit, a daughter of James Hulit, of Lucas, Richland county, who was a deacon in the Baptist church and prominent in local matters. By this union were born two children that are still living: Ira, who is in business with his father ; and William Dexter, who is now serving as a foreman for his father. The family have a pleasant home in Mansfield, where they have lived for twenty years. The year ,of his marriage Mr. Hamblin removed) to Mansfield, and has since successfully engaged in street paving and grading at that place. He served as a street commissioner four years, from 1889 to 1893, and has laid twenty-five miles of brick pavement in Mansfield. He has also done considerable paving in other cities throughout the state, and now gives employment to thirty men. As a business man he is wide-awake, energetic and 620 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. progressive, and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. Fraternally he is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically is an ardent Republican. In his religious views he is a Baptist and is an earnest supporter of the church. PETER WENTZ. This is a utilitarian age in which effort must contribute to some line of usefulness whereby may be promoted the welfare of an' individual or of the public. The marked energy and enterprise of the west has brought about a marvelous change in the cities situated on this side of the Alleghanies. This change is the result of the aggregate effort of thousands of enterprising, wide-awake and industrious citizens, of which class Peter Wentz is a representative. He was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1828. His father, Peter Wentz, Sr., died on the 6th of July of that year, before his son's birth,. being only twenty-three years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Anna Berrier, and for seventy-two years she remained a widow. She reared her three children at the home of her father-in-law, and by her own earnest efforts provided for her little ones and gave them the privilege of acquiring good, practical education in the public schools. Peter Wentz, of this review, learned the miller's trade of his sister's husband in Pennsylvania, and after following that pursuit for three years in the Keystone state he came to Richland county, Ohio, in 1849, locating in London, where he resided with an uncle, Henry Wentz. Here he engaged in chopping wood and in teaming, in connection with railroad construction. He also made shaved shingles of oak, and in August, 1850, he accepted. a position as the head miller at Plymouth, and in 1852 came to his present mill in the employ of A. C. Welch and received two hundred dollars per year and his board in compensation for the service. In 1854, however, he returned to Plymouth, where he conducted a steam gristmill, for one dollar a day. In 1882 Mr. Wentz purchased his present desirable mill property. The building was erected there forty years ago by A. C. Welch and is operated by water power, supplied by two never-failing springs. In the pioneer days two men who came here to make homes placed their stakes for pre-emption claims on these two springs, and on the original papers giving them the ownership of the land is the signature of James Monroe. They are still, in the possession of the family. The first owner was John Welch, the grand, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 621 father of Mrs. Wentz. In addition to his milling operations Mr. Wentz was interested in farming, being the owner of two valuable tracts of land. On the 7th of November, 1854, Mr. Wentz was united in marriage to Margaret Benton Welch, who was born on the farm where she now resides, July 4, 183o, her parents being John and Janette (Wilson) Welch, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Connecticut. Five children were born to our subject and his wife and the family circle yet remains unbroken by death. These are Anna A., the wife of James P. Seward, of Mansfield, by whom she has one daughter ; John Lincoln, who lives in the new residence on the home farm, which he cultivates : he and his wife have one daughter ; James C., who also is living on the old homestead and is the father of the only grandson in the family ; Burt C., of Shelby, who has a wife and five daughters; and Frank P., who also is married and works one of his father's farms. Mr. Wentz is a Republican, and, as every true American citizen should do, feels a deep interest in his party and its growth. He has for two terms been township trustee and discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. All that he has has been acquired through his own efforts. He entered upon his business career without capital, but he possessed determination and a willingness to work. Indolence and idleness constituted no part of his nature, and as his financial resources have increased he has made judicial investments which have classed him among the substantial residents of his community. His business methods are progressive. He is systematic in all that he does, and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well. ROBERT W. HAZLETT. Upon the old Hazlett homestead of one hundred and twenty acres then subject of this review is living, his attention being given to the conduct of the farm. Here his birth occurred June 13, 1828, and for more than seventy years he has been a witness of the advancement made in the county, as it has adopted progressive methods and gained a place among the leading counties of the commonwealth. The family is of Scotch lineage, for the grandfather of our subject, Robert Hazlett, was a native of the land of hills and heather, whence he emigrated to Pennsylvania during early manhood. There he spent his remaining days, devoting his energies to weaving and farming. He died at the age of sixty years. Samuel Hazlett, the father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and in the Keystone state spent his childhood. In 1823 he came to Worthington township and entered from the government 622 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the land now owned by our subject. It was covered with heavy timber, and wolves, bears and other wild game roamed there in abundance, and furnished many a meal for the early settlers. They had to endure many hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier, but also enjoyed many pleasures that are unknown at the present day. Mr. Hazlett followed farming throughout the remainder of his life. He wished to serve his country in the war of 1812, but was only fifteen years of age at the time of the inauguration of hostilities and his parents would not give their consent to his entering the army. In politics he was a Democrat in early life, but at the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Republican party. For several years he served as a township trustee, and of the Presbyterian church he was a faithful member. Although a self-educated i. an, he became, well read and was always informed on the issues and questions of the day. His honesty was proverbial and in business life he was very successful. He married Mary Wilson, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania, a daughter of John Wilson, a native of Ireland. Her father died at the age of eighty-five years. He, too, was a Democrat in his political belief. Mrs. Hazlett was born April 1, 1799, and died April 1, 1885, at the age of eighty-six years. Like her husband, she held membership in the Presbyterian church and she aided him in drying the lumber used in the construction of the house of worship of that denomination in Bunker Hill. In their family were ten children, eight of whom reached years of maturity, while six are still living. The father passed away at the age of seventy-three years. Robert W. Hazlett remained at home until eighteen years of age, when his father gave him his time and he. entered upon an independent business career. He went to Bellville, where he learnd the tanner's trade, after which he spent two years on a farm, and on the expiration of that period he purchased a tar eery in Bellville, conducting the enterprise with success for six or seven years. He then sold out and carried on a store and merchant tailoring establishment in Bellville for about a year. He next came to Worthington township and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits for about eight years, when he removed to Butler. After seven years' connection with the grain trade in that place he went to Knox county and bought a farm, which he operated for six years, when he traded it for property in Worthington township and returned to the old homestead. His land is rented and he derives a good income from the property, which comprises one hundred and twenty acres that are well improved with all modern accessories and conveniences. Mr. Hazlett was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hill, of Bell- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 623 ville, who died January 21, 1900, at the age of sixty-five years and six months. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and an ardent Christian woman, whose many excellent qualities endeared her to her large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Hazlett had six children : Edgar M., a farmer of Knox county, Ohio ; Ida May, the wife of M. L. O'Hearn, of Worthington township; Cora E., the wife of Samuel Criswell, of Ashland county; Myrtle B., the wife of H. A. Pierce, of Butler, Ohio ; and two who died in infancy. Mr. Hazlett is a stanch Republican and has served as a trustee of the township. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and withholds his support from no measure or movement that is calculated to prove of public benefit. He is now practically living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished through determined purpose, which serves as an inspiration to those who are forced to depend upon their own exertions for advancement. PHILIP KYNER. In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their way to success through unfavorable environments, we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which can not only endure so rough a test but can also gain new strength through the discipline. The following sets forth briefly the steps by which Philip Kyner, now one of the substantial agriculturists of Washington township, who overcame the disadvantages of his early life. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Franklin county January 6, 1835, and is a son of John Kyner. In 1841 he removed with the family to Ohio and made his home at Loudonville until sixteen years of age, when he went with his mother and the children to Wyandot county. Not long afterward he came to Richland county, where he worked at the cooper's trade for five years. Subsequently he followed the same pursuit in Nevada, Ohio, for three years, and on his return to Richland county at the end of that time he opened a shop of his own in Lexington, which he conducted for four years. He then purchased a sawmill in Indiana, and was engaged in the manufacture of lumber for five years, after which he sold his mill and returned to Richland county, locating on the farm in Washington township, where he now resides. Here he owns eighty-five acres of valuable land, and also has another tract of sixty acres, and in their operation is meeting with excellent success. On starting out in life for himself he was 624 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. without capital, and his success is due entirely to his own industry, enterprise and perseverance. He is mostly self-educated, as well as a self-made man, and the prosperity that has crowned his efforts is certainly well deserved. Mr. Kyner was married, in ,1863, the lady of his choice being Miss Rebecca Patterson, a well-educated woman, who died in 1898, leaving many friends as well as her immediate family to mourn her loss. To them were born two children : William, who married and has two children, Paul and Leseal ; and Minnie, at home with her father. Mr. Kyner uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and is a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian church. Wherever known he is highly respected, and he has a host of warm friends throughout his adopted county. CHRISTIAN WISE. The name of Christian Wise is one familiar to the residents of Richland county, for he was long connected with its educational. interests and with agricultural pursuits here. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 181o, and died at his home near Mansfield on the 14th of March, 1888. His father was a learned and skillful physician and surgeon of Baltimore, and was the master of five languages. Desiring that his son should have good educational privileges, he arranged that he should attend Brighton and Hanover Colleges, and thus he gained a broad and liberal knowledge, such as fitted him for the prosecution of the duties of life and added to the value of existence. He married Miss Julia Ann Riegel, a lady of education, culture and refinement. With his young wife Mr. Wise came to the west in 1833, settling in Richland county, Ohio, on a farm of eighty acres on the old state road north of Mansfield, but not long afterward he removed to another locality and later became the owner of a splendid farm just north of Mansfield, to which he removed and on which he resided for many years. The State Reformatory now occupies a part of this farm. Mr. Wise became a pioneer teacher in the county and possessed excellent ability as an educator. He did much to advance the intellectual status of the community in the early days, and many of the now prominent men of the community were among his pupils. He taught a select school known as "The University," which was located near Snyder's church. He was also a teacher in the public schools of the county, and his children later taught to a greater or less extent, for all of them were provided with good educational privileges and were thus well fitted to carry on the work which he undertook When Richland county was on the frontier. He had ten children,