1100 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Culver, was born in Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio, about 1808 or 1809 John Culver, the eldest son, was connected with his brother William in the conduct of a large dry goods business in Louisville, Kentucky, until the firm dissolved in 1837, when he returned to Ohio and followed farming and land surveying. He afterward lived in Galesburg, Illinois. He married Martha Post, and their children were Alexander, Lemuel, Austin, Emeline, Charles Post, Albert and Martha. Of these Dr. Charles Post Culver was for some time private secretary to the late Hon. A. H. Stephens, of Georgia. In 1861-2 he was a surgeon in the Confederate army, but ill health forced his resignation. For a time he practiced medicine in Baltimore and Washington D. C., but later became a practitioner of law, which he found more congenial to his tastes. He removed from Washington, D. C., to Tacoma, Washington, where he died a few years ago, and his wife, Katharine, died April 7, 1889. Calvin Culver, second son of Solomon Culver, Sr., married Lodamia Case, and their children were Sterling, Caleb, Sarah, Julia Ann, John, Chauncey, Solomon and Alvira. Calvin Culver came from Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, to Troy township, Richland county, in the summer of 1812, and at the first citizens' meeting after the organization of the township, held October 4, 1814, he was chosen as the first constable. Prior to 1816 he removed to Washington township. Russell Culver, third son of Solomon Culver, Sr., wedded Mary Post, sister of his brother John's wife. Their children were William, Phoebe Ann, Elizabeth, Rachel, Burr, Jefferson, Lena and Emeline. Jacob Culver, fourth son of Solomon Culver, Sr., married Susanna Buss, and their children were Jesse, Catharine, Lydia, Lucy, Eleanor, Nelson Aaron, Susanna, Emily and Laura. It is said that the parents were married in Easton, Pennsylvania, in 1809, and in 1815 they came to Ohio and entered the northeast quarter of section 10, Jefferson township. Solomon Culver, Jr., son of Solomon Culver, Sr., married Nancy Arnet, and their children were Eleanor, David, Selena and Cyrus. Of these children David came into possession of his father's farm, besides having many acres of his own, all of which he bequeathed at his death to his two daughters. The house which he occupied is still standing and appears just as it did nearly one hundred years ago when he first located on the old state road in 1815. William Edward Culver, sixth son of Solomon Culver, Sr., was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1803, and was about five years of age when his parents removed to Knox county, Ohio, whence the family came to Richland county about 1812 or 1813, settling a few miles south of Mansfield, on the old state road. As the boy grew up he determined to carve his own fortune, and before attaining his majority left home and went to Paris, Kentucky, where he entered into a business partnership whereby he obtained a certain per cent of the profits. Later he formed a partnership with Hezekiah S. Elgin, of Fayette county, Kentucky, in the dry goods, hardware and grocery business, and after four years thus passed he became a partner of Isaac R. Barrows, continuing in the same general line until his marriage - a clause of the partnership agreement stipulating that the marriage of either HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1101 party should dissolve the business relation. He then opened a store in Centerville, Kentucky, and at the time formed a partnership with John Kirkpatrick at Lexington, Kentucky, in the wholesale and retail grocery business, but. Mr. Kirkpatrick died soon afterward. While in Centerville, Kentucky, William E. Culver was commissioned postmaster of the town May 10, 1825. In 1829 he removed to Cynthiana, Kentucky, where he opened and conducted a dry goods store until July, 1831, when he removed his business to Louisville, Kentucky, establishing a wholesale dry goods house in partnership with James W. Craig, employing at times as many as eighteen salesmen. In 1836-7 he delivered forty thousand dollars worth of goods by flat boat, which went from Louisville down the Mississippi to New Orleans. He also built the old Jefferson House of Louisville, which was later destroyed by fire at a total loss. In 1839 he became an exchange banker and broker, conducting a private banking business until October 3, 1857, the year of the great financial panic. He was very successful, being rated as one of the three wealthiest citizens of Louisville at one period. During his later years he lived retired and died in Washington, D. C., March 12, 1876. In politics he was always a Democrat. He was a councilman in Louisville for a number of years, a director in several banks and railroads and a large landowner in Louisville, Cincinnati and Jeffersonville, Indiana, besides having many acres of unimproved land in Missouri, Tennessee and other states. Although living many years in a southern state he was a stanch advocate of the Union cause, and did not hesitate to express his sentiments upon occasion, even in the midst of an overwhelming southern majority. He was married twice. His first wife was Martha Hawkins Craig, born November 24, 1805, a daughter of Samuel H. Craig, of Kentucky. Their marriage took place June 15, 1826, and they had the following children : Lemuel H., James Edward Allen, Pauline Ann and Mary. Of these children Lemuel H. and James E. A. died young, while Pauline was married March 24, 1853, to Dr. Robert Vaughan, and Mary became the wife of Major A. L. Symmes January 20, 1857. William E. Culver's second wife was Jane McClintock, born in Philadelphia December 23, 1833, a daughter of Matthew and Susan (Appleby) McClintock. Of this marriage, which occurred in Baltimore, Maryland, January 9, 1868, there was one child, Frank Barnum, born in Baltimore November 12, 1868. He entered the public schools of that city, was graduated from the City College on the 28th of June, 1886, being second honor man in his class and receiving at the same time the annual prize awarded by the New Shakespeare Society of England for the best critical essay upon a Shakespearean play. He entered the Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore in the fall of 1886 and was graduated June 13, 1889, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, being sixth in a class of thirty-six. He is cashier of the American Bonding Company, of Baltimore, Maryland, and prominent in the business circles there. He wedded Mary Catharine Spicer, daughter of the late Dr. Hiram L. Spicer, of Baltimore, and they have one child, Francis Edward Culver, born June 13, 1899. Frederick Burr Culver, seventh son of Solomon Culver, Sr., married Adela Kendall, daughter of Hon. Amos Kendall, of "Kendall Green," Wash- 1102 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY ington, D. C., who was postmaster general from 1835 until 1837. This marriage took place in 1839, and the wife died in May, 1851. Frederick Burr Culver received his first name, according to family tradition, from an odd and amusing circumstance. He vas the youngest child of Solomon an Lodamia Culver, and was born during their residence in Fredericktown, Ohio, about 1808 or 1809. According to this tradition there had never been a male child born in the town up to that time, and so when it became known that a child was expected the principal men .of the place waited upon the parents, requesting "if it should be a son they would name it Frederick, after the town," and promising in this event to present the boy with a silver cup. The request was complied with, but it became a joke in the family that "Fred got the name but he never got the cup." The children of Frederick B. and Adela Culver were William and. Edwin Kendall Culver. At the outbreak of the Civil War these youths entered the Confederate service in the Chesapeake Battery of the Fourth Maryland Artillery. William was killed April 2, 1865, at. Fort Gregg, near Petersburg, and Edwin K. married Mary Osborne, of an old East Shore Maryland family, and had two daughters. There were six daughters in the family of Solomon Culver, Sr. Clarissa became the wife of Ephraim Bull, and her children were Ephraim, Jefferson and Van Buren Bull. Rhoda Culver was married September 3, 1819, to William Chapman, son of Deacon Nathaniel Chapman. They had six children and lived at Sharon, Ohio. Lodamia Culver became the wife of Thomas Edginton, a lawyer, who resided in Mansfield, and their children were Martha, Thomas, Henry, Mary and Harriet. Elizabeth Culver became the wife of William Ayres, and their children were Burton, Elizabeth and William N. The last named resided at Elizabethtown, Illinois, and was a member of the Illinois legislature in 1871-2. Orpha Culver was married to Arunah Pierson, had two children, Lodamia and Philemon, and lived in Morrow county, Ohio. Fannie Culver, the youngest daughter, was married to Andrew Coffinberry, the first county recorder (1813), the first law student in Mansfield, the first schoolteacher in Madison township and the first justice of the peace. JACOB MOTTAYAW, SR. Jacob Mottayaw, Sr., a successful agriculturist residing on section 35, Weller township, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 7, 1830, his parents being Jacob and Rosena Mottayaw, both natives of Germany. The father came to Richland county, Ohio, in 1835 and here rented land for two years, while subsequently he purchased a tract of fifteen acres, on which he made his home until called to his final rest. His demise occurred November 19, 1878, and his wife passed away on the 19th of November, 1871. Their family numbered four children, namely : Jacob, of this review; Caroline, whose birth occurred in 1834 and who is now deceased; Katherine, the wife of C. Bradley, of Indiana; and Philip. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1103 Jacob Mottayaw acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained mature years. He then learned the blacksmith's trade and followed the same for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased the farm on which he resides, comprising two hundred and twenty-four acres on section 35, Weller township, while subsequently he bought thirty-five acres more. He has a comfortable home. In 1863 Mr. Mottayaw was united in marriage to Miss Jane L. Osbun, whose birth occurred in Weller township, May 14, 1827, her parents being Jacob and Rachel Osbun, both of whom are now deceased. The father came to this part of the state when it was but a wilderness, locating in Weller township, Richland county, as early as 1814. Mrs. Mottayaw, who was one of a family of eight children, passed away on the 9th of April, 1899. She left five children to mourn her loss, namely : Jacob, Jr., of this county Luella R., the wife of Perry Kohler, of Richland county Mary C., at home; Rhoda C., who is the wife of E. L. Horn and makes her home in Mansfield and Artie J., the wife of H. O. Doolittle. Mr. Mottayaw gives stalwart allegiance to the republican party and the cause of education finds in him a stanch friend. He has served as elder in the Lutheran church, of which both he and his wife have been faithful members for twenty-five years. He is well known and highly esteemed throughout this county, where he has now made his home for more than the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and whose career has been beyond reproach. E. S. NAIL. Among the many institutions worthy of special mention, there are some always more deserving than others. Some are born of purely selfish motives, only to meet a fate which all such institutions deserve. Others are the product of circumstances and are born to meet the necessities and the demands by the public. These are opportunities that practical business men make use of and are the foundation of institutions of great merit and respectability. Early in the year 1895, through the influence of the Union Association of Lumber Dealers of the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Pennslvania, a committee was appointed, of which E. S. Nail, of Mansfield, Ohio, was chairman, to ascertain. amount of fire insurance carried by the members of this association, the premiums paid during the previous year, and the losses sustained. Tt was found that the members of this association who reported to the committee. were paying what they thought was a higher rate for the insurance on their property than they should in proportion to the amount of losses sustained to the premiums received. It was also found that the expense ratio of other companies insuring the members of this association was out of proportion when compared with the expenses necessary for the 1104 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY proper conduct of their business, and this, together with the loss ratio, increased the cost of their insurance beyond what they thought they should be called upon to bear. In view of this, the committee recommended the organization of a company on the mutual plan, dealing direct with the owner of the property, eliminating all expense except that necessary to properly conduct the business. As a result, in October, 1895, a company was organized, known as The Lumbermen's Mutual Insurance Company of Mansfield, Ohio, to insure the property of lumber dealers in the United States and Canada, charging the same rate as that of other companies, and, after paying losses and expenses and putting aside a reasonable proportion of the earnings for a contingency, to return to the members of the company the balance as dividends. Upon the completion of the organization of the company, which required no little time and considerable expense, E. S. Nail, of Mansfield, Ohio, was elected president and manager, he having had a long experience in the lumber business, eminently qualifying him for the position to which he had been called. Calling to his assistance other lumbermen to become members of his board of directors, he demonstrated a degree of perception and knowledge of men that has greatly aided him in the prominence to which this company has now attained. Deserving mention in this board of directors are B. F. Weybrecht, of Alliance, Ohio; G. W. Campbell, of Toledo, Ohio; W. S. Parker, of Findlay, Ohio; F. D. Torrence, of Xenia, Ohio; J. W. Frankeberger, of Mansfield, Ohio; H. D. Henry, of Athens, Ohio; D. W. Dobbins, of Lima, Ohio; S. F. Wolfe, of Athens, Ohio, and B. F. Packard, of Warren, Ohio, all men prominently identified with the lumber interests of the state, the latter two being deceased. This company has grown rapidly almost from its first inception, occupying at first an office in what is known as the Odd Fellows building on the east side of the park. Outgrowing its quarters, it moved to what is known as the Dickson building, corner Third and Walnut streets, there to remain for a period of about five years, when the growth of the company necessitated a further change. After a very careful consideration by the executive board, and an examination of desirable locations in and about the city of Mansfield, they were induced to purchase the old residence property consisting of some .thirty acres of ground, formerly owned by the Hon. George W. Geddes. Here the company after extensively remodeling the dwelling, which was a substantial structure, to meet the growing demands of the company moved into what is now their present quarters, the early part of the year 1906. It was thought after the improvements had been made they would be ample for the needs of the company for many years to come, but so rapid has been its growth, doing business in every state and territory in the Union, that the present quarters have become entirely inadequate. After moving three times and rebuilding once, they are now engaged in further enlarging their present office, which they have greatly outgrown. There is no more conspicuous place about the city of Mansfield, than that occupied by their office. We doubt if there is a location anywherein HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1105 the state that equals it. The wealth of nature is in keeping with the financial standing of this company. It cannot be said that the company has been selfish in retaining a large amount of its earnings, for they have returned in the years in which they have been operating to the members of their company, as dividends, nearly a half million dollars. It is a distinction that this company is permanently located in the city of Mansfield, in which the citizens should take pride, for it is one of those organizations that was not the outgrowth of any selfish or personal motive, but purely to bring relief to one of the greatest industries of this country—the lumber trade. The company does not do a general insurance business, and it cannot be said that they are selfish by so doing, for to demonstrate the purpose of the company it was necessary that the business in which they were engaged, bear its own burden, which has resulted in great benefit to th9 members by decreased cost in fire insurance. Deep and broad has the foundation of this company been laid, for it is not for the present, nor those who are now actively engaged in the lumber business, that this company seeks to benefit only, but the generations to follow. This is but a brief history of one of the permanent institutions of Mansfield, and one deserving of special mention. CYRUS GATTON. Cyrus Gatton, residing on his farm on section 12, Jefferson township, was formerly an extensive landowner of this county and was also engaged. in the stock business to a considerable extent. He was born in a log house in Jefferson township, August 28, 1838, his parents being Isaac and Hettie M. Gatton, who came to Richland county in 1812. He obtained a common-school education, pursuing his studies in a log schoolhouse, and he remained with his father until he attained his majority. Mr. Grafton began farming upon a part of his father's home place. At the age of'sixteen years he commenced breeding Merino sheep, starting with only three, and has since devoted considerable attention to that industry. During his boyhood wool was worth sixty cents per pound and during the Civil War sold for one dollar per pound. He entered his sheep at the first fair held in Mansfield and carried off the first prize. His fine Merino sheep have been shipped all over the country, and he has also bought and shipped cattle and hogs as well as sheep, starting in that business in 1865 and continuing it for nearly twenty years. He handled about fifty carloads annually, Bellville and Butler being his shipping points. Since then Mr. Gatton has engaged in farming and at one time was the owner of seven hundred acres of valuable land, all in Richland county, but is now farming only one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Jefferson township, having distributed the remainder among his children. He has placed many improvements upon his farm and is well known as one of the 1106 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY county's most successful and prominent agriculturists. Adjoining his place there is an Indian graveyard, called the Mound, in which seven Indians and seven white people are buried. On the 3d of January, 1867, Mr. Gatton was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Hines, a native of this county, while her parents were born in Maryland. Unto our subject and his wife were born ten children, namely: Isaac, a resident of Bellville; Nettie, the wife of William Swagert, of Monroe township; Annie, at home; Wilbur, of this county; Manilla, the wife of Webster Tucker, of. Monroe township; George Clinton, of Cleveland, Ohio; Floyd, at home; Daisy the wife of Alvin Reeder ; and Ella May and Albert, who were accidentally shot at school. On the 28th of December, 1902, Mr. Gatton was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, her demise being deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family. Mr. Gatton gives his political support to the republican party and has served in the position of supervisor. Throughout his entire life, already covering more than the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he has been a resident of this county and that his career has ever been honorable and upright is indicated by the fact that he has the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact through business or social relations. ROGER HEATH. There is hardly a business enterprise of any importance, especially along industrial lines, in Shelby that has not benefited by the business ability, keen insight and undaunted enterprise of Roger Heath, although milling has been and is his real life work. Entirely unostentatious and free from desire for display, he has nevertheless left the impress of his individuality upon the public life and progress here. He was born in Devonshire, England, April 30, 1840, his parents being Roger and Susan (Cocks) Heath, who spent their entire lives in England. Many representatives have followed the miller's trade, the father, grandfather, five uncles, a brother and brother-in-law of our subject having all been millers. The father and all his brothers were in business on river Avon. Some of them owned mills, while others leased milling property. Roger Heath of this review was, one of a family of six children who reached adult age, he being the fifth in order of birth. He lost his father in his sixth year and when fourteen years of age entered the employ of an uncle, who was operating the mill which was being conducted by the father at the time of his demise. He was apprenticed to his uncle, whom he served for a term of seven years, and then when twenty-one years of age he started out in life as a journeyman. He was employed at various places in Great Britain, where his Capable service won him recognition and he received good wages for that work, but he believed that the business opportunities in the new world were superior to those that he could secure in his native land and accordingly he made arrangements to come to the United States. He had previously been married and with his wife and three children he crossed the Atlantic. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1109 Making his way into the interior of the country, Roger Heath first located at Akron, Ohio, and afterward went to Kent, Ohio, where he started in business on his own account. Since 1877 he has made his home in Shelby. Here he purchased a mill in connection with his brother Henry, it being sold at sheriff sale. The plant was then in a much dilapidated condition, but with resolute purpose the brothers set to work to improve it and bring it into harmony with ideas of modern milling. The partnership between the brothers was continued until 1890,, when Roger Heath purchased the interest of Henry Heath. In the conduct of the mill he has increased the capacity from time to time and added to the equipment until today this is one of the best equipped and best organized mills to be found in this section of Ohio. There is more modern machinery in this establishment than in any mill of its size in the state and Mr. Heath's opinion concerning any new machinery that is purchased is eagerly sought by the manufacturers of mill machinery. He has always aimed at quality rather than quantity in his output and has sought to create a demand for his goods by reason of the excellence of his output. He has recently installed valuable machinery and is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of such well known brands of flour as the Silver Leaf, Bon Ton, Imperial, Paragon, Climax and Moss Rose. Mr. Heath never allows anything that is not up to the highest standard to leave the mill. In fact he has constantly striven toward the ideal in business in the character of his service, in the quality of the output and in his relations to the trade. The plant which he purchased thirty years ago had a capacity of twenty-five barrels. Today the daily capacity is two hundred barrels. Mr. Heath has been very faithful to his business, giving personal supervision to it day after day, and is the veteran miller of this locality and one who commands the respect of milling men throughout this portion of Ohio and wherever he is known. A man of resourceful enterprise and ability, Mr. Heath has extended his efforts to various other lines whereby Shelby has profited, while he has received substantial benefits therefrom. He is now the president and one of the directors of the Citizens Bank, which he aided in organizing. He was also prominent in establishing the Shelby Steel Tube Works, the Shelby Bicycle Works, the Automobile Works, the Shelby Printing Company, the Land Improvement Company, the Shelby Foundry Company, and is likewise a director in the new Shelby Tube Company. He determines with great readiness the value of any business enterprise, recognizes the possibilities of failure and the opportunities of success, and if he believes that the latter may be secured he enters heartily into his endorsement and support of the project. On, the 27th of August, 1867, Mr. Heath was married to Miss Anna Janette Constance, who was born in England. They became the parents of eleven children, ten of whom are living, Fannie, the third child, having died at the age of twenty-two years. The others are: Roger, now living in Illinois ; Mrs. Constance Giligan, of Toledo, Ohio ; Mrs. Katharine Inscho, of Cleveland; William Henry, who aids in the operation of the mill ; Nanette and Jannette, at home ; Bert, who is traveling for the mill ; George and Frank, twins, the former now in the mill, while the latter is in Kansas; and Harry, who completes the family. 1110 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Mr. Heath is stalwart in his support of the republican party and its principles, has served for two terms as a member of the board of public works, and has also been a member of the city council for two terms. He stands very high in public regard, being one of the most respected and honored residents of Shelby. In the year 1900 he took a vacation and attended the Paris Exposition. No better indication of the place which he fills in Shelby can be given than was manifest when after an absence of months he returned to his adopted city to be welcomed by one thousand people, headed by two brass bands. He has many friends among the poor as well as among the prosperous, for he has always been generous in his aid of those who need assistance. He is very democratic in manner. There is nothing about him for show or display and yet all recognize the sterling integrity of his character and delight to honor a man who is so well worthy the esteem and good will of his fellow citizens. MRS. ELIZABETH NANCY RYDER. Mrs. Elizabeth Nancy Ryder, residing in the village of Lucas, is well known in this part of the county, having a wide and favorable acquaintance. She was born in Jefferson township, June 12, 1839, and is the widow of John Ryder. Her husband was also a native of this county, while his parents were born in Pennsylvania. He was reared on the old homestead farm near Newville, Ohio, and his education was acquired in the public schools. He afterward learned the carriage maker's trade, which he followed successfully for forty years. In the meantime he purchased a. farm of one hundred acres in Richland county. As he prospered in his undertakings he used the opportunity for judicious investment and became the owner of a valuable tract of land. He was one of a family of twelve children, so his opportunities in youth were somewhat limited, but he always made the best of his advantages and was well known for his unabating energy and indefatigable industry. Moreover, his business dealings were ever straightforward, he being never known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a trade transaction. It was in 1860 that John Ryder was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Nancy Ball, a daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Gatton) Ball, who were of English and Scotch descent. Her father came to Richland county at a very early date, casting in his lot with the settlers who were reclaiming the wild district for the uses of civilization. He was a graduate of Yale University. He rode from Philadelphia to this state on horseback when this section of Ohio was being opened up to settlement, and from the government entered five farms, one for himself and for each of his brothers. He then returned to Philadelphia, where he and his four brothers perfected their plans and arrangements for becoming residents of this state. Some of the number located in Mount Vernon and others in Fredericktown, Ohio, upon the claims which Mr. Ball had entered, improved the property and continued to reside here until called to their final rest. After carrying on general agricultural HISTORY OP RICHLAND COUNTY - 1111 pursuits for a considerable period Mrs. Ryder's father turned his attention to the banking business and in that undertaking lost everything he had, amounting to about fifty thousand dollars. He was descended from a family noted for their thrift, integrity and piety and there were about thirty ministers of the, Presbyterian church in different branches of the family. Mrs. Ryder's grandfather, Gatton, came to the state of Ohio during the pioneer epoch in its history and entered four or five hundred acres of land from the government. His family numbered sixteen children, all of whom reached adult age. Mrs. Ryder's eldest sister was born in Knox county, Ohio, but lived in Richland county for a number of years. She then went to live with her grandparents at Oberlin and attended school to within six months of graduation, when she was called home on account of illness. A few years later she married Dr. Bickerdyke and removed to Cincinnati. The medical institution there offered to give a free course of nursing to any one who would accept the offer and Mrs. Bickerdyke was among three who did so. When the Civil War broke out she was a widow with two little sons. She left the children in the care of friends and went to the front as a nurse, thus aiding her country until the close of the war. She spent her last days with her son, James Bickerdyke, who was a highly educated man. He served as professor of the schools of Salina, Kansas, and died a year after his mother's death. A brother of Mrs. Ryder, Joseph George Washington Allen Ball, who signed his name Joseph G. W. A. Ball, was a great Bible student. He had read the Bible through ten times before he was twelve years of age and by the time he was nineteen he had read the Bible through sixteen times and had learned it almost by heart. He possessed a very retentive memory and was well read in history and poetry. In fact, he was a great lover of literature and a man of broad learning. He had several offers from Bible houses that wished him to become a salesman, so he made that his life work, selling Bibles in the south for five years before the war broke out. While thus engaged he stayed for a time with Mr. Shealds and told Mr. Ball that he was the first man that he ever met who knew the Bible by heart. He also said that he would give him all the land that he wanted if Mr. Ball would make his home there and help to keep his (Shealds) slaves at work. Mr. Ball, however, refused, saying that he was no slave driver and would not accept the offer if the whole south were given him. He was always on the side of the oppressed and at all times stood for justice and truth. He was fond of debating upon the questions of the sin of slavery and of intemperance, but he was never bitterly aggressive. In fact, he was a man of most kindly nature, was a friend to everybody and never had an enemy. He always looked on the bright side and brought cheer and happiness into the lives of many with whom he came in contact. He spent his last years in Mobile, Alabama, where he died at the age of fifty-five, leaving a wife and one daughter. In early womanhood Mrs. Ryder engaged in teaching school, following the profession for several terms and proving capable both as a disciplinarian and as an instructor. By her marriage she became the mother of a daughter and son, but the former, Mary L., is now deceased. The son, Virgil, is a 1112 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY graduate of Wooster University and also Harvard College. He is a gentleman of broad culture and education and is now professor of Latin and Greek in Wilson College at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, while his wife is a teacher of the piano and violin at the same institution. He is prominent socially, belonging to the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Redmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and the Alpha Tau Omega, which is a college fraternity. He has made an excellent record in his chosen life work and Mrs. Ryder has every reason to be proud of her son. The death of the husband and father occurred in February, 1896, when he was seventy-four years of age. His political support was given to the democracy and he held several township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. His life was honorable, his actions manly and sincere and he enjoyed in large measure the confidence and good will of all with whom he was associated. He was known as a loyal and progressive citizen and a faithful friend, but his best traits of character were reserved for his own home and fireside. Since her husband's death Mrs. Ryder has continued to make her home in Richland county and is now owner of a fine residence and five acres of land in the village of Lucas in Monroe township. She has all kinds of fruit upon her place and it is a most attractive, pleasant and hospitable home. She supports the Lutheran church and is well known for her many good traits of heart and mind. Like Mr. Ryder, she shares in the friendship of many who knew them in the county and she has a wide acquaintance in Richland, where her entire life has been spent. TERESA HOGAN. Teresa Hogan, residing in Perryville, Ohio, is a daugher of Michael and Ann (Oakley) Hogan. As the name indicates the family is of Irish lineage. The father was born on the Emerald isle and pursued his education in the University of Dublin, completing a classical course by graduation the age of twenty years. When he considered the business field, he believed that he might find better opportunities in other countries than the land of his nativity. The property of his ancestors had been confiscated by the government, by reason of their espousal of the cause of freedom, so that when Mr. Hogan completed his education he had scarcely any capital with which to begin life. He bravely faced the situation, however, and made the most of his opportunities. Feeling that he might place confidence in his own labors and that he was capable of maintaining a home, Mr. Hogan married Miss Ann Oakley, and unto them was born one child ere their emigration to the new world. In 1818, however, they bade adieu to Ireland and the friends of their early life and sailed for the United States. Mr. Hogan was a well educated man, capable by reason of his mental training for positions of considerable impor- HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1113 tance. Such a position he found in New York city, where he remained for five years. In 1823 he arrived in Ohio, settling at Newville, where he established a store, which he conducted for some time. Later he purchased a farm in Monroe township, Richland county, and took up his abode thereon in April, 1827. With characteristic energy he began to till the fields, bringing the wild land under a high state of cultivation, so that rich crops were annually gathered. He was a successful farmer and business man and at his death left valuable property, embracing two good farms of one hundred and sixty acres each, which are now the property of his daughter, Teresa. In early life he gained a good knowledge of medicine and after he came to Ohio he practiced successfully among his neighbors and was frequently called to long distances that he might aid those who knew him, through his knowledge of medicine and the healing art. He never exacted nor accepted a fee for his services, but gave all the benefit of his aid gratuitously. The laws regulating the medical practice were not as strict then as now, and while he was not a graduate physician he did good work and many a resident of the community acknowledged their indebtedness to him for his efforts in their behalf. His political allegiance was given to the democracy. Mr. Hogan was a man of broad intelligence who always kept well informed on public questions and issues of the day, political or otherwise. He was strong in his belief, nor was he ever at a loss to give a reason for the position which he occupied. He was a most public-spirited man, interested always in the welfare of his community and whenever he found it possible—as he often did--he aided actively and generously in the support of many movements that were of benefit to Richland county. The cause of education found in him a stalwart champion, as he ever endorsed the movements for the improvement of the public. schools. While he belonged to the Roman Catholic church and reared his family in that faith, he was liberal in his views on religious questions, and endorsed every movement which tended to promote a moral development of the community. In all his business transactions he was thoroughly straightforward and reliable and at all times was known as a most honorable man. His wife was a member of the Episcopal church and died July 24, 1864, at the age of sixty-seven years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hogan were born seven children: Maria, the eldest, became the. of James N. Applegate, of Chicago, and is now deceased. Edmund T. was a lawyer and died in California in 1895. He studied under his father's direction until he acquired a good classical education and then entered. the college of St. Xavier at Cincinnati, where he was graduated. He afterward pursued the study of law under the direction of the Hon. T. N. Bartley, of Mansfield, and subsequently went to California, where he was admitted to the bar. In that state he gained recognition as an able lawyer, serving as prosecuting attorney for twelve years and was also common police judge of Plumas county. He continued a resident of the Golden State until his death. Eleanora, the next Member of the family, married Isaac Bergen, and died in 1888. Margaret is the wife of Simon McCarthy, a resident of Oklahoma. Ann and Teresa reside upon the home farm. Cecelia is the wife of James Sheehy. Clara completes the family. Both Teresa and Ann still 1114 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY reside upon the home place, which they inherited from their father, and their grandnephew, Lawrence Baker, lives with them and operates the farm under their management. They are ladies who have made many friends and are well known in Monroe township and other parts of the county. CAPTAIN HORACE L. REED. (Sketch written by A. J. Baughman.) Horace L. Reed was born in Rootstown, Portage county, Ohio, November 13, 1840. As a youth he attended the public schools of his native village. When he arrived at the years of manhood he became a teacher and was to teach a select school in fall of 1862, when he patriotically concluded to answer his country's call for troops, enlisting on August 1, 1862, as a private in Company I, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under President's Lincoln's call for "three hundred thousand more." He was offered a commission but preferred to enter the ranks as a private, and for ten months thereafter carried a musket in the ranks. On May 29, 1863, Mr. Reed was commissioned second lieutenant, and on June 12th of the same year was promoted to first lieutenant and was in charge of his company most of the time until the close of the war. Captain Bard was killed in battle and the other lieutenant wounded. The One Hundred and Fourth Regiment was recruited almost exclusively from the counties of Stark, Columbiana, Summit and Portage. It was organized at Camp Massillon and was mustered into the service on the 30th of August, 1862, and left for Cincinnati on the first day of September. Upon its arrival at the Queen City it was taken across the Ohio river into Covington, Kentucky, then went out on the Alexander turnpike three miles and went into camp. On the 12th of September the regiment began actual service and went on a march toward Lexington in pursuit of the rebels. This first march was hard on the men, for the roads were dusty and the springs dried up and being without tents and not inured to army exposure, the troops suffered severely. While at Lexington, in order to attest the efficiency of the drill, there was a grand review of the different regiments and the One Hundred and Fourth Ohio carried off the palm for the highest degree of discipline and drill. The One Hundred and Fourth Regiment was placed in the Twenty-third Army Corps, under General Schofield, which later joined General Thomas' force, and although the command in which Captain Reed bore an honorable part during his entire term saw hard service the Franklin-Nashville campaign deserves special notice. While General Sherman was making his grand march from Atlanta to the sea; General Thomas was left to stand between Hood's army and the Ohio river, and how well he performed that task and how faithfully he fulfilled his mission the pages of history eloquently tell. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1115 The cry of "On to Richmond," in 1861, led to disastrous results, and the impatient demand for General Thomas to engage General Hood might have caused a less cautious commander to go into battle without the necessary preparations. That Thomas was not "slow" at Nashville has been proven by official history. General Grant, who was the first to charge it, was also the first to withdraw the imputation by declaring in his official report that at the time he had been very impatient over what appeared as unnecessary delay on the part of Thomas, but that his final defeat of Hood was so complete that it was accepted as a vindication of General Thomas' judgment. Hood's army came northward with a flourish, crossed the Tennessee river at Florence, Alabama, and advanced toward Nashville. General Scofield encountered the enemy at Franklin, seventeen miles south of Nashville, where on November 30 the battle of Franklin was fought, where General Hood attacked the Union troops under General Scofield but was repulsed with great loss. General Scofield then crossed the Harpeth river and retreated within the defenses of Nashville. Hood, having rallied from his repulse, marched on to Nashville confident of victory and prepared to begin the siege of blockading the Cumberland, but before the work was fairly under way, General Thomas, on December 15th, moved from his works, fell upon Hood's army and routed it, with a loss to the rebels of twenty-five thousand men in killed, wounded and missing. Despite the intense cold, the shattered remnants of Hood's force were pursued to the Tennessee river, where but thirteen thousand of the fifty-five thousand strong who had crossed the river at Florence so hopefully two months before were all that were left of Hood's army. While in pursuit of Hood the Union troops crossed the Duck river, which was at flood, on the night of December 23, and on the next morning—the day before Christmas—continued their march after the retreating foe, who, under command of the redoubtable Forest, frequently halted to give battle. At Lymwille and at Buford Station sharp engagements took place. On Christmas day, just before sundown, General Forest, in a fit of desperation, made a stand and by a rapid counter movement drove back the skirmishers of Harrison's brigade and captured one gun, which he succeeded in taking away as the sole trophy of that desperate campaign. Captain Reed, the subject of this sketch, was through all of that campaign. The winter began early that season and was an unusually severe one for that latitude. During those forty days of marching and fighting the weather became worse and worse—cold and freezing nights followed by days of rain and snow. The country, which was poor and but thinly settled, had been stripped of forage and provisions during the marches of contending armies. The men of both forces suffered terribly, but the cavalry horses fared still worse, and over six thousand of them belonging to the Union army died—exhausted by overwork, famished with hunger or crippled with hoofs falling off from frost and mud. During this campaign rations were often short and sometimes the men had none at all. Upon one occasion Captain Reed paid a quarter for a small ear of corn, which he shared with four 1116 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY comrades. They parched the corn, eating the grains and making a soup of the pounded cobs. In the great sleet storm during that campaign, Captain Reed's company was called out at three o'clock many mornings and stood upon the ice-covered ground with very little food all day, fighting the enemy and firing over a hundred rounds each. Captain Reed, then a lieutenant, was the only officer with his company during that campaign and commanded it. During the winter of 1865 the Twenty-third Corps joined Sherman's army in the Carolinas, and on the 18th of February, while at the head of his company, leading a charge (the senior officer having refused and was court-martialed for cowardice), at Fort Anderson, near Wilmington, North Carolina, Captain Reed fell wounded at the head of his battalion, receiving gunshot wounds in both his limbs below knees. He was in over twenty severe engagements during his term of service and has an army record of which any patriot might well be proud. Captain H. L. Reed was mustered out of the service with his regiment in June, 1865, and retired to private life. He was married to Miss Jennie M. Wasson, of Ashland, in 'September, 1867. To this union four children were born, one daughter and three sons, namely : Grace, Horace, William W. and Eugene C. A. Horace and William are in business in Buffalo, New York, and Eugene is in 'business with his father in Mansfield. When Captain Reed came to Mansfield in 1865, he went into business with his brother, J. H. Reed, who was conducting a book store at that time. The firm name was J. H. Reed & Brother. This partnership continued until 1875, when the Captain withdrew and went into the wholesale notion business. In 1880 he opened a dry goods establishment and gradually discontinued the wholesale notion trade. Captain Reed's dry goods business grew and increased year after year until he now has the largest establishment of the kind in the county, his several departments now covering over four thousand feet of flooring. On account of his' fair dealing and the quality of the goods he handles, the Captain is called "The Old Reliable," and his store is also known by that name. Captain Reed now owns what was known for ninety years as the Sturges corner, where the first cabin in Mansfield stood, and which is now the most desirable business location in Mansfield and is approximately worth from fifty to sixty thousand dollars. In this large and handsome brick building the Captain conducts his business and the place is known as "Reed's Store." Captain Reed is a member of the Congregational church of Mansfield and is its senior deacon, having held the office of deacon for thirty years. He is very active both in church and Sunday-school work and has been superintendent of its Sunday-school. He was also a prominent factor in establishing a Sunday-school in John's Addition, the part of the city now called "the north side." This Sunday-school prospered and grew under Mr. Reed's supervision as superintendent for three years or more to such an extent that a church congregation was organized there, a lot was purchased on Buckingham street and a frame church building was erected upon the same for the accommodation of the Sunday-school and the congregation. This church con- HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1117 gregation also prospered and grew to such an extent that a larger house of worship was needed, and the old building was removed and a large and handsome brick structure was erected upon its former site, known as the Mayflower church. It is of the Congregational denomination. In all this Captain Reed has been a prominent factor and helpful worker, and too much credit cannot be given him for the good that has been accomplished through his activity in advancing its interests. The subject of this sketch attended a reunion of the seven children at the old family home a few years ago, at which those present were of the average age of over sixty years. Captain Reed is a man whose entire course of life has been in every respect honorable, upright and conscientious, and he is justly entitled to the respect and esteem in which he is held. He is one of the solid men of Mansfield and his example is well worthy of emulation. He is a man of excellent business ability, sagacious and far-sighted, systematic and methodical in all he does, and his excellent success is the result of his own well directed efforts, enterprise and perseverance. The Captain is also a well informed man and in manner is genial and friendly. ELIAS TOOKER. Elias Tooker, a well-to-do farmer residing on section 26, Weller township, where he owns and operates sixty acres of productive land, was born in Franklin township, this county, November 19, 1838, the son of William and Katherine (Peck) Tooker. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Richland county in the early 20s and rented land for a number of years but later bought a place in Franklin township, where our subject was born. On first coming to the county the young couple lived in a log cabin with a. clapboard roof, with only the earth for a floor and without doors, an experience which can only be associated with an undeveloped country and pioneer times. They became the parents of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, namely: Mary, deceased; Hannah, who resides in Franklin township; Sarepta, deceased; Rachel, deceased ; William H., a resident of Shelby, Ohio ; George, who resides in Mansfield; John, a resident of Michigan ; Catherine, deceased; Elias, of this review; Jacob, who resides in Franklin township ; James, a resident of Missouri; and Simon, deceased. Both parents died at their home in Franklin township. Elias Tooker was reared on the home farm in Franklin township and received a good common-school education. He contributed his energies to the work of the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he started in life for himself and worked as a farm hand for one year. Following this, he worked for David Bushey in a sawmill for three years; at the expiration of which time he rented a farm and conducted it for the next two years. During the dark days of the Civil War he was drafted into the army and 1118 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY served for seven months. Following his discharge he returned to Richland county and resumed farming, renting land for the following fourteen years. By economy and self-denial he was at this time able to buy a tract of forty-five acres, which he operated for nine successive years, then sold it and bought his present home place, on which he has since resided continuously. In 1862 Mr. Tooker was united in marriage to Miss Martha Jane Shoemaker, daughter of Adam and Margaret Mason Shoemaker, and a native of Ashland county, Ohio. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, and her mother in Maryland. They came to this county at an early date and resided here continuously thereafter. Both are now deceased. Eleven children were born of their union. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tooker have been born one son and one daughter, Margaret, deceased; and Marene, who resides at home. They also have one grandson, Curtis E. Politically Mr. Tooker casts his ballot with the democratic party and has been elected to minor offices, having served as school director and township supervisor. Religiously, he is a faithful and consistent member of the Baptist church. THE MASSA FAMILY. David, Frank and John Massa, brothers, were born in Ottenberg, Germany. The father died in Germany in 1828, and in 1853 the children came to America with their mother. All the Massas who came to America located in Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio. John Massa was born in the year 1832 and was married to Miss Barbara. Shafer in 1856. The Shafer family came from Darmstadt, Germany, in 1850, when their daughter Barbara was twelve years old. They also settled in Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. John Massa became the parents of eleven children, namely: George, Mrs. Valentine Green, John, Jr., Theresa, Edward, Anna, Barbara, Mrs. Charles Wagner, Mrs. Lewis Zollers, Joseph and Albert. Of the foregoing, John, Jr., Theresa, Edward and Joseph are deceased. Mrs. Green resides in Pittsburg and the others at Mansfield. John Massa, the father of the above named children, died in 1889. George and Albert Massa are married and the latter was a soldier in the Spanish-American war. The children of the three Massa brothers who came from Germany to America all reside in Richland county with the exception of two. The. Massas were and are industrious and respectable people and good citizens. They have worked hard, accomplished much and accumulated property. Miss Anna Massa, the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Massa, has attained an enviable reputation as a singer. She was educated in the local parochial school and her talent for music was noted when she was yet a child. After graduating from our local schools Miss Massa went to Chicago and took instructions in music and voice culture from the best teachers in that city. Later she pursued her studies in the east. Returning to Chicago, she became a soloist in one of the leading and most fashionable churches of HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1119 that city. Upon her return to Mansfield she became the soloist and leading soprano of the Presbyterian church choir for a number of years. She has also done concert work and is in demand for funeral singing and for public entertainments. Miss Massa is blessed with a voice of wonderful power and great sweetness. She has a fine stage presence, which, combined with her exquisite and finely cultured voice, makes her much sought as a singer. Being of domestic tastes, however, she prefers a home with her widowed mother to a career upon the stage. THERON INK. Theron Ink, successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 34, Troy township, was born in Tompkins county, New York, September 8, 1852. His parents were Charles and Mary (McCoy) Ink, the father born in Tompkins county, New York, in 1835, and the mother also a native of the same county. The latter is still living in the Empire state at the age of seventy-seven years, but Charles Ink passed away in the county of his nativity in 1860. Our subject has but one sister, Louisa., the wife of Lewis Martin, of New York. Theron Ink was reared on a farm in New York and when sixteen years of age removed to Morrow county, Ohio, with an uncle, for whom he had agreed to work until he was twenty-one years old. In 1869 they came to Richland county, the uncle purchasing and locating on a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, which is now a part of Mr. Ink's farm. When the latter had attained his majority he went to Rochester, New York, there pursuing a six months course in bookkeeping in 'Williams International Commercial College. Subsequently he taught school in the Empire state for a year and then returned to Ohio, locating at Pulaskiville, Morrow county, where he kept books in a general store for one year. Believing that the close confinement incidental to office work was detrimental to his health, he gave up his position in 1875 and rented his uncle's farm, being thus engaged in its operation until the latter's death in 1892. He then purchased the place of one hundred and twenty acres, erected a fine residence thereon and altogether has a model farming property, equipped with all modern improvements and accessories. He has added to his original purchase until the place now compromises two hundred acres and in addition to the work of general farming also carries on stock-raising, having a fine herd of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and likewise feeding hogs and sheep. The splendid measure of success which has crowned his efforts is entirely the result of his own well-directed labor and excellent business ability, and he is now numbered among the substantial and progressive agriculturists of the community. On the 1st of January, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ink and Miss Martha E. Maxwell, whose birth occurred in Troy township, Richland county, November 23, 1858. Her parents were George and Elizabeth (Cockley) Maxwell, the former born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, 1120 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY April 29, 1820, and the latter in Pennsylvania on the 31st of May, 1824. George Maxwell was reared in the Keystone state and when twenty-one years of age made his way on foot to Troy township, Richland county, Ohio, being here employed at farm labor and also at the carpenter's trade. He was married in 1845, and purchased forty acres of land, which he improved, also carrying on stock-raising in connection with his farming interests. He met with a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings, being at one time the owner of six hundred acres of rich and valuable land. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party, and he was called to his final rest in 1885, his demise occurring in Lexington. Mrs. Maxwell accompanied her parents on their removal to Troy township in 1838, the journey being made from Pennsylvania by wagon. She passed away on the 28th of October, 1893, in the faith of the United Brethren church. Her family numbered eleven children : W. S., a retired capitalist living at Woodstock, Kansas; H. P., who is engaged in merchandising at Lexington; D. C., an agriculturist of Troy township ; Mrs. Jennie D. Shauck, of Mansfield, Ohio; Mrs. Ink; G. P., a medical practitioner, of Sandusky, Ohio; and James A., Sarah D., Joseph, Margaret and Anna, all of whom are deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ink have been born seven children, namely: Ethel G., born January 3, 1880, who is the wife of H. H. Born, of Mansfield, Ohio; Walter D., born March 6, 1883, who married Miss Ada Finney and resides in Mansfield, Ohio; Charles Kyle, whose birth occurred January 16, 1885; George K., born February 8, 1889; Ira M., whose natal day was April 1, 1893; Vivian D., born May 1, 1899; and Thelma L., whose birth occurred April 9, 1891. Mr. Ink gives his political allegiance to the democracy where national questions and issues are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, and throughout the long period of their residence here have gained an extensive circle of warm friends, who esteem them highly for their many excellent traits of character. WILLIAM H. ELSTON. William H. Elston, who is engaged in the tailoring business, having thus been an active factor in the commercial circles of Bellville for many years, was born in Litchfield, England, August 11, 1829. His father, William Elston, was a native of Noblesville, England, and later resided in Birmingham, where he followed shoemaking until after his wife's death. He married Ann Osborn, a native of Litchfield, England, who died in Birmingham, when about thirty-five years of age. She was a consistent member of the Congregational church and an earnest Christian woman. In 1836 the father came with his family to America, locating in Lowell, Massachussetts, where he engaged in the manufacture of shoes and also conducted a shoe store until 1854, when he came to Bellville, where he followed the same business until his death, which occurred in 1877. He was an active member of the Presbyterian HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1121 church and for many years served as its chorister. He had three children, but Anna, the firstborn, died in infancy. Mary, who passed away four years ago at Shirley, Massachussetts, was a preacher and elder in the Shaker church at that place for sixty years. William H. Elston, the other member of the family, went to live with an uncle in England at the time of his mother's death, but when ten years of age he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, joining his father in Lowell, Massachussetts. He made the voyage on the ship Concordia, which arrived in Boston in July, 1838. For a few months he resided with his father and then went to Providencetown, Massachussetts, where he lived with a merchant tailor, under whose direction he learned the trade, making his home there until his marriage, with the exception of the time spent on the sea. He made two voyages as ship keeper on whaling vessels and was afterward in the navy as seaman and commodore's cockswain for three years and ten months. His experience on the sea covered a period of about eleven years. When only eighteen years of age he was made the second mate and when on a trip to the West Indies the entire crew, with the exception of Mr. Elston and one seaman, died of yellow fever. Our subject then secured a crew of colored men and brought the ship safely back to Boston. He twice experienced shipwreck on the coast near Boston. At length he abandoned life on the ocean wave and accepted a position as cutter in a large tailoring establishment in Boston, where he remained until July, 1856, when he arrived at Bellville to visit his father. Being greatly pleased with the country and its prospects Mr. Elson determined to locate here and began working at the trade in the employ of a Mr. Moore. About a year later he entered into partnership with his employer, conducting a clothing store and merchant tailoring establishment. Two or three years later he purchased his partner's interest in the store and carried on the business for many years, having the leading establishment of the kind in the town until about twenty-two years ago, when he sold out. He has since carried on a tailoring business and his excellent workmanship and honorable business methods have secured him a liberal patronage and brought him a richly merited measure of prosperity. On the 7th of April, 1852, Mr. Elston was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth L. Alexander, of Providencetown, Massachussetts. She died November 28, 1898, respected by all who knew her and greatly beloved by her family and many friends. She left three children : Lizzie, the widow of Benton Garber, of Bellville; Nellie G., the wife of Dr. J. B. Lewis, of Bucyrus, Ohio ; and William Blake, a merchant tailor, of Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Elston has always given his political allegiance to the republican party. He is mow serving as noble grand of Bellville Lodge, No 306, I. 0. 0. F., and was a member of the Encampment for fifty-two years. He was made a Mason at Mansfield in 1857 and belongs to Bellville Lodge, No. 376, F. & A. M., and since 1858 has been a member of Clinton Commandery, K. T., at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal church for fifty-two years and has served as recording steward for twenty-eight years, doing everything in his power to extend the growth and influence 1122 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY of the denomination. His career as a sailor was in many respects a most remarkable one and his business record, now covering more than a half century's connection with the tailoring industry at Bellville, is one of which he has every reason to be proud. Although he has passed the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he is still to some extent an active factor in business and enjoys the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated throughout his long and eventful career. ROBERT GRIBBEN. A well developed and highly improved farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres, situated on section 12, Plymouth township, is the property of Robert Gribben, which is known as the old Gribben homestead. He was born in Plymouth; Richland county, September 24, 1833, a son of Isaac and Mary (Ralston) Gribben, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Chester county, in 1796, while the latter was born in Washington county in 1802. Mrs. Gribben was a daughter of Robert Ralston, who served in the war of 1812 and came to Richland county in 1815. He and his wife lived to be over eighty-six years of age. They were the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, and with the exception of three, all lived to be over eighty-four, while the three were over seventy-three years of age at the time of their deaths. Isaac Gribben, the father of our subject, came to Richland county from the Keystone state in 1823, and became a resident of Plymouth township in 1829, settling in 1834 on the farm Which is now the home of our subject. It was at that time all wild and unimproved, but he at once set to work to clear the land, and in due course of time placed it under a high state of cultivation. His entire life was devoted to farm work. Both the parents are now deceased, the father having passed away on this farm in 1880, while the mother survived for about eight years, her death occurring in 1888. Their family numbered four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: John, who died at the age of two years ; Almira Jane, who died in 1875; Mary, who died when young; and Robert, of this review. Robert Gribben, the second youngest and only surviving member of his father's family, was but one year of age at the time of the parents' removal to his present farm. He was early trained to the duties of farm labor, assisting his father in the development and improvement of the home place, and in the cultivation of crops throughout the period of his boyhood and youth. During the winter seasons, when not busy on the 'home farm, he pursued his studies in the district schools near his father's home. He is now the owner of this valuable property of one hundred and sixty-seven acres, located on section 12, Plymouth township, which is improved with good buildings. Everything about the place has a neat and thrifty appearance. Mr. Gribben is engaged in general farming. and his labors are attended with excellent success. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1127 In 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Shutt, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Susan (Bell) Shutt. The father was born in Maryland, while the mother claimed Pennsylvania as the place of her birth. They were married in the former state, after which they made their way to Holmes county, Ohio, the year 1833 witnessing their arrival there. There the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1865. The family removed to Richland county in the fall of 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Shutt had five sons and six daughters, of whom nine reached years of maturity. Mr. Gribben's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the democratic party. He has never been active as an office seeker, however, preferring to give his time and attention to his private business affairs. He finds his greatest social enjoyment at his own fireside, where his wife and intimate friends know him to be a delightful companion. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone of life's journey, his entire life having been passed in Richland county, so that few men have more intimate knowledge of its history or of events which have left their impress upon its annals. WILLIAM L. LEONARD. William L. Leonard, occupying an enviable position in business circles in Mansfield, was born at Mason, Warren county, Ohio, April 16, 1854. The family is descended from old colonial New England stock. John Leonard emigrated from Addison county, Vermont, to Warren county, Ohio, in the last years of the eighteenth century and purchased land of the government. His sons were Lucas, Joshua. and John, and the first named was the grandfather of William L. Leonard of this review and the father of Francis and William Leonard, late of Warren county, Ohio. Lucas Leonard was united in marriage to Maria Mason, a daughter of Major William Mason, the founder of the village which bears his name. He is mentioned prominently in Howe's History of Ohio. Francis Leonard, father of William L. Leonard, was a substantial farmer and a man of great energy and force of character. He died in 1865. His sons are: W. L. Leonard, of Mansfield; Dr. W. W. Leonard, of Akron, Ohio; and Commander J. C. Leonard, of the United States navy. Another son, Charles, died in early manhood. William L. Leonard was educated in the schools of his native county and when still quite young went to Cincinnati to complete his education in a business college. On the 1st of January, 1876, he arrived in Mansfield and has since -been one of the best known residents of the city. He was first connected with the passenger business of the Erie Railroad, and later he became a partner in the firm of Mills & Ellsworth, shaft manufacturers. When this enterprise had grown to large proportions, a stock company was formed, and for two years Mr. Leonard- filled the office of its president. He 1128 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY is still a director and a large stockholder in this prosperous company, which has become one of the important productive industries of the city. In addition to Mr. Leonard's present interests in manufacturing, he is also engaged in the real-estate business, being the senior member of the well known real-estate firm of Leonard & Bowers. Personally he owns considerable real estate in Mansfield and during his long residence in this city has always been an alive, energetic and up-to-date business man. While promoting individual affairs he has never been neglectful of his duties of citizenship and has cooperated in many movements for the general good. While he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, nor has he desired positions of political preferment, he was nevertheless elected to serve for two terms in the city council and has always been a champion of those measures and movements which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. In 1877 occurred the marriage of Mr. Leonard and Miss Etta Taylor, a daughter of Johnston Taylor, one of Mansfield's pioneer residents. Mr. Leonard has one son, Wellington T. Leonard, the well-known newspaper man, and one grandson, Wellington Calvin Leonard. Mansfield has been helpful to Mr. Leonard, for he has here prospered and acquired wealth, since he cast his lot with her people, and in reciprocation he has been equally helpful to Mansfield, doing much to promote the city's growth and improvement in various ways. ARCHIBALD PURDY. Archibald Purdy is numbered among the successful and enterprising farmers of Madison township, and he is now engaged in the operation of the McElroy farm, comprising two hundred and twenty acres, having made his home on this place since 1907. He is a native son of Richland county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Springfield township, January 24, 1855. His parents were James and Mary (Barr) Purdy, the former born in Springfield township, where he engaged in farming throughout his entire life, his death occurring in 1861. The mother was also born in Richland county and was a representative of an old and prominent pioneer family here. She died in 1904, at the advanced age of seventy-six years. Their family numbered five children, two sons and three daughters, as follows: Archibald, of this review; Ina, the widow of Frank Richie ; James, who follows farming in Washington township, this county ; Ella., who has passed away; and Maggie, who died at the age of sixteen years. Archibald Purdy, whose name introduces this record, was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools of Springfield township and in the Savannah high school. He was thus provided with good educational advantages and was fitted for teaching, having been granted a teacher's certificate, but as this pursuit was not congenial to him, he never followed the profession. Instead he engaged in the work to which he had been reared and eventually became the owner of a good tract of   HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1129 land in Washington township, which he disposed of in 1907, and is now waiting until he finds a satisfactory place to invest his capital. In 1907 he took up his abode on the McElroy farm, consisting of two hundred and twenty acres, on which stands one of the best farm residences in Richland county. There are also good barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and Mr. Purdy is here giving his time to general farming and stock-raising, in which he is meeting with gratifying success. In 1879 occurred the marriage of Mr. Purdy and Miss Ollie Norrick, who died three years later. In 1885 he was again married, his second union being with Sarah M. Baker, by whom he has three children: Clara, the wife of Emil Zimmerman, a mechanic of Mansfield; Garfield and Lola B., at home. Mr. Purdy gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, and his wife and daughters are members of the Christian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. Having spent his entire life in Richland county, Mr. Purdy has a very wide and favorable acquaintance, while his honorable business methods ever command for him the high regard of all with whom he comes in contact. J. F. FRENGEL. J. F. Frengel, who for the past twenty-three years has been treasurer of Sandusky township, is one of the worthy sons that Germany has furnished to Richland county. He is now owning and operating one hundred acres of valuable land, situated in Section 11, Sandusky township. As stated, he was born in Germany, November 9, 1830, a son of Frederick and Fredrica Frengel, and there the father spent his entire life, passing away many years ago. Following the father's demise the mother emigrated to the United States in 1837, the son being at that time a little lad of seven years. Upon reaching American shores, they proceeded on their way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where they made their home for seventeen years. The mother died in Richland county in 1893. Believing that the new and growing west offered a wider field for the scope of his labors, Mr. Frengel, then a young man of twenty-four years, made his way to Crawford county, Ohio, where he worked at the tinner's trade. Subsequently he came to Richland county, opening a tin shop in Crestline, which he conducted during the succeeding three years. This, business not proving congenial to him and believing that agriculture offered better opportunities, he then purchased fifty acres of land, which constitutes a portion of his present farm of one hundred acres, situated on section 11, Sandusky township. This tract was unimproved when it came into his possession but he at once began its further development and improvement by dividing the land into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, erecting a house, barn and other outbuildings, and today it is one of the valuable properties of Sandusky township. He gives his 'time and attention to 1130 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY general farming, following only the most modern methods of agriculture and using the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors. It was soon after his arrival in Richland county that he was married to Miss Lavona Mansfield, their wedding being celebrated in 1855. Mrs. Frengel was born in. Richland county and was one of a family of six children, whose parents are now deceased. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children, of whom Harriet, Laura and Otto are deceased. Those living are: Justis M., of Richland county ; Mary L., the wife of Edward Adams, of Akron, Ohio; and Eva, the wife of F. W. Miller, of Crawford county, this state. Mr. Frengel gives his political support to the men and measures of the democracy and for the past twenty-three years has served in the office of township treasurer. His efficiency and capability are evidenced by his long retention in this important position. He has also served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Though born across the water he has spent almost his entire life in this country, much of which has been passed in Richland county, so that he has thoroughly allied himself with its interests. He is a public-spirited citizen, one in whom his fellowmen have confidence, and no man of this section of the state stands higher in the estimation of the people. Z. TAYLOR AU For twenty-seven years Z. Taylor Au has resided upon the farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Madison township which is now his home.  He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1848, his parents being Jacob and Margaret Ann (Hoch) Au, who were also natives of the Keystone state. His father came to this county in 1840, walking the entire distance from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, to Richland county, Ohio. After remaining here for only a year he returned to Pennsylvania, where he continued until 1855, when they again came to Richland county, here purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land .in Mifflin township, which he at once began to cultivate and improve, transforming it into productive fields. He lived a life of activity and energy and although he was in straightened financial circumstances in early life, as the years passed he became the possessor of a handsome competence. He was married in 1847 and unto him and his wife were born nine children : Z. Taylor, whose name introduces this record; Malissa J., deceased; Mary A., the wife of Washington McBride, of Richland county ; Henry G., who has also departed this life; Marenda Z. and Willard S., also deceased; Manetta C., the wife of William Case; of Richland county.; Ulysses G., who has also passed away; and Jacob S., also of Richland county. The father died November 26, 1899, while the mother passed away February 4, 1884. Z. Taylor Au was reared in the usual. manner of farm lads, acquiring his education through the medium Of the public schools, while under his father's direction he became familiar With the best methods of tilling the HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1131 soil and cultivating the crops. He worked for his father until twenty-two years of age, after which he rented a farm in Washington township for eight years and successfully cultivated it during that period. Afterward, on account of illness, he lived retired for three years and then resuming active agricultural pursuits, in 1882 he purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres on section 24, Madison township, on which be is still living. He has brought this under a high state of cultivation and added to it many modern equipments and accessories, making it one of the excellent farm properties of the locality. Mr. Au was married first to Miss Eva Logan, a native of Maryland. For his second wife he chose Miss Ellen Fleck, who was born in Richland county and died in 1890. His present wife bore the maiden name of Anna Cunning and is a native of Ashland county, Ohio. Mr. Au belongs to the Grange and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. J. J. FISHER. A well improved farm of eighty acres, situated on section 33, Jefferson township, is the home of J. J. Fisher, who is numbered among the enterprising and energetic farmers of Richland county. He is a native son of Ohio, his birth having occurred at Farmertown, Holmes county, December 31, 1862. He is a son of Jacob and Julina (Deal) Fisher, the former born in Holmes county, and the latter in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. The Fisher family was a prominent one in Holmes county, the paternal grandfather having been one of the first county commissioners, serving in that capacity for six years, while the father of our subject also filled the office for a similar period and acted as township treasurer for eighteen years. Both the parents of our subject died in Holmes county, the mother's death occurring in 1874, while the father passed away in 1899. Their family numbered ten children, of whom seven are living, but J. J. of this review is the only one residing in Richland county. J. J. Fisher was given a good common-school education and at the age of nineteen years he began teaching, following that vocation for seven years. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age and then began farming in Holmes county. He later made his way to Richland county, arriving here in the fall of 1889. In 1894 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 33, Jefferson township, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and has also made many improvements thereon. In the near future he expects to give his attention more especially to dairying. In 1893 Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Evarts, of Richland county, and their union has been blessed with two sons and a daughter, namely : Maurice E., who was born in 1894; Julina A., whose birth occurred in 1895 and Rollin A., who was born in 1896. All are still under the parental roof. 1132 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Mr. Fisher's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart aid to the democratic party. He served as township assessor for three years and is now filling his first term as trustee, while for three years he served as a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the English Lutheran church, while his fraternal relations are with Casca Lodge, No. 382, K. P., at Bellville, in which he passed through all the different chairs. He is also identified with Bellville Grange. His unbending integrity and his fearlessness in the discharge of the, duties that rest upon him are such as to make him a most acceptable incumbent in the office which he is now filling, and his high moral worth is a widely acknowledged fact. I. N. THOMPSON. In the front rank of the columns which have advanced the civilization of Richland county, I. N. Thompson has led the way to the substantial development, progress and upbuilding of this section of the state, being particularly active in the agricultural life of Monroe township, where he still makes his home. He is today numbered among its old settlers, having now passed the seventy-first milestone on the journey of life, for he was born December 18, 1837, in Monroe township, a son of William and Margaret (Raitt) Thompson. The father was a native of Adams county, Pennsylvania, born March 20, 1793. He was reared there to the age of eighteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Belmont county, Ohio, where he attained his majority. He was then united in marriage to Miss Margaret Raitt, who was born in Scotland and was brought to America when but two years of age by her parents, David and Lilis Raitt. They located on a farm situated on the Belmont-Guernsey county line, where the daughter was reared and gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Thompson. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. William 'Thompson began their domestic life upon a farm in Richland county, he having purchased a quarter section, which now constitutes the Amos Hunter farm. This was all wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, but with characteristic energy Mr. Thompson at once began to cut down the trees and grub out the stumps and in due course of time had the land placed under the plow. As time passed and he prospered in his undertakings he added to his original holdings until he became an extensive landholder both in Ashland and Richland counties but spent his remaining days on his farm in Monroe township. He served as a member of the war of 1812. In early life he gave his political support to the democracy but later, becoming convinced that its principles did not promote the best interests of the country, he allied himself with the freesoil party, with which he was identified until the formation of the new republican party, when he joined its ranks. He was a strong anti-slavery, man and did everything in his power to promote the public good. He was a member of the United Presbyterian HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1133 church, in which he took an active and helpful interest, serving as an elder and a trustee for a long period. He was throughout a long period identified with the agricultural life of Monroe township and also conducted a sawmill at an early day. He was a man of indefatigable energy, strong determination and excellent executive ability, while at the same time he commanded the unqualified respect of his fellowmen, so that at his death, which occurred October 13, 1877, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years, the community mourned the loss of on of its valued citizens. In his family were eleven children, all of whom reached mature years, but only two of the number are now living. Maria makes her home with her brother, I. N. Thompson, whose name introduces this record. I. N. Thompson acquired his early education in the common schools, this being supplemented by a course of study in Monroe Seminary, while he was also a student in a private seminary, conducted in Lucas by Professor Striekler. At the age of eighteen years, having completed his own education, he engaged in teaching, following that profession during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked on the home farm, to the duties of which the had been trained from his early youth. After the inauguration of the Civil war, the patriotic spirit of Mr. Thompson being aroused, he responded to his country's call for aid and joined the boys in blue, becoming a member of Company E, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted on the 15th of October, 1861, and at once went with his regiment to the south, where he took part in the siege at Corinth, the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Pulaski and Columbia and was also in the memorable Franklin and Nashville campaign, when General Thomas with his forces routed Hood's army, with a loss of twenty thousand to the enemy. During the fight, which lasted forty days, the weather was very severe, there being much rain and snow during that period. The country was sparsely settled and had been stripped of provisions by the armies and much of the time the rations were very meager and oftentimes none were available. The army thus suffered intensely from cold and hunger. However, Mr. Thompson proved a brave and valiant soldier and after three years of faithful service was mustered out at Nashville on the 10th of December, 1864, having made a most creditable military record. Mr. Thompson at once returned to his home in Richland county, and in 1865 was married to Miss Alice Welsh, who was born in the parish of Abington, County Limerick, Ireland, August 15, 1843. Her father died in, that country, and in 1849 her mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Dundon, came with her family to the new world, the daughter being at that time but six years of age. She was a Catholic in religious faith. However, after the daughter entered the district schools she was presented by a friend with a Protestant Bible, to which she gave close study. On account of the dissension which arose when the daughter made known her intention to become a member of the Baptist church, she then left home, being at that time a little maiden of twelve years. She went to live in the home of William Peterson and later Solomon Gladdens, with whom she remained until the time of her marriage. 1134 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Following his marriage Mr. Thompson located on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated in Washington township, which he had purchased prior to his enlistment in the Civil War. He was engaged in general farming .for three years, after which he removed to Perryville and engaged in the grocery business, being thus occupied for some time. Upon disposing of his grocery business he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business which he followed until 1892. He was made a life member of the Ohio State Undertaker & Embalming Association, and by that organization was sent as a delegate to various sections of the United States and after retiring from business represented the United States in the International Convention held at Toronto, Canada. Upon his retirement from the furniture and under taking business he removed to his present farm, situated on section 30, Monroe township, which comprises one hundred and fourteen acres, and where, with the exception of two years spent in Georgia for the benefit of his health, he has since made his home. In addition to his home farm he also owns two houses and lots near Mansfield, ffom which he derives a good rental. He has led a busy, active and useful life and his labors have been crowned with success, so that today he can live in ease, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. Mr. Thompson's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party. He has served as a delegate to numerous county conventions but has never been active as an office seeker, preferring to do his duty as a private citizen. Both he and his wife are devoted and active members of the Baptist church, of which he has served as deacon for several .years. He is also a member of the Ohio State Baptist Convention, and his wife is one of the two remaining charter members of the Perryville Baptist church. His fraternal relations are with Perryville Lodge, No. 558, Royal Arcanum, in which he has filled all of the chairs, while for several years he served as a state officer of that organization. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had no children of their own but out of the goodness of their hearts have reared and educated several orphans. Personally Mr. Thompson is quiet and unassuming in manner, refusing political preferment and avoiding publicity. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life, for starting out empty-handed, he has through his own energy and well-directed labors accumulated a handsome property and today he and his- estimable wife are enjoying in retirement the accumulations of profitable, successful and honorable careers. JAMES M. BLAIR James M. Blair, residing in Lexington, was born in Middlebury township, Knox county, Ohio, August 24, 1842, his parents being Peter L. and Mary Warden (Martin) Blair, the former born in Sussex county, New Jersey, June 8, 1816, and the latter in Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, November 5, 1819. In 1825, the father accompanied his parents, James and Mary (Lane) Blair, on their removal from his native county to Knox county, HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1135 Ohio. The grandfather was also a native of New Jersey and of Scotch descent. In early life he engaged in school teaching and continued to follow that vocation for several years. Later he turned his attention to the millwright's and miller's trade, building a saw and grist mill in Sussex county, New Jersey, and he subsequently erected two mills on the Big Miami river near Cincinnati, Ohio. He also built two mills at Chester, Knox county, and two in Middlebury township, the same county. From there he went to Schuyler county, Missouri, where he built two mills and later in life erected a mill at Harrisonville, Cass county, Missouri, where he died in - his ninety-seventh year. His wife had passed the century mark when called to her final rest. On the removal of the Blair family to Knox county, Ohio, they established their home in Mount Vernon, where Peter L. Blair was reared. In 1849 he removed to Lexington, where he purchased two grocery stores, and for the last sixteen years of his life also conducted a drug store. His death occurred at that place June 28, 1866. On the 13th of January, 1841, he had married Mary Warden Martin, who died on the 2d of October, 1864. Her parents were James M. and Ruhama (Warden) Martin. Her father was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, 1793, and was called to his final rest in 1885. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and assisted in building the blockhouse near Mansfield. James M. Blair is one of a family of three children, the others being Annie R., deceased, and Samuel W., who was born September 27, 1848, and was accidentally killed in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1885. During the progress of hostilities between the North and the South James M. Blair was attending school at Lexington, but he ran away and went to Columbus, Ohio, where he enlisted on the 29th of May, 1862, as a member of Company B, Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three months' service. He was captured at Harper's Ferry, but was afterward paroled and discharged at Camp Delaware October 1, 1862. He then returned home, but subsequently reenlisted, becoming a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-third National Guards. He enlisted five different times, and during the latter part of the war was a corporal in the signal service and topography corps and was on detached duty. He was finally discharged at Camp Chase September 10, 1864, and returned to his home in Lexington. On taking up the pursuits of civil life Mr. Blair entered his father's store, and subsequently established a factory for the manufacture of Venetian window shades. In connection with the conduct of this enterprise he also assisted his father in the drug store, and afterward took up painting, which he followed for a number of years. He still makes his home in Lexington, where he is now engaged in the real-estate business, and he is well known and highly esteemed as a substantial, enterprising and most public-spirited citizen. On the 14th of January, 1865, Mr. Blair was united in marriage to Miss Amanda M. King, who was born near Shelby, April 26, 1842. Her parents were Samuel and Permelia (Cortright) King. The former was born in Pennsylvania December 20, 1808, and died November 14, 1874, while his wife passed away March 29, 1861. They were the parents of five children : Davidson, a member of the Sixth Ohio Battery during the Civil war; 1136 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Mrs. Blair, John M., Henry M. and Abraham C. All are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Blair. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children: Samuel K., born in 1867, married Nellie Oatrnan, and resides in Newark, Licking county, Ohio;, Gertrude B. is the wife of. L. C. Stillwell, of Mount Vernon, who served as prosecuting attorney in Knox county for two terms and is now engaged in private practice; DeWitt Clinton is deceased; Melville C. married Mabel Lucille Maxwell and resides in Mount Vernon ; Winifred is a teacher in the Lexington schools; and Mary is the wife of L. C. Benedict, D. D. S., of Mansfield. Mr. Blair is independent in his political views, voting for the man whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party affiliation. His fellow-townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to many positions of public trust and responsibility. He has served as township clerk and was justice of the peace for six years, his decisions ever being strictly fair and impartial. During the three terms of his incumbency as mayor of the village he instituted many reforms and improvements that have proven of practical value and have materially advanced the general welfare. He was formerly a member of Conger Post, G. A. R., at Lexington, but later transferred his membership to' McLaughlin Post at Mansfield. In the field of political life and commercial activity he has won distinction and today is numbered among the leading, influential and honored citizens of Lexington, where he has made his home for more than half a century. ALFRED WILSON. Alfred Wilson, a representative of farming interests of Springfield township, was born in England on the 4th of September, 1839. In that country his parents spent their entire lives, and Alfred Wilson remained there until about eighteen years of age, when, in 1857, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, induced to this step by the favorable reports he had heard concerning America and her opportunities. The following year he arrived in Richland county. He was one of seven children, four of whom are now living. His brother Henry C. is now living in Oklahoma, while Charles and his sister are residents of England. After arriving in this country Alfred Wilson worked at farm labor until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, his patriotic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he joined the army as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years and was in a number of hotly contested engagements. At Fort Gibson he was wounded in the right arm and still carries the ball in his shoulder. He was always faithful and loyal to the military service assigned him, whether it called him to the lonely picket line or stationed him in the face of danger on the firing line. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1137 When the war was over Mr. Wilson returned to Ohio and began farming on his own account on rented land, thus beginning the cultivation of the place upon which he now resides. Later he purchased the property, becoming owner of ninety-six acres on section 6, Springfield township. This he improved and as the years have passed he has converted it into an excellent farm, its well kept appearance indicating his careful supervision and practical methods. In 1865 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to. Miss Mary J. Nazor, who was born in Ontario, this county, in 1841, her parents having come from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wilson was one of a family of eight children and by her marriage has become the mother of two daughters and four sons: Annie G., the wife of Wesley 'Taylor, of this county; Samuel H., who is living in Morrow county, Ohio ; Charles M., a resident of Crawford county; Jennie M., the wife of Frank Wentz, of this county; William A., deceased; and Lee Byrd, who is married and resides at home. The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and attend its services. Politically Mr. Wilson is a republican and has served as school director for several years, but otherwise has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. No native-born citizen of America was more loyal to the stars and stripes than Mr. Wilson, who, proving his fidelity during the dark days of the Civil war and in the days of peace, has been numbered among those who have stood for progress and improvement along all lines proving of benefit to the community. CAPTAIN ABRAHAM CAHILL CUMMINS. Captain Abraham Cahill Cummins, son of William and Jane (Cahill) Cummins, was born October 29, 1836, on a farm near Shelby, Richland county, Ohio. His paternal grandfather, David Cummins, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1782, and emigrated with his parents to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, where he grew to manhood. He removed with his family to Richland county, Ohio, in 1817, when the father of our subject was eight years old, and here the latter grew to manhood and passed the greater portion of his life, filling many positions of honor and trust. At the age of sixteen Abraham Cahill Cummins matriculated at Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, and graduated therefrom in the class of 1858. He immediately came to Mansfield and entered the law office of Ex-Governor T. W. Bartley as a student,, being admitted to the practice of law in 1860. Subsequently he entered into a partnership with his preceptor, which continued until the outbreak of the Civil War. On the night of the 17th of April, 1861, a meeting was, held by the citizens of Shelby to raise troops to respond to President Lincoln's first call. This was one of the first war meetings held in Ohio, and was presided over by William Cummins, father of the subject of this sketch. The meeting did not adjourn and a full company was enrolled, and on the following day—April 1138 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY 18, 1861- the company proceeded to Columbus and reported for duty. The officers of the Company were : Abraham C. Cummins, captain; Tilman H. Wiggins, first lieutenant, and Henry B., Gaylord, second lieutenant. This was the second company that left Richland county for the war, and was composed of the very best young men from Shelby and vicinity, and was afterward known as Company D, Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. It saw service. in West Virginia until the following August, when, its time having expired, it was mustered out of service August 29, 1861. In September,. 1861, Captain Cummins and others recruited a company for three years service under President Lincoln's second call for three hundred thousand troops. The officers of this . company were: Abraham C. Cummins, captain; Andrew M. Burns, first lieutenant, and George W. Cummins (a brother of the captain), second lieutenant. This company became Company I, Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and veteranized and remained in the service until the close of the war. Captain Cummins resigned, from this company in the latter part of April, 1862, and returned home, but shortly thereafter he recruited a company for three months' service, of which he was commissioned captain. His first lieutenant was Homer C. Ayres and his second lieutenant was James Smith. This company was known as Company H, Eighty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and did. garrison duty largely .at Cumberland, Maryland, and at the expiration of its term of service was mustered out at Camp Delaware, Ohio, after which Captain Cummins was appointed adjutant of Camp Manfield, a camp then used as a rendezvous for men who were drafted into the United States service. Charles T. Sherman - was colonel commanding this camp. After the closing of Camp Mansfield Captain Cummins served for a time with Major Hoyt Sherman, paymaster U. S. A., and later became connected with a military commission which was appointed to adjust the pay of the Home Guards of Missouri, who did loyal service for the Union without going through the formality of being mustered into the United States service, At the close of the work of this commission Captain .Cummins was appointed chief clerk to the depot quartermaster at Little Rock, Arkansas. He afterward became chief clerk to the quartermaster of the Seventh Army Corps and the Department of Arkansas, which position he held until the close of the war. In 1869 Captain Cummins was elected mayor of Mansfield and served one term. In 1871 he was elected trustee of the Mansfield water works, and was reelected for seven continuous terms, filling the office from 1871 to 1893 In 1897 he was appointed by Hon. Huntington Brown, mayor of Mansfield, a member of the board to build a sewage disposal works and a crematory to dispose of the garbage of the city, and was reappointed and served on this board. until the present municipal code went into effect. Captain Cummins is a charter member of McLaughlin Post, G. A. R., and has upon several occasions been its :delegate at department and national encampments, and has served two terms as commander of his post. He is a member of the organization of the survivors of the Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and has twice been honored as its president, which office he is HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1139 filling the present year. He was trustee and secretary of the board that built the memorial building and opera house, and continued as such for several years after its erection. He was a delegate to the national convention that met in St. Louis, Missouri, and nominated Grover Cleveland for the presidency. In 1876 he was a candidate for congress and was the unanimous choice of his county, but, after a hundred and fifty ballots, was beaten by a few votes in a congressional district where his election would have been assured. In all, Captain Cummins has officially served his adopted city in various positions for a third of a century, which shows the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens. Captain Cummins was a member of the board of commissioners from Ohio at the Columbian Exposition, held at Chicago in 1893, and was a member of the committee that erected the Ohio buildings at that wonderful World's Fair. In 1905 Captain Cummins was appointed by Governor Myron T. Herrick a trustee of the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Home at Sandusky, Ohio, vice General Thomas T. Dill, deceased, for the term ending in 1910. On October 13, 1864, Captain Cummins was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Newman, a daughter of Andrew S. Newman and a granddaughter of Jacob Newman,. one of the first settlers in Richland county and one of the founders of Mansfield, who departed this life November 23, 1877. From this union five children were born, all since deceased. PETER GELSANLITER, JR. Peter Gelsanliter, Jr., who carries on agricultural pursuits on section 26, Sandusky township, was born on the farm where he still resides, on the 26th of May, 1863, his parents being Peter and Mary (House) Gelsanliter, natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1834, purchased land in this county and established their home here. The father now makes his home with his son Peter, the mother having passed away in 1888. Their family numbered seven children, as follows : John, who is deceased; two who died in infancy, Peter, of this review; Elizabeth, who has also passed away; Susan, the wife of Kunard Sprou, of Richland county, and George, deceased. Peter Gelsanliter acquired his education in the common schools and has always made his home on the farm where he was born, here owning thirty-two acres of land on section 26, Sandusky township. In the conduct of his agricultural .interests he has met with a well-earned and creditable measure of success, owing to his untiring industry and progressive methods. Mr. Gelsanliter has been twice married. He was first wedded in 1891 to Miss Matilda Eichler, whose birth occurred in Crawford county, Ohio. The two children of this union, John and George, are both deceased. The mother passed away in 1899, and in 1901 Mr. Gelsanliter married Miss Miranda Beach, also a native of Crawford county, Ohio. She was one of a 1140 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY family of five children, and her father is still living, but her mother is deceased. By his second wife our subject has three children: Ethel; Ray, who is deceased; and Leola. In his political views Mr. Gelsanliter is a democrat and has served his fellow townsmen in various positions of public trust and responsibility. He has served as justice of the peace, constable and superintendent, and has likewise acted as a school director for several years. For four ;terms he has been trustee and is still the incumbent in that position. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Lutheran church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. Throughout his entire life, or for a period of forty-five years; he has been a resident of this county and is well-known and esteemed as one of its worthy native sons. PATTERSON T. GATTON. Patterson T. Gatton, successfully engaged in the livery business in Mansfield, was born in Washington township, Richland county, November 24, 1865. His father, Aaron Gatton, was likewise born in Washington township, Richland county, his natal day being August 27, 1845, while his parents were Thomas and Sarah (Gatton) Gatton. The former was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, and was but five years of age when his father, James Gatton, who had come from Maryland, was called to his final rest. Thomas Gatton was bound out to a man named Beavers, who misused him, and for this reason his brother brought him to Richland county about eighty years ago. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company 0, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died from blood poisoning resulting from a wound which he received at the battle of Stone River, Tennessee. His wife, however, still survives, having now attained the age of eighty-eight years. Their family numbered .four children: David, who is a practicing physician located in Mahaska county, Iowa; Rachel, who resides with her mother; Aaron ; and John. Aaron Gatton was educated in the common schools of Washington township and remained at home until the time of his marriage to Miss Mary J. Shively, of Richland county. This union has been blessed with five children, namely: Patterson T., of this review; James A., born August 27, 1870, who is a dealer in horses and is also engaged in the livery business in Mansfield; Harry, a horse dealer of Bellville, Ohio ; Nancy A., at home, and Sadie, the wife of Charles Grice, a street car conductor of Mansfield. Aaron Gatton gives his allegiance to the democracy where national questions and issues are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot. Patterson T. Gatton acquired a common-school education, and began dealing in horses when but fifteen year of age, having continued in this line of activity to the present time. He has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of success in his undertakings and is widely recognized as one of the HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1141 most prominent and best known dealers in the county, making extensive shipments. In 1887 Mr. Gatton was united in marriage to Miss Etta Muttis, of Richland county, by whom he has two children : Carl, who is engaged in the livery business in Mansfield in connection with his uncle; and Beatrice, at home. Mr. Patton casts his vote for the men and measures of the republican party and gives stalwart support to every movement calculated to advance the general welfare or promote the upbuilding of his native county. He has gained many friends throughout the community and is well known as an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, an honorable and upright business man and a devoted husband and father. JOSEPH HAVERFIELD. Joseph Haverfield, who is living retired on his valuable farm of eighty acres in Weller township, was born on this place on the 28th of February, 1831, his parents being James and Mary (Allen) Haverfield, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland. The father emigrated to this country in an early day and participated in the war of 1812. Entering a tract of eighty acres of land from the government, situated in Weller township, Richland county, Ohio, he erected a log cabin thereon and made his home here until the time of his demise. His family numbered nine children, as follows: William, James, John, Allen, Joseph, Ellen, Nancy, Jane and May. With the exception of the subject of this review all are now deceased. Joseph Haverfield acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He first rented and subsequently purchased the old homestead farm of eighty acres, on which he has since resided, being successfully engaged in the work of the fields until 1905, when he retired from active life. His agricultural interests were ever carried on systematically and energetically and the fields annually returned to him golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestowed upon them. Mr. Haverfield also has a creditable military record, having enlisted in 1861 as a member of Company M, Second Ohio Cavalry, and serving for three years. He fought the bushwhackers in Missouri, and while the command was in that state there were two companies of Indians in his regiment. He also participated in the battle at Knoxville and in many other hotly contested engagements, never faltering in the performance of any task assigned him. Being honorably discharged in September, 1864, he returned to his farm in this county and once more took up the pursuits of civil life. In 1855 Mr. Haverfield was united in marriage to Miss Louisa McMillan, who was born in Richland county March 1, 1833, and who passed away June 29, 1896. She had become the mother of nine children, namely : May J., deceased; Elizabeth, residing at Mount Vernon ; Alexander, who makes his 1142 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY home in North Dakota; Joetta, wbo has also passed away; Emma C., the wife of Frederick Johnston, of Aliceburg; James A., residing in this county; Cynthia, the wife of Oliver Stull, of Seattle, Washington; Nettie, who became the wife of W. A. Pittenger and resides in Richland county, and Rhoda, the wife of Edward Pugh, of Mansfield: Mr. Haverfield also has twenty-two grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Politically Mr. Haverfield is a stanch republican and has served his fellow townsmen as trustee, assessor and constable. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Jacob Ward Post, No. 467, G. A: R. Having been a resident of this county throughout his entire life, covering a period of seventy-seven years, he has witnessed the greater part of its upbuilding and development, and his useful and honorable career has made him worthy the respect and esteem which are every where accorded him. HARRY C. LEWIS. Harry C. Lewis,. a wide-awake and enterprising young man, who for the past three years has been proprietor of the Irwin Hotel in Plymouth, is well known not only to the local trade but also among the traveling public. He is a native son of Richland county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Madison township, February 12, 1872. The paternal grandfather, Fletcher Lewis, was born in Richland county and spent his entire life here, passing away when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-nine years. He was numbered among the prominent pioneers of this section of the state and lived here when Mansfield contained but twelve houses. At the time of his demise he was the third oldest native-born resident of the county. His maternal great-grandfather, David Bell, came to Richland county from Maryland at a very early period in its history and helped to clear the land on which the west portion of the city of Mansfield now stands. His son, Samuel Bell, the grandfather of our subject, was a youth of seventeen years at the time of his demise parents' removal from Maryland to this county.. The parents of our subject, John D. and. Harriet (Bell) Lewis, were farming people of Springfield township, this county, and the mother is a representative of the Bell family, for which the city of Bellville was named. Their family numbered six sons and two daughters, of whom our subject is the second in order of birth. Harry C. Lewis, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof, spending his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farm lads. He was a lad of twelve years when his parents removed from Madison township to Franklin township, where he was reared to the age of eighteen years, when a removal was made to a farm' in Springfield township. He continued under the parental roof until he reached mature years when he engaged in farming on his own account, operating rented land. He then engaged in the livery business for two years in. Galion, after which he once more resumed farm labor, which he followed for four years. He afterward HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1143 acted as superintendent of the A. J. Twitchell fruit farm in Springfield township for five years, on the expiration of which period he came to Plymouth and took charge of the Irwin Hotel. Mr. Lewis has proven himself well fitted for the place which he now occupies, for he is ever courteous to his patrons, studies their wishes and demands and has, therefore, won a large and extensive patronage. He was formerly manager of the Farmers Farm Company of Pittsburg, owning five thousand acres of land situated two and a half miles west of Plymouth, and employing about one hundred and forty men in the, operation of the same. However, Mr. Lewis now gives his entire time and attention to his hotel interests. On the 15th of February, 1893, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Martha Hartpee, a native of Springfield township, and a daughter of Corrington and Abigail (Williams) Hartpee, both of whom passed away in Springfield township, where the father was numbered as a pioneer settler. He served in the Civil war as a member of Company G, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, continuing at the front for three years and four months. He participated in many important engagements, including Shiloh, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Murfreesboro and many others. By her marriage Mrs. Lewis has become the mother of one daughter, Mabel. Mr. Lewis has been a lifelong democrat, and fraternally is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a genial landlord, hrs hostelry ranking favorably with those of many a larger place, and its proprietor neglects nothing that can add to the comfort of his guests. JOHN W. BAUGHMAN. Prominent among the prosperous and most industrious farmers of Richland county is John W. Baughman, of Jefferson township. He was born in Monroe township, Richland county, Ohio, in 1838. He is a son of Aaron and Katharine (Schrack) Baughman, and is the great-grandson of Abraham Baughman, who was born on the Atlantic ocean as his parents were en route from Wurtemburg, Germany, to America, in 1755, and who, upon their arrival in this country, settled in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, but later came to Ohio. Upon coming to this state Abraham Baughman settled in Monroe township, Richland county, where he was one of the first, if not the very first, pioneer settler in Richland county. Aaron Baughman and his twin brother, Moses, were born in the Mansfield blockhouse in 1812, where the parents had gone for protection from the Indians. Moses died in infancy and Aaron lived to a good old age. John W. Baughman acquired a good common-school education, and through reading and experience in later years has constantly added to his knowledge, being well informed on all subjects of importance. He was reared to farm life and has found it to be congenial to his tastes, believing it to be "the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man," as George Washington expressed it. 1144 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Nothing is more noticeable in tracing the biographical history of a nation than the diversity of talents and character brought to bear upon patriotic work; common laborers, farmers and mechanics stand side by side with professional men, statesmen, ministers and judges. in defending their common country. With that single patriotic impulse which has inspired men in the past to perform heroic deeds, John Baughman entered the ranks of the Union army and fought for his country during the war . of the rebellion. On August 12, 1862, he enlisted for three years in Company B, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out of the service June 19, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio, by order of the war department. The One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment was organized in Mansfield, Ohio, in October, 1862. It was consolidated with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1864. The official list of battles in which the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment bore an honorable part has not been published by the war department as yet, but the following list has been carefully compiled : Chickasaw Bayou, Mississippi, December 28-29, 1862; Arkansas Post, Arkansas January 11, 1863; Thompson's Hill, Mississippi (Port Gibson), May 1, 1863; siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, May 18th to July 4, 1863; Big Black River, Mississippi, May 17, 1863; Jackson, Mississippi, July 9-16, 1868; Transport "City Belle" (near Snaggy Point, Red River, Louisiana), May 3, 1864. The year 1864 opened with an expedition from New Orleans under General Banks and Admiral Porter to the region known as the Red River country. Banks was defeated at Sabine Crossroads on the 8th of April and was forced to retreat. He repulsed an attack at Pleasant Hill on the 9th, but continued his retreat, and the expedition proved a failure to the Union cause. Red river is the southernmost of the larger affluents of the Mississippi, and is formed by several forks, rising in the canyons of the desert called El Llano Estacado, in northwestern Texas, and has a total length of twelve hundred 'miles, five hundred miles of which are navigable. One cause of the failure of the. Red river expedition was the low stage of water at the time. On the 3d of May, 1864, while on this Red river expedition Mr. Baughman was taken prisoner near Snaggy Point. He was taken to Camp Ford prison, in Smith county, Texas, where he was kept a prisoner for over thirteen months. Two years after Mr. Baughman's return from the army he was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Mowry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Mowry, and to that union eight children have been born, one of whom died in infancy. During the first fifteen or twenty years of Mr. Baughman's married life the family resided in Worthington township, but later removed to Jefferson township, where they own and reside upon a good farm on the old state road, two miles south of Bellville. This farm has historical associations, it having been the pioneer home of Major Poppleton,. who, in the war of the Revolution, hoisted the American flag at Ticonderoga, when it was taken by Colonel Allen, who demanded its surrender in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress. Politically Mr. Baughman is a democrat, as the representatives of the name have been from generation' to generation. He has never sought office, HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1145 however, preferring the quietude of private life. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades as a member of Miller Moody Post, G. A. R.; of Bellville, in which he has held official positions. He was a brave soldier, is an upright citizen and is held in high esteem by his fellowmen. He has most estimable wife, who is truly a helpmate, and they have reared a family of children of whom any parents might well be proud. He is keen witted and is able at a glance to place a correct valuation upon men and affairs. Amidst the quiet pursuits of a country life and the endearing surroundings of a happy home he is passing the ripened years of a well-spent life and is worthy a place on the tablets of history. GUSTAV ETZ. Gustav Etz, who is the only implement dealer in the village of Bellville and conducts an extensive business in this line, was born in Richland county, Ohio, February 24, 1854, his parents being Philip and Katherine (Wilhelm) Etz, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to Richland county in 1851; the father purchasing land here and giving his attention to agricultural pursuits until the time of his demise in 1875. His family numbered ten children, namely : Louis, who makes his home in Michigan ; C. W., of Mansfield, Ohio ; Gustav, of this review ; Pauline, the wife of William Sonner, of Washington township ; Henrietta, at home ; Charles, who is also on the home farm; Albert and William, both of Richland county ; Frank, at home; and Philip, deceased. Gustav Etz acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He taught school for a period of nine years and also handled and shipped hay for some time. For the past ten years, however, he has been identified with the implement business, his stock including Deering harvesting machinery and twine, grain drills, wagons, corn and potato planters, spring steel fence, potato diggers, plows, harrows, cultivators, gasoline engines, paints, oils, whips, etc. He is the only implement dealer in the village of Bellville and has gained an extensive patronage by reason of his straightforward and reliable business methods as well as the excellent quality of his goods. He owns the store in which he conducts his enterprise and his property holdings also include a fine residence in BelIville. He has been an important factor in the business circles of Bellville and his prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags. In 1882 occurred the marriage of Mr. Etz and Miss Mary Searfor, a native of this county and a daughter of Jacob and Esther Jane (Grub) Searfor. The father, who was born in Virginia, February 19, 1832, is now deceased. The mother of Mrs. Etz was born in Pennsylvania, July 6, 1830, and in the same year was brought by her parents to Richland county, Ohio, her father purchasing a tract of timber land here. He built a log cabin with clapboard roof 1146 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY and puncheon floor and made his home in this pioneer structure for fifteen years, clearing his farm and bringing it under a high state of cultivation. There was a sugar grove of six hundred trees on the place and he manufactured syrup on quite an extensive scale. His demise occurred January 8, 1868, while his wife survived him for ten years, being called to her final rest November 20, 1878. Their family numbered three children, namely: Mrs. Esther Jane Searfor; and Acenia and Amelia, both of whom are deceased. In 1854 the first named gave her hand in marriage to Jacob Searfor, who passed away February 1, 1902, and by whom she had three children : Robert A., whose birth occurred in 1855 but who is now deceased; Mrs. Mary Etz, who was born .December 9, 1858 and David R., born November 20, 1863, who makes his home in this county. Jacob Searfor enlisted for one hundred days' service in the Union army at the time of the Civil war. He was a devoted member of the Evangelical church, with which denomination his wife is still identified. The latter owns eighty acres of valuable land in Jefferson township and also has a fine residence in Bellville. She is widely known and highly esteemed as one of the prominent pioneer ladies of the county, having for seventy-eight years been an interested witness of its wonderful growth and development. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Etz were born two children : Jessie L., at home; and Fred, deceased. The parents ,are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Etz gives his political allegiance to the democracy. He is public-spirited, giving his cooperation to every movement which tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of his native county. WALTER S. BRADFORD. Walter S. Bradford, whose official record is winning for him high encomiums because of his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of his duties, is now serving as city auditor of Mansfield. He was born here October 22, 1872, and is a son of Walter S. Bradford, Sr., whose birth occurred in Medina, Ohio, on the 8th of September, 1833. The latter was educated as a civil engineer and followed that profession for a time in Iowa and Wisconsin. At the time of the Civil war he raised a company and was commissioned captain of Company E, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and was later transferred to Company K. He remained in the service until hostilities ceased and was afterward an honored member of the Grand Army post at Mansfield. Prior to entering the army he had removed to Mansfield and here he opened an office in 1870 for the practice of law. He continued a member of the bar here until his death on the 30th of July, 1900. He was very prominent in republican politics in this county and was clerk of the court of common pleas for three years, retiring from that office in 1863. He married Amanda J. Day, a native of Richland county and a daughter of Amos Day, who was one of the first pioneers of the county. She is still living at the age of sixty-eight years. Their family numbered five children, of whom Walter S., Jr., is the second in order of birth, and four are still living. The family record is as HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1147 follows : Orin D., who departed this life in 1903 ; Walter S., of this review ; Jessie A., the wife of Charles Bond, of Winslow, Arizona ; Florence E., at home ; and Robert L., a ranch owner of Anthony, Kansas. The public-school system of Mansfield afforded Walter S. Bradford, Jr., his early educational privileges and later he attended the Ohio Business College of this city. He made his initial step in the business world in the employ of E. J. Potter, .a photographer, with whom he remained for a year and then worked for Joseph J. Tischler, a photographer of Crestline, Ohio, where he continued for a year. He was afterward with the Union News Company at the Union depot of Mansfield until the fall of 1893 and through the succeeding three years he worked in his father's law office and read law. In 1896 he started with a companion for Cuba on a filibustering expedition, but missed the expedition, which left Fernandina, Florida, in December. He then spent the winter in Florida and in March went to St. Petersburg, that state, making several futile attempts to reach Cuba and join the army. Not having the opportunity, he returned to Mansfield in May, 1897, and entered the insurance business until the war broke out, when his military spirit again responded to a call to arms. He had enlisted in the Ohio National Guard as a member of Company M, Eighth Infantry, in 1893. In July, 1895, he was appointed corporal by promotion from the ranks, was made sergeant in July, 1896, and in January, 1898, was elected second lieutenant. On the 13th of May, 1898, he was mustered into the United States army and served as the second lieutenant until November 21, 1898, doing duty at Santiago, Cuba, where he lnded on the 10th of July. He was mustered out in the following November and returned home. Mr. Bradford then entered the insurance business, in which he continued until May, 1902, when he went to Chelan county, Washington, where he engaged in prospecting in the Cascade mountains until October, 1902. He then went to Seattle, where he was engaged as a traveling salesman for the Chicago Moulding Company, continuing his connection therewith until January 25, 1903. At that date he returned to Mansfield on account of the illness of his brother and again he took up insurance work, in which he continued until March, 1904. He afterward entered the cigar business, establishing the Saratoga Cigar Store at No. 78 North Main street and of this he is still proprietor, doing a good business in that line. . Mr. Bradford is also somewhat prominent locally in political circles and was elected to the office of city auditor in November, 1907. He is a republican in politics and is interested in all community affairs, whether of a political nature or otherwise. After being mustered out of the United States service he was elected first lieutenant of Company M of the Eighth Ohio Infantry, and in 1900 was elected captain. On going to the west he resigned this commission, but upon his return he was reelected, March 3, 1903, and served in that capacity to the present time. His fraternal relations are with Venus Lodge of Masons, Madison Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the United Spanish War Veterans and the Sons of Veterans. He is also a member of the First Congregational church. 1148 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Mr. Bradford was married at Jeromeville, Ohio, to Doris, a daughter of Alexander Griffith, on the 29th of June, 1904, and they have interesting little twin daughters, Mary and Eleanor, born December 16, 1906. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bradford have many friends in the community and are well known socially. J. T. SHAFFER. J. T. Shaffer, successfully conducting business as a gardener, his home being on section 23, Springfield township, is a. native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. His father, Thomas Shaffer, was also born in that state and was a son of John Shaffer, whose birth ocurred in Westmoreland county, Maryland. The great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany and the founder of the family in the new world. Earlier generations of the family always followed agricultural pursuits, but various representatives of the family during the last three generations have been connected with the trades and professions, Thomas Shaffer, father of our subject, learned the stone-mason's trade when a boy, but in later years took up farming and remained a resident of Pennsylvania during the period of his active life. In 1891 he .came to Mansfield to live with his son J. T. Shaffer, and when he passed away, three years later, his remains were taken to Johnsville, Morrow county, Ohio, and laid to rest in the old Shock cemetery. In early manhood he wedded Mary Elizabeth Wolford, who was born in Pennsylvania and was of Scotch lineage. She died in 1892 and was laid to rest by the side of her husband at Johnsville. Their family numbered a son and two daughters, J. T. Shaffer being the eldest. His sisters were Mrs. Carrie Conner, of Johnsville, who died September 3, 1908; and Mrs. Melvin Lane, of Mount Gilead, Ohio, also deceased. J. T. Shaffer mastered the elementary branches of English learning as a student in the public schools of Pennsylvania, which he attended until he reached the age of ten years. He then accompanied his parents to Johnsville, Ohio, where he attended the high school, while later he pursued a normal course. Being thus well qualified for educational work, he began teaching in the public schools in the vicinity of Johnsville and followed the profession for nine years, proving competent to handle the interests of the schools with which he was connected, both in the matter of discipline and instruction. He was afterward engaged in bookkeeping for a year and then, because of impaired health, was obliged to seek outdoor employment. Accordingly he came to Mansfield and entered the employ of Joe Brumenshenkel, a gardener, on Marion avenue, with whom he continued until about four years ago, when he determined to engage in business on his own account and bought ten acres of land in Springfield township. He then began gardening on his own account. He repaired the house and barn and has added many. modern equipments until he has one of the nice homes in Springfield township. He built quite an extensive forcing house and has added to its as the business has developed. Already his trade is extensive and he finds a ready sale upon HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 1149 the market for all the, garden products which he produces. In cultivation he makes a specialty of size and flavor, and such is the quality of vegetables which he raises that there is a constant demand for what is sold from the Shaffer farm. In 1897 occurred the marriage of J. T. Shaffer and Miss Etta M. Huffman, a resident of Blooming Grove, Morrow county, Ohio. Their only child, Martha May, was born on the 1st of January, 1908, and died September 2, 1908. In his political and in his religious views Mr. Shaffer is liberal and yet stands for high ideals, both in citizenship and in conduct. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. Whatever success .he has achieved is due entirely to his own labors, and his perseverance and energy constitute the key which has unlocked for him the portals of success. DAVID FLEMING. David Fleming, successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 18, Jefferson township, was born on this farm on the 19th of November, 1857, his parents being George and Sarah (Douglas) Fleming. The father, a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, came to Richland county, Ohio, at an early day, purchased land and remained here until the time of his death, which occurred December 3, 1873, his wife surviving him until July 10, 1894, when she, too, was called to her final rest. Their family numbered ten children, namely : one who died at birth; John, Mary E. and George, all of whom have passed away; Sarah Jane, who makes her home with her brother David; Emily Ann, the wife of Nathaniel Beaty, of Allen county, Ohio ; William, of Knox county; James H., living in Richland county ; David, of this review; and Maggie E., the wife of Edward Douglas, of Monroe county, Ohio. David Fleming acquired a common-school education and was reared on his father's farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After attaining adult years he rented the old homestead, but after his mother's death purchased the place, which he has since successfully operated. It comprises one hundred and six acres of rich and productive land on section 18, Jefferson township, and in connection with the tilling of the soil he also raises and feeds stock, meeting with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in both undertakings and being recognized as one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the community. In 1891 Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Ann Fike, a native of this county and a daughter of Isaac and Mary J. (Cooke) Fike. She passed away March 29, 1893, leaving one daughter, Viola May, who is at home. Mr. Fleming gives stalwart allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has served as school director for six years, the cause of education finding in him a stanch friend. His religious faith is indicated by