700 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY David, were still younger. When. the war was over John Moffett carried on blacksmithing in Lucas, continuing the business until 1869, when he removed to Clay county, Kansas, where he purchased a quarter section of land. There, in connection with work at his trade, he also followed farming for three years, on the expiration of which period he traded his land for a farm in Monroe township, Richland county, and took up his abode thereon. For six years he continued its cultivation and then once more returned to Lucas, where he opened a blacksmith shop. He retained ownership of the farm, however, until recent years, when he sold it to his youngest son. He still remains an active man, and, although he has given up horseshoeing, he is still proprietor of quite an extensive establishment, owning his own building, stock and equipment, and from this he derives a good rental. He is also owner of a nice residence in the village, and altogether has been a prosperous man, winning success as the years have passed by. In 1867 Mr. Moffett was married to Miss Susan Ford, a resident. of Richland county, and unto them have been born five children: E. A. is now the owner of the farm in Madison township formerly, owned by his father. Lloyd enlisted in the infantry for service in the late war with Spain, but on account of his early electrical training he was transferred to the signal corps and served for three years in the Philippine Islands. He returned home with impaired health and will never again be a strong man, this being another instance of a brave boy who has practically given his life to the flag. Wilma, the next member of the family, is deceased. Sidney S., who served for three years with the coast artillery, lived to return home, but was killed in a railroad accident while acting as brakeman on the Pennsylvania railroad. Nettie, the youngest, is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Moffett hold membership in the English church. He is a republican in politics, stalwart in support of the party, has been township trustee a.nd has served on the school board for the past twenty years. He belongs to the Grand Army post at Lucas, was its first quartermaster, and, with the exception of a period spent in Kansas, has continued to fill that position. His life has ever been free from ostentation or display, but those who know him recognize the fact that he has always been faithful to duty, whether on the tented fields of the south, in office, or in the discharge of the duties that have come to him in the relations of private life. He therefore commands and receives the respect which is everywhere accorded genuine worth. DAVID GANO. David Gano is numbered among the prosperous and progressive farmers and stock-raisers of Richland county, owning and operating a valuable tract of land comprising two hundred acres, situated on section 15, Perry township. He is also filling the office of justice of the peace and in this connection is well known. Mr. Gano was born in Delaware county, Ohio, February HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 701 1848, a son of Elijah and Chloe (Stevens) Gano. The father was born the Buckeye state in 1820 and died in 1899, at the age of seventy-nine ars, while the mother, who was born in New York in 1823, died in 1888. Their union was blessed with five children, namely : Amanda, the wife of Dr. Pierce, of Sparta, this state; David, of this review; Lorenzo, who is deceased; Anna E., who has also passed away; and Ora Zabie, the wife of Bennis Scott, of Knox county, Ohio. David Gano was reared under the parental roof and was educated in the common schools near his father's home. He remained at home until he reached years of maturity, having in the meantime assisted in the operation of the home place. He started upon his business career by renting his father's farm, which he cultivated for twenty years, during which time he met with success. At the end of that period he purchased one hundred acres of land, situated in Union county, and there took up his abode. After three years' residence in Union county he sold his property and purchased the farm on section 15, Perry township, Richland county, which has since been his place of residence. This property embraces two hundred acres and is now in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Gano has improved his farm with a good residence and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, while his land has been drained and fenced, so that the soil yields abundant harvest as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon it. In addition to carrying on general agricultural pursuits, he is also engaged in raising and breeding blooded stock, and this branch of his business is proving a profitable source of revenue to him. It was in 1876 that Mr. Gano established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Lydia A. Huntsman, who was born in Morrow county, this state, in 1851, a daughter of William and Catharine Huntsman. The father was born in Perry township in 1817 and died in 1901, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, while the mother was a native of the Keystone state and passed away in 1858. Their family numbered six children, as follows: Theodore, who has passed away ; -Nancy J., the wife of J. W. Thuma, of Morrow county, Ohio; Mary E., the deceased wife of George Hiskey ; Clarissa, deceased; Lydia A., now Mrs. Gano; and Minerva, the wife of C. Hall, a resident of Mansfield, this state. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gano has been blessed with three daughters and one son, namely: Cora E., the. wife of Guy Sipe; a resident of Perry township; Chloe, who 'is deceased; Harry B., at home; and Mary, also deceased. Politically Mr. Gano is a republican and for three years served as supervisor, while at the present writing .he. is filling the office of justice of the peace, in which connection he is rendering decisions that are fair and impartial to all. His fraternal relations are with I. O. O. F. lodge, at Johnsville, while both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. He is a man to whom has been entrusted. important public service and over whose record there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil. His unbending integrity of character, his fearlessness in the discharge of his duties and his appreciation of the responsibilities that rest upon him are such as to make him a most acceptable incumbent in the office which he is 702 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY now filling, hile his private business affairs are ever conducted in the most honorable method, so that he has won high commendation and respect from his fellow townsmen. MRS. ELIZA J. YOUNG. Mrs. Eliza J. Young is residing on section 21, Jefferson township, where she owns and cultivates one hundred and forty acres of land. She also has other farm property in the county and real estate in Bellville. She was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came to Richland county, Ohio, in 1845 with her parents, Levi and Sarah Watson. On leaving the Keystone State her father became identified with the farming interests of Ohio, purchasing a tract of land in Richland county, which he converted into a well improved and highly cultivated property. Extended mention of his life is made on another page of this work. Mrs. Young spent her girlhood days under the parental roof upon th home farm, in this county and is indebted to the public-school system for th educational privileges which she enjoyed. She was also trained to the work of the household, so that she was well qUalified to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage. On the 29th of July, 1879, she became the .wife of David L. Young, who was born in Jefferson township, Richland county, March 31, 1824, and was a son of John and Susan Young, who were natives of Pennsylvania but came to Ohio in early life and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of this .part of the state. Their son David was one of a family of six children. He was reared to farm life and always carried on general agricultural pursuits. The methods of farming, however, changed greatly during .his life. For many centuries there had been little progre made in the manner of carrying On the farm. The tiller of the soil walked across the fields behind his plow, guiding the share as it turned th furrows, and the seed was dropped by hand and covered with a hoe. The grain was cut wion the scythe and bound.by hand and the methods of threshing were also primitive as compared with those in use at the present time As changes were gradually brought about in the methods of farming, Mr. Young kept in touch with general advancement and was recognized as one of the wide-awake and progressive agriculturists of the community. He related many interesting incidents of the early days when Richland county was a pioneer district, giving little promise of rapid future development. The soil was largely uncultivated and many acres were yet covered with the native forest. Evidences of Indian residence here were yet seen and various kinds of wild beasts. roamed through the woods, whie wild game could be had in abundance and, furnished many a meal for the early settlers. The meal were largely. prepared in kettles which swung from the crane over the fireplace, while other food products were baked in skillets placed amid the hot coals. In his boyhood days even kerosene was not in use, the houses being lighted by candles, while much .of the clothing for the family was made of HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 705 homespun goods. Mr. Young related in interesting manner many incidents of those early days when the settlers had to depend upon what they raised for nearly everything they had. It was a period when hospitality, however, found place in almost every home and when good cheer characterized all social gatherings. As the years passed Mr. Young carried on the farm work, the only interruption to his agricultural pursuits being when he served in the Civil war for one hundred days. In matters of citizenship he was always faithful and progressive. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young was born one son, Levi, who is now living in Jefferson township. The death of Mr. Young occurred April 17, 1907, when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Young still survives her husband and is now the owner of a valuable farm property of one hundred and forty acres on section 21, Jefferson township. She also has one hundred and eleven acres on section 19 of the same township and she owns a dwelling and six lots in Bellville. Her farms are always kept in good condition and from her property she derives a gratifying annual income. To its development she personally gives her supervision and keeps in touch with her business affairs, displaying keen discrimination and sound judgment in the control of her agricultural interests. She is widely known in the county where almost her entire life has been passed and has always displayed those traits of character which win kindly regard in every land and clime. WILLIAM ADRAIN. William Adrain, deceased, was born at the old family homestead, four and one-half miles west of Mansfield, December 20,. 1831. His grandfather, Robert Adrain, LL.D., was born in Carrickfergus, Ireland, September 30, 1775. The great-grandfather was a native of France, who, together with his two brothers, left that country after the revocation of the edict of Nantes and settled in the northern part of Ireland. Their 'occupation while in their own country was the making of mathematical instruments. Among various means of support in Ireland they engaged in teaching school throughout the country, but subsequently the father of Robert sailed a small vessel from the north of Ireland to the neighboring islands. He was known as a man of great wit and an excellent conversationalist. Discovering in his son Robert, who was the eldest of five children, unusual and early development of wit and brilliancy, he determined to use every effort to educate him with a view to the ministry. A remarkable aptitude for learning made the boy a great 'favorite with his instructors, but at the age of fifteen he had the misfortune to lose both his father and mother, which terminated his career as a student. As a means of livelihood he immediately opened a school at Ballyclare and it was while teaching at this place that he first manifested his unusual powers as a mathematician. He happened one day to be looking through an old arithmetic which contained the algebraic symbols, the meaning of which he knew nothing. Being of a mathematical turn of mind; 706 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY however, he gave himself no rest until he had thoroughly mastered the stud and in a short time was able to solve and explain any problem in arithmetic by algebra. Thus the first step of this youthful genius in mathematical science was made by his own unaided efforts, and he henceforth devoted himself enthusiastically and untiringly to its further mastery and pursuit. He became so successful as a teacher that a Mr. Mortimer, a man of great wealth and influence in the town of Climber, engaged him as private instructor for his children. This gentleman treated him as one of the family and everything was very pleasant and homelike, but the trend of circumstances soon changed this peaceful existence. The Irish rebellion broke out in 1798 and Mr. Mortimer, who was an officer of the government, was engaged in taking the oath of allegiance from all those whom it was thought might be in sympathy with the uprising. Having not the least fear that Mr. Adrain was on the side of the degraded rebels, as he called them, he had omitted to make him give his oath of allegiance. However, on learning that Mr. Adrain was at the head of a company and had been drilling for some time, he became much enraged and immediately sent out details of men in all directions, offering fifty pounds for his capture. While preparations were being made for the battle of Saintfield, which took place the next day, Mr. Mortimer was seriously wounded and Mr. Adrain also received a dangerous wound in the back from one of his own men. As there were no hopes of the latter's recovery, the search for him was abandoned, and after much suffering and many miraculous escapes, he assumed the garb of a weaver- and made his way to America. The yellow fever was prevalent in New York city upon his arrival and on hearing that employment as a teacher could be obtained in New Jersey, he lost no time in crossing the Hudson. Walking the entire distance to Princeton in search of a situation, he was at once engaged in the academy at that place, which was .the beginning of his successful career in this land of republican institutions. He remained at Princeton for about three years, when he removed to York, 'Pennsylvania, and became the. principal of York County Academy. While there he wrote many instructive articles for the Mathematical Correspondent, a paper published by George Baron. He remained at York until 1805, when he removed to Reading, Pennsylvania, taking charge of the academy there. While in Reading he published a mathematical periodical of his own called "The Analyst," which he conducted for several years with great success. Mr. Adrain discovered the true and correct rule, which was adopted, for correcting the dead reckoning at sea. In the year 1810 he was called to the professorship of mathematics at Rutgers College, New Brunswick, New Jersey, and soon after his engagement there the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him. In 1812 he was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society, in the following year becoming a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and subsequently was elected a member of several of the philosophical societies of Europe. In the fall of 1813 Dr. Adrain, without solicitation on his part, was elected to supply the place of Dr. Kemp, deceased, as professor of mathematics and natural philosophy in Columbia College, New York, and this position he held until 1825, when he resigned on account of HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 707 his wife's health. They went „back to Rutgers College, where they could get more of the country life and air, and there Dr. Adrain remained throughout' the remainder of his earthly pilgrimage. When he was called to his final rest in 1844 it was universally acknowledged that the world had lost one of its brightest self-made scholars. John Adrain, the father of William Adrain, was a native of New York city and came to Richland county in 1816; settling in Springfield township, four miles west of Mansfield. He afterward took up his abode in Madison township, and with the exception of one year spent in New York, he lived in this neighborhood for sixty-seven years, the last three of which were spent in Mansfield. His family numbered ten children,. of whom four are still living. His demise occurred June 5, 1883, when he had attained the age of eighty-two years, three months and sixteen days, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. A. Boughton, on West Fourth street. He was a highly respected and upright man and a member of the United Presbyterian church. William Adrain spent the days of his boyhood and youth on the home farm and obtained his education in the .district school. When still quite young he came to Mansfield and clerked in the clothing store of M. L: Miller, being subsequently employed by Dickson & Byrd, grocers. He also worked for James and Victor Dickson and afterward embarked in the grocery business with Victor Dickson, which partnership continued for some time. On its dissolution Mr. Adrain associated himself with Wilbur Finney for the conduct of a grocery enterprise, this connection continuing for several years. He was engaged in that line of activity altogether for twenty-five years and was well known throughout the county as a man of excellent business ability, whose success was well merited. On the 3d of December, 1868, at Findlay, Ohio, William Adrain was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Howard. Her grandparents, John and Abigail Howard, came to Richland county in the year 1815. Their son, Captain Samuel Howard, the father of Mrs. Adrain, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1814, and grew to young manhood in Ohio, acquiring his education in the schools of that early day. When nineteen years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Hancock county and assisted in establishing a home on the frontier. They settled on eighty acres of land in Portage township, which the father had entered July 17, 1833. Samuel Howard borrowed fifty dollars from his father and entered forty acres in his own name, promising to keep the family in provisions for one year in payment of his debt. This promise he faithfully fulfilled, though it cost him many a hard day's work and many nights devoted to search for game. He paid sixteen dollars per barrel for flour and a dollar and a half per bushel for corn. When he began life as a married man he had, in addition to his forty acres of land, a good wife, a robust constitution and much energy. His upright character made him much respected and his honesty was never questioned by either friend or foe, his fellow. townsmen showing their confidence in him by calling him to public office. He was elected justice of the peace and later was made treasurer of Hancock county, being reelected to that position 708 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY in 1852. When the Civil war broke out he was one of the first to respond to the call for troops and, although more than forty years of age, he recruited a company in August, 1862, with the assistance of others. It was assigned to the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was known as Company G, of which he was captain. After the battle of Moss Creek he had the misfortune to break his leg and resigned in April, 1864, being unfit for further duty. He was again elected to the office of county treasurer of Hancock county in 1878 and once more filled the position in 1880. He subscribed one thousand dollars for the erection of the new Methodist Episcopal church at Findlay, and when the time of payment came he made it twelve hundred dollars. It was therefore called the Howard church. He was a devout Christian and a man of broad humanitarian spirit, who made friends of all with whom he came in contact. His death, which occurred at his home in Findlay, Ohio, March 13, 1888, when he had attained the age of. seventy-three years and four months, was the occasion of deep and sincere regret. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and the Odd Fellows and in politics was a democrat. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Howard, was a native of Guernsey county, Pennsylvania; and passed away January 21, 1901, at the age of eighty-six years. Lizzie Bell Adrain, the only child and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Adrain, was graduated from the Mansfield schools in 1890, and in 1892. gave her hand in marriage to Frank Henry Marquis. The three children who have been born of this union are Edith Arline, William Taylor and Joseph Howard Marquis. Mr. Marquis is assistant cashier in the Mansfield Savings Bank, of which Mr. Brinkerhoff is president. Although still a young man, he has already demonstrated his ability and worth and undoubtedly has a bright future before him. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. He is likewise a very prominent and active member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Marquis is especially talented as a vocalist and for several years was the leading soprano in the church choir to which she belonged. William Adrain was a democrat in his political views, while in religious belief he was a Methodist. His fraternal relations were with Venus Lodge, No. 152, F. & A.. M., and in his life he exemplified the teachings of the craft. He was essentially a man of domestic tastes, devoted to his family, so that his death, which occurred September 10, 1901, came as a great blow in the home circle. He had rounded out the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten and throughout his entire life had so lived as to win the admiration and respect of all with whom he was associated in business or social relations. HON. JAY FORD LANING.  Jay Ford Laning, a member of congress from the fourteenth Ohio district, was born at New London, Ohio, May 15, 1853, and was educated at Savannah Academy and Baldwin University. He began life as a laborer, became a school teacher and later a lawyer. He was the manager of the  HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 709 Laning Book Publishing House at Norwalk, Huron county, being the founder of the business, in which he built up a large trade. He has also been an author, having written a number of historical books; also law and school books. In 1893 Mr. Laning was elected to the Ohio senate, where he took high rank as a legislator, and was reelected in 1895. In 1896 he was elected to congress from the fourteenth district and .during the first session of that congress. Mr. Laming secured an appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars for the erection of a federal building in Mansfield. Other congressmen talked of securing an appropriation for a building, but never succeeded in getting it, but Mr. Laming got it without the blowing of trumpets or the playing of bands, and the people of Mansfield appreciate what he has done for them. HORATIO WITT. Horatio Witt, who is now living retired in Olivesburg, was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1815, his parents being George and Sarah (Schultz) Witt, both natives of the east, the mother's birth having occurred in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where she also celebrated her marriage. In the fall of 1837 George Witt and his wife journeyed by wagon to Wayne county, Ohio, where they remained for two years and then took up their abode in Knox county. The father was a carpenter by trade, but after locating in Knox county he gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest in 1864, when almost seventy years of age. His wife's death also occurred on the farm in Knox county when she had attained the age of over sixty years. Of their family of thirteen children only three survive, namely: Horatio, of this review; Mrs. Rebecca Burris, of Rochester, New York ; and Henry, residing in Kansas. Horatio Witt acquired but a limited education in the schools of his native state, and in the spring of 1837 came to Ohio, locating at Jackson, where he followed the carpenter's trade, which he had learned under the supervision of his father. In 1839 he returned to Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and thence removed to Fort Cumberland, Maryland. In 1840 he once more came to this state, locating in Knox county, while in 1843 he took up his abode in Rome, Richland county, where for thirty-five years he successfully followed his trade. After the death of his wife he lived retired in Mansfield for nine years, and for the past two years. has made his home in Olivesburg. He owns eighty acres of land near Rome, and is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of the community. He also has a creditable military record, having enlisted on the 27th of August, 1862, as a member of Company E, Third Ohio Cavalry, and a company of the Army of the Cumberland. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865. In Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of February, 1840, Mr. Witt was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Devoe Baker, who was born in 710 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY that county in 1807, and who died September 26, 1886. She had three children by her first marriage and two by her second, named Lesley Le and Sarah E., both of whom are deceased. In his political views Mr. Witt was originally a whig and cast his first ballot for Harrison, but since the organization of the republican party has been a strong supporter of its principles, and while a resident of Rome he capably served his fellow townsmen in the position of supervisor for two years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his social interests are centered in the G. A. R., he being a member of the Mansfield (Ohio) post. Having made his home in this county for almost two-thirds of a century, he is largely familiar with its annals from a pioneer period down to the present time and still takes an active interest in its development along many lines. Though he has passed the ninety-third milestone on life's journey, he has the appearance of a much younger man, retaining all his faculties unimpaired and is able to enjoy a humorous situation. with much of the zest of youth. FRED WALTER. Fred Walter is now living quietly in honorable retirement from labor in Mansfield, but there have been many interesting and at times thrilling experiences in his life record. Born across the water, he was numbered among the argonauts who sought the Golden Fleece in California and has been identified with mercantile interests for many years in Richland county. He has now reached the venerable age of eighty-two but in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime and is enjoying life amid pleasant surroundings at his home in the county seat. He was born in Huntheim in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, January 13, 1826, a son of Franz Valtin and Monika (Heimbuuecher) Walter. In the summer of 1833 the family left their home at Huntheim and traveled by wagon through France to Havre-de-race, where they took passage .on the sailing ship, Francis, the first to leave for New York. There they arrived after a voyage of forty-seven days and afterward took passage on a flatboat attached to a stern wheeled steamer for Albany, New York. At that point they boarded a canal-boat for Buffalo, whence they proceeded by steamer to Portland, now Sandusky, Ohio. Their destination was Peru, Huron county. Ohio, and there the. father secured a farm, on which Fred Walter worked until September 27, 1845. On that date he was apprenticed to learn the brewing business at the old city brewery in Mansfield, and When three years later the owners of the brewery sold out to 'Kraft & Long, Mr. Walter was retained as brewmaster and manager of the brewery at the magnificent salary of eighteen dollars per month and board, working sixteen hours per day. He filled that position until February, 1850, when, attracted by the discovery of gold and the consequent business opportunities offered in California, he organized a company of nine men for a trip across the plains, his associates being Louis Vonhof, Louis Wolfert, HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 711 Louis Remy, Louis Grabil, Joseph Luethner, Philip Went, John Matthes and Mr. Roering. On the 19th of February they proceeded over the Sandusky & Mansfield, now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, to Sandusky and thence over the Mad River Railroad to Cincinnati. They accomplished that part of their journey in twenty-four hours, which was considered fast time for that day. They then proceeded down the river to St. Louis by steamer and up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to Independence, Missouri, where they outfitted for a trip across the plains, securing two wagons and eight mules. On the 15th of April they started on their trip of two thousand miles over a wild and unsettled country. They were members of a train consisting of thirteen wagons and forty-five men, but lost one man by drowning in the Green river. After a tedious and dangerous trip through that Indian country, across the hot, sandy deserts and through the mountain passes, they arrived at Hangtown, now Placerville, California, on the 12th of July, finding there a typical mining camp with all the various phases of life represented. There Mr. Walter did his first mining and for two years he continued the search for the precious metal, meeting with but indifferent. success. Believing that he might derive greater profit from business interests, he then located at Weaverville, California, where he and a partner put up the first brewery in the northern part of the state. It was primitive in its style of construction, for the partners did most of the work themselves, sawing the necessary lumber by hand, as lumber at that time sold at two hundred and fifty dollars per thousand feet. Their beer kettle held two barrels, as it was impossible to pack a larger one on mule back over the hundred miles of mountain trails to their location. However, they enlarged their kettle by putting. on a three-barrel wooden addition, so that they could brew about four barrels of beer. The malt was ground in a handmill and they sold beer for two dollars per gallon, paying nine dollars per bushel for barley and three dollars per pound for hops. The retail dealers sold pony glasses of beer, as they did all other drinks .and -cigars, at twenty-five cents. The new concern prospered and after three years, in 1855, the partners erected a substantial brick brewery with more modern appliances at a cost of twenty-six thousand dollars. In 1858 Mr. Walter made a trip by way of the Isthmus route and by steamer to Ohio and was married in Toledo, this state, on the 28th of December of that year, to Miss Mary Wilhelm, of Monroeville, Ohio. They have become the parents of nine children, of whom three sons and five daughters are yet living. A few days after their marriage, on the 1st of January, 1859, Mr. Walter and his bride started for California, again making the trip by way of the water route. He not only continued an active factor in business but was also a prominent man in the community and in affairs of state. In 1860 he was elected to represent his district in the California legislature and while thus serving voted to make the first appropriation for the California state house sitting as a member of the legislature he received a dispatch that his brewery was wrecked by fire. It was a fireproof building on the outside, but inflammable materials were used on the inside and the loss was fifteen thousand dollars, with no insurance. Returning to Weaverville, Mr. Walter arranged to put on a 712 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY large force of men to repair damages and in six weeks the brewery was in full operation again.. While continuing a resident of California, Mr. Walter was in 1865 elect state and county tax collector for two yoffice and as the duties of the offic demanded his entire time, he and his partner sold the brewery. They had made a successful venture of this and for a considerable period had enjoyed an extensive and profitable patronage. In 1867 Mr. Walter was nominated by the democracy for state senator but the district was overwhelmingly republican and he lost the election by fifty-six votes. He ran far ahead of his ticket however, a fact which indicated his personal popularity arm the confiden reposed in him by his fellowmen. Having disposed of all his business interests in the far west, Mr. Walter returned to Ohio in 1868, his family having preceded him the previous year. For a few months he enjoyed a well merited rest and then engaged in the wholesale grocery business as a member of the firm of Remy, Hedges & Walter. This venture did riot prove profitable, however, and was closed out with considerable loss in 1879. Mr. Walter then turned his attention to the wholesale liquor business, which he conducted along profitable lines until 1894, when he turned over the business to his two sons and retired. He is now resting in well earned ease and has reached the age of eighty-two years. His has been a long and active life and wherever he is known he has gained many friends who esteem him for various traits of character which uniformly command respect and regard. HIRAM R. SMITH. It is seldom, that one attains such a venerable age as has Hiram R. Smith and yet retains his faculties so slightly impaired, for Mr. Smith is now ninety-five years of age, but towithverse with him and discuss With him the affairs of the times one would think him much younger. His mind, too, forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and in the storehouse of his memory are many things that are of interest and value to the historian concerning the early days when Mansfield was a village and the surrounding country was largely an unimproved wilderness. For many years he has lived a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his former toil, yet is still financially interested in a number of different enterprises which have been of material benefit to the town and county. Hiram R. Smith was born January 7, 1813, his parents being Asa and Hannah (Richmond) Smith, the former a native of Long Island, New York, and the latter of Rhode Island.. They were married in the Empire state and made their home in Waterloo, New York, until attracted by the opportunities of the new but growing west, they removed to Huron, Ohio. Travel was not done at that time with long trains of cars propelled by steam, and on their westward way they journeyed on the lakes. Their family numbered seven children, of whom Hiram R. Smith is now the only survivor. He was but HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 715 two years of age when his father. died, and later the mother sold the farm, which had been secured in pioneer times, and removed to the city of Sandusky, where she continued until her demise. Most of the family have attained advanced years. One son, William B., died in Sandusky at the age of eighty-three years, after being long and prominently connected with the city. He built the first frame dwelling there and also the first brick residence and it is still standing. He was identified with its business interests as a merchant.. Sally became the wife of Silas Dewey and both died in Clyde, Ohio, near Toledo. Nancy became the wife of Amos Fenn, a native of Massachusetts and a prominent early settler, manufacturer and farmer of Clyde, where he served as justice of the peace for thirty years, while both he and his wife resided there until called to the home beyond. Clarissa became the wife of Hugh McFall, one of the first merchants of Mansfield and. a citizen prominent in community affairs. Both he and his wife died in Mansfield. Frederick spent his entire life in Sandusky. Susan became the wife of James P. Bowman and lived in Mansfield for many years. She died here, but her husband's death occurred in Bucyrus, Ohio. At the age of eleven years Hiram R. Smith came to Mansfield, which city has been his home for eighty-four years. His coming antedates that of any other resident, and within his memory Mansfield has developed from a little hamlet to a prosperous city of over twenty-four thousand inhabitants. There is no resident here who has a more comprehensive. and accurate knowledge of events which occurred in the early day, for what are to others matters of history have been to him matters of observation or experience. He attended the pioneer schools of Mansfield, his principal instructor being Alexander Barr, a leading educator of his day, and Mr. Smith was also at one time a student under Judge Stewart, the father of Mrs. John Sherman. Starting out in the business world, Mr. Smith became a clerk in the mercantile establishment owned by his brother-in-law, Mr. McFall, under whom he became deputy postmaster. in 1830, and in 1839 he also engaged in merchandising for himself, carrying on the business very successfully until 1870. In the early days he shipped his goods from Philadelphia by team and he has crossed the Allegheny mountains in a canalboat. When he had ceased to engage in merchandising on his own account he began the erection of the Smith block on Main street, and it still continues one of the valuable properties of the city as well as one of the most attractive in its style of architecture. It is four stories in height and seventy by one hundred and eighty feet. Mr. Smith had purchased the lot in 1840, and it has produced regular annual rentals since that time. Various business enterprises have felt the stimulus of his cooperation and sound judgment. He was one of the first directors of the Richland Mutual Insurance Company, and became its president. He is the oldest director in the Farmers National Bank, and was likewise vice president of that institution. He was also a director of the Mansfield Cemetery Association. In 1839 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Ann C. Leiter, a native of Leitersburg, Maryland, and they became the parents of four children, but all are now deceased save Richmond, who is the secretary and manager of the 716 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Richland Mutual Insurance Company. The death of Mrs. :Hiram Smith occurred in 1850 and when four years had passed Mr. Smith wedded Miss Ann Ward, of Richland county, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ward, who were early settlers of this county. By this union two children were born: Ward, who died in August, 1899, at the age of forty-three years, leaving a wife and two daughters; and Rena, the wife of E. B. Caldwell, a druggist of Mansfield. In his political views Mr. Smith has always been a democrat, stanchly supporting the party as it has expressed the trend of public thought upon the momentous questions of the day that can be affected through legislation. He has been called upon to serve his city in various official positions and there are many evidences cited of his intense public spirit and helpful attitude toward Mansfield; He was largely instrumental in securing the reformatory here, and when the Children's Home was built, was at the head of the enterprise. He and his family are all members of the Congregational church, and have been generous in its support and active in its work. Mr. Smith has now reached the remarkable old age of ninety-five years, and the greater part of this time has been spent in Mansfield, where he is honored by young and old, rich and poor. His name here has been a syonym of business integrity, of public-spirited citizenship and of progressiveness in all life's relations and as the years have passed he has builded a character which everywhere awakens admiration and esteem. The following article, concerning pioneer times, was written by Mr. Smith. when ninety-five years of age : Asa Smith and Hannah Richmond Smith, my father and mother, moved from Seneca county, New York, in the spring of 1810, and settled on the banks of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio, where I was born January 7, 1813. Before and during the war of 1812 the settlers experienced a great many hardships and their lives were in constant danger from the Indians. At the first election in Huron, Ohio, Asa. Smith was elected justice of the peace. My father died in 1815. On the fourth of July, 1824, my sister, Clarissa Smith, was married to Hugh McFall, of Mansfield, and about two months later, in September, of the same year, she had me, her youngest brother,. then only eleven years of age, to come to Mansfield and make, my home with her. Mr. McFall was one of the early merchants of Mansfield, and he came here in 1820. He took me into the store to do chores. I went to school in the winter. My teacher was Alexander Barr. The schoolhouse was on the north side of East Fourth street, near the big spring. The boys had to take turns in chopping wood and building fires, and the girls in sweeping in the schoolroom at noon. I finished my education under Judge James Stewart's school on Park avenue West. In 1828 James Hedges was a member of the Ohio Legislature, and through his influence, Hugh McFall was made a presidential elector for this congressional district. In January, 1829, Hugh McFall went to Columbus and east his vote for Andrew Jackson for president. Mr. 'McFall made the trip on horseback, as there were no stages running at that time. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 717 Upon his return he brought a small keg Of oysters in his saddle bags—the flit oysters ever received in Mansfield. The keg contained about three quarts. We had a good deal of trouble in eating them, as we did not know which end of the oyster to put in our mouths first, but with the assistance of our neighbor we got them all eaten. Gen. Andrew Jackson was inaugurated president March 4, 1829, and a hort time thereafter Hugh McFall received the appointment of postmaster, hich he filled during Jackson's. two terms. I was appointed deputy postmaster and had special charge of the office. In 1830 there had accumulated a surplus of funds in the office of twelve hundred dollars. We received an order from the postoffice department at Washington to deposit the money in the Franklin bank of Columbus. Stages were not yet running. The money being all in silver, the bulk was both large and heavy. Mr. McFall having been over the road so lately, explained the way to go, and the stopping places. My first stop was Fredericktown, Where I got my horse fed and dinner at Abner Ayers' Hotel. From Fredericktown there was a new road cut through to Sunbury in Delaware county, which was very thinly settled. At one place it was five miles between cabin's. The first night stopped at Mr. Potter's Tavern near the west line of Knox county. Mr. Potter, in taking the saddle bags off the horse remarked, "Young man, this is very heavy." . I explained to Mr. Potter the contents, and requested him to put the saddle .bags in a safe place. The next morning I started off all right. As the sun was going down I came to a crossroad, and learned from the guide board that it was nine miles to. Columbus, and two miles to Worthington. I realized that I could not get to Columbus until late in the night, so I went to Worthington, which was a new town laid out by Colonel Kilbourn, who entertained travelers. When I rode up to the house, Mr. Kilbourn came out and took the saddle bags off the horse: He made the same remark that Mr. Potter had made. When I explained my business to Mr. Kilbourn I was all right. He was a Jackson democrat and knew that Mr. McFall was a presidential elector. He also knew my mother in Sandusky, as he had a brother, Hector Kilbourn, living there and he often visited him. Colonel Kilbourn was the grandfather of James Kilbourn, of Columbus, who ran for governor. The next morning I rode into Columbus, and made my deposit in the Franklin bank and remained there until the next morning looking around the city and through the first State House built in Columbus. It stood at the edge of the sidewalk. I came home by way of. Johnstown, from Johnstown through Granville, Newark, Utica, Mt. Vernon and Bellville, home. The first stage line through Mansfield was established by Marsh & Barney. Mr. Marsh kept the first hotel in Sandusky, and Mr. Barney lived in Mt.. Vernon. They ran road wagons 'with. canvas covers and carried all kinds of merchandise and passengers. They ran from Sandusky through Norwalk, New Haven, Mansfield, Mt. Vernon to Delaware and made a round trip once a week. About 1831 Neal & Moore & Co: established a daily line of stages 718 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY from Columbus through Mt. Vernon, Mansfield and Norwalk to Sandusky, About two years later a line of stages was established from Pittsburg through New Lisbon, Canton, Wooster to Mansfield and a. few years later was extended to Bucyrus. The old and main line of stages was from Philadelphia through Lancaster, Harrisburg, Carlisle and Bedford to Pittsburg. On the National Road from Baltimore to Wheeling, Columbus and continued on west and from Albany to Buffalo. They ran day and night. The driver carried a way bill with the names of every passenger. In those days the only mode of travel was by water, stage and horseback. The first steamboat on Lake Erie was called, "Walk in the Water" She was a medium sized boat with a stern wheel. In those days there were no commercial travelers and we were compelled to go to eastern cities to buy our goods. Such articles as iron, nails and glass we bought in Pittsburg. There were regular teams on this John T. Creigh and Jerry Jaques each ran a regular line of big wagons of six horses between Mansfield and Pittsburg and supplied all the towns on their route. Before the days of canals and railroads I used to take the stage through to Philadelphia and buy our goods and load them. in big Pennsylvania wagons, six horses to a wagon and have them hauled to Mansfield. We had to pay from five to six dollars for every 100 pounds. Upon the return trip we would load the wagon with cranberries) ginseng, beeswax, butter, flaxseed and furs. At that time a great many swamps produced cranberries. There was a large one a short distance west of Plymouth, in this county. Ginseng was in great demand for Chinese trade. There was great difficulty in those days in having freight transported to the west from the eastern cities. New York, to overcome that trouble, built a canal from Albany to Buffalo, connecting the Hudson river with Lake Erie; Philadelphia, to open . up .a freight line to Pittsburg, built a canal from Harrisburg to Hollidaysburg, on the east side of the mountain, and from Johnstown, on the west side of the mountains to Pittsburg. To make connections between the two canals there built the Portage Railroad, rails were laid from the bottom of the canal to the top of the mountain on the east side, then down the west side into the canal at Johnstown. Canal boats were placed on trucks in the water, then freighted over the divide by stationary engines. I have sat very comfortably in a canal boat and crossed over the Allegheny- mountains. The first railroad in Pennsylvania was from Philadelphia to Columbia. The first railroad from Baltimore, the B. & O., was built to Elicott's Mills, then we had to take the stage to Wheeling, then continue on to Mansfield. The first railroad in the state of New York was from Albany to Schenectady. There was a stationary engine to haul the cars to the top of the hall at Albany and another to let them down to Schenectady on the.. bank- of the river. After the opening of the New York canal I would take a steamer at Sandusky to Buffalo, quit the steamer at Buffalo and then take the canal. At Weedsport I would stop and take a hack to Auburn to buy carpenter tools   HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 719 made at the Auburn penitentiary. Returning to Weedsport I would take the canal to Albany, thence by steamer to New York city. At one time I took a steamer at Buffalo in the evening. It was in the spring of the year, and the ice was not all out of the lake. In the morning we found the steamer was anchored at the head of Grand Island in Niagara river. During the night a lot of floating ice had carried the boat down the river and we had to remain there until the ice had sufficiently passed to let the boat go up stream. At another time I left Buffalo in the evening for Sandusky. During the night the steamboat encountered a very severe storm. The passengers were all out down in the cabin. They could neither walk nor sit without holding to something. Every article of furniture that was not nailed fast kept rolling from one side of the cabin to the other. After daylight, it was ascertained that the vessel was lying off Erie, Pennsylvania, and it was several hours before the boat could get into port. As soon as the boat reached the dock the passengers all disembarked and procured wagons to take them to Conneaut, from which place the Lake Shore road had just commenced running to Cleveland. The passengers all rejoiced when they got on land. On another trip to New York, in the spring, I took a steamer at Sandusky, we found a large amount of floating ice and the further we went down the lake the more it increased until we got entirely blockaded and could not go any further, and the ice followed the boat. Next morning. we found we were about a mile from the Canadian shore and opposite Buffalo. The captain sent two men to the shore to let us know whether it was safe. As soon as they reached the shore they hoisted a flag, all right. Then the passengers gathered up their baggage and started for the shore. The trunks they haulea on the ice with ropes. Then we had to hunt up farmers enough to haul us to the Niagara river, opposite Buffalo. In 1851 I was going from Boston to New York, and I took the cars to Newport, R. I., at which place I took passage on the steamer Bay State. They left Newport in the evening, and shortly after they got under way, supper was served. My attention was attracted to a family sitting opposite me at the table. The family consisted of father, mother and seven children, four girls and three boys. After supper I got engaged in conversation with the gentleman and learned that he and his wife were natives of Connecticut but had removed to Wisconsin soon after their marriage and that this was the first time they had been back to visit their old home. The boat seemed to be well filled with passengers. About the middle of the night there was a great explosion which awkened all of the passengers. This was followed by cries. I got up as soon as—I could to ascertain what had happened and there beheld one of the worst sights I ever saw. There lying on mattresses on the floor were three of the Wisconsin young ladies. and two large men. The boiler had exploded beneath their state rooms and scalded them with steam. They covered their faces and hands with sweet oil. and flour, and the skin and flour would all roll off together. The captain shot off the rockets to alarm other boats on the Sound to come to our assistance. About daylight there came alongside a boat and took us all on board to New York. On arrival they took the three ladies and the two men direct to the hospital. 720 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY The next morning the city papers gave a full account of the disaster and said that the three young ladies from Wisconsin and the two men were dead During the year from 1825 to 1835 the Wyandot Indians used to come to Mansfield to do their trading. They made very fine maple sugar and made bark buckets that held about fifty pounds. They would strap them together and put them across their horses and bring the sugar to Manfield to trade for goods. BACHUS SETH RUCKMAN Bachus Seth Ruckman, who is one of the few remaining veterans of the Civil war and a highly respected citizen of Richland county, is operating a well improved farm of seventy-two acres, situated on section 7, Plymouth township. He is a native son of the township, born on a farm, June 9 1843. His paternal grandfather, Peter Ruckman, was a native of Virginia and served in the war o 1812; and on his return from the northern part of Ohio camped near Plymouth for three days, and, being pleased with the country, returned and entered three-quarters of a section of land on sections 1, 6, 7 and 12. He spent his remaining days here, passing away in 1821. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Lee, a sister of Henry Lee, of Revolutionary fame, and her father was a first cousin of Robert E. Lee. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ruckman numbered eleven children. The father of our subject, who bore the name of Joshua Ruckman, was born near Romney, in Hampshire county, West Virginia, August 3, 1803. He wedded Mrs. Barbara Pettit, the widow of Merritt Pettit. She bore the maiden name of Rambo and was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, July 10; 1810, and by her marriage to Mr. Pettit became the mother of five children. By her marriage to Mr. Ruckman she became the mother of six children. Both the parents are now deceased, the father passing away in 1879, when he had reached the age of seventy-six years. The mother died several years previously, her demise occurring in 1872, when she was sixty, wo years of age. Bachus S. Ruckm.an, whose name introduces this review; was reared the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained under the parental roof until the time of his enlistment in the Civil war. On the 15th of August, 1862, he became a member of the First Ohio Independent Battery, being assigned to duty in the Second Brigade, Eighth Army Corps. He took part in the following engagements: Fayetteville, December 17, 18, 1863; Cloyd Mountain, May 9, 1864; New River Bridge, May 10, 1864; Newport, May 12, 1864; Lexington, June 11, 1864; Lynchburg, June 17, 18. 1864; Salem; July 11, 1864; Bunker Hill, July 14, 1864; and Stevenson Depot, July 20, 1864. In the latter engagement he was wounded in the right leg, but remained on the field of battle. On the 25th of July 1864 HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 721 he participated in the battle of Martinsburg and was discharged June 25, 1865. He was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, having marecord.ost creditable military reoord. Following the close of hostilities Mr. RuCkman returned home, where he remained for a time. He then went to Illinois, where he spent three years, while for six years he lived in Bucyrus, this state, being employed in a machine shop. He then made a permanent location in Plymouth township, where he has been engaged in farming to the present time. He now operates seveny-two acres of rich and arable land, located on section 7, Plymouth township, and in his undertakings is meeting with excellent success, for he follows modern ideas of agriculture. Mr. Ruckman was married May 24, 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Jane Van Wagner, who was born in Auburn township, Crawford county, Ohio, March 5, 1850, a daughter of Harvey and Abigail (Parcel) Van Wagner, both of whom were natives of New York, whence they came with their parents to Richland county at an early day. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ruckman has been blessed with the following named children : Fayette J., who served for five years as a member of the Eighth Ohio Regiment, National Guards, now resides in Plymouth, where he conducts a blacksmith shop. He is married and has three children. Rhuie is the wife of Harmon Clapp, of Toledo, Ohio. Lulu Loretta is the wife of J. J. Downing, of Plymouth township. Roscoe Lafayette is a carpenter of Plymouth. He is married and has one child. Melvin, who completes the family, is at home. Mr. Ruckman gives his political support to the republican party and at the present time is serving as city inspector. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army .comrades through his membership with the Grand Army of the Republic. In whatever relation of life we find him, whether in public or private life, as a soldier or in social circles, he is ever found as the same honored and honorable gentleman, who deserves the high regard in which he is uniformlhome of HERMAN FOX. The present home of Herman Fox, a well improved farm comprising one hundred acres of rich and valuable land, is also the place of his birth, which occurred August 20, 1833. His parents, John B. and Mary Magdalene (Eisenlohr) Fox, were both natives of Germany, the former of Wittenberg, where they were reared and married, whence they came to the United States in 1832. This city was a great milling center, owing to the excellent water supply and members of the Fox family throughout five generations have been millwrights and had charge of city works. John B., the father, also busied himself as a mill-wright during hiHowever,nce in the. fatherland. However, after coming to America he engaged in blacksmithing and also followed farming, locating on the place which is now, the home of our subject, this being located on section 11, Monroe township. Their family numbered sixteen children, only four of 722 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY whom grew to years of maturity, these being Jacob, Mary Louisa, Augusta. and Herman, but the latter is the only surviving member. The mother's death occurred in 1861. The father survived for a decade, his demise occurring in 1871, their remains being interred in Mount Zion cemetery. Herman Fox, the immediate subject of this review, was reared to the pursuits of agricultural life, assisting in the operation of the home farm from an early age. His educational privileges were those afforded by the district schools of Monroe township. He continued on the home farm until after the death of his father, when he thereon established a. home of his own by his marriage on the 26th of September of that year, to Miss Sarah Mowers, a daughter of Isaac and Anna (Kyler) Mowers, who resided on a farm adjoining that of our subject. Mr. Fox has here a fine farm of one hundred acres, which is now in a good state of cultivation, owing to the care and labor he has bestowed upon it. Since coming into possession of this place he has erected a fine country residence, which is surrounded with a good set of outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and everything about the place is kept in a good state of repair, denoting the progressive and energetic spirit of the owner. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fox has been blessed with eleven children, of whom four have passed away. The family record is as follows; Frances M., who was born. October 16, 1862, and is now deceased; Cora, the wife of E. C. Culler, a farmer of Monroe township ; Emery, also a resident of this township; William, deceased; John, an electrical engineer of Cleveland, Ohio ; Mary L., the wife of Ora Culler, of Loudonville, Ohio ; Lena, deceased; Anna, still under the parental roof ; George C., who has passed away ; Florence, who is with her parents; and Charles, who is assisting his father in the operation of the home farm. Mr. Fox is an independent democrat and has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill a number of public offices, having served as township trustee and also filled Many other offices of trust. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical V church, of which Mr. Fox has served as an elder. His fraternal relations are with the Grange. No man of Monroe township is mor widely known than is Mr. Fox, for here his entire life has been passed and the fine farm which is today his home is evidence of the life of energy which he has led. By perseverance, determination and honorable effort he has over thrown the obstacles which have barred his path and has reached the goal of prosperity. MRS. BARBARA HINK. Mrs. Barbara Hink in the management of farming interests in Madison township has displayed excellent business and executive ability and deserves great credit for what she has accomplished. She was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, of which country her parents were also natives and there spent their entire lives. Mrs. Hink is the widow of John Hink, who was a native HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 725 of Germany and died in that country in 1874, leaving four children to the care of the widowed mother. Mrs. link continued to reside in her native land until 1879, when the favorable reports which she had heard concerning America, induced her to seek a home in the new world. With her children she started for the United States and first settled in Ashland county, Ohio. There she again married, becoming the wife of Jacob Laurence, with whom she lived for seven years. On the expiration of that period she removed to Mansfield, where she resided for one year and then purchased a farm of thirty-eight acres just outside the city limits. Upon this place she has since made her home. It is an excellent farm well improved and from the property she derives a good annual income. By her first husband Mrs. Hink had the following children: Catharine, the widow of John Hackton, and now residing with her mother; Barbara, the wife of Edward Miller, a resident of Ohio;, John F., who is engaged in the livery business in Mansfield; and Margaret, who is with her mother. The chnly child of the second marriage, a son, is now deceased. Mrs. Hink has displayed excellent business ability and keen discernment. in controlling her farm and during her residence in Richland county has won many warm friends. RICHARD P. KISSANE. Richard P. Kissane, successfully engaged in the tailoring business in Mansfield, was born in Ashland, Ohio, on the 22d of February, 1869. His maternal great-grandfather, Adam Shipley, whose natal day was August 17. 1759, enlisted for service in the Revolutionary war at Anne Arundel county, Maryland, in April, 1776, continuing as a private until April, 1781, when he was promoted to the rank of captain of a cavalry company under command of General La Fayette and Baron Steuben. Among the engagements in which he participated was the battle of Germantown. Richard Fisk Kissane, the paternal grandfather, was born in Fayette.. county, Pennsylvania, in 1794, and was a graduate of Canonsburg College of Pennsylvania. He took part in the war of 1812 and passed away in the Keystone state when eighty-nine years of age. Alexander Garing, the maternal grandfather, a native of York, Pennsylvania, removed to Wooster, Ohio, about seventy-five years ago and there resided until his demise at the age of ninety-five years. He was a tailor by trade and Mr. Kissane of this review has a pair of cutting shears which his grandfather used for eighty years. Percifer T. Kissane, the father of our subject, was born in June, 1832, and when twenty-five years of age was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Garing, daughter of Alexander Garing, of Wooster, and a maiden of eighteen summers. P. T. Kissane was a machinist by trade and after his marriage worked for five years in Wooster, on the expiration of which period he brought his family to Ashland. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war he joined the army, serving as 726 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY commissary sergeant of the One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry until the close of hostilities. When peace was once more restored he returned to Ashland and resumed work at his trade, while subsequently he went back to Wooster, remaining there: for five years. When that period elapsed he made his way to Galion, where he resided for ten years, after which he came to Mansfield, where he still resides, being now seventy-two years of age. He was employed for a time by the Aultman-Taylor Company in setting up engines, and later worked for the Mansfield Machine Company, but at the age of sixty-five retired from active life. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding on Sunday, May 19, 1.907, entertaining man of their friends as well as their children and grandchildren. Richard P. Kissane, who was the fourth child in his father's family, acquired his education in the public schools of this city and, when he had put aside his text-books, started out in business as a newsboy, disposing of the first copy of the Mansfield News that was sold here. About three years later he opened a newsroom and stationery store, continuing in that line of activity until July 3, 1888, when his establishment was destroyed by fire. He then learned the tailoring trade and has since continued in this business, meeting with gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity. His customers are among the best citizens of Mansfield and he is one of the leading representatives of the tailoring business here. For nine years he was absent from the city, but for the past seven years has continuously resided in Mansfield and occupied the same store. On the 25th of December, 1893, Mr. Kissane was united in marriage to Miss Metta Remey, who was here born on the 21st of April, 1872. Their children are as follows: Ray W., whose birth occurred November 15, 1894; Ruth A., born October 11, 1898; and Alice E., born 'January 23, 1907. Mrs. Kissane's parents were natives. of Germany and, emigrating to America about forty-five years ago, were married in Mansfield. The father died as the result of an accident. in 1891, but the mother is still living here, and has a family of nine daughters. Mr. Kissane gives his political allegiance to the republican party, is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to the Presbyterian church. His life is exemplary in all respects, and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to advance the interests of the community along material. intellectual, political and moral lines. GEORGE W. CLINE. George W. Cline has since 1896 resided upon his present farm, a well improved and, productive tract of land of seventy acres, on section, 24, Ply. mouth township. He was born February 7, 1834, in the township which is yet his home, and has spent his entire life in the vicinity of Shelby, say for one summer passed in Cleveland. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 727 His parents were William and Mary (Eller) Cline. The father was a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and a son of Joseph Cline, who came to Richland county from the Keystone state about 1840 and cast in his lot with the early settlers, taking up his abode in Plymouth township on what is now the John Dempsey farm. Much of the land was still wild and unimproved and was in possession of the government. He entered four hundred and twenty acres and resided upon that place throughout his remaining days. His son, William Cline, received eighty acres of the old homestead as a gift from his father when. George W. Cline was born, and upon that farm continued to make his home until called to his final rest. He there operated a sawmill by water power for a number of years and was thus connected with the industrial as well as the agricultural, interests of the community. He lost his first Wife about 1838, and afterward married again, his second union being with Sophia Roush. There were two sons of the first marriage, the Younger being John Cline, now deceased, who responded to the first call for troops at the time of the Civil war, and after serving for three months reenlisted for three years in the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His last days were spent in the soldier's home near Sandusky. 13y the second marriage there were born seven children. George W. Cline was reared on the old home farm to the age of twenty years and acquired his education in the public school. He went to work on the construction of the Junction railroad, which now belongs to the Lake Shore, and later was employed on the Big Four. railroad until the fall of 1854. Since that time he has carried on general farthing in the vicinity of Shelby, although he worked in the Baltimore & Ohio and also the Big Four depot at Shelby Junction from 1870 until 1883, largely doing night work. His time and energies are now given to the further development and improvement of his farm of seventy acres on section 24, Plymouth township, where he has a well improved tract of land which indicates in its attractive appearance the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner. On the 18th of January, 1854, Mr. Cline was married to Miss Emma Steel, who was born at Sugar Loaf, Ontario, Canada, February 7, 1838, and when four years of age was taken to Cleveland, Ohio, by her parents, Samuel and Hannah Steel, who were also natives of Canada. Mrs. Cline then resided in Cleveland until her marriage. She has become the mother of five children : George, who is operating the home farm ; Ida, the wife of Reamer Coon, of Cleveland ; Mary, the wife of Martin Payne, of Shelby ; John H., at home; and Wilber, of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mr. Cline has now passed the Psalmist's allotted age, having reached the seventy-fourth milestone on the journey of life. He has always been a busy man, working earnestly for the success which he has enjoyed., and it has been by reason of his unwearied diligence and indefatigable energy that he has gained a place among the substantial agriculturists of Plymouth township. Moreover, he deserves representation in this volume from the fact that he is one of the oldest residents here in years of continuous connection with the county. Many and important are the changes which have occurred since his boyhood days. He can . remember when many of the 728 - HISTORY. OF RICHLAND COUNTY homes were log cabins, when the forests were uncut and when at various times wild animals roamed from the woods. It had been only a brief period since the Indians visited the neighborhood, and the methods of living among the white people were yet very different from those in vogue at the present time. The farm work was largely done by hand. The houses were lit by candles and later by kerosene lamps, and in many a farm home the cooking was done over a fireplace. Mr. Cline was rejoiced in the progress which has brought the county to its present high state of development and in his farm work has kept in touch with the modern progress. FRANKLIN PIERCE WILLETT. Franklin Pierce Willett, residing on section 16, Cass toone of is a representative of one of Richland county's oldest and most prominent families, his grandparents, William and Hannah (Webb) Willett, having located in this section in 1834, They came from Pennsylvania in a covered wagon before railroads had been introduced into this part of the country and located in the woods. Here William Willett built the tanyard which he conducted for so long and at the time of his death he also owned three farms. He died at the age of sixty-six years. Five children were born to this union, namely: Abraham, Thomas, the father of our subject; Rebecca, who became the wife of Abraham Beaver; Hannah and Sarah. Of these children Sarah. is the only one now living. Franklin Pierce Willett was born May 15, 1854, the son of Thomas and Rachel (Bevier) Willett. The father was born in Pennsylvania, May 13, 1819, and was therefore fifteen years of age when his parents located in this county. He aided his father in his enterprises and was engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout life.. He wedded Rachel Bevier, who was born in Cass township in 1826, the daughter of Andrus and Elizabeth Bevier. Six children were born to their union; namely.: Franklin P., of this review; Hiram, of Plymouth; Edward, also of Plymouth; Ann, the wife of Frank Weldon, of Mansfield; Kate, the wife of James Hills, of Seattle, Washington ; and Peter, who died at the age of twenty-two years. Thomas Willett was a stalwart democrat and held Many local offices, the most important of which was that of county treasurer, to which office he was elected in 1858. Up to this time he had resided continuously on the farm, but on being elected to this office he removed to Mansfield and resided during his two years' term of service. It was at this period that he bought the Jacob Cribb's farm. of one hundred acres, adjoining the old home place of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1860 he. resumed his farming operations, which involved the cultivation of about three hundred acres of land at this time, though later he disposed of some of his holdings. At the time of his death he owned, however, two hundred, sixty-nine and one-half acres of land. In 1864 he removed to the village of Plymouth, where he resided for some time. He was the administrator of a number of estates. He died in HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 729 Mansfield, May 30, 1906, having been afflicted with total blindness for fourteen years prior to his death. His wife passed away on September 13, 1898. Franklin Pierce Willett received his education in the district school of his locality, and aided his father in the work of the farm up to the time when he was twenty-five years of age, when he wedded Mrs. Amanda (Saviers) Kirkland, who was born in Plymouth, April 14, 1846, the daughter of Henry Saviers, Sr. Following his marriage Mr. Willett located on one of his father's farms and engaged in farming for the next eight years. In 1887 he removed to Shelby and took charge of the old Park House, which hotel he conducted for four years. From there he went to Bucyrus, where he was engaged. in the hotel business for two years, and then went to Mansfield, where he lived for one year, at the expiration of which time he went to Shelby, where he conducted a boarding-house for six years, a portion ofthis time being employed with the Shelby Tube Works there. Seven years ago he returned to his birthplace, on which farm he now resides. He finds ample opportunity for the expenditure of his time and talents in the duties now devolving upon him as, in conjunction with his brother Edward, he has charge of the estate of his maiden aunt, Sarah Willett, which consists. of something over six hundred acres of land. With conscientious regard for the duties that devolve upon him he faithfully performs his duties day after day and he is justly accounted one of the representative agriculturists of W. Reiffunity. C. W. REIFF. C. W. Reiff, a veteran of the Civil war, is a resident of the township in which he was born on March 8, 1840. He is the son of C. Maria (Eppy) Reiff, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio, in 1837. They bought land in Weller township, on which they built a log cabin, in which our subject was born and which was his home for thirty years. oth parents are now deceased, the father having passed away in 1878. They became the parents of nine children, seven of whom survive, namely : Mary Ann, the wife- of Alfred Fox, of this county ; Rebecca, the wife of D. Bowers, residing in Pennsylvania; Adeline, the wife of Benjamin Baker, a resident of Missouri; C. W., of this review ; Jacob, who resides in Kansas; John, a resident of California; and Henry, of this county. Harriett, is deceased, and one child died in infancy. C. W. Reiff received his education in the district schools of the county, and aided his father in the work of the farm up to the time he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Kansas, where he remained two years, returning home in 1860. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the war for three years and two months, receiving an honorable discharge on July 25, 1864. He was in twelve hard fought battles, in one of which he received a slight scalp wound. Among the battles in which he was engaged may be mentioned that of Shiloh, of Perryville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Andersonville, Kenesaw and 730 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Peach Creek. On receiving his discharge he returned to the parental roof, and afterward worked at the tinner's trade. He now owns twenty acres of valuable land in Weller township, on which he has. reside for about thirty-five years. . In 1867 Mr. Reiff was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Houston, Who was born in the house where they now reside. Mrs. Reiff was one of five children. Both parents are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reiff have been born one son, Leroy, who married Miss Etta Fike, a native of Knox county, this state. They have become the parents of foCharlesdren: Forest C., Gayle, CharleS H., who is deceased, and Elfa A. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Reiff has voted the republican. ticket. Religiously, both he and his estimable wife a members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are highly respected and esteemed by their; many friends. EDWIN MANSFIELD. As the years are added to the cycle of the centuries and the individual passes on from one stage of development to another, the honors and successes he achieves are justly taken as the measure of his talents and his powers. the course of an active life, Edwin Mansfield has made consecutive prop and his native talent and acquired ability have gained him recognition one of the foremost lawyers of the Richland county bar, who is now serving as judge of the common pleas court. He makes his home in Shelby, his native city, and has long been a leading factor in its municipal interests. His parents, Martin H. and Anna (Saeger) Mansfield, natives of Ne York and Pennsylvania, respectively, became residents of Ohio about 1842 establishing their home in Ashland county, where Mr. Mansfield engag in the manufacture of clover hullers. He died in 1880, when fifty-eight yea of age, and his wife, surviving him for almost two decades, passed away in 1899, at the age of seventy-four years, while still a resident of Ashland, Ohio While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Edwin Mansfield acquired his early education in the public schools and later received the benefit of instruction at Ashland College. He made his entrance into business life in railroad service at Zanesville, Ohio, in connection with the Zanesville & Southeastern Railroad Company, but in the latter part of the year 1881 returned to Ashland, where he remained until 1882: In that year he accepted the position of night clerk in th.e Junction Hotel at Shelby, Ohio, and while thus engaged he took up the study of law, his reading being directed by the firm of Skiles & Skiles. In 1886 he was admitted to the bar and be since been active in the profession which is regarded as the conservator of the human rights, liberties and privileges of the individual. He is an able lawyer, never fearing that laborious attention to his cases Which constitutes the office work and must always precede the clear and forceful presentation of his cause in couts. His mind, naturally logical and inductive, enable HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 733 him to present with clearns the salient points in his case and to arrange them so as to bring into special prominence that point of importance upon which the decision always turns. He was for some years associated in partnership with B. F. Long and in their practice they made a specialty of municipal law. It was this which well qualified Mr. Mansfield for his sixteen years' service as city attorney—service which won him high encomiums. Interested in community affairs, he has had marked influence in shaping the welfare of the city in the last third of a century. In 1886 he was elected mayor of Shelby and gave a public-spirited administration, characterized by the introduction of many needed reforms and improvements. He also served for some years on the board of examiners of the city schools and was made its president. In 1906 he was chosen judge and his service on the bench has been characterized by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution, while his decisions are at all times strictly fair and impartial. In October, 1891, Mr. Mansfield was married. to Mrs. Ada E. (Davis) Low, a daughter of Henry Davis, who was for many years one of the most prominent and successful business men of Shelby and whose death on the 17th of June, 1896, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield have one daughter, Margaret, born March 23, 1897. In his social relations Mr. Mansfield is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and the National Union. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of his city. He is one of the best known residents of Shelby, and the position which he occupies in public regard is a most enviable one. ANDREW JACKSON SUMMERVILLE Andrew Jackson Summerville, one of the best known and most prominent representatives of the lumber interests of this state, and also connected in an official capacity with many important commercial, financial and manufacturing concerns of Mansfield, was born in Hardin county, Ohio, September 10, 1847.  His grandfather, Robert Summerville, was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and served as a Revolutionary soldier, crossing the Delaware with Washington. He was a shoemaker by trade and lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and four years, his demise occurring in 1863. The great-grandfather was of Scotch birth and was one of Braddock's men. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was born in Germany and came to America about 1800, locating at Girard, Trumbull county, Ohio. His son, Andrew. Kridler, removed to Hardin county about 1841, being one of the pioneer farmers of western Ohio. He made his way to that part of the state when it was largely inhabited by the Wyandotte and Shawnee Indians, with whom he was always on very friendly and hospitable terms. He en-  734 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY gaged extensively in hunting and settled on what is known as the Hog Creek marsh at the head of the Hog creek, Sciota, Eagle creek and Blanchard, all fair sized streams. His family numbered four sons and four daughters, of whom the mother of our subject was the eldest child. Benjamin Summerville, father of A. J. Summerville, was a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and removed to Hardin county in 1839, where he engaged in farming until his retirement from active business life in 1901, when he came to Mansfield, passing away here about three years ago. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Kridler and was a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, also died in this city, her death occurring December 19, 1902. Andrew Jackson Summerville, who was an only child, remained on the home farm until he had attained his majority, acquiring his education in the district schools and in an academy at Findlay, Ohio, conducted by Professor Miller. When eighteen years of age he began teaching in a country school during the winter season, while in the summer he assisted in the work of the home farm, being thus alternately engaged until he had attained man's estate. He then removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and entered into the lumber business at Cedar Springs. After eight years he there formed a partnership with the Cedar Springs Exchange Bank, acquiring three sections of pine land near a place called Chase, on the Pere Marquette Railway. It was then only a sidetrack, and the half dozen houses which comprised the settlement were destroyed by fire shortly after Mr. Summerville had erected his mill there. He then laid out a town site adjoining, and within six months had built up a town of about sixteen hundred inhabitants. In 1885, after having been engaged very successfully in the lumber business. there for seven years, he returned to Ohio, locating at Salem, where he, became connected with the retail lumber business as superintendent for Monroe Brothers, of Cleveland, Ohio. This concern was closed out in 1887 and Mr. Summerville came to Mansfield, where he has resided continuously since. On his arrival here he engaged in. the wholesale lumber business, handling lumber in carlots and receiving his supply from Michigan and the south. He was one of the first to introduce red cedar shingles into this state and continued in the lumber business until 1895. At that time the lumber dealers of the state, haying become dissatisfied with the high rate of insurance charged them by all companies, held a meeting of the association, at which they appointed a committee to devise some way of securing cheaper insurance. Mr. E. S. Nail, who was appointed chairman of that committee, recognizing the fact that Mr, Summerville was the oldest and best informed representative of the lumber business in this state and that his acquaintance included about every dealer in Ohio, Indiana and western Pennsylvania, prevailed upon the latter to assist in the organization of an insurance company whose policy holders should be confined exclusively to lumber dealers. On the 10th of October, 1895, as the result of Mr. Summerville's efforts in this direction, the Lumbermen's Mutual Insurance Company was organized, with which he has been connected and filled various offices up to the present time. He has been its traveling representative, secretary and department superintendent successively, his incum- HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 735 bency in these positions covering the entire period of its existence. Subsequent to the organization of this company, other lumbermen's associations in various parts of the country followed the example that had been set them and organized mutual insurance companies. In 1898 Mr. Summerville organized the firm of A., J. Summerville & Company, which writes the surplus insurance of these organizations throughout many sections of the United States, conducting this business in conjunction with that of the Lumbermen's Mutual Insurance Company. He has also been a promoter of other commercial enterprises of Mansfield, and was one of the organizers of the Farmers Saving & Trust Company, in which he is a director and active. member. He is also president of the Eureka Truck Company, an important manufacturing concern of Mansfield, and is largely interested in Mansfield real estate and owns a farm two miles north of the city; comprising one hundred acres, which he is improving and endeavoring to make a :model property. He is likewise an enthusiastic and extensive raiser of fine poultry. On the 26th of October, 1875; at Cedar Springs, Michigan, Mr. Summerville was united in marriage to Miss Ida A. Parker, a daughter of William Parker, of that place. Two children have been born to this union : Earl R., who has been in the service of the United States navy for eighteen years, is chief master-at-arms on the U. S. S. Prairie, and was a gunner on the Boston in the battle of Manila. He is an accomplished athlete. Benjamin C., who is a machinist and electrician, served in Company M of the Eighth Regiment in the Spanish-American war, seeing some hard service in Cuba. Mrs. Summerville is active in social. and club circles of Mansfield, being a member of several ladies' clubs, the Hospital Association and the Humane Society. She is helpful in all affairs of public interest and moreover is devoted to her family and home. Mr. Summerville is a democrat in his political affiliations and while a resident of Michigan was very active in local and state politics. He was an intimate friend of Don Dickinson of the cabinet. When he located in Lake county it had only sixteen democratic votes and when he left there, it had a democratic majority of three hundred. He has served as chairman of the county democracy, as a member of the ninth congressional district committee and the state central committee, and was president of the village of Chase during his entire residence there. Outside of these honors, he has never desired political preferment: Since coming. to Mansfield he has always taken a lively interest in local politics to the extent of accepting a number of appointments for special service, but outside of these he has refused to allow himself to become a candidate. His fraternal relations connect him with all the Masonic bodies, the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, the United Commercial Travelers and the Hoo Hoos. He is not affiliated with any religious organization but is a liberal donor to church work and all charities, and is a member of the ways and means committee of the Humane Society. He has always been a hearty supporter of the local baseball, team, having been an enthusiastic participant in that sport in his youth. A lover of music and literature, he is the possessor of a good library and has always devoted a large part of his leisure time to reading. He has prospered from year to year and has conducted all business 736 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY matters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts displays an aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the accumulation of wealth to affect in any way his actions toward those less fortunate than he and has always a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact. ALLEN E. BELL. Allen E. Bell, postmaster at Butler, was born August 13, 1867, in Worthington township, Richland county. His parents are Robert W. and Rosanna (Reeder) Bell. The father was born in Troy township, September 2, 1825, his parents having been pioneer settlers of Richland county, coming from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1820. They made the journey in a wagon after the primitive manner of travel in those days. They found here an almost unbroken wilderness. Over large areas the timber had not been cut and only here and there had a little clearing been made to indicate that the work of civilization was being carried forward. On reaching this county the grandparents settled in Troy township and a year later moved to Worthington town. ship, where Mr. Bell first purchased eighty acres of land on section fifteen. It was covered with a native growth of forest trees, and with characteristic energy he began to clear the property preparatory to utilizing the land for general farming purposes. In the midst of the forest he built a log house and the family lived in true pioneer style. There were bears, wolves and other wild animals in the forest, while wild game of all kinds was plentiful. It was amidst the scenes and environments of frontier life that Robert W. Bell was reared, and in his youth he aided in the arduous task of developing a nor farm. Having arrived at years of maturity, he was married in 1866 to Miss Rosanna Reeder and began farming on a tract of forty acres, which he increased and developed until he had a fine farm of one hundred and eight acres under a high state of cultivation. In September, 1861, Mr. Bell enlisted for service as a soldier of the Civil war, joining Company H of the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years and reenlisted as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, thus serving until the close of die, war. He was then mustered out in July, 1865, at Houston, Texas, having in the 'meantime participated in a number of hotly contested engagements which were effective forces in bringing about the final result of th war. In days .of peace Mr. Bell was equally loyal in his citizenship and cooperated in .many movements for the public welfare. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and in politics he. was a lifelong republican, always supporting the party until his life's labors wer-continued February, 1906. He continued to reside on the farm in Worthington township until his death, and was a respected agriculturist of the community. Allen E. Bell, only son and child of his parents' marriage, was reared on the home farm and acquired his education through the medium of the public HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 737 schools. He was a young man of about twenty years when in 1887 he took up newspaper work, running the Butler Enterprise, and was connected with that journal for about seventeen years. He also spent one year in connection with the Daily News at New Philadelphia, Ohio, worked for two years on the Mansfield News and is now its:stler correspondent. On the 1lst. of September, 1904, Mr. Bell was appointed postmaster of Butler, which position he is now filling. He yet owns the old homestead of one hundred and eight acres in Worthington township, together with a nice property in Butler. On the 6th of January, 1892, Mr. Bell was married to Miss Essie R. Farst, who was born in Worthington township, this county, July 25, 1873, and is a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Rummell) Farst. The father was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1827, ainterveninge record covered the intervening eighty years to the 1st of October, 1907. The mother was born in Richland county and died in. 1893 at the ago of fifty-nine years. They were the parents of eleven children, nine of whom survive, namely : Izaiah, resident of Worthington township ; Mrs. H. C. Secrist, who is living in Jefferson township; Mrs. J. W. Coe, whose home is in Worthington township; Mrs. A. W. Swindle and J. E. residents of Mansfield; Luthera I., of Toledo, Ohio; Luther R., of Troy township ; Mrs. S. X. Stake, of Worthington township, and Mrs. Bell. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bell have been born a daughter and son, Estella C. and Kenneth L. The parents are both members of the Evangelical church, and Mr. Bell belongs to Lucullas Lodge, No. 121, K. of P., and to the Modern Woodmen. The fact that he is now serving as postmaster at Butler indicates his adherence to the republican party. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a supporter of its principles and has done what he could to secure their adoption. He is well known in the county and this part of the state and is popular with a, host of friends. HENRY C. SECRIST. Henry C. Secrist, who is living retired on his farm on sections 11 and 12, Jefferson township, was born in Worthington township, Richland county, Ohio, August 27, 1849, his parents being Michael and Elizabeth (Baker) Secrist, natives of Pennsylvania and 'Maryland respectively. The father came to this county with his parents in 1829, locating on a farm, and here lived until the time of his demise on the 21st of August, 1897, when he was eighty-six years of age. Mrs. Secrist passed away in February, 1875. Their family numbered eight children : Nancy, the wife of Daniel Spayde, of Butler, Ohio; Leah, the wife of Joseph Clever, of Butler, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of James Neer. likewise of Butler, Ohio; Sophia, the wife of Samuel Yarger, residing in Butler Ohio; Elah, of this county ; Henry C., of this review ; Malinda, the wife of B. F. Oberlin, of Butler, Ohio ; and Lavinia., the wife of Andrew Ramsey, also of Butler, Ohio. Henry C. Secrist acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof untl he had attained his majority. Subsequently he pur- 738 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY chased a farth of one hundred and sixty acres in Worthington township, which he improved and on which he made his home for twenty-seven years. He then sold the place and for seven years lived in Butler, on the expiration of which period he took-up his abode on his present farm of one hundred acres on sections 11 and 12, Jefferson township, where he has since resided, although he haS retired from the active work of the fields. He and his son also own another tract of eighty-seven acres. He gained a competence through the excellent management and capable direction of his agricultural interests in former years and is now enabled to enjoy the comforts of life without recoura to further labor. On the 17th of December, 1871, Mr. Secrist was joined in wedlock to Miss Sarah Farst, a native of this county and a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Rummel) .Farst, who were born in Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. The parents came here in an early day and the father, a carpenter by trade, died in 1908. The mother passed away in February, 1893. Mrs. Secrist was one of a family of thirteen children, and by her marriage became the mother of three children : Alva F., who is on the home farm and is associated with he father in business, having finished his education at Angola; Indiana; and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Secrist likewise have three grandchildren: Franklin, Alberta and Edith. In his political views. Mr. Secrist is a stanch republican and for several years served as school director. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church and are well known and highly respected throughout the entire community. He has spent his entire life in this county and is widely recognized as one of its public-spirited and substantial citizens, who in former years was actively connected with agricultural development here. JACOB W. WEIL. Jacob W. Weil, chief of police of Mansfield, was born in this city July 15, 1858. His education was acquired in the public schools and he entered upon active connection with the police force as a patrolman. In 1883 he was elected city marshal and served in that office for two terms or four years. Later other official honors were conferred upon him. In 1889 he was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of county recorder, wherein he served for three years, and again in 1893 he was chosen for a three years' term. He retired from that office as he had entered it—with the confidence and trust of all concerned, having made an excellent record for loyalty and ability. In 1901 he was elected chief of police and following the passage of the civil service law in 1902 he has since held the office. That he is popular in the county is indicated by the fact that he was elected recorder by eleven hundred and thirty-nine votes and the second time by twelve hundred and fifty-four votes: He regarde a public office as a public trust and it is needless to say to those who know him that no trust reposed in him is ever betrayed in the slightest degree. He HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 739 is now a member of the Ohio Police Chiefs Association and was formerly connected with its board of directors. Mr. Well has been married twice. On the 17th of October, 1878, he wedded Miss Katherine Etz, of Mansfield, and unto them were born four children: Mamie K., William G., Albert F. and Lillian. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Weil was again. married, his second' union being with Sarah Elizabeth Ferguson, of Wooster, Ohio, whom he wadded on the 5th of July, 1891. They have one son, Menan. Jacob. The parents attend the Lutheran church and ,Mr. Weil belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he has been president. Since attaining his majority he has remained almost continuously in the public service and his record has been characterized by an unfaltering devotion to duty and to whatever he believes to be right in connection. with the administration of the affairs of his office. As a custodian of the public interests in the preservation of law and order he has done most effective work and his efforts have brought him wide renown and unqualified regard. J. C. PITTS. J. C. Pitts, a representative of the farming interests of Monroe township, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, November 16, 1850. He is a son of John A. Pitts, who was born in Pennsylvania, and of Elizabeth (Hawley) Pitts, who was born near Bunker Hill. There was also a daughter of the family—Elizabeth. The father died when his son, J. C. Pitts, was only about six weeks old, and some time afterward the mother became the wife of a Mr. Hayes, while J. C. Pitts was left to the tender mercies of strangers. His childhood experiences were not unlike those of many other children who are reared under similar circumstances. Fate decreed that he should have the educational advantages offered by two years' study at the district schools, and he could neither read nor write when he started out to earn his own livelihood. Although handicapped in every possible way and encountering many obstacles and difficulties as he has proceeded along the journey of life, he early became a self-reliant, energetic youth and later a man of strong purpose, laudable ambition and firm determination. Many a man of less perseverance would have given up the struggle in despair if they had been forced to meet the hardships and difficulties which came to Mr. Pitts. His record, however, is another proof of the fact that it is under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in man is brought out and developed. In the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons, and possessing an observing eye and retentive memory, he has in this way gained much knowledge and stands today as a man of good judgment and keen foresight. The first work, of any consequence which he did was in Ankneytown, where he worked at the wagonmaker's trade for one year and was then offered the highest wages given to any employe of the company if he would remain 740 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY with them. For a time he worked upon the farm of a Mr. Gwashill near Lucas, and later' Was employed in mills for three years, after which he went to Mansfield and assisted Mr. Gledhill in building a woolen mill in the town, About a year later he removed to Holmesville, Holmes county, Ohio, where he worked in the timber and also trapped for one winter, making as much as seventy dollars per month—which was a large sum for those days. He also engaged in mining for two years near Holmesville and was employed on the grade near Millersburg for two years. It was necessary at this time that he support his mother and little half-sister and half-brother, and he did this as uncomplainingly as though it were in the regular routine of everyman's life to do a like work. On leaving Holmes county he went to Petersburg, where he started in business as a shoemaker, continuing his efforts in that line for that time On the expiration of that.time he rented the farm of John Ryder :and through his careful expenditure and unwearied 'industry he acquired a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase the farm five years later. It consists of one hundred and forty acres, upon which he has made many modern improvements. The house is commodious and compares very favorably with the best houses in the community. Other improvements on the farm are of a most modern character, and in the development of his property Mr. Pitts has displayed keen business judgment and unfaltering enterprise. In 1883 occurred the marriage of Mr. Pitts and Miss Mary Swaggart, who is a representative of one of Richland county's old families. Some time after their marriage Mrs. Pitts became ill and for two years was in a hospital in Toledo, Ohio, leaving Mr. Pitts to care for their little daughter, Clara, who is. their only child and is now the .wife of J. B. Fulton, who operates her father's farm. By her marriage she has become the mother of one child, Donald, two years of age, who is the pride of the family and the delight of the grandfather's heart. In addition to his farm property Mr. Pitts is a stockholder in the Hastings and the Monroe telephone lines and has both phones in his house. He is a member of the Grange, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran church. His political support is given to the democracy, but he has always been too busy a man to seek political office. In fact, he has led a most active life, employing many hours which others would have devoted to enjoyment or rest. It has been in this way that he has secured the success which is now his, making him one of the substantial agriculturists of the community. JOHN L. SWANK. ohn L. Swank, who owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres on section 26, Jefferson township, was born in Knox county, Ohio, October 14, 1846, a son of Casper and Katherine (Leedy) Swank, natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. The father came to Richland county, Ohio, in 1818, and settled in Jefferson township, where he .carried on farming throughout his entire life, his death occurring in 1893, when he was HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 743 in his eighty-seventh year. His wife had passed away in 1884 at the age of sixty-four years. In their family were six children : Daniel and Elias, both deceased; Jacob, of Butler, Ohio; C. L., of Worthington township, Richland county, Ohio; one who died in infancy; and John L., of this review. John L. Swank acquired his education in the common and also taught for two years. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and subsequently engaged in the operation of a rented farm until 1897. In that year he purchased the tract of land of one hundred and thirty-five acres on section 26, Jefferson township, formerly the A. C. ..needy farm, an which he still resides, and in the cultivation of which he has met with a gratifying and well earned measure of success. On the 31st of December; 1871, Mr. Swank was joined in wedlock to Miss Leah C. Long, a native of Jefferson township and a daughter of Abraham and Katherine Long, who were born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, but are now deceased. Mrs. Swank was one of a family of ten children and by her marriage he become the mother of the following: Edward E., residing in Iowa; Sylvia C., the wife of H. S. Garber, of Jefferson township; Myrtle, the wife of J. E. Kisebeth, of Fostoria, Ohio ; Alonzo, of Butler, Ohio; Elzina, the wife of O.E Kisebeth, living in Fostoria, Ohio ; Linnie, the wife of Sherman Gaddis; of this county ; Minnie and John C., both at home ; Clyde, deceased; Hugh, George G. and Marie, all at home; and Charles, who has also passed away. Politically Mr. Swank is a democrat and is quite active in the local ranks of the party, having served as assessor for two terms and as justice of the peace for thirteen years. He is a member of the Grange, while both he and his wife belong to the Evangelical church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. They are highly esteemed throughout the corn-. munity as people of genuine personal worth and commendable traits of character and have gained an extensive circle of warm friends. ULYSSES G. FRY. Ulysses G. Fry, a representative and successful agriculturist of Jefferson township, Richland county, was born on what is known as the Amos Fry farm, on the 11th of January, 1866. His parents were Amos and Elizabeth (Hetrick) Fry, the former -born in York county, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1830, while the latter's birth occurred in Blair county, Pennsylvania, March 10,1836. Their marriage was celebrated in 1852, and in the spring of 1864 they emigrated to Ohio, settling on the farm south of Bellville, which at that time was a timber tract. In that year the. father also enlisted for service. in the Union army. His death occurred March 22, 1908, while his wife passed away October 3, 1907. Of their family of twelve children one died in infancy and Daniel was called to his final rest in January, 1903. The ten surviving members are: Jacob, residing in Arkansas, whose birth occurred June 15, 1856; Levi, born June 10, 1858,. who makes his home in Bellville Sarah, who was born April 11, 1860, and lives in Morrow county, Ohio; Jonathan, of 744 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Bellville,. who was born November 25, 1861; Mary E., born March 23, 1864, who is living in Canton; Ulysses G., of this review ; Eli C., born September 5, 1868, residing in Mount Vernon ; Amanda, of Bellville, who was born July 16, 1870; Manuel, residing in Bellville, whose birth occurred April 3, 1874, and Verda M., also of Bellville, who was born September 4, 1876. During the days of his boyhood and youth Ulysses G. Fry attended the Walnut Hill school and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On attaining man's estal he chose the occupation to which he had been reared as his life work and has since successfully carried on farming, being widely recognized as one of the enterprising and prosperous agriculturists of his native county. After the death of his brother Daniel, he and his brother Levi purchased Daniel's farm of ninety-two acres of land in Jefferson township, on which our subject located, and at the end of four years he purchased Levi's interest in the place. He is still living upon the farm. On the 30th of March, 1887, at Bellville, Mr. Fry was united in marriage to Miss Delah Ann Williams. Her father, Joseph Williams, was born in Maryland in 1819, and on the 16th of August, 1837, was joined in wedlock to Miss Susan Keller, by whom he had eight children, three of whom are still living. The family emigrated to Ohio in the of 1845, locating at what is known as Bakers Corners. Having lost his first wife, Joseph Williams was again married, his second union being with Melvina Zigler, their wedding taking place August 13, 1857. Of the seven children born unto them, five are still residing here. Mr. Williams anthehis wife also still survive, the former being now the oldest resident in Jefferson township. In 1907 Mr. Fry was elected township trustee for a term of two years and is now faithfully discharging the duties incumbent upon him in this position. He joined the Presbyterian church of Bellville when seventeen years of age but when the Lutheran church was built at that place he and his parents united with that organization and he has always been a faithful worker in its behalf. In 1907 and again in 1908 he was chosen superintendent of the Pleasant Hill Sunday school. Having resided in this county throughout entire life, he is well known as one of its substantial and public-spirit citizens, whose aid and influence are ever enlisted on the side of mor intellectual and material progress. GEORGE W. FERGUSON. On the list of Richland county's honored dead appears the name of George W. Ferguson, who was long associated with the farming interests of this part of the state. Throughout the community he was, known as a reliable business man and one who in every relation of life held to a high standard of conduct. He was born April 20, 1830, in Ashland county, Ohio, but died upon the home farm in Weller township, this county, March 6, 1900. He HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 745 had therefore almost reached the seventieth milestone on life's journey. He was a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this part of the state, and the farm upon which his widow now resides was entered from the government by his grandfather when the entire country side was a wilderness. It has always been in the Ferguson name and constitutes one of the best improved properties of the county at the present time. George W. Ferguson attended the early schools here and supplemented his education by many valuable lessons learned in the school of experience. Re was reared to the occupation of farming and made it his life's work. He early learned the best methods of tilling the soil and Caring for the crops, and as the years passed he was able to provide a good living for his family by the careful methods he followed in the conducting of the fields. His parents were George W. and Ellen (Haverfield) Ferguson, and they instructed him in his youth in lessons of industry and integrity, which, he never forgot, and which constituted a valuable element in his life's record in later years. Mr. Ferguson was married in this county to Miss Rebecca M. Schoemaker, a of the county and a daughter of Adam and Margaret (Mason) Schoemaker The Schoemaker family came to Richland county from Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1814, when this district sheltered but few white men. Indians were still seen in this part of the state and their wigwams furnished a feature on the landscape. They hunted in the forests, for there was an abundance of wild game. As the years passed Mr. Schoemaker brought his farm udder a high state of development, and in the last years of his life was a potter by trade. His death occurred in February, 1857, when he was sixty-two years of age, while his wife, surviving him for many years, passed away in 1880, at the age of seventy-five years. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom three are now living, namely: Mrs. Ferguson ; Mrs. Jane Tooker, who is living in Weller township, and Mrs. Delilah Ross, whose home is in Nebraska. By a former marriage Mr. Ferguson had two children : Mrs. Caroline Cole, living in Mansfield, and Martin, whose home is in Cleveland, Ohio; Otto R., the only child born to George W. and Rebecca M. (Schoemaker) Ferguson, was born May 10, 1867, on the farm where he yet resides. Here he was reared and in 1887 he married Miss Margaret Powell, who was born February 16, 1866, in Franklin township. She is a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Schoemaker) Powell, who were natives of Richland county and died in Franklin township. There were two children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Otto Ferguson—Harry and Roy. Otto F. was reared upon the home farm and when eighteen years of age began cultivating this place on shares. It comprises seventy-five acres of land which, according to the terms of his father's will, is to belong to his mother as long as she lives. The son is an enterprising, energetic young farmer, and in 1901 he erected the dwelling which now stands upon the place and which is one of the .finest country homes of the district. Mr. Ferguson is a well read young man, thoroughly up-to-date on agricultural matters and on many questions of general interest. The contains a large library of choice books, with the contents of which he is largely familiar. In community affairs he is interested and has once served 746 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY as township trustee. All of the family are members of the Church of G and take an active and helpful interest in its work. George W. Ferguson left to his family the priceless heritage of a untarnished name, and the family has always borne a reputation which mak them prominent and influential in this part of the county, well deserving mention among the representative people of Weller township. S. R. GORHAM. S. R. Gorham, a. native son of Ohio, is now identified with the agricultural interests of the state, operating a valuable tract of land comprising one hundred and forty-five acres, situated in section 13, Monroe township, and is also the owner of land in Green township, Ashland county. He was born in Ashland county, April 7, 1852, a son of Hezekiah and Charity (Turner) Gorham, the latter a native of Vermont, while the birth of the former occurred in Massachusetts. They removed with their family to Ashland county in the earl) '40s, where the father worked at the stone and brick mason's trade. In early life he followed the sea for twenty-five or thirty years. He also made a trip to the Pacific coast in 1849 during the gold excitement and amassed quite a fortune during his sojourn in the west, but in later years lost all the money he acquired. His death occurred in 1874, while his wife survived for many years, passing away June 15, 1887. Their family numbered twelve children but only five of the number are now living, namely : John G., a resident of Mansfield, Ohio ; James R., of Cleveland ; S. R., whose name introduces this review; Harriet, the wife of William Strimple, of. Richland county; and Elizabeth, the wife of Aaron Smith, a resident of Richland. S. R. Gorham began his education in the common schools, this being later supplemented by a course of study in Perryville Academy. He also pursued a course in telegraphy but this vocation not being congenial to him, he never followed it. He remained with his father until he reached years of maturity when he engaged in teaching school, following that occupation for fifteen years. During that time he accumulated a sum sufficient to enable him to become the owner of land and thinking to find a farm life more congenial, he purchased one hundred and forty-five acres of land, situated on section 13, Monroe township, where. he is now making his home. He has here a good farm. property, supplied with excellent buildings. He is engaged in raising the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also gives attention to raising and feeding stock. In everything he is thoroughly practical, following only the most modern methods in carrying on his work, so that he is meeting with excellent success. Mr. Gorham established a home of his own by his marriage on the 11th of March, 1880, to Miss Clara B. Shanabarger, who was born in 1861, on the -farm which is now her home, her parents being Emanuel and Catherine (Miller) Shanabarger, whose family numbered four children; The father passed away in 1870, but the mother is still living, making her home in HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 747 Mansfield. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Gorham has been blessed with one son, Ira G., who was born February 5, 1881. He has been. afforded excellent educational advantages; having graduated from the Perryville high school, after which he attended the Ohio State University. He also pursued a law course in Ann Arbor University, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is now teaching mathematics in Los Angeles, Mr. Gorham gives his political support to the republican party and has served as road supervisor of Monroe township. : Socially he is a member of Royal Arcanum Lodge at Perryville, having filled all the different chairs in that order, and likewise a member of Lodge No. 15, A. F. & A. M., at Loudonville, and a member of the Maccabees. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, in the work of which they take a very active and helpful part. Hls life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of his county. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Richland county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development. JERIEL NEEDHAM. Jeriel Needham, who owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Troy township; on which he is now living retired, having rented his land, was born on this place, January 30, 1848, the son of John W. and Mary Ann (Shauck) Needham. His paternal grandfather came to what was then Congress township, Richland county, but is now a part of Morrow county, in 1828, at a time when . John W. Needham, the father of our subject, was but seven years of age, he having been born in Guernsey county, Ohio, March 30, 1821. Here he grew to manhood and. bought one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, on which the growth of timber was so dense that a tract had to be cleared on which to erect the log cabin. On June 10, 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Shauck, who was born on March 24, 1818. They became the parents of eight .children, of whom but three are now living, namely : Jeriel; of this review; Johanna, the wife of John H. Buck, of Portland, Oregon; and J. Oliver, who resides in Colorado. Those who have been called to their eternal rest are: Henry S.; Elah; Albert; Frank P.; and Cora .V. The mother passed away April 1, 1890, being survived by her husband over fifteen years, his death occurring September 4, 1905. In politics he was a stanch republican and, being one of the prominent and influential citizens of his day, he was called upon at various times to fill all the offices that the township had to offer. He was for years township trustee. Both he and his estimable wife were faithful and consistent members of the United Brethren church. He lived for his fellowmen and in sickness or need his time and pocketbook were always at the command of the unfortunate. 748 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY Jeriel Needham was reared on the home place in Troy township, where he attended the district school and received a common-school education. This he supplemented by a three years' course at the Lexington Seminary, after of which he returned to the farm and contributed his best efforts and energies to its development and improvement. At the time of his marriage he purchased a half interest in the place, and for years he assumed the responsibility of the entire management of the farm, paying his father a rental for the place. At the time of his father's death he bought out the other heirs, so that he now holds clear title to the place. On December 19, 1876, Mr. Needham was united in marriage to Miss Edith E. Dwyer, who was born in Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio, November 6, 1851, the daughter of William M. and Catherine (Shauck) Dwyer. Her father was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, December 1, 1823, where he grew to manhood and learned the millwright's trade. He spent one year in Lake county, whence he went to Morrow county, and finally settled Westerville, where he and his wife are now living. They were married Oct ber 17, 1848. Mrs. Dwyer was born at Johnsville, Morrow county, September 11, 1828, and has now attained the venerable age of eighty years. Five children were born to this union, namely: Arthur N., who resides Indianapolis, Indiana; Edith, the wife of our subject; and Eva M., Thursto D. and Maude M., all of whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Needha have become the parents of two children, namely : Earl Dwyer, who a born December 3, 1877; and Guy W., who was born March 8, 1882. In politics Mr. Needham is a republican and has served on the state central committee. He has held a number of township offices and is now a member of the school board. He is one who believes that the agricultural interests of the commonwealth are worthy of the best efforts of those who are interested in the progress and development of the country, and for twenty-two years he has been a member of the Agricultural Society, having served as its president for the last nine years. He is also a member of the Troy Township Grange, and is president of the Corn Growers' Association. Religiously, he and Mrs. Needham are faithful members of the United Brethren church, in which he has served as trustee for years. Like his father, Mr. Needham is a very broad-minded, progressive man, and he believes that everyone should live his life in a manner to benefit others as well as himself. He is ready and willing at all times to aid in any enterprise that is designed to be of benefit to the general public. GEORGE WORLEY. George Worley, numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war and for long years a progressive farmer of the county, is now living retired in Butler, enjoying the rest that has come to him as the result of well directed energy and intelligent application of labor. He was born June 4, 1841, in Stark county, Ohio, and is the son of David and Elizabeth (A.lthouse) Wonley. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY - 749 The father was born in Germany and spent his early youth in his native country, after which he came to America with his parents, first settling in Pennsylvania.- It was in that state that he met and married Miss Elizabeth Alehouse, who was born in Pennsylvania. For a brief period they continued to reside in the Keystone state and then came to Ohio, settling first in Stark county, whence they removed to Richland county in 1841, locating one mile east of Butler upon a farm which continued to be their home until they were called to their final rest. They were the parents of ten children, but only two are now living : George, of this review, and William, whose home is in Keokuk, Iowa. As boy and youth George Worley remained on the home farm, enjoying the pleasures of the playground, performing the duties of the schoolroom and aiding in the work of the home farm. On the 12th of August, 1862, however, he put aside all personal and business considerations, for prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he offered his services to the government, enlisting at the age of twenty-one years as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years and was mustered out in 1865. Although he was frequently in the thickest of the fight and participated in a number of important engagements, he was never wounded. Returning home with a creditable military record, George Worley spent the next year in chopping wood, thus working in the forests until 1866, when he started out upon an independent business career by renting a farm in Worthington township. Later he bought forty acres, on which he lived until 1897. In the intervening period he worked diligently and persistently to make his farm typical of the progressive spirit of the age along agricultural lines. Year after year he tilled the soil, which rewarded him with golden harvests, and year after year his sale of crops brought to him a good return, so that in the course of time he acquired a handsome competence that now numbers him among the men of affluence in the community. Upon leaving the farm he took up his abode in Butler, where he now owns a good residence standing in the midst of two lots. The place is well kept and presents a most attractive appearance. Mr. Worley has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Elizabeth Wise, who was a daughter of Jacob and Eve Wise. She was born April 25, 1846, in Licking county, Ohio, was married in 1868, and after about twenty years of happy married life passed away on the 12th of March, 1888. There were four children of that union : Obediah, who is now living in Butler; Anna, the wife of E. L. Nichols, also of Butler; William L., whose home is in Worthington township; and Giftie, deceased. In 1888 Mr. Worley was again married, his second union being with Delilah Miller, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 2, 1841, and is a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Hetrick) Miller, who were natives of Pennsylvania. and became residents of Knox county, Ohio, at an early day. Later they settled in Richland county, where they remained until called to their final rest. Mr. Worley is a member of Samuel Bell Post, No. 536, G. A. R., and thus keeps in close connection with his old army comrades, taking much delight in recalling the scenes and events which marked the progress of the war as he