HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 625 the sadler's trade when young, and subsequently followed it as a journeyman in different places. Starting in business on his own account in New Holland, Ohio, he remained there until 1856, when he located on the old Fulton homestead, in Union Township, Ross County, a part of the farm having come to his wife by inheritance. He then bought out the interests of the remaining heirs, and was there prosperously engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death, in August, 1890. The home farm is still owned by his children, it having been held in the family upwards of a century. The maiden name of the wife of Andrew J. Beyerly was Susan Fulton. She was born May 10, 1834, on the home farm in Union Township, a daughter of William Fulton, and granddaughter of John A. Fulton, one of the very early settlers of Chillicothe. Her great-grandparents, William and Susanna (Keys) Fulton, came from England to America in colonial days, settling in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on the Brandywine, where both spent the remainder of their years, his death occurring March 2, 1785. Both are buried in the Ostorn graveyard, near the Doe Run Meeting House, in that county. John A. Fulton, the great-grandfather of Wade J. Beyerly, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1769, and while young received excellent educational advantages. In 1795, as a civil engineer, he came to the Northwest Territory, and assisted General Massie in the surveying of a large portion of the -Virginia Military District. Going back to Pennsylvania in 1800, he remained there two years, and in 1802 returned to Ross County with his family, locating in Chillicothe, on the northeast corner of Main Street and the Ohio Canal. He taught school, and also followed his profession of a civil engineer, taking a contract with the Government to survey the line between Indiana and Ohio, south of Fort Recovery. He was much interested in astronomy, and was the owner of two fine telescopes, which in his will he devised to the Chillicothe High School, where one of the lenses is still preserved. A stanch democrat in politics, he was prominent in public affairs, and served as one of the first mayors of the city. He resided in Chillicothe, an honored and respected citizen, until his death, in 1841. His wife, whose maiden name was Lavina Irving, was born in Pennsylvania, of Scotch ancestry, in 1773, and died in 1841, in Chillicothe. William Fulton, the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born, reared and educated in Chester County, Pennsylvania, becoming a civil engineer. In that capacity, he, with William Henry Harrison, and others, surveyed the state line, the contract for which was taken by his father. He and his father made a specialty of locating lands for the Revolutionary soldiers who had secured land warrants, and through the buying up of warrants acquired several thousand acres of Ohio lands. Locating in Union Township, Ross County, after his marriage, he devoted his time and energies to the improvement of his farm, which he occupied until his death, January 29, 1876. His wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Loofbourrow, was born November 2, 1792, a daughter of David and Lavina (Gaskell) Loofbourrow, natives of Pennsylvania, and pioneers of Fayette County, Ohio. She died July 29, 1853. She was a woman of deep religious con- 626 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY victions, being an ardent Baptist in her beliefs. She was the mother of thirteen children, Helen ; Mary ; John W.; William ; David R.; Jefferson ; Lavina ; Henry and Margaret, twins ; Samuel L.; Wade ; Catherine; and Susan. Mrs. Andrew J. Beyerly survived her husband, dying December 1, 1914. She reared seven children, namely : Eliza ; Michael Irwin ; Wade J. ; Lucy E.; Kate L.; Grace ; and Wallace F. Having obtained his preliminary education in the rural schools, Wade J. Beyerly attended the Chillicothe High School a part of one year, after which he took a normal course in James H. Poe's private school. For a number of years he devoted his time to teaching, his first school having been in his home district. He was subsequently school superintendent many terms, having charge of the schools at Richmondale and Bainbridge, in Ross County ; in Zaleski, Vinton County ; at West Jefferson, Madison County ; and at New Randond, Clermont County ; a.nd for ten years was principal of the Western District School in Chillicothe. In the meanwhile, Mr. Beyerly had devoted his leisure to the study of law, and in 1900 was admitted to the bar. He began practice of his profession in 1901, but likewise continued teaching until 1911, when he gave up his pedagogical work, and has since given his attention to the practice of law, his patronage having so increased as to demand all of his time. Mr. Beyerly married, in 1886, Anna Harmount, who was born in Deerfield Township, a daughter of Robert and Sarah E. Harmount. She died in 1889, and the two children born of their union died in infancy. Mr. Beyerly married for his second wife, in 1891, Artie M. Sigler, who was born in Jefferson Township, a daughter of Jacob and Samantha (Leach) Sigler. Mr. and Mrs. Beyerly have nine children, namely Clare N., who married Josephine Faulkner; Esther G. ; Ellen S. ; Harold S.; Anna Dorothy ; Wade J., Jr. ; Irwin F. ; Grace ; and Robert F. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Beyerly are members of the First Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Beyerly has been a consistent democrat since casting his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He is a teetotaler; a strong advocate of temperance ; and is secretary of the Dry Confederation of Ross County. Fraternally he is a member of Bainbridge Lodge, No. 196, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons ; of Chillicothe Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons ; and of Chillicothe Council, No. 4, Royal and Select Masters. GEORGE BARMANN. One of the men who helped to shape the industry and civilization of Ross County during the past century was the late George Barmann. He came to this county in the early '30s, and proved himself a man of vigorous character and great industry and developed one of the fine farms that still remain a conspicuous landmark in East Scioto Township. He was born in the Town of Merdergin in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1808. His father, John Barmann, was born in the same locality, of wealthy parents. He spent his early life there, and when his son George was three years of age, in 1811, he set out with his HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 627 wife and six children to find a new home in America. That was years before the first steam-propelled vessel crossed the Atlantic, and the only mode of crossing the ocean was a sailing vessel. The vessel on which they embarked from a German port had unprecedented difficulties even for that time of slow navigation. Severe storms drove them back again and again, and there were many mishaps, so that it was thirteen months from the time they started until they landed in the New World. John Barmann lived at Shippensport. Pennsylvania, where he bought a tract of land with a log house containing one room above and one below. This was the first home of the Barmann family in America. The house was covered by boards rived by hand, 'and the large cracks between them allowed the snow to drift in and it frequently covered the beds of the occupants. Large buffalo robes, tanned by the Indians, were the chief protective covering. From Shippensport the family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, and a little later to Cincinnati, where John Barmann bought land on Price's Hill. At that time this hill was a considerable distance out in the country. The family home there was also a house of logs, and that is still standing as a landmark of early days. The logs have since been covered with weather boarding and it has been remodeled into a cozy city home. John Barmann was a man of robust constitution, and in spite of all the work he did, lived to be nearly a hundred years old. He reared three daughters and three sons: Crescent, Catherine, Annie, Lawrence, George and Fred. Three years of age when the family made their memorable voyage to this country, the late George Barmann was reared in the primitive circumstances that existed in nearly every American home a century ago. His mother cooked by the open firs for years, and dressed her family in homespun. His father being a man of considerable means, and well educated, endeavored to give his own children a good education and superior advantages. George Barmann, however, liked work and practical things better than the study of books, and was still a boy when he enrolled in the ranks of wage earners in a packing house at Cincinnati. That was still at a time when the railroads and canals were unknown institutions in the Middle West, and he frequently made trips on flatboats down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers carrying provisions to southern markets. It was in 1832 that George Barmann came to Ross County. He bought a tract of land on the Columbus Pike in Springfield Township, and in 1840 erected a substantial brick house which still stands as a monument to his early enterprise. Constantly at work with both his hands and his mind, he was a constructive factor in the early days of agriculture in Springfield Township, and developed a large estate. He resided at the old home until his death in 1888 at the age of eighty years. He married Josephine Gertison, who was born in Merdergin, his native birthplace, in 1818. Her father John Gertison, was a man of considerable means in that part of Germany, but finally sold his estate to a relative, and the property is still owned by his descendants. He came to America accompanied by his family, and locating at Delhi, Ohio, 628 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY bought land on which he established a vineyard and for a number of years was engaged in the manufacture of wine. That was his home until his death. The Gertison family were active members of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Barmann, who died in 1882, reared ten children named John, Martin, George, Mary, Louise, Frank, Joseph, Isabella, Clara and Charles. The sons John, Martin and George are now deceased as is also the daughter Isabella. Frank, Joseph and Charles are well-to-do farmers in Missouri, Frank and Charles living at Maryville and Joseph in Savannah. Clara is a Sister of Charity. Louise, the only member of the family now living in Ross County, left the farm in 1890 and has since occupied a pleasant home on West Fifth Street in Chillicothe. Miss Barmann has traveled extensively in this country and in Europe, and is a woman of cultured mind and cultivated social tastes. She is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Chillicothe and of the Young Ladies' Society of that church. FRANK D. MARZLUFF. Representing one of the oldest families established in Chillicothe, Frank D. Marzluff began his business career at very tender years, and from one responsibility has advanced to another and is now one of the leading business men and controls much of Chillicothe's business interests in certain lines. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 14, 1859, a son of Paul and Anna (Reinlein) Marzluff. His father was born in Strassburg, Germany, and when twelve years of age in 1826 was brought to America by his parents, who located in Chillicothe, Ohio, then a small town while the greater part of the state was still a wilderness. Paul Marzluff grew up in Chillicothe, learning the moulder's trade, and for eight years was employed in the old Greenwood Foundry. He was a California forty-finer, having gone out to the West during the gold excitement, but returned to Chillicothe in 1852. He then employed his modest capital in establishing a confectionery business, and that was his chief activity during the remaining years of his career. He died at the advanced age of about seventy-six, in 1901. There were ten children, four of whom are still living. The fifth in order of birth, Frank D. Marzluff contented himself with such advantages as the public schools of Chillicothe could supply him, up to the time he was fourteen years of age, and then entered upon his serious and practical career by helping his father in the store. Later, he succeeded his father as proprietor of the business and it is one of the oldest establishments of its kind under one ownership in Chillicothe. Mr. Marzluff has shown his enterprise by adding to the original concern a large billiard room and he also conducts one of the largest and best restaurants in the city. He is also a wholesale and retail dealer in liquors. His principal place of business is at 17 North Paint Street. In the meantime he has become a factor in various other important business enterprises. He is a director in the Ohio and Kentucky Coal Company, a stockholder in the Valley Savings and Trust Company and HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 629 the Ross County National Bank, and a stockholder in the Mead Pulp and Paper Company. Mr. Marzluff is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 52, at Chillicothe, and in politics is independent. On January 31, 1882, he married Miss Mary Cahill. Of the three children born to that union the two now living are Gertrude and Margaret. GEORGE A. VAUGHTERS. Occupying a place in the front rank of Chillicothe's representative men, George A. Vaughters possesses business sagacity of a high order, and through close application to his work, and careful supervision of his financial affairs, has met with unquestioned success in his undertakings, being now the ruling spirit in the management of enterprises of a diverse nature. A son of John A. Vaughters, he was born on a farm in Nile Township, Scioto County, Ohio, coming from English ancestry. His paternal great-grandfather, Richard Vaughters, emigrated from the South of England to America prior to the Revolution, settling in Virginia and actively assisted the colonists in their struggle for independence. John Vaughters, the grandfather of George A., was a farmer by occupation, and spent his entire life, which was comparatively short, in Caroline County, Virginia. The maiden name of his wife was Caroline Masson. She was born, reared, and married in Virginia. Her grandfather, the maternal great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came to America in the sailing vessel Alexandria, and after settling in Virginia served as a gallant soldier in the Revolutionary war. Surviving her husband, Mrs. Caroline (Masson) Vaughters, in 1830, started with her four sons and a daughter for Ohio, making an overland trip across the intervening country. In a cart drawn by one horse she brought all of her household effects. Camping and cooking by the roadside, she and her family made steady progress en route, even though they made occasional stops at places where the boys could earn a little money by working. Arriving in this state, they located in Jackson County, where the death of the mother occurred two years later. Richard, the eldest son of the family, settled permanently in Jackson County, while the other three sons, John A., William and Thomas, located in Scioto County. The daughter, Mary Vaughters, married Mark Landrum, and settled in Pike County. Born in Caroline County, Virginia, in 1814, John A. Vaughters was about seventeen years old when he came with his widowed mother and family to Jackson County. An industrious youth, he had no trouble in finding work, and for three years assisted in the digging of the Ohio Canal. Subsequently forming the acquaintance of George Wood, of Chillicothe, he was employed by him to begin the improvement of a large tract of Ohio River bottom lands that he owned, the lands being located in Nile Township, Scioto County, and being very fertile, but heavily timbered. At that time all of the river steamers used wood for fuel, and as he cleared off the timber he sold it for that purpose. For a few Vol. II-10 630 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY years he rented the land he had cleared, but as his means increased he bought tracts from time to time, and ere his death, which occurred in 1891, he was the owner of 700 acres of well-improved lands, on which he had erected substantial buildings. He married first, Mary Dortch, a daughter of George Dortch, a farmer of Greenup County, Kentucky. She died in early life, in 1860, leaving two children, George A., the subject of this brief biographical sketch ; and Mary, who became the wife of Harry Grimes, of Portsmouth, Ohio. His second wife, whose maiden name was Ada J. Brous, survived him two years, dying in 1893. Completing the course of study at the National Normal School, in Lebanon, under the supervision of Professor Holbrook, George A. Vaughters spent the following year in Chillicothe, as bookkeeper in the mercantile establishment of J. R. English. Going then to Columbus with Mr. English, he remained there in his employ another year. Familiar then with the details of the business, Mr. Vaughters returned to Chillicothe, and, forming a partnership with Michael Kramer, engaged in a small way in the wholesale grocery business, becoming head of the firm of Vaughters, Kramer and Company. Six years later Allan W. Hamill was admitted to the firm, and in 1901 the business was incorporated as the Vaughters, Kramer Company, of which Mr. Vaughters has since been president, with Mr. Hamill as general manager. Mr. Vaughters has also other interests of importance, having been the president, and a director, of the Citizens National Bank since its organization. In 1905, Messrs. Vaughters and Kramer secured a controlling interest in the Chillicothe Electric Railroad Light & Power Company, in the management of which both have since been officially associated, Mr. Vaughters as its president and general manager. Mr. Vaughters married first Alice Cook, a native of Madison, Indiana. She died in 1886, leaving one son, Harry Vaughters, who married Zora Moore, a daughter of Emanuel Moore, and has three children, Farrell, Maurice, and Margaret. The maiden name of the present wife of Mr. Vaughters was Margaret Kemmerer. Religiously Mr. Vaughters was reared in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but the family now attend the Presbyterian Church. In his political affiliations he supports the principles of the republican party. ALBERT SCHOLL. Industrious, enterprising, and painstaking, Albert Scholl, leading job printer of Chillicothe, is ably doing his part in advancing the industrial interests of this section of Ross County. He was born in this city, April 14, 1873, a son of Nickolas Scholl, who has acquired fame as an inventor. His paternal grandfather, Adam Scholl, was born, reared, and married in Mannheim, Baden, Germany. Serving an apprenticeship at the weaver's trade, he followed it in the fatherland until 1846, when he came with his family to the United States, being but thirty days crossing the ocean. From New York, he went by railway to Buffalo, thence by way of the lake to Cleveland, and then by the canal to Columbus, where he spent a year. Locating in Chillicothe in 1847, he labored industriously, being HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 631 variously employed, and was here a resident until his death, at the age of eighty-eight years. His wife, whose maiden name was Magdalina Pommert, lived to the venerable age of ninety-three years. Born in Mannheim, Germany, in 1843, Nickolas Scholl was but three years old when brought to Ohio by his parents. He went to school in the Chillicothe schools only three years, and as a youth developed a decided talent for invention. Having taken out a patent on an ironing board of his own invention, he organized the Champion Bosom Board Company, and was engaged in the manufacture of ironing boards until he sold his patent. He subsequently invented an ironing stand, and as founder of the Eclipse Manufacturing Company engaged in the manufacture of the stands, which for a time had a world-wide sale. Having accomplished a satisfactory work, he is now living retired from business cares. The maiden name of his wife was Frederika Gunther. She was born in Chillicothe, a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Stroechecker) Gunther, both of whom were natives of Germany, Mr. Gunther having been born near Stuttgart, and his wife in Ludwigsburg, Wittenburg. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nickolas Scholl, as follows: George ; William ; Sarah Elizabeth ; Albert ; Lloyd R.; and Mary M. and Nellie, twins. Receiving a brief training in the public schools, Albert Scholl began to learn the printer's trade when but twelve years old, for two years being employed in George B. Moore's printing establishment. He was afterwards connected with the old Chillicothe Gazette, and with the Daily News, as foreman for nine years, later conducting a dairy farm for a while. In 1894 Mr. Scholl was appointed truant officer and assistant librarian, and served for two years in those positions. In August, 1898, he established the job printing business with which he has since been actively and successfully identified, his management of mechanical details, and his artistic taste in matters of typography, rendering his work popular and attractive. Mr. Scholl married, November 15, 1894, Rosa Myrtle Burgoon, who was born in Chillicothe, May 8, 1873, a daughter of William and Ellen (Thatcher) Burgoon. Their only child, Diathea Centura, born in the "wee, sma' hours" of January 1, 1901, was the first person born in Ohio in the twentieth century. Mr. and Mrs. Scholl are valued members of the Walnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a member of the official board. Fraternally Mr. Scholl is a member of Scioto Lodge, No. 6, Free and Accepted Masons ; a member, and past high priest, of Chillicothe Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; a member of Chillicothe Council, No. 4, Royal and Select Masters, of which he is past thrice illustrious master; a member of Chillicothe Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar; and a member of and clerk of Chillicothe Camp, No. 4111, Modern Woodmen of America. He is a trustee of Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, a member of the executive committee of the Farmers' Fall Festival Committee, and vice president of the Ohio Printers' Federation. 632 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY ELIJAH CUTRIGHT, JR. A man of scholarly attainments, possessing a wide knowledge of law, Elijah Outright, Jr., has gained a position of note among the active and successful attorneys of Chillicothe, where he has been engaged in the practice of his profession for upwards of a score of years. A native of Ross County, he was born September 12, 1865, in Springfield Township, where the birth of his father, Elijah Outright, Sr., occurred on July 25, 1823. His grandfather, James Outright, whose birth occurred February 26, 1798, in Scioto Township, at Station Prairie, was said to have been the first white male child born in Ross County. John Outright, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia, and, according to tradition, was a descendant of one of two brothers who emigrated from Scotland to America in early colonial days, one settling in Pennsylvania, and the other in Virginia. Joining a colony of brave adventurers in 1797, he came with his family to the Northwest Territory, making an overland journey with teams. After living for a time in Scioto Township, Ross County, Ohio, he moved to Springfield Township, where he bought a tract of heavily timbered land, and at once began the arduous task of improving a homestead, in the meantime renting from General Massie several acres of improved land. On the farm which he cleared, he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1830, as did. his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Subre. In the boyhood days of James Outright, who was reared in true pioneer times, the wild beasts of the forest had not fled before the advancing steps of civilization, but, with the dusky savage, habited the vast wilderness. There were neither railways nor canals, and no convenient markets, livestock being driven over the mountains to Baltimore or Philadelphia. As a young man he made two or more trips down the Mississippi to New Orleans on flatboats loaded with produce, flour and meat. The farmers raised sheep and flax, and the industrious wives and mothers used to spin and weave the homespun material in which they clothed their families. After his marriage, James Outright lived on a farm on the Massie and McDougal land until 1838 when he located on a part of his father-in-law's estate. Successful in his undertakings, he wisely invested his surplus money in land, at the time of his death; when seventy-two years of age, having title to 800 acres of valuable real estate. He was active in public affairs, serving acceptably as county commissioner. He married Sabra Neff, who was born in Virginia, July 5, 1800, and died in Springfield Township, Ross County. Her father, Leonard Neff, with his wife, Lydia, and their family, came from Virginia to Ohio in 1809, and immediately entered the southwest quarter of section 24, Springfield Township, Ross County, where he cleared and improved a farm, on which he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1833. Elijah Outright, Sr., was born on the Massie farm and brought up on the home farm from the .age of fifteen years, receiving his education in the district schools. After his marriage he lived on a part of his father's land until 1865, when he moved in the home with his father (his mother having died), and at the death of his father received the home farm. HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 633 He continued his occupation as a tiller of the soil, living there until his death, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. He married Elizabeth Barclay, who was born in Harrison Township, Ross County, Ohio, November 14, 1838, and is now living in Springfield Township. Her father, James Barclay, was born in 1811, in Ireland, and as a young man emigrated to Ohio. Settling in Ross County, he turned his attention to farming, and soon after his marriage purchased land in Harrison Township, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of three-score and ten years. The maiden name of the wife of Mr. Barclay was Mary Pontious. She was born, August 21, 1819, in Ross County, and there spent her entire life of seventy years. Her father, John Pontious, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ross County, Ohio, with three of his brothers in pioneer days, and settled permanently in Coleman Township. He was of Holland ancestry, and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Myers, was of German descent. Nine children were born of the union of Elijah and Elizabeth (Barclay) Cutright, as follows : John F. ; Elijah, Jr. ; Mary, wife of E. E. Hough; Albert ; Sarah Florence, wife of John Zuber; Grant ; James N.; Emma, who married Henry Rose ; and Douglas. Having acquired a good common school education, Elijah Cutright, Jr., began his professional career as a teacher, in that capacity earning enough money to pay his college expenses at the Lebanon University. After his graduation from that institution, Mr. Outright resumed teaching, and while thus employed devoted all of his leisure time to the study of law. In March, 1893, he was admitted to the Ohio bar, and a month later opened a law office in the Ross County Bank Building at Chillicothe, where he has since been in active practice, his patronage being extensive and highly remunerative. Mr. Cutright married, February 7, 1894, Miss Minnie, the adopted daughter of his uncle, Nelson Cutright, and into their pleasant household three children have been born, namely : Howard Elijah; James F.; and Robert E. Mr. and Mrs. Cutright are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and for several years Mr. Cutright was one of the trustees of St. Andrew's Mission. TOBIAS EDINGER. One of the pioneer butchers to locate in Ross County was Adam Edinger, who had learned his trade in the thorough manner of German custom and practice, and who emigrating to America in 1839 brought his little family to Ross County. It is an interesting fact that the trade of butcher has descended from father to son, and the name in Ross County has been most familiarly associated with the meat business, and there is now a large and flourishing wholesale and retail concern in Chillicothe conducted by grandsons of this pioneer settler. One of these grandsons is Tobias Edinger, who was born in Ross County June 14, 1864, one of the six children of Tobias and Catherine (Griesheimer) Edinger. Tobias Edinger, Sr., was also a native of Germany and was quite young when he was brought to Ross County. He learned the occupation which his father had followed and for more than 634 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY half a century has been occupied with the same line of business and is still active in its affairs, though at the age of seventy-six. The heavier responsibilities of the concern are now carried by his sons. Tobias Edinger, the oldest of the sons, was educated in the public schools of Chillicothe, at an early age entered his father's business and became a practical man in the industry of handling meat, and has for a great many years been general manager of the large wholesale and retail firm which handles much of the meat consumed in this part of Ohio. Mr. Tobias Edinger is an active republican, is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the German Lutheran Church. On June 26, 1892, in Ross County he married Miss Anna Winter, whose people came from Germany. They have one son, Arthur, born in May, 1910. The brothers of Tobias Edinger who are also connected with the business are : Everett, the eldest, is married and has two sons, Frank and Tobias, and one daughter, Phylis Marie; George Edinger, who was born in January, 1866, and is the father of two children, Earl and Metta; William Edinger, born in 1869, has two daughters, Nora and Margaret ; Albert Edinger, born in 1873, married Elsie Dressbach ; Edward was born in 1875, is married and has four children. VICTOR H. VESTER has spent his years usefully and profitably as a farmer, and now owns one of the fine estates of Scioto Township in Ross County. Of substantial German ancestry, he was born at Omega, Pike County, Ohio, January 9, 1870. His father, Henry Alexander Vester, was born in Stholp, a town of West Prussia, on March 18, 1825. Mr. Vester's grandfather was a native of Prussia. During his early childhood some of those devastating wars which desolated that empire district of Europe occurred, and his parents and brothers and sisters all perished in the general massacre, he being the only member of the family to escape. While he was wandering from the scene a nobleman found him and took him to his home, rearing and training him and giving him a good education. When he reached military age he joined the army and served under Bluecher in the Battle of Waterloo. His splendid services as a soldier earned him the iron cross. After leaving the army he operated a flour mill at Stholp, in West Prussia, and served as burgomaster or mayor of the town until his death. Henry A. Vester thus grew up in a home of substantial comforts. He served an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade, and then traveled as a journeyman, working in different cities of Germany. In each place he received a certificate of good workmanship and character. While working in the Village of Lauterecken, in Bavaria, he met the Bock family, and falling in love with one of the daughters came to America with the entire family. They made the voyage on a sailing vessel and spent seven weeks battling with the waves before landing in New York City. Three of Henry Vester's brothers also came to the United States, Edward, who settled at Waverly, Julius, who located in Chillicothe, and William, who HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 635 went on a farm in Pike County. Henry A. Vester eventually moved to Pike County, Ohio, and was engaged in the tailor business at Omega, being employed by Mr. Vanachen. He remained there until 1880 and in the meantime bought a farm in Scioto Township of Ross County, 31/2 miles from the courthouse, and was engaged in its operation until his death in 1903. Henry A. Vester married Dorothea Bock. She was born in Lauterecken, a town in the Rhenish Province of Bavaria, July 28, 1835. Her father Abraham Bock, a native Bavarian, came to America accompanied by his family and settled in Pike County, where he bought a farm, lived there about ten years, and then moved to Logan County, Illinois, where his death occurred. Mrs. Henry A. Vester died November 19, 1913. One of eleven children, Victor H. Vester, grew up on a farm, received his education in the rural schools of Pike and Ross counties, and lived with his parents until they died. After the death of his father he bought the interests of the other heirs, and has since bought other land until his possessions now aggregate 170 acres of the fertile soil of Ross County. Besides the improvements which were there he has erected a commodious frame barn and other buildings and his place now ranks in value and in improvements with the best in that section. His business has been that of general farmer and fruit and poultry grower. Mr. Vester married Emma England, who was born in Scioto Township, daughter of Warner and Nannie (Riley) England. They are the parents of four children, Adalina, Lyle, Vivian and Claude. Mrs. Vester is a member of the Walnut Street Methodist Church. Mr. Vester is an active member of the Grange, and of the board of education. GOTTFRIED FRICK. To mention this name is to indicate one of the most successful agriculturists and landed proprietors of Ross County. Gottfried Frick is now living retired at his home at 207 Caldwell Street in Chillicothe, but for a long period of years he showed his enterprise with good results in different farming sections of Ross County, particularly in Scioto Township, and he has also rendered valuable service in behalf of community welfare. His parents were Peter and Catherine Frick, both natives of Germany who emigrated to America with their family in 1838. It required nearly three months to cross the ocean, though the voyage can now be done in less than a week. The family first located in Pike County, Ohio, where Peter Frick followed farming until 1872. In that year he moved to Ross County and he and his wife spent the rest of their years with their son Gottfried. Peter died at the age of sixty-six and the mother in her seventy-second year. Next to the oldest of the five children, Gottfried Frick was born at Rheinbern, Germany, August 28, 1837, and was just an infant brought to America. He grew up on a farm, attended public schools, and after reaching manhood his first venture was with a threshing outfit, and that business he followed during the season for several years. He then married Miss Mary Gahm of Jackson County, Ohio. 636 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY After his marriage Mr. Frick continued to live in Pike County for several years, and after coming to Ross County spent one year in Twin Township, and from there moved to. Scioto Township. There he was first known as a renter and cultivated rented land for about seven years. He then bought what was known as the Sunbeck farm, and that was the nucleus of his operations, and around it he has accumulated real estate until his farm in that locality comprises 280 acres. Besides the farm land he also had as an institution on the farm the old Paint Creek mill, an industry which he conducted for seventeen years. He also built a large mill at Portsmouth, but sold that to his son. Mr. Frick in many ways has been one of the most successful business men of Ross County, and at the present time besides his Ross County holdings he owns 647 acres of land on the Wabash River, and various properties in different localities. He is now retired from the heavier responsibilities of his active career, but will always be kindly remembered in Scioto Township as well as in every other community where he has had his interests. In a public way his interest has been chiefly directed toward the development of educational facilities. During his residence of more than thirty-one years in Scioto Township he was a member of the school board almost continuously and was once elected to the position of land appraiser, but resigned before taking office. He is affiliated with Chillicothe Lodge No. 84, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in politics is a democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Frick have six children : George, a resident of Knox County, Indiana ; Adam of Portsmouth, Ohio; John, whose home is in Missouri ; Lena, wife of Ellsworth Kidnocker of Scioto Township ; Christina and Catherine, both at home. The family attend the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Frick has been one of its active loyal members ever since 1863. EDWARD MEGGENHOFEN, M. D. Prominent among the leading physicians and surgeons of Ross County was the late Edward Meggenhofen, of Chillicothe, a man of scientific thought and pursuits, and of eminent ability, who devoted his time and energies to the investigation of the causes of disease, and the best methods of treating the various ills to which flesh is heir. A son of Louis Meggenhofen, he was born May 18, 1857, on a farm lying near Anderson Station, Ross County, of German ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Carl Meggenhofen, a music teacher by profession, was a life-long resident of Frankfort on the Main, although four of his children, Minnie, Ferdinand, Louis, and Julia, emigrated to the United States. Born in Germany, at Frankfort on the Main, Louis Meggenhofen was a man of culture, having while yet a youth received a liberal education. Coming to this country in early manhood, he was for several years a teacher in the public schools of Ross County. Locating in Chillicothe, he became active in public affairs, and as one of the first park commissioners took an intelligent interest in beautifying and improving the city, his superior knowledge of botany being of much help to him in the work HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 637 involved. He died in 1885, when but sixty-two years of age. He married Katherine Paulus, who was born in Lorain, France, and was brought to Ohio by her parents, and educated in Chillicothe. She died in 1914, leaving two sons, Edward and Charles. Completing his preliminary education in the public schools, Edward Meggenhofen was engaged in the drug business in Chillicothe from 1876 until 1891. Taking up then the study of medicine, for which he had a natural taste and aptitude, he was graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine with the class of 1893. Returning to his home city Doctor Meggenhofen formed a partnership with the widow of his former employer, and continued in the drug business under his name for three years. The doctor then disposed of his interest in the concern, and had afterward devoted himself entirely to the practice of his chosen profession in Chillicothe, where he gained a position of note among the most successful and skilful physicians of Ross County. Being a registered pharmacist, he dispensed the medicines which he prescribed, keeping at all times an ample supply on hand. On September 8, 1881, Doctor Meggenhofen married Louise Kirkpatrick, who was born in Chillicothe, a daughter of Ephraim and Sarah Ann (Getler) Kirkpatrick. Her father enlisted February 4, 1864, in Company A, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at the Battle of Nashville, December 15, 1864, was mortally wounded, his death occurring two days later. Doctor and Mrs. Meggenhofen had three children, namely : Laura, wife of William Greenbaum; Anna,• wife of Walter S. Barrett, of whom a sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume ; and Katherine, wife of Garrett S. Claypool. On August 23, 1916, Doctor Meggenhofen died from injuries received in the accidental turning over of his automobile. J. G. KEEPERS. A successful merchant of Fruitdale, Ross County, J. G. Keepers is also serving in the capacity of agent for the D. T. & I. Railroad at this point and for the American Express Company. From his youth he has been identified with railroad work, a field in which he worked his own way upward to a responsible position, while as a merchant he has won equal success, although his experience in this direction has been of much shorter duration. Mr. Keepers is a native son of Ross County, having been born on a farm in Paxton Township, May 9, 1865, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Swope) Keepers. The Keepers family has been long established in Ross County, having been founded here at an early date by the paternal grandfather of J. G. Keepers, who migrated from Baltimore, Maryland, and settled on a new farm in Paxton Township. There he rounded out his career as a farmer and attained a ripe old age. Henry Keepers was born in Paxton Township, not far from the birthplace of his son, and was there educated and reared as a farmer. After his marriage he located at Cold Springs, in Paxton Township, at a point known as Keepers Riffles, which community continued to be his home until his death, in 1880. Mrs. Keepers continued to live there until 1886, when she went to Humboldt, and there 638 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY her home has been located to the present time. She was born at Benner's Forge, near Bainbridge, Ross County, and is the mother of six children : Ed, who lives at Thrifton, Ross County; Elizabeth, who is the wife of J. W. Sweeney, of Point Township ; J. G.; Eva, who is the wife of Charles Keneval; Henry, who resides in Point Township ; and Mary, of Des Moines, Iowa. J. G. Keepers received his education in the district school, and at the age of fourteen years, when his father died, began to contribute to the family income. His employment as a youth was on the home farm and among the agriculturists of the vicinity, but at the age of twenty-one years turned his attention to railroad affairs and secured employment as a section hand in the maintenance of way department of the D. T. & I. Railroad. After four years in this capacity he was advanced to section foreman, and filled that post for sixteen years, being later made roadmaster and division superintendent. Finally, in 1910, he came to Fruitdale, in the' capacity of agent, and since that time has also discharged the duties of agent for the American Express Company. After coming to this place he entered mercantile affairs, and has built up an excellent patronage for his general store. Mr. Keepers is progressive in his methods and a shrewd, capable business man, who wastes no opportunities and who watches closely the needs of his trade. He does not allow his business interests to interfere with the discharge of his duties as agent, however, and has made many friends by the courteous and obliging manner in which he handles the railroad and express matters at this point. Mr. Keepers was married March 21, 1889, to Miss Ida Iseman, daughter of Mrs. Nancy Iseman, and they have four children Florence and Zada, who reside at home ; and Frank and James, deceased, the former of whom died when seven months old and the latter at the age of four years. Mr. Keepers is interested in fraternal matters, being a popular member of the Modern Woodmen of America Camp at Greenfield. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has always taken an active part in its affairs, having been a member of the board of trustees and a steward for years, and for the past five years superintendent of the Sunday school. Like her husband, Mrs. Keepers is interested in religious work and assists in the various movements of the church. In political views Mr. Keepers is a republican and has always been an active worker in his party's ranks. He served as trustee of Point Township for one term and in 1915 was elected township clerk, a position which he now holds, his term expiring in 1917. He finds recreation from his business and his duties in gardening, and for the past six years has been engaged therein. As a citizen who is taking an active part in the life of the community, he holds a firmly established place, and in each field in which his activities are centered he has the respect and confidence of those with whom he has worked. FRANK E. BAIRD. Belonging to the young and progressive farming element to .which Ross County must look for its future agricultural HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 639 development, Frank E. Baird has passed his entire life in the community in which he now resides in Point Township. He belongs to a family well known in Ross County, whose members have always been engaged in farming, but who have also been prominent in educational, religious and political affairs, and the name is one that has always stood for progress and good citizenship. Frank E. Baird is showing himself worthy of bearing the name, and if his past accomplishments may be taken as a criterion for the future, should add luster to it. Mr. Baird was born on the farm which he now occupies, in Paint Township, on the Greenfield and Bainbridge Pike, one-half mile from Fruitdale, April 29, 1888, his parents being W. A. and Alice R. (Ross) Baird. The founder of the family in Ross County was John W. Baird, the grandfather of Frank E., who came here at an early date from Zanesville, Ohio, and here passed the rest of his life as a farmer. His son, W. A. Baird, was born at Slate Mills, Ross County, May 8, 1853. He completed his education in the schools of South Salem. He was there married to Miss Alice R. Ross, who was born in Buckskin Township, Ross County, July 2, 1853, and after their marriage they took up their residence on the farm now occupied by Frank E. Baird. Mr. Baird was a man of inherent ability and tireless industry. When he started his career he had only small means, but through hard work and perseverance he won success as an agriculturist, accumulated much land as the years passed, and at the time of his death, April 18, 1915, was accounted one of the well-to-do men of his community. He was much more than a mere seeker after material things, however, for he always found time to aid his community and to lend assistance to those who were worthy and needy. In his locality he was known as a man of strict integrity, and in business circles his word was sufficient to close a contract, without scratch of pen. Politically a republican, he took an active part in the affairs of his party, and for two consecutive terms, from 1890 to 1894, was county committeeman from his district. His religious belief was that of the Presbyterian Church and he lived his faith. For several years he served as deacon of the church, and just prior to his death had been re-elected for that position, but did not live to assume its duties. Mrs. Baird, who survives him, is a member of the same church and has taken an active part in its work. Mr. and Mrs. Baird were the parents of four children, namely : Mary V., who is the wife of H. S. Thomas, manager of the factory of the E. T. McLain Company, at Chatham, Ontario, Canada ; Effie, who died in infancy ; Ruth A., who is the wife of J. A. Brown, of South Salem, Ohio, connected with the United States service ; and Frank E., of this review. Frank E. Baird was granted good educational advantages, attending the district school and South Salem Academy. After his graduation from the latter he returned to the home farm, where he has always remained, and at the time of his father's demise, assumed its management. He now has control of 230 acres of valuable and fertile land, which produces good crops and has been brought to a high state of cultivation. Mr. Baird has proved himself a practical farmer, with a 640 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY profound respect for the established methods of the past, but who is not slow to realize the beneficial results to be attained by an intelligent use of modern machinery and methods. He is adding to the improvements on the homestead, and if his plans are carried out, this will be one of the finest farms in southwestern Ross County. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, in the work of which he takes an active part, and for the past two or three years has been a deacon. His political support is given to the republican party, but his political aspirations, if he has had any, have been put aside in favor of hiS farming interests. Mr. Baird was married October 16, 1912, to Miss Lucy M. Parrett, daughter of George C. and Fannie (Pinkerton) Parrett. She was born at Bloomsburg, Fayette County, Ohio, came as a girl to Buckskin Township, and is a graduate of the Greenfield High School, which she attended while living near South Salem. Mr. and Mrs. Baird are the parents of two children : Helen Louise and Weldon Alexander. BARZILLIA TAYLOR. One of the old an honored citizens of Paint Township, both in longevity and length of residence, and still one of that township's energetic and successful farmers, is Barzillia Taylor. Through a long life of useful endeavor and honest achievement he has been connected with the agricultural interests of his community, and at this time is the owner of 265 acres of fertile land, located on the Greenfield and Rapid Forge Pike, 51/2 miles south of Greenfield and seven miles from Bainbridge. Mr. Taylor was born in Paint Township, Ross County, Ohio, on the old Taylor homestead farm, April 8, 1845, and is a son of Pierce and Rebecca (Warren) Taylor. His grandfather was John Taylor, a native of Pennsylvania, who left the Keystone. State in young manhood, settled in Paint Township, and there devoted himself to farming. From small beginnings he became one of the substantial men of his community, so that when his sons were ready to start out in the world on their own account he gave to each 100 acres of land, and still had a large amount of property left at the time of his death. Pierce Taylor was born on a part of his father's farm and received the education afforded by the district schools of his day and community. On reaching man's estate he was given his share of the property by his father, and continued to cultivate it until 1865, when he disposed of his interests therein and bought another property, which was located nearer to the schoolhouse. There he rounded out his career, and at the time of his death was one of his community's well-to-do men. He was a good citizen who had a part in movements for the betterment of his locality, and held the respect and esteem of those with whom he came into contact. Mr. Taylor married Rebecca Warren, who was born near Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio, where she was educated and grew to womanhood. She was a gentle Christian woman who reared her children to lives of industry and honesty and who was her husband's faithful companion in all his fortunes. They were the parents of five children, namely : Amanda, who died as HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 641 the wife of John A. Hewitt; Abraham W., who is also deceased; Barzillia, of this review ; Sarah N., who is the wife of William Bennett, of Jeffersonville, Ohio; and Mary Angeline, who is the wife of John Milligan, an agriculturist of Buckskin Township, Ross County. The district schools of Paint Township furnished Barzillia Taylor with his educational training, and he grew up on the home farm, where he was given the benefit of his father's knowledge as to matters agricultural. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, January 12, 1864, when he settled in a small house on the farm on which he now resides. Later he built a more commodious residence, on the road, and this has continued to be his home to the present time. From the outset of his career Mr. Taylor was an energetic and painstaking man, fulfilling his obligations with conscientious exactness, and in his work exemplifying the belief that what was worth doing at all was worth doing well. These things have been characteristic of him throughout his life and have played a large share in the winning of his success. His farm of 265 acres is attractively and conveniently situated on the Greenfield and Rapid Forge Pike, almost midway between the large commercial centers of Bainbridge and Greenfield, and presents a handsome appearance, with modern buildings and other improvements, well-tilled and well-fenced fields and a general air of prosperity. In former years Mr. Taylor raised a good grade of livestock, but recently, owing to advancing age, Mr. Taylor disposed of his cattle, hogs and sheep, and now devotes himself entirely to general farming. On January 12, 1864, Mr. Taylor was married to Mary Francis Harris, who was born and reared in Buckskin Township, Ross County, daughter of Ignatius and Elizabeth Harris. To this union there have been born three children : Alvada, who is the widow of Myley Boyles and lives in Ross County; Harley N., residing on the old homestead in Paint Township ; and Stewart, of Highland County. Mr. Taylor is an out and out democrat, but has never mixed in political affairs. He has served as township trustee for one term and as school director, and has always been generous in his support of measures making for better morals, better education and more advanced citizenship. CHARLES O. FREE. Many years of connection with the agricultural interests of Ross County has established for Charles O. Free a reputation for ability, resource and unflagging energy. He is one of the captains of industry who have piloted their own craft to harbor, and at the present time is the owner of a magnificent property consisting of 910 acres, located on the Rapid Forge and Greenfield Road, in Paint Township. Charles O. Free was born on a farm in Paxton Township, Ross County, Ohio, November 1, 1859, and is a son of Isaac and Nancy (Ogle) Free. His paternal grandfather was George Free, who was born in Pennsylvania, and who as a young man, shortly after 1800, came to Ross County and settled close to old Rapid Forge, where he was manager of the outside part of the Forge farm. Later he bought a property 642 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY of his own, and the closing years of his life were passed in farming in Paint Township. He was one of the substantial pioneers of Ross County and established a reputation for integrity and fair dealing which those who have followed him have substantiated. Isaac Free was born at Rapid Forge, Paint Township, where he was educated in the public schools, and when still a young man began agricultural operations on his own account. He commenced his career as a renter, but through industry and perseverance became a farm owner, and his good management and business ability enabled him to accumulate 280 acres of land, which he owned at the time of his death. He and his wife were the parents of the following children, all of whom grew to maturity : Charles 0., of this review; Julia, who is the wife of Warren Ogle ; Joseph, who is deceased; Lena, who is the wife of Robert Dill, of Jeffersonville, Ohio; Lizzie, a resident of Carmel, Ohio ; Ella, who is deceased ; John, of Carmel, Ohio ; Alfred, whose home is at Bainbridge ; and Mattie, the wife of David Jones, of Bourneville, Ohio. Charles O. Free received his education in the district schools of Paxton Township and passed his boyhood, youth and young manhood on the homestead. At the age of twenty-eight years he left the parental roof and entered upon a career of his own as a renter of a part of the Austin Pepple farm in Paxton Township. He was a renter for four years, but at the end of the third season formed a partnership with his brother, Joseph Free, and A. Clark West, the three buying 261 acres of land in Paint Township, adjoining the Pepple place. Later the Free brothers bought Mr. West's interests, and continued to farm together until the death of Joseph Free, in March, 1915. They had started with but small means and poor equipment, but so successful were their operations that at one time they owned 1,400 acres of highly cultivated land, with the best of machinery and buildings, and when death dissolved the partnership they had in their possession more than 1,000 acres. Since the death of his brother, Charles O. Free has continued alone, and still is meeting with excellent and deserved success. His 910-acre property is devoted to the raising of all the standard products of this locality, and he also gives some attention to the growing of a good grade of livestock. Mr. Free has inherited the industry, tenacity of purpose and acuteness of his worthy progenitors, which are apparent in the success of his operations, while the spirit of modern progress is evidenced in his up-to-date buildings and highly improved machinery. In October, 1897, Mr. Free was married to Miss Ida Swindell, who was born in Madison County, Indiana, a daughter of Ashley Swindell. Mr. and Mrs. Free have four bright and interesting children : Arthur, Herman, Helm and John, all of whom are attending school. Fraternally, Mr. Free is affiliated with Bainbridge Lodge, No. 4, Knights of Pythias. With the members of his family, he belongs to Bainbridge Methodist Episcopal Church. A democrat in political matters, he has been active in the ranks of his party. Mr. Free has been one of the prime factors in the advancement of the cause of education in his community, having been a member of the township school board for the past twenty years, HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 643 and at the present time is a member of the county school board, with three more years to serve to complete his present term. JOHN W. POOL. One of the old families of Paint Township, Ross County, Ohio, bears the name of Pool. It was founded here generations ago and its members have always been numbered with the industrious, intelligent, useful and law-abiding class. Through their energy they have done much in advancing the best interests of their communities, and through personal integrity they have preserved the honor of a name not unknown in the history of many states of the Union. A prominent member of this family in Ross County is John W. Pool, whose valuable farm of 160 acres lies along the Upper Twin Road in Paint Township. John W. Pool was born October 21, 1874, on the Lower Twin Road, Twin Township, Ross County. His parents are Peter and Hannah (Palmer) Pool, both of whom were born in 1840 on the Lower Twin Road. They are among the most highly respected residents of the township. They became the parents of nine children : Frank, who is a farmer in Twin Township ; Alice, who is the widow of Thomas Miller; Joseph, who is a carpenter and contractor at Chillicothe; Ada, who is the wife of W. T. Long ; John W.; Ona, who is the wife of William Free, of Paint Township ; Altha, who is the wife of Edward Hostetter, of Ironton, Ohio ; and Rosa and an infant, both deceased. John W. Pool was reared on the home farm and remained assisting his father until he was twenty-one years of age, in the meanwhile attending the district schools, in which he has always taken much interest, and in later years has served on the township school board. Mr. Pool has always been a farmer and stock raiser and in his neighborhood is considered a very judicious one. He raises a fine grade of cattle and hogs and finds a ready market for all his products. Mr. Pool was married August 17, 1898, to Miss Ida Sheely, who was born on the old Sheely homestead and in the very house in which she has always lived. Mr. and Mrs. Pool have five children, namely: Ruth, who was born in 1899 ; Harold, born in 1902; Raymond, born in 1908; Joseph, born in 1910; and Dwight, born in 1914. Mr. Pool is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and has a comfortable insurance in that order. Politically he is a democrat and has served with satisfaction to all concerned in township offices, and during his term as road supervisor brought about much improvement. VALENTINE RICE. A man of unquestioned business ability and indefatigable enterprise, Valentine Rice, whose death occurred on the 1st of October, 1915, was one of the foremost citizens of Chillicothe, conspicuously identified in an official capacity with many of the leading industries of Southern Ohio. A native of Germany, he was born, January 17, 1846, in the Village of Alvesheim, Bavaria, which was the birthplace of his father, Henry Reis, and where his paternal grandparents spent their entire lives. Born October 8, 1818, Henry Reis grew to manhood in his native 644 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY village, and as a young man served in the German army. He followed his trade of ladies' tailor several years, but during the troublous times of 1846-47 his sympathies were so clearly with the Revolutionists that he found it to his advantage to leave the fatherland. Coming, therefore, to America in 1848, he located in New York, where his family joined him a few months later, and was there a resident for six years. In 1854 he removed with his family to Ohio, settling in Chillicothe, where he was engaged in business as a merchant tailor until his death, September 21, 1895. The maiden name of the wife of Henry Reis was Phillipena Bolander. She was born in Bavaria, in Avelsheim, and died February 8, 1872, in Chillicothe. She reared four children, as. follows : Valentine, the subject of this sketch, who now spells his name in the English style "Rice"; Margaret, deceased ; Phillipena, who married Nicholas Pfallzgraff, and reared five sons, three of whom became ministers in the Methodist Episcopal denomination ; and Otto, who died in early life, leaving one son. Valentine Rice was but eighteen months old when brought to America, and eight years when he came to Chillicothe to live. He acquired his early education in the public schools, being a pupil when the scholars of the different rooms formed an organization for the purpose of giving entertainments to the children, charging at first as admission price two pins, but afterwards, probably owing to the great demand for tickets, raising the price to one penny. Valentine, though young, was one of the principal performers at the entertainments, and that having been at the time when Dan Rice was the most popular circus man in the country, he was called "Daniel Reis" for many years, and entered the army under that name. Leaving school at the age of twelve years, Valentine Rice worked for a few months in the office of the Scioto Valley Gazette, after which he began to learn the tailor's trade, and while thus employed operated the first Singer sewing machine brought into Chillicothe. Mr. Rice followed his trade until 1864, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Going with his command to the front, he reached Virginia in season to take part in one of its battles, and was subsequently with his regiment in all of its marches and engagements until the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he was honorably discharged from the service. It was the brigade to which Mr. Rice's regiment was attached that stood guard at the stone bridge crossing a stream and gallantly held back the enemy until reenforcements came, thus opposing the entrance of the Southern army into Nashville. For that act, and other services, the brigade received the personal thanks of President Lincoln, and Mr. Rice had a copy with President Lincoln's signature attached. After his return from the war, Mr. Rice learned the tanner's trade, and followed the business until it ceased to be profitable in this section of the country. He then entered the employ of the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad Company, later known as the C., W. B. Railway Company, and now a part of the Baltimore & Ohio System, at first being a HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 645 sealer of cars, but later connected with the transportation department. On April 1, 1888, Mr. Rice resigned his position with the company, which presented him at that time the handsome gold watch he afterward carried as a testimonial of their appreciation of his services. When the free delivery mail service was established in Chillicothe, Mr. Rice was appointed as a carrier, but resigned at the end of six weeks to accept a position as superintendent of the Chillicothe Coal Company. He remained in that capacity until natural gas was brought into the city, when he purchased the plant, which he managed ably and acceptably until his death. As a young man, Mr. Rice was chief engineer of the Chillicothe Relief Fire Company until the paid department was organized. He was officially associated with various important organizations, being president of the Chillicothe Creamery Company ; and of the Hocking Valley Fire Clay Company, which is located at Nelsonville, Ohio, and has a capacity of 44,000 bricks a day, employing in its work from 80 to 85 men. He was vice president of the Webster Brick Company, at South Webster, Ohio, which employs 100 men, and has a capacity of 32,000 bricks a day. He was secretary and treasurer of the Mohawk Coal Company, at Jackson, Ohio, which employs 80 miners ; and was financially interested in the Puritan Brick Company, at Hamden, Ohio, and also in the Casualty Insurance Company of Cincinnati. Mr. Rice married, October 29, 1872, Mary Elizabeth Kesler, a native of Chillicothe. Her father, Adam Kesler, was born, reared and married in Bavaria. Immigrating to this country, he carried on general farming in Ross County, Ohio, for a number of years, and then located in Chillicothe, where he was engaged in teaming until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have reared seven children, namely : Flora E., Jay V., Nolan H., Edgar D., Ross P., Pearl K., and Clark C. Flora is the wife of Charles Metzger. Jay has been twice married, his first wife, and the mother of his three children, Charlotte E., Russell Alger and Elizabeth A., having been before her marriage Ada Shears. Nolan married Rebecca Walters. Edgar married Maude Poland, and they have two children, Nile P. and Charles E. Ross P., who married Maude Uhrig, has three children, Howard E., Daniel 0., and Paul R. Pearl married Nellie Goldsburg, and they have one daughter, Dorothy. True to the religious faith. in which he was reared, Mr. Rice was a member of the German Lutheran Church. Politically he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, but during the latter part of his life was independent, voting with the courage of his convictions for the best men and measures. Prominent in public affairs, Mr. Rice served on the Chillicothe Board of Education for eight years ; was a member of the board of public service two years ; and served as president of the city council. He was a member, and past commander of A. L. Brown Post, No. 162, Grand Army of the Republic ; a member and past chancellor of Chillicothe Lodge, No. 28, Knights of Pythias; and a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and past grand sachem for the State of Ohio. Vol. II-11 646 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY WILLIAM A. FREE. Of the progressive and energetic exponents of agriculture and stock raising, Paint Township may well place reliance upon such enterprising native sons of Ross County as William A. Free, who, with the exception of several years, has passed his entire career within the limits of this county. Since 1910 he has been living on his farm of 213 acres on the Greenfield Turnpike, four miles from Bainbridge, where he has developed an excellent property, the ownership of which makes him one of the substantial representatives of the agricultural element in this section. Mr. Free was born on Cleft Run, Paint Township, Ross County, Ohio. October 30, 1862, and is a son of Nat and Charity (Parker) Free. Nat Free was born near Rapid Forge, at the mouth of Cleft Run, a son of George Free, who came to Paint Township from Pennsylvania among the earliest settlers, located on a farm, developed a well-cultivated and productive property, and was known as a farmer in comfortable circumstances and a citizen who had the respect and esteem of his fellows. Nat Free was only two years old when his mother died, but he was well reared and received a good education for his day and locality. He was brought up on Cleft Run, and after his marriage settled on a farm in the vicinity of his boyhood home. In 1866, with his wife and children. he moved to Paint Township and purchased the farm on which his son now lives, here spending the rest of his life. Mr. Free was an energetic and industrious agriculturist, practical in his ideas and ready to try new methods. He started his career with practically nothing, and so well were his efforts directed and so ably were his affairs managed, that at the time of his death he was the owner of about 1,100 acres of good land. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he did not court publicity nor seek public office, his ambitions being realized in the making of a good home and the securing of a good education for his children. Mr. Free married Charity Parker, who was born in North Carolina and came to Ross County when 12 years old. They became the parents of eleven children, of whom nine are now living : Frank, a resident of Mississippi ; William A., of this review ; John M., a resident of the State of Washington ; Alice, the wife of Jess Mossberger, of Harpers Station, Ohio : Lizzie, the wife of George Crutcher, of Paxton Township ; Ed ; Carrie, who is now Mrs. Lydon Smith, of Paint Township ; George, who died young; Charles H., of Paint Township ; Robert, who died at the age of three years; and Sam, of Paint Township. The district schools of Paint Township furnished William A. Free with his educational training, and until he was twenty-four years of age he was his father's assistant on the home farm. At that time he entered upon a career of his own, and after three years in Paint Township, went to Jefferson Township, Fayette County, where he rented for two years. was employed by the month for a time, and then rented again. On his return to Paint Township he located on the farm where Charles Free now resides, and on which he remained for three or four years, or until the spring of 1910, when he came to his present farm. He has 213- acres under a high state of cultivation, and has substantial buildings and HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 647 improvements of a modern character. Mr. Free is a believer in up-to-date methods, and the success which has attended his efforts would seem to indicate that he has the right idea. He takes an interest in the affairs that affect the community's welfare and the well-being of its people, and has not been backward in volunteering his aid in progressive enterprises. He exercises his political right of franchise as a democrat. Mr. Free was married April 27, 1907, to Miss Leona Pool, daughter of Peter and Hannah Pool. To this union there were born twin daughters, September 16, 1908: Hazel, who is attending school, and Ruth, who died July 5, 1909. EDWARD FREE. It has been the fortune of Edward Free to have realized many of his early ambitions, and through the exercise of good judgment, industry and business sagacity, to have wrested from his opportunities financial and general success. He is now the owner of 400 acres of good land, lying on Bainbridge Rural Route No. 3, in Paint Township, the greater part of which has been self-acquired, and his standing in the community stamps him as a worthy representative of a family that has long contributed to the development and advancement of this part of the county. Mr. Free was born on his father's farm in Paint Township, July 30, 1867, and is a son of Nathaniel and Charity (Parker) Free, and a great-grandson of a Hessian soldier who came to America to fight against the colonists during the War of the Revolution, but who remained to become a citizen of the new country. George Free, the grandfather of Edward Free, was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ross County among the early settlers, here establishing a home and developing a fertile and productive farm. He was known for his good citizenship and his sterling qualities of character, and had the unreserved respect and confidence of the people among whom he made his home. His son, Nathaniel Free, was born in 1832, in Paint Township, near Rapid Forge, at the mouth of Cleft Run, and although he lost his mother when he was two years old, was well reared and well educated. He was brought up on Cleft Run, and in 1866, with his wife and children, moved to the farm in Paint Township which is now occupied by his son, William A. Free, where he passed the remainder of his life. An industrious and enegretic agriculturist, he was practical in his views, although always ready to experiment with new ideas, and from practically nothing at the outset of his career, became the owner of nearly 1,100 acres of valuable land_ He was a democrat and somewhat active in local politics, but did not seek public office, contenting himself with cultivating his farm, making a good home and educating his children. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Free married Charity Parker, who was born in 1842, in North Carolina, and was a girl when she came with her parents to Ross County. They became the parents of eleven children, of whom nine are living: Frank, who was a teacher in the local schools for four terms, and now a farmer in Mississippi; William A., who is farming the old homestead of 213 acres, located on the Green- 648 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY field Turnpike in Paint Township ; John W., who resides in the West ; Alice, the wife of Jefferson Mossberger, of Harpers Station, Ohio; Elizabeth, who is the wife of George Kretzer, of Bainbridge, Ohio ; Edward, of this notice ; Carrie, who is now Mrs. Lydon Smith, of Paint Township ; George, who died in youth ; Charles H., who is farming a fine property of 200 acres in Paint Township ; Robert, who died at the age of three years; and Samuel, who is farming in Paint Township. Edward Free was reared on the home farm in Paint Township and received his education in the district schools, which he attended until he was about nineteen years of age. At that time he began farming for his father, and was employed by the elder man at a salary of $1.50 per year, feeding cattle. He continued to be so employed until he was twenty-five years of age, when he decided to start farming on his own account, and February 22, 1894, was married to Miss Alice Michael, who was born in 1876, at Roxabell, Ohio, and there educated. Mr. and Mrs. Free began married life with but few resources, but were willing and energetic workers, and soon had a comfortable home and a productive farm. They have continued to add to their property, and at the present time there are 400 acres in the home place, the greater part of which they have accumulated without outside help. Mr. Free has nice buildings and a good equipment and cultivates his property along modern lines, thus being able to secure a full measure of profit from his labor. He has an excellent reputation in the community for fair and honorable dealing, and as a citizen takes a leading part in all progressive movements. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Bainbridge. and politically is a democrat. His public service includes membership on the township board of trustees, a position which he holds at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Free are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fruitdale, and have been generous in their support of its movements. They are the parents of three children : Harold E., born in January, 1896 ; Paul T., born in May, 1902 ; and Margaret, born in September, 1907. ALMER HEGLER. Though a resident of Wayne Township, in Fayette County, Almer Hegler has for years been closely identified with Ross County affairs, and represents one of the oldest and most honored names in that part of Ohio. The Hegler family settled in Ross County more than a century ago. He is descended from an ancestry who lived near Basle, Switzerland, and came to America in 1746, locating in the Colony of Virginia. While living there he was killed by Indians. A son of this Swiss emigrant was Sebastian Hegler, who was born either in Virginia or Switzerland. In 1763 Sebastian bought a tract of land on the south branch of the Potomac River, but later moved to Greene County, Ohio, where he remained until his death. A son of Sebastian was Jacob Hegler, great-grandfather of Almer Hegler. Jacob was born in Hardy County, Virginia, now West Virginia, and late in life he came to Ohio and settled in Concord Town- HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 649 ship of Ross County. There he bought land, but after some years moved to Greene County and there spent his last days. The maiden name of Jacob's wife was Mary Dice. She spent her last years in Concord Township of Ross County. The most notable member of the Hegler family in the early days of Ross County was Col. Abraham Hegler, grandfather of Almer Hegler. Colonel Abraham was born in Hardy County, Virginia, was reared and married there, and in 1809 took his bride on a horseback journey to Ohio. It would be difficult to draw an adequate picture of Ohio at that time. Practically the entire state was an unbroken wilderness and the Indians still held large portions as their favorite hunting ground. The Virginia military lands could be bought at that time at prices ranging from 25 cents to $2.50 an acre. Colonel Abraham located in Concord Township of Ross County, bought land on Herrod's Creek, and there erected a log cabin which was the first home of the Hegler family in Ohio. He was not an ordinary man. In his business affairs he was known as a very enterprising and progressive farmer of that day, and as he kept investing and reinvesting his surplus means in additional lands until at the time of his death he owned about 5,000 acres in Concord Township of Ross County and Wayne Township of Fayette County. His possessions extended along both sides of the Chillicothe and Washington Pike from the north fork of Paint Creek west five miles into Fayette County. He was one of the largest land owners of Ohio. He continued to reside at his home in Concord Township until his death in 1865. He was equally conspicuous in public affairs and in the inauguration of several important movements which made history and civilization in his part of Ohio. He was commissioned a justice of the peace by Governor Return J. Meigs in 1813. His grandson, Almer Hegler, has Colonel Abraham's commission as captain in the state militia, colonel and lieutenant-colonel. He also served as a member of the State Legislature in 1838-39. Col. Abraham Hegler was a member of the Ohio Importing Company, formed for the purpose of importing Shorthorn cattle. There are still to be found on farms in Ross and Fayette counties cattle that are direct descendants from the Shorthorns imported by this company many years ago. Colonel Hegler was also one of the promoters of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, now a part of the Baltimore and Ohio system, and was a director of the company that built this road. Col. Abraham Hegler married for his first wife Elizabeth Shobe, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of Rudolph Shobe, also a native of that state. She died in 1813. His second wife was Dolly Stookey, who was born in Virginia, and died in 1858. She was the grandmother of Almer Hegler. Milton Hegler, father of Almer, was born in Concord Township of Ross County, March 21, 1816. Born 100 years ago, his early advantages were those of the primitive schools existing in Ross County at the time, and he became practiced in those arts of woodcraft and husbandry such as the pioneers developed to a high state of proficiency.