Ashland County, Ohio - The whole text, 1909 (part 22 of 26)

Richard M. Johnson

Richard M. Johnson, who for many years practiced law in the courts of this and other counties, is a representative of a family which dates its ancestry back to Revolutionary times, his grandfather having been a major in the Continental army, participating in the battle of Lexington and serving until the surrender at Yorktown. His grandmother was Sarah Ferguson, daughter of Colonel Ferguson, who fell at the battle of White Plains during that period. His parents were John and Almira (Peet) Johnson, his father having been a native of Massachusetts, where his birth oceurred September 5, 1797, and his mother of Delaware County, New York, where they were united in marriage. They came to this state in the year 1836. John Johnson was a graduate of the schools of Springfield, Massachusetts, and also of Dartmouth College, in the latter institution having been a classmate of Daniel Webster. Upon arriving in this state he taught school for twenty-seven years and after giving up that profession he engaged in general agricultural pursuits and _ stock-raising. When he eame ss this county it was covered with forests and the woodlands were filled with game which not only afforded sport and adventure in hunting but also played an important part in supplying provisions since at that time it was almost impossible to get other kinds of meats. The farm he afterwards cultivated he cleared and made arable himself and for a long time he harvested his crops with the sickle, cradle and scythe and threshed his grain in a primitive way on a tramping floor. His son also had like experiences and in reverting to those days he said: ''I have seen the evolution of farming from the sickle to the selfbinder and from the tramping floor to the separator and stacker.'' The father departed this life on August 11, 1889, his wife surviving him by one year, her death having oceurred on February 1, 1890.

Richard M. Johnson was born March 2, 1841, in that part of Ashland county which was once a part of Lorain county. He was an only child and he acquired his education at the common schools of Lorain county and in 1857, at the age of sixteen years was matriculated as a student in Cornell University in Utica, New York, where he pursued a four years' course of study. Upon leaving the institution, which was about the time the Civil war broke out, he enlisted in the Union service on September 7, 1861, in Battery B, First Regiment, Ohio Light Artillery, and continued in the military ranks until July 22, 1865, most of that time serving in the Army of the Cumberland and of the Tennessee. He participated in most of the battles fought by those armies, and took part in twentythree engagements. Entering the military service as a private he was later advanced to quartermaster and also served for some time as sergeant and while following the army he had a number of thrilling experiences which he vividly recalls, and delights to relate. After receiving his discharge he returned to his father's home where he engaged in farming for two years, at. the termination of which time he took up the study of law with R. C. Powers, of New London with whom he remained for two years, when he was admitted to the bar. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Powers and they continued to practice law together until the year 1887,when Mr. Powers departed this life. Mr. Johnson has been quite a successful attorney and has practiced his profession in all of the courts of the county and state and also in the federal courts. He was recognized everywhere as a man of extraordinary ability and one who possessed the faculty of expressing himself in clear and faultless English. After having followed the profession for many years his health began to fail and shortly after his partner's death he decided to give up his practice, and retired to his farm in Troy township. where he actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until a few years ago when he removed to the village of Nova, where he has since resided.

On February 11, 1878, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Fast, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Baughman) Fast, her father being a wealthy farmer and land-owner of Troy township, whose birth occurred in 1818. Her mother departed this life some years ago. To this union were born four children, namely: Edith E., who became the wife of George McQuade, of Wellington; Thomas B.; John L.; and Claude E. Mr. Johnson, a deep student. is one of the most highly cultured men of the community and being very fond of books he is well read upon almost every subject, being particularly conversant with ancient and modern history and biography.

In politics Mr. Johnson is a republican and although he has never aspired to office he has always been a loyal supporter of his party and at the same time has taken considerable interest in the affairs of the community, having served several terms as justice of the peace, to which office he was again elected in 1907, but declined to accept. He is a friend of advanced education and of every movement which has for its object the bettering of local conditions. He is a comrade of C. P. Ogden Post, No. 515, G. A. R., of Nova, and also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Mr. Johnson is a man of high morals whose life has always been such as to command the respect of all with whom he came in contact and he is today one of the most substantial and worthy citizens of the county.

E. L. Berry

E. L. Berry, a prominent citizen'of Ashland, now holding the responsible position of county surveyor, the duties of which office he has been performing for the past seven years, deserves the title of a self-made man. He was left an orphan at the age of thirteen years with little means and without influence and

-since that time through his own exertions has acquired an excellent education and step by step on the strength of his ability has worked his way among the citizens of the county until his popularity together with this efficiency in his particular line of work merit him the position he now holds as a county official.

He was born in Jackson township, this county, October 21, 1870, a son of William and Margaret (Shutt) Berry. His father was born upon the same farm upon which his son E. L. Berry first saw the light of day. This property was entered by his grandfather, Jacob Berry, who came to the county from Pennsylvania in 1818, at that time buying the land from the government. Upon the death of the grandfather, William Berry purchased the old home place, which is now owned by a son, M. M. Berry. The father devoted his time in agricultural pursuits together with stock raising and in 1874, when fifty years of age, departed this life as the result of injuries received by being kicked by a horse. At the time of his demise he was justice of the peace, having served in that office with exceptional credit for a period of twenty-five years. He was a member of the German Reformed church of Polk at the time of his death. Jackson township was also the birthplace of Margaret (Shutt) Berry, mother of the subject of this review, and her parents came to this county from the Keystone state about the time of the arrival of the Berry family. She passed away here on May 4, 1883, being at that time fifty-four years of age.

On the home farm E. L. Berry was reared, acquiring his knowledge of husbandry under the instruction of his father and during his boyhood days obtained his preliminary education in the district schools. About two years following the demise of his mother he began his business career as a farm hand in Wayne county, which occupation he followed for about three years. At the termination of that time he spent one year as a pupil at school in Polk, Ohio after which he returned to Wayne county, where he devoted one year to faite. During the winter he pursued a course of study at the Ohio Normal University in Ada. In the spring of 1891 Mr. Berry went to Colorado, where he was employed as a surveyor, at the same time being connected with a lumber firm in

Pitkin county, that state. Upon returning home in the fall of 1892 he again entered Ohio Normal University as a student in the civil engineering department and was graduated May 13, 1894. After his graduation he spent some time on the old home farm with his brother, and while there engaged in various occupations, teaching the district school during the years 1896 and 1897. In the spring of the latter year he again went to Pitkin county, Colorado, where he formed a partnership with John W. Irion, the firm engaging in surveying lands for the government. This connection existed until he returned to this county, where in the spring of 1898 he was married. He then located upon a farm, where he resided for two years, he and his wife in the meantime teaching school during the winter months, and on the expiration of that period he gave up agriculture and divided his time between carpentry and school teaching until the spring of 1901, when he was nominated on the democratic ticket for county surveyor. He was elected during the following fall, was reelected on the expira- - tion of his term, and is now serving in that position for his seventh year. His work being entirely satisfactory, he has won the reputation of being one of the most popular and efficient officials of the county.

Mr. Berry's marriage to Miss Anna E. Hastings, of Redhaw, Perry township, this county, was celebrated March 19, 1898, and to this union have been born two children: Marie and Gladwyn A. Mr. Berry is an excellent type of the self-made man who, depending entirely upon his own resourees, startea out in life fired with laudable ambition and determined to exert his energies in the direction of success, and although his row has been hard he has been favorea at each step and now enjoys a measure of prosperity justly due him for his untiring zeal and noble purpose. He is a democrat in politics, whose study of the principles of his party has convinced him of the feasibility of its policies in promoting the highest interests of the government, and he is always a loyal supporter of its candidates. He is popular throughout the county and is held in high regard particularly for the high grade services he has rendered in his present office.

Isaiah K. Donald

Isaiah K. Donald is now living retired in Loudonville. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1844, a son of David and Mary Ann (Clark) Donald. The father was born in America but his parents were both natives of Scotland. The mother was also of American birth but came of Seotch- Irish parentage. David Donald followed the miller's trade throughout his entire life and was an industrious, energetic man. He continued his residence in Butler county, Pennsylvania, until about 1845, when he removed to Westmoreland county, that state, and in 1854 became a resident of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. In 1856, he brought his family to Ohio, locating near Nashville in Holmes county. Here he turned his attention to milling and in following

'that pursuit provided for his family, which numbered six children. Henry 'the eldest, started for the Mexican war and was never heard from again. Ann and Mary are both deceased. Elizabeth is the wife of G. G. Fraim, of Oklahoma. Isaiah K. is the next of the family. Hosea was drowned at the time of the disaster of the Sultana, on which-he was a passenger. He had enlisted from Lucas, Richland county, Ohio, and was a member of McLaughlin's squadron.

Isaiah K. Donald was only a year old when his parents left his native county and after about nine years' residence in Westmoreland county he accompanied them to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Since 1856 he has resided continuously in Ohio, living in Holmes county until after the outbreak of the Civil war when, on the 14th of August, 1861, he responded to the country 's call for troops, joining Company B, of the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry under command of Captain William Spangler. He participated in the engagements at Cumberlands Gap, Powells Gap, Tazewell, Tennessee; Chickasaw Bayou; Fort Hinman, Kansas; Fort Gibson, Mississippi; and Champion Hills, and at the last named place on the 16th of May, 1863, he received a gunshot wound in the left ankle. He was sent to the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, and afterward was granted a furlough and returned home. He then reported to the Seminary Hospital at Columbus and was transferred to the invalid camp at Dennison, Ohio, where he received an honorable discharge on the 28th of December, 1863.

In the meantime his parents had removed to Lucas, Richland county, and Mr.. Donald joined the family there. In July, 1864, he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and was married in that city on the 8th of June, 1865, the lady of his choice being Miss Susan Linhart, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1842. She was a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Brown) Linhart, who were natives of Pennsylvania and spent their last days near Turtle Creek, in Allegheny county, that state, Mrs. Donald being reared in Allegheny county from the age of five years. Their family numbered four sons and four daughters: William, who is now living in Stewart, Pennsylvania, and who served for three years as a soldier of the Civil war; Evaline, deceased ; Mrs. Sarah McCune, of Nebraska; Henry, who was for four years a soldier of the Civil war and has now departed this life; Mrs. Donald; John, of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Elizabeth Mats, of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania; and James, deceased. The mother of these children, who was born November 1, 1808, died on the 31st of July, 1905. The father died April 20, 1876, when nearly eighty years of age.

Following his marriage Isaiah K. Donald returned with his young wife to Lucas, but because of the injury sustained in the war he was able to do little manual labor until 1869. He has resided in Ashland county for forty-one years and since 1873 has made his home in Loudonville with the exception of five years spent ona farm. In the village he has engaged in house-moving and through his well directed business efforts, his energy and his careful expenditure he has acquired a comfortable competence that now enables him to live retired. He also did business as a huckster for eight years and up to the time of his retirement lived a most active, busy and useful life. He has owned a home here since 1874 and two years ago he erected his present residence, which stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Donald have been born five children: Margaret, at home; Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Low, of Cleveland; Henrietta, the wife

In his political views Mr. Donald has always been a stalwart republican, giving his vote for all presidential candidates of the party and remaining as loyal thereto at local elections. He is a member of Fisher Post No. 309, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades, serving as post commander and adjutant ever since the organization of the post. The greater majority of the soldiers were literally ''boys,''? many of them not having passed beyond their teens, among which number was Mr. Donald, but they never ceased to feel the keenest interest in their comrades-in-arms and there is no old soldier who does not enjoy meeting at the camp fires those with whom he marched on the long campaigns or who, like himself, were ranged up in battle array facing the enemy's bullets. Mr. Donald was not only a brave soldier but has always been a progressive citizen, interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community.

William St. Clair Latimer

William St. Clair Latimer is one of the venerable and respected citizens of Ashland county. He started upon the journey of life on the 8th of April, 1815, his birthplace being about two miles east of Canton, in Stark county, Ohio. Few can recall from personal knowledge the condition of things in the state at that time. It was by no means unusual to see bands of roving Indians and there were dense forest tracts into which the white men had scarcely penetrated. Comparatively few roads had been laid out, the streams were unbridged and the trees uncut. Wild game of various kinds could be found in the forest and there were also many wild animals. Life, too, was very different from that of the present time. The homes were widely scattered and the settlers depended upon their own labors for nearly everything which they used. Not only did the fields and the farm yield supplies of harvest and of stock which were converted into food products, but also the garments of the settlers were largely home woven and home made. The houses were lighted by tallow candles and later by kerosene lamps and fireplaces were used for heating purposes as well as for cooking. Today the average farm has all of the conveniences known to the city and this result has been wrought through the efforts of such enterprising, industrious and public-spirited men as William St. Clair Latimer, who has lived upon his present farm since 1826, or for about eighty-three years.

Mr..Uatimer came to Ashland county with his parents, James and Elizabeth (Travis) Latimer, who were natives of Pennsylvania and were reared and married in that state. They afterward removed to Stark county, Ohio, and in 1826 established their home in Ashland county upon a farm on section 24, Mifflin township, whereon they spent their remaining days. The father died when in the eighties and the mother passed away at the very venerable age of ninety-four. Their family numbered ten children: Rebecca, who died in

Betsy, who became the wife of Daniel Harlan; Nancy, who married Henry Brown; Margaret, who married William Roberts; Martha, the wife of Benjamin Cole; Joseph; and William. All were married and lived to a ripe old age with the exception of Rebecca.

William St. Clair Latimer is the youngest and the only one now living. He can well remember the journey to this county which was made by wagon through the forest. Here he assisted in the arduous task of clearing away the trees, preparing the land for the plowing and cultivating the first crops. As the years went by he continued to engage in general farming and in due course of time became the owner of one hundred and five acres of his father's original tract which consisted of the southwest quarter of section 24, Mifflin township. When the former took possession but twelve acres had been cleared and a cabin had been built in the little opening. As his years and strength increased Mr. Latimer assisted more and more largely in the work of the farm, so that he was well qualified to assume its management when he began farming on his own account.

Not only as an agriculturist but in other lines Mr. Latimer became well known. He had himself been educatéd in a log schoolhouse and he assisted in raising the first log schoolhouse in Mifflin when he was but eighteen years of age. He was always active in the Methodist church and after coming to this county attended services at Hayesville, whither he rode on horse-back, a distance of six miles. After the birth of two of his children he and his family attended services in a log church three miles west of their home in Richland county. He is now a member of the Methodist church of Widowville near the site of the old log schoolhouse where he first attended.

It was in 1839 that Mr. Latimer was married to Miss Sarah Nutter, who was born in West Virginia in March, 1814. She came to Crawford county, Ohio, with her parents as a young lady and resided there until her marriage. Her death occurred April 14, 1885, when she was seventy-one years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Latimer were born nine children. James, the oldest, who enlisted for three years in 1861 as a member of the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohic Volunteer Infantry from this county under Captain McKinley, died while in the service in Vicksburg in February, 1862. Elizabeth, who acquired her early education in the common schools, afterward attended Vermillion Institute and Ashland College and successfully engaged in teaching for three or four years. She was first married to J. M. Tawney, a soldier who had been wounded in the service. After being thus injured he returned home but reenlisted and died a year and a half after they again came to the north, his death being the result of his injuries. Having lost her first husband Elizabeth became the wife of Mathew Neely. She is again a widow and for the past thirteen years has devoted her time to caring for her aged father. Nancy Jane, the third of the family, died February 13, 1897, at the age of fifty-four years, five months and eleven days. Harriett is the wife of Henry Sigler, a resident of Columbia Station, Lorain county, Ohio. John is living in Noble county, Indiana. William and Zachariah are both residents of Mifflin township. Sarah died at the age of three years. Amanda is the wife of Alfred Thomas and resides in Brookings county, South Dakota.

In his political views Mr. Latimer was originally a whig and voted for William H. Harrison. He has never failed to vote at each succeeding presidential election since that time. On the dissolution of the whig party he joined the ranks of the new republican party with which he has since been affiliated. The only office he has ever held was in connection with the schools and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. While in his ninetyfifth year he is as straight as an arrow and walks about without the aid of a cane unless he is going some distance. His mind is clear and his memory good. He was able to do a hard day's work when seventy-five years of age and he is today the oldest man in Ashland county, a venerable citizen who is honored by all who know him.

William Shidler

William Shidler, prominent in the affairs of Ashland, who has served as county treasurer and is now devoting his attention to general farming and stock raising, was born in Orange township, this county, September 2, 1847, a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Wise) Shidler, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and came to this county with their parents in childhood. The father passed away here October 23, 1866, and the mother February 5, 1877. They reared two children, namely: Jane Ann, the wife of Hugh Merry, residing in this county; and Wilham. ,

On his father's estate William Shidler was reared, engaging in agricultural duties during the sammer months and in the winter season acquiring his preliminary education in the village schools. Subsequently he completed a course at Savannah Academy and remained upon the home farm until he became of age, at which period of his life he rented the homestead for two years. He then purchased eighty acres of land in Orange township, which he occupied for two years, and then sold and established himself in the livery business in the village of Ashland, in which enterprise he continued for a couple of years. On selling out he returned to the old home farm, which he purchased and upon which he remained until 1893, when he disposed of the estate and engaged in the hardware business in Ashland but, after conducting this enterprise for two years and finding it unprofitable, he sold out the business. Becoming interested in politics he was elected to the office of county treasurer, which he held for four years, and at the expiration of that term he bought a farm containing eighty-four aeres, upon which he built a nice residence, a substantial barn and other outbuildings and put it into such shape as to make it one of the finest farms in Montgomery township. He took possession of the property in 1900 and has since resided there in the pursuit of general agriculture, giving some attention to stock raising.

On November 2, 1872, Mr. Shidler wedded Miss Elizabeth Myers, a native of Somerset. county, Pennsylvania, who when two years of age located in this county with her parents, John B. and Barbara Myers, both of whom are deceased. They reared a family of thirteen children, nine of whom are living. To Mr.

and Mrs. Shidler have been born, Maud and Lloyd J., both deceased ; Charles J., who is married and resides at home ; and Etha May, the wife of C. G. Helbert, residing in Barberton, Ohio.

Mr. Shidler is a stanch supporter of the democratic party, in the affairs of which he has been very active, and he was elected assessor of Orange township in which capacity he served for six years. At present he is one of the county commissioners. He belongs to Ashland Lodge, K. P., and to Lodge No. 151, A. F. & A. M., meeting at Ashland. Mr. Shidler attends divine services with his wife at the Progressive Brethren church, of which she is a member and a liberal supporter. He is a man of admitted administrative ability, able to handle public affairs and courts the respect and esteem of his neighbors, both for his industry and excellent qualities of character, and is numbered among the influential and substantial citizens of the county.

Henry H. Maurer

Henry H. Maurer is a well known and respected representative of the farming interests of Ashland county. He now lives on section 12, Green township. He was born in Lake township on the 19th of June, 1856, and is a son of Samuel and Mary Jane (Stowe) Maurer and a grandson of Henry and Hannah (Lautner) Maurer. Henry Maurer was born in Holidaysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and in 1830 became a resident of Ashland county, settling on a farm in Lake township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, owning and cultivating one hundred and sixty acres. For nearly forty years he filled the office of justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He was also township trustee, clerk and treasurer and discharged his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. His political allegiance was always given to the democratic party. In 1856 he lost his first wife, who died in early womanhood and in 1862 he wedded Mary A. Smith. His death occurred in 1864. He was the father of nine children: Jacob, John, Daniel, Samuel, Mrs. Sarah Dillier, Mrs. Rebecca Metcalf and Mrs. Hannah Wyatt, all born of the first marriage; and David and Mrs. Jane Robinson, who were children of the second marriage.

Samuel Maurer, a native of Pennsylvania, was born December 16, 1831, and was therefore very young when his parents removed to Ohio, so that practically his entire life was spent on a farm in Lake township. He always lived quietly, devoting his attention to the tilling of the soil, and at his death he owned one hundred and sixty acres of good land. His wife, who was born July 23, 1832, in Holmes county, Ohio, died May 1, 1906, at the old home in Lake township, and Samuel Maurer survived only until the 14th of September of the same year. They were the parents of five children: Anna, the deceased wife of B. F. Paullin, who was at one time a county official of Ashland county; Henry H.; Isabelle, the widow of Luther Smith and a resident of Loudonville; John, who married Ella Raney and lives in Wooster, Ohio; and George who married Isabelle Garst and is living in Palmer county, Texas.

Mr. And Mrs. Henry H. Maurer

Henry H. Maurer was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of the work of the fields for him in his youthful days. At the time of his marriage he removed to his present home in Green township and has here resided continuously since 1879. His life of well directed thrift and industry has made him one of the men of affluence in the community and that he has attained success is indicated in the excellent appearance of his farm, in the midst of which stands a fine home, which he erected in 1906. He has also remodeled the barn and has built commodious sheds and cribs for the shelter of grain and stock. He now owns seventy-seven acres of land on section 6, Lake township, where he was born, in addition to his home farm of ninety acres on section 12, Green township, and he cultivates both tnacts of land.

{n 1879 Mr. Maurer was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Covert, who was born in Monroe township, Richland county, Ohio, near Perrysville, October 10, 1855, and successfully engaged in teaching school prior to her marriage. She is a daughter of Esley and Elizabeth (Byers) Covert, natives of Lake township and Green township respectively. The father died in April, 1894, at the age of seventy years, while the mother resides in Stayton, Oregon. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom have now passed away with the exception of Mrs. Maurer and Mrs. Alice Clow, who is with her mother in Oregon. Five of the children became successful school teachers and three died in early life. Mrs. Covert was a second cousin of James G. Blaine. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Maurer have been born nine children: Beryl, the wife of William A. Simms, of Lake township; Blanche; Evelyn; Samuel Grover; Eugene; Anna; Ruth; Mary; and Ida.

Mr. Maurer has always voted with the democracy and is a stanch advocate of the principles of the party, but not an aspirant for office. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum and also to the Modern Woodman camp, of Loudonville. He has a wide acquaintance in this county, where his entire life has been passed and where his many substantial traits of character have won him the good will and friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.

H. E. Zimmerman, editor of the Loudonville Advocate, was born June 2, 1873, in the village which is still his home and in which he has spent the greater part of his life. He is a son of Leonard and Mary Ellen (Cowel) Zimmerman, who were natives of Wayne county, Ohio, both having been born, reared and married in that locality. Leonard Zimmerman was the eldest son of David and Susan (Hiner) Zimmerman, and was born near Springdale, Ohio, August 6, 1840. When a young man he learned the trade of wagon-making, which he followed for a number of years, pursuing the occupation in Shreve and in Perrysville. In 1871, he located in Loudonville where he conducted a wagonmaking shop for three years, and in 1874 removed to a farm west of the town, making his home thereon during the last thirty-four years of his life. He was one of the most highly respected citizens of Hanover township, a man of irreproachable integrity, straightforward in all his dealings and not only upright but also a gentleman of kindly manner and genial disposition. He was married on the 15th of October, 1862, to Miss Mary Ellen Cowel, and to them were born five sons and three daughters, who are all yet living. The death of Mr. Zimmerman occurred February 21, 1908, and the county lost thereby a valued and representative citizen, one who had always been loyal to the interests of the community and whose worth as a citizen and business man went unquestioned. H. E. Zimmerman was only a young lad when his parents removed to the farm about two and one half miles west of the town. There he was reared attending the district schools in his youthful days, while later he pursued a course in the Loudonville high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896. He taught school for thirteen consecutive years and during the first two terms he carried his high-school work while teaching. His connection with educational interests as a teacher was mostly in Hanover township and in his work he always held to high standards. In 1905, he turned his attention to journalism through the purchase, on the 19th of August of that year, of the Loudonville Advocate, of which he has since been editor, manager and publisher. On the 10th of October, 1898, Mr. Zimmerman was united in marriage to Miss Lottie E. Smith, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and a daughter of J. G. and Mary Ellen (Goon) Smith, who are now residents of Ashland county. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have one daughter, Vera Marie. They are well known in Loudonville and this part of the county where they have long resided, and it is well known that Mr. Zimmerman is a stalwart champion of all those movements and measures which feature in good citizenship and general progress.

Byron W. Hileman

Byron W. Hileman, who for many years has been prominently associated with the agricultural and stock-raising interests of Sullivan township, this county, is a native of Troy township, where his birth occurred April 3, 1858. He is a son of Heron B. and Nancy S. (Shank) Hileman, his parents having come from Wayne county to Ashland county in the year 1854, settling in the township where he was born. There his father was an extensive landowner and engaged in general farming and stock raising until he departed this life in November of the year 1900 and is still survived by his widow. In the family were eight children, seven of whom are now living.

Byron W. Hileman, the second of the family, spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, actively engaged in the pursuit of agriculture and in the winter season attending the district school, where he acquired his education. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age, when he left home, and after his marriage he settled on a farm in Huntington township, Lorain county, where he engaged in farming and stock raising for thirteen years. In 1892 he removed to Sullivan township, Ashland county, settling on the farm on which he now resides. His land embraces two hundred and twenty- six acres, all of which is of the best quality of soil, thoroughly drained, under a high state of cultivation and provided with all nécessary improvements with which to pursue the occupation of farming. His dwelling is of a modern type while his barn and other buildings are substantial and in addition he has plenty of machinery to carry on his work. In fact the farm is supplied with every modern convenience. Everything about the place is indicative of thrift and progress and in every particular his farm is one of the most desirable in the community. Aside from producing general crops such as hay, oats and wheat, he also pays some attention to all kinds of stock, keeping on hand a number of head of the best specimens of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs and at the same time engages to some extent in the dairy business. He is one of the most progressive farmers in the township and, having made a study of soils and of the adaptation and rotation of crops, he is usually successful in deriving from his fields the maximum yield per acre.

In February, 1883, Mr. Hileman wedded Miss Ella M. Smith, a daughter of Gustavus and Effie Smith, of Troy township, and they now have three children, namely: Alta, who became the wife of Charles Chapman; Blanch, wife of Clayton Arndt; and Edith.

Politically Mr. Hileman is a republican who takes an active interest in the affairs of the party and has frequently been chosen as a delegate to county, district and state conventions. He is decidedly a man of affairs, ready to further any matter devised for the advancement of the community, being especially an advocate of good roads and general public improvements, and is serving a second term as township trustee. He is also officiating as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Maccabees and with the members of his family attends divine services at the Congregational church in the village of Sullivan. Mr. Hileman is one of the aggressive men: of the community, whose. industry has done much for the general betterment of the township and whose upright life has always merited him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.

Alonzo Shambaugh

Alonzo Shambaugh is a representative of agricultural and financial interests in the southeastern portion of Ashland county. Since 1874 he has resided upon the farm in Green township which is still his home and he is also the vice president of the Perrysville Banking Company. He was born in Green township on the 10th of January, 1243, and is a son of John and Lydia (Lepley) Shambaugh, both of whom were natives of Snyder county, Pennsylvania, the former born in 1821 and the latter in 1823. They came to Ohio with their parents in childhood days, arriving about 1830, and were married in Ashland county, where the remainder of their lives were passed as farming people. Mr. Shambaugh was a son of John and Katharine (Walters) Shambaugh, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania but became pioneer residents of Ohio and died in Ashland county. Mrs. Lydia Shambaugh was a daughter of Henry and Phoebe (Hynes) Lepley. Her parents, too, were natives of Pennsylvania who cast in their lot with the early settlers of Ashland county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Shambaugh there were born three children: Alonzo; Curtis, who is now living in Mansfield, Ohio; and Emma, the wife of Frank Snyder, who occupies the old Shambaugh homestead in Green township.

Alonzo Shambaugh was seven years of age when his parents removed from his birthplace to a farm in Monroe township, Richland county, there residing for about six years. On the expiration of that period they returned to Green township and he continued to assist his father in the development and cultivation of the farm until after the outbreak of the Civil war when on the 9th of August, 1862, at the age of nineteen years he responded to the country's call for troops, joining the boys in blue of Company C, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry under Captain McKinley. He took part in the battle of Vicksburg and subsequently was taken ill and sent to the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee. When he had sufficiently recovered he rejoined his regiment at Plaquemine, Louisiana, took part in the Red River campaign and at Snaggy Point, Arkansas, was taken prisoner on the 3d of May, 1864. He was held until the 17th of May, 1865, being incarcerated at Tyler, Texas, until after the close of the war when the victory won by the Union arms led to the release of the northern men who were confined in southern prisons.

Mr. Shambaugh was a faithful and loyal supporter of the old flag and the cause it represented, fearlessly defending the Union interests in various hotly contested battles. When the war was over he returned home and resumed farming with his father, continuing to cultivate the home place until his marriage. In the spring of 1874 he bought his present farm which comprises one hundred and forty-four acres of good land adjoining the corporation limits of Perrysville and about twenty acres within the boundaries of the village on Third street. On this farm he has a large fine residence and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. All were erected by Mr. Shambaugh and stand as monuments to his thrift, enterprise and progressive spirit. His fields are carefully tilled so that he annually gathers good crops and he also augments his yearly income by his sales of stock. He has been the vice president of the Perrysville Banking Company since the bank was owned by home capital and is a man of keen business discernment, rarely, if ever, at fault in matters of judgment relating to the management of his agricultural and financial interests.

In October, 1874, Mr. Shambaugh was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Harlan, who was born in Vermillion township, November 12, 1842, and is a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Latimer) Harlan, who were natives of Virginia but spent their last days in Ashland county. They had six daughters and five sons, including Mrs. Shambaugh, who by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Montrose H., now of Perrysville; and Daisy, the wife of Ira Gorhan, of California. fe In his political views Mr. Shambaugh is a stalwart democrat, unfaltering in is support of the party principles. He has been township trustee for two terms, was treasurer for seven terms and has also been a member of the village board of education and served for several terms on the jury commission 3 belongs to the Baptist church in which he is a trustee and he was a member of

Ziegler Post, No. 512, G. A. R., of Perrysville until it was disbanded. He is today as loyal to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields and takes just pride in what he has accomplished in the village for its substantial upbuilding and improvement.

George Dl. Miller

George L. Miller, whose spirit of enterprise constitutes an important factor in the business activity and consequent prosperity of Perrysville, is now serving as postmaster of the town and is also identified with several business interests. He was born in Salona, Clinton county, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1858, and there spent the first ten years of his life, on the expiration of which decade he came with the family to Ohio. He is a son of Henry T. and Jane (Herr) Miller, who were also natives of Clinton county, Pennsylvania, the former born August 6, 1818, and the latter on the 6th of January, 1820. They were married in the county of their nativity and resided there until 1868, when they moved westward to Perrysville, arriving on the 6th of November. They both spent their remaining days here, and the father, who had previously given much of his attention to general agricultural interests, devoted his time and energies to the livery business and to the conduct of a meat market in Perrysville. He was twice married and had two daughters by the first union. His second marriage was to Jane Herr and their family numbered two sons, the brother of our subject being Harry Edmund, who was born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1861, and died February 9, 1909. The mother passed away August 15, 1874, and the father's death occurred October 15, 1892. In tracing the ancestry farther back it is found that the Miller family is of Irish lineage. The grandfather of our subject was John Miller, a native of the Emerald isle, who served as the first sheriff of Clinton county, Pennsylvania. He had two sons who died unmarried, and Henry T. Miller was the only one who married and reared a family.

In taking up the personal history of George L. Miller we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Perrysville and throughout this part of the county for his sterling traits of character commend him to the friendship and regard of all with whom business or social relations bring him in contact. Since the family home was established in the village, in 1868, he has here lived. The father owned a farm adjoining the town on the east and there resided for seven years, after which he spent two years in the village and then traded for a farm a mile west of the town comprising one hundred and thirty acres, which is now the property of George L. Miller, who resided thereon from February, 1878, until November, 1892. At the latter date he again took up his abode in the village and became engaged in the implement business, which he carried on for three years. In July, 1906, he was appointed postmaster of Perrysville and is now filling that position, at the same 'time conducting a shoe store in which he carries a large and well selected line of goods. He is, moreover, a stockholder in the Perrysville Pottery Company

On the 1st of December, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Bertha Ross, who was born in Morrow county, Ohio, June 20, 1862. She was a resident of Shreve at the time of her marriage and her parents, Daniel and Nancy Ross, still reside there. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have many warm friends in Perrysville and throughout this part of the county and their own home is justly celebrated for its warmhearted and gracious hospitality. In politics Mr. Miller has been a life-long republican who studies the questions and issues of the day and is therefore able to give strong reason for his political faith. He has served for many years as a member of the village council and exercises his official prerogatives in support of various measures for the public good. He has done active work on the board of education during the three years incumbency in the office and he withholds his cooperation from no movement which is deemed of value in promoting the best interests of the community. That he is a popular member of the Knights of the Maccabees is indicated by his relation as commander of the local tent. He also belongs to the Presbyterian church and is a man of genuine personal worth whose life has been straightforward and honorable in all of its varied relations.

Francis Vantilburg

For upwards of a century and a half the Vantilburgs have been connected with the farming interests of the state of Ohio and in addition to their valuable accessions to its commercial progress its members have also patriotically devoted themselves to sustaining the dignity of the nation as a world power and given of their martial forces to the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Henry Vantilburg, a native of Holland and grandfather of Francis, settled at New Holland, New Jersey. He served with the. Minute Men in the Colonial army during the war for American independence and participated in the battles of Monmouth and Trenton. One day while he was in the army his wife was standing in the doorway of their home with a baby in her arms when she was shot by a Hessian soldier of the British army without provocation. Later he married Julia Ann Sunderland, a native of New Jersey. For his military service he was paid in colonial money, which proved to be of no value and he was left penniless. At the close of the war he came to Ohio and located near Somerset, where he resided until called from this life. He was one of the early pioneers of this state where he cleared land and like his fellow settlers he resided in a log cabin of his own construction, there rearing a large family. He was known to be a man of great industry and at the time of his death, which occurred in his ninety-seventh year, he left a large and valuable estate. He cleared two large farms and became one of the leading men of the township in which he lived.

Henry Vantilburg, father of the subject of this review, was born in Jefferson county, this state, in 1778, and was noted for his uprightness and integrity passing his entire life without any business differences necessitating recourse law. With the exception of the money he paid to have his will drawn he never expended a cent for legal fees and this indubitably proves his sterling qualities of character. During the war of 1812 he was drafted but the cares of his farm being so pressing he was unable to enter the military service and gave the best horse he owned to a substitute. He located in this section of the state in pioneer days and it fell to him to clear the land he cultivated. After he had succeeded in transforming his claims into productive fields he was compelled to carry his grain to Mount Vernon, a distance of fifty miles, this being his nearest mill. In those days there were few sawmills and consequently one could not obtain boards with which to make their buildings. Mr. Vantilburg constructed a barn out of hewn logs and, desiring to have upon it a shingled roof, he was compelled to go ten miles in order to get the nails, in payment for which he traded wheat that he carried on horseback, giving one bushel of grain for two pounds of nails. The latter were very expensive at that time in as much as they were made by hafid and it was necessary to hammer them one at atime. He spent his entire life in the pursuit of agriculture. His wife was Jennie Shaw, a native of Virginia, born in 1788 on the York river. She came to Jefferson county, this state, when a girl, with her father, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. By her Mr. Vantilburg had a family of ten children, but the only survivors are: Henry, born in 1821; and Francis, born January 20, 1829.

On the home farm Francis Vantilburg worked until he attained the age of maturity, in the meantime acquiring his education in the village schools. Later he engaged with his father in cultivating the land on shares and upon the death of his parents in 1862 he sold the estate of which he was administrator and purchased his present farm in Milton township, Ashland county, where he has since resided, cultivating one hundred and sixty acres. His specialty is sheep raising and wool growing and during the past forty-five years he has sold forty-five thousand pounds of wool and many thousand dollars worth of sheep. He breeds from the finest specimens of the Merino type, of which he keeps on hand about two hundred head. Aside from sheep raising Mr. Vantilburg is also interested in horse breeding and buys and ships registered stock, at the same time paying some attention to breeding mules, which animals he handled extensively during the Civil war and disposed of quite a number of head for use in military service.

In 1855 Mr. Vantilburg was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Shipley, of Ashland county, who is still living, and they are the parents of four children, one son and three daughters, namely : Mary Ida, now the wife of Frank Masters, of Ashland; Jennie the wife of R. M. Wharton, of Milton township; Herman D., who married Emma Balyeat and has three children; and Luzetta, the wife of H. L. Mason, of Orange township.

Mr. Vantilburg has had a wonderfully useful career, being well known throughout the county for his bere olences, and he reared and educated three of his sister's orphan children and ais» his nephew, F. C. Goudy, who worked on the farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he began his college course and was graduated from Ann Arbor University, in Michigan, and also pursued a one year's course of study in the lowa State University. At present he is located in Denver, Colorado, where he has the reputation of being one of the leading lawyers in the state. Being a well known politician, he was elected delegate at large when the late Hon. William McKinley was nominated for the presidency. Mr. Vantilburg is very proud of his nephew's career and deserves much credit for the interest he took in him which enabled him to attain such a prominent place in the esteem of the people of the city in which he resides and of the members of his profession.

In politics Mr. Vantilhurg is an ardent republican who has always been loyal to the candidates of his party and during the Civil war, while he had a captain's commission, he did not enter the service but succeeded in enlisting forty men who participated in many battles. He has spent his life in doing good to others, his benefactions being known throughout the county, and although he has expended much means in noble causes he has plenty remaining to enable him to enjoy the comforts of life. He belongs to the Methodist church, of which he has been a member for the past fifty years and in which he has served 'as steward, trustee and class leader. Being a man who has always lived in harmony with the teachings of the Christian faith and at the same time being of a congenial disposition he has won many friends and is numbered among the excellent and substantial residents of the county.

G. I. Harris

G. I. Harris operates the Valley farm, one of the fine properties of Mohican township. It comprises one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 17 and is about two miles south of Jeromeville. It is well improved with good buildings and the soil is very rich and arable, responding readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it. Mr. Harris is a native son of Ashland county, his birth having occurred in Perry township, February 14, 1859. His youthful days were there passed in the home of his parents, William and Katharine (Crites) Harris. The father was born north of Wooster, Ohio, in 1815, and still resides upon the old homestead farm in Perry township. Although ninety-four years of age, his mind is clear and active and he is a most entertaining old gentleman who relates in interesting manner many incidents of the early days. He worked hard in early life to attain success and became the owner of four hundred and fifty acres of fine land but has disposed of a part of it. During the greater part of his active life he operated a threshing machine and also gave general supervision to the improvement of his farm. He was a son of James Harris, whose wife died in Perry township at the very advanced age of ninety-six years, while one of her sisters was more than one hundred years of age at the time of her demise. It will thus be seen that William Harris comes of a long-lived ancestry. His wife died in Perry township after rearing the family of ten children, who are a credit and honor to her name. In order of birth they are as follows: Rachel Ann, the wife of William Cline, a resident of California; Ellen, who is the widow of William Onstott and resides with her father; Sarah Jane, the wife of Joseph Lucas, of Hayesville; Eliza, who became the wife of William Alkire and after his death married again; James, who is a merchant of

Jeromeville; Louisa, who became the wife of Enoch Selby and after his death married John Moore, now residing in Perry township; Lucy, the wife of D. F. Heizer, a resident of Oklahoma; G. I., of this review; Minerva, the wife of William Kennedy, a resident of Spring Mills, Ohio; and Esther, the wife of Henry Pickens, living in Perry township.

Reared under the parental roof, G. I. Harris entered the public schools at the usual age and therein mastered the branches of learning which were taught in the rural schools of those days. His training at farm labor was not meager, for at an early age his father instructed him in the best methods of planting the seed, cultivating the ground and caring for the crops when his labors of spring were rewarded by the harvests of autumn. He began farming for himself on the place which is now his home and which is owned by his father. It is a tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 17, Mohican township, known as the Valley farm from the fact that it contains first and second bottom land in the Mohican valley. It is only about two miles south of Jeromeville, so that the advantages offered by the town are easily accessible. He raises good grades of stock and also devotes his attention to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate. Both branches of his business are sources of profit to him because his work is carefully managed.

In 1883 Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Hattie M. Egner, who was born in Olivesburg, Ohio, in 1853, a daughter of Benjamin H. and Julia Ann (Baker) Egner. Her father died at the home of Mr. Harris in 1909. This marriage has been blessed with four children: Olive, Cora, Gladys and Dewey Durant. The family is well known in this part of the county and its social standing is indicated by the fact that the hospitality of the best homes of this section is freely accorded the members of the Harris household. In his political views Mr. Harris is a stalwart republican, interested in the success of the party, yet he does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church of Jeromeville and is one of the trustees of the parsonage. He endeavors to shape his life by the teachings of the church and is therefore widely known as a man ever upright and honorable, seeking to do to others as he would have them do unto him.

J. P. Hunter

J. P. Hunter is a representative of one of the old families of the county, his birth having occurred August 20, 1878, on his present home farm. He comes of Irish ancestry, tracing the line back to William Hunter who was born in Ireland in 1772 and came to America some time in the year 1788 when sixteen years of age. He located near Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and in 1794 he was made an officer in the federal service against the insurgents in the whisky insurrection. He married Jane Steel, a daughter of James and Margaret Steel, and unto this union, which was celebrated in 1800, were born nine children: | Elizabeth, who became the wife of R. Castor; Jane, the wife of Isaac Barger; Mary, the wife of S. Bower; Margaret, the wife of George Lincoln; Sarah, the wife of H. Hardesty; David, who married Catharine Scholes; James S., who wedded Nsther Collins; William, who married Sarah Cummins; and John, who wedded Mary Dowell. It was in March, 1818, that William Hunter removed from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children and began the development and improvement of the north half of section 26, Green township, Ashland county, which was entered from the government by himself and his brothertnlaw, John Steel. A part of this is now in possession of R. R. Hunter. Mr. Hunter struggled with the privations and hardships which beset the early pioneers in clearing away the primeval forest and planting their erops among the blackened stumps. Their farm machinery was very crude compared to that im use at the present day. Mr. Hunter continued, however, to carry em the work of the fields until 1819, when he fell a victim of the then prevalent disease of ague and passed away at the early age of forty-seven years. He had been to mill at Newville ten miles distant from his home and upon his return his family discovered from his unusual appearance that he was ill. He remarked that he believed that he was poisoned and, lying down before the fire, he attempted to warm himself before the blazing coals. Neither he nor his family kmew what was the matter but the attack proved to be a hard ague chill. Three months later he succumbed to the disease which had thus manifested itself.

Mrs. Hunter died two years later, leaving a family of nine orphaned children, the oldest daughter being but nimeteen years while the oldest son was seventeen and the youngest member of the family but fourteen months old. The older children, however, did their duty to the younger members of the family and all grew to manhood and womanhood. The sons, David, James, Wilbam and John, were hfelong residents of Green township where they sucee lly follewed the oceupation of farming. They were all men of good basimess ability, displaying marked enterprise in carrying on their work and aang judgment im making their investments. As the years passed they became among the heaviest land owners of the township. David married Catharine Scholes and to them were born seven children, Hetty, Jane, Isaac, David, Martha, Catharime and Ellen. The mother passed away in 1868 while the father died

73 at the age of seventy years. dames, whose death occurred in 1886, en he was eighty years of age, was married in 1838 to Esther Collins and they if children: Sarah, the wife of George Reinhart; Margaret, the wife of ordan; Eliza, who died at the age of eighteen years; and Mary J., who yet resides on the old homestead. While a boy James Hunter began working on a canal y which h was then under construction in southern Ohio and by persever-

. 2 and strict comeany through several years he saved enough money to purchase & farm in Green township. He then erected there a log cabin and jegan clearing the timber from the land that he might place it under cultivation.

Upen this - _ he spent his remaining days, passing away December 22, 1886, st the ripe old age of eighty years and eighteen days. His wife preceded him t@ the spirit world nee 18, 1885, at the age of seventy-nine years and four sixty-five years, had Sarl Sarah Cummins and their children were William, Rosana, Millard and Mary. John, the youngest son, who departed this life in

J. P. Hunter, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life on the farm which is now his home and has always carried on general agricultural pursuits. In his youthful days he attended the district schools, while later he continued his education in the Loudonville high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. He has taught fourteen terms in the district schools of Hanover and Green townships and is recognized as a capable educator whose labors are a substantial element in promoting the interests of public instruction in this part of the county. In his farm work, too, he has been very successful and now has eighty acres of land on section 23, Green township, where he devoted his time to the raising of grain and stock, both branches of his business proving profitable.

Mr. Hunter belongs to Teutonia Lodge, No. 69, K. P. of Loudonville and also to the Masonic Lodge at that place. He is a democrat in politics and was assessor of Green township for two terms. He is much interested in the welfare of his party and has served on the county central committee from Green township. He is well known as a stalwart champion of democratic principles and is active in advancing the party's good, while his efforts and influence have been no unessential factor in promoting the agricultural and intellectual progress of the southeastern part of Ashland county.

Jacob T. Robeson

Jacob T. Robeson is a substantial business man .who keeps in touch with modern methods of trade and in all of his activity has manifested a spirit of justice and progressiveness that have won him the respect and also gained for him a gratifying trade. He is now engaged in the grocery and queensware business in Perrysville and his fellow citizens, recognizing his interest in the public welfare and his devotion to the general good, have elected him a member of the village board. He was born in Washington township, Holmes county, Ohio, not far from Loudonville, on the Ist of November, 1848, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth. His parents were Elias W. and Paulina (Priest) Robeson, both of whom were born in the vicinity of Loudonville, the father's birthplace being in Knox county and the mother's in Holmes county, Ohio. She was a daughter of William Priest, a brother of Loudon Priest, who laid out the town of Loudonville. Mr. and Mrs. Elias W. Robeson spent their entire lives on a farm and there reared their family of six sons and five daughters. The father owned a large place and was extensively engaged in raising sheep so that there was much work for the children to do in their youthful days.

Jacob T. Robeson remained at home until twenty years of age, working in the fields and in the pastures and also acquiring his education by attending the public schools and Perrysville Academy. Leaving home he engaged in clerking 'in the store for T. W. Coulter until his employer died and in 1873 he entered the grocery business in partnership with John T. Fulmer, under the firm style of

Robeson & Fulmer. This relation was maintained until 1876 when Mr. Robeson sold out and turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared. He purchased a farm of eighty acres north of Perrysville and there lived for abont eight years, after which he returned to the town and entered the hardware business with John Coulter, his brother-in-law, under the firm style of Coulter & Company. This relation was maintained for ten or twelve years, at the expiration of which time Mr. Robeson sold out and bought his present store. He has since 1894 engaged continuously in dealing in groceries and queensware and has a well equipped establishment, tasteful and attractive in its appointments while his reliable business methods commend him to the confidence and patronage of the general public. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of another in any trade transaction but seeks his success along legitimate lines of commerce, his close application, unfaltering diligence and earefully directed labor constituting the foundation on which he has built his prosperity.

In 1872 Mr. Robeson was united in marriage to Miss Jane Coulter, a native of Perrysville and a daughter of T. W. and Elmina (Hill) Coulter, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robeson have been born two sons, who are yet living, Ralph Coulter and Elias Ray, both of whom are in the grocery business with their father. One son, Willie, died at the age of two years.

In his political views Mr. Robeson is a stalwart republican, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and policy of the party. He served as postmaster of Perrysville under President McKinley and President Roosevelt, filling the position for eight years although his son Ray was the active man in the office. He has also been a member of the board of education and at the present writing is serving as a member of the village council. He is opposed to anything like misrule in municipal affairs and believes in an honest, businesslike administration. His fellow townsmen recognize his worth and have kept him in different offices for sometime. He cooperates in all movements for the public good of his town and county and belongs to that class of substantial men who uphold the political and legal status of the community and are factors in its substantial upbuilding and progress.

Thomas W. Coulter

No history of Perrysville would be complete without mention of Thomas W. Coulter, who for many years figured in the public life of the community and was ever a man whom to know was to respect and honor. He was born in Old Beavertown, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and with his parents, Jonathan and Mary (Wilson) Coulter, came to Ohio, locating in Perrysville. This section of the county was at that time a part of Richland county. Thomas W. Coulter. when the removal was made, was but ten years of age. The family home was established in a frontier district and their opportunities were limited but he made the best use possible of the chances which were given him to acquaint himself with those branches of learning which constitute the basis for all practical advancement in life. He manifested such aptitude in his studies that the people of the community soon considered him abundantly qualified to teach school and he took up the profession which he followed very successfully for several terms, thus becoming identified with the early educational progress of his part of the county.

At different times Mr. Coulter was connected with various business enterprises and ever displayed a spirit of industry and unfaltering energy. He was engaged in the tannery business for several years and in connection conducted a shoe and harness shop to work up the leather, employing a large number of the most proficient and able workmen obtainable. The business at that time was a very lucrative one for shoes and harness were manufactured by hand, the business being largely a local enterprise. Mr. Coulter likewise extended his efforts to the dry-goods business and for nearly forty years was numbered among the most reliable and progressive merchants of Perrysville. No word was ever uttered against his business integrity and he sought his success by close application and unfaltering energy. By this time he also engaged extensively in farming, having a large tract of land which responded readily to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it. There were in his life few leisure moments and yet he did not concentrate his attention and energy upon business affairs to the exclusion of other interests which are factors in the life and progress of the age. He realized the value of establishing good transportation facilities that Ohio products might be shipped to the markets of the east and became one of the early stockholders in the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. He also conducted the ticket and express offices at Perrysville for several years or until his son Samuel was fit to take charge of the business. He also acted as postmaster of the town for many years. No trust reposed in him was betrayed in the slightest degree and in public service his record was the embodiment of loyalty as well as efficiency.

Mr. Coulter laid out what is now the main portion of Perrysville and contributed liberally to every measure calculated to improve and benefit the town. He was a recognized leader in all reforms which stood for the uplifting of humanity. A pioneer temperance worker, he was one of the charter workers of the first temperance organization of the community, the Sons of Temperance. He became allied with this when it was unpopular rather than a popular thing to do. Drinking at that date was very common but Mr. Coulter realized how far-reaching were the evil influences of intemperance and his principles led him to give stalwart aid to the work for its oppression. In polities he was a stanch ' republican, joining the party on its organization. No one ever came to him for help and was turned away empty-handed.

On the 16th of December, 1828, Mr. Coulter was married to Miss Esther M. Baldridge, a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Samuel and Lucinda (Doke) Baldridge. Her father was a well known preacher of the early days and had come to Ohio as a missionary from Tennessee where he had studied theology under Dr. Doke, his father-in-law, who was the founder of Washington College of Tennessee. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coulter were born four children, of whom Mary Lucinda died at the age of seventeen years. Samuel Baldridge was the second of the family and is also deceased. Elinor died at the age of four years and Esther Eliza is the only living representative of the children of that marriage. After the death of his first wife Mr. Coulter wedded Miss Elmina Hill, a daughter of Harvey and Abigail (Coulter) Hill. They became the parents of six children: David and Mary, who died in infancy; Jonathan; Jane; Thomas W.; and William N. Jane is the wife of J. T. Robeson, now residing in Perrysville. Thomas makes his home in Chicago, Illinois, and William, in Mansfield, Ohio, while Samuel died in 1893. Mr. Coulter was a man of cheerful disposition and optimistic spirit who always enjoyed a good joke and a hearty laugh. His own genial nature was contagious and his kindly and sympathetic spirit won him the respect, good will and love of all with whom he came in contact.

Byron A. Hoot

Byron A. Hoot, one of the leading barbers of Ashland, who conducts a large and elegantly appointed shop, is a native son of Ashland county, born July 4, 1867, his parents being John B. and Frances (Campbell) Hoot. His father was born in Reedsburg, this county, in March, 1839, a son of Nathan Hoot, who located here at an early date, coming from Pennsylvania and settling on a farm near Reedsburg. Subsequently he removed to Ashland with a brother and they engaged in the shoe business for several years, later disposing of their interests and locating in Galion, where the grandfather of our subject established himself in the same enterprise, in which he continued until he departed this life. John B. Hoot, his son, after receiving his education in the public schools was apprenticed to the harness and saddlery making trade under William Ilger, of this city, and after becoming a journeyman he entered the Union army, serving throughout the conflict. Later he removed to Orange, this county, where he rented a saddlery shop for many years, often employing in the neighborhood of seven men, and he was acknowledged throughout the county as being unsurpassed as a saddler and harness maker, the goods of his making having been' shipped to all parts of the country. Upon leaving Orange, he removed to Mt. Vernon where he engaged as foreman of a saddlery shop for ten years. In 1903 he retired from active life and took up his residence in Columbus, Ohio, where he now resides. In politics he is a republican, always loyal to the candidates of his party. and. being a man of pleasing personality and excellent traits of character, he is surrounded by many friends. Now as he enjoys the comforts secured by active hfe. he may look back without regrets, knowing that his youthful and manly energies have been in every respect well spent. His wife was a native of Montgomery township, this county, born in 1842, and was a daughter of Henry Campbell, also a native of this county, whose father came here from Pennsylvania at an early date and was one of the most progressive and prosperous farmers of Montgomery township, where he pursued agriculture for many years, but during his later days lived in retirement in the city of Mansfield, Ohio. Mrs. Hoot departed this life in 1905 in her sixty-third year.

Byron A. Hoot was reared under the parental roof, receiving his education in the public schools, and at the age of thirteen years, anxious to participate in the affairs of the industrial world, he was apprenticed to a barber, with whom he completed his trade. Later he traveled for three years, working as a journeyman in various cities, finally returning to Ashland in 1885, where he established himself in business. He opened a shop in the National Bank building, where he remained for eighteen years, in the meantime becoming popular for his high-class work. At the expiration of that period he removed to his present location on Main street, the third door below Orange street, where he has since been conducting his enterprise. He is one of the most skilled men of his trade in the city, his shop being one of the largest here, and his business has been so successful from the outset that he is not only recognized as an expert tradesman but. also as one of the city's most substantial business men. Starting out in life with practically nothing he has made his way in the world little by little, until now he'has an elegant establishment, which is one of the most frequented here. He employs three men and his enterprise has been so lucrative as to enable him to own an elegant residence on Claremont avenue, his dwelling being one of the finest in Ashland.

In 1891 Mr. Hoot was united in marriage to Miss May E. Brubaker, daughter of John W. Brubaker, deceased, who was a native of this county, and to this union have been born two children: Lorene Frances and John Weldon. Mr. Hoot is a member of the Ashland Board of Trade, in the affairs of which he is active, and is a man deeply interested in the welfare of the city and is always ready to further any measures designed for its advancement. He is a conservative business man, industrious and enterprising, and he well deserves the reputation he enjoys as a worthy and representative citizen.

Frank P. Stine

Frank P. Stine; who tdlaved Ecrianliaial pursuits for many years and who is now holding the responsible position of county commissioner of: this county, was born here April 6, 1861, in a log cabin which was the home of his parents and was located near the site of his present modern residence. He is a son of Leonard and Hannah (Bishop) Stine. His father came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, with his parents in 1834 and settled on the property which is now owned by the subject of this review, the original purchase consisting of one hundred and ten acres in Sullivan township, which was bought from the government for the sum of two hundred dollars. The elder Mr. Stine and his father made the journey to this state in a covered wagon, which also carried their household effects. The land on which they settled was then in an undeveloped condition and thickly covered with timber and undergrowth. Their first work was to provide a place of shelter and for this purpose they constructed a log cabin. After having comfortably housed themselves they at 'once entered upon the work of clearing the land in order to make it ready for erops. Mr. Stine, through his hard work, perseverance and patience, prospered in the undertaking and soon converted the woodlands into fertile fields from which, year by year, he derived such harvests as to enable him to add to his property from time to time until he became one of the largest landowners in the vicinity. He was well known as a man of affairs; his integrity was never questioned, and being a man of sterling qualities of character he had the respect of the entire community and was one of its most influential factors. He died in November, 1876.

On his father's farm Frank P. Stine was reared, daily engaging in the routine of agricultural life during the summer season and in the winter attending the district schools where he acquired his education. After he was married he still continued to follow farming and stock raising on the home place, and in course of time became so successful as to acquire sufficient means with which to purchase the interests of the other heirs, becoming sole owner of the property. He continued in the occupation of farming until 1905, when upon the solicitation of his many friends he became a candidate for county commissioner, to which office he was elected at that time and reelected in November, 1908. Being a man of exceptional administrative ability, he is thoroughly qualified to handle public affairs and through his conservative business judgment he has served with extraordinary efficiency in this capacity and is acknowledged to be one of the most careful men with regard to public expenditures.

On the 16th of March, 1885, Mr. Stine was united in marriage to Miss Ida Hoot, daughter of Benjamin and Frances (Campbell) Hoot, and to this union have been born four children, namely: Leon B., Evan F., Estella and Alva.

'In politics Mr. Stine is a democrat and is very active in behalf of the welfare of his party. Being a deep student of public matters he is considered one of the most efficient men in the community as an adviser in political questions. Among the fraternal organizations with which he is associated is lodge No. 579, I. O. O. F., in which he has been very active, and he belongs to the Congregational church, his wife also being a member of that organization. Both contribute largely to its support and are among its most zealous workers. Mr. Stine has the confidence and respect of all who know him, and his home bears the reputation of being one of the most hospitable in the county, its doors always standing open for friends and acquaintances.

Michael Otto

Michael Otto was at one time a citizen of Ashland county and his many good qualities gained him classification with the leading representative and valued residents of the community. In his business affairs he won substantial success through well directed effort and became the owner of three hundred and two acres of valuable land on sections 27 and 34, Mohican township. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1818, and his parents were Mathias and Anna Elizabeth (Hardman) Otto, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven sons and five daughters, which number included Michael Otto, who was about five years of age when in 1823 his parents removed to Wayne county, Ohio. About a year later they came to Ashland county, which was then a part of Wayne county, and established their home near Jeromeville. Michael Otto attended the public schools near his home and at thirteen years of age he lost his father and soon afterward started out in life on his own account. He began by working at the blacksmith trade and followed that pursuit until 1843, when he purchased a farm in this neighborhood. At different times he bought and sold a number of farms and in 1854 he purchased the property now owned and occu: pied by his widow on sections 27 and 34, Mohican township. He had two hundred and sixty acres in the home place to which Mrs. Otto has since added forty-two acres, making a total of three hundred and two acres. He carefully developed the fields and brought the land under a high state of cultivation and as the years have passed the farm has become recognized as one of the best in this section of the county.

It was on the 22d of February, 1838, that Mr. Otto was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Emerick, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, December 5, 1821. She was only ten months old when her parents started for Ohio, making the journey in a big wagon with all of their effects. They located in Lake township, Ashland county, near Rochester Mills on Mohican creek, and there Mrs. Otto spent her girlhood days and remained up to the time of her marriage. Her parents were John and Mary (Troutman) Emerick, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born on the 3rd of July, 1780, and the latter in 1781. They removed westward to this county in 1822 and the remainder of their lives was spent here. The death of Mr. Emerick occurred July 22, 1848, while his wife survived him until the 30th of August, 1883, when she, too, passed away. In their family were nine children, John, Jacob, Drusilla, Mary, Andrew, Christina, George, Mrs. Otto and Dr. Alexander Emerick. All were born in Pennsylvania with the exception of the last named, whose birth occurred in Ashland county in 1825. Mrs. Otto is the only one who yet survives. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children: John, who died and left a widow with three children - Emily, now deceased, Walter and Mina Belle, the wife of Howard Scott of Jeromeville; Cornelia VanNimman, deceased; Harmon, who died leaving five children - David, Graber, Mary, Martha and Florence; Mary, the wife of David Horn, of Lake township, by whom she has two children, Alta and Maude; Mrs. Elvira Pierce, who died leaving one daughter, now Mrs. Arminta Eberhart; David, of Wooster, Ohio, who has two children, A. I. and Opal; Cyrus, living in Plain township, Wayne county, who has one child, Olive Robinson; Laura, who became the wife of A. R. Ryland, and at her death left two sons, John W. and Otto Brant; Michael, of Plain township, Wayne county, who has three children, Fay, Edith and Adair; George Lee, of Mohican township, who has five children, Cyrus, George E., Dewey H., Pearl and John B.

The death of the husband and father occurred on the 22d of December, 1884. He had been a stanch democrat in his political views and had held some minor offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was a good Christian man and throughout his entire life displayed many sterling qualities. He provided well for his family and was devoted to their entire happiness. Mrs. Otto still occupies the home farm which is equipped with sue large buildings, giving ample shelter for grain and stock. Her home, too, Is & commodious dwelling and everything about the place bespeaks thrift, comfort and prosperity. For the past forty years she has been a member of the United Brethren church at Lake Fork and she gave two hundred dollars to assist in building the house of worship. She is an especially bright woman with clear, active mind at the age of eighty-eight years. She comes of French ancestry, her grandmother having been a native of France. Few women retain, to such a degree, an alert and active mind or display such excellent business ability as ~does Mrs. Otto. She has long resided in this part of the state and her substantial qualities are widely: known to all, while among those with whom she has come in coritact she is held in the highest regard. receiving the good will and esteem which should ever be accorded those who have advanced thus far on life's journey.

Harvey W. -Holmes

Harvey W. Holmes, now owning and operating a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Milton township, was born on the 28th of December, 1850, his parents being William and Sarah Ann ( Whistler) Holmes, the former a native of Harrison county, Ohio, and the latter of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.

William Holmes, whose birth oceurred May 15, 1818. was but a child when he accompanied his father on his removal to Richland county, Ohio. In early life he started out to make his own way in the world, locating in Crawford county, Ohio, where practically the remainder of his life was spent. On attaining his majority he became engaged in farming and stock buying in Vernon township and subsequently removed to Leesville. where he continued the stock business and also conducted a general store. Im 1872 he purchased a home stead on the Galion road in Whetstone township and there resided until death claimed him in 1899. Naturally of a strong constitution, active by disposition and habit, simple and correct in his manner of living, his days were filled with honor, health and happiness. He prospered im his business undertakings by reason of his intelligently directed industry and unfaltering energy, accumulating a handsome competency as the reward of his labor. For more than forty years he was identified with the Evangelical Lutheran church and to the end of his life remained an earnest, active and zealous adherent of this denomination. Kindly of heart, genial and jovial m manmer. he made many friends among those with whom he came im contaet and to those in need his aid was most generously yet unobtrusively given. There was no more highly respected or

~ Wilham Holmes nor one who held # warmer place in the affections of those with whom he was associated. His faith was shown by his works and his daily life was an exemplification of the virtues and nobility that adorn human life and character and constitute the likeness between the human and the Divine' In July, 1898, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes eele- brated their golden wedding anniversary, which proved to be one of the happiest and most momentuous occasions of the kind ever known in the county. Their family numbered nihe sons and three daughters, of whom the two eldest children have passed away. The surviving children are as follows: Harvey W., Jacob, Albert, Calvin, Charles W., William, Mrs. Lulu Majors and Mrs. Cora Morrow.

Harvey W. Holmes has devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and, like his father in spirit energy and thrift, is a self-made man whose success is the direct result of his own perseverance and industry. He is now the owner of a neat and valuable tract of land of one hundred and seventy acres in Milton township, Ashland county, which is equipped with all the improvements and accessories of a model farming property of the twentieth century, including a handsome and commodious residence and substantial outbuildings.

_ Mr. Holmes attributes his present prosperity in large measure to the assistance and encouragement of his estimable wife, who bore the maiden name of Amanda E. Weller, her parents being Ludwick and Anna G. (Bickhart) Weller. Her father, whose birth occurred in Germany, December 19, 1821, married Miss Anna G. Bickhart on the 3d of November, 1846, and in 1854 the young couple erossed the Atlantic to the United States. Mrs. Weller was also a native of the fatherland, her natal day being June 14, 1827. Ludwick Weller was called to his final rest on the 6th of April, 1900, while his wife passed away on the 14th of March, 1909. Their children were eight in number. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holmes has been born one daughter, Gertrude Pearl, who is now the wife of Harry Renkenberger.

In his political views Mr. Holmes is an unfaltering advocate of the democracy, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. His life in all of its relations has been actuated by high and honorable principles and he commands the respect and admiration of all who know him.

Dr. J. Allen Miller, ex-president and dean of the theological department of Ashland College at Ashland, Ohio, was born on a farm near Frankfort, Indiana, August 2, 1866, a son of William 8. and Mary (Mohler) Miller. His father was a native of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and his mother of Lancaster county, that state, and both were among the early settlers of Clinton, Indiana, having located there in early life. There they were united in marriage and spent their remaining days. The elder Mr. Miller, upon his arrival in Indiana, secured a farm upon which all his life he was practically engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. In politics he was a stanch republican and although never an office seeker he filled a number of public positions and was quite influential in the politics of the community. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the German Baptist church, in which they were prominent workers, and ' their moral and spiritual influence was deeply felt and instrumental in contributing to the welfare of the community. Mr. Miller was of a retired dispo- sition and quiet manner, one who did not fancy coming before the public and although he was an ardent worker in the church in which he officiated as deacon his ministrations were of a quiet and reserved kind, designed for the good of the cause of Christianity rather than to exalt his own name and court the reputation of being prominent. After a beneficial career he departed this life when sixty-three years of age, while his wife passed away many years before him when thirty-six years old. °

J. Allen Miller was reared at home under the heightening influence of spiritual parentage and in the public schools of his native place he acquired his "preliminary education, subsequently attending the Valparaiso Normal School, now known as the Valparaiso University, where he prepared himself for teaching. In his eighteenth year he took up that profession, being assigned to a place in the public schools and while thus engaged he decided to take up the study of theology. In 1887 he repaired to Ashland, where he completed his college course in the class of 1891, being graduated with the degree of B. A. At Hillsdale, Michigan, he took a post-graduate course, later pursuing his studies at Hiram College, Hiram, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the degrees of A. M. and B. D. He completed his education at the University of Chicago. In 1894 Mr. Miller took charge of Ashland College, where he remained for two years and on the termination of which period he spent the same length of time in study. Returning to Ashland in 1898, he was made president of the college and performed the duties of that responsible office until the year 1906. His services in that capacity have been invaluable to the institution since through his efforts he has raised an endowment for the college approximating seventy thousand dollars and installed the present well equipped labratory, the equal of that in any institution in the country. In fact in every particular he has entirely rejuvenated the institution, at the same time winning for himself the reputation of being one of the state's most prominent and efficient educators. In addition to attending to the duties of his office his excellent services have been felt in a wider field and he has served the local church as pastor for the past thirteen years, his ministrations being of the highest character, his sermons imbued with learning and at the same time with that uplifting degree of superiority which makes the Christian religion felt as one of the heart and not alone of the intellect. In 1906 the denomination honored Mr. Miller by electing him moderator of the general conference held at Winona Lake, Indiana, and at present he is presiding officer of the board of foreign missions.