Coshocton County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1909 (part 15 of 19)

He was born in Bedford township, this county, a son of Jacob and Maranda Adams, the former a farmer by occupation. The son early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, assisting in the work of the home farm from the time of early spring planting until crops were gathered in the autumn. WHe-was not denied the privilege of attending the public schools, however, and after mastering the branches taught in the district school near his father's home he continued his education in the West Bedford high school. Thinking to find the practice of law a congenial pursuit he began studying in the Lebanon Normal University, and after a thorough preparation he entered upon the active practice of his chosen profession in Coshocton. He has since remained a representative of the legal fraternity here, and the liberal clientage accorded him indicates clearly the confidence reposed in him by the general public, while the records of the courts attest his ability in the trial of both civil and criminal cases. Aside from his profession he has other business interests, being secretary of the Sixth Street Theater Company.

Mr. Adams is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and although not identified with any religious denomination his preference is, perhaps, for the Methodist church. He is known as one of the leaders in democratic ranks in this county and is frequently heard on the campaign platform addressing the people upon the issues of the day, with which close study and thorough investigation have rendered him familiar. He was chosen to represent Coshocton county in the seventy-second and seventy-third sessions of the state legislature and proved an able working member of that body. The qualities which fit him for the practice of law were of marked benefit in his legislative service, for he understood clearly the limitations placed upon the law-makers through the measures already on the statute books of the state. His position is never an equivocal one, for he stands firmly in the support of a principle in which he believes and the opposition respects him for his loyalty to his opinions, while the party regards him as a safe and able leader. However, the practice of law is his real life work and in the profession he has won that general advancement which comes through experience combined with indefatigable energy.

John R. Gamble

The industrial and commercial interests of Walhonding find a worthy representative in John R. Gamble, who owns and operates a mill in this village. He was born in New Castle township, Coshocton county, March 26, 1837, a son of John R. and Lavina (Collins) Gamble. It is supposed that the father was a native of the Keystone state, but he spent his early life in the Buckeye state, living in Columbus, Newark and Delaware counties, while later he engaged in farming in this state. He took a contract for the construction of part of the Walhonding canal, being thus employed until the completion of the same, and with the money he saved from this work he invested in land in Butler township, Knox county, on the border of Coshocton county, operating the same until 1856, or until his death. He was a very successful business man, and in political faith was a democrat. His death occurred in Knox county, his remains being interred in Danville cemetery. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania and was married in this state. She died in Knox county in 1881. She was identified with the Methodist Episcopal church for sixty-five years. Their family numbered six children: C. C., William, George W., and Horatio N., all of whom have departed this life; Sarah J., the widow of M..W. Soule, and now a resident of Knox county; and John R., of this review.

John R. Gamble acquired his education in the district schools of Butler township, Knox county, and in 1860 took up the study of medicine, first attending lectures in the University of Michigan, after which he was graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city in 1866. He located for practice in New Castle, where he was identified with the profession for ten years, at the end of which time he went to Blandinsville, Mc- Donough county, Illinois, being successfully engaged in practice at that place for fourteen years. Owing to his health he was compelled to abandon the profession, and from the latter city came to Walhonding and in connec. tion with L. F. McVey conducted the mill at this place for three vears. On the expiration of that period Mr. Gamble purchased the mill and since that time has been conducting it alone. When it came into his possession the mill was operated by waterpower, but he has since installed a steam plant and the machinery is of the most modern pattern, the output of the concern being seventy-five barrels daily. Mr. Gamble possesses excellent business ability in the management of his affairs and his success is richly merited. In addition to the mill he is also the owner of other realty in Walhonding.

page of this work. Their union has been blessed with six children, as follows: Rolland C., who is deceased; Frank H., who is associated with his father in business; H. L., a mechanical draughtsman, located at Mount Vernon, Ohio; John R., Jr., who is cashier for the Walhonding Banking Company, at Walhonding; Winifred, the wife of Rev. D. A. Morris, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fresno, Ohio; and Mamie, deceased.

Mr. Gamble has always given stalwart support to the democratic party but has never been active as an office seeker, for his time has been fully occupied with his private business affairs. Mrs. Gamble is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gamble belongs to the little group of distinctively representative business men who have been instrumental in building up one of the chief industries of this village. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this enterprising little city, and acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment he has garnered the generous harvest, which is the just reward of honorable effort, indomitable industry and excellent business ability.

Jesse William Lawrence

Jesse Wilham Lawrence was born on the 25th of August, 1877, in Keene township, Coshocton county, Ohio, on the farm where he still resides. His parents are M. A. and Elizabeth (Morhead) Lawrence, the former born in this county, in 1840, and the latter in Virginia in September, 1841. The father owns one hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land in Coshocton county and both he and his wife are now living retired in Keene, being highly respected and worthy residents of the community. Their family numbered three children, namely: Ora J., deceased; Olive E., the wife of S. T. Elliott, of Keene township; and Jesse William, of this review.

The last named supplemented his preliminary education by a eourse in the high school at Keene and also by one year's attendance at college. On attaining his majority he became a partner of his father and they successfully carried on farming and stock-raising for a number of years. Jesse W. Lawrence now owns two hundred acres of well improved and valuable land in Keene township and is widely recognized as a substantial and enterprising agriculturist of the community.

On the 20th of December, 1900, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Josephine Elder, whose birth occurred in Jefferson township, Coshocton county, February 27, 1881. Her parents, John T. and Nancy E. (Creighton) Elder, were natives of Coshocton county, Ohio, and Pennsylvania respectively, and had a family of ten children. Mrs. Lawrence is a graduate of the Roscoe high school, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Myron E., born September 17, 1904; and Milan Morhead, born June 15, 1908.

In his political views Mr. Lawrence is a stanch republican but has no desire for the honors or emoluments of office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his private interests. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Sons of Veterans at Coshocton. Both he and his wife are members of the Grange at Keene, Ohio, while their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Presbyterian church at Coshocton. The young couple have an extensive circle of friends throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to them.

James A. Bell

James A. Bell, who starting out for himself at the age of fourteen years has gained a place among the men of affluence in Roscoe, has throughout his entire business career done faithfully and well whatever his hand has found to do, and his personal worth and business ability have been the distinguishing features of a successful career, whereby he has become a leading hardware merchant of Roscoe. He was born in Manchester, England, December 28, 1857. His parents, James A. and Fannie (Williams) Bell, are also natives of Manchester, where they still make their home. A brother of our subject, George Bell, and a sister, Alice, are also living there. The family circle has never been broken by the hand of death. The father was engaged in the grocery and bakery business in Manchester for a long period, ranking among the city's enterprising and prosperous business men, but for some time he has lived retired and is now more than ninety years of age.

James A. Bell remained in England to the age of fourteen years, when he came with some cousins to the United States, settling first near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Soon afterwards, however, he went to Springfield, Illinois, where he had an uncle living. There he remained until the spring of 1876, when he came to Coshocton and worked at mining until 1886, when he purchased a farm.in Jackson township, on which he resided until 1892. His labors brought the place under a high state of cultivation and as a result of his careful management and industry he annually gathered good harvests. At length, however, he sold his farm in 1892 and came to Roscoe to engage in the hardware business, with which he has since been prominently identified, having one of the leading stores of this kind in the town. For some time he was in partnership with George Sykes, but in 1899 he purchased Mr. Sykes' interest and has since conducted the business independently. He justly deserves classification with the leading business men of this section, for he possesses the unfaltering energy that enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. His business methods, too, are strictly fair and have gained for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has had trade relations.

whom five are living, namely: William L., an electrician of Ashtabula county, Ohio; Edith Lovenia, the wife of Fred Landerman, a tinner of Coshocton; Lulu, the wife of J. W. Randolph, of Columbus, Ohio; and Leland and Lowell, both at home.

Mr. Bell votes with the republican party and since 1880 he has been a member of Coshocton Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M. He has been a director of the Roscoe schools for nine years, and treasurer of Jackson township one term. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, and though he started out in life empty-handed he has gradually worked his way upward, enjoying the advantages offered in this country, which is unhampered by past or class. His steady progress has resulted from the able use of his innate talents and powers and of the opportunities with which he has been surrounded, and his life record proves that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously.

Elmore M. Davis

Elmore M. Davis owns and cultivates an excellent farm of one hundred and forty-two and one-half acres pleasantly situated in White Eyes township not far from the village of Fresno. Everything about the place indicates that he is in touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines. He was born in Adams township, Coshocton county, March 28, 1856, and is a son of James R. and Rachael Jane (Kimball) Davis, of whom mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of their daughter, Myra Davis. The paternal grandparents were John and Ann Davis while the maternal grandparents were Abner and Nancy (Jeffries) Kimball.

Upon the home farm Elmore M. Davis was reared and there remained until thirty-five years of age. He acquired a common-school education and when not busy with his text-books worked in the fields, early becoming farniliar with the best methods of tilling the soil and carrying om the farm. He afterward rented his mother's farm for six years and was quite successful in its cultivation, acquiring thereby a capital that enabled him to later purchase a farm.

In 1891 Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Wier, who was born in White Eyes township, November 24, 1861, a daughter of Samuel and Eleanor (Elliott) Wier, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of Allen Wier. Following his marriage Mr. Davis purchased the farm whereon they now reside. 'They first invested in ninety acres of land but as their financial resources have permitted they have added to this property and now own one hundred and forty-two and one-half acres, constituting a well improved farm in White Eyes township. Here Mr. Davis raises the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and in addition he makes a specialty of raising cattle and other stock.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the United Presbyterian church and he has served as one of its trustees for eight years. He is also generous in his contributions to its support and is a helpful worker in its various activities and interests. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has no desire for office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business interests in which he is now meeting with signal success.

Judge Richard Marion Voorhees

The judicial history of Coshocton county would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make prominent and extended reference to Judge Richard M. Voorhees, who in 1908 was reelected to the circuit court bench. For almost one-half century he has been a member of the bar of this county and has ever been known as an able and conscientious minister in the temple of justice. Throughout his entire career he has displayed unwearied industry and rare learning and above all he has never forgotten that there are certain things due to the court and his own self-respect and above all to justice and a righteous administration of the law, which neither the zeal of the advocate nor the pleasure of success would permit him to disregard.

A native of Harrison county, Ohio, Judge Voorhees was born October 6, 1838, and is indebted to the public-school system of that locality for the early educational privileges he enjoyed. He afterward became a pupil of the schools of Hopedale, Ohio, and in preparation for the practice of law, which he determined to make his life work, he beeame a student in the office of Barcroft & Voorhees, attorneys at Millersburg, Ohio. Thorough preliminary reading secured his admission to the bar on the 6th of July, 1860, and on the 17th of the same month he located for practice in Coshocton, where he has since remained. Advancement at the bar is proverbially slow and yet no dreary novitiate awaited Judge Voorhees. He has always remained a close student of the fundamental principles of law and his preparation of his cases was so thorough and exhaustive that he seemed ready to meet every possible point of attack and often surprised his colleagues by his retentive memory of law principles and precedent, as well as by the manner in which he marshalled all of the points in his case. He had hardly entered upon active practice, however, when the Civil war was inaugurated, and imbued with the spirit of patriotism he responded to President Lincoln's call for troops to defend the Union. The smoke from Fort Sumter's guns had scarcely cleared away when he offered his aid to the government and enlisted in April, 1861, as a member of Company A, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On the expiration of his three months' term of enlistment he returned home, but on the 28th of October, 1861, again enrolled as a private. A month later he was promoted to a captaincy in command of Company F, Sixty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Infantry. This command saw arduous service, participating in a number of hotly contested battles, and on the 31st of De- cember, 1862, at Stone River, Captain Voorhees was severely wounded. He was sent home on furlough to receive treatment and recuperate and was afterward assigned to a command in the Veteran Reserve Corps, serving with distinction until the close of the war, handing in his resignation November 18, 1865. His military record, like every other important phase in his career, was entirely creditable and the country benefited by his undaunted loyalty and bravery, which served to inspire and encourage those who were under his command.

When the war was over Judge Voorhees resumed the practice of law in Coshocton and in 1866 accepted the only office which he has ever filled outside the strict path of his profession. He was appointed in that year by President Johnson to the position of postmaster of Coshocton and continued to serve until the first year of President Grant's administration. In 1868 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Coshocton county and reelection continued him in office for two terms, his service being alike creditable to himself and satisfactory to the general public. On retiring from the office he once more entered upon the practice of law, wherein he attained notable success. He possesses, perhaps, few of those brilliant, dazzling, meteoric qualities which have sometimes flashed along the legal horizon, riveting the gaze and blinding the vision for the moment, then disappearing, leaving little or no trace behind, but rather has those solid and more substantial qualities which win through the force of argument and the strong, clear presentation of the ease. His mind is analytical, logical and inductive and he has the faculty of so presenting his arguments as to impress court, jury and the general public alike with his full meaning and lead them to see the clear relation of fact to the law. He has taken part in some of the most famous legal contests of the county and has always been one of the closest students seen at the Coshocton bar. He has a splendidly equipped legal mind and is unusually eloquent in his arguments to a jury. There came to him a recognition of his ability in the line of his chosen profession in his election to the circuit judgeship of the Fifth Ohio Circuit in 1898. He served for a full term and was renominated in 1904, but in that year a general republican landslide swept the country and, being a democrat, he was defeated. No one doubted or questioned his ability for the office, the election being merely a partisan measure. Many of the opinions written, by him and handed down by his circuit have come to be recognized standards almost universally followed since by the courts. With a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of law he combines a familiarity with statutory law and a sober, clear judgment, which makes him not only a formidable adversary in legal battle but gave him the distinction while on the bench of having very few decisions revised or reversed.

On the 22d of November, 1862, Judge Voorhees was married to Miss Georgiana Burt, of Coshocton. They became the parents of two sons and a daughter: Campbell M., who is a practicing lawyer of Columbus; Burt F., a prominent practitioner of the Coshocton county bar and a member of the firm of Voorhees & Voorhees; and Georgiana. The Voorhees home on "The Terrace" is one of the most imposing and attractive in the city and is widely known for its hospitality and generous entertainment.

A member of the Coshocton bar for almost fifty years, continually engaged in practice, the Judge has made a splendid record by reason of his pronounced ability, that has resulted in his case, as it must in all others, from close and unremitting study and research, indefatigable endeavor and the exercise of his native talents and forces. Those who know him in other than professional relations find him ever courteous, kindly and companionable. No man in the county has been more respected, has more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people and more readily deserved the esteem in which he has been held than does Judge Voorhees. A gracious presence, charming personality, marked legal wisdom, purity of public and private life and the quiet dignity of the ideal follower of his calling, combine to make him one of the honored representatives of the bar of central Ohio.

William H. Roller

William H. Roller, a blacksmith and farmer residing on section 5, Linton township, was born in Franklin township, Coshocton county, Ohio, October 24, 1842, his parents being Andrew and Barbara (Sandel) Roller, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and France respectively. Andrew Roller was a shepherd in the fatherland and when a boy of only eleven years had charge of a drove of three thousand sheep. Emigrating to the new world in 1837, he located in Franklin township, Coshocton county, Ohio, where he purchased forty acres of timber land. He walked to Zanesville to buy some dishes and cooking utensils and underwent many of the hardships and privations incident to life in a pioneer district. He was employed on the Walhonding canal at thirty-seven and a half cents per day, while his wife was engaged in clearing the land which they had purchased. The father passed away on this farm June 15, 1852, when forty-three years of age, and his wife also died on the same place, the county thus losing two of its worthy pioneer settlers. Of their family of ten children, only two survive, namely: William H., of this review; and Elizabeth, the wife of John Roof of Linton township.

William H. Roller was reared on the old homestead farm, and in a little log schoolhouse acquired a limited education but has constantly added to his knowledge as the years have passed by thorough reading, observation and experience. When twenty years of age he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, receiving three dollars a month in compensation for his services. After being thus engaged for a year and a half his employer sold out, and Mr. Roller then started out as a journeyman at six dollars per month. Purchasing a shop and three acres of land on Willis Creek, he there followed his trade until 1875, when he bought his present farm of eightytwo acres and also erected a blacksmith shop, which he has successfully conducted to the present time. His sons now perform the active work of the fields, and in his undertakings Mr. Roller has met with a gratifying and well

On the 30th of September, 1866, Mr. Roller was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Cashbaugh, whose birth occurred in Franklin township, February 12, 1846, her parents being Phillip and Magdalena (Garhortt) Cashbaugh. The father was born in France, July 2, 1797, and on February 5, 1832, celebrated his marriage, his wife being also a native of France, where her birth occurred July 6, 1806. Phillip Cashbaugh was a soldier in France for thirteen years under Napoleon, serving in Algeria and Africa. In June, 1838, he emigrated to America, being three months on the ocean. Coming to Coshocton county by way of the Ohio canal, he and his family stopped at Dresden, where they spent the first night in the warehouse. Locating in Franklin township, he there purchased forty acres of land, and walked to Zanesville to get an ax in order that he might chop down the trees and clear a spot large enough on which to build a log cabin. After making his home there for some time and clearing a part of the property, he sold out and bought another forty-acre tract, on which he spent the remainder of his life, his demise occurring when he had attained the age of seventy-two years. His wife died in Coshocton when seventy-one years of age. They had a family of nine children, three of whom are still living, namely: Frederick, of Linton township; Elizabeth, the wife of William Carr, of Coshocton; and Mrs. Roller. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four sons: Phillip, at home; Harvey F., of Coshocton; and William S. and Walter L., who are also under the parental roof.

Politically Mr. Roller is a democrat and has served as township trustee for one term, while he has also held several school offices. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of St. Paul's English Lutheran church, which he joined when fourteen years of age. Having spent their entire lives in this county, both Mr. and Mrs. Roller are well and favorably known here and have gained the warm regard and esteem of all with whom they have been associated.

Edward S. Frew

Edward S. Frew is the proprietor of a drug store in Coshocton, which is modern in all of its appointments and equipments. He is also a representative of one of the old families of the county, his birth having occurred at Frews Mills, in Franklin township, October 1, 1854. His parents were David and Lucy (Wells) Frew, who came to Coshocton county soon after their marriage. For years the father owned and operated Frews mills, which was one of the important industries of the county in the early days. Settlers came for long distances to secure the products of his mill and the business was one of marked benefit to the community. Mr. Frew was known as an energetic and trustworthy man and enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence of those with whom he was brought in contact. He was quite active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he held membership, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His political support was given to the republican party after its organization but he lived to see only one president chosen by that party as his death occurred in 1864, when he was fifty-nine years of age.

Unto him and his wife were born a daughter and two sons: Mary W., who is residing with her brother, Chester W., in Decatur, Illinois; and Edward S., of this review. The last named was but nine years of age at the time of: his father's death. The mother carefully reared her family of three children, doing everything possible for their comfort and welfare and to equip them for life's practical duties.

Mr. Frew was educated in the county schools of Coshocton, to which city his parents had removed in 1862. He continued his studies through consecutive grades, until he became a high-school student and when about seventeen years of age he put aside his text-books to enter business circles, securing a position in the drug store of Dr. Lee on Second street. The business in. which he made his initial step has always remained his life work. Applying himself closely to the tasks assigned him he became a competent pharmacist and that he was a most trustworthy employe is indicated by the fact that he remained in Dr. Lee's employ for fourteen or fifteen years. He then accepted the management of the drug store owned by L. K. Anderson and continued. in charge for several years. In 1897 he purchased the business, since which time he has carried on the store which is located at No. 523 Main street. It is one of the most modern and attractive establishments of this kind in this section of the state. Its arrangement is neat and pleasing and the business methods which he follows commend him to the confidence and patronage of the public. In 1901 he purchased the building in which he does business and he also owns one of the beautiful homes of Coshocton, located at No. 301 South Third street. He is a stockholder in the Commercial National Bank and also in the Meek Company of Coshocton and his sound business Judgment makes his opinions of value in the conduct of business concerns.

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Frew was married April 1, 1891, to Miss Jessie Wylie of La Salle county, Illinois. Their only child, Wylie Park, who was born March 6, 1892, died June 23, 1908. The wife and mother passed away March 15, 1892, and on the 20th of November, 1894, Mr. Frew was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth J. Stewart, of Coshocton. They have one child, James Edward, born April 11, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Frew hold membership in the Presbyterian church, contributing generously to its support and are interested in its work. He served for some years as a trustee of the church but refused the treasurership when elected to that office. On questions of national importance he is a republican but at local elections casts an independent vote and is allied with that movement toward cleaner politics, which is one of the hopeful signs of the times. Such, in brief, is the life history of one of Coshocton's respected citizens. He has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and unswerving integrity. His enterprising and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every sense of the word. By constant exertion, associated with good judgment, he has raised himself to the prominent position which he now holds in commercial circles, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him.

S. A. Mills, a farmer and fruit-grower of New Castle township, owning and operating one hundred and ninety-seven and a half acres of land, was born in the house which is now his home, June 12, 1852, the sixth in order of birth in a family of nine children born of the marriage of Samuel and Priscilla (Marford) Mills. The farm on which our subject now resides was formerly owned by the paternal grandfather, who located in Coshocton county in 1820, his home being established at Joseph Mills on the head waters of the Mohawk creek. He also owned and operated a mill elsewhere. The father, Samuel Mills, was born in the Keystone state and was but two years of age when brought by his parents to Coshocton county. He was reared to the milling business and was a man of considerable inventive genius. He invented the first grain drill, patented in 1832 by Mun & Company of New York city. He also invented the first traction engine and the incline plane of the railroad. He was quite a mechanic and was a good carpenter. The house in which our subject now lives was erected by the father in 1842, the lower story being made of stone, while the upper story is frame. The barn, which was built in 1862, was also erected by him, this consisting of two stories and basement. After reaching mature years 'the father went to Buckeye City, Knox county, Ohio, in 1886, and engaged in farming and fruit culture, remaining there until the time of his demise, which occurred March 5, 1901. The mother, who was likewise born in Pennsylvania, also passed away in Knox county. She became the mother of nine children: Mary, the wife of Marion Buxton, of Bedford township; Joseph, a fruit grower of Marion, Ohio; William and Jacob, deceased; Sarah, the wife of C. H. Coe, of Knox county; S. A., of this review; James, a fruit-grower of Buckeye City; Elmer, deceased; and one who died in infancy.

S. A. Mills, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the district schools and remained at home until he had reached the age of thirty years, or until 1882, when he purchased the old home place, comprising ninety-seven and a half acres, and in 1907 he bought one hundred acres of the Thomas Dillon heirs. He is here engaged in general farming and devotes twenty-five or thirty acres to the raising of fruit. He has made a close study of horticulture and his fruit finds a ready sale on the market, owing to its fine quality, size and flavor. He is also meeting with success in his agricultural pursuits, for he follows only the most modern methods in carrying on his work and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate his

Mr. Mills established a home of his own on the 19th of March, 1881, by his marriage to Miss Hortense F. Staats, a resident of Knox county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Mills has been blessed with the following children: Cecil, Pluma, Oliver, Joseph, William C., Hazel, Ethel, Pearl, Anthel and Royal. The second in order of birth, Pluma, is now deceased.

Mr. Mills gives his political support to the men and measures of democracy and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mills has in his possession the first grain drill in the United States, this being fashioned after a wheelbarrow, with one wheel and two handles and has three hoes, their purpose being to drill the wheat between the rows of corn. This was manufactured by the father, who kept improving on this crude implement until he eventually brought forth the modern two-horse drill of the present day. The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual and this truth is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Mills. Steadily pursuing his way, undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path, he is achieving a prosperity of which he has every reason to be proud.

Abraham Simmons

The well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres which is owned and operated by Abraham Simmons was formerly the family homestead, and he was here born January 17, 1832, of the marriage of Benjamin and Lovey (Giffen) Simmons, the former born in Massachusetts, February 2, 1796. The paternal grandfather came to Ohio from Massachusetts with four companions, the journey being made in a one-horse wagon. During his residence in Massachusetts he followed the river, but after coming to Coshocton county he engaged in farming in Tiverton township. The father followed farming as a life work and although he started out in the world without anything, having but a single dollar when he arrived in Coshocton county, he became a very successful man, and in addition to giving a farm to each of his children, he also owned at the time of his death two hundred and forty acres of well improved land. He was numbered among the earliest pioneers of Tiverton township and passed away here December 4, 1874, his remains being interred in Borden cemetery. The mother was born in Virginia but came when a maiden of twelve years to Coshocton county, her parents having settled near New Castle. They later removed to Union township, where her father built a mill. The grandfather, Robert Giffen, purchased four thousand acres of land in New Castle township and became one of the prominent residents of this section of the state. Mrs. Simmons died August 26, 1886, and her remains were interred by the side of her husband in Borden cemetery. Her family numbered ten children, of whom five grew to years of maturity but three of the number are now deceased, these being: Robert G., John G. and Edith H. The living brother of our subject is Calvin, a resident of Tiverton township.

Abraham Simmons was educated in the district schools near his home and remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twentytwo years. During this time he was trained to the duties of the home farm and his first independent business venture was made in operating the home farm for one year. He then went to Holmes county, Ohio, and engaged in farming there for ten years. On the expiration of that period he once more returned to Coshocton county and after spending one year with a brother returned to the home farm and upon the death of the father purchased the interest of the other heirs and has since cultivated this farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Tiverton township. He has been very successful in his undertakings as a general farmer. He has made many improvements on the farm, in 1883 built a large and commodious ten-room house, remodeled the barn and erected many other outbuildings for the shelter of his large crops of grain, which he annually harvests.

Mr. Simmons was married in 1854 to Miss Margaret Winslow, a resident of Tiverton township, whose parents lived on a farm adjoining that of Mr. Simmons. Their union has been blessed with five children but the four eldest, John G., Hettie G., Benjamin and Mary L. have departed this life. The youngest and only living member is Sarah E., who is now acting as her father's housekeeper, .the mother having died in December, 1906. Her remains lie buried in Borden cemetery.

Mr. Simmons gives his political support to the democratic party and has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill several offices of trust and responsibility. He has served as justice of the peace, township trustee, land appraiser and as road supervisor, and has also acted as a school director. He is a devoted and faithful member of the Disciples church, of which he has served as elder for the past twenty-eight years. His fraternal relations are with the Patrons of Husbandry. On all public questions where the best interests of the community are involved Mr. Simmons is always to be found on the right side. He is a man of honest convictions and firm purpose and stands foursquare before all the world.

Philip R. Bible

Philip R. Bible, a prosperous and well known agriculturist of Bethlehem township, was born in this township on the 3d of May, 1829, his parents being Jacob and Elizabeth (Richey) Bible, who were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, born in the years 1796 and 1802 respectively. They celebrated their marriage in 1820 and the following year came to Coshocton county, Ohio, locating in Keene township, where they lived until their removal, in 1837, to Bethlehem township, which remained their place of residence until the time of their demise. In his early manhood the father was a carpenter but later followed farming as a life work and was also an old hunter and trapper. He and his wife were among the earliest pioneer settlers of the county and underwent all of the hardships and privations of frontier life in their efforts to establish a home in an unsettled and undeveloped region. Mrs. Bible was called to her final rest in 1869 when sixty-seven years of age and, like her husband, was deeply mourned throughout the community. She had a family of ten children and at one time four of the sons. were defending the Union cause during the Civil war.

Philip R. Bible obtained his education in the common schools and remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he rented a farm, in the cultivation of which he was successfully engaged for fifteen years. Later he came into possession of the old homestead, on which he has resided to the present time, meeting with a gratifying measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests. In addition to the work of general farming he made a specialty of raising hogs, both branches of his business bringing to him a good annual income. In 1864 he enlisted as a soldier of the Union army, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Forty-third Ohio Regiment, with which he served for four months.

In 1855 occured the marriage of Mr. Bible and Miss Love Courtwright, a native of Keene township and a daughter of Abe and Margaret Courtwright, whose family numbered nine children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bible were born five children, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of George Bender, of Coshocton county; Catharine, the wife of Howard Hook, of Bethlehem township; Margaret, deceased; Eliza, the widow of Daniel Earenholt, who makes her home in this county; and Jacob, at home. In 1908 Mr. Bible was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the Ist of February of that year, her remains being interred in the Bible cemetery.

In his political views Mr. Bible is a stalwart republican but has never been an office seeker. Throughout his entire life, or for more than the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he has resided in this county and now receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose course has at all times been honorable, upright and above reproach. Moreover his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present and he relates many interesting incidents of the days when this part of the state gave little promise of future development and progress.

I. M. Smith, one of the most prominent and extensive farmers and stock-raisers of Keene township, owning four hundred and twenty-five acres of rich and valuable land, was born in Mill Creek township, Coshocton county, Ohio, June 15, 1846. His father, Amos Smith, a native of New York, passed away in 1850, and the mother, Mrs. Mary (Bible) Smith, was called to her final rest in April, 1856.

Owing to the early death of his parents, I. M. Smith, who was an only child, went to live with his grandfather, and in the common schools obtained the education which qualified him for the practical and responsible duties of later life. In 1864 he joined the Union army as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment, serving as a faithful and loyal soldier until the close of hostilities. He then returned to this county and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Mill Creek township, on which he made his home until 1883, when he sold the place and bought one hundred acres of the farm which he now owns in Keene township. He made many substantial improvements on the property, and from time to time added to his holdings by additional purchase until he now has four hundred and twenty-five acres of well improved and productive land in Keene township. In addition to the work of general farming he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, principally sheep, and is widely recognized as a prominent representative of the stock-raising'industry. The improvements on his farm, which is considered one of the finest in the township, include a commodious and substantial residence, a sheep barn and all other necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. These various buildings stand as monuments to his enterprise and energy, and the large degree, of prosperity which has attended his undertakings is but the merited reward of his well directed labor and capable business management. In startling contrast to his modern and up-to-date farm buildings there also stands on the place an old log cabin - a mute reminder of pioneer days.

In 1871 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Priscilla Crawford, whose birth occurred in Coshocton county in 1840, her parents being Oliver and Jane Crawford, both of whom are now deceased. Their family numbered seven children. Unto our subject and his wife was born one child, who died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Smith is a stalwart republican and has acceptably filled the office of trustee. Having spent their entire lives in Coshocton county, both he and his wife are widely and favorably known here and have witnessed the gradual transformation that has converted this part of the state from a wild and unsettled region into a rich agricultural district, in which the evidences of an advancing civilization are everywhere seen.

Parker Kimberley

Parker Kimberley, who throughout his entire life has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, is now a gardener on the rich bottom lands just south of Coshocton. He was born in this county, May 3, 1857, a son of John and Martha (Reynolds) Kimberley, both of whom were natives of this county and of Scotch descent. The family was established in the Buckeye state near the close of the seventeenth century when Ira Kimberley, the greatgrandfather, came to this country from Scotland and located in what is now Belmont county, near Wheeling, West Virginia, and later removed to Coshocton county, being numbered among its first white settlers. The father of our subject was a farmer of this section of the state throughout a long period.

Parker Kimberley, the immediate subject of this review, acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home, which was located in Bethlehem township. He helped to clear and develop the homestead property, for when it came into possession of the family it was a wild and unimproved tract. He shared with the other members of the family in the hardships and privations which are always encountered in a frontier district, and early became familiar with the duties of farm labor. Upon reaching mature years he engaged in farming on his own account and met with excellent success in his undertakings. Since 1902, however, he has been engaged in gardening in Tuscarawas township, removing here from Bethlehem township. He is meeting with success in this field of labor, for his products find a ready sale on the city markets, commanding high prices, owing to the excellency of their quality, size and flavor.

Mr. Kimberley was married on the 10th of November, 1881, to Miss Ina S. Milligan, a daughter of William and Lanah Milligan, of Bethlehem township. This union has been blessed with nine children: Estelle, now the wife of Irwin Foster; Mina, the wife of Joseph Reynolds; Albert R.; Zelma L.; Aletha L.; Mary E.; Carrie A.; and John and Emmett, who have passed away.

Mr. Kimberley is a strong temperance man, giving his support to the prohibition party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Inheriting the sterling characteristics of a long line of sturdy Scotch ancestry and endowed by nature with a good constitution he early developed all the attributes which make the successful man, and today is held in high esteem in the community in which he makes his home.

Clarence Karl Clemens

Clarence Karl Clemens is general manager of the Domestic Manufacturing & the Eureka Laundry Company of Coshocton, his native city. He was born March 3, 1869, of the marriage of Warren and Mary (Taylor) Clemens, the former a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and the latter of Stockport, Cheshire, England. When a young man, Warren Clemens arrived in Coshocton and apprenticed himself to the wagonmaker's trade, serving a full term. He built the first spring wagon ever constructed in Coshocton and was connected with the carriage and wagonmaking business until his death, which occurred May 4, 1894, when he was fifty-two years of age. He had at that time been a resident of Coshocton for thirty-five years, having arrived here in 1859, and during that period he had taken an active and helpful part in the industrial development and material improvement of the city. He served in the Civil war as a member of Company I, Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, remaining with the army until after the cessation of hostilities. He was wounded in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain but as soon as possible again took his place in the ranks and bravely faced the enemy on many 2 southern battlefield. He always stood loyally by the republican party, which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war, and he was equally faithful in his allegiance to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he held membership. His wife, who still survives him, was brought to the United States by her parents when an infant of six months. Her father, John Taylor, was a silk weaver of England and after crossing the Atlantic conducted a woolen mill in Coshocton for a number of years. He was also for several years the marshal of Coshocton and was one of the leading figures in the early history of the city.

Clarence K. Clemens, spending his boyhood days in his parents' home, enjoyed the pleasures in which most youths indulge and divided his time with the work of the schools until he had completed the high-school course with the class of 1887. Following his graduation he served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for about five years. He then accepted a position in the grocery store of Smith, Miller & Company, with whom he remained for two years, after which he spent one year with the Selby Dry Goods Company. Resigning that position he accepted the management of the carpet department of the Fountain Dry Goods Company, in which capacity he proved his ability, remaining at the head of the department for eight years. During his connection with that house he also engaged in the manufacture of rugs in partnership with W. H. Wilson under the firm name of the Domestic Rug Company, manufacturing rugs from worn-out carpets. They began business in a barn on Third street, back of the old Methodist church, but the enterprise soon outgrew those modest quarters and was removed to the Wilkins' block on Second street. On the 14th of September, 1903, Mr. Clemens resigned his position with the Fountain Dry Goods Company to give his entire time to the manufacturing business, which had grown in volume and importance until it demanded his undivided attention. About this time the old Hay & Wilson block on Second and Main streets was offered for sale by the Coshocton Manufacturing Company and was purchased by the Eureka Laundry Company, J. R. Speck, proprietor, and the Domestic Rug Company, which decided to merge their interests. Accordingly a stock company was organized in August, 1903, and the incorporation papers were made out. On the amalgamation of the business Mr. Clemens was chosen as general manager of the plant, in which capacity he has ably served, the success of the enterprise being attributable. to his keen discernment and capable control.

On the 29th of March, 1895, Mr. Clemens was married to Mrs. Dorsey, formerly Miss Alice Compton, of Roscoe, a daughter of Elisha Compton, who is still living at the age of ninety-two years. Mrs. Clemens died January 1, 1899, leaving a little son, Paul, and on the 29th of August, 1901, Mr. Clemens was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Cox, a daughter of William Cox, of Trinway, Ohio. There is one daughter of this marriage, Helen Lois.

While Mr. Clemens usually votes with the republican party he is liberal in his views and regards rather the capability of the candidate than his party affiliation. A prominent member of the Business Men's Association he is serving on the executive board and at different times has been vice president and secretary of the organization. His prosperity is recognized as a merited reward of his labor. In a review of his life it will be found that his success has come as the legitimate sequence of his persistency of purpose, his unwearied industry and his laudable ambition - qualities which all may cultivate and which never fail to bring the desired result.

W. H. Cullison, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, was born on a farm adjoining the one on which he now resides in Perry township, Coshocton county, Ohio, May 10, 1842, his parents being Ephraim and Mary (Rhine) Cullison. The father, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, was a farmer by occupation and came to Coshocton county in 1814, here purchasing some partially improved land. He made his home on this farm until the time of his demise in 1896, his remains being interred at Wilson Chapel in Perry township. In politics he was a stanch republican, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he was identified for fifty years. The mother of our subject was a native of Hardin county, celebrated her marriage in Coshocton county and passed away here in 1898, being likewise buried at Wilson Chapel in Perry township. She became the mother of nine children, namely: Sarah, the wife of Isaac Drake, a farmer of Vermilion county, Illinois: Mary, deceased; one who died in infancy; George Washington, whose demise occurred in 1895; Betsy Anne, the widow of Curtis Almack; W. H., of this review; James W., who follows farming in Perry township; Ephraim Alonzo, who also carries on agricultural pursuits in Perry township; and Nancy, who has passed away.

W. H. Cullison acquired his education in the district schools and remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage. On the 11th of May, 1864, he enlisted in the Union army for one hundred days' service and was honorably discharged at Camp Chase on the 5th of September of that year. He had been engaged in picket duty and was mustered out with the rank of corporal. On returning to this county he once more took up the pursuits of civil life as a farmer of Perry township. Subsequently he spent six or seven years in New Castle township, but on the expiration of that period returned to Perry township, where he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and tillable land. He erected a commodious and substantial residence and good barn, and in its neat and thrifty appearance the property indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. He likewise keeps a number of good horses and sheep, this branch of his business proving very remunerative.

On the 21st of April, 1864, Mr. Cullison was joimed in wedlock to Miss Mary Anne Dunlap, of Coshocton county. He is a stalwart advocate of republican principles and has capably served in the position of road super- visor. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he acted as class leader for five years, resigning at the end of that time. A native resident of this county, he has now made his home here for two-thirds of a century, and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present, and the number of his friends has steadily increased as the circle of his acquaintances has widened.

M. A. Lawrence

M. A. Lawrence is a representative of one of the old Coshocton families and was born in Mill Creek township, March 26, 1840, his parents being Solon and Mary Ann (Andrews) Lawrence. The father was a native of Keene, New Hampshire, born in the year 1812. He was brought to Coshocton county in 1824 when a youth of twelve years by his parents, who settled in Mill Creek township, where the grandfather of our subject purchased a farm, developing a raw tract of land into a productive property. He was also one of the early postmasters of the county and was closely associated with the work of pioneer development and improvement here. At one time he and his son Solon worked on the Walhonding aqueduct.

Solon Lawrence grew to manhood in this county and after attaining adult age was married to Miss Mary Ann Andrews. He then began farming on his own account in Mill Creek township and as the years passed met with a gratifying measure of success, becoming owner of seven hundred acres of valuable land. He worked diligently and persistently to acquire his success and in addition to tilling the soil he also bought and shipped considerable stock, thus adding materially to his income. Having gained a goodly measure of prosperity he retired from business life some years prior to his death, spending his last days in Keene, in the enjoyment of well earned rest. There he passed away and his wife, who was a native of New Comerstown, Ohio, is also deceased. They were the parents of four children, of whom two are living, the daughter being Mrs. Emily Wood, the wife of Harrison Wood, of Keene, Ohio.

M. A. Lawrence was reared on the old home farm and attended the district schools but when fifteen years of age started out to make his own way in the world, being first employed as a farm hand. Throughout the greater part of his life he has given his attention to general agricultural pursuits, but at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations, joining the army in May, 1864, as a member of Company H, One Hundred 'and Forty-Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained until honorably discharged in September of that year. When the war was over he returned to the home farm and continued to assist in its cultivation and improvement up to the time of his marriage.

It was in 1868 that Mr. Lawrence was joined in wedlock to Miss Elizabeth Moorehead, who was born in Virginia in 1841, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Moorehead, in whose family were five children but Mrs. Lawrence is the only one now living. She came to Coshocton county in 1852 with her parents who settled in Keene township where her father purchased an improved farm, making his home there until his death. His wife also passed away there. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence were born three children: Ollie E., the wife of Samuel Elliott, of Keene township; Jessie W., living in the same township; and Ora, born in 1869 but now deceased.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Lawrence began farming in Mill Creek township on a part of his father's land and the following year was given one hundred acres. He cultivated that place for six years and then removed to Keene township, settling on a farm of one hundred and seventy-one acres which Mrs. Lawrence received from her father at his death and which she still owns. Mr. Lawrence, traded his one hundred acres in Mill Creek township for two hundred acres in Keene township and this he gave to his son. He now owns a fine home in the village of Keene and twenty-five acres joining the corporation limits. He also owns one hundred and fifty acres in Mill Creek township. He has had a busy and useful life and in addition to general agricultural pursuits he has carried on stock buying and shipping, finding this work a gratifying source of profit. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for his success is attributable to his industry and honorable management. In his political views he is a stalwart republican and his wife is a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. They enjoy the warm regard of many friends and are prominent representatives of honored pioneer families of Coshocton county.

J. A. Tyler

J. A. Tyler, proprietor of Tyler's Steam Laundry, was born in Dresden, Muskingum county, Ohio, December 6, 1859, his parents being William E. and Angeline D. (Fessenden) Tyler, the former a native of Dillon Falls, Muskingum county, and the latter of Massachusetts. The father came with his family to Coshocton county in 1879. For many years he was identified with the cooperage business, having learned the trade in early life. Subsequently he turned his attention to railroading and for sixteen years was employed by what is now the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company at Coshocton. At the present time he is assisting his son in the laundry.

Without any special advantage at the outset of his career, J. A. Tyler has worked his way upward, early coming to an understanding of the value of unfaltering industry and perseverance. He has acquired his education in the public schools of New Comerstown, where his father conducted a cooperage plant, and thereafter, putting aside his text-books, he learned the cooper's trade with his father and continued to follow the same pursuit subsequent to the removal of the family to Coshocton. In 1881 he left the city and for about ten years worked at his trade in various parts of Ohio, spending some time in Dresden, Killbuck, Lima, Deshler and Mansfield. In 1893 he returned to Coshocton and continued to work at the cooper's trade until about 1896, with the exception of one year spent as repairer in the employ of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company. In 1896 he accepted a position in the Eureka Laundry and thoroughly acquainted himself with the laundry business. Desiring to establish an enterprise of that kind on his own account in July, 1903, he formed a partnership with H. D. Maxwell and entered upon a successful career, which continued until 1906, when their plant was largely destroyed by fire. At that time Mr. Tyler purchased his partner's interest and reestablished the business, which he has since conducted independently. He is a skilled laundryman and is conversant with all the details of the trade. He turns out an excellent class of work and this, combined with his promptness and honorable business methods, has gained him an extensive patronage which makes him one of the leading laundrymen of the city.

Mr. Tyler is an advocate of democratic principles and, as every true American citizen should, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he does not seek nor desire office. He is a member of Coshocton Aerie, No. 761, F. O. E. He is also connected with the senior and junior order of American Mechanics, and is a member of the Sons of Veterans. He was likewise associated with the labor organizations for a number of years, and for some time acted as one of the organizers and was secretary of the Central Trade and Labor Council for four years. He is interested in those movements which recognize the brotherhood of man and the obligation of the individual to his fellows. That he believes in justice and helpfulness is indicated in his own career.

Mr. Tyler was married in 1882 to Miss Mary J. Christopher, of Kullbuck, Ohio, and unto them have been born five children, namely: Rollin A., who is with The H. D. Beach Company, of Coshocton; Lilly May, the wife of E. M. Brennen, of Silver Springs, New York; H. Edward, Ollie and Frank, all of whom reside at home. Mr. Tyler's entire life has been passed in Ohio and many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present. There has béen nothing sensational nor unusual in his life history, which has been characterized by devotion to business duties and cares. At all times his actions have been sincere, and his manner unaffected, and whether in commercial, social, or public relations, he deserves the esteem of those with whom he comes in contact.

George E, Hardesty, who is extensively engaged in farming and stockraising on a tract of three hundred and twenty acres situated in Washington township, is a native of Illinois, born September 24, 1871, in Ogle county. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native state and during the period of his boyhood and youth was engaged in various pursuits. In the fall of 1882 he made his way to Story county, Iowa, where he spent cne year, subsequent to which time he settled in Knox county, Ohio, where he was employed at various pursuits until the spring of 1886, when he took up his abode in Washington township, Coshocton county, where he has since made his home, having given his time to general agricultural pursuits. He is now extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising on a well improved tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres in Washington township. He makes a close study of agriculture and through the careful cultivation of the soil and the rotation of crops gathers abundant harvests each year, thus adding to his annual financial income.

Mr. Hardesty established a home of his own on the 7th of April, 1893, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Martha E. Dougherty, a daughter of Robert and Ellen Dougherty. Their union has been blessed with six children: Goldie E., Raymond R., Roy A., Beulah E., Lena M. and Mary A.

Mr. Hardesty is a strong temperance man, advocating the principles of the prohibition party, and he does all in his power to promote the cause in his community. He was solicited by his fellow townsmen to serve in the office of justice of the peace, but declined to qualify. He has, however, served as a member of the school board. He has never cared to figure in public life, but is a strong advocate of every movement or measure calculated to advance the public good. He holds friendship inviolable and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Hon. L. D. Schott, a representative from Coshocton county in the state legislature, is making an excellent record in office, displaying the same qualities of fidelity, careful consideration and trustworthiness, which have marked him in other relations of life. He is a native of Roscoe, Ohio, his birth having occurred December 9, 1857, in the house where he yet resides. His parents were Nicholas and Caroline (Rosenberger) Schott, both of whom were natives of Bavaria, Germany, whence they came to America with their parents in 1838. The paternal grandparents of L. D. Schott became residents of Roscoe and there Nicholas Schott was reared to manhood. In early life he learned the millwright's trade, which he followed for many years or up to the time of his death, which occurred August 15, 1887. On coming to the new world his wife's parents settled in Holmes county, Ohio. Mrs. Caroline Schott survived her husband for nine years and passed away November 20, 1896. 'They were the parents of seven children, namely: George, dying in infancy; Sophia, who became the wife of L. R. Mirise, but both are now deceased; M. J., who is a contractor, of Barberton, Ohio; Anna M., the wife of J. C. Douglas, residing in Coshocton; Margaret S., the deceased wife of M. Smith, of Coshocton; Mary E., the wife of Robert Green of Roscoe; and L. D., of this review.

The public schools of his native town afforded L. D. Schott his educational privileges and in his youth he became familiar with the duties and labor that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, as he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. When he started out in life for himself he made his first business venture as a miller and followed the trade for fourteen years. He operated the first complete roller system in Coshocton county at Roscoe in the mills of the firm of Barney-DeMoss & Company. Since 1893 he has been in a lawyer's office and learned much of the law, although he has never been admitted to the bar. His knowledge of legal principles, however, has served him well in his duties as administrator and executor of estates. For most of the time he has served in these capacities and has settled estates for a number of the most prominent people in the county. He is regarded as a most trustworthy man, thoroughly reliable under all circumstances and his business qualifications and personal worth have led to his selection for public offices. He has been a member of the city council of Roscoe, and for years has taken an active and helpful interest in politics, giving loyal support to the democracy. In 1908 he was elected to the state legislature and his constituents recognized in him one who will always be loyal to their interests, for his devotion to a public trust is above question.

On the 13th of June, 1894, Mr. Schott was married to Miss Jennie A. Hill, of Coshocton, a daughter of A. J. Hill, clerk of the courts of this county. She was formerly a teacher in Coshocton schools and is a lady of broad intelligence and innate culture. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schott have been born a daughter and son, Mary Louise, whose birth occurred August 2, 1897, and Oliver Gordon, born August 21, 1902. The parents are members of the Roscoe Methodist Episcopal church and take an active and helpful interest in its work, while in all matters of citizenship Mr. Schott is progressive, giving his support and cooperation to many movements for the public good. He owns a comfortable home in Roscoe and a few acres of land, also considerable real estate in Coshocton. His entire life has here been passed, and the fact that those who have known him longest entertain for him the warmest regard is an indication that his life has ever been honorable and upright.

Hamilton 8. Scott

Hamilton S. Scott, a worthy representative of an old and influential family of Coshocton county, was born in Virginia township, July 16, 1858, his parents being James and Mary Green (Stockton) Scott. The record of his brothers and sisters is as follows: Margaret A., James, who is mentioned on another page of this work; Mary E., Caroline, the wife of Alex P. Stewart, of Coshocton; Matthew, who died in infancy; and Catherine G., the wife of Albert B. Milligan, a retired agriculturist of Spencer, Indiana.

Hamilton S. Scott acquired his preliminary education in a private school maintained by two families in the neighborhood and later attended Muskingum College. He spent the years 1874 and 1875 in travel in Ireland, the land of his ancestors, visiting every point of interest and spending con- siderable time in the vicinity of the old family home. In 1889 he made a trip to California and the Pacific coast. On the 14th of August, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth E. Balo, a daughter of Stephen and Martha Balo, prominent residents of Virginia township. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four bright and interesting daughters: Esther Stockton, Agnes Elizabeth, Eleanor Margaret and Mary Catherine. They occupy "Three Springs," the original home of the Scott family on coming to this state, and the house remains practically as built by James Scott and his brother Matthew in 1834. It occupies an elevation, which affords an excellent view of the surrounding country. About the place are many relics of the past, including an old plow which was brought to the farm from Ireland by the grandfather. It is of wrought iron and bears the name of the maker, '"Galbreath," a blacksmith in the home village in the Emerald isle. Most of the original Scott purchase (about one thousand acres) which was made in 1883, yet remains in the family and is represented in "Three Springs" and "Prospect," the latter being the original home of the second generation and now occupied by James Scott and his sisters, Margaret A. and Mary E. Hamilton S. is engaged in the conduct of general farming and stock-raising. Excellent business ability and sound judgment are employed in the cultivation of the fields and as a consequence he has gained a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity. The farm is well cultivated, the buildings are all modern and adequate, the fields are free from weeds and briers and the stock is well fed and well kept. He has studied the character of the soil and plants the crops best adapted thereto, thus gaining the best possible results at all times.

A man of domestic tastes, Mr. Scott finds recreation and pleasure in the companionship of his wife and children and regards no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it will but enhance their happiness and welfare. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and belongs to Cyrene commandery, K. T., at Zanesville, Ohio. In politics he is a republican and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. All measures and movements instituted for the general welfare receive his active support and cooperation and he is well known and highly esteemed as one of the county's most honored native sons.

Daniel Wiggins

Daniel Wiggins is a self-made man who, starting out in life in the humble capacity of a farm hand, has steadily advanced until he is today the owner of a well improved and valuable farm property, consisting of one hundred and thirty-eight acres situated in Lafayette township. Mr. Wiggins is a native son of this township, born January 8, 1849, a son of Isaac and Charity (Colter) Wiggins, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. Both are now deceased, the father passing away in 1851, while the mother survived his death for a long period, passing away in 1896. Their union was blessed with eleven children, of whom three of the number are deceased. "the record is as follows: Thomas, a resident of Page county, Iowa; James and Edward, who lived in Coshocton county; Cynthia, the widow of William Bady, of Topeka, Kansas; Isaac, who makes his home in Roseville, Indiana; Margaret, deceased; John, of Illinois; Frank and Sarah who have also departed this life; Daniel of this review; and George, who makes his home in Page county, Iowa.

Mr. Wiggins acquired his education in the common schools and spent his early boyhood and youth under the parental roof. As soon as old enough, however, he started out to make his own way in the world, working as a farm hand until he reached the age of twenty-five years. During this time he carefully saved his earnings, which he invested in machinery and stock necessary for conducting agricultural interests on his own account and he then operated rented land for six years. On the expiration of that period he purchased thirty-three acres, which he improved and to this he has added from time to time, as his financial resources would permit, until he is now the owner of one hundred and thirty-eight acres, all in Lafayette township. He has erected substantial outbuildings, has tiled and fenced the land and has made it a valuable property. He is engaged in raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and makes a specialty of raising sheep, which branch of his business is proving a profitable source of revenue.

Mr. Wiggins chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Elizabeth Smith, one of a family of fourteen children, and a native of Coshocton county. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons, but one died in infancy, the other being Jesse, who is still at home.

Mr. Wiggins gives his political support to the democratic party but has never been active as an office seeker. He supports the Baptist church. He has met many obstacles and difficulties but has overcome these by honorable and determined effort and has worked his way upward, so that he is now classed among the substantial agriculturalists of Lafayette township and Coshocton county.

James L. Conner

That Coshocton county is an attractive and desirable place of residence is indicated by the fact that James L. Conner has spent his entire life, covering a period of six decades, in this section of the state. He was born March 5, 1848, a son of James and Mary (Holt) Conner, and is of Irish descent, his grandfather having emigrated from the Emerald isle to the United States. The father was born in eastern Virginia and was brought to Coshocton county when a lad of five years. He could well remember on crossing the river at Coshocton seeing a herd of deer. The family home was established on Yankee Ridge in what is now Tiverton township and the parents spent their remaining days near Tiverton Center. The father entered the land on which our subject now resides and walked to Zanesville to make application for the same.

He carried on farming throughout a long period and became a very prosperous man. He served for twenty-one years in the office of justice of the peace. The mother was likewise born in Virginia but was married in Coshocton county, passing away here in 1873. The father survived for about twenty years, his death occurring in 1893. Their children, five in number, were as follows: Sarah Jane, deceased; Isaac, a farmer of Monroe township; Joseph, who died at the age of twenty-eight years; James L., of this review; and Mary Elizabeth, the wife of S. H. Ayers, a resident of Millersburg, Ohio.

James L. Conner, the immediate subject of this review, acquired his education in the district schools of Monroe township and remained at home until the parents' demise, when he took up the work that had been instituted by the father. He is now the owner of one hundred and forty-two acres of well improved and valuable land which, when it came into his possession, was in a badly run down condition. He has fenced and tiled the land, built a good home and substantial outbuildings, has set out fruit and shade trees and has made it a model and well improved property. He is here engaged in general farming and is numbered among the substantial citizens of this section of the state.

Mr. Conner has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Margaret Wynkley, their marriage being celebrated in 1871. They had one daughter, Belle, who died when three months old. Aftr the death of the first wife Mr. Conner was again married in 1879 to Harriet E. Sheldon, a resident of Coshocton county, and this union has been blessed with five children: Delpha, deceased ; Iva, the wife of Bruce Rhodehafer, a resident of Coshocton; Orell, at home; and Jimmie, also under the parental roof.

Mr. Conner gives his political support to the men and measures of the democracy and has served in the offices of justice of the peace and trustee and has also filled some minor offices. He is a Mason, belonging to Warsaw lodge at Spring Mountain, of which he has served as treasurer for twelve years and at the present writing is junior deacon. He and his family are members of the Baptist church. He is justly accorded a place among the prominent and representative citizens of Coshocton county, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for their own benefit but also for the advancement of public prosperity.

Lewis Barrick

Lewis Barrick is an honored veteran of the Civil war. When the call to arms sounded his patriotic spirit was aroused and he enlisted under the nation's standard with men who flocked to its support from all walks of life, coming from the counting-houses, the shops, the offices and the fields. In days of peace he has been equally loyal to his country. For a long period he was connected with industrial pursuits at Bakersville, but is now living a retired life, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits.

He was born in this county, May 24, 1837, and is a son of Frederick and Catharine (Stom) Barrick, who were also natives of Ohio. The father was a distiller and cooper by trade, and after working in those lines for a time he entered from the government a tract of land in Coshocton county and began the development of a farm. On this place he built a log cabin, which he covered with a clapboard roof that was weighted down with poles instead of being held in place with nails. The little dwelling also had a puncheon floor and door and the door was hung with wooden hinges and had an old wooden latch. The furnishings of the home were also very primitive and the cabin was heated in the winter seasons by a fireplace, which also did service when the meals were being prepared. In, this pioneer home Lewis Barrick was born and reared. He was one of nine children, the others being: Nicholas, of this county; Israel, who is living in Brazil, Indiana; Elizabeth, the wife of John Prior of this county; and five who are now deceased. The father died at the venerable age of eighty-one years. In their death the county lost two of its worthy and well known pioneer citizens.

Lewis Barrick remained at home until he attained his majority and then learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for twelve years. During the progress of the Civil war he joined the Union army, enlisting in 1864 as a member of Company G, Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served until the close of the war and was holding the rank of corporal at the time of his discharge. He participated in a number of hotly contested battles and went with Sherman on the long march to the sea, which proved how weak was the condition of the Confederacy, showing that the troops had been drawn from the interior to protect the border. He was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, and with a creditable military record returned to his home.

Again locating in Bakersville, Mr. Barrick worked at his trade for some time, after which he turned his attention to milling interests in Bakersville, conducting the business for twenty-two years. He was known as a progressive, alert and energetic business man, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertook, and as the years went by he accumulated a comfortable competence which now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of a well earned and well merited rest. He owns a pleasant home in the village of Bakersville and he receives from the government a pension of thirty dollars per month in recognition of the aid which he rendered his country.

In 1866 Mr. Barrick was married to Miss Martha Mizer, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, November 17, 1846, a daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Summers) Mizer, both of whom are now deceased. Their family numbered fourteen children, including Mrs. Barrick, who by her marriage has become the mother of nine children: Melancthon, who is now working for the Pan Handle Railroad Company as train dispatcher at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Jennie A., the widow of Edward Davis, of Coshocton; Luther, who is living in Coshocton; Prudence, the wife of John Mizer, of Tuscarawas county; Elva F., who is deceased; Richard R. and Arthur O., who are residents of Coshocton; Frederick C., whose home is in Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania; and Lydia A., the wife of Curtis Lyons, of Coshocton. The parents are members of the Lutheran church and are highly esteemed for their many good qualities and sterling worth. In politics Mr. Barrick is a democrat and has held a number of minor offices. He has now reached the seventyfirst milestone on life's journey and his has been a commendable record, actuated by honorable principles.

James Ross Stewart

James Ross Stewart is the sole owner of the J. R. Stewart Carriage Works, a leading enterprise of Coshocton, which has been in successful operation since 1876. He worked his way upward from a humble apprenticeship and his life record is indicative of what may be accomplished through perseverance and unfaltering labor. Born in New York city, July 29, 1853, he is of Scotch-Irish descent in the paternal line and of Irish ancestry in the maternal line.

His father, James Stewart, was born in Ireland in 1826 and became a resident of New York city in 1851. In early life he learned and followed the stonernason's trade but after his removal to Coshocton county with his family in 1858, he became a farmer of Tuscarawas township and carried on general agricultural pursuits for a quarter of a century. He was an honest, industrious man and a great lover of home, his interests centering in his family and their welfare. In politics he was a republican and served as councilman for one year. The family were Presbyterians in religious belief and he was reared in that faith, although not a member of the church. In 1852 he married Miss Fannie Ross, a native of Ireland, who in that year came to New York city. She died in April, 1906, and Mr. Stewart survived until May, 1907.

James R. Stewart of this review was a pupil in the public schools of New York city until the removal of the family to Coshocton county, where he continued his education to the age of sixteen years. He then entered the business world as an employe of a nurseryman, with whom he remained for about three years. Thinking to find broader opportunities in industrial lines, he then took up the trade of woodworker and carriagemaker, completing his apprenticeship in 1876, after which he worked as a journeyman carriagemaker. He gained broad practical experience in that manner and through his industry and economy secured the capital that enabled him to later engage in business on his own account in the establishment and conduct of a carriage manufactory, which he has conducted continuously for thirty-two years. He manufactures vehicles of all descriptions and has remained at the same location since starting in business in 1876, having the oldest enterprise of the character in Coshocton. His goods have always enjoyed a high reputation for the excellence of workmanship and the quality of materials used. His trade has steadily increased until the output is now extensive, the business having long since become a very profitable investment.

Family

On the 3d of May, 1877, Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Jennie M. Torrens, of Utica, Ohio. She was an industrious, home-loving woman and proved of great assistance to her husband through her careful management of household affairs and her ready encouragement and sympathy. She died in 1894 and her death was deeply regretted by many who knew her. There were two sons and a daughter in the family. George Francis, the eldest, born April 18, 1879, is now with his father in business and is a young man of considerable ability, whose future is bright with promise. He was married February 15, 1905, to Florence White Aston, of Columbus, Ohio, and their children are: Edward James, born December 7, 1905; and George Aston, October 15, 1907. There is a photograph in existence showing four generations of this family. James Torrens Stewart, the second son, was born June 30, 1883, and is now a member of the Lamberson & Herbig Insurance Agency. He was married June 9, 1903, to Miss Myrtle Betts, who died February 18, 1907. Jennie Isabelle, born May 3, 1887, has recently graduated from the Wooster College at Wooster, Ohio. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Stewart was married May 12, 1898, to Matilda Alexander Torrens.

Mr. Stewart has filled the office of city councilman and has been very active in all civic and: public movements that further the general welfare or are matters of municipal pride. He votes with the republican party and is in hearty sympathy with its principles and purposes. A member of the Presbyterian church, he has held official position therein since 1879 and is now serving as one of its elders, while since 1897 he has been superintendent of the Sunday school. His entire life has been guided by the most honorable principles and his self-reliance and unfaltering industry, combined with his integrity, constitute the salient features in his success.

Jesse M. Robertson

Jesse M. Robertson is one of the young merchants of Coshocton, exemplifying in his early life modern business methods and the spirit of progress which is rapidly revolutionizing trade interests in this city. He is now a junior partner of the firm of Metzler & Robertson. His birth occurred in Keene township, this county, August 26, 1881, his parents being Lewis K. and Margaret (Boyd) Robertson. The father was born in Coshocton, to which city his father, James Robertson, came at an early day, having recently arrived in America from Ireland, his native country. He found here the business opportunities which he sought and for a number of years was engaged in the conduct of a hotel located at the corner of Second and Chestnut streets. He made this a popular hostelry and received a liberal patronage from the traveling public. He figured prominently in the history of the city in an early day, but eventually removed to a farm in Keene township, where he spent the latter years of his life.

Lewis K. Robertson was a young man when his parents took up their abode on the farm and there he was reared amid the environment of agricul- tural life. He early assisted in the work of the fields, becoming familiar with the task of plowing, planting and harvesting, but thinking to find other pursuits more congenial he came to Coshocton when about thirty years of age. Having previously learned the tinner's trade in early manhood, he here worked at this trade for a number of years, but recently has been connected with the Coshocton Display Fixture Company. He is well known because of his activity in other lines, being regarded as one of the leading republicans of the city, while for two terms he served as councilman at large of Coshocton. In that office he proved competent and faithful, supporting various measures that resulted beneficially for municipal interests. He is likewise a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, is serving as one of its elders and does all in his power to further its cause.

Jesse M. Robertson spent his boyhood days in his parents' home and mastered the work of the primary, grammar and high-school grades in the public schools. He has been depending upon his own resources from the age of sixteen years and for two years he was connected with the shoe trade. He then accepted a position with C. E. Anderson, a druggist of Coshocton and in order to better qualify for work of this character he attended the Ohio Northern College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1903. Following his graduation he worked for a short time for Mr. Anderson and then went to Cambridge to accept a position with the firm of Neilly & Company. For two years he remained in their employ and in March, 1906, returned to Coshocton, where he became junior partner of the drug firm of Metzler & Robertson. Their business is growing along satisfactory lines and its development is due to the persistent effort and close application of the proprietors.

On the 2d of November, 1904, Mr. Robertson was united in marriage to Miss Lucretia Metzler, a daughter of Dr. A. S. Metzler, of this city. They are well known here, occupying an enviable position in social circles. In the Methodist Episcopal church they hold membership and Mr. Robertson is a republican in his political views. Commendable principles have governed his life and shaped his conduct in his relations with his fellowmen. Free from ostentation and display, he is, however, favorably known because of his genuine worth which classes him with the representative young men of the city.

Jonas H. Duncan

Jonas H. Duncan, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Keene township, was born in Mill Creek township, Coshocton county, Ohio, June 20, 1844. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Long) Duncan, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, came to this county in the early '30s and here purchased land. Both the father and mother are now deceased, however. The family numbered fifteen children, namely: Paul, a resident of Illinois; Adam, living in Missouri; Tobias, who is a traveling salesman; Noah, also a resident of Missouri; Joe, who makes his home in Kansas; Jonas H., twin brother of Joe and the immediate subject of this review; Jesse, living in Kansas; Lizzie, the wife of Benjamin Lower, of Coshocton county; Sophia, the wife of Wilbert Wetherwax; and six who have passed away. Seven of the sons served as loyal defenders of the Union during the Civil war and all of them escaped injury.

Jonas H. Duncan acquired a common-school education and remained ander the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-three years or until the time of his marriage. In 1864, however, he had enlisted in defense of the Union as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fortythird Regiment, serving until the close of hostilities, when he was honorably discharged at Columbus. Subsequent to his marriage Mr. Duncan was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for three years and on the expiration of that period purchased property of his own. He now has forty acres of valuable and well improved land in Keene township and in addition to the work of farming he also raises stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.

Mr. Duncan was joined in wedlock to Miss Amanda Shannon, of Coshocton county. Her great-grandfather, Robert Shannon, was a native of Ireland, while her. grandparents were Isaac and Jane (Porter) Shannon. Her father, Nathan Shannon, passed away in 1881 at the age of eighty-four years, while her mother, Mrs. Mary (Endsley) Shannon, was called to her final rest in 1890 when ninety-one years of age. Mrs. Duncan was one of a family of twelve children and by her marriage has become the mother of five, as follows: Mary E., the wife of J. L. Boyd, of Keene township; Joseph A., a resident of Kansas; Sophia L., the wife of B. P. Porter, of Keene township; Cynthia G., the wife of Dr. Lessing, of Seattle, Washington; and Mattie S., the wife of W. W. Whittimore, of Keene township.

In his political views Mr. Duncan is a stanch prohibitionist and has capably filled the offices of school director and supervisor. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Presbyterian church and are well and favorably known throughout the community in which they reside. Throughout his entire life, or for almost two-thirds of a century, he has now resided within the borders of this county and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from a pioneer period down to the present time, while his labors have been a factor in its agricultural development.

George Magruder

The farming and stock-raising interests of Coshocton county find a worthy representative in George Magruder, who owns a well improved tract of land of one hundred and twenty-six acres situated in Pike township. He is a native son of this township, born April 27, 1847, of the marriage of William and Eleanor (Chapin) Magruder. The former was a native of Fauquier county, Virginia, whence, in 1835, he came to Coshocton county

George Magruder was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools. When he started out in life on his own account he chose the occupation to which he had been reared and this has continued to be his work to the present time. He has gradually worked his way upward in the estimation of his fellowmen until today he finds a place among the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of the western part of Coshocton county. ;