Coshocton County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1909 (part 2 of 19)

Dr. Fisher is a member of the American Microscopical Society, the American Geographical Society and several other organizations for scientific research. He is independent in his political views, nor is he a man of biased opinions in any line. Broad thought, wide research and careful consideration characterize his ideas upon all subjects of importance. He has gone beyond the point where vision is limited by a narrow sectarianism, having reached the higher plane which recognizes the universal brotherhood and the need of humanity for something that will lead to the unfolding of character in accordance with the highest ideals of Christian living. He preaches a doctrine of faith and hope rather than of criticism and since called to the pastorate of the Methodist Protestant church of Coshocton in September, 1906, has been regarded as one of the ablest ministers of this city. Although the church is young in years, it is now the third largest in Coshocton and its attendance is greater than that of any other in proportion to its membership. He is a popular pastor, honored and respected alike by people of all denominations, and under his guidance the church is making rapid progress and proving a potent influence for good in the community. Dr. Fisher has filled almost all the positions of honor in his church, his history being, in this respect, practically identical with that of his father.

Matthew T. Moorehead, M.D.

Dr. Matthew T. Moorehead, a successful medical practitioner of Plainfield, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, December 14, 1860, his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth (Graham) Moorehead, the former a native of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. Samuel Moorehead was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he was reared and married. He was a carpenter by occupation and built the first gristmill in Muskingum county. His death occurred in 1893 when he was eighty-four years of age, and his wife passed away in 1881, when sixty years of age. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, namely: John G., of Seattle, Washington; James C., who resides in Stafford, Kansas; Samuel L., who is in the United States secret service at San Franciscv, 'California; and Matthew T., of this review.

The last named acquired a common-schovol education in Bloomfield, and subsequently pursued his studies in the McCorkle College at Bloomfield, conducted under the auspices of the Social Reform Presbyterian church. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he entered the Cincinnati (Ohio) Medical School in 1883 and was graduated from that institution in 1889. He had been compelled to work his way through college, thus early manifesting the strong purpose and laudable ambition which have ever spurred him onward and upward. On the 8th of August, 1889, he arrived in Plainfield with but sixty cents in his pocket, and that he has since gained standing and prominence in the ranks of the medical fraternity here is indicated by his large and profitable patronage. Among the young men who have read medicine under his supervision and who are now practicing successfully may be mentioned Dr. Hahn, who is located at Tiverton Center. W. C. Kinner, who studied in his office for two years, was graduated from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and is now practicing at Adamsville, Ohio. Dr. Moorehead owns two hundred and twenty-seven acres of rich and valuable land in Linton township, and likewise has a beautiful residence in Plainfield. He is a stockholder and director in the People's Bank of Coshocton, and is well known and highly esteemed as one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of the county, his success being all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it has been achieved entirely through his own efforts.

In 1897 Dr. Moorehead was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary 8. Talmage, a native of Coshocton county, her parents being Henry and Mary (Williams) Talmage. By this union there are four children: Laura Lenora, Matthew Talmage, James Raymond and Helen Rose.

In his political views Dr. Moorehead is a stalwart republican, while fraternally he is connected with Plainfield Lodge, No. 224, A. F. & A. M, and Plainfield Lodge, No. 776, I. O. O. F., both of Plainfield. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church, while his wife is identified with the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

Andrew J. Henderson

Andrew J. Henderson is a retired farmer who for many years was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits and by reason of his energy and careful management gained the competence that now enables him to rest from further labor and yet enjoy the comforts of life. He was born in White Eyes township, March 28, 1843, and is a son of John and Nancy (Stonehocker) Henderson. The father's birth occurred in this state in 1811 although he was of Irish descent. The mother was born in White Eyes township in 1812, representing one of the old pioneer families who aided largely in converting the district from a frontier region into a place possessing all of the advantages incident to modern civilization. The death of Mr. Henderson occurred January 21, 1870, while his wife passed away many years before, dying September 20, 1847. They were the parents of four children: Jacob.and Mary, both of whom are deceased; Andrew J., of this review; and Elizabeth, who has departed this life.

Andrew J. Henderson remained upon the home farm through the period of his boyhood and youth, working on the place in the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the public schools. His early thorough training in farm work well qualified him to take charge of a farm of his own when he started out upon an independent business career. He left the old homestead and rented land for six years and during that time his careful expenditures and unfaltering industry brought him a sum of money sufficient to justify his purchasing a tract of land in White Eyes township. Here he lived until 1900 and became recognized as one of the leading and progressive agriculturists of the community. At one time he owned two hundred and sixty-six acres of rich and valuable land but later sold the entire amount with the exception of fifty acres, not wishing to be burdened. with the great responsibility of this property. While engaged in the raising of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he also made a specialty of raising horses and cattle, and worked on persistently and energetically for many years until his capable busines management had brought him a gratifying measure of success. He then retired from the more active and onerous duties of the farm and is now enjoying a well earned rest.

Mr. Henderson was married January 21, 1872, to Miss Mary L. Mc- Guire, who was born in Lafayette township, July 1, 1836, a daughter of William and Mary (Stonehocker) McGuire. Her father was born in Co. shocton, March 15, 1807, which fact indicates that the McGuires were among the earliest families of this portion of the state. Her paternal grandfather had arrived here in 1806 and built a log cabin, which he covered with a clapboard roof. On one side Of the room was a large fireplace and the smoke made its egress through a mud and stick chimney. The floor and door were made of puncheons and the latter was hung upon wooden hinges and had a wooden latch. Indians still visited the neighborhood but were usually peaceable and in due course of time passed on to hunting grounds farther west. Wild animals roamed in the forests and every evidence of pioneer life was here found, but time and man wrought many changes and the McGuires bore their full share in improving and building up the county. The death of William McGuire occurred January 17, 1890, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-two years. At the time of his death he was the owner of seven hundred acres of good land. He had long survived his wife, who passed away January 5, 1843. They were the parents of two children, the elder being now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henderson were born two sons: William J., who was born March 22, 1873, and died in February, 1882; and Francis J., who was born August 28, 1875, and married Nellie Norris, of Coshocton.

Mr. Henderson has never been neglectful of the duties of citizenship but on the contrary has always given loyal support to the improvements and measures which he deemed would prove of general benefit. He votes with the republican party and for twenty-one years he did faithful service as a school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart friend. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Coshocton and the Grange at Oak Grove and both organizations count him as a valued member. He is widely known in this county, where his entire life has been passed, and some of his. warmest friends are those with whom he has been acquainted from 'boyhood. A life of unremitting and well directed activity has brought him prosperity and he is now numbered among the respected, as well as the most substantial citizens of his community.

Samuel Hagans

Samuel Hagans, who for the past forty years has been engaged in buying and feeding stock, being one of the most prominent stock buyers in Coshocton county, is also the owner of extensive farm lands, owning four hundred and forty acres situated in New Castle township. Mr. Hagans was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January 4, 1836, and in the paternal line comes of Irish and Welsh descent, while in the maternal line he is of Scotch descent.

The father, Samuel Hagans, Sr., was likewise born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and came to the Buckeye state in 1851. Locating in Coshocton county, he engaged in farming in New Castle township and dealing in Pennsylvania timber and became a very successful and prosperous man. He died in 1876 and his remains were interred in New Castle cemetery. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Campbell, was also a native of Lancaster county and passed away in 1876. Both the father and mother were devoted and faithful members of the Presbyterian church. Their family numbered thirteen children, as follows: Barbara, James and John, all now deceased; Alexander, who is now living retired in Dutch Run; Jacob and Isaac, who have departed this life; Margaret, the widow of Allen Wheeler, now residing near Walhonding; Samuel, of this review; Joseph, who died of consumption soon after his return from the Civil war; David, who is an inmate of the Soldiers' Home in Dayton, Ohio; Mary, a twin of David, and now the wife of Jefferson Sperow, of New Castle township; Martha, deceased; and George Washington, who after his return from the army engaged in preaching, being a gifted and fluent speaker and who died in Indiana. Five members of the family, David, Joseph, Isaac, John and George, gave loyal and valiant service to their country during the Civil war.

Samuel Hagans acquired his early education in the common schools of his native state and was reared in Lancaster county to the age of fourteen vears, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Coshocton county. After coming to this section of the state he earned the money with which to pursue a course in Spring Mountain Academy, where he completed his education and started out in life well fitted for the arduous and responsible duties which he would necessarily have to meet. His first position was in the capacity of clerk in his uncle's store, where he was employed for four years. Subsequent to that time he purchased the business, which he carried on successfully for three years, carrying a stock of general merchandise. Disposing of his stock of goods he then removed to a farm three miles east of New Castle and, with the exception of a year and a half spent in this village, he has lived on his farm to the present time, owning four hundred and forty acres of rich and well improved land. For the past forty years he has given his time and attention to buying and shipping stock and is one of the most successful stockmen in Coshocton county, his shipments reaching a_ vast amount annually. Mr. Hagans owns a nice residence property in New Castle and is a stockholder in the Warsaw Bank and in the Coshocton Telephone Company.

In 1860 Mr. Hagans established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Mercy A. Nichols, by whom he had three children: Della G., the wife of Samuel E. Bell, a farmer of New Castle township; Rachel C., the wife of John B. Foster, a resident farmer of Jefferson township; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Hagans' father was a very wealthy landowner of Coshocton county, owning at the time of his death thirty-three hundred acres in New Castle township. Mr. Hagans was appointed by the court administrator of the estate and he divided the land into twenty-six different farms which were sold and the proceeds divided between the heirs, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, while in this manner he contributed to the improvement of this section of the county.

Mr. Hagans was reared in the faith of the democracy but cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln and has supported each candidate of the party since that time. He has filled several public offices, having served for two terms as justice of the peace, while he has also been trustee and treasurer of the township. He is a Mason, belonging to the lodge at

West Carlisle, and he attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hagans may well be numbered among the prominent pioneers of Coshocton county, for he has spent almost his entire life here, covering a period of fifty-seven years, and in the work of development and improvement which has been carried on during the past half century he has borne his full share and he takes a just pride in what has been accomplished, as this district has taken on all the evidences of an advanced civilization. He is prominent in business circles and is classed among the wealthy and substantial citizens of New Castle and Coshocton county.

James Albert King

James Albert King, formerly engaged in the grocery business at No. 601 Main street, Coshocton, his native city, was born January 22, 1872. He is a son of William H. King, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of M. H. King on another page of this work. His mother, Mrs. Margaret King, was born in Chili, Ohio, and is still living.

The fourth in order of birth in a family of eleven children James A. King spent his boyhood in Coshocton as a public-school student, devoting one year to study in the high school. He put aside his text-books, however, at the age of fourteen and began earning his own livelihood as an employe of the firm of Snyder & Son, grocers, with whom he remained until eighteen years of age. He first served them as a delivery boy, but worked his way upward and gained a thorough knowledge of the business. He afterward went to Zanesville, Ohio, where for two years and nine months he was employed in the grocery establishment of W. H. Harris & Sons. During this time he thoroughly learned the grocery trade in principle and detail, and on the expiration of that period he returned to Coshocton where he entered the employ of W. F. Ferguson & Son, also in the grocery line. He was with that house for two years, at the end of which time Snyder & Son bought back the business and Mr. King remained in their employ for three years. He next entered the employ of S. F. Simmons & Son, grocers, with whom he was associated for fifteen months, when for the third time he entered the service of Snyder & Son, with whom he continued for seven years. That the firm took him again into their service was indicative of the fact that they regarded him as a valuable addition to their working force and placed in him implicit trust and confidence.

Prompted by a laudable ambition to engage in business on his own account Mr. King saved his earnings until his diligence and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business for himself on the 20th of July, 1904, as a member of the firm of King & Whitens. When they dissolved partnership George King became the successor of the junior member, and the firm of King Brothers was then formed and so existed for nine months. In May, 1906, James A. King bought out his brother and continues alone to the present time. He carries a large line of staple and fancy groceries, handling high grade goods and has gradually built up a business which yields him a return that classes him with the men of affluence in Coshocton.

On the 3d of June, 1896, Mr. King was married to Miss Rose B. Shroyer, of Franklin township, Coshocton county. They 'have one son, Harry Allen, born March 3, 1899. Mr. King is connected through membership relations with the fraternal order of Eagles and the National Insuance Company. The republican party finds in him an active and helpful supporter, and for two terms he filled the office of township trustee. He belongs to the Business Men's Association and is in hearty sympathy with its object of promoting the trade relations of Coshocton and extending the scope of its manufacturing and industrial activity. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in his own business career for, starting out at the age of fourteen years, he has made gradual advancement, depending entirely upon industry, integrity and energy to secure him promotion. His record commends him to the trust of his fellowmen, and he deserves the success which makes him a leading grocer of his city.

In the field of educational and agricultural activity Joseph Haverick has gained prominence, for he is today numbered among the influential and honored citizens of Coshocton county. A young man, he possesses the enterprising spirit of the west, which has been the dominant factor in producing the wonderful development of this section of the country. Mr. Haverick was born on a farm in Monroe township, Coshocton county, September 30, 1873, a son of Vincent and Accy (Foster) Haverick.

The father was born in Bavaria, Germany, and came with his parents, whose remains lie at Danville, Ohio, to the United States in 1831, being at that time a lad of fourteen years. The family located near Mohawk, where the father worked at his trade of a shoemaker, having learned the same of his father prior to his emigration to the new world. He was first wedded to Miss Hester A. Majors, their marriage being celebrated in 1847. She was a resident of Knox county, Ohio, and following their marriage they began their domestic life in Knox county, where they remained until 1853, when they removed to Warsaw, Coshocton county, and here the father followed his trade until 1867. The wife and mother died in 1863, leaving eight children to mourn her loss, namely; James L., who was born in 1848, and now a resident of Creston, Union county, Iowa, where he is engaged in the real-estate business; William, who was born in 1850, and died in Creston, Iowa, in 1903; Mary A., who was born in 1852, and is now the widow of James Daugherty, a farmer of Tiverton township; George H., who was born in 1854, and is now a watchman in the railroad shops at Omaha, Nebraska; Margaret, who was born in 1855, and is the wife of John Zimmerman, of Akron, Ohio; Allie, who was born in 1858, and is the wife of William Myers, a farmer and thresher of Bethlehem township; Lewis, who was born in 1860 and died the following year; and Amanda, who was born in 1862 and died in 1873. The father was again married, April 14, 1864, this union being with Accy Foster, by whom he had four children: Elizabeth, who was born in 1865, and died in 1873; Cornelius, who was born in 1867 and also passed away in 1873; Joseph, of this review; and Clara, who was born in 1875, and is the wife of James McGready, a farmer of Monroe township. In 1867, when the father abandoned his trade at shoemaking, he took up his abode in Monroe township and engaged in farming, which he followed until the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1895, when he had reached an advanced age. The mother still survives and makes her home on the farm which was left her by her husband.

Joseph Haverick acquired his early education in the district schools of Jefferson township, this being supplemented by study in the normal school at Danville, which he attended until 1892, after which he engaged in teaching in Monroe township and has taught in four districts of the township, continuing the profession to the present time. During the summer months he gives his time and attention to farming and is now the owner of forty acres of the homestead property, but operates altogether one hundred and forty-seven acres. He occupies a nice country residence, which was erected by his father, and Mr. Haverick built a substantial barn in 1908, so that his place is well improved.

Mr. Haverick was married in 1897 to Miss Agnes Krownapple, of Monroe township, and this union has been blessed with three children: Ruth, who was born in 1897; Anna, born in 1901; and Dorothy, whose birth occurred in 1906. Mr. Haverick gives his political support to the democratic party. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus and both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church.

Mr. Haverick is deeply and actively interested in the schools and in this connection is doing splendid work in this section of the state, and he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who promote the general prosperity while advancing individual interests.

J. E. Hamilton

J. E. Hamilton was born in White Eyes township on the farm which is still his place of residence, his birth occurring January 22, 1859. His father, John, is mentioned on another page of this volume. The son was reared as a farm boy, that is, taught that industry and perseverance constitute success, and was trained to appreciate the true value of earnest and honorable labor. He mastered the common branches of English learning in the public schools and when he left home he determined to follow as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He therefore bought a farm of forty acres and later added to this from time to time until he now owns two hundred and forty-three acres, constituting the old home place. He makes a specialty of raising and breeding horses and cattle and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He keeps only high grades of stock and in all of his business he follows progressive methods, keeping in touch with the spirit of enterprise, which is as evident in commercial lines as in other departments of business activity.

On the 8th of October, 1885, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Zelma A. Boyd, who was born August 18, 1861, in Coshocton county, a daughter of Robert R. and Mary Ann (Johnson) Boyd. Her father's birth occurred in County Donegal, Ireland, in August, 1811, and his parents were Robert and Jane (Ramsey) Boyd, who, about the year 1825, brought their family to- America and settled in Coshocton county, Ohio. It was a wild pioneer district, in which the work of civilization and development seemed scarcely begun. Robert Boyd entered land from the government and upon his claim built a log cabin, while he cleared and improved his farm, bringing the place under a high state of cultivation and making this a valuable property. It is still in possession of the Boyd family. Robert R. Boyd, father of Mrs. Hamilton, gave his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, carrying on diversified farming, and through his well directed labors and unfaltering perseverance gained a handsome competency. He was marired May 23, 1839, to Miss Mary Ann Johnson, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Stephenson) Johnson, who were of Irish descent. They settled in Coshocton at an early day and here Mrs. Mary Ann Boyd was born and reared.

In his political views Mr. Boyd was a republican. Both he and his wife enjoyed the high regard of all who knew them and in the community where they lived they had many friends. Their family numbered fourteen children: William J., who married Elmira Elliott' and resides in Missouri; Jane, the wife of Thomas Hamilton, who is lhving in White Eyes township; Richard, deceased; Samuel F., who married Elizabeth Brown and is living in White Eyes township: Robert A., who wedded Mary Jane Mc- Murray and makes his home in Marion county, Ohio; Mary Ann, the wife of Alexander Adams, of Keene township, this county; Caroline, deceased ; Hester Ellen, the wife of James B. Elliott, of Coshocton; Elizabeth, the wife of John Clark, of this county; Daniel, who married as his first wife Matilda Compton, and after her death married Augusta Crawford and resides in Coshocton; Erastus, who married Mary Elizabeth Hamilton, of Keene township, this county; Zelma, the wife of J. E. Hamilton; Carvetta, the wife of Samuel Crawford, of Coshocton county; and Everett, who married Lucy Maxwell and makes his home in White Eyes township. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton has been blessed with five children, but they lost their firstborn, Clarence R. The others are: Bernice C., a graduate of the Fresno high school; Mary Gladys, who is a student in the Fresno high school; Thomas Herbert and Guida Augusta, who are also in school.

The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Fresno and are people of general worth, enjoying in large measure the confidence, respect and friendship of those with whom they have been as- sociated. Mr. Hamilton also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp of Fresno. The republican party finds in him a stalwart supporter. He has been an interested witness of the growth and development of the county for almost half a century and rejoices in what has been accomplished here, while throughout his entire life he has borne his full share in the work of development.

Jacob C. Balo

Energy, perseverance and determination constitute the basis of success in the life of Jacob C. Balo, who now owns and operates one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land in Virginia township. He was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, and is one of seven children, whose parents were Francis and Elizabeth (Strom) Balo. The French way of spelling the name is Belot. The father was of French and the mother of German ancestry, the family speaking the latter language. The family emigrated to the new world in August, 1853, and landing in New York city, they made their way by rail to Buffalo, thence by boat to Cleveland, and from the latter city by canal boat, landing near Adams Mills, in same school district where our subject now lives. They were in limited financial circumstances and, although the father and his two oldest sons secured work on the construction of the Pennsylvania railroad soon after arriving here, they were never paid for their labor. Soon sickness came into the home, ague being prevalent in the community at that time, and the father, mother and five of the seven children, were ill at one time, and the youngest daughter, Annie, died from the disease. The family could not speak a word of English and during their siege of illness their funds were entirely exhausted, so that the members of the household were reduced to want but the public authorities came to their relief and they were then supplied with the necessities of life. The family, however, worked with a purpose to succeed and as soon as their health was recuperated the father and two oldest sons secured work at farm labor for Samuel Rice. They worked on undeterred by the obstacles in their path and in due course of time through their economy and diligence they saved a sum sufficient to enable them to engage in farming on their own account and this was the beginning of a prosperous career for Jacob C. Balo. However, at the time of the Civil war the sons put aside all business and personal considerations and enlisted for service. Abraham was killed during the war but David and Stephen returned and settled in Virginia township, where they became prosperous farmers. David still survives but Stephen has passed away.

Jacob C. Balo was the fifth child in the family. He was but nine years of age when he began work at farm labor for Samuel Rice. He commenced at the time of corn planting and worked until the harvest, receiving as compensation his dinner each day and at the end of the season was given a suit of clothes. which cost about seven dollars. Later he was employed by John Marquand, receiving for his services his board and seven dollars in money per month. When his father engaged in farming, the son returned home and assisted in the operation of the homestead farm. During all this time he attended school for a few weeks during the winter months and after reaching mature years he added to his knowledge through observation, experience and reading, so that he is today a well informed man. He has prospered in his work as the years have passed by and today owns and operates one hundred and fifty acres, situated in Virginia township, which has been his home since 1869, or almost a half century. It is supplied with a nice home and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and each year he adds greatly to his financial resources through the sale of his stock and the abundant harvests which he gathers.

Mr. Balo established a home of his own on the 25th of October, 1866, when he wedded Miss Marinda Tilton, a daughter of Joseph and Susan (Miller) Tilton. Their union has been blessed with eleven children, of whom two are deceased, the record being as follows: William F.; Edwin M.; Ida M., now the wife of William Frost; Emma, the wife of Benjamin O. Taylor; Harry P.; Nellie; Jesse; Stacy; Susan and Roe, who have departed this life; and Ray.

Mr. Balo gives his political support to the democratic party and takes a deep and active interest in public affairs. For twenty-seven years he served as a member of the school board and refused to serve longer. In 1899 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, serving for two terms, or six years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church at Adams Mills, of which he has been an elder for the past twenty years. He has always been a robust man and the longest time he was ever incapacitated for labor was when in October, 1872, he accidentally injured his knee when cutting corn. For a time he continued work but later the injury grew more serious and he was confined to his bed until the following February. At one time it was thought amputation would be necessary but Mr. Balo strongly objected, and although he still feels the ill effects, he can get around and is able to perform much arduous labor. Since he left the fatherland to identify himself with American life and institutions, he has pushed his way to the front and is a credit alike to the land of his birth and that of his adoption, being numbered among the substantial citizens of Coshocton county.

Henry F. Hains

Henry F. Hains is a worthy representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of Coshocton county and Bedford township, representatives of the name having lived here since 1811, in which year the farm which is now owned by our subject was entered from the government by the paternal grandfather, Henry Hains, who came here from Licking county, this state, whence he had removed the year previous from Bedford county, Pennsyl- vania. The parents of our subject, Levi and Lucinda (Troutman) Hains, were farming people, highly respected in the community in which they so long made their home. In their family were the following children: Norman, a farmer of Texas; Leonard and Sarah, deceased; Mary E., the wife of Nathan Price, who follows farming in Bedford township; J. T., who is engaged in farming in Cherokee county, Kansas; J. R., a resident of Bedford township; Benjamin, a farmer of this township; Leander, who also follows farming here; Henry F., of this review; Charles, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Isabel, the wife of A. G. Reed, a farmer of Bedford township. Both the parents are now deceased, the mother passing away October 24, 1892, at the age of seventy-four years, while the father, surviving for about ten years, died June 29, 1902, at the very advanced age of eighty-five years. More extended mention of the family is made in connection with the sketches of C. N. and Benjamin Hains, elsewhere in this work.

Henry F. Hains, the seventh son and ninth in order of birth in the father's family, was born on the farm which is now his home, July 11, 1860. He was educated in the district schools near his father's home and was early trained to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. When starting out in life on his own acount he chose the occupation to which he had been reared and has made this his life work. He now owns the homestead property, comprising one hundred and seven acres of well improved land, and devotes his time and attention to general farming, in which he is meeting with a gratifying measure of success.

The estimable wife of Mr. Hains, whom he wedded in 1892, bore the maiden name of Miss Rose McCurdy, who has become the mother of two sons and a daughter: Emmet O., Beulah R. and Raymond D., all at home. Mr. Hains supports the men and measures of the republican party, and for three years capably served as trustee of Bedford township. His wife holds membership relations with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hains through his honorable and straightforward dealing fully merits the high regard in which the family has always been held, and he has worked his way upward in the business world, until today he is classed among Bedford township's substantial agriculturists.

Valentine Hothem

Valentine Hothem, who successfully follows agricultural pursuits in Adams township, was born in Germany, October 30, 1848, his parents being Frederick and Margaret Hothem. In the year 1850 the father emigrated to the United States, locating in White Eyes township, Coshocton county, Ohio, where he purchased fifty acres of land.

On reaching man's estate he bought a tract of fifty acres here, and later added to his original purchase until his holdings now comprise one hundred and four acres of rich and productive farming land in Adams township, in the cultivation of which he has met with well merited prosperity. He likewise makes a specialty of raising horses and is the owner of a horse of the Percheron breed. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has ever displayed unremitting industry and unfaltering perseverance, and he is numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the community.

Mr. Hothem has been married twice. When twenty-one years of age he wedded Miss Phebe Bahmer, a native of Tuscarawas county. She was one of a family of eight children that reached maturity, and was called to her final rest in 1878, leaving seven children to mourn her loss, namely: Fred V., a resident of this county; Adam V., at home; William V., of Adams township; Albert and Andrew, who are also at home; Clara, the wife of Ed Petcher, of Canton, Ohio; and Phebe, who is living with her father. For his second wife Mr. Hothem chose Miss Elizabeth Reif, whose birth occurred in Tuscarawas county in 1859, her parents being Fred and Susan (Yungi) Reif, natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to America in an early day. The father passed away in 1892 but the mother is still living, having attained the age of eighty-one years. Mrs. Hothem was one of a family of six children and by her marriage has become the mother of eight: Bertha M., Pearl, Ruth E., Walter H., Clayton W., Susan, Olive L. and Ruth C.

In his political views Mr. Hothem is a stalwart democrat but has no desire for the honors nor emoluments of office. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the German Reform church and have gained the warm regard and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact. For fifty-eight years he has been a resident of this county and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from a pioneer period down to the present, having been an interested witness and active participant in the work of development and improvement.

Nicholas Barrick

Nicholas Barrick, successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising in White Eyes township, was born in Crawford township, Coshocton county, Ohio, March 13, 1842, his parents being Frederick and Catherine (Storm) Barrick, the former a native of Harrison county, Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father, who carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, came to Crawford township in 1840 and here made his home until called to his final rest in 1886, when he had attained the age of eighty years. His wife passed away in 1895 at the age of eightythree years. Their family numbered nine children, four of whom still survive, namely: Lewis, of Bakersville, Ohio; Nicholas, of this review;

Nicholas Barrick was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools as opportunity offered. On the 21st of October, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company C, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged on the 11th of July, 1865. Subsequent to his marriage he began farming, operating a tract of rented land in Mill Creek township for nineteen years. On the expiration of that period he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Jefferson township for four years, making his home near Warsaw. Subsequently he purchased a small farm of fifty acres in Knox county, Ohio, but after four years sold the property and returned to Coshocton county, where he bought a place of one hundred and fifty-six acres in New Castle township. This he successfully cultivated until the spring of 1906, when he sold the land and purchased his present farm of seventy acres in White Eyes township. In addition to the work of general farming he also carries on stock-raising, and is widely recognized as a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of the community.

In August, 1867, Mr. Barrick was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Ames, whose birth occurred April 3, 1850, her parents being Henry and Malinda (Smith) Ames. She was one of a family of ten children, nine of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Barrick have four children: Mary J., the widow of Harland Bower, by whom she had one son, Harland, who is at home; Henry, of Jefferson township; Malinda, the wife of Homer Turner, of Keene township; and George E., likewise a resident of Keene township.

In his political views Mr. Barrick is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. John's Episcopal church, with which his wife is also identified. He is likewise affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic at Keene, thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades.

Z. T. Humphrey

Z. TY. Humphrey owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tiverton township and follows farming, which has always been his life work. He was born in Coshocton county, November 10, 1846, a son of William and Elizabeth (McMan) Humphrey. The paternal grandfather, William Humphrey, was a major in the Revolutionary war and lived in the east near Narraganset Bay. His son, William, Jr., was born near Providence, Rhode Island, and was a sailor on the ocean between Narraganset Bay and the West Indies for twelve years. After leaving the sea he came to Coshocton county and engaged in farming until the time of his death, January 28, 1865. He had three sons who served in the Civil war: John, who served three years and five months, being a member of Company F, Hightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; George W., who was a member of Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served. two years and nine months; and J. M., who served more than two years, first enlisting in the Fifth Illinois Cavalry and later in Company M, Ninth Ohio Cavalry. The mother of our subject was born in Butler county, Ohio, but was married in Coshocton county. She became the mother of four children, two sons and two daughters: Sarah, the wife of H. P. Russel, now living retired in Iowa; Z. T., of this review; Mary, the wife of Alonzo Spurgeon, a farmer of Tiverton township; and Thomas, who has departed this life. The mother passed away in 1903, having reached an advanced age, and her remains were buried in Tiverton cemetery.

Z. 'T. Humphrey, the eldest son and second member of the family, acquired his early education in the district schools of Tiverton township and afterward attended a select school at Spring Mountain. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until the latter's death, after which he assumed the management of the farm for his mother, remaining with her until he was thirty-six years old. He then engaged in farming on his own account, first in Perry township, operating rented land for four years. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Tiverton township, which constitutes his present place of residence. He has made all the improvements here and has erected all of the buildings on the place, making it a valuable property, while its neat appearance indicates his progressive and enterprising methods. He is practical in his work and is meeting with a splendid measure of success.

Mr. Humphrey established a home of his own in 1878, when he wedded Miss Eliza J. Cooper, a resident of Coshocton county. They have become the parents of six children but one of the number is deceased: Hattie, the wife of Willis Worthman, who follows farming in Tiverton township; Carl and Edna, twins, the former a farmer of this township, and the latter deceased; W. C., a farmer of Orrville. Ohio; and Blanch and Bernice, twins, at home.

Mr. Humphrey gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Disciples church, of which his wife and family are also members, and of which he is an elder. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him warm regard. His life is exemplary in all respects and the people of Coshocton county are proud to call him their own.

Lewis Bible

Lewis Bible, a successful and well known agriculturist of Keene township, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, September 15, 1864, his parents being Adam and Elizabeth (Clark) Bible, also natives of this county. The father passed away in 1875 but the mother is still living on the home farm. Their family numbered four children: Mary J., the wife of George Morris,

Lewis Bible acquired a common-school education and remained at home until he had attained his majority. He then rented his mother's farm for two years and on the expiration of that period purchased a part of the old home farm, on which he lived for five years. Subsequently he operated the M. G. Hack farm for four years and then bought the place where he now lives, comprising one hundred and fifty-six acres of rich and productive land. His landed holdings now include two hundred and nine acres in Keene and Jackson townships, and in the conduct of his farming interests he displays untiring energy and good management, the fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.

In 1885 Mr. Bible was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Harris, whose birth occurred in Roanoke, Indiana, February 21, 1869, her parents being Robert H. and Elizabeth (Jones) Harris, the former born in Holmes county, September 22, 1844, and the latter in Coshocton county in 1848. Robert H. Harris, who had a family of ten children, now makes his home in this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bible have been born five children: Etta A., Benton, Robert C., Bernice M. and James Adam.

In his political views Mr. Bible is a stalwart republican and is highly esteemed as a prosperous and public-spirited citizen of his native county. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Coshocton county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit his section of the country or advance its wonderful development.

Prosser T. Bluck

Prosser T. Bluck belongs to that class of representative men who rapidly discern opportunities of advancement and who are rapidly forging to the front. He was born in Linton township, Coshocton county, and in his youth accompanied his parents on their removal to Jefferson county, this state, this being in the year 1869. He later took up his abode in Coshocton county and operated rented land for nineteen years, while in 1905 he removed to his present farm in Oxford township, having purchased the same in 1901. This tract consists of two hundred and forty-one acres, all of which has been placed under a high state of cultivation. He carries on general agricultural pursuits and makes a specialty of breeding horses and other stock, keeping only high grades. In this connection he has become widely known not only in his home locality but in various sections of Coshocton county and the state. He deserves great success for what he has accomplished in a business way, for all that he today possesses has been acquired through his own well directed labors, careful management and honorable and _ straightforward methods.

Mr. Bluck established a home of his own by his marriage in 1889 to Miss Charlotte Marlatt, who was born in Linton township in 1864, a daugh- ter of William and Lemigia (Starks) Marlatt, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Bluck is one of a family of ten children and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, of whom two died in infancy. The surviving member of the family is Asa, who was born October 4, 1890, and is now a youth of eighteen years living with his parents.

Mr. Bluck's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the men and measures of democracy since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His fraternal relations are with the K. P. lodge, No. 102, at New Comerstown and with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also identified with the Grange. He has prospered from year to year, and has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts displays an aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the accumulation of wealth to affect in any way his actions toward those less fortunate, and he has always a cheerful word and a pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact.

Charles W. Loos

The road of opportunity is always open to the individual who will but recognize it, and it has been in following this path that Charles W. Loos has advanced from a humble position in the business world to a place where he now ranks among the leading and prosperous residents of Coshocton. He is conducting a real-estate and insurance office here and has a large clientage in both lines, building up a business which has come as the result of his close application, earnest purpose and unfaltering diligence.

He was born in Plainfield, this county, February 28, 1868, his parents being Martin H. and Anna J. (Wiggins) Loos. The father was born in the old log house in which his son Charles was reared. The structure is still standing but has since been weatherboarded. The paternal grandfather was a native of Germany and was one of the first settlers in Plainfield on that section of the county, aiding in transforming a wild and unimproved region into a district of rich fertility. Martin H. Loos continued to cultivate the old home farm for many years or until his retirement from active business life, when he removed to Coshocton, where both he and his wife passed away. Mrs. Loos was also born in the vicinity of Plainfield and represented one of the early families there.

Charles W. Loos spent his boyhood under the parental roof and attended the public schools, but as early as his fourteenth year entered upon an apprenticeship to the house painter's trade. After completing his term of indenture he was connected with the business in Coshocton for eighteen years and for fifteen years of that time was a contracting painter, employing at times as many as fifteen men. He built up a business of large magnitude, becoming one of the most prominent contracting painters of the county. He also executed many contracts in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and other cities, for his ability and business enterprise made him widely known and brought to him a most gratifying business. In 1901, however, he withdrew from the field of activity in which he had spent so many years and has since given his attention to the real-estate and insurance business. He is known to some extent as a speculative builder, having erected many residence properties for sale in this city, his operations in this line being more extensive during the past five years than those of any other one man.

In 1890 Mr. Loos was married to Miss Ella Marshall, of Coshocton, and they have two sons, Walter and Arthur, both at home. Mr. Loos belongs to Coshocton Lodge, No. 376, B. P. O. E., Fidelity Lodge, No. 135, K. P., and to the Methodist Episcopal church - associations which indicate much of his character and the rules which govern his life. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, yet he has never been an oftice seeker. His patrimony when he started in life was sixty dollars and he is truly a self-made man, who has worked for opportunities which other boys secure through inheritance. He has always been a man of action rather than theory, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. Honored and respected by all, he occupies an enviable position in business circles, not only by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. Perhaps no biography given in this volume illustrates more clearly the value of character and the ready utilization of opportunity than does this of Charles W. Loos.

Isaac Loos

No history of Coshocton county would be complete without mention of the Loos family, for through more than three-quarters of a century the farm upon which our subject now resides has been owned by them. It was here that Isaac Loos was born October 6, 1830, the only living child of John and Catherine (Hager) Loos, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. His boyhood and youth were spent under the parental roof, and through the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields, early becoming familar with the arduous task of tilling the soil until crops were harvested in the late autumn. He acquired his education in a little log cabin schoolhouse with the puncheon floor and primitive furnishings. and the methods of instruction were very crude as compared with those of the present day. When twenty-five years of age he began farming for himself on a part of his father's land, and he still owns thirty acres of the old homestead which is now being operated by his son. For years he continued active in the work of the farm, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and adding various important improvements to the place. But, now, at the age of seventy-eight years he is living retired, enjoying that rest which should always crown a long period of faithful and well directed labor.

and Mary (Evans) Magness, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812 and, being wounded in battle, his leg was amputated at the knee. Notwithstanding this handicap in a business career, he came to Coshocton at an early day and met with! good success in his undertakings. As he prospered from year to year he added to his holdings, until he became the owner of an extensive and valuable tract of land. Unto him and his wife were born a daughter and son, the latter being Fielding, a resident of California. The daughter is Mrs. Loos, who is now a most estimable old lady and one with whom it is a pleasure to meet. Hers is an interesting history, for in her life there has been performed a remarkable cure. She was at one time a great sufferer from nervous trouble, and, in fact, her nerves were in such condition that she could not stand to hear anyone chop wood in the yard, while the crowing of a rooster near the house would cause her to scream, nor could she endure to have anyone walk in the house with their shoes on. She was cured by faith, through her prayers to and belief in God, and her cure was instantaneous. Again she experienced a remarkable recovery from physical ailment. Two years ago she fell and broke her limb in three places and is now entirely well. She is one to whom the name mother seems a fitting title, owing to the care and kindliness which mark her management of the household. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Loos there were born four children: Miss.Alice Gardner, who is now living in Newark, Ohio; Fielding, of Coshocton; Samuel, at home; and Clayton, also of Coshocton.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Loos are members of the Methodist Protestant church and are consistent church people, whose well spent lives have won for them high regard. He has always voted with the republican party, but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. He has led a useful and active life, and now is one of the most respected among the venerable citizens of the community.

Prosper C. Royer

Prosper C. Royer, manager for the Postal Telegraph Company at Coshocton, where he is also engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, was born in Franklin township, Coshocton county, October 10, 1875, a son of Prosper and Mary (Trenor) Royer, who was mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The interests of the home farm were his until he reached his seventeenth year. He had in the meantime been trained in the work of the fields and had received his mental discipline in the country schools. He came to Coshocton at the age of sixteen and from that time on has been dependent entirely upon his own resources, so that whatever success he has achieved is attributable to his persistent and earnest labor. He was first employed as messenger boy in the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company and he also took up the study of telegraphy, mastering the key sufficiently in the short period of six months to enable him to accept a position at the end of that time with the railroad company at Walhonding. He remained there for a little less than a year, after which he returned to Coshocton to take charge of the Western Union office, which he had entered as a messenger boy less than a year and a half before. This position was given him on trial and his work was so satisfactory that he remained in charge of the Coshocton office for six years. He then resigned and went to Cleveland in the employ of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company, but after a year spent in that city again came to Coshocton, where for two or three years he was engaged in the grocery business on his own account. He had so ably represented the Postal Telegraph Cable Company, however, that the corporation again sought his services, soliciting him to-take charge of the Coshocton office. Late in 1900 he entered upon his duties in that position and has since thus served. During these years he has also been prominently connected with the real-estate and insurance business in Coshocton, employing an assistant to aid him in the conduct of his interests in this regard. He has negotiated many important realty transfers, has written a large amount of insurance and in fact has controlled a successful business of this character.

In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Royer and Miss Mary Bachmann, whose father was formerly a contractor and stonemason of Coshocton, but is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Royer were born four children, of whom three are living: Joseph P., Albert and Leo E.

In his political views Mr. Royer is a democrat where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He is a communicant of the Catholic church and of the Knights of Columbus. His business career has been marked by steady progress as the result of the thoroughness with which he accomplishes anything that he undertakes. His views are sound in relation to insurance and real-estate business and few men are better informed concerning the properties on the market or their correct values.

Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising little city of Walhonding than Mr. Fox. He is an important factor in its business circles, conducting a hardware and implement business, which is now one of the chief concerns of this place. Mr. Fox was born in Tiverton township, Coshocton county, December 17, 1865, and is the youngest of six children born of the marriage of Phillip F. and Philopena (Heck) Foy. The father was born in Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, and the mother was also born in that country. They were there reared and married, emigrating to the United States in the early '40s. Upon reaching American shores they established their home in New York city, where for six years the father followed his trade of a cabinetmaker. He then removed to Dutch Run, Tiverton township, Coshocton county, and in connection with the trade of cabinetmaker followed carpentering and also manufactured coffins. He was numbered among the prominent pioneer settlers of this section of the state and died here September 16, 1905, his remains being interred in Dutch Run cemetery... The mother preceded him to her final rest, her death occurring December 27, 1889. Their family numbered six children, as follows: Phillip F., who died when a youth of eight years eight months and twenty-eight days; Phoebe, who departed this life November 27, 1905, and was buried at Canal Dover, Ohio; Daniel H. and John, who follow farming in Tiverton township; Barbara, the wife of Charles Petry, a resident of Dutch Run; and P. J., of this review.

P. J. Fox, whose name introduces this record, was educated in the district schools of Tiverton township and was reared on the home farm to the age of thirteen years. He then engaged in the hardware and implement business and in the years which have come and gone he has built up an extensive enterprise. He has since added a line of buggies and wagons and now carries a complete stock of hardware, 'agricultural implements and heavy machinery, his patronage being drawn not only from Walhonding but from the surrounding territory as well. He owns the building in which he conducts business and also owns two houses and eight lots in the village. His success is well merited, for it has come as the result of honorable effort and sound judgment.

Mr. Fox established a home of his own by his marriage in 1893 to Miss Louisa C. Van Kennel, a resident of Monroe township, Coshocton county. Their marriage has been blessed with three children: Alvan B., Opal Pearl and Willis, all under the parental roof. Mr. Fox gives his political support to the democratic party and has served as a member of the school board for two and a half years. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and his wife are members of the German Evangelical church. He has ever been watchful of all the details of his business and of all indications pointing to success, and today he has gained a success that classes him among the prominent and substantial business men of this section of the state.

William E. Richcreek

William E. Richcreek is classed among the wealthy landholders of Coshocton county, owning four hundred acres of the rich land for which this section of the state is noted. His possessions lie in Jackson township and here he gives his time and attention to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Richcreek was born in Bedford township, December 20, 1861, a son of David W. and Nancy (Tidball) Richcreek. The father was born in Virginia and was a farmer by occupation, while the birth of the mother occurred in the Keystone state. Both reached advanced years, the father passing away May 29, 1880, when seventy-nine years of age, while the mother died May 8, 1907, at the very advanced age of eighty-five years.

William E. Richcreek pursued his studies in the district schools, wherein he gained a good knowledge of the English branches, and his employment during the period of his boyhood and youth was farm labor on the home- stead property He has always made this his life work, being engaged in farming on his own account in Bedford township for a number of years, while in 1907 he took up his abode on his present tract of land in Jackson township, his possessions embracing four hundred acres. This is a well improved property, supplied with all. modern conveniences and accessories, and Mr. Richcreek follows modern methods of agriculture, so that his efforts are attended with good results.

Mr. Richcreek was married September 19, 1887, to Miss Sarah M. McCoy, a daughter of Henry ard Martha (Roberts) McCoy. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Richereek has been blessed with eight children: Henry G., Harrison D., Nannie B., Ralph DeWitt, deceased; Welcome E., Lester E., Spencer, Willard and Della.

Mr. Richereek is a republican, stanch in his advocacy of the principles of the party. For several terms he has served as a member of the district board of education but otherwise has neither sought nor desired political preferment. He manifests a deep interest in the educational, moral and substantial improvement of his home locality and, while in his private business interests he has prospered, he has not allowed the accumulation of a competence to affect in any way his actions toward those less successful than he and he has always a hearty greeting for those with whom he comes in contact.

William S. Merrell

The legal profession demands not only a high order of ability but also a rare combination of talents, learning, tact, patience and industry. The successful lawyer must be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familar with the law and practice and of comprehensive general information. Possessing all the requisite qualities necessary for advancement at the bar, W. S. Merrell has worked his way steadily upward since becoming.a representative of the legal fraternity in Coshocton and is today numbered among its most distinguished members.

William §S. Merrell was born in Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, October 17, 1869, and is one of a family of eight children, seven of whom survive, whose parents were John C. and Jane (Patterson) Merrell. The father, whose birth occurred in Mill Creek township, this county, March 18, 1844, was a son of David and Elizabeth (Aultman) Merrell, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of western Pennsylvania. The grandparents came to Coshocton county in pioneer times with their respective parents, the family homes being established in Mill Creek township, where David Merrell and Elizabeth Aultman grew to adult age and were married. He devoted his attention to farming and also to dealing in timber and lumber.

In the county of his nativity John C. Merrell spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in early life learned the carpenter's trade. After.being employed by others for some time he engaged in contracting on his own account and for a long period was identified with building operations. For ten years prior to his death, however, he engaged in the lumber business in Coshocton. His political support was given to the democratic party. For some time he served as a member of the city council, taking an active part in promoting the measures which he deemed beneficial in furthering the interests of the city. He was also a very active and helpful member of the Presbyterian church and for many years served as one of its deacons. While he was a representative and successful business man and thus contributed in substantial measure to the material development of the county he always found time for active cooperation in the movements for the political, social and moral progress. His life was guided by manly principles and lofty purposes and when he was called to his final rest on the 11th of August, 1901, his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife, who was born in Mill Creek township, April 25, 1849, was a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Leach) Patterson, the former a native of western Pennsylvania, and the latter of Washington county, Ohio. Several of the Patterson brothers came to Coshocton to establish homes, their father having preceded them and selected and entered the land which became the property of his sons. The Pattersons are a very numerous family and their annual reunions bring together about eight or ten hundred representatives of the name. Mrs. Jane (Patterson) Merrell still survives her husband and is yet a resident of Coshocton. Her living children are: MHarvey E., who is employed in the Piano Works of Coshocton; William 8.; Lewis W.; a blacksmith of Coshocton; Delbert W., a Methodist Episcopal minister now at Quaker City, Ohio; John C., a telephone inspector, residing at Canton, Ohio; Florence A., a teacher in the schools of Coshocton; and Lucy E., who is also employed as a teacher here.

William S. Merrell spent his boyhood days in his parents' home and acquired a public-school education, which he completed on his graduation from the Coshocton high school with the class of 1890. He then began teaching in Mill Creek township and boarded with his grandparents. Within eighteen months he had saved enough to pay his way for one year in the Ohio State University at Columbus, and devoted the succeeding twelve ' months to study in that institution. As his funds were then exhausted he secured the principalship of the Walnut Street school in Coshocton and remained in that position for two years. In the meantime, however, he determined upon the practice of law as his life work and to this end began reading in the office of W. R. Pomerene, devoting his evening hours and Saturday holidays to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. Diligent as a student and thorough in his preparation, he occupied his time so well that in the fall of 1904 he was qualified to enter the law department of the Ohio State University and, after three months' study, successfully passed the examination that secured his admission to the bar on the 6th of December of that year. However, he continued his study in the law school until the following March, when he returned to Coshocton and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, remaining alone until March, 1898, when he formed a partnership with Judge Samuel H. Nicholas. For eight and one-half years the firm of Nicholas & Merrell occupied a prominent position at the Coshocton bar, but in November, 1906, the relation was terminated because of the, election of Judge Nicholas to the common pleas bench. Since that time Mr. Merrell has practiced alone and for the past ten years has been employed by either the prosecution or defense in almost every case heard in the Coshocton courts. He also has a large clientage in Holmes, Guernsey, Tuscarawas, Licking and other nearby counties and the consensus of public opinion places him today with the most prominent attorneys of this section of the state.

Mr. Merrell is a man of strong intellectuality, always interested in anything pertaining to educational progress. He is now president of the Wranglers Club, the leading literary organization of the town, and has worked earnestly for some time in an attempt to organize an association to preserve the historical mound of Coshocton as well as to mark the historical spots in this vicinity with monuments. He is the secretary of the Coshocton Chautauqua Company, which holds one of the most successful Chautauquas of the state, and his assistance can always be counted upon in furthering the municipal, intellectual and moral progress of this city.

On the 25th of May, 1898, Mr. Merrell was married to Miss Letitia Smith, a daughter of I. T. Smith, of this city. By this marriage there is one daughter, Virginia Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Merrell are prominent socially and are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active and helpful part in the church work, Mr. Merrell serving as teacher of a class of men in the Sunday school. His political views are in accord with the democratic principles and realizing the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and addresses the public in each political campaign. A vigilant and attentive observer of men and measures he discusses from the platform those questions which agitate the times and which form a feature in the upbuilding of our great republic. An excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles, make him an effective and successful advocate.

Wilbur F. Park

Wilbur F. Park, who since 1892 has been engaged in the grain and implement business in Fresno, was born in White Eyes township, Coshocton county, Ohio, February 29, 1860, a son of William H. and Nancy J. (Ross) Park. His father, who was born in Canada, December 27, 1835, came to White Eyes township in 1853, and here bought a farm which became the family home. On April 19, 1859, he wedded Nancy J. Ross, who was born in Homer county, this state, in 1832. They became the parents of five sons, namely: Wilbur F., of this review; James R., a resident of Adams township;

Samuel H., deceased; George J., who lives in Chicago, Illinois; and John B., who resides in Belmont county, this state. The father retired from farm life in 1896, and for the past three years has been serving as postmaster at Fresno. The mother was called to her eternal home, June 6, 1898.

Wilbur F. Park remained under the parental roof until of age and received a high-school education. At the age of sixteen years he began teaching, a vocation which he followed for fourteen years. He then engaged in farming for nine years, or until in 1892, when he moved to Fresno and went into the grain and implement business, an occupation which he has since followed. He has been quite successful in his work and handles about four thousand bushels of grain annually.

In 1883 Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Hamilton, daughter of John and Mary (Fair) Hamilton, who was born in White Eyes township, July 4, 1857. Both parents are deceased, the father's death occurring in 1884, and the mother's in 1885. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Park have been born five children, of whom the firstborn died in infancy; Nellie, the second child, was born in 1885 and died in January of 1886; Mabel M., born in August, 1886, is the wife of Porter McCrea, of Fresno; Fred H., born August 12, 1888, resides at home with his parents; and the youngest child died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Park is a republican, but he has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. Fraternally, he is a member of Coshocton Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M.; also of Fresno Lodge, No. 11688, M. W. A. Religiously, both he and his estimable wife are faithful and consistent members of the United Presbyterian church.

Lewis E. Bahmer

Lewis E. Bahmer, who lives in New Philadelphia, was born in Bakersville, this county, March 1, 1875, a son of Valentine and Elizabeth (Schweitzer) Bahmer. He is of German lineage, his grandparents on both two families settling in Bucks township, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Here Valentine Bahmer, the father of our subject, was born June 11, 1841, while the birth of the mother occurred May 16, 1844. The father was a shoemaker by trade, an occupation which he followed in his youth in various cities of Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. He was also a veteran of the Civil war, having served in Company K, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry from October 13, 1862, until September, 1863, when he received his discharge. On January 3, 1866, he wedded Elizabeth Schweitzer, and in 1869 the young couple took up their residence in Bakersville, where they continued to reside thereafter. The father passed away July 1, 1908, highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Phoebe, the wife of Dr. J. D. Lower, of Coshocton; Charlie V., a resident of Baltimore; William, deceased; Lewis E., a resident of Adams township; Alfred F., deceased; Harry J., who resides in Columbus; Carrie B., who is a twin sister of Harry J., and the wife of Rev. D. S. Carpenter, of Conesville; and Mayme, who resides at home with her mother.

Lewis E. Bahmer received his education in the district schools, which he attended regularly throughout the school year while in the primary grades, but when he reached an age sufficient to be of assistance to the father on his farm his attendance was necessarily somewhat irregular, being confined to those months of the year whén farming operations were suspended. When he became of age he worked for his father for two years on the farm, after which he began farming for himself, renting from his father the place ie he now owns. He engaged in a general farming and met with marked success, so that ultimately he was able to secure title to his present home, in addition to which he owns eleven acres of land in Tuscarawas county.

On October 7, 1900, Mr. Bahmer was married to Miss Clara Partz, who was born in Bucks township, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 10, 1879. She is a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Regula) Partz, both of whom were natives of Tuscarawas county, where the father was born September 3, 1848, and the mother July 4, 1851. They still reside there on a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres which they own. Six children were born to their union, namely: C. A., a medical practitioner of Baltic, Ohio; Clara, the wife of our subject; Milton F., who is attending school at Springfield, Ohio; Edwin D. and Adela A., both of whom are engaged in teaching school and reside at home with their parents; and Edward, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bahmer now have three children, Starling P., who was born November 13, 1901; Margaret, who was born March 7, 1904; and Leonora J., who was born August 8, 1906.

In politics Mr. Bahmer is a stalwart democrat, never swerving in his allegiance to the party, for he believes that the principles of the organization contain the best elements of good government. Fraternally, he is a member of Bakersville Camp, No. 5216, M. W. A., and religiously, both he and his estimable wife are members of the English Lutheran church. Mr. Bahmer occupies a leading position in the ranks of Coshocton county's younger citizens and is popular with a host of friends.

Mrs. Almeda J. Lower

Mrs. Almeda J. Lower owns and occupies a good farm of eighty acres in White Eyes township. She was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, October 8, 1862, and is the widow of W. B. Lower, who was born in iis county January 21, 1862. She is a daughter of Ben and Christina (Turner) Leaven zed: Her father was also a native of this county, but her mother was born in Virginia and came to this county in her girlhood days. Both are still living and are well known people here, enjoying the sae and good will of all with whom they have come in contact.

Their family numbered ten children, including Mrs. Lower, who spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and was early trained to the work of the household, forming habits of industry and economy, which well qualified her to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage. She pursued her education in public schools and her husband was educated in a similar manner. On the 9th of April, 1885, she became the wife of W. B. Lower, a farmer of this county, who devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. At the time of his death he owned eighty acres of land which he had brought under a high state of cultivation. He had also added many modern improvements to his farm and everything about the place indicated his careful supervision and progressive methods. The death of Mr. Lower occurred in November, 1903.

In the family were four children: Myrtle M., now the wife of Clayton Parlhill; Ethel V., Olive B. and Clenette P., all at home. Mrs. Lower and her children are all members of the Episcopal church, attending its services and contributing to its support. Mrs. Lower still owns the farm of eighty acres in White Eyes township which was formerly the property of her husband. It is in an attractive place and the land is also rich and productive and annually returns good harvests for the care and cultivation which are bestowed upon the place. Having spent her entire life in this county Mrs. Lower is well known here and enjoys the friendship and regard of the many with whom she has been brought in contact.

George W. Smith

A well improved and highly developed farm of one hundred and sixtynine acres situated in Linton township has been the home of George W. Smith for the past forty-three years. He was born in Guernsey county, this state, October 16, 1833, and is the eldest of two children (of whom the sister, Elizabeth Ann, is deceased) born of the marriage of William W. and Nancy (Morlatt) Smith. The father was a native of England, while the mother's

' birth occurred in Virginia. They came to Ohio at an early date and located in Guernsey county, where the father died. The mother, however, passed away in Coshocton county.

George W. Smith pursued his studies in the common schools and at the age of fifteen years learned the harness trade, at which he worked for a time. He then resumed farming, working as a farm hand for two years. In 1865 he put aside all business and personal considerations and gave his services to the government, during the latter part of the Civil war, remaining at the front for seven months. He then returned to Coshocton county and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-nine acres situated in Linton township, which has been his place of residence for the past forty-three years. In connection with general farming he raises stock, making a specialty of the latter branch of business, in which he is meeting with excellent success.

Mr. Smith has been twice married. He first wedded Sarah J. Johnson, who was born in Coshocton county. Their marriage was blessed with two sons but both are now deceased. The wife and mother was also called to her final rest, and Mr. Smith then married Mary E. Johnson, a sister of his first wife. This union has been blessed with a son and daughter: Johnson, of Coshocton; and Laura, the wife of Johnson Hammond, of Muskingum county.

Mr. Smith gives his political support to the men and measures of the democratic party and has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill a number of public offices, having served for five years as trustee of the township, while he has also filled the office of supervisor on several different occasions. He is also a school director. There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of the state of Ohio from the early pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the republic. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and commands the respect and reverence which should ever be accorded to one who has advanced thus far on the journey of life.

Lewis J. Foster

The gentleman whose name introduces this record needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for the Fosters are one of the prominent pioneer families of Coshocton county and he of whom we write is a worthy representative of the name, owning a large tract of land comprising three hundred and ninety-seven acres in the rich bottoms of the Tuscarawas river, near Canal Lewisville. Lewis J. Foster was born in Jackson township, Coshocton county, August 30, 1861, a son of Ebenezer and Maria (Markley) Foster, who were likewise natives of this county. The father was a pioneer settler of this locality and became a wealthy landowner, at one time possessing fourteen hundred acres in Coshocton county. He engaged in general farming throughout a long period but the last twenty years of his life were spent in honorable retirement. His death occurred February 9, 1907, when he had reached the very advanced age of eighty-five years, and thus the community mourned the loss of one of its oldest and most highly honored citizens.

Lewis J. Foster was reared to agricultural pursuits, giving his father the benefit of his services on the home farm from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn, while during the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the district schools. Upon entering into business on his own account he chose the occupation to which he had been reared and has made this his life work. He is now the owner of three hundred and ninety-seven acres of land near Canal Lewisville, which has been made valuable and productive through his own labors. He is progressive and practical in his methods of labor and thus his labors are rewarded with excellent success.

Foster

Mr. Foster was married December 14, 1881, to Miss Carrie R. Lennon, whose home was in the same locality in which Mr. Foster was reared. They have beeome the parents of the following children: Archie A., who was born November 12, 1882, and married Mary McCabe; Harry E., born August 5, 1884; Nellie E., who was born April 28, 1886, and is now the wife of Thomas Wilson; Gladys M., who was born December 25, 1888, and died July 38, 1896; Lewis Wade, born May 26, 1891; Clifford O., born October 26, 1893; Ethel Lou, born April 29, 1896; James L., born August 7, 1898; Carrie R., who was born November 23, 1900, and died September 29, 1901, and one son who died in infancy.

Mr. Foster gives his political support to the men and measures of the democratic party but has never been active in political circles. He is a member of the Grange and of the Odd Fellows lodge at Coshocton. In everything he has been eminently practical and this has been manifest not only in his business undertakings but also in social and private life. His activity has not only contributed to his individual success but has also been a factor in the development of his home locality, of which he is today accounted one of the honored citizens.

Benjamin Hains

A highly cultivated farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated in Bedford township, is the place of residence of Benjamin Hains, who was born in this township, March 19, 1854, a son of Levi and Lucinda (Troutman) Hains. The Hains family was founded in Ohio in 1810 by the paternal grandfather, Henry Hains, who was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1782, whence he removed to Licking county. The following year he came to Coshocton county and entered land from the government, and this tract has since been in possession of the family and is now owned by a grandson, Henry F'. Hains, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The grandfather was twice married and by the first union had eight children, all of whom have departed this life.

Levi Hains, the father of our subject, was born on the old family homestead in Bedford township, February 7, 1817, and was there reared and spent his entire life. He followed farming as a hfe work and at the time of his death, which occurred June 29, 1902, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-five years, he owned five hundred acres of valuable land. He was a republican in political faith and was a public-spirited citizen, prominent in the public life of this section of the state. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucinda Troutman, was born in Gambier, Knox county, Ohio, in 1818, and died in Coshocton county, October 24, 1892, at the age of eightyfour years. She was the mother of the following children: Norman, who follows farming in Texas; Leonard and Sarah, deceased; Mary E., the wife of Nathan Price, who is engaged in farming in Bedford township; J. T., an agriculturist of Cherokee county, Kansas; J. R., of Bedford township; Ben- jamin, of this review; Leander, a farmer of Bedford township; Henry F., who is mentioned on another page of this work; Charles, who is also mentioned elsewhere in this volume; and Isabel, the wife of A. G. Reed, a farmer of Bedford township.

Benjamin Hains, the immediate subject of this review, acquired his education in the Hains district school and was reared to the pursuits of farm life, early being trained in the duties of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he began farming on his own account and, with the exception of one year spent in Kansas, he has always lived in Bedford township. He now owns one hundred and twenty acres of land situated in this township, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, each year yielding abundant harvests. In 1902 Mr. Hains erected a nice barn and in 1906 built a fine modern residence, supplied with all the conveniences and accessories that add to the comfort of the inmates. The house stands in the midst of a well kept lawn, and everything about the place is kept in a good state of repair. Mr. Hains keeps good grades of stock, raising thoroughbred cattle and sheep. He is a man of enterprise and progress, keeping in touch with modern ideas of farming, so that his labors are attended with excellent results.

Mr. Hains was married in 1877 to Miss Sarah C. Parrish, a resident of Coshocton county, and they have one daughter, Lizzie, the wife of T. O. Clarke, who is engaged in teaching in Bedford. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke are the parents of three daughters: Estella, Ethel May and Sarah Bessie. Mr. Hains is an ardent republican and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are people of high moral worth, esteemed by a large circle of friends.

Prosper Royer

Prosper Royer, who since 1901 has lived retired in Coshocton, was formerly identified for a long period with the agricultural interests of 'the county, owning and cultivating an excellent tract of land which constituted one of the fine farms of the locality. Although born across the water, Coshocton has no citizen more loyal to its interests and welfare than Prosper Royer, whose birth occurred in France, January 29, 1835. His parents were Nicholas and Ann (Yergo) Royer, who came to the United States in 1844, settling on a farm in Muskingum county, Ohio, near Sonora. There the father purchased a farm on which he and his family lived for six years, when he disposed of that property and in 1850 came to Coshocton, investing here in a tract of land of eighty acres in Franklin township near Frews Mill. Subsequently he bought an adjoining tract of eighty acres and upon the farm which he there cultivated and improved he and his wife spent their remaining days and when called from this life were laid to rest in the old

As a farm boy Prosper Royer was reared, working in the summer months at the labors of the farm, while in the winter seasons he attended the district schools. In early manhood he was married and for two years thereafter resided on the old homestead but on the expiration of that period removed to the old John Hershman farm, which he cultivated as a renter for three years. In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings until his diligence and forty acres adjoining the Hershman farm. He lived there for three years industry brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm of and then purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty-nine acres, on which he made his home for three decades. As time passed he converted the soil into rich and productive fields that annually yielded him large harvests. He also added good buildings and modern improvements to his place, using the latest machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and employing such progressive methods as have made the work of the farm much more remunerative than it was even a quarter of a century ago. As time passed his labors secured for him a handsome competence and in 1901 he removed to Coshocton, where he has since resided, the fruit of his former toil being sufficient to enable him to enjoy a well earned rest without further recourse to business cares.

On the 2d of July, 1861, Mr. Royer was married to Miss Mary Trenor, of West Lafayette, a.daughter of Maurice Trenor, who came to Coshocton county from Ireland, his native country. Mr. and Mrs. Royer were the parents of seven children, of whom three are living: Mary, the wife of Samuel Siegrist, of Coshocton; William H., of Coshocton, Ohio; and Prosper C., manager of the Postal Telegraph Company of Coshocton.

In his political views Mr. Royer is a democrat, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and purposes of the party. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church. He has now passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten and in fact has reached the seventy-third milestone on life's journey. His business activity through many years well entitles him to the rest which he is now enjoying and he deserves mention among the representative residents of his adopted county.

Matthew S&S. Beebe

Death often removes from our midst one whony we can ill afford to lose. The news of the demise of Matthew S. Beebe brought a feeling of widespread sorrow to Coshocton and the surrounding country, for through a long period he had stood as one of the foremost merchants of this part of the state and as a man whom to know was to respect and honor. The memory which he left behind him, however, is cherished by family and friends and his example is one well worthy of emulation, for it stands in proof of the fact that prosperity and an honorable name may be won simultaneously.

Mr. Beebe was born in Cadiz, Ohio, October 3, 1845. His father, James W. Beebe, was connected with operations in the coal fields of Ohio during the early mining days here, being one of the first men to develop the mines at Conesville. He gave to his son liberal educational privileges, the latter supplementing his early public-school course by study in the Hopedale College at Hopedale, Ohio. For several years during his early manhood he was identified with his father in his mining operations but thinking to find mercantile pursuits more congenial, he engaged with an eastern shoe house as commercial salesman. This gave him an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the trade and for twenty-five years he engaged in the shoe business as a wholesale dealer. He thoroughly acquainted himself with the trade and its possibilities and by progressive business methods and honorable dealing secured a most liberal patronage. The integrity of his business methods was never called into question and on the contrary he was widely known for his unassailable reputation, resulting from straightforward dealing.

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Beebe was devoted to the welfare of his wife and son. On the 2d of January, 1890, he married Miss Lois Mayes, a daughter of Calvin Mayes, who was a banker and extensive landowner of Peabody, Kansas, but is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe had one child, Junius M., who was born February 16, 1892, and is now being educated at the Randolph-Macon Academy at Front Royal, Virginia. Mr. Beebe regarded no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the welfare or enhance the happiness of his little family and they found him a most devoted and loving husband and father.

His political support was given to the republican party and he always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he never sought nor desired office. He ranked very high in Masonry and was a member of the Presbyterian church - associations which indicate much of his character and the principles that governed his conduct. All who knew him respected him and he occupied a prominent place in the foremost ranks of Coshocton's business men. Mrs. Beebe now occupies the home residence at No. 304 Chestnut street, spending the summer months in Coshocton, while in the winter seasons she resides in Washington, D. C. Like Mr. Beebe, she has many friends here and the hospitality of the best homes is most cordially extended to her.