Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Miscellaneous, 1912 (part 5 of 28)

Thomas Beer, son of Thomas and Adeline (Aten) Beer, was born in Northampton county, Pa., March 22, 1801, and in 1827 was graduated from the Western University of Pennsylvania. In the same year he entered the Western Theological seminary, which had just been established at Allegheny, Pa., and in 1829 was licensed to preach, being graduated from the seminary in the following year. He was sent first as a missionary to Virginia and later to Ohio and after some time passed in Wayne township, Wayne county, he returned to Mt. Hope. His parishoners came for miles to the Mt. Hope church, which held about 1,000 persons. This church was erected under his pastorate. During this -period he also served as pastor to the Presbyterian churches at Congress and West Salem. He held these charges over a quarter of a century. His latter years were passed at Ashland, 0., his death occurring October 7, 1886. He had been honored with the degree of D. D.

On October 9, 1828, he was married to Margaret Cameron, a daughter of John and Mary (Symmes) Cameron. John Cameron, a member of Clan Cameron, was born in Inverness, Scotland, and served as a soldier in the British army. In 1804 he emigrated to America and settled at Pittsburgh, Pa., where he married the daughter of a Revolutionary patriot, who lost his life at the storming of Quebec. Margaret (Cameron) Beer was born March 7, 1809, and lived until March 27, 1880. She was a remarkable woman in many ways, an example of wifely devotion and maternal solicitude.

Thomas Beer, bearing the favorite family name, when very young, displayed an interest in learning, insisting on accompanying his older brothers and sisters to the near-by school. His opportunities were meager but he evidently made the most of them, as he was accepted as a teacher when he was only sixteen years of age, the salary of $12 per month being carefully saved to assist in paying his way when he entered Vermillion Institute, at Hayesville, O., of which his father was one of the trustees'. He early felt a predilection for the law, and during 185 1-2 he devoted himself to the study of his profession, in the office of John C. Tidball, at Coshocton, O., and also taught special pupils. His means not being adequate, however, to cover his expenses while devoting his entire time to the study of law, he looked about for some method of self support and in 1853 became a railway telegraph operator at Alliance, so continuing until 1858. In the latter part of 1853 he was appointed postmaster at Alliance and attended to his official duties until 1858, in connection with the rather trying ones of his profession, and then became editor and publisher of the Stark County Democrat. After two years of newspaper work, he had made the property so desirable that he was able to dispose of it at a very good figure, after which he came to Bucyrus and resumed journalistic work, becoming editor of the Crawford County Forum and thus continued until 1862.

In the meanwhile he had never lost sight of his original ambition and in the above year was admitted to the bar and immediately entered into practice. From 1864 until 1868 he served in the state legislature, where he displayed qualities of a patriotic statesman and eloquent orator, and in 1873-4 was a member of the constitutional convention, secretary of its judicial committee and otherwise prominent in its deliberations. In August, 1874, Governor Allen appointed him judge of the court of common pleas, a position he filled until 1885, with signal distinction,^ after which, until 1893, he served on the circuit bench, retiring then from public life and devoting his attention exclusively to his private practice. He was engaged as counsel in a number of important cases, in which the emoluments were large and the outcome for his clients eminently successful. All his life he was a democrat, one of the old school, whose principles could never be changed or his views on public questions swayed by money or influence. On many occasions he was tendered offices of the greatest honor and responsibility, being twice nominated for supreme judge, while he twice declined the nomination by his party for governor of Ohio. He had the eloquent tongue of an orator and his political, professional and judicial addresses were gems of learning illuminated by flashes of wit and humor. He was an honored member of the Ohio State Bar Association and his last public address, "Coke Literature,'' was delivered before this body, on July 7, 1909.

Judge Beer was a man of versatile gifts and many accomplishments. Had opportunities been afforded him he would have been able to make a name for himself in music, and, without any particular instruction, was a fine performer on the flute, violin and piano, and the writing and composing of a music score seemed as easy to him as the settling of a legal point. He was an artist, also, and had a natural talent for friendly caricature, one often exercised for the amusement of his friends.

His memory was remarkable, and was also a natural gift, for no training could ever have brought it to the perfect state which enabled him to recall, at an instant's notice, pages of law books, technical points needed in prosecuting or expounding some obscure law problems and precedents on every subject. Having once read certain data in relation to his profession, even after the lapse of years, he could remember facts, book and page. It was sometimes said of him that he absorbed libraries, so learned was he and so entirely accurate in all his knowledge. Poetry always appealed to him and often, in his quiet moments, he relaxed his mind by repeating choice selections that had taken his fancy as he read them, and were never forgotten. As may be imagined, these various gifts made him an invaluable member of the different organizations in which he took an interest. He was a member -of the Society of Natural History, was a mason, and belonged for many years to the State Historical Society. Perhaps, outside of a public institution, there is no finer collection of engravings, prints and books than belonged to Judge Beer. For many years he was interested in collecting autographs and many important ones are the names of his friends and contemporaries, while there are many others, including one of King George III, most of Lord Chancellors of England and many English and American authors. He was a great lover of nature and his avocation was farming to which he turned for relaxation and rest from his legal duties.

In Ashland county, O., April 23, 1856, Thomas Beer was married to Tabitha Mary Dinsmore. She was a friend of his childhood and one of his classmates at Vermillion Institute. She also attended the seminary at Hudson, O., and taught school several years. Her father, James Alexander Dinsmore, was a veteran of the war of 181 2, and was a retired civil engineer, who came to Ohio in 1833 and lived afterward on his farm in Ashland county, O. To Judge and Mrs. Beer nine children were born, seven of whom are living, namely: James Dinsmore, who is a practicing physician of Wooster, O., married Jean Lyle Thoburn, and they reside in Ashland county, O.

about 1600, who lived on his estate at Achenmead, Scotland, on the Tweed. His son, John (1650), rebelling at being compelled to hold the stirrup of his eldest brother's saddle when the latter mounted his horse, ran away from home in 1667 and settled in Ballywattick, county Antrim, Ireland. His grandson, Andrew (born at Ballywattick, Ireland, 1753), emigrated to America, 1771-72, was a soldier in the Revolution, settled at Peach Bottom, York county. Pa., where he married Catherine, daughter of James Alexander, a Revolutionary patriot. Their eldest son, James Alexander Dinsmore, was born at Peach Bottom, Pa., March 20, 1788. He was one of the defenders of Ft. McHenry at Baltimore. In 1814 he came to Ohio and entered a half section of land in Jackson township, Ashland county, O. He then returned to Pennsylvania, where he resided on a farm near his father's until 1833, when he and his family, consisting of his wife and four children, of which Mrs. Beer was one, journeyed by wagon over the mountains and through the wilderness to Mr. Dinsmore's farm in Ashland county. He died here January 7, 1863.

He was married March 14, 1826, to Grizzell, daughter of David and Dorcas (Neel) Collins of Chanceford, York county, Pa. David Collins' father, Cornelius, with his wife and several children, emigrated from Ireland and took up land in Colerain and Drumore townships, Lancaster county. Pa., where he lived as a farmer until his death. He was a member of the Associate Reformed church. His son, David (born 1768, died March 28, 1828), farmed his property of 160 acres at Chanceford, York county. Pa. His wife, Dorcas Neel, was a daughter of Lieut. Thomas Neel (born March 25, 1744, died April 5, 1824), a gallant Revolutionary officer, who owned a large estate with fishery and mill on the Susquehanna, near Christiana, Lancaster county, Pa. The mother of Dorcas Neel was Grizzell Penny, born Dec. i, 1753, who died Sept. I, 1833. They were married Dec. i, 1770.

To Judge and Mrs. Beer nine children were born, seven of whom are living, namely: James Dinsmore, who is a practicing physician of Wooster, Ohio, and who married Jean Lyle Thoburn and has four surviving children -

Mary Margaret, Thomas, Jean Lyle and Dorcas Katherine; Thomas Cameron, who is a resident of Bucyrus; William Collins, who is engaged in the practice of law in New York city, married Martha Ann Baldwin, and has three children - Alice Baldwin, Thomas and Richard Cameron; Dorcas Grizzell, who has been engaged in educational work for a number of years ; Katherine Jeannett, who resides with her mother ; Robert Lea, who is assistant postmaster at Yonkers, N. Y., married Mary Gobdrich Fitch and has one daughter, Mary; and Mary Elizabeth, who is widely known as a grand opera singer, and made her debut and appeared several seasons in grand opera at Rome, Italy, as a member of the National Opera company.

FRANK J.. SNYDER, proprietor of a first class grocery store, located at No. 108 West Main Street, Galion, O., is one of the representative business men of this city and is serving in the office of clerk of the Board of County Elections. Mr. Snyder was born in Morrow county, O., June 26, i86r, and is a son of George Snyder, who came to Galion with his family about 1865.

Frank Snyder has been a resident of Galion since childhood. He was educated here and graduated from the Galion high school in the class of 1878, immediately afterward becoming associated with his father in the grocery business. This store was established by George Snyder in September, 1865, and has ever since been continued by the Snyders. The location is excellent and the building, 25x57 feet in dimensions, afifords sufficient space. First quality goods are carried, honest methods of business prevail and this is known to be a reliable and dependable business house. For the past twenty years it has been under the direct management of Frank Snyder. He has other city realty, including a handsome residence on the comer of West Main and Orange streets.

Mr. Snyder was married at Galion, O., to Miss Nina Wineland, who was born at Upper Sandusky, O., but was reared and educated at Galion, being a graduate of the Galion high school in the class of 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have two children - Norma and Maude. These young ladies are high school graduates and are numbered with the younger social set in the neighborhood in which they have grown up. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Snyder is a republican and is an active and upright citizen. He served two years as a member of the city council, seven years on the county board of elections. For twenty years Mr. Snyder has been one of the directors of the Gallon Building & Loan Association and was one of its organizers. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity.

J. FOSTER HUBLEY, proprietor of the Hubley confectionery store and ice cream parlors, at No. no East Main street, Galion, O., is one of the prosperous business men of this city, which is his native place. Mr. Hubley was born April 29, 1873, and is a son of George and Hannah C. (Pague) Hubley.

The parents of Mr. Hubley were born at Shippensburg, Pa. - the father, August 27, 1830 - their parents being of German extraction. In 1854 George Hubley and wife came to Galion, O., where Mr. Hubley went to work for the Big Four Railway company. His work caused his home to be in other parts of the country at times and he was in Pennsylvania when the Civil war broke out and for several years was connected with the quartermaster's department, with headquarters at Chambersburg, Pa. In 1870 he returned to Galion, where he still resides and where his wife died in the fall of 1906, having lived to celebrate her golden wedding anniversary. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mr. Hubley also belongs. He is a democrat in his political opinions. Of his family of eight sons and two daughters, six sons and one daughter survive, all being married and having families of their own.

J. Foster Hubley obtained his education in the Galion schools and then learned the candy making trade, beginning in an establishment that occupied the site of his present fine store. He is a practical confectioner and has been in the business for twenty-nine years, serving under different proprietors. The stand at No. no East Main street is the oldest confectionery stand in the citv and Mr. Hubley has been proprietor of the business for the past five years. His building has dimensions of 18x160 feet and built to accommodate 100 guests at one time in his ice cream parlor. His equipments are modern in every particular and in the manufacture of his dainties and sweetmeats every sanitary precaution is used. He enjoys a large patronage and is regarded as one of the honorable business men of his city. Mr. Hubley was married at Galion, O., to Miss Luella May Kunkler, who was born at Wadsworth, O., but has been a resident of Galion since childhood. They have two children: Lorimer, who is his father's assistant, and Lois, who still attends school. Mr. and Mrs. Hubley are members of the Baptist church. Politically he is a democrat and fraternally a Mason, and both he and wife belong to the Eastern Star.

CLARENCE E. GREENICK, general farmer and dairyman, residing one and onehalf miles from the public square, Bucyrus, O., owns a farm of eighty acres situated in Whetstone township and another of twenty acres, in Bucyrus township, and is one of the substantial and prosperous citizens of Crawford county. He was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, O., Sept. 15, 1862, and is a son of Jacob L. and Louisa (Lichtenwalter) Greenick.

Jacob L. Greenick was born in Germany, a son of Jacob Greenick. In his early manhood he worked as a machinist and operated a stationary engine but later became a farmer and at the time of death owned the home farm of his son, Clarence E., who later purchased it. Both he and wife died at Bucyrus. She was of German parentage, a daughter of John Lichtenwalter, but was born in Ohio. Three children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy and another when aged five years, Clarence E. being the only survivor. The parents were members of the Lutheran church.

Clarence E. Greenick attended the public schools and was about sixteen years old when his parents moved on his present farm on which he has lived ever since. While he carries on general farming with much success, his main interest is dairying and he owns a valuable herd of twenty-five Holstein cows. Bucyrus draws from his dairy sixty gallons of milk

Stewart and Mary Jane (Lones) Padgett. The father of Mrs. Greenick was born in Indiana and the mother in Ohio and both are now deceased, the burial of the father being in his native state and that of the mother in Seneca county, O. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Padgett married George Schafner. All her children were born to her first union : Josephine, who married Dennis Mulligan; Margaret, who married Joshua Lichtenwalter; Emma; and George L. and Robert C. To Mr. and Mrs. Greenick the following children were born: Nina L., who married Harry Ryland and has two children - Edith and Virginia; Jessie Marie, who died in infancy; and Arthur Raymond, Harold Preston, Josephine June, Grace Hildred and Clarence Edwin. Mr. Greenick and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a democrat as was his father.

GEORGE W. HOOVER, a representative citizen of Bucyrus, O., a retired farmer who has resided in this city for some seven years and is well known in many circles, is a member of one of the old families of Ohio, the name being connected with pioneer settlement. He was born in Dallas township, Crawford county, O., and is a son of William and Phebe (Swisher) Hoover, a grandson of Christopher and a great-grandson of George Hoover.

George Hoover was Drobably of German ancestry but he was born in Virginia and from there came to the Western Reserve and secured government land in what is now Pickaway county, prior to 1803, when the territory became a state. Christopher Hoover was born about 1785 and grew to manhood on his father's farm in Pickaway county. His first wife died there and he married a second and with his family moved to Crawford county and, like his father, secured government land. He became a successful farmer and accumulated property and felt justified in retiring from active life, moving then to Sandusky in the early fifties. They succumbed to cholera in the prevailine enidemic and both died on the same day. By his first marriage, Christopher Hoover had two children, William and Hannah. The latter married Wesley White and they lived and died in Dallas township and three of their children survive.

William Hoover was reared in Dallas township and naturally became a farmer. He continued to farm and raise stock until 1866, when he came to Bucyrus, where subsequently he went into business as a member of the firm of Fry, Sheckley & Hoover, which was merged into the large enterprise now known as the American Clay Machinery Company, in which he was a large stockholder. His death occurred in June, 1897, when he was eighty-one years. He was married in Franklin county, O., to Phebe Swisher, who died at Bucyrus on May 9, 191 1, having passed her ninety-fourth birthday. She and husband were members of the English Lutheran church. Of their ten children eight survive, three of whom live in Crawford county and two in the city of Bucyrus - George W and Mrs. Thomas Jessem.

George W. Hoover was the fourth born child in his parents' family and the third son. His birth took place on the old homestead on January 27, 1847. He attended school in Dallas township and later at Bucyrus, after which he engaged actively in agricultural pursuits until 1903, when he retired and established his home at Bucyrus. He still owns his excellent farm in Bucyrus township but no longer operates it. Mr. Hoover, like his late father, is a stanch republican but he has never been willing to accept public office. He has never married.

GODFREY LEUTHOLD, a well known attorney at law at Bucyrus, O.,. was born in Daerstetten township, Simmenthal valley, Canton Bern, Switzerland, which was the scene of the early history of the Leuthold family, a country held in affectionate remembrance by those who have, nevertheless, found happy homes in other lands. The father of Mr. Leuthold was Christian Leuthold, who was the only son of Christian Leuthold, the latter of whom spent his life in Canton Bern, his ancestors coming from Southern France.

The Leuthold family was an old and vigorous one, but Grandfather Leuthold died when comparatively young and left but one son, but his early death reflected credit upon him in that he contracted scarlet fever, from which he died, while ministering to a stricken neighbor. His widow subsequently married again but had no issue to the second marriage. She be-

Christian Leuthold, Jr., the only son, was born in 1842 and grew to manhood in his native place and there married Katherine Knoti, who came from one of the most industrious and wealthiest families of her township. Her father, Gottlieb Knoti was accidentally killed by a fall over a precipice in the mountains. The mother, of a healthy constitution, married again and with her second husband, emigrated to the United States and died at the age of 84 years in the state of New York. After the birth of their nine children. Christian Leuthold and wife decided to leave Switzerland and seek better fortune across the ocean than they were sure of, with so large a family, in the more constricted regions of their native land. At Havre, France, they took passage on the emigrant ship, America, and with great hopes set sail for New York, where, after a long voyage, they were safely landed arriving at said city in the month of April in the year 1884. From there they made their way to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, the place of their destination. Here the family was warmly received by David Geiger, a brother-in-law of Christian Leuthold.

The first year the family lived in a cottage one mile east of Upper Sandusky, all the members working industriously in order to add to the capital of $300.00 which they brought from Switzerland. Godfrey Leuthold then being but eleven years old, like four of his brothers was compelled to work for other people. The second year they rented a small farm four miles east of Upper Sandusky; here they resided for three -years. The boys continued to work during the summer months for other people, mostly for farmers in Crawford county.

In the year 1888 the family came to Crawford' county. For five years they lived on a large farm which they rented south of Bucyrus. During the first years they met with difficulties and failures and the boys were often compelled to bear great hardships. But at the end of the five years the family was able to buy a good farm of 80 acres -two miles north of Bucvrus. Here the father died February 15, 1906. The mother then moved to Bucyrus

Godfrey Leuthold is one of the younger sons in the above family. He was permitted to attend the township public schools during the winter months till he was 16 years old. Then, though having a passion to devote himself to study, he was compelled to help work and manage a farm till he was 21 years of age. This was a strenuous life, which deprived him of the pleasures of youth and compelled him to cope with great difficulties, due to the fact that the family was then heavily involved in debt. On one Friday, September iSth, he was of age and left home under most discouraging circumstances. Having worked bitterly hard for his father, he was obliged to leave home with nothing else but the clothes he wore while working at home. But he left with a determination to work and save his money. The first three months he worked for farmers, cutting and husking corn; thus he earned his first money, every dollar of which he saved. When winter set in he determined to work for his board and then attended the public schools in Liberty township, in order to get a better education, which he was deprived of while working for his father. The next spring he was licensed to teach school without ever having attended a high school. The following winter he taught school and worked on the farm in the summer, aiming to save all the money possible in order to prepare himself financially to attend a college.

In the fall of the year 1898 we find him attending the college at Berea, Ohio,- a Methodist school. He was graduated in the classical course and received the degree of B. A. in June of the year 1903. The year preceding he was chosen by the Goethe society of which he was a member to deliver the valedictorian address.

It was during the difficult struggles while working for his father that he first realized the usefulness and power of the knowledge of the law. So after being graduated at the college at Berea, he at once took up the study of law and completed a course in this science at the Ohio Northern Ujiiversity at Ada, Ohio, and was graduated at this. school in the fall of the year 1904. receiving the degree of B. L. In

In June of the year 1907 the college at Berea conferred upon him the degree of M. A., he having first fully complied with all requirements for this honor.

Mr. Leuthold always took an active part in the politics of the republican party which in his county, at present is in the minority. With an aim to do justice to all and with malice toward none his judgment and principles are respected by men of both parties, his character being clean, his influence uplifting. He was reared in the Methodist church of which he has been a faithful member.

To consider the career of Mr. Leuthold in all its bearings, it is indeed inspiring, his success demonstrating what can be accomplished through persistent effort and in the face of difficulties and discouraging circumstances.

MICHAEL A. RICKSECKER, who now lives retired at Gallon, O., after many years of honorable connection with the great Erie Railroad system as locomotive engineer, was born October 19, 1839, in Springfield township, Richland county, O., and is a son of Greenberry and Elenora (Firestine) Ricksecker.

Greenberry Ricksecker and wife were born at Hagerstown, Md., where they married and after two children had been born to them - Mary A. and Charles A. - they started for a new home in Ohio. This was in 1835 and they came overland to Springfield township, Richland county, and. located on land which was wild at the time, but which they developed into an excellent farm. The old log house which served as their first home is still one of the landmarks of that section. Greenberry Ricksecker was a whig in early political life but later became a republican and, notwithstanding his southern birth, was an anti-slavery man. An underground railroad station, the name given to sheltering places for escaping slaves prior to the Civil war, was situated in the home of a neighbor, John C. Finney, and as Mr. Ricksecker was in sjTnpathy with the movement, he often helped negroes on their way to the Canadian border, where they were safe from pursuit. Another neighbor who offered a place of concealment to escaping slaves was Joseph Roe and through the efforts of these philanthropic men, many men, women and children escaped from slavery. In many ways Greenberry Ricksecker was an admirable man and he was esteemed and respected in his community, where he lived to be seventy-three years of age, his wife passing away when aged sixty-one years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. After reaching Richland county, two more children were born to'them - Michael A. and Helen. All the children married and reared children of their own and became respected and useful members of society.

Michael A. Ricksecker is the only survivor of his parents' family. He attended school in Springfield township and helped his father, after school, on the farm and also in his carpenter shop and frequently assisted in the erection of log houses for other settlers. He thus gained a practical knowledge of carpentering while quite young. By the time he was fourteen years of age he was anxious to provide for himself and soon found a place where he could work for his board and receive $4 a month. When sixteen years of age he worked at cutting cord wood for forty cents a cord and also split rails, as did Abraham Lincoln in early manhood, and while keeping busy and contented in this way he also kept on assisting his father as a carpenter.

On April 21, 1861, Mr. Ricksecker responded to the call of President Lincoln for' 75,000 men and entered Co. H, 15th O. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Hiram Miller and Col. Moses R. Dickey, and served through a first enlistment of three months. On December 11, 1 86 1, he re-enlisted for three years in the First Ohio Independent Battery, Light Artillery, under command of Capt. McMullen, and was honorably discharged December 13, 1864. During the larger part of the time he served in West Virginia with the Army of the Potomac, taking part in such hard fought battles as South Mountain, Frederick city and Antietam. Ever at the post of duty, Mr. Ricksecker made a record as a brave and efficient soldier, and having faced the many hazards of war without being wounded, returned safely to his home.

and entered the service of the Atlantic & Great Western Railway Company (now known as the Erie Railroad) in the capacity of brakeman, at a time when the company sent out only one train a day, this being in March, 1865. In April following he made the trip on the first through freight train that left Gallon, and in July of the same year was promoted and became fireman. Until January, 1868, he was engaged in freight and passenger transportation and then was promoted and made engineer and operated both through and local freight trains until June, 1880, and from that time until October 23, 1910, when he was retired on the age limit, his place was in the cab of the passenger train on the Cincinnati division, east. Mr. Ricksecker is still retained by the company, which knows how to recognize efficient service, and fills the position of assisttant train dispatcher, his duties making no heavy demand oil his health.

On June 17, 1869, at Ontario, O., Mr. Ricksecker was married to Miss Mary A. Rater, who was born in Germany and was three years old when her < parents brought her to Richland county, O. She was born April 3, 1844, and died June 10, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Ricksecker had no children of their own, but they adopted a little seven-year old maiden, Elizabeth Keiser, who was born at Mansfield, O. She has been a real daughter to them and her foster parents have had reason to take much pride in her as a sweet and amiable member of the household, as a good student, being a graduate of the Gallon high school, and as a singer in the choir and teacher in the sabbath school of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which religious denomination Mr. and Mrs. Ricksecker were long very active members.

In politics Mr. Ricksecker is a decided republican but has never had the politician's desire for public office. He is yet, as always, interested in the progress and development of the city's various interests, where he has investments and almost lifelong friends. He has been very active in Dick Morris Post, G. A. R., No. 130, of which he is the present commander - a dignity well deserved - and on several occasions he has attended encampments held in other and distant cities. For many years he has been identified with the

Masonic fraternity, uniting with the order in young manhood and belongs to Gallon Lodge, No. 414, F. & A. M.; to, the Chapter No. 142, at Gallon, and to the Council, at Bucyrus. Mr. Ricksecker belongs also to another organization, one that is known all over the United States and numbers thousands of trained and experienced men in its ranks - the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers - he being connected with Division No. 16. For forty years he has preserved his membership in this representative industrial body and in recognition of this, at the termination of the above period, he received a handsome gold badge, suitably inscribed, which, it is needless to say he values highly. Mr. Ricksecker is a valued member of the Richland County Historical Society and his reminiscences of former events have contributed to the interest of its published reports on many occasions.

MRS. SARAH A. DICE, a highly respected and well known business woman of Gallon, O., who, for twenty years has successfully conducted a millinery business here, was born in Crawford county, O., near Gallon and is a daughter of Isaac and Susan (Smith) Garberich.

The parents of Mrs. Dice were of German ancestry, but were born in Pennsylvania and both accompanied their parents when young, to Crawford county. The father of Mrs. Dice engaged in farming in Polk township for many years and died there in 1897, when aged 61 years. The mother of Mrs. Dice still survives and lives on the old homestead, hale and hearty, despite her 83 years. Isaac Garberich was a strong Republican. He was a man of sterling character, honest and upright, and was a leadingmember of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his widow also belongs. Mrs. Dice is one of a family of nine children born to her parents, three sons and six daughters, all of whom survive.

After creditably completing the public school course, Mrs. Dice learned the millinery business, for which she had a natural aptitude and has been in business for the past 26 years and for twenty years has been at her present location, where she erected her building. She carries the finest line of millinery and millinery goods to be found at Gallon and caters to a very exclusive trade. Her display of tasteful and attractive milinery v^^ould do credit to any large city, while her long experience and natural artistic talent in the blending of colors and materials and in adapting them to the lines of head, face and figure are so well known and appreciated that her taste and judgment are depended upon by a very particular class of purchasers. Too much credit cannot be given to Mrs. Dice for her energy and enterprise in building up and enlarging this business enterprise and her unusual success reflects the high opinion in which she is held by those who have known her from childhood. Mrs. Dice has two children : Clare D., a resident of Gallon, a machinist by trade ; and Gladys C, who is the wife of John Scott Boyd, who is superintendent of the Galion Iron Works Company. Mrs. Dice and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

REV. THOMAS J- SHEPPARD, well known among Civil War veterans as the "Andersonville Chaplain," was born at Zanesville, C, June 22, 1834, being a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (LeHue) Sheppard. He was of Puritan and Huguenot stock, his grandfather, Joseph Sheppard, having been born at Attleboro, England. The family came to the United States in 181 1, landing at Boston. On his mother's side the LeHue family came from France, and were Huguenots, one of the founders of the American branch coming to America with Marquis de Lafayette as a volunteer in the American Revolution. Others of the LeHue family were already settled in Winchester, Frederick county, Va. Thomas J. Sheppard, the subject of this sketch, was practically born into the Baptist church. His grandfather. Rev. Thomas Sheppard, was a leader in the denomination at Zanesville and on the formation of the Market Street Baptist Church, of Zanesville, in 1825, his parents united there. Thomas J. Sheppard spent his early life in Zanesville. His parents both died there in 1853, his mother's death occurring in July and his father's in November. He after that lived with his sister EHzabeth, the wife of Capt. John Thompson, north of Dresden. He spent six years in the drug store of Capt. Thompson and attended West Bedford Academy, where he met Miss Margaret Collins of Moundsville, W. Va., who became his wife June i, 1859, the wedding being at the Collins family home, the residence of William Collins at High Oaks - on the hills overlooking Moundsville. After marriage he took up the reading of law at Zanesville and his interest in church work started at that time. At the close of a revival service in 1854 he was licensed to preach and thereafter continued to conduct religious services regularly for 54 years. On Aug. 11, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Co. E, 97th O. Vol. Inf. under Capt. Eagan, being appointed fifth sergeant. He was in eleven ijnportant engagements including Murfreesboro, Missionary Ridge and Stone River. He was captured June 27, 1864, during a night skirmish before the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, while on picket duty. He was sent to Andersonville where he was confined almost eleven months. While in prison here he conducted religious services and became known as the "Andersonville Chaplain," a term of endearment applied to him by men he helped there. His naturally sunny disposition and firm religious conviction gave him power to do good among the discouraged prisoners. At the close of their term in prison a testimonial was prepared and signed by 155 prisoners commending his work and recommending him for appointment as a regular army chaplain. This testimonial he has prized highly, but did not desire to take up the work of an army chaplain, feeling he could do more good as a minister, pastor of a church. Mr. Sheppard was mustered out of the service at Camp Chase, June 15, 1865. He was associated with the United States Christian Commission after the war and took up his higher education at Denison University, Granville, Ohio, where he was graduated with the class of 1870. His first pastorate was at Kirkersville, Ohio, from 1865 to 1869. He held pastorates in Ohio at West Jefferson and Lisbon, Clyde and Sidney, and was special asrent for Denison University from 1876 to 1884. He became pastor of the Baptist church at Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1884, where he remained until 1889, when he went to Kenton as pastor and where he built a new church. In 1892 he was appointed chaplain of the Ohio State Soldiers' Home at Sandusky, and from there went to Grass Lake, Michigan, but in 1899 he retired from active work and located at Granville, where the family lived until the death of Mrs. Sheppard, July 3, 191 1, since which time he has lived with his daughter, Mrs. James R. Hopley at Bucyrus. His son, Thomas Hamilton Sheppard, died at Los Angeles, Calif., April 3, 191 1. His son, William Collins Sheppard, is a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his daughter, Mrs. James R. Hopley, lives at Bucyrus. Many years ago the Ohio association of Ex-Prisoners of War elected him chaplain-for-life and it was while a resident of Bucyrus in 1887 that Keller Post advocated his selection as chaplain of the Ohio association of the G. A. R., a place he filled with honor.

Rev. Mr. Sheppard has done much literary work, mostly of a religious and patriotic nature. He has written a number of poems, some of which have been set to music. His lecture on "Battle Fields and Prison Pens'.' has been heard in many towns and cities of the country. It was in introducing Mr. Sheppard to an audience at Lansing, Michigan, that the late Governor Pingree, a prison-mate at Andersonville, alluded to him as "the man who preached to me in Hell."

WILLIAM BENDER, who is a retired farmer and one of the highly respected citizens of Tiro, O., occupies his comfortable home on North Main Street but still retains his farm of 180 acres, situated in Auburn township, Crawford county. He was born in Richland county, O., March 26, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Hoffman) Bender.

Hofifman, who was born also in Germany, Aug. 13, 1 81 6. In the year of their marriage they emigrated to America, and on reaching the United States settled in Richland county, O. He purchased 40 acres of land near Shelby, to which he later added 20 more acres, and after clearing and developing both tracts, purchased a farm of 160 acres, four miles south of Shelby. In 1862 they came to Crawford county and purchased 200 acres of land from George Cummings. He was a large landowner also in other states, having 300 acres in Iowa and 300 acres in Michigan. His death occurred Sept. 26, 1897, when he was aged 80 years. His wife died Jan. 15, 1885. They were members of the Lutheran church, in America, but he had been reared a Catholic and she in the Reformed church. They were good. Christian people in each organization. To them the following children were born: Jacob, Henry, Charles, Christina, Anthony, William, Catherine, who died Aug. 31, 1886; Lizzie, John Phillip, and one that died in infancy.

William Bender was his father's helper on the home farm until he reached the age of 21 years. After marriage he located on 80 acres of his present farm, then the property of his father-in-law, and while renting the same for II years, was an extensive stock dealer. In 1882 he purchased a tract of 104 acres adjoining on the east and in 1885 bought his present homestead and now has land in both Auburn and Vernon townships. He improved his farm properties, erecting a handsome residence in 1889 and a substantial barn in 1890 and resided there until he retired to Tiro. He is interested in the Seamless Tube Mills at Shelby, O.

On Sept. 3, 1873, Mr. Bender was married to Miss Cornelia Sawyer, a daughter of Albanus Sawyer. Albanus Sawyer was a native of this county while his wife was born in P'ennsylvania. They had the following children besides Mrs. Bender : Asa, Rule, Royal E., John F., Erastus, deceased, Clara, deceased, Anna and Lottie. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have three children: Rilla May, wife of John W. Hutt, of Richland county, O. ; and Minnie Luella. wife of Walter Ervin; and Ruth lone. While Mr. Bender has never been very active in politics, he has always exerted his influence in support of movements that have made this section law abiding and a desirable place in which to live. Mr. Bender is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Tiro. He served as supervisor for 25 years. The familv attends the Lutheran church and Mr. Bender has been a liberal contributor to the building of the church and to its support.

JOHN S. MURPHY^ a representative farmer of Dallas township, who is the owner of 80 acres of land, was born in Springfield, Fayette county. Pa., June 23, i860, but came to Crawford county in 1866. His parents, William H. and Elizabeth (King) ^Murphy, were natives of Fayette county. Pa.

William H. Murphy was a blacksmith by trade but in later years devoted his attention to farming. He was a Democrat in politics and he and his wife belonged to the U. B. church. They made their home with their son, John S. Murphy, for ten years previous to their decease. William H. Murphy lies buried in Nevada, Ohio, and his wnfe in Scotsdale, Pa. They were the parents of the following children: John S., whose name heads this sketch ; Mary, the wife of Zeph. Chance ; Frederick, deceased ; and Lula, the wife of Arizona Carmean.

John S. Murphy received a common school education in the schools of Crawford county and at the age of 19 years began to learn the carpenter's trade and followed that occupation for 21 years. He still does some of this work, having quite recently built for White Brothers what is the largest barn in this county. !Mr. Murphy's main interests, however, lie in his farming, and he has met with success in his endeavors in this line. Besides his general farming he raises some stock, but only enough for his own use. In 1900 when Mr. :\Iurphy bought his farm it was covered with woods and swamp and he has cleared all the land and has also built his house and

In 1885, Mr. Murphy was united m marriage with :Miss Lucinda Heinlen. She is the daughter of Mathias and Elizabeth (Bickel) Heinlen, who were very early settlers in Crawford county, but who were natives of Germany. Their children were, namely : Elizabeth, the wife of A. E. Bollinger ; John ; Samuel ; Lena, the wife of Byrou Kent ; Frank D. ; Matilda, the wife of James Johnston; ^klathias; and Lucinda, the wife of the subject of this article. To Mr. and 'Sirs. John S. Murphy have been born children who were named as follows : Elizabeth (Mrs. D. C. Lust); Charles; Dora, deceased ; Lloyd, who met his death from the kick of a horse; Frank, deceased; Cooler; Lula, deceased; Roy, John, Thomas and Stella.

CHARLES A. GUISS, civil engineer at Bucyrus, O., and formerly county surveyor of Crawford county, is numbered with the reliable men of his profession in this section and has satisfactorily completed every contract he has undertaken. He was born at Sulphur Springs, Crawford county, O., Aug. 24, 1878, and was two years old when his parents moved to Chatfield township, where he was reared. He is a son of John and Susan (Fry) Guiss, who are highly respected retired residents of New Washington.

The Guiss family is of German ancestry and it was founded in Ohio by the grandfather, Abraham Guiss, who came to Crawford county prior to 1838 and secured a large tract of land from the Government in Cranberry township. As soon as he had secured a home here he sent for his family and it is said that his wife drove with children and household goods, an ox-team, the entire distance from Columbia county. Pa., to Crawford county. O. She was a typical pioneer woman, strong and resourceful, and outlived her husband, dying at New Washington in extreme old age. They were members of the German Lutheran church.

John Guiss, father of Charles A., was born in Cranberry tow^nship, Crawford county, where he was reared and lived for some years after his marriage, when he moved to West Liberty and later to Sulphur Springs, engaging in mercantile pursuits and was a member of the firm of Albert, Fry & Co. Afterward he engag-ed in farming in Chatfield township and served in numerous township offices, elected to the same on the Democratic ticket. He was township clerk and trustee and also a justice of the peace. He married Susan Fry, a daughter of John Fry, who was born in Switzerland and came in early manhood to Chatfield township, securing Government 1 .nd on which he lived until his death when aged 89 years. He married a member of the Helm family, in Crawford county. Six children were born t John and Susan Guiss, namely : William H., who is a physician at Tiro, O. ; Melville O., formerly auditor of the Birmingham & Nevada Railroad and general manager of the Georgia & Alabama Iron Company, now located at Memphis, Tenn. ; Ethie R., who is the wife of Frank Derr. of New Washington ; Charles A. ; Warren G., who is in the oil business at Tulsa, Okla. ; and Maude R., who lives with her parents. Charles A. Guiss was graduated in the State University at Columbus, in the class of 1905, with his Civil engineer degree and afterward was appointed deputy county surveyor of Lake county, O., under County Surveyor J. C. Ward, and continued his duties there for about one year and then came to Bucyrus. He followed his profession privately from 1906 until 1907, when he was elected county surveyor of Crawford county and satisfactorily served out his term, retiring then to give his entire attention to his personal business. He is a Democrat in his political leanings and fraternally is identified with the Elks and the Eagles, both of Bucyrus.

JOHN MEUSER, deceased, was identified with the Erie Railway for a number of years, for 19 of these operating a freight engine and for more than ten years being a passenger train engineer. He was born in Richland county, O., Dec. 31, 1842, and his accidental death occurred, while in the path of duty, Dec. 30, 1901, the direct result of the explosion of an engine pipe.

John Meuser, was born in Prussia and served in Napoleon's Army at the Battle of Waterloo, in 181 5, receiving a medal for his bravery, which is still in the possession of the family. He afterward came to the United States and settled in Richland county, O., where he followed the cabinetmaking trade. Late in life he came to Gallon, where his death occurred Aug. 11, 1869, when he was aged 79 years. He was twice married, his first wife dying without issue. His second wife, Cathei'ine Swain, was born in Switzerland, in November, 1823, and was brought to America by her parents in childhood. She died at Gallon in 1863, the mother of nine children, eight of whom grew up, six of whom married and three of whom survive.

John Meuser was the eldest born of the above family of children and remained in Richland county until 1865, when he came to Gallon, entering the Erie Railway service. Through ability and fidelity he rapidly gained promotion and enjoyed the confidence of both his superiors and his associates in business. It was while running the Wells Fargo Express train on the Fourth Division, between Marion and Caledonia, O., that the accident occurred that cost this brave and experienced man his life. He was quite prominent in railway circles, and for many years had been a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was fraternally identified also with the Odd Fellows. Politically he was a Democrat, while in his religious connection he was active in the First Lutheran Church.

On July II, 1869, Mr. Meuser was married at Gallon to Miss L. Agnes Sheaffer, who was born in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., Aug. 8, 1852, but has been a resident of Gallon for 56 years and owns the valuable property on which he lives. Her parents were William W. and Savilla (Albright) Sheafifer, the former of whom was born in Dauphin county, Pa., April 16, 1827, and died May 20, 1889. He came to Whetstone township, March 17, 1850, in the following year was married to Savilla Albright, who was born in Whet- stone township, June ii, 1833, and died November 29, 1884. Her parents were John and Sarah (Sheaffer) Albright, who were pioneers in Crawford county, from Pennsylvania. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Meuser: Letta L., who is the wife of R. C. Case, of Richwood, O. ; and William W., a fireman on the Erie Railroad, lives at. Gallon, who married Virda Nelson. Mrs. Meuser is very active in the First English Lutheran Church, to which her parents also belonged, and is interested in the Foreign Missionary Society.

JOHN M. LEITZY, whose well cultivated farm of 80 acres is located in Dallas township, is a son of Francis and Hannah (Smith) Leitzy. He was born in Holmes township, Dec. 26, 1855.

Francis Leitzy was born in Germany but canie to this country when young. His father, also named Francis Leitzy, resided in Crawford county at his death. Francis Leitzy, Jr., upon his arrival in the U. S., secured land and followed his occupation as a farmer. He married Hannah Smith, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and they had seven children, namely : Catherine, who is the wife of George Strohm ; Rose Ann, the wife of Philip Strohm; Mary, the wife of Jacob Staiger; John M., our subject; Elizabeth, the wife of Frederick Schiefer; William ; and Joseph. He was a Democrat politically and in religious faith, a Lutheran. He is buried in Crawford county, Ohio.

John M. Leitzy since completing his education has spent his life in farming. His first experience in the cultivation of land was obtained while working for his father, with whom he continued until about 25 years of age. He then went to Bucyrus township, Crawford county, and rented a tract of land there. After five years spent at that place he went to Tod township, where he also rented land but before long he returned to Bucyrus township. Seven years ago he bought his present farm from M. M. McBeth and he has here successfully followed general farming since that time. He also raises stock for his own use.

In February, 1881, Mr. Leitzy married Miss Barbara Staiger. Her parents, John and Rickey (Klink) Staiger, were prominent farming people of Crawford county, but are now deceased. Their children besides Mrs. Leitzy were: Samuel; Joseph; Lena, the wife of Robert Rice; Rickey, deceased; Elizabeth and Mary, twins, the former the widow of Jacob Beller and the latter deceased; and Lydia, the wife of William Roaker.

To Mr. "and Mrs. John M. Leitzy there have been born the following children: Frederick, a music teacher and dealer in musical instruments ; Laura, who is the wife of Clarence Shroll; Irvin G. and Corvin C, twins ; and Richard F.

Mr. Leitzy is a Democrat and has served his township on the school board and as road supervisor. He with his family are attendants of the Martin Luther Church.

CHARLES A. BEILHARZ, the leading contractor in painting and decorating at Bucyrus, O., has been a resident of this city since boyhood, but was born in Republic township, Seneca county, O., April 16, 1853, a son of Dr. Wilham and Maria B. (Crockett) Beilharz, and a grandson of Rev. John P. Beilharz.

Rev. John P. Beilharz was born in 1795 and was educated in Germany and for many years after coming to America served pastorates in the German Lutheran church in Ohio. It is remembered that he preached the impressive sermon at the laying of the corner stone of the present old German Lutheran church edifice at Bucyrus. He died in Seneca county in May, 1867, aged 72 years, honored and esteemed to the end. His remains are buried in Fremont, O.

William .Beilharz, son of Rev. William and father of Charles A., was born in 1819, in Germany, and was a child when his parents came to America and they settled in Birks county, Pennsylvania. He became a dentist and prior to the Civil War practiced dentistry at Tiffin, O., and from there came to Bucyrus and opened an office on Sandusky Street, where he continued in his profession for some years and then retired, his death occurring June 23, 1899. He was married in Seneca county to Maria B. Crockett, who was born in Thomaston, Maine, March 30, 1824, and was a child "when her parents moved to Seneca county, O., and settled in Eden township. She survived her husband, dying May 14, 1903, at the age of 79 years. Dr. and Mrs. Beilharz were members of the English Lutheran church. They had three children : Charles A. ; Anna, who is the wife of F. L. Ingman, a merchant, farmer and real estate dealer in Iowa ; and Cassius M., who was accidentally killed at Columbus, O., Aug. 29, 1891, while attending to his duties of conductor, on the T. & O. C. Railway. His widow, Henrietta Beilharz, died June 20, 1900.

Charles A. Beilharz was educated in the Bucyrus schools and learned his trade under the supervision and direction of Samuel Welsh, who was a very competent man in his line. For 25 years Mr. Beilharz has been engaged in contracting in painting and decorating and has had important work to do with both public and private buildings and his judgment is pretty apt to be asked when any work of especial magnitude is contemplated.

Mr. Beilharz was married to Miss Ella M. Choate, who was born at Napoleon, Henry county, O., a daughter of Col. William A. and Rosina (McGill) Choate. Colonel Choate was killed in battle while leadinp- his regiment during the Civil War. In politics Mr. Beilharz, like his late father, is a Republican. He is identified with the Elks and since 1883 has been a member of the Knights of Pythias.

PERRY CHALMERS FULTON, a highly respected retired resident of Bucyrus, O., is a member of one of the early families of this city, in which he was born, Dec. 26, 1849. His parents were Andrew and Elizabeth Harper (Scott) Fulton.

Andrew Fulton was born in Stark county, O., in 1820, where he lived until 21 years of age and then came to Bucyrus. Here he. followed the cabinetmaker's trade, which included the manufacturing of furniture, by hand, and the making of coffins. Many of the latter were constructed of walnut and as they were usually ordered after the death of an individual, it was no unusual thing for Mr. Fulton to work sometimes the entire night fashioning the last receptacles for the dead, polishing and making them as attractive as possible. For some ten years he was in partnership with his brother, David Fulton, but in 1863 David went into the grocery business and Andrew became sole proprietor of the former concern, but died in the following year, on Nov. 13, 1864. He married Elizabeth Harper Scott, a daughter of Wilson Scott. She was born in Westmoreland county. Pa., in 1826, and was only two years old when her parents moved to Crawford county, reaching Bucyrus on Dec. 25, 1828, and camping over night on what, vvas then the village square. Shortly afterward Mr. Scott secured 300 acres of Government land in Whetstone township, on which he erected a log cabin and there he and family spent many years. Late in life, when aged 75 years, he went to Springfield, Mo., and afterward all record of him was lost. Mrs. Fulton survived until Oct. 28, 1898, passing away at the age of 73 years. Both she and husband were members of the Presbyterian church. Five children made up their family. Perry Chalmers being the first born. Anna Z. married Fred Tipple and they live at Youngstown, O., and have a family of children. James T. went out to Fairbanks, Alaska, but his wife and daughter have not yet joined him. Estella E. died at the age of 18 months. Andrew D. resides with his wife and two sons at Somerville, Mass.

Perry Chalmers Fulton attended the public schools of Bucyrus and all his subsequent business life has been passed here and since June, 1888, he has been connected with the T. & O. C. Railroad. He was married at Bucyrus, Sept. 20, 1888, to Miss Mary Heller, who was born in 1840, and died at Bucyrus, Sept. 11, 191 1. She was a daughter of Jacob D. and Margaret (Daniel) Heller. For some years she was connected with the U. B. church, but later became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Bucyrus and was always actively interested in its mission and charitable work. Mr. Fulton has four children, namely : Chalmers C, who resides with his wife, son and daug-hter, at Bethlehem, Pa. ; Blanche Estella, who married Homer Eggleston and they live at Chicago, 111., and have one daughter; Wesley J., who resides with his family at Cardington, O. ; and Harvey Williams, who is in business at Dubuque, O. Politically, Mr. Fulton is somewhat independent but nominally a Republican, and is connected fraternally with the order of Foresters and Royal Home.

M. H. SCHILL, doing business under his own name at New Washington, C, in the clothing and gent's furnishing line, custom tailor and representative of the Royal Tailors, of Chicago, 111., is well known in this part of Ohio and is a representative citizen of New Washington. He was born Sept. 1 1, 1865, in Richland county, O., but was mainly educated at Shelby, O.

Mr. Schill entered upon his business career as a dry goods salesman, afterward traveling for a firm for two and one-half years through southern Ohio and West Virginia, and then went into the clothing business and resided for the following seven years at Shelby, being connected with the Kennedy Clothing House. On Jan. 16, 1907, he came to New Washington and here for three years was manager for Kennedy-Robison Company, of Shelby, on April 12, 191 1, embarking in business for himself and his trade name is Schill, the clothier. In addition to the stocks above mentioned, he handles a fine line of suit cases and trunks, having excellent business accommodations on West Mansfield Street. Mr. Schill is acknowledged to be a man of taste, skill and practical knowledge in his special line and attracts a very high class of patronage.

Mr. Schill was married to Miss Elizabeth Fabian, who was born at Galion, O. They are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Schill is identified with the Knights of

JOHN W. LOOMIS, a well remembered educator in several sections of Ohio, has been a resident of Bucyrus since 1904, when he became connected with the U. S. Railway mail service and at present is a railway postal clerk on the Pennsylvania Railroad between Crestline, O., and Chicago, 111. He was born in Seneca county, O., in 1871, and is a son of George and Susan C. (Beery) Loomis.

The Loomis family is of New England ancestry but has been established in the State of Ohio for about 100 years. Reuel Loomis was one of the early colonists from Connecticut to settle in the Northwest Territory and secured land in Sandusky county shortly after Ohio became a State. In 1820 he moved to Tiffin and was one of the pioneer farmers of Seneca county. There his son, Wildman Loomis, grandfather of John W. Loomis of Bucyrus, was reared, his birth having taken place in 1819 in Sandusky county. He died on his farm in Eden township, Seneca county, when aged 83 years. He was intensely loyal to the Union and when civil war was precipitated entered the Federal Army, accompanied by his son George, and served as corporal of Co. B, 164th O. Vol. Inf., throughout a full term of enlistment.

George Loomis was born in Seneca county, O., in April, 1841, and died at Hicksville, O., in 1905. He engaged in farming through most of his active period and was well known in his native state. He married Susan C. Beery, who was born in April, 1847 and died at Hicksville, O., in 1892. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their children were seven in number, as follows : John W. ; Mary C, who is the wife of Noah Ames, residing at Hicksville, O., and they have two children - Richard D. and Rachael N. ; Ella E., who died unmarried at the age of twenty-two years; H. Edward, who is engaged in the harnessmaking business at Hicksville, married there

Ruby Coburn and they have three daughters - Susan L., Lulu M. and Alma L. ; James W., who died in infancy; Lula M., who died when aged seven years ; and Laura E., who died in infancy.

John W. Loomis enjoyed excellent educational advantages in youth and early manhood, attending school both in Seneca and Wyandot counties and completing the scientific course at the National Normal University, at Lebanon, O. For some ten subsequent j^ears he taught school in Defiance and Henry counties and for some time was at the head of the schools of Florida, O., and was jprincipal of the Hicksville High School. After two years of travel in the South he was connected for a few years with the circulating department of the Bucyrus Journal and Daily Telegraph. For the past eight years as mentioned above, Mr. Loomis has been in the Government service.

Mr. Loomis was married at Bucyrus in January, 1908, to Miss Maude May Minton, who was born in 1881, at Bradford, O., where she attended school and later perfected herself in music at Ada, O. She is a daughter of Ellis and Bertha (Burt) Minton, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively, and a granddaughter of Dr. Henry Harrison and Elizabeth (Shellenbarger) Minton. Dr. Minton was a prominent physician at Bradford, where he practiced for 32 years. Mrs. Loomis has one sister. Alma G., who is supervisor of drawing and music in the New Comerstown schools, in Tuscarawas county, O. Mr. and Mrs. Loomis have one daughter, Grace Isabel, who was born Sept. 6, 1910. They are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Loomis is a Republican and fraternally he belongs to Demas Lodge No. 108, Knights of Pythias.

H. O. DUTTER, manager of the Bucyrus Telephone Company, a prosperous business concern of Bucyrus, O., was born at Garrettsville, Portage county, O., Jan. 16, 1873.

the Garretsville High School, after which he gave two years to electrical study and practice at Athens, O., which prepared him to fill a position of some responsibility in the electrical engineering department of the Electric Light and Power Company, of that city. From 1893 until 1896 he was connected with the Light and Power Company at Delphos, O., and from then until 1901 was superintendent of the Clyde, O., Light and Power Company and for one year was also city engineer there and after that occupied a similar position with a municipal plant at Bryan. From 1902 until 1905 he was superintendent of the gas department, with the Peoples Gas and Electrical Company, at Defiance, O. In 1906 he was connected for some time with the Light and Power Company at Alliance, O., coming from there to Bucyrus, where he became superintendent of the Light and Power Company of this city, assuming the management of the present company in October, 1910. The Bucyrus Telephone Company was incorporated in 1898, with an authorized capital of $150,000. Its ofiScers are: Dr. J. A. Chesnes, president; H. S. Blair, vice president; A. D. Stoltz, secretary and treasurer, the board of directors including the officers and three additional capitalists : Benjamin Shearer, J. Wentz and E. Blair. The company operates 1000 automatic telephones and 500 farm telephones and they also have long distance connection with the Bell and Independent companies. Constant employment is given to twenty people. This is one of the most successful local enterprises of this section. Mr. Dutter was married at Delphos, O., to Miss Katherine Florence Mahoney, who was born and educated there. Mr. Dutter is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the Commandery at Marion, O., and to the minor branches at Bucyrus. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Defiance, O., and is past chancellor of Clyde Lodge No. 146, Clyde, O. ; to the Elks, at Bucyrus ; to the Maccabees at Defiance, O.; and is a member of the American Gas Institute and an associate member of the American Insti-

ISRAEL ULMER, one of the representative farmers and good citizens of Crawford county, who owns a fine farm in Bucyrus township, in partnership with his brother, William Ulmer, containing 113 acres, was born in Crawford county, March 18, 1853, and is a son of Adam and Catherine (Bahler) Ulmer.

Adam Ulmer and wife were born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and they came when young to Crawford county, married here and had the following children : John, William, Minnie, Israel and Mary. The father of the. above family died in 1856 and in i860 the mother married Henry Miller and they moved to Henry county, O. They had four children : Sophia, Jacob, Pauline and Margaret.

Israel Ulmer obtained his education in the public schools and afterward learned the carpenter trade which he followed for five years, all the rest of his mature life having been spent as a farmer. In 1884 he was married to Miss Mary Steiger, a daughter of George G. and Magdalena (Stohm) Steiger. The parents of Mrs. Ulmer were farmers in Holmes township where the father still lives, the mother being now deceased. Of their family of children, Mrs. Ulmer was the second born, the others being: Charles; Magdalena, wife of Charles Unger; George Emanuel; David; Moses; Emma, wife of Noah Lust; and Martha, wife of Warren Dinnenger; Philip; and Amelia, the wife of Casper Meyer.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ulmer the following children have been born: George F. ; Emma, who is the wife of Arthur Luke and has two children - Clinton and Leola ; and Minnie, Otto, Milo, and Eunice. Mr. Ulmer and family attend the German Lutheran church. The Ulmers have always been stanch in their support of the Democratic party. Mr. Ulmer has served three years as school director, taking much interest in school matters in his township and in every

HENRY A. BARTH, who is a member of the business firm of William F. Earth and Brother, barbers, at Bucyrus, O., is a prominent Democratic politician of Crawford county and is serving in the office of city auditor. He was born in Chatfield township, Crawford county, O., Aug. 4, 1862, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine (Boll) Barth, who reared a family of seven children. The father was born in Germany and when he came to Ohio settled on a farm in Chatfield township. His death occurred in 1882.

Henry A. Barth was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the country schools. In 1880 he came to Bucyrus and here learned his business and in association with his brother, condticts a large establishment. He has been for years an active, interested and reliable citizen, served one term as a member of the city council representing the Third Ward, and in 1907 was elected city auditor. He is an officer in the National Union and is a member of the Barbers' Union and is treasurer of the local organization.

Mr. Barth married Miss Amanda E. Orthwein, a daughter of Jeremiah Orthwein, of Crawford county, and they have two daughters: Stella V. and Helen R. They reside at No. 325 S. Spring Street, Bucyrus, and they attend the German Lutheran church.

JOHN WEIRICK, a retired farmer and highly respected citizen of Whetstone township, where he owns 218 acres of valuable land, was born at Perrysville, Richland county, O., June 6, 1840, and is a son of Levi and Elizabeth (Broner) Weirick.

Levi Weirick and wife were both born in Union county. Pa., both came to Ohio when young and both died in Crawford county, where their burial took place. By trade he was a chair maker and he followed the same all his life. In early days he was a Whig but later identified himself with the

Republican party. Both he and wife belonged to the United Brethren church. To them the following children were born: Charles H., who is deceased; Mary, who is the widow of John Smith ; John ; Margaret ; Clarine, who is the wife of Henry Steinhelfer; William and Sabina.

John Weirick attended school through boyhood and then worked on farms by the month until he was 21 years of age. The Civil War was then in progress and with many other patriotic young men of the neighborhood, he entered the Union Army, enlisting in Co. C, 23rd O. Vol. Inf., in which he served for three years, receiving his honorable discharge at Cumberland, Md., in January, 1865. He saw hard service and in addition to participating in the wearying marches and many skirmishes, he took part in such important battles as South Mountain, Antietam and Cedar Creek. After the close of the war, Mr. Weirick came to Crawford county, O., with the intention of securing farm land and establishing a permanent home. For the first seven years he rented land and then purchased his first 100 acres of his present farm and later added 118 acres more and for many years carried on his agricultural industries by himself but now these responsibilities are carried by his son. General farming, including the raising of a good grade of stock, occupies the attention of Mr. Weirick.

In 1867, John Weirick was married to his cousin. Miss Matilda Weirick, who is a daughter of Aaron and Margaret (Clark) Weirick, substantial farming people of Whetstone township who had the following children: Harriet, who is the wife of Hiram Anton; Matilda; Lucinda, who is the wife of William Miller; Clark M.; Charles; Mary Ann, who is the wife of Hiram Trautman; Nancy Jane, who is the wife of Henry Tate; and Catherine, who is the wife of John Brubaker.

Mr. and Mrs. Weirick have had the following children: Catherine Irene, who is the wife of Charles D. Wise, and has one son, Clyde DeWitt; Charles, who died at the age of two years; Edna Viola, who is the wife of James Heinlen and has three children - Hilda, Mildred and Iva; Horace, who married Ella Hilliss, and has one son, Neal; Levi, who married Emma Bonner, and has two children - Ivan and Harold; Alberta, who is the wife of Simon Roberts; Margaret, who lives at home; and Ida, who is the wife of Charles I. Wise, and has two children - Eugene and Geraldine. The paternal grandparents of both Mr. and Mrs. Weirick were Henry and Mary Weirick. During his active years, Mr. Weirick served usefully in a number of local offices and was school director and road supervisor and for two terms was constable. He is a man of pronounced temperance principles and votes with the Prohibition party. Both he and family have long been active members of the United Brethren church and they are all people who stand very high in the esteem of their neighbors and fellow citizens.

GEORGE W. NEUMANN, carpenter contractor, is a well known business man of Bucyrus, O., of which city he has been a resident for 27 years. He was born in Polk township, Crawford county, O., June 14, 1855, and is a son of George and Mary (House) Neumann.

George Neumann was born at Berlin, Germany, in 1824, and his wife at the same place in 1822 and both died on their farm in Tully township, Marion county, O., he in 1892 and she in 1881. They came to America in 1850, with their first two children, Peter and Elizabeth, landed at New York and from there moved to Polk township, Crawford county, O. There four more children were born - George W., Mary, Henry J. and Jacob R., four of the family still surviving.

George W. Neumann was young when his parents moved to Marion county and there he was reared and attended a local school in boyhood, afterward learning the carpenter trade. In 1885 he came to Bucyrus and here has continued to be actively engaged in business ever since. He is a skilled workman and has been concerned in the erection of many of the substantial structures of this city and vicinity. In 1889. Mr. Neumann was married to Miss Laura Lowmiller, who was born at Bucyrus and is a daughter of Daniel and Louisa (Kiefer) Lowmiller, and a grand-, daughter of Adam Lowmiller. The latter was of German parentage but was born in Pennsylvania in 1808 and died at Bucyrus in 1889. Daniel Lowmiller, father of Mrs. Neumann, was born in Pennsylvania in 1838 and came to Ohio in early manhood. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering the First 111. Bat. I. Light Artillery, and served until the close of the Rebellion. He participated in many battles and in every situation displayed true courage and patriotic spirit. After the war he came to Crawford county and married here and resided at Bucyrus until his death in 1896. The mother of Mrs. Neumann is a well known resident of Bucyrus. She was born in one of the Rhine provinces, Germany, in 1842, and was nine years old when her people came to Crawford county. Mr. and Mrs. Neumann have four children: Bessie Irene, born October 18, 1889; Martha Mildred, born July 7, 1896; Louise EHzabeth, born March 26, 1901 ; and George William, born July 30, 1908. Mr. Neumann and family are members of the German Lutheran church. In his political views, Mr. Neumann denominates himself an independent Democrat.

FRANKLIN ADAMS. Among the forceful and sterling citizens of Crawford county who in recent years have passed to the Great Beyond was he whose name begins this brief notice. He was born at Alstead, N. H., Nov. 16, 1 81 3, a son of John and Susanna (Morse) Adams. His paternal grandfather, Nathan Adams, was a native of Massachusetts and a colonial soldier in the American Revolution. The name of Adams stands prominently out in American history and the family of which our subject was a member is the some which furnished two presidents to the United States, while the eloquence of another representative of the family inspired the Declaration of Independence. The Morse family to which Mr. Adams' mother belonge'd has also been conspicuous in Bay State annals. The parents of our subject were both born in Massachusetts. They resided for some time in New Hampshire, but in 1820 removed to Canadice, New York, and thence to Michigan in 1836, in which last named state both died. They had four sons and five daughters.

Franklin Adams, after attending the common schools in early boyhood, entered an academy at Middleburg, Wyoming county, N. Y., and later continued his academic course in Henrietta, Monroe county, N. Y. On attaining his majority in 1834 he joined the general trend of emigration westward, believing that in a newer country he would find better opportunities of advancement. Settling in Ashland, Ohio, he made that place his home for 18 months, and it was while here that he began the study of the law, under the direction of Silas Robbins. He continued it subsequently at Mansfield, Ohio, under James Purdy of that city. At the July term of the Supreme Court of Ohio, held in Bucyrus in 1836, Mr. Adams was admitted to the bar and also licensed to practice by the District Court of the United States, held in Columbus in 1839. He began the practice of his profession at Mansfield, in association with Mr. Purdy, his preceptor, but on the loth of August, 1837, he came to Bucyrus, of which place he subsequently remained a citizen until his death, which took place on August i, 1909. From 1838 to 1845 he held the office of prosecuting attorney, which was the only political office ever held by him. From 1852 to 1854 he was secretary and treasurer of the Ohio and Iftdiana Railroad Company when it was first built between Crestline, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Ind., which road is now a part of the Pennsylvania Railway system. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, but his undivided time and attention were given to the practice of the law and he never sought political preferment. His character as a lawyer has been well summed up in the following words :

"As a lawyer his has been a general practice, covering the usual variety of litigated interests that make up the docket of nisiprius courts in a country town. To chancery he has given special attention, especially to the administration of estates. He accomplished much toward settlement of cases outside of the courtroom. He has always advised compromises rather than settlement of difficulties in the courts. In early days it was not unusual for disputants to bring before him their respective grievances for arbitration, and thus he became in the best sense counsel for both parties, and in fact took the part of counsel and judge. An amiable disposition, unquestioned integrity, unfailing tact, insight into human nature and regard for equity as well as law, enabled him to solve hundreds of difficulties and restore the relations of friendship and confidence between men who had become antagonistical over some point and were inclined to ruinous litigation. Always a student, always thorough, and ever exact, Mr. Adams has long held the reputation of being a learned and able lawyer, accurate and exact in his pleadings, alert in trial, logical and convincing in argument."

Mr. Adams might well have been called the Nestor of the Crawford county bar. At a banquet tendered him by the bench and bar of Crawford county at the time he had completed his 70th anniversary as a lawyer he receiyed from his professional associates and townsmen- most complimentary and eulogistic expressions of their appreciation of his ability, of his devotion to duty and of his character as a man, among the principal speakers being Col. Wilson C. Lemert. The proceedings were published in pamphlet form making some forty or more pages.

Mr. Adams was not only a lawyer of marked ability, he was also an able business man. He acquired a large amount of agricultural property and had a beautiful home, with spacious and well cared for grounds near the public square in the heart of the city. He was never married but left his large estate to Miss Elizabeth Ostermier. It was about 1870 that Miss Ostermeir became acquainted with Mr. Adams. She was then employed at the Sims Hotel (now the Deal House), where Mr. Adams was living at that time. He was attracted by her agreeable manners, her kindness, and the efficient way in which she performed her duties and soon made her an ofifer to become his managing housekeeper, which she accepted in 1878. She held this position to the close of Mr. Adam's life and was as faithful and efficient in it as she had been in her duties at the hotel, and caring for him tenderly in his last illness. As a reward for this faithful service, he willed to her all his valuable property in fee simple, and she has since kept up and conducted the household in the same neat and systematic manner that he desired when living. Miss Ostermier is a woman of natural refinement as well as business and administrative ability and those who know her best feel that she has met with a well deserved reward.

Mr. Adams was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being in fact a charter member of La Salle Lodge, of Bucyrus. As a man his life was irreproachable and at his demise there were many to mourn his loss.

F. C. McGAUGHY, D. D. S., one of the leading professional men of Gallon, who for 14 years has been engaged in the practice of dentistry in this city, was born April 4, 1875, in Chesterville, Morrow county, Ohio. He is a son of Hugh P. and Hannah L. (Boner) McGaughy.

Hugh P. McGaughy was born in Pennsylvania and came to Morrow county, Ohio, in early manhood, where he married, and he and wife settled in Chester township, where he engaged in farming and also worked as a house carpenter. His death occurred in 1910, at the age of 72 years, his wife having passed away in 1904. He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and was reared in the Presbyterian faith. She was of Baptist rearing, and her people were of Dutch and Welsh extraction.

F. C. McGauhgy attended the public schools in Chesterville, and then entered The Ohio Medical University, at Columbus, Ohio. The Ohio Medical University has since been consolidated with The Starling Medical College, to form The Starling Ohio Medical Universitv- He was graduated from the dental department of said university in the class of 1897. In the following year he came to Gallon, and has built up a large and substantial practice. He has a well equipped office, and keeps

Dr. McGaughy was married at Bucyrus, Ohio, to Miss Eva A. Matthew, the only daughter of Charles F. Matthews. She was born at Bucyrus, in 1878, and was reared and educated in her native city. Dr. and Mrs. McGaughy are members of the Presbyterian Church. Professionally, Dr. Mc- Gaughy is a member of The Central Ohio Dental Society, component society of The Ohio State Dental Society, and fraternally is a Mason and Knight of Pythias.

DAVID C. GAIBLER, whose valuable farm of 134 acres is well cared for and is a profitable property, situated in Whetstone township, Crawford' county, O., was born in Germany, January 19, 1869, and is a son of Gottlieb and Frederica (Schaaf) Gaibler.

The parents of Mr. Gaibler lived in Germany until 1887, when they followed David C. Gaibler to Ohio, and for six months lived at Bucyrus. Gottlieb Gaibler and wife then moved to Frontier county, Nebr., and there the latter died in 1909, after which Mr. Gaibler went to Oregon for several years and then rettirned to his Nebraska farm. His children were: Christian; David C. ; Mary, wife of Christian Schurr, Gottlieb, Pauline, Frederica and Nina.

David C. Gaibler attended the public schools in Germany and afterward learned and worked at the carpenter trade. He was the first one of the family to come to America, which was in 1884, and since then he has engaged in farm work to the exclusion of everything else. He purchased his present farm from the heirs of his motherin-law, Mrs. Elizabeth (Kerr) Sennet, who was born and spent her life on this place. Mr. Gaibler carries on all kinds of farm activities and is prosperous.

In January, 1896, Mr. Gaibler was married to Miss Jennie Sennet, a daughter of Elias and Elizabeth (Kerr) Sennet, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and now resides with his children. The mother of Mrs. Gaibler died Dec. 29, 1896. Mrs. Gaibler has four sisters and one brother: Sadie, wife of Dennis Miller; William; Rosa; Delia, wife of David Gulp; and Daisy. The grandparents were Oliver and Elizabeth (Wooster) Sennet. Mr. and Mrs. Gaibler attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Democrat in his political opinions, but takes no very active part in politics, being a practical, hardworking farmer and no seeker for office.

JOHN W. BIRK, M. D., was born in Crawford county, Ohio, March 3, 1874, a son of Christian F. and Martha S. (Volk) Birk. He is a grandson of John G. Birk, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, who came to the United States in 1845. After residing for a time in Albany, N. Y., John G. Birk removed to Tuscarawas county, Ohio; but he did not remain there long, as in 1847 he came to Bucyrus, where he established a harness making business, which he carried on for many years and which is still flourishing. He became a prominent citizen and served as treasurer of Crawford county from 1874 to 1876. His death took place Nov. 10, 1888.

In 185 1 he married Miss Joanna Kuhn, who was also a native of Germany and a representative of one of the pioneer families of Crawford county, her people having come to this section of Ohio in 1836. She died in October, 1893, having attained the age of 65 years. In their family were the following children: Christian F., father of Dr. John W. Birk; George M., who is engaged in the drug business with his brother, Christian; Emanuel R., who is now proprietor of the harness shop established by his father and is doing a very extensive business ; Lewis C, who is foreman in the harness store ; and Elizabeth, wife of F. P. Donnenwirth, a retired citizen of Bucyrus, O.

Christian F. Birk was educated in the common schools of Bucyrus, which he attended until he was 14 years of age. He then began assisting his father in the harness shop, where he mastered the business, which he mastered in all its details. For several years he was a partner with his father in the enterprise, which was carried on under the firm name of J. G. Birk & Son. For 53 years the business has been continued as the Birk's Harness Store, and is one of the most successful commercial institutions of the city, being now conducted by two of the sons of J. G. Birk, as above intimated.

In 1892 Christian F. Birk, in connection with his younger brother, G. M. Birk, established a drug store, which they are still conducting. They carry a large and well assorted stock of goods and conduct their business so as to retain their patrons and build up their trade. Their sales are constantly increasing and the proprietors enjoy a good income. Christian F. Birk is also connected with the Board of Trade. In Bucyrus, in 1873, he was married to Miss Bertha S. Volk, a daughter of William F. Volk, who came to Crawford county about 60 years ago. They had three children - John W., Carrie Elizabeth and Edna, of whom Carrie E. is the wife of G. W. Kerr, of Wrightsville, Pa., and Edna, at one time a teacher in the public schools, is now the wife of Otho Kennedy. Mrs. Christian F. Birk died Aug. 10, 1898, a month after her son, John W., had sailed for Cuba on military service and while he was on the island.

Mr. Christian F. Birk is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He belongs to .the German Lutheran church and in politics is a stalwart Democrat. When only 23 years of age he was elected to the city council and after an interval he was chosen, in 1896, for a second term of two years. He served as city marshal from 1884 until 1890 and in the latter year entered upon a four years term as county sheriff. His fellow townsmen conferred upon him the highest honor within their power when in 1898 he was elected mayor of Bucyrus, and two years later they again called him to the same position, a fact which indicates how faithfully he had served them, his administration being practical, progressive and beneficial. His public career has been epitomized as follows : "Public spirited, he has withheld his support from no measure that he believes will promote the welfare and substantial advancement of Bucyrus, and his discriminating mind enables him to judge correctly of the value to the city of any measure introduced. Over the record of his public life and private career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he is rich in those qualities which win and retain personal friendships."

John W. Birk, the direct subject of this article, was educated in the common schools. He graduated from College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of Illinois, in 1901. Previous to this, however, he had seen military service, being first lieutenant in Company A, Eighth O. Vol. Inf., during the Spanish-American War, and was present at the surrender of Santiago. He began the practice of medicine in 1903, locating in Bucyrus in that year. He was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Curtis, who is a daughter of Dr. Geo. Curtis of Hawley, Pa., and the family consists of one child, Margaret H. Dr. Birk and his family are now residents of Chicago, 111. He belongs to the Masons and the Elks.

WESLEY SAMUEL COOK, who carries on general farming and stock raising to some extent in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., has 114 acres of well cultivated land, this being the old homestead on which he was born, June 8, 1879. He is a son of Jacob and ElizalDeth (Mutchler) Cook.

The parents of Mr. Cook were both born in Lycoming county, Pa., and both married twice. The first wife of Jacob Cook was Mary Kiess and she was survived by the following children : Philip, Lena, wife of Amos Meek and Mary, wife of Joseph Wagner. His second marriage was to Mrs. Elizabeth (Mutchler) Walter and Wesley Samuel was the only child born to this union. To her first marriage Mrs. Cook had three children, namely: Elmer; Addie, who was twice married, first to a Mr. Ball and second to John Cook ; and Emma, who is the wife of Joseph Steinhilfer. Jacob Cook died on this farm Feb. 17, 1907, on which he had lived for many years. Politically he was a Democrat. Both he and wife attended the Evangelical church, to which his son also belongs.

Wesley Samuel Cook obtained his education in the township schools and has always lived on the homestead, which he owns, subject to his mother's dower right. On June 8, 1904, he was married to Miss Bessie Kelley, a daughter of Walker and Hannah (Albright) Kelley, who live retired at Bucyrus. Mrs. Cook has one brother and one sister, Clarence and Hattie, the latter of whom is the wife of Ernest Steifel. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have three bright boys, Robert, Carson and Richard, who will be carefully reared and well educated. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are Christian people, belonging to the Evangelical body. A Democrat, like his late father, Mr. Cook votes for his party's candidates in National afifairs but in local elections uses his own good judgment.

FOREST R. McFARLAND, who, for the past eleven years has been a railway mail clerk for the U. S. Government, on the Pennsylvania Railroad between Pittsburg, Pa., and Chicago, 111., in which connection he has proved himself a dependable and efficient official, was born in Champaign county, O., April 11, 1876, and is a son of Robert I. and Agnes (Baker) McFarland.

The McFarlands were originally of Scotland and in about 1650 the branch from which Forest R. McFarland came, moved into Ireland, and in 1740 the first representative came to America. This ancestor located first in Virginia and from there went into Kentucky as a pioneer. Rev. Robert McFarland, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Rockbridge county, Va., March 7, 1782, and moved to Kentucky with his parents in 1796. He became widely known as a Methodist missionary and he.

with several other families, came to Ohio under the guidance of Gen. Simon Kenton, the noted Indian fighter, in 1807, and began his ministry here among the Indian settlements on the Mad River and was closely associated with those days of pioneer struggle and hardship in this now peaceful valley. He lived until 1864, having been born in 1782. For a long time his cabin was his church but later Concord Chapel, which still stands, was erected, and there he expounded Methodist doctrine for many years and ministered up and down the valley to all who needed spiritual help or instruction.