Ashland City (part 15 of 57)

Judge Stewart was a stalwart champion of the cause of education and he did all in his power to promote the interests of the public schools and to raise the standard of instruction. The project of the Loudonville Academy originated in a conversation between the judge and one or two of his associates. He did not rest until it was an established fact and was always untiring in his efforts to sustain and cherish the school. His house was a favorite resort with its students and was always open for their reception. He was appointed the first assessor of internal revenue and discharged his duties with great faithfulness and general acceptance. He also held the office of assistant provost marshal in his district at the time of the Civil war and his patriotism was of the highest and most unselfish character. His early political allegiance was given to the whig party but when the republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks and remained one of its stalwart advocates until his demise. However, with him the general welfare was ever ahead of partisanship and the good of the community before personal aggrandizement. His life was the antithesis of self-centered interests and no movement for the benefit of his fellowmen or for the county at large failed to receive his endorsement and, wherever possible, his cooperation. For nearly forty years he was an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and was one of the eight charter members of Hanover Lodge of Loudonville. He also belonged to the chapter and was in hearty sympathy with the organization in its recognition of the brotherhood of mankind and the fatherhood of God. He was a faithful adherent of the Presbyterian church, loyal to its teachings and generous in its support.

It was in 1837 that Judge Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Chappell, a daughter of Caleb Chappell, who was born at South Kingston, Rhode Island, in 1768. When quite young he removed to northwestern Vermont, where he married Charlotte Sperry, a native of Connecticut. During his residence there he was not only active in the business life of the community but was also a sergeant and lieutenant and held the commission of captain of the militia. At length the stories which he heard concerning the opportunities of the west proved irresistible and with his wife and children, two sons and two daughters, he started for Ohio in the autumn of 1813, traveling all the way by wagon. The roads were often in an almost impassable condition owing to the rain which made the mud very deep. Mrs. Chappell rode in a one-horse wagon, driving all the way herself, and after six weeks the little party halted upon the bank of the Owl creek, in Knox county, and were cordially welcomed by John Shrimplin and his family, who extended to them the generous hospitality which was a feature of pioneer life. The following spring Caleb Chappell located on the present site of Loudonville, made a clearing and built a log cabin a few rods from a spring on what is now the Whitney place. The following spring he removed his family to the new home and in the meantime he had assisted the surveyor in laying out the town of Loudonville. There were no roads down the Black Fork, hence the family and household goods were moved upon a keelboat which landed near Bull's meadow. The children made their way through the high prairie grass to the cabin of Stephen Butler, which stood on the site of the Ohio House, and all the land save a little spot around the cabin was covered with a dense thicket. Mr. Chappell not only took up the task of clearing and improving the place for himself but also in making the first improvements of a public nature, including a bridge over the Black Fork. It was very different from the modern structures that now span the streams, as one had to mount to the bridge by a ladder at either end. In a short time the Chappells moved into their own cabin which as yet had no fireplace, while a blanket was hung across the opening where the door is usually found. Yet this house was an improvement upon many of the early cabins, as it had a shingle roof and a glass window and a floor of sawed boards. Up to that time most of the houses had clapboard roofs, greased-paper windows and puncheon floors. In the warm weather it was a common practice to suspend a thick blanket from a joist in front of the fireplace, thus forming two rooms and making a more comfortable sitting and dining room. After a few months a twelve light glass window was added, it being the first and only one in the county for many years. The Indians were frequent visitors at the Chappell and other cabins. Deer were to be had in abundance, together with many other kinds of wild game, and there were also bears and wolves in the forests. Mr. Chappell was not only a farmer but also a carpenter and joiner and a first-class mechanic and assisted in building the first mill at_that locality. He also built another mill in which the lumber for the gristmill was sawed. He likewise erected the first frame buildings in this region and in 1820 built a frame barn for himself. In 1819 he built the first schoolhouse of Loudonville and it served as well for the meeting house and town hall until about 1836. Mr. Chappell continued to improve his place and work at his trade until his death, which occurred in 1834. He could recollect the Revolutionary war, saw the arrival of the French fleet and frequently entertained his neighbors with accounts of his own and the experiences of others. Mrs. Chappell survived her husband only three years, dying in February, 1837.

It was in the pioneer home of this worthy couple that Mrs. Emeline Stewart was reared. She was born in Charlotte, Chittenden county, Vermont, March 3, 1812, and had come with her parents to Loudonville, as previously described. Her girlhood days were thus passed on what is now known as the Whitney farm and as a member of the Chappell household was connected with many of the early events which are now points of historic interest. Mrs. Stewart received her early educational training from her mother and attended the first school taught in the first schoolhouse built in Hanover township. When a young woman she engaged in teaching. She was a lady of strong intellect, firm purpose and great perseverance and yet of warm heart. In April, 1837, she gave her hand in marriage to Judge George H. Stewart, and in Loudonville they reared their family, the children as well as the parents always being identified with the best interests of the town. The lot of the first Methodist Episcopal church of Loudonville and also of the first German church were donated by Judge Stewart, and in all of his good work Mrs. Stewart shared, while in the home she was the presiding genius of love and hospitality.

Unto Judge and Mrs. Stewart were born eight children. Miss Charlotte Ann Stewart, to whom we are indebted for the interesting material concerning her honored parents and ancestors, was born in Loudonville January 20, 1838, pursued her education here in the public schools and the Loudonville Academy and later entered the Ashland high school and subsequently the Olome Institute at Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, where she was graduated with first honors

September 26, 1860. She then began teaching and most of her work has been in connection with the high schools of Ohio. About thirty years of her life were devoted to that profession and during much of that period she was a high-school principal. In 1887 she was one of the guests of honor at the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Ohio Teachers Association and she has also been active in the National Educational Association. In 1896 she became one of the organizers of the Progress Club of Loudonville, formed to promote literary investigation and knowledge. Her influence has been a most potent factor in the educational progress of this state and few are so thoroughly and widely informed concerning the history of Ashland county as is Miss Charlotte A. Stewart. Eliza Thompson, the second daughter of the family, was born in Loudonville, January 14, 1840, and pursued her education in the Loudonville Academy and the Vermillion Institute at Hayesville, Ohio. - She became noted for her spicy writings and entertaining essays. She taught in the high schools of Ohio and Iowa untiT her marriage and since that time has continued private classes. In 1876 she became the wife of Enos S. Culver, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Mary Emeline, who was born in Loudonville, August 23, 1842, became the wife of Dr. A. B. Fuller, December 31, 1868, and died May 9, 1891, her death striking a cord of sympathy in every heart. She received a liberal education in what was then Loudonville Academy and engaged in teaching until her marriage. At the age of sixteen she became a member of the Presbyterian church. Her literary taste and Christian refinement fitted her for social influence as well as to reign in the happy home circle. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Fuller were born four children, two daughters and two sons, but one of the sons passed away before the mother's death. With her husband and daughter, Mary, she spent the winter prior to her death in Florida, but the sojourn in the sunny south did not avail, as hei many friends had hoped it would, to prolong her health. She took an active interest in the Ladies Missionary Society of the Presbyterian church and in all those movements which were of benefit in promoting the social, intellectual and moral progress of the community. James Thompson, the fourth member of the family of Judge Stewart, died in infancy. Sutiah Margaret died in childhood. George Harris, born in Loudonville May 17, 1849, has been a banker of Zanesville throughout his entire business career. Xenophon Chappell was bom at Loudonville January 18, 1852, and died at the old family home in that town July 4, 1904. He was educated in the public schools and the Loudonville Academy, with some study at Oberlin. During most of his business life he was connected with Zanesville, although for a few years he was in New York city. He had been for some time with the Zanesville Railway Light & Power Company. On the 9th of March, 1882, in Zanesville, he married Miss Clara Rishtine, who died two years prior to his demise. Margaret Harris, the youngest member of the Stewart family, was born in Loudonville, Ohio, August 6, 1854, and died May 3, 1909. She was educated in the public schools of the town and was the wife of Dr. Cyrus Levi Buckwalter, of Loudonville, the only son of Levi and Saba (Beals) Buckwalter, the former a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Berks county, Pennsylvania. Dr. Buckwalter was born on a farm near West Lebanon in Paint township, Wayne county, Ohio, November 9, 1845. His education was acquired in the district schools and in private academies and in 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Regiment of Ohio National Guards Volunteers. After being discharged he taught school during the winter months for some time. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Fuller and Dr. Wirt in Loudonville, Ohio. In the spring of 1872 he graduated from the medical department of the University of Wooster and commenced the practice of his profession in New Washington, Crawford county, Ohio, and remained there about five years. During this time he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret II. Stewart at her home in Loudonville, Ohio, May 14, 1874. He then moved with his family to Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, to engage in the practice of dentistry with his uncle, Oliver Buckwalter, with whom he remained until 1879, when he opened an office of his own in Loudonville and continued until 1903, when almost total deafness compelled him to give up his professional work. This was a great disappointment to an active, industrious man with a growing family, depending upon his exertions. He did not give up in despair, however, but employed his mind in perfecting various devices for use in dentistry. In January, 1905, he was granted a patent in the United States and Canada for the Eureka suction plate, which has proved a very successful invention and is now in general use. He later invented and patented a new and useful improvement in audiphones. With this instrument he was enabled once more to hear the voices of his friends in ordinary conversation. He became interested in serial navigation and invented and had patented an air ship which involves a principle contained in no other up to this date. The only surviving members of his family of five sons and one daughter are: Ware J. Buckwalter, an expert engraver and etcher on gold and silver,

Such in brief is the life history of Judge Stewart and those who were most closely associated with him through family ties. Death came to him February 2, 1883, when he had reached the age of seventy-three years, three months and twenty-four days. For fifty years he was well known in Loudonville and the county and his public-spirited and unselfish interest in every enterprise made his life one of acknowledged worth to the community. He performed countless little ministries to those with whom he came in contact and his life was characterized by a generous support of every movement of benefit to the individual and to the district at large. He outlived every resident who was in Loudonville at the time of his arrival, he witnessed the building of every church and gave liberally of his means to those enterprises. He was generous almost to a fault and it might be said of him, as it was of Goldsmith's village preacher, "E'en his failings leaned to virtue's side." An honorable, upright man and a consistent Christian, his memory is yet enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him.

Edmund P. Smith

Edmund P. Smith, deceased, was one of those men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle excited the admiration of his fellowmen. He was, moreover, well known throughout Ohio as a successful farmer and stock raiser. He was born in Wayne county, this state, August 31, 1834, a son of Robert W. and Priscilla (Hatch) Smith, the former being, in his day, a well known agriculturist who devoted the greater part of his time and attention To the raising and feeding of Durham cattle.

Reared to farm life, Edmund P. Smith made that line of activity his life work, his time and attention being divided between the cultivation of a fine farm which he owned in Milton township and the raising and feeding of stock. He became well known throughout the community as a feeder of Durham cattle, while he made a specialty of raising sheep, in which connection he became very successful. He was recognized as the leading sheep raiser in Ohio, while his reputation as a judge of that animal extended even beyond the boundaries of this state and his word was taken as authority on all matters pertaining to the sheep industry. His unfaltering perseverance and untiring industry were factors in his success and at the time of his death he was one of the prosperous and representative citizens of the community, having acquired a well earned and gratifying competence as the result of his earnest labor.

In 1861, when the country became involved in Civil war, Mr. Smith espoused the cause of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company C, under Captain Bushnell, and -this company became a part of the Forty-second Ohio Regiment under the command of Colonel Garfield. He served for almost four years, for a time on General Garfield's staff and later filling the position of quartermaster sergeant. In 1864, however, he was called home by the death of his eldest brother and while there was taken ill with a fever which subsequently developed into rheumatism. Unable to return to his regiment on account of ill health, he was relieved from further service. The duties of his private business, which had been laid aside at- the time of his country's call for aid, were again resumed and he devoted himself to farming and kindred interests until his demise.

On the 24th of November, 1857, witnessed the marriage of Mr. Smith and Ellen E. Hoy, born August 28, 1835. She was the daughter of Charles Hoy, of Jackson township, Wayne county, Ohio, who fought in the war of 1812. Unto this marriage was born one daughter, Julia Moore Smith, who passed away in 1888. In his wife Mr. Smith found indeed a true helpmate, who, while her husband was away fighting for the honor of his country, remained at home, conducted the affairs of the farm and successfully fought the battles there with as much skill and bravery as was shown by many a soldier at the front.

The 14th of December, 1890, Mr. Smith was called to his final rest, leaving his widow upon the beautiful farm that had been her home throughout her entire married life and upon which she still resides. Both were members of the Congregational church and Mr. Smith kept up close relations with his old army comrades in his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, while his wife belonged to the Women's Relief Corps. He was an ardent republican, exerting all his influence toward the success of the party that had upheld the Union in her darkest hour. Noble and trustworthy in citizenship, his devotion to the general good was unquestioned, while in his home he was a kind and loving husband and an affectionate father. A high type of manhood, he stood for all that was honorable and upright in man's relation with his fellowmen and never lost an opportunity to do a kind act. The circle of his friends was coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance, and thus the news of his demise came as a blow to the community in which he had been so loved and respected. Few have ever enjoyed more completely the confidence and respect of their fellow citizens, none have more richly deserved such confidence or more sincerely appreciated it.

Among the worthy men devoting their time and talents to the practice of medicine in Nova, Troy township, this county, is Dr. Oliver B. Richards, whose birth occurred in Orange township, April 9, 1849, a son of Samuel and Rachael (Bowman) Richards, natives of Mahoning county, who came to this place in 1829, shortly after they were united in marriage, settling on a tract of land in Orange township, which was at that time practically covered with forests. His mother was the last born of a family of twelve children while her son, Oliver B., was the eleventh child in a family of the same number. His father cleared the timber off the land upon which he located and engaged in farming until the year 1859, when he removed to the village of Nova, where he lived in retirement, at the same time supervising the management of his farm until he departed this life, in the year 1878, having survived his wife by four years.

Among their children was Oliver B. Richards, who spent his boyhood days assisting his father in the duties of the farm, in the meantime acquiring his preliminary education in the district schools and later completing a course of study at Oberlin College and Savannah Academy. He entered upon the study of medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr. George Weidman, of this place and subsequently obtained his degree from the medical department of Wooster University in 1874, having also a diploma from the Western Reserve University. The year he received his degree from Wooster University Medical School he began the practice of his profession at this place, locating in his present office thirtyfive years ago. His natural talents and disposition fit him for his profession and he stands high in the confidence of the people and draws a liberal patronage from the surrounding community. Scholarly in his tastes he keeps abreast of the times regarding the advancement made in sciences pertaining to his profession, being very proficient in the several departments of materia medica. At the same time he has acquired the reputation of being a careful and skillful surgeon. He belongs to the County Medical Society.

On March 26, 1874, Dr. Richards wedded Miss Sarah Rickett, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Shopbell) Rickett, whose father followed farming in this county for many years and is now living in retirement at the advanced age of eighty-six years, while her mother departed this life in 1900. To Dr. and Mrs. Richards were born four children, namely: Edwin S., a rural mail carrier; Wilbur S., deceased; John 0., an agriculturist of Sullivan township; and Elizabeth, deceased. Dr. Richards is a republican in politics, well informed upon all matters pertaining to political economy and the nation's affairs. Although he has repeatedly refused the requests of his associates to become a candidate for office, his interest in local affairs has led him to serve in a number of township positions and for ten consecutive years he has been treasurer and also a member of the school board for a number of terms. He was clerk of the board when the new brick school building was constructed. Religious matters also receive the attention of Dr. Richards and he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which organization he has held every office and for sixteen years was superintendent of the Sunday school. His son now holds that office while the doctor still is a zealous Sunday school worker and teacher of a large Bible class. He is a public-spirited man, advocating all measures designed for the good of the community and upon the whole he occupies a prominent place in the estimation of the citizens of the community and enjoys their utmost confidence.

Ezbon H. Smith

Ezbon H. Smith, of Savannah, who is now serving as road commissioner, was born in Clear Creek township, Ashland county, Ohio, on the 14th of January, 1848, his parents being John and Eleanor (Bailey) Smith, natives of Troy and Clear Creek townships respectively. The first representatives of the family in this state came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, while the paternal grandfather, Henry Smith, who was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, eventually took up his abode in this county and became a prominent factor in its early development and upbuilding, being an extensive landowner and influential citizen. John Smith, the father of our subject, who successfully carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, passed away in Savannah a number of years ago. In 1849 he had made his way to California but returned to Ohio after a period of four years. His family numbered two sons, namely: John M., a resident of Oklahoma; and Ezbon H., of this review.

Ezbon H. Smith spent his youthful days on the home farm and acquired his education in the country schools. In 1864 he enlisted as a member of Company E, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, for three years or during the war, and saw active service until the close of hostilities. He went with Sherman through Georgia and when at last the supremacy of the Union had been established, he participated in that celebrated military pageant - the Grand Review at Washington, D. C. Though often in the thickest of the fight, he was fortunate in that he was never wounded and reurned home with a most creditable record as a soldier. In 1867 he went to California, being there engaged in mining for a time, and on his return to this county he became identified with farming pursuits in Clear Creek township, where he thus continued until 1904, since which time he has made his home in Savanah.

On the 27th of December, 1870, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss May Sellers, a daughter of Elias C. and Eleanor (Bowers) Sellers, of Richland county, who came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and Columbiana county, Ohio, respectively. Elias C. Sellers was a farmer by occupation and at an early day assisted in clearing land in this portion of the state, being a helpful factor in its pioneer development. Unto Mr. and Mre. Smith have been born three children : William A. ; Etta B. ; the wife of Arthur Fair, an agriculturist of Clear Creek township ; and Horace B.

In his political views Mr. Smith has always been a democrat and is interested in the growth and success of his party. He has been township trustee and school director and at present is serving in the capacity of road commissioner, ever discharging his official duties in a prompt and capable manner. He gives loyal support to every measure and movement calculated to prove of public good or promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community. He and his family are devoted members of the Baptist church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. He finds recreation in fishing and the game of checkers, being an expert player. Practically his entire life has been spent in this county and he is widely recognized as one of its most substantial, representative and progressive citizens.

William A. Smith, the eldest son of Ezbon H. Smith, was born March 1, 1872, and in the acquirement of an education attended the common schools and an academy. Subsequently he followed the profession of teaching in Ashland county for a period of seven years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He then became identified with the carpenter's trade, which he had mastered without any outside assistance and is a successful contractor, builder and architect, now pursuing a course in drafting in the International Correspondence School of Scranton. He is an adept in his line of activity, turning out fine desks and cabinet work and is numbered among the progressive and successful young business men of the community.

On the 9th of June, 1897, William A. Smith was joined in wedlock to Miss Florence Doty, a daughter of James Doty, of Ruggles township. She passed away, however, on the 24th of June, 1902, and Mr. Smith now makes his home with his parents. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he is now serving as clerk of the village, having held the position for three years. Like his father, he favors all measures instituted to advance the general welfare. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. An enthusiastic automobilist, he finds his chief source of recreation in motoring and is well known and popular in social circles.

Henry H. Kagey

The old brick residence which Henry H. Kagey occupies was built about 1830 and is therefore one of the old landmarks of the county. If it could speak it could tell many an interesting tale concerning the early pioneer times and the changes which have since been wrought, bringing the county from pioneer conditions into a state of advanced civilization and prosperity. The farm which is owned and occupied by Mr. Kagey comprises eighty-eight acres on section 10, Mifflin township, on the Black Fork. His birth occurred August 4, 1844, near his present home and in the same township. His parents were Martin K. and Nancy (Charles) Kagey. The father was born in Shenandoah county,

Virginia, in 1801, and came to Ohio with his two brothers, Isaac and Samuel, about 1827, at which time he took up his abode on the Black Fork. All three brothers remained residents of this locality throughout their remaining days, Martin Kagey being the last to pass away, his death occurring in 1884. He had nearly three hundred acres of land at one time but later disposed of some of this. He cleared much of the property and put it under a high state of cultivation, being recognized throughout the community' as an enterprising, progressive agriculturist. His wife's birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and in early womanhood she came to this county with her parents, John and Mary Charles. Her death occurred when she was sixty-nine years of age.

In the family of that worthy couple were seven children : Ann L., who made her home with her brother Henry and passed away August 13, 1906, at the age of seventy-seven years; John C., who died in Finley, Ohio; Christian, who died on the old home farm in Mifflin township ; Samuel, who spent his last days on his farm in the same township ; Daniel, who enlisted in 1864 in the One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and died of smallpox at Tullahoma, Tennessee, while serving his country ; Martin V., who was a lumber merchant and died in Ashland ; and Henry K., of this review.

The last named was reared on the old home farm, acquired his education in the district schools and worked in the fields when not busy with his text-books. In early life he turned his attention to carpentering, which he followed in young manhood, while subsequently he resumed the occupation of farming, in which he had been reared and to which he has since given his attention. He has eightyeight acres on section 10, Mifflin township, bordering the Black Fork, and one mile north of the village of Mifflin on the Qlivesburg road. His farm is now well improved and returns to him a substantial annual income. The old brick residence which he occupies formerly belonged to the old mill property but Mr. Kagey and his sister purchased it and connected it with the farm. In all of his business affairs he is energetic and is also a man of unfaltering integrity. He holds membership in the Lutheran church of Mifflin and his good qualities are .well known to his fellow citizens.

At one time Mr. Kagey owned eighty-one acres of land in addition to his present farm of eighty-eight acres, but in 1907 he deeded both farms to the Wittenberg College at Springfield, Ohio, which was certainly a generous gift and worthy of commendation. His sister Ann, who lived with him, died August 13, 1906. Their inheritance was never divided and jointly they deeded all landed possessions to Wittenberg College, which is a Lutheran institution.

Frank N. Patterson

Frank N. Patterson, one of the prominent leaders of the republican party in Ohio, serving for the second term as senator from this district, was born in Hayesville, Ohio, December 28, 1863. He attended the University of Wooster but did not graduate, and taking up the study of law, qualified for the bar and entered upon active practice in 1890. As the years passed he made substantial progress in his profession and in 1894 was elected prosecuting attorney of Ashland county. Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer - a keen, rapid, logical mind plus the business sense and a ready capacity for hard work - Mr. Patterson brought to the starting point of his legal career certain rare gifts - eloquence of language and a strong personality. An excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to correctly apply its principles are factors in his effectiveness as an advocate, and because of his ability he is now accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage.

It is a notable fact that the members of the legal fraternity have been more prominent in public affairs than any other class in the community, and the reason of this is not far to seek. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the direct path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Thoroughly conversant with the political problems, issues and situations of the present day, Mr. Patterson has been accorded leadership in republican circles and has twice been called to the nffice of state senator, being now one of the most active and earnest members of the upper house of the Ohio assembly. His experience and standing as a lawyer make his advice and counsel valuable in the enactment of important legislation.

Mr. Patterson was married in 1892 to Miss Mary Shauwecker and they have one child, Ada. The parents are well known in Ashland and Mr. Patterson also has a wide acquaintance among the prominent statesmen and political leaders of Ohio. As a lawyer and lawmaker his record is indeed commendable.

Samuel S. Walker

Samuel S. Walker, who devotes his time and energies to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising in Montgomery township, is widely recognized as an authority on high grade stock. He was born near Ashland, Ohio, February 13, 1848, a son of Daniel and Mary (Swiggard) Walker, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and were born in 1815 and 1818 respectively. When a lad of twelve years Daniel Walker accompanied his father to Ohio, walking the entire distance from Pittsburg to Ashland. He located in Wayne county, where he remained for a long period and subsequently came to Ashland county, continuing a resident here throughout the remainder of his life. He engaged in farming and stock raising and for forty years was also a local preacher, going from place to place and expounding the Gospel in a manner that could not fail to make a deep and lasting impression on his hearers. Through his well directed energy and capable management he accumulated a fine property and was long numbered among the most substantial, respected and public-spirited citizens of the community, while his labors as a minister of the church of God constituted an important element in the moral advancement of this section of the state. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. Unto him and his wife were born the following children: Mrs. Sarah Jane Wells;

In 1883 Samuel S. Walker, whose name initiates this review, removed westward and for three years successfully carried on agricultural pursuits and stock-raising in Iowa, where he had purchased a farm. He then sold the property to excellent advantage and, returning to Ohio, remained in this state for a few months, after which he bought a farm near Topeka, Kansas, and was there engaged in business as a stockman for eight years. On the expiration of that period he again sold out with profit and returned to Ashland county, Ohio, where he has since continued to reside. He has a valuable and well improved farm of seventy acres in Montgomery township and in addition to the work of the fields has made a specialty of raising, buying and selling hogs, cattle and horses. He owns a fine pair of horses worth at least eight hundred dollars, also a bull valued at five hundred dollars and has other high grade animals, though at pesent he is not dealing in stock so extensively as formerly. He has no superior as a judge of animals in this locality and has an offer to go to Massachusetts to take charge of a stock farm at a salary of a hundred dollars per month.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Walker chose Miss Margaret Smith, a daughter of Henry Smith, who was a native of Pennsylvania. By this union there is one son, Samuel S. Walker, Jr., born December 15, 1900, who is being educated in Ashland.

Politically Mr. Walker is a stalwart republican and is a citizen whose time and means can always be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted to promote the material, intellectual or moral development of his native county. The spirit of enterprise and steady progress which has ever been manifest in this section of the country finds exemplification in him and in his business life he is watchful of opportunities and through the improvement of the advantages which have come to him he has made a creditable place in business circles.

Judge H. L. McCray, for thirty-nine years a representative of the Ohio bar and for twenty-two consecutive years a representative of the profession in Ashland has, by his ready capacity 'for hard work, his keen, rapid, logical mind, his eloquence of language and strong personality, gained a place as one of the able attorneys of this county. A native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, Judge McCray was born March 17, 1846, a son of William and Rebecca (Crow) McCray, natives of Ireland and Washington county, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father, born on the Emerald isle in 1814, came to the United States in his boyhood days with his parents, who located at Fairfax Court House, Virginia, where he was reared. In his young manhood he went to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was married and maintained his home until 1847. In that year he came with his family to Ohio, settling in Huron and a short time afterward he removed to Ashland county, locating in Ruggles township where he was identified with farming interests up to the time of his death which occurred when he was eighty-one years of age. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Disciples church and people of the highest respectability, enjoying the warm regard of all who knew them. Mrs. McCray survived her husband only four days.

Spending his youthful days on his father's farm, Judge McCray devoted his time largely to the acquirement of a public school education and to the mastery of a course of study in Savannah Academy. He engaged in teaching for eight years and it was in this way that he met the expenses of his higher legal education. Taking up the study of law he read under the direction of his elder brother, T. Y. McCray, of Wooster, who at that time was prosecuting attorney of Wayne county, Ohio. Judge McCray continued his studies under his brother's direction until his admission to the bar on the 6th of July, 1870, and for two years practiced in partnership with his brother. In 1872 he became a member of the Ashland bar and after practicing here for two years removed to Loudonville, where he continued in successful practice for thirteen years. In 1887 he returned to Ashland and in 1888 was elected to the common pleas bench. Some months prior to the time when popular suffrage called him to the judgeship he was appointed to the bench by Governor J. B. Foraker, following the resignation of the former incumbent, but when, a few months later, the regular election was held, he was then chosen to the office. He served for a term of five years and his decisions indicated strong mentality, careful analysis, thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment. Maintaining his self control even under the most exasperating conditions and showing that broad-mindedness which comprehends the details of a situation quickly, he possessed, moreover, a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and thus met success in the discharge of the multitudinous delicate duties which devolved upon him as he occupied the bench. . Since his retirement from office in 1893 he has devoted his attention to active law practice and is an able barrister to whom is accorded an extensive clientage. An excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and ability to accurately apply its principles are features in his effectiveness as an advocate.

On the 9th of September, 1870, Mr. McCray was married to Mis& Bmrietta Y. Shaw of Medina county, Ohio, and unto them have been bom six children, four of whom are now living: Benjamin W., an attorney in partnership with his father; Harry A., routing agent in the Hess & Clark plant; Charter O., an attorney of Cleveland, Ohio ; and Grace E., teaching in the Canal Zone schools in the Isthmus of Panama.

During the period of his residence in Ashland, Judge McCray has at all times been actively and helpfully interested in public affairs and for the past twelve years has served on the school board and is a stalwart champion and promoter of the cause of public education. While residing in Loudonville he served for four years as mayor of that town. He is a member of the Colonial Club, also of the Commercial Club of Ashland, and well known in fraternal circles. For more than twenty years he has been a member of the Masonic lodge and belongs to Mansfield Commandery, K. T. For thirty-six years he has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for thirtytwo years has been a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge. He has worn his professional honors with becoming modesty and the consensus of public opinion places him in a foremost position in the ranks of the legal fraternity where success depends upon the rare combination of talent, learning, tact, patience and industry. Possessing these qualities he justly merited the honor which was conferred upon him by his elevation to the bench and the gratifying success which has come to him in his private practice.

Vinton E. Rudy

Vinton E. Rudy, a successful merchant and prominent citizen of Savannah, was born in Orange township, Ashland county, Ohio, on the 26th of July, 1864, his parents being Isaac L. and Susan (Karth) Rudy. The father, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, took up his abode in Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, in 1840, and during his early manhood taught German in the schools of that county. The year 1857, witnessed his arrival in Orange township, Ashland county, while the lady whom he afterward made his wife came to this county with her parents in 1850. Isaac L. Rudy was a shoemaker by trade but subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits and was a most prosperous and enterprising citizen of the community. His demise occurred on the 31st of May, 1885, but his widow still survives.

Vinton E. Rudy assisted in the labors incident to the cultivation of the old homestead farm until eighteen years of age. He supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course at Ada Normal College and while a student in that institution he engaged in teaching during the winter terms. After leaving college he taught in the county schools and also at Nankin for a period of four years, while during the succeeding four years he was a teacher in the public schools of Savannah and for two years was at the head of a select class in vocal music at the Academy. While engaged as an instructor he published a work on arithmetic entitled "Mensuration Applied," which had a large sale and is still on the market, being used as a text-book or supplementary work in connection with the text-books. On severing his connection with educational interests in 1901, Mr. Rudy became identified with merchandising at Savannah in partnership with W. O. Whitmarsh, conducting a general store for two years. Subsequently he was connected with the hardware business for one year and was then busily engaged in agricultural pursuits in Clear Creek township for five years. On the expiration of that period he again took up merchandising in Savannah, purchasing the interest of his former partner, Mr. Whitmarsh, and has since been a successful representative of this line of activity, his reasonable prices and honorable business methods insuring him a growing and profitable patronage. He has also dealt in real estate to some extent improving property, etc., and has likewise traded in horses, meeting with a gratifying measure of prosperity in all of his undertakings.

On the 18th of June, 1885, Mr, Rudy was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Alberson, a daughter of William C. and Lydia (Bowlby) Alberson. The Bowlbys made their way from Virginia to Ohio at an early day and William C. Alberson, who removed from Harrison county to Ashland county in 1838, was a representative of a prominent and influential family in this section of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rudy have been born four sons and a daughter, namely: Fred B., Martha Alice, Harry A., James Russell and

In his political views Mr. Rudy is a stanch republican and has been an active worker in the local ranks of his party. He has served both as township and town clerk for several years and in 1908 was a candidate for the legislature but could not overcome the strong democratic majority in this county. He has been a delegate to county, district and state conventions and has ever been a stalwart champion of public improvements, doing everything in his power to advance the interests of the community along material, intellectual and moral lines. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Presbyterian church and are active Sunday school workers. He is held in high regard and esteem throughout the county in which his entire life has been spent and stands as a typical representative of the business life of the times, alert and enterprising, watchful of opportunities and recognizing and improving advantages as they come.

Guy B. Murray

Among those who figure prominently in the financial circles of Nova, Troy township, this county, is Guy B. Murray, who is now officiating in the responsible position of cashier of the Nova Banking Company, which is one of the leading institutions of the kind in the county. Mr. Murray is a native son of the county, his birth having occurred May 1, 1876. His parents were Hugh and Jennie (Shidler) Murray, both natives of Orange township, this county, where his father is a well known agriculturist and stock-raiser.

At the usual age Guy B. Murray was enrolled as a pupil at the common schools of the neighborhood, and having completed his studies there he was matriculated as a student at the Ohio Northern University, from which institution he was graduated, on completing a scientific course, with the class of 1896. After his graduation he returned to his father's farm, where for several years he engaged in agricultural pursuits, but eventually leaving the farm he became a partner of his brother, Harold F. Murray, in the steam-heating business. He took an active part in the affairs of this business, until the organization of the Nova Banking Company in the summer of 1907, when he became identified with the institution and was chosen as its cashier. The bank opened its doors on December 4, 1907, with a thoroughly modern banking equipment, and on that occasion Mr. Murray assumed the duties of his position. An institution of this kind was recognized as a necessity in the commercial life of the community, and from the day of its founding it has transacted a paying business, the bank being thoroughly reliable and organized under the banking laws of the state of Ohio, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. While the institution is to some extent liberal in its business methods, yet the directors are opposed to undue and unsafe speculations and the investments which are made are known to be absolutely safe and will insure the safety of the capital of the depositor. Mr. Murray, being a man of conservative business judgment, is well qualified for the position in which he is now acting.

While he is a firm believer in democracy and a supporter of the democratic party, he is not active in public affairs although he takes a keen interest in public issues and makes it a point to keep well informed upon the questions of the day. Although he is not affiliated with any lodges, societies, or churches, he is an upright, moral young man and is always willing to lend his support to every effort having for its object the betterment of the conditions in the community.

George Smith

George Smith, who for many years has been successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Montgomery township, was born in Germany in 1830, a son of John and Mary (Hershler) Smith, who were also natives of the fatherland. The father passed away when his son George was but seven months old and in 1848 the latter crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode in Ashland county, Ohio. He was first employed by the month as a farm hand for six years, on the expiration of which period he purchased a tract of eighty acres going in debt for the greater part of it. By careful expenditure and close economy he was in due time enabled to fully discharge the debt and then sold this farm and bought another of one hundred and ninetyfour acres. At the end of six years he also sold that place and bought the farm in Montgomery township where he now resides, the property comprising one hundred and thirty-five acres of rich and productive land. All days in his career, however, have not been equally bright and he has met with reverses that would have disheartened many a man of less resolute spirit. The second year after starting out in business life a disastrous fire occasioned the total loss of his property, there being no insurance on the same. With undaunted courage he set to work to retrieve his lost possessions and the years have witnessed his steady progress until he is now numbered among the most substantial, influential and respected citizens of the community.

In 1856 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Amoerze, whose birth occurred in Germany in 1835. Unto them were born twelve children, namely : Mary C. ; Henry ; C. L. ; Mrs. Annie Taugaman ; John F., who was educated in Berea and is now superintendent of the high school at Lodi ; Mrs. Louisa Young; Mrs. Clara Hershy; Augusta; David W., who was educated in Columbus University and is now an engineer on the Hocking Valley Railroad; Edward L., a graduate of a business college at Cleveland, Ohio, who is now chief clerk for the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus Railroad at Cleveland ; Daniel A. ; and Emma.

All received their preliminary education in the common schools of Ashland, and when they attained maturity Mr. Smith gave each of his children five hundred dollars.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Smith has given his political allegiance to the democracy and for two terms capably served as infirmary director. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. Although now in his eightieth year, he is still vigorous and active in mind and body and his useful and honorable career stands as a splendid illustration of what may be accomplished by persistent, untiring and persevering effort. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought, which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man, and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He has now been a resident of this county for more than three score years and has long been widely recognized as one of its most progressive and public-spirited citizens.

Dr. Philo Henry Clark is now in his ninetieth year and has the distinction of being the oldest physician in Ashland county. For forty-six consecutive years, with the exception of the time spent in the army, he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession, having retired to a life of rest ten years ago. He was born in Wakeman township, Huron county, this state, August 3, 1819, and was the third white child born in that vicinity. His parents, Dr. H. M. and Laura (Downs) Clark, went to Huron county from South Britain, Connecticut, in 1818. The father was a practicing physician who, during the war of 1812, was commissioned as surgeon on the battleship Prometheus. Upon leaving the ship on which he served for about three years, he went to Wakeman, Ohio, where for many years he engaged in the active practice of his profession, and upon the death of his wife he removed to Ashland, where he spent his remaining days with his son, Dr. P. H. Clark, his death occurring when he was about seventy-five years of age.

Under the parental roof Dr. P. H. Clark was reared and acquired his preliminary education in the public school, later pursuing his studies in Oberlin College, upon being graduated from which institution he spent two years teaching school for the purpose of securing sufficient means to enable him to take a course of study in a medical college. At the expiration of that period he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of his father. In 1839 he became a student at Willoughby Medical College, of Willoughby, this state, and in 1840 completed the course of study and passed his examinations, but he was not graduated from the institution by reason of the fact that he had not yet attained his twenty-first year. This was a great disappointment to Dr. Clark, as his means had about become exhausted, but he left the institution and, repairing to New Haven, Indiana, entered upon the practice of medicine in that city, where he continued for about six years, when he removed to Fort Washington, Wis- consin, practicing there for about four years. In 1850 he came to this city, where for forty-six years he followed his profession with uncommon ability and success. After he had been practicing here for about eleven years he became a student at the Buffalo Medical College, where he completed his professional studies, and was graduated from the institution with the class of 1862, at which time he had the honor of having his diploma presented to him by President Fillmore. In June, 1862, Dr. Clark enlisted in the military ranks as assistantsurgeon to the southern army, and remained in the south until October, when, his health failing, he was sent home to recuperate, and in February, 1863, he was sent to Cumberland, Maryland, later being transferred to Annapolis, where he saw much hard service. There he remained until September, 1863, when he resigned his position and, upon returning to Ashland, engaged in private practice and became known as one of the most successful physicians and skilled surgeons in this part of the state.

In 1844, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. McDougal, of New Haven, Indiana, who departed this life about one year later, and in 1847 he wedded Miss Elizabeth Clark, of this city, whose birth occurred in Weymouth, Medina county, Ohio, April 22, 1827. She still survives and Dr. and Mrs. Clark constitute one of the most interesting couples in Ashland county. Dr. Clark is a stanch supporter of the republican party and, during all his years of experience under various administrations, he has never found cause to waive his political opinons and is as loyal to the candidates of his party today as when he cast his first ballot. He belongs to the Ashland County Medical Society, and in 1907, was made an honorary member of the Ohio State Medical Society. His services throughout the community during the long years of his practicewere beyond value, and his extended activities over that long lapse of time is sufficient recommendation of his usefulness and reputation as a professional man, and now, at his advanced age, he can look back over a life well spent in the alleviation of human suffering and enjoy the high measure of respect entertained for him as one. of the best known and esteemed characters in Ashland county.

Isaac H. Good

The prominence to which Isaac H. Good has attained and the success he has won in the business world make his methods of interest in commercial circles, and an analysis of his life shows that he possesses untiring energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose and a genius for devising the right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense. Gradually he has worked his way upward in the business world until he is a prominent factor in mercantile and financial circles in Ashland. While he has won prosperity it has not been alone the goal for which he was striving, for he has not excluded himself from active participation in those movements which tend to uplift the political and legal status and further the intellectual and moral progress of the community. Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was the birthplace of Isaac H. Good, his natal day being January 21, 1844. His parents, Isaac H. and Esther (Hurst) Good were also natives of Lancaster county, born in 1809 and 1816, respectively. The father devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits, remaining for many years upon a farm in his native county. He was a stalwart republican in politics and for several years was a member of the school board, in which connection he gave tangible proof of his interest in all questions of public education. Both he and his wife were members of the Mennonite church and in that faith the mother passed away at the age of thirty-eight years, while the death of Isaac H. Good occurred when he had reached the venerable age of eighty years. In their family were six children all of whom reached manhood and womanhood, while five are still living: Andrew, a resident of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; Isaac H., of this review; Elias, residing at South Bend, Indiana; Hettie, the wife of John Honing, of Lancaster City, Pennsylvania; and Tobias, also of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.

Reared under the parental roof, Isaac H. Good acquired his education in the public schools and in the State Normal College at Millersville. He began teaching in 1863, when nineteen years of age, following the profession for four terms in Lancaster county, after which he turned to mercantile interests, securing a clerkship in a country store at Gorjpkmville, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the foundation of his successful business career was laid. After two and a half years there passed he was offered and accepted a position in a mercantile institution in Lancaster City, where he remained for five years, and in 1873 came to Ashland and engaged in business for himself, becoming the third member of the firm of Brubaker, Kunkel & Good. Two years later the firm style was changed to Kunkel, Good & Miller, which partnership existed until 1881, when Mr. Miller withdrew and the business was continued under the firm style of Kunkel & Good. In 1903 the senior partner sold his interest to Mr. Sellers and since that time the firm has been Sellers & Good. They handle an extensive line of dry goods, notions and carpets, theirs being one of the leading mercantile enterprises of Ashland. Mr. Good's long experience well qualifies him for the successful conduct of the business, while his reliable methods have gained for him an unsullied reputation in commercial circles.

Mr. Good has not confined his attention alone to mercantile lines, however, for in 1905 he was one of the chief promoters of the organization of the Ashland Bank & Savings Company, at which time he was chosen president of the institution. Notwithstanding the fact that it has had an existence of but four years, they have built up a large business and are today conducting one of the important financial concerns of the county. They pay interest on their savings accounts and carry on a general banking and exchange business, having already gained patrons to a number that makes theirs a most successful enterprise.

In 1872 Mr. Good was married to Miss Louisa A. Ball, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Drepperd) Ball, both now deceased. Mrs. Good died in 1877 leaving three children, but only one is now living, Charles W., who is assistant manager of the Star Telephone Company of Ashland, and who married Miss Eva Davis of Lodi, Ohio. In 1879 Mr. Good was again married, his second union being with Miss Harriet DeShong, of Ashland, a daughter of Peter and Aseneth (Bender) DeShong. The father came to this county from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and in his earlier

Throughout the years of his residence here Mr. Good has taken a most helpful part in the work of public progress and improvement, and perhaps the influence and labors of no other man have been more effective or far-reaching. He has been a member of the Ashland Board of Trade since its organization and for the past five years has been the treasurer of this institution. He belongs to the Ashland school board, with which he has been connected for seven years, and educational interests have ever found in him a stalwart champion. He is foremost in any movement tending to the upbuilding of the city, and to such men is due the prosperity and progressive condition of this beautiful little Ohio city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he never allows partisanship to stand before the general welfare. Almost a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church, for thirty-two consecutive years, he has been superintendent of the Sunday school and was recently reelected for the thirty-third year. He is likewise a member of the official board of the church and does all in his power to further the various church activities. In May, 1908, he served as a lay delegate from the north Ohio conference to the general conference held at Baltimore. In a review of his life it will be seen that he has been watchful of all of the details of his business and of all indications pointing toward prosperity, and thus his success has been well earned. But aside from the prominence he has attained in this connection, his personal characteristics have given him a strong hold upon the affection and regard of his fellow townsmen.

Samuel Pifer

Samuel Pifer is a worthy and highly respected citizen of Orange township, where he was born November 3, 1840, his parents being Christian and Catherine (Garver) Pifer, who in the year 1836 came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio. They traveled more than four hundred miles by wagon over roads that were often in poor condition, and at times almost impassable. There were few bridges and they encountered particular difficulty in fording the swollen streams, but after meeting many hardships enroute they finally reached their destination in safety and made a settlement at Savannah, Clear Creek township. The father was a weaver by trade and also engaged in farming to some extent, but his loom represented his chief occupation. While he never accumulated wealth he lived a life of industry and integrity, and thus merited and enjoyed the respect and confidence of those who knew him. He died in July, 1881, while his wife survived until August, 1895. In their family were eight children, six of whom were bom ere the emigration westward.

father was in limited financial circumstances the boys were put to work upon the farm as soon as they were old enough to perform manual labor, and Samuel Pifer assisted in the work of the fields until eighteen years of age when he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1859. In that year attracted by the success of the gold hunters in Colorado he joined an expedition enroute for that country. After buying his outfit he had just seven dollars remaining, but he arranged with the promoter of the enterprise to share his gold findings for a partnership in the outfit. They traveled by train to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and then eight hundred miles overland to their destination in the Rocky mountains of Colorado. Passing through Denver then a straggling village containing about fifty sod houses, they at length reached their destination, but found that they were not equipped with the tools and machinery for successful mining and very soon gave up work of that character. Mr. Pifer found employment with a gardener at sixteen dollars per month and his board, but a few months convinced him that Ashland county was a more advantageous place in which to earn a living and he decided to return, taking the overland trail to Omaha, more than five hundred miles distant. On the way he and his companions encountered Indians, also saw buffaloes and all kinds of wild game, which added interest and excitement to the journey. The great Platte valley was then a vast waste but a trip made over the same route to Denver in 1907 opened to Mr. Pifer a panorama of fine farms and a magnificent city of beautiful and stately homes, while the abandoned gold fields had in the interim yielded millions.

Following his return to Ohio, Mr. Pifer resumed work at the carpenter's trade and was thus busily employed until October, 1862, when he became a member of Company I, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for about one year in the Union army, was with Grant at the siege of Vicksburg and met all the hardships and experineces meted out to the soldier. He returned to private life much broken in health, yet was fortunate in never having been wounded or taken prisoner, although he had many narrow escapes.

At the close of his military experience Mr. Pifer resumed work at the carpenter's trade and after a year took up farming which he followed in Orange township until his retirement, also working at intervals at carpentry. He has a well improved, and valuable tract of land of fifty acres which he brought under a high state of cultivation and which is improved with the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. He was active in the labors of the fields until 1907, when he left the work of the farm to others and removed to Nankin, feeling that the supervision of his farm gives him ample occupation.

In January, 1865, Mr. Pifer was married to Miss Martha J. Laughery, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Brandebery) Laughery, of Orange township, both of whom are now deceased. Six children were born of this union : Emory D. ; Charles D. ; Ora A,, the wife of George Johnson ; Rosetta, the wife of Charles Alexander; Gertrude; and Nettie V., now the wife of Clifton Bailey. Mr. Pifer has always taken an active interest in public matters relating to the welfare and progress of the community. He served the township as road supervisor and for a number of years was a member of the township board of education. He belongs to C. C. Ogden Post, No. 565, Grand Army of the Republic in which he has filled most all of the offices and frequently he attends the state and national encampments. In politics he is a republican and although in recent years he has not been active in the party works, he yet maintains that keen interest in the success of that political organization which was the mainstay of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. Mr. Pifer now enjoys a comfortable home in the village amid many friends whose confidence and respect he has in the highest degree.

George Cassel

George Cassel, a veteran of the Civil war, who was long identified with agricultural pursuits in Ashland county and is now living retired in enjoyment of rest which he has well earned and richly merits, was born in Orange township, this county, May 22, 1844, his parents being John and Margaret (Greiner) Cassel, both of whom were natives of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg. The father's birth occurred June 18, 1802, and in the place of his nativity he was reared and married, coming to Ohio about 1833 with his wife, three children and wife's parents. They drove across the country with wagons to Wayne county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cassel, however, remained for only about a year when they came to Ashland county, Mr. and Mrs. Greiner remaining in Wayne county. John Cassel settled in Orange township in what was then Richland county, purchasing eighty acres of land to the development and cultivation of which he gave his attention until his death, which occurred April 27, 1851. His wife was born May 8, 1812, and after the death of her first husband was married in 1861 to Valentine Heiffner, with whom she traveled life's journey for twenty years, when he too passed away. Her parents spent their last years in Wayne county, her father dying at the advanced age of eighty years, while her mother passed away at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Cassel also reached an old age, passing away in her ninetieth year, her death being occasioned by a fall.

Amid rural surroundings George Cassel spent his youth on the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools. Owing to his father's early death he started out in life on his own account when in his fourteenth year, being employed as a farm hand while his labors went to the support of his mother and her family. He watched with interest the progress of events that preceded the Civil war and in September, 1861, he offered his services to the government and was assigned to duty with Company C, Forty-second Ohio Infantry, with which he served for three years. He participated in the battles of Middle Creek, Kentucky ; Chickasaw Bluffs ; Arkansas Post ; Thompsons Hill, Mississippi ; Raymond, Mississippi ; Champion, Mississippi ; Black River Bridge, Mississippi ; the general assault on Vicksburg; Jackson, Mississippi; and many minor engagements. During his three years' service he sustained only a slight scalp wound, although he was frequently on the firing line when the enemies' bullets fell thick and fast around him. In October, 1864, after more than three years spent in defense of the Union, he was honorably discharged and returned home.

Mr. Cassel had previously worked to some extent at the carpenter's trade and he now took up carpentry and also purchased an interest in a threshing machine which he operated for two years. During that period he established a home of his own through his marriage on the 18th of January, 1866, to Miss Leah Shopbell of Orange township, Ashland county. Her parents were Jacob and Lydia Ann (Zigler) Shopbell, both natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, whence they came to Ashland county in 1833. Mrs. Shopbell 's parents removed to this county at an early period in its development and established their home in Orange township. There were thirteen members in the Shopbell family and eight in the Zigler family. On their arrival they purchased a farm on which was a small log cabin, and it was a considerable problem to know where they would put all of the members of two families to sleep. Daniel Shopbell, the grandfather of Mrs. Cassel, was a veteran of the Revolutionary war and for seven years fought for the independence of the country. He long lived to enjoy the fruits of liberty. He was a son of Eberhart Shopbell, who reached the venerable age of one hundred and four years, and who was in France during the time of the persecution of the Huguenots and saw his father and mother beheaded. He with eight others escaped in a small boat and were later picked up at sea by a vessel which brought them to this country. Jacob Shopbell, . the father of Mrs. Cassel, was a veteran of the war of 1812 and Mr. Cassel now has in his possession a powder horn which his father-in-law made the day before he started for the war and which he carried throughout his connection with the army. He too lived to a venerable age, passing away when in his ninety-sixth year.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cassel resided upon a rented farm for a year and in the succeeding year he purchased eighty acres of land which he continued to cultivate and improve for three years. He then removed to another residence but still remained in Orange township. There he conducted his farming and stock-dealing operations and also dealt extensively in farm lands, carrying on business with continued and gratifying success until March, 1904, when he rented his farm and removed to Ashland where he is now living retired. He still owns valuable farm property in Orange township, however, and from this derives a substantial annual income. In all of his agricultural interests he was very successful, both in the cultivation of the soil and in the raising of stock, as well as in the purchase and sale of the farm property, and as he prospered he gave a farm to each of his children.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cassel were born three sons and two daughters, of whom four are yet living: George Arthur, a farmer of Orange township; Elza T., also following agricultural pursuits in Orange township ; Catherine M., the wife of George Hiner of Ashland; and Margaret May, the wife of Thomas Reaser, also residing in Ashland. Always devoted to the welfare of his family, Mr. Cassel has found his greatest happiness in providing for the interests of his wife and children to whom he has been most generous. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Andrew Post, No. 132, G. A. R., in which he has filled various offices and is now a past commander. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for years he served on the board of elections, but otherwise he never desired to hold office, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his business affairs, which, capably managed, brought to him signal success. He has never been unmindful of his religious duties, however, and has long served as one of the trustees of the Trinity Lutheran church, in which both he and his wife hold membership.

Daniel C. Hiller

Daniel C. Hiller is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fine farm land in Milton township Ashland county in which vicinity he has spent his entire life, his birth having occurred in Ashland county, March 11, 1849. His parents, Jacob and Hannah (Ohl) Hiller, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in Lancaster, that state, in 1824, while the latter's birth occurred in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in 1826. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Hiller, Sr., came to Ohio in 1829 when his son, the father of Daniel C. Hiller, was but five years of age. He settled in Ashland county, where he entered the northeast quarter of section 34, on which he erected his home and raised his family. When this property came into the possession of Mr. Hiller it was little more than a wilderness, but by dint of untiring energy and unfaltering industry he cleared the ground and converted it into fertile fields that in turn yielded him rich harvests. The task of threshing at that time was indeed a crude and arduous one, for not yet had the modern agricultural implements for facilitating farm work been introduced into these regions, and Mr. Hiller's first wheat was tread out by a horse and cleaned by the wind. This wheat he sold for forty cents per bushel and he took his pay out in trade. But with all the difficulties and obstacles of this comparatively uncivilized country to contend with, he presevered and at last his efforts were crowned with success. When Jacob Hiller, Jr., became of age, he married Hannah Ohl and started out in business life for himself, settling upon a tract of eighty acres of land given to him by his father, which constituted a half of his father's original farm. Here he bent his energies to cultivating his fields and extending his possessions, and as the years passed he accumulated three hundred and eighteen acres of very choice land. He was a quiet man, preferring to devote his time and attention to his private business interests rather than enter actively into public affairs. He died in 1889 when sixty-five years of age. In his family were six children, Daniel C., Mrs. Vienna Saddler, Mrs. Lydia Hoover, Mrs. Lovina Hershey, John Franklin and Mrs. Emma J. Shamberger.

The eldest of this family, Daniel C. Hiller, was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education at the district schools, his youthful days being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. At the age of sixteen years, however, he turned his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits and since that time has been continuously engaged in this field of labor. He owns and operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he has lived since sixteen years of age, and the general appearance of this place speaks in unmistakable evidence of the thrift and progressiveness of the owner. He has not extended his efforts into other fields, but has confined himself to general farming, and in this line he has acquired most gratifying success.

In the year 1883 Daniel C. Hiller was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Saddler, a daughter of Philip Saddler, and unto them have been born three children, Hannah E., Tracy C. and Ruth M. All of these children have had a good common school education, while the two eldest received the advantages offered by a normal course at Ashland College. Mr. Hiller belongs to the Lutheran church and also holds membership with the Grangers, while he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. Although interested in the general welfare and upbuilding of the community, Mr. Hiller, like his father and grandfather before him, has taken no active part in public affairs, preferring rather to concentrate his energies upon his own personal business, which, carefully conducted, is proving a source of gratifying income,

After long and active connection with business affairs in Ashland county, James B. McAdoo is now living retired, merely giving his supervision to his farming interests in Sullivan township. He is a native of this township, his birth having occurred April 14, 1854, a son of William and Mary (Gordon) McAdoo, the former a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, while the latter claimed Harrison county, Ohio, as the place of her birth, her people removing to Ashland county when she was a little maiden of eleven years. The father came to Ashland county to visit a sister and being much pleased with the country decided to remain and to this end engaged in teaching a district school. He was a graduate of Bethany College in West Virginia. After being engaged in educational work for a time, William McAdoo learned the trade of a millwright and built many of the first mills of Ashland county and other sections of the state. It was while engaged in the erection of a mill in Holmes county that he met with an accident which resulted in his death and his widow was thus left in limited financial circumstances with a family of small children dependent upon her. As above stated, she was but eleven years old at the time her parents removed from Harrison to Ashland county, the journey being made by wagon. The family home was established on the land which is now owned by our subject. Mrs. McAdoo was accorded liberal educational advantages during the period of her girlhood and youth and prior to her marriage she engaged in teaching.

James B. McAdoo was but a young lad at the time of his father's death and as it was necessary that he assist his mother in the support of the family just as soon as old enough, his opportunity for attending school was very limited, the greater part of his time and attention being given to the duties of the little home farm. However, his mother having had considerable experience as a teacher, proved of great assistance to him in study at home and in that way he acquired a good English education, so that at the age of eighteen years he entered the profession and for twenty-two years thereafter he was numbered among Ashland county's most successful educators. In June, 1893, he abandoned the profession and engaged in merchandizing in Sullivan, conducting a very successful enterprise for fifteen years. In the meantime he invested his capital in farm lands and is now living retired, merely giving supervision to his farming property, for in the years of his active connection with business affairs he so capably managed his interests as to acquire a competency that now supplies him with all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

Mr. McAdoo was married December 16, 1877, the lady of his choice being Miss Iris Irene Rickets, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Shopbell) Rickets, who came to Ashland county from the Keystone state. The father was engaged in farming throughout his active connection with business interests and now at the age of eighty-seven years he is enjoying good health, being a strong and vigorous man. The mother, however, is deceased, her death occuring May 2, 1902. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. MteAdoo has been blessed with five children but two of the number are deceased. William, the eldest, wedded Eva Eversole and operates the homestead farm. They have two sons, Harold and Marshall. Ethyl is still under the parental roof. Frank is a dental student at Western Reserve University of Cleveland.

Politically Mr. McAdoo is a democrat, active in his support of the party and of all measures calculated to benefit the community. He has never been active as an office seeker, however, preferring to do his duty as a private citizen. He is identified with Sullivan Lodge, No. 313, F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs except that of master. He and his family are members of the Congregational church, of which Mr. McAdoo is serving as a trustee, while as a Sunday school worker he has been a superintendent for about thirty years. Iu this way he keeps in constant touch with the young people as they grow up around him and exerts a wider influence upon the community than falls to the lot of most men. Mrs. McAdoo is also an active and helpful worker in both the church and Sunday school. Their home bears every evidence of education, refinement and genuine hospitality and Mr. McAdoo finds his greatest social enjoyment at his own fireside where his family and intimate friends know him to be a delightful companion. He has spent his entire life in Ashland county and is therefore well known to our readers.

The growth of a city does not depend upon its machinery of government or even upon the men who fill its offices, but upon fbe enterprise and progressive spirit of the men who are controlling the veins and arteries of trade and traffic. As one of the prominent business men of Ashland, M. W. McCready well deserves representation in this volume. He is proprietor of a hardware store which is the visible evidence of his life of well directed strength and energy. Born in Ohio, the place of his nativity was Vermillion township, Ashland county, and the day, July 4, 1850-. He was one of the seven children of John and Sarah McCready, natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and Ashland county, Ohio, respectively. Robert McCready, the great-grandfather of our subject, came to the United States in 1772 from Scotland, his native land, and on his arrival worked for a time on a farm in New Jersey. He then went to York county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in teaching school until the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, when he took up arms for the cause of independence and served under General Washington. When liberty was won for the colonies he returned to York county, Pennsylvania and soon afterward removed to Washington county, that state, settling on a farm of three hundred and thirtytwo acres near Eldersville, now owned by his grandson, B. W. McCready. He was prominent and influential in his community and left the impress of his individuality upon public affairs. For many years he served as justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He was also county commissioner and was an elder in the Cross Creek Presbyterian church. When the country again became engaged in war with England he once more took up arms in defense of American interests and became a veteran of the war of 1812, serving as adjutant in the Lisbon Regiment. He was a man of commanding presence with a voice of unusual strength and power, and these qualities well fitted him for military command. He died in 1846 at the advanced age of ninety-four years, his remains being interred in Cross Creek cemetery, where an imposing monument has been erected to his memory. The McCready family through successive generations has numbered among its members noted educators and professional men. One of the ancestors was private secretary to Washington in the Revolutionary war. David McCready, the grandfather of M. W. McCready, came to Ashland county in pioneer times and here entered two farms, the deeds for which were signed by James Monroe and Andrew Jackson, respectively, and are both now in the possession of the subject of this review, although the land has passed out of the family.

John McCready, the father of M. W. McCready, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1811, and was reared there to his twenty-first year, when he came to Ashland county, Ohio, locating on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which had been entered by his father, and to which they added until the farm comprised three hundred and ten acres. It was situated in Vermillion township, adjoining the present Ashland County Infirmary farm on the west. He resided on that place throughout his entire life subsequent to his arrival in Ohio, and died in 1898 at the age of eighty-seven years. In politics he was a whig and republican, stanchly advocating the principles which he espoused but never seeking office as the reward of party fealty. His wife was the daughter of Daniel Carter, one of the first settlers of Ashland county, who arrived here in the days when Indians still inhabited this section of the state. He hewed his farm out of the virgin forest and passed through the hardships and privations of the early pioneers. In later years, however, his place had become so productive that it yielded abundant harvests and as time passed he prospered in his undertakings until he acquired eight hundred acres of valuable land. Unto John McCready and his wife were born seven children: David B., who died in Beaufort, North Carolina; James A., a farmer of Ashland county; M. W., of this review; Lucy, the wife of William Hull, also a resident of Ashland; Emaline, the widow of Samuel Sheets, of Richland county, Ohio ; Mary A., the wife of Dr. J. F. Johnston, of Perrysville ; and Sarah Ann, who died when seven years of age.

On the home farm M. W. McCready was reared and in the public schools acquired his early education, after which he attended Vermillion Institute and Greentown Academy. He was one of the youngest soldiers of the Civil war, enlisting when but thirteen years of age. He was large for his years, however, and he possessed the courage and valor equal to an old and time-tried veteran. He served with distinction during the period of hostilities as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-third Regiment of Ohio Infantry, and was with Grant in the army of the Potomac. In September, 1864, after his term of service had expired, he returned home.

At seventeen years of age Mr. McCready took up the profession of teaching as a vocation and for fifteen years was identified with educational work. His connection therewith, however, was not continuous, for at nineteen years of age he entered the mercantile field as a partner in a general store in Perrysville, Ohio. A year later he went to Tipton, Missouri, where for three years he was engaged in the boot and shoe business. He next wen* to Atchison, Kansas, where he accepted a position as bookkeeper in the wholesale grocery house of A. B. Symns. His health failing, he remained there only a year when he resigned and returned home. For fifteen years thereafter he operated his father's farm, comprising three hundred and ten acres of land, and during the winter months he engaged in teaching school. Reentering commercial circles in 1893, in that year he removed to Ashland, establishing an implement store, while three years later he extended the scope of his labors by also opening a hardware store. In the intervening years to the present time he has been one of the prominent factors in the hardware field in Ashland and he also continues to deal in im-* plements. In the years which he has spent in the county seat he has made his influence felt not only through his activity in commercial lines but also owing to the enterprise which he has displayed in matters of citizenship. When the right man was wanted to lead the city in the march of progress in securing public improvements, Mr. McCready was elected president of the board of trade, which organization was instrumental in having established the various industrial plants which have made Ashland one of the important productive industry centers of the state* No city of similar size can surpass Ashland in this regard and the result is largely due to the efforts of Mr. McCready who has worked untiringly for the benefit of the town.

In August, 1870, just after he had passed the twentieth anniversary of his birth, Mr. McCready was married to Miss Eunice E. Parkinson, of Perrysville, Ohio, and unto them have been born three sons and a daughter : Harry, who for many years was connected with the hardware business in Chicago and Cleveland, and is at present with the Prudential Life Insurance Company of Cleveland; Laura E., the wife of William Bockley, of Ashland; Alfred P., who has been connected as commercial salesman with several important hardware, paint and glass houses ; and Arthur L., who was with the Pittsburg Plate Glass Company for some years but is now with the Toledo Plate Glass Company in the capacity of commercial salesman.

Mr. McCready has been somewhat prominent in political circles and in 1903 was chosen by the republican party as its candidate for the mayorality, but the strong democratic majority and the saloon element, to which he was strongly opposed, caused his defeat. His position has never been an equivocal one. He always stands firm in support of what he believes to be right and throughout his life has been actuated by high and honorable principles. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and since his twenty-fifth year has served as an elder of the church, is also clerk of the session and chairman of the joint official board composed of the elders and trustees of the church. He belongs to the newly organized Ashland Commercial Club and is a member of the Board of Trade. Broad minded and public spirited, he is a factor for progress in various lines of advancement in Ashland, and his labors have accomplished important and farreaching results, contributing in no small degree to the expansion and commercial growth of the city, while from his labors he also has derived substantial benefits.

Samuel L. Arnold

Samuel L. Arnold, of the real-estate and insurance firm of S. L. Arnold & Son, is one of the most prominent financial factors of Ashland. His success in business lines has been grounded upon his excellent judgment and innate ability and the benefits which, through his activity, have accrued to this vicinity, are many. His birth occurred in Milton township, Ashland county, August 26, 1846, a son of Daniel and Parmelia (Anderson) Arnold, both of whom were natives of this county. They came here at an early day and were numbered among the pioneers of this region. When about four years of age the elder Mr. Arnold was taken in charge by an aunt, Mrs. Samuel Zigler, of Milton township, by whom he was reared to manhood and while under her care he was educated in the public schools and given advantage of a higher course of training in Savannah Academy. In 1868 his foster parents removed to this city, Mr. Arnold accompanying them, and it was here for a period of two terms he attended Savannah Academy, after his graduation teaching school during the winter of 1869-70. Not long after, his mother having been previously married to D. W. Whitmore, who was elected probate judge in 1869, Mr. Arnold was made deputy probate clerk and performed the duties of that office for six years. Upon resigning this office he served for two years with J. D. Jones, an attorney and ex-probate judge and ex-sheriff, with whom he performed the duties of clerk until he engaged in the boot and shoe business, with which he was identified for about three years. In 1881 Mr. Arnold was made deputy auditor and in the fall of 1884 was elected auditor of Ashland county. At the expiration of his first term he was reelected and in this capacity served for six years and ten months. During this period he also officiated as a member of the board of education and at the termination of his service as auditor he again engaged in the boot and shoe business, with which he was identified for about seven years, when in 1898, he formed a partnership with A. M. Kohler, to engage in the real-estate and insurance business, under the firm title of Arnold & Kohler. This connection existed until 1903, when it was dissolved. Mr. Arnold then took into partnership with him his son, John Edwards, the firm name then becoming S. L. Arnold & Son, under which the company is now doing business.

Mr. Arnold's administrative and executive abilities are widely acknowledged and in 1901 he was made secretary of the Ashland Building & Loan Company and still performs the duties of that responsible position. He has also served as a director in the Ashland Board of Trade.