Ashland City (part 16 of 57)

Mr. Arnold was united in marriage, on April 4, 1871, to Miss Amanda Bryte, a native of this county, and to them have been born four children : J ohn Edwards; Emma S., the wife of H. B. Van Osdall, a furniture dealer of this city; Ross, deceased; and Gail Bryte, the wife of Ray C. Ash, a practicing physician and surgeon of this place. Mr. Arnold belongs to Mohican Lodge, No. 85 ; Ashland Encampment, No. 130 ; and Canton Ashland, No. 41, I. 0. O. F. He was elected first captain of the Canton and later was elected major of the First Battalion of the Third Regiment. His religious affiliations are with that denomination of Christians known as the Disciples of Christ, having been a member of that body since his fourteenth year, and for almost thirty-eight consecutive years he served as superintendent of the Sunday school, only recently having resigned that responsible position. A democrat in politics, he is a strong advocate of the policies advanced by the party and is a loyal supporter of its candidates. His business ability and financial success have given him high standing in the commercial circles of the city and his excellent character has always enabled him to maintain the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.

John Edwards Arnold

John Edwards Arnold, the eldest son of Samuel Arnold and junior member of the real-estate and insurance firm of S. L. Arnold & Son, was born in Ashland April 13, 1872, and has thus far in his career served as an efficient factor in enhancing the worth of the enterprise with which he is affiliated. He acquired his preliminary educational training in the public schools of Ashland, subsequently completing a course of study at Bethany College, West Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Immediately upon completing his education he was employed in the office of F. E. Myers & Brother until 1894, when for a period of one year he was engaged by the Kentucky Union Land Company, surveying coal and timber property in the Kentucky mountains. Upon returning to this place he again entered the employ of F. E. Myers & Brother, with whom he remained until April, 1903, when he became associated in business with his father, with whom he remained until the fall of 1904 when he engaged with his father-in-law, D. A. Phillips, in the contracting business, and they have since been executing extensive contracts in street paving and grading work, having also been engaged in the partitioning, grading and paving of the property of the John Sherman estate in Mansfield, Ohio, which was a large contract requiring considerable time to complete. Mr. Arnold, however, still retains his interest in the real-estate and insurance firm operating as S. L. Arnold & Son.

In 1898 Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Helen B. Phillips, a daughter of D. A. Phillips and they have one child, Lois P. Mr. Arnold has wide fraternal relations and is a member of Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. 0. 0. F., Ashland Encampment, No. 130, and Canton Ashland, No. 41, I. 0. O. F., having been captain of the latter since 1901. He and his wife are members of the Disciples of Christ, in which church they are energetic workers and Mr. Arnold, being a thriving young business man of excellent character and superior judgment, deserves the prosperity with which he is surrounded. In the estimation of those who know him he holds a high place as one of the city's enterprising and aggressive business factors.

William Whitfield Moore

The success of William Whitfield Moore is such as to make the principles which have guided his actions in commercial fields of interest to the business world. Through well defined lines of labor he has reached a position as one of the leading dry-goods merchants of Ashland, being now second member of the firm of Brubaker, Moore & Mayner. One of the native sons of this city, his birth occurred October 26, 1858, his parents being Moses B. and Mary (Hunter) Moore. The father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1831, and with his parents came to Ashland in his boyhood days. His father, Samuel Moore, located on a farm in Mifflin township, which he purchased soon after his arrival in the early '30s, and his remaining days were spent in the development and improvement of that property. Not caring to devote his life to agricultural pursuits, Moses B. Moore learned the carpenter's trade and for many years was actively and prominently identified with building interests in Ashland, where he died in 1894. His wife, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, was a daughter of William Hunter, who served with the famous Captain Jack in the war of 1812, while later his widow drew a pension for several years in recognition of the military aid which he had rendered the country. Their daughter, Mrs. Moore, survived her husband for a few years and passed away in 1897. In the family of Moses B. and Mary (Hunter) Moore were six children, of whom five are yet living, namely: May B., the wife of Dr. J. B. Buchanan, of Fort Recovery, Ohio; Charles D., who is employed in his brother's store ; Frank S., who is a silent partner in the firm of George Little & Company, dealers in wall paper at Cleveland, Ohio; Harry H., who is with the Ashland Hardware Company ; and William Whitfield, of this review.

The last named was reared in Ashland, where he has always made his home. Entering the public schools at the usual age, he passed through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school, while later he spent one term as a pupil in a business college at Adrian, Michigan. He returned from college at the age of fifteen years in debt to the sum of two hundred and ten dollars for his schooling, which had been advanced him by Judge Osborn, in whose office he had worked in his early boyhood. He then sought a position with the intention of early discharging this indebtedness and entered the employ of Brubaker Brothers, acting as salesman in the store for seven or eight years, during which time he gave ample proof of his ability, fidelity and enterprise. That he won the confidence and approval of the firm is indicated by the fact that after seven or eight years he was admitted to a partnership and during the various changes which have since occurred he has remained to the present as one of the active factors in the management and successful control of this business and has long been regarded as one of the most prominent, worthy and successful merchants of Ashland. The firm today owns and controls an extensive and well equipped store, carrying a large line of goods and enjoying a liberal patronage, owing to their reasonable prices and straightforward business methods.

Mr. Moore has been married twice. In 1884 he wedded Miss Mary Ebert, of Ashland, who died in 1893, leaving a son, Tierney Ebert Moore, who is now employed in his father's store. In October, 1902, Mr. Moore wedded Miss Jennie C. Pearson, a daughter of Ora Pearson, of Indianapolis, Indiana, ana a granddaughter of Michael Miller, a pioneer hotel proprietor of Ashlana There were two children born of the second marriage but only one, William Pearson, is now living.

In his political views Mr. Moore is a stalwart republican, voting for the party since casting his first presidential ballot and at all times laboring earnestly in legitimate lines for its success, yet never has he allowed his name to be used in connection with a candidacy for any office. He belongs to Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. 0. 0. F., and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. For the past seven years he has been a member of the Ashland cemetery board and in the social circles of the city he is likewise prominent and popular. He was one of the active spirits in the organization of the Commercial Club, of which he has recently been elected president and he is likewise a member of the Colonial Club, of Ashland. There has been no movement for the advancement and upbuilding of the town during the period of his manhood which he has not endorsed and to which he has not given active and helpful support. Starting out in life for himself at the age of fifteen, handicapped by an indebtedness, he early displayed the elemental strength of his character in the willingness with which he performed every task assigned him and in his adaptability, perseverance and energy. These qualities have enabled him to make steady progress and today no citizen of Ashland is more valued or more respected than William Whitfield Moore.

Joseph Benjamin Beninghof

The roster of county officials in Ashland county bears the name of Joseph Benjamin Beninghof, who is now capably filling the position of sheriff. He is also well known in business circles by reason of the bakery business. He was born in Mifflin, Ashland county, February 28, 1858, of the marriage of Jacob and Mary L. (Ritzheim) Beninghof, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, born in 1804, came to the United States in 1836, attracted by the favorable reports which he had heard concerning the business opportunities of the new world. He located in Wooster, Ohio, where he was married in 1838, and in the same year he came to Ashland county, taking up his abode on a farm in Vermillion township. Five years later he removed to Mifflin township where he resided up to the time of his death, on the 7th of April, 1877. He was a democrat in his political views and in religious faith was a member of the Lutheran church. His wife who was born November 3, 1814, came to the United States on the same vessel on which Jacob Beninghof was making the voyage. They became acquainted on the trip and the friendship thus formed eventually led to their marriage. The death of Mrs. Beninghof occurred May 3, 1890.

The youthful days of Joseph Benjamin Beninghof were passed on the home farm and he acquired his education in the district schools. At twentyr two years of age he began farming on his own account and for eight years continued to cultivate rented land. In the spring of 1888 he removed to Ashland and accepted a position in a produce house with which he was identified for four years. He then accepted a position in the machine shops of the Myers Pump Works, and for sixteen years he was identified with this industry, during fifteen years of which time he did contracting in the shops. He then left there and declared himself a candidate for the office of sheriff of Ashland county. With three opponents in the field he was nominated by a good majority, and at the election had no opponent. In September, 1908, following his nomination, he purchased a half interest in the bakery business with which he is now connected. He has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and is recognized as one of its leaders in this locality.

On the 3d of November, 1886, Mr. Beninghof was married to Miss Ada A. Mercer, a daughter of Levi Mercer, of Ashland, and unto them were bom a son and two daughters, Guy M., Helen L. and Marcia M. The son is a graduate of the Ashland high school and of Berkey & Dyke Business College of Cleveland, and is now employed as clerk in the office of his father.

Mr. Beninghof is a member of the Lutheran church. He is also connected with the Masonic Lodge, No. 151, at Ashland ; with Chapter .No. 67, R. A. M. ; Montgomery Lodge, No. 355, K. P. ; Excelsior Camp, No. 3287, M. W. A. ; Home Aerie, No. 792, P. O. E. ; Copus Council, No. 60, Jr., O. A. M. ; and Ashland Lodge, No. 178, Protected Home Circle. As sheriff of the county his official services are giving uniform satisfaction while his business record has won for him the favorable regard of all.

Hon. Sparks Bird

There are comparatively few men who can claim as long a continuous residence in this locality as can Hon. Sparks Bird, who was born June 23, 1835, on the farm in Lake township which is now his home. At that time this section of Ashland county was a part of Wayne county and it bore many evidences of frontier life, for there were many sections on which the native forests had not been cut while the homes were log cabins or small frame dwellings. His parents were Sparks and Eliza (Long) Bird, both natives of Pennsylvania. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Colonel James Bird, a son of Edward Bird, who was a native of Scotland, born March 10, 1725. He came to

Mr. And Mrs. Sparks Bird

America in July, 1747, and established himself in business in Philadelphia as a merchant. In 1748 he married Sarah Hippen and afterward removed to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. In 1755 he entered the colonial service to lay out the public road from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to the Ohio river. He served as a captain in Braddock's campaign in that year, for the French and Indian war was then in progress, and in 1756 he built Fort Grandoillet and was in command of Fort Augusta later in that year. On the 3d of December, 1757, he was promoted to the colonelcy of the Augusta regiment and commanded the Second Battallion of General Forbes' army in the expedition against the French and Indians at Fort Duquesne, now Pittsburg. In 1759 he was sent by Colonel Bouquet with a detachment of two hundred soldiers to complete the cutting of the Braddock road east of Uniontown, down the Redstone valley of the Monongahela river near the present site of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. He remained in the colonial military service until the Americans, aroused by the restraint of their liberties on the part of the British government, rose in rebellion, and he took an active part in the ensuing conflict. Hostilities were inaugurated in April, 1775, and on the 18th of September of that year he was commissioned colonel of the Fourth Battallion of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and during the following year served with his command in New Jersey, covering the retreat of the patriot army. He valiantly aided the cause of independence, making a splendid record as a brave and honored soldier.

The grandparents of Sparks Bird were John and Cassandra (Johnson) Bird, the former a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Dauphin county, that state. On their removal westward they located first in Ohio but subsequently went to Illinois where their last days were passed. He was a member of St. Clair's army during his campaign in the western part of the state, John Bird was killed by a three-year old colt which he was breaking, when eighty-five years of age. His wife also died in Illinois. She was a daughter of Colonel Richard Johnson who was born in 1743 and served as colonel in the Revolutionary war while his last days were passed in Jefferson county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Bird were born the following children : Reason; Sparks; Johnson; Mrs. Ann Drummond; Frederick, who died in childhood; William, who died in this county at the age of sixty-four years; Mrs. Elizabeth McClurg; Maria Ora; Mrs. Fannie Cochrane; John; and Thomas, who enlisted from Illinois in the Union army and died in the Civil war. He also had a son, Johnson Bird, in the service.

Sparks Bird, Sr., was bora in Washington county, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1796, and in 1799 accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Jefferson county, Ohio, residing with them until eighteen years of age, when he started out in life on his own account. He made his way to Wooster, Ohio, where he joined his uncle, General Rezin Bell, in whose employ he engaged in plowing on the present site of some of the best buildings of Wooster. For three years he remained in the service of General Bell and in 1818 arrived in Ashland county, then a part of Wayne county, and entered from the government the farm upon which his son now resides, securing one hundred and sixty acres constituting the southeast quarter of section 7, Lake township. He was in Michigan for six months surveying and when returning home on Lake Erie was driven ashore in a snow storm and all were nearly drowned and frozen, but happily all escaped. He afterward returned to the east and was employed in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and in Jefferson county, Ohio, until 1822, when he again came to Ashland county. Here he cleared a small tract of land and planted an orchard after which he again went to Pennsylvania. On his return to this county he was accompanied by his brother William and made permanent settlement here in 1823, continuing his residence in Lake township until his death, which occurred July 6, 1884. In 1833 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Long, who was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. She died, however, June 23, 1835, at the birth of their son Sparks. In 1840 the father married Charlotte Austin, who died in December, 1860. In 1864 he wedded Rachel Finley who passed away in 1882. There were two children of the first marriage : Sarah Ann, who became the wife of Ithamar Covert and died in 1896 on a farm adjoining the old homestead ; and Sparks, of this review.

As Sparks Bird was an only son he remained at home with his parents and assisted in the operation of the farm until he had reached the age of thirty-six years. His education was acquired in the early schools of the county and in his youth he was trained to habits of industry and economy which in later years brought forth rich fruit. He left Ohio in 1871 and went to Bourbon county, Kansas, where he purchased four hundred acres of land and carried on farming until 1874. He then returned, after selling his farm, and has since lived in the neighborhood of his present home. Here he has one hundred and thirty acres of rich and productive land on section 7, Lake township. It is a well improved property with good buildings, all of which have been erected by Mr. Bird. His residence is a commodious one built in an attractive style of architecture and the barns and sheds furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. Mr. Bird carries On general farming in which he meets with substantial success and he is also the president of the Mutual Fire & Lightning Insurance Company of Holmes county which was organized in 1878 and which now carries seven million dollars in risks. Mr. Bird has been the president for the last ten or twelve years and the success of the company is attributable in no small degree to his efforts and capable management. He has also done considerable probate business, settling many estates and is one of the trustees of the Children's Orphans Home of Ashland county. He is eminently practical in all that he does whether in the public service or in the control of his private business affairs and his labors have brought him richly merited success.

On the 10th of September, 1857, Mr. Bird was united in marriage to Miss Mary Finley, who was born December 13, 1837, in Lake township, a daughter of John and Sarah (Beard) Finley. Her death occurred April 13, 1870. There were six children of this marriage: Charlotte, who is employed in the library of the State University at Ann Arbor, Michigan; John E., who died in Loudonville in June, 1905, at which time he was serving as village clerk; Edwin S., a twin brother of John, who died in Ashland in 1888, just after taking the oath of office for a second term as county recorder; William, who died on the home farm in April, 1906 ; Sarah, the wife of George Heffelfinger, of Mohican township; and Mrs. Nora Crow, a widow residing in Loudonville. On the 30th of April, 1871, Mr. Bird was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary

Siess, a native of Mohican township and a daughter of Frederick W. Siess. They have three children : Frederick, of Mohican ; Burton, living in Lake township; and Lilly, the wife of John Lavengood, who resides upon her father's farm in a second residence which stands on that place.

Mr. Bird has led a busy and useful life and the only interruption to his active connection with farming interests came at the time of the Civil war when, in response to the country's call for troops to aid in the preservation of the Union, he enlisted on the 1st of October, 1862, as a member of Company E, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Dan Timmons. On the 4th of June, 1864, he was transferred to the Fourth Ohio Veteran Battallion and was mustered out as sergeant major at Columbus, July 19, 1865. He took part in many important engagements including the battle of ChancellorSville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, the Wilderness, the sixty days campaign to Fredericksburg and to Petersburg. He was also in the battle of Cold Harbor, the siege of Petersburg and the engagements at Deep Bottom and Hatchers Run. He was also present at the time of the surrender of Appomatox which brought the war to a victorious close. He had been wounded at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864, and was in the field hospital for a time but as soon as possible returned to active duty. At length he received an honorable discharge and two days after his return was again in the harvest field where he cradled wheat and barley. He is now a member of Fisher Post, G. A. R., of Loudonville and the present commander. He also belongs to Loudonville Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party until 1873 since which time he has voted with the democracy and for the past four years has served as assessor of Lake township ; which position he is still acceptably filling. His life record in all of its various phases has been a most creditable one. He has been a most busy man and a useful factor in the community by reason of his association with the public service and with measures and movements relative to the public good. His personal worth and his progressive citizenship both entitle him to an honorable representation in this volume.

William Henry Brubaker

William Henry Brubaker, of the Ashland Hardware Company, the principal establishment of its kind in the city, is widely recognized as a representative and successful business man. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, March 14, 1862, his parents being Daniel and Anna (Barr) Brubaker, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and in early life went with their respective parents to Richland county, Ohio. The Barr family subsequently came to Ashland county, where the mother of our subject was living at the time of her marriage to Daniel Brubaker. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker located on a farm near Fleming's Falls, on which the father resided until called to his final rest in 1866. The mother then took up her abode in Milton township, Ashland county, where she owned a farm, and made her home

William Henry Brubaker was reared under the parental roof and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. At the early age of sixteen years he began his mercantile career as a clerk in the hardware store of Beer & Sheets, of Ashland, and though the concern underwent various changes, he steadily continued in its employ and in 1883 became a partner of W. A. Beer under the firm style of W. A. Beer & Company. In 1887, there was another change in proprietorship and Mr. Brubaker and H. A. Thomas became the partners in the enterprise, conducting business under the firm name of Brubaker & Thomas. In 1893 the Ashland Hardware Company was organized by Mr. Brubaker, J. W. Lemon and L. M. Helbert, while on the 1st of January, 1908, C. R. Winbigler purchased the interest of Mr. Helbert. The store is one of the most modern and best conducted establishments of its kind in any city of the size of Ashland in the entire state and the success which has attended the enterprise is attributable in large measure to the unflagging industry, keen discrimination and excellent business ability of him whose name initiates this review.

Mr. Brubaker has been married twice. In 1883 he wedded Miss Maggie Stahlhaver, of Ashland, Ohio, by whom he had three sons, two of whom survive, Harry E. and Carl M., both at home. In 1895, Mr. Brubaker was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife and later he was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna Reaser, of Ashland.

In his political views Mr. Brubaker is a stalwart democrat and has served for four years as a member of the city council. He is at present a member of the board of cemetery directors and also belongs to the volunteer fire department of this city, acting as treasurer of the organization. Fraternally he is connected with Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., Ashland Chapter, R. A. M., and is likewise a member of the Colonial Club of this city and of the recently organized Ashland Commercial Club. In all life's relations he has been true to his obligations and duties and is greatly esteemed in Ashland, where he has lived for many years.

In a history of the medical profession in Ashland, it is imperative that mention be made of Dr. D. S. Sampsel, inasmuch as his ability, energy and laudable ambition has carried him into important relations with the public in this connection. The spirit of progress has characterized his entire record and his close study and broad experience have made him a most capable practitioner. A native of Stark county, Ohio, he was born in Nimishills township, on the 17th of April, 1848, his parents being David S. and Lydia (Brown) Sampsel, natives of Columbiana and Stark counties, respectively. The father was born in 1821 and represented one of the old families of Columbiana county, into which his parents removed on leaving their old home in Union county, Pennsylvania.

David S. Sampsel, Sr., was one of five brothers, all of whom were physicians, and at one time there were forty-two members of the medical fraternity in the family. The brothers of Dr. David S. Sampsel, Sr., were : Dr. Nicholas Sampsel, of Delaware, Ohio; Dr. J. B. F. Sampsel, of Ashland; Dr. P. W. Sampsel, of Elyria, Ohio; and Dr. William Henry Sampsel. All are now deceased, the last named having died in California.

In the county of his nativity Dr. D. S. Sampsel, Sr., read medicine under the direction of Dr. Beymer and later was graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. He entered upon active practice in Louisville, Stark county, Ohio, and was there married. Subsequently he, removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained for a short time and then went to Oskaloosa, Iowa, but in 1851 returned to this state and located in Ashland, where he remained in active practice for a period of forty-four years, or until the time of his demise, which occurred December 10, 1893. He was an able and learned man not only in the strict path of his profession but in other lines of knowledge as well. In early life he read law, was admitted to the bar and engaged in practice for two years. He was an able public speaker, possessing marked oratorical power and was always active in the ranks of the democracy, not only addressing the public upon the issues of the day during campaigns, but also serving in various official positions. For three terms he was mayor of Ashland and gave to the city a business-like administration characterized by reform and progress. In all of his work in behalf of the municipality he was practical and his labors proved resultant factors. Under his administration the first street paving was done and stone sidewalks were laid. There has probably never been a citizen in Ashland who has done more real valuable service for the city than Dr. Sampsel. He was also spoken of as the most active resident that Ashland has ever had and his record was at all times an honor and credit to the county which honored him. Highly gifted by nature, he used his native talents and acquired ability for the benefit of his fellowmen and for the adoption of higher ideals in all those departments of activity which constitute essential factors in the public life. At the time of the Civil war, constrained by a spirit of lofty patriotism, he put aside all business and personal considerations and went to the front as captain of Company K, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was injured while crossing the river on a log at the battle of Bull Run and was therefore compelled to resign, after which he returned home and resumed his professional duties in Ashland. He was several times a candidate for congress on the democratic ticket but the republican strength in this county has always been too great to permit of the election of democratic candidates. In all personal relations he was honored and respected by all who knew him and he still has a firm hold upon the affections of those who knew him in life, for by them his memory is cherished and the recollection of his good work remains as an inspiration to all who were associated with him. Four of his sons followed in his professional footsteps, namely: Dr. D. S. Sampsel of this review; Dr. J. B. F. Sampsel, now deceased; Dr. W. H. Sampsel, living in Ashland; and Dr. C. B. Sampsel, of Chicago, Illinois.

In taking up the personal history of Dr. D. S. Sampsel, whose name introduces this record, we present to our readers one who, like his honored father, is widely and favorably known in Ashland. Reared at home, he continued his education through successive grades until he became a high-school student here and later spent two years in Notre Dame College, of Indiana. In February, 1864, prior to his sixteenth year, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was immediately dispatched with his regiment to Richmond, Virginia, arriving in time to take part in that engagement. He served for one year and was then honorably discharged at the close of the war, after which he returned home. In 1870 he took up the study of medicine under the direction of his father and Dr. S. Glass, who were then practicing in partnership, under the firm style of Sampsel & Glass. In further pursuit of a professional education, he entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1871 and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1874. Returning home, he practiced for five years in partnership with his father, after which they severed their business relations and Dr. Sampsel of this review established an independent practice. He is today one of the leading physicians of Ashland county, with comprehensive knowledge of the principles of medical science and at all times correct in his application thereof to the needs of his patients. He continues his researches along medical lines with the result that his powers are constantly expanding and, as he demonstrates his ability, his patronage is continually growing.

On the 20th of September, 1897, Dr. Sampsel was married to Miss Edith A. Striekler, of Salem. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he served for six years as health officer of Ashland, while for the past twelve years he has been president of the United States pension examining board at this point. Fraternally he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in both organizations has held office. He was also formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge but is not affiliated therewith at the present time. In more strictly professional lines he is connected with the Ashland County Medical Society and his standing among the members of the medical fraternity is indicated by the fact that he was for two years honored with the presidency.

Harry S. Kauffman

Harry S. Kauffman, secretary and treasurer of the Kauffman Manufacturing Company and a potent factor in making this one of the leading industrial concerns of the town, was born June 30, 1873, in Ashland, a son of Jacob J. Kauffman, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of John E. Kauffman. Reared at home he acquired his educatiou in the public schools and also pursued a business course in the Ashland College and in the Oberlin Business College, becoming thus well qualified to meet the onerous duties of commercial life. From his eighteenth year he has held a position in the office of the Kauffman Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of bed springs. The enterprise is now an extensive one and with the business Harry S. Kauffman became familiar in every detail, so that he was well qualified to assume the duties of secretary and treasurer when he was admitted to a partnership in 1901 and the company was reorganized and made a stock company. His official connection has remained unchanged to the present time. The business discernment and enterprise of the young men who are now at its head have made it a growing and important industry, the trade relations of which are constantly expanding. The produce of the firm now finds a ready sale on the market and the business management of th^ house is a factor in the constantly increasing trade.

In 1894 Mr. Kauffman was married to Miss Ethel Bentz, a daughter of William Bentz of Ashland, who is now a commercial salesman for a Cleveland house. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman have been born a son and daughter, William J. and Helen. The parents are members of the Christian church and Mr. Kauffman is a republican in his political views. In all that he does and in every relation of life, he is actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress that enables him to overcome obstacles and difficulties that would seem an unsurmountable barrier to others. He forms his plans carefully and is determined in their execution and thus he has been recognized as one of the valued and representative men in manufacturing lines in his native city.

Jerry R. Poorman

Jerry R. Poorman, who was formerly actively identified with agricultural and stock-raising interests in Jackson township, is now living retired in Polk, save for the supervision which he gives to his farm. His birth occurred in Stark county, Ohio, April 19, 1843, his parents being George and Nancy (Oberlin) Poorman, also natives of the Buckeye state. In pioneer days both the paternal and maternal grandparents came to this state from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, entered land from the government and aided in the worK of early development and improvement here. They were people of limited financial circumstances but of determined, resolute spirit and succeeded in establishing homes on the frontier. George Poorman died when his son, Jerry R., was little more than three years of age, leaving a widow and five children, the latter being thus thrown upon their own resources at an early age. In 1863 the members of the family took up their abode in Jackson township, where they purchased a farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits.

In his youthful days Jerry R. Poorman obtained such an education as the district schools afforded but has become a well informed man through reading, observation and experience in later years. Subsequent to his marriage, which occurred when he was twenty-three years of age, he continued as a successful representative of farming interests in Jackson township until 1895. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he was also engaged in the breeding of fine horses for a number of years and likewise bought and shipped stock. In 1895 he practically retired from the work of the fields and removed to Polk, where he has since lived in the enjoyment of well earned rest, though he still gives general supervision to his farming interests.

On the 15th of November, 1866, Mr. Poorman was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Oxander, a daughter of Peter and Eliza (Fox) Oxander, of Jackson township. By this union there is one son, Marion O., who is married and is engaged in general merchandising at Redhour, Ashland county.

A stalwart democrat in his political views, Mr. Poorman is well known as one of the active workers of the party in Ashland county. In early manhood he served for a number of years as trustee of Jackson township and in 1908 was again elected to this office, so that he is now the incumbent. For about twelve years he has likewise been a member of the township board of education, the cause of public instruction ever finding in him a stanch champion. He has also served on the county central committee and has frequently been a delegate to county, district and state conventions. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Reformed church, in which he has acted as an elder for forty years, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His interest in public affairs is deep and sincere and is manifest in substantial cooperation which he has given to plans and measures for the public good. He is widely recognized as a man of sterling worth, justly meriting the trust and confidence which are uniformly extended him, and his life is also an excellent illustration of the fact that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously and that earnest, persistent labor constitutes an excellent foundation upon which to build the superstructure of prosperity.

Dr. Robert Carson Kinnaman, whose ability places him with the leading physicians and surgeons of Ashland, while his life has been in contradistinction to the old adage, that "A prophet is never without honor save in his own country/ ' was born in this city, December 29, 1848, his parents being Dr. Jacob W, and Harriet (Carson) Kinnaman. The father's birth occurred in the village of Ellsworth, Mahoning county, Ohio, in October, 1815. He was there reared and after completing his literary education took up the study of medicine, entering the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, from which he was graduated in the class of 1847. Six years prior to that time, however, he had read medicine under a preceptor and thus his private study and his college course well equipped him for the onerous duties of the profession. His brother, who had been a practicing physician in Wood county, Ohio, died, and Dr. Jacob W. Kinnaman then went to that county to look after his practice. The district was largely wild and undeveloped and every family of the locality suffered from malaria, so that the Doctor was 'obliged to make a daily run of visits on a route of twenty miles with a relay of ponies. His arduous work began telling upon his health and he therefore returned east to Richland county, Ohio, where he practiced for some time and then entered college. After his graduation in 1847 he came to Ashland county and spent his remaining days here, but the exposure and hardships which he had undergone while in Wood county undoubtedly undermined his health and was the occasion of his com- paratively early death in 1874, when he was fifty-nine years of age. He was a skilled physician and became one of the leading practitioners of his section. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him a member of the Ashland city council.

In his parents' home Dr. Robert Carson Kinnaman spent his youthful days and the Ashland public schools afforded him his educational privileges. When a youth of sixteen years he began reading medicine under the direction of his father and in the fall of 1868 was matriculated in the Cincinnati College of Medicine & Surgery, from which he was graduated in the class of 1873. In 1870 his father failed in health and was compelled to go to California, at which time Dr. Robert Kinnaman took up his father's practice and not until his parent's return did he resume his college course. On its completion he was offered the position of demonstrator of anatomy in the college but on account of the ill health of his father he returned home and as a consequence the course of his professional life was changed. The father died soon afterward and Dr. Robert Carson Kinnaman took up his practice and has since devoted his time and energies to the arduous work of the profession in this city. He is one of

Ashland 's most skilled and successful practitioners, specializing in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. For the past ten years he has made annual trips to New York and Chicago where he spends some time in the hospitals and in pursuing special courses of study. In this way he has kept fully abreast with the advancement in medical science and his reading and research have given him intimate knowledge of the learning of the profession.

In 1876 Dr. Kinnaman was married to Miss Margaret Smith, a daughter of David Smith, now deceased, who for many years was a well known tanner of this city. The only child of Dr. and Mrs. Kinnaman is Guy Carson Kinnaman, M. D., a graduate of the University of Chicago and of the Rush Medical College of the class of 1902. Following his graduation he was made head of the bacteriological department in the Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, which position he resigned in 1908. He is a member of the faculty as professor of skin diseases in the Polyclinic and was offered a position in the College of Physicians and Surgeons which he refused. He has recently, however, accepted a position on the staff of the Deaconess Hospital. He has made rapid strides in his profession and is tapidly forging to the front among the eminent representatives of the medical fraternity in Chicago.

Dr. Kinnaman belongs to Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M. ; Ashland Chapter, No. 41, R. A. M. ; and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T. He is* likewise a member of the Congregational church. His political views are in accord with the principles of the democracy and he has served as a member of the city council and was for a number of years a member of the board of education. At all times he has desired the improvement of his native city and has cooperated in many movements pertaining to the general welfare. In strictly professional lines he is connected with the Ashland Medical Society and with the Ohio State Medical Association, as well as with the Sixth District Medical Association, composed of members of the medical fraternity in eight counties, and the American Medical Association. He is also a member of the society of

Erie Railroad Surgeons and is surgeon for the Erie Railroad. Everything which tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life is of interest to him and his reading has been wide and varied, bringing him into close relations with the most progressive methods of the profession.

George W. Pixley

George W. Pixley, who is prominent in the commercial circles of Nova, being identified with an extensive harness and shoemaking business, was born in Rochester township, Lorain county, Ohio, April 22, 1852, a son of Willard and Lydia A. (Smith) Pixley, his father a native of New York state and his mother of Vermont. From Buffalo, New York, Willard Pixley went to Cleveland on the first steamer making that trip on Lake Erie, He settled in Sandusky, where for several years he engaged in the hotel business and upon leaving which occupation he went to Lorain county where he followed agricultural pursuits. There he met the young Voman who became his wife on May 6, 1846. Subsequently he removed to Orange township, this county, where he followed general farming and stock-raising, until he entered into rest in January, 1865, his wife surviving him twenty-seven years. He was a highly respected man throughout the community* and his noble qualities won him the confidence of all with whom he came in contact.

On his father's farm George W. Pixley was reared, engaging in the daily routine of agricultural life during the summer months and attending the district schools in the winter season. Remaining at home until thirty years of age, he then was apprenticed to a harness maker by the name of N. J. Cresson, of Nova, and in one year became familiar with the business and bought out the interests of his employer, who subsequently worked for him. In this business he continued here until 1887 when he removed to Republic, Seneca county, where he established himself in the same enterprise which he conducted for three years, at the expiration of which time, in the year 1890, he returned to this place where he has since resided, actively engaged in harness and shoemaking. He is an expert mechanic and being familiar with every phase of the business his workmanship is of such a character as to have won him a wide reputation and liberal patronage.

On November 25, 1876, Mr. Pixley was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Peters, a daughter of William Peters, Sr., a prominent farmer of Orange township, who departed this life in 1906. They had one son, Leon W., who is engaged in farming in this township. The mother entered into eternity in October of the year 1879. In June 1881, Mr. 'Pixley wedded Miss Eliza C. Beck, daughter of George and Delilah (Miller) Beck, whose father is largely identified with the agricultural interests of this county. To this union have been born three children, namely: Edwin C. ; Ina, who became the wife of Clinton W. Holbrook; and Glen W. In politics Mr. Pixley is a republican, and being active in affairs of his party he has been frequently chosen as its representative at a number of conventions. For eighteen years he has been clerk of his township and his long years of service in this capacity bear ample evidence of his usefulness and excellent reputation. He has also been a member of the school board for a number of years, of which body he is now president, and is one of the greatest agitators of improvements along educational lines. Mr. Pixley belongs to Council No. 235, Junior Order of United American Mechanics of Nova, was made first councilor at the organization of the lodge and since that time has filled most of the chairs and officiated at the initiation of the majority of those who have obtained membership in the order. For diversion he resorts to fishing and hunting, being very fond of roaming the woods in search of game, and he has in his posession an old shotgun given him by his grandfather when he was fourteen years of age on his promise that he would not part with it while he lived, the gun originally having been an old flint-lock musket which had been brought from England. Being a public-spirited citizen he favors public improvements, especially good roads and schools, and is always ready to further every movement which has for its object the betterment of the community. He is among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the town, and one of its most substantial business men.

Dr. W. M. McClellan, whose ability and standing in professional circles are indicated by the liberal patronage accorded him in his practice of medicine and surgery in Ashland, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, August 22, 1857. His parents, Wilson and Elizabeth (Marshall) McClellan, were also natives of this state, the former born in Wayne county and the latter in Savannah, Ashland county. The father spent his entire life in the county of his nativity, devoting his energies to the occupation of farming, and died when his son, Dr. McClellan, was only a year old. His widow afterward became the wife of Henry Hare, who is now deceased, while Mrs. Hare makes her home with the subject of this review in Ashland.

Dr. McClellan was carefully reared by his mother and in the district schools acquired his preliminary education which' was supplemented by a course of study in Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois. While there pursuing a classical course he also took up the study of medicine, reading under the preceptorship of Dr. Billings. In 1878 he left college and came to Ashland, where he engaged in the drug business with which he was identified for fourteen years, when he sold out and went east to finish his medical studies. In the fall of 1892 he matriculated in the Baltimore Medical College and three years later was graduated from that institution with the class of 1895. Returning at once to Ashland he here opened an office and entered upon the practice of his chosen calling, since which time he has made for himself a creditable name and place as a skilled physician and surgeon, being ranked among Ashland's most prominent and capable representatives of the profession. He is very careful in the diagnosis of cases and is seldom, if ever, at fault anticipating the outcome of disease. He studies closely the fundamental principles of the profession and keeps in touch with the onward march of the medical fraternity as their invests gation and research are constantly bringing to light new facts bearing upon the origin, cause and treatment of diseases. He keeps abreast with the profession also through his membership in the Ashland County Medical Society of which he is now secretary, the Union Medical Association of the sixth district, comprising eight counties and of which he is now president, the Ohio State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

In 1880 Dr. McClellan was married to Miss Mattie E. Harley, of Ashland, and unto them have been born two daughters; Jean K., at home; and Marcia, the wife of Carl M. Shinn, of Ashland. The family is prominent socially and the hospitality, of the McClellan home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Dr. McClellan is a member of Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., also of Ashland Chapter, No. 67, R. A. M. and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T. His religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Christian church, while his political belief is indicated in the stanch support which he gives to the republican party and his earnest efforts in its behalf. He has served as chairman of the republican county executive opmmittee and for a number of years was a member of the board of education of Ashland, in which connection he put forth earnest effort that resulted in substantial benefit for the schools. He believes in progress along all lines for the individual and the community, and his influence is ever given on the side of advancement and improvement.

Joseph Edgar Mayner

To those familiar with the history of Joseph Edgar Mayner it would seem trite to enter into any series of statements showing him to be a self-made man who from early youth has been dependent upon his own resources, for this fact is well known. It is, however, but just, to say in a history of this character that his record is such as any man might be proud to possess, for in all business relations he has fully met the obligations that have devolved upon him and adhered most closely to a high standard of commercial ethics. Persistency of purpose, indefatigable energy and unwavering probity have been salient features in the progress that has carried him to a foremost place in the ranks of Ashland 's business men and he is now well known as a member of the dry-goods firm of Brubaker, Moore & Mayner. He was born in Ashland, August 6, 1876, a son of Joseph H. and Salome (Pflug) Mayner, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to Ashland about 1868. The father is now deceased, while the mother resides with her son, Joseph E., on West Walnut street.

In the public schools of his native city Joseph E. Mayner pursued his education and from early boyhood has been more or less dependent upon his own resources for a living. When but a young lad he worked at such tasks as he could secure to assist in the support of his mother, who had been left a widow when the son was but three months old. At fifteen years of age he secured a position in the Myers Brothers shops and for nine years was identified with that industry, during which time his close application and unfaltering energy won him several promotions. He was afterward appointed a mail carrier and for almost nine years was connected with the postoffice service, but in August, 1907, resigned that position to enter mercantile fields, purchasing a third interest in the dry-goods business of J. Brubaker & Company, at which time the firm name was changed to Brubaker, Moore & Mayner. He is now bending his energies to the development of this business, the firm having one of the largest and most successful dry-goods houses of the city.

On the 29th of October, 1903, Mr. Mayner was married to Miss Bertha "V . Gnagey, of Ashland, and unto them has been born a little daughter, Emily Mabel. In his political views Mr. Mayner is a republican and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the town. He belongs to the Volunteer Firemen's Association and cooperates in other movements for the welfare and improvement of Ashland. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and is socially popular, being a valued member of the Colonial and Commercial Clubs. He is prominent among the younger merchants of Ashland and certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished.

Friederic Feichter

Friederic Feichter, a prominent and successful farmer and stock raiser of Ashland county, was born in Hanover township, on the Mount Vernon and Columbus road, three miles south of the place on which he now resides, his natal day being October 14, 1851. His parents, John and Maria (Derr) Feichter, were both natives of Germany, the father's birth occurring in Wittenberg on the 19th of April, 1803, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 15th of March, 1804. John Feichter came to the United States alone and first took up his abode at Massillon, while the lady who afterward became his wife was brought to the new world by her parents, who located in Loudonville. The parents of our subject were married in Hanover township, Ashland county, August 27, 1847, and subsequently the father, who was an agriculturist by occupation, settled on the farm on which the birth of his son Friederic occurred, successfully continuing its cultivation and development until he passed away on the 3d of August, 1871. He had for two years survived his wife, who was called to her final rest on the 13th of September, 1869. Unto them were born two children : John, who died March 22, 1860, when eleven years of age ; and Friederic, of this review.

The last named remained on the farm where he was born until thirty-five years of age and still owns the property, which is a highly cultivated and valuable tract of land of two hundred and sixty-five acres. Since 1886, however, he has resided on his farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, one mile south of Loudonville and is here carrying on his general farming interests, also making a specialty of stock raising. Both his places are improved with good buildings and the fertile fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor that is bestowed upon them. Mr. Feichter is likewise a stockholder in the First National Bank of Loudonville and in a coal mine at New Salisbury and

In 1870 Mr. Feichter was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Meitzler, who was born June 3, 1848, in Adams township, Coshocton county, Ohio, where she resided until she became the wife of Mr. Feichter. Her parents, John and Barbara (Froelich) Meitzler, were natives of Germany but were married in this country. The father died on the old home farm in Coshocton county but is still survived by his widow, who has now attained the venerable age of eightyone years and makes her home at Magnolia, Ohio. Mrs. Feichter has but one brother, John H., a resident of Magnolia, Ohio. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children, namely : Barbara Ann, the wife of William F. Arnholt, of Richland county, by whom she has five children; John Henry, who died in infancy; and B. F., at home.

Politically Mr. Feichter is a stalwart democrat but has never sought nor desired public office, though both township and county positions have frequently been tendered him. He has, however, acted as president of the township board of education and has done valuable service for the cause of public instruction. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church of Loudonville, in the work of which he is actively and helpfully interested. His entire life has been passed in Ashland county and he feels a commendable local pride in its advancement, while his efforts have been an element in its development and growth along various lines.

Horace H. Harkness

Horace H. Harkness, a venerable, respected and influential citizen of Orange township, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 28th of September, 1829, a son of Thomas and Samantha (Delana) Harkness, who came to Ohio in 1833, the father becoming identified with farming pursuits near Wellington. In 1838 the family removed to Nankin, in Orange township, Ashland county, where Thomas Harkness was engaged in the hotel business for a number of years. Subsequently he followed teaming between Ashland, Wellington and Lorain at a period prior to the era of railroads. He likewise operated a stage line between Ashland and Oberlin, carrying passengers and mail. He was a man of wonderful energy and considerable executive ability who stood high in the esteem of all with whom he came in contact, his labors proving no unimportant factor in the early development and upbuilding of this section of the state. He was accidentally killed by a railroad train in 1874.

Horace H. Harkness assisted his father in his various business undertakings and became a conspicuous and popular driver on the stage line operated by the latter. In early manhood, however, he learned the trade of a harness-maker and successfully followed that occupation in Nankin for a number of years. In 1855 he removed to Iowa, where he remained for about two years and also spent one year at Knoxville, Illinois. In the spring of 1863 he returned to Orange township and has since resided here with the exception of the year

1893, when he lived in Columbus, Ohio. He has comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the early annals of this section of the state and, being a man of broad intelligence and remarkable memory, can relate in interesting manner many incidents and experiences of pioneer times.

Mr. Harkness has been married twice. In January, 1852, he wedded Miss Nancy Campbell, a daughter of Daniel and Ann Campbell. The father was an agriculturalist of Orange township and, like Thomas Harkness, was also for a time engaged in the hotel business in Nankin. The Campbells were among the early pioneers of this section of the state and became prominent factors in its progress and upbuilding along many lines. Unto Mr. Harkness and his first wife were born three children, namely: Thomas, Dora J. and Samantha A.

Mrs. Nancy Harkness passed away in 1866 and on the 16th of September, 1869, Mr. Harkness was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Lane Jacobs, by whom he has a son, Barton C., born on the 23d of June, 1873. In every relation of life Mr. Harkness has been faithful to the trust reposed in him and during his entire career, now covering a period of four score years, has fully merited the good will and regard uniformly accorded him.

Thomas H. Moore

Thomas H. Moore is one of the youngest attorneys of the Ashland bar yet his years do not seem a barrier to his progress and his reputation is such as many an older man might well envy. His industry is so unfaltering and his preparation of cases so thorough that he presents his case in the strong, clear light of reason while his adaptation of the principles of law is accurate and logical. Mr. Moore is well known in Ashland for it is his native city, his birth having here occurred September 29, 1884. He is a son of W. C. and Bessie E. (Morgan) Moore, and spending his boyhood days in his parents' home, his time was largely occupied with the duties of the schoolroom as he acquired his education in the public and high schools of Ashland, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1902. His more specifically literary education was obtained in the Ohio State University at Columbus where he spent four years, and in the Ohio Northern University he completed his law course and after a year 's study won his legal degree. He was graduated from the Ohio State University with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1906 and received his Bachelor of Law degree in the Ohio Northern University with the class of 1908. He had entered that school in order to coach the foot-ball team and while thus engaged he gave a portion of his time to supplementing his knowledge of the law by further study there. His preliminary law studies were under the preceptorship of C. J. Kenny of Ashland, who directed his reading during the winter of 1906.

Following his admission to the bar on the 21st of June, 1908, Mr. Moore entered into a partnership with Maurice Semple and together they have since practiced under the firm style of Semple & Moore. While the attorneys are young men their ability is pronounced and within a brief period they have gained for themselves a creditable position at the Ashland bar and met with gratifying success, while their future looks extremely bright and promising.

Mr. Moore gives his political allegiance to the democracy and is interested in its growth and success but does not seek to figure prominently in any public light save through professional connection where a laudable ambition is prompting him to put forth earnest, zealous and conscientious effort for the attainment of success at the bar. A gentleman of genial manner and unfailing courtesy, he has a host of warm friends in his native city.

John Welch

John Welch has a wide reputation as a sheep breeder of Jackson township, and his success has made it possible for him to become interested in many commercial enterprises, thereby becoming one of the most salient factors in the business life of the community. He was born February 7, 1830, in Orange township, within a short distance of the farm on which he now resides, which at that time was part of Richland county. He descends from an early pioneer family of this part of the state, and its early members have been identified with the development of the country since the year 1600. In that year his paternal ancestors came from Ireland, settling in South Carolina but, on account of their opposition to the system of human slavery, they soon left that state and took up their abode in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Ephraim Welch, the father of the subject of this record, married Jane McAdoo and they came to Orange township from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1828. The year previous Mr. Welch visited this township alone and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was then thickly covered with forests. After clearing off part of the land in readiness for cultivation and erecting a log cabin he returned for his family and in the spring of 1828 they made the journey to their new Home, traveling most of the way on foot. He was a man of great courage, having both a stalwart constitution and at the same time strong determination. Upon settling on his undeveloped land, he resolved to succeed and that his energies' were attended by success is apparent from the fact that at his death, which occurred April 1, 1873, he owned eight hundred acres of excellent land, all of which was well stocked and highly improved. Mr. Welch, who was born in October, 1800, after a long and prosperous career, passed away full of years, while his wife, whose birth occurred in 1808, entered into rest in June, 1888. Mr. Welch was widely known throughout the state as a breeder of sheep, being the first to introduce the Spanish Delaine variety into this section of the country. His importation he secured from the first flocks brought to this country and he soon became an adept in breeding the animal and was one of the most successful sheep owners in this part of the country. To him and his wife were born six children, three of whom survive, namely : John, Rankin F. and Catherine, widow of Daniel Y. Bailey, who now resides in Troy township.

From the time he was old enough to work John Welch was busy upon his father 's farm, engaging in various agricultural duties, the summer season finding him in the fields while during the winter months he acquired his education in the log schoolhouse of the neighborhood. This institution was of the most primitive kind and Mr. Welch will not soon forget its appearance and the experiences which he enjoyed within its walls while he sat upon its split log seats. The schoolroom was twenty-four feet square and on many occasions was compelled to accommodate above one hundred pupils while there was but one teacher to give instruction in the various branches then taught. Having acquired the limited training of this institution, he settled down in earnest, engaging in the field cultivation and stock raising interests of his father's farm, upon which he remained until he was twenty-four years of age. At that period of his life he was united in marriage and began his domestic career upon one hundred acres of land owned by his father and which was to be deeded to him at the expiration of five years, providing he proved himself capable of taking care of it. Anxious to secure the property he applied himself industriously to its cultivation and at the expiration of the allotted period, the land was his. The industry and enterprise, however, which he has thus far manifested, is strongly in evidence of the fact that at any rate he would have had valuable land of his own, inasmuch as, since he began farming on his own account, he has accumulated seven hundred and forty acres of well improved land, which constitutes one of the finest farms in this part of the country. At the same time his pecuniary interests have been widened into other fields and he is concerned in coal lands in southeastern Ohio, is a stockholder in the Cleveland Southwestern & Columbus Railway Company and in addition is influentially interested in the control of a number of other enterprises. He has been an intensely active man throughout his entire career and even now, in his eightieth year, he has the keen judgment of youth, together with the alertness and vigor of one many years his junior and daily busies himself in the management of his extensive interests. During his long season of active life, among other things, which have commanded his particular attention, is sheep raising and he always kept on hand flocks of the Delaine variety, numbering six or seven hundred head. Grain has also engaged his attention and he has raised some of the largest crops of the finest wheat ever produced in this part of the country and on a number of occasions harvested such a yield per acre of that cereal as enabled him to hold the banner for productiveness. Throughout his life in all of the enterprises with which he has been connected he has pursued his way on the principle that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well and to this attitude he largely attributes the success of all his undertakings.

On December 6, 1853, Mr. Welch wedded Miss Rebecca Robertson, daughter of Samuel and Alice (Elliott) Robertson, residents of Sullivan township, her father, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and her mother of Jefferson county, Ohio. Both the Robertson and Elliott families were of Scotch descent and very prominent in affairs of their respective localities. To Mr. and Mrs. Welch have been born four children, two of whom survive, namely : Vernon PL, who resides on a farm adjoining that of his father; and Alice B., now the wife of Dr. W. H. Reinhart. The other two children who reached maturity were Bernin E. and LeClare S.

Politically Mr. Welch is a republican, always strong in the advocacy of the principles of his party and loyal to its candidates. He cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, candidate for the presidency in 1856, and has ever since cast his ballot for republican candidates. He has had a wide circle of illustrious friends, among whom were James A. Garfield and William McKinley, with whom he stood firm and afforded them much assistance during their political contentions. On many occasions he has been invited to become a candidate for office, particularly for county commissioner but has repeatedly declined, although in regard to local elections he has always taken a deep interest and for several terms served as a member of the board of education. On December 6, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Welch celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Few families have wielded a greater influence throughout the community than that of Mr. Welch and he is highly respected and esteemed for the moral, social, educational and financial benefit he has been and still is to the community.

B. J. Urban

B. J. Urban, engaged in general farming and stock raising in Milton township, Ashland county, is a self-made man, his success coming to him as the direct result of indefatigable energy and untiring perseverance. He is, moreover, a prominent figure in public affairs and stands for all that is progressive in the political, educational and moral life of the community. His birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1836, his parents being Jonas and Margaret (Johnson) Urban, both natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the former was born December 26, 1814, and the latter April 26, 1813. Jonas Urban came to Ohio April 5, 1854, and settled at Massillon, Ohio, where he obtained employment as a day laborer. He was thus engaged until the Civil war broke out, at which time he enlisted as a member of the One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With this regiment he saw much active service and was in many hotly contested engagements, the most severe being that of Franklin, Tennessee, at the time of General Hood's defeat. His two sons, Jacob and Joseph, served with their father in the same regiment and all were honorably discharged and returned home after a term covering three years. After the close of hostilities Jonas Urban did not again resume his agricultural pursuits, but continued to live a quiet and retired life until his death, which occurred February 7, 1899. In 1834 he had married Miss Margaret Johnson,' and unto them were born seven children, of which our subject is the eldest. The others are: Jacob M., born October 11, 1838; Joseph, born in 1841 and died in 1884 ; Mary Ann, born in 1843 and died in 1907 ; Amos, born in 1846 ; Susan, born in 1847 ; and Margaret, born in 1849.

B. J. Urban received his early education in Pennsylvania and completed his studies at Greenburg, Ohio. After two years spent in the latter place and before he had reached the age of twenty-one years, he took the initial step in his independent business career as a school teacher. He continued in this profession until his marriage in 1866, when he purchased the old homestead farm of Mr. Charles, his father-in-law, where he has since resided. Here he conducts general agricultural pursuits and in addition devotes some time to stock raising. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres which are under a fine state of cultivation, and in return for the time and attention expended upon them they yield rich harvests that bring to their owner a gratifying income.

The year 1866 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Urban and Miss Elizabeth M. Charles, whose father, Joseph Charles, was one of the pioneer settlers of Ashland county. Their family consists of two sons and two daughters, namely : Florence Emily, Jennie E., J. Charles and H. Marshall. All attended the district school, while the latter, H. Marshall, attended school at Columbus, Ohio. After graduating he was connected for four years with the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company at Pittsburg as civil engineer, and at the expiration of that time became connected with the National Tube Company of West Virginia, with which he continued for two years. He then accepted a position with the Tennessee Coal & Iron Company at Birmingham, Alabama, the connection continuing to the present time. The wife and mother passed away in 1906, and in 1908 Mr. Urban was again married, his second union being with Margaret Kurtz. His church relations are those of the United Brethren church, of which he has served as a trustee for thirty-two years. A stanch democat, he was elected on that party ticket for township trustee, which office he occupied for some time, and was also a school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He is well known throughout this section of the county as a man of sterling character and worth, having the confidence of the entire community, for in public office he has always been true to the trust reposed in himj in business he has made an unassailable reputation and in private life has gained the warm personal regard of a host of friends.

Jacob Fulmer

Jacob Fulmer, a pioneer of the county, now in his ninety- fifth year, and one of the best known men in Nova and Troy township, where for over three-quarters of a century he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, is a native of Columbia county, Pennsylvania. He was born August 4, 1815, a son of John and Hannah Fulmer, who came by wagon to what is now known as Ashland county in 1832. The town of Ashland was at that time but a small village and when they arrived here they stopped over night and in the morning pursued their way to Orange township and settled in what then was a woodland district with a small log cabin for a dwelling. There they decided to remain and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. Upon gaining possession of the tract Mr. Fulmer at once set to work to clear off the property. At that time they had few neighbors, and they were so widely separated and were so busily engaged in clearing off their own lands that the one could not depend upon the other for much assistance, and consequently each one had to apply himself to his own task and make his way the best he could. Owing to their industry and frugality they soon were in comfortable circumstances, and upon the farm spent their entire lives. In their family were five sons and three daughters, the surviving ones being Daniel, who resides in Nova ; William, who lives in Hillsdale, Michigan ; and Jacob.

Jacob Fulmer was but seventeen years of age when the family came to Ohio. It was in the%district schools of his native county that he acquired his education and upon arriving in this county he at once went to work with his father in clearing the land. He remained on the home place until he was married, when he settled on a farm in the northeastern part of the township on the old county line, remaining there until about 1869, then removing to Nova, where he has resided to the present time. He was always progressive and enterprising and ever ready to inculcate new ideas into his work. He has the distinction of having bought the first mowing machine in Orange township. At one time he paid considerable attention to sheep-breeding and for many years was well known throughout the state as a wool grower, but later he withdrew his attention from this enterprise and devoted his time to general farming. The first dwelling constructed upon his farm was built in 1844 out of black walnut, and the structure is still standing and is well preserved. In those days there was much of that kind of timber on the premises which he was obliged to cut down and burn in order to make room for his fields, and consequently vast quantities of lumber which would have been worth thousands of dollars today were destroyed. There were no railroads in that part of the country during the greater part of Mr. Fulmer's career and he, with other farmers, was obliged to haul his grain to the markets of Elyria and Milan, the journey there and back often consuming, more than three days.

On the 24th of January, 1839, Mr. Fulmer was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Fast, a daughter of George Fast, of Orange township, who was a native of Pennsylvania and one of the early settlers of this county. To this union were born five children, namely: Susannah, Sarah, Lucinda, George and Enos, all of whom are deceased. Their mother departed this life May 7, 1854. On August 3, of the same year, Mr. Fulmer wedded Miss Elizabeth Champeney, of Bennington, Vermont, who at the time of her marriage was living in New York state. She passed away September 24, 1908, leaving her husband and two children, namely: Augusta Elizabeth Black, and Jacob N. who is in business in Nova, while his sister resides at home with her father.

Mr. Fulmer cast his first vote in 1836, for Martin Van Buren, and has never missed voting during presidential elections since. After the organization of the republican party, however, he voted that ticket and was loyal to its principles until 1896, when he cast his vote for William J. Bryan and a second time for the same candidate in the year 1900, again changing his politics in 1904, when he cast his vote for Theodore Roosevelt,' In 1908 he again favored the democratic party and again voted for William J. Bryan, of whom he is a great admirer. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged and of which he is a liberal supporter. Although Mr. Fulmer is in his ninety-fifth year he is still active, being able to do outdoor work and, his memory being clear, he is able to recall with great vividness the events of the past and can recount the happenings of seventy-five years ago with as great accuracy as though they had happened but yesterday. He is genial and companionable, always glad to see his friends and entertain them in his home, and perhaps no man is better known throughout the county than he, and his cordial greeting makes him a friend with all with whom he comes in contact. He has lived a busy as well as an upright life and is now honored, respected and venerated by all who know him.

Elmer J. Worst

Elmer J. Worst, a manufacturer of medical specialties, who is also prominent in educational work, is a native of Troy township, this county. He was born December 22, 1848, a son of George and Margaret (Martin) Worst, both natives of Wayne county, Ohio, where they were reared and united in marriage, their arrival in this state having occurred in 1848. At that time the region now comprising Troy township, in which they located, was in primitive condition, overgrown with forests and containing but here and there small patches of developed land and their first work, upon settling, was to construct a dwelling house of logs which, needless to say, had but little furnishment, not even being supplied with a cooking stove and Mrs. Worst was compelled to practice the culinary art outside of the cabin, using a white oak stump as a stove, upon which to prepare her food. The land, little by little, was cleared off and placed under cultivation and upon this farm they resided for six years, when they sold the property and purchased another tract of land located about a mile and a half north of the first farm and this tract, although it was not thickly overgrown with trees, had a great deal of undergrowth and was overstrewn with fallen logs, but through his energy and industry Mr. Worst soon put the land into tillable shape and remained upon it for four years. At the termination of that time he sold the farm and returned to Wayne county, where he remained for fifteen years and, again returning to this county, located on a farm six miles north of Ashland in Orange township, where he resided until death terminated his activities in 1897. In addition to engaging in farming pursuits he was also a clergyman of the German Baptist church and for a period of forty years conducted a useful ministry throughout the neighboring region.

Elmer J. Worst was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the public schools and in the Smithville high school and, upon completing his studies, engaged in teaching for a living, which vocation he followed for three years, in the meantime taking an interest in the work of the home farm, upon which he engaged in the bee and chicken industry. In 1877 he came to this city and established himself in the grocery business with which he was identified for five years. At the termination of this period he disposed of his interests and spent five years traveling throughout the west and south, finally returning to this place and engaging in the proprietary medicine business, in which he has met with splendid success, holding a number of patents among which is an improved vaporizer, the sale of which has added much to his financial worth. He organized the E. J. Worst Manufacturing Company, and under three separate organizations is manufacturing the vaporizers, wool fat prepara- tions and pure herb tablets. He is a man of excellent business judgment and during the years he has been engaged in this line of work he has made rapid strides and his growing popularity promises a great future for his business. His financial relations have been so favorable as to enable him to become concerned in a number of other enterprises, among which is the Ashland Savings Bank, of which he is a stockholder.

Mr. Worst is a republican politically, being well versed in the principles of his party, and, always anxious to see it attain success, he is enthusiastic during campaigns in behalf of its candidates. He takes a profound interest in educational matters and is treasurer of the Ashland University, being a member of the prudential committee of the college and also of the board of trustees, and his influence in educational circles is widely felt throughout the district. He belongs to the Progressive Brethren church and being a man whose character is molded by the high ideals of his faith he commands the respect of the entire community and justly deserves mention as one of Ashland's honored citizens and representative business men.

John Edward Kauffman

John Edward Kauffman, the vice president and superintendent of the plant of the Kauffman Manufacturing Company, in which connection he holds important relations with the business development and growth of Ashland, his native city, was born December 14, 1871, of the marriage of Jacob J. and Anna Eliza (Willis) Kauffman. The father was born in Stark county, Ohio, June 21, 1829, and was a son of Solomon Kauffman, a native of Pennsylvania, who, at an early date, removed from that state to Stark county, Ohio, establishing his home there on a farm. After devoting some years to general agricultural pursuits he turned his attention to the grain business in Canton, Ohio, and was identified therewith in his later years, being accounted one of the representative residents of that locality.

Reared under the parental roof, Jacob J. Kauffman at the age of twentyone years went to Hancock county, Ohio, and obtained employment in a general store in the town of Newstark. That he proved capable and worthy is indicated by the fact that in 1860, he was admitted to a partnership in the business which was then conducted under the firm name of Ream & Kauffman. Constrained by the spirit of patriotism at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Kauffman responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry, with which he served until the close of hostilities. When the war was over he returned to Ashland and was married. He then formed a partnership with his father-in-law, J. D. Willis, and engaged in the stove and tinning business under the firm style of Kauffman & Willis, this relation being maintained until 1875, when Mr. Kauffman founded the present extensive manufacturing business, still conducted under the Kauffman name. The beginning, however, was very small and was then confined to the manufacturing of bed springs. A year later S. W. Beer was admitted to the partnership under the firm style of Kauffman & Beer, but in September, 1893, Mr. Beer died, after which Mr. Kauffman was alone for a time. Three years after his partner's death he purchased his interest from the estate, becoming sole owner, when the style of the firm was changed to the Kauffman Manufacturing Company. In 1898 he gave each of his sons an interest in the business which, after the father's death, was reorganized as a stock company, the stock being owned wholly by the family. The officers are Fred Edwards, president; J. E. Kauffman, vicepresident and superintendent and H. S. Kauffman, secretary and treasurer. The dimensions of the present factory are fifty-five by one hundred and seventyfive feet, and the building is three floors and basement. The firm manufactures bed springs, cots, cribs, folding tables and folding chairs and .are extensive shippers of parlor tables and iron beds. The business has been incorporated for seventy-five thousand dollars and is enjoying an extensive trade, this being one of the large business concerns of Ashland.

John E. Kauffman was educated in the public schools of Ashland and received his business training in the Oberlin Business College. At an early age he began working in his father's factory and in 1894 took a contract in building chairs in the factory, with which special line of work he was identified until a removal was made to the present extensive plant in 1902. He was then chosen superintendent of the entire factory, and after his father's death became the vice president of the company. His practical knowledge of the business enables him to capably superintend the work that is being carried on in the different departments and he is thus proving himself a most able manager.

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Kauffman was married April 14, 1897, to Miss Clara A. Shissler, of Perry township, Ashland county, a daughter of Townsend Shissler, a prominent farmer of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman have two children, Portia Elizabeth and John Jacob. The parents are members of the Disciple church and Mr. Kauffman gives his political endorsement to the republican party, while in fraternal relations he is connected with Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F. Close application, a thorough understanding of mechanical principles and a knowledge of the materials which are used in the workshop, combined with good capacity for management, have been the factors which have made Mr. Kauffman 's business career a sucessful one.

Walter W. Cooper

Walter W. Cooper, who occupies a prominent and influential position in the commercial circles of Ashland as a leading book dealer and stationer, is a native of Ashtabula, Ohio, born November 16, 1879, his parents being George and Josephine H. (Hubbard) Cooper, also natives of that state, where they were reared, educated and married, there spending their entire lives. The elder Mr. Cooper was among th$ prosperous butchers of his native city, in the politics of which he took an active interest, having served several years as a member of the city council and also for several terms as mayor of the municipality. After a life, during which he aided much in promoting the welfare of the city in which he was born, he passed away in 1881, leaving many friends to mourn his deparure. His wife survived him until the year 1899. Both were well known and highly respected and were faithful adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the affairs of which they were leading factors.

After receiving his preliminary education in the common schools, Walter W. Cooper completed a course of study in the Ashland high school, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1897. In the spring of that year he secured a position in a shoe store in Ashtabula, remaining in the employ of the firm for five years, during which time he acquired a thorough knowledge of the various departments of the shoe business, and in 1902, upon being offered a position as manager of a shoe house in Canton, Ohio, went to that place where he remained for three years, and upon resigning his position in 1905, located in Ashland. Here he at once established himself in the book, stationery and art business, carrying many side lines such as art china and wall paper, and being of a genial disposition and ever courteous, he has since succeeded in building up a large and lucrative trade. From the outset he was successful in his enterprise, his years of excellent training enabling him to manage the business to his advantage and it has since grown to such proportions as to be ranked among the leading enterprises of the city.

In December, 1900, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ricketson, a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The couple have one son, Wallace R. Politically Mr. Cooper gives his support to the republican party, being a warm believer in the fundamental character of its principles and, convinced that the policy of the republican party is adequate to insure the permanent prosperity of the nation and place its finance upon a firm foundation, he is loyal to its principals and during campaigns is always on hand with his vote and influence in behalf of its candidates. He belongs to the Masonic order, holding membership in Ashtabula Lodge, and is also a member of the Ashland Commercial Club. Amid the pressure of his business affairs. Mr. Cooper never loses sight of his religious obligations, deeming their performance a man's highest duty, and in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he belongs, he is an active worker. Since coming to this city he has worked untiringly to enlarge the border of his business, all the while exhibiting those qualifications which cannot help but insure success in the commercial world. The enterprise which he has established is one of the most considerable in the city and its proprietor stands high in the city's business circles.

Jacob Brubaker

Jacob Brubaker is the oldest man in Ashland in point of continuous connection with commercial interests of the city. He is, moreover, one of the native sons of the county and the attractiveness of this section of the state as a place of residence is indicated by the fact that many of the native sons have remained here, feeling that the opportunities and advantages here offered are equal to those afforded in other sections of the United States. The birthplace of Mr. Brubaker was about four miles south of the county seat and his natal day was October 19, 1843. His parents were John and Katharine (Dissinger) Brubaker, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married, coming thence to Ashland county in the early '20s. David Brubaker, the grandfather, was also a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and in the year 1832 arrived in Ohio, after which he lived retired. He was twice married and John Brubaker, a son of the first marriage, was the father of our subject. He was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and at the time of the war of 1812, being then twenty years of age, he joined the American army and fought for the independence of this country. He married Miss Katharine Dissinger and unto them were born eight children ere their migration to Ashland county, Ohio, in 1826, of whom three are now living. John Brubaker was at that time thirty-four years of age. He entered a farm four and a half miles south of the village of Ashland comprising eighty acres of heavily timbered land. The family slept in the covered wagon in which they had traveled westward until a log house could be built, several weeks passing before this primitive home was completed. With characteristic energy John Brubaker began the development of the new farm, working earnestly and persistently to bring his fields under cultivation. He continued to follow farming until 1845, when he sustained an injury that unfitted him for hard manual labor, but he had previously learned the trade of shoe making and took up that line of work, continuing to follow the business until he retired from active life. Like most of the pioneers of the times, his educational advantages were limited, but he was rich in industry and perseverance and those qualities constituted the foundation upon which he builded his prosperity, making for himself and family a home of comfort. His death occurred in 1869. Unto him and his wife were born the following children, namely: Joseph, who died at the age of fifty-eight years; Henry, who died at the age of fifty-nine years; John, who died while serving in the Civil war and was buried in the soldiers' cemetery at Chattanooga; Mrs. Catherine Hickman; David F., a representative business man of Ashland; and Jacob of this review.