Ashland City (part 19 of 57)

John F. Obrecht And Family

On his father's farm John F. Obrecht was reared and acquired his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. His early training was supplemented by study in Greentown Academy at Perrysville and after completing his course at that institution he engaged in teaching in the district schools of Lake township. Following this profession for six winters, he then turned his attention to farming and has continued to direct his energies along this line of activity to the present time. In addition to the old home farm of eighty acres upon which he is now residing, he also owns another adjoining farm, his entire holdings consisting of two hundred and forty acres located on section 6, Lake township. There are two sets of good buildings on the land and the atmosphere of neatness and progress which pervades the place speaks of the thrift and perseverance of the owner. In addition to general farming interests he has also given much attention to breeding thoroughbred stock, making a specialty of Shropshire sheep, Duroc Jersey hogs, Shorthorn cattle and Percheron horses which he often exhibits at the local fairs.

On the 31st of March, 1896, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Obrecht and Mary Garst, and unto them was born one child, Mary Christina. The wife and mother passed away November 28, 1899, and on March 3, 1903, Mr. Obrecht was again married, his second union being with Phoebe Horn, a daughter of George Horn and a native of Lake township. The children of this union are Fern O., G. Harold and Carry Carol. In politics Mr. Obrecht is a stanch democrat, although not seeking public office as a reward for party fealty. His fellowmen, however, recognize his sterling characteristics, and called him to the office of township clerk, which he occupied for six years, while he also acted as township assessor for two years. A lifeJong resident of the community in which he now makes his home, Mr. Obrecht has an extensive acquaintance, and the fact that he is most liked where he is best known indicates that his life has ever been an honorable and upright one. Moreover, in all business matters his methods have been such as to command the trust and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.

Benjamin Franklin Downs

Benjamin Franklin Downs, proprietor of a jewelry establishment in Ashland, is of English extraction, his birth having occurred here December 31, 1876. His grandparents were George and Sarah (Jones) Downs, natives of England, who came to America in 1870 with their family, locating in this county, where two of the children had settled in 1868. Here the grandfather pursued the occupation of draying until he departed this life. Among his children was Richard, whose birth occurred in England in 1844. There in 1865, he was united in marriage to Sarah Latter, who was born in that country in 1847. His first work in Ashland county was that of stationary engineer, which occupation he followed for ten years and then devoted his time to landscape gardening, sodding and all kindred lines of work, in which he is still engaged, being so successful that at the present time he has one year's work ahead of him, includ- ing the contract of decorating the Ashland cemeter}7. In the year he was married, he came to this country on a sailing vessel named Cornelius Cornell and the voyage required forty-seven days. The long trip made in that primitive way, while it was accompanied by many interesting incidents, was not one which Mr. Downs cares to repeat, although he delights in recalling the points of the voyage and in comparing its humble accommodations with those afforded by the large ocean liners now in use. In his family were ten children, namely: Elizabeth Mary, Caroline, Robert Fulton, Esther Jane, Benjamin Franklin, Richard Walter, Albert William, Charles Henry, Edward James and Ada May.

After acquiring his education in the .public schools Benjamin Franklin Downs was engaged by H. C. Platner, a jeweler in Toronto, Canada, with whom he learned his- trade. He remained there for two years, at the expiration of which period he went to Jamesburg, New Jersey, where he was in charge of a jewelry store for fourteen months, subsequently working for Harry Downs in Bellevue, and Louie Ott, of Mansfield, Ohio. In 1902, he located in Ashland, where he engaged in business for himself and, his means being limited, he initiated the enterprise on a small scale but within the six years he has been in business he has so increased' his trade that now he stands on an equal footing with his competitors and as far as his mechanical skill is concerned he is surpassed, by none. His solicitations to please his customers, together with his honest business methods, has caused his business to grow rapidly and as he is still a young man, endowed with business ability, the future undoubtedly has in store for him a place where he will be of still greater promienee and usefulness in the commercial circles of the community.

On August 20, 1903, Mr. Downs wedded Isadore Toony, whose birth occurred August 20, 1884, and who is a daughter of James and Ella (Bowman) Toony, who are now residing here with their children, Isadore and Milo, Mr. Toony being associated with the Ashland Flax Mill Company. Politically Mr. Downs supports the republican party and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Masons. Being a man of a religious turn of mind, recognizing that one's duties in that direction are of paramount importance, he never permits the pressure of business affairs to usurp the time he should devote to the church and is a faithful supporter of that denomination of Christians, known as the Disciples of Christ. He deserves great credit for the strides he has made in building up the business of which he is now proprietor and being a man of good character he merits the confidence of his fellow citizens and a place among the leading business men of the state.

Rev. Christian Gottlieb Julius Schaub

Rev. Christian Gottlieb Julius Schaub, fearless in defense of what he believes to be right, is the exponent of the prevailing idea from which few take exception at the present day that the work of the minister is not to lead his people out of the actual life of the day in preparation for the life to come, but to make them a force for good at the present hour, realizing that each moment holds its opportunity and counts either on the profit or loss side in the continuous struggle to make the world better. He has come to be known as ' ' the man that made Loudonville dry" - a characterization of which he has every reason to be proud. Coming to Loudonville in 1906 as the pastor of the Lutheran church here he recognized that one of the strongest forces against morality and religion in the town was the saloon and he resolutely set to work to put before the people the fact that they must choose between the church and the saloon. The result was seen in the ensuing election and today there is no more honored or valued citizen of the village. He bears his honors, however, with becoming modesty, intent upon the work of the church to accomplish all that it should mean as a factor for good in the daily lives of the people of the community.

Rev. Schaub was bom August 24, 1872, in Cincinnati, a son of Charles and Anna (Seyfert) Schaub, the former a native of Bavaria and the latter of Swabia, Germany. They were married in the fatherland and came to America and were for long years residents of Cincinnati, where the father died in 1901 and the mother in 1881. The father was of th^ Catholic faith while the mother was a Protestant.. The children were reared in the mother's faith. There were two sons and one daughter : Carl, who is the principal of a Lutheran parochial school in Detroit, Michigan; Rev. Schaub of this review; and Emma, who is living in Columbus, Ohio.

The Rev. Schaub was but nine years of age at the time of his mother's death and he and his brother and sister were then taken to the Lutheran Orphans Home at Richmond, Indiana, arriving there on the 12th of October. Rev. Schaub resided there for five years and then left the institute to attend college at Woodville, Ohio, where he was graduated on the 17th of June, 1890, on the completion of a five years' course. In the fall of that year he went to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and was engaged in teaching school at that place through the succeeding three years and then in Circleville, Ohio, for two years. During that period he pursued summer courses of study in Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana, including a course in oratory; also the Martyn College of Washington, D. C. He had taken great interest in music from early boyhood and had intended, after finishing school, to go abroad and study music and make that art his source of livelihood but these plans were providentially interfered with. In the fall of 1895 he entered the Capital University at Columbus, Ohio, where he pursued a three years ' seminary course in preparation for the ministry. These were years of crowded activity ; in addition to the taxing demands of this course of high standard, he was also enrolled in the senior department of Capital University College, was engaged as leader in chorus work, had charge of a Mission and regularly taught his class in another Sunday school. While here he had charge of the Capital University band and brought the organization up to a high standard of proficiency. A local paper in one of the cities in which this band gave an entertainment spoke of it as one of the best that had been given there in a long time, characterizing the program as a choice one of excellent rendition. Continuing his seminary course he was graduated on the 22d of May, 1898, while the 12th of June witnessed his ordination and installation as pastor of the church at Youngstown, Ohio. This was a small mission church over which he presided for three years, or until 1901.

It had but twelve communicants when he took charge and when he left that place the Trinity English Lutheran church - for such was its name - had a membership of about one hundred. Services were held in a hall but the interest which he had aroused had led to the perfection of plans for building a church at the time he left there. In April, 1901, he accepted a call from the Zion English Lutheran church at Canton, Ohio, and during the first year of his pastorate there he began the erection of a new house of worship which was dedicated on the 1st of February, 1903. The affairs of the church were at a low ebb when he took charge but today the congregation has a property valued at fifteen thousand dollars, the work of the church is well organized in its various departments and substantial spiritual progress was made under his teaching. He continued there until December, 1906. Under his instruction the congregation had grown to a membership of two hundred with a Sunday school enrollment of more than three hundred, a Ladies' Aid Society of fifty, a Luther League of forty members and a Junior League of thirty.

On leaving Canton, Rev. Schaub came to Loudonville as pastor of Zion Lutheran church, whose large and beautiful house of worship was dedicated on the 11th of May, 1902. He had been in this field for but a short time when he recognized that one of the dominant evils here was the saloon and the power it held over its people. He presented to them in a number of strong and forceful addresses that it was a choice between the church and the saloon. He first thoroughly aroused public thought by speaking from his pulpit on the saloons of Loudonville, after giving earnest consideration to the subject. Threats were made against him but he stood fearlessly in support of his position, stating that Loudonville 's saloons like everywhere, have been and are today, the arch enemy of the home, the school and the church. ^He said there were families in Loudonville who had no bread nor enough coal to keep them warm, due to the saloon and cited several instances concerning the efforts of men to get credit at the different stores and yet they would pay cash for liquor. Near the end of his sermon Rev. Schaub asked for an expression from his audience on the siibject, if they were willing to have a vote taken on the liquor question, and at least nine hundred, three quarters of the audience, signified their assent. He continued his agitation of the question until at the polls at the following election the saloon was voted out and the supremacy of the church and the home sustained. In other lines Rev. Schaub has also been a strong moral force in the town and that he is alive to the needs of the people and the saving power of the gospel is manifest in the fact that over one hundred members have been taken into the church since his arrival here. Not only has he accomplished these practical and beneficial results but is himself making steady progress, remaining ever a close student. He is now studying for the Doctor of Philosophy degree and is already recognized as a man of' scholarly attainment, possessing moreover that deep human sympathy which wins the confidence and the respect of his fellowmen.

On the 20th of June, 1900, Rev. Schaub was married to Miss Clara Bingham of North Jackson, Ohio, a daughter of William and Margaret Katharine (England) Bingham. She is a lady of much musical and artistic talent, possessing, moreover, great tact which is manifest in her gracious and charming hospitality. Unto Rev. and Mrs. Schaub have been bom two daughters, Esther Grace and Dorothy Emma. During the period of their residence in Loudonville, although it is of but three years' duration, they have won many friends in this part of the county, not only among people of their own church but among other denominations as well and the work of Rev, Schaub is being attended with excellent results for he is thoroughly alive to the conditions of the day and the opportunities of the present, working therefore for the highest development of Christian manhood and citizenship.

Curtis E. Whitcomb

Curtis E. Whitcomb, well known in agricultural lines in Sullivan township, was bom in this county, June 19, 1846. His parents were Horace and Jane (Toms) Whitcomb. His father was a prosperous farmer and a well known citizen in this vicinity, whose position with regard to slavery was most pronounced as he was rigidly opposed to the institution and his farm being located on the line of the underground railway, it was no uncommon occurrence for him to observe slaves passing over his premises as they were stealing their way into the north.

On his father's farm Curtis E. Whitcomb was reared and daily engaged in the routine of agricultural life during the summer months, while in the winter time he attended the district school where he acquired his education. During his boyhood days he was brought up under the antislavery sentiment voiced by his father, which sentiment was made all the more fervent upon seeing the negroes who had escaped by the underground railway, crossing his father's farm in their efforts to get within northern lines and gain their freedom. On this farm he has remained all his life, engaged in producing general crops and to some extent in stock raising. He makes a specialty of thoroughbred Delaine sheep, which he raises for breeding and stock purposes and, having paid attention for a number of years to the raising of sheep, his long experience has made him an authority as to their qualities and the best methods by which to breed them in order to obtain the best results. In addition to general farming and stock raising he has also carried on a dairy business for upwards of twenty-five years. His farm contains one hundred acres of finely improved land which is thoroughly drained, provided with all necessary conveniences and under a high state of cultivation.

On October 2, 1870, Mr. Whitcomb was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Baily, daughter of Amaziah and Nancy (Van Tilburg) Bailey, her father a farmer of this county. To this union have been born three children : Emory A., who is married and lives in Colorado; Edward S., who is also married and resides in Portage county; and Ethel, who became the wife of E. E. Hutchinson, of Colorado. His first wife having passed away June 6, 1887, on March 19, 1889, he wedded Mrs. Margaret J. Palmer, widow of M. R. Palmer and a daughter of Hugh and Mary (McCurdy) McKee, of Clear Creek township. To this union has been bom one son, Roy C.

Mr. Whitcomb is a republican and while he is not active in party affairs he is thoroughly conversant with political questions and during elections is always present at the polls with his vote to aid in securing the election of candidates of his party. For several years he was a member of the school board and in 1890 was appointed land appraiser of the township. Although Mr. Whitcomb is not affiliated with any church organization he is a friend and supporter of religious work and his wife is affiliated with the Baptist church, while the remaining members of his family are connected with the Disciples of Christ. He is always in favor of public improvements, particularly advocating good roads and an excellent school system, and being an honest and industrious man he entertains the confidence and respect of the entire community. He finds his greatest happiness in his home where, with his wife and family as his companions, he spends his evenings with delight and pleasure.

Captain Henry H. Eberhart

On the roll of those who defended the stars and stripes during the darkest hour in the history of the country appears the name of Captain Henry H. Eberhart. In fact his title is an indication of his service and of the promotions that came to him in recognition of his valor and meritorious conduct for he entered the ranks as a private. Through many years he has been closely associated with the agricultural interests of Ashland county, but is now living retired and his rest has been well earned. He was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1838, and was two years of age when his parents, Moses and Frances (Soliday) Eberhart, removed to Wayne county, Ohio. They, too, w'ere natives of the Keystone state and on removing westward settled on a farm in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, where they resided until called to their final rest. The father died at the venerable age of eighty-three years, while the mother passed away at the age of fifty-seven. They were the parents of ten children: Jacob, who is deceased; Mrs. Ellen Rhodes, living in Plain township, Wayne county; Henry H. ; Mrs. Katharine Jones, who has passed away; Samuel, a physician, who served as a private in the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three years and is now deceased; Joseph, who died in 1862; Abram, living in Plain township, Wayne county; Moses; Mrs. Maggie Dillgard, who died in 1909 ; and David, who died in infancy.

Captain Eberhart, brought to Ohio in his early childhood, was reared on the home farm in Plain township, obtained his education in the public schools and worked in the fields with his father until 1861. Interested in the living questions of the day, he was aroused by the attitude of the south in 1860 and resolved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would stand loyal in its defense. Therefore at the first call for seventy-five thousand troops he offered his services to the government and joined the boys in blue of Company C, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain A. Wiley. He served for about four months, participating in the battle of Philippi, West Virginia, which was the first engagement of the war. He then returned home on the expiration of his first term of enlistment and taught school for a few days, but he could not content himself to remain at home while the safety of the Union hung in the balance and, hiring a substitute for the school, he enlisted a second time, joining Company I, of the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years. In June, 1862, he was detailed on recruiting service at Wooster, and while thus serving received a commission from Governor Tod as first lieutenant of Company A, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With that regiment he went to the front and took part in the engagements at Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post. He was also at Port Gibson, Mississippi, and in Grant's campaign about Vicksburg. At Raymond, Mississippi, he was taken ill in the spring of 1863, at which time the ill and wounded were left in the rear without a guard after the engagement at Raymond, Mississippi, and fell into the hands of the enemy. He was then held as a prisoner of war for twentyone months and five days, in Libby prison and at Macon, Georgia, Columbia, South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Just previous to his capture he had received the commission making him captain of his company. After he was released he was granted a thirty days furlough and returned home. While in prison the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Regiment was consolidated with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, and in that consolidation Captain Eberhart was transferred to Company E, of which he took command on the expiration of his furlough. The time of the One Hundred and Fourteenth expired about two months previous to the expiration of the term of the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio, and Captain Eberhart was then transferred to the Forty-eighth Battalion of the Ohio Veteran Infantry. He was placed in command and was entitled to a lieutenant colonel's position, but refused to accept it that he might be discharged with his command. He was therefore discharged with Company E, Forty-eighth Battalion, Ohio Veterans Infantry, on the 14th of October, 1865, and returned to his home. For four years he had been on active duty, sharing in all of the hardships and experiences meted out to the soldiers who fought for the defense of the Union. His was a most creditable military record and the country owes to her defenders a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid.

When the war was over Captain Eberhart turned his attention to farming, purchasing a tract of land in Green township, Ashland county, about a mile east of Perrysville. He secured one hundred acres there and resided thereon until 1872 when he sold the property and bought ninety acres five miles east of Ashland in Montgomery township. Upon that place he lived for more than twenty years and then, retaining the ownership of that farm, he bought a small farm in Perry township whereon he made his home for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a house and lot in Reedsburg, but after two and a half years sold it and bought his present home in Jeromeville. He has disposed of all of his farms as he does not wish to be burdened with the care of the property, and is living retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.

On the 24th of December, 1865, Mr. Eberhart was married to Miss Mary Jane Webster, who was born in Lake township, Ashland county, May 16, 1841, and is a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Jane (Louderdale) Webster. Her father's birth occurred in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1808, and the mother's birth occurred in Genesee county, New York, October 2, 1823. They were married, however in Ohio, and Mrs. Webster still resides in Ashland, but Mr. Webster passed away in 1888. They spent the greater part of their lives on the farm in Lake township and were well known among the leading representatives of agricultural life in Ashland county. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom reached adult age : Mary Jane ; Mrs. Rhoda Chapman, living near the city of Ashland; Albert, a resident of Ashland; Mrs. Alice Geiselman, of Geneva, Nebraska; Mrs. Olive Priest, of Cleveland; Eliza, the wife of Ora Beard, a resident of Loudon ville; Jud, living in Reedsburg, Wayne county, Ohio; Columbus, living in Akron, Ohio; and Mrs. Janette Buck, of Galion, Ohio.

Only two children were born unto Captain and Mrs. Eberhart : William W., who married Amanda Ambrose, resides in Franklin, Nebraska, and they have one child, Ernest E. Frances Leora is the wife of Charles Latter, of Springfield, Ohio, and they have two children, Mary and Carl William. Both William W. Eberhart and Mrs. Latter were born in Green township, this county, and the former is now a very extensive stock raiser and farmer.

Captain Eberhart was a very active and prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic while the post existed in Jerome ville and has always maintained a deep interest in military affairs and the welfare of his old comrades-in-arms. He and his family are members of the English Lutheran church and his life has ever displayed those sterling qualities of manhood which in any land and clime command confidence and awaken admiration and respect. He was diligent in business, has ever been loyal in citizenship and reliable in friendship. These qualities have therefore made him a man whom to know is to honor.

John M. Nyhart

John M. Nyhart is one of the leading farmers of Hanover township, making his home on section 14 where he owns and cultivates four hundred and fifteen acres of productive and valuable land about two miles south of Loudonville, on the Mount Vernon and Columbus road. His success is due to his capable management and unfaltering industry. His birth occurred about five miles from his present home in Jefferson township, Knox county, Ohio, December 13, 1839, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Smith) Nyhart. The former was bom in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, the 27th day of April, 1806. His father lost his life in the war of 1812 and Jacob Nyhart came to Ohio with his widowed mother and two brothers and one sister when about eight years of age, the family home being established in Knox county. Here he was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all of its hardships and privations. On the 12th of January, 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Smith, who was born in New Jersey, October 3, 1811, and came from Green county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio in 1821 before she was ten years of age. Immediately after their marriage they located in Jefferson township, Knox county, and there lived for many years, Mrs. Nyhart there passing away at the age of seventy-nine years, six months and seventeen days. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nyhart were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and they were held in high regard by all who knew them because of many good, traits of heart and mind which they displayed throughout their entire lives. In 1891, following the death of his wife, Mr. Nyhart went to the home of his youngest daughter, Mrs. Mary O. Scholes, with whom he remained until his death on the 6th of May, 1897, when he had reached the venerable age of ninetyone years and fifteen days. They were the parents of nine children, of whom seven survived the father.

John M. Nyhart, the fourth in order of birth, was reared upon the old homestead farm in Jefferson township, Knox county, Ohio, and pursued his education in the common and select schools of that locality. He also taught one winter term and in the summer months he worked upon the farm with his father, early becoming familiar with the task of plowing, planting and harvesting. Lessons of industry and thrift were early impressed upon his mind and in due time brought forth rich fruit. Following his marriage Mr. Nyhart purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Brown township, Knox county, placing thereon new buildings and making substantial improvements, carefully tilling the fields and residing thereon for about twenty-eight years. Eighteen years ago he came to his present home, which was owned by his father-in-law, and took care of his mother-in-law until her demise. He then purchased the interest of the other heirs of the property and now has a valuable farm of four hundred and fifteen acres, the land being very rich and productive. The place is pleasantly and conveniently located about two miles south of Loudonville and in its midst stands a commodious and fine farm residence on one of the hills that border Clearfork creek and the Mohican river. It is located in a most picturesque spot in the midst of scenery that cannot but appeal to the artist and the traveler. Upon this farm Mr. Nyhart carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock raising and in his pastures are seen good grades of horses, cattle and hogs, while his fields bring forth abundant crops. He also owns town property in Loudonville and is interested in coal mines in the southern part of the state.

On the 3d of March, 1863, Mr. Nyhart was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Garret, who was born October 29, 1840, on the farm which is yet her home. She is a daughter of William Garret, who at one time was one of the most extensive land holders and prominent citizens of this part of the state. He was born in New Jersey, December 11, 1810, and remained in the east until after his marriage on the 24th of December, 1832, to Miss Dense Jennings, whose birth occurred at Morristown, New Jersey, October 6, 1809. In the fall of 1837 they arrived in Ohio and for many years resided upon a farm near Loudonville. When they came to Ashland county land was cheap but Mr. Garret had very limited capital. However he purchased a small tract of ground and worked diligently and earnestly that he might enhance his holdings, doing whatever his hands found to do. As he earned money he carefully saved it and invested in property until he was soon engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming in time the owner of thirteen hundred acres. After a number of years he did no manual labor, devoting himself solely to business pursuits and the management of his investments. His labors were thus an important factor in the promotion of the county's welfare and upbuilding. He was one of those actively concerned in boring for oil near Loudonville some years ago and was connected with various other business interests, including mines and insurance. From the organization of the Loudonville Banking Company he was its vice president and contributed largely to its prosperity through his sterling integrity, honesty and honorable dealings. In politics he was a stalwart democrat, never faltering in support of any movement which he believed to be right. While he preferred Ohio as a place of residence, he retained a great love for his native state and made frequent trips back to the east, the last being in the fall of 1886 when he expressed the thought that he would probably not return there again. He died May 2, 1887, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, while his wife passed away in 1895. At an early age he became a member of the Presbyterian church and always remained a consistent Christian. The members of their family were: Jane, who became the wife of Churchill Priest, and is now deceased; Charlotte, the deceased wife of Dr. A. J. Scott of Cleveland; Mrs. Nyhart ; Annie, who became the wife of J ames Ross and after his death married a Mr. Tobias of Elkhart, Indiana ; Virginia, who died in early womanhood ; and William, who died at the age of three years, The Garrets, like the Nyharts, were a prominent pioneer family of the county and the parents of Mrs. Nyhart took an active and helpful part in promoting the work of public progress.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Nyhart was blessed with two children. Dennie, born in Galloway, Knox county, December 23, 1863, became the wife of Otto Vance and died May 1, 1887, when twenty-three years of age. Her death was an almost unbearable blow to her parents. She was a young woman of pleasing manner and most amiable disposition. She early developed a literary taste and a fondness for music, and devoted much time to the study of the latter. After the removal of her parents to Galloway she became interested in Sunday school work and for eight years labored effectively as a teacher. In 1883 she united with the Methodist Episcopal church and was ever afterward one of its faithful followers. Though called away in early womanhood, her memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew her because of her kindly, helpful spirit which was ever displayed. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Nyhart was William Bud, who was bom November 7, 1866, and passed away at the age of forty years, five months and twenty-eight days. In his youth it became evident that he was not strong enough for farm work and his parents decided to give him a practical business education. So rapidly did he advance in his studies that at the age of sixteen he began teaching and successfully followed the profession for eight terms. He pursued a business course in the normal institutes of Ada, Ohio, and Valparaiso, Indiana. So proficient was he that he at once secured a responsible position as bookkeeper with a large wholesale stationery firm and in the Loudonville Bank. For the benefit of his health he went to the mountains near Los Angeles, California, and subsequently made a trip to San Diego, California. The third time he also went to the Pacific coast but was not greatly benefitted thereby and was satisfied to return to his father's home among the picturesque hills of Clear Fork. There he lingered for several years until at length death claimed him and Mr. and Mrs. Nyhart were left without children to bless them in their declining years. Although they have known some dark hours and experienced some bitter sorrows, they have ever held to their faith that in time all things work out for good to the believer in Christianity, and they have long been faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Galloway. In his political views Mr. Nyhart has been a life long democrat and was treasurer of Brown township for two terms. He has preferred, however, to concentrate his attention and energies upon his business affairs and his capable management has brought to him a substantial measure of success, enabling him in the evening of life to enjoy all of its comforts. Both he and his wife are held in the highest esteem throughout Loudonville and this part of the county and well deserve mention in this volume as representative citizens here.

Joseph N. Brown, a capitalist of Ashland, who was formerly actively and successfully connected with the agricultural and live-stock interests of this county, was bora in Richland county, Ohio, on the 3d of December, 1842. His parents, Hugh and Margaret Brown, who were natives of Wayne county, Ohio, and Holmes county, Ohio, respectively, are both deceased. Their family numbered ten children, six of whom still survive.

Joseph N. Brown acquired a good practical education in the common schools and when but eighteen years of age enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company H, Forty-second Ohio Infantry, with which he remained for eight months. He participated in the battle of Chickamauga' and, becoming ill, was afterward taken to the hospital at St. Louis, where he continued for three months. He then returned to Richland county, Ohio, there residing on a farm until twenty-two years of age, when he was married. Subsequent to that important event in his life he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for one year and then bought a tract of land of ninety acres, which he cultivated for a similar period and then sold. The following six months were spent in Missouri and afterward he lived in Pennsylvania for another period of six months, at the end of which time he came to Ashland county, Ohio, purchasing a farm of eighty-four acres, which is still in his possession and which he continued to cultivate for nine years. He then took up his abode in the city of Ashland and became engaged in buying and shipping stock, with which line of activity he was successfuly identified for seventeen years. At the present time, however, he is living a retired life, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former industry and well directed energy. He owns a fine residence at No. 30 Clarmont avenue and is a stockholder and director in the match factory of Ashland, a stockholder and director in the Star Telephone Company, a stockholder in the Raymond wholesale grocery house at Mansfield, Ohio, and stockholder and director of the Farmers Bank of Ashland. He likewise owns several houses in Ashland and is widely recognized as one of the county's most prosperous, progressive and respected citizens.

Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Sarah King, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Nicholas and Mahala King, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Brown was one of a family of three children and by her marriage has become the mother of four, namely: Mary A., who was born December 19, 1867, and is now the wife of Charley Fritzinger, who is in the insurance business at Mansfield, Ohio; Mertilla M., bom March 28, 1870, who is the wife of George Freer, of Ashland; Emory M., a resident of this city and a member of the drygoods firm of Beach & Brown; and Edgar, who has passed away.

In his political views Mr. Brown is a stalwart democrat and has taken an active and helpful interest in the local work of the organization, having seryed as assessor for two terms and also as alderman of Ashland. Fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 85, and also with G. A. R. Post, No. 132, having filled all of the chairs in the last named. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church of Ashland and have displayed traits of character, of heart and mind which have endeared them to all with whom they have been associated and which have gained for them the confidence and good will of the entire community.

Seth Gongwer

Seth Gongwer, county recorder of Ashland county, the duties of which responsible office he has been performing since his election to that post in 1904, is one of the most popular men of this part of the state, and thoroughly qualified in every regard to transact the business devolving upon him as a public official. Bom in Milton township, this county, on July 17, 1866, he is a son of Lewis and Frances (Imhoff) Gongwer, both natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where his father was bom in 1820, coming to this county when a boy with his parents, who located on a farm in what is now known as Mifflin township. The grandfather of the subject of this review, however, did not give much of his attention to tilling the soil as he gave up agricultural pursuits shortly after settling upon the land and built and operated a distillery for many years, the plant being later operated by his son, Michael Gongwer. His wife, Frances Imhoff, was bom in 1829, and when about two years of age came to this county with her parents, who located on a farm in Milton township, where she was reared and united in marriage, after which event she and her husband located in Richland county where they remained for a brief period and upon returning to this county purchased a farm in Milton township where they spent their remaining days, the father entering into rest in 1897, while the mother passes away December 26, 1908, the remains of both being interred in the Imhoff cemetery. They were known throughout the township for their industry and enterprise and as well for their excellent qualities of character, both having been faithful members of the United Brethren church, their daily lives being in every respect harmonious with the high ideals of their religion.

The district schools of the township gave Seth Gongwer his preliminary educational advantages, and later he completed a course of study in Hayesville

Academy, and also at Ashland College. Upon leaving the last named institution being then in his twentieth year, he adopted teaching as a vocation and for a period of twelve terms spent the winters in the school room, during the summer months turning his attention to farming, and for about four years following the demise of his father he had the management of the home farm, at the expiration of which period he went to Toledo, Ohio, and secured a position as brakeman on the Lake Shore Railroad, being identified with railroad work until December, 1903, when meeting with the misfortune of losing his left arm, he returned home and in the fall of 1904 was elected to the office of county recorder and is now serving his first term, but his position is assured inasmuch as he was reelected at the fall election of 1908 for a second term.

Mr. Gongwer is widely known among fraternal organizations and belongs to Montgomery Lodge, K. of P., and is also a member of Excelsior Camp, No. 3287, M. W. A. He is a man whose excellent judgment and genial disposition have made him popular throughout the county, and being also possessed of superior administrative and executive ability he is ably fitted to perform the duties of the office in which he serves, and his record as a public official is amply manifested in the fact of his reelection.

Jacob H. Strausbaugh

Jacob H. Strausbaugh carries on general farming on section 14, Hanover township, and is one of the enterprising farmers of the community. He was bom a mile north of Tiffin in Seneca county, Ohio, September 4, 1848, and there made his home, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof. He is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Flannigan) Strausbaugh, who were natives of Pennsylvania where they were reared and married. The father was a distiller by trade. He walked to Ohio three times before he was married, being employed in a Dayton distillery. Following his marriage he came with his wife in a one-horse wagon and made a settlement in Crawford county, 'camping there first among the Wyandotte Indians. After losing the use of lh\s left arm he engaged in making brooms for a living. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, six of whom reached adult age, namely: Susan, Joseph, Jacob, John, Michael and Margaret.

Spending his boyhood days upon the home farm Jacob H. Strausbaugh afterward learned the plasterer's trade and followed that pursuit until he enlisted for service in the Civil war in January, 1865, when but sixteen years of age. He was enrolled as a soldier at Lima, Allen county, Ohio, becoming a member of Company E, Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was assigned to duty with the Army of the Cumberland and he participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville besides many minor engagements, remaining always a brave and loyal soldier, unfaltering in the performance of any duty. He was mustered out at Camp Parker, Texas, in January, 1866.

After the war was over Mr. Strausbaugh returned to his home in the north and soon afterward went to Canton, Ohio. He worked at the plasterer's trade in the north during the summer seasons, and in the south during the winter months. In this way he visited many parts of the United States, spending about twelve years in that fashion. In 1870 he came to Loudon ville where he worked at his trade for three years, after which he was connected with A. A. Taylor as a packer in the flouring mill for eleven years. On the expiration of that period he again resumed work at his trade which he once more followed for three or four years and then with the capital which he had saved from his labor he purchased his present farm on the 8th of October, 1888. It has since been his home covering a period of more than two decades. He has here one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, annually gathering rich harvests. His home place is two and a half miles southwest of Loudonville and in addition to this property he has one hundred and sixteen acres two miles south of the village, both farms being in Hanover township. His home place borders the Mohican river and his dwelling is in a most picturesque district among the hills. His buildings are all substantial and in good repair, and the farm is in every way well improved. He raises sheep and hogs and also makes dairy cows a special feature of his place. His principal cereal is wheat and the fields are richly tilled.

In January, 1874, Mr. Strausbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Mary Beary, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio. October 4, 1854, and is a daughter of Chris and Magdalena (Gardner) Beary, natives of Switzerland who, however, were married in this country and died in Holmes county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Strausbaugh have been bom eleven children : Clara, the wife of Michael Casey, of Mansfield; James Urben, also living in Mansfield; Edward, a resident of Galion, Ohio; Charles, a farmer of Hanover township; Lewis, of Mansfield; Helen, the wife of Harry Sharp, of Mansfield; Myrtle, living in Mansfield; Mary, Leo and Paul, all at home; and Jacob Hugh, who completes the family. The family record is remarkable in that the circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death nor has there been much sickness among them.

In his political views Mr. Strausbaugh has always been an earnest republican in national elections because of his firm belief in the principles of the party yet he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs in which he is meeting with signal success. He belongs to St. Peter's Catholic church of Loudonville and is well known as a representative farmer of the community, whose energies have been effective in promoting the agricultural development of this part of the state.

William G. Heltman

William G. Heltman is one of Ashland's most prominent citizens, whose influence has been widely and deeply felt in the betterment of city conditions, and whose services as mayor of the municipality, in which honorable position he served for four terms, were of the highest character from point of view of justice and equity, and the excellent benefits accruing therefrom to the citizens of the community and the city in general. He officiated in that capacity between the years 1894 and 1902. Among the many ways in which he proved a benefactor of the municipality was that of securing for the city its present modern waterworks, built in 1895, and of which he is justly termed the father. It had long been the opinion of Mr. Heltman that the city should have a water plant of its own and he was unremitting in his agitation of the scheme and for many years carried on an aggressive warfare in behalf of the establishing of the plant, until he secured its erection. During that period he spent much of his own means and time visiting various cities throughout the state for the purpose of investigating their waterworks plants that he might through close scrutiny arrive at an idea of what would be the best for his own municipality, and when he had formulated his plans he submitted his estimates for the construction of the plant he met with the rebuff of being ridiculed, but being a man not easily dissuaded from an honest purpose he persisted in bringing his appeal before the public and through his honest and ardent efforts when the bill came up before the people to whom it was left to decide whether the municipality should or should not have a modern water plant it was passed, and the plant built within the estimates made by Mr. Heltman, the entire cost being forty-five thousand dollars. This included twelve miles of water mains and, considering the many items necessary to its construction, the cost was considered very low and the success of the undertaking at such a limited figure was commented upon by the papers throughout the state, greatly to the commendation and praise of Mr. Heltman.

Mr. Heltman is a native of Clinton county, Pennsylvania, born June 1, 1835, a son of Joseph and Catherine (Goldman) Heltman, and a grandson of John Heltman, a native of Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, who came to America and afterward was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and settled in Center county, Pennsylvania, after the termination of that conflict. There he was united in marriage to Miss Kleckner and spent his remaining days in the pursuit of agriculture. He reared a family of nine children.

Joseph Heltman was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, in 1791, and he also reared a family of nine children, two of whom survive, namely, Joseph, of Prairie Depot, Wood county, Ohio, and William G. Joseph Heltman was fortyfive years of age when he came to Ashland county, his arrival being in 1836, and together with his own family he brought that of William Goodman, a brother-inlaw, each family including nine members, the company having made the journey in two wagons, and when they had reached Canton, Ohio, which at that time was a small village, Mr. Heltman was robbed in the late night hours by three highwaymen who relieved him of thirty-two hundred dollars in silver, the money being packed with household clothing in a strong box, supposed to be perfectly secure, and this left both families practically stranded. However, not being contented to acquiesce in their loss they followed the robbers, tracking them to a barn in which the money had been hid and they searched the building and surrounding premises diligently in the hope of finding their silver, but to no avail. Upon inquiring throughout the neighborhood it was discovered that the thieves had spent a portion of the money on a horse race and also some of it in saloons, and Mr. Heltman, having marked several pieces of the silver, was assured that he would be able to recognize it and later, the thieves having been run down and taken into custody, one of them, who was but sixteen years of age, made confession and fortunately about two thousand dollars of the sum was recovered, after Mr. Heltman proved the money to be his in court. Upon arriving in this county he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Milton township from Mr. Wykoff, and here he followed general farming in connection with carpentering and cabinet making, finally giving up the latter and devoting his entire time to husbandry until his death, which occurred in 1873, when he was in his eighty- third year. Politically he was an ardent democrat, although preferring a quiet home life, he was never ambitious to hold office. However, taking an interest in local affairs he served for several terms efficiently as township trustee. His wife was a native of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, from which place she later removed to Center county, that state, with her parents, when but three years of age, her birth having occurred in 1792. She lived to the advanced age of ninety-six years. She and her husband were members of the Evangelical church and were highly respected for their earnest Christian zeal and upright and useful lives.

William G. Heltman when but a little over a year old removed with his parents to this state, settling upon a farm located one and one-half miles west of the city of Ashland. There he spent his boyhood days, engaging in the summer months in the pursuit of agriculture, while in the winter season he took advantage of the district schools to obtain an education. Upon completing his studies he pursued farming for awhile and in 1854 left the farm to teach in the district school, being the teacher in his immediate neighborhood during the years 1856 and 1857, at which time he instructed many of his former playmates. In 1857, upon leaving the schoolroom, he accepted a clerkship in the Mansfield postoffice under Jacob Rusinge, acting as chief clerk for about two years, when illness caused him to retire. In 1859 he began to work in a grocery store, the proprietor of which was E. W. Wallack, with whom he later formed a partnership, the firm engaging in buying and shipping country produce. In this connection he remained during the years 1861 to 1863, at the same time acting as clerk of Montgomery township. During that period he was also united in marriage to Miss Mary A. T. Rebman, whom Jie had known from childhood as she had been born and reared on the adjoining farm. This union has been blessed by nine children, seven of whom still survive.

In the early '60s Mr. Heltman made himself influentially known in political circles, and in 1863 was elected clerk of the court of common pleas by a majority of two hundred and seventy votes and performed the duties of this office for three months, when the return of the soldier vote from the field of battle gave the office to Captain S. M. Barber by a slight majority. To the responsible position of town treasurer he was elected in 1865, during which year he was nominated on the democratic ticket for county treasurer, to which office he was elected by a large majority, being reelected also in 1867, and his performance of his duties as custodian of the money of the commonwealth was in every way satisfactory and strong evidence of his administrative and financial ability. Upon the expiration of his term of office he engaged in the dry-goods business, this being between the years 1871 and 1873, but in 1874 he disposed of his interests and engaged in the grocery and qneensware business. In 1879, in company with W. T. Alberson, he became one of the owners and publisher of the Ashland Press, and during the four years to which he gave his financial support and influence to this enterprise the Press attained phenomenal success and was given a wider range of usefulness. In 1882 he was elected a member of the board of education of Ashland, continuing as a constituent of this body until 1889, in the meantime serving as clerk of the board for one term and for two terms as president. While in this position it is said that more than any other man in this vicinity he was influential in establishing a non-partisan school board, and under the new system the schools were made more efficient, so that they attained a rank equal to those of any part of the state. His political power soon became widely known owing to his excellent judgment and administrative ability, together with his honesty, and desiring the highest good of the people, and he was soon chosen as a candidate for mayor of the city and for four terms served in this capacity with exceptional credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He is of German descent and possesses all the sturdy and stalwart characteristics of his race, and both in his political and business careers has evidenced that conservative judgment common to his people together with that practical economy which has made his such a useful service to the people, his highest purpose as a political factor being first to do what he could for their betterment and for that of the city of which he is a citizen and was chief executive. He belongs to the order of Free Masons and for a number of years has been worshipful master of Ashland Lodge. Mr. Heltman is widely known through his integrity and capacity as a business man, being upright and honest in all his dealings, and as a man whose influence is based almost exclusively upon his outward acts which are evidences of the high ideals he follows, and enjoying the reputation of being one of the foremost who has the interests of his city and its people at heart, he is in every sense of the word an influential representative of Ashland, for whose advancement he has contributed many years of time, labor and ability.

Newton J. Sprinkle

Newton J. Sprinkle, who for many years has been influentially associated with the farming and stock-raising interests of Sullivan township, was born in Troy township, August 11, 1862, a son of John and Catherine (Sponsler) Sprinkle, his parents having come from Columbiana county, to that township at an early day, where they resided on a farm. Mr. Sprinkle spent his life in producing general crops and raising stock and although he did not have many acres of land his knowledge of soils and adaptation of crops enabled him to derive from his small acreage more bountiful harvests than many reaped from many times the extent of land which he tilled. He was highly respected throughout the community for his honesty and upright life. He passed away in February, 1903, and is survived by his widow.

In the district schools of Troy township Newton J. Sprinkle acquired his education, in the meantime assisting his father in the general duties of the farm until he was eighteen years of age when, ambitious to become independent in life, he sought employment elsewhere and worked for himself until he was united in marriage, at which period of his life he began farming in Orange township, where he remained for five years. At the termination of that time he removed to Huntington, Lorain county, where he engaged in farming for ten years and in 1901, settled on his present farm. It contains ninety-three acres, which he devotes to the production of general crops and stock-raising and although his farm is small it is one of the most highly improved and tillable in the county. His residence and all his buildings are modem and substantial and the premises are equipped with every convenience with which to make agriculture a paying proposition.

On January 11, 1887, Mr. Sprinkle wedded Miss Etta F. Sheets, daughter of John and Mary (Tranger) Sheets, her father, a farmer of Orange township. To this union have been bom : Mary, Osro Perry, Grace Beth, Ada B., John C., deceased, and Carl. Mr. Sprinkle affiliates with the democratic party for whose candidates he has always cast his vote with one exception and that in the case of the late James A. Garfield for whom he had a profound admiration. For several years he has officiated as a member of the school board in the localities m which he has lived and, being a public-spirited man, he takes a deep interest in every movement which purposes the public good. He is in particular a strong advocate of a progressive educational system. While he did not have the advantages of training in a higher educational institution, yet being a man susceptible to learning and desirous for information, his extensive reading has covered almost every topic and he is conversant upon a wide range of subjects. Along the lines of his own business, his reading and study have been especially profound and he has kept abreast of the times as to the best methods of farming and has given particular attention to the adaptation, rotation and nature of the various crops. Although he lives a busy life he never loses sight of his religious obligations and, with the members of his family, attends services at the Congregational church. Air. Sprinkle is known throughout the township for his enterprise and aggressiveness and also for his exemplary life, and is numbered among its representative citizens.

S. L. Earth

S. L. Earth, who conducts an extensive hardware business in Ashland, was born in this city, July 21, 1875, a son of Henry J. and Margaret (Shopbell) Earth. His father was bom in 1842, while his mother, a native of this place, was born in 1852, their marriage having occurred in the year 1870. When in his third year, Henry J. Earth was brought by his parents to Ashland county, where he received a meager education in the district schools and Avhere, when he became of age, he bought a farm, on which he is still pursuing general agriculture, his farm containing fifty acres, four and one-half miles north of the village of Ashland. The land is highly improved and kept continually under cultivation. He has held a number of township offices among them being road supervisor, in which capacity he served for several years. He is not affiliated with any secret societies or fraternal organizations, preferring rather to live within the comforts of his home circle. A democrat in politics he has always been loyal to that party while his religious faith allies him with that Christian sect, known as the Dunkards.

In the common schools S. L. Karth acquired his preliminary education, subsequently becoming a student at Ada College, this state, from which he was graduated in 1897, receiving diplomas for completing the work of a scientific course and also a commercial course. His first work was done upon his father's farm, assisting in the daily routine of agricultural life, and in 1898, the year following his graduation, he entered the employ of the Union Hardware Company, with which firm he continued for three years, at the expiration of which period he purchased a quarter interest in the McCreedy Hardware Company, remaining as a member of the firm for the period of a year when he sold out and started in the same business for himself at his present location. He has since been carrying on an enterprise of large proportions. His store is in every particular modern, a special feature of his business being an apartment devoted to all kinds of farm implements and fertilizers. He is always ready to accomodate his country trade, keeping on hand at all times the articles which they are most likely to demand, and adjoining his store he has a livery and feed barn. So great has been his success that his volume of trade since the first year has brought up his receipts from thirteen thousand dollars until last year he transacted a business amounting to forty thousand dollars, which was nineteen thousand dollars in excess of the business he transacted during the previous year. In 1908, he admitted his brother, I. J., to a partnership, the firm name being known as S. L. Karth & Brother. His great success he attributes to

On the 29th of March, 1900, Mr. Karth wedded Miss Ethel Fluke, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Fluke, residents of this county and to this union have been born : Opal Lucile, Harold, deceased, and Lois Elizabeth. Mr. Karth votes the republican ticket, believing firmly in the wisdom of its principles and in the advisability of the policies it advocates and during campaigns his influence and vote are not wanting in behalf of the candidates of his party. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and also to the Methodist church and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.

Fernando Rice

Fernando Rice, who for many years was engaged in general farming and stock raising in Sullivan township, is the oldest living representative of a family who were among the earliest and most prominent pioneers of this section. He was bom here January 9, 1836, a son of Perez and Lucy (Chamberlain) Rice, both of whom were from New England families who came to this state about the year 1813, settling in what is now called Sullivan township. They made the long tedious journey to the west by canal to Buffalo, New York, thence by boat to Cleveland and from that place by wagons, in which they also carried their household goods to this township. Upon their arrival here they found the country thickly covered with timber and far removed from any place where they might obtain provisions. Consequently they experienced all the difficulties, privations and hardships of pioneer life. Their neighbors were few and in like circumstances and all joined together cheerfully in the task of making themselves comfortable. The first work was to cut down trees and prepare logs for the erection of cabins in which they might find shelter from the varying weather. By their hard labors and perseverance the new country was soon cleared and put into shape for cultivation and presently their hearts were lightened by the appearance of the harvest and from year to year they were attended by prosperity until from amid comfortable circumstances they could look back over the past, realizing that their youthful energies had been well spent. They are to be numbered among those to whonj, the present generation is indebted for the roads which they cut through the forests and for many of the bridges which now span the streams and marshes. Perez Rice departed this life in the year 1844, his wife surviving him forty-three years, her death occurring in July, 1887. In their family were six children, three of whom survive, namely: Olivia, who became the wife of Henry Rogers; Ruvina, who wedded

On the land on which his people located Fernando Rice was reared and participated in the experiences of pioneer life, assisting the other members of the family in the work of making ready portions of the land for cultivation and in the tilling of the soil on those portions which had already been cleared. During the winter months he attended the log schoolhouse, where he acquired his education. He resided for sometime on his father 's property and his present home was formerly his great uncle's, the farm covering in the neighborhood of six hundred acres, all being in one plot except where it is cut by public roads. He has given much attention to stock raising and to this end has developed considerable grazing land, his fields for this purpose being as fine as there are in the county. For about twelve years he engaged in the manufacture of cheese, for which he gained a wide reputation, but gave up this enterprise in the year 1873 and turned his attention principally to stock breeding. He raises cattle and sheep and usually ships many carloads to the markets throughout the state. His sons are also interested in farming and each has his own modern home, located near the old homestead and they also have their own barns, outbuildings and other conveniences with which to carry on their work.

On November 10, 1862, Mr. Rice was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Stowell, daughter of William and Mary (Shaw) Stowell. Her father came from Plainfield, Massachusetts, to this state in the fall of 1850. Prior to that time he had been engaged in the mercantile business in his native state, but upon coming here, followed the occupation of farming. In his family were three children, namely: William H., Yenila and Lydia. To Mr. and Mrs.

Corinne, the eldest daughter, who was graduated from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, taught school for several years, including five years at Oberlin University. She subsequently attended the law department of Chicago University from which she was graduated and, admitted to the bar, is now practicing law in Chicago, Illinois. Blanch L., who is highly cultured and who for several years was connected with the schools in McGregor, Illinois, and Windom, Minnesota, became the wife of Frank Williams, of Montana. Walton P. is a farmer. Celestine is a graduate of Oberlin University and for several years past has been connected with the schools of Decatur, Illinois, as a teacher. The three sons who are united in marriage, are engaged in farming on the home place.

In politics Mr. Rice is a republican and since he cast his first vote fo* Abraham Lincoln in 1860 he has been loyal to that party. He is in favor of public improvements, especially good roads and an excellent school system. He has served as township trustee, to which position he was elected when twenty-one years of age and for a number of years has been an efficient member of the district school board. Together with the members of his family he attends divine services at the Baptist church of which he is a trustee and a liberal supporter. Mr. Rice is a man of excellent character, whose example has always been for good and he merits the confidence and respect of his neighbors and is accounted one of the most valued citizens of the county.

J. F. Welty, well known in the business circles of Ashland, for many years was connected with the Freer Brothers clothing establishment but is now auditor elect of Ashland county. He was born in Jeromesville, August 28, 1859, a son of William and Rosanna (Eichelbarger) Welty. His father, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, bom in 1827, came to this county with his parents before the city of Ashland was incorporated. The family settled in Hayesville, where he was reared and where the grandfather of the subject of this review, Samuel Welty, operated a harness manufactory in which William Welty was employed, learning the trade of hamessmaking under the instructions of his father. After becoming a journeyman he followed the occupation for some time, subsequently giving it up in order to engage in the hotel business, and for a period of thirty years was one of the most popular innkeepers of Jeromesville, where he is now living retired.

At home under the supervision of his parents J. F. Welty was reared, acquiring his education in the public schools of his native city and also in the Hayesville Academy, and when in his twenty-first year he left the parental roof and, coming to this city, secured employment as a salesman in the clothing establishment of Freer Brothers, with whom he has since remained with the exception of two years spent in the employ of Hull & Dutton, of Cleveland, and four years spent as a traveling salesman. During his experience as a salesman for Freer Brothers he became thoroughly familiar with every phase of the clothing business and today has the reputation of being one of the most efficient men in that line of business in these parts. His success as a salesman won him wide popularity and this position acted as a medium to bring him in contact with the people with whom he was held in such favor as to justify him in running for the office of county auditor, to which office he was elected in 1908 to become an incumbent in October, 1909.

On September 23, 1908, Mr. Welty was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Van Devander, of this city. He is a stanch democrat politically, and a strong and able advocate of its principles, and the prominent place he occupies as a follower of democracy is manifest in the fact of his being nominated for the responsible office, the duties of which he will presently assume. Well known socially, and also among the fraternal organizations, he belongs to the Colonial Club of Ashland, and to Jerome Lodge, No. 655, K. of P. His long experience in business circles has developed within him that degree of mature judgment and administrative ability which will admirably serve him in performing the responsible duties of county auditor.

John A. Henderson

John A. Henderson, a retired thresher of Savannah, Clear Creek township, ^was born July 25, 1848, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, a son of David and Mary X Philips) Henderson, who came to this country in 1854, making the voyage on the sailing vessel, Aurora, the trip requiring nine weeks, most of which time the passage was delayed by a severe tempest. Landing at the mouth of the St. Lawrence river they continued their journey by boat to Cleveland, Ohio, and thence by wagon to Clear Creek township, this county, where they made their home. David Henderson was a stone mason by trade and plied his craft, in connection with carrying on general husbandry, until death terminated his; work. His life was one of great usefulness as was also that of his wife. Both having been members of the orthodox Scotch Presbyterian church, they exerted a telling influence for good throughout the community by their upright and industrious lives. Two sons, the subject of this review and Robert P., are still residents of Savannah, their brother George having passed away before attaining manhood.

John A. Henderson spent his boyhood days with his father upon the farm, there engaging in agricultural duties and acquired his education in the district schools of his native village, subsequently pursuing a course of study in Savannah Academy. Upon completing his education he at once took up the occupation of threshing, which for an uninterrupted period of forty-two years he followed with splendid success, his financial standing becoming better from year to year until finally he was justified in retiring from the active duties of life and is now living in the village of Savannah, enjoying some of the fruits of his many years of honest application.

On December 25, 1872, Mr. Henderson wedded Miss Mary Ann Walker, daughter of Theodore and Margaret Ann (Adams) Walker, also natives of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, who came to the new world in 1854 on the sailing vessel, Jean Boyd. They disembarked at New York harbor and immediately continued their journey by rail, canal boat and wagon to their destination in Troy township where Mr. Walker plied his trade as a stone mason and at the same time followed the occupation of farming. He was a man well known throughout the community, being noted for his honesty and enterprise and at the same time for his exemplary life, having been influential in doing much toward heightening the moral and spiritual life of those with whom he associated. To Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have been born five children, namely: Robert M., and Theodore N., twins; Stella, a very popular and successful school teacher; David A. ; and Carl S. Robert M. is married, as is also his twin brother, Theodore N., both of whom follow the occupation of farming, while David A. takes care of his father's business as a thresher. Carl S. is also married and lives in Savannah.

Mr. Henderson is popular in local affairs, having served the township as constable for nine years and assessor for two years. For the past twelve terms he has been justice of the peace and during that period has also been performing the duties of notary public. For many years he officiated as a member of the district school board and at present is a member of the village council, in which he exerts a wide influence in bringing about movements designed for the betterment of the community. In politics he has always been a republican, active in the affairs of his party and- invariably at the polls on election days to do what he can to secure the election of his favorite candidates. No man in the community is more progressive in his ideas and willing to take hold of and further all plans which purport in any way to benefit the vicinity. He, with the. members of his family, belongs to the United Presbyterian church, in which for over twenty years he has served in the office of elder. Mr. Henderson is remarkably intelligent and his conversational powers render him a welcome guest at social gatherings, many of which are brought together in his own home, his residence being one of the finest in the village and the rendezvous of his many friends, where they invariably meet with hospitable reception.

Andrew Jackson Mumper

Andrew Jackson Mumper, a well known representative of farming interests in Ashland county, now resides on section 3, Hanover township, where he gives his attention to the cultivation of the soil and to stock raising. His farm with its many excellent improvements constitutes one of the attractive features of the landscape, and in its midst is a beautiful country home which is one of the finest in the county. Mr. Mumper is a native of Knox county, Ohio, his birth having occurred in Jefferson township, August 22, 1841. His parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Bryan) Mumper, were both natives of York county, Pennsylvania. The father was born September 5, 1816, and their marriage was celebrated in 1835. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Andrew Mumper, who was born near Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and died on a farm south of Hayesville, Ohio, where he first located on coming to this county. It was a tract of two hundred and fifty acres which he brought under a high state of cultivation, continuing its improvement until his demise. He was a son of Michael Mumper, a native of Germany, who came to the new world about two hundred years ago and settled in Pennsylvania. He was then a poor boy and had not money enough to pay his passage, so that he was bound out to one who paid the sum and claimed his services until he should be remunerated for the money expended. Michael Mumper had two children, a daughter, who married a Mr. Long, and a son, Michael, who married Ann Bushholder. They had the following

Removing to Ashland, which was then a part of Richland county, the parents of our subject spent their remaining days in the vicinity of Loudonville. The father purchased some timber land in Jefferson township, Knox county, Ohio, and it was while he was engaged in clearing that tract to which he devoted only a few years, that the birth of his son, Andrew Jackson Mumper, occurred. When the task was completed there Andrew Mumper, Sr., returned with his family to Ashland county and both he and his wife died in Green township, his death occurring when he had reached the ^ age of seventy-five years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-five years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mumper were bom eight children: William, Frances and Mary, all deceased; Andrew J., of this review; Margaret; Katharine; Joseph, deceased; and Virginia, who died in infancy.

Andrew J. Mumper spent the first six years of his life in the county of his nativity and then accompanied his parents to Ashland county, Ohio, in 1847. They located on a farm south of Hayesville in Green township, where they resided for two years and then removed to a farm in Vermillion township, which was also their home for two years. On the expiration of that period they returned to Green township and during this period Andrew Mumper assisted in the farm work as his age and strength permitted. His education was acquired in the public schools and throughout the summer months he toiled in the fields. On the 18th of November, 1861, Mr. Mumper responded to his country's call for troops and enlisted as a member of Company G, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry under Captain Orlo Smith of Ashland. He was discharged in July, 1862, because of disability, and returned home, there residing up to the time of his marriage. He bought ninety acres of land in Green township near the old home and for six years devoted his energies to its care and improvement. Since 1870, or for a period of almost thirty-nine years, he has resided on his present farm which comprises one hundred and twenty acres a mile and a half west of Loudonville on the Loudonville and Newville road. He has a fine home built in attractive style of architecture. It is very commodious, containing eleven rooms and is beautifully and attractively furnished. It was erected in 1883 and is one of the finest country homes in this part of the county. Mr. Mumper has made all of the improvements upon his farm and the substantial outbuildings which furnish shelter for grain and stock, the well kept fences and the improved farm machinery are all indications of his life of well directed thrift and energy. He gives his time to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also to the raising of stock, both branches of his business proving profitable. In all of his business affairs he displays an

In 1867 Mr. Mumper was married to Miss Hannah Louisa Hite, who was born in Green township, Ashland county, Ohio, near Perrysville, November 3, 1844. She is a daughter of James and Katharine (Thomas) Hite, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. Both died in Hanover township, Ashland county. Mr. and Mrs. Mumper have three children, namely : Mary, now the wife of A. H. Sillwill of the city of Ashland ; Harry O., who owns eighty acres constituting a farm adjoining the old home place and is married and has three sons, Earl, Ralph and Irvin; Katharine, who died at the age of eighteen years.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Mumper are members of the Baptist church of Loudonville, with which they have been connected throughout the entire period of their married life. Mr. Mumper served on the building committee of the church and they have always been interested in its work and generous in its support. He likewise holds membership in Fisher Post, No. 309, G. A. R., of Loudonville. He gives his political allegiance to the democracy and was one of the first jury commissioners of Ashland county, in which capacity he served for five years, having at that time three colleagues. He was also township trustee for twelve years and served on the township school board for twenty-four consecutive years. He has always been a stalwart champion of the cause of education and his labors have been very helpful in advancing the efficiency of the public schools in this vicinity. In fact he stands for progress at all times and under all conditions and the spirit of advancement which actuates him is manifest in his own business affairs as well as in relations to the public. He possesses a determination that enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and at all times his business transactions are conducted in harmony with the strictest business ethics.

David Long

For a half century David Long has been a representative of the farming interests of Lake township. He was born January 19, 1850, on the farm where he now resides and the years have witnessed his unabating energy and careful management of his business affairs so that he eventually became one of the substantial and prosperous citizens of his community. His influence, moreover, is always given on behalf of justice, truth, right and progress and his labors have been a beneficial element in promoting the welfare of the community. He is a son of John George and Margaret (Merkling) Long, and a grandson of John G. Long, who was born in Alsace, France, in 1798. He crossed the Atlantic to America in 1828 when thirty years of age and first settled in Stark county, Ohio, where he remained for ten years. He then removed to Ashland county, taking up his abode in Lake township and all his life he engaged in farming. He was a member of the Lutheran church in which he served as elder for twenty years and his life was ever in consistent harmony with its teachings. He married

Katharine Barnhart in Alsace, France, and they have become the parents of five children : John George ; Peter B., who married Saloma Kantzer ; John B. ; Adam B., who married Barbara Wyemer; and one child who died in infancy. The father of these children passed away in 1868 while the mother's death occurred in 1875.

John George Long, father of our subject, was born in Alsace, France, in 1822 and came to America with his father at the age of six years. He spent his remaining days in Ashland county where his time and energies were devoted £o the tilling of the soil. He wedded Miss Margaret Merkling in 1843. She was born in Germany and was but three years of age when brought by her parents to Ohio. They continued to reside in Ashland county from the time of their marriage until their demise, Mrs. Long passing away February 14, 1882. in her fifty-eighth year, while Mr. Long died January 18, 1903, at the age of eighty years. He was quite prominent in community affairs, held the office of supervisor, was also school director for several years and gave his political allegiance to the democracy. He held membership in the Lutheran church and served as one of its deacons for more than $ third of a century. Unto him and his wife were born the following children : Katharine, who became the wife of John Peters, of Lake township; Philip, who married Paulina Merklinger and resides in Columbus; George, who wedded Christina Priest and died in Wayne county; David of this review; Samuel, who died in childhood; John D., who died in Clinton township and Simon Peter, pastor of the First Lutheran church of Mansfield, Ohio.

David Long has always resided upon the farm where his birth occurred. He acquired his education in the public schools and was trained to the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and cultivating the land and caring for the harvests. His life of diligence has been rewarded with success and he is now the owner of eighty acres in the home place and a farm of forty acres in Plain township, Wayne county, about -a mile east of the farm on which he now resides. His entire life has been devoted to tilling the soil and he now has a well improved place upon which are good buildings that he erected. His work has been carefully managed and his unfaltering diligence has made him one of the substantial agriculturists of the community.

Mr. Long has been married twice. In October, 1873, he wedded Caroline Hipp, who was bom in Hanover township, Ashland county, Ohio, October 21, 1854, and died in the fall of 1894. She was a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Hansler) Hipp, natives of Germany. By that marriage there were ten children : Sarah Margaret ; Martin Luther ; George Peter ; Theodore Philip, who died at the age of two years ; Ida Katharine ; Rena Elizabeth, the wife of Louis Richard, of Knox county, Ohio, by whom she has a daughter Mildred; Dora Henrietta, who is the wife of Fay Chase, living on a farm near Ashland; Thornton M., at home; Paul Edward; and Miriam May, who died in infancy. Having lost his first wife Mr. Long was married in 1896 to her sister, Miss Sarah Katharine Hipp, a native of Hanover township.

In his political views Mr. Long was a stalwart democrat and has filled school and road offices. He belongs to the German Lutheran church of McZena, of which he is one of the trustees and was on the building committee when the new house of worship was erected. He did much of the team work himself and assisted materially in putting up the church. He is a man of unfaltering honesty and business integrity and displays those qualities which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.

Eben E. Dudley

Eben E. Dudley, a prosperous farmer and representative citizen of Sullivan township, was bom in this locality June 30, 1857. His parents, Alfred L. and Mary Ann (Harrison) Dudley, were natives of Hartford, Connecticut, and came to this state as a young married couple, settling in Medina county, where they spent a few years and then removed to Sullivan township, where they remained on a farm for the. rest of their days, the father having departed this life August 24, 1878. His wife survived him by eighteen years, her death having occurred in November, 1896. In the family were eight children : Eben E.; Mary A., who became the wife of Leander Loomis, of Sullivan township; Bela D. L., of Camstota, South Dakota; and Frederick A., of Sioux Falls, that state. The other children are deceased.

On his father's farm Eben E. Dudley was reared and there enjoyed the usual experiences common to the country lad, engaging in the routine of agricultural life during the summer months and in the winter time attending the district school, where he acquired his education. Upon leaving school he remained under the parental roof and has since applied his energies to the cultivation of the home farm, except an interval of a few years which he spent as a traveling salesman for various merchandise companies. His farm is in a desirable location, has upon it sufficient timber for ordinary purposes and is provided with all the necessary improvements with which to carry on the work successfully. The attention which Mr. Dudley has given it has made it one of the best tracts of land for the production of general crops that can be found in the county. He has made quite a study of the soils for the purpose of so arranging the rotation of crops as to derive the maximum yield per acre and his experiments have been so successful that he annually reaps abundant harvests. He gives some attention to stock raising, his horses being of excellent breeds and keeps on hand a number of head of the finest specimens of cattle, sheep and hogs, in which he does a shipping business throughout the state. Being an agriculturist he is always on the alert for innovations by which to carry on farming to the best advantage and has all the machinery requisite to agriculture and does his farming strictly upon modern principles.

On December 14, 1891, Mr. Dudley was united in marriage to Rosa A. Becker, a daughter of Hiram and Rosa L. (Fisher) Becker of Lorain county, the former a lake captain. To this union have been bom seven children, namely : York, Florence R., Fern, Hope, Dorothy, Dot L. and Thomas. Mr. Dudley has taken quite an interest in local affairs and has filled the offices of road supervisor and township assessor. He is an advocate of general good roads and was a strong supporter of the central school system, which was finally adopted by this township and which has since proved eminently satisfactory. Among the fraternal organizations with which he is affiliated are the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Knights of Maccabees. His political faith is that of the republican party and while he is not an active politician he takes sufficient interest in public affairs to keep himself well informed regarding paramount issues and regularly casts his vote for the candidates of his party. He is a man who is in every respect aggressive and his industry and high moral character merit the confidence and respect of his neighbors.

Guetelius I. Yearick

In an analyzation of the life record of any individual it is usually found that certain pronounced characteristics and qualities bring him prominently before the public. In a review of the life record of Mr. Yearick one cannot fail to be impressed with the fact that it was because of a friendly nature and appreciation on his part of the good qualities in others, and his deference for the opinions of those whom he met that Mr. Yearick was so universally esteemed and respected. He made friends wherever he went and thus his death was the occasion of deep and wide spread regret when he passed away. He was born In Mififlinburg, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1829, a son of Peter and Katharine (Guetelius) Yearick. He was a little lad of ten years when his parents came to Ashland county, where both spent their remaining days. Here the son was reared to manhood, attending the public schools. The family home during his youthful days was at Red Haw, Ashland county, and at the age of twelve years he was apprenticed to a turner and painter, under whom he mastered the business. He afterward worked at his trade in Ashland county, in western Ohio and in eastern Indiana until 1855 and in the latter year returned to this county where he embarked in business as a furniture dealer. The following year, however, he suffered a heavy loss by fire. He resumed operations in that line and continued in the trade until 1860 when he sold out to Colonel J. D. Stubbs. The following year, 1861, Mr. Yearick responded to the country's call, enlisting as a member of the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and became , a recruiting officer. After the close of the war he established a loan agency in Ashland and conducted the business until 1869, when he was elected county treasurer on the democratic- ticket. He was a stalwart supporter of that party, believing that its platform contained the best elements of good government, and during campaigns he used his aid and influence to further the principles of the democracy. He continued in the office of county treasurer from 1870 until 1874 and made an excellent record as a custodian of the public funds. On his retirement from official life he resumed the loan business, and later branched out into other fields in the establishment of a livery business in partnership with Nelson Thomas. From that time until his death he devoted his energies to both enterprises and was sole proprietor of the livery stable for some years, having bought out his partner's interest. As a loan agent he was very successful, doing a big business in negotiating and placing loans, having among his clients many of the best known people of the county. In all of his business relations he was thoroughly reliable and his spirit of enterprise, combined with unfaltering industry won him his prosperity.