Ashland City (part 21 of 57)

The common schools of this city, afforded James C. Farquharson his preliminary educational privileges and he subsequently pursued a course of study at Savannah Academy. However, being aflame with the spirit of industry he early desired to enter the business world and when twenty-one years of age commenced the manufacture of drain tile on his own account and succeeded in building up an extensive enterprise, which he continued to operate for twenty years or until the railroads made it impossible for a manufacturer whose plant was located at a great distance from their lines to compete with the producer who manufactured his commodities near a railroad system, where he might have ready transportation. Mr. Farquharson, however, looked longingly for the time when the railroad would pass through Savannah and still kept up his interest in the tile business, at the same time operating his farm. Finally he abandoned the notion that this city would ever have a railroad passing through it, gave up the manufacture of tile and, engaging in the lumber business, operated a sawmill. In June, 1905, he purchased a tract of eighty acres of timberland in Columbiana county, to which place he removed during that year for the purpose of erecting a sawmill and obtaining a market for his product. Within the space of two years he had worked the entire tract of land and in 1907 came to this city, where he has since been giving his attention to his lumber interests in Ashland and Richland counties and at the same time managing his farm, which embraces something over two hundred and forty acres. Mr. Farquharson has been successful in all his undertakings and his industry and perseverance have enabled him to become a salient factor in the commercial and financial life of the community, where he is associated with various business interests.

On June 15, 1905, occurred the marriage of Mr. Farquharson to Miss Eldora McMillin, a daughter of A. A. and Sarah (Ferrell) McMillin, of Ashland county. For many years her father plied his craft as a plasterer, later in life, however, having recourse to farming for a livelihood. He is still living at the advanced age of ninety-one years, highly respected for his upright life. His wife entered into rest some years ago. Politically Mr. Farquharson gives his support to the republican party and has served as a member of the county central committee for a number of years while he has also been frequently sent as a delegate to county, district and state conventions. He has always been deeply interested in local affairs and before he had reached his majority was elected clerk of the corporation and has since served in that office. Moreover he has performed the duties of township treasurer and also of village treasurer, has been elected a member of the village council and also performed the duties of its chief executive. At to his religious convictions Mr. Farquharson is a member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs, both being active in the affairs of the congregation, Mr. Farquharson having served for a number of years as treasurer of the Sunday school. His wife, being a talented musician -who prior to her marriage was a successful music teacher, renders the church invaluable services in this line. He is also a lover of music, being able to perform on a number of instruments and in this way finds both pleasure and \ recreation. He belongs to Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F .& A. M., and, being a man who always has the -highest interests of the community at heart, contributing in many ways toward its material and as well its moral prosperity, he merits the reputation in which he is held by all who know him as one of the municipality's most progressive and representative citizens.

Andrew J. Griner

Andrew J. Griner, who has farm holdings in Jackson township, is now residing in the village of Polk, of which he at present is acting in the executive capacity of mayor, and also previously served in that office for several terms. He was born in Green township, Wayne county, this state, November 21, 1843, a son of Frederick and Sarah (Kintner) Griner, both of whom came from

Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, with their parents in the early pioneer days and were among those who assisted in developing the natural resources of this part of the state, in which they attained to considerable prominence. The name Griner is one which gained a wide reputation through these parts through the paternal grandfather, Philip G., who for a number of years kept a tavern at Smithville in Wayne county, the inn in those days being far different from the ordinary tavern of today by reason of the fact that they were not simply drinking places but particularly the meeting places of travelers and people throughout the community, who there entered into discussions of public questions, debating those issues upon which depend the public welfare. The father was an agriculturist, the tract of land he cultivated having been transformed from thick woodland into fertile fields, his son assisting in the work of improvement.

At the outbreak of the Civil war Andrew J. Griner enlisted, on August 15, 1862, in Company H., One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the struggle and being honorably discharged on October 16, 1865. His regiment witnessed much hard service in the army of the Mississippi particularly at the siege of Vicksburg, being present at the surrender. A. J. Griner participated in six battles with the regiment and for a period of thirty days in the three years was under continuous fire. However, Mr. Griner was fortunate in that he was never taken prisoner nor seriously wounded, although, as in the case of many others, he returned from the conflict with his health greatly impaired. Following the war he returned home and for two years assisted his father on the farm, presently removing to Fayette county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for about one year. In 1869 he removed to Decatur, Illinois, where for one year he became interested in the grocery business, after which for a period of four years he worked at the carpenter trade. In the fall of 1872 returning to Wayne county, he managed his father's farm for two years, and then removed to Medina county, ' where for four years he followed general agricultural pursuits. Again returning to Wayne county he settled near West Salem, where he followed farming and stock-raising for four years and in 1884 removed to Burbank, Wayne county, where for eight years he plied his craft as a carpenter. In 1892, Mr. Griner again had recourse to farming, this time near Albion, where he remained until 1894, when he went to Polk, where he devoted his time to agriculture and carpentry until February, 1909, when he was appointed agent for the Cleveland Southwestern & Columbus Railway, the duties of which office he is now performing.

On January 23, 1863, Mr. Griner wedded Miss Margaret Sands, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Frank) Sands, her father a prominent clergyman of the Reformed church. Mrs. Griner entered into rest April 27, 1904. To this union were born two children : Grant S. and Lodell G., both of whom reside with their father.

Mr. Griner is a republican in politics, taking an active interest in the affairs of the party and frequently has been a delegate to county and district conventions. Being a man of intelligence and highly respected for his administrative ability he was elected as chief executive of Polk in 1900 and served for two terms, covering a period of four years. In 1906, he was again elected and is still performing the duties of that officfe. He belongs to McCarty Post, No.

182, G. A. R., of which several times he has been commander, having also filled various other offices in that organization, of which he at the present time is commander. He is well know throughout Grand Army circles and on a number of occasions has been sent by his post as a delegate to state and national encampments. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he has belonged for many years and in which also he is an active worker. Being a musician of considerable ability and at the same time a teacher of vocal and instrumental music he finds recreation by this means and since coming to Polk has been chorister in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Griner is one of the most enterprising and public-spirited men in the community, always ready to further all movements designed for its betterment particularly favoring good roads and schools, and in him the municipality finds one of its most honorable and excellent citizens.

C. W. McCool, one of the representative and respected residents of Ashland, has been quite active in political circles as a supporter of the democratic party and has proved a competent and faithful incumbent in various offices. He was born in this county in December, 1858, and is a son of James and Rhoda (Swasick) McCool, the former born in 1821 and the latter in 1825. Mrs. McCool was a daughter of James and Rhoda Swasick. In early life James McCool learned the miller 's trade which he followed continuously until 1860, when he was elected sheriff of Ashland county. He proved so competent in office that in 1862, he was reelected and when he retired from office, at the close of his second term in 1864, he enjoyed the confidence, good will and esteem of his fellow citizens in the same full measure in which it was extended him at the beginning of his official service. Resuming the pursuits of private life he turned his attention to the livery business with which he was connected for a few years, when he sold out and established a grocery store which he managed until 1873. His last days were spent in honorable retirement from labor and he passed away in Florida in 1904, having for about nine years survived his wife who died in 1895. They were members of the Presbyterian church and were worthy people who enjoyed the good will and high respect of all who knew them. Mr. McCool gave his political allegiance to the democracy and was recognized as one of the party leaders in Ashland county.

C. W. McCool is the younger of two children, his brother W. A .McCool being now a resident of Pennsylvania. He acquired a public-school education and in early life began clerking in a grocery store. For twenty-one years he was identified with that line of trade and was well known to the public as an enterprising representative of mercantile interests. In 1896, he was called to public office, being elected auditor of the county, in which position he served for two terms, after which he remained as deputy in the office of his successor, Mr. Westover, for one year. He has also filled other positions, acting as city treasurer for two terms and aP all times has proved a competent official, discharg- ing his duties with promptness and fidelity, his course reflecting credit upon himself and proving highly satisfactory to his constituents. From early manhood he has taken a deep interest in political questions, always keeps well informed on the issues of the day and has never seen occasion to swerve in his unfaltering allegiance which he has always given to the democracy.

In August, 1905, Mr. McCool was married to Miss Linda Saal, a daughter of Jacob and Maria Saal, both of whom are now deceased, her father having passed away in 1906, while her mother's death occurred in 1871. Their family numbered but two daughters : Mrs. Emma Myers and Mrs. McCool. The father was a butcher by trade and followed that business for many years, winning success in that line. He, too, figured prominently in connection with the official interests of the county. In 1891 he was elected to the office of county treasurer and public endorsement of his administration was given him in his reelection in 1893. After serving for two terms he retired to private life and for nearly forty years engaged in the butchering business, buying his own stock and doing his own slaughtering. Throughout that entire period he was recognized as one of the leading meat-market men of Ashland. He, too, was a democrat in his political views while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the German reformed church. Mr. and Mrs. McCool hold membership in the Presb}rterian church and Mr. McCool is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Ashland, and both are well known in Ashland and throughout the county, where they have many warm friends who esteem them highly for their genuine personal worth. Mr. McCool is known as a very public-spirited citizen, at all times interested in measures pertaining to the general good and giving hearty support to every movement that he deems will advance the interests of Ashland county.

Thomas C. Donley

Thomas C. Donley, residing on a farm in Orange township, has for forty years conducted business as a wool buyer and dealer in stock. He is also widely known as a breeder of fine Jersey cattle and Berkshire hogs and his opinions are regarded as authority on live stock. He is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Nashville township, Holmes county, Ohio, March 2, 1846. His parents were John and Sarah Ann (Alberson) Donley, farming people of Ashland county, the father there carrying on agricultural pursuits for many years. He died on the 23d of June, 1880, and the mother has also passed away.

The early life of Thomas C. Donley was quietly and uneventfully passed upon the home farm. He received instruction in the work of the fields as his years and strength increased, while his mental discipline was attained in the district schools and later in the Savannah Academy. After leaving that institution he engaged in teaching school for three years, but during the greater part of his life has given his undivided time and attention to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising.

Mr. Donley was twenty-six years of age when, on the 5th of December, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Iva Ann Smith, a daughter of David and

Rosetta (Bates) Smith. Her father was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, but became a farmer of Orange township, Ashland county, where for many years he successfully tilled his fields. The Bates family is also an old one in this part of the state, their representatives being numbered among the valued and worthy citizens of Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Donley has been blessed with eight children and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. In order of birth these are : Maude L., now the wife of R. R. Reed, of Barberton ; John L., ; David C. ; Anna, now the wife of Walter W. Ingman, of Ashland; Stella S., the wife of W. Sampson; Elizabeth; Esther May; and James Paul, who is yet a student. Following his marriage, Mr. Donley settled on the farm which has since been his home, covering a period of thirty-seven years. He is a breeder of fine Jersey cattle, keeping registered stock both for breeding and dairy purposes, and he likewise raises high grade Berkshire hogs. He is an excellent judge of stock so that he has made judicial purchases and profitable sales. His business interests are all capably conducted and there has been no esoteric phase in his career, his sound judgment and energy constituting the basis of his success.

In public affairs relating to the upbuilding of the county Mr. Donley is also actively interested. He has been a member of the school board and was a member of the jury commission for two years, and he has always been a stalwart champion of good roads, good schools and good works. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he is an active worker in the party ranks. He belongs to the Presbyterian church with which his wife and family are also connected, and he has not only served as a trustee of the church but has also been a teacher and active worker in the Sunday school with which his wife is connected in similar manner. Mr. and Mrs. Donley are greatly interested in the education of their children, knowing that when they give them good opportunities for mental development and discipline they give to them something which never can be taken from them and which can constitute the basis of honorable lives and substantial success. An air of refinement and culture pervades their home and books and the best periodicals are very generously provided. Its hospitality also reigns supreme and a hearty welcome is extended to all their friends, with which number Ashland 's citizens are glad to be classed.

Sherman Ward Beer

Sherman Ward Beer, who for more than twenty years was prominently and successfully identified with the manufacturing interests of Ashland, was born near that city on the 6th of May, 1837, his parents being William and Mary (Mann) Beer. The father wras a prosperous and progressive agriculturist, residing two and a half miles south of Ashland. Sherman W. Beer was reared to the work of the farm and obtained such education as the schools of the locality afforded. After starting out in business life on his own account he was for many years connected with the hardware trade in Ashland, and in 1870 he formed a partnership with Jacob J. Kauffman for the manufacture of spring beds and cots. This relaton was continued until the death of Mr. Beer in 1894, the enterprise being widely recognized as one of the leading manufacturing concerns of Ashland. Enterprising, progressive, alert and strictly honorable in all dealings, Mr. Beer was well entitled to his place among the representative business men and citizens of the county and richly merited the respect and esteem which was uniformly accorded him.

On the 29th of April, 1873, Mr. Beer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Urie, a daughter of Major George W. and Elizabeth (Murray) Urie, of Ashland, who were among the early settlers of this county. Major Urie, who was the first treasurer of Ashland county and also held other official positions of trust and responsibility, passed away in this county in 1898, when he had attained the venerable age of ninety-two years and eleven months. His wife had been called to her final rest in 1861, when fifty-eight years of age. The record of their children is as follows: Mary J., who became the wife of Giles Porter and died in 1875, leaving two children; Alice A., the wife of T. M. Beer; Elizabeth H., who gave her hand in marriage to the Rev. W. W. Anderson, of Loudonville, Ashland county, Ohio ; Wilson S., born in 1839, who died when only five years of age; Adaline M., whose birth occurred in 1844 and who passed away at the age of eight years ; and Sarah A., born in 1842, who became the wife of Sherman Ward Beer, by whom she had one son, George W. Beer, who was born in 1880 and is a graduate of Cornell University.

Though not an active politician, Mr. Beer gave unfaltering support to republican candidates and principles and his cooperation was always given on the side of progress, truth, justice and right. Public-spirited to an eminent degree, he exerted a widely felt influence in the county's material development' and upbuilding. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which he contributed liberally of his time and means, acting as deacon of the church and also as superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. Fraternally he was a thirty-second degree Mason and exemplified the teachings of the craft in his daily life. His demise, which occurred in Ashland on the 14th of September, 1894, was deeply and widely mourned, his honorable and well spent life having won him the admiration and regard of an extensive circle of friends. His widow still survives and is well and favorably known throughout the community, the hospitality of the best homes being cordially extended her.

Thomas E. Thornburg

Thomas E. Thornburg needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is widely known not only in Ashland county but also throughout Ohio, and is one of the leading horticulturists of the state. He has closely studied the best methods of cultivating fruit, understands the nature of the soil required for the various kinds and his products have been so superior in size and quality as to find a very ready sale on the market. Yet it is not alone because of his success in business that Mr. Thornburg deserves mention in this volume. He is one of the native sons of the county, representing two of its oldest and most honored families. He was born May 3, 1861, and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Thornburg. One of his great-grandfathers was Daniel Carter who was the first settler in what is now Ashland but was then a part of Richland county, the year of his arrival being 1811. One of the old cabins which he occupied is yet standing as a landmark in the county and a mute witness of the wonderful changes which have since been wrought. A cupboard which he brought with him to this state is still in possession of the family and Mr. Thornburg of this review, has a large collection of relics which were brought by his ancestors to this district in pioneer times and which he zealously safeguards, valuing them highly. The old homestead of Daniel Carter was in the same locality as the present farm of Thomas E. Thornburg. One of his great-grandfathers in the maternal line was Michael Springer, who arrived in Ohio in 1815, making the trip on horseback from Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, across the mountains and through the forests where the road was little more than an Indian trail. The greater part of the land was still in possession of the government and he entered three hundred and sixty acres which were covered by the native forest growth. He was therefore closely associated with the early agricultural development of the county, for with characteristic energy he began to clear his fields. The great-grandfather and the grandfather of our subject in the Thornburg line were also early residents of Ashland county. The maternal grandfather, John Springer, also developed a good farm here and it is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Thornburg, the parents of Thomas E. Thornburg, his mother having spent her entire life upon the farm where she yet lives. She was one of a family of ten children, the youngest living to the age of forty-six years, while the oldest reached the ripe old age of about eighty. Both of Mr. Thornburg's grandfathers were bom in the year 1794 and each passed away at the age of eighty-four, there being only about two months difference in their ages, at the date of their deaths. The Springer family came originally from Germany, although representatives of the name were driven from that country into Holland, whence they sailed for America about 1680. The Thornburgs were natives of Pennsylvania, the family being established there at an early period in the colonization of the new world.

Thomas E. Thornburg pursued his education in the district schools and spent a year and a half at the Yermillion Institute in Hayesville, Ohio. He was reared on the old homestead which was originally the property* of his grandfather, John Springer, and throughout his entire life has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, making a specialty, however, of gardening and raising of fruit. He is one of the most practical and successful fruitgrowers in Ohio, and such is the excellence of his product that it always- commands the highest price on the market and is much sought after by the wholesale merchants. It is most carefully sorted out and is always up to the standard, and such is his commercial integrity that his fruit goes without question. At the time of his marriage he located upon the farm which he now owns and operates and in the intervening years he has set out his orchards and promoted their development until his is today one of the finest fruit farms of Ohio. His place was all

In 1888 Mr. Thornburg was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Groeshner, who was bom on the 10th of May, 1865, and is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Groeshner of Ashland. Her father was originally from Germany but for many years has resided in this county and is one of its worthy and respected citizens. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thornburg have been bom two sons, Paul Eugene, whose birth occurred April 17, 1895, and Atley Cecil, who passed away in infancy. In his political views Mr. Thornburg is a stalwart democrat with firm faith in the principles of the party and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church, in the work of which they are helpfully interested. In all of his business career he has been actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress that has led him beyond the attainment of others, bringing him gratifying success and winning for him an enviable reputation as one of the most progressive and well known horticulturists of Ohio.

Lewis M. Groeshner

The farming and stock-raising interests of Ashland county find a worthy and prosperous representative in Lewis M. Groeshner, of Orange township. His birth occurred in Montgomery township, this county, February 14, 1868, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Schneider) Groeshner, who sailed from Germany to the United States immediately after their marriage, taking up their abode in Wooster, Ohio, in 1854. The father, who was a cabinet maker, there worked at his trade for two years and subsequently came to Ashland, where he was engaged in cabinet making and carpentering until called to* his final rest on the 16th of April, 1895. His wife, surviving him for a number of years, passed away on the 10th of October, 1908. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, namely: John H., Elizabeth, Augusta, Catherine and Lewis M.,

Lewis M. Groeshner obtained his education in the schools of Ashland and since early manhood has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He was actively engaged in the tilling of the soil in Montgomery township until 1901, when he came to Orange township and, with the exception of three years spent as a clerk in a grocery store at Ashland, has here since been engaged in general farming and stock raising with excellent success. His farm presents a neat and well kept appearance and in all his undertakings Mr. Groeshner has met with a measure of prosperity that entitles him to recognition among the substantial, progressive and enterprising citizens of the community.

On the 6th of June, 1894, Mr. Groeshner was united in marriage to Miss Anna Luetta Mason, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (Charlton) Mason, of Orange township. Her father, who is a prominent citizen and extensive landowner, is the oldest man in Orange township. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons, Cummings E. and Virgil Henry.

Politically Mr. Groeshner is a democrat and, though not an active party worker, has never neglected to cast his ballot at an election. Anything that tends to promote the interests of the county along material, educational and moral lines receives his hearty support and cooperation. Fraternally he is connected with Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs and is now past grand and a member of the uniformed rank. He is the teacher of the old ladies' class in the Sunday school of the Methodist Episcopal church at Nankin, of which his wife and children are also devoted and faithful members. As he has lived in this county throughout his entire life, he has a wide acquaintance here and his friends know him as a man of sterling integrity and genuine worth.

Thomas N. McKean, proprietor of the leading transfer and storage plant of Ashland, is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, born February 16, 1858, and a son of Samuel and Jane (Miller) McKean, his father also a native of that county, while his mother was born in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania. Samuel McKean's birth occurred in 1833 and in the place of his pSftivity he was reared, engaging in general agricultural pursuits there until 1868, when he settled upon a farm in this county for three years, later removing to the city of Ashland, where he has since resided. Upon arriving here he engaged in the drayage business, later establishing a meat business which he continued for several years and finally engaged in the manufacture of harness, which industry he pursued until he retired from active life. He is still residing in this city. A democrat in politics he has always taken an interest in the affairs of his party and for a number of years served efficiently as constable. He belongs to the United Brethren church, of which he is a stanch adherent and, being a man whose daily life is in close keeping with the tenets of his faith, he deserves the high measure of respect in which he is held. His wife, born in 1834, came with her parents when a young woman from Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, to Wayne county, this state, where she was united in marriage and after a long life of usefulness she still survives in the enjoyment of a degree of health and vigor uncommon to those of her years.

Under the careful attention of his parents Thomas N. McKean was reared and given the advantage of an education in the public schools. Upon completing his studies at the age of fifteen years, being ambitious to start out into the business world, he secured a position as general utility boy in the Miller Hotel of Ashland, where he performed his duties efficiently for three years. Later he devoted one summer to farming, the following spring purchasing a team and entering the general hauling business here. At the time he launched out in this enterprise he only had enough money to pay for one horse and its equipment and the other horse, making up the team, he purchased on credit. This was the initial venture of his present lucrative and extensive business. Little by little, through hard work and good management, he became popular, working his way into the drayage business and eventually securing a large portion of the hauling laid out by the commercial establishments of the city. As time passed by and his means increased he associated with his undertaking that of storage and he now owns a first class storage warehouse, measuring twenty-four by ninety feet, the only business of this kind in the city. His trade has gradually grown to large proportions, requiring constantly eleven teams together with a number of hired hands.

On October 10, 1881, Mr. McKean was united in marriage to Miss Artha M. Markel, of this city. They have one son, Earl K., who is associated in business with his father. As to his political affiliations Mr. McKean is a democrat, always loyal to the party, particularly with respect to national and state issues. He belongs to Excelsior Camp, No. 3287, M. W. A. and is a member of the Lutheran church, of which he is a liberal supporter and, being a man whose business relations have always been conducted on the basis of honesty, he entertains the confidence of all who know him and deserves mention as a leading business man of the city.

Abel C. Metcalf

Abel C. Metcalf, who resides upon a beautiful farm in Lake township, Ashland county, and is engaged in general farming and stock raising, is a member of an old and well known family of this county. The grandfather, Josiah Metcalf, who founded the family in Ohio, came from Pennsylvania with his family and settled near Jeromeville, Ashland county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. His death, however, occurred in Michigan, at the home of his daughter. In his family were six children, George, William, Amos, Vachel, Allen and Nellie. Allen Metcalf, the father of our subject, was born June 17, 1819, on the home farm near Jeromeville, and during his early life ran a sawmill, being thus engaged until his marriage, which occurred January 18, 1844. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Goudy, was also born near Jeromeville, this county, her natal day being August 25, 1824. After his marriage Mr. Metcalf purchased a farm of fifty-eight acres in Lake township and devoted his remaining days to farming. He later purchased other farm land and at the time of his death his holdings aggregated three hundred acres. He became well known in this part of the county, serving for some time as justice of the peace, while his fellowmen, recognizing his ability and worth, called him to several other township offices. He and his wife spent their entire lives in Ashland county, where they passed away, his death occurring December 13, 1878, while she survived until February 8, 1901. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, namely: Abel C., of this review; Sarah Jane, the wife of L. S. Shearer, residing on a farm near his elder brother ; William, who died in infancy; James Henry, of Wayne county, Ohio; Martha, who wedded F. M. Dirrim, a resident of Iowa ; and Sianett, the deceased wife of William T. Murrel.

On the old homestead, amid the wholesome scenes of rural life, Abel C. Metcalf was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with the daily routine of farm life and assuming his full share in the work of the fields. He remained with his parents until his marriage, when he purchased his present farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres, adjoining that of his father, upon which he has since resided. On this farm are two sets of buildings and in its midst is a pretty little lake called Lake Martha. When the property came into his possession there stood upon it a small log cabin which subsequently gave place to a fine large house erected by Mr. Metcalf. He has also built substantial and commodious barns and outbuildings, and the farm, known as Prairie View Farm, is one of the finest country homes in this section of the country. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising, and the success which has crowned his undertakings is the just reward of unfaltering industry and untiring perseverance. He is classed among the prosperous and successful agriculturists and influential citizens of this community.

In 1870 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Metcalf and Katharine Fulmer, a native of Lake township, Ashland county, her birth occurring June 20, 1851. She is a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hoffman) Fulmer, both natives of Alsace, France. They were there married and soon afterward came to the United States, spending their remaining days in Ashland county, Ohio. In their family were six sons and five daughters, three of whom died in childhood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf were born the following children : Eddie F., who was killed July 13, 1892, while in his twenty-first year, by a runaway horse ; Allen J., a resident of Clinton township, Wayne county, who has two children, Leo Clayton and Katharine Freda ; Fred D., residing in Cleveland ; Ralph W., who occupies the other dwelling on his father's farm and has one child, Evelyn Grace; Bryon R., of Wayne county, the father of a daughter and son, Helen R. and Carl B. ; Zeno P., an entomologist, who graduated from the Ohio State University at Columbus and is now with the State Experiment Farm of North Carolina ; and Clell L., a student in the State University at Columbus. In his religious faith Mr. Metcalf is a member of the Evangelical church, is a trustee of the church property and is interested in all phases of the church work. He gives his political support to the democracy and lends his influence towards furthering the interests of that party, while on that ticket he was elected trustee of the township, which office he occupied for several years. He has also served as a school official and the cause of education finds in him a warm champion. In his citizenship he is public-spirited, being in hearty sympathy with all measures and movements which have for their ultimate aim the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community, while his sterling qualities have gained for him a high place in the regard and esteem of his fellowmen.

Charles H. Bryan

Charles H. Bryan was born on his present farm on section 19, Mohican township, his natal day being September 6, 1863. Here he has remained to the present time, covering the period when life was one continuous playtime, on through the age when the work of the fields claimed a part of his attention, while the remainder was given to the mastery of the branches of learning taught in the public schools, and still on to the time when business affairs demanded all of his hours and energies. He was the grandson of William and Sarah (Kirk) Bryan, the former a native of Virginia while the latter was bom in Pennsylvania. The grandfather came to Ohio with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bryan, who settled in Jefferson county, where he had previously entered for them a farm before their arrival. Later Joseph Bryan removed to Ashland county and entered three-quarters of a section of land on the 10th of March, 1815, and soon afterward took up his abode thereon. His son William, was married in 1819 and located on this farm in the same year, making it his home throughout his remaining days, while the great-grandfather, Joseph Bryan, took up his abode on an adjoining farm and there continued to reside until called to his 'final rest. Joseph Bryan had three sons, Reuben, William and Joseph, the eldest of whom died at Fostoria, Ohio, while Joseph spent his last days in Illinois. William Bryan always continued a resident of Ashland county and here he reared his family, namely: Martha, Sarah, Joanna, Wilson, Washington, Wesley and William P. The last named was the father of Charles H. Bryan. His entire life was spent in this county, his birth having occurred in Mohican township, on the 17th of November, 1838. He was reared to the occupation of farming and continued to follow that pursuit until his life's labors were ended in death. In early manhood he worked by the month for about six years and then as the result of his careful expenditure, was enabled to engage in farming on his own account. He was very diligent in carrying on his agricultural interests, placing his business cares as the foremost feature in his life, so that his close application and persistency of purpose eventually won him a creditable measure of success. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wachtel, was born in Mohicanville, December 14, 1843, and was a daughter of Jacob and Hettie (Helbert) Wachtel, the latter a sister of Henry Helbert and a representative of one of the leading and prominent families of the county. The death of William P. Bryan occurred November 21, 1908, when he was seventy years of age, while his wife passed away April 19, 1906. They were the parents of six children : Charles, of this review ; Mary, the widow of J. D. Botdorf, who resides with her elder brother; Lewis, who is also on the same farm; Harrison, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Dora D., the wife of Ira Myers, of Perry township; and Isa, the wife of Luther Jones, living in Vermillion township.

It will be seen from the foregoing record that the Bryan family is one of the oldest and also one of the best known in this part of the state. Through almost a century its representatives have resided in Ashland county, taking an active and helpful part in all measures relative to the public good, while their efforts have been equally valuable in the line of agricultural development here.

Charles PI. Bryan supplemented his early education acquired in the public schools by study in the Vermillion Institute at Havesville, and he also engaged in teaching school for one term. However he has given his attention most largely to the further development and improvement of the home farm and the estate comprises one hundred and three acres of land. The soil is rich and productive and brings forth good harvests. Everything about the place is indicative of the care and labor bestowed upon it and shows what may be accomplished when intelligent cultivation is brought to bear upon the natural rich soil of Ohio. Mr. Bryan is a democrat in his political views and has filled some local offices, acting as township assessor for two years, while for six years he was clerk of the township. He is a member of the Church of God and for the past fifteen years has been an elder in the Vermillion Synagogue.

Henry Helbert

Henry Helbert was eighty-two years of age on the 6th of April, 1909, his birth having occurred in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. He is one of the oldest residents of Ashland county in years of continuous connection with this part of the state, for he was brought to this district in 1835 when a lad of eight years. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Mock) Helbert, who were natives of Pennsylvania, born and reared about thirty miles west of Philadelphia. After their marriage they removed to Bedford county, that state, and eleven of their twelve children were there born, while John Helbert, their youngest, was born in Ashland. Hoping to secure a home and win success on the western frontier, they made their way to Ashland county, Ohio, in 1835, and the father purchased a tract of land north of Mohican, on which both he and his wife spent their remaining days. He built the first bank barn in Mohican township and a neighbor made the remark that Mr. Helbert would "never get enough growed to fill this barn." However, his crops the first year were more than sufficient to utilize the capacity thus afforded. With characteristic energy he cleared his land and improved one hundred and sixty acres, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation. He also bought one hundred and ten acres additional and afterward gave that to his son. Both he and his wife reached an advanced age, the former passing away at the age of ninety years and six months, while the mother was eighty years at the time of her death. Their children were as follows: Maria, the deceased wife of John Newman; William, who was a twin brother of Maria and went to California in the spring of 1849, his death their occurring two years later; Jacob, deceased; Michael', living in Vermillion township; Rebecca, who became the wife of John Garst and died in 1862; Peter, who died in June, 1908, at the age of eighty-four years in Jeromeville, where he was living retired: Kittie, who married Jacob Waehtel and after his death became the wife of Charles Cosner; Henry, of this review; Sarah, who is the widow of Henry Waehtel and lives on the old home place; Levi, deceased; Edward, a resident of Jeromeville; and John, living in Havesville.

The family traveled westward, making the trip with a three-horse team, eventually arriving in Mohican township which was then a part of Wayne county. For a year they lived in the woods in a little log cabin and then removed to a farm in Tree Hollow, about a mile away from their first settlement. A year was there passed, on the expiration of which period the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land a half mile north of Mohican. This was in the spring of 1837. The tract was covered with dense timber and in the midst of the green woods he built his cabin. Henry Helbert remained upon that farm until nineteen years of age, when he began learning the blacksmith trade, but after eighteen months was obliged to give it up as he found that he was not strong enough for the work. He then engaged in farming for his widowed sister for ten years. On the 14th of April, 1859, he was married and in the spring of 1860 removed to his present home which is situated on section 36, Vermillion township. He has erected all of the fine buildings here and now has an excellent property of one hundred and twenty acres. He likewise bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining on the south and built the buildings upon that place. He next bought one hundred and eighty acres on section 26, Vermillion township, and also purchased one hundred and fifty acres on section 27 in the same township, so that his total possessions are six hundred and ten acres in Vermillion township, all well improved with modern equipment and good buildings, some of the buildings being particularly fine. His father gave him five hundred dollars toward purchasing his place and Mr. Helbert went in debt for the remainder, but in those first few years he was most careful in his expenditures and in time was able to pay off the entire amount on the property. He has had altogether about four thousand dollars given him, but he has given much more than that to his children. His whole life has been devoted to the farm and his unremitting energy and careful management contained the secret of his success.

Mr. Helbert was married to Miss Anna Long, who was born November 30, 1836, and when two years of age was brought to Lake township, this county, by her parents, Peter and Margaret (Barnhart) Long, natives of Alsace, France. Their family numbered three daughters and seven sons, all of whom are yet living. The mother's birth occurred January 5, 1805, and the father was born October 6, 1807. In early life they became residents of Stark county, Ohio, and were there married. Peter Long was a tailor by trade and had previously followed that pursuit in Pittsburg for a time, coming to America a year before the lady whom in 1827 he made his wife. They removed from Stark county to Ashland county and for a considerable period Mr. Long engaged in farming but in the spring of 1868 left the farm and retired to Loudonville, where his remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest. While carrying on agricultural pursuits he also made clothes for the family. lie had one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 7 in Lake township and also eighty acres adjoining. He was a Lutheran in his religious faith and a democrat in his political belief. He filled several township offices, including that of trustee. His wife died December 20, 1875, while his death occurred January 12, 1893. They were the parents of ten children: George W., residing in Ilayesville;

Peter, who crossed the plains to California in 1852 with his brother George, who returned three or four years later, while Peter remained and is now living in San Jose, California; John M., a resident of Mansfield. Ohio; Anna, the wife of Henry Helbert, whose home is in Vermillion township; Adam, living on section 7, Lake township ; Mary, the wife of G. A. Showalter, of Columbus ; Katharine, the widow of Frederick Smith, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Daniel, of Creston, Wayne county, Ohio; William, of Kalamazoo county, Michigan; and

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Helbert have been born seven children : Reason Franklin, who married Rosella Brubaker and died in November, 1908; Jacob Andrew, residing in Loudonville ; Ella, the wife of David Leidigh of Mohican township ; Peter J., also living in Mohican township ; Elizabeth, the wife of Frank Budd, of Ashland; Gust William, a resident of Vermillion township; and Curtis Lee, who died at the age of seven years.

In his political views Mr. Helbert is a democrat but though he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and desires the success of the party, he has never sought nor wished for public office for himself, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with good success. His entire life has been devoted to the farm and his well directed energy and unfaltering industry have constituted the foundation upon which he has builded his prosperity. He and his family are widely known in this part of the county and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.

Garrett A. Johnson

Garrett A. Johnson, a well known agriculturist, dairyman and stock raiser of Sullivan township, where he owns a neat and well improved farm of one hundred and fifty acres, was born on the place where he now resides, his natal day being July 17, 1852. His parents, Ambrose and Mary (Van Wagnen) Johnson, were natives of Schenectady, New York. Leaving the Empire state, the father made his way to Twinsburg, Ohio, while the mother accompanied her parents on their removal to this state about the same time. The marriage of Ambrose Johnson and Mary Van Wagnen was celebrated at Twinsburg and soon afterward, in 1842, they came to Sullivan township, Ashland county, locating upon the farm where their son, Garrett A., now resides. The place was all covered with timber and their first home was a rude shanty made of boards, which afforded shelter until the trees could be cut down and a frame dwelling erected. Ambrose Johnson had been deprived of educational opportunities in his youth but possessed much more than the average natural intelligence and was moreover a man of strong, resolute character and sterling integrity. He continued to reside on his farm in Siillivan township until called to his final rest on the 28th of February, 1882, his death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret. The demise of his wife occurred February 8, 1896, and thus the county lost two of its most worthy and respected pioneer settlers whose labors had contributed in substantial measure to its early development and upbuilding. They had become the parents of five sons and three daughters, of whom four sons and two daughters are yet living, as follows: Henrietta, the wife of Marcus DeMoss, of Sullivan ; Joseph 0., who is a resident of Wellington; Mrs. Mary E. DeMoss, of Oklahoma; George W., living in Ashland; Garrett A., of this review; and Charles E., who makes his home in Cleveland.

Garrett A. Johnson was reared on the old home farm and supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the district schools of his native township, by attendance at Lodi Academy. In early manhood he took up the profession of school teaching and subsequent to his marriage he continued teaching for several years in his home district in Sullivan township, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Upon severing his connection with educational interests he turned his attention to the pursuits of farming and dairying, giving the greater part of his time and energies to the latter branch of activity. He originally dealt in Holstein cattle but in recent years has bred the red polled cattle exclusively. The stock is all high grade and many of his thoroughbreds have sold at excellent prices. His farm consists of one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, all of which' is tillable except a small tract of timber on which there are nearly five hundred sugar maple tyees, yielding a generous supply of maple syrup and sugar annually. The place is equipped with many fine improvements and in fact is lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farming property of the twentieth century. The various buildings are commodious, substantial and in good repair, the fences are well kept, the land is all well drained and the general air of neatness and thrift which pervades the premises indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. In all of his business affairs he is alert and enterprising, meeting with the measure of success which always rewards earnest, persistent and well directed labor.

On the 19th of October, 1875, Mr. Johnson was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ella Baldwin, a daughter of Rev. C. C. and Martha (Smith) Baldwin. Her father, a minister of the Congregational church, was a home missionary in northern Michigan for several years and subsequently was pastor of a church at Sullivan for a number of years. His demise occurred at Oberlin, Ohio, May 22, 1884, while his wife passed away at Benzonia, Michigan, on the 6th of July, 1893. Like her husband, Mrs. Johnson also taught school for several years prior to her marriage and was widely recognized as a most successful and progressive educator. By her marriage she has become the mother of twelve children, eleven of whom still survive, namely: Bessie E., the wife of Elbert

Harvey, of Basin, Wyoming; Mary Grace, who is the wife of Ira E. Garver, of Sullivan; Edward C., living in Ashland, Ohio; Charles A., who resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado ; Arthur B., who makes his home in Spencer, Medina, county, Ohio; Ruth E.; Leonard G., of Benzonia, Michigan; Kent B. ; Donald V. ; Lawrence Y. ; and Harold D. Martha L., the eighth in order of birth, has passed away. The parents, realizing fully the value of good mental training as a preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life, have given each of their children excellent educational opportunities and their home is liberally supplied with a great variety of the best standard and current literature.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Johnson has given unfaltering allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and is an active worker in its local ranks. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust. lie has served as township assessor for many years and was for a long period a member of the township board of education, acting on this board when the Central high school building was erected. His efforts -were also an important factor in the establishment of the Central school system in Sullivan township. He has been a member of the republican county central committee for many years and almost every year is a delegate to the county, district and state conventions of his party. His aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted to promote the general welfare and he is an enthusiastic advocate of good roads, schools, churches and civic improvements of all kinds that tend toward advancement along material, intellectual and moral lines. He is a valued and exemplary member of the Congregational church, in which he is serving as deacon and as president of the church society. Both he and his wife have been teachers in the Sunday school for many years and their children are also helpful in Sunday school work, some of them acting as teachers. The Johnson home is an ideal American home - modern in its appointments, refined in its environment and hospitable in its atmosphere. Mr. Johnson has never left the farm where his birth occurred and has probably lived on one farm longer than any other person in Sullivan township. He is widely and favorably known throughout the community and has won uniform trust and good will by reason of a life which in all of its phases has been straightforward and honorable.

Harrison H. Owens

Harrison H. Owens, of Jackson township, who throughout his active business career has been engaged in carpentering and farming, is one of the worthy native sons of Ashland county, his birth having occurred in Orange township on the 15th of November, 1840. The following year his parents, Robert M. and Sarah (Grafton) Owens, took up their abode in Jackson township and, with the exception of brief intervals, he has resided here continuously since. Robert M. Owens, who was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was twice married and subsequent to the death of his first wife came to Ohio with his family of seven children. Soon afterward he wedded Miss Sarah Grafton, likewise of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, by whom he had three children, of whom Harrison 1L, of this review, was the eldest. Robert M. Owens was a shoemaker and followed that trade successfully until his life's labors were ended in death in March, 1864. He was a man of strong character and convictions and his honorable and upright life won him the esteem and regard of all with whom he was associated. His early political allegiance was given to the whig party, while later he supported the candidates and principles of the republican party.

Harrison H. Owens obtained his education in the schools of Polk and when a little lad witnessed the erection of the first house in the village, the surrounding country being largely covered with timber. In early manhood he became identified with business pursuits as a carpenter and farmer and his efforts have been no unimportant factor in the work of development and improvement that has transformed this region from a wilderness into one of fertile fields and thriving towns. In 1859 he went to California and Nevada, being engaged in mining until 1864, when he returned to Jackson township and in February of that year enlisted as a member of Company G, Twenty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was made sergeant. William McKinley was major of the regiment. Mr. Owens saw active and arduous service at the front until the close of hostilities and was mustered out July 25, 1865, returning to his home in Jackson township with a splendid military record. He still carries the scar of a wound received at the battle of Cloyd Mountain, Virginia. In 1866 he again made his way to California, being there engaged in mining for two years, on the expiration of which period he returned to Jackson township and was married. Subsequently he took up his abode in Polk and has here made his home to the present time, having long been numbered among the substantial, enterprising and progressive citizens of the community. For a number of years he was engaged in carpentering and has also been identified with agricultural pursuits to some extent.

On the 28th of February, 1868, Mr. Owens was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Westhover, a daughter of Charles and Sarah (Zimmerman) Westhover, of Perry township, who came here from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in pioneer days. The members of the Zimmerman family were very early settlers in this section of the state and became prominent factors in the agricultural development of the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Owens have been born four children, namely : Edith V. ; Charles, a resident of Ashland ; Ella, the wife of Reuben Kopp ; and Jennie, who is the wife of Frederick Hartzell, of Polk.

Politically Mr. Owens is a stanch republican and has been an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He has served as a member of the village council and also on the board of education for a number of years, ever discharging his official duties in a prompt and efficient manner. Fraternally he is connected with Sullivan Lodge, No. 313, F. & A. M., in which he has held all of the offices, and still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in McCarty Post, G. A. R., of Polk, having also served in the different offices of this organization. Both he and his wife are well and favorably known throughout the county in which they have lived for so long a period, having been interested witnesses of its growth and development from pioneer times down to the present.

James L. And John E. Crone

James L. and John E. Crone are numbered among the enterprising, successful and representative agriculturists of Montgomery township. Their parents were Tobias and Eva (Mellott) Crone, the former born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, in October, 1825, and the latter in Bedford county, that state, September 13, 1831. In early manhood Tobias Crone accompanied his father on his removal to Ashland county, Ohio, locating here when the district was still wild and unimproved. As time passed he developed a good farm property and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until he passed away in 1897, leaving a widow and seven children to mourn his loss. With the assistance of his sons he had accumulated extensive and valuable landed holdings, the different members of the family remaining at home and all working together in perfect harmony and to their mutual benefit. In his political views Tobias Crone was a stalwart democrat and in religious belief was a Lutheran, exemplifying the teachings of the church in his daily life. The record of his children is as follows: George E., whose birth occurred in 1854; Thomas A., who was born in 1855 and in 1886 wedded Miss Mary Nelson, a daughter of William Nelson, by whom he has one child, Nancy; Jennie, born in 1857, who passed away in 1891 ; Francis C., who first opened his eyes to the light of day in 1859 ; William M., whose natal year was 1861; James L., born in 1863; John E., whose birth occurred November 30, 1865 ; and Harry T., who was born November 13, 1867. Each of the sons has a well improved farm and they are still working together with mutual profit, being widely recognized as prosperous, progressive and energetic citizens of the community.

In 1892 James L. Crone was united in marriage to Miss Flora Kendig, a daughter of Clinton Kendig, and they now have two daughters, namely : Gretchen and Luzetta. James L. Crone is now serving as infirmary director, which position he has capably filled for several years and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community for his many excellent traits of character and genuine personal worth.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life John E. Crone chose Miss Helen Ewing, a daughter of Samuel Ewing. Unto them have been born the following children : Edna M., Esther M., Arthur E. and Dorothy M. Mr. Crone gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. The name of Crone has been closely associated with the agricultural development of this county from an early period in its annals to the present time and John E. Crone, like others of the family, has made a creditable record by his activity, enterprise, integrity and success in his chosen field of labor.

Samuel W. Black

Samuel W. Black has now passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten for his birth occurred March 3, 1834, in this county. He was for a long period identified with commercial interests in Ashland but is now living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He not only deserves mention in this volume as one who in business life has always been progressive and enterprising but also as a pioneer resident, belonging to one of the oldest families in the county. His parents were Samuel M. and Rosanna (Cashdollar) Black. The father, who was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1795, reached a venerable age, passing away in 1887, while his wife, who was born in Pittsburg in 1796, was called to her final rest in 1856. In early life he was employed in the Squirrel Hill coal mine in Pennsylvania but, thinking to find better business opportunities in Ohio, he came to Ashland county in 1825 and purchased a farm of eighty acres. For many years thereafter he engaged continuously in agricultural pursuits and then about eight years prior to his demise sold his farm and bought a home at McKay where he lived retired throughout his remaining days. As one of the early settlers he bore his full share in the work of pioneer development, aiding in reclaiming this region for the purposes of civilization and in laying the foundation for its present prosperity and progress. His family numbered eleven children, eight sons and three daughters : Samuel W. ; Henry, who was born in 1836; Joseph C., in 1838; Louis in 1842; William; Phillip; John; Daniel; Katherine; Elizabeth; and Sarah.

No event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Samuel W. Black in his boyhood and youth. He was reared in this county when it was largely a frontier district and he assisted in the arduous task of developing, the fields, taking his place at the plow at a very early age. He remained at home until seventeen years of age and then went \o Loudonville, where he learned the trade of a baker and candy maker, serving a three years' apprenticeship in that line. At the end of that time he bought out his employer and continued in the business there for four years,' after which he sold his establishment and purchased a claim of eighty acres. He was connected with agricultural pursuits, however, for only six months, going to Ashland where he rented a room and opened a bakery which he conducted for four and a half years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Loudonville where he again bought property but in 1865 he sold his farm and invested in realty in Ashland. Here he opened a bakery and confectionary business in which he continued for about thirty years, being recognized as one of the most enterprising and reliable merchants of the city. He was accorded a liberal patronage because of the excellence of the products which he handled, his reasonable prices and his reliable dealing. In all of his business transactions he was straightforward, never taking advantage of the necessities of another. He always attributed much of his success to the assistance of his wife.

It was in March, 1857, that Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Ullman, a daughter of John and Catherine Ullman, the former a farmer then residing near Loudonville. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Black have been born two sons: Henry Joseph, whose birth occurred February 15, 1858, and James

Arthur, who was born July 15, 1868. They were both students in Ashland high school and the former continued his education at Greencastle College and entered the Methodist ministry in 1884, being assigned to a pastorate at Salt Lake City, Utah. He is now located at North Yernon, Indiana, and is doing good work. Plenry Joseph Black was married in 1884 to Miss Hattie Bershing and they became the parents of three children, namely : Dr. H. Benton, Earl P. and Helen M. The last two are living at home and the Doctor is practicing dentistry in North Yernon. The younger son, James Arthur, who was engaged in dealing in stock food, died May 11, 1909. Mrs. Black employs much of her leisure time in painting and does very creditable work in that art. Both Mr. and Mrs. Black hold membership in the Methodist church and are earnest Christian people, zealous in behalf of the church and all its activities.

In his political views Mr. Black is a republican and has ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and served as a member of the city council for four years. He well merits the rest which has come to him following his long years of activity in business circles. As one of the early settlers of the county, having lived here for seventy-five years, his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He has witnessed much of its transformation as* the forests have been cut down and the uncultivated lands have been changed into fertile fields while the cities have been developed through the establishment and successful control of many and varied business concerns. At all times he has borne his full share in the work of public progress, cooperating in many movements for the general good and both as a business man and citizen he has occupied a high place in the public regard.

George Arthur Cassel

George Arthur Cassel is not only known as one of the energetic and enterprising farmers of Orange township but is also active in those lines pertaining to the moral and political progress of the community. His influence is always on the side of right, reform and improvement and his labors have been no unessential element in the work of general advancement. He was born November 24, 1867, in the township where he still resides, his parents being George and Leah (Shopbell) Cassel. He was three years of age when he went to live with George H. and Catharine (Shopbell) Shidler of Orange township, on the farm which is now his home and where the family of his uncle had lived for sixty years. Mr. Shidler had come from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1843, following the arrival of his father, Peter Shidler, who had removed westward about six years before. The farm has remained in the possession of the family since that time. Mrs. Catharine Shidler, the aunt of Mr. Cassel, was the daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Ziegler) Shopbell, who arrived in Ashland county in 1832 from Berks county, Pennsylvania. They, too, settled in Orange township and became prominent representatives of the farming community. Mr. Shopbell lived to the very advanced age of ninety-six years, five months and seven days, passing away on the 6th of March, 1884. It was their daughter Catharine who became the wife of George Shidler. This worthy couple are yet living, Mr. Shidler having reached the advanced age of eighty-six years, while his wife is now seventy-five years of age. They are held in the highest esteem wherever known, their good qualities of heart and mind having won for them the friendship and regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

George A. Cassel, their nephew, was carefully reared, pursuing his early education in the district schools, and was afterward accorded the opportunity of attending the Savannah Academy and the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, where he pursued a commercial and scientific course. He won the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1890 and following his graduation engaged in teaching in the home district for two years. While at Ada he had engaged in teaching penmanship in the commercial department, for he is a splendid scribe. Since 1892 he has been giving his attention to farming and his well tilled fields indicate his careful supervision and practical methods. Fences and buildings are kept

Mr. And Mrs. G. A. Cassel

While business interests claim much of his time and attention, Mr. Cassel has never allowed agricultural pursuits to preclude his assistance in worthy public movements destined for the benefit of the community at large or the individual. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him to the office of township clerk in 1900 and he has filled that office continuously since, his reelection being unmistakable proof of the able manner in which he discharges his duties and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He has also been a member of the school board for about eighteen years and was clerk of the board for eight years. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and his efforts in its behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial. He is now and has been clerk of the township board of health, has frequently been a state delegate to the conventions of health boards and is greatly interested in the work. He is also a member of the executive committee of the Men's Federation and is indifferent to no movement which constitutes a feature in the progress of the community for better life and for higher thought. In his political views he is an earnest democrat and for some years was active in the work of the party but recently has given that up for other work. Both he and his wife are members of the church of the Brethren and take a most earnest and helpful part in its various activities. Mr. Cassel became connected therewith in December, 1905, and through the ensuing years his labors have been effective forces in promoting the growth and extending the influence of the church. He is now financial clerk of the church of Maple Grove and is also active in the Sunday school work, realizing how essential it is to impress upon the young an appreciation of the value of the religious life. He is now district secretary of the church of the Brethren of northeastern Ohio, covering twentyeight counties, and his labors in this connection demand much of his time. He is likewise the president of the Ashland County Sunday School Association to which he was elected in 1908, and for two years previously he was a member of the executive committee of the association and was a delegate to the twelfth international Sunday school convention held in Louisville, Kentucky, in June, 1908. Two years before he had been a county delegate to the state Sunday school convention. He is likewise agent for the German Baptist Mutual Insurance Association. He was chosen for a three years' term a member of the county board of visitors, and thus his activities reach out into many lines. He is also a director of the Ashland Young Men's Christian Association which he joined on its organization in 1905, and in this as well as in other lines he is an active, earnest, zealous and effective worker.

On the 6th of December, 1894, Mr. Cassel was united in marriage to Miss Clara L. Stone, a daughter of Isaac E. and Margaret (Harris) Stone, of Ashland, where her father engaged in business for some years and was well known as a representative merchant. Both parents are natives of Ashland county and they have always lived in the city of Ashland with the exception of eight years spent in Crestline, Ohio. Mrs. Cassel is in hearty sympathy with her husband in all of his church work, is a teacher and assistant superintendent in the Sunday school which had an average attendance of one hundred and forty for the year 1908.

She is also superintendent of the home department work, is president of the Ladies ' Aid Society and does her full share in all of the church work. Mr. and Mrs. Cassel are honored and respected by all, not because of the success they have achieved but because of the active and helpful part which they have taken in those lines which work for character development and for the good of the community at large. They stand for high ideals of Christian citizenship and in their daily lives manifest their faith and belief.

Loren Elza Heifner

Loren Elza Heifner makes his home on one of the fine farms of Orange township, comprising one hundred and ten acres. Here he carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock raising which, however, is but one branch of his business, for since 1892 he has traveled as a representative of two commercial houses, being now connected with the F. E. Myers Company. He was born November 4, 1861, in Orange township, and is a son of John and Margaret (Cline) Heifner. When five years of age the father came to Ohio with his father, Frederick Heifner, from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Jonas Cline, the maternal grandfather, was also one of the early settlers, and thus in both lines the subject of this review is descended from two of the old families of the county whose members have been prominent in promoting the work of general improvement and progress as the years have gone by. The Heifner family was established in Orange township while the Cline family settled in Montgomery township, and Mr. Cline followed both blacksmithing and farming. John Heifner was a shingle maker and farmer, and was recognized as an expert in the former line, making as high as a thousand shingles a day. Energy and enterprise were among his marked characteristics and he possessed a determined spirit that enabled him to accomplish whatever he undertook. He died in 1895 at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife has also passed away. They were the parents of fourteen children, Eliza, Henry, Hyman and Mary, all now deceased, Jesse, Jennie, Lydia, John and Loren E. and five who died in infancy.

On the old home farm of his father Loren E. Heifner was reared and the district schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges. In early manhood he engaged in teaching for a few terms and did excellent work in that connection. He was about seventeen years of age when he began to learn the machinist's trade in the shops of the Cowan Pump Company, and for a few years he was employed in that capacity, but wdien about twenty-one years of age he returned to the home farm. At one time he was employed in a small mill but through an accident lost a finger and then turned his. attention to telegraphy. For eight years he vras connected with the Erie Railroad Company as an operator, at the end of wrhich time he resigned and entered the services of the F. E. Myers Company as traveling salesman, having the entire state of Illinois as his territory for ten years. He developed the entire state and has been with the company continuously since, except for a brief period when he represented the Red Jacket Manufacturing Company with Ohio as his territory.

He has made substantial progress since starting out in the business world for himself and has ever been found reliable, energetic and diligent.

On the 3d of July, 1888, Mr. Heifner was united in marriage to Miss Laura D. McGuire, a daughter of George W. and Fanny (Carpenter) McGuire, of Fulton county, Illinois. Unto them have been born seven children: Lovie F., who is engaged in teaching in Sullivan; Cloyd M., who follows farming; Fanny L., who is attending high school in Mansfield; Lydia A.; Eliza M. ; Jennie M. ; and Laura Daisy. Both Mr. and Mrs. Heifner are members of the Reformed church, in the work of which he has taken an active and helpful part. He served for some years as deacon and was then elected elder, which position he has filled for a number of years. He has also been an earnest and effective worker in the Sunday school, in which he has served as teacher and chorister. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he takes an active interest in the work of the party. He believes in good roads, the employment of competent teachers and the utilization of progressive ideas in school work. In fact he favors all public improvement and stands for continued and substantial advancement. He has never sought nor desired public office, however, but gives the weight of his influence on behalf of justice, reform and improvement. He belongs to Wadsworth Lodge, No. 119, I. 0. O. F. and to the Iowa Traveling Men's Association, and to the Illinois Commercial Men's Association. Wherever he goes he wins friends because of a genial disposition, deference for the opinions of others and a kindly spirit, combined with the substantial qualities of perseverance and industry which insures success in business life. Aside from his commercial interests he is the owner of one hundred and ten acres of fine land on which he carries on general farming and also stock raising, making a specialty of pure blooded Jersey cattle. In this line he is meeting with success and is recognized as one of the representative business men of his community.

Emerson L. Leidigh

Well known among prominent pioneer families of the county is the one of which Emerson L. Leidigh is a representative. He was born September 2, 1863, on the farm which is now his home. He has always resided here and the place of one hundred and sixty-four acres covers the northwest corner of section 29, Mohican township. His parents were Levi and Mary Elizabeth (Snyder) Leidigh. The father was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of February, 1819, and he traveled life's journey until the 19th of July, 1887, when he passed away in Mohican township. He came with his parents from Pennsylvania to Ohio when sixteen years of age, settling first at Jeromeville and his remaining days were passed as a farmer in Mohican township. He owned one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 29, and was also the owner of one hundred and eight acres in Green township. Year by year he carefully tilled his fields and carried on the farm work until his labors brought to him substantial success. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and he was a member of the Reformed church of Mohican vi lie. He was a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Butt) Leidigh, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and spent their last days in Ashland county. It was on the 12th of April, 1860, that Levi Leidigh wedded Miss Mary Elizabeth Snyder, who was born April 16, 1838, about a mile west of McKay, her parents being David and Mary (McMannis) Snyder.

Emerson L. Leidigh, whose name introduces this review, has always resided upon the farm which is now his home. His boyhood days were devoted to the acquirement of an education in the public schools and to the work of the farm, alternating with the pleasures in which youths of the period indulged. As he attained manhood he determined to devote his life to general agricultural pursuits and, remaining on the old homestead, is now engaged in the cultivation and improvement of a good tract of land of one hundred and sixty-four acres on section 29, Mohican township. It is supplied with all of the equipments and accessories of the model farm of the twentieth century. There is a large barn upon it eighty-four by one hundred feet. In fact this is one of the largest in the county and furnishes ample shelter for hay and also for a large number of stock. It is forty-eight feet to the highest point and has no equal in this respect in the county. It was built by Mr. Leidigh in the spring of 1906. The residence was erected by the father and was remodeled by Emerson L. Leidigh and contains eleven rooms, being one of the fine homes of the county. The place is appropriately named the Fairview Stock Farm, for upon it he raises high grade stock of all kinds, this department of his business constituting an important element in his success.

On the 19th of April, 1894, Mr. Leidigh was united in marriage to Miss Arbie Hoatman, who was born in Jeromeville on the 2d of July, 1876, and is a daughter of John J. and Minerva (Bunyon) Hoatman. Mr. and Mrs. Leidigh now have one son, Ralph E., who was born January 2, 1896. In his political views the father is a democrat, giving stanch and unfaltering support to the principles of the party. He is an alert, enterprising business man, readily recognizing and utilizing opportunities and winning his success through honorable and persistent effort.

John Obrecht

John Obrecht is well known as a successful general farmer and stock raiser, handling thoroughbred cattle and sheep. He was born in Sweidraheim, Alsace, Germany, May 7, 1872, and arrived in Loudon ville, Ohio, with his parents on the 30th of October, 1881. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Jacobs) Obrecht, who were also natives of Alsace. The mother died in Lake township, this county, in August, 1885, at the age of thirty-eight years, and about ten years ago the father returned to Germany and now makes his home in Strassburg. In their family were five children: Jacob, a resident of Missouri; John, of this review; Mary, the wife of Albert Fry, of Canton, Ohio; Maggie, also living in Canton; and Edward, who resides in Vermillion township.

John Obrecht was a lad of nine years at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world. They lived for a year and a half in Londonville and then removed to a small farm in Lake township. Mr. Obrecht of this review afterward worked ont by the month as a farm hand until the time of his marriage in 1890, after which he engaged in farming on the shares for eleven years. At length he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Lake township and eventually sold that property and in 1904 purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred and twelve acres on section 31, Vermillion township. This is about four miles south of Hayesville and six miles north of Loudonville on the Loudonville and Hayesville road. It is a well improved property, supplied with good buildings. Here he carries on general agricultural pursuits, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation and he also raises considerable stock. He has on hand some thoroughbred Shropshire sheep and four registered Durham cows.

Mr. Obrecht was united in marriage to Miss Minnie B. Garst, who was born in Lake township, July 24, 1871, and is a daughter of William and Caroline (Windbigler) Garst. Mr. and Mrs. Obrecht now have four children: Zella, the wife of D. S. Hissem, of Vermillion township; Iba ; Glenn; and Ruth. The family are identified with the German Reformed church of Mohican and Mr. Obrecht gives his political allegiance to the democracy. He has always remained a resident of Ashland county since coming to the new world and is one of the worthy citizens of foreign birth who, thoroughly imbued with the spirit of American liberty and in sympathy with republican institutions, is active in his championship of everything relating to public progress here.

Thomas H. Beattie

Thomas H. Beattie, mayor of Savannah, and one of the most popular men of the county, prominent in local affairs, was born January 28, 1861, in Butler township, Richland county, and is the son of James and Susanna (Bryte) Beattie. The grandparents came to America from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, with all the members of their family excepting James who, then in his fifteenth year, was bound out to a merchant and could not leave his native land but later joined the family when they had been in this country about two years. The family located in Richland county, where James Beattie was united in marriage^and taught school until 1863, when he removed to Pioneer, Williams county, this state, there engaging in the mercantile business. Later he removed to Hillsdale county, Michigan, where he took up farming. Of that county James Beattie, was elected treasurer, the duties of which office he efficiently performed for four years. His death occurred September 15, 1900, while his wife entered into rest September 15, 1885.

The early days of Thomas H. Beattie were spent in assisting his father in the duties of the farm and while engaged in husbandry he availed himself of the educational advantages of the district schools and when he was seventeen years of age left home and came to Ashland county, where he worked on a farm for his uncle, Thomas Bryte, in Clear Creek township, at the same time attending school at Pioneer, Williams county. After completing his education he followed the profession of teaching until he was twenty-one years of age, at which period of his life he settled down to husbandry, and for fourteen years rented his uncle's farm, which consists of one hundred and sixty-six acres, which he later purhased and of which he is now the owner. His farm is highly improved, well drained and continually under a high state of cultivation and constitutes one of the best tracts of land for general agricultural purposes in this portion of the county. In addition to producing hay and the various grains he takes an interest in stock raising, making a specialty of stock feeding, which has become one of the most lucrative departments of his business. He pursued his occupation with unremitting energy until 1903, when he removed with his family to the village of Savannah, where he has since been practically retired although he has not entirely given up his activities referential to his farm but still superintends the various departments of that work.

On December 25, 1890, Mr. Beattie wedded Miss Emma Plank, daughter of Levi and Margaret (Filson) Plank, of Montgomery township, her parents having come from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, immediately upon their marriage, bringing with them all their belongings. Her father was a prosperous farmer who met with such success as to finally become an extensive landowner. He and his wife passed away some years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Beattie have been born two children, namely: Beatrice and Donald.

Although Mr. Beattie has been a very busy man, with the affairs of his various Miterprises, yet he has found time to devote to public matters since he considers it the duty of every individual to take an interest in all things pertaining to the weal of the commonwealth. He has rendered the township a number of useful services, having for a period of six years performed the duties of township trustee and he has also served efficiently for a number of terms as a member of the board of education. His excellent administrative qualifications are well known throughout the community, and in 1904 he was elected mayor of Savannah, since which time he has served continuously in a most efficient manner in performing the duties of that, honorable office. He has done much toward stimulating civic pride and has been instrumental in securing many much needed public improvements such as sidewalks and better streets so that at the present period the village of Savannah is in many respects in these lines the superior of any town of its size in this state. Politically Mr. Beattie is a republican, always loyal to the candidates of his party. Aside from his business and political interests he also espouses the cause of education, is a member of the board of trustees of Savannah Academy and all matters pertaining to educational interests command his hearty support. Together with the members of his family he attends divine services at the church of the Disciples of Christ, is active in its affairs and is a large contributor toward the several departments of church endeavor. In every sense of the word Mr. Beattie is a man of affairs, superintending his large farm, taking an interest in public concerns and also, in connection with admirably performing the duties of his office as mayor, he is active in the financial affairs of the Ashland Savings Bank, of which he is a stockholder. His conservative business judgment is recognized throughout the community and his opinions are frequently sought in financial and commercial matters and, on account of his wide experience and excellent success, they generally carry much weight. He owns an elegant residence in the village which is large and modern in its appointments and here he makes his home surrounded by everything conducive to pleasant life.

Morenzo C. Ross

Morenzo C. Ross, energetically and successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising on his place of one hundred and four acres in Orange township, was born in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, on the 22d of September, 1861. His parents, John and Catherine (Bird) Ross, were natives of Holmes county, Ohio, but removed to Minnesota in the early days of its development, the father, who was a carpenter by trade, being attracted to the new country by reason of the great opportunities offered for work as a builder. . They took up their abode in the vicinity where afterward occurred one of the most horrible Indian massacres on record and on one occasion they were driven from their home, being obliged to hide themselves in the surrounding woods and thickets for two weeks. In 1865 they returned to Ohio, first locating in Montgomery township, Ashland county, and afterward coming to Orange township, where they continued to reside until they passed away, the father following carpentering and also engaging in farming to some extent. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ross are still kindly remembered by many who knew them, being people of many excellent traits of character and winning the warm regard and esteem of those with whom they were associated.

Morenzo C. Ross supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the district schools, by a course of study at Smithville Academy and at Ashland College. Subsequently he was engaged in teaching for three years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired and winning wide recognition as a successful and progressive educator. When twenty-two years of age he was married and brought his young bride to the farm which has since remained their home with the exception of the years 1896 and 1897, when t fey resided in Ashland, Mr. Ross being there engaged in the hardware business. On severing his connection with that line of activity he returned to his farm of one hundred and four acres in Orange township and has since devoted his attention to the pursuits of general farming and stock raising with well merited success. His land is admirably adapted to the raising of potatoes, to which he gives especial attention. The farm is well watered and improved, presenting in its neat and thrifty appearance the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

On the 16th of February, 1884, Mr. Ross was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Saddler, a daughter of Rev. William and Emeline (Wolfe) Saddler, of Orange township, the father being the pastor of Maple Grove church of the Dunkard faith for a number of years. The church is among the earliest in this section of the state and has wielded a wide influence for good, many of the most substantial citizens of the community holding membership therein. Rev. Saddler died some years ago but his memory is still cherished by those with whom he came in contact and many whose lives he helped to brighten and uplift. His widow still survives. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ross have been born four sons: Frank E., Walter, Ray and Harold.

Mr. Ross gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has been called by his fellow townsmen to various positions of public trust and responsibility. He has been township trustee for two terms, has acted as a member of the board of education and in 1903 was chosen justice of the peace for Orange township, in which position he has continued to the present time, his decisions being ever fair and impartial.. He has also frequently been a delegate to county, district and state conventions and is a public-spirited citizen whose aid and influence can be counted upon in any movement or measure instituted to advance the general welfare. In citizenship, in public office, in home and social life, he is a man worthy of the confidence and good will which are uniformly tendered him.