Ashland City (part 23 of 57)

Sidney S. Bolles acquired his education in the common schools and in Berea College of Ohio, which he attended for three years. He began teaching at the age of eighteen and taught for twelve winter terms in Ashland county, while in the summer seasons he was employed in a cheese factory in Jackson township. He has always lived a life of industry, there being few leisure moments and his persistency of purpose and unfaltering energy have constituted the basis of the gratifying success which is now his. It was in 1886 that he located on his present farm and in the years which have since come and gone he has directed his energies to the further development and improvement of his fields and to the breeding of pure, Chester White hogs, in which connection he has gained a wide reputation for his stock is of the highest grade. Everything about his place indicates the careful supervision of a practical, enterprising and thrifty owner who recognizes the fact that unfaltering labor constitutes a safe foundation upon which to build success.

On the 22d of March, 1882, Mr. Bolles was married to Miss Louie Richards, a daughter of Alvin and Elizabeth (Hager) Richards, of Orange township. They have two daughters, Clara and Grace, who have been liberally educated. In his political views Mr. Bolles was an earnest republican for some time, but of recent years has been independent in politics, preferring to support the candidates whom in his judgment are best qualified for office. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and stand for all that is best in human activities. Mr. Bolles favors every public improvement calculated to advance the general good. He is a man more than ordinarily intelligent, whose judgment of the values of life is correct and who by his upright and honorable life has won and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and friends.

Henry Cosner

Henry Cosner, diligent and determined in his operation of a farm of two hundred and two acres on sections 32 and 33, Mohican township, is numbered among the natives sons of the county, his birth having ocurred June 14, 1862, on the farm on which he has always resided, it being still his home. His parents were Charles and Hettie (Helbert) Cosner, the former born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 1, 1813, and the latter in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1823. The father came here as a young man with his widowed mother and one sister and spent the remainder of his days here, passing away on the 23d of February, 1893. His wife survived him for some years and died

November 27, 1902. She was a daughter of Jacob Helbert, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work in connection with the sketch of Henry Helbert. Charles Cosner was a stone mason by trade and followed that pursuit until fifty years of age, after which he devoted his attention to farming. His wife had been previously married, her first union being with Jacob Wachtel, by whom she had three children. By her second marriage she had two children : Henry, of this review; and Lucy, the wife of John McNaul, of Richland county, Ohio.

In his youthful days Henry Cosner worked in the fields and attended school and after he had completed his education gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits. He has never resided elsewhere but on the farm which is now his home. It comprises two hundred and two acres of land and also forty-three acres in Green township. Here he carries on general farming and stock-raising and in 1906 he erected his present commodious and substantial barn, which is one of the finest in the township. Its dimensions are eighty-four by one hundred feet and in addition he has a bank barn, seventeen by sixty feet, Avith covered barnyard. There are two sets of buildings on the home place. There Avere ninety-three acres of this land in his father's old homestead and Mr. Cosner purchased the remainder. His own residence is pleasantly and conveniently located a half mile west of Mohicanville.

Mr. Cosner Avedded Miss Hattie Chesrown a native of Mohican township and a daughter of Joseph ChesroAvn. His political support is given to the democratic party but he has no desire for office and aside from casting his ballot is not active in political circles. He prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, which are capably conducted and are bringing to him substantial success.

Edgar A. McDoAvell, Avho officiates in the responsible position as assistant to P. A. Myers of the firm of F. E. Myers & Brother of Ashland, Avas born here April 25, 1875, a son of Alexander and Harriet (Pierce) McDoAvell, his father being a native of Ireland Avhile his mother Avas born in Erie county, Pennsylvania. The nativity of the elder Mr. McDoAvell occurred in County Antrim in 1841 and. coming to the United States when a young man, he located in Erie county, Pennsylvania, Avhere he Avas employed in the flax mills. There he met his bride and they Avere united in marriage in March, 1868. Coming to this city he had resided here but a short time AAffien he organized the Ashland Flax Mill Company. AA'ith AA'liich lie AA'as identified until 1892. His latter years were spent in the hay and grain trade. He departed this life in 1899, having survived his Avife, A\ho passed away in 1892, by seA^en years. A republican in politics he AA'as alAA'ays loyal to the candidates of his party and, being a man of a high religious temperament and an ardent believer in the teachings of the Scriptures, he held membership in the Presbyterian church, to AA'hich his wife also belonged, and in this organization he served for many years on the official board.

The public schools of this state afforded Edgar A. McDowell his preliminary education, which he completed by taking' a course in the high school. During his boyhood days, being ambitious to make his way in the world, he engaged in the newspaper business, securing the agency for the Cleveland and Cincinnati daily papers, in partnership with his brothers. The business proved lucrative. Mr. McDowell dissolved his relations with his brothers when he was seventeen years of age and entered the employ of F. E. Myers & Brother, in a clerical capacity in which he officiated for three years, when he was promoted to the position of shipping clerk, serving there for four years, when he was made assistant to P. A. Myers, the duties of which office he has been performing for the past ten years.

Samuel S. Kahl

Samuel S. Kahl, who has devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, is now living in Orange township where he owns and operates a farm of seventy-two acres. He was also for many years known as one of the leading threshers of the county, but now concentrates his energies upon the cultivation and care of his own crops. His life record began in Mohican township, Ashland county, on the 13th of June, 1850, his parents being Solomon and Catherine (Gill) Kahl, both of whom came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio, with their respective parents in childhood days. The journey was made in wagons about the year 1829, for it was long prior to the era of railroad building. The entire surface of the country was covered with the native timber and the homes of the settlers were largely log cabins which were heated by lire places. There the cooking was also done, the kettles hanging from the crane over the blazing logs. All the hardships and privations of pioneer life had to be met, but there were also many pleasures and interests which are unknown at the present time. There was a spirit of good comradeship manifest which made a neighbor respond freely to the call of another for aid. Solomon Kahl was a blacksmith by trade and in addition to following that pursuit he gave much of his time and attention to general farming. His father, John Kahl, had been a weaver and worked at the loom in connection with tilling the fields. Solomon Kahl was reared to habits of industry and enterprise, early assisting in the arduous task of clearing and developing land. He lived to see a marked transformation in the county as the forests were cut down and the fields were brought under a high state of cultivation. His death occurred April 3, 1892, when he was well advanced in- years, and his wife survived until March 3, 1893. They were the parents of six children : John G., Susanna, Isaac W., Samuel S., Daniel M., and Lodema.

On the old home farm Samuel S. Kahl was reared and is indebted to the public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. When a young man he worked at whatever labor he could secure that would yield him an honest living, but though he started out in life empty-handed he is now comfortably situated and his record proves what can be accomplished by unfaltering diligence and earnest, persistent effort.

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey, Mr. Kahl chose Miss Solena N. Shutt, a daughter of George and Susanna (Swaisgood) Shutt, who were farming people of Perry township but both are now deceased. They have two children, George S., who is married and lives in Richland; and Chloe E., who is a teacher.

Following his marriage Mr. Kahl began farming in Mohican township, where he lived for seven years. He then removed to Perry township where he spent three years, after which he came to Orange township where he has since made his home. Here he owns and cultivates a tract of land of seventytwo acres, the soil being rich and productive so that substantial crops are gathered as a reward of his earnest and diligent care. For thirty seasons he engaged in threshing and his services in that direction were in constant demand but he retired from that business in 1900 and now concentrates his energies upon his general farming and stock-raising interests.

In public relations Mr. Kahl is kno^n for his loyal service and his effective work in behalf of general progress. He has been a trustee of Orange township for nine years and is still occupying that position. He has also been a member of the school board for some time and has done effective and valuable service as road supervisor for fifteen years. He is an advocate of the old school democracy and has been active in the work of the party, frequently serving as a delegate to its conventions, while his opinions carry weight in its local councils. He is in favor of public improvements in all lines of practical progress and is in every sense a worthy citizen whose devotion to the general good none question. His life is in consistent harmony with his professions as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His family also are identified with the church and all are active workers in the church and in the Sunday school, while Mr. Kahl is likewise serving as class leader. Upright and honorable, he holds to high standards in his relations of citizenship and in every walk of life, and the friendship which is so uniformly tendered him is the expression of the confidence and regard which his fellowmen have for him.

Leyi Metcalf

Levi Metcalf, a highly respected farmer of Mohican township, who is living on section 29, was born August 27, 1845, on a farm comprising the northeast quarter of section 6, Lake township, Ashland . county. He is a son of Zebulon and Sarah (Leidigh) Metcalf, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in Washington county, January 3, 1816, while the latter's birth occurred in Cumberland county. In the year of his birth Zebulon Metcalf was brought by his parents to Ohio and they settled on a farm near the present home of Levi Metcalf. In this county Zebulon Metcalf spent his remaining days, busily occupied throughout his entire life with the work of the farm. He always lived in Mohican and Lake townships and his last days were spent in Mohicanville, where he passed away at the age of eighty-three years. He was the eldest in a family of six children, who were born unto Mr. and Mrs. John Metcalf. His father, also a native of Pennsylvania, became one of the first settlers in this part of the state and secured eighty acres of land which was covered with thick forest. This he cleared away and in the course of time improved his fields which he converted into a valuable property. His last days were spent in Lake township. His children were Zebulon, John, George, Nancy, Thomas and William. The occupation to which he was reared Zebulon Metcalf made his life work and as the years passed by he gained a goodly measure of success as the reward of his labor. His wife, who was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Leidigh, passed away long prior to his death, for she was called to her final rest in 1869 at the age of forty-eight years. In their family were six children: John L., now deceased; Elizabeth, who passed away in childhood; Levi, of this review ; Curtis, who resides with his brother, Levi ; Sarah Ann, who died when about eighteen years of age ; and Mary Jane, the wife of M. L. Humm, who lives in the same neighborhood as Levi Metcalf.

On the farm in Lake township on which his birth occurred Levi Metcalf spent the first eight years of his life and accompanied his parents on their removal to the farm in Mohican township, upon which Henry Cosner now resides. There he continued until a year after his marriage, when he rented a farm in Lake township, removing thereto on the 23d of March, 1869. In February, 1870, he came to live with his brother in Mohican township, where he spent two years and in 1872 purchased his present farm, whereon he has since made his home, having a valuable tract of land of one hundred and eighty acres on sections 28 and 29, Mohican township. It borders Mohicanville on the Jeromeville road and situated about a mile and a half north of Mohicanville and three and a half miles south of Jeromeville. There were poor buildings upon the farm when it came into his possession but from time to time he has made substantial improvements. In 1878 he built a good barn thirty-six by eighty-four feet and in 1901 he added sixty-four by eighty-four feet to it. His present barn is one hundred by eighty-four feet and is one of the best in the county. In 1891 he erected a fine residence which is built of brick and contains twelve rooms. In fact it is the most beautiful country home in all Ashland county and all of the improvements on the farm are in keeping with it. He has secured the latest machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and every necessity and convenience is here found. His place is known as Highlawn Stock Farm, the name indicating much of the nature of his business, for in addition to the tilling of the soil he also raises stock of high grades and his entire time and attention are devoted to his farm.

Mr. Metcalf was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Leech, who was born in Mohican township, July 12, 1840, a daughter of Gilbert and Elizabeth (Shearer) Leech, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf was celebrated on the 28th of November, 1867, and for more than forty years they traveled life's journey happily together but were separated in the death of the wife on the 4th of October, 1908. Three children had been born

November, 1890; Elza L., who was born May 24, 1876, and operates the home farm of his father; and Zora, who was born January 1, 1883, and is the wife of D. L. C. Buchanan of Albion, Ohio, by whom she has one child, George.

Elza Metcalf wedded Dora Obrecht and they have three children, Marie, Florence and LaClair. The family is one of the prominent and widely known in the county and Mr. Metcalf is one of the foremost representatives of agricultural life in this portion of the state. He has not reached his present prosperity by leaps and bounds, but through that steady progress which ultimately reaches the objective point. He early learned to correctly value his own capacities and powers and to judge discriminate^ all those things which make up life's contacts and experiences. In all of his business affairs he has manifested sound judgment, knowing when and where and how he should exercise his energies, and as the years have gone by his success has come as the merited reward of earnest, honest labor.

William Aten

William Aten, who throughout his active business career has been identified with the agricultural interests of Montgomery township, was born on the farm where he still resides, his natal day being August 24, 1836. His father, John Aten, was a native of New Jersey, where his birth occurred October 1, 1795. The grandfather had entered three hundred and twenty acres of land in Ashland county, Ohio, which afterward was divided between his three sons, and immediately after his marriage John Aten made his way to this state, taking possession of his portion of the property - one hundred and six acres - about 1825. This farm has ever since remained in the family and is now owned and occupied by William Aten of this review. John Aten, the father of our subject, was educated in the common schools and always followed agricultural pursuits as a life work, also rearing his sons to the occupation of farming. He assisted in clearing his land of the timber and as the years passed brought the property under a good state of cultivation and improvement. His first home was a little cabin, while subsequently he lived in a log house and afterward erected a frame dwelling. He was a man of unfaltering industry and integrity and his labors proved an important factor in the early development and upbuilding of this county. He helped to lay out the roads and in fact was always found as the champion and supporter of every movement or measure calculated to advance the general welfare. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. On the 5th of February, 1824, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Jeffrey, whose birth occurred in Maryland, January 10, 1803, and the record of their children is as follows: Henry, a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio; John, of Richland county, Ohio; Richard, who makes his home in Wyandot county, this state ; William, whose name initiates this review; Aaron, living in Los Angeles, California; and Samuel, of Wyandot county, Ohio.

William Aten attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and has always resided in Montgomery township on the farm whereon he was born, having devoted his time and energies to the work of the fields throughout his entire business career. By reason of his energy, industry and close application he has met with a most gratifying and commendable measure of prosperity in his undertakings and is now the owner of three hundred and three acres of rich, productive and arable land in this county. He has added many excellent improvements to the home farm and in 1904 erected a handsome and modern residence, which is attractively located on an elevation and situated within three miles of Ashland. The dwelling is built of lumber taken from Mr. Aten's farm. The success which he now enjoys is entirely attributable to his own well directed labor and enterprise and he is widely recognized as a substantial, respected and representative resident of his native county.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Aten chose Miss Catherine Doty, by whom he has the following children: Joseph M., Eugene E., Minnie J., Myrtle M. and Samuel T. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and in religious belief is a Presbyterian. Throughout his entire life, or for almost three-fourths of a century, he has been a resident of this locality and is a worthy representative of one of the old pioneer families of the county, the name of Aten having long figured honorably in connection with the agricultural development of this section of the state.

Dayid W. Leidigh

David W. Leidigh is a representative of one of the oldest and best known families of Ashland county. The name has ever stood as a synonym for reliable and progressive citizenship and the members of the family have on the whole been closely associated with the agricultural development and progress of this part of the state. David W. Leidigh was born November 28, 1860, in Mohican township, on a farm adjoining his present home. His parents were Peter and Rebecca (Snyder) Leidigh. The paternal grandparents were Peter and Elizabeth (Butt) Leidigh, who were natives of Pennsylvania but spent their last days in Ashland county, whither they came in pioneer times and were identified with the early development of this part of the state. Both had been married previously and had children by the former marriage, Mr. Leidigh having had four children by his first union, while Mrs. Leidigh had seven children. By their marriage there were born four children : Katharine, the wife of John Karnes ; Sarah, who became the wife of Zebulon Metcalf; Levi; and Peter. Peter Leidigh was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born January 20, 1824, and when a youth of fourteen years he accompanied his parents to Jeromeville, where they established their home in 1838. He spent his remaining days in Mohican township as a farmer, owning and cultivating one hundred and sixty acres in the home place, while he also had another farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He won success by untiring diligence and determined purpose and was recognized as one of the leading and influential agriculturists of the community. It was on the 25th of November, 1855, that Peter Leidigh, Jr., was married to Rebecca Snyder. She was one of Ashland county 's native daughters, her birth having occurred in Green township, May 30, 1834. Her parents were David and Mary (McManus) Snyder. They, too, were among the pioneer residents of this part of the state, sharing in all the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier. At the time of their arrival they found here a district largely wild and unimproved. The forests stood in their primeval strength and only here and there was the sound of the woodman's axe heard, indicating that the work of development and progress had been begun. The early homes of the settlers were largely log cabins and it was an arduous task to cut away the trees, grub up the stumps and prepare the land for the plow, but with characteristic energy these worthy pioneer people continued their work and the result is seen today in the splendid farms for which Ashland county is justly noted. Peter Leidigh, Jr., devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life and thus provided for his family. He died at the old home in Mohican township, May 2, 1885. He was a member of the Reformed churchy in the work of which he took a most active and helpful part, serving for sometime as one of the elders. His wife also belonged to the Reformed church in Mohican and displayed in her life many traits of Christian character.

David W. Leidigh, their only child, has always resided in the neighborhood in which he now makes his home. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He attended the public schools, wherein he acquired his education and through the vacation periods he worked in the fields. He is now the owner of the old home farm in addition to the farm upon which he now resides. They are adjoining properties, aggregating three hundred and twenty acres of land, constituting the south half of section 30, Mohican township. In 1898 he erected a commodious and pleasant residence containing ten rooms. There are other good buildings upon the place, including a large barn, forty by eighty-six feet. On the old homestead are the buildings which were erected by his father, including a residence of eight rooms and a barn thirty-six by one hundred feet. Everything about the place indicates the careful supervision and practical, progressive methods of the owner, who has kept in touch with the advancement in methods of farming and is now successfully engaged in raising both grain and stock. His whole time is devoted to his farm and his extensive interests are capably managed, bringing to him well merited and gratifying success.

On the 25th of December, 1883, Mr. Leidigh was married to Miss Ella Helbert, who was born in Vermillion township on the 19th of July, 1863, and is a daughter of Henry Helbert, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. Two children grace this marriage: Bessie, now the wife of Clarence Arnhold, of Mohican township ; and Theron, at home. The parents hold membership in the Reformed church of Mohicanville, of which Mr. Leidigh is an elder. His entire life has been upright and honorable, in consistent harmony with his professions. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a business transaction but is always straightforward and honorable in his dealings, his record proving that prosperity and an honored name may be won simultaneously. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and loyalty, have called him to local offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. His record is in harmony with that of an honored and prominent pioneer family and cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers, for he has an extensive circle of friends in this county.

Adam Ullman

Adam Ullman is now in the eighty-fifth year of his age, but although he has long since passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten he remains a factor in the business life of Loudonville, although to a large extent he has shifted the burdens of his earlier years to younger shoulders. He is. yet known, however, as a merchant and banker and in matters of business his judgment is sound, his discernment keen. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his powers and opportunities and his life record shows what may be accomplished through persistent and earnest effort by one who is actuated by laudable ambition. No history of Loudonville would be complete without the record of Adam Ullman. He was born in Alsace, Germany, November 26, 1824, his parents being John and Katharine (Herzog) Ullman, who were likewise natives of the same district. Coming to America when their son Adam was three and a half years of age, they ultimately landed in New York after a voyage of seventy-two days on a sailing vessel. They then proceeded westward to Buffalo, New York, where they spent ten days, and from that point sailed to Cleveland, Ohio. A few days were there passed and then on the canal they continued their journey to Massillon and soon afterward made a location between that city and Canton, where the father purchased twenty acres of land. There were seven German families that had come to the new world at the same time, the heads of these households being Jacob Clouse, George Lewenguth, Michael Derrenbarger, Christman Young, Peter Lambert, John Ullman, and Jacob Muchler. Most of these men had large families and each secured twenty acres and, according to the old German custom, they erected their bake ovens, so that the locality became known as "Bake Oven," and is so called today. After five years the seven families sold out and came to Loudonville in 1833. The Butler Hotel, a brick building, is the only structure that was here at the time. John Ullman entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government in Washington township, Holmes county, Ohio, about a mile and a quarter southeast of Loudonville. There he built a log cabin and began clearing his land. His persistent labor enabled him soon to cut down the trees, grub up the stumps, and prepare the fields for cultivation and year by year he continued the work of improving his farm. His wife died at Bake Oven and her grave was made in Canton, Ohio. Before coming to Ashland county Mr. Ullman was again married his second union being with Katharine Derrenbarger. Although a mason by trade he followed farming during the greater part of his life and was closely associated with the agricultural development of this part of the state. His death occurred in Holmes county, when he was seventy-four years of age. By his first marriage he had five children and by the second marriage there were nine children. Those of the first union were George, now deceased; John, Margaret and Peter, who have also passed away; and Adam.

Adam and Peter Ullman were twins and, as stated, were in their fourth year at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world. Adam Ullman was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life and resided with his father on the home farm until twenty-one years of age, when he came to Loudonville and established a grocery and saloon, conducting the place alone for six years. At the end of that time he sold out and started for California, in 1852., attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope. He went only as far as Louisville, Kentucky, however, and then returned. He spent the two succeeding weeks on construction work on the Fort Wayne Railroad, now a part of the Pennsylvania system. At the end of that time he entered the employ of Aaron Yammel, a dry-goods merchant, who was conducting business on the site of the Farmers Bank, of which Mr. Ullman is now one of the chief owners. He remained with Mr. Yammel for two years and then secured a situation in the store of Taylor and Larwill, general merchants, with whom he remained through the ensuing decade. During that time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting the farm adjoining that upon which he was reared and which had formerly been owned by his mother-in-law. In order to make the purchase he wisely saved his earnings and his industry and careful expenditure enabled him to make the last payment before he gave up his clerkship. In 1862 he began business on his own account as proprietor of a general store, which he conducted most successfully for twenty years, or until 1882, when he traded this and other property for a six hundred acre farm in Wyandot county, Ohio, valued at forty-five thousand dollars. It was regarded as the finest farm in the county and Mr. Ullman held it for some time, but subsequently disposed of it. He still owns two good farms, however, near Loudonville, and from his real-estate interests derives a substantial and gratifying income. Various business interests have felt the stimulus of his cooperation and have benefitted by his sound judgment. For about ten years he was engaged in the clothing business with Jacob Stitzel and then sold his interest to his son, who still continues in the enterprise under the firm style of Stitzel & Ullman. On the 6th of May, 1882, he and his son, Adam C., established a banking business under the name of the Farmers Bank of Loudonville, of which Mr. Ullman has since been the vice president. From the beginning this has been regarded as one of the reliable moneyed concerns of the county, having back of it gilt edge securities, while the business is conducted along safe and conservative lines. In June, 1903, with other members of the family, he erected the Ullman Hotel, which is an excellent hostelry for a town of this size. In all of his business affairs he has displayed keen sagacity and intelligent appreciation of opportunities. He has utilized all the chances which have come to him for the successful conduct of business affairs and his energy and careful management have brought to him substantial and gratifying prosperity.

Mr. Ullman made preparation for having a home of his own when twentyone years of age, through his marriage to Miss Barbara Lambert, a native of Alsace, Germany, her parents being among the seven families that came to the United States in 1828 when the Ullmans crossed the water. For fifty-five years Mr. and Mrs. Ullman traveled life's journey happily together and were then separated by the death of the wife, who was born May 10, 1824, and passed away in 1901. In their family were eight children : Caroline, the deceased wife of Michael Scheff; Margaret, who died at the age of fourteen years; George A., former county treasurer and now a banker and manufacturer of Ashland; Minnie, the wife of W. S. Fisher, a merchant of Loudonville ; Adam C., deceased; Mary, the wife of Frederick Arnholt, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Adolph P., who is the junior member of the firm of Stitzel & Ullman ; and Normanda, the deceased wife of Herbert Bean.

In his political views Mr. Ullman has always been a democrat, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party and its principles. He has filled the offices of township treasurer, township trustee, a member of the village council and also village treasurer, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and for twenty years served as a member of its vestry. For long years he was most active in the church work but is now largely leaving its activities to younger men. Mr. Ullman is now in his eightyfifth year and is the oldest resident of Loudonville in the years of his connection with the town, and also the oldest business man here. For seventy-six years he has lived in the village, closely associated with all of its interests, and events which are to others matters of history are known to him through personal experience.

Jacob Kettering

Jacob Kettering, who is numbered among the successful and enterprising agriculturists of Green township, was born in Knox township, Holmes county, Ohio, April 1, 1841. His parents, Melchor and Christina (Price) Kettering, were both natives of Canton Pirmasens, Germany, the father's birth occurring July 25, 1815, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 10th of January, 1815. They were married in this country and both passed away on the farm on which their son, J. F., now resides, Melchor Kettering dying October 10, 1887, at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 14th of April, 1893, when seventy-eight years of age. The record of their children is as follows: Henry, deceased; Jacob, of this review; Katharine, the wife of John Kaylor, of Wisconsin; Adam, who makes his home in Loudonville ; Lany, the wife of Jacob Wolf, of Viola, . Kansas ; Elizabeth, the wife of Jonas Etzwiler, of Green township ; John, who died in early life ; and J. F., whose sketch appears on another page of this volume.

Jacob Kettering was reared on the old homestead place in Holmes county, remaining under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age, when he was married and came to his present farm of one hundred and fifty-two . acres on sections 23 and 26, Green township, situated two and a half miles northwest of Loudonville. In addition to the work of general farming he is also engaged in stock raising and his indefatigable energy and untiring industry have brought him a well deserved measure of success in his undertakings.

On the 7th of April, 1864, Mr. Kettering was joined in wedlock to Miss Martha Hunter, whose birth occurred in Green township, Ashland county June 22, 1845, her parents being David and Katharine (Scholes) Hunter. A sketch of the father, who was a son of William and Jane (Steel) Hunter, it, given on another page of this work. The mother of Mrs. Kettering, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, was brought to this county by her parents, Joshua and Harriett Scholes, in her childhood days. Unto David and Katharine (Scholes) Hunter were born twelve children, of whom three died in infancy and one in childhood, and Mrs. Kettering is now the only surviving member of the family. By her marriage she has become the mother of the following children. David wedded Miss Cora Brenschule and resides in Ashland. Charles F., a graduate of the Ohio State University, is an electrician and inventor of considerable ability, commanding an excellent salary ..as an employe of the National Cash Register Company. He was united in marriage to Miss Olive Williams, by whom he has one son, Eugene Williams, and makes his home in Dayton. Daisy, the wife of Charles F. Hyde, of Cleveland, has one child, Frances.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Kettering has given his political allegiance to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public honor and trust. He served as township trustee for five years, as county commissioner for six years, has likewise been a member of the township board of education and acted as jury commissioner for two terms. He is a faithful and consistent member of the Evangelical church of Loudonville and has an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county who esteem him for his genuine personal worth and good traits of heart and mind.

William D. Otter

The Otter family since the year 1867 has been influentially connected with the progress of Ashland, and its members have been among those who have contributed largely to its present development and assisted in bringing about those changes which have given the city prominence in business and financial circles. Perhaps no citizen within its confines is more aggressive in his aspirations to see the city attain to greatness in all departments of enterprise than William D. Otter, and the energetic part which he takes in promoting and originating movements for its betterment is recognized throughout the vicinity. He holds a high place in commercial circles as proprietor of the Hotel Otter, which is the leading establishment of the kind in the city, being very popular and widely known throughout the state, its patronage being generally confined to the highest class, its service having won the establishment a reputation which is equal to any and surpassed by none within a wide radius. He was born here February 27, 1863, a son of Frederick William and Catherine (Micheal) Otter. His father, a native of Colburg, Prussia, born in 1834, came to the United States in 1861 and upon arriving in this country plied his trade as a locksmith and also followed that line on coming to this city, where he later purchased a brewery which he operated until he repaired to Wooster, where he. also bought out a brewery which he ran for, four years. At the expiration of that period he returned to this city and engaged in the saloon and restaurant business, in which he continued until he departed this life, January 19, 1874. A democrat politically, he was a stanch supporter of the principles of his party and always loyal to its candidates. Mrs. Catherine Otter, a native of Alsace, Germany, born February 26, 1823, was first united in marriage to John Herbrand and immediately after her marriage she removed to the United States with her husband, landing in New York where they remained for a time and then removed to Buffalo, from which place after a brief period they repaired by boat to Cleveland, and thence by wagon to this city, where her husband departed this life in 1861. To them were bom eight children : John Sidney 0. ; Charley deceased; Jacob, deceased; Frank and Paul, twins, the former residing in Mansfield, Ohio, the latter being deceased ; Anna, deceased ; Clara, deceased ; and Delia, who is single and resides at home. Mrs. Herbrand later was united in marriage to Frederick William Otter, by whom she had one son, William D. Mrs. Otter has been identified with the restaurant business here since the year 1867, and still survives at the advanced age of eighty-six years.

William D. Otter was reared at home, acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools, and subsequently having the advantage of a two years' course of study in Ashland College. He next engaged in the jewelry business with Henry Van Tilberg, with whom he remained for about four years, and, his father's death having occurred about that time, he gave up this occupation and took charge of his father's saloon and restaurant business, when about eighteen years of age. Notwithstanding his youth he possessed a fund of good common sense and innate business ability which enabled him to at once take hold of the enterprise and conduct the business to exceptional advantage. In this he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, in the meantime having devoted one year to the meat business, and in 1902 his success in business had enabled him to secure sufficient means with which to construct the Otter Hotel, which is the leading hostelry in the city. He has since been engaged in conducting this business. It is widely known, not only throughout the city and immediate surroundings, but also throughout the entire state and as a hotel keeper he has an extended reputation which has drawn to his place of business an excellent class of patrons.

On December 22, 1881, Mr. Otter wedded Miss Henrietta Woods, of Ashland, by whom he had one daughter, Ethel Wilhelmina, bookkeeper and stenographer for the Safety Door Hanger Company. In May, 1890 Mr. Otter was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Jane Crippen, of this city, and to her have been born three children : Edna Wilhelmina, deceased ; Gustave William ; and Frederick William. Mr. Otter is interested in all movements purposing to advance the commercial and financial welfare of the city, and is vice president of the Ashland Board of Trade and one of the leaders in the organization of the Commercial Club, both of which associations are devoted to enhancing the business possibilities of the community. Politically he is a democrat, always loyal to the candidates of his party and a stanch upholder of its principles, while as to his religious convictions, he belongs to the Disciples of Christ, the members of his family also belonging there. His excellent business ability and solicitation for the highest interests of the community have given Mr. Otter a wide reputation as a local promoter, and his sterling qualities of character, together with his upright life, have enabled him to gain a high place in the estimation and respect of his fellow citizens. He is also justly numbered among the substantial business men of the city.

Aaron L. Garber

Aaron Leedy Garber was born on a farm in Jefferson township, Richland county, Ohio, on the site of the first settlement of the Leedys in 1811. His parents were David and Susan (Leedy) Garber, the latter being a cousin of the paternal grandmother of our subject. Samuel Garber, the grandfather, married a daughter of the pioneer settler, J ohn Leedy. Several of the ancestors of Aaron L. Garber emigrated to this country as religious refugees.

A. L. Garber spent the first twenty years of his life on a farm and did not permanently leave pastoral scenes until about ten years thereafter. He obtained his primary education in the country schools, afterward spent two winters in a high school and also studied for many weary hours at home in the evenings by the light of a tallow candle. At the age of twenty years he was called to the ministry by a congregation of his relatives called the Leedy Brethren, who held chiefly to the teaching of the Tunker fraternity. In 1875, in association with his brother, E. L. Garber, he purchased a small hand printing press, erected it in an upstairs bedroom, with a little type and other equipment, and there began a printing business. The first publication was called The Christian Guide. Two years later, in company with his brother, E. L. Garber, he launched the Bellville Star, which was sold after ten years. In the meantime he published the democratic paper in Shelby for a short time. In 1884 he located in Ashland, purchasing an interest in the Brethren Evangelist and publishing and editing that paper for about five years. In 1888 he began the publication of the Prophet Age, now in its twenty-first year ; in 1897 the Leedy Chronicle, a quarterly family paper in its twelfth year; and later the Mission Tidings, now in its eighth year. The first and last named are monthlies devoted to prophecy and Bible church interests. In 1908 he published a work of two hundred and eight pages on diet and health that is regarded as one of the most practical now in print. His printing plant on Orange street, Ashland, Ohio, is one of the largest and most complete in this section of the state and is occupied chiefly in commercial printing.

In politics he is a stanch prohibitionist, converted from the democratic ranks in early manhood. For about six years, or from 1887 until 1893, he served as pastor of the Brethren church, occupying the chapel of Ashland College as a place of worship. Since this date other duties have prevented service regularly in the ministerial calling and at the present time he is working under the names of The Watch Mission and Church of Jesus Christ along lines not recognizing the denominational separation in the rank of the Christian faith as having a biblical right to exist ; and he earnestly believes that a new and higher era in the history of men is now unfolding in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. He also gives some attention to the development of a natural health food business.

In 1887 Mr. Garber was married to Miss Mary Etta Myers, a daughter of Henry K. and Hannah (Shoemaker) Myers, of Ashland. One son and two daughters make merry their home on Orange street. In early manhood Mr. Garber taught a term of school was instructor of classes in music, attended the winter session of a medical school in 1874-5 and also became quite proficient at carpentering and blacksmithing. Industry and not idleness has been the rule of his life and his career has been one of usefulness and activity. He has never indulged in a glass of any alcoholic beverage or a cup of coffee and by right living, fair diet and the blessing of heaven has not been disabled by sickness for a single day during the last twenty-five years.

John Shelley

One of the most respected and honored of the early settlers is John Shelley, now eighty years of age. He was but a few months old when brought by his parents to Ohio and has since lived in this portion of the state. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 7, 1829, a son of Jacob and Mary (Raudebaugh) Shelley, who were natives of Cumberland and of Mifflin counties in Pennsylvania, respectively, the former born in 1798 and the latter in 1804. The Shelleys are of German descent and the grandfather, Jacob Shelley, was also a native of Pennsylvania. He wedded Elizabeth Snavely, who was bom in the Keystone state and both passed away in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio. He was lame and during the last twenty-five years of his life walked with two canes. He and his wife had a family of eight children, namely: Jacob, Abram, Michael, Elizabeth, Esther, Barbara, Katharine and Nancy. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Jacob Raudebaugh, who spent his entire life in Pennsylvania, his native state. His widow afterward came to Ohio and died in Wooster. They, too, were the parents of eight children: William, Daniel, Solomon, John, Peter, Elizabeth, Katharine and Mary. The father's death occurred in March, 1839, while his wife long survived him and passed away in June, 1880. Their family numbered six children: Daniel;

Samuel; John; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Jacob Frick; Rebecca, who died at the age of twelve years ; and Anna, the wife of B. H. Palmer.

John Shelley, who is the only living member of his father's family, came to Ohio with his parents and grandparents, who on the 1st of May, 1830, arrived in Plain township, Wayne county, at which time the grandfather purchased nine quarter sections of land. Both the grandfather and the father spent their remaining days in that township and there John Shelley resided until the spring of 1881, when he removed to Mohican township, where he lived until 1891. In that year he went to Logan county, Ohio, where he resided until 1894, when he returned to Ashland county and made his home in Montgomery township until 1900. At that date he removed to Perry township, a mile north of Jeromeville, and made it his place of residence until March 23, 1909, when he removed to Jeromeville, where he is now living retired. During his early life he gave his attention to the live-stock business, dealing in cattle and sheep, and after his sons reached mature years he turned his attention to general farming. He has walked and driven sheep from Wayne county, Ohio, to Hackettstown, New Jersey, within thirty-five miles of New York city. He has many times crossed the mountains on foot with his sheep and became well known on the way as a drover.

On the 30th of October, 1852, Mr. Shelley was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Smith, who was born in Chester township, Wayne county, Ohio, June 29, 1833. She was a daughter of John and Susanna (Lightfoot) Smith, who were natives of Maryland but were married in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Shelley traveled life's journey together for more than fifty-six years and were then separated by the death of the wife, who passed away on their farm about a mile north of Jeromeville on the 21st of December, 1908. In their family were five children : E. F., a very prominent and influential citizen of this county; Emma, who is the widow of W. B. Swarts and resides in Ashland; A. J., living in Akron, Ohio ; Alice, the wife of H. J. Buffenmyre, of Perry township, Ashland count} and Maude, at home with her father.

Since the death of his wife Mr. Shelley has removed to Jeromeville. He is a democrat in politics, having been identified with the party since casting his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce in 1852. He remembers well the presidential campaign of 1840 when William Henry Harrison was elected. He has for several terms served as assessor and as treasurer of Plain township; Wayne county. He has a remarkable memory for details and relates many interesting incidents concerning the early days. He can remember every school teacher to whom he went, when they taught and how old he was at the time. He first attended school in a little log cabin but in 1839 a stone schoolhouse was erected and the first district in Plain township was organized. Mr. Shelley attended there through the winter months until twenty-one years of age and one teacher had between eighty and one hundred pupils, at which time he made all the copies and mended all the pens, for goose quills were at that time used as a writing utensil. Those were the good old days of simplicity and sunshine when all enjoyed themselves. Mr. Shelley lost his father when quite young and worked out by the month through the summer seasons, while the winter months were passed on the home farm. He was thus employed from the time he was able to earn two dollars per month until he was able to earn nine dollars per month, which was the largest amount of wages he received. He has mowed all day with a scythe for fifty cents per day and has done other arduous work for an equally small wage, for little money was in circulation at that time. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, where he engaged in digging gold one summer and then returned by way of Central America and crossed Nicaragua Lake on the second trip that was made by the first boat there.

In June, 1856, Mr. Shelley united with the Disciple church, with which he has since been actively identified, being one of the faithful workers in the church. He was made a Master Mason at Wooster, Ohio, August 11, 1852. His stories of pioneer times and conditions are most interesting and give a correct picture of life on the frontier. For seventy-nine years he has been associated with the development of this part of the state, witnessing its wonderful transformation as it has been converted from a wild forest region into one of rich fertility, highly cultivated fields being seen on all hands.

Reuben Landis

In that picturesque and attractive district of Ashland county through which the Black Fork meanders, is the home of Reuben Landis, who owns and cultivates one hundred and forty acres on sections 10 and 11, Mifflin township, bordering the Richland county line. His place is a splendidly improved property, on which are two sets of good farm buildings and the place presents a most attractive appearance, while an air of neatness and thrift pervades the entire farm. It was near this place that Reuben Landis was born, November 8, 1843, his parents being John B. and Mary (Kagey) Landis. The father's birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and when eight years of age he was brought to Ashland county, then a part of Richland county, by his parents, John and Nancy (Brubaker) Landis, who were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and came to this county about 1824, locating near the farm upon which the subject of this review now resides. John Landis, Sr., was a son of another John Landis, who was a native of Germany and became the founder of the family in the new world, settling in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest. Having removed westward from the Keystone state, John Landis, grandfather of our subject, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 2, Mifflin township, built a little cabin home in the midst of the forest and at once began to clear away the trees and prepare the fields for cultivation. As he had no door to his cabin at first, a curtain was hung up to close the entrance. The little building was heated by a fire place and the furnishings were primitive but as the years passed and he prospered in his undertakings, he was enabled to provide a much more substantial and commodious home and to enjoy many of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. His remaining days were spent here, his death occurring when he had reached the age of fifty years. His family numbered four sons and four daughters, namely: John, Benjamin, Henry, Tobias, Mrs. Mary Burk, Mrs. Susan Roland, Mrs. Elizabeth Kagey and Mrs. Nancy Roland.

John B. Landis, father of our subject, was reared on the old homestead farm amid the wild scenes and environments of frontier life and after attaining his majority he continued in the occupation with which he had become familiar in his boyhood days. As the years passed he was recognized as one of the substantial and representative farmers of the community. He suffereu from blindness during the last years of his life and at the age of eighty years and twenty-seven days he passed away. His wife, who was a daughter of Martin and Nancy (Charles) Kagey, died in 1894, at the age of sixty-three years. Of their children John and Mary both died in childhood, leaving Reuben Landis as the only survivor of the family.

Reuben Landis has always been a resident of Mifflin township and for about a half a century has resided upon his present farm. Here he now owns one hundred and forty acres of land situated on sections 10 and 11, lying along the Black Fork, which is the Richland county line. There are two sets of good buildings upon this place, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. The fields are carefully tilled and the farm constitutes an attractive feature in the landscape. He devotes his time and energies to the raising of both grain and stock and has good success in cultivating his crops.

In 1865, Mr. Landis was married to Miss Katharine Young, who was born in Mifflin township, in 1841, and is a daughter of David and Katharine (Horner) Young, who were natives of Pennsylvania but spent their last days in Ashland county. Their family numbered three children: Nettie, the wife of Joseph Bauhm, of Mifflin township; Martin, who is living on his father's home farm, is married and has a family of four sons and three daughters; and John, who is a resident of the same neighborhood, is married and has one son and two daughters. In his political views, Reuben Landis is a stalwart democrat, interested in the growth and success of his party and for three years he has served as trustee of his township. He has never been a politician, however, in the sense of office seeking, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, which, capably directed, have brought him well earned success.

W. V. B. Topping

Among the native sons of Ashland who have attained success and prominence in business circles is numbered W. Y. B. Topping, now conducting a profitable and extensive business under the name of the Safety Door Hanger Company. He was born July 15, 1852, of the marriage of George H. and Amelia F. (Graham) Topping. The father was born in Worthington, Ohio, in 1813 and when sixteen years of age went to Columbus, where he secured a clerical position in a mercantile establishment. There he remained for several years, after which he removed to Cleveland, where he was similarly employed for several years. Later he came to Ashland county and, as it was then thought that Nankin would be the county seat, he took up his abode in that town where he embarked in the mercantile business on his own account. The county seat, however, was located at Ashland and he removed hither. In company with Luther Crall & Company he engaged in the operation of a flour mill and later they organized the Bank of Ashland, the first banking institution in this city. Fol- lowing his military service he was appointed the first agent for the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Company, now the Erie line, remaining in charge of their business in Ashland until 1871. For years Mr. Topping figured as one of the most prominent and influential factors in the business development of Ashland, his commercial and industrial interests being at all times of such character as contributed to public progress as well as to individual success. He reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years, retaining his faculties unimpaired up to the time of his death. He was a veteran of the Civil war, serving as major of the One Hundred and Second Regiment and later he maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Lorin H. Andrews Post, G. A. R. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity and in later life was an active and helpful member of the Congregational church. His wife, a most estimable lady, was the daughter of Francis Graham, the first postmaster of Ashland.

Spending his boyhood days in his father's home, W. Y. B. Topping acquired his education in the public and high schools and afterward entered the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He had attended that institution for two years when he became ill with typhoid fever and returned home on a six weeks' furlough. When he had somewhat recovered his health he again went to Annapolis and found that he had overtaxed his strength, for he was taken with a relapse and once more returned home, remaining on the sick list for almost a year. Because of the condition of his health he resigned from the service and when it was possible for him to become a factor in business life he entered the hardware store of Bird & Topping in Mansfield, Ohio, his father being the junior partner in that enterprise. A year later the father disposed of his interests in Mansfield and purchased the drug store of Nelson & Gates in Ashland, after which W. Y. B. Topping was employed in the store until his father sold out about a year later. At that time the father purchased an interest in the hardware business of Charles Woodhouse and Mr. Topping of this review became a clerk in the hardware store. Two years later Mr. Woodhouse retired and the father succeeded to the business, while in 1878. W. Y. B. Topping acquired an interest in the store which was then conducted under the firm style of G. H. Topping & Bon. He remained an active factor in the ownership and conduct of that business until 1882 when they sold out. In the previous year Mr. Topping had accepted a position with the Reading Hardware Company, of Reading, Pennsylvania, as commercial salesman, but soon afterward they withdrew their traveling salesmen from the road and he then accepted a similar position with the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, being thus identified with that extensive enterprise until 1885, when he accepted a position with the hardware firm of McIntosh, Good & Company. Mr. Topping was associated with that house for sixteen years as one of its most faithful and capable representatives.

In 1901 he established his present manufacturing business, manufacturing a patent door hanger and track, invented by J. H. Burkholder of this city. The firm was organized as a partnership concern, the members thereof being Mr. Topping, Mr. Burkholder and G. C. Bowman. Two years later Mr. Burkholder retired from the firm, after which Mr. Topping and Mr. Bowman conducted the business until January 20, 1906, when Mr. Topping became sole owner. From a small beginning the enterprise has grown in seven years to one of the leading business concerns of the city, its annual trade amounting to one hundred thousand dollars. It has been conducted along well defined lines of labor and the mature judgment and business discernment of Mr. Topping have been notable factors in its success.

In 1879 Mr. Topping was united in marriage to Miss Nellie E. Roller, of Ashland, a daughter of W. A. Roller, now deceased. They have become parents of five children : Edward W., Ruth A., Maurice T., Roger W, and Frances S., the three sons being now associated with their father in business. Mr. Topping attends and supports the Congregational church, of which his wife is a member. They are both widely known and esteemed in the community, the hospitality of the best homes being freely and continuously accorded them. Mr. Topping has at all times enjoyed the respect and trust of his fellowmen in a business way and those who have known him from his youth rejoice in his advancement and prosperity.

Benjamin F. Zercher

Benjamin F. Zercher, an influential, public-spirited and prosperous citizen of Orange township, was born in Chester township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 10th of January, 1863, his parents being Benjamin F. and Mary (Hershey) Zercher. In the year 1850 the father came to Ohio with his parents from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, while about the same time the mother also accompanied her parents on their removal from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, to this state. Benjamin F. Zercher, the father of our subject, spent the remainder of his life in Wayne county, where he became an extensive landowner and a teacher of prominence. He likewise served as justice of the peace for many years and was frequently called to settle and administer large estates, his unquestioned integrity and ability causing his services to be in great demand. His demise occurred when he had attained the venerable age of eighty years, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-six years.

Benjamin F. Zercher of this review spent his youthful days on his father's farm in Wayne county and in the acquirement of an education attended the district schools and Smith ville Academy. Subsequently he taught for a number of years in the schools of his native county, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. When twenty-five years of age he was married and then became identified with agricultural pursuits in Chester township, Wayne county, where he was thus engaged until 1893, when he took up his abode on his present farm in Orange township, Ashland county. He has two adjoining farms in this township, aggregating two hundred and. forty-five acres of rich, productive and well watered land, which is splendidly improved and especially well adapted for general farming and stock-raising purposes. His holdings likewise include a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Montgomery township. In recent years, however, he has put aside the active work of the fields, now giving his supervision to his extensive landed and other interests and also devoting considerable attention to stock raising. The success which has attended his efforts is but the merited reward of his untiring industry and capable business management and he is widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen.

On the 6th of September, 1888, Mr. Zercher was united in marriage to Miss Jennie M. Shidler, a daughter of Hartman H. and Susanna (Shutt) Shidler, her father being a prominent agriculturist of Perry township and a man of affairs in the county. By this union there have been born three children, namely: Rhea G., Benjamin F. Jr., and Donald S.

In his political views Mr. Zercher is a stalwart republican and though extensive business interests demand his careful and constant attention, he still finds time to devote to matters pertaining to the public good. While a resident of Wayne county he acted as township clerk for five years and since coming to Ashland county has served his fellow townsmen in the position of assessor and also as a member of the board of education. He is an active worker in the ranks of his party, having for a number of years been a member of the county republican central committee from Orange township, with which he is also at present identified, and has been a frequent delegate to county, district and state republican conventions. The fact that a certain movement or measure has his endorsement and cooperation is sufficient guarantee to many of his fellow citizens that it is worthy of their support and thus his influence has been a potent factor in the upbuilding and development of the county. He is an enthusiastic supporter of all public improvements, such as good roads and liberal educational advantages, and no project instituted to advance the general welfare seeks his aid in vain. He and his family belong to the Progressive Brethren church and are active in the work of both church and Sunday school. His home, which is one of the attractive residences of Orange township, is pervaded by an air of culture and refinement and there Mr. and Mrs. Zercher dispense a liberal and genuine hospitality that is greatly appreciated by their many friends.

Captain Joseph Ross Remley

Captain Joseph Ross Remley, one of the worthy, respected and well known citizens of Ashland county, is now residing on his farm of sixty-two and a half acres in Perry township. He was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, February 11, 1842, a son of William and Harriet (Britton) Remley and a grandson of George Remley, who served as a private in the war of 1812.

The birth of William Remley, the father of our subject, occurred in Middletown, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of January, 1814. He was a blacksmith by trade and after his marriage to Miss Harriet Britton, who was born October 11, 1820, he established his home in Indiana. At the end of aborn four years he came to Ashland county, Ohio, and engaged in the operation of his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he rented. After a few years George Remley divided his land between his two children, giving eighty acres to his son William and eighty acres to his daughter. William Remley subsequently added to his acreage by additional purchase and rented a portion of his land. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and though frequently solicited to hold office, he always declined. He was, however, a most loyal and public-spirited citizen whose aid and influence could ever be counted upon in any movement or measure calculated to advance the best interests of the community. He was one of those who attempted to have the county seat located at Jeromeville and always took an active and helpful part in matters of public concern. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Church of God, of which he was a most devoted and faithful communicant, while his wife was a Methodist in belief. The record of their children is as follows : Joseph Ross, of this review ; John G. ; Mrs. Rachel A. Funk ; Mrs. Maria Elizabeth Cannon; William Wesley; Mrs. Laura S. Hosley; and Charles Winfield, a resident of Youngstown, Ohio.

On the 21st of October, 1861, Joseph Ross Remley enlisted at Camp Wood, Cleveland, as a member of Company F, Forty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel William W. Hazen, who was afterward promoted to brigadier general and became the first chief of the signal service on its establishment after the close of the war. Mr. Remley participated in the engagement at Shiloh on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862, in which conflict there were twentytwo thousand killed and wounded on both sides. Shortly afterward he was taken ill and sent to the hospital, where he remained for one month and was then sent home on a month's furlough. On his return to the front he was again placed in the hospital and in October, 1862, was discharged on account of disability. In 1863 a company of volunteer militia was organized at Jeromeville, the state furnishing the arms. Of this company Mr. Remley was made captain, Carpus Funk first lieutenant and Isaiah Mowry second lieutenant. They received word from Governor Bruff to prepare for marching orders and on the 2d of May, 1864, went to Ashland and on the same evening to Mansfield. They reported to Colonel Miller, One Hundred and Sixty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, left for Camp Chase to be mustered in and in a few days were ordered to the front as Company I. They were mustered out September 10, 1864, and Captain Remley returned home with a most creditable military record, having done valuable and commendable service as a loyal defender of the Union cause.

On once more taking up the pursuits of civil life, Captain Remley continued to operate his father's farm until the latter sold his property in 1884, and then engaged in the cultivation of a rented farm for two years. On the expiration of that period he purchased the place where he now resides in Perry township, the property comprising sixtv-two and a half acres of rich and productive land, in the development and improvement of which he has been continuously engaged to the present time. Through his well directed industry and capable management he has won a gratifying and richly merited measure of success in his undertakings and is widely recognized as a prosperous and representative citizen.

On the 1st of M ay. 1864, Captain Remley was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret R. Goodman and their children are four in number, namely: Clara

Bell and Carrie Ida, twins, the former being now the wife of H. C. Brandt and the latter of George Gill; Mrs. Gertrude Goodman Helbert; and Mrs. Edith

Beatrice Stacker. Each of the daughters attended the common schools and the J eromeville high school, Gertrude being a graduate of the latter institution.

Politically Captain Remley is an unfaltering republican and, like his father before him, is interested in the welfare and advancement of Ashland county, which numbers him among its most valued and honored residents. He is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as treasurer and is also one of the trustees. Throughout the county in which he has so long resided he is held in the highest respect and esteem, having ever manifested those sterling traits of character which endear man to his fellowmen.

Prominent among the members of the medical fraternity of Sullivan is Dr. Willis F. Persons, who for a number of years has been employing his knowledge of materia medica and skill in surgery to relieve the sufferings of humanity. His excellent reputation has won him a liberal patronage throughout the township. His birth occurred here Jaunary 9, 1857. He is a son of Anson and Martha Jane (Bowker) Persons, his father a native of Montpelier, Vermont, where his birth occurred November 13, 1806, and his mother having been born in Lunenburg, that state, March 21, 1819. Both came to this state with their parents in the early '30s, when the entire region was an undeveloped state, making the journey to their new western home in wagons and on horseback. In the fall of 1838 they came to Sullivan township, where the father followed cabinet making and also carriage and wagon making, in connection with gunsmithing, painting and farming in a small way, until he departed this life January 3, 1875, surviving his wife by six years, her death having occurred April 1, 1869. He was a man of extraordinary mechanical skill and was recog^ nixed throughout the county as an inventive genius. In their family were six children, two of whom survive, namely: Herbert, of Homerville; and Dr.

When a boy Dr. Persons worked upon his father's farm, engaging in the daily routine of the fields through the summer months and during the winter acquired his preliminary education at the district schools. Subsequently for a period of two years he operated a cheese factory in Indiana, the first of the kind ever established in that state. Previous to going to Indiana, however, he acquired his experience in that business by working three years in a cheese factory in the village of Sullivan, where he became thoroughly familiar with the business. After spending two years in Indiana he returned to Sullivan in 1879 and for three years engaged in the mercantile business from which he retired and took up the study of medicine, as it had all the while been his ambition to become a member of the medical fraternity. For a time he attended the schools here, spent two years at Lodi Academy and the same period of time at Oberlin University and was then matriculated as a student of medicine in the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the class of 1884, standing fifth from the first honor man, the class including eighty- five members. Immediately upon his graduation he began the practice of his profession at Gates Mills, Cuyahoga county, where he remained for seventeen years, at the expiration of which time he practiced for one year in Cleveland, Ohio, returning in 1901 to Sullivan where he has since remained. He is a deep student of all branches pertaining to his profession and makes it a point to keep abreast of the times along all lines of scientific investigation which touch upon materia medica and surgery and makes a specialty of treating appendicitis and gall stones, in both of which ailments he has been eminently successful and is considered an authority.

Dr. Persons has been married twice, first on November 27, 1878, to Miss Ella L. Cooper, daughter of George and Martha Cooper, of Friendswood, Indiana, by whom he had four children, namely: Jessie H., who became the wife of

George Worts, of Mayfield, Ohio; Wallace R. ; Paul F. ; and Arthur W. Their mother departed this life September 26, 1896. Dr. Persons then wedded Elva H. Chandler, daughter of John and Luzena Chandler, of Indiana, by whom he has had three children : Raymond C., Mary L. and John R.

Dr. Persons is independent in politics, not allying himself with any particular political party and, deeming the man worthy of more consideration than the party to which he belongs, he votes for such candidates as measure up to his standard of qualifications for public office. Although he is busy meeting the demands of his profession he yet finds time to render service to the township and for three years has officiated as justice of the peace and was active in the organization of the Sullivan Telephone Company, of which he was the first manager and of which he also was secretary for a period of one year. Pie is a member of, Sullivan Lodge, No. 313, A. F. & A. M., in which for three years he has been junior warden, and Lodge No. 579, I. O. O. F. Amid the pressure of his professional and business affairs the Doctor always finds time for the performance of his religious obligations and regularly attends divine services at the Congregational church, in which he is a leading worker. Being a man who is in every particular interested in the welfare of the community, striving also to gain such improvements as good roads, schools and public buildings and at the same time striving to be eminently useful in his profession, he is one of the most highly esteemed men in the county, popular within a wide radius of his home, and his upright life is an influence for good among all those with whom he comes in contact.

Rev. Milton T. Scarborough

Devoting his life to the moral and spiritual welfare of his fellowmen, Rev. Milton T. Scarborough is now pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of Nova. He was born in Baltimore, Mar}dand, January 18, 1856, a son of John T. and Pauline M. (Durkee) Scarborough. His father was a harness-maker of that city, in which he was quite prominent as a business man.

The public schools of his native city afforded Rev. Scarborough his preliminary education and in the year 1870 he came to this state, making his home with relatives in Millersburg, Holmes county, where he attended school for a time and subsequently became a student at Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio. After completing a two years' course in that institution, he taught in the district schools of Holmes county for several years and upon giving up that profession he took up the study of law in the offices of Critchfield & Huston, of Millersburg. While there he finally changed his purpose and decided to prepare himself for the ministry. He successfully pursued the conference course of study and was ordained as a clergyman in 1889 by the North Ohio conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. During the period he followed school teaching and also while he was studying law he was a member of the Ohio National Guard, being second lieutenant of Company H, Seventeenth Regiment, which was on duty in Cincinnati during the riots of 1884 on which occasion the courthouse was burned. He was also on duty in the Hocking Valley mining district during the strike of 1884 and 1885.

Upon being admitted to the ministry his first charge was at Lockport, in Tuscarawas county, now a part of New Philadelphia, and there he remained for two years when he was appointed to the charge at Wilmot, Stark county, where he conducted a successful and useful ministry for five years, at the expiration of which time he was assigned to the congregation at Apple Creek, Wayne county, where he performed the duties of his office for two years. His next appointment was to Kilbuck, Holmes county, where he remained for three years, when he was assigned to Fredericksburg, Wayne county, and after a four years' ministry there was appointed, in 1904, to the Methodist Episcopal church of Nova where he is now in his fifth year as pastor. In addition to the congregation here he also has charge of the church in Ruggles township. He is one of the most successful pastors of this part of the country and, being a man of noble Christian character with his heart filled with zeal for the cause he represents, he has been instrumental in building up many a congregation and in greatly advancing the work of the several churches over which he has presided.

On October 18, 1877, Rev. Scarborough was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Cline, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Spencer) Cline, of Holmes county, where her father was engaged in farming and stock raising. In politics he is a republican but does not bind himself so rigidly to that party as to feel under obligation to vote for every candidate whose name it may place upon the ballot but reserves the right to cross out the names of those who do not come up to his standard of morals and whom he deems unfit to serve in public offices. In several of the localities where he has resided he has taken an interest in community affairs and has served as township clerk, assessor and school director and has always been an advocate of public improvements along all lines wherein the community might be benefited. He has been a particularly strong advocate of the best educational system and as well has always been ready to further measures which have for their object good roads and the general betterment of the community. Wherever he goes it is his object to inspire the people with a desire for the best in life morally, spiritually and physically and among other improvements he likes to see modern churches and business buildings. He is prominent in fraternal organizations and is a member of Sullivan Lodge, No. 313, A. F. & A. M.; Sylvian Lodge, No. 240, I. 0. 0. F., of Loudonville; Wilmot

Rev. Scarborough is a man of strong personality and his noble and zealous Christian character has not only endeared him to the members of his congregation but also to the citizens of the entire community in which he is an evidence of the power of the faith he teaches and for the moral and spiritual uplift for which he daily labors.

Thomas W. Miller

Thomas W. Miller is a prominent representative of Ashland's industrial interests, being president of the Faultless Rubber Company. Since starting in life on his own account he has made steady progress, working his way upward through determined energy, unfaltering loyalty and undaunted perseverance. He is now at the head of a successful and growing enterprise which is a feature in the city's business development as well as his own prosperity. Born in Summit county, Ohio, on the 12th of February, 1874, he is a son of Freeman and Rebecca (Fisher) Miller. The parents were both natives of Summit county, Ohio, where they spent their entire lives and were highly respected and worthy citizens. The father was a blacksmith and carriage builder by trade and was engaged in business along that line in the village of Manchester during his active life.

Thomas W. Miller spent his boyhood days under the parental rdbf, was a pupil in the public schools of Manchester and also attended a boarding school at Uniontown. As early as his sixteenth year he became a teacher in the district schools and after following that profession for a year went to Akron, Ohio, where he pursued a business course. Later he secured a position in the factory of the Akron Silver Plate Company, and after serving his apprenticeship he was sent out on the road as a commercial traveler, acting in that capacity for the firm until 1896, during which time he secured for the house an extensive patronage. Ambitious to engage in business on his own account, when his labors had brought him sufficient capital he established a rubber manufacturing industry, forming a copartnership with some business men of Rochester, New York. They organized the Faultless Manufacturing Company which was succeeded in 1900 by the Faultless Rubber Company, a West Virginia corporation. About 1903 Mr. Miller and H. B. Camp organized the Camp Rubber Company and established a plant at Ashland, Ohio. The following year the Camp Rubber Company and the Faultless Rubber Company merged their interests with a capital stock of three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, conducting the business under the name of the Faultless Rubber Company with a large and well equipped plant at Ashland. Mr. Miller became treasurer and general manager of the Faultless Rubber Company and acted in the same capacity for the Camp Rubber Company after the merging of the two industries. He continued to act as treasurer and general manager until the illness of Mr. Camp in July, 1907, when he was chosen president and is now the chief executive officer, bending his efforts to adminis- trative direction. This company manufactures druggists' sundries, specialties, novelties and sponge rubber products, having practically a monopoly on the manufacture of the last named article in this country. The business has now gain'ed extensive proportions under the capable management and direction of Mr. Miller, whose enterprise has made him one of the foremost business men of this city.

In his political views Mr. Miller is a stalwart republican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day but never seeking nor desiring office for himself. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Dutch Reform church. He has made for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, evincing the utmost concern in the 'conduct of the enterprise that its product may be all that is represented and that the business shall be carried on with the strictest regard to commercial integrity.

Samuel Walter

Samuel Walter, who is numbered among the successful, enterprising and representative agriculturists of Ashland county, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred acres on section 20, Green township. His birth occurred five miles west of Lockport, New York, on the 26th of August, 1833, his parents being Benjamin and Katharine (Shambaugh) Walter, who were natives of Pennsylvania but of German parentage. The paternal grandfather, Christian Walter, was born in Germany, as was also George Shambaugh, the maternal grandfather. Benjamin Walter, the father of our subject, brought his wife and six children to New York, in which state he carried on agricultural pursuits until the time of his demise, owning a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His death occurred when his son Samuel was but nineteen months old. His family numbered nine children, of whom eight reached years of maturity and were married, but Samuel Walter, of this review, is the only one who still survives. The mother was called to her final rest while a resident of Ashland county.

In October, 1838, Samuel Walter was brought by his mother to Green township, Ashland county, and with the exception of the period of three and a half years following his marriage, which he spent in Knox county, he has lived here continuously since. In 1873 he took up his abode on the farm on which he has since resided, the place comprising one hundred acres on section 20, Green township, situated on the Perrysville and Wooster road, a mile and a half northeast of Perrysville. He cleared a part of this farm and made many improvements thereon, erected good buildings and equipped the place with all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farming property of the twentieth century. Throughout his active business career he has been engaged in farming and the success which has attended his efforts is but the well merited reward of earnest, persistent labor and indefatigable energy.

In 1855, Mr. Walter was united in marriage to Miss Judy Oaks, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania, April 16, 1834, and who was brought to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, by her parents when only two years of age, there residing until the time of her marriage. Her parents, George and Mary Ann (Davis) Oaks, subsequently came to Ashland county and became neighbors of our subject, residing here until called to the home beyond. They were both natives of Pennsylvania and had a family of thirteen children, nine of whom grew to maturity. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walter have been born seven children, namely: Amanda Ellen, the wife of Joseph Weirick, of Green township ; Thomas Allen, who passed away at the age of four years; George, a resident of Loudonville, who formerly served as county commissioner ; Thomas Curtis, of Green township ; Nathaniel, who is likewise living in Green township ; Sarah, the wife of Martin Oswalt, of Mansfield; Adaline, who died when sixteen years of age. Mr. Walter also has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Politically Mr. Walter is a stanch democrat and has served as road supervisor, while for twenty-one years he has acted as school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, exemplifying the teachings of the church in his daily life. Although he has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey, he is still numbered among the active and progressive citizens of the community and throughout the long period of his residence in this county, covering almost the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he has gained the respect and esteem of an extensive circle of friends.

William Henry Gates

William Henry Gates, of the Ashland Press, was born at Petersburg, now Mifflin, in Ashland county, Ohio, March 10, 1846. He is a grandson of Peter Gates, who was born in 1778. His father, Isaac Gates, was the second sheriff of Ashland county, to which position he was elected in 1848 and again in 1850. Two years afterward he was chosen county auditor, was reelected in 1856 and again served from 1862 until 1866. During his second term as sheriff his official duty required that he hang Charles Steingraver on the 30th of January, 1852, and on the 16th of May, 1885, he hung Horn and Gribben, so that the only men who suffered capital punishment in the county were hung by him although thirty-three years elapsed between the events. Isaac Gates was married to Miss Susan Newcomer, a daughter of Christian Newcomer, who served as county commissioner from 1849 until 1852. He also conducted a hotel in Petersburg during the stage-coach days.

W. H. Gates was a pupil in the Ashland schools between the years 1852 and 1857. The family then removed to the country and he attended the district schools in the winter months from 1857 until 1862, while in the summer seasons during that period he worked on the farm. He had no other educational opportunities but learned many lessons of value through actual business experiences on the farm and elsewhere. In the spring of 1863 he entered the auditor's office as clerk, his father having been elected county auditor in the fall of 1862. He was employed in the auditor's office and in other positions in the courthouse for sixteen years and throughout that entire period utilized his opportunities to promote his learning and to make his services of value. In 1869 he joined his brother-in-law, B. F. Nelson, in a drug business, which they conducted until 1872, and in August of the latter year Mr. Oates joined Mr. Nelson in a newspaper enterprise, with which they continued until 1879, Mr. Gates thus becoming one of the publishers and editors of the Ashland Press. In the latter year, however, he sold out to W. T. Alberson and W. G. Heltman and in 1882 went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he occupied a clerical position in the office of the supreme lodge of the Knights of Honor, a beneficial insurance organization. He resided in Louisville until 1884, when the offices of the order were removed to St. Louis and Mr. Gates went to that city and continued as ''auditor of assessment accounts" until September, 1891, when he returned to Ashland. In January, 1892, he bought a .third interest in the Ashland Press, becoming a partner of W. T. Alberson, who owned the remaining two-thirds. On the 1st of January, 1895, he purchased Mr. Alberson 's interest and became sole owner of the property and of the paper which is conducted under the name of the Ashland Press Company, all of the stock being now owned by members of his family. Mr. Gates still continues in this business and keeps abreast with modern journalism in the conduct of the paper.

In Ashland on the 13th of October, 1875, occurred the marriage of Mr. Gates and Miss Anna M. Baird, of this city. They became parents of three children: Howard Baird and Ralph Wick, twins, who were born August 8,

1878; and James Edgar, who was born December 2, 1879. Ralph W. died when only six weeks old. Howard Baird was married in October, 1903, to Miss Eva Shinn of Ashland, and they have two children, Dorthea and William Shinn, who are with their parents in Joplin, Missouri. James Edgar Gates is still at home and is active in connection with the publication of the Ashland Press.

In politics Mr. Gates is a democrat and has been in all of the political contests since 1865 as party worker but not as a seeker for office for himself. He was elected township clerk of Montgomery township in April, 1871, and served for one year, which ended his political career as far as office holding is concerned. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and has taken all of the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites in Masonry and is likewise identified with the Mystic Shrine. He joined the Masons in 1867 when twenty-one years of age. Reared in the Lutheran faith he has attended the Presbyterian church since his marriage, his wife being identified therewith.