Ashland City (part 25 of 57)

When about nine years of age William Smith Budd accompanied his parents on their removal to a farm in Green township, in which place he has since made his home. After eleven years spent on that farm he took up his abode on the place on which he now resides, there remaining until the time of his marriage, while subsequently he lived on another farm for a short period and then returned to his present property. The place comprises two hundred nine and a half acres of rich and productive land on section 17, Green township, and is situated two and a half miles north of Perrysville. Here he has erected a commodious and attractive residence and likewise has good outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. The fields indicate his careful supervision and practical methods, bringing forth rich crops which are a merited reward for his labor. He is also engaged quite extensively in raising and feeding stock, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. His landed holdings also include a farm of one hundred and two and a half acres in Vermillion township, Ashland county, while his wife there owns a tract of one hundred and eight and a half acres, and they are numbered among the prosperous and representative residents of the community.

On the 1st of January, 1874, Mr. Budd was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Hawks, whose birth occurred in Vermillion township, Ashland county, Ohio, May 18, 1855, and who has always been a resident of this county. Her parents, James and Martha (Bell) Hawks, were both natives of County Tyrone, Ireland, born on the 15th of March, 1814, and on the 12th of May, 1815, respectively. They came to the new world when twenty and eighteen years of age respectively and were married in Philadelphia when James Hawks was twenty-six years old. Subsequently they made their way to Vermillion township, this county, and continued to reside here throughout the remainder of their lives, the father passing away January 31, 1900, while the mother of Mrs. Budd died on the 8th of July, 1893. Their family numbered nine children, namely : Eliza, deceased ; Jane, the wife of William Patterson, who is residing on the old home place in Vermillion township; John, who died in 1909; William, Anna, Martha and Robert, all of whom have passed away; Mrs. Budd; and Katharine, the wife of Norman Mowery, of Vermillion township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Budd have been born two children. Samuel, who resides on a portion of his father's farm, married Miss Anna Snyder and has two children, Mary A. and William Franklin. James Floyd is clerking in Ashland.

In his political views Mr. Budd is a stalwart democrat and has served as township trustee for six years, discharging his official duties with promptness and capability. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in this county and enjoy in large measure the friendship and regard of those who know them so that it is with pleasure we present this record to our readers.

Morgan Minamyer

In a history of Ashland's business development mention should be made of Morgan Minamyer, now the manager of the Diamond Flouring Mills and connected with other interests in a financial way. He is widely recognized as a man of keen business discernment, readily recognizing opportunities and with power to coordinate forces until he brings them into working unity. What he undertakes he accomplishes, for his resolute spirit cannot be quelled by trifles' or even by more important obstacles, but pushes on to the successful attainment of the end in view. He was born in Bellaire, Belmont county, Ohio, August 23, 1869, and was one of ten children of William T. and Elizabeth (Jackson) Minamyer. The parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father coming to Ohio when eighteen years of age, while the mother was .brought by her parents in her early girlhood days. Both became residents of Bellaire where they were married. The father learned the miller 's trade after arriving in Belmont county and devoted his remaining days to that pursuit, which he successfully followed up to the time of his death which occurred in 1890, when he was fifty-two years of age. He had for a decade survived his wife, who passed away in 1880 at the age of forty-two years. He was prominent in the Masonic fraternity and served as master of the Bellaire Lodge for a number of years. Five children of the family are still living: George M., a resident of Bellaire; Margaret, the wife of R. W. Farris, also of Bellaire ; Albert B., of La Jara, Colorado ; Lee, of Ashland, Ohio; and Morgan, of this review.

While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Morgan Minamyer acquired his education in the public schools and at the age of fifteen years apprenticed himself to the miller's trade in the Stewart & Ward Mills at Bellaire, there remaining until he had completed the regular term of indenture. At nineteen years of age he went to Franklin, Kentucky, where he was employed by the College Roller Mill Company, operating a mill there for two years, after which he went to Harrisville, Michigan, and purchased an interest in the Harrisville Mills. He operated that plant for six years and then returned to Bellaire, being employed through the following year in the office of the Carnegie Steel Company. In 1898, he came to Ashland and accepted a position in the Diamond Mills then conducted by Robert McAdoo, thus serving until 1903, when he resigned his position to take up the study of law, entering the Indianapolis Law School at Indianapolis, Indiana. After a year devoted to the study, however, he abandoned the idea of pursuing a legal career and returned to 'Ashland and again accepted the management of the Diamond Mills. In April, 1907, he was offered and accepted the management of the Reliable Match Com- pany, in which capacity he served until September, 1908, when he returned to the Diamond Mills which are now being operated under his immediate supervision. His comprehensive knowledge of the best methods of flour manufacture well qualify him for the onerous duties that devolve upon him in this connection. He readily understands business situations and is accurate in his solution of intricate business problems, his energy and enterprise carrying him into important commercial relations.

On the 19th of January, 1898, Mr. Minamyer was married to Miss Olive Barnes of North Vernon, Indiana, and unto them have been born two children, Margaret Joan and Grace Eleanor. Mr. Minamyer is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to both the lodge and chapter. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and at the last convention in the fall of 1908, he was nominated by his party for county auditor but refused to stand for election. At the present time, however, he is serving as a member of the city council and exercises his official prerogative in support of many progressive public measures. His worth as a business man and citizen is unquestioned. His strong mentality, invincible courage and determined individuality render him a natural leader of men and the director of opinion. He has been and is distinctively a man of affairs and one who wields a wide influence.

Uriah McFarland, now owning and operating a valuable farm of eighty acres on section 4, Lake township, Ashland county, Ohio, is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred June 19, 1846, in Clinton township, Wayne county. He is a son of William and Ruth (McConkey) McFarland, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Wayne county, this state. William McFarland was the youngest son and fourth child in a family of six children whose parents were William and Elizabeth McFarland. On leaving Scotland he accompanied his parents to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the early years of his life were spent. As a young man he came to Wayne county, Ohio, where he took up the occupation of farming, devoting his entire life to this field of labor, while his parents, following his removal westward, also came to this state and located in Holmes county on a farm just across the county line from that of their son. Here William McFarland was married and here he spent his remaining years, passing away in the faith of the Christian church. His family consisted of seven children, namely : Thomas, who died in California ; Robert, also deceased ; William, a resident of Holmes county ; Mary, who has also passed away; Ruth, the wife of E. J. Shrieve, of Missouri; Sarah Jane, the deceased wife of William Bonham ; and Uriah, of this review.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm lite for Uriah McFarland in his boyhood and youth. At an early age he became familiar with the task of plowing, planting and harvesting, and he remained on his father's farm until 1871, when he took up his abode on his present farm. He owns eighty acres of land which, under his care and supervision, is highly cultivated and yields annually to its owner gratifying returns. He also raises stock to a great extent, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle, horses, fine Merino and Shropshire sheep and Chester White and Poland China hogs. He is a democrat in politics but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, preferring, as he does, to concentrate his time and energies upon his private business affairs.

On the 5th of March, 1871, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McFarland and Emma S. Wicoff, a native of Lake township, this county, born October 10, 1854. Her father, William Wicoff, was born in 1811 in Harrison county, Ohio, and came with his father to Ohio, where they settled on the same farm. In 1831 he married Sabina Orem, and they made their home in Lake township, where both passed away. In their family were five children : Nancy J., the wife of Andrew Stewart; Jasper; Newton, who died at the age of nine years; Delphinia, the wife of Silas Smith; and Emma S., now Mrs. Uriah McFarland. William Wicoff was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was a prominent figure in the public life of Lake township, serving for twelve successive years as justice of the peace and also for several years as township trustee.

Mr. and Mrs. McFarland became the parents of the following children : Wicoff, at home; Yiola, the wife of John Rainey, residing in Clinton township, Wayne county; Nancy, who resides in Cleveland, Ohio; Emmit, a resident of Cincinnati ; Nellie, the wife of John Molter, of Clinton township, Wayne county; Orem, of Youngstown, Ohio; Ruth, at home; and Joshua, who died in infancy. Public spirited in citizenship, Mr. McFarland takes a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the general welfare and progress of the community. His entire life has been spent in Ohio, where he has made many warm friends, and the fact that he is most respected where he is best known is an indication that his life has been at all times an honorable and upright one.

Jacob J. Rush

Jacob J. Rush is a veteran of the Civil war. One by one the boys in blue who fought for the defense of the Union are passing away and to those who remain too much honor cannot be accorded in connection with their service as defenders of the stars and stripes. Other chapters in the life record of Mr. Rush are equally creditable. For many years he was closely associated with building operations, working diligently and persistently as a carpenter and now he gives his entire attention to general agricultural pursuits, having three hundred acres of valuable land whch is cultivated under his supervision. His birth occurred in Clinton township, Wayne county, Ohio, on a farm bordering the Ashland county line, his natal day being January 10, 1839. His parents were Jacob and Margaret (Hoffman) Rush, who were natives of Alsace, France, a district that is now in possession of Germany. The father was born in 1808 and the mother in 1810. They were reared in the place of their nativity, remaining there until after their marriage and the birth of one of their children.

It was about 1830 that they came to the new world, locating first in Wooster, Ohio, where they lived for a year, after which they established their home on a farm in the midst of the forest, where the birth of Jacob J. Rush occurred. When a boy Mr. Rush of this review remembers his father holding him on his shoulder to watch a drove of deer passing through a clearing in the woods on their farm. After living for twelve years in Wayne county the family crossed the dividing line into Lake township, Ashland county. The father owned two farms on the county line and also cornering on Holmes county. Both he and his wife spent their remaining days in this locality, oh one side or the other of the boundary line between Ashland and Wayne counties. Jacob Rush, Sr., gave his time and energies to clearing the land and improving the farms, bearing his full share in the arduous task of reclaiming this region for the purposes of civilization. He had about one hundred and sixty-five dollars when he came to the county and as the result of his persistent and unremitting diligence and energy he accumulated an estate valued at about forty-five thousand dollars. He died in 1889, having for two years survived his wife, who passed away in 1887. They were the parents of fifteen children, of whom three died in infancy. The others were: Margaret, who became the wife of John Heid but both are now deceased; Jacob, who died at the age of two years; John, living in Holmes county; Mary, who is the widow of Charles Dilgard and a resident of Mohican township ; Jacob J., of this review; Julia Ann, who is the widow of Peter Wetzel and is living in Holmes county, Ohio; Katharine, the wife of Philip Wetzel, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; Frederick, who has passed away; Magdalen, the deceased wife of John Norwich; Henry and William, who are residents of Mansfield, Ohio; and Daniel, living in Wayne county, this state.

Jacob J. Rush resided at home with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he went to Minnesota, spending two years in the northwest, during which time he worked at the carpenter's trade. He then returned to Lake township and in June, 1862, enlisted as a soldier of the Civil war in response to the president's call for more troops to aid in crushing out the rebellion in the south. He joined company A, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years lacking one month, being honorably discharged at the close of the war in May, 1865. He was twice captured and was sent back to Columbus for exchange. He was first taken prisoner at Camp Dick Robinson in Kentucky and the second time was captured near Frankfort, Kentucky. He went with Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, being there until after the capitulation of that city. He made an excellent military record, for he was ever loyal to the cause which he espoused, meeting all the hardships, privations and dangers meted out to the soldier.

When the country no longer needed his military aid Mr. Rush returned to his parents' home in Lake township but soon afterward was married. . It was on the 7th of September, 1865, that he wedded Elizabeth A. Molter, who was born in Perry township, Ashland county, Ohio, on the 18th of April, 1839, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Garst) Molter, both of whom were natives of the Rhine country of Germany. Mrs. Molter lost both of her parents in New York, where they died of cholera soon after arriving in the United States. She was then about seventeen years of age and she and her brother then went to

Pennsylvania, where she lived until after her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Molter then came to Ashland county, Ohio, about 1837, and spent their remaining days in this county or across the line in Wayne county. They were the parents of four children : Katharine, who is now the widow of O. W. Lake and resides in Clinton township, Wayne county ; Elizabeth A. ; Henry, living in Morrow county, Ohio ; and Peter, who resides in McZena, this county.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rush resided on a farm in Mohican township, where he worked at the carpenter's trade, following that occupation until two years ago. He has owned a farm since the war and his landed possessions now aggregate three hundred acres, of which one hundred and sixty acres is comprised in the home farm, while the other place contains one hundred and forty acres and is about a mile south of the home farm. On the latter his son now resides. Both are well improved properties, having especially good buildings and indicate in their well kept appearance the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner. The homestead is situated on section 28, while the other farm is on section 33, Mohican township.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rush was blessed with seven children : Willis, who died at the age of three years and nine months ; Emma, the wife of G. W. Black, of Mohican township; Roscoe, who is living on his father's farm; Burton J., also of Mohican township; Elsie, the wife of S. S. Hootman, of Cleveland; Lodella, the wife of W. H. Obrecht, of Texas ; and Her M., of Mohican township.

Mr. Rush gives his political allegiance to the republican party, being in hearty sympathy with its principles and its policy. He is a member of the Evangelical church of McZena and holds membership in Hayesville Post, G. A. R., thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. His life has been ever characterized by loyalty to duty, whether in defense of th* Union, in business circles or in his relations with his family and friends. His many good qualities have gained him the highest regard and he well deserves mention in this volume as one of the representative citizens of Ashland county.

Dr. Charles B. Scott, a physician and surgeon recognized as a prominent representative of the profession in Ashland county, with a large practice in Loudonville and throughout the surrounding country, was born October 24, 1856, in the town which is yet his home. He is a grandson of Hugh Scott, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1785 and came to Ohio in 1824, settling near Steubenville, where he died May 22, 1827, a few months prior to the birth of his son Andrew. In 1807 he married Katharine Humphries and in the year of her husband's death she removed to Ashland county, settling on a farm in Green township, but the following spring went to Vermillion township. She died November 21, 1854, while on a visit to her old home in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. She was the mother of eight children: Thomas, Jane, James, Francis, Winfield, William, Oliver H. and Andrew J. Scott, father of the subject.

Dr. Andrew J. Scott was born November 12, 1827, in that part of Richland county which is now a part of Ashland county. He was a student in the Ashland Academy while Loren Andrews was proprietor and also continued his education in the Vermillion Institute at Hayesville, Ohio. He engaged in teaching for two years in the old Loudonville Academy and then studied medicine under Dr. E. B. Fuller, while later he was graduated from the Buffalo University of Medicine. He then entered the Howard College of Physicians & Surgeons of New York and also attended lectures for a time at the Starling Medical College of Columbus Ohio. Following his graduation he opened an office in Loudonvile in 1853 and here practiced continually until his death, which occurred May 4, 1895. He was a member of the Ashland County and Ohic State Medical Societies and always remained a deep and discriminating student of his profession. He was also a corresponding member of the Gynecological Society of Boston and a member of the American Medical Association. He enjoyed a very large practice in his profession and was connected with the Wooster Medical College of Cleveland as a lecturer on the diseases of women and children. He was a surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for twenty-five years and was president of the state board of health and at the time of his death was a member of the county board of medical examiners under the pension bureau. He took a deep interest in literary pursuits and when a teacher was regarded as one of the best mathematicians in the county. In politics he was a stalwart democrat, active in the work of the party and in the campaigns was a fluent, forceful, entertaining and instructive speaker concerning the issues ami questions of the day. In 1874-5 he erected a fine brick residence containing twenty-two rooms at a cost of thirty thousand dollars. He was a man of splendid physique, of athletic build, six feet in height and moreover his was a most attractive personality because he was a broadminded, sympathetic progressive man.

Dr. Andrew J. Scott was married three times. In 1852 he wedded Miss S. M. Fuller, who died in 1854 leaving one child, L. Content, who became the wife of Major Walker of Columbus and died in 1900. In 1856 Dr. Scott wedded Miss Anna Fuller, a sister of his first wife. She died in 1864. There were three children of that marriage: Dr. Charles B. Scott, whose name introduces this review; Harriet S., wTho is the widow of Henry W. Gilbert and resides in Chicago; and Idella A., the wife of Dr. C. L. Franks, a practicing dentist of Cleveland. In 1867 Dr. Scott was again married. Miss Charlotte Garret becoming his wife and she still survives him.

Dr. Andrew J. Scott took a most lively interest in the social and commercial welfare of his town and county and was ever ready to help onward any movement for the advancement of all. He was a man of more than average ability, of wide research and well trained mind. His skill in his profession was recognized by the medical fraternity throughout the state but it was in the hearts of his friends, neighbors and lifelong acquaintances that he filled the most important place - a place won by care and deeds of kindness, which is not easily filled. At the time of his death, which occurred May 9, 1895, the Loudonville Advocate said :

' ' It has been many years since onr little city has sustained so great a loss as it does in the death of Dr. A. J. Scott. He had been a man with a mind single for the advancement and improvement of the place in which he lived and has during his long and useful life rendered yeoman service to the town of his abiding. He was a man of strong convictions and sterling integrity. That which he considered right he espoused with all the fervor of a strong and cultivated intellect. He was ever ready to take up the cause of the weak and was ever the friend of the friendless. To the unfortunate and erring he was always a ray of hope, combatting the hasty judgment of extremists and offering laudable excuse in extenuation of indiscretion. He was not above his neighbors and the people with whom he lived, but was ever ready with hearty welcome and cheering words for all. He will be missed, not alone among us with whom he has so long lived, but among the medical profession all over this broad land his absence will be keenly felt. In his home will his absence create the greatest void. His home life was most beautiful. He was an indulgent father, loving had surrounded himself with all that combines to make life worth living. For years he has been the most prominent counsellor in all matters of importance concerning the town, and has held all the places of honor in the gifts of our people. ' '

Dr. Charles B. Scott, who has spent his entire life in Loudonville and since attaining his majority has given his attention to the work of the medical profession, comes in the paternal line of a family long and prominently connected with this calling. Not only was his father a distinguished Ohio physician but also his maternal grandfather, his uncle Amos B. Fuller and his cousin G. B. Fuller have all practiced successfully in Loudonville, the last named being still a representative of the medical fraternity here. Dr. Scott was educated in the public schools of his native town, also attended the Greentown Academy at Perrysville and later took up the study of medicine under the direction of his father. He likewise continued his reading for two years under Dr. J. N. Dixon, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and attended and assisted Dr. Dixon in holding private clinics in anatomy and surgery. He won his professional degree from the University of Buffalo in 1881 and at once entered upon the active practice in Loudonville in connection with his father, this relation being maintained until the latter's death in 1895. Since that time he has been alone. He fully sustains the excellent reputation which has always been associated with the name of Scott as a representative of the medical fraternity. His ability is pronounced, his experience broad and his laudable ambition leads him to continually study that he may make his professional services of the utmost benefit to his fellowmen. In addition to his practice he is known in financial circles as one of the directors of the Citizens Savings Bank of Loudonville, with which he has thus been associated since its organization. He is local surgeon for both the railroads entering Loudonville and has a large private practice which attests his ability and the confidence reposed in him.

Dr. Scott was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Lee Priest, a native of Warren county, Ohio, the widow of Columbus Priest and a daughter of Austin McCreary. Dr. and Mrs. Scott have one son, Ross J., who is attending St.

John's Military Academy at Delafield, Wisconsin. In his political views Dr. Scott has ever been an earnest democrat, desiring the success of the party principles which he deems the most effective forces for good government. He has served on the village council and is now a member of the board of education. He is likewise connected with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias and is a gentleman of genuine personal worth, whose sterling traits of manhood and citizenship, as well as his professional skill, have gained him high place in the regard of his fellow townsmen.

Martin Luther Humm

Martin Luther Humm, who is engaged in general farming and stock raising, has lived a life of well directed industry and thrift and that there have been few leisure hours in his record is indicated in the success which now rewards his labors. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres, covering the southeast quarter of section 29, Mohican township. His birth occurred on a farm about three miles south of Loudonville in Hanover township, Ashland county, July 4, 1861, and in the spring of 1862 the family home was established on a farm in Vermillion township. His parents were George and Susanna (Stauffer) Humm. The father was born in Alsace, France, January 17, 1820, and became a resident of Columbus, Ohio, in 1853. He remained there for three years and then removed near Loudonville, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in Lake township on the 28th of December, 1884. He had devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and his diligence constituted the foundation upon which he builded his prosperity. His first wife bore the maiden name of Barbara Barnhart and it was with her and his three children that lie made the voyage to the new world. She died during their residence in Columbus, while of their children George is deceased. John B., the other son, is a resident of Toledo, Ohio, while the daughter, Mrs. Julia Rominger, is living in Kansas. Having lost his first wife, George Humm wedded Susanna Stauffer, who was born in Pennsylvania, July 15, 1817, and was brought to Ohio by her parents when twelve years of age, the family home being established in Crawford county, while later a removal was made to Ashland county. Mrs. Humm still survives and is now a resident of Loudonville. By her marriage she became the mother of two sons, Jacob S., the elder, being now a resident of Loudonville.

The younger, Martin Luther Humm, lived with his parents on a farm in Vermillion township for about five years and then a removal was made to Lake township, where he continued for thirty years. In 1896 he removed to his present farm, which has since been his home and today one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land pays tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. It is situated on the Jeromeville and Mohicanville road, about a mile north of the latter village, and is a well improved farm, carefully cultivated, its fields giving evidence in the springtime of the rich harvests to be gathered in the autumn. In fact his place is one of the best in the township and upon it are two good bank barns and a pleasant dwelling. An air of neat- ness, thrift and prosperity pervades the place, for everything about the farm is kept in good repair, high grades of stock are seen in the pastures and the cribs and granaries each fall are full of the fruits of the field.

On the first of December, 1885, Air. Humm was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Metcalf, who was born a mile west of Mohieanville in Mohican township, August 15, 1860, her parents being Zebulon and Sarah (Leidigh) Metcalf, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of Levi Metcalf on another page of this work. Mr. and Airs. Humm are parents of two sons and a daughter: Guy Z., who was born February 8, 1888; Mary Eliza, born on the

9th of June, 1893; and George Walter, on the 18th of March, 1896. Mr. Ilumm 's success enables him to provide liberally for his family, who are situated in a comfortable home that is noted for its warm-hearted hospitality. The parents are members of the Reformed church of Mohieanville, in which Mr. Humm is serving as elder and at the time of the erection of the house of worship he was a member of the building committee. He has contributed generously to the support of the church and at all times rejoices in its growth and aids in promoting its activities. His political views are in accord with the principles of the democratic party but he has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. The secret of his success lies in the fact that he has applied himself closely to his work, allowing no outside interests to claim his time or attention and as the years have gone by his industry has brought him to the goal of prosperity.

William Alvin White, a representative and successful physician and surgeon of Ashland county, is now prosecuting his profession in Rowsburg. He was born on the 16th of November, 1862, a son of William R. and Hannah Eva (Paul) White, who were natives of Lancaster county and Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, respectively. The birth of the father occurred January 30, 1823, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 9th of March, 1840. Their marriage was celebrated January 6, 1859. In 1864, William R. White made his way to Ashland county, Ohio, and purchased a farm of two hundred acres in Milton township, on which he continued to reside until called to his final rest. In spite of many reverses in the way of fires, etc., he won a gratifying measure of prosperity in his business undertakings. He did not hoard his capital, however, but used it freely in providing his children with good educational advantages and opportunities and also in aiding the poor. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, of which he was a constant attendant and in which he served as elder for more than forty years. Though the church was three miles from his home and the weather was often inclement, he never failed to be in his accustomed place at religious services. His life may well serve as an example for others to follow being characterized by integrity, purity and uprightness in all relations and when he passed away on the 26th of May, 1899, the community mourned the loss of

Unto this worthy couple were born the following children : R. Parks, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who is the eye and ear specialist for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; William Alvin, of this review; Sydney G., a practicing physician, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Samuel Ernest, a Presbyterian minister residing in Minnesota; John R., a dentist of Warsaw, Indiana; Alfred McMillen, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Walter M. L., a steel worker of Reading, Pennsylvania; and Mrs. Eva Ada Gillis, of Ashland county.

William Alvin White supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in Oxford, Pennsylvania, by a course in Ashland College. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he entered the Western Reserve Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated on the 4th of March, 1901. He first located for practice in Indiana, where he remained for six years and then went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but at the end of six months came to Ashland county, Ohio, opening an office at Rowsburg, where he has continued to the present time. Here he has a fine home and an extensive and growing practice that speaks in unmistakable terms of his skill and ability in his chosen calling. He has patients within a radius of from eight to ten miles and uses three horses for driving purposes. An able surgeon as well as general medical practitioner, he has won a wide and favorable reputation as a worthy representative of his profession and keeps in close touch with the progress that is being continually made by the fraternity through his membership in the Ashland County Medical Society.

On the 16th of September, 1891, Dr. White was united in marriage to Miss Ida J. Hunter, who was born April 6, 1868, a daughter of Joseph Paxton Hunter, of Richland county. Their union has been blessed with three children, namely: Eva Pauline, whose birth occurred August 25, 1895, and who passed away July 2, 1896; William Alvin Dale, born September 3, 1900; and Dorothy Angeline, whose natal day was July 21, 1902. Politically Dr. White is a republican, while in religious faith he is a Presbyterian. His sterling manhood as well as his professional attainments command for him the respect and honor of those with whom he has been associated.

John Weltmer

For fifty years John Weltmer has resided on the farm on section 3, Green township, which is now his home and has witnessed many changes during this period as the county has taken on all of the evidences of modern civilization. What a contrast between the present time and his youthful days when much of the land in the neighborhood of his home was still wild and unimproved, being covered with the native forests. There were wild animals in the woods and all around were seen traces of the Indian occupancy. Many of the homes were log cabins, which were heated by the fireplace over which the cooking was also done. The farm machinery was very crude, the work being largely done by hand but, as the years have passed, modern farm implements have been invented and introduced, the fireplace has given way before the perfected range, railroads have been built, the telegraph and telephone have been introduced and rural free delivery has been everywhere established. In his work Mr. Weltmer has kept pace with the progress of the age and his mind forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.

A native of Wayne county, Ohio, he was born November 27, 1829, a son of Jacob and Hannah (Showalter) Weltmer, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Weltmer, to Ohio in 1812 and settled on the farm on which the subject of this review was born. There he spent his remaining days and for many years was a representative of the agricultural interests of the community. He was one of a family of four children, the others being John, Abram and Mrs. Mary Showalter. Having arrived at years of maturity Jacob Weltmer married Hannah Showalter and they became the parents of nine children : Mrs. Sarah Smoke, who died in 1859 ; John; Jacob, living in Vermillion township; Mrs. Bessy Showalter, deceased; Mrs. Leah Isemour, of Indiana; Joseph and Maggie, twins, who have passed away ; Mrs. Anna Showalter, of Indiana ; and Mrs. Mary Pugh, who has departed this life.

John Weltmer spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old home farm, remaining with his parents up to the time of his marriage, when he began farming on his own account in Chester township, Wayne county. He also worked at the carpenter's trade and, in fact, has followed that pursuit more or less throughout his entire life, framing a bam here in the summer of 1908 although at the time in his seventy-ninth year. He has always led a busy life, with few leisure hours, and his enterprise and activity have brought him his success. In April, 1857, he came to his present farm and it has since been his home. The improvements upon it are the work of his hands and he still gives general supervision to its care and cultivation. He has here one hundred and five acres of arable land situated on section 3. He built a bank barn thirty-six by eighty feet, has remodeled and added to the dwelling and now has good buildings upon the place. In more recent years he has turned over the work of the farm to his son so that he is enabled to enjoy something of that rest which should ever crown long years of active and honorable labor.

On the 27th of October, 1851, Mr. Weltmer was married to Miss Phoebe Moses, who was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, November 16, 1828, and when eight years of age went to Wayne county, Ohio, with her parents, John and Mary (Carl) Moses, whose family numbered eleven children. Her father died in Wayne county, after which the mother spent her last days with her daughter Mrs. Weltmer. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weltmer were born four children : Sylvana, who died in childhood; Penninah, the wife of Charles Scott, of Vermillion township; Ephraim, of Green township; and Lenne, the wife of Jack Baker, of Vermillion township.

In his political views Mr. Weltmer has been a stalwart republican since the organization of the party and has served in school and road offices, but otherwise has never sought nor desired office. He is a memebr of the Evangelical Association and assisted largely in building the church near his home, which was begun in 1861 and dedicated in 1863. His life has ever been an upright and honorable one, truth and justice being among his salient characteristics. He is now well advanced in years and receives the honor and respect of all who know him. He can relate many interesting instances of the early days and tell instructive tales concerning a mode of life which was common here more than a half -century ago, bearing comparatively little resemblance to the manner of living at the present time when invention has so revolutionized all lines of life.

John S. Clark

The rich land of Ohio offers excellent opportunities to the farmer and stockraiser and for a number of years John S. Clark was closely associated with those lines of business. He now makes his home in Ashland where he continues to deal in stock and is one of the extensive shippers of this section of the county. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1853, his parents being Jesse and Hattie (Shirk) Clark, both of whom were also natives of Lancaster county, whence they came to Ashland county with their family in March, 1870, locating on the old Sheridan farm live miles southeast of the city of Ashland. The father purchased this property from his son Martin who had preceded him to Ashland county and upon this farm both the father and mother died, his death occurring November 21, 1891, when he was in his eightieth year.

No event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John S. Clark in his boyhood and youth. He was educated in the public schools of Ashland county, whither he came with his parents when a youth of seventeen years. Throughout his entire life he has been connected with stock dealing, for as early as his twelfth year he purchased a pig and a little later a horse, and has since been connected with live-stock interests on a constantly increasing scale. At eighteen years of age he began farming for himself, operating a part of his father's land on shares, and at twenty-one years of age he took charge of his father's farm, meanwhile trading in stock in connection with his farming. His father's place comprised ninety-seven acres of tillable land and he cultivated the farm for sixteen years, during which time he not only devoted his time to raising grain but was also a heavy feeder and shipper of stock. He bought and sold horses by the carload, feeding and shipping one winter sixty-seven head of horses besides other stock. Following his father's death, which occurred in 1891, he conducted the farm for two years as administrator of the estate, and after he had settled up the business he sold the farm in the spring of 1893 and removed to his own farm,- which he had previously purchased. He did not continue, however, to engage in tilling the soil but devoted his entire attention to the live-stock business and his outside investments. In 1895 he purchased another farm in Montgomery township to which he removed and on which he resided for two years. He then sold that property and purchased a handsome residence standing in the midst of fifteen acres of land adjoining his other place and there took up his abode. This home which he still owns, corners the old homestead where his father lived and died. He also has a farm there of eighty-two acres, including some of the most valuable land in Ashland county. In December, 1904, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife and soon after her death he removed to Ashland where he has since resided, directing his stock dealing operations from this point. He is one of the most extensive and best known stock shippers of this section of the county and is a representative business man whose intelligently directed labor has brought to him constantly increasing and well merited success.

In 1875, John S. Clark was married to Miss Martha Haggerty, who passed away in December, 1904. Two years later in 1906, he wedded Miss Lula Zimmerman, of Ashland, and unto this marriage has been born a son, Jesse A. He reared two children: J. L. Clark, now of the firm of Hess & Clark; and Jennie, the wife of William Nelson, of Ashland. They also have reared a little girl, Helen Smith, whom they took into their home in her early girlhood, making her a member of the family. She is now the wife of Morgan Workman, of Ashland.

In his political views Mr. Clark has been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and has been quite active in the local ranks of the party. He served for six years and nine months as a trustee of Montgomery township and under his administration the pike building of the township was begun. He has always stood for practical progress and that advancement along those lines which constitutes a source of substantial growth and improvement. He is a member of the Dickey Baptist church in which he is serving as chorister, and in all things pertaining to the welfare of the community he is interested. He owns a handsome residence on Claremont avenue and resides at 79% Center street in Ashland, being regarded as one of the representative business men and most prominent stock dealers of the county.

David Allison Phillips

David Allison Phillips, early realizing how forceful a factor in the business affairs of life is unremitting energy, has throughout his entire career manifested this quality in large measure. As a contractor he has contributed to the improvement of Ashland as well as to his individual success. His birth occurred in Holmes county, Ohio, on Christmas day, 1851, his parents being Enoch and Adaline (Craig) Phillips, natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and of Holmes county, Ohio, respectively. In his boyhood days the father accompanied his parents to the latter county where he was reared, educated and married. He died in early manhood, passing away when his son David was but a young lad. The mother afterward became the wife of DeWalt Ghith, removing to Loudonville, Ashland county, Ohio, where they resided until 1862, when they took up their abode in the county seat.

In this city, therefore, David Allison Phillips was living when he attained his majority. He pursued his education in the public schools and in Savannah Academy. When a boy of ten years he was ambitious to make money for himself and he peddled fruit, nuts and other edibles at the trains as they passed through Loudonville. After coming to Ashland he worked for the street commissioner and at fourteen years of age was doing a man's regular work. The money which he earned in this way enabled him to pursue his academic course and after the completion of his education he returned home and secured employment in the Ashland Flax Mill. A year later he entered the employ of his step-father and subsequently became a partner in the huckster business, in which he engaged for six years. On the expiration of that period he conducted an independent venture in the produce business, with which he was identified until 1897, when he began contracting. During the latter years of his connection with the produce business he had not met with the success he had anticipated and his capital had therefore become depleted. When he took up the contracting business, therefore, he began operations on a small scale and in this he undoubtedly found the task for which nature intended him for he has met with continuously growing success since that time. He first dug cellars and other small contracts, but his business steadily developed until his first large contract was the building of five miles of pike in Montgomery township. Since that time he has been constantly employed in the execution of important contracts. He has built all of the pike roads of Ashland county, has improved sixteen streets in the city, paving thirteen of these with brick, and has done extensive contracting for the Erie Railroad, making grades for the double '.acks on the road from Nankin Station to Pope Station. He was also awarded tfte contract for the grading from Ashland switch to Milton tower and the grading from the Olivesburg road to Madison Summit. In 1904 he laid out, graded and paved the streets and put in the sewers of the John Sherman estate in Mansfield. He also did the grading of West Arch street, Daisy street, Hammond street and East First street in Mansfield, built the main street through Loudonville which was the first improved street in that place and did the grading for the traction line from Silver Creek to Wadsworth in Medina county, moving ten thousand yards of dirt in less than thirty days. At one time in 1907 he had contracts aggregating between eighty and one hundred thousand dollars. He keeps thirty head of horses and ten head of mules and is fully equipped for taking care of large contracts. His business is now very extensive and of an important character and returns to him an excellent income.

On the 7th of November, 1871, Mr. Phillips was married to Miss Mary B. Reep of Ashland, Ohio, and unto them have been born eight children, six daughters and two sons: Clara A., the wife of William E. Leinard of Ashland; Helen B., the wife of J. E. Arnold, also residing in Ashland; Catherine C., the wife of Arthur L. VanOsdall, residents of Ashland; Mary B., the wife of Charles E. Enck, residing in the same city; John G., at home; Frederick A., who was born November 12, 1884, and died November 7, 1886 ; Tina C. and Josephine D., both at home.

In his political views Mr. Phillips is a democrat and on that ticket has been elected to the city council, his service covering a period of ten years, during which time he has greatly promoted the welfare of the interests of the city. He is prominent socially, holding membership in Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. 0. 0. F., since 1880. He is also a member of Ashland Encampment, No. 130, and of Canton Ashland, No. 41, I. 0. 0. F. In the lodge he has filled all of the chairs.

He and his family are members of the Christian church and for many years he has served as one of its trustees. He stands as a splendid example of the typical American business man whose advancement cannot be retarded by difficulties or obstacles for he uses these as an impetus for renewed effortw Starting out in life empty-handed, he educated himself and the prominent position which he occupies today in the business world is due entirely to his determination to succeed. Reliable and enterprising, he has advanced along legitimate lines of business, and has not only won prominence but by his straightforward dealing has gained the unqualified confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

John Firestone McConnell, a well known and prosperous merchant of Rowsburg, was born in Perry township, Ashland county, Ohio, November 2, 1849. His parents were David C. and Matilda (Firestone) McConnell, the former born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1812, and the latter in Ohio on the 5th of January, 1814. Their marriage was celebrated in March, 1836. When but two years of age David C. McConnell was brought by his parents to Wayne county, Ohio, remaining under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-four years, when he was married and started out in life on liis own account. Coming to Ashland county, he first purchased a farm of fifty-three acres, to which he afterward added by additional purchase until his holdings comprised a tract of ninety-three acres on which he spent his remaining days. When it came into his possession the land was in a wild and undeveloped state but as the years passed he converted it into rich and productive fields which annually returned golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor bestowed on them. His first residence and barn were constructed of rough logs and he underwent many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in this county. His time and energies were devoted to agricultural pursuits and he was truly a self-made man, his success being entirely the result of his own well directed industry and enterprise. He was, moreover, a man of unfaltering integrity, superior judgment and excellent executive ability and took the greatest delight in ministering to the comfort and welfare of his family. Though denied school privileges in youth, he became a well informed man through reading, experience and observation and provided his children with the best educational training available in those early days. He capably served in the position of township trustee for two terms and was a most loyal, public-spirited citizen whose aid and influence could ever be counted upon in any movement instituted to advance the general welfare. He passed away in 1896, having for two years survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1894.

Their family numbered eleven children. James C. McConnell, the eldest, who is now a resident of Turner, Kansas, served for three years in the Union army as a member of Company C, Forty-second Ohio Infantry, under Colonel Garfield. He was taken prisoner at the first siege of Vicksburg but after a short time was paroled. The other children of Mr .and Mrs. David C. Mc- Connell were as follows: Sarah, a resident of Rowsburg, Ohio; Mrs. Rachel

Flory, a widow residing in Youngstown, Ohio; Nancy, who likewise makes her home in Rowsburg, Ohio ; Mrs. Annice Shoemaker, of Tiffin, Ohio ; William P., who died at the age of two years; John Firestone, of this review; David, of Ashland, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Alice Spotts, of Reedsburg, Ohio; Mrs. Florence C. Howie, who is living in Leroy, Ohio ; and Margaret R., who passed away at the age of three years.

On attaining years of maturity John F. McConnell became identified with agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood and was successfully engaged in farming until 1904, when he took up merchandising at Rowsburg, where he has since conducted a general store. His reasonable prices, well selected stock of goods and reliable dealings insure him a liberal and growing patronage and have gained him recognition among the representative and successful business men of his native county. He owns a well improved farm of eighty acres, has several lots both in Rowsburg and in Ashland and is a stockholder in the savings bank of Ashland.

On the 6th of November, 1873, Mr. McConnell was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Fulk, a daughter of Jacob Fulk, a farmer living near New Washington, Crawford county, Ohio. Mrs. McConnell passed away on the 24th of February, 1909, her demise being deeply mourned not only in her immediate family but also throughout the entire community, for her many excellent traits of heart and mind had won her the warm regard and esteem of many friends.

Politically Mr. McConnell is a stalwart advocate of the democracy and has served as township trustee for several terms. Like his father, he is interested in all measures for the promotion of the material, intellectual and moral development of the community and is widely recognized as a leading and influential citizen. In religious belief he is a Lutheran and is a devoted and faithful member of that church. Throughout his entire life, or for a period of three score years, he has been a resident of this county and that his career has been an honorable and upright one is proven by the fact that those who have known him from his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers. Brooking no obstacle that could be overcome by determined and persistent effort, he has been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes and has reason to be proud of what he has accomplished.

Clemens Pierce Winbigler

Clemens Pierce Winbigler, a leading and successful lawyer of Ashland, was born in Mohican township, Ashland county, Ohio, on the 11th of October, 1853, his parents being John J. and Tabith& (Funk) Winbigler. The pateriUrl grandfather, John Winbigler, who was a veteran of the war of 1812, came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to Ashland county, this state, at an early day, entering a tract of land of one hundred and thirty acres from the government. On that farm, which was located in Mohican township, he spent his remaining days and at the time of his death the property came into possession of his son, John J. Winbigler, whose birth had occurred on the old homestead place in 1826. Here the father has continuously resided to the present time and is widely recognized as one of the substantial agriculturists and worthy native sons of the county. He is a stalwart democrat in his political views and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust and responsibility. He served for two terms as sheriff of Ashland county, held various township offices for a number of years and also served as justice of the peace, discharging the various duties entrusted to him in these connections with promptness and fidelity. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Disciple church and his honorable' and well spent life has made him fully worthy the high regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded him.

Clemens Pierce Winbigler was reared on the old home farm and supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the public schools and the Ashland high school, by a course of study at Bethany College, Bethany, West Virginia, from which institution he was graduated m 1879 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work, he began reading under the preceptorship of Judge R. M. Campbell and in the fall of 1880, entered the Cincinnati Law School, graduating therefrom in the class of 1881. While reading law in the office of Judge Campbell he also taught school for one term and following his graduation from the Cincinnati Law School he engaged in teaching for five months. He then located for the practice of his profession in Edgerton, Williams county, Ohio, where he remained for two years, on the expiration of which period he came to Ashland and has since been numbered among the most successful and able legal practitioners of the city. The zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, the careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases, have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct. He likewise served as secretary of the Ashland Steel Range & Manufacturing Company from the time of its organization until the fall of 1908, is now acting as attorney for the Wayne Building & Loan Association and has also been attorney for the Ashland Building & Loan Company since the time of its organization.

In 1886 Mr. Winbigler was united in marriage to Miss Veda Roberts, a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Rasher) Roberts, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. They have one child, Howard D., who is a high school student.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Winbigler has given his political allegiance to the democracy and has been an active and prominent worker in its ranks. From 1884 to 1886 he served as city solicitor of Ashland and has also been the chief executive of the city, his term covering the period between April, 1903, and January, 1906. During his administration, which was characterized by reform and improvement, the opera house was built, the sewer system was completed and considerable street paving was done. He has also been on the school board for one term, has served as a member of the educational board for six years and has acted as county examiner for two terms and as city examiner for five years. His membership relations include the Colonial Club of Ashland and the Disciple or Christian church. He is known as one worthy of the trust and confidence of his fellowmen, not only in professional but in private life as well, and Ashland numbers him among her most respected and honored citizens.

Michael K. Seibert

Michael K. Seibert, numbered among the veterans of the Civil war and long a representative of farming interests in Ashland county, was born near Millbrook, Wayne county, Ohio, March 19, 1832. He was the sixth in order of birth in a family of ten children, whose parents were Samuel and Mary (Mong) Seibert. The father's birth occurred in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1796, and the mother was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia, in 1800. In his youthful days Samuel Seibert went to Virginia, where he attended school and was married. He and his wife began their domestic life in that state and there remained until after the birth of four of their sons. In the year 1828, they sought a home in Ohio, settling in Wayne county. The father was a farmer and miller and operated a grist and sawmill on his farm in Wayne county. About 1848, he removed to Ashland county and operated the Rochester mill on the Mohican in Lake township, for four years. Both he and his wife spent their last days at Lake Fork, where his death occurred when he had reached the age of eighty-nine years, while his wife passed away at the age of eightyfive. They reared a family who were a credit to their name. There were nine who reached adult age, while one died in infancy. The others were as follows : Aaron, who devoted his entire life to farming and spent a number of years in Missouri covering the period of the Civil war, died in Lake Fork. He was married but left no children. Moses H. died at the age of twenty-three years. John W. died in September, 1908, in the state of Washington. His death resulted from grief over the loss of his son Rollo, who was killed by an Indian while aiding the sheriff in capturing some red men in that locality. Samuel J., who acquired his education at Delaware University and taught school in early manhood, went to California in 1851 and there died in 1904. He was a man of considerable literary talent and wrote a number of practicable poems. Mary Ann, who is the widow of Lemuel Miller, resides at Lake Fork. Michael is the next of the family. Cyrus S. is also living at Lake Fork. Benjamin Franklin, of Mohican township, enlisted in McLaughlin's Squadron of Cavalry and served for nearly five years. He then reenlisted and served for several months after the war closed. He was held as a prisoner of war for several months at Andersonville. Joseph D., who enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry under Captain McKinley, was shot while color bearer on the boat, City Bell, while on the Red river expedition under General Banks.

Michael K. Seibert spent the first sixteen years of his life at the place of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Rochester Mills on the Mohican in Lake township, Ashland county, where the family home was maintained for four years. He then removed to Lake Fork and has spent the greater part of his life in Mohican township to the present time. Immediately after his marriage, however, he resided for six months in Wayne county and for a year and a half lived in northeastern Missouri. He remained upon the farm until 1859, when he established a grocery store at Lake Fork and conducted it and also acted as postmaster until 1870. His time and energies, however, have mostly been given to farming and trucking and he now operates fifty acres of land for a widowed sister. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause, enlisting on the 2d of May, 1864, as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Joseph R. Remley. He first served for one hundred days at the opening of the siege of Petersburg. In his political views Mr. Seibert has always been a stalwart republican, voting first for John C. Fremont, since which time he has given his allegiance to every republican candidate at the head of the ticket. He has also voted for several republican candidates for governor of Ohio, save when he cast a ballot for Pattison, the democratic governor. He is a member of Andrews Post, No. 32, G. A. R., in Ashland and he belongs to the United Brethren church at Lake Fork. In the work of the church he takes an active and helpful interest and is serving as one of the teachers in the Sunday school.

Mr. Seibert was married December 21, 1854, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Stoler, who was born at Lake Fork, July 18, 1833, a daughter of John and Sophia Stoler. This union was blessed with six children, as follws : Alice, the wife of Phil Hess, of Wooster, Ohio; Myron S., who lives in Columbus; Helen L., the wife of F. S. Finley, of Kendallville, Indiana ; Howard E., also of Kendallville ; and Sam Luther and Ida May, both of whom died in infancy. The wife and mother departed this life July 19, 1876.

John F. Kilaver

John F. Kilaver, who for fifty-seven years has carried on agricultural pursuits in Ashland county, is a native of Wolfshlugen, Germany, his birth thert, occurring September 10, 1839, his parents being John and Katie (Shrote; Kilaver. When but twelve years of age he lost his father and the family, consisting of six children, scattered, John F. Kilaver coming to the United States in 1852 in company with his sister, Hedwig. Upon arriving at New York city they found that they were without funds and were compelled to seek work by which to earn their living. Mr. Kilaver consequently became connected with the dairy business, while his sister was employed at house work.

They tarried in New York, however, for only four months, and in September, 1852, the brother and sister continued their westward journey, arriving in Ashland county, Ohio, where the former entered upon agricultural pursuits. He secured work as a farm hand in the employ of John Fritz, who later became his father-in-law, and continued in this capacity for seven years, or up to the time of his marriage. Hard labor and careful saving enabled him at this time to purchase a half interest in Air. Fritz's farm and he subsequently bought out the interest of the heirs, becoming sole owner. The farm consisted of eighty acres, but as he prospered he has added to his original holdings until his property today aggregates one hundred and sixty acres on section 8, Green township. He has erected substantial buildings upon the place,, which today bears evidence of the care bestowed upon it by the owner, while his highly cultivated fields prove a source of gratifying income. In 1860, at the country's call for aid, Mr. Kilaver left his wife and children under the care of his father-in-law and enlisted as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving for a term of three years. In December, 1864, he contracted malaria and was sent to the hospital, where he remained until the close of the war. When hostilities ceased he returned to his home and again took up the work of the farm.

In 1859 Mr. Kilaver was married to Rachel Fritz, a native of Massillon, Ohio, and they became the parents of two daughters : Sarah, the wife of Sol Copus, of Putnam county, Ohio; and Katharine, who died at the age of thirty-five years. Nine months after his return from the Civil war Mr. Kilaver lost his wife, her death being caused by consumption, and in 1867 he again married, his second choice being Mary Frantz, who was born August 25, 1840, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Wittemere) Frantz, natives of Pennsylvania. Unto this union were born two children : Frank, who wedded Nellie Covert and is with his father on the home farm ; and Anna, the wife of Godfrey Myers, of Green township, who by her marriage became the mother of five children. At the death of his sister he also received into his home and reared her five children, four girls and one boy. In this locality where he has for so long made his home Mr. Kilaver has made many friends and his energy and perseverance, combined with his sterling traits of character, have won for him a high place in the regard and esteem of his fellowmen.

Francis L. Staman

The farm on which Francis L. Staman now resides on section 11, Mifflin township, was his birthplace, his natal day being April 21, 1860. He has always resided here and his entire life has been given to general agricultural pursuits, lie was the eighth in order of birth in a family of nine children, whose parents were Jacob and Fannie (Lantz) Staman, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pensylvania. The father, who was born November 5, 1812, died February 3, 1866, while the mother, whose birth occurred January 14, 1823, was called to her final home on the 24th of July, 1902, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Both came to this county with their respective parents, the former in 1827 and the latter in 1822. Their last days were spent upon the farm which is now the home of their son Francis. Their children were as follows : William, a resident of Indiana; Abraham, living in Missouri; Anna, the wife of Reuben Balliet, of Van Wert county, Ohio; Mary, the wife of Henry Koogle, of Mifflin township ; Curtis, living in the same township ; Fannie, the wife of William Reed,

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Francis L. Staman in his youthful days. He has always resided on the farm which is now his home and cultivates one hundred and ninety-three acres of rich and productive land, all in one body, situated on section 11, Mifflin township. This includes ninety-six acres of his father's old homestead and is a well improved farm, supplied with good buildings, modern machinery of all kinds and well kept fences, while large crops are produced and good grades of stock are raised.

In 1886 Mr. Staman was married to Miss Flora Kagey, who was born on a part of the farm whereon she lives in February, 1866, her parents being Samuel and Esther (Croninger) Kagey, natives of Mifflin township. The father died in this county, while the mother now resides in Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. Staman became the parents of three sons : Dennis K., Jacob W. and Samuel E. The parents are members of the Lutheran church of Mifflin and are people of the highest respectability to whom the hospitality of the best homes is freely extended. In his political views Mr. Staman is a republican and is one of the present township trustees, which position he has filled for three years. He is never unmindful of his duties of citizenship but gives to public measures his generous support and rejoices in all that the county accomplishes in the way of general progress and improvement.

Lewis A. Funk

Lewis A. Funk, who is the most extensive landowner in Perry township, has for many years been numbered among the most prosperous and progressive farmers and stockmen of the county. He was born in Perry township, Ashland county, Ohio, April 1, 1860, on the same farm where he now resides, his parents being Amos and Matilda (Kramer) Funk. The father, who was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, accompanied his parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth (Roush) Funk, on their removal to Plain township, Wayne county, in the early '20s. At that date this section of the state was still covered with timber and he assisted in clearing the land, later devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and also to the sawmill and lumber business for a number of years. Energetic and persevering, he prospered in his undertakings and was widely recognized as a prominent citizen whose high principles and genuine personal worth made him well worthy the respect and esteem which were uniformly accorded him. He passed away in September, 1882, while his wife was called to her final rest in March, 1880, their remains being interred in the cemetery at Reedsburg. For many years they had been devoted members of the Church of Grod, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. Their family numbered eight children, namely Elizabeth, Benjamin, two who died in infancy, William, Lewis A., Stanza Ellen and Abner.

Lewis A. Funk was reared on the old homestead farm and acquired his education in the district schools and the Hayesville high school. He assisted his father in the mill and subsequently was employed as a fireman on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad for about a year, on the expiration of which period, in the spring. of 1882, he abandoned that work in order to give his father the benefit of his aid in the cultivation of the home place and the care of the stock, while in the winter months he attended the Hayesville high school. After his marriage he settled on the old home farm, comprising -eighty-seven acres, which has since continued his place of residence. His attention has been given to general farming and the raising of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle', there being no finer herd in the county than his. For some years he raised melons on an extensive scale and has always been a large potato grower, having the record of raising five hundred and forty bushels of potatoes to the acre. As his financial resources have increased he has purchased more property from time to time until he is now the largest landowner in Perry township. He has extended the boundaries of the home farm until it now comprises one hundred and eighty-seven afcres and likewise owns two hundred and fifteen acres elsewhere in Ashland county, while in Wayne county he has a farm of one hundred and twenty-six and a half acres, his total holdings embracing five hundred and twenty-eight and a half acres of rich, productive, well improved and highly cultivated land. Starting- out in business life on his own account with a debt of six thousand dollars, he set to work with a resolute and determined spirit and the years have witnessed his steady progress until he is now numbered among the most substantial and influential citizens of his native county.

On the 29th of November, 1884, Mr. Funk was united in marriage to Miss Ella Kreiling, a daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Fulk) Kreiling, the former still a resident of Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, while the latter is deceased. Samuel Kreiling, an agriculturist by occupation, was formerly very extensively known as a large stock buyer and feeder. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Funk have been born eight children, as follows; Glen W., Sherman J., Delpha May, now the wife of Samuel Martin ; Edith Y. ; Blanche ; Paul A. ; Harvey R. ; and an infant. The four sons assist their father in his farming operations.

In politics Mr. Funk is a stanch republican and though private interests make heavy demands on his time and attention, he is a most public-spirited and loyal citizen, serving his fellow townsmen in various positions of trust and responsibility. He was trustee of Perry township for five and a half years and then resigned the position on being chosen county commissioner in 1904. The fact that he won the election by eighty-seven votes in a county that usually gives a democratic majority of from six hundred to one thousand, is ample proof of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellowmen - confidence that proved to be well founded. In 1906, he was a candidate for reelection and, though his extensive private interests prevented his making an active canvass, he was defeated by only sixteen votes. At the urgent solicitation of many tax payers of both parties, he was again a candidate for commissioner in 1908, this time being defeated by only about two hundred votes. He has the record of polling the largest vote ever given a republican candidate in Ashland county. In the spring of 1909 he was appointed trustee of Perry township to fill a vacancy but declined on account of private business affairs. For many years he has served as a member of the district school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He and his family are members of the Reformed church, to which they contribute liberally of their time and means. Having resided in this county throughout his entire life, he has a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders and that his career has ever been an honorable and upright one is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers. His life has been characterized by the performance of each day's duty as it has come to him and, brooking no obstacle that honest effort can overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until, having long since left the ranks of the many, he today stands among the successful few.

Godfrey Myers

Godfrey Myers, who successfully carries on general farming and stock raising on his farm of one hundred and fifteen acres on section 5, Green township, was born near Stuttgart, in Wurtemburg, Germany, on the 31st of October, 1862. His parents, George and Louisa (Keuerleber) Myers, spent their entire lives in Germany, the father being a carpenter by trade. Their family numbered four children, namely: Godfrey, of this review; Frederick, who still makes his -home in the fatherland; William, deceased; and Mary Trost, also a resident of Germany.

At the age of fourteen Godfrey Myers began learning the plasterer's trade and followed the same until eighteen years of age, when he determined to seek his fortune in the new world and in February, 1881, arrived in Ashland, Ohio, having since made his home in this vicinity. He was first employed by John F. Kilaver for four years, on the expiration of which period he was married and started out on his own account, working land on shares until 1897, when he purchased the farm on which he now resides on section 5, Green township. The place comprises one hundred and fifteen acres of rich and productive land and the many substantial improvements on the property are indicative of the enterprise, thrift and progressive spirit of the owner. The old log house and barn which were on the farm when he took possession of it have been replaced by substantial and commodious structures and his land has been developed in keeping with the most progressive ideas of modern agriculture. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged in stock raising, both branches of his business proving a good source of remuneration to him.

Mr. Myers has been married twice. In 1885 he wedded Miss Sarah Shinnebarger, a native of Green township, who died in 1890, leaving one son, George, now at home. In 1892, Mr. Myers was again married, his second union being with Anna Kilaver, whose birth occurred in Green township in 1877, her father being John F. Kilaver, of whom mention is made on another page of this

Politically Mr. Myers is a stalwart democrat, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church of Perrysville. He is likewise identified with Mohawk Grange, of Lucas, and is well known and highly esteemed throughout Ashland county, where he has now made his home for more than a quarter of a century. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for in this country he has found the opportunities which he sought and through their utilization has worked his way upward, becoming one of the successful representative farmers of the com munity, his life indicating what may be accomplished by determination and well directed energy.

Edgar Horace Fuhrman

Edgar Horace Fuhrman, traffic manager for F. E. Myers & Brother, pump and havtool works, has been connected with this enterprise for sixteen years, his ability, fidelity and diligence winning him promotions from time to time until he has reached his present position of responsibility. He was born at Pleasant Home, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 17th of October, 1872, and is a son of Michael and Rhoda Ann (Roddy) Fuhrman. His grandfather in the paternal line was George Fuhrman who served with official rank in the German army and came from his native country to America. He became one of the first settlers of Wayne county, Ohio. Among the pioneer residents of that county was also numbered the maternal grandfather of our subject, who was a native of Ireland and was quite prominent in governmental affairs in that country. Attracted by the republican form of government in the new world he came to the United States and when this country became engaged again in war with England he joined the American army for service in the war of 1812. He was a cousin of John R. Roddy, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, who was the only white man ever chosen chief of an Indian tribe, holding that relation, however, with the Sioux.

Michael Fuhrman, the father of our subject, was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, and, removing westward, became one of the most prosperous farmers and highly respected citizens of Wayne county, Ohio. Having arrived at years of maturity he was married there to Miss Rhoda Ann Roddy, who was born on the old Roddy farm in Wayne county, which is now owned by the Fuhrman heirs and which has been in the possession of the family for over a century. Both Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fuhrman were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were among its financial leaders also, contributing generously to its support. Plis death occurred November II, 1904, when he was sixty-nine years of age, while his widow passed away February 14, 1906, at the age of sixty-five years.

The uneventful life of the farm boy brought to Edgar H. Fuhrman the experiences of his early youth, but there is much to be gained in close contact with nature that is denied the city-bred lad. His early education was acquired in the district schools but, ambitious to enjoy better educational privileges he was accorded the opportunity of attending the West Salem high school, where he pursued a literary course. He afterward entered Oberlin College in 1889 and in 1891 became a student in the Zanerian Art College, of Columbus. He ranked among the best for his age in pen art and public school drawing in the state, possessing much natural ability in this direction, which was greatly augmented by his training. From early youth also he displayed a deep love of music and from his boyhood has been interested in both vocal and instrumental music. After leaving school he engaged for some time in teaching and was successful in that field of labor, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired, but thinking to find a more profitable field of labor he entered commercial circles as an employe of F. E. Myers & Brother, pump and haytool works. As previously stated, he has been with that house for about sixteen years and has worked steadily upward to his present position as traffic manager. That he enjoys the full trust of the company is indicated in his long continuance therewith. He is also interested in several manufacturing enterprises and displays sound judgment in placing his investments.

On the 17th of May, 1899, Mr. Fuhrman was married to Miss Effie Myers, a daughter of George Myers, and they have one child, Frances Rhoda Fuhrman, an interesting little daughter who was born on the 28th of February, 1908. Mr. Fuhrman gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day, his study thereof bringing him to the belief that the democratic platform contains the best elements of good government. He does not seek nor desire office, however, preferring to give his attention outside of business hours to other things. He is a charter member of the Colonial Club, also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to the Methodist church - -associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. His long residence in Ashland county and his many sterling traits of character have brought to him a wide and favorable acquaintance here and many friends exextend to him the hospitality of their homes.

C. L. Smith

C. L. Smith, who conducts the largest livery stable in the city of Ashland and is also engaged in the buying and shipping of horses, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, March 24, 1860. His parents, George and Johanna (Mortz) Smith, were natives of Germany, who, on emigrating to the new world in 1848, took up their abode on a farm in this county. Here the father is still living at the advanced age of seventy-eight years but the mother was called to her final rest on the 26th of April, 1907. Unto this worthy couple were born twelve children, all of whom still survive.

C. L. Smith remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and was then engaged in the operation of a rented farm for three years. Subsequently he worked for the Ashland County Agricultural Society at Ashland for a period of six years, at the end of which time he became proprietor of a livery, feed and sales stable, which he has since conducted with a gratifying and well merited measure of success, having a first-class line of vehicles of all descriptions. He likewise buys, sells and ships horses of various grades and is numbered among the substantial and representative business men of his native county.

In 1891, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Wortman, a native of Ashland county and a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Keller) Wortman, whose family numbered six children. The father passed away in September, 1893, but the mother still survives and now mak^s her home with out subject. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two' children: Mildred May, whose birth occurred September 9, 1894, and is now a/ttending the high school at Ashland; and Don W., born December 21, 1897.

Politically Mr. Smith is a democrat and has served as alderman for several years. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 85, at Ashland, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, with which his wife is also identified. They own a fine resdence on Claremont avenue and are widely and favorably known throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives.

Elza N. Fridline

Elza N. Fridline, one of the enterprising, progressive and prosperous agriculturists of Perry township, was born in this township on the 16th of November, 1873, his parents being Ludwick and Elizabeth (Buffmeyer) Fridline. The paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Fridline, came from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, to Ashland county, Ohio, in 1821, the grandfather entering one hundred and sixty acres of land in Perry township which still remains in possession of the family. Conrad Fridline devoted his time and energies to farming and stock raising with gratifying results and reared a family of five sons and five daughters, namely : David, who is now deceased ; Ludwick, the father of our subject ; Samuel, who served in the Union army during the Civil war and passed away May 26, 1898 ; Harrison and Jacob, who likewise defended the interests of the government during the Civil Avar and died from the effects of wounds received at Vicksburg ; Polly, aaJio is also deceased ; Sarah ; Catherine and Susan, who have likewise been called to thek* final rest; and Lydia, who is the only child of her father's second marriage.

Ludwick Fridline, father of Elza N. Fridline, also followed general farming and stock raising throughout his active business career and became the owner of four hundred and fifteen acres of rich and valuable land, being widely recognized as one of the substantial and influential citizens of his community. His political allegiance was unfalteringly given to the republican party and he was active and helpful in the promotion of all measures calculated to advance the general welfare. He was moreover a man of high character and a great Bible student, his life being in harmony with his professions as a member of the United Brethren church, to which his family also belonged. His demise, which occurred on the 1st of March, 1907, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for his many sterling traits of character had endeared him to an extensive circle of friends. His children were thirteen in number, namely: Harry; Irvin;

Jacob; Sarah, deceased; Mary; Grant; Alvin; Elzora and Emma, who have also passed away; Elza N., of this review; Elizabeth, who is likewise deceased ; Clara; and Alonzo. The mother also yet survives.

Elza N. Fridline spent his youthful days on his father's farm and obtained his education in the country schools. He is now successfully and energetically cultivating one hundred and twenty acres of the old home place in Perry township and in addition to tilling the fields also engages in the raising of stock and likewise grows potatoes, meeting with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in his undertakings.

On the 21st of October, 1905, Mr. Fridline was united in marriage to Miss Leah McClain, a daughter of Maze and Lydia (Donaldson) McClain, of Vermillion township. They now have one child, Pauline.

Politically Mr. Fridline is a stalwart republican and is active in the local ranks of the party, having served as central committeeman for two years and also as a delegate to county conventions. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the United Brethren church, of which he is a local minister, having supplied many pulpits during the past ten years. He was president of the Perry Township Sunday School Association for four years and has always been actively and helpfully interested in the Sunday school, now serving as superintendent and also as a class leader. He is likewise president of the board of trustees of his church and has been a frequent delegate to state Sunday school conventions. He belongs to the Washington Grange and is now secretary of the Ashland County Farmers Institute of Jeromeville. Although still a young man he has already won for himself an enviable place in the public regard as a citizen of worth and value, and in this county, where he has spent his entire life, the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Alonzo Fridline

The farming interests of Ashland county find a worthy representative in Alonzo Fridline, who is now successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Perry township, the fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He was born in Perry township, February 19, 1880, a son of Ludwick and Elizabeth (Buffmeyer) Fridline, and extended mention of the family is made in connection with the sketch of Elza N. Fridline, a brother of our subject, which is given on another page of this work.

In the acquirement of an education Alonzo Fridline attended the common schools and since putting aside his textbooks has given his entire time and attention to the development and improvement of the old homestead farm, wh.mh was entered by his grandfather, Conrad Pridline, in 1821 and has been in possession of the family continuously since. Here he makes his home with his mother and sister Clara. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner and in the conduct of his general farming interests Mr. Fridline has gained a measure of success that entitles him to recognition among the prosperous and enterprising citizens of his native county.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Fridline has given his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church. For almost nine decades the name of Fridline has been prominently and honorably identified with the agricultural development of this county and he whose name introduces this review' has ever fully sustained the creditable reputation of his father and grandfather. A young man of social, genial nature, he is popular with a large circle of friends and enjoys the esteem and regard of all with whom he has been associated.

Jacob Smith

Jacob Smith, w7ho since 1882 has been connected with the business interests of Loudonville as a grocery merchant, vTas born four miles southeast of Loudonville, in Holmes county, Ohio, on the 5th of July, 1854. His parents were Michael and Katharine (Peters) Smith, natives of Alsace, Germany, who emigrated to the new world immediately after their marriage, the father being at that time twenty-one years of age. Both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives on farms within five miles of Loudonville, his demise occurring on a place of two hundred and seventy acres which he owned in Lake township. Unto this w orthy couple were born six children, namely : Mary, w ho is the widow of Valentine Derr and resides near McZena, Ashland county; Katharine, who is the widow' of John Bernhart and makes her home in Loudonville; Caroline, the wife of S. P. Carr, residing near Mansfield, Ohio; John, of Loudonville; George, deceased; and Jacob, of this review.

When twrelve years of age Jacob Smith removed with his brother to Lake township, Ashland county, his parents taking up their abode here two years later. At the age of sixteen years our subject began learning the shoemaker's trade, following the same at Perrvsville for four years. On the expiration of that period he located in the village of McZena. in Lake towmship, and established himself in the shoe and harness business, likewise serving as. postmaster there for several years. In his undertakings he met with success and wms recognized as the leading business man of the little town. In 1882 he came to Loudonville and purchased his present store, having since conducted an extensive and profitable trade as a grocery merchant. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmer's Bank of Loudonville and in the telephone company, being widely recognized as a substantial, progressive and representative citizen of the community.

In February, 1875, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Emma Long, a native of Lake township, Ashland county, and a daughter of Peter B. and Salome (Kantzer) Long, who were born in Alsace, Germany. They were married, however, in Ashland county and both passed away on a farm of eighty acres in Lake township which is now in possession of Mr. Smith. They had a family of thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three children, as follows: Edward L., a dentist of Loudonville; Nettie S., the wife of Dr. J. M. Hyde, of Walnut Creek, Ohio; and Clyde, at home.