Ashland City (part 31 of 57)

David E. of this township, who served throughout the Spanish- American war in Company D, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Albert C., of Alliance, Ohio. Politically Mr. Spencer is allied with the republican party to which he has always been loyal and being a public-spirited man he has always taken an interest in the affairs of the community in which he lived and while a resident of Kansas served one term as justice of the peace, has also served in that office here and also as a member of the school board. He is prominent in Grand Army circles, being a member of Fuller Smith Post, No. 356, G. A. R., in which he has filled all the offices and has been extended the honor of delegate to both the state and national encampments. He belongs to Lodge No. 313, A. F. & A, M., in which he has filled all the offices and is now serving as junior warden. Mr. Spencer has always been faithful to his religious duties and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is class leader, steward and trustee. He is well known throughout the community, particularly on account of his agreeable companionship and being an interesting narrator he is frequently sought by his many friends who appeal to him for entertainment. His character is unsullied and always having been a good and industrious man as well as a useful one he has the confidence and respect of his neighbors and is among the substantial citizens of the township.

C. C. Staman represents one of the old and well known pioneer families of this part of the state. Here he has always lived, covering a period of more than three score years and ten. His birthplace was near his present home in Mifflin township and his natal day was June 18, 1838. He was the third in order of birth in a family of five children whose parents were Benjamin and Anna (Kauffman) Staman, of whom mention is made on another page of this work, in connection with the sketch of J. K. Staman.

In the usual manner of farm lads the subject of this review was reared and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He remained upon the farm where his birth occurred until the time of his marriage and has since lived at his present place of residence, which is a part of the old homestead. Here he has two hundred acres of rich and arable land, of which forty acres was once a part of the old home place. His farm is all in one tract and adjoins the village of Mifflin on the west. It also borders the Richland county line and one of its boundaries is the Black Fork creek. One hundred and ten acres lies on section 14, Mifflin township, Ashland county, while ninety acres lies in Mifflin town-ship, Richland county, the only division in the property, however, being this imaginary line of division between the two counties. It is well equipped with the modern accessories and conveniences known to a model farm of the twentieth century. There are good buildings which are commodious and substantial. A large barn and numerous sheds furnish ample shelter to grain and stock, while his own residence is a fine home, attractively and tastefully furnished. He carries on general farming and stock raising and both branches of his business are proving profitable. While excavating for his barn he opened up about a dozen Indian graves. This was at one time the Ruffner farm, originally owned by John Ruffner, who was killed by the Indians September 10, 1812, while helping to defend the Zimmer family. Mr. Staman has made all of the later improvements on his farm and the dwelling and all of the outbuildings stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. His residence is surrounded by fine shade trees and a well kept lawn and is one of the most beautiful homes in the township. Everything about the place is indicative of his careful supervision and practical methods and his success is most creditable. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Staman owns a store in Mifflin in connection with his son-in-law, E. L. Davis,' the enterprise being conducted under the firm style of E. L. Davis & Company for the past sixteen years. He is also a stockholder in the Ashland Savings Bank and his name is an honored one on commercial paper.

In March, 1861, Mr. Staman was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Croninger, who was born in Mifflin township in 1840 and is a daughter of Benjamin and Martha (Keifer) Croninger. Their children were two in number: Nettie, now the wife of E. L. Davis, a merchant of Mifflin; and Hulda, who died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Staman is a republican but manifests only a citizen's interest in political affairs. He has taken a most active and helpful part, however, in the church work, holding membership in the Lutheran church of Mifflin, in which he has served as deacon, as elder and as superintendent of the Sunday school. He has been officially connected with the church for over thirty years, being an elder at the present time. He is a representative business man, alert and energetic, standing as a splendid representative of that type of citizen who accomplishes results and while laboring for his individual success also promotes the public prosperity.

Frederick Edwards

Frederick Edwards is the president and sales manager of the Kauffman Manufacturing Company. He was born in Ashland an the 4th of September, 1867, and is a son of William and Mary (Saner) Edwards, whose family numbered three children, of whom two are now living, the daughter being Ida M., the wife of J. W. Kennington of Ashland.

No events of especial importance occurred to vary the usual routine of life for Frederick Edwards in his boyhood and youth. His time was divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the play ground and such tasks as were assigned him by his parents. He continued as a public school student to the age of seventeen years when he entered the employ of Kauffman & Beer, working in their bed spring factory. His first week's labors brought him three dollars and forty-five cents of which he paid three dollars for board. As the days passed however, his ability increased and he worked at the bench for eight years, becoming an expert in that line. He was then given a position with the house as commercial salesman and thus represented the interests of the business until three years after the death of Mr. Beer, when he purchased his share from the estate and became a partner in the firm. In 1902 he and Harry S. and J. Edward Kauffman, sons of the senior partner, acquired a half interest in the business. In October, 1904, the senior partner died and the following January Frederick Edwards was elected to the presidency and placed in charge of the sales department. Since the death of the founder Frederick Edwards and his two partners have acquired the entire busines which is capitalized for seventy-five thousand dollars, all paid in. Mr. Edwards travels most of the time in the interests of the business which has now grown to extensive and important proportions. The output has been extended to include the manufacture of various other products, especially those made from steel wire, and the business of the house is constantly expanding.

On the 14th of November, 1890, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kauffman. He is a member of the United Commercial Travelers and in politics is a stalwart republican. The consensus of public opinion places him in a prominent position in commercial and manufacturing circles here and his success is being continually gained through the capable management of the business. He is a man of democratic spirit, genial and jovial in disposition, with a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.

Michael Helbert

Michael Helbert, who carries on general farming on section 27, Vermillion township, his place comprising the southeast quarter, also owns other property in the county and may well be classed with its representative agriculturists. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1820, and has therefore passed the eighty-ninth milestone on life's journey. He has been a resident of Mohican township, Ashland county, since 1835, in which year he came to Ohio with his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Moch) Helbert. He is the oldest of the living members of a family that once numbered thirteen children. His entire life has been given to farm work. After the removal to Ohio he assisted his father in the arduous task of developing and improving a new farm, remaining at home up to the time of his majority, after which he purchased ten acres of his father's place in Mohican township and there resided for thirteen years. About forty years ago he purchased his present farm and it has since been his home. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land constituting the southeast quarter of section 27, and in addition to this he has a farm of sixty acres about a quarter of a mile from his home place. In the meantime, after tilling his original tract of ten acres, he bought seventy-four acres in Mohican township, living theron for about five years, or until he purchased his present place. In the midst of this farm he has a good brick residence and there are other substantial improvements on his land. His entire life has been given to general agri-

On the 25th of October, 1847, Mr. Helbert was married to Miss Susan Ward, who died in April, 1860, at the age of thirty-three years, leaving five children : John, who died in 1885 at the age of thirty-five years; William, living in Vermillion township ; Frank, a resident of Hayesville ; Emma, the wife of George V. Ewing of Vermillion township; and Alma, at home.

On the 30th of October, 1861, Mr. Helbert was married to Miss Ann Hazelet, who was born in this county, May 10, 1843, a daughter of David and Mary (Mich) Hazelet. Her father was married twice and Mrs. Helbert was the only child of the second marriage. By her marriage she became -the mother of five children, of whom two died in infancy, the others being: Della, at home;

Hattie, the wife of Samuel McClure of Vermillion township ; and George Murton, who resides on the old home place and operates the farm. The land is well improved with good buildings and annually brings forth rich harvests. Mr. Helbert, now in advanced years, leaves the active work of the farm to his son. He is, however, a remarkably well preserved man for one of his age,, and his life has been one of untiring diligence, perseverance and well directed strength.

With the exception of brief intervals M. B. DeShong has been continuously engaged in business in Ashland for more than a half century and for some years has been associated with insurance interests here. Many chapters in his life record have won for him the respect, honor and good will of his fellowmen, for in military and political circles he has been loyal and in all of his business connections has been straightforward and reliable.

His birth occurred in Uniontown, Stark county, Ohio, February 27, 1836, his parents being Peter M. and Asenath (Bender) DeShong, both of whom were natives of Mount Joy, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, whence they went to Stark county after attaining their majority but prior to their marriage. The paternal grandparents of Mr. DeShong remained residents of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, but the maternal grandparents came to Ohio with their daughter Asenath. The wedding of Peter M. DeShong and Asenath Bender was celebrated in Uniontown and there the young husband established business as a cabinetmaker. For many years, however, he filled public office, serving for r long period as justice of the peace, while in 1851 he was elected sheriff of the county and removed to Canton, serving for two terms in that office. In the fall of 1855 he removed to Ashland county and purchased the Andrew Carter farm one mile east of the county seat. For about four years he devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits and in 1859 sold the farm and came to Ashland, where he established a stove and tinware business, continuing in that line of trade for ten years. In 1869 he sold out and retired from active life, spending his last days in Ashland, where he died November 5, 1871, in his cause. His sterling character and his well known ability made him a man of influence, while his labors constituted a factor in general progress and improvement. He held membership in the Dunkard church. Both he and his wife were of Huguenot ancestry, the families being founded in America at the time of religious persecution in the disputed territory of Alsace and Lorraine. They located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the DeShong family was of French lineage, while the Bender family was of German descent. There were four brothers of the Bender family who served in the Revolutionary war. The death of Mrs. Asenath (Bender) DeShong occurred in 1889 when she was seventy-nine years of age.

In the district schools M. B. DeShong pursued his early education and afterward attended school in Canton. When seventeen years of age he entered the dry goods store of V. R. Kimball & Company, of Canton, there serving as a clerk for four years. In the fall of 1857 he came to Ashland and soon afterward entered the employ of Gorham & Pritchard, dry goods merchants, remaining with the house during various changes in^the firm until 1860, when he secured a situation with Zuber & Hower, with whom he continued until after the outbreak of the Civil war. During the opening days of hostilities he enlisted on the 6th of June, 1861, becoming a member of Company G, Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve for three years and was consecutively promoted until he became first lieutenant. On July 16, 1864, he was discharged but immediately reenlisted, becoming adjutant of the One hundred and Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Huntsville, Alabama. He was mustered out of the service September 28, 1865, after having done faithful duty in defense of the Union for more than four years. He at first enlisted as a private but was promoted step by step until he became the first lieutenant of Company G. His military service was an arduous one, fraught with many hardships and dangers. He participated in the battle of Carnifax Ferry, September 10, 1861; South Mountain, September 14, 1862; Antietam, September 16 and 17, 1862; Cloyd Mountain, May 9' 1864; .Newburn Bridge, May 10, 1864; and many others of lesser importance. He was also in the Lynchburg raid, where he was continuously under fire for fifteen days. He was never in a hospital for a day during his service, although he became ill with typhoid fever, bub as he was first sergeant of his company he refused to give up and broke up the fever on the march. After the battles of South Mountain and Antietam in 1862, there were thirty sergeants selected to be sent home on recruiting service, among the number being Mr. DeShong and William McKinley, who later became president of the United States. They called on Governor Todd at Columbus at his request and were congratulated on the glorious victory at Antietam and Cloyd Mountain. The Governor then presented DeShong and McKinley with commissions as second lieutenants, being the* only two out of the thirty thus honored. Our subject became a great personal friend and warm admirer of his comrade, William McKinley, who often made reference to the above incident. Mr. DeShong commanded the Second Division of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the line of march at the inauguration of President McKinley and also at his funeral in Canton. As acting adjutant of his regiment, Mr. DeShong had the honor of reading on dress parade the congratulatory order of President Lincoln announcing the victory of the Union army at Gettysburg and the surrender of Vicksburg. He commanded the Twenty-third Ohio as an escort at Mrs. Hayes' funeral and was one of the pall bearers at President Hayes* funeral at Fremont in January, 1893.

When the war was over and the country no longer needed his aid, Mr. DeShong returned home and for two years was connected with his father in the stove and tinwhre business. In 1869, however, he turned his attention to the real-estate and insurance business, which he conducted with growing success until 1878, when he was appointed postmaster of Ashland, serving under the administration of President R. B. Hayes. He afterward went to Columbia, South Dakota, where for a number of years he conducted a stove and tinware business, but in the fall of 1885 he returned to Ashland and in 1889 was again appointed postmaster by President Benjamin Harrison. On the expiration of his second term in that office he engaged in the fire, life and accident insurance business, with which he has since been connected and is recognized as one of the leading insurance men of the city, although he has now reached the age of seventy-three years. He also served as deputy United States marshal in 1870 and 1871 and in the former year was census enumerator for Ashland county.

Mr. DeShong is a member of Andrews Post, No. 132, G. A. R. ; Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. 0. O. F. ; and Ashland Lodge, No. 151, F. & A. M. He is in hearty sympathy with the beneficient spirit of these orders and exemplifies their teachings in his life. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is serving as one of its stewards. As a member of the Ashland Board of Trade, and in other connections as well, he has labored earnestly and effectively to promote the best interests and upbuilding of the city.

John P. Bowman

John P. Bowman, who since 1890 has been editor of the Loudonville Democrat, was born in Shelby, Ohio, March 2,. 1867, his parents being George and Sarah E. (Leppo) Bowman. The father, a native of Baden, Germany, came to Shelby, Ohio, when fifteen years of age in company with his widowed mother, who later returned to the fatherland and there passed away. Throughout his active business career George Bowman was identified with the dry goods trade in Shelby and Loudonville and was also a teacher of music and a musical director. At the time of the Civil war he aided in the preservation of the Union by his service as a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry and also did duty with the Squirrel Hunters. His demise, which occurred at Sandusky in 1892, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife was a native of Richland county and there passed away. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, namely: John P., of this

John P. Bowman remained in the place of his nativity until 1882, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Loudonville, completing his education in the Loudonville high school with the class of 1884. After coming to this city and while still a high-school student, he spent his Saturdays and evenings in the office of the Advocate, of which P. H. Stauffer was then editor. After teaching several terms of school, in 1890 he purchased the Democrat, of which he has since been sole owner and manager, having enlarged the plant and quadrupled the circulation. When he first took charge of the paper he did most of the work in connection therewith himself but now employs five assistants and, in addition to editing the Democrat, also does considerable commercial printing. The Democrat, is devoted to the dissemination of general and local news and that it meets the approval of the public is indicated by its large subscription list. Mr. Bowman has likewise served as secretary of the Northeastern Ohio Firemen's Association and is widely recognized as a most progressive, enterprising and representative citizen.

In October, 1890, Mr. Bowman was united in marriage to Miss Addie Lyons, who was born in Medina county but was reared in Wayne county. They have one daughter, Ruth. Mr. Bowman has served as president and clerk of the board of education in Loudonville and also as clerk of Hanover township, ever discharging his official duties with promptness and capability. Fraternally he is connected with Hanover Lodge, No. 115, F. & A. M., at Loudonville, and exemplifies the teachings of the craft in his daily life. He has now been a resident of Ashland county for more than a quarter of a century and for almost two decades has been prominently identified with its journalistic interests, his labors proving an important factor in the growth and improvement of the county in recent years.

A. W. Fritzinger, who is engaged in the insurance business in Ashland, conducting an enterprise of such proportions as to place him in high rank as a local financier, is a native of West Salem, Wayne county, this state, born September 20, 1861, and is a son of Edwin and Fannie (Greiner) Fritzinger. His father was born in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, in 1835, and there he was reared to manhood, but later located in Philadelphia, that state, where he had charge of the books for a wholesale establishment until 1855, when he came to Ashland. Here for a period of six years he was employed on the Times, and in 1861 located in West Salem, Wayne county, where he conducted a general mercantile business until 1877, during which year he returned to Ashland. Here he established himself in the insurance business, in which he met with great success, becoming known as one of the most influential men affiliated with that line of work in the city. In this enterprise he continued until he departed this life, July 7, 1901. He was a republican in politics but never an aspirant for public office, though he took considerable interest in local affairs and officiated for several years as a member of the city school board. He was a Royal Arch

Mason and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having been active in its affairs and a member of the official board. The mother of our subject was a native of Ashland, born on the outskirts of the city in 1840, her family having come to this county at an early day from Pennsylvania and the grandfather became a farmer in Montgomery township. She still survives, enjoying a full measure of health and vigor, and resides on Cottage street, Ashland.

To the public school system A. W. Fritzinger is indebted for his education, having completed a course of study in the common schools and later in the West Salem high school, from which institution he was graduated in 1877. Soon afterward he removed with his parents to Ashland, where he entered a mercantile establishment, serving in the capacity of clerk for six years. Upon resigning his position he engaged with his father in the insurance business, subsequently being made a partner, and upon his father's death succeeded him as sole proprietor of the business in which he has been engaged for the past twenty-six years. He is one of the best known and successful insurance men of this city and his prosperity has been such as to enable him to become interested in a number of other business concerns, among which are the First National Bank, in which he is a stockholder, also a stockholder in the Farmers National Bank, the Reliable Match Company, and the Ashland Steel Range & Manufacturing Company. His business relations have always been upright and he is rightly numbered among the representative commercial factors of the city.

On May 16, 1889, Mr. Fritzinger wedded Blanche Cowan, a daughter of Robert Cowan, deceased, a former harness dealer of this place, and to this union have been born : Ruth L., a student in the University of Delaware, this state ; Paul C., a graduate of Ashland high school - Helen J., a pupil at that institution ; and Dorothy V.

Mr. Fritzinger is prominent in fraternal organizations, being a member of Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M. - Ashland Chapter, No. 61, R. A. M. ; and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T. ; and he is also affiliated with the Ashland Colonial Club. Politically he votes with the republican party and his religious convictions become apparent at mention of the fact that he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Fritzinger is a member of the Board of Trade, of which he is a director, has done much to further the interests of the city, and being foremost in formulating plans and furthering movements for its betterment, he is rightly numbered among its aggressive citizens and leading financiers.

Amos M. Kohler

Amos M. Kohler, who for a number of years followed agricultural pursuits and who was also influentially engaged in a number of financial enterprises in Ashland, is now officiating as county treasurer, in which position he is displaying that measure of administrative ability which makes him an invaluable citizen of the county. His birth occurred at Flemings Falls, Richland county, Ohio, January 15, 1847, and he is a son of Daniel and Nancy (Brubaker) Kohler. His father, who was a son of Jacob Kohler, was a native of Adams county, Pennsylvania, while his mother was born in Lancaster county, that state. Both came to Richland county with their parents in childhood, the journey being made by means of wagons. The paternal grandparents located in the forest about six miles north of Mansfield, where they erected a log cabin and there, after clearing off a sufficient amount of land, they spent their lives in the pursuit of agriculture. The maternal grandparents located near Flemings Falls and amid primitive surroundings participated in the experiences of pioneer life. In an undeveloped region, which at that time contained scarcely a field in condition for cultivation, Daniel Kohler and the lady who afterwards became his wife were reared. After their marriage he secured a tract of land and there engaged in general agriculture, at the same time becoming familiar with the saw-mill business with his father-in-law, who conducted an enterprise of that kind at Flemings Falls and also operated a grist mill. Later Mr. Kohler embarked in the milling business and for many years operated a plant in addition to his farming, the business being carried on in connection with his sons. After a long and useful life he passed away in his sixty-eighth year, while his wife lived to be eighty years of age.

Under the parental roof Amos M. Kohler was reared, the district schools affording him his educational advantages and, when eighteen years of age, he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, following that occupation as a journeyman until the time of his marriage. He then settled on a farm in this county, near Black Fork, where he tilled one hundred and sixty acres of land which was the possession of his father-in-law and upon that farm he remained for three years. At the termination of that time he returned to Richland county, where he purchased a place four miles east of Mansfield, and in connection with husbandry he also operated a grist and saw mill in partnership with two others for about three years, when he disposed of his interests and turned his undivided attention to tilling the soil. During the harvest season of 1877 Mr. Kohler met with the misfortune of losing his foot in a mowing machine which disaster changed the course of his life, causing him to retire from agricultural work, and in the spring of 1879 he removed to Ashland, where he has since resided. Becoming interested in the boot and shoe business, for ten years he acted as a salesman in this line, and for a part of the time was proprietor of a retail shoe establishment. He gave considerable attention to politics and in the spring of 1885 was nominated on the democratic ticket as a candidate for county recorder but was defeated and in 1889 he was again nominated, this time being elected. In 1893 he was returned to the office, thus serving two successive terms. In 1903 he was elected county treasurer, the duties of which office he performed with such a high measure of ability that in 1905 he was again elected and .is now serving his second term as the custodian of the county's finances, his term of office extending until September, 1909.

On February 7, 1871, Mr. Kohler was united in marriage to Miss Alice A. Cotter, a daughter of William Cotter, who came to Richland county from Warren county, Pennsylvania, where for several years he was a lumber merchant. To Mr. and Mrs. Kohler have been born three children, two of whom survive, namely : William 0., who is employed with the Sterling boiler establishment at Barberton, Ohio ; and Robert Lee, who resides with his parents.

Mr. Kohler's fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Mohican Lodge, No. 85, and also of Ashland Encampment, No. 130. His services as a public official have been in the highest degree useful and satisfactory as indicated by his reelection to important offices and particularly by the fact that as county treasurer he is now performing the duties of one of the most trusty offices proffered by the county. In all of his political experiences, having been straightforward and honest, desiring public preferment not through selfish interests but by reason of the amount of good he might do, he has sustained an excellent reputation, which numbers him among the honored and representative citizens of this part of the state.

D. H. Graven

While comparatively young in years D. H. Graven has, nevertheless, by unremitting energy and unfaltering perseverance reached a creditable place in the legal and financial circles of Loudonville, for he is the capable cashier of the First National Rank of this city while in his professional relations he enjoys a good and constantly increasing patronage. One of Ohio's native sons, he was born in Hanover township, Ashland county, Ohio, May 21, 1874, a son of Marion and Sarah J. (McCulloch) Graven, both born in Holmes county, near Millersburg. The former, who was born February 2, 1847, devoted his entire life to farming and engaged actively in agricultural pursuits until 1901, when he retired and removed to Loudonville, where he passed away January 9, 1903. His wife, who was born January 17, 1851, still survives him and makes her home with her son, D. H. Graven, of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Marion Graven were the parents of three sons, Dr. T. A., D. H. and John Elmer. Dr. T. A. Graven, the eldest son, is a practicing physician of Wooster, Ohio, while the youngest, John Elmer, is deceased. He was born July 10, 1876, and was graduated from the college at Ada and the Wooster University. Subsequently he became a student in Harvard University but passed away April 15, 1900, while in his senior year.

When a lad of nine years D. H. Graven accompanied his parents on their removal from their home in Ashland county to a farm near Nashville, Holmes county, and there he attended the country schools until the winter of 1895, when he put aside his text-books for a year and engaged in teaching school. Resuming his studies in 1896, he pursued a classical course in Ada College and was graduated therefrom in 1897, when he again took up the profession of teaching, becoming teacher of Latin and mathematics at the Henderson Normal School, Henderson, Texas, where he remained during the scholastic year 1898-9.

This work, however, Mr. Graven considered merely as a means to an end, for he had already chosen as his vocation in life the profession of the law, and in preparation for a legal career he entered the law department of the Ohio State University of Columbus, from which he was graduated with the class of 1900. Upon his graduation he entered immediately upon the practice of law and from August 1, 1900, to November 1, 1903, he actively engaged in his profession in

Columbus. In the latter year he was summoned to Loudonville by the death of his father and has since remained here. Although his residence in this city covers a period of only six years, he has been awarded a good clientage which is constantly growing as his reputation as an able advocate and counselor brings him more and more into prominence. He has always remained a student of the fundamental principles of his profession and carefully prepares each case before appearing before the court, and while he always has the interests of his clients at heart, he at the same time remains a lawyer loyal to the law. His well known ability and integrity have been the means of drawing him into other relations and on the 5th of July, 1904, he was appointed cashier of the First National Bank, which place of trust and responsibility he is toda^ occupying. Mr. Graven is also interested, to some extent, in real estate, and in connection with his brother, Dr. T. W. Graven, of Wooster, Ohio, he owns and operates four hundred and seven acres of farm land in Holmes county.

On the 18th of August, 1903, occurred the marriage of Mr. Graven to Miss Emma Fisher, a native of Loudonville and a daughter of William S. Fisher. Unto this union was born one daughter, Marjorie, whose birth occurred July 18, 1905.

Mr. Graven is a deacon in the First Presbyterian church of Loudonville and is a popular figure in fraternal circles, being treasurer of Sylvan Lodge, No. 240, I. 0. O. F. ; worshipful master of Hanover Lodge, No. 115, F. & A. M. ; a member of Tulonia Lodge, K. P., of Loudonville ; of Mansfield Chapter, No. 28, R. A. M. ; of Mansfield Council, No. 94 ; and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T. He also holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a trustee of Loudonville cemetery and in his political allegiance is a stalwart republican, being a member of the republican central committee. Realizing that there is no royal road to wealth, Mr. Graven has been a hard worker all his life, utilizing every opportunity that has come his way, and the characteristics which have marked his entire career - indefatigable energy and untiring perseverance - have brought him to his present success and won for him a place among the representative citizens of this community.

John Delmer Deyarmon

John Delmer Deyarmon, a native of Loudonville, Ohio, where he has spent nearly his whole life, has figured prominently in the commercial and political circles of the community. He was born June 14, 1847, a son of Christian S. and Caroline Eliza (Harris) Deyarmon, the former a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, born November 3, 1820, and the latter a native of New Hampshire, born October 14, 1820. The father, when about twenty-one years of age, removed with his parents from their native home to Wooster, Ohio, and shortly afterward he came to Loudonville, where his remaining days were spent, his death occurring here when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife arrived with her parents in Ohio when she was eighteen years of age and survived her husband six years, passing away at the age of eighty-five. He was a cabinetmaker by trade and followed this profession in early life. Subsequently he became interested in merchandising with his son, while his last years were spent in agricultural pursuits. During his life here he became very active in political affairs and served as a member of the city council. His fellowmen, showing their appreciation of his ability and worth, elected him as mayor of Loudonville, which position he filled for two terms. In the family of Christian Deyarmon were six children, namely: Mary Alice, the deceased wife of Rev.

Philip Reiser; John Delmer; Joseph A., deceased; Zoe, the widow of A. Leopold of Pittsburg; Jessie, the widow of Dr. E. H. Pocock, of Hayesville; and Kate A., also residing in Loudonville.

John Delmer Deyarmon, whose name introduces this review, attended the public schools of this city until seventeen years of age, when he entered the grain business with his father, continuing in this line until about 1868. In 1871 he established himself in the dry-goods business in Lakeville, which he continued for ten years, at first in connection with his father but later alone in the enterprise. Upon returning to Loudonville he was appointed postmaster of the city under President Harrison, and filled that office for five years. He later entered the dry-goods and coal business of S. A. Losh, being thus engaged for two or three years. Since December, 1903, he has occupied the position of superintendent of the water and light departments and clerk of public affairs, the duties of which office he is performing with promptness and ability, while his methods are receiving the endorsement of his fellow citizens.

On the 14th of October, 1880, Mr. Deyarmon was united in marriage to Theressa Delia Yarn ell, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and the daughter of David and Mary Yarnell. Unto this union was born one son, Harry Christian, who also makes his home in Loudonville. He married Bessie M. Keller and they have one son, John Keller.

A republican in politics, Mr. Deyarmon is a stalwart champion of the principles of that party and exerts his power to extend its influence in the community. He is a public-spirited citizen and while serving as a member of the city council lent his cooperation to all measures that had for their object the progress and upbuilding of the city. A life-long resident of this community, he has made many friends who entertain for him the warmest regard, while his public career has been such as to inspire the confidence and trust of all with whom he has come in contact.

Frank P. Young

Frank P. Young has figured prominently in the commercial activity of Loudonville for a number of years and is also recognized as one of the foremost representatives of political circles of the county. A native of Wisconsin, he was born near Milwaukee on the 28th of June, 1856, a son of Jacob and Katharine (Ruff) Young. Both natives of Alsace, Germany, the former was born April 25, 1825, while the latter was born November 25, 1823. They were married in the fatherland and came to the United States in 1852, locating in Wisconsin, while later, in 1866, they came to Loudonville, where they both passed away, the father November 6, 1876, and the mother January 9, 1896. Jacob Young was formerly an agriculturist but later became interested in merchandising in Loudonville. He and his wife were the parents of six children, four of whom died in childhood. Those remaining are: Caroline, the wife of Jacob Parrott, of Loudonville ; and Frank P. Young, of this review.

The latter was reared on his father's farm in Wisconsin until ten years of age and then accompanied his parents to Loudonville, where he acquired a good public-school education. When he laid aside his text-books he became engaged in the grocery business with his father and continued in this line until the death of the latter in 1876, when he conducted the enterprise alone for a period of eight years. In 1884 he disposed of his grocery interests and established himself in the hardware business at the same location, being thus engaged at the present time. Mr. Young has been very successful in his undertakings and they have proved a source of financial profit to him. As he has prospered he has invested in property, becoming the owner of considerable real estate in this, city. Aside from the two-story brick building, twenty by one hundred and forty feet, which is occupied exclusively by his hardware business, he owns six dwellings in Loudonville, which also return to him a gratifying annual income. For the past eight years he has conducted a first class livery business under the firm name of F. P. Young & Son.

Not alone in commercial circles, however, is Mr. Young well known, for he has, for several years, been a prominent figure in local democratic circles, his fellow citizens, recognizing his ability and sterling traits of character, calling him to various public offic&s. For six years he served as a member of the democratic central committee, was clerk of the township for two terms and also served as clerk of the town for two terms. He was a member of the board of education for six years and was city treasurer four years. That the quick and capable performance of his duties won the endorsement of the entire community is indicated by the fact that he received the highest honor in the power of his fellow townsmen to bestow upon him in his election to the office of mayor.

Mr. Young laid the foundation of a happy home life in his marriage to Miss Josephine Bolly, the ceremony being celebrated on the 10th of November, 1881, in Loudonville. Mrs. Young is a native of this city^, born November 28, 1859, while her parents, Simon and Mary (Young) Bolly, were natives of Switzerland and Ohio respectively. The father, born in Beringen, Switzerland, in 1827, crossed the Atlantic to New York in 1851 and remained in that city for a year and a half. He then removed to Pennsylvania, where he resided for a year and then, in 1853, came to Loudonville, Ohio, where he was first employed on the railroad for about a year and a half. He next secured employment in Jefferson Bull's foundry, where he continued for seven years, at the end of which time he went into partnership with Joseph Lyons in the foundry business. This relation existed for two and a half years, after which Mr. Bolly established a grocery and restaurant business. He was well known in the community and served for two years as township clerk, was also township treasurer and served as a member of the village council. He passed away in Loudonville, April 16, 1884, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Young and whose birth occurred June 3, 1835, in this city, still survives and makes her home in Loudonville. In their family were seven children : Mary, the wife of Peter

Odson, of Mansfield ; Margaret, the wife of D. T. Derrenberger, of Loudonville ; Josephine, who wedded Frank P. Young; Amanda, who makes her home with her mother ; Julia, who passed away December 8, 1885 ; Emil, residing in Mansfield; and Mrs. Elizabeth Derr, a resident of Wooster, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young were born four children: Harry Arthur; Mary Katharine, the wife of Milton Sprang ; Bernice A. ; and Helen, who died in infancy.

Mr. Young is a member of the Trinity Evangelical church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. That he was called to official positions of honor and trust indicates the fact that he occupies a high place in public regard and enjoys in large measure the confidence of his fellowmen. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust of the business world for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. His devotion to the public good is unquestioned and arises from a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellowmen. Loudonville has benefited by his efforts in her behalf and he is classed among her foremost citizens.

Clark Vanosdall

Clark Vanosdall, superintendent of the Ashland cemetery, was born in Huron county, this state, May 21, 1844, a son of Nathan and Sarah (Finley) Vanosdall. The. father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of the Buckeye state. The father removed to Huron county when a boy with his parents and remained there until 1845, when he removed to this county, locating in Jackson township on a farm. Later he took up his residence in Ashland where he spent his remaining days, departing this life February 16, 1892, in his seventy-second year.

On his father's farm Clark Vanosdall spent his boyhood days, acquiring his education in the neighboring schools, and at the age of fourteen years removed with his parents to Ashland, where four years later he secured a position as stage driver, traveling between this city and Wooster. He continued in this occupation for three years, when he gave it up, owing to the fact that the railroad took the place of the old stage line. He then opened an eating house in Polk, Ashland county, which he conducted for about a year, and on the expiration of that time he settled on a farm near Shelby, Richland county, this state, engaging for four years in general agriculture. Upon returning to Ashland in 1885 he was appointed superintendent of the Ashland cemetery, in which position he has since served. When he assumed charge of this plat of ground it was overgrown with briers, but through his constant care and management he succeeded in weeding out the undergrowth and developing the premises until it is today one of the most beautiful tracts of land in the city and is accounted one of the finest cemeteries of its size in the state of Ohio.

On June 21, 1866, Mr. Vanosdall was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Willis, of Ashland, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Saner) Willis, and to furniture and real-estate business here; William L., a grocery clerk of this city; Carsons B., a well known Ashland barber; Arthur L., a local mail carrier; Ray W., a local postal clerk; Henry M., engaged in the furniture business in this city with his brother, Harry B. ; Charles S., a cement block manufacturer of this place ; and Cloyd J., city agent for soft drinks.

Mr. Vanosdall has been allied with the democratic party all his life, being loyal to its candidates in national and state politics, but in local affairs he takes an independent stand, casting his vote for such men as in his opinion are best qualified to serve in the offices they seek irrespective of party ties. He holds membership in the German Baptist church, while his wife is affiliated with that denomination of Christians known as the Disciples of Christ, and both are liberal contributors to their respective church organizations. Mr. Vanosdall is well known and highly esteemed as a citizen and business man and justly deserves the excellent reputation which he enjoys.

Elijah W. Miles

Elijah W. Miles, proprietor of the Loudonville Creamery, is carrying on an extensive business in this direction and is meeting with gratifying success. He was born in Bluffton, Wells county, Indiana, September 26, 1862, a son of Thomas and Susan (Rollings) Miles. Natives of Cambridgeshire, England, they came to the United States in early life and were here married. The father passed away in Michigan, in August. 1905. at the age of seventy years, but the mother still survives him, residing in Buchanan, Michigan. In their family were five children: William T., a resident of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Arthur J., residing in Buchanan, Michigan; Emma, deceased; Elijah W., of this review; and Samuel R., also of Buchanan, Michigan.

When about five years of age Elijah W. Miles accompanied his parents on their removal from their Indiana home to Michigan, and in that state his boyhood days were spent on a farm located between Buchanan and Niles in Berrian county. There he remained, assisting his father in the work of the farm, until twenty-one years of age, when he went to Iowa and for about two years was employed in various creameries. At the expiration of that time he returned to Michigan and in 1891 came to Loudonville. In the spring of the following year he established himself in the creamery business here, and the previous experience which he had had in this line of business activity throughout the states of Iowa. Ohio and Michigan, served as a good foundation upon which to start this new enterprise. Although he commenced in a small way, as the years went by his energy, diligence and perseverance have proved important factors in his success and today he ranks among the well known and prosperous representatives of this field of labor. During the year 1908 his creamery had an output of thirteen hundred pounds of butter daily, while not only the local dealers but also the towns surrounding Loudonville ship their cream to him.

On the 6th of April, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Miles to Annette G. Golding, a native of Huron county and a daughter of Alfred and Mary (Smith) Miles, natives of Connecticut and Huron county, Ohio, respectively. The former removed to Huron county in childhood and both have continued to reside in that county until their deaths, the father dying September 9, 1901, and the mother September 19, 1903. In their family are five children, all residing in Huron county with the exception of Mrs. Miles. They are: Emor;

Alfred; Mrs. E. W. Miles; Delia, the wife of Charles Leak; and Amelia, who wedded George Scane. Mr. and Mrs. Miles have one son, Stanley G., born in Loudonville, January 15, 1900, who is the life and light of their home.

Mr. Miles and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are interested in the work of the church, Mr. Miles being superintendent of the Sunday school for sixteen years. He is now serving his fifth year on the board of education, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He is public-spirited in his citizenship and his business integrity and personal worth have gained for him the regard and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. The family residence is a twelve-room house situated on South Water street, built by Mr. Miles in 1897, and its hospitality is enjoyed by a large circle of warm friends of the family.

Franklin W. Ganyard

Franklin W. Ganyard has pursued a prosperous business career, making his own way in the world from a station of comparative obscurity to his present responsible position of order clerk for the F. E. Myers & Brother, pump works, and he is now numbered among the leading business men of Ashland. He is of French descent, the family having come to this country at an early date, first settling in Connecticut, whence they removed to New York state. Abner Ganyard, the grandfather, came to Ohio locating in Granger township, Medina county, in 1818 and there Calvin S. Ganyard, father of our subject, was born December 20, 1833, and spent his entire life on the same property. During manhood he held all the township offices except that of treasurer and at the outbreak of the Civil war he answered the call to arms and was commissioned captain of state militia. He was quite well known throughout the county and in 1892 was elected state representative, the duties of which office he performed for two terms, acquitting himself with considerable distinction. While his educational advantages were limited his opportunities in this line being confined to a course of study in the village institution and two terms in an academy, he was nevertheless a man who finally gained the reputation of being, studious and learned, his thirst for knowledge driving him to reading and he acquired a fund of information which made him the equal and in many instances the superior of those who had much higher educational privileges. In 1857 he was united in marriage to Miss Marietta Simmons, who departed this life in 1897 in her sixtieth year and in 1899 he wedded her sister, Mrs. Helen Southmade, who still survives. He departed this life August 3, 1907. By his first

Franklin W. Ganyard was born in Granger township, Medina county, Ohio, January 16, 1866, and acquired his education in the common schools. At eighteen years of age he started out in the world to shift for himself, his first venture being in the Erie Railroad office at Wadsworth, and while in that position he applied himself to the study of telegraphy. One year later having become proficient in that line, he was made operator and clerk of the Wadsworth office, remaining in that position for something over two years, when he was transferred to West Salem as agent for the same company and had charge of the office for five years and a half. Severing his connection with the Erie Railroad Company he engaged in the shoe business in West Salem, being identified with the enterprise for three years, at the termination of which period he reverted to railroad work. In the spring of 1898 he was assigned to Akron, Ohio, as night ticket agent and operator, remaining there for two years, when in the spring of 1900 he came to Ashland, where he was made cashier of the freight office, serving in that capacity for two and a half years, and upon resigning his position in October, 1902, he entered the employ of F. E. Myers & Brother, as order clerk, in which capacity he has since been engaged.

On April 12, 1888, Mr. Ganyard wedded Miss Rosa Bricker, of Wadsworth, a daughter of Henry II. and Mary (Acker) Bricker. Her father is a stone and brick mason of that city but her mother is deceased. This union has been blessed by five children : Clayton II., a machinist in the employ of F. E. Myers & Brother; Paul C., a student at high school; Thelma May; Herbert K. ; and Donald E., an infant.

Mr. Ganyard is prominent in political circles, his views being decidedly republican, and at present he is an influential member of the city council. He belongs to Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. 0. 0. F. ; is a member of the Encampment and Daughters of Rebekah and has served in all the chairs of the lodge. Mr. Ganyard has always evinced the highest business ability, being invaluable to the firm in the capacity in which he is officiating, and he deserves mention among the representative business men of the city.

George Milton Morr

George Milton Morr. a strong factor in the financial circles of Ashland, owning a half interest in the Morr Shoe Manufacturing Company, one of the city's wealthiest industrial enterprises, was born in Perry township, this county, April 30, 1859, a son of Emanuel and Eliza (Myers) Morr, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The elder Mr. Morr was born in 1828 and when three years of age, in 1831, accompanied his parents, John and Hannah (Sunday) Morr, to this county, where they purchased a farm containing one hundred and twelve acres in Perry township. The grandfather and his brothers, Daniel and Andrew, located here at the time and they purchased two adjoining quarter sections of land which they divided into three farms. Emanuel Morr was reared on the farm owned by the grandfather of our subject and spent his life there engaged in general agriculture and stock raising, passing away January 24, 1877. A democrat in politics, he was always loyal to the candidates of his party and while he was never ambitious to hold office, he consented upon several occasions to serve the township in minor capacities. In company with his wife he attended divine services at the Evangelical church, of which both were members. The mother was born in 1829 and came to this county when a child with her parents, Jacob and Mary (Stine) Myers, who located in Perry township in the same locality in which her husband's family settled. She entered into rest in 1895 in her sixty-sixth year.

George Milton Morr spent his boyhood days on the home farm, and being the oldest of the family, he was compelled to assume management of the farm on the death of his father when he was but eighteen years of age. He acquired his education in the district schools. After his marriage he settled down to a life of husbandry, making his residence at home until the estate was settled, when he inherited the old homestead, which he still owns. Shortly after his mother 's death he rented the property and removed to Ashland early in the year 1900, and here he engaged in the retail shoe business, in which he has been wonderfully successful and has built up the largest enterprise of the kind here. In 1908, associated with E. E. Morr, he embarked in the manufacturing business, incorporating what is known as the Morr Shoe Manufacturing Company. The firm produces all grades of men's, boys' and youths' footwear. The business is growing very rapidly and becoming one of Ashland's most important and thriving industries.

On January 1, 1884, Mr. Morr wedded Miss Anna F. Westheffer, of this place, and the couple have an elegant residence equipped with every convenience with which to make home life happy. Politically Mr. Morr is affiliated with the democratic party, and although he is not an active politician nor desires to hold public office, he is interested in the success of his party and is always loyal to its candidates. He is well known in religious circles, being a member of the Evangelical Association, of which he is a trustee, and being particularly solicitous to inculcate the principles of Christianity in the lives of the youth of the city, he has for the past six years been serving efficiently as superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Morr is one of Ashland's most prosperous business men who, since taking up his residence here, has been foremost in furthering every movement designed for the advancement of the municipality, and he is in every sense, socially and commercially, a worthy and representative citizen.

John Cole

John Cole, who is making the occupation of farming his life work, was born on a farm about a mile northwest of Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1824. His parents, George and Katharine (Ovely) Cole, were also natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where the greater part of their lives were spent and where the father devoted his attention to the interests of farm life. Their family consisted of the following children : John, of this review; Henry, who died in Iowa; Jacob, a soldier of the Civil war, who was killed in a coal pit in Pennsylvania; Isaac, of Texas, who also served in the Civil war, enlisting at first for three months and later for three years and was at length veteranizing; Cyrus, a resident of Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, who also saw service in the Civil war; Margaret, the wife of David Music, of Irwin, Pennsylvania; Eliza Ann, residing in Pennsylvania; and Mary Rush, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. The parents both passed away at the home of their eldest son in Ohio.

John Cole was reared on his father's farm and early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. As the years passed he aided more and more largely in the work of the farm and he resided with his parents until his marriage, in 1851, when he rented two pieces of land and engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account. There he remained until November 10, 1859, when he removed to Ohio, settling on his present farm near Perrysville. On his arrival in Ohio he purchased a farm of eight}" acres, but as the years have come and gone and he has prospered he added to his original holdings until his place today consists of eighty-nine acres in Hanover township, Ashland county, and one hundred and five acres adjoining in Worthington township, Richland county, the county line running through his farm. Mr. Cole has devoted his entire life to general farming and stock raising, and that he has met with gratifying success in this branch of business activity is indicated by the fact that his fields are under a high state of cultivation and an air of thrift and prosperity pervades the entire premises. He has erected good outbuildings upon the place and his residence, which stands on the Richland county section of his farm, is one of the finest homes in this part of the county.

In November, 1851, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Hannah Jane White, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, who was born on a farm adjoining that on which her husband was born. She was a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Got) White, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former, however, coming of Irish lineage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cole were born seven children, namely: A. E., a resident of Greene county, Iowa, who has four sons and two daughters; Margaret Jane, the wife of Clark Graven, also residing in Greene county, Iowa, by whom she has four sons and two daughters ; Wesley Curtis, living in Cleveland, who is the father of three sons ; Nancy A., who married M. MeCardy, of Indiana, and has one son ; Ida the deceased wife of M. M. Darling, by whom she had one son; John E., the father of one son, who owns eighty-two acres in Ashland county, and operates the eighty-nine acres of his father's farm lying in that county; and Homer F., the father of four children, three sons and one daughter, who resides with his father and assists in the operation of his farm. The wife and mother was called to her final rest June 15, 1897, at the age of sixty-eight years, seven months and four days.

About thirty-six years ago Mr. Cole was called upon to suffer the loss of his right arm, the accident occurring while he was operating a threshing machine. In politics he is an independent democrat, but he has never sought nor desired public office. However, he is greatly interested in all that per- tains to general welfare and lends his cooperation to all movements that have for their ultimate aim the progress and upbuilding of the community in which he resides. He enjoys the respect and good will of his neighbors and friends and is recognized as one of the prosperous and representative agriculturists of his section of the county.

Joseph W. Houseman

Joseph W. Houseman, who during his commercial career has been affiliated with a number of enterprises, being at present associated with the financial interests of Ashland, as a hay and grain shipper, is a native son of this county, his birth having occurred in Sullivan township, January 8, 1864. His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth (Spencer) Houseman, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Harrison county, this state. The father was born in Alsace, February, 1819, and in 1834 with a party of neighbors, a half-sister and a half-brother came to the new world, locating in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he learned the shoemaking trade. After a three years' residence in that city he repaired to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was employed at his trade for about six years, at the termination of which period he removed to Jackson township, Ashland county, following his trade there for some time. After his marriage he purchased a farm in Sullivan township, this county, where he pursued general agriculture until he passed away in July, 1882. A democrat in politics, he was always loyal to the candidates of his party but not an office seeker, preferring rather to live within the peace and quiet of his home circle, being contented with casting his vote for his favorite ticket. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was an active worker. His wife was born in 1833 and when twelve years of age located with her parents in this county. When she became a widow she was united in marriage to Joseph Dale, who still survives her, she having departed this life May 28, 1907.

Joseph W. Houseman was reared under parental care, acquiring his preliminary education in the common schools, subsequently completing a course of study in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, and the National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio. When he was eighteen years of age his father passed away and upon his shoulders fell the management of the farm. He continued to conduct the business of the home place until 1899, when he removed to this city, where for two years he operated a feed barn, being quite successful in this enterprise. Later he engaged in the farm implement business, which he carried on for three years and subsequently engaged in shipping hay, in which undertaking he prospered, the business developing rapidly under his excellent management and business ability. In 1904 he disposed of his interest in the farm implement enterprise and has since devoted his entire time to buying and shipping hay. The business has gradually grown until at present he is recognized as one of the largest shippers of hay in this section of the country.

In 1894 Mr. Houseman was united in marriage to Artie Hopkins, a daughter of Charles Hopkins, an agriculturist of Huron county, this state, and to this uniou have been born Charles Chester and Elizabeth Christine, twins; and Edwin S.

Mr. Houseman is a democrat in politics and belongs to Montgomery Lodge, No. 355, K. P., and Ashland Lodge, No. 515, K. 0. T. M. In the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member, he is a leading factor and he also belongs to the Ashland Commercial Club.

F. E. Harris

F. E. Harris, who has charge of the wholesale sales department of the F. E. Myers & Brother Manufacturing Company of Ashland, to which responsible position he has gradually worked his way up on the strength of his own business resources, was born in Perry township, this county, January 28, 1859, his parents being Joseph W. and Margaret J. (Strayer) Harris. His father was a native of the same county, to which his grandfather, James Harris, who was of Scotch- Irish extraction, came from Virginia on an early day, settling in Perry township. Joseph W. Harris, who was a carpenter by trade and in connection with this occupation engaged in farming, was born in 1825 and passed away in his fortyfourth year. His wife, of German descent and a native of Clinton county, Pennsylvania, entered into rest in 1905 when seventy-five years of age.

In the district schools F. E. Harris acquired his education, starting out upon his business career when seventeen years of age, his first venture being as a canvasser, handling novelties among the rural residents. Subsequently he engaged in selling reapers, in which business he was quite successful and secured sufficient means with which to pursue a course of study in Oberlin Commercial College. Upon being graduated from this institution he returned to Rowsburg, where he worked in a store for three days each week, driving an egg wagon. He held that position for two years, at the termination of which time, in 1880, he secured a place with the Peerless Reaper Company, of Canton, Ohio, obtaining the agency for their goods in this county. In this business he prospered and one year later, the agency having been given to F. E. Myers, he entered his employ in 1881 as general utility man, receiving a salary of forty dollars a month. His duties consisted of the care of the horses and during the summer season the sale of reapers and pumps. Mr. Myers was at that time a retail dealer, handling plows and general farm implements, and in 1882, when he began the manufacture of pumps Mr. Harris was commissioned to look after the business in the smaller towns while the proprietor of the establishment attended to the affairs at home. The business grew rapidly and Mr. Harris, traveling throughout the states, worked hard to bring the goods of his concern before the public, gradually developing the business until he had placed salesmen in many localities throughout several states, reserving this state for himself. Finally the enterprise under his expert management grew to such proportions as to necessitate a special wholesale sales department, demanding the attention of one man, and the position was given to Mr. Harris. He has supervision of the entire field of the United States, Canada and Mexico and from the small salary of forty dollars a month his invaluable services to the concern have enabled him to many times multiply the amount. He owns a magnificent residence at No. 38 Claremont avenue and in addition to this possesses other excellent dwelling houses in the city and also a valuable stock farm containing one hundred and ninety-two acres in Perry township, this county.

In 1884 Mr. Harris wedded Miss Mary E. Ecker, a native of Perry township, and to this union have been born the following children : Don C., who met with an accident while horseback riding, which caused his death at the age of ten years ; Harry D., who passed away in his fourth year; and Frieda E.

Mr. Harris is an enthusiastic automobilist and a member of the Automobile Association and also of the Ashland Commercial Club. He attends divine services at the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a prominent member. She is well known in charitable work and belongs to the Ashland Colonial Club. Mr. Harris is a man of acknowledged business ability, whose aggressiveness has not only assisted in building up the trade of the firm with which he is affiliated but has done much to enhance the commercial interests of the city of which he is one of the leading business men.

M. J. Wolf

M. J. Wolf, who for a number of years has been closely connected with various phases of the business life of Loudonville, is one of Ohio's native sons, having been born in Hanover township, Ashland county. His parents, John and Margaret (Humm) Wolf, were born in Alsace, near Heidelberg, Germany, where they were married, and in 1848 they came to the United States, locating on a farm about four miles south of Loudonville in Hanover township, Ashland county, Ohio. Their family consisted of eight children, four girls and four boys. The mother died when M. J. Wolf was but two years of age, and subsequently the father remarried.

Reared on the home farm until sixteen years of age, M. J. Wolf then came to Loudonville and entered the grocery store of Jacob Brecheisen as a clerk. He continued in this connection for some time and later, when he felt that his means permitted, he embarked in business on his own account and in partnership with C. F. Goll established a grocery and crockery business, employing five clerks to handle the trade, much of the success of the concern being attributable to the efficiency and perseverance of Mr. Wolf. This relation continued for eighteen years and then Mr. Wolf sold his interest in the firm to Mr. Goll and became connected with the Loudonville Banking Company as assistant cashier, remaining in this position until the company was reorganized and incorporated under the name of the First National Bank, at which time he was made assistant cashier. To his efforts is due much of the success of the institution. In 1905 he was prime mover and factor in the organization and establishment of the Citizens Savings Bank, and in August, 1905, was elected cashier, which position he still holds, being very active in all its affairs. While a member of the firm of Wolf & Goll, engaging in the grocery business, Mr. Wolf was also connected for six years with the Loudonville Furniture Company as secretary, treasurer and general manager. Under the stimulus of his executive ability the business prospered but subsequently failed after he severed his connection with the enterprise. Not alone in financial, industrial and commercial circles has he been a well known factor, for his fellowmen, recognizing his ability and true worth as a citizen, elected him on the democratic ticket treasurer of the township, which position he occupied for two terms, while for eight years he served on the city council.

In September, 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Wolf and Mary Ann Goll, a sister of C. F. Goll and a native of Shanesville, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Her parents were George and Maria (Smith) Goll, natives of Germany and Switzerland respectively, who emigrated to the United States in early life and were married in Stark county, Ohio.

A man of deep religious convictions, Mr. Wolf has been a life-long member of Zion Lutheran church and .is greatly interested in the various phases of church work, while he has served as secretary of the Sunday school for ten years. He belongs also to the Knights and Ladies of Security, is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Public spirited in his citizenship, he readily lends his cooperation to all matters of material welfare to the community, and measures having for their object the financial, political or moral upbuilding of the community receive his hearty endorsement and support. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world, for he has always been actuated by the strictest principles of honor and integrity, while in his private life he has drawn about him a large number of warm friends. Loudonville has been an indirect beneficiary of all of his various enterprises and he is classed among her foremost representatives.

J. F. Kettenring, who owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and five acres on section 35, Green township, was born in Knox township, Holmes county, Ohio, on the 18th of June, 1856. His parents, Melchor and Christina (Price) Kettenring, were both natives of Canton Pirmasens, Germany, the father's birth occurring July 25, 1815, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 10th of January, 1815. The> were married in this country and both passed away on the farm on which our subject now resides, Melchor Kettenring dying October 10, 1887, at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 14th of April, 1894, when seventy-eight years of age. The record of their children is as follows: Henry, deceased; Jacob, a resident of Green township; Katharine, the wife of John Kaylor, of Wisconsin; Adam, who makes his home in Loudonville; Lany, the wife of Jacob Wolf, of Viola, Kansas; Elizabeth, the wife of Jonas

In 1869, J. F. Kettenring accompanied his parents on their removal to the farm on which he has since resided in Green township, the property comprising one hundred and five acres and being located one and three-fourths miles northwest of Loudonville on the Perrysville road. Here he is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising, both branches of his business bringing to him a gratifying financial return, owing to his well directed labor and capable management. In 1906 he built a large bank barn, thirtysix by seventy-two feet, and his place is lacking in none of the accessories and equipments which go to make up a model farming property of the twentieth century. He is likewise a director in the Farmers Telephone Company and is widely recognized as a most substantial and enterprising citizen of the community.

In 1875 Mr. Kettenring was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Miller, a native of Washington township, Holmes county, Ohio, her natal day being April 13, 1856. Her parents, Frederick and Katharine (Swaidner) Miller, were born in Bavaria, Germany, and Columbiana county, Ohio, respectively, the father coming to the United States at the age of seventeen years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller passed away in Holmes county, Ohio, and all of their eleven children, with the exception of one who died at the age of fourteen years, lived to reach maturity. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kettenring have been born the following children: Clara Ida, the wife of J. S. Barr, of Cleveland, by whom she has three sons, Brick, Robert E. and Paul; Dora Anna, who is the wife of Frank Carey, of Green township, and has one child, Vera Margaret; Minnie, who died in infancy; and Clarence William, at home. He is a graduate of Loudonville high school and the Fort Wayne Business College of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was married June 3, 1908, to Freda B. Lemon of Loudonville.

Politically Mr. Kettenring is a democrat and for four terms capably served as township trustee. He is now a member of the township board of education, the cause of public instruction finding in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church of Loudonville, in which he has acted as a trustee for the past twenty years. Having lived in this county for forty years, he is widely and favorably known within its borders, his life record having ever been honorable and upright and such as to win for him the respect and esteem of those with whom he has been associated.

George J. Leoni1Art

George J. Leonhart, proprietor of the Elks Cafe, a popular dining parlor of Ashland, is a native of Sullivan county, New York, born in the village of Callieoon, June 10, 1858. His parents were John and Mary (Gundlach) Leonhart. His father was born in Alsace, then a French province, and came to the United States when a young man, locating in the above named village, where he engaged in the mercantile business until 1862 when, with his wife and family, he came to Ashland. Here he remained but a few months, when he removed to Nashville, Holmes county, Ohio, and there for three years was proprietor of a hotel. Subsequently he settled in Leesville, Crawford county, this state, where he engaged in the hotel business until his death, which occurred April 2, 1870, when in his thirty-eighth year. His widow then returned to New York state, where her parents resided, and later was united in marriage to a Mr. Kauffman, after whose death she wedded Jacob Broadt of Akron, Ohio, who departed this life leaving his widow now living in Ashland.

In the public schools George J. Leonhart received his educational advantages and at an early age, when about fourteen years old, started out to make his own way in the world, his first venture being at farming at which he continued for two years. On the expiration of that time he was apprenticed to a butcher, by whom he was employed for five years, and upon becoming of age, in the meantime having laid by the greater portion of his earnings, he entered the saloon business in Zanesville, Ohio. After carrying on this enterprise for about a year he disposed of it and located in Ashland where he carried on the same business until February, 1905, when the Beall law went into effect and the saloons were compelled to close their doors. Mr. Leonhart from that time until 1907 lived in retirement, and two years ago established himself in his present business.

On December 21, 1882, Mr. Leonhart wedded Miss Delia Merling of Ashland. He is an energetic business man and of everything to which he has thus far turned his attention he has made a success. His present enterprise is thriving under his careful management and is among the best paying businesses in the city.

J. W. Brown

The financial interests of the city of Ashland are associated for the most part with conservative business men, among them being J. W. Brown, whose connection with the firm of J. W. Brown & Company, dealers in coal and builders' supplies, gives him a high standing in the business circles of the city. A native of Richland county, Ohio, he was born near Olivesburg, October 13, 1867, a son of John B. and Ellen (Lee) Brown. His father was a native of Ashland county and his mother of Holmes county, the Brown family having been among the early settlers of Ashland county whither they came from Virginia at an early day. John B. Brown located in Richland county after his marriage but subsequently removed to Holmes county, where he resided until 1906. During that year he came to Ashland where he is now living in retirement. His business career was spent in agricultural pursuits, and being a man actuated by industry and enterprise he succeeded in turning his energies to advantage and surrounding himself with such a measure of prosperity as to insure him the comforts of life during his remaining days. In politics he is a republican and, although he takes a lively interest in the issues of the day, he has never aspired to hold public office, being contented with doing his duty in casting his vote and using his influence in behalf of the candidates of his party. He was one of the first to answer his country's call for soldiers during the Civil war and served in Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the conflict. Prominent in Grand Army circles, he is an active member of Andrews Post of Ashland. He is a man whose life has been in harmony with the principles of Christianity, considering his religious obligations as of paramount importance and with his wife he attends divine services at the Methodist Episcopal church.

J. W. Brown spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, engaging in the daily routine of agriculture and to the public-school system he is indebted for his education. He began his business career as a school teacher when seventeen years of age, following educational work for five years, at the expiration of which period he became affiliated with a mercantile establishment in Wooster, Ohio, engaging in the capacity of a clerk and remaining with the firm for about four years. He then accepted a clerical position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, being stationed four years at Wooster, and he was subsequently transferred to the Cleveland office of the same company, where he remained until the fall of 1900. He then came to Ashland to accept the position of agent of the A. & W. Railroad, with which he remained for three years, when on account of his invaluable services he was promoted to the responsible position of auditor of the company, performing the duties of that office until March, 1908. He next entered the coal business, buying out the A. & W. Coal Company in this city, of which he is now the proprietor. He is a conservative business man of keen discernment, and under his careful management his business is gradually growing and is numbered among the important concerns of the city.

In 1889 Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Bertha McGrew, of Wooster, Ohio, and they have one child, Ada H., who resides with her parents. In politics Mr. Brown is a republican but, being liberal in his views, he is not what might be termed a stanch adherent of its principles although in the majority of instances, particularly those relative to national issues, he generally votes that ticket. Well known in fraternal organizations, he belongs to Ashland Tent, No. 515, K. 0. T. M. ; Wooster Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America ; and he is also a member of the Ashland Commercial Club, being on the board of directors of that organization. Mr. Brown is recognized as an agitator of public improvements and is influential and aggressive in advancing the interests of the city.

William James Simms

William James Simms, residing on a farm of one hundred and forty-six acres in Green township, Ashland county, is devoting his life to agricultural pursuits in which he is meeting with creditable success. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, near Steubenville, March 20, 1837, a son of William and Hannah (Jennings) Simms, natives of Jefferson county, Ohio. The former, born November 9, 1809, passed away when sixty-five years of age, while the latter, who was born June 6, 1804, lived to the venerable age of eighty-six years. In their family were five children: David Benton, deceased; William James, of this review; Martha Ann, the wife of Jonathan Davis, of Nebraska; John, who enlisted as a soldier in the Civil war from Ashland county and was killed in the battle of Chickamauga; and Wilson Shannon.

Removing to Green township with his parents when only a year old, William James Simms has spent comparatively all of his life in this township. He has devoted his entire attention to the occupation of farming, being now the owner of one hundred and forty-six acres in section 25, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. He raises the crops and cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and his well kept fields are evidences of his thrift and enterprise.

On April 12, 1858, Mr. Simms was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Zimmerman, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, who was born February 7, 1836. Unto them were born six children : Malinda J ane, who died in childhood ; Samuel Leander, who met his death on the railroad in 1896 ; Margaret Elizabeth, who also passed away in childhood ; Etta, the wife of G. L. Darling, of this township; David Franklin, of Wabash, Indiana; and Maude Bell, the wife of Paul Bickford, of South Bend, Indiana. The wife and mother passed away October 4, 1886, and on the 14th of November, 1899, Mr. Simms was again married, his second union being with Margaret E. Wolf, a daughter of Warring Wolf, and a native of Green township, where she was born November 21, 1845, on the farm which is now her home and upon which her entire life has been spent.

Mr. and Mrs. Simms are both members of the Loudonville Baptist church, and for ten or twelve years, before removing to this immediate vicinity, Mr. Simms served as deacon of the Perrysville Baptist church. They take an active interest in the work of the church and Mr. Simms is in hearty sympathy with all measures which tend toward the moral development of the community. In politics he is a democrat and for two years occupied the office of trustee of Green township, while for many years he served as school director. His career lias been a most exemplary one, in which he has performed all duties, whether of a public character or those pertaining to private life, in such a way as to gain the respect and trust of his fellowmen. His interest in the public welfare is unquestioned and his business dealings at all times have been of such a character as to inspire confidence in those with whom he comes in contact.

H. J. Raubenolt. prominent in the financial and commercial circles of Ashland as a member of the firm of J. W. Brown & Company, coal dealers, was born in Lake township. Ashland county, June 11, 1871. His parents are William and Catherine (Hoy) Raubenolt, the former a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of New7 York state, their marriage being celebrated in the first named place. Soon afterv7ard they came to Ashland county, Ohio, locating in Lake township, wThere they remained for three years. They next made their home in Wayne county, this state until 1904, and then located in the city of Ashland, where they have since resided. A democrat in politics, the father has always been loyal to the candidates of his party and as well, evincing considerable interest in local affairs, has held various township offices. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church, in the affairs of which they have always taken an active interest.

H. J. Raubenolt was reared at home under the careful training of his parents, becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits on the home farm, where he remained until twenty-two years of age, in the meantime having been given advantage of an education in the public schools. He then commenced farming for himself, in 1893 coming to Ashland county and renting land in Lake township, upon which he pursued general agriculture for five years. At the end of that time he gave up his farm and engaged in the huckster business for three years, and next followed threshing until 1902. In the meantime he served as treasurer of Lake township from 1899 to 1902. He then came to Ashland, where he followed his trade as a carpenter for six years and in 1908 became a member of the firm of J. W. Brown & Company, dealers in coal and building supplies. In his venture he has been wonderfully successful, his business being one of the most lucrative in the city, and as its owner he ranks high in the financial circles of # the city.

On February 2, 1893, Mr. Raubenolt wedded Miss Lelah Aber, of Lake township, and to this union have' been born: Paul A., Mabel B. and Ruth E. A democrat in politics, Mr. Raubenolt is a firm believer in the fundamental principles of his party and is deeply concerned in local affairs. He belongs to Ashland Tent, No. 515, Knights of the Maccabees; Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. 0. O. F. ; Ashland Encampment, No. 130, I. O. 0. F. ; and the Commercial Club. Together with his wife, Mr. Raubenolt attends divine worship at the Methodist Episcopal church, in which both are active workers, and, being a man of great industry and honesty, Whose commercial ambition has had much to do with the financial standing of the city, he is numbered among its representative business men.

Peter Shafer

Peter Shafer started in business life on his own account with three sheep but became known as one of the extensive sheep raisers of Ashland county and is now classed with its prosperous and representative farmers, owning and cultivating four hundred and ten acres of land in Green and Mohican townships. His birth occurred near McKay, in Green township, January 20, 1839. His grandfather, Charles Shafer, spent his entire life in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he carried on business as a weaver of coverlets. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and assisted in carrying Lafayette off the field when that French nobleman was wounded. The maternal grandfather of our subject was George Black, a native of Pennsylvania who came to Ohio in the '30s and here died.

Peter Shafer and Sarah Black, representatives of these two families, were married in the Keystone state in 1821. The former was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and the latter near the city of Pittsburg on the 16th of June, 1806. They continued their residence in the state of their nativity until 1832, when they came to Ashland county, Ohio, and located in Green township, a mile west of the present home of their son Peter. A few years passed and the mother was called to her final rest, in December, 1840. Thirty-nine years then went by ere the father departed this life, on the 6th of September, 1879. In Pennsylvania he had engaged in mining coal and in raising vegetables, and after coming to Ohio he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits, having one hundred and ten acres of good land. Following the death of his first wife he married her sister, Susan Black, who survived him until 1906.

He was the father of twenty-one children, ten having been born of his first marriage, namely: John, who died in childhood; Samuel, deceased; George, who passed away in early life; Sarah, who became the wife of Henry Friedt, and after his death married Jacob Svchapose and is now a widow in Indiana; Charles, of Oklahoma; Daniel, a wealthy farmer of Iowa; Susan, the wife of Thomas House, of Indiana ; Charlotte, the wife of Silas Hannan, of Mansfield, Ohio ; Peter, the subject of this sketch ; and William, who enlisted from Adams county, Indiana, in the Eleventh Indiana Zouaves and served for three years, after which he reenlisted and remained in active duty until the close of the war. He died in Illinois. By the second marriage the children were: Mary Jane, deceased; Wesley, living in Wayne county, Ohio; Mary Ellen, who married Joseph Byerlv but both are now deceased; Samantha, the widow of John Carver and a resident of Vermillion township; Orville, living in Wayne county, Ohio; Sena, the wife of Theodore Kiser, of Wayne county, who served in the Civil war; Alice, the wife of Martin Shakely, of Wayne county; Emma, the wife of Frank Humphrey, of Green township; Melvin, who died at the age of six years; and two who died in infancy.

With the exception of a year and a half spent in Illinois, to which state he went when seventeen years of age, Peter Shafer, of this review, has remained a life-long resident of Ashland county. He has therefore long witnessed its changes, its growth and development, for he is now seventy years of age. In early manhood he worked at the carpenter's trade for about ten years and then bought land and began farming. Before he owned land he started in the stock-raising business with three sheep and from that he developed his flock, practically making all of his money out of sheep. For a long period he dealt extensively in those of the Delaine breed and still raises them, although not on as large a scale as he formerly did. For forty-seven years he kept on hand about four hundred or five hundred head of sheep and he derived a good profit from the sale of the wool and the animals. In 1866 he made his first purchase of land, becoming the owner of eighty acres, where he now resides. It was mostly woodland, there being no buildings upon it, but with characteristic energy he began the development of his farm. In 1874 he bought an adjoining tract of eighty acres, and in 1880 invested in thirty-six acres and later bought one hundred and twenty acres and another farm of eighty-nine acres on Mohican township, so that he has a total of four hundred and ten acres lying in Green and Mohican townships. He carried on general farming for many years, devoting his time and energies to the raising of both grain and sheep, but now gives his attention almost exclusively to the production of corn. He has cleared a large part of his land, built three barns and lost one barn by fire. He also erected his own residence, and the buildings upon his place are commodious and substantial. His farm is lacking in none of the modern equipments and accessories and indicates the progressive spirit of a practical and painstaking owner.

It was in 1860 that Mr. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Endinger, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, February 4, 1839, and died in this county, November 12, 1905. She was a daughter of John and Barbara (Steiner) Endinger, natives of Germany and Switzerland respectively. They were married, however, in this country and spent their last days in Ashland county, where they reared their family of ten children.