Ashland City (part 44 of 57)

On the 20th of August, 1902, Mr. Mitchelson was married to Miss Mary Young, a daughter of Frank and Ellen (Brillhart) Young, of Stark county, Ohio. The father is a commercial traveler and also engages in agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchelson have become the parents of one daughter, Opal Evangeline. A woman of refined and cultivated tastes, Mrs. Mitchelson is an excellent companion for her husband, in whose educational work she deeply sympathizes, while both are active and helpful members in the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Mitchelson also taking much interest in the work of the Sunday school. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and while not active in political matters nor desirous of public office, he nevertheless keeps well informed upon all questions of vital importance to the community in which he lives and the country at large. Mr. Mitchelson is fond of athletics and finds needed rest and recreation from the daily routine of hard mental work in occasional hunting and fishing trips.

Wilbert Tilton

Wilbert Tilton, a representative agriculturist and well known citizen of Orange township, is a native of Ashland county, having been born in this township on the 3d of September, 1850, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ramsey) Tilton. The first representatives in America of both the Tilton and Ramsey families came from Ireland and were numbered among the industrious and frugal pioneers whose labors contributed so much toward the early development of this county. They cleared the land of the timber and as time passed developed good farms, becoming prosperous and substantial citizens.

Wilbert Tilton attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and grew to manhood on his father's farm, early receiving practical training in the best methods of tilling the soil and converting the fields into a productive tract of land, bringing forth rich harvests. Throughout his active business career he has been identified with farming interests, his well directed energy and untiring industry being rewarded by a creditable and gratifying measure of success.

On the 25th of November, 1871, Mr. Tilton was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Countryman, a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Kline) Countryman. Her father came to this county from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1846, became a prosperous agriculturist of Perry township and was a man of prominence and influence in the community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tilton have been born two children, namely: Frances L., now the wife of William Kelley; and John C., who assists his father in the conduct of the home place and is widely recognized as a progressive young farmer. He wedded Miss Bessie Lovering, a daughter of Joseph B. and Rilin (Lutz) Lovering.

Mr. Tilton exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty, his official career having been limited to two terms' service as a member of the township school board. He is a most loyal and public-spirited citizen, ever giving his aid and influence on the side of progress and improvement. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, having been a consistent and devoted member of that church for many years. Both he and his wife have an extensive circle of friends throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives, their many excellent traits of heart and mind having won them the kindly regard of all with whom they have come in contact.

Dr. Jacob Fridline, a well known representative of the medical profession in Ashland, having for thirteen years engaged in active practice as a physician and surgeon of this city, was born in Ashland county on the 21st of October, 1863, his parents being Ludwick and Elizabeth (Boffenmyre) Fridline, the former a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of what is now Ashland county, Ohio, but was then a part of Wayne county. The grandfather, Conrad Fridline, became a resident of that section of Wayne county which is now ineluded in Ashland county in the year 1821. It was largely an unimproved district, giving little evidence of settlement by the white race. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Perry township, the deed signed by James Monroe, then president of the United States. With characteristic energy he began the development of the fields and continued to make his home upon that farm until his death, when it became the property of his son, Ludwick Fridline, who spent almost his entire life upon that farm. As the years passed he devoted his energies to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and 'climate 'and for many years was a leading agriculturist of the community. He died March 1, 1907, in his eighty-sixth year, while his widow still survives in her seventieth year and yet resides on the old Fridline homestead, which is still in the possession of the family, but one deed ever having been recorded and that to indicate the transfer of the property from the government to the grandfather.

It was upon the old homestead farm that Dr. Fridline was reared and he early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In his youthful days he attended the district schools and in order to acquire a more advanced education he entered Wooster University, where he spent five years as a student. Before taking up his university work, however, he taught school for a time and thus earned the funds necessary to meet his tuition. While a university student he devoted the summer months to cultivating one of the three farms belonging to his father. Soon after the completion of his university course he supplemented his literary education by preparation for the practice of medicine, entering the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, from which he was graduated in the class of 1896. Immediately afterward he located in Ashland and has since been connected with this calling, making steady progress in professional lines. For two years he practiced in partnership with Dr. L. B. Ash and since that time he has been alone, enjoying gratifying success in his chosen field of labor. He is a skillful practitioner and keeps in touch with the advance of the profession, knowing that investigation is continually bringing to light new ideas concerning the causes of disease and the methods of its treatment. .He belongs to the Ashland County Medical Society and enjoys the entire respect of his fellow practitioners because of his close conformity to a high standard of professional ethics.

In 1897 Dr. Fridline was married to Miss Anna Delsher, of Ashland, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Humes) Delsher. They now have one son, G. Delsher. Dr. Fridline is a member of Mohican Lodge, No. 85, of the Independent Order of Odd Follows, and is also a member of Ashland Canton, No. 41. He is likewise connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and is a member of the Knights of Maccabees, being in hearty sympathy with the beneficent principles which underlie these organizations. In polities Dr. Fridline is a republican, interested in the growth and success of the party. He is one of the directors of the Ashland Board of Trade and one of the leaders in every movement pertaining to the good of the community, withholding his support from no measure which he believes will prove of substantial benefit in promoting the interests and upbuilding of his adopted city.

John W. Harper

There are few men of his years - for he has now reached the age of eighty years - who displays such activity and energy as does John W. Harper who in appearance seems twenty years younger. He was born on his present home farm January 24, 1829, his parents being John and Eva (Friend) Harper, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. When a young man the father accompanied his parents on their removal to Jefferson county,

Ohio, where he was married and in 1816 came with his bride to the farm which has since been the family homestead. Upon that place the worthy couple spent their remaining days, the death of Mr. Harper occurring in 1880, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety years, while his wife passed away in 1873, at the age of seventy-four years. He always followed farming and was not only an interested witness of the changes which were wrought in pioneer times, but also aided in bringing about the development which was an important factor in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present progress and prosperity of the county. His father, William Harper, was born in Virginia, of Scotch parentage. He died on the farm now owned by our subject, April 5, 1832, at the age of sixty-eight years, and his wife passed away August 2, 1859, at the age of ninety-six years.

The family of John and Eva (Friend) Harper numbered ten children; Eliza, who died at the age of eight years; Thomas and William, both deceased ; Nancy, the deceased wife of John Grabel; Sarah, the deceased wife of D. E. Webster; Deliah, the deceased wife of David Myers; Mary, who married James Stafford and resides near Finley, Ohio; John W., of this review; Daniel, deceased; and Eva, who passed away in infancy.

John W. Harper can remember a time when there were still many log cabins in this part of the state and when considerable tracts of primeval forest still stood, engaging in the work of civilization and improvement which had recently been begun. He shared with the family in all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and when still in his boyhood days became a factor in the work of the fields, assisting more and more largely in the tasks which converted the wild land into productive fields, annually bringing forth good crops. Throughout his entire life he has carried on general farming and has always resided on the old homestead with the exception of six or seven years in early manhood. Five years were spent in clerking in Hayesville and two years in the west, but in 1860 he began farming on this place in connection with his brother Daniel and in 1870 he purchased the property comprising two hundred and twenty-six acres on sections 9 and 10, Vermillion township, covering the southwest quarter of section 10 and sixty-six acres on section 9. This place was secured by the father and grandfather as military and school land and they settled upon it on the 17th day of May, 1816. This farm has never been owned by white men, save by John W. Harper and his father and grandfather. The father later purchased the sixty-six acres adjoining on section 9 and a tract of two hundred and twenty acres was cleared and put under cultivation by the father and his son John and the present good buildings were erected by the latter. Everything about the place is kept in good condition, the farm presenting a very attractive appearance.

Mr. Harper has never married and when he returned to the farm to take care of his aged parents he had to employ help to do the house work. When he bought the farm in 1870 Miss Amanda Johnston came to work for him. She was at that time a young lady of twenty years and she remained in the family for nearly forty years, dying at the home of Mr. Harper in July, 1907. As the years went by she reared two young girls, Anna Abrams, who became a member of the household at the age of eight years, and Ethel Emminger, when three years old. They are now young ladies and remain upon the farm caring for the household for Mr. Harper. They, as well as Miss Johnston, have always been considered members of the family.

In his political views Mr. Harper has been a life long republican, casting his ballot for John C. Fremont and for each successive candidate since that time. He has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs which he is managing with signal success. He is widely known in the county where almost his entire life has been passed and where his substantial qualities have gained him the respect and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Jacob O. Jennings

Jacob O. Jennings has the dual distinction of being the oldest living resident of the city of Ashland, and president of the First National Bank, one of the most considerable institutions in the state. He was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1819, and has therefore attained the advanced age of ninety years. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Jennings. His father was in all probability a native of New Jersey, while his mother, who was of Dutch lineage, was born in Pennsylvania, where her people settled at an early date. In 1833, when Jacob O. Jennings was about fourteen years old, his mother, with him and an older half brother, came to Ohio, settling on a farm in what is now Perry township, this county, then a part of Wayne county, thenee removing to Wayne county. After a sojourn there of about one year Jacob Q. Jennings left the farm and took a position in a country store at Rowsburg, remaining there for about one year when he accepted employment in a general merchandise establishment at Jeromesville, clerking there for a few months and then removing to Wooster, Ohio, where he performed clerical duties in a general store for about three years. At the expiration of that period he removed to Loudonville where he acted as clerk from 1838 to 1842, finally returning to Jeromesville, where during the following year he was united in marriage. In 1845 Ashland county was incorporated and Mr. Jennings was appointed clerk of courts in the spring of 1847. There he retained his residence until 1849 or 1850, when with his wife and two children he removed to this city, where he has since lived continuously.

In 1852 when the private bank of Luther, Crall & Company was organized here Mr. Jennings was made cashier, and when the institution was incorporated in 1864 as the First National Bank he continued to-perform his duties as cashier of the reorganized establishment, remaining in that position until the withdrawal of its president, Mr. Lucas, from partnership, at which time Mr. J ennings was elected president, in which responsible position he has since been serving. He is a man of excellent business judgment, thoroughly acquainted with all phases

Jor Nrear Per

On November 7, 1843, Mr. Jennings was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Chappel, of Loudonville, a daughter of Caleb Chappel, who came to these parts at an early date from New England. To this union were born three children, all of whom are deceased, namely: Wayland C., whose demise was caused by a wound received at Hatchers Run, Virginia, during the Civil war; Arthur, who departed this life in his fourth year; and Ware, who passed away in his twenty-first year, while a student at the University of Michigan. Their mother entered into rest in September of the year 1856. In January, 1858, Mr. Jennings wedded Miss Mary E. Sloan, a native of this city, who passed away on May 9, 1885.

In politics Mr. Jennings is a republican, and early in life he took considerable interest in the affairs of his party. While he is interested to the extent of using his vote and influence in behalf of the candidates of his party he has not entertained ambitions to hold public office. He has been very influential in religious circles. He united with the Presbyterian church in January, 1857, but sometime during the '80s he withdrew his membership from that denomination and in company with others formed the Congregational church and was instrumental in having a church edifice constructed. Of the new body he was an active supporter and for many years served as a member of the official board, having also officiated as a deacon. He has an excellent business record, being one of the most prominent financial factors of the community, and his transactions always having been conducted on the basis of honesty he is rightly numbered among Ashland's influential and substantial men.

Among the younger men devoting their talents to the practice of medicine is George W. Jacoby, who is practicing his profession successfully in Savannah, his knowledge of 'materia medica and his skill in surgery rapidly gaining for him extensive patronage and during the few years he has been practicing medicine here he has been favored with a liberal patronage. A native son of the county, his birth occurred in Polk, October 23, 1880, his parents being John C. aud Martha (McCarty) Jacoby, also natives of this county. His father, who for a number of years was in the mercantile and milling business, is now connected with manufacturing enterprises in Cleveland, Ohio, while the family home is in Ashland, Ohio.

The public schools of Ashland afforded Dr. Jacoby his preliminary education and his first step in the business world was that of a clerk in his father's store in this city, in which he was employed for a time. He then continued his studies in Poughkeepsie Military Institute, later becoming a student at the Hudson River Military Institute, from which he was graduated. Having a desire to adopt the practice of medicine as his life's calling, he was entered as a student. at the Ohio Medical College, at Columbus, where he pursued a complete course of study and was graduated in the class of 1905. During the period of his medical instruction he was associated with Dr. W. U. Cole, an eminent physician and surgeon, and under his preceptorship he acquired much practical surgical experience, the benefit of which he now enjoys. Immediately upon being graduated he came to Savannah, establishing himself as a physician and surgeon, and has since, by his earnestness and attentiveness to his patients, won the confidence and esteem of the residents of the city and surrounding country and acquired a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Jacoby has a splendidly equipped office, provided with all of the scientific apparatus necessary to the practice of the various departments of medicine and surgery and is rapidly becoming widely known for his success and skill in performing difficult operations.

On October 22, 1907, Dr. Jacoby was united in marriage to Miss Frances Troxel, daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Rudy) Troxel, her father being a prosperous agriculturalists of this county. They have one child, Kenneth O. Politically Dr. Jacoby is a democrat and, being a public spirited man, has favored every movement designed for the betterment of the municipality. He has been influential throughout the city in lending his aid to all measures designed to elevate his fellowmen morally, mentally and physically. He is a member of the Alpha Kappa Kappa, a medical society of the Ohio Medical College, and frequently reads excellently prepared and learned papers before its meetings and those of kindred associations. He is a deep student as well as a skillful practitioner and makes it a point to keep abreast with the age in all branches of study pertaining to his profession and has attained to a high point of medical learning. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs and both, being possessed of friendly qualities, are leading factors in the social life of the city. During his college days the Doctor actively participated in various games, particularly baseball, football and polo and in these sports, being still enthusiastic, he finds recreation while at the same time he enjoys hunting and fishing and is a strong advocate of clean and manly sports of all kinds.

Joshua Bowman

Joshua Bowman, still residing on the farm where his birth occurred and which has remained his home throughout his long and useful career, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Orange township, Ashland county, his natal day being November 13, 1823. His parents, John and Catherine (Altman) Bowman, made their way from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, to this county at a very early day, taking up their abode in Orange township when this section of the state was entirely covered with timber and but sparsely settled. With undaunted and determined spirit, however, they set about the task of establishing a home in this pioneer region, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest, their labors proving an important element in the work of early development and upbuilding here. From that early 'period in the county's history to the present time the name of Bowman has ever been a synonym for

On the 16th of April, 1852, Joshua Bowman was united in marriage to Miss Agnes McFadden, a daughter of Edward and Agnes (Smith) MeFadden, who removed from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to Wayne county, Ohio, and soon afterward came to Orange township, casting in their lot with the early pioneer settlers of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have been born two sons: Emory, a grain and hay dealer of Polk, who is likewise an extensive landowner ; and Tully, who lives on the farm of his father.

Joshua Bowman and his wife began their domestic life upon the original Bowman farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres in Orange township, and here they have since remained in contented and happy companionship, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the.years have gone by. For many years they have been consistent and faithful members of the Presbyterian church the teachings of which they exemplify in their daily lives. The highest testimonial to their well spent and upright lives is found in the respect, admiration and honor which are uniformly accorded them by their associates and friends. Moreover, they have witnessed the transformation of this part of the state from a wild and unsettled region into a rich agricultural district, teeming with all the evidences of an advanced civilization, and can tell of many hardships and privations endured by the early settlers in their efforts to bring about this wonderful change.

H. C. Westover, auditor of Ashland county, in which position he is rendering the community valuable service, is a man of good judgment and administrative capacities, and from all points of view is justly entitled to honorable mention among the municipality's representative men. His birth occurred in Nevada, Ohio, August 14, 1860, a son of James M. and Phebe (Alban) Westover, his father a native of Crawford county, this state, while his mother was born in Hancock county. The birth of the elder Mr. Westover occurred in January, 1829, and in his native county he was reared to manhood, there becoming familiar with the miller's trade. About the time of his marriage he removed to Nevada, where through his own exertions and industry he finally acquired ownership of a grist mill which he operated for a number of years. To this city he removed in 1875 and here also was identified with the- milling business until his death, which occurred February 6, 1906. He was prominent in democratic circles, being an ardent supporter of the principles of that party. He always upheld its candidates during campaigns and for two terms served in the position of street commissioner. Mrs. Westover, who is still living at the advanced age of seventy-four years, resides with her son and daughter in this city.

H. C: Westover was reared under the care of his parents, acquiring his education in the common schools and the high school here. After completing his studies, being ambitious to launch out in the business world for himself, in

1880 he apprenticed himself to the tinsmith's trade, which he successfully completed and for several years followed as a journeyman. In the fall of 1902 his brother, Edson B. Westover, was elected to the office of county auditor, taking his seat in the fall of the following year, and one year later, in October, 1904, H. C. Westover was made deputy auditor and at the death of Edson BY which occurred August 25, 1908, the deputy auditor was appointed by the county commissioners to perform the duties of the office until the time for the regular election. That time having arrived the subject of this review was nominated for the position on the democratic ticket and elected without opposition to fill the unexpired term of his deceased brother, this term ending the third Monday in October, 1909. Since assuming the duties of this office he has been transacting its affairs with uncommon ability and is recognized as one of the most efficient auditors in the service of the commonwealth.

In 1888 Mr. Westover was united in marriage to Miss Delia M. Knoth, a daughter of Frank and Catherine (Snyder) Knoth, her father being deceased. Mr. Westover's fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic order, being a member of Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M.; also Mohican Lodge, No. 85, 1.0.0.F., the Ashland Encampment, No. 130, and Canton Ashland, No. 41, Uniform Rank. At one time he was commander of the regiment, and he is also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, being a charter member of the organization, while his religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Westover is one of the most popular men in the county, and deserves the excellent reputation he sustains as one of Ashland's representative citizens.

John C. Shafer

John C. Shafer owns and cultivates a good farm of seventy acres in Orange township and is numbered among the representative agriculturists of the community. He was born April 22, 1866, in Monroe county, Ohio, and is a son of Isaac W. and Pluma (Conger) Shafer. The father also followed the occupation of farming and both he and his wife are still residents of Monroe county.

Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, John C. Shafer was early trained to the work of the fields and pursued his education in the district schools and the county normal. He engaged in teaching for thirteen years in the country schools, and was quite successful, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired, and thus contributing to the intellectual progress of the community. Since February, 1902, he has resided in Orange township and now has seventy acres of good land which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. He carefully tills his fields according to the modern methods of farming and as a result annually gathers good harvests as a reward for his industry and perseverance.

On the 6th of February, 1890, Mr. Shafer was united in marriage to Miss Campie Moose, a daughter of John J. and Sarah (Early) Moose, of Monroe county, Ohio. Her father served his country as a soldier in the Union army in the Civil war and was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shafer there were born four children: Bessie, a school teacher; Crystal; Myrtle; and Opal, but the third daughter has passed away. The parents are well known in Orange township where their genuine worth has won them many friends and gained for them the hospitality of the best homes of the community in which they reside. Mr. Shafer has been somewhat active in public life. He has never ceased to feel the deepest interest in the cause of education, has served as president of the school board and for two years has been its clerk. In this connection he has done effective work in the interests of education. He also belongs to a teacher's organization and is a member of Mohican Lodge, No. 87, I. O. O. F., at Ashland and of the encampment. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of democratic principles. He is now serving as a member of the county central committee and was clerk of the county election board in Monroe county. He has likewise frequently been a delegate to the county conventions and his opinions carry weight in the local councils. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Christian church, to which his family also belong, He takes an active and helpful interest in the church work, is serving as one of the deacons and is a worker as well in the Sunday school. He is justly regarded as an intelligent, progressive citizen, favoring everything that is good and practical and lending helpful aid to many measures which have been of marked benefit in promoting the interests and upbuilding of the county.

Dr. Daniel L. Mohn is one of the self-made men who, actuated by a laudable ambition and strong purpose, laid the plans for his own advancement and, choosing a professional career, provided for the necessary collegiate training through his own labors. His strength of character and earnest purpose have also been manifest since he entered upon the active practice of medicine and surgery and have carried him into important professional relations so that he is now well known as one of the representative and honored followers of this calling. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, six miles west of Ashland on the 2d of December, 1867, his parents being John B. and Elizabeth S. (Miller) Mohn, the former a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Laneaster county, that state. They arrived in Richland county, Ohio, with their respective parents during their youthful days and were there reared and married. The father learned the millwright's trade as a young man under the direction of his father and about the time of his marriage he purchased the Olivesburg grist mills which he operated 'for eighteen years. Failing in health he sold the mills and invested in a small tract of land of ten acres near Shiloh, in Richland county. Upon that little place he took up his abode and there spent his remaining days in retirement from business cares. At the time of the Civil war he had espoused the cause of the Union and joined the boys in blue with Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio Regiment, with which he served for more than three years. He was with Sherman on the march to the sea, was wounded in one battle and at another time suffered a sunstroke. He was frequently on the firing line and at all times displayed a spirit of undaunted loyalty and valor. His political allegiance was given to the republican party of which he was a stanch advocate. He died in the Lutheran faith July 26, 1905, when he was fifty-seven years of age, and is still survived by his wife who now resides in the village of Shiloh.

In the Olivesburg public schools Dr. Daniel L. Mohn acquired his early education and afterward spent two terms in the Shiloh high school. As early as his fifteenth year he began working as a farm hand and in 1888, when but twenty-one years of age, he took up the profession of teaching which he followed through the ensuing winter. In the early fall of 1889 he entered upon a course of study at the Ohio Northern Normal University and in the winter of 1889-90 he again engaged in teaching. In the summer of the latter year he took up the study of medicine under Dr. S. S. Holtz of Shiloh, now of Plymouth, and he obtained collegiate training in preparation for the practice of medicine and surgery in the fall of 1890, matriculating in the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, pursuing his first course of lectures that winter. He afterward engaged in teaching school until the fall of 1892 when he entered the Cleveland University of Medicine & Surgery where he took his second course. He afterward accepted a position in the office of the Cherry Valley & Salem Iron Works in Latonia, Ohio, where he continued until September, 1895, when he again entered the Cleveland University of Medicine & Surgery, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1896. Dr. Mohn paid his own way through college with the funds secured in teaching and in commercial lines, and although a period of some time had elapsed since his previous study in college and he had two extra studies that year, he was given charge of his class and in this way paid his tuition. In 1905 he pursued a post-graduate course in the New York [Tomeopathic Medical College Hospital and he also took a course in the Cleveland City Hospital. Following his graduation he took charge of Dr. Roseberry's practice in Olivesburg while that physician was away on a vacation, and in October, following, he located in Ashland where he has been successfully engaged in practice through the intervening twelve years. He is a member of the Ohio State Homeopathic Medical Society and of the Ashland County Medical Society. Ile also belongs to the Sixth District Medical Association comprising eight counties. The same determination which enabled him to gain an education in the face of difficulties and obstacles which would utterly have discouraged many u inan of less resolute spirit, has actuated him in his progress, prompting him to put forth indefatigable effort for the benefit of his patients and he performs each professional service with a sense of conscientious obligation.

On the 23d of December, 1896, Dr. Mohn was united in marriage to Miss Ella E. Clegg, a daughter of Samuel Clegg of Otego, Otsego county, New York. Mrs. Mohn is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and is the leader of the choir in the Methodist Episcopal church, being quite accomplished in both vocal and instrumental music. Their home is the center of a cultured society circle and its hospitality is most attractive. Dr. Mohn is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A, Boe

A. M.; to Mohican Lodge, No. 85, I. 0. 0. F.; to the Tribe of Ben Hur; to the Modern Woodmen of America; the Mutual Benefit Association and the Protective Home Circle; as well as the Physicians' Casualty Company. He is likewise connected with the Ustion Society, a medical fraternity. In polities he is a republican, interested in the work of the party and for two terms he served as chairman of the executive committee. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is now serving on its official board. Honorable manhood, upright principles and fidelity to duty in all relations of citizenship and of the profession, he well merits the regard entertained for him in the position which he has won in his chosen calling.

Franklin P. Buchanan

Franklin P. Buchanan, a retired agriculturist of Sullivan township, this county. who however is vet the owner of valuable farming property, is of Scotch descent. The American branch of the family was founded in Pennsylvania. His grandfather, David Buchanan, came to this state with his family in the early days making the journey from Pennsylvania by wagons. His parents, William and Rebecea (Plummer) Buchanan, who were united in marriage in Middleton, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1838, came to this state shortly afterward and settled in Jackson township, where they lived for several years before locating in Sullivan township. Upon their arrival they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. The surrounding country at that time was covered with forest. Here after having constructed a log cabin home, Mr. Buchanan began clearing the land and putting it in a fit state for cultivation. Prosperity from year to year attended his efforts and to the original one hundred and sixty acres upon which he settled, he added from time to time, until at his death, which occurred August 29, 1892, he was probably the largest individual land owner in the county. In addition to having engaged in the producing of general crops he also paid much attention to stock-raising, especially sheep, of which he usually kept on hand in the neighborhood of one thousand head. He had been twice united in marriage, his first wife, who passed away April 13, 1868, leaving six children, the surviving ones being Jane H., of Albion, this state; Robert P., an agriculturalist of this county, and Franklin P.; and by his second wife he had two sons, namely: Wiley A., and David L. C.

In the public schools of Albion, this county, Franklin P. Buchanan acquired his education, and until he was twenty-four years of age remained upon his father's farm, at which period of his life he was united in marriage and then repaired to this township where, with the exception of three years, between the years 1894 and 1897, which were spent in Medina county, he has since engaged here in general agriculture and stock-raising, in which he is meeting with splendid success. He now possesses several splendid farms aggregating three hundred and fifty acres, all of which are well improved and under a high state of cultivation. In addition to this property he owns considerable valuable real estate in: the village of Sullivan and also an elegant residence in which he is now re- siding. He superintends his farming interests and looks after other financial affairs, but does no active work on the farms. Moreover, his property interests are not confined to this place since he also possesses one hundred and forty acres of land, together with residence property in Medina county.

On the 20th of September, 1877, Mr Buchanan was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Smith, a daughter of William B. and Mary (Rowley) Smith, of Homer, Medina county. She departed this life on June 25, 1904, and he wedded Miss Ada M. Hiar, a native of Medina, on August 10, of the following year, his second wife being a daughter of Robert J. and Anna N. (Lane). Hiar. Her father was a prominent farmer of Ionia county, Michigan, and was formerly largely identified with agricultural interests in Medina county, this state.

In politics Mr. Buchanan is a democrat, and although he takes considerable interest in public questions and keeps well informed on the issues of the day he does not aspire to office holding and is not active during elections beyond casting his vote for the candidates of his party. Being a progressive man and one acho is public spirited he is always ready to assist any movement in the direction of local improvements and was one of the promoters of the local telephone company, of which he is now the treasurer. He belongs to Sullivan Lodge, No. 331, A. F. & A. M., Wooster Council, Knight Templars, and has been treasurer of the lodge here for the past sixteen years. His wife also has a number of lodge affiliations and belongs to the Eastern Star, the Maccabees, and Womans Christian Temperance Union. She is also a member of the Congregational church, in all of the departments of which she is a leading factor. Mr. Buchanan is a man of sterling qualities of character, progressive in his ideas, and his upright life and straightforward dealings have merited the confidence and respect of the entire community.

John F. Obrecht

John F. Obrecht, the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich farm land in Lake township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising, was born October 21, 1867, on the farm which he now makes his home. His parents, George and Christina (Kunkle) Obrecht, were natives of Alsace-Lorraine, his birth occurring August 20, 1830, while she was born on the 18th of May, 1831. They were both reared in their native land and were there married in 1852, while the following year they sailed for the United States, coming direct to Loudonville, Ohio. Here he became engaged in agricultural pursuits, renting a farm for a while and then purchasing eighty acres of land, which he continued to operate until his demise. Death came to him December 19, 1900, while his wife survived him for only a few years, passing away January 24,1904. In their family were four children: George, who died April 4, 1894, at the age of forty-four years, five months and twenty-four days, leaving a widow; Mary, the wife of Martin Arnholt, of Mohican township; William H., who resides on a farm near that of John F.; and John F. of this review.

John F. Obrecht And Family

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

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

Benjamin Franklin Downs

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

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

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

Rev. Christian Gottlieb Julius Schaub

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curtis E. Whitcomb

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

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

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

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

Captain Henry H. Eberhart

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

Captain Eberhart, brought to Ohio in his early childhood, was reared on the home farm in Plain township, obtained his education in the public schools and worked in the fields with his father until 1861. Interested in the living questions of the day, he was aroused by the attitude of the south in 1860 and resolved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would stand loyal in its defense. Therefore at the first call for seventy-five thousand troops he offered his services to the government and joined the boys in blue of Company C, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain A. Wiley. He served for about four months, participating in the battle of Philippi, West Virginia, which was the first engagement of the war. He then returned home on the expiration of his first term of enlistment and taught school for a few days, but he could not content himself to remain at home while the safety of the Union hung in the balance and, hiring a substitute for the school, he enlisted a second time, joining Company I, of the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years. In June, 1862, he was detailed on recruiting service at Wooster, and while thus serving received a commission from Governor Tod as first lieutenant of Company A, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With that regiment he went to the front and took part in the engagements at Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post. He was also at Port Gibson, Mississippi, and in Grant's campaign about Vicksburg. At Raymond, Mississippi, he was taken ill in the spring of 18638, at which time the ill and wounded were left in the rear without a guard after the engagement at Raymond, Mississippi, and fell into the hands of the enemy. He was then held as a prisoner of war for twentyone months and five days, in Libby prison and at Macon, Georgia, Columbia, South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Just previous to his capture he had received the commission making him captain of his company. After he was released he was granted a thirty days furlough and returned home. While in prison the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Regiment was consolidated with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, and in that consolidation Captain Eberhart was transferred to Company H, of which he took command on the expiration of his furlough. The time of the One Hundred and Fourteenth expired about two months previous to the expiration of the term of the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio, and Captain Eberhart was then transferred to the Forty-eighth Battalion of the Ohio Veteran Infantry. He was placed in command and was entitled to a heutenant colonel's position, but refused to accept it that he might be discharged with his command. He was therefore discharged with Company E, Forty-eighth Battalion, Ohio Veterans Infantry, on the 14th of October, 1865, and returned to his home. For four years he had been on active duty, sharing in all of the hardships and experiences meted out to the soldiers who fought for the defense of the Union. His was a most creditable military record and the country owes to her defenders a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid.

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

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

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

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

John M. Nyhart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth Gongwer

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

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

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

Mr. Gongwer is widely known among fraternal organizations and belongs to Montgomery Lodge, K. of P., and is also a member of Excelsior Camp, No. 3287, M. W. A. He is a man whose excellent judgment and genial disposition have made him popular throughout the county, and being also possessed of super- 1or administrative and executive ability he is ably fitted to perform the duties of the office in which he serves, and his record as a public official is amply manifested in the fact of his reelection.

Jacob H. Strausbaugh

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

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

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

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

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

William G. Heltman

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

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

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

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