Ashland City (part 52 of 57)

In his political views Mr. Cowan was ever a stalwart democrat and interested in the success and growth of his party, earnestly desiring to advance its principles because he believed that the best interests of the government would be promoted thereby. He had been a resident of Ashland for only a brief period when he was elected one of the trustees, and during President Cleveland's first administration he was appointed postmaster of Ashland and served for one term. On his retirement from that office he resumed the harness-making business in which he continued until his demise. At one time he was candidate for clerk of the court but was defeated by a very small majority. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church and his life was ever in harmony with his professions. He died February 28, 1899, when sixty-eight years of age, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for all who knew him had learned to esteem and honor him because of his sterling worth. He was indeed a self-made man in the highest and best sense of the term and his life was characterized by many excellent qualities, including devotion to his family, loyalty in friendship and fidelity to the principles of- upright, honorable manhood. He was never lacking in public spirit and at all times was ready to aid in any cause which he deemed would prove beneficial to the community. His life was one of intense and well directed activity, widely acknowledged by all.

John Spreng

John Spreng, carrying on general farming on section 2, Mohican township, was born a half mile east of MeZena, in Wayne county, Ohio, just across the Ashland county line, on the 14th of May, 1845. His parents were Jacob and Margaret (Faber) Spreng, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former coming to America when but eighteen years of age, while the latter crossed the Atlantic to the United States with her widowed mother when fourteen years of age. They were married in Wayne county, Ohio, where John Spreng was born, and both spent their last days on the old homestead farm near Lake Fork, Ashland county, the father departing this life at the age of eighty-four years while the mother died at the age of seventy-six years. He was the owner of three hundred and fifteen acres of land at the time of his death, for as the years went by he had prospered in his undertakings and had wisely purchased land, thus making the safest of all investments. His life was one of well directed energy and activity. He worked persistently, earnestly and indefatigably and year by year was thus able to add to his holdings. He held membership in the Evangelical church after coming to the new world, but in Germany had belonged to the German Lutheran church. In the family of this worthy couple there were born thirteen children. Philip J., who served for three years in the Civil war and then reenlisted in the Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, participated in some of the most hotly contested engagements in that long and sanguinary struggle, and never sustained a scratch. He is now living in Grand, Oklahoma. Barbara became the wife of John C. Smith and died in Illinois. Katharine became the wife of Ambrose Austin and died at Lake Fork. John is the fourth of the family. George C. is a resident of Hudson, Ohio, and Jacob F., his twin brother, is living in Mohican township. Rev. Isaac H. was for six years a minister of the United Brethren church but is now deceased. Rev. Otto is living in West Salem, Ohio, and is pastor of the Evangelical church. Mary Ann is the wife of Rev. D. P. Fullmer, a Methodist Episcopal minister now located at Lodi, Ohio. Lydia Ann, the twin sister of Mary Ann, died in childhood. Rev. Enos M. has been connected with the Evangelical Publishing Company of Cleveland for the past sixteen years. Martha is the wife of Alfred Weltmer, residing two miles east of Ashland. Edward A. died on his farm near Lake Fork, leaving a widow and one son. He was the owner of ninety-five acres of the old homestead.

John Spreng was about ten or twelve years of age when his parents removed to a farm in Mohican township near Lake Fork. There he resided until the time of his marriage, his youthful days being devoted to the acquirement of an education in the district schools and to the work on his father's farm. In 1865 he spent about four months in the employ of Casper Swartz at Blatchersville, being there at the time when the news of President Lincoln's assassination was received. He was married in September, 1866, at which time he began cultivating another farm for his father and others. It was his ambition, however, to own property and on the 23d of September, 1869, he came to his present farm, consisting of sixty-four and a half acres of good land. His property is well improved with substantial buildings which were erected by Mr. Spreng. When he took possession of the place there was a log house upon it and a small stable. In 1875 he built his present barn and in 1878 erected his dwelling. In 1894, when the Ashland & Western Railroad was built through his farm, he sold the company the right of way. Later the railroad company put in a switch here and in 1905 Mr. Spreng built a grain elevator and began to handle grain, coal and other commodities. In 1907 he erected the general store which is now operated by his son-in-law, W. G. McLain. He has now leased his grain elevator to the Orville Milling Company, while he devotes his attention to other things. The little station on his place bears the name of Spreng. For the past thirty years Mr. Spreng has engaged in auctioneering and for sixteen years was a partner of A. W. Shearer, under the firm style of Shearer & Spreng. They had an extensive business for many years in this part of the state. In all of his different interests Mr. Spreng has manifested adaptability and capable management and his success has resulted entirely from his close application and indefatigable energy.

who was born in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, July 26, 1849, a daughter of Alfred and Eliza Ann (Brandonburg) Beard, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spreng have been born four children: Alfred A., a painter residing at McCutcheon, Ohio; Isaac, a jeweler of Carey, Ohio; Mary Maude, the wife of C. H. Funk, of Menlo, Georgia; and Blanche, the wife of W. G. McLain, a merchant at Spreng.

In his political views Mr. Spreng is a stalwart republican, having cast his first presidential vote for Grant, since which time he has given continuous support to the party. He belongs to the United Brethren church of Lake Fork, with which he has now been identified for the past fifty years. He acted upon the building committee of the new church, has been superintendent and class leader and also trustee, taking an active part in all of the work of the church, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His life has been actuated by the highest principles and he has endeavored closely to follow its teachings. He has a cousin, the Rev. 8. P. Spreng, who is a bishop in the Evangelical church, now located in China. John Spreng has always resided in this part of the state and is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community. While he has won success in his business, he has not neglected his duties to his fellowmen and to the community at large, having on the contrary met every obligation as a reliable and consistent Christian gentleman.

P. M. Culler

A good farm of one hundred and thirty acres on section 36, Mifflin township, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by P. M. Culler, one of Ashland county's native sons whose birth occurred in the township where he yet resides June 13, 1859. He is a man of considerable local influence for his ability and public spirit are widely recognized by those who know him, causing his work to carry considerable weight among those with whom he is associated.

Mr. Culler represents one of the old pioneer families of the county. His paternal grandparents were Philip and Mary (Feaster) Culler, ethos of Frederick county, Maryland, who arrived in Ashland county in 1825 and met the usual experiences of pioneer life in an effort to establish a home on the frontier. As the years passed Philip Culler prospered and made extensive investments in real estate, becoming the owner of eight hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable land which he held at the time of his death. He passed away at the age of seventy-five years and his wife died when fifty-six years of age. His children were Samuel, John P., Joseph, Benjamin, Jacob, Henry, Susan, Elizabeth, Caroline and Mary. Henry died in childhood and all are now deceased. Mary and Samuel are the only ones that married, the former becoming the wife of Andrew Mower.

Samuel Culler became the father of our subject. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, November 26, 1809, and was a youth of fifteen years when in 1825 he came with his parents to this county, the family home being established on the southeast quarter of section 36, Mifflin township. He continued to reside in this neighborhood until called to his final rest. He remained with his parents on their original farm until his marriage and then removed to the northeast quarter of section 36, where he continued to make his home until his death. He always followed farming and had one hundred and forty-one acres when he came to this farm. He continued to buy and sell different tracts of land and at the time of his death owned one hundred and seventy-three acres in addition to that which he inherited, making a total of four hundred acres. His business interests, carefully managed, brought to him a measure of success that was most creditable. For many years he was justice of the peace and his decisions, being strictly fair and impartial, "'won golden honors from all sorts of people.'' Public confidence was reposed in him on many occasions as is indicated by the fact that he was frequently chosen as guardian for children and settled nearly all of the estates in his part of the county. He was a good legal adviser and attorneys frequently urged him to take the examinations necessary for admission to the bar. He possessed excellent business ability, manifested sound judgment and was most reliable in all of his undertakings. In politics he was a life-long republican and his personal popularity is indicated in the fact that although he lived in a democratic township, he was elected and served as justice of peace for thirty-two consecutive years, filling the office before his marriage. Later he married many people at his own home while continuing in the office of justice. He was a prominent and influential member of Mount Zion Lutheran church throughout his entire life and almost continuously held official positions therein. He died in his eighty-fifth year, leaving to his family not only a good property but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. His business integrity and reliability were ever above question and his progressive spirit made him a valued citizen. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Culler were twelve children: Philip M., of this review; Henry D., who is living on the old homestead; Margaret Lucetta, at home; William H., of Mifflin township; John F., a practicing physician of Lucas, Ohio; Mary S. and Sarah A., at home; Thomas J., also at home; Samuel, living in Green township; Laura E., at home; Elmira V. who resides with her cousin Ezra in Vermillion township ; and Joseph E., who is living five miles north of Mansfield.

In a home of culture and refinement where full recognition was accorded the value of intellectual progress as well as of activity in business, P. M. Culler was reared. He attended the public schools and was also thoroughly trained in the work of the fields so that he was well qualified to engage in farming on his own account when he started in business for himself after attaining his majority. He now cultivates one hundred and thirty-eight acres on section 36, Mifflin township, having there an excellent farm in the midst of which are good buildings and all modern improvements and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. The latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the work of the fields, the buildings are commodious and substantial and altogether the farm gives evidence, in its fine appearance, of the prosperity and progressive spirit of the owner. On the ilth of March, 1880, Mr. Culler was married to Miss Margaret V. Scott, who was born in Vermillion township, January 23, 1855, a daughter of David and Margaret (Gray) Scott, the former a native of Colum-

-biana county, Ohio, and the latter of Ireland. They were for many years residents of Ashland county where they passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs.

Culler were born but two children, and the younger, Mary Margaret, died at the age of three years. The surviving son is Ralph W. The parents are members of the Mount Zion Lutheran church, in which they take an active and helpful interest, contributing generously to its support and doing all in their power to promote its influence. Politically Mr. Culler is a republican, unfaltering in his advocacy to the party principles. He holds to high standards of manhood and citizenship, is a broad-minded, intelligent man and is honored and respected wherever known and most of all where best known.

John Harvey Van Horn

John Harvey Van Horn, who devotes his time and energies to the pursuits of general farming and stock raising, was born on a farm situated a mile and a half southeast of Perrysville, in Green township, Ashland county, Ohio, on the 2d of May, 1854, his parents being Silas and Rebecca Jane (Byers) Van Horn. His paternal grandparents were John and Katharine (McKinley) Van Horn, who came to Ashland county from Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1814, being among the first settlers in this section of the state. The grandfather entered a tract of land on section 33, Green township, on which he spent his remaining days. His children were as follows: Peter, William, John, Silas, James, Mary and Eliza Anna, deceased. , ee

Silas Van Horn, the father of our subject, was born in Green township, January 8, 1821, and passed away here April 28, 1856, having spent his entire life on the farm on which his birth occurred. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Jane Byers, was likewise a native of this county, having been born on the farm on which John Harvey Van Horn now resides, her natal day being April 28, 1823. Her parents, James and Eleanor (Caldwell) Byers, were both natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, the former born March 17,1787, and the latter on the 29th of January, 1790. They were married in the Keystone state on January 14, 1817, and in 1820 made their way to Ashland county, Ohio, locating on the farm on section 23, Green township, on which Mr. Van Horn of this review now makes hig home, it having never left possession of the family. James Byers first came alone to this county and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cleared and also built a cabin thereon, afterward returning to Pennsylvania for his wife and children, whom he brought to the little home which he had prepared for them in this pioneer region. On the farm which he had entered from the government both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. Byers being called to his final rest September 20, 1870, while Mrs. Byers survived until June 20, 1886, when she, too, passed away. Their family numbered ten children, five of whom died in early life, the others being: John A., now deceased; Rebecca Jane; Mary Ann, who makes her home with John H. Van Horn; James Smiley, who has also passed away, and Margaret Eleanor Coe, of Worthington township, Richland county. Mrs. Van Horn, the mother of our subject, likewise died on the farm which her father had entered from the government and on which her son,

Mr. And Mrs. J. H. Van Horn

John H. Van Horn, now resides, her demise occurring September 28, 1899. She had become the mother of three children, namely: Nancy E., who has passed away; John Harvey, whose name initiates this review; and Anna, who died in infancy.

John Harvey Van Horn was but two years of age when his father died and he was then taken by his mother to the farm of her parents, on which he continued to make his home until the time of his marriage. Subsequent to that important event in his life he returned to the place on which his birth occurred, there residing until 1888, when he took up his abode on the farm on section 23, Green township, which has since remained his home. The property comprises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, one-half of which belongs to his aunt, Miss Mary Byers, who lives with him. He also owns ninety acres of the farm on which he was born and is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. He has been vice president and director of the First National Bank of Loudonville since its organization and is numbered among the substantial and worthy native sons of this county.

Mr. Van Horn has been married twice. On the 30th of November, 1881, he wedded Miss Geneva Ayers, whose birth occurred in Green township in 1852, her parents being Isaac and Sarah Ayers. She passed away in December, 1896, and on the 2ist of December, 1898, Mr. Van Horn was again married, his second union being with Luella Appleman, who was born in Shreve, Wayne county, Ohio, June 16, 1878. Her parents, Robert Simpson and Julia Love (Lynn) Appleman, were natives of Wayne county, Ohio, and the father is still living at Wooster but the mother is deceased. Unto Mr. Van Horn and his second wife have been born four children, as follows: John Harold, whose birth occurred May 29, 1900; Mary Bernice, born March 8, 1903; Robert Lynn, who was born July 18, 1906; and Mabel Jeannette, whose natal day was October 22, 1908.

In his political views Mr. Van Horn is a stanch republican and is now serving as school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He is likewise an elder in the Presbyterian church at Loudonville, in the work of which he is actively and helpfully interested. He has an extensive circle of friends throughout the community in which his entire life has been spent and is a worthy representative of two of the prominent early families of Ashland county, having fully sustained the honorable reputation which they bore.

Samuel 8S. Casner

Samuel S. Casner is successfully engaged in the cultivation of a farm of sixty-nine acres which he owns on section 24, Green township, situated three miles north of Loudonville on the Ashland road. His father, Frederick Casner, who was a native of Pennsylvania, was reared near Mount Pleasant, that state, and subsequently accompanied his parents on their removal to 'Bethany, West Virginia, both his father and mother there passing away. <A miller by trade, he followed that occupation at various places, and when twentyseven years of age he was married in Canal Dover, Ohio, to Miss Sarah A. Benner, a native of that town. Subsequently Frederick Casner removed with his family to Fredericksburg, Wayne county, there conducting a mill for some years, after which he lived in various localities but in 1882 took up his abode on a farm of sixty-nine acres on section 24, Green township, on which he spent his remaining days. His political allegiance was unfalteringly given to the democratic party and he was a public-spirited citizen, lending his aid and influence to every movement and measure instituted for the general welfare. He was very fond of reading, possessed a remarkable memory and, though not identified! with any religious denomination, was an eager Bible student. His demise occurred in August, 1905, when he had attained the venerable age of ninety-two years and six months, while his wife had been called to the home beyond in 1888, at the age of sixty-two years.

Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, namely: John, a resident of Huntington, Indiana; Clarinda, the wife of Dr. I. E. Lawrence, of Columbia City, Indiana; Fred, who passed away in infancy in Canal Dover; Susan, the wife of J. W. Murphy, of Green township ; Violet, who lives with her brother, Samuel S., on the old homestead place in Green township; James, who went to Colorado twenty-eight years ago to engage in mining and has never been heard from since; George, who makes his home in Holmes county, Ohio; Mary, the wife of Dr. E. L. Eberhart, of South Whitley, Indiana; William, also a resident of South Whitley, Indiana; Joseph, of Columbia City, Indiana; Samuel S8., who resides on the old home farm in Green township with his sister Violet; Ella, who died in infancy; and Lovenia and Lizzie, who passed away in childhood.

As before stated, Samuel 8. Casner still remains on the old home farm, to the improvement and development of which he devotes his time and energies. Ile raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, so that rich harvests annually reward his efforts and he is numbered among the representative and prosperous agriculturists of the community. Both he and his sister Violet, who lives with him, are well known throughout the locality and have gained the warm regard and esteem of those with whom they have come in contact.

Emil Lamprecht

Emil Lamprecht is a well known florist of Ashland whose present success has largely been acquired since he came to this city nine years ago. He was born in Germany in 1872 and is a son of Constantine and Magdalena (Golling) Lamprecht, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. The son came to America in 1886 when a youth of fourteen years, at once making his way to the its opportunities. These proved to him an irresistable attraction and though state of Ohio. He had acquired his education in the schools of Germany and in his youthful days he heard interesting reports concerning the new world and he had no money with which to enable him to make a start in the United States he crossed the Atlantic, possessed of firm determination to win success if it could be accomplished by persistent and honorable labor. He had very limited capital, and that was saved from his earnings, when he came to Ashland nine years ago. He has since engaged in business here as a florist, starting on a small scale but gradually increasing his interests until now he has about nine thousand feet under glass. His business is showing substantial annual growth and indicates what can be accomplished through good management, energy and well applied industry. He has the only retail business of the kind in Ashland where he has a large sale for cut flowers and plants, his trade continually increasing. In addition to his business he also owns a good home in Ashland and is now in prosperous circumstances. His brother, August C., is connected with him in this enterprise, under the firm style of Lamprecht Brothers. He came to America eight years in advance of Emil, who was also a florist. They combined their interests in 1900 and have since been associated in the upbuilding and promotion of their present enterprise. August Lamprecht was married in 1894 to Miss Anna Cost.

In 1904 Emil Lamprecht was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Maud Keister, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1884. They now have an interesting little daughter, Thelma Margaret, born in 1905. Since coming to the United States Mr. Lamprecht has made two trips back to his old home, visiting his mother who is still living in Germany, at the age of seventy-three years. While he has a natural love for the land of his birth he regards America as the better place of residence and has the deepest attachment for this country.and its institutions.

James J. Welsh

James J. Welsh, a well known and popular real-estate dealer of Loudonville, was born on a farm in Green township, Ashland county, Ohio, March 20, 1870. His parents, Patrick and Mary (Hartelney) Welsh, natives of county Limerick, Ireland, came direct to this county in 1849, shortly after their marriage. The father followed railroading for about seventeen years but spent the greater part of his life on the farm which he owned in Green township, remaining a respected and worthy resident of Ashland county until called to his final rest. Unto him and his wife were born seven children who reached maturity, namely : Catharine and Margaret, both of whom are now deceased; Samuel, who is acting as principal of the school at Perrysville; Elizabeth, the widow of H. B. Case, of Loudorville; Ella M., the wife of Captain J. B. Ferguson, of Cambridge, Ohio; Mary A., the wife of J. C. F. Wallace, of Green township; and James J., of this review.

The last named remained with his parents on the old homestead farm in Green township until eighteen years of age, dividing his time between the work of the fields and the mastery of the lessons assigned him at the district school. When eighteen years of age he entered the Ada Normal College, where he spent two and a half years and subsequently taught for ten winter terms in the district schools of Green township, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. During the summer seasons his attention was devoted to general agricultural pursuits. Subsequent to his marriage he removed to a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Green township, which had been given to his wife by her father, and successfully conducted the place for ten years. In November, 1907, however, he took up his abode in Loudonville, erecting his present residence on South Water street. On the Ist of January, 1909, he established himself in the real-estate business in Loudonville, where he has since carried on his operations with a gratifying measure of success, being a man of excellent executive ability and keeping well informed on realty values. Te-still retains and manages the farm of two hundred and forty acres and also another tract of eighty acres, which he purchased in 1904.

In September, 1896, Mr. Welsh was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Idella Garst, a native of Mohican township, Ashland county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Margaret (Wallace) Garst. The father, who was a native of Alsace-Lorraine, came to this county in childhood days and passed away in Mohican township in 1904, when he had attained the age of eighty-four years. His wife, who was born in Green township, this county, and there resided until the time of her marriage, also passed away in Mohican township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Welsh have been born three children: John Garst, Alice Lenore and Paul Herbert.

A stalwart democrat in his political views, Mr. Welsh has served as assessor of Green township for two terms, discharging his official duties with promptness and fidelity. He and the members of his family belong to the Presbyterian church of Loudonville and are widely and favorably known throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives. He has attained a creditable measure of prosperity for one of his years, and his laudable ambition and his determination prompts him to put forth an effort which insures larger successes in the future.

George Schroll

Jeromeville numbers among its citizens several who in former years were closely identified with agricultural interests, but are now living retired. To this class belongs George Schroll, whose business record was at all times commendable while hig success was gratifying. He carefully managed his interests and in developing the fields annually produced good harvests whereby his prosperity was increased year by year. He was born in Milton township, Ashland county, Ohio, December 1, 1846, and is the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children, whose parents were David and Nancy (Layman) Schroll, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in the year 1812. They resided there through the period of childhood and youth, were married in their native county, and in 1837 came to Ashland county locating on a farm, where the birth of their son George occurred and eer

Schroll occurred in 1877, while his wife passed away in 1882. They were the parents of seven children: Mrs. Barbara Scheffler and Jacob, both deceased ; David, who is living in Macon county, Illinois; George, of this review; John, a resident of Decatur, Illinois; Henry, residing in Storm Lake, Iowa; and William, whose home is in Wabash county, Indiana.

George Schroll has spent his entire life in this county and resided at the place of his birth until his marriage. He is indebted to the public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed and in the periods of vacation he was early trained to the work of the farm, becoming familiar with the best methods of cultivating the crops. Following his marriage he resided for two years in Sullivan, and since that time has made his home in Mohican township. In early manhood he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed until his marriage, but immediately afterward gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits. However, his knowledge of carpentering and joining proved of great value to him, enabling him to keep everything upon his place in excellent condition.

It was on the 23d of May, 1869, that Mr. Schroll was united in marriage to Miss Susan Walker, who was born in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, April 19, 1846, and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Swickard) Walker. The father's birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the mother was born in Washington county, of the same state. They came to Ohio with their respective parents in their childhood days, were married here and spent the remainder of their lives in Wayne and Ashland counties. Mr. Walker died at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife passed away when seventy years of age. Their family numbered nine children, of whom one died in infancy while the others are: Mrs. Sarah Jane Wells, of Richland county, Ohio; Mrs. Schroll; Samuel, residing near Ashland; Cyrus, deceased; Daniel, living in South Dakota; Mary and Harrison, both of whom died in childhood; and Elmer, living in Chicago.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Schroll was blessed with eight children. The first two, Ivadore and Isadore, were twins. The former is the wife of John Glenn, of Mohican township, and the latter is the wife of John Knapp, also of Mohican township. Agnes, the third member of the family, married David Ficker, of Mohican township. Harley follows farming in the same township. Stella became the wife of Ben Baker and died September 12, 1908, at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving two children. Zellah, a twin sister of Stella, died at the age of nine months. Grace is the wife of Ed Leader, of Ashland, and Joy is at home.

Following his marriage Mr. Schroll continued to engage in farming until about fifty-six years of age, when he retired and removed to Jeromeville, where he now makes his home. In his political views he is a democrat, interested in the welfare and success of his party and although he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking he served for six years as trustee of Mohican township and has been a member of the school board in Jeromeville for twenty-five years. He has lived in the one school district for thirty-five years and the

-eause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. He likewise belongs to the Lutheran church, of Jeromeville, and his influence and aid are ever given on the side of progress, improvement and advancement. His life record illustrates the force of business activity guided by sound judgment, for with the passing years his well directed labors brought him the comfortable competence that now enables him to live retired.

Thomas Hollinger

Thomas Hollinger, always identified with general agricultural pursuits, has resided since 1872 upon the farm on which he now lives. on section 10, Mohican township. It is a splendid tract of land of two hundred and fifty-six acres, highly cultivated, and it lies within three-quarters of a mile of his birth place. His natal day was March 28, 1848, his parents being Jacob and Sarah (Brown) Hollinger. His grandparents were Isaac and Susannah (Bott) Hollinger, who were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and arrived in Ohio in 1812. Both spent their remaining days here. Isaac Hollinger passed away in 1826 while his wife survived for forty years and died in 1866. Their only child was Jacob Hollinger, the father of our subject. His birth occurred July 22, 1821, in the same house in which Thomas Hollinger was born. He died in 1852 at the age of thirty-two years, but his son Thomas was but four years of age. He had married Sarah Brown, who was born in Canandaigua county, New York, in 1818, and came here with her parents when eight years of age. She was a daughter of Thomas and Susan (Sowers) Brown, natives of county Cork, Ireland. Thomas Brown came to America in 1800 when eighteen years of age and was married in New York. He died at the very venerable age of ninety-seven years, while his wife passed away in 1852. They were the parents of five sons and five daughters, including Mrs. Sarah Hollinger, who long survived her husband and was called to her final rest in January, 1905. There were three daughters in the family, all older than the subject of this review, namely: Susannah, now living in Mohican township; Elizabeth, the wife of J. M. Gill, of Jeromeville; and Rhoda, the wife of Jacob Clippinger, of Jeromeville. She was twice married, her first husband having been Solomon Garn.

Thomas Hollinger has always resided in Mohican township. The county schools afforded him his educational privileges and he was trained to the work of the farm by his mother. Since 1872, or from the age of twenty-four years, he has lived on the place which is now his home. He owns two hundred and fifty-six acres of rich and productive land, all in one body, has three sets of buildings upon it and has two tenants. His land lies in sections 10, 3 and 4, Mohican township, his home being on section 10. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising, always keeping good grades of stock, while his farm in the various departments of work presents a neat and thrifty appearance. In addition to carrying on his agricultural interests Mr. Hollinger has settled a half dozen estates, being entrusted with considerable important business of that character. He was also receiver for the Glass estate which for over seven years was in litigation.

Mr. Hollinger has been married twice. In 1869 he wedded Sophronia Beard, who was born in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1847 and died in 1882. She was a daughter of Alfred Beard and at her death she left three children: Estella, now the wife of Almond Austin, of Mohican township; Alfred, at home; and Esther, the wife of L. C. Ebright, of Ashland. Having lost his first wife Mr. Hollinger was married in 1885 to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Clippinger, a native of Pennsylvania.

In his political views Mr. Hollinger has been a life-long republican. He was three times nominated for the office of sheriff but was defeated, for the county is strongly democratic, there never being but one republican sheriff in the history of the county. He belongs to the Brick Bethel church and is one of the holders in trust of the Church of God. He serves as its deacon and trustee and is greatly interested in all of the church work. For the past forty years Mr. Hollinger has kept a diary and can tell what he has done each day in all that length of time. The httle volume also contains reference to many important events of this locality which have had bearing upon the history of the community. He has lived in the same neighborhood for more than six decades and has therefore been a witness of many of the events which have shaped its history and molded its policy. He is well known as an enterprising farmer who manifests a spirit of progress in all that he does and by his well directed efforts has won substantial success.

James B. Nelson

James B. Nelson, a worthy representative of an old pioneer family of Ashland county, is successfully carrying on general agricultural pursuits in Milton township, on the farm which has always been his home. He was born on the 7th of November, 1856, a son of Scott and Rose Ann (Wells) Nelson.

The father, whose birth also occurred on the old family homestead in Milton 'township, his natal day being January 21, 1821, was one of a family of thirteen children and thus was early thrown upon his own resources. Subsequent to the death of his parents he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home place and thus became the owner of the farm of eighty-three acres which was entered by his father, Robert Nelson, in 1819, and has remained in possession of the family throughout the intervening ninety vears. Scott Nelson was a loyal defender of the Union at the time of the Civil war, serving as a member of Company E, Forty-second Regiment, under Captain Barber. Though deprived of educational privileges in youth, he was a student by nature and through reading, observation and experience gained much practical and valuable knowledge. He was prominent in public affairs and served for many years as justice of the peace, while throughout almost the entire period of his manhood he acted as a school director. His influence and aid were always given on the side of right, truth, justice and progress and his kindly, genial nature and deferenge for the opinions of others won him the esteem and regard of an extensive circle of warm friends. He was a devout and faithful member of the Lutheran

On the 25th of June, 1854, Scott Nelson wedded Miss Rose Ann Wells, who was born in Pennsylvania, August 10, 1827, and was a daughter of James Wells, a pioneer settler of Ashland county. The death of Scott Nelson, which occurred September 19, 1901, was deeply mourned, not only by the members of his immediate family but also throughout the entire county in which his life had been so honorably and usefully spent. His wife had been called to her final rest on the 23d of August, 1894.

James B. Nelson, who was an only son, has always continued to reside on the old homestead place in Milton township, caring for his parents in their declining years. His time and energies have always been devoted to the pursuits of general farming and for twenty-six years he likewise engaged in threshing, winning a commendable and gratifying degree of prosperity in his undertakings by reason of his unfaltering diligence and capable business management. Following his father's demise he bought out the other heirs to the home farm and as the years have gone by he has brought the property under a high state of cultivation and improvement, the fields annually yielding bounteous harvests of golden grain. On the 24th of May, 1900, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Alma J. Burke, a daughter of Henry Burke. They now have two children: Blanche Ann, who was born in 1904; and Marshall Scott, whose birth occurred May 3, 1909.

In his political views Mr. Nelson is a stalwart advocate of the democracy and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. Living in Ashland county throughout his entire life, his record is familiar to many of our readers and the fact that he is best liked where best known is an indication of an honorable, upright career.

Samuel A. Leech

A farm of two hundred and forty-six acres pays tribute to the cultivation bestowed upon it by Samuel A. Leech, whose life of well directed thrift and enterprise has brought him to his present position as one of the men of affluence in Mohican township. He has now passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey but still gives supervision to his place. It was in the neighborhood of his present home, upon a farm in Mohican township, that he was born June 12, 1835, and in this locality he has always lived, so that his life history is well known to his fellow townsmen. They find in it no estoeric chapter, for his record has been such as would at all times bear close investigation and serutiny. He represents one of the old families that Pennsylvania furnished to Ashland county. His parents, Gilbert and Sarah (Shearer) Leech, were both natives of Center county, Pennsylvania, and in that state were reared and married. The year 1831 witnessed their arrival in Ohio and the remainder of their days were spent as farming people in Ashland county. The father cied ere the first half of the nineteenth century had reached its close, his death occurring July 6, 1849, when he was fifty-six years of age. Hig wife passed away in 1884 at the age of eighty-three years, her birth having occurred in 1801. She had long survived her husband and had here reared her family, numbering nine children, three of whom were born in Pennsylvania ere their removal westward to become pioneer settlers of Ashland county. In order of birth these sons and daughters of the family were: Matthew and William, both deceased; James, who died in childhood; Robert, who died in April, 1868; Samuel A.; Mrs. Martha Stentz, of Mohican township, who has been twice married, her first husband being a Mr. Sugler; Sarah, the deceased wife of: Levi Metcalf, who is represented elsewhere in this volume; Margaret, who died at the age of three years; and David, now living in Iowa.

As a farm boy Samuel A. Leech was reared, his time being divided between the attainment of an education in the early rural schools, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. His training at farm labor was not meager, for at an early age he began to assist his father in the cultivation and development of the fields upon the old homestead. The occupation to which he was reared he determined to make his life work and since 1871, or for a period of thirty-eight years, he has resided upon his present farm. He now owns two hundred and forty-six acres of productive land on which are two sets of farm buildings. This is a well improved property, for the buildings are substantial and in good repair and the fields are highly cultivated. The residence, the barns, sheds and cribs were all erected by Mr. Leech and stand as monuments to his thrift and progressive spirit. He early realized that there is no royal road to wealth and that the present and not the future holds the opportunity. He has therefore improved each passing hour as it has gone by and each day has contributed in a measure to his success as he has carried on general farming and stock-raising. At one time he bought and shipped considerable stock and this proved a gratifying source of income. THe has now in part left the work of his farm to others but still gives to it his personal supervision and in his management displays keen discernment.

In 1864 Mr. Leech was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Botdorf, who was born in Mohican township, in October, 1841, and died on the 31st of December, 1901, at the age of sixty years. She was a daughter of George Botdorf and by her marriage became the mother of one child, Hattie Bell, who is now the wife of John Metcalf, who is operating her father's farm. They have one child, Helen May. who was born July 24, 1904, and is now the light and life of the household. Comparatively few residents of this county have longer resided within its borders than has Samuel A. Leech, who is a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families here. His own memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present, for he can remember when the homes were largely log cabins heated by a fireplace, over which hung the crane supporting the kettles, in which many savory dishes were boiled. The baking was done in the coals upon the hearth. The outdoor life and exercise gave a zest to appetites that made the meals greatly relished. In the fields the work was done by machinery that was quite crude in comparison to the farm implements in use at the present day. All farm work at that time was done by hand and energy and persistency of purpose constituted the features that enabled the agriculturist to till his fields and care for his crops. Mr. Leech has lived to see many changes in the methods of life, witnessing the introduction of the telegraph and the telephone, the building of the canals and later the building of the railroads. In his boyhood it would have seemed im possible for any one to ride over the country in carriages without horse powet but the automobile is today a common sight. Rural mail delivery has also been everywhere introduced and invention has brought to the farm all of the conveniences and comforts known to the city. The farm of which Mr. Leech is the owner indicates the spirit of progress that has been abroad in the land for many years and its cultivation has brought to him a substantial financial return.

Dr. W. H. Sampsel, one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Ashland whose prominence in the profession is indicated in the liberal and growing patronage accorded him, was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, June 17, 1850. His parents were David S. and Lydia (Brown) Sampsel, natives of Columbiana and Stark counties respectively. The father was born in 1821 and represented one of the old families of Columbiana county, into which his parents removed on leaving their old home in Union county, Pennsylvania. David S. Sampsel, Sr. was one of five brothers, all of whom were physicians and at one time there were forty-two members of the medical fraternity in the family. The brothers of Dr. David S. Sampsel, Sr. were: Dr. Nicholas Sampsel, of Delaware, Ohio; Dr. J. B. F. Sampsel, of Ashland; Dr. P. W. Sampsel, of Elyria, Ohio; and Dr. Henry William Sampsel. All are now deceased, the last named having died in California.

In the county of his nativity Dr. D. S. Sampsel, Sr., read medicine under the direction of Dr. Beymer and later was graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. He entered upon active practice in Louisville, Stark county, Ohio, and was there married. Subsequently he removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained for a short time and then went to Oskaloosa, Iowa, but in 1851 returned to this state and located in Ashland, where he remained in active practice for a period of forty-four years or until the time of his demise, which occurred December 10, 1893. He was an able and learned man not only in the strict path of his profession but in other lines of knowledge as well. In early life he read law, was admitted to the bar and engaged in practice for two years. He was an able public speaker, possessing marked oratorical power and was always active in the ranks of the democracy, not only addressing the publie upon the issues of the day during campaigns, but also serving in various official positions. For three terms he was mayor of Ashland and gave to the city a businesslike administration characterized by reform and progress. In all of his work in behalf of the municipality he was practical and his labors proved resultant factors. Under his administration the first street paving was done and stone sidewalks were laid. There has probably never been a citizen in Ashland who has done more real valuable service for the city than Dr. Sampsel.

He was also spoken of as the most active resident that Ashland has ever had and his record was at all times an honor and credit to the county which honored him. Highly gifted by nature, he used his native talents and acquired ability for the benefit of his fellowmen and for the adoption of higher ideals in all those departments of activity which constitute essential factors in the public life.. At the time of the Civil war, constrained by a spirit of lofty patriotism, he put aside all business and personal considerations and went to the front as captain of Company K, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was injured while crossing the river on a log at the battle of Bull Run and was therefore compelled to resign, after which he returned home and resumed his professional duties in Ashland. He was several times a candidate for congress on the democratic ticket but the republican strength in this county has always been tog great to permit of the election of democratic candidates. In all personal relations he was honored and respected by all who knew him and he still has a firm hold upon the affections of those who knew him in life, for by them his memory is cherished and the recollection of his good work remains ag an inspiration to all who were associated with him. Four of his sons followed in his professional footsteps, namely: Dr. D. 8. Sampsel; who is mentioned on another page of this volume; Dr. J. B. F. Sampsel, now deceased ; Dr. W, H. Sampsel, of this review; and Dr. C. B. Sampsel, of Chicago, Llinois.

In his youthful days Dr. W. H. Sampsel attended the public schools of Ashland and supplemented his high school course there with a scientific course in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. . He afterward attended Bryant & Stratton Business College at Cleveland and was there graduated in 1870. Subsequently he returned to Ashland and took up the study of law under Judge Thomas Kinney, in whose office he continued his reading for a year and a half but, thinking to find the practice of medicine more congenial, he entered his father, a well known, capable and prominent physician. In further preparation for this calling W. H. Sampsel, in the fall of 1873, entered the Jefferson Medieal College of Philadelphia, where he completed the regular course and was graduated with the class of 1876. He then returned home and for a year was associated with his father in practice but his health failed him, owing to the fact that he was poisoned by chlorine gas in experimental work while in college. He went south to recuperate and spent four years in eastern and southern Texas, after which he returned to Ashland in 1882 and for two years practiced independently. He then again became associated with his father and the business relation between them was maintained up to the time of his father's death in 1893. Since that time Dr. W. H. Sampsel has practiced independently. His business experience and his study of the iaw have stood him in good stead. He has served repeatedly as expert witness in various murder and will trials and it was said of him by Judge Ryan, of Cleveland, that Dr. Sampsel was the best expert witness he ever had before him on the stand. He is moreover one of the most skilled physicians of Ashland, for he has been a most thorough and discriminating student and has carried his investigations far and wide into the realms of scientific knowledge bearing upon his chosen life work. He has 'pursued special courses in chemistry under Dr. Leffman, and in surgery under

Dr. William H. Pancoast. He has also taken a special course in minor surgery under Professor Samuel F. Gross. Ill health has again forced him largely to put aside the active duties of the profession and for four years he has spent the winter months in Florida.

In 1886, Dr. Sampsel was married to Miss Mary Louise Knoth, of Ashland. While he usually votes with the democratic party, he is broad and liberal in his views concerning politics and all vital matters of citizenship. He is now a non-affiliating member of the Masonic fraternity, and the Knights of Pythias lodge and has filled offices in those organizations. Having been a resident of Ashland county through the greater part of his life, he has a wide acquaintance here and his social qualities and genial disposition have made him popular. Nature and culture have vied in making him an interesting and entertaining gentleman and wherever he goes he wins the favorable regard of those whom he meets.

John Peterson Wolf

John Peterson Wolf, formerly identified with agricultural pursuits in Washington township, but now living retired in Loudonvile, was born March 22, 1848, in Green township, Ashland county, Ohio. A son of Warring and Sarah (Peterson) Wolf, he is the youngest in the family of four children. Reared under the parental roof, his time and attention were largely given to the duties of farm life and he remained on the homestead assisting his father in the cultivation of his crops until twenty-six years of age, when he engaged in farming on his own account, renting a farm northwest of Perrysville, which he operated for three years. At the expiration of that period he purchased eighty acres of farm land in Washington township, Holmes county, about three miles northeast of Loudonville, and later added eighty acres more, his farm embracing altogether one hundred and sixty acres. Here he engaged in general farming for twenty-one years, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation. During this period he prospered and became so successful that eventually he was enabled to retire from the active work of the farm and enjoy in well earned retirement the fruits of his former toil. In the spring in 1898 he removed to Loudonville, where he owns a comfortable home on Wood street. He retains however, the ownership of the farm, which continues to be a source of substantial income to him.

In the year 1874, Mr. Wolf was united in marriage to Anna L. Workman, who was born March 2, 1855, in Washington township, Holmes county, Ohio, a daughter of Morgan and Jerusha (Priest) Workman. Her parents both spent their entire lives in the vicinity of Loudonville, where the Workman and Priest families settled during the early pioneer days and traded with the Indians. They are among the old families of the locality and both are represented extensively throughout this section of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf became the parents of two children: Iona Pearl, who died at the age of twentyone years; and Iva Leone, the wife of George W. Carey, who resides with Mr.

Mr. Wolf is a member of the Baptist church of Loudonville, of which his father was one of the charter members, and is a trustee and deacon, being interested in the different phases of the church work. In polities he is a democrat but he has never held nor desired public office, preferring rather to concentrate his energies and attention upon his private interests which, carefully managed, have brought him a gratifying measure of success. Public-spirited in his citizenship and upright in his manhood, he has won the regard and esteem of his fellowmen and has drawn about himself a wide circle of warm friends.

George W. Carey

Although still. a young man in years, George W. Carey has, through diligence and perseverance, advanced step by step in the business world until he now occupies a creditable place in business circles of Loudonville. A native of Green township, Ashland county, Ohio, he was born September 6, 1875, and with the exception of a year or two, has always lived in this locality. His parents, Charles Lincoln and Sarah E. (Stull) Carey, were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively, the father having spent almost his entire life on the farm upon which the son was born.

Upon the homestead farm George W. Carey passed the days of his boyhood and youth, assisting his father in the work of the fields until 1899, when he removed to Montana and secured work there on a ranch. He remained thus actively engaged for only one year, when he returned to his former home. During his sojourn in Montana he had a very narrow escape, having been mistaken for another man and shot at three times, the bullets ploughing the earth at his feet. He subsequently came to Loudonville and was here employed in a furniture factory for six months. He then started to learn the barber's trade and after an apprenticeship of about six months he established himself in business on his own account. Beginning with a small three-chair shop, he gradually extended his business until eventually his enterprise was the largest of this kind in Loudonville. His connection with this line of activity extended from 1904 until 1908. In the latter year he sold his shop and became interested in the automobile business, to which he is now devoting his entire time. He is the agent for the Buick and Cameron air-cooled machines, and his energy and perseverance, combined with good business ability, are important factors in the success of the companies he represents in this district.

In 1903 was celebrated the marriage of George W. Carey and Iva Leone, a native of Ashland county and a daughter of John Peterson and Anna UL. (Workman) Wolf, both natives of Ohio, who now reside in Loudonville. Extended mention of them is made on another page of this volume. In polities Mr. Carey is allied with the republican party, although the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, the duties of his private business affairs demanding his entire time and attention. He has been quick to recog- nize his opportunities and each change that has come to him has been a forward step in his business career. Mr. and Mrs. Carey have many friends in this city who entertain for them a warm regard.

John Kuffman Staman

It is not alone the long years of his residence in Mifflin township that entitles John Kuffman Staman to representation in this volume, but the kind of life that he has led, whereby he has become a valued citizen in the community. He has long been identified with its growth and industrial interests and at the same time has not been unknown in connection with public affairs. Today he is conducting his place as a summer resort as well as for the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and the Staman farm is popular with many summer visitors. Ashland county was a part of Richland county at the time of the birth of our subject, whose natal day was March 8, 1833, and the place of his nativity Mifflin township. His paternal grandparents were Jacob and Barbara (Hershey) Staman, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father built a mill in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, during the war of 1812, as did his brother-in-law, Jacob Musser. At that time wheat was selling at three dollars and sixty cents per bushel but when the war was over the price fell to sixty cents and they sufferd heavy losses, resulting in their failure. About eight years later they came to Ohio. The maternal grandparents of John K. Staman were Dr. John and Barbara (Brubaker) Kuffman, natives of Pennsylvania. The Staman, Kuffman, Brubaker, Hershey and Musser families, together with many others, were Swiss Mennonites and were the first families who loeated in Laneaster county, Pennsylvania, by the invitation of William Penn in 1709. Later many of their descendants came to Ohio. After that first settlement colonies of Mennonites made the voyage to the new world and practically settled Laneaster county, Pennsylvania. The name of Staman was originally spelled Stehmann but has undergone various changes since the first of the name came to the new world, various spellings being adopted, including Staman, Stamen and Stemen. Removing westward to Ohio, Jacob and Barbara (Hershey) Staman spent their last days in Ashland county. Their son, Benjamin Staman, was the father of our subject. He was born in Laneaster county, Pennsylvania, as was his wife, Anna Kuffman. However they came to Ashland county with their respective parents about 1827 and were married here, spending their remaining days in Mifflin township. The death of Mrs. Staman occurred when she was seventy-three years of age, while Mr. Staman reached the age of seventy- Six years, surviving his wife a number of years. He was a farmer and miller and lived a life of well directed industry and thrift. Unto them were born a family of five children: John K.; Jacob B., who died at the age of nineteen years; Christian C., who is a neighbor of John K.; Barbara Ann, who died at the age of four years; and one who died unnamed in infancy.

John Kuffman Staman has spent his entire life in this county and has a very wide acquaintance here. During his boyhood days he was an invalid and at times it was thought that he would never reach manhood. The outdoor life however, proved beneficial and he gained his strength and vigor as the years went by. Through the period of his minority he worked on the home farm and in his father's sawmill. He had charge of the mill for forty-nine years as head sawyer, being employed there from the time that he was old enough to do any work in connection with the mill. He had advanced only a little distance on the journey of life when he took up the work of dressing lumber, and he became thoroughly conversant with every department of the business. | As opportunity offered he acquired his education in the common schools and also taught school for one term. Afterward going to Ashland he there pursued some preparatory work and subsequently again engaged in teaching through two winter terms, having about ninety pupils for eleven days one term and one day nearly one hundred while teaching in the village of Mifflin. As it was impossible for one person to hear all of the classes he had the older. scholars assist him in teaching the younger ones. It was regarded in the community as a splendid school, the work done being of a thorough and practical character. - After he had taught his first term he commanded the highest price of any teacher in the township. Putting aside the work of the schoolroom, however, he concentrated his energies upon farming and milling. For three years, however, he had an interest in a tannery in Mansfield in association with the lumber. Tle was at one time the owner of one hundred and forty acres of the old homestead which comprised one hundred and eighty acres of land, being made up of parts of three quarter sections in Pleasant township on the north side of the village of Mifflin.

Mr. Staman now has a fine home and good outbuildings upon his farm, his residence being situated on a hill which is a natural building site and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. With his own hands Mr. Staman aided in the erection of all of the buildings, for he is a natural mechanic and can do almost anything in wood or iron work. His life has been a very busy and useful one, in which there have been few leisure moments. He has made every hour count to the utmost and his place bears evidence of the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it. This is indeed one of the most beautiful spots in the county and during the past thirteen years Mr. Staman has entertained people from all parts of this country and has also had visitors from England, France, Switzerland and ITolland, and no one has ever been dissatisfied with the accommodations afforded.

In 1869 Mr. Staman was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Graybill, who was born in this county in 1847, and is a daughter of Samuel.and Elizabeth Graybill. Her father was a Swiss Mennonite, who went to.Germany and thence eame to the new world. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Staman has been blessed with five children: .Annie, the wife of Harry Lemon, of Ashland; Clara D., at home; Willard G., living in Mifflin; Frank K., who died at the age of twenty-three years; and Ray M., at home.

In his political views Mr. Staman is a stalwart republican. The family were originally whigs but all voted for Fremont, espousing the cause of the new republiean party on its organization. Mr. Staman of this review has voted the state and national ticket since that time, never missing an election, for he believes that its principles contain the best elements of good government. He well remembers when William Henry Harrison visited this district during his presidential campaign, although he was but a little lad of seven years at the time. He has held school offices during the greater part of his life and the cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart champion, for he recognizes the value of intellectual training as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. Religiously he is connected with the Lutheran church of Mifflin. Tle has now reached the age of seventy-six years and is still an active factor in the business interests of the township in which he has always lived. His record is indeed a creditable one, winning for him the confidence and good will of all who know him.

James B. Chase

James B. Chase, superintendent of the Ashland county infirmary, in which connection his service has been entirely satisfactory to all concerned, was born near Navarre, in Stark county, Ohio, August 27, 1856. He is a son of Hon. James FE. and Jane (Doty) Chase, natives of Vermont and Ohio respectively. Both spent their last days, however, in Ashland county, where Mr. Chase died in 1900 at the age of seventy-six years, while his wife passed away in 1888 at the age of sixty-six years. He had taken up his abode in Stark county, Ohio, during his childhood days, accompanying his parents on their removal to this state, and there he was reared to farm life. He not only was prominent as an agriculturist but was also active in political circles and did not a little to mold publie thought and opinion. For two terms he served in the state legislature as the representative from Stark county and after the Civil war broke out he represented Ashland county in the general assembly, his first election being followed by his selection for the position for a second term. It was in February, 1862, that he removed to this county and spent his remaining days upon a farm in Jackson township. He held a number of township and other local. offices and was a life long demoerat. His chief political service, however, was as a member of the Ohio assembly, where he gave earnest support to various valuable measures that are now found upon the statue books of the state. He was actuated in all that he did by a desire for the public good and hig loyalty and patriotic service stood as an unquestioned fact in his career. Unto him and his wife were born seven children. Mary and Ellen were twins, the former now the widow of J. J. Moore of Effingham county, Illinois, while the latter is the widow of David Wise and resides in Polk, Ohio. Samantha A. is the wife of P. A. Myers, of Ashland. James B. is the fourth.in order of birth. Orlin D. is living in Cleveland. Sherwood M. is a resident of Columbus, and Nelson H., is residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

James B. Chase was five years of age when his parents removed to Ashland county, settling on a farm two miles south of Polk. There he was reared. his experiences being such as usually fall to the lot of farm lads. His early aie cation, acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study in the Polk high school and in the Lodi Academy and the Vermillion Institute at Hayes- ville. His education was all acquired in this county and after teaching for one term in the county, he spent five terms as a teacher in the schools of Effiingham county, Illinois, and three terms in Dakota territory. While in that section of the country he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Spink county, began the improvement of the place and resided thereon for nearly five years.

Mr. Chase was married while in Illinois, the lady of his choice being Miss Fannie L. Landenberg, who was born near Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1858, and was a daughter of Aaron and Susan (Foster) Landenberg, who were natives of Kentucky but died in Illinois. It was on the 4th of January, 1883, that their daughter Fannie gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Chase. While they were living in Dakota the wife's health failed and they returned to Ashland county in 1887. Mr. Chase then engaged in farming in Jackson township until appointed to his present position as superintendent of the Ashland county infirmary. His appointment was made on the 22d of October, 1903, and on the Ist of January, 1904, he assumed the duties of the position, in which he has since continued by annual reappointment.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Chase were born two sons: Don L., a student in the Ohio State University, where he is pursuing a civil engineering course; and Fay E., who resides on his father's farm of fifty-three acres in Montgomery township. He married Dora Long, a daughter of David Long. The wife and mother passed away February 17, 1890, and on the 27th of April, 1892, Mr. Chase was again married, to Miss Lilly V. Landenberg, a sister of his first wife.

In his political views Mr. Chase is a democrat, always giving stanch support to the party. For two years he was appointed county infirmary superintendent when the board had a republican majority. While living in South Dakota he was clerk of the school board for three years, the board having charge of two civil townships. During his incumbency four schoolhouses were built and nineteen hundred dollars worth of bonds were sold. For the past twelve years he has been 2 member of the Knights of the Maccabees and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Ashland. Throughout his entire life he has commanded the confidence and good will of all who know him and his personal worth as well as his business ability entitles him to the position which he is now filling in a most creditable manner.

Maurice Frink

John and Mary Frink, remote ancestors of the subject of this review, came to this country from England in 1631, on the sailing vessel Lion, and settled in Massachusetts. The family is remarkable from a military point of view, having representatives in many of the country's wars, the great-great-grandfather, John Frink and four of his sons having participated in the struggle for American independence, in which conflict Thomas Frink, one of the sons, was fife major, the fife he played also being used by his son Thomas in the strife with Great a prized heirloom and highly treasured by Mrs. Trimble, a relative, as an evidence of the valuable services which her ancestors have rendered this country. The great-great-grandfather and great-grandfather of Maurice Frink were with General Washington at the battle of Saratoga, in which they acquitted themselves with bravery and distinction.

Maurice Frink's mother's people came from Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in the early '30s, settling in Orange township, this county, his paternal ancestors having also been pioneers of this part of the country, both families having engaged against the great odds of pioneer days with other settlers in their struggle to place themselves in circumstances favorable to their subsistence. Perry W. Frink, his father, wedded Mary A. Ling. He came with his parents from Madison county, New York, in 1836, and settled near Wellington where they remained for a year, subsequently removing to Sullivan township, which at that time was a dense forest. Mr. Frink later applied himself to his trade of shoemaking, conducting a shop until the year 1856, his business prospering to such an extent as to require the employment of several hands, this number being required since in those days, there being no machinery for the manufacture of boots and shoes, these products had to be made solely by hand. In this business he acquired considerable means and finally gave up the occupation and resorted to farming, having purchased a tract of valuable land, on which he pursued agriculture until his death, February 1, 1903, and he was buried February 4, of that year on his eighty-third birthday anniversary, his wife departing this life October 13, 1892. Of their family those surviving are: Maurice; Jennie M., widow of A. S. Clarke, residing in Bradford, Pennsylvania; and Edwin P., who for many years was a railway mail clerk on the Pennsylvania lines but is now engaged in the real-estate business in the state of Washington.

Maurice Frink was employed on his father's farm, where he spent his boyhood days and youth, in the meantime acquiring his preliminary education in the district schools and subsequently pursuing a course of study in Oberlin College, after leaving which institution he taught in the district schools, of Medina county for four years during the winter term, working on the home farm the remaining months of the year. Following his marriage which occurred in 1879 Mr. Frink continued the pursuit of agriculture until 1892 when he established himself in the hay and grain business in Sullivan in company with his brother-in-law, George C. McConnell, continuing in this business until 1907 when he withdrew from the concern and now confines his energies to performing the duties of postmaster, to which station he was appointed in 1896.

On December 10, 1879, Mr. Frink wedded Miss Addie C. McConnell daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Miller) McConnell, her father being : prominent farmer and influential citizen of Jackson township, and to this union were born two children: Clara M., who passed away in 1900 in her seventeenth year and who had been graduated from the Sullivan high school and was esteemed for her rare attainments; and Leon M., who wedded Lulu, daughter of Ernest A. and Ina Johnson, residents of South Dakota, the young couple having two children, Yvonne and Enid A. Mr. Frink has served Sullivan township in a ORG IG tor cine cea for three years and justice and aside from being a notary public, the duties of which office he has been performing for a long season, he is clerk of the township and of the board of education. In polities he is a republican, active in the affairs of his party and is an ardent supporter of measures purposing the betterment of the conditions of the community. Being a public spirited citizen, who desires the business progress of the community, he has engaged in promoting a number of enterprises and was active in the organization of the Sullivan Telephone Company, which has developed into a strong local concern, of which he is secretary, being a man of excellent executive judgment, he has been successful in all his business undertakings, having by his industry and enterprise accumulated a comfortable fortune and is now living in retirement as a substantial citizen of this place, justly meriting the reputation he courts as a leading and worthy citizen.

Nathaniel McDowell Coe was numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war and was a citizen whose influence was always given on the side of progress, reform and improvement. He had long been connected with agricultural interests and was thus identified with the business affairs of the community, his home being located on section 33, Green township, where he owned and cultivated one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was born near Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, May 26, 1834, a son of James and Maria (McDowell) Coe, natives of Jefferson county, Ohio, and Washington county, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father died on the old home farm in Hanover township, this county, while the mother afterward spent eight years in the home of her son, Nathaniel, and then passed away. They were the parents of ten children, of whom one son, Joseph, was mortally wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and died a few days later. ;

Nathaniel M. Coe, whose name introduces this record, spent the first eleven years of his life in the county of his nativity and the work of the farm in all of its various phases became familiar to him. In 1845 the family removed to Ashland county, settling in Hanover township upon a farm bordering Clear Fork. There Nathaniel Coe remained until his marriage, when he purchased the farm that now belongs to his widow, making his home thereon until his death. He was an enterprising, practical and progressive man, his place of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 33, Green township, a mile and a half south of Perrysville, being a well improved property. He brought the fields under a high state of cultivation, erected good buildings upon his land, divided the place into fields of convenient size, had well kept fences and secured the latest improved machinery to promote the farm work. He taught school in early life but otherwise gave his attention entirely to general agricultural pursuits throughout his business career.

There came an interruption to his work, however, in his service in the Civil war for in May, 1861, Mr. Coe responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company HK, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the call for seventy-five thousand men to serve for three months. On the expiration of that term he reenlisted on the 10th of October, 1861, becoming a member of Company BE, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until December 4, 1864. He then again offered his services to the government, veteranizing as a member of Company H, Sixth Regiment of United States Veteran Volunteer Infantry on the 22d of March, 1865. Under this enlistment he served until the 21st of March, 1866. He was sergeant during his three years' term of service and did clerical duty in the adjutant general's office during his third enlistment. He was three times wounded and on other occasions his clothing was pierced by bullets. At the battle of Chickamauga he sustained a wound in the leg and fell into the hands of the rebels but was exchanged on parole on the 28th of September, 1863. He returned to the regiment which, in the following May, participated in the Atlanta campaign, and he was wounded in the battle of Franklin, but not severely. That was the most hotly contested engagement in which he participated throughout the war and he was in the thickest of the fight. _ He continued on military duty until almost a year after the surrender of General Lee and his record was that of a brave and fearless soldier who never faltered in his allegiance to the old flag and the cause which it represented.

Following his return from the war Mr. Coe was married in 1867 and not long afterward purchased a farm, turning his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He also gave his attention to other pursuits, having in 1888 purchased the Perrysville mills, which he operated until 1894. As stated it was in 1867, that Mr. Coe was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Letitia Jane Tannehill, who was born August 24, 1838, on the farm where she now resides and which has always been her home. Her parents were Melzar and Sarah (Oliver) Tannehill, the former born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1801, while the mother's birth occurred in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1797. He was a son of Melzar and Eleanor (Lyle) Tannehill. The Tannehill family is of Scotch lineage and was founded in America by John Tannehill, the father of Melzar Tannehill, Sr., who, with two brothers, came to America about 1745. He married Rachael, a daughter of John and Rachael Adamson, who were natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. John Tannehill had eight sons, of whom Adamson, Josiah and Bazil, the three oldest. served in the Revolutionary war, the first two holding official rank. The last named died on board the old Jersey prison ship. Adamson Tannehill was born June 23, 1750, in Maryland, and was the first to volunteer for service in the war for independence. He enlisted from Maryland in 1775 as a duty sergeant in a company commanded by Captain Price and in September following he was promoted to the third lhheutenaney in the same company while before: Boston, and soon afterward was commissioned with rank of first lieutenant and later Captain. He was present at the capture of the Hessians at Trenton and was also at Princeton when the enemy abandoned that place. The remainder of the campaign was spent in the enemy's lines with a special command from General Washington. In 1777 he joined the celebrated Partisans Rifle Corps (sharpshooters) under General Daniel Morgan and acted as his body guard on the day on which Burgoyne surrendered his troops to Morgan at Saratoga. Subsequently he iarehed to Frederickstown with a detachment of prisoners taken on that occasion and was later ordered to Fort Pitt with the remainder of Rawling's regiment which he commanded after the reorganization of the American army. At the close of the war he was breveted lieutenant colonel, spending his remaining days in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. At the time of the second war with England he again offered his aid to the country and served as a brigadier general in the war of 1812. He was a very prominent and influential man in his part of the state and was twice elected to represent Allegheny county in congress. He died December 23, 1820. The other two, brothers, although perhaps less distinguished, were no less faithful to their country in the time of peril. Melzar Tannehill, Sr., another son of the same family, having arrived at years of maturity, was married to Miss Eleanor Lyle, who was born September 10, 1767, in Ireland and in her girlhood days went to Pennsylvania with her parents, Charles and Letitia (Campbell) Lyle. They established their home in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1774 and afterward went to Pittsburg. They had three daughters and one son, ineluding Mrs. Melzar Tannehill, Sr. In 1810 Melzar Tannehill, Sr., came to this county and entered from the government a farm upon which his granddaughter, Mrs. Coe, now resides. In the following spring he removed his family to the place and established his home in the midst of the western wilderness. Two of his sons, Charles and Bazil, had come ahead of the family, had cleared a field, planted some corn and built a cabin, so that some preparation had been made for the other members of the household upon their arrival. Mr. and Mrs. Melzar Tannehill, Sr., spent their remaining days upon this place. They had a family of ten children, one of whom died in Pennsylvania, while the others came to Ashland county. During the spring after his arrival Mr. Tannehill set out an orchard which was propagated by seed given by that well known philanthropist who realized what it would mean to future generations to have orchards planted throughout the country, so largely distributing free seeds that he was called throughout the west '' Johnnie Appleseed.''

His son, Melzar Tannehill, Jr., was but ten years of age when the family arrived in Ohio and here he was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life. Having arrived at adult age he wedded Sarah Oliver, a daughter of Allen and Elizabeth (Kinney) Oliver. Her paternal grandparents were Daniel and Mary Oliver, who removed from New Jersey to Washington county, Pennsylvania, after the Revolutionary war. Her maternal grandparents were Louis and Mary (Brower) Kinney, natives of New Jersey, who removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania, and afterward to Ashland county, Ohio, where their last days were passed. Their daughter Elizabeth was born in New Jersey, November 9, 1762, and in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Allen Oliver, who was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, in May, 1759. They became the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Coe. Mr. Oliver died near Perrysville, Ohio, September 28, 1823, and his wife died in the same locality October 13, 1828. It was their daughter Letitia Jane who became the wife of Mr. Coe. She was one of a family of five children. Elizabeth became the wife of James A. Van Horn and after his death married Wilson Enos. Iler death occurred in 1900. Charles Lyle, the second member of the family, died February 12, 1908, at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he spent the greater part of his life. Nancy Eleanor resides with Mrs. Coe. Mary died in 1884. Mrs. Coe is the youngest and by her marriage became the mother of seven children: Stella Grace, Eleanor Winifred and Anna Louise, all at home; Mary Leila, the wife of H. M. Doty, residing in Reading, Pennsylvania; Sarah Letitia, the wife of L. F. Ayers, whose home is about a mile west of Loudonville; and Olive Maria, at home. The only son of the family, J. Willard, died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Coe was a stalwart republican and his fellow townsmen called him to serve in several local offices. He filled the position of township trustee and was also officially connected with the schools. He was deeply interested in the intellectual and moral progress of the community and was a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church of Perrysville, in which he served as an elder for twenty-four years and as a trustee and treasurer for many years. He belonged to Zeigler Post, G. A. R., of Perrysville, and was very active in temperance work, and in fact supported every movement which he believed would aid in uplifting humanity and promoting the moral progress of the community. In matters of citizenship he was as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. | Friendship was to him no mere idle term. He was always loyal to those in whom he reposed confidence and he judged men, not by their position, but by their character worth. He left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name and in Ashland county those of his household who survive him are proving themselves, as he ever did, worthy citizens of the community. After a useful and well spent life he passed away February 15, 1897.

Solomon Hohenshil

Kighty years ago Chester township was an almost unbroken portion and in the midst of a heavily wooded district stood a little log cabin in which Solomon Hohenshil was born, his natal day being January 6, 1829. His parents were Conrad and Barbara (Painter) Hohenshil, both of whom were natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents came from Germany and settled in the Keystone state prior to the opening of the Revolutionary war. The grandfather Hohenshil acted as teamster for the colonial army during the progress of hostilities and when away from home the British troops made a raid upon his place and burned the house.

In the early years of the nineteenth century John Painter, the maternal grandfather, came to Ohio and entered the land upon which his son-in-law Conrad Hohenshil, located in 1822. At that time the entire tract was ee with forest, the trees were very thick and in fact the wooded regions were so dense that a clearing had to be made for a space upon which to build a little cabin home.

In that primitive dwelling Mr. -and Mrs. Conrad Hohenshil began their married life. The house had a puncheon floor and the wide fireplace served both for heating and cooking. There was much wild game to be had and it

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY WB8yfurnished food and also offered excitement to those who enjoyed hunting. Mr. Painter had three tracts of land entered, two of one hundred and sixty acres each and one of eighty acres, upon which Conrad Hohenshil located. There in the little cabin home he reared his family. - Unto him and his wife were born eight children, Peter, Mary, John, Solomon, Lydia, Sarah, Caroline and Ely. The last named died in youth, while the others all grew to manhood and womanhood and remained residents of Ohio with the exception of Lydia, who died at her home near Bay City, Michigan, in the spring of 1908. The other sisters are all living but Solomon Hohenshil is the only son who survives. The father was a shoemaker by trade and worked at that occupation during the winter months. He cleared his land and tilled the soil during the summer seasons until his sons were able to take charge of the cultivation of the fields, after which he gave his entire time and energies to shoemaking until his death, which oceurred December 2, 1873. His wife died July 2, 1838. He had accumulated a substantial competency, having given his entire attention to his business affairs. He was a quiet and conservative man and in early life a devoted member of the Lutheran church, while later he became connected with the United Brethren church. | He reared his family to reverence God and morality and to follow the strictest principles of integrity.

Solomon Hohenshil remained on the old home farm until nineteen years of age and obtained his education in a little log schoolhouse in the midst of the forest. He then took up the tinner's trade under the direction of a cousin, Jacob Painter, at Congress, Wayne county, Ohio, and after completing his apprenticeship acted as manager of a tin shop in Pittsburg, Ohio, for one year and also spent a year in the same way in Lattsburg, Ohio. In March, 1851, he engaged in the tinning and hardware business on his own account in Rowsburg and is the only business man now living who resided in that village when he took up his abode there. In addition to conducting a hardware store he has also handled farm implements and has been recognized as one of the reliable and representative merchants of the community, winning the trust and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact through business or social relations.

On the Ist of May, 1850, Mr. Hohenshil was married to Miss Catherine McHose, a daughter of Isaac McHose, a native of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio late in life. In the east he had engaged in the milling and hotel business. Mr. and Mrs. Hohenshil have one daughter, Allavista S., now the wife of F. E. Myers, a prominent manufacturer of Ashland. Mrs. Hohenshil departed this life June 5, 1900, and was laid to rest in a cemetery at Rowsburg. She had for many years heldea prominent place in the life of that village and her many admirable qualities won her the friendship and love of those with whom she was associated.

In his political views Mr. Hohenshil is a democrat in his: belief concerning principles, yet he is so strongly partisan' that he will not vote for a republican when he thinks the best interests of the community will be conserved thereby. He has held the office of township treasurer for more than twenty years, was justice of the peace six years and was school director for many years. In all these positions he has discharged his duties with a singleness of purpose that none has questioned and his reelection indicates the trust reposed in hm. His influence is always on the side of justice, truth and right. When twelve years of age he joined the United Brethren church and has since been loyal to its teachings. He has held various offices in the church, has been superintendent of the Sunday school for years and has always been a church and Sunday school worker. He wisely values his own self-respect and that of his fellowmen as infinitely preferable to wealth, fame or position and while he is now comfortably situated in life, he has never won his success at the cost of his honor nor at the sacrifice of the interests of others.

George W. Emerick

George W. Emerick, one of the county commissioners, serving now for the third year while his incumbency will continue for two years more, is also accounted one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturalists of Lake township. He owns and occupies a farm that has long been in possession of the family. He is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Green) Emerick and a grandson of John and Mary (Troutman) Emerick. His grandfather died here of smallpox many years ago, after which the grandmother went to Van Wert county, Ohio, for a visit and there passed away ten years following her husband's demise. They had a family of five sons and five daughters, all of whom reached adult age.

Jacob Emerick, father of George W. Emerick, was born in Lancaster county Pennsylvania, and accompanied his parents to Ashland county in .1820. He purchased a farm of about four hundred acres on the west side of Mohican creek in Lake township, there built a cabin and made a clearing, after which he returned to Pennsylvania and the following year brought his family to this state. The remainder of his life was here passed. He entered his land from the government and gave his time and attention to its cultivation and development throughout his remaining days. He was prominent in public affairs and served as county commissioner for some years. He wedded Miss Sarah Green, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, and they became the parents of five sons and five daughters. The father departed this life in 1864 at the age of fifty-six years, while the mother died in 1885 at the age of eighty years. Of their children seven are deceased, while one brother and one sister of our subject are yet living.