Ashland City (part 57 of 57)

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

John Cole

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

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

In November, 1851, Mr. Cole was united in marriage to Hannah Jane White, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, who was born on a farm adjoining that on which her husband was born. She was a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Got) White, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former, however, coming of Irish lineage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cole were born seven children, namely: A. E., a resident of Greene county, Iowa, who has four sons and two daughters; Margaret Jane, the wife of Clark Graven, also residing in Greene county, Iowa, by whom she has four sons and two daughters; Wesley Curtis, living in Cleveland, who is the father of three sons; Nancy A., who married M. MeCardy, of Indiana, and has one son; Ida the deceased wife of M. M Darling, by whom she h s0n ; at pie pat acres in a eae nate Mis eae ¢ ai Seale os father's farm lying in that county ; Pit Hom ep any ha Se a ying é MG er F., the father of four children three sons and one daughter, who resides with his father- and assists in ihe operation of his farm. The wife and mother was ea 15, 1897, at the age of sixty-eight vears, seven se as nS Se oa perating a threshing machine. . In polities he is an independent democrat, but he has never sought nor desired public office. However, he is greatly interested in all that phe tains to general welfare and lends his cooperation to all movements that have for their ultimate aim the progress and upbuilding of the community in which he resides. He enjoys the respect and good will of his neighbors and friends and is recognized as one of the prosperous and representative agriculturists of his section of the county.

Joseph W. Houseman

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

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

In 1894 Mr. Houseman was united in marriage to Artie Hopkins, a daughter of Charles Hopkins, an agriculturist of Huron county, this state, and to this uniou have been born Charles Chester and Elizabeth Christine, twins; and Edwin 8.

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

F, E. Harris

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

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

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

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

M. J. Wolf

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

Reared on the home farm until sixteen years of age, M. J. Wolf then came to Loudonville and entered the grocery store of Jacob Brecheisen as a clerk. He continued in this connection for some time and later, when he felt that his means permitted, he embarked in business on his own account and in partnership with C.F. Goll established a grocery and crockery business, employing five clerks to handle the trade, much of the success of the concern being attributable to the efficiency and perseverance of Mr. Wolf. This relation continued for eighteen years and then Mr. Wolf sold his interest in the firm to Mr. Goll and became connected with the Loudonville Banking Company as assistant cashier, remaining in*this position until the company was reorganized and incorporated under the name of the First National Bank, at which time he was made assistant cashier. To his efforts is due much of the success of the institution. In 1905 he was prime mover and factor in the organization and establishment of the - Citizens Savings Bank, and in August, 1909, was elected cashier, which position he still holds, being very active in all its affairs. While a member of the firm of Wolf & Goll, engaging in the grocery business, Mr. Wolf was also connected for six years with the Loudonville Furniture Company as secretary, treasurer and general manager. Under the stimulus of his executive ability the business prospered but subsequently failed after he severed his connection with the enterprise. Not alone in financial, industrial and commercial circles has he been a well known factor, for his fellowmen, recognizing his ability and true worth as a citizen, elected him on the democratic ticket treasurer of the township, which position he occupied for two terms, while for eight years he served on the city council. In September, 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Wolf and Mary Ann Goll, a sister of C. F. Goll and a native of Shanesville, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Her parents were George and Maria (Smith) Goll, natives of Germany and Switzerland respectively, who emigrated to the United States in early life and were married in Stark county, Ohio.

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

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

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

In 1875 Mr. Kettenring was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Miller, a native of Washington township, Holmes county, Ohio, her natal day being April 13, 1856. Her parents, Frederick and Katharine (Swaidner) Miller, were born in Bavaria, Germany, and Columbiana. county, Ohio, respectively, the father coming to the United States at the age of seventeen years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller passed away in Holmes county, Ohio, and all of their eleven children, with the exception of one who died at the age of fourteen years, lived to reach maturity. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kettenring have been born the following children: Clara Ida, the wife of J. 8. Barr, of Cleveland, by whom she has three sons, Brick, Robert E. and Paul; Dora Anna, who is the wife of Frank Carey, of Green township, and has one child, Vera Margaret; Minnie, who died in infancy; and Clarence William, at home. He is a graduate of Loudonville high school and the Fort Wayne Business College of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was married June 3, 1908, to Freda B. Lemon of Loudonville.

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

George J. Leonhart

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

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

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

J. W. Brown

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

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

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

William James Simms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peter Shafrr

Peter Shafer started in business life on his own account with three sheep but became known as one of the extensive sheep raisers of Ashland county and is now classed with its prosperous and representative farmers, owning and cultivating four hundred and ten acres of land in Green and Mohican townships. His birth occurred near McKay, in Green township, January 20, 1839. His grandfather, Charles Shafer, spent his entire. life in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he carried on business as a weaver of coverlets. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and assisted in carrying Lafayette off the field when that French nobleman was wounded. The maternal grandfather of our subject was George Black, a native of Pennsylvania who came to Ohio in the 730s and here died.

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

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

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

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

Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children: Mary, the wife of Robert Jones, a farmer of Vermillion township; Malissa, the wife of John Frank, of Green township; Edward, living in Hanover township; John, who followed farming in Vermillion township ; Milton, residing in Mohican township ; Bertha, the wife of Watson Donaldson, of Mohican township; and Clara, at home. Mr. Shafer has always been a hard worker, carefully carrying on his business interests, and his enterprise has brought to him a substantial measure of success.

Jeremiah Wolf

Jeremiah Wolf, better known as ''Jerry,'' a member of the firm of Thomas, Myers & Wolf, lumber merchants, occupies a prominent position in the commercial and financial circles of Ashland. A native of Richland county, Ohio, his birth occurred October 15, 1851, and he is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Arnold) Wolf, the former a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Richland county, this state. The father pursued agriculture in Blooming Grove township, where he and his wife resided until they entered into rest.

Jeremiah Wolf was reared under the tender care of his parents, who enrolled him as a pupil at the public schools when he had attained the required age, and after receiving his preliminary education he was given the advantage of a course of study in a high school in Wayne county, this state, where he prepared himself to teach school. When nineteen years of age he applied himself to that occupation, following it for six years. He taught during the winter months in the schools of Richland county, spending the summer in agricultural pursuits. Upon giving up teaching he turned his attention to farming, at which he made quite a success and he now owns one of the finest farms in this vicinity containing one hundred and twenty acres. Leaving his farm in 1893 he went to Shiloh, where he turned his attention to the stock business, in which enterprise he had taken considerable interest for several years in connectiou with his farming pursuits, and while in that city he also became associated with the banking business, conducting a private institution by himself. Subse: quently he organized the Shiloh Bank & Savings Company and was made president of the last named institution, the duties of which office he performed for some time, when, upon deciding to remove to Ashland and feeling that the interests of the bank had better be handled by a resident he resigned his office as president although he still retains a financial interest in the concern and is consulted in its business investments. In the fall of 1903 Mr. Wolf located in .Ashland and in March, 1906, purchased an interest in the lumber business of J. W. Myers & Company, which was later conducted under the name of Thomas, Myers & Wolf. He was also one of the organizers of the Ashland Bank & Savings Company, being a member of the board of directors of that institution. He is a man of excellent business ability and judgment, possessed of a remarkable degree of enterprise and activity and is a leading factor in the financial affairs of this city. Aside from his extensive business interests here he is also concerned in real estate in other places and owns a half interest in a valuable farm of eighty acres located in Montgomery township, one mile east of this city.

On October 30, 1872, Mr. Wolf wedded Miss Alzina Crum, a native of Butler township, Richland county, and to this union was born one child, who is deceased. Mr. Wolf is well known in fraternal organizations, being a member of Shiloh Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of Plymouth Chapter, R. A. M. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, where he attends divine services and to which he is a liberal contributor, and, being a man of recognized business ability, whose efforts in commercial lines have not only effected his own prosperity but also that of the community at large, he justly deserves a place among the city's most worthy and beneficial citizens.

John E. Brubaker

John E. Brubaker, one of the leading business men of Ashland, this county, was born here, Apfil 1, 1870, a son of John W. and Eliza (Barr) Brubaker, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the birth of the father occurred in 1822 and that of the mother in 1826. They died here in the years 1902 and 1901 respectively. The father came to this state when a boy with his parents, Peter and Katherine (Albert) Brubaker, who settled on one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, and when he became old enough he assisted his father in clearing the farm, in the meantime taking advantage of the educational opportunities afforded by the village schools. He remained at home until he became of age, when he purchased a farm of his own containing one hundred and twenty-seven acres of land, the greater portion of which he cleared and upon which he remained until 1882, when he purchased a home in the village of Ashland, there spending his remaining days in retirement. He was a man of great reserve who was not affiliated with any secret societies or fraternal organizations, preferring to live in quiet and devote his leisure time to his family. Politically he was a democrat, and as to his religious convictions a member of that denomination of Christians known as Dunkards, in the creed of which he was a firm believer. In his family were the following children: Mrs. Harriet Kohler; Mrs. Anna Reep; Mrs. May Hoot; Cornelius; John E.; Mrs. Adeline Backhouse; and Mrs. Sarah Baum.

John EK. Brubaker was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the Ashland schools and when twenty vears of age he took his first step in the business world as a clerk for Brown & Landis. general merchants. remaining with them urtil he had become familiar with the various phases of the enterprise. He then launched out in the same business for himself and carried it on for a period of five vears. meeting with such suecess that at the expiration of that time he had amassed sufficient means to enable him to buy the business in which he is now engaged. In March, 1908. he sold a half interest to Mr. McCullough. the firm becoming known as Brubaker & McCullough. The company transacts an annual busiress of approximately forty-eight thousand dollars, and the enterprise is one of the largest in this part of the state. It has attained its present proportions and acquired its vast volume of trade. almost exclusively through the business ability and careful management of Mr. Brubaker. His commercial enterprises are not alone confined to this business as he is a director of the United States Cement Block Machine and the United States Cement Mixer Company, in which company he is also a heavy stockholder.

On November 13, 1896, Mr. Brubaker was united in marriage to Miss Stella Hess, daughter of Chris and Elizabeth Hess, whose birth occurred here February 17, 1872. To this union have been born Ruth, who is in her twelfth year; and John Robert, whose birth occurred December 30, 1905. It is the purpose of their parents to give them the full advantage of a higher education.

Mr. Brubaker gives his allegiance to the democratic party, is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious convictions are on the side of Lutheranism and with his wife he attends divine services at a church of that denomination. He owns one of the finest residences in this part of the county and it is of modern architecture, containing every convenience and located outside the city limits on a beautiful tract of land containing forty-three acres. He has added to his home every comfort with which to facilitate happiness and enjoyment. Mr. Brubaker's enterprise has already made him a man of affairs, and being still young, by the manifestation of the admirable business qualities he has already shown, the future undoubtedly reserves for him a still higher position in the financial circles of the county.

George W. Walter

George W. Walter has not confined his time and attention to one I' ie of business activity, but is today equally well known in agricultural, industrial and political circles of Green and Hanover townships, his energy and enterprise having brought him into prominence in the communities in which he has resided.

A native of Ohio, he was born in Brown township, Knox county, about eight miles from Loudonville, July 29, 1859, a son of Samuel and Juda (Oakes) Walter, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. Extended mention is made of them on another page of this volume. George W. Walter was one of a family of seven children, five of whom are yet living. In 1860 he removed with his parents to a farm in Green township, Ashland county, where he has since continued to live.

Spending the days of his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, his ped life was not unlike that of thousands of other country lads. As his strength and years permitted, he participated more and more in the work of the fields and remained with his father, assisting him in his agricultural pursuits, until his marriage. At that time he purchased a farm of eighty acres, one-half a mile northeast of Perrysville, and continued to make this his home for seventeen years, during which time he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and they in return yielded him abundant harvests, so that as the years have come and gone he has been justified in extending his interests into other fields of activity. The farm, however, still remains in his possession. About the year 1899 he removed to Perrysville, where he remained until 1906, when he came to Loudonville, where he has since resided. That he has been popular in the communities in which he has lived and that his fellowmen have recognized his ability and worth is indicated in the fact that during his residence in Perrysville. he served as county commissioner for two terms of three years each, or from September 19, 1900, until September 17, 1906, having been elected on the demoeratic ticket. Just prior to his removal to Loudonville he served as a member of the school board of Perrysville for fifteen years, and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion. He also served as a member of the Perrysville council for three years and was constable at the time of his removal, having held that office for three years, it being his first political position. Since arriving in Loudonville he has been assessor of precinct No. 2, Green township. All of his public duties have been performed with marked promptness and faithfulness, which have won for him the hearty endorsement of his fellowmen and a place among the prominent and well known citizens of his community. He is an important factor in industrial circles, being one of the firm of Walter Brothers. & Jones, well known undertakers of Loudonville, his brothers, Nathaniel and J. C. being partners, while the fourth member is W. E. Jones. Mr. Walter and his brothers also carry on a general farming and stock-raising business on the former's farm in Green township, and together they own three fine farms in that township. Aside from their farm land they own the C. C. Coulter block in Perrysville and also possess considerable property in Loudonville, while George W. Walter is a director in the Perrysville Pottery Company of Perrysville.

On the 22d of August, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Walter and Ella M. Helbert, a daughter of Jacob and Katharine (Stephens) Helbert, and a native of Lake township, Ashland county, where her birth occurred June 18, 1864. Their family consists of two children. Ethel Leone wedded L. E. Shumacher, of Perrysville, and by her marriage has four children, George E., Berdella May, Leone and Paul Jacob. Eulalia J., the younger anusheen: vat makes her home with her parents. The family have an elegant home at the corner of Campbell and Water streets. Public spirited, Mr. Walter gives hearty support and cooperation to all measures and movements which have a direct bearing upon the welfare and upbuilding of the community, and his career has been such as to warrant the confidence and trust of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Charles C. Chapman

Charles C. Chapman, a well known representative of the legal fraternity whose ability and thorough understanding of the law are evidenced in the liberal and important clientage accorded him, was born in Mohican township, Ashland county, Ohio, May 24, 1871, his parents being Richard M. and Rhoda A. (Webster) Chapman, the former a native of Holmes county and the latter of Ashland county. The paternal grandfather was a Pennsylvanian by birth and, coming to Ohio at an early period in the development of this state, settled in Holmes county, while later he removed to this county and took up his abode in Lake township, where his remaining days were passed. He was a prominent farmer of that section and for years held the office of justice of the peace, his decisions being characterized by strict impartiality, equity and comprehensive knowledge of the law.

Following his marriage Richard M. Chapman, who was largely reared in this county, took up farming as his life work and has always devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits, winning success through his well directed labors and unfaltering industry. He now resides in Montgomery township about two and a half miles east of Ashland. He has practically retired from active life, however, having rented his land in Montgomery township, although he still lives on the farm. He is known as one of the representative and worthy citizens of that locality and enjoys the esteem of many friends. His political allegiance is stanchly given to the democratic party.

In taking up the personal history of Charles C. Chapman we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in this county, having spent his entire life within its borders. He was a pupil in the district schools in his early boyhood and in 1894 he began his career as a teacher, . following that profession through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he engaged in farming. He also pursued a teacher's course in the Ohio Northern University and prior to the time when he took up the profession of teaching he attended the Hayesville Academy. For a little more than six years he was identified with educational work, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired and also maintaining good discipline, which is ever an essential feature in the best school work. In the fall of 1899 Mr. Chapman was called by the vote of his fellow townsmen to public office, being elected to the position of county clerk. He served for two consecutive terms, from 1900 until 1906, and then retired from the office as he had entered jt - with the confidence and good will of all concerned.

While filling that position Mr. Chapman determined to adopt the profession of law and to this end began reading the text-books and commentaries now in use. In October, 1906, he entered the law department of the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, and while a student there he also completed his scientific 'course and was given the degree of Bachelor of Science. He was graduated from the law department in the class of 1908 and on the 23d of June of that year was admitted to the bar. Soon afterward he opened an office in Ashland and on the 15th of November he formed a partnership with Jay P. Taggart. Together they are now practicing law under the firm style of Chapman & Taggart and although one of the younger firms, they have a good clientage and are making steady progress in professional lines.

In 1898 Mr. Chapman was married to Miss Adaline Kohler, a daughter of Henry and Harriet (Brubaker) Kohler, of Ashland, the former now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have an interesting little daughter, Florence Ruth. The parents are prominent socially and are well known members of the Presbyterian church, while in fraternal lines Mr. Chapman is connected with Mohica. Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F., and Excelsior Camp, No. 237, M. W. A. In all the relations of life he has enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellowmen and his sterling traits of character have won him warm friendship.

Mr. Chapman has always been an earnest advocate of democratic principles and is recognized as one of the able workers in the local ranks of the party. He served for three terms as chairman of the democratic county committee and of the executive committee and is one of the well known of the younger generation of Ashland county's representative men in both political and professional lines.

William H. McAdoo, an enterprising and successful farmer and stockman of Montgomery township, was born in Pennsylvania on the 28th of April, 1864. His father, a resident of the Keystone state, is extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning about four hundred acres of land and about five hundred head of high grade sheep. He has now attained the age of sixty-seven years and is a self-made man, having accumulated his present competence entirely through his own eftorts as a farmer.

William H. McAdoo acquired his preliminary education in the common schools and then spent one year in the State Normal School of Pennsylvania after which he engaged in teaching for one winter term. Throughout ie active business career, however, he has been engaged in farming and in November 1896, made his way from his native state to Ashland county, Ohio, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Montgomery township, where he has a pleasant and commodious home and has since continued to reside. He likewise owns another farm of seventy-two and a half acres and has accumulated his present valuable holdings entirely through his personal efforts since starting out in life for himself, his record proving the fact that success is not a matter of genius, as some aver, but comes as the result of indefatigable labor, sound judgment and experience. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of stock, having two hundred and fifty head of high grade Delaine sheep and quite a large number of hogs, as well as some cattle and horses.

On the 15th of October, 1890, Mr. McAdoo was united in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Quinn, whose birth occurred in Washington county, Ohio, February 7, 1866, her father being James Quinn. She enjoyed excellent educational advantages in early life and prior to her marriage taught school for six years. She is now the mother of three children, namely: Elizabeth B., born in 1892; James Robert, whose natal day was July 30, 1900; and William Quinn, who was born October 9, 1905. Mr. McAdoo is fully cognizant of the value of a good education in the practical and responsible duties of life and intends giving all of his children advanced privileges in this direction. His daughter has now almost completed the high-school course in Ashland.

Mr. McAdoo exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. Starting out in life for himself empty handed, he has made steady progress and as the years have gone by he has achieved a measure of success which is most gratifying. Moreover, his business methods have ever been honorable and reliable, winning for him the respect and good will of his fellowmen.

E. H. Charles

E. H. Charles, who has been closely identified with agricultural and industrial interests for many years but now devotes his attention to farming and to the sale of butter and eggs, makes his home on section 35, Mifflin township. He was born about a mile north of the village of Mifflin, on the 17th of February, 1836, and is the fifth in order of birth in a family of six children whose parents were John and Maria (Huber) Charles, who were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. They were reared and married in that state and in 1826 came to Ohio, settling on the farm where the birth of their son, KE. H. Charles, occurred. The father was a farmer and miller, pursuing those pursuits throughout his entire life. He died February 14, 1884, at the age of eighty-one years, seven months and one day, while his wife passed away October 10, 1877, at the age of sixty-eight years, eight months and eighteen days. Following their arrival in this county the father cleared a tract of land which was originally covered with a dense growth of timber. He was a very strong man physically, well qualified to cope with the arduous and strenuous duties of pioneer life. Moreover he was a man greatly respected and trusted by all who knew him and his fellow townsmen called him to fill all of the township offices, while he also settled many estates. Unto him and his wife were born six children: John, who died at the age of three years; Eliza, deceased; Mary ' Ann, the deceased wife of John Weaver; Fannie, who became the wife of Sam

E. H. Charles was reared in the usual manner of farm lads. The district schools afforded him his educational privileges and he therein mastered. the common branches of learning. He remained on the farm with his parents until seventeen years of age, when he began working in a dry-goods store in Mifflin, where he remained for three years. He then came with his parents to his present farm in 1859 and has made his home thereon for a half century. It is situated on the Black Fork on section 35, Mifflin township. He and his father owned the grist and sawmill for forty-eight years, E. H. Charles conducting it: by himself for twenty-two years, while he was also identified with his father all of the time the latter was operating the mill. In 1884 he left the mill and when his father died the property was sold and Mr. Charles has since given his attention to general farming. Aside from tilling the soil he makes a specialty of butter and eggs, which he sells in the Mansfield market every week to special customers.

In 1862 occurred the marriage of Mr. Charles and Miss Fannie Kauffman, who was born in Mifflin township, Richland county, five miles east of Mansfield, Ohio, November. 18, 1838, and resided there until her marriage. Her parents were Christian and Anna (Staman) Kauffman, who were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, but following their removal westward spent their remaining days on the farm in Richland county on which they first settled. The mother died March 23, 1896, at the age of eighty-seven years and six months, while the father passed away May 1, 1876, at the age of sixty-seven years and six months. Their family numbered six children, of whom one died in infancy. The others were Sarah, the deceased wife of Alexander McElroy; Anna, who is living with her sister, Mrs. Charles; Jacob, who went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with an exploration company and was never heard from again; Mrs. Charles; and Maria, the deceased wife of Dr. BH. V. Kendig. Mr. and Mrs. Charles have had no children of their own but have reared several.

In his political views Mr, Charles is an earnest democrat, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. He served as township treasurer for four years, was trustee for six years and in 1890 was land appraiser and again in 1900. He became a member of the Chestnut Grove River Brethren church and is active in the church work. His life has at all times been the exponent of honorable principles of manhood and he has a wide acquaintance in the county.