Columbus City (part 32 of 57)

Among the useful and highly respected citizens of Columbus, Ohio, now living in retirement from active business none in mose deserving of a place in this work than George Otstot McDonald, who is descended from an old and respectable Scottish family. His great-grandfather, John McDonald, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1713, came to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1773, and died in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1822. His son Mordecai was born in 1770, came with his father to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1773, emigrated to Belmont county, Ohio, in 1798 and died at Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1810. Ebenezer McDonald, a son of Mordecai Mc- Donald, and the father of George Otstot McDonald, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 18 10. His mother was Elizabeth nee Byers, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. He came to Columbus in 1832 with John Huffman and Daniel Heavey from Newark, Ohio, and secured a position at the state penitentiary not long afterward, and was' connected with that institution until after his retirement in 1888. For more than forty years he was the superintendent under the Hayden contract, for the manufacture of coach and saddlery hardware by convict labor, which long necessitated the employment of many hundred convicts under seven foremen. Mr. McDonald accumulated considerable property and died in 1892. He married Sarah Otstot, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, whose father, a native of Germany, came from Pennsylvania to Franklin county, Ohio, in 183 1. and located on land which is now the northwest part of the city of Columbus.

George Otstot McDonald was born in 1835 in a house which stood on High street near Long, Columbus, Ohio, on the site of the People's House Furnishing store, a son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Otstot) McDonald, and was educated in the public schools of his native city. After serving an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade at the old Eagle foundry, which has developed into the shops of. the Columbus Machine company, he turned his attention to work in railway machine shops. From a railroad machinist he developed into a locomotive engineer and for most of the time during thirtythree years ran trains of the Pennsylvania company out of Columbus and when not so employed was a foreman in the local shops of that corporation, 1866-73. He retired from active life in 1897.

In April,, 1861, Mr. McDonald enlisted in Company B, Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served in the Civil war until August 28, 1865, in the Army of West Virginia and later in the Army of the Cumberland, participating in the historic fighting of those two important bodies of troops; and at Rome, Georgia, May, 4, 1863, he was, with Colonel Straight, made a prisoner of war and confined for a time at Belle Island. He is a member of Wells Post, No. 581, Grand Army of the Republic, of Columbus, and of the Association of the Prisoners of War, and is a Knight of Pytliias and an Odd Fellow. His only brother, Adam S. McDonald, also served in the Civil war in the Second Regiment, Ohio V^olunteer Infantry, for three months, and later in Hoffman's battery, the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio, in which he was promoted to the captaincy of Company B. He died in 1871.

Mr. McDonald was married at Piqua, Miami county, Ohio, to Miss Mary Shannon Cox, the adopted daughter of the Rev. William Cox, a clergyman of the Presbyterian church, and he and his wife are members of the Broad Street Presbyterian church, of Columbus, where his father also was active in church work and for many years an elder in the Second Presbyterian church.

The gentleman whose name appears above is an old and prominent retired business man of Columbus, Ohio. He was born in Vermont in 1822. His grandfather, William McCune, was a prominent citizen of Brattleboro, Vermont, and commanded a company of patriotic soldiers in the Revolutionary war. John McCune, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a leader in the town affairs of Brattleboro, in his day and generation, and ably filled many local offices, including those of selectman and member of the school board. He married Sarah Harris, a daughter of Nathaniel Harris, of Brattleboro, and a descendant of a Mayflower pilgrim. The American ancestor of the family of McCune came from Scotland and the ]\IcCunes have in all generations been stanch Presbyterians and patriotic lovers of liberty.

Jonas M. McCune was educated in a district school which was conducted on his father's farm. In 1841, at the age of nineteen years, he came to Columbus and until 1848 was a clerk in the hardware store of Grear & Abbott. In the year last mentioned he became a partner in the concern, which was then styled Grear, Abbott & Company. In 1856 he established the wholesale and retail hardware firm of J. M. McCune & Company on North High street, the name of which was afterward changed to jMcCune, Loomis & Griswold and which erected a new and larger store at the corner of Spring and Front streets. Mr. McCune retired in 1895, after an active and successful business career 'of forty-eight years, and his old enterprise is now carried on by the Griswold & Sohl Company, under the personal management of Charles C. Gri.^Avold, who was formerly a clerk in Mr. McCune's employ. During its entire history this concern has been known in all parts of the state as the largest wholesale and retail hardware store at Columbus.

In 1850 Mr. McCune married Miss Catharine Lumley, of Columbus, a daughter of Edward Lumley, who came from Wales, about 1832, and located at Granville, Ohio. Mrs. McCune died in 1859, leaving several children. Their son, Edward Lumley McCune, was ejlucated at the University of Tennessee and was admitted to the bar in 1877, since when he has practiced his profession in the city of' Columbus, with much success. He was elected a member of the city board of education in 1900 and is a prominent Mason. John Prouty McCune, their second son, was graduated at Yale College in 1878 and was connected with his father's business until 1895, and is now the president of the Newark Machine Company, of Newark, Ohio. He is a thirty-third-degree Mason and a past grand commander of the Knights Templar of the state of Ohio, Another son, William Pitt McCune, formerly in business at Columbus with his father, died in Dakota in 1888. Mr. McCune's sons are men of first-class abilitv who are making a mo're than creditable success in life.

In 1889 Mr. McCune married for his second wife Mrs. Eveline M. Mills, of Columbus, a daughter of Edward Gares, a merchant of Groveport, Franklin county, who has borne him two children, named Evaline and Jonas Ferson McCune.

Mr. McCune was reared politically as an old-line Whig and has been a member of the Republican party since its organization, but his tastes have ruled against his taking an active part in public affairs. He has for many years been a helpful member of the Second Presbyterian church. He passed the greater part of the year 1886 in European travel and since his retirement from active business has spent most of his time at his beautiful home on Woodland avenue..

Among the younger representatives of the medical and legal fraternities in Franklin county ia Dr. Daniel Clotts, of Jefferson township, whose professional skill and ability have gained him prestige, winning him the prominence which comes only from merit. He was born in this township. November 25, 1865, his parents being Daniel and Barbara A. ( Souder) Clotts. His father, a native of Shaferstown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, was born December 26, 1821, and is one of the eight children of Joseph and Barbara (Boyer) Clotts. Only two of the number are now living, - Daniel and Susanna, the latter the widow of Samuel Louder, of Franklin county. The grandfather was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, and in his childhood days his father died. His mother afterward married again, and Joseph Clotts was reared by a family of the name of Benedict. On at- taining his manhood he learned the shoemaker's trade, wliich he foHowed up to the time of his death. After his marriage to Aiiss Boyer he resided with his family in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, until 1831, when he came to Ohio and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which his son, Daniel Clotts, Sr., now resides. Some years afterward he bought an additional tract of sixty acres. Upon his arrival in the county he took up his abode in a log cabin which had been built by the former owner, but the land was wild and unbroken, and while the grandfather followed his trade of shoe-making his sons, then old enough to work on the farm, cleared the land and cultivated the crops. His death occurred November 30, 1845. ^^^ V^^~ itics he was a stalwart Democrat, giving an unswerving support to the principles of his party. He was also a faithful member of the Lutheran church and did all in his power to promote its growth, and for many years served as treasurer and elder. His wife was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, about 1790, and was a daughter of John Boyer, of the old Pennsylvania Dutch Gtock. Her death occurred in May, 1863. This worthy couple were honored pioneer settlers of Franklin county. They walked the entire distance, three weeks being required to make the trip, from their home in Shaferstown, Pennsylvania, to Franklin county. Their household goods were loaded upon a wagon, and thus in a primitive manner they journeyed westward and became the founders of what is now one of the prosperous and valuable families of this section of the state.

Daniel Clotts, Sr., the Doctor's father, was reared at home and in early life attended the German school, but when he was quite young the German school was abolished and an English school was established in its place. He did not attend after that time but gave his attention to the work of the farm, of which he took charge at the age of twenty-two years, operating the place on the shares, receiving one-third of the crops. After his father's death the will called for a division of the property and each of the three sons received sixty acres of land, while the mother was to receive one-third of the crops during her lifetime. She made her home with her son Daniel. In September, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Ba-rbara A. Souder, a native of Jefferson township and a daughter of Jacob Souder, wHo came from Virginia to Franklin county, Ohio, with his parents at an early day. Mr. and ]\Irs. Clotts became the parents of four children, namely : Daniel ; Emma, the wife of George B. Schott, who is operating her father's farm; Chambers L, deceased; and Linda M., at home. The father of this family is a worthy representative of the sturdy pioneers of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, and his perseverance, combined with his good business judgment, has enabled him to win prosperity. He has at various times added to his home place until his farming lands now comprise four hundred and sixty-five and a half acres, and he is accounted one of the successful agricul.tuists of his community. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, but has never been an office seeker.

minority, attending the common schools and the Gahanna high school, being graduated in the latter with the class of 1883. The following year he began his career as a teacher, following that profession through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he carried on agricultural pursuits. In the winter of 1884-5 l^s t*^^^ ^^P t^^^ study of medicine and the following spring again taught a term of school. Through the succeeding winter he was a student in the Eclectic Medical Institute, of Cincinnati, and through the winter of 1886-7 he was again connected with educational interests as. an instructor. In the winter of 1887-8 he once more attended lectures and was graduated with the class of 1888.

Not long afterward Dr. Clotts located in Newark, Ohio, and began the practice of his chosen profession, there remaining for three and a half years. In the fall of 1891 he removed to Columbus, Ohio, with the intention of taking up the study of law, to which he had devoted considerable time for one year, but after a month spent in the capital city he moved to the farm upon which he is now located, although he had been admitted to the senior class. He then continued the reading of , law at home until October 14, 1897, when he was admitted to the bar, and for some time thereafter his attention was divided between the practice of law and. medicine, but at a more recent date he put aside the latter to some extent and now devotes the greater part of his time to the law, having a large and constantly growing clientage. He also superintends his farm.

While residing in Newark Dr. Clotts was united in marriage, on the 1 2th of March, 1890, to Miss Hattie A. Brown, a daughter of Edward C. Brown, a prominent farmer of Marion township. They new have two children, - Daniel Leon and Edward Carlisle. Mrs. Clotts belongs to the Lutheran church. He is associated with the Ohio Central Eclectic Medical Association and the National Eclectic Medical Association. In politics he is a Republican. One of the rising young professional men of the county, his ambition, determination and energy are such as to win for him gratifying success in either branch of professional life which he' chooses to follow.

George J. Karb

Among the prominent business men of Columbus none are more closely identified with the growth and best interests of the city than George J. Karb, Avho has made his home here for forty-two years, - the entire period of his life, - a period in which the growth of Columbus has been continuous and along reliable and substantial lines. For many years he has been known for his sterling qualities, his fearless loyalty to his honest convictions, his sturdy support of municipal progress and his clear-headedness, discretion and tact as a manager and leader. His business connection is that of president and manager of the Central Ohio Oil Company.

Mr. Karb was born in 1858, a son of George Karb, who was a native of Germany and came direct to Columbus from the fatherland in the year 1844.

He was then a young man, who had enjoyed good educational privileges in Germany ; and in this city he established a brokerage business, which he conducted throughout the remainder of his life, dying here in 1893, at the age of_ eighty-two years. He maintained his active connection with business affairs until called to the home beyond. In the Lutheran church he held membership. In early manhood he married Elizabeth Bauer, who was also a native of Germany, and died in 1896, at the age of seventy-four.

George J. Karb acquired his education in the grammar schools of this city and in a business college. He then entered a drug store and ultimately qualified as a pharmacist before the state board. In 1874 he became associated in the drug business with Fred William Swartz, at the corner of Fifth and Main streets, where he remained for -ten years, when he established a store of his own on the corner of Fourth and Main streets. At that place he carried on business successfully for fourteen years, or until 1898, when he sold out and took charge of the business of the Central Ohio O-l Company as president and manager, having in the meantime been a stockholder in the enterprise. This company owns and controls extensive works in Columbus, employs a large force of men, and its business extends into manv sections of the state. Air. Karb is also a member of the board of trade, is a director of the Ohio Savings & Loan Association, and a stockholder in the Ohio National Bank and the Market Exchange Bank.

In fraternal circles Mr. Karb is prominent and widely known. He is a Knight Templar Mason, has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and also belongs to the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Red Men and several other fraternal societies, and is identified witli the Olentangy Club. He has long been recognized as a leading and influential ' supporter of the Democratic party, and takes a very active imerest in politics. Alany official honors have been conferred upon him. He Avas elected a member of the city council from the Fifth ward in 1887 i" a Republican district of the city, and in 1889 was elected a police commissioner, in which capacity he served so acceptably that in 1891 he was nominated and elected mayor, being continued in that office by being re-elected in 1893. He was very popular during his administration, and his appointments were unusually satisfactory. During his terms many needed municipal improvements were secured, principally the electric street railways, the intersecting sewer, the viaduct and the workhouse. As mayor of the city it devolved upon him to entertain the Duke of Veragua on his visit to Columbus, and he certainly highly sustained the honor of Ohio in the way in which he performed this service.

In 1886 Air. Karb was united in marriage to Aliss Kate Van Dine, of Columbus, a daughter of Jacob Van Dine and a niece of the celebrated Dr. Seltzer. In church relationship they are Lutherans. They occupy an enviable social position, the hospitalitv of manv of the best homes of Columbus being extended to them. The career of A[r. Karb has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world, for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. He owes his success alone to his own efforts, and his career i)roves that prosperity depends not alone upon circumstances, but upon the man.

Whitney Strait

Whitney Strait is a very successful business man of Franklin county, and fine property in the capital city as well as in Plain township is the substantial evidence of' his enterprise and unflagging- industry. Although many would, claim that success results from chance, from fate or from inheritance, the life record of such men as Mr. Strait proves conclusively that prosperity may be acquired through individual effort and that it will come as the direct result of labor when guided by sound business judgment.

Upon the farm where he now resides Mr. Strait was burn, February 20. 1853, his parents' being Dennis B. and Ann (Farber) Strait. His grandfatlier, Abraham Strait, was born in Sussex county. New Jersey, March 5, 1 79 1, and was there reared. Although he never learned the trade, he possessed superior mechanical ability and ingenuity and for a number of years worked at the forge in his native county. In 1839 he came to Ohio wdth his family, settling one mile south of Albany, and in 1855 purchased the eld David Smith farm in Plain township. The house, which was recently destroyed, was the oldest in that portion of the county, and in it he made his home up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1861. His ballot supported the men and measures of the Democracy. He took an active interest in educational affairs and was a warm friend of the public schools. His penmanship was particularly fine and brought him considerable renown. Throughout the community where he lived he w-as greatly esteemed by all who knew him.

Dennis Strait, the father of cur subject, was born in Sussex county. New Jersey, ]\Iay 20, 1824, and after attaining his majority he located upon the old family homestead, having purchased one hundred acres of land here a year prior to his marriage. As time passed he made judicious investments of his capital and became the owner of eleven hundred acres of land. His success was due largely to his sheep and cattle raising business, for he was nn excellent judge of stock, thoroughly understanding the best methods of caring for them and his results were attended wdth a high degree of prosperity. He voted wath the Democratic party and in i860 was elected on its ticket to the office of county commissioner, serving for a term of three years, after which he was re-electecl. in 1863, and again in 1876. In 1866 he was appointed county auditor and served out an unexpired term. He also filled various township offices and at the time of his death w-as serving his second term as justice of the peace. His official record was entirely irreproachable, for he was most loyal to duty and was prompt and efficient in discharging the trusts reposed in him. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was one of the well known and prominent men of the countv. His death occurred April 2, 1891. His wife, who was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, September 22, 1832, was a daughter of Caleb and Eliza (Larue) Farber. She came to Ohio with her brother Samuel who is now deceased. The year of their arrival was 1849, and on the 20th of November, 1851, she gave her hand in marriage to Dennis Strait. She survived her husband and resided with the subject of this review until her death April 6, 1901. In their family were five children: Whitnev; Cordelia, the wife of Boivin Ranney, of Columbus; Ann E.. the wife of Lewis Brook's, of Plain township ; and two who have passed away.

The pleasures and duties of youth came to \\'hitney Strait as to other boys. He was reared at home and gained a common school education. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Ella Rhodes, the wedding being celebrated on the 30th of September, 1880. The ladv was born in Lick^ mg county, Ohio, a daughter of William J. Rhodes, who took up his residence m Franklin county in 1892, but is now deceased. He was a prominent farmer and dealer in wool and successfully carried on both l)ranches of his business. His death occurred in June. 1900. The marriage of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Strait has been blessed with four children, of whom two are yet livm^y, - Ona ]\Iarie and Gloria. - »'

After his marriage Mr. Strait located upon a farm adjoining his father's property and assisted his father in the management of the home place up to the time of the latter's death, after which the property was divided and our subject received four hundred acres of land as his patrimony. He is a most progressive farmer, yet practical withal, and his labors are bringing to him an excellent financial return. He also follows stock-raising and finds this a profitable source of income. In Columbus he owns valuable realty, including three double houses on Galloway avenue, and a large flat building on Twentieth and Toronto streets. His investments have been judiciously made, being such as augment his business affairs and increase his capital. He is one of the most energetic, resolute and progressive ycung business men of the countv, having the ability not only to plan but to successfully execute whatever he undertakes. His political support is given the Democracy, and, while he keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day, he has never sought office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his varied business affairs, which are bringing to him gratifying success. However he was elected to the ofiice of truste'^e o*f Plain township in 1901. Reliable in all trade transactions, he has strict regard for the ethics of commercial life and he enjoys the unqualified confidence^nd regard of those with whom he has been associated.

Clixtox H. Vaxce

Clinton H. Vance is one of the progressive young business men of Franklin county, successfully engaged in fdrming in Blendon township and at the same time conducting a successful business as the manager of the Buckeye Phosphate Company. He represents a family prominent in the history of this portion of the state, for the name of ^^ance has been long and inseparably con- nected with the annals of FrankHn county and its meml^ers have taken an active and important part in pubhc affairs that have promoted the welfare and material advancement. He was born in Blendon township, July 22, 1866, and is a son of Joseph and jMargaret J. Vance, who are represented on another page in this volume. He pursued his elementary education in the common schools and for a short time was a student in the high school of Columbus, but the death of his father and brother cut short his educational privileges, as the management of the home farm and property devolved upon his young shoulders. He was only sixteen years of age at the time of his father's demise and he assumed the control and operation of the old homestead. His business and executive ability were soon manifest, and from that time to the present he has occupied a commendable position among the enterprising and successful young business men of Franklin county. In 1893 he rented the Louis Huffman farm of two hundred acres, and there removed his family, having in the meantime been married. It has since been his place of abode and he has operated it in connection with the old homestead. In 1895 he purchased the J. W. Several farm of seventy acres, just across the road on the west, and through the past ten years during a greater part of the time he has supervised the operation of between four and five hundred acres of land. At the same time he has engaged in feeding stock on an extensive scale, being one of the leaders in this line in the township. In February, 1900, he extended the field of his operations by incorporating the Buckeye Phosphate Company, wholesale dealers in animal fertilizers. Business is carried on in Columbus, where the company handle Buckeye Bone Meal, the Complete Fertilizer, the Buckeye Special Blood and Potash Mixture, the Buckeye Wheat-Makers, Super-Phosphate and Extra Super-Phosphate. All these have been carefully analyzed so that the farmers may know at once what ingredients they contain and whether the mixture is suitf^d to the soil. A high degree of success' has attended the new enterprise, for the products which they place upon the market are of great value to the agricultural community.

Mr. Vance is a member of Westerville Lodge, F. & A. M., and also belongs to the Westerville Presbyterian church, being both widely and favorably known in social and church circles. His business ability being of a superior order has enabled him to pass upon the highway of life many who started out ahead of him, and the chief elements of his prosperity are his close application to business, his capable management and his fidelity to the ethics of commercial life.

]\Ir. Vance was married, January i, 1891, to Aliss Lulu Landon. a daughter of ]\Iordecai Landon, and they now have a daughter. Fern L., who was born September 11, 1893. It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the family history of Mrs. Vance. Her father, Mordecai Landon, was born in Lycoming. Pennsylvania, November 26. 1826, and is the only surviving child of Daniel and Eleanor (Shotts) Landon, whose family numbered seventeen children. His father was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, in 1798, was there reared and married and afterward purchased a small farm, iipmi which he resided until 1827. when he came to Ohio, locating in Franklin county. Here he purchased one hu-ndred and tifteen acres of land, constituting the farm upon which William C. Goldsmith now resides. It was then an unbroken wilderness and he cut the first stick of timber felled in the forest. Making a clearing, he erected a hewed-log house and then began cutting away the trees in order to raise a crop to supply him with the necessities of life. As the years passed he placed his land under a high state of cultivation and resided upon the farm until 1852, when he sold that property and purchased one hundred and thirty-one acres lying partially in Franklin and partially in Delaware counties. Upon that place he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred about 1882. He was a Republican in his political afiiliations and served as constable of his township for forty years, wdiile for a numberof years he was' also township trustee. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife w^as born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and her father was a physician who came from Holland to America.

Mordecai Landon was reared under the parental roof, acquiring his education in the common schools. On the 15th of April, 1851, he married Miss Catherine P. Phillips, a native of Franklin county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Helen (Bishop) Phillips. Her father was a son of Aaron Phillips and was a native of New York, wdience he came to Ohio with his parents when a young man, the family being among the early settlers here. Mrs. Phillips was also a native of the Empire state, and w^as a daughter of John Bishop, wdio came to Ohio at the same time of the Phillips emigration. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Landon located upon the home farm, his time being given to the operation of that portion of the farm lying in Delaw^are county and which he rented. After five years he purchased a small portion of the farm in Franklin county and built thereon a home of his own, making it his place of residence until 1900, wdien he removed to his present home in order that he might be nearer his' children. Unto Mr. and Airs. Landon have been born seven children, of whom six are living, namely : Ella, the wife of Bernard Pierce, of Westerville; Dora, wdfe of Preston Brown, also of Westerville; Lora, wife of Leonard Phelps, an agriculturist of Blendon township; Xewell, a farmer of Delaware county; Minnie, wife of Dell Ballinger, a farmer of Delaware county; and Lulu, wife of Clinton H. Vance. In his political views Mr. Landon is a stanch Republican, and for three years he served as trustee of Blendon towaiship. He belongs to Rainbow Lodge. I. O. O. F.. to the Episcopal church, and in his life he exemplifies the principles of the one and the teachings of the other.

Andrew T. Gantz

There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the gentleman whose name introduces this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historic annals of Franklin county from the early pioneer days and from the fact that he has ever been a loyal, son of the Republic. From the time of his birth he has retained his residence in the county, which is yet his home, and thus through more than two-thirds of a century he has witnessed its progress and development and has co-operated in many movements for the general good. His grandfather, Andrew Gantz, was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he lived and died. He operated a mill and distillery, also engaged in farming and became a wealthy and influential citizen of his district. The parents of our subject were Adam and Catherine (Binnick) Gantz. The father was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, about 1800, and was there reared to manhood upon the home farm. After his marriage and the birth of his first child he came with his little family to Ohio, in 1826, locating in Jackson township, Franklin county, upon a farm wdiich his fathei had purchased about two years previous, while on a trip to Ohio looking for some land for his sons. The tract comprised two hundred acres, for which the regular government price of a dollar and a quarter per acre was paid. It was Virginia military land. Upon the farm which he here developed and improved Adam Gantz made his home until his death, which occurred in 1872. He was an active and energetic man, and during a useful and honorable career he added continuously to his landed possessions until at the time of his death he owned seven hundred acres, and in the meantime had given to each of his sons a tract of land as they had attained their majority. He was an ardent Democrat, and for se\'eral years served as township treasurer and trustee, while for two or more terms he was township appraiser of real estate. He discharged his duties in a manner above question and was highly esteemed for his many sterling qualities. In his early l.ife he was an active member of the Lutheran church, but as there was no church of that denomination in Ohio at that early day he united with the Presbyterian church in which he served as an elder for many years. In his family Avere fourteen children, of whom nine are yet living, namely : Andrew J.; Theodore, an auctioneer living in Westerville; Nathan, a farmer of Piqua, Ohio; George, who is engaged in the real estate business in Columbus ; Albert, a farmer and dairyman living on the home farm in Jackson township; Catherine, the wife of Daiwalt Machlin, a farmer at Pleasant Corners, Franklin county; Lydia, wife of Mr. Welsh, a resident farmer of Clay county, Illinois; Nancy, wife of William Watt, an agriculturist of Grove City, Franklin county; and Adeline, wife of Thcmas Barbee. a farmer of Grove City.

Andrew J. Gantz is indebted to the common schools of the county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. He received his training at farm labor on the old homestead and on attaining his majority began fa'rming on his own account on rented land. He completed his arrangements ior a home in 1859, by his marriage to Miss Sarah B. Olney, a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and a daughter of Lewis Olney, now deceased. Her father was for many years one of the well known farmers of Delaware county. He was a son of Discovery Olnev. who was born on the ocean within sight of the United States, his paTents heing on their way from England to the new world. The marriage of j\Ir. and Mrs. Gantz was celebrated in Franklin county and they began their domestic life on a portion of the old homestead farm, where they resided for three years, when our subject purchased two hundred acres of land' - his present home. He afterward added sixty-two acres, and at a later date he sold one hundred acres, so that the place at the present time comprises one hundred and sixty-two acres. Here he has since resided with the exception of seven years, and is 'regarded as one of the wideawake and progressive agriculturists of the community. In 1891 he removed to Westerville, where he remained until 1898, during which time his son Eddison had charge of the home farm. Everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating the progressive and practical methods of the owner.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gantz has been blessed with seven children, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. They are as follows: Leslie L., who was born February 9, i860, and is on a sheep ranch in Natrona county, Wyoming; Estella, who was born May 2y, 1861, and is the wife of Albert Clapham, a farmer of Blendon township; Lewis A., who also owns a sheep ranch in Wyoming, the clip of 1901 being two hundred thousand pounds; Setifie S., who was born January 29, 1863, and is the wife of Professor William B. Alwood, professor of horticulture, entomology and mycology in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute; Eddison T., who was born May 22, 1864, and is now engaged in the raising of sheep on a ranch in Natnona county; Grace G., who was born April 22, 1873, and is the wife of Willard J. Longshore, of Cincinnati, who is now in the railway mail service; and C. Stanton, who was born December 24, 1874, and is now in the Alaska gold fields.

Li his political views Mr. Gantz is a stanch Democrat, and has served for two terms as trustee in his township, although it is a Republican stronghold. He and his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian church, of which he has been an elder for many years, and they also belong to Blendon Grange, No. 708, Patrons of Husbandry, being the only two living charter members of the lodge. Their acquaintance in Franklin county is extensive and forms the only limit to their circle of friends. Having- always resided in the county, Mr. Gantz is familiar with its history from the days of its early development and has watched the wonderful transformation which has occurred, the introduction of railroads, telegraphs and telephones, the building of towns and the establishment of enterprises. He feels just pride in what has been accomplished and has ever done his part in the work of public improvement.

A prominent farmer of Franklin county, Ohio, is James M. Postlc. the subject of this sketch. He was born on March 31, 185 1, a son of Smith and Keturah (Fountain) Postle. He was sent to the district schools and remained at home until he was twenty years old, when he purchased a sawmill which was located on the tract of ground which he now owns. He went to work clearing off the timber, in one summer furnishing one thousand three hundred cord's of wood to the brick yard. This yard furnished twothirds of the brick for the asylum.

After marriage our subject remained one year at home, in the meantime building- his fine brick mansion, which was ready for occupancy in the fall. For some six succeeding years our subject undertook the management of a sawmill on the Ohio river, returning then to the farm, which comprises seventy-five acres of excellent land. In 1896 our subject went into the dairy business, and now furnishes, on an average, one hundred gallons of milk per day, this business having been continued for the past four years. His stock is of Jersey and Durham breeds, and the business is very profitable.

]\Ir. Postle is a member of the Methodist church, in which he is a trustee. Although an active and ardent Republican, he is no office-seeker, although his name has been mentioned many times in connection with some of the local positions. His family consists of his estimable wife and two children, Myrtle, who is at home, and Clarence, who is connected with the Panhandle Railroad. He is a man much respected in the community and has many friends.

Jacob H. Trumbo

Jacob H. Trumbo. a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Plain tow^nship, was born on a farm where he now resides, June 22, 1861. His father, Davis Trumbo, was a native of Pendleton county, Virginia, born in 1804, and when a young man he came to Columbus, Ohio, where he learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker. He attained a high degree of skill along these lines and for a number of years he followed his' chosen occupation throughout this section of the country. He married Miss Susan Swickard, who was. born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1816, andl about 1826 accompanied her parents to Franklin county. Her father, Daniel Swickard, settled in Plain township, on Rock Fork. Later he purchased a farm in New Albany, where he spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of eighty-three years. Soon after his marriage Davis Trumbo settled upon a farm where his son Jacob now resides and through several years worked at his trade, hiring the greater part of his farm work. Upon that place he spent the remainder of his life and in 1881, at the age of seventy-nine years, was called to his' final rest. Politically he Vv-as an old-time Democrat, and in religious faith he was connected with the Baptist church of the old school. His wife died October 5, 1892. They became the parents of nine children, of whom five are yet living, namely: Morgan S. ; Hepsey, wife of Edward Mc^^Iillan; Mary A., wife of

Jacob Homer Trumbo has been famihar with agricultural pursuits throughout his entire career, for in his boyhood he worked in the fields from the time of the early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and after his father's death he assumed the management of the home farm, wdiich he operated for his mother until she, too, was called away. About 1890 he purchased the interest of one of the heirs in the old homestead and later purchased another portion. He now owns all of the home place except seventy-five acres belonging to his sister, his possessions aggregating two hundred and eightythree acres. He has devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising and has been very successful. Many excellent improvements are found upon the place and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there to be seen. The owner is progressive and practical in his methods and his labors bring to him a good return.

On the 2 1st of September, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Trumbo and Miss Millie Hursey, a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and a daughter of Simon Hursey. They now have one child, Homer Arden. In the community they enjoy the hospitality of the best homes and the warm iregard of a large circle of friends. Mr. Trumbo exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has no time or inclination for public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with a gratifying degree of prosperity.

The name of Swickard is a familiar one in Franklin county, for w^hen this portion of the state w^as still largely unimproved and the work of development and progress was still a task of the future, Daniel Swickard, the grandfather of our subject, sought a home in Black Lick, where he remained for several years. He then took up his abode in Plain township, wdiere his remaining days were passed, his time and attention being given to agricultural pursuits. Through a half a century John Swickard, the father of our subject, wdio was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1806, was a leading and active member of the United Brethren church. He exerted a strong influence for good among his friends and neighliors and lived an upright and consistent Christian life. He married Elizabeth Baughman, also a representative of one of the early and honored families of the county, and unto them were born seven children of whom six are yet living.

The fourth of this number is Noah Swickard, whose birth occurred November 12, 1836, in Plain township on the farm now occupied by J. W. Swickard. Like the other children of the family, he was trained to habits of industrv, economv and honestv, was educated in the district schools of the neighborhood and was trained to the practical work of the farm from the time when he was old enough to handle the plow. Such was his childhood and youth. In July, 1859, he was united in marriage to IMiss Lucy A. Kashner, a native of Plain township, and a daughter of Jeremiah and Christina (Riggl.e) Cashner, who came to Franklin county when the work of improvement was still in its primitive condition, their former home having been in Pennsylvania.

After his marriage Air. Swickard resided for a year under the parental roof, and in August, i860, removed to a house on his father's farm, where he resided until the spring of 1861. He then took up his abode on what was known as the Grove farm. It was also the property of his father. He there continued his agricultural pursuits until 1865, when he purchased sixty acres of what was then known as the Priest farm, making it his home until 1872. In that yeair he sold that property and purchased his present farm, comprising eighty acres. He is a progressive, enterprising agriculturist and his labors have resulted in bringing to him a comfortable competence.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Swickard have been born six children, of whom four are yet living, namely: Orlando M., of Plain township; Marshall O., a hospital nurse, now in the Philippines; Zoda E., wife of Charles E. Doran, of Plain township; and Ralph L., at home. The parents hold membership in the United Brethren church and are deeply interested in its work. Mr. Swickard is now serving as one of the trustees and as class-leader, and he does all in his power to promote the work of the church along its various lines of usefulness. The Democracy finds in him a supporter, and he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never l3een an office-seeker. His worth as a citizen is widely recognized, for, while he does not take an active part in politics, he gives his aid and influence to all measures for the general, good. Pie and his family enjoy the uniform regard of all who know them and have many warm friends in the community.

John Wesley Swickard

John Wesley Swickard was born November 20, 1842, on the farm where he yet resides, it being the homestead of John and Elizabeth (Baughman) Swickard, his parents. The name of Swickard is a synonym for activity in agricultural lines and for honesty and fair dealing in all business transactions. Our subject was early taught the value of labo'r and the necessity for probity in the afifairs of life. He pursued his education in the district schools, and on the ist of May, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Benedict, a native of Plain township, and a daughter of Nicholas Benedict, one of the early settlers of Morrow county, Ohio. Mr. Swickard then took up liis abode on the home fa'rm, which he operated on the shares until 1870, when he purchased a tract of land of forty-five acres adjoining on the west the farm belonging to his brother Peter. While erecting buildings there he rented a farm near the Forest Hill school, removing to his new home about Christmas time in 1870. There he remained until the spring of 1874, when he returned to the old homestead and took charge of the same, his parents remaining with him up to the time of their demise. After his father's death he purchased the home place, and has since continued to reside there. As the years have passed, however, he has extended its bounds until he now has one hundred and eighty-one acres, all under a high state of cultivation. The place is improved with all modern accessories and conveniences that constitute a model farm, and through the past six years he has made a specialty of the raising of registered stock, including horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. These he sells for breeding purposes, and he has done much to improve the grade of stock throughout the community, and has thus been a benefit to his county, for as stock is improved its value for the market is naturally enhanced.

In 1887 Mr. Swickard was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife. On the 30th of August, 1888, he was again married, his second union being with Rosella Hamaker, a native of Plain township and a daughter of Henry Hamaker, who was also born in the same township. Her grandfather was Esquire Daniel Hamaker, one of the early settlers of the county, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, a well-known and influential man of his day. He took an active part in the early development of this portion of the state. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children: Verna G., Iva G., Jennie M., Harrison McKinley, Ota B.. Neva 'M. and Lyda. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Mr. Swickard and his family attend the United Brethren church, in which he holds membership. For about eight years he has served as trustee and has contributed in large measure to the growth and advancement of the church. He exercises his right of citizenship in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but his time has never been devoted to seeking office, as he prefers to give his time and attention to his business affairs. Through his career as a farmer and stock-raiser he has provided amply for his family, and has gained for himself a position among the well-to-do and substantial residents of the community.

Frederick N. Sinks

Frederick N. Sinks is among the younger rei^resentatives of the bar of Columbus. He w^as born in 1872, in the city which is still his home, a son of George W. Sinks, who was a native of Clermont county. Ohio, and has been for about twenty years the president of the Deshler National Bank, and a most prominent and honored figure in financial circles. \Mien a young man of twenty years he came to the capital city and accepted a clerkship in the National Exchange Bank, where his fidelity to duty, close application and business ability won him promotion. He became its cashier, and continued his connection with that institution until, he resigned in order to accept the presidency of the Deshler Bank, an institution which grew out of the former. His business methods are safe, conservative and entirely trustworthy, and the institution of which he is now the head owes its success in a very large measure to his efforts. He was united in marriage to Miss Eloise Preston, a daughter of Samuel D. Preston, who came to Franklin county from Montpelier, Vermont, when nineteen years of age and opened the first private school in Columbus. Many of Columbus' well-known men of to-day received their first instruction from him. He married Miss Catherine Clark, of Montpelier, Vermont. For many years Mr. Preston was a leading merchant of Columbus, contributing materially to its advancement. His early death removed a valuable citizen and an energetic, public-spirited man.

Throughout his entire life Frederick N. Sinks, whose name introduces this 'review, has been a resident of Columbus. His preliminary education was acquired in the public schools, and he later attended the Columbus Latin School. Added to this training he received the advantages afforded within the classic walls of old Yale, in which institution he was graduated in 1894, with the degree of bachelor of philosophy. Thus, with a splendid literary and scientific training to serve as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge, he began preparation for the bar by entering the law school of the Ohio State University, at the same time being a student in the law office and under the direction of the firm of Nash & Lentz, the former being the present chief executive of Ohio. In January, 1900, he was appointed private secretary to Governor Nash. His equipment for the bar is unusually good. He has enjoyed exceptional educational advantages, is naturally of strong mentality, and added to these are firm deterjiiination, a laudable ambition and tireless energy.

In June, 1899, Mr. Sinks was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Thurman, a daughter of Allen W. Thurman, of Columbus, and a granddaughter of the late Hon. Allen G. Thurman. The Sinks family is identified with the Universalist church. Our subject and his wife have spent their entire lives in Columbus, and are well known in the city among its prominent and influential people, ranking high socially, while Mr. Sinks has already gained an enviable position in professional circles and undoubtedly will win greater success in the future.

William S. Postle

William S. Postle, who carries on general farming in Prairie township, was born on the old farm homestead which is still his place of residence, on the 23d of March. 1849. When he had attained the usual age he entered the district schools and therein pursued his education through the winter season, while in the summer months he assisted in the work of the home farm with his brothers. He afterward spent one year at Delaware pursuing his education, and is a graduate of the Iron City Commercial Colleo-e, at Pittsburg. After putting aside his text-books he became connected with the lumber, tile and sawmill business, but during much of his life he has fol- lowed faTming, and is to-day the owner of a valued tract of land of three hundred acres. He began with only seventy-five acres, which he inherited. He spent some time in North Dakota, where he owns an entire section of land. He has a beautiful home in Prairie township and the place is under a high state of cultivation and improved with all modern accessories and conveniences. The fields of waving grain indicate that the land is kept in a productive condition through the judicious use of fertilizers and through the rotation of crops. Everything about the homestead is neat and thrifty hi appearance.

Mr. Poistle was married at Fort Stephenson, North Dakota, in 1889, to Miss Elizabeth Bartell, who was born in Ohio and was reared in the Buckeye state, but went with her parents to North Dakota and pre-empted a half section of land there. She also occupied the position of matron in the Indian school at Fort Stephenson, and had previously been a seamstress in that institution. Her father was Henry Bartell. Returning to Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Postle took up their abode in Prairie township, where they still reside and where ihey have many warm friends. They hold membership in the ]\lethodist Episcopal church at Alton, and Mr. Postle is serving as steward and treasurer. He votes with the Republican party, but has never sought ofiice, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs, which claim all of his attention and in return give to him a good income.

Michael O'Harra

Pennsylvania and Virginia blood has always animated good pioneers and progressive citizens. Of such ancestry is the well-known citizen of Hamilton township, Franklin county, Ohio, whose name is the title of this biographical sketch. :\Iichael O'Harra was born in Hamilton township November 19, 1832, a son of Arthur and Maxa M. (Fisher) O'Harra. His father was a native of Marion county, Ohio, and was there reared and educated. He came to Franklin county in his young manhood and worked by the month until he got a foothold in life. After his marriage he located on a farm in Hamilton township, which he cleared and on which he lived out the remainder of his days. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and he was not without influence in the councils of his party; was elected and re-elected trustee of Hamilton township until he filled the office for sixteen years; was an active member of the Presbyterian church, and in all the relations of life was useful and helpful. He died at the age of seventy-four years and one month, deeply regretted by all who had known him. His father, Hugh O'Harra, of Scotch descent, was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler in Ohio. ]\Iaxa M. (Fisher) O'Harra, mother of Michael O'Harra, was a daughter of Michael Fisher, and was born in Franklin county, Ohio, and was there reared and educated. She died in 1864, aged sixty-four years. Her father came early to Ohio from Virginia and settled in Franklin county, where he became the owner of much land and was a prominent and influential citizen.

Artluir and Maxa AI. (Fisher) O'Harra had eight children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood and five of whom are living- at this time. Of these, Michael O'Harra was the fourth in order of nativity. The boy '.vas brought up to the life and labors of pioneer farming and attended school in a primitive log school house with puncheon seats and rude desks of split slabs and planks, in which, as compared with the instruction afforded in the public schools of to-day, the teaching was not less crude than were his surroundings. When he grew up he devoted himself to farming, and in 1865, after his marriage, located on the O'Harra homestead and lived there nine years, until 1874, when he moved upon his present farm, on which he erected a modern residence in 1886, a good and sightly brick structure, which, with its surrounding outbuildings, constitutes a part of the improvement on a line farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres, and near which is a beautiful grove known as O'Harra's Grove.

Mr. O'Harra was married at the age of thirty-two, March 16, 1865, to Isabel Simpson, a native of Ohio, who has lived in Franklin county since she was seven years old, when her parents, Robert and Mary Simpson, settled in Hamilton township, v^here she was reared and educated. Michael and Isabel (Simpson) O'Harra have had two children: Harry, who died in infancy; and May, who is the wife of Dr. F. J. Collison, a practicing physician of Columbus, Ohio, who has a drug store at the corner of Town and Sixth streets.

]\Ir. O'Harra is an original, Republican, who voted for Lincoln in i860 and has upheld the principles of his party ever since. While active in political work, he has steadfastly refused to accept such offices as have been proffered h.im by his fellow townsmen. He is a member of Capital Lodge, No. 334, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Columbus, and is a member of Capital Encampment. WHiile not a member of any church, he has always been a liberal supporter of Christian worship.

Dr. James William Reason, a prominent and successful physician of Hilliard, lias spent entire life in Franklin county, his birth having occurred on the old family homestead in Brown township on the 9th of Decembeir, 1868. His paternal grandfather, Robert Reason, accompanied by his wife and family, emigrated from Scotland to America at an early day and settled in Virginia, wdiere he followed farming throughout the remainder of his life.

Jolm Robert Reason, the Doctor's father, was born in Richmond county, Virginia, July 15, 1831, and was one of a family of three sons. He was quite small when his father died, after which his mother married again. At the age of sixteen he came to Ohio to make his home with an uncle in LTrbana. and remained with him until reaching manhood. He received but a limited education, but his training at farm labor was not so meager. On leaving his uncle he came to Franklin county, and in Brown township was united in marriage with Miss Anna O'Harra, who was born in the city of Cokimbus in 1833, a daughter of Joseph and Alary Ann (Wynkoop) O'Harra. After his marriage Mr. Reason returned to Champaign county and engaged in general merchandising in the town of' Texas for about three years, at the end of which time he purchased a farm of forty acres in Brown township, this county, where he has since made his home. In his poHtical views he is independent, and both he and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are held in high regard by all who know them. Their children are Mary Alice, superintendent of an Indian school in Chemawa, Oregon; Charles C. and Nettie E., both at home; James \\'., our subject; and John Frederick, a teacher.

As soon as old enough Dr. Reason began his education in the district schools of his native township, where he pursued his studies until fifteen, and then attended the high school at Reynoldsburg, Ohio, one year, and the Ohio Normal at Ada the same length of time. After teaching school for five years in this county he entered the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, where he pursued a three years' course and was graduated in 1895. He immediately opened an office at Hilliard, and has since successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession.

In Norwich township, this county. Dr. Reason married Miss Etta Van Schoyck, a daughter of Sylvester and Margaret (Roberts) Van Schoyck. She was born in that township November 5, 1868, and after attending the township schools was a student at the Hilliard high school for four years. She taught for one year in Perry township, this county, prior to her marriage. She is a most estimable lady, who makes many friends.

Socially Dr. Reason is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and religiously is a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church at Hilliard. In his political affiliations he is a stanch Republican. For the success that he has achieved in life he deserves great credit, for he is strictly self-made, having earned the money to pay his way through college. He is now a member of the Ohio State Medical Society and the Amercian Aledical Society, and he has that love for and devotion to his profession which has brought to him success and won him a place among the ablest representatives of the medical fraternity in his locality.

Williaai F. Reed

This well-known agriculturist of Perry township is a native of Franklin county, his birth occurring in Aladison township on the 29th of July, 1825. His parents were Victor and Elizabeth (Fleming) Reed, both representatives of honored pioneer families of this county, who took up land in Aladison towaiship. The mother was born August 6. 1805, and died .\pril 24. 1872. She was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (McDowell) Fleming, of Scotch- Irish descent, whose other children were Sallie, wife of Robert Kile, and married Benjamin Cle\-enger, by whom she had two children, James and Eli. The mother of our subject was twice married, licr second husband being- John Legg.

The hrst ten years of his Hfe W'ilham F. Reed spent in his native township, attending the common schools, and then came to Perry township with his mother and step-father. On attaining his majority he started out in life lor himself as a farmer, and purchased a tract of land in Perry township, which he subsequently sold, at that time buying the farm of seventy-two acres on which he has since made his home.

On the 26th of October, 1847, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Reed and Miss Mary E. Nets, a daughter of Jacob Nets, a pioneer of this county from Pennsylvania. By this union were born six children, but only one is now living, Franklin P., who resides near his father. Those deceased were Margaret E., Laura ]., John M., Mary L. and Hannah A. The wife and mother passed away December 12, 1893, at the age of sixty-five years, ten months and four days. She was a member of the Reformed church and a most exemplary Christian.

Mr. Reed was again married, December 19, 1894, his second union leing with Miss Clara Blackburn, daughter of John Wesley and Sarah Ellen (Stansbury) Blackburn, of Perry county, Ohio, and to them have been born two children, Mabel Elizabeth and William Fleming, Jr. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reed are active members of the Reformed church, with which they have been connected for some time, and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. He is a Democrat in politics and always supports that party's candidates at the polls.

Serenus S. Souder

Serenus S. Souder, one of the leading, enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Jefferson township, was born February 23, 185 1, in this part of Franklin county, his parents being Solomon and -Susanna (Clotts) Souder. The ancestral history of the famdy cannot better be given than the following record, which was prepared concerning Jonas Souder, the grandfather of our subject, and his family. This is the work of one of the Souders, and reads as follows :

"The family of Jonas Souder, the ancestor of the Soudertown branch of the Souder family, came to Ohio in the year 1825, twenty-two years after the state had been admitted into the Union, and thirty-seven years after the first settlement in Ohio had been made at Marietta. While they were not the earliest settlers, they had no advantage over the first settlers except that the Indians had been subdued ; consequently, while we heard the older members of the family tell about goine to Zanesville for a barrel of salt and of going forty and fifty miles to mill, we never heard them tell about any personal encounters with the Indians. While the fact that the Indians had already been driven from this part of the state made it a much safer place of abode than it had been in earher times, it did not render the means of gaining a livelihood an}^ easier. The country was still one dense wildernei-s, without churches, schools, bridges, foundries, mills, stores, or even dwelling houses.

"The Souder family is of German descent. It is said that the name of the ancestor who came from Germany to this country was Frederick Souder, that he left his native country and came to Virginia at the age of twenty-one. Like so many of the Germans, he left the fatherland in order to escape military service, it being the custom there then, as now, that all adult males are required to serve a certain time in the king's army. According to the records, Frederick Souder had seven children, five sons and two daughters. Two of his sons were Jonas and Martin Souder, who moved to Franklin county, Ohio. It is said that another son's name was John, and that he was accidentally killed in one of the northern counties of Ohio. One son is said to have emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky, and the remaining one to Indiana. Even tradition is silent as to the daughters, except that one of them married a man by the name of Kline. The inscription on the tombstone of Jonas Souder says that he died May 19, 1858, aged seventy-nine years, one month and ten days; according to that, he was born on the 9th day of April, 1779. His father died when he was but seven years old, and his mother two years later. The orphan children were bound out to dif¥erent families, and in this way became separated, which accounts for the fact that 50 little is known of Jonas Souder's brothers and sisters. After his marriage he lived in Hardy county, Virginia. He married Barbara Baughman, and there were twelve children born of this marriage; first five sons: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, John and Solomon; then seven daughters: Rebecca, Catherine, Sarah, Ruth, Mary Ann, Christina and Eliza. All except Eliza were born in Hardy county, Virginia, and they are all dead except ]slrs. Sarah Carpenter.

"Jonas Souder owned some property in Virginia, but was not a slaveholder. At that time all the work on the farms and large plantations was done by slaves, making it difficult for white men to obtain work. There is no doubt that he experienced, to a certain extent, at least, the condition of that class of people which the historians of our country have described as 'poor whites.' On account of the limited opportunities offered to himself and his family in Virginia, he decided to sell his place and try his fortune v,est of the mountains. In company with his brother INIartin, he took a prospecting trip into Ohio in the spring of 1825. After spending some time looking at various places, he selected a tract of one hundred acres in Jefferson township, Franklin county, Ohio. He then returned to Virginia to bring liis family to the new home. The method of moving was the usual one of that date, which consisted in loading the few essential household articles in a wagon, the older members of the family all walking the entire distance. The wagon in which they moved their goods had a canvas cover, and was all the protection the family had until they had time to build a house. They arrived at their new home in the niunth uf October, 1825. Tlie house which they built immediately upon their arri\al here served as a shelter for a number of years, when a new house was built. The latter was repaired and remodeled a number of years ago, and is still occupied. Jonas Souder had learned the art of distilling in Vh-ginia, and brought a still with him when he came to this state. He followed the distilling business for a long time in this county. In those days people took apples and peaches to the distillers and had them made into brandy, the distiller retaining half of the product as pay for his trouble. Of the sons, Abraham was a blacksmith by trade, Isaac was a carpenter and Jacob was a shoemaker, but all live of the sons of Jonas Souder owned farms and made tilling of the soil their principal occupation.

"Jonas Sender had made preparations to go to the w-ar of 1812, but before reaching the seat of operations the war ended or the emergency which had demanded his services was bridged over. His live sons had almost a similar experience at the time of the JNIexican war. They had all five enlisted in one company and had secured their uniforms. Solomon Souder was the standard-bearer of the company. The call came that they were needed and they donned their uniforms and went to Columbus, when word was received that the war was ended,, and they went home again without seeing any ser\-ice. Several members of the Souder family, if not all of them, sympathized with the south durino- the war of the Rebellion. There is no evidence that any of them ever belonged to the disreputable secret organization to wdiich so much odium was attached, as the Knights of the Golden Circle. I do not think that they favored a continuance of slavery, but they did not fully approve of the method wdiich the government had taken to free the slaves. They deplored the great expense, the loss of property to the southern people, and especially the great bloodshed which the w^ar necessitated. As far as I can remember of hearing them express themselves, they favored the idea of the government buying the slaves and setting them free. That they sympathized with the south more or less is but natural when it is remembered that their native state of Virginia took such an active part in the rebellion. Another explanation of their position during the Civil war is found in the fact that they were all stanch Democrats, and they were in the same attitude toward the government as the political party to which they belonged. The Souders have believed in the brand of Democracy taught by Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson, and the younger generation now believes in that advocated by William J. Bryan. I am not aw^are that Jonas Souder or any of his five sons ever held any office other than school director or supervisor. None of them ever sought any county or even township office.

"As a general rule, the Souders and their descendants have been strict adherents of the Lutheran faith. Jonas Souder and his wnfe were both members of the Lutheran church, and their children were all brought up in that faith, every one of the eleven that grew to manhood or womanhood having been confirmed. It can truthfully be said that the Souder people have never been church members out of ostentation or display, but because they have sincerely beheved in the doctrine of Christianity. With them the Bible has not been a book with which to ornament the center-table, but they have read the scriptures to the best of their ability and earnestly tried to practice the teaching-s of the sacred work. Some of the Souders have been cjuite proficient in the knowledge of the Bible. It may be remarked in passing that no doubt some of the younger members of the various families have thought that their parents were too familiar with the contents of the Bible, especially that part which says 'spare the rod and spoil the child.' It is needless to remind a great many of those present that the Souders were ardent believers in the ettciency of the rod, and the belief was not permitted to become weak from lack of practice. If there was any cjuestion about its use. King Solomon's saying was given the benefit of the doubt and the rod was used. It is not intended to convey the idea that they were more severe than a great many others of their time. They simply followed the teachings of the age in which they lived, and according to which corporal punishment was more frequently resorted to than it is at the present time. It has since been heard that there are efficient and pleasant ways of training children in which the use of the rod plays a very insignificent part."

Solomon Souder, the father of Serenus S. Souder, was born in what was then Hardin county, Virginia, but is now West Virginia, on the 12th of April, 1814, his parents being Jonas and Barbara (Baughman) Souder. He was reared in his parents' home and accjuired a common-school education. In early manhood he married Miss Susanna Clotts, and then turned his attention to farming on his own account. He operated the old homestead for a short time, and then purchased seven and a half acres of land where the old homestead residence now stands. Not long afterward he became the owner by purchase of ninety acres opposite his home on the south side of the road. That tract he obtained from the Carroll heirs, and later he bought forty-seven acres of land from Dr. Kimball adjoining his home place on the east. Another purchase of twenty-four and a half acres, obtained from the Kittsmiller estate, increased his farm to an acreage of more than a quarter of a section. He died in 1887, and was at that time in very comfortable financial circumstances. He was a loyal and consistent member of the Lutheran church, and always had his children attend its regular services. In politics he was a stalwart Democrat, but never sought or desired office, and among the highly esteemed citizens of the county he was numbered. Unto Solomon and Susanna (Clotts) Souder have been born five children, but two of the number have now passed away. Those still living are: Lewis, a resident of Columbus; Amanda, the wife of Thomas Beem, of Summit Station, Licking county, Ohio; and Serenus S.

In taking up the personal history of our subject we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Franklin county, where he has long resided. He spent his youth upon liis father's farm, and was trained to habits of industry, economy and honesty there. He received a limited education in the common schools, but being the eldest son, the burden of farm work devolved upon him, and as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. The father suffered much from rheumatism, and our subject was given permission to manage the farm in the way he pleased. He show'ed himself well qualified for the responsibilities that devolved upon him, successfully managing the property, and after his father's death he purchased the interests of the other heirs m the old homestead. He is a member of the Lutheran church and a man of genuine worth, who throughout his active business career has ever deserved and received the confidence and good will of all with whom he came in contact.

Charles H. Miller

]Mr. ]Miller, a prominent business man of Columbus, is a native of England, and was born in 1833, a son of William and Jane (Boys) Miller, the former a native of Scotland, and the latter of England. A tanner by trade, William Miller easily obtained remunerative employment after emigrating to the United States, following his chosen vocation in Geauga county, Ohio, and later at Paynesville, where both parents died. Our subject became a student at the Painesville Academy, later attending Burton Academy, at Burton Center, Ohio. After leaving school he engaged in teaching in Madison county for four years, and subsequently to his marriage he removed to Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois, where he continued to teach.

In 1 86 1 Mr. Miller testified to his love for his country by enlisting in the army, joining Company H, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Volun-/ teers, under the command of Colonel Robert D. Latham, and faithfully served until 1864. Upon the organization of the regiment he was commissioned adjutant by Governor Yates. His. fortune led him through a. great part of the fighting district of the war, he being present at the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, at the siege and fall of Vicksburg, at the capture of Little Rock and the battle of Pine Bluffs, when he was promoted to the command of the regiment as lieutenant-colonel. There the regiment was mustered out of service in August, 1865, when he was brevetted colonel.

Returning home to take up again the pursuits of peace, Mr. Miller settled in Lincoln, Illinois, wdiere he entered upon the reading of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1867, beginning his practice in Lincoln and remaining there until 1870. Removing then to Tiffin, Ohio, he established in that city an agency for the Singer Sewing ]\Iachine Company, but in 1880 he came to Columbus, w'here he engaged in manufacturing for five years, and on the accession of Governor Foraker his ability received instant recognition, he being immediately appointed by the chief executive superintendent of the Institution for the Blind in this city. In this difficult and important position he continued for four years, but upon a change taking place in the administration Mr. Miller quietly retired, having ably and honorably performed the onerous duties.

ment Company, with its vast authorized capital, and upon its organization he was made secretary and general manager, but has since withdrawn. He 's now interested in the real-estate and loan business as a member of the firm of E. 13. Roberts & Company.

The marriage of Mr. Mill.er took place in Madison county, Ohio, to Miss Isabel Gullett, a daughter of William and Eliza (Goslee) Gullett, and two children were born of this union, - Eugene, living in Delaware county, on a farm; and Charles William, a graduate of Ohio State University and of Starling Medical College, at Columbus. Mr. Miller is a member of ^IcCoy Post, G. A. R., and is honored by his comrades as one whose war record is a matter worthy of pride. He is a pncgressive and intelligent citizen, and IS deeply interested in the advancement of his city.

William Y. Postle, who owns and operates a farm of eighty acres in Prairie township, Franklin county, was born on the old family homestead in this tow^nship December 3, 1843, l^is parents being Lewis and Caroline Postle, both of wdiom are now deceased. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and began his education in the district school near his home, his first teacher being Ruth Ann Hamilton. Later he enjoyed educational privileges in Central College, but it was not until after his return from the war that he pursued his collegiate course. At the age of nineteen years he responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting on the 12th of August, 1862, in Prairie township, as a private in Company C, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain Allis and Colonel ^McIMillan. He was at the front for four months when he was wounded above the right knee at the battle of Richmond. He was taken to the hospital and there remained for seven weeks, and was then sent home, being honorably discharged on the 6th of September, 1863. A year passed before he was able to walk without the aid of crutches.

Mr. Postle remained at home until his marriage, which was celebrated m 1875, Miss Catherine Sheehan becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Patrick Sheehan, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: Welcome C, now in St. Louis, Missouri; Ethel, the wife of Fred Miers, of Franklin township; Beatrice, at home; and Lewis K., who is still under the parental roof.

After his marriage Mr. Postle located on his present farm of eighty acres, and has since devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of his land. His fields give evidence of the care and labor which he bestows upon them, and in return yield to him a golden tribute. He is a man of diligence and unfaltering purpose, and his indefatigable efforts have brought to him a desirable competence. He belongs to the [Methodist Episcopal church of Galloway, in which he is serving as trustee. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but has never sought or desired the emoluments of public office.

lie is a member of the W. H. Elliott Post, G. A. R., at Alton, and has served as its quartermaster for sixteen years. He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and filled every chair in Prairie Lodge at Rome.

Frederick Stombaugh

Frederick Stombaugh, now deceased, was a most worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Franklin county and a valued citizen, enterprising and public spirited. He was born in this county, in what is now Marion townships but was then a part of Hamilton township, June ii, 1811. His father, John Stombaugh, was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a young man left the Keystone state for Ohio, settling- in Franklin county. Here he married Catherine Baker,, and upon a farm in the midst of the green forest they began their domestic life. Their home was a little log cabin wdiich Mr. Stombaugh built. Subsecjuently it was destroyed by fire, and he then erected a brick residence, but his death occurred before its completion, so that he was never able to enjoy his new home.

Frederick Stombaugh, of this review, was born, reared and married on the old family homestead, and in the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education. He experienced all the hardships and trials of life on the frontier, and assisted in the arduous task of developing the new farm. He was an industrious and energetic farmer, and his labor resulted in making his property a highly improved place, although he met with some financial difficulties in his latter life.

Mr. Stombaugh married Miss Elizabeth Baylor, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Franklin county when eight years of age. They became the parents of six daughters and one son. Eveline, the eldest child, was bprn on the farm which is now her home December 29, 1839. Mary C. became the wife of Jacob Wright, by whom she had two children, and by her second husband, John S. Borror, of Madison county, Ohio, where they are now living, she had' two children, of whom one survives, William Wright. Elizabeth, the third of the Stombaugh family, is deceased. Sallie is the wife of Dr. Orloff Schueller, of Marion township. John married Eliza Jane Clickenger and lives in ]\Iarion township. Mattie, the youngest of the family, is the wife of T. J. IMoore. also a resident of Marion township.

At the death of Mr. Stombaugh his eldest child was about twenty years of age and the youngest four years old. He had involved himself to some extent by going security for another, and the burden of this obligation fell upon Mrs. Stombaugh, who with the help of her older children saved the property and placed the family on an independent footing. This able and worthy woman died February 13, 1898. in her eighty-first year, and is sin« cerely mourned by all who knew her. Mr. Stombaugh lived to the age of fifty years. In his political views he was formerly a Whig ,and on the disbolution of the party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. Both our subject and his wife enjoyed the high regard oi many friends, and to their children they left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Under the able managment of Miss Eveline Stombaugh the homestead is one of the agricultural successes of Marion township. The place consists of about forty-eight acres of rich and well-cultivated land adjoining the corporation line of the city of Columbus, and is a very desirable property.

Will Starr White

The subject of this biographical sketch is the son of a soldier, has himself" risked life in defense of the flag, and is a nephew of two soldiers and a grand nephew of a colonel who fought gallantly for the preservation of the Union during the Civil war. Major White was born at Decatur. Illinois, October 8, 1869, a son of Henry A. and Caroline Camden (McFarland) White, and came to Columbus, Ohio, which city has since been his home, ^vith his father's family in 1874, wdien about five years old, and was educated in the Columbus high school. Henry White, who died in 1885, was a native of New York city. In 1861 he enlisted in the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery and served one hundred days, and by re-enlistment three years longer in the Army of the Potomac, participating in all the great battles which it fought and acquitting himself in all ways as a brave and patriotic soldier. After he took up his residence at Columbus he was until his death in the saddlery business on the site of the present court house.

For eleven years, 1884-95, Major White w^as employed in a prominent carriage-making enterprise. In 1895 he was appointed a letter-carrier at the Columbus postofhce, a position which he has filled continuously since except while engaged in military duty. In February, 1890, he joined the Fourth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, as a private in Cnmnany B, and having passed all lower grades he became second lieutenant in 1894, and ]\Iay, 1896, was promoted to the captaincy of the company. Three times in 1894 he was in active service^ - in the southeastern mining strike, at ]\Iount Sterling, against Galvin's army of "Coxeyites," and at the Washington Court House riots in October. In 1898 his regiment went into the United States volunteer army, and he was mustered into the service at Camp Bushnel], Columbus. ^Nlay 9, and was at Chickamauga May 15. July 24 he left for Newport News, and thence he went to Porto Rico, landing at Arroyo August 2, and fought at Guayama. Time all accounted for he was at Porto Rico from August 2 to October 29, and was on duty all the time in one service or another. At Guavama Company B and Captain White almost literally crawled four miles, while under a hot fire from Spaniards, and acquitted themselves so gallantly that they received special mention in the report of Colonel Coit commanding the Fourth. Captain White was a member of a general court-martial appointed by General Brooke, which sat for fifteen days, during which time it transacted much important business. He was mustered out January 20, 1899, and reported to the governor of Ohio as a National Guard officer of that state, and was ordered by the adjutant general to report how many men of the regmient intended to remain in the National Guard, and found that Company B would remain but that six other companies objected to so doing; and a reorganization of the regiment necessarily followed. July, 1899, Company 6 was on duty as an independent company at Cleveland in consequence of the street-railway strike in that city, and Captain White was elected major of the reorganized Fourth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, in camp at Cleveland, Ohio, July 31, 1899. The regiment was on duty at Akron to protect tlie city against rioters, August 23, 1900.

Ala j or White married Miss Maggie May Miskell, of Perry county, Ohio. His mother, Caroline Camden McFarland, was a daughter of Dr. Josiah McFarland, of Zanesville, Ohio, and two of her brothers served the cause of the Union in the Civil war, and Colonel G. A. Frambes, the brother of her mother, also won laurels in that great conflict. Fred J. White, brother of Major White, lives at Watertown, New York, and his sister Lilian married C. C. Beverly, of Columbus. Major White is national president of the Society of American Veterans of Foreign Service, of which there are two hundred and twenty-five members in Columbus, and he is in all things a man of public spirit, who takes a deep and helpful interest in every question affecting the welfare of his fellow citizens. In political affiliation he is a Republican.

Samuel Franklin Coen

The value of high personal character in public office has come to be so generally recognized that except in localities where politics is in very bad management the men chosen to do the work of municipal legislation are cleanhanded politically and highly regarded in business circles. Such a conscientious and well-esteemed public servant is Alderman Samuel Franklin Coen, of Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Coen is a native of IMorgan county, Ohio, and was born in 1859. William Coen, his father, married Elizabeth Proque, whose ancestors were Hollanders and who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. In 1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he died of wounds received in battle before Vicksburg while his son was yet a child in arms. His wife passed away in 1871. The son had early to take up the battle of life for himself. He was employed in a store in which his day's work usually ended about ten o'clock at night, and' gained a fair education by industrious study after that late hour and in wdiat other spare time he had. He came to Columbus in 1882, and until he established himself in business as a wholesale confectioner was city salesman for Butler, Crawford & Company and Shedd & Son, wholesale: grocers. His trade was a satisfactory one from the first, and it increased rapidly and steadily until his establishment is regarded as one of the foremost in its line in Columbus.

Mr. Coen is a thorough-going Democrat, and as a member of the city council, to which he was elected in 1900, he takes a leading part in local poll- tics and is a strong- advocate of municipal reform, in the furtherance of which he is a valued ally m the council of Rev. Dr. Gladden. He is personally acquainted with almost every active business and professional man in the city and many of them are his warm personal friends.

Mr. Coen married Miss Emily L. IMachin, of Chillicothe, Ohio, daughter of Aaron Machin, deceased, a native of England, who came to Chillicothe in 1840, and was a merchant there in the queensware line, and she has borne him four sons and tw^o daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Coen are members of the Congregational church, and Mr. Coen is a member of its board of trustees. Of conspicuous public spirit, he has, since he became a resident of Columbus, given his moral and material support to every public measure which has, in his good judgment, promised to advance the interests of the city and its people.

Frank O. Schoedixger

One of the young and enterprising business men of Columbus is Frank Oscar Schoedinger, who was born in this city on the*7th of September, 1872. He is of German lineage, his father, Philip J. Schoedinger, having been born in Germany in 1825. When only six years of age he w^as brought by his parents to the new world, the family establishing their home in Columbus. For many years he was successfully engaged in the undertaking business in this city, where he died in 1880. He was twice married, his first union being with Barbara Linther, by whom he had four children : George J. ; Philip L. ; Lizzie K., the wife of F. Kallmerten ; and Lena A., the wite of William J. Bowers, of Mansfield, Ohio. After the death of his first wife Mr. Schoedinger was a^ain married, his second union being with Caroline Heverly, of Bucyrus. Ohio, in 1868. Three children graced this marriage, namely: John Albert, Frederick Herman and Frank O.

In the usual manner of lads of the period living in the cities of our middle west, Frank O. Schoedinger spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He pursued his studies in the city schools, completing his course in the Columbus high school. Li September, 1890, he entered upon his business career, in connection wath the stove, house furnishings and roofing business. A fewyears afterward, in 1895, he entered into partnership with William A. Fearn and J. R. Dickson, The roofing branch of the enterprise has been owned and controlled from the beginning by Mr. Schoedinger, and to this he now^ devotes the major portion of his time. Flis plant, located on Long street, in Columbus, is large, well constructed and splendidly equipped with the best machinery of modern invention for carrying on the trade. He has produced some of the best specimens of finished workmanship in ornamental galvanized iron which can be found in the state. Many public buildings in different portions of Ohio attest his skill and workmanship, and the products of his house have been sent into various states of the nation. The plant has a large capacity, equal to the heavy demands which are made upon it. for the business is constantly growing in volume and importance.

Mr. Schoedinger is a gentleman of resourceful business ability, wide awake, alert and enterprising, and his labors have been extended into various fields. For two terms he was the president of the Builders & Traders Exchange, is a member of the board of directors of the Columbus board of trade, and a director of the Bank of Commerce. His religious connection is with the Emanuel Evangelical church, in which he is serving as one of the trustees. He is very prominent in Masonic circles, is now an ofiicer in Mount Vernon Commandery, No. i, K. T., and holds membership in both the York and Scottish Rite bodies. He likewise belongs to the Columbus Club, the Arlington Country Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In point of energy, enterprise and business ability he is one of the most prominent men in Columbus. He has been a leading factor in the progress of the city during the last decade, church and social, as well as business interests owing their promotion in a considerable degree to him. Throughout life he has resided in Columbus, and the years have been largely devoted to the public good.