Plymouth Township (part 4 of 6)

His rise in the world has been by the gradual stages that mark orderly progression. Each forward step in his career is easily discernible and the success which he has achieved is attributable to the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his and the directing of his efforts along the lines where mature and rare discrimination lead the way.

Samuel S. Bricker

Samuel S. Bricker, judge of the probate court, and one who in his official service has gained high commendation, was born in Jackson township, Richland county, about two miles east of Shelby, on the 15th day of April, 1863. His father, Isaac Bricker, was a native of Pennsylvania and arrived in Richland county about 1840 in company with his parents, who lived on what is now known as the Bricker homestead, four miles southeast of Shelby. There Isaac Bricker remained until his marriage, when he removed to the farm upon which the birth of Judge Bricker occurred. Subsequently he purchased the old homestead property and continued to reside there until his demise in 1889. He had crossed the plains in 1849. making two trips to California, where he engaged in mining with considerable success. This gave him his start in life and with the capital he had acquired on the coast he returned about 1856 to resume farming in Richland county. He married Caroline Sipe, who was also a native of Pennsylvania and came to Richland county with her parents about the time the Bricker family arrived here. She is still living at the age of seventy-one years.

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bricker became the parents of fifteen children. of whom twelve are living and are married. One brother. William R.. is title officer of the Hamilton Trust Company. of Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. B. B. Bricker is a hardware merchant at Prattville, Michigan. while a sister. Mrs. Dr. W. J. Barnes, also resides there. Another brother, C. R.. is engaged in general merchandising in the west. while the others are living in the vicinity of Shelby and the old family home.

Judge Bricker, who was the sixth in order of birth. acquired his early education in the country schools of this county and afterwards attended the Northwestern Ohio Normal University at Ada and a private school at Monmouth, Ilinoix. He subsequently spent two vears ou farms in Illinois and Iowa, after which he returned to this county and taught his home school for several years. He then entered the law office of Connelly & Laser at Mansfield, where he read law for one vear, after which he further continued his studies in the Ohio State University, from which he was graduated in 1892. In June of the same year he was admitted to the bar and at once entered upon the active practice of his profession, forming a partnership with J. C. Laser, under the firm name of Laser & Bricker. Later C. H. Workman was admitted as junior member of the firm and this partnership continued until 1895, when it was dissolved and the firm of Bricker & Workman was organized. Judge Bricker continued in the general practice of law until elected probate judge in 1902. He received public endorzement of his first term's service in his reelection in

1905, having been given an unusually large majority. During his term the law was passed permitting the establishment of juvenile courts, and he has availed himself of the opportunity to establish such an institution, which has proven most far-reaching and beneficial in its work. He appointed Captain A. G. Thornton a probation officer and has been judge of this court since its establishment, has handled a large number of cases and has done much tangible good in the reformation of juvenile offenders and in finding good homes for many children.

Judge Bricker has always been active in the local work of the democratic party and earnestly desires its success. He has also figured somewhat prominently in the financial and commiercial institutions of the city, being a director and third vice president in the Farmers Savings & Trust Company and also interested in other financial institutions of the city and the public service corporations. He also owns some county and city real estate, including an interest in the old family homestead and his own home at 112 Sturges avenue, one of the finest residence locations in the city.

On the 1l-t of November, 1892, Mr. Bricker was married to Miss Harriet Auld. a daughter of D. N. \uld. a prominent farmer of Marion county, Ohio. They have four children. Marguerite, Genevieve, Samuel A. and David J., aged respectively fifteen, thirteen. eleven and eight years.

Judge Ricker is well known as an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity. He is identified with its various bodies and he also belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the junior order UC. .\. M. Maccabees, the Modern Woodmen and the Foresters, while for eight vears he has been record keeper for the Maccabees. He is also a trustee in the First Presbyterian church. in which he holds membership. His influence has always been on the side of right, progress and humanitarianism, and in the discharge of the duties of his office, especially in the work of the juvenile court. he is demonstrating the fact. which is too often forgotten by the judiciary, that the law is not merely for a punishment to the individual but a protection. and thus he is working toward that higher ideal which in recent years has been manifested in the work of the courts whereby the individual is saved from his own evil tendencies by the efforts that are brought forward to cultivate hix best qualitie-.

James Edward Payne

James Edward Payne, who since 1904 has been successfully engaged in the cement business in Mansfield. prior to which time he served for two terms in the office of sheriff of Richland county, was born in Wooster, Ohio, April 17, 1861, his parents being John Henry and Mary Ann (Hunt) Payne. The father. a native of Somerset, England, where his birth occurred April 10, 1828, emigrated to America in 1847 and departed this life on the 29th of January, 1872. He was a stonemason by trade. The mother of our subject, who still survives, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, April 25. 1825, and made the overland journey to Ohio in the spring of 1832.

James Edward Payne has spent practically his entire life in Mansfield, having been brought to this city in August, 1861. He acquired his education in the public schools here, well equipping himself for the practical and responsible duties that come after text-books are laid aside. Becoming a prominent factor in local politics, he was made chairman of the democratic central committee in 1899, and in November of the following year was elected sheriff. That he won the approval of his fellow townsmen in the faithful and capable discharge of his duties is indicated by the fact that he was again elected to the same office in November, 1902, and, as during his first term, fully justified the confidence and trust that had been reposed in him. Upon retiring from his official duties he became connected with the cement business, in which he is still engaged, meeting with a creditable and gratifying measure of success by reason of his excellent business qualifications and well directed energy.

On the 31st of March, 1886, at Mansfield, Ohio, Mr. Payne was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Hall and they have two daughter: - Evangeline, now the wife of Paul A. Wien; and Mary Martha Payne.

Fraternally Mr. Payne is connected with Mansfield Lodge. A. F. & A. M.. Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T.. and Mansfield Lodge of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church, and he is well and favorably known in the city which has always been his home, his many good traits of heart and mind having won for him the esteem and regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

Jonas G. Smith

Jonas G. Smith. well known in Mansfield. was born in Wooster. Wayne county, Ohio. June 27, 1827. but in his boyhood days became a resident of Mansfield, which was then a little village, giving but httle promise of the growth which would transform it into a populous city. He continued a resident of Mansfield up to the time of his death, with the exception of a brief period of five years spent with his parents on their farm four miles east of the city on the Ashland road. As a business man and as a public official he made an excellent record. for in every relation of life he was true to the trust reposed in him and he never deviated from a course which his judgment dictated as right between himself and his fellowmen. He lived to witness remarkable changes in Mansfield, including the arrival of the first railroad engine in the city. It made the trip in August of the year in which the Smith family took up their abode here and the line was the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

In the meantime he was elected to the office of auditor. his previous experience in the office well qualifving him for the position, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. On his retirement he turned his attention to the grocery and produce business, in which he con- tinued until 1870, when he was appointed a special agent for the United States Life Insurance Company, having jurisdiction over a district that included Richland and six adjoining counties. He thus served for six years and was then again called to public office, being elected as city clerk in 1880. He filled that position in a most capable manner for six years, during which time he codified and superintended the first complete code of ordinances which the city of Mansfield ever had. In 1890 he was elected justice of the peace and was reelected in 1893, continuing in the office until his death. In his official capacity he acquired a vast fund of knowledge in regard to public affairs of the city and county and was a recognized authority on dates and figures pertaining to municipal interests. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he never wavered in support of his principles, yet was never a bitter partisan. He was a warm personal friend of Allen G. Thurman and many others who figured prominently in political circles, and his record in office was one over which there fell no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Indeed. for more than a- half century he was a prominent figure in Mansfield, and no man enjoyed public confidence to a greater degree or was more widely and favorably known than was Jonas Smith. His activities also extended to other lines aside from political and business affairs. He was one of the four men who organized the first Lutheran church of Mansfield and his aid could always be counted upon to further public progress and promote general improvement,

On the lst of July, 1851, was celebrated the marriage of Jonas Smith and Miss Esther Jane Leech, a daughter of John Leech, the ceremony taking place on her father's farm. They became the parents of six children, all of whom survived the father, namely: F. P., a resident of Plymouth; Mrs. Peter Purtell. who is located in Columbus; Ella S., wife of Fred F. Black, of Mansfield; William B.; Elizabeth C., wife of J. H. Berry, of Mansfield; and Albert. of Pittsburg. The father's demise occurred in Virginia. June 29, 1897. He had for years been a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and a loyal member of the Lutheran church, and, in fact, his entire life was characterized by an unfaltering fidelity to manly principles.

The family in its various branches is well known in Richland county and well deserving of mention in this volume. In 1874 Miss Ella Smith was married to Frederick F. Black, who was born in 1849, and unto them have been born three children, of whom two are living, Judson and Joseph Frederick Black. In the schools of Mansfield Mr. Black acquired his education. His father was the founder of the Brotherhood of Railway Conductors and was one of the oldest conductors on the Pennsylvania Railroad. When he passed away his fellow workers erected a monument to his memory. Frederick F. Black. like his father, became connected with railroading and remained in the service for over twenty years as one of the most competent and trusted engineers in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad. His run was between Mansfield and Toledo and he took the first train over the road froin Mansfield to Toledo. He was also a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and likewise belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. THis political allegiance was given to the democracy. He died very suddenly July 6, 1887, and his loss was deeply regretted, for he was one of Mansfield's most highly respected citizens, enjoying the regard not only of his railroad associates, but of all who knew him.

John H. Berry, ay, was born in 1857, married Miss Elizabeth C. Smith, daughter of Jonas Smith, September 26, 1883, and to them has been born a son, Charles H. Berry, whose natal day was May 23, 1887, and who was educated in the Mansfield schools. John H. Berry is a prominent business man of the city, being the owner of the Mansfield Brass Foundry, with which business he has been connected since 1892, employing from fifteen to twenty men when operating the foundry to its full capacity. He is as well known and popular socially as he is in business circles and is a valued representative of the Odd Fellows and Masonic lodges. His political support is given the democracy, and he is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran church. He stands among those men whose progressive spirit is contributing much to Mansfield's upbuilding, and wherever he is known he is held in high esteem for what he has accomplished in the business world and the methods he has employed to secure his success.

John Carlton Stambaugh

John Carlton Stambaugh, one of the owners and publishers ot the Daily Globe of Shelby, his native city, was born November 17, 1875. His father. Samuel F. Stambaugh, was a real-estate dealer and is a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Shelby about 1867, and is still living at the age of sixty vear-. He wedded Mary E. Moore, who was a native of Crawford county, Ohio. and is also living. being now about sixty-one vears of age. Their family numbered two sons and a daughter, of whom John C. is the oldest. The others are: Mary Grace, the wife of R. L. Castor. city editor of the Globe. and Luther Earl.

As a public-school student in Shelby, John C. Stambaugh passed through consecutive grades until he completed the high-school course and afterward attended Midland College at Atchison, Kansas. When nineteen vears of age he entered the office of the Daily Patriot of Atchison, of which his father was proprietor. His newspaper experience began in the composing room, where he remained for two years. In the fall of 1898 he came to Shelby and in 1900, in partnership with C. S. Moore, established the Daily Globe. This has been a most successful venture from the beginning, and extended mention is made of the business in connection with the sketch of Mr. Moore on another page of this volume. Aside from the paper, Mr. Stambaugh likewise has other interests in Shelby, including some city real estate.

Mr. Stambaugh belongs to the fraternal order of Eagles and votes with the democracy. He is rather quiet and reserved in manner, but is at all times pleasant and courteous and possesses the substantial qualities of a successful and enterprising business man.

Gustav Adolph Baer

Gustay Adolph Baer, now filling the position of county sheriff, was born August 15, 1865, at Schoenfeld, in the province of Brandenburg, Prussia. His father, Henry Baer, was a native of that place and was a blacksmith by trade. Coming to America in 1872 he settled in Mansfield, where he worked at his trade in the employ of the \\ultman-Taylor Company, and is still engaged in that line, although seventy-four years of age. His wife, Mrs. Augusta Baer, likewise a native of Brandenburg, Prussia, has now reached the age of seventy years.

Gustav A. Baer, the second in order of birth in a family of six children, all of whom are yet living, was but six and a half years of age when the family home was established in Mansfield, where he spent his boyhood days and largely acquired his education in the public schools, having previously attended school for six months in his native land. He became a factor in business circles when at the age of fifteen years he entered the Mansfield Woolen Mills. which were located on the present site of the Mansfield Lumber Company. There he remained for two years, after which he entered upon an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in the Aultman-Taylor works. That he wax faithful, trustworthy and competent is indicated by the fact that he remained in their employ until 1905, with the exception of one year spent in Chicago in the same line of business.

Mr. Baer has been more or less active in political circles and public life for a number of vears. In 1896 he was elected township clerk of Madison township, in which office he served for two terms of two years each, or until 1900, continuing work at his trade in the meantime. In fact, he retained his position until the 1st of January. 1906, when he entered upon the duties of the office of county sheriff, to which he had been elected the previous November. He has been the incumbent in that position for three vears and at the present time is the demucratic candidate for reelection. He has done most strenuous duty in this office, having been called upon to enforce many laws against ~trong opposition, a situation which none of his predecessors had faced. In every instance he has proven himself equal to the occasion and his administration has met with the heartv endorsement of both parties. He is very popular with all classes, but particularly with the working element. In all three campaigns in which he has been a candidate for nomination he has carried every precinct in the city in which he has spent almost his entire life and where he is well known. When he was a candidate for reelection for township clerk, and again for renomination for county sheriff, on which occasion a few of his political enemies put up an apparently strong opponent, he has led his ticket by an unprecedented majority of twenty-eight hundred. He came of a family in limited financial circumstances and had no special advantages at the outset of his career, nor did his family ties give him any particular influence. He has reached his present place of prominence by the manifestation of sterling qualities that he has displayed from his youth to the present time, and the honors which have come to him are well earned. After qualifying as a voter he was chosen by his ward and county to represent his party at various county, congressional, judicial and state conventions, wherein his opinion has carried weight, and he has always been an unitring worker for the best interests of democracy. While he had at all times a laudable ambition from his boyhood to hold public office he has never obligated himself to any politician nor accepted any pay for any political service outside of his well earned salary as an officer, even paying his own expenses at the conventions which he has attended.

'Mr. Baer was married on the 24th of December, 1901, by the Rev. H. L. Wild, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Miller, whose home was in Sharon township, near Shelby. Fraternally Mr. Baer is connected with the Odd Fellows, the Maccabees. the Modern Woodmen, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Red Men, the Eagles and the International Association of Machinists, of which he was serving as financial secretary when elected sheriff. He is a member of the First English Lutheran church and has served on various committees in that body. His influence is always given on the side of right, justice, truth, of good government and clean politics. He makes no claim to being anything but a plain. unassuming man, but his fellow citizens have come to esteem and honor him as one who is loyal to a trust and who is working for what he believes to be right in municipal and civic affairs.

Blizabeth C. Baughman

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Baughman, daughter of Captain James and Hannah (Stateler) Cunningham, was born near the Black Hand, Licking county, Ohio, March 8, 1805. Her father, Captain James Cunningham, was well known to the early settlers of Licking, Knox and Richland counties. The mother of Mrs. Baughman died when Elizabeth was only six months old, and her grandparents on her mother's side took the little child to rear. Major John Cunningham, Mrs. Baughman's grandfather. was of the nobility of Ireland, and his coat-of-arms is greatly prized by his descendants.

Captain Cunningham, marrying the second time. removed to Richland county in 1809, and settled near Beam's Mills, on the Rockyfork. two miles below Mansfield. In the winter of 1819-20 he returned to Licking county for his daughter, whom he brought to his new home in this county. The trip was made in a sled and took two days. The family lived at that time near the St. John's church, in the Darling Valley. below Newville. The change from the home of her wealthy grandparents to a cabin in the Richland wilderness could not have been a pleasant one, but the daughter, with filial devotion, obeved her father's command without a murmur.

On September 27, 1825, Elizabeth Cunningham was married to Jacob Baughman. Four daughters and one son blessed their home. Jacob Baughman died March 19, 1855, and Mrs. Baughman remained a widow from that time until her death, November 23, 1894, - nearly forty years. Mrs. Baughman's son, Abraham J., and her youngest daughter, Sade Elizabeth, remain single and always lived with their mother. and the Baughman home was noted for its hospitality.

After her husband's death Mrs. Baughman removed from Monroe township to Bellville, and when her son established himself in Mansfield a family home was secured, and here she resided for thirty years, or until her death.

Mrs. Baughman's grandfather, John Cunningham, served through the war of the Revolution; her father, James Cunningham, was a captain in the war of 1812, and her son, A. J. Baughman, was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion.

"Died, at her home in Mansfield, on Friday, November 23, 1894, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Baughman, in her ninetieth year. She was born at Black Hand, Licking county, March 8, 1805. She came with her father to Richland county in 1819, and was one of the pioneer women of the county. She saw it when it was a wilderness, when the Indian was a frequent visitor at her door. She saw the forests disappear before the sturdy blows of the woodman's ax, and in their stead towns and villages spring up. As Miss Elizabeth Cunningham she married Jacob Baughman, September 27, 1825. He died March 25, 1855, leaving her a widow with five children - four daughters and one son. Two daughters have preceded her to the Father's house. She remained a widow nearly forty years, and devoted her life to the training and comfort of her children, all of whom early gave themselves to the Lord, and who have ever shown their high appreciation of their mother's Christian worth. Over sixty years ago she embraced the Christian religion. She was baptized by Elder Newmyer, near Newville, and the remembrances of the occasion have ever been most precious to her. When the congregation feelingly sang, she arose and went. and as thev descended the banks of the beautiful stream for the typical burial they sang, 'How happy are they who their Saviour obey :' and as they came up out of the water her ear caught the strain, 'Now, my remnant of days shall be spent to His praise,' when she exclaimed, 'By the help of the Lord they shall be so spent,' and through all these sixty years she has never wavered nor doubted. Her pastors have received as much spiritual comfort from her as they have been able to impart to her. While her son, A. J. Baughman, and her daughter, Sade E. Baughman, filled positions at Washington, D. C., during the first administration of Grover Cleveland, Mrs. Baughman was with them, and while a resident of the capital city she worshiped with the Vermont Avenue Christian church, of which the Rev. F. D. Power is pastor. By her simplicity of manner and her beautiful Christian spirit she won her way to all hearts, and since her return to Mansfield each vear upon the anniversary of her birth, she has received a congratulatory letter from Brother Power, which she esteemed most highly. The next mutual greeting will be on the other shore. Her death waz peaceful and sublime. The day before, the writer, with the family and friends present, partook with her of the emblems of the Lord's body and shed blood. Shortly after this she repeated the well-known stanza:

When the farewell moment came, her son and daughter kneeling by her side, each with a hand clasped. she opened her eves and looked into theirs with a supernal light. Her radiant orbs flashed forth the intelligence, 'The Lord is with me.' And thus gloriously and triumphantly passed away another faithful servant of the Lord."

Mrs. Ellen Mahon

Mrs. Ellen Mahon, living on section 28, Weller township, is the widow of Janes Mahon. She was born in Richland county, August 17, 1840, and is a daughter of John and Jeannette Boyce. Her father was a native of England. while her mother's birth oceurred in Scotland. He was but a boy when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, the family locating in Franklin township, Richland county, Ohio, in the '20s. He was therefore largely reared in this state and continued to make his home in Richland county until called to his final rest at the age of sixty-two years. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, but Mrs. Mahon is the only one now living and both parents have passed away.

No event of special importance occurred to vary thet routine of farm life for Mrs. Mahon in her girlhood days. She attended the public schools and enjoved the social pleasures of the neighborhood and in due course of timé gave her hand in marriage to James Mahon, February 1, 1877. He was born in Weller township, this county, being one of a family of eleven children. At the age of eight vears he accompanied his parents on their removal to Crawford county, Ohio, where he made his home until his marriage, when he returned to Richland county and purchased the farm where his widow is now residing aud where he continued to live until his death. On starting out in life on his own account he took up the occupation of farming and became one of the progressive agriculturists of his community, working along lines of modern development and progress. He raised the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and in addition to this work he made a specialty of raising and feeding stock, principally horses. In all he undertook he was successful, for he possessed energy and unfaltering perseverance. He did not gain his prosperity by leaps and bounds, for his business career was marked by that slow yet steady progress that comes from the faithful performance of each day's duties. He was truly aself-made man. He gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction forhim. He died April 8, 1898, leaving a widow and three children to mourn his loss. He had one son, Charles, by a former marriage; and there were two children by the second marriage: John and Jeannette. All are at home.

Mrs. Mahon is the owner of valuable farming property, comprising three hundred and fifteen acres of rich and productive land in Weller township, one hundred and sixty acres being in the home farm. She and her sons carry on the place, they doing the active work of the fields, while Mrs. Mahon gives supervision to the business interests of the place. It is attractive and well kept in appearance and indicates that the owners are progressive people who desire to keep in touch with the best methods of farm life. Thev are also well known and highly esteemed socially and the Mahon home is a favorite resort with their many friends. Mrs. Mahon is a member of the Baptist church, while her husband was a Methodist in religious belief.

Jldson. Irn 1S Patterson

Judson Irvin Patterson has figured quite prominently in local official circles. his fellow townsmen calling him to office at various times, while at the present writing he is serving for the second term as county commissioner. He also derives an income from farming and banking interests and is well known here a= one of the worthy and respected native sons of Richland county. His birth occurred in Butler township, December 8, 1854. His parents were Robert and Mary (Beattie) Patterson, and the father was also au native of Butler township, his birth there occurring October 10, 1823. This fact indicates that the family was an early one in the development and upbuilding of the county, the name of Patterson being associated with its interests from pioneer times. Throughout his entire life Robert Patterson followed the occupation of farming, and his integrity and industry were salient features in his career. He married Mary Beattie, who was born in Parish Isle. .\berdeenshire, Scotland. May 27, 1825, and came to America when thirteen years of age. They were both members of the Methodist Epis- . copal church and later in life the mother joined the Christian church. The death of Robert Patterson occurred at Greenwich, Huron county, Ohio, March 7. 1886, while his wife passed away in Shelby, Richland county, February 6. 1904.

At the usual age Judson I. Patterson became a student in the country schools, and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father upon the home farm until twenty-three vears of age, when his father retired and he took charge of the farm, which he continuously and successfully operated until 1904. In that year he was elected county commissioner and, putting aside the more active duties of farm life, concentrated his time and energies upon the discharge of his official duties. He had previously been called to some local offices, having served as a trustee of Butler township from 1879 until 1884. In 1901 he was chosen township assessor and filled that position for three terms. On the 3d of November, 1903, he was elected county commissioner and took the office in 1904 for a term of three years. On the 6th of November, 1906, he was again elected for a term of two years, so that he is the present incumbent in the position. This board of commissioners makes all levies, has charge of all bridges and all moneys spent for the county. In the office Mr. Patterson is proving capable and faithful, and that his course has given general satisfaction is indicated by the fact of his reelection.

Mr. Patterson still retains his farming interests, having one tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres and another of forty acres in this county, from which he derives an excellent annual income. He is likewise a director of the Farmers' Banking Company of Greenwich, Ohio, and for fifteen years he was extensively engaged in buying cattle, sheep and wool in Huron and Richland counties, finding this a profitable source of income. He is a man of excellent business ability and brings to the discharge of his official duties the same spirit of enterprise and keen discernment which has always characterized him in conducting his private business affairs.

On the 7th of November, 1877, Mr. Patterson was married to Miss Augusta M. Stevenson. who was born in Butler township May 4, 1897, a daughter of John and Jane Stevenson. They traveled life's journey happily together for twenty-seven years, and were then separated by the death of the wife, who passed away December 20, 1904. Mr. Patterson has spent his entire life in Richland county and has many warm friends here who have known him from his boyhood to the present, indicating that his entire life has been actuated by honorable principles. As a business man he is energetic and progressive. while in his official service his record is unclouded.

James A. Price

James A. Price was born in Monmouthshire, West England, February 11. 1847, and at the early age of two and a half vears he and a younger brother were brought by their parents, Mr. and Mrs. James E. Price. to America. the family locating in Perrysville, Ashland county, Ohio, where one sister, Bess. now Mrs. J. W. Bell, was born. The family afterward removed to a farm two miles southeast of Butler in Richland county, which our subject owned until his death. There he spent his boyhood days and the farm in later vears came into his possession. On the 20th of May, 1864, Mr. Price was apprenticed for three vears to Lecky Harper, of the Mount Vernon Banner. for the purpose of learning the "art preservative," and on the expiration of his apprenticeship he began journeyman work on the same paper. After four vears spent in the employ of Mr. Harper on the Banner, Mr. Price went to Cincinnati and accepted a position as a compositor on the Daily Enquirer, filling that place for a period of four years, after which he went to Pittsburg, where he became identified with a large job printing establishment, the foremanship of which he assumed and held successfully for ten years.

After a long period of practical experience in the printing business Mr. Price returned to his old home at Butler and launched his first newspaper. It was called the Worthington Enterprise, the first copy of which was issued December 6,. 1888. The name was later changed to the Butler Enterprise and the paper was enlarged from a seven-column folio to a six-column quarto. On the 8th of December, 1892, the Bellville Messenger was founded by Mr. Price, and on the 7th of February, 1893, he removed his printing establishment and his family to Bellville, where he resided thereafter until his death. The publication of the Butler Enterprise was continued in connection with the Bellville paper. Both the Enterprise and the Messenger each was all home print and received a substantial and paying support.

On the 8th of March, 1887, Mr. Price was united in marriage to Miss Leah E. Severns, and unto this union one son was born, James Edward Price. The esteem in which Mr. Price was held by the citizens of Bellville and Jefferson township was fully shown by his election to the office of justice of the peace for several successive terms. He also filled the office of police justice with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. ;

After being out of health for a year or more, Mr. Price died on the 26th of April, 1905. The widow, Mrs. Leah E. Price, who had learned the printer's trade in her husband's office, continued the publication of both the Messenger and Enterprise successfully until she sold the plants on the 1st of January, 1908.

James Edward Price, the son of James A. Price, attended Miami University at Oxford the past year and contemplates finishing his education at some college in the east. He is a promising young man and a bright future is predicted for him.

The Mansfield Daily Shield contained the following editorial the day after Mr. Price's death: 'Squire James .\. Price, one of Bellville': most prominent and most highly respected citizens, editor and proprietor of the Bellville Messenger and the Butler Enterprise. died this morning at 9:05 o'clock at his home on Main street, Bellville. of Bright's disease and heart trouble. Squire Price had been in ill health since last fall. He was taken ill last September and for some months he was laid up. At times his condition was very critical and it was feared that he could not survive. He became better and for the past cauple of months he had been able to be up and around. Last Monday he suffered a relapse and again became worse. It was soon seen that his condition was serious and not much hope was held out to the family by the attending physician that he could recover. This morning he was unable to take any medicine. He had great difficulty in breathing, but after being raised up in bed he zeeemd to breathe more easily. Later he was seized with another attack, all efforts to relieve him proved unavailing. and after a few gasps he passed away. The news of his death was received with profound sorrow not only in Bellville, but wherever the genial editor of the Bellville Messenger was known. Squire Price was affiliated with the Masons and with the Knights of Pythias. He was fifty-eight years of age the 11th of last February and is survived by his widow and one son."

A. M. Stewart

The history of Butler would be incomplete without extended mention of A. M. Stewart, the leading merchant of the town and a business man who stands as a representative of that class of American citizens who in promoting individual success also advance the public welfare. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, November 21, 1862, his parents being Robert and Sarah (Sherrow) Stewart. His father was born in Ireland, but died in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1901, at the age of seventy vears. His widow, who was a native of Guernsey county, survived him for about two years and passed away at the age of sixty-three. Robert Stewart had come to the United States when a vouth of sixteen years and, making his way into the interior of the country, had settled in Guernsey county, where he was reared to manhood. There he married and settled upon a farm. devoting his entire life to agricultural pursuits. In the careful management of his affairs he made a good living for his family, numbering seven children, viz.: A. M., of this review; Thomas C., a resident of Knox county, Ohio: John A., whose home is in California; Frank E., living in Wellington. Ohio, and three who are now deceased.

A. M. Stewart was reared on the home farm and acquired a districtschool education prior to entering Muskingum College. He also pursued a normal course at Lebanon, Ohio, and when nineteen vears of age began teaching in Franklin county. Ohio. Through the following thirteen years he taught in Knox and Richland counties and proved a capable educator, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired and proving an excellent disciplinarian as well as instructor. He entered commercial lines in 1895, when he purchased a stock of goods at North Liberty. where he conducted a store for about six vears. In December. 1901, he came to Butler and opened a department store in a fine brick building. Here he has a room fifty-five by fifty-five feet and also a basement room of the same size filled with dry goods, groceries. boots and shoes, glassware, crockery, queensware and granite ware. He carries a stock valued at twentysix thousand dollars and his annual sales reach a large figure, for he is most progressive in his business methods, puts forth earnest effort to please his customers and is most reliable in his dealings. He also owns the best hotel in Butler, a house of twenty-five rooms, from which he derives a good rental. He buys wool and is extensively engaged in buying and selling good horses, receiving as high as twelve hundred dollars for a single team. He is an excellent judge of horses and thus his purchases are judiciously made, while his sales bring to him a gratifying profit. Mr. Stewart is likewise the treasurer of the Butler Bottle Company, a concern which he worked hard to promote, and which is now proving a profitable enterprise. He is also treas- urer of the Fredericktown Oil & Gas Company and his real-estate holdings embrace a farm in Guernsey county and twenty-four acres of valuable and productive land adjoining Butler.

On the 4th of August, 1895, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Luella C. Burger, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 14, 1867, and was a daughter of Levi and Catherine (Wolford) Burger, who were natives of Knox county and are now living retired at North Liberty. Their family numbered eleven children: A. P., a resident of Virginia; James T. and Mrs. Della Kellar, who are living in Knox county, Ohio; Mrs. Stewart; Jacob A. and William, who are also residents of Knox county; Edwin, whose home is in Columbus; Mrs. Blanche Lewis, of North Liberty, Ohio; and three who are now deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart has been blessed with one son, Harold. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and contribute generously to its support. Mr. Stewart belongs to Sturgis Lodge, No. 357, I. O. O. F., and to the Knights of Maccabees, while his political allegiance is given to the democracy. He is preeminently a business man and one who has wielded a wide influence. The essential qualities for the acquirement of success are his. In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail, for he possesses unfaltering purpose and business enterprise which enable him to carry forward to suecessful completion whatever he undertakes. He has been watchful of his opportunities. has improved them, and vear after year has made consecutive advancement until he is now numbered among the leading and prosperous merchants and business men of his adopted county.

Albert H. Keefer

Albert Hl. Keefer. who is one of the leading farmers of Washington township. his home being on section 13, has spent his entire life in Richland county and throughout his active business life has been identified with its agricultural interests. He was born in Mifflin township on the 8th of February. 1861, and is a son of Henry and Barbara (Culler) Keefer, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of J. W. Keefer, on another page of this volume. Albert H. is the oldest of their five children, the others being: James F., who lives on the home place in Mifflin township; Jacob W., a resident of Washington township; Retta, the wife of George Braden, of Washington township; and Vernon, who is also on the home place in Mifflin township.

Albert H. Keefer was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farm boys. attending the common schools near his home and acquiring an excellent knowledge of agriculture while assisting in the operation of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage and then started out in life for himself as a farmer, locating on his present place in Washington township. where he operated eighty acres belonging to his father. As time has passed he has prospered in his farming operations and is today the owner of one hundred and fifty-eight acres of valuable land under a high state of cultivation. He has made all of the improvements upon the place and now has one of the best farms of the locality.

On the 12th of October, 1882, Mr. Keefer was united in marriage to Miss Emma Snook, who was also born in Mifflin township, February 23, 1868, a daughter of John and Joseph (Klauer) Snook, both natives of Germany. Her father was born in 1824 and died in 1902, while her mother was born in 1825 and passed away in 1895. Of their nine children five are still living, namely: Charley, August, Mrs. Louisa Cook and Mrs. Nettie Keefer, all residents of Mifflin township; and Emma, wife of our subject. The parents of these children were married prior to their emigration to America, and on reaching this country located in Mifflin township, this county, where the father followed farming until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Keefer have one child, Anna, now the wife of Walter Hagerman, of Mansfield.

By his ballot Mr. Keefer supports the men and measures of the democratic party and he takes quite an active interest in public affairs. He has held some school offices, but has never cared for political honors. He is a member of Washington Grange, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran church at Lucas. They are widely and favorably known in the county where they have always resided and their circle of friends is almost coextensive with their circle of acquaintances.

Levi Zimmerman

There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of Richland county from the earliest pioneer days. For many vears he was prominently identified with the business interests of Mansfield and is still the owner of considerable property in that city but is now living retired in a pleasant home at No. 288 West Fourth street.

Levi Zimmerman was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of April, 1814, a son of John and Mary (Jones) Zimmerman, who spent their entire lives in that state. The father died in 1824 and being left an orphan at an early age, our subject came to Ohio with his uncle Nicholas Jones, when eleven years old, locating in that part of Richland county which is now Ashland county. Prior to coming to this state he had attended the public schools of Pennsylvania to a limited extent but his educational advantages were limited. In 1828 he became a resident of Mansfield. where he served a five years' apprenticeship to the trade of a tin and coppersmith. and during that time he attended school for nine months. He then worked -as a Journeyman for two years, after which he opened a shop of his own in Mansfield, which at that time was a small village, but at the end of two years he took charge of the business of Samuel Bucyrus, remaining in his employ until the death of that gentleman. He was then in business for himself and continued to work at his trade until 1860. Although he started out in life for himself with no capital, he prospered as the years went by and invested his capital in real estate until he is now the owner of some valuable city property, including several buildings on Main street,, from which he derives a good income.

In 18385, Mr. Zimmerman was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. George, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, but was reared in Crawford county, and after a happy married life of sixty-two years they were separated by the death of the wife, which occurred in 1897. They became the parents of six children, of whom five are still living, namely: Mrs. Henry C. Hedges, Mrs. Michael Douglas and Eli, all residents of Mansfield; John, of Chicago: and Rosetta, the wife of John W. Burnett, of Oklahoma.

During the gold excitement in California, Mr. Zimmerman went to the Pacific coast in 1850 and spent a few months in mining, but almost his entire life has been spent in Mansfield and the fine brick residence now occupied by him was built in 1860. He was originally a whig in politics and cast his first presidential vote for General William Henry Harrison in 1836, but since the organization of the republican party he has been one of its stanch supporters. Now in his ninety-fifth vear, he is the revered patriarch of the community and is enjoying in well earned rest the competence which is but the merited reward of a long and honorable career. Since 1851 he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has always been strictly temperate in his habits and this is probably one of the secrets of his excellent health.

Charles Augustine

Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose and it was with a feeling of genuine sorrow and regret that the news of the demise of Charles Augustine was received in Mansfield and Richland county. He had for many years made his home here, had been closely associated with its business interests and at all times had manifested those qualities of commercial integrity, of cordiality and sincere friendship which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.

He was born in Clark county, Ohio, in 1831, and died in Mansfield, September 28, 1904. His early educational privileges were supplemented by a course of study in Kenyon College, Ohio. When he had completed his business education he entered the business world as a clerk in a dry-goods store and after a few years' experience in that line, during which time he had gained a thorough knowledge of business methods, he started out in mercantile lines on his own account and for four vears owned and conducted a store in Illinois. Disposing of his business on the expiration of that period, he then returned to Mansfield where he opened a dry-goods store, winning therein a liberal patronage. which he continued to enjoy for ten years, when he again sold out and turned his attention to the wholesale and retail leather trade. In that business he soon built up an extensive patronage, annually conducting a business that brought to him a most pratifying financial return. He continued to deal in leather up to about 1894 and throughout his commercial career the integrity of his methods was never called into question, while his example of energy, ready adaptability and unfaltering perseverance, may still be followed by those who desire to win prosperity and an honored name.

In 1858 Mr. Augustine was married to Miss Louise Ritter, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, in 1836. Unto them were born four children: Carrie, John, Louise and Catharine, all of whom survived the father, who was most devoted to the welfare of his family and did everything in his power to promote their happiness, counting no personal sacrifice on his part too great that would enhance the interests of his family. The family are members of the Congregational church.

Mr. Augustine was an ardent republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party and doing all in his power to secure its success. He was also an exemplary Mason, ever living up to the teachings of the craft. In fact he was widely recognized as a man of high honor, of strict integrity and keen ability who always had a kind word for those with whom he came in contact. He belonged to that class of men who shed around them much of the sunshine of life and it was therefore with the sincerest regret that his many friends were called to part with him when his life's labors were ended in death.

Thomas J. Green

Thomas J. Green, a well known representative of the Richland county bar, practicing as a member of the firm of Skiles. Green & Skiles in Shelby, his native city, was born March 4. 1870. His parents were Michael and Narcissa (Marvin) Green. The father was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania. December 24, 1831, and the mother's birth occurred in Cass township, this county, May 29, 1832. Michael Green came to Ohio from Pennsylvania as a young man of nineteen vears. He was a cabinetmaker and carpenter by trade, learning cabinetmaking with the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Silas Marvin. He died in the vear 1888, while his wife survived until the spring of 1891. In their family were nine children. eight of whom are living.

Thomas J. Green. entering the Shelby public schools, mastered the branches that constitute the curriculum until he was graduated from the high school in 1888. He afterward attended Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio, entering the institution in September, 1888, and attending for two consecutive years, while at a later time he also attended for part of a year. For four years he was a teacher in the public schools of Shelby, but he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor, as it was his ambition to become a member of the bar. Accordingly, he read law with Judge Mansfield and Mr. Long and to further perfect himself in his chosen calling entered the law department of the Ohio State University in September, 1896. After studying there for a year, he was admitted to the bar at the regular state examination of June, 1897, and in September following he entered the law office of Skiles & Skiles, with which he practiced until February 9, 1904. In January of that year one of the partners, W. W. Skiles, had passed away and a new firm was then formed, composed of G. M. Skiles, Thomas J. Green and R. C. Skiles, under the firm style of Skiles, Green & Skiles. They continued the practice of the old firm, which is largely confined to negligence cases in Ohio, Indiana and New York. They have become prominent in this department of the law and have been connected with much important litigation heard in the courts.

On the 25th of June, 1902, Mr. Green was married to Miss Blanche G. Skiles, a daughter of George M. Skiles. They have two children, Winifred and Robert. In polities Mr. Green has been a lifelong democrat and is recognized as one of the prominent members of the party in this locality. While reading law he was elected justice of the peace and served for a term of two years. He was also elected mayor of Shelby for one term and during his administra tion the first street paving and sewer system were put in. Mr. Green belongs to the Mansfield Lodge of Elks, to the Shelby Masonic Lodge and to the Subordinate Lodge and Uniformed Rank of the Knights of Pythias, serving on the staff of Brigadier-General Minshall, of Ohio, with the title of major. He is likewise connected with the Knights of the Maccabees at Shelby, with the Colonial Club of this place and is a member of the Westbrook Country Club of Mansfield. When he was in his first term in school after leaving the public schools he lost his father and was thus thrown upon his own resources. His native strength of character, his ready adaptability and strong purpose, have enabled him to rise superior to all difficulties and obstacles that he has encountered and to gain distinction and success in legal circles, while as a citizen he is recognized as one who is most public-spirited and loyal in his devotion to the general good.

Mrs. Ursula J. Coulter is the widow of Jonathan Coulter. Her parents were William and Esther (Gladdon) Peterson, and both were natives of Monroe township, being representatives of old pioneer families of Richland county. The paternal and the maternal grandparents located here during the frontier epoch in the history of this part of the state.

William Peterson was reared to the occupation of farming and followed it as his lifework. At the time of his death he owned two large farms in Monroe township, which were inherited by his daughter, Mrs. Coulter. Of this property, comprising one hundred and eighty-five acres, she has since sold fifty-five acres to the oil company for fifteen thousand dollars, but she still owns one hundred and thirty acres, which is a finely improved tract of land which annually brings forth rich harvests and returns to her a gratifying income. Mr. Peterson was an energetic farmer, active and diligent in business and neglecting no opportunity which would promote his advancement in honorable lines. He enjoved the good will and esteem of all with whom he was brought in contact and his life record indicated what could be accomplished if one be persevering and diligeut. Unto him and his wife were born four children: Rossella S., now deceased; Aaron E., a resident farmer x Monroe township; Lester W. , deceased : and Mrs. Coulter.

The last named spent i gaiond days under the parental roof and acquired a liberal education in the public schools. After arriving at years of womanhood, she gave her hand in marriage to John Coulter, the wedding being celebrated in the '60z, after his return from the war. Mr. Coulter had been a drummer boy in the Union army during the period of hostilities between the north and the south. When the war was over he returned to Ohio and became proprietor of a dry-goods store at Perrysville, which he conducted for a time. He likewise served as poxtmaster at that place and later entered the United States civil service, serving as railway postal clerk, his run being between Pittsburg and Crestline, Ohio, for several years. He became well known in this connection, was popular with all with whom his duties brought him in contact and made many friends among those with whom he had social relations. In 1900 he became ill with typhoid fever and passed away.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coulter were born two children. but Etta E.. the elder, is now deceased. The younger, E. Leone, is now at home, having completed her education in Mansfield. Mrs. Coulter now lives ou her farm in Monroe township. Her father, William Peterson, one of the early residents of Richland county was very prosperous through an active life and accumulated a handsome fortune, which at his death he left to his son and daughter, his only surviving heirs. Mrs. Coulter now owns one hundred and thirty acres of land and also a fine residence property in the city of Manstield. Upon the farm is an attractive dwelling and many modern equipments and conveniences, and in the management of the property. which is situated on section 13, Monroe township, Mrs. Coulter displays excellent business ability and executive force. She possesses, too, those true womanly traits of character, which are always admired wherever seen, and ix most loval to her friend: who are many.

Robert B. Humphryes

Prominent among the enterprising and successful business men of Mansfield is Robert B. Humphryes, who was one of the organizers of the Humphrves Manufacturing Company. Throughout his business career he displayed ready adaptability in the utilization of opportunities and a keen foresight in recognizing the chances of failure or success that has enabled him to avoid all which might prove detrimental and to develop all that promises of a helpful nature in the extension and expansion of what is now one of the productive industries of Mansfield.

Mr. Humphryes was born May 17, 1846, in Newark. New Jersey. and has been a resident of Mansfield since December, 1884. He pursued his education in the common s¢hools and was but a boy when in response to the coun- try's call for troops he offered his services, enlisting on the 30th of June, 1862, as a member of Company F, One hundred and twenty-second New York Volunteers. He was mustered in in Syracuse, New York, August 22, 1862. He was first under the command of Colonel Silas Titus, who was afterward detailed for provo marshal duty, and Lieutenant Colonel A. W. Dwight was made the superior officer in command of the regiment. The One hundred and twenty-second New York was sent immediately to the front and the first battle in which they participated was that of South Mountain. Later they took part in the engagement at Antietam and many others in which the Army of the Potomac engaged. They were joined to the third division of the sixth corps and were afterward transferred to the first division of the sixth corps. At the battle of Cold Harbor Mr. Humphryes was seriously wounded on the lst of June, 1864, when the division was supporting the cavalry in defense. This brought his military career to an abrupt close and after lying for four months and sixteen days in the hospital he obtained a leave of absence and returned home. Soon afterward he was transferred to St. Mary's hospital at Rochester, New York, and was there discharged from the service on the 4th of March, 1865. He had been a brave and loyal soldier, his valor equaling that of many a veteran of twice his years.

Mr. Humphryes possesses natural mechanical ability and his efforts have always been exerted along those lines. While it has been a long period since he was engaged in active work of that character, he has filled positions of executive force and administrative direction in connection with the concern at Mansfield, of which he is now vice president, so that throughout his entire career he has been identified with mechanical interests. As stated, he came to Mansfield in December, 1884, in company with his brother, John, and established what is known as the Humphryes Manufacturing Company, an incorporated organization. At the beginning they employed from twentyfice to thirty men and the growth of the business is indicated somewhat by the fact that there are now more than three hundred names on their pay roll. This has been accomplished in twenty-four years, and today their sales extend throughout the entire world. All this is due to capable management and efficient workmanship. They have ever made it their purpose to employ men who are competent, while in the office the work has been most carefully planned and controlled.

John Humphryes was the original founder of the business, which was organized as a stock company from the first. John Humphryes, however, continued as the manager until his untiring efforts and close attention to business undermined his health to such an extent that he was obliged to seek a change of climate for rest and recuperation, but he had delayed too long in making the change and in February, 1893, he passed away, dying in New Orleans when he was homeward bound. His brother, Robert, then went to the Crescent city and returned to Mansfield with his remains which were then interred in the cemetery here. The business of the house has since been continued along the lines which were marked out by the founders, and in keeping with the progressive spirit of the age. The first officers were: E. J. Forney, president; S. M. Ford, vice president; John Humphryes, secretary and treasurer; and Robert B. Humphryes, superintendent. The last named has spent his life in the business and although now retired from the management, still holds his interest, being one of the vice presidents of the company. Mr. Humphryes was united in marriage to Miss Jessie S. Ritz, who was born in Mansfield in 1866.

In his political views Mr. Humphryes has been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, although never an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons. At all times he has been loyal to the best interests of the community and his co-operation has been counted upon and received in support of many progressive public movements. He has for twenty-four years been a resident of Mansfield and his life and work are considered a valuable asset in the business development of the city.

Not to know Curtis E. McBride in Richland county is to argue one's self unknown. In him a genial spirit is combined with indomitable perseverance and strong individuality and he has already left the impress of his powers upon the judicial and legislative history of the state. There are upon the statute books of Ohio certain laws which redound to his credit and his political service has commanded the respect if not the support of the opposition. Richland county is proud to number him among her native sons. His birth occurred upon the home farm in Monroe township, August 11, 1858, his parents being Union and Nancy J. (Smart) McBride. The family has been known in this county since 1820, when the grandparents. Alexander and Ruth (Barnes) McBride, the former a native of Staunton Virginia, came to this state and secured a tract of land near the village of Lucas, Monroe township, where they spent their remaining days. Union McBride was for a long period identified with agricultural pursuits in this county. Unto him and his wife were born four children but three of the number died in infancy.

Curtis E. McBride, the only surviving member of the family. attended the district schools between the ages of six and sixteen years and during the periods of vacation worked upon the home farm. He became a student in Wooster University in the fall of 1874 and there pursued a classical course. which he completed by graduation in 1879. That was a momentous year in his life record. It not only witnessed his graduation and his initial study of the principles of law but also his marriage, which was celebrated on the 29th of August of that year, Miss Minnie Rhodes, a native of Ashland, Ohio. becoming his wife. In the following month Mr. McBride began reading law under the direction of the firm of Burns & McBride, attorneys of Mansfield, the junior partner being his uncle, Thomas McBride, who is now deceased. On the 7th day of March, 1882, he was admitted to the bar and that the examination was a most rigid one is indicated by the fact that only seven in a class of fifteen were licensed to practice. For two years he was associated with his uncle, Thomas McBride, and in the fall of 1884 joined S. G. Cumming in a partnership. Their practice was largely corporation work, Mr. McBride becoming the trial lawyer of the firm, with Mr. Cumming attending to the office practice. Since 1884 Mr. McBride has served as local and district counsel for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and has been local and district attorney for the Big Four Railroad Company since 1895, in which connections he has tried many complicated cases and has won some notable victories for his clients.

Tt has not been alone at the bar, however, that Curtis E. McBride has won distinction. He has proven his business ability in other directions and has given proof of his fidelity to community and state interests through his service in public office. He was for one term a member of the city council of Mansfield and was largely instrumental in adding to the city the Sherman- Heineman park, a most beautiful resort. He was also in the council when the franchise was granted, establishing the city electrical railway. For six vears he served as a member of the school board of Mansfield and in the fall of 1893 was called to represent his district in the seventy-first general assembly, being elected on the democratic ticket. He at once took his place among the active, working members of that body and was appointed a member of various important committees, including that of judiciary, ways and means and taxation. During his term he introduced the McBride jury law, which provides for the abolition of the old jury system, whereby the most undesirable class of citizens could succeed to places on the jury list and providing also that the common pleas judge in each and every county in the state should appoint a non-partisan commission of four, or two from each political party, and that the names selected as jurors should be endorsed by three members of this commission. There was not a dissenting vote in either house or senate when the bill came up and referring to this law the president of the Ohio State Bar Association in his annual address said: "I had given this subject much thought and prepared some practical suggestions looking toward reform, when much to my delight, and no doubt to the gratification of our profession generally, an act of the legislature passed on the 23d day of April, 1894, provided for the appointment of a non-partisan jury commission of four suitable persons in each county, whose duty it is to select jurors for the ensuing year. Much may be expected from the jury system of the future. It is gratifving also to state that the measure was introduced in the house of representatives by Hon. Curtis E. McBride, of Mansfield. an active and honored member of our association. After passing the house, the bill was concurred in by the senate without a dissenting vote. All honors to Brother McBride in this encouraging step in the direction of legal reform."

So acceptable was Mr. McBride's service during his first term that he was reelected in November, 1895. During his previous term he had introduced a bill extending the time whereby law students must study for three instead of two years before being admitted to the bar. Another law for which he deserves much credit is that of requiring '"'special findings" by a jury as well as a general verdict. If the special findings are inconsistent with the general verdict the special findings govern. Both these laws were passed in the session of 1894. When he was elected for a second term his party unanimously supported him for speaker, but he failed of election owing to the republican strength in the house. He was, however, floor leader of the minority during his second term and again he served on the committee on judiciary and taxation and rules. The McBride libel law, which he introduced, passed the house but met defeat in the senate. This provided that where a newspaper was sued for libel the party bringing the suit must prove malice. ;

Mr. McBride has had other honors of a public nature, having been appointed a commissioner to the Mexico Exposition, which, however, failed to materialize, while in September, 1898, he was appointed by Governor Bushnell a member of the Ohio Centennial commission for the fourteenth congressional district. His appointments came to him from a republican governor in recognition of his genuine, personal worth. On the Ist of January, 1900, he received from the supreme court an appointment as a member of the committee to examine applicants for admission to the bar and thus served for four years. Mr. McBride is fearless in defense of what he believes to be right and his stalwart and unquestioned patriotism have gained him the honor and respect of men prominent in every walk of life in the state. In his home locality he has won warm personal friendships, his fellow townsmen knowing him as a most forceful, genial and courteous gentleman.

Unto him and his wife were born two children, Winona and Fay, and the family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. McBride was identified with its working societies and with a ladies' literary society of Mansfield. She died in December, 1900. Mr. McBride's fraternal relations extend to Mansfield Lodge and Mohican Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Madison Lodge, No. 26, K. P.; and Mansfield Lodge, No. 56, B. P. O. E. He is also identified with the lodge, chapter and commandery of Masons at Mansfield: the Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati; and the Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cleveland. He is a man of large professional and business capacity, of broad mind, and of genuine public spirit, whose interests center in those channels through which flow the greatest good to the greatest number.

Hon. Joseph M. Hunter

The list of the leading citizens of Richland county contains the name of Joseph M. Hunter, who has taken a very active and prominent part in public affairs. His record as an official and as a business man has been so honorable that he has gained the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Mr. Hunter was born on the 29th of April, 1844, in Blooming Grove township, this county, his parents being James and Mary (McLees) Hunter. His paternal grandfather was Samuel Hunter, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and a son of George Hunter, who, with two of his brothers, fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war. After leaving the army George located in Washington county, Pennsylvania, while his brother James went to Virginia, and Joseph to Georgia. Samuel Hunter, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the war of 1812 and spent the winter of 1812-13 at Camp Council, Richland county, Ohio. He and Henry Paul were comrades in arms and became such devoted friends that they entered into an agreement each to marry the sister of the other, and this agreement they carried out on their return home.

James Hunter, our subject's father, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April 5, 1814, and, although his school privileges were limited, he made the most of his advantages and, by reading and observation, became a well informed man. In 1833 he came to Richland county in company with his father, who entered a quarter section of land near Rome in Blooming Grove township, which is now owned by the heirs of Joseph P. and Benjamin Hunter. In 1835 James Hunter returned to his native county and was married to Miss Mary McLees. bringing his bride to the new home he had prepared for her in Richland county. Not long afterward Samuel Hunter purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 21, Blooming Grove township, which was heavily timbered and unimproved, and upon this place James built a log cabin and at once began to clear the land and convert it into a good farm, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred November 3, 1864. As a public-spirited and progressive citizen, he took a very active and prominent part in public affairs and was a recognized leader in his community. He served as justice of the peace for six successive terms and was still filling that office at the time of his death. Although reared in the Seceder church, he joined the Presbyterians after coming to this county and for many years served as one of the elders of his church. His estimable wife, who was born in 1813, died in Blooming Grove township in 1889. She was a daughter of Charles McLees, of Columbiana county, who was a native of County Antrim, Ireland. and emigrated to America after his marriage, which was celebrated on the Emerald Isle.

Unto James and Mary (McLees) Hunter were born seven children, namely: Joseph M., of this review; Marv J., the wife of William R. Long, a farmer of Cass township, this county; Dorcas .\., the wife of James W. Hann: Charles S.. who is justice of the peace and lives in Rome, Blooming Grove township: Hester J.. who lives with her sister, Mrs. Long; and Johannah C.. deceased.

During his boyhood Joseph M. Hunter attended the public schools and while assisting in the labors of the home farm he early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was only nineteen years of age when his father died and, being the eldest in the family, the management of affairs naturally devolved upon him, and cheerfully did he bear his burdens. Not long before his death the father had purchased additional land involving some obligations, which the young man assumed, and he continued in charge of his mother's affairs until after his marriage.

In 1874 Mr. Hunter wedded Miss Alice Miller, a daughter of Michael Miller, of Blooming Grove township, who was a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and one of the early settlers of Richland county. They began their domestic life on the old homestead and Mr. Hunter engaged in the operation of the farm for several years. The democratic party has always found in him a stanch supporter and at an early age he became interested in politics, becoming a recognized leader in local affairs. On the Ist of April, 1883, he was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary, and while holding that position his wife died, in May, 1888. He then wished to be released from the management of that institution, but the directors insisted upon his remaining, and he continued to serve as superintendent until April 1, 1890, when he returned to Blooming Grove township and purchased a farm of eighty acres of his father-in-law, living there until 1894.

On the 15th of February of that year Mr. Hunter was united in marriage to Mrs. Alverda Chew, nee Ferrell, who was the widow of E. M. Chew, and then removed to his present home in Cass township. In 1898 he purchased the old Hunter homestead, which is now managed by his son, Claude M., who has achieved an enviable local reputation as a teacher. His daughter Ann is now the wife of M. D. Ropp, who lives on the old Ropp homestead in Blooming Grove township. Fenella is also a successful teacher, while Allen, G. T. and J. Garland assist their father in the operation of the home farm.

In 1897 Mr. Hunter was elected to the general assembly of Ohio by a handsome majority, carrying every precinct, and so acceptably did he fill the office that he was reelected in 1899, being member of both the seventy-third and seventy-fourth general assemblies. He was also a delegate to the Chicago democratic convention in 1896, which nominated William J. Bryan for the presidency. Such in brief is the life history of Joseph M. Hunter. In whatever relation of life we find him - in the government service, in political circles, in business or in social relations - he is always the same -honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.

George A. Schaeffer

George A. Schaeffer, filling the position of justice of the peace in Mansfield, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1845. His father was a native of Adams county, Pennsylvania, and a shoemaker by trade. In 1867 he arrived in Leesville, Crawford county, Ohio, while his last days were spent in Morrow county, Ohio, where he died September 22, 1882. He was a very devout Methodist, extremely active in church work, especially in the latter part of his life. He was well known and well liked by all who knew him, and something of the esteem and love in which he was uniformly held was indicated by the fact that he was known throughout the community as Uncle John. He was a man of domestic taste, specially devoted to his family. He married Susanna Evinger, who was born near Blain, Perry county, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Peter Evinger, who was killed in the Mexican War when his daughter was a small child. The death of Mrs. Schaeffer occurred November 18, 1889, in Mansfield, and was deeply regretted by many who knew her.

George A. Schaeffer is the eldest in a family of three children, and is the only survivor. He spent his boyhood days to the age of seventeen years at St. Peters, near Landisburg, Pennsylvania, and acquired his early education at the common schools of that place, attending between the ages of four and eleven vears. For further mental discipline he entered Mt. Dempsey Academy at Landisburg in August, 1856. The school was situated two and a half miles from his home and he walked, morning and evening, rain or shine, the entire distance. until the summer of 1862. During the long vacation period of that vear he pursued a preparatory course under the private tutelage of Professor Kerr. and thus qualified to enter Franklin & Marshall College at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, but, through the intervention of a friend from Philadelphia. he was persuaded to enter a grocery store at Hanover. Pennsylvania. He remained in that employ until he became ill with typhoid fever, July +. 1864, and when he finally recovered after a three months' illness he secured a position in a dry-goods store, in which he remained until November 1, 1865. The head clerk of the store decided to enguge in the hardware business in Dayton, Ohio, in the coming <pring and induced Mr. Schaeffer to sever his connection with his old firm, as his year's contract had just expired, and prepare to enter his employ in Dayton. Therefore he left his place there and returned home, but while at home he learned that his prospective employer had changed his plans, and Mr. Schaeffer therefore secured the position of teacher in the school in his home district. teaching the terms of 1865 and 1866 with great success, although the school of which he had charge was the largest of ten schools in that township and he the youngest teacher.

Upon closing his school in the spring of 1867, Mr. Schaeffer received a letter from his uncle. Dr. Jacob Schaeffer, at Leesville, Crawford county, Ohio, inviting him to come there and read medicine with him. He did so and remained in his uncle's office until the fall of 1869, when the uncle died. He had promised to meet the expenses incident to George A. Schaeffer's completion of his medical education and, as he was thus deprived of the assistance by his uncle's death, Mr. Schaeffer gave up the study and returned to teaching, continuing his efforts in professional lines of that character until the spring of 1884. He then removed to Lexington, where he entered the employ of W. W. Cockley & Company, general merchants, with whom he continued until December, 1889. He then entered the dry-goods store of Reed & Ink, now the H. L. Reed Company of this city. He continued at that point until 1892, when they substituted girl clerks and Mr. Schaeffer entered a grocery store, continuing to act as a salesman in that line until he was elected justice of the peace in 1904. He has since filled the position, being reelected in the fall of 1907.

Mr. Schaeffer was married at Marion, Ohio, December 6, 1868, to Miss Katherine Schwartz, a daughter of Jeremiah Schwartz, a tailor of Shelby. They have become the parents of ten children, of whom seven are living: Harry, aged thirty-six, who is head clerk in a wholesale jobbing house at Los Angeles; Charles W., who is traveling for W. A. Hamilton, of Mansfield; Claude, who is bookkeeper for W. A. Hamilton, while formerly he was connected with the First National Bank of Cleveland; Clyde, the wife of Roy Swisher, a grocery merchant of Mansfield; Minnie B., a teacher in the public schools, who also has charge of the choir in the United Presbyterian church ; Ivan F., an expert accountant, living at Cleveland, Ohio; J. Floyd, who is studying mining engineering in the Ohio State University.

It has always been Mr. Schaeffer's aim to supply his children with good educational privileges, and for this purpose he came to Mansfield. He has also endeavored to prepare them at home for school while small by instilling into them a love for education and providing them with literature and periodicals suitable to their age. Mrs. Schaeffer is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, having been born near Wooster. She has also been very devoted to her family and in the care of her children and household her entire interest is centered. She has made one trip to California for her health and to visit her eldest son, and a trip to Florida on a visit, on which occasion she was accompanied by her two youngest sons. Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer are members of the First Congregational church and they were formerly members of the choir of the Mayflower Congregational church, and while a member of that church Mr. Schaeffer served as deacon for eight vears, while all of the children seem to have inherited their musical talent.

Tn polities Mr. Schaeffer is a republican, but was a radical democrat until the war. He has never been active in the party ranks, nor doe: he seek and desire office. He belongs to the Junior Order of United \merican Mechanics, his membership being in Purity Council. No. 98. He has always had the highest regard for those things which 'tend to develop character and promote substantial growth, and his record in commercial and in professional circles, as well as in office, has always been characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty.

Verner Z. Reed

Verner Z. Reed was born in Monroe township. Richland county. Ohio, October 138, 1863, his parents being Hugh Fulton and Elizabeth Amanda (Wolfe) Reed, both of whom were born and reared in this county. They are now deceased. Hugh Fulton Reed was the son of Joseph and Nancy (Miller) Reed, who came from Cross Creek township. Washington county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio soon after their marriage. in 1829. Joseph Reed was the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Fulton) Reed. After their arrival in Ohio. Joseph Reed and wife settled in Monroe township, Richland county, where Mr. Reed bought land which he cleared. cultivated and improved, and: upon which he resided until his death. The Reeds are of Scotch-Irish descent and the family was prominent in the east during the War of the Revolution.

Hugh Fulton Reed was born August 13, 1837, and was reared on the home farm and attended the district school. He was married to Elizabeth Amanda Wolfe, February 17, 1859, by Abraham Baughman, Esq., an uncle of the bride. The mother of our subject was the daughter of John and Margaret (Baughman) Wolfe, who were married in 1825. John Wolfe was the son of \dam Wolfe, a Revolutionary soldier, and was born in Pennsylvania, August 18,1794. He came to Ohio with his parents in 1816. John Wolfe was a school teacher in his early manhood, but later became a farmer, and owned and resided on a farm near Pinhook, Monroe township, Richland county, where he died in 1876. The Reed and the Wolfe families are widely and favorably known as upright, honorable people.

When Verner Z. Reed was yet a child his parents removed to Iowa, where he attended the public schools and later attended two terms at the Eastern Iowa Normal School, an institution that has since ceased to exist. At the age of twenty-three he engaged in the real-estate business in Colorado with his father, and at the time of the discovery of gold in the Cripple Creek gold fields he was among the first to secure interests there. He later did a very large business in compromising litigation between the big mining companies and in securing outside capital for the purchase of large mines, and in building irrigation works, constructing factories, ete., having brought many millions of dollars of outside capital into Colorado and adjoining states for investment. At the present time he is extensively engaged in gold, silver, copper and coal mining propertie-, in national banking, sugar manufacturing, irrigation enterprises, and is also developing a very large fruit-growing industry in the Grand Valley of Colorado. where with some associates he is also establishing a new town.

In spite of his large business interests Mr. Reed lives much of his time abroad, his business being so systematized, and his associates and employes having been with the business for so many vears, that it can, when he is away, be managed by letter and cable. Since 1901 Mr. Reed and his family have resided in France, having for a part of the time lived in a chateau in the lower Loire region, and at other times in Paris or on the Riviera. Mr. Reed has returned home every vear, and his entire family passes part of the time in the United States. During his residence abroad he has traveled very extensively in the north of Africa and in almost all of the European countries.

Verner Z. Reed has also devoted a part of his time to-authorship and is the author of three books, namely, "Lo-To-Kah," "'Tales of the Sunland," and '"'Adobeland Stories," the first two of which are now out of print. He has also contributed essays, stories and articles on ethnology, travel, etc., to the Atlantic Monthly, New England Magazine, American Anthropologist, Cosmopolitan Magazine, etc. He has made extensive studies of Indian legends and has passed a great deal of time with various tribes of American Indians. Mr. Reed is a strong advocate of country life and devotes a great deal of time and expends large sums of money in investigations and actual experiments looking toward the intensification of cultivation and the solving of the "bread and butter question" for families on small tracts of highly cultivated land, and he has amassed a wealth of statistics on these lines, some of which he from time to time publishes or gives out in interviews to the press.

Mr. Reed was married on July 18, 1893, to Mary Dean Johnson, a native of Columbus, Ohio. They have three children. Mr. Reed was the founder and is the president of the Reed Investment Company of Colorado Springs, which is one of the best known financial institutions in the west, and whose operations extend largely over the state of Colorado as well as into Kansas, Wyoming and parts of California. His American address is Colorado Springs, Colorado, and his European address, care Credit Lyonnais, Paris, France.

S. Finn Bell

S. Finn Bell, president of the board of public service in Mansfield and a veteran of the Civil War, is today az loval to the welfare of his home locality and his country as when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battlefields. He was born in Washington township. near Lexington, Richland county, Ohio, January 31, 1847. His grandfather. Robert Bell, and his great-grandfather, who also bore the name of Robert Bell, came to Richland county from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1821. and located on what is now the old homestead farm. It was upon that farm that Robert Bell, the father, and S. Finn Bell, the subject of this review, were likewise born. There Robert Bell, the father, continued to engage in farming throughout his entire life and made the old homestead his place of residence until his death in 1898. He married Sarah Pollock. who was a native of Madison township. Richland county, her parent: being also pioneers of this part of the state. her father dving here at the venerable age of ninety-two vears. Mrs. Bell passed away in 1855, when her son S. F. Bell was but eight vears of age. He was the second in a family of three children, all of whom are vet living, his elder brother being Robert P. Bell, of Milton, Iowa, while the younger brother is J. Franklin Bell. He also has one half-brother, Thomas M., who was corporal in Company M, Eighth Ohio Regiment, in the Spanish-American war. and who lives in Mansfield, being a guard at the reformatory. -

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for S. F. Bell in his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools in the winter months and through the summer seasons worked in the fields, remaining upon the home farm until he enlisted as a member of Company F, Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, when but fifteen vears of age. He served with that command for three months and then became a member of Company E, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served throughout the war, being mustered out with the rank of corporal on the 26th of July, 1865. He participated in the battle of Thompson Hill, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Baker's Creek and the entire siege of Vicksburg, in which he was under fire for forty-five days. He was wounded at that place and also at Baker': Creek. He afterward engaged in the battle of Kennesaw Mountain and Atlanta and went on the celebrated march from Atlanta to the sea, under Sherman, while later he took part in the battle at Savannah, Georgia. After the capture of that place the command to which Mr. Bell was attached proceeded by boat to Buford, South Carolina, and from that point took up the line of march through the Carolinas on to Richmond and thence to Washington, where he participated in the grand review, which was the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western continent. From the capital city the troops went to Louisville, Kentucky, and thence were ordered to Columbus, Ohio, where they were honorably discharged. Thus Mr. Bell had done valiant service for his country for three years and with the most creditable military record returned to his home, although he was then only about eighteen years of age.

Locating in Mansfield Mr. Bell spent twenty-eight years as a traveling salesman, continuing in that line of business until he was elected a member of the board of public service in 1895. That he discharged his duties to the satisfaction of his constituents and the general public is indicated by the fact that he was reelected in 1907, and on the lst of January, 1908, was chosen president of the board, in which position he still continues.

Mr. Bell was married at Bryan, Ohio, to Miss Jennie Keegan, a daughter of John Keegan. of Cleveland. and they have two sons: Harry F., thirty years of age. who is an attorney here: and Frank W., who is a traveling salesman for the National Biscuit Company, of Chicago. Mr. Bell owns some real estate in the city and county. including his home at No. 272 Marion avenue, and a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres five miles south of Mansfield. The supervision of the latter is a matter of interest to him and brings him recreation from the cares of office.

In politics he has been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and has been an earnest worker in the local ranks of the party. He belongs to the McLaughlin Post, No. 131, G. A. R.; to the Elks Lodge. No. 56: and to the United Commercial Traveler, No. 13, of which he is a past senior councilor. He also belongs to the Congregational church. He is a typical American in that he is never too busy to be cordial and never too cordial to be busy.

James A. Niman

James A. Niman, engaged in the undertaking business in Mansfield, is one of the oldest representatives of commercial life in this state and none connected with the business interests of Richland county enjoy in any fuller degree or deserve in larger measure the respect and esteem which are everywhere entertained for him. He was born in this county May 4, 1828, and is therefore one of the oldest pioneers, having witnessed the development and growth of the county for four score years.