USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 36
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For several years he was a member of the city council and his efforts were effective and far reaching in promoting measures of general good. He was instrumental in pro- viding Bremen with paved walks, built of brick of a superior quality. In furthering this cause the Doctor used his own time and a considerable amount of capital. He met with stubborn opposition from many of the taxpayers, but succeeded in securing the paving and now receives praise from those who were among the strongest opponents. He has always been a stanch advocate of good roads, and through his zeal and activity Bremen has fine gravel roads leading out into the country for miles each way. He is regarded as one of the most public-spirited
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men in this portion of the county, and cer- tainly his efforts have been of material benefit to the community. Any movement which he believes will promote the general
welfare is always sure to receive his co- operation and support and well does he de- serve mention among the representative and honored men of Bremen.
CHARLES W. OUTCALT.
In no profession within the last half century has there been as rapid develop- ment and progress as in the profession of dentistry. Rapid strides have been made toward perfection and with the most ad- vanced thought and methods of the day Dr. Charles Willoughby Outealt has kept in touch in the conduct of his office in Lan- caster, where a large and constantly increas- , ing patronage is accorded him.
.A native of Lancaster, he was born in 1864. where he grew to manhood. acquir- ing his literary education in the public schecis. He is a son of Jesse and Cather- ine ( Davis) Outcalt, also natives of this county. On putting aside his text books, from which he had acquired his literary edu- cation. the Doctor began preparing for the profession of dentistry, becoming a student in the office of Dr. Palmiter, of Lancaster. under whose direction he not only obtained theoretical knowledge but also much prac- tical experience. In 1887 he matriculated in the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania and in that institution was graduated. Immediately afterward he re- turned to Lancaster, and his success here set- at naught the old adage that a prophet
is never without honor save in his own country, for in the city in which his entire life has been passed Dr. Outcalt has built up a large business. He is thoroughly con- versant with and in touch with the most im- proved methods of workmanship, has all the most improved instruments and appli- ances for advancing his efficiency in prac- tice and the excellent character of his work has enabled him to enjoy a practice that is constantly growing in numbers.
In 1895 Dr. Outcalt was united in mar- riage to Miss Adelaide Cousega, of Lan- caster. and their circle of friends here is very extensive. while their own home is noted for a gracious and pleasing hospital- ity. The Doctor is a comparatively young man. possessed of untiring energy and land- able ambition and already is so widely known as a prominent and representative member of the dental fraternity that he is a valued contributor to many journals and dental magazines. His observations and experiments have broadened his knowledge concerning the profession and its work, and his original research is of acknowledged benefit to the dental fraternity throughout the world.
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HENRY CLAY DRINKLE.
Actively engaged in the practice of law and winning high encomiums for his faith- ful discharge of official duty, Henry Clay Drinkle is numbered among the leading and enterprising citizens of Lancaster. His birth occurred here February 28, 1845, and he is the only son of Peter G. and Nancy (Miller ) Drinkle. Peter Drinkle, the pa- ternal grandfather of our subject, was of German descent. The father, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1810, was a tanner by trade and on emigrating westward took up his abode in Fairfield, Ohio, in 1842. Not long afterward he lo- «cated in Lancaster, where he established a tannery, and was engaged in the manufac- ture of leather up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1850. His wife was born in Virginia, Angust 5, 1822, and with her parents, Thomas and Maria Miller, came to Fairfield county. Here she spent her re- maining days, her death occurring on the 12th of October, 1892. She was the mother of nine children.
In the public schools of Lancaster, Hen- ry Clay Drinkle acquired his elementary education, which was supplemented in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, where he remained a student for three years. After putting aside his text books he entered the office of the Lancaster Ga- zette, a Republican paper, and there learned the art of printing, but his connection with journalism did not continue long, for soon he began reading law with Judge John S. Brasee and was admitted to the bar before
the supreme court, which met in Lancaster in 1878. 6 Immediately afterward Mr. Drinkle opened an office in this city and was soon appointed deputy internal revenue as- sessor for Hocking and Perry counties, in which capacity he served for four years, when the office was abolished. On the ex- piration of that period he began active law practice in Lancaster, forming a partnership with his preceptor, John S. Brasee, and the relation was maintained with mutual pleas- ure and profit until January, 1883, when Mr. Drinkle was elected president of the Hocking Valley National Bank, and for one year continued at the head of that institu- tion. In April, 1895, he was elected mayor of Lancaster and served for three years, capably handling the reins of city govern- ment. He there exercised his official pre- rogatives in support of all measures which he believed would contribute to the general good and his efforts in behalf of Lancas- ter proved of much value.
On the 26th of November, 1890, Mr. Drinkle was united in marriage to Miss Kate Vorys, of Lancaster, a daughter of Isaiah and Emma (Webb) Vorys. Mrs. Drinkle was born and reared in this city and by her marriage has become the mother of two children. Charles R., born in May, 1891; and Mary Catherine, born in June, 1894. Mr. Drinkle is a member of Lan- caster Lodge, No. 57. F. & A. M., also be- longs to the chapter, and has attained to the Knight Templar degree in the commandery. In June. 1891, he was apprinted by Gov-
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ernor Bushnell as common pleas judge to but upon earnest. hard work. Among Lan- fill out the unexpired term of William caster's many carefully trained lawyers there is none who more willingly acknow i- edges his advancement to faithful labor and to the lessons learned in the school of ex- perience. His legal learning. his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasps a point in an argument all combine to make him one of the strongest members of Lan- caster's bar and to gain him prestige as a representative of the profession. Schultz, who died in office, and Mr. Drinkle presided over that court until the following November. In his profession he has at- tained to an enviable position. A man who builds for a life time builds slowly and well. His advancement is usually by fixed degrees. He makes each forward step with a care that conduces to both safety and progress and depends not on fortuitous circumstances
THOMAS COLE.
Thomas Cole, who is now leading a re- tired life in Amanda township upon the farm which has long been his home, is ac- counted one of the native sons of Fairfield county. His birth occurred in Amanda township, February 15. 1828, and he be- longs to one of the old and honored fam- ilies of this portion of the state. His pa- ternal grandfather, Thomas Cole, was born in Pennsylvania in 1757 and was united in marriage to Elizabeth Stevens. It was in the year 1801 that he emigrated westward, leaving the Keystone state in order to make a home upon the wild western frontier of Ohio. He took up his abode in what is now Amanda township. Fairfield county, where he purchased a section of land, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an im- provement made. The hardships and trials of a pioneer life were borne by himself and
family, but as the years progressed he was enabled to supply his home with all of the comforts and conveniences known to the older east. Ile erected a hewed-log house. and although it was not very commodious and its furnishings were primitive. happi- ness reigned there and the family bravely tock their part in the work of development and improvement. their labors being crowned with success. The grandfather died in 1840. He served his country as a member of a scouting party in the Revolu- tionary war, but was not in the regular army. After the organization of the par- ties of the Republic he became a Whig, and in religious faith he was an old school Bap- tist. llis wife died in 1831 when about seventy-one years of age.
The parents of our subject were Broad and Leah ( Peters) Cole. The father was.
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born in Amanda township and throughout his entire life lived upon that farm, which , was endeared to him through the associa- tions of his boyhood as well as those of his manhood. His birth occurred in 1802 and after reaching manhood he gave his entire attention to general farming and stock-rais- ing. his business affairs being so capably conducted that he met with a gratifying de- gree of prosperity. He too voted the Whig ticket in early life, but after the dissolu- tion of that party he joined the Democratic party. He never cared for or held office, but was content to do his duty as a private citizen. He belonged to the old school Bap- tist church and his life was an honorable and upright one. His home always contin- ued to be the old homestead. comprising two hundred twenty-eight acres, which he ·obtained from his father.
After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Leah Peters, whose birth occurred at Manchester, Maryland in 1806. She came to Fairfield county when a little maid- en of six summers, accompanied by her par- ents. Samuel and Mary ( Stevenson) Peters, the former a prominent and progressive farmer of his day. He died in 1831. The mother of our subject spent her entire mar- ried life on the old Cole homestead and died in 1893, while the father of our subject passed away in 1882 at the age of eighty years. In their family were twelve children, of whom Thomas Cole is the eldest. Seven of the number are yet living. all sons.
Thomas Cole, whose name forms the caption of this review, acquired his early ed- ucation in the common schools of his town- ship and when he had mastered the branches
of learning there, he matriculated in the academy at Greenfield, Ohio. Afterward he assisted his father in carrying on the home farm until he had attained the age of man- hood. Even then he remained on the old homestead until his marriage, at which time he purchased a portion of the farm upon which he now resides, having made it his home continuously for half a century. He owned and operated two hundred twenty acres of land, of which one hundred fifty acres lies within Fairfield county, while the remainder is across the border in Pickaway county. He has erected all the building's upon this place, substantial barns and other structures for the sheltering of grain and stock, as well as a comfortable residence, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. Throughout his business career he carried on general farming and stock- raising, and his labors resulted successfully, for as time passed he had added annually to his capital until he is now the possessor of a very handsome competence, which en- ables him to live retired.
In February, 1852, Mr. Cole was united in marriage in Pickaway county to Miss Mary J. Courtright, the daughter of Jesse D. and Sallie ( Stout) Courtright. Her fa- ther was born in Fairfield county and lived here until he had attained to man's estate. when he removed to Pickaway county, where he followed farming for many years. His death occurred in Circleville, Ohio, Ohio, as a salesman for Shillito & Com- pany. Returning to Lancaster, he became when he was about sixty-two years of age. His father, John Courtright, was one of the early and honored pioneer settlers of
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Fairfield county, residing here continuously from the time of his arrival until his death. He was a prominent and enterprising farm- er, who did much toward reclaiming the wild land and transforming it into culti- vated fields. His death occurred at his home in this county. Mrs. Cole, the wife of our subject, was born in Clear Creek town- ship. Fairfield county, and by her marriage became the mother of eight children, seven of whom are still living. John, who is a farmer residing in Columbiana county. Ohio, married Miss Ephama Battin, of Clark county. Ohio, who died about thirteen years ago, leaving one child. Harry B., who now resides in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, be- ing employed there. Amanda is the wife of A. R. Work, a resident farmer and stock raiser of Madison township. Pickaway county. Emma is the wife of H. C. Bailey. of Amanda township, who is engaged in teaching in the public schools, having been identified with educational interests in that way for twenty-seven years. He was born in this county and is a son of Martin and Margaret (Smith) Bailey, the former an early settler of this county and a farmer by occupation, devoting his energies to that pursuit until his life's labors were ended in death. Professor H. C. Bailey has served as county school examiner for the past three years. He is widely known as a success- fill educator of marked ability and his la- bors have largely promoted the standard of the schools in this locality. Unto him and his wife have been born five children : Ross, Ralph, Dwight, Hazel and Lorena. The last named is now deceased. Nathan died
in 1862 at the age of one year. Alva re- sides in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and holds a government position as superintend- ent of construction at Fort Rodman. He married Laura Koontz, of Columbus, Ohio. George is employed in the railway mail service on the Pittsburg & St. Louis road. having held that position for the past nine years. He married Carrie Horsch, of Dub- lin. Franklin county, and they are now liv- ing in Columbus. Lewis, a resident farmer of Pickaway county. Ohio, wedded Cora Beatty, and they have one child. Dana. Frank is a stenographer residing in New York city, and married Nellie Ford, of Poughkeepsie, New York, by whom he has one child, Agnes. All of the children were born in Amanda township on the farm where the father is now living. The mother passed away on the old family homestead January 21, 1902, at the age of sixty-nine years and was laid to rest in the cemetery of Lithopolis. She was an estimable lady and her loss was deeply mourned not only by her immediate family but by her many friends.
Mr. Cole has filled many public posi- tions of honor and trust, to which he has been called by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability. He has served as an assessor and trustce of his township and for many years was justice of the peace, discharging his duties with absolute fairness and impartiality. He be- longs to the Baptist church and for twenty- five or thirty years has been one of its lead- ers, doing all in his power to advance its work and promote its upbuilding. He is an
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earnest advocate of all measures tending to promote the public good, and the welfare of his county he has deeply at heart. He has witnessed many changes that have oc- curred here during seven decades and he has ever borne his part in making the county what it is to-day. He has seen its wild lands reclaimed for purposes of civilization and the barren tracts have been made to bloom and blossom as the rose. He has wit-
nessed the growth of town and village; the introduction of industries and manu- factories, while schools and churches have indicated the intellectual and moral progress. He is now numbered among the venerable citizens of the county, hav- ing passed the Psalmists's span of three score years and ten. His life is in many respects well worthy of emulation, for he is of a high type of American manhcod.
CALEB H. PEARCE.
The history of the agricultural interests of Fairfield county would be incomplete without mention of the Pearce family, that since early days has contributed its share to the progress, development and upbuild- ing of this portion of the state. James Reed Peirce, the father of our subject, was born in Ireland about 1790 and in that country acquired his education. When still quite young, however, he left the Emerald Isle and as a sailor followed the seas for about twelve years, but finally took up his abode in Rhode Island. At a later date lie removed to Worthington, Ohio, and subse- quently came to Berne township, Fairfield county, where he spent his remaining days. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Briggs, a native of Massachusetts, and their children were six in number, namely: Christina, Isaac, James, Henry, Caleb H. and Newton. The home farm
comprised one hundred and two acres of land, which Mr. Pearce had purchased when he arrived in this county. In connection with agricultural pursuits he operated a wool carding mill, there being but two in the entire county. He was a very success- ful man in business, being known through- out this portion of the state as a leading representative of industrial and agricultural interests. All his business affairs were guided by sound judgment and his word was regarded as good as his bond. His political support was given the Whig party until 1860, when he voted for Abraham Lincoln. He held a number of public of- fices, served for several years as justice of the peace, was school examiner. and filled other positions of public trust and responsi- bility. Fraternally he was connected with the Masonic lodge of Lancaster and was a member of the Episcopal church.
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Caleb H. Pearce was born in this coun- views he is a stanch Republican and he be- ty on the 31st of October, 1832, and is now longs to the Reformed church of Sugar Grove. Upright and honorable, he com- mands. the respect and confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact either in business or social life and is held in high regard by the entire community in which he lives. the only one living in his father's family. At the usual age he entered the district schools to acquaint himself with the branches of English learning which form the basis of all our knowledge. He attend- ed school for about three months each year and having completed his school life at the In 1850 Mr. Pearce was united in mar- riage to Miss Elizabeth Ruble, a native of Berne township. Fairfield county, and to of whom six are yet living: Mary Eliza- beth: Edward C .: Alice Eugenia, wife of H. Baumgardner, a prominent citizen of Sugar Grove: Mildred E .: Isaac N. and George R. age of twenty-one years, he thereafter gave all his attention to the work of the home farm. He continued to engage in its op-" this happy union were born eleven children, erations until the place was sold to the board of education as a site for the Crawfiss In- stitute, which now stands there. Mr. Pearce then purchased a farm near Royalton, Ohio, where he is still living. In his political
CHARLES H. TOWSON.
Charles H. Towson was born June 28. 1851. in Lancaster, Ohio, and in the public schools he began his education, continuing until he had partially mastered a high school course, but he was not privileged to com- plete a course, for circumstances made it necessary for him to seek employment. For three years he worked at the carpen- ter's trade as an employe of the firm of Orman Brothers, but in the winter of the third year the plant was closed for lack of work and Mr. Towson was therefore forced to turn his attention to other pursuits. He engaged to solicit insurance for the Ohio
Farmers Insurance Company and found that he had superior ability in that direction. Later in the same year he established a fire insurance agency of his own and for twen- ty-eight years has continued in the business, representing some of the strongest com- panies in this country and in Europe, being connected with many of these throughout the entire period in which he has been en- gaged in the insurance business. . As he prospered in his undertakings he made jo- dicions investments in real estate, buying lots at the edge of the city. He made the first subdivision of what is now known as
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the Hop Company's addition to the city and thereon erected honses, selling them on the monthly installment plan. That Mr. Tow- son is a man of resourceful business ability, of marked enterprise and keen discernment is indicated by the many important business concerns with which he has been identified and which have profited by his wise counsel and capable management. He was one of the organizers of the Square Deal Savings & Loan Company, of which he became sec- retary, continually serving in that capacity until the present time. This is one of the strong financial institutions of the city and one of the most important. It has done a splendid work in enabling many to secure homes who otherwise could not have done so had they had to make an entire payment outright for the property. For one year Mr. Towson was the president of the Lan- caster Board of Trade, assisted in its re- organization and for the past two years has been its secretary. At a recent date in con- nection with C. P. Cole and William L. Martin, he became the owner of the Lan- caster Bank, the oldest institution of its kind in the city, and is now its vice-presi- dent.
Although his business interests have ever been of a character to promote the general prosperity as well as his individual success, Mr. Towson has also labored for the public good along lines whereby he has been in no means benefited. co-operating in every movement for the general gor d. Hc has served as a member of the city council from the fourth ward for four years and
during that time was chairman of the com- mittee on public property and the finance committee. During this period the public park at the square was improved under the direction of his committee. In the early days he took a very active part in many secret and benevolent orders, He was one of the charter members of Mt. Pleasant Lodge. No. 48, K. P., and still retains mem- bership in that organization. Hle is also a member of Charity Lodge, No. 7. T. O. O. F., and past grand patriarch of Hock Hock- ing Encampment, No. 28. He is also a member of the Mystic Circle and of the Royal Arcanum and belongs to the Lan- caster Athletic Club. The moral develop- ment of the community also receives his at- tention and support. He is interested in the Union Mission Sunday-school on the west side and at the present time is serving as its superintendent. To say of him, whose name heads this sketch, that he has risen unaided from comparative obscurity to rank among the most prominent and successful business men of Lancaster is a statement that seems trite to those familiar with his life, yet his work has contributed to the development of Lancaster, forming a part of its history, a history that will descend to future generations who should know that the business record of Charles H. Towson is one that any man would be proud to pos- sess. He has advanced step by step until he is now occupying a position of promi- nence and trust in his native city. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a model of integrity and honor,
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never making an engagement that he has not fulfilled and standing to-day an ex- ample of what determination and force, combined with the highest degree of busi-
ness integrity, can accomplish for a man of natural ability and strength of character. He has the respect and confidence of a large circle of business associates.
LOUIS J. SNYDER.
Few men are more prominent or more also a native of Germany and was a maiden widely known in the enterprising city of Lancaster than Louis J. Snyder. He has been an important factor in business cir- cles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags. He is public spirited and thoroughly interested in what- ever tends to promote the welfare of the city and his own labors have been a potent element in promoting the material develop- ment of the city, where he is now carrying (mn a wholesale business as a dealer in lime, cement, hair and coal, handling the last named product in very large quantities.
Mr. Snyder was born in this city. De- cember 23. 1857. His father. Henry Sny- der, was born in Germany and when in his sixteenth year crossed the Atlantic to Amer- ica, settling in Lancaster, Ohio, where he engaged in general merchandising for many years, being thus connected with commer- cial interests of the city until within a short time of his death, which occurred on the 8th of January, 1891. His wife, who in lier maidenhood was Catherine Hengst. was
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