USA > Ohio > Richland County > A centennial biographical history of Richland county, Ohio > Part 47
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He was a member of the session of the Presbyterian church at Hayes- ville, and after locating in Mansfield was called to the same work, being for many years a member of the session of the First Presbyterian church in this city, acting as clerk of that body. He was long connected with the Mans- field Lyceum, becoming one of its charter members on its organization, more than two decades ago. During the year 1898 he was chairman of its com- mittee upon general subjects in debate and he made the society a factor for good in the community. One of nature's noblemen, he will long be held in grateful remembrance by the people of Mansfield for his untiring labors in her behalf. What he did was done through a deep and abiding interest in his fel- low men. He had a nature devoid of selfishness and characterized by careful consideration for the opinions and feelings of others. "His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, This was a man."
He died Sunday, March 5. 1899.
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NOBLE TAYLOR.
Many of the worthy residents of Richland county are natives of Penn- sylvania or at least trace their ancestry to the Keystone state. To the latter class belongs Mr. Taylor. His grandfather, William Taylor, was born, reared and married in Pennsylvania and on coming to Ohio took up his abode in Mansfield, but after a short time located in what is now Ashland county, but was then a part of Richland county. He purchased a section of wild land and for many years devoted his energies first in clearing and then in cul.ivating and improving his fields. He afterward retired to private life, taking up his abode in Loudonville. He was recognized as a leading and representative citizen of the community in an early day and for two terms served as a county commissioner, holding the position at the time the old county jail was built. In politics he was an active Democrat. His death occurred when he was about seventy-eight years of age. He was a cousin of Zachary Taylor, and his father was a native of Ireland and the founder of the family in America.
David Taylor, the father of our subject, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1813, and about 1821 accompanied his parents on their removal to Mansfield, Ohio. He was then a youth of ten years, so that his minority was largely passed amid the wild scenes of frontier life in Ohio, as at that time much of the state was still in its primitive condition and the work of improvement and advancement was being vigorously prosecuted by the pioneer settlers who left more comfortable homes in the east and became the founders of a commonwealth that is now second to none in the Union. He assisted in the work of clearing and developing the fields and remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he began business for himself as a stock drover, buying and selling cattle for several years. About 1843 he purchased eighty acres of land in Richland township and upon that farm made his home until his death, adding to the place from time to time as his financial resources increased until within its boundaries were probably four hundred acres. He was a man of resolute will and of marked individuality, and his labors were carried forward so vigorously that he won a very hand- some competence. He successfully engaged in the breeding of horses and cattle and was a leading representative of agricultural interests.
His fellow townsmen recognized his worth and ability and often called him to public office, and for two terms he was a county commissioner, acting as a member of the board at the time of the erection of the new courthouse. In politics he was an active Democrat. As a companion and helpmeet on life's
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journey he chose Miss Eliza Calhoon, who was born October 10. 1814, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and came to this county about 1831, with her parents. Her father, Noble Calhoon, was a native of Ireland and was mar- ried in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, where he engaged in farming until his removal to Ohio. He there settled in Monroe township, Richland county, upon a large farm of three hundred acres, where he died at the age of eighty- three years. Mrs. Taylor spent her girlhood days in Richland county and by her marriage she became the mother of ten children, three of whom died in early childhood. The others are Alexander, a farmer and justice of the peace of Hayesville, Ohio; Sarah, the wife of J. J. Cunningham, of Freder- ickstown, Ohio; Margaret, the wife of Alexander Martin, of Lucerne, Ohio; William, of Butler; Noble, the subject of this review; Samantha, the wife of Thomas Simmons, of Worthington township; and John, who died in 1894, at the age of forty-four years. The father of these children passed away August 13, 1890, and the mother's death occurred on the 19th of July, 1891. She was a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church.
The birth of Noble Taylor occurred September 21, 1846, on the old family homestead, which is yet his place of residence. This farm is endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as those of more mature years. He obtained his education in the common schools and remained with his parents until their death. For a number of years prior to that time he rented the farm and worked with his father, and later he purchased of his father a part of the homestead and inherited a portion at the time of his father's death. He owns ninety-five acres of land and is engaged in general farming, meeting with a creditable success.
On the 5th of October, 1872, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Remy, a daughter of John William Remy and a native of Worthing- ton township. Four children grace their union: Frank; Ardella, at home; Mary, the wife of Lloyd Yorger, of Butler ; and Charles, at home.
HIRAM MARVIN.
Hiram Marvin, deceased, was born in Shelby, Ohio, April 21, 1829, and through the long years of an active business career made his home in the city of his birth, where he was recognized as one of its leading, influential and valued residents. His parents were Stephen and Sarah (Burr) Marvin, natives of Connecticut, whence they journeyed westward to Shelby, in 1800, this being their wedding trip. The journey was made in a one-horse wagon, leading through unbroken forests and often over almost impassable roads.
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They were the parents of six sons and seven daughters who grew to the years of maturity.
Amid the wild scenes of the frontier in Richland county, Hiram Mar- vin, of this review, was reared. He was married in 1854 to Miss Maria Hin- man, and engaged in farming until the inauguration of the Civil war. He responded to the country's call for troops and went to the front in defense of the Union. He valiantly aided in protecting the stars and stripes until the battle of Vicksburg, where he sustained an injury which incapacitated him not only for further military service, but for agricultural pursuits as well. Upon his return home he entered into partnership with John Kerr in the drug business and successfully conducted that enterprise until 1881, enjoying a large and lucrative patronage. In the year mentioned, however, he sold out and returned to the farm, there spending his remaining days. He died in 1892, and his wife in 1891, at the age of sixty-three years.
In 1854 our subject was married to Maria Hinman, at Grafton, Ohio, and they were the parents of seven children, but three of the number died in infancy. In order of birth the four who are living are as follows: Sarah M., who is a member of the Bloom street school in Mansfield; Hubbard Orten, who died in 1887, at the age of twenty-three years; Wilber Hiram, who is married and lives in Oregon; and Laura Caroline.
Through more than six decades Hiram Marvin was the witness of the development and upbuilding of Richland county, and saw many wonderful changes as it threw off the primitive surroundings and conditions and advanced into the latter-day civilization of the nineteenth century. His life was un- marked by any event of exciting interest, but was one of consistent, manly principles and faithful to every duty; and such a career is indeed worthy of emulation.
WILLIAM BONHAM.
Among the representative business men of Lexington none are more deserving of mention in this volume than William Bonham, a prominent furniture dealer and undertaker of that place. He is a man of broad capabili- ties who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He was born in Washington, Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 16, 1854, and was the only child of Samuel and Martha (Montgomery) Bonham. The father was a native of England, born in 1806, and came to America when a young man. Until after his marriage he worked for others, and the first farm which he owned was in Morrow county, Ohio, where he
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lived for several years. He then spent four years in Wisconsin, and at the end of that time returned to Ohio and located in Richland county, purchasing the farm in Jefferson township now owned by John Spade. Upon that place he died, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
The subject of this sketch was a child of seven years when the family settled in Jefferson township, and in its public schools he acquired his early education. After the death of his father, his mother married John Stough, of whom our subject commenced learning the cabinet-maker's trade at the age of eleven years, and continued to work with him until 1894, when he bought out the business. As a dealer in and manufacturer of furniture he is doing an excellent business, and is also an accomplished undertaker. He is a wide-awake and progressive business man, energetic and reliable, and has succeeded in building up a fine trade, which is constantly increasing.
On the 30th of October, 1878, Mr. Bonham led to the marriage altar Miss Margaret Haverstick. Both are active members of the Presbyterian church, and he also holds membership in Wyanaska Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Lexington, and Richland Lodge, No. 446, K. of P., of the same place. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democracy, and gives his aid to any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit or will in any way advance the interests of his community.
THE MEMORIAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
Pursuant to a call made through the city papers, February 17, 1887, about fifty ladies of Mansfield assembled at the home of Mrs. H. P. Weaver, to listen to an address from Mrs. J. E. Dixon, of Columbia College, New York, upon library work. Long before this and on various occasions and in various ways the subject of a free public library for Mansfield had been dis- cussed. But on this particular occasion a temporary organization was effected. It was decided to establish a memorial library, in memory of the soldiers and sailors of Mansfield and Madison township, Richland county. The surviving veterans and the citizens were called upon to aid in procuring a building which should be, with the library, the noblest monument which a grateful people could raise to the heroic defenders of their country.
The proposal to erect a memorial building met with the heartiest response from both veterans and citizens. Taking advantage of the privilege granted by a recent enactment of the state legislature, by means of which a tax might
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be levied to erect a memorial building to the memory of deceased soldiers and sailors, the tax was voted and the grand result was the erection of an ex- cellent memorial building, now used for a free public library and museum. an opera house and the home of the Mansfield post of the Grand Army of the Republic. This building was the first in the state erected under the above mentioned law. Its history is enduringly written in its noble proportions, its magnificent masonry, its elegant finish, its honest workmanship, and in these, too, is written the history of the untiring vigilance with which the trustees of the building discharged the arduous duties devolved upon them. The building was completed in May, 1890, and at once occupied.
The Mansfield Memorial Library Association was incorporated March 2, 1887. scarcely more than three years prior to the completion of the building. During these three years the association maintained a free library, being located for a greater portion of the time in the court-house. From member- ship fees and private contributions the library was at first supported, but is now maintained entirely by taxation. The first books and property was secured from the Mansfield Reading Room Association, which turned over to the Memorial Library Association its books, property, reading room. with all its debts also, which were soon paid by the new association. Many books were obtained by private donations, and from the Philharmonic Society, the Bee- thoven Club, the Junto Club, the Mansfield Lyceum and the Young Men's Christian Association. The latter turned over to the association books, property and money by the payment of one thousand dollars, making the first patron of the association. Boyd J. Mercer, a gentleman who years ago believed the city should have a free library, had bequeathed a sum of money to be used in founding one.
The association adopted its constitution March 4, 1887, and effected a permanent organization, electing the following officers: President, Mrs. E. O. Huggins; vice-president, Dr. M. J. Finley; secretary, Mrs. Mary B. Mitchell; treasurer, Mrs. H. P. Weaver; and the following trustees: Mrs. R. L. Avery, Mrs. H. P. Weaver, Mrs. T. T. Dill, Mrs. M. D. Harter, Dr. M. J. Finley, Mrs. P. Bigelow, Mrs. R. B. Maxwell, Mrs. M. B. Mitchell, Mrs. E. O. Huggins.
Through the efforts of the ladies whose names are here given, and others whose names the writer is not able to give, the Memorial Library Association of Mansfield was established, and to the city a splendid free library given. For more than ten years Miss Martha Mercer has been in charge as librarian. The growth of the library has been continuous. From a small number of vol- umes at the beginning it has grown to be a library of over nine thousand well
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selected and valuable volumes. Its management has been excellent and its arrangement and system admirable.
The library and the building have become the noblest monument that patriotism could raise to heriosm and lasting good to the public.
JOHN C. THOMSON.
The family of which John C. Thomson is a representative is of Scotch origin. Charles Thomson, the father of our subject, was a native of the land of hills and heather. He was born in 1813, and upon a farm in that country he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. When a young man he left Scotland for America. After his arrival in the new world he spent some time in traveling through various states in search of a suitable location, and during his wanderings he spent some time on the site of the present city of Chicago, when it was but a village. He purchased a claim, however, in that locality, but the title proved worthless and in consequence he left Illinois, coming to Ohio. He had one brother living in what was then Richland county, but is now Ashland county, a Scotch settlement having been established in this portion of the state. He located north of Savannah, where he pur- chased a farm, and soon afterward he was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Bowman. Not long afterward he came to the farm upon which our subject now resides, in Butler township. Richland county, purchasing fifty-seven acres of land, only a part of which had been cleared. There he took up his abode in a rude log cabin which had been built by a prior claimant to the place. Sub- sequently he erected a more commodious frame residence and throughout his remaining days he continued to devote his energies to the development, culti- vation and improvement of his land. He was reared in the United Presby- terian church, but after taking up his abode in Butler township he became one of the charter members and principal builders of the Disciple church of Butler township, and for a number of years he occupied its pulpit. Although his knowledge was largely self-acquired, he was a well educated man and in early manhood engaged in teaching for a number of years. Broad and liberal in his views, charitable and kindly, he was a man of much influence in his community, and enjoyed the unqualified regard of all who knew him. His political support was given in an unqualified manner to the Republican party, but the honors of office had no attraction for him. He died in 1879, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife, who was born in Scotland in 1813, came to America with her parents when fifteen years of age, the family locating in Ashland county, where her father and mother both died. Mrs. Thomson
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passed away in 1898, at the very advanced age of eighty-three years. She, too, was reared in the faith of the United Presbyterian church, but after her marriage became a member of the Disciple church. Mr. and Mrs. Thom- son had ten children, of whom five are living, namely: Agnes, the wife of George Mann, a farmer of Ashland county ; William B., who is a minister of the Disciple church in Detroit; Ellen, the wife of Martin Crabbs, an agri- culturist of Indiana; Anna, the wife of J. A. Wilson, who is county super- intendent of the schools at Brainerd, Minnesota ; and John C., of this review.
John C. Thomson has throughout his entire life been interested in agri- culture. He was educated in the common schools. His brothers and sisters continued their mental training in Savannah Academy and after attaining their majority became teachers; but Mr. Thomson's taste lay in the direction of farm work and after his father's death, as he was the only son at home, he received the burden and responsibilities of managing the home place, the mother residing with him until her death. In 1885, in connection with his brother-in-law, F. P. Fox, he purchased sixty-seven acres of his present farm, which they operated in partnership until 1890, when Mr. Thomson became the sole owner of the place, and after his mother's demise he purchased the old homestead farm from the other heirs. He has long been numbered among the successful and progressive agriculturists of this community, having a very attractive and desirable place.
In 1889 occurred the marriage of Mr. Thomson and Miss Sadie A. Willis, a native of Ashland, Ohio, and a daughter of William Willis, a well known tinner of that place. Three children have graced the union of our subject and his wife, namely: Bessie, Nellie and Mary.
In his political views Mr. Thomson is a Republican, but has never cared to hold office, though he was once elected justice of the peace. It was without his consent and he refused to qualify. He is a member of the Disciple church.
JAMES LIVINGSTON.
Possibilities for advancement are open to all. There is always room at the top. Men who are competent and thorough are needed in every department of life, and it is those who are capable of filling advanced posi- tions that are promoted to places of responsibility. James Livingston is now occupying the important position of foreman of the foundry owned by the Aultman-Taylor Machinery Company, of Mansfield.
He was born in Lachine, Canada, May 28. 1849. His father, Richard Livingston, was a native of the north of Ireland, and having arrived at the
Just Livingston
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age of maturity he wedded Miss Sarah L. Hilderbrand, who also was born in that section of the Emerald isle. They had eight children, of whom six are yet living, namely: James, Richard, Christopher, Sarah, Alexander and Ulysses Grant. Jennie, the fourth of the family, died in 1882, while Ruth, the seventh of the family, died at the age of four years. Richard, Christopher and Alexander are now in Los Angeles, California. The for- mer is the owner of a very important industry there, the Keystone Iron Works. This has become an extensive concern, the buildings of which are admirably adapted to the purposes for which they are used. They contain fifteen thousand feet of floor space. The specialties of the firm are iron and brass castings, architectural work, pattern-making, water fittings, water gates, hitching-posts, spring pumps, pumping machinery, gasoline engines, roof castings, ventilators and gang plows. General repair work along these lines is also done. The trade of the company is very extensive and results from the excellence of their output, combined with honorable business meth- ods. The plant is equipped with electric power, and electricity is also used in lighting.
Richard Livingston is one of the most prominent business men of Los Angeles. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce there and is a citizen of pronounced public spirit. He married Miss Jennie Staryet, of Shelby, Ohio, and has four children: Frank, Maud, May and Susie. Christopher, who is associated in business with his brother Richard, was married in California. Alexander Livingston is also connected with the Keystone Iron Works. He wedded Miss Mary Royer, and was born in Mansfield, Ohio. Jennie became the wife of R. E. Linham, and both are now deceased. Sarah became the wife of Frederick H. Wise, of the Ohio Brick & Tile Company of Ohio. The parents of the above named were for many years residents of Mansfield, and at their deaths their remains were interred in the Mansfield cemetery.
James Livingston spent his early boyhood days in his native town, and acquired his preliminary education in the schools there, but completed his course in Mansfield, whither he removed with his parents when about fifteen years of age. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to a molder there for a term of three years, in the employ of the firm of Hall & Allen, the predecessors of the Mansfield Machine Company. He was with that con- cern for about twenty-seven years, during which time he thoroughly mas- tered the business in every detail, and continually worked his way upward to positions of greater responsibility than those which he had previously occupied. On severing his connection with the Mansfield Machine Works 29
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he entered the employ of the Aultman-Taylor Machinery Company, and has been foreman of their foundry department continuously since. His entire life, his energy and best thought have been devoted to his chosen vocation, and thus he has attained an important and responsible position.
On the Ist of July, 1874, Mr. Livingston was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Wise, who was born September 4, 1855, about two miles northeast of Mansfield, and there spent her girlhood days. Her parents resided upon one of the best farms in Richland county. Mr. and Mrs. Wise were laid to rest in the cemetery in Mansfield. Mrs. Livingston passed away on the 9th of January, 1899, leaving a daughter, Myrtle M., who is still with her father. Mr. Livingston is a member of the National Union and the Pathfinders, is the vice-president of the Citizens' Savings Loan Company, and also a prominent member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and since its organization has served on its advisory board. He is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran church and is the vice-president of the church council. In business he is reliable and trustworthy, and he is recognized as a public-spirited citizen whose labors have been a valuable con- tribution to the material advancement and substantial progress of his adopted city.
EZRA J. POTTER.
Ezra J. Potter, a photographic artist of Mansfield, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, September 19, 1844. His parents, Jacob and Mary Ann (Mickel) Potter, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born at Morrison's Cove, while the latter was a native of Bedford county. In Mor- rison's Cove is an old historic church known as the Potter church, and in Bedford county is a hill which for many years has been called Mickel Hill, both of which facts go to show that the families have been residents of Penn- sylvania from early days. The parents of our subject were married in that state and in pioneer days came to Wayne county, Ohio. The father of our subject was a physician, and after practicing his profession for several years in Wayne county he removed to Knox county. Subsequently he went to the west to hunt a new location, and while on this prospecting tour lost his life in a railroad accident. Soon afterward his widow and her children removed to Ashland county, Ohio, where her parents then resided. She finally made her home in Hayesville, where she reared her family. She had seven sons, three younger and three older than the subject of this review. Two of the sons died in childhood, but the others all reached mature years and rendered
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