USA > Ohio > Coshocton County > Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 26
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ISAAC LOOS.
No history of Coshocton county would be complete without mention of the Loos family, for through more than three-quarters of a century the farm upon which our subject now resides has been owned by them. It was here that Isaac Loos was born October 6, 1830, the only living child of John and Catherine (Hager) Loos, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. His boyhood and youth were spent under the parental roof, and through the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the arduous task of tilling the soil until crops were harvested in the late autumn. He acquired his education in a little log cabin school- house with the puncheon floor and primitive furnishings. and the methods of instruction were very crude as compared with those of the present day. When twenty-five years of age he began farming for himself on a part of his father's land, and he still owns thirty acres of the old homestead which is now being operated by his son. For years he continued active in the work of the farm, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and adding various important improvements to the place. But, now, at the age of seventy-eight years he is living retired, enjoying that rest which should always crown a long period of faithful and well directed labor.
Mr. Loos was married in 1856 to Miss Sarah Magness, who was born in Linton township. November 11, 1836, a daughter of George
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and Mary (Evans) Magness, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812 and, being wounded in battle, his leg was amputated at the knee. Notwithstanding this handicap in a business career, he came to Coshocton at an early day and met with good success in his under- takings. As he prospered from year to year he added to his holdings, until he became the owner of an extensive and valuable tract of land. Unto him and his wife were born a daughter and son, the latter being Fielding, a resi- dent of California. The daughter is Mrs. Loos, who is now a most estimable old lady and one with whom it is a pleasure to meet. HIers is an interesting history, for in her life there has been performed a remarkable cure. She was at one time a great sufferer from nervous trouble, and, in fact, her nerves were in such condition that she could not stand to hear anyone chop wood in the yard, while the crowing of a rooster near the house would cause her to scream, nor could she endure to have anyone walk in the house with their shoes on. She was cured by faith, through her prayers to and belief in God, and her cure was instantaneous. Again she experienced a remarkable re- covery from physical ailment. Two years ago she fell and broke her limb in three places and is now entirely well. She is one to whom the name mother seems a fitting title, owing to the care and kindliness which mark her management of the household. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Loos there were horn four children: Miss Alice Gardner, who is now living in Newark, Ohio; Fielding, of Coshocton ; Samuel, at home; and Clayton, also of Coshocton.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Loos are members of the Methodist Protestant church and are consistent church people, whose well spent lives have won for them high regard. He has always voted with the republican party, but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. He has led a useful and active life. and now is one of the most respected among the venerable citizens of the community.
PROSPER C. ROYER.
Prosper C. Royer, manager for the Postal Telegraph Company at Coshoc- ton, where he is also engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, was born in Franklin township, Coshocton county, October 10, 1875. a son of Prosper and Mary (Trenor) Royer, who was mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The interests of the home farm were his until he reached his seven- teenth year. He had in the meantime been trained in the work of the fields and had received his mental discipline in the country schools. He came to Coshocton at the age of sixteen and from that time on has been dependent entirely upon his own resources, so that whatever success he has achieved is attributable to his persistent and earnest labor. He was first employed as messenger boy in the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company and he also took up the study of telegraphy, mastering the key sufficiently in the short period of six months to enable him to accept a position at the end of that time with the railroad company at Walhonding. He remained there for
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a little less than a year, after which he returned to Coshocton to take charge of the Western Union office, which he had entered as a messenger boy less than a year and a half before. This position was given him on trial and his work was so satisfactory that he remained in charge of the Coshocton office for six years. He then resigned and went to Cleveland in the employ of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company, but after a year spent in that city again came to Coshoeton, where for two or three years he was engaged in the grocery business on his own account. He had so ably represented the Postal Tele- graph Cable Company, however, that the corporation again sought his serv- ices, soliciting him to take charge of the Coshocton office. Late in 1900 he entered upon his duties in that position and has since thus served. During these years he has also been prominently connected with the real-estate and insurance business in Coshocton, employing an assistant to aid him in the conduct of his interests in this regard. He has negotiated many important realty transfers, has written a large amount of insurance and in fact has con- trolled a successful business of this character.
In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Royer and Miss Mary Bachmann, whose father was formerly a contractor and stonemason of Coshocton, but is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Royer were born four children, of whom three are living: Joseph P., Albert and Leo E.
In his political views Mr. Royer is a democrat where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He is a communicant of the Catholic church and of the Knights of Columbus. His business career has been marked by steady progress as the result of the thoroughness with which he accomplishes anything that he undertakes. His views are sound in rela- tion to insurance and real-estate business and few men are better informed con- cerning the properties on the market or their correct values.
P. J. FOX.
Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising little city of Walhonding than Mr. Fox. He is an important factor in its business circles, conducting a hardware and implement business, which is now one of the chief concerns of this place. Mr. Fox was born in Tiverton town- ship, Coshocton county, December 17, 1865, and is the youngest of six chil- dren born of the marriage of Phillip F. and Philopena (Heck) Foy. The father was born in Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, and the mother was also born in that country. They were there reared and married, emigrating to the United States in the early '40s. Upon reaching American shores they estab- lished their home in New York city, where for six years the father followed his trade of a cabinetmaker. He then removed to Dutch Run, Tiverton town- ship, Coshocton county, and in connection with the trade of cabinetmaker fol- lowed carpentering and also manufactured coffins. He was numbered among the prominent pioneer settlers of this section of the state and died here Sep- tember 16, 1905. his remains being interred in Dutch Run cemetery. The
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mother preceded him to her final rest, her death occurring December 27, 1889. Their family numbered six children, as follows: Phillip F., who died when a youth of eight years eight months and twenty-eight days; Phoebe, who departed this life November 27, 1905, and was buried at Canal Dover, Ohio; Daniel H. and John, who follow farming in Tiverton township; Bar- bara, the wife of Charles Petry, a resident of Dutch Run; and P. J., of this review.
P. J. Fox, whose name introduces this record, was educated in the dis- triet schools of Tiverton township and was reared on the home farm to the age of thirteen years. He then engaged in the hardware and implement business and in the years which have come and gone he has built up an extensive enterprise. He has since added a line of buggies and wagons and now carries a complete stock of hardware, agricultural implements and heavy machinery, his patronage being drawn not only from Walhonding but from the surrounding territory as well. He owns the building in which he con- duets business and also owns two houses and eight lots in the village. His success is well merited, for it has come as the result of honorable effort and sound judgment.
Mr. Fox established a home of his own by his marriage in 1893 to Miss Louisa C. Van Kennel, a resident of Monroe township, Coshocton county. Their marriage has been blessed with three children: Alvan B., Opal Pearl and Willis, all under the parental roof. Mr. Fox gives his political support to the democratic party and has served as a member of the school board for two and a half years. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Wood- men of America, and he and his wife are members of the German Evangelical church. He has ever been watchful of all the details of his business and of all indications pointing to success, and today he has gained a success that classes him among the prominent and substantial business men of this sec- tion of the state.
WILLIAM E. RICHCREEK.
William E. Richereek is classed among the wealthy landholders of Coshocton county, owning four hundred acres of the rich land for which this section of the state is noted. His possessions lie in Jackson township and here he gives his time and attention to general farming and stock-rais- ing. Mr. Richereek was born in Bedford township, December 20, 1861, a son of David W. and Nancy (Tidball) Richcreek. The father was born in Virginia and was a farmer by occupation, while the birth of the mother oe- curred in the Keystone state. Both reached advanced years, the father pass- ing away May 29, 1880, when seventy-nine years of age, while the mother died May 3, 1907, at the very advanced age of eighty-five years.
William E. Richereek pursued his studies in the district schools, wherein he gained a good knowledge of the English branches, and his employment during the period of his boyhood and youth was farm labor on the home-
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stead property He has always made this his life work, being engaged in farming on his own account in Bedford township for a number of years, while in 1907 he took up his abode on his present tract of land in Jackson township, his possessions embracing four hundred acres. This is a well improved property, supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories, and Mr. Richcreek follows modern methods of agriculture, so that his efforts are attended with good results.
Mr. Richereek was married September 19, 1887, to Miss Sarah M. McCoy, a daughter of Henry and Martha (Roberts) McCoy. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Richereek has been blessed with eight children: Henry G., Harrison D., Nannie B., Ralph De Witt, deceased; Welcome E., Lester E., Spencer, Willard and Della.
Mr. Richcreek is a republican. stanch in his advocacy of the principles of the party. For several terms he has served as a member of the district board of education but otherwise has neither sought nor desired political preferment. He manifests a deep interest in the educational, moral and substantial improvement of his home locality and, while in his private busi- ness interests he has prospered, he has not allowed the accumulation of a competence to affect in any way his actions toward those less successful than he and he has always a hearty greeting for those with whom he comes in contact.
WILLIAM S. MERRELL.
The legal profession demands not only a high order of ability but also a rare combination of talents, learning, tact, patience and industry. The successful lawyer must be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law and practice and of comprehensive general informa- tion. Possessing all the requisite qualities necessary for advancement at the bar, W. S. Merrell has worked his way steadily upward since becoming a representative of the legal fraternity in Coshocton and is today numbered among its most distinguished members.
William S. Merrell was born in Millersburg. Holmes county. Ohio, October 17, 1869, and is one of a family of eight children, seven of whom survive, whose parents were John C. and Jane (Patterson ) Merrell. The father, whose birth occurred in Mill Creek township, this county, March 13, 1844, was a son of David and Elizabeth (Aultman) Merrell, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of western Pennsylvania. The grand- parents came to Coshocton county in pioneer times with their respective parents, the family homes being established in Mill Creek township, where David Merrell and Elizabeth Aultman grew to adult age and were married. He devoted his attention to farming and also to dealing in timber and lum- ber.
In the county of his nativity John C. Merrell spent the days of his boy- hood and youth and in early life learned the carpenter's trade. After being
W. S. MERRELL.
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employed by others for some time he engaged in contracting on his own account and for a long period was identified with building operations. For ten years prior to his death, however, he engaged in the lumber business in Coshocton. His political support was given to the democratic party. For some time he served as a member of the city council, taking an active part in promoting the measures which he deemed beneficial in furthering the interests of the city. He was also a very active and helpful member of the Presbyterian church and for many years served as one of its deacons. While he was a representative and successful business man and thus contributed in substantial measure to the material development of the county he always found time for active cooperation in the movements for the political, social and moral progress. His life was guided by manly principles and lofty pur- poses and when he was called to his final rest on the 11th of August, 1901, his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife, who was born in Mill Creek township, April 25, 1849, was a daughter of Benja- min and Hannah (Leach) Patterson, the former a native of western Penn- sylvania, and the latter of Washington county, Ohio. Several of the Patterson brothers came to Coshocton to establish homes, their father having pre- ceded them and selected and entered the land which became the property of his sons. The Pattersons are a very numerous family and their annual reunions bring together about eight or ten hundred representatives of the name. Mrs. Jane (Patterson) Merrell still survives her husband and is yet a resident of Coshocton. Her living children are: Harvey E., who is employed in the Piano Works of Coshocton ; William S .; Lewis W .; a black- smith of Coshocton; Delbert W., a Methodist Episcopal minister now at Quaker City, Ohio: John C., a telephone inspector, residing at Canton, Ohio; Florence 1., a teacher in the schools of Coshocton . and Lucy E., who is also employed as a teacher here.
William S. Merrell spent his boyhood days in his parents' home and acquired a public-school education, which he completed on his graduation from the Coshocton high school with the class of 1890. He then began teaching in Mill Creek township and boarded with his grandparents. Within eighteen months he had saved enough to pay his way for one year in the Ohio State University at Columbus, and devoted the succeeding twelve months to study in that institution. As his funds were then exhausted he secured the principalship of the Walnut Street school in Coshocton and remained in that position for two years. In the meantime, however, he determined upon the practice of law as his life work and to this end began reading in the office of W. R. Pomerene, devoting his evening hours and Saturday holidays to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. Dili- gent as a student and thorough in his preparation. he occupied his time so well that in the fall of 1904 he was qualified to enter the law department of the Ohio State University and. after three months' study, successfully passed the examination that secured his admission to the bar on the 6th of Decem- ber of that year. However, he continued his study in the law school until the following March, when he returned to Coshocton and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession. remaining alone until March, 1898. when
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he formed a partnership with Judge Samuel H. Nicholas. For eight and one-half years the firm of Nicholas & Merrell occupied a prominent posi- tion at the Coshocton bar, but in November, 1906, the relation was term- inated because of the election of Judge Nicholas to the common pleas bench. Since that time Mr. Merrell has practiced alone and for the past ten years has been employed by either the prosecution or defense in almost every case heard in the Coshoeton courts. He also has a large elientage in Holmes. Guernsey, Tusearawas, Licking and other nearby counties and the con- sensus of public opinion places him today with the most prominent attor- neys of this section of the state.
Mr. Merrell is a man of strong intellectuality, always interested in any- thing pertaining to educational progress. He is now president of the Wranglers Club, the leading literary organization of the town, and has worked earnestly for some time in an attempt to organize an association to preserve the historical mound of Coshocton as well as to mark the histori- cal spots in this vicinity with monuments. He is the secretary of the Co- shoeton Chautauqua Company, which holds one of the most successful Chau- tauquas of the state, and his assistance can always be counted upon in fur- thering the municipal, intellectual and moral progress of this city.
On the 25th of May, 1898, Mr. Merrell was married to Miss Letitia Smith, a daughter of I. T. Smith, of this city. By this marriage there is one daughter, Virginia Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Merrell are prominent soci- ally and are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active and helpful part in the church work. Mr. Merrell serving as teacher of a class of men in the Sunday school. His political views are in accord with the democratic principles and realizing the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and addresses the public in each political campaign. A vigilant and attentive observer of men and measures he discusses from the platform those questions which agitate the times and which form a feature in the upbuilding of our great republic. An excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles, make him an effective and successful advocate.
WILBUR F. PARK.
Wilbur F. Park, who since 1892 has been engaged in the grain and implement business in Fresno, was born in White Eyes township, Coshocton county, Ohio, February 29, 1860, a son of William H. and Nancy J. (Ross) Park. His father, who was born in Canada, December 27, 1835, came to White Eyes township in 1853, and here bought a farm which became the family home. On April 19, 1859, he wedded Nancy J. Ross, who was born in Homer eounty, this state, in 1832. They became the parents of five sons, namely: Wilbur F., of this review; James R., a resident of Adams township;
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Samuel H., deceased; George J., who lives in Chicago, Illinois; and John B., who resides in Belmont county, this state. The father retired from farm life in 1896, and for the past three years has been serving as postmaster at Fresno. The mother was called to her eternal home, June 6, 1898.
Wilbur F. Park remained under the parental roof until of age and received a high-school education. At the age of sixteen years he began teach- ing, a vocation which he followed for fourteen years. He then engaged in farming for nine years, or until in 1892, when he moved to Fresno and went into the grain and implement business, an occupation which he has since followed. He has been quite successful in his work and handles about four thousand bushels of grain annually.
In 1883 Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Hamilton, daughter of John and Mary (Fair) Hamilton, who was born in White Eyes township, July 4, 1857. Both parents are deceased, the father's death occur- ring in 1884, and the mother's in 1885. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Park have been born five children, of whom the firstborn died in infancy; Nellie, the second child, was born in 1885 and died in January of 1886; Mabel M., born in August, 1886, is the wife of Porter McCrea, of Fresno; Fred H., born August 12, 1888, resides at home with his parents; and the youngest child died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Park is a republican, but he has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. Fraternally, he is a member of Coshocton Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M .: also of Fresno Lodge, No. 11688, M. W. A. Religiously, both he and his estimable wife are faithful and consistent members of the United Presbyterian church.
LEWIS E. BAHMER.
Lewis E. Bahmer, who lives in New Philadelphia, was born in Bakers- ville, this county, March 1, 1875, a son of Valentine and Elizabeth (Schweitzer) Bahmer. He is of German lineage, his grandparents on both sides of the family having come to America direct from the fatherland, the two families settling in Bucks township, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Here Valentine Bahmer, the father of our subject, was born June 11, 1841, while the birth of the mother occurred May 16, 1844. The father was a shoe- maker by trade, an occupation which he followed in his youth in various cities of Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. He was also a veteran of the Civil war, having served in Company K, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry from October 13, 1862, until September, 1863, when he received his discharge. On January 3, 1866, he wedded Elizabeth Schweitzer, and in 1869 the young couple took up their residence in Bakersville, where they continued to reside thereafter. The father passed away July 1, 1908, highly esteemed and re- spected by all who knew him. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Phoebe, the wife of Dr. J. D. Lower, of Coshocton: Charlie V., a
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resident of Baltimore; William, deceased; Lewis E., a resident of Adams township; Alfred F., deceased; Harry J., who resides in Columbus; Carrie B., who is a twin sister of Harry J., and the wife of Rev. D. S. Carpenter, of Conesville; and Mayme, who resides at home with her mother.
Lewis E. Bahmer received his education in the district schools, which he attended regularly throughout the school year while in the primary grades, but when he reached an age sufficient to be of assistance to the father on his farm his attendance was necessarily somewhat irregular, being confined to those months of the year when farming operations were suspended. When he became of age he worked for his father for two years on the farm, after which he began farming for himself, renting from his father the place which he now owns. Ile engaged in a general farming and met with marked suc- cess, so that ultimately he was able to secure title to his present home, in addition to which he owns eleven acres of land in Tuscarawas county.
On October 7, 1900, Mr. Bahmer was married to Miss Clara Partz, who was born in Bucks township, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 10, 1879. She is a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Regula) Partz, both of whom were natives of Tuscarawas county, where the father was born September 3, 1848, and the mother July 4, 1851. They still reside there on a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres which they own. Six children were born to their union, namely: C. A., a medical practitioner of Baltic, Ohio; Clara, the wife of our subject; Milton F., who is attending school at Springfield, Ohio; Edwin D. and Adela A., both of whom are engaged in teaching school and reside at home with their parents; and Edward, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bahmer now have three children, Starling P., who was born No- vember 13, 1901; Margaret, who was born March 7, 1904; and Leonora J .. who was born August 8, 1906.
In politics Mr. Bahmer is a stalwart democrat, never swerving in his allegiance to the party, for he believes that the principles of the organization contain the best elements of good government. Fraternally, he is a member of Bakersville Camp, No. 5216, M. W. A., and religiously, both he and his estimable wife are members of the English Lutheran church. Mr. Bahmer occupies a leading position in the ranks of Coshocton county's younger cit- izens and is popular with a host of friends.
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