USA > Ohio > Coshocton County > Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 31
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HENRY SPECKMAN.
One of the most picturesque country homes in New Castle township is the residence of Henry Speckman, his farm comprising one hundred and sixty-four and a half acres of land, and he also owns one hundred and fifty- two and a half acres in another tract in Perry township. Mr. Speckman is a native son of Coshocton county, his birth having occurred in Jefferson township, February 15, 1854. His parents, John and Rosanna (Frederick) Speckman, were of German birth and came to the United States at an early day, being numbered among the pioneer settlers of Coshocton county. The family home was established in Jefferson township, where the father worked at the carpenter's trade, following the same until the time of his death, which occurred in 1863, his remains being interred in Gamesfelder cemetery. The mother who, as above stated, was also a native of Germany, was brought to America at the age of seven years and was here reared and married. She survived the father's death for more than thirty years, dying in 1896. The family of Mr. and Mrs. John Speckman numbered eight children, as follows: Louisa, the wife of John Bender, of Jefferson township; Tiny and John, both of whom have passed away; Caroline, the wife of Cornelius Foster, also of Jefferson township: Henry, of this review; Newton, who makes his home in Coshocton : Angeline, deceased; and William, who is engaged in the livery business in Warsaw.
HENRY SPECKMAN.
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HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
Henry Speckman, the immediate subject of this review, acquired his education in the district schools of Jefferson township and remained under the parental roof to the age of eighteen years, when he started out in life on his own account. being employed at farm labor. He worked in this way until he had reached the age of twenty-six years, when he be- gan farming on his own account. Although he started out with very limited means he is today the owner of one hundred and sixty-four and a half acres of rich and improved land in New Castle township, and he also owns a tract of one hundred and fifty-two and a half aeres in Perry town- ship. On his home farm stands a fine country residence, surrounded by a well kept lawn, in the rear of which are substantial barns and outbuildings. His fields. too. have been placed under a high state of cultivation and his farm on the whole presents one of the prettiest pictures in New Castle town- ship. He carries on general agricultural pursuits and in his labors is meet- ing with unbounded success.
It was on the 26th of August. 1880. that Mr. Speckman was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Rodock, a resident of Tiverton township. Their home has been graced with two children: Cordia W., who married Stella MeCrowther and now lives on his father's farm in Perry township; and Doug- las, who married Nona McCrowther and is on the home farm.
A democrat in principle and practice Mr. Speekman believes in a faith born of conviction. in the equality and brotherhood of man. He deserves great eredit for what he has accomplished in the business world. for starting out when a youth of eighteen years to make his own way in the world he has steadily pursued his way, undeterred by the obstaeles which have barred his path, and today he stands among the prosperous and progressive agricultur- ists of Coshocton county.
SMITH JONES.
By sheer force of will and untiring effort Smith Jones has worked his way upward from a humble beginning until he is numbered among the lead- ing business men of Isleta, where he is carrying on a grain and implement business. Mr. Jones was born in Coshocton county, November 25, 1841, a son of Wesley and Millie A. (Medley) Jones, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state, and who died when our subject was a little lad of but six years. Their union was blessed with seven children: Amelia, Jane and Susan, who are deceased; John, a resident of Oxford township; Smith, of this review; Nathaniel, who served in the Civil war and was killed in the battle of Murfreesboro; and Wesley, who has departed this life.
As stated, Smith Jones was left an orphan when a little lad of six years, and at the age of nine years he began making his own way in the world. He was first employed as a farm hand until the outbreak of the Civil war, when in 1863 he enlisted as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Twenty- ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He
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enlisted as a private and through his valor and loyalty won promotion to the rank of sergeant, being thus discharged at North Carolina, after having par- ticipated in many of the most important battles of the war.
Following the close of hostilities Smith Jones returned to Coshocton county, where for two years he worked as a farm hand. During this time he carefully saved his earnings and then established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Margaret A. Wolfe, who was born in Oxford township, a daughter of Samuel and Christina Wolfe, who came to this county at an early day. Both are now deceased, the mother passing away in 1871, while the father surviving for only a few years departed this life in 1875. Their family numbered five children.
After his marriage Mr. Jones purchased a farm, whereon he took up his abode and made his home for twenty-one years. He then removed to Isleta and engaged in the grain and implement business, in which he has con- tinued with success to the present time. He buys and sells a large amount of grain each year, while his patronage in the implement business has reached large and extensive proportions. Mr. Jones has disposed of his farming property but now owns a fine residence in the village of Isleta, this being sur- rounded by seventeen acres of ground. As a business man he has a talent for leading, which is a necessity in these days of close competition to the man in the business world.
Mr. Jones has always supported the men and measures of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has filled several township offices, having served for three terms as assessor, while he has also filled the office of township trustee and county land appraiser. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Protestant church.
Mr. Jones is truly a self-made man. Drawing the lessons which we do from his life we learn that the qualifications necessary for success are a high ambition and a resolute, honorable purpose to reach the exalted standard that has been set up. From the early age of nine years he has depended upon his own resources and has won the proud American title of self-made man.
HENRY NORRIS.
Henry Norris is an enterprising and prosperous farmer, owning and operating the one hundred and sixty acres of land which has been his home since 1880. His farm is situated in Jackson township and he is thus num- bered among its substantial citizens. He was born in Virginia township, October 23, 1842, a son of George W. and Susanna (Croy) Norris, of Vir- ginia township. The paternal grandfather. Daniel Norris, came to Coshocton county in 1809 from Virginia with his father, William Norris, who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Daniel Norris settled in Virginia township and entered land from the government, to which he later added by purchase until he became a large landowner. Farming has been the occupa- tion of the family through several generations.
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Henry Norris, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the district schools and was also reared to farm life. When he started out to make his own way in the world he choose the occupation to which he had been reared, and was engaged in farming in Virginia township until 1880, when he took up his abode on his present tract of land, this consisting of one hundred and sixty acres in Jackson township. It is a well improved tract, supplied with all conveniences and accessories, and Mr. Norris follows the most progressive ideas of agriculture, so that his labors are attended with good results. He also raises stock to some extent.
Mr. Norris chose as a companion and helpmate Miss Isabelle Platt, whom he wedded on the 31st of December, 1875. Their union has been blessed with eleven children, of whom ten are living: Jay T .; Clara, who has passed away; Theodocia, the wife of Oliver Mccullough; Flay A .; Mary, now the wife of Martin Reed; Thomas; Ray; Pearl, the wife of Floyd Johnson ; Joseph C .; Emmett O .; and Clarence.
Mr. Norris gives his political support to the man and measures of democracy but aside from serving as a school director has never been active as an office seeker. His religious views accord with the principles and doc- trine of the Baptist church, of which he is a member. He possesses all the elements of what in this country we term a "square" man-one in whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any emergency. He is ever ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that come of conscious personal ability and all with whom he is associated have for him high commendation and praise.
H. C. MILLER.
H. C. Miller is a member of the firm of H. C. & E. W. Miller, dealers in farm implements, products, coal, furniture, fertilizers, oil meal and seeds, and at the present writing is serving as justice of the peace of Tiverton town- ship. He is a native son of Coshocton county, born at Spring Mountain, March 19, 1864, a son of Lawrence and Magdalene (Rahn) Miller, both of whom were natives of Germany.
The father was born in Bavaria, and emigrating to the new world in 1855 located in Tiverton township. He was a shoemaker by trade and also followed farming. Although he came to the United States a poor boy he became a very successful man and was a leader in political circles. He was a man of great energy and ambition and at one time served as justice of the peace of his locality. He was a devoted and loyal member of the Evangelical church at Dutch Run, in which he took a very active and helpful part. His death occurred February 23, 1906, when he had attained the age of sixty- seven years. The mother, who was likewise a native of Bavaria, was born in August, 1842, and came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Rahn, to the United States in 1849. They landed at Castle Garden, New York, on New Years day of that year, and going to Buffalo, waited for canal navigation
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to open that they might continue their journey to Ohio. It was on the 28th of December, 1862, that she gave her hand in marriage to Lawrence Miller, and they became the parents of three sons: HI. C., of this review; George M., a railroad man of Kent, Ohio; and Ed W., who is associated in business with our subject. The mother departed this life May 13, 1906, when she had reached the age of sixty-four years.
HI. C. Miller acquired his early education in the district schools. this being supplemented by study in Dearborn school at Detroit, Michigan. He remained under the parental roof until the death of both parents, after which he took up the work of his father and now in connection with his brother he conducts the old homestead farm, consisting of two hundred and sixty- six acres of well improved land in Tiverton township. In 1902, in connec- tion with his brother, he established a mercantile enterprise near Tiverton. They carry a line of farm implements, products, coal, furniture, fertilizers, oil meal seeds, books, stationery, wall paper and paints and their patronage has grown to large proportions. Both are men of push and enterprise and are meeting with excellent success in their undertakings. Mr. Miller is also a stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants Telephone Company and own> realty interests in Coshocton.
Mr. Miller gives his political support to the democratic party, and is a member of the Evangelical church, of which he is now serving as secretary. He is also a member and the secretary of Tiverton Grange, No. 1515. Both the brothers are well known in Tiverton township, where their entire lives have been passed, and in business circles they are known for their honesty and integrity, which is no doubt the foundation of their success.
ANNA M. LANG.
Anna M. Lang, who is engaged in the millinery business at No. 416 Main street, has always resided in Coshocton, to which city her parents re- moved in 1873. Her father, Henry C. Lang, was born near Berlin, Germany, and on crossing the Atlantic to the United States, settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, whence he came to Coshocton in 1873 and here engaged in the bakery busi- ness. He was for many years an active representative of commercial enter- prise here but in 1904 withdrew from active business and is now enjoying an honorable retirement from labor after acquiring a competence sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having rendered valuable aid to his adopted coun- try during the darkest hour in her history. He married Christina Lorenz, a sister of John Lorenz. She was a native of Germany and died December 4, 1905.
Entering the public schools Anna M. Lang pursued her education through consecutive grades until she had taken up the high-school work. Entering the business life she served an apprenticeship in a millinery estab- lishment and her natural taste and talents soon enabled her to become an
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expert in this line. She has filled positions as a trimmer in various cities in the states of New York and Pennsylvania and on the Ist of August, 1903, she established her present business, which has enjoyed a steady and healthful growth. She draws her patrons from among the best people of the city and her millinery house is recognized as the leading establishment of this kind in Coshocton. She possesses excellent business ability and executive force, com- bined with natural taste for artistic selection in the matter of colors and mate- rials, and has in her store always the latest styles and most attractive millinery goods. From the beginning her business has steadily increased and has now reached large and profitable proportions. Miss Lang is a member of the Rathbone Sisters and has many friends both within and without that organ- ization.
DAVID EWING.
David Ewing is the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres in White Eyes township, constituting the old homestead property on which he has lived from the age of eight years. He arrived here in 1834 and is therefore one of the oldest settlers of the county, being a witness of its growth and development through more than the Psalmist's alloted span of life of three score years and ten. His memory goes back to the time when the early homes were largely log cabins that stood in the midst of little clear- ings made by the first settlers. These cabins were heated with fireplace, while tallow candles were used for lighting purposes. All of the furnishings were primitive and the farm machinery was very crude compared with that in use at the present time. The farm implements of today greatly lighten labor but the farmers of a few decades ago knew what it was to work hard and per- severingly in tilling the soil and raising their crops.
Mr. Ewing was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 24, 1826, a son of James and Nancy ( Lyons) Ewing, who were natives of Ireland but came to America in early life. The father, who was a millwright by trade, lived for some time in Pennsylvania and then brought his family to Coshoc- ton county in 1834. The same year he purchased a farm and lived in a little log cabin with clapboard roof which was weighted down by poles. The floor was constructed of puncheons and in one side of the room was an immense fireplace in which large logs could be burned. There were no luxuries in those days and comparatively few comforts, while it required earnest, persist- ent effort on the part of the pioneers to secure the necessities of life. The Ewing family lived for several years in a pioneer log cabin but eventually a more commodious dwelling was erected. The father died on the old home- stead farm in 1852 and the mother's death there occurred in 1868. Their family numbered six children, of whom Martha, the wife of William Winkle- pleck, now of Nebraska, and David, of this review, are the only ones living.
Mr. Ewing was but eight years of age when he came with his parents to Coshocton county and since that time he has lived on the old homestead farm,
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assisting in the arduous task of developing the new fields and planting the first crops. After his father's death he purchased the property, comprising one hundred and twenty-six acres of land, and as the years have passed he has added many improvements thereto. As farm machinery has been im- proved by modern inventions he has secured the better implements that are today seen in the fields and in all of his farm work has met with that success which follows earnest, untiring labor. He makes a specialty of raising stock and this has added materially to his income.
In 1852 Mr. Ewing was united in marriage to Miss Nancy J. Doak, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and was brought to this county when but eight weeks old, her parents making an overland trip with a team and covered wagon. Her father purchased land here and soon in- stalled his family in a little log cabin. There he reared his seven children but as the years passed by he prospered and in the course of time the family were not only able to have the necessities of life but also to enjoy many of its comforts. The death of Mr. Doak occurred in February, 1896, while his wife died in 1882. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ewing were born nine children : Rebecca A., born April 15, 1853, who is deceased; Althea, the wife of E. A. Swigart, deceased; William D., whose birth occurred in 1856 and who is a resident of Guernsey county; Mary E., the wife of F. R. Norman, of Chi- cago, Illinois; Emma F., born in 1860, who has also passed away; Clara L., whose birth occurred in 1863 and who is deceased; Estella O., born in 1865, who is the wife of Dr. William B. Litton, of Coshocton county ; Howard M., who was born in 1871 and now resides in Coshocton, Ohio; and Clarence M., born in 1874, who is also deceased.
Mr. Ewing and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their Christian faith has done much to guide their lives. In his political views Mr. Ewing is a democrat and has served as school director and supervisor. He has now reached the eighty-second milestone on life's journey and receives the respect of all his fellowmen because he has ever been honorable and straightforward in his business relations and loyal to every trust reposed in him.
HARRY F. RUSSELL.
Harry F. Russell, who is actively engaged in general farming and stock- raising in Lafayette township, was born in that township, January 25, 1867, the son of W. A. and Elizabeth (Foster) Russell. His paternal grandfather, John N. Russell, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1817, and at the age of twenty-one years wedded Harriett Williams, a native of Carroll county, Ohio. He took up his residence in that county on a farm which was given him as a wedding gift by his father, and resided there for fifteen years, when he sold his place and returned to Jefferson county, where he lived for twelve years. In 1865 he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Coshoc-
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ton county, where he lived continuously up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1888. In his family were six children, all of whom are yet liv- ing, namely: Emily, the widow of John Edmundson, residing in Jefferson county; W. A., the father of our subject: Smilda, the wife of William Watt, a resident of Jefferson county ; Susan J., the wife of Francis McGuire, living in West Lafayette; Freeman, a resident of Guernsey county; and Mrs. Ada Pritchard, who resides in West Lafayette. In politics John N. Russell was a democrat. Religiously he was originally a Presbyterian, but at the time of his death was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
W. A. Russell, the father of our subject. was born in Carroll county, Ohio, December 16, 1842. He was reared on his father's farm and received
a common-school education. At the age of twenty-three he engaged in farming on his own account, renting land from his father. This he con- tinued to operate for two and a half years, or until 1869, in the spring of which year he went to Caldwell county, Missouri, to investigate the agri- cultural resources of that section. He remained there four and a half years, renting land, at the expiration of which time he returned to Ohio and rented land of his father for one year. He then bought one hundred and forty-two acres of land, which one and one-half years later he sold for five thousand dollars. He next purchased fifty acres of land near West Lafayette, Ohio, a part of which he subdivided and sold off in town lots. Russell avenue, running through this section of the city, was named in honor of John N. Russell. He now owns one hundred and thirty-three acres of land, and he has given a farm of seventy-five acres to our subject.
On April 5, 1866, W. A. Russell was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Foster, who was born in New Comerstown, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 4, 1844, the daughter of Hervey and Sarah Foster. Her father died when she was an infant and her mother was again married, her second union being with John Coles. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Russell were born four children, namely: Hattie, who is the wife of Frank Powell. of West Lafayette, and has two children, Russell and Eugene; Harry F., of this review: Anna, who resides at home; and Pearl, who is the wife of William Reed, of Coshocton, and has two children, William and Evelyn. Mr. Russell casts his ballot with the democratic party and has been elected township clerk for three terms and justice of the peace for two terms. He has been a member of the school board. Religiously, both he and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Harry F. Russell received his education in the district schools of the county, which he attended regularly throughout the school year while in the primary grades, though his attendance as he grew older was largely limited to those months of the year in which farming operations were suspended. He resided under the parental roof with exception of a few years up to the time of his marriage, aiding his father in the labors of the farm. He went to Iowa in 1890, spending several years prospecting in that state and in Col- orado. He now owns one hundred and twenty-two acres of land, the intelli- gent cultivation of which calls for the exercise of considerable skill and energy.
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On June 12, 1907, was celebrated the marriage of Harry F. Russell and Miss Lillis Blanche Bates, who was born in Linton township, this county, July 26, 1883, the daughter of James and Mary (Burrell) Bates. Her father is deceased but her mother is living in West Lafayette at the age of fifty-one years. She has one brother, Vernon, who resides at home with his mother. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are both members of the Methodist church. Politically he is a democrat.
GEORGE R. CATON.
George R. Caton, residing on his valuable and well improved farm in White Eyes township, is a native of this township, his birth having here occurred on the 18th of December, 1831. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Ringer) Caton, who were both natives of Greene county, Pennsylvania, were among the earliest settlers of White Eyes township. They passed away in the year 1845. Of their family of nine children, only three survive, namely: George R., of this review; Catherine, the wife of Calvin Ferrell, of Fresno, Ohio; and Perry, of White Eyes township.
George R. Caton was reared on a farm in his native township and attended the district schools during the winter months. When twenty-four years of age he began farming on his own account by renting a tract of land in White Eyes township, being engaged in its operation for six years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, on which he lived for sixteen years, bringing the land under a high state of cultivation. He built thereon a commodious and substantial resi- dence and good barns and otherwise improved the place. In 1876 he pur- chased his present farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres in White Eyes township, giving considerable attention to the raising of cattle, horses and hogs in addition to the work of the fields. He also has a drove of two hundred sheep, and in both his farming and stock-raising interests has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of success. At one time his hold- ings comprised two hundred and forty acres of land, but he has since sold a portion of this and now owns one hundred and ninety acres. In 1902 he rented his place and removed to Fresno, but as life on the farm was more congenial to him and also owing to the fact that his son Grant wished to engage in agricultural pursuits, he returned to his farm in the spring of 1908. The place is now being conducted by the son.
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