USA > Ohio > Coshocton County > Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 36
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As a student in the public schools Clarence Thomas mastered the branches of learning that qualified him for life's practical duties. At the age of seventeen years he apprenticed himself to the molder's trade, at which he worked for ten years and then, on account of his health, he aban- doned that pursuit and for some years was employed in various ways. In 1895 he entered the service of the Standard Advertising Company and after the merging of that company with the Meek Company he continued with the new organization, which conducted its business under the firm style of the Beach & Meek Company. At length the interests were separated and Mr. Thomas remained with the Meek Company, which he has now repre- sented as shipping clerk for more than thirteen years. In this connection he has entire charge of shipments and the position is one of large responsibility and importance, as upon him depends the quick delivery of goods to patrons -a feature in the success of the house.
Mr. Thomas gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He is a broad reader and while his early school privileges were somewhat limited, he is today a well informed man who keeps in touch with all questions of general moment. He belongs to Coshocton Lodge, No. 96, A. F. & A. M., Samar- itan Chapter, No. 50, R. A. M., and became a charter member of Coshocton Commandery, No. 63, K. T. He is a worthy exemplar of the craft and is
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also a faithful member of the Maccabees tent in Coshocton. Strong pur- pose, laudable ambition and fidelity to the interests entrusted to his care have constituted the strong features in his business career and have brought to him a remunerative position.
PROFESSOR ALEXANDER C. MCDONALD.
Professor Alexander C. MeDonald holds high rank with the educators of this section of Ohio who are connected with the public-school system. For the past five years he has been superintendent of the schools of Roscoe, which under his direction have made substantial advance along lines which have kept them in touch with the most progressive educational methods of the present day. With deep interest in his work, Professor McDonald has labored carnestly for the improvement of the schools with which he has been connected and has inspired pupils and teachers with much of his own zeal and interest.
Professor MeDonald is numbered among the native sons of Coshocton county, his birth having occurred in New Moscow, April 14, 1858. His parents were William and Jane (McClannahan) McDonald, both natives of Muskingum county, Ohio, and both of Scotch descent. William McDonald removed to Coshocton county soon after his marriage, which was celebrated about 1845, settling in Virginia township, where he engaged in farming, and with the exception of a short period of two years he spent the remainder of his life in that township, there passing away September 23, 1903. He was a republican in politics and, while never an office seeker, he served for thirty- six years as justice of the peace, being elected again and again by those who recognized his unfaltering fidelity to duty, knowing that his opinions were ever free from judicial bias or personal prejudice. He was an active and devoted member of the Christian church and his life, ever upright and honorable, commanded for him the unqualified respect of those with whom he came in contact. Those who knew him were glad to be numbered among his friends and one could always win his friendship by a straightforward life and upright character. His wife, a most estimable lady, died July 26, 1895, at the age of sixty-nine years.
The environments and conditions of farm life were known to Alexander C. McDonald in his boyhood days. Having mastered the branches of learn- ing taught in the village school of New Moscow, he afterward attended Antioch College at Yellow Springs, Ohio, and on completing his course there returned home. In the fall of 1879 he entered upon the profession of teaching, being employed at Conesville, where he taught for one year. Ile was for eleven years a teacher of the schools in New Moscow, although his work there was not continuous, being interrupted at various times by teach- ing in other localities. He finally returned to Conesville, where he spent three years as superintendent of the schools and in the fall of 1901 he came to Roscoe as assistant superintendent of schools. Two years later he was chosen
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superintendent and has since ably served in this capacity, instituting many modern methods and needed reforms. Ile is a broad-minded man and an able educator, who holds to high ideals in his profession and accomplishes what he undertakes. He has been identified with educational work continu- ously for twenty-nine years and the cause of public instruction in this locality has been largely promoted through his efforts and influence. During the past two years he has served as college examiner.
Professor McDonald was the candidate of the republican party for the office of county sheriff in the fall of 1908. This nomination came to him largely as the result of the friendship and labors of many who hold him in high regard and believe that he will prove a competent official. They urged him to allow his name to be presented before the republican convention and although he had two strong opponents in the field he was nominated by a good majority. At the election November 3 it was found that he had received a majority of one hundred and seventy-three, although the democratic party usually had a majority of five hundred in the county and Bryan received that many more votes than Taft.
On the 2d of October, 1884, Professor MeDonald was married to Miss Jennie Finnell, of Roscoe, Ohio, and they have become the parents of three children, Newton, Blanche and George, but the younger son is now deceased. The elder son is a teacher in the district schools and is preparing himself for a college course in civil engineering. The daughter is the wife of Ray- mond R. Raymond and has been identified with theatrical work since her marriage February 27, 1907.
Professor McDonald is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Roscoe and is serving on its board of trustees, while in all departments of the church work he is deeply interested. Like the great majority of men who are students and whose lives have been passed along lines demanding intellectual activity, Professor MeDonald is interested in those things which promote honorable manhood and develop high character. His influence is found on the side of intellectual and moral progress and he always has a hand outreaching to assist a fellow traveler on life's journey.
DAVID EVERHART.
David Everhart, deceased, was born in White Eyes township, Coshocton county, Ohio, March 8, 1833, his parents being Frederick and Elizabeth (Mizer) Everhart, who were natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and were among the earliest settlers of White Eyes township. Their family numbered four children, all of whom are now deceased.
David Everhart was reared on the old home farm in his native town- ship and assisted his father in the work of the fields until the latter's death. ยท In 1871 he purchased the farm of one hundred and eleven acres in White Eyes township that is now owned by his children, and there successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest. In addition to
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the work of general farming he was also extensively engaged in stock-raising and bought and sold a great many horses. In fact, he was one of the best judges of horse flesh in the county, being able to give the correct value of an animal almost at a glance. He was well known and highly esteemed as one of the prosperous and enterprising citizens of the community, and gained the confidence and good will of all with whom he came in contact by reason of his straightforward and honorable dealings under all circumstances. The main portion of the residence which stands on the Everhart farm is over one hundred years old and was one of the first frame houses erected in this part of the county. The same floor and the same plastering have done service since the time of its construction.
On the 16th of January, 1862, Mr. Everhart was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Gonter, whose birth occurred in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, July 2, 1840, her parents being Jacob and Elizabeth (Stilgenbower) Gonter, the former a native of Tuscarawas county and the latter of Germany. The mother was born in 1813 and when eighteen years of age accompanied her parents on their emigration to the new world, the family home being established in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. There she gave her hand in marriage to Jacob Gonter and they resided on a farm in that county until the time of their demise. The father of Mrs. Everhart, whose birth had occurred in 1814, passed away August 5, 1898, while her mother's death occurred on the 7th of October, 1884. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, six of whom still survive, namely: Mrs. Everhart; Elizabeth, the wife of Samuel Wyler, of Ragersville, Ohio; Mary, the wife of John Saunterman, of Tus- carawas county, Ohio; Sylvester, a resident of White Eyes township; Adeline, the wife of Adam Dook, of White Eyes township; and George, living in Tuscarawas county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Everhart were born six children, as follows: Calvin, of White Eyes township; Mary E., the wife of Wilber Ely, of Crawford township; Saloma, the wife of Jacob Leavengood, Coshocton; Walter, a resident of Coshocton; Ella, the wife of Henry Hooper, of Keene township; and Milton, who operates the home farm for his mother.
In his political views Mr. Everhart was a republican, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the English Lutheran church, with which his widow is identified. Mrs. Everhart has won the regard and friendship of all who know her because of her genuine personal worth and many excellent traits of heart and mind.
WILLIAM ALLEN MIZER.
The field of opportunity is limitless in this land, which is unhampered by caste or class, and the man who has determination and energy may carve out his fortune to suit himself. Recognizing this fact Mr. Mizer has stead- ily worked his way upward undeterred by obstacles or difficulties and today he occupies a prominent position as one of the leading representatives of
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fire insurance in Ohio. The Mizer family, of which William A. Mizer is a representative, was founded in Pennsylvania at an early period in the history of this country and during the pioneer epoch in the history of Jef- ferson county, Ohio, representatives of the name settled in Germano near Jefferson county, Ohio. The family is noted for longevity, one of its mem- bers dying at the advanced age of one hundred and two years, while the sister of his paternal grandmother reached the age of ninety-seven years.
Phillip Mizer, the grandfather of our subject removed to Shanesville, Ohio, and became a prominent and influential resident of that community. He was a cabinetmaker by trade and also engaged in making coffins. For thirty years he served as justice of the peace and was well known through- out the district as Squire Mizer. He was a handsome man, well propor- tioned and the strength of his character made him one of the leading citi- zens of his community. He was married at Germano to Margaret Schultz. Their son, George P. Mizer, was born at Shanesville, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and devoted his life to farming, in which business he was quite suc- cessful. He was a man of intensely patriotic spirit and did everything in his power to promote the best interests of his county, state and nation. In 1846 he married Miss Catherine Hagen, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, who in her girlhood days was brought to Ohio by her par- ents, the family home being established near New Comerstown. The death of George P. Mizer occurred June 30, 1886, but his widow still survives at the age of eighty-one years.
Upon the home farm William 1. Mizer was reared and when not busy with his text-books as a district-school student he aided in the work of the home farm, assisting in the cultivation of the fields from the time of early spring planting. His preliminary education was supplemented by study in a select school at New Comerstown, which he attended through two winter seasons. At the age of nineteen years he began work in a country store and in early life he was inured to had labor and learned the value of untiring industry and perseverance. On the 9th of September, 1865, he began clerk- ing for the firm of Mizer & Ley for five dollars per month. His duties were manifold and included the janitor work in the store and the currying of the horses, besides making sales. That he proved capable and faithful is indi- cated by the fact that he was frequently entrusted to conduct the business in the absence of the proprietors and at one time five thousand dollars was left in his care. He remained in that store for three years and while there learned the German language, for there were many German speaking peo- ple in the neighborhood. He afterward became a salesman in the employ of J. W. Pierce and subsequently, as the result of his diligence and economy, he was enabled, in connection with John HI. Lovelace, to purchase this store which he conducted for three years. Selling out on account of his health he afterward engaged in the sale of farm implements for one year and on the 3d of January, 1873, he became connected with the insurance business, accepting the agency in Coshocton county for the Farmers Insurance Com- pany of Leroy, Ohio. He also represented the interests of the company in Holmes county, Ohio, and is still engaged in the business, controlling today
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the largest fire insurance agency in Coshocton. Prior to his removal to this city he lived in Bakersville until September 1, 1890. IIe has done business in this county for the past thirty-five years and has a wide acquaintance throughout its borders.
Mr. Mizer has always been active in politics and is a stalwart advocate of democratic principles. On the 9th of November, 1899, he was elected clerk of the courts of Coshocton county and served for three years. In 1903 he was again chosen for that office and continued in the position until 1906. Otherwise he has never sought political preferment but has been con- tent to do his duty as a citizen in private relations, giving his aid and influ- ence to every measure calculated to prove of public benefit. He has been president of the Citizens Building & Loan Association since 1894 and is proving an excellent executive officer, at the same time carefully controlling his insurance business, in which connection he represents about twenty companies.
On the 22d of November, 1870, Mr. Mizer was married to Miss Helen M. Pierce and they now have three children: French V., born July 16, 1875; Blake V., born February 13, 1880; and Audrey V., March 8, 1888. Mr. Mizer is a Royal Arch Mason, and is most loyal to the teachings of the craft and is in hearty sympathy with its principles of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His reliability in business, his consideration for the rights and interests of others, his activity in support of progressive com- munity affairs and his faithfulness in the discharge of every obligation that devolves upon him. have made him one of the popular and respected citi- zens of Coshocton.
JAMES R. PARK.
James R. Park, a member of the firm of Park & Renner, owners of the planing-mill at Fresno, was born in White Eyes township, this county, on March 26, 1862, a son of W. H. Park, a sketch of whose life appears else- where in this volume. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. At the age of twenty years he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and thus early became interested in the lumber product, with which he familiarized himself to the fullest detail by work- ing in a sawmill during the winter months for fifteen successive years, fol- lowing his trade of carpentering during the months of summer. In 1893 Mr. Park located in Fresno and from that time on devoted his entire atten- tion to carpentering until in 1903, when in conjunction with Philip Ren- ner he equipped a sawmill plant with all modern machinery and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, handling it from the log to the finished product. Their output consists of window sashes, door frames, and all kinds of mill work. Their patronage has been most liberal and the business has been a thriving one from the outset. In addition to his milling interests, Mr. Park is also a director and treasurer of the Avondale Glove Company, of which he was one of the organizers.
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On May 28, 1884, Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Salema Boyd who, like himself, is a native of White Eyes township, born May 30, 1860. She is the daughter of Samuel T. and Sophia (Caton) Boyd. Her father died in 1888 at the age of fifty-five years while her mother, who is now sixty-three years of age, is a resident of Coshocton. They were the parents of four children, of whom three are living, namely: Salema, the wife of our subjeet; Luella, the wife of Mero Weir, of Coshocton; and Blanche, the wife of Bert Todd, also of Coshocton. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Park have been born six children, namely: Orval, who is attending Dela- ware college; Walter, Russell and Virgil, all of whom reside at home with their parents. Walter is engaged in teaching, while Russell is a graduate of the Fresno high school. Lester, the oldest, and Bertha, the youngest, are deceased.
Politically Mr. Park is a republican, though he has never aspired to public office. He has ever taken an active interest in educational matters, and is now a member of the board of education. Fraternally, he is a mem- ber of Fresno Lodge, No. 11688, M. W. A., of which he is treasurer, and he and his wife are also members of the Royal Neighbors. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church, in which he holds the office of treasurer.
ANDREW STEPHON.
Andrew Stephon needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for he is a well known business man of Bakersville, where he is successfully engaged in merchandising. He has also been active in community affairs and his labors in behalf of publie progress have been far-reaching and bene- ficial. Ile was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. November 3, 1853, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Eckert) Stephon, both of whom were natives of Germany. They remained residents of that land until 1842, when they came to America and established their home in Tuscarawas county. The father was a tailor by trade, but after reaching the new world turned his attention to general agricultural pur-nite, owning and cultivating a farm in Tuscarawas county up to the time of his death, which occurred in June. 1888. His widow survived him for about eight years and passed away in 1893. They were the parents of thirteen children. of whom eight are liv- ing: Margaret, the wife of Fred Eckfelt is living in Port Washington, Ohio; Henry, whose home is in Guernsey county, Ohio: Caroline, the wife of Valentine Goedle, a resident of Blackband, Ohio; Adam, whose home is in Tuscarawas county; Emma, the wife of Mark Miller also living in Tus- carawas county ; William. of the same county ; Mary the wife of David Van- ostran of Tuscarawas county ; and Andrew, of this review.
Andrew Stephon spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and acquired his education in the common schools. During the period of vacation he worked in the fields, assisting in the plowing,
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planting and harvesting, but at length he put aside agricultural interests. IIe then became a dealer in sewing machines and continued in that busi- ness for ten years, when he believed that his experience and his capital, acquired through his previous industry and economy, justified his becom- ing a factor in commercial lines. Therefore, in 1887 he turned his atten- tion to mercantile lines in Bakersville. There he has conducted business continuously since, having a well appointed store. His sales are now quite extensive and the enterprise is proving profitable.
In 1877 Mr. Stephon married Miss Clara Andrews, who was born in Tusearawas county in 1856. Her father died in December, 1899, but her mother is still living and yet makes her home in Bakersville. Mrs. Stephon was one of a family of seven children, and by her marriage has become the mother of three daughters: Jessie is the wife of R. T. Leach, who is in partnership with her father, and by this marriage there is one son, Andrew; Stella J. is the wife of E. D. Swagert, of New Comerstown, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Dorothea K .; Mildred M., a graduate of the Bakersville high school, is yet at home.
The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Presbyterian church, and they occupy an enviable position in social circles, where intel- ligence is regarded as an essential factor to agreeableness. Mr. Stephon is well known as a leading republican of his community, and for three terms filled the office of assessor. He has also served on the school board and was postmaster under presidents Harrison and MeKinley. His official duties have always been discharged with the utmost promptness and fidelity, and he is widely recognized as a citizen of genuine worth whether found in bus- iness, political and social relations.
THOMAS J. HANLEY.
The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its com- mercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations and therefore among the builders of a town are those who stand at the head of its busi- ne>< enterprises. In this relation Thomas J. Hanley deserves mention. He has for eighteen years been engaged in the milling business and is now pres- ident of the Hanley Milling Company, one of the successful and important productive industries of the city. He was born in County Limerick, Ire- land, July 12, 1859. and his parents, David and Ann (Carey) Hanley, were also natives of County Limerick. They came to the United States with their family of seven children in 1862 and settled in Steubenville, Ohio, where they continued to reside until called to the home beyond. The father passed away in 1874 at the age of sixty-two years, while his wife died at the age of seventy-eight.
Thomas J. Hanley was but three years old when his parents sailed across the Atlantic and became residents of the new world. He attended the public schools of Steubenville and afterward continued his education in
T. J. ILANLEY.
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the Curry Institute of Pittsburg. He started in business life at the age of seventeen years in company with his two brothers, Richard and Joseph P. Hanley, the former now engaged in the real-estate business in Sheridan, Pennsylvania, while the latter was practicing law in Toledo, this state, at the time of his death. which occurred in July. 1908. The brothers formed a partnership and engaged in the manufacture of brooms in Steubenbville for two years. Thomas J. Hanley then turned his attention to railroading. with which business he wa- connected for five years.
In the year 1886 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hanley and Miss Mary M. O'Connor. of Cresson Springs. Pennsylvania, and immediately following his marriage Mr. Hanley engaged in general merchandising in Dennison, Ohio, where he remained until July. 1891. Selling out his business there. he came to Coshocton in the same year and succeeded J. F. Williams & Son in the milling busines-, forming a partnership with Samuel Ferguson. They operated the mill under the firm name of Ferguson & Hanley until 1896, when Mr. Hanley purchased his partner's interest and carried on the business individually. In 1904. however. the business was incorporated under the name of the Hanley Milling Company, with Mr. Hanley as the president and general manager. This has become an important industry of the city. The mill i- equipped with the latest improved machinery and modern appliances and is one of the largest in Coshocton. The excellence of their product insures them a liberal patronage and the company is kept busy fill- ing orders from all part- of the surrounding country. The output of the house is now large and the scope of manufacture includes White Lily, Early Riser and Snow Flake flours. They also manufacture meal and feed and deal in grain. Mr. Hanley is also president of the Sixth Street theater. He is a man of forceful character and marked individuality and is gathering the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable energy.
Unto Mr. and Mr -. Hanley have been born six children: Veronica, Delsie, Thomas. Ambrose. Jerome and Mary Margaret. all of whom are under the parental roof. Mr. Hanley is a member of Coshocton Lodge, No. 376, B. P. O. E .: Coshocton Council, No. 994. K. C .: and the Catholic church. His interest in community affairs is not a matter of idle assertion. On the contrary he is a worker for the public good and is now the president of the Coshocton County Good Roads Association. He stands for progress not only in his business affairs but in public life as well and his efforts are proving far-reaching and beneficial.
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