USA > Ohio > Coshocton County > Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 41
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HENRY C. HIERBIG.
Looking again upon the well remembered features and upon the days when Henry Herbig proved his worth to the community, memory of the man and the friend that he was recalls those personal qualities which with his publie-spirited acts were held alike in the highest regard.
When Coshocton industries most needed a helping hand his was the one to pull them through. He was a moving spirit in the new and greater Coshocton, in the promotion of her industrial and commercial importance, and the advancement of publie improvements. Under situations demanding most circumspect tact and prudence he demonstrated his capacity for finan- cial achievement. Manufacturing and mercantile interests, general business enterprise, and the welfare of Coshocton at large advanced through his judg -. ment as banker. The bank grew and prospered under his management, and he lived to see his pride-the solid old Commercial National-hold its place as the foremost financial institution in this section of the state.
The bank was Henry Herbig's life work. In that structure of pillared front he gave the best that was in him, all his energy, all his powers of en- durance. Long before his health finally broke, when it seemed that nerves were straining past the breaking point and friends advised him to go slowly, he had in reserve that endurance and mental alertness which withstood the strain of years.
The many who knew him can yet pleasantly recall his manner of rest- less energy, his unflagging determination to advance Coshocton in all things. He was quick in his movements, and swift in his thinking. He was able to
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HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
turn quickly from one subject to another, and dispatch business as fast as it came before him. Of exemplary habits and of indefatigable industry, he was always the same active, thoroughgoing, unaffected man of courage and decision.
He was born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1851, and two years later his parents located in Columbus. Naturally studious, his younger years saw him well started on a business career. Coming here from the Deshler National Bank of Columbus at nineteen he was associated with T. C. Ricketts in the establishment of the First National Bank of Coshocton in 1872. Mr. Herbig at first filled the position of bookkeeper, besides attending largely to cashier's duties. Two years afterward he became cashier. Faithful, industrious, well equipped, he justified from the beginning the confidence reposed in him in this responsible position.
Ile never lost faith in the future of Coshocton. In the dark days of '73 the storm of financial panie that swept over the country carried down the steel works. With characteristic energy Mr. Herbig accomplished results which started the fires anew in the Houston Hay Axle Works. And through the stress of '93, while factories over the land were closing, not a fire was drawn in the Coshocton mill; for payrolls were met with the banker's help until goods could be sold. Coshocton industries verified the judgment of Mr. Herbig. They grew and flourished. An inestimable benefit was conferred upon them and upon the community at large by the helpful policy of Mr. Herbig, carried to the careful limits of safe and conservative banking.
Financial men of the state came to know him. He was one of the organ- izers of the Ohio Bankers' Association and the first treasurer. So highly was he esteemed that he was reelected treasurer continuously until life's close. 1 man of education and refinement, he was congenial company. AArt and liter- ature appealed to him. He found diversion in music, and, full of business as his life was, he gave time occasionally to the piano. IIe cared enough for the beauty of flowers to cultivate then at his fine home in Fourth street.
The marriage of Mr. Herbig and Miss Clarinda R. Ranne took place in 1876. A daughter, Helen, died in 1907. Another daughter is Mrs. Philip Wales, of Remsen, New York. A son, Fred, died in 1902; another, Carl, is of the energetie type which ranks him among the most active of Coshocton's representative business men. with all the good qualities of college experience and athletics. IIe is a stockholdler in the printing house of Broome & Her- big, is prominent in the insurance field, an Elk and active in politics. He enlisted in the army during the Spanish-American war. His wife. formerly Miss Charlotte Rose, is a social favorite.
Henry Herbig's interest in Coshocton's welfare extended to earnest and conscientious service on the board of education. Hle also served as eity treasurer and was a prominent member of the board of trade. His business interests embraced corporations in West Virginia as well as in local fields. He was director and treasurer of the Coal River & Western Railway Company. director of the United Construction Company, and director of the Coal River Mining Company, all of Charleston, West Virginia: director of the Commer- cial National Bank, of the Broome & Herbig Company. the Pope-Gosser
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HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
China Company, and the Citizens Telephone Company, of Coshocton, besides owning considerable real estate in town and country.
Failing health induced Mr. Herbig to resign as bank cashier in the fall of 1905. Accompanied by Mrs. Herbig, his daughter Helen and relatives from Mansfield he went to California, then to Arizona and New Mexico, but there was no improvement. With the strength that still remained he came home in April, 1906. The surgeon found tuberculosis of the bowels. There was no hope. Sunday, a fortnight after the home-coming, the sleep of peace came to him as the faint dawn of Easter streaked the darkness of the hills.
A city mourned her loss. The day of the funeral the closed doors of the Commercial National, the Coshocton National and the People's Bank marked the last tribute to the memory of the city's veteran banker. The members of the Business Men's Association attended the services in a body. Members of the Ohio Bankers' executive committee from Cleveland, Toledo, South Charleston and Ironton were present.
HENRY THOMAS, JR.
Henry Thomas, Jr., successfully engaged in farming in Adams town- ship, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, July, 24, 1858, his parents being Henry and Louise (Doll) Thomas, who were natives of Germany. They em- igrated to America in an early day and took up their abode in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where the father purchased land. The mother of our subject passed away in 1892, but Henry Thomas still survives, making his home in Coshocton county. Their family numbered seven children, namely: Daniel, deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Schlar, of Tuscarawas county; Henry, of this review; Louise, the wife of Jacob Gebhart, of Tuscarawas county; Car- oline and Adam, both of whom are residents of Coshocton county ; and Mary, the wife of F. Graham, of Canton, Ohio.
Henry Thomas, Jr., attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained at home until he had attained his majority. He was then successfully engaged in the operation of a rented farm for some years and subsequently purchased his present valuable farm of two hundred and four acres in Adams township. In addition to the work of general farm- ing he makes a specialty of raising Norman horses and in both branches of his business is meeting with a gratifying and well merited measure of pros- perity. The success which has attended his efforts is but the just reward of his untiring industry and capable business management, and he is now widely recognized as one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the community.
Mr. Thomas has been married twice. In 1888 he wedded Miss Catharine Lawrence, who passed away in August of that year. In 1890 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Eliza Yong, whose birth occurred in this county in 1866, she being one of a family of eight children. Her father is deceased but her mother still makes her home in Coshocton county. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
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Thomas have been born six children, as follows: William E .. Jacob Henry. Ed Walter, Ellen F., Clarence A. and Leora E.
In his politieal views Mr. Thomas is a stalwart democrat and has served as supervisor and as school director. Both he and his wife are active and helpful members of the Lutheran church, and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and many excellent traits of character.
JAMES GLENN.
James Gleun is a strong and able attorney of Coshocton who since his admission to the bar has been connected with much important litigation. Born in Guernsey, Ohio, April 13, 1868, he is of Scotch lineage, although early representatives of the name came from the land of hills and heather to the new world during the colonial epoch in our country's history. 1 mem- ber of the family participated in the Revolutionary war as a soldier of the Continental army. The family was represented in Washington county, Penn- sylvania, prior to the war of 1812 and in pioneer times in Ohio was estab- lished in this state. John Glenn, the father of our subject, was born in Noble county, Ohio, and early became familiar with the hardships and privations incident to frontier life. He continued a resident of Noble county until after the Civil war, when he removed to Guernsey county. He was a tanner by trade but in the latter county owned land and carried on general farming. After the inauguration of ho-tilities between the north and south he joined the Union army as a member of Company A. Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the war, participating in every engagement in which his regiment took part. He died in the year 1891, and is still sur- vived by his widow.who bore the maiden name of Mary Ferguson. She was a daughter of James Ferguson, a pioneer of Guernsey county, Ohio. He came from Belfast, Ireland. to the new world, and the homestead which he secured in Guernsey county is still in possession of the family, being now owned by Mr. Glenn and his brother-in-law.
In the district schools James Glenn pursued his early education, which he afterwards supplemented by study in Muskingum College, a leading edu- cational institution at New Concord, Ohio, Choosing the practice of law as a life work he began reading at the age of eighteen years under the direction of his cousin, S. A. Dickson, a leading member of the Dayton bar, and when Mr. Dickson was appointed to the office of superintendent of public instruc- tion at the Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home, at Xenia, Mr. Glenn continued his reading with Trvette & Weyre, well known attorneys of Cambridge, Ohio. In 1891, at Columbus, he successfully passed an examination which admitted him to the bar, and immediately afterwards began practice at New Concord, where he remained until 1893. He then came to Coshocton and for fifteen years has been a representative of the legal fraternity here. He has always engaged in the general practice of law and has been connected with much im-
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IHISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
portant litigation in both civil and criminal law practice. He conducted a prosecution of Dickerson for murder and secured his conviction, and assisted in the defense of Mrs. Ida May Borderkerger. He is strong in argument, clear in his reasonings and logical in his deductions. Outside of his profes- sion he has numerous interests in the coal operations in this and Muskingum counties, and in the oil operations in Washington county. He is likewise the owner of a valuable farm property in Guernsey county, having made judi- cious investment of his capital in real estate.
In 1890 Mr. Glenn was married to Miss Emma Lee Lawyer, of Guernsey county, and they now have six children: Clare, the wife of Frank Raiff ; Ione; Margaret; John, who is eleven years of age; James, a lad of five sum- mers; and Annabelle.
Mr. Glenn is a member of the Coshocton County Bar Association, and is well known in political circles. In 1896 he was elected to the house of rep- resentatives of the Ohio general assembly on the democratic ticket, and while thus serving was the author of some important general laws and of two local laws of interest to Coshocton county. In 1903 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Coshocton county, and filled the position until 1906. He finds needed rest and recreation from arduous business and professional cares in driving and in baseball, of which he is a devotee. There is no business in which advancement depends more largly upon individual merit than in the profession of the law. and that Mr. Glenn now occupies a place of prominence in the legal fraternity is attributable to his close application, his ready mastery of legal principles and an analytical mind which enables him read- ily to understand the relative value of the points in his case.
JACOB LAHNA.
Difficulties and obstacles have entered into the life of Jacob Lahna but he possesses the will power and determination that has put these in the back- ground and forging his way to the front is now numbered among the substan- tial citizens of Coshocton county. Mr. Lahna was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. June 4, 1843, a son of Jacob and Ruth Ann (Sandler) Lahna, who were natives of Elzar, France, whence they emigrated to America in an early day and established their home in Muskingum county. After a time they made their way to Coshocton county and here spent their remaining days. the father passing away in 1867, while the mother survived for about twenty-two years, passing away in 1889. Their family numbered five chil- dren but the three youngest are deceased, the eldest of the family being Charles, of Linton township.
The other member of the family and the second in order of birth. Jacob Lahna, acquired a common-school education and was reared on the home farm. In 1865, however, he put aside all business and personal considera- tions and offered his services to the government, serving until the close of hostilities. Ile then returned to his home in Coshocton county and soon after
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HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
was married to Miss Sarah Wagner, who was born in this county in 1845, a daughter of Michael and Mary Ann ( Lash) Wagner, in whose family were eleven children. The parents were natives of Prussia and emigrated to Amer- iea in an early day, first locating in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. After a few years there spent they took up their abode in Coshocton county and here passed to their final rest.
Mr. Lahna upon starting out in life on his own account chose the occu- pation to which he had been reared and through his energy, ambition and determination has accumulated a well improved farm of ninety-five acres. situated in Linton township. He has improved his place with good build- ings and fences, has tiled the land and made it a cultivable tract, which yields abundant harvests.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lahna has been blessed with eleven children but the two youngest are deceased. those surviving being: Mary, of Chi- cago, Illinois: Rosa, the wife of Jacob Rarick, a resident of Stark county, this state; David, who makes his home in Coshocton: John, who is on the home farm; Agnes, the wife of William Moffit, also of Chicago: Sadie, the wife of Howard Roller, a resident of Coshocton county; William. Joseph and Benja- min, all under the parental roof.
Mr. Lahna's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the democratic party. He has filled the office of constable, while for the past six years he has been a school director and takes a deep interest in the maintenance of a good school system. The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual and this truth is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Lahna. Steadily pursuing his way undeterred by the ob-tacles that have barred his path he is achieving a prosperity of which he has every reason to be proud.
NICHOLAS J. MULLET.
Nicholas J. Mullet, residing on hi- valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Bethlehem township, was born in Switzerland. May 10. 1834. his parents being Steven and Anna M. Mullet, who were also natives of that country. In 1850, however, the father emigrated to the United States. locating in Coshocton county. Ohio. His family numbered nine children. namely: Mary; Fannie and Elizabeth, who are deceased: Nicholas J .. of this review; Steven and John, who have also passed away : Jonas and Jacob. who are residents of this county: and Barbara, who has likewise been called to the home beyond. The parents of these children are deceased.
Nicholas J. Mullet acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. subsequently working at the shoemaker's trade and also as a farmer. In 1865 he removed to Missouri and made his home in that state for three years. He was engaged in the operation of rented land until 1892 and afterward purchased his present farm of one hundred and -eventy-five acres in Bethlehem township.
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IHISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
in the cultivation of which he has since been successfully engaged. He also raises and feeds stock on quite an extensive scale and, by reason of his un- faltering industry and capable management, has met with a gratifying meas- ure of prosperity in his undertakings.
In 1864 Mr. Mullet was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Mullet, who, though of the same name, was not a relative. She was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1844, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Mullet, who are deceased. She has but one brother, Solomon. Unto our subject and his wife have been born sixteen children, as follows: Andrew L., whose natal day was May 14, 1864, and who is now a resident of Michigan; Elizabeth E., born October 4, 1865, who is the wife of John Rodhe, of this county; Albert P., who has passed away; Edward J. and Charles H., living in Coshocton county ; Amanda C., the wife of Burnside Bantum, of Bethlehem township; Emma M., the wife of William Evans, of Bethlehem township; Martha S., the wife of Charles Steyer, of Adams township; Jacob N., living in Michigan ; Jessie F., who resides in Canton, Ohio; Henry C., of Bethlehem township; Mary J., the wife of J. Easter, of Coshocton county ; Coe J., also a resident of this county; Matthew K., at home; Mande J., the wife of David Easter, of this county ; and Charlotte V., also at home.
Mr. Mullet gives stanch allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy, and has served as school director. Both he and his wife are de- voted and faithful members of the Evangelical church, and are widely and favorably known throughout the county, not only by reason of the long period of their residence here but also because they have ever manifested those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime command respect and admiration. They have a good group picture of themselves and sixteen children, which took first prize at the county fair at Coshocton in the fall of 1908.
GEORGE J. BOCK.
George J. Bock, numbered among the capable officials of Coshocton county, is now filling the position of county surveyor, in which connection he is discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. One of the county's native sons, he was born in the city of Coshocton, January 18, 1879. His father, George J. Bock, Sr., was a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and married. He wedded Miss Mary L. Rehin, a native of Newark, New Jersey, and about 1878 they removed to Co-hocton. The father was a barber and here followed his trade until 1907, when he withdrew from that line of business and turned his at- tention to contracting in partnership with his son and namesake, doing busi- ness under the firm style of George J. Bock & Son. The senior partner is a stalwart democrat in politics but has never been an aspirant for office. Throughout the period of his residence in Coshocton he has manifested
GEORGE J. BOCK, JR.
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HISTORY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY
sterling traits of character which have won for him the unqualified regard and respect of a large number of his fellow townsmen.
George J. Bock, Jr., was reared in Coshocton and, passing through con- secutive grades in the public schools, was graduated from the high school with the class of 1897. He then made his initial step in the business world, spending three years at work at the plumber's trade, during which time he devoted his evening and leisure hours to the study of civil engineering. In 1900 he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to complete his studies and after- ward secured a position with the Wabash Railroad Company in the civil engineering department in the construction of the road into Pittsburg. He was employed by that road for two years, during which time he attended night school in Pittsburg. Throughout his entire life he has been ambitious to learn and has constantly broadened his knowledge by reading and investi- gation. He possesses, too, an observing eye and retentive memory and, un- like many who study but do not assimilate that which they learn, he has ever made good use of his knowledge. In the spring of 1903 he went to the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, where he pursued a special course in civil engineering and in the fall of that year he returned to Pittsburg, where he accepted a position in the office of a private engineering firm.
Mr. Bock returned to Coshocton in September, 1904, to take charge of the office of county surveyor, to which he had been elected in the fall of 1903. In 1906 he was reelected and is now serving for the second term, proving a popular and competent official. He has carefully systematized the work of the office and is most faithful and accurate in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him. When he entered this office there had been no concrete work done on the bridges of the county but during his incumbency many substantial bridges have been erected using much concrete work. Mr. Boek has done a great deal of engineering both for the town and for private parties. Since his return to Coshocton he has also become associated with his father in the general contracting business, although they make a specialty of heavy masonry. Although they have been connected with contract work here for only a brief period, they have already built up a good patronage and secured a most creditable name as representatives of industrial interests in Coshocton.
In November. 1904. Mr. Bock was married to Miss Josephine M. Bock, of Pittsburg, and unto them have been born two daughters, Mary Clementine and Aleta Margaret. Mr. Bock belongs to Coshocton Lodge, No. 376, B. P. O. E., in which he is holding the office of leading knight. He is also grand knight in Coshocton Lodge, No. 994, of the Knights of Columbus, and is a member of the Catholic church. Reared in the faith of the democratic party, he has never found occasion to change his views upon such matters, his mature judgment sanctioning the principles of the party and the methods employed thereby in the government service. His own official record has won him the commenda- tion of republicans and democrats alike, and when we note the persistency of purpose with which Mr. Bock gained his education and prepared for life's practical and responsible duties we cannot but add our tribute of praise for
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what he has accomplished. Such a life record may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be done when, without any special advantages or opportunities, the individual carves out a. place for himself in the world.
JESSE MCCLAIN, M.D.
Dr. Jesse McClain, a successful practitioner of the regular school with a large patronage in Coshocton, was born in West Lafayette, Ohio, April 1, 1868. Ile is a descendant of Seth McClain, who in 1804 came from Vir- ginia to Ohio and built a cabin near the, fine spring, now known as the College Spring, on the Ferguson farm. After living there for about ten years he and other settlers discovered that they were on the Higby section of military land and because of this he removed to Linton township, becoming one of the earliest settlers there. He married a daughter of the Sells family, whose relatives settled further up the river. His son James became the father of Colonel R. W. McClain and the grandfather of Dr. McClain of this review.
Richard McClain, the father, was born in Linton township in Novem- ber, 1823, and was married in 1848 to Miss Catherine Elson, of this town- ship. They had ten children, namely: Jennie; Seth, deceased; Ella; Arthur; Lizzie; Lyde; Noah; Laura, deceased; Charles; and Jesse. Mr. Mc- Clain was a man of note in this township, having held numerous township offices, and was county treasurer two terms. In a newspaper account of his life it was said that his youth and manhood were passed at a time when men were honest and integrity and uprightness of character were prized jewels. He possessed these in an uncommon degree, as evidenced by the high appre- ciation of his neighbors and friends throughout the country. His courage and patriotism were co-equal and he defended his country with the same devotion to duty that actuated him in his eventful and successful life. When a young man he enlisted in the Third Ohio Infantry and, with other com- rades from this place, served in the war with Mexico in 1846-48. At the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861, the firing on Fort Sumter aroused him and he was the first in this country to organize a company, which served with distinction for three months as part of the Sixteenth Ohio Upon his return he immediately assisted in recruiting and organizing the Fifty-first Ohio, one of the best regiments in the service. Ile was elected major at the organization and then to colonel, after the promotion of Colonel Stanley Matthews. He participated with his comrades in the battle of Stone River and others of the campaign. At Chickamauga he was captured, and after one year spent in Libby prison was exchanged and returned to the com- mand of his regiment, serving until the close of the war. Upon his return home he was nominated and elected treasurer on the democratic ticket, though he had been an uncompromising republican. When his term expired he was reelected by being the candidate of both parties, which was sufficient
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