USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio > Part 35
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PHILO HENRY CLARK, M. D.
Dr. Philo Henry Clark is now in his ninetieth year and has the distinction of being the oldest physician in Ashland county. For forty-six consecutive years, with the exception of the time spent in the army, he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession, having retired to a life of rest ten years ago. He was born in Wakeman township, Huron county, this state, August 3, 1819, and was the third white child born in that vicinity. His parents, Dr. H. M. and Laura (Downs) Clark, went to Huron county from South Britain, Connecti- cut, in 1818. The father was a practicing physician who, during the war of 1812, was commissioned as surgeon on the battleship Prometheus. Upon leaving the ship on which he served for about three years, he went to Wakeman, Ohio, where for many years he engaged in the active practice of his profession, and upon the death of his wife he removed to Ashland, where he spent his remaining days with his son, Dr. P. H. Clark, his death occurring when he was about seventy-five years of age.
Under the parental roof Dr. P. H. Clark was reared and acquired his preliminary education in the public school, later pursuing his studies in Oberlin College, upon being graduated from which institution he spent two years teach- ing school for the purpose of securing sufficient means to enable him to take a course of study in a medical college. At the expiration of that period he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of his father. In 1839 he became a student at Willoughby Medical College, of Willoughby, this state, and in 1840 completed the course of study and passed his examinations, but he was not graduated from the institution by reason of the fact that he had not yet attained his twenty-first year. This was a great disappointment to Dr. Clark, as his means had about become exhausted, but he left the institution and, repairing to New Haven, Indiana, entered upon the practice of medicine in that city, where he continued for about six years, when he removed to Fort Washington, Wis-
Dr & Mrs JHb- Clark
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consin, practicing there for about four years. In 1850 he came to this city, where for forty-six years he followed his profession with uncommon ability and success. After he had been practicing here for about eleven years he became a student at the Buffalo Medical College, where he completed his professional studies, and was graduated from the institution with the class of 1862, at which time he had the honor of having his diploma presented to him by President Fillmore. In June, 1862, Dr. Clark enlisted in the military ranks as assistant- surgeon to the southern army, and remained in the south until October, when, his health failing, he was sent home to recuperate, and in February, 1863, he was sent to Cumberland, Maryland, later being transferred to Annapolis, where he saw much hard service. There he remained until September, 1863, when he resigned his position and, upon returning to Ashland, engaged in private practice and became known as one of the most successful physicians and skilled surgeons in this part of the state.
In 1844, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. McDougal, of New Haven, Indiana, who departed this life about one year later, and in 1847 he wedded Miss Elizabeth Clark, of this city, whose birth occurred in Weymouth, Medina county, Ohio, April 22, 1827. She still survives and Dr. and Mrs. Clark constitute one of the most interesting couples in Ashland county. Dr. Clark is a stanch supporter of the republican party and, during all his years of experience under various administrations, he has never found cause to waive his political opinons and is as loyal to the candidates of his party today as when he cast his first ballot. He belongs to the Ashland County Medical Society, and in 1907, was made an honorary member of the Ohio State Medical Society. His services throughout the community during the long years of his practice. were beyond value, and his extended activities over that long lapse of time is sufficient recommendation of his usefulness and reputation as a professional man, and now, at his advanced age, he can look back over a life well spent in the alleviation of human suffering and enjoy the high measure of respect entertained for him as one. of the best known and esteemed characters in Ashland county.
ISAAC H. GOOD.
The prominence to which Isaac H. Good has attained and the success he has won in the business world make his methods of interest in commercial circles, and an analysis of his life shows that he possesses untiring energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose and a genius for devising the right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense. Gradually he has worked his way upward in the business world until he is a prominent factor in mercantile and financial circles in Ashland. While he has won prosperity it has not been alone the goal for which he was striving, for he has not excluded himself from active participation in those movements which tend to uplift the political and legal status and further the intellectual and moral progress of the community. Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was the birthplace of Isaac H. Good, his natal day being January 21, 1844. His parents, Isaac H. and Esther (Hurst) Good
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were also natives of Lancaster county, born in 1809 and 1816, respectively. The father devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits, remaining for many years upon a farm in his native county. He was a stalwart republican in politics and for several years was a member of the school board, in which con- nection he gave tangible proof of his interest in all questions of public education. Both he and his wife were members of the Mennonite church and in that faith the mother passed away at the age of thirty-eight years, while the death of Isaac H. Good occurred when he had reached the venerable age of eighty years. In their family were six children all of whom reached manhood and womanhood, while five are still living: Andrew, a resident of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; Isaac H., of this review; Elias, residing at South Bend, Indiana; Hettie, the wife of John Honing, of Lancaster City, Pennsylvania; and Tobias, also of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.
Reared under the parental roof, Isaac H. Good acquired his education in the public schools and in the State Normal College at Millersville. He began teaching in 1863, when nineteen years of age, following the profession for four terms in Lancaster county, after which he turned to mercantile interests, secur- ing a clerkship in a country store at Gordonville, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the foundation of his successful business career was laid. After two and a half years there passed he was offered and accepted a position in a mercantile institution in Lancaster City, where he remained for five years, and in 1873 came to Ashland and engaged in business for himself, becoming the third mem- ber of the firm of Brubaker, Kunkel & Good. Two years later the firm style was changed to Kunkel, Good & Miller, which partnership existed until 1881, when Mr. Miller withdrew and the business was continued under the firm style of Kunkel & Good. In 1903 the senior partner sold his interest to Mr. Sellers and since that time the firm has been Sellers & Good. They handle an exten- sive line of dry goods, notions and carpets, theirs being one of the leading mercantile enterprises of Ashland. Mr. Good's long experience well qualifies him for the successful conduct of the business, while his reliable methods have gained for him an unsullied reputation in commercial circles.
Mr. Good has not confined his attention alone to mercantile lines, however, for in 1905 he was one of the chief promoters of the organization of the Ashland Bank & Savings Company, at which time he was chosen president of the insti- tution. Notwithstanding the fact that it has had an existence of but four years, they have built up a large business and are today conducting one of the import- ant financial concerns of the county. They pay interest on their savings accounts and carry on a general banking and exchange business, having already gained patrons to a number that makes theirs a most successful enterprise.
In 1872 Mr. Good was married to Miss Louisa A. Ball, of Lancaster, Penn- sylvania, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Drepperd) Ball, both now deceased. Mrs. Good died in 1877 leaving three children, but only one is now living, Charles W., who is assistant manager of the Star Telephone Company of Ashland, and who married Miss Eva Davis of Lodi, Ohio. In 1879 Mr. Good was again married, his second union being with Miss Harriet DeShong, of Ashland, a daughter of Peter and Aseneth (Bender) DeShong. The father came to this county from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and in his earlier
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years engaged in farming, while in later life he conducted mercantile interests in Ashland.
Throughout the years of his residence here Mr. Good has taken a most helpful part in the work of public progress and improvement, and perhaps the influence and labors of no other man have been more effective or far-reaching. He has been a member of the Ashland Board of Trade since its organization and for the past five years has been the treasurer of this institution. He belongs to the Ashland school board, with which he has been connected for seven years, and educational interests have ever found in him a stalwart cham- pion. He is foremost in any movement tending to the upbuilding of the city, and to such men is due the prosperity and progressive condition of this beautiful little Ohio city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he never allows partisanship to stand before the general welfare. Almost a
life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church, for thirty-two consecutive years, he has been superintendent of the Sunday school and was recently reelec- ted for the thirty-third year. He is likewise a member of the official board of the church and does all in his power to further the various church activities. In May, 1908, he served as a lay delegate from the north Ohio conference to the general conference held at Baltimore. In a review of his life it will be seen that he has been watchful of all of the details of his business and of all indications pointing toward prosperity, and thus his success has been well earned. But aside from the prominence he has attained in this connection, his personal characteristics have given him a strong hold upon the affection and regard of his fellow townsmen.
SAMUEL PIFER.
Samuel Pifer is a worthy and highly respected citizen of Orange township, where he was born November 3, 1840, his parents being Christian and Catherine (Garver) Pifer, who in the year 1836 came from Lancaster county, Pennsylva- nia, to Ohio. They traveled more than four hundred miles by wagon over roads that were often in poor condition, and at times almost impassable. There were few bridges and they encountered particular difficulty in fording the swollen streams, but after meeting many hardships enroute they finally reached their destination in safety and made a settlement at Savannah, Clear Creek township. The father was a weaver by trade and also engaged in farming to some extent, but his loom represented his chief occupation. While he never accumulated wealth he lived a life of industry and integrity, and thus merited and enjoyed the respect and confidence of those who knew him. He died in July, 1881, while his wife survived until August, 1895. In their family were eight children, six of whom were born ere the emigration westward.
Samuel Pifer was the seventh in order of birth in that family. As the father was in limited financial circumstances the boys were put to work upon the farm as soon as they were old enough to perform manual labor, and Samuel Pifer assisted in the work of the fields until eighteen years of age when he
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turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1859. In that year attracted by the success of the gold hunters in Colorado he joined an expedition enroute for that country. After buying his outfit he had just seven dollars remaining, but he arranged with the promoter of the enterprise to share his gold findings for a partnership in the outfit. They traveled by train to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and then eight hundred miles overland to their destination in the Rocky mountains of Colorado. Passing through Denver then a straggling village containing about fifty sod houses, they at length reached their destination, but found that they were not equipped with the tools and machinery for successful mining and very soon gave up work of that character. Mr. Pifer found employment with a gardener at sixteen dollars per month and his board, but a few months convinced him that Ashland county was a more advantageous place in which to earn a living and he decided to return, taking the overland trail to Omaha, more than five hundred miles distant. On the way he and his companions encountered Indians, also saw buffaloes and all kinds of wild game, which added interest and excitement to the journey. The great Platte valley was then a vast waste but a trip made over the same route to Denver in 1907 opened to Mr. Pifer a panorama of fine farms and a magnificent city of beautiful and stately homes, while the abandoned gold fields had in the interim yielded millions.
Following his return to Ohio, Mr. Pifer resumed work at the carpenter's trade and was thus busily employed until October, 1862, when he became a mem- ber of Company I, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for about one year in the Union army, was with Grant at the siege of Vicksburg and met all the hardships and experineces meted out to the soldier. He returned to private life much broken in health, yet was fortunate in never having been wounded or taken prisoner, although he had many narrow escapes.
At the close of his military experience Mr. Pifer resumed work at the car- penter's trade and after a year took up farming which he followed in Orange township until his retirement, also working at intervals at carpentry. He has a well improved, and valuable tract of land of fifty acres which he brought under a high state of cultivation and which is improved with the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. He was active in the labors of the fields until 1907, when he left the work of the farm to others and removed to Nankin, feeling that the supervision of his farm gives him ample occupation.
In January, 1865, Mr. Pifer was married to Miss Martha J. Laughery, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Brandebery) Laughery, of Orange township, both of whom are now deceased. Six children were born of this union : Emory D .; Charles D .; Ora A,. the wife of George Johnson; Rosetta, the wife of Charles Alexander; Gertrude; and Nettie V., now the wife of Clifton Bailey. Mr. Pifer has always taken an active interest in public matters relating to the wel- fare and progress of the community. He served the township as road supervisor and for a number of years was a member of the township board of education. He belongs to C. C. Ogden Post, No. 565, Grand Army of the Republic in which he has filled most all of the offices and frequently he attends the state and national encampments. In politics he is a republican and al- though in recent years he has not been active in the party works, he yet
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maintains that keen interest in the success of that political organization which was the mainstay of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. Mr. Pifer now enjoys a com- fortable home in the village amid many friends whose confidence and respect he has in the highest degree.
GEORGE .CASSEL.
George Cassel, a veteran of the Civil war, who was long identified with agricultural pursuits in Ashland county and is now living retired in enjoyment of rest which he has well earned and richly merits, was born in Orange township, this county, May 22, 1844, his parents being John and Margaret (Greiner) Cassel, both of whom were natives of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg. The father's birth occurred June 18, 1802, and in the place of his nativity he was reared and married, coming to Ohio about 1833 with his wife, three children and wife's parents. They drove across the country with wagons to Wayne county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cassel, however, remained for only about a year when they came to Ashland county, Mr. and Mrs. Greiner remaining in Wayne county. John Cassel settled in Orange township in what was then Richland county, purchasing eighty acres of land to the development and culti- vation of which he gave his attention until his death, which occurred April 27, 1851. His wife was born May 8, 1812, and after the death of her first husband was married in 1861 to Valentine Heiffner, with whom she traveled life's journey for twenty years, when he too passed away. Her parents spent their last years in Wayne county, her father dying at the advanced age of eighty years, while her mother passed away at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Cassel also reached an old age, passing away in her ninetieth year, her death being occasioned by a fall.
Amid rural surroundings George Cassel spent his youth on the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools. Owing to his father's early death he started out in life on his own account when in his fourteenth year, being employed as a farm hand while his labors went to the support of his mother and her family. He watched with interest the progress of events that preceded the Civil war and in September, 1861, he offered his services to the government and was assigned to duty with Company C, Forty-second Ohio Infantry, with which he served for three years. He participated in the battles of Middle Creek, Kentucky; Chickasaw Bluffs; Arkansas Post; Thompsons Hill, Mississippi ; Raymond, Mississippi; Champion, Mississippi ; Black River Bridge, Mississippi ; the general assault on Vicksburg; Jackson, Mississippi ; and many minor engage- ments. During his three years' service he sustained only a slight scalp wound, although he was frequently on the firing line when the enemies' bullets fell thick and fast around him. In October, 1864, after more than three years spent in defense of the Union, he was honorably discharged and returned home.
Mr. Cassel had previously worked to some extent at the carpenter's trade and he now took up carpentry and also purchased an interest in a threshing
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machine which he operated for two years. During that period he established a home of his own through his marriage on the 18th of January, 1866, to Miss Leah Shopbell of Orange township, Ashland county. Her parents were Jacob and Lydia Ann (Zigler) Shopbell, both natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, whence they came to Ashland county in 1833. Mrs. Shopbell's parents removed to this county at an early period in its development and established their home in Orange township. There were thirteen members in the Shopbell family and eight in the Zigler family. On their arrival they purchased a farm on which was a small log cabin, and it was a considerable problem to know where they would put all of the members of two families to sleep. Daniel Shopbell, the grandfather of Mrs. Cassel, was a veteran of the Revolutionary war and for seven years fought for the independence of the country. He long lived to
enjoy the fruits of liberty. He was a son of Eberhart Shopbell, who reached the venerable age of one hundred and four years, and who was in France during the time of the persecution of the Huguenots and saw his father and mother beheaded. He with eight others escaped in a small boat and were later picked up at sea by a vessel which brought them to this country. Jacob Shopbell, the father of Mrs. Cassel, was a veteran of the war of 1812 and Mr. Cassel now has in his possession a powder horn which his father-in-law made the day before he started for the war and which he carried throughout his connection with the army. He too lived to a venerable age, passing away when in his ninety-sixth year.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cassel resided upon a rented farm for a year and in the succeeding year he purchased eighty acres of land which he continued to cultivate and improve for three years. He then removed to another residence but still remained in Orange township. There he conducted his farming and stock-dealing operations and also dealt extensively in farm lands, carrying on business with continued and gratifying success until March, 1904, when he rented his farm and removed to Ashland where he is now living retired. He still owns valuable farm property in Orange township, however, and from this derives a substantial annual income. In all of his agricultural interests he was very successful, both in the cultivation of the soil and in the rais- ing of stock, as well as in the purchase and sale of the farm property, and as he prospered he gave a farm to each of his children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cassel were born three sons and two daughters, of whom four are yet living: George Arthur, a farmer of Orange township; Elza T., also following agricultural pursuits in Orange township; Catherine M., the wife of George Hiner of Ashland; and Margaret May, the wife of Thomas Reaser, also residing in Ashland. Always devoted to the welfare of his family, Mr. Cassel has found his greatest happiness in providing for the interests of his wife and children to whom he has been most generous. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Andrew Post, No. 132, G. A. R., in which he has filled various offices and is now a past com- mander. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for years he served on the board of elections, but otherwise he never desired to hold office, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his business affairs, which, capably managed, brought to him signal success. He has never been
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unmindful of his religious duties, however, and has long served as one of the trustees of the Trinity Lutheran church, in which both he and his wife hold membership.
DANIEL C. HILLER.
Daniel C. Hiller is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fine farm land in Milton township Ashland county in which vicinity he has spent his entire life, his birth having occurred in Ashland county, March 11, 1849. His parents, Jacob and Hannah (Ohl) Hiller, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in Lancaster, that state, in 1824, while the latter's birth occurred in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in 1826. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Hiller, Sr., came to Ohio in 1829 when his son, the father of Daniel C. Hiller, was but five years of age. He settled in Ashland county, where he entered the northeast quarter of section 34, on which he erected his home and raised his family. When this property came into the possession of Mr. Hiller it was little more than a wilderness, but by dint of untiring energy and unfaltering industry he cleared the ground and converted it into fertile fields that in turn yielded him rich harvests. The task of threshing at that time was indeed a crude and arduous one, for not yet had the modern agricul- tural implements for facilitating farm work been introduced into these regions, and Mr. Hiller's first wheat was tread out by a horse and cleaned by the wind. This wheat he sold for forty cents per bushel and he took his pay out in trade. But with all the difficulties and obstacles of this comparatively uncivilized country to contend with, he presevered and at last his efforts were crowned with success. When Jacob Hiller, Jr., became of age, he married Hannah Ohl and started out in business life for himself, settling upon a tract of eighty acres of land given to him by his father, which constituted a half of his father's original farm. Here he bent his energies to cultivating his fields and extending his possessions, and as the years passed he accumulated three hundred and eighteen acres of very choice land. He was a quiet man, preferring to devote his time and attention to his private business interests rather than enter actively into public affairs. He died in 1889 when sixty-five years of age. In his family were six children, Daniel C., Mrs. Vienna Saddler, Mrs. Lydia Hoover, Mrs. Lovina Hershey, John Franklin and Mrs. Emma J. Shamberger.
The eldest of this family, Daniel C. Hiller, was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education at the district schools, his youthful days being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. At the age of sixteen years, however, he turned his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits and since that time has been continuously engaged in this field of labor. He owns and operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he has lived since sixteen years of age, and the general appearance of this place speaks in unmistakable evidence of the thrift and progressiveness of the owner. He has not extended his efforts into other fields, but has confined himself to general farming, and in this line he has acquired most gratifying success.
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