USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio > Part 38
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JERRY R. POORMAN.
Jerry R. Poorman, who was formerly actively identified with agricultural and stock-raising interests in Jackson township, is now living retired in Polk, save for the supervision which he gives to his farm. His birth occurred in Stark county, Ohio, April 19, 1843, his parents being George and Nancy (Oberlin) Poorman, also natives of the Buckeye state. In pioneer days both the paternal and maternal grandparents came to this state from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, entered land from the government and aided in the work of early development and improvement here. They were people of limited financial circumstances but of determined, resolute spirit and succeeded in establishing homes on the frontier. George Poorman died when his son, Jerry R., was little more than three years of age, leaving a widow and five children, the latter being thus thrown upon their own resources at an early age. In 1863 the members of the family took up their abode in Jackson township, where they purchased a farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits.
In his youthful days Jerry R. Poorman obtained such an education as the district schools afforded but has become a well informed man through reading, observation and experience in later years. Subsequent to his marriage, which occurred when he was twenty-three years of age, he continued as a successful representative of farming interests in Jackson township until 1895. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he was also engaged in the breeding of fine horses for a number of years and likewise bought and shipped stock. In 1895 he practically retired from the work of the fields and removed to Polk, where he has since lived in the enjoyment of well earned rest, though he still gives general supervision to his farming interests.
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On the 15th of November, 1866, Mr. Poorman was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Oxander, a daughter of Peter and Eliza (Fox) Oxander, of Jackson township. By this union there is one son, Marion O., who is married and is engaged in general merchandising at Redhour, Ashland county.
A stalwart democrat in his political views, Mr. Poorman is well known as one of the active workers of the party in Ashland county. In early manhood he served for a number of years as trustee of Jackson township and in 1908 was again elected to this office, so that he is now the incumbent. For about twelve years he has likewise been a member of the township board of education, the cause of public instruction ever finding in him a stanch champion. He has also served on the county central committee and has frequently been a delegate to county, district and state conventions. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Reformed church, in which he has acted as an elder for forty years, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His interest in public affairs is deep and sincere and is manifest in substantial cooperation which he has given to plans and measures for the public good. He is widely recognized as a man of sterling worth, justly merit- ing the trust and confidence which are uniformly extended him, and his life is also an excellent illustration of the fact that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously and that earnest, persistent labor constitutes an excellent foundation upon which to build the superstructure of prosperity.
ROBERT CARSON KINNAMAN, M. D., B. S.
Dr. Robert Carson Kinnaman, whose ability places him with the leading physicians and surgeons of Ashland, while his life has been in contradistinction to the old adage, that "A prophet is never without honor save in his own country," was born in this city, December 29, 1848, his parents being Dr. Jacob W. and Harriet (Carson) Kinnaman. The father's birth occurred in the village of Ellsworth, Mahoning county, Ohio, in October, 1815. He was there reared and after completing his literary education took up the study of medicine, entering the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, from which he was graduated in the class of 1847. Six years prior to that time, how- ever, he had read medicine under a preceptor and thus his private study and his college course well equipped him for the onerous duties of the profession. His brother, who had been a practicing physician in Wood county, Ohio, died, and Dr. Jacob W. Kinnaman then went to that county to look after his practice. The district was largely wild and undeveloped and every family of the locality suffered from malaria, so that the Doctor was obliged to make a daily run of visits on a route of twenty miles with a relay of ponies. His arduous work began telling upon his health and he therefore returned east to Richland county, Ohio, where he practiced for some time and then entered college. After his graduation in 1847 he came to Ashland county and spent his remaining days here, but the exposure and hardships which he had undergone while in Wood county undoubtedly undermined his health and was the occasion of his com-
DR. R. C. KINNAMAN
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paratively early death in 1874, when he was fifty-nine years of age. He was a skilled physician and became one of the leading practitioners of his section. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him a member of the Ashland city council.
In his parents' home Dr. Robert Carson Kinnaman spent his youthful days and the Ashland public schools afforded him his educational privileges. When a youth of sixteen years he began reading medicine under the direction of his father and in the fall of 1868 was matriculated in the Cincinnati College of Medicine & Surgery, from which he was graduated in the class of 1873. In 1870 his father failed in health and was compelled to go to California, at which time Dr. Robert Kinnaman took up his father's practice and not until his parent's return did he resume his college course. On its completion he was offered the position of demonstrator of anatomy in the college but on account of the ill health of his father he returned home and as a consequence the course of his professional life was changed. The father died soon afterward and Dr. Robert Carson Kinnaman took up his practice and has since devoted his time and energies to the arduous work of the profession in this city. He is one of Ashland's most skilled and successful practitioners, specializing in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. For the past ten years he has made annual trips to New York and Chicago where he spends some time in the hospitals and in pursuing special courses of study. In this way he has kept fully abreast with the advancement in medical science and his reading and research have given him intimate knowledge of the learning of the profession.
In 1876 Dr. Kinnaman was married to Miss Margaret Smith, a daughter of David Smith, now deceased, who for many years was a well known tanner of this city. The only child of Dr. and Mrs. Kinnaman is Guy Carson Kinnaman, M. D., a graduate of the University of Chicago and of the Rush Medical College of the class of 1902. Following his graduation he was made head of the bacteriological department in the Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, which position he resigned in 1908. He is a member of the faculty as professor of skin diseases in the Polyclinic and was offered a position in the College of Physicians and Surgeons which he refused. He has recently, however, accepted a position on the staff of the Deaconess Hospital. He has made rapid strides in his profession and is rapidly forging to the front among the eminent repre- sentatives of the medical fraternity in Chicago.
Dr. Kinnaman belongs to Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M .; Ashland Chapter, No. 41, R. A. M .; and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T. He is likewise a member of the Congregational church. His political views are. in accord with the principles of the democracy and he has served as a member of the city council and was for a number of years a member of the board of educa- tion. At all times he has desired the improvement of his native city and has cooperated in many movements pertaining to the general welfare. In strictly professional lines he is connected with the Ashland Medical Society and with the Ohio State Medical Association, as well as with the Sixth District Medical Association, composed of members of the medical fraternity in eight counties, and the American Medical Association. He is also a member of the society of
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Erie Railroad Surgeons and is surgeon for the Erie Railroad. Everything which tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life is of interest to him and his reading has been wide and varied, bringing him into close relations with the most progressive methods of the profession.
GEORGE W. PIXLEY.
George W. Pixley, who is prominent in the commercial circles of Nova, being identified with an extensive harness and shoemaking business. was born in Rochester township, Lorain county, Ohio, April 22, 1852, a son of Willard and Lydia A. (Smith) Pixley, his father a native of New York state and his mother of Vermont. From Buffalo, New York, Willard Pixley went to Cleveland on the first steamer making that trip on Lake Erie, He settled in Sandusky, where for several years he engaged in the hotel business and upon leaving which occupation he went to Lorain county where he followed agricul- tural pursuits. There he met the young woman who became his wife on May 6, 1846. Subsequently he removed to Orange township, this county, where he followed general farming and stock-raising, until he entered into rest in Janu- ary, 1865, his wife surviving him twenty-seven years. He was a highly respected man throughout the community and his noble qualities won him the confidence of all with whom he came in contact.
On his father's farm George W. Pixley was reared, engaging in the daily routine of agricultural life during the summer months and attending the dis- trict schools in the winter season. Remaining at home until thirty years of age, he then was apprenticed to a harness maker by the name of N. J. Cresson, of Nova, and in one year became familiar with the business and bought out the interests of his employer, who subsequently worked for him. In this business he continued here until 1887 when he removed to Republic, Seneca county, where he established himself in the same enterprise which he conducted for three years, at the expiration of which time, in the year 1890, he returned to this place where he has since resided, actively engaged in harness and shoemaking. He is an expert mechanic and being familiar with every phase of the business his workmanship is of such a character as to have won him a wide reputation and liberal patronage.
On November 25, 1876, Mr. Pixley was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Peters, a daughter of William Peters, Sr., a prominent farmer of Orange town- ship, who departed this life in 1906. They had one son, Leon W., who is en- gaged in farming in this township. The mother entered into eternity in October of the year 1879. In June 1881, Mr. Pixley wedded Miss Eliza C. Beck, daughter of George and Delilah (Miller) Beck, whose father is largely identified with the agricultural interests of this county. To this union have been born three children, namely: Edwin C .; Ina, who became the wife of Clinton W. Holbrook; and Glen W. In politics Mr. Pixley is a republican, and being active in affairs of his party he has been frequently chosen as its representative at a number of conventions. For eighteen years he has been clerk
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of his township and his long years of service in this capacity bear ample evidence of his usefulness and excellent reputation. He has also been a member of the school board for a number of years, of which body he is now president, and is one of the greatest agitators of improvements along educational lines. Mr. Pixley belongs to Council No. 235, Junior Order of United American Mechanics of Nova, was made first councilor at the organization of the lodge and since that time has filled most of the chairs and officiated at the initiation of the majority of those who have obtained membership in the order. For diversion he resorts to fish- ing and hunting, being very fond of roaming the woods in search of game, and he has in his posession an old shotgun given him by his grandfather when he was fourteen years of age on his promise that he would not part with it while he lived, the gun originally having been an old flint-lock musket which had been brought from England. Being a public-spirited citizen he favors public improvements, especially good roads and schools, and is always ready to further every movement which has for its object the betterment of the community. He is among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the town, and one of its most substantial business men.
W. M. MCCLELLAN, M. D.
Dr. W. M. McClellan, whose ability and standing in professional circles are indicated by the liberal patronage accorded him in his practice of medicine and surgery in Ashland, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, August 22, 1857. His parents, Wilson and Elizabeth (Marshall) McClellan, were also natives of this state, the former born in Wayne county and the latter in Savannah, Ashland county. The father spent his entire life in the county of his nativity, devoting his energies to the occupation of farming, and died when his son, Dr. McClellan, was only a year old. His widow afterward became the wife of Henry Hare, who is now deceased, while Mrs. Hare makes her home with the subject of this review in Ashland.
Dr. McClellan was carefully reared by his mother and in the district schools acquired his preliminary education which was supplemented by a course of study in Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois. While there pursuing a classical course he also took up the study of medicine, reading under the precep- torship of Dr. Billings. In 1878 he left college and came to Ashland, where he engaged in the drug business with which he was identified for fourteen years, when he sold out and went east to finish his medical studies. In the fall of 1892 he matriculated in the Baltimore Medical College and three years later was graduated from that institution with the class of 1895. Returning at once to Ashland he here opened an office and entered upon the practice of his chosen calling, since which time he has made for himself a creditable name and place as a skilled physician and surgeon, being ranked among Ashland's most promi- nent and capable representatives of the profession. He is very careful in the diagnosis of cases and is seldom, if ever, at fault anticipating the outcome of disease. He studies closely the fundamental principles of the profession and
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keeps in touch with the onward march of the medical fraternity as their investi- gation and research are constantly bringing to light new facts bearing upon the origin, cause and treatment of diseases. He keeps abreast with the profession also through his membership in the Ashland County Medical Society of which he is now secretary, the Union Medical Association of the sixth district, comprising eight counties and of which he is now president, the Ohio State Medical Associa- tion and the American Medical Association.
In 1880 Dr. McClellan was married to Miss Mattie E. Harley, of Ashland, and unto them have been born two daughters; Jean K., at home; and Marcia, the wife of Carl M. Shinn, of Ashland. The family is prominent socially and the hospitality. of the Mcclellan home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Dr. McClellan is a member of Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M., also of Ashland Chapter, No. 67, R. A. M. and Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T. His religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Christian church, while his political belief is indicated in the stanch support which he gives to the republican party and his earnest efforts in its behalf. He has served as chair- man of the republican county executive committee and for a number of years was a member of the board of education of Ashland, in which connection he put forth earnest effort that resulted in substantial benefit for the schools. He believes in progress along all lines for the individual and the community, and his influence is ever given on the side of advancement and improvement.
JOSEPH EDGAR MAYNER.
To those familiar with the history of Joseph Edgar Mayner it would seem trite to enter into any series of statements showing him to be a self-made man who from early youth has been dependent upon his own resources, for this fact is well known. It is, however, but just, to say in a history of this character that his record is such as any man might be proud to possess, for in all business relations he has fully met the obligations that have devolved upon him and adhered most closely to a high standard of commercial ethics. Persistency of purpose, indefatigable energy and unwavering probity have been salient features in the progress that has carried him to a foremost place in the ranks of Ashland's business men and he is now well known as a member of the dry-goods firm of Brubaker, Moore & Mayner. He was born in Ashland, August 6, 1876, a son of Joseph H. and Salome (Pflug) Mayner, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to Ashland about 1868. The father is now deceased, while the mother resides with her son, Joseph E., on West Walnut street.
In the public schools of his native city Joseph E. Mayner pursued his education and from early boyhood has been more or less dependent upon his own resources for a living. When but a young lad he worked at such tasks as he could secure to assist in the support of his mother, who had been left a widow when the son was but three months old. At fifteen years of age he secured a position in the Myers Brothers shops and for nine years was identified with that industry, during which time his close application and unfaltering energy won
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him several promotions. He was afterward appointed a mail carrier and for almost nine years was connected with the postoffice service, but in August, 1907, resigned that position to enter mercantile fields, purchasing a third interest in the dry-goods business of J. Brubaker & Company, at which time the firm name was changed to Brubaker, Moore & Mayner. He is now bending his energies to the development of this business, the firm having one of the largest and most successful dry-goods houses of the city.
On the 29th of October, 1903, Mr. Mayner was married to Miss Bertha V. Gnagey, of Ashland, and unto them has been born a little daughter, Emily Mabel. In his political views Mr. Mayner is a republican and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the town. He belongs to the Volunteer Firemen's Association and cooperates in other movements for the welfare and improvement of Ashland. He holds membership in the Presby- terian church and is socially popular, being a valued member of the Colonial and Commercial Clubs. He is prominent among the younger merchants of Ashland and certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished.
FRIEDERIC FEICHTER.
Friederic Feichter, a prominent and successful farmer and stock raiser of Ashland county, was born in Hanover township, on the Mount Vernon and Columbus road, three miles south of the place on which he now resides, his natal day being October 14, 1851. His parents, John and Maria (Derr) Feichter, were both natives of Germany, the father's birth occurring in Wittenberg on the 19th of April, 1803, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 15th of March, 1804. John Feichter came to the United States alone. and first took up his abode at Massillon, while the lady who afterward became his wife was brought to the new world by her parents, who located in Loudon- ville. The parents of our subject were married in Hanover township, Ashland county, August 27, 1847, and subsequently the father, who was an agriculturist by occupation, settled on the farm on which the birth of his son Friederic occurred, successfully continuing its cultivation and development until he passed away on the 3d of August, 1871. He had for two years survived his wife, who was called to her final rest on the 13th of September, 1869. Unto them were born two children: John, who died March 22, 1860, when eleven years of age; and Friederic, of this review.
The last named remained on the farm where he was born until thirty-five years of age and still owns the property, which is a highly cultivated and valuable tract of land of two hundred and sixty-five acres. Since 1886, however, he has resided on his farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, one mile south of Loudonville and is here carrying on his general farming interests, also making a specialty of stock raising. Both his places are improved with good buildings and the fertile fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor that is bestowed upon them. Mr. Feichter is likewise a stockholder in the First National Bank of Loudonville and in a coal mine at New Salisbury and
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is well known throughout the community as a most prosperous, progressive and enterprising citizen.
In 1870 Mr. Feichter was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Meitzler, who was born June 3, 1848, in Adams township, Coshocton county, Ohio, where she resided until she became the wife of Mr. Feichter. Her parents, John and Barbara (Froelich) Meitzler, were natives of Germany but were married in this country. The father died on the old home farm in Coshocton county but is still survived by his widow, who has now attained the venerable age of eighty- one years and makes her home at Magnolia, Ohio. Mrs. Feichter has but one brother, John H., a resident of Magnolia, Ohio. By her marriage she has be- come the mother of three children, namely: Barbara Ann, the wife of William F. Arnholt, of Richland county, by whom she has five children; John Henry, who died in infancy ; and B. F., at home.
Politically Mr. Feichter is a stalwart democrat but has never sought nor desired public office, though both township and county positions have frequently been tendered him. He has, however, acted as president of the township board of education and has done valuable service for the cause of public instruction. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church of Loudonville, in the work of which he is actively and helpfully interested. His entire life has been passed in Ashland county and he feels a commendable local pride in its advancement, while his efforts have been an element in its develop- ment and growth along various lines.
HORACE H. HARKNESS.
Horace H. Harkness, a venerable, respected and influential citizen of Orange township, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 28th of September, 1829, a son of Thomas and Samantha (Delana) Harkness, who came to Ohio in 1833, the father becoming identified with farming pursuits near Wellington. In 1838 the family removed to Nankin, in Orange township, Ashland county, where Thomas Harkness was engaged in the hotel business for a number of years. Subsequently he followed teaming between Ashland, Wellington and Lorain at a period prior to the era of railroads. He likewise operated a stage line between Ashland and Oberlin, carrying passengers and mail. He was a man of wonderful energy and considerable executive ability who stood high in the esteem of all with whom he came in contact, his labors proving no unimpor- tant factor in the early development and upbuilding of this section of the state. He was accidentally killed by a railroad train in 1874.
Horace H. Harkness assisted his father in his various business undertakings and became a conspicuous and popular driver on the stage line operated by the latter. In early manhood, however, he learned the trade of a harness-maker and successfully followed that occupation in Nankin for a number of years. In 1855 he removed to Iowa, where he remained for about two years and also spent one year at Knoxville, Illinois. In the spring of 1863 he returned to Orange township and has since resided here with the exception of the year
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1893, when he lived in Columbus, Ohio. He has comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the early annals of this section of the state and, being a man of broad intelligence and remarkable memory, can relate in interesting manner many incidents and experiences of pioneer times.
Mr. Harkness has been married twice. In January, 1852, he wedded Miss Nancy Campbell, a daughter of Daniel and Ann Campbell. The father was an agriculturalist of Orange township and, like Thomas Harkness, was also for a time engaged in the hotel business in Nankin. The Campbells were among the early pioneers of this section of the state and became prominent factors in its progress and upbuilding along many lines. Unto Mr. Harkness and his first wife were born three children, namely: Thomas, Dora J. and Samantha A. Mrs. Nancy Harkness passed away in 1866 and on the 16th of September, 1869, Mr. Harkness was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Lane Jacobs, by whom he has a son, Barton C., born on the 23d of June, 1873. In every relation of life Mr. Harkness has been faithful to the trust reposed in him and during his entire career, now covering a period of four score years, has fully merited the good will and regard uniformly accorded him.
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