USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio > Part 41
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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY
A life uneventful as that of most farm boys constituted the experience of George Young in his youthful days. However, those who live near to nature learn lessons of value beyond those taught in the schools and usually develop a self-reliant character that constitutes an excellent basis for advancement and ultimate success. Mr. Young was trained to the work of the fields and soon learned the best methods of plowing, planting and cultivating the soil. After arriving at years of maturity he took charge of the old home farm and is now the owner of two hundred and forty-one acres of rich and productive land in Hanover township, about a mile and a half south of Loudonville on the Mount Vernon road. Here he has carried on general farming and stock raising for many years, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and also suc- cessfully managing his live-stock interests. At a recent date, however, he put aside the more arduous cares of the farm which he turned over to his son and established his home in Loudonville to enjoy the leisure which comes as a result of his earnest labor, his thrift and perseverance in former years.
In 1880 Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Louisa Snively, who was born in Washington township, Holmes county, Ohio, about a mile and a half from Loudonville, on the 5th of December, 1860. Her parents were Frederick and Margaret (Lovingood) Snively, natives of Alsace, Germany. The mother was born in 1819 and came to America in 1829. On the 13th of March, 1839, she was married to Mr. Snively and after a happy married life of fifty-three years, passed away in Washington township, Holmes county, Decem- ber 24, 1891. Mr. Snively was born October 14, 1814, and arrived in the United States in 1830. He died on the home farm in Washington township, January 19, 1898. Their family numbered six sons and five daughters.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Young were born six children: Alfred, of Barberton, Ohio, who is married and has two children : Harley and Raymond; Fred, who is a teacher in the home district and resides on a part of the home farm, and is married and has three children : Mabel, Eva and Wilbert; Annie, wife of William Young, of Holmes county, by whom she has a daughter, Beatrice; Mary, Ida and Elmer, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Young hold membership in the Trinity Evangelical church of Loudonville and are people of genuine personal worth, enjoying in a large measure the esteem and confidence of those who know them. In his political views Mr. Young is a democrat and for nine years served as a township trustee, his reelection being proof of the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen and of the capable manner in which he discharges his duties. He is interested in all that pertains to public progress and his influence is always on the side of justice, truth, advancement and reform.
LORIN C. MILLER.
Lorin C. Miller, one of the worthy native sons and representative citizens of Ashland, is a son of John and Lydia (Cunningham) Miller, natives of Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, who removed from Wayne county, Ohio, to Ashland in the '40s. The father's death occurred in this city in 1893, when he
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had attained the age of eighty-four years, while his wife passed away several years earlier, at the age of seventy-one.
Lorin C. Miller was raised at home and attended the Ashland high school in the acquirement of an education. When seventeen years of age he obtained employment as a clerk in a grocery store and after being thus engaged for three years he went to Pittsburg and for a similar period represented a firm as travel- ing salesman. He then returned to Ashland and for a period of three years conducted a grocery establishment but at the end of that time he became identi- fied with the drug trade and for about twenty years has remained as prescription clerk for the concern now known as the Ashland Drug Company, although the enterprise has undergone two distinct changes during the period of his connection therewith. For the past fifteen years he has been treasurer of the Ashland opera house and is widely recognized as a progressive and successful business man as well as a genial and public-spirited citizen. He has also served as assistant chief of the Ashland fire department for the past five years and his influence and aid can ever be counted upon to further any movement or measure instituted for the general welfare.
In religious faith Mr. Miller is a Presbyterian and a member of the church choir. He has a deep, rich bass voice and for many years was one of the best known vocalists in this section, singing at funerals and in quartettes all over this part of the country. He is well known and highly esteemed in Ashland, where nearly his entire life has been spent, and the circle of his friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
JOHN PETERS.
One of the well improved farms of Lake township is that of John Peters, who is recognized as a practical and progressive man whose careful management of his business affairs has brought him substantial success. His life record began in Knox township, Holmes county, Ohio, on the 24th of June, 1848, his parents being Jacob and Margaret (Metzer) Peters, who were natives of Alsace, France, in which country they were reared and married. The father was born in 1809 and the mother in 1810, and their marriage was celebrated about 1837. The year 1840 witnessed their arrival in Holmes county, Ohio, and they took up their abode upon a farm, upon which Mrs. Peters died in 1866. Mr. Peters was a weaver by trade but gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits in this country. After the death of his wife he made his home with his son John until his own demise, in 1888. He was twice married and had two sons by the first union : George, who is now living in Norwalk, Ohio; and Jacob, deceased. By the second marriage there were also two children: Margaret, now the wife of George Kopp, of Lakeville; and John, of this review.
The latter continued a resident of his native township until he had attained his majority, when he took up his abode in Lake township, Ashland county, where he has made his home continuously since 1869. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work and through his capable management
JOHN PETERS AND FAMILY
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and unfaltering industry he has gained a place among the substantial residents of this part of the county. His farm is a good tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting the southeast quarter of section 15, Lake township. On this he has a splendid bank barn, eighty-four by thirty-six feet, which he erected. He has remodeled the dwelling and keeps everything about the place in good repair. The farm is divided into fields of convenient size, surrounded by well kept fences, and the latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the work of the fields. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also keeps good grades of stock.
In 1866 Mr. Peters was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Long, who was born in Lake township, November 18, 1844, and is a daughter of George and Margaret (Merkling) Long, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume in con- nection with the sketch of David Long. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peters have been born four children : Sarah Anna, who is the wife of Carl Maurer and lives on the home farm; George W .. who died November 30, 1908, in his fortieth year; Caro- line Margaret, the wife of Gus Bernhard, of Lake township; and Mary Jane, a milliner. The family are pleasantly located on one of the good farms of Lake township, and in addition to the home place Mr. Peters has forty acres on section 11, in the same township, and from this tract he gave the site of the Lutheran church of MeZena .. Both he and his wife are members of that church and are generous in its support. In his political views Mr. Peters is a stalwart democrat and has served as township trustee for two terms, has been school director and also supervisor of roads. He has ever been practical in his efforts to promote general progress and improvement and his labors in that direction have been effective and far-reaching. At the same time he has carefully managed his busi- ness affairs with the result that he has met with a substantial degree of success.
L. A. WILLIAMS.
L. A. Williams, the founder and promoter of the Ashland Monument Company, is conducting a successful and growing business, but the accumulation of wealth is not the end and aim of his life nor do his industrial interests bar out his active participation in those movements which are promoting the material, intellectual, political and moral welfare of the community. Born in Welling- ton, Ohio, on the 1st of July, 1876, L. A. Williams is a son of S. A. and Francis (Avery) Williams. It is not definitely known whether his father was a native of Michigan or New York, but his parents located in Michigan at an early day, the grandfather of our subject there dying when his son, S. A. Williams, was but two years of age, while his mother later married again and afterward removed to Lorain county, Ohio, where the son was reared to manhood and married. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service in defense of the Union, be- coming a member of Company A, Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was but fifteen years old when he offered his services to the government, and though but a boy in years, he was fearless in defense of the old flag and remained at the front until the close of hostilities. When the country no longer needed his
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service he returned home and in 1872 was married. He has since lived in Wel- lington and for twelve years was marshal of the town and also night watchman. Later he served for several years as field manager for various publishing houses but is now living retired in Wellington, enjoying a well earned rest.
Under the parental roof L. A. Williams spent the days of his boyhood and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. However, he is largely a self-educated man, for owing to the illness of his mother and the com- parative poverty of his parents, for there was a large family of children it was necessary for him to provide for his own support from the age of eleven years. Although he attended school to some extent after this, he met the expenses of his course through his own labor, At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he enlisted in the service as a member of Company F, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was connected for six months. After his discharge on the 26th of October, of that year, he returned to Ohio and took up his abode in Colum- bus, becoming a stockholder and director of the Columbus Saw Mill Company. He afterward engaged in buying and exporting white oak and walnut timber and developed an important business in that line. He was connected therewith for about six years, but in 1900 withdrew from the Columbus Saw Mill Company and established a monument business in West Salem, Ohio. He retained his. residence in that place for nearly two years, when he came to Ashland to find a larger and more advantageous field for his business. He had made a verbal a- greement with J. I. Dorland to purchase his business but after Mr. Williams' arrival in Ashland Mr. Dorland refused to sell and therefore Mr. Williams estab- lished himself in business in other quarters. Two years later, however, Mr.Dor- land signified his willingness to fulfill his part of the contract and Mr. Williams took over the business and later purchased the property and buildings in which he is now conducting his enterprise. He has a thoroughly modern plant, and taking the rough stone he carries it through the various stages until it is turned out a finished and beautiful monument. His patronage has grown rapidly and, while his trade is extensive throughout the state, he also ships as far west as the State of Washington. Each year as it passed chronicled a substantial growth in his business and he is today one of the prominent representatives of industrial interests here. On January 1, 1909, the business was organized into a stock company of which Mr. Williams is president and general manager.
In 1900 Mr. Williams was married to Miss Emma Naftzger, a daughter of S. S. and Lydia (Berry) Naftzger, of West Salem, now residents of Ashland. Their children are Naftzger Avery and Loyis Arlin. The parents hold member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal church in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. Mr. Williams is now teacher of one of the largest Sunday-school classes in the state, having a membership of one hundred and seventy, and was president of the class for three years. This class has been in existence for three years and is proving a potent element for good in the moral progress of Ashland. His political allegiance is given to the republican party where questions of national importanee are involved, but at local elections he casts an independent vote. He is one of the active supporters of the present organization of the Business Men's Association. He has always stood in the
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vanguard of progress and any movement for the good of the community at large will always find him among the leaders. He is now numbered among the suc- cessful business men of Ashland. With him there is no dividing line between commercial interests and religion and his life is an exemplification of the truth : "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you," for his temporal prosperity has followed his devotion to the church and to the life purposes as outlined in. the teachings of the lowly Nazarene. He is in all things alert, energetic and progressive, and Ashland has reason to number him among her valued residents.
DUFF PANCOAST.
Duff Pancoast, a leading druggist of Ashland and head of the firm of Pancoast & Spencer, was born here February 29, 1868, a son of Ohio and Adeline (Murray) Pancoast. His father a native of Johnsville, this state, came to this place when a lad with his parents, his father, the grandfather of the subject of this review, having also engaged in the drug business in which he was a pioneer of this city, continuing in the enterprise for many years. Upon his death he was succeeded by his son, Ohio Pancoast, who during the later years of his life was identified with the insurance business. He was a stanch supporter of the re- publican party and although not an office seeker he was a strong advocate of its principles and was a delegate to the national convention which nominated James A. Garfield for president. Prominent in Masonic circles he was a mem- ber of the Blue Lodge and also of the Commandery and, being a man well known for his aggressive spirit, he was an influential asset to the commercial interests of the city. He departed this life in 1888. He reared a family of three children, namely : Anna, the wife of A. C. Bugniard, residents of this city ; Ray, also of this place; and Duff.
Duff Pancoast, who succeeded his father in the drug business established by his grandfather, was reared in Ashland where he acquired his preliminary education in the common schools and subsequently completed courses of study in the high school and the pharmaceutical department of the Ohio Normal University, at Ada. He was practically born to the drug business, from early childhood having been employed about his father's establishment, and after his father disposed of the business to Rhodes & Hess, he remained in the em- ploy of that firm for three years. It was at this period of his life that he pursued a course of study in pharmacy at the Ohio University, after gradu- ating from which institution he returned to this city and was employed by J. W. Brant as a pharmacist and later by Fred J. Backley. In. February, 1899, he engaged in business for himself in partnership with W. H. Carter, the firm being known under the name of Pancoast & Carter. This partnership existed but one year when Mr. Pancoast bought out the interest of his associate and conducted the business independently until March, 1906, when he affiliated with him David H. Spencer, changing the firm name to that of Pancoast & Spencer. The store is one of the most modern in every particular, and, being
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conducted upon progressive lines, is very popular throughout the city and has an extensive patronage. Moreover he conducts a drug store in Plymouth, Ohio, where he does a large business and enjoys an enviable reputation in pharmaceutical circles.
In 1898 Mr. Pancoast was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Roller, of Ashland, a daughter of Wesley Roller, deceased, and the couple have one daugh- ter, Helen Louise. Prominent among fraternal organizations Mr. Pancoast be- longs to Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F. & A. M .; Ashland Chapter, No. 67, R. A. M .; Mansfield Council, No. 94, R. & S. M .; Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, K. T .; Elida Lodge of Perfection; and Lake Erie Consistory, A. & A. S. R. He is a member of the Ashland Board of Trade and also of the Ashland Commercial Club, in both of which organizations he is a live factor, and, ever ready to pro- mote measures for the betterment of the community, he is a valuable factor in its business coterie.
HORACE A. ROBERTS.
Horace A. Roberts, of Nankin, who since January, 1901, has efficiently served as rural free delivery carrier, is one of the substantial and progressive citizens of the county. He was born in Orange township on the 16th of Febru- ary, 1860, a son of Harvey and Mary (Risher) Roberts, the former being a native of Vermont. In 1825, the paternal grandfather, Aaron Roberts, and James Murray, of Orange township, met at a church conference at Cincinnati and on becoming acquainted and finding that they had one hundred and seventy and one hundred and sixty acres of land respectively, they agreed to exchange farms sight unseen. The following year Aaron Roberts brought his family to Ashland county, Ohio, and settled on the property for which he had exchanged his home- stead in the Green Mountain state, but the place was covered with timber, which he had to clear away before the land could be utilized for farming purposes. He was successfully identified with agricultural interests here until the time of his retirement, when he took up his abode in Ashland, there remaining until called to his final rest. Harvey Roberts, the father of our subject, who accom- panied his parents on their removal westward, followed flat boating on the Ohio river and later went to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Subsequently, however, he took up farming on the old family homestead in Orange township and carried on agricultural pursuits until he retired from active business. His demise occurred in Ashland on the 1st of November, 1895. while his wife passed away December 24, 1900, the community thus losing two of its most honored, respected and representative residents. Unto this worthy couple were born five children, four sons and one daughter, namely : John, who is deceased; James A .; Howard M .; Horace A., of this review; and Laveda, the wife of C. P. Winbigler, of Ashland.
Horace A. Roberts was reared on his father's farm and obtained his educa- tion in the district schools. After attaining man's estate he engaged in railroading on the Erie road for two years, on the expiration of which period
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he returned to the old home place and for a number of years carried on general farming and stockraising, meeting with well merited prosperity in his undertak- ings. In 1899 he took up his abode at his present place in Nankin and from there superintended his farming interests. He was appointed rural free delivery carrier in January, 1901, and has thus capably served to the present time.
On the 10th of June, 1883, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Florence Wiley, a daughter of George and Urania (Gearhart) Wiley, of Mont- gomery township, both of whom are deceased. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born six children : Charles O., a resident of Ashland; William Mckinley ; Milo A .; and three who died in infancy.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Roberts has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has been an active worker in its local ranks. He has been a member of the central committee for many years, a delegate to county, district and state con- ventions and has frequently been a candidate for office but failed of election, the party being in the minority in his township and county. He is a stalwart advocate of all public improvements along the line of material, intellectual and moral advancement and is a most public-spirited, progressive and loyal citizen. Fond of fishing and hunting, he indulges his love of those sports when on trips to Michigan and elsewhere and is likewise a great admirer of a fine horse. Practi- cally his entire life has been passed in this county and the favorable regard entertained for him by his fellow townsmen is proof that his career has been an honorable one.
HARRY B. VANOSDALL.
Harry B. Vanosdall, a member of the firm of H. B. Vanosdall & Brother, furniture dealers of Ashland, was born here May 30, 1868. He acquired his preliminary education in the public schools, subsequently completing a course in the high school and for one term attended Ashland College. He began his business career early in life and when eighteen years of age opened a barber shop, following that occupation for ten years, and for three years of this period he had the agency for domestic papers and at the same time engaged in the real- estate business. Prior to opening the barber shop he worked in a grocery store. He was quite successful in his undertakings and while in the paper business he conceived the idea of entering the legal profession, and to prepare himself for this vocation he took up Sprague's Correspondence course in law, which he continued for a period of two years, at the termination of which time he con- cluded that he would rather follow a business life, and in 1899, in partnership with his brother, he established himself in the furniture trade. Both men being industrious and energetic, they soon succeded in establishing a large trade so that at present their business is one of the most considerable in the city. So favorable have been his commercial relations that he has been justified in enter- ing upon a wider business career, and in addition to being a stockholder and
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director of the Reliable Match Company, of which he was among the organizers, he and his brother also own a half interest in the Improved Manufacturing Com- pany and Mr. Vanosdall is also vice president of the Ashland Building & Loan Association. He had practically nothing with which to begin his business career, and deserves great credit for the rapid strides he has made in the commercial world, his success being due to his diligence and perseverance, reenforced by excellent business judgment and untiring energy.
On November 22, 1892, Mr. Vanosdall was united in marriage to Miss Emma Arnold, a daughter of Samuel L. Arnold, of this city, and the couple have ont daughter, Kathleen. He belongs to Montgomery Lodge, No. 85, I. O. O. F., is a member of the volunteer fire company of this city, of which for six years he has been secretary, and belongs to that denomination of Christians known as the Disciples of Christ. He is in every particular worthy of honor and respect, as a representative citizen whose aggressive spirit and laudable ambition have enabled him to rise in the commercial world from comparative obscurity, until at present he is ranked among the moneyed men of the community. He and his brother, Henry N. Vanosdall, with whom he is associated in the furniture busi- ness, own considerable real estate in various parts of the city. They are among the prosperous and aggressive merchants of this vicinity and have not only largely contributed to their own prosperity but their commercial industries have greatly enhanced the city's financial worth.
JOHN STONER.
John Stoner, one of the venerable, respected and representative citizens of Milton township, where he has for many years been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, was born on the 25th of November, 1836, his parents being David and Barbara (Bechtel) Stoner, both natives, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The father came to Ashland county, Ohio, in early life, taking up a quarter section of land here when this district was almost entirely covered with timber. He cleared the place and as the years passed developed a valuable farm and made a good home for his family. On this property, which is now in pos- session of his son John, he spent the remainder of his useful and honorable life, his sons assisting him in the cultivation of the fields until they reached years of maturity. His children were four in number, namely : Jacob, John, Abram and David.
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