USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio > Part 55
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The common schools of this city afforded James C. Farquharson his pre- liminary educational privileges and he subsequently pursued a course of study at Savannah Academy. However, being aflame with the spirit of industry he early desired to enter the business world and when twenty-one years of age com- menced the manufacture of drain tile on his own account and succeeded in building up an extensive enterprise, which he continued to operate for twenty years or until the railroads made it impossible for a manufacturer whose plant was located at a great distance from their lines to compete with the producer who manufactured his commodities near a railroad system, where he might have ready transportation. Mr. Farquharson, however, looked longingly for the time when the railroad would pass through Savannah and still kept up his interest in the tile business, at the same time operating his farm. Finally he abandoned the notion that this city would ever have a railroad passing through
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it, gave up the manufacture of tile and, engaging in the lumber business, operated a sawmill. In June, 1905, he purchased a tract of eighty acres of timberland in Columbiana county, to which place he removed during that year for the purpose of erecting a sawmill and obtaining a market for his product. Within the space of two years he had worked the entire tract of land and in 1907 came to this city, where he has since been giving his attention to his lumber interests in Ashland and Richland counties and at the same time managing his farm, which embraces something over two hundred and forty acres. Mr. Farquharson has been successful in all his undertakings and his industry and perseverance have enabled him to become a salient factor in the commercial and financial life of the community, where he is associated with various business interests.
On June 15, 1905, occurred the marriage of Mr. Farquharson to Miss Eldora MeMillin, a daughter of A. A. and Sarah (Ferrell) McMillin, of Ashland county. For many years her father plied his craft as a plasterer, later in life, however, having recourse to farming for a livelihood. He is still living at the advanced age of ninety-one years, highly respected for his upright life. His wife entered into rest some years ago. Politically Mr. Farquharson gives his support to the republican party and has served as a member of the county central committee for a number of years while he has also been frequently sent as a delegate to county, district and state conventions. He has always been deeply interested in local affairs and before he had reached his majority was elected clerk of the corporation and has since served in that office. Moreover he has performed the duties of township treasurer and also of village treasurer, has been elected a member of the village council and also performed the duties of its chief executive. At to his religious convictions Mr. Farquharson is a member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also belongs, both being active in the affairs of the congregation, Mr. Farquharson having served for a number of years as treasurer of the Sunday school. His wife, being a talented musician ·who prior to her marriage was a successful music teacher, renders the church invaluable services in this line. He is also a lover of music, being able to per- form on a number of instruments and in this way finds both pleasure and recreation. He belongs to Ashland Lodge, No. 151, A. F .& A. M., and, being a man who always has the highest interests of the community at heart, contribut- ing in many ways toward its material and as well its moral prosperity, he merits the reputation in which he is held by all who know him as one of the municipal- ity's most progressive and representative citizens.
ANDREW J. GRINER.
Andrew J. Griner, who has farm holdings in Jackson township, is now residing in the village of Polk, of which he at present is acting in the executive capacity of mayor, and also previously served in that office for several terms. He was born in Green township, Wayne county, this state, November 21, 1843, a son of Frederick and Sarah (Kintner) Griner, both of whom came from
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Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, with their parents in the early pioneer days and were among those who assisted in developing the natural resources of this part of the state, in which they attained to considerable prominence. The name Griner is one which gained a wide reputation through these parts through the paternal grandfather, Philip G., who for a number of years kept a tavern at Smithville in Wayne county, the inn in those days being far different from the ordinary tavern of today by reason of the fact that they were not simply drinking places but particularly the meeting places of travelers and people throughout the community, who there entered into discussions of public questions, debating those issues upon which depend the public welfare. The father was an agri- culturist, the tract of land he cultivated having been transformed from thick woodland into fertile fields, his son assisting in the work of improvement.
At the outbreak of the Civil war Andrew J. Griner enlisted, on August 15, 1862, in Company H., One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the struggle and being honorably discharged on October 16, 1865. His regiment witnessed much hard service in the army of the Mississippi particularly at the siege of Vicksburg, being present at the surrender. A. J. Griner participated in six battles with the regiment and for a period of thirty days in the three years was under continuous fire. However, Mr. Griner was fortunate in that he was never taken prisoner nor seriously wounded, although, as in the case of many others, he returned from the conflict with his health greatly impaired. Following the war he returned home and for two years as- sisted his father on the farm, presently removing to Fayette county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for about one year. In 1869 he removed to Decatur, Illinois, where for one year he became interested in the grocery busi- ness, after which for a period of four years he worked at the carpenter trade. In the fall of 1872 returning to Wayne county, he managed his father's farm for two years, and then removed to Medina county, where for four years he followed general agricultural pursuits. Again returning to Wayne county he settled near West Salem, where he followed farming and stock-raising for four years and in 1884 removed to Burbank, Wayne county, where for eight years he plied his craft as a carpenter. In 1892, Mr. Griner again had recourse to farming, this time near Albion, where he remained until 1894, when he went to Polk, where he devoted his time to agriculture and carpentry until February, 1909, when he was appointed agent for the Cleveland Southwestern & Columbus Railway, the duties of which office he is now performing.
On January 23, 1863, Mr. Griner wedded Miss Margaret Sands, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Frank) Sands, her father a prominent clergyman of the Reformed church. Mrs. Griner entered into rest April 27, 1904. To this union were born two children : Grant S. and Lodell G., both of whom reside with their father.
Mr. Griner is a republican in politics, taking an active interest in the affairs of the party and frequently has been a delegate to county and district conventions. Being a man of intelligence and highly respected for his adminis- trative ability he was elected as chief executive of Polk in 1900 and served for two terms, covering a period of four years. In 1906, he was again elected and is still performing the duties of that office. He belongs to. McCarty Post, No.
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182, G. A. R., of which several times he has been commander, having also filled various other offices in that organization, of which he at the present time is commander. He is well known throughout Grand Army circles and on a num- ber of occasions has been sent by his post as a delegate to state and national encampments. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he has belonged for many years and in which also he is an active worker. Being a musician of considerable ability and at the same time a teacher of vocal and instrumental music he finds recreation by this means and since coming to Polk has been chorister in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Griner is one of the most enterprising and public-spirited men in the com- munity, always ready to further all movements designed for its betterment particularly favoring good roads and schools, and in him the municipality finds one of its most honorable and excellent citizens.
C. W. McCOOL.
C. W. McCool, one of the representative and respected residents of Ashland, has been quite active in political circles as a supporter of the democratic party and has proved a competent and faithful incumbent in various offices. He was born in this county in December, 1858, and is a son of James and Rhoda (Swas- ick) McCool, the former born in 1821 and the latter in 1825. Mrs. McCool was a daughter of James and Rhoda Swasick. In early life James McCool learned the miller's trade which he followed continuously until 1860, when he was elected' sheriff of Ashland county. He proved so competent in office that in 1862, he was reelected and when he retired from office, at the close of his second term in 1864, he enjoyed the confidence, good will and esteem of his fellow citizens in the same full measure in which it was extended him at the beginning of his official service. Resuming the pursuits of private life he 'turned his attention to the livery business with which he was connected for a few years, when he sold out and established a grocery store which he managed until 1873. His last days were spent in honorable retirement from labor and he passed away in Florida in 1904, having for about nine years survived his wife who died in 1895. They were members of the Presbyterian church and were worthy people who enjoyed the good will and high respect of all who knew them. Mr. McCool gave his political allegiance to the democracy and was recog- nized as one of the party leaders in Ashland county.
C. W. McCool is the younger of two children, his brother W. A .McCool being now a resident of Pennsylvania. He acquired a public-school education and in early life began clerking in a grocery store. For twenty-one years he was identified with that line of trade and was well known to the public as an enterprising representative of mercantile interests. In 1896, he was called to public office, being elected auditor of the county, in which position he served for two terms, after which he remained as deputy in the office of his successor, Mr. Westover, for one year. He has also filled other positions, acting as city treasurer for two terms and at all times has proved a competent official, discharg-
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ing his duties with promptness and fidelity, his course reflecting credit upon himself and proving highly satisfactory to his constituents. From early man- hood he has taken a deep interest in political questions, always keeps well informed on the issues of the day and has never seen occasion to swerve in his unfaltering allegiance which he has always given to the democracy.
In August, 1905, Mr. McCool was married to Miss Linda Saal, a daughter of Jacob and Maria Saal, both of whom are now deceased, her father having passed away in 1906, while her mother's death occurred in 1871. Their family numbered but two daughters : Mrs. Emma Myers and Mrs. McCool. The father was a butcher by trade and followed that business for many years, winning success in that line. He, too, figured prominently in connection with the official interests of the county. In 1891 he was elected to the office of county treasurer and public endorsement of his administration was given him in his reelection in 1893. After serving for two terms he retired to private life and for nearly forty years engaged in the butchering business, buying his own stock and doing his own slaughtering. Throughout that entire period he was recognized as one of the leading meat-market men of Ashland. He, too, was a democrat in his political views while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the German reformed church. Mr. and Mrs. McCool hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr. McCool is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Ashland, and both are well known in Ashland and throughout the county, where they have many warm friends who esteem them highly for their genuine personal worth. Mr. McCool is known as a very public-spirited citizen, at all times interested in measures pertaining to the general good and giving hearty support to every movement that he deems will advance the interests of Ashland county.
THOMAS C. DONLEY.
Thomas C. Donley, residing on a farm in Orange township, has for forty years conducted business as a wool buyer and dealer in stock. He is also widely known as a breeder of fine Jersey cattle and Berkshire hogs and his opinions are regarded as authority on live stock. He is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Nashville township, Holmes county, Ohio, March 2, 1846. His parents were John and Sarah Ann ( Alberson) Donley, farming people of Ashland county, the father there carrying on agricultural pursuits for many years. He died on the 23d of June, 1880, and the mother has also passed away.
The early life of Thomas C. Donley was quietly and uneventfully passed upon the home farm. He received instruction in the work of the fields as his years and strength increased, while his mental discipline was attained in the district schools and later in the Savannah Academy. After leaving that insti- tution he engaged in teaching school for three years, but during the greater part of his life has given his undivided time and attention to general agricultural pur- suits and stock-raising.
Mr. Donley was twenty-six years of age when, on the 5th of December, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Iva Ann Smith, a daughter of David and
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Rosetta (Bates) Smith. Her father was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, but became a farmer of Orange township, Ashland county, where for many years he successfully tilled his fields. The Bates family is also an old one in this part of the state, their representatives being numbered among the valued and worthy citizens of Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Donley has been blessed with eight children and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. In order of birth these are : Maude L., now the wife of R. R. Reed, of Barberton ; John L.,; David C .; Anna, now the wife of Walter W. Ingman, of Ashland; Stella S., the wife of W. Sampson; Elizabeth; Esther May; and James Paul, who is yet a student. Following his marriage, Mr. Donley settled on the farm which has since been his home, covering a period of thirty-seven years. He is a breeder of fine Jersey cattle, keeping registered stock both for breeding and dairy purposes, and he likewise raises high grade Berkshire hogs. He is an ex- cellent judge of stock so that he has made judicial purchases and profitable sales. His business interests are all capably conducted and there has been no esoteric phase in his career, his sound judgment and energy constituting the basis of his success.
In public affairs relating to the upbuilding of the county Mr. Donley is also actively interested. He has been a member of the school board and was a member of the jury commission for two years, and he has always been a stalwart champion of good roads, good schools and good works. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he is an active worker in the party ranks. He belongs to the Presbyterian church with which his wife and family are also connected, and he has not only served as a trustee of the church but has also been a teacher and active worker in the Sunday school with which his wife is connected in similar manner. Mr. and Mrs. Donley are greatly interested in the education of their children, knowing that when they give them good opportu- nities for mental development and discipline they give to them something which never can be taken from them and which can constitute the basis of honorable lives and substantial success. An air of refinement and culture pervades their home and books and the best periodicals are very generously provided. Its hospitality also reigns supreme and' a hearty welcome is extended to all their friends, with which number Ashland's citizens are glad to be classed.
SHERMAN WARD BEER.
Sherman Ward Beer, who for more than twenty years was prominently and successfully identified with the manufacturing interests of Ashland, was born near that city on the 6th of May, 1837, his parents being William and Mary (Mann) Beer. The father was a prosperous and progressive agriculturist, residing two and a half miles south of Ashland. Sherman W. Beer was reared to the work of the farm and obtained such education as the schools of the locality afforded. After starting out in business life on his own account he was for many years connected with the hardware trade in Ashland, and in 1870 he formed a partnership with Jacob J. Kauffman for the manufacture of spring
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SHERMAN W. BEER
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beds and cots. This relaton was continued until the death of Mr. Beer in 1894, the enterprise being widely recognized as one of the leading manufacturing concerns of Ashland. Enterprising, progressive, alert and strictly honorable in all dealings, Mr. Beer was well entitled to his place among the representative business men and citizens of the county and richly merited the respect and esteem which was uniformly accorded him.
On the 29th of April, 1873, Mr. Beer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Urie, a daughter of Major George W. and Elizabeth (Murray) Urie, of Ashland, who were among the early settlers of this county. Major Urie, who was the first treasurer of Ashland county and also held other official positions of trust and responsibility, passed away in this county in 1898, when he had attained the venerable age of ninety-two years and eleven months. His wife had been called to her final rest in 1861, when fifty-eight years of age. The record of their children is as follows: Mary J., who became the wife of Giles Porter and died in 1875, leaving two children; Alice A., the wife of T. M. Beer; Elizabeth H., who gave her hand in marriage to the Rev. W. W. Anderson, of Loudonville, Ashland county, Ohio; Wilson S., born in 1839, who died when only five years of age; Adaline M., whose birth occurred in 1844 and who passed away at the age of eight years; and Sarah A., born in 1842, who became the wife of Sherman Ward Beer, by whom she had one son, George W. Beer, who was born in 1880 and is a graduate of Cornell University.
Though not an active politician, Mr. Beer gave unfaltering support to repub- lican candidates and principles and his cooperation was always given on the side of progress, truth, justice and right. Public-spirited to an eminent degree, he exerted a widely felt influence in the county's material development. and upbuilding. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which he contributed liberally of his time and means, acting as deacon of the church and also as superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. Fraternally he was a thirty-second degree Mason and exempli- fied the teachings of the craft in his daily life. His demise, which occurred in Ashland on the 14th of September, 1894, was deeply and widely mourned, his honorable and well spent life having won him the admiration and regard of an extensive circle of friends. His widow still survives and is well and favor- ably known throughout the community, the hospitality of the best homes being cordially extended her.
THOMAS E. THORNBURG.
Thomas E. Thornburg needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is widely known not only in Ashland county but also throughout Ohio, and is one of the leading horticulturists of the state. He has closely studied the best methods of cultivating fruit, understands the nature of the soil required for the various kinds and his products have been so superior in size and quality as to find a very ready sale on the market. Yet it is not alone because of his
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success in business that Mr. Thornburg deserves mention in this volume. He is one of the native sons of the county, representing two of its oldest and most honored families. He was born May 3, 1861, and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Thornburg. . One of his great-grandfathers was Daniel Carter who was the first settler in what is now Ashland but was then a part of Richland county, the year of his arrival being 1811. One of the old cabins which he occupied is yet standing as a landmark in the county and a mute witness of the wonderful changes which have since been wrought. A cupboard which he brought with him to this state is still in possession of the family and Mr. Thornburg of this review, has a large collection of relics which were brought by his ancestors to this district in pioneer times and which he zealously safeguards, valuing them highly. The old homestead of Daniel Carter was in the same locality as the present farm of Thomas E. Thornburg. One of his great-grandfathers in the maternal line was Michael Springer, who arrived in Ohio in 1815, making the trip on horseback from Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, across the mountains and through the forests where the road was little more than "an Indian trail. The greater part of the land was still in possession of the government and he entered three hundred and sixty acres which were covered by the native forest growth. He was therefore closely associated with the early agricultural devel- opment of the county, for with characteristic energy he began to clear his fields. The great-grandfather and the grandfather of our subject in the Thornburg line were also early residents of Ashland county: The maternal grandfather, John Springer, also developed a good farm here and it is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Thornburg, the parents of Thomas E. Thornburg, his mother having spent her entire life upon the farm where she yet lives. She was one of a family of ten children, the youngest living to the age of forty-six years, while the oldest reached the ripe old age of about eighty. Both of Mr. Thornburg's
grandfathers were born in the year 1794 and each passed away at the age of eighty-four, there being only about two months difference in their ages at the date of their deaths. The Springer family came originally from Germany, although representatives of the name were driven from that country into Holland, whence they sailed for America about 1680. The Thornburgs were natives of Pennsylvania, the family being established there at an early period in the colonization of the new world.
Thomas E. Thornburg pursued his education in the district schools and spent a year and a half at the Vermillion Institute in Hayesville, Ohio. He was reared on the old homestead which was originally the property of his grandfather, John Springer, and throughout his entire life has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, making a specialty, however, of gardening and raising of fruit. He is one of the most practical and successful fruitgrowers in Ohio, and such is the excellence of his product that it always. commands the highest price on the market and is much sought after by the wholesale merchants. It is most carefully sorted out and is always up to the standard, and such is his commercial integrity that his fruit goes without question. At the time of his marriage he located upon the farm which he now owns and operates and in the intervening years he has set out his orchards and promoted their development until his is today one of the finest fruit farms of Ohio. His place was all
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open fields when he took possession of it and the buildings thereon stand as monuments to his enterprise, labor and progressive spirit.
In 1888 Mr. Thornburg was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Groeshner, who was born on the 10th of May, 1865, and is a daughter of Henry and Eliza- beth Groeshner of Ashland. Her father was originally from Germany but for many years has resided in this county and is one of its worthy and respected citizens. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thornburg have been born two sons, Paul Eugene, whose birth occurred April 17, 1895, and Atley Cecil, who passed away in infancy. In his political views Mr. Thornburg is a stalwart democrat with firm faith in the principles of the party and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church, in the work of which they are helpfully interested. In all of his business career he has been actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress that has led him beyond the attainment of others, bringing him grati- fying success and winning for him an enviable reputation as one of the most progressive and well known horticulturists of Ohio.
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