History of Ashland County, Ohio, Part 75

Author: Baughman, A. J. (Abraham J.), 1838-1913. cn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1012

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Dr. William Henry Wirt remained on the farm where his birth occurred until 1858, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Mendota, Illinois, where he attended the Presbyterian Academy and resided until twenty- one years of age. In 1865 he went to Hillsdale, Michigan, pursuing a partial course in the college there and subsequently began the study of medicine under the direction of Drs. E. B. Fuller and A. J. Scott, of Loudonville, Ohio. In 1867 he entered Rush Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1869 and during the following year practiced his profession at Dundee, Ohio. He

then located at Loudonville and remained as a medical practitioner here until 1884, when he removed to Columbus, Ohio, there carrying on his professional labors until 1896. In that year he returned to Loudonville and has since con- tinued here, his extensive patronage being ample proof of his skill and ability in his chosen calling. He has been a member of the Loudonville board of health

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY

for ten consecutive years and keeps in close touch with the progress made by the medical fraternity through his membership in the county, state and national medical associations, while his high standing among his professional brethren is indicated by the fact that he is now serving for the second term as president of the Ashland County Medical Society. He is likewise vice president of the Sixth District Medical Society, the district including Ashland and seven con- tiguous counties and is a member of the American Medical Society.

In 1869 Dr. Wirt was united in marriage to Miss Clementine Lorena Smith, whose birth occurred in Ashland county, Ohio, November 7, 1845, and who is a granddaughter of Dr. E. B. Fuller. By this union there were two children. Dr. William Gun Wirt, a graduate of the Ohio Medical University of Columbus, is a practicing dentist of Fremont, Ohio. He wedded Miss Valette Fox, by whom he has six children. The second child born unto our subject and his wife died in infancy.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Dr. Wirt has given his political allegiance to the republican party and has been an active worker in its ranks. In 1879 he received the nomination for representative from Ashland county to the lower house of the legislature and in 1895, while a resident of Columbus, was nominated for representative from Franklin county but failed of election in both cases. In 1894 he served as chairman of the Franklin county central committee and for two terms was a member of the board of education of Columbus. For about eighteen years he has served on the board of education of Loudonville and is now acting as president thereof. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he is actively and helpfully interested. He is a man of intense and well directed activity, his efforts touching many interests bearing upon the welfare of the community, while his personal characteristics have gained for him the warm regard and friendship of many, and in professional lines he has attained that eminence which only comes in recognition of merit and ability.

GEORGE HILDEBRAND.

George Hildebrand, journalist and political leader, whose opinions and labors have constituted influencing factors in molding public thought and action, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, January 5, 1859. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth Hildebrand, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Maryland. The father was a blacksmith by trade and a man of great force of character and native talent. When but thirteen years of age to came alone to America from the fatherland and as the years passed he left the impress of his individuality upon the community in which he made his home. He was closely and prominently associated with many of Ashland's early enterprises and was also a recognized power in politics. He ever regarded it as the duty as well as the privilege of every man to support the political principles in which he believed and thereby promote the welfare of the country.

GEORGE HILDEBRAND

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY

In the public schools of Ashland George Hildebrand pursued his education, passing from grade to grade until he completed the course with the class of 1877. He had earned his own way from the age of fourteen years and manifested notable enterprise and activity in that line as well as in his studies. He always led his class in school and the same laudable ambition has actuated him in his later career. He has always had a liking for newspaper business and entered that field of labor at the first opportunity which came when he was offered the chance of learning the printer's trade, at which he served a regular apprentice- ship of three years. In those days people did not specialize in one branch of a business but, serving the regular apprenticeship, became familiar with each

department of the trade. Mr. Hildebrand has filled every position in the Times office from the beginning of his apprenticeship until he became editor

and owner. His service has extended over thirty-two years and his interests in this connection have brought him a wide acquaintance and a comprehensive knowledge of the history and needs of the community. He entered the printing office immediately after leaving school and with the exception of one year in the west has been continuously engaged in the printing and publishing business in

his native town.

He was sole owner and proprietor of the Ashland Times from

1889 until 1893 when a stock company was formed to purchase both the Times

and Gazette. In this he had a controlling interest. As a reward for his faith- fulness and industry he had been offered a fourth interest in the Times in 1882 and this holding was increased to a third interest in 1883 when W. H. Reynolds

purchased the other interests. In 1887 Mr. Reynolds was killed in a justice court at Nankin and after managing the business for two years subsequent to his death Mr. Hildebrand then became sole owner and so continued until the con- solidation of the Times and the Gazette. With the new company he holds the position of manager and editor and the Ashland Times is recognized as one of the leading papers of the state, equal in point of interest to the city journals and having a circulation that is large and gratifying.

Mr. Hildebrand is also postmaster of Ashland, having in charge the largest postoffice in the congressional district and the largest office in a town of this size in the United States. He has added many improvements to its service, has carefully systematized the work and has given excellent satisfaction through his capable administration of its affairs. He was appointed to the position in 1906 by President Roosevelt as a reward for many years of active and efficient service for his party. In politics he has always been a stalwart republican and from 1889 until 1903 served in the state senate, during which time he was on most of the important committees and was largely concerned in framing regulative and constructive legislation. He has long been recognized as a political leader in this district and was chairman of the republican campaign committee for thirteen years, filling the position for a longer time than any other one man in Ashland county. He has also represented his party in many district and state conventions nor has his interest been concentrated alone upon political activity. In many lines relative to public progress he has put forth earnest and effective effort. He is now vice chairman of the Young Men's Christian Association, is a director in the Commercial Club and also of the Board of Trade, is a trustee of Ashland College and a national committeeman for the good roads movement

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY

for Ashland county. In fact he has been a cooperant factor in many move- ments that have had direct bearing upon the welfare and progress of the county and the value of his service is proof of the nature of his work.

On the 4th of October, 1900, Mr. Hildebrand was married to Miss Laura E. Eddy, a member of a well known colonial family and she shares with her husband in his active work in the community. They are both members of the Congrega- tional church in which he served as trustee for twelve years. He is also a popular and valued representative of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias fraternities. His lines of life have been so cast that he has been brought into prominent relations with the public in many ways and his labors have at all times been of substantial benefit.

CHARLES I. HELBERT.

Charles I. Helbert is the senior partner of the firm of Helbert & Ridgley which was organized in 1888 for the conduct of a shoe store. In all of his business affairs Mr. Helbert has displayed aptitude for successful management together with keen discrimination and unfaltering enterprise. He was born October 14, 1875, at Mohicanville, Ashland county, Ohio, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Winbigler) Helbert. The father was one of a family of thirteen children and his birth occurred near Shellsburg, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1825. When a young man he was attracted by the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia and went to that state where he spent the years of 1850 and 1851 and there met with substantial success. As he was one of a large family his oppor- tunities in youth were limited and from an early period he had to make his own way in the world. Following his return from California he followed the blacksmith's trade for a time and later in life turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuits in which he continued for several years, principally in the vicinity of Jeromeville, Ohio. He was diligent, persistent and energetic and these qualities brought him substantial success, enabling him in his later years to live retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. It was about 1888 that he put aside business cares although he still retained the ownership of his farm of two hundred acres. In 1905 he removed to Jeromeville, Ohio, where he passed away June 23, 1908. In his political views Mr. Helbert was a stalwart democrat and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day but always refused to hold political office. He belonged to the Lutheran church and was an exemplary citizen who occupied a prominent position in regard to those whom he met in social and business relations. His history stands in exemplification of the fact that success does not depend upon birth or environ- ment but may be obtained through earnest, persistent and honorable labor.

Charles I. Helbert was reared under the parental roof and largely acquired his education in the public schools of Jeromeville. However, he further quali- fied for the responsible and onerous duties of a business life by a commercial course in Oberlin College and later entered mercantile circles. Since March, 1888, he has been continuously connected with the shoe trade in partnership

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with R. H. Ridgley under the firm style of Helbert & Ridgley. They are con- ducting an excellent and gratifying business, being recognized as leaders in the shoe trade in Ashland, their sales showing a marked annual increase. They have always conducted their interests on a belief that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and their straightforward dealing, moderate prices and earnest desire to please have secured them a very gratifying patronage.

On the 23d of December, 1897, Mr. Helbert was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Remley, a daughter of Joseph R. and Margaret Remley, residents of Jeromeville. Her father is a veteran of the Civil war, having served under two enlistments. He first joined the army as a private and in the second enlistment he organized a company and was chosen the captain, leading his men on a number of hotly contested battle fields. Although he was frequently in the thickest of the fight he always escaped without injury, returning to his home with a most creditable military record because of his unfaltering valor and undaunted patriotism. He was recognized as one of the highly respected citizens of his community, his worth as a citizen and a business man being widely acknowledged. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Helbert has been born one daughter, Pauline, whose birth occurred May 5, 1899, and who is now a pupil in the Ashland schools.

Mr. Helbert is a Methodist in his religious belief and at all times is inter- ested in the moral, intellectual and material progress of the community. He is widely known because of his long residence in this county and his close connec- tion with its business interests. He possesses a determined spirit and unfalter- ing energy, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and the same practical methods mark his endorsement of and cooperation with public affairs as is manifest in his management of his private business interests.

ROBERT WATSON COWAN.

Robert Watson Cowan, deceased, was recognized as one of the most public- spirited citizens of Ashland, and because of his devotion to the general welfare and his marked personal capability he was several times called to public office and positions of trust. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1831, a son of George and Jane (Conn) Cowan. The father was born in Ireland in 1779, while the mother was a native of Delaware. In 1834 they removed with their family to Hancock county, West Virginia, Robert W. Cowan being then a lad of three years.

Robert Watson Cowan remained in West Virginia until some time in his teens and there learned the harness-maker's trade. In 1857 he became a resident of Licking county, Ohio, and following his marriage in 1858 he estab- lished a harness shop of his own, conducting it in Licking county until 1868, when he came with his family to Ashland. Here he continued in the same line of business and was well known as a worthy and prominent representative of the industrial interests of the community. In all of his business affairs he displayed an untiring energy and unfaltering perseverance, and these traits,

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY

combined with his good workmanship, gained him a liberal patronage and made his business a profitable one.

In 1858 occurred the marriage of Robert Watson Cowan and Miss Mary Sterett, who was born in 1837, and unto them were born two sons and three daughters, Ross H., Park W., Mrs. Blanch Fitzinger, Bertha and Maud G. Two of their grandsons, Robert C. and Don K. Cowan, became members of the United States navy.

In his political views Mr. Cowan was ever a stalwart democrat and inter- ested in the success and growth of his party, earnestly desiring to advance its principles because he believed that the best interests of the government would be promoted thereby. He had been a resident of Ashland for only a brief period when he was elected one of the trustees, and during President Cleveland's first administration he was appointed postmaster of Ashland and served for one term. On his retirement from that office he resumed the harness-making business in which he continued until his demise. At one time he was candidate for clerk of the court but was defeated by a very small majority. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church and his life was ever in harmony with his pro- fessions. He died February 28, 1899, when sixty-eight years of age, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for all who knew him had learned to esteem and honor him because of his sterling worth. He was indeed a self-made man in the highest and best sense of the term and his life was characterized by many excellent qualities, including devotion to his family, loy- alty in friendship and fidelity to the principles of upright, honorable manhood. He was never lacking in public spirit and at all times was ready to aid in any cause which he deemed would prove beneficial to the community. His life was one of intense and well directed activity, widely acknowledged by all.

JOHN SPRENG.

John Spreng, carrying on general farming on section 2, Mohican township, was born a half mile east of McZena, in Wayne county, Ohio, just across the Ashland county line, on the 14th of May, 1845. His parents were Jacob and Margaret (Faber) Spreng, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former coming to America when but eighteen years of age, while the latter crossed the Atlantic to the United States with her widowed mother when fourteen years of age. They were married in Wayne county, Ohio, where John Spreng was born, and both spent their last days on the old homestead farm near Lake Fork, Ashland county, the father departing this life at the age of eighty-four years while the mother died at the age of seventy-six years. He was the owner of three hundred and fifteen acres of land at the time of his death, for as the years went by he had prospered in his undertakings and had wisely purchased land, thus making the safest of all investments. His life was one of well directed energy and activity. He worked persistently, earnestly and indefatigably and year by year was thus able to add to his holdings. He held membership in the Evangelical church after coming to the new world, but in Germany had belonged

HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY

to the German Lutheran church. In the family of this worthy couple there were born thirteen children. Philip J., who served for three years in the Civil war and then reenlisted in the Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, participated in some of the most hotly contested engagements in that long and sanguinary struggle, and never sustained a scratch. He is now living in Grand, Oklahoma. Barbara became the wife of John C. Smith and died in Illinois. Katharine became the wife of Ambrose Austin and died at Lake Fork. John is the fourth of the family. George C. is a resident of Hudson, Ohio, and Jacob F., his twin brother, is living in Mohican township. Rev. Isaac H. was for six years a minister of the United Brethren church but is now deceased. Rev. Otto is living in West Salem, Ohio, and is pastor of the Evangelical church. Mary Ann is the wife of Rev. D. P. Fullmer, a Methodist Episcopal minister now located at Lodi, Ohio. Lydia Ann, the twin sister of Mary Ann, died in childhood. Rev. Enos M. has been connected with the Evangelical Publishing Company of Cleve-

land for the past sixteen years. Martha is the wife of Alfred Weltmer, resid-

ing two miles east of Ashland. Edward A. died on his farm near Lake Fork, leaving a widow and one son. He was the owner of ninety-five acres of the old homestead.

John Spreng was about ten or twelve years of age when his parents removed to a farm in Mohican township near Lake Fork. There he resided until the time of his marriage, his youthful days being devoted to the acquirement of an education in the district schools and to the work on his father's farm. In 1865 he spent about four months in the employ of Casper Swartz at Blatchersville, being there at the time when the news of President Lincoln's assassination was received. He was married in September, 1866, at which time he began culti- vating another farm for his father and others. It was his ambition, however, to own property and on the 23d of September, 1869, he came to his present farm, consisting of sixty-four and a half acres of good land. His property is well improved with substantial buildings which were erected by Mr. Spreng. When he took possession of the place there was a log house upon it and a small stable. In 1875 he built his present barn and in 1878 erected his dwelling. In 1894, when the Ashland & Western Railroad was built through his farm, he sold the company the right of way. Later the railroad company put in a switch here and in 1905 Mr. Spreng built a grain elevator and began to handle grain, coal and other commodities. In 1907 he erected the general store which is now operated by his son-in-law, W. G. McLain. He has now leased his grain elevator to the Orville Milling Company, while he devotes his attention to other things. The little station on his place bears the name of Spreng. For the past thirty years Mr. Spreng has engaged in auctioneering and for sixteen years was a partner of A. W. Shearer, under the firm style of Shearer & Spreng. They had an extensive business for many years in this part of the state. In all of his different interests Mr. Spreng has manifested adaptability and capable management and his success has resulted entirely from his close application and indefatigable energy.

In September, 1866, Mr. Spreng was married to Miss Matilda B. Beard, who was born in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, July 26, 1849, a daughter of Alfred and Eliza Ann (Brandonburg) Beard, natives of New York and Ohio

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respectively. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spreng have been born four children : Alfred A., a painter residing at Mccutcheon, Ohio; Isaac, a jeweler of Carey, Ohio; Mary Maude, the wife of C. H. Funk, of Menlo, Georgia; and Blanche, the wife of W. G. McLain, a merchant at Spreng.

In his political views Mr. Spreng is a stalwart republican, having cast his first presidential vote for Grant, since which time he has given continuous support to the party. He belongs to the United Brethren church of Lake Fork, with which he has now been identified for the past fifty years. He acted upon the building committee of the new church, has been superintendent and class leader and also trustee, taking an active part in all of the work of the church, His doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence.

life has been actuated by the highest principles and he has endeavored closely to follow its teachings. He has a cousin, the Rev. S. P. Spreng, who is a bishop

in the Evangelical church, now located in China. John Spreng has always resided in this part of the state and is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community. While he has won success in his business, he has not neglected his duties to his fellowmen and to the community at large, having on the contrary met every obligation as a reliable and consistent Christian gentleman.

P. M. CULLER.

A good farm of one hundred and thirty acres on section 36, Mifflin township, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by P. M. Culler, one of Ashland county's native sons whose birth occurred in the township where he yet resides June 13, 1859. He is a man of considerable local influence for his ability and public spirit are widely recognized by those who know him, causing his work to carry considerable weight among those with whom he is associated.

Mr. Culler represents one of the old pioneer families of the county. His paternal grandparents were Philip and Mary (Feaster) Culler, natives of Frederick county, Maryland, who arrived in Ashland county in 1825 and met the usual experiences of pioneer life in an effort to establish a home on the frontier. As the years passed Philip Culler prospered and made extensive investments in real estate, becoming the owner of eight hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable land which he held at the time of his death. He passed away at the age of seventy-five years and his wife died when fifty-six years of age. His children were Samuel, John P., Joseph, Benjamin, Jacob, Henry, Susan, Elizabeth, Caroline and Mary. Henry died in childhood and all are now de- ceased. Mary and Samuel are the only ones that married, the former becoming the wife of Andrew Mower.

Samuel Culler became the father of our subject. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, November 26, 1809, and was a youth of fifteen years when in 1825 he came with his parents to this county, the family home being established on the southeast quarter of section 36, Mifflin township. He continued to reside in this neighborhood until called to his final rest. He remained with his parents

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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY

on their original farm until his marriage and then removed to the northeast quarter of section 36, where he continued to make his home until his death. He always followed farming and had one hundred and forty-one acres when he came to this farm. He continued to buy and sell different tracts of land and at the time of his death owned one hundred and seventy-three acres in addition to that which he inherited, making a total of four hundred acres. His business inter- ests, carefully managed, brought to him a measure of success that was most creditable. For many years he was justice of the peace and his decisions, being strictly fair and impartial, "won golden honors from all sorts of people." Public confidence was reposed in him on many occasions as is indicated by the fact that he was frequently chosen as guardian for children and settled nearly all of the estates in his part of the county. He was a good legal adviser and attorneys frequently urged him to take the examinations necessary for admission to the bar. He possessed excellent business ability, manifested sound judgment and was most reliable in all of his undertakings. In politics he was a life-long republican and his personal popularity is indicated in the fact that although he lived in a democratic township, he was elected and served as justice of peace for thirty-two consecutive years, filling the office before his marriage. Later he married many people at his own home while continuing in the office of justice. He was a prominent and influential member of Mount Zion Lutheran church throughout his entire life and almost continuously held official positions therein. He died in his eighty-fifth year, leaving to his family not only a good property but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. His business integrity and reliability were ever above question and his progressive spirit made him a valued citizen. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Culler were twelve children : Philip M., of this review; Henry D., who is living on the old homestead; Margaret Lucetta, at home; William H., of Mifflin township; John F., a practicing physician of Lucas, Ohio; Mary S. and Sarah A., at home; Thomas J., also at home; Samuel, living in Green township; Laura E., at home; Elmira V. who resides with her cousin Ezra in Vermillion township; and Joseph E., who is living five miles north of Mansfield.

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History of Ashland County, Ohio, Part 75

Author: Baughman, A. J. (Abraham J.), 1838-1913. cn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1012

Author: Baughman, A. J. (Abraham J.), 1838-1913. cn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1012