USA > Ohio > Guernsey County > History of Guernsey County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 23
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JUDGE HOWARD W. LUCCOCK.
In every community there are to be found men whose names are pre- eminently and unmistakably identified with that community's material growth and development, and who are always to be found associated with every move- ment which seems to promise an addition to that community's wealth, re- sources and enterprise, and to enhance the importance of its location and sur- roundings. Such men are seldom obtrusive, though always on the alert, and always to be found when called upon. The masses feel their presence, though it is not thrust upon them, and almost insensibly, but no less surely, do they leave their impress upon the character, institutions and developments of that community.
Such a man is Judge Howard W. Luccock, whose name is a familiar one, not only to the citizens of Cambridge, but to the people of Guernsey and ad- joining counties, for he has held high rank at the local bar for many years and is a public spirited citizen and successful business man. He was born on
HON. HOWARD W. LUCCOCK.
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO. 657
March 8, 1859, in Kimbolton, Liberty township, Guernsey county, Ohio, and he is the son of Samuel W. and Elizabeth W. (Day) Luccock. The father was born in Coshocton, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Naphtali Luccock, came to Ohio in 1829, and later to Kimbolton, the family being originally from Kimbolton, England. The father was a prominent factor in the affairs of the locality where he lived in this county, as was his father before him, both having been engaged in the mercantile business there for many years, also having large land interests. The parents of the Judge are still living, having been retired for many years, though the father has continued to look after the farming interests. He has a cozy and well furnished home in Cambridge, and he and his faithful life companion are held in high esteem by a host of friends in this community.
Howard W. Luccock, of this review, spent his youth in the family home at Kimbolton and he was educated in the public school there. Later he at- tended the University of Wooster, from which he was graduated in the class of 1880, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He had long entertained a laudable ambition to take up the legal profession, and after leaving college he entered the law office of Judge James W. Campbell as a law student, and, making rapid progress, he was admitted to practice in 1883. Thus well equipped for his life work, he opened an office in Coshocton, Ohio, where he soon had a very satisfactory practice and where he remained until 1890, when he returned to Cambridge and opened an office for the practice of his profession. For a time he was in partnership with Hon. David Okey, an attorney whose prominence was state wide. Mr. Luccock, while engaged actively in the prac- tice, ranked among the best counselors of the local bar, being profoundly versed in jurisprudence, persistent, painstaking and an eloquent advocate be- fore a jury. He is, and always has been, an active Republican, and in 1896 he was elected mayor of Cambridge and served in this capacity for four years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned, irrespective of party alignment, during which time he did a great many things for the permanent good of this city. From 1900 to 1906 he resumed the active practice of law, and it was during those years that he was associated with Mr. Okey. In 1906 he was elected probate judge of Guernsey county, and he is now serving his second term in this important office, giving his usual satisfactory service and very faithfully discharging his every duty, being regarded by everyone as a well qualified and popular public official. In addition to his official duties, Judge Luccock is president of the Guernsey National Bank, one of the popular and sound banking houses
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in eastern Ohio. He also has farming interests that demand some of his time. He makes his home with his aged parents, to whom he is a most de- voted son.
The Judge has never married. Fraternally he is a member of the Cam- bridge lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Protected Home Circle, and he also belongs to the Cambridge Country Club. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and an elder in the same. He is regarded by all classes as a most exemplary man, possessing the highest integrity as a citizen, business man and public official, a broad minded, genial, public spirited citizen, having continually in mind the bettering of local conditions and the uplift of all classes, consequently the high esteem in which he is held is richly deserved.
SILAS W. CONNER.
Having earned the right by years of indefatigable industry, rightly di- rected, to rank in the van of the army of Guernsey county's progressive. men, Silas W. Conner, of Byesville, is eminently entitled to representatiion in this volume. He is descended from a sterling ancestry and many of their winning traits have outcropped in him, for he has let nothing discourage him in his efforts to forge to the front and benefit alike himself and family and the com- munity in which he lives.
Mr. Conner was born in September, 1863, in Seneca township, Noble county, Ohio, and he is the son of John and Elizabeth ( McLaughlin) Conner, the father a fine old Southerner, born near Richmond, Virginia, a genteel gentleman, whom to know was to admire and respect. The mother grew to maturity and was educated in Noble county, Ohio; however, she was born in Ireland and when quite small emigrated with her parents to this country. The Conners were of Dutch ancestry and of the thrifty, honest type.
Silas W. Conner spent his youth on the home farm in Noble county and attended the neighboring schools during the winter months, remaining under his parental roof-tree until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he came to Byesville, Guernsey county, and started life for himself by entering the restaurant business, in which he met with a very satisfactory degree of success. In 1888 he was married to Lizzie Wilson, daughter of Henry H. Wilson, a highly respected family, which is given proper mention on another page in. this volume. She was born, reared and educated in the vicinity of Byesville, where her father owned a good farm; she was grad-
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uated from the high school at Byesville, where she made a splendid record, and at the early age of sixteen was licensed to teach.
After his marriage Mr. Conner farmed near Byesville about four years and got a good start. About 1892 he left the farm and he, John Thomas and George Winilcer built a roller-process mill at Byesville, the first one of the kind in that part of the county, the old water mill having fallen to decay and had been out of commission for some time. Contining in the milling business two or three years, Mr. Conner sold his interest to Chads Chalfont, father of Rev. W. A. Chalfont, who had previously bought out the other two partners. Then he dealt in buggies about a year, after which he ran a livery business, each with characteristic success, for Mr. Conner had always a happy faculty of concentrating his entire attention on whatever be had in hand and making it successful. He bought out the furniture and undertaking business of James Smith, an undertaker of the old school, and increased the stock and inaugurated modern methods throughout and he has continued to operate the same with large and increasing success. In 1906 he erected the large, substantial and attractive business block which he now occupies. He and his son, Earl D., also his wife, are all licensed embalmers and do a very satisfactory business. A large, well selected and choice stock of furniture, carpets, rugs, etc., are carried. Mr. Conner is deserving of a high rank among Byesville's leading business men and public spirited citizens. He is a mem- ber of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. They have four interest- ing children, two sons and two daughters, Earl Dwight, Audree Lura, Edra Wilson and Winnie Clyde.
CLYDE R. McILYAR.
As superintendent of the American Sheet & Tin Plate Company, of Cambridge, Guernsey county, Clyde R. Mellyar has shown what a man of sound business judgment, correct principles and rightly applied energy can accomplish and, having been the architect of his own fortunes, he is emi- nently worthy of the conspicuous position which he can claim in the indus- tral world and of the high esteem which is accorded him by his fellow men, for his course has ever been that of a genteel gentleman and public spirited citizen.
Mr. McIlyar was born February 5, 1868, in Cambridge, the son of
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William H. H. and Mary C. ( Richardson) McIlyar, of Cambridge. Both parents were natives of Ohio, and ever after their marriage lived in Cam- bridge. The father died in October, 1908; his widow still survives him. The father was a prominent dry goods merchant of Cambridge for many years and a man highly respected. He was a Democrat in politics and was an active member of the party organization and always active in public affairs. He was twice postmaster of Cambridge, first for four years, from 1884 to 1889, and from 1893 to 1897, during both terms of President Cleveland's administration. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mcllyar was also appointed a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home at Xenia, Ohio, by Governor Hoadley in 1884. He was a man of high standing in the community and always active for the best interests of Cambridge. He had a family of two sons, and one daughter, who died in infancy. The two sons are Clyde R., the subject of this sketch, and Fred P., of Cambridge.
Clyde R. McIlyar spent his childhood and youth in Cambridge and has always lived here, and was educated in the Cambridge public schools. His first business experience was as a clerk in the Cambridge postoffice while his father was postmaster during his first term and one year or more with his father's successor in 1891. When about twenty-five years of age, he engaged with the Cambridge Iron & Steel Company as a clerk in the office and has been with that company and its successors ever since.
The Cambridge Iron & Steel Company sold out to the American Sheet Steel Company in 1900, and Mr. McIlyar went with this company as super- intendent of the plant, having been superintendent under the former owner- ship since 1898. In 1903. the American Sheet Steel Company was suc- ceeded by the American Sheet & Tin Plate Company, and with that change Mr. McIlyar was continued as superintendent, and since the Ist of January, 1910, Mr. McIlyar has been manager of the Cambridge plant. He is a thor- oughly competent man and stands high not only with the company, but with the men in the mill as well. He is a fine specimen of physical manhood and every inch a man. His entire time and attention is given to the mill and its interests. Ile is a director in the Central National Bank of Cambridge and decidedly a man of affairs. He also has various other financial interests.
Mr. McIlyar was married September 4, 1894, to Gertrude D. Veitch, daughter of Henry H. and Alvarette (Orme) Veitch, a prominent Cam- bridge family. To this union two sons have been born: William V. and James O., two bright lads of fifteen and eleven years respectively.
Mr. McIlyar is a Republican in politics, but not active in political mat-
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ters, though always interested in public affairs. He is not an office seeker and has never held an office, but has always been a voter. He is a Master Mason and a member of the chapter, also belongs to Cambridge Lodge of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
The McIlyar home is at No. 220 North Seventh street, and is one of the most desirable residence localities of the city. Mrs. McIlyar is a refined and cultured woman, devoted to her home and family. The home is well supplied with good standard and current literature and a private library. Mr. McIlyar is a well informed man on many subjects and a man whom it is a pleasure to know.
JOHN REYNOLDS.
The little country of Wales has not sent a very large quota of her popu- lation to the United States, compared with Germany, the Scandinavian penin- sula and other European countries, but those who have favored us with their citizenship have proved to be most welcome owing to their habits of industry, patriotism and honesty. They, as a rule, succeed at whatever they attempt and, soon after coming to this land of ours, they find themselves in possession of a good property and have good homes.
One of this thrifty class who is deserving of mention in a history of Guernsey county's best citizens is John Reynolds, of Cambridge. His birth occurred on October 10, 1863, in Cardigan, South Wales, and he is the son of William and Nellie (Thomas) Reynolds. The father was a farmer; neither he nor his wife ever came to America.
John Reynolds spent his boyhood upon the farm, and he obtained his education in the public schools of his native land. Later in life his father sold the home farm and entered the steel mills of Swansea and became an iron worker. This was in 1872, and in 1876 the son entered the Landore Tin Plate Company's mills as a "scrap" boy, and he remained there until 1892, filling every position in these mills as catcher, heater, doubler and roller. Leaving this mill, he came to America in 1892 and found employment in the Irondale Tin Mill in Jefferson county, Ohio, working in the same capacity as he worked in the mills of the old country. He remained there two years, then came to Cambridge and was employed in the Morton Tin Plate Com- pany's mills at this place. He was one of the first men in this mill. em- ployed as a heater. In December, 1894, and in March, 1895, he was given a doubling position, and the following June he was given a rolling position and
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placed in charge of a crew of men and he has very ably held this position ever since and is considered an expert man in his line. He has seen Cambridge grow from what seemed to be a plowed field to a prosperous city in fifteen years.
Politically, Mr. Reynolds is a Republican, and he has always voted and is interested in politics and public matters. He is well informed on public questions and well qualified to discuss public issues. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Protected Home Circle. In Wales he was a member of Glantawe Lodge, Ancient Shepherds, also a member of the Loyal George Lodge of Alfreds.
Mr. Reynolds was married March 15, 1883, to Anna Griffith, daughter of William and Anna Griffith, of Swansea, Wales. Her father was a prom- inent contractor ; he and his wife remained in that country. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, two of whom are deceased; those living are, Anna married David J. Thomas, a roller in the copper mills of Pittsburg; William is a tin roller in the same mill with his father and he is an expert : David J., Nellie, Thomas and John G., all of Cambridge. These children all received good educations in the Cambridge public schools. Mr. Reynolds and family are members of the Baptist church and faithful sup- porters of the same. While Mr. Reynolds and wife had few advantages in the way of education, they have been students and readers of good books and their home library is well supplied with the writings of the best standard authors. This is a splendid family, intelligent, industrious and frugal. Mrs. Reynolds is devoted to her family and home and keeps her dwelling neat and attractive. Mr. Reynolds owns a modern home at No. 322 Woodlawn avenue, which is entirely paid for. In July, 1906, Mr. Reynolds visited the scenes of his childhood and youth in Wales, and was absent about ten weeks. He is fond of his adopted country and he and his family are now thoroughly Americanized.
SAMUEL A. CRAIG.
The name of Craig is an honored one in Guernsey county, because of the high character and the prominence of many who have borne it. Samuel A. Craig, a leading merchant of the city, was born on August 8, 1850, in Cambridge, Guernsey county, Ohio, of Scotch-Irish parents, in the house at . the corner of Wheeling avenue and Eighth street, long the home of his par- ents, Samuel and Margaret (McFadden) Craig. His parents came to Cam-
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bridge, from Washington, Guernsey county, in 1847, Samuel Craig having been engaged in mercantile business there for some years. On coming to Cambridge Samuel Craig, Sr., bought property at the corner of Wheeling avenue and Eighth street, where he engaged in the drygoods business, and where his family also resided. The Craig store became one of the best known and busiest concerns of the city, and at this same location Mr. Craig continued to carry on business and to reside until his death, on March 8, 1891. His widow died on January 21, 1895, at the age of seventy-two, having been born in Ireland on August 15, 1818. Both parents are buried in the South Side cemetery.
Samuel Craig, Sr., was a man of high character and sterling worth, active and progressive in business, liberal in charity, and strong in his advo- cacy of obedience to the teachings of the Golden Rule in the affairs of every- day life. Mr. Craig was an Abolitionist at a time when it required courage to be such, and he was one of these anti-slavery advocates who was actively con- nected with the operations of the "Underground Railway," assisting in the secreting and forwarding on their way to freedom many a runaway slave. With the birth of the Republican party he became a member, and continued a loyal adherent until his death. Always intensely interested in public affairs, he was never an office seeker. He did, however, serve for a number of years as a member of the Cambridge board of education. and was always interested in educational matters as pertaining to the public schools. The beautiful grounds and stately shade trees surrounding the Park school building are a lasting monument to his interest and activity along these lines. He was a member of the first board of trustees of South Side cemetery, and the beauty of its landscapes and arrangement are largely due to his efforts. Greatly interested in the education of the colored people, he was constantly striving by his personal efforts and financial assistance to provide ways and means for their betterment. Mr. Craig was also greatly interested in agriculture and horticulture, and was the promoter of the first county fair held in Guernsey county. The life of Mr. Craig was one of activity, and he was closely iden- tified with the growth and development of Cambridge. Liberal in his charity, he gave without ostentation money, clothing, food and fuel, never denying the needy.
To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Craig, Sr., were born five sons and three daughters, namely : George H .. deceased ; Lydia, now the widow of Judge Frederick W. Wood; Martha, now the widow of David D. Taylor, of Cam- bridge; Cyrus F., of Cambridge; Samuel A .; William, deceased; William Alfred, deceased ; Mary, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Craig were members of the
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United Presbyterian church from its formation, in 1858. until their death ; prior to 1858 they were members of the Associated church. They held their membership in the First United Presbyterian church of Cambridge, and for many years Mr. Craig was an elder and prominent in church affairs. Mrs. Craig was also active in the church and Sabbath school, and was the organ- izer and the first president of the Woman's Missionary Society. In such an environment their family was reared.
Samuel A. Craig was born in Cambridge, and has there spent his child- hood, youth, and his business career, remaining in the same location which his parents purchased on coming to Cambridge. After attending the schools of Cambridge he spent some time at Ohio University at Athens, and then entered the store of his father, who was then in partnership with a Mr. Bryant, under the firm name of Craig & Bryant.
On November 13, 1873, Mr. Craig was married to Ella Gregg, the daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth ( Broomhall) Gregg. Both the Greggs and Broomhalls were Quaker families of Belmont county, Ohio. Joshua Gregg was a merchant for some years at McConnellsville, Ohio, and was later in the milling business in Cumberland, Guernsey county. He was an ardent Re- publican, and in 1861 was elected treasurer of Guernsey county, and served four years. During his term as treasurer Gen. John Morgan and his band of Confederate raiders passed through the county, and to protect the county's money Mr. Gregg carried it to the woods and buried it. For some time after leaving this office he resided in Cambridge, then removed to Greenville, Darke county, where he engaged in business, and later removing to Columbus, there engaged in building and the improving of real estate. He did much for the development of the communities in which he resided. He died in 1905, his wife in 1900, and their bodies rest in the cemetery at Belmont, in Belmont county, the old family burying ground. Mr. Gregg was a man of broad views, a great reader, and a devout Presbyterian. His family consisted of three sons and one daughter: Rodney E., of Columbus, Ohio; Allen B., a farmer of Licking county, Ohio; Lewis, of Cincinnati, and Ella.
To Mr. and Mrs. Craig have been born four children. Frederick G., who was born on February 16, 1875, married Gretchen Eckley, of Carrollton, and is connected with his father in business. Mary Margaret, who was born on March 13, 1877, married Joseph Pender, an attorney of Denver, Colorado. Samuel A., Jr., was born on December 16, 1878, and married Ruth Westfall, of Delaware, Ohio, and is now associated in business with his father. Eliza- beth O. was born on October 15. 1884, and married Samuel C. Carnes, an attorney of Cambridge.
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After his marriage Mr. Craig continued to clerk for the firm of Craig & Bryant for several years, when the interest of Mr. Bryant was purchased, and Mr. Craig entered partnership with his father, which arrangement continued until the father's death, when the son succeeded to the entire business, which he has since conducted with the assistance of his brother. Cyrus F., and his sons.
Mr. Craig is progressive, and in 1904 erected upon the site so long occu- pied a fine four-story business and apartment block. The immense Craig drygoods business occupies the entire first floor, the basement, and the larger part of the second floor, while the remainder of the fine building is occupied by residence suites. Mr. Craig has spent his entire home and business life in this location. He is recognized as one of the most substantial business men of Cambridge, always interested in the city's progress. A lifelong Republican. he has never sought office, but has loyally supported the party principles. He has served as a member of the city council, and is a wide awake and progres- sive citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Craig and the members of their family have al- ways been members of the First United Presbyterian church, and active in the work of the church and Sabbath school. Mrs. Craig is a refined, intelligent and cultured woman, and takes her share in the work of the church societies, and contributes largely to charity.
WILLIAM C. SUITT.
The achievements of William C. Suitt, well known manufacturer of Cambridge, represent the result of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment has opened the way. He possesses a weight of character, a native sagacity. a discriminating judgment and a sense of honor that command the approval and the respect of all who have occasion to know him well, and he is deserving of the high rank he holds in industrial, social and civic circles of Guernsey county.
Mr. Suitt was born February 22, 1869, in Bern, Noble county, Ohio, and he is the son of Nathaniel and Ella A. (Collins) Suitt. The father was born and brought up in Palmyra, Marion county, Missouri, and the mother was born and reared in Noble county, Ohio, to which state the father came in 1867 and he was soon afterwards married to Ella A. Collins. He was a farmer by profession and in October, 1884, he became a resident of Cam- bridge. Guernsey county, and he here engaged in the dairy business, which
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he continued for ten years when he retired from active business life. He is now living in Muskogee, Oklahoma. His wife died in May, 1901. Nathaniel Suitt has been a lifelong Democrat, but never active. He and his wife were Baptists and devout church people. They became the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters, all living, namely: William C., of this review, is the oldest ; Wallace W. is a member of the manufacturing firm of Suitt Brothers, of Cambridge, Ohio; Howard L. lives in Muskogee, Oklahoma: Mary B. married W. C. Clough, of Chicago; Martha married Edward Mercer, of Granite City, Illinois.
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