USA > Ohio > Madison County > History of Madison County, Ohio : its people, industries and institution with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families > Part 86
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With the above facts in mind, it is possible to state without fear of being mis- understood that this family has occupied a generous place in the life of the town, which 'has been deeply benefited by their residence there. While Mrs. Yerian's time is quite fully occupied by her home duties, and her work in her husband's office, where she looks after his books. correspondence and collections, she somehow finds opportunity to take her place in social affairs and church work, in both of which spheres she is a woman of force and influence. Mr. Yerian's life has been worth while in every sense of the word. Ever taking a loyal interest in public affairs, he has been at the same time, a good husband and a loving, devoted father, and has given himself to those activities which make for a higher and better citizenship. He is such a man and has lived such a life as might inspire one to say: "Great hearts there are also among men; they carry a volume of manhood: their presence is sunshine: their coming changes our climate ; they oil the bearings of life; their shadow always falls behind them; they make right living easy."
GEORGE KAUFMAN.
One of the best-known citizens of Lafayette, Madison county, Ohio, during the last generation, was George Kaufman, wagon and vehicle maker and coffin manufacturer. For some years preceding his death he had lived retired.
The late George Kaufman was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, April 29, 1823, and died on June 1, 1894. He came to the United States at the age of eighteen years, about 1840, with his parents, Martin and Ann Maria Kaufman, taking seven weeks to make the voyage on a sailing vessel to this country. After arriving in America, the family came direct to Ohio and Mr. Kaufman's parents remained with him until their death, dying at his home in Lafayette. Martin Kaufman had an elder brother who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. "He was one of the Hessian soldiers hired by Eng- land, and, after coming to America as a soldier in the British army, was never heard from afterward. George Kaufman had two half-sisters: Mary, who married Henry Fahl. died near Springfield. Ohio, and Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Heil, died near Kenton, Ohio.
Five years after coming to America, the late George Kaufman was married on
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September 18. 1845, at Columbus, to Catherine Krauss, who was born on November 3, 1825, at Paulsburg, Alsace, France, coming to this country in 1830. She died on Janu- ary 29, 1901. Mrs. George Kaufman was reared in Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman first met in Lafayette, while she was visiting an aunt.
After his marriage, George Kaufman became a wagon maker, being a blacksmith by trade. He built a shop in Lafayette and was accustomed to employ two or three blacksmiths and two or three woodworkers and painters, altogether employing eight or ten men. He continued in business as a wagon maker until 1885. George Kaufman was able to copy the pattern of any new vehicle and duplicate it with rare precision. He also made a variety of farm implements, including plows. Coffins were also one of his chief products and he frequently worked day and night to complete coffins for immediate nse. Black walnut was used principally in making the finest caskets. After 1883 Mr. Kaufman lived retired in a home that he purchased about 1850, though the present house was built in 1969.
Mr. and Mrs. Kanfman were the parents of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy. Charles died at the age of twenty-one, in September, 1876. Henry, George William, Sophia Jane and Minnie May live at the old home. Christian married Sallie A. Baker, of Morrow county, Ohio. To this union were born four children, two of whom died in infancy, Myrtle and Marguerite surviving. Myrtle married Arthur E. Russell. After his marriage Mr. Russell located in Lafayette, where he did black- smithing for a few years. Later he bought a tile factory from Ingall Brothers, operat- ing it a few years. He then moved to Columbus, and soon afterward received an appointment as instructor in Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kansas, where he and his wife now reside. Edward was married. in 1892, to Alice Tracy. To this union were born six children, three of whom survive. Edward Kaufman has been engaged in the egg and poultry business in Lafayette and Columbus. Frank is the manager of the Loudon Creamery Company. George Williams, who is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, was a blacksmith and tile manufacturer at London. Gillivan and other places.
The father of these children served nine years as trustee of Deer Creek township and also as school director for a number of years. He was one of the best-known men in the vicinity. Although both he and his wife had been reared as members of the Lutheran church, later in life they became members of the Disciples church at Lafayette.
Henry Kaufman, who is a wagon maker and who lives at the old home. was formerly engaged in the manufacture of drain tile in Lafayette. lle was a merchant in Lafayette for twelve years. but since leaving the mercantile business has lived with his brother and sister.
The London Creamery Company. of which Frank Kaufman is treasurer and gen- eral manager, was established on May 1, 1913, with a capital of ten thousand dollars. The president is R. W. Boyd and the secretary. George Langen. The company pro- duces ten thousand pounds of butter each week, which they market at Columbus, Springfield, Dayton and other places. The surplus is shipped to Boston. About five hundred patrons are located in Madison county. Its disbursements for the year ending May 1. 1915, amounted to more than fifty thousand dollars. The business is growing rapidly. The plant is thoroughly modern and operates its own wagons, collecting the cream at the farmers' houses. where separators are used. The effect of the creamery upon dairy stock in Madison county has been little short of phenomenal. since the tendency is to improve the breed of dairy cattle. The plant of the London Creamery Company is the only one in Madison county.
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Frank Kaufman, the manager of this plant, was born on November 23, 1860, at Lafayette, and has spent all of his life in Madison county. Formerly, he was engaged in the manufacture of drain tile in this county, at Gillivan from 1883 to 1887 and at Rosedale from 1887 to 1910. He built up a good local trade at the time. In 1910 Mr. Kaufman moved to London, where he built a home. He was one of the original stockholders and directors of the London Creamery Company and has held his present position since the company was organized. Mr. Kaufman started the movement for ornamental street lights in London. In addition to his other interests, Mr. Kaufman owns property on Main street and a home on Lafayette street.
In 1894 Frank Kaufman was married to Cora B. Yerian, the daughter of A, I. and Margaret Yerian. To this union was born one daughter, Helen G., who graduated from the London high school with the class of 1914 and is now a student at Brenau College, Gainsville, Georgia. Mrs. Kaufman died on January 4, 1915. She had been active in club work until moving to London.
FRANK EDGAR NOLAND, D. D. S.
In reviewing the lives of the representative citizens of London and the surround- ing territory, perhaps no one is worthy of greater respect and esteem than is Frank Edgar Noland, D. D. S., who was born in Fairfield township, Madison county, on Octo- ber 25 1875. Doctor Noland is descended from the aristocratic Marylanders, his grandparents both having been born in the state that has perhaps produced as many aristocrats as any other state in the union-many of the old Virginia families having removed there in the early days.
The paternal grandfather was George L. Noland, who was born near Harper's Ferry, Maryland; he married Mary Wilks, who was also a native of that state. To them were born three children : Beckwith, Mary Ann and Miranda. Mr. Noland removed from Ohio to Missouri, and passed away in 1856, near Kingsville, of that state. The only son of George L. Noland, Beckwith Noland, married Martha Biggert, daughter of Samuel and Mary Biggert, and their entire married life was spent in Fairfield town- ship. Their life was blessed by the birth of several children, six of whom are now living. Mary became the wife of Henry Cartmill and is now living in Columbus, Ohio; Thomas W. married Ella Fullerton and is now residing on the old home place in Pleasant township; Samuel A., a physician, departed this life in 1906, leaving his wife Minnie (Trumper) Noland, who since her husband's death has made London her home; Lottie married Dr. Frank Morris of Los Angeles, California, where she now makes her home; Rena married Dr. J. S. Carlton, of Columbus, Ohio, and since her marriage has resided there: George married Lou Tway and is now practising osteopathy in Spring- field, Missouri; Frank Edgar, the youngest child, spent his boyhood in Fairfield town- ship, attending the public schools in that district.
In 1898. Frank Edgar Noland was graduated from Western Reserve College, Cleve- land, Ohio, after which he located in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he established and car- ried on for five years a successful practice, later removing to London where he has since been associated with Doctor Chaney. Laura Smith, daughter of Luke Smith, of Deer Creek township, became his wife on September 20, 1900, and of this union were born two sons: Edgar Smith, born in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, on May 23, 1902, and Luke Mayne, August 1, 1905, at the home of his grandfather, Luke Smith.
Dr. Frank Edgar Noland is a member of the Masonic order and of the Knights of Pythias. Of the charter members who are still serving on the London Board of Trade, none are held in greater regard than Dr. Frank Noland who has served successfully and well. Doctor Noland's affiliations with the dental associations denote his interest
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in the profession which he has followed; being a member of the Mad River Dental Society. the National Dental Association and also a member of the Oral Hygiene Association.
FRANK JONES.
Frank Jones was born in London, Ohio, February 26, 1847, a son of John and Jane Hendricks ( Melvin) Jones. John Jones and his wife were the parents of six children : Mary Eliza, born on February 2, 1543. married on May 1. 1861, to Alvard Stutson, and died on November 3, 1863, leaving one child. Harry A., born on July 19, 1862, and died on September 28, 1913: Lucien Bonaparte. born on October 2. 1844, married on Septem- ber 15, 1870, to Alice Kinney, and died on May 24, 1876. leaving three children, Kinney. Nora and Lucien; Frank, the immediate subject of this review; Horace Greeley. of London, born on September 6, 1853. married on September 10, 1879, to Lizzie Ilouston ; Emma, born on August 2, 1855, married on December 22, 1SS1, to Harvey F. Chandler, of London ; Dolly Ripley, married V. H. Wilson, of Lafayette, Madison county, Ohio. Mrs. Jane Jones (deceased), the mother of these six children, was the daughter of John and Sarah Melvin, and was born on February 2. 1819.
John Jones was one of twelve children born to William and Elizabeth (Droke) Jones, the others being Job K .. Sarah. Isaac. Mary Eliza. Margaret, Rachel, William. James St. Clair, Lydia, Elizabeth and Martha Jane. The father of these children died on April 19, 1857, and the mother on September 29, 1866. John Jones, the fourth child. was born on October 31, 1818, in London, Ohio, and was reared to manhood in the town of his birth. After receiving such education as the public schools afforded he began to assist his father in the mercantile business in London. Later he became a clerk in the store of William Warner. His genial manner soon won him the respect of all who knew him and led to his appointment as deputy sheriff of Madison county in the fall of 1848 by William Warner, then sheriff of the county. After serving in this capacity for four years he was elected sheriff on the Whig ticket and served two years, refusing a second nomination. John Jones was a charter member of the London Independent Order of Odd Fellows, joining the lodge on September 18, 1846. He died on April 11, 1900.
William Jones, the father of John and the grandfather of Frank Jones, was familiarly known by the whole county as "Dad" Jones. He was one of the pioneer merchants of London, a philanthropist and a Christian gentleman in every sense of the word. By trade he was a blacksmith, and did some work at his trade after coming to London. He devoted his long and useful career to merchandizing and the buying and selling of real estate throughout the county. William Jones was born near Knox- ville. Tennessee. May 18, 1789, and removed with his father to London, Ohio, in Novem- ber, 1814. He was one of four sons born to Solomon and Lydia (Sill) Jones. the other three sons being Isaac N., Zachariah and Samuel. William Jones was married on Angust 9, 1810, to Elizabeth Droke, who was born on October 18, 1793.
Frank Jones was educated in the public schools of London and then worked on one of his father's farms for a time. Later he clerked in his father's store in London and then went to Illinois and farmed for one year. In 1874 he and his brother. Lucien, purchased their father's store and the brothers continued in partnership until the death of Lucien in 1876. At that time Horace G. Jones. the brother of Frank. became his partner, the firm name continuing as Jones Brothers. The two brothers were in business until 1911, when they disposed of their store, but continued their coal business until June, 1913.
Frank Jones was married on September 30, 1874, to Lizzie H. Koogler, who was
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born at Marion, Indiana, May 22, 1852. She was a daughter of Samuel and Lucy Ann (Van Tilburg) Koogler. Samuel Koogler was born on February 24, 1825, and died on August 23, 1914. His wife was born on December 14, 1827, and died on December 28, 1865. Samuel Koogler and wife were married on October 24, 1848, and were the parents of four children : Helen B., Lizzie, William and Oella Jane. Mr. Koogler became a large landowner in Champaign county, Illinois, and at the time of his death owned nine hundred acres of land in Scott township, also six hundred acres in Mississippi.
Frank Jones and wife are the parents of one child. Nina K., who was born on June 20, 1875. She graduated from the London schools and then went to Columbus to continue her education. She then went to New York where she attended Rutgers Col- lege one year, after which she attended the Peebles & Thompson school for three years, graduating from that institution with honors on June 4, 1896. She then studied for two years in the Lambert School of Music, in New York, and later became a pupil of Albert Mildenburg, a famous music teacher of that city, after which she taught music in New York one year, her health failing,. when she spent one year at home, then joined a Miss Huggins in an art studio in New York, where they remained one year when they went to Europe for one summer.
Nina K. Jones was a most talented woman along many different lines and her sympathies were as broad and generous as her education. She always assisted those in need of help and her cheering and encouraging words endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. Her sense of justice was one of her distinguishing characteristics and she never failed to extend a helping hand to the unfortunate. Among the mission schools and the East side poor of New York City she was known as the angel of mercy. For four years she was associated with the Park Presbyterian church of New York city and during this time taught the infant class in the Sunday school. She never ceased to take the most lively interest in everything that affected the welfare of her home community. However, her life of usefulness and self-sacrificing service was cut short by her death on December 19, 1914.
Frank Jones has now retired from active pursuits and is spending his declining years in the town where he has lived practically his whole life. He has given his support to the Republican party during his career, but has never been an aspirant for political preferment. He is a member of the local lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For many years he has been a stockholder in and a director of the Madison National Bank.
M. M. CREATH.
Among the leading business men of London whose personal success is conspicuous in the history of his county is the gentleman whose name appears as the subject of this article. Although , modest of his own attainments, Mr. Creath has built for himself an enviable place in the business world and has at the same time identified himself with the best interests of the town of which he is an honored citizen. Having had from early boyhood intellectual tastes and ambitions above those of the average youth, he has not been content to give his entire attention to the pursuit of business, but has taken pleasure in giving his services to the community in which he lived, notably as a member of the school board, in which work he has taken a very deep interest.
M. M. Creath was born on November 29, 1869, in London, Ohio. His parents were George W. and Josephine (Murray) Creath. The former was a native of Fairfield township, Madison county, and the latter of Union township, Madison county. George W. Creath was a dry-goods merchant in London, and the last three years of his life
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were spent in the grocery business with his son. His early life was spent on a farm. Ile was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Creath were the parents of six children, three of whom (Carrie, Wiley and Herman) are deceased. Minnie is the wife of Lester Bidwell; Louise is the wife of Harry E. Bower of Spring- field, Ohio, and M. M. Creath, the subject of this sketch.
M. M. Creath was educated in the public schools of London and was graduated from the London high school in 18SS, after which he spent a year at Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio. After teaching for three years in Madison county, in which work he was eminently successful, he turned his attention toward a business career and clerked for a number of years in London. On March 5, 1898, he decided to go into the grocery business with his father, the firm name being Creath & Creath. At the time of his father's death he succeeded to the business.
M. M. Creath was married on April 5, 1899, to Elizabeth Maddox, of London, where she was born and reared. Mr. and Mrs. Creath are the parents of five children: John Maxwell, George William, Robert Martin, Elizabeth Jane and Murray Martin, Jr. All of the children are living at home with their parents.
In all of the organizations to which Mr. Creath belongs he has been loyal and conscientious, giving to them his best service. He is a member of the Masonic lodge. au elder of the Presbyterian church, a stanch ally of the Republican party, and a mem- ber of the London school board. In the latter capacity he has considered no duty too unimportant to demand his time and the most intelligent, conscientious service of which he is capable.
MATTHEW A. HOREN.
One of our master musicians has rightly said that "music is the soul of man if he will but listen," and in those whose lives are fully developed music plays an important part. How satisfying to be able to console the troubled and broken lives of those with whom we come in contact, by the expression of the music within. This opportunity, to assist in developing a broader vision in the minds of others, has been presented to Matthew A. Horen of London, Ohio, and he has been quick to improve the talents bestowed upon him. Evidence of this lies in the fact that he is instructor of the London Cadet Band, and also plays the clarinet in Wilkins Yolo Band, of Springfield, Ohio.
Matthew A. Horen was born on September 3, 1876, at London, Ohio, a son of Martin Horen of Wexford, Ireland, who arrived in America during the year of 1854, and began work for Andrew Canton, a resident of. West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, who was one of the contractors that built the Little Miami railway. Mr. Canton possessed a very attractive daughter and none were more aware of this than Martin Horen, who was a successful suitor for the hand of Mary A. Canton. Miss Canton's birthplace was Bridgeport. Connecticut.
Martin Horen resided in West Jefferson, but finally removed to London, where he did street contracting. He served his country during the Civil War, in the Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; but was transferred to the Seventeenth Ohio. He enlisted in 1864. and remained in service until after the close of the war, being assigned to patrol duty at the close of the great conflict. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin Horen were born the following children: John. of New York City; Edward, a dentist of Washington. D. C .; Sister Mary Burchman. of Santa Rosa, California; Mrs. Thomas J. Farrar, of London, Ohio: Mrs. Ed. Daley, of Hilliard, Ohio, and Matthew A., of London. Ohio.
Martin Horen died in September, 1910, at the age of seventy-six. The wife and mother still lives in London.
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Matthew A. Horen inherited much of his father's ambition and his mother's piety. He was educated in the parochial schools of London, taking a commercial course, and studied music at the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, during the year of 1893. After completing his course in music he entered the newspaper pro- fession which he followed until 1898. During this period he served on the Xenia Daily Review, London Times and London Daily Nickleplate. On December 15, 1898, he began his career as a merchant of musical instruments and is still in this business. He deals in pianos, musical goods and does repair work.
On July 16, 1904, Matthew A. Horen was married to Ella MeLaughlin, of West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, who was the daughter of James and Mary McLaugh- iin, both deceased.
Mrs. Horen is a graduate of the West Jefferson public schools, class of 1894; after- ward attended the Ohio State University. She also taught the primary grades of the West Jefferson schools for six years. Mrs. Horen is interested in social welfare work.
Mr. and Mrs. Horen have no children. Mr. Horen is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, and is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The Fraternal Order of Eagles claims him as one of its members. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, serving on the election board of same. Mr. Horen is a devout member of the Catholic church, where he has beeu organist for twenty years. Mr. Iloren has been given wonderful opportunity to influ- ence for good the lives of those around him, and has developed his talents, thereby ennobling his own life and enriching the lives of others.
CHARLES BUTLER.
There are in every community men who neither aspire to, nor receive the plaudits of the crowd and yet whose lives are lived with such fidelity to noble purpose that they leave their impress upon the lives of others and thus become a monument more last- ing than marble or granite. The gentleman whose name appears above unquestionably belongs to this type. Coming of a splendid family, his ancestry in this country dates back to 1650, when two of his forbears emigrated from Ireland to seek fortune and home in the newer fields establishing themselves in Boston, Massachusetts.
Charles Butler was born in Franklin county, Ohio, November 13, 1837, a son of John and Emily S. (Blue) Butler, both of whom were natives of Maryland.
Jolin Butler was a pioneer, traveling westward over the mountains in a wagon in 1837. He and his faithful wife, who shared the hardships and labor incident to pieneer life, settled on a farm ir Franklin county where they lived for four years. They then removed to Columbus, the county seat. and established their business at High and Gay streets. The death of John Butler occurred in 1889, his good wife passing away some years previously. This couple were the parents of seven children, four of whom are still living, namely: Samuel, of Columbus; Nathan, of Lancaster. Ohio; Mrs. Eliza Stabler, of Baltimore, Maryland; and Charles, the subject of this sketch.
Charles Butler was born and reared on his father's farm and was educated in the public schools of Franklin county. From 1865 to 1870 he resided in Columbus, Ohio; in 1870 and 1872 he was in Lancaster, Ohio. Coming to Madison in 1872, he purchased the place on South Main street where he now lives and immediately began improve- nients by the planting of trees which are now the source of great beauty. This farm and its surroundings constitute one of the most attractive stretches of country in the county. Mr. Butler has devoted his entire life to agriculture, with the exception of the time he served in the Civil War. When the existence of the Union was threatened
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