USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. I > Part 54
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59
Mr. Augustine was an ardent republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party and doing all in his power to secure its success. He was also an exemplary Mason, ever living up to the teachings of the craft. In fact he was widely recognized as a man of high honor, of strict integrity and keen ability who always had a kind word for those with whom he came in contact. He belonged to that class of men who shed around them much of the sunshine of life and it was therefore with the sincerest regret that his many friends were called to part with him when his life's labors were ended in death.
THOMAS J. GREEN.
Thomas J. Green, a well known representative of the Richland county bar, practicing as a member of the firm of Skiles. Green & Skiles in Shelby, his native city, was born March 4, 1870. His parents were Michael and Narcissa (Marvin) Green. The father was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1831, and the mother's birth occurred in Cass township, this county, May 29, 1832. Michael Green came to Ohio from Pennsylvania as a young man of nineteen years. He was a cabinetmaker and carpenter by trade, learning cabinetmaking with the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Silas Marvin. He died in the year 1888, while his wife survived until the spring of 1891. In their family were nine children, eight of whom are living.
Thomas J. Green, entering the Shelby public schools, mastered the branches that constitute the curriculum until he was graduated from the high school in 1888. He afterward attended Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio, entering the institution in September, 1888, and attending for two con- secutive years, while at a later time he also attended for part of a year. For four years he was a teacher in the public schools of Shelby, but he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor, as it was his ambition to become a member of the bar. Accordingly, he read law with Judge Mansfield and Mr. Long and to further perfect himself in his chosen calling entered the law department of the Ohio State University in September, 1896. After studying there for a year, he was admitted to the bar at the regular state examination of June, 1897, and in September following he entered the
529
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
law office of Skiles & Skiles, with which he practiced until February 9, 1904. In January of that year one of the partners, W. W. Skiles, had passed away and a new firm was then formed, composed of G. M. Skiles, Thomas J. Green and R. C. Skiles, under the firm style of Skiles, Green & Skiles. They con- tinued the practice of the old firm, which is largely confined to negligence cases in Ohio, Indiana and New York. They have become prominent in this depart- ment of the law and have been connected with much important litigation heard in the courts.
On the 25th of June, 1902, Mr. Green was married to Miss Blanche G. Skiles, a daughter of George M. Skiles. They have two children. Winifred and Robert. In politics Mr. Green has been a lifelong democrat and is recognized as one of the prominent members of the party in this locality. While reading law he was elected justice of the peace and served for a term of two years. He was also elected mayor of Shelby for one term and during his administra- tion the first street paving and sewer system were put in. Mr. Green belongs to the Mansfield Lodge of Elks, to the Shelby Masonic Lodge and to the Subordinate Lodge and Uniformed Rank of the Knights of Pythias, serving on the staff of Brigadier-General Minshall, of Ohio, with the title of major. IIe is likewise connected with the Knights of the Maccabees at Shelby, with the Colonial Club of this place and is a member of the Westbrook Country Club of Mansfield. When he was in his first term in school after leaving the public schools he lost his father and was thus thrown upon his own resources. His native strength of character, his ready adaptability and strong purpose, have enabled him to rise superior to all difficulties and obstacles that he has encountered and to gain distinction and success in legal circles, while as a citizen he is recognized as one who is most public-spirited and loyal in his devotion to the general good.
MRS. URSULA J. COULTER.
Mrs. Ursula J. Coulter is the widow of Jonathan Coulter. Her parents were William and Esther (Gladdon) Peterson, and both were natives of Monroe township, being representatives of old pioneer families of Richland county. The paternal and the maternal grandparents located here during the frontier epoch in the history of this part of the state.
William Peterson was reared to the occupation of farming and followed it as his lifework. At the time of his death he owned two large farms in Monroe township, which were inherited by his daughter. Mrs. Coulter. Of this property, comprising one hundred and eighty-five acres, she has since sold fifty-five acres to the oil company for fifteen thousand dollars, but she still owns one hundred and thirty acres, which is a finely improved tract of land which annually brings forth rich harvests and returns to her a gratifying income. Mr. Peterson was an energetic farmer, active and diligent in business and neglecting no opportunity which would promote his advancement in honorable lines. He enjoyed the good will and esteem of all with whom he
530
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
was brought in contact and his life record indicated what could be accom- plished if one be persevering and diligent. Unto him and his wife were born four children : Rossella S., now deceased; Aaron E., a resident farmer of Monroe township; Lester W., deceased; and Mrs. Coulter.
The last named spent hier girlhood days under the parental roof and acquired a liberal education in the public schools. After arriving at years of womanhood, she gave her hand in marriage to John Coulter, the wedding being celebrated in the '60s, after his return from the war. Mr. Coulter had been a drummer boy in the Union army during the period of hostilities between the north and the south. When the war was over he returned to Ohio and became proprietor of a dry-goods store at Perrysville, which he conducted for a time. He likewise served as postmaster at that place and later entered the United States civil service, serving as railway postal clerk, his run being between Pittsburg and Crestline, Ohio, for several years. He became well known in this connection, was popular with all with whom his duties brought him in contact and made many friends among those with whom he had social relations. In 1900 he became ill with typhoid fever and passed away.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coulter were born two children, but Etta E., the elder, is now deceased. The younger, E. Leone, is now at home, having completed her education in Mansfield. Mrs. Coulter now lives on her farm in Monroe township. Her father, William Peterson, one of the early residents of Richland county was very prosperous through an active life and accumulated a handsome fortune, which at his death he left to his son and daughter, his only surviving heirs. Mrs. Coulter now owns one hundred and thirty acres of land and also a fine residence property in the city of Mansfield. Upon the farm is an attractive dwelling and many modern equipments and conveniences, and in the management of the property, which is situated on section 13, Monroe township, Mrs. Coulter displays excellent business ability and executive force. She possesses, too, those true womanly traits of character, which are always admired wherever seen, and is most loyal to her friends who are many.
ROBERT B. HUMPHRYES.
Prominent among the enterprising and successful business men of Mans- field is Robert B. Humphryes, who was one of the organizers of the Humphryes Manufacturing Company. Throughout his business career he displayed ready adaptability in the utilization of opportunities and a keen foresight in recog- nizing the chances of failure or success that has enabled him to avoid all which might prove detrimental and to develop all that promises of a helpful nature in the extension and expansion of what is now one of the productive industries of Mansfield.
Mr. Humphryes was born May 17, 1846, in Newark, New Jersey, and has been a resident of Mansfield since December, 1884. He pursued his educa- tion in the common schools and was but a boy when in response to the coun-
531
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
try's call for troops he offered his services, enlisting on the 30th of June, 1862, as a member of Company F, One hundred and twenty-second New York Volunteers. He was mustered in in Syracuse, New York, August 22, 1862. He was first under the command of Colonel Silas Titus, who was afterward detailed for provo marshal duty, and Lieutenant Colonel A. W. Dwight was made the superior officer in command of the regiment. The One hundred and twenty-second New York was sent immediately to the front and the first battle in which they participated was that of South Mountain. Later they took part in the engagement at Antietam and many others in which the Army of the Potomac engaged. They were joined to the third division of the sixth corps and were afterward transferred to the first division of the sixth corps. At the battle of Cold Harbor Mr. Humphryes was seriously wounded on the 1st of June, 1864, when the division was supporting the cavalry in defense. This brought his military career to an abrupt close and after lying for four months and sixteen days in the hospital he obtained a leave of absence and returned home. Soon afterward he was transferred to St. Mary's hospital at Rochester, New York, and was there discharged from the service on the 4th of March, 1865. He had been a brave and loyal soldier, his valor equaling that of many a veteran of twice his years.
Mr. Humphryes possesses natural mechanical ability and his efforts have always been exerted along those lines. While it has been a long period since he was engaged in active work of that character, he has filled positions of executive force and administrative direction in connection with the concern at Mansfield, of which he is now vice president, so that throughout his entire career he has been identified with mechanical interests. As stated, he came to Mansfield in December, 1884, in company with his brother, John, and established what is known as the Humphryes Manufacturing Company, an incorporated organization. At the beginning they employed from twenty- fice to thirty men and the growth of the business is indicated somewhat by the fact that there are now more than three hundred names on their pay roll. This has been accomplished in twenty-four years, and today their sales extend throughout the entire world. All this is due to capable management and efficient workmanship. They have ever made it their purpose to employ men who are competent, while in the office the work has been most carefully planned and controlled.
John Humphryes was the original founder of the business, which was organized as a stock company from the first. John Humphryes, however, con- tinued as the manager until his untiring efforts and close attention to business undermined his health to such an extent that he was obliged to seek a change of climate for rest and recuperation, but he had delayed too long in making the change and in February, 1893, he passed away, dying in New Orleans when he was homeward bound. His brother, Robert, then went to the Crescent city and returned to Mansfield with his remains which were then interred in the cemetery here. The business of the house has since been continued along the lines which were marked out by the founders, and in keeping with the progressive spirit of the age. The first officers were: E. J. Forney, president ; S. M. Ford, vice president ; John Humphryes, secretary and
532
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
treasurer ; and Robert B. Humphryes, superintendent. The last named has spent his life in the business and although now retired from the management, still holds his interest, being one of the vice presidents of the company. Mr. Humphryes was united in marriage to Miss Jessie S. Ritz, who was born in Mansfield in 1866.
In his political views Mr. Humphryes has been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, although never an office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons. At all times he has been loyal to the best interests of the community and his co-operation has been counted upon and received in support of many progressive public movements. He has for twenty-four years been a resident of Mansfield and his life and work are considered a valuable asset in the business development of the city.
HON. CURTIS E. McBRIDE.
Not to know Curtis E. McBride in Richland county is to argue one's self unknown. In him a genial spirit is combined with indomitable perse- verance and strong individuality and he has already left the impress of his powers upon the judicial and legislative history of the state. There are upon the statute books of Ohio certain laws which redound to his credit and his political service has commanded the respect if not the support of the opposition. Richland county is proud to number him among her native sons. His birth occurred upon the home farm in Monroe township, August 11, 1858, his parents being Union and Nancy J. (Smart) McBride. The family has been known in this county since 1820, when the grandparents, Alexander and Ruth (Barnes) McBride, the former a native of Staunton, Virginia, came to this state and secured a tract of land near the village of Lucas, Monroe township, where they spent their remaining days. Union McBride was for a long period identified with agricultural pursuits in this county. Unto him and his wife were born four children but three of the number died in infancy.
Curtis E. McBride, the only surviving member of the family, attended the district schools between the ages of six and sixteen years and during the periods of vacation worked upon the home farm. He became a student in Wooster University in the fall of 1874 and there pursued a classical course, which he completed by graduation in 1879. That was a momentous year in his life record. It not only witnessed his graduation and his initial study of the principles of law but also his marriage, which was celebrated on the 29th of August of that year, Miss Minnie Rhodes, a native of Ashland, Ohio, becoming his wife. In the following month Mr. McBride began reading law under the direction of the firm of Burns & McBride, attorneys of Mansfield. the junior partner being his uncle, Thomas McBride, who is now deceased. On the 7th day of March, 1882, he was admitted to the bar and that the examination was a most rigid one is indicated by the fact that only seven in a class of fifteen were licensed to practice. For two years he was associated
-
C. E. McBRIDE.
535
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
with his uncle, Thomas McBride, and in the fall of 1884 joined S. G. Cum- ming in a partnership. Their practice was largely corporation work, Mr. McBride becoming the trial lawyer of the firm, with Mr. Cumming attending to the office practice. Since 1884 Mr. McBride has served as local and district counsel for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and has been local and district attorney for the Big Four Railroad Company since 1895, in which connections he has tried many complicated cases and has won some notable victories for his clients.
It has not been alone at the bar, however, that Curtis E. McBride has won distinction. He has proven his business ability in other directions and has given proof of his fidelity to community and state interests through his service in public office. He was for one term a member of the city council of Mansfield and was largely instrumental in adding to the city the Sherman- Heineman park, a most beautiful resort. He was also in the council when the franchise was granted, establishing the city electrical railway. For six years he served as a member of the school board of Mansfield and in the fall of 1893 was called to represent his district in the seventy-first general assem- bly, being elected on the democratic ticket. He at once took his place among the active, working members of that body and was appointed a member of various important committees, including that of judiciary, ways and means and taxation. During his term he introduced the McBride jury law, which provides for the abolition of the old jury system, whereby the most unde- sirable class of citizens could succeed to places on the jury list and providing also that the common pleas judge in each and every county in the state should appoint a non-partisan commission of four, or two from each political party, and that the names selected as jurors should be endorsed by three members of this commission. There was not a dissenting vote in either house or senate when the bill came up and referring to this law the president of the Ohio State Bar Association in his annual address said: "I had given this subject much thought and prepared some practical suggestions looking toward reform, when much to my delight, and no doubt to the gratification of our profession generally, an act of the legislature passed on the 23d day of April, 1894, provided for the appointment of a non-partisan jury com- mission of four suitable persons in each county, whose duty it is to select jurors for the ensuing year. Much may be expected from the jury system of the future. It is gratifying also to state that the measure was introduced in the house of representatives by Hon. Curtis E. McBride, of Mansfield. an active and honored member of our association. After passing the house. the bill was concurred in by the senate without a dissenting vote. All honors to Brother McBride in this encouraging step in the direction of legal reform."
So acceptable was Mr. McBride's service during his first term that he was reelected in November, 1895. During his previous term he had intro- duced a bill extending the time whereby law students must study for three instead of two years before being admitted to the bar. Another law for which he deserves much credit is that of requiring "special findings" by a jury as well as a general verdict. If the special findings are inconsistent with the general verdict the special findings govern. Both these laws were passed
536
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
in the session of 1894. When he was elected for a second term his party unanimously supported him for speaker, but he failed of election owing to the republican strength in the house. He was, however, floor leader of the minority during his second term and again he served on the committee on judiciary and taxation and rules. The McBride libel law, which he intro- duced, passed the house but met defeat in the senate. This provided that where a newspaper was sued for libel the party bringing the suit must prove malice.
Mr. McBride has had other honors of a public nature, having been appointed a commissioner to the Mexico Exposition, which, however, failed to materialize, while in September, 1898, he was appointed by Governor Bushnell a member of the Ohio Centennial commission for the fourteenth congressional district. His appointments came to him from a republican governor in recognition of his genuine, personal worth. On the 1st of Janu- ary, 1900, he received from the supreme court an appointment as a member of the committee to examine applicants for admission to the bar and thus served for four years. Mr. McBride is fearless in defense of what he believes to be right and his stalwart and unquestioned patriotism have gained him the honor and respect of men prominent in every walk of life in the state. In his home locality he has won warm personal friendships, his fellow townsmen knowing him as a most forceful, genial and courteous gentleman.
Unto him and his wife were born two children, Winona and Fay, and the family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. McBride was identified with its working societies and with a ladies' literary society of Mans- field. She died in December, 1900. Mr. McBride's fraternal relations extend to Mansfield Lodge and Mohican Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Madison Lodge, No. 26, K. P .; and Mansfield Lodge, No. 56, B. P. O. E. He is also identified with the lodge, chapter and commandery of Masons at Mansfield; the Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati; and the Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Cleveland. He is a man of large profes- sional and business capacity, of broad mind, and of genuine public spirit, whose interests center in those channels through which flow the greatest good to the greatest number.
HON. JOSEPH M. HUNTER.
The list of the leading citizens of Richland county contains the name of Joseph M. Hunter, who has taken a very active and prominent part in public affairs. His record as an official and as a business man has been so honorable that he has gained the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
Mr. Hunter was born on the 29th of April, 1844, in Blooming Grove township, this county, his parents being James and Mary (McLees) Hunter. His paternal grandfather was Samuel Hunter, a native of Washington
537
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
county, Pennsylvania, and a son of George Hunter, who, with two of his brothers, fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war. After leaving the army George located in Washington county, Pennsylvania, while his brother James went to Virginia, and Joseph to Georgia. Samuel Hunter, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the war of 1812 and spent the winter of 1812-13 at Camp Council, Richland county, Ohio. He and Henry Paul were comrades in arms and became such devoted friends that they entered into an agreement each to marry the sister of the other, and this agreement they carried out on their return home.
James Hunter, our subject's father, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April 5, 1814, and, although his school privileges were limited, he made the most of his advantages and, by reading and observation, became a well informed man. In 1833 he came to Richland county in company with his father, who entered a quarter section of land near Rome in Bloom- ing Grove township, which is now owned by the heirs of Joseph P. and Benjamin Hunter. In 1835 James Hunter returned to his native county and was married to Miss Mary McLees, bringing his bride to the new home he had prepared for her in Richland county. Not long afterward Samuel Hunter purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 21, Blooming Grove township, which was heavily timbered and unimproved, and upon this place James built a log cabin and at once began to clear the land and convert it into a good farm, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred November 3, 1864. As a public-spirited and progressive citizen, he took a very active and prominent part in public affairs and was a recognized leader in his community. He served as justice of the peace for six successive terms and was still filling that office at the time of his death. Although reared in the Seceder church, he joined the Presbyterians after coming to this county and for many years served as one of the elders of his church. His estimable wife, who was born in 1813, died in Blooming Grove township in 1889. She was a daughter of Charles MeLees, of Columbiana county, who was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and emigrated to America after his marriage, which was celebrated on the Emerald Isle.
Unto James and Mary (McLees) Hunter were born seven children. namely : Joseph M., of this review; Mary J., the wife of William R. Long. a farmer of Cass township, this county; Dorcas A., the wife of James W. Hann; Charles S., who is justice of the peace and lives in Rome, Blooming Grove township; Hester J., who lives with her sister, Mrs. Long; and Johannah C., deceased.
During his boyhood Joseph M. Hunter attended the public schools and while assisting in the labors of the home farm he early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was only nineteen years of age when his father died and, being the oldest in the family, the management of affairs naturally devolved upon him, and cheerfully did he bear his burdens. Not long before his death the father had purchased addi- tional land involving some obligations, which the young man assumed, and he continued in charge of his mother's affairs until after his marriage.
538
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
In 1874 Mr. Hunter wedded Miss Alice Miller, a daughter of Michael Miller, of Blooming Grove township, who was a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and one of the early settlers of Richland county. They began their domestic life on the old homestead and Mr. Hunter engaged in the operation of the farm for several years. The democratic party has always found in him a stanch supporter and at an early age he became interested in politics, becoming a recognized leader in local affairs. On the 1st of April, 1883, he was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary, and while holding that position his wife died, in May, 1888. He then wished to be released from the management of that institution, but the directors insisted upon his remaining, and he continued to serve as superintendent until April 1, 1890, when he returned to Blooming Grove township and pur- chased a farm of eighty acres of his father-in-law, living there until 1894.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.