USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 27
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From that time until his demise, which occurred on the 18th of March, 1900, Dimon Sturges remained a resident of Mansfield. He acquired his early education in the schools of this city, also attended school in Athens, Ohio, and still later was a student at Oberlin College. He spent the days of his boyhood here when it was a village, lived to see it develop into a city of considerable industrial and commercial importance, and throughout the years shared in the work of general upbuilding and improvement. His life in a way passed uneventfully, but it was characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty in every relation, and by the recognition and utilization of his oppor- tunities. In all of his dealings his word was as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal, and whatever course he believed to be right he followed with untiring determination.
When he had attained his majority he joined Dr. Guthrie in the owner- ship and conduct of a drug store at Mansfield, but after a short time the doctor retired and Perkins Bigelow became a partner of Mr. Sturges. They engaged in wholesaling and retailing drugs and medicines and for many years Mr. Sturges continued in that line and was very successful. In fact the firm of Sturges & Bigelow were recognized as the most successful druggists of the city. Mr. Sturges had the opportunity at one time to become associated with a gentleman of excellent business ability in the preparation, manufacture and sale of specific remedies, whose success in after years was marvelous. Mr. Sturges, after some consideration, decided not to accept the offer, but elected to make his home among the friends of his boyhood and youth. He after- ward became the leading book seller of Mansfield, carrying on the business very successfully. He also contributed to the improvement and substantial growth of the city in other ways, including the erection of the finest business block then in Mansfield, with an assembly room on the upper floor which supplied a long-felt want here. Not long afterward he erected a fine residence on Park avenue West, where he lived a great many years. Whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion, brooking no obstacle that could be overcome by determined and persistent effort.
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On the 5th of June, 1851, Mr. Sturges was united in marriage to Miss Helen L. Hodge, of Buffalo, New York. Unto them were born eight children, six of whom are yet living: William P., of Cleveland, Ohio; Eben B., a business man of Detroit, making his home in Ann Arbor; Dr. Purdy H. Sturges, of Brooklyn, New York; Mrs. L. H. Wales, of Mansfield; Julia, who has been one of the librarians here for ten years; and Ada, also of this city.
In 1867 Mr. Sturges became a member of the Congregational church, of which his father had been one of the organizers. He became an active worker in the church and its various societies and did all in his power to advance the moral progress and upbuilding of the community. He was one of the founders of the Young Men's Christian Association of Mansfield and was a delegate from it to the national convention, which met in Portland, Maine, in 1869. For many years he was connected with a band of brothers who were Ministers of the Angel of the Helping Hand. Their purpose was to visit the sick, help the distressed, bury the dead and care for the widows and orphans. He sacredly met the obligations which devolved upon him in this connection, continuing to exemplify in his life the spirit of the society until he retired on account of the infirmities of old age. His career in a way was an even and quiet one. The community knew him as a faithful husband, a kind father and a good citizen, who had no aspiration for high political honors or offices and yet was never neglectful of his duties to his fellowman. In all of his business relations he was the soul of honor and integrity and he enjoyed to the fullest extent the confidence and good will of all who knew him. He left behind him a memory that is sacredly cherished by many friends as well as his immediate family and an example that is indeed worthy of emulation.
MICHAEL STUFF.
Michael Stuff, who is living on his farm of eighty acres on section 7, Jefferson township, was born in Perry township, Richland county, on the 15th of September, 1826, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Garns) Stuff, natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Coming to Ohio in the spring of 1826, they entered land in that part of Richland county which is now Craw- ford county, but subsequently traded it for the eighty acres on which our subject now resides. They placed many improvements upon the farm, which remained their place of abode until they were called to their final rest. The father's death occurred in 1896, when he was in his eighty-first year, and his wife passed away in 1895, at the age of seventy years. Their family numbered eleven children, but the only ones now living are Michael, of this review ; and William, of Noble county, Indiana.
Michael Stuff began his education in a subscription school conducted in a little log building and received a good practical training in the district schools which he later attended. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age and then worked by the month for three years, receiv-
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ing from seven dollars and a half to ten dollars for his services. Subsequently he learned the carpenter's trade, being identified with that line of activity for fifteen years, and for two years worked in a mill. He then purchased the old home farm on section 7, Jefferson township and has since given his time and attention to its cultivation and improvement, gaining a gratifying annual income through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests.
On the 29th of December, 1858, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stuff and Miss Anna Baker, a daughter of Henry Baker, who was a native of Penn- sylvania. Mrs. Stuff was one of a family of seven children and by her mar- riage has become the mother of eleven: John, born October 9, 1859, is a resi- dent of Bellville; Jacob, born April 7, 1861, lives in Jefferson township; Sarah E., born April 24, 1865, is the wife of Isaac Sarff, of Knox county, Ohio; Laura B., born November 6, 1868, is the wife of Bert Olin; Frederick, born August 3, 1871, is a resident of Jefferson township; Samuel, born Decem- ber 10, 1873, lives in Hancock county; Harvey, born June 18, 1876, lives at home; Franklin, born December 29, 1878, resides in Jefferson township; Roylan, born August 14, 1881, lives at home and is engaged in teaching school ; Mary, born July 18, 1885, is the wife of Mr. Bessler, of Henry county; and one is deceased.
In his political views Mr. Stuff is a democrat and has served as township trustee. He is connected with the Masonic lodge at Bellville, and his seven sons are also members of this fraternity. A native son of this county, he has been a well known and worthy resident here for eighty-two years and now receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and who has been honorable and upright in every relation.
CHARLES H. ARTER.
Charles H. Arter, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock- raising on sections 12 and 13, Sandusky township, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, March 29, 1863, his parents being George and Sarah Arter, who are mentioned on another page of this volume. Our subject acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He then purchased a farm in Richland county and now owns two hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on sections 12 and 13, Sandusky township, where he carries on his general farming and stock-raising interests in such a capable manner that a gratifying annual income is assured him. He is energetic, enterprising and progressive and is numbered among the substantial and public-spirited citizens of the community.
Mr. Arter has been married twice. He was first wedded, in 1891, to Miss Mollie Parke, whose birth occurred at Ada, Ohio, and by whom he had two children, Ruth and Charles Parke, who are at home. Losing his first wife in 1895, Mr. Arter was subsequently again married, his second union being
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with Miss Nora Shambaugh, who was born in Morrow county, Ohio, and whose parents still reside in that county. She is one of a family of five chil- dren, the record of whom is as follows: Lurenza D., of Mansfield; J. E., deceased; Ida, who is the wife of A. B. Reinhart, and makes her home in Morrow county, Ohio; Mrs. Arter; and Guy G., of Johnsville, Ohio. Unto Charles H. and Nora (Shambaugh) Arter have been born four children, namely: Clarence A .; Mary Jane; John H., who passed away; and Mildred S.
In his political views Mr. Arter is a stanch republican, while fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Crestline. His, wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, the teachings of which she exemplifies in her daily life. They are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community and the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
THEODORE WAGNER.
Theodore Wagner, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on sec- tion 20, Washington township, was born in Morrow county, Ohio, May 26, 1854, his parents being John and Catherine (Remy) Wagner. The father was born in Weida, Selters, Germany, in 1819, and the mother's birth also occurred in the fatherland in 1826. John Wagner was a tailor by trade, and emigrated to the United States in 1848. He first purchased ten acres of land from John Workman and subsequently bought and sold different farms throughout his entire business career, also following his trade in addition to his speculative interests. In 1853 he removed to Morrow county, Ohio, but remained there only a short time, and for a period of six months also carried on business at Mansfield. He returned to his farm in Richland county, however, and passed away there in 1888, his wife having been called to her final rest in 1879. By his marriage, which took place in 1850, he had six children, four of whom still survive: Mrs. Wilhelmina Yonker, of Springfield township; Theodore, of this review; Mrs. Mary E. Fulton, who is a widow residing in Washington township; and Mrs. Louisa Bower, who is a widow making her home in Mansfield, Ohio.
Theodore Wagner was reared to farm life and acquired his education in the district schools. When twenty-six years of age he was employed as a farm hand by the month and was thus engaged until four years after his marriage. He then purchased a half interest in the farm which he now owns, comprising one hundred and one acres of rich and productive land. He has placed many substantial improvements thereon and also remodeled the buildings, and in the conduct of his agricultural interests has met with a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity, owing to his unremitting industry and capable management.
Mr. Wagner has been married twice. On the 18th of May, 1882, he wedded Miss Harriet Rodocker, who was born in Washington township, a daughter of John and Christy Ann (Haverstock) Rodocker. Her father's
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birth occurred in Stark county, Ohio, August 25, 1815, while her mother was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, March 21, 1820. Their marriage was cele- brated June 14, 1840, and the year 1855 witnessed their arrival in Richland county, Ohio. Their family numbered twelve children, three sons and nine daughters. Mrs. Harriet Wagner passed away September 6, 1896, leaving one son, Harry H., who is at home.
Mr. Wagner was again married, his second union being with Miss Mar- garet McKinney, who was born in Richland county, March 9, 1860, a daughter of Daniel and Christina (Shadel) Mckinney. The father was born in Penn- sylvania, June 17, 1818, while the mother's birth likewise occurred in the Keystone state, her natal day being January 11, 1819. In early life they came to Ohio with their respective parents and were reared and married here, Daniel Mckinney being successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Jackson township, Richland county, until he passed away on the 23d of October, 1868. His wife survived him for a number of years, her death occurring March 13, 1885. Their family numbered five children, as follows: John, of Williams county, Ohio; Solomon, residing in Springfield township; Nathaniel, who makes his home in Chicago; Mrs. Wagner; and William, who passed away at the age of twenty-one years, his death the result of an illness con- tracted in the war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have been born three children : Bertha, Edwin M. and Daniel R.
In his political views Mr. Wagner is a democrat, while fraternally he is connected with the Masonic Lodge at Bellville, and with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 446, at Lexington. His life has been one of continuous activity, to which has been accorded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of his community.
E. O. McLEAN.
E. O. McLean, as the president of the Roderick Lean Manufacturing Company, stands at the head of one of the leading productive industries of Mansfield. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but many a man of less resolute purpose and keen discrimination would have failed in an attempt to enlarge and control this. Rising above the heads of the majority there has always been a series of individuals who by reason of their pronounced ability and forceful personality have ever commanded the homage of their fellowmen and have revealed to the world those two resplendent virtues of a lordly race,-perseverance in purpose and a directing spirit which never fails. Such a man is E. O. McLean and his efforts have been of material benefit to the city.
As the name indicates, the McLeans come from Scotch ancestry, but Roderick Lean, the father of our subject, dropped the prefix from the name, which, however, has been taken up again by the present generation. The father was born in Nova Scotia and as a boy learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed on his own account at Shakespeare, Ontario. In 1859 he
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removed to Stratford, Ontario, and there began the manufacture of harrows, plows and cultivators in a small way. While working in his smithy one day the question flashed into his mind, "Why not build a harrow entirely of steel?" and as the result of this idea he became the pioneer builder of the all- steel harrow and the promoter of an important industry. In 1868 the Roderick Lean Manufacturing Company was organized and in 1874 the business was removed to Mansfield, Ohio, where the manufacture of all-steel harrows was continued. Many of the harrows turned out during these early days are still in use and in good condition, which is due to the fact that Roderick Lean never allowed an implement to go out from his blacksmith shop or from his factory without the certain knowledge that in that implement steel had been used wherever it could be used, that honesty had prevailed in its construction, and that it was built as well as he knew how to build it. Thus the house gained an excellent reputation for the quality and grade of its goods and the highest standard has ever been maintained.
During the first few years of the existence of the business only eight or ten men were employed. In 1892, owing to failing health, Roderick Lean withdrew from the business and in January, 1893, removed to California, settling on a lemon ranch about six miles from San Diego. He afterward devoted his attention to the ranch until his death in July, 1894, but the enterprise which he established in Mansfield still stands as a monument to his business ability and progressive spirit. He had been married twice. He first wedded Miss Chloe Belfry at New Market, Canada, and their children were E. O. and Faninus, the latter associated with the manufacturing department of the Lean Manufacturing Company until his death. The wife and mother died at Shakespeare, Canada, in 1865, and later Roderick Lean wedded Miss Sarah Smith, this wedding being celebrated near New Market, Canada, in 1867. Their children were: Philana, Harriet and Sarah Belle, all now at home; Andrus B., who is now vice president of the Lean Manufacturing Com- pany; and Milton H. The father was prominent in the Park Avenue Baptist church of Mansfield, taking a very active and helpful part in its work. He was a man of irreproachable integrity and commercial honor and wherever he was known was held in the highest esteem because of his fidelity and reliability in business affairs. Moreover, he deserves credit as the pioneer in the building of the all-steel harrow and as such his name deserves to go down in history.
E. O. McLean, whose name introduces this review, was born in Canada in 1861 and came with his father to Mansfield in 1874. After completing his education he concentrated his time and energies upon the conduct of his father's business and acquainted himself with various departments of the work. In 1886 Emerson O. McLean was admitted to a partnership and thus added the enterprise, perseverance and hopeful enthusiasm of the young man to the broad experience and keen discernment of the father, constituting a strong and resourceful firm. In 1893 the business was incorporated with a capital of sixty thousand dollars, with E. O. McLean as president, A. B. McLean as vice president, J. E. Gibson as secretary, and A. H. Glendenning as treas- urer. In 1903 the capital stock was increased to five hundred thousand dollars and since that time the officers have been: E. O. McLean, president ; A. B.
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McLean, vice president and superintendent; and A. H. Glendenning, secretary and treasurer. A. B. McLean first entered the business as bookkeeper and later became connected with the sales department, while subsequntly he was chosen superintendent and vice president. He was largely educated at Mans- field, attending the high and normal schools here and also a business college.
The brothers are known as among the most enterprising, reliable and successful business men of Mansfield. Under their control their output has steadily increased in order to meet the growing demands of the trade and they now employ three hundred workmen. No longer is the product confined to harrows. Until 1900, however, they manufactured little beside spike tooth and spring tooth harrows, but in that year they added many kindred lines and now manufacture spike and spring, land rollers, cultivators, etc. Their output is sold all over America and throughout the world where grain is grown. Their plant now occupies five acres and is one of the important productive industries of the city. Justice is always maintained with employes and the aim of the business has been constantly to improve the output and the character of service to the public.
1
SOLOMON SPEAR.
Solomon Spear, a successful merchant of Plymouth, one who possesses the confidence and esteem of all who deal with him, and who claims the dis- tinction of conducting the oldest established business in Plymouth, is a native of Germany. He was born in Schrecksbach, Kreis Ziegenhain, Hesse, May 6, 1843. His father, Wolf Spear, who was a son of Nathaniel Spear, was a merchant in that town, where he passed his entire life, dying in 1889. He married Miss Yetta Schoenberg, a native of the neighboring province, Hesse-Darmstadt, and they became the parents of six children, as follows: two who died in infancy; Nathaniel, who died at the age of nine years; Solo- mon, who is the subject of this review; Betty, who married Moses Shield, a merchant of Plymouth, Ohio, and Jacob, now deceased, who was a merchant in his native town.
Solomon Spear passed his boyhood days in attending school in his native country and at the age of fourteen years came to America, landing in New York, May 19, 1857. He at once made his way to Ohio, arriving in Ply- mouth on the 24th day of that month, where he has resided to the present time. He at first attended school, then for a short time engaged in peddling and such other employment as would yield him an honest living. He finally commenced clerking, first with W. B. Kahn, with whom he remained two years. He then entered the employ of Billstein & Schoenberg in the live stock business, continuing with them until the spring of 1866, when he en- gaged in that business for a few months on his own account. In the fall of 1866 he bought the clothing store of W. B. Kahn, conducting the business alone until 1868, in which year he admitted his brother-in-law, M. Shield, into partnership, and they carried on the establishment jointly until 1891,
Lol Spear-
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when Mr. Shield sold his interest to our subject, who has since been sole pro- prietor. Besides the clothing business Mr. Spear has also dealt extensively in wool, seeds, etc., but at the present writing he is preparing to retire from active business.
Mr. Spear was married January 6, 1867, to Miss Augusta Billstein, who was born November 11, 1845, in Ruelfenrode, Kreis Alsfeld, Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany, and was brought by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lippman Billstein, to the United States in 1854, when a little maiden of nine years. The family home was established in Plymouth. By her marriage she became the honored and beloved mother of six children, as follows: Nathaniel, who resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Alexander, of New York city; Joel, also of Pittsburg; Ida and Maurice, still under the parental roof; and Bernice, who died at the age of thirteen years.
Mr. Spear formerly gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, but since 1896 has voted independently. He has held various offices of honor and trust in his community. He served on the school board for twenty-seven consecutive years, a longer time of service than any other member can boast of ; has served as a member of the village council at various times, and at the present writing is president of the board of public affairs. His own interests were never so great that he forgot the welfare of the town, and Plymouth's success, industrially and civically, is greatly the result of his conscientious efforts and unswerving devotion to the home of his adoption.
At the age of twenty-one years he was made a Mason in Richland Lodge, No. 201, F. & A. M., and became a charter member of Plymouth Chapter, No. 118, R. A. M., at Plymouth, of which he has served as secretary for the past thirty years. He is also a member of Mansfield Council, No. 94, R. & S. M.
The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He has found the opportunities that he sought and, making the best of these, he has steadily worked his way upward. He is pre-eminently a self-made man and fully merits the respect and good opinion which he has won from all who come in contact with him.
HENRY F. STOVER.
Throughout a long period Henry F. Stover has been identified with the agricultural interests of Richland county, and today as proprietor of the Long- view Dairy he is well known in various sections of the county. He was born on the farm which is now his home, November 14, 1862. His paternal grand- father, John Stover, came from Pennsylvania to Richland county in 1835 and here his remaining days were passed. His son, who also bore the name of John Stover, and became the father of our subject, was born near Lan- caster, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1823, and arrived in Mansfield, Ohio, with his parents, on the twelfth anniversary of his birth. He followed farming as a life work and became the owner of three good farms, one comprising one hundred
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acres, a second of one hundred and eight acres, and a third of one hundred and twenty-one acres. He was a democrat in his political views, but was not active as an office seeker. His religious faith was that of the Reformed church in London, Ohio. He died in Richland county, September 2, 1888, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years. His wife bore the maiden name of Leah Landis. She was born in 1833, a daughter of Rev. Jacob S. and Mary (Miller) Landis, the former a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in 1811, while the birth of the latter occurred in the year 1812. They were reared and married in the Keystone state, coming to Richland county in 1838 and settling on a farm in Jackson township. The father gave his time to farming and to preaching the gospel until his demise, which occurred when he had reached the age of sixty-four years.
The family of Rev. and Mrs. Jacob Landis numbered ten children, as follows: Mary Ann; Leah, who afterward became Mrs. Stover; Amanda; J. M., of Shelby; Jacob, who died in the army; Isaac, who resides in Shelby ; Margaret, deceased; Mrs. Katharine Kline, a resident of Marshall county, Indiana; Mrs. Susan Kline, who has departed this life; and David, who died in infancy. After the demise of Rev. Jacob S. Landis, his widow married again, her second union being with a Mr. Wagner, who has also passed away. Mrs. Wagner still survives and now makes her home with her eldest son, J. M. Landis, in Shelby.
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