USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 36
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Previous to his arrival in Mansfield Mr. Leonard served for three years in the United States Interior department with Secretary Noble, and his labors were a helpful and influential factor in the establishment of schools of letters and industrial training schools for the Indians. In 1897 President Mckinley tendered him the superintendency of Indian schools but he declined because the faithful discharge of the duties of the position would necessitate his almost continuous absence from home. He has delivered lectures before teachers' institutes throughout the middle west and his last educational work, before entering the reformatory, was in the normal training school of Youngstown, Ohio. In 1901 he was appointed superintendent of the Ohio State Reform- atory. He immediately entered upon his work there and during the succeed- ing seven years his labors have given the utmost satisfaction to all concerned. The reformatory farm comprises five hundred acres of land and has been a source of revenue to the state as well as a means of discipline and training for the prison population. In the year 1906 the farm netted a profit of ten thou- sand dollars. In this connection Mr. Leonard said, "While it is very gratifying to learn that the farming operations are valuable from an economic point of view, this, after all, is a minor consideration when compared with the value of the farm as a means of discipline and training. A study of the farm report will reveal the fact that we have endeavored to produce everything which it is possible to raise in this region, and it is needless to say to those experienced in agriculture that such returns from two hundred and fifty acres of land, actually available, would be impossible if intensive methods were not em- ployed. While the trusty system has rendered our farming operations much more profitable from an economic sense, and much more valuable for purposes of education and training, the moral gain alone justifies the system. The self- restraint necessary for these young men to resist the temptation to run away, and the moral stimulus that comes by imposing upon them responsibility in assignment of duties, results in the development of a degree of moral stamina that justifies an early parole and increases very appreciably the number of young men from this institution who become good citizens."
The reformatory idea originated nearly a century ago in Europe, but it made little progress until quite recently. Its highest development in the United States is seen in such institutions as that at Mansfield, Ohio, and Elmira, New York. In some respects the former is unique, and work is there being done which has brought to it the attention of all interested in the intro- duction of humanitarian and progressive principles in such institutions. The system employed at Mansfield is largely the creation of the present superin- tendent. That system is builded upon the conviction that while there are, many among a prison population who are outside the zone of corrective influence, there are still greater numbers who can be improved or reclaimed by the personal interest and encouragement of officials and the application of wise reformative regulations. Mr. Leonard is the apostle of hopefulness in prison management. He has an abiding faith in humanity. He believes that in most offenders against the law there is a preponderance of good and that in the worst criminal some wholesome quality may be discovered. To repress the evil inclination and develop the manhood, self-respect and self-reliance of the
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unfortunates committed to his care is the policy along which Mr. Leonard has been working for several years.
For thirty-three years Mr. Leonard has been in the public service. Nearly all of his work has been of an educative character and has had to do with the physical, mental and moral development of those who have come under his care. The influence of his work and the results of his labors are immeasurable, but, as Browning puts it, he "has been awakening the little seeds of good asleep throughout the world." While not a practical politician in the sense of being a worker in organized political ranks or in an untiring search for office, he has nevertheless taken a great interest in public affairs and is a stalwart champion of republican principles. He is a member of the Prison Congress and National Association of Charities and Correction. He gives deep and earnest thought and most careful consideration to, and he has written and read before the public, many papers on reform work which have been widely published both in this country and abroad.
On the 29th of July, 1885, in Youngstown, Ohio, Mr. Leonard was mar- ried to Elizabeth Annette Treat, a representative of the Treat family of Con- necticut and later prominent among the early settlers of the Western Reserve. She is a direct descendant of Robert Treat, who for forty years was governor of Connecticut, and also of George Clinton, the first governor of New York and twice vice president of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard have two daughters and two sons: Elizabeth and Laura Annette, who are students in Oberlin College; and James A., and George Todd, who are students in the Mansfield high school.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Leonard is connected with Masonry and has attained the Knight Templar degree. From the age of fifteen years he has been a member of the Methodist church and is serving on the official board of the First Methodist Episcopal church in Mansfield. His religion is of the most practical character and is manifested in his untiring, devoted and consecrated effort for his fellowmen. He possesses a hopeful optimism, for he believes that good is in each individual and that proper environment and encouragement will bring it out. Thus he is working steadily toward making the world better.
VERNON REDDING.
It is a trite but true saying that there is always room at the top. In his business career Vernon Redding has gained a place where he has comparatively few competitors, for his ability has led him out of the ranks of the many and placed him among the successful few. As an architect he has secured a liberal patronage and many of the fine structures of Mansfield and this section of the state stand as evidence of his skill and handiwork. He was born at Ashland, Ohio, October 7, 1866, and is descended in both the paternal and maternal lines from German ancestry. His parents are P. M. and Malinda (Roland) Redding, both of whom are residents of Ashland. The father, a
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native of that city, is well known as a contractor and builder there. Vernon Redding is the eldest of their family of five children, four of whom survive, his brother Frank having died at Montauk Point, Long Island, of typhoid fever contracted in the Spanish-American war, in which he served as a member of the Eighth Regiment. The others of the family are: Henry N. Redding, who is employed by his brother Vernon; Lester, who is also in his brother's employ; and Mrs. Peter Gougwer, who is residing near Ashland, Ohio.
Vernon Redding spent his boyhood days in his native city and acquired his education in the public schools there. One secret of his success undoubtedly is found in the fact of his persistency of purpose in continuing in a business in which he embarked in early manhood, his long experience continually promoting his efficiency and skill. At the age of nineteen years he entered the employ of Weary & Kramer, architects of Akron, Ohio, with whom he remained for eleven years, spending the last six years of that period as head draftsman in the office. That firm then opened an office in New York city and Mr. Redding was transferred as head draftsman to the eastern metropolis, where he remained for a year. On the expiration of that period the firm dissolved and Mr. Redding was offered a partnership with G. W. Kramer, who retained the New York office. Deciding to locate farther west, however, Mr. Redding selected Mansfield as a favorable location and arrived here in the fall of 1896. He then opened an office and has continued in business in this city to the present time. He has done a general business in making plans for and superintending the erection of public and private buildings, both locally and throughout the state. The volume of outside business that is accorded him is by far the most extensive, comprising about eighty percent of his total patronage. Among the more important structures outside of the city which have been erected under his management are the Young Men's Christian Association Building at Springfield, Ohio, costing eighty-five thousand dollars; the Young Men's Christian Association Building, the First Presbyterian church and the Carnegie Library at Bucyrus, Ohio; the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation Building, the Opera House, the Walnut Street school, the Ashland County Infirmary and a number of residences at Ashland, Ohio; the fine new residences for Dr. S. E. Simmons and D. W. H. Merritt, and the building of the Huron County Banking Company at Norwalk, Ohio, and the remodeling of the Huron county court house and the Huron county infirmary. He also built the new parochial school and auditorium for SS. Peter's and Paul's congregation at Sandusky, Ohio, the Seventh ward school and the residence of Dr. H. C. Schopfle, at Sandusky, Ohio; the Garfield apartments and the Ozier & McCreedy block at Akron, Ohio; the new department store for D. A. Frank & Company, at Marion, Ohio; the Wayne County National Bank, the Wayne County Building & Loan building, the Carnegie library, and the resi- dences of J. S. R. Overholt and Mrs. Jacob Frick, all of Wooster, Ohio; the Central Hotel, Carnegie library, First National Bank building, United Brethren church and the residence of A. Howard, at Galion, Ohio; and the annex to the high school building, the New Park National Bank, the six-story commercial building for Eli Hull, and the First Presbyterian church, of Newark, Ohio. He was also awarded the contract for the Trinity Episcopal
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church at Bellfontaine, Ohio; the high school building at Wooster, Ohio; the four-story commercial building for F. E. Myers & Brother at Ashland, Ohio; and the new high school building at Wadsworth, this state. Among the more important buildings Mr. Redding has erected in Mansfield are the new Carnegie library, the Grace Episcopal church and First and Central Methodist Episcopal churches, St. Paul's Lutheran church, the annex to the high school, the Bow- man and Newman street, the Hedges and the East Fourth street school build- ings, the Young Men's Christian Association building, the remodeling of the Southern Hotel, a business block for S. M. Ford, the May Realty Company building and the new Elks' home, together with a number of factory build- ings, including that owned by the American Cigar Company. He also built the fine new Westbrook Country Club building. In addition to his extensive building operations he is a director of the Citizens Savings & Loan Association. He passed the examination and was admitted to the American Institute of Architects, May 24, 1902,-a recognition of his ability as one of the skilled architects of the country.
On the 18th of January, 1888, in Ashland, Ohio, Mr. Redding was mar- ried to Miss Margaret E. Sheets of that city and they had one daughter, Helen Elizabeth, now fifteen years of age. Mrs. Redding died in the spring of 1900, and Mr. Redding was married, in Norwalk, Ohio, October 13, 1903, to Harriett R. Becker, of that place. The family residence is on Marion avenue, a property which he purchased ten years ago. Mr. Redding is a member of the Elks and Masonic fraternities and of the Westbrook Country Club. He is also a member of the First Presbyterian church and for several years served as one of its trustees. While he does not seek notoriety or public attention, he is at all times a courteous, genial gentleman, and one whose commendable qualities have gained for him warm friendship and sincere regard. With a nature that could not be content with mediocrity, he has steadily progressed in his chosen calling and his position now is among the foremost architects of Ohio.
JOHN WESLEY FERREE.
John Wesley Ferree, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Franklin township, was born in what was then Franklin but is now Weller township, Richland county, Ohio, July 16, 1838, his parents being William and Anne (Haislett) Ferree, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. The father came to Richland county about 1820, when a lad of twelve years, settling on what is now the Franklin and Weller township line. His entire business career was devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which he met with a good measure of success. His demise occurred in November, 1866, while his wife survived him until 1870, when she, too, was called to her final rest. Unto this worthy couple were born five children, four sons and one daughter. John Wesley, of this review, was the first in order of birth. W. A. served for three years as a member of the One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and now carries on farming near Shiloh, Richland
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county, Ohio. Mary A. is the wife of John Richards, of Seattle, Washington. Samuel, who when eighteen years of age enlisted for one hundred days as a soldier in the Civil war, contracted disease while in the service and died from its effects in 1865. Jacob W. carries on agricultural pursuits in Weller township.
John Wesley Ferree spent his boyhood days on the old homestead farm and acquired a common-school education. In 1861 he enlisted as a soldier in the Civil war and for three years and two months loyally defended the Union. He first went to western Virginia and was then transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, with which he continued until his term expired. He partici- pated in all the engagements of the Army of the Cumberland and was slightly wounded at Stone River. He was discharged with the rank of duty sergeant and returned home with a creditable military record, having never faltered in the performance of any task assigned him. Since 1865 he has carried on farming on his present place of one hundred and sixty acres and, owing to his unremitting industry and capable management, has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity. A few old buildings stood on the farm when it came into his possession but he has torn these all down and replaced them with an attractive and commodious residence, a substantial barn and outbuildings, while the farm in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
In November, 1864, Mr. Ferree was united in marriage to Miss Susan Osbun, by whom he has four children: Minnie, at home; Charles, who married Miss Laura Haverfield and has three children, Tressie, Jay and Harold; Martha A., also at home; and William W., who wedded Miss Alpine Webb, by whom he has one child, Mary.
In his political views Mr. Ferree is a stanch republican and for one term, beginning in 1890, served as county commissioner. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Pavonia, Ohio, of which he is now com- mander, and he and his family are all connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held office and in the work of which he is actively and helpfully interested. Throughout his entire life, covering the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he has been a resident of this county and his interests are thoroughly identified therewith, his aid and cooperation ever being counted upon in furthering any movement or measure instituted for the general welfare.
WILLIAM MCELROY WELDON.
William McElroy Weldon, a prominent and well known lawyer of Mans- field, was born in this city on the 28th of December, 1868. His great-grand- father, Rolin Weldon, was one of the first settlers of Richland county, the year of his arrival being 1809. The grandfather, James Weldon, one of the old- time merchants of Mansfield, conducted his general store in what is still the "Weldon Corner" on the southeast corner of Main and Fourth streets. His
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wife was a McElroy, whose father, William McElroy, settled on a farm three miles east of Mansfield in 1818 and the farm is still held by his descendants. The maternal grandmother of our subject was a Hodge, belonging to one of Buffalo's prominent pioneer families. William H. Weldon, father of William McElroy Weldon, was a naval officer in the Civil war and afterward a banker in Philadelphia. He died, however, when a comparatively young man, his death occurring in his twenty-ninth year. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Purdy, the eldest daughter of the late James Purdy, one of Mans- field's early lawyers, editors and bankers, who was also prominent in the development of the state's first canal system.
William McElroy Weldon was graduated from the public schools of Mansfield in 1886 and from Amherst College in the year 1890. After return- ing from a trip abroad he began reading law in the office of Jenner & Tracy and on the completion of a course in the Columbia Law School was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio in 1892. He has been associated with S. E. Jenner, F. K. Tracy and Hon. John W. Jenner in the active practice of law in the state and federal courts, and as director and attorney has assisted in the incorporation and management of The Farmers' Savings & Trust Com- pany and several local manufacturing companies. His success in a profes- sional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury, and concise in his appeals before the court. His reputation as a lawyer has been won through earnest, honest labor and his standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability.
Descended on both the paternal and maternal sides from a line of whigs, he has always been an active republican, and in 1899 was elected city solicitor of Mansfield. He was the first republican solicitor elected in thirty years-a fact which plainly indicates his popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen.
In 1896 William McElroy Weldon was united in marriage to Miss Sarah May Black, the only daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Blymyer) Black. They make their home in the old Blymyer-Black homestead, which is enlivened by the presence of two bright and interesting children, Elizabeth and William, aged respectively seven and four years.
ISAAC GRANVILLE NOECKER.
Isaac Granville Noecker, who is an enterprising and progressive man, is now operating a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-nine acres on section 27, Cass township, which belongs to his father-in-law, Levi Dick, and he also has another tract of twenty acres situated a half mile east of the home place, so that he is carrying on general agricultural pursuits on quite a large scale.
Mr. Noecker is a native son of Ohio, his birth having occurred on a farm a half mile east of Planktown, in Richland county, June 22, 1850. His father, Benjamin Noecker, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1809, the day on which President Lincoln was also born. He was first mar-
MRS. LEVI DICK.
LEVI DICK.
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ried to Miss Mary Baumgartner, who was also born in the Keystone state, and by that union there were four children. The wife and mother died near Planktown, October 28, 1841, and for his second wife he chose Lavina Van Horn, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, December 28, 1817. Her parents removed to Ohio from the Keystone state. This union was blessed with five children, as follows: Rebecca Ellen, who was born November 5, 1845, and became the wife of Joseph Coup, but is now deceased; Sarah, who was born December 15, 1847, and became the wife of Thomas Rosendale, by whom she had one child, and after his death was married a second time, but is now deceased ; Isaac G., of this review; Lovina, who was born January 1, 1852, and is now the wife of Frank Dick, a resident of Crawford county; and Katherine, who was born May 14, 1854, and is the wife of Aaron Fike, of Knox county, Ohio.
Isaac G. Noecker, whose name introduces this record, was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was reared near Planktown and acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home. In 1877 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Auburn township, Crawford county, where he remained until the time of his marriage.
That important event in his life occurred on the 9th of June, 1881, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Isabel Dick, who was born on the farm which is now her home, July 24, 1856, a daughter of Levi and Katherine A. (Swartz) Dick. The father was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1826, a son of George and Sarah (Nichols) Dick, both of whom were born in the Keystone state in 1796, and at an early day they made their way to Stark county, Ohio, and later removed to Wayne county, while the year 1832 wit- nessed their arrival in Richland county. There Levi Dick spent his remaining days, passing away June 28, 1900, when he had reached the age of seventy- four years. He was married twice, his first union being with Katherine Swartz, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1829, whence she came to Ohio with her parents in 1835. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, namely: Mary Jane, the deceased wife of George Bucher; Sarah Helen, the wife of Dan Malone, of Cass township; Isabel, now Mrs. Noecker; George Franklin, who died at the age of two years; Katherine, who died young; and one who died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away March 16, 1893, at the age of sixty-four years, and following her demise Mr. Dick was again married, his second union being with Amanda Behmer, the wedding ceremony being performed December 16, 1897. His widow now resides in Lafayette, Ohio. The father followed farming in this state and became a large landowner, owning at one time four hundred acres.
Following the marriage of Isaac G. Noecker and Isabel Dick they began their domestic life upon a farm in Crawford county, where they made their home until seven years ago, at which time they came to Cass township, Rich- land county, and took up their abode upon his father-in-law's farm, which has been their home to the present time. This tract comprises one hundred and fifty-nine acres of well improved land, all of which is in a good state of culti- vation, and in addition to this Mr. Noecker also operates another tract of
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twenty acres adjoining. On the place stands a good brick residence and sub- stantial barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. Mr. Noecker is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and both branches of his business are proving a profitable source of revenue to him.
Mr. and Mrs. Noecker have four children: Levi B., born May 14, 1882, married Rosie Schreff and is engaged in painting and paper hanging in Shelby ; George Leonard, born November 25, 1883, and agent for the Watkins Medicine Company, married Catherine Pickens, by whom he has one child, Leola, and they reside in Edison, Ohio; and Charles, born May 11, 1888, and Howard Dick, born August 21, 1893, are both at home.
Mr. Noecker gives his political support to the democratic party, having supported its men and measures since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He served as trustee of Cass township for one term and has filled other minor offices. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias at Tiro. Having spent his entire life in Ohio, Mr. Noecker is familiar with the history of the state and is well and favorably known in many sections. He has ever followed the most honorable methods in his dealings with his fellowmen and all who know him have none but the highest praise and commendation for him.
GEORGE ARTER.
The name of Arter is an old and prominent one in Richland county, members of the family having resided here since 1816, therefore the gentle- man whose name introduces this sketch needs no introduction to our readers. Mr. Arter was born in Crawford county, Ohio, December 24, 1850. The first of the family to come to Richland county was the paternal great-grandfather, who entered twelve hundred acres of land from the government, in Sandusky and Springfield townships. He built a log cabin on the place, which continued to be his home throughout a long period. He passed away in Shelby, this state.
The father of our subject, who also bore the name of George Arter, was born December 20, 1822, in Richland county, and became a wealthy land- owner, following the occupation of farming throughout his entire life. He was married in Richland county to Miss Sarah J. Walters, likewise a native of Richland county, born June 7, 1825. He was prominent in the ranks of the republican party and took an active part in public affairs. His death occurred June 21, 1896, when he had reached the age of seventy-four years, while his wife survived him for a few years, passing away March 17, 1905, when in her seventy-fifth year. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, as follows: Rebecca, the wife of Daniel Beam, a resident of Richland county ; George, of this review; Alwilda, the wife of Aaron Oldfield, of Crawford county ; John, who has passed away ; Sarah J., the wife of J. Hout, of Richland county ; Delia, the wife of W. P. Smith, of Galion, this state; Charles H., also of Richland county; and Flora B., the wife of William Frank, of Galion, Ohio.
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