USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 37
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George Arter was reared to the occupation of farming and was educated in the common schools. He remained on the home farm until he had attained the age of twenty-seven years, when he began life on his own account by operating the home place. He has worked earnestly and persistently during the years that have come and gone and today his valuable farm of one hun- dred and ninety-two acres, situated on sections 12 and 13, Sandusky township, stands as evidence of the excellent success which has attained his efforts. He has improved his place with good buildings, occupying a good country resi- dence, and he also has substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and each year harvests good crops.
It was on the 21st of February, 1884, that Mr. Arter was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Harris, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, Sep- tember 7, 1854, a daughter of Joseph and Susanna (Wilson) Harris, who were natives of England and emigrated to the new world in 1839, in which year they located in Chicago, where the father was engaged in contracting and building. Their family numbered seven children. Both the parents are now deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Arter has been blessed with two sons and two daughters, namely: Sadie, who was born August 23, 1885, and is at home; Alice, who was born in January, 1889, and was graduated from the Crestline high school and is still under the parental roof; George H., who was born June 28, 1890, and is now a student in the Crestline high school; and Lester, who was born March 29, 1898, and is also at home.
Mr. Arter gives his support to the men and measures of the republican party and aside from serving as school director he has filled no public office, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his private business interests, in which he is meeting with success. He and his family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. Having spent his entire life in Richland county, he has a wide acquaintance and is also familiar with the progress which has here been made in agricultural circles in the last half century. He is known for his honesty, integrity and straightforward methods, being never known to take advantage of another in any trade transaction.
REV. WILLIAM O. SCOTT.
Although now living quietly in Butler in the filial care of his own and his wife's father, Rev. William O. Scott has devoted much of his life to the work of the ministry and in the church has done effective service for the advancement of moral and spiritual interests. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, March 20, 1856, and is the son of Thomas H. and Margaret M. (Lyons) Scott. His paternal grandfather was William Scott, a native of Treland, and the family was founded in America about 1770. Settling in Pennsylvania on his arrival in the new world, William Scott was married in that state, his wife, Miss Susana Scott, being a native of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1800. This state had not then
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been admitted to the Union. The Indians far outnumbered the white settlers and it seemed that the seeds of civilization had hardly been planted here, but Mr. and Mrs. Scott bravely faced the dangers and hardships of pioneer life and aided in laying broad and deep a foundation upon which has been builded the present prosperity and progress of the commonwealth. Mr. Scott passed away in Jefferson county in 1832 at the age of fifty-two years, while his wife died in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1865, at the age of eighty-five years.
In their family were twelve children, but Thomas H. Scott, the father of our subject, is the only one now living. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, January 12, 1820, and was reared amid the wild scenes and environ- ments of pioneer life. Having arrived at years of maturity he was married on the 25th of November, 1847, to Miss Margaret M. Lyons, whose birth occurred May 1, 1829. In his youth Thomas H. Scott attended the public schools and afterwards began teaching, which profession he followed during the winter terms for seven years. During the period of the Civil war, how- ever, he put aside business and professional cares and offered his services to the government, enlisting in 1864 as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days. During this time he was engaged in guarding prisoners at Fort Delaware and on the 15th of September, 1864, he was mustered out. For a considerable period in his early life he devoted his time and energy to general agricultural pursuits and in 1867 he joined the Muskingum annual conference of the Methodist Protestant church, with which he was connected for fifteen years, preaching at different places during that period. He is still connected therewith, being now superannuated. For the past ten years he has divided his time between the homes of his son and daughter. He is a remarkably well preserved man for one of his age and his mental faculties seem as yet undimmed. He has always been a student and a thinker and has kept abreast with the times in all matters of general progress. He is now living with his son, William, at the very venerable age of eighty-eight years, while his wife passed away April 14, 1906. They were the parents of six children: Albert G. and Andrew M., both of whom are now deceased ; Ida B., who has also passed away ; William O., of this review; Ella L., the wife of Charles G. Busbee, of Fairfield county, Ohio; and Frank S., deceased.
William O. Scott was reared in his native county and as a boy trudged off each morning to the district school and therein mastered the common branches of learning. The periods of vacation were largely devoted to farm work and when eighteen years of age he began teaching school, following the profession for eight years and proving a capable educator, his ability being manifest in the readiness with which he imparted to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He then took up the work of the ministry and joined the Mus- kingum Annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church in 1882. Three years later he came to Butler as pastor of the church of that denomina- tion at this place. He afterward accepted a call from the church at Wells- ville, Ohio, but in 1896 returned to Butler, where he has since made his home. He is supernumerary assistant to the pastor here and is on the retired list for the time being that he may care for his own and his wife's father during
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the evening of their lives. When circumstances permit, however, he will again take up the active work of the ministry, for his interest in the work has never abated nor his zeal for the cause slackened. He now controls one hundred acres of land, of which he owns one-third, and from which he derives a good rental. His portion lies within the corporation limits of Butler.
Mr. Scott has been married twice. On the 1st of June, 1887, he wedded Margaret Craig, who was born July 21, 1854, and died in September, 1896. Following her demise he married her sister, Miss Marilla A. Craig, on the 28th of September, 1897. She was born March 19, 1861, and by this mar- riage there is one child, Paul Craig Scott, born November 6, 1898. Mrs. Scott is a daughter of James A. and Mary Ann (Eicher) Craig. The father was born October 17, 1826, and makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Scott, as does the former's father. Mr. Craig's parents were Joseph and Margaret (Spear) Craig. The former was born January 29, 1797, in Pennsylvania, and died on what is now the Scott home in Butler, July 7, 1887, at the vener- able age of ninety years and six months. His wife, who was born in the Keystone state, October 29, 1801, died here, May 11, 1884, at the age of eighty-two years and six months. The family is noted for longevity. Mrs. Scott's grandfather, Joseph Craig, came to Richland county in 1828 and pur- chased eighty acres of land, which constitutes a part of what is now the Scott farm. In the midst of the unbroken wilderness he built a log cabin, which was without windows or doors until after Christmas, blankets being hung up at the openings for protection. Here the family lived in true pioneer style and when company came they utilized pumpkins for chairs. Upon this farm is a spring which has been piped into Butler and furnishes water for a large portion of the population. Joseph Craig continued to follow farming throughout life and was one of the most scientific and successful agriculturists of this section. His son, James Craig, conducted a tanyard in Butler for many years and also took contracts for clearing timber from land. He would buy land, clear it of the timber and then sell it again, and in this way made a good profit on his investment. He has now reached the evening of his life and in his declining days has the care and tender devotion of his daughter and son-in-law.
When twelve years of age Mary Ann (Eicher) Craig's mother became an invalid and the daughter not only cared for her during life, but took her place at the loom and spinning-wheel during winter months but was able to reap as many dozens of grain with the sickle as any man. Besides her own home duties she promptly and cheerfully responded to the many summons from the sickrooms throughout the neighborhood. Her home beside the spring on the hillside was ever open to the minister of the gospel, her purse and pantry to the hungry, her sympathy and love to the tempted and sorrow- ing, and her words of counsel and fervent prayers a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night around and about her home and kindred. To her the words of Scripture might have been aptly given: "She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.
. "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
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"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor: yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
"She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."-Proverbs 31:13-31.
Mrs. Scott is a graduate of the high school of Fort Wayne, Indiana, of the class of 1882, and in early womanhood she engaged in teaching near Mount Vernon, Ohio, and successfully followed that profession until she had to give up her school work to care for her father and mother. She has taken care of nine old people in all, each one being over seventy years of age. In this regard she is certainly doing a noble work and one which entitles her to the esteem and admiration of all with whom she has been brought in contact. She is the youngest of a family of six children: David, now deceased; Atchi- son D., living in Richmond, Indiana; Arminda J., the wife of W. Montis, of Des Moines, Iowa; Margaret, who was the first wife of Mr. Scott; Jerusha M., the wife of Francis J. Kanaga, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Mrs. Marilla A. Scott.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Scott are held in the highest esteem by reason of lives that are exemplary in many respects. Their influence has ever been on the side of right and progress, of justice and truth, and with them Christianity is a matter of daily living and not of Sunday observance alone. It is manifest in their relations with all with whom they come in contact and their unfaltering fidelity to the principles in which they believe.
CHRISTOPHER C. AREHART.
As long as memory remains to the American people the soldier will be held in high regard, for the country has ever felt that she owes a debt of gratitude to the boys in blue who fought for the defense of the Union during the darkest hour in the nation's history since the establishment of American independence. Among the veterans of the Civil war who are now living in Richland county is numbered Christopher C. Arehart, who was born in Perry- ville, Ashland county, Ohio, April 29, 1843. He had therefore but just passed his eighteenth birthday when on the 16th of August, 1861, he offered his services to the government in defense of the stars and stripes. He was mustered into the United States service on the 6th of August and went to the front as a private. On the 28th and 29th of December of the same year he participated in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou. He was also in the engage- ment at Arkansas Post, January 11, 1863; at Thompson Hill, Mississippi, on the 1st of May; and in the siege of Vicksburg from the 18th of May until the 4th of July. He took part in the battle at Big Black River on the 17th of May, 1863, and was at Jackson, Mississippi, from the 9th to the 16th of July. He then went to Frankfort and on the 1st of February, 1867, he was appointed corporal. From the 5th to the 7th of May, 1864, he was at a plantation in
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Louisiana, and on the 27th of November of the same year he was transferred to Company E, of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He also took part in a battle in May, 1864, and in the engagement at Bayou De Glaize on the 18th of May. He also aided in the siege of Mobile, Alabama, from the 26th of March until the 9th of April; in the siege of Fort Blakely from the 2d to the 9th of April, 1865; was next transferred to Company E, of the Forty-eighth Ohio Infantry, July 24, 1865, and was honorably dis- charged at Houston, Texas, October 14, 1865, for the war had been brought to a close and his aid was no longer needed.
Mr. Arehart then returned to Ashland county, Ohio, and resumed his education as a student in the schools of Perryville. He afterward devoted some time to learning the plasterer's trade and worked in that business for seven years. On the expiration of that period he engaged in farming in Monroe township, Richland county, Ohio, and also worked at the plasterer's trade.
On the 8th of January, 1870, Mr. Arehart was married to Miss Emma Yates and in 1878 they removed to the farm in Monroe township, comprising one hundred and twenty-two acres of land, where Mr. Arehart devoted his attention successfully to agricultural interests until about six years ago, when he purchased a commodious residence in the village of Lucas and took up his abode there. Since that time he has lived a life of quiet and well earned retirement, enjoying the ease and rest which should always crown long years of active and honorable labor. He has made an excellent record in business and aside from the activity he has displayed in the industrial and agricultural circles he has also been one of the directors of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Lucas.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arehart have been born four children: Lloyd, who operates his father's farm; May, the wife of Norman Irwin, a resident farmer of this county; John, who is a liveryman at Mansfield; and Don, deceased.
While Mr. Arehart is now largely living retired from business cares, he has never ceased to be an active factor in movements and measures pertaining to the public good. He is in all things a respected and progressive citizen, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day and all matters of general interest. He manifests a patriotic devotion to his county, state and nation and in community affairs has done much active and efficient work. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and through his official connection with the schools he has done much for their upbuilding. He has labored earnestly to raise the standard of public education in Monroe township, believes in the employment of competent teachers and the introduc- tion of progressive measures that will make the public-school course a thorough preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. He has likewise been a generous supporter of the church and his influence is always on the side of moral advancement. In political affairs he has been a stanch democrat and has for the past five years served as infirmary director, discharging the duties of the position with promptness and fidelity. As assessor and trustee he has done good work for the community and his aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further progressive measures. He maintains pleasant rela- tions with his old army comrades through his membership in Swigart Post,
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G. A. R., of Lucas, in which he has held various offices and is past commander. Such in brief is the life record of C. C. Arehart, who commands the respect of all who know him and is justly counted one of the representative citizens of the community.
J. P. WALSH.
J. P. Walsh, who is successfully conducting a harness business in Bell- ville, was here born on the 10th of December, 1834, his parents being James and Sarah (Bell) Walsh. His maternal great-grandfather was Robert Bell, Sr., who owned the land on which the village of Bellville is now located, and laid out the town site. He came to this state with his parents in 1796 from Pallingsville, New Jersey, and first located in Belmont county, but in the spring of 1815, soon after the close of the war of 1812, the family came to Richland county and the father, Robert Bell, Sr., purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land of Samuel McClure, who had entered it from the govern- ment. On the northeast end of this tract stood the old blockhouse, and also the shake mill. On the west of this section he donated a plat for the cemetery. The land was covered with a heavy growth of timber. In 1820 Robert Bell, Sr., began laying out Bellville, and selling lots. He soon afterward went to live with his son, Robert Bell, Jr., his third child, who had married Elizabeth Lash. In 1830 the latter purchased the Jacob Stout farm of one hundred and sixty acres, now owned by Job Olin, and on selling that place he removed to Bellville in 1854, making his home there until his death, which occurred December 10, 1861, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His father had lived with him until called to his final rest in 1840, at the age of eighty-six years. The later first married Mary Yost, who was of English and Scotch descent, and who died in 1822, at the age of seventy years. In 1825 he wedded Mrs. Hannah Boogs. By trade he was a shoemaker, but also engaged in farming to some extent. He gave the park to Bellville. In religious faith he was a zealous Presbyterian, and kept strictly all the fast days and other ordinances of the church, and also gave lots for church and school purposes.
James Walsh, the father of our subject, was a native of Maryland, and came to Richland county in 1825. He followed farming for several years after coming to this county, and subsequently engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Bellville, but prior to that he conducted a tannery at that place. On selling his hardware store, he opened a harness shop, which he carried on until 1863, when he sold out and removed to Crestline, Ohio, where he made his home until his demise. He was actively connected with the early develop- ment of the county, and his labors were an important element in its substantial upbuilding.
J. P. Walsh acquired a common-school education, and remained with his father until he attained his majority. For several years afterward he was a partner of his father in the harness business, and on selling out he became connected with the carriage trade, which he continued for three years, selling
MR. AND MRS. J. P. WALSH.
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out in 1860. In that year he purchased the harness business, which he has since conducted with a gratifying and well merited success. He owns the store in which the business is carried on, and likewise has a nice residence property, being recognized as one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of the county.
In 1859 Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Cowan, a native of Maryland. Her parents, Hugh and Drusilla Cowan, came to this county at an early day and passed away here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walsh was born one daughter, Kora, at home, who after completing the regular course in the Bellville schools was appointed as teacher at the state school for blind, at Columbus, Ohio, which she held seven years. The wife and mother passed away in 1903, her demise being deeply regretted by her many friends.
Mr. Walsh has been an officer of the Presbyterian church for years, and gives his political allegiance to the democracy, and has never missed a vote since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served on the town board for several terms and is a public-spirited citizen, whose support can always be counted upon to further any measure for the general good. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows' lodge, No. 306, at Bell- ville, has filled all the chairs in this lodge several times, and is a member of the Encampment. Having spent his entire life in this, the place of his nativity, he is well and favorably known throughout the community, and has won the warm esteem and friendship of all with whom he has come in contact in business and social relations.
JOHN KRAUSE.
John Krause, president of the Mansfield Ice Company and prominently connected with various other commercial enterprises of the city, was born here on the 19th of March, 1848. His father, John Krause, a native of Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, emigrated to America in 1846, locating at Mansfield, where for the last twenty-five years of his life he engaged in the grocery busi- ness. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Beck, was also a native of Hessen Darmstadt, but came to the United States prior to her mar- riage. She passed away in 1876 and Mr. Krause survived until 1881.
John Krause is the eldest in a family of three sons and one daughter, of whom all are still living with the exception of one son, who died in infancy. Our subject acquired his education in the public schools of Mansfield and when fourteen years of age began driving a grocery wagon for his father, by whom he was employed until he had attained the age of eighteen, clerking in the store during the latter part of that time. In 1867, on account of the father's ill health, he took charge of the business and when twenty-six years old was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of John Krause & Sons. The senior partner retired in 1880, when the name of the enterprise was changed to Krause Brothers, John Krause of this review remaining an active factor in the conduct of the business until 1892, when he sold out to his
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brothers and established the Mansfield Ice Company, of which he has since been president and to the capable control of which he has given the greater part of his time and energies. That he is widely known as a man of excellent business ability and keen discrimination is indicated by the fact that his cooperation has been sought in an official capacity in various financial and commercial enterprises of this city. He has been vice president of the Bank of Mansfield since 1892, is a director in the Ideal Electric & Manufacturing Company and is interested in the Barnes Manufacturing Company, the Ohio Suspender Company and other concerns which have contributed in large measure to the commercial prosperity and upbuilding of Mansfield. He is likewise interested to some extent in Mansfield real-estate, his holdings includ- ing his home at No. 133 North Walnut street, which he built thirty years ago. He is a member of the May Realty Company, which firm built the May Build- ing on South Park street, consisting of office building, flats and store building.
A democrat in politics, Mr. Krause has always taken an active interest in the work of the party here, and for two successive terms served as township treasurer of Madison township. During one term, from 1894 until 1897, he was a member of the board of water works trustees, and from 1904 until 1907 acted on the board of public service. In these various positions of trust and responsibility he displayed the same fidelity and capability that characterize him in the conduct of his private business affairs and is recognized as a man who is faithful to the obligations devolving upon him in every relation of life. He has gone through all the chairs of the Knights of Pythias and his fraternal relations also connect him with the Elks and the National Union, while for about ten years he has been one of the deacons in St. Luke's Lutheran church.
On the 21st of November, 1875, in Mansfield, Mr. Krause was united in marriage to Miss Amelia, daughter of Jacob Bush, a retired farmer of Richland county. The one son of this union, Albert B., is manager of the Mansfield Ice Company. A native son of the city in which his entire life has been passed, John Krause has so lived as to win the admiration and esteem of those who have known him from boyhood and have noted the excellent use he has made of his advantages and opportunities in the attainment of the prosperity which he today enjoys.
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