USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 4
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duties devolving upon him in connection with his commercial and other connections. He is now engaged in stock-raising to a large extent, being senior member of the firm of Carpenter & Ross, who have one of the largest and best herds of shorthorn cattle in the country, with stock farms located three miles southeast of Mansfield. His life has been so varied in its activity, so honorable in its purposes, so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it has become an integral part of the history of the city and has also left an impress upon the annals of the state. In no sense a man in public life, he has nevertheless exerted an immeasurable influence on the city of his residence; in business life as a financier and promoter of extensive industrial and com- mercial enterprises; in social circles by reason of a charming personality and unfeigned cordiality ; in politics by reason of his public spirit and devo- tion to the general good as well as his comprehensive understanding of the questions affecting state and national welfare; and in those departments of activity which ameliorate hard conditions of life for the unfortunate by his benevolence and his liberality.
Mr. Carpenter gives stalwart allegiance to the republican party and keeps in touch with the advanced thought of his profession through his member- ship in the Richland County Bar Association, while fraternally he is an Elk. In 1889, at Youngstown, Ohio, he was united in marriage to Miss Clara Cornell, a daughter of A. B. Cornell of that place. The children of this union are three in number: Helen, Jeannette and Amy, all at home.
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J. R. McDANEL.
Among the venerable pioneer citizens of Richland county, none is more deserving of mention in this volume than is J. R. McDanel, for no man has taken a more active part in its substantial growth and development. The farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated on section. 26, Monroe town- ship, was entered from the government by his father in 1826, and here our subject has spent the greater part of his life, covering a period of eighty- seven years.
Mr. McDanel was born in Pennsylvania, September 8, 1821, a son of William and Mary (Richie) McDanel, who were natives of Delaware, and came to Richland county in 1826, at which time the father entered one hundred and twenty acres of land from the government. He built a log cabin eighteen by twenty-two feet, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. Here the family lived for five years, and this crude dwelling was then replaced by one of hewed logs, in which the parents lived throughout their remaining days, the father passing away in 1854, while the mother survived for a few years, her death occurring in 1862. Of their family of eight children our subject is the only surviving member.
J. R. McDanel was a little lad of five years when he was brought by his parents from the Keystone state to Richland county. He shared with the other members of the family in the hardships and trials incident to life on
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the frontier. As soon as old enough he was trained to the duties of the farm, assisting his father during the seasons of plowing, planting and har- vesting, while during the winter months he attended the district schools. He continued to give his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority, when he assumed the management of the home farm until his father's death, after which he came into possession of the property and has made his home thereon to the present time. During the years that have come and gone it has been made a valuable tract, owing to the improvements placed thereon and also to the care and labor bestowed upon the fields. For many years he was active in carrying on agricultural pursuits, but now in the evening of life he is leaving the more active work to others.
Mr. McDanel has been twice married. He was first wedded in 1843 to Miss Dorothy Keller, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, and by this union there were born seven children, of whom only two are now living, namely: Harriet Ann, the wife of Aaron Baughman, of Monroe township, and Jane, the wife of John Reiter, of Newville, Ohio. Mr. McDanel was married a second time in 1881, this union being with Johan Robinson, who was born in Richland county in 1850 and is one of a family of seven children, whose parents are both deceased. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children, as follows: J. R., Jr., at home; Odessa M., the wife of Alfred Collins, of Richland county; Elizabeth, at home; and Samuel J. and Nancy E., also under the parental roof.
Politically Mr. McDanel is a democrat, but has never been active as an office holder, preferring to give his undivided time and attention to his pri- vate business interests. Brought to Richland county when a little lad of five years, he has lived to see it develop from a wild region into one of the thriving districts of the east. To the pioneer of the early days, far removed from the privileges and conveniences of city or town, the struggle for existence was a stern and hard one, but like other pioneers Mr. McDanel possessed that indomitable energy and sterling worth that has enabled him to fight life's battles, and now at the age of eighty-seven years he is able to live in com- parative ease, enjoying the comforts and conveniences that are now to be found in this section of the state.
JOIIN KNOX.
John Knox, deceased, was one of the most successful farmers and honored citizens of Washington township, his home being on section 32. He was a native of that township, born on section 29, February 8, 1836, and was a son of John and Mary (Muncy) Knox, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, the former May 25, 1784, and the latter July 17, 1794. They were married in Washington county, that state, on the 27th of May, 1813, and in 1822 came to Richland county, Ohio, locating on section 29, Washington township, where the father purchased one hundred and eighty-four acres of land and in the midst of the forest cleared and improved a farm. His first home here was a
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log cabin and for several years the family lived in true pioneer style. In his farming operations he met with excellent success and besides his property in this county he owned four hundred and eighty acres of land in Morrow county, Ohio, and also some western land. He died on the old homestead at the age of eighty-three years and his wife, who survived him for some time, passed away at the same age. They were faithful members of the United Presby- terian church. Unto them were born fifteen children, of whom ten reached manhood and womanhood, and four of the number are still living, namely: Mrs. Nancy Huston, a resident of Maryland; Mrs. Unity Brown Bloomfield, of Iowa; Wilson B., of Washington township, this county; and Milton, who is in the west.
During his boyhood John Knox received a common-school education and he remained with his parents until his marriage. It was on the 10th of April, 1860, that he wedded Miss Mary Campbell, who was born in Findlay, Ohio, March 17, 1838. Her parents were John and Jane (Sands) Campbell, both natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Findlay, Ohio, in the '30s. There her father owned and operated a mill and on coming to Richland county located in the Rocky Ford, where he erected a mill and secured six hundred acres of land, which he improved, but finally sold that property and bought another mill at Bellville, which he operated until his death. Success attended his well directed efforts and he became quite well-to-do. He died in 1867, at the age of sixty-eight years, and his wife passed away in 1875, at the age of seventy-five. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children, but only Mrs. Knox and her sister Keziah, of Bellville, are now living.
Mr. and Mrs. Knox had only one child, Eva, who was married April 12, 1905, to Florin Sagar, who was born April 23, 1859, and is a son of George W. and Ann (Hozac) Sagar. His father was a native of Virginia and died in Knox county, Ohio, in September, 1907, at the age of seventy-five years, but his mother, who was born in Perry township, this county, is still living at the age of seventy-one years and makes her home in Knox county. She has another son, Herbert Sagar, with whom she resides.
After his marriage Mr. Knox removed to Morrow county, Ohio, and pur- chased one hundred acres of land, which he cultivated for four years, but at the end of that time he sold the place and returned to Richland county, where in partnership with a brother and his father-in-law he bought three hundred and sixty acres of land on section 32, Washington township. When it came into their possession this was all timber land, but they cleared away the trees and converted it into good farming land. After a few years the property was divided and Mrs. Knox is now the owner of two hundred and nine acres, which her husband improved and cultivated up to the time of his death. He erected thereon a fine residence, large barns and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and being an energetic and progressive business man as well as an up-to-date farmer, he met with good success in his undertakings, so that he was able to leave his family in very comfortable circumstances. He was always a lover of stock and had a large number of good horses, cattle, sheep and hogs upon his place. Since her father's death Mrs. Sagar has superin- tended the operation of the farm and she seems to have inherited her father's
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business ability and his love for fine stock, so that her efforts have also been attended with good success. Mr. Knox was a faithful member of the Presby- terian church, to which his widow also belongs, and in politics was an ardent democrat. After a useful and well spent life he passed away March 29, 1903, honored and respected by all who knew him.
HON. ROBERT ERSKINE HUTCHISON.
Among the abler members of the Richland county bar is numbered Hon. Robert Erskine Hutchison, who has also won for himself a creditable reputation as a lawmaker by his beneficial service in the state legislature. He has prac- ticed continuously at the bar of the county for eleven years and has made rapid advancement, having now a large and distinctively representative cli- entage. His birth occurred in Butler county, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1871, his parents being the Rev. William R. and Serepta (Gailey) Hutchison, the former a minister of the United Presbyterian church.
The ancestry of the family can be traced back to James Hutchison, who came to America from County Armagh, Ireland, in 1754, and settled on a farm near New London, Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Presbyterian church in early life, but not being able to accept the doctrines of that denomi- nation he joined the Associate church at Oxford. It was on the account of their religious views that the family left Scotland and removed to Ireland. Samuel Hutchison was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his father, James Hutchison, to America. He served his adopted country as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and crossed the Delaware with Washington's army and spent the winter at Valley Forge. Joseph Hutchison of this family was on the list of "next to be called" for the Mexican war, but the close of hostilities relieved him from service. The Rev. William R. Hutchison, father of our subject, was born near Oxford, Pennsylvania, and was a captain of Company A of the Sixth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Heavy Artillery in the Civil war. He has devoted many years of his life to the active work of the ministry, but is now retired and resides in Savannah, Ohio.
Robert E. Hutchison was two years of age when his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Ottawa, Kansas. He acquired his early education in the public schools there and afterward attended the academy at Savannah, Ohio, having become a resident of Ashland county, Ohio, at the age of eighteen years. He finished his course in Savannah Academy in 1893 and then began preparation for a professional career as a law student in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, completing the course by graduation with the class of 1896. After some eight months spent in the west Mr. Hutchison located for practice at Mansfield in June, 1897, and has since been an active member of the bar here. Close application, laudable ambition and a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence have enabled him to carve his name high on the legal arch of Richland county. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care and gives a forceful presentation before court or
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jury, so that he has won many notable verdicts favorable to his clients. In 1901 he was elected to the city council to finish out the unexpired term of T. R. Robinson, who had been elected mayor, representing the tenth ward. Still higher official honors awaited him, however, in his election to the legis- lature in 1905. His work while there was characterized by an unfaltering devotion to the interests of his constituents and the commonwealth. He was active in committee work and gave to each question which came up for settle- ment a most thoughtful and earnest consideration.
In 1905 Mr. Hutchison was married to Miss Mary H. Gibson, of Mansfield, who was a native of the north of Ireland and came to America at the age of twelve years with her parents, David H. and Martha Gibson, the former a merchant of the Emerald Isle. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison hold membership with the United Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustec. He also belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks at Mansfield; to Madison Lodge, No. 26, K. P .; to Venus Lodge, No. 152, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; and to the Mansfield Commandery, No. 21, Knights Templar. His political allegiance has always been given to the democracy and while he has made a creditable record in office, his attention has been chiefly given to his professional labors, which he regards as his real life work. His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial and he has secured a gratifying patronage.
WILLIAM B. WOLFORD.
William B. Wolford carries on general farming in Weller township and is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. The house which is now his place of residence was also his birthplace. Under its roof he first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 7th of December, 1865, his parents being David and Leah (Kohler) Wolford, who were natives of Pennsylvania.
The father was brought to Richland county, Ohio, by his parents when only four years of age and here lived until his death, which occurrred in 1903. He had long survived his wife, who died in August, 1885. They were the parents of seven children: Maria, now the wife of Samuel Pugh, of this county ; Amos, deceased; Sarah, the wife of Henry Pugh, who is also living in this locality; Darius, whose home is in Topeka, Kansas; Allen, living in Richland county ; Henry, deceased ; and William B. The last named remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then purchased a half interest in the home farm of one hundred and sixty-nine acres in Weller township. He had previously attended the common schools and had therein mastered the branches of English learning which well equips one for life's journey and responsible duties. The occupation to which he was reared he chose as his life work and has always carried on general farming, displaying such energy and determination in the conduct of his business that he has gained therefrom a gratifying and substantial success.
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In 1892 Mr. Wolford was united in marriage to Miss Naoma Hursh, who was born in this county and is a daughter of Henry and Harriet Hursh, who are residents of Madison township. Their family numbered seven children, including Mrs. Wolford, who by her marriage has become the mother of four children: Hattie Marie, Cleo I .. , Ruth Esther and Mary E. The parents are both consistent and faithful members of the Lutheran church and in its work are actively interested. Mr. Wolford gives his political allegiance to the democracy, has been officially connected with the schools and is now serving on the board. A resident of this county from his birth, the fact that his life has been well spent is indicated by the confidence and trust entertained for him by his fellow townsmen, who recognize him as a worthy citizen and one who is ever loyal to the best interests of the community.
JOHN L. GARBER.
There is particular interest in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, for his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of the state of Ohio from the early pioneer days to the present time. For a long period he was identified with the agri- cultural interests of this section of the state but now at the age of eighty-two years he is living retired, having in former years accumulated a competency that now supplies him with all the comforts of life.
John L. Garber was born near his present home, December 11, 1826, a son of Samuel and Catherine (Leedy) Garber, the former born in York county, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1804. His father entered the war of 1812 as a civilian employee and was never heard from afterward. The mother then removed to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where the son Samuel was placed in charge of a relative, who mistreated him and he returned to his mother, who in the meantime had married Samuel Brawler. Samuel Garber remained in his native state until 1821, when he made his way to Richard county and for a time worked at the shoemaker's trade, after which he was employed by John Leedy, a farmer. It was there that he formed the acquaint- ance of the daughter, Catherine Leedy, whom he afterward made his wife. He then began farming on his own account and spent his remaining days in Richland county. His family numbered twelve children, of whom our subject is the eldest.
John L. Garber was reared on his father's farm, assisting in clearing the wild land and developing the fields into a cultivable tract. During those early days the family had to endure many hardships, the methods of farming being quite unlike those of the present day, and the family had to go to Sandusky to do their trading. Mr. Garber remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, at which time he went to Cedar county, Iowa, to join an uncle, who was a millwright by trade. He worked as a mill- wright in that state for three years, when he once more returned to Richland county and engaged in repairing mills along the Clear fork. He also assisted
John, L. Garber
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in building a steam mill in Wyandot county, Ohio. About that time his father erected a brick house, the first in this section of the state, and Mr. Garber roofed the dwelling. This induced some of the neighbors to solicit his services in the erection of houses and in all he helped to build sixteen dwellings. He then engaged in farming, having purchased sixty acres in Worthington township, which he farmed for one year. Disposing of that property, he then bought one hundred and sixty acres in partnership with a brother but this was later divided, our subject taking eighty acres on section 33, Jefferson township. To this he later added from time to time as his financial resources increased until he possessed three hundred and twenty acres. For a long period he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits on an extensive scale and accumulated quite a comfortable fortune. About a year ago he divided his land among his children and since that time has lived in well earned ease.
On the 27th of August, 1854, Mr. Garber was united in marriage to Miss Mary Swank, who was born October 21, 1830, and still survives. Their union was blessed with ten children, namely: Zeriah, who was born March 24, 1855; Elizabeth; Samuel, who owns a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Knox county; Catherine; Florence; Alvira; Charles; one who died in infancy; Walter; and two who died in infancy.
Mr. Garber has strong prohibition tendencies but casts an independent vote, regarding men and measures rather than party ties. He served as trustee for two terms and also filled the office of school director. He is a charter member of Jefferson Grange, while both he and his wife are members of the Universalist church.
Mr. Garber is accorded a place among the pioneer citizens of Richland county, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit has been used not alone for his own benefit but for the advancement of the con- munity in which he has always made his home. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county and receives that respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has advanced thus far on the journey of life.
FRANKLIN PAUL CRUM.
Franklin Paul Crum is one of the extensive landowners of Sharon town- ship. He inherited valuable property interests and although fate thus aided him at the outset of his career, he has displayed in the conduct of his property sound business judgment and keen sagacity, and in all of his relations has manifested that irreproachable business integrity which is one of the most valuable assets in a successful career. He was born January 25, 1879. on the farm on section 12, Sharon township, where he now makes his home.
His father, Michael Crum, was born in Adams county. Pennsylvania, March 25, 1832, and was a son of Moses and Margaret (Rex) Crum, whose family numbered four sons and two daughters. The sons always followed the
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occupation of farming, which was also the life work of their father, who removed to Sharon township with his family in 1840. The previous year he had walked the entire distance from his home in Pennsylvania to Ohio in order to look over the country where he wished to settle. Being pleased with the district and its future prospects he returned home, hitched four horses to his wagon and with his family and household goods started for the then new country. They settled on a farm where Michael Crum spent nearly his entire life and in the early days the family bore all the experiences and hardships incident to a frontier experience. The death of Moses Crum occurred on this farm September 28, 1873, when he had reached the age of eighty-five years, eight months and twenty-seven days. His first purchase of land consisted of eighty acres of timber, which he cleared and improved, and afterward he bought the adjacent property, which is now in possession of Franklin P. Crum. His children were: Elizabeth, who died April 2, 1874; Daniel, who died February 21, 1901; Mollie, deceased; Jacob, who resides near Tiro, Crawford county, Ohio; George, who died in 1897; and the father of our subject.
Michael Crum aided in the arduous task of developing the wild land, performing his share of the work of the fields, and as opportunity afforded he acquired his education in the public schools. At the time of the Civil war he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union, enlisting for nine months as a member of Company F of the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Although his time expired two days before the battle of Gettysburg, he did not leave the army, for he felt that his service was still needed. He entered that engagement and was wounded in both legs by a minie ball on the first day of the engagement. His oldest brother had been drafted for the war, and as he had a family to support Michael Crum had volunteered in his place, saying to his brother, "Jacob, I will go in your place." He did so and with his regiment was attached to the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Second Army Corps. After being wounded he was taken prisoner, but the next day the rebels retreated and he was left once more among friends. He was then removed to the county infirmary, which was being used as an army hospital. The place was only about ten miles from the place of his birth and a friend visiting the hospital recognized him and notified his people. who came and cared for him. From this wound, however, he suffered to his dying day. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered he received an honorable discharge and returned home.
On the 28th of September, 1876, Michael Crum was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Coble, a daughter of Christian and Mary (Gartner) Coble, who were among the early settlers of Richland county and assisted materially in its development and progress. In their family were four sons and five daughters, eight of whom are living. In the spring following his marriage Mr. Crum erected an elegant residence upon his farm about a mile west of Shelby and there he maintained his home until his death, which occurred February 19, 1904. The community had learned to esteem and honor him as a prominent and representative citizen and as a successful business man, and his death, therefore, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife died October 16, 1906, at the age of sixty-three years.
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