USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 55
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Two years after Mr. Baughman's return from the army he was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Mowry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Mowry, and to that union eight children have been born, one of whom died in infancy.
During the first fifteen or twenty years of Mr. Baughman's married life the family resided in Worthington township, but later removed to Jeffer- son township, where they own and reside upon a good farm on the old state road, two miles south of Bellville. This farm has historical associations, it having been the pioneer home of Major Poppleton, who, in the war of the Revolution, hoisted the American flag at Ticonderoga, when it was taken by Colonel Allen, who demanded its surrender in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress.
Politically Mr. Baughman is a democrat, as the representatives of the name have been from generation to generation. He has never sought office,
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however, preferring the quietude of private life. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades as a member of Miller Moody Post, G. A. R., of Bellville, in which he has held official positions. He was a brave soldier, is an upright citizen and is held in high esteem by his fellowmen. He has a most estimable wife, who is truly a helpmate, and they have reared a family of children of whom any parents might well be proud. He is keen- witted and is able at a glance to place a correct valuation upon men and affairs. Amidst the quiet pursuits of a country life and the endearing surroundings of a happy home he is passing the ripened years of a well-spent life and is worthy a place on the tablets of history.
GUSTAV ETZ.
Gustav Etz, who is the only implement dealer in the village of Bellville and conducts an extensive business in this line, was born in Richland county, Ohio, February 24, 1854, his parents being Philip and Katherine (Wilhelm) Etz, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to Richland county in 1851, the father purchasing land here and giving his attention to agricultural pur- suits until the time of his demise in 1875. His family numbered ten chil- dren, namely: Louis, who makes his home in Michigan; C. W., of Mans- field, Ohio; Gustav, of this review; Pauline, the wife of William Sonner, of Washington township; Henrietta, at home; Charles, who is also on the home farm; Albert and William, both of Richland county; Frank, at home; and Philip, deceased.
Gustav Etz acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He taught school for a period of nine years and also handled and shipped hay for some time. For the past ten years, however, he has been identified with the implement business, his stock including Deering harvesting machinery and twine, grain drills, wagons, corn and potato planters, spring steel fence, potato diggers, plows, harrows, cultivators, gasoline engines, paints, oils, whips, etc. He is the only implement dealer in the village of Bellville and has gained an exten- sive patronage by reason of his straightforward and reliable business methods as well as the excellent quality of his goods. He owns the store in which he conducts his enterprise and his property holdings also include a fine residence in Bellville. He has been an important factor in the business circles of Bell- ville and his prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the charac- teristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags.
In 1882 occurred the marriage of Mr. Etz and Miss Mary Searfor, a native of this county and a daughter of Jacob and Esther Jane (Grub) Scarfor. The father, who was born in Virginia, February 19, 1832, is now deceased. The mother of Mrs. Etz was born in Pennsylvania, July 6, 1830, and in the same year was brought by her parents to Richland county, Ohio, her father pur- chasing a tract of timber land here. He built a log cabin with clapboard roof
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and puncheon floor and made his home in this pioneer structure for fifteen years, clearing his farm and bringing it under a high state of cultivation. There was a sugar grove of six hundred trees on the place and he manufactured syrup on quite an extensive scale. His demise occurred January 8, 1868, while his wife survived him for ten years, being called to her final rest Novem- ber 20, 1878. Their family numbered three children, namely: Mrs. Esther Jane Searfor; and Acenia and Amelia, both of whom are deceased. In 1854 the first named gave her hand in marriage to Jacob Searfor, who passed away February 1, 1902, and by whom she had three children: Robert A., whose birth occurred in 1855 but who is now deceased; Mrs. Mary Etz, who was born December 9, 1858; and David R., born November 20, 1863, who makes his home in this county. Jacob Searfor enlisted for one hundred days' service in the Union army at the time of the Civil war. He was a devoted member of the Evangelical church, with which denomination his wife is still identified. The latter owns eighty acres of valuable land in Jefferson township and also has a fine residence in Bellville. She is widely known and highly esteemed as one of the prominent pioneer ladies of the county, having for seventy-eight years been an interested witness of its wonderful growth and development.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Etz were born two children: Jessie L., at home; and Fred, deceased. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Etz gives his political allegiance to the democracy. He is public-spirited, giving his cooperation to every movement which tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of his native county.
WALTER S. BRADFORD.
Walter S. Bradford, whose official record is winning for him high encomiums because of his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of his duties, is now serving as city auditor of Mansfield. He was born here October 22, 1872, and is a son of Walter S. Bradford, Sr., whose birth occurred in Medina, Ohio, on the 8th of September, 1833. The latter was educated as a civil engineer and followed that profession for a time in Iowa and Wisconsin. At the time of the Civil war he raised a company and was commissioned cap- tain of Company E, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and was later transferred to Company K. He remained in the service until hostilities ceased and was afterward an honored member of the Grand Army post at Mansfield. Prior to entering the army he had removed to Mansfield and here he opened an office in 1870 for the practice of law. He continued a member of the bar here until his death on the 30th of July, 1900. He was very prominent in republican politics in this county and was clerk of the court of common pleas for three years, retiring from that office in 1863. He married Amanda J. Day, a native of Richland county and a daughter of Amos Day, who was one of the first pioneers of the county. She is still living at the age of sixty-eight years. Their family numbered five children, of whom Walter S., Jr., is the second in order of birth, and four are still living. The family record is as
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follows: Orin D., who departed this life in 1903; Walter S., of this review ; Jessie A., the wife of Charles Bond, of Winslow, Arizona; Florence E., at home; and Robert L., a ranch owner of Anthony, Kansas.
The public-school system of Mansfield afforded Walter S. Bradford, Jr., his early educational privileges and later he attended the Ohio Business Col- lege of this city. He made his initial step in the business world in the employ of E. J. Potter, a photographer, with whom he remained for a year and then worked for Joseph J. Tischler, a photographer of Crestline, Ohio, where he continued for a year. He was afterward with the Union News Company at the Union depot of Mansfield until the fall of 1893 and through the succeeding three years he worked in his father's law office and read law. In 1896 he started with a companion for Cuba on a filibustering expedition, but missed the expedition, which left Fernandina, Florida, in December. He then spent the winter in Florida and in March went to St. Petersburg, that state, making several futile attempts to reach Cuba and join the army. Not having the opportunity, he returned to Mansfield in May, 1897, and entered the insurance business until the war broke out, when his military spirit again responded to a call to arms. He had enlisted in the Ohio National Guard as a member of Company M, Eighth Infantry, in 1893. In July, 1895, he was appointed corporal by promotion from the ranks, was made sergeant in July, 1896, and in January, 1898, was elected second lieutenant. On the 13th of May, 1898, he was mustered into the United States army and served as the second lieu- tenant until November 21, 1898, doing duty at Santiago, Cuba, where he landed on the 10th of July. He was mustered out in the following November and returned home.
Mr. Bradford then entered the insurance business, in which he continued until May, 1902, when he went to Chelan county, Washington, where he engaged in prospecting in the Cascade mountains until October, 1902. He then went to Seattle, where he was engaged as a traveling salesman for the Chicago Moulding Company, continuing his connection therewith until Jan- uary 25, 1903. At that date he returned to Mansfield on account of the illness of his brother and again he took up insurance work, in which he continued until March, 1904. He afterward entered the cigar business, establishing the Saratoga Cigar Store at No. 78 North Main street and of this he is still proprietor, doing a good business in that line.
Mr. Bradford is also somewhat prominent locally in political circles and was elected to the office of city auditor in November, 1907. He is a republican in politics and is interested in all community affairs, whether of a political nature or otherwise. After being mustered out of the United States service he was elected first lieutenant of Company M of the Eighth Ohio Infantry, and in 1900 was elected captain. On going to the west he resigned this commis- sion, but upon his return he was reelected, March 3, 1903, and served in that capacity to the present time. His fraternal relations are with Venus Lodge of Masons, Madison Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the United Spanish War Veterans and the Sons of Veterans. He is also a member of the First Congregational church.
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Mr. Bradford was married at Jeromeville, Ohio, to Doris, a daughter of Alexander Griffith, on the 29th of June, 1904, and they have interesting little twin daughters, Mary and Eleanor, born December 16, 1906. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bradford have many friends in the community and are well known socially.
J. T. SHAFFER.
J. T. Shaffer, successfully conducting business as a gardener, his home being on section 23, Springfield township, is a native of Bedford county, Penn- sylvania. His father, Thomas Shaffer, was also born in that state and was a son of John Shaffer, whose birth ocurred in Westmoreland county, Maryland. The great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany and the founder of the family in the new world. Earlier generations of the family always followed agricultural pursuits, but various representatives of the family during the last three generations have been connected with the trades and professions. Thomas Shaffer, father of our subject, learned the stone-mason's trade when a boy, but in later years took up farming and remained a resident of Penn- sylvania during the period of his active life. In 1891 he came to Mansfield to live with his son J. T. Shaffer, and when he passed away, three years later, his remains were taken to Johnsville, Morrow county, Ohio, and laid to rest in the old Shock cemetery. In early manhood he wedded Mary Elizabeth Wolford, who was born in Pennsylvania and was of Scotch lineage She died in 1892 and was laid to rest by the side of her husband at Johnsville Their family numbered a son and two daughters, J. T. Shaffer being the eldest. His sisters were Mrs. Carrie Conner, of Johnsville, who died September 3, 1908; and Mrs. Melvin Lane, of Mount Gilead, Ohio, also deceased.
J. T. Shaffer mastered the elementary branches of English learning as a student in the public schools of Pennsylvania, which he attended until he reached the age of ten years. He then accompanied his parents to Johnsville, Ohio, where he attended the high school, while later he pursued a normal course. Being thus well qualified for educational work, he began teaching in the public schools in the vicinity of Johnsville and followed the profession for nine years, proving competent to handle the interests of the schools with which he was connected, both in the matter of discipline and instruction. He was afterward engaged in bookkeeping for a year and then, because of impaired health, was obliged to seek outdoor employment. Accordingly he came to Mansfield and entered the employ of Joe Brumenshenkel, a gardener, on Marion avenue, with whom he continued until about four years ago, when he determined to engage in business on his own account and bought ten acres of land in Springfield township. He then began gardening on his own account. He repaired the house and barn and has added many modern equipments until he has one of the nice homes in Springfield township. He built quite an extensive forcing house and has added to its as the business has developed. Already his trade is extensive and he finds a ready sale upon
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the market for all the garden products which he produces. In cultivation he makes a specialty of size and flavor, and such is the quality of vegetables which he raises that there is a constant demand for what is sold from the Shaffer farm.
In 1897 occurred the marriage of J. T. Shaffer and Miss Etta M. Huffman, a resident of Blooming Grove, Morrow county, Ohio. Their only child, Martha May, was born on the 1st of January, 1908, and died September 2, 1908. In his political and in his religious views Mr. Shaffer is liberal and yet stands for high ideals, both in citizenship and in conduct. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. Whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own labors, and his perseverance and energy constitute the key which has unlocked for him the portals of success.
DAVID FLEMING.
David Fleming, successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 18, Jefferson township, was born on this farm on the 19th of Novem- ber, 1857, his parents being George and Sarah (Douglas) Fleming. The father, a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, came to Richland county, Ohio, at an early day, purchased land and remained here until the time of his death, which occurred December 3, 1873, his wife surviving him until July 10, 1894, when she, too, was called to her final rest. Their family num- bered ten children, namely: one who died at birth; John, Mary E. and George, all of whom have passed away; Sarah Jane, who makes her home with her brother David; Emily Ann, the wife of Nathaniel Beaty, of Allen county, Ohio; William, of Knox county ; James H., living in Richland county ; David, of this review ; and Maggie E., the wife of Edward Douglas, of Monroe county, Ohio.
David Fleming acquired a common-school education and was reared on his father's farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After attaining adult years he rented the old homestead, but after his mother's death purchased the place, which he has since successfully operated. It comprises one hundred and six acres of rich and productive land on section 18, Jefferson township, and in connection with the tilling of the soil he also raises and feeds stock, meeting with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in both undertakings and being recog- nized as one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the com- munity.
In 1891 Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Ann Fike, a native of this county and a daughter of Isaac and Mary J. (Cooke) Fike. She passed away March 29, 1893, leaving one daughter, Viola May, who is at home.
Mr. Fleming gives stalwart allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has served as school director for six years, the cause of education finding in him a stanch friend. His religious faith is indicated by
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his membership in the Evangelical church. He is public spirited, giving his cooperation to every movement which tends to promote the moral, intel- lectual and material welfare of his native county, with the interests of which he has now been identified for more than a half century.
ALLEN BLANCHARD.
Allen Blanchard was born in Albany, New York, in 1843, acquiring his education in the public schools of that city. On putting aside his text-books he commenced business as a patternmaker in association with his father, continuing in that line of activity throughout his entire life. During the three years which he spent in Mansfield he was superintendent of the Eclipse Stove Works. He was ill for the last five years of his life and during the last two years was unable to do any work.
Allen Blanchard was one of the first to enlist in the Civil war, joining the Hawkins Zouaves of New York and serving with them throughout the term of their enlistment. He participated in every engagement in which they took part and was ever a brave and loyal soldier, unfaltering in his defense of the old flag.
In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Marietta Perkins, a native of Vermont, and the two children of this union are Eugene Blanchard, of Troy, New York, and Mrs. Marie Kegg, who has four children.
Politically Mr. Blanchard was a republican, while fraternally he was connected with the Royal Arcanum, and in religious faith was a Presbyterian. His death, which occurred in 1899, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had ever been an enterprising business man, an upright and public-spirited citzen and a devoted husband and father.
ROBERT M. TAYLOR.
Robert M. Taylor is the junior member of the firm of Schryock & Taylor, proprietors of one of the leading mercantile interests of Mansfield. The busi- ness was established in 1906 and has since been successfully conducted, a large trade being enjoyed in the sale of machinery, buggies, harness, implements, fertilizers, flour, etc. The partners are men of enterprise and good business and executive ability and have made their establishment attractive to the public by reason of their honorable business methods, reasonable prices and earnest desire to please their patrons.
Mr. Taylor was born April 2, 1864, in Washington township, this county, his parents being William and Eleanor (Trewhill) Taylor. The father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit until his life's labors were ended in death in 1891. His wife, surviving him for about five years, died in Octo- ber, 1896.
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Robert M. Taylor pursued his education in the district schools of Spring- field township, for the family removed to that locality when he was but three years of age. He spent his life as a farmer and dealer in agricultural imple- ments until he joined Webster H. Schryock in establishing a business at Ontario, Ohio, under the firm style of Schryock & Taylor. This was in 1903. There they opened a store, in which they carried a line of goods similar to that which they are now handling at Mansfield. The latter store was opened in 1906 and both establishments are now being successfully conducted. They are also agents for the De Laval cream separator. Their trade has reached profitable proportions and the partners are well known for their enterprise, perseverance and commercial integrity.
Mr. Taylor is well known in political circles and in 1900 was elected con- stable, which office he has since acceptably filled, covering a period of eight years. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and is also a member of the Highland Grange. He is well known in Richland county, where his entire life has been passed and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have been acquainted with him from his boyhood is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright career.
JOHN HARVEY WOODS.
John Harvey Woods, a rural mail carrier living at No. 50 Glesner avenue in Mansfield, was born August 16, 1844, upon a farm in this county. His fath- er, James Woods, was a native of Pennsylvania, and with his parents removed to Ashland county, Ohio, in his childhood days. When he had attained his majority he began farming on his own account across the line in Richland county and was thus identified with agricultural pursuits in Ohio until 1863, when he removed to Indiana, where his death occurred in 1865. His entire life has been devoted to farming. He wedded Mary Fifcoat, who was born in Marion county, Ohio, and they became the parents of four children : John F., who, though a resident of Mansfield, is now sojourning in Los Angeles, California, for the benefit of his health; William, a resident of Oklahoma; John H., of this review; and Ebenezer, deceased.
John Harvey Woods pursued his early education in Quail Trap school in Springfield township until the age of sixteen years, after which he devoted his undivided attention to the work of the home farm, continuing thus to assist his father until he reached the age of nineteen years. He had not yet attained his majority when he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union, enlisting at Mansfield on the 19th of August, 1862, as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years, two months and four days, and was discharged at Detroit, Michigan, although the regiment was mustered out at Columbus. Mr. Woods, however, was at that time a messenger on staff duty. He par- ticipated in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post and went down the Mississippi river to Young's Point. where he was in camp for a time.
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With his command he afterward crossed the river below Vicksburg and pat- ticipated in the battle of Thompson Hill, while later he took part in the bat- tles of Jackson and Black River and was also present at the siege of Vicks- burg until its surrender. From the battle of Arkansas Post he served as a messenger on special duty until the close of the war, being connected with the staffs of General Henseman, General Joseph Hooker, and others. Although he was not wounded in battle he had met with an accident which, though seemingly slight, has since been felt. He started with a message on a dark night and, tripping on a rope, fell and hit a stake. The fall impaired his health and he feels the effects to this day.
When the war was over Mr. Woods returned to Richland county and began to clerk for his brother. He afterward went upon the road as a traveling salesman and subsequently was engaged in business on his own account until about six years ago, when he began carrying the mails on rural delivery route No. 7.
In 1873 Mr. Woods was united in marriage to Miss Emily A. Brown, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, and came with her parents to Rich- land county at the age of sixteen years. They now have one child, Cassius H., who was born in 1876 and after attending the public schools of Mansfield became a student in the dental department of the Ohio Medical University. He was graduated in 1897 with the D.D.S. degree and began the practice of dentistry in Bellville, where he remained for six years. He afterward practiced in Mansfield for two and a half years, but during the past four years has been interested in the promotion of western enterprises and is a wide- awake, progressive business man. In 1899 he married Miss Jeannette D. Oberlin, a resident of Bellville, Ohio.
In his political views Mr. Woods is a stalwart republican and, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, is enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. He was born and reared in the faith of the Seceders church, but both he and his wife are now members of the Congregational church. They own an attractive and well furnished home in the city, keep a team of horses and are pleasantly situated in life. Compara- tively few men of Mr. Woods' years can boast of three years' service as a soldier in the Union army and in the years which have since come and gone he has proven himself equally loyal to the interests of his country.
LEWIS C. MENGERT.
Lewis C. Mengert, who since 1886 has been a representative of the Ohio bar, practicing at Mansfield since 1892, has gained a large clientage, as he has demonstrated his ability to successfully handle involved and important liti- gated interests. He is one of Richland county's native sons, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in a little log cabin that stood upon a farm in Washington township, his birth occurring August 27, 1858.
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