USA > Ohio > Knox County > The Biographical record of Knox County, Ohio : to which is added an elaborate compendium of national biography > Part 4
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OF KNOX COUNTY, OHIO.
He is now deceased. The second marriage of Mr. Kirk occurred August 31, 1893, when Miss Alice V. Hutchinson became his wife.
In his social relations Mr. Kirk was a Mason and attained the Knight Templar degree in that fraternity. He was also iden- tified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and held membership in the Epis- copal church. He recognized his obliga- tions to his fellow men and met them. His strong mentality gave him a clear conception of his duty in every relation of life, and it was faithfully discharged. Men of learning, including those who guided the ship of state, recognized his ability, his value and his pa- triotism and honored and trusted him ac- cordingly and thus he left the impress of his individuality upon the welfare of state and nation.
DESAULT B. KIRK.
With the business, professional and in- tellectual activities which push forward the wheels of progress in Mount Vernon and Knox county Desault B. Kirk is connected, and while his efforts have contributed to his own prosperity they have also been of such a nature as to further advance the gen- eral welfare. Throughout almost his entire life he has been a resident of Mount Vernon, which is his native city. He is a graduate of Kenyon College, and after completing his literary course he took up the study of law in the Harvard Law School, being thus prepared for active work at the bar. He chose a profession in which. his father's prominence and position would avail him naught, for in no calling does advancement depend so largely upon individual effort and
merit as in the field of jurisprudence. He completed his law studies with the firm of Scribner & Hurd, of Toledo, and for a short time was in partnership with them. He also entered into partnership with A. R. McIn- tire, and with the passing years his experi- ence in legal work secured him a creditable position as a practitioner. He next became interested in the firm of C. & G. Cooper & Company and upon the organization of the C. & G. Cooper Company he became treas- urer and has since served in that capacity. He is also one of its directors, but his busi- ness relations do not end here for he is the vice-president of the Mount Vernon Gas Company and vice-president and trustee of the Knox National Bank.
Mr. Kirk was united in marriage to Miss Mae Cooper, a daughter of Charles Cooper, and unto them have been born the following children : Isabel Cooper, the wife of Ben- jamin Ames, a, grandson of Columbus De- lano; Eleanor Hogg, wife of Professor I. Griffith Ames, professor of English in the Illinois College, of Jacksonville, that state, and also a grandson of Columbus Delano; Robert C., now of Detroit, Michigan, who is a graduate of Kenyon Preparatory School and Military Academy ; and Charles Cooper, a student in Shattuck School. The mother died in 1887.
Mr. Kirk is a trustee of Kenyon College and since its organization he has been con- nected with the public library of Mount Ver- non, whose interests have been greatly pro- moted through his efforts. He is deeply in- terested in the welfare of all measures and movements tending to promote the general progress and his native city finds him one of its most helpful sons. He is identified with the various bodies of Masonry, also
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A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and belongs to the Episcopalian church, in which he is the senior warden and vestryman. De- pending not upon the prestige which his father's name and position would have given him Desault B. Kirk has relied upon the more substantial qualities of earnest pur- pose, untiring effort and careful preparation for his life work and has accomplished much in the business world.
FRED D. SIMONS.
Fred D. Simons is one of the most ac- tive, enterprising and prosperous business men of Knox county. Success comes not to the man who idly waits, but to the faithful toiler whose work is characterized by intelli- gence and force; it comes only to the man who has the foresight and keenness of men- tal vision to know when and how and where to exert his energies, and thus it happens that but a small proportion of those who enter the "world's broad field of battle" come off victors in the struggle for wealth and position, but with marked ability to im- prove his opportunities Mr. Simons has steadily advanced to a foremost position among substantial citizens in his part of the county.
He was born in Fredericktown February 8, 1860, and belongs to one of the old fam- ilies of the state. His father, Monroe J. Simons, was a native of Homer, Licking county, Ohio, born July 6, 1832, and was a son of Horton J. and Elizabeth (Dill) Si- mons. He was reared in his native town, where his father was engaged in mercantile pursuits. On starting out upon his business
career Monroe J. Simons was employed for a few months in a store in Newark, Ohio, and then came to Fredericktown, where he was employed as a salesman in the store of C. E. Hooker. His aptitude for business and his trustworthiness soon gained his em- ployer's confidence and after a short time he was admitted to a partnership. Before he had attained the age of thirty he was sole proprietor of the enterprise and for thirty- three years successfully conducted the store, enjoying a very liberal and profitable pat- ronage. In the later years of his life he was engaged in the grain trade until, on the 8th of September, 1897, he was smothered in a wheat bin. He had long been accounted one of the most valued residents of the com- munity and his death was deeply mourned. His political support was given the Repub- lican party and he stanchly advocated its interests. Although not a politician in the sense of office-seeking, his fellow townsmen frequently solicited him to accept office and he served as township treasurer and as a member of the town council and of the school board. Fraternally he was con- nected with the Masonic order and attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Ohio Consistory. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Alice Smith, still sur- vives her husband. She was born in Cana- da in 1836 while her parents were natives of England. Her father died when she was only two years old and she was then reared by C. R. Hooker and was usually known by the name of Alice Hooker. She is a most estimable lady and makes her home in Fred- ericktown. In the family are three children living: Fred D., Charles and John B.
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OF KNOX COUNTY, OHIO.
. In his parents home Fred D. Simons spent the period of his minority and in his early youth attended the public schools, but at the age of sixteen he put aside his text- books and entered his father's store, where he was engaged in clerking for six years. After his marriage he located on the farm where he now resides-a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres-and there for a number of years he was extensively and successfully engaged in farming, but about three years ago he abandoned agricultural pursuits and has since given his attention to dealing in horses. In 1892 he became a partner in his father's grain business, becom- ing sole owner after the latter's death, but later disposed of it. He has carefully con- ducted his varied interests and his sound business judgment has brought to him very gratifying prosperity. In 1896 he erected upon his farm a very fine residence, hardly surpassed in the county, and there his fam- ily reside, surrounded with all the comforts that go to make life worth the living.
On the 22d of March, 1882, Mr. Simons was united in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Lyon, a native of this town and a daughter of Isaac A. and Harriet (Craven) Lyon, both natives of Knox county. The Craven family is one of the oldest here, the grand- father and the great-grandfather of Mrs. Simons both having resided in this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Simons have been born two children : Alice G., who was born April 16, 1883, and Hoy Orton, born November I, 1884. The mother and daughter hold membership in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Simons belongs to Thrall Lodge No. 170, F. & A. M. and he and his wife are members of Ann Hill Chapter, No. 81, O: E. S. The family is one of prominence in the commun-
ity and the hospitality of the best homes of this part of the county is freely extended to them. In his political views Mr. Simons is a Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never aspired to office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, which have been managed so ably that they have been crowned with a high degree of prosperity.
GEORGE W. YAUGER.
The most enduring monument which can be erected to the memory of loved ones is not made of marble or granite, for time crumbles these away ; and precious as are the cherished memories in the heart s of friends, within a few years these associates will be sleeping in the silent churchyard. Naught endures save the written record, the pages glowing with the records of the noble life and kindly deeds-these alone hand down to generations of the future the his- tory of the past, of the hardy pioneers whose brave patriotism and undaunted licarts paved the way to prosperity and civilization.
One of the manly, respected citizens of Knox county was George W. Yauger, whose birth occurred in Morris county, New York, October 23, 1832. He was one of five chil- dren of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wolf) Yau- ger. The father, who was of German de- scent, was a native of New Jersey, and came with his family to Ohio about 1839, living for one year on the old Delaware road, six miles from Mount Vernon. After- ward they removed to Hilliar township, two miles north of Centerburg. The father was a carpenter by trade and spent much of his
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A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
time engaged at that occupation, while his sons conducted the farm. In 1850 the fam- ily removed to Clinton township, purchasing thirty acres of the present homestead, two miles west of Mount Vernon, where both passed away in death. After his parents' death our subject came into possession of this tract, while his brother, Garrison, in- herited the farm in Hilliar township. In subsequent years Mr. Yauger, of this re- view, became one of the well-known and leading men of Mount Vernon. He in- creased his realty holdings to two hundred acres, and later in life he made a specialty of the raising of celery, finding a ready sale for this product at Mount Vernon.
On the 5th of February, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah T. Lha- mon, of Pleasant township, Knox county, and a daughter of William and Esther (Melker) Lhamon, who came from Vir- ginia to the Buckeye state at a time when the country south of Mount Vernon was an un- broken wilderness. On the Ioth of July, 1879, the loving companion and helpmate was called to her final rest, leaving seven children : Augustus W .; George E .; Samuel W .; Nora E., the wife of Norman C. Hook- way; Sarah A., the wife of Fred Ball; Clara E., the wife of William S. Gaff; and Rev. Frank A., of the Congregational ministry.
In August, 1881, Mr. Yauger married Miss Lydia Lhamon, a sister of his former wife, who still survives him. Mr. Yauger was a Democrat in his political views, and from early manhood was a member of the Baptist church. On the 21st of April, 1900, he answered the summons to the better land. His kindness of heart was shown not only by words of sympathy but by acts of unos- tentatious benevolence. In business circles
he was noted and respected for his great in- dustry, energy, punctuality and his honor- able and systematic methods-all of which contributed to a large success, which he richly deserved.
Jennie Bowden, now a young lady, has been a member of the Yauger family since a child of nine years coming to them at her mother's death. Charles M. Porter has also for some years been an important factor in the operation of the home farm.
COL. WILLIAM C. COOPER.
William C. Cooper is one of the most conspicuous figures in the history of juris- prudence in Knox county, nor is his repu- tation limited by its boundaries, for throughout the state he has won distinction by reason of marked ability. He entered upon practice more than thirty-five years ago and his success came soon because his equipment was unusually good, he having been a close and earnest student of the fundamental principles of the law. Nature endowed him with strong intellectual pow- ers and he has acquired that persistent en- ergy and close application without which there is no success. A man of sound judg- ment he manages his cases with masterly skill and tact; is a logical reasoner and has a ready command of English. His powers as an advocate have been demonstrated by his success on many occasions and he is an able lawyer of large and varied experience in all the courts. Thoroughness character- 'izes all his efforts and he conducts all his business with a strict regard to a high standard of professional ethics.
Me Ceroper
33
OF KNOX COUNTY, OHIO.
The ancestral history of Mr. Cooper in the paternal line is purely American for many generations remote, while on the ma- ternal side he is of Scotch-Irish lineage. Prior to the establishment of the family in Ohio his grandfather, Daniel Cooper, and his father, Thompson Cooper, resided in Pennsylvania, both being natives of Butler county, that state, whence they came to Mount Vernon in the year 1806. Daniel Cooper entered the army in the war of 1812 and, holding the rank of captain, rendered valuable service to his country in her sec- ond war with England. He continued. his residence in Knox county until his death, which occurred in 1841. Thompson Coop- er, the father of our subject, was but a boy when the family came to Ohio, and therefore was reared amid the wild scenes and circumstances of pioneer life. As the years progressed he took his place among the leaders of thought and action in the. county and was very prominent and influen- tial in public affairs. For thirty years he served as justice of the peace and for eight years was mayor of Mount Vernon, his long continuance in office indicating unmis- takably the high place which he occupied in the public regard. His career was above re- proach, his public faithfulness being equalled by the probity and uprightness of his private life. He was serving as mayor at the time of his death in 1863, and it is safe to say that no citizen of Mount Vernon has been more widely or deeply mourned. He married Rebecca Craig, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, who possessed the strong traits of character of her Scotch ancestry, thrift, perseverance, un- faltering honesty and conscientiousness. She endeavored to impress upon the minds
of her children lessons of industry and truth, thus preparing them with the fortifi- cations of an upright character to meet the battles of life.
During his youth Mr. Cooper enjoyed instruction in private schools and in Mount Vernon Academy, and through the months of summer assisted in the work of the home farm, developing thereby the strong phys- ical powers which have formed the basis of his work, enabling him to carry on the men- tal activity so necessary to success at the bar. In early life it became his strong de- sire to enter the legal profession and to this end he began study under the direction of Joseph W. Vance and James Smith, Jr. When twenty-two years of age he was ad- mitted to the bar and soon afterward en- tered into partnership with his former pre- ceptor, Mr. Vance, this relation being main- tained until the death of Mr. Vance, who was killed on the field of battle. Soon after the inauguration of the Civil war they closed their office and entered their coun- try's service, Mr. Vance becoming a colonel. He was commanding his regiment at the time he was killed. Mr. Cooper was among the first to enlist in defense of the starry banner of the nation, becoming first lieuten- ant of Company B, Fourth Ohio Infantry, with which he continued in active service until the following January, when he re- signed in order to attend to the business of the firm and important personal matters. Early in 1864, however, he returned to the service for one hundred days as colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-sceond Ohio Volunteers, with which he participated in the Petersburg campaign.
At the conclusion of his second term Mr. Cooper returned home and resumed the
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A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
practice of law alone. Later he was for two years in partnership with Henry T. Porter and for eight years was at the head of the firm of Cooper, Porter & Mitchell. He is remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he prepares his cases. In no instance has his reading ever been confined to the limitations of the questions at issue; it has gone beyond and compassed every contin- gency and provided not alone for the ex- pected, but for the unexpected, which hap- pens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them. His logical grasp of facts and principles of the law applicable to them has been another potent element in his suc- cess, and a remarkable cleverness of expres- sion, an adequate and precise diction, which enables him to make others understand not only the salient points of his argument, but his every fine gradation of meaning, may be accounted one of his most conspicuous gifts and accomplishments. He is quick to master all the intricacies in a case and grasp all details, at the same time losing sight of none of the essential points upon which the decision of every case finally turns. His fidelity to his clients' interests is proverbial, yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. His diligence and energy in the preparation of his cases, as well as the earnestness, tenacity and courage with which he defends the right as he understands it, challenges the highest admiration of his associates. Yet he scorns the glittering chaplet of forensic tri- umph if it must be gained by debasing him- self, debauching public morality or degrad- ing the dignity of his profession.
The name of Mr. Cooper figures promi- nently in connection with the history of the
Republican party in Ohio, for, though he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, his opinions carry weight in the councils of his party and he is a director of public thought and feeling. Prior to the Civil war Colonel Cooper held the office of prosecuting attorney for four years. In 1860 he was elected mayor of Mount Ver- non and served for two consecutive terms. In 1871 he was chosen to represent his dis- trict in the state legislature and at the close of the term declined a second election. He was for six years president of the board of education of Mount Vernon and for five years was advocate general of the state of Ohio. These are the only civil offices held by him until he was elected to the Forty- ninth congress in 1884. In 1886 and again in 1888 he was re-elected. His reputation as a lawyer gave him a standing which was maintained and advanced by the wisdom of his counsel in the committee-room and his power in debate on the floor. He was not only a very able, but also a very useful mem- ber and he served on some of the most im- portant committees of the house. During his first term the bill providing for the or- der of succession in the office of president was passed and he was a member of the committee in charge of the bill. His argu- ment on the subject was masterly and patri- otic. He was influential on the committees on elections, on territories, on banking and on currency. He managed several cam- paigns as chairman of the Republican state central committee and was the representa- tive of the Republican party in Ohio in the national committee from 1876 until 1884, during the period of greatest contention in the party, and was a delegate to the national convention in 1872 and 1880.
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1195030
OF KNOX COUNTY, OHIO.
In January, 1864, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Russell, a daughter of Dr. John W. Russell, a physi- cian of prominence, who for sixty years practiced his profession in Mount Ver- non. Two daughters were born unto them. Mr. Cooper's social relations con- nect him with the Grand Army of the Republic and he has twice represented his state in the national encampment. His citizenship has ever been charac- terized by unswerving loyalty to the best interests of city, state and nation and by mastery of every subject upon which his actions could have direct or indirect bear- ing ; socially he is most popular, for he is genial, courteous and kindly, and true merit can always win his friendship; profession- ally he is most talented and prominent, his comprehensive understanding of the prin- ciples of jurisprudence, combined with his logic and power in argument, rendering him one of the most able members of the Ohio bar. Such is the life record of one who for seventy years has been an honored resident of Mount Vernon.
ALEXANDER CRITCHFIELD.
Throughout his entire life Alexander Critchfield has been a resident of Knox county, and has been identified with many of the interests that have contributed to its substantial development and improvement. His probity, fidelity and sterling worth have won him the unqualified confidence of his fellow townsmen, and his pathway is now brightened by the love and respect which should ever follow an upright career.
Mr. Critchfield was born upon the farm where he now resides, September 11, 1845. His father, Jesse Critchfield, claimed Penn- sylvania as the state of his nativity, but in an early day he came to Knox county, Ohio, where his death occurred when he was yet in the prime of life, passing away at the age of fifty-eight years. The mother of our sub- ject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Mowrey, and she, too, was born in the Key- stone state. She reached the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. This worthy couple became the parents of thirteen children, of whom our subject was the eleventh in order of birth. His youth was spent in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, de- voting his time during the summer months to the work of the farm and in the winter season he attended the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1862, when but seven- teen years of age, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the close of hostilities. During his career as a soldier he took part in the Atlanta campaign, was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, and took part in the last battle fought at Bentonville, North Carolina. From that place they went to Richmond and then on to Washington, D. C., where they participated in the grand review, the grand- est military pageant ever witnessed on the western hemisphere. Receiving an honora- ble discharge at Camp Dennison, Ohio, on the 22d of July, 1865, Mr. Critchfield then returned to his home and again took up the quiet duties of farm life. After his father's death he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead, and has there re- sided throughout his entire life. He now
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A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
owns one hundred acres of fertile and well improved land, on which he has erected com- modious and substantial buildings, and his is now one of the most valuable homesteads of its size in the locality. He is engaged in the raising of the cereals best adapted to this soil and climate, and his efforts in the line of his chosen vocation are bringing to him a high and well merited degree of pros- perity.
January 12, 1867, Mr. Critchfield was united in marriage to Tilda Humbert, a na- tive of Howard township, Knox county, and they have one daughter, Emma, the wife of Frank Mavis. They make their home upon the old family homestead with her parents. Mrs. Critchfield's parents, John and Susanna Humbert, came from Pennsylvania, their native state, to Knox county, Ohio, in a very early day, and they became prominent and leading citizens of their locality. They were the parents of thirteen children, Mrs. Critch- field being the seventh in order of birth. Our subject maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his member- ship with LeRoy Baker Post, No. 120, G. A. R., in which he is now serving as senior vice commander. His political support is given to the Republican party, and at all times he is a progressive and public-spirited citizen who takes a deep interest in every- thing pertaining to the welfare of the com- munity.
GEORGE H. SPRY.
George H. Spry has almost reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and throughout the long period has resided in Knox county, being to-day one of its hon-
ored and respected citizens, enjoying the re- gard of young and old, rich and poor. He was born in Monroe township, August 12, 1822, his parents being Perry and Mary (Chadwick) Spry, who were pioneer set- tlers of the county, where the father fol- lowed farming at an early day.
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