OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

 

Welcome to
Richland County,
 Ohio

BIOGRAPHIES

Source#1: History of Richland Co., Ohio - A. A., Graham & Co., Publishers. 1807 - 1880
Source#2: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908 - Vol. II - starts at page 595.
Source#3: North Central Ohio Biographies embracing Ashland, Wayne, Medina, Lorain, Huron & Knox Counties by William A. Duff - 3 vols. 1931

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HON. CHARLES L. McCLELLAN has been prominent in the civic and official life of Richland County for 35 years, and is now serving his second term as Judge of the Probate Court.  He was born at Butler, Richland County, Nov. 29, 1864, the son of John A. and Sarah A. (Miles) McClellan.
     John A. McClellan
was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., in September, 1821, and was two years old when his parents came to Ohio and settled in Richland County.  Early in life he was a carpenter but later engaged in general farming in Knox County.  He was a prominent citizen of the community in which he lived.  Mr. McClellen died Aug. 15, 1897, and with his wife is buried in Bunker Hill Cemetery, Worthington Township, Richland County.  His wife was a native of this county.  Politically Mr. McClellan was a Democrat.  To Mr. and Mrs. McClellan were born five children: Rose, died in infancy; Hattie Belle, deceased; William D., deceased; Charles L., the subject of this sketch; and James H., lives at Mt. Vernon, Ohio.
     Charles L. McClellan was educated in the home of his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. William Rider, of Butler, Ohio.  He attended the district schools, Greentown Academy at Perrysville, and later attended Wooster University.  He taught school for a period of eight years before taking up the study of law at the Cincinnati College of Law, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1894.  He was admitted to the bar in that year and became a member of the firm of Weaver & McClellan, with offices in Mansfield.  In 1900 Mr. McClellan entered the office of the clerk of courts as deputy under Allen S. Beach, and served until 1902, when he was elected clerk of courts.  He was reelected in 1905 and served in that capacity until 1909, at which time he became associated in practice with Mr. Cook.  Later he became a member of the firm of Maner & McClellan, and his partnership continued until Harry T. Maner was appointed on the State Bureau.  Mr. McClellan was elected in November, 1924, as Judge of the Probate Court on the Democratic ticket, and was reelected to office in November, 1928.
     On Sept. 19, 1894, Judge McClellan married Miss Ociea Mitchell, of Lucas, Ohio, the daughter of John and Ann (Rider) Mitchell, natives of Monroe Township, Richland County.  Both are deceased and are buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Monroe Township, Richland County.  To Judge and Mrs. McClellen were born five children:  Ruth¸ a graduate of Wittenberg College, lives at Cleveland; Lucille, a graduate of Wittenberg College, married Ivan Bauer, lives at Mansfield; John R., deceased; William Harold, attends Wooster University; and Mary Elizabeth, attends Wittenberg College.
     Judge McClellan has always been a Democrat and served for three terms as chairman of the executive committee of the Democratic Central Committee.  He and his family hold membership in the First Lutheran Church and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Maccabees, Optimist Club, and Amima Club.
Source: History of North Central Ohio - page 584

WILLIAM McCOY, a successful agriculturist of Jefferson township, was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1835, a son of Benjamin and Sarah McCoy, who were also natives of the Keystone state.  There the mother died when our subject was a little lad of seven years, and the father subsequently married again.  By the first union there were four sons, the others being: Benjamin, who has passed away; Israel, a resident of Canton, Ohio; and John C., who makes his home in Kansas.  There was one child by the second marriage.  Leaving Pennsylvania, Benjamin McCoy brought his family to Ohio, the trip being made with a two-horse wagon, and after spending a few months in Wayne, he located in Lexington, Richland county, in 1848.  For two years he made his home in Troy township and then removed to Morrow county, where he died in 1851.
     When William McCoy had mastered the branches of learning taught in the common schools he learned the tanner's trade, with which he was connected at Bellville for fifteen years.  He then located on his present farm in Jefferson township, where he owns eighty-four acres of valuable and well improved land, and property returning to him a gratifying annual income.  He has made all of the improvements upon the place and now has a very desirable property.
     In 1860 Mr. McCoy was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Aungst, who was born on the 17th of February, 1835, and passed away in 1905, leaving one son, Frank, engaged in the drug business in Lexington, Ohio.
     Mr. McCoy gives stalwart allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and has served as a member of the council at Bellville.  He is well and favorable known in the community and now receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and whose course has at all times been honorable and upright.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)
DAVID J. McCREADY.  The fitting reward of a well spent life is a period of rest in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil and this has been vouchsafed David J. McCready, who for a long period was actively connected with agricultural interests in Richland county.  He worked diligently year after year until his labors have brought him sufficient capital to enable him to put aside active business cares and yet enjoy all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.  He is now living in Butler.
     His birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1842, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Douglas) McCready.  The father, also a nataive of Washington county, was born April 14, 1804, and having arrived at years of maturity he was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Elizabeth Douglas, whose birth occurred in Washington county on the 9th of November, 1804, there being only about six months' difference in their ages.  They lived in the east until 1859, when they removed to Ohio, settling in Washington township, Richland county, where the father rented land and then carried on farming for a number of years.  Living economically and industriously, he at length saved a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase a small farm and upon that place he and his wife spent their remaining days.  They were both consistent members of the Presbyterian church and enjoyed to the fullest extent the good will and friendship of all with whom they came in contact.   Mr. McCready died in 1874 and his wife passed away in October, 1876.  They were the parents of eight children, of whom four are yet living: John, a resident of Nebraska; Mrs. Elizabeth Pollock, whose home is in Washington township; David J.; and Mrs. Amanda Byerly, of Butler.  Those who have passed away are Rebecca, Sarah Ann, William and Mary.
     David J. McCready
spent the first seventeen years of his life in the county of his nativity and then came with his parents to Richland county.  Through the medium of the public schools, which he attended in the winter seasons, that practical experience had well qualified him for the duties of the fields when he started out in business life on his own account.
     In 1864, when a young man of twenty-two years, he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He thus served until the close of the war and met many of the hardships which fall to the lot of the soldier.  He took part in a number of hotly contested engagements and the long hard marches, but never faltered in the performance of any duty for the protection of Union interests.
     Following the war Mr. McCready returned to Richland county, took up the occupation of farming and soon made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 31st of October, 1867, to Miss Samantha Pollock, who was born in Washington township, February 9, 1842.  She is a daughter of Thomas and Mary E. (Morrell) Pollock.  Her father was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, November 15, 1801, and the mother's birth occurred in Huntingdon county of the same state on the 3d of February, 1801.  They were married on the 1st of April, 1824, but in the meantime - in 1818 - Thomas Pollock had come to Richland county with his parents.  Mrs. Pollock had removed to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, with her parents when a little maiden of nine years and there remained until after the close of the war of 1812, when they removed to the mouth of Block river, near Cleveland.  The family home was maintained at that place until 1822, when they came to Richland county.  While living on Block river Mrs. Pollock washed four pocket handkerchiefs for President Monroe, who with General Lewis Cass, R. M. Johnson and others were making a trip of inspection to the then northwest.  President Monroe gave her fifty cents for this work and she kept the piece of money for eyars.  She had a brother who was a soldier in the war of 1812, as was her father.  As stated, it was in Richland county that Mr. and Mrs. Pollock were married and here they spent their remaining days, becoming well known as respected and representative farming people of this part of the state.  The former died in Washington township, August 27, 1881, and the latter on the 27th of April, 1880.  There was only a few months difference in their ages and but a few months difference in the time of their death.  They had traveled life's journey together for about fifty-six years, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the days passed by.  Their family numbered ten children, three of whom are yet living:  Andrew, now a resident of Delaware, Ohio; James, whose home is in Madison township; and Mrs. McCready.  Those who have passed away are William, Elizabeth, Joseph, Caroline, John, Milton and Laban.  The home of Mr. and Mrs. McCready has been blessed with four children:  Orton M., James T. and L. W., all of Butler; and Eva A., at home.
     Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McCready began farming in Washington township and as his financial resources did not permit him to purchase land, he rented a farm for several years or until 1874.  As a careful expenditure in the meantime had brought him a sum sufficient to justify his purchase of fifty-two acres of land, he took up his abode thereon and made the place his home for many years, or until the fall of 1906, when he rented his farm and came to Butler, where he and his wife are now living.  Mrs. McCready has always been an able assistant and helpmate to her husband and they both deserve the rest from the arduous work of the farm which they are now enjoying.  Both are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. McCready exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party.  He has lived in this county during the greater part of his life and has witnessed its growth for almost half a century.  He has proved how effective are the qualities of unfaltering perseverance and persistent energy in achieving success, for it has been along these lines that he has won his present place among the men of affluence of the community.  The business methods he has employed have ever been such as have gained for him the trust and confidence of those with whom he has been associated, and he is justly accounted one of the respected residents of Butler.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)
ISAAC McCULLOUGH, now deceased, was numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war, and at his death, which occurred August 7, 1908, was living in honorable retirement in Butler, making his home with his sons.  He received the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one of the advanced years, whose life had been worthily passed.  He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, December 4, 1828, and was a son of Joseph and Margaret (Matheson) McCollough.  The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1801, and the mother's birth occurred in 1803.  They were married in Holmes county, Ohio, and cast in their lot among the early settlers of Richland county, where they remained for a time, and then removed to Indiana, where their last days were passed.  Both died in that state when seventy-eight years of age.  Their family numbered seven children, but only two are now living: Mrs. Elizabeth Jolly, who is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Mrs. Jane Finley, of Huntington, Indiana.
     In retrospect one can see Isaac McCullough as a young boy in the early half of the nineteenth century, working in the fields with the primitive farm machinery then in vogue, or conning his lessons in the little district schoolhouse, where few branches were taught, beyond reading, writing and arithmetic.  However, he kept in touch with the progressive thought of the world, and made substantial progress in business lines.  He continued to engage in farming until 1862, when he put aside all business and personal considerations and joined the Union army, becoming a member of Company B, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for exactly three years.  He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Hickory Post and Arkansas River, and in many other engagements and skirmishes, but although he was frequently in hazardous positions the only injury which he sustained was to have two ribs broken.  He was always faithful to his duty, whether it called him to the lonely pocket line or stationed him on the firing line.
     After the war Mr. McCullough removed to Richland county and purchased forty acres of land in Worthington township.  This he cultivated and improved, and in connection with agricultural pursuits he worked at the carpenter's trade, which he learned when a boy and which he had followed prior to the war.  Some years ago he sold his land and removed to Butler, where he spent his remaining days, making his home with his sons.
     Mr. McCullough was married in 1850 to Mrs. Eleanor Roberts, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio.  They traveled life's journey together for many years and were then separated by the death of the wife, who passed away in 1907, at the age of seventy-seven years.  Their family numbered seven children: Joseph, Isaac and Logan, who are residents of Butler; Allurah, Emeline and Mary, all now deceased; and Louisa J., the wife of Daniel Bemiller, whose home is in Worthington township.  Mrs. McCollough was a member of the Disciples church, and was an earnest, consistent Christian woman, whose death was deeply deplored by all who knew her.
     Mr. McCullough voted with the democracy after age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and although he never sought nor desired office, he was always loyal to the best interests of the community, and did everything in his power to further public progress.  Although he reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey, in spirit and interests he seemed in his prime.  He was well known in the county where he had so long resided here received the respect of rich and poor, old and young.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)
J. W. McCULLYThrift, energy and economy are the elements which constitute the success of J. W. McCully, who now owns and operates one hundred and eight acres of land situated on section 12, Sandusky township.  He is a native son of the township, his birth having occurred in a log cabin, February 12, 1848.  His parents, William and Mary (Simpson) McCully, were likewise born in Richland county, where their entire lives were passed.  Both are now deceased.  Of their five children, four still survive, namely:  S. S., of Richland county; Sarah J., the widow of D. B. Lovett, also of Richland county; William, who resides in New York city; and J. W. , of this review.
     J. W. McCully acquired his education in the common schools and was reared under the parental roof until he reached mature years, having in the meantime assisted his father in the operation of the home farm.  Upon starting out in life on his own account he located on his present farm, which he purchased, comprising one hundred and eight acres on section 12, Sandusky township.  He has improved the place with good buildings, has tiled and fenced the land and placed it under a high state of cultivation.  Here he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and each year harvests good crops as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon the fields.  In connection with farming he was also for eighteen years engaged in the tile and milling business but now gives his entire attention to agriculture.
     Mr. McCully established a home of his own by his marriage, in December, 1871, to Miss Ellen Reed, who was born in Richland county, a daughter of James and Anna (Adams) Reed, both of whom are now deceased.  She is one of a family of ten children, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, two daughters and one son: Edith M., who was born July 22, 1873, and is now the wife of William Kuhn, of Richland county; Edgar R., who was born January 18, 1877, and lives in Galion, Ohio; Jessie L., who was born October 30, 1884, and is now the wife of Clarence Hoover, a resident of Mansfield, this state.
     Mr. McCully's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the democratic party.  For several years he has served as  a member of the school board, while at the present writing he is filling the office of justice of the peace, his decisions being made in a fair and impartial manner.  He is now the candidate of his party for county commissioner.  He is a member of the National Union Insurance Company, while he and his wife are identified with the Presbyterian church.  The are people of the highest respectability and worth and are highly esteemed in the community in which they have so long resided, the hospitality of their own pleasant home being enjoyed by their many friends and acquaintances.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)
J. R. McDANEL.  Among the venerable pioneer citizens of Richland Co., 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 township, has 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, Sept. 8, 1821, a son of William and Mary (Richie) McDaniel, 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 has 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 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 harvesting, 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, owning 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 private 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 comparative ease, enjoying the comforts and conveniences that are now to be found in this section of the state.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)
GEORGE McFERREN, is justly classed among the pioneer farmers of Richland county and Perry township, his residence here dating from 1841, or for a period of sixty-seven years.  He now owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and fourteen acres, situate din Perry township, and from the tract he derives an income which supplies him with all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.  Mr. McFerren was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1839, a son of Henry and Catherine (Hardman) McFerren, who were farming people of the Keystone state and located in Richland county in 1841, the father purchasing a farm in Perry township, where he spent his remaining days.  Both the parents are now deceased, however, the mother passing away in 1880, while the father's death occurred in 1895.
     George McFerren is the younger of two sons born of his father's marriage, his brother being Samuel McFerren.  The son pursued his studies in the common schools and was early trained to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father in plowing, planting and harvesting the crops, so that when he started out in life on his own account he had excellent knowledge of the methods of agriculture.  He is now the owner of one hundred and fourteen acres, situated in Perry township.  He has tiled and fenced the land and erected substantial buildings, so that today his property is a valuable one, and each year he adds to his financial income, owning to the sale of abundant crops.
     Mr. McFerren chose as a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Miss Naoma R. Black, whom he wedded in 1862 and who died Sept. 8, 1905.  Unto this marriage were born a daughter and two sons, but he eldest,  Ellen, is now deceased.  The sons are C. L.  and William A., both farmers of Perry township.
     Mr. McFerren's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give hearty support to the men and measures of democracy, but he has never been active as an office seeker, preferring rather to give his undivided time and attention to his private business interests, in which he is meeting with success.  Brought to Richland county when but two years of age, he has always lived here and is therefore familiar with the history of this section of the state, and now in the evening of life he is surrounded by many warm friends who esteem him for his many excellent traits of heart and mind.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)
JOHN J. McPHERN, who is now filling the position of custodian at the courthouse in Mansfield, is numbered among the native sons of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came to Richland county, Ohio, in 1866.  His parents were John and Rosanna (Snyder) McPhern, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, but in their later years lived in Ohio.  They were of Scotch-Irish descent.  Their family numbered eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom one sister is now in Maryland and one brother in Pennsylvania, while the others are residents of Richland county.
     John J. McPhern acquired his education in the public schools of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came to Richland county in 1866.  He had previously served for a time as a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted as a member of Company E, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in 1864 under Captain William Tice.  The company was attached to the command of General Phil Sheridan and participated in the battles of Fisher's Ridge and Cedar Creek.  With the other members of the company Mr. McPhern spent  much time in guarding supplies and fighting guerillas including the troops under Mosby.  He was also a Petersburg and Appomattox and in the Shenandoah Valley campaign and saw active and arduous service but never faltered in his loyalty to the Union as he followed the stars and stripes, through the south.
     Upon locating in Mansfield, Mr. McPhern began working at the carpenter's trade and later engaged in the lumber business in which he continued until 1894 when he retired from that work and accepted the position of custodian at the courthouse.  He is now capably serving in that capacity and his work has the endorsement of all public officials there located.
     Mr. McPhern was married to Miss Mary E. Stone, a native of Ohio and resides at No. 59 Park avenue east.  He is a member of the Congregational church and also belongs to the Grand Army Post thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades.  In matters of citizenship he has always been loyal and progressive and he is well known in this city where for forty-two years he has made his home, during much of this period being an active business man.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)

HON. EDWIN MANSFIELD, attorney, with offices in Mansfield, is a public spirited and influential citizen of Richland County, having taken a prominent part in the business and civic life of this section of Ohio.  He was born at Ashland, Ohio, June 9, 1861, the son of Martin H. Mansfield, who was born in New York City, the son of a shipbuilder.  The father of Martin H. Mansfield met with an accidental death and his widow, with her two sons, Martin H. and William¸settled at Baltimore, Md.  Martin H. later became attached to the family of the late Senator Patterson.  The brothers subsequently went to Mifflintown, Pa., where they married sisters, Martin’s wife being Anna Saeger.  He owned and operated a small shop at Steam Corners, Ohio, where he manufactured a clover huller, which was his own invention.  He patented his invention and others in the agricultural implement line and in 1842 removed to Ashland, Ohio, where he secured larger quarters.  In 1876 he retired from active business at Massillon, Ohio, having assigned his patent to Russell and Company, Massillon, Ohio.  Martin H. Mansfield died in 1880 and his wife died about 10 years later.  He was a man of remarkable talent and his inventions were indicative of his mechanical genius.  There were 11 children in the Mansfield family, three of whom now survive: Edwin, Myra, the widow of Edward R. Swett, resides in New York, and Newton.  The eldest son, W. M., deceased, was a civil engineer, and was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Zanesville, Ohio, and later at Richmond, Ind.  Subsequently he was with the Pan Handle Railroad and later was superintendent of the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railroad at Indianapolis.  He developed terminal facilities at Indianapolis while with the Pennsylvania Railroad and at the time oaf his death was assistant to the chief engineer at Pittsburgh, Pa.
     Cloyd Mansfield, deceased, was a resident of Ashland, became county clerk of Ashland County when a young man, held that office for six years, then for two terms was county auditor.  He also served as probate judge for two terms and his period of public service extended over 25 years. 
     Henry A. Mansfield, deceased, was also in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Indianapolis, where he became city engineer.  HE was also a contractor and engaged in government work on the construction of dams and power plants, with his residence at Indianapolis.
     Newton Mansfield was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., and served on the “Detroit” during the Cuban campaign and later in the Philippines.  His  health failed and he retired from the service but was recalled during the World War and placed in charge of naval recruiting in New York City.  He now resides at Ashland, Ohio.  The following children died in infancy:  John and Howard.
     Edwin Mansfield attended Ashland University for two years and in 1881 was employed with a railroad surveying party.  Four years later he took up the study of law in the offices of Skiles & Skiles, Shelby, and in 1886 was admitted to the bar, having successfully passed his examinations before the Supreme Court of the state.  He immediately engaged in practice at Shelby, where he remained for 16 years.  Two months after being admitted to the bar Mr. Mansfield was elected mayor of Shelby, then a city of 1,800 population.  From 1901 until 1907 he engaged in practice with Frank Long.  The firm was dissolved when Mr. Mansfield was placed on the bench as a Common Pleas Judge, to which office he was elected in 1906.  The district comprised Richland, Ashland and Morrow counties, and Mr. Mansfield retired from the bench after 12 years of service in February, 1919.  He also served for a number of years as city solicitor of Shelby and while in office he directed the installation of various public improvements, including the paving of streets, building of water works, placing of sewers, the construction of the electric light plant.
     Judge Mansfield was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of Shelby and has been a director from the time of its inception in 1903, being the only one of the original board still connected with the bank, and it is one of the strong financial institutions of the county.  In 1899 he was one of the organizers of the Shelby Telephone Company, of which he has since been a director.  In 1890 the Shelby Seamless Tube Company was organized and Judge Mansfield had an interest in that company.  It was subsequently absorbed by the United States Steel Corporation, and the local plant was later destroyed by fire.  In 1908 the Ohio Seamless Tube Company was organized and has developed into one of the leading industries of Ohio.  Judge Mansfield was a member of its board and for five years served as its chairman.  In 1929 he was elected president of the company and still acts in that capacity.
     In 1892 Judge Mansfield married Mrs. Ada E. Davis Lowe.  They have a daughter, Margaret, married J. W. Cook, general manager of the Reed Store at Mansfield, and they have two children, John W., Jr., and Edwin Mansfield.
     Judge Mansfield
is identified with the Richland County Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association.  He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Rotary Club, and has other numerous connections.
Source: History of North Central Ohio - page 586

FRED S. MARQUIS, one of the well known and prominent native sons of Mansfield and connected with the legal interests of the city as a member of Mansfield and connected with the legal interests of the city as a member of the firm of Huston and Marquis, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania, came to Mansfield in 1866 and engaged in the business of piano tuning.  He was captain in a regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers, serving on General  Crawfords staff, and was one of several brothers who fought for the interests of the Union throughout the Civil war, none of them sustaining injury.  The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary Stocking and a native of Painesville, Ohio, still survive.  The Marquis family is of French Huguenot extraction, having come to the United States from Canada, while the Stockings are of old English lineage, members of the family settling in New York at an early period.
     Fred S. Marquis is one of two children, his elder brother, Frank H., being assistant cashier of the Mansfield Savings Bank.  The former acquired his education in the grammar and high schools of his native city and upon his graduation from the Mansfield high school in 1890 he secured a position as clerk in teh Boston Store, having charge of the house furnishing department.  Subsequently he went to Wooster, where in the employ of The Wooster Piano Company he learned the trade of piano tuning and repairing, which line of activity claimed his attention until 1897.  In that year he entered the law office of J. C. Laser, continuing his reading there until called out with the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry for military duty in the Spanish-American war, serving from April 25 until November 21, 1898, as captain of Company M.  While in Santiaago, Cuba, his command was attached to the Fifth Army Corps under General Shafter.  He was one of the original officers on the organization of Company M in February, 1893, being chosen first lieutenant, while in November, 1893, he was elected captain and in the war, in 1899, he entered the law department of the Ohio State University and immediately after his admission to the bar in June, 1900, he became a partner in the law firm of Laser, Huston & Marquis.  In 1907 the first name was changed to Huston & Marquis, Mr. Huston being prosecuting attorney of Richland county.  Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer - a keen, rapid, logical mind plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work - Mr. Marquis brought to the starting point of his legal career certain rare gifts - eloquence of language and a strong personality.  An excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law, and the ability accurately to apply its principles are factors in his effectiveness as an advocate.
     Mr. Marquis is secretary of the board of managers of the Ohio State Reformatory, secretary and treasurer of the Ohio State Rifle Association, and fraternally is connected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks.  He is likewise a member of the Spanish War Veterans.  A stanch republican in his political views, he takes a very active part in the local ranks of the of the organization and has served as a delegate at many state conventions, but has no desire to gain elective office as a reward for his party fealty.  His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Presbyterian church, where he is first tenor in the choir and has sung in many oratorios.
     On the 1st of October, 1903, at Mansfield, Mr. Marquis was united in marriage to Florence, daughter of V. C. Routzahn, an organizer, promoter and prominent financier of his city.  Mrs. Marquis is well known as a member of society here, being connected with several social clubs and highly esteemed as a lady of culture and refinement.
THE MASSA FAMILY - David, Frank and John Massa, brothers, were born in Ottenberg, Germany.  The father died in Germany in 1828, and in 1853 the children came to America with their mother.  All the Massas who came to America located in Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio.  John Massa  was born in the year 1882 and was married to Miss Barbara Shafer in 1856.  The Shafer family came from Dramstadt, Germany, in 1850, when their daughter Barbara was twelve years old.  They also settled in Mansfield.
     Mr. and Mrs. John Massa became the parents of eleven children, namely:  George, Mrs. Valentine Green, John, Jr., Theresa, Edward, Anna, Barbara, Mrs. Charles Wagner, Mrs. Lewis Zollers, Joseph and Albert.  Of the foregoing, John, Jr., Teresa, Edward and Joseph are deceased.  Mrs. Green resides in Pittsburg and the others at Mansfield.  John Massa, the father of the above named children, died in 1889.  George and Albert Massa  are married and the latter was a soldier in the Spanish American war.  The children of the three Massa brothers who came from Germany to America all reside in Richland county with the exception of two.  The Massas were and are industrious and respectable people and good citizens.  They have worked hard, and accompanied much and accumulated property.
     Miss Anna Massa, the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Massa, has attained an enviable reputation as a singer.  She was educated in the local parochial school and her talent for music was noted when she was yet a child.  After graduating from our local schools Miss Massa went to Chicago and took instructions in music and voice culture from the best teachers in that city.  Later she pursued her studies in the east. Returning to Chicago, she became a soloist in one of the leading and most fashionable churches of that city.  Upon her return to Mansfield she became the soloist and leading soprano of the Presbyterian church choir for a number of years.  She has also done concert work and is in demand for funeral singing and for public entertainments.  Miss Massa  is blessed with a voice of wonderful power and great sweetness.  She has a fine stage presence, which, combined with her exquisite and finely cultured voice, makes her much sought as a singer.  Being of domestic tastes, however, she prefers a home with her widowed mother to a career upon the state.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)
FRANK J. MAY, who is the capable chief of the Mansfield Fire Department, is a native of Richland County, and a member of one of its well known families.  He was born in Springfield Township, Oct. 22, 1877, the son of Lieut. Lyman and Sarah (Lavenspore) May.
     Lt. Lyman May
was born near Plymouth, Knox County, Ohio.  At the outbreak of the Civil War he was among the first to enlist from that county and at the expiration of his first enlistment he was commissioned a lieutenant in the 12th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for a period of four years, three months and 12 days.  After his discharge he resumed his farming interests in Knox County, but in 1895 came to Mansfield, where he became identified with Bryanon Brothers Coal Company as manager.  He continued in that capacity until his death in 1913.  His wife was born in Springfield Township, Richland County, and died in 1911.  Both are buried in the Mansfield Cemetery.  Mr. May was a Democrat and served for three terms as a member of the city council from the Fifth Ward.  He held membership in the First Lutheran Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic.  The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. May: William and Frank, twins, William lives at Cleveland; Jennie, married B. L. Lime, lives at Mansfield; Dora, married John Reggic, lives in Newville, Ohio; Hattie, married Arthur Durham, lives at Santa Barbara, California; Ella and Anna, both live at Mansfield; Frank J., the subject of this sketch; George E., lives at Mansfield; Minnie, married Fred Kindinger, lives at Mansfield; and Margaret, married Lem Parker, lives at Toledo, Ohio. Rufus May Bloodhart is an adopted son.
     Frank J. May attended the district schools of Springfield Township and is a graduate of Mansfield High School.  Although he spent his boyhood on his father's far, at an early he learned the moulder's trade and was employed by the Eclipse Stove Company, now the Tappan Stove Company, Mansfield.  He was later the local fire department, three years later was promoted to lieutenant of station No. 3, and in 1925 became captain of Station No. 2.  He was appointed assistant chief of the department in 1927, and since 1929 has served in the capacity of chief.  In 1930 he was appointed assistant state fire marshal by state fire marshal, Roy R. Gill.
    
In 1902 Mr. May married Miss Elizabeth Bobbel, the daughter of Frederick and Mary Bobbel, natives of Germany, both now deceased.  Mr. May was also born in Germany.
     Mr. May is a member of St. John's Evangelical Church, a member of the church council, trustee, financial secretary, and secretary and treasurer of the Minister's Pension and Relief Fund of this district.  His wife is serving her 25th year as secretary of the Home Department Sunday School of St. John's Evangelical Church.
     Mr. May has the following lodge affiliations:  Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, F. and A. M.; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M. No. 92; Mansfield Commandery, K. T. No. 21; Baku Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R.
     Mr. May is a Republican.  He is an honorary member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and belongs to the Firemen's and Police Pension Association.   (Source #3 - pg. 622)
LEWIS C. MENGERT, who sine 1886 has been a representative of the Ohio bar, practicing at Mansfield sine 1892, has gained a large clientage, as he has demonstrated his ability to successfully handle involved and important litigated interests.  He is one of the 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.
     His parents, William and Sophia (Griebling) Mengert, were natives of Germany, the former born in Oberbieber, of the kingdom of Prussia, June 18, 1818, while the mother's birth occurred January 2, 1813, in Freilinger in the province of Nassau.  They were reared and married in Germany and seven children were born unto them ere they left that country, but five died there.  In 1853, with his wife and surviving two children, William Mengert started for the new world and after reaching American shores made his way into the interior of the country, settling upon a rented farm in Washington township, Richland county.  His daughter Henrietta died about five or six years after the family came to the new world, but the son survives and is now living in Knox county, Ohio.  Two sons were added to the family in America: Frederick, now living in Ashland county, Ohio; and Lewis C., of this review.  After renting land for several years, William Mengert purchased and located upon an eighty acre tract of school land.  He continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits there until 1883, when he and his wife removed to Butler, but in that year Mrs. Mengert died.  Both the parents were members of the Evangelical Reformed church and Mr. Mengert was always a stanch democrat, who in Worthington township served as trustee for three or four years.
     It was upon the home farm that Lewis G. Mengert was reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.  He mastered the elementary branches of learning as a pupil in the district school and afterward attended village school at Butler, while later he matriculated at Mansfield Normal School, and that he displayed aptitude in his studies as indicated by the fact that when but seventeen years of age he was granted a teacher's certificate and took up the active work of the profession, which he followed for thirteen years.  During the last six years of that time he was principal of the schools at Butler and he became recognized as one of the able exponents of public education, holding high and standard of the schools with which he was connected and inspiring his pupils with much of his own zeal and interest in the work.
     However, he resolved to enter other professional fields and in 1883 became a law student in the office of Donnell & Marriott, attorneys of Mansfield.  His preliminary reading was broad and thorough and secured his admission to the bar in 1886.  He practiced at Butler for six years and in 1892 removed to Mansfield.  For five years thereafter he was a partner in the firm of Bell, Brinkerhoff & Mengert, and in 1897 the law firm of Douglass & Mengert was formed.  Mr. Mengert has continuously practiced law since 1883 and his power and ability have constantly been broadened through experience, research and study.  He never neglects to give a thorough preparation nor does he lack that power which results in a clear and forceful presentation of his case and with all its points duly defined in their relative proportion.  He can cite law and precedent and is seldom if ever at error in applying a legal principle to the cause in litigation.
     In 1883 occurred the marriage of Mr. Mengert and Miss Clara V. Gongwer.   Their children are four in number:  Portia, Gladys, Karl and Paul.  The family are all members of St. Luke's Lutheran church and Mr. Mengert affiliates with the Independent Order of Foresters and the Knights of Pythias.
     His political allegiance has always been given to the democracy and his efforts in its behalf have been effective forces in its success in Richland county.  In 1898 and again in 1900 he was chair man of the democratic county executive committee.  Without any special advantages at the outset of his career, Mr. Mengert has made steady progress in a profession demanding close application, unfaltering purpose and unwearied industry and his ability is displayed by the liberal clientage which is today his.
(Source: History of Richland Co., Ohio - from 1808 to 1908 by A. J. Baughman - Chicago: The J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. 1908)

MARTHA MERCER, deceased, was widely known in library circles throughout Ohio, having served as librarian at Mansfield, where she was born, for a period of 24 years.
     Miss Mercer was appointed as the second librarian of Mansfield and it was largely through her splendid administration that the present library system was developed.  It was through her efforts that the local library was made a Carnegie institution and at that time it was Miss Mercer who obtained the necessary $35,000 from the Carnegie fund for the erection of the present library building.  In 1908 the collection of books was removed from the Memorial Building to the present library.
     Miss Mercer was known throughout the state for her interest in library work and was a charter member of the Ohio Library Association.  She served at various times as an officer in the organization and was active in its work until her retirement.  She resigned Sept. 1, 1914, but continued her residence in Mansfield until several years before her death.  Miss Mercer died at Pelham Manor, N. Y., Apr. 22, 1930, and is buried at Mansfield.
     Miss Mercer always considered the service of the public first and was anxious to build up a fine collection of books for the people of Mansfield.  The splendid collection of magazines, which the library now owns and is now being used by the city and many patrons from surrounding counties, was started due to Miss Mercer’s foresight.
     The work of the literary clubs was one of Miss Mercer’s interests, and she herself was a charter member of the Nomad Club.  She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church

Source: History of North Central Ohio - page 583

NOTES:

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