Ada Ohio

Ada Ohio, is a village located in Hardin County, and was established in 1853, Ada quickly became a focal point in the region due to the establishment of Ohio Northern University in 1871. The village is situated at a strategic crossing of the historic Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route 30) and the Pennsylvania Railroad, factors that significantly contributed to its growth and accessibility in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Genealogical research in Ada is supported by records dating back to its founding, including municipal records, university archives, and church documents. The surrounding area of Hardin County offers additional resources with records available from 1833 when the county was officially established, including land transactions, birth and death records, and marriage licenses, providing a comprehensive view of the area’s historical population dynamics. Additionally, the region was once inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Shawnee, which adds a layer of depth to genealogical studies focusing on early American and Native American interactions and history.

Biography of Thomas W. Taylor, M. D.

Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, a prominent St. Louis urologist, was born on March 4, 1880, in Staffordshire, England. His family immigrated to the United States in 1882, eventually settling in Ohio. Dr. Taylor graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1909, serving in various hospitals before establishing a private practice. He held academic positions in pathology and bacteriology and served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. Married to Grace P. Rundle, they had two children, and he remains active in professional and social organizations.

Biography of Charles H. Overly

Charles H. Overly, born on September 8, 1865, near St. Marys, Ohio, became a co-inventor and partner in the Safety Pulling Machine Company with Owen A. Thompson. Overly’s early life was marked by challenges; he began working at 14 and sought further education later at Ohio Normal University. Following a diverse career in farming and milling, he settled in Independence, Kansas, in 1913. Overly was married twice, raising a family that included several children, some of whom are still in school.

Biographical Sketch of George C. Hansen

George C. Hansen, born on May 30, 1868, in Schlesni, Germany, was an accomplished attorney and civic leader. He graduated from Ohio Northern University and the University of Michigan, and married Orra Phillips in 1904. Hansen served as assistant county prosecutor and held leadership positions in the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the Cuyahoga County Sunday School Association. Additionally, he worked in education as a school superintendent. Active in local business, he held directorships in multiple companies and was involved in civic organizations, enjoying gardening in his leisure time.

Biographical Sketch of Milton Freshwater

Milton Freshwater, born on September 11, 1877, in West Virginia, was a paving contractor educated in a commercial course at Morgantown. He married C. B. Williams in 1907 and has two children. Beginning his career in street paving in 1893, he has worked on projects in several towns across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. Since April 1909, he has been part of a firm managed by family members, with offices located in Morgantown and Cleveland.

Biographical Sketch of Frederick Henry Caley

Frederick Henry Caley, born June 2, 1873, in Hudson, was the son of Frederick P. and Clara S. Palmer Caley. He attended local schools and Ohio Northern University. Married Harriet E. Weffler in 1913, Caley served as 1st Lieutenant in the 4th Ohio Infantry and held various roles including Secretary of State and Ohio State Registrar of Automobiles. An active Republican, he organized automobile clubs in Ohio and managed the Cleveland Automobile Show Co. His interests included motoring and community involvement through several organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Oriel D. Eshelman

Oriel D. Eshelman, a lawyer born in Ashland, Ohio, is the son of David and Harriett Landis Eshelman. He attended various educational institutions, including German Wallace College and Ohio Northern University, where he earned a B.S. and LL.B. Admitted to the bar in June 1909, he began his law practice in Cleveland the same year, operating independently. Eshelman has served as a director and treasurer for multiple companies and held memberships in various fraternal and business organizations, specializing in general and commercial law.

Biographical Sketch of William George Ebersole

William George Ebersole, born on November 18, 1864, in Carrollton, Ohio, was a distinguished dentist with degrees in medicine and dentistry. He was educated at local schools and Ohio Norman University, briefly studying law before pursuing dental and medical studies at Western Reserve University. Ebersole began his dental practice in Cleveland in 1898, served as a demonstrator and lecturer at his alma mater, and advocated for humanitarian dentistry through public school dental inspections. He was active in various professional and civic organizations.

Biographical Sketch of George W. Crile

George W. Crile, born on November 11, 1864, in Chili, Ohio, was a prominent surgeon and educator. He earned his degrees from Ohio Northern University and Wooster University, and furthered his studies in Europe. Crile served as a professor of clinical surgery at Western Reserve University since 1900 and was a key surgeon at Lakeside Hospital. He contributed extensively to medical literature and was active in various professional organizations. Additionally, he served as a major and brigade surgeon during the Spanish-American War.

Biographical Sketch of David Harris Hopkins

David Harris Hopkins, born on October 8, 1882, in Granger, Ohio, was a lawyer who graduated from Baldwin University in 1911. He opened his law office shortly thereafter and was involved in farming, specializing in Holstein-Friesian cattle, Poland China swine, and poultry. Married to Vira Marie Kerstetter in 1904, he was an active community member, serving as a director for The Cleveland Poultry Breeders Association and participating in organizations such as the Masons and Odd Fellows.

Biography of James C. Holland

James C. Holland, born April 2, 1853, in Ohio, became a pivotal figure in Kansas architecture, particularly in Topeka. With over thirty years of experience, he served as state architect and contributed significantly to public buildings, including the Shawnee County Courthouse and Topeka’s city hall. His expertise earned him membership in the prestigious New York Society of Architects. Holland’s lineage includes notable ancestors, and his family life has been supported by his wife, Lizzie, and children, who also joined him in the architectural field.

Biographical Sketch of J. H. Jones

J. H. Jones, born August 20, 1867, in Dundee, Ohio, is a prominent banker with a career spanning over 26 years. After education in local schools and Ohio Northern University, he began working at The Iron Valley Bank. Over the years, he held various positions, eventually becoming treasurer and cashier at The Lake Shore Banking and Trust Co. Jones, a Republican and active in community service, has held several corporate treasurer roles and is involved with local clubs. He enjoys fishing and motoring in his leisure time.

Biographical Sketch of E. Loomis Spriggs

E. Loomis Spriggs, born on October 17, 1880, in Washington, Pennsylvania, was the son of Edward and Josephine E. Greenlee Spriggs. He attended Ohio Northern University and later became treasurer of The Commonwealth Realty Building Co. After serving in the Federal service in Pittsburgh, he partnered with his brother in Cleveland’s real estate market, leading to the formation of their company. Spriggs was active in the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and held a Progressive Republican stance, with ancestral roots tracing back to early colonial settlers.

Biographical Sketch of Jesse Stephens

Jesse Stephens, born on February 9, 1865, in Wood County, was a prominent attorney educated at Fostoria Academy and The Ohio Northern University. Admitted to the bar in 1889, he practiced law in Fostoria for twenty years and was known for his skills as a trial lawyer. He later moved to Cleveland to work with his son, A. A. Stephens, expanding his legal practice. Throughout his career, he held various counsel positions and was active in his community, while remaining politically unambitious.

Biographical Sketch of James B. Ruhl

James B. Ruhl, a lawyer born near Lisbon, Ohio, had a diverse educational and professional background. He graduated from Ohio Northern University, earning his B.S. in 1888 and LL.B. in 1891, later receiving M.Sc. and L.L.M. honors. Ruhl practiced law in Cleveland from 1891, was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1889, and the U.S. Supreme Court in 1901. He held various educational roles and was actively involved in Masonic organizations and local Republican politics.

Biographical Sketch of Willis W. Norris

Willis W. Norris, born on December 19, 1877, in Smithville, Ohio, graduated from Normal Academy in 1898. He served as a volunteer in the Spanish-American War and taught school from 1900 to 1905 while pursuing further education. Norris moved to Cleveland in 1905, worked as a lather, and was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1908, advocating for labor legislation, notably the Norris Employers Liability Law. He was appointed secretary of police on June 17, 1911, a position he still occupies.

Ewing, Myron J. – Obituary

Myron J. Ewing, born December 30, 1850, in Trumbull County, Ohio, passed away on December 27, 1917, just shy of 67 years old. A dedicated scholar and physician, he served for 16 years at Ohio Northern University before practicing medicine in Findlay, Ohio, and later in Lostine, Oregon. Ewing was a devoted family man, leaving behind four children and eight grandchildren. Active in the Christian church and Masonic Lodge, his funeral was held on December 29, with services led by Jasper Bogue.

Biography of Arthur C. Trumbo

Arthur C. Trumbo, born on August 6, 1866, in Ohio, was a significant figure in the development of Muskogee National Bank. After a diverse educational journey, including degrees in law, he practiced in Chicago until 1901. Trumbo co-founded the Bank of Muskogee in 1901, which became nationalized in 1908. He served as vice president and cashier, fostering a strong banking policy. His contributions extended to civic organizations and leadership roles, promoting growth in the community, while maintaining a commitment to public service without seeking political office.

Biography of Charles H. Apt

Charles H. Apt, a notable Kansas lawyer, moved to the state after Grover Cleveland’s first election. Trained in law, he practiced for over thirty years, establishing a reputable firm in Iola alongside his son. Born in Ohio in 1860, he pursued education at Ohio Northern University and Cincinnati Law School. A successful farmer, Apt owned significant land in Pratt County. Active in local politics and fraternal organizations, he married Blanche Gazlay in 1887. They had two children, including Frederick G., who followed in his father’s legal footsteps.