Slave Narrative of Reverend Williams

Reverend Williams, a 76-year-old Methodist minister from Greenbriar County, West Virginia, shares his life story during an interview in Lebanon, Ohio. Born to a free mother and enslaved father, he emphasizes the significance of education provided by Miss Frances Cree, his grandmother’s owner. Throughout his ministry, he has advocated for traditional hymns over spirituals, believing in a practical expression of faith. Williams reflects on the cultural differences within the church and his commitment to maintaining a consecrated life, underscoring resilience and community values.

Biography of Samuel J. Langdon

Samuel J. Langdon, born on May 4, 1829, in Ohio, was a prominent pioneer farmer in Latah County. Of Scotch-Irish descent, his family has a patriotic history, including participation in the Revolutionary War. Langdon served in the Civil War with the 94th Illinois Infantry, participating in several key battles. After the war, he shifted to various agricultural pursuits and eventually settled in Moscow, Idaho, where he thrived in farming and held multiple offices, including deputy sheriff and legislator. He remained active in politics and community organizations throughout his life.

Biographical Sketch of George E. Hartshorn

George E. Hartshorn was born on May 6, 1879, in Newark, Ohio. He was the son of Martin D. and Flora Laird Hartshorn. Hartshorn pursued his education at Dennison University and Western Reserve Law School, earning a Bachelor of Laws. On April 19, 1906, he married Pearl Mead in Beloit, Kansas. He became a partner in the law firm Kerruish, Kerruish, Hartshorn & Spooner and was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and Baeta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Biographical Sketch of Ambrose Swasey

Ambrose Swasey, born December 19, 1846, in Exeter, New Hampshire, was a prominent manufacturer and engineer. He graduated from the Case School of Applied Science in 1905 and received an honorary Sc.D. from Denison University in 1910. Swasey co-founded Warner Swasey in 1880, notable for manufacturing machine tools and telescopes. He invented the Swasey Range and Position Finder for the U.S. Government. His leadership extended to multiple organizations, and he received the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in France in 1900.

Biography of Hon. Eugene Mortimore Kerr

Eugene Mortimore Kerr, born on November 11, 1869, in Granville, Ohio, has made significant contributions to Muskogee and Oklahoma’s public life as a member of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. He began his career in journalism and later established the Muskogee Times-Democrat, advocating for prohibition and law enforcement. A veteran of World War I, he served as a major in charge of the draft for Oklahoma. Kerr is actively involved in local civic organizations and has maintained a legacy of public service and loyalty within his family.

Biography of Charles H. Carey

Charles H. Carey, born on October 27, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, moved to Oregon in 1883 to pursue a legal career. After graduating from Denison University and completing his law degree at Cincinnati College, he established himself in Portland, aligning with the firm Thayer & Williams, and later partnered with A.H. Tanner. Carey published a significant legal work, the Digest of Oregon and Washington Reports, in 1888, earning respect in the legal community. He married May N. Bidwell in 1884, and they have one daughter.