Guernsey County Archives — Page 2 of 4

Biography of Frank Rosemond Smith

Frank Rosemond Smith was a successful businessman and a key figure in the development of his community in Cambridge, Guernsey County. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to progress and improvement, constantly striving to keep up with the times and build a better future. Smith had an illustrious career as a salesman before establishing the Cambridge Grocery Company in 1893, which became one of the most successful and well-respected mercantile houses in eastern Ohio. He was also a prominent real estate developer, having laid off and sold several additions to the city of Cambridge. Known for his business acumen, energy, and integrity, Smith was widely respected by his customers and the local community.

Biography of Charles Levi Banta

Charles Levi Banta, born on April 10, 1883, in Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio, is the editor-manager of the Guernsey Times, the only Republican newspaper in Guernsey County. He is the son of John A. and Emma R. Banta. Banta graduated with honors from Urbana High School and pursued business training independently. His journalism career began with reporting for the Springfield Press-Republican and continued with the Zanesville Times-Recorder. In May 1907, he joined the Guernsey Times, becoming editor and part-owner within six months. Banta married Minnie E. Snyder on October 25, 1905.

Biography of Judge Edward W. Mathews, Sr.

Judge Edward W. Mathews, Sr. was a distinguished figure in Guernsey County, Ohio, who gained recognition through his successful career in public and private life. Born in 1832, he immigrated to America with his mother at a young age and grew up in Cambridge, Ohio. After a successful career in gold mining in California, he returned to Cambridge and pursued law, later becoming a prominent attorney in southern Ohio. He also served as mayor of Cambridge, was appointed as a judge by the Governor of Ohio, and played a key role in promoting and building the Cleveland & Marietta railroad. Judge Mathews was also involved in extensive real estate interests and was a member of the board of directors of Central National Bank. He led a busy life but remained a devoted husband, indulgent father, and an active member of the Presbyterian Church.

Biographies of Guernsey County Ohio

We are actively publishing online the biographies from volume 2 of A History of Guernsey County, Ohio by Cyrus P. B. Sarchet. County histories are a treasure trove for genealogists, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancestors and the communities they inhabited. By carefully utilizing these biographies, researchers can piece together family histories, understand the socio-economic backdrop of their ancestors’ lives, and connect with the past in a meaningful way. With patience and thorough investigation, the stories uncovered can enrich family narratives for generations to come. While county histories are rich in information, they also have limitations. The biographical … Read more

Biography of Prof. Bert M. Thompson

Prof. Bert M. Thompson was a prominent figure in the field of education in Ohio. He was born in 1881 in Senecaville, Guernsey County, and had a strong educational background, having attended the Senecaville High School, the National Normal University, and the normal college in Athens, Ohio. He began teaching in 1900 and served as superintendent of the public schools of Byesville, Ohio, from 1908 to 1913. During his tenure, he worked to raise the standard of education in the area, and his efforts resulted in the construction of a new high school building and the expansion of the teaching force. Thompson was also active in his community and was involved in various organizations, including the Ohio School Improvement Federation and the Epworth League.

Biography of Judge James W. Campbell

James W. Campbell was a prominent citizen of Guernsey County, Ohio, known for his judgment, sound discretion, and public spirit. Despite facing numerous challenges in his life, he fought his way to eminence through hard work and determination. After serving in the army, he worked as a printer, editor, and lawyer, eventually becoming one of the most respected legal professionals in Ohio. He also succeeded in business, serving as a director and officer for various important eastern corporations. Later in life, he invested extensively in California orange and oil properties. Throughout his career, he was motivated by lofty ideals, making personal sacrifices for the greater good of his community and country.

Biography of Charles L. Casey

Charles L. Casey was a prominent businessman in Cambridge, Ohio, known for his energy, business acumen, and his role in the development of the “Guernsey” earthenware, a variety of practical and sanitary cooking utensils. This biography provides a detailed account of his life, including his education, early career, and his achievements as the president and general manager of The Guernsey Earthenware Company. Casey’s contributions to the industrial and public life of Cambridge are also highlighted, demonstrating his status as a public-spirited citizen and influential figure in his community.

Biography of John Perry Mahaffey

John Perry Mahaffey, born in 1845 in Cambridge, Ohio, was a hardworking man who sought success through honest means, living by the Golden Rule and following the example set by his ancestors. He learned the printer’s trade after receiving a common school education and became proficient in it. Mahaffey was a prominent Democrat, serving as clerk of courts of Guernsey County and as a state senator. He was also a patriotic soldier during the Civil War, and a member of various fraternal organizations and the Methodist Episcopal Church. He purchased the Cambridge Herald in 1882 and made it a successful journal until he retired in 1910.

Biography of John Emmett Gable, M.D., D.O.

Dr. John Emmett Gable was a renowned osteopathic and general physician who rose to eminence in his chosen field of endeavor. Born in 1867 in Guernsey County, Ohio, he graduated from the American School of Osteopathy in 1902, before going on to complete his medical training at Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital in Chicago. He opened his own practice in Cambridge, Ohio, where he was known for his profound knowledge and expertise in osteopathy and homeopathy. This is a brief introduction to his life and career, which is detailed further in the following biography.

Biography of John C. Beckett

John C. Beckett was a prominent businessman and public figure in Cambridge and Guernsey County, Ohio in the late 19th century. Born on August 21, 1842, on a farm in Monroe County, Ohio, Beckett worked in the mercantile business before being elected auditor of Guernsey County in 1879. He later became involved in the steel industry, promoting and building the Cambridge Iron and Steel Company and the Morton Tin Plate Company. He eventually moved to Wharton County, Texas, where he had extensive land interests and was involved in rice culture. Beckett was a Republican and active in public affairs, and he and his family were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.