Did you know Coshocton's Pomerene, Burns & Skelton is the oldest law firm in Ohio?

Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune
·3 min read

COSHOCTON − Many might be surprised to discover the oldest continual law firm in Ohio is in Coshocton, and it dates back to 1859. However, current partners are worried about the legacy going on with the dearth of local lawyers.

Pomerene, Burns & Skelton is on the cusp of 165 years. It's also the longest continual business in Coshocton. It started out as Given & Pomerene then became Pomerene & Pomerene, Pomerene & Burns, Pomerene, Burns & Milligan, and then Pomerene, Burns, Milligan & Frase before it adapted its current name.

Bob and Jim Skelton with photos of past partners in the law firm now known as Pomerene, Burns & Skelton. The firm has undergone a lot of name changes over the years, but is the longest continual long firm in Ohio and oldest continual business in Coshocton, dating back to 1859.
Bob and Jim Skelton with photos of past partners in the law firm now known as Pomerene, Burns & Skelton. The firm has undergone a lot of name changes over the years, but is the longest continual long firm in Ohio and oldest continual business in Coshocton, dating back to 1859.

Brothers Bob and Jim Skelton are the partners today and the firm has eight employees. They were brought into the firm by their cousin, Joe Skelton. Bob joined in 1990 and Jim in 1992. Bob succeeded Joe as law director for the City of Coshocton and Jim serves as assistant law director. Jim is also an assistant Coshocton County prosecutor, handling civil cases.

"When I stand up in front of a jury and get to tell them I represent the City of Coshocton and the State of Ohio that has special meaning, because I grew up here," Jim said.

The firm handles estate planning, probate law, real estate matters, small business law and occasional litigation. Jim also runs a title company.

Milan E. Frase, Eugene R. Weir, standing, and Lawrence Burns Jr., Warner M. Pomerene and Charles S. Milligan , seated, are show in this Nov. 9, 1959 photograph. They were celebrating their law firm's 100th anniversary. Today the firm is known as Pomerene, Burns and Skelton and is the longest continual law firm in Ohio.
Milan E. Frase, Eugene R. Weir, standing, and Lawrence Burns Jr., Warner M. Pomerene and Charles S. Milligan , seated, are show in this Nov. 9, 1959 photograph. They were celebrating their law firm's 100th anniversary. Today the firm is known as Pomerene, Burns and Skelton and is the longest continual law firm in Ohio.

While the firm is focused primarily on Coshocton County now, it's reach was once greater with an office in Columbus. Founding partner J.C. Pomerene was a judge for the Fifth Circuit Court as well.

"I still hear from lawyers in Columbus, and I'm sure Jim does as well, when they call us with a case in Coshocton they want us to help them out with or need advice on or, perhaps, they want co-counsel. The first words out of their mouths are 'I know you guys have been around forever, because I've heard of you.' Everybody's always heard of us," Bob said. "It doesn't matter where we go, they generally know of the firm."

The firm has represented most of the banks, major industries and coal companies that were in Coshocton at one time. They assisted in founding Ohio Heritage Bank and the Coshocton Foundation among other entities.

"We basically helped to build Coshocton through the legal process. Most of the businesses in town were probably represented by this office or were helped to start by this office," Jim said.

Pomerene Burns & Skelton at 309 Main St.
Pomerene Burns & Skelton at 309 Main St.

Many might recognize the Pomerene name as it sill adorns many establishments today such as the Pomerene Center for the Arts and Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg. Bob said the firm has a long history of community involvement that continues, that includes the brothers being public servants along with private practice.

"We were both born and raised here. We both decided to come back here after law school to Coshocton to practice law, even though both of us had other options, because we love it here," Bob said. "What better thrill than to represent the city you were born in, or the county, and help it succeed."

Warner Pomerene of the law firm now known as Pomerene, Burns and Skelton sitting at a desk with a credenza still being used by current partner Bob Skelton.
Warner Pomerene of the law firm now known as Pomerene, Burns and Skelton sitting at a desk with a credenza still being used by current partner Bob Skelton.

When the Skeltons came to the firm there were seven practicing lawyers. Now it's just them. Overall, attorneys in Coshocton have decreased over the years, especially in the trial work area. Bob said the bar association had 36 lawyers when he returned to town in 1990. He said there's only about six active practicing attorneys now.

"It's a little scary, unless we find a new generation to take over, 165 years of a law firm might come to an end," Bob lamented. "I keep track of young people I know who are going to law school, and if I see them, I ask them if they're interested in coming back to Coshocton ... If the right person came along that I think would help take this firm toward 200 years, we'd absolutely be all for that."

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton's Pomerene, Burns & Skelton is oldest law firm in Ohio