A Standard History of
Stark County, Ohio
An authentic Narrative of the Past, with Particular
Attention to the Modern Era in the Commer-
cial, Industrial, Civic and Social Develop-
ment. A Chronicle of the People, with
Family Lineage and Memoirs.
JOHN H. LEHMAN
SUPERVISING EDITOR
Assisted by a Board of Advisory Editors
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO AND NEW YORK
1916
History of Stark County
CHAPTER XVI
INTELLECTUAL, SOCIAL AND BENEVOLENT
THE LOCAL PRESS-THE CANTON REPOSITORY-INVALUABLE HISTORICAL RECORD-SYNOPSIS OF THE FIRST NUMBER-HOUSES OF PUBLICATION -THE SAXTONS, BROTHERS AND SON-THE VERY MAN FOR THE PLACE-JOSEPH MEDILL, A REPOSITORY CONTRIBUTOR-PROGRESS OF THE REPOSITORY-' PRESIDENT MCKINLEY 'S PAPER" - JOHN AND ARCHIBALD MCGREGOR-THE STARK COUNTY DEMOCRAT-THE OHIO VOLKS-ZEITUNG-SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES- CANTON LODGE No. 60, F. & A. M.—WILLIAM MCKINLEY LODGE No. 431, F. & A. M. -CANTON CHAPTER No. 84, R. A. M.—CANTON COUNCIL No. 35, R. & S. M.-CANTON COMMANDERY No. 38, K. T.—SCOTTISH RITE MASONS-OTHER MASONIC BODIES- NIMISILLA LODGE NO. 39, I. O. O. F.—STARK LODGE No. 513, I. O. O. F.— THE ENCAMPMENT AND CANTON-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS-CANTON 'S G. A. R. POSTS-THE YOUNG MEN 'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION-THE YOUNG WOMEN 'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION-WOMEN 'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION- AULTMA N HOME FOR AGED WOMEN-CANTON'S HOSPITALS-COUNTRY CLUBS-THE LAKESIDE COUNTRY CLUB-THE CONGRESS LAKE CLUB.
In every populous, intelligent and moral community like Canton, there are various forces constantly at work to develop it along the lines of higher life and to sustain the character already formed, which instinctively, in the processes of its own growth, strives to benefit others. In furtherance of this effort by the best elements of society to co-operate for sociability, intellectual and benevolent objects, institutions, societies and clubs are formed. In that field Canton is unusually active and efficient ; and it is one of the chief reasons why so many men and women
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of high character have been drawn to her friendly fold. The other side to the matter is that, on account of the high character of the men and women who have made their homes within her limits, such ennobling forces have come to exist.
THE LOCAL PRESS
Among these agencies established for the dissemination of knowledge an uplifting ideas none can be compared in constancy and strength to the press. It started to exert its influences more than a century ago and has been constantly at that work since, through good and evil report. Through all these years the human rivalry and personal bitterness have cropped out now and then, but the local newspapers, on the whole, have given their time and strength to the purposes for which, at least in America, they exist and grow.
THE CANTON REPOSITORY
The Canton Repository was the first newspaper to be founded in Stark County and among the first half dozen in Ohio. Its first number was issued by John Saxton, March 30, 1815. To be more precise regarding the predecessors of the Repository in Ohio : The Cincinnati Sentinel was published in Philadelphia until 1795, when it was first printed in the village which it represented. The Ohio Gazette, first printed in Marietta in 1802, is now continued as the Register. The Scioto Gazette, of Chillicothe, and the Western Intelligencer, of Worthington, are the only other newspapers in Ohio which antedated the Repository. The Repository alone has kept the name throughout the years.
INVALUABLE HISTORIC RECORD
Through the care and forethought of its founder, the files of the Repository were preserved during the fifty-six years of his editorial life, and the good example has been followed since ; the result, in its complete files, is one of the most valuable permanent records of Middle West history anywhere to be found. The first page of Volume I, No. 1, is reproduced for this history. In the reducing process, added to the defective printing of a century ago, the historic page is blurred and, in places, unreadable.
In his inaugural sheet Mr. Saxton pledges his patrons that "truth shall be his guide, the publick good his aim." He invites "liberal and
393 - THE FIRST NUMBER OF THE REPOSITORY
394 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
well informed men, of all parties, to make his newspaper a Repository of their sentiments," at the same time warning them that "letters addressed to the editor must be post paid, or they will not be attended to." The house of publication is announced as at the east corner of Center Square.
SYNOPSIS OF THE FIRST NUMBER
The letter from the secretary of the treasury to the Committee of Ways and Means runs over onto the second page, which also contains a list of the acts passed at the third session of the Thirteenth Congress, and an announcement of "important appointments," including those of James Monroe as secretary of state; John Q. Adams, as minister to Great Britain ; Albert Gallatin as minister to France, and James A. Bayard as minister to Russia. The third page was largely devoted to the War with Algiers; excuses for delays and imperfections connected with the first number of the Repository ; fears expressed for Mobile, on account of the surrender of Fort Bowyer to the British, and, among interesting local notices, the announcement of the election of nine trustees for the Farmers Bank of Canton and a proclamation signed by President James Madison and Josiah Meigs, commissioner of the general land office, transferring the local office from Canton to Wooster. The fourth page was thrown open to poetry and miscellaneous matters, in which the moon and spring came in for their full share of attention.
HOUSES OF PUBLICATION
The east corner of Center Square, according to the early maps of Canton, was where the Commercial Block now stands at the southeast corner of Market Avenue and Second Street Southeast. The Repository was afterward printed in a one-story frame building on the site of the present McKinley Hotel, while the home of Mr. Saxton was a two-story brick building on the southeast corner of Market Avenue and Third Street Southeast. Still later, the paper was printed on the west side of Court Avenue, between Tuscarawas Street and Second Street Southwest. The Repository now owns its own building, a three-story structure at Market Avenue North and Third Street Northwest, occupying a block on the latter thoroughfare. The property at that location was leased in 1891 and purchased in 1905, since which various improvements and additions have been made to the plant.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 395
THE SAXTONS, BROTHERS AND SON
In 1831, Joshua Saxton, John's brother, entered the business and remained several years. He then moved to Urbana, and begun the publication of the Citizen and Gazette, which he continued for forty-two years. It would seem that the Saxton brothers were stayers.
In 1851 Thomas W. Saxton, son of the founder, was received as a partner, and on April 16, 1871, at the death of the venerable founder, became sole proprietor.
THE VERY MAN FOR THE PLACE
John Saxton, a lovable and beloved man—strong, reasonable and tender was one of the notable figures of Ohio journalism. He was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1792, and died at Canton, April 16, 1871. He learned the printer's trade when a boy, and the Repository was his first and only newspaper venture. He fitted into the life of Canton so perfectly, from first to last, that for over half a century .the possibility of John Saxton dropping out of it in any way than through death would have seemed miraculous. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and while on garrison duty at Black Rock, near Buffalo, partially lost his hearing, the cause being a premature explosion of a cannon near him. Early in 1815 he located in Canton and in March issued the first number of the Repository, as noted. In that year he wrote and published the account of the battle of Waterloo and the arrest of Napoleon I, and in 1870 became the author of "Sedan and the Capture of Napoleon III." In turn he was an anti-federalist, a whig and a republican, and voted successively for Madison, Monroe, Adams, Clay, Harrison, Taylor, Scott, Fremont, Lincoln and Grant. For several years in each office, he served as auditor and treasurer of Clark County and postmaster of the city. He was a leading Presbyterian, and a sturdy, good citizen. Mr. Saxton married Margaret Laird during the year he founded the Repository ; she died in 1858, the mother of nine children. One of the sons, James A. Saxton, became the father of Mrs. William McKinley.
JOSEPH MEDILL, A REPOSITORY CONTRIBUTOR
During his residence in Stark County, and even after he became editor of the Cleveland Leader, Joseph Medill was a contributor to the Repository. When the future Chicago editor and publisher was about eight years old his father took him from the home farm about six miles
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south of Canton to attend a reunion of Revolutionary soldiers at Canton. Incidentally the father subscribed for the Repository and continued to cleave to it until his death in 1868. In the winter of 1838-39 young Medill began writing for Mr. Saxton's paper upon education and kindred topics, and during the campaign of 1840 contributed almost weekly, many of his articles being used as editorials. Mr. Medill generally called at the office on publication day, when Mr. Saxton would press him into the service in "writing the mail," after which the young man would be loaded down with papers for subscribers on his homeward route. About 1840 Mr. Medill learned to set type and frequently helped in getting out the paper. He continued to write for the Repository until about 1845, contributing many articles during the campaign of 1844, when he was editing the Cleveland Leader. He relates that Mr. Saxton usually composed his editorials at the case, frequently while engaged in conversation with his friends in the office.
About the year 1859, Mr. Medill's brother, Maj. William H. Medill, established the Republican at Canton, which after Mr. Saxton 's death in 1871 and the succession of his son, Thomas W., to the proprietorship of the Repository, was consolidated with the older paper.
PROGRESS OF THE REPOSITORY
The steps by which the Canton Repository has reached its position as one of the leading newspapers in the state are described thus, in the "History of the Republican Party in Ohio :" "The Repository is one of the oldest papers in the state and since the campaign of 1896, is probably one of the best known. It was established in 1815 by John Saxton, grandfather of the late Mrs. McKinley, who continued its publication up to the time of his death in 1871. In his opening editorial he said : 'Truth shall be may guide, the publick good my aim ; ' and this sentiment, so tersely and forcibly expressed, has ever been the policy of the journal. For 56 years Mr. Saxton continued at the head of the paper and advanced it to a proud position among the newspapers of the state. In 1831 his brother Joshua became a partner in the enterprise and later was succeeded by Thomas W. Saxton, a son of the founder. Later the Republican was consolidated with the Repository and Thomas W. Saxton and Josiah Hartzell, became joint owners, the latter serving as editor for several years. AV. T. Bascom succeeded Mr. Hartzell.
"In February, 1878, the daily Repository was established—the first daily issued in Stark county, and Wilson J. Vance. who was the Wash-
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 397
ington correspondent for the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette (afterwards congressman from Findlay, 0.), became editor.
"After a year he was succeeded by Walter E. Wellman, late president of the Washington Press Club. Allen Carnes, now in Albany, N. Y. in the United States government treasury department service, followed Mr. Wellman. He was succeeded in 1884 by George B. Frease, the present president and general manager of the Repository Printing company. He succeeded the late John C. Dueber as president, Herbert S. Saxton, grandson of the founder of the Repository having been the first president of the present Repository Printing company, organized in 1885. The Sunday edition of the Repository was established in 1892. The Repository became a journal of national fame in the summer of 1896, when it was sent throughout the country on its mission of expounding Republican principles to the people.. In one of the most memorable political campaigns that ever occurred in the history of the country, public attention was unwaveringly fixed on Canton. Interest centered in the modest home that sheltered him who was by the voice of the people to be proclaimed the foremost man of the nation. A special edition of the Repository was sent to every public speaker, committeeman and others of prominence in the political field from Ohio west to the Pacific, and to every place that was considered doubtful."
George B. Frease, who has been head of the Repository Printing Company since 1893, has devoted himself closely to the development of the newspaper. During the McKinley presidential campaign he was manager of the Associated Press at Canton and handled the newspaper dispatches with such ability as to receive a personal letter of thanks from his distinguished and successful friend, the President-elect. With thanks, he declined all offers of public preferment until 1898, when, as a matter of personal solicitation he accepted the postmastership at Canton and continued in office until 1904.
" PRESIDENT MCKINLEY 'S PAPER "
President McKinley naturally took a deep interest in the Repository, both because its rugged and honorable founder was his wife's grandfather and because of its activity in promoting his political and public interests. As has been noted, he was also bound to Mr. Frease by personal ties which extended into the times of his early practice as a struggling lawyer ; so that the Repository was peculiarly his paper. After his death, both at his funeral and at the dedication of his great memorial, the Repository spared neither labor nor money to demonstrate its loyalty to its great friend, thereby broadening its reputation through-
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out the country. Aside from this striking feature of its history, some of its special editions, such as those of 1909, exploiting Canton's industries and good points in general, and of 1915, marking the centennial of its founding, were widely and favorably noticed.
JOHN AND ARCHIBALD MCGREGOR
The News-Democrat of Canton is the direct successor of the old Stark County Democrat, founded by John and Archibald McGregor in May, 1848. Both father and son were finely educated gentlemen and school-teachers by profession. John McGregor, who had been educated at Glasgow University, was a teacher of the classics in Scotland before he emigrated to America in 1828 and located in Vermont. In 1833 he moved to Medina County, Ohio, and was principal of the Wadsworth Academy for fifteen years. In the meantime his son, Archibald, had been thoroughly educated and settled at Canton as a teacher and proprietor of a private school. In 1848 father and son consolidated their talents both in teaching and newspaper work at Canton.
THE STARK COUNTY DEMOCRAT
The Stark County Democrat was established in 1833 by a man named Lenhart—he having purchased the type and press of a paper that was published in Paris, Stark County, Ohio, in the campaign of 1828 by J. Wilkinson White. Mr. Lenhart published the Stark County Democrat for six months, when he died of cholera, which was somewhat of an epidemic at that time. The paper was then taken by William Dunbar, who published it until 1836 when it was sold to Daniel Gotshall. Mr. Got- shall ran the paper until 1846 when he sold it to Edward L. Carney and Benjamin F. Leiter. They in turn sold it to McGregors in 1848. Mr. McGregor ran the paper until 1888 and sold it to a company headed by Gen. Isaac R. Sherwood, now member of Congress from the Toledo Ohio District.
The Stark County Democrat had been founded a short time before the McGregors commenced their co-operative labors as educators in two fields. They assumed control of the paper May 24, 1848, announcing as their policy opposition to the Bank of the United States and to a paper currency in any shape ; opposition to a protective tariff, fishing bounties and all monopolies ; in favor of an independent treasury and the popular election of all public officers ; defense of the country against all foes, whether internal or external, and in support of everything democratic. John McGregor, the father, died on the following 6th of September, when
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 399
Archibald McGregor assumed entire control. He was afterward joined by his two sons, John McGregor being connected with the paper until a comparatively recent day.
During the Civil war the Democrat aroused so much local opposition through its criticism of the national administration on the conduct of military operations that its plant was almost destroyed in 1861 and the senior editor was confined at Camp Mansfield for nearly a month in 1862. Mr. McGregor was discharged, without trial, by Governor Tod, readily taking the oath of loyalty and protesting that he had never entertained any but patriotic sentiments. Archibald McGregor was a public-spirited citizen of ability and useful service, and his son John McGregor continued the good family name. The present News-Democrat was founded in 1884 and issues both morning and evening editions. Its managing editor is W. B. Kniseley.
June 1, 1888, A. McGregor & Son sold the Stark County Democrat to the Democrat Publishing Company and Gen. Isaac R. Sherwood became the editor and Conrad Schweitzer, manager. Mr. Schweitzer was later succeeded by Charles R. Frazer as business manager and in 1892, John C. Harmony became the manager. General Sherwood continued as editor of the paper until 1894. After the retirement of General Sherwood, the paper changed ownership from time to time, with John C. Harmony as editor and manager the greater part of the time, until 1913, when the ownership passed into the hands of H. H. Timkin, and who at the present time is the sole owner and publisher of the Canton Daily News. Since 1913 Burton Knisely has been the editorial writer.
THE OHIO VOLES-ZEITUNG
The Ohio Volks-Zeitung, of which A. von Landberg is editor, secretary and manager, is also democratic and is, as its name implies, a German newspaper. As early as 1820 the German population of Canton and Stark County had largely increased by emigration from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Europe, so that. in October, 1821, Edward Schaefer, a German printer from Frankfort-on-the-Main, established in Canton, the Westliche Beobachter and Stark and Wayne County Anzeiger, the second German newspaper to be published in the State of Ohio. In 1826 Mr. Schaefer moved to Germantown, Ohio, when John Sala continued the paper at Canton, and afterward received Solomon Sala and D. C. Lehmus into partnership. In August, 1831, Peter Kaufman came from Philadelphia and bought the paper, which by that time had taken the name of Vaterlands Freund and Geist der Zeit.
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In the course of time several changes were made in the ownership of the German newspaper, and in August, 1858, John Raeber arrived with a printing office transported from Holmes County and established the Deutsche in Ohio. That was displaced by the Ohio Staats-Zeitung in September, 1873, which, in November, 1879, was sold to the Ohio YolksZeitung Company.
That company established the Ohio Volks-Zeitung in January, 1879. and it has been published continuously ever since. In 1886 was incorporated the Ohio Volks-Zeitung Printing Company, which still issues the paper.
SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES
The social and benevolent forces in operation at Canton are many and strong, all of the secret societies of good standing being represented, sometimes by several organizations. Among them are the Masons, the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Knights and Ladies of the Maccabees, Eagles, Elks, Moose, Knights of Columbus, all of which have large and well-furnished halls. The Grand Army of the Republic is now represented by only one post and there are other patriotic organizations earnestly sustained by the women and the younger generations of men. The large German element in Canton has also kept alive for many years not only various Turn Vereins but numerous musical organizations, vocal and instrumental, while the literary societies, perhaps more generally patronized by representatives of the old eastern families, are many and active.
CANTON LODGE No. 60, F. & A. M.
Canton follows the rule, in that the Masons have the priority in the establishment of their various bodies, over the other orders. Canton Lodge No. 60, F. & A. M., held its first meeting March 1, 1821, under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The officers were : Moses Andrews, master; James Duncan, senior warden ; B. C. Goodwill, junior warden, and J. W. Lathrop, secretary. William Coolman was the first delegate to the Grand Lodge for Canton, being selected in December, 1821. The lodge was dedicated January 15, 1822, by Rial McArthur, deputy grand master, and at that time received its charter. The past masters of the lodge have been as follows : 1821, Moses Andrews; 1823, James W. Lathrop, two years ; 1824, Orrin Pitkin ; 1825, William Gardner, two years, John P. Coulter ; 1827, James Allen, James W. Lathrop ; 1828, Julius Smith ; 1829, William Gardner ; 1830,
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 401
Jehu Brown; 1831, Julius Smith, three years ; 1834, Sanders Van Rensselaer, three years (1837 and 1838 suspended work) ; 1839, Harmon Stidger, three years ; 1842, William Dunbar, four years; 1846, Daniel Gotshall, two years; 1848, William H. Burke, five years; 1853, Stephen A. Mealy ; 1854, Horace P. Dunbar ; 1855, H. M. McAbee; 1856, Daniel Gotshall ; 1857, William T. Evans, three years ; 1860, William H. Burke, two years ; 1862, Cornelius Aultman ; 1863, Frederick Orth ; 1864, Herman Meyer, two years; 1867, George E. Baldwin ; 1868, John Krause, two years; 1870, George E. Baldwin, four years : 1874, James S. Lindsey ; 1875, Alfred H. Heighway ; 1876, John Krause; 1877, Robert A. Cassidy, three years; 1880, Henry A. Wise, two years ; 1882, Robert A. Cassidy ; 1883, Herbert R. Spencer, two years ; 1885, Henry L. Erdman; 1886, Rudolph Bauhof ; 1887, Joseph Weaver; 1888, William H. Wyant ; 1889, Henry R. Bauhof ; 1890, Wallace Davis, two years ; 1892, Alonzo R. Demuth ; 1893, Harry A. Kennedy, two years; 1895, George H. Leggett, two years; 1897, Durfee Borden; 1898, Charles J. Thomas; 1899, Cicero L. Hiner ; 1900, Jesse M. Wyman; 1901, George E. Baldwin; 1902, C. H. Underwood; 1903, Lewis W. Thomas ; 1904, Alfred C. Eynon ; 1905, J. H. Kauffman ; 1906, Thomas H. Currie ; 1907, Charles A. Crane ; 1908, Charles A. Stollberg; 1909, Charles E. Norris; 1910, Chas. D. Rowlen ; 1911, Harry A. Staley ; 1912, John B. Mohler; 1913, Henry L. French ; 1914, H. U. Winkelman.
Canton Lodge No. 60 has a present membership of over 625, with the following officers : John D. Wetmore, worshipful master; W. E. Hagerman, senior warden ; Wm. P. Beardsley, junior warden ; Will R. Myers, treasurer; Chas. E. Norris, secretary.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY LODGE No. 431. F. & A. M.
William McKinley Lodge No. 431, F. & A. M., was organized under dispensation October 20, 1869, as Eagle Lodge No. 431. Its membership was drawn from old Canton No. 60, and its first officers were : Herman Meyers, worshipful master ; J. F. Bauhof, senior warden ; George W. Lawrence, junior warden ; M. Ruhman, treasurer, and A. M. Shane, secretary. Its past masters : 1869-72, Herman Meyers; 1873, Henry Cock ; 1874-75, Herman Meyers ; 1876-80, A. W. Heldenbrand ; 1881, Charles F. Laiblin ; 1882, Robert V. Votaw ; 1883, Henry Cock ; 1884-85, Henry W. Harter ; 1886, Martin Fulmer ; 1887-88, George F. Au; 1889, Edwin Davis ; 1890, William C. Ball ; 1892, Jerome M. Weidner ; 1893, Charles Dickerhof ; 1894, George W. Lawrence ; 1895, John Schumacher; 1896. .John G. A. Richter ; 1897, Arthur R. Turnbull ; 1898, U. S. Reeves; 1899, L. E. Shull ; 1900, William L. Wilson ; 1901, Denver C. Hughes ; 1903,
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Charles A. Armstrong; 1904, Charles W. Koons; 1905, William A. Bell; 1906, Harvey F. Ake ; 1907, David E. Killinger ; 1908, W. E. Slentz ; 1909, John W. Hoffee ; 1910, Homer H. Hill; 1911, W. G. Morrison ; 1912, Fremont A. Coldren ; 1913, Homer E. Goeler ; 1914, John H. Tudball. The lodge has a membership of 410, and is officered as follows : Edgar C. Tuckey, worshipful master ; Charles J. Corey, senior warden; Harry W. Oliver, junior warden ; Charles Dickerhof, treasurer ; W. H. Rowe, secretary.
It appears from the records that William McKinley was admitted to Masonry as a member of this lodge May 13, 1865, being then in his twenty-third year.
CANTON CHAPTER No. 84, R. A. M.
Canton Chapter No. 84, R. A. M., was organized under dispensation in 1860, and the following have served as its high priests : 1860, William H. Burke, two years ; 1862, James W. Underhill ; 1863, William H. Alexander, three years; 1866, James W. Underhill, twelve years ; 1878, John Robbins; 1879, H. A. Wise, four years ; 1883, H. C. Ellison ; 1884, John Krause, three years ; 1887, H. L. Erdman ; 1888, R. Bauhof ; 1889, James E. Dougherty, two years; 1891, Joseph Weaver ; 1892, Edwin Davis; 1893, George F. Au; 1894, Wallace Davis ; 1895, H. A. Kennedy ; 1896, H. R. Bauhof ; 1897, G. H. Leggett ; 1898, J. G. A. Richter ; 1899, Charles J. Thomas; 1900, Samuel Bergert ; 1901, Talcott B. Ballard ; 1902, A. C. Eynon ; 1903, S. T. Keith ; 1904, M. F. Taylor; 1905, C. W. Koons ; 1906, H. D. Meyers; 1907, William Wetzel ; 1908, Thomas H. Currie; 1909, W. A. Bell; 1910, Charles A. Stolberg ; 1911. Fremont A. Coldren ; 1912, Charles Dickerhof ; 1913, Henry L. French ; 1914, John D. Wetmore. The chapter has a membership of over 370, with the following chief elective officers : John H. Tudball, high priest ; Joel Webster, king; W. P. Beardsley, scribe ; George R. Seeley, captain of the host; Le Vern Busche, principal sojourner; Thomas H. Currie, treasurer ; Charles Silverman, secretary.
CANTON COUNCIL No. 35, R. & S. M.
Canton Council No. 35, R. & S. M., was organized under dispensation in 1864, the past thrice illustrious masters having been as follows : 1864-66, W. II. Alexander ; 1867-69, Joseph Weaver ; 1870, G. W. Huntington; 1871-86, Joseph Weaver ; 1887-89, Charles R. Garrigues; 1890. H. L. Erdman ; 1891, R. Bauhof ; 1892, John Krause; 1893-94, Edwin Davis; 1895, H. R. Bauhof ; 1896, H. A. Kennedy ; 1897, C. J. Thomas : 1898, Orville Benson ; 1900, C. E. Tinkler ; 1901, George H. Leggett :
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1902, J. G. A. Richter ; 1903, M. F. Taylor ; 1904, S. T. Keith; 1905-06, Charles Dickerhof ; 1907, Thomas H. Currie; 1908, W. A. Bell ; 1909-10, Charles A. Stolberg; 1911, J. D. Wetmore; 1912, J. H. Tudball ; 1913, Kirby M. Snyder ; 1914, Thomas H. Palmer.
The chief council officers for 1915 were as follows : W. P. Beardsley, thrice illustrious master ; William Wetzel, deputy ; Charles Dickerhof, principal conductor of the work; Fremont A. Coldren, treasurer; Charles Silverman, recorder. The council membership has reached 400.
CANTON COMMANDERY No. 38, K. T.
Canton Commandery No. 38, K. T., was organized under dispensation October 23, 1883, and its past eminent commanders have been : 1884, H. A. Wise, three years; 1887, G. W. Lawrence; 1888, H. L. Erdman: 1889, P. H. Barr ; 1890, R. Bauhof ; 1891, J. H. Taylor ; 1892, H. A. Kennedy ; 1893, F. M. Wyant ; 1894, H. R. Bauhof ; 1895, Edwin Davis; 1896, A. Housel ; 1897, Joseph Weaver ; 1898, Tom Weber ; 1899, J. M. Campbell ; 1900, Wallace Davis ; 1901, Daniel Holwick, two years; 1903, William R. Zollinger ; 1904, William H. Oliver ; 1905, Charles E. Tinkler ; 1906, Samuel T. Keith, two years ; 1907, Charles Dickerhof ; 1908, George W. Downie ; 1910, William H. Cavnah ; 1911, Thomas H. Currie ; 1912, Charles A. Stolberg, two years ; 1914, Le Vern Busche.
The commandery has a membership of more than 300, with the following officers: William Wetzel, eminent commander ; John H. Sheets, generalissimo ; Henry L. French, captain general ; John D. Wetmore, senior warden ; Carl F. Spanagel, junior warden ; Le Vern Busche, prelate ; Elmer E. Mack, treasurer ; William A. Bell, recorder.
SCOTTISH RITE MASONS
There are also several bodies of Scottish Rite Masons at Canton, of which the strongest is Emeth Lodge of Perfection Fourteenth Degree. Of that body, which has a membership of over 400, A. R. Turnbull was thrice potent master for 1914-15; J. E. McFadden, deputy master ; W. H. Rowe, senior warden ; William J. Morgan, junior warden ; J. N. Yates, orator ; William P. Wagner, treasurer, and William A. Bell, secretary. All of the foregoing except Mr. Wagner are thirty-second degree Masons. The past masters of Emeth Lodge are Henry A. Wise (thirty-second degree), Henry A. Kennedy (thirty-third), Daniel L. Holwick (thirty-third), and E. P. Willaman (thirty-third).
There are two other Scottish Rite bodies within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States, Valley of Canton-Mystic Council, Princes of Jerusalem (sixteenth degree), of which Charles A. Stolberg
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is sovereign prince, and Brenton Chapter Rose Croix de H-R-D-M (eighteenth degree), of which E. P. Willaman is most worthy master.
OTHER MASONIC BODIES
The Masonic Club, which has a membership of more than 300, was organized in March, 1891. Its officers for 1914-15 were : W. II. Rowe, president ; W. E. Slentz, vice president ; Albert A. Welshbacher, secretary, and E. E. Mack, treasurer. This is primarily a social organization of Masons and its handsome club rooms are in the Masonic Temple on Market Avenue N.
The Masonic Association, founded to build the temple and care for the property, was incorporated and organized in November, 1889. Its officers for 1915 were as follows : A. R. Turnbull, president ; C. D. Rowlen, vice president ; H. L. Erdman, secretary, and H. R. Bauhof, treasurer.
NIMISILLA LODGE No. 39, I. O. O. F.
The activities of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows commenced nearly twenty-five years after the establishment of old Canton Lodge No. 60, F. & A. M., but the younger order has made up for lost time and is represented by several very strong local bodies. Nimisilla Lodge No. 39, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 9, 1845, its charter members being O. P. Stidger, James Armstrong, George Miller, Ralph A. Ingersoll and G. T. Clark. Its present membership is 350, with officers as follows: J. Hershel Miller, noble grand ; Clyde Leslie, vice grand ; Howard Miller, financial secretary ; William Redman, recording secretary ; Charles Herter, treasurer. Among the past grands, with their subsequent places of residence : T. H. Bard, Alliance, Ohio ; Otis W. Baxter, Carrollton, Ohio ; A. N. Best, Detroit, Michigan ; S. L. Cris- singer, Malvern, Ohio; J. M. Dyser, West Lafayette, Ohio ; W. H. Evans, Monrovia, California ; W. H. Penrose, Los Angeles, California ; U. D. Roller, Minerva, Ohio ; D. B. Rudy, Akron, Ohio ; W. T. Saucer, Cleveland, Ohio; Benton Smith, Minerva, Ohio; H. W. Zaizer, Willow, Ohio. Past grands who have continued as residents of Canton are as follows: H. G. Austine, L. M. Bachtel, J. A. Berger, George W. Bender, B. Binkley, C. Bomberger, A. H. Born, J. A. Brooks, A. J. Campbell, H. A. Casper, R. A. Cassidy, T. Caughey, C. T. Clewell, C. M. Crane, M. C. Crosby, Samuel Danner, Charles J. Deckman, Charles Dickerhoof, William Dillman, Hiram Doll, J. H. Eller, William Farr, E. Fessler, Edward Hagerman, E. W. Hamaker, P. C. Hawk, C. F. Herter. W. F.
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 405
Hobush, J. W. Hoffee, D. J. Holliger, J. I. Hursh, Charles Ite, Sr., H. A. James, T. F. Johnston, N. C. Klingeman, J. F. Knoedler, Dayton Krug, H. E. Krumlauf, Charles R. Kumpf, William Mace, R. E. Mallory, W. L. Miller, 13. H. Norris, James Parker, S. A. Pfaus, W. E. Redman, George Ressler, S. H. Rockhill, C. G. Sander, Dr. H. M. Schuffel, G. E. Seeholtz, J. B. Shotts, Dr. T. C. Siffert, W. S. Stone, D. B. Talbert, W. D. Theobald, F. A. Toalsten, Dallas Walter, W. P. Wells, A. C. Will, J. S. Willis, H. Winger, H. A. Wise, W. L. Witwer and W. H. Wyant.
MANNHEIM LODGE No. 408, I. 0. 0. F.
Mannheim Lodge No. 408, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted August 27, 1868. It has 150 members. Its past grands have been: Rudolph Renfandt, Anamoose, North Dakota ; and John Burkhardt, Edward Beiter, Ernst Elsaesser, John Feller, John Freitag, Ernst Freitag, Andrew Huenten, William Hoenecke, Herman Hoorra, John Jacob, John Juergens, Ernst Kaufman, Carl Korn, Julius Krause, Adolph Koch, William Lehnis, Lawrence Liebig, John Mock, Fred Mueller, August Nixdorf, Louis Nuebling, August Offenburger, Albert Offenburger. Carl F. Offenburger, William Offenburger, Karl Offenburger, Dan Paar, Henry Pfeifer, Peter Roemhild, John Roos, Fred Schumacher, Leonard Schaub, Louis Schleicher, William Schmitt, Jacob Tremper, Anton Turajski, John Uhlmschneider, Bernhard Uhlman, Fred Veil, Gust Wiedman, Sr., Gust Wiedman, Jr., Adrian Wyser, Jacob Wirth, Emil Walther, Henry Wegner and William Zandt.
STARK LODGE No. 513, I. 0. 0. F.
Stark Lodge No. 513, I. 0. 0. F., which was instituted in June, 1872, has a membership of 350. Its officers in 1915 were: Frank C. Ronk, noble grand ; Ed. Rosehong, vice grand; John F. Buchman, financial secretary; John M. Schlafly, recording secretary; E. C. Brumbaugh, treasurer. Among the past grands who are now non-residents may be mentioned : S. H. Croft, Denver, Colorado ; Alexander Cunningham, Portville, New York ; G. A. Fries, Wadsworth, Ohio ; Frank Leibtag, Cleveland, Ohio ; John H. Moody, Akron, Ohio; C. 0. Oldfield, Soldiers' Home, Erie, Pennsylvania; B. W. Smith, Louisville, Ohio; and Charles P. Smith, East Sparta, Ohio. Cantonians who have served as grands: Maurice Aungst, John E. Bair, George Barrick, John L. Barrie, D. C. Baughman, Herbert W. Black, Durfee Borden, John F. Buchman, Cornelius Carpenter, William B. Cochenour, A. T. Dennis,
Vol II-2
406 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
Lyman S. Ensign, Charles Feller, V. R. German, Charles E. Helfrich, Eli J. Herschberger, Harry H. Hill, John Hines, Martin A. Hone, Keller E. Huff, William V. Lappin, Herman C. Mack, George W. Mentzer, John H. Peiro, David Pletcher, John R. Powers, U. R. Reinhold, Gotleib Rhein, Frank C. Roth, Jacob C. Roush, Harlan O. Saint, John M. Schlafly, John Schumacher, Abraham Seese, Abraham Shively.
(PICTURE) GENERAL VIEW 1N WEST LAWN CEMETERY
James Shorthill, Oliver L. Smith, W. H. Smith, Sam W. Smith, Jacob B. Snyder, Otto Stettler, Elmer J. Welty, J. W. Wilcoxen and James A. Workman.
THE ENCAMPMENT AND CANTON
Canton Encampment No. 112, I. O. O. F., was instituted August 3, 1868, and Canton No. 80, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F., on July
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 407
10, 1892. Lester D. Meiser is chief patriarch of the encampment, which numbers 200 members. The Canton, which is the highest body in Odd Fellowship, has a membership of about thirty-five. Its officers for 1915 were : Perry D. Eberly, commandant ; Loren E. Souers, lieutenant ; Ashbell E. Ring, ensign, and Frank C. Roth, accountant.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Canton Council No. 341, Knights of Columbus, the third council organized in the State of Ohio and one of the early councils to be established west of the Allegheny Mountains, was organized on May 8, 1898, with a charter list of sixty-five members, six of whom were residents of Ashtabula, Ohio, who were later to form the nucleus of the council there. For a period of a little over a year the council met in the Elks Hall and in the year 1900 opened its club rooms and council chamber on the third floor of the Dannemiller Block at Fifth and Market streets. Here the council continued to grow and prosper until it was seen fit to secure new quarters to accommodate the increased membership. On April 1, 1913, temporary quarters were secured in the Savings and Loan Block until its rooms at its present location in the Schlabaugh Block were completed. Now the council occupies the entire third floor of that building and has a home finely furnished and completely equipped for club and lodge purposes and well able to take care of its 300 members. During its existence the following Grand Knights have presided over its destinies, viz.: Frank A. Alexander, Joseph M. Blake, Richard J. Jennings, Ray J. Bour, Edward A. Biechele, Frank A. Sehwertner, Urban A. Wernet, Frank DeCorps, Phil J. Bernower, Frank Zink and the present incumbent, Joseph F. Rebillot.
Such orders as the Knights of Pythias, Elks, Moose, Reindeer and others are strong and well organized, with large and comfortable quarters for social and ritualistic uses.
CANTON'S G. A. R. POSTS
Canton has had two posts of the Grand Army of the Republic, the older having been Canton Post No. 25, later named William McKinley Post No. 25. Its charter was issued by Gen. James B. Steadman, department commander, and it was organized December 15, 1879. The charter members were: H. R. Dittenhafer, T. H. Phillips, Wm. A. Wikidal, P. S. Sowers, John Webb, Michael Adler, W. 0. Myers, T. W. Saxton, L. S. Ensign, H. C. Ellison, Jacob Kuneman, J. M. Ebersole, R. G.
408 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
Garber, A. T. McCutcheon, W. F. Reynolds, Joseph Craig, Jacob H. Weidman and W. S. F. Erb.
The following comrades have served as post commanders: P. S. Sowers, 1879; J. M. Ebersole, 1880-81 ; R. G. Garber, 1882 ; W. O. Myers, 1883; C. T. Oldfield, 1884; J. M. Ebersole (part), 1885; J. J. Clark (balance), 1885; J. J. Clark, 1886-88-91-1902-07; Chas. J. Buckius, 1887 ; A. D. Braden, 1889; H. R. Packer, 1890; Robert A. Cassidy, 1892; John C. Smith, 1893; Charles H. Kimbel, 1894-95; Hiram Doll, 1896 ; Hosea R. Jones, 1897; Aaron F. Bressler, 1898; William Wagner, 1899; John J. Zaiser, 1900; Nathaniel Eakin, 1901; Basil Norris, 1903; Frank McMurray, 1904; George Perrine, 1905-06; Henry Bixler, 1908; S. S. Newhouse, 1909; L. K. Hurford, 1910, and Alfred M. Garner, 1911.
George D. Harter Post G. A. R., No. 555, was organized in 1893 with a membership of 175. It was consolidated with Wm. McKinley Post No. 25 in September, 1914. A partial list of commanders of George D. Harter Post includes H. S. Moses, J. E. Goodyear, John C. Smith, A. Slusser and William W. Pumphrey.
In December, 1915, the following officers were elected : Commander, Alfred Garner; senior vice commander, C. T. Oldfield ; junior vice commander, L. M. Ensign; quartermaster, S. S. Newhouse ; chaplain, B. S. Hibshman ; officer-of-the-day, Clem Burwell; outside guard, Christ Bolus; surgeon, P. II. Schilling, M. D.
The present McKinley Post No. 25 has a membership of over 240. The comrades occupy comfortable rooms in the City Auditorium Building, which the municipality has agreed to maintain so long as a member of either post survives. An interesting feature of their headquarters is the memorial room, or museum, which contains marble tablets bearing the name of every soldier who ever enlisted in the [pion army from Canton Township, as well as relics of the war. Stark County has furnished one commander of the G. A. R. Department of Ohio, the late John H. Sharer, of Alliance ; Col. J. J. Clark, of Canton, has served as senior vice commander, and R. A. Pinn, of Massillon, and Colonel Moses; of Canton, as junior vice commanders.
THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
The Young Men's Christian Association of Canton has been doing such a fine work for the past forty years that its massive building on Tuscarawas Street, which has been occupied since the early '90s, has been long since outgrown. With a normal membership of about 1,400 young men who are closely identified with its numerous social, physical, industrial and moral departments, the management, under the active
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 409
guidance of G. E. Lundy, the general secretary, has a far larger and more complete building well advanced.
The massive nine-story building on Second Street N. W. and Dewalt, extending through to Third Street, is now (November, 1915) nearly ready for occupancy. With equipments and furnishings it will cost about $215,000, and the campaign for the raising of the building fund was a piece of financial work which reflected much credit both on the committee in charge and the public-spirited men and women who responded so promptly and generously to its appeals. The board of directors started the campaign in February, 1914, and in May gave a banquet at which was announced its successful finish. In June the association purchased the site for the new building of Laura E. Blum, widow of the late Herman C. Blum, who died October 20, 1897.
The corner stone was laid May 29, 1915, the Ohio Grand Lodge of Masons being in charge of the ceremonies. Bishop W. F. Anderson, of Cincinnati, delivered the oration. The Masonic committee in charge of the arrangements was composed of Fremont A. Coldren, chairman; Charles A. Stolberg, Charles D. Rowlen. William A. Bell, A. R. Turnbull and C. E. Norris.
As the memorials contained in the casket which was inclosed in the corner stone form the main links in the history of the Y. M. C. A. Building of today, a list of them is appended :
Copy May number of Ohio Associated News.
Copy June number of Association Men.
Souvenir program of banquet at opening of campaign containing names of workers in the campaign and women who served the banquet. Files of The Hub.
Copy of News-Democrat for October 20. 1897, containing account of the death of Herman C. Blum, president of the association from May, 1893. until his death ; and who owned the lot on which the new building is being erected.
Copy of Repository of October 23, 1897, containing account of funeral of Herman C. Blum, and resolutions passed by board of directors.
Copy of Men of November 13, 1897. containing picture and account of death of Herman C. Blum.
List of the contractors building the new building.
List. of the firms furnishing material for the new building.
List of present board of directors.
List of board of directors which launched the building campaign.
List of subscribers to the building fund.
List of men and boy members of the association.
410 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
List of employes of the association.
Copy of the Repository for February 14, 1914, containing account of decision of board of directors to start the campaign.
Copy of the Repository for May 7, 1914, containing account of the opening banquet.
Copy of the Repository for May 16, 1914, containing account of successful finish of the campaign.
Copy of the News for June 4, 1914, containing account of the purchase of the Herman C. Blum lot.
List of the present state committee.
Copy of complete program of corner stone laying ceremony with names of those taking part.
Copies of noon edition of local papers of May 29, 1915, containing account of corner stone laying ceremony.
The present board of directors is as follows : E. A. Bowman, who has been in office three years, president ; J. S. Wilhelm, vice president; A. A. Olden, recording secretary ; W. R. Myers, treasurer.
YOUNG WOMEN 'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
The first agitation to secure an organization devoted to religious work for young women was begun by the Dorcas Bible Class of the First Baptist Church in the year 1908. By April 12, 1909, 1,000 women had pledged themselves as members and the organization was completed by Miss Elizabeth Hughes, executive secretary for the Ohio and West Virginia field, in a meeting held on that date in the First Methodist Church.
With Mrs. Levi Miller as president and Miss Lillian Lovejoy as general secretary, the association first opened its doors in the cramped quarters at the corner of Market and Fifth streets S. W. The usual class work was carried on and comfortable rooms furnished in which business girls could eat their lunches and read or rest. Within a year the growth of the work necessitated the securing of larger quarters. Six rooms were equipped at the corner of Market and Second streets S. E. Here the work of all departments could be carried on under one roof. Previously the Domestic Science classes had been taught in the Dueber Avenue School-the gymnasium work in the City Auditorium.
By 1912 the growth of the work justified the purchase of a permanent home. In June of 1912 a joint campaign was carried on by the Young Women's Christian Association and the Young Men's Christian Association to raise $66,000, of which $56,000 was to be used to purchase and improve the present home of the Young Women's Christian
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 411
Association at 420 Market Avenue South and to build and equip a gymnasium in connection with the building. The enthusiasm shown during this campaign indicated the feeling of the citizens that the Young Women's Christian Association had come to be a real force in the life of the community.
The history of the Canton association is a record of rapid growth. New departments have already filled the present building until the need for larger quarters is again pressing. The Bible work, which grew to gratifying proportions after the Billy Sunday campaign, has held its own and stands at present as one of the strongest departments of the association. The cafeteria, started with some fear, has justified its existence in supplying to young women wholesome food served in attractive surroundings at low prices.
Club work among high school students and girls employed in industrial centers are recently organized departments. There are at present four high school groups carrying on Bible study and camp fire work. Clubs have been organized in eight factories—club members meeting at the association building on one evening of the week for class work of various kinds.
Judging by the past and by the present, a prosperous future may be prophesied for the work of the Canton Young Women's Christian Association.
WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
The First Woman 's Christian Temperance Union of Canton was organized in September, 1877, in the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Blocher. Mrs. Nancy Hull Patton was the first president. She served the union for thirty-one years. Two of the charter members, Mrs. Elizabeth Reed and Mrs. Magdalene Ritterspaugh, are still active members. From 1877 to 1916 there have been but three presidents. This Woman's Christian Temperance Union was the first organization to establish a free reading room in Canton ; the first to give any free industrial training to the children. It was through this union that regular religious services were held at the county infirmary, workhouse and jail. Before any store or public building had a rest room of any kind the Woman's Christian Temperance Union had a room where women and girls could rest and eat a lunch if they so desired. Several years before a Young Women's Christian Association was established in Canton this union had a home for girls.
Mainly through the efforts of Mrs. Patton and the generosity of Mrs. Kate Aultman, the present home of the First Woman's Christian Tem-
412 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
perance Union was secured. It is a property located in the business section of the city on the corner of Third and Court streets S. W., valued at $40,000. Twenty to thirty girls find a pleasant home here. The building is three stories and basement ; has electric light and city heat. The girls have the use of the parlors, kitchen and laundry with-
(PICTURE) MRS. NANCY HULL PATTON, PRESIDENT OF THE FIRST WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
out extra charge. They have here the comforts and conveniences of modern homes.
From the organization to the present time the regular weekly meeting has been held every Friday afternoon. The aim of the union has always been to help the unfortunate, protect the boys and girls, and work and pray for the annihilation of the liquor traffic.
The motto of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union is, "Diligent in business, serving the Lord," and the following are the officers
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY- 413
in service : President, Miss Emily Ritterspaugh ; corresponding secrementary, Mrs. Marguerite A. Essig ; recording secretary, Mrs. Romain Dager ; treasurer, Mrs. Flora Shertzer.
AULTMAN HOME FOR AGED WOMEN
The Aultman Home for Aged Women was founded in January, 1903, by the will of the late Katherine B. Aultman, widow of Cornelius Aultman. After numerous bequests Mrs. Aultman left her homestead at No. 733 Market Avenue N. for the purpose of being used as a home for aged women, naming Mrs. Josiah Hartzell, Mrs. Isaac Harter and Mrs. Augustus Dannemiller as conservators of the property and her other endowments. They gave bond to the Probate Court to carry out her wishes and have virtually administered the estate and adapted it to the purposes designated by Mrs. Aultman. The old Aultman residence was altered to meet the new needs of the institution and several years later a cottage was erected to accommodate more residents. Mrs. Hartzell, who had been elected president, died several years ago, and her daughter, Mrs. Dora Hartzell Kuhns, was appointed by the probate judge in her stead. Mrs. Isaac Harter is the treasurer of the board of managers, and Mrs. Augustus Dannemiller, secretary.
CANTON'S HOSPITALS
Aultman Hospital, on Clarendon Avenue, was opened in 1892 as a memorial to the late Cornelius Aultman, presented by Mrs. Katherine B. Aultman and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Harter, widow and daughter of the deceased. Several additions and many improvements have been made to the building as originally erected.
Canton is fortunate in her hospital accommodations, which are supplied through three well managed institutions. Mercy Hospital, in North Market Avenue, was founded in the historic McKinley cottage, which stands beside the massive building erected about five years ago. The site was purchased by Mrs. Rosa Klorer from the McKinley estate and presented as a memorial to her deceased husband, Herman Klorer, a prominent member of the Berger Manufacturing Company. The hospital is in charge of the Catholic Sisters of Mercy.
Ingleside Hospital, in High Avenue S. W., near Tuscarawas Street, is managed by an incorporated company, and was erected about ten years ago by William E. Sherlock, a prominent manufacturer of Canton.
414 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
COUNTRY CLUBS
Two institutions remain to be described which are strictly in line with modern ideas as measures of prevention. Men and women must play and exercise, especially in the open, in order to meet the nervous and physical requirements of the working world. Fewer hospitals would be required if people would get out into the country more ; leave their cares behind just as often as the necessities would allow. The Lakeside Country Club and the Congress Lake Club, already introduced in this work, are in this field of prevention, and the details of their activities follow :
THE LAKESIDE COUNTRY CLUB
The Lakeside Country Club, whose grounds are along the shores of Meyer's Lake, was founded in 1903. Its club house was originally built for a brewing company in 1900, but the township (Plain) in which it is located, voted "dry" and the building was sold to the Northern Ohio Traction Company. The club house and its grounds, which cover about twelve acres, and the adjoining golf links, comprising seventy acres more, are leased from the corporation named, which is the owner of the land around the lake and the fine amusement park which has been developed. The entire property occupied by the Country Club is elevated, overlooks the lake and is connected by a bridge with the amusement park proper. Boating, golf, tennis and other forms of out-door exercise and recreation are placed within easy reach of its members.
Since the organization of the Lakeside Country Club its presidents have been P. L. McLain, Charles Steese, J. H. Kenny and John C. Welty ; the secretaries, A. M. McCarty, C. H. Schlabach and James F. Clark. It has a membership of about 350, including resident and nonresident members. The home strength of the club is drawn mainly from Canton and Massillon, and quite a number of members reside in Alliance and Akron.
THE CONGRESS LAKE CLUB
The origin of the Congress Lake Club, which owns the beautiful 300-acre body of water and 200 acres of abutting land in Stark and Portage counties, was the Canton Outing Club, organized by W. L. Alexander, R. H. Chapin and others in 1892. The original property was acquired largely through the efforts of Mr. McKinley, then governor of Ohio. The outing idea developed until, after various vicissitudes and
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 415
forms of organization, the Congress Lake Club was evolved, with the ownership of the entire lake. This outcome is believed to be unique in the history of country clubs—the acquiring of the ownership of an entire lake with surrounding lands. The Congress Lake Club is an Ohio corporation with an authorized capital of $200,000. There are stockholding members, who number over 200, and non-stockholding members, who number perhaps a score. Its present officers are : H. B.
(PICTURE) CONGRESS LAKE CLUB HOUSE
Stewart, Canton, president ; W. C. Laiblin, first vice president ; 0. F. Transue, Alliance, second vice president ; J. F. T. Walker, Canton, secretary and treasurer.
The Congress Lake Club combines hunting, fishing, golfing, tennis playing, boating, billiards and pool, bowling, automobiling, dancing and dining, in its list of pleasures. Upon the south end of the lake is its beautiful fireproof club house, completed in 1913 at a cost of $85,000. The club also owns the old frame house and a number of cottages, with all necessary barns, piers, boat house and servants' quarters. To the east are the golf links sweeping around the south end of the lake, while from the -north veranda of the club house the entire lake lies in view. The house is open winter and summer.