(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 925 is a reputable business man and honored citizen. Mr. Steele married Sarah J. McCauley, of Hudson, who is a daughter of Peter and Mary McCauley, and they have two children: Harry C., who is connected with the street railway; and Mabel M., who married William Taylor, who is employed hi her father’s store. The family belong to the Episcopal Church. Peter McCauley; father of Mrs. Steele, was born in Ireland and was a small child when be accompanied his mother to America. Here he learned the shoemaker trade which ho followed for limy years at Streetsboro, Portage County, Ohio, later moving to Hudson, where lie spent the rest of his life on a farm, dying in April, 1863. He married Mary O’Brien, who was born at Hudson,. Ohio, and who was a daughter of Harry O’Brien, a Protestant Irishman, who came from Ireland and settled in Portage County in the year that Ohio became a State. Politically, Mr. Steele is identified with the Republican party. He served as trustee of Stow Township for two terms and vas a member of the City Council of Cuyahoga Falls for one term. He is one of the active members of Eddy Post, G. A. R., at Cuyahoga Falls. MATTHIAS COFFMAN, a highly esteemed retired farmer who resides on his well-. cultivated farm of seventy-five and one-half acres of excellent farming land in Northampton Township, was born January 4, 1835, in Berlin Township, Trumbull (now Mahoning) County, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Swartz) Coffman. Samuel Coffman was born in 1802, in Pennsylvania, and there received his education. After his marriage he removed to Berlin Township, Summit County, Ohio, where lie acquired 106 acres of land, on which he raised principally flax, a crop not generally grown now in this section. He and his wife were members of the United Brethren Church, but because there was no church of that denomination in their vicinity, they attended the German Reformed Church. Mr. Coffman died in 1861 . He was married to Elizabeth Swartz, who was also born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of Matthias Swartz, mid they had the following children: Mary Ann, Zacharias and Samuel, all deceased; and Matthias, Tobias and Abraham. Matthias Coffman received his education in the district schools of Berlin Township, and began to teach while still a pupil, completing the term when the regular teacher had been taken sick. He also taught a second term, in Deerfield Township, in Portage County, but when eighteen or nineteen, years of ago started to work out among the farmers of his section, having a preference for farm work. From 1855 to 1858 he engaged in the manufacture of Pearl mid soda ash on his own account, having previously worked for his brother-in-law for three years in the same business, one carried on at that time where land was being cleared to 'a largo extent. In March, 1865, Mr. Coffman enlisted in Company B, 188th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Civil War for seven months in Tennessee, being a faithful soldier. His present farm he purchased in 1863, and later he added ten acres thereto, but subsequently sold them again, the farm now ing its original size. Mr. Coffman has done some dairying, but his attention is given chiefly to general farming. He has a circular silo 12 x 24 feet and other substantial buildings on his farm, which is kept in the finest condition. Ile owns a registered Jersey bull end nine registered Jersey cattle. Mr. Coffman is a stanch Prohibitionist, and although he has never had political aspirations, he has served two years as township trustee. Formerly he was identified with the United Brethren Church, in which he was a class leader for some time, but there is no church of that denomination in this locality now. On August 16, 1857, Mr. Coffman was married to Sarah Jane Bean, who is a daughter of Henry Bean, of Northampton Township, and to this union there has been born one daughter: Mary Ploney, who is the wife of Nelson Alden, Bucklin, who is the pres- 926 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY ent manager of the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bucklin have one daughter, Ardis Auverne. JOHN WALDKIRCH, who is a successful general farmer, residing on the old home place of sixty acres of excellent land, which is situated in Coventry Township, was born December 9, 1860, in Norton Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of Christian and Mary (Stortz) Waldkirch. Christian Waldkirch was born in Germany, where he lived into manhood, when he and his brother, John Waldkirch, came to America and both settled in Summit County. Christian found employment in the McDonald Hotel, at South Akron, and later worked on the Van Hyning farm. After his marriage he rented a farm in Norton Township and operated that for a number of years or until he was prepared to buy his first farm, which was situated near the reservoir in Coventry Township. In the following year he sold that place and moved to Akron, where he was employed in a shop for about eight years, after which he rented a farm on the Copley road, on which he lived for eight years, and then bought the present farm, from Frank Horssler. Christian Waldkirch lived on this farm until the end of his life. He was an industrious, frugal man, who lived at peace with the world, and in dying left a fair estate to his family. His death occurred in August, 1904, at the age of eighty-five years. He married Mary Stortz, who was also born in Germany, a most excellent woman, who died in 1891, aged sixty-seven years. They had four children: Norman, Christian, John and Louisa. John Waldkirch grew up on the home farm and has always done his full share in developing and improving it. He was educated in the public schools at Akron, but in his boyhood there was too much to be done on the farm to allow his attendance to be very continuous. The farm was left by the father to to Mr. Waldkirch and his sister Louisa, the latter of whom married Joseph Mitchell. She has three children: Alice, Fred and Ernest. Mr. Waldkirch is a Republican and always exercises his right of citizenship at the polls, but he has never permitted his name to be used in any contest for office. He is well known in his neighborhood and enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. lie is the only one of his family who is unmarried. JOHN K. WILLIAMS, president and general manager of the Williams Foundry and Machine Company, of Akron, has been a resident of this city for a quarter of a century. He was' born in 1856, in southern Wisconsin, where he was reared and attended school and later learned the machinist's trade. In 1882, Mr. Williams was called to Akron to put in the machinery for the Portage Strawboard Company, and the big Quaker Oats mill, on Howard street. He found this city a promising field and in 1884 he started into a machine business for himself, which he carried on until 1897, when the Williams Foundry and Machine Company was incorporated. The capital stock of this company is $50,000, and the officers of the company are: John K. Williams,. president and general manager; C. H. Williams, vice-president; and C. Franze, secretary and treasurer. The company does a general jobbing and machine business, giving employment to about seventy-five men, and engaging only skilled labor. The plant is a four-story building, 150 by 40 feet, with a foundry attached, two stories in height, and with dimensions of 100 by 50 feet. The work turned out from this plant bears the mark of efficiency, and each year the business is expanded, now ranking with other large enterprises of Akron. In 1882, Mr. Williams was married to Mamie Weston, of Springfield Township, Summit County. Mr. Williams is affiliated with the Masons and the Odd Fellows. WILLIAM A. WARNER, one of Coventry Township's most highly esteemed citizens, who filled the offices of township treasurer and treasurer of the Board of Education AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 927 for over a quarter of a century, was born on a farm at East Liberty, Summit County, Ohio, October 5, 1845, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Weaver) Warner. Henry Warner, the grandfather of William A., came from Maryland to Ohio when a young man, making the journey with ox-teams, and settled near Canton for a short time, subsequently locating in the- woods of Coventry Township. His wife and children assisted him in clearing the farm, and hero the rest of his life was spent. Indians were numerous in those early days, and they often caw to Vestry Warner,s home to beg tobacco, and provisions. Mr. 'Warner lived to he seventy-live years of age, passing away while resting in his chair. His widow lived to the same age, dying some years later. Henry 'Warner was married in Maryland, to Elizabeth Kepler, and to them were born eight sons, all of whom lived to maturity: John, Jacob, Samuel, William, and Abraham survive. Adam, and and Daniel, are de- ceased.. Jacob and William Warner served in the Civil War and they are members of the Grand Army of the Republic. John Warner, father of William A., was born on the farm near Canton, Ohio, June 22, 1821, and in boyhood came with the family to Summit County, where he has ever since resided, and has long been a highly respected citizen of Norton Township. He is one of the few men still living in the county who helped build the reservoir, on which he worked as a boy. He married Elizabeth Weaver, who was born in Summit County, Ohio, and died in October, 1904, aged about eighty-two years. Six children were born to this union, as follows: William A., Henry, Samuel, Mary, John J., and Adam. Mary died aged five months. When *William A. Warner was about three years of age his parents settled on land near his present home, and shortly thereafter the Steese Company opened .a coal mine, where he subsequently worked for two and one-half years, after reaching manhood. He grew up on the farm, and being the eldest child, much of the work of clearing the place fell to him. his education was secured in the log schoolhouse, which he attended about four months each year, this affording what was thought to be a good education in those days. Through his hard work in the mines, for which he received two dollars per day, he saved over $600, which he put out at interest. During this time Mr. Warner had been married and he and his wife went to live on the old home place of his grandfather, a farm of 100 acres, which he cultivated on shares for about ten years, and then purchased. At first he had to he content with the old log buildings then standing, but, later ho replaced these. with some of the finest structures in the township.. He followed general farming until he retired from active pursuits, when he gave over the management of his farm of seventy-five acres to his son-in-law, William J. 'Fa miss. In December, 1865, Mr. Warner was married to Sarah Spiffier, who died May 21, 1005, aged sixty-live years. She was born in. Springfield Township, Summit. County, Ohio, find two children were born to them, namely: William J., who died when about six months old; and Mary E., who married William J. Farriss. Mr. Warner is a. Democrat. He was first elected treasurer of Coventry Township, in 1880, and has tilled that office continuously for the past twenty-five years. His last term expired in December, 1907, when he definitely declined to accept. the office again. His long period of official life has been one to which he can look with honest pride through the remainder of his life. With his family, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church at South Akron. John Farriss, the grandfather of William I. Farriss, was a native of England who emigrated to America and settled in Seneca County, New York, where he died at the age of eighty-five years. Of his family of six children, William Farriss was next to the eldest. He was born in England, and was three years of age when the family came to America.. He grew up on his father,s farm, 928 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY and when a young man learned the carpenter,s trade, at which he worked for a number of years, for a time at Cleveland, Ohio, where he helped to finish the Chadwick home, which has been frequently mentioned in the past few years, in the newspapers, in connection with the late Mrs. Chadwick. Later he went back to New York, where he spent several years. On his return to Cleveland he worked at his trade for a short time, and then settled on a farm in New Portage, Summit County, Ohio. In 1899 he sold this property and retired from active business, and now resides at Barberton. William Farriss was married in Cleveland, Ohio, to Susan Brooker, who was born February 15, 1840, and is a native of Settingborn, England. Mr. and Mrs. Farriss had six children : Carrie, who married, Timothy Hunsberger; William James; Nora Jane, who married M. High; John Lewis ; Lewis Brooker, who married Blanche Allen; and Susie A., who married H. Werntz. William James Farriss was born in New York, July 12, 1862, and was about six years old when his parents removed from New York to New Portage, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood on his father’s farm. On December 12, 1889, Mr. Farriss was married to Mary E. Warner, who is a daughter of William H. and Sarah A. (Spettler) Warner, and four children have been born to this union: Lottie May, who died in infancy, June 3, .1891; Sarah Esther, born December 14, 1894; William Albert, born March 20, 1896; and Adela Maude, born June 6, 1898. For nine years after his marriage, Mr. Farriss resided on his present farm, .although for the last three of these he was engaged as a traveling salesman for the Akron Cultivator Company. Then for four years he lived on his old family home at New Portage, but at the end of that time returned to the Warner home, which he purchased from his father-in-law, in 1905. He has a fine farm, on which are all the conveniences of a city home, including waterworks, laundry and other irn- provements, these having been put in by Mr, Farriss. He built the first entirely concrete silo in Ohio, and Mrs. Farriss was the first woman in the State to feed a fodder cutter, operated by a gasolene engine. His dairy products are sold to the Buchtel Hotel. Mr. Farriss and wife belong to the South Main Methodist Episcopal Church and have always taken an active interest in church matters. HARRY E. LOOMIS, general manager of the National Coal Company, at Akron, with offices in the Hamilton Building, is an old experienced coal man, having been connected with this industry for many years. He was born at Wadsworth, Medina County, Ohio, in 1860, and is a son of E. G. Loomis, a prominent railroad and coal man, who was a pioneer in the latter business in this section. Harry E. Loomis worked in the coal mines while still a schoolboy. In 1878 he was made superintendent of three mines of the Silver Creek Mining and Railway Company, of which his father was president and general manager, and during the great miners, strike, proved of great value to the company, with which he continued to be connected for about five years. He completed his education at the Western Reserve College, and in 1880 came to Akron. He then studied law in the office of Attorney L. D. Waters, was subsequently admitted to the bar and practiced for a short time, but then returned to the coal business For several years he was general manager o the Loomis Coal Company, and then, for several years more, was engaged in the practice of law, but subsequently he again became identified with the coal interests of this section, becoming secretary and manager of the National Coal Company, which operates three mines in the Cambridge District, having an output of 2,000,000 tons annually. This is one of the most extensive coal mining companies in the State and owns the three larges producing mines in the county. Mr. Loomis is interested in other coal companies and coal banks. He is probably as well informed AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 931 concerning this important industry as any one in the State, and having made it his main business in life, has the satisfaction of knowing that his efforts have been crowned by success. Mr. Loomis has one daughter,' who is the wife of Forrest Firestone, a well-known attorney at Akron. He is 4. member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Fraternally, he is a Thirty-second Degree Mason and belongs to the leading social clubs of Akron. JOSEPH HILL, one of the older residents of Portage Township, yet one of her most active and capable men; owns a largo body of laud aggregating 250 acres, the larger amount being in Portage and fifty acres in Northampton Township. was born Vermont, November 30,1824, and is a son of Tyler and Sallie (Fish) Hill. In 1836, the parents of Mr. Hill came out to Ohio, crossing the Green mountains and following the road to Albany, taking the canal from there to Buffalo and then the old ship, "Portage," to Cleveland. What a world of adventure came into the lives of these quiet, farming people in this long journey by land and water. At that' time there was yet a chance to select excellent land and the father bought 140 acres in Twinsburg and later his children bought 200 acres of the old Stoyer,s tract. Both parents of Mr. Hill died on their farm, advanced in years. Joseph Hill learned the carpenter,s and joiner,s trade in his youth and worked at it in Solon, while tilling a farm of 65 1-2 acres, which he had purchased. This land he sold in 1865 and came to Portage Township, where he bought 200 acres, to which he later added fifty acres lying in Northampton Township. A part of his land has been sold to the old Valley Railroad which runs through. his farm. When he first came to the place he cut timber and made up rafts and floated them on the canal to the stave-mill at Akron, but for many years he has devoted himself to general farming and to stock-raising. His first house stood far back on the farm, and it served the purpose of a pleasant home until he built the line modern brick house in which he now lives. Mr. Hill's good judgment was shown when he purchased this laud with its standing timber. He has sold over 15,000,000 feet of lumber off this place. Mr. Hill was married, first, to Mehitable Drake, ,:ho died September 17, 1888. To this marriage twelve children were born, as follows: . Lilly Louise who died at Solon, aged six years; Leander, who died at Solon, aged four years; a daughter, Lisa, born at Solon, who died in Portage Township, at the age of five years; Charles, who resides at hmmie; Jesse, who was accidentally killed by a falling tree, at the age of thirty five years; Ise, May, wife of *Frank Morris of Akron ; Joita Juba,, residing with his family on his father's farm, assists in operating it; Schuyler, who resides with his family at Akron ; Aquilla and George, both of whom live at home; Viva and Francis both died when about thirteen months old. On March 1, 11889, Mr. Hill married for his second wife Mrs. Rosalie A. Spang, who was born on the old .Drake farm in Boston Township, Summit County, but was reared in Hudson Township. She is a daughter of Augustine Warriner and Emily (Drake) Warriner, and the widow of Frederick Spang. Augustine Warriner, father of Mrs. Hill, was born at Chardon, Ohio, and was married to Emily Drake, January 22, 1846. They .had four children but Mrs. Hill is the only survivor, and she was born March 6, 1855: She had three sisters, as follows: Delia A., born April 9, 1847, married William M. Russell and died in Missouri, August 29, 1904; Amelia Marana, born March 7, 1849, married Lester Squires and died January 18, 1876; and Cecelia Lizzie, born December 8, 1850, married Charles E. Turner, and died in April, 1876. Augustine Warriner died October 4, 1854, in Northampton Township. He was survived many years by his widow, who died May 19, 1890. By her first marriage, Mrs. Hill had five children, namely: Hendricks Peter, who died in infancy; Emily Henrietta, who mar- 932 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY ried Joita Juba Hill, son of Joseph Hill; Melveda Christian, who died in infancy; Delia May, who married Myron G. Pettit; and Stella Augusta, who died aged ten years, eight months and 26 days. Mrs. Hill has six grandchildren. To Joseph Hill's second marriage three children were born, as follows: Adilda, who married Percy J. Horn ; Zorada Minerva; and Lettie Viola. Mr. Hill has three grandchildren named Morris and three with the name of Hill. This is a large, happy and intelligent family, one that is widely known and that occupies a prominent place in the pleasant social life in their neighborhood. H. FREDERICK BOLANZ, general farmer, owning a fine, unincumbered property of 266 acres, in Northampton Township, is one of the representative men of his section. He was born in Baden, Germany, February 2, 1853, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Eng) Bolanz. The parents of Mr. Bolanz died when he as small and he was reared by relatives who afforded him a common school education. When fourteen years of age he started to learn the florist business which he followed until 1879, when he came to America, his sole capital at that time being $200. He settled first at Wadsworth, Ohio, where a brother was living, and after working on a farm in that vicinity for eighteen months, he entered the employ of Mrs. Hamilton Alexander Cummings, of Akron, with whom he continued for five years. His salary was $25 a month, and in the period above mentioned he saved $1,200. This is pretty fair proof that he is a man of steadfast purpose and able to exercise self-denial. There are others who started out with just as good and even better prospects, who are still working for a small monthly salary, probably less than Mr. Bolanz pays his help. In 1886, with the capital that he had earned by his hard work and saved by. his .prudence, Mr. Bolanz started into the florist business with his brother Julius, under the firm name of Bolanz Brothers. They estab lished themselves at Akron, where they continued until 1899. They owned their own greenhouses and did a good business. In 1893, together the brothers bought the old White farm of 266 acres, and in 1899, H. Frederick Bolanz sold his interest in the florist business to his brother, and bought the latter's interest in the farm, which he has continued to cultivate and improve ever since. He devotes 100 acres to hay, wheat, corn, oats and potatoes, keeps fifteen head of cattle and sends his milk to Cleveland. He raises all the corn he uses for feed and all his own cattle and horses. His farm is well equipped with modern farm machinery and implements, and the land, buildings and rolling stock would bring a. large amount of money if ever placed on the market. Mr. Bolanz gives his estimable wife a large amount of credit for his success. Mr. Bolanz was married to Louisa Ruch, who was born in Baden, Germany, December 28, 1868, and is a 'daughter of Stephen and Sophia (Wohleb) Ruch, the former of whom was born in Germany, in December, 1822, and died April 6, 1892. He had three children, namely : Louisa; Sophia: residing at Baden ; and Adolph, residing in Hessen, Germany. Mrs. Bolanz is a lady of education and prior to coming to America, she was a hospital nurse for six years. She is a consistent member of St.. Bernard Catholic Church at Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Bolanz have four children: Frederick Alexander, Marie, Margaret and Henry Nicholas. They are all intelligent bright young people, credits to their parents and to their community. In politics, Mr. Bolanz votes independently. He has never sought political office to any degree, but ha served as road Supervisor. He is a member of the order of Maccabees, at Peninsula, and Of the Odd Fellows at Akron. WILLIAM STEIGNER, whose fine fun of eighty-one acres is partly situated in the city limits of South Akron and partly it Coventry Township, was born July 1, 1856 on the present farm and in the old pioneer AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 933 log house which has recently been replaced by a modern residence. His parents were Jacob and Gotleben (Gans) Steigner. Jacob Steigner was born in Germany and died in Coventry Township, Summit County Ohio, in 1867, aged seventy-two years. When he came to America he immediately made his_ way to Summit County and settled at Summit Lake, buying a part of the land from the Government. It was all woodland at that time and the present busy city of Akron, with its many interests, some of which encircle the world, was represented by just one log cabin standing in a little clearing. Jacob Steigner was a quiet, industrious, persevering and worthy man and lived on his farm on which he first settled until his death, at which time he was respected by all who knew him. He was married three times. His first wife died in Germany, leaving two children, Godfrey and Peter, both now deceased. With his second wife he came to America, where she soon died, having borne three children, namely: Elizabeth, who married Park Gear, both deceased; Mary, who married George Swenderman, deceased; and a babe, also deceased. His third marriage was to the estimable lady who still survives, being now in her eighty-seventh year. She was born in Germany and came to America when eighteen years of age, finding her first employment in a hotel in New York city, from which point she came to Summit County on account of the excellent wages offered. She worked in a hotel at Canal Fulton, where she met Jacob Steigner, whom she later married. There were four children born to this union, namely: Jacob, residing in Coventry Township; William, and two babes that died in infancy. William Steigner has spent a happy and useful life on this fine old farm of fertile fields and rich pastures, where great crops are grown and herds of cows are fed, for he is a large farmer and dairyman. Here he has reared his estimable family and kept open his hospitable door to his many friends. He had but few chances to obtain an education, the most of his time through boyhood being spent at work in the woods. From childhood he attended the German Reformed Church, and he remembers how he often went barefooted, with his companions, and sat on the hard benches through many a long sermon, and this was a large part of his educational training. On attaining his majority he obtained a part of his farm from his father, and shortly after his marriage he began to carry on dairying to a large degree, and establish a wagon route to Akron, which he continued for four years. He now sells by wholesale and keeps about twenty-seven head of cattle for dairying purposes. His beautiful new residence is built on an eminence overlooking Summit Lake. On May 20, 1877, Mr. Steigner was married to Catherine Craft, who is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine Craft, and they have had the following children: Samuel; Maggie, who married Charles Koser, has one child, Hazel ; George; Ella; Catherine; and Bertha, who died aged four years. Politically, Mr. Steigner is a Democrat but has declined to fill any office except that of school director, in which position he has given faithful attention to the needs of his school district for several years. With his family he belongs to the German Reformed Church, on Broadway, Akron. HARRY NELSON SHERBONDY, general farmer and well-known citizen of Northampton Township, resides on his valuable farm of seventy-two acres. He was born at Akron, Ohio, March 11, 1858, and is a son of Hiram and Louisa (Sherbondy) Sherbondy. The father of Harry N. Sherbondy was born on a farm on Sherbondy Hill, Summit County, Ohio, and died in his native county, on his own farm, December 7, 1897. Shortly after his marriage he settled on a farm of twenty acres, in Copley Township, which he devoted to truck gardening, and found a ready sale for all his products at Akron. For some years he was a trustee of Portage Township. He was a son of Peter Sherbondy, who 934 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY was the first settler on Sherbondy Hill. Peter Sherbondy was born in Germany and after coming to the United States, lived for a time in Pennsylvania, and then took up a large body of land in Portage Township, where he built his log cabin. He was a man of considerable importance in his day and left many worthy descendants. He died in 1870, aged sixty years. He was a Democrat, but his son Hiram was identified with the Republican party. Hiram Sherbondy married Louisa Sherbondy, who died in 1892, aged fifty-six years. She was a distant relative, being the daughter of Uriah Sherbondy. Hiram Sherbondy and wife had but two sons: Harry Nelson and Milton Jay, the latter of whom resides at Akron. Harry Nelson Sherbondy obtained his education in the public schools of Akron, learned the carpenter trade and was employed as a wood-worker until 1905, in the meanwhile paying some attention also to farming. In 1906, he resigned his position as forman with the manufacturing concern with which he had long been connected. It was with regret that he separated himself from employers and co-workers, between whom and himself existed the most cordial feelings. He had commenced to realize, however, the great possibilities of agriculture and made the decision to devote his future energies to that line. He purchased his present farm 'and has met with success. He grows corn and wheat to market, and hay, corn and oats for his own use. He feeds eleven head of cattle which he sells to kcal butchers, and carries milk from the farmers of this section to the Pure Milk Company of Akron. All his activities are in a prosperous condition. Mr. Sherbondy was married to Mrs. Charles Thomas, of Cleveland. Her maiden name was Flora Bright. She has one son by her former marriage, Harry Edward Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Sherbondy have one son, Milton LeRoy. Politically, Mr. Sherbondy is a Republican and on numerous occasions has been sent as a delegate to county conventions. He has served in the office of trustee of Portage Township. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Nemo Lodge, No. 746. HARRY WILLIAMS, cashier of the National City Bank of Akron, has been identified with the banking business during almost all his mature life and has been a resident of Akron for the past twenty years. He was born at Brimfield, Portage County, Ohio, in 1869, and was reared and educated in his native place. After completing his schooling Mr. Williams came to Akron and was employed as clerk in a confectionery store for eightee months. He then became a clerk in the Cit National Bank, subsequently going to the Citizens, Saving Bank, where he continued until 1893, as assistant in charge of the branch at East Akron. He then returned to the City National Bank, in the capacity o bookkeeper, remaining until the expiration of its charter, in 1903. The company too out a new charter under the style of the N tional City Bank, and Mr. Williams has bee cashier of the bank ever since its reorganiza tion. He is highly thought of in bankin circles, and through his habitual courtesy and pleasing personality, has won and retained a wide circle of friends, not only for himself, but also for the institution with which he has so long been associated. In 1895, Mr. Williams was married to Nina Moulton, who is a daughter of J. B. Moulton, of Brimfield, Portage County, and they have two children—Mildred and Jeannette. Mr. Williams is a member of the Kirkwood club, the Portage Country club and the Akron Gun club. LEONARD ELI GAYLORD, proprietor of Clear Spring Farm, a fertile tract of forty acres of land which is situated in Stow Township, was born March 29, 1840, in Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of Eli and Mary (Wolcott) Gaylord. In 1809, Jonathan Gaylord, the grandfather of Leonard Eli, started from Middle- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 935 town, Connecticut, and with ox-teams traveled through what was then mainly an unsettled country to Summit County, and settled on lots 15 and 16, in what is now Stow Township. He cleared up a place in the primeval forest on which to erect his cabin of logs, and he and his family became identified more or less with the subsequent development of this section. He was a ship carpenter and worked at this trade in Cleveland, making trips from there to Monroe Falls, on foot, and on one of these he met his death, his lifeless body being found in a strip of woodland through which he generally passed. Eli Gaylord was born in 1816, at Monroe Falls, Summit County, Ohio, and was the youngest member of a large family of children born to Jonathan and Margaret Gaylord. Eli Gaylord followed farming and stock-raising and paid much attention to dairying, becoming in the course of years a man of ample means. He married Mary Wolcott, in 1838, and in 1888, with her, celebrated their Golden Wedding day. They had two sons and one daughter: Leonard Eli, Alfred and Clara, the latter of whom died at Daphne, Alabama, where Alfred resides. She was the wife of W. D. Randall. In his political views, Eli Gaylord is identified with the Republican party. Both he and wife were charter members of the Disciples Church at Stow Corners, in which he has been elder and deacon. Their home is in the northern part of Stow Township. Leonard Eli Gaylord grew to manhood on the home farm, and in tilling the fields and raising the stock he was the equal of any young agriculturist of his neighborhood. To such as he the call to arms, when the Civil War was precipitated, came as a shock, but no readier response was given than by the loyal young men who hastened from their peaceful pursuits and donned the equipments of war. Mr. Gaylord was one of those who enlisted during the first year of the war. He joined Company D, Twenty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, October 10, 1861, and was mustered into the United states service from Summit County, at Camp Giddings,, Jefferson, Ohio, October 27, 1861, his officers being Col. Lewis P. Buckley and Capt. Pulaski C. Hard. He had contracted for three years, but was honorably discharged at Wauhatchie, Tennessee, December 21, 1863, by reason of his re-enlistment as a veteran, and was mustered in the same company and regiment, as corporal, under Capt. Myron T. Wright and Col. William T. Fitch, to serve three more years if necessary. The Twenty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Infantry, was organized at Camp Giddings, August 26, 1861, and was among the first to answer the call of the President for the three years service. The regiment was transported to Camp Chase, Columbus, where it remained until January 17, 1862, when it was ordered to Cumberland, Maryland, and it remained there until the fall of 1863. While there it was brigaded with the Fifth, Seventh and Sixty-sixth Ohio Regiments and the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment and placed under the command of Col. E. B. Tyler, of the Seventh Ohio. The Division was commanded by General Lander until his death, March 1, 1862, when he was succeeded by Gen. James Shields. The regiment was connected with and a part of the Army of the Potomac. It participated in the engagement at Winchester, Virginia, March 23, 1862, and at Point Republic, June 9, 1862. It was sent to New York to aid in enforcing the draft, in May, 1864, and it joined in the Atlanta campaign, at Bridgeport. Alabama, and under General Sherman participated in a number of battles. The Twenty-ninth Regiment left Atlanta November 15, 1864, and was with the force that marched through Georgia and reached within four miles of Savannah on December 10, 1864, remaining there until January 27, 1865, when it accompanied the rest of the army through South and North Carolina to Goldsboro, in the latter State. On April 10, 1865, the regiment went to Raleigh, leaving on April 29, 1865, for Washington City, arriving at Alexandria, Virginia, May 17, 1865, leaving eight 936 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY days later. It passed over the Potomac River to Washington and took part in the Grand Review. Its next camp was near Blandenburg, Maryland, where it remained until June 10, 1865, when it marched through Washington and took the cars for Parkersburg, Virginia, where it was met by transports and conveyed to Louisville, Kentucky, where it again went into camp for a few days and started then for Cleveland, and on its arrival at Camp Taylor, the men were paid off and honorably discharged. Thus came home the remnant of the gallant band which had so bravely born the heat of battle and many of whom bore marks of conflict. The list of the battles in which the Twenty-ninth Regiment participated reads as follows: Winchester, Virginia, March 23, 1862; Point Republic, Virginia, June 9, 1862; Cedar Mountain, Virginia, Aug. 9, 1862; Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 1 to 5, 1863; Gettysburg, July 1 to 3, 1863; Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, November 24, 1863; Ringold Station, Georgia, November 27, 1863; Dug or Mill Creek Gap, Georgia, Mill Creek, May 7, 1864; New Hope Church, Georgia, May 25, 1864; Dallas, Georgia, May 29, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 9, 1864; Pine Knob, Georgia, June 19, 1864; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, July 20, 1864; Siege of Atlanta, Georgia, July 22 to September 2, 1864; March to the Sea, No- ember 15 to December 10, 1864 ; Siege of Savannah, December 10 to 21, 1864 ; Averysboro, North Carolina, March 16, 1865. This list does not include minor engagements or innumerable skirmishes. On June 15, 1864, the color-bearer of the regiment was shot and the colors fell to the ground. They were seized by Corporal Gaylord who bore them forward, and at dress parade it was announced that his duties thereafter would be those of color-bearer, and he proudly bore his company,s banner through all the rest of the Atlanta campaign. Mr. Gaylord was too active a soldier to escape without some of the misfortunes of war. On August 9, 1862, at Cedar Mountain, he was captured by the Confederates, and was sent to Libby Prison, where he was confined for one long month, and then taken to Belle Isle, from which place he made his escape by adroitly slipping in with a body of 500 exchanged prisoners who were being removed from that fortress. When he was captured he weighed 150 pounds but was so reduced by starvation and exposure that he weighed but 100 pounds when he came away. He receive a sun-stroke while on a forced march of one day and night to Gettysburg, and was picked up unconscious and was confined in a field hospital for a few days. On the march from Atlanta to the Sea, he was detailed as an orderly to a topographical engineer. This corps was disbanded at Savannah and he received orders to report to General Williams, headquarters as a non-commissioned officer to take charge of twenty orderlies and horses, remaining on this duty until finally discharged from the service. Mr. Gaylord was always to be found at his post, performing all the duties required of him, participating in all the engagements of his company, as above outlined, and won commendation from his superior officers and the admiration of his comrades for his brave and meritorious service. Mr. Gaylord was finally discharged Louisville, Kentucky, July 19, 1865, by reason of the end of the war. After returning to peaceful pursuits Mr. Gaylord followed the house-painter’s trade until his marriage, which took place September, 19, 1867, to Julia C. Darrow, who is a daughter of Charles Darrow. Her brother, Norman Darrow, enlisted for service in th Civil War and died ten weeks later. Her maternal grandfather, Nathan Wilcox, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Gay lord have an adopted daughter, Bessie May, who is the wife of Dr. S. C. Lindsay, of the State Hospital, at Independence, Iowa. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Gaylord purchased sixty-seven acres of farming land, but it has been reduced to forty by a new railroad taking twenty-seven acres. He has carried on general farming, paying much attention to AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 937 grain, and he has the reputation of having raised some of the best horses ever bred in Stow Township. Mr. Gaylord is a member of W. T. Sherman Post, No. 68, Grand Army of the Republic, in which organization he has held various offices. Mrs. Gaylord has been very active in the Woman,s Relief Corps for the past fifteen years and has efficiently filled the offices of conductor and junior vice president. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord belong to the Disciples Church. Politically he is a Republican. WILLIAM ISAAC CHAMBERLAIN, one of Hudson's best known men, who has at tamed prominence as educator, editor, lecturer and agriculturists, was born at Sharon Litchfield County, Connecticut, February 11, 1837, and is a son of Jacob and .Anna (Nutting) Chamberlain. The parents of Mr. Chamberlain came from Connecticut to Ohio in May, 1838, and settled in Summit County, locating in Hudson Township on the present home farm of William I. Chamberlain. It was then known as the Dr. Metcalf farm and consisted of -147 acres. Jacob Chamberlain was also born at Sharon, Connecticut, and belonged to an old established colonial family, three :brothers of the name having come from England a short time after the landing of the Mayflower. William L Chamberlain received his educational training in the Western Reserve College, in which his uncle, Rufus Nutting, had been, earlier, professor of Greek. He graduated with the degree of A. B., in 1859, and two years later received the degree of M. A. For three years he was engaged as instructor in Greek and Latin, at Shaw Academy, after which he became a member of the Western Reserve faculty, in the same branches, teaching, in all, about ten years. in 1863 he first turned his attention seriously to agriculture and purchased the old home farm adjoining the village of Hudson. In 1880 he was elected state secretary of agriculture and resided at Columbus during the six years he ably filled. the office, and then accepted a call to be- come president of the Iowa Agricultural College, at Ames, Iowa. He served at the head of this institution for five years, leaving it in better condition in every way than he found it. After he returned to Hudson, he became associate editor of the Ohio Farmer, in which capacity he has since continued, retaining his home at Hudson and going daily to his office at Cleveland. During all this period, Mr. Chamberlain has continued to follow the occupation of agriculture not, however, as his forefathers had done, but with every aid that modern science can lend. Mr. Chamberlain keeps his farm books in a careful manner, and at the end of a season can tell precisely the earning power of his land under his management, and decide where other methods may be best employed, or if no change should be made. For the past ten years the earnings have. averaged fifteen per cent, on the value of the farm, and have gone as high as twenty-three per cent for a. single year. In 1906, 8,000 bushels of apples were marketed from a ten-acre Orchard. His present orchard covers twenty-three acres. On July 16, 1863, Mr. Chamberlain was married to Lucy Marshall, who was born at Hartford, Connecticut, and who is a daughter of David and Orissa (Woods) Marshall. David Marshall was born at Lunenburg, Massachusetts. He came to Hudson and became the head of the publishing and binding firm of D. Marshall & Company, subsequently' removing to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in the same line of business. His death took place at Sewickley, Pennsylvania. His wife was born at Brattleboro, Vermont. She was a sister of Mrs. Estey, wife of Jacob Esty. founder of the great organ and piano manufacturing firm. Mrs. Chamberlain’s early education was at Boston. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain’s family included the following children: Jennie married Professor Hosford, residing at Crete, Nebraska; Herbert William, who died in Italy, in 1899, aged thirty-one years, was an honor graduate of the Boston institute of Technology, an architect by profession, and 938 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY had been a foreman in the firm of Burnham Root; Joseph Scudder, who is a chemist in the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, graduated from the college at Ames, Iowa, and entering Johns Hopkins University on honor fellowships, took the degree of Ph. D. ; Clifton Marshall died in 1891, aged sixteen years; Carroll Cutler died in 1881, aged two years. Mr. Chamberlain and his family belong to the Congregational Church, in which he served as a trustee for many years. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a member of the Darrow Street Grange. Although Hudson has been Mr. Chamberlain's home practically since he was one year old, his field of usefulness has by no means been confined to this locality. As a lecturer he has appeared in nearly every state in the Union, and in Canada as well. His most notable achievement, perhaps,, has been the establishing of the Ohio Farmers' Institutes in the various counties, organizations which have had ,a great influence in bringing into use scientific methods of farming, thereby increasing production and adding to agricultural wealth. Through his efforts 250 institutes have been organized in Ohio and every state in the union has taken up the work. His only work in book form is on Tile Drainage, which is published by the A. I. Root Comtpany, Medina, Ohio, and has had a wide sale. CAPTAIN D. F. BERGER, one of Akron's leading citizens for many years, now living retired, was born at East Akron, Summit County, Ohio, in 1835, but when he was two years old, his parents moved to Uniontown, Stark County, and two years later to Greenstburg, Summit County. Captain Berger was reared to manhood in the latter place and was educated in the Marlborough Union school. For several years prior to entering the army for service in the Civil War he was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Greensburg, to which place he returned at, the close of his period of enlistment. He was made captain of Company H, 164th Regiment, Ohio National Guards, when he enlisted May 7, 1864, and was discharged in the following August. His company was stationed at Arlington Heights during this interim. After the battle of Chickamauga he visited that city in order to assist in nursing a cousin. Captain Berger continued his mercantile interests at Greensburg until 1884, when he came to Akron, and for about four years was agent for the Westinghouse people, selling their engines and threshers, since when he has lived. retired. In 1858 Captain Berger was married to Arnestena C. Hinkle, of Ashland County, Ohio, and they have six children, namely: Sheriden G., who is postmaster at Ontario, California; Arthur F., who is with the Faultless Rubber Company, of Ashland Ohio: Homer E., who, for sixteen years was in the office of the county treasurer, serving four years as treasurer of Summit County, and who is now enjoying a trip to Cuba, and is one of 'the most popular citizens of Akron; Lottie C., who married C. J. Hazen, residing at Akron; Arline E., residing at home; and Ian H., who is president and manager of the People's Ice Company, of Akron. Captain Berger has always been a prominent factor 'in politics in Summit County, where he is well and most favorably known. He belongs to Buckley Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and his fraternal connections include the Masons and Odd Fellows. JOHN H. BERGER, president and manager of the People's Ice Company, at Akron, an industry of considerable importance in this city, was born in 1876, at Greensburg, Ohio, and is a son of Captain D. F. and Arnestena C. (Hinkle) Berger. When Mr. Berger was about. eight years of age his parents came to Akron, and, after completing his attendance at school, he betcame a messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company. Later he worked for a short time at the plumbing trade, and for three years was employed in the shipping department of the Warner Company. During the period that his brother, Homer Berger, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 939 was treasurer of Summit County; which covered four years, John H. was employed in his office. Mr. Borger visited California and while there engaged in a fruit business, and when he returned to Akron he became -manager of the Renner Ice Company. He continued with that firm for seven years. When the People's Ice Company was organized, an enterprise that is incorporated with a capital stock of $25,000, he took charge of the collection department, and April 27, 1907, he bought the business. His previous experience in this line he found useful and his natural energy and enterprise assures the continued prosperity of this company dealing in what is a necessity of modern life. Mr. Berger was married July 12, 1901, to Etta M. Parrish, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and they have two children, Ruth and Edith. He is an active citizen in all that pertains to the general welfare and has a wide acquaintance, and, like other members of his prominent family, many friends. WILLIAM P. IRISH, a well-known citizen and successful agriculturist of Norton Township, residing on his farm of ninety-eight acres, which is situated on the old stage road, the first one in use in this section, has spent a number of years in other parts of the country, but has never given up his residence in Summit County. Mr. Trish was born in Norton Township, Summit County, Ohio, one-half mile north of Norton Center, May 6, 1835, and is a son of Abel and Sallie (McNeil) Irish. Abel Irish, who served through the War of 1812, was born at Danby, Rutland County, Vermont, where his people were farmers. He was left an orphan in boyhood and was reared by an older brother. In 1816 he left Vermont and came to Ohio, locating on a farm in Norton. Township, which was then a part of Portage County. In the previous year he had married, and he and wife brought with them their infant daughter, Betsey, who died when aged sixteen years. Abel Irish bought the farm which is now known as the Reuben Hartzell farm and lived here and improved it for sixteen years. Hard times then being on, he found it impossible to pay off the mortgages on his land and accordingly lost all the work of the many years that he had lived on it. Subsequently he bought the farm on which his son, William P., was born, this farm being now known as the Cyrus Miller farm ; and when the child was about six months old he bought the Thomas Holmes farm, on which he settled in November, 1835. This is the farm on which William P. Irish resides and this land has never since been out of the family, . William P. purchasing it in the spring of 1868. His parents then moved to Ingham County, Michigan, where Abel Irish died in 1873, in his eightieth year, being survived but one year by his widow. They were estimable people, kind neighbors and hospitable friends. Mrs. Irish was a daughter of Thomas McNeil, who served in the Revolutionary War, and Mr. W. P. McNeil still has in his possession the old tin box carried through the war by his grandfather for the safe keeping of his papers. Mr. McNeil died in Norton Township, and is buried at Norton Center, Ohio. William P. Irish was reared to be a farmer and from boyhood became practically acquainted with everything about a farm. He went to school in the neighborhood, and secured as fair an education as any of his companions. Much travel and mingling with the world have broadened Mr. Irish and made him a well-educated man, one well qualified for public office, though he has no aspirations in that direction, preferring to give all his attention to agriculture. Mr. Irish, his two brothers, and six nephews, served in the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Irish belonging to the Sixty-fourth Regiment,. 0. V. I. In 1860 Mr. Irish was married to Sophia Shoemaker, who is a daughter of Daniel Shoemaker, and who was reared in Suffield Township, Portage County. They have eleven children, all of whom are still living 940 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY —a large happy family—as follows: Lura, Jennie, who married W. A. Burdick, lives in California; George W. is proprietor 'of the George W. Irish livery, at Barberton; Flora, who married Wendell Dunnell, resides in the historic old Pilgrim town of Kingston, Massachusetts ; Charles Wesley resides in San Francisco; Delbert William is proprietor, of the D. B. Irish Coal Company, of Barberton; Cora. Belle who married Frank Waters, resides near Boston, Massachusetts; James Hamilton, resides at Barberton; Alice, who married Seaman D. Filson, of Cleveland, has one child, Karl Robert; Henry Marshall, resides at Barberton ;- Mildred May, married William Poirier, of Plymouth, Massachusetts ; and Daisy Edna, who married Marshall Grenney, of. Collingwood, a suburb of Cleveland. Mr. Irish has in his possession a most valued Souvenir in a cane carried by his father, during the time that Andrew Jackson ran for President in 1832, and this cane has been carried either by Mr, Irish or his father during every Presidential election from Jackson to Roosevelt. Besides this cane, Mr. Irish has in his possession a collection of canes, one of which was cut from the battlefield of Gettysburg. The cane that he has carried through all the Presidential elections was cut from the farm now owned by Mr. Irish and the handle was made from the horn of a deer killed on the same farm. The year of 1887 Mr. Irish spent largely in travel, making a trip to Cuba, from New York, on a sailing vessel. Later he went to California, returned in August of the same year, and went back to California in September, making two trips to the Golden State in one year. Mr. Irish remained at his home until 1894 and then made a third trip to California. After remaining a year in the West, he returned once more to his home interests, but in 1896 again went back to California, where he remained seven years, spending ten years in all in that beautiful land. He resided in some of its most noted cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and Pasadena, and tried gold mining for 8 few months. During 1887 and 1866, lie traveled a distance of 17,000 miles. But, after all home called him back, and since 1902, he has remained on his farm, remembering with pleasure the beauties and attractions of other parts, but acknowledging the solid advantages of Ohio. RALPH HUGH LODGE. The completed life of a successful man, in any avenue of life's activity, cannot fail of being an interesting study, and it becomes one of real benefit when its results show the blending into a harmonious whole, of those marked characteristics and ennobling virtues which belonged to the late Ralph Hugh Lodge. To cherish beautiful ideals from boyhood, to bear them undimmed through youth and to carry them to their fullest fruition in manhood, was a notable achievement, and this alone would have perpetuated his memory, had• not personal attributes been equally potent in winning the respect, admiration and the warm affection of all those whose life closely touched his. Did our philosophy permit us to believe that inanimate things were sentient, one might wonder if the soft breeze that stirs the placid bosom of Silker Lake did not oft times bear with it a sigh for the departed one, whose life work for thirty years was the perfecting of its beautiful surroundings. Ralph Hugh Lodge was born August 3, 1830, at Monroe Falls, Summit County, Ohio, and was a son of George Homer and Rebecca (Smith) Lodge, and a descendent of an old Huguenot family that found refuge in England. When William Penn, in 1682, came to America with his band of colonists and religious enthusiasts, he was accompanied by a representative of this family, whose views undoubtedly were in accord with those of the great Quaker. From the founder of Pennsylvania he received a grant of land in New Jersey, a fertile tract lying along the Delaware River, about fifteen miles below the city of Philadelphia. This land remained in AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 941 the possession of the family for more than 220 years, and on the patrimonial acres George Horner Lodge was born in 1801. He married Rebecca Smith in Philadelphia, and probably in the same year, 1829, started with his bride to what was then the far West, Ohio. The journey was made over the newly-completed Erie Canal, then considered a remarkable engineering feat, to Buffalo, thence by vessel to Cleveland, where they took the old packet boat on the Ohio Canal to Old Portage, or Akron. They settled on a small farm in Stow Township, Summit County, which George H. Lodge cultivated, although he was not a farmer in the general acceptance of the term, having learned the trade of mason. They resided on that farm for some seven years. In 1836 came about the era of land speculation in this section of Ohio, and Edmund Monroe, a Boston capitalist and promoter, bought up large tracts in this vicinity and founded what is now the village of Monroe Falls. Here all the children of the Lodge family were born, Ralph being the eldest, the five others being: Emma; George H.; Mary; Cornelia, who married George J. Parks; and. Mrs. Caroline Combos. The father of Ralph Lodge in the meantime was kept busily employed at his trade and often required the assistance of his eldest son. He laid a part of the walls of the E. N. Sill stone house on Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, now one of the landmarks of the place, and in 1846, prior to removing to Cleveland, did the lathing, plastered the rooms and built the fireplaces and chimneys in the Thorndike House, known as the Gaylord home, opposite Silver Lake, which is now the residence of William R. Lodge, secretary and manager of the Silver Lake Park Company. The family settled in Cleveland in 1846 and during 1847-48 resided near the corner of Euclid Avenue and Doan Street. Removal was then made to the Leonard Case farm, then so far in the country that it was possible to operate a large dairy, and during the six years the family resided there, young Ralph was his father's helper and for one year of the time ran a milk route. At that time Cleveland was an overgrown town having but 12,000 inhabitants and much of the land round about had been but partially cleared. The building of the Cleveland and Pittsburg Railroad right through, the Case farm and the erection of railroad shops soon made that a busy section, now being known as St. Clair Street. With other young men, Ralph Lodge secured work in the new industry and for several years was employed as fireman on the construction train and at the round house. About 1855 the family home was again changed, removal being made to a 100-acre tract east of Willson Avenue, now Fifty-fifth Street, their home, in which they lived for seventeen years, being a site almost opposite the present Central High School. Ralph H. Lodge was now called to take an active part in the extensive fruit growing and market gardening operations opened up, and, being the eldest son, gradually assumed the management which he continued until 1872. In the meantime he purchased a piece of property on Ontario Street, on which he established a grocery, this enterprise proving a very successful business venture. His life on the farm had but encouraged a natural inclination, a love of the soil, of all growing things and an appreciation of the bounteous beauties of Nature. In his boyhood he had cherished dreams of a time when he might make his home on the banks of the beautiful lake, not far from his birthplace. Hither his feet wandered whenever an hour of' recreation came into his rather practical life, and here he knew every tree, plant and moss, and had not only made friends of the birds of the woods, but also of the shy wild creatures in the thickets. At that time the consummation of his dream seemed far away, but it came to pass. On January 10, 1874, the beautiful, pellucid bit of water known as Silker Lake at present, but in pioneer days as Stow Lake, was purchased from Horace A. Miller, whose wife was a granddaughter of the original pro- 942 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY prietor of Stow Township. Mr. Lodge purchased thirty-five acres of the surrounding land, it being his idea to develop here a pleasure resort. This charming stretch of water has been likened to Lake Constance, at Como, but it is far more beautiful in its natural environment. Even when it came into the possession of Mr. Lodge, in 1874, in its natural state it was beautiful in the extreme, in all that makes wild Nature attractive. Taking up his residence on this ground, in April, 1876, Mr. Lodge made it his permanent home and lived here until his death, May 22, 1907. After securing the prize which he had hon estly coveted from boyhood, Mr. Lodge began immediately to fit it up for a pleasure resort, taking, away none of the natural beauties, but adding conveniences and attractions that have brought thousands from all over the country to spend happy summers, and have sent them back to their rounds of fashion or pursuit of business refreshed and with a better appreciation of the grandeur, beauty and pleasure awaiting them in this quiet corner of Ohio. The lake and its surroundings were perfect as they were to Mr. Lodge, whose poetic love for Nature was so sincere, but he recognized the demands of modern life and determined that Silver Lake should have every added attraction that the expenditure of time labor, thought and money could procure. An interesting event was the planting of 1,000 hard maple trees which had all come from the seed of one tree. He set them out along the west border of the natural timber, where they have flourished and stand in their beauty, after the hands that placed them have become quiet. To the development of this property along the lines mentioned, Mr. Lodge devoted the remainder of his life, making it take the place of travel, recreation, society, everything which he otherwise would have enjoyed. Silver Lake Park, as it is today, is the most popular summer resort in this part of Ohio. It has grown each year in popularity, partly on account of its beauty of location and partly on account of the careful way in which it has always been managed by the Lodge family. It has its own electric lighting plant, water works system, sewerage system, bakery, laundry, police, farm, garden, hotel and justice of the peace. Excellent facilities are provided for all kinds of athletic sports. Among the numberless attractions is a miniature steam railroad with its track winding around through the shrubbery and running along the lake shore. A herd of sixteen Shetland ponies are kept for the use of the children. A number of cottages have been built, many of the best people of Akron and elsewhere throughout the country making this spot a permanent summer home, transportation being of the best to many points. A sheet of about 100 acres of water offers delights to the yachtsman, and a number of steamers and boats ply back and forth. A vision in speaking of the delightful summer spent in this truly beautiful spot, mentions the loveliness of Silver Lake when its night illuminations are seen, the reflecting water making a picture not equaled by any storied spot in any other land. Visitors to Silver Lake soon became acquainted with the kind, unassuming man who proved a most interesting companion when his friendship was gained. He could recall so much from a long past that was instructive and entertaining that he never failed of auditors. His religious rearing had been after the precepts of the Society of Friends and in his nature and manner was much of their simplicity. He was a strong advocate of temperance and Silver Lake Park excludes every intoxicating feature. On April 7, 1869, Ralph Hugh Lodge was married to Julia A. Plum, of Cuyahoga Falls, and nine of their ten children survive, namely: Dr. Edward Ballard, residing at Cleveland; Mrs. Duncan B. Wolcott, residing at Kent, Ohio; Mrs. William R. Irvin, residing at Cuyahoga Falls ; and Lillian P., William R., George H., Louis B., Laura C. and Ralph H., residing at Silver Lake Park. In summing up the life and character of AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 943 the late Ralph Hugh Lodge, we quote from the words of one who knew him well: "To his family and friends he was kind, lovable and generous; he had a nature free from ostentation, led a simple life, and whatever pubhcity he attained, was a result, not a means. He was born almost within sight of the spot, where, after a long and busy life, he laid down to rest. He wished no man ill; he gave everyone his due in all fidelity; he lived his life true to his best light. He believed in the Golden Rule, in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man." SAMUEL A. CLICK, residing on his well-improved farm of seventy-three acres, situated in Coventry Township, belongs to an old pioneer family of Ohio, which settled in Stark County during the Eighteenth Century. Mr. Click was born on the old family homestead in Jackson Township, Stark County, Ohio, May 27, 1851, and is a son of Samuel and Julia. Ann (Koons) Click. Samuel Click, the grandfather of Samuel A., was the pioneer of the family in Ohio, bringing his wife and children, together with the household possessions, from Pennsylvania., making the long journey with an ox-team. This was a slow method of transportation, but haste was not such a great factor in Hiring as it is today, and the oxen, through their great strength, were able to haul wagons through the rough and uncleared country as no other animals would have had power to do. The wife and children remained in Ohio for the rest of their days, but the father made seven walking trips back to the old place in an effort to collect money which he never was able to get. He settled in Jackson Township, Stark County, when his nearest neighbor was four miles distant. Six of his eight children were born in Pennsylvania; the other two in Stark County, his son Samuel being the third white child born in Jackson Township. The name of Samuel has descended in the Click family through three generations. Samuel Click, father of Samuel A., grew up on the old home farm and assisted in its clear- ing. When quite a youth the deer were still so tame and numerous, that he frequently was given the task of chasing them from the cultivated parts of the farm. He was not able to attend school continuously, the distance being five miles, and farm work usually being pressing. Later in life he frequently recalled the day on which he, with other young men of the neighborhood, walked to Columbus to see what was then a wonderful spectacle, a railroad train pass through. Samuel Click continued to live on the farm in Jackson Township until his death, in September, 1893. He married Julia Ann Koons, who was born in 1816, and died in her eightieth year, after a happy married life of fifty-seven years. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and accompanied the family to New York, where they lived for six years in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, and then came to Ohio, traveling with an ox-team, Julia Ann having the privilege of walking the greater part of the way. Her father bought a farm in Summit County, which is now the site of Greensburg. The children of Samuel and Julia Ann Click were: Adeline, who married Daniel Weaver; Sarah, who married Henry Goodenberg; Aaron, Daniel; Maria, deceased, who married William Strowsser; Clara, who is the widow of George McCoy; Samuel Allen; and Susan, who married A. J. Stoner. Samuel Click resided in Jackson Township in the early days before scarcely any advancement had been made, and on account of his being a 'man of strong character and good judgment, he was often consulted on public matters and his advice taken. He was successful in his business transactions, being a very careful man, and when he added thirty-five acres to the original homestead farm, he secured a buck-skin deed, which his son preserves. Both Samuel Click and his wife were consistent members of the Evangelical Church, and Samuel A. remembers when he was carried in the arms of his father, while his mother carried the next younger child on a walk of six miles, across 944 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY the fields, in order to attend church. Sam- uel Allen Click Can recall many pleasant memories of his childhood and youth in the old home. He was reared strictly and had to work hard, but that was the case with the members of every household in the neighborhood which prosperity visited. He was still young when he could do a full day's work following after the hussy, which machine for cutting grain his father bought when he was nine years old, being the first farmer who was so enterprising in this section. He grew to manhood well instructed in everything concerning farming and stock-raising. Mr. Click was married April 27,. 1876, to Mary Hanline, who was born in Franklin Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Roades) Hanline, who were among the pioneers of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Click have three children, namely : Edward who married Anna Zepp, residing near his father; Hannah, who married Edward Cormany, a school teacher, has one child, Achah, residing in this neighborhood; and Elmer, who married. Frankie Kemary, deceased, lives with his father. Mr. Click has always carried on general farming and for seventeen years was interested in threshing, but has retired from that line of business and has disposed of his machine. He remained on the old home properly until November 30, 1890, when he purchased his present farm, then consisting of eighty acres, from the H. F. Flickenger heirs. He has generously given each of his children a nice home and has also sold some land, retaining just enough to keep him busy overseeing it. He is a Republican in his political preferences and has served the township as school director and as supervisor. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has watched the development of this section with a great deal of interest and can recall the days when his threshing machine did some of its best work right in what is now £he heart of the busy town of Barberton. P. T. McCOURT, general contractor at Akron, was born in Canada, in 1860, and is a son of John McCourt, who first visited Akron in 1850. John McCourt returned to Akron and established himself permanently here in 1865, and in this city P. T. McCourt has lived for the past forty-two years. For five years P. T. McCourt worked for the Aultman-Miller Company. In 1883 he purchased his first team and engaged in teaming and contract work, and from 1890 to 1897 he worked for the rolling mill. It was during the latter year that he built his sub. stantial three-story brick barn, 44 by 100 feet in dimensions, to which he has since added an ell, 44 by 130 feet. This was erected for the accommodation of horses and vehicles, Mr. McCourt by this time having a great transportation business. He is also interested in disposing of coal, and takes contracts for the building of streets and sewers, and for concrete work. He had the contract for building fifteen of the locks on the Ohio Canal. He is a director of the Summit County Fair Association. In all that he has been concerned since entering business life Mr. Mc. Court has followed his own instincts of business honor, and that his conceptions have been the true ones is proven by the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. Mr. MeCourt was married (first) in June, 1890, to Rose M. Brady, who died in July, 1896, leaving two children, namely : Ethel R. and Walter P. He was married (second) to Anna Hefferman, and they have one child, Mary C. Mr. McCourt is a consistent member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Akron, and he is liberal in supporting its various charities. He belongs to the Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernian and the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. JAMES BRADLEY, for many years a highly esteemed member of the farming community of Springfield Township, was born at Mogadore, Summit County, Ohio, June 8, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 945 1827. He was a son of John Anson and Betsey (Adams) Bradley. His paternal grandfather was Ariel Bradley, who, in 1801, came from Salisbury, Connecticut, to Mahoning County, Ohio, and to Suffield in 1806, settling on lot 12, Springfield Township, in March, 1807, and being the first white settler in Springfield Township. The land hereabouts at that period was all included in Trumbull County, but was subsequently apportioned to Portage County, and still later to Summit County, of which Ariel Bradley and his wife thus became residents. When he was seventy-eight years old Ariel went to visit his son, Bird, in Wood County, and while there was seized with his last illness. His remains are interred in the old cemetery at Waterville. He and his wife were the parents of eight children: James, John Anson, Harlow, Bird, Heman, Manilla, Amelia and Edgar. The last mentioned died in boyhood. Marilla became the wife of Lee Moore, and Amelia married Perrin Depew. The Bradleys cleared the land on which their descendant, the subject of this sketch, now resides, and they owned all of it lying south of the east and west roads, that is now covered by the town of Mogadore. They it was who planted the outposts of civilization in this locality. John Anson Bradley, son of Ariel, was born at Salisbury, Connecticut, in 1796, and accompanied his parents to Ohio. He did his full share in taming the wilderness, and on arriving at a suitable age, married Betsey Adams, who lived a mile and a half south of the present site of Mogadore. She came from New Hampshire with her father, who settled in Suffield Township in 1809. There were two children born to John Anson Bradley and his wife—James and Charlotta. The latter became the wife of George C. Winship, and they moved to Iowa, where both died, leaving a daughter, Minnie, who subsequently married a Mr. Abbey, James Bradley was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and was taught to be honest and industrious. On attaining years of discretion he married Cecelia Andrews, a daughter of A. C. and Almira (Kent) Andrews. Her parents were natives of Connecticut, whence they moved to Portage County, Ohio. The Kents were also of New England stock, and descendants in the fourth generation of Martin Kent, who married Abigail Hale, and emigrated to the Western Reserve, purchasing a farm in Suffield Township of the Connecticut Land Company. On this farm he resided for the rest of his life. The children of A. C. and Almira (Kent) Andrews were: Cecelia, Who married James Bradley ; Quincy, who died unmarried in Minnesota; Emma, who married Dr. William Thompson, and Licasta, who died at the age of five years. James Bradley, by his first wife, Cecelia, had nine children, as follows: Cora, Minnie, Flora, Emma, Florence, Nellie, George, Herbert, Charles K. and Louise H. The six first mentioned are all deceased, while the last three still survive. Charles is unmarried, and is engaged in general farming in Rolette County, North Dakota. Louise became the wife of Frank Parker and resides with her girls in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her husband is deceased. She had two childrenMyrza and Gladys. Mrs. Cecelia Bradley died in 1875 when in her forty-fourth year, and James Bradley married, second, Mrs. Elizabeth (Spencer) Bradley. Of this marriage there were two children, one of whom died in infancy, and the other, Bessie, when a charming girl of fourteen years. George Herbert Bradley, son of James Bradley, by his first wife, Cecelia, was born on the home farm in Springfield Township, January 20, 1855. He was trained to farm work and acquired his education in the district schools and at Buchtel College, where he spent two years. The farm on which he now resides contains fifty acres of the original tract settled by his great-grandfather, Arid Bradley, twenty acres having been subsequently added. Since leaving the college in 1877, he has given his main attention to the operating of the home farm. Mr. Bradley is unmarried. Like his father, he is a Republican in politics. He has served as a justice of the peace, and has taken a more or less 946 - HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY active interest in politics since attaining his majority. On several occasions he has been sent as a delegate to important conventions. The family he represents is one of high standing in Summit County. J. EDWARD GOOD, president of the Hardware Supply Company, of Akron, is a native of this city in which his business success has been achieved. He was born in 1861 and was graduated from the Akron High School in 1879, following which he entered Kenyon College, where he was graduated with credit in 1884. After this thorough preparation for business life, Mr. Good entered the wholesale hardware house of McIntosh, Good & Company, of Cleveland, where he remained until 1889. He then returned to Akron, with the interests of which city he has been closely and successfully associated ever since. He assisted in the organization of the Paige Brothers Company, which did business from 1889 until 1891, when the firm name was changed to the Standard Hardware Company, which continued until 1905, when the Hardware Supply Company was incorporated, with a capital stock of $150,000. The officers of this concern are: J. Edward Good, president; Crannell Morgan, vice-president ; William W. Wohlwend, secretary ; and E. S. Bunnell, treasurer. This company occupies commodious quarters at No. 50-52 South Main Street, where they have some 50,000 square feet of floor space. They carry a very heavy stock and deal both by retail and wholesale. In addition to this important business enterprise, Mr. Good is interested as a stockholder in a number of others. In all of these his business 'ability and integrity are never questioned. In 1889 Mr. Good was married to Laura D. Zimmerman, of Pittsburg. He is a Knight Templar Mason and "Shriner," and retains his membership in his college fraternities. GEORGE ADAM SHOOK, whose excellent farm of eighty-seven acres is situated in Coventry Township, about six miles south of the center of Akron, is one of the representa- tive agriculturists of this section. Mr. Shook was born June 19, 1837, on his father's farm in Stark County, Ohio, and is a son of David and Catherine (Hanse) Shook. The Shook ancestors came to Pennsylvania, from Germany, in the day of the great grandfather of George Adam, and settled in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. There the family prospered and became one of prominence. The grandfather, David Shook, was born in Pennsylvania, where he married and later, with his family, moved to Niagara County, New York, settling on a farm near Lockport. That he meditated coming to Ohio was shown by the interest he took in this section, visiting it on horseback when it was but a wilder. ness all through Summit County. However, he never settled here, and his last days were passed in Niagara County, New York. David Shook the second, the father of George Adam, was born in Pennsylvania and was one of the younger members of a family of fourteen children. He was a boy when his parents moved to Niagara County, New York, and remained there until his older brother, Philip Shook, moved to Portage County, Ohio. Shortly afterward, David went on a visit, but was so well pleased that he remained with Philip, assisting him in clearing up his wild farm, until his own marriage, after which he acquired a small farm in Stark County. He lived there through the death of his first wife and after his second marriage, but in 1852 he removed to a farm in Michigan, where he died, aged sixty-two years. In Stark County, Ohio, David Shook was married to Catherine Hanse, who was born near New Berlin, Ohio, and died in August. 1838, aged twenty-three years, leaving but one child, George Adam. The father married (second) a Miss Holben, also of Stark County, who survived him, and they had the following children : Jonathan, David, Catherine, John, Elias, William and Reuben. George Adam Shook was left motherless when he was fourteen months old, and he was AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 949 taken to the home of an aunt, Mrs. Mary Rauch, who reared him in Mahoning County, Ohio, until he was fourteen years of age, permitting him to attend the district school while supporting himself by work on her farm. However, Mr. Shook did not feel independent until he had earned fifty dollars by himself and paid this sum to the Rauch family, this being sufficient to cover all the expense he had ever caused them. He had now started out for himself and as his work was farm labor he lived at various homes in the neighborhood, remaining with the Sluss family for three years. Not being satisfied with the education he had been able to obtain in the district schools, he arranged to attend the Randolph select school, later took a course in Greensburg Seminary, in Summit County, and still later, enjoyed one term at Mt. Union College. During the time he was thus acquiring a really superior education, he was industrious and reliable and always found good homes where he worked on the farm during the summers. When he was about eighteen years of age he began to teach school and taught through fifteen winters, mostly in Stark, Summit and Wayne Counties, in 1864 teaching one term art the reservoir in Coventry Township, and occasionally teaching summer terms. Mr. Shook continued to teach until 1877, having also carried on farming during the larger part of the time. He had secured an interest in a farm near Uniontown, in Lake Township, Stark County, and later purchased the whole farm and lived there for six years. After retiring from the educational field, Mr. Shook bought a grist-mill at Uniontown, which he operated for three years, and then sold it to David and Samuel Ritter, after which he rented a farm for a few years. In 1881 he bought his present property from Jacob Sellers and moved on this place in the spring of 1882. It was well improved property when he purchased it and he has kept up its condition. Later he bought a tract of timber land, in Green Township, which he still owns in partnership with his son-in-law, William H. Wagoner. For twelve years after settling on this place Mr. Shook was engaged in the threshing business and also successfully ran a sawmill for a time with Mr. Waggoner. He carries on general farming, making his land pay for all the attention he gives it, and keeps good stock and uses improved machinery. On March 17, 1861, Mr. Shook was married to Elizabeth Mutchler, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Godfrey and Judith (Meiers) Mutchler. Her parents came from Germany and were married in Stark County, Ohio, this being the second marriage of her father. There were five children born to this union, namely: Eva, Elizabeth, Mary, Magdalena and Rosina, who is deceased. Mr. Mutchler had married first in Germany, Christina Gasz, who left three children: Dorothy, Christina and Barbera. Both parents of Mrs. Shook died at New Berlin. Mr. and Mrs. Shook had the following children: Clara E., who married. William Waggoner; Henry E., who married Emma Heimbaugh ; Erwin J., who married Amelia Dietz; and Anna, who married Edward C. Eippert. Mr. Shook and family belong to the Lutheran Church. His children are all well educated and all four have been teachers. In politics Mr. Shook is a Republican and he has served both as township trustee and as assessor. JOHN BREITENSTINE, one of Norton Township's most substantial citizens, who owns 378 acres of land in this and Franklin Township, a part of which is particularly valuable because. of coal beds, has been a resident of Summit County since he was eight years of age. He was born in Chippewa Township, Wayne County, Ohio, January 14, 1847, and is a son of Jacob and Lydia (Kellar) Breitenstine. The parents of Mr. Breitenstine were reared in Bucks County, Pennsylvania., but were married in Wayne County, Ohio. Jacob Breitenstine was born in Germany and