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farming. He also operated a sawmill and furnished ties for the Pittsburgh & Ft. Wayne Railroad Company, in the years 1851-52.

Unto this worthy couple were born thirteen children, six of whom are living: Sarah, wife of M. Gibbs, of Findlay, Ohio; Lydia, wife of Dan Smith, of Canton Township; Lavina, wife of John M. Barnett, of Canton Township; Isaac, who lives in Polo, Ill.; William, who lives in Medina County, and George W., our subject. The father of this family y died February 5, 1881. He was a man of excellent business ability, clear-headed and judicious, and accumulated a handsome estate. He re-sided in Canton from 1853 until he died. The mother is still living. She is well known in this community and is a most estimable lady.

George W. Trump, whose name heads this sketch, spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm and was educated in the district schools and in Canton. On attaining his majority, lie began farming on his own account on land which is now partially within the city limits. This farm is still his property and is now rented. It is a valuable tract, underlaid with a stratum of fire clay, limestone and coal and furnishing excel-lent material for brick-making. He continued to engage in the cultivation and improvement of his land for many years, and being a practical and progressive farmer was quite successful.

May 19, 1870, Mr. Trump was united in marriage with Miss Susan Myers, the youngest daughter of Isaac and Helena (Miller) Myers, who were among the early settle' of Stark County, removing from Pennsylvania to Ohio. Her parents are both deceased. Four children were born unto our subject and his wife, but all died under the age of ten years. Their names were respectively Emma Rachel, Carrie Belle, Lewis, and an infant unnamed; the three eldest children died within two months of diphtheria. This worthy couple continued to reside upon the farm until 1891, when they removed to their present place of residence. In politics, Mr. Trump is a stalwart Republican, doing all in his power to promote the interests and insure the success of his party. He served as a member of the City Council from the Fourth Ward. He is a public-spirited and progressive man and has the best interests of the community at heart. His life has been very successful and he now owns considerable property within the city limits and farming lands.

MARTIN LABBE is the owner of an excellent little farm of eighty-eight acres on section 13, Lawrence Township, but notwithstanding its somewhat limited dimensions it is so admirably tilled that it yields a larger income than many more extensive farms. He has spared no expense in draining and improving his place and has erected substantial and commodious buildings. A native of Germany, born October 7, 1830, he possesses all the characteristics of that race of people: prudence, foresight, honesty and industry. His father, Wendlin Labbe, a German, was a shoemaker by trade and successfully followed that calling until he attained his seventy-third year. He was married to Margaret Balsar, who died at the age of seventy years. Their marriage resulted in the birth of six sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to mature years, married and reared families. Only six of the family are now living, two of whom still reside in Germany and the others in the United States.

Martin Labbe was the second child born to his parents, and at the age of twenty-two years crossed the Atlantic ocean to America in search of a for-tune. After six weeks spent in New York City, be came to Stark County, Ohio, and at once began following the trade of shoemaking, which he had learned in his native land, and was thus soon enabled to pay off the debt which he had contracted by coming to America. During the first three years of his residence in this country, he worked for others, at the end of which time he came to the conclusion that more money could be made by working in an establishment of his own, and with this end in view he opened a shop, which he conducted with success for about thirty years in Canal Fulton. In 1882, he purchased the farm on which

he is at present residing, and up to the present time has followed agricultural pursuits with unflagging energy and industry. he does a general farming and stock-raising business and this calling has proven very congenial to his tastes.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 401.

the has been married twice, the first time in Jannary, 1856, to Miss Caroline Burkmyer, who was a native of Switzerland, but came to Stark County, Ohio, at the age of fifteen years. She was called from life in 1868, having become the mother of seven children, three of whom survive: Catherine three of whom survive; Emma and William. Mr. Labbe's second marriage was to Miss Mary Eva Gill, also a native of the "Fatherland." Although they have no children of their own, Mrs. Labbe is devoted to her step-children, their interests and welfare being paramount wIth her. She is an estimable woman in every respect, and she and Mr. Labbe have a large circle of friends. Mr. Labbe has always espoused the principles of Democracy and his vote is cast for the men and measures of that party. He and his family are worthy members of the Catholic Church of Canal Fulton and are liberal in the use of their means in its support.

N. K. BOWMAN, proprietor of a saw and planing mill and lumber yard at North Lawrence, Ohio, has a representative establishment, and his stock will bear favorable coin pan-ion with any similar house in the trade. During the time that he has been in business here, He has been come known and appreciated as a man who devoted his entire time and energies to the task of faithfully Conducting his business on correct principles, and his patronage is therefore large.

Mr. Bowman was born in Stark County, Ohio, October 6,1856, his parents being Samuel S. and Margaret Ann (Kibler) Bowman, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and when a child wasbrought by his parents to Stark County, Ohio, where he married and began following the trade of a carpenter. Being a skilled workman, his labors were prospered and he eventually found himself in fair circumstances. The paternal grandfather, Adam Bowman, was a German, who came to the United States when a young man and settled in Pennsylvania. He was married on the steamer that brought him to this country and about 1830 settled with his family in the Buckeye State, in time becoming a well-to .do farmer of Stark County. The maternal grandfather, Jacob Kibler, was born in Virginia.

N. K. Bowman was the eldest of thirteen children born to his parents, twelve of whom are now living. His boyhood days were spent in a rather monotonous way, but in the meantime he succeeded in imbibing a thorough knowledge of the common branches and at the age of nineteen years he entered upon the duties of a school teacher, which occupation he followed during the winter months for about ten years. During the summer, his attention was given to carpentering, and by following these occupations lie succeeded in accumulating sufficient means to enable him to engage in his present business in 1887.

Our subject carries a large stock of lumber and is extensively engaged in the manufacture of windows, doors, sashes, etc., and keeps in constant employment about fifteen men who thoroughly understand their duties. In connection with this business his attention is given to building and contracting, and he has shown himself perfectly cap-able of handling every department of his work successfully. He manufactures "Becker's Patent" washing-machine, as well as pickets for fences, and keeps constantly on hand a large stock of lime, cement, etc. He carries a large and varied stock, and receives a most liberal share of public favor. Public-spirited, liberal-minded and generous in disposition, and active, intelligent, energetic by nature, his career has been successful and honorable and promises to continue so. e is in every respect the architect of his own fortune, for he began his business career without means or influence and is now in independent circumstances.

In February, 1883, he was married to Miss Catherine Lawrence, a native of Wayne County, Ohio but reared in Stark County. They are the parents of three daughters and two sons; Charles L.; Una C.;

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Mabel; Leroy D., and Edna M. Mr. Bowman is a member of the order of Adelphia and President o the same. He is a member of the United Brethren Church and gives freely of his means to its support June 23, 1889 his establishment burned down with. out any insurance, but he at once rebuilt. He has a fifty horse power engine. He has now taken in as partner, I). F. Mock and is building an additional establishment for the manufacture of barrel-hoops, handles and a general variety of turning works and buggy and wagon spokes.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 401.

ADAM RODOCKER This highly-esteemed pioneer and well-known citizen of Stark County, residing in Tuscarawas Township, has throughout his entire life been prominently connected with the best interests of the county. A witness of the progress made since the days when dense forests occupied the site of now flourishing cities, and rolling prairies dispiayed, so far as eye could discern, no trace of human inhabitants, it has been his pleasure to watch the changes made by the passing years, and contribute, as far as passible, to effect the wonderful transformation.

Born May 31, 1821, our subject is the son of Frederick and Barbara (Oberlin) Rodocker, natives respectively of Cumberland and Lancaster Counties, Pa. His ancestors on both sides were of German origin, and were represented in this country at an early day. Adam Oberlin, his maternal grandfather, is said to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War and a valiant defender of his country. About 1805, the father of our subject removed from the Keystone State to Ohio, where he resided for two years in Columbiana County, and thence came to Stark County. He settled north of Canton, in the midst of the woods, and remote from any other settlers. The usual hardships attending pioneer life fell to his lot, but with great courage he surmounted every obstacle and became the owner of a well-improved farm. In his death, which occurred in 1849, the county lost one of its most enterprising citizens.

The parental family consisted of eight children, only two of whom survive, Adam, and Sarah, the widow of Philip Bowers. The mother of these children died in 1849, four days after the decease of her husband. Adam Rodocker was reared to manhood in Stark County and has always resided in Tascarawas Township. His education was gained in the log schoolhouse near his home, but was limited to a few studies, and his knowledge has been mainly self-acquired.

The first marriage of our subject was with Catherine Zartman, and they became the parents of a large family of children, of whom the following survive: Angeline, wife of Theodore Culler; Samuel, Henry; Melissa, who married Jackson Reese; William ; Melinda, wife of Orlando McFerrin; Peter, Fernando and Clement. August 17, 1882, Mr. Rodocker was married to Mrs. Melinda Miller, an estimable lady who was born in Virginia, the daughter of Daniel and Anna Fultz.

Politically, Mr. Rodocker is a stanch adherent of the principles of Democracy. In educational matters, he is especially interested, and has served with efficiency as School Director. He is a member of the Perry Grange at Massillon, and well known for honesty and integrity in business circles. The Lutheran Church counts him as one of its most active members, and he is always relied upon to contribute his influence and means toward the advancement of religious enterprises.

JOHN W. HARTZELL. Canton is the home of a large number of enterprising business men, whose sturdy ambition and keen foresight have been the means of promoting the material welfare of the city. Their labors have resulted in the advancement of the place, until it now ranks among the best cities of the State, a city of wealth and commercial standing, no less than

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educational and religious prominence. A list of prominent men must necessarily include the of Mr. Hartzell, who, although still a young has attained to success in his chosen profession.

Born in Adams County, Pa., December 4, 1852, subject is the son of Henry and Mary L. (Johns) Hartzell, natives of the county in which yes first opened to the light. In the spring 853, they removed to Ohio and located in County, where the father carried on the trade of plasterer and brick mason, his farm being six south of Canton. The mother passed from earth in 1875, and his father closed his eyes to the scenes of time in 1892. They were worthy and upright and their children hold their memory in reverence.

The parental family consisted of five sons and one daughter, as follows: John W., Charles H., James D., Elden E., Franklin, and Frances K., wife of Joseph Howerstock, of Stark County. The one in whom we are particularly interested was about six months old when he came to Stark County with his parents, and his education was received in the country schools. He learned the trade of plasterer and brick mason with his father, in whose employ he worked until eighteen years old. Later, he worked for parties in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and other places. Since 1880, lie has been doing con on his own account, and has his residence and shop at No. 276 Navarre Street, in Canton. In the erection of many of the finest buildings of the city, he has been interested, and among others took the contracts on the Dannemiller Block, the Liberty Schoolhouse, the residences of J. Eberhardt and C. Sherrick, the Odd Fellows' building, and numerous other structures. His position is one of . prominence among other contractors of the city and county, and be has gained an enviable reputation as a reliable workman.

The pleasant home in which Mr. Hartzell resides, and which be purchased by means of his unaided efforts, is presided over by his amiable wife, to whom he was married in 1876. She was Miss Ida M., daughter of Christian Sherrick, and is a lady whose many noble attributes of character have won for her the regard of all her acquaintances.Three children have blessed the union: Nona L., William A., and Clarence S. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell are prominent members of the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church, and contribute generously of their time and means to the aid of all worthy projects. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist.

LOUIS A. LOICHOT holds the office of Auditor of Stark County, having filled the position since September, 1890. He was born in the village of Harrisburgh, in this county on the 12th of March, 1861, and was the second of four sons whose parents were Louis and Catherine (Simon) Loichot. His father was a native of France and his mother was born in Switzerland. When young people, they emigrated to the United States, and coming to Ohio, were married in Stark County, in 1857. After their marriage, they removed to Minnesota, where they remained for several years, and then took up their residence in the village of Harrisburgh. At this time, Mr. Loichot was Postmaster of Harrisburgh, holding that position for several years, and was Assessor of Canton for some time. He proved faithful to his duty, as his retention in office well indicates.

We now take up the personal history of our subject, who was reared to manhood under the parental roof and began his education in the common schools. he afterward entered the graded schools of Toledo, where he pursued his studies for three years, and subsequently returning to Canton, he entered the school of this city. Later, he entered Saunders' Business College and his education in the school room was there completed, but by subsequent reading, experience and observation, he has added largely to his fund of knowledge and is a well-informed man, conversant with all of the leading questions of the day.

On leaving school, Mr. Loichot engaged in clerking in a dry-goods store for one year, after which he entered the employ of the Isaac Harter

404 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

& Son's Bank as Collector and Teller, remaining with that institution for a period of thirteen years as one of its trusted employes. In 1889, he was elected County Auditor, and in September, 1890, entered upon the duties of that office, which he discharges in a manner reflecting credit upon him-self and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In politics, he is a stalwart Democrat, having sup-ported that party since he attained his majority. He resides at No. 338 North Cleveland Avenue, where he has a handsome frame dwelling with all the modern improvements. Mr. Loichot is a wide-awake and enterprising young man, public-spirited and progressive and a valued citizen of the community.

JOHN WHITMYRE. For many years, or since his location in this county, the reputation which Mr. Whitmyre has has been not only that of a substantial and progressive farmer, but of an honorable and upright citizen. He was originally from the Keystone State, born in Cumberland County, near Newville, on the 23d of February, 1811.

Our subject's father, Philip Whitmyre, was also a native of Pennsylvania and was born near the Susquehanna River. The grandfather, Michael Whitmyre, it is supposed was a native of Germany. Philip Whitmyre reached mature years in his native State and was married, in Cumberland County, to Miss Elizabeth Bowers, a native of Pennsylvania, where she was reared. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Whitmyre located near Shippensburgh and there he followed the miller's trade for twenty-one years. He brought his family to Stark County about 1825, at a time when the country was wild and unsettled, and located in Lawrence Township on the farm where our subject now resides and bought one hundred and sixty acres, paying about *900 for the tract. There were a few improvements made on this, about five acres being cleared, and Mr. Whitmyre began at once to improve and develop the remainder. About 1852, he removed to Canal Fulton and there his death occurred about 1872. He was a man of industry and enterprise and one of the pioneers of Stark County. His estimable wife died about 1862. They were the parents of three children, two daughters and a son, all of whom grew up, married and became the heads of families.

John Whitmyre, the eldest of these children, was about fifteen years of age when he came with his parents to Stark County, and the education begun in his native State was finished in Manchester, Summit County, Ohio, where he remained two years. After this, he assisted his father in clearing the farm of the heavy timber with which it was covered, and being the eldest child, he took charge of the farm and business at the age of twenty-eight years. He has remained on the farm ever since, and has displayed unusual ability in the management of the same. With care and perseverance he has attended to his adopted calling, and with energy and thoroughness his successful results have been reaped, until now, past the age usually allotted to man, he is in possession of a competence fully sufficient to warrant him in passing the remainder of his days in peace and comfort. he was married, in 1839, to Miss Catherine Luts, a native of Jackson Township, Stark County, and he brought his bride to the old homestead.

The following children were born to this union: Simon, of Jackson Township, this county; Polly, deceased; Jacob, who resides with our subject; William, in Jackson Township, this county; Charles and George, of Canal Fulton; Sarah, at home, and Rufus, of Newton County, Ind. Our subject has resided on the old homestead ever since his residence in the county and has increased the original one hundred and sixty acres to one hundred and ninety. He now owns eighty acres in Jackson Township, twenty-four in the corporation of Canal Fulton, twenty on section 13, Lawrence Township, and thirteen acres on section 1, Lawrence Township, thus making three hundred and twenty-seven acres of good land with improvements. He is still engaged in agricultural pursuits and gives his personal attention to his large

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farm. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat and his vote has over been cast with that party. Honorable and straightforward in every walk of life, he has the respect and esteem of all acquainted with him.

LEWIS SLUSSER, M. D., a retired physician residing in Canton, was born on a farm which is now within the corporation limits of this city, January 21, 1820, and is a representative of one of the oldest families of Stark County. Ilk grandfather, Philip Schlosser (for so he spelled his name) came to the county in 1805, with his family of five sons and five daughters, all of whom are now deceased. Philip Schlosser was the first County Commissioner of Stark County, and held the office several years before the county was organized. Indians were then quite numerous in the neighborhood, but the white settlers were few, and Canton consisted of about it half-dozen log cabins, but only two were then occupied. e built the first gristmill in the county, on the site which was occupied by the East Canton Mill, which he operated for some time.

A sawmill erected the previous year by Philip Schlosser was operated by his son, John Slusser, the father of our subject, who was then only six-teen years old. The entire responsibility rested upon him. He not only had to attend to the wants of the customers, but had to keep the mill in repair, and occasionally assisted the millwright when working on the gristmill. e was born in Cumberland County, Pa., September 9, 1790. Whhe engaged in milling, he also acquired considerable skill in the use of wood tools, and as there was no cabinet-maker in the neighborhood, would often make dough trays, tables and cupboards for the emigrants, and thus drifted into cabinet-making. I n the War of 1812, he enlisted, at the age of twenty-two years, hunt, during the service was taken seriously ill. However, he served out his full term of enlistment.

Mr. Slusser married Nancy, daughter of Philip Dewalt, who came from Center County,to Canton, Ohio, in 1808. After their marriage, they located on a tract of land which is now within the city limits and which was given Mr. Slusser by his father. He built a frame dwelling and a shop, and in connection with farming followed cabinet-making for a number of years. In 1825, he exchanged his property for the two-story brick residence of John Webb in Canton, and soon afterward turned his attention to merchandising. He rode on horse-back to Philadelphia to purchase a stock of goods. He was successful and accumulated considerable capital, which he invested Largely in Western lands. In 1842, his first wife died leaving seven children. The following year, Mr. Slusser married Mrs. Catherine Whitman, who died in 1879. He passed away in 1859, honored and respected by all. He had held a number of the township offices of trust and was a member of the Methodist Church. Prominent and influential, he was a leading citizen and was held in the highest esteem.

Dr. Slusser is the second son and third child in the family of seven children, five of whom grew to mature years. His boyhood days were spent in Canton, where he attended the public schools for a time. He afterward entered Jefferson College in Cannonsburgh, Pa., where he pursued his studies for three and a half years, when on account of failing health lie returned home e then went South to Georgia, and after having recovered taught school in that State for about five years. In the meantime, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Ramsey, of Wilkes County, Ga., and after three years took a course of lectures in the National Medical College, of Washington, D. C., after which the returned to Canton, and engaged in practice for two years under instructors. He then entered the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1818. Dr. Slusser began practice in 1849 in Canal Fulton, where he remained until the breaking out of the War in 1861. In 1858, he was elected a member of the State Legislature and served two terms, during which time he was Chairman of the Committee on Benevolent Institutions, which inspected the Blind, Deaf and Dumb and Imbecile Asylums, also the Reform School. When it member of the Assembly, he was instrumental in securing the passage

408 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the bill providing for the appointment of a medical board of examiners to pass upon the fitness of surgeons for the army.

In 1861 the Doctor entered the service, being appointed Surgeon of the Sixth-ninth Ohio Infantry. He was afterward made Medical Director of the brigade and subsequently of the division. During his service he was joined by his wife, who gave him efficient aid until her health failed her. She did not rally and passed away in Nashville, Tenn., in 1863

After his regiment was mustered out, Dr. Slusser accepted a commission in the Fourth Army Corps as Surgeon of the Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry, then rendezvousing in New Orleans. He was afterward sent to the Mexican border, where he remained until November, 1865, when, with his command, he received his discharge and returned home. Locating in his native city, he resumed general practice, which he continued until 1873, when he was elected Medical Superintendent of the Cleveland Insane Asylum, which position he resigned in 1876, and again entered upon the practice in Canton. To his profession he then devoted his energies until 1889, when a paralytic stroke disabled him for work for some time. e now devotes his time to writing, and is collecting reminiscences of Stark County history which he purposes publishing some time in the future. No one is more capable of doing this work, for he has resided here for seventy-two years and is a representative of one of the oldest families of the county.

Dr. Slusser was twice married, his first union being with Miss Sarah, daughter of Dr. Joseph Pierce. Her death occurred in 1863, as before stated. He afterward married Helena Ricks, a sister of Judge A. J. Ricks, of the United States District Court and a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. Unto them have been born five children, but two daughters only are now living: Georgia, at home, and Lucile, who is attending school in Norwalk, Conn.

The Doctor's life has been a successful one as viewed from financial and other standpoints, and he owns several pieces of good property in Canton. He helped organize the Old Settlers' Association of Stark County, and has served several years as its Secretary, which office he is holding at this writing. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Society. In politics, he has been a lifelong Democrat. Few men are more widely known in Stark County than our subject and none more favorably so. He is spoken of in the highest terms by all; old and young, rich and poor alike esteem him for his many excellencies of character.

JOHN A. ROACH, M. D. The profession of a physician carries with it the highest responsibilities, and exacts of its followers the most laborious study and earnest research, if they would keep step with the rapid strides that are being made in all its varied departments. Amid "the pestilence that walketh by noonday" they are called to go, and the brightest and most illustrious examples of courage have been recorded of their faithful performance of duty.

Among the physicians who are diligently pursuing their chosen profession and making a name for themselves among the foremost men of their calling, prominent mention belongs to Dr. Roach, of Alliance, who, although only in the prime of life, has already become widely and favorably known for skill in his profession. His father, .1 . B. Roach, M. D., has for thirty-two years been a practitioner and is still actively engaged in professional labors at Alliance, where he is numbered among the leading physicians and surgeons, as well as one of the enterprising citizens and upright men of the city.

The son of Dr. J. B. and Delila (Ashbrook) Roach, our subject was born in Augusta, Carroll County, Ohio, December 5, 1858, and was reared to manhood in the place of his birth. His literary education was obtained in the public schools of Carroll County, and at the age of twenty years he commenced the study of medicine, which he carried on under his father's direct supervision. After continuing in that way for some time, he entered the Western Reserve Medical College, of Cleveland,

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Ohio, from which institution he was graduated in 1884. Prior to entering the medical college, he had engaged in teaching school for five years and was thus enabled to pay his own expenses through school.

After graduating, Dr. Roach located for the practice of his profession at Sherodsville, Ohio, where he remained two years and gained a good practice in the community. In 1887, realizing the need of a wider field for his professional labors, he came to Alliance, where he opened an office and has since remained in practice. e is well adapted to his chosen profession. and through skill, wide knowledge and devotion to his work, he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice.

In 1880, Dr. Roach was married to Miss Maggie A. Dunlap, of Salineville, Ohio, and they are the parents of one child, Rhea. They hold membership in the Disciples Church and have hosts of friends, who, one and all, wish them a continuance of happiness and prosperity. The Doctor is identified with the Knights of Pythias and is a charter member of Sherodsville Lodge. He is identified with, and Physician of, the American Mechanics' Association, Equitable Aid Union, and the Mutual Life Benefit Association of Newark. In addition to this, he is Physician for the Mutual Reserve Fund Company, of New York; the Fidelity, of Philadelphia; an insurance company of Michigan, and the Provident Life and Trust Company.

WILLIAM H. BECHER, M. D. The professions are worthily represented in Stark County, not only by the numbers, but by the natural talents, acquired skill and knowledge of those who are engaged in them. The flourishing towns and villages are the centers from which the influence of the culture and practical ability of doctors, lawyers and ministers radiates over the country and reaches out hands of healing to body, mind and souls. Two miles south of North Industry is located the office of Dr. Becher, to whommany look for aid when they are ill. lie has been engaged in active practice in that place for twenty-three years and is often called to the city of Canton to see patients

Our subject was born in this county, near Sparta, July 17, 1848. His father, Henry Becher, was a native of Pennsylvania, as was also the grandfather, who was of German descent, representatives having come to this country, during the Colonial days. Grandfather Becher emigrated to Ohio in early pioneer times and was one of the first residents in Tuscarawas County. Later, he came to Stark County, and died in the city of Canton at the age of eighty years.

Henry Becher is still living and is engaged as a prosperous farmer in Canton Township. He was married, in 1840, to Miss Barbara Collins, is Dative of this State, and to them were born three children, viz.: Hiram S.. who was engaged in farming and teaching school in Medina County, this State; our subject, and Simon, who resides with his father in Canton Township. The wife and mother departed this life December 8. 1890. and, like her husband, was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. The father of our subject, prior to the Civil War, was Democratic in politics, but at the present time votes with the Republican party.

William H. Becher of this sketch resided on the home farm until ten years of age when, with his parents, he removed to Dallas County. iowa, where they remained for three years, and at the expiration of that time resided for two years in Henry County, III. Then returning to his native county, our subject attended High School in Canton, and when sixteen years of age entered the college at Mt. Union, where he spent one term. After that. he began teaching school in this county and was thus engaged in Pike and Canton Township:, for five terms. Having determined to follow the profession of a doctor. he began reading medicine with Doctors Walker and Gans in 1866, and soon after entered the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. where he studied assiduously for three years, and in 1869 was graduated from that institution.

After receiving his diploma, D. Becher located where He is at present residing, and at once began

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to build up the practice by which lie is extending his reputation, having a greater number of calls each year as the residents of the surrounding country become better acquainted with him and more confident of his knowledge and skill.

Prior to his graduation, Dr. Becher, April 28, 1864, was united in marriage with Miss Sabilla Apley, who was born in this county in October, 1845. The two children born of their union hear the respective names of Winfield and Webster. Mrs. Becher (lied April 18, 1879 and the lady whom the Doctor chose as his second wife was Miss Olive Guest. The lady was born December 28, 1861, in Pike Township, and the ceremony which made then one took place, October 21, 1880. Mrs. Becher possesses a cultured mind, a sympathizing heart, to which is added the housewifely knowledge which is necessary for all who would make their homes attractive and comfortable. The year of his marriage, the Doctor erected a large frame residence Which is furnished with all modern conveniences and is one of the very finest in the town-ship. It is located on quite an elevation, thus commanding an admirable view of the surrounding country. Although the Doctor devotes the greater portion of his time to his profession, he also has various outside interests, among which is a valuable farm of eighty acres, which is located one-half mile cast of his home and which under careful cultivation is made to produce bountifully of the various crops to which the soil is adapted. On this tract of land is located n coal mine, which Dr. Becher has worked for the last fifteen years, and as the result of his labors in that direction, has been handsomely rewarded.

Dr. and Mrs. Becher in religious belief are members of the United Brethren Church. Our subject began practice with a debt of $70, hut by strict attention to business and careful investments, he is now classed among the wealthy citizens of Pike Township. His fine practice gives him so much to do, both in its actual labors and in the continuous study which be keeps up, that he does not care to hold public office, but during elections votes the straight Republican ticket. He is quite expert with his rifle and for the past ten years has been a member of the Canton Gun Club and in this way takes recreation. He is a large stockholder in a clay mine located at Sparta, Ohio, which employs fifty men in the manufacture of hollowttiles and paving brick. The capital stock is $120,000.

PHILIP SONNHALTER, ex-Superintendent and Treasurer of the Massillon Central Coal Company, is one of the most thoroughgoing, wide-awake business men of the county, and one of its most esteemed and valued citizens. Like many of the prominent men of the county, he is of foreign birth, born near Saarbrucken, Prussia, Germany, on the 8th of January, 1843. His father, John Sonnhalter, was a native of the same place, and there learned the trade of contractor and mason of his father, who had followed that all his life. John Sonnhalter was married in his native country to Miss Catherine Luxemburger, who was also a native of Germany. In the spring of 1855, he came with his family to America, and located near Akron, Summit County, Ohio, where he cultivated the soil until his death. The mother died in 1856. Of the five children born to them, only three now survive. John died in Massillon, being killed while opening the Pigeon Run Mine, of which he was Superintendent. Catherine, Mrs. Burgess, resides in Summit County; Mary, Mrs. Brandt, resides in Brook-field; Philip, our subject. George, who enlisted in the Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, in 1864, and served until the close, died at Brookfield.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed in his native country, and he attended the common schools of the same until October, 1855, when he left Hanover on the vessel "St. Johns," and was thirty-three days on the ocean. he landed in New York City, but came with his parents to Summit County, where he assisted his father on the farm until 1859, and attended the common schools during the winter. At the last-mentioned date, became to West Brookfield, and went to work

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in the coal mines as a miner, with pick and shovel. here he worked until September, 1861, when he volunteered in Company H, Thirty-seventh Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in at Cleveland. he was sent South, and participated in the battle of Princeton, after which he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He was afterward in a number if skirmishes in West Virginia, and then joined Gen. Grant at Napoleon. He was also in the Battles of Haine's Bluff, Champion Hill, Black River and siege of Vicksburg. He was then taken sick and sent borne on furlough. Six weeks later, he returned to his regiment at Bridgeport and was tent to relieve Rosecrans. He took a prominent part in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, and others. He was mustered out at Larkinsville in the fall of 1864. He was in the Georgia campaign, the battles of Resaca, Dallas, and all the engagements in which his command took part, and was within ten feet of McPherson when that general was killed. His corps broke the line of the siege of Atlanta, and was the first corps at West Point. His time of service expiring, lie was honorably discharged on the 23d of September, 1864, and cane home. He was a faithful and gallant soldier, no braver one ever treading the red sod of a battle-field. His clothing was riddled with bullets, his comrades fell all around him, but he faced to the front and was never known to falter.

After peace was declared, he entered the coal mines for the Rhodes Coal Company, and was thus engaged for one year, after which, in 1866, he engaged in mining for himself in Summit County, near Clinton, where he leased two mines. These he conducted for four years, meeting with fair success.

In 1870, he came to Massillon, was Superintendent of the Crawford Coal Alines for a year, and afterward Superintendent of the Rhodes Mine for three years. During the year 1879, he organized a company and ran a mine for one year, after which lie sold out, and in 18811 he organized the West Massillon Coal Company as Manager, and also organized another mine near Brookfield. He sold out four years later, and organized the Massillon Central Coal Company, of which he was the Superintendent and Treasurer, J. G. Warwick, President, and W. K. L. Warwick, Secretary. In addition, the firm discovered the big field they are are opening now, and are doing an immense business. Our subject has leased his interests in the tipper Pigeon Run and Warwick Coal Alines. he resides on West Tremont Street, Massillon, and is prominently identified with all enterprises of importance.

Our subject was married in Massillon on the 15th of November, 1864, to Miss Mary C. Eberly, a native of Alsace, France, who came with her parents to Stark County, Ohio, when but four years of age. Seven children are the fruits of this union, as follows: Mary, Mrs. Heiman, of Brookfield; Cecelia is now teaching school in the county; Annie, at home; Philip J. is attending St. Vincent College, Westmoreland County, Pa.; Adam F., Gertrude and Ernest If., the last three at home. Our subject is a member of Hart Post No. 134, G. A. R., and in politics he is n strong Democrat. He holds membership in the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and is a member of the Board of Trustees and the Building Committee.

GEORGE STOVER In preparing this brief outline of the life of George Stover facts appear which are greatly to his credit. His intelligence, enterprise and integrity, as well as many other estimable qualities, have gathered about him numerous friends, and have won for him a well-deserved popularity. He was born on the farm where he now resides on the 13th of December, 1838, a son of Samuel Stover, who was origin-ally from the Keystone State, born in Centre, on the 16th of August, 1813. The father continued to make his home in Pennsylvania until about ten years of age, when he came with his parents, George and Catherine (Danner) Stover, to Stark County, Ohio. They located where our subject now resides, on a wild tract of laud with no improvements, and there the grandparents received their final summons, the grandfather dying in 1867, and the grandmother in February. 1875.

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Samuel Stover became familiar with the arduous duties of the farm at an early date, and was married in Greentown, Stark County, Ohio, to Miss Margaret Krichbaum, who was a native of that county. After this union, they located in Lawrence Township, this county, on section 1, but after a short residence there, moved to the farm where our subject now lives, and cultivated the soil there until 1841. From there they moved to Green-town, located on a farm, and there the mother died on the 6th of August, 1841. Afterward, the father returned to Lawrence Township, and there died on the 19th of October, 1888. Both were worthy members of the Lutheran Church. Only two sons were given them, William, who resides on section 11, Lawrence Township, and our subject.

The original of this notice was reared in his native place, and his first scholastic training was in the district schools of Lawrence Township and when he attended at Canal Fulton two winter terms. For five terms following this, he was in Oberlin College, Lorain County, Ohio, and then returned to the farm. he taught for three winters in the district schools of his county and one term in Summit County, during this time making his home with h is grandparents on his present farm. During the summer months he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was not married until thirty years of age, and he then selected his life companion in the person of Miss Louisa J. Beardsley, their nuptials being celebrated on the 20th of January, 1869. She was born near Akron, Summit County, Ohio, January 29, 1842, to the union of Talman and Temperance (Spicer) Beardsley.

Following his marriage, Mr. Stover located on his present farm, and there the births of his four children occurred, three sons and one daughter, as follows: William B. (deceased); George P., at home, attending school; Harry W., also attending school; and Clara B., deceased. Our subject is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in the old homestead and fifty acres on section 11, all under cultivation, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is thoroughly familiar with every detail of this occupation, and has been unusually successful. He is a Democrat in political, but held the position of Trustee for two terms in a Republican township. For seven years he was Trustee of the Fairmont Children's Home of Stark and Columbiana Counties, and was a member of the School Board of his district for a number of year's. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, Elliott Lodge No. 514, of Canal Fulton, and was a member of the Grange at that place for nineteen years.

JOHN F. ROTH, who is one of the foremost farmers and stock-raisers of Northeastern Ohio, having large landed interests in Canton Township, is classed among those men of force, intelligence and ability, who have been instrumental in developing the county into a rich agricultural center. he represents one of the early pioneer families, and though not a native, has passed nearly the whole of his life here, and is now spending his declining years on a beautiful farm on section 22. Like many of the best residents of this county, ' our subject was born in York County, Pa., December 10, 1825, and is the son of Frederick Roth, who also hailed from that place. Grandfather Roth was a native of Hessen, Germany, and during the Revolutionary War in America deserted the army of his native country and emigrated to the New World. Here he was married and became the father of a family of four sons and two daughters. He was engaged in farming, and at the same time carried on a small store on his farm, thus supplying the settlers with the necessities of life. he was widely and favorably known in this locality, and here he and his good wife died.

Frederick Roth was a farmer in Pennsylvania, and in May, 1881, moved his family and house-hold effects overland by means of a four-horse wagon to this county. He purchased his present farm, which then contained a log house and barn, and about seventy-five acres of which were partially improved. He and his wife shared in the experiences of that early date, and received such schooling in

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sturdy habits of the early settlers, that they were prepared to push their own affairs to a successful asue. The father, who was a member of the Trinity Church, died when sixty-one years of age. He was a sound Democrat in politics, and was regarded with good-will and esteem by all his neighbors and friends. His wife, who was born .n Pennsylvania in 1789, was, prior to her marriage, Miss Magdalena Simons; she reared a family of eight children: Susan, Peter, Jessie, John, Abraham, Frederick, Francis and Magdalena. The wife and mother, who was also a member of the Trinity Church, died at the age of seventy-two yea's.

He whose name heads this sketch was n lad of seven years when he was brought by his parents to this county, and remembers well the incidents of the overland journey. He is familiar with the greased-paper window lights which took the place of glass in the old times, as well as many other contrivances by which dwellers on the frontier "made shift" without the conveniences of life. When twenty-one years of age, he began to do for himself, at which time he was married, in February, 1846, to Miss Rachel Bender, by whom he became the father of three children, of whom the two living are Susan and Rachel. The wife died four years later, at which time our subject disporsed of his farm and stock and. going to Canton, was manager of a warehouse for about five years. In 1851, he married Catherine Bair, and of the thirteen children born to them, eight grew to maturity: Cyrus, John, Edwin, William, Frank, Adeline, Melissa and Katie. Mrs. Roth died in 1874, and the lady whom our subject chose as his third wife in February, 1877, was Mrs. Sarah (Cobaugh) Sailor.

Mr. Roth returned to his farm in this township in 1856, and has at the present time one hundred and sixty-three acres of very productive land. e is engaged in mixed farming and stock raising, and conducts his business in a systematic manner, and after the most approved modern methods. His present large frame barn, which was erected in 1848, was remodeled in 1875, in which year his large brick residence was built. He has made many valuable improvements on his estate, and

the grounds around his residence are tastefully laid out, and the place, as a whole, is one of the most attractive and desirable in this part of the county.

Mr. Roth is a member of the Trinity Church, with which he has been connected for many years. Not only have his labors increased the wealth of his township, but his wisdom and practical good sense have made him of use in the management of public affairs, and be has beer Trustee of his township for several years. He has also served as a member of the School Board for twenty-eight years in succession, and in whatever capacity he has acted, has ever had an eye to the best interests of the community. Although reared a Democrat, he now gives his allegiance to the Republican party. He has been prominently connected with the Stark County Agricultural Society for four-teen years and has filled all the offices with the exception of Secretary. He is also a charter member of Canton Township Grange, and of the County Grange.

JACOB ECKROAD. Many of the native sons of Stark County are already making their mark as efficient citizens, successful farmers and men of business, and among these there are none more worthy of our mention than he whose name we have just given, who was born February 26, 1843. he is at present engaged in cultivating a fine estate in Tuscarawas Township. and is one of the progressive farmers of this section.

Joseph and Elizabeth (Singley) Eckroad, the parents of our subject, were natives of Schuylkill County, Pa., and emigrated in 1833 to this county, making their first location in Lawrence Township. There they made their home for many years, and were ranked among the very earliest settlers of that region. Of their large family of children the following survive: Henry; Susannah, wife of

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Lewis Kittinger; Catherine, Mrs. David (Biker; Jacob; Mary, Mrs. Samuel Albright; Joseph F.; Charles; Etta M.. Mrs. B. Weygandt; and Cora B., Mrs. Alfred Shook. The father of these children, who had been three times married, de-parted this life September 16, 1882, and in his death the county lost one of her best citizen He was a Republican in politics, and kept himself well informed on the issues of the day. He was stanch and true in his allegiance to the religious faith in which he was bred, that of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a member. Hie wife, who still survives him, makes her hone in Wayne County, this State. He was during his life closely connected with the interests of Tuscarawas Township as a farmer and land-holder, and was one of the well-to-do citizens.

Mr. Eckroad, of this sketch, received his education in the common and High Schools of his native county, and was carefully instructed in all kinds of agricultural work on the farm where his boyhood days were profitably and pleasantly spent. Through long years he has witnessed the growth and development of this county. and has taken just pride in its progress, and has ever borne his part in the promotion of those enterprises calculated to advance the general welfare. With the exception of five years spent at the machinist's trade, Mr. Eckroad has always followed the occupation of a farmer, and by hard and persistent labor and excellent business tact has surmounted all obstacles and is now one of the prominent farmers of his section.

Our subject was married June 22, 1865, to Miss Mary, daughter of Peter and Catharine Weygandt, early settlers of this county, and now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Eckroad have been born seven children, namely: Joseph C., who is a talented musician; Guy C., Elden IL, David IL, Arden J., Jesse W., and John H. Our subject owns seventy-four acres of land, which he has placed under cultivation and adorned with all necessary buildings. He has filled the office of School Director for six years, and for a twelvemonth was Chairman of the Tuscarawas Board of Education. He takes an active part in local politics, and is prominently identified with the progress of the Republican party in this section. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, and he is held in respect by all as a good citizen and a most estimable man, whose life record is honorable and worthy of emulation.

PROF. VICTOR FREI. Music has well been called the divinest of arts. The power to comprehend, appreciate and interpret the productions of the great masters is one of the most valuable of gifts and should be sedulously cultivated by all. However rudimentary the musical faculty may be, it should never be permitted to lie dormant, and in view of the splendid opportunities for musical instruction that are afforded by our modern civilization, there can be no excuse for neglecting an art which does so much to brighten life and elevate character.

Canton is the fortunate possessor of an institution affording unsurpassed facilities for the acquisition of a finished musical education. This institution is the Canton Conservatory of Music, at No. 19 West Fourth Street, under the direction of Prof. Victor Frei, who has spared no pains to build up a school of music which will be a credit to the city, or, indeed, to any city in the land. An ardent lover of the divine art and one of its most enthusiastic disciples, his enthusiasm has powerfully contributed to the success of his efforts.

Prof. Frei was born in Rome, Italy, March 28, 1849. For a time his studies were pursued in his native city, and he is a graduate of the Royal School of Music in Munich, Germany. He was born with the gift of music, and so early in life was his talent exhibited, that when six years old he assisted as organist in a Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland. His literary education was received principally in the schools of Switzerland and Germany, and he was a professor of music in the Old World from his boyhood.

In 1882, Prof. Frei emigrated to America and located in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he remained

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or eight years. Thence he came, in 1890, to Canton as Director of the Sixth Central Ohio aengerfest, and exhibited such great musical talint that he was persuaded to make this city his come. He was elected Director of the singing Society Concordia, one of the best choral societies of the State, and has since been closely identified with musical circles throughout this section of country.

The Canton Conservatory of Music is a notable institution of its kind, in which there are orchestra and chorus classes, and among the instruments taught are piano, violin, organ and violoncello, as well as composition and voice culture. There is also a department for elocution and foreign languages. The course of instauction is comprehensive. embracing all desirable branches designed to impart a cultured understanding of music as an art. At frequent intervals during the winter seasons, concerts are given, which are always highly enjoyable and prove the rapid progress made by the students at the conservatory.

Prof. Frei is the general agent for the Mason and Hamlin Organ and Piano Co., of Boston, and at the conservatory these justly celebrated instruments are used exclusively.In 1889, Prof. Frei was married to Miss Consuelo de Varona, a native of Cuba, and they are the parents of one child, Edward Joseph Victor.

EDWARD B. BAYLISS. Among the active enterprises of a city like Massillon, the livery business occupies, necessarily, an important place, contributing, as it does, to the pleasure, convenience and actual necessities of the community. Among the most notable establishments of this class in the city is that conducted by Edward B. Bayliss, one of the representative citizens and popular business men of the place. He Is a native of this city, born on the 24th of December, 1840, and here he passed his boyhood and youth. (For particulars of parents, see sketch of James Bayliss). He attended the first Union School in Massillon, and also the first one in the State, entering the schoolroom the first day, and completing the course. After this, he was agent for the old Unlon Line Express Company, then agent for the old Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad for four years, and subsequently was clerk for has brother in agricultural works for nine years.

About this time, he opened the Tremont House in partnership with Mr. Zielley, and called it the Zielley House, conducting it for thirteen months. Afterward, they rented the Transient Hotel, then known as Park Hotel, continued this putt of one year, or until 1881; when Mr. Bayliss continued it alone. He was the proprietor for four years, and those who have had an experience of his warm hospitality will ever retain the most pleasurable recollections of this hotel and its popular proprietor. Mr. Bayliss brought to hear upon the management of this house a thorough knowledge of the wants and requirements of his patrons, and had a flourishing business. In November, 1886, he sold out and went to Meyer's Lake, where he rented the summer resort hotel. Lake Park, and conducted this with all his former ability and success for three years. It then changed hands, and our subject sold out.

About 1888, he decided that there was a good ripening for the livery business in Massillon, and as he was not the man to allow such an opportunity to pass, he bought the livery business from Adam Volkmor, and has continued it very successfully since. As there are few features of metropolitan enterprises which contribute a larger quota to the convenience of the residential and transient public than the well-appointed livery stable, Mr. Bayliss has reaped a rich reward in the business, which he understands thoroughly. He is thorough-going and progressive, and is one who will succeed in whatever he undertakes.

Our subject was married in Massillon, in 1865, to Miss Carrie Zielley, a native of Canton, Ohio, and the daughter of Voter Zieiley, who was a prominent horseman here. The fruits of this union are three children, who are in the order of birth as follows: Lydia, a graduate of the schools of Massillon; George, who lost both his legs on the Ft. Wayne

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Railroad; and Walter, at home. Mr. Bayliss has been it member of the City Council two terms, and on different committees from the First Ward. He is now City Clerk of Massillon, and is discharging the duties of that office in a very efficient and capable manner. He is a faithful Republican in his political views, and is a public-spirited and much esteemed citizen. He is now residing on East Main Street.

JUDGE JACOB P. FAWCETT Judge of the Probate Court, and a prominent and influential citizen of Canton, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Allegheny County, January 2, 1851, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Pennypacker) Fawcett, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. The father was a farmer, and died in Allegheny County when our subject was about fourteen years of age. The mother afterward removed to Mt. Union, Stark County, Ohio, with her family in 1866, and now makes her home in Canton.

The early boyhood days of our subject were spent on his father's farm. After coming to Ohio, he entered Mt. Union College, working as a farm hand during vacations, in order to secure funds to meet the expenses of the course. After graduating in 1871, he read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1874. Entering upon the practice of his profession in Alliance, he there remained until August, 1877, since. which time he has been a resident of Can ton. For many years he has been prominently identified with political affairs, and has been honored with a number of offices. In 1876, he was elected Mayor of Mt. Union, and from 1882 until 1886 was a member of the Canton City Council, serving as President of that body the last year. The Republican party has found in him a stanch supporter, and he served two years as Chairman of the Republican County Central Commit-tee, and two years as a member of the Republican State Central Committee, doing good work. On the 23d of November, 1886, he was appointed Probate Judge to fill a vacancy, succeeding Judge Myer. At the next election, he was chosen to this office by a handsome majority, and is the present incumbent.

On the 6th of February, 1877, Judge Fawcett was united in marriage with Miss Jennie A., daughter of Hon. John H. Mitchell, United States Senator from Oregon. Their acquaintance was formed while students in Mt. Union College, and they have become the parents of four interesting children: Mettle E., Howard B., Ralph M. and John A. They reside at No. 57 High Street, where their pleasant hospitable home is always open for the reception of their many friends.

Socially, Judge Fawcett is a member of Lodge No. 266, I. O. O. F.; Canton Lodge No. 362, K. P., and of the Protected Home Circle. He is also President of the Republican Club of Canton. In the line of his profession, he has won success, and while practicing law secured a liberal patronage. In connection with legal practice, he became interested in other business enterprises, and is now President of the Canton Combination Lock Company, and Director of the People's Savings and Deposit Bank. As Probate Judge, his administration of affairs has won him high commendation, and one of the city papers speaks of him as one of the most efficient probate judges that Stark County has ever had. His experience eminently qualifies him for the position, and his uniform kindness, accommodating spirit, popularity, professional and business ability have stood him in good stead.

JAMES A. SAXTON, There is no inheritance so rich as the record of the worthylives of those who have parted from this world and have gone to receive the reward d which awaits them in heaven. We all have strivings after a high ideal, but an ideal alone isof little value if not reenforced by the example

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of those who, like ourselves, have human frailties, et have been enabled to so overcome them as to lead lives of usefulness, integrity and true godliness. This gives us new courage to continue our own efforts and aids us in making a success of our lives In the highest sense of the word.

James A. Saxton was born in Canton, Ohio, on the site of the Saxton Block, and his parents, and Margaret (Laird) Sexton, were the natives of Huntingdon, Pa., the former born on the 28th of September, 1792, and the latter on the 18th of December, 1792. The great grandfather, George Saxton, was a native of England and an early settler of Maryland. John Saxton an active participant in the War of 1812 and was a brave and faithful soldier. On the 3d of August, 1815, he was married at Huntingdon, and came to Stark County, Ohio, on horseback, he and his wife riding all the way. After reaching this county, he established the Ohio Repository and for many years was the editor and proprietor of this paper, which is now known as the Conton Repository. He lost his wife on the 28th of March, 1858, he himself dying April 16, 1871. They were the parents of nine children, eight sons and one daughter. Mr. Saxton built the Saxton Block in 1880, and at his death left a large estate.

For many years Mr. Saxton was the principal stockholder and President of the Stark County Bunk, and he was also one of the early members of the Board of Education, and performed valuable service in that capacity. His character was actual and positive, upright and downright. His temperament was heroic, his will inflexible. He was an extensive and thoughtful reader, keeping abreast of current events; his conclusions were just and liberal and frankly and fearlessly expressed. His lot was cast in the field of action rather than in the field of meditation—of business and commercial enterprise. And here he was active, sagacious and daring: in all his dealings prompt, conscientious and decisive. He was not unduly elated by success, nor crushed by reverses of fortune, although subjected to both dangerous tests. His industry was tireless. He hated idleness and dishonesty, and said so with a blunt frankness and force that effectually rebuked them. When provoked and aroused, his auger was swift and stormy, but it left the air clear and redoent with the perfume of his better nature. He was earnest and sincere, and despised shams. He did not smile when be was not pleased, nor extend his hand when he was not friendly. He was without ostentation. He was warm and true in his friendship, a kind husband and indulgent father, it sturdy and public-spirited citizen, and works of quiet charity have made his memory sacred to many. In the midst of new plans and enterprises, with the burden of business interests resting upon him, surrounded by the objects of his life-long care and love, he paused a moment and fell asleep forever.

"No cold gradations of decay,

Death broke at once the vital chain."

RUBEN SNYDER is a practical and wideawake member of the farming community of Bethlehem, where he is meeting with unqualified success in agricultural pursuits. He was born in Northumberland County, Pa., May 2, 1819, to Daniel and Susannah Snyder, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. The father is said to have been a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a framer by occupation.

In the spring of 1828, Daniel Snyder accompanied by his family emigrated to this county and located in Bethlehem Township, making his home in a hewed log house, which he had erected on his farm. He devoted his entire time and attention to placing his land under good cultivation, and upon this he resided with his wife until their decease.

Ruben Snyder of this sketch received his education in the pioneer schools, and his early home training was such as to instill good principles and habits of industry and economy, which have been of value to him in his active life. Unlike many young men, he chose to remain with his parents until reaching his majority, helping them to the extent of his whole power in clearing five different farms. He was married October 16, 1813, to Eliza

418 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Shrefler and to them was born a family of six children, three of whom are living, viz.: Adeline, Mrs. O. F. Johnson; Alice, the wife of J. C. Keller, and Ohio; Daniel, Finley and John are deceased.

Mr. Snyder takes a warm interest in all that concerns the welfare of this section of country, is liberal in support of schemes to forward its improvement, and an active member of the Democratic party. He is also a member of the Lutheran Church at Navarre, in which denomination he has served as Deacon. His devoted wife, who proved such a helpmate to him in establishing a home in this county, departed this life October 18, 1891. She was a sincere and earnest member of the Lutheran Church, and wherever known was greatly respected for her kind heart and pleasant manners.

He of whom we write began the struggle of life without means other than a sound mind in a sound body, and with that capital has acquired a goodly amount of property. He is a sincere Christian gentleman and is truthful and upright in all his dealings.

B. FULTON, a retired farmer and one of the county's most esteemed and worthy residents, first saw the light of day in Tuscarawas Township, Stark County, Ohio, on the 14th of October, 1825. It is supposed that his father, George Fulton, was a native of the green isle of Erin, although the grandfather, Benjamin Fulton, was a native of Scotland. The latter came to America at an early date, and after residing for some time in Washington County, Pa., located in Stark County, Ohio, where he bought one hundred and fifty acres of Government land. On this he passed the remainder of his days.

George Fulton, father of our subject, was one of six children born to his parents, three sons and three daughters, and was about twenty-one years of age when he first came to Stark County, Ohio. He remained under the parental roof until after his father's death, and then took charge of the old homestead. He married Miss Betsy Forsyth, a native of Ireland, who was but it little girl when she came with her parents to America. After this union, Mr. and Mrs. Fulton located on the old homestead, and there the father cultivated the soil until his death in 1852. Two years later, his widow followed him to the grave. They were the parents of five children, two daughters and three sons, as follows: Jane, Isabel, Benjamin, Robert and John.

The eldest son born to this union, Benjamin Fulton, was early trained to the duties of farm life in Stark County, Ohio, and his first scholastic training was in the log schoolhouse of pioneer days. In 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Esther Smith, daughter of Samuel Smith, and a native of Monroe County, N. Y., born near Rochester, on the 1st of October, 1830. She was but two years of age when she came with her parents to Ohio, and was reared in Ashland County. After his marriage, our subject located on the old homestead, and there cultivated the soil successfully for six years. In 1868, he sold the place and bought a farm in Lawrence Township, section 33, which he still owns. There were about fifty acres cleared, and a log cabin and log barn adorned it. Mr. Fulton immediately began clearing the remainder of the farm, and with the assistance of his industrious and thrifty wife, soon had one of the pleasantest homes and finest farms in that section. The log house and log barn were removed for comfortable frame structures, and to the original tract was added enough land to make one hundred and seventy-one acres.

Concluding that he had contributed his share toward the improvement and advancement of the county, Mr. Fulton retired to a comfortable residence in Canal Fulton, after having reslded on his farm for twenty-eight years. This was in 1886, and he and his estimable wife have since resided there. They are the parents of seven children, five daughers and two sons: Ester, born April 22, 1853, is the wife of Isaac Taggart, who is a. banker in Massillon; Ellen A., born January 11, 1855, died February 12, 1859; Samuel W., born June 19, 1857, is a resident of this county; Jennie A., born December 19, 1859, died January 4, 1862; Ettie M., born August 30, 1862, is the wife of Alvin Kittin-

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ger of Canal and Fulton Streets, Massillon; Eva born June 26, 1867, is at home, and George B., February 22, 1870. The latter is a graduate of High School of Canal Fulton, also of Duff's Commercial College of Pittsburgh, Pa., and is now clerking in Canal Fulton.

Our subject handles a great deal of stock, buy-and selling, and is doing a good business. In polities, he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and is deeply interested in all political questions. he is well acquainted with Mr. McKinley. Mr. Fulton was elected Justice of the Peace, and has held other township offices. e is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes a deep interest in its working, as he does in all other worthy enterprises. He has been Trustee and Steward of the church.

JOSEPH H. DUMOULIN, The love of sweet J things is the most natural appetite and as healthy as any other. Sugar and sugar candy, puddings and preserves, recommend them-selves to the palate more by their delicious flavor than any other form of edible things. Very true, they are not suitable for sustaining life alone for a considerable period, but neither is any one of the proximate principles which constitute food. We should sicken or starve on starch, gluten, fat, albumen or sugar alone; but each of them is healthful iii its place, as a part of a properly arranged diet. The American people, now the wealthiest, are rapidly acquiring the reputation of being the most luxurious people in the world. In their love of a rich diet they show their good sense, and their high living is reflected in the enormous amount of work, both mental and physical they get through. It is for this reason that the manufacture of candies and fruit preserves ha come to be one of the greatest industries of this country, and the establishments in this line rani In standing and extent of trade with any class o business concerns. (Inc of the largest institutions of its kind in this section of the county is carried on at Canton, Ohio, by the firm of Bechel, Dumoulin & Co., manufacturers of and dealers in fine confectioneries, tobaccos, cigars, and grocers' sun-dries. Joseph H. Dumoulin, is member of the above-mentioned firm and a live business man, was born in the (Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Germany, on the 13th of April, 1841. He was the eldest of six children born to Henry and Ann (George) Dumoulin, natives of the Old Country. The father was a merchant for many years and was a very successful business man. The boyhood of our subject was passed in his native village, and up to twelve years of age he received his scholastic training in the common schools. After this, he entered St. Louis College at Metz, where he spent four years, but subsequently went to Belgium, where he entered college in the city of Liege, and there pursued his studies for nearly four years. In the spring of 1866, our subject sailed for the United States, landed in the city of New York, and from there went direct to Detroit, Mich., where he entered the schools, taking his place in a class with small boys. He commenced with his letters, and in a few months had acquired a good knowledge of the English language. From there he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where be kept up his studies for a time, and from there to Louis\ville, Stark County, Ohio, where he began teaching school. This was the first employment he had had after locating on American soil, and the first money he had earned, He continued teaching for two years, and in 1863 he came to Canton, Ohio, where he secured a situation in the hardware store of Conrad Sweitzer, with whom he remained for nearly two years. He was afterward employed by C. Biechele & Bro., manufacturers of soap, in the capacity of book-keeper, and remained with this firm from 1864 to 1886. In October of the latter year, Mr. Dumoulin He formed a partnership with Charles P. and Henry S J. Bechel, under the firm name of Bechel, Dumoulin & Co., and engaged in the wholesale con- fectionery, tobacco, cigars and grocers' sundries business in the Maline Block, at No. 93 North s Market Street, where he remained three years.

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But the business increasing, they were compelled to move to larger quarters, and bought a lot on the corner of Fifth and Piedmont Streets, where they built a three-story brick building, especially fitted for their large business. They have n large and varied stock, and keep three men on the road as traveling salesmen.

Mr. Dumoulin was married on the 8th of October, 1861, to Miss Mary V. Devoissoud, of Louisville, Ohio, who, although a native of Chamounix, was born at the foot of Mt. Blanc, France. Six children have blessed this union, three sons and three daughters. Mr. Dumoulin was a member of the City Council from the First Ward during the years 1890 and 1891, and was President of the Council. He has also been a member of the Board of health several years, and is at present one of the Directors of the Canton Board of Trade. His residence is at No. 159 North Cleve-land Avenue. Politically, he is a Democrat.

MATHIAS ERTLE. In mentioning those of foreign birth who have become prpminent in their different callings in StarkCounty, Ohio, we should not fail to present an outline of the career of Mr. Ertle, forhe is one who has fully borne out the reputationof that class of industrious, energetic and far-seeing men of German nativity who have risen to prominence in different portions of this country. He was originally from Bavaria, born on the 14th of March, 1828, and his father, Frederick Ertle, was also a native of that country. The elder Mr. Ertle was a stonemason by trade and followed thatcalling in his native country until 1832, when theadvantages afforded by the New World temptedhim to try his fortune on this side of the ocean.After touching American soil, he Caine direct toMassillon, Ohio, and in connection with his tradeorked at contracting and building. He was askilled workman and found plenty of employment.His death occurred when sixty-three years of age. He was married in his native country to Miss Regina Schanding, a native of Bavaria, who lived to be quite aged, dying on the 10th of May, 1889, when eighty-eight years of age. She was a member of the Catholic Church.

Of the seven children born to this worthy couple, six are still living and three make their homes in Massillon, Ohio. Of these our subject was third in order of birth. He came to Massillon with his parents in September, 1832, after an ocean voyage of forty-six days, and in this city passed his boyhood and youth. He received but a limited education, only attending a few winters, but he was naturally possessed of a studious and well-ballanced mind and was mainly self educated. His early life was passed in assisting his father in clearing the farm and later he worked out on a farm until 1848, when he began learning the mason's trade under his father. He abandoned this in 1850, and being taken with the gold fever, he went to California. He made the trip via the Isthmus and was a long time on the voyage. After reaching the Pacific Coast, he was engaged for forty days in driving a team of two yoke of oxen, in hauling provisions from Sacramento to Kull's Ranch. After this he was engaged in prospecting for gold until 1851, when he went to Humbug Canon and prospected there until time fall, when he decided to return to the East. He returned via the Nicaragua route, and after reaching Massillon, he was in the warehouse of Mr. Ralston until the spring of 1853. After this he embarked in the grocery business on Main Street, continued this for four years, and then bought forty-one acres near the Bridgeport Stone Quarry. He farmed for nine years, but sold his place in 1864 and returned to Massillon, where he opened a meat market on Main Street. Later, he bought the property at No. 21 East Main Street and was in business for twenty years. He sold out to his son-in-law, but at the present time his son carries on the business. He built his present residence in f872 at No. 63 North Mill Street and also owns the residence ad-joining.

Our subject was married in 1854 to Miss Naburga Baumberger, a native of Switzerland, who was brought to America by her parents when but a

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year old. She died on the 3d of January, 1892, id was a lady widely and favorably known for her many excellent qualities. She left seven children who are named in the order of their births as follows: Fred, engaged in the meat business; Mary, Mrs. Sonnhalter, is living in Massillon; Louisa, Annie, Flora, George A. and Frances L.; all are at home but Mary and Fred. Mr. Crtle is Township Trustee for Perry Township, and s now filling his fifth year in that capacity. He as a member of the St. Mary 's Catholic Church and was one of the trustees when it was being built, and holds that position at the present time. In politics, he is a Democrat in national affairs. Mr. Ertle is one of the much esteemed men of the minty, and is universally respected. After a long life of success and usefulness, he is now re-tired from the active duties of life, and is passing the remainder of his days in peace and plenty.

WILLIAM E. SEFTON is Secretary and Treasurer of the Princess Plow Company, of Canton, and is one of the prominent business men of that city. He has the honor of being a native of Ohio, having been born in the city of Norwalk, Huron County, on the 11th of February, 1842. His father, Thomas Sefton, was a native of Pennsylvania, and an iron mechanic by trade. He died in Rowsburg, Ohio, in February, 1892. His wife was, in her maidenhood, Jane Wyble. She was also a native of the Buckeye State and a daughter of Anthony Wyble, a farmer and early settler of Huron County, Ohio.

Mr. Sefton whose name heads this record spent the days of his youth in Ashland County, Ohio, and began his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. He aided in the labors of the farm and remained at home until 1860, when hewas apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, but thefollowing year he abandoned that work to enterthe service of his country. e was assigned to Company G, Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, undera Col. Rosecrans, and the regiment was attached to the Army of West Virginia. He participated iii the battles of Carnifax Ferry, Clay Mountain, South Mountain, and many other engagements. His bravery on the field of battle and his meritorious conduct won for him promotion, and he was appointed Captain, a well-deserved honor. e served for three years, and on the expiration of his term was mustered out, in July, 1864.

On leaving the war, Mr. Sefton returned to his home and engaged in farming until 1872, when he turned his attention to other pursuits. For some time he engaged in the grocery business in Salem, Ohio, after which he became General Agent for C. Aultman &. Co., traveling in different parts of Ohio. With that company lie remained until 1885, when he resigned Ids position as General Agent to accept a position with the Princess Plow Company, of which he became a stockholder. He was soon afterward appointed Secretary and Treasurer, and at present is one of the principal stockholders and the General Manager of this extensive business. They engage in the manufacture of various kinds of plows, their sales are large and they furnish employment to seventy-five men. The main building of the plant is 200x250 feet, with one wing one hundred feet long, and another one hundred and twenty feet in length. Since Mr. Sefton has taken charge of the work, he has remodeled and systematized the buildings, until everything about the works is in good running order. He himself is not only a practical mechanic, but a skilled work-man, and therefore very capable of acting as Superintendent.

On the 6th of February, 1867, Mr. Sefton married Miss Lucetta Faddis, of Enon Valley, Pa., daughter of Isaac Faddis. They have a pleasant home at No. 138 South Cleveland Avenue, and their union has been blessed with three children: Jennie, wife of R. A. Nichols; Edith and Harry, who are still under the parental roof.

Mr. Sefton exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and is quite prominent in its circles. e was elected a member of the City Council in 1889, and has served for the past two years, for one of which lie was its President. He is Treasurer of the Republican League

422 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Ohio, and is well known to the prominent Re-publicans of the State. he is an Odd Fellow, be-longing to the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment. Of the American Mechanics' society he is a member, and is a Comrade of Canton Post No. 25, G. A. R. Reared as a farmer boy, he determined to give his attention to other lines of business, and has worked his way upward until he not only ranks high in business circles but has attained a place among the substantial citizens of the community. His life has been well and worthily spent, and the confidence and good-will of all with whom he has come in contact have thus been gained.

HORACE G. McDOWELL, Proprietor of the Pleasant View and Spring Hill Stock Farms in Plain Township, five miles north of Canton, and the world-famed breeder of the famous National Dickinson sheep, was born September 7, 1853, on the farms which is now his home. His father, James McDowell, was a native of Pennsylvania, his parents emigrating to that State from the North of Ireland, the family coming to Ohio in 1818. When a lad of fourteen, James was employed on the farm of William R. Dickinson, in Stark County. as a shepherd lad, and from that tune until his death was connected with sheep. After two years, Mr. Dickinson remarked that, of all the men he ever had in his employ, none proved so faithful, or so worthy of advancement, as Mr. Mc-Dowell, and he gave him the exclusive general management of his herds. He afterward began business for himself with three sheep from Mr. Dickinson's flock. The last fifty-four years of his life were spent at his home, Pleasant View, where he was extensively engaged in sheep-growing. He continually improved the breed of his sheep, and no finer could be found in the world than those he owned. He made his farm one of the most valuable and beautiful in Ohio, and was recognized as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of this community.

When the father died, his work was taken up by his son Horace, who was reared and educated on the home farm. After attending the district schools he entered Mt. Union College, where lie pursued a short course of study.

On the 14th of April, 1887, Mr. McDowell married Miss Nettie Huber, n native of Plain Town-ship, and unto them have been born three children: James Huber, Thomas C. and Beulah May. They reside on the Pleasant View Stock Farm and their home is one of the finest in the county. The family ranks high in social circles.

At the age of fifteen, Mr. McDowell took the practical management of the farm, and has since been one of the leading sheep-breeders in this country. e has six hundred and forty acres of the finest-improved and most fertile land in Stark County. It is divided into two farms. The Spring Hill Farm comprises over two hundred acres, with double frontage on one mile of the west branch of Nimishillen Creek, which affords ample water sup-ply for the stock. The Pleasant View Stock Farm comprises over four hundred acres, and is well watered by springs, while hydraulic machinery forces the water through the house, barns and to the watering-places. He carries on general farming, yet makes a specialty of breeding Short-horn cattle and National Dickinson sheep. To the latter business he has devoted his energies since 1882, and since that time has sold in thirty-three different States, including all the States west of the Mississippi River except Washington, Nevada and Oregon. His daily correspondence has become so large that it consumes nearly his entire time. Four men are continually employed upon the farm. A fine, large frame barn, and many other necessary outbuildings furnish shelter for his stock, and his commodious and elegant brick residence, which was built by his father in 1846, is located on the hillside in the midst of beautiful shade trees, and commands a fine view of the country to the south and east.

In 1885, Mr. McDowell purchased the control-ling interest in the Farmers' Bank of Canton, and was its Manager for six years, but as his increasing stock business demanded his entire time, the was compelled to sell his bank stock in 1891. In poll

Page 423 Blank Page 424 Portrait of Samuel Eschliman

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es, he was a Democrat until 1888, lint on account the free trade views of that party, he joined the Republican ranks, His wife is a member of the Reformed Church. As a business man, he is enerprising, practical and progressive, systematic and Methodical, and, above all, is reliable. He has won excellent success in his undertakings, but it is nerely the result of his own well-directed efforts.

SAMUEL ESCHLIMAN, who has followed farming throughout his entire life, is now a leading agriculturist of Lawrence Township, residing on section 33. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., May 29, 1833, and is a representative of the honored early settlers of Stark County. His parents left their borne in the Keystone Slate when our subject was a lad of four summers and took up their residence in this community.

Since that time Samuel has resided in the vicinity of his present home. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads and he acquired his education in the district schools of the neighborhood.

On the 15th of January, 1856, in Wayne County, Ohio, Mr. Eschliman was united in marriage with Miss Anna Martin, who was born in that county, November 4, 1833. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm which has since been the home of our subject, and there reared a family of twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, as follows: Mary A., wife of Frank P. Zimmerman, of Lawrence Township; Fannie J., wife of Edward H Hershey, of Lawrence Township; Sarah H, wife of Martin L. Hollinger, of Lawrence Township; Anna H., wife of Amos M. Horst, of the same township; David H, who married Barbara A. Kornhaus, of Wayne County, Ohio, Is living in Tuscarawas Township; Susan B., deceased wife of Aaron M. EhIery; Elizabeth M, who died in 1869; Henry A. and Emily J. at home; Elmer S., who is attending school in Mount Union; Ida May and Samuel C., who are still under the parental roof. The mother of this family was called to her final rest June 19, 1888, and her death was mourned by many friends as well as by her immediate family, for she was an estimable lady held in regard by all.

When Mr. Eschliman located upon his farm it was partially unimproved, but with characteristic energy lie began its development and has made it a valuable tract of land, its fertile fields now yielding him a golden tribute for the care and labor lie , bestows upon it. In his political afillations, he is a Republican. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend, and he has done effective service for its advancement while serving as School Director.

The hest interests of the community always receive his support, as he is a public-spirited and progressive citizen. He holds membership with the Mennonite Church and for fifteen years has served as one of its Deacons, and lie also fills the office of Trustee.

His residence in Stark County covers a period of fifty-five years, during which time the has witnessed much of its growth and upbuilding and has aided in its development. He certainly deserves representation in the history of his adopted county.

In addition to his home farm our subject owns one hundred and seventy-seven acres on section 19, Lawrence Township, which contains a tine vein of coal, from which he receives a good income.

JOHN POLLOCK. The trade carried on in groceries is of very great. importance, and constitutes a leading factor in the commcerial fabric of the smaller towns and villages. It is a line of business requiring special qualifications of a high order, and only those possessed of these succeed in this somewhat precarious under-taking. Prominent among those engaged in this line of business in North Lawrence is John Pol Pollock, who is also the efficient Postmaster at that place.

Mr. Pollock was born in the North of Ireland,

426 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

on the 20th of January, 1839, and his father, George Pollock, was a native of the same place. The latter followed the occupation of a farmer until 1818, when he removed to Scotland, and there resided until f863, when he cane to the United States, locating in Stark County, Ohio. In this State his death occurred when about seventy-two years of age. The mother of our subject was formerly Miss Elizabeth Mahan, a native of the North of Ireland, and died in Stark County at the age of ninety years. Three daughters and three sons were born of this union, all of whom married and reared families. All are now living but one.

Our subject was the youngest child in the parental family and was taken to Scotland by his parents when eight years old. In 1862, he crossed the ocean with them to the "land of the free," and equipped with a good practical education received in the Old Country, be branched out to make his way in life. He settled with his parents in Newman, Stark County, Ohio, and as he had followed mining in Scotland, he engaged in the same business after reaching this county. He removed to North Lawrence in 1868, continued his former business, and in 1872 was elected by the miners to serve as a delegate to represent the mining interests at Columbus. He was interested in this business until 1876, and was appointed by them as President of the Miners' Association, and was Assistant Secretary of the National Miners' Association for one year. He took a prominent part in the organization of the Miners' Union, and was interested in this until he was appointed Postmaster of North Lawrence. He was also elected Justice of the Peace. Later, he re-signed the position of Postmaster, and entered the Railroad Mail Service, where he was engaged for four years, running first on the Pittsburgh & Indianapolis. Afterward, he was transferred from Canal Dover to Marietta, thence to Pittsburgh and Chicago, and from Pittsburgh to Crestline.

In February, 1890, he was appointed Postmaster in North Lawrence, and after locating here en-gaged in the grocery business, which he has carried on very successfully ever since. He is a member of Elliott Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Canal Fulton. Mr. Pollock was married in Scotland, to Miss Catherine Main, a native of Scotland, andthe following children have been born to this union: George F., in the General Land Office at Washington, D. C.; Jeanette R., wife of Benjamin F. Clapper, of Dalton, Ohio; Elizabeth M., wife of Wallace Dixon, of Lawrence Township, this county; John J., of Alliance, this county; Robert A., attending school at Mt. Union; Jane D., at home assisting in the postoffice; Peter D. and Alice D., at home.

MATTHEW W BAST, Vice-president of the Canion Stove Company, is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Canton. He was born in Steinfeld, Bavaria, Germany, on the 31st of August, 1848, and is a son of W. E. and Catherine Bast. His parents emigrated to this country in 1871, and located in Canton, where they still reside. The father has been in tailor most of his life, and is a finely educated man.

Matthew Bast, whose name heads this record, is the eldest of the family of six children. He was chiefly educated in his native land, and attended the public schools until fourteen years of age. At that time, he began learning the trade of a tailor, which he followed until he had attained his majority. On arriving at man's estate, he determined to seek his fortune in America, and crossed the Atlantic, landing safely in New York City. Thence he came direct to Canton, and worked at the tailoring business for three years. e then em-barked in the grocery business, and two years later admitted to partnership two of his younger brothers, Michael and John Bast, under the firm name of M. Bast & Brothers. This connection was continued until 1888, when our subject sold out to his brothers. While engaged as a grocery merchant, he had built up a good trade, and made money rapidly. On selling out, he became a member of the Canton Stove Company, and on its organization was elected Vice-president, which position he still holds. He is now one of its extensive stock-

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solders. and is also a stockholder and Director of the Champion Lawn Rake Company, of Canton. He also owns a good store building on West Tuscarawas Street, in which he is running a restaurant.

In the year 1872, Mr. Bast was married to Miss Mary Piero, daughter of Charles Piero, of Canton. by their union live children have been born: Mary, John, Charles, William and Edward. The family resides at No. 117 North Cleveland Avenue, an are highly respected citizens of Canton, where hey have many warm friends and a large circle of equaintances.

Mr. Bast has served one term as a member of he City Council, representing the First Ward. was never been an office-seeker, however preferring was never been an officers his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. His prosperity is all the reward of his own efforts, and he is truly a self-made man, deserving all the praise which that term implies. He began life in this country empty-handed, and has worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of the community and its prominent business men.

JOHN FREEMAN. This venerable gentleman is one of the early pioneers of this county, where he has made his home for a number of years, and he is now enjoying its peaceful comfort, retired from the hard labors of life, by which he developed here one of the fine farms for which the locality is noted.

Essex County, N. J., is the native place of our subject, and January 16, 1810. the date of his birth. His parents were David and Susan Freeman, native,. respectively of New York State and New Jersey. When our subject was It lad of twelve years, he was orphaned by the death of his mother, and then began to battle with life on his own ac-count. he was only three years of age when he we brought by his parents to Jefferson County, this State, where they were among the early settlers. After the death of his mother, young Free-non began working out on farms,and received his early education in the primitive log schoolhouse with its rude furnishings. he did Much pioneer work in this county, and many were the privations and hardships he endured with his parents when locating here, and he aided them greatly subduing the soil. bringing it to its present high state of cultivation and making the various improvements that have so greatly increased its value.

May 3, 1829, John Freeman and Miss Mary Scott, who was born in Scotland. December 22, 1812, were united in marriage. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Tulley) Scott, who were also natives of Scotland. In 1818, when six her years of age, Mrs. Freeman accompanied her parents on their emigration to America, they locating in the woods of West Virginia, where they made their home for two years, and thence coming to Washington County, this State, they lived there for three years, when they again returned to West Virginia and spent the following twelvemonth. At the end of that time, Mr. and Mrs. Scott again took up their abode in Ohio, this time making their home in Jackson Township, Stark County. The father was a- shepherd in his native country, and on his arriving in this county took charge of three thousand sheep for Bazaliel Wells, an early settler and formerly a well-known citizen of this section.

Mrs. Freeman has two profilers living, John and William. She is, like her husband, one of the pie-toots of this county, and with him entered upon the hard task of establishing their home In a new section and sturdily determined to conquer ail ob stecies. To them have been born the following risen: Elizabeth, Mrs. Ambrose. Whipple; Mary, the wife of George Ingold; Susan Mrs. John Bailey; Jeanette Ann. Mrs. Gabriel Swihart; Agnes; Adelia, Mrs. John Swinehart; Arletta, the wife of Prof. Lester Nave; Oren and John. Mr. Freeman, of this sketch, is a stanch RepubIican in politics and keeps himself well posted in all matters pertaining to his party. With his wife, he is a conscientious member of the Baptist Church and endeavors to put in practice the teachings of

428 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

that organization. Mr. Freeman has contributed his quota in bringing about the present high standing of Perry Township as an agricultural region of great productiveness, and as an old settler his name will ever be honorably mentioned in its history.

ABRAHAM SPONSELLER is a fine representative of the native-born citizens of Stark County who are now closely associated with its interests. He comes of a distinguished and well-known pioneer family, and is one of the principal farmers and stock-raisers in Canton Township, where he has extensive interests. He was born on the northeast quarter of section 25, in the above-named township, October 8, 1820, while his father, John Sponseller, was born in 1789, in Adams County, Pa.

Grandfather Frederick Sponseller was a carpenter during his early life, and was born in Pennsylvania, of German parents. After coming to Ohio, in 1802, he located in Columbiana County, where he entered a tract of land, on which he erected a log cabin and began the work of its improvement. Indians, as well as wild animals, were numerous, and bears often attacked the hogs of the pioneers. The grandfather lived and died there at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife. who lived to he about the same age, reared a large family of children, namely: John, Henry, George, Frederick, Andrew, Conrad and Julian. Religiously, the grandparents were members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics, Frederick Sponseller was a Democrat.

The father of our subject, who accompanied his parents on their removal to Columbiana County, this State, there resided until reaching his majority, when he returned on foot to his native county in Pennsylvania, and there worked for two or three years. At the end of that time, coming again to this State, he was married in Washington Township, this county, March 28, 1815. He made his home on the northeast quarter of section 5,which was the property of his father, and besides being engaged in its operations was a member in a mercantile enterprise. He was very unfortunate in his venture, and was compelled to part with his stock in the concern and several hundred dollars beside.

Mr. Sponseller. then determining to follow the occupation of a farmer, erected a log cabin on an uncultivated tract of land which he cleared, and at the same time worked out for other parties, receiving for his labor fifty cents per day. Like all the old settlers, he was subjected to many hard-ships and inconveniences, and was compelled to go to Cleveland to market his grain. Although a sufferer from rheumatism all his life, he was a very hard worker and successful agriculturist, owning at one time as much as thirteen hundred acres of land in Stark, Seneca and Wyandotte Counties. The property in the latter two counties he entered from the Government, and later divided the amount between his children. He was in all respects a man of excellent character, whose obliging manner and honest, straightforward dealings gained him the regard of all about him. He possessed foresight and sound common-sense, and was a very capable manager, so that his place was among the solid men of this township. He departed this life in 1874.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Catherine Herpster. She was born in Frederick County, Md., June 28, 1794, and came to this county with her parents, Frederick and Mary Herpster, in 1814, they locating in Washington Township. Her father was born in Baden Baden, Germany, and was a young man when He came to America, making his first location in Maryland. On coming to this section, he was one of the early settlers in the above-named township, and entering a tract of land from the Government, immediately began the arduous task of clearing it from the forest and brush, and placing it under good improvement. He owned an entire section of six hundred and forty acres of land, and was known throughout the county as a successful farmer, and his standing in the business world was of the highest, as his dealings were always conducted after the most honorable methods. He was bright,

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wide-awake, and possessed true public spirit which favored any scheme that would in any way permote the advancement of his township. He was drafted into the Whiskey Rebellion during resident Washington's administration. In April, 14, he was married to Miss Mary Sharlows, and them were born nine children. In religious affairs, Mr. Herpster was one of the influential members of the Lutheran Church.

Our subject was one in a family of eight children, namely: Frederick, Mary and Julia Ann, deceased; John, Catherine, Henry and David. The other died at the advanced age of ninety years, nine months and two days. With her husband, she as a member of the Lutheran Church, and a most estimable and worthy lady. In his political relaions, the father of our subject was a Democrat.

Abraham Sponseller received his first schooling a a log cabin with its primitive furnishings, and, in the intervals of study, assisted his father on the arm until reaching his majority. e then entered the schools of Canton, where he assiduously pursued a course of study, and has since added to the knowledge gained therein by systematic and useful reading. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Stoner occurred April 15, 1847. Mrs. Sponseller was horn in Pennsylvania, May 18, 1823, and reared a family of eight children: John H., George W., Samuel, William, Mary, David, Lucy and Augustus.

After his marriage, he of whom we write took up his abode on section 25, where he had fifty acres of laud, and there resided until 1865. At that date he located on the quarter-section of land where he is at present residing, and which, with its well-tilled fields and neat appointments, is one of the most desirable farms in this part of the county. The residence is a well-built and attractive one, furnished in accordance with the tastes of its occupants, and displays the presence of refined womanhood in its arrangement. Mr. Sponseller also has on his place a large frame barn and all other outbuildings which are necessary to the successful prosecution of his calling. After consideration of the political questions that agitate the people, our subject gave his allegiance to the Democratic party, and stanchly supports its

various measures. the is, however, independent on local issues. He has been called upon to serve in the responsible offices of Justice of the Pence and Township Trustee. Although reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, he is not a member of any religious body. His wife, who is connected with the Evangelical Society, is the possessor of many friends.

THOMAS VAN HORN. It gives its pleasure to place upon the pages of this volume a review of the life of our subject, who is one of the foremost farmers of this section of the State. He has been very successful in the acquirement of wealth, and as a progressive and enlightened agriculturist, is doing much to advance the farming interests of the county.

Our subject, who is pleasantly located on section 19, Canton Township, was born in East Township, Carroll County, this State, October 13, 1823, and is a son of Abraham Van Horn, who was born in New Jersey. His father, who also bore the name of Abraham, was a native of Holland, and on coming to America with his parents, prior to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, located in New Jersey, where he carried on his occupation of a farmer. Later, he removed to the Keystone State, and there passed the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of ninety-nine years, eleven months and eleven days.

The father of our subject, who also followed agricultural pursuits, was married in Pennsylvania, and in 1817, when making the trip to this State, was accompanied by his wife and one child. The journey was made overland with a team and wagon, and on arriving in Ohio, Mr. Van Horn made his home in that portion of Columbiana now included in Carroll County. There he purchased land, for which he paid $2.25 per acre, and on it erected the customary log cabin with clapboard roof, puncheon floor, and an open fireplace, which would accommodate a log six feet in length. He

430 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

became the owner of, and partially developed, one hundred and forty acres of land, which he sold in 1848, and moving further West, to Illinois, located in McHenry County, where he purchased a quarter-section of land and resided until his decease, which occurred in his seventy-fourth. year. He was a man of sterling worth, who was looked upon with respect by his fellow-citizens. In religious affairs, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and until 1860 exercised the right of suffrage in behalf of the Democratic panty, when he voted for Abraham Lincoln and thereafter cast a Republican vote.

The lady to whom the father of our subject was married bore the maiden name of Sarah Reed and was a native of Pennsylvania. She was first married to John Rener, by whom she had five children: Benjamin, John, Jane, William and .James. Seven children were born of her second marriage: Isaac, Elizabeth, Robert, Abraham, Thomas, Charlotte and Mary. The mother, who was an earnest member of the Christian Church, died when seventy-seven years of age, and her loss was keenly felt in the community, where she was active in all good works.

Thomas Van Horn, of this sketch, remained in Carroll County until eighteen years of age. He was reared on it farm and attended the primitive log schoolhouse, which was heated by a large open fireplace and lighted by four windows with nine 8x10 lights. When eighteen years of age, our subject began the battle of life in earnest, and coming to this county, served three years apprenticeship at the chair-making and painting trades. Returning soon after to Carroll County, in company with his brother Abraham he opened a shop, which they conducted for a year and a half, and at the end of that time our subject purchased the interest of his brother, and was thus engaged for three and one-half years on his own account. Then disposing of his shop and appliances, he again came to Stark County and lived on rented property for a twelvemonth, when, having saved a sufficient sum of money and selected a suitable location, he purchased eighty acres of land. On this property he erected a residence and necessary outbuildings, and there remained for fourteen years, or until 1866, when he traded that estate for a one hundred and sixty acre tract, where he is residing at the present time.

September 6, 1845, Thomas Van Horn and Miss Sarah A. Smith, who was born in this township, January A, 1827, were united in marriage. A sketch of her family will be found in the biography of Joseph Smith on another page of this Record. Nine of the ten children that have come to her and our subject are living, namely: Elizabeth, Alice, Charlotte, Corn Bell, Thomas D., George E., Louis H. and Ida E. (twins), and Edwin W.

The lady who had been the cherished companion of our subject for forty-six years departed this life December 11, 1891. She was a most intelligent and lovable lady, whose mind and character made her a welcome addition to any circle which she frequented. She was one of those capable and enterprising women who found opportunity for neighborly deeds of kindness, and bore a part in benevolent enterprises and exercised a generous hospitality. She was a wise and affectionate mother and a loving wife, and her demise was felt to be a sad loss, not only to her family and friends, but to the community at large. She was a devoted and faithful member of the Christian Church.

He of whom we write is the owner of a valuable estate, comprising two hundred and forty acres of land, on which can be seen every indication of thorough tillage and judicious improvement. His handsome frame residence was erected in 1877, and is supplied with every convenience and comfort which are desired by people of refined tastes and ample means. His barn, which was built in 1871, is 40x100 feet in dimensions, and gives ample accommodation for sheltering cattle and large quantities of grain. He is engaged in mixed farming, and in the management of his affairs has shown sound judgment, unbounded zeal and an intelligent perception of all that goes to make up good farming. He keeps on his place good grades of all kinds of stock, and in that branch of agriculture has been very successful. Increasing means has not made him less kind and generous than he was in earlier days, but, on the contrary, he is noted for his hospitality and the liberal support he gives

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 431

to every good cause. For the past sixteen years, He has been a member of the Christian Church, and is not only earnest in his belief, but conscientious in the practice of the principles of Christianity.

Mr. Van Horn is a Republican in polities, and its worldly prosperity does credit to his ability and strength of character, as he began the labors if life without means. When his sons left him so establish homes of their own, he gave each of them $400 in money or property, and to each of his daughters $300. Personally, be is of a social and entertaining disposition, manifesting in conversation a lively interest in the leading topics of the day, whether political, financial or social. He is well known throughout the county, has the reputation of a man of strict integrity and enjoys the friendship of a large number of his fellow-citizens.

REV. E. P. EDMONDS, D. D. This name is a familiar one throughout the State of Ohio, as the figure of him who bears it is frequently met going about in pursuance of the high and holy duties devolving upon a servant of the Lord and a shepherd over one of his flocks. Rev. Mr. Edmonds is pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Canton, and devotes himself zealously to the work in which he is deeply interested, giving his entire time and attention to the promotion of the interests of his church.

Not only does he enter with his whole heart into those matters which add to the attractiveness and power of the church services, but he is equally zealous regarding the societies and other avenues by which the cause of Christianity can be promoted. He is a fluent speaker, pleasing in his address upon all occasions, and is a scholarly and studious gentleman. He has been known as the boy preacher," as he entered the pulpit when in his seventeenth year, and for one of his age possesses a remarkable knowledge of human nature, as well as exceptionally rare ability.

Born in Somerton, Belmont County, Ohio, September 12, 1855, our subject is the son of Rev. P. G. and Nellie (Long) Edmonds, natives of Ohio and Albany, N. Y., respectively. The father was a member of the Pittsburgh Conference for a time, and after the organization of the East Ohio Conference he was identified with it. After many years spent in the preaching of the Gospel, he has retired from active ministerial labors and passes the twilight of his honorable life in Alliance, Ohio. He is justly proud of the fact that his two sons, Edson F. and Eugene P., are both ministers, the former being pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Newcastle, Pa. The only daughter in. the family died at the age of three years.

After obtaining his early education in the public schools, our subject took an academic course at Dayton, Pa., from which he entered the preparatory department in the Selo (Ohio) College, graduating from that institution in the classical course in 1873, before he had reached his seventeenth year. As may be imagined, he utilized his time diligently and studied (luring his vacations in order to complete the college course while yet so young.

It had been the intention of the young graduate to enter the theological seminary at Boston, but his health being poor, he was advised by his physicians to take as much outdoor exercise as possible, and therefore reluctantly abandoned the idea of entering the seminary. The three years following be remained at home, taking instructions under his father. he was licensed as a local preacher during 1873, and was then known as the " boy preacher." During the three years following Ina graduation, he supplied several pulpits, and in 1876, at the first session of the East Ohio Conference at Steubenville, Ohio, received supply work from the Presiding Elder on the Tyrone Circuit (now the Dennison charge). During this period he supplied four churches in the country, and this, his first experience of rural life, was one of the most delightful he had ever enjoyed and proved very productive in revival results.

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By the recommendation of some of the wisest ministers in the church, Rev. Mr. Edmonds refused to remain more than one year as pastor of any one church, in order that he might have an opportunity for more thorough sermonizing and broader study. At the end of the first year he was recalled to each place by the unanimous request of Quarterly Conference. In the fall of 1876, he went on the Tyrone Circuit, and one year later removed to Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio, where he was instrumental in securing it very interesting meeting, as well as the reconstruction of the church, and all the interests of the congregation were largely advanced. In 1878, he removed to Newton Falls, Ohio, where a splendid revival succeeded in increasing the membership by one-half. One year later, he took charge of the church at Garrettsville, Ohio, where he had many trying experiences, on. account of the fact that the congregation had recently erected a new church, for which they were in debt. They came to the Akron Conference and asked that Mr. Edmonds be appointed their pas-tor. His success there was remarkable, and when he left he had the gratification of knowing that the indebtedness was lifted and general improvements made.

In 1880, Rev. Mr. Edmonds moved to Woodsfield, Monroe County, Ohio, where he had a pleasant and profitable pastorate of two years. Coming to Chagrin Falls in 1882, two weeks after his removal he was married to Miss Lena M., daughter of Col. S. L. Mooney, of Woodsfield, Ohio. During his three years' pastorate at Chagrin Falls, he built a new church, which is recognized as an ornament to the city, and strengthened the congregation both numerically and spiritually. During 1885, he received a unanimous invitation from the Scoville Avenue Church at Cleveland, and also a call from the Official Board of the Hamlin Methodist Episcopal Church at Steubenville. The latter request was granted by the Bishop and he removed to Steubenville, remaining for two years.

Receiving a unanimous call to the Euclid Avenue Church in Cleveland, which had recently erected a fine stone church in a rapidly growing district, he was sent thither. The matter was sharply contested between Cleveland and Steubenville as to which pastorate he should accept, but the Conference being held at Cleveland, and the cabinet seeing the work that must be done in that city, decided that he should go there. He succeeded in paying off the church indebtedness of $14,000, and increased the membership from three hundred to seven hundred and twenty. He was pastor of this church for four years and wits re-quested to remain for the fifth year, but unexpected changes were made in the Conference which involved the necessity of changes with pastors in relation with other churches.

In 1891, Rev. Mr. Edmonds was (Ailed to the First Methodist Church at Canton, where he now occupies the pulpit. The church building is an elegant stone structure, erected at a cost of $150,000, and the congregation includes a membership of more than eleven hundred. The auditorium is handsomely furnished, and equipped with a fine pipe organ, the edifice being considered one of the most attractive in the State. The pas-tor is an eloquent speaker, and is known through-out the State as one of its best ministers. He is an enthusiastic and earnest worker, and his zeal and enterprise are praised by all who know him. He has social relations with the Knights of Pythias and is a Meson, ranking as a Knight Templar, and is a man of genial and companionable nature. He and his wife have one son, Rowland Mooney.

Mr. Edmonds has had many calls to leave his Conference and accept more lucrative positions elsewhere, but has always declined. In 1891, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him, and he has the honor of being the youngest member of the Conference upon whom that honor has been bestowed. His efficiency as a minister is due to some extent to his personal social qualities, which gain the friendship of those to whom he becomes known, and attract to his services many who otherwise might not enter the church. His character as a true-hearted gentleman and devout Christian gives him that influence over those who know him which is essential to success in Christian work. In presenting the claims of the Gospel he is clear, logical and persuasive. He receives the respect of all who know him, and is best beloved

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by those who enjoy a close association with him and best understood his nature. He has received the highest compliment that could he conferred upon him by the Conference, in his appointment to fill the pulpit of the church at Canton, for it is considered to be one of the finest in the State.

GEORGE H. SPANGLER is a wholesale and retail dealer in hats and gent's furnishing goods at Nos. 12 and 14 South Market Street, in Canton, where he has carried on business for a number of years. As he is widely and favorably known in the community, this record of his life will undoubtedly prove of interest to many of our readers. Mr. Spangler was born on a farm in Stark County, January 5, 1845, and is a son of William A. and Elizabeth (Lind) Spangler. His parents were both horn near Hagerstown, Md., and the father was a farmer' by occupation. In 1835, he came with his family to this county and located upon a farm in Plain Township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years. His death occurred on the old homestead in February, 1889, in the seventy-third year of his age. His wife passed away two years previous, dying in 1887, in her seventy-first year. The Spangler and Lind families were both of German descent and were established in Maryland at an early time.

We now take up the personal history of our subject, who was the fifth in a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, nine of whom are yet living. No event of special importance occurred during his boyhood, which was spent in attendance at the district schools and in aiding in the labors of the farm. He afterward pursued his studies in Greensburgh Seminary, and completed his education in Mt. Union College, after a course of two years. he entered upon his mercantile career as clerk in the store of David Zoltan, with whom he remained for one year. he was then in the employ of Schilling & Herbruck for about two years, when he started in business on his own account, forming a partnership with David Jamison and Abraham Miller. They opened a general store, with which Mr. Spangler was connected for ten months, when he sold out to his partners and returned from Uniontown to Canton.

A marriage ceremony performed on the 19th of April, 1870, united the destinies of our subject and Miss Mary A. Knoble, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, daughter of John Knoble. After his marriage, Mr. Spangler was engaged in clerking for a time in Canton, after which he took charge of the hat, cap and furnishing goods department in the store of T. B. Albert & Co., of Canton, with which he was connected for several sears, when failing health forced him to sever the relation. Hoping to be benefitted thereby, Mr. Spangler then accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Eagle Woolen Mills, of Canton; later was in the employ of a New York firm, and subsequently again represented the Engle Woolen Mills and other Western factories. Returning to Cotton, he purchased the stock of T. B. Albert & Co., of which he had formerly been in charge, and started in business for himself, having his brother Charles as a partner. This connection was continued for four years, when he purchased his brother's interest.

Unto Mr. and Mae. Spangler have been horn eight children, but they lost three in infancy. The five yet living are Lucy C., Mary A., Florence N., Ruth C. and George N. The family resides at No. 141 West Fifth Street, where they have a comfortable home with pleasant surroundings, the hospitable doors of which are always open for the reception of their many friends.

In connection with his main store in canton Mr. Spangler also has a branch store in Massillon. Both are well stocked with a he grade of goods of the latest end most improved styles. Nine clerks are employed in the Canton store, and three salesmen in the branch store. The former occupies a building 46x100 feet, and three stories in height. Mr. Spangler has a large and constantly increasing trade, which he well deserves. His courteous treatment, fair and honest dealing and his fine line of goods have won him a liberal patronage and have placed him among the prominent business men

434 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of the city. Mr. Spangler is also a member of the Board of Trade, of Canton, and one of the Boar( of the Business Men's Association. In politics, he is a Republican, and socially, is a member of the Knights of Honor and the American Legion of Honor. With the Methodist Episcopal Church, he holds membership and serves as its Treasurer. Mr Spangler had no special advantages in his youth but by his industry and perseverance has worked his way upward, overcoming all the obstacles in his path by his indomitable will and energy. He deserves the greatest credit for his success and his prosperity is but his just reward.

JACKSON W. PONTIUS. This work would fail in its idea of placing before its readers and patrons in Stark County the life history of its noted men, were we to omit the name of Mr. Pontius, who occupies the responsible position of Superintendent of the County Infirmary. It is impossible in a brief biographical sketch to render him full justice, and yet he is so intimately and clearly identified with the county's welfare,. and his name is so familiar to all, that it is only proper to dwell upon what he tae done and the influence of his career upon others, not as empty words of praise, but the plain statement of a plain truth.

Our subject, who was born on section 16 of Plain Township, April 17, 1855, is the son of Squire Andrew Pontius, for a further history of whom the reader is referred to his sketch, which appears elsewhere in this hook. Reared on a farm, our subject early gained a knowledge of agriculture, and his education during his early life was conducted in the district school, and when seven-teen years of age he added to the knowledge gained therein by attendance at the old Canton Academy. Later, he spent three years as a student in the Mt. Union College, and when leaving that institution was in his Sophomore year. Then desirous of gaining a thorough knowledge of business, young Pontius entered the commercial department of the Mt. Union College, from which institution he was graduated with the Class of Later, he taught school for four winters in Jackson and Plain Townships, and was variously engaged (luring the summer seasons.

Abandoning the life of a teacher, our subject launched out in the hardware business in Canton in partnership with a Mr. Essig, the firm prosecuting their affairs for two and a half years under the style of Essig k Pontius. At the expiration of that time, our subject returned to the old home farm, which he carried on very advantageously for three years.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Ella Clay was solemnized May 9, 1876. Mrs. Pontius was the daughter of Moses and Catharine Clay, the former of whom was one of the old landmarks of Jackson Township, and whose life history occupies another page in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Pontius have been born three children: Hubert C., Bessie S. and Lura Belle.

The fellow-citizens of Mr. Pontius, appreciating the fact that he is a man of great merit, worthy in every way of their consideration, and knowing that he is shrewd, capable and clear-witted in counsel, selected him to fill the office of Superintendent of the County Infirmary, which position he took charge of March 26, 1884. Under his supervision, the institution has been entirely reorganized and a new brick building has been erected as the insane department. He has fully demonstrated the fact that he is the man for that position, and although not ambitious as the world knows ambition, yet he is untiring in his devotion to all matters which pertain to the Infirmary and the public good in general. He has always preserved a quiet, unassuming and modest deportment, and has worked for results, rather than personal aggrandizement or glory.

The grounds belonging to the County Infirmary contain two hundred and thirty-four acres of till-aide land, on which are raised all varieties of farm produce. The inmates of that institution number from one hundred and ninety-five to two hundred and twenty-five, and for them Mr. Pontius makes the home as pleasant as possible. The insane depart-

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ment contains fifty-seven people, whose wants are attended to promptly. The Infirmary was organized in 1835, and as there is no free hospital within the limits of Stark County, all cases of sick poor people are accommodated within its walls, the number of such cases since September I, 1891, nearing two hundred and thirty.

Mr. and Mrs. Pontius are members of the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Canton, and are people who try to carry out in their daily life the teachings of the Golden Rule. in his political relations, our subject is a stanch Democrat, and takes an active part in all local affairs. Socially, he occupies a high rank in the independent Order of Odd Fellows in Canton. While he has not amassed a for-tune or attained great distinction, as the world usually measures men, he has done what is more in keeping with his character—been a cheerful giver, an earnest worker for his fellows, and already enjoys the reward of his good works, by securing the unbounded confidence of his fellow-citizens.

WILLIAM HERSHEY. The vast agricultural resources of the United States enable thousands of men to gain a maintenance and secure a competence by tilling the soil. Stark County is not without her share of these enterprising workers, and among those in Canton Township who own and occupy excellent estates is the gentleman above named, who is numbered among the successful men of the county. His property is well improved and the owner not only raises the cereals for which this portion of the State is so well adapted, but also devotes consider-able attention to the various domestic animals, breeding them in considerable numbers.

The father of our subject, Joseph Hershey, was born in Pennsylvania in 1809, where he was reared to manhood and learned the distiller's trade from his father, the latter of whom also owned two farms in the Keystone State. Later, the father of our subject became a tanner, in which branch of business he was very successful. After his marriage, he came, in 1835, to this county, making the journey over the mountains with a team and wagon, and located in Canton, which was then a small village. he engaged in the butchering business at that place for a year or two and in 1837 moved upon a farm which his father-in-law had purchased in Canton Township. The only improvements which the place bore were a few acres cleared and an old log house and barn. he materially contributed to the growth of Stark County, and throughout his community was respected for his upright life and friendly disposition. he continued to reside upon the above farm, with the exception of three years spent at the tanner's trade at Massillon, until a few years prior to his death, when he removed to Canton and there died at the advanced age of seventy-one years.

Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Lucy Bownewell, was born in Pennsylvania, and reared a family of five children: George, deceased; John, Rebecca, William, and Joseph. The wife and mother, who was a most estimable lady, departed this life in 1846, and was mourned by many outside her family circle. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in the place of his birth and from early boyhood was engaged in farming, so that when he adopted that calling for his life work he had already a good deal of experience and a practical preparation for the task that lay before him. His education was conducted in the pioneer school, which did not offer many advantages to the youth of that day, but be has endeavored by reading and observation to keep himself well posted and possesses much valuable information. e was twenty-three years of age on the outbreak of the late war and in April. 1861, enlisted in Company F, Fourth Ohio Infantry, under Capt. Wallace, and participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Ridge Mountain, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania. At the latter place he was wounded and received his honorable discharge in July, 1864.

Returning home from the field of battle, young Hershey again engaged in farming and in 1877 purchased his present farm, which includes sixty

436 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

acres of land under excellent cultivation and its improvements are of a very high order. May 1, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Kinney, and to them have been born live children: Alice, Isaac, Joseph, Lucy, and James Garfield. Mr. Hershey is one of our so-called self-made men as he has acquired his property solely by hard work and frugal management. He devotee his attention to mixed farming and stands well among his fellow-citizens, as his reputation for honesty and fairness in all his dealings is the best. Religiously he is a member in good standing of the Methodist Church and is a whole-souled, true-hearted Christian. In politics, he gives allegiance to the Republican party and always stands by his colors.

REUBEN HOLL. Among the retired planters of Stark County, none have been more thoroughly wide-awake and energetic than Mr. Holl, who has resided here since 1836. Although he started out in life with no capital save that with which Nature had endowed him, pluck and energy were his faithful allies, and by their aid he accumulated a comfortable fortune, and is now in the enjoyment of a hale and vigorous old age.

A native of Lancaster County, Pa., Mr. Holl was born November 15, 1823. His parents, Samuel and Mary (Royer) Holl, were born in Pennsylvania, March 11, 1798, and July 4, 1801, respectively, and in the State of their birth were united in marriage. n the spring of 1836, the father came to Stark County, Ohio, and there he was called from life in February, 1866. His father, Ephraim Holl, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and died at about the age of thirty-six years, having been a farmer during his short but active life. His father, John Peter Holt, was a Pennsylvanian by birth and of German descent, and by occupation was n fanner and pump-maker. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Ephraim Royer, spent his life in Pennsylvania, where he followed the calling of a farmer. His ancestors came to America during the early settlement of the country and the land whereon they located was purchased from Thomas and Richard Penn, sons of William Penn, and the place where they forded the Schuylkill River is to this day called Roper's Ford and is now a station on the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad.

The mother of Reuben Holl lived to be ninety years, six months and twenty-eight days old, dying January 30, 1892. Site bore her husband eight sons and six daughters, one of whom died in early infancy, another at the age of two and a half years, one at thirteen and another at fifteen years of age. Ten grew to maturity: Ephraim, who died in 1848 and left two sons; Magdalna, a resident of Canton, Ohio, and the widow of Jacob Sprankel; Reuben, the subject of this sketch; Catherine, wife of Samuel Hower, of Sangamon County, III.; Dan R., of Mexico, Stark County, Ohio; Manasseh, who lives in this county and has a family of eleven children, all married; Elizabeth (deceased); Sophia, wife of Samuel Walter, of New Berlin, Ohio; Samuel and Henry C., of Canton.

Reuben Holl has been a resident of this county since his thirteenth year. His first schooling was obtained in a village of Pennsylvania; after his removal to Ohio he attended the common schools of New Berlin, and finished his literary education in a select school taught by Archibald McGregor in Canton, after he was twenty-one years of age. He was then sufficiently well qualified to begin teaching and this occupation received his attention for sixteen successive winter terms and two summer terms. As in everything else he under-took, he was successful and was considered one of the popular educators of the county for many years. His marriage, March 9, 1848, united him with Eliza Roush, daughter of Godfrey Roush. The lady was born in Jackson Township, Stark County, December 28, 1826, and died August 18, 1890. She was the mother of eight sons and one daughter. Three of the sons died in infancy, but the others attained manhood. William P. married Alice A. Clay and by her he has three sous and one

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daughter; John H., a civil engineer of Canton married Clara Essig, by whom he has a daughter and two sons; Daniel W. is unmarried; Oliver W. is the County Surveyor of Stark County, and was married to Alice Essig, by whom he has one daughter; Benjamin F., of Pittsburg, Pa., is an artist by profession and is married to Ida Van Horn; and Mary, wife of .1. J. Zerbe, of Canton, is the mother of two children.

After his marriage, Mr. Holl located in New Berlin, but at the end of two years settled on a farm in Jackson Township, where he at once began devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. Eight years later, he purchased the property on section 23, of which he is still the owner. Here he tilled the soil for thirty-two years and by constant labor converted what was then comparatively wild land into well-tilled fields and made most of the improvements in the way of buildings, etc. After the death of 1 his wife, he kept house until the following spring but now makes his home with his children. He has always been a Democrat in politics and has served nine terms, or twenty-seven years, as Justice of the Peace of Jackson Township and was laid appraiser of the same in 1859 and in 1880. He has done a great deal of surveying in the township and for many years was its sufficiently clerk. He is not a member of any church but is a moral, upright man and his walk through life has been without reproach. e is a member of the Grange and has been Master of his lodge.

LEONARD HESS, a member of the firm of Hess, Snyder & Co., and superintendent of the stove erecting department, is not only one of the prominent business men of the place, lint is one of the county's most agreeable and social citizens. (For sketch of his father, Jacob F. Hess, see sketch of his brother, J. F. Hess). Our subject was born in Kandern, Baden, Germany, on the 22d of November, 1840, and came here with his parents when six years of age. He was the youngest of five children, but as his parents re-moved to different school districts after locating in Stark County, his school days numbered about eighteen months altogether. e was naturally bright and ambitious, readily acquired a knowledge of the English language, and became well posted on all subjects of moment.

When thirteen years of age, he began earning his own living, and was with Hon. George Harsh for one year. After this he worked for Joseph Davenport in the car works for three years, and then was with Russell & Co. for eleven years. During this time he took up the machinist's trade, and being a natural mechanic and genius, he became foreman the last two years of his stay with that company. He became a practical machinist, and in 1863 he became a partner with his brother J. F. and opened a tin shop and gas and plumbing business. Our subject had charge of the gas-fitting and plumbing in connection with stoves and house-furnishing goods, and this continued until 1882. The company built in block, but our subject sold his interest in it, and in 1881 started business under the firm name of Hess Bros., the same continuing for two years. They then embarked in their present business, and Mr. Hess took charge of the machinist department. This business has increased in a remarkable manner since its inception, and they carry on the manufacture of hot-air furnaces, cook and heating stoves, and also a machine and repair shop. They turn out from eighteen hundred to two thousand stoves a year, and three hundred furnaces, and are doing is very extensive business in this line. Mr. Hess owns two good farms in Perry lbwnship, one of one hundred and fifty acres, and the other of forty-eight acres, both near town. He has good buildings on his land, and carries on agricultural pursuits himself, raising grain and stock. He also owns an attractive residence in Massillon, as well as other real estate in the city. He is a self-made man, and all that he has accumulated in the way of this world's goods has been the result of honest toil on his part.

Our subject selected his wife in the person of Miss Christina Shriver, a native of Massillon, and

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their nuptials were celebrated on the 15th of February, 1862. Her father, Herman Shriver, was an early settler here, and one of the most extensive farmer of this section. Four children have blessed the union of our subject and his wife, and are as follows: Fred, a book-keeper in the office; Clara, now Mrs. Claus, who resides with her father; Laura and Robert at home. These children are all well educated, and are bright and enterprising. Mr. Hess has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for twenty-two years, and in politics, is a stanch advocate of the Republican party.

SQUIRE ANDREW PONTIUS. This gentleman is, perhaps, as well acquainted with the growth and development of Stark County as any man now living. He was born in Plain Township, this county, August 22, 1829, and has spent his entire life in this section. The experiences of his early days. the primitive life, toils and hardships of the settlers, and the undeveloped state of the country are recalled by him and related in an interesting manner. His own life has not been devoid of toil, danger and excitement, and he has found many ways in which to be of great use to his community. As a public official, he has made a record and exerted an influence that extends far beyond his own home.

Jacob Pontius, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1802, where also his father, Frederick Pontius, was born, July 4, 1772. The family is of German descent, the great-grandfather of our subject having come from Zweibrucken, a city of Bavaria, and located in Pennsylvania. He lived on the frontier of that State, and during the Revolutionary War fought in that struggle, and often barricaded the entrance to his home against the enemy. The grandfather, who was then a small boy, together with his brother, stationed themselves on the stump of it large butternut tree and did picket duty, watching the Indians.

Frederick Pontius was a farmer by occupation in Pennsylvania, where he was married, and in 1816 made the trip overland to this county, his wife riding on horseback. They arrived in Canton June 3, of that year, where they found only a few log cabins. The caravan of emigrants included three or four families, and the inhabitants of Can-ton were so overjoyed to see this addition to their little settlement, that they fired a salute in their honor. Grandfather Pontius took up his abode on the southeast quarter of section 16, in Plain Township, which was school land. Having purchased a three-year lease of the place from the man who was living on it at that time, he resided there until removing to the northeast quarter of section 28, which was entirely devoid of improvement. Having visited this county in 1811, he had purchased that farm, but was prevented from moving hither on account of the outbreak of the War of 1812. he was drafted into the army, and while en route to the field of battle was overtaken by a nephew, who volunteered to act as his substitute.

The grandfather of our subject developed a good farm on section 28, on which he erected what was then considered a very fine hewed-log house, which lasted for many years. He was a very hard worker and was very prosperous in the pursuit of his calling and had the reputation of being one of the most practical farmers in the township. He died July 18, 1848, firm in the faith of the German Reformed Church, which he helped to organize in Canton. In his political views, be was a sound Democrat and was held in high esteem throughout the county by reason of his industrious and kindly life and the interest he ever took in the good of those about him.

Jacob Pontius, the father of our subject, was a lad of fourteen years when he accompanied his Parents on their removal to this county, where he was given fair educational advantages. When reaching mature years, he accepted the honorable position of Captain of a company of militia, in which he did efficient service. In 1825, he was married to Miss Rebecca Essig, who was born in Cumberland County, Pa., May 7, 1806, and was brought to this county when two years of age by her parents. She now makes her home with our

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subject and is one of the oldest residents of Stark County. Her parents, Simeon and Magdalena Essig, came here at an early day, and locating in his township, on the middle branch of Nimishillen 'reek, there developed a valuable farm in the wilderness. They were often disturbed in their forest home by the visits of Indians, who came to their cabin trading and begging, but were never harmed by them other than to be badly frightened. The father died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. After his marriage, the father of our subject located on the old home farm, which he operated successfully until his decease in 1832.

The original of this sketch was the second in order of birth of the parental family of three children, his brother and sister being John and Margaret, the latter of whom married Jacob Bair. He received his schooling in the primitive structures which were so common a half-century ago, and the first schoolhouse in which he studied hail neither iron nor glass used in its construction. His father dying when be was five years of age, he made his home with his grandfather until the father's death. During the winter of 1818, he taught one term of school in Canton and followed that occupation for some time in this township.

When reaching his majority, Mr. Pontius established a home of his own, and May 22, 1855, was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Correll, who was born in Adams County, Pa., Mach 30, 1828. She was only six years of age when she came with her parents to this section, they locating on the south west quarter of section 15, in this township. To our subject and his estimable wife has been granted a family of seven children: Loran W., Jackson W.. Glancy C., Lucy M., Charles A., William J., and Rebecca E. The eldest son, who was ' graduated from Rush Medical College with the Class of '81, is an invalid and resides with his father. His wife, who is a most cultured and intelligent lady, is also it physician, receiving her degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Columbus College at Cleveland. She has been very successful in the practice of her profession and is known far and wide for her skill and business ability. Jackson W. occupies the prominent position of Superintendeut of the County Infirmary, and Glancy C.is a wealthy farmer in Plain Township. Lucy M. married Morris Aungst, who is Deputy Probate Judge of Stark County. Charles A. and William J. are twins. The former makes his home in this township, and the latter is married and farming in this county. Rebecca remains at home with her parents.

Mr. Pontius of this sketch located upon his farm on section 16, where he was a continuous resident for. thirty years. The tract includes eighty acres, of which he is still the owner, and the has supplied the place with all the needed implements for farm work and has the reputation of being one of tile most progressive and skillful farmers of the county. In the year 1879, he purchased the place where he is at present residing, and in the spring of 1881 moved upon the farm. it comprises ' one hundred and forty-four broad acres of thoroughly tilled land, which is supplied with good buildings and all modern farm machinery. he is a man of excellent common-sense, is sagacious and wide-awake in the transaction of business, and has acquired a handsome competence by his industry. e has taken the first premium at county fairs on nearly every product of his farm which he has exhibited. he was elected President of the County Agricultural Society at a time when it was heavily involved, and during his four years' incumbency of the office managed affairs so wisely that he cleared the entire indebtedness. He was also instrumental in the reorganization of the Board, of which he is an active member, and is also a charter member of the Horticultural Society. At the Ohio Centennial of 1888, which was held at Columbus, Mr. Pontius conceived the idea of having the pictures of all the schoolhouses in Plain Township placed on exhibition, which was carried into effect.

The original of this sketch was elected Justice of the Peace in 1855, and served for fifteen consecutive years. He made a most excellent "Squire" and it was generally conceded that he carefully weighed the evidence and judiciously decided all cases brought before him. With his wife, he is an influential member of the Trinity Lutheran Church at Canton and is President of the Board of Trustees of that body. he is also a member of the Grange,

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in which organization he holds the office of Lecturer. In his political sympathy and affiliation, he is a Democrat, and in all official stations to which he has been elected he has administered affairs in a way that would tend to the best interests of the citizens. e has been successful as an agriculturist and is a man of unimpeachable integrity, whose word in all business affairs is considered as good as his bond.

REUBEN DECKARD. The farming interests of Canton Township are carried on by an active, intelligent class of men, who are thus performing their share in maintaining and extending the agricultural interests of Stark County. Among them is the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch, and who is a member of one of the old pioneer families of this section.

A native of this county, Mr. Deckard was born on what is now his present farm, October 16, 1850. He is a son of Daniel Deckard, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1797, and was of German de-scent. The father followed the trade of a distiller in his native State, and came to Ohio in 1818 when a young man, driving a four-horse team here for a Mr. Miller. On taking up his abode in this section, he again engaged in his former business, and a few years later, desiring to become a farmer, purchased forty acres of the farm on which his son is now located. There was a log house on the place and deer and all kinds of wild animals roamed the prairies. At his death, he left an estate of one hundred and ninety acres in Canton Township and a quarter-section of land near Ft. Wayne, Ind., both of which bore all the improvements to be found upon a first-class estate. He began the battle of life with limited means, having only enough money when coming to this county with which to purchase a mattox, and with this be began to grub stumps for his neighbors. In the prosecution of his business affairs, he was accorded the credit• of being a very pleasant man with whom to deal and who was honorable in all his transactions. In his political belief, he was a member of the Re-publican party, and during his life here contributed his quota to advance the best interests of his township.

The mother of our subject, previous to her marriage, bore the name of Catherine Brown. She was born in Berks County, Pa., in 1808, and was thus twelve years of age when she accompanied her parents to this county in 1820. By her marriage with Mr. Deckard were horn twelve children, of whom the following grew to mature years: Rebecca. John, Amos, Daniel, Delilah, Jane, Reuben, Joseph, and Hannah. The mother of these children died in her seventy-fourth year, in 1882. She was the daughter of Balser Brown, who was born in Pennsylvania and was a shoemaker by trade. He was very prosperous in a business way and died in this county when in the prime of life.

He of whom we write obtained his first schooling in the log schoolhouses of pioneer times. e was twenty-two years of age when he began life on his own account, and took charge of the home farm on condition that he could buy out the other heirs. January 12, 1873, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Snively, who was born in Perry Township, this county, in 1850. Of the three children born to them one is deceased, Clarence L. Those living are Linnie A. and John D. Mr. Deckard has achieved success in the pursuit of his calling, and is now the proud possessor of one hundred and thirty-three acres of land, which is as valuable and productive as can be found in the county. His estate is neatly fenced and is stocked with good grades of cattle and horses. He carries on mixed farming, and in him the citizen-ship of his town has a good representative, as he is in all things a thoroughly honorable man, just and generous in his dealings, and in every respect eminently trustworthy. Among the good buildings on his estate is a commodious frame house and large barns which give ample accommodation for the shelter of crops, stock and machinery.

Mrs. Deckard is a member of the United Brethren Church; she is a most estimable lady and looks

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carefully after the interests of her household. Mr. Deckard has views of his own on all subjects, and s a pronounced Republican in political sentiment. He He is avoided a high place among our most worthy and respected citizens, and is widely and favorably known throughout this county. For a more extended notice of his ancestral history, the reader is referred to the sketch of his brother, John Deckard, which appears on another page in this volume.

Rev. WiLLIAM O. SlFFERT, pastor of the United Brethren Church at Massillon, and was born at Navarre, this State, March 26, 1845. Joseph Siffert, his father, is also a native of this county, while the grandfather, Phillip Siffert, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., and was a miller by occupation. The last named gentleman was married in the Keystone State, and in 1812 came by means of a wagon to this county and located in Pike Township, where, in addition to operating a farm, he ran a mill. he was very successful in business and at his death, in 1855, left several valuable farms.

The father of our subject was reared to man-hood in this county, and having chosen the occupation of a farmer, purhased a quarter-section of land in Sugar Creek Township, which he operated until 1864, when he moved to Navarre, and died in that place in 1877. e was a very prominent and influential member of the United Brethren Church, and in his political views voted with the Republican party. The lady whom he married was formerly Catherine A. Scott, a native of Cumberland County, Pa., being born in 1821. Her father, Andrew Scott, was a native of the North of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish descent. e was a young man when he came to America and located in Pennsylvania, where he married. In 1834, he came overland with his family to this State and took up his abode in Perry Township. Later, however, he removed to Kendall, where he was given the position of Manager of the Massillon Furnace Company, which position he held for many years. His last days were spent upon a farm in Perry Township. His wife, Eliza Walters, was born in the Keystone State and was of German descent. They were both Episcopalians in religion.

He whose name heads this sketch was the eldest but one in the family of four children. His brother Alfred enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company 1, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, and was killed at Arkansas Post, January 11, 1863. William O. was reared in Sugar Creek Township, his home being just two miles from Navarre, and prosecuted his studies diligently in the primitive log schoolhouse.

Mr. Siffert remained at home until August 10, 1862, when he enlisted in the war of the Union, joining Company A, One Hundred and Seventh Ohio infantry, being mustered into service at Cleveland. e participated in the battles at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, after which be, with his regiment, was sent to South Carolina and Florida, where be took part in some twenty-five or thirty engagements with the enemy. He was one of the youngest members of his company and won his way into the hearts of the officers and privates. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, but, with that exception, escaped serious injury of any kind. Upon the close of the war, Mr. Siffert was mustered out at Charleston, July 10, 1865, as Corporal, and was discharged at Cleveland in August of that year.

Returning again to the peaceful pursuits of life, our subject engaged in the milling business in partnership with James M. Corl, and they operated successfully together for about five years, during which time young Siffert was preparing him-self for the ministry. After completing his studies, he was licensed to preach by the Quarterly Conference of the United Brethren Church, January 23, 1875, and four years later was ordained by the Annual Conference and was given charge of the church at East Palestine. From there he preached at Hollard, Springfield and New Rumley, and in 1882 was ordained Elder by Bishop Dickson. His

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next charge was at New Comerstown, where he remained until the fall of 1888, when he cam to this city. After a residence here of two years, he went to Louisville, this county, and fifteen months later was recalled to Massillon.

The Rev. William O. Siffert was married in 1867 to Miss Hattie, daughter of Jacob Carl, a tailor of Navarre. To them have been born seven children, namely: James A., Ada, Carrie, Frank, Kittie, Edwin and Ruth. Our subject is a member of Capt. Samuel Miller's Post No. 240,G. A. R., and in politics, votes the straight Republican ticket. During the winter of 1891-92, he held one of the largest revival meetings in the State, during which time he had one hundred and seven accessions to the church. He labored hard and earnestly during that time, after which he was taken seriously ill with congestion of the bowels. He is devoting his life to the salvation of others, and in his chosen field has been greatly prospered. Not only is he highly esteemed by those of his own church, but his name is a synonym for integrity and probity wherever it is known.

CHARLES E. ARCHER. The enormous increase in the demand for carriages of allgrades has rendered their manufacture a prominent industry in the United States. Therearc few branches of industrial trades in which such a vast amount of capital has been invested, and none other in which the American manufacturer has by his skill and ingenuity so far outstripped his competitors. Among the most widely known and deservedly popular concerns, whose productions are in constant and ever-increasing demand, is that conducted by Mr. Charles E. Archer, who is one of the most extensive manufacturers and dealers in this section. He was born in Massillon on the 28th of January, 1851, and is a son of George and Jane (('lark) Archer, the father a native of Stark County and the mother of Pennsylvania. Our subject's parental grandfather, William Archer, was born in the East, and was a farmer by occupation. At an early date he moved to Portage County, Ohio, and followed agricultural pursuits there until his death. The maternal grandfather, John Clark, was a gunsmith by trade.

The father of our subject was reared in Portage County, Ohio, but later came to Stark County, this State, and here learned the carriage manufacturer's trade. After this, he worked for a Mr. Hine for a short time and then for Russell & Co. for twenty years, as contracting foreman for wagon works. Later, He and Mr. Doxsee started a carriage manufactory on Factory Street. While with Russell & Co., he bought forty acres of land, improved this, but during the latter part of his life he returned to the carriage business and received his final summons in 1885, when sixty-seven years of age. n politics, he was a Republican. His wife died in 1853. They were the parents of three children, all of whom reached mature years, viz: our subject; William, now in New Mexico; and Elmira, deceased. William was in the Thirty-second Ohio Infantry and served through almost the entire war.

Charles E. Archer was reared in Massillon and graduated at the High Schools of that city in 1869. He learned the carriage-making trade of his father, and worked with hint for three years, after which he went to Cleveland, where he remained one year. Returning to Massillon at the end of that time, he embarked as a dealer in carriages and from that soon began their manufacture. In 1877, he started his present business and erected his works at the corner of Charles and Hill Streets. He has a four-story building, 66x70 feet, and has lately erected an L. In the basement, iron work and wood work are turned out; on the second floor the carriages are mounted; painting and trimming are done on the third floor, and on the fourth floor they are stored. e builds about one hundred buggies per year and does the largest business here. e is thoroughly familiar with every detail of his work and is one of the foremost business men. He has a good residence in this city and is as popular in social as in business circles. He was married in Pittsfield, Lorain County, Ohio,

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In 1873, to Miss Alma E. Whitney, a native of Pittsfield, and the daughter of Silas D. Whitney, a prominent fanner there. Mr. and Mrs. Archer have three interesting children: G. Silas, E. Jane, and Edmund. Mr. Archer is a member of the Carriage Manufacturing Association, and is interested in other enterprises. In religion, he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics, is a Republican.

JOHN S. BIXLER. Our subject has not onlybeen a witness of the gradual growth of Stark County from a sparsely inhabited wilderness to a populous and well-developed agricultural region, but it may be his pride that he has helped to bring about the great transformation. in him we hind an excellent example for young men just embarking in the field of active life to follow, as showing what may be accomplished by a mail beginning poor but honest, prudent and industrious.

He of whom we write is at present residing on a good estate in Bethlehem Township, which he is cultivating to the best advantage. He is a native of this county, having been born July 28, 1820, to Samuel and Elizabeth Bixler, natives of Pennsylvania. The father of our subject emigrated when a young man to this county with his parents, with whom he resided until establishing a home of his own. He occupied a prominent place among the agriculturists of this section, where he made his home until his decease, which occurred in November, 1881. Of the parental family, the following survive: John S., Balser, David, Jacob, Andrew, Susan Anne, and Lovina.

Mr. Bixler of this sketch has done much pioneer work in this county, and assisted in developing the farm where he is at present residing. I n early life he enjoyed but few advantages, his school days being limited, nor had he wealth or position to aid him in starting in life. He relied solely upon his own efforts and his own conduct to win for him success and has ever strictly observed that important factor in the successful public and business life of any one—honesty.

Miss Hannah McIntosh, of this county, became the wife of our subject in 1848, and to them have been born three children, two of whom are living: Elizabeth and Peter. Mr. Bixler owns two hundred and seven acres of excellent land, which, by untiring industry and indefatigable labor he has placed under good tillage, and has been enabled to lay the foundation of a competency which will remove the necessity of further labor, when such shall become too great a burden. A member of the Dunkard Church, our subject has been a liberal contributor toward its support. His fellow-citizens, appreciating the fact that he is in every way worthy of their consideration, have frequently selected him to fill some public position, and for a number of terms he served acceptably as School Director. He is not confined to any political party but reserves the right to vote for the man whom he considers will best till the office.

JOSIAH LESH, the proprietor of the LeshHouse and a well-known greceryman of Louisville, Ohio, comes of a prominent old family of this section, the members of which are well known for their sterling integrity, industry and public spirit. The family have been residents of America for several generations back, coming thither from Germany in the very early history of this country. Josiah i.esh was born on a farm in Stark County, Ohio, February 17, 1846, a son of Jacob and Polly (Reese) Leith, both of whom were born in Stark County, the former April 6, 1812. The paternal grandfather came to this region from Pennsylvania.

Josiah Lesh received such advantages as are usually given the farmer's boy; that is, he attended the common schools near his home and learned the details of farming on the old homestead. At

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the age of twenty-one years, or June 29, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Oberlin, of Stark County, but a native of the Keystone State. This union resulted in the birth of five children, four of whom are still living.

After his marriage, Mr. Lesh removed to a farm in Plain Township, which he rented for twelve years, also following threshing for seven years and was engaged in hauling coal, at which occupations he made considerable money. While engaged in tilling the soil, his wife died, and for his second helpmate he took Miss Maggie Stauffer, a Pennsylvanian by birth, but a resident of Stark County, Ohio, at the time of her marriage. To them one child has been born. After leaving the farm, Mr. Lash removed to Louisville and bought a one-third interest in a planing-mill, which he operated successfully for two years when the mill caught fire and was burned to the ground. This was a total loss, as there was no insurance, and Mr. Lesh was compelled to start anew, which he did with undaunted energy. The following fall he bought a one-fourth interest in a tile manufactory in Louisville, with which he was connected for about six months, then sold his interest and took a trip through the West, Kansas and Texas being his choice of States for a location. Not being suited, he returned to Ohio and bought a one-half interest in the Excelsior Flouring Mill, which he owned one and one-half years. After selling out, he purchased a stock of groceries and began business in a rented building.

About one year later, he bought the hotel of which be is now proprietor, and has successfully conducted it up to the present time. The whole management of this house indicates the fact that intelligent and careful direction is exercised, and it is to the administrative ability of Mr. Lash that the position maintained by his house as one of the best conducted hotels in the county is due. He does not keep a bar, and will not tolerate drunken or noisy people about his place. He is a Repuhlican politically, but not an office-seeker, and in religion is a member of the Evangelical Church, his wife being in sympathy with the United Brethren Church. He is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, being a chartermember of Louisville Council No. 152. He is a man who is quiet and unassuming in manners, but his many worthy traits of character have won him many friends, and he is best liked by those who know him best—an excellent test of a man's character. He is essentially self-made, and has the unbounded satisfaction of knowing that the property of which he is now the owner has been earned by his own efforts and by honorable means.

The children of our subject are as follows: Laura E., who lives at home, was born in Plain Township; Susan May died in infancy; Sarah A. was born in Plain Township; Ann Irena was born in that township also, as were John H. and Racy Belle.

SAMUEL MASE. In the agricultural circles of Stark County, the late Samuel Mase was, by universal consent, accorded a high place. He was eminently successful in his calling, exhibited clearness of perception and soundness of judgment, and moreover enjoyed a reputation for moral worth and integrity of character that is a proud heritage to his widow and children.

A native of this county, our subject was born September 5, 1835, to Michael and Christina Mass, pioneers of this county. he was a brother of Henry Mase, for a full sketch of whom the reader is referred to another page in this work. Samuel prosecuted his studies in the early subscription schools of this State, and although his advantages were limited, he became a man of extensive in-formation, and was unusually well posted on both the political and financial questions agitating the American people, as he was a great reader and a deep thinker. When ready to establish a home of his own, Mr. Mass was married December 27. 1857, to Miss Catherine Dinius, and their union has furnished a pleasant example of true wedded life. Mrs. Mass is also a native of this county, her birth occurring November 28, 1837, in the pioneer home of her

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parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Hensel) Dinius. To our subject and his excellent wife were born two children: Simon P., who married Alfaretta Bose, and Mary E., who is the wife of J. F. Roush. The latter is also the mother of two children, Walter E. and Earl C.

During his life, Mr. Mase possessed true public spirit, and used his influence to enhance the best interests of his township and county, and all worthy enterprises for the promotion of their growth met with his hearty approval and cordial support. He served his fellow-townsmen as Trustee for some time, and in his political views was identified with the Democratic party. e was a prominent member of the United Brethren Church and departed this life July 20, 1888. His widow makes her home on the old farms, and is identified religiously with the Reformed Church, and has done much to promote the good cause in her community. In his domestic relations our subject was all that could be wished for—kind,considerate and loving to his wife and children. Self-made in the truest sense of the word, it is with pleasure that we present his sketch to our readers.

JULIUS WHITING, SR., a retired banker of Canton, who has made his home in this city for State of his nativity . Connecticut as the was born in Litchfield County on the 14th of April, 1816, and on both the paternal and maternal sides is of English descent. His father was also a native of Litchfield County, and the son of John Whiting. He married Elizabeth Conklin, daughter of Thomas Conklin, who was also born in the Nutmeg State. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and continued to reside in Connecticut until his death, which occurred in 1862. In religious be-lief, he and his wife were Presbyterians.

Julius Whiting, whose name heads this record, was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and acquired his education in the district schools and Westfield Academy. At the age of sixteen, he began teaching, following that profession for two winters. Not wishing to make agriculture his life work, at the age of eighteen he became a clerk in a general store in Ellington, Conn., remaining for five years with his employer, Timothy Pitkin, a thorough business man, from whom he gained a good knowledge of business methods. He then secured a position as salesman in the general store of Solomon Pitkin, in Amherst, Mass. In the spring of 1841, he came to Canton, Ohio, to accept the position of Teller in the Farmers' Bank, and after serving in that capacity for a year, was called upon to assist the receiver in closing up the business. In 1843, his father died and the returned to Colbrook, Conn., to settle up the estate, which business engrossed his attention for about eighteen months. In 1844, the returned to Canton, and engaged in the insurance, real-estate and brokerage business and in buying and selling paper.

In 1847, Mr. Whiting married Miss Harriet K. Stidger, the daughter of George Stidger, one of the pioneers of Canton, who came from Baltimore, Md., to this city in 1807. Unto them have been born four children, two of whom are yet living: Julius, now a prominent attorney of Canton; and Helen F., wife of Fred Hartzell, of Wooster, Ohio.

After his marriage, Mr. Whiting continued to engage in the real-estate and insurance business and also carried on farming to some extent. In 1854, he formed a partnership with Isaac Harter, Martin Wickidal and Peter Trump, doing a general banking business under the firm name of Harter, Trump, Wickidal & Co. Mr. Whiting acted as Cashier and General Manager until 1861, when, on account of failing health, he disposed of his interest in the Savings Depesit Bank. In his political affiliations, Mr. Whiting is n stalwart Republican. He has a commodious and handsome residence at No. 144 North Market Street, where he and his wife live the greater part of their time, but several of the past winters Mr. Whiting has spent in Florida. Mr. Whiting started out in business with very limited means, but his life has been characterized by industry and frugality. He has made judicious investments and by his honor-able dealings has accumulated a comfortable com-

448 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

petency, which numbers him among the substantial citizens of Canton, and enables him to pass his declining years in retirement, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

M W. COATS, of Alliance, is one of the prominent and representative men of Ohio, and throughout the country he is well known both personally and by reputation as an inventor and genius. He was born in Marlborough Township, Stark County, April 24, 1834, and comes of an old Pennsylvania family. His paternal grandfather was the founder of Coatesville, Pa. His parents, Amos and Jane B. (Norris) Coates, were natives of the Keystone State, and emigrated to Ohio in a moving wagon in 1823, locating in Marlborough Township, Stark County, when it was sparsely settled. Mr. Coates was a man of scholarly attainments and had charge of an academy in Chester County, Pa. Subsequently he was a merchant of Philadelphia, and after coming to Ohio engaged in farming and teaching school. He was very successful in both pursuits and accumulated a handsome property, being surrounded in his later years with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. e had a family of twelve children, our subject being the seventh son.

Amos W. Coates, of this sketch, completed a course of study in Marlborough Academy at the age of seventeen years, after which he spent two years in learning stove plate and machine casting, He subsequently formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, J. D. Arnold, and under the firm name of Arnold & Coates, began the manufacture of plows and castings in Paris, this county. The enterprise proved a pecuniary success, and in the summer of 1855 they added to their foundry the manufacture of hay rakes, on the old Sander's patent, and in the latter part of the same year introduced what was believed to be the first sulky spring-tooth horse hay rake ever used in Stark County. However, they soon disposed of their interest in the rake business and for several years devoted themselves to the manufacture of plows and castings. During this time, commencing in 1858, Mr. Coates spent his leisure moments in reading law under the instruction of Alexander Pierce, of Canton. In 1860, he purchased the factory and foundry, but in the fall of 1861 sold the same and enlisted in the Fremont Body Guard, going to St. Louis with a part of a company. On account of the removal of Gen. Fremont and the disbandment of the guard, he was soon discharged from the service and returned home.

On March 22, 1859, Mr. Coates wedded Miss Ada F., the accomplished daughter of A. B. and Catherine Freer, of Paris, Ohio. Of the nine children born of their union, six are yet living: Hallam F., who was graduated from Amherst College, of Massachusetts, is now Secretary and Superintendent of the Cambridge Foundry Company, at Cambridge, Ohio; Horatio was drowned in the city reservoir, January 1, 1880; Ida is a graduate of the musical department of Mt. Union College; Nellie is a student of the same college; Hartwell W., Hays K. and Ettle are attending the High School of Alliance.

On being discharged from the service, Mr. Coates resumed his law studies and was admitted to the Bar in the December term of the Supreme Court of Ohio (1862), but did not enter upon practice. Early in 1863, he repurchased the Paris Foundry and Plow Works, which he conducted for about a year. In September, 1864, he removed to Alliance, Ohio, and began the erection of a portion of the buildings now occupied by his works, and there continued the manufacture of plows. In the spring of 1865, he abandoned this business and embarked in the manufacture of what is known as the White Hay Rake. In the fall he invented his lock-lever rake, which was patented in 1867, and has since continued to manufacture the same, frequently improving it to keep pace with the ever advancing. progress in farm implements. In the fall of 1867, on account of his increased business, large additions were made to the buildings, and again the following year the

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already extensive establishment had to be enlarged. In 1869, the partnership was formed known as Coates, Gray & Co., the connection being dissolved in 1874, when Mr. Coates purchased the interest of the other members of the firm.

Mr. Coates has made many wonderful and useful inventions, and has secured eight important patents—three on his lock-lever hay rake, one on a spring seat for the same, two on guarded scissors, one on a child's pocket-knife, and one on a water elevator for wells and cisterns. Applications have come clear from Spain for this last article. He is also one of the principal promoters of the Essick telegraph system, which S. V. Essick patented in 1883. It is now being used successfully in all parts of the world, and when it is more widely known will no doubt enter into general use. Stock companies are being formed in many places with vast capital for the purpose of operating this system of telegraphy. In January, 1888, Mr. Coates organized the rake works into a corporation with a paid-up capital of $60,000. The reputation of "Coates lock-lever hay and grain rake" is so thoroughly established that it finds sale in all parts of the United States and is shipped largely to Europe and South America. The grounds, buildings and machinery are valued at about $50,000. Fifty men are employed, and from $811,00(1 to $100,11(10 worth of work is annually turned out, while the gross sales of the rake alone have exceeded $1,000,1(00. At the Paris Exposition in 1878, the Coates lock-lever rake received the only silver medal and diploma awarded to any horse rake separate from other foreign implements. The business is now conducted under the corporation name of The A. W. Coates Co., and is one of the most substantial manufacturing enterprises of the State. It stands forth to-day with a strong reputation and largely increasing patronage. At a cost of $20,000, in 1877, our subject erected the Coates Block, one of the finest business blocks in Alliance, the upper story of which forms s commodious and elegant public hall that is fitted up as an Odd Fellows' lodge room.

In the fall of 1875, Mr. Coates was the candidate on the Republican ticket for State Senator,and, although the Democratic majority was over one thousand, he was defeated by only forty-eight votes. This certainly indicates his prominence and great popularity. he has been a member of the Alliance City Council, and for a time was proprietor of the Independent Aye, a journal published in the interest of literature, news and religion. He is connected with, nearly all the secret societies, including the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor, and Royal Arcanum, and has held all the offices of the subordinate lodges except in the Masonic order. That Mr. Coates is a man of more than ordinary ability, this record of his successes shows. In the legitimate channels of business he has won wealth, and at the same time gained the confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact, and their good-will and respect are his.

WILLIAM F. SCHARIO. There are quite a number of houses in this city that are typical, not alone of the comprehensive growth and the increasing importance of Canton, but whose career is a source of public pride, delineating, as they do, the general business enterprise and commercial sagacity of the leading citizens. Such a concern is the whole-sale and retail establishment conducted by William F. Schario at Nos. 48 and 50 North Market Street.. e is also President of the Champion Stoneware Company, and is one of the thorough-going, progressive business men of Canton. He was born on a farm in Jackson Township, Stark County, Ohio, on the 27th of September, 1845, and is the eldest son born to the union of Bernhard and Elizabeth (Hammer) Schario, both natives of Germany.

The parents emigrated to the United States in 1838, and the following year settled in Stark County, Ohio, where the father followed the occupation of a farmer in Jackson Township. e was very enterprising and industrious, traits of char-

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acter well known among those of German nativity, and he met with much success as an agriculturist. Early in life, he had followed the black-smith's trade. He died on the old homestead in Jackson Township in June, 1888, and the mother followed him to the grave in June, 1890, when in her seventy-sixth year. They were devoted members of the Catholic Church. The father held the office of Supervisor of his township, and also held other local positions of note.

The subject of this sketch, the second of eight children, four sons and four daughters, divided his time in youth in attending the district school in winter and working on the farm during the summer. Remaining with his parents until twenty-one years of age, be then began farming on his own account, and was very successful in this occupation, having had a very good teacher in his father. In 1870, he came to Canton and em-barked in the grocery business, but with a very little capital to begin with, as he had made other investments with his money. He rented n room and went to Dannamiller & Co., stating to them that he wanted to buy $2,500 worth of groceries, and that he could not pay a single dollar down. They then asked if he could give security. He replied that he could, but would not give security for a single dollar further than his own obligation, but if they would let him have the goods he would pay them as soon as he made the money. They decided to let him have the goods.

Mr. Schario employed two clerks and started in with a determination to win, working early and late to get a footing.. At the end of three years, he was out of debt and had *8,000 cash. He built his present storehouse in 1880, the dimensions being 27x145 feet, and three stories in height, be-sides a basement. All the floors are occupied by his business, and he has a large and varied stock and an unusually large trade. Mr. Schario carries on his affairs on the soundest business principles, and his record lends to these pages and Canton credit and standing. His honest dealings and gentlemanly conduct have rendered him very popular with the trading public.

On the 25th of May, 1868, Mr. Schario was married to Miss Amelia Dick, of Jackson Township, this county, the only daughter of Joseph and Mary Dick. This union resulted in the birth of nine children, seven daughters and two sons, as follows: Elnora, clerk in her father's store; Alice, Amelia, Mary, Estella, Corn, Gracie, William S. and Edwin G. Mr. Schario has served as Trustee, also as Supervisor of his township, and has held other positions. He, in connection with others, organized the Champion Stoneware Company in 1888, and he was made Vice-president, which position he now holds. He was also one of the organizers of the Canton Stove Company, is one of its Directors, and has been a stockholder in the Crystal Spring Ice Company since its organization. He is a stockholder in the Canton Business Men's Association. In politics, Mr. Schario is conservative. He and his family hold membership in the St. John's Catholic Church, and are comfortably situated at No. 124 North Plum Street.

REV. J. H. HARPSTER, The parents of our subject, George and Frances (Lebker) Harpster, were natives of Pennsylvania, and the father engaged in business as a manufacturer and foundryman until his death, which occurred in Centre County, as did that of the mother. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom our subject is the youngest. He was reared at Centre Hall and received his literary education at Pine Grove Mills, where he took an academic course. Afterward he entered the Missionary Institute at Selin's Grove, Pa., where he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.45I

studied for some time. To say that he took ad-vantage of every opportunity for increasing his range of knowledge, is merely to state what actually occurred. he had resolved to cuter the ministry, and with that purpose in view, became. a student in the theological seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1872.

Some years prior to this important event, and during the opening years of the Civil War, our subject enlisted in 1861, at the age of seventeen year's, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Forty-eight Pennsylvania Infantry, (Gov. Beaver's Regiment), and was appointed Captain of his company. e was present at the surrender of Appomattox and served throughout the entire war. he was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville by a gunshot, again at the battle of Gettysburg by a shell, and at the battle of the Wilderness by a gunshot in the head. He participated in every great engagement from Fredericksburgh to Appomattox, and at the close of hostilities resumed his studies, graduating as above stated in 1872. Meanwhile he served as Professor of Military Tactics in the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania, where he remained about one year.

Immediately after graduating, Mr. Harpster went to India as a missionary, and en route to that. place, visited many countries of Europe as well as Egypt and the Holy Land. He remained in India for five years and accomplished much good there, baptizing over one thousand persons and establishing many churches. His health failing, he was obliged to resign his position, and returned to America, via Siam, Japan, China and the Pacific Ocean, landing in San Francisco. On account of his impaired health he spent three years in California and became interested in gold mining.

Leaving California, Rev. Mr. Harpster came East as far as Kansas, where he built a church at Hays City and was its pastor for three years. Re-singing his pastorate, he took up the study of medicine, with a view of returning to India as a medical missionary. He entered the University of Maryland at Baltimore, where he took a course of lectures, but domestic circumstances prevented his return to India.

Accepting a call to the church at Trenton, N. J, Rev. Mr. Harpster remained there for three years, until January, 1885, when he took the pastorate of the church at Canton, and has since done ministeriah work in this city. Since his pastorate commenced, he has erected an elegant church edifice and chapel, in addition to a mission chapel in another part of the city. During his labors here, he has increased the membership cif the church from two hundred and fifty to about seven Inn-aired. The church is supplied with a new and modern pipeorgan, a gift of the late G. D. Harter, costing *6,-000, and said to be the finest in the State. As a preacher, eloquent and earnest; as a pastor, considerate and kindly; as a friend, true and stanch; as a neighbor, obliging and generous; as a citizen, public-spirited and progressive; in every relation of life our subject stands high in the regard of the people.

In 1882, Rev. J. H. Harpster and Miss M. Julia Jacobs were united in marriage. Mrs. Harpster is a native of Gettysburg, Pa., and a daughter of M. Jacobs, I). D., who was for forty years Professor in Gettysburg College, and was widely known as a man of broad intelligence.

HELIX RHODES SHEPLEY, besides being engaged in the wholesale cigar business, occupies the position of Secretary, Treasurer and Director of the Massillon Stoneware Company, and is also a stockholder and Director of the News-Democrat. He is one of the prominent and shrewd young business men of the city and identified with its progress.

John Shepley, the father of our subject, was born January 1, 1810, in Funkstown, Washington County, Md., the son of Peter Shepley, Jr. and Catherine (Shilling) Shepley. Peter Shepley's father, who was also named Peter, married Barbara Geseman, whose maiden name was Barbara Oberlin. They had four children, Frederick, Peter, Samuel and Martha. Peter Shepley, Jr.,

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entered the War of 1812, served as Drum Major and died ere the close of the war. He had three children, Frederick, John and Lenna. John, when a lad of nine years, walked out to this county, coming in company with his uncle, Adam Shilling, who moved his family by wagon and settled in Tuscarawas Township. John remained there until 1827, living in the meantime with different parties; one year with his aunt, two years with John Saylor and over three years with Samuel Mock. In 1827 he came to Kendall and remained ten years in the employ of Skinner & Duncan.

Since that time, John Shepley has been a constant resident of this city. He afterward engaged in business for himself, running a dray and doing general transportation work; he worked in a mill one year, clerked six months for Humberger & Cummings, and for some time was employed on the railroad. During the palmy days of boating on the Ohio Canal, he owned and ran two boats, the "Hercules" and "Giraffe," which were run in the interest of the coal trade. He has been a life-long Democrat, but voted for Lincoln at his last election. He has filled various offices of trust and responsibility, such as Township Clerk, Treasurer and Constable, and from 1859 to 1862 as Deputy Sheriff; also Deputy United States Marshal; for two years was Postmaster under Pierce's administration, was elected and served two years as Coroner, once as City Marshal. During the early history of the city he had charge of the poor. For several years he was engaged in the hat trade with George A. Kellenberger under the firm name of Kellenberger & Co., which partnership began in 1847 and terminated in 1851.

The father of our subject has been thrice married, first, July 4, 1834, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Sprague, a native of Vermont. She died in 1843, leaving no children. He was married the second time in September, 1844, to Susan Kellenberger, who was born February 1, 1817, in Lancaster County, Pa., daughter of Peter, whose wife was a Rudy. Susan died August 11, 1845, leaving a child, George A. His third marriage occurred May 4, 1847, and united him with Eliza Kellenberger, who was born January 12, 1818, in Emmitsburg, Frederick County, Md. She was a daughter of John Kellenberger, whose wife was Sarah Britton, of Baltimore, Md.; by her he had four children, Frank J., Mary C., Bernard T. and Felix Rhodes. He is at present residing in this city at the advanced age of eighty-two years.

Felix R. of this sketch was born in Massillon, April 17, 1855, and was given an excellent education in St. Joseph's Parochial School. He left school in order to take the position of office boy (July 24, 1871) in the Excelsior Agricultural Works at Massillon, with which firm he remained until their failure in business in September, 1878. During the years he was in their employ he worked his way up from office boy to the position of assistant cashier and book-keeper.

In 1879, our subject engaged as traveling sales-man for Peter Sailer, representing him in Eastern and Central Ohio. He remained with Mr. Sailer until July, 1882, when he became assistant book-keeper for Russell & Co., remaining in their em-ploy until 1886, when he resigned, and in August of that year established his present cigar manufactory and retail business. March 1, 1892, he disposed of his retail trade and now devotes his entire time and attention to the wholesale cigar trade.

On the election of Cleveland as President, Mr. Shepley was an applicant for the position of Post-master, being endorsed by Gov. Warwick. Owing however, to the Payne-Pendelton senatorial fight, the former endorsed ex-State Treasurer Anthony Howells, who was appointed by Cleveland. In February, 1888, that gentleman resigned the position and our subject was appointed to fill the vacancy, serving until August 1, 1891, when, on account of political reasons, he was removed by President Harrison.

In 1882, Mr. Shepley was appointed by the Council City Clerk, and reappointed in 1883. Up to this time the office was supposed to be a yearly-appointive one, but the Supreme Court having in the meantime decided it an elective one and for a term of two years, Mr. Shepley, in 1884, when the incoming Republican Council undertook to elect another clerk, protested against their action, claiming that under the election of 1883, and the decision of the Supreme Court, his term of office would not expire until the spring of 1885. The

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Council ignored the claim and elected Mr. Pea-cock to succeed him. Mr. Shepley refused to surrender the records, seals and other city property, retaining them until 1885, when he sued and obtained judgment against the city for one year's salary.

In March, 1890, the firm of Boerner, Shepley & Vogt was organized, and, buying an old glass factory they converted it into a pottery. They incorporated in September, 1890, as the Massillon Stoneware Company. Our subject was elected its Secretary and Treasurer, which position he still holds. Their business is steadily on the increase, and the firm gives constant employment to about thirty-five hands. In his cigar business, Mr. Shepley keeps ten men busy, and has the largest establishment of its kind in the city.

Since 1890, oursubject has been Director of the Canton News-Democrat, and was one of the organizers of the Massillonian, and for the first four months was its manager. He was Deputy Auditor of the Board of Equalization of this city for two years, and has represented the Democratic party as delegate to various county conventions. In religious affairs, he is a Catholic and a prominent member of St. Joseph's Church.

HENRY N. MI LLER, who has ever shown him self worthy of the confidence of the people of his community, has also been a potent factor in advancing its interests. Formerly one of the best known and most prominent con tractors and builders of this section, he is now living retired, making his home in a most beautiful residence on the New Berlin road north of the city of Canton. He is a man of more than ordinary force and enterprise, of great practicality and superior business talents, and he attributes his financial success to careful attention to his affairs.

Mr. Miller, who was born in Plain Township this county, July 15, 1840, is the son of John Miller, a native of Center County, Pa., whose birth occurred February 12, 1815. His father, Henry Miller, Sr., was also a native of the Keystone State, and of Swiss descent, the first representative of the family having come to America during Colonial times. The latter-named gentleman was a shoe-maker and stonemason by trade, and in 1816 made the trip to this State over the mountains by means of a team and wagon, and locating in Plain Township, purchased ten acres of land, where he resided, prosecuting his trade of a shoemaker during the winter season, and working as a mason in the summer months. He aided in erecting the first brick building in the city of Canton, and was known far and wide as an excellent and reliable workman. Finally disposing of his ten-acre tract he purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Lake Township, this county, and during the latter years followed the pursuit of a farmer. e was twice married, and reared a family of fifteen children. He was a man of intelligence, not only in the line of his work, but regarding topics of general interest, and at his death, which occurred in his fifty-eighth year, Stark County lost one of her best citizens.

John A. Miller, the father of our subject, was an infant of one year when his parents came to this State, and when old enough to attend school, prosecuted his studies in the pioneer log schoolhouse, which was carried on by the subscription plan and offered but meagre advantages to those eager to obtain learning. When choosing an occupation in life, he learned the carpenter's trade, which business he followed during the remainder of his active career. e has contracted for and erected many of the finest residences in the county, and is now living retired, making his home on a six-acre tract of land in Plain Township.

Our subject's mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Baird, was born in this county in 1820, and by her union with Mr. Miller reared a family of ten children, nine of whom are living, viz: Rachel, our subject, Peter, Margaret, Catherine, David, William, Samuel and Emma. The mother, who is still living, is with her husband a devoted member of the Henry Reformed Church. The father, who is a man of generous impulses and cheerful disposition, has hosts of well-wishers and

454 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

many sincere friends, who will be pleased to find mention of him in this sketch. In polities, he is a stanch Democrat.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, George Baird, was a native of Maryland, and took up his abode in this State as early as 1810, he and his wife walking the entire distance to Ohio. On arriving here, he located one-half mile east of where our subject is residing and leasing land from parties in Washington, cleared it, and put in a crop of wheat. Indians who were very numerous in the locality, often made visits to his cabin, and deer and other kinds of wild game could be had for the shooting. He was a large, powerful man, and when going through the woods to mill would shoulder three bushels of wheat, and taking his rifle with him, would hunt on the way. He was a very prominent figure at log cabin raisings, where he took up one corner of the building, and when completing his work, would jump to the ground instead of climbing down. During his later years he removed to Crawford County, where he died at the age of eighty-three years. This branch of the family was of Dutch descent.

He whose name heads this sketch was reared to manhood in Plain Township, where he attended the pioneer log schoolhouse with its primitive furnishings. When thirteen years of age, his father being in limited circumstances, he was obliged to do for himself, and began working out on farms by the month, being thus engaged for three years. Then, deciding to follow in the footsteps of his father, be also learned the carpenter's trade, which he made his life occupation. The lady who be-came his wife, January 16, 1862, was Miss Mary Festerly, who was born in this township, March 4, 1840. Of the three children born to them, two are living: Bertha M., who married Homer Baugh-man, lives in the city of Canton; and Sarah Almeda makes her home with her parents. After his marriage, Mr. Miller rented property for five years, during which time he prosecuted his trade with vigor, and being economical, acquired a competence, and soon occupied the foremost rank among the citizens of Plain Township. His work as a contractor has not been confined to Stark County, but his reputation has extended far beyond its lim

its, and he has erected some of the best dwellings and blocks in Summit and Wayne Counties, be-sides barns which number ninety-six.

Mr. Miller is a man of excellent common sense, sagacious and wide-awake in the transaction of business, and is the owner of sixty-three acres of finely improved land, for which he paid $9,000. It is under the best cultivation, and supplied with ample buildings for every needed purpose. His present large frame residence, which was erected in 1879, is a model of beauty, and one of the finest in the section. his worldly prosperity does credit to his ability and strength of character, as when he established a home of his own he had but $63 in money, and that was expended for furniture. With his wife he belongs to the Catholic Church, of which they are active and influential members. In his political relations, he is a member of the Democratic party, and is now serving his seventh year as Township Treasurer. For ten years be occupied the responsible office of Constable, and has always taken a deep interest in whatever concerns the welfare of his township and county.

DR. GEORGE STEWART BEATTY, dentist, Canton, Ohio. If there is one infirmity of human nature more excruciatingly painful than another, it is the toothache, and yet it is one for which there is the least sympathy given. The poet of Scotland well de-scribes this phase of the question in one of his inimitable poems. While the toothache may not be dangerous to life, it nevertheless brings misery in its train, and totally unfits the sufferer for any kind of business. The teeth should be properly cared for from childhood before decay sets in, and therefore parents should consider that they have an important duty to perform in taking their children to the dentist to have their teeth examined, so that the least symptoms of decay may be checked and the teeth preserved.

Among the prominent dentists of the city of

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Canton stands Dr. George Stewart Beatty, who is a native of the Empire State, born in Pennfield, Monroe County, September 30, 1818. His father, Benjamin Beatty, was a native of New Jersey, and was reared principally in New York State, where later in life he followed the occupation of a farmer. His father, Isaac Beatty, was born in the Northern part of Ireland, but went from there to England, where he took passage for America. He was a Captain in the Revolutionary War and served faithfully from the beginning to the close. The father of our subject died when the latter was hut twelve years of age. The mother was born at Kinderhook, N. Y., on the banks of the Mohawk River, and was a daughter of Jacob Vitus-burg, whose ancestors were from Holland. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Beatty married the second time, and received her final summons in Crawford County, Pa.

Dr. George Stewart Beatty, the eldest of four children, a daughter and three sons, passed his youth in his native county and in addition to a common-school education attended Victor Academy. He remained in his native county until twenty-two years of age, and then commenced the study of dentistry at Meadville, Pa., with Dr. Atkinson, a noted physician and dentist. The Doctor commenced his practice at Meadville, and traveled at intervals fora number of years. In 1844, he cane to Canton, opened an office and practiced until 1860, when he returned to New York, locating in Chantauqua County, where he remained four years From there he moved Toledo, Ohio, and was engaged in the active practice of his profession for fourteen years, when he moved to Akron, this State. After practicing his profession there for five years, in May, 1885, he returned to Canton, where he purchased the fixtures of John Siddall, opened an office and confirmed his practice at the same stand. He is well provided with every new improved appliance for making the extraction of teeth as easy and painless an operation as possible; also preserves natural teeth and makes to order artificial teeth

Dr. Beatty was first married in 1838 to Miss Charlotte Whitney, of Silver Creek, N. daughter of Capt. J. C. Whitney, and ten children were born to this union, five of whom attained maturity. They were as follows: William C., in the Cleveland & Canton Railroad office; Bertha A., wife of Frank Bursherd, of 'Toledo, Ohio; Adda married A. H. Clark, now of Washington State; Mary, wife of Edward Reardon, now of Dallas, Tex., and Ella, wife of C. Snyder, of Toledo, Ohio. The Doctor's present wife was formerly Mrs. Jennie (Crockam) Tryon. No children have been born to this marriage. In politics, the Doctor is a Republican, and his first Presidential vote was cast for William H. Harrison and his last for Benjamin Harrison. Once more his vote will he cast for a Harrison this year, 1892. He resides at No. 209 West Seventh Street.

LOUIS SCHAEFER, deceased, was one of the the leading men of Canton for many years and the city owes much of its prosperity to his untiring efforts in its behalf. He was born in the Department of the Moselle, France, and was a son of Philip and Catherine (Loehr) Schaefer. His education was acquired chiefly in his native place and he received much valuable instruction from his father, who was a teacher by profession. In 1830, he came with his parents to this country, the family locating near Osnaburg, Stark County. Louis spent the early years of his life in this county, in clerking in a general store in Paris. Subsequently, he came to Canton and having made choice of the law as his profession, he entered the office of Griswold & Grant and was admitted to practice in 1842. From that time until his death, he was a leading attorney of the city. In the fall of 1843, by the friends of the administration of President Tyler, he was tendered the Secretary-ship of the French Legation, but respectfully declined the high compliment on account of his growing law practice. He devoted himself assiduously to his profession and succeeded in placing himself among the foremost men at the Bar.

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To public interests, Mr. Schaefer also gave much time. He was a member of the City Council for twelve years and served two terms as County Commissioner, the promptness and fidelity with which he performed his duty, giving him high commendation. For nine years, he was connected with the Board of Education and did much for the welfare of the public schools. In 1868, the Board saw fit to prohibit religious exercises in schools, believing that, as so many creeds and denominations were represented, and as the spirit and intention of the public school laws were adverse to the introduction, either directly or indirectly, of any religious dogmas or views, it was wise to leave the same outside of the school room. This action on the part of the Board brought forth n protest from a number of the clergymen in Canton, who wished the law rescinded. Their petition was respectfully received by the Board and replied to, point by point, by Mr. Schaefer, whose sound views on the subject were unanimously endorsed by the Board.

In the establishment of the water works system for Canton, Mr. Schaefer was the leading spirit, and he was active in securing the passage of the bill authorising County Commissioners to build court houses. The Stark County Court House was the first one erected under that law, Mr. Schaefer being a member of the Board of County Commissioners at that time. In 1866, he was the candidate on the Democratic ticket for Congress, and he represented the Seventeenth Ohio District on the commission sent to Washington to demand the release of Vallandingham. In May, 1849, Mr. Schaefer was united in marriage with Catherine Anna, daughter of Rev. Stephen Mealy, of Savannah, Ga. by them were born three children: Mary E., wife of Judge Day; Alice L., who died in 1874, at the age of twenty-one years; and Louis M., who died in June, 1890. The mother died in 1879, and several .years later Mr. Schaefer wedded Miss Helen Connyer, a native of Holmes County.

Mr. Schaefer made an excellent Secretary of the Board of Trade and, with other enterprising gentlemen, succeeded in having established in Canton several large manufacturing establishments, employing over six hundred hands, together with the mammoth watch making industry of the Dueber & Hampden Company. In 1867, he built the Schaefer Opera House and continued its manager until his last illness. He was one of the most popular managers in the country and made friends among some of the most noted theatrical people, including Ed-win Forrest, Lawrence Barrett, Thomas W. Keene, Clara Morris, Mary Anderson and Margaret Mather, and such managers of repute as John Ellsler, Augustus Piton, Brooks & Dixon and Shook & Collier.

The excellent public service of Mr. Schaefer in late years is well known to every one who has lived in or near Canton for any length of time. e was always anxious and willing to work for the benefit of the city and the promotion of its best interests. His energy was untiring and in his death Canton lost one of its most valued citizens. He enjoyed the highest respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact and his death, which occurred November 12, 1889, was mourned by many friends.

JAMES CAMPBELL, Among the noble men of Stark County, Ohio, who fulfilled their destiny And are now no more, may be mentioned James Campbell, whose walk through life was characterized by the most honorable business methods, by the keenness of his commercial instincts, by his devotion to his family, and by the interest be took in the welfare of his fellow-men. He was born at Atwater, Portage County, Ohio, March 11, 1818, and upon attaining a suitable age began learning the carpenter's trade at Massillon, during which time he laid the foundations for his future successful career. Upon completing his apprenticeship, he came to Canton and until 1848 worked at his trade with John Hoover, when he moved with his family to Madison, Wis., where he became a successful contractor and builder and erected some of the handsomest and most substantial structures of that city, which still stand

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is monuments to his skill and knowledge of his cailing. Among these buildings may he mentioned the State University, and some of the State Capitol buildings.

Our subject pursued his calling with vigor and success, until the call of his distressed country for troops roused every patriotic feeling within him, when he cast aside personal considerations and on the 21st of September, 1861, became a private in Company L, Third Wisconsin Cavalry. On the 14th of November following, he was made Second Lieutenant; on February 24, 1864, was made First Lieutenant, and March 9, 1865, was made Captain of Company D of the same regiment, and because of his gallant and meritorious conduct during the war was breveted as Major. At the close of the war, Mr. Campbell returned to Canton, Ohio, and entered into partnership with John R. Poyser as a builder and contractor, and the County Court House, the Eagle Block, the First Baptist Church, the Peerless Works, as well as other important con-tracts, were the result of their ingenuity and labor.

In 1872 he entered the lumber and planing-mill business, during which time he also carried on contracting, and the High School building on West Tuscarawas Street was erected. At the time of his death, March 27, 1892, which occurred at the age of seventy-four years and sixteen days, he was President of the Campbell Lumber Company, which he so successfully established, and which is now one of the most important industries of the city. I In 1844, he was married to Miss Susan Eck, of Louisville, Ohio, whom he only survived a year and a half. During their married life five children were born to them. One child died in infancy and their only daughter died at the age of sixteen years, while they were residents of Madison, Wis., which was a great affliction to the devoted parents. Three sons: J. M., Charles R. and J. F., are living, all of whom are active and highly honored business men of Canton.

Shortly after the death of his wife, Mr. Campbell began to fail in health, and realizing the fact that the winters in the North were too severe for him, his past two winters were spent in Florida, with a brother who resided there. This had no perceptible benefit, however, and during his last trip he failed rapidly, and telegraphed to be taken home, which was done by careful and loving hands, but he only reached home, the day before his death. He was a firm believer in the Gospel of Christ, and died peacefully. He was an accomplished and polished gentleman, both by instinct and training, and possessed generous, true-hearted and hospitable instincts. e was liberal with his means and contributed to enterprises of worth, and being a man of intellect, who kept himself thoroughly posted on all the current topics of the day, his wealth was used to good advantage. A large concourse of people followed him to the grave as a mark of affection and respect to the memory of a worthy and noble man.

FREDERICK H. CARPENTER. Louisville, Ohio, is a busy little town, among whose principal industries is numbered that of the Carpenter Hosiery Company of which our subject is the manager and principal owner. Mr. Carpenter was born in York County, Me., August 5, 1836, and is a son of Albion and Esther (Spencer) Carpenter. The father was an Englishman and came from London to America when about twenty years of age. Here he married and lived until his decease. He was a manufacturer, as is our subject.

The fact that much of our subject's boyhood days were spent in and about the mills accounts for his so naturally turning in that direction. he received his education in the Academy at Tilton, N. H., spending his seventeenth and eighteenth years there. His twentieth and twenty-first years were spent in the Commercial College at Mobile, Ala. He remained in the latter State, employed in the railroad service, until the War of the Rebellion broke out; and for six months after the tiring upon Ft. Sumter, and when the lines were closely drawn between the North and South, remained at his post. The owners of the railroad and the employees were mostly Northern men. The company was in arrears to the employees, and consequently the latter

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were kept South longer than they would have de-sired. Mr. Carpenter finally left on a midnight train. Reaching Memphis, he found that he could go no farther, and so got employment in a machine shop there, working until a more favorable opportunity should present itself to go North.

While in Mobile, our subject was so patriotic that he and another Northern man agreed to spike some cannon which the rebels were getting ready to send away, but at the last moment his partner weakened, and our subject did the business himself. When arrested later at Memphis, he thought that his scheme had been discovered, but it proved to be not so. The Committee of Safety there would not allow him to leave the city, notwithstanding Jefferson Davis' proclamation that all who desired might do so. He obtained a position on the Memphis & Ohio Railroad, but was arrested by the Committee of Safety. He was thrown into prison, but was finally released.

Mr. Carpenter remained in Memphis until the capture of the city by the Northern troops, and then entered Buell's department, running trains for the Government and opening the road for the benefit of the troops. He went to Bowling Green in Maj. Fox's brigade, and with him went to Louisville under a flag of truce, passing through both armies. Returning to his native place, he made a short visit at his home and returned to Louisville, being under the direction of Gen. Rosecrans in the Railroad Division, and having charge of Rosecran's special car. He also ran a train across a spur of the Cumberland Mountains to get coal, and operated in that capacity for one year. He continued in the Government railroad service until the close of the war. While at Humboldt, Tenn., Mr. Carpenter was captured but made his escape.

After the war, our subject went to Groton, Mass., and turned his attention to farming. After spending two years there, he spent a winter in Florida. He finally purchased a manufacturing establishment at Epping, N. H., where he manufactured hosiery for a number of years. From there he came to Louisville and put in his present machinery in 1886. He is prepared to take wool directly from the farmers and work it up into the finest hosiery. The factory is closed in the winter, when its owner spends his time in Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have two daughters, who are now traveling in Europe. They are Misses Aimee and Lucretia May. Both are finely educated, having had the best advantages afforded in American and European schools. Our subject is a Republican in his political convictions and affiliations, but is in no sense a politician.

JOHN JUSTICE. Intelligent, thrifty, wide-awake farmers form the greater part of the population of Stark County, and among these our subject occupies a creditable position. He is carrying on a good business as farmer and stock-raiser on section 29, Canton Township, and shows much skill, enterprise and judgment in his operations. He is prudent and cautious in his dealings, though at the same time he is wide-awake in all his transactions, which are always fair and above-board. In all the affairs of life he has conducted himself so as to win the es-teem and trust of all with whom he associates..

Our subject. who is an old resident of this county., was born February 23, 1831, in Hagerstown, Md., and is the son of Claudius Justice, who was also horn in that State in 1794. The grandfather, who also bore the name of Claudius, was a native of France, where he was educated for a Catholic priest. Coming to America prior to the Revolutionary War, his plans in life were altered by his falling in love with Miss Katie Stoub, whom he married, and was in consequence excommunicated. The grandfather served through the Revolutionary War and was a farmer by occupation, and a slaveholder in Hagerstown. He was a man of great wealth, and at one time lost $40,000 in Baltimore through a defective title. He later joined the Lutheran Church and died at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His good wife, who reared a family of seven daughters and three sons, died when eighty-one years of age.

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The father of our subject, being reared to farm pursuits, followed the occupation of au agriclturist in his native State, where he lived and died. He also was a patriot in the War of 1812, and died at the good old age of ninety-one years. A Lutheran in religion, he took an active part in all church work, and interested himself, as every good citizen should, in whatever concerned the welfare of his native place. he was a Democrat in politics and enjoyed a good reputation in business circles. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Polls-k, was also a native of Maryland, having been born in 1795. She became the mother of seven children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth, his brothers and sisters being Andrew, Catherine, Matilda, Elizabeth and Swan. The wife and mother died when eighty-live years of age, and, like her husband, was a conscientious member of the Lutheran Church, to which denomination she had belonged since child-hood. Her father, who was born in Ireland, came to the United States when a young man, where he followed the profession of school teacher until his decease.

He of whom we write; received his education in his native State, and when reaching his majority began life on his own account. When nine years of age, he was taken into the home of John Wealty, and when seventeen years of age, served a three-years apprenticeship at carriage-smithing, which he followed for six months, when he then abandoned that line of work, and was engaged by the month for ten years by Mr. Wealty. August 1, 1856, he came to this county, where be was employed on farms by the month. November 13 of that year, e was married to Miss Susannah Henline, who was born in Pike Township, this county, May 25, 1831. She is the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Lieghiy) Henline natives, respectively, of Somerset County, Pa., and Summit County, this State. He father of Mrs. Justice came to Stark County when it young man of eighteen years, in 1811, and her mother located in Pike Township with her parents when ten years of age. The latter is still living at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, and remembers the time when the city of Canton contained but three log cabins. After her marriage, her parents located in a log house in the woods, where the father immediately began the improvement of his property, upon which he remained until his death, which occurred at the age of fifty-six ears. His father, Cornelius Henline, crossed the mountains from Pennsylvania to this State three times. e entered land in Stark County, where he spent his remaining years and died at an advanced age. He endured many of the hardships incident to opening up a new country, as when he located here there was not a house within sight., and the surrounding country was open prairie, on which not a furrow had been turned.

To Mr. and Mrs. Justice have been born a family of nine children, four of whom are living, namely: Emma C., Loretta H., ida S., and John W. Those deceased are Mary E., Sarah E., S. Claudius (the twin of Emma C.), Alice L., and Francis H. After his marriage, our subject lived for tell years on a farm in Pike Township, and in 1868 purchased his present property. The little dwelling which then occupied the place was supplanted in 1874 by all attractive dwelling, and his home life was made cheerful and happy by the companionship of wife and children. His property, which includes eighty-three acres, is under excellent cultivation, and his labors as a general farmer have been so well rewarded, that he is able to live in comfort and ease. His place is stocked with the best of Short-horn cattle and Oxford sheep.

May 8, 1861, our subject enlisted in the union army, joining Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-second Regiment, and was mustered into service at Camp Chase, Columbus. Thence they were sent to Virginia, where they joined the Army of the Potomac. Our subject was soon after taken sick, and after being confined in a hospital at Columbus for three weeks, was mustered out, December 22, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Justice are both members of the German Baptist. Church, and are conscientiously discharging the obligations of life. Our subject takes an active part in politics, his convictions placing him in the ranks of the Republican party, he being a strong Protectionist. Few men who have begun life without other capital than their own mental and physical abilities have

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been more successful than Mr. Justice in achieving a competence and winning the favorable opinion of their fellows. It is doubtful if this section of the State can present a higher type of the architect of his own fortunes than he. Both himself and wife are held in the highest esteem by their neighbors and acquaintances, and by their social and benevolent dispositions they have become endeared to all who know them.

JOHN WEFLER. A large number of the prosperous agriculturists of Stark County are natives of lands across the sea, and are men who have begun their life's work with little or no capital, but whose natures have been so energetic, habits so industrious, and management so thrifty as to result in their financial success. One of this number is John Wefler, who is pleasantly located in Tuscarawas Township, where he has a beautiful farm, consisting of two hundred and forty acres. The land is good, the residence and other structures well built and the appointments such as belong to a first-class farm.

Mr. Wefler was born in Switzerland, March 15, 1821, and is a son of John and Susan (Glausen) Weller, who were also natives of that country. Having heard much of the possibilities held out to young men in the New World, young Weller, when sixteen years of age, emigrated to this country, taking passage at Havre, on a sailing-vessel, which landed him thirty-two days later in the city of New York. He was accompanied on the journey by his parents, who immediately came to Stark County, where they resided for a time and later took up their abode in Columbiana County, where they made their home for several years. Our subject, however, again came to this county. and since then has been classed among the successful agriculturists and a man where word in all business affairs is considered as good as his bond.

Our subject after coming to the United States received a fair education in both the English andGerman languages, and having laid a good foundation, has been able to add to his store of information all that is necessary to enable him to carry on his affairs successfully, and to understand what is going on in the world, and in what way he can best discharge the duties of citizenship. He began to make his own way in the world immediately after coming hither, and when he finally took possession of his present home he found before him much arduous toil, as the estate was but slightly improved, and he desired to make of it one equal in value and attractiveness to those around him.

Believing that his happiness would be increased by the companionship of a good woman, Mr. Wefler was married in 1849 to Mary A. Smith, who was also born in Switzerland. To them has been torn a family of ten children, namely: William H.; Sophia, Mrs. John Spuhler; Mary. A., Mrs. McFerrin; Lucinda, wife of Julius Khoenle; John J.; Samuel F.; Eliza, the wife of Paul Wampler; Rosa, Mrs. Amos Wampler; Clara, and D. Wilson.

In his political sympathy, our subject is independent, and in religious affairs, with his wife, is a member of the Reformed Church. Both are held in good repute, as well they may be, being upright in their lives and agreeable in their intercourse with mankind.

SAMUEL L. CORRELL. Pleasantly located in Plain Township is a home supplied with many comforts, and the center from which the influences of a happy domestic life emanates. It is occupied by the gentleman whose name introduces this paragraph, who during the time with which he has been identified with its interests has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has manifested the qualities of true manhood and won an honorable name among his fellowmen.

Samuel L. Correll is ranked among the prominent agriculturists of this section, and is descended from an old pioneer family in the county. He was born in Harrisburg, this State, December

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25, 1852, and is a son of Samuel Correll, Sr., who was born March 10, 1815, in Adams County, Pa. Grandfather John Correll was of German descent, and was also born in the Keystone State, the date thereof being January 5, 1788. He was a farmer by occupation, and July 17. 1834, landed with his family in this county, our subject having in his possession a portion of the wagon which was used on that eventful trip. His wealth in money when arriving in this county consisted of $2,200, which was hid in a chest, and carried on the front bolster of the wagon. This old relic of pioneer times is also owned by our subject. John Correll purchased a farm in this county and, leasing another, at once began the active operations of it farmer. His property, however, was only partially developed at the time of his decease, which occurred April 15, 1859. He was a member of the Christian Church, and enjoyed the good-will of the people among whom he lived. Until 1856, he voted with the Democratic party, and on the organization of the Republican party, joined its ranks.

The grandmother of our subject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Lind, and, like her husband she, too, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born July 10, 1793. Her family of twelve children born, the respective names of Jacob N., Samuel, John, Catherine, Fannie, Maria, Anna E., Sarah J., Nancy, Jeremiah, Margaret and Josiah. The grandmother was also a member of the Christian Church, and died March I, 1875.

The father of our subject was a young man in his nineteenth year on making his advent into this county, and, learning the trade of a farmer, followed it until 1864. In 1839, he established a tannery in Harrisburg, where he built up an extensive trade, shipping the greater portion of his manufactures to Cleveland. He moved on what is now the farm of our subject in 1863, having bought the interest, of the other heirs three years previous. There he farmed very successfully until 1881, when, in the fall of that year, he removed to Canton, where he is living retired from active life. The lady to whom he was married, December 31, 1840, was Miss Lucetta DePuy; she was born in Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of John H. DePuy, a relative of Chauncey M. Depew of New York, but who spelled his name differently. The mother of our subject was brought to this county by her parents when quite young, and by her marriage with Samuel Correll were born seven children, of whom the following five are living: John H.. William W., Emma E., Julia A., and Samuel L. Edson L. and Lucetta are deceased. The wife and mother, who died December 27, 1883, was a devoted member of the Methodist Church.

He of whom we write remained in Harrisburg until ten years of age, when he received his preliminary education in the early schools, and when eighteen years of age entered the Mt. Union College, where he took one term of the literary course. In 1870, he again became a student in that institution, this time entering the commercial department, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1871. When ready to establish a home of his own, he was married, September 22, 1881, to Miss Lana Wettach, who was born in Lake Township, this county, September 3, 1857. She was the daughter of Frederick J and Magdalena (Bricker) Wettach, both of whom were born in the city of Berne. Switzerland. There they were married, and after becoming the parents of four children. came to America, and making their way directly to this State, located near Greensburgh, Summit County. Later, they took up their abode in this county, where Mr. Wettach plied his trade of a cabinet-maker, maker, together with the operations of his farm. He died in Lake Township in 1879, while his good wife is still living, makes her home in Uniontown.

To Mr. and Mrs. Correll have been born two children, Laura and Hugh. The old home farm, of which he is the proprietor, comprises one hundred and sixty-two acres of finely-improved soil, which be is cultivating in a most profitable manner. He devotes his attention to mixed farming, and keeps on this place a good grade of all kinds of stock. He has on his estate a large frame residence. which is conveniently fitted up, together with a good barn, granary, and all the necessary buildings to be found on a first-class estate. he has carried on his work with untiring industry,

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which has been seconded by sound judgment in regard to business matters, and he has, therefore, been much prospered. His political affiliations are with the Republicans, and we always find him favoring every movement that will in any way benefit the township and county.

The Correll family, which is one of the most prominent in the county, has an organized re-union every year.

GEORGE M. SNYDER. The most note worthy footwear emporium in the city of Massillon, where can always be found an extensive and very complete assortment of every-thing in the footwear line, from the daintiest lady's kid shoe to the most durable brogan and strong men's walking shoe, is that of George M. Snyder. He was born on Main Street, Massillon, Ohio, on the 22d of September, 1843, and his father, Fred H. Snyder, was a native of Germany, born on the Rhine River. The grandfather, George M. Snyder, was also a. native of Germany, but brought his family to America about 1830, and settled in Massillon, Ohio, where the followed the wagon-maker's trade. This business he followed until quite aged, when he retired. When about eighty years of age, he was killed by being thrown from a wagon.

When about fourteen years of age, the father of our subject came with his parents to Massillon and here learned the carpenter's trade under Hamilton Schearer. Later, he was engaged in contracting and building and erected some of the early business houses and residences. He afterward started a sawmill, planing-mill, and sash, door and blind factory under the firm name of Snyder, Mong & Co., and he was at the head of the business. Here he received an injury from which his death resulted in 1858, when he was but fortwo years of age. He was truly a self-made man, for he had very limited educational advantages and was early thrown on his own resources as his parents were poor. Nevertheless, he became a well-posted man and a fine mathematician. He was an active member of the German Lutheran Church and a leader of the choir. In politics, he was in Republican and was Trustee of the village of Massillon. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Schriver, was born in Hanover, Germany, and came with her parents to America when a little girl. They died in this country. Mrs. Snyder now resides at the old home on North Street, and although past seventy-four years of age, time has dealt leniently with her and she is hale and hearty. Nine children were the result of this union, seven sons and two daughters, of whom the sons are still living, as follows: Fred IL, George M. (our subject), Jacob, Henry, Charles F., John B. and Benjamin L.

George M. Snyder, the third in order of birth of the above-mentioned children, was reared in Massillon and received his education in the Union Schools until the was fifteen years of age. He was then apprenticed at shoemaking under Sausser & Wert, and remained with this company for three years. After this, he was in Mansfield, Ohio, for four months, where he worked at his trade, and in 1862 he was employed by John Snyder, with whom he remained until the spring of 1863. He then bought out Mr. Snyder, paying $176 for the stock, $175 of which the borrowed. His business increased rapidly and he scion employed five men. In 1863, he was in the Ohio National Guards and on the 25th of May, 1864, he was mustered into the United States service in Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-second Ohio National Guards, locking up his shop and shouldering his musket.

Returning from the army, he resumed business, and as his trade increased he moved to Erie Street and employed seven men. The same spring, he embarked in the boot and shoe business, employed ten and twelve men and now conducts the largest store here. In 1867, he built his brick store and in the following year located in it and conducted n reliable business. e has built up a large and fashionable trade, and there are few houses whose wares are held in such high and well-merited esteem by an appreciative and discriminating public. In 1887, Mr. Snyder built his residence at No. 320 East Main Street, and has one of the most lovely

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and attractive homes in the city. he also owns other real estate and a farm of eight acres in Perry Township.

His marriage to Miss Melenda Wagoner, a native of this county, occurred on the 25th of May, 1865. Her parents, Christian and Susan Wagoner, were d settlers here and the father is still living on the d farm. The mother died December 18, 1891. Nine children have been born to our subject and wife as follows: Anna C. and Nellie J., at home; George C., who died when fourteen months old; Harry H., with his father in the store and a graduate of the High School; Otto P., a machinist with Hess, Snyder & Co.; Walter D., at home; Eva V.; Thomas H., who died when fourteen months d, and Freddie H. Mr. Snyder was a member of the City Council from the First Ward for seven years, or until he moved out of the ward, and was President of the Board for two years. He was on different committees and was active in other work to improve the city, the present sewer system being due to him and James H. McLain. Mr. Snyder was a member of the School Board for three years and then declined to serve longer. e is Director and Treasurer of the. Massillon Cemetery Association, which office he has held for nine years. He is one of the most prominent and successful business men of the place and is highly regarded by all. A member of the Lutheran Church he has been a Trustee in the same since 1867. He was Chairman of the Building Committee and was Sunday-school Superintendent for a number of years. In polities, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party and has been a delegate to county and State conventions.

CHARLES W. ROEPPER. As a conspicuous example of success in business pursuits in Alliance, the Solid Steel Company presents a notable instance, its business having steadily expanded from year to year since its inception. Much of its success and high position in commercial circles is due to the tireless efforts and excellent judgment of Mr. Roepper, who for ten years has occupied the position of General Superintend-en t. His thorough knowledge of all the details of the business, superior ability, and constant endeavors have resulted in a rapid increase of business in every department, until now the establishment reflects the highest credit upon the city and furnishes a striking example of the possibilities of business success in Alliance.

Mr. Roepper comes of distinguished parentage, his father, William T., having been a celebrated scientist, and during the latter pt of his life was Professor in the Lehigh University. He emigrated to America from his native country, Prussia, about 1830, and located in Bethlehem, Pa., where, many years later, he closed his eyes to the scenes of earth. He had been highly educated in his native land, and his tastes being in the direction of scientific studies, he naturally made a specialty of that branch of learning, in which he gained wide distinction. He was fortunate in having a father who labored lovingly to impart to him a broad knowledge of scientific subjects, and his mother, who had been educated at the Ladies' Moravian Seminary, at Bethlehem, Pa., was also fitted to be his teacher and instill in his mind a love of learning.

The mother of our subject, formerly Miss B. A. Luckenbach, was born in Goshen, Ohio, in 1819, and still survives, making her home in Bethlehem, Pa. Her father, Abrahams Luckenbach, was in celebrated Missionary, and during the first part of the present century labored to spread the Gospel among the Delaware Indians.

When fifteen years old, our subject was apprenticed to learn the trade of a machinist or moulder, and so rapid was the progress he made, that when eighteen, he beoame chemist of the Lehigh Zinc Company, at Bethlehem, Pa. During that time he took a course of three years' study in iron and steel metallurgy and chemistry, while he also supported himself by his position as chemist. At, the age of twenty-three, he became chemist to the Bethlehem Iron Company, one of the most famous works in the East. Afterward he assumed the management of the Blast Furnace, at Dover, N. J.,

.464 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

which he filled satisfactorily for a number of years, resigning it to take charge of the steel works of the Springfield (Ill.) Iron Company.

In the fall of 1882, Mr. Roepper came to Alliance, where, as above stated, he has since had charge of the works of the Solid Steel Company, in which he is a stockholder and Director. He is a thorough-going business man and has made many friends wherever he has been, being especially influential among iron manufacturers. He is a member of a number of prominent associations, among them the American Institute of Mining Engineers; Berzeliu's Chemical Society of Yale College; the Chemical Society of Lehigh University; the English Iron and Steel Institute; the German Iron and Steel Institute; United States Naval Institute, of Annapolis, and German Engineers' Institute, of Germany.

JOHN POORMAN. The life of a farmer may be, in a certain way, uneventful, but it is not therefore of necessity devoid of opportunity for well-doing in financial, moral, intellectual or civil sense. On the contrary, it is as replete with choices for advancement as any calling that can be chosen, and is superior to many in this respect. This has been proved in the life of Mr. Poorman, who has made a good home for himself, has reared his family to honor and usefulness, and gained is good reputation as a man. He is one of the farmers and stock-raisers of Stark County, and is pleasantly located on section 28, Tuscarawas Township, owning one hundred and ten acres of land with good buildings.

The parents of our subject, Peter and Mary (Richard) Poorman, were natives of Pennsylvania, and his maternal uncle, Charles Richard, is said to have been a soldier in both the Revolutionary War and that of 1812. In the fall of 1828, the father of our subject, with his family, came overland with a team and wagon to this county, and located on the farm where our subject is living at the present time. During their first years here, the country round about was quite wild, but each year saw some changes for the better and increased the facilities for intercourse with other parts of the world. The family, which was a large one, now numbers four children: Susan, Mrs. Jacob Stair; Rachel, widow of Jacob Humberger; Charlotte, the widow of Joseph Hassler; and John, our subject.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was horn in Franklin County, Pa., February 7, 1825, and during his early years conned his lessons in a log schoolhouse with a shake roof and puncheon floor. He remained at home until he was of age, then began the battle of life for him-self and in a few years secured a companion and helpmate. His marriage to Miss Caroline Kelker was solemnized November 25, 1844, and by her he became the father of eight children, of whom the following seven are living: Jacob L., Margaret A., Peter L, William H., Franklin R., Charles E., and Clara F. (Mrs. Lemuel Stahl). The wife and mother departed this life in 1871, and the lady whom Mr. Poorman chose as his second companion was Mrs. Naomi A. Angstadt, the daughter of Samuel and Anna (Birchfield) Slusser. Mrs. Poorman, is a native of this county, having been born April 10, 1839. Her father is said to have been the first white child born within the limits of Tuscarawas Township. He was a well-to-do farmer, who reared a family of eight children, four of whom are deceased. Those living are Mary J, James B., Mrs. Poorman, and Leonard P.

By her first marriage with Benjamin Maxhimer, Mrs. Poorman became the mother of three children: Leonard, Harvey and Nannie, the latter the wife of John Wetzel. By her second union with Daniel Angstadt, she had one son, Robert R.

Our subject is well informed regarding local affairs, and his public spirit and enterprise correspond with his intelligence. He has served six years as County Commissioner and has been Trustee and Clerk of Tuscarawas Township, and in 1890 was elected Land Appraiser of Tuscarawas Township. During elections he casts a Democratic vote, and has labored earnestly to advance the agricultural interests of his township. Relig-

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iously, he is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church, while his good wife is identified with the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

HENRY A. CAVNAH is the General Manager of Bucher & Gibbs Plow Company, of Canton. The works of this company were estasblished in 1864 by John R. Bucher, and were operated under a partnership name until 1886, when the business was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, with a capital stock of $250,000. This has since been increased and the capital stock of the company is now $350,000. The plant is located on East Seventh Street, near the track of the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne, & Chicago Railroad and the Cleveland & Canton Railroad, and they do a large and constantly increasing business in the manufacture of plows. As the goods that they turn out are of excellent workmanship, they find a ready sale, and this industry has become one of the leading enterprises of Canton.

Mr. Cavnah is a native of Canton. He was born June 23, 1843, and is a son of Samuel Cavnah, who was one of the pioneer manufacturers of this city. In 1865, he removed to Indiana and engaged in the manufacture of farm implements in Bourbon until his death, which occurred on the 16th of May, 1890. His wife bore the maiden none of Mary Becher and was a daughter of Henry Becher.

Our subject was educated in his native city, and at the age of eighteen enlisted in Company i, Sixty-fourth Ohio Regiment, the Hon. John Sherman commanding the brigade, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. e served for four years and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Franklin, Nashville and the Atlanta campaign. He was ever found at his post of duty, valiantly defending the old lag. At the close of the war, he was honorably discharged in Nashville, in October, 1865.

Mr. Cavnah then went to Indiana, whither his parents had removed in the meantime, and remained in the Hoosier State until 1869. e then returned to Canton and became associated with the firm of H. H. Myer & Brother, and in 1875 entered the employ of the Bucher Plow Company as book-keeper, rendering efficient service in that capacity until 1881, when he bought an interest in the concern. Soon afterward, he was made Secretary and Treasurer, which offices he held until January, 1892, when he became General Manager.

Mrs. Cavnah was in her maidenhood Miss Sallie, daughter of Robert Van Horn, and she became the wife of our subject July 19, 1876. By their union have been born four children, viz.: Howard E., Olive, Harker and Karl.

The family has a pleasant home on South Market Street. Mr. Cavnah is a member of Nimisilla Lodge No. 39, I.O.O. F. He is also a Mason, having attained the degree of Knight Templar, and also belongs to Campand Post No. 25, G. A. R. The success of the Bucher & Gibbs Plow Company during the past few years has been largely due to the untiring efforts and efficient management of Mr. Cavnah, who is a man of pronounced business ability. During the late war, he proved himself a faithful soldier, and he is alike true to his country in times of peace, discharging every duty of citizenship with fidelity. His honorable, straightforward life has won him an enviable position in both business and social circles He is a stanch Republican.

D. C. McDOWELL, one of the prominent farmers and settlers of Stark County,>/b> Ohio, is well known own in this vicinity and is everywhere respected for his sterling worth and upright, honorable career. He was born in Tuscarawas Township, Stark County, Ohio, on the 26th of November, 1820, and was the fourth in order of birth of thirteen children torn to James and Mary (Craig) McDowell,

466 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

both natives of Washington County, Pa. The paternal grandfather, a native of Ireland, was married in his native country, and at an early day crossed to this side of the ocean. He located in Washington County, Pa., and there passed the closing scenes of his life. He reared five sons, four of whom made permanent homes in the Buckeye State, two settling in Wayne and two in Stark County.

James McDowell was reared in the county of his birth, and was there married to Miss Craig. After residing there until 1816, the productive soil of Ohio tempted them hither, and they made a settlement in Tuscarawas Township, Stark County, entering one hundred and sixty acres of Government land. On this Mr. McDowell erected a rude log house, hung a quilt at the door, and in this primitive manner began his career as a pioneer. On this farm the worthy couple passed a busy and contented life, the mother dying when forty-nine, and the father when sixty-six years of age. Their family consisted of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, eleven of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and four of whom are now living, as follows: Mary, widow of Joseph Fulton, of Sidney, Ohio; Lettie, widow of William Winter, resides in Kansas; and Nancy, wife of William Lyon, makes her home in Wayne County, Ohio.

The subject of our sketch is the only one of the sons now living. e was reared amid the rude surroundings of pioneer life, and grew to sturdy manhood upon terms of familiarity with all kinds of farm labor. In boyhood he attended the log schoolhouse and after growing up he remained with his parents until his marriage, which occurred on the 18th of May, 1843 to Miss Margaret Porter, a native of Wayne County, Ohio. The sari event of her death took place on the 30th of October, 1870, when still a comparatively young woman. Six children were the fruits of this union, three sons and three daughters, as follows: Madison, Elva, Logan and Era are deceased. Orrin resides at home with his father; and Eva, wife of E. E. Shilling, re-sides in Lawrence Township, this county.

When our subject located on his present property, it had a very different appearance from its now prosperous aspect, very little having been cleared and, the only buildings were a dilapidated brick house and a log barn. This is one of the finest farms in the township, and he erected his present commodious and substantial two-story residence in 1870, at a cost of $3,000. He has a fine bank barn, also other necessary buildings, and everything about the place indicates that a progressive hand is at the helm. He is engaged in stock-raising in connection with farming and is still a hardworking man, his early habits still clinging to him although well-to-do. He is an active Republican in polities, and a worthy member of the Presby terian Church.

MOSES CLAY is the most extensive land holder in .Jackson Township, Stark County, and is a product of the section in which he now resides, for here he was born November 27, 1823. His father, Isaac Clay, was a Pennsylvanian, and came direct from his native State to Stark County, Ohio, in 1804, at which time Canton consisted of about six houses. He took up eighty acres of land in Plain Township, on which he remained until 1812, when he re-moved to Jackson Township, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 29, for which ho paid $2 per acre. There he erected a log cabin, 12x14 feet, and that farm was the scene of his active labors for the remainder of his life. He was a Whig in politics. His death, which occurred in 1852, was deeply lamented by a large circle of acquaintances. His father, David Clay, was a Pennsylvanian also, of Welsh descent. In 1810, Isaac Clay was married in Plain Township to Miss Mary Pennock, who was born in Connecticut, and re-moved with her parents to Virginia when she was a small girl. Her father, William Pennock, is sup-posed to have been born in Connecticut and was descended from English ancestors. His wife lived to be ninety-six years of age.

To Isaac and Mary Clay seven children were born, six sons and one daughter, all of whom at-

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tained manhood and womanhood and reared families of their own: William, John, Isaac, Solomon; Alice, wife of Thomas Hartness, of Portland, Oregon; Moses, our subject; and Oliver, of Portland. The scholastic education of Moses Clay was acquired in the old log schoolhouse of early times, in which he acquired a fair knowledge of the " three R's." Like a dutiful son, he remained with his parents until he attained his majority, and on the 25th day of August, 1850, was married to Miss Catherine Madison, who was born in Baltimore, Md., August 9, 1832. Otis Madison, her father, was horn in New Hampshire, and was a "delineator," being the first man in America to invent a system of cutting gentlemen's clothing by rule. He did an extensive business in New York City, Buffalo and Detroit. He was exceptionally skilled in his calling, and not only traveled extensively throughout the United States, but also went W France twice in the interests of his business. For a time he was editor of a men's fashion-plate journal and was widely known. He died in Buffalo, N. Y., at the age of sixty-five years. He was married to Elizabeth Boyden, of South Carolina, in which State she was reared and where she owned a number of slaves at one time. Her father was a lawyer of considerable prominence and died from the rupture of it blood-vessel while pleading a case.

Mrs. Clay was left motherless at the age of six years, and two years later came to Massillon to make her home with her uncle, Noah Madison. That gentleman was born in 1801 and died in 1886, He was the first maker of edged tools in Stark County, and was a gentleman of prominence. Mrs. Clay was one of the pupils in the first Union School in Ohio, and received a good education. She is a lady of exceptional intelligence, and from her Southern ancestors inherits that ease, grace and dignity for which the women of the Sunny South are famous. She is a devoted wife and mother and an earnest and faithful friend.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Clay located on their present farm, where their five sons and four daughters were born: Mary, who died at the age of three months; Ella, wife of Jackson Pontius, the Superintendent of the Infirmary of Stark County Harvey; Otis M ; Frank, who lives on the d Isaac Clay homestead in Jackson Township; Edward, of Canton; Emma, wife of W. J. Pontius; Mary D. and Marshall F. Mr. Clay owns a valuable farm of three hundred and fifty acres in Jackson Township, which is the largest piece of land in one body owned by a single individual in the township. It is one of the most fertile tracts in the county, and under Mr. Clay's able management, it has been made to yield abundant liar-vests. He is a practical general farmer and stock-raiser, and is deservedly ranked among the fore-most agriculturists of his section. Of late years he has taken much interest in the raising of Jersey cattle, of which breed he now has seventeen head. e is a member of the Grange, and politically is a Republican. In disposition, he is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, and the high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors and acquaintances speaks in eloquent terms as to his many amiable and sterling traits and characteristics.

JOSEPH A. LINVILLE is Secretary of the C. Aultman & Co. Manufactory, of Canton, Ohio. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., near Gap Postoffice, on the 27th of April, 1813, and was the second of four children, whose parents were William D. and Margaret (Hoar) Linville. The paternal grandfather, Benjamin Linville, was of Scotch and English extraction. He was a carpenter and farmer by occupation, and in religious faith was a Quaker. The Hoar family is of German and English descent. In 1845, William Linville and his family removed in a wagon to Champaign County, Ohio, locating upon a farm, where the parents of our subject still reside, the father being in his seventy-sixth year, while the mother is seventy-one years of age. They are members of the Society of Friends, and are highly respected people.

The subject of this sketch was only about two

468 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

years old when brought by his parents to the Buckeye State. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent upon his father's farm, and in the common schools he acquired his early education. At the age of seventeen, he left the parental roof and entered the Normal School in Urbana, Ohio, subsequently teaching school during the winter season. In 1876, our subject entered the employ of C. Aultman & Co., as Local Agent at Urbana. The same year he traveled in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota in their interest. In 1877, he accepted the general agency of the company for Illinois with headquarters four years at Galesburg and two years at Peoria. January 1, 1883, he removed to Canton, became a stockholder in the company, took charge of the sales department, superintended the general and local agents, and managed the disposal of the company's products. In 1887, he was elected Secretary of the company, which responsible position he still holds. The company engages in the manufacture of threshing-machines, slackers and saw-mills, and has an extensive trade, selling in almost every State in the Union, and also shipping largely to foreign countries. The works, grounds and lumberyards occupy twenty-five acres.

On the 19th of February, 1867, Mr. Linville was united in marriage with Miss Martha J. Guthridge, of Cleveland, Ohio, a native of Champaign County, and a daughter of John C. and Abigail O. Guthidge. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Linville have been born four children, as follows: Nettie, now the wife of J. Arthur Coburn, of Canton; Benjamin J., Hattie M. and Estelle.

During the late war, Mr. Linville manifested his loyalty to the Government by enlisting in 1864, and was subsequently elected Orderly Sergeant of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, under the command of Col. A. B. Armstrong. He was disabled in the service, and was honorably discharged. He now holds membership with Canton Post No. 25, G. A. It. He has al-ways taken an interest in political affairs, and being it stalwart Republican, is recognized as an influential member of the party in the State. He served as Alderman from the First Ward, and is now President of the City Council. n addition to his other business interests, he is Vice-president of the Gold Ball Mining Company, and in 1891 was President of the Board of Trade of Canton.

Mr. Linville is a man of excellent business ability, sagacious and far-sighted, and by his own efforts has worked his way upward to the responsible position he now fills. He ranks high in business circles, and is regarded by all who know him as an honorable, upright man.

CHARLES O. HEGGEM. There is in the business world only one kind of man who can successfully combat the many disadvantages and trials and come boldly to the front, and that is the man of superior intelligence and force of character, one who is also the happy possessor of that energy that seems somehow to be the magic wand that transforms a poor beginning into a flattering ending. To this class belongs Charles O. Heggem, who is General Superintendent of Russell & Co.'s Works.

Our subject is a native of Norway, having been born in Bergen, November 29, 1851, and is the son of Ole Heggem, who was born about one hundred and fifty miles north of that place, April 9, 1832. Grandfather Axel Heggem was born in Bergenstift in 1787, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a soldier in the war with the Swedes from 1807 to 1814. The father of our subject was a pattern-maker in the shops of his native place. He emigrated to America with his family in 1868, and took up his residence in Chicago, where he still resides. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of our subject, was Johanna Mucklebust; she was also a native of Bergenstift, and was a daughter of Knut Mucklebust, who was a farmer near Bergen.

Charles O. Heggem of this sketch was the eldest in the parental family of ten children, five of whom are deceased. he was educated in the Latin schools of his native place, and when fourteen years of age served three years' apprenticeship in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. - 469

The Bergen Machine Works. He accompanied his intents on their removal to America in 1868, sailing from Stavanger on the sailing-vessel "Atlanta" on Is first trip to Quebec. Thence they went to Chi-!ago, where our subject was employed in the Chromatic Printing Press Works for two years. From there he came to Salem, this State, and engaged for a umber of years with the Buckeye Engine Company, and when leaving its employ occupied the ! position of foreman.

In the spring of 1884, our subject came to Massillon as foreman of Russell & o.'s Machine Shops, serving as such for several years, when he was gradually advanced to Superintendent of the entire establishment. Since entering their employ, the firm has engaged in the building of an automatic engine, on which our subject has made many improvements and patents, which he has turned over to the interests of Russell & Co.

In 1872, Charles O. Heggem and Miss Rebecca Boe were united in marriage. The lady was born in Stavanger, Norway, and came with her parents. Knut and Mary Bore, to Salem in 1870, where her father was engaged in the manufacture of stoves. To our subject and his wife have been born three children: Oscar E., Alfred G. and Chalmer R. Mr, Heggem, socially, is a Knight Templar, being Generalissimo of Massillon Commandery No. 4. He belongs to Clinton Lodge No. 47, F. and A. M., and to Hiram Chapter Royal Arch Masons. In politics, he is a true-blue Republican, and occupies a high position in the American Society of .Mechanical Engineers, of which he has been a member since 1889.

JACOB HAWK is one of the leading German citizens of Canton, and a man of sterling worth, which is indicated by the fact that for a quarter of a century he has been an employee in the C. Aultman & Co.'s Works. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, June 27, 1825, and is a son of Michael P. and Elizabeth Hawk, both of whom were natives of Germany. In 1832, they bade good-bye to the Fatherland, and sailed for America, landing in New York City after a voyage of forty days upon a sailing-vessel. From the Eastern metropolis, they came direct to Stark County, Ohio, locating in Sugar Creek Township, where Mr. Hawk carried on general farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred in 1855. Hiss wife survived him seven years, when she too passed away. They were the parents of four sons, but our subject is the only survivor and the youngest of the family.

Jacob Hawk was a lad of seven summers when he cane with his parents to Ohio. He attended school two years in his native land, and after coming to Stark County, conned his lessons in a log schoolhouse, such as were common on the frontier. His training at farm work was not as limited as his educational privileges, and he remained at home assisting in the cultivation of his father's land until he had attained his majority. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Miss Maria behold, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, their union being celebrated in 1846. The lady is a native of Germany and a daughter of Conrad Lebold.

The young couple began their domestic life in Sandy Township, Tuscarawas County, where Mr. Hawk, with characteristic energy, carried on general farming until 1861. He came that year to Canton and entered the C. Aultman & Co.'s Works, with which he has been connected up to the present time. He possesses much mechanical genius, and can adapt himself to the work per-formed in almost every department. He has made many inventions for the improvement of the different kinds of machinery used in the works, and has secured some twelve patents.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hawk have been born a son ! and daughter, Philip and Elizabeth. Our subject is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his family arc Evangelical Lutherans. They reside at No. 142 South Cleveland Avenue, and their pleasant home is the abode of hospitality. In addition to his home, Mr. Hawk owns considerable farming land in the State of Kansas. As his financial resources have increased, he has made Judi-

470 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

cious investments, and now owns some valuable real estate. In politics, he is conservative, and generally votes with the Republican party, by which he was elected Alderman. He was a member of the City Council at the time of the construction of the Canton Water Works. Mr. Hawk is a man of more than average ability, and is an intelligent and well-informed man, popular among his business associates and in social circles.

HENRY HOUTZ is well known and honored in Stark County, not only as nodtative of the family whose name has been connected with this portion of Ohio from the very earliest days of its settlement to the present, but for the part he has taken in its development and for his worth as a man and a citizen. He is one of the prominent and wealthy farmers of Canton Township, where he has a well-regulated farm of eighty-five acres on section 2. He is a native of the county, born here in pioneer times December 24, 1843, on his father's homestead on section 23.

He of whom we write from early boyhood has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and has been an honorable part in developing the farming interests of this township, and now is the proprietor of an excellent farm. He received the rudiments of his education in the district school, but gained the greater part of his knowledge by reading and experience. When twenty-three years of age, he began life for himself, and September 10, 1865, was married to Miss Susannah L. Brenner, who was born September 11, 1844, in Lancaster County, Pa. They became the parents of one child, a daughter, Mary, who married Albert Eigher and resides in Canton.

After his marriage, Mr. Houtz of this sketch rented land for a time, and after living for five years on the old Brenner homestead came to this section in 1874, where the purchased land, and the following year built his present large brick residence and barn, the latter of which is 75x44 feet in dimensions. His estate is pleasantly located just two miles from the Court House, and is in a good condition as regards its tillage and productiveness. Mr. Houtz is a man of progressive ideas and good business ability, to which is added an amount of energy which tarries his enterprises forward rapidly, and which has increased his worldly prosperity. He is engaged in mixed farming and enjoys a high personal standing throughout the county, and has many true friends among his fellow-citizens, with whose interests his own have been identified for so long a period.

Politically, our subject is a Republican, but in all local issues votes independently. In an early day, he operated a threshing-machine on the ground that is now occupied by buildings in the heart of Canton, and has thus been an eyewitness of the wonderful development of this section, which he has aided to bring about by hard labor. He has always displayed a zealous interest in the welfare of his township, and his honesty and truthfulness have never been questioned, and in all business transactions his word is as good as his bond.

REV. GEORGE W. BROWN, of Stark County, was born at Bascom, Seneca County, Ohio, on the 18th of December, 1840, to the union of Jacob C. and Sarah (Price) Brown. The father was a native of Louisville, Ohio, born about 1814, and was of German extraction. His early life was passed on a farm in Stark County, and he was there married to our subject's mother, who was also a native of Stark County, born about 1817. Early in life the father learned the trade of plasterer, bricklayer and stone-mason, and probably moved to Seneca County, Ohio, shortly after marriage, for two children, older than our subject, were born there.

The mother's health failing and the father finding it hard to provide for his family, our subject

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 471

was thrown on his own resources at an early day and went to live with a farmer, Daniel Tombaugh, who resided near West independence, Hancock County, Ohio. Soon after going there, his mother Mod. At that time he was about seven years of age and he was brought up by Mr. and Mrs. Tombaugh, as was also his youngest brother, Alvin M., who was then four years old. His home remained in Hancock County until 1855, and as Mr.Tombaugh had no children of his own, he was very anxious that our subject and his brother should be well educated. He planned that the former should he n minister and the latter a doctor, and the boys were given every advantage the common schools of Hancock County afforded.

When young Brown was fifteen years of age, Mr. Tombaugh sold out and moved to Stark County, Ohio, and located three-fourths of a mile from Louisville, where our subject attended school, part of the time in the country schools and part of the time in town. He there laid the foundation for his subsequent prosperous career, for he received a thorough training in the common branches. In the year 1858 or 1859, He went to Greensburgh, Ohio, with a view to preparing for the ministry. Previous to this, when sixteen years of age, he became identified with the Evangelical Association at Good Hope Church, and he now in good earnest began to think of preparing for the ministry. In the summer of 1860 and fall and winter of that year and the following year, he taught school in what is now known as the Snyder District.

In 1861, Mr. Brown went to Bryan, Williams County, Ohio, to visit a sister, Mrs. Eliza Green, and while there the call came for seventy-five thousand volunteers. On the 20th of April, 1861, at the first opportunity, he enlisted in Company G, Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in at Cleveland, where his company remained a few weeks. From there they went to West Virginia, and our subject was first under fire at Phillippi, under Col. Steadman, who afterward became General. The next engagement was at Bealington, under Gen. Milroy, and they followed the Confederates without their usual supply of clothing and provisions. At night they had nothing but a piece of hardtack. Our subject succeeded in getting a rubber overcoat which partly covered his body, for it rained all night. They started after the Confederates the next morning without breakfast and overtook them at Carrick's Ford, where, after a hard-fought battle, the enemy was overpowered. They captured the rebel sup-ply, but got nothing to eat until noon next day.

Returning to Bealington, our subject suffered more with hunger than he did during any subsequent time he was in service. Soon after the company returned home, at the expiration of the term of enlistment, our subject went to Williams County, where he remained four weeks. He then reenlisted for three years in Company K, Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and went into camp at Camp Latta, at Napoleon, Ohio. Later, he was at Camp Chase and then at Ft. Donelson, where he suffered intensely with cold. Once the built a fire, but was ordered to put it out and did so. how-ever, as soon as the officer was gone, he built enough to keep his feet warm. His next engagement was at Shiloh, and he was in Gen. Lew Wallace's brigade which saved (Gen. Grant's army at that battle. After this our subject was at Bolivar and Matamoras, and at the latter place saw his first shell from the enemy. Like many others, he dodged it, and afterwards found that it was a quarter of a mile away from him. he was in the siege of Vicksburg, was through it all, and assisted m breaking the levee to turn the water into Louisiana. He was at the battle of Thompson's Hill, where they charged the enemy just at nightfall and drove them out. He was under Gen. Logan at the battle of Raymond, and afterwards at Jackson, Champion Hills and Black River. At Vicksburg Mr. Brown re-enlisted as a veteran, went across the Mississippi, and took part in the battle at Baker's Creek. Returning to Vicksburg, he obtained a veteran furlough for thirty days and went home, where he spent part of the time in Stark and part of the time in Williams County.

Returning to his command, Mr. Brown was at the front in Big Shanty. Soon after, he had the opportunity of watching n battle without being engaged in it, and was so situated that he could watch the approach of both armies. After this he

472PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was in many skirmishes until the army reached Atlanta, where our subject was out as a skirmisher and unconsciously saved his life by stepping back just as a bullet passed along his vest. He was chased by the enemy, but managed to escape by hiding. He had still another narrow escape from injury at Atlanta, a ball passing through one of his stockings. Mr. Brown was with Gen. Sherman in his march to the sea, and from Savannah went to South Carolina, where he was appointed to take charge of a forage detail, having command of the same for live months, or until the close of the war. He had many narrow escapes hut was ever ready for duty. After cessation of hostilities, our subject took part in the Grand Review at Washing-ton, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky. He enlisted as a private, but just before reaching Atlanta he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant

After the war was over Mr. Brown returned to Stark County, Ohio, and soon began to prepare for the ministry by a course of private reading. On the 27th of January, 1867, he was married to Miss Sophia J. Grant, a distant relative of Gen. U. S. Grant, her grandfather and Gen. Grant's father being second cousins. She was born in Stark County, Ohio, near Alliance, January 14, 1845, and was a daughter of Stacy and Mary (Schaffer) Grant The March following his marriage Mr. Brown entered the conference, and was assigned to n charge at Dempseytown, Venango County, Penn., where he remained two years. From here he went to Oil City, where he remained one year; next at Linesville, Penn., two years, and then on the Stark Circuit of Stark County one year. After this he was at Southington, Trumbull County, Ohio, two years; East Liberty, Summit County, Ohio, three years, and while there was sent as a delegate two years in succession to the General Board of Missions. After leaving Liberty, he went on the Venango Circuit, Clarion County, Penn., remained there two years, and was sent as a delegate to the General Conference at Chicago. Later, Rev. Mr. Brown moved to Des Moines, Iowa, was pastor there for one year. and broke down at that place with rheumatism. Thinking to improve his health, He went to Manley Junction, and later his friends sent him to Hot Springs, Ark., where he soon got better. Returning to his charge, he soon grew worse again, and was obliged to return to his home in Stark County. He gradually improved in health and went to Shenango, Mercer County, Pa., where he remained two years, and from there to South Fork in the Allegheny Mountains, where he was almost entirely cured of the rheumatism. While there he was near the dam above Johnstown, and at the time the dam broke was standing watching it. he is the author of a description of the scene, but this piece was much mutilated by the type-setter. Mr. Brown's wife and daughter had just been in the valley to request some friends to move out, and had left the valley but a few minutes when the awful flood came down. Our subject's only son, Frank D. Brown, a young man of twenty, went to work in Johnstown after the flood, took sick with typhoid fever and died there, thus sacrificing his bright young life for the benefit of others.

Mr. Brown was at South Fork for two years after the Johnstown flood, and then went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was pastor of Fulton Street Evangelical Church one year. He was then elected Presiding Elder of Pittsburgh District, and moved to his present home. While in Pitts-burgh he was appointed a delegate to the General Conference at Philadelphia. In 1890, be was appointed a member of in committee of three to go to Cleveland to bring suit against the publisher of the Evangelical Publishing House, and the first decision was in favor of the plaintiff. He was again reappointed, in 1891, as a member of a committee on litigation by the General Conference. Mr. Brown has taken it prominent part in this litigation, and he ham written a number of articles in reference to it. He took stock and was a Director in the Evangelical Publishing Company of Harrisburg, Pa.

Our subject's marriage was blessed by the birth of two children. Frank D. Brown, horn at Dempseytown, Pa., December 12, 1868. He was a good scholar, but had not finished his course at the time of his death, October 29, 1889. He was an unusually bright, intelligent boy, and was beloved by all. The other child, a daughter, is

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named Iva E. She was born at Southington, Trumbull County, Ohio, June 16, 1873. Our subject's benefactor, Daniel Tombaugh, died on the 5th of August, 1891, and Mr. Brown was left his sole heir. The eldest sister of our subject, Mrs. Martha Hallis, is a widow and resides in Iowa. His next sister, Mrs. Eliza Green, resides in Bradford, Ark., and his next youngest brother, William H., is a bachelor and served three years in the war. He is at present located at Springdale, Oklahoma Territory. The youngest brother, Alvin, M., enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Infantry, and was killed in a charge at Chancellorsville.

JOSEPH BIECHELE, President and Manager of the Joseph Biechele Soap Company, President of the Berger Manufacturing Company,Vice-president of the Central Savings Bank and President of the Ohio Volk Zeitung, is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Canton. He is well and favorably known throughout the State of Ohio and adjoining States as well. He was born in Baden, Germany, March 19, 1833, and is the youngest of four sons and two daughters.

The father of our subject, Leopold Biechele, was a soap manufacturer and carried on that business in Baden until his death, which resulted from typhoid fever in 1835. The same time several children of the family died. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Egly, continued to reside in her native land until 1817, when, with a son and two daughters, she emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans, whence with her family she started for Cincinnati, Ohio, where she had a sister living. The vessel on which she took passage began racing with another boat, and near Natchez the pressure of steam was so great that the heads of the cylinders were blown off, and she and her daughter, together with sixty-five others, were killed in the explosion. The son Charles and the other sister had gone on deck a few minutes before the accident, and were saved.

Our subject was thus left an orphan at a very early age, his father dying when he was two and his mother when he was but ten years. He remained in his native land after his mother started for America, and attended school between the ages of six and thirteen years, acquiring a good knowledge of grammar, Latin and the common branches. On leaving school, be entered the employ of a grain dealer, with whom he remained until eighteen years of age, when he emigrated to the United States in 1851, landing in New York City. He came direct to Canton, and went to work with his brother, Charles Biechele, who was engaged in the manufacture of candles. In 1853 and 1854, he was employed in a soap factory in Cincinnati, and paid the soap-boiler to teach him the process of making soap. After about eighteen months, he returned to Canton and formed a partnership with his brother in the manufacture of soap, which they continued for tour years. They began operations on a small scale in connection with the manufacture of candies, and continued the business until 1858, when It was run for ten years under the firm name of C. Biechele & Bro.

In 1868, our subject bought out his brother and carried on the work successfully under his own name until 1888, when the Joseph Biechele Soap Company was established, his son-in-law, E. Reinkendorf, being admitted to partnership. The company manufactures some twenty-eight different brands of soap, the Banner Soap for the laundry having the largest sale. They also manufacture a number of choice toilet soaps, and the Horse Grand Coach Castile Soaps are also very popular. The firm sells to the jobbing and retail trade. Both gentlemen are well-known business men, and the firm has the confidence and goodwill of its many patrons. They are now established in a large two-story brick building, the machinery run by steam power and employment is furnished to twenty-seven men and girls.

Mr. Biechele was married, in 1868, to Miss Abby Barnard, a native of Canton and a daughter of

474 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

J. B. Barnard. They have one son and four daughters: Bertha, Ida, Minnie, Anna and .Joseph. In connection with his other business interests, Mr. Biechele is President of the Ohio Publishing Company, Vice-president of the Central Savings Bank of Canton, and President of the Berger Manufacturing Company. He was also President of the Pioneer Society for six years, President of the St. Joseph's Aid Society, President of the Concordia Society, and a member of the Board of Health several years. In March, 1892, he was appointed by Gov. McKinley one of the Trustees of the Ohio Asylum for the Blind in Columbus. In speaking of this appointment, the Evening Repository says: "Men of all political parties in Eastern Ohio, where Mr. Biechele is best known, will bear testimony to his eminent fitness and the good judgment that must have prompted his appointment."

Our subject, his wife and family are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church. They have a handsome and commodious brick residence, which is richly and tastefully furnished and situated in the midst of attractive surroundings, at No. 140 South Market Street. In politics, Mr. Biechele votes independent in local matters, but in State and National elections supports the Democratic party. He is a gentleman of the highest integrity and business qualifications, and by his industrious efforts, well-directed energies and the application of correct business principles has acquired a handsome property.

SOLOMON KEASEY probably enjoys as extensive an acquaintance and rejoices in the good-will of as many friends as any man in Stark County. He is numbered amongthe old residents of Plain Township, where he at present makes Ida home, and is conducting his affairs as an agriculturist according to the best methods, and displaying honor in all his transaetions. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Franklin County, November 19, 1818, where also his father, Jahn Keasey, was born. The latter gentleman was of German descent and a farmer by occupation, owning two hundred and thirty acres of excellent land in his native county, which he farmed extensively. He was a fine representative of the self-made man, as in early life he was thrown upon his own resources, but through indomitable courage and an invincible determination he rose from an humble position to affluence and wealth. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and died when at the advanced age of seventy years. Politically, he was reared a Whig and adhered to that party during his life.

Our subject's mother bore the maiden name of Barbara Hammond, and, like her husband, she too, was born in Franklin County, Pa. Of the nine children born of her union with .John Keasey, the following eight grew to manhood and womanhood: John, Barbara, .Jacob, Mary, David, Susannah, Jane and Solomon, of whom four are still living. Mrs. Keasey was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church.

Solomon Keasey of this sketch remained under the parental roof until reaching his twenty-fifth year, when, in 1843, he was married to Miss Margaret Hammond, also a native of the Keystone State. She came with her parents to this State, and on re-turning to Pennsylvania on a visit, there met and married our subject. Mr. Keasey came to this locality in 1847, and purchasing property in Plain Township, here resided for ten years, when he disposed of his traot and purchased the farm where he is at present residing, and which was the farm of his father-in-law. e is a man of exceptional intelligence, uses his brains as well as his muscles in conducting his farming operations, and consequently has achieved a marked success and ranks among the best agriculturists in this portion of the county. His estate, which comprises eighty-six and one-half acres, is adorned with a handsome brick residence, which is conveniently arranged, neat in all its appointments and tastefully furnished. Among the numerous farm buildings is a large frame barn, which affords ample accommodation for the large quantity of grain which he raises and the stock which it shelters.

Mrs. Keasey is a lady of an amiable disposition

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and has many other fine traits of character which endear her to all who know her. She possesses an earnest, religious nature, and with her husband is a valued member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, our subject votes the Republican ticket, and has served frequently in official positions, having been a member of the School Board for eleven 'ears and Road Supervisor for thirteen years. His Liberality and public spirit are shown by his warm support of whatever will tend to increase the prosperity of his township and county, or will elevate their social and moral status.

JOHN F. GROSSKLAUS. Our subject is the senior member of the well-known drug firm of Grossklaus & Ricksecker, of Navarre, and he is a leading and influential citizen in the town. He is a native of Switzerland, and was born January 18, 1827. He is a son of John and Barbera Grossklaus, who, when our subject was about six years of age, emigrated to America, making the change in 1833.

The journey across the ocean was made in a sailing-vessel, the Grossklaus family taking passage at Havre. After a voyage of forty-seven days' duration, they lauded in New York City, but did not make a stay of any length there, coming on directly to this city. The family settled on a farm in Sugar Creek Township, being among the earliest settlers in that vicinity. Our subject was reared to manhood's estate in that locality, and until fifteen years of age remained on the farm. He then entered the employ of Dr. J. L. Leeper, formerly of Navarre, in the capacity of drug clerk. He remained with him for about three years, and then went into the photograph business.

After continuing his work as a photographer for thirteen years, part of which time was spent in Navarre and part in Massillon, our subject launched into the drug business in partnership with Mr. Rickseekcr, beginning in 1871. They have since continued together, and it is It some- what remarkable fact that the twenty-one years of the firm's association have been perfectly harmonious and pleasant.

Our subject received his education in the district schools in the vicinity of his home, but has taken every advantage which has come in his way for self-development, and he is considered a very intelligent gentleman. For two years, he served as Trustee of Bethlehem Township, and has also been Trustee of Sugar Creek Township. e was Treasurer of Navarre Corporation for three years. Our subject is a Republican in politics and, fraternally, is a Mason.

During the war, Mr. Grossklaus was in the one hundred days' volunteer service. e was detailed to duty as Hospital Steward at the Western Bar-racks, at Covington, Ky. He was out some four months and received as compensation $12 per month. He responded to the call of Gov. Todd and was among the minutemen, or what were familiarly known as the "Squirrel Hunters." For two weeks he operated between Covington and Cincinnati in this capacity. He is a member of Miller Post, G. A. It., at Navarre, and is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; he is also associated with the Ohio State Pharmacists, being one of the oldest men in the American Pharmaceutical Association, which was organized in 1852, his membership beginning in 1859. He claims to be the third oldest member in the Association.

THOMAS REES MORGAN, Sr., President and Treasurer of the Moreau Engineering Company, of Alliance, is one of the most influential men of Stark County, and has been prominently identified with its upbuilding. He was born in Penydarren, Merthyr Tydvil, Glamorganshire, Wales, March 31, 1834, and is the young-et son and only survivor in a family of six children, whose parents were Rees and Margaret

476 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

(Lewis) Morgan. He was sent to school until eight years of age, when he worked first as a door-boy and afterward as a teamster for his father, a coal-mining contractor. His father then found him so proficient and reliable that he gave him a trustworthy position before filled only by those of much more mature years.

When ten and a half years of age, our subject was caught between some loaded coal cars, dragged under them and fearfully mangled, but by the tender nursing of his practical, devoted and loving mother, he was fully restored, having lost only the left leg below the knee. His father, who had been employed for about thirty-eight years as a servant of the Iron and Milling Company, was advised to give his son a higher education, the company offering to give him the best opportunities they could to meet his wishes. e was then sent to school and was a student tinder some of the best instructors and most prominent teachers of his native land. At a very early age, he developed a fondness for mechanics, and before the was fourteen he left school to learn a trade. This was in opposition to the purposes of his patents and friends. He became a machinist, and for five years was in the Penydarren Iron Works, in his native town. He then entered the Dowlais Iron Works, at that time the largest in the world, and during the several years which he spent there the Bessemer process of steel-making had some of its first trials, Mr. Morgan preparing some of the machinery. Subsequently, he obtained a more desirable position, and for five years more wAs a machinist in Wales.

At length, imbued with a love of liberty, Mr. Morgan bade good-bye to his friends, crossed the Atlantic and, with his family, landed in this country April 15, 1865. For a short time, he was employed in the shops of the Lackawanna & Bloomsburgh Railroad, and then in the Cambria Iron Works, of Johnstown, Pa. He afterward filled important positions in Pittsburgh, .where, in February, 1868, he embarked in the manufacture of steam hammers and other special lines of machinery. His business rapidly increased and in August, 1871, he removed with the works to Alliance, Ohio, where he lets carried on business on an extensive scale continuously since. Employment is furnished to about six hundred men, and these works are among the best in the United States. They manufacture steam hammers, power and hydraulic punching and shearing machinery, and many kinds of cranes. From these works was sent a thirty-ton steam hammer, more than twice the size of that which had hitherto been considered the largest in this country. They also made one of the largest cranes in the world, it being used in the united States Navy Yard in Washington, D. C. Their goods are sold all over the country and, being first-class, find a ready market.

On the 4th of July, 1856, Mr. Morgan married Elizabeth, daughter of John Nicholas, of Wales, and unto them were born twelve children, six yet living. In the shops are now employed .John, who is Chief Engineer; Thomas R., Secretary and General Manager; William Henry, who is Assistant and Chief Electrician; Edwin and Arthur.

Mr. Morgan is a most indefatigable worker, and has not only won success for himself, but is continually doing something to aid others, especially those in his employ. Among his workmen one of the finest bands in Ohio has been organized. Mr. Morgan is strongly American in feeling, and does all in his power to produce the same feelings in his employes, who have for him the highest regard. He is a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Iron and Steel Institue and the Mechanical Engineers of Great Britain. He has been in the front rank of all public improvements and a willing co-operator in all good works. He has been a member of the Council, was elected to the State and National Convention, is President of the Board of Trade, a member of the Board of Trustees of Mt. Union College, Director of the Alliance Banking Company, and Supreme President of the new Order of Adelphia, with headquarters at Alliance. he is now nominee for Congress in the Eighteenth Ohio, or the McKinley District, which comprises the counties of Stark, Columbiana and Mahoning, three of the leading counties in the State.

The Morgan Gymnasium, named in his honor, is the handsomest of the college buildings in Alli-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 477

ance. It was erected chiefly through the influence and liberality of our subject, together with Richard Brown. of Youngstown, and Lewis Miller, of Akron, Ohio. The building, of pressed brick, two stories in height, with a basement, is 50x70 feet, built in Gothic style, and has a fine tower, wherein a telescope will be placed. Mr. Morgan is distinguished for his many excellent personal qualities, as well as for his remarkably successful career. By perseverance, enterprise, business angacity and moral integrity, he leas become one of the leading men in his line of business in the United States and has attained to a position of wealth, honor and influence.

A. G. BIECHELE is one of the oldest business men in Canton. He was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, November 14, 1826, and is a son of Lieolold and Caroline (Eckley) Biechele, natives of Germany. Our subject's father died in his native land. His mother died in a steamboat disaster at Natchez, Miss., of which a full account is given in the sketch of Charles Biechele, a brother of Mr. A. G. Biechele, in another portion of this volume.

Our subject was reared in his native land and there educated. The family emigrated to America in 1846, our subject remaining until the following year, when he and his brother Lieobold sailed for America, landing in New York in June, 1847. They proceeded at once to Canton, to which place their family had previously come. Mr. A. G. Biechele had learned the stone mason's trade in the Old Country, having served an apprenticeship of three years. After coming to the United States, he worked for about six mouths at his trade, helping to put up the north wing of the present infirmary. He then engaged in the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for two and a half years.

March 4, 1650, the original of this sketch started out, in company with twelve other young men, for California, Going to by way of the Nicaragua route. Cincinnati Wheeling, they proceeded thence to boarded a ' where they bought provisions and contracted Steamboat for New Orleans. They had journey's for a steamer to take thou to their portion oftnd, but were swindled and lost a good portion of their money. After remaining in New Orleans four weeks, they were compelled to pursue their way on a sailing-vessel. While in New the cholera broke out, and as they lay at terrible quarantine station, our subject witnessed the terrible sight of casting overboard the bodies of twenty-eight cholera victims, and this inside of three days. It would seem as though there were an adverse fate preventing their journey, for on the sailing-vessel they encountered a terrible storm, and the sailors had to tie themselves to the masts to prevent being swept overboard. They were twenty-seven days in reaching San Juan, and thence went up the Nicaragua River in small boats. Crossing the lake, they traveled overlnd sixty miles to the Pacific Coast.

On arriving at San Francisco, our subject was without a penny, but funnel a kind friend who helped him. Mr. Biechele went to mining, and for the first three months he averaged $37.50 per day. His party then tunneled a hill for ore,.working day and night for six months. They struck a rich vain, but got into trouble with an English syndicate and were forced to give up their claim. During the three years that our subject passed in the gold regions, he saw mzny hardships and more than once gave up his life as lost.

In 1853 Mr. Biechele returned to Canton, and in the same year engaged in the business which he has since so ably followed on, He is the oldest tinner in the town. His firm does roofing and furnace work, and are extensive dealers in stoves, tinware, etc. He came to Canton with but little capital but has accumulated a comfortable fortune, as have also his brothers. He has always paid strict attention to business and has never sought office.

In 1856, the original of this sketch was married to Miss Mary A. Lotheramer. They have been the parents of four sons nd three daughters..

478 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who are: Edward; Christina, the wife of Dr. Lininger; Anthony, Ellen, Albert, Corinne and Arthur. Our subject and his wife have been identified with the Catholic Church in this city ever since the first services were held in the old church of Canton. It was dedicated on the first Sunday of his arrival here from Germany. He is a member of St. Joseph's Society.

HARLEM R. FRAZER, Treasurer and Busness Manager of the Democrat Publishing Company, of Canton, has the honor of being a native of this city, where his birth occurred on the 8th of September, 1858. He is a son of David and Ellen (O'Callaghan) Frazer, who were early settlers of this place. The father was a shoe-maker by trade, and both parents are now deceased

Our subject was reared and educated in his native city and after attending the common schools entered Avery's Academy and completed his education in the Canton High School. At the age of fourteen years, he entered the Democrat office as "devil" and later learned the printing business. He afterward again entered school, and when his school life was over became a reporter for the Repository and subsequently became City Editor of the same, continuing to serve as such for six years. On the expiration of that period, he entered the employee of A. McGregor & Co., job printers, and after six months became Treasurer and Business Manager of the News Democrat, which was incorporated in 1890, with a cash capital of $50,000. The officers are Isaac R. Sherwood, President and Managing Editor; Anthony Howell, Vice-president, and Charles R. Frazer, Treasurer and Business Manager. The company prints both a daily and weekly paper. The former is a four-page journal, 26x40 inches, and the size of the eight-page weekly is 35x18 inches. it is a bright and newsy sheet, of neat appearance and well edited. it is published in the interests of the community and the Democratic party, and has a large circulation in Canton and the surrounding country. in 1891, the company ereoted a four-story brick building, the whole being occupied by their business. The office is one of the best-equipped in their line in Eastern Ohio, and in it are employed from fifteen to twenty men. They also have twenty regular carriers, and thirty newsboys sell the papers on the street.

In 1884, Mr. Frazer was married to Miss Minnie, daughter of Allen Eberly, Esq., and unto them have been born four children, as follows: Ellen E., Ruth M., Celia M. and Charles R., Jr. Mr. Frazer has been a member of the City Council for two years and during the last year has served as President of that body. He was also Secretary of the Board of Trade for two years. For the past five years, he served as vice-president of the United States Humane Association and since 1883 has been Secretary and Superintendent of the Canton Humane Society. His labors are performed gratuitously, from a love of the cause. In politics, he is a stalwart Democrat and takes an active part in the interest and success of his party. In 1887, he made the race for Mayor, but was defeated by John F. Blake. Over two thousand votes were polled at the primaries and he lost the nomination by only fifty-one. Mr. Frazer is a well-informed man. He is a genial and affable gentleman, very popular and his circle of acquaintances in the community is large.

ALBURTIS O. SLENTZ, President of the Canton Stove Company, and an enterprising business man of Canton, is a native of the Buckeye State. He was born on the 18th of May, 1845, in Columbiana County. His father, James Slentz, was a native of Pennsylvania, and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and grain cradles. He took an active part in local politics, served twenty-three years as Justice of the Peace in New Franklin, Stark County, and was a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.479

prominent citizen of that community, whither he ad removed when our subject was nine years of age. He died in 1886, in his sixty-fifth year. His father, Jacob Slentz, was one of the early settlers of Ohio and was of German lineage. The mother of our subject bore the name of Elizabeth Snyder. the is in daughter of Jacob Snyder, and was born n Salem, Ohio. She yet survives her husband and makes her home in New Franklin.

Our subject is the second in a family of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are yet living. The first eight years of his life were spent in his native county and he then accompanied his parents to New Franklin, where he was reared to manhood, acquiring his education in the common schools. At the age of sixteen years, He began to learn the carpenter's and joiner's trade and when twenty years of age enlisted in his country's service, becoming a member of Company A, One Hundred and Nineteenth Ohio Infantry. His regiment was sent to Harper's Ferry, W. Va., from which place the troops marched on to Richmond. The surrender of Gen. Lee soon afterward occurred, but his company was retained on guard duty until September\, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.

Returning to New Franklin, Mr. Slentz there engaged in carpentering until 1867, when he came to Canton and followed his trade for a year. He was then employed in the wood department of C. Aultman & Company's Works for eighteen months, after which he became connected with the Peerless Reaper Works, serving in the wood-work and pattern-making department for five years. On the expiration of that time, he was made Foreman in the wood department, subsequently became Assistant Superintendent in the same shops, and during the four last years of his connection with the Peer-less Reaper Works was Superintendent.

On Christmas Day of 1869, Mr. Slentz married Miss Lorene Shoot', who was born and reared in Canton and is a daughter of Andrew .Shoof. They have two children: Warren E., who is book-keeper for the Canton Stove Company, and Annetta Si., at school. They reside at No. 16 East Tenth Street. where they have a good home. Our subject is a member of the Democratic party and has served as a member of the City Council for two terms. e was also a member of the Board of Education for two terms and is now a member of the Board of Health and of the Board of Equalization. In his social relations, he is a Mason, holding membership with the Blue Lodge, Council and Chapter of Canton. In February, 1890, in connection with others, Mr. Slentz organized the Canton Stove Company, of which he was made President and Superintendent.

JOSIAH CORRELL. Many pleasant homes are seen throughout the extent of Stark County, some of which are of more than ordinary beauty, either in architectural de-signs or surroundings. Among those in Plain Township which are commodious and convenient is that of Josiah Correll, whose substantial residence is set in the midst of a neatly trimmed lawn, which makes of it one of the most beautiful places in the county. It is furnished accordance with the taste of the occupants, and displays the presence of refined womanhood in its arrangement.

A native of this township, our subject was born on section 15, the date thereof being November 19, 1836. His father, John Correll, was born in Adams County, Pa., in 1788, and was of German descent, the first representatives having come to this country from Alsace, and settled in Pennsylvania. The father of our subject came with his family of ten children to this county in 1821, the trip, which was made overland, consuming two weeks. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on the southwest quarter of section 34, on which the only improvements were a log cabin and barn. He was a hard worker, and ere long had placed the entire amount under good tillage, and his well-directed efforts resulted in supplying his family with a comfortable home and many enjoyments. He was a member of the Christian Church, and aided in the organization of the church in Canton, and toward the erection of the

480 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

building gave material support. His death occurred at the age of seventy-one years, three months and ten days. He was a Democrat in politics until the appearance of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks.

The mother of our subject, prior to her marriage, was Mrs. Elizabeth Lind, and was born in Adams County, Pa., in 1794. She became the mother of ' twelve children, namely: Jacob N., Samuel, .John, Catherine, Fannie, Maria, Ann Eliza, Sarah J., Nancy, Jeremiah, Margaret and Josiah. Five of the family are now deceased. The wife and mother, who survived her husband a number of years, departed this life in March, 1875, when eighty-one years of age. She, too, was a member of the Christian Church.

The original of this sketch received a limited education, owing to the comparatively rude surroundings of his boyhood. The early public schools of Ohio having on their curriculum only the common branches, he was well grounded in these, and being imbued with native intelligence and a desire for information, he has by reading, observation and experience become well informed. The natural bent of his mind and early training combined to lead him to farming as his life work, and after his marriage, March 20, 1862, he took charge of the home place for one year, and then, removing to this township, purchased fifty acres of land, and there resided until 1866, when he traded for the tract which he now occupies. The estate comprises ninety-two and one-half acres of land, the greater portion of which is placed under excellent cultivation, and which gives indication that the owner is 'determined to make his home pleasant as well as remunerative. His intelligence, enterprising nature and honorable dealing have given him an excellent standing in both business and social circles, and caused him to be classed among the representative agriculturists of the county.

The maiden name of our subject's wife was Mary E. Mentzer, and she was horn in this township, March 9, 1838. She is the daughter of David and Christen (Hull) Mentzer. To Mr. and Mrs. Correll have been granted a family of five children, namely: Charles G., who is married and makes his home on a farm in this township; Edwin S., Ada M., Nettie J. and Lillie L., at home. Besides raising the cereals which are best adapted to the soil of his estate, our subject buys horses every fall, which he feeds during the winter, and then sells at a handsome profit in the spring. n 1891, he shipped a carload to Boston, where they were sold. e has stock in the new Imperial Brick Company, and judging from the superior article which they manufacture it is destined to take a high place among the industries in this section.

Mr. and Mrs. Correll are members of the Christian Church in Canton, and it is their constant endeavor to order their lives aright, and to train their children in the way they should go. In polities, our subject votes with the Republican party. He has been very successful in life, and owns residence property on Logan, Aultman and South Cleveland Avenues in Canton. His fellow-citizens hold him in great respect, and upon their solicitation he has held the office of Road Supervisor for six years, being now the incumbent of that position, and during that time has done much to add to the comfort of the traveling public by the good improvements which he has projected and carried to completion.

REUBEN ROUSH. Many of the old citizens and pioneers of Stark County will recognize the name quoted above as that of a former citizen of high standing, a loyal patriot and a good man, now gone to his long home. Mr. Roush left an example of the highest and most pronounced purity of character as a common legacy, not only to his children, but to the present generation.

Reuben Roush was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born November 2, 1817. He was a son of Frederick and Annie M. Roush, both of whom were natives of the Quaker State, but of German ancestry. When a boy, our subject emigrated with his parents to Stark County and settled in Perry Township. They were counted among the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.481

artiest pioneers, experiencing all the vicissitudes and trials in the various phases of the development of the country. Both parents died here. Reuben did his full share in reclaiming the whole 'arm from its original wilderness, and was interested in all public enterprises. His educational advantages were small, but what he lacked in book lore he made up in grit and "gumption."

For twenty years Mr. Roush ran a sawmill at Richville, carrying on in connection with this interest quite an extensive farming business, his tract of land being about two miles south of Richville. This he developed from virgin woodland. He might be considered a typical Ohio pioneer, having all their push and energy, balanced by intelligence and discretion. December 25, 1840, he was married to Miss Lydia Jacoby, a native of this locality and born June 21, 1821. She is a daughter of David and Mary Jacoby, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers in Perry Township. The young married couple settled in a log cabin in the midst of thick woods, on the farm where she now resides. She was a model pioneer's wife and made the best of existing circumstances, calling upon her ingenuity to supplement the scanty conveniences of that early day.

Mr. and Mrs. Roush had a large family of children, of whom the following survive: Mary M., now Mrs. John Hartzell; John A., who married Eliza Foltz; Catherine L., now Mrs. Newton Koontz; Francis M., who married Clara B. Win-gaff]; Ann M., the wife of George Rutter; Ida M., wife of William Rutter; Calvin R., who married Catherine Nay; Laura M., who is the wife of William Miller; Lincoln A., who married Ora Smith; and Minnie E., the wife of Edward .Jacoby. Mr. Roush had served as Trustee of Perry Town-ship, and was a leading and influential citizen. n politics, he was a Republican, and in his church relations, He was a Methodist. on the city of Massillon, he was well and favorably known as a business man, one whose word could always be implicitly relied upon. n domestic life, be was a model of tenderness, forethought and forbearance. As a friend and neighbor, his good qualities were many, and in his death Perry Township lost one of her most estimable citizens. His widow still resides on the home farm, which comprises one hundred and twenty acres of good and arable land. She has at command it fund of anecdotes and incidents of pioneer days that would be valuable to the historical societies of the State.

A. J. KELLER was born in Lawrence Township, one mile north of Massillon, September 23, 1861. He is a son of Rheinhart and Mary (Oster) Keller, both of Germany. He was a miner in his native land, and on coming to the United States became Superintendent of the Warwick Jr Keller Coal Mine, in which, as the firm name will indicate, he is largely interested. Our subject was one of nine children, of whom eight are now living. e is the third eldest. As a lad, he attended St. Mary's Parochial School, and completed the course at the age of thirteen years.

Mr. Keller began work at the coal mines as a driver, but soon went into the office as shipping clerk, working for the Rhodes Coal Company, of Cleveland. He was with them for five years and then came to Massillon, and in September of 1881 started in the grocery business with a partner, under the firm name of Sonnhalter & Keller. They continued in this business at No. 2 East. Main Street until September 1, 1889, when the original of this sketch sold out and launched into the coal and oil business, and in 1891 accepted the agency for the Wells-Fargo Express Company. e now carries on a large retail coal business, and deals besides in all kinds of powder, including dynamite. He has, moreover, lubricating oil. He sold these interests in 1891 to Mr. C. L. Halter, and since that time has been employed with his father in the mines as Superintendent in Upper Pigeon Run.

Mr. Keller was married in Summit County, October 30, 1884, to Miss Mary C. Whitman, a daughter of Peter Whitman, a prominent farmer in that locality. They have a pleasant home located at No. 107 Prospect Street. Here their four

482 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

children create brightness in the home life. They are named Effa, William, Rheinhart and Viola, respectively.

From 1884 to 1886, our subject was Collector of Tolls of the Ohio Canal at the port of Massillon. He is a member of the Board of Trade here, and stands high among the business men. He and his family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been a delegate to county conventions.

ROBERT A. BIECHELE, M. D., one of the foremost physicians of the county, was born in the city of Canton, Ohio, on the 3d of January, 1865, and was one of seven children born to Charles and Mary (Bernard) Biechele, the father a native of Baden, Germany, and the mother of Belgium, the latter having been brought to America when an infant. The father was but twenty-one years of age when he decided to try his fortune in the "laud of the free," and as the natural advantages of this country offered him every inducement, he landed on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Here he met and married Miss Bernard. Being naturally ambitious and enterprising, it was not long before he was settled in business, and classed among the esteemed and influential citizens.

Mr. Biechele was a manufacturer of soap for many years in Canton, and established the soap business now owned and operated by Joseph Biechele. .At the present time, Mr. Biechele is en-gaged in the wholesale grocery business on North Street, and is one of the most prominent and prosperous business men of the city. All his success has been achieved through his great industry, perseverance, and excellent business acumen.

Dr. Robert A. Biechele, the youngest of three brothers, received his early scholastic advantages in the schools of Canton, but supplemented this by attending a private school in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was thoroughly drilled in all the branches. Subsequently, he began the study of modicine in the office of Dr. Portman, of Canton, and then took his lectures in the Western Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, being graduated in 1887. After leaving this well-known institution of learning, he spent three years in the Lakeside Cleveland City Hospital in the capacity of physician and surgeon. Later, he began practicing in Canton, and although he is one of the youngest physicians of the county, he has already established quite a reputation as a thorough student of medicine, and a very successful practitioner.

He is a member of the Stark County Academy of Medicine, and for one year held the position of Secreary of the same. He served two years as City Physician of Canton, and is now President of the Acme Steel and Iron Roofing Company of Canton. He is one of the Directors of the Canton Grocery Company, also one of the visiting surgeons of the Aultman Hospital, and Treasurer of its hospital staff. He is wide-awake and progressive, and is bound to make a success of life. His office is at No. 48 East Tuscarawas Street.

The Doctor was married September 1, 1892, at the residence of the bride's parents, in Wooster, Ohio, to Miss Anna May, daughter of Philip and Emma (Nachtrieb) Horn, the former a prominent baker of that place.

MARSHALL CAMPBELL is the efficient Secretary and Treasurer of the Campbell Lumber Company, which house was established in 1872, and sustains a prominent position among the most important lumber manufactories in the State. Mr. Campbell was born in Canton, February 5, 1848, to James and Susan (Eck) Campbell, the former of whom was born at Atwater, Portage County, Ohio, March 11, 1818, and the latter in Pennsylvania in 1824, a daughter of Peter Eck. The Campbells are descended from the celebrated Scotch clan of that name.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 483

J. Marshall Campbell passed his youth in Madison, Wis., and until he was fifteen years of age he was an attendant of the city schools, where he acquired a practical education. When in his sixteenth year, the clash of arms caused him to hrow down his books and join the Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry, after which he was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, being stationed at Memphis, where he did garrison duty. He was mustered out of the service in September, 1864, au d, after returning to Madison, acted in the capacity of hotel clerk for five years. n 1871, he returned to the city of his birth, and the following year became connected with the firm of Camp-bell, Smith & Co., dealers and manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds, etc. This firm also owned a planing-mill, which they successfully operated for several years, and their operations were characterized by fairness, liberality, and enter-prise. At the end of a few years, the firm name was changed to Campbell it Sons, and in addition tO dealing extensively in lumber, they manufacture all kinds of building materials, and the first-class quality of the work turned out has secured for them a reputation and a trade which extend over in large extent of territory. Mu. Campbell has a thorough and practical knowledge of every detail of the business, and his wide acquaintance with the trade gives him every facility for the prosecution of the business. The yards are located on Seventh and Eighth Streets, near the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad tracks, thus affording the best of shipping facilities.

The celebration of Mr. Campbell's marriage took place in 1873, Miss Fannie Bement, of Beloit, Wis., a native of the State of New York, becoming his wife. She is a daughter of E. G. Bement, and when a young girl removed with her parents to Wisconsin. She has borne her husband three children: Robert B., Lulu H., and Marie. Mr. Campbell has become a prominent resident of the county, for his prominent characteristics are an acute sense of honor, and unquestioned integrity, and his business qualifications are best attested by the success which has attended his efforts. He is a member of the City Council, representing the Seventh Ward, and is Vice-president of the Board of Trade. A Republican in politics, he has brought his sound judgment, progressive ideas, energy and force of character to bear in the interests of that party, and is considered one of its leaders. He and his worthy wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and move in the highest social circles of Canton. Their residence is at No. 170 West Tuscarawas Street, and the hospitality displayed there is enjoyed by the many who enter its portals.

ROBERT MITCHINSON REAY, Superintendent of the Massillon Bridge Company, has been with his company longer than any man in their employ, since 1869, and is a skilled mechanic and a very successful superintendent. e is a man of good judgment and is thoroughly posted on all subjects of importance. He was born at Gateshead, Durham County, England, on the 5th of February, 1846. His father, Richard Reny, was born at Walls End, Northumberland County, England, in 1802, and was of Scotch descent. The grandfather, Richard Reay, Sr., who was also born there, was engaged in the coal mines, and his death occurred when ninety-four years of age. The father was also a coal miner in his youth, but later in life became a school teacher and followed that profession for eight years, meeting with unusual success as an educator. Later he became Superintendent of the coal mines near Gateshead, and filled that position for thirty years. After that he removed to the city of Durham, and there passed the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1874, when seventy-two years of age. He was a consistent and faithful member of the Church of England. He married Miss Eleanor Mitchinson, a native of Durham, England, and the daughter of Robert Mitchinson, also of that country, and a miner by occupation. She died in 1850. To this marriage were born six children, five of whom grew to mature years and three are now living, but only one in America.

The original of this notice, the youngest of the

484 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

above mentioned family, received his scholastic training in the common schools, and when not quite twelve years of age began learning the mechanic's trade, which he followed until sixteen years of age. He was then apprenticed as a black-smith at the mines for five years, or until twenty-one, when he became a practical mechanic. He remained one year longer at the mines, and was then employed in the railroad shops as blacksmith, in which capacity he continued for about six months, or until the road was completed. Thinking to better his condition in every way, he crossed the ocean to America, leaving Liverpool, England, on the steamer "Old Virginia," and reaching New York City seventeen days later. A stranger in a strange land, he was not at a loss to know what to do, however, for he made his way immediately to Massillon, Ohio, and was there employed first as blacksmith in a stone quarry by John Vogt. He remained there for some time, or until he lost one of his toes by having a stone fall on it, after which he was obliged to be idle for some time. n the fall of 1869, he came to the Bridge Works of Massillon, and has remained with this company ever since. He ran is forge for about five years, and then became Superintendent of the works. This was about 1874, and he has filled that position very acceptably ever since. The works cover about four and n half acres, and are operated by a fifty horse power boiler. One hundred and fifty men are employed, and the business is conducted on a very extensive scale. They manufacture railroad and highway bridges, and have over five hundred contracts a year, their work extending all over the United States.

Mr. Reay is Superintendent of the works in Massillon, and is the owner of some real estate in this city, including a residence on Washington Avenue. n 1885, he returned to the land of his birth and remained there three months. He was married in his native country in 1867 to Miss Mary A. Reed, a native of England and the daughter of John Reed, who was a farmer of Northumberland County. Eleven children were born of the marriage, seven of whom reached mature years, but only live are now living. One daughter, Eleanor, died in 1890, when about twenty-two years of age; Mary, who was n graduate of the High School of Massillon in 1890, died in 1891, when twenty years of age; Jane, Edith, Catherine, Robert, and Lillian are at home. From 1884 to 1886, Mr. Reny was n member of the City Council. Socially, he is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias; is a member of Clinton Lodge, F. & A.M.; is identified with the Sons of St. George, and was President of the Grand Lodge of the Sons of St. George, being Trustee of that organization. n politics, he is n Republican, and has been a delegate to a number of county conventions. Mrs. Reny is a member of the Episcopal Church, to which the children also belong, but Mr. Reay's sympathies are with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DAVID H. BAUGHMAN. No resident of Tuscarawas Township is better known than the gentleman above named, who is one of those to whom its present development is due. He came hither with his parents in 1834, when a lad of seven years, and at a time when the county was but sparsely settled and the work of improvement in some of the townships had scarcely begun. When old. enough to be of assistance to his father, he aided in clearing a farm and has borne as important a part in pioneer work as any man in his part of the county. Ever hard-working and industrious, and endowed with a spirit that looked forward hopefully to better times and spared no effort to improve the surroundings, he was rewarded by being able to se-cure n tract of land, and in due progress of time saw it placed under good cultivation.

Mr. Baughman is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Cumberland County, February 17, 1827, to John and Margaret (Umbonhower) Baughman, who were natives of Virginia and of German descent. As before stated, the father of our subject took up his abode in this county, with his family, in 1834, settling on the unimproved farm in Tuscarawas Township which is in the possession of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 485

our subject. There he continued to reside until his decease, which occurred August 28, 1849. Of his large family of children, the following five survive: Ellen, Margaret, Sarah, Samuel and David.

He of whom we write grew to maturity in his adopted county, receiving but limited educational advantages; but making good use of the opportunities afforded him, he endeavored to keep posted regarding the progress of the world. he assisted in clearing one hundred and twelve acres of land from the woods, and on turning the first furrow, like others under similar circumstances, found the work of development by no means easy. He now has a well-improved farm, supplied with all necessary buildings and brought to such a state of productiveness as to afford a very satisfactory in-come.

The estimable lady who was the faithful companion and efficient counselor of our subject for many years, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Bretz, and was the daughter of John and Mary Bretz. By her union with Mr. Baughman were born twelve children, three of whom are deceased, Those living are Mary, Sarah, Julia, Benjamin, Elizabeth, David, Ada, Nettie and William. The wife and mother departed this life May 9, 1891, leaving behind many relatives and friends who mourn her loss. She was a most estimable lady and a consistent member of the Reformed Church.

Mr. Baughman has not been without his share in the management of local affairs and in the work necessary to elevate society and improve the condition of the citizens. It being well known that he is interested in educational matters, he was elected to the position of School Director, which he filled most efficiently. n politics, he is a true-blue Republican, and socially, is identified with Perry Grange at Massillon.

The two hundred acres of land of which our subject is the owner compare favorably in every particular with those in the neighborhood. When establishing a home of his own, Mr. Baughman was in debt to the amount of $3,000, and his fine farm is a standing monument to his industry and good management. In carrying on his operations, he has been thrifty, prudent and wisely economical, and has displayed sagacity and due discrimination in all things. He is well known for his strict honesty in business affairs, and no one is more trusted in moneyed matters than e.

HENRY DECKERD is a representative farmer and stockman of Stark County and stands among the foremost men of his calling in Canton Township, where he is successfully managing his extensive agricultural interests. e comes of a family well known in this section, which is notably connected with its early history, and all the members of which lived to attain advanced years. He of whom we write was born on the southwest quarter of section 28, Canton Township, October 11, 1839, and is a son of Benjamin Deckerd, who was born in Berks County, Pa., February 26, 1794.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Germany and emigrated to America in company with his father, who was a minister in the German Reformed Church and who slid much to promote the interests of that denomination in Pennsylvania, where they settled. n connection with his ministerial duties, he owned and operated a farm in Berks County, where he died at an advanced age.

Benjamin Deckerd chose for his wife Miss Rachael Swineheart, who was born August 1, 1797, also in Berks County, their marriage being solemnized August 12, 1817. They made their home on the farm in their native county until the spring of 1828, when they removed over the mountains by means of wagons and teams to this county, where the father purchased land on section 28, Canton Township. The tract was heavily timbered and not having provided a means of shelter for his family the left them at the home of his brother Daniel, who bad preceded them to this section, and, clearing a spot of ground, erected a log cabin of the pioneer type. He was a man of large build and remarkable constitution. Being a man of industrious habits, he immediately set to

486 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

work to clear his purchase and ere long had the satisfaction of seeing the once barren tract transformed into a fertile and productive farm. n addition to his farm work, he made a specially of riving oak shingles, with which articles he supplied the settlers for many miles around. To himself and wife was born a family of ten children, all of whom are now living, the eldest being seventy-four years of age and the youngest fifty-three years old. Catherine, Mrs. Washington Myers, makes her home in Canton; Jacob resides in Iowa; Rachel, who married Samuel Krieg, is living in Wabash County, Ind.; Sarah, Mrs. Stults, makes her home in Huntington County, that State; John, in Whitney County, Ind.; David resides in Osnaburg Township, this county; Elizabeth, Mrs. Kroft, makes her home in this township; Mary, Mrs. Neidig, also resides in Osnaburg Township; Christina, Mrs. Hershey, is living in this township, and Henry, our subject. The mother of these children died April 12, 1877, aged eighty years, eight months and eleven days. The father, who survived her many years, departed this life January 31, 1888, aged ninety-three years, eleven months and twenty-live days, thus lacking only six days of being ninety-four years old. There remained to mourn his loss ten children, sixty-two grandchildren and sixty-five great-grandchildren. He was a member of time German Reformed Church, while his good wife was an adherent of the Lutheran faith.

Henry Deckerd, of this sketch, was reared on the old home place and attended his first school in the primitive log cabin chinked with mud and sticks and provided with slab benches for seats. When reaching his majority, he began in life for himself, and making a visit to his sister, Mrs. Sarah Stults, in Huntington County, lnd., taught a term of school during the winter of 1860-61. Returning home at the end of that time, be worked on his father's farm by the month for one year, and December 22, 1862, was married to Miss Rebecca Cook, who was born in Pike Township, this county. Their union was blessed by the birth of eight children, of whom the following seven are living: William, Lewis H., Charles E., Benjamin C., Ira E., Harvey C., and Mary F. The mother died June 30, 1888, and the lady whom Mr. Deckerd chose for his second wife, December 13 of that year, was Miss Mary Judd, of Osnaburg Township.

The farm of our subject comprises one hundred and twenty-five acres, which bear all the substantial improvements and upon which he has erected two sets of buildings. He is engaged in mixed farming and each year feeds and ships large numbers of cattle. His barn, which is one of the best in the township, was erected in 1875, and the handsome frame residence which adorns the place was built in 1881. In 1888, Mr. Deckerd caused to be erected on another part of the farm a large barn, which he uses to good purpose.

Mr. and Mrs. Deckerd are members of the German Reformed Church at Osnaburg. Formerly a Democrat in politics he now votes with the People's Party and is identified with any scheme that will in any way forward the interests of his community. He has been very successful in all his undertakings, which he attributes to his close attention to business and good management. He is a typical selfmade man, as what he is he owes to his own exertions and the assistance and counsel given him by his good wife.

D. RHODES is a prominent farmer, located on section 1, Lawrence Township, and early settler in this locality. He was born on the farm where he now resides, January 14, 1820. Mr. Rhodes is a son of George and Margaret (Smith) Rhodes, both natives of Pennsylvania. The parents lived in Pennsylvania until 1808, when they came to Stark County and located in Canton, which at that time comprised only three buildings.

After living in Canton for two years, the Rhodes family came to Lawrence Township and took up the section of land as above named. There they built a log cabin, which the family entered before it had either floor or chimney. George Rhodes bent every energy toward devel-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. - 487

oping his farm, and at the end of a long and useful life the result of his labor was seen in the changed aspect of the land. Grandfather Rhodes, whose given name was Frederick, was a native of Germany, and came to the United States when a young man, He settled in Pennsylvania, but spent his last years in Stark County, Ohio. Our subject's mother lived to be eighty-nine years d.

D. Rhodes was one of a family of seven children, which comprised four daughters and lhree sons. All grew to manhood and womanhood, and became the heads of families. Our subject is the sixth child and second son. His first recollection of school days is of the primitive log house, with the most meagre accommodations, and a system in which the birch rod played an important part. The youth remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he determined to see what fortune held in store for him, He learned the carpenter's trade and purchased a threshing-machine, carrying on the two occupations in con-junction for twelve years.

When, in 1849, the gold excitement penetrated all parts of this country, our subject started across the plains with prairie schooner via Salt Lake City. His company proceeded at once to California, and after witnessing the novel state of society in Sacramento, Mr. Rhodes proceeded North to the rough-and-ready mines at Nevada City, He spent some two years there in mining, and then returned to Ohio via New York City. Satisfied with his experience of outside life, he settled down to farming.

Mr. Rhodes was married in 1850 to Margaret Machaner, who was born in Uniontown. The young people located one mile south of Canal Fulton, where our subject was engaged in the gristmill business for it year. He then went into the hotel business at Canal Fulton, the hostelry of which he was proprietor being known as the American House. After spending two years there, he sold out and bought the old homestead where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have been the parents of thirteen children. The living are named as follows: Emma, Lavina, Belle, Alta, Clara, Charles and Grace. Our subject owns one hundred and ten acres of the finest land in the township. There is not a foot of waste ground on the farm. He pays much attention to stock. raising and has been very successful. In polities, Mr. Rhodes is a Democrat. He has held various local offices in the township, He, with the other members of his family, belongs to the Christian Church, in which he is a Deacon.

GEORGE L. RUSSELL. The public spirit of the Russell famlly is proverbial. As successful business men and influential residents of Massillon, they are building for them-selves monuments which will outlast shafts of granite or statues in bronze, and arc carving their names on the records of the city in a more enduring manner than those written on brass or stone. The subject of this sketch is in every way worthy of the name he bears, and is not only sustaining the reputation of the family, but adding new lustre to it.

The citizens of Massillon esteem Mr. Russell as one of their most influential and energetic residents. He has been active on the City Council and was prominent in securing the present park, one of the ornaments of the cit. In other ways his enterprise has been displayed and he has doubtless contributed as effectively and continuously to the material welfare of the place as any other resident thereof. A member of the firm of Russell & Co., he has for forty-two years applied himself very closely to the details of the business and is consequently familiar with every branch of the work, and especially with the iron department., of which he is Superintendent.

The son of Cyrus and Louisa (Stratton) Russell, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Joseph K. Russell on another page, our subject was born Sutton, Caledonia County, Vt., October 27, 1830. He spent his early years on his father's farm, his time being mainly devoted to agricultural

488 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

work. May 30, 1850, when nearly twenty years old, he arrived in Massillon, the journey hither having been made overland from Sutton to Burlington, thence by boat to Montreal, and from there up the St. Lawrence River to Genesee Falls. From Buffalo he proceeded via the steamer "Buckeye State" to Cleveland, and from that place by stage to Massillon.

After reaching Massillon, Mr. Russell was apprenticed to learn the trade of a moulder, but continued at that occupation only four weeks. Finding the work uncongenial, he was apprenticed to learn the machinist's trade, which he followed three years and then entering his brother's employ, became foreman in the iron department. e was one of the original manufacturers of reapers in their shops, which were then located on Erie Street. In January, 1864, he was admitted as partner in the firm, which was then known as N. S. A C. Russell, although in the fall of the same year the title was changed to Russell & Co. A description of this prominent manufactory will be found in the biography of Joseph K. Russell. n addition to these interests, Mr. Russell is Vice-president, Director and a stockholder in the Massillon Electric Light, Heat & Power Company, of which he was an originator.

In Lodi, Medina County, Mr. Russell owns a splendid farm of one hundred and thirty acres of well-improved land, which is occupied by a tenant. General farming is there carried on, and fora time full-blooded Durhams were raised, but afterward Mr. Russell turned his attention to horses and introduced roadsters, which are still raised there with success. he is the owner of an attractive residence on the corner of North and Prospect Streets, one of the most elegant homes of Massillon.

The lady who in November, 1890, became the wife of Mr. Russell, was formerly known as Carrie J. Culver. She was born in Cleveland, the daughter of William M. Culver, who was engaged in business as a hatter and furrier, first in Massillon, Ohio, and later at Ithaca, N. Y. By a former marriage Mr. Russell had one child, who lived to maturity, a son, who was a graduate of Nazareth (Pa.) Military Academy, and became a practical machinist. He was married and resided in a beautiful home on South Erie Street, where he died in October, 1891, aged thirty-three years. He left four children, who now reside with their mother.

A stanch Republican politically, Mr. Russell has served his party as a delegate to State and county conventions and has frequently been a member of the County Republican Committee. For ten years he was a member of the City Council, representing the First Ward, and was President three years of the time. He is not identified with any church, but assists every denomination and contributes largely to religious causes. In his social connections he is identified with Clinton Lodge No. 47, F. & A. M.; Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar, and belongs to Massillon Commandery No. 4.

MRS. CAROLINE McCULLOUGH EVERHARD is one of the most prominent women in Stark County, and is President of the Ohio Woman's Suffrage Society. Her father, Thomas McCnllough, was born near Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio, on the 6th of March, 1810, and is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestors on both sides. His grandfather, John McCullough, came to America with his family in the year 1793 and in 1799 located near Steubenville, Ohio, be-coming a pioneer of that section. He improved a place in true pioneer style, and there made his home until his death in 1827. The grandfather of our subject was married in Jefferson County, Ohio, to Miss Jane, daughter of Thomas Ritchie, who was a native of the green Isle of Erin, and who emigrated to the "land of the free." Mrs. McCullough was a woman of strong character and more than the average intelligence. After marriage, her husband kept an hotel for many years in Jefferson County, and there he died in 1852.

The father of Mrs. Everhard, Thomas McCullough, was the third in order of birth of ten children, and like the average farmer boy of that period, received only a common-school education. When he was about twenty-two years of age,

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went to Virginia, where he was engaged as Superintendent on a plantation for four years near Wheeling. n February, 1836, he came to Massillon and was employed by the Massillon Rolling Mill Company to superintend the clearing and cultivating of their vast farms. In 1840 this company failed, and in 1848 Mr. McCullough purchased between three and four thousand acres of land, of which Mrs. Everhard still owns four hundred acres. About 1851, he became connected as a stockholder with the Massillon branch of the State Bank of Ohio, and later was made its President. In 1864 this company was merged into the Union National Bank of Massillon, of which he was made President, holding that position until 1873. He was one of the most prominent men of the county and a very successful farmer.

Mr. McCullough was married to Miss Nancy Melendy, who was born near Guilford, Vt., March 1, 1811, and died May 8, 1877. Her mother's maiden name was Marcy Perry, a distant relative of Commodore Perry, of Lake Erie fame. Mr. McCullough was a very public-spirited and active man, and was engaged in various enterprises. He was one of the prominent members of the St. Timothy Episcopal Church and Senior Warden for many years. Formerly a Whig, he later espoused the principles of the Republican party and was active in his support of its measures. He was well informed on all subjects and was very genial and hospitable and an entertaining conversationalist:. Ills death occurred in October, 1885.

Mrs. Everhard was the only child who reached mature years, her birth occurring September 14, 1843, in Massillon, where she was reared. She was educated in the High Schools of her native town and later went to Media, Pa., where she was graduated from Maria L. Eastman 's Seminary in 1864. On the 7th of November, 1865, she married Capt. H. H. Everhard, a native of Jackson Township, this county, born November 15, 1837. The Captain was reared in Jackson Township and was educated in the Massillon High Schools but later entered the preparatory department of the college at Gambier. When the war broke he volunteered in Company E, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Infantry as Orderly Sergeant and served with his company until cessation of hostilities. He was honorably discharged and mustered out with the rank of Captain. After this he took a business course at Pittsburgh and has since been engaged in business here. He is proprietor of the Warthorst & Co. Stone Quarry, is doing a large business and has lately erected a pressed brick plant.

Mr. Everhard is a Director in the Union National Bank. e has a fine farm in Perry Town-ship, lying south of the city, and his residence, a fine stone structure, is at the corner of Main and High Streets. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Everhard and are named as follows: Ethel, Melville McCullough and Marion. Mrs. Everhard has been an extensive traveler, has visited most of the States and is well informed on many subjects. She is President of the Woman's Suffrage Association and is also Secretary of the humane Society of Massillon. When her father died he was Trustee of the Charity Rotch School, and after his death, she was appointed by the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas to fill the vacancy--the first instance in the State of a woman being appointed Trustee of a public institution where a bond is required, and she is now President of the Board. She is a woman of great talents and unusual ability, and is always ready to promote any enterprise that works for the good of humanity.

JOHN BLOOMFIELD. If a stranger should ask which is the most beautiful home in Plain Township, he would unquestionably be answered, that of John Bloomfield, who is also one of the most prominent men in this section of the county. An appreciation of what is beautiful and appropriate has been brought to bear in the arrangement of the family residence, that speaks volumes for the taste of the owner and his estimable wife; but without expatiation further upon this outer evidence of inward culture, let us turn to the personal history of our subject. Now a retired farmer, living just south of Oval

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City, John Bloomfield was born in Bloomfield Township, Crawford County, Pa., February 18, 1821. He is a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Kirk) Bloomfield. The former was a native of New Jersey and the latter of Pennsylvania. Grandfather Thomas Bloomfield, also born in New Jersey, was of English descent, his father having come from the Mother Country. He was a farmer and finally settled, lived and died in Pennsylvania. Lewis Bloomfield was drafted into the War of 1812, but was released on account of disability. he carried on, in connection with his farming, the business of a drover. On coming to Stark County, he settled in Marlboro Township, and there died at the age of eighty years. he was a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics, a Democrat.

The original of this sketch was one of a family of ten children, there being five boys and five girls, who were named as follows: Joseph, Rebecca, Louie M., Elizabeth, Sarah A., John, Andrew, Judith, William E. and Susan. After rearing this large family, Miss. Bloomfield died at the age of seventy years. She was a Quakeress in her religious belief.

John Bloomfield was a boy old enough to appreciate the fun of the journey when his parents moved to this county, bringing their household goods as well as family with one ox-team and a three-horse team. The child attended the old log schoolhouse with its furniture of slab benches, inclined planes for writing desks, and other pioneer educational appliances- Probably the boy thought more of the fine hunting to be had here, than of the limited school advantages, for there were turkeys, deer and many kinds of small game that had not yet learned to be shy of the few white settlers.

Our subject began for himself at the age of twenty-three, when he was married June 22, 1843, to Miss Rebecca Wise, who was born here, December 17, 1822- A more extended sketch of the Wise family will be found in the history of Mrs. Bloomfield's brother, L. J. Wise, in another portion of this volume. Our subject and his wife reared six children, who are named as follows: Louis A., Emeline, Hiram, Cena, Elmer and John B- After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bloomfield first settled on land which he purchased in the northeast portion of this township on section 1. Their place of residence, however, was a log house on another portion of the section. He improved the farm, which comprised one hundred and ninety acres of land, erecting a good class of buildings. He then sold the place and purchased another farm in the north quarter of this township. After living on that for a short time, it too was sold, and he built his present fine large, frame dwelling with its full complement of barns and outhouses, and set up his household goods and gods with the determination to here spend in comfort the remainder of a long and useful life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bloomfield are members of the Baptist Church of Canton. Our subject inherits the political belief of his father, and votes the Democratic ticket. He has served as Trustee of the township several times, and was Postmaster at Middle Branch for several years-

HORACE H. WAITING holds the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Bonnet Company at Canton. This company are extensive manufacturers of clay-working machinery for brick and pottery plants- Mr. Whiting was born in Ashland County, Ohio, May 15, 1859. He is a son of David and Rebecca (Shearer) Whiting, both natives of the same county and State as is our subject. David Whiting, who was a carpenter and joiner by trade and who still lives in his native county, was the son of Samuel Whiting of New England and of English ancestry.

Our subject's mother was a daughter of Solomon Shearer, of German descent- She is still the helpmate and companion of her husband in their advanced years, and has been the mother of seven children, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth, Horace H. Whiting passed his boyhood and early school days in Ashland County. he was for a time a bookkeeper in a manufacturing establishment, remaining there for twelve years and thence going to Fond du Lac, Wis,

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On going to Wisconsin, Mr. Whiting took a potion as general agent with Aultman, Taylor & o., who were dealers in agricultural implements He remained with them for two years and in 1890 line to Canton Since that time he has been conceded with the Peerless Reaper Company in the capacity of manager. He remained with them and the organization of the Bonnet Company, which a successor of the Peerless Company. Our subject's ability in a business line was recognized by is being unanimously appointed to the position which he now holds. The capital stock of the company is $100,000. The main building is a age three-story edifice, containing foundry, blacksmith shops, etc. The machinery is driven by a one hundred horse power engine and they constantly employ from sixty to one hundred men-

In 1885, Mr. Whiting was united in marriage to Miss A. A. Tubb, of Plymouth. She is a daughter of Henry Tubb. The family has a beautiful home that is located at No. 104 South Market Street.

HENRY S. MOSES, of the firm of Moses & Riemsnyder, dealers in furniture at Clinton, was born in Carroll County, this State, December 2, 1838. He is a son of John and Rebecca (Statler) Moses, both natives of the Quaker State. The Moses family originally came from Switzerland.

Several generations back, our subject's great-grandmother was captured by the Indians in the Wyoming Valley Massacre, which occurred in Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century- She was only seven years of age when taken captive and was soon after released. Grandfather Samuel Moses was a farmer by railing and died in Siomerset County, Pa. His ancestors were all learned farmers and very successful-

In 1832, John Moses came to Ohio and located in what is now Carroll County He purchased a farm, which continued to be his home until the time of his decease, which occurred in 1868. His wife had died several years previously. They were the parents of ten children, four of whom yet survive: Jacob resides on the old homestead; William lives in Decatur, Ind.; Henry S., and Margaret, who is the wife of M. W. Mansfield, of Webster City, Iowa, are the other living members of the family. Those deceased were Samuel, Margaret, John, Rebecca, Ellen and Martha

The original of this sketch was reared on the home farm and educated in the district schools- He had the advantages of a gentle and cultured home training and early became a teacher. On the breaking out of the war, he enlisted, in 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry. He served until the close of hostilities and was mustered out as a Sergeant-Major. He was wounded twice in the battle of the Wilderness and was in hospital for eight months. His last wound was received May 6, 1864- The ball entered the stomach, passed through the liver and body and came out at the back- he was at the battles of Mine Run, Martinsburg and Petersburg and at the closing campaign preceding the surrender of Gen. Lee. He was a participant in the battle of the Wilderness and was though the entire Appomattox campaign. He was discharged at Washington June 28. 1865.

On returning from the war, Mr- Moses engaged in the mercantile business at home, which he carried on for sixteen years, having stores at Dell Roy and Waynesburgh. While living at the latter place, he was Township Trustee. In 1880, he came to Canton and embarked in the hardware business, which he carried on for two years. He next embarked in the manufactory of the Canton Car Company and was Secretary and Treasurer. This has since been merged into the J. H- McLain Machine Company, and in 1890 he sold out his interests and embarked with his present partner in the furniture business. He has been a member of the School Board for six years and is a stockholder and Director in the Home Savings and Loan Company. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Moses was married, in 1865, to Miss Sarah C. Strayer, of Carroll County. She has been the mother of two children Laura and Flora. Our

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subject and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is President of the Board of Trustees. e owns considerable farming interests in Carroll County and has other valuable interests.

ZACHARY T. SHOEMAKER was born in Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pa., July. 8, 1848. He is a son of Henry and Eliza (Eby) Shoemaker, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of our subject's native place. Henry Shoemaker was a millwright, and came to Stark County in 1851, making the journey hither with his wife and little family by means of the prairie schooner. They located at Navarre, where he engaged in trade, but later removed to Massillon, where he was employed by the railroad company. On later going to Canal Fulton, he assumed the proprietorship of an hotel, and there died when about forty-eight years of age. His wife died in Massillon in 1889, at the age of seventy-six years-

Of the seven children that were born to the Shoemaker family, five lived to be grown. Of these, our subject is the youngest. He attended school at Richville until fourteen years of age, that being the family place of residence after the father's decease. he spent his summers on a farm and the winters in school, but on leaving school entered a grocery store in the capacity of clerk.

After spending two years as a grocer's clerk, Zachary Shoemaker went to Massillon, where for nine years he filled the position of chief clerk in the dry-goods establishment of Isaac B. Douglas. His employer had the greatest confidence in his honor and ability, and frequently entrusted him to purchase goods in the East for the firm. He was finally offered his present position as bookkeeper with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which he has ever since maintained. At the same time, he became interested in the real-estate business, and since that has built many houses. Our subject purchased six acres of land known as the Tailor Property, and laid it out under the name of the J. T. Shoemaker Tract. This he built up and has disposed of some of the most valuable lots. Later, he purchased an addition on Walnut Street, where he built three houses. He now owns property in every ward in the city. He also owns a fine farm in Lawrence Township, and has been quite largely interested in western property.

Our subject was married November 27, 1876, to Miss Ella V. Ogle, a daughter of Capt. B. F. Ogle, one of the oldest captains on the Ohio River. During the Civil War he was in the Government employ, having charge of a pilot boat- Mr. and Mrs- Shoemaker are the parents of four children, whose names are Helen, Vesta, Lucile and Frank T., respectively. Mrs. Shoemaker, who is a proud-neat woman and a great favorite in society, is a member of the Christian Church. Politically, our subject is a Republican.

WILLIAM STOVER is a prominent farmer residing on section 11, Lawrence Township. He was born in this locality, February 6, 1837, and is the eldest son of Samuel and Catherine (Krichbaum) Stover, For a more detailed history of the parents, we refer the reader to the sketch of George Stover in another portion of this volume>

The original of this sketch was reared in his native place, and his first school experience was in the vicinity of home, and he later went for two years to a school in Canal Fulton. In 1858, he married the daughter of Samuel and Lizzie (Leckron) Bachtel, who was born in .Jackson Township, Stark County.

Immediately after marriage, our subject and his young wife located on the farm where they now reside. He had purchased this before marriage and at once set himself to the work of improvement. They became the parents of three children, one daughter and two sons: Samuel, who is

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deceased; Clara A. and Otis G. The daughter is now a teacher in the High School at Canal Fulton. She is a graduate from the High School of Canal Fulton, and attended Adrian College, Mich. Otis graduates from the High School of Canal Fulton this coming spring. Neither of these young people ever missed a day during their school lives and were never tardy-

Our subject has been engaged in general farming and stockraising and has made aspecialty of breeding road horses. He prefers the Hambletonians and Clays, and at one time owned the well-known mare "Mollie Buckner," also "Darns," "Black Harry Clay" and "T. H. Russell." He now keeps eight head of good road houses. and besides these his farm is noted for its cattle and sheep. He has one hundred and sixty-seven acres of as good farm laud as there is in the county, and he has made the best of improvements on his place.

Mr. Stover is a Democrat in polities. He was Trustee of the township for four years and Assessor for two years. He was Director of the County Infirmary for six years and also School Director. For three yeas he served as a member of the School Board- Fraternally, he is a Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge and Elliott Lodge at Canal Fulton, taking great interest in the work. Although our subject is not connected with any religious body, he contributes generously to the support of Gospel teaching.

DANIEL J. SNYDER. Many of the native barn citizens of this county have adopted an agricultural career and accomplished their purpose of securing good hones, wherein all the comforts of our advanced civilization may be enjoyed. Among this number was the gentleman above named, who departed this life December 20, 1890, at his beautiful home. The estate comsists of one hundred acres, on which stand the various outbuildings thought necessary by it progressive farmer, together with a comfortable residence. The soil is naturally fertile, and every effort is being made to increase its productiveness by a proper rotation of crops.

Mr. Snyder was a native of this county, having been born June 21, 1846 and was the son of Reuben and Eliza Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania. Daniel J. was reared to mature years in Bethlehem Township and was trained to farm pursuits, which calling he followed throughout life. Several years previous to his death, however, he was engaged in carrying on an extensive agricultural implement business, in which branch of trade he was very successful Young Snyder, like other fanner Inds, received a practical education in the schools, and being eager to obtain a good education, pursued a systematic course of reading, and thus obtained a good knowledge of hooks.

October 22, 1868, Daniel J. Snyder and Evaline Cogan, also it native of this county, and the daughter of Joseph and Sarah Cogan, were united in marriage. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to this county with his parents when very young. Her mother was also a native of the Keystone State, and became a resident of this locality in her girlhood- After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cogan located in Pike Township, where the father, who was one of the prominent citizens and early settlers died, December 27, 1890, when in his eighty-first year- The mother, who is still living, makes her home in the above named township and has attained a good old age. Of the ten children born to them six survive, namely: Evaline, Jesse, Emeline, Amanda, Emzi and Lomas.

Daniel Snyder, of this sketch, by his marriage with Miss Cogan became the father of three children: Elmer H, Florence A, and Myrtle O. He was a firm adherent of the Democratic party and took an active interest in school affairs, having served as Director for several years. He gave liberally of his time and means for every worthy subject, and deserves praise for the success he achieved, having raised himself from the position of a poor boy to that of a well-to-do agriculturist.

He of whom we write was a pronminent member of the United Brethren Church. in which body he has held the positions of Steward, Trustee and

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Sunday-school Superintendent. He was a man of good principles, and his acts were guided by a high sense of honor and unswerving integrity. His death was severely felt in his community, as he was :a man highly respected and widely known. In social matters, be was a member of the Grange, to which order his wife also belonged. The latter, as the years come creeping on, is enjoying the consciousness of years well and profitably spent, and surrounded by warm personal friends, is going peacefully down the pathway of life.

THE INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING COMPANY. In the columns of the Independent, which is a familiar visitor to the home of almost every resident of Massillon in both daily and weekly form, the principles and ideas of its publishers, J. O. R. and R. B. Skinner, are found reflected. They are both energetic, live newspaper men, and from their hands conies a bright and spicy sheet, which is notable for its local news and the excellent reviews under editorial headings of events of national as well as local importance. Having identified our subjects with the work that promises to be their life work, let us turn to the personal history of these men who, though still young, have taken so prominent a place in the community.

The father of our subjects, Mr. A- T. Skinner, was born in Kendall, now Massillon, August 15, 1824. His father was Charles K-, and was born in Hartford, Conn- His parents were farmers there, and the family estate covered a tract of what is now a portion of the city of Hartford, Charles K. was reared in his native State, and was engaged in woolen manufacture. He came to Ohio in 1812, making his way on horseback over the mountains from New York City to Kendall. He was then twenty years of age and found employment in the woolen factory in the town. Later, he leased it, and in 1831 he built a mill in Massillon on the corner of Factory and Charles Streets, put in power looms, and ran it on an extensive scale until his retirement from active business life. He died in 1875, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a clever man and an active projector of all public enterprises. The wife of Charles K. Skinner was Eliza Reed. She was born near Boston, Mass., and was a daughter of Thomas Reed, who was an early settler and farmer in .Jackson Township, this county.

Our subjects' father was reared and educated in Massillon. Naturally, he spent a good deal of time in his father's woolen mills when a boy, and early became an expert judge of all the branches of that industry. He was placed in charge of the woolen department, and continued with his father until they closed the factory. He had charge of the buying and shipping department, and still continues in the business. His wife was Miss Cecelia Van Rensselaer, who was born in Canton. She was a daughter of Sanders Van Rensselaer, one of the earliest settlers of that city. She departed this life in 1881, leaving four children, whose names are Charles, J. O. R., Robert B. and Bessie.

Both the gentlemen of whom we write were born, reared and educated in their present field of labor. The senior member, Mr. J. O. R., is the Secretary and Business Manager of the company, and Robert is the Editor. The political tenor of the sheet which they send out is Republican and their following throughout the county is very large.

ELMER G. MYERS, M. D. One of the most skillful followers of Esculapius who is located in the city of Canton is the brilliant young physician whose name is quoted above. He was born in Reynoldsburgh, Franklin County, Ohio, June 4, 1863, and is a son of Henry W. Myers, also a native of Ohio, an able business man who now resides in Grandville. He in turn is it son of John Myers, a native of Virginia, the family having located in that State at an early day. The Myers are of German descent.

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Our subject's mother was, prior to her marriage, Miss Sarah Poole. She is a native of England, and a daughter of Samuel Poole, Elmer G. Myers is the eldest of four children, having one sister and two brothers. His boyhood days were passed at Reynoldsburgh, where he attended school. He later entered Dennison Univesity at Grandville, where he was a student for three years. In the intervals of his collegiate work, he was engaged in teaching.

A position as Chief Clerk of the Railroad Mail Service, with (headquarters at Indianapolis, Ind., was accepted by our subject, and retained for a I year. he had read medicine for some time with Dr. J. B. Dysart, of Reynoldsburgh, and had fully determined to fit himself for the life of it medical practitioner. On severing his connections with the mail service, he attended lectures at the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated in March, 1889. He then located at Fredonia, Licking County, After remaining there for a short time, he came to Canton, where he has engaged in general practice. He has already established himself well, and is not only liked by his medical associates, but has a good practice in the city- He is a member of the Surgical and Pathological Society, and is a member of the Center Star Lodge at Grandville.

GEORGE BADER. This prominent German American citizen, who is now a resident of Bethlehem Township, is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and was born August 29, 1833. He was reared in his native land until eighteen years of age, at which time He emigrated to America, the date of his passage being in 1852. He took passage at Havre on a sailing-vessel, and after a voyage which lasted forty-two days, he landed in New York City and proceeded directly to Ohio.

For a number of years, our subject was a resident of Tuscarawas County, and was engaged in work on a farm. He was employed by the month for a number of years, and finally rented a place, which he worked for himself. Accumulating enough to purchase, he secured a farm of his own and has since constantly forged ahead in his efforts to amass a comfortable sum against the days when he shall be incapacitated for labor. Mr. Bader received a fair education in his native tongue, and since coming to this country has picked up considerable knowledge of the English language, enough to enable him to transact business advantageously-

The original of this sketch was united in marriage with Christina Rapp, a native of Wurtemberg. They are the parents of the following children: Caroline, who is the wife of Samuel Parker; Martha, William, Ohio; Rachel A., who is the wife of John Richards; Clara, who is the wife of M. Smith; Mary, David, Lizzie and Ella. Mr. Bader now owns one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, which is well improved and very productive he is a self-made man, who has omitted no opportunity to grow in every possible way. In church affairs, he and his family are Lutherans, and he has served in the church as a Deacon. He has also been School Director for a number of years. in short, He is an intelligent, successful agriculturist, and enjoys the confidence of the business community.

JACOB W. PAINTER. One of the finest homesteads in Sandy Township is owned and occupied by Mr. Painter, who was born in Pike Township, this county, November 10, 1829. The soil of this tract of land is not better than that of many others in the locality, but it has been carefully and intelligently tilled and means have been taken to secure buildings that will properly house the crops and stocks and give to the family pleasant and commodious quarters. The residence is a fine structure, of

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pleasing architectural design and finished with many conveniences and means of enjoyment that our prosperous farmers are finding as necessary in their homes as in those of the dwellers in towns, The dwelling is surrounded by a beautiful lawn, and the attraction of the place is further enhanced by the many beautiful shrubs which adorn it.

Mr. Painter traces his ancestry to Germany, whence his great-grandfather emigrated in an early day and located in Pennsylvania. He was accompanied on the journey to America by two brothers, one of whom located with him in the Keystone State and the other made his home in New England. Jacob Painter, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer by occupation and in connection with cultivating the soil operated a gristmill. When coming into possession of the mill, he also purchased a negro with whom he agreed that if he would run the mill for seven years He would give him his freedom, a seven-year lease on a tract of land, two horses, two cows and n wagon. This contract was carried out in full, The grandfather was a very prominent. man, served as A Judge in the Court of Common Pleas and represented his district for a number of terms in the Legislature. His sons were also influential citizens and well-to-do farmers. He was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church and in politics voted for the Whig party, His good wife, who departed this life on her eighty-second birthday, was a remark-ably tine business woman and a well-educated lady.

The father of our subject carne to Pike Township in September, 1829, and located in a log cabin on the property, which bore but little improvement, In 1840, he made the brick from which his residence was constructed and there resided until 1866, actively engaged in developing his farm. For the succeeding two years, he made his home in Canton, and then returning to his country estate, remained there for eighteen months, when he again moved to the above city, where he died September 29, 1879. He was of a speculative turn of mind and devoted the greater portion of his time to buying and selling stock. With his wife he was an influential member of the Christian Church, He was a pronounced adherent of the Republican party, and took a deep interest in all things that pertained to the highest interest of the community of which he was a member.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah A. Wynn; she was born in 1812, in Westmoreland County, Pa., and is at present living in Canton at the advanced age of eighty-one years, Her father, Jonathan Wynn, was a farmer in the Keystone State, where he died in 1840, aged seventy-three years. His father, the great-grandfather of Mrs, Pointer, came from Wales. In religion he was n Baptist and his wife a Presbyterian. The parental family of our subject included twelve children, namely: Jacob W., Lucinda, Sarah J., Israel, Emeline, Savilla, Adeline, Margaret, Christopher, Isadore, I Impertes and Luemma.

Jacob W. Painter of this sketch was reared to farming pursuits and educated in a log schoolhouse. When eighteen years old, he taught school in Pike Township and later was similarly engaged for three terms in Carroll County, this State. After attaining his majority, he worked at home until twenty-seven years of age, receiving for his labors $120 per year, he saved $100 each year from his earnings, and subsequently going to Southern Illinois, taught school for three years in Wayne and White Counties, Afterwards he en-gaged in buying and selling stock over A territory of five or six counties, making the handsome profit of $2,000. On the outbreak of the Civil War, the Ohio River being blockaded, he was obliged to abandon that line of business and, returning home, the put in a crop of wheat on his father's farm.

After his marriage, our subject purchased one hundred and seventy acres of his present farm, to which he added eighty acres the following year. Later opening a coal bank, he was engaged in its successful operation for three years, clearing during nine months in the year $16 per day. Although having extensive Interests in that direction, he did not abandon his farm duties, but carried them on at the same time with great proficiency, and in everything connected with his business he was honorable and above-board. he has manifested much zeal in the prosecution of his affairs and

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has shown excellent judgment in carrying on every enterprise in which he engaged.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Nancy A. Miller was solemized December 23, 1861. The lady was born in Tuscarawas County, this State, and became the mother of two children, one of whom is living, Violet, now Mrs. Homer Cooper, of Columbiana County, this State. Joseph died April 10, 1865, and the wife and mother passed away December 10 of the same year. in 1867. Mr. Painter was married to Susan Leyda, whose parents came from Washington County, Pa., to Carroll County in 1820.

The landed estate of our subject comprises four hundred and thirteen acres of choice farming hand. the greater portion of which is under exception-ally fine cultivation and is one of the most valuable estates in the county. It is furnished with everything necessary and convenient in the way of farm buildings, and as an excellent manager, Mr. Painter has carried on his farming operations very profitably and occupies the front rank among the wealthy citizens of Stark County, He is engaged in mixed farming and gives considerable time to the breeding of cattle, sheep, horses, etc,, shipping stock to Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. His fine residence, which was completed in 1871, is n large and commodious structure and is supplied with all the conveniences of modern farm life. One of his large barns was erected in 1868, and another even larger barn was put up in 1887. Mr, Painter rents the greater portion of his land but gives his personal supervision to its cultivation. He has witnessed much of the growth of Stark County and it may well be his pride that the has contributed his quota toward its development and is materially adding to its prosperity. He is well known throughout this section of the State and none know him but to give him at full need of respect and confidence,

He of whom we write is one of the pillars in the Christian Church, while his wife is connected with the Methodist denomination. in politics, he is a firm believer in Republican principles and was called upon by his fellow-citizens to serve as Land Appraiser in 1870, Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which order he stands very high, In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Painter loans considerable money and has settled up several estates, one of which was valued at $40,000, another $21,000, and another at $18,000. He favors all things that will in any way improve his township and members many true friends among the people of the community where he has so long lived.

DAVID P. WEIMER, ex-Trustee of Sugar Creek Township, and a prominent and representative citizen, is a native of Westmoreland County, Pa,, and was born in May, 1821. Thus it is seen that he is one of the venerable men of the vicinity, which is an additional claim to the regard and respect of his fellow-townsmen. Mr. Weimer is a son of Peter and Catherine (Berkey) Weimer. They were both natives of Pennsylvania and on both sides were of German extraction,

When the original of this sketch was a youth of fourteen years of age, be migrated in company with his parents to Stark County and settled in the southern portion of Sugar Creek Township. Their first home there was It log cabin with very few comforts and a great many deprivations and hardships. In those early days, when the country was not yet threaded with silver ribbons of railways, and science had not yet. been applied to agricultural labor, pioneer life and work were hard in-deed, and this our subject experienced both in its advantages and adversities, Our subject's father died in 1867, David P. had been reared to manhood in his adopted State and county and was inured to hard labor. His ambition supplemented the meagre advantages that the enjoyed in an educational way, and he was enabled to teach, which he did for three years, With that exception, his life has been spent as a farmer.

Mr, Weimer has never hail any idea of vegetating in his calling, but has always kept posted on general as well as the local topies of the day. He

498 - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was married August 13, 1848, to Elizabeth Hurraw a native of Somerset County, Pa., and a daughter of Adam and Rebecca Hurraw. She made him an admirable wife and a congenial, loving companion. Her decease, which occurred March 13, 1889, called forth the highest encomiums for her domestic virtues by all who knew her. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and never neglects an opportunity to speak a good word for his party. For sixteen successive years he served as Township Trustee and was Clerk of Sugar Creek Township for some time. He is the owner of two hundred and ten acres of excellent farm land.

JOHN C. HERSHEY is prominently connected with the farming interests of Stark County and is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Canton Township, where he owns a valuable farm, pleasantly located on section 24. He is a native citizen of this State, his birth occurring in the City of Canton, September 27, 1835. His father, Joseph Hershey, was a native of the Keystone State, where his birth occurred December 3, 1809. His father, the grandfather of our subject, was of German descent, and, in addition to owning and operating two large farms, ran a distillery, which business Joseph Hershey also engaged in for some time. He later, however, learned the trade of a tanner, and although he began life with limited means, by industry and close attention to his business, attained a good position among his fellowmen. Deciding to make his future home in Ohio, he made the journey overland, accompanied by his wife and family, and stopping in the then hamlet of Canton he engaged in the butcher's business for about two years, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Samuel Petrick. Then, disposing of his interest in the shop, he removed to section 24, Canton Township, which was the property of his father-in-law, and establishing his family in the little log cabin which was on the place, began the work of clearing and tilling the soil. The man who would make a success of agriculture must be ready to take advantage of variations of the soil and climate and also to be keenly observant in regard to the methods of cultivation. The elder Mr. Hershey was for some years engaged in advancing the interests of his adopted county, and, with the exception of three years spent at the tanner's trade at Massillon, resided on the above farm until a few years prior to his death. Having had a stroke of palsy, he was unable to work and, removing to Canton, there resided until his death, which occurred November 25, 1880. He was a devoted member of the German Reformed Church, and endeavored to promote the good of his fellow-men in every way possible and thus interested himself in that which was progressive. A Whig in politics, on the organization of the Republican party he always voted for he candidates. His wife who, previous to her marriage, was Miss Lucy Brownwell, was born in Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of six children, four of whom are living, namely: John, William, Rebecca and Joseph. Like her husband, she was a devoted member of the German Reformed Church, and died in 1848.

George Brownwell, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was is native of Pennsylvania, where he was engaged as a butcher and drover. Having occasion to visit the Buckeye State in a business way, he became favorably impressed with the country, and in 1837, determining to make it his future home, cane hither overland and purchased the southwest quarter of section 4 in Canton Township. There he resided with the father of our subject, and died at an advanced age, respected by all who knew him. his father was of German birth, and, coming to America in an early day, located in Pennsylvania.

Young Hershey, of this sketch, received his education in the district school and spent the intervals of study in the labors that usually devolve upon a farmer's son. He was only two years of age when his parents removed to Canton on their farm and he has no recollections of other scenes than the primitive ones in the midst of which he was reared. Beginning in life for himself at the age of twenty-three years, he rented land, and January 27, 1859,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. - 499

was married to Miss Christina Deckard, who was born in this township September 1, 1837. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Rachel (Swine-hart) Deckard, natives of Pennsylvania, the father having been born in Berks County, February 6, 1794, and the mother August 1, 1797. Her father was a farmer by occupation and after his marriage, August 12, 1817, remained in his native State until 1828, when he made a trip over the mountains to Stark County and located on the southwest quarter of section 28 in Canton Township. Building a log cabin on his undeveloped farm, the at once began the preliminary work of clearing his tract and preparing it for cultivation. Canton Township received a valuable acquisition to its citizenship when Mr. Deckard took up his residence within its bounds. He was it man of remarkably strong constitution and a hard worker, making oak shingles at the advanced age of eighty years. To himself and wife was born a family of ten children, all of whom are living at the present time. He died January 31, 1888, aged ninety-three years, eleven months and twenty-five days, being preceded to the better land by his good wife, who died April 12, 1877. He was baptized and confirmed in his youth a member of the German Reformed Church, while Mrs. Deckard, who was reared in the Lutheran Church, was a member of that body. At the time of their decease, their loss was mourned by ten children, sixty-two grand-children and sixty-five great-grandchildren. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hershey, three are living: Louis, Charles B., and Ed-ward M. The four deceased are Emma M., Mary E., tiara L., and Howard F. After his marriage, our subject lived on rented property for about twelve years, when, in 1871, he moved upon his present farm, upon which he has placed a full set of substantial and well-arranged buildings. His energy, enterprise and business tact have been prominent agents in pushing forward the agricultural interests of his township and in advancing its material prosperity. His estate comprises thirty-two and one-half acres and is adorned with a fine frame residence, which was erected in 1888, and a large barn built in 1871. He is engaged in mixed farming and has on his place a great variety of fruits, which keep the family supplied with their products in their season. He and his good wife belong to the German Reformed Church and the sincerity of their religion is shown by their conduct in the everyday affairs of life. Mr. Hershey is a Republican in politics and has served in the position of Assessor of his township.

M. J. HOGAN is the Master Mechanic for the C. Aultman Works, and also President of the City Water Works. He is a native of Waterloo, Seneca County, N. Y., and was born December 23, 1851. He is a son of John and Mary (Maloney) Hogan, both natives of Ireland, who settled in New York State on coming to the United States. His father was a farmer, and of the four sons and two daughters in the family four are now living. Of these our subject is the youngest.

Mr. Hogan was reared in his native county. He was only six months mid when his father died, and the family removed to Waterloo, where e received a good education in the public schools. He was but fifteen years of age when he began to learn his trade as a mechanic. He served a full apprenticeship in Waterloo, and after perfecting himself he went to Albany, N. Y., where e worked for a few years. Thence he went to Palmyra, N. Y. and was employed in the Globe Printing Press Works. From there he went to Phelps, N. Y., and was employed in engine building.

On first coming to Ohio, our subject went to Akron, but made only a short stay there, when he went to Batavia, N. Y. In 1876, he came to Canton and became engaged with the Aultman Company, who manufacture threshing-machines and engines. He was a journeyman worker at first, but was soon promoted, and finally became foreman of these immense works in 1882, which position he still fills, having charge of about two hundred men. Ills personal attention is given to the engine building department. As a mechanic, Mr. Hogan