CITY OF MASSILLON - 675 who was of German ancestry, and who had been a soldier in the Revolution. Elizabeth was born near Philadelphia, in 1791, daughter of Christian Young, a native of Germany, and who had four children. Leonard came West in 1814, settled in Lawrence and bought a grist-mill, which he ran for several years; he also bought two sections of land, some of it being underlain with coal; he died in 1822; to him were born Sebastian, Leonard, George, Adam, John, Peter, Jacob and Christian, all of whom grew to maturity and settled in Tuscarawas Tp. John, the father of our subject, was raised in Lawrence Tp., and was killed by being run over by his team and farm wagon; he had seven children, two only living. Our subject was raised on the farm of his father, where he was born, until 1853, after which he made various changes, buying several farms; located in town in 1865; in 1842, he married Sarah Weygant, born in Lawrence Tp., daughter of Henry Weygant, one of the early settlers of that township; she died in 1858, leaving four children—David, Melissa, John and Benjamin; he married the second time, in 1859, Sarah Bitler, born in Canton Tp., daughter of John Bitler; by this wife he has four children—Mvietta, Viola, Sadie M. and Marcbllus. David served in the army six years, four in the rebellion and two after its close at Fort Kearney, being Sergeant Major at the fort; received two honorable discharges during service, and was a brave and loyal soldier. EDWARD KACHLER, retired, Massillon. Among the retired business men of this city is Mr. Kachler, who was born March 30, 1824, in Wurtemberg, the second son born to Frederick Kachler, who was an officer in the King's domain. His wife was Louisa Bendel, daughter of a merchant. Mr. Kachler, when a lad of 14, entered a drug store and studied chemistry and pharmacy, and remained continuously in the business until his coming to this country. He came to Canton in October, 1844, and to Massillon in the spring of 1845; first clerked for Bigger & Baldwin, and afterward went into business with Mr. Bigger, which continued until 1853, when he purchased his partner's interest, and conducted the business himself until 1877, when he sold his drug store to P. Morganthaler, his former clerk. Mr. Kachler is now living a retired life, having secured to himself a handsome competence, and a nice home for his enjoyment in his declining years. In May, 1844, he married Susan Deitrick, a lady of culture and refinement; she was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, daughter of Joseph Valentine Deitrick. To them have been born four children, all of whom are now deceased. Charles attained to man's estate, and died in the service of his country; he enlisted in May, 1863, in Company A, 162d 0. V. I., and died in August of the same year. Mr. Kachler has never taken an active part in the political issues of the day, but has always been true to the principles embraced by the Republican party; he is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 47, A., F. & A. M. S. M. KNAPP, plumber and gas-fitter, Massillon; was born March 23, 1835, in the city of Massillon; son of William and Harriet (Austin) Knapp. William Knapp was a native of Cummington, Hampshire Co., Mass., and was born in 1804; son of William, whose wife's maiden name was Whitmarsh. To this couple was born William, the father of S. M. The Knapp family trace their origin to English stock, for, according to the tradition, three brothers came from England to this country shortly after the arrival of the Pilgrim fathers, and settled, and from them have sprung the Knapps of Massillon. Harriet, mother of our subject, was born in 1814, in Vermont, and was a daughter of Isaac and Theodore (Chandler) Austin. William Knapp, the father of our subject, was a carpenter by trade. Coming West, in 1830, to this county, he pursued his vocation for several years, but afterward turned his attention to the manufacture of threshing machines, of which he was probably the first builder in the county. In 1843, he went to Michigan, where he remained until the fall of 1848; in the spring of 1849, he, in company with others, started for California, but he died on his way out, at Fort Independence, in Missouri, the same year. Five children were left his widow, whose names are: Helen, now Mrs. David Atwater; Shepherd M.: Jane E., now Mrs. John R. Dangler, of this city; William A., 676 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES who was for several years Adjutant General, and now is in Washington, D. C., Chief Clerk in the Post Office Department; the youngest child, Francis P., remains at home. Our subject, Shepherd M., learned the machinist's trade, commencing in Norwich, Mass., and completing the same in the Cuyahoga works at Cleveland. After he had completed his trade, he worked one year in Wooster, then engaged with Russell & Co., of this city, with whom he remained till Aug. 9, 1862, when he enlisted as private in Company E, 104th O. V. I.; before leaving camp, was elected 2d Lieutenant by the company, serving in that capacity about two years, when he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant; six months afterward he was promoted to a Captaincy, which position he filled until the close of the war, participating in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. Upon his return home after the war, he worked in the Excelsior works three years, and then went with Russell & Co., where he remained until February, 1881. On Feb. 9, he associated with Thomas J. Dillon, under the firm name of Knapp & Dillon, making a specialty of plumbing and gas-fitting. In August, 1862, he married Barbara S. Anderson, a native of Scotland, daughter of John and Helen Anderson. Mr. Knapp has two daughters, Hattie McL. and Annie B. JONAS LUTZ, grocer, Massillon; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Jan. 31, 1846; his parents were Abraham and Elizabeth (Kittinger) Lutz, both of German ancestry. Jonas came West, with his parents, in 1852; they located in Greenville, this county, and the father being a carpenter, and of limited means, our subject was early in life thrown upon his own resources. At the age of 15, he found employment for a time upon the canal; afterward, worked with his father at the carpenter's trade, and subsequently engaged as clerk for Henry Beatty, where he remained through the fall and winter of 1864-65. In March, 1865, he enlisted for one year in Company B, 191st O. V. I., remaining in the service until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge. Returning home; he entered the shops of Russell & Co., where he remained three years, learning the molder's trade, after which he went to Portage County, and worked three years in the shops of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad. June 1,1873, he went to Canal Fulton, where he embarked in the grocery and provision trade, remaining there six years; in the fall of 1879, he came to this city, and purchased the interest of F. Loeffler in the grocery business, in which he engaged, under the firm name of Lutz & Preyer, his partner dying three months afterward. The business was carried on as before until Jan. 3,1881, since which time Mr. Lutz has controlled the entire interest and is doing an excellent business, his store being constantly stocked with a full line of staple and fancy groceries; his long acquaintance with the people, knowledge of the business and his fidelity to his customers have merited him the success he has attained. In May, 1871, he married Flora Loeffler, daughter of Frederick Loeffler. This union has been crowned by the birth of five children, viz.: Clarence, Arthur, Lillie. Hattie and Stella; Arthur died in 1876. Politically, he has always been a Republican. While at Canal Fulton, he was elected City Treasurer, serving two years, and was honored by a re-election to the same office; is a member of the City Council. GEORGE W. MERWIN, cabinet-maker. Massillon; is the third son of John and Mary (Freese) Merwin. Our subject was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., the same year his parents came to Stark County; he learned the cabinet-maker's trade in this city, which he followed for some time; in the fall of 1861, he volunteered his services to defend his Nation's honor, enlisting in Company I, 76th O. V. I., where he remained until after the battle of Arkansas Post, where he received wounds of such a nature as to render him unserviceable, and he was discharged, having participated in the battles of Forts Donelson and Henry, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg and Jackgon, Miss. Since his return home, he has been engaged in the wood-work department at Russell & Co.'s shops; since 1879, has had charge of that department. Was married to Miss Ellen Willison, of this city, and by her has two children—Edward and Bertha. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal CITY OF MASSILLON - 677 Church, and of the Masonic fraternity, and a good Republican. JOHN P. MERWIN, retired mechanic, Massillon; son of Nicholas and Mary Merwin; sras born in Chester Co., Penn., March 25, 1808; at the proper age, he was apprenticed to the wagon-making business. He was married, in August, 1830, to Mary A. Freese, who was born in Chester Co., Penn., Oct. 28, 1809, and was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Freese. They have had eight chil dren, of whom William M. was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., and Joseph K., Hannah F. and Mary E. in Montgomery Co., Penn; George W., in New Lisbon, Ohio; David P., Cynthia A. and Charles O., in Massillon, Ohio. Of these children, Hannah F. and Mary E. died in early childhood; William M. removed to Indiana in 1852; he there filled many positions of trust, and after occupying subordinate clerkships, during several sessions of the Legislature, he was elected Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, in 1868. He was accidentally killed Jan. 5, 1873. The remaining children reside in the city of Massillon. Mr. John P. Merwin removed with his family to New Lisbon, Ohio, in April, 1839, and in the following spring took up his residence in Massillon, where he has since resided. He was foreman, for over thirty years, in the wood department of the foundry and machine-shops of Partridge & Kessler, and Messrs. Killinger & Co. He was a man of strong moral convictions, and in early manhood united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which church his wife and living children are also members. He became identified with the anti-slavery cause in the early years of that agitation. When the war of the rebellion broke out, in 1861, his sons, William M., Joseph K., George W. and David P. enlisted in the army of the Union. They constituted the entire " fighting force " of the family, as Father Merwin was too old, and Charles O. too young, for military service. J. WALTER McCLYMONDS, manufacturer, Massillon; born September, 1842, in New Lisbon, Ohio; son of John McClymonds, of Scotch-Irish extraction; a resident of Pennsylvania, and was a soldier in the war of 1812, and for several years was Postmaster at Darlington, Beaver Co., Penn.; he came to New Lisbon, where he married Elizabeth Kincaid, and engaged for several years in mercantile business and banking; he came to Massillon in 1860, and engaged in banking for nine years; in 1869, he moved to Cleveland, where he was one of the principal organizers of the Ohio National Bank, and since has been President of the same; also, of the Cleveland Rubber Company, of which he was prominent in its formation. J. Walter graduated at the New Lisbon High School, April, 1861, and entered the service of the Government, enlisting as a private in Company E, 19th O. V. I., in three months' service; afterward re-enlisted in same regiment, Company A, and was promoted to Sergeant Major, where he served until the spring of 1863, when he was transferred to the 104th O. V. I., serving as Adjutant until the close of the war; he served also as Assistant Adjutant General of the brigade and division, and was tendered a commission for the same, but declined. During this time, he participated in all the general engagements in which his command took part; at the close of the war, received an appointment in the 14th Regular Infantry as 1st Lieutenant, which position he resigned, after .several months, and returned to civil life. During the latter part of 1865, was employed in the office of Gen. Poe, Chief Engineer on Gen. Sherman's staff, in Washington, D. C. In December, 1865, he came to Massillon, where, for three years, he was engaged as clerk, with Russell & Co., and as Teller in the Union National Bank. In the spring of 1869, he moved to Cleveland, where he was Assistant Cashier in the Ohio National Bank for three years; spring of 1873, came to Massillon, and became book-keeper for Russell & Co.; in January, 1876, became a partner and placed in charge of the financial department of the business; in January, 1878, the firm was incorporated as Russell & Co., with Mr. McClymonds as Secretary and Treasurer, which position he still holds. Nov. 9, 1870, he married Flora A., daughter of N. S. Russell; has one child living. DAVID P. MERWIN, printer and Deputy Postmaster, Massillon; born Dec. 11, 1842, in this city; is the fourth son of John P. 678 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES Merwin and Mary Freese; at the age of 16 entered the office of The Journal of the Times to learn the printer's art, remaining here until October, 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, 16th O. V. I., and served in the same during the war, receiving his discharge, July 26, 1865. During this time, he was engaged in the following battles: Forts Donelson and Henry, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Arkansas Post, Lookout Mountain, Ringgold, Mission Ridge, and in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign; during this time was in twelve of the Southern States; never missed but two engagements in the whole time of service, returning home without a wound or scratch; upon his return home, resumed his trade, working in the Independent office one year; afterward assisted in establishing the Massillon American, and continued in that office three years; since 1872, has served as Deputy Postmaster, under C. F. Ricks. He is unmarried and resides with his parents, who are aged and infirm; much credit is due him for the filial care he manifests toward them. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the A. O. U. W. PHILIP MORGANTHALER, druggist, Massillon; was born Jan. 29, 1845, in the town of Massillon, the eldest of a family of four children, born to Peter and Christina (Bummerlin) Morganthaler, both natives of Germany; was raised in the town, and at the age of 19, entered the drug store of Bucher & Kachler, and remained with them six months, but continued with Mr. Kachler, who conducted the business alone after the withdrawal of his partner, for thirteen years. Sept. 13, 1877, Mr. Morganthaler purchased the interest of his employer, and has since run the business; keeps a full line of drugs, books, stationery and fancy goods. He was married, in February, 1881, to Frances E. Young, born in Lawrence Township, the third child of Cyrus and Margaret Young, who were among the prominent and wealthy families of this county. T. CLARKE MILLER, physician, Massillon; was born in Butler Co., Penn., July 1.7, 1842; son of James and Margaret G. Miller; he was born in the North of Ireland, in 1796, and was the oldest of a family of twelve who came to maturity. James came to Maryland in 1798; settled afterward in Franklin and then in Westmoreland Co:, Penn., but after marriage settled in Butler County, and engaged in farming; his wife died in September, 1847. The Doctor was the last of the children born; the Doctor was raised to farming, and remained on the farm until 15 years of age; received common-school education, and took part of an academic course; in the spring of 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 9th Penn. V. I., and served three years; was in the seven days' fighting at Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Charles City Cross Roads, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and Williamsport, serving as private and noncommissioned officer; was discharged in June, 1864; after return from service, resumed his studies and taught school until spring of 1865; graduated at Charity Hospital, at Cleveland University in 1867; entered Charity Hospital as Surgeon for one year; he began general practice of his profession at Newburg, where he stayed two years, and then moved to Cleveland, until he came here to Massillon, in the spring of 1876, where he has since continued. In May, 1869, he married Mary A. Culbertson, born in Blairsville, Penn., daughter of Isaac and Mary (McChesney) Culbertson. They have four children, Clarke C., Rush, Thomas and Clara. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an active worker in the Sunday school, having been Superintendent of the Sunday school at this place. P. MORGANTHALER, warehouse and grain merchant, Massillon; was born in February, 1808, in Bavaria; son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Miller) Morganthaler. Nicholas was a farmer, and died when our subject was but 3 years old, who was afterward reared to farming. He came to Ohio in 1833, and located in this city; coming here poor, he worked at tending in the warehouse of Mr. Wellman, and returned to the old country in 1837, but came back in 1841, and was employed for about fifteen years by L. & S. Rawson, in the grain business. In 1857, he CITY OF MASSILLON - 679 engaged for himself in the grain, plaster, lime, cement and salt trade, and has continued since. In March, 1843, he married Christina Bummerlin, born in Baden, Germany, daughter of Charles Bummerlin. He has four children—Philip, in drug business; Flora, Sheriff's wife, Canton; Augusta and Albert L. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. JOHN MEINHART, contractor, Massillon; was born Aug. 15, 1848, in Hesse-Darmstadt; son of John and Maggie (Shuman) Meinhart; he was a son of John Meinhart, she a daughter of John Shuman. The father, John, died in 1851. Our subject left home when he was 17 years of age, having begun the trade of stone-cutter when 14; he emigrated to this country in 1865, coming to New York, where he worked several months, and then came to Warren, Ohio, and worked at his trade until the spring of 1866; then went to Wooster and several other places, finally coming here to stay, in 1874; began contracting in 1876; put up the Union Schoolhouse; furnished the stone for and put up the court house, at Wooster; was of the firm of Powell & Mein-hart, which lasted some time; since 1877, he has conducted the business alone. In 1871, he married Amelia Baughart; they have five children—Sophia, Charles, Henry, John and Frank. He is a member of the Catholic Church. NICHOLAS MINICH, hatter, furrier and millinery, Massillon; was born in Rhine-Prussia, Dec. 6, 1821, the youngest of a family of four children, two sons and two daughters, born to Adam and Margaret (Ault) Minich, both of whom died when our subject was young, 22 years when his mother died, 9 when his father died, May 12, 1846; left Europe May 27, setting sail from Havre, and arriving in New York July 3; stayed there two years; his brother came several years previous; he was two years in Texas fighting Indians; afterward joined the regular army; was eleven years a United States soldier, and was killed at the storming of Vera Cruz. Our subject learned the furrier,s trade before leaving the old country; when he arrived in the United States he only had $3; first worked at the cap business, and then at the furrier's trade. In the fall of 1848, he came to Massillon; was first with Hiram Wellman, in the cap business, and after six months bought him out, and started in the manufacture of hats, caps, furs and gloves, on Erie street, which lasted two years, when he removed to Main street, but his place was burned out the fall after he started, when he moved to No. 45 Main street, about 1851, where he has continued ever since. In 1868, he erected the building he now owns, 30x65 feet, which cost about $15,000. July 4, 1849, he was married to Elizabeth Chambers, born in Carroll Co., Ohio, in 1824, daughter of James and Sarah (Berk) Chambers, .he of Maryland, she of Pennsylvania. Had six children: Flora, Mrs. David Hopkins, Grand Rapids; Mary, Mrs. William Perong, Cleveland; William James, Frank H., Charles 0. and Charles, 2d, who died respectively at 5 years and 7 months and 11 months. Mr. Minich is a member of the English Christ's Church; wife of the Disciples' Church. THOMAS McCULLOUGH, banker, Massillon; was born near Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio, March 6, 1810; he is descended from Scotch-Irish Protestant ancestry on both sides; his grandfather, John McCullough, emigrated from Ireland to America in the year 1796, and after stopping for a few months in Lancaster Co., Penn., located in Fayette County, same State, and, in 1799, became a pioneer to Ohio, settling near Steubenville, Jefferson Co. Here, in the wilds of the Western wilderness, this sturdy pioneer erected a rude cabin of unhewed logs, chinked with mud, the chimney being made of sticks and cemented with the same material; the windows were made of paper, smeared with grease, while a quilt served the purpose of a door; the floor was made of split logs, and through the openings between their badly-fitted edges, rattlesnakes would crawl into the cabin at night. Mr. McCullough died in December, 1827, on the farm which he had cleared, aged 75 years. The parents of our subject were John McCullough and Jane, daughter of Thomas Ritchie, an Irish emigrant to America, and a pioneer to Jefferson County, about the year 1798. They were married near Steubenville, Ohio, and there resided for several years. In 1821, his father 680 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: moved to Springfield, Ohio, where, for several years, he kept a hotel. He died, in 1852, at the age of 73. One of his brothers, David, was a soldier of the war of 1812. Our subject is the third son of ten children; had a farmer's boyhood, and only a common-school education. At the age of 22, he went to Virginia, where he was employed for four years superintending a plantation, near Wheeling; in February, 1836, he removed to Massillon, and engaged by the Massillon Rolling Mill Company to superintend the clearing and cultivation of their extensive farms; in 1840, this company failed, and in 1848 Mr. McCullough purchased a portion of the land, amounting to between 3,000 and 4,000 acres, of which he still retains three or four hundred; in 1851,. he became connected as stockholder with the Massillon Branch of the State Bank of Ohio, and was subsequently made its President; in 1864, this company was merged into the Union National Bank of Massillon, of which Mr. McCullough was President till 1873. He is a stockholder in the Cleveland & Massillon Railroad, and was, for several years, connected with the City Council. In politics, he was formerly a Henry Clay Whig, and now a Republican; in religious faith, he is an Episcopalian, as was his father, and has been for several years one of the Wardens of St. Timothy's Church, of Massillon. He has been thrice married; his first wife was Caroline Applegate, of Wheeling, W. Va., whom he married March 16, 1837; she died Feb. 3, 1838; on May 12, 1840, he married Nancy, daughter of John Melondy, of Vermont; she died May 8, 1877, having been the mother of two children, one son and one daughter, the former deceased; the daughter, Caroline, is the wife of H. H. Everhard, of this city; on Dec. 30, 1879, he married Mrs. Mary C. Hurxthal, of Canal Dover. J. R McLAIN, milling, Massillon; was born in this city; eldest son of J. E. McLain. Our subject started the News Depot in this city; he first commenced clerking in his father's store, at the age of 19 years, and stayed there one year, when he went in business, first, with Ricks & McLain, which lasted five years, and afterward, with McLain, Dangler & Co., which lasted six years. J. H. then withdrew and went into the Exchange Bank, where he stayed three years. While there, he became interested in the White Sandstone Quarry, which he continued one year, afterward, in 1876, buying a half interest in the Crystal Spring Mill, which was run under the firm name of Justus .& McLain; he, however, in 1878, purchased the interest of Justus, and continued by himself; in 1879, he bought the Loeffler warehouse, and afterward bought the warehouse adjoining of the Kelly estate, and the same year, a third warehouse of the Jarvis estate, which he turned into an engine-house, the second being fitted up as a mill, containing six run of buhrs, at which he does an exchange business. The Crystal Spring Mill has also six run of buhrs, and one pair of rolls; this mill is four miles north of town; does merchant work only, the other one being on Exchange street. He has, also, a half interest in the planing-mill of McLain & Brown, and deals in real estate. In 1865, hl married Ellen Towner, who was born in Bellefonte, Penn., daughter of Rev. John Towner. They have four children—Frank, John, Percy and Helen. Mr. McLain is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Knight Templar, of A. O. U. W. and Royal Arcanum, and a member of the Council from the First VVard. C. M. McLAIN, merchant, Massillon; was born March 31, 1849, in Massillon, the youngest of a family of three sons, born to J. E. McLain. He was raised to the mercantile business; engaged, at the age of 16, clerking for McLain & Dangler, and remained with them five years; then, in the spring of 1871, associated himself with the firm, under the name of McLain, Dangler & Co., which lasted until 1876, when he and his brother, Charles L., bought out Dangler and continued until the spring of 1878, when C. M. bought his brother,s interest. In December, 1871, he married Mary T. Parsons, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Parsons; has had two children—Walter H., living, and Mabel, dead; is a member of the various Masonic societies in the city—A., F. & A. M., R. A. M., and Knights Templar. J. E. McLAIN, banker, Massillon; was born in Greene Co., Penn., July 15, 1814. His ancestors emigrated from Scotland about the time of the American Revolution, and became CITY OF MASSILLON - 681 settlers of the Keystone State. His parents were James and Eleanor (Evans) McLain; they came from Greene Co., Penn., and settled near New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio, about the year 1820; his father was a miller by occupation, and had a family of eight children, of whom our subject was the third son. He suffered the loss of his father when he was about 7 years of age, and from the age of 10 made his own way in the world, earning his own livelihood and picking up, at intervals, such meager crumbs of education as the common schools of that day afforded; in this early disciplinary school, he learned the virtues of industry, self-denial and frugality, which have had much to do in shaping his subsequent career, and in creating that success with which his business life has been so signally characterized. When about the age of 18, he came to Massillon, and in April, 1832, began learning the blacksmith's trade under Jacob Jacoby, and followed the same for about eight years; in 1836, he bought the interest of Mr. Everhart, of the firm of Knapp & Everhart, who were the first manufacturers of threshing machines in Stark County, and engaged in this manufacture, under the firm name of Knapp & McLain, and thus continued until 1840, when the whole business was sold out to another firm, who, a few years subsequently, moved the business to Mansfield; Mr. McLain then purchased three boats on the Ohio Canal, and for some three years was engaged in running a line from Cleveland to Portsmouth; for a few years subsequent, he was engaged, first in the livery business, then in the drug, and afterward in the dry goods trade; he was then employed to superintend the building of the car-shop at Massillon, of the firm of Davenport, Russell & Co., and still later by the Massillon Iron Company, to superintend the building of their furnaces and to purchase iron ore for the same, and to sell the goods manufactured. Finally, upon the failure of the company, he conducted the business on his own account, for the purpose of realizing out of its profits certain sums of money for which he had previously become security. In the fall of 1851, he finished the building of two sections east of Massillon of the Ohio & Pennsylvania, now the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad. From 1849 to 1852, he was engaged in the carriage manufacture in Massillon. In 1852, in connection with Mr. Henry L. Yesler, he erected a very extensive saw-mill in Seattle, Washington Territory. About the year 1856, he bought out a private banking institution in Massillon, in which he had become pecuniarily interested, conducted it for a few years, and finally wound it up, thereby securing certain obligations due him by the firm. From the spring of 1862 to the fall of 1865, he was also engaged in the dry goods trade. From 1862 to 1864, he served as Provost Marshal for Stark County. In the fall of 1867, he visited California and other portions of the Pacific coast, looking after the interests of his saw-mill in Washington Territory, and has since made annual, trips to that portion of the West. In April, 1869, he engaged in private banking, under the firm name of McLain & Hunt, the latter being a son of Mr. Salmon Hunt; this arrangement continued for six years. Mr. McLain's sons, James H. and Charles L. McLain, being partners. In January, 1875, Mr. McLain was made President of the Union National Bank of Massillon, which position he still occupies. At various times he has served in the Massillon City Council. In politics, he is a stanch Republican. On Jan. 10, 1839, he married Eliza, daughter of Isaac Austin, of Massillon, though originally from Vermont; six children resulted from this union, four of whom are living, and residents of Massillon. James H. and Charles McLain are now engaged in the milling business, and Clarence M. is a dry goods merchant; the daughter, Mary, is the wife of Charles M. Russell, of the firm of Russell & Co., of Massillon. Mr. McLain has been very successful in all his business ventures. JAMES NEALL, coal-dealer, Massillon; was born Nov. 15, 1811, in Talbot Co., Md., son of James and Rachel (Cox) Neall. James, the father of our subject, was born in 1775, in same county, son of Solomon, whose father came over from England with William Penn. To Solomon Neall were born Frankie, James, Mary and Ruth. Rachel Cox was likewise born, in 1782, in Talbot Co., Md., daughter of Isaac, whose wife's maiden name was Price. The Nealls are of Scotch extraction, and were 682 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: members of the Society of Friends. To James and Rachel Neall were born twelve children—nine daughters and three sons. At the age of 17, the subject of these lines went to Philadelphia, Penn., and entered as clerk in a hardware store, where he remained until 1836; he then went into a foundry and machine-shop, engaging in the business, in 1846, on his own account until 1864, when he came to Massillon, where he has since lived, and is engaged i i the coal business. Nov. 3, 1841, was the date of his marriage with Rachel Ann Keeler, who was born Feb. 15, 1813, in Jacobstown, N. J., daughter of Samuel and Fannie (Kemp-ton) Keeler, both of New Jersey; Samuel and Fannie had four children born to them. To Mr. and Mrs. Neall have been born three children, viz., Fannie K., Helen B. and Jose- phine. Mrs. Neall's parents were members of the Society of Friends, under which influence she was brought up. Both Mr. Neall and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Neall is one of the Elders. J. V. NEWSTETTER, salesman, Massillon; was born in Tuscarawas Township, of a family of eight children, viz., Andrew, Sarah, Catharine, Samuel, Joseph V., Jacob, David and Henry, all of whom were the offspring of Henry and Susanna Voris, whose father was Peter Voris, Henry Newstetter, the father of the above, was born in the " Old Dominion," on the James River, about the year 1792; his father was Conrad Newstetter, a native of Bremen, who emigrated to Pennsylvania prior to the Continental war, afterward removing to Virginia, where were born to him a family of nine children, viz., Henry, Conrad, Joseph, Mary, Nancy. Barbara, Elizabeth, Catharine and Sarah. Conrad emigrated West to Ohio, locating in Tuscarawas Township as early as 1812, where he entered 160 acres of land, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred about 1826. Henry, his son, who was the father of J. V., was a soldier in the war of 1812, afterward locating on a piece of land about half a mile from the homestead, which he cleared, Brookfield being now a part of the farm he located; he remained a constant resident upon this farm until his death, in May, 1871, his wife dying the March preced ing. Our subject was raised to farming, but in 1850 he left home and entered the store of Folk & Bro., where he remained some time; then went to Chillicothe, remaining two years and a half, when he moved to Waterloo, N. Y.' where he married Nancy Ann Alleman. in 1858; she died in 1861, leaving one child, Arthur A., who died in the same year as his mother. Returning then to Massillon, he sold goods ten years for William Humberger. Since 1877, he has been salesman in the store of Allman & Wetter. Ho is a Republican, and a member of the Episcopal Church. C. N. OBERLIN, grocer, Massillon; was born in Tuscarawas Township Jan. 28, 1820; son of John and Catharine (Newstetter) Oberlin, he being born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1788, she near Yorktown, Va., in 1790; they (John and wife) came from Cumberland Co., Penn., where they were married, and located in Tuscarawas Township, where he entered land in 1812; he raised a family of twelve children—seven sons and five daughters—six of whom are now living; he died in 1849, his wife in 1858. Our subject was raised to farming until 12 years of age, when he came to town and clerked for four years, then ten years for Atwater & Dickey. In 1853, he began business with a partner under the firm name of Oberlin & Beatty, which lasted until 1857, when Mr. Oberlin sold out to his partner, and then started on his own account, and has thus continued since. In 1847, he married Nancy McDowell, a relative of Gen. McDowell, of the late civil war; she was born in Tuscarawas Township in 1827, daughter of John and Nancy (Hoagland) McDowell, who were from Washington Co., Penn.; had three children, two living—Ellen F., Mrs. Adam Knoblock, in Canton; and Edith, at home. Mrs. Oberlin is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Oberlin is one of the oldest grocers in the city, and is among the self-made men of the community. He is a Democrat. S. OBERLIN, dry goods, Massillon. Among the prominent and self-made business men of Massillon is Mr. Oberlin, who was born Feb. 9, 1818, in Tuscarawas Township, son of Peter and Susanna (Cramer) Oberlin. Peter came West with his parents, Adam and Eve Oberlin, CITY OF MASSILLON - 683 who were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., who moved to Cumberland, and then to this county, where he entered the land in this township upon which he lived until his death, in 1855; to him were born ten children, all of whom grew to maturity. Samuel left home at 13, and came to this town and clerked in a store until he engaged in business with Humberger in 1846, which lasted four or five years; he then clerked for Cummins & Humberger three years, when he formed a partnership with Humberger, the firm name being Humberger, Oberlin & Co., which lasted about five years; James Harsh was the "Co." In 1857, he sold out his interest and crossed the street, and rented a store building, and in 1859 he bought the property, and has since continued there. In 1848, he married Mary E. Hoffman, born in Hagerstown, Md., in 1820, daughter of John A. Hoffman; has raised four children---Mary F., Mrs. William Yost; Willie J., Charles E., Samuel H. His family are members of the M. E. Church. He is not a member of any church organization; is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a stanch Republican, and a public-spirited gentleman. H. F. OEHLER, stoves and tinware, Massillon; was born April 20, 1839, in Germany, the youngest of a family of eight children, who were Louie, Kate, Julius, Charles, Caroline, Charlotte, Jeannette and H. F., all of whom were born to Henry and Elizabeth Oehler. The father of H. F. died when our subject was a mere lad, who remained with his mother until 1856, at which time he came to America, and, selecting Ohio as his future home, he came direct to Massillon; having no worldly possessions to begin with, he resolved to become a business man, and entered the Massillon manufacturing works, which were conducted by Mr. William Buckius, who instructed him in the tinner's art; he remained with him until April, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. A, 13th O. V. I., for three months, and afterward re-enlisted for three years, and served until the expiration of his term, receiving an honorable discharge Jan. 24, 1864 ; during his term of service, he participated in the battles in which his regiment was engaged. Upon his return home, he worked for Mr. Buckius until the fall of 1868. In February of the following year, he engaged in business with David Stevens, buying out Mr. Huth and conducting business for eighteen months under the firm name of Stevens & Oehler, at which time Mr. Oehler sold out to his partner, and, in 1870, went to Worth Co., Mo., where he remained nearly two years, and then returned to Massillon; he worked a short time for Mr. Stevens,, hen associated in business for one year with F. W. Geis, when Geis purchased his interest. In 1874, Mr. Oehler bought out Mr. Stevens, his former partner, and has since conducted the business on his own account; in 1878, he purchased the building he now occupies, where he keeps a large assortment of stoves, and manufactures his own ware, and is doing a lucrative business. In June, 1866, he married Anna Kreisher, a native of this city; they have three children—Henrietta, Edith and Alfred H. JOHN F. PETER, dyeing and renovating, Massillon. Mr. Peter began his present prosperous business in this city in 1877, at No. 13 South Mill street; he had formerly been engaged in the same business at Bellaire, Ohio, afterward in Canton, subsequently coming to Massillon, as above mentioned. In this city he has built up a thriving trade, which is being extended throughout the county and into other localities; the character of his work being of such a nature, whether it be cleaning, dyeing, or anything pertaining to his line, gives entire satisfaction, which in every Instance is guaranteed, no matter what the class or style of goods, silks, fine shawls, gloves—in fact, everything, as it passes from his hands, appears as new. He was born in Canton in 1852, son of Conrad Peter, who was born in 1809, in Hesse-Darmstadt; July 25, 1877, he married Frances Piero, of Canton; has one child—Leo P.; is a Catholic. WILLIAM A. PIETZCKER, grocer, Massillon; son of August Pietzcker, who was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1809, son of Charles Frederick Pietzcker, who was a native of Prussia, who was a iNfinister of the Interior; his father was President of the Police Court. August Pietzcker married Mary Bitterman, born in Lancaster Co., Penn., daughter of Joseph and Christina Bitterman. He served eight years as a soldier under Napoleon. 684 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: August emigrated to this State in 1840, locating in Stark County; he has had eight children born to him, seven of whom grew up—Augusta, Charles, William A., Daniel, Ezra, George, Ida and Henrietta (now deceased). August, the father of our subject, enlisted, in 1861, as a private soldier; after one year's service, was promoted to Hospital Steward and Assistant Medical Director; saw five years of army life in all; since his return from service, has been engaged as a machinist in this city. William A. was born in Bethlehem Township in 1852; at the age of 14, he began as clerk; was eight years in the employ of P. G. Albright. Nov. 1, 1880, he engaged in business with E. A. Heckert, under the firm name of Heckert & Pietzcker, which association lasted until April 27, 1881, at which time he purchased his partner's interest, and has since continued in business, keeping a full line of staple and fancy groceries; also, dealer in country produce.. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In 1862, the family removed from Bethlehem Tp. to Massillon, where they have since resided. J. F. POCOCK, coal business, Massillon; was born in Baltimore Co., Md., Jan. 25, 1839, son of Israel and Ruth (Gorsuch) Pocock, both natives of that county; they have five children who came to maturity. Israel was a son of Jesse. Mr. Pocock came to Butler Co., Ohio, in 1857; remained two years, then to Putnam County, where he stayed seven years, and then came to this town and engaged in the coal business, remaining here since. He was married, in 1866, to Amelia E. Foltz, daughter of Henry and Mary (Kindig) Foltz; she (Mrs. Pocock) was born in this town, and has three children--Gertrude, Henry F. and Ralph A. Mr. Pocock is Secretary and Treasurer of the Massillon City Coal Company, organized in 1874. Mrs. Pocock's father had the following family: David B., in Navarre; Eliza, Mrs. Elisha Bond; Rebecca, Mrs. Dan Pocock, near Clyde, Sandusky Co.; George W. died in Wooster; J. F., the youngest now living. He is a Republican. JAMES PEACOCK, book-keeper and accountant, Massillon; head book-keeper of Russell & Co.'s office; was born Feb. 4, 1836, in Kingston, Canada, son of Thomas Peacock and Elizabeth Knight; the former was born in 1807, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland; she was born on the Emerald Isle, town of Magherafelt, County Derry. Our subject early in life learned the printer'F, trade in Buffalo, N. Y., which he followed for several years in Buffalo and in Cambridge City, Ind. At the outbreak of the war, he was among the very first to respond to the call, enlisting in Co. A, 8th Ind. V. L as private, and was mustered into the service for three months three days from the time the call was made; after serving his term, being mustered out as Sergeant, Sept. 5 of the same year he enlisted for three years in the same regiment and same company, the letter of the company being changed to G; was soon promoted to 1st Sergeant, afterward to Sergeant Major, and finally to Adjutant of his regiment, serving in this capacity until the close of the war; was mustered out in August, 1865, serving nearly four years and a half; during all this time, he participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged; some of the engagements were Rich Mountain, Pea Ridge, Champion Hills, Siege of Vicksburg, Magnolia Hill, Big Black Bridge, Mustang Island and Fort Espanza. In August, 1864,.he was transferred to the Shenandoah Valley and served under Sheridan, and was engaged at the battles of Winchester and Cedar Creek; thence to Georgia, and finally joined Sherman at Savannah. Upon his return to peaceful pursuits after laying aside the blue, he went back to Indiana and resumed his chosen vocation in the printing office, where he remained until March, 1866, when he took charge of the books in the office of L. Q. Sherwood, who was the general agent for Russell & Co.; remained in his employ until 1873, when he engaged with the Journal Company, continuing in their employ as bookkeeper until 1877, when he came to Massillon and took charge of the books in the office of Russell & Co., continuing in their employ up to the present. In May, 1864, he was united by marriage to Miss Annie Kavanagh, who was a native of England, daughter of Lawrence Kavanagh, of Irish birth and parentage; has three children--Edward A., James K. and Nicholas L. He is a membor of the Episcopal Church, a true Republican, and a zealous CITY OF MASSILLON - 685 member of the Masonic fraternity, being advanced from the lodge proper to the Scottish Rite. ANSON PEASE, lawyer, Massillon; is a descendant of Robert Pease, who sailed in April, 1634, from Ipswich, England, landing at Boston, and settled at Salem, Mass. To this ancestor Anson Pease traces his descent. His grandfather, Abner Pease, was actively engaged in the Revolutionary war, and received a Captain's pension; he was one of the pioneers of the Western Reserve, having moved to Aurora, Portage Co., in 1808. James Pease, the father of our subject, served in the war of 1812? Amanda Parish, his mother, was born in Worcester, Mass. ; in his boyhood, he passed through the usual experiences of pioneer life, to the age of 15, working on a farm and attending the district school, and subsequently spending a year at an academy at Aurora Center; he then engaged to learn the harness-maker's trade, which business he had afterward to resign on account of lung affection; for several months he received instruction from the Rev. John Seward, a pioneer Presbyterian minister, who acted as hip tutor; when 19 years of age, he entered a store as a clerk, remaining one year and a half, and then entered the Western Reserve College. Here he took the English and scientific course of instruction, which occupied two years; then, returning to Massillon, he read law in the office of his uncle, Samuel Pease, and afterward with Robert H. Folger; during this time, he acted as Deputy Sheriff, and, by this occupation secured means to enable him to support himself. In 1844, he was admitted to the bar, and since that time has been in the active practice of his profession. He served as a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1872 and 1873, being a Republican in politics. On the 6th of April, 1844, he married Miss Eliza Per Lee, a native of North Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y.; three children have crowned this union, the eldest, a daughter, the wife :)f Charles McLain; Dr: Per Lee, now a medical practitioner in Massillon; and Edward N., who served several years in the regular army, but is now in the clerical department in the office of Russell & Co. While in college, Mr. Pease became much inter ested in natural science, especially chemistry, mineralogy and geology, and since that time, as an amateur, has pursued those branches with much pleasure, as well as that of microscopy. He was born Nov. 28, 1819, in Aurora, Portage Co., this State; he has a large and lucrative practice. R. A. PINN, lawyer, Massillon; was born in 1843 in Perry Tp., son of William and Zilpha (Broxon) Pinn. The grandsire of our subject was born in the bonds of slavery in the " Old Dominion." While in servitude his name was Briggs, which family resided in Fauquier Co., Va. His children were free born, among whom was William, the father of Robert A., who came to Ohio when a young man, living some time at Steubenville, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade several years. He came to Stark County, residing some time in Canton where he was married, afterward locating in Perry Tp. about the year 1833, and raised a family of seven children —Amanda, Martha, Robert A., Elizabeth, Susan, Levi and Harriet. After his coming to this township he was engaged in farming, remaining here until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1874. He was a good citizen, honored and esteemed by all who knew him. His wife yet survives him; she was born in Mercer Co., Penn., and came West with her parents. Our subject was raised on the farm of his father until 18 years of age. In 1862, he left home and went into the army, remaining in the sutler's department until Sept. 5, 1863, when he was mustered into United States Service, Co. "I" 5th U. S. C. I., as private, afterward promoted to 1st Sergeant, and acted Sergeant Major on the non-commissioned staff. He was in command of his company at New Market Heights, where he received three bullet wounds—afterward received two medals from the Government for his bravery. After two years' of active service received an honorable discharge and returned home. After attending school at Oberlin College he went to South Carolina and began reading law under W. H. Thomas in 1875. Upon his return to this city, he entered the office of R. H. Folger. He was admitted to the bar in this county April 3, 1879, and is successful in his profession. He married Emily J. 686 - BBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Manzilla, daughter of Miles Manzilla, of Mahoning County; has no children. ALFRED PEIRCE, Justice of the Peace, and conveyancer, Massillon. The Peirce family are descended from three brothers, who came over with William Penn; one brother' settled. in New England, one in Pennsylvania, the other in Maryland. About the year 1800, Judge Eli Peirce suggested that the name of the Pennsylvania, or Quaker, branch of the family should be spelled with the " e" before the " i," which was adopted by all their descendants. The New England branch spell the name Pierce, while the Maryland branch spell it Pearce. Alfred Peirce was born in Philadelphia Sept. 12, 1812; lived in New York City from 1828 to 1839; next removed to Baltimore, where he was engaged in mercantile business until 1840, then moved to Philadelphia; in 1845, he came to Ohio and engaged in teaching and lecturing; in 1846, he came to Stark County, and in the same year he was married, in Salem, Columbiana Co., to Miss Elizabeth Borden, a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., who came to Ohio the same year; four children living—Charles L,, Frank B., Velma and Minnie Alfaretta. For over twenty years Mr. Peirce was engaged as a commercial traveler, and since that period until the present time, has been a newspaper correspondent. In the spring of 1880 he was elected Justice of the Peace. His father, Isaac Peirce, was born in Chester Co., Penn., Aug. 22, 1788; removed to Ohio about 1835, and became well known throughout the State as an unflinching friend of the slave, and an active member of the Free-Soil and Republican parties, being also identified with the Temperance and other reformatory movements. His death occurred March 11, 1858. His wife, Elizabeth Painter, was born Dec. 25, 1790, and died Dec. 15, 1815. The ancestors of Mr. Peirce were Quakers of the Liberal or Hicksite branch, but he himself since his connection with this society ceased, at the age of 22, has not been united with any church. FERDINAND RUCHTI, traveling agent, Massillon; was born June 1, 1834, in Wurtemberg, Germany, eldest son of Joseph Ruchti and Margaret Heintzelman. His grandfather was Paul Ruchti, who served as soldier under Napoleon, being with him in all the wars of that period, and died at the age of 103. Joseph Ruchti was a merchant, to which business his son Ferdinand was raised until he became of age, when he came to Ohio—to Canton, in 1853, and to Massillon the spring of the following year, and engaged in the employ of the Massillon Furnace Company, continuing until the year 1859. Since has been engaged with J. P. Burton, of this city, as traveling agent. Nov. 6, 1856, married Caroline Held, born in this city 1836, daughter of Philip Held and Philopena Shafer. Has but one child, Emma, now the wife of Dr. Simpson Harmount. Mr. Ruchti is a Republican, and since his residence in the city served six years as a member of the Town Council. CHARLES M. RUSSELL, deceased. It may not inaptly be said that a man who for so many years assumed so prominent a position in the community in which he lived as the subject of this notice, becomes, as it were, a public character, and hence, every member of society feels a sort of property, or rather interest, in the facts pertaining to his life and death, and which, in this instance, becomes more appropriate, from the fact that the far-reaching enterprise and energy, with which the deceased extended his own reputation conveyed the name of his home along with it. Mr. Charles M. Russell, whose portrait appears in this work, was born Oct. 1, 1806, in Middlesex Co., Mass. He was the eldest son of Cyrus and Louisa (Stratton) Russell, and removed with them to the State of New Hampshire, and afterward to Vermont State, where they died. Mr. Russell came to Massillon in the spring of 1838, and in the occupation of master builder, gave little promise of the extended usefulness of his future; but soon after, in connection with his brothers Clement and Nahum, under the style of C. M. Russell & Co., in the manufacture of agricultural implements, more particularly threshing machines. The genius of Mr. Russell would never permit him to pursue the beaten track of others, but whenever there were imperfections in his way, improvement marked his course, and this characteristic CITY OF MASSILLON - 687 added to his great energy and enlarged enterprises never permitted him to rest until the manufactured articles of the firm had deserved and acquired a reputation surpassing that of any other in the country. This was particularly the case with their threshing machines, which are now in use from the State of Ohio east and west to the ocean line and proportionately in other directions, a fact, which also shows the unerring judgment of the public as to its perfection. But the untiring energy of the firm did not rest with this success, for in addition to their large manufacturing establishments which already formed an important feature of the business of Massillon, they established an extensive manufactory, of cabinet ware, and soon after the completion of the railroad Mr. Russell, in connection with Messrs. Wellman and Davenport, erected large works for the manufacture of railroad cars, which latter finally became the property of C. M. Russell & Co. At the election of 1856 for Directors of the Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, Mr. Russell. was elected a Director of that company, which position he held during its separate existence and after its consolidation under the style of Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, until the time of his death. His position in the board was a prominent one, and his opinions had much weight in the councils of that company, in fact few men could sustain themselves with more credit in the many trials and embarrassments through which the road was compelled to pass; his loss was deeply felt by those who were interested in the road. During the last year of his life in connection with Mr. Davenport, invented and obtained a patent for an Iron Railroad Car. Mr. Russell was, perhaps, in the most extended sense of the term, a "representative man " of the American people; for he possessed an individuality of the strongest character; and lost no opportunity of turning the course of events to his own advantage; but while taking advantage of every opportunity to augment his own fortunes, instead of hoarding up the proceeds of his ingenuity and labors for the purpose of amassing riches, he was ever engaged in quietly distributing the surplus goods with which Providence had blessed him, to relieve the wants of his less fortunate brothers of the human race. His benevolence, though exerted without ostentation, was constantly put in practice, and the unfortunate never applied to him for relief and went away empty handed. There was no class of people who held a larger place in his regard than the mechanics; never forgetting that he, too, sprang frpm this great class, the corner-stone of our social fabric; he was their warm bosom friend, ever ready to aid and assist them in every possible manner. Among those who had the good fortune to sustain relations of favored intimacy with the deceased, language would fail in the production of terms to describe his true genial nature; and far from being demonstrative in his friendship, the pure Damascus is not more perfect and true in its nature than was his unswerving fidelity. To the town of Massillon, he has been the chief among her citizens, and unlike many others who went out from her in her hour of adversity, brought about by a change in the means of intercommunication, he was always foremost in her defense, and using his best energies in her welfare. Her citizens had always the benefit of his wise counsels and wise experiences. He was equally prompt to distribute his money to forward the best interests of the town, either in a religious, social or public point of view. His death occurred Feb. 19, 1860. Thus passed away a dear brother, a kind friend and worthy citizen. His marriage with Nancy Davis was unfruitful---no children were born to them. RUSSELL BROTHERS, manufacturers, Massillon. Their great-grandfather was a native of Scotland and emigrated to Middlesex Co., Mass., early in the eighteenth century. The old family Bible, yet in the possession of the family, reveals the following story, viz.: Joseph Russell, son of the great-grandfather, was born in Weston, Middlesex Co., Mass., July 5, 1745. May 20, 1773, he married Susanna Upham, who was born Aug. 20, 1751, their children were as follows: Joseph, born Jan. 30, 1778; Sukey, born March 20, 1781; Sarah, born Dec. 21, 1782; Cyrus, born Dec. 17, 1784; Abigail, born Feb. 16, 1789; Sylvanius, born Oct. 22, 1793; Clement, born June 25, 1795. Cyrus Russell 688 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: (the father of the Russell brothers), married Louisa Stratton, who was born Nov. 8, 1786. To them were born the following children, whose names, according to the order of birth, are: Charles M., born Oct. 1, 1806; Martha Upham, born Jan. 12, 1808; Harriet, born April 12, 1809; Nahum S., born Feb. 17, 1813; Sylvanius, born Aug. 22, 1815; Clement, born Dec. 29, 1817; Joseph K., born June 26, 1823; Sarah Susana, born Nov. 25, 1825; Thomas H., born May 15, 1828; George L., born Oct. 27, 1830; Alba Allen, born May 7, 1833. Nathum S. married Esther K. Mil lard; to them were born three children-Flora, Mary L. and Anna. Charles M. married Nancy Davis; no children. Martha U. married Rev. A. Rawson; by him had three daughters and one son--Alanson R. Mary A., Juliette and Harriet. Harriet married Milan Harris; one daughter born them, Harriet L. Clement was twice married, first to Laura M. Waterman, who bore him one son and one daughter-Charles and Louisa. Second marriage to Mrs. Augusta Miller; no issue. Joseph K. was twice married, first to Lucretia J. Harris, who died Feb. 28, 1875; five children-Z. Ninet S., Charles M., Mary E., Louisa and Jesse L. Second marriage, was July 27, 1876, to Mrs. Lydia H. Harris, born in Nelson, N. H., February, 1828, daughter of Oliver Heald; no children by last wife. Thomas H. Russell married Ellen Dunn; had five children, three living-Warren R., Laura and Hattie. Sarah S. married Alfred Q. Evans; they had one daughter, Susan S. George L. married Sarah Galagher; by her had one son-Willie C. Second wife, Mrs. Martha Kennard. Allen A. married Lorinda Chase. Second time to Olive Cook; she bore him two children-Hardy A. and Carrie B. Deaths of the Russell brothers and sistersSylvanius died Aug. 18, 1844; Sarah S.. May 20, 1851; Charles M., Feb. 19, 1860; Harriet, December, 1880. NAHUM S. RUSSELL, manufacturer, Massillon. President of the corporation of Russell & Co„ manufacturers of threshers, horse-powers, portable traction engines and saw-mills; was born at Weston, Middlesex Co., Mass., Feb. 17, 1813, the fourth child of Cyrus Russell, who servkl with credit as an officer in the war of 1812. For a more extended account of the Russell family, the reader is referred to the genealogical statement of the Russell Bros. Few men have had I more humble beginnings than they, or have achieved for themselves a brighter and clearer record as business men; by their zeal and unflagging industry, have pioneered their way through an eventful past, many times dark and portentious, surviving panics and hard seasons, which at times seemed ready to engulf them into business disaster and ruin, yet by their adherence to the principles of right and justice, coupled with their noted energy and praiseworthy fidelity to their business and its consequent obligations they sm.. mounted the difficulties that have environed their pathway and distinguished themselves as manufacturers and stalwart business men, and are now sending their products all over the world, the manufacture of which gives direct employment at their shops to hundreds of men, and indirectly to thousands of others. Nahum, the eldest of the six brothers living, was raised on the home farm. His advantages for schooling were poor, attending school a short time during the winter months, and working at home during the remaining part of the year. In the winter of 1831, he went to Walpole, New Hampshire, to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, serving for three years as an apprentice. During his apprenticeship, he strove to improve himself in every way; realizing the advantages of an education, attended the Academy at Walpole what time he could spare from his labor. In the spring of 1835 he moved to Keene, N. H., where he remained one year working at his trade. Afterward went to Virgennes and Buffalo and New York. Afterward went to Cleveland and assisted in building the American Hotel on Superior street. He remained in Cleveland until 1838, when with his brothers, Charles M. and Clement, he came to Massillon, and in connection with them engaged in the building and contracting business. April 27, 1841, he married Esther K. Millard, born Feb. 29, 1819, in New York, daughter of William J. Millard, born Feb. 28, 1796, whose wife was Elizabeth J. Ball, born Oct. 12, 1800. Jan. 1, 1842, in connection with his brothers, CITY OF MASSILLON - 689 Charles and Clement, formed a copartnership under the style of:C. M. Russell & Co„ for the manufacture of threshers and horse-powers, in conjunction with their business as carpenters and builders. Their capital stock was but $1,500; thus starting with a small capital they built and by hard work and tireless energy and perseverance, one of the largest and most prosperous manufacturing establishments in the country, giving employment to hundreds of men. For a more general account of the business, etc., the reader is referred to the history of the business interests of Massillon, of which this is the most prominent. Mr. Russell had three children born to him, but two living—Flora, wife of J. W. McOlymonds, of this city, and Anna, wife of Louie McClymonds, who are residents of Cleveland. Mary Louisa died March 10, 1861, aged 19 years. CHARLES F. RICKS, Postmaster, Massillon; was born July 23, 1809, in Prussia, the second of a family of three sons. His parents were William Ricks and Caroline Duve. William Ricks, the father of our subject, served three years as a soldier under Blucher, and was at the battle of Waterloo. His occupation was that of a commission and forwarding merchant; his property was finally confiscated by the French. His death occurred in 1856. His eldest son served forty-four years in the Prussian army, his rank being that of General in Commissary Department; he is now on the retired list. Next to him in order of birth was our subject. The third son died at the age of 14. Our subject left the parental home at the age of 15 and went to live with his uncle, George Duve, who was a paper manufacturer, which vocation Mr. Ricks learned, and after leaving his uncle he was engaged at the same business until his departure for this country. He left his native land in July, 1833, landed in Baltimore September 8, the same year, being forty-two days on the ocean. He with four others who were companions on the voyage, walked on foot to Pittsburgh, arriving October 1, when he found employment in a book and paper manufactory, run by Johnson & Stockton, in whose employ he remained eight years. April, 1842, came to Ohio and engaged in the mer cantile business at West Brookfield in this county, where he continued eleven years; during this time he served six years as Postmaster under J. K. Polk's administraton, being the first office that was established at that place, and was brought about mainly through Mr. Rick,s influence. While in Pittsburgh, Jan. 1, 1835, he was married to Regina M. Corter, born in Osnaburg, in Germany, 1808, daughter of Perie Corter. After Mr. Ricks had continued in business eleven years at West Brookfield, he sold out his store and returned to Pittsburgh, where his wife died in 1853. The fruits of this marriage were William F., Augustus J., Helena, Charles, Robert C. and Theodore O. Remaining two years in Pittsburgh, he returned to Stark County and clerked one year in the Farmers' & Mechanics' Store. After this he engaged in business with his brother-in-law, John J. Huffman, under firm name of Huffman & Ricks, which association lasted until when he engaged in business upon his own account which he carried on. Has filled several positions of trust, served for ten years as Trustee of the Charity Roach School. In 1874, was appointed Postmaster at this place under Grant,s administration; was re-appointed by R. B. Hayes, and still holds that position. He was raised in the Reformed Church, but since he came to Massillon, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, serving as Elder since 1862, and Treasurer for nineteen years. Has three children living—William F., who succeeded his father in the mercantile business; Augustus J., now U. S. Circuit Court Clerk at Cleveland, and served as Captain of Co. --, in the late war. Helena A., now the wife of Dr. Lewis Slusser, of Canton. Mr. Ricks was married second time to Rebecca Funk, a native of Hagerstown, Md.; she died 1875, leaving no issue. G. LIV. RYDER, insurance, Massillon. One of the leading insurance agencies of this county is represented by Mr. Ryder, who has thirteen of the most responsible companies on his list. This gentleman is a native of Holmes County, this State, where he took his first observations in the year 1845. He is the only surviving member of a family of five children. His parents were Absalom and 690 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES Jane Livingston. Absalom was born in the Empire State, of a family of six children, born to his father, Eleazur Ryder. Absalom Ryder came to Ohio about 1839, and engaged quite extensively in the mercantile business. His death occurred in 1867. G. Liv came to Massillon in 1852; received the advantages afforded by the best schools in the city; in 1867, he was engaged in the News Depot at this place; in 1868, was married to Anna Kitzmiller and Mary Crump. Mr. Ryder has four children - Helen, Grace, Gilbert and Henry. He is a Republican. His brother Henry died in the defense of his country in 1863; was a member of the Co. E, 104 th O. V. I. Mr. Ryder is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Chapter and Commandery, of this city. For several years past has given his entire attention to the insurance business. G. P. REED, merchant, Massillon. Among the long established merchants of this city is Mr. Reed, who was born in Kendal, Sept. 3, 1828, son of Thomas and Adaline E. Reed. Thomas Reed was a native of Lynn, Mass., of Quaker parentage; he emigrated to this State with his father, Thomas Reed, who located in Jackson Township, and entered land from the Government in 1817. The father of our subject engaged in the mercantile business and dealt in wool. G. P. was early in life initiated into the details of the mercantile business, beginning at the age of 14 as a clerk for the firm of J. & Z. S. Ely; continued in their employ two years; during this time attended school six months at Gambier, Ohio; afterward clerked for Jarvis & Hine for a time, then with Reed & Searl, the former being Thomas Reed, his father; continued with them until May 6, 1856. His father was unfortunate in his business relations; in the goodness of his heart in order to accommodate his friends became surety for them and in consequence was broken up. He died in 1875, aged 72. His wife yet survives him and resides with.her son, yet a bachelor, who is her staff and comfort in her declining years. Since the retirement of his father, Mr. Reed has succeeded him in the same business, continuing steadily without any intermission since that time, and in the same building, and notwithstanding the difficulties attending his early youth, and the subsequent discouraging circumstances, he has overcome them all, and stands to- day one of the prominent and successful merchants in Massillon City, a self-made man. JOSEPH K. RUSSELL, agricultural works, Massillon; was born June 26, 1823, in Cheshire Co., N. H., the fifth son and seventh child of a family of eleven children, born to Cyrus and Lbuisa (Stratton) Russell; he, born in Weston, Mass., son of Joseph, whose ancestors came from England. Joseph had four sons and three daughters--Cyrus, Sylvanus, Clement and Joseph; Abigail, Susan, and Louisa. His wife was a daughter of Isaac Stratton. The Strattons came from Lincoln, Mass. Isaac Stratton had Nahum, Henry, Lewis, Louisa, Mary, Priscilla and Murcha. Cyrus received certificate of bounty land for services in the war of 1812. He died in 1872, in Connecticut, having gone there four or five years previously. The boys remained on the farm, but J. K. came West in 1842, and worked at a trade, but returned to New England in 1845, and stayed until 1863, then returned here. He was married Jan. 1, 1849, to Lucretia J. Harris, who was born in Cheshire Co., N. H., in 1828, daughter of Milan and Lois Wright. He has five children--Burnett, Charles M., Mary E., Louisa J. and Jessie L. Burnett is in Council Bluffs: Charles, in business with firm, as Assistant Secretary and Treasurer. Wife died in 1875. married in 1876 to Mrs. Lydia H. Harris, born in Nelson, N. H., daughter of Oliver Heald. She has one son—Edgar C. Member of the Second Presbyterian Church. Is a strong Temperance man, and a Republican. THOMAS H. RUSSELL, manufacturer, Massillon; was born in Alstead, N. H., May 15, 1828, the sixth son born to Cyrus and Louisa (Stratton) Russell; came West in 1847 to Massillon, and learned the machinist's trade at this place with the firm of Russell Bros., and afterward worked in their office as bookkeeper, subsequently becoming a partner; since 1868, has been Superintendent of the works. Sept. 13, 1853, he married Eleanor Dunn, who was born in Trenton, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. CITY OF MASSILLON - 691 June 3, 1833, daughter of Edward and Julia (Fox) Dunn, he being born in Ireland, the Fox family coming from New York. To Thomas Russell and wife have been born five children, three living-Warren E., Laura M, and Hatie M. Mrs. Russell is a member of the Presbyterian Church. MICHAEL RUCH; was born in Alsace April 7, 1806; son of Michael Ruch, to whom were born four children-George, Mary, Michael and Catharine; Michael, the elder, was a mason by trade. Our subject was raised to the trade of stone-cutting, having begun at the age of 16, and, after working six years at it at home, came to America in 1828, and to Canton, where he remained two weeks, but, there being nothing for him to do there, he returned East to Petersburg, where he worked for one and a half years; then came to Canton, stayed one year, and then to Massillon for three years, working at his trade all the time; in 1834, he went to Canal. Fulton, where he bought land, some of which now lies in the corporation. In 1873, he moved to Massillon and has remained there since. Aug. 1, 1829, hemarried Mary Long, born in 1808, in Alsace, daughter of Michael Long, who came to this county in 1828; had seven children-Mary, married Sam Smith, who raised a family and died in 1869, in Fulton; John, in Sheboygan, Wis.; William, died in the service of his country in 1863; Lewis, in Fulton; Christopher, in Fulton; Caroline, Mrs. L. Bommerlin, Massillon; Frederick, shot by Indians in Indian Territory. His wife died in 1868; is a member of the Lutheran Church; is a Republican. CLEMENT RUSSELL, coal-dealer, Massillon; was born Dec. 29, 1817, in Middlesex Co., Mass; his parents were Cyrus and Louisa (Stratton) Russell. In 1838, Mr. Russell came to Ohio, a young man, and worked as an apprentice at the carpenter's trade, and subsequently associated in business with C. M. Russell & Co., the members of the firm being Charles M., Nahum S. and Clement Russell. The company was formed Jan. 1, 1842, with a capital of $1,500, under the firm name of Russell & Co., manufacturers of threshing machines, horse-powers, portable, traction and farm engines. The firm, though small in its beginning, steadily increased its business until it amounted to over $1,000,000 annually. Mr. Russell, since January, 1878, has been engaged in the coal business, being largely interested in the Sippo coal mines; having sold his interest in the agricultural works, in consequence of failing health, to his brother. Dec. 9, 1843, he married Laura M. Waterman, who was born July 25, 1825, in Geauga County, her parents being natives of Connecticut. Mrs. Russell died June 2, 1872, leaving two children-Charles W. and Louisa M. Jan. 6, 1875, he married Mrs. Augusta M. Miller, who was born in Janesville, Wis., daughter of Ebenezer and Clara (Bishop) Bostwick. The Bostwicks trace their ancestry to John Bostwick, who was born in England in 1686, and came to New Milford, Conn., in 1707. Mr. Russell has always taken an active part in all enterprises calculated to advance the material interests of the locality in which he has for so long been a valued member; on all questions of finance, and those requiring mature thought and deliberation, Mr. Russell's opinions are recognized as being of value. GEORGE L. RUSSELL, machinist, Massillon; was born Oct. 28, 1830, in the town of Sutton, Caledonia Co., Vt., the seventh son and tenth child born to his parents, Cyrus and Louisa (Stratton) Russell. He came West in June, 1850, and engaged to work at the machinist's trade for C. M. Russell & Co., continuing with them until 1864, at which time he became a member of the firm. He was married in 1853, and has one son, William C. Since 1878, the firm has been known as Russell & Co., four of the Russell brothers being members of the firm, each having his .own department to superintend, George L, having charge of the machine-shop. H. M. RICHARDS, blacksmith, Massillon; was born in this city July 29, 1849, the sec-one child and only son born to his parents, Warren C. and Helen (Ford) Richards; the former was born October 2, 1814, near Yellow Springs, Ohio, son of Ambrose Richards, a native of Virginia; Warren C. was his youngest son, and came West with his sister Jemima to this county, when he was 6 years of age. Jemima married John Sprague, who raised Mr. Richards and taught him the blacksmith's 692 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: trade at Kendal, where he attended the Charity School. May 22, 1844, he married Helen Ford, who was born Aug. 17, 1820, in Cummington, Hampshire Co., Mass.; her parents were Darius and Eunice (Orcutt) Ford; the former was born May 16, 1790, near Boston, Mass., son of Hezekiah, who was born Dec. 29, 1760, son of Hezekiah, who was of English ancestry. Eunice was born in 1795, daughter of Nathan Orcutt, whose mother was Hulda Cobb, born in Abingdon in 1764. To Darius Ford were born three children—Helen, now Mrs. Richards; Hulda, now Mrs. Dr. Matthews, of Painesville, Ohio; and Marshall, deceased, who settled in East Cleveland. The Ford family came West, locating in Licking County, this State, in 1830; three years later, they came to this township, remaining a short time, when they moved to Cleveland, where they died, he in 1857, she in 1845; both were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Richards, after locating in this townhip, remained continuously until his death, which occurred Feb. 14, 1877; his wife yet survives him. H. M. learned his trade with his father, who was an exdellent smith, and associated with him in business in 1866; two years later, he engaged in business with Adam Volkmer, which partnership lasted seven years, since which time he has been conducting the business on his own account, making a specialty of horseshoeing, and doing first-class work. In March, 1874, he married Emma Paul, who was born in this city, daughter of John and Sophia (Link) Paul, who were natives of Germany. The fruits of Mr. Richards' marriage are three children. D. R. ROSCHE, merchant, Massillon; is a native of Stark County, and was born in August, 1858, in Bethlehem Township, the second son of his parents, who were Peter and Catherine (Urschel) Rosche; the former was born in 1823, in Alsace; the latter in Bavaria and emigrated to America in 1842; coming West, they located in Bethlehem, on unimproved land, upon which he yet remains. Three children were born him; the eldest is George, who is now Professor of Music in Ehnhurst Univer- sity, at Chicago, being a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Stuttgardt; D. R., our subject, and Arpha, at home. D. R. left home at 15, went to Fostoria, where he attended college some time; afterward went to Chicago, where he engaged in the jewelry business. In March, 1881, he came to Massillon and engaged in business with C. S. Brown, under the firm name of Rosche & Brown; their stock consists of queensware and house-furnishing goods, of which they keep an ample stock, and are building up a flourishing trade. H. C. ROYER, homoeopathic physician, Massillon, whose portrait appears in this work, was born July 14, 1846, in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y. He is the oldest son of a family of ten children, born t.) George H. and Julia Ann (Hemenway) Royer; he passed the first fifteen years of his life on a farm, but, tiring of the occupation, he left home to " paddle his own canoe." Early in life he had a desire to study medicine, but was without means to prosecute his studies; with the object in view of attaining his desires, he went to Rochester, N. Y., and there learned the manufacture of electrical and surgical instruments, this occupation being indirectly of advantage to him in his preparation for his chosen profession; in the meantime, he made diligent use of his leisure hours in private reading and study, which he often pursued far into the hours of midnight; by such indefatigable application, and possessing a remarkably receptive mind, he made very rapid progress in acquiring both professional and general knowledge; he was scrupulously careful, however, not to encroach upon the hours of the Sabbath, for physiological, as well as for moral reasons. He subsequently removed to Cleveland, where he received special and very valuable instruction from Prof. W. M. Davis, who spent considerable time in devising electric clocks; in this way, young Royer spent some eight years, working and studying as his circumstances required or permitted. With this admirable preparation for a regular course of professional study, he began the same under the direction of Dr. H. H. Baxter, Professor of Materia Medica in the Cleveland Homoeopathic Medical College, and attended his first course in the Cleveland Homoeopathic Hospital. Being then compelled to do something to replenish his depleted purse, he, in the CITY OF MASSILLON - 693 spring of 1874, settled in Seville, Ohio, and at once entered upon a remarkably successful practice. In the following autumn, he returned to the Cleveland College, and graduated therefrom with honor in the spring of 1875, being Salutatorian of the Hahnemann Society in the commencement exercises of the same. After graduating, he returned to Seville, Medina Co., but remained there only a short time, and in December, 1876, removed to the city of Massillon, where he has since been engaged in active practice. The length of time occupied in the preparation of his profession, and the assiduity with which he prosecuted his studies therein, render him one of the most thoroughly read physicians in the State, and from the very beginning of his practice an unusual success has crowned his efforts. Although comparatively young in years, he ranks among the leading members of the homoeopathic fraternity in Ohio, and is President of the Homoeopathic Medical Society in Northeastern Ohio, and also a member of the Homoeopathic Medical Association of this State. In addition to his general practice of medicine, he makes a specialty of general surgery, but more particularly of diseases of the eye and ear, in the treatment of which he has been remarkably successful in removing tumors and cataracts, thus performing cures which have given him an enviable reputation, and has befpre him a future that promises much for the honor of himself and his profession. His practice has now attained lucrative proportions. Besides his residence, he has an excellent farm in Kansas. He is Past Grand Master in the I. O. O. F. of Ohio, and Grand Master Workman in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics, he is a Republican. In January, 1866, he married Lucy E., daughter of Jotham T. Williams, of Danville, N. Y., and has two children--Herbie J. and Effie L. JAMES SUTER, stone quarry, Massillon. One of the prominent business men in this city is Mr. Suter, who was born April 27, 1825, in Zurich, Switzerland, son of James and Esther (Lascher) Suter, who was a son of Jacob. James, our subject, came to this State from Switzerland in July, 1848. While in his native country, he attended school, obtaining a good education, after which he served a four years apprenticeship at book-keeping. After coming to this country, he engaged as clerk for some time. In 1850, he engaged in the quarry business at the north end of Summit street, with his uncle, Mr. Warthorst, and, in 1867, formed the partnership of Warthorst & Co., the firm being composed of Warthorst, Everhard and Suter, which lasted five years, and then changed to Warthorst Company, in honor of the uncle being com- posed of Suter and Everhard, which ran eight years. In 1880, the lease expired. They then came to the place where they now are, and where he had quarried stone twenty-five years before. They manufacture grindstones of all sizes, and ship their productions not only to all sections of the Union, but to Canada as well. They also make a specialty of grinding sand, such as is used in steel works; employ about fifty-six men. Mr. Suter was married, in Au gust, 1861, to Miss Augusta Pietzcker, born in Berlin, Prussia, in November, 1825; she died in 1877, leaving one daughter, Anna. He was married a second time, to Mina, sister of first wife, in 1878. Mr. Suter is a member of the Protestant Reformed Church, and is a stanch Republican. CHARLES K. SKINNER, deceased; was born in January,,1792, in the city of Hartford, Conn., on the old homestead, situated on Cooper Lane, now La Fayette street, the place having been inherited by his father from his grandfather, whose father was a blacksmith, the blacksmith's father having come from England in the early settlement of Connecticut. During the years of his earlier youth, while yet residing in his native State, he worked in a woolen-factory, and became familiarized with its operations. In the year 1812, he decided to follow the course of his elder brother, Alexander, and come to Ohio. Bidding good-by to his aged parents and younger brothers, he mounted his horse and faced for the West, not daring, as he afterward told us, to look behind, where stood the dear ones watching his receding form. He passed through New York, then a small city (City Hall Park then being on its extreme outskirts), across New Jersey, through Pennsylvania and over the mountains, being guided to the best stopping-places for night by the most worn and beaten tavern yards, 694 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and where the straw lay thickest, there he found the best fare; he crossed the Ohio at Steubenville, and took the road for Kendal. BY this time, the advance guard, so to speak. of the pioneers, had driven back and thinned off the Indians, so that but few scattering ones remained, and the autumn fires of Indian times had ceased to burn the tall, dry grass of the plains and hills; scrub oaks had sprung up, and at this time (1812) were well started, being knee high to a horse, of which such as now remain, are trees fifty to eighty feet in height; grass then grew on the Kendal green and its surrounding plains breast high to a man. Such was Kendal seventy years ago. Arriving there, he went to work for his brother Alexander, who at this time was a partner with Thomas Roach in a woolen-factory already built, in which stood near the foot of Rodman street, in Kendal. It was Alexander Skinner who, at that early day, built the brick house which stands at the corner of Front and Rodman streets, the latter then leading down to the factory, and to the old road to Canton; this was the first house of the kind built in the township; the work was done by two bricklayers from Boston, and the old house as it stands to-day attests the skill and honesty of their workmanship. Alexander finally dissolved the partnership with Thomas Roach, and moved to Loudonville, where he built a grist-mill on the site now occupied by A. A. Taylor's great flouring-mill; doing some repairs to his new and unsettled mill-dam, working in the water, contracted the bilious fever of the country at that time, and died in the year 1820, at the early age of 33. Thus were nipped in early manhood his building enterprises, and for over sixty years the green grass has been growing over his peaceful and unmarked grave—unmarked at his own request. Charles remained with Thomas Roach, carrying on the business of the Kendal woolen-factory for him; quitting his employ finally, he set up some carding machines in James Duncan's grist-mill, in the new town of Massillon; a prosperous business at once commenced; an addition to the mill was built for a complete woolen-factory, which continued to prosper, and eventually was the means of drying up the one in Kendall. Among the old records that may be found in the office of the Probate Judge of Stark County is the following: Stark County S. S. Seal I hereby certify that on the 23d day of November last, I joined together in the holy band of matrimon Charles Skinner and Eliza Reed, by license agreeable to law. Given under my hand and seal this 23d da of November, Anno Domini, 1821. GILBERTHARP EARL, J. P. " Squire Earl! " Peace and love to his memory! A kindly gentleman of the old school, whose friendly and unassuming ways and genial hospitality at his home in the woods did much to brighten and to cheer the circumscribed circle of social intercourse. Long may " Earl's Bridge" and " Earl's Mill 'toad " remain a name, and a land-mark to perpetuate the memory of the earliest pioneer of that locality, and a good man's name! It might be remarked, parenthetically, that up to this time, and for a number of years after, there was no church but the Quaker Meetinghouse, nor established preacher, nor, regular preaching; but, while the quiet community were denied the smiles and benedictions of the preacher, they could not do without a library, and at that early day a circulating library of useful and entertaining books was formed. Thus we may see, in the establishment of this library, an exponent of those germs of thought which eventually blossomed into the early adoption by the town of Massillon of the present school system. Surely those quiet men, many of whom were cut down in their prime, have not lived in vain! Charles and Eliza Skinner became the parents of four children—Alexander, who died in infancy: Augustus Thomas, born in 1824, married Cecelia A. Van Rensselaer, of Canton, Oct. 15. 1849, and resides in Massillon; Charles Phillips, born' in 1827, married Emily Platt, of Owego, N. Y., in 1853, where they reside; Sarah Elizabeth, born in 1831, married James P. Zay, of Milan, Ohio, in August, 1849, and resides in Cincinnati. Eliza Reed Skinner was born in Lynn, Mass., in the year 1797; her father, Thomas Reed, in his day, was extensively engaged in the leather and tanning business in CITY OF MASSILLON - 695 his native town of Lynn--a pioneer in the business, which has since become a leading branch among the industries of New England ; himself a Quaker, as were his ancestors, who were settlers in Lynn nearly two hundred years before him, and are mentioned in the annals of Lynn. His wife, Elizabeth Phillips, came from an ancestry whose records date back 250 years, were also Quakers, originally from Wales, England, and of that branch of the Phillips family of whom an eminent Bostonian recently said: " They have owned land, for 250 years, for miles along the beach from Swampscott to Lynn, that is now worth $1,000 an acre—very good sort of people, but they won’t sell any of their land." Reverses in business which followed the war of 1812, indorsements for friends and the results which flowed therefrom, induced him to cicse his affairs and to try the virgin soil of Ohio. In October, 1817, Thomas and Elizabeth Reed, with their children—Eliza, Phillips and Walter –.left their pleasant home by the sea— so near that when the Atlantic was driven by Eastern storms, their front windows would be covered with salt spray; packed in their wagons, beheld with tearful eyes the dear, familiar scenes of their childhood fade, as they slowly moved along the beach from Lynn to Boston, Egg Rock, Nahant, High Rock, and finally the blue waters of the ocean disappeared— forever, frcm those parents' eyes. For two long months they held their weary way, stopping only for Sundays and rainy days. Reaching Canton, Thomas Roach sent Arvine Wales, then a young man—father of the Hon. A. C. Wales —there to meet them, and to escort them to Spring Hill, where they were mcst hospitably entertained by Thomas and Charity Roach for a week, when they took a temporary residence in Kendal for the winter, and the following spring moved onto their farm in Jackson Township, opposite the farm of C. K. Skinner, where, by this time, resided his parents, and younger brother, William T. Skinner, now and for many years past residing on'his farm in Coshocton County. After unaccustomed toil incident to clearing and opening a farm in the woods, Thomas Reed took 'the bilious fever, and, begging for water, which was denied him by the medical practice of those times, breathed his last July 7, 1824. For his amiable qualities he was much loved, and his death regretted by all who knew him. Elizabeth, his gentle wife, followed him in the spring of 1832. Thomas Phillips Reed, in early life, entered the woolen-factory of his brother-in-law, C. K. Skinner, and was associated with him for many years, when, in 1846, he entered the merchandise business in Massillon; in this he continued for a number of years; was succeeded by his son, Gustavus P., under whom it continues to prosper. Thomas Phillips Reed died June 21, 1875. Walter Augustus Reed chose the occupation of his father, and became a tanner; built the first tannery in Massillon; built four or five brick houses in the town, as well as some frame ones, and was early identified with the prosperity of Massillon; he continued in the tanning business until 1849, when he went to California; after an absence of nearly two years, he returned to his home, where he remained until 1855, when, meeting reverses, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he has again acquired a handsome competency for himself and his children; has arrived at serene old age, surrounded by all the comforts that loving children and grandchildren, and all that prosperity can buy. Eliza Reed Skinner died Jan. 17, 1866. Charles K. Skinner died Nov. 4, 1875. HARMON SHRIVER, farmer and coal speculator, Massillon; is among the successful financiers of this city; born Oct. 10, 1813. in Hanover, the eldest of a family of four children; after his majority, he came to this country; was a shoemaker by trade; came to Ohio a poor man, but worked hard, and by the most rigid economy, was enabled to make a commencement. Buying a team, he engaged, for a time, at first, in farming; afterward worked on the public works, taking jobs and contracts on the railroad; also acted in the capacity of superintendent over laborers; afterward, he purchased a farm of 171 acres, in Jackson Township, which he improved, disposing of the wood to the railroad company; subsequently, he, in company with William Brown, were instrumental in starting a coal I bank, which was among the earliest that was established in the township; since 1867, he has been a resident of the city of Massillon, 696 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and interested in real estate and the coal interests. In January, 1840, he married Barbara Rickheimer, a native of Saxony; she died in 1879; of the children born him are Christina, wife, of L. Hess; Harmon; Catharine, wife of John Dielhenn; Mary, Mrs. Fred Snyder; unmarried: Frances, Otto; Martha and Louisa. Mr. Shriver is a member of the Lutheran Church, and one of the efficient members of the same. CHARLES STEESE, banker, Massillon; Cashier of the First National Bank of Massillon; was born, 1842, in Canal Dover, Tuscarawas Co., the eldest son born to Dr. Isaac Steese and Ann Johnson; he came to this city when about fopr years of age; he received the adyntages of the common school and completed his education at Kenyon College; his first business experience was in the banking business; was employed about three years in the Merchants' Bank, at this place, as Teller; at the organization of the First National Bank, he was employed as Assistant Cashier; since 1874, has been Cashier; September, 1875, formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss A. Giles; no issue. FRANK P. SLADDEN, railroad agent, Massillon. The gentlemanly and efficient agent on the C., T. V. & W. R. R. Co., of this city, is the above gentleman, who was born in Kent, England, May 17, 1827; his parents were George Sladden and Emma Tomsett, to whom were born a family of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to years of maturity. Mr. Sladden has, for one of his years, seen much of the world, and had the benefit of extended travel. Leaving England at the age of 14, he went to the East Indies, going as a sea-faring lad; subsequently to the coast of Africa, as a citizen, remaining at Sierra Leone some time, where he was engaged in trading with the natives; afterward returned to England, where he spent some length of time, after which he went to Demerara; re mained five years; during the time was engaged in sugar planting; from here, went to New York and other points, being engaged at different places as salesman and bookkeeper; since 1872, has had charge of the freight and ticket office of the C., T. V. & W. R. R. Co.; 1861, was married to Hannah L. Miller, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., daughter of James and Ann Drew, the former a native of England, the latter of Wales; his wife died in 1864, leaving two children; in 1868, married Mary F. Miller, sister of former wife; by her has six children; is a member of the Episcopal Church; also Clinton Lodge, A., F. & A. M., No. 47, and a stanch and wide-awake Republican. NELSON J. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Massillon; born in June, 1830, in Luzerne Co., Penn., the third of the family born to his parents, who were Benjamin Smith and Mary Coder; he was born in Pennsylvania in 1800; son of Phineas Smith, a native 9f Maryland. To Benjamin Smith and wife were born nine children. Mary was a daughter of Henry Coder, who served in the war of 1812. Benjamin Smith came to Stark County, locating in Perry Township, in 1830, purchasing 160 acres of unimproved land, upon which he remained until his death, which occurred in November, 1873; he was for fifty years a member of the Methodist Church; his father was a local preacher. Mrs. Smith also was a faithful member of her husband's church; she died April, 1844. Nelson J. remained on the home farm until April, 1854, when he married Matilda Wesener, who was born in the city of Philadelphia Sept. 11, 1833, daughter of Christian Wesener, who was born in Westphalia, Germany, in 1776, the youngest of a family of twelve children. The father of Mrs. Smith was educated for a priest; his father was a prominent man of that time; he had a son who served in King William's army, and was said to be seven feet in height. Christopher Wesener, not liking the idea of being raised in priesthood, left; and came to the Isle of Demerara, where he had one child born, Vincent, the eldest child of his family. The mother of Mrs. Smith was Charlotte Buckius Smith, being the youngest child. His second wife was Margaret Buckius. Christopher Wesener was an excellent chemist; after leaving the Isle of Demerara, he located in Roseville, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where he followed his profession. Mr. Buckius, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Smith, was a native of Germany, and a Mason; while on his voyage to this country, the' vessel was CITY OF MASSILLON - 697 taken by pirates, and he about to be killed, but making the mystic sign of his order, his life was spared and was put off on an island. Mrs. Smith came to Canton in 1840; one year later, came to this township, and has since remained. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, Anna W. and Emma C. All of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith has been a constant resident of the township since his birth, and lived adjoining to the homestead farm. JOHN SHEPLEY, retired, Massillon; was born Jan. 1, 1810, in Funkstown, Washington Co., Md.; son of Peter Shepley and Catharine Shilling. Peter Shepley's father vxas named Peter, who married Barbara Oberlin, and by her had three sons and one daughter, viz. : Frederick, Peter, Samuel and Martha. Peter, the father of our subject, entered the war of 1812, and served as Drum Major, and died ere the close of the war; he had but two children —John and Frederick. When a lad of 9, our subject walked out to this county; came in company with his uncle, Adam Shilling, who moved his family by wagon, and settled in Tuscarawas Tp., where our subject remained 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, he has been a constant resident of this city; afterward engaged in business for himself, running a dray, and doing general transportation work; he worked in a mill one year; clerked one year for Humberger & Cummings; 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 he ran in the interest of the coal trade; he has been a life-long Democrat; voted, however, for Lincoln—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, as Deputy United States Marshal, for two years; as Postmaster, under Pierce's administration; was elected, and served two years as Coroner; once as City Marshal, during the early history of the city, and had charge of the poor; for several years was engaged in the hat trade with George A. Killenger, under the firm. name of•Killenger & Co., which began in 1847 and terminated in 1851. He has been thrice married; first, July 10, 1834, to Elizabeth Sprague, daughter of John Sprague, a native of Vermont; she died in 1843, leaving no issue; was married, the second time, to Susan Kellenberger, born Feb. 1, 1817, in Lancaster Co., Penn., daughter of Peter, whose wife was a Rudy; she died Aug. 11, 1845, leaving one child, George A. FREDERICK H. SNYDER, machinist, Massillon; was born Nov. 17, 1839, in the town of Massillon, and is the eldest of a family of eight children, who grew to maturity, born to Frederick and Anna Snyder. Our subject remained with his parents and attended school until his 17th year, when he went to learn the machinist's trade, first in Rochester, and afterward in Wooster. He worked as journeyman until July, 1874, mostly in Massillon. conducting business, under the firm name of F. H. Snyder & Bros., Jacob F. and Charles F. being his partners; since, has been engaged in the manufacture of iron and brass castings, etc. Jacob F. is a practical workman, and Charles has charge of the foundry; They are the founders of this business here, and by diligence and application, have increased their productions steadily and very materially; they employ, usually, about fifteen men. Frederick was married, in 1863, to Barbara Moure, a native of Germany. whose parents died when she was quite young, They have four children—Frank, Albert, Edward and Hattie. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of the German Lutheran Church; he is a Republican. F. C. STEVENS, physician, Massillon; is one of the youngest practitioners of materia medica in Stark County; he is a native of Marlborough Tp., where he was born, in September, 1859; has spent the greater portion of his life in school; at an early age, he entered the Baldwin University, at Berea, where he graduated with honors; prior to his graduation, he began reading medicine with Dr. Clark, his uncle, at that place; afterward, 698 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: with Dr. Procter Thayer, of Cleveland, where he attended two courses of lectures, and finally graduated, in Columbus, Ohio, at the Starling Medical College, in February, 1881; came to Massillon in May, same year, to practice his profession. His parents are H. R. Stevens and Theresa Clark. H. R. Stevens was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1826; son of Ebenezer Stevens, who came to Ohio, with his family, in 1843, locating in Akron, H. R. being at this time but 17 years of age; he worked on the Ohio Canal; afterward in merchandising and farming. He married Theresa Clark, who was born in Pennsylvania, daughter of John Clark, who was born in Ireland, son of William Clark. The head of the family for four generOions were physicians. The children of Ebenezer Stevens were John, Ebenezer, Edwin, H. R., Angeline, Mary, Elizabeth and Emily. H. R. Stevens has two children—William H. and F. C. William H. is now engaged in farming, at Garnett, Kan. The parents of our subject are residents of Berea. GEORGE SNYDER, boots and shoes, Massillon; was born in the town of Massillon in 1843, the third son of a family of eight children born to Frederick H. and Anna C. (Schriver) Snyder, both natives of Germany. The former was from the kingdom of Bavaria, his father's name being George M. Snyder, his mother's maiden name also being Snyder. Frederick H. was a carpenter and contractor, having learned his trade in Massillon, which he followed for twenty-four years; he died Nov. 25, 1858; his wife is still living. The following members of the family grew to maturity: Fred H., Maria, George M., Jacob, Henry, Charles F., John B. and Benjamin F.; Anna died, aged 2 years. George served an apprenticeship to a shoe-maker, three *Years with Sausser & Wert, with Louis Schworm as foreman, then worked at journeyman work one year, and at the age of 19, began business for himself, on Erie street. He bought out the man he worked for; he paid $176 for stock, and borrowed $175 of his uncle to start with, continuing there one year, where the opera house now stands, working six months alone, afterward hiring one man. April 1, 1864, he moved on Main street, where John Dangler now keeps, in the Welker building, buying out George Young, for $350 cash. Here he employed four men, and after being here one year, moved back on Erie street, where Joseph Colman now does business, when he bought a stock worth $400, of Eastern goods; he then had seven men, and the second year had nine, remaining there three years; the second year he was there he purchased the lot where his building now stands, to which he moved April 1, 1868, and to which he built an addition of thirty-five feet, in 1875, and has since continued in business there; when he left the Colman place, his stock invoiced $3,500; he worked seven men until 1875, and since has had four. He enlisted, in 1864, in Company A, 162d O. N. G., and served full time, although only 20 years of age. He married, May, 1865, Malinda Waggoner, born in Massillon in 1846, daughter of Christian W., who was from Pennsylvania. They have six children, viz.: Anna C., Nellie I., Harmon H., Otto P., Daniel W. and Eva V.; two died in infancy—George C. and Thomas H. Mr. Snyder is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and is a Republican in politics. J. M. SCHUCKERS, drug store, Massillon; was born in Wooster, Wayne Co., July 2, 1846; son of Jacob W. and Elizabeth (Kirkpatrick) Schuckers, he born in Lancaster Co., Penn., and she in England; they had three children, those living being J. M. and a brother; he, J. W., the father of our subject, engaged in business in Wooster, and there died; he was, for several years, editor of the Wayne County Republican; also ran the queens and stone ware business. Our subject came to this town when 2i years old; he received the advantages afforded by the common schools; first engagedwith the Massillon Coal Company, but now keeps the books and has charge of the Warmington mine; also keeps the books of three other mines; he also runs a drug store, keeping a practical druggist for that purpose. JOHN SILK, paper-mill, Massillon; was born May 2, 1839, in Germany; son of John and Maria (Schussler) Silk, who had three children, our subject being the second of the number; he came, with his parents, to Cleve- CITY OF MASSILLON - 699 land, in 1851, being 12 years of age, and learned the manufacture of paper, continuing there until 1861; then went to Canton, and commenced the paper manufacturing business with Ernest Bachert and L. Hundredmark, under the firm name of Bachert, Silk & Co., N. W. Taylor, of Cleveland, afterward taking the place of " Co." In 18'70, Mr. Silk came to this city, and engaged in the same business under the corporate name of Massillon Paper Company, an account of which will be found in the history of Massillon. Mr. Silk still retains his interest in the manufactory at Canton. He was married, in 1869, to Adaline Richards, born in Stark County, Canton Tp., about 1849, daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (Simmons) Richards, both of whom were natives of this county. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. Silk and wife—Frank B., Charles B. and Jennie R. He is a member of the United Brethren Church; also of the A. O. U. W.; is a Republican. Two brothers of our subject, Henry and Conrad, served terms in the late war and came out safely. The father died when Mr. Silk was but 3 years of age, and his mother married Henry Slack, by whom she had three children—Conrad, Augusta and Valentine; one brother and sister—Barbara and Henry. ADAM SIBILA, deceased. Mr. Sibila was born 1808, in Hesse-Homburg, Germany; his parents were Adam and Eve (Chrone) Sibila, to whom were born George, Adam, Catharine, Frank, Jacob and Nicholas. Adam, our subject, was married about the year 1832, to Elizabeth Burghard, who was born in 1813, daughter of MiChael and Elizabeth Burghard, whose children were John, Catharine, Elizabeth, Mary, Michael, John and William. Mr. Sibila emigrated to this country in 1836, locating in Massillon, having at the time of his arrival S400, which he expended in land. For about eight years he engaged in the shoe business, then embarked in the hotel and grocery business, at which he continued until 1873, when he retired from active business, having secured to himself a good property as the fruits of his labor and economical management. His death occurred Aug. 10, 1873. His children were as follows: Catharine, John, Jacob, William, Frank, Elizabeth, Henry and Adam; those deceased are Catharine, John and William. Adam, Jr., was born in 1856, be:rig the youngest of the family, and was raised in the grocery business with his father. In 1875, he began business for himself, and has since continued, doing a good and increasing business. In January, 1878, he married Louisa Vogt, daughter of John Vogt, of this city. FRANK SIBILA, hotel and grocer, Massillon; was born Nov. 14, 1847, in the city of Massillon, the second son living and the eighth child born to Adam and Elizabeth (Burghard) Sibila. Frank began business for himself in May, 1873, on Erie street, keeping a grocery and provision store, and is now proprietor of the Eagle House. In January, 1873, he married Sarah Miller, who was born in 1849 in this county, daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Lehman) Miller, who came to this county about the year 1836. Mr. Miller died in 1863; his wife in 1878. Frank has four children—Edward, Elizabeth, Caroline and Victor. M. SCHAFER, agent sewing machines, Massillon; is the resident agent for the Domestic Sewing Machine, and a native of Massillon; his father, Martin Schafer, was born in 1793,' in Rhine, Bavaria, and married Wilhelma Held, who was born in 1810, a daughter of Philip Held, who was a son of Ludwig. The Schafer family emigrated to Ohio in 1833. The father of our subject was a tailor by trade, which vocation he followed in this city for twenty years, and subsequently engaged in the grocery business, which he carried on for ten years. His death occurred in April, 1857; his wife survived him until December, 1871. To them were born eight children, who grew up, viz.: Louis, now in Mansfield, Richland Co., this State; Martin and William, of this city; Jacob, in Cincinnati; Christina, the wife of Louis Zeller, of this city; Caroline, now Mrs. Joseph Bergold; Louisa, now Mrs. S. C. Cheney, of this city, and Margaret, now deceased, was the wife of William McClintock. The family moved to Loudonville in 1849, where they lived until 1858. After the death of his father, the care of the family largely devolved upon our subject; he learned the belt-maker's trade,