700 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: working at the same for Russell & Co. nine years. Since 1868, he has been engaged in the sewing machine business, first handling the Howe, then the Singer, buL later, the Domestic, for which he has had a large sale, having handled them nine years. Mr. Schafer's father was one of the number who assisted in the organization of the German Reformed Church, of this city. William Schafer, the brother of our subject, served through the late war; was a member of Company K, 45th 0. V. I.; Martin, not being of strong constitution, remained at home to care for the family; he has served as Justice of the Peace, and since 1875, has held the office of Township Treasurer. CHARLES E. TAYLOR, editor, Massilion; editor and proprietor of the Massillon Independent; was born in Hinsdale, Berkshire Co., Mass., April 19, 1847; he is the son of John Taylor and Eliza Culverhouse, to whom were born three children, our subject being the surviving child. The parents of the above emigrated from England to this country when quite young; his father was a woolen manufacturer, which business he followed for many years in the State of Massachusetts. Charles E. passed. the years of his early boyhood as a workman in the woolen mills, and at the age of 14, he entered the printing office of the Valley Gleaner, in Lee, Mass., where he remained two years, learning the printer's trade; while here, learned many things of a practical character, and gained, by reading and study, much valuable information. After learning his trade, he spent some five years as journeyman in various localities, in New York, Connecticut, Illinois and Indiana, and in October, 1867, came to Massillon and engaged in the same capacity, on the Massillon Independent, a journal founded by John Frost, in July, 1863, in connection with Peter Welker. At the expiration of four years, Mr. Taylor purchased, in March, 1873, Mr. Frost's interest, in that paper, and in company with Mr. Welker, conducted it, for about three years, when in October, 1876, he purchased his partner's interest, since which time he has been the sole owner and proprietor. Being a practical printer, he has the advantage over other newspaper men, who are only acquainted with the duties of the editorial room. The Independent is a stanch Republican journal, and has a fair measure of support. Mr. Taylor is a Past Grand of the I. 0. 0. F.; also a Past Chief Patriarch in the Encampment; he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. On Sept. 28, 1874, he married Laura, daughter of Cyrus and Frances Bowen, of this county; has no children. HIRAM UMBENHOUR, retired fanner; P. 0. Massillon; is the eldest son of Jacob Umbenhour and Mary Ritter; he was born on the homestead farm, in Tuscarawas Township, March 10, 1842, where he was brought up to agricultural pursuits, remaining with his parents until his marriage. March 17, 1864, was wedded to Nancy Fickes, who was born in 1845, in Tuscarawas Township, daughter of David Fickes and Ellen McDowell, who were natives of Ohio. After his marriage, he located on his farm, in Tuscarawas Township, where he was engaged in farming, where he lived until the summer of 1875; his health becoming impaired, he removed to Massillon, where he has since resided. He has 160 acres of land, underlaid with coal; besides his residence, has an interest in the Park Hotel, of this city; has two sons, Willard and David J. JOHN VOGT, stone quarry and contractor, Massillon; born Jan. 11, 1830, in Wurtemberg, the eldest of a family of nine children, viz.: John, Amelia, Augusta, Henry, Elizabeth, Frank, Maria L., Mary F. and Catharine, —the latter was burned to death in Chicago, —born to Franc Anton Vogt and Mary Frances Huth. He was born 1802, in the Faderland, and served six years in the King's Guard. He was a son of Francis Anton, a native of Germany, who emigrated to this country in 1832; went West, to Missouri, and founded the town of New Harmony, where he remained until his death, 1853, at which time he was buried with military honors. Franc Anton, Jr., the father of our subject, came to this country also in 1832; stopped in Buffalo until 1834, when he came to Massillon, and engaged at his trade, being a stone-cutter; he assisted in cutting stone which are now within the walls of several of the prominent buildings in this city; he afterward engaged in CITY OF MASSILLON - 701 building and contracting, he is yet living in the city. Our subject came West with his father, in 1834; was raised in the quarries; his school advantages were of the most limited character; in 1852, he began business for himself, under the firm name of John Vogt & Co., which association lasted four years; then went into the employ of L. S. Rawson as shipping-clerk, who was engaged in the milling business; he continued with him seven years; during this time, he learned the practical part of milling in its many details; subsequently engaged in the contracting business for the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, furnishing stone for bridges and depots, and building the same, in which business he is now engaged; he is now sole proprietor of the Bridgeport Stone Quarry, which was worked by his father many years ago. Mr. Vogt was married, April 25, 1852, to Regina Haungs, born in Baden May 31, 1833; by her has seven children—John J., William H., Francis T., Mary L., Laura C., Olivia, John H. and Victor Hugo. Joseph is now foreman for his father on the road; William H., foreman in the quarry; Mary L., wife of Adam Sibila, of this city. JACOB D. WETTER, merchant, Massillon; is one of the self-made men of this city; was born in Switzerland, in August, 1840, son of Andrew and Anna (Howenstine) Wetter. The family emigrated to America in 1853, locating, first, in Wayne County, where he engaged in farming. There was a family of six children, all of whom came to maturity --John; Mary, Mrs. K. Gross, near Huntington, Ind.; Johii, in Dundee, Tuscarawas County; Henry, in this city; Frederick, in Wayne County. Our subject was raised on a farm, remaining under the parental roof until 13 years of age, when he engaged to work by the month for six years, when he was incapacitated for labor by having his leg broken; then went to Dalton, Wayne Co., where he clerked two years; came to Massillon in 1862, began clerking for John Warnick, and remained with him until 1871; then engaged in business for himself, becoming associated with C. B. Allman and G. E. Gross,.under the firm name of Allman, Gross & Wetter, which connection lasted until 1876, when Mr. Gross withdrew, and the firm has since been Allman & Wetter. He was married, in 1870, to Sophia J. Allbright, born in Massillon, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Allbright. They have one child, Albert M. Is a member of St. John's Evangelical Church; both of the parents of Mrs. Wetter are living, and reside in Wayne County. M. W. WILSON, Massillon; was born Nov. 10, 1838, in Cheshire Co., N. H.; only child born to Mainard and Lura Burnap, both natives of New Hampshire; he died in 1854. Our subject came West in 1858, settled in Massillon, and learned the trade of machinist with Russell Bros.; after serving six years and a half in the shops, he, for several years, performed the duties of ;hipping- clerk, and then book-keeper for the firm, being in their employ about twenty years. In November, 1878, he associated himself with Clement Russell, in the coal business, Mr. Russell being President, and Mr. Wilson Secretary and Treasurer of the company, which was incorporated in January, 1879, under the title of the Sippo Coal Company. Nov. 27, 1872, Mr. Wilson married Mary M. Gage, born in December, 1850, in Merrimack Co., N. H., daughter of Isaac K. and Susan (Johnson) Gage. Two children are the fruit of this union—Florence Lee and Susie G. Mr. Wilson is also Cashier in Allbright & McClymond's bank; he is a Republican. FRANK WILLENBORG, stone quarry, Massillon; was born Dec. 25, 1825, in the village of Lohne, Grand-Duchy of Oldenburg, near Bremen, Prussia; son of Frederick and Mary (Ashbrate) Willenborg, who emigrated to America in 1839, and in the spring of 1840 came to Massillon. Our subject learned the trade of molding, which he followed nine years, being apprenticed five years; then had charge of the shops of Partridge & Kessler for four years, after which he went into the grocery business with his brother Henry, for five years; sold out and moved West, to Decatur, where they engaged in the same business; continued in that four years more, and finally came back here, in 1859, and took charge of a stone quarry, also engaging in the butchering business, for nineteen years. Since 1878, however, he has been engaged 702 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: exclusively in the quarry. He was married, in 1859, to Christina Kiffer, who was born in this town, daughter of Nicholas Kiffer, who came here in 1840. They have four children living—Mary, Mrs. CharlesWarthorst; Louisa, Josephine and George; those dead are Ernest, Anna and Charles. Are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Willenborg's father was lost on the sea, while acting as mate of a fishing smack. He had four children, but Frank, our subject, is the only survivor. THOMAS S. WEBB, retired, Massillon. Col. Webb was born in Salem, Ohio, May 6, 1808; his paternal ancestors emigrated from England and settled in Chester Co., Penn., at a very early day; they were Friends in religious belief. John Webb, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated from Harford Co., Md., to Salem, Columbiana County, in 1805, on land that is now embraced within the northeast part of the city of Salem. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Thomas Smith, settled in Georgetown, Beaver Co., Penn., in 1792, and established Smith's Ferry. John Webb, the father of Thomas S., was a hatter by trade; came to Georgetown, Penn., in 1805, and there married Phebe Smith, daughter of the Thomas Smith just mentioned. He had six children, of whom our subject is the eldest, who, at the age of 14, went to New Lisbon, Ohio, and there learned the saddler's trade with John Alexander, and remained engaged in the same seven years; Sept. 8, 1832, he married Margaret, daughter of Yost Harbaugh, originally from Frederick Co., Md. Five children were the fruits of this union. In the spring of 1833, he embarked in the hotel business, at Massillon, and for thirteen years kept the Franklin House, and did a large business; in 1836, he was made a Colonel in the State militia; in 1846, he went to New Philadelphia, this State, and became proprietor of the Eagle House for five years; he then erected the Union Hotel, which he conducted for four years, and in 1855, returned to Massillon and purchased a farm in the vicinity of the city, which he has since carried on. In 1857 and 1858, he had the management of the United States Hotel, in Atlantic City, N. J.; in 1863, he repaired to New Philadelphia and re-purchased the Union Hotel, and started his sons, Jesse and Frank Webb, in the business, which then continued successfully for three years, when, on account of the ill-health of Jesse, they sold out and returned to this city, Frank engaging in the grocery business. During the late war, Mr. Webb was commissioned as Colonel of the 115th Regiment, but, on account of advanced age, he did not accept; he was also tendered the position as Paymaster in the army, which he also declined; he took a leading part in the erection o! the Massillon gas works, and may be called the father of the enterprise; he was raised a Friend, his parents being of that persuasion; he has, however, for many years, been connected with the Episcopal Church in this city, having filled several positions in the same. M. E. WILCOX, agent, Massillon; general traveling agent for Russell & Co.; was born June 27, 1833, near Preble, in Cortland Co., N. Y., the eldest child born to his parents, who were Isaac C. Wilcox and Adaline Segur, both natives of New York; Isaac was born in 1811, son of Ansel Wilcox, a native of Massachusetts; Adaline was born in Apri.J, 1814, daughter of James Segur, whose father, it is said, was stolen when young, and for several years was confined on shipboard. Our subject removed with his parents to Ashland County, this State, in 1837; his father was a wagon-maker by trade. At the age of 17, he went to Canal Fulton to learn the saddle and harness maker's trade, which vocation he followed for about twenty years, being a resident of this place the greater portion of the time; during this time, he became identified with the interests of the place, and closely affiliated with its varied interests, serving as Township Clerk ten or twelve years, Village Recorder, Justice of the Peace, and six years as County Recorder; since 1877, has been engaged with Russell & Co. as their general traveling agent. In November, 1855, he was married to Letitia Mobley, born April 2, 1837, daughter of John Mobley; she died Oct. 26, 1877; by her he had seven children, five living—Frank A.. Etta A., Collins C., Harter C. and Albertus A.; Willie J.. and Jesse E., deceased. His present wife was Cora A. Prince, born Dec. 2, 1846, in Canton, daughter of William Prince CITY OF MASSILLON - 703 and Christina Rex; he was a native of Page Co., Va., she of Summit County, this State. Mr. Wilcox is a Republican, and a member of the A., F. & A. M. FRANK R. WEBB, wholesale grocer, Massillon; is a native of Massillon, born Aug. 27, 1838, youngest son of Col. Thomas S. Webb. Our subject was raised in the hotel business, which his father conducted successfully for several pars. For three years, he and his brother Jesse carried on the Union Hotel at Philadelphia, when, on account of failing health, he sold out and traveled for some time, when, his health being restored, he engaged, in 1866, with H. K. Dickey in the wholesale grocery business, conducting an extensive wholesale trade in groceries, teas and tobacco, doing a business of $150,000 annually; this partnership continued until April, 1881, when he bought out Mr. Dickey, and has since run the business on his own account. Nov. 3, 1863, he married Kate A. Dickey, daughter of Hiram K. Dickey and Maria C. Whipple. Mr. Webb has two children—Frank R. and M. Arline; is a member of the several Masonic bodies in this city. J. R. WHITE, Bank Teller, Massillon; is a native of the Keystone State, born Dec. 14, 1846, in New Castle, Lawrence Co., the fifth child of a family of six children; his parents were Samuel H. White and Mary A. Reynolds; the grandfather of our subject was Daniel White, who was a native of Hagerstown, Md., and removed to New Castle, Penn., before the place was founded; he was one of the first settlers in that locality, and the land he cleared and improved is yet in possession of his descendants. Our subject remained at home until he grew to man,s estate; he graduated at the high school at his native place. When yet in his teens, he volunteered his services to the Government and went forth with the " boys in blue," enlisting in 1862, in Co. F, 55th O.V. I., for three months, serving his time, and returned home; in March, 1864, he enlisted for four years in Co. K, 100th Pennsylvania " Round Head " regiment, serving until disabled, when he was discharged and returned home. In February, 1866, he went to Baltimore and accepted a position in the Auditor's office of the Northern Central Railroad, having charge of the conductors' and agents' accounts; he remained in this position until September, 1871, when he resigned and came to Massillon and accepted a situation in the Union National Bank as Teller, which position he has since filled. Oct. 26, 1871, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary J. McClymonds, born Jan. 4, 1848, in New Castle, Penn., daughter of William McClymonds and Jane Dunlap, who were born in Darlington, Penn. In 1875, he was elected as Clerk of the City Council, being honored with a re-election each succeeding year. He has four children, viz., Mary D., Edward McClymonds, Florence E. and Charles A. FRANK WARTHORST, deceased, Massillon; was the founder and original proprietor of the Warthorst stone quarry, one mile west of town, at the junction of the P., Ft.W. & C.,.and C., T. V. & W. Railroads. He was born in 1801, in Bremen, Germany, son of Frank Warthorst and Mary Willenborg. Mr. Warthorst came to Ohio about the year 1834; he was a practical stone-cutter, and was. an experienced quarryman. Soon after his coming to Massillon, he began developing the stone quarry, which he continued to work up to 1871. His death occurred Feb. 2, 1872, while on a visit to Europe. His wife died in Switzerland Aug. 14, 1880. No children were born to them; they have one adopted son, E. F. Warthorst. The successors of our subject are Frank Willenborg, Frank W. and Carl L. Warthorst (Mr. Willenborg being President of the quarry, Carl L. Superintendent, and Frank W. Secretary). Carl L. Warthorst was born Jan. 1, 1852, in Rhine-Prussia, he being the youngest of a family of three children born to Frederick Warthorst and Amelia Martinstein; his father was a civil engineer, and died in 1852; his wife survives him. To them were born Frank W., Annie and Carl L.; Annie remained in the old country; Carl L. and Frank W. came to Massillon in 1868. Carl L. engaged to work in the quarry with his uncle, and from him learned the business. In April, 1880, he became a partner in the business, they assuming the firm name of Warthorst & Co., and are manufacturers and dealers in grindstones for wet and dry grinding; also block and dimension stones, which are furnished to order. Feb. 22, 1881, Carl L. was married to Mary Willenborg, who 704 - BIOGRAPHICAL SK ETCHES: was born in 1862, in Perry Township, daughter of Frank Willenborg. The Warthorsts are Republicans. GEORGE YOUNG, retired, Massillon; born May 22, 1817, in Alsace, town of Hoffen, county of Sultz, being the eldest son of Barnhart Young and Dorothea Olier; Barnhart was a son of John and Sarah (Weimer) Young, Dorothea being a daughter of Jacob Olier; to Barnhart Young were born George, Michael, Barbara and Barnhart. George, our subject, was the eldest of the family. June 11, 1836, he emigrated to America, landing in New York, where he remained about fourteen months. He learned the shoemaker's trade before leaving the Fatherland, which vocation he followed while in New York. In September, 1837, he came to Uniontown, this State, remaining there but a short time, and finally locating in Massillon, where he engaged at his trade. He came here with nothing but his trade, which he pursued industriously, and what he has acquired has been through his own instrumentality alone. In May, 1844, he married Magdalena Stroeble, who was born in Wurtemberg in 1824, May 27, daughter of Godfreid Stroeble and Magdalena Emhoff, which couple came to Stark County, locating in Bethlehem Township, in 1833; he had six children-Frederick, John, Magdalena, Wilhelmenia, Wilhelm and Mary. To Mr. Young has been born six children, five living-George, John, Louis, Charles and Edward; Louis and Edward, in Hancock County, this State; John, in St. Jo Co., 1V1o.; the others are residing in this county. John served as a soldier four year in Co. I, 76th 0. V. I., and was wounded at the battle of Resaca; Charles is engaged in the livery business in this city. For several years, Mr. Young was engaged in the grocery business. Politics, Democratic. WILLIAM YOST, harness-maker, Massillon; was born in Jackson Township June 6, 1841, the youngest child of his parents. Our subject was reared under the parental roof, attending the schools of his district and completing his education in Massillon. At the age of 19, he came to this city and entered the grocery store of Fred Loeffler, where he remained until 1860, then engaged as clerk for S. A. Conrad, with whom he remained until Aug. 4, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. E, 104th 0. V. I., and served until the close of the war, participating in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, Resaca being his first battle; he went through the war without a scratch. Upon his return home, he went to Akron for a short time, but in 1868 he entered into business with his brother George, in the harness, saddle and leather findings business; also in running a tannery; in 1874, his brother took the tannery, and they continued in the harness, saddle and findings business until March, 1877, where our subject has since continued, having added to his former business wagons and carriages. He was married, Oct. 5, 1869, to Mary Frances Oberlin, daughter of Samuel Oberlin, of this city, born in this township; they have had four children, three of whom are living--Ella M., Charles 0. and William K. Mr. Yost is a member of the Clinton Lodge, A., F. & A. M., and is a Republican. GEORGE YOST, harness and tannery, Massillon; was born June 29, 1828, in Alsace; son of John G. and Barbara (Rehl) Yost, who were born May 7, 1793, and May 28, 1794, respectively. The grandfather of our subject was named George, whose birth occurred in 1760; his wife was Elizabeth Loewenguth, by whom he had four children who grew to manhood and womanhood. His death occurred March 3, 1823. July 2, 1839, John Yost and family sailed for America, arriving in Buffalo Sept. 25, and came to Ohio Nov. 17 of the same year, locating in Jackson Township, where he purchased 80 acres, only a portion of which was improved; upon this farm he remained until his death, which occurred Feb. 22, 1866; his wife " passed over " the same month and day six year previous. Their family was composed of ten children, nine of whom grew up, viz., Philip, Margaret, Jacob, Barbara, George, Catherine, Elizabeth, Magdalena and William; John G. died aged 4 years. Our subject left home at the age of 18, when he was apprenticed to learn 'the saddle and harness trade with Hahn & Cook, of Akron. After his trade was completed, he worked at journey work in the city of Massillon. In the spring of 1852, he associated five years with Mr. Judd, under the firm name of Judd & Yost; then formed a copartnership with C. C. F 3 - PERRY TOWNSHIP - 705 der for two years, which was known as Yost & Snyder, when his partner dropped out, Mr. Yost continuing the business alone until after the war, when he took in Mr. Garver as partner for three years; after this dissolution, he took in his brother William, they adding the tanning business, who continued with him until 1877, when another change was made, to George Yost & Co. ; in 1880, he purchased the " Co." interest; since that time, the business has been carried on by the sons of our subject, under the firm name of Yost Bros. Mr. Yost has since been engaged with Mr. Jones in the tannery. March 11, 1855, Mr. Yost was united by marriage to Elizabeth F. Bennett, who was born May 8, 1844, in Kent, England; she was a daughter of Thomas and Fannie (Judd) Bennett. Mrs. Yost came to this country with her mother in 1846. Mr. Yost has had ten children born him, viz., H. B., G. W., Mary F., E. Arletta, Everett, Sarah E., Ervin, Edward, Charles and Henry, nine living; Sarah E., deceased. In business, Mr. Yost has always been conscientious and up-right in all his dealings with his fellow-men, and an honest workman. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F., having passed through the subordinate degrees to the encampment and in politics is a Republican. OTTO E. YOUNG, attorney at law, Massillon; Prosecuting Attorney of the city of Massillon for 1880 and 1881; was born in this city Nov. 29, 1857, son of Michael and Rosa (Minich) Young. Michael Young was born in Alsace in 1821; came to Ohio in 1836, and located in Massillon in 1840. Mrs. Young, the mother of our subject, is a native of Prussia. The fruits of the union are five children, viz., William, Flora, Charles, Otto E. and Ida. Otto was educated in this city, and, after his graduation in 1876, hEi began reading law with Anson Pease; was admitted to the bar May 10, 1880, and elected City Solicitor three days after his admission (in the spring of 1880), and has fulfilled the duties of the office with credit to himself and with evident satisfaction to the people. PERRY TOWNSHIP IRA M. ALLEN, Superintendent of Roach School, Massillon; was born May 11, 1821, in Rensselaer Co., N. Y. He is the third son in a family of six children of Caleb and Huldah (Dawley) Allen, natives, the former of Rhode Island, and the latter of New York. Up to fifteen years of age he lived on a farm and attended a common school. He then spent two years in Skaneateles Academy, New York, and at 18 began his career as a teacher in Ontario, County, in the same State, for four years. In 1842, he came to Stark Co., Ohio, and for three years was engaged in teaching the public schools at Kendal and vicinity. There he gathered together the nucleus, which was afterward to prove the crude though potent beginning of the system of township central high schools in Ohio. He remained in this connection for some seven years, with the exception of a part of a year spent in a select school in Canal Dover, Ohio. He was employed in 1849 as a teacher in the old Canton Academy, previously under the charge of the late John McGregor and his son Archibald, the latter now editor of the Stark County Democrat. Upon the organization of the Canton Union School, Mr. Allen was made Superintendent and served as such three years. In 1854, he became Superintendent of the Charity Roach School, in which connection he remained for ten years ; for five years subsequently he was engaged in farming. In the fall of 1869, he was elected Treasurer of Stark County, and filled the office for two years. From 1874 to 1878, he was variously employed, part of the time as Superintendent of the Press Works of Canton. In April, 1878, he was again chosen Superintendent of the Charity Roach School, which position he yet holds. For twelve years or more he has served on the County Board of School Examiners, and while residing in Canton, from 706 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 1869 to 1878, was one of the examiners of that city. In May, 1844, he married Ella Olivia, daughter of Senator John Graham of this county. Of five children by this union, four are living. His only son, John C. Allen, is a commercial agent and was for several years connected respectively with the Center Bridge Works, and with Russell & Co. Emma S. is the wife of Luitpold Sollman, a business man of New York City. The two other daughters reside at home, the elder of them being assistant in the Charity Roach School. For nearly forty years Prof. Allen has been prominently identified with the educational interests of the county, having been intimately associated with men of eminent rank in the profession. Deprived in his youth of anything more than an academic course, he is entirely self-educated. In politics, he is Republican; in religious belief, a Presbyterian. JOHN G. BECK, farmer, Navarre; was born Aug. 11, 1807, in Wurtemberg, Germany, soli of John George Beck and Anna M. Dill-man, to whom were born three children—two sons and one daughter. Our subject emigrated to America with his parents when he was a mere lad. His father John George, was a soldier under Napoleon, and was with his army at the burning of Moscow, and crossed the Alps; his brother was in the same command, but was frozen to death while crossing the Alps on that memorable retreat. The parents of our subject died when he was very young ; he was then early in life thrown upon his own resources. He learned the tin and coppersmith's trade which he followed in Lancaster Co., Penn., for several years. Was married in May, 1849, to Lydia Cross, who was born in Essex Co., Eng., and emigrated with her parents to Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1843. Her parents were Joseph and Hannah (Miller) Cross, who had ten children; seven of the number came to years of maturity. Father was a cabinet-maker and upholsterer, and was a member of the Society of Friends or Qua1ers. He died honored and respected in 1863, aged '82; his wife died in August, 1874, in her 87th year. The family was patriotic, as four—the sons of Joseph Cross —were soldiers in the late war, and whose names were, Joseph A., William, John and James. John was wounded the- first day of the battle at Nashville, and afterward died of his wounds; William died in service of dropsy; James raised a company in Lancaster Co., Penn., and, was chosen Captain of the same, and served his full term. He is now a clerk in the War Department in Washington, D. C. Joseph is now in Lancaster City, Penn. Maria resides in Navarre, Bethlehem, wife of William Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Cross were Methodists. Mr. Beck came to Ohio in 1850, locating in Navarre, Bethlehem Tp., where he worked at his 'trade, and dealt in tin and copper for several years. Moved to his present place of residence in 1868, having a farm of 1014- acres in the southeast quarter of Sec. 32. Has a large stone residence situated on an eminence, overlooking the plain below, making it one among the most desirable locations of the township. Since his location here has given his attention to farming, having acquired what he has by patient industry and economy. Has four children— George H., John E., Emma L. and Adelaide M. All of the family are members of the Lutheran Church. SOLOMON BROWN, farmer, Canton; was born Feb. 2, 1804, in Schuylkill Co., Penn. His parents were John Balsar Brown and Christina Scholl, both natives of same county. Nine children were born them, viz.: Joseph, Solomon, Catharine, Moses, Rebecca, Diana, Elias and James. The grandfather of Solomon was George Brown, a native of Germany, who served as groom for Washington, in the war of the Revolution. He located in Schuylkill County when the country was sparsely populated. He had three children born him—John Balsar, Maria and Elizabeth. Christina was the daughter of Peter Scholl, to whom six children were born—Jacob. Leonard, Peter, Henry, Adam and Christina. Jacob and Leonard served in the war of 1812. Solomon emigrated to Ohio in 1819, locating with his parents four miles south of Canton, upon 233 acres of land, part of which his father had traded for land in Pennsylvania. He died in 1828 and was among the highly esteemed citizens of his time, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Solomon remained on the homestead until after the death of his PERRY TOWNSHIP - 707 father, after which he took care of his mother. April 6, 1828, he married Elizabeth Hines, who was born in York Co., Penn., in 1805, daughter of Jesse Hines, whose wife's maiden name was Fry. In 1833, he located on the farm he now owns; he purchased 160 acres at a cost of $6 per acre; but about twenty acres of which was cleared. Of eight children born five are living—Sarah, married Daniel Yonkman, and resides in Kansas; Maria, wife of Absolom Spunhour, of Orville, Wayne Co., Ohio; Cecelia, married Daniel Deckard; Rebecca, Harriet, George and Jesse, in this township. Mr. Brown is a member of the Lutheran Church. JOHN DECKAR, farmer; P. O. Canton; was born in Canton Township Jan. 21, 1828, and is a son of Daniel Deckar, one of the pioneers of Stark County, born Nov. 15, 1796, in Center Co., Penn. He married Catharine Brown, daughter of Balsar Brown, who was likewise an early settler in the county. The Deckar family are noted for their longevity, the father of the above, now about eighty-five years of age, retains very much of the vigor of his early years, and thinks nothing of walking six miles to visit his son, or to go to Canton. He has been a resident of the county nearly sixty-five years. To him have been born John, Rebecca, Mrs. Michael Frederick, of Canton; Amas, in Canton; Hannah, Mrs. Michael Yohe, who resides in Indiana; Jane, Mrs. Ephram Richards, in Canton; and Reuben on the homestead. John remained at home until 23 years of age. Feb. 2, 1850, he married Caroline Miller, born Feb. 18, 1832, in this township, daughter of George Miller, who was one of the early settlers in this township. Subsequent to his marriage, he purchased a small farm in Canton Township, upon which he lived until 1867, when he moved to this township, purchasing 95 acres which he has improved very much, erecting new buildings throughout. Has four children—Cyrus, Mary M., Bradley C. and Charles. Was formerly Democratic, but since the Know-Nothing party ceased to exist he has been a Republican. JOHN FREEMAN, farmer; P.O. Massillon. Is a native of Essex Co., N. J., born Jan. 16, 1810, the eldest of a family of six children who came to years of maturity. His parents were David and Susanna (Little) Freeman. The former a native of Massachusetts, having a family of seven sons, David being the youngest of the number. The Freemans are of English and the Littles of French descent. The father of Susan being a Frenchman. At the age of 14, our subject had the misfortune to lose his mother, his father marrying again. This union was not a satisfactory one to John, who never lived at home afterward, but worked out, and made his home among strangers, his father reaping the fruits of his labor. At the age of 16, he bought his time and from then was his own man. He came West to Ohio in 1826, with a man by the name of Wells, with whom he lived several years, being industrious and watchful, he was soon after made foreman for his employer, remaining in Jefferson Co., Steubenville, until 19 years of age, when he came to Stark County, and married about the year 1839. His wife was Mary Scott, born in 1812, in Scotland, daughter of John and Elizabeth Scott, who came to this township when the country was comparatively new. Mr. Freeman subsequently purchased land of his father-in-law, and has since been a resident of the township. The following are the children: Elizabeth, wife of Ambrose Whipple; Mary, Mrs. George Ingold, in Plain Township; Jennett, wife of James Whipple; Susan resides in Rice Co., Kan., wife of John Baily; Agnes, in this township, wife of Jacob Deweese; Anne, married Gabriel Swihart, of this township; Delia, Mrs. Swinehart, in Wayne Co., Ohio; Arletta, married Lester Nave; John and Orrin, in this township. Mr. Freeman has about 300 acres of land and is a prosperous farmer. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. His mother was a Presbyterian; his father was not a member of any church; was a soldier in the war of 1812. JOHN P. FLOOM, farmer; P. O. Canton; was-born June 28, 1826, on the Alleghany Mountains, in Cambria Co., Penn., the fifth child of a family of ten children, born to Francis X. Floom and Annie Ake. He was born in Baden_ December, 1791, and emigrated to Bucks Co., Penn., when a young man. He was a cooper and brewer by occupation. 708 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: June 20, 1819, he married Annie Ake, who was born in Berks Co , Penn., Feb. 21, 1802, daughter of Peter Ake and Magdalena Case. Mr. Floom came West to Stark County in 1833, and settled in Perry Township, purchasing a small piece of land on the southeast quarter of Sec. 11. His means were limited, but being industrious and frugal he added to his first purchase at different times, as his means would allow, until he acquired 90 acres. For several years kept public house, at the same time carried on his farming. His death occurred Oct. 22, 1859. The children born him who came to maturity were Joseph, John P. and Mary L. Joseph was a physician and practiced his profession at Louisville, Nimishillen Tp., for several years, now deceased. Mary L., wife of John Whipple, and resides in Jersey Co., Ill.; John P. was raised on the homestead to farming pursuits. At an early age he left home and for five years was engaged in Russell's Shop on wood work; the business being too confining and impairing his health, he abandoned his mechanical pursuits, locating on the homestead farm in 1852, where he has since remained. In 1868, married Mary Spirnagle, a native of this county. Her parents dying young she knows but little of them. Three children—Edwin B., Otto B. and Ama E., are the names of the children born him. Mr. Floom might be termed a genius, of the mechanical order, having planned several inventions. Has a fine ear for music, which he executes nicely on his favorite instrument, the violin. The family are members of the Catholic Church. WILLIAM HOLLINGER, farmer; P. O. Massillon; born in Franklin Co., Penn., May 9, 1824, being the fourth of a family of seven children. His parents, John and Catharine Hollinger, were natives of the Keystone State. Abraham Hollinger was the grandsire of William; he was a native of Germany, and emigrated to Pennsylvania. He had four sons and two daughters—Abraham, Jacob, William, Isaac, John, Barbara, and one name not known. Jacob was 9 years of age when his parents came to this State, locating in Perry Township, and purchased 46 acres of land. He died shortly after his arrival in this county, leaving the family of children in charge of his wife. Of the number who grew up were Polly, Mrs. M. W. Babb, now of Defiance County; Samuel has settled in Nebraska, and engaged in farming; Josiah, in Perry Township; Peter, Hiram, Joseph, and Lucinda, deceased. His mother died in August, 1874, aged '72. William remained at home until April 15, 1855, when he became the husband of Martha, daughter of John Armstrong. She was born in Tuscarawas Township on the southwest quarter of Sec. 25, in 1834. For two years after his marriage he lived on land of Jacob Umbenhower. In April, 1859, he moved on the farm he now owns, having saved $1,200, which he invested in land, buying at first 60 acres, which belonged to Dwight. He now has 82 acres, of land which is favorably located, with elegant house and barn thereon, all recently erected, the house being one of the finest farmhouses in the township. Has seven children, who are William H., Ada F., Harry. Lizzie N., Minnie M., Emmet H. and Eveline. Ada is now teacher in the Union School ac Massillon, and is a lady of artistic taste. Children unmarried and at home. DAVID KOONTZ, farmer, Massillon; was born June 13, 1813, in Huntingdon Co., Penn., the fourth of a family of thirteen children. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Obenhour) Koontz. He was a native of Virginia, son of Peter Koontz, whose birthplace was England, and had two children, Jacob and Polly. Mary was a daughter of Harmon Obenhour, a native of Germany. Jacob Koontz, the father of David, emigrated-to Ohio by wagon, in the year 1815, and settled in Nimishillen Township, where he rented land for several years, remaining here until after the death of his wife, then moved to Plain Township, where he lived two years, than came to Perry; this continued to be his residence until his death, which occurred while on a visit to Indiana, during war times. The children born him were John, Susie, Jacob, Daniel, William, Lydia, Mary, Betsy, Barbara, Frederick, Christina, Sallie and Harrison, all of whom lived to manhood and womanhood, except Harrison. Of the number now living, are John, in Canton Township; PERRY TOWNSHIP - 709 William, in Schuyler Co., Ill.; Frederick, in Minnesota; Sallie, who married Peter Nunnemaker; Christina, the wife of B. Smith, now of Michigan, and David. David was raised to agricultural pursuits and remained with his father until 23 years of age, after which time he engaged in different occupations for several years. February, 1839, married Annie Essig, born in Stark County, 1819, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Weaver) Essig. Afterward lived seven years in Pike Township, then resided seven years in Bethlehem, when he disposed of his land and located in this township, near Richville, where he lived until 1872, then located on 50 acres near the city limits, where he has settled for life. Wife died in 1874; she bore him six children—Alpheus, Newton, Louisa, Jacob, Franklin and Calvin. Alpheus and Calvin reside in Albia, Monroe Co., Iowa. Newton and Jacob, in Norton Tp., Medina Co. Louisa, married Mr. Hoberstock. He has been a member of the Disciples' Church about forty years. In former years he was Democratic, but since Buchanan's time has been in the Republican ranks. DR. J. L. LEEPER, physician and farmer, Navarre; was born Aug. 27, 1818, in Norfolk, Va., son of William and Eleanor (Louthers) Leeper, he (William) being a son of James, who was a native of Ireland, whose ancestors were natives of France, who left that country in consequence of religious persecution. Eleanor was a daughter of Alexander Louthers, who were natives of Ireland. William Leeper, the father of our subject, moved with his family from Norfolk to Brooke Co., Va., about 1801, and came to Ohio in 1818, locating, first in Carroll County, and clearing up a farm, but was a machinist by trade; he was in the war of 1812, and at the battle of Fort Meigs assisted in burying the dead at River Raisin; he died in Carroll County in 1855, having raised three children—James L., William A. and Martha J.; William A. lives on the old homestead, in Carroll County; Martha J., wife of Hon. William Adair, of Carroll County, who was the framer of the Adair Liquor Law; and our subject, who was raised a farmer, and married, July 4, 1837, Sophia N. Dickey, born in Marietta, in 1820, daughter of Solomon Dickey. Dr. Leeper came to this county in May, 1840, and settled, first, in Navarre, where he lived until 18'70, engaged in the practice of medicine; while here at Navarre, he carried on a drug store for fifteen years; located in Perry Township in 1878, and has remained, where he owns 200 acres of land; one child has been born to him, George C.; all the family, on both his mother's and father's side, were Presbyterians, whilst he is a Methodist; was an old-line Whig, but never sought office; is at present a Prohibitionist; also a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. SAMUEL F. LONAS, farmer; P.. O. Massillon; is a native of Bethlehem Township; is the third son and fifth child born to his parents, who were John W. and Leah Lonas, who were early settlers in that township. . For a more extended notice of the family, the reader is referred to the sketches of some of the older members of the family. Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, remaining at home until his marriage, with Miss Stoner, which occurred April 9, 1868; she (Fianna) was born in Tuscarawas Township, in 1847, daughter of Jonathan Stoner, one of the stanch farmers of that township; after his marriage, he farmed, renting land of his father three years, then purchased land, and remained on the same two years; then purchased 105 acres on Sec. 30, situated in the west part of Perry Township, where he has since resided, having it well improved and choice buildings thereon, and is a successful farmer; he has five children—Sarah W., Ollie R., Ira J., Charles M. and Frederick. Mr. Lonas is a member of the German Reformed Church. T. W. LERCH, blacksmith, Canton; was born Oct. 11, 1841, in Nortumberland Co., Penn., the eldest of a family of twelve children, born to George W. and Eve (Kluse) Lerch, both natives of Northumberland County; they emigrated to this township in the spring of 1851. Our subject was raised at home, and learned the blacksmith's trade of his father. Aug. 9, 1862, donned the blue, and went forth to battle for his country, serving until June 5, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge; he participated in twenty-one different engagements: Fort Mitchell, 710 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Knoxville, Cumberland Gap, Resaca, Dallas, Eutaw Creek, Atlanta, Columbia, Nashville, Franklin, Old Town Creek and Wilmington were among the more prominent engagements; with the exception of a slight wound in the hand, and a few bullet-holes in his clothing, he returned home safely; his regiment was the 104th O. V. I., Company E; upon returning home, he resumed his trade. In 1869, he married Sarah Kocher, born in Pennsylvania, daughter of Edward and Levina (Beck) Kocher; since his marriage, he has been engaged at his trade, carrying on business on his own account, at Lerchville, this township, and is doing a good business; his parents are yet living; his father was born Aug. 18, 1818, son of Jacob Lerch, who had six children born him, four sons and two daughters; Eve (Kocher) Lerch was born in 1819, and bore her husband twelve children, Thomas W. being the eldest; eleven children are living, Jacob is a minister of the Reformed Church, of which his parents and T. W. are members; has five children —George E., John W., Charles H., Elby F., Ellis S. and a babe unnamed; the family is Republican. MRS. SABAH .A. MILLER, farming; P. O. Canton; was born Sept 15, 1829, in Westmoreland Co., Penn; her parents were Boyd and Nancy (Long) Ward, both natives of Northumberland County; they were members of the Associate Reformed Church Mr. Ward died 1856; his wife in 1840; ten children were born them, viz.: John, Mary, Nancy, Thomas, Rebecca, William, Henry, Edward, Sarah and Amos. Nancy was a daughter of William Long, whose children were Henry, Jane, Elnora and Nancy. Boyd was a son of Boyd Ward, who had two sons, Boyd and William. Dec. 28, 1853, Mrs. Miller was united by marriage to Daniel B. Ralston, born Dec. 5, 1826, in Lancaster Co., Penn., on of Paul and Eliza Ralston; removed West, to Stark County, locating in Canton Township, in January, 1854, where they lived three years. Mr. Ralston, in 1862, Aug. 20, went forth to defend the stars and stripes, enlisting in Company E, 115th O. V. I.; he died at Cincinnati, in the hospital, Jan. 21, 1863. Six children were born him--Boyd, Henry, Caroline, Catharine, Elizabeth and George, the two latter are deceased; Caroline married Aaron Race; Catharine, Henry Reese, both of this township. Jan. 5. 1865, she married George Miller, who was born Jan. 1, 1800, in Cumberland Co., Penn.; of a family of six children born to George Miller, who served in the Revolutionary war, and was Gen. Washington's hostler; he was a Methodist of the John Wesley type, his house being ever open for the reception of ministers, or to hold meetings; in early life he was a Democrat, but later in life, became affiliated with the opposite party; he died Nov. 16, 1870, aged 70 years 5 months and 15 days, leaving one son, George, Jr., who resides with his mother. Mrs. Miller has 80 acres of land, and still holds to the religious tenets of the old Scotch Church of her parents, known as the Associate Reformed. WILLIAM RITTER, farmer; P. O. Newton, Jasper Co.; was born in Stark County; son of Daniel Ritter, one of the pioneers of the county. William was raised in Perry Township, and to farming pursuits; was married to Martha Shoemaker, and afterward settled near Richville, in Perry Township, removing to Iowa about the year 1856, and has since been a resident of that State, being located near Newton, Jasper Co., where he is engaged in farming. Several children have been born to him — Melvin, Luther,- William, Ann, Charles, George and Harry; Melirin is a railroad man, being employed on the Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne Railroad, where he has run an engine several years; the remainder of the children are in Iowa. LEVI STUMP, farmer, Perry Township. Levi Stump, Esq., whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is one of the representative agriculturists of the populous old township of Perry; he was born on the farm on which he now lives, and where he has lived from his birth, the farm being known as the southwest quarter of Sec. 27. Mr. Stump was born on the 29th of April, 1825, consequently is in the 57th year of his age; he is one of the surviving children of Frederick and Margaret Stump, whose maiden name was Margaret Smith, his parents being among the first settlers of the now township of Perry, then Lake Township, in Columbiana County. On the PERRY TOWNSHIP - 711 organization of Stark County, in 1809, the territory on which Mr. Stump then resided, was included in Canton Township, where it remained until 1814, when Mr. Stump, Sr., aided in organizing the new township of Perry. The subject of this sketch, like Ham, let, may well claim that he is a native and to the manner born, a distinction of which he may well be proud; he is one of a family of eleven children, all of whom are natives of the same township, except the eldest, Daniel Stump, Esq., who now resides at Columbus, in Franklin County, and who, during his residence in Stark County, was a merchant, and Justice of the Peace in Bethlehem Township. The family of Frederick Stump, in addition to Daniel, were Catharine, married to Samuel Smith, of Canton Township, now a widow; John, long since deceased; Eve, married to Barnabas Allman, of the adjoining township of Bethlehem, now also a widow; Frederick, a minister of the Reformed Church, now deceased; Adam, also a minister of the same church, and also deceased; Elizabeth, married to Adam H. Baughman, Esq., now a widow residing in Iowa; Louis, also deceased; William, also a minister of the Reformed Church, and deceased; Levi; and one other son, who died in infancy. A brief sketch of the older Mr. Stump will not be deemed out of place here, as he was one of the sturdy pioneers, the recollections of whom furnish the straggling beams of history, that serve " to point the moral and adorn the tale " of Perry Township's early organization. When Frederick Stump arrived at what he regarded a proper stopping-place in the unbroken forest, on the borders of civilization, there being a land office at Steubenville, in Jefferson County, he entered at that office the southeast quarter of Sec. 28, in the 9th Range, in 1806, three years before the county was organized, and eight years previous to the organization of the township, on which quartar section, Dr. James L. Leeper now resides; the southeast quarter of Sec. 27, in the same range, he purchased of James F. Leonard, who had obtained it by entry at the land office. At that time there was but one cabin where is now the populous and growing city of Canton, and that was known as Cruson's Tavern. On the 28th of April, 1808, he brought his family into the township; then there were but few houses in Canton, and but three white families resident upon the territory now embraced within the township lines; Indians were abundant, but peaceable. He paid $1.8 for the first barrel of flour, and $22 for the first barrel of salt he used in his family, both of which were brought up the Muskingum and Tuscarawas in canoes. Pittsburgh and Steubenville were the nearest market places for trade and milling, and Mr. Stump thought it a privilege when, fifteen years later, a market was opened at Cleveland, he could, with a four-horse load of wheat obtain a side of sole leather and a barrel of salt, " even up." For weeks, he and his family lived on potatoes, relying on . the "shadowy future" as an earnest of better times. Politically, Frederick Stump was a Democrat. He was born on the 7th of June, 1781, in Bethel Tp., Berks Co., Penn., in the stormy period of the American Revolution, and, with his parents, when quite young, removed West, to Letterkenney Township, in Franklin County, and married there, in 1806. By a comparison of dates, it will be seen that his political character was formed during the bitter contest that at last resulted in the election of Jefferson over Burr, by the United States House of Representatives, in 1801, and became a voter in the second year of Mr. Jefferson,s administration. The political principles he then espoused he clung to during his entire life. It may well be said of him: "He was a Democrat of Democrats brought up at the feet of the political Gamaliel of that era, who proclaimed that all men were created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." His religious ideas were in unity with the Reformed Church, of which he became a member in early life, and continued until his death; he was life-long prominent in the affairs of the township, and it may well be said of him, he aided essentially in causing "the wilderness to blossom as the rose." Levi, the son, subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Margaret Roush, also a native of Perry Township, on the 19th of March, 1847; she was a daughter of Frederick and Anna 712 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Maria Roush, whose maiden name was Haflegh, natives of Dauphin Co., Penn., who emigrated to Perry Township in 1828. They were of the sturdy Pennsylvania Dutch element, to which the whole county of Stark is so much indebted for its prosperity. Mr. and Mrs. Levi Stump are the parents of thirteen children—Victoria 0.; Gassendi, married to Hannah Gerber; Frederick W., a minister of the Reformed Church; Anna M., married to Charles Kocher; Ada A.; Levi B., married to Melissa Hildreth; Margaret I., James a, Ira E., Samuel 0. (deceased), Rosa C., Margie V. and Benjamin F. Squire Stump, in his political tendencies, is a Democrat, "but not an ultra-Democrat." In religion, he is a member of the Reformed Church. " These things hath he kept from his youth up." Has served the township one term as a Justice of the Peace, for twenty years has held the office of Notary Public; as a draftsman of deeds, mortgages, etc., he serves his neighbors on all occasions when called on. He is, however, at the head of his profession as a farmer, horticulturist and pomologist, being the first in the township—Perry—to make small fruits a specialty, and in which he has been eminently successful. He has served as President, Vice President and Director of Stark County Agricultural Society for sixteen years, and is now President of the County Horticultural Society. His life of industry and careful study of his profession, together with prudent economy, have brought him a competence which enables him to live in elegant style, and as a gentleman farmer takes rank among Stark County's best. JOSEPH SMITH, farmer; P. O. Canton; was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Oct. 13, 1815, being the fifth child born to his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Smith, who were early pioneers in Stark County, purchasing unimproved land at per acre; he was one of the stanch representatives of the Keystone State, and, in common with others of his class, turned his back upon his native State, and cast his lot in the then wilds of Ohio, that he might secure to himself and family cheap lands which he might convert into a home; he died as he lived—an honest and worthy citizen; he was a member of the Lutheran Church and a Jackson Democrat; his death occurred about the year 1864. Of the family of the children born him, now liv ing, are John and Joseph, who reside in this township; Anna, married Christian Niesz, in Canton; Sarah, Mrs. Thomas Van Horn, of Canton; and David, who resides on the homestead farm, in Canton Township. For several years, Jacob Smith, the father of the above, ran an oil-mill where the Canton water-works are; his wife died about 1856. Joseph remained with his parents until 1836; he then farmed, renting land several years. Oct. 12, 1839, he married Nancy Burger, who was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Jan. 4, 1816, being the youngest child born to Peter Burger and Elizabeth Wert, to whom were born nine children. In the winter of 1840, Mr. Smith located on the farm he now owns; had 401) acres, which he has sold off until he now has 150. The children born him are Alonzo, Darwin, Cyrus, Jacob L., Emma J., Senora C. and Mary A. Emma married John Sponsler; Senora, Mrs. John Freeman. Mr. Smith is a member of the Reformed Church. CAPT. A. H. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Massillon; is a native of Lake Tp., Stark Co., born May 19, 1837, and is the fourth of a family of eight children born to George E. Smith and Sarah Christ; he was born April 18, 1799, in Adams Co., Penn., son of George Smith, who was a native of Cumberland County; his wife was a native of the Emerald Isle. To George Smith, the grandsire of our subject, were born Samuel, Benjamin, George, Rachel and two others, whose names cannot be recalled. Sarah was a daughter of Christian Christ, a native of Delaware; he married Susan Slusser, and by her had three daughters—Polly, Sarah and Susan. George Smith, Sr., came West, with his family, in 1812, and settled in Plain Tp., Stark Co., where he entered lands and remained on the same until his death. George E., his son, settled in Lake Township, upon unimproved land, which he cleared up. To him were born Christian, Andrew H., Benjamin, Joel, Alonzo and Philo; Christian went West several years ago, and has not been heard from; A. H. in Perry Township; Benjamin, Canton Township; Joel and Alonzo, in Summit County; Philo, a stu- PERRY TOWNSHIP - 713   dent Father Smith remained on the home farm, in Plain, until 1859, when he moved to Canton Township, remaining until his death, 1878. Andrew H. remained at home, on the farm, and raised to agricultural pursuits; in October, 1861, enlisted in Company L, 6th Ohio Cavalry, as private, and was promoted through all the successive grades, with the exception of 2d Lieutenant, until he was commissioned Captain; served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out. Benjamin, also, served in the late war. Upon his return home, he resumed farming; Dec. 27, 1866, he married Eliza Gans, born in Lake Township, 1842, daughter of Benjamin and Susannah (Williams) Gans, who had eleven Smith,sn. After Mr. Smith's marriage, he located in Perry Township, having 190 acres of choice farming land, upon which he has erected choice farm buildings; has five children, whose names are Logan H., Clark G., Mary and Blanche (twins) and Gracie. JAMES M. SNYDER, farmer; P. O. Canton; born in Bethlehem Tp., Stark Co., Sept, 3, 1843, the eldest of a family of eight children, born to his parents, who were Hugh and Mary (Kemery) Snyder. Hugh was born in 1820, in Pennsylvania, son of Daniel Snyder, who emigrated to Ohio, this county, and settled in Bethlehem Township, about the year 1830; here he settled and remained until his death; his son, Hugh, located on a farm about one mile west of his father's; to him were born James, Jacob, Anna, George, Newton, Henry, William, Franklin and Jacob. Hugh Snyder died in 1878, a man highly respected in the community—an honest man and a Christian; was a member of the Reformed Church, and a good Democrat. Mary, his wife, was a daughter of Jacob Kemery, a native of Pennsylvania; coming West, he located in Pike Township; his children were Adam, Jacob, John, Betsey, Mary and Anna. James NI. remained 'at home and reared to agricultural pursuits; Dec. 12, 1870, married Margaret Harper, born, 1842, in Noble Co., Ind., daughter of Solomon Harper and Mary Shobe. After Mr. Snyder was married, he resided five years in Bethlehem Township; he located on the farm, in Perry Township, in 1875, having 115 acres. He has seven children--Mary I., Charles H., William A., Homer E., Albert E., Jacob H. and Howard R.; he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and partaking of his father's political tenets, is also Democratic in politics. JACOB SMITH, deceased; born in December, 1795, in Guilford Tp., Franklin Co., Penn. ; his parents were Daniel and Eve (Heck) Smith, who were blessed with a family of eleven children; those who grew up were Elizabeth, Susan, Margaret, Eve, Mary, Catharine, Jacob, John, Daniel and Adam. Jacob Smith was married, in 1829, to Lydia Binkley, who was born in 1805, in Lancaster Co., Penn., being the second of a family of five children born to Peter Binkley and Margaret Lee, who were natives of Pennsylvania; the Binkley family are descended from Germany. Jacob Smith and family came West to Ohio in 1833, purchasing a farm in Perry Township in 1834, said farm containing 126 acres, in the southeast quarter of Sec. 33, which was settled by Mr. Allman. Mr. Smith died Sept. 4, 1865; was a member of the German Reformed Church, and a good citizen. Eleven children were born him; five are living, viz., Margaret, Daniel, Angeline, Jacob and Lewis, all living in this township except Jacob, who resides in Bethlehem Township; Daniel remains on the homestead, having purchased the farm. G. STUMP, farmer; P. O. Richville; he was born Feb. 10, 1850, on the homestead farm, being the second child born to Levi and Margaret (Roush) Stump; he was raised to farming and fruit-growing. In October, 1873, he married Hannah M. Gerber, who was born in this township in 1852, the only daughter of Christian' and Catharine (Keehn) Gerber. Christian Gerber was born in Canton Township Jan. 8, 1820, and lived in that township until 1852, when he moved to Perry Township, where he has since lived. His parents' names were Jacob and Magdalene (Buchtel) Gerber. He was born in Berks Co., Penn., in 1791, and came to Stark County, where he was married, in 1819, to Magdalene Buchtel, who was born in Franklin Co., Penn., in 1799; they settled in Canton Township and had four children—Christian, David, Jacob and Hannah. He died in Canton Township 714 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: June 20, 1827; his wife is yet living. Christian Gerber was married to Catherine Keehn on Sept. 21, 1851, and she died July 25, 1873; she was a daughter of Jonathan and Anne M. Keehn. In 1873, Mr. Stump located on the Gerber farm, consisting of 83 acres; he has three children living—Franklin E., Eva and Mabel; his wife is a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Stump is a promising young farmer, and a Patron of Husbandry. JOHN SMITH, farmer; P. 0. Canton; born in Lancaster Co., Penn., son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Smith. Jacob Smith was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., son of Balsar Smith, a native of Germany, and emigrated to Cumberland County shortly after the war of the Revolution. He raised five sons and several daughters; the sons were Balsar, William, Samuel, Joseph and Jacob. Elizabeth was a daugther of Frederick Rhodes; the children born him were Elizabeth, John, George, Samuel, Frederick, and two daugh- ters, one of whom married Mr. Duck, the other a Mr. Trit. Our subject came West with his parents about the year 1817, they locating in Canton Township, where he purchased about 200 acres of land, which he cleared up. The following are the children born to him, all of whom came to maturity: Polly, Anna, Sarah, John, Samuel, Joseph and David. John Smith is a bachelor, and owns over 300 acres of land, and is a successful business man. J. B. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Massillon; was born on the farm he now lives upon Feb. 15. 1835, second son of Benjamin and Mary (Coder) Smith; was raised on the farm, and to farming pursuits. May 3, 1856, he was united in marriage to Julia Rempis, who was born Feb. 16, 1834, in Coshocton Co., Ohio, daughter of Lewis and Louisa (Burke) Rempis, who were natives of Germany, and were early settlers in this county. Subsequent to his marriage, he moved to Fayette Co., Ill., where he was engaged in farming pursuits for six years, returning to this township in 1865, and has since been residing on the homestead. Of five children born to him, four are living —Lucy 0., William J., Harvey B. and Frankie J. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. The Smith family are loyal Republicans. AMBROSE WHIPPLE, farmer; P. O. Canton. In the year 1812, there came a discharged soldier from the war to Canton Township, with a knapsack strapped upon his back, which, with 75 cents in his pocket, were his entire possessions. This soldier was John Whipple, the father of Ambrose. He was born March 6, 1790, near Hartford, Conn., son of Zebulon Whipple, a Revolutionary soldier. To him were born Chauncey, Zebulon, William, Lydia, Sophia and John, the latter being drafted into the service at the outbreak of the war of 1812. Receiving his discharge at Cleveland, he turned his steps toward this locality, and arrived as above described; he was a brick-maker by trade, which vocation he followed for several years; he assisted in making and burning the brick for the old court house. After several years' residence in Canton (then a mere village), he moved north of that point half a mile. About the year 1836, came to this township, purchasing land in the extreme northeast corner, which he largely improved, and remained on the same until his death, which occurred June 5, 1859, the year of the " big frost." His worthy companion yet survives him, being now in her 83d year; her name was Catharine Carroll, born Sept. 30, 1798, in Kilkenny, Ireland, daughter of John Carroll, whose property was confiscated at the time of the persecution, and he sought a home for himself and family on America's free soil. Thirteen children were born John Whipple, as follows: Maria, now deceased, was the wife of H. K. Dickey; Lydia, Mrs. Allen Clark, of Perry Co., Ohio; John, died young; next comes Ambrose; Nicholas, went to California in 1849, where he died; Julia, married James Moffit, in Nimishillen Township; John P., in Jersey Co., Ill.; William, was killed in the army; was a member of the 11th Penn. C.; Matthew C., in Richfield, Montgomery Co., Ill.; James C., in Colorado, engaged in Lining; Eleanor, wife of J. C. Richards, of Kansas City; John W., in Jackson Township; Thomas J. being the youngest; he resides on the homestead. At the time of the death of Mr. Whipple, he owned about 480 acres of land, being the fruits of his toil and frugality; he was a man who stood high in the community as an hon- PERRY TOWNSHIP - 715 orable gentleman, and was esteemed by all who knew him; he was an Old-Line Whig, and true to its principles. lie was not a member of any church organization, but was a zealous Mason, and passed through the various degrees, and had the honors of Knighthood conferred upon him. Ambrose was born in Canton Township July 2, 1826; was raised on the homestead, and, March 31, 1852, married Elizabeth Freeman, born in 1831, in this township, daughter of John Freeman and Mary Scott. Mr. Whipple has three children-Maria, Mary E. and Nicholas; has 120 acres in the northeast corner of the township, where he resides. TMOMAS J.WHIPPLE, farmer; P. O. Canton; was the youngest child born to his parents, who were John and Catharine (Carroll) Whipple. Our subject was born on the farm he now owns Nov. 23, 1840, which was the land his father located upon when he came to this township. Thomas J. was reared to agricultural pursuits, and remained on the homestead up to the time of his union with Flora A. Rogers, which occurred Sept. 20, 1869; she was born in 1845, in this township, daughter of David Rogers and Margaret Knecht, who were natives of Germany. Since the marriage of Mr. Whipple, he has remained on the homestead, having 160 acres of land, which descended to him from his father. He has five children-Katie, Maggie, Harvey J., Lee and Belle; is a member of the Republican party, but nut a partisan, voting for men rather than as a party slave. J. G. WERTZBAUGHER, farmer; P. O. Massillon; was born in 1838, on Sec. 10, Perry Township; his parents were John and Mary (Cormany) Wertzbaugher. John, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1798, son of Philip, who died in November, 1816. Mary Cormany was born in Maryland March 19, 1810, daughter of Joseph Cormany. The father of the above came West with his brother Philip in 1828, purchasing 160 acres of unimproved land on Sec. 10, upon which they settled, each having 80 acres, John remaining on his until his death, which occurred March 31, 1847, his wife surviving him until April 25, 1873; both were members of the M. E. Church, Mr. Wertzbaugher being an active worker in the same. In politics, he was first a Whig, but later in life worked with the Abolition element, and was a warm friend to the bondmen. Of seven children born them, were Joseph, now in California; Frances, wife of Benjamin Allen, of Massillon; Emeline, now Mrs. Isaiah Ickes; Mary A., unmarried; John G.; Eliza, now Mrs. Richard Crawford; and James B.; all of Perry Township. John G. was raised on the farm he now resides upon, and to farming pursuits. On Aug. 13, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 13th O. V. I.; was wounded at the battle of Stone River, and discharged in April, 1863, on account of injuries received in that engagement. Returning home, and not being able to perform manual labor, he went to Massillon, where he engaged in the photograph business for three years, at the end of which time he regained his health and returned to the farm, where he has since remained. He has always been a true Republican. In the spring of 1881, he was elected Township Trustee; he has served the township as Assessor, and for fifteen years past been a member f the School Board. On May 16, 1861, he married Isabella Cole, who was born June 1, 1839, in Lincolnshire, England, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth A. (Oldryde) Cole. Jhe family emigrated to Ohio in 1844, locating in this township. Benjamin Cole was born Oct. 13, 1798; his wife, Oct. 9, 1801; their deaths occurred Nov. 4, 1870, and Jan. 26, 1878, respectively; he was a member of the Episcopal Church, she of the Methodist Episcopal; to them were born a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom came to maturity. To Mr. and Mrs. Wertzbaugher have been born two daughters--Clara May and Bertha Evaline. OLIVER YOST, farmer; P. O. Massillon; was born March 23, 1837, in Perry Co., Ohio, the second child and eldest son born to Isaac Yost and Elizabeth Phearson; Isaac was a son of John Yost, who was a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., and emigrated to Perry County at an early day. John Yost's wife's maiden name was McCormick, and she bore him four sons and two daughters; the sons were Isaac, Abram, John and William; Polly and Patty were the daughters, all born in Perry County. Elizabeth was a daughter of Robert Phearson, 716 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES who was born in County Cork, on the Emerald Isle. He was one of the early pioneers in Perry County, being one of the three who came to that locality when it was all woods. He raised the following offspring: Robert, John, William, George, Mary J., Margaret, Elizabeth and Ada, who was born blind. Mr. Phearson was the founder of Unity Church, in Clayton Tp., Perry Co. He said the name was symbolical of the unity of feeling that ought to pervade and influence the minds of the early settlers. Isaac Yost, the father of the above, spent his days in Perry Tpwnship; after he became a man, he purchased land adjoining the homestead, upon which he lived until May 9; 1881, when he was removed by death. Eight children were born him; five are living; Amour is a hardware merchant; Owen, an attorney at law, both residing in Somerset; Albert resides near by, and is engaged in farming; Clara is the wife of Albert Hull, all of Perry County. Feb. 3, 1863, Oliver Yost married Clara Chapman, born June 26, 1841, in Bethlehem Township, daughter of Thomas Chapman, who married Rebecca Warner June 30, 1836; the former came from Virginia, the latter from Pennsylvania: they had six children—Warren, William M., Clara, Anna M., Elizabeth and Eva A. They came to Stark County about 1838. In 1861, Mr. Yost came to Perry Tp., Stark Co., locating on Sec. 30, on the Oswalt farm; in 1875, he purchased 143 acres on the northwest quarter of Sec. 22, where he has since lived. He has four children—Mary R., Harriet E., Clara and Thomas 0.; the parents were members of the Reformed Church. Mrs. Yust's brothers and sisters were Maria, now Mrs. Levi Smith, of Bethlehem Township; Elizabeth is the wife of Prof. 0. S. Hursk, of Heidelberg College; Eva A. married Rev. James Steele, of Mohigan; Warner remains on the homestead. Her parents were also members of the Reformed Church. CITY OF ALLIANCE - 717 CITY OF ALLIANCE JAMES AMERMAN, attorney-at-law; Alliance ; was born in Genesee, Mich., Aug. 20, 1848. His parents were John and Mary A (Duns) Laidler; the. former was born in 1812 in the Highlands of Scotland, and the latter in 1814. They were married in Wollan Parish, Northumberland, and emigrated to the United States in 1842; after a short residence in New York they removed to Michigan. They had six children; and upon the death of his mother in 1850, our subject was adopted by Daniel and Mary Amerman, of Thornville, Lapeer Co , Mich and enjoyed the privileges of a good English education in his boyhood. He came to Alliance with his adopted father in 1858, and in April, 1862. enlisted in Co. B., 82d O. V. I. and followed the fortunes of his regiment, participating in the many serious battles of the three years service. In the second Bull Run fight, he was slightly wounded in the side. and at Gettysburg he was taken prisoner and confined on Belle Island three months, when he was paroled and returned to his regiment when exchanged. He was mustered out of service in June 1865. Part of the time of his service, he was on detailed duty in the office of the Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac. Returning to Alliance, he studied law with A. L. Jones, Esq., and was admitted to practice in April, 1867; was a short time associated with his preceptor, but in 1869 the partnership was dissolved and he has remained alone ever since. He has been associated in the trial of several noted cases, with some of the most eminent legal talent in the state ; among these may be mentioned the Boyle murder trial in 1877, in which he assisted the state in prosecution, the verdict being eighteen years in the penitentiary. Another was the case of Teeters vs. Brainard, involving the ownership of Alliance College. Mr. Amerman was attorney for plaintiff; the case was tried in the Common Pleas and District Courts, with verdict for plaintiff in both trials. In these cases were retained Ex-Chief Justices Ranney and Day, Judges Ambler, Underhill and Raff. Also the celebrated libel case of Fowler vs. Hester, in which the damages were laid at $25,000, associated with Judge Ambler. He was attorney for defendant, against McSweeny and others for the prosecution, with verdict for defendant. Another was the case of Ohio vs. Ohr, charged with murder in the first degree; and the case of the State vs. Sarnet with a like charge. In both cases he appeared for defendant. He has become distinguished for the zeal and energy with which he pushes his cases, and has met with signal success in his profession. For two years he was attorney for the Lake Erie and Alliance R. R. Co., and has also served as City Solicitor. In his 22d year, he was candidate for Mayor of Alliance but was defeated by 27 votes, the only reason urged against him, being that he was too young. His law library is one of the finest in the county. Nov. 7, 1870, he married Rachel, daughter of Elisha Teeters. Three children have been born to them, two living, viz —Maud M. and Allen E. On May 7, 1879, they lost by death a daughter, Rosa Vivian, of 2 years of age, and out of compliment to her and her parents, was named the " Vivian Lodge," of the new secret order of Royal Arcanum, of which some of the leading citizens of Alliance are members. In August, 1874, his father died at Thornville, Mich., aged about 66 years. WILLIAM H. ALLERTON, manufacturer of brick; P. O. Alliance; was born in Mahoning Co., O., Feb. 10, 1841. He is the son of John and Martha (Hoffman) Allerton, who came in Ohio from Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming in Mahoning Co. When William H., was about 18 years of age, he began to work at brick-making in Mahoning Co. In 1861 he enlisted in the late war, Co. B., 65th O. V. I and served three years; on Dec. 31, 1862, he was taken prisoner by the rebels, at Murfreesboro, and sent to Libby Prison, where he remained until the 2d of the following February, when he was exchanged and brought to Annapolis, Md. While in prison he was taken very sick, and when first paroled, Jan. 23, he was unable to leave; 718 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: feeling that his life would soon be ended if compelled to remain there much longer, he resolved to leave the first opportunity that offered ; on the 2nd of February, when a few other prisoners were being exchanged, he made every effort and with some assistance reached the wagon in which they were carried to the boat, and thereby got to Annapolis, Md., where he remained in hospital for a short time, and on account of disability was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, at Columbus, O., and thence to Indianapolis, Ind., for there he received his discharge Nov. 2, 1864, and returned home. During his service he participated in many of the severe battles of the war. He came to Mt. Union in 1867, and engaged in his business there, and has continued to manufacture brick ever since, making about 400,000 brick annually, which are largely used in Alliance, Mt. Union and surrounding country. In October, 1868, he married Amelia Scranton; they have three children, viz.—Nellie 0., Laura B. and Louie. In 1873 he built his very commodious two-story brick residence on Mt. Union street near the southern limits of Alliance. J. K. ALLEN, postmaster; Alliance; was born in St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Ohio; he came to Alliance in 1861, and has been a resident of this place ever since. Here he got a liberal education in the public schools, and was engaged in the jewelry business about six years. He accepted a position as clerk in the post office under Henry Shreve for four years; and from 1875 he was employed in the train dispatcher's office of the P., Ft. W & C. R. R, at this station, until he received the nomination for Postmaster of Alliance, which was confirmed in January, 1881. ELIAS BURNETT, passenger conductor on P., Ft. & C. R. R.; Alliance; was born in Lancaster, Penn., May 27, 1837, the third of a family of seven children born to Elias and Mary (Thomas Burnett, both natives of Pennsylvania. The family removed to the western part of Mahoning Co., Ohio, in 1839, and for several years his father pursued his trade, that of a tailor, when the remorseless hand of death removed the devoted husband and father. The widow and a large family of helpless children were left in poor financial circumstances, consequently each was obliged to do for him or herself early in life. When about 16 years of age, the subject of these lines began to work at the carpenter's trade, and followed that for several years; During the construction of the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago R. R., he began as a teamster and continued until the road was in running order, when he was engaged as brakeman and has steadily grown in favor as his habits of industry well attest. He had charge of a freight train for over ten years, and in 1871 he was appointed to the position of passenger train conductor, where has faithfully performed his duty and occupies that position to this day. For upwards of twenty years of railroad life his career has been successful and continuous on the same road; he began driving team at its construction, and has been so far free from the many mishaps which are so frequently occurring on railroads. His "run" lies between Crestline, Ohio, and Pittsburg, Penn., although his residence has been at Alliance since 1856. He married Clara J., daughter of James A. Penney, of Louisville, Ohio, late of Canton, Dec. rd, 1871. He has now erected a fine two-story brick residence which will be one of the best arranged homes in the town. LUTHER W. BALLARD, surgeon-dentist, Alliance; was born in Pittsburg, Penn., April 26, 1854; the son of A. W. and Margaret (Irwin) Ballard, his father being a native of New Hampshire, and his mother of Pennsylvania, of Scotch parentage. The family removed from Pittsburgh to Canton, Ohio, in 1858. When Mr. Ballard had completed an academic course of study he entered the dental office of Dr. Douds, of Canton, and remained under his instruction until 1812, when he began his course in the Philadelphia Dental College, of Philadelphia, Penn., and graduated from that institution in 1873. He returned to Canton, and began the practice of his profession for a short time with his brother. In April 1879, he removed to Alliance, where he opened the finest dental rooms in this place. He married Grace Greenwood, May 30, 1878. She is daughter of G. G. B. Greenwood, of Minerva. They have one child—Whitcomb G. Mr. Ballard is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. SAMUEL BROOKE, civil engineer and deputy revenue collector ; Alliance; was CITY OF ALLIANCE - 719 born in Brookeville, Montgomery Co., Md., June 19, 1808. The grandfather of our subject— Rodger Brooke—was an early settler of Brookeville, Md., in honor of whom the place derived its name. Col. Richard Brooke, who was one of Washington's aide-de-camp during the Revolution, was a brother of Mr. Rodger Brooke. Chief Justice Rodger Brooke Taney, who was appointed by Gen. Jackson, was also a relative. Every branch of the family were radically anti-slavery, and emancipated all their slaves when that course was a most unpopular one. And although Chief Justice Taney emancipated his slaves, some of his rulings were scarcely in accord with that principle, which brought on him many anathemas from his anti-slavery friends. Yet he was acting in accordance with the law and constitution, which he was sworn to administer and maintain, and could not have done otherwise. Our subject bears his father's name, and was the sixth of nine children born to Samuel and Sarah (Garrigues) Brooke, three of whom are living. His mother was a descendant of the Huguenots. When Mr. Brooke had taken the regular course of study in the common schools he attended the Strasburg Academy, in Pennsylvania. In 1831 he entered upon the profession of civil engineer, with the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Co., and subsequently surveyed and located a portion of the James River and Kanawha Canal, the part which was destroyed by Sheridan during the late war. In 1838 he was employed by the Illinois State government to survey the Kaskaskia River, with a view to removing flatboat obstructions, and also on railroads throughout the State. He was in charge of the levee constructions at Cairo, Ills., and while there studied the character of the Mississippi River, and was the first to suggest the advantage of constructing jetties for the protection of St. Louis, which was finally accomplished by Gen. Prentice. On account of failing health Mr. Brooke came to Ohio, in 1842, and spent about a year in recruiting his health. He then entered into the anti-slavery cause with heart and soul; first, as general agent for the Anti-Slavery Society of Ohio, and subsequently as general agent of the American Anti-Slavery Society of the West. In this humane cause his labors were unceasing, and traveling extensive. Aside from his philanthropic views, he was also deeply interested in the general development of the resources of the country. Through his business acquaintance of the West he was early familiar with the wonderful resources of the prairie beyond, if railroads were only pushed through to intersect the Mississippi, and to that end drafted resolutions, which were presented in Congress, setting forth the necessities and advantages to be derived by the extension of the Pennsylvania R. R. The citizens of Salem, O., at a meeting called by Mr. Brooke in reference to railroad matters, raised funds to pay his way to Pittsburg, Pa., and to there present this scheme to the interested capitalists and stockholders of the Pennsylvania road. He proceeded to. Pittsburg on foot and explored the course of the railroad, which he made full report of at the time, which course was finally adopted with one unimportant exception. His thorough knowledge of the country gained for him the reputation of being the best route-explorer of the west at that time. In 1855 he married Hannah N., daughter of Mahlon Willman, a pioneer of Marlborough Tp. They have two adopted children. Mr. Brooke was appointed Assistant Assessor by Salmon P. Chase, in 1862, and also Deputy Revenue Collector of the 18th Dist., in which capacity he has served ever since his appointment. Mrs. Brooke had one sister and a brother, the latter was Dr. A. J. Willman, of Knoxville, Ky., who at the out-break of the late war, enlisted in the Union service, with rank of Major, in the 18th Ky. V. I. While in command of the regiment at Chickamauga he was wounded, and after recovering sufficiently, he returned to his home in Kentucky to recuperate. While resting there he was dragged from the bosom of his family by a band of armed and disguised guerrillas on the pretext that he was a " prisoner of war ;" they proceeded but a short distance when the Major was shot, denuded of everything of value, and the body concealed in the brush. Mr. Brooke is one who has grown old in the battle for human rights and the cause of liberty, and like his venerable ancestors, accounted but as trifling any sacrifice, however great, that would attain the much to be desired freedom of all mankind. His father, in partnership with Frank Key (the latter's name being 720 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: rendered immortal by the production of the " Star Spangled Banner "), were the proprietors of the first nail-mill in the United States, which cut and headed the nail at the same motion. REV. SAMUEL W. BROWN, minister of the Disciples' Church ;Alliance; was born in Licking CO., O., Aug. 19, 1846 ; he is the son of Russell P. and Clarissa (Emerson) Brown, who were natives of Connecticut, and with their seven oldest children moved to Ohio a short time prior to the date of our subject's birth. They settled on a farm in Licking Co., and when he was about three years old his parents were called away by death. The older ones of the family were then able to do for themselves, but the younger ones were taken and reared by strangers. In his boyhood he had few advantages for procuring an education, and in this direction he felt keenly the want of parental care. When he reached his majority he apprenticed himself to the trade of a blacksmith, and as he became more familiar with the outer world the more he found himself deficient in knowledge. The thought of having been deprived of education in youth weighed upon his mind until he resolved to exert himself in every laudable way until the deficiency was fully compensated for. He went to the district school, and was classed with pupils of which he was very much the senior. Eagerly and earnestly his studies were pursued under trying circumstances, as he was without means other than that which he could procure by his own labor during vacations. He took a course of study at the Reynoldsburg High School. Having united with the Disciples' Church, June 5, 1867, he chose the ministry as a profession and a duty, and accordingly entered the Bethany College, Bethany, Pa., in the spring of 1873, where he took a classical and theological course at the same time, and graduated from that institution in June, 1877. During his collegiate course be preached occasionally at Fairview and Holiday's Cove, W. Va. In the same month in which he graduated he was ordained, and accepted a call to the church at Bedford, O., where he remained about eighteen months, when he accepted a call for a short time to Canton. In May, 1880, he came to the Alliance congregation, which, under his zealous care, is awaking to a reali zation of its duty and shaking off its manacles of lethargy. On June 22, 1873, he married Eveline M., daughter of Austin Fuller, of Millfield, Athens Co., O. They have one child—Wiley S. Mr. Brown is one of those who have climbed life's rugged paths undaunted by the many uninviting conditions with which he was surrounded ; and, for a young man, has already reached an eminence worthy of his determination and zeal ; much cheer and encouragement to persevere in his prescribed course has been afforded him by his ever devoted wife. AMOS WALLACE COATES, inventor and manufacturer; Alliance; whose portrait appears in this history as one of Stark Co.,s successful manufacturers; was born near Marlborough in this county, April 24, 1834. His paternal grandfather was a pioneer to Coatesville, Chester Co., Pa., and laid out that town. His parents were Amos and Jane B. (Norris) Coates, both natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Ohio in an old-fashioned moving wagon in 1823, and settled in Marlborough Tp., Stark Co. His father was a man of scholarly attainments; had charge of an academy in Chester Co., Penn., and subsequently a merchant of Philadelphia. After coming to Ohio he engaged in farming, and part of the time in teaching. He had a family of twelve children, of whom our subject is the seventh son. He was educated in Marlborough Academy, completing his course at the age of seventeen. He then spent two years learning stove-plate and machine casting, and subsequently formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, J. D. Arnold, under the firm name of Arnold & Coates, and began the manufacture of plows and castings in Paris, this county. This enterprise proving a pecuniary success, they added to their works the manufacture of hay-rakes on the old " Sander's " patent in 1855, and in the latter part of the same year introduced what was said to be the first sulky spring-tooth horse-rake ever used in Stark Co. At the end of the first season they disposed of their interest in the rake business, and for several years devoted themselves to the manufacture of plows and other castings. During this time Mr. Coates occupied the little leisure afforded him in reading law, under the instruction of Alexander Bierce, Esq., of Canton. In 1860 he CITY OF ALLIANCE - 721 purchased the factory and foundry, but in the fall of 1861, sold the same and enlisted in the Fremont Body Guard, going to St. Louis with part of a company. In consequence of. Gen. Fremont's removal and the. disbandment of the Guard; he was discharged, returned home and resumed his law studies under his former preceptor, and was admitted to the bar in the Supreme Court at Columbus, in the session of December, 1862. He did not enter upon the practice of law, but early in 1863 he re-purchased the Paris foundry and plow works, and conducted them about one year. In September, 1864, he removed to Alliance, and began the erection of the buildings now occupied by his works, and continued the manufacture of plows. In the spring of 1865, he abandoned this business and embarked in the manufacture of what was known as the White Hay Rake. In the fall of 1865 he invented his Lock Lever Rake, which was patented in 1867, and has since continued to manufacture the same, frequently improving it to keep pace with the ever advancing progress of farm implements. Several additions have been put to his buildings since he began the manufacture of rakes, to secure facilities for supplying the increasing demand. In the fall of 1868 was formed the partnership known as Coates, Gray & Co., which was dissolved in 1874, by Mr. Coates purchasing the entire interests of his partners. He has taken out eight patents, viz.: three on his lock-lever hay-rake; one on the spring-seat for the same, two on guarded scissors, one on a child's pocket-knife, and one on a water-elevator for wells and cisterns. In the fall of 1875 he was a candidate on the Republican ticket, for the Ohio Senate for the 21st Senatorial District, comprising the counties of Stark and Carroll, and came within forty-eight votes of carrying his district, the Democracy carrying the district in the previous and subsequent elections by over a thousand majority. In 1877 he erected the Coates' Block at a cost of $20,000. It is one of the finest business structures in Alliance, the upper story of-which is elegantly fitted up expressly for the meetings of the I. O. O.F. He was for a time proprietor of the Independent Age, a journal devoted to literature, news and religion. He has been a member of the City Council, and is an active member of the following secret societies; I. O. O. F., Freemasons, Knights Templar, Knights of Phythias, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, and American Legion of Honor. March 22, 1859, he married Ada F., daughter of A. B. and Catharine Freer, of Paris, this county. They have had nine children, six of whom are living—Hallam F., now attending Mt. Union College, with promise of fine success, and whom his father intends aiding in the pursuit of any profession he may choose ; Ida M., Nellie L., Hartwell W., Hayes K., and Effie F. N.; Horatio H., (next younger than Hallam) was one of the three youths who lost their lives by breaking through the ice while skating on the Alliance Reservoir, on New Year's day, 1880. Their oldest child, Horace L., died when four years of age, at Paris, and Harlan since their removal to Alliance. MAJOR WM. W. CANTINE, hardware merchant; Alliance; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., August 13, 1833, the only son of Henry and Carolina NI. (Titus) Cantine. The family emigrated from New York to Michigan, and located at Battle Creek, in 1837. They were farmers, and consequently the boyhood, and early manhood of our subject was spent in attending school, and engaged on his father's farm. In 1849 he engaged as clerk in the general merchandise business in Battle Creek, and remained there until 1851; thence to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he remained until the breaking out of the late civil war, when he was commissioned Quarter-Master of the third Michigan Cavalry, in August, 1861, and served until the close of the war. Being stationed in the meantime at St. Louis, Little Rock, New Orleans and Mobile. In July, 1862, he was promoted to Chief Commissary of Subsistence of the 7th Army Corps, and of the Division of the Mississippi, with the rank of captain, and had charge of the principal supply depot at Mobile. In October, 1865, he received his discharge with rank of Brevet-Major. His war record was highly creditable to himself, and evidences efficiency in the performance of his duty. He remained in Alabama six years subsequent to the close of the war, during which time he turned his attention to the production of cotton on a plantation of 1100 acres, which- he purchased about 150 miles from Mobile, where he resided about two years, and then removed into 722 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Mobile, where he remained four years. His experience on the plantation did not result in pecuniary success, in consequence of the high rates of labor and provisions followed by a series of unfavorable seasons and poor cotton crops. Having sustained considerable loss of capital he removed from the South and came to Alliance in 1871, where he purchased an interest in the gas works, and remained in that business until October, 1880, when, in company with Chas. Y. Kay, and S. M. Highland, the hardware firm of W. W. Cantine & Co. was established. May 13, 1858, he married Emily W. Dickenson, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and to them was born one child, Gertrude; now Mrs. Charles Y. Kay. P. J. CALLAHAN, M. D., eclectic practitioner, Alliance; was born in Mahoning Co., Ohicr, in October, 1835, the fourth child of a family of nine children, born to Thomas and Mary Callahan. His boyhood and early manhood was spent in the multifarious duties of the farm and attending school. When about 19 years of age he entered the office of Dr. James M. Hole, of Greenford, as a student of medicine. His preceptor was of the eclectic school and in the winter of 1857 and 1858 he attended lectures at the Philadelphia Medical University, after which he entered upon the practice of his profession in his native county, where, with several changes of location, he practiced for many years. He attended a second course of lectures, at the Eclectical Medical College of Pennsylvania, and graduated from this institution in 1869. He located at Canfield, where he practiced a short time; disposing of his interest in the drug business there to his partner, Dr. Ethan Hole, he removed to Berlin Center, Mahoning Co., where he practiced his profession ten years; thence to Alliance, in 1870, where he has established a good practice. New-year's day, 1862, he married Ada B. Margerum, who came to Ohio from Springfield, Mass., but was formerly of Connecticut. They have two children, viz.—Sarah A., and Ada M. In the late war, Dr. Callahan went to the southern hospitals, and remained at his own expense, and loss of time, assisting as a nurse, without either appointment or remuneration for his pains,other than the experience which he gained from being brought in contact with sickness and suffering. STEPHEN CASE, general manager; Alliance; in the firm of Case, Shaffer & Ellison, of the Alliance Bagging Manufactory; was born in Sussex Co., New Jersey, July 14,1814, son of Stephen and Sarah (Sausrnan) Case, who were also born in New Jersey. The youthful days of Mr. Case were spent on his father's farm, and in early manhood he learned the carriage making business. Having finished his trade,' he set out for the -West, and proceeded to Michigan in 1838; he remained there but a short time when he retraced his steps as far as Newton, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and there began to work at his trade and continued it about ten years. He then purchased a farm and turned his attention to stock-raising, and dealing for many years, in which he was very successful. For six years of his residence in Mahoning he was a member of the Board of County Commissioners. In 1869 he came to Alliance, and in company with two others organized the bagging works; his original partners however have withdrawn, but Mr. Case and his interests have remained unchanged. The establishment has been, and is, well managed by the enterprising proprietors. They have been heavy losers by fire, being twice swept out totally, and once sustained serious damage, but in every case promptly set about rebuilding and repairing. The annual capacity of their works is about 400,000 yards of manufactured mate' al. It is made from flax, and is used exclusively fbr covering cotton bales, and put up in rolls of fifty yards each. Mr. Case married Amelia Durell, Jan. 16, 1840. They reared six children, viz.—Thorn, his only son,.enlisted in the 21st O. V. I. in 1861, from Mahoning Co., and served until May 28, 1864; when at Resaca he was mortally wounded, was brought to Chattanooga, where he died July 23; Anna B., now wife of R. E. Collar; Charlotte L., deceased, was wife of S. R. Patterson; Cornelia H., is widow of W. C. Meeker; Lovina P. and Blanche A. The two last named and their widowed sister reside with Mr. Case. Mrs. Case passed away July 4, 1873. GEORGE B. N. COATES, general superintendent, Alliance; of the " Coates" Hay Rake establishment. He is the sixth child and fifth son born to Amos and Jane B. (Norris) Coates. His boyhood was spent on his father's farm, at the same time he obtained a good CITY OF ALLIANCE - 723 common school education. He began to learn the joiner and carpenter's trade when about 18 years of age, in Marlborough, serving about three years, and then conducted the business on his own account, contracting and building many of the-fine farm residences in this county, and also the Disciples' Church, building at New Baltimore. At the outbreak of the late war, he enlisted in the 76th O. V. I., and while the regiment was at Camp Mansfield, Ohio, was taken sick, and there received his discharge before they had gone to the front. He engaged in the sash and window blind establishment of Wilson—subsequently Doyle & Co., where he remained about four years; and severed his connection with the last named firm in 1868, to take the position of general manager of the horse hay-rake establishment of his brother (A. W. Coates), where he has remained ever since. On New Year's day, 1851, he married Mary Black, daughter of David Black, of Randolph, Portage Co., Ohio, formerly of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Coates are parents of four children, viz.—Jane E., deceased; Harriet M.; Eva M., and Jessie K. Mr. Coates has been elected and is serving the third term in the Alliance City Council. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He began business in limited financial circumstances, but by unceasing industry he has accumulated a nice property in Alliance, owning five good residences besides his own pleasantly located home. JAMES C. CRAVEN, contractor and builder; Alliance; was born in Lawrence Co., Pa., in Dec., 1840; he was the fourth child of a family of seven children born to Richard and Hannah (Goff) Craven. His father was a heavy contractor and builder, which business our subject also early in life adopted. In 1860 he went from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, and was contracting and building in Nashville at the outbreak of the late war. On account of the war and demoralized state of business in the South, he came to Ohio, and while stopping at Salem, Columbiana Co., he enlisted in Co. B. 65th O. V. I., in October, 1861. Shortly afterward his sight became seriously affected, which unfitted him for the service; he was promptly discharged, but was confined to hospital in Philadelphia for some time in consequence. Having recovered his usual health he returned to Ohio, and assisted his father who had taken the contract for building the Mt. Union College in 1862. The following year the subject of these notes took the contract, on his own account, for building the round house for the P., Ft. W. & Chicago R. R. Co., at Alliance. July 3, 1863, he married Emma Werner, daughter of George Werner, of this county. He has since resided in Alliance, except one year in Pennsylvania, and has made contracting and building his life work; some of the best business rooms of Alliance were erected under his direction. In 1876, he erected his own handsome two-story brick residence on Linden Ave. Mr. and Mrs. Craven have four children living, viz.—Nellie M., George R., Minnie S. and James F. Mr. Craven is an active member of the I. O. O. F. JAMES W. COULTER, attorney at law; Alliance ; was born in Butler Co. Pa., Aug. 27, 1854, the only son of James W. and Martha A. (Thompson) Coulter. In early life his father learned and worked at the blacksmith's trade, but later in life turned his attention to farming ; he died when James W. was only a few weeks old, leaving a widow and two helpless children. When our subject was about 10 years old his mother disposed of their farm, and removed with the two children to Iowa, and about seven years after their removal to that State she died. Mr. Coulter was left to his own resources early in life, and made every possible effort to obtain a thorough education. After the district school course, he applied himself to teaching one term, and afterwards had the advantages of an academic course in Iowa City, and one year in the preparatory department of Iowa State University. In 1873 he returned to Ohio and applied himself to teaching school and the study of law with M. M. King, of Alliance. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar in the District Court of New Philadelphia, and in the spring of 1879 he opened an office in Alliance, and, the same year was elected Justice of the Peace. In July, 1879, he married Phoebe V. Peet ; they have one child. L. J. DALES, M. D. physician; Alliance ; was born in Brownsville, Pa., Aug. 26, 1827. He is of English descent ; his grandfather, Henry Dales, emigrated from Bath, England, to the United States, with his family of several children, and located at Brownsville, Fay- 724 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ette Co., Pa. He was a practical tanner, and established an industry of that kind in Brownsville shortly after his arrival. One of the family, John, removed to the West, and located at St. Louis, Mo., and was engaged as Cashier of the first Bank ever established in that city. William was about 16 years of age when they came to this country ; he married Mary Stewart in Brownsville ; they were parents of fourteen children, of whom our subject is the fifth son; eleven lived to years of maturity. William Dales, with his family, removed to Ohio in 1838, and settled in Columbiana Co., where he engaged in farming ; and amid the various duties of the farm and pioneer life, and with all diligence as to their education, the youths arrived at maturity. Early in life Dr. Dales united himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and prepared for the work of the ministry. His first charge was the church at Hanover, Ohio, and from the Pittsburg Conference he was appointed to the Central Ohio Conference. Fifteen years of his life was spent in active, earnest work in behalf of the church, when, on account of impaired health, he was obliged to withdraw from ministerial labor. During these years of ministerial work he applied himself studiously, acquiring a thorough knowledge of medicine, and when his voice became affected through preaching, he entered upon the practice of medicine near Limaville, this county, in 1863. For a time he was also deeply interested in the development of excellent coal mines, in which his farm proves to be quite valuable. September, 1850, he married Cynthia A. Kemble, of Columbiana Co. Ohio. They have had five children, viz.—Kemble B., of Wellsville; Wilbur F., a conductor on the P. Ft. W. & C. R. R; Oscar L., a practicing physician of Bryan, Ohio ; and Carrie B.; Ora D., deceased in childhood. They removed from the farm to Alliance in 1879, where the doctor continues to practice his profession. JAMES DAVIDSON, Eclectic physician; Alliance;. was born in Burton, Geauga Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1829. His father Thomas Davidson; was a native of Connecticut, a millwright by trade, and was one of a party of eight who, in the year 1806, walked from Connecticut, to what is now Harrison, Portage Co., Ohio, for the purpose of building a mill near there, on the Cuyhoga River, for a Mr. Punderson. They were supplied with an ox-team to haul their tools and outfit, but were themselves obliged to make the entire journey on foot. Mr. Davidson married one Susan Stull, who had come here with her parents from New Jersey. Our subject is the eighth of their nine children; his boyhood was spent on the farm and in attending the Burton Academy. When he arrived at manhood he was employed for many years by various firms in Cleveland as collector, and in 1856 he began to study medicine with Dr. O. Manly, of Garrettsville, Portage Co., and remained with him four years. In the winter of 1859 and 1860 he attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical College at Philadelphia, and the following winter attended a second course at the same institution, where he graduated. In the winter of 1866-67 he attended a third course in the University of Medicine and Surgery of Philadelphia, and also graduated from that institution. He practiced considerable with his preceptor, and in 1862 he came to Alliance and has practiced in this vicinity ever since, except two years residence in Marlborough. In April, 1862, he married Mary E. Hawley, by whom he had three children—Charles, Wilber and Jam mie. DAVID FORDING, attorney-at-law; Alliance; was born in Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, July 3, 1842; his father, Ewan Fording, was a native of Green Co., Pa., who came to Ohio when 5 years old; soon after the family was separated by the death of the mother, when Ewan started amongst strangers to do for himself. From early life he showed those traits of character, industry and moral worth which have characterized his whole life. At the age of 22 he married Christina Clippinger, then a resident of Columbiana Co. They reared a family of six children, all of whom are now living and prosperous—Lloyd, a resident of Mahoning Co., received a gun shot wound at the battle of Stone River, from the effects of which he lost the use of his left arm. since which time his occupation has been principally that of a teacher; Leander is engaged in merchant tailoring in Alliance; Miller is a member of the Erie Conference of the M. E. Church and now stationed at Columbus, Pa.; T. J., the youngest, read law with David and soon after his admission to the bar, opened an office at Abilene, Kans: