900 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: December, 1840. His childhood was spent at home, receiving a common school education, and when large enough, was set to work in a coal bank. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 115th Regiment, 0. V. I.; was in many engagements, doing his duty faithfully, and at the close of the war returned to Plain Tp., and commenced farming; he also working for two years in the works of Aultman, Miller & Co., of Canton. He bought a farm of 63 acres in 1873, and has lived on the same since that time. In 1866 he was married to Louisa Voglegesang, of Stark Co. Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Evangelical Association. NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 901 NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP B: T. BERLIEN, nurseryman; P. 0. Louisville; is a son of Isaac and Rebecca (Trump) Berlien, and grandson of John Berlien, who was horn in York Co., Pa. Jan. 8, 1777. He was married to Elizabeth Pa., in Pennsylvania, and by her had eleven children. He came to Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1827, and emigrated from there to Perry Co., Ohio, in 1833. From Perry Co. he moved to Butler Co., Pa., and from thence came to Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in 1863, where he lived and finally died, at the advanced age of 101 years, two months and twenty-seven days. Isaac Berlien was born in York Co., Pa., in 1810. He came with his parents to Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 18'27, and soon afterwards came with his brother to Stark Co. where they engaged in making shingles, roofing, building, etc. He was married in 1836 to Rebecca Trump, and by her had a family of eight:—B. T. Sarah, Mary, Josiah, deceased, Resugus, Rebecca, Henry, deceased, and Eliza, deceased. He started in life a poor boy, but at his death left what is far better than gold—an honorable record. His death occurred Jan. 28, 1876. His widow is yet living. The subject of this biography, was born in Wimishillen Jan. 26, 1837. His early life was passed in hard labor on the farm. His first marriage was to Sarah Gehman, Aug. 13, 1865; this lady died Feb. 2, 1874, leaving her husband one son—Henry, who was born March 12, 1866. Mr. Berlien's second marriage was with Leah (Miller) Wolf, widow of William Wolf, and was celebrated Oct. 1, 1874. By her first husband Mrs. Berlien had two children—Harvey and Mary. The former was born September 20, 1864, and the latter April 23, 1866. Mr. Berlien followed carpentering in Louisville and neighborhood until he engaged in his present occupation; he now owns one of the largest and best selected stocks of fruit trees, shrubbery, berry plants, rhubarb, etc., of any nursery in Stark Co. He expects to steadily keep on enlarging and improving his stock, so that the people of Stark and adjoining counties will find it to their interest to patronize home nurseries. DR. W. O. BAKER, physician; Louisville; was born in Northampton Co.; Penn., Dec. 12, 1827. He is the youngest son of Jacob H. and Anna (Overholt) Baker, who were parents of three children—George, Susan and William Overholt. The father, Jacob H., was a shoemaker by trade. In 1836 he and family came to Wadsworth Tp., Medina Co., Ohio, it then being a new country. He is yet living in Medina Co., hale and hearty. Mrs. Baker has been some time deceased. Dr. Baker's early life was one of labor and self-denial. He received a common education in youth, and the winter he was 20 years of age, taught his first term of school. Having an uncle practicing medicine in Wooster, Mr. Baker determined to make that his vocation in life, much against his parents' wishes. When 21 he commenced his studies, and the winter of 1852-53 attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia. His financial resources failing, he was compelled to discontinue school and go to teaching. For two years he taught school, during which time he still continued his studies. In 1855 he came to Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, and commenced the practice of medicine. In 1858 he came to Louisville, purchased property, and has remained here since that time. In 1856 Dr. Baker and Miss Rebecca Utt were united in marriage. Mrs. Baker is a daughter of Elias Utt, of New Jersey. She was born in Pennsylvania, in September, 1833, and is of English descent. Dr. Baker's grandfather, George Baker, was descended from German ancestors, but his mother's people were of German-English descent. There is nothing that particularly characterizes the Bakers. They were of that honorable class of yeomanry that is only found in the better grade of American society. The Overholts were people of a larger mental capacity, taking to books and professions more than physical labor. There has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Baker, nine children—Alfred J., Anna E., Amanda C., Mary E., John W., Ada, Charles W., Minnie, and one that died unnamed. Of these, only Annie E., Amanda C., Mary E. and Charles W. are living. Dr. 902 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Baker has been quite successful in his practice; is a member of the United Brethren in Christ Church, of which denomination he is a local exhorter. G. F. BAUMANN & SONS, Merchants, Louisville. Gustavus F. Baumann was born in Baden, Germany, in 1828. He is a son of Carl and Sophia (Regenold) Baumann, who were natives of Germany, and the parents of four children. The father was a physician, and served some time in the French army under Napoleon. At the age of 15 Gustavus apprenticed himself to a tin and coppersmith to learn the tin trade and after serving years, mastered this business, and the following three years traveled and worked at his trade. In 1848 he participated in the German Revolution of that date. Mr. Baumann was taken prisoner, with a number of others, and after lying four months in prison, his trial came of When captured Mr. Baumann had no arms in his possession, and this fact alone saved him a heavy penalty. In April, 1849, he took passage for the United States on board a sail-vessel, and after a voyage of six weeks arrived in New York. Through the influence of a fellow traveler, Mr. Baumann was induced to come to Canton, Stark Co., 0., where for six months he worked for Henry Bockius. In February, 1860, he came to Louisville, which has been his home and place of business until the present. Mr. Baumann first started in Louisville with a small tin shop, such as his means at that time would allow. After working a time he would peddle his goods out to the citizens. By economy and close attention to business, he soon made enough to enlarge his buildings as his increase of trade demanded, and is now considered among the leading business men of his town. In 1849 he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Wang, of Canton, but formerly of Germany. To this union were born nine children—Josephine, Gustavus, Charles, Henry, Louis, Theresa, Mary and Anna, twins, and one that died in infancy. As soon as his sons became of age, Mr. Baumann admitted them to a partnership in the business, the firm name now being G. F. Baumann & Sons. Mr. Baumann started in life with but very little means at his command, but by his own labor he has acquired one of the best. trades of any house in Louisville. Besides a general tin and stove trade, this firm makes a specialty of slate and tin roofing, galvanized cornice-work, spouting, &c., during the summer season. It would be safe to say, there are no firms of this kind in Stark Co. that do a more extensive business, or have the confidence of the public any more than G. F. Baumann and Sons. Mr. Baumann is a member of the A., F. & A. M. of Louisville. ISRAEL BIXLER, stock-raiser and farmer; P. 0. Louisville; was born in Lake Tp,. Stark Co., Ohio, in 1828. His father, David L. Bixler, was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., his birth occurring in 1796. His parents were in indigent circumstances, and he being one in a family of ten, induced him to come to Ohio, that he might not deprive his younger brothers and sisters of comforts that would be divided with him were he among them. In 1810, he together with the Markley family, came to Stark Co., locating in Lake Tp. For three years succeeding his arrival, young Bixler worked for the Markleys, sending all his earnings home to his parents in Pennsylvania. He then commenced working for the neighbors at odd jobs, and being a sober and industrious youth, saved up his earnings, so that when 21 he was able to make some good improvements on a farm he had entered about that time. About 1816 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Markle, and by her had five children. This lady died, and Mr. Bixler's second and last wife was Catharine Richard, who bore him nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first. Mr. Bixler died in 1867, and his widow is 1871. He was one of the leading citizens of his locality. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a German Baptist. Israel Bixler began for himself when 19 years old, by going to Miami Co., Ind., where he hired out to a farmer and nurseryman at $120 per year. He was at this business about two and a half years, but during the first year's service managed to buy 80 acres of land for $300, which at the end of two years he sold for $500. With this amount he went to New York, where he embarked for Panama. After crossing the isthmus, he took passage on board the ship " Croton" for San Francisco. While sailing for that port, they met with adverse storms, which bore them far out of their course, and NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 903 only in the most dilapidated circumstances reached their destination, after sixty-nine days. On his arrival, all Mr. Bixler had of the $500 was $1.50, and that amount just lacked fifty cents of being enough to pay for one meal. He immediately engaged his services as a day laborer at $12 per day, continuing at this until he had $400. He then went to Sacramento, and from there to Marysville, working at each place about ten days. Then in company with others went to the middle branch of Feather River, where he began mining. He remained here six months only, making about $3 or $4 per day. Not finding this very satisfactory, he went to the west branch of the same river, and working at mining made in eight months $5,000. Then in company with four others, Mr. Bixler purchased the " Iowa City Claim" on the middle branch, paying $15,000 for the same. They went to considerable expense in digging a race, through which they turned the river's course, and then began operations in the original river's bed. This movement proved financially a failure, Mr. Bixler losing about all he had previously made. He then worked on a saw-mill at $6 per day, until his collateral amounted to about $800, and then formed a partnership with O. W. Sowers in the "packing" business. They would buy their own provisions in Marysville, and pack them on mules' backs to the miners in the mountains, where they would make an admirable profit on their investments. This business proved very remunerative, until they were attacked by Indians, and lost twenty-seven mules with their packs. After this loss Mr. Bixler again worked on the saw-mill until he had about $1,500, when he returned to Ohio, and the first eleven weeks succeeding his arrival attended school. This was the greatest amount of schooling Mr. Bixler ever received at one time. He was married Jan. 8, 1853 to Sarah M. Smith, and by her had ten children—Martha, Leona, Orlando, Sarah, Cora, Loretta, Byron, Ellsworth, Elmer and Ida, deceased. Soon after his marriage Mr. Bixler rented his father-in-law's farm, which he finally purchased in June, 1877. He now owns 241 acres of excellent land. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. JOSIAH L. COY, carpenter and joiner, and school teacher; Louisville; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Jan. 30. 1854. He is a son of John and Magdalena (Pence) Coy, a sketch of whom accompanies this work. Josiah came with his parents from Bedford Co. in 1854, to Stark Co., 0., and this county has been his home ever since. In 1876 he began in life for himself, working at the carpenter's and mason's trades in the summer, and teaching school in the winter. On Feb. 22, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara A. Wilson, daughter of S. P. Wilson, of Nimishillen Tp., but formerly of Sandy Tp. To this union there were born three children—Bertha E., deceased, John F. and George Van P. Mrs. Coy was born Feb. 3, 1858. Mr. Coy moved to his place in Louisville, where he now resides, in 1878. In politics he is a Democrat ; was elected Township Clerk in 1879, and since has twice been re-elected. He and wife are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Coy is an intelligent, enterprising young man, being a teacher of eight terms experience. He bids fair to be among the most prominent citizens of his township. JOHN COY, farmer; P. 0. Louisville; is a native of Washington Co., Md., his birth occurring in July, 1819. His parents were John and Hannah Coy, and his grandfather was Wolentine Coy, who was a native of Germany. Mr. Coy was one in a family of twelve, of whom only Joseph, John, David, Daniel, Susanna and Elizabeth, are living. Mr. Coy's father's occupation was that of a common laborer. He moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania in 1825, and died about 1848; his mother dying about ten years later. John Coy apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith's trade with David Gantz in 1849; and after serving three and a half years, commenced for himself. He first formed a partnership with a Mr. McClain, in Frederick Co., Md., which continued about two years. The partnership was then dissolved, Mr. Coy following the business some seventeen years. Having by this time saved up some money, Mr. Coy came to Ohio (1854), purchased 70 acres of land in Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., paying for the same $2,400, and in the spring of 1853 located on the place which has been his residence ever since. He has since increased the farm, until he now owns 90.72 904 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : acres. This farm is located on section 14, and is a portion of the old Mathias homestead. There is an apple-tree yet growing on the place that must have been planted very near three-quarters of a century ago. Mr. Coy and Miss Magdalena Pence were united in marriage October 24, 1843. To this union there were eight children born : George A., born Feb. 12, 1845, died Aug. 27, 1845; Lewis A., born July 16, 1846, died Dec. 30, 1850; David, born Feb. 17, 1849; Amos, born March 24, 1852; Josiah, born Jan. 30, 1854; Augustus, born Nov. 25, 1856; Mary, born June 28, 1859; and Martin, born April 8, 1863. Mrs. Coy was born March 4, 1819; David married Mary A. Felgar, and lives in Stark Co.; Amos married Mary Andric; Josiah married Clara Wilson, and they also live in Stark Co. Augustus married Emma Stuckey, and lives with his parents. Mary is the wife of Levi Hartenstine, and is a resident of Carroll Co., 0. Mr. and Mrs. Coy are consistent members of the Reformed Church, and the Coy family is among the best in the township. JOSEPH M. D'OSTROPH, farmer and merchant; P. 0. Louisville; one of the leading French residents of Stark Co., Ohio, is the subject of this biography. He was born in Lorraine, France, in 1835, and is of French parentage. Joseph D'Ostroph, his father, was the proprietor of a large glass factory in Lorraine, which he sold, and moved to Austria, when our subject was but two years old. After a residence there of six years, he concluded to come to America; consequently about 1844 he came to the United States, and established a glass factory in Vermont. Not succeeding very well there, he sold out, and went to Williamsport, N. Y., where he and two others started a glass factory. After some time he found he was losing instead of making money, and he accordingly returned to Austria, where he still continued the business, and where he died in 1867. Joseph M., is one of a family of three—Mary, Catharine and Joseph M., the last one being the only one of the family living. He was raised mostly in New York, and during his youth received an excellent education. He studied for the priesthood, but after his graduation at Fordham College, he concluded to relinquish his intentions and assist his father, who war then needing his assistance. Not returning to Austria with his parent, he was sent by Bishop DeCharbonell, of Toronto, to Brantford, Canada, where he organized the first Catholic school at that place. After teaching here two years he removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and from there to Dunkirk, same State, teaching at each place about one year. He then went to Kenosha, Wis., and after teaching one year there was employed by the United States Government, through President Buchanan, as a teacher among the Menomonee Indians. He remained with them two years, and then resigned his position to fill the office of Clerk of Courts of Shawano Co. While in Wisconsin Mr. D'Ostroph held various positions of honor and trust, among which we mention his being Postmaster at Kershena, Clerk of Courts, State Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, and Township Trustee. In 1866 he came to Stark Co., where he was employed in the Catholic school of Louisville, and in teaching music. When he first commenced the school was in a very poor condition, but with his usual characteristic energy, Mr. D'Ostroph instituted reforms and new rules, so that at the end of a year it was considered among the best of its kind in the State. In 1857 he married Margaret Hawkins, who bore him three children—Edward, Arthur and Mary. The mother died in 1865. Two years after that event he married Victoire Gladieux, widow of John B. Menegay. To this union there was born one son--Louis. Mr. D'Ostroph is one of the leading business men of Louisville. He owns a provision store, which he carries on in connection with his farm (115 acres), and besides this he owns town property in Shawano, Wis., and another store building in Louisville. Without flattering Mr. D'Ostroph, we can say he is one of the best educated men in Louisville, as it was demonstrated by his receiving the Indian Commission over thirty-three competitors. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, and an enterprising citizen. ELIAS ESSIG, P. O. Louisville; son of Adam Essig, and grandson of Simon Essig, was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Sept. 6, 1833, and is one of a family of twelve children. Adam Essig was a native of York Co., Pa., his birth occurring in 1787. At the age of 18, he left home and came west to Ohio, locating in Plain Tp., Stark Co., where his father previously purchased a tract of land. NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 905 Mr. Essig was a poor boy when he came to Ohio, the only property of which he was possessor being the land given him by his father. He immediately settled on his land, and with the energy characteristic of the Plain Tp. pioneers, began improving and tilling the land he possessed, suffering many hardships and privations that are incident to the early settlers' life. At the age of about 26 he was united in marriage with our subject's mother—Catharine Lichtenwalter: During the war of 1812 he was called out and served for some time in that war. After a long life of usefulness, Mr. Essig died in 1866, and Mrs. Essig in 1864. Elias Essig passed his youth and early manhood on the old farm in Plain Tp., receiving the benefits of the common schools. Oct. 28, 1860 he married Melinda Lesh, daughter of Jacob Lesh, an old settler of Nimishillen Tp., and to this union were born two children—Ella and Phoebe B. When his father died the farm was sold, and Mr. Essig then took charge of a saw-mill for his father-in-law one year. In January, 1869, he purchased an interest in the planing mill at Louisville, and has ever since remained a partner. Mr. Essig has been one of the leading men of Louisville for the last ten years. He assisted in establishing the woolen factory at this place, and is also at present a partner in the manufacture of baskets. He is a member of the Town Council and School Board of Louisville. The Essigs are of German descent, but it is not definitely known when they came to America. Simon Essig was one of the brave and tried men who fought for the freedom of the colonies in the war of the Revolution. JOSEPH FRANTZ, farmer; P. 0. Louisville. In taking notes of the history of the Frantz family, we find that it was mainly through their influence that induced the first French settlement in Stark Co., Ohio. Joseph Frantz is a native of Lorraine, France, and was born Feb. 12, 1822. His parents were named respectively Thiebaud and Frances (Menegay) Frantz. This couple were parents of twelve children, whose names are—Joseph, deceased ; John P., Therese, Mary Ann, Margaret, Peter E. Loui Frances, Christina, Catharine and Joseph, and one that died quite young. Mr. Frantz was an agent in the employ of the canal company there, and under Napoleon's last call, enlisted in the French army, where he served but a short time. Financially speaking, Mr. Frantz and many of his neighbors were very poor, Mr. Frantz finding very often hard work to feed so many mouths in his family. From 1820 to 1825, all Europe was being agitated by many of its people flocking westward across the Atlantic, where poor people had equal chances with rich; where work was plenty and wages good; and where their sons as soon as they arrived at manhood, were not pressed into the army, to be separated from friends, and finally, die on the battle-field in some distant country. In 1825, Mr. Frantz determined on sending his two daughters, Mary Ann and Margaret, to America, in order to learn if the reports were true they heard. After a long voyage they arrived in New York, and there finding work plenty and prospects bright, wrote back home, giving glowing accounts of the country and people. This letter had the effect of bringing Mr. Frantz and family and four other families to the United States. In the spring of 1826 these families started from Havre on board a sailing vessel, and after a perilous voyage of forty-two days, landed in New York. On their arrival at this point, the great cry of immigrants was Ohio; and Mr. Frantz with his companions determined to go there. Arriving in Cleveland, they left their families in a barn while they would go out in the country and select a suitable location. After considerable search they came to Canton, where there was a small Catholic organization. Mr. Frantz made the remark after seeing the Catholic cross, that that was the first one he had seen since leaving the city of New York, and he should go no farther. They went back to Cleveland and brought their families down to Nimishillen Tp. Mr. Frantz settled on a small tract of land all woods and entirely devoid of clearing. He was an honest, enterprising citizen, and was the leading spirit of all the French in Nimishillen Tp. More of his history and that of other early French settlers will be found in the history of Nimishillen Tp. Mr. Frantz lived a long life of usefulness, and finally died in 1851, followed by his widow in 1869. Joseph Frantz was reared to hard labor on the old homestead. He early learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked 906 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: twenty-six years. In 1849 he was married to Magdalena Favier, and by her had eleven children—Joseph S., Josephine, August T., Frank, Jane, Mary, Loui, Euphrasia, Sophia, Henry and Adaline. Mr. Frantz steadily followed carpentering until 1863, when he moved to his present place, having purchased 68 acres, which he has since increased to 112 acres. He is pleasantly located near Louisville, where he is surrounded by an intelligent family. His son August is one of the leading enterprising young men of his township. JACOB FREEDY, merchant; Louisville; was born in Louisville, Ohio, in 1843. He is a son of Jacob and Augustine (Monnier) Freedy, who were both natives of France. This couple were parents of five children - Alexis—drowned at Toledo; Catharine, now the wife of T. Bobay; Justine, widow of Jeremiah Fayret; Frank married Anna Ream; and Jacob. Those alive are now residents of Louisville. The father was a farmer, and came to the United States about 1828, locating in Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co. He was born about 1809, and when near the age of 18 married Augustine Monnier. Mr. Freedy was a much respected citizen of Stark Co. Early in 1843 he came to Louisville with the view of going into business, but soon after his arrival took sick, and after three day's illness died. Jacob Freedy, the subject of this biography, was born shortly after his father's death. His youth and early manhood was passed in Louisville, and when about 15 years of age, started to learn the shoemaker's trade. He worked at this until November, 1861,when he enlisted in Co. H., 19th 0. V. I., and was with that regiment in all its engagements until he was finally mustered out Oct. 25, 1865. Among some of the leading battles he was in were—Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Chickamauga, Knoxville, Mission Ridge, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain, and a number of others, of which appropriate mention will be made in another part of this volume. Mr. Freedy was an efficient soldier, and too much honor cannot be given the brave defenders of our country. At the close of the war he came home, and soon afterward entered into a partnership in the boot and shoe business with Peter Beuchat, which after a few years was dissolved, Mr. Freedy retiring from the partnership. For three or four years following he was employed at his trade by Mr. Beuchat, and also had a saloon. In 1876 he again formed a partnership with Peter Beuchat, which has continued to the present. The firm name now is Freedy & Beuchat, dealers in boots and shoes, and everything pertaining to their business. They keep a stock worth from $4,000 to $5,000 on hand, and their establishment is much the largest of any of its kind in Louisville. Mr. Freedy was married in 1868, to Amelia Beailet. They have one child—Louise Bandlier. Mr. Freedy is an intelligent, enterprising citizen, and such men as he are worthy of honor in any community. S. FLICKINGER, proprietor of Louisville Star Flouring Mills; Louisville. This gentleman was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 1828. His parents are Jacob and Eva (Kline) Flickinger. Jacob Flickinger was born in 1800, and when 4 years of age came with his parents to Tuscarawas Co. The locality in which they first located was a vast forest, that required all the courage of the early settler to determine it his future home. In 1837 Mr. Flickinger died, leaving a widow with seven small children for whom to provide, our subject being the third. Simon Flickinger's early career was passed on a farm, where he received common school advantages. His marriage with Rachel Heckaman was celebrated in 1851, and to this union were born seven children, only the following named being now alive—Francis M., Henrietta, Lucy and Neal. Mrs. Flickinger died in 1861, and for his second and present wife, Mr. Flickinger married Emily Dowell, who bore him four—Nora C., Rosa, William D. and George. At the age of 28 Mr. Flickinger left the home farm, and in connection with John Snellbaker, purchased a flouring mill in Tuscarawas Co. After remaining there a short time he sold out and came to Louisville, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Flickinger is a practical miller in every respect, and one that thoroughly understands all the details of his business. For a record of the mill, see the History of Louisville in another part of this work. MARTIN HOUSER, farmer and stock-dealer; P. 0. Barryville; the date of the NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 907 Houser family's advent in Stark County is not definitely known, but from some of the earliest settlers the writer of this biography has learned that it must have been somewhere about the year 1810. Martin Houser was born in Nimishillen Tp., in October, 1826. He is one in the following family born to Daniel and Mary (Hoover) Houser--Esther, John, Magdalena, Anna, Catharine, Martin, Lydia, Daniel, Barbara and Jacob. The father of these was a son of Martin Houser, who was a native of Pennsylvania. One of the interesting episodes in the life of this gentleman, was that while he was with his father and two brothers, chopping in the woods at one time; they were surprised by the Indians. His father and two brothers fled and escaped, but Martin stood his ground bravely, and was captured. The Indians took him with them, and young Houser remained four years a captive among them. He then made his escape, and went back to Pennsylvania, and from there to Stark Co., locating on the farm now owned by S. P. Wilson in Nimishillen Tp. They erected in 1831, about the first brick house in the township, the mortar for which was mixed very differently from what it is now—that is, by horses tramping it. Our subject's parents were Dunkards, religiously. The mother died in the fall of 1837, and the father in the spring of 1838. They were of the old pioneer class of people, hardy, honest and respected people. Martin Houser was reared on the farm, receiving but a limited education. He was married in 1852, to Mary Aur, of Lexington Tp. By her he has had six children: Aaron A., Phoebe A., deceased, Marietta, Benton, Frances and Charles. Marietta is the only one married; she is the wife of Aaron Slusser, who is the present principal of the Harrisburgh schools. Mr. Houser commenced dealing in stock soon after his marriage, and after a time in wool. He now lives in Nimishillen Tp., and owns 210 acres of land in Stark Co., the most of which he has acquired through his own exertions. He started with but $200, and is now worth about $30,000. Mr. Houser is also a partner in a first-class butcher shop in Canton. He is a Republican in politics, and is one of the leading citizens of his township. SAMUEL IMMEL, Louisville; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Dec. 22, 1822. He is the second son of Jacob and Sarah (Klinga man) Immel, who were parents of John, Samuel, Mary, David, Joseph, Elizabeth and Rebecca. The father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at a very early day. To better their circumstances they were induced to remove to Marlborough Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in 1831, where they purchased 80 acres of land, on which they resided until their respective deaths. Mr. Immel was a hard-working, industrious man, and by his upright conduct made many true and kind friends. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, passed his youth and early manhood on the farm, and when 20 years of age went to the carpenter and joiner's trade. After serving two and a half years apprenticeship, he worked journey-work for a few years, and has ever since combined his trade and farming to his advantage. In 1849 he purchased his present home, and he now has 65 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. In 1847 he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Kimmel, and by her had a family of six—Franklin J. Sarah M., one that died in infancy, John J., William H., and Harvey G. Mr. Immel is an enterprising and influential citizen. CHARLES L. JUILLIARD, farmer ; P. 0. Louisville; is a native of France, and was born near Montbelaird, May 1, 1823. He is a son of John N. Juilliard, who was also a native of France. His grandfather was a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte, and was killed in the battle of Verona. John N. Juilliard was early sent to Switzerland to be educated. When about 15 or 16 years of age he returned to France, where he remained until 18 years old, and then was drafted in the French army, under the last draft made by Napoleon. While his company was on its way to Italy, Napoleon's great disaster overtook him, and the company was recalled. Mr. Juilliard returned home, and in 1820 married Ann N. Berlet, and by her had this family—Juliann, Charles Louis, Charles Frederick, Catharine, George, August D., and Hannah. Mr. Juilliard having imbibed the spirit of freedom while at school in Switzerland, and having four sons who would soon become men subject to draft-duty, determined to cross the Atlantic and seek for himself and family the great boon of 908 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : freedom in the United States. Accordingly in the spring of 1836 he and family embarked on board a sailing vessel, and after a journey of thirty-six days, arrived in New York. After visiting friends a short time in Massilon, he located in Washington Tp., Stark Co., 0. After a residence at this place some time, Mr. Juilliard moved to Paris Tp., same county, where he resided until his wife's death, which occurred in 1875. He then moved to Louisville, making his home with his son, Charles L., until he too died. His death occurred in 1877. Charles L., the subject of this biography, remained with his parents uptil 1846, when he and a brother obtained possession of a saw and grist-mill on Sugar Creek, following that business until 1849. Mr. Juilliard at this time took the gold-fever, and packing some necessities he made his way to Wells-vile, Ohio, the re taking a boat to New Orleians. From this point he went to the Isthmus of Panama, after crossing which he went to San Francisco. Soon after his arrival, he in company with others, went to what is now Trinity County, where they mined that season, making an average of $12 per day per capita. During the winter of 1850-51 he staid in San Francisco, and the next spring started out prospecting. After quite a while unprofitably spent at this, he and brother purchased a train of mules, and began "packing" provisions to the miners in the mountains. Soon after this they started in connection with their "packing," a trading-post in Trinity County, and this business they continued with success until the fall of 1857. Mr. Juilliard then came back to the States, and for three years was partner in a dry-goods house in Bucyrus, Ohio. He then sold out and removed to Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., 0., where he has ever since resided. In the spring of 1858 his marriage with Louise Feusir was celebrated, and to their union were born Emma, August, Alfred, Lora, Clara, Florence and Etta, living; and Loui and Edward, deceased. Mr. Juilliard is a farmer, and owns a large farm in Osnaburg Tp. HENRY KRALL, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Middle Branch; was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., Feb. 22, 1827. He is a son of Tobias and Catharine (Werner) Krall, who were parents of Catharine, Sarah, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jacob, Henry, Mary Ann and Christiann (twins), and Fanny. These are the grandchildren of Leonard Krall, and this gentleman's parents were natives of Germany. Being poor people Tobias Krall and family came to Plain Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in 1829, that he might obtain more land, and cheaper, so as to give his children proper advantages when they were ready to start in life. He was one of the early pioneers of Plain Tp., and of him it is said he was a sober, hardworking and industrious man. He died August 31, 1848, a member of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. Krall died in the fall of 1875. Henry Krall passed his youth and early manhood on the farm, during which time he received an ordinary education. He was married Oct. 15, 1849, to Miss Catharine Ringer, and to this union were born ten children—Carlesta, Mary M. (deceased), Ephraim, John H., Sarah C., Jennie, Emma J., Ada L., Lydia and Hattie M. Mrs. Krall was born in Nimishillen Tp., Sept. 13, 1830. After his father's death, Mr. Krall took charge of the home farm, living there twenty-one years. He then sold it, and in 1870 purchased the farm he now owns, which consists of 165 acres of fine farming and grazing land. In politics Mr. Krall is a Democrat. He and family are well known and highly esteemed citizens of Plain and Nimishillen Tps. MOSES KEIM, P. 0. Louisville; was born in Somerset Co., Penn., in 1810. He is a son of Nicholas and Fanny (Hostetter) Keim, his mother being the second wife of his father. The Keims are of German descent, and Moses was reared in the Omish faith. His early life was passed at home until he arrived at 16 years of age, when he went to Maryland to live with his uncle. In 1833 he came to Holmes Co., Ohio, where he lived a number of years. March 13, 1834, his marriage with Lydia Domer was solemnized. To this union were born six children—Josiah, present minister of a German Baptist Church near Louisville; George, who was killed by a fall when 7 years old; Catharine, now the wife of Jacob Lutz; Jonas, Jacob and John. Josiah married Sarah Hill; Jonas married Mary Keim; Jacob married Jane Campbell; he is a professor in the Ashland College, at Ashland, Ohio; John married Sophia Klingaman, and is a resident of Louisville. In 1845 Mr. Keim moved to near Bolivar, Ohio, and after NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 909 a residence there of five years, moved to Osnaburg Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, and there remained seventeen years. During the spring of 1869 he came to Louisville, where his son John had previously engaged in the hardware trade. In 1875 Mr. Keim and his two sons, Jonas and John, formed a partnership and erected the present Keim Block, in which they have one of the largest and most complete stock of general hardware of any house in Louisville. In the spring of 1881, this firm opened the Louisville Deposit Bank, mention of which is made elsewhere in this work. Since their arrival in Louisville, the Keims have taken an active and leading part in building up the town, and they are considered among the most substantial men of the place. JACOB KETTRING, deceased ; son of Adam and Barbara (Agely) Kettring, was born in Blair Co., Pa., June 9, 1810. He was the oldest of five children, whose names respectively are :—Jacob, Catharine, Adam, John and Conrad. The parents of these moved from Blair to Bedford Co., when Jacob was but a boy, and lived there the balance of their lives. They were very poor people, the father being a farmer and blacksmith, and the mother a weaver. When Jacob was 21, the family made a sale of all their possessions, the receipts of that sale amounting to only $72. After their parents' death, the children married and separated. Catharine is the wife of Elijah Binkley, and lives in Missouri. Adam married Susan Teeter, and lives in Bedford Co., Penn. John married Martha Harris, is a widower, and lives in Indiana. Conrad married Catharine Hoover, and is a resident of Black Hawk Co., Iowa. Jacob Kettring and Nancy Ann Barnet were united in marriage in Bedford Co., Penn., Oct. 22, 1836, by Henry Fluck, Esq. This lady was a daughter of James and Mary (Finley) Barnet, who were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., and she was born in Bedford Co., Jan. 27, 1814, Mr. and Mrs. Barnet were parents of a family of twelve—Eliza, deceased; William, deceased; Nancy Ann, Jacob, Mary, Rebecca, deceased; Elizabeth, Sarah, Hetty, deceased; James, George, deceased; and Ephraim, deceased. James and Ephraim were soldiers in the late war. The latter was taken prisoner, conveyed to Andersonville, and there starved to death —a victim of the traitorous leaders of the War of the Rebellion. George was killed in battle with the Indians in Nebraska. Jacob married Hannah Myers, and lives in Canton Tp. Mary is the wife of Jonathan Fockler, and lives in Stark Co. Elizabeth is the wife of Benjamin Ober, and lives in Indiana. Sarah is the wife of James Hinton, and lives in Plain Tp. ; and James is married and lives in Iowa. The father of these was a tailor by trade, and the Barn ets are of Irish ancestry, while the Kettrings are of German descent. To the union of Jacob Kettring and Nancy Ann Barnet there was born a family of six children : Maria, born Dec. 21, 1838; Elizabeth, born Feb. 9, 1841, died Feb. 16, 1841 ; Caroline, born Feb. 8, 1842; Sarah Ann, born May 24, 1845, died Dec. 31, 1850; William, born March 22, 1848; and Henry, born April 13, 1850. Maria is the widow of Abram Hoover, who died from disease contracted in the army. She has two adopted children—Emma Davis and Eddie Smith ; Caroline, the wife of David R. Smith, and has by him six children—Jacob, Jane, Herbert, Ella, one that died in infancy, and William H., deceased. They live in Nimishillen Tp. William married Susan Landis, and by her had three children—Minnie, Milton and Anna. Henry is single, and is in the employ of C. Aultman & Co., of Canton. In addition to the above, the Kettring family have reared and adopted one daughter from childhood—Emma Davis. After his marriage with Miss Barnet, Mr. Kettring resided in Pennsylvania until he came to Ohio. The start they had to begin married life with was $300 in money and a bed and bedstead, one cow, a bureau, and willing hands. Mr. Kettring was a rough carpenter and blacksmith. While there he framed twenty-seven barns, and when they came to Ohio in 1851, they had $3,700. They came to Stark Co., located or lot 7, where they purchased a farm for $3,000. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kettring were hard-working, saving and industrious people. In a financial way they were very successful with the start they had to begin with. From poverty they rose by degrees to a position of wealth and affluence. Mr. Kettring died Feb. 24, 1880, leaving his heirs property to the amount of $46,000. His two sons, William and Henry, have recently purchased one of the finest farms in 910 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Stark Co., in Jackson Tp., for which they paid $30,800. They also own the old home-farm of 161 acres in Nimishillen Tp. Mr. Kettring left a good home for his widow, and $10,000, with which to live in ease and comfort the balance of her days. Mr. and Mrs. Kettring were members of the United Brethren in Christ Church ; and Mr. Kettring a Republican in politics, as are also his sons. The Kettrings are among the leading citizens of Stark Co., where they are well known and universally respected. RICHARD MOFFITT, deceased ; was born in Sligo, Ireland, in 1794. In 1815, through the influence of his brother James, who had preceded him, he was induced to leave his native country and come to America. He went to Dublin, where he was to sail from, and while there he barely escaped being drugged and shipped on board a vessel bound for some very distant land. On his arrival he was employed in a bookstore for some time, and then came to Pennsylvania, where he resided until about 1821. He was married in this State August 17, 1823, to Margaret Glass, and by her had John, James, Patrick, Frances, Hannah, Henry, Richard, Peter, Matthew, and three that died in infancy. In 1821 Mr. Moffitt came to Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, and for a few years worked for his brother James, who had previously settled here. In 1825 he settled on his brother's farm, the old Carrel place, on lot 33, and after erecting the well-known old-fashioned pioneer's log cabin, began life in the woods. This farm, now owned by his son James, was entered by him from the United States Government, and at that time had never seen the pioneer's ax. Mr. Moffitt was a man of good education and extended information. He was a Catholic, and through his assistance the Catholic organization in Louisville was first established. He early became identified with the township's interest, and when he died the .township lost one of its ablest and most respected citizens. His death occurred Aug. 19, 1872, and that of his wife Feb. 17, 1870. James Moffitt, his son, was born on the old Carrel farm, Jan. 1, 1828. He received the education the boys of that early day received from the common schools. In the spring of 1852 he was united in marriage with Julia Whipple, and to this union were born a family of eleven—John, deceased ; Matthew, Catharine, George, Ellen, Maria, Julia, Anna, deceased ; Mary, deceased, and two that died in infancy. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Roman Catholic Church at Louisville. He owns a fine farm of 144 acres of farming and grazing land, which is underlaid with an excellent quality of coal, and if properly worked should prove a fortune to the owner. Mr. Moffitt. is one of the enterprising men of his township, aiding and assisting any enterprise that tends to benefit the people, and taking a leading part in various ways. He and family are well-known and honored citizens of Nimishillen and Osnaburg Tps. JOSEPH C. MENEGAY, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0., Louisville. Among the early French settlers who braved the perils of an ocean voyage from the Old to the New World, is the family of Menegay, who arrived in this country in 1828. The subject of this sketch was born in Dudaubs, France, June 19, 1815. He is one of a family born to Joseph and Mary (Poinssot) Menegay, who were induced by their relative, Mr. Frantz, to emigrate with Mr. Menegay's family and his father to the United States. They traveled with wagons eight days, before reaching Havre, where they embarked on a ship for New York, which port they reached after a prosperous voyage of forty-two days. From here they went to Cleveland via Buffalo, and from there to Akron by canal. On their ar rival in Nimishillen Township, Mr. Menegay purchased 320 acres of land, near where Louisville now is, and with the usual energy and vigor of those old, time-honored emigrants, set to work improving their farm. Like the majority of their countrymen, this family were devout members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Menegay was among the most enterprising men to take an active part in the improvement of the churches and schools of this denomination. Mrs. Menegay died in 1850, and Mr. Menegay in 1872. Our subject was reared on the farm with his parents, and before his coming to America, received an excellent education in his native land. In 1840 he married Miss Mary R. Violand, and by her had a family of eight—Mary, Josephine, Joseph S., Louisa, Catharine, Melinda, Louis, and Louis deceased. NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 911 The Menegays are noted for their honesty and hard labor. In politics they are Democrats. DANIEL MATHIAS, Jr. deceased. There is no greater pleasure for the hand and pen of the historian or biographer to perform, than in recording notable events in the lives of the first settlers of a locality, tracing their steps from comfortable homes in the East, to the dangers and hardships of the vast forests of the West. In the spring of 1806, Daniel Mathias, Sr., and his two sons, Jacob and Daniel, together with their respective families, started overland from Fayette Co., Penn., with one wagon, to seek homes in the State of Kentucky. When near Wellsville, Ohio, their wagon stuck fast in the ice and mud, and was only with the utmost difficulty extricated. This event changed their views regarding their journey to Kentucky, and instead of continuing, as was their intention, they crossed the Ohio river, and pushed westward into Ohio. After they reached what was known as the Alexander settlement in Columbiana County, all traces of a trail or road was lost, and from this point the men were compelled to go ahead of the wagon to clear a route and " blaze " trees, in order to find their way back if so desired. They finally reached what is now lot 14, Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., in the evening. Their first night was passed under a tree, with no roof to cover their heads but the blue sky. The next day they erected a rough camp in which they resided until they erected a log house for permanent use. Jacob located on what is now lot 3, and Daniel and his father on lot 14. These early pioneers never returned to the East to live but immediately commenced clearing up their land with an indomitable energy, passing through many hardships and trials incident to that early time. Daniel Mathias, Jr., was married in Pennsylvania to Julyan Sanor, who bore him eight children—Michael, Catharine, Jacob, Daniel, Henry, Lewis, Susanna and Samuel. All of these are living, except Michael and Samuel. Michael married Frances Prifogle, both of whom are dead. Their daughter is the wife of Dr. J. P. Schilling, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. Catharine is the widow of John Gilbert, and is yet living in Nimishillen Tp. Jacob married Mary Stambaugh, Daniel mar ried Elizabeth Paulus, and both are living in Michigan. Susanna is the wife of Michael Eshelman, and resides in Nimishillen Tp. Samuel married Polly Hershey, and his widow is living in West Salem, Ohio. The father of these was born May 3, 1775, and died Feb. 5, 1859, followed by his widow Sept. 25, 1866. Henry Mathias, whose portrait appears in this history as a representative pioneer, was born in Nimishillen Tp., Sept. 9, 1809. Like his brothers his early years were passed on the home farm where he assisted his parents in clearing and improving the place. When about twenty-one years of age he left home and commenced working at the carpenter and joiner trade for about ten years. After this he farmed a number of years, then moved to Louisville, and has ever since resided at that place. He was married Feb. 12, 1832, to Catharine Stambaugh. To this union no children were born, but they raised one child - Margaret—who is the wife of William Etchberger. Mrs. Mathias died August 3 , 1880. She was a kind and loving wife, an exemplary christian and a true lady in every respect. Henry Mathias, her husband, is yet living in Louisville, where he is widely known and universally respected. Lewis Mathias was born May 3, 1813, in the first log cabin in the township. His marriage with Sophia Gilbert was solemnized May 6, 1837. This union was blessed with nine children—Susanna, B. F., Lucetta, Keziah, Julyan, Henry G., D. W. Josephine and Benton. These children are all living except Henry G., who died in childhood. Susanna married John Hart ; B. F. married Melissa Etchberger; Lucetta married Joseph Dennis; Keziah married Ephraim Ollinger. Julyan married George Trump; D. W., married Cora Bowen; and Josephine married 0. W. Slusser. Benton is yet single. Mr. Mathias is living in the village of Louisville, where he is engaged with his son in buying grain. The Mathias family have always been among the most highly respected citizens of Nimishillen Tp. DR. A. C. PONTIUS, dentist; Louisville. The subject of this biography is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born Oct. 14, 1843. He is a son of Ezra and Emily (Turney) Pontius, grandson of Jacob Pontius, and great-grandson of John Pontius, who was a native of Germany. The time of this family's arri- 912 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: val in America is unknown, but it must have been early in 1700. For generations previous to Ezra Pontius, the occupation of this family was farming. Our subject's ,father was a native of eastern Pennsylvania. In about 1817 he removed to Armstrong Co., same State, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In that county Dr. Pontius was reared. He received the advantage of the common and high schools of his native town, finishing his general school education with one year at Meadville College. The latter part of his schooling was taken in view of applying it in his study of medicine, which occupation he had chosen as his vocation in life. In March, 1862, he enlisted in the First Board of Trade Battery of Chicago, commanded by Captain Stokes. He served with this Battery through the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and Nashville, and through ill health was discharged for disability in the spring of 1864. He then returned home to Pennsylvania, remaining there until the fall of the same year, when he re-enlisted as a private in the Fifth Pennsylvania Artillery, but was soon promoted to First Lieutenant. Dr. Pontius still has the sword and sash presented him by his Battery. At the close of the war, he returned home, and in the fall of 1865 commenced the study of medicine in his native town under Dr. Hosack. During the winter of 1867-8, he attended lectures at the Michigan Medical ,College at Ann Arbor, where he graduated the term of 1868-9. After his graduation, Dr. Pontius commenced practicing in Kellersburg, Pa., but at the end of a year removed to Ellerton, where he still continued his practice. While here his office was used as a dentist's room, and during this time Dr. Pontius paid special attention to dentistry. His health being somewhat broken down by active practice, he concluded to make dentistry his future occupation. In 1876 he came to Louisville, Ohio, where he has since been. His previous practice as a physician, together with his knowledge of dentistry, ranks him among the best dentists in the county. In Jure, 1868, Dr. Pontius and Emily Hastings, were united in marriage. This union has been blessed with two children—Wilda L. P., and Albert A. H. Mrs. Pontius is a daughter of Enoch Hastings, and is of Scotch descent. Dr. Pontius is among the leading Republicans of Nimishillen, a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and a gentleman. A. V. PONTIUS; Louisville; was born in Plain Tp., Dec. 21,1840. His father, Peter Pontius, is one of the oldest pioneers of Stark Co., a portrait of whom will be seen in another part of this work, as well as the general family history. His mother is Catharine (Essig) Pontius, who was also an early resident of the county. A. V. Pontius passed his youth and early manhood on his father's farm, during which time he received the common-school advantages. He was married Oct. 25,1870, to Maria Yoder, and in the fall of 1875 discontinued farming, moved to Louisville, where he built a fine two-story brick dwelling-house, and has resided here ever since. During the spring of 1881, he leased the Buckeye Brick-yard, and is at present actively engaged in the manufacture of brick in Louisville, running a force of about twelve men. In May, 1841, he formed a partnership with Jacob Geib, under the firm name of Jacob Geib & Co. This firm has now in course of erection, what will be one of the largest grist-mills in Stark Co. They expect to confine their business to merchant milling, and this establishment will be the largest manufacturing house in Louisville. Mr. Pontius is a young man of enterprise, and is among the leading men of his town. DR. J. H. ROGERS, physician and druggist ; Louisville ; is the only son of John and Elizabeth (Hutchison) Rogers, and grandson of Thomas Rogers, who was a native of Ireland. Thomas and John Rogers came to Wayne Co., in 1816, where the subject of this biography—Dr. Rogers—was born Nov. 23,1847. He received a common school education in early years, which was finished at Haysville Academy. In the fall of 1873, he commenced the study of medicine at Fredericksburgh, under the instruction of Dr. Barns. During the winter of 1875-6 he attended medical lectures at the University of Wooster, situated at Cleveland, and in the spring of 1876 located at Beach City, where he commenced practicing. In the fall of 1878, he came to Louisville, where he has ever since remained, practicing his profession, which has rapidly increased from the first. In September, 1880, he formed a papartnershipn the NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 913 drug trade with L. Warstler, under the firm name of Rogers & Warstler. In 1865, Dr. Rogers enlisted in Co. O, 184th Regiment, 0. V. I., and was employed mostly in guard duty at Nashville and Bridgeport. In 1871, he was united in marriage with Viola C. Craig, of Missouri. Dr. Rogers is 'a Republican in politics, a member of the United Brethren Church, and I. O. O. F., and is a genial, intelligent gentleman. R. T. ROTHROCK, tailor; Louisville; was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., in 1817. He is one of the following family, born to John Adam and Susanna Rothrock—Drusilla, Mary, R. T., and Melona. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but they were descended from an old and honored family in Germany. When the subject of this biography. was but 2 years old, his father died, and when 13 years old he began life's battle on his own responsibility. He commenced learning the tanner's trade, but at the end of two years, discontinued that occupation, and apprenticed himself to a tailor in Perryville (now Milford), with whom he remained about five years. He opened a shop of his own in 1838, at Mogadore, Summit Co., Ohio, and since then has worked in a number of other places, but has been mostly at Canton and Kent. While working in the former place, the war was in progress, and Mr. Rothrock was induced to enter the service in the 76th Regiment, Co. K., 0. V. I. He participated in the engagements of Ft. Donelson and Shiloh, and also in a number of skirmishes. After serving over a year he was discharged for disabilities. In April, 1873, he came to Louisville, opened a shop, and meeting with considerable success at tailoring, has remained there ever since. Mr. Rothrock has been twice married, his first wife being Nancy Ann Newburg, who bore him four children, only one—Louisa—of whom is yet living. She is the wife of J. L. Woodard, and lives in Kent. His wife died in 1865, and in June, 1871, Mr. Rothrock married Lucy (Bliss) Bruner, a widow of G. W. Bruner, and the mother of four children. Mr. Rothrock is a first-class tailor in every respect, and is giving good satisfaction where he is now living. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. JONAS SPANGLER, retired; Louisville. The subject of this notice was born in Adams Co., Penn., Sept. 11, 1810. His parents, Jonas and Susanna (Rosenmiller) Spangler were parents of six children, whose names are—Christina, Sophia, Barbara, Jonas, David and one that died in infancy without being named. He is a grandson of Rudolph Spangler, who came from Germany to the United States, and settled in Pennsylvania, Our subject came with his parents to Stark Co., Ohio in 1832, locating in Osnaburg Tp., where they lived two years on a rented farm. At the conclusion of that time, they moved to the farm now owned by Jonas Spangler, Jr., it being at that early time almost covered with timber. Mr. Spangler was a thrifty, hard-working, sober man. When he came to the county, he was in straitened circumstances, but at the time of his death left a good home. He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. His death occurred in 1835, and Mrs. Spangler's in 1846. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and farming has always been his vocation. In youth his education was very limited, as his father was very poor, and unable to spare the money to give him the education he craved. Nothing daunted however, he would work for the neighbors, splitting rails, and with the proceeds go to school. Since arriving at years of discretion, he has, by self-instruction, acquired a good practical education, and is a teacher of several terms' experience. In 1869, he was united in marriage with Anna Ringer, and since his arrival in Nimishillen Tp., has always made that his place of residence. He now owns a tract of 120 acres of nicely improved land, on which he and his estimable lady live a quiet, retired life. Truly " labor has its own reward." D. M. SLUSSER, merchant; Louisville; is a native of Canton Tp., Stark Co., O., and was born in 1827. He is one in a family of twelve, born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Minchick) Slusser, and their names respectively are—Jesse, Catharine, John, Jacob, Elizabeth, George, Rebecca, Eli, Michael, Daniel, Benjamin and David. All these are living except John, Benjamin, Michael, Jesse and George. The parents were of Germanic descent, but were born in Pennsylvania. This family came to Canton Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in 1804, settling in a forest in which but few 914 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: settlers then lived. The father had very poor health, and he remained almost all the time in the house working at his trade—shoemaking—while he hired his out-door work done until his boys were old enough to do it. The family lived here in the woods, clearing and improving the place, until Mr. Slusser's death, which occurred in 1837, aged thirty-seven years. The fall before he was twenty years of age, D. M. Slusser went to Indiana, where he lived two years. Learning that he could obtain land partially cleared just as cheap n Ohio as Indiana, he returned to Stark Co., working on the old homestead one year. He then formed a partnership with his brother-in -law in the provision business at Louisville, under the firm name of Slusser & Holdwick, with stock valued at about $1,000. This partnership continued for five years and was then dissolved; Mr. Slusser clerking in the retail store of Lawrence & Mathias. He remained with this firm two years, and then, in 1868, started the manufacturing of baskets in Louisville, a business he followed with success for some time, and from that business again started in the provision trade. He now owns one of the best grocery stores in town, and does a general dealing in produce. In 1879, he admitted as a partner his son, 0. W., and the firm name now is D. M. Slusser & Son. The. year before he came to Louisville, Mr. Slusser was united in marriage with Lydia Holdwick, daughter of one of Canton Tp.'s early pioneers. To this union were born nine children—O. W., A. 0., Alice, Lucy, Harvey, Lincoln, Cora, Ada and Mary E. The last-named was first born but has since died. Mr. Slusser is one of Louisville's substantial and leading citizens. He is a Republican, and the Slussers adhere to the United Brethren Church in their religious views. DR. A. S. SHEETS, farmer and physician; P. 0. Barryville. Dr. Sheets was born in Columbiana Co., 0., in 1824. He is a son of Samuel and Matilda (trice) Sheets, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of two children—Sarah and A. S. The father was a farmer, and when our subject was but six months old was thrown from a horse and killed. After remaining a widow about two years, Mrs. Sheets married Aaron Duble, and soon after her marriage our subject was given to the neighbors to raise. When about nine years of age he went to live with Dr. John Dillenbaugh, with whom he resided until 22 years old; and while with him, read medicine to a considerable extent, and the last year practiced in connection with him. About 1846, he moved to Fremont, Ohio, where he practiced medicine for three years; and from there moved to Huntington, Ohio. At the latter place Dr. Sheets' health failed from over-work and exposure, and he was compelled to relinquish active labor in order to recuperate his broken constitution. After a lengthy time passed in treatment with some of the leading physicians of New York, Boston and Philadelphia, without success, he determined to try a sea-faring life for a time; which he did for about six months. This was the main action that resulted in his recovery. In 1857 he came to Harrisburg, Stark Co., Ohio, where he formed a partnership with Dr. Frifogle. On the breaking-out of the war, this partnership was dissolved, Dr. Frifogle entering the army. Dr. Sheets has ever since carried on the business alone. In later years he has devoted some attention to farming in connection with his practice. He was married in March, 1859, to Phebe A. Thomas, and to this union were born—Sally, Charles, Franklin, Whitman and George. Mrs. Sheets is a member of the United Brethren Church, while the Doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal. Dr. Sheets is an honest, upright man, and a staunch Republican. DR. JOHN SCHILLING, Louisville. The subject of this biography was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, Oct. 10, 1794. His early life was passed chiefly in going to school and in the acquirement of knowledge. He received an excellent classical education, and when about twenty-five years of age commenced the study of medicine. Mr. Schilling received instructions from the best medical professors of Europe, among whom was the celebrated specialist, Prof. Schoenlein. He finally, about 1836, graduated with honors at Wurtzburg Medical College. For ten years succeeding his graduation, Dr. Schilling practiced medicine in Germany. A spirit of enterprise then taking possession of him, he determined on crossing the Atlantic, to seek a home and fortune in America. During the spring of 1837 he came to the United States via Havre NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 915 and Baltimore, and from the latter place came to Bolivar, Tuscarawas Co., 0., where he practiced about eight months. He then came to Louisville, Ohio, where he remained until 1811, and then removed to Osnaburg, where he still continued practicing. In 1852 his health failed from over-exertion and exposure. To avoid his large practice he moved to Crestline, Ohio, engaging in the drug trade. After a residence there of eighteen months he returned to Louisville, where he again actively engaged in medical pursuits, continuing so until 1875, when he retired from active life, his son, J. P., superseding him. During his early career, Dr. Schilling's practice extended over a large territory. He made a specialty of diseases of the eye, operating for cataract quite frequently by what is known as the "lateral operation," all of which were successful. He also paid considerable attention to deformities, such as club-foot, hair-lip, etc., often being called far beyond his usual practice to attend to such cases. He was one of the earliest and most successful practitioners of Nimishillen Tp. He was married in Germany, in 1835, to Elizabeth Schroeder, and by her shad seven children—Catharine, Conrad, J. P., John, John, Edward and Tillie. Only Catharine, J. P., Edward and Tillie are now living. Catharine is the wife of J. G. Prenot ; J. P. married Kate Mathias ; Edward married Ella McGregor ; Tillie is single, and all are living in Louisville. J. P. Schilling commenced the study of medicine under his father about 1857, and in 1860 took a course of lectures at the Western Reserve College in Cleveland. He graduated from the Starling Medical College at Columbus during the winter of- 1863-4. In May, 1864, he enlisted in the 34th Reg. 0. V. M. I. as assistant surgeon, and served with that regiment until it was captured in January, 1865, at Beverly, West Virginia. He then served under contract for six weeks at Camp Chase, after which he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 88th 0. V. I., and was finally discharged at the close of the war. His marriage with Miss Mathias was celebrated November 13, 1866. To this union were born—Charles, Frederick and Ida May. The drug store of J. Schilling and Son was established in 1853, and is among the leading business houses of Louisville. JOSEPH SCHILLIG, deceased ; was born in Alsace, France, in 1812. When 15 years old he came with his parents to the United States, locating in Columbiana Co., where his parents lived the remainder of their lives. For the first two years succeeding his arrival, Mr. Schillig engaged his services as hostler in a tavern in New Garden. He then went to Pittsburgh, engaging in the same business for twelve consecutive years with one man. While here he was head hostler for most of the time, obtaining this position through his integrity of character and close attention to business. In 1838 he married Sophia Cup-per, and by her had a family of ten children —Joseph, Catharine, Mary Ann, Magdalena, Josephine ; John, deceased ; Jacob, deceased ; John, Adam and Emeline. The year of his marriage, Mr. Schillig purchased the farm now owned by his widow on Sec. 12, Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, on which he moved in 1841. He was a hard working man, industrious and honest ; was a Democrat in politics, and he and wife were members of the Roman Catholic Church. His death occurred Nov. 16, 1863. His widow is yet living on the old homestead. Joseph Schillig, the oldest son, was born in Nimishillen Tp., April 18, 1841. He was reared on a farm, and farming has always been his chosen occupation. In 1869 he purchased and moved on his present farm, which consists of 80 acres, on Sec. 16, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage, Jan. 9, 1868, with Miss Louise Menegay, and to this union has been born John, Clara, deceased ; and Mary Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Schillig are of the same religious faith as their forefathers, strictly adhering to the doctrines taught by the Church of Rome. In politics Mr. Schillig is a Democrat. He has twice held the office of Township Clerk, and is the present Township Assessor. The Schilligs are descended from an old and honored race of people, who were noted for their honorable conduct and uprightness of character. The present generation have a like reputation, and are considered among the leading citizens, in whatever locality they reside. WILLIAM SHAFFER, stock-raiser and farmer; P. 0. Louisville; was born Nov. 18, 1839, in Washington Tp., Stark Co., Ohio. He is a son of John and Margaret (Cairns) Shaffer, who were parents of a family of five 916 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: —William, Andrew J., Joseph, James, and Jane. The mother of these was a native of Scotland, and the father was born in Washington Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in 1819. The subject of this biography is a grandson of William Shaffer, who came to Stark Co. about 1815, from Pennsylvania. John Shaffer was a farmer. He was an honest and upright citizen, and a man highly respected. His death occurred in 1866; his widow being yet living on the old farm in Washington Tp. William Shaffer passed his youth and early manhood with his parents on the farm, and since has made farming his occupation. He received a good common-school and academical education, and in March, 1865, married Lydia, daughter of Peter and Catharine (Shaffer) Trump. By her he has a family of eight children—Ida J., Ella, Lillie, Charles Ada, Clara L., Elmer and Nettie.rsrs. Shiffer was born April 14, 1841. In 1865 Mr. Shaffer moved on, and purchased 68 acres of the farm he now owns, which he has increased to a fine farm of 139 acres. He started out in life with but little means at his command, but with the help of his wife, has made a valuable and pleasant home. Mr. Shaffer is a teacher of nine terms' experience in the public schools. He is a Democrat, and has held various township offices. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, and are respected and intelligent citizens. ISAAC SHAFFER, conductor, P., Ft. W. & C. R. R.; Louisville. was born in what was then Freedom, now Alliance, July 8, 1845. He is a son of Samuel and Mary M. (Berger) Shaffer, a detailed sketch of whom will be found in the biographical department of Lexington Tp. Isaac Shaffer was reared in his native town until he was 17 years of age. He then (1862) left home and went to Chicago, where he had a brother on the P., Ft&. & & C. R. R., as conductor. Obtaining a position on the same road as brakeman, he remained here some eight months, and was then transferred to Alliance, where he remained about nine months as brakeman. He was then promoted to conductor of through freight. He remained in this capacity until 1869, when he was appointed conductor of the construction and wreck-train running between Salem and Wooster, with headquarters at Louisville. He has been ever since at this, and has a record of nineteen years of steady work on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. Mr. Shaffer was married April 14, 1864, to Miss Sarah C. Henry, daughter of Frank C. Henry, and by her had a family of five children—Charles W. (deceased), Cora I., Grace I., Samuel 0. and Ralph. Mrs. Shaffer was born Sept. 1, 1844. Mr. Shaffer is a staunch Republican in politics, and his wife ia memberer of the United Brethren Church. JOHN B. VIOLAND, retired; Louisville. Among the early French settlers in Nimishillen Tp., is the father of the subject of this sketch, John B. Violand, who was born near Belford, France, Oct. 12, 1817. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Marchand) Violand, who were natives of France, and parents of the following family—Elizabeth, Therese, John B., Rosa, Joseph, Francis, Celestine, Marion and George. Mr. Viol and was a farmer and teamster while in the old country, and, having a large family on his hands, determined to go to the United States that he might give his children proper advantages. He and his family embarked at Havre, and after a long voyage of sixty days, arrived in New York in safety. From this place he came to Stark Co., Ohio, and at the time of his arrival only had $300. This he gave for 80 acres of land in Nimishillen Tp., on which he immediately settled. Mr. and Mrs. Violand were industrious and honest people, and strict adherents of the Roman Catholic Church. They both died in 1863, leaving an untarnished record for their children to follow. John B. Violand was married in 1842 to Ludivine Menegay, and by her had five children—Mary, Josephine, John, Loui and Joseph. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Violand's total wealth consisted of only $50, but by hard labor and honest, upright dealing, he has made enough to present each of his children with considerable property, reserving enough to keep him and wife in their old age. Mr. Violand is a Catholic, and one of the leading French settlers of Stark Co. MATHIAS WALKER, livery; Louisville. Among the descendants of some othehb old settlers of Osnaburg Tp., is the subject of this biography, who is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (Baughman) Walker. Mathias Walker, Sr., is a native of Somerset Co., Penn., and was born April 29, 1810. At the age of NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP - 917 17 he came to Ohio a poor boy, and located in Osnaburg Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, where he soon obtained possession of a small farm. On this he cleared a sufficient space on which to erect a log cabin, and then sent back to Penn, Sylvania for his parents, who, on their arrival, kept house for him until his marriage with Elizabeth Baughman, which took place in 1829. This union was blessed with five children—Jacob, Eli, Caroline, Albert and Mathias; all of whom are living except Caroline. Mr. Mathias was a leading citizen of his township, and an exemplary member of the Lutheran Church. His death occurred Sept. 24, 1876. His widow is yet living in Osnaburg Tp., on the farm where she was born and raised. She was born Jan. 12, 1815, and her parents were among the old pioneers of Osnaburg Tp. Mathias Valker, Jr., was born Feb. 21, 1858, and was raised on the home farm. He was married Dec. 20, 1879, to Minnie Maxhimer, daughter of John Maxhimer. After his father's death our subject farmed three years. He then moved to Osnaburg, purchased livery property there, and remained until April, 1881, when he came to Louisville. Mr. Walker keeps a stable second to none in the town in regard to stylish turnouts. His stable is run in connection with the Commercial Hotel, where he is always ready to do anything in his line as cheap as the cheapest. He is already building up a good business, and bids fair soon to be among the permanent fixtures of the village. LYCURGUS WILSON, livery; Louisville; is a son of Douglas and Janette (Brownson) Wilson, and grandson of Douglas Wilson, who was one of Stark Co.'s earliest pioneers, and who located in Osnaburg Tp., at a very early date, it being at that time an almost unbroken forest filled with Indians and wild beasts. The history of the Wilson family will be found in the biographies of Sandy Tp. Lycurgus Wilson was born in Osnaburg Tp., Aug. 5, 1856, on the same farm on which his father was born. He was reared on a farm, and when 9 years old moved with his parents, near Waynesburgh, in Sandy Tp. He received a common school education in the schools of Waynesburgh, living with his parents until the spring of 1880, when he left home and came to Louisville, where he has since resided. He began in Louisville, in the livery business, and since he first started has enlarged and improved until he now has one of the leading stables in town. Mr. Wilson keeps a first-class line of buggies, horses, &c., and aims to do the right thing by those that patronize him. His prices are reasonable and those desiring anything in the livery line will do well to call on him. He is a Republican in politics, and a young man of push and enterprise. GEORGE WERNER, deceased, is a son of Henry. and Susanna (Shaffer) Werner, who came to Stark Co., Ohio, as early as 1816. Susanna Shaffer was a native of Germany and came to the U. S., when about eleven years old, where she afterwards met and married Henry Werner, and by him had a family of twelve—Mary, Henry, Daniel, John, George, Nancy, David, Benjamin, Jacob, Eliza, Susanna and Christiann. Of these all are living except John, Nancy, Eliza, Susanna and George. The father was a miller by trade and a native of Pa. Being in very ordinary circumstances he concluded to come west, and take up land cheap that would as time passed by become very valuable. Accordingly in May, 1816, he came overland with horses and wagons, bringing his family to Stark Co., Ohio, locating on the north-west quarter section of land in Nimishillen Tp., a piece of property he had purchased the year previous, giving what was then the extraordinary price of $2,500. Mr. Werner was a sober, industrious man, and before many years had passed by, made the wooded home he had selected here look more like a place inhabited by human beings than wild beasts. He took an active part in the building of the schools and church of his neighborhood and the United Brethren church, of which he was a prominent member, situated on the old Werner farm, is still known as the " Werner Church " named in his honor.. He was born in 1782 and died in 1864. His wife died in 1860. George Werner, their son and the subject of this biography, was a native of Franklin Co., Pa., his birth occurring July 27, 1813. He came with his parents to Stark Co., where he resided until his death. When 18 years old he left home, went to Canton, and there commenced the printer's trade, but not being satisfied with this he discontinued it and learned the cabinet-maker's trade, serving a four years' ap- 918 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: prenticeship. He then worked at his trade four years and also at carpentering. For a time he engaged in mercantile pursuits in New Baltimore, and while here met Sarah Hickman, who became his wife in August, 1839. This lady,s father was William Hickman and his father was a native of Chester Ca., Pa. Her mother was a Mercer, grandmother a Buckingham, and great grandmother a Shellcross, who were natives of England. After his marriage Mr. Werner remained in New Baltimore about two years and then moved back to Nimishillen Tp., where he re-commenced carpentering. In 1844, he purchased a farm adjoining the old homestead where he resided up to the time of his death. To his union with Miss Hickman there were born five children—William H., Emma C., Lydia H., Ellen L., and Joseph F. or " Frank " as he is more generally known. All these are living and all are married. Mr. Werner was an honest, straightforward man, and an exemplary citizen. He died June 18, 1881. Emma, his daughter, married J. C. Craven, and lives in Alliance. Lydia is the wife of J. R. West, and also lives in Alliance. Ellen is the wife L. D. Durban, and is a resident of Newcastle, Pa. William H. Werner was born in New Baltimore, June 6, 1840, and up to the breaking-out of the war remained at home. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K. 76th Reg. O. V. I. 'He was an active participant in the eng ents of Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Pea Ridge, Corinth, Chickasaw, Arkansas Post, Miliiken,s Bend and the siege of Vicksburg. He was discharged in December, 1863. Nov. 30, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Holibaugh, daughter of Philip and Sarah (Harmony) Holibaugh, and by her has three children—Carrie, Minnie and Francie. After his marriage he farmed with his father in-law, three years. April 1, 1868, he purchased an interest in the grist-mill at Marlborough, which he sold Sept. 1, 1874. In partnership with Mr. J. W. Gaskill, they bought of Mc Clure and Co., March 1, 1875, their present general store under the firm name of Werner & Gaskill. In March, 1880, his brother Frank was admitted into the partnership and the firm name now is Werner Brothers & Co. Frank Werner was born Aug. 17, 1852. Nov. 6, 1879, he married Laura L. Wetzel and to this union is born one daughter—Jessie. The present generation of Werners are staunch Republicans in politics and are among the leading citizens of Stark Co., Ohio. MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. BLOOMFIELD FAMILY, Marlborough Tp. Of the early pioneers who endured the hardships and braved the perils of frontier life, who felled the forests and laid the foundation for the inestimable blessings the present generation now enjoys, but few are now remaining. Occasionally one of these old frontiersmen is met with who has survived the storms and ravages of time; but his silvery locks and his feeble step tell us that ere long he will lay himself down from his labors, " within that tent whose curtain never outward swings." In no way can the present generation honor so well these old heroes of the early time as by imitating their virtues and preserving inviolate the blessings guaranteed unto us in the civil, educational and religious institutions founded and fostered by their wisdom and self-sacrifice. Among the early pioneers of Marlborough Tp., are the Bloomfields. To give a correct history of this family we will go back to when James the First inherited by birth the crowns of both England and Scotland, and undertook to make all his subjects conform to his religious views. This was strongly resented by many of his subjects and especially by a sect in Scotland called the Cameronians. These people were particularly odious to the King, and after years of persecution a number of them were arrested and put upon an old ship called the Caledonia, which was unseaworthy, without compass or chart, and with only a small stock of provisions, with the threat that if they return- MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP - 919 ed they should all be put to death. When fairly out at sea, in the utmost despair, a man came suddenly from the hold of the ship, bearing in his hands a pass and quadrant. They accepted him captain, and he said he would try and steer them to America. He steered for New York but struck the coast of New Jersey, opposite Amboy, and all were landed in safety. In that vessel was a young woman, Marion Ren wick, and her blood flows in the veins of all the descendants of Thomas Bloomfield. She was descended from the royal Bruces of Scotland. Marion Renwick was married to Adam Hude, and they had a daughter named Anna, who became the wife of Andrew Bloomfield, the father of Thomas, the pioneer. There was another Thomas Bloomfield, a contemporary and cousin of the pioneer of Crawford Co., Pa. who was a Captain in the Revolutionary Pa., and afterwards made Attorney-General of New Jersey, and elected Governor of that State in 1801, and held the office until 1812, when he received the commission of Brigadier General in the war of 1812. Thomas Bloomfield, the pioneer of Crawford Co., Pa. was born in New Jersey Nov. 23, 1746. Al the age of 25 he married Elizabeth Morris, a niece of Robert Morris, the great financier of the Revolution. About the year 1792, Thomas and Elizabeth left their home in New Jersey and came into Pennsylvania, tarried a short time in Lancaster Co., from there to Fayette, and from thence to French Creek; Crawford Co., was not then organized. They settled there in the woods and took up large tracts of land, and when the townships of the county received their names the one in which this family resided received the name of Bloomfield Tp., in their honor, a name it still bears. Thomas Bloomfield lived there in the woods until his death, which occurred Jan. 15, 1814. He was buried on the land which he settled. Elizabeth, his widow, died in 1829, and was buried by the side of her husband. One of their children was Lewis Bloomfield, born in 1781. He married Susannah Kirk, and in 1829 removed with his family to Stark Co., Ohio, and died in 1864, aged 83 years. Lewis and Susannah (Kirk) Bloomfield were parents of nine children—Margaret, Joseph, Eliza, Sarah, Lewis M., John, Judith, Susan and William. Lewis M. Bloomfield was born in Bloomfield Tp., Crawford Co., Pa., Dec. 10, 1815. He came with his parents to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1829, locating on Sec. 3. He lived with his parents until his marriage with Lydia Ingledue June 7, 1838. About 1845 he purchased his present place of 240 acres across the county line in Randolph Tp., Portage Co., and has lived there to the present. To his union with Miss Ingledue there were born five children—Alpheus S., Celestine, Thomas M., Susan G. and Asenath. The mother of these departed this life Dec. 8, 1876. She was one of the few true and noble women of her day; she was a kind and loving wife, and an exemplary mother. He death was sadly regretted by a large concourse of friends who followed her remains to their last resting place—the grave —but by none more than her loving consort whose union with her was one of unalloyed happiness. Thomas M. Bloomfield was born Aug. 26, 1844. He was raised a farmer; and was married Sept. 29, 1878, to Miss Samantha Chain, and by her has a family of two—Maud L. and Nellie Blanche. The mother was born Nov. 20, 1845. Thomas Bloomfield is a Republican in politics as is also his father. He is at present one of the township's Trustees, and is also President of the Farmer's Insurance Company of Marlborough Tp. In contusion we can say that the present generation of Bloomfields have not deteriorated from the older stock, but are to-day numbered among the most substantial and leading citizens of their respective neighborhoods. A. M. BAILEY, of the firm of Bailey, Taylor, Crocker & Co.; Marlborough; was born in Millersburg, Ohio, in 1847. He is a son of B. F. Bailey, who came from New Hampshire, and Katie Ann (Black) Bailey, of Ohio. B. F. Bailey came to Tuscarawas Co. in 1840, and there met and married Miss Black. By her he had four children—James M., A. M., Levi M., deceased, and O. F. Mr. Bailey was a wagon-maker by trade, and in 1852 moved to Davis Co., Iowa, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1859 he sold out and came back to Tuscarawas Co., where he again embarked in business. His death occurred in 1872. When A. M. Bailey was 15 years old, he apprenticed himself for three years to learn the tinner's trade. In 1875 he came with his two brothers to Marlborough and engaged in the tinning business. After three years he 920 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: started in the notion business, but being away from home a great deal he concluded to settle down, and with this determination he purchased 24 acres of land in Marlborough Tp., and went to gardening. He commenced canning some of his products in 1874, and seeing that it might end, if continued, in a good business, he kept increasing the amount canned, until now the business he is conducting is the largest of its kind in the State. The firm, properly speaking, commenced as Bailey & Co., but during the spring of 1881, the name changed to Bailey, Taylor, Crocker & Co., with three factories, one situated in Marlborough, one in New Baltimore, and one in Limaville. Their books show a business annually done as follows : 1874, manufactured about 144 cans ; 1875, 200 cans ; 1876, 2,400 cans ; 1877, 27,000 cans ; 1878, 37,000 cans ; 1879, 75,000 cans ; 1880, 260,000. They will can about 800,000 cans during the season of 1881. Their goods are of the best, and are found in all the principal cities of the United States. Throughout all their transactions, Mr. Bailey has been the principal factor, as well as the founder of the business. He was married in 1869 to Marietta Boston, and by her has one daughter—Jennie B. Further reference to the canning business will be found in the history of Marlboro Tp. SAMUEL S. BOWERS, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Marlborough; was born in what is now Blair Co., Pa., July 13, 1835. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Bowers, and grandparents Peter and Susanna (Brumbaugh) Bowers. Peter Bowers was a Pennsylvanian and a farmer. He was twice married, his second wife being the mother of our subject's father. Jacob Bowers was born in Blair Co., Pa., Dec. 28, 1814. By choice he was a farmer, but in connection with that followed horse doctoring to a considerable extent. Being an excellent judge of horses, he did quite an extensive business in handling and taking care of stock. May 1, 1834, he was married in Blair Co., to Elizabeth Rhodes, who was born in Blair Co., July 12, 1816. To this union there were born three children—Samuel S., Sarah and Mary. Sarah is now dead; Mary is the widow of William Wolfe, and resides in Marlborough Tp. To better their condition financially they came to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1845, locating in Lake Tp. The last sixteen years of his life Mr. Bowers kept hotel at different places, the last being in Marlborough. He died Aug. 13, 1873. Samuel S. Bowers was reared on a farM. In June, 1864, he enlisted for 100 days in Co. H, 162d, O. N. G., and was discharged at the expiration of his term of service. March 6, 1855, he married Catharine Brumbaugh, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Ditch) Brumbaugh, and by her had four children—Ida, born Feb. 3, 1857, died May 29, 1861; Jacob, born Sept. 29,1858, died May 26, 1861 (both died within three days of each other, of diphtheria;) Martin, born April 10, 1860, and Carrie, born Aug. 14, 1867. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Bowers came to MarlboroughTp., and rented his farm for ten years. Having accumulated sufficient money by the end of this time, he purchased the place, paying part cash. Since then, by thrift and enterprise, he has paid all his indebtedness, and now has a fine farm of 145 acres, situated on Sec. 11. He and wife are members of the Disciples' Church. He is a Republican in politics, and a good citizen. His mother died on his place, June 25, 1881. F. N. BRYAN, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. New Baltimore. John Bryan, father of our subject, was born in Maryland Aug. 17, 1821. He is a son of Peter and Catharine (Mathias) Bryan, and when 16 years old came with his parents to Marlborough Tp., Stark Co., Ohio. Peter Bryan was a blacksmith by trade and a poor man. He had come to the county previous to his settlement, and, liking the " lay of the land," purchased 80 acres on Sec. 19, where he lived a number of years. After his arrival here he discontinued his trade, and arduously commenced clearing up up and improving the place. In 1858, having accumulated sufficient property, he purchased a small place adjoining the village of New Baltimore, where he finally died in 1871. His wife died in 1867. This family, in olden .times, used to write their name O'Bryan, but finally the prefix was dropped, making the present name of Bryan. In about 1844, John Bryan and Hannah Young were married, and they were the parents of four children—Harriet C., now wife of W. L. Nash ; Lucetta P., wife of S. R. Dickson ; Franklin N. and Ira B. The last-named married Isadore Kindig, and lives in Marlborough Tp. Mr. and Mrs. MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP - 921 Bryan are living retired in the village of New Baltimore. Frank N. Bryan, the subject of this biography, was born in Marlborough Tp., March 31, 1850. He was reared on the farm, and received a good common-school and collegiate education. On the 4th day of May, 1871, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Yarian, and to this marriage were born four children—Clyde A., Nellie I., John B. and Nina P. The mother of these was born April 21, 1850. F. N. Bryan and wife are members of the Disciples' Church, of which Mr. Bryan is an Elder. He is a Democrat in politics and is the present Justice of the Peace of his township. He owns 120 acres of good land, and is an enterprising and desirable citizen. EDWARD BROOKE; Marlborough. The Brooke family of the United States are descended from English ancestors, and the progenitor of that name in the United States was Robert Brooke, one of the younger sons of the Earl of Warwick. In England the eldest son inherits the title and estate of a titled personage; this being the case in this instance. Robert was twice married, his first wife dying in England, the second coming with him to America in 1650, and locating at the mouth of the Patuxent River, where they founded a colony. Robert Brooke was the father of Roger, who married Elizabeth Hutchings, and by her had a family of ten, one of these ten being James Brooke, who was born in 1705. Previous to the time of James Brooke, the family were of the Roman Catholic faith; but this gentleman formed an attachment with a Quaker girl. To obtain her for a wife he renounced the religion of his fathers, married her, and their union was fruitful in a large family; their second son being Roger, who married Mary Matthews, and by her had ten children, the eldest being Samuel Brooke, the father of the subject of this biography. Samuel married Sarah Garrigus, of Philadelphia, who was of French origin. Their marriage resulted in nine children, eight of whom lived to reach their majorities. These were—Mary, Ann, William, Margaret, Abraham, Samuel, Edward and James B. In 1831 Abraham and William emigrated westward, and located in what is now Marlborough Tp., and their coming was soon followed by the others. Edward Brooke was raised a farmer, and such has been his chief employment through life. A few years after he came to the county he married Hannah Lukins, and by her had four children—Alfred, Mary, Walker and Joseph. Alfred married Eliza W. Mendenhall, in 1864, and by her has one daughter—Ellen. Edward Brooke has been one of the leading men of his township since his first settlement. He was an active Republican during the war, and after its close he reasoned that the mission of that party was accomplished, and he became a Democrat. By that element he has been elected to the State legislature; a position he filled to the satisfaction of his constituents. GEORGE CLAPSADDLE, stock-raiser and farmer; P. 0. Marlborough; was born in Fairfield Tp., Columbiana Co., Ohio, Oct. 8, 1817. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Keefer) Clapsaddle, grandson of George and Christina (Gilbert) Clapsaddle, and great-grandson of George Clapsaddle, who emigrated from Germany to the U. S. He settled in Franklin Co., Pa., where the family resided until they came to Ohio, about 1815. John, our subject's father, with the view of bettering his condition took up 140 acres of land in Columbiana Co., and lived and died there. He married Elizabeth Keefer there, and this lady bore him eleven children: George, Jonas, John, Mary, Julia, Samuel, Lovina, Maria, Elizabeth, Albert, deceased, and Albert 2d. Six are yet living. Mr. Clapsaddle served in the war of 1812. In politics he was neutral, and in religion a member of the United Brethren Church. He died in Washington :We in 1846, and his widow in Alliance, on Christmas day, 1872. George Clapsaddle was reared a farmer, receiving a good common-school education. July 1, 1841, he was united in marriage with Lovina Neigh, daughter of Lawrence and Nancy (Welch) Neigh, and to their union were born nine children—Franklin, George L., Lucretia N., wife of Joseph Gaskill; Elizabeth, Mary, deceased; James and John, twins; Samuel and Charles. The oldest married Sarah Lingo, and lives in Mal borough Tp. George married Carrie Gaskill, and lives in Iowa. James married Ella Roath, and resides in Columbiana Co.; John and Samuel are single; Charles married Carrie Haag, and lives in Marlborough Tp.; Franklin enlisted in Co. F., 115th Reg. 0. V. I., Aug. 9, 1862, and was discharged May 20, 1865. He was 922 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: mustered into service at Camp Massillon, and from there was sent to Camp Dennison. During the fall of 1863 he was sent to Murfreesboro, Tenn., and from there to the Nashville and Chattanooga R. R. Block-house No. 1., to do gukrd duty. On the 4th of December he and a number of others were taken prisoners by Gen. Buford, with a detachment of troops from Gen. Hood. He was taken to Mdridian, Miss., and after four weeks was taken to Andersonville. After enduring the sufferings that were imposed on our boys there by the traitorous leaders of the South, he was paroled and taken to Vicksburg April 1, 1865, where he remained until the 16th, when he took passage for the North on board that ill-fated steamer " Sultana." About 2 o'clock A. M., of the 17th, he was awakened from his sleep on the hurricane deck by the explosion of steam. Realizing immediately what was the matter, Mr. Clapsaddle made for the companion-way, down which he hurried to the deck below, where, grasping the sides of the vessel, he swung himself clear from the wreck into the river. He remained in the cold water on a plank about five hours, when he was picked up by a boat, and was then taken to the hospital in Memphis. After about a week there he was sent to Columbus via Cairo, where he was finally discharged. After his marriage, George Clapsaddle, our subject, taught school some thirteen terms. His chief occupation, however, has been farming. In 1816 he removed to near Alliance, and in 1858 purchased his present place, 80 acres—where he has lived ever since. In politics Mr. Clapsaddle is a Prohibitionist, and he and wife are members of the Disciples' Church. H. S. E. DAY, painter; New Baltimore. About two hundred and thirty-three years prior to the writing of this biography (1881), there died in Hartford, Ct., one Robert Day, the first of that name, who, filled with the spirit of enterprise, left his native land and emigrated in 1634 to the New World, that was then draining all Europe of its enterprising people. At the time of his emigration he was 30 years old, and his wife, Mary, 28 years, as shown by the record of passengers of the good ship " Elizabeth, " upon which they took passage from Ipswich, Eng., for Boston. This family originally came from Wales, and tradition has it that the name was derived from a small river in that country, originally pronounced Dee, which was probably applied to some ancestor dwelling upon its banks. It was called by the English Daye, which was easily contracted into Day. In preparing a history of this family, space forbids the writer going back farther than to Lewis Day, who was born July 19, 1754. Early in May, 1799, Lewis Day, his son Horatio, and two others, from Granby, Conn., left their homes in a one-horse wagon for the purpose of finding a home in the far West. They wended their way through an almost trackless forest to what is now Deerfield, which was named from a Own in Massachusetts, in honor of Sarah Munn, the mother of Lewis Day, who was a native of that place. In the fall of that same year Mr. Day returned to Connecticut, and in 1800 removed his entire family to his new home in Ohic. During the war of 1812, four of this family served in defense of their country. These four were—Horatio, Alva, Seth and Lewis, Jr. Horatio was married Jan. 28, 1802, to Hannah Hinman, and to them were born six children—Dr. J. H. Day (deceased), Julia A. (Mrs. William Endly), Malvina S. (Mrs. McNair, deceased), Almira S. (Mrs. Peter Gee), Dr. Anson H., and Solon F. Dr. Anson H. Day is the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born at Deerfield, Ohio, Nov. 13, 1815; began the study of medicine in 1840 under his brother, Dr. J. H. Day, and commenced practicing in 1844. He commenced his labors in New Baltimore in the fall of that year, and has remained in the county principally ever since. He was married Sept. 14, 1843, to Samantha Hamilton, and by her has one son—Hamilton S. E. Dr. Day and wife are still living in New Baltimore, old and honored citizens. The subject of this sketch was born May 25, 1845, in New Baltimore. When 18 years old, he enlisted in Co. B, 6th Regiment 0. V. C., the date of his enlistment being Jan. 28, 1864. He was in the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Sheridan, and participated in quite a number of engagements, the most prominent being Harrison's Landing, Stony Creek, Rapidan Station, Coal Harbor and that twenty days' raid through the Shenandoah Valley. He served his command faithfully, and was discharged June 28, 1865. After his discharge he came home and began working at his trade, and has MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP - 923 been engaged at that up to the present. He does a general business in coach-painting. Mr. Day was married in September, 1874, to Ella Whetstone, and by her has two children—Mary S. and Belle. Mr. Day is a member of the A., F. & A. M., of Alliance, No. 271. He is a Republican in politics, and an enterprising, intelligent citizen. JOSEPH W. GASKILL, merchant ; Marlborough. There is no greater pleasure for the hand and pen of the historian or biographer to perform, than recording the notable events in the lives of the first pioneers of a locality; tracing their steps from homes of ease and comfort in the East to dangers and hardships in the great forests of the West. The history of Marlborough Tp. would be incomplete without a detailed sketch of the Gruwelle and Gaskill families, whose history, and especially that of the former, is so intimately connected with that of Marlborough Tp. The Gaskills are of English descent, but the date of their advent in the United States is not definitely known. Daniel Gaskill was born in New Jersey in 1802, and at an early day came with his parents to Ohio, locating in Lexington Ti., Stark Co. In 1824 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gruwelle, of Marlborough Tp. The Gruwelle family are of French descent. Peter Gruwelle, the grandfather of Elizabeth, was a native of " sunny France," and during the struggle between the colonies and Great Britain, came with Lafayette to assist the colonies in their cause. Mr. Gruwelle never returned to his native clime, but located in Virginia, where they in after years became identified with the " Friends," or, as more commonly known, " Quakers." This sect of people, as is well known, were intensely opposed to slavery even in its mildest forms, and this, no doubt, is the cause of the family's removal to Ohio in the spring of 1807. They located in Marlborough Tp., Stark Co., where, on the 20th of the following August, Elizabeth, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born, she being the first white child born in the township. The Gruwelles lived in Stark Co. until they all finally emigrated to Iowa, after they lived to see the wilderness in which they located on their arrival in Ohio turn into a prosperous and beautiful country. To the union of Daniel Gaskill and Elizabeth Gruwelle there were born a family of ten—Alice, Mary, Huldah, Jane, Hannah, Eliza, Nathan, Rachel, Joseph and Caroline. All are living except Alice, Hannah and Jane, and all are living in Iowa except Joseph and Huldah. The latter is the wife of Joel Heacock. The father died in 1854, and the mother is yet living in Iowa. Joseph W. Gaskill was born in Marlborough Tp., March 22, 1843. Until he was 19 years old he remained in his native township, during which time he received a common-school education. July 12, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 104th Regiment 0. V. I., 23d Army Corps of the 3d Division, as a private. The first six months of his service was passed principally in the hospital. From the expiration of that time until the close of the war, he participated in all the battles of his regiment, except the storming of Ft. Anderson. He was appointed Corporal at Strawberry Pains, Tenn., June 1, 1864, and was finally mustered out of service at Cleveland in June, 1865. In 1867 Mr. Gaskill went to Iowa, where he remained until the fall of 1868, when he came back to Ohio, and on the 8th of October of the same year married Lucretia Clapsaddle. Soon after his marriage Mr. Gaskill and wife went to Iowa, where Mr. Gaskill engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1874. In that year he returned to his native town, formed a partnership with W. H. Werner in a general store, and has resided in Marlborough ever since. To his union with Miss Clapsaddle there have been born three children—Eula, Cora and Ralph. Mr. Gaskill is a Republican in politics, and his wife is a member of the Disciples' Church. His mother, Elizabeth Gruwelle, was a daughter of Timothy Gruwelle and Alice Pennock. The Pennock history will be found in this volume. Joseph Gaskill is the only representative of his family now living in Marlborough Tp. He is a young man of push and enterprise. He and wife are well-known citizens of their township, and are universally respected. HAMILTON FAMILY, New Baltimore; Robert M. Hamilton was born in Hancock Co., West Virginia, Aug. 20, 1802, son of John Hamilton and Isabella (Filson) Hamilton, and grandson of John and Susanna (Morgan) Hamilton. John Hamilton was a native of England, and he together with a brother came to the United States before the 924 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Revolutionary War, locating on the Susquehanna River in Maryland. John soon began holding slaves, which he used kindly on his large plantation. In later years, seeing the evils of slavery, he gave his slaves their freedom, but many remembering his kindness toward them, refused to leave. After living on the Susquehanna a considerable length of time, he moved to West Virginia where in after years he died. Hamilton John Hamilton was born at this latter place, and as he assumed manhood, took a very decided stand against slavery, even in its mildest forms. It was here also that he married, and where he and his wife finally died. Robert Hamilton lived in his native state until 17 years old, when he determined, as has many another poor boy, to "go West; " accordingly in 1819 he went to Columbiana Co., Ohio, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1827, he married Mary Hatcher, and by her had a family of eight—Samantha, Alpheus, Amfield, Elwood, Morgan, Orsemus, Emeline and Mary Ann. All are living except the last-named. In 1829, Mr. Hamilton came to Marlborough Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, entering 80 acres of land, all woods. He also opened a blacksmith shop which he ran four years. He then sold out and went about a mile north of New Baltimore, where he engaged in the same business he had started in. Marlborough Tp. In 1873, he and wife moved to New Baltimore, where they are living a retired and peaceful life; they are members of the Disciples' Church, and he is a Republican in politics. Mr. Hamilton started out in life a poor boy. By his own labors he has made a fortune, a great part of which he still retains. Alpheus Hamilton was born in Marlborough Tp., March 29, 1828. He lived with his parents until he became a man, during which time he received a common-school education. He was married June 26, 1851, to Lucetta Wise, and by her had two children—Charlie, born Feb. 28, 1856, and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Hamilton was born Sept. 14, 1829. Charlie married Mary Haughawout, and lives in Marlborough Tp. The first ten years after his marriage Mr. Hamilton farmed and ran a saw-mill, and then sold out and purchased his present farm. He now has 112 acres of excellent land in Marlborough Tp., and 20 acres in Portage Co. Farming has been Mr. Hamilton's chief employment, but for two years he was in partnership with his brother Morgan, in the show business, and during that time cleared the snug sum of $10,000. In 1864, he enlisted in Co. H., 162d Reg. 0. V. I., and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He was discharged at the close of the war, having during his military career been twice elected Lieutenant and twice Captain. He is one of Marlborough Township's most substantial citizens, and is a Republican in politics. Morgan R. Hamilton was born in Randolph Tp., Portage Co., Ohio, Feb. 5, 1834, and was there reared to manhood. When 21 he left home, went to New York and took the steamer " George Law " for Aspinwall. He there disembarked, crossed the Isthmus of Panama, and re-embarked on the steamer " Golden Gate," and after meeting a number of adverse storms, arrived in San Francisco in safety. On his arrival he joined a number of other men, and together they went to the Northern Mines on the Sierra Nevada range. After a short stay here he went back to the Sacramento Valley, and there started in a general ranche business, and remained there about three years. In 1859 he returned home to Ohio, and on Feb. 7, 1861, he married Candace Whetstone, and by her has three children—Kate, Tommy and Paul. Mrs. Hamilton was born Feb. 5, 1842. After his marriage he removed to Hancock Co., Ohio, and farmed there for three years. He then sold his farm of 120 acres and went to Oil City, Pa., where he began speculating in oil and coal. He was successful in his speculations, but after nine months, came back to Stark Co., purchased 118 acres and farmed for several years. He then with his brother, Alpheus, started in the show business, continuing three seasons after his brother had dissolved the partnership. Throughout his varied career, Mr. Hamilton has been singularly fortunate in his ventures, and to-day he is one of the solid men of his neighborhood. He owns 133 acres of well improved land, is a Republican in political views, and he and wife are members or the Disciples' Church. SAMUEL HOLIBAUGH, stock-raiser and farmer; P. 0. Marlborough; was born in Marlborough Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, May 16, 1826. He is a son of Joseph and Lydia (Hossler) Holibaugh, and grandson of Philip and Bar-