SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP - 975 was a member of the United Brethren in Christ. Mrs. Weimer, since the death of her husband, has resided in the township on a part of the homestead. Franklin was born on the homestead Feb. 12, 1841, the eldest of the children, and was raised to farming, after which he began the life of instructor of youth, and taught thirteen years in all. Since 1880 he has been handling monumental goods, making bronze a specialty. July 23, 1874, he married Catharine Crise, who was born in 1851 in Somerset Co., Pa., daughter of George and Leah (Christ) Crise, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Tuscarawas Co. in 1871. Mr. Weimer has four children—Maud M., Edith R., Mary G. and Linder C. He is a member of the United Brethren Church. HENRY C. WEIMER, fanner; P. 0. Beach City; was born Feb. 8, 1835, in this township, the youngest son of a family of thirteen, children, born to David and Ann Catharine Weimer, all of whom attained maturity. David Weimer was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., but emigrated to this township and county in 1815, and entered 160 acres in southwest quarter Sec. 27, remaining on the same as long as he lived; having been one of the pioneer ministers of the United Brethren Church in the county. His father,s name was John Weimer, and he had eight children, six of whom were by his first wife. The thirteen children born to David Weimer and wife were as follows.—John and Dan, twins; Julia A., Gabriel, Joseph, Sarah, Susan, David, Lydia, Mary, Catharine, Henry C., and Rebecca; all of whom lived to marry and have families. Our subject remained with his parents until he was of age, and in June, 1858, married Frances Overholtz, who was born in Harrison Co., this State, in December, 1841; daughter of Joseph and Frances (Forney) Overholtz, both of whom came from Pennsylvania to this State; the former a son of Christian Overholtz, the latter a daughter of Peter Forney, who was 93 when he died. To Joseph Overholtz and wife were born thirteen children—Rebecca, Joseph, Christina, Ann, John, Christopher, Peter, Catharine, Martin, Jacob, Francis, Caroline, and James. Mr. Overholtz was a Whig; the family came here in the early days, and were members of the United Brethren Church. In May, 1864, Mr. Weimer enlisted in Company K, "Johnston's company," 164th 0. N. G. Upon his return home he resumed farming, in which vocation he is yet engaged, having a farm of 83 acres. He has nine children—James, Edwin, Lula, Otto, Joseph, Mary E., Charles, LeRoy and Ransom. D. P. WEIMER, farmer; P. O. Wilmot; was born Aug. 13, 1821, in Westmoreland Co., Pa., youngest of a family of three children, born to Peter and Catharine (Berkey) Weimer. He was born in Somerset Co., Pa., July 30, 1794; son of David, who had six children. The great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany. He died in Pennsylvania. David died in 1805; he had seven children, Peter, the father of our subject, being one of them. To Peter and Catharine were born the following—Sarah, Mrs. Jacob Brill, lived in Guernsey Co., Ohio, now dead; Lydia, Mrs. Peter Howenstine, died in this county; David P., the only one living. Peter was a blacksmith by trade, but a farmer by occupation, and came to Ohio in 1836, located in this township, and died in 1867; he was a Lutheran and a Republican. His wife died in 1831, prior to his coming West. Our subject was a lad of 15 when his father moved out here, and he lived with him until he was 22 years of age. For several years he taught school in the winter, farming during the summer. Aug. 13, 1848, he married Elizabeth Hurraw, born in 1817, in Somerset Co., Pa.; daughter of Adam and Rebecca (Lenhart) Hurraw, and by her had six children, Mrs. Weimer being the second in order of birth. The Hurraw family came West in 1832, and located in this township. After the marriage of our subject, he settled on the homestead, where he lived three years, then went to Wilmot and lived one year. Fall of 1853 moved to the farm he now owns, and has remained there since. Has served as Township Clerk fifteen years, and Township Trustee seven years. Always has been a Republican. Is a believer in the mystical body of Christ, and a liberal supporter of the gospel, yet is not a member of any church society. Was converted in March, 1870, in a Methodist Episcopal Church at Wilmot, but never became connected therewith. No children. ANDREW WETZEL, farmer; P.O. Beach City; was born March 18, 1825, in Greensburg, Stark Co. (now Summit), son of John and 976 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Margaret (Reese) Wetzel; he was born in 1792, in Westmoreland Co., Pa.; she in same county one year later. John was the son of John, one of whose brothers was Lewis Wetzel, the famous Indian fighter in the annals of Pennsylvania. The great-grandfather of our subject, John, was scalped by the Indians and left for dead, but recovered. His sons were in the Revolutionary War. After the father was scalped, Lewis swore vengeance against the entire Indian race, and many a red-skin fell before his unerring rifle, or felt the steel of his trusty hunting-knife. Lewis was a powerfully built man, as brave as a lion, and as crafty as the Indian himself. The grandfather of our subject came West with his father-in-law about 1812, and located near Canton, where he died. John, his son, the father of our subject, settled in Greensburg, but moved to Illinois and was engaged in farming. His wife survives him. To them were born twelve children. Andrew, our subject, and one of the twelve children, remained at home until his marriage, which occurred Jan. 6, 1848, the lady being Sarah E. Ward, born Oct. 19, 1827, in Holmes Co., Ohio, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Shepler) Ward. In 1851 Mr. Wetzel located on the farm where he now lives, having 140 acres of land here, 80 acres in Tuscarawas, and 40 in Holmes county. He has four children—John F., Jesse C., Leonard C., and Serena E. Has been a member of the United Brethren Church for twenty-six years, and is trustee of same. The Wetzels are a large and muscular family, the father of our subject having weighed 240 pounds. Andrew has lifted 1,000 pounds dead weight. ISAAC WELTY, farmer; P. 0. Wilmot; was born June 22, 1820, on the farm he now owns, in Sec. 22, southwest quarter. He is a son of Philip and Sarah (Overholt) Welty, the former of whom was born May 2, 1789, in Westmoreland Co., Pa.; the latter April 7, 1791, in the same county. Philip came West to Ohio, and located on his farm in 1816, having entered land from the government, living on the same until September, 1848. He was a Baptist in religious belief, and a Whig in politics. His wife died in 1866, having borne him a family of five children—Hester, wife of David Alter, of Tuscarawas Co.; John, on the homestead; Isaac (our subject); Eliza, Mrs. J. D. Otis, M. D., of Tuscarawas Co., and Mary, now Mrs. Daniel Foreman, of Wilmot. He served in the war of 1812. Our subject was raised on the homestead, and never lived anywhere else. He was married to Susan, daughter of Joseph and Martha (Reed) Poyser, who was born in this township in 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Poyser were natives of Pennsylvania, but came West and were married in this State, and had thirteen children, eight of whom are living—Susan, now Mrs. Welty; John, residing in Canton ; Eliza, wife of John Eckerd, of Tuscarawas Co.; Sarah, now Mrs. Jacob Oberlin, of Plain Tp.; Kate, now Mrs. Peter Myers, of Canton; Margaret, married Fred Ricksicker, of Canton; Lemma A., now Mrs. Barr; and Jane, unmarried. The parents were Lutherans. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Welty have been born four children—George, Orin S., Bernard and Mary F. He owns 142 acres of land with fine and substantial improvements in the way of buildings, and is a Republican in politics. JONAS WARSTLER, farmer; P. O. Justus; was born Dec. 8, 1835, on the farm on which he has since resided. His father, George was born in February, 1808, in Plain Tp. His mother was Elizabeth, a daughter of Jacob Kyle, an 1812 veteran, born Sept. 5, 1773, in Lancaster Co., Pa., and married in 1798, to Rosanna Loishbaugh. They moved from Pennsylvania to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1823, and located in the north part of Sugar Creek Tp., where the grandfather died, at the age of 95 years, 4 months and 25 days, a widower for sixteen years, and a highly es- teemed member of the German Reformed Church. Of his fifteen children, nearly all of whom raised families, five are living—Ephraim and Daniel, in this township; Catharine, Polly and Susan. Henry Warstler, father of George, was a farmer, and an early settler in Plain Tp. In 1833 George moved with two brothers into Sugar Creek Tp., where he purchased an 80-acre farm, on which he remained till his death, in May, 1855. His wife survived until April, 1862. To them were born three sons—Jonas, Daniel and Michael, and one daughter, Elmina, who died young. Jonas married, March 11, 1855, Caroline, only child of John and Eve Allbaugh, and born in Bethlehem, June 29, 1836. Her parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of JACKSON TOWNSHIP - 977 Bethlehem Tp. Mr. Warstler has eight children living—George T., Lydia A. Anson 0., Mary M., Naomi S., Ellen E., Alvin A., and Albert A. Lydia A. is the wife of John C. Zeigler, and the mother of two children—John J. and George W. George T. is also married. Mr. Warstler, as well as his wife and two eldes children, are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat, and for nine years was a member of the school board. His farm on Sec. 11, consists of 121k acres. JACKSON TOWNSHIP JOHN BRAUCHER, farmer; P. 0. New Berlin; was born in Somerset Co., Penn., March 1, 1811. His father was Daniel Braucher, and married Polly Lobe. They were both natives of Berks Co., Penn., and were of German descent. In 1821 they removed to Stark Co., Ohio, and settled in Jackson Tp., where Mr. Braucher had entered land previous to his coming. They lived for a number of years in a log cabin, and after many years of hard work he departed this life on the 16th day of Sept., 1853; his wife having died four or five years previous. John Braucher, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his father,s farm. His chances were very poor to obtain an education. He being the oldest of a large family, his time was required on the farm helping to improve, and to raise something to maintain the family. Mr. Braucher has been a hard-working and economical man, and has been quite successful financially. He has improved four farms. He is now living with his second wife. His first wife was Annie Lichtenwalter; daughter of Jacob and Polly Lichtenwalter; they were married in 1836. She was born in Stark Co., Aug. 27, 1817, and died Sept 24, 1853. He married his present wife, Christina Mutchler, daughter of Godfrey and Christina (Goss) Mutchler. They were natives of France, where Mrs. Braucher was born, Aug. 26, 1823. The Mutchler family came to Stark CO. in 1828, and settled on the farm where Mr. Braucher now lives. Godfrey Mutchler died Sept. 7, 1866; his wife Sept. 18, 1832. Mr. Braucher is the father of eight children—William F., Abben, Polly, wife of John Young; Catharine M., wife of Isaac Hassler; and deceased, Manias, killed in the late war; Lewis, Sarah, and one died in infancy. Mr. Braucher has raised a family who are, as well as himself, consistent members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a good old Jackson Democrat. JONAS BRAUCHER, farmer ; P. 0. Massillon ; was born in Somerset Co., Pa., Sept. 20, 1817, and is the son of Daniel and Polly (Lobe) Braucher. Mr. Braucher came with his parents to Stark Co. in 1821, where he has since resided. Like all boys in the early settling of the country, instead of having a chance to go to school, he helped to improve his father,s farm. He remained at home until a man grown, after which he started for himself. About 1840 he married Esther Hoch, a native of Pennsylvania, born January 21, 1820, and died May 20, 1860. Mr. Braucher married again October 28, 1863, to Mary Peters, daughter of John and Catharine Peters. The issue of Mr. Braucher,s first marriage were: Daniel A., Susannah, Harriet, wife of H. Jackson, Diana, wife of H. Moore, Rebecca F., wife of H. Ball, David B., Jonas M., and four deceased—Israel, Sarah A., Elcora, and Mary C. By the second marriage have been born—John A., Ida E., George W., and Herbert H. Mr. Braucher is the owner of a fine farm of 290 acres of well improved land, with good buildings, and well stocked, and it may well be said that he understands how to conduct his farm to make the most money out of it, and at the same time keep the land in good condition. GEN. SAMUEL BEATTY, farmer; P. O. Massillon; was born in Mifflin Co., Penn., Dec. 16, 1820. His father, John Beatty, was a native of Ireland, and came to Pennsylvania when 2 years of age, where he married Miss Christina Powell, and in 1829, removed to Stark Co., Ohio, and settled in Jackson Tp. 978 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: The General's early life was spent on his father,s farm, and attending such schools as -there were in those days. He has been a patriotic man, having served his country twice when it was in great need. In May, 1846, he went out in the Mexican War as 1st Lieutenant of Company K of the 3d Ohio Regiment. After serving nearly two years he was honorably discharged, and returned to Stark Co., and in 1857 was elected Sheriff of the County, which office he honorably filled for two years, and in 1859 was re-elected, and held the office for two years more. In 1861, at the breaking-out of the late rebellion, he was among the first to offer his services to his country. In April (1861) he enrolled a company of men, which became Company A of the 19th Regiment, Ohio. He was appointed Captain of the company as soon as it became attached to the regiment. And while at Columbus, Ohio, they held an election of officers, where he was elected Major, then Lieutenant-Colonel, then Colonel. These promotions were all received in one day. After receiving his commission they soon marched to the scenes of battle, where he showed himself a man worthy of his command. He participated in many of the most prominent battles, such as Mission Ridge, Stone River, Chickamauga, Liberty Gap, Chattanooga, Nashville and others. After the battle of Stone River he was promoted to Brigadier General, and at the battle of Nashville was promoted to Major General for meritorious conduct. After serving his country till the close of the war he came back to Stark Co., where he has since resided. In March, 1862, he married Susan V. Graham, daughter of John and Susan Graham. She was born in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1839, and died in 1881. The General has one daughter, Mary. SAMUEL BRAUCHER, farmer; P.O. Massillon; was born in Somerset Co., Penn., May, 15, 1819; son of Daniel and Polly (Laub) Braucher, who moved to Stark Co. in 1824. They settled in Jackson Tp., close to where Mr. Braucher now lives. He owns a fine farm consisting of 240 acres, well improved, and in the highest state of cultivation. April 29, 1847, he married Miss Polly Lichtenwalter, daughter of Solomon Lichtenwalter. She was born in Jackson Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, and died July 17, 1879. After which Mr. Braucher married Matilda Hammer, daughter of Isaac and Nancy Hammer. Mr. Braucher's family were all born to the first wife, are-Solomon F., Daniel R., Sarah J., wife of John Rudolph; Clara, wife of J. J. Snyder; Rhomanis H., Charley H., Milton J. and two deceased. Mr. Braucher is a Democrat by birth and votes for principles, not men. He is a member of the Reformed Church. HENRY BACHTEL, farmer; P. 0. McDonaldsville; is son of Jacob and Catharine (Kershner) Bachtel, who were native of Washington Co., Md. Jacob was born March 29, 1770, and his wife, June 1, 1773. They were married March 24, 1793, and in same year removed to Bedford Co., Penn., where there were born unto them six children-Samuel, born June 8, 1795; Nancy, born July 8, 1797; Isaac, born July 10, 1799; Andrew K., born Aug. 21, 1803; Henry, born Dec. 18, 1805, and Polly, born about 1807. The subject of this sketch, Henry, is the only one of those children now living. Jacob Bachtel removed with his family to Stark Co. in the year 1810, and settled in Plain Tp., on Section 17, where they resided until their death; Jacob dying Sept. 22, 1823, and his wife Feb. 12, 1833. Mr. Bachtel and wife ranked among the most respectable families of Stark Co. Mr. Bach-tel, our subject, has been a resident of Stark Co. since 1810. He is a man of moral habits, and always takes part in all local improvements. He has served as Justice of the Peace for twenty-one years, and has held other minor offices of the township. In 1826 he married Margaretta Upp, daughter of Peter and Susannah (Winters) Upp She was born in York Co., Penn., July 6, 1806, and died Feb. 1, 1861, after which he married Mrs. Martha Everhard, widow of Jacob Everhard. Mr. Bachtel,s family were William W., deceased; Catharine, wife of J. W. McAbee; Samuel P., Hiram J., all born to first wife. MOSES CLAY, farmer ; P. 0. Massillon ; was born in Jackson Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Nov. 27, 1823. His father, Isaac, was a native of Pennsylvania, born about 1782, and came to Stark Co. in 1804, and settled in Plain Tp., one and a half miles from New Berlin, on 80 acres he and his brother David entered, which they paid for by splitting rails. While there he married Miss Mary Pennock, a native of Virginia, and in 1812 removed to Jackson Tp., JACKSON TOWNSHIP - 979 where he purchased 160 acres of unimproved land, which he soon improved and began farming on a larger scale. At the time of his death he owned 560 acres of well improved land, which was the fruit of many years of economy and hard labor. His nearest market place for many years was Cleveland and Pittsburg. His wife was the first to die, her death occurring in 1832, and his in 1852. Moses Clay, the subject of this sketch, is the sixth child of a family of seven. He remained at home all his life, and now resides close to the place where he was born, owning a part of the old homestead. In 1850 he married Catharine M. Madison, daughter of Otis Madison. She is a native of Virginia, but was mostly raised in Stark Co. Mr. Clay,s family are—Elvira I., wife of J. Pontius, Harvey B., Otis M., Frank M., Edward P., Emma I., Mary D., and Marshall F.; one deceased, Mary E. Mr. Clay owns 240 acres of well improved land within four miles of Massillon, and is a highly respected citizen of Stark Co. REUBEN ROLL, farmer; P. 0. Canton; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Nov. 15, 1823, and is the son of Samuel and Mary (Royer) Holl, who were also natives of Pennsylvania; the father born March 11, 1798, and mother July 4, 1801. In 1836 they removed to Stark Co., and settled in Lake Tp., and in 1837 they moved near New Berlin, where they followed farming until 1851 or 1852, when they retired from farming and removed to New Berlin, where they lived until the death of Mr. Holl, which occurred in February, 1866. His wife still resides at New Berlin, at the ripe old age of 80 years. Reuben is the third born of fourteen children; spent the early part of his life at home on the farm, and at the same time received a common school education; being an apt scholar h3 soon acquired an education that enabled him to teach school, which he followed most in the winter; having taught sixteen winter terms. In 1850 he removed to Jackson Tp., and engaged in farming, and at different times he followed surveying. In 1858 he took possession of his present farm, which was then rough and unimproved, but by hard work he now has 215 acres of as well improved land as there is in Jackson Tp. In 1848 he married Miss Eliza Roush, daughter of Godfrey and Elizabeth Roush. Nine children have been born to them, six living—William P., John H. city engineer at Canton; Daniel W., Mary E. wife of J. J. Zerbe ; Oliver W. Benjamin F. Those deceased are—Edward, Albert and Ephraim. SOLOMON LICHTENWALTER, farmer; P. O. Massillon ; was born in Adams Co. Penn., Dec. 4, 1797, and is the son of Abraham and Eve C. (Seager) Lichtenwalter, who were of German descent, and were born in Pennsylvania. In June, 1813, they removed to Stark Co., and settled close to Canton. In 1814 the father died, after which Mr. L. was dependent on himself to make his own way in the world. He followed whatever he could get to do. He married in 1824 Catharine Hane, daughter of Christian and Magdalene (Shook) Hane. She was born in Center Co., Penn., and died Aug. 16, 1861. Mr. Lichtenwaiter has raised a family of eight children—Solomon; Annie M. wife of Samuel Braucher; Sarah, wife of Martin Metz; .John J., William Henry, Christian, and Amanda, wife of W: Young. Samuel Lichtenwalter was born in Stark Co., Feb. 13, 1825, and was married Sept. 15, 1852, to Elizabeth Metz, daughter of Samuel Metz. He has four children—James, Sarah A., Maria F., wife of C. Oberlin, and Lizzie. J. LICHTENWALTER, farmer ; P. O. Massillon ; was born in Jackson Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1824 ; the son of Jacob and Mary (Minnich) Lichtenwalter, who came to this county in 1813, where they lived till their death, the father dying May 28, 1866, aged 77, and mother, Oct. 5, 1853, aged 56. Joseph, our subject, has been a resident of Jackson Tp. all his life, and has been engaged quite extensively in farming. His home farm consists of 160 acres of well improved land, with good buildings and everything necessary for farming. He also owns 179 acres outside of the home farm. The home farm was entered by his father. In 1852 he married Mary A. Braucher, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Laub) Braucher. Five children have been born to them—Jacob 0., Ida R., wife of A. Beal, Salome A., and Leo W., one deceased, dying in infancy. Mr. Lichtenwalter has served as Trustee and Assessor, and is always willing to take part in all local matter that are of interest to the community in which he lives. He and family are members of the church, and are in good standing in the neighborhood. 980 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ISABELLA NOBLE, widow of Thomas Noble, farmer ; P. 0. Massillon;, and daughter of Robert ad Isabella (Cooper) Noble, was born in Westmoreland, England, March 31, 1811, and was married to Thomas Noble in 1832, who emigrated to America in 1833, and settled in Jackson Tp. on the farm where she now resides. Mr. Noble was born in Westmoreland, England, Dec. 24, 1807. When he came to Jackson Tp. he bought 800 acres of land and engaged extensively in stock-raising, sheep being his specialty. He was a man of upright character and esteemed by all who knew him. He is still fresh in the memories of many that he has helped start in life, when money and other necessaries were hard to obtain. In December, 1847, he departed this life, leaving his widow and five children to mourn their loss, three of whom are still living—Thomas, in Illinois ; John, in Kansas ; Robert, a merchant in Illinois. The two deceased are, Isabella, wl.o was the wife of S. Harmount, and William. JACOB OBERLIN, farmer ; P. 0. McDonaldsville ; was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 4, 1817 ; is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Runk) Oberlin, Elizabethatives-of Lancaster Co., Ph atives-ofmoved to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1826, and settled in Jackson Tp. Father died in about 1850 and mother in 1872. Jacob Oberlin, the subject, has been a resident of the county and township since 1826. In 1845 he married Elizabeth Lutz, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Arnold) Lutz. Mrs. Oberlin was born in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1823. Mr. Oberlin has five children—Tsaac, Sarah J., wchildren—Isaacal; Mary A., wife of M. Slate; Elizabeth A., and Catharine A. Mr. Oberlin and wife are members of the Reformed Church, and he is a staunch Republican, P. J. PALMER, farmer ; P. O. McDonaldsville ; is the son of Michael and Jane (Duncan) Palmer, who were of German descent, father born in Maryland. He was a hatter by trade, having learned his trade at Chambersburg, Pa., after which he went to Funkstown, and opened up business for himself. About 1831 or 1832 he removed his family to Stark Co. and engaged in farming. His family are—Matilda, wife of John Pletz ; Peter J.; Melinda, wife of B. Ryan ; Margaret, wife of B. Williams ; George W., Lewis William ; Caroline, Mrs. Coryagon ; Emma, Mrs. Tryvalbiss, and Odell. The family are all living in other states but Peter J., our subject, who has lived in Jackson Tp. since 1832. In 1845 he married Caroline Page, widow of Oliver Page. Five children have been born to them—Wesley S., Edward, Alice J., Flora C., wife of J. Reed ; Cora E. ISAAC RUTHRAUUFF, farmer; P. 0. MassilloFFwas born in Franklin Co., Penn., Sept. 3, 1819, and is the son of John and Mary (Shriver) Ruthrauff; he born in Franklin Co., Penn., April 13, 1787, and she in Adams Co.. Penn., Aug. 17, 1787. They were married April 24, 1809, and removed to Maryland, where they lived until 1834, when they removed to Stark Co., Ohio, and finally settled 34- miles south of Canton, where Mr. Ruthrauff died November 14, 1837, and his wife, November 24, 1854. Isaac, the subject of this sketch, remained on the farm till of age, when he married, Sept. 28, 1854, Miss Nancy L. Correll, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lind) Correll, born in Adams Co., Penn., April 15, 1830. Her parents were natives of Adams Co., Penn.: father born 1787 and mother 1793. They came to this county in 1834, and settled four miles north of Canton, where they died, father in 1859 and mother in 1875. Mr. Ruthrauffs family are—John Ruthrauff's H., Mary E. wife of P. Young; Hurbert E., Ida J., and Edwin G.; one deceased, Hattie E. Mr. Ruthrauff is a member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife is a member of the Disciples' Church. Mr. Ruthrauff is a staunch Republican. J. W. REED, farmer; P. O. Crystal Springs; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 19, 1843. He is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Sprankel) Reed. He was born in Pennsylvania, July 27, 1810; she Sept. 12, 1819. In 1833 Mr. Reed came to Stark Co., and settled in the vicinity of Millport, Jackson Tp. In 1852, he, in company with Foss and Justice, built the McLain's Mills at Millport,McLain,sunty. He was a cooper by trade, which be followed for about thirty years. He was the father of ten children, of whom seven are living—John (deceased); Lewis, wounded at battle of Pittsburgh Landing, and died from the effects May 11, 1862; Margaret, James W., the subject of this sketch; Mary F.; Clara, wife of H. Smith; Kate, Jane (deceased); Alice, Jessie F. Mr. Reed departed this life Feb. 8, 1865. James JACKSON TOWNSHIP - 981 W., the subject of this sketch, was married June 23, 1870, to Miss Flora C. Palmer, daughter of Peter J. and Caroline Palmer. Six children were born to them—Flora and Dora, twins; Lewis J., Grace, Harry H. and Blanche. Mr. ,Reed was raised to farming, which has been his occupation till of late years. In 1874 he was appointed Postmaster at Crystal Springs, it being the first postoffice at that place. He has held the office since its creation, and has been engaged as business manager of the McLain Milts. JACOB RUDY, farmer; P. 0. McDonaldsville, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 17, 1808, and is the son of George and Elizabeth Rudy. Mr. Rudy came to Stark Co. in 1834, and first settled in Lake Tp., where he lived two years, then moved to where he now lives, and has remained there ever since. He is the owner of about six hundred acres of well improved land. In 1842 he married Miss Catharine Bachtel, daughter of Samuel Bachtel. She was born in Jackson Tp., and is the mother of three children, living; Henry, Mary A., wife of S. Kilinger ; Elizabeth, wife of M. Shaffer; and one died, Samuel. Mr. Rudy is a member of the Reformed Church, and is a Republican. HENRY SPRANKEL, farmer; P. O. Massillon; was born in Stark Co., Dec. 9, 1817, and is the son of Michael and Catharine Sprankel who were natives of York Co., Penn., and were of German descent. In 1815 they removed to Stark Co., and settled on Sec. 19, where they lived till their death. Mr. Sprankel has been a resident of the county all his life. In 1832 he married Susannah Howenstine, daughter of David and Magdalena (Cook) Howenstine. The children born to Mr. Sprankel were—Franklin, and John, deceased; Mary, wife of J. H. Ehie, deceased; Henry H., and Harriet, deceased; and Ellen, wife of H. S. Foltz. A. M. WEIDLER, M. D., McDonaldsville; was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 29, 1812; son of David and Elizabeth (Hallacher) Weidler. The Doctor began the study of medicine in 1833, and in 1835-36 he attended college at Philadelphia, and in 1838 came to Stark Co., and located at New Berlin, where he began the practice of his profession. In 1837 he married Ann M. Kluch ; she died in 1855, after which he married a daughter of Samuel Nunamaker; she was born in this county July 21, 1843, and is the mother of four daughters—Rosa A., Grace V., Ethel P., and Verona M. After making three or four moves, the Doctor finally settled in McDonaldsville, Stark Co., in 1874. 982 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP MRS. EVE ALLMAN, Navarre. This lady was born in Perry Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, 1812; she is the daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Smith) Stump, who came from Franklin Co., Penn., to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1808; they were enterprising, intelligent people, accustomed to hard work, and well calculated to reclaim a wilderness and endure the hardships and privations of pioneer life. (Full mention of them is made in the history of Perry Township). Mrs. Allman received but a meager education—only such as the log schoolhouses of that early day afforded; she was, however, well schooled in all domestic duties, in which our pioneer women excelled. She remained at home until her marriage with Mr. Barney Allman, which occurred in 1830. This gentleman was born in Franklin Co., Penn., in 1806, and, when 4 years of age, his parents came to this county; here young Allman was reared upon a farm, receiving the benefits of a common-school education; at the time of his marriage with Miss Stump, he had but little or no property; he and wife, however, went to work with a will, and, at the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 5, 1874, they had a finely improved farm of 147 acres, and were enjoying the fruits of a well-earned competency. Mr. Allman was well and favorably known throughout the county; he held the office of Township Treasurer fifteen years, besides other positions of honor and trust; the county would be much better off to-day had it more such men. He was the father of the following family of children, viz.: Margaret, Elizabeth, Agnes, Frederick S., Lucinda, James D., Mary C. and Margaret J. Mr. Allman, as well as his wife, were from early life members of the M. E. Church, and their lives were such as to reflect credit upon the church, their family and themselves. Mrs. Allman resides upon the- old homestead, and, although passing into the " sere and yellow leaf," is hale and healthy, and is calmly awaiting the last of all time. JAMES BEVARD, Navarre. This gentleman was born in Dalton, Wayne Co., Ohio, April 3, 1838; he is the son of James and Nancy (Kendrick) Bevard; the father was a native 9f Ireland, to which country, from France, his father, William Bevard, fled during the Revolution in the time of the first Napoleon; William Bevard died in Ireland, leaving his wife and three sons, who shortly afterward came to America, two of the sons locating in Canada, and the third, our subject's father, who located in Little York, Pa., where he was married, and in 1838 came to Ohio, and locating at Dalton, Wayne Co.; here he has since resided, and for the most part been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In his family were five children, four of whom are yet living; his wife died in 1878. Our subject lived at home and assisted upon the farm until about 13 years of age; he then went to Massillon, Ohio, to learn the tailor,s trade with Mr. John Lowe; he remained with Mr. Lowe five years, and then went to Canal Fulton, where he remained some two years, and then came to Navarre; he worked for a number of years for Bowers & Umstead, and at their deaths purchased the business, which he has since successfully run. He was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Gardner, Sept. 3, 1860; this lady was born in Navarre, Ohio, July 3, 1840; by this union there are three children, viz., Charles L., Myrtle E. and Edward M. Mr. Bevard was raised a Democrat, but has never voted with that party, and during the late war was a stanch Union man; he has a nice, comfortable home, and he and wife are among the best and most respected citizens of the village in which they live, HUGH D. BROWN, Navarre; was born in Franklin Co., Penn , March 25, 1821; he is a son of William and Mary (Early) Brown, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of four sons and one daughter. The mother died when Hugh D. was about 7 years old, and the following year BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP - 983 his father was killed; he had been a hotel-keeper up to the time of his wife,s death, and also had several teams on the road teaming; soon after his wife died, he sold his teams, for which he received quite a large sum of money; he went to live on a farm, and, while there sick, was one night taken from his bed and carried to a ravine a short distance from the house, where he was cruelly murdered; two of his neighbors were suspicioned, but their guilt was never proven. After Mr. Brown's death, Hugh went to live with a cousin, with whom he resided until 19 years of age. In 1844, he came to Ohio and took charge of quite a large tract of land belonging to his cousin. Mr. Brown has since purchased the property, and he now has 250 acres of well-improved land; there were but few improvements on the place when it came into his possession, and what improvements there now are were placed there by Mr. Brown. Feb. 13, 1846, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania April 10, 1823; to their union there were born five children—Davison and William, living; and Elmira J., Anjella E. and Sarah A., deceased. Mrs. Brown departed this life Aug. 17, 1866. Mr. Brown's second wife was Cynthia E. Kline, to whom he was married Oct. 12, 1868; this lady was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, Nov. 17, 1838; by this marriage there were born four children, the ones living being Ira E., Vesta V., Ida P.; and the one deceased is James IL Mr. Brown began as a poor boy, and he has made what he now has by his own exertions. In politics, he is a Republican, and, although in a strong Democratic township, has been twice elected Township Trustee. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and one of the leading citizens of his township. REUBEN S. BUCHTEL was born in the township of which he is now a resident Feb. 8, 1825; his parents were John and Magdalena (Sherman) Buchtel, and grandparents, John and Catharina (Snyder) Buchtel; his great-grandfather, John Buchtel, was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and at the age of 18 left his native country and emigrated to the United States; he located in Penn's Valley, in Center Co., Penn., where he lived many years. Our subject,s grandfather removed from that place to Ohio in 1811, the father of Reuben S. being 14 year old at that time; he stopped first. in Canton, then a small hamlet of log cabins, where he left his wife and family until he could find a tract of land suitable to his fancy; the beautiful valley of the Tuscarawas suiting, he located on Sec. 12, Range 9, in Bethlehem Township, choosing the east half of the section; it at that time was a wilderness, that took all the courage and perseverance of the pioneer to reclaim it from its wild estate; it was not long until the clear ring of Mr. Buchtel,s ax awoke the echoes, and his steady perseverance won a home in the wilderness. Seven years after his location, death claimed him, his widow continuing to survive him until 1836, when she, too, died. John, the father of Reuben, was one of four children, whose names are Henry, John, Julianna and Harmon; the daughter is the only one yet living. Mr. Buchtel lived and died on the home farm. He was married, in about 1821, to Magdalena Sherman, who bore him six children—Catharine, Reuben, Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth and Samuel; all are living, all are married, and all are living in Stark County. Mr. Buchtel died Jan. 29, 1868, and Mrs. Buchtel April 28, 1878. By trade, Mr. Buchtel was a cooper, but his chosen occupation was farming. In politics, he was Democratic, and a member of the Evangelical Church; he was an honest man, and an honored member of society. Reuben S. Buchtel, as was his father before him, was reared on the home farm; receiving but a common-school education in youth, his attention has never left his boyhood teachings. In 1848, he married Mary Burns, and to them were born five children—Martha J., Frances M., Mary E., Rachel N. and Sarah E. Mrs. Buchtel died March 2, 1862, of consumption; she was a kind and dutiful wife and a loving mother. Mr. Buda-tors second and present wife was Sarah Shellenburger, who was born in Bethlehem Township March 17, 1837; their marriage was solemnized Dec. 21, 1862. Mr. Buchtel started in life with but very little means at his command, but, by industry. and frugality, he has made a fine farm of 159 acres. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Reformed 984 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Church. Mr. Buchtel is a man of but very few words, his actions speaking louder than mere talk; he has assisted cordially in building the churches and schools of his neighborhood, and in all laudable enterprises is an active assistant. HON. THOMAS W. CHAPMAN, Navarre; was born in Brooke (now Hancock) Co., Va., June 18, 1814; he is descended from Low Dutch, Irish and English on his Grandmother Chapman's side, and of English and Scotch on the Chapman side. The family settled first near Martinsburg, Va., and afterward near Fairview, in Western Virginia. Our subject,s grandparents were George and Elizabeth (Swearengen) Chapman, and his parents were William and Elizabeth (Wilcox-ton) Chapman. William Chapman was born near Martinsburg, on Back Creek, Jan. 23, 1782; his wife, our subject,s mother, was born on Independence Day, July 4, 1785, in Montgomery Co., Md.; they were married in 1805, but this lady was Mr. Chapman's second wife, his first being Mary Chapman; there were no children born to the first marriage, but to the second there were born nine, three of whom are yet living, our subject being the only son. The parents came from Virginia to Ohio in 1845, locating in Bethlehem Tp., Stark Co., where they resided until their respective deaths. Mr. Chapman was a Democrat, and he and wife were of the Old-School Presbyterians in religion; they were honest and well-respected people, and, from the time he first commenced dividing his property among his children, he was estimated to have been worth $75,000. Mr. Chapman died April 5, 1875, aged over 92, and Mrs. Chapman March 5, 1878, aged over 87. The one who forms the subject for this sketch received a good common-school education; he came from Virginia tb Ohio in 1839, and has remained in the State, to a greater or less extent, ever since. June 30, 1836, he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Warner, daughter of George Warner, Sr., and by her had a family of six —Abraham W., William M. (deceased), Clara (wife of Oliver Yost, of Perry Township), Maria E. (wife of Levi S. Smith, whose biography accompanies this work), Elizabeth E. (wife of Prof. 0. A. S. Hursh, of Tiffin, Ohio), and Eva A. (wife of Rev. J. H. Steele, of Ashland County). Mrs. Chapman was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Oct. 3, 1817. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Chapman farmed the old Chapman homestead in Virginia for three years, and then came back to Ohio and disposed of 320 acres of unimproved land in Ashland County, after which he purchased his present farm, on which he has resided to the present; he now owns 160 acres of fine farming and grazing land, a portion of which is underlaid with a four-foot vein of excellent limestone; his present occupation is farming and stock-raising. Mr. Chapman was one of the first farm-erg of Bethlehem Township who early began the importation of blooded stock; his first shipment of sheep was made in 1856, when he imported twenty-four head of Spanish sheep, principally of the Atwood stock, at a cost of $1,200; he has also taken considerable pains in the breeding of fine horses and cattle, and has done more in the building-up of blooded stock than perhaps any man in the township. Mr. Chapman and his youngest son, who is now dead, were quite extensively engaged in sheep-raising in Illinois at one time. He and wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Chapman is a stanch and leading Democrat of his county and township. Besides many other positions of honor and trust in the gift of that party which he has held, he was selected to represent the counties of Stark and Carroll in the State Senate in 1858 and 1859, which he did with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. Chapman is one of the most prominent men of Southern Stark County. . GEORGE H. CROSS, Navarre; is a native of Lancaster, Penn., his birth occurring March 12,1846; he is a son of John and Eliza (Hawkins) Cross, both of whom were natives of England, but were married after their arrival in Pennsylvania, and resided there until their arrival in Navarre, Ohio, in 1857. Mr. Cross was a chandler by trade—a business he followed both in England and America. On the breaking-out of the rebellion, in 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 19th 0. V. I., and participated in a number of leading engagements; at the battle of Stone River he received a severe wound, and was carried off BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP - 985 the field to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he died Jan. 18, 1863. To his marriage with Miss Hawkins there were born a family of seven—George H., Joseph J., Charlotte M., Mary A., William A., Louisa M. and Thomas F. The mother is yet living, and resides in Navarre. George H., our subject, received a common-school education in youth, and, when 13, commenced life,s battles on his own responsibility; he continued his father,s business — candle-making -- together with farming, until 17 years of age; in 1863, he went to New York City, where he engaged his services to Kuh & Silverman, wholesale clothing merchants, with whom he remained until 1875, and then came to Navarre and engaged in the dry goods trade, where he has since resided, as one of the town,s leading merchants. His success in business is due mainly to his energy and close attention to business; he carries a stock of about $5,000, and, in connection with his trade, carries on merchant tailoring. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and is a Republican in politics. He was married, April 17, 1878, to Miss Sarah Blinker, who was born in Stark Co., Ohio, June 10, 1854. ALEX GARVER, druggist, Navarre; was born in the village of Navarre, Ohio, Feb. 24, 1839; he is a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Weisbroad) Garver, the former being a native of Baden, Germany,. and the latter of Berne, Switzerland. The father was a carpenter by trade, and, When a young man, went to Switzerland to obtain more work, aid while there married our subject's mother. He resided in this beautiful little republic until about 1834, when, seeing thousands of his countrymen flocking Westward, he determined to cross the Atlantic with his family, to that new El Dorado that was draining Europe of all its freedom-loving people; he located in Navarre, Ohio, on his arrival in the United States, and for a time found employment on the Ohio Canal; for many years preceding his death, he worked at his trade, and at one time, while building a dam across the Tuscarawas River, was severely injured by an accident. Previous to the breaking-out of our great civil war, Mr. Garver advocated the Democratic cause, but, when he saw Republicans adher ing with fidelity to the Union, his views changed, and he became a Republican, and as such remained until his death. He was an honest, upright citizen, and a man highly esteemed by all who knew him; his death occurred Oct. 28, 1879; his widow still survives him, and resides in Navarre. Alex Garver is one in a family of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living; when 12 years of age, he began working in a hotel in his native village, but, at the end of three years, discontinued this and entered the employ of Dr. Leeper as clerk in his drug store; at the end of six years, he purchased the stock of his employer, and has ever since continued the business. Jan. 1,1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Chrissie Stahl, and to their union were born three children—Laura G., Milton S. and Cora B.; the last named is dead. Mrs. Garver was born in Navarre, Ohio, May 9, 1842. In 1860, Mr. Garver was appointed Postmaster at Navarre, a position he has since held, with the exception of a short time during President Johnson,s administration; he has held various town and township offices; is a stanch Republican in politics, and a successful business man. JOSEPH GOEPFERT, Navarre. This gentleman was born in Alsace, France, in 1821; he is one of a family of four-children born to John and Mary (Hartman) Goepfert. When Joseph was a small boy, his father died, and in 1835 the mother, with the family, came to the United States. They stopped for about a year in New York, and then came to Ohio and located in Stark County. The family were in limited circumstances, and for some years endured numerous privations and hardships. The mother died in 1862; she was a woman of great executive ability, a kind and loving mother. and a consistent Christian. Joseph, during his youth, received but little education; as he grew older, he saw the need of an education, and, by applying himself to his studies at odd times, acquired quite a good education. When about 19 years of age, he began working on the Ohio Canal, in the employ of the State; he remained in the employ of the State some eighteen years, his services being highly prized; few men have done more honest work for the State than Mr. Goepfert, and few 986 - BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCHES: have the confidence of the people to a greater extent. He was married, in 1842, to Miss Margaret Armstrong, who was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, June 10, 1816; five children were born to this union—Joseph, Matilda and Melissa, living; Jobn and Mary, deceased. Mrs. Goepfert died in 1880. Mr. Goepfert was married to Mrs. Mary Halterman July 5, 1881; she was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 1825. Mr. Goepfert began life as a poor boy, and is, in the fullest sense of the word, a self-made man; he owns 109 acres of well-improved land; he is a Democrat in politics, and has held positions of honor and trust in Bethlehem Township. The county would be much better off had it more such men as Mr.Goepfertt.   WILLIAM C. GRANT, Navarre; was born in Washington Co., Penn., Feb. 23, 1818; he is one in a family of fourteen born to Joseph and Margaret (Crawford) Grant; Joseph Grant, his father, was a native of New Jersey, from which State he removed with his parents when about 2 years old; during the spring of 1833, he came to Stark Co., Ohio, locating in Sugar Creek Township, where be began farming, and where he resided until his death, on the 7th of December, 1864, aged 76 years; his widow died May 6, 1879. Mr. Grant was a sober, hard-working man, and an exemplary citizen; he started in life poor, but showed sufficient business sagacity to leave 400 acres of land at his death. Up to Van Buren's administration, he was a Democrat, but from that time to his death he voted with the Whigs and Republicans. He was a man of sound judgment, with a deep sense of honor and uprightness. William C. Grant was reared upon a farm, receiving a common-school education. At the age of 23, he commenced clerking in a store in Navarre, at which he continued about a year; he then commenced the life of a drover, buying horses, cattle and sheep, and then driving them across the country to Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Lancaster, where he Would dispose of his property at a handsome profit; lie continued in this for some fifteen years, during which time he had saved a sufficient amount of his earnings to invest in real estate at different times, until he now has 1,300 acres of land, 465 of which are in Stark County, 380 acres in Knox Co., Ohio, and the rest near Lansing, Mich. For the past twenty years, he has farmed, raised stock and dealt in real estate. He was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Johnson April 16, 1850, and to them were born six children—. James J., Edward L., Horace S., Della, William V., and Mary I., deceased. Mr. Grant is a Republican in politics, but has steadily refused to take an active part, as he wished to confine his attention to his farm. He is a progressive and enterprising citizen, and one of the best farmers and citizens of Bethlehem Township.   ROBERT HUG, lumber dealer and planing-mill, Navarre; was born in Switzerland, Canton of Solothurn, Nov. 9, 1840; his parents, Jacob and Trace Hug, were both natives of Switzerland, and Mr. Hug is yet a resident of his native country, employed in the capacity of Postmaster. Robert Hug is one in a family of eleven children, eight of whom are yet living; he attended his native schools until 17 years of age, and then commenced learning the carpenter’s trade, at which he served until he had thoroughly mastered all the difficult parts of that trade. In 1868, he emigrated to the United States, and since his arrival has steadily continued at his chosen occupation. In 1874, he purchased the old foundry at Navarre, and, by placing in the latest and best-improved machinery, has made it one of the best planing-mills in the whole country; he has also had affixed a large cider-press, that has a capacity o f 150 gallons per day. Besides the planing-mill, Mr. Hug has established a lumber-yard in Navarre, and, with the two combined, carries on quite an extensive business. In 1871, he was united in marriage with Catharine Hug, who was born in Navarre, Ohio, April 17, 1848; their union has been blessed with one child, Otto. Mr. Hug is a Democrat in politics, and is an enterprising, intelligent citizen.   MRS. ANNA M. KEEHN, Navarre. Among the old and respected pioneer women of Stark County, none are more worthy of special mention than the subject of this brief sketch. She was born in Canton Township, this county, Oct. 11, 1807; her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Kaufman) Reed, were natives   BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP - 987   of the Keystone State, where they were raised, married, and resided until 1806, when they came to this county and located in Canton Township, where they remained some years, and then came to Bethlehem Township, which they ever afterward made their home. At the day when these sturdy people settled here, the country was a dense wilderness, inhabited by Indians and all manner of wild beasts; the log cabin, chinked with mud, with its puncheon floor, greased-paper windows and mud-stick chimney, afforded the best habitation for these brave adventurers; their furniture was of the rudest kind, and their clothing was of the coarsest material—of home-spun flax and wool, warm and durable, and at that time fashionable. In Mr. and Mrs. Reed's family were twelve children, eight of whom are yet living, and who are respected members of the communities in which they live. Mrs. Anna M. Keehn lived at home until her marriage with Mr. Jonathan Keehn, which event took place in 1830. Mr. Keehn was a native of Berks Co., Penn., where he was born in 1805; in 1810, his father, George Keehn, came to this county with his family, and located in Bethlehem Township, on the farm which Mrs. Keehn now owns and resides upon; it was upon this farm that Jonathan passed his youth and early manhood, assisting his father; after his marriage, he took charge of the- farm, caring for his parents during their old age, and until their respective deaths; he was a well-educated man for that day, and one of more than ordinary intelligence; he favored and liberally contributed to all enterprises that had a tendency to build up the community in which he lived, or benefit his family or fellow-man; he held a number of positions of honor and trust, and was highly esteemed by his friends and neighbors; he was the father of the following family of children: Susan, Elizabeth, Sarah, George, Mary, Melinda and Caroline, living; Catharine, Magdalena and David, deceased. Mr. Keehn departed this life July 14, 1868; his widow survives him, at the advanced age of 74 years; she has always been a true wife, loving mother, and useful member of society, ever sharing, with patience and fortitude, all Mr. Keehn,s adversities, and rejoicing with him in his prosperity, to which she, by her kind co-operation and interest to the fullest extent contributed. She, with four of her daughters, resides upon the old homestead, surrounded with the comforts of a well-earned competency. The daughters, like their parents before them, are useful members of society, having the respect of all who know them.   JOHN KEEHN, V. S. ; Navarre. This gentleman was born Dec. 6, 1822, in Bethlehem Township, this county; he is the son of John and Eizabeth (Traul) Keehn, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. George Keehn, grandfather of our subject, was born at Reading, Penn., May 7, 1766; his wife, Susan Shaker, was also born at Reading, Aug. 15, 1767; they came with their family. to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1815, landing in Bethlehem Township on the 20th of September, and settled on Sec. 9 in that township, where they passed the remainder of their days. John Keehn, Sr., was born near Reading, Penn., March 2, 1789; his wife, Elizabeth Traul, was also a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born Feb. 17, 1790; they also came to this county in 1815, and settled on Sec. 9 in Bethlehem Township; they were hard-working, intelligent people, and raised a family of five sons and three daughters. Mrs. Keehn died May 8, 1848, and her husband Sept. 2, 1853. Our subject was raised upon a farm, receiving but a very limited education, for, from a small boy, he was put to hard work, and his chances for obtaining an education were few. He was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Gerber Aug. 6, 1848; this lady was born in Canton Township, this county, Oct. 1, 1827 ; their union has been blessed with the following family of children, viz.: Aaron, Sarah, John, Elizabeth, Christina, Levi and Catharine. Mr. Keehn now owns the old home farm of 190 acres, which he has nicely improved, and which, for most part, he has obtained by his own exertions. When quite a small boy, he began treating horses and cattle for different diseases; he was so uniformly successful that he soon had a good practice; he purchased books, and, by hard study and close observation, he has become one of the most successful veterinary surgeons in the county; his practice extends over this, Holmes and   988 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:   Tuscarawas Counties, and his services are so frequently sought that he finds it difficult to attend all cases where his services are required; he is a close student of pathology, and uses only new and rational remedies, discarding all the old fogy notions common to the practice. He is a Democrat, and a useful and honored citizen.   WILLIAM C. KLINE, Navarre; was born in York Co., Penn., Sept. 15, 1829; he is a son of John and Matilda (Haines) Kline, the former being of German and the latter of English descent; the father was a blacksmith by trade, but kept a hotel for some years in Little York, Penn.; he is yet living, his occupation being farming. William H. Kline, our subject, is one in a family of eleven children; having but few advantages in youth, he received but a common-school education. When 21 years of age, he began coopering, and for twelve years followed that business in his native State. In 1864, he came to Marietta, Ohio, and began prospecting for oil; after following this for some time, Mr. Kline failed, losing his all in the enterprise. In 1866, he came to Strasburg, Tuscarawas Co., where he purchased a farm and settled down; after a time, he was induced to take charge of a brewery in Parkersburg, W. Va.; after a few months, he disposed of his property and then returned to his farm at Strasburg, where he remained farming until 1868, and, in connecion with farming, carried on a hotel and sawmill afterward at Dearduff Mills, in Tuscarawas County. In 1873, he came to Navarre and took charge of the Navarre House, and, after three and a half years, sold out and engaged in coopering, at which he has extensively engaged ever since; he now has a force of about fifteen men employed in his factory, and they make from 1,000 to 1,200 barrels per week; the past season, he made) over forty thousand barrels. He married Rachel L. Learning, Feb. 19, 1856, and she was born in Wakefield, Md., Aug. 2, 1834; they have had born to them six children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Sarah, Marian, William, Charles and George.   JOHN J. KRICHBAUM. This gentleman was born in the township in which he now resides July 14, 1830; he is the grandson of John Krichbaum, who came from Pennsylvania with his wife and six sons and two daughters, and located on Sec. 13, in this township, in 1813. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Thomas Traul, who came to this county from Pennsylvania in 1814, and purchased a piece of land adjoining Mr. Krichbaum,s; in his family were three sons and four daughters. Of the fifteen children in the paternal and maternal grandparents' families, but three are now living. The Krichbaums and Trauls underwent all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, and it is to such people as these that the people of to-day enjoy the blessings that surround them; their descendants to-day are among the most useful and honored citizens of the county, fully attesting to the morality and wisdom of the original stock. Our subject's parents, John and Hannah (Traul) Krichbaum, were raised amid the wild surroundings of their wilderness homes; they were married in Stark County, and to them were born a family of six sons and one daughter, five of whom are now living. The father died June 28, 1872, and the mother April 30, 1874; it can truly be said of them that they were among the most intelligent and progressive people of their day, and. that the country would be much better off had it contained more such people. John J. Krichbaum received a common-school education, and remained at home assisting his father until he was of age; he then learned the carpenter's trade, which, for most part., he has since followed; he has built, during his life, over sixty bank barns, besides numerous dwelling houses and other buildings; he is a complete master of his trade, and his services are eagerly sought; perhaps there is not a man in the county who has built as many barns as Mr. Krichbaum. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Buchtel Sept. 21, 1854; this lady was born in Bethlehem Township, this county, in 1832; from this union there is one child, viz., Joseph F. Mr. Krichbaum is a Democrat in politics, though liberal in his veiws. He is an honored member of society, and a useful citizen.   JOHN LOEW, merchant, Navarre; was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, Oct. 11, 1830; he is a son of Augustine and Elizabeth (Gnau)   BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP - 989   Loew, who were natives of Germany and parents of three children; the father was a farmer in the old country. In 1854, he, together with his family, emigrated to the United States, locating at Navarre, Stark Co., Ohio, where he died the year of his arrival. The subject who forms the head of this notice left his native home two years previous to his parents, emigration, and commenced working at, the cooper's trade; after his father's death, in 1854, he took the head of the family. He was married, in 1856, to Margaret Rhein, and by her had two children—Philip, living, and Mary, deceased. The mother was born in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1833, and died in 1859. Mr. Loew,s second and present wife was Catharine Smith, to whom he was married in 1867: to this union was born one son, William. Mr. Loew followed coopering until 1869, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Navarre, at which he has since been engaged; he is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church; he has held all the township offices, and has been Justice of the Peace twelve years; he now is a commissioned Notary Public, and is always ready and willing to do anything in his line of business that he may be called upon to perform. Mr. Loew is one of the best and most enterprising citizens of -Na varre; he has been very liberal in his donations to educational, charitable and religious enterprises, and he is one of the prncipal contributors to the new Catholic Church; he began in life a poor boy, and in every sense of the word he is a self-made man.   MASE FAMILY, Navarre. Michael Mase and his wife, Christina Spangler, were both -natives of the Keystone State, their native county being Lebanon; they were married in Pennsylvania and, in 1831, to better their circumstances, came to Stark Co., Ohio, locating in Sugar Creek Township; they here purchased 80 acres of one Jacob Fisher, for which they were to pay $700; after residing in Sugar Creek Township four years, they sold out and removed to Bethlehem Township, where they ever afterward resided. Mr. Mase was a tailor by trade, at which he worked to a considerable extent, as his health was too bad for much out-door labor; he was a steady-going, honest, straightforward gentleman. In politics, he strictly adhered to the principles advocated by the national Democratic party, and in religious matters was a member of the German Reformed Church, having been Elder in that organization several years before his death; he died Oct. 13, 1858; his widow still survives him, and resides with Samuel Mase. There were born to Michael and Christina (Spangler) Mase a family of four sons—. Henry, born in Lebanon Co., Penn., Nov. 4, 1821; John, born in same county and State Oct. 3, 1827; Samuel, born in Bethlehem Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Sept. 5, 1835; and Jonathan, who was born Oct. 19, 1841, also in Bethlehem Township. The eldest, Henry, as were his three brothers, were raised on the farm, receiving but a common-school education; he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Kerns, Jan. 13, 1848; this lady was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 1, 1829; to their union were born one son and two daughters--Elmina, wife of William Stamm, of Portage Co., Ohio; Amos B., who married Miss Esther Baker, and resides on the home farm; and Christina, wife of Levi R. Lash, of Bethlehem Township. Mr. Mase has always followed farming, at which he has been quite successful; he now owns 121 acres of land; he has liberally given to his children, and is one of the prominent men of his township. John Mase was raised to hard labor. Feb. 19, 1850, he married Miss Elizabeth Knagy, daughter of Abraham and Susanna (Cease) Knagy, of Tuscarawas County; no children have been born to them, but, filling the void of which nature has deprived them, they have reared and educated four children; the first was Sarah Kendig, of Navarre,.now Mrs. William Deardoorf: the second was Rebecca Miller, now Mrs. Steward Hickman; the third was George Henry Knagy, who has since died; the last is Frank N. Beabout, who yet resides with Mr. Mase. This gentleman has made farming his chosen occupation; when he first started, he only had a team of horses, with the privilege of farming his father,s farm on shares; he now owns 155 acres, which he purchased in 1857, and on which he has resided to the present; he is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Reformed Church. Samuel Mase, the third son, is now living   990 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:   on and owns the farm on which he was born; his marriage with Miss Catharine Dinius was solemnized Dec. 27, 1857; this lady was born in Bethlehem Township Nov. 28, 1837; to their union there have been born two children —Simon P. and Mary E. Mr. Mase worked for his brother John at very low wages when he began for himself; he now has 290 acres of fine land in southern Bethlehem. Jonathan Mase, when 18 years old, was left fatherless, and a guardian appointed for him; he saved his earnings carefully until he reached his majority. He was married, Dec. 1, 1863, to Miss Martha L. Shell, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Leighly) Shell, who was born in Bethlehem Township July 8, 1839; their union has been blessed with the birth of three children—Robert F., born Sept. 11, 1867; Irene M., born May 15, 1870; and Samuel 0., 'born Dec. 21, 1873. Jonathan sold his interest in the old homestead, and in 1866 purchased his present farm, which consists of 107 acres; he is an enterprising man, and one of the leading citizens of his neighborhood. The present generation of the Mase family have not deteriorated from the good example set them by their father, the pioneer of that name in Stark County. The four sons are among the most prominent men in Bethlehem Township; like their father before them, they are Democratic in their political views, the most of them having held positions of honor and trust in the gift of that party; they have been hard-working men, having learned how to work, and how not to needlessly spend their earnings in youth; they liberally contribute to enterprises that have the appearance of a benefit to themselves. neighbors, or the community in which they_ reside. In conclusion, we can say that they are among the leading citizens of their township, and each family commands the respect of their neighbors and the community in which they reside.   JOHN P. MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Navarre; is a son of Peter and Barbara (Farnsler) Miller, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of a large family of eleven children. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were married in their native State, and after there were born to them three children they concluded to come West in order to better their circumstances; accordingly, in about 1810, they, together with two other families, pushed Westward into the wilderness until they reached what is now Perry Township, in Stark Co., Ohio, where they built a log cabin and commenced life as only the pioneers of early times know how; they lived here in peace with the Indians, clearing and improving their place and undergoing the usual hardships incident to pioneer life until the breaking-out of the war of 1812, when the Indians, incited by the British with whisky, commenced a general massacre of the whites on the borders; at one time, the news came Mr. Miller,s neighborhood that the Indians were coming, and many of the families, including that of Mr. Miller, gathered together what they readily could and commenced a rapid flight to the East; arriving in Pennsylvania in safety, they resided here about a year before they returned, and, during that time, our subject's birth occurred; on their return to Ohio, they found everything pretty much as it had been left. John P. Miller was born Jan. 19, 1813; his early years were passed on the home farm, during which time he received but a moderate education. In 1840, he married Maria Keplinger, and to their marriage were born the following family: William, Peter, Eliza, Lydia Ann, Mary E., Rebecca E., Clarissa C., Elizabeth M., James B., John C., and one who died in infancy. Throughout life, Mr. Miller had been known as a hard-working citizen; he started in life with but very little means at his command, put, by industry and perseverance, he has acquired a good home, embracing 100 acres of good land. In politics, he is a Democrat„ and he and wife are members of the U. B. Church. The Miller family are among the most favorably known in Bethlehem Township.   DAVID MENTZER, Navarre. 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 old residents of a locality, tracing their steps from homes of ease and comfort in the East to dangers and hardships amid the almost unbroken forests of the West. The subject of this sketch is a native of Washington Tp.,   BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP - 991   Franklin Co., Penn., his birth occurring July 16, 1814; he is the only child born to Joseph and Catharine (Hess) Mentzer; the father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Maryland; they were married in the latter State, but soon after that event took up their residence in Franklin Co., Penn. When David was 8 months old, his mother died, and his father took up his residence with his mother. David remained with his grandmother until 6 years of age, when his father died. In 1822, he went to Maryland with the purpose of living with his mother,s people, and, after a residence there of about two years, Mr. John Lind was appointed his guardian, with whom he resided until manhood. In 1827, Mr. Lind emigrated to Stark Co., Ohio, locating in Plain Township. Young Mentzer was hired out to the neighbors here, and for several years he worked faithfully for his employers, saving his money and getting a few months of schooling; when about 18 years old, he passed one entire year at school, under private instruction, after which he began to teach during. the winters, and in the summer farming, and. sometimes teaching. In about 1837, he had saved a sufficient share of his earnings to purchase 101 acres in Pike Township, which he 'gradually kept improving until about 1847, when he purchased 142 acres in Bethlehem Township, paying for the same $3,000; after this, Mr. Mentzer devoted his entire time to farming and stock-raising. He was married, Jan. 20, 1835, to Miss Elizabeth Essig, and by her had six children—Caroline, Elizabeth C. and Jacob E., living; and Louisa, Augusta and David L., deceased. Mrs. Mentzer was born in Plain Township Feb. 26, 1818. In 1860, Mr. Mentzer came to Navarre, and in 1861 engaged in mercantile pursuits; since his arrival in Navarre, he has also dealt quite largely in grain; the average annual amount of wheat purchased by him was about seventy thousand bushels, with oats, corn, etc., in a like proportion. Mr. Mentzer began life on his own responsibility, a poor boy; his present wealth indicates in him a business qualification rarely seen in men commencing as he did; he owns 304 acres of land in Bethlehem and Perry Townships, and valuable town property in Navarre; he has always liberally con- tributed to all public enterprises, and has given each of his children a good start in life. In politics, he has been a life-long Democrat. Mr. Mentzer is regarded as among the best citizens Bethlehem Township ever had. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and both his grandfathers soldiers in the Revolutionary war; his grandfather Hess was one of the Hessians employed by the British, but deserted at the first opportunity on his arrival in the United States, and then joined the Americans.   JACOB E. MENTZER, Navarre. This gentleman was born in Pike Township, this county, Dec. 24, 1846; he is the son of David Mentzer, Esq., whose biography appears in this work. Jacob E. lived upon a farm until about 16 years of age, receiving a good common-school education; he assisted his father in a store in Navarre some years, and then for two years, in connection with a brother-in-law, run the Rochester steam grist-mill; he has for some years been engaged in farming, stock-raising and grain-buying; from early boyhood, he has manifested a strong liking for the horse, and during his time has owned and raised some valuable specimens of this noble animal, and it can truly be said that in matters pertaining to the horse, his judgment is second to no man's in the county; on his farm will also be found as well-bred cattle, sheep and hogs as the township affords. He was united in marriage to Miss Alma Uhle May 22, 1879; this lady was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1859, and is the daughter of Dr. Herman Uhle, one of the most successful practitioners of medicine Stark County ever had. Mr. Mentzer was the first Mayor of Navarre, and has held the office of County Coroner. He owns a well-improved farm in Bethlehem Township of 159 acres; he is a genial companion, a progressive, enterprising gentleman, and a respected and useful citizen.   REV. FRANCIS METTERNICH, Navarre; is a native of Cologne, Germany, his birth occurring May 18, 1851; he is one in a family of seven children born to Francis and Odelia (Deutsch) Metternich, who were both natives of Germany, and where the father was a prominent railroad official. The subject of this biography attended the parish schools of his   992 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:   native country when a small boy, and later on entered college, receiving an excellent education. Through the influence of Father Joseph Stumpe, a former resident of Germany then on a visit from the United States, young Metternich was induced to return with him to the field of his labors in America in 1869. Soon after his arrival, our subject commenced preparing for the priesthood by attending St. Mary,s Seminary in Cleveland, and, May 31, 18'74, was ordained a minister of the Catholic Church; after his ordination, Father Metternich assisted in the congregation at Sandusky City for a period of eight months, and was then assigned the charge of the congregation at Kelly's Island, and, through his energy and devotion to the cause of religion, a church was built at Put-in-Bay, together with a large increase in the congregation. In 18'76, he came to Navarre for the purpose of reviving and building-up the church of that place; here he has since remained, and, by his Christian zeal and perseverance, has greatly strengthened and built up the church; through his instrumentality, in a great measure, a large and finely constructed brick church has been built. Though a young man, he is a fluent speaker and deep reasoner, and is doing much for the cause of Christianity in the field of his labors.   CAPT. W. A. MILLER, Navarre; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, May 7, 1844; he is one of four children born to Joseph and Hannah (Scott) Miller, who were also natives of Columbiana County, their parents being among the early pioneers of that locality. Our subject,s parents were married in that county, and soon after that event, Mr. Miller began the study of medicine, but discontinued it for a time, that he might enter the employ of the Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne Railway, after which he prepared himself more fully for the practice of medicine. After completing his studies, he located at Dixon, Ind., where he had a large and lucrative practice, and while there engaged in active work, he contracted typhoid fever, of which he died in 1854. Mrs. Miller returned to her native county, after the death of her husband, but soon removed to Mt. Union, Stark Co. Capt. Miller,s youth and early manhood was passed in working on a farm and going to school. In 1859, he entered the college at Mt. Union, where he remained some two years, and in his r th year began teaching. June 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, 13th 0. V. I., and was for three years in active service with his regiment, in the Army of the Cumberland; in June, 1864, he returned home, and was commissioned by Gov. Brough, of Ohio, a 2d Lieutenant, and as such began recruiting, at Alliance, Ohio, for the 189th O. V. I.; he soon obtained sufficient men, and after consolidating several squads, he was by them chosen Captain, and they were mustered into service as Company I, of the 178th O. V. I. Capt. Miller and his company were in active service and were in all the battles in which their regiment was engaged, up to the surrender of Johnston,s army, in North Carolina. Capt. Miller received his discharge June 28, 1865, at Charlotte, N. C.; he then returned home and recommenced his college course at Mt. Union, and after being there two years, went to Canton, where he organized the irregular department in the public schools, of which he had charge one year; he then accepted a position in the high school, where he remained about a year, and at the same time studied law under the direction of George E. Baldwin, of Canton. Failing health induced him to resign his position at that place, as well as to relinquish his studies. He then accepted a situation as special agent for the Ball Manufacturing Company, with whom he remained until 1869. He was united in marriage, Sept. 11, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth C. Mentzer, who was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 19, 1850. After his marriage he located in Navarre,. where he has since resided, engaged in mercantile pursuits. Capt. Miller is a Republican, and a member of the Masonic fraternity.   D. B. POCOCK, Navarre; was born in Baltimore Co., Md., Sept. 15, 1824; his father was Israel Pocock, a native of Maryland, and a manufacturer of woolen goods, and his mother was Ruth Gorsuch, also a native of Maryland. and they were parents of five children, who lived to man and womanhood. Our subject received a common-school education, and was raised, principally, to the same business in which his father was engaged. At the age of   BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP - 993   21, he commenced farming, and from that engaged in the grocery trade. In 1854, he came to Ohio, locating in Ottawa, Putnam Co., and after some years removed to Wooster, Wayne Co., where he engaged in the milling business; after a time he removed from Wooster to Shreve, and was there engaged in milling and hardware business; in 1879, he came to Navarre, and purchased the Rochester City Mills, which he has since successfully operated. This mill has a manufacturing capacity of seventy barrels per day, and is one of the best in the county. Mr. Pocock carries on merchant milling chiefly, shipping all his flour to Eastern markets. The mill is taxed to its utmost capacity, and is constantly running, both day and night. Mr. Pocock was married to Miss Susan Gorsuch, in 1849, and by her had eight children—Rebecca J., James F., Israel B., Elisha G., Margaret C., living, and Ruth E., Charles F. and Elizabeth, deceased. Mrs. Pocock was born in Baltimore Co., Md., in .1830. Mr. Pocock started in life a poor boy, and his present prosperity is due to his shrewd business management and honest dealings. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held various positions of honor and trust in the gift of that party.   B. F. REED, proprietor of the Reed House, Navarre; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., April 18, 1842; he is the youngest in a family of ten children, born to Samuel and Elizabeth Knepper) Reed; his father was a blacksmith by trade, but farming was his chief employment; for a number of years he served in the mines of Pennsylvania, as Master Miner. Benjamin F. Reed passed his youth and early manhood on his father’s farm, receiving a good education; at the age of 17, he entered the schoolroom as teacher, but only continued teaching for a short time; in 1863, he came West, to Ohio, and for one year worked at tanning, in Wooster; the succeeding six years, he employed his time in agricultural pursuits, in Wayne County, and in 1870 came to Pike Tp., Stark Co., where he still continued farming; in the fall of 1871, he went to Canton, and receiving from the post office department the position as mail-carrier, between Canton and Akron, he busied himself in the discharge of his duties for some months; in 1874, he came to Navarre, and took charge of the Rochester House. By the time his lease had expired the property was sold, and in 1878, Mr. Reed purchased the Navarre House, which has since been known as the Reed House. This house, without exception, is one of the best, and as such is receiving a large share of the public patronage. There is a livery stable in connection with the house, and commercial travelers find it convenient to go to inland towns, by livery, from this point. Mr. Reed was married, June 16, 1870, to Miss Jennie Shertzer, daughter of John and Barbara (Stands) Shertzer. This lady was born in Canton Township Aug. 16, 1851; their union has been fruitful of six children —Harry T., James, John S., Bessie, Winfield S. and Lewis. Mr. Reed is among the leading business men of Navarre; he takes an active interest in all laudable enterprises, and he and wife are esteemed citizens of their village.   RIDER FAMILY. Jacob Rider, a native of Germany, came to America previous to the Revolution, and settled in the colony of Virginia; he had a large family, one of whom, Jacob, came to Stark Co., Ohio, in the year 1814; his father remained and died in the Old Dominion, in what was then called by the early settlers, Shanadore (Shenandoah) Co., Va. In order to fully enjoy the delights which air and scenery afforded, where springs of water flow, he purchased the farm now owned by Jacob Bach, in Sugar Creek Township, two miles west of Navarre, which, in point of elevation, resembles the Blue Ridge of Virginia, overlooking the plains toward Massillon and Canton and the beautiful valley of the Tuscarawas, with many other picturesque views far o,er hill and dale,   " Surely as Tabor is among the mountains And Carmel by the sea This Ridge with fruits and fountains Is a pleasant place to be."   He was an eccentric individual, fond of the ardent, scrupuously honest in his dealings with his fellow-men, and when once his confidence was displaced by any one, that person was seldom, if ever, again taken into favor by him. He gave freely to the poor, and, like a good pioneer, was a sturdy yoeman, clearing   994 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:   up the wilderness under many disadvantages. For instance, he went to Zoar to mill, for flour, fourteen miles; hauled wheat to Cleveland with a wagon, through Akron, a distance of about sixty-five miles; there were no hotels; slept in a wagon; exchanged wheat for salt, leather, etc. Had a family of ten children; their names are William, Jacob, Jonathan, Levi, Absalom, Daniel, Barbara, Eliza, Margaret and Mary. Had three wives, nine children with the first, none with the second and one with the last. As the wheels of time moved on with noiseless tread, he died, and was buried in the family graveyard on his farm. Jacob Rider, son of this gentleman, was a child when he came to Ohio, and was brought up among the wild surroundings, receiving such education as the schools of that early day afforded. His occupation was saddle and harness-maker, which he learned with a Mr. William Bales, in McEaton and Canton. For 50 cents a day, he worked under Sweed & Wood, contractors, building the Navarre Lock on the Ohio Canal. In 1835, he was married to Miss Eliza Rickard, a daughter of James Rickard, in Sugar Creek Township, who came to Ohio from Maryland; her grandparents came from England. The results of this union was four sons and three daughters. Jacob Rider, soon after his marriage, was converted to God, in the dry goods store of Charles Po, now occupied by D. Mentzer & Co., and for many years, with Father James Gardener, John P. Miller, Thomas W. Chapman, Ephraim Kyle, John Denius, and others, was an active member of the German Reformed Church at this place. About the year 1855, he and his wife joined the United Brethren Church, after a grand revival meeting, which was conducted by Rev. Abraham Lemasters, who was one of God,s true noblemen. July 24, 1859, his wife died; she was a good, kind and affectionate Christian woman. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. John R. Shepler, of the United Brethren Church, a native of Bethlehem Township, now a resident of Louisville, this county. Her epitaph in the village cemetery reads as follows:   "But gentle gales of Gospel grace Can every evil soon erase, Blow off all sins to Eden's nod And waft the soul at last to God."   Father Rider kept the family together in the old home until the year 1867, when he, with his son, William, and three daughters, Elizabeth, Lucy and Mary, moved to his farm in North Eagle, Clinton Co., Mich. In the year 1870, he quit keeping house in Michigan, and returned to Navarre, making his home with his son, Daniel, in the old homestead, in the east end (Bethlehem). He took an active part in the services of the United Brethren Church, and with Father J. P. Miller, Joseph Siffert, Father Corl, Daniel Warstler, Martin Biddle, their families,_ and others, spent many pleasant seasons together, he being class-leader up to the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 27, 1874, in the old home and in the presence of nearly all of his family and many Christian friend., at the age of 63 years. His last words were: " Behold the Tree of Life." His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. D. M. Slusser, Pastor of the United Brothren Church. The following inscription upon his tombstone expresses the true sentiment of Christian regard, and serves to illustrate the high esteem in which he was held:   "Servant of Christ, well done, Rest from thy loved employ, The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy."   Remarks—During the rebellion, Father Rider. took a very strong political stand in favor of the Union and the Republican party. Before the war, he was a strong Democrat, and was elected Trustee of his township (Bethlehem) for several terms. The action of the Charleston Convention, causing a split in the Democratic party, thoroughly disgusted him, and he, with many friends and neighbors, voted for Abraham Lincoln and with the Republican party. He had four sons, three of whom served their terms of enlistment in the army during the war, and one three years in the regulars after the war. Alfred J. Rider, oldest son of Jacob Rider, was born in Bethlehem, in the house where all his brothers and sisters first saw the light,s early dawn of life—on the 27th day of November, 1838, and, was married, Dee. 20, 1857, to Miss Mary A. Wiseman, daughter of Jacob and Mary Wiseman, who were early settlers from Maryland, they having built the first dwelling-   BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP - 995   house in New Rochester, now Navarre; she was born in 1834. The results of this marriage are nine children; their names, William Homer (oldest son), Harry F., Jennie C., Jacob Clement, Edward S. W., Mary Nettie, Alfred Luke, Ella Isidora (oldest daughter) and Emma Lilly. The last two, precious jewels, are in that land of pure delight, where saints immortal reign. The occupation of A. J. Rider is harness-making, which he learned in his father,s shop, and now pursues in his native town. During the war, he served three years, in the 107th 0. V. I., Col. S. Myers' regiment; was mustered out of service July 10, 1865, in the city of Charleston, S. C., with his regiment. Elizabeth, oldest daughter, was born Oct. 14, 1840; died, unmarried, in the State of Michigan, 18T7. Lucy A. Rider was born March 19, 1843; married to Orlando Weimer, in Sugar Creek Township; has one child; resides near Wilmot. Daniel W. Rider was born March 9, 1845; learned the saddle and harness trade with his father in his shop; he was married to Miss Isabella Exline, in 1869; she was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, in 1848. From this union five children were born; two now living—James L. and John R. In 186'7, Daniel W. began business for himself, in his native village, where he has since remained and is now doing a good business, in the old stand where his father worked for many years. Served five months during the war, in the 162d 0. N. G. William Rider, third son of Jacob, was born July 6, 1846; learned the harness business with his father in Navarre; served three years in the 32d 0. V. I. After the war, went with his father to farm in Michigan, where he now lives, and carries on harness business for him. self. Silas A. Rider was born March 26, 1848; he also learned the harness trade with his father, after which he joined the regular army; served three years in the 45th Regiment, returned home, and was married to Miss Catharine Slutts, of Sugar Creek Township. Marshall, Olivia, Daniel and Elmer, and two other children, deceased, are the results of this marriage; his residence is Geauga Co., Ohio. Mary, the youngest child, was born Jan. 29, 1851; went with her father to Michigan, where she was married to a Mr. Cris Gridley, July 4, 1874; has one child; her home is in Kalamo, Mich.   GEORGE W. SHEPLER, Navarre. Mathias Shepler, grandfather of this gentleman, was one of the first settlers of Bethlehem Township, where he owned a large tract of land; was .an intelligent, enterprising citizen, a Democrat of the old school, and represented his State in the Twenty-fifth Congress; he was the parent of a large family of children, one of whom, John R., is the father of our subject. This son received such education as the common schools of that early day afforded; he married Miss Elizabeth Younkman, who bore him five children. A few years after the death of this lady, he was married to Miss Christina Beavers, who also bore him five children. Mr. Shepler has, for about forty years, been a minister of the Gospel in the United Brethren Church. He owns a large and well-improved farm in Bethlehem Township, upon which his son, George W. resides; he is engaged in ministerial labors at present, at Louisville and Alliance; he is an upright, Christian gentleman, respected by all who know him. George W. Shepler was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Nov. 30, 1856, his youth being passed upon his father,s farm. He was married to Miss Susan Way Dec. 2, 1875. This lady was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1854. By this union there is one child, viz.: Minnie A. George W. has had charge of his father,s farm for the past seven years, and is a successful farmer and stock-raiser; he is a young man of ability, respected by all who know him.   JOHN SHETLER, deceased. This gentleman was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1821. He was the son of John arid Elizabeth (Barnett) Shetler. The father was a native of Germany, but came to the United States, with his parents, when about 10 years of age. He was married to Miss Barnett in Pennsylvania, and resided there until 1816. when he moved to this county, and settled in Sugar Creek Township; here he remained some years, and then moved into Bethlehem Township, which he ever after made his home; he was always engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he was very successful. In his family were seven children, all of whom reached man   996 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:   and womanhood. " Uncle Johnny," as he was familiarly called, was known to all the early settlers as a man of great goodness of heart and sterling integrity; he was ever ready to help the poor and needy and contributed liberally to all educational and religious enterprises; he died in 1874. John Shetler, son of this worthy gentleman, was raised upon his father's farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouses of that early day. He was married, to Miss Sarah Birchfield, June 20, 1845. This lady is the daughter of John and Mary Birchfield, who were among the early settlers of Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and whose birth occurred in that county June 26, 1825. Soon after their marriage, they took up their residence in this county. They had but little to commence life with, but by hard work they acquired a goodly share of this world,s goods, and at the time of his death, which occurred May 9, 1876, he was one of the wealthiest men in Bethlehem Township; he never aspired to political prominence, although decided in his views, which he never failed to express at the ballot-box; he was an intelligent, Christian gentleman, favoring everything known to be right, and promptly rejecting everything known to be wrong. In his family were thirteen children, eight of whom are yet living, viz.: Emmanias, Jacob, David, Eli, Elizabeth, Naomi, Saloma and Emma. Those deceased were named Mary, Sarah E., Solomon, Isaiah and Charley. Since her husband,s death, Mrs. Shetler has resided upon the old homestead, which she has entire control of during her life-time. She is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, and has social and moral qualities of a high order. The family is one of the most intelligent in the township, and have the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.   ANTHONY SISTERHEN, merchant, Navarre; was born May 5, 1838, in Mueustermayfeld, Province of Rhine, Prussia; he is a son of Francis and Magdalena (Wennen) Sisterhen, a brief sketch of whom will be found in his brother Mathias' biography. Anthony was educated partly in Prussia, and partly in the United States. He learned shoe-making with his uncle, Peter, in Navarre, and after serving an apprenticeship of two years, went to Cleveland, and from there to Columbus, working at his trade in both places. In 1859, he went to New Orleans, where he remained about a year, and then removed to St. Louis, where he remained until the spring of 1861, and then worked in Springfield and Bloomington, Ill., for a few months. The summer of 1861 found him in Chicago, working at his trade. Here he enlisted under the first call of President Lincoln for troops, but after spending some time at Camp Yates, at Springfield, they were sent back to Chicago and were never mustered into service. He remained in Chicago until the summer of 1862, when he removed to Bolivar, Tuscarawas Co., and at the end of about a year located in Navarre, where he has since resided. He here opened a store and at the present writing has one of the best business rooms of any house in the village, and a lucrative and increasing trade in the boot and shoe business. In 1863, he was married to Miss Sophia Zehringer, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1843. To their union were born five children—Gustave A., Charles W., Clara M., Laura R. and Annie M. Mr. Sisterhen has held the office of Township Trustee six years. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church; he started out in life with nothing, but by industry and close application to business, has acquired a first-class business with valuable town property.   MATHIAS SISTERHEN, Navarre; was born in the town of Muenstermayfeld, Province of Rhine, Prussia, Oct. 4, 1843; he is a son of Francis and Magdalena (Wennen) Sisterhen, who were natives of Prussia, and parents of five children, three of whom died before the family came to the United States. Mr. Sisterhen was a shoe-maker by trade, a business he pursued both in this and the old country. In 1854, he left his native country, with his family, and came to the United States, locating in Navarre, Ohio, where Mr. Sisterhen worked at his trade until his death, which occurred March 8, 1877; his wife died Feb. 22, 1873. They were hard-working, sober and intelligent people, and were regard ed with esteem by all who knew them. Mathias Sisterhen received a good common-school education, and when 1'7 years old be-   BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP - 997   gan working at shoe-making, a business he has followed, to a greater or less extent, ever since. In connection with his trade, Mr. Sisterhen has represented various insurance companies. At the present, he is specially identified with the Home Insurance Company of Columbus, and the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Massachusetts. He also represents other first-class life and fire companies. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of St. Clement's Church of Navarre, and is President of the Aid Society of the same church of which he is a member; he was elected Councilman of the village of Navarre, upon its incorporation, which he held until 18'76, when he was elected Mayor, and has retained that office to the present; he has also held the office of Justice of the Peace, and in all his public offices he has discharged the duties devolving upon him to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Zeimet, June 26, 1866, and their union has been blessed with five children—John F., Charles E. and Florence T. living, and Frederick W. and George A. deceased. Mrs. Sisterhen was born in Belgium, Province of Luxemburg, Jan. 10, 1843.   LEVI S. SMITH, Navarre. Among the honored pioneers of Stark Co., Ohio, who assisted in felling the forests and preparing for the generation to follow, the inestimable blessings they now enjoy, none is more worthy of especial mention than Daniel and Catharine (Miller) Smith, parents of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Smith was a native of Franklin Co., Penn., his birth occurring Nov. 5, 1800. By trade, he was a butcher and carpet-weaver, but his chief employment through life was farming. In about 1827, he emigrated to Tuscarawas Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, and the year following his arrival, married her who afterward became his partner in the joys and sorrows, privations and self-sacrifice that followed for many years. To their marriage there were born Harriet, Jacob, Levi, Lydia, John, Mary Ann and Peter. Mrs. Miller was born Aug. 13, 1810, and is yet living in Stark Co., Ohio. Mr. Miller was a poor boy when he came to the county; he was a good scholar in both the English and Ger man languages, and a man well calculated to become one of the leaders in an enterprise of any kind. He was a Democrat in politics, a member of the German Reformed Church, and a sober, honest and upright citizen; his life was a pure and upright one, and but few men at the time of their deaths left as many friends and as few enemies. His death occurred April 11, 1875. Levi S. Smith was born in Tuscarawas Township, Aug. 28, 1840; he has resided on the farm from youth to manhood, going to schools in winters and assisting at home in the summers. At the age of 14, he began applying his mind to his studies, more especially with the view of entering the school-room as teacher. This advancement he acquired by the determination to succeed, together with the encouragement of his parents and teacher. When 21, he first began teaching, and since then has taught a number of terms, in all cases giving excellent satisfaction. He was married, to Miss Mary E. Chapman, Oct. 27, 1868, and by her has two children—Marion Chapman, born Nov. 8, 1870, and Edith Charlotte, born Aug. 4, 1875. Mrs. Smith was born in Bethlehem Township, Aug. 6, 1845. Mr. Smith owns a farm of 76 acres of well-improved land, which is partly y underlaid by a four-foot vein of the best Massillon coal, at which they are now engaged in working. In politics he is Democratic, and he is an intelligent and well-posted citizen.   JOSEPH SNIVELY. This gentleman was born in Perry Township, this county, Jan. 18, 1828; he is the son of Joseph and Catharine (Sherman) Snively. The father was a native of Franklin Co., Penn., and the mother of Switzerland; She came when a child to this country, with her parents, who settled in the Keystone State, where she was raised, and married to Mr. Snively. In 1812, they came to Stark Co., Ohio, and settled in Perry Township, upon the farm now owned by John Snively, Esq., in that township. Ten children were born to them, nine of whom reached their majority. John Sherman, father to Mrs. Snively, had come to this county the year before Mr. Snively, and in the year 1812 sold his improvements to Mr. Snively, and then purchased a place in Bethlehem Township,   998 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:   where he ever afterward resided. Mr. Snively always .followed farming, a business he was very successful at; he and wife were progressive, industrious people, and enjoyed the esteem of all who knew them; they underwent all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, and materially aided in the development of the county, morally, intellectually and otherwise. Mr. Snively died in 1839, and his widow in 1864. Our subject received a common-school education, and when 15 years of age began working at the shoe-maker,s trade; when 19, he went to Pennsylvania, where he remained some three years, working at his trade; he then returned to this county, and on the 1st of March, 1851, was united in marriage with Miss Anna Gerber. This lady was born in Canton Township, this county, May 18, 1830. The fruits of this union were six children, five of whom are yet living, viz., Susanna, Jacob H., Abraham, Har- riet and William F. Mrs. Snively departed this life March 22, 1879; she had been a faithful wife, loving mother, and with patience and fortitude shared her husband's adversities, and rejoiced with him in his prosperity, to which she, by her kind co-operation and interest, to the fullest extent, contributed. On the 12th of December, 1880, Mr. Snively was married to Miss Priscilla Snyder, a native of Bethlehem Township. Mr. Snively began life as a poor boy, and has made what he now has by hard labor, combined with honesty and close attention to business; he is a Democrat politically, but liberal in his views, voting for men and measures, and not for party; he owns 300 acres of well-improved land; he is one of the most successful and practical farmers in the county; the country would be much better off had it more such men as him.   DAVID WHITMIRE, Navarre. This gentleman Was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Oct. 3, 1818; he is the son of Abraham and Mary (Wolfkill) Whitmire, both of whom were natives of Maryland, where they were raised and married. Soon after this they took up their residences in Pennsylvania, remaining there until 1834, when they came to this county; they were the parents of ten children, three of whom are yet living; the parents were intelligent and highly respected people; they endured all the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life and aided greatly in bettering their neighborhood, morally, intellectually and otherwise; they were true representatives of that class of pioneers who better a country and help to open the way for churches, schools, etc., etc. The mother departed this life in 1849, and the father in 1863. David Whitmire was brought up on a farm; he received a good common-school education, and during his early manhood taught three terms of school. When he reached his majority, he took charge of the home place, and from that time cared for his parents until their deaths. He was united in marriage, to Miss Elizabeth Reed, in 1838; she was born in Pike Township, this county, June 6, 1819. The fruits of this union were eleven children, six of whom are now living, viz., Helena, Mary, Catharine, Elizabeth, Abraham and John; those deceased were Nancy, Mary M., David A., and two that died in infancy. Mr. Whitmire has always remained upon the old homestead, which he farms and has improved in a very creditable manner. He is a Democrat in politics, and by that party has been called upon to fill positions of honor and trust in the township; he is an intelligent, progressive gentleman, respected by all who know him.   DANIEL J. YOUNKMAN, Navarre; was born in Pike Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, June 7, 1813; he is a son of Jacob Younkman, who was born born in Germany in 1791, and grandson of Daniel and Catharine Younkman, who were also natives of Germany, and who came to the United States in 1797, locating in Pennsylvania. Our subject,s parents were in very good circumstances in Germany, but to avoid the war the) left everything they had, which was afterward confiscated, and fleeing to the seashore, embarked for America, agreeing to give six years, service for their passage across the ocean. After arriving in Baltimore they were sold to a man by the name of Range, for the six years, and after serving faithfully the specified time, they resided in Pennsylvania until 1810, when, to better their circumstances, they came West to Ohio, settling in the wilderness of Perry Tp.,   WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 999   Stark Co. ; they remained here some two years, and then removed to Pike Township, where Jacob, our subject,s father married Mary Shell in 1812. In 1815, the two families sold out and removed to our subject,s farm, where they erected a log cabin and began pioneer life in earnest. On their arrival in the county, it was all woods, at considerable intervals being little log cabins, in the midst of small clearings, that the more courageous pioneers had formed. Life here was an incessant warfare with bears, wolves and other wild beasts. When at labor in the fields the settlers were deemed unsafe unless the trusty flint-lock was handy, and at night stock had to be housed in order to keep them from the ravages of wild beasts. Through such scenes our subject was raised, the greater portion of his time being passed in hard labor on the farm. At that early day, when distilleries were to be found at almost every cross-path, his father was often employed by these, while the rest were at home clearing Vie land. The family of Younkmans was known throughout the whole country as courageous and hardy people. Daniel Younkman, Sr., died in 1838, and his widow in 1847; Jacob died April 8, 1870, and his widow Dec. 2, 1874; the last two were parents of five children—Daniel J., Elizabeth, Tarissa, Polly and Katy; the last named is dead; the balance are all living in Stark County. From the time our subject was 2 years old to the present, he has always lived on the old farm in Bethlehem Township, making a period of sixty-six years. He was married, to Nancy Leighly, Dec. 25, 1834, and to their union were born eight children—Anthony, Mary Ann, Susanna, Samuel (deceased), Jeremiah, Sarah, Timothy and Cynthia (deceased). Samuel died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., while serving his country in the rebellion. Anthony was also in the army, a commissioned officer. In connection with farming, for the past thirty years, Mr. Younkman has followed the occupation of auctioneer, and, although on the shady side of life, he still has much more to do in this direction than he wishes; in politics he is a Democrat; he owns 200 acres of well-improved land, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.   WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.   ROBERT ANDERSON, farmer; P. O. Homeworth, Columbiana Co. The Anderson family are of Scotch descent for many generations, and the occupation in the old country of the family was that of shepherds. Robert was born at Dumfries, Scotland, Sept 29, 1824; his father, James Anderson, was born June 9, 1788; he married Grace Potts, and they had three children. .In June, 1833, they left Scotland with their family and emigrated to America, the voyage occupying some two months; after reaching this country they sailed up the St. Lawrence River, across Lake Ontario, around Niagara Falls to Buffalo; then across Lake Erie to Cleveland, down the Ohio Canal to Massillon, then over the roads to Canton, and finally through Washington Township by the Thomas road. For three months, they lived in Columbiana County, and in November, 1833, settled in Washington Township. James left his native land with enough money to buy a farm, and purchased 160 acres from Thomas Lacey, paying $600 for the tract (The usual price of a quarter-section of good land in those days was $800, or $5 per acre.) Their nearest neighbors, in 1833, were Michael Beltz and Henry Shaffer: the township was very thinly settled, the greater portion of the land being covered with a heavy growth of timber. James was Treasurer of Washington Township for twelve successive terms, and was connected with the Presbyterian Church Of Homeworth; he died April 1, 1871, aged nearly 83, his wife, many years previous, on March 4, 1852, aged 64 years; they were the parents of three children—William, now a resident of Columbiana County, near Homeworth: Barbara, who died