200 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY (Bush) Hunter. Her father, also a native of this state, was a farmer by occupation and died in Lexington, Ohio. He was a republican and a member of the Christian church. His wife was born in Homesworth, Ohio, July 18, 1865, and died in Alliance, January 29, 1916. She was a daughter of Levi and Elizabeth Bush, of Homesworth, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Bush, who was a carpenter and builder by trade, served in the Union Army throughout the Civil war. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Livingston received her education in the public schools of Uniontown, Ohio, is a member of the First Christian church, the Women's Missionary Society and the King's Helpers Sunday school class. She has a brother, Robert Hunter, who is a foreman for the Ohio Construction Company in Cleveland, and a sister, Mrs. Lottie Robyn, a resident of Cleveland. Mr. Livingston has always supported the republican party and has shown a proper interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Lodge No. 467, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in Alliance, and is an adherent of the Presbyterian church. Straightforward in manner, candid and honest in all of his dealings, he has won and retains a high place in the confidence of his fellowmen and has many warm friends throughout the community. GEORGE EBY LOZIER George Eby Lozier has for many years been actively identified with the business interests of Alliance and is now conducting one of its leading floral establishments, in which he is enjoying a worthy and well merited success. He was born in Washington township, Stark county, on the 15th of April, 1863, a son of George P. and Sarah (Fox) Lozier. His paternal grandparents were Adam and Nancy M. (Davis) Lozier, the former of whom was born in 1799 and died June 5, 1883, on his farm south of Alliance. He followed farming during the greater part of his active life and was successful in his business affairs.. He was a member of the Evangelical church ; was a democrat in his political views ; and took a deep interest in the advancement of his community, having donated the ground for one of the schoolhouses in HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 203 Washington township. He was of German descent, was born and reared in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in 1820. His wife was a native of Washington township, this county, where she spent her entire life. Sarah ( Fox) Lozier, a native and lifelong resident of Washington township, was a daughter of Jacob Fox, a farmer of that township and of Revolutionary ancestry. George P. Lozier, the father of our subject, was a soldier of the Civil war, having enlisted in the One Hundred Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. George E. Lozier was graduated from the public schools of Washington township, supplementing this training by several correspondence courses. He was reared to farming, which vocation he followed for about twenty years, but in 1909 he removed to Alliance, where for about four years he was engaged in the real estate business. During the ensuing two years he was connected with the Stark Electric Company, after which he engaged in the farm machinery business in Alliance for eight years. In this he was successful, but since 1924 he has conducted a retail florist business. He carries a full line of cut flowers and potted plants, and by his courteous and prompt service has become firmly established in the favor of the people of the city, his business showing a steady and substantial growth. On February 28, 1889, in Washington township, this county, Mr. Lozier was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. Roose, who was born in that township, April 17, 1870, and is a daughter of Simeon and Catherine (Bailey) Roose. Her paternal grandparents were Frederick and Nancy (Switzer) Roose, the former of whom was a son of John Roose. Frederick Roose was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and died in Washington township, Stark county, where he had engaged in farming. He was a member of the United Brethren church. His wife also was a native of Columbiana county, was burned to death in Washington township when her home was destroyed by fire. Simeon Roose, who was born in Washington township, followed farming during his active years and died in Homeworth, Ohio. He was an adherent of the United Brethren church, and was an active supporter of the democratic party, serving as township trustee and school director. His wife was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, and died on their home farm in Washington township. She was a daughter of Jesse and Saloma (Kistler) Bailey, also farming people. Mr. Bailey was a democrat in politics, and he and his wife were members of the 204 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Lutheran church. The latter was a native of Trumbull county, where her death occurred. Mrs. Lozier was educated in the public schools of Washington township and has taken an active interest in the work of the various church societies to which she belongs. Mr. and Mrs. Lozier have one daughter, Florence Edna, who was born April 5, 1896, and was graduated from the Alliance high school in 1916. On April 5, 1917, she became the wife of John Madison, who was employed for about fifteen years as a draftsman with the Alliance Machine Company. Mr. and Mrs. Madison are members of the First Methodist church and are active in church work. They have two children, Dorothy Jean, born June 15, 1922, and Elvin Ray, born April 16, 1926. Politically Mr. Lozier is nominally a republican but is inclined to be independent in his voting, supporting the candidates whom he regards as best fitted for public office. He served four years as clerk of Washington township, and for a number of years was president of the Home Mutual Insurance Company of Marlboro township. He belongs to the Sons of Veterans, and he and his wife are earnest members of the First Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give generous support. Because of his business ability and splendid character, he is held in the highest esteem throughout the community. SYDNEY L. GEIGER Sydney L. Geiger has well merited the place which he holds in the front rank of the able and successful lawyers of Alliance, where he commands a large and lucrative practice. He is also prominently identified with a number of the leading business organizations of this city. Born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on the 6th of July, 1889, he is a son of Max and Leah (Lerner) Geiger. His father was born in Austria-Hungary, now Czecho-Slovakia, February 14, 1864, and died December 20, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, while a resident of Alliance, Ohio. He attended the public schools of his native land and at the age of sixteen years came to the United States. He began his business career in East Liverpool, Ohio, as a merchant and in 1893 came to Alliance, where he entered the clothing business on East Main street: Shortly afterwards he was HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 205 joined by his brother, Morris W. Geiger, the business being thereafter conducted under the name of Geiger Brothers until 1923, when the partnership was dissolved and Max Geiger and his sons engaged in the clothing, furnishings and shoe trade at 250 East Main street. This business is now incorporated under the name of The Geiger Brothers Company, of which A. H. Geiger is president; Mrs. Max Geiger, vice president ; Sydney L. Geiger, secretary; and H. J. Geiger, treasurer. In 1902, nine years after he came to Alliance, Max Geiger engaged in the real estate business and during the last twenty-four years of his life was one of the most prominent realtors in Alliance, devoting the greater part of his time during his later years to that line of business, in which he attained outstanding success, due to his progressive and enterprising methods. It was he who started the easy-payment plan for the buying of homes and to him was given full credit for popularizing this system, which has since been adopted by virtually every realtor in this locality. He built over two thousand two hundred dwellings in Alliance, enabling many to acquire homes who under former methods would have been unable to do so, and thus he performed a distinctive and appreciated service to the entire community. Mr. Geiger served as a member of the city council, being named president pro tem for one term ; served one term as president of the Board of Trade ; was a member of the Alliance Real Estate Board, of which he was a past president, and was a director of the Chamber of Commerce. For over forty years he was a member of the Masonic order, having been a member of Riddle Lodge at East Liverpool and later a charter member of J. E. McFadden Lodge of Alliance, was a charter member of Alliance Council of Royal and Select Masters, belonged also to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and was a member of the board of trustees of the Masonic Temple Company. He was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Daughters of Rebekah, of which he was a charter member, and belonged to the Alliance Country Club and the Kiwanis Club. He was a son of Samuel and Katherine (Devay) Geiger, of whom the former was a native of Austria-Hungary and died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had been an extensive landowner in Europe and retired on locating in Pittsburgh. His wife, who also was a native of Europe, died iv Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Leah (Lerner) Geiger was born and reared in Cleveland, Ohio, and resides in Alliance. 206 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Sydney L. Geiger graduated from the Alliance high school and attended Mount Union College, after which he entered the law school of Western Reserve university, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1911. In that year he was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession for one year in Canton. Returning to Alliance, he formed a partnership with Arthur W. Morris, under the firm name of Morris & Geiger, which continued until 1919, since which time Mr. Geiger has practiced alone. A man of alert and vigorous mentality, possessing keen powers of discriminating analysis, giving careful and painstaking attention to the preparation of his cases and a sound and dependable office counselor, he is recognized as a lawyer of solid and substantial qualities, well worthy of the confidence of his fellowmen. Mr. Geiger is secretary and treasurer of the Alliance Finance Company, secretary of the Alliance Acceptance Corporation, secretary and treasurer of the Salisbury Transportation Company, president of the Prospect Motors Company, Inc., secretary and treasurer of the Copley Motors Company, secretary of the Geiger Brothers Company, president of the Geiger Realty Company and secretary of the Morrison Jack Company. On September 16, 1913, in Youngstown, Ohio, Mr. Geiger was united in marriage to Miss Rose Friedman, who was born in that city, December 6, 1890, and is a daughter of I. and Catherine (Greenwald) Friedman, both of whom were born in Europe. Mr. Friedman died in Youngstown and his widow still resides in that city. Mrs. Geiger was educated in the public schools of Youngstown and is a member of the Rodef Sholem congregation of that city. She belongs to the Alliance Women's Club and the Mount Union College Women's Club. She organized and served as chairman of the Garden Club of Alliance ; is a member of the board of directors of the Young Women's Christian Association; and was the first secretary of the Alliance Chapter of the American Red Cross, in which she served actively throughout the World war. Mr. Geiger is a member of the Alliance Bar Association, the Stark County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. He gives his political support to the republican party and has always shown a keen interest in public affairs, having served as deputy clerk in charge of elections in Alliance. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club and the Alliance Country Club, a member of the advisory board of the Salvation HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 207 Army and a member of the executive committee of the Red Cross. During the World war he served on the legal advisory board and was an effective Four Minute speaker. Fraternally he is a member of J. E. McFadden Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M. ; Alliance Chapter, No. 83, R. A .M. ; Alliance Council, No. 112, R. & S. M., of which he is a past master ; Lake Erie Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland; and Nazir Grotto, at Canton. His religious connection is with Rodef Sholem congregation at Youngstown. Distinctively a man of action, he has long filled a conspicuous place in the public life of his city, and as a leader in important business enterprises and a strong and capable lawyer, as well as a leader in civic affairs, he holds an enviable place in the confidence and respect of the people of his community, while among his friends and associates he is extremely popular. WILLIAM G. SAXTON One of the ablest and most prominent members of the banking circles of Stark county is William Goodman Saxton, who has been connected with the First National Bank of Canton for forty-four years, during the last twenty-eight years of which period he has been vice president and cashier. A man of keen and discriminating judgment, an expert in financial matters and of sterling integrity, he has long been active and influential in local affairs and commands the uniform confidence and respect of the people of Canton and Stark county. Born in this city, on the 7th of June, 1867, he is a son of Joseph Simmons and Harriet Anne (Danner) Saxton, both of whom were natives of Canton, the father born October 7, 1829, and the mother July 15, 1830. The paternal great-great-grandfather, George Saxton, who was of English descent, served in Captain John Reese's Company in the American Revolution from January 1 to November 25, 1776. He married Sarah Harlan and among their children was James Saxton, who married Hannah Ashbaugh. They became the parents of John Saxton, whose wife, Margaret Laird, was a daughter of Jacob Laird, who served as a first lieutenant in the American Revolution. Jacob Laird married Jane Johnston, a daughter of Thomas Johnston, who served in the Revolutionary war as a first lieutenant and later as captain. John 208 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY and Margaret Saxton were the parents of Joseph Simmons Saxton, father of William G. William G. Saxton received a good public school education, and after leaving the Canton high school, at the age of seventeen years, he entered the employ of the First National Bank as a messenger, beginning on a salary of seventy-five dollars a year. Faithful and efficient service won promotions and he has filled every position in the bank except that of president. During the years of his identification with this well known institution he has devoted himself tirelessly to its interests and has been a real factor in its splendid growth and prosperity. On June 23, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Saxton was united in marriage to Miss Rose G. McNally, who was born and reared in that city and is a daughter of the late Andrew and Margaret McNally. To them have been born four children, three of whom are living, namely : Marjorie, Joseph W. and Rosemary. Mrs. Saxton is a charter member of the Canton Women's Club and is very active in associated charities, Children's Bureau and other welfare work. Mr. Saxton is a republican in his political views and was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Canton Club, the Brookside Country Club and the Rotary Club. During the World war he took an active and effective part in the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives and has always evinced a deep interest in everything relating to the progress and prosperity of his city or county. He is a director of the First Trust and Savings Bank and of the Morris Plan Bank. He is recognized as a splendid citizen, loyal and public-spirited, and is greatly esteemed. EDWARD E. GRIFFITH Edward E. Griffith, of Massillon, a competent and reliable funeral director, has earned a prominent place among the enterprising business men of his community, being the owner of a modern undertaking establishment. He was born here in 1898 and is a son of D. D. and Mary ( Sutton) Griffith. He received a good education in the public and high schools of his home city. Being ambitious for an independent career, he entered the Cincinnati College HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 209 of Embalming, from which he was graduated in 1924. In September of the following year he established a business in Massillon and has met with a very gratifying measure of success, commanding his full share of the local patronage in his line. He has a well equipped funeral parlor, is courteous and painstaking in his attention to the needs and comforts of those who employ him, and is commended for the thoroughness with which he performs his duties in this most exacting profession. On April 30, 1921, Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss Helen McDaniel, of Bridgeport, Ohio, and they are the parents of a daughter, Phyllis Jean. Mrs. Griffith is a graduate of the Hiller College of Embalming, at Canton, and is a valuable assistant to her husband in his business. The republican party receives Mr. Griffith's support and he has shown a helpful interest in things affecting the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He and his wife are earnest members of the First Reformed church. A man of pleasing personality, straightforward manner and clean life, he is well worthy of the high place which he holds in the esteem of the people among whom he has lived. WALLACE E. PALMER Wallace E. Palmer is numbered among the leading business men of Canton, being the owner of the Palmer furniture store, at 401 Market avenue south, the oldest furniture house in Stark county, in the management of which he has met with splendid success. Mr. Palmer was born at Valley Falls, Jefferson county, Kansas, on the 8th of September, 1872, and is a son of Wesley S. and Phoebe (Hull) Palmer. His father was born near McDonaldsville, Stark county, Ohio, in 1846, and was a son of Peter J. and Caroline (Troupe) Palmer. Peter J. Palmer, who was of English and Scotch descent, was a native of Maryland, and one of his ancestors served in the American Revolution. The Troupe family has long been established in Stark county, having been among the first settlers of Canton, and operated the first hotel of this city. Wesley S. Palmer was reared and educated in Stark county and in the early '70s he and his wife went to Kansas, locating in Jefferson 14V3 210 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY county. However, they went there at an unpropitious time, as that was one of the years of the grasshopper plague, when everything in the way of vegetation was destroyed, and Mr. Palmer returned to Ohio, locating in Canton. He later went to Jackson and Lansing, Michigan, where he engaged in the manufacture of windmills, being the first man in the United States to make steel windmills. Subsequently he disposed of his manufacturing interests in that state and returned to Canton, where he established a small furniture business. He prospered in this enterprise and carried it on until his death, when it was taken over by his son. He died' in 1903, at the age of fifty-eight years. At the age of eighteen years, on February 23, 1865, at Alliance, Ohio, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from which he was honorably discharged August 27, 1865, by Captain Oliver, at Winchester, Pennsylvania. He was a republican in his political views and was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was born in Newark, Licking county, Ohio, and was a member of an old Ohio family of Scotch descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer were born two sons and two daughters : Wallace E.; Edith ; Minnie, the wife of H. W. Seaman, of Cleveland ; and Harry P., deceased. The mother died in Canton December 18, 1921, at the age of seventy-seven years. Harry P. Palmer was married in 1910 to Miss Blanche Hall. Wallace E. Palmer received his educational training in the public schools of Michigan and the Canton Business College. When sixteen years of age he started to work for his father and on the latter's death took over the business, which he has successfully carried on to the present time. He carries a large and complete line of furniture, carpets, rugs, stoves and kindred lines, and by his judicious management and sound business .methods has built up a prosperous business. He is also a director of the Yellow Cab Company, of Canton. On August 22, 1905, in New York city, Mr. Palmer was united in marriage to Miss Martha Kate Freer, who was born in Kingston, New York, and is a daughter of Ira and Kate (Walsey) Freer, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are the parents of two children, Willard Freer, born June 9, 1906, and Kathleen Louise, born May 17, 1914. Mr. Palmer is a republican in his political alignment and is a member of McKinley Lodge, No. 431, F. & A. M. ; Lake Erie Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland ; Al HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 211 Koran Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., at Cleveland ; the Grotto, the Masonic Club and the Lakeside Shrine Club. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Canton. He is a man of earnest purpose and upright life, who has always endeavored to fulfill all the obligations of citizenship, and whose sterling personal qualities have gained for him a high place in the estimation of all who know him. CLAUDE BURDGE ALEXANDER Among those whose individual efforts are contributing to the development of the industrial interests of Alliance stands Claude B. Alexander, assistant auditor for the American Steel Foundries Company. He has been with this well known concern for many years and is well equipped for the responsible position which he holds. Mr. Alexander was born in Brimfield, Ohio, March 5, 1892, and is a son of John Thomas and Ida (Burdge) Alexander. His father, who was born in Pennsylvania, August 23, 1873, is now living in Dublin, Georgia, where he is engaged in the lumber business. He is a republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His parents were David and Margaret (Turner) Alexander, the former born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the latter in Pennsylvania, and both died at Mantua, Ohio. David Alexander was the owner of a basket factory, and was a veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout that conflict as a member of the Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a republican in politics and served at one time as constable. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Ida (Burdge) Alexander was born in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, July 15, 1872, and is a daughter of Robert Wilson and Sallie (Shirk) Burdge, of whom the former was born in Ohio and died in Alliance, while the latter was born in Shirkville, Pennsylvania, and died in Brimfield, Ohio. Mr. Burdge devoted his life to farming, but retired some time prior to his death. He supported the republican party and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Claude B. Alexander graduated from the Alliance high school in 1911 and then entered the employ of the American Steel Foundries Company, with which corporation he has been connected con- 212 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY tinuously since. He has received several promotions during this period and now, as assistant auditor, is performing capable and efficient service for his company. On October 18, 1916, in Alliance, Mr. Alexander was united in marriage to Miss Emma Maude Anderson, who was born in this city February 29, 1892, and is a daughter of David Edward and Lavina (Reichard) Anderson. Mr. Anderson, who was born in Lisbon, Ohio, and now lives in Alliance, has served for the past forty years as a passenger conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad. He is a republican in politics and belongs to the Presbyterian church. His wife, who was born in Canton, Ohio, died in Alliance, September 23, 1924. Mrs. Alexander graduated from the Alliance high school in 1911 and is an active member of the Presbyterian church and its societies. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are the parents of two sons, Donald Edward, born February 11, 1920, and Richard Burdge, born October 10, 1923. The republican party receives Mr. Alexander's support, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of Conrad Lodge, No. 271, F. & A. M. ; Alliance Chapter, No. 83, R. A. M. ; Alliance Council, No. 112, R. & S. M. ; Alliance Commandery, No. 67, K. T. ; and Tadmor Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., at Akron. He is a devotee of outdoor sports, has refereed in basketball and football and umpired in baseball for many years, and is an extremely popular member of the circles in which he moves, while his sterling qualities of character and his courteous manner have gained for him the respect of all who know him. EDMUND D. SELL A master craftsman, Edmund D. Sell made valuable contribution to the world's work and Canton was honored by his citizenship. He was born in Franklin, Ohio, and his parents, Andrew and Magdalen Sell, were natives of Alsace-Lorraine and of German lineage. They were early settlers of Franklin, Ohio, and it was there that Edmund D. Sell was reared and educated. As a youth he served an apprenticeship to a cabinetmaker and afterward followed his trade in Canton, where he came in the early '60s, leaving examples of his skill in the doors and the carved HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 215 mantels of many of the city's fine homes. His first employer in Canton was John Poiser and later he was connected with the Cleveland Furniture Company, for which he made bedroom and dining room sets. Mr. Sell remained with the firm until their establishment was destroyed by fire and on his return to Canton became a draftsman for John Danner, also making revolving stook and bookcases of all kinds. An acknowledged artist in his line of work, Mr. Sell also had the ability to direct the labors of others and was made assistant superintendent of the Danner factory, rendering to the firm thirty-two years of faithful, efficient service. In Cleveland, Ohio, in April, 1875, Mr. Sell married Miss Ida J. McDonald and two children were born to them : William C., a real estate man of Cleveland, who wedded Miss Gertrude Schatzinger and has become the father of a son, Paul Edmund ; and Ella F., a teacher in the local schools. In politics Mr. Sell was a very strong prohibitionist and his religious views were in harmony with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church, of which he was a devout member. He came to Canton when it had a population of a few thousand and lived to see it become a prosperous, enterprising city. An ardent champion of prohibition, he closely followed the principles which he advocated and was a tireless worker, retiring only at the approach of his death. Genuine, sincere and high-minded, Mr. Sell won and retained a secure place in the esteem of all with whom he was associated and extracted from life the real essence of living, and at his death, which occurred October 16, 1908, when he was sixty-two years of age, he left to his family the priceless heritage of an honored name. His widow has remained a resident of Canton, occupying the home at No. 628 McKinley avenue, northwest, where she has lived over fifty years, and her admirable character has drawn to her a wide circle of steadfast friends. EDGAR A. BOWMAN Edgar A. Bowman, president of the Columbia Fire Brick Company of Canton, is one of this city's most progressive and successful business men, being identified with a number of its leading financial institutions, and his interests have also been extended to 216 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY those things which are calculated to promote the civic and moral welfare of the community. Mr. Bowman was born in Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, March 2, 1862, a son of Joshua and Lovina Bowman. He is the scion of old German stock, the progenitor of the family in this country having been David Bowman, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, who emigrated to America in 1755. His son, Philip Casper Bowman, was born on the ocean, October 25, 1755, while the family was en route to this country, and his wife Elizabeth was born in Alsace, France. Philip Casper Bowman was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, the bureau of pensions, department of the interior, bearing his record, "Philip Casper Bowman, 0. W. & N. Div. T. S. C. T. 2091 Rev. War." He volunteered in Frederick county, Maryland, in June, 1776, and served over two years, attaining the rank of ensign and being under the command of Captain Peter Mantz and Colonel Shryack. He participated in the battles of Trenton and Princeton and was honorably discharged at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August, 1778. His residence during the war was at Fredericktown, Maryland. He was the father of John J. Bowman, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, November 23, 1779, and died at Lisbon, Ohio, September 9, 1864, having migrated to this state in 1806. He was a farmer and surveyor and a man of strong character and marked ability. A stanch supporter of the whig party, he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners in 1809, serving seven years, and in 1840 became a member of the lower house of the state legislature. Prior to coming to this state he had served two years as judge of the third judicial circuit of Pennsylvania. He married Miss Charlotte Stough. Her father, the Rev. John Stough, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1762, and became a minister of the Lutheran church, tradition stating that he was the first Lutheran preacher to cross the Allegheny mountains. His first appearance as a missionary in Ohio was in the spring of 1803 in Mahoning county, where he ministered to the spiritual needs of the pioneers. Joshua Bowman, son of John J. and Charlotte, Bowman, was born in Lisbon, Ohio, June 20, 1820, and died May 20, 1893, while his wife, who was born October 23, 1822, died January 9, 1899, at the age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of six children, of whom three are living : Samuel S. ; Margaret, the wife HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 217 of John W. Taylor, of Cleveland, Ohio ; and Edgar A., who is the youngest of the family. Edgar A. Bowman attended the public schools of his home neighborhood and remained on his father's farm until twenty-three years of age. In 1903 he was one of the organizers of the Columbia Fire Brick Company, of which he has been a director continuously since, and has been its president since 1922. Under his wise management the business has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth and is now one of Stark county's notable industries. The plant is located at Strasburg, Tuscarawas county, and has a capacity of fifty thousand bricks daily, being modern and up-to-date in its equipment and producing a superior quality of brick. From eighty-five to one hundred persons are employed, and the company's products are sold from the Atlantic seaboard to the Mississippi river, embracing the entire central west. Mr. Bowman has been successful in his material affairs and is a director of the First National Bank of Canton, the First Trust and Savings Bank from the time of its organization, the Morris Plan Bank, and the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company for the past eight years. A man of farsighted vision and clear-headed judgment, his opinions in practical matters are highly regarded by his business associates. On May 28, 1890, in Canton, Mr. Bowman was united in marriage to Miss Fannie M. Harding, who was born in Niagara county, New York, and is a daughter of Adam and Anna (Pletcher) Harding. Her father was originally from Pennsylvania, while the Pletcher family was early established in Niagara county, New York. Mrs. Bowman takes an active interest in the religious, civic and social life of the community and is a member of the Canton Women's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have one daughter, Ruth. Politically, Mr. Bowman is a stanch republican, and he is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M. ; Lake Erie Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland ; Canton Lodge, No. 68, B. P. O. E. the Canton Club, the Brookside Country Club and the Congress Lake Club. He is also a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trustee for twenty years and president of the board for the past ten years. He has been a director of the Young Men's Christian Association for the past twenty years and served as president of the board from 1914 to 1925. Though his business affairs make a heavy demand on his time, he 218 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY has never neglected his obligations to the community and always stands ready to cooperate in all movements for the advancement of the best interests of city or county. A man of strong character and positive views, he stands "four square to every wind that blows" and is regarded as one of Canton's most substantial and influential citizens. CHARLES O. HEGGEM No resident of Massillon is more deserving of public esteem than Charles 0. Heggem, who, after a long and honorable career in the manufacturing business, is now living retired, enjoying well earned leisure. Mr. Heggem was born at Bergen, Norway, on the 29th of November, 1851, and is the first in order of birth of the ten children of 0. A. and Joanna (Mucklebust) Heggem, the former born in 1830 and the latter in 1827. They brought their family to the United States in 1868, locating in Chicago, Illinois, where the father followed the trade of pattern-making for many years. He and his wife spent their remaining days in that city, he dying in 1903 and his wife in 1910. Charles O. Heggem attended the public schools of his native city to the age of sixteen years, when he took up the study of mechanical engineering. On his arrival in Chicago, he secured a clerical position in a machine shop, which he held until 1870, when he went to Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, and for thirteen years was employed by the Buckeye Engine Company. In 1883 he came to Massillon as foreman in the engineering department of Russell & Company, the pioneer manufacturing concern of this city. Subsequently he was made assistant superintendent, and then general superintendent. He acquired the ownership of thirty-five per cent of the stock of the company, and was made vice president, in which capacity he served until the company ceased active operation in 1924. During the forty-one years in which he was identified with this business he devoted his efforts to its interests and was an important factor in the splendid success achieved, gaining a high reputation for both technical knowledge and executive ability. In addition to his holdings in that company, he is vice president and director of the First Savings and Loan Company, a million dollar HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 219 corporation, president of the Massillon Cemetery Association, a director of the Massillon Bridge & Structural Company, of Massillon, and one of the organizers and largely interested in the Griscom-Russell Company. On October 10, 1872, Mr. Heggem was united in marriage to Miss Elise R. Boe, who was born at Stavanger, Norway, and they have three children : Oscar Eugene, born in 1873, married Miss Elizabeth Davidson and died in 1905, leaving two children, Charles 0., Jr., and Frankie Elise, the last named later becoming the wife of John Winkel and mother of a daughter, Helen May ; Alfred George, born in 1875, graduated in engineering from Cornell University, and is now engaged in the oil and manufacturing business in Tulsa, Oklahoma ; and Chalmer Raymond, born in 1882, graduated in law from Cornell University and is now practicing at Massillon. He married Miss Arline L. Snyder. Mr. Heggem has always given his political support to the republican party. He is a life member of the Masonic order in all of its branches, has belonged to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers since 1889 and belongs to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at Washington, D. C. A man of sterling character and unquestioned integrity, he has long been regarded as one of Massillon's representative citizens, commanding the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellowmen, and is held in affectionate regard by those close to him. THOMAS BURD In the financial circles of Massillon a due share of credit is given to Thomas Burd for the substantial growth in recent years of the Massillon Savings and Loan Company, of which he is secretary, for he has devoted his efforts tirelessly to its interests and has proven an able and judicious business man. Mr. Burd was born in Massillon, on the 28th of April, 1876, and is a son of Sylvester and Louisa (Ress) Burd, of whom the former was the pioneer real estate man of this city and one of its most highly respected citizens. Thomas Burd received his educational training in the public and high schools, after which he took a commercial course in a business college. His first position was that of stenographer in a 220 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY law office, and later he was employed in a similar capacity with the Massillon Bridge Company. He clerked in a grocery sore for two years and for a while was with James R. Dunn. He served as secretary of the Jarvis Estates Company and then went to Porto Rico, where he was with the American Colonial Bank of San Juan for three months. On his return to Massillon he became associated with his father, with whom he continued for three years, after which for twenty-two years he was with the Merchants National Bank in various capacities, ranging from bookkeeper to assistant cashier. In July, 1925, Mr. Burd became secretary of the Massillon Savings and Loan Company and to his personal efforts is due much of the splendid growth of this institution. On June 25, 1901, Mr. Burd was united in marriage to Miss Anna N. Fricker, of Massillon, and they are the parents of two children, Harry Sylvester, who married Miss Dorothy Kail, and Helen Louise, who is a student in Wooster College. Mr. Burd is an active supporter of the republican party, is a member of the Rotary Club, and his religious connection is with the First Christian church. True and loyal to every interest with which he has been identified and capable and dependable in the performance of duty, he has won and retains to a marked degree the confidence of his fellowmen and is held in high regard by everyone who knows him. CHARLES H. SCHLABACH Charles H. Schlabach, general manager of the Hygienic Products Company, of Canton, has had many years of practical business experience and enjoys a well earned reputation as an enterprising and progressive man, of sound and dependable judgment. Born in Canton, Ohio, on the 26th of December, 1867, he is a son of William F. and Anna E. ( Heingartner ) Schlabach. His paternal grandparents were Isaac and Elizabeth ( Smith) Schlabach, the former a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. In 1830 he migrated to Ohio, settling three miles north of Canton, where he followed farming the greater part of his life. Eventually he retired and moved into Canton, where he lived until his death. William F. Schlabach was born in North Canton, September 14, 1837, HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 221 and was reared and educated in this county. He learned the machinist trade, which he followed for a number of years, and also farmed. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served three years. After the war he returned to Canton and resumed work at his trade. He was a republican in politics, was a member of the Reformed church and commanded the respect of all who knew him. His wife was born in Berlin, Germany, and was a daughter of Philip Heingartner, who brought his family to Canton, Ohio, when his daughter was about nine years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Schlabach were born one son and three daughters, of whom one daughter is deceased. Charles H. Schlabach, who is the eldest of the children, attended the public schools of Canton to the age of fifteen years, when he started out to earn his own living. His first job was that of office boy for the Canton Paper Company, after which he was employed as a bookkeeper in several manufacturing plants in Canton for about eight years. He then became secretary and treasurer of the Canton Steel Roofing Company, which position he held for three years, leaving that place to accept a similar relation with the Diebold Safe & Lock Company, with which he remained for six years. He then became cashier of the Canton Savings & Trust Company, the duties of which position he discharged very acceptably for six years, and during the past twenty years has served as general manager of the Hygienic Products Company. Under his direction this concern has made rapid progress and is now the leader in its line in Stark county. Mr. Schlabach is also a director of the Dime Savings Bank of Canton. On September 14, 1892, in Canton, Mr. Schlabach was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Shanafelt, who was born and reared in this city and is a daughter of W. B. and Frances (Dittenhafer) Shanafelt, both of whom are representatives of old and prominent families of this locality. Mrs. Schlabach is a member of the Canton Women's Club and has taken a deep interest in the civic and club affairs of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Schlabach are the parents of two children, Raymond M., of Canton, who married Miss Marion Dysle, and they have a son, Charles William, born in 1923 ; and Isabel Katharine, who is the wife of W. P. F. Brawner, of San Francisco, California. The republican party receives Mr. Schlabach's support and ever since attaining manhood he has taken a 222 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY deep interest in public affairs. He is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M. ; Canton Lodge, No. 68, B. P. 0. E. ; the Brookside Country Club, the Canton Club, the Congress Lake Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife belong to the First Methodist Episcopal church and give their earnest support to all worthy causes. Mr. Schiabach has led a busy and industrious life from boyhood and the success which has come to him has been gained through the common qualities of persistent effort along right lines and backed by honorable methods, while his career as a private citizen has been such as has commended him to the favorable opinion of his fellowmen. FRANK A. CARTER Frank A. Carter, sales manager and a director of the Alliance Machine Company, has had long experience in the steel business and in his present capacity is rendering valuable service to his company. Born in Deerfield, Portage county, Ohio, on the 25th of December, 1863, he is a son of Harrison W. and Jane L. (Davis) Carter. His family has long been resident in Ohio, his paternal grandparents, Charles and Jane S. (McCormick) Carter, being natives of this state, the latter born in Summit county. They are both deceased, Mr. Carter dying in Green, Trumbull county, and his wife in Ravenna. Mr. Carter was a circuit rider and was well and favorably known throughout this section of the state. Their son, Harrison W. Carter, was born at North Benton, Ohio, in 1837, and died in Alliance, in 1922. In early life he followed agricultural pursuits, but later came to Alliance and became a passenger conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad, running from Beaver Falls to Pittsburgh, but lived retired for some time prior to his death. During the Civil war he was a member of the famous "Squirrel Hunters" who answered the Governor's call for volunteers and went to Cincinnati to defend that city against the expected raid of Morgan's Confederate cavalry. Later he did effective work in training soldiers for service. He was a republican in politics and was a member of the Baptist church. His wife was born at Yale, Portage county, Ohio, and died in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1921. She was a daughter of William and Jane Davis, the former HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 223 born in England or Wales and the latter at Cardiganshire, Wales, and both died at Yale, Ohio, where Mr. Davis had been engaged in farming. Frank A. Carter secured his educational training in the public schools of Alliance and then became an apprentice machinist in the shops of the Morgan Engineering Company. Later he became a salesman for that concern and made two trips to Europe, visiting various countries in the interest of his company. After being with that organization for twenty-three years, Mr. Carter resigned and became associated with the Alliance Machine Company as sales manager, in which position he is still serving, being also a director of the company. He is also a director of the Alliance Structural Company and the Machine Steel Casting Company of Alliance. Mr. Carter has been married twice, first, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Louise Yennie, who was born in Switzerland, and was a daughter of Mrs. Susan (Kauffman) Yennie Eggert, who is still living, at the age of ninety-one years. Mrs. Carter died in Alliance, in 1908, leaving three children. Harry W., born January 28, 1894, graduated from the Alliance high school, attended Mt. Union College one year and the Case School of Applied Sciences two years. His studies were interrupted at the entrance of the United States into the World war, when he enlisted in the air service, becoming a scout pilot, and was sent overseas just prior to the signing of the Armistice, being honorably discharged in New York city. He is now associated with the Alliance Machine Company as a salesman. He married Miss Mary Holmes,. of Salineville, Ohio. Helen I., born November 27, 1896, graduated from the Alliance high school and graduated in nursing from St. Luke's Hospital, of Cleveland. She is now the wife of Victor Hughes, of Canton, who is connected with the Canton Respository, and they have a son, William D. Mary S., born in Brussels, Belgium, in April, 1901, graduated from the Alliance high school and attended Sargent's School of Physical Culture. She is now the wife of Wayne King, formerly of Alliance, but now of Baltimore, Maryland, where he is a traveling salesman for the William Tyler Company, of Cleveland. In July, 1916, in Warren, Ohio, Mr. Carter married Miss Laura Evans, who was born in Akron, Ohio, December 10, 1888, and is a daughter of William R. and Effa (Whitacer) Evans. Her father, who was born at Thomastown, near Akron, is now living in Warren, where he is employed as a machinist. He formerly operated a 224 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY machine shop in that city. He is a republican and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mrs. Carter graduated from the Warren high school and attended Mt. Union College, after which she taught in the public schools of Alliance prior to her marriage. She is a member of the Christian church and belongs to the Mt. Union College Women's Club, the Tennysonian Club of Alliance and the Mu Phi Epsilon sorority. She has been active in Young Women's Christian Association work and during the war was greatly interested in Red Cross work. In his political views Mr. Carter has always been an ardent republican but is inclined to be independent in his voting, particularly in local elections. He is a member of the Commercial Travelers Association and the Alliance Country Club. He has led a busy and useful life, during which he has retained the confidence and respect of all who have been associated with him, and is regarded as one of the substantial and dependable citizens of his community, in the welfare and prosperity of which he has been greatly interested. RAY F. WHITELEATHER Ray F. Whiteleather, general manager of the Towell Cadillac Company, at Canton, has had extensive experience in practically all departments of the automobile business and stands high in the estimation of all who have been associated with him. Since coming to Canton in his present capacity he has made an enviable record and is regarded as One of the leaders in the motor trade in this locality. Mr. Whiteleather was born at Moultrie, Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 15th of November, 1890, and is a son of Dr. T. N. B. and Minnie B. (Weaver) Whiteleather. The family is of German origin and was established in this country during the Revolutionary war by a Hessian soldier employed by the British government, who deserted to the American army and after the close of the war settled in Pennsylvania. T. N. B. Whiteleather was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he was reared and secured his elementary education in the public schools. He matriculated in the Ohio Medical College, at Columbus, from which he was graduated, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He engaged in the practice of his profession at Malvern, Ohio, HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 227 and continued there up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1907. He is survived by his widow, who now resides in Canton. She was born in Lisbon, Ohio, and is a daughter of T. O. Weaver, who operated a saw and grist mill at Lisbon, in which community the family had long resided. To Dr. and Mrs. Whiteleather were born three children : Dora, deceased ; Pearl, who is the wife of John H. Parker, of Chicago, Illinois, and Ray F. In the public schools Ray F. Whiteleather secured his early education, continuing his studies at Mt. Union College, in Alliance, after which he taught school one year in Portage county, Ohio. He then turned his attention to the automobile business, entering the employ of the A. H. Wilson Motor Company, at Canton, as an accessory salesman. In 1912 he entered the employ of the Winton Motor Car Company at Cleveland, being first made an inspector, while later he worked in the various departments having to do with the manufacture and construction of automobiles, through which he gained valuable knowledge of the technical side of the business. The Winton Company then transferred him to the retail sales department, in which, by faithful and efficient service, he was successively promoted until he became general sales manager. He continued with that company until August, 1921, when he joined the sales force of the Towell Cadillac Company of Cleveland, and while there made a record in the sales of Cadillac cars. In August, 1923, the Towell Cadillac Company transferred him to Canton as general manager of the branch here, and he is still acting in that capacity. During the World war Mr. Whiteleather served the government as final inspector of Liberty motors, being stationed at Cleveland. On June 22, 1913, at Canton, Mr. Whiteleather was united in marriage to Miss Leona L. Pyres, who was born and reared in this city and is a daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Patterson) Pyres, both of whom are members of old and prominent families of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Whiteleather have three children : Betty, Marvel and Molly Jane. In his political affiliation Mr. White-leather is a republican, while fraternally he is a member of Woodward Lodge, No. 508, F. & A. M., and McKinley Chapter, R. A. M., of Cleveland ; also of Canton Lodge, No. 508, B. P. 0. E. He belongs to the Congress Lake Club, the Canton Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association. In the best sense of the 228 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY term, Mr. Whiteleather is a self-made man, his successful career being achieved solely through his persistent and intelligent efforts along right lines, and his business record has won for him the confidence and respect of all who have had dealings with him. Cordial and affable in manner, his social relations are of the most pleasant and he is deservedly popular wherever known. CHARLES M. BALL One of Canton's best known and most popular citizens is Charles M. Ball, who has made an honorable record here as a lawyer and has won prominence in public affairs, while his private life has measured up to the full stature of American citizenship. Mr. Ball was born in Canton, August 24, 1871, a son of Plimpton and Elizabeth (Shanafelt) Ball. The family is of English origin and was established in Maryland at a very early day. Mr. Ball's grandparents, William and Mary (Lewis) Ball, were pioneer settlers of Medina county, Ohio, where he followed farming throughout his remaining days. Plimpton Ball was born in Stark county, in 1838, received a public school education, and devoted his active life to mercantile pursuits, in which he was successful. He was a stanch republican in politics and a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, in which his widow still holds membership. He died in 1909, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife was born in 1843 on a farm in Medina county, adjoining his birthplace, and is a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Funk) Shanafelt, who were of German descent and were early settlers in Medina county. To Mr. and Mrs. Ball were born five children, of whom two are living, the first born being Elmer S., who is a merchant tailor in Canton, and Charles M., who is the fourth in order of birth. Charles M. Ball was educated in the public schools of Canton and then entered the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1893. He at once returned to Canton and engaged in the general practice of law, to which he has devoted his attention continuously since, though of recent years he has specialized in real estate law and abstracting, and he commands a large and lucrative practice. On November 1, 1927, Mr. Ball was appointed United States commis- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 229 sioner for the district court of Ohio, for a term of four years, succeeding Julius Whiting, Jr. On June 25, 1914, in Canton, Mr. Ball was united in marriage to Miss Louella Kidd, a daughter of E. R. and Mary (Crubaugh) Kidd, the former a representative of an old Missouri family, while the latter's family has long resided at Alliance, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Ball are the parents of two children : Katharine L., born June 24, 1915, and Robert E., born January 10, 1917. The family resides at 2622 Tuscarawas street west. Mr. Ball is an active supporter of the republican party and has been prominent in municipal affairs, having served as a member of the city council from 1914 to 1918. He was then elected president of the council, over which body he presided until April 3, 1924, when he became mayor of the city to fill out the unexpired term of C. C. Curtis, and served until January 1, 1926. He has evinced a deep and constant interest in everything affecting the welfare and prosperity of his city and has long been regarded as one of its ablest and most dependable citizens. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to the Stark County Bar Association and during the World war rendered effective service as chairman of draft board No. 2, also giving active support to the various Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives. CHESTER B. PITTENGER Chester B. Pittenger is numbered among those whose business efforts are contributing in a very definite way to the upbuilding and development of Canton, and as president of the Realty Guaranty & Building Company is meeting with noteworthy success. Mr. Pittenger was born in Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 8th of September, 1893, and is a son of Frank G. and Lottie (Buck) Pittenger. His father, who is of English descent and is a representative of an old Harrison county family, was born in Washington, D. C., where his father, William A. Pittenger, was for many years connected with the government printing office. Later he served in the Union Army during the Civil war as a member of the Ninty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 230 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY afterwards filled various offices in the Grand Army of the Republic. He became a pioneer newspaper publisher in Tuscarawas county, where he had located shortly after the close of the war, and there resided until his death. Frank G. Pittenger received a good public school education and was long engaged in the real estate business in Dennison, Ohio, where he also served as postmaster until 1928. He is a republican in his political views and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His wife, who was born in Uhrichsville, is of English ancestry and a member of one of the early families of Tuscarawas county. Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger had three children : Chester B. ; Doris, who is the wife of R. M. Beckett ; and W. A., all of Canton. Chester B. Pittenger received a good, practical education in the public and high schools of Dennison and then entered the newspaper business, his first work being on his grandfather's paper, the Daily Paragraph, for which he received a wage of one dollar and a half a week. He followed that line in various places until 1914, when he came to Canton and was employed on the Daily News, later working on the Repository until 1918, when he resigned and engaged in the investment brokerage business. In the fall of 1924 he organized the Realty Guaranty & Building Company, of which he is president, specializing in building and selling homes. Starting on a comparatively modest scale, he has gradually enlarged his operations until today the company is the most important in its line in Canton. In this building business Mr. Pittenger is closely associated with H. C. Plattenburg. He is also president and principal stockholder of the Famous Dairy Company of Salem, Ohio. On February 20, 1912, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Mr. Pittenger was united in marriage to Miss Marie J. Miller, who was born in Dennison, Ohio, and is a daughter of Frank and Jessie (Frazer) Miller. Mrs. Pittenger is a member of the Canton Women's Club and is secretary of the Akron District Golf Association. Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger are the parents of two children, William A., born February 27, 1915, and Joanne, born December 1, 1918. The republican party receives Mr. Pittenger's support and he has shown an interest in everything concerning the welfare of his city or county. He is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 68, B. P. 0. E., the Alliance Country Club and the Alliance Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife belong to the First Presbyterian church, to which they give generous support, as they also do to other worthy HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 231 causes. A man of energy, integrity and high purposes, he has accomplished much for the community in which he lives and because of his splendid record in both business and private life he commands the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people among whom he lives. WALTER S. RUFF During the past eighteen years Walter S. Ruff has been engaged in the practice of law in Canton and during this period has risen steadily in the esteem of the people of Stark county, having gained a well earned reputation as a capable and trustworthy attorney, so that he commands a large and remunerative clientele. He was born in New Chambersburg, Columbiana county, Ohio, January 4, 1876, and is a son of Albert and Malinda ( Summer ) Ruff, both also natives of Columbiana county, the father born September 14, 1839, and the mother March 5, 1849. He is descended from sterling old Pennsylvania Dutch stock, his forebears having come from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the early part of the nineteenth century and settled in Columbiana county, of which locality they were among the first pioneers. Mr. Ruff attended the public schools, after which he studied for a few terms at Ohio Normal University at Ada, and he also attended summer school at Wooster College. For a number of years he taught school in Columbiana and Carroll counties and in 1899 came to Canton as principal of one of the public schools, teaching here until 1910. For a number of years previously he had devoted his spare time to the study of law and in 1904 was admitted to the bar, though he did not engage in the practice of his profession until relinquishing his school work in 1910. He quickly gained recognition in legal circles, in 1914 became city solicitor of Canton, serving four years, and in 1919 was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark county, in which position he served with ability and credit until 1923. He has been identified as counsel with many important cases in the courts of this county and has met with uniform success. On November 23, 1898, in East Rochester, Ohio, Mr. Ruff was united in marriage to Miss Loretta Sanor, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Bushman) Sanor, the former a member of one of 232 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY the pioneer families of West township, Columbiana county. Mr. and Mrs. Ruff are the parents of a daughter, Beatrice, who is a graduate of the Cleveland Art School and is now teaching art in the Canton public schools. Mr. Ruff gives his political support to the republican party and has shown a constant interest in public affairs, holding well defined opinions on questions of public policy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is a member also of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Brookside Country Club, the Canton Club and the Canton Exchange Club. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and give their support to all worthy benevolent causes. A man of strong character and pleasing personality, Mr. Ruff has a wide circle of friends throughout Stark county and commands the uniform respect and confidence of all who know him. ERNEST L. COBLE One of the comparatively new industries of Alliance, but one which has gained wide recognition for the high quality of its products, is the Alliance Tank Company, of which the president is Ernest L. Coble, who was born in Cumberland county, Illinois, December 4, 1885, and is a son of William H. and Emma A. (Clabaugh) Coble. His paternal grandfather, Madison Coble, was born in North Carolina in 1817, and died in Greenup, Illinois, August 13, 1907. He was a farmer by occupation, was a republican in his political views and was a member of the United Brethren church. William H. Coble was born in Indiana, September 2, 1861, and is now living at Greenup, Illinois, where he is engaged in farming. He has been successful in his business affairs, is an extensive dealer in livestock, owns a sawmill and is a director in several banks. His wife was born in Illinois, April 4, 1865, and died at Greenup, January 6, 1899. Ernest L. Coble attended the public schools of Greenup and took a business course with the International Correspondence School, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, studying business management, which embraced six courses. After leaving the public schools HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 233 he learned the trade of steel plate construction at Martinsville, Illinois, and in Texas, and in January, 1913, came to Alliance, Ohio, where he went to work for the Reeves Brothers Company, with which he remained until May 1, 1925. He then spent one year with the Morgan Engineering Company as superintendent of construction, and in 1926 organized the Alliance Tank Company, of which he is president and general manager. This company is engaged in making gasoline storage tanks, both for above ground and under ground, as well as miscellaneous steel plate work of all kinds. The plant is well equipped with machinery and tools and the business has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth. Mr. Coble was married on December 23, 1906, to Miss Clara E. Glenn, who was born in Indiana, December 6, 1886, and died in Illinois, December 10, 1912, leaving a son, Tillus L., who was born January 6, 1908, was educated in the public schools of Alliance and is now associated with his father in business. On May 13, 1918, in Plainview, Texas, Mr. Coble was married to Miss Sallie Luvada Milner, who was born near Louisville, Kentucky, August 13, 1887, and is a daughter of Hartwell Artemus and Alice Luvada (Pennington) Milner. Her father, who was born in Breckinridge county, Kentucky, December 20, 1859, is a farmer and lives at Plainview, Texas. He is a democrat in politics and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was born in Breckinridge county, Kentucky, April 9, 1862, and died in Hatton Gap, Arkansas, July 7, 1897. Mrs. Coble is well educated, having attended the public schools at McKinney, Texas, graduated from the high school at Blanket, Texas, and then took a course in the Massey Business College, at Houston, Texas. Later she took a teachers' training course in the National Business College at Fort Worth, Texas, after which she taught in that institution for four years, during the last two years of which time she was principal of the shorthand department. She is now associated with her husband in the Alliance Tank Company, of which she is a stockholder. She also took a teacher's course in Sunday school work at Fort Worth, Texas, and taught in the intermediate department of the Baptist Sunday school for four years, but is now affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and teaches in its Sunday school. She is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Coble gives his political support to the republican party and has shown a helpful interest in public affairs. He is an active member of the Baptist 234 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY church, of which he is a deacon and a member of the finance committee, and has also taught in the Sunday school. He is a member of Conrad Lodge, No. 271, F. & A. M., and the Rotary Club. During the World war he took an active part in the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives and in every respect has lived up to the highest ideals of citizenship. Because of this, as well as for his excellent character and his genial manner, he commands the friendship and good will of all who know him. SAMUEL E. BARR For thirteen years Samuel E. Barr has given to the people of Canton faithful and efficient service as city auditor, having been repeatedly reelected to the position for which he is so well qualified, and his official record is one of which he has just reason for pride. Mr. Barr was born in Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, and is a son of Morgan and Lydia (McCrary) Barr. His paternal great-grandfather, a native of Ireland, was the progenitor of the family in this country, settling in Washington county, Pennsylvania. His son, Allan Barr, became a pioneer of Knox county, Ohio, where he took up two quarter sections of government land, on which he resided during the remainder of his life, having developed a good farm. On that farm Morgan Barr was born and reared, and he later became a tailor and merchant in Mount Vernon. He served two and a half years in the Civil war as a member of the Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a stanch republican in his political views and was a member of the Baptist church. His death occurred in 1888. His wife was a native of Wales, from which country she was brought to the United States in young girlhood, her parents settling in Mansfield, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Barr had two children, Anna, who is deceased, and Samuel E. Samuel E. Barr attended the public schools at Mount Vernon and then entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he received the Ph. G. degree in 1877. Returning to his home city, he engaged in the drug business, which he carried on for seven years, and then, selling his interests there, came to Canton, and established a drug store at what is now Third street and Market avenue south. He conducted that business twenty-two HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 235 years, eight months and fifteen days, when he sold out and engaged in the life insurance business, which he followed for a short time. In 1915 he became a candidate for the office of city auditor, for which office there were also six other candidates. He was elected by a majority of six hundred and fifty-three, and subsequent reelections have been by increased majorities, being six thousand six hundred and twenty-six in November, 1927. The following brief statement of facts relating to his administration of the auditor's office speaks volumes as to his ability and sound judgment in handling the city affairs : From January 1, 1916, to January 1, 1924, he received and accounted for city money to the amount of $25,326,082.26, and no finding was ever made against him ; on January 1, 1916, the city sinking fund had on hand investments of only $2,500 to pay a debt of $3,598,482, or one dollar for each $1,482 of debt, whereas on January 1, 1924, the sinking fund investments and cash amounted to $1,926,845 to pay a debt of $8,416,647, or one dollar for each $4.36 of debt ; he has never missed making a payroll ; at one time he borrowed twenty-two thousand dollars on his own note for two payrolls ; at another time, forty public-spirited citizens placed sixty thousand dollars in his hands with which to pay city employees for three months when the city was out of money; he secured the adoption of the serial plan of issuing bonds three years before the state of Ohio adopted it. This plan saved the city one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars in interest alone on one issue of bonds. Mr. Barr was married at Mount Vernon to Miss Phonie Sperry, who was born and reared in Knox county, and was a daughter of Isaac Sperry, one of the early settlers of that locality. Mrs. Barr died in 1911, and on January 29, 1913, in Canton, Mr. Barr was married to Miss Grace M. Poyser, a record of whose family is contained in the personal sketch of William J. Poyser, on other pages of this work. Mr. Barr gives his earnest support to the republican party and at all times has shown a deep interest in the progress and prosperity of his city and county. He is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M., to which he has belonged since 1890 ; Canton Chapter, No. 84, R. A. M. ; Canton Council, No. 35, R. & S. M. ; Canton Commandery, No. 38, K. T. ; Lake Erie Consistory, No. 148, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland ; Al Koran Temple, A. A. O.. N. M. S., at Cleveland ; the Lakeside Shrine Club and the Masonic Club. He is a member of the First Baptist 236 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY church, of which he was treasurer for twenty-two years and in the work of which he has always been greatly interested. A man of unquestioned integrity and demonstrated ability, he also possesses a strong social nature, and throughout the community in which he lives enjoys the friendship and esteem of all who know him. GUSTAVE EMIL NELSON High in the ranks of the successful building contractors of Stark county stands Gustave E. Nelson, of Alliance, whose record speaks well for his technical ability, his sound business judgment and his honorable methods, so that he has justly merited the confidence and respect which are given him by those who know him. Mr. Nelson was born in Sweden on the 13th of December, 1881, a son of Bengt and Anna ( Peterson) Nelson. Both parents are also natives of Sweden. The father was born in 1852 and died in August, 1924, and the mother, who was born August 29, 1851, is still living in that country. She has relatives in East Liverpool and East Palestine, Ohio, and Pittsburgh and Uniontown, Pennsylvania. In the family were nine children, of whom Gustave E. is the only one to come to the United States. The others, four sons and four daughters, are Carl, Oscar, Bernard, Leonard Nelson, Selma, Hulda, Hilma and Ellen, of whom seven are married. Gustave E. Nelson attended the public schools of his native land until fifteen years of age and later took a course in architecture in a night school, while during the daytime he worked at the carpenter's trade. When eighteen years old he was foreman of a gang of men in the building trade, and when twenty-one started in the building business for himself. When twenty-eight years of age he came to the United States, locating first in East Liverpool, Ohio, where he worked under a contractor for one and a half years, and then came to Alliance, being for about a year in the employ of John Miller, a building contractor. In 1914 he began contracting on his own account, establishing his first office in the Kryder block. Later he moved to the American Theater building, where he remained two years, and on the completion of the People's Bank building he moved to the second floor front of that building, HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 239 where he has since been located, and is carrying on an extensive general contracting and building business. He received quite a setback during the World war, when, by government decree, building contractors were limited to one-thousand dollar jobs. By that ruling Mr. Nelson lost twenty-one thousand dollars and at the same time was obliged to pay big wages for the labor he was able to employ. However, since the war he has prospered, for his ability and methods have gained for him a large patronage among the representative people of the community, and he has erected many of the notable buildings of the city, among which are the homes of Bert Sebring, at Union avenue and Overlook drive, A. L. Atkinson, and others. He recently built an attractive and well arranged home for himself on Overlook drive, it being equipped with every modern convenience. He kept the house open for visitors for two days, during which time it is estimated that fifty thousand people visited the place, and Mr. Nelson was offered twenty thousand dollars for it. He gives his personal attention to the execution of his contracts and does his own drafting and estimating. His political support is given the republican party, and he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at East Liverpool, Ohio, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles at Alliance. He is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his earnest support to all worthy causes. He is a lover of outdoor life, hunting and fishing being his favorite diversions. A man of honest purpose and worthy actions, he has shown himself a loyal citizen of his adopted country and is regarded as a distinct asset to the community in which he lives. MARION L. THURIN The Thurin Carpet and Rug Company, of Canton, of which Marion L. Thurin is president and the principal owner, is the largest concern in its line in Stark county and represents the results of the determined and persistent efforts of Mr. Thurin, who enjoys a wide reputation as a capable and successful business man. He was born in Louisville, Stark county, Ohio, May 31, 1886, and is a son of Julius and Josephine (Grange) Thurin. His father was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, and at the age of fifteen years 240 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY emigrated to the United States. He came direct to Stark county, locating in Louisville, where he established a mercantile business, to which he devoted his attention to the time of his death, which occurred September 27, 1913, at the age of seventy-three years. His political belief was that of the republican party and he was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church. His wife was born in Georgetown, Summit county, Ohio, and was of French descent, her family having long been resident of Summit county. To Mr. and Mrs. Thurin were born ten children, all of whom are living. Marion L. Thurin, the eighth in order of birth, was educated in the parochial and public schools of Louisville, after which he took a commercial course in the Canton Actual Business College. He then went to work for his father, under whom he learned the practical details of business management, and was associated with him for eight years. He then came to Canton and established his present business, in which success attended him from the start, so that in 1918 the business was incorporated as the Thurin Carpet and Rug Company, of which he is president. He utilizes twenty thousand square feet of floor space and employs thirty-three people. He has exercised sound judgment in all of his affairs and the prosperity which is now his is well merited. Mr. Thurin was married on June 11, 1912, at Maximo, Stark county, to Miss Viola Maudru, who was born and reared in that place and was a daughter of Joseph and Louise (Vesseriat) Maudru, of an old and well known family of Stark county. Her father served as county treasurer. To Mr. and Mrs. Thurin were born three children at Louisville, Richard Marion, James Bernard and Julius Joseph. The mother died November 5, 1922, and on April 5, 1926, in Canton, Mr. Thurin married Miss Elizabeth Cavanaugh, a native of this city and a daughter of James and Catherine Cavanaugh, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Thurin has been born a son, Louis Marion. Mrs. Thurin is a member of the Canton Women's Club and is active in the work of her church and the auxiliary to the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Thurin gives his political support to the republican party and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Optimist Club and the Shady Hollow Country Club. He and his wife are members of St. John's Roman Catholic church. He is deeply interested in his city's welfare and gives his support to all worthy causes of a benevolent HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 241 nature. Because of his business ability, sterling character and friendly manner, he commands the esteem and good will of all who know him. OSCAR R. SELL Oscar R. Sell, general manager and one of the owners of the Embro Manufacturing Company, of Canton, has achieved material success because he has worked hard and persistently for it, and in his record are found marked evidences of his sound judgment, business sagacity and honorable methods. Mr. Sell was born in Canton, Ohio, March 21, 1884, and is a son of Rolandus and Katie ( Dauberman) Sell, the latter now deceased. His paternal grandparents were John J. and Susan (Betz) Sell, who came from Mummasburg, Pennsylvania, to Canton prior to the advent of railroads here. Tradition states that the Sell family originated in Holland, whence they came to this country in a very early day, while the Betz family is of Scotch origin. Great-grandfather Betz conducted the Half-Way tavern on the Osnaburg road, between Canton and East Canton. Rolandus Sell was born in Stark county October 25, 1857, and was here reared and educated. For forty years he engaged in the retail grocery business at the corner of Fifth and Cherry streets, Canton, but is now practically retired. He is a democrat in his political affiliation, served as a member of the Canton board of education and is an earnest member of Trinity Reformed church. His wife was born at Massillon, Stark county, and was of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Sell had three children, of whom two are living, Oscar R. and Myrtle Young, wife of George Burton Young, of Canton. Oscar R. Sell attended the public schools of Canton, and at the age of sixteen years went to work in the wholesale notions house of W. A. McCrea. Thereafter he was employed in various commercial lines until 1914, when, with three associates, he organized the Embro Manufacturing Company, makers of metal specialties, such as embroidery hoops and curtain rods. The business, which is located at 1425 Sixth street northeast, Canton, has enjoyed a steady and continuous growth, its products being sold in all parts of the world, including China and Japan. The plant utilizes nearly eight 16V3 242 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY thousand square feet of floor space and twenty-five persons are given steady employment. The present officers of the Embro Manufacturing Company are, W. J. Poyser, president ; J. R. Bucher, vice president ; W. H. Cavnah, secretary and treasurer ; and 0. R. Sell, general manager. Mr. Sell is also a director of the Budget Plan Finance Company. On June 18, 1908, at Sharon, Pennsylvania, Mr. Sell was united in marriage to Miss Edna B. Schauweker, who was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of George H. and Mary (Miller) Schauweker. Mrs. Sell is a member of the Sorosis Club and the Open Door Club and takes an active interest in church and missionary society work. Mr. and Mrs. Sell are the parents of a son, George B., who was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, on April 13, 1911. In his political views, Mr. Sell maintains an independent attitude, voting according to the dictates of his judgment, but always supporting those measures which he believes to be for the best interests of the community. He is a member of McKinley Lodge, No. 431, F. & A. M., and he and his wife are earnest and loyal members of Trinity Reformed church. Mr. Sell has exemplified the highest type of citizenship, has led an upright and consistent life and commands the sincere respect of all who know him. ARTHUR T. ELLIS Among those who have long been actively identified with the financial and business interests of Massillon, one of the most highly regarded is Arthur T. Ellis, secretary of the First Savings and Loan Company, who has earned a good reputation as a man of sound and discriminating judgment in practical matters and as a citizen of fine public spirit. Mr. Ellis was born at Bowdil, Stark county, Ohio, on the 10th of October, 1891, and is a son of Joseph J. and Elizabeth (EvanS) Ellis. He received his educational training in the public and high schools and Massillon Business College and in 1909 entered the employ of the First Savings and Loan Company as a stenographer. Loyal and efficient service won for him deserved promotions and in May, 1926, he was elected secretary of the company, in which capacity he is rendering a high type of service. His long experience in this line of business has rendered HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 243 him intimately familiar with local conditions and placed him in a position where his opinions and advice are invaluable to the patrons of the bank, and he has been a large factor in the prosperity of this well known institution. Mr. Ellis is also a director of the C. W. Stuart Realty Company, secretary of the Charity Rotch Realty Company and a director of the Massillon Mortgage Company. On December 29, 1916, Mr. Ellis was united in marriage to Miss Bessie E. Kerstetter, of Massillon, and they are the parents of a son, Thomas K. Mr. Ellis is a republican in his political views and has taken an active interest in matters affecting the public welfare, having served a number of years as a member of the board of education, of which he was president. He is a member of the Masonic order in all of its branches, is president of the Massillon City Club and a trustee of the Massillon City Hospital. He and his wife are earnest and active members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Ellis possesses the essential qualifications of good citizenship and throughout the community in which he lives commands uniform respect and esteem because of his good business record and his substantial qualities. ALBERT J. PAUL For forty years Albert J. Paul has been engaged in the sheet metal business in Massillon and holds a place in the front rank of the successful and reliable merchants of this city. He has spent his life in this locality, having been born in Massillon on the 3d of February, 1863, and is a son of Andrew and Catherine (Kohl) Paul. The father was numbered among the early settlers of Stark county, having settled here in 1832. Mr. Paul received his educational training in the parochial and public schools and at the age of seventeen years started to learn the trade of sheet metal working, in which he became an expert. In 1888 he engaged in the business under the name of A. J. Paul & Company, his partner being Mr. Weiler, with whom he was associated until 1896, after which he carried on the business alone until 1908, when the present firm of C. F. Kracker & Company was established, consisting of Messrs. Kracker and Paul.. Mr. Paul's son, 244 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Vincent J., has since been admitted to the firm. The company does all kinds of sheet metal work and sells stoves and furnaces, installing the latter. Mr. Paul is painstaking in the performance of every job which he undertakes and takes a justifiable pride in the high quality of work which he turns out and which has been the basis on which his success has been founded. On September 26, 1887, Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Mary Weiler, and to them have been born four children, as follows : Gertrude, who is the wife of Albert Walter, Vincent J., Albert and Genevieve. The family are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. While his business has made heavy demands on his time, Mr. Paul has never neglected his obligations of citizenship, standing ready at all times to give his time and influence in support of those measures which have been calculated to promote the public welfare. A man of sound business judgment, square in all of his dealings and rendering prompt and efficient service, he is well worthy of the confidence which is accorded him by his fellowmen. THEODORE G. SNYDER Through his indomitable and well directed efforts, Theodore G. Snyder, of Massillon, has become one of Stark county's leading business men, being an extensive dealer in builders' supplies and also a prominent and successful contractor. He was born November 14, 1885, in the city in which he resides, and is a son of Fred and Mary (Shriver) Snyder. He attended the public schools here, but began work at an early age, first as a newsboy. Later he was employed by the Smith Monument Works, the Massillon Consolidated Grocery Company and the William Yost Harness Company, in all of which positions he received good business training, which has proven invaluable in later years. For many years Mr. Snyder was engaged in the livery business and is now the only man in Stark county owning race horses, which he campaigns each year as a pleasant diversion from the routine of business. In 1913 Mr. Snyder established his present business as a dealer in coal, sand, gravel and builders' supplies, and as a contractor in building, teaming, steam-shovel work and similar lines. Through his sound HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 245 methods, his energy and painstaking attention to details, he has gradually built up one of the largest concerns in his line in the state of Ohio. He occupies his own building at 321 South Muskingum street, has an extensive and complete equipment of machinery and tools and gives employment to fifty men. He organized the Miller Snyder Company to purchase and allot and develop the old Chriver track, and there he has established and sold the high school athletic field. It was through his efforts that Lincoln avenue was graded and opened through the town. At present he is engaged in excavating and landscaping in connection with St. Paul's Lutheran church in Massillon, this being one of the finest pieces of landscaping in the state of Ohio. He is a member of that church, is also a life member of the Knights of Pythias, is a Knight Templar Mason and Mystic Shriner and a member of the Eagles. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he has been the architect of his own fortune, having attained his present success through tireless and persevering effort, backed by honorable dealing, and wherever known he commands uniform confidence and respect, while his cordial and unaffected manner has won him many warm and loyal friends. JOHN ERWIN KEITH The Keith Milling Company, at Canton, very largely owned and managed by John Erwin Keith, is one of the leading concerns engaged in the flour and feed business in Stark county, and Mr. Keith has realized a splendid measure of success through his persistent and close application to business and the exercise of sound judgment in all of his affairs. He was born in Ottawa, Kansas, on the 23d clay of December, 1874, and is a son of John L. and Ellen L. (Kinney) Keith. His father was born at Vermillion, Oswego county, New York, and vas a descendant of an old Scottish family which was founded in this country by his grandfather, John Keith, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. John L. Keith was reared and educated in New York state and in 1865, at the close of the Civil war, went to Kansas, where he took up a tract of government land among a host of New England and New York pioneers. There he was engaged in farming for a number of years, 246 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY afterward engaging in business in Ottawa, where he died in 1910, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a republican in his political creed and a Baptist in religious faith. His wife was born in Lima, Rock county, Wisconsin, and was a daughter of Asel Kinney, who was a member of the Wisconsin state legislature and prominent in state and national politics. The family is of Scotch origin and was established in Wisconsin in an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Keith were born two sons and two daughters, of whom John ErWin and William H. are the only survivors. John Erwin Keith received his elementary education in the public schools of Ottawa and at the age of sixteen years went to work in the People's National Bank of Ottawa, with which institution he remained until twenty years of age. Realizing the need of a broader education, he attended Ottawa University and Kansas State University, at Lawrence, until twenty-four years of age, when he and his brother William established a mail order business, under the name of the Keith Manufacturing Company, with headquarters at Topeka, Kansas. In 1899 he established an eastern branch at Canton, Ohio, and operated both successfully until 1917, when he sold out, and in the following year organized the Keith Milling Company at Canton. From a small start, the business enjoyed a steady and substantial growth until today it is an establishment of which Mr. Keith has a right to be proud. The Keith Milling Company owns their flouring mill and warehouse and are jobbers and wholesale and retail dealers in flour, feed, fertilizer, seeds and auxiliary lines. They also operate elevators at Louisville and Robertsville, Stark county. On March 8, 1899, in Clay Center, Kansas, Mr. Keith was united in marriage to Miss Bernice Bonar, who was born in El Paso, Illinois, and is a daughter of John Marshall Bonar and Ruah (Williams) Bonar, the latter a direct descendant of Roger Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Keith are the parents of two daughters, Florence, born June 13, 1900, and Eleanor, born July 1, 1905. Mr. Keith has taken an active interest in matters affecting the moral and civic welfare of Canton, being a past director for nine years and past president of the Young Men's Christian Association; has been vice president of the Union Mission for the past five years, for four years has been a director of the Rotary Club, of which he was president in 1926-7. He is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M., and he and his wife are members of the First Bap- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 247 tist church, in which he is chairman of the board of trustees, and both take a very active part in church work. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. He is a man of unquestioned integrity, with the courage of his convictions, and commands the unqualified confidence and respect of all who know him, while his genial and kindly manner has won for him many warm friends throughout the community. OTTO KARL AYERS Otto K. Ayers is prominently identified with the business interests of Stark county, particularly in relation to public service, and is regarded as a man of distinctive ability and sagacity in practical matters, being numbered among the successful and influential citizens of Alliance. He was born at Fort Jefferson, Ohio, on the 29th of June, 1888, and is a son of Willis E. and Emma (Keckler ) Ayers. The grandfather, E. B. Ayers, was born at Shiloh, Montgomery county, Ohio, followed farming, and died at Dayton, this state. He was a republican in his political views. His son, Willis E. Ayers, was born near Lewisburg, Ohio, June 11, 1861, and died in Salem, Ohio, March 11, 1912 ; was a school teacher by profession, and also engaged in farming. He was a republican in politics and a member of the United Brethren church. Emma (Keckler) Ayers was born at Weaver's, Ohio, in 1867, and died at Salem, this state, May 9, 1907. She was a daughter of John and Julia (Dunaway) Keckler, of whom the former was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, devoted his efforts to agricultural pursuits, and died at Weaver's, Ohio. He was a democrat and a member of the Dunkard church. Otto K. Ayers attended the public schools at Castine, Ohio, and the high schools at West Manchester, Ohio, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and Auburn, Indiana. He is a director and the secretary and auditor of the Stark Electric Railway Company, a director, secretary and auditor of the Alliance Power Company, and assistant secretary of the Suburban Power Company, of Alliance, in which capacities he has been an important factor in the successful operation of these important concerns. He is a member of Alliance Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. ; a charter member and the first vice president 248 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY of the Alliance Lions Club, and a director and charter member of the Sleepy Hollow Golf Club. He is a member and deacon of the Christian church at Alliance and gives his support to all worthy benevolent causes. On May 6, 1914, in Alliance, Mr. Ayers was united in marriage to Miss Neva Emmons, who was born January 1, 1894, in East Rochester, Ohio, and is a daughter of Frank A. and Cora (Marietta) Emmons. Her father was born in East Rochester, and is a carpenter, which trade he followed for some years, but is now engaged in farming and lives at Moultrie, Ohio. He is a member of the Christian church and is a republican in his political views. His parents were David and Alice (Whiteleather) Emmons, of East Rochester, where the father engaged in the grocery business. He served throughout the Civil war as a member of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, gave his political support to the republican party and was a member of the Christian church. Mrs. Ayers, who was educated in the Alliance public schools, is a member of the Christian church and its societies, and the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers are the parents of two children, Martha Elizabeth (Bettie), born July 24, 1916, and Dorothy Ellen, born November 24, 1918. Mr. Ayers is a member of the school sinking fund commission, appointed by Judge Diehl, of the common pleas court. Of straightforward manner and cordial and friendly in his social relations, throughout the community where he lives he commands the respect and esteem of his fellowmen. HERBERT CLIFTON GRAYBILL, JR. Herbert Clifton Graybill, Jr., who is rendering able and efficient service as assistant prosecuting attorney of Stark county, has earned a reputation as a capable and reliable lawyer and in the discharge of his official duties is alert, determined and resourceful. Born at East Greenville, Stark county, Ohio, on the 2d of August, 1899, he is a son of Herbert Clifton and Elizabeth Mary (Davis) Graybill. The Graybill family is of German origin and was founded in this country soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, the emigrant ancestor settling in Pennsylvania. The