HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 251 first of the family to settle in Ohio was the great-great-grandfather of Mr. Graybill of this review, who settled in Stark county. Herbert C. Graybill, Sr., was born at Pigeon Run, Tuscarawas township, this county, and received his education in the public schools. For a number of years he has been connected with the United States postal service as a mail carrier in Massillon. He is a republican in his political views and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Elizabeth Mary (Davis) Graybill was born in Wales and when sixteen months old was brought to this country by her parents, Daniel T. and Mary Ann (Thomas) Davis, who settled in Brookfield, Trumbull county, Ohio. They resided there until 1893, when they moved to Stark county, where the daughter completed her education and was married. To Mr. and Mrs. Graybill have been born thirteen children, of whom eleven, eight sons and three daughters, are living. Herbert Clifton Graybill, Jr., who is the second child in order of birth, attended the public schools of Stark county and was graduated from the high school at Massillon, Stark county, in 1918. He then entered Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he spent three years, completing his studies in the law department of Ohio Northern University, at Ada, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1924. Mr. Graybill was compelled to earn his own way through college, his father being a poor man and with a large family to support, and was employed in steel mills, where, by the sweat of his brow, he gained the means to defray his educational expenses. After graduating, Mr. Graybill entered the law office of Niles A. Sponseller, in Canton, continuing with him until January, 1926. During this period he served as city solicitor for Massillon, resigning in January, 1927, to accept the position of assistant prosecuting attorney of Stark county, in which capacity he is still serving. He had had some previous experience in this position, having, for a period of three months in 1925, served as assistant prosecuting attorney under Charles B. McClintock. On August 2, 1926, at Cleveland, Mr. Graybill was united in marriage to Miss Helen N. Wells, the ceremony being performed on the twenty-seventh anniversary of his birth. Mrs. Graybill was born in Creston, Wayne county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Nathan M. and Mary (Rocky) Wells, both of whom are representatives of well known Creston families. Mrs. Graybill takes an 252 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY active interest in local, civic, political and religious affairs, particularly in the work of the Young Women's Christian Association. In his political affiliation Mr. Graybill is a republican and has been active in its support, being now chairman of the republican central committee of Massillon, in which city he resides. He is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the Knights of Pythias and the Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Kappa college fraternities. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Massillon. Determination, close application and persistent industry have been the elements which have insured his success and his record has gained for him the sincere respect and admiration of all who know him, while among his professional colleagues he is held in high regard. FERDINAND HERBRUCK The life activities of Ferdinand Herbruck, honored resident of Canton, cover the period from the pioneer past to the progressive present, and to the continuous growth and development of this section he has made valuable contribution, remaining still a most active factor in the world's work as president of the George D. Harter Bank. Few men have so wisely used their time and talents and his labors have always been of a character that has contributed to the welfare of city and state as well as to the upbuilding of his own fortunes. Canton is proud to number him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred November 4, 1844. His father, Peter Herbruck, was a native of Germany who came to America with other youths at the age of twelve years. The voyage across the Atlantic was made in a ship which docked at Philadelphia, and Peter Herbruck, hearing of advantages to be enjoyed in the state of Ohio, started on the trip on foot. En route to Canton he met a clergyman, the Rev. Faust, from whom he received employment, his chief work being the care of the clergyman's horses. Although his remuneration was very small, he had the advantage of using his employer's library, a privilege of which he eagerly availed himself, so that he became widely learned in the Scriptures and determined to devote his life to the ministry. He became one of the pioneer clergymen of Ohio and conducted religious services in HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 253 many of the small towns of Stark county, in the early period serving twelve congregations, from whom he reecived an aggregate salary of only about two hundred dollars a year. This limited remuneration naturally allowed him no luxuries and in fact his work entailed many hardships and for a long period necessitated his walking to the various towns in which he held religious services. After a time, however, from his meager earnings, he saved enough to enable him to purchase a horse at a cost of twenty-five dollars, but his funds were not sufficient to enable him to buy a saddle and he was therefore obliged to ride bareback. Nevertheless, he continued in the labors of the Lord throughout his entire life and for a period of fifty-three years was the loved and honored pastor of the First German Reformed church of Canton, his work being of far-reaching effect and importance in the moral development of the community. He died in 1896, at the age of eighty-three years, respected and esteemed by all who knew him, while his memory remains as a blessed benediction to those with whom he was associated. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Holwick, was born in Stark county, a daughter of Jonathan Holwick, a pioneer farmer of this section. She passed away in 1897, at the age of eighty-three years. The family of Rev. Peter and Sarah Herbruck numbered thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, of whom four are yet living : Calvin and Emil, both residents of Stark county ; Edward, who makes his home in Dayton, Ohio ; and Ferdinand, of this review. The last named pursued his education in one of the old-time log schoolhouses that stood on Second street, northeast. There he mastered the elementary branches of learning, but when twelve years of age was obliged to earn his own livelihood, being first employed as a clerk in the store of an older brother, with whom he continued, learning all branches of the business and thoroughly acquainting himself with the methods of merchandising then in vogue. He was thus employed to the age of twenty-two years, starting on a salary of one hundred dollars for his first year and receiving an additional hundred each year until he reached a maximum of eight hundred dollars per annum. It was while thus employed that Mr. Herbruck won the attention of George D. Harter, at that time one of the leading and influential citizens of Canton. After numerous attempts Mr. Harter finally prevailed upon the young man to accept his assistance in financing him to the extent 254 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY of twenty thousand dollars in the establishment of a general merchandise store. His previous experience as a clerk and assistant to his brother now stood him in good stead and he successfully conducted the business for a number of years. Eventually he sold out in order to again become an employe of his brother. In the meantime, Mr. Harter was conducting a private bank and at no time did he lose sight of the young man in whom he had become interested and whom he eventually made president of the George D. Harter State Bank when he received the charter for that institution, which became the successor of the private bank that he had previously conducted. This position Mr. Herbruck has filled continuously since 1897 and has developed a great banking house, transforming the small institution through his wise management and marked executive ability into one of the foremost banks of the state. Its doors were first opened for business on the 23d day of July, 1866. His plans have ever been carefully formulated and his resolute purpose and his thorough understanding of modern-day conditions in the business world have enabled him to so direct his affairs as to make the bank an institution of the greatest worth to the city and surrounding district. He is a hard thinking, clear-minded executive and never stops short of the attainment of his objective. In Canton, in 1868, Mr. Herbruck was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Kauffman, a native of Stark county and a daughter of Solomon Kauffman, one of the pioneer settlers of Canton. Mr. and Mrs. Herbruck became the parents of three daughters. Alice is the wife of Louis D. Paar and has three children : Hilda, wife of R. T. Ballard ; Fred D. Paar ; and Miriam, wife of Herbert McKowan. Effie is the wife of Louis J. Geisler and the mother of one son, Ferdinand Geisler. Helen is the wife of Roscoe C. McCulloch, an attorney of Canton, and they are the parents of two children, Kathryn and Hugh McCulloch. The military chapter in the life record of Mr. Herbruck covers service with the Home Guards during the Civil war. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he has served as a member of the city council and was instrumental in the construction of the first improved streets of Canton. To bring about this result was his object in seeking public office, and otherwise he has always preferred to do his duty as a private citizen rather than as an official. The interests and welfare of Canton, however, have always been dear to his heart and his influence and HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 255 efforts have been strongly resultant in bringing about improved conditions and in promoting progress along many lines. Fraternally he is a Mason—a life member of Canton Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M., which was organized in 1821, also a life member of the consistory and a life member of Washington Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Trinity Reformed church and his interests and activities have ever centered in those channels through which flows the greatest good to the greatest number. Canton honors him as a citizen of worth because of what he has accomplished in the business world, his industry, perseverance and honesty bringing him into prominent relations with the commercial and financial development of Canton, and also because of what he has done in maintaining the intellectual, civic and moral progress as well as the material development of his native city. Having spent his entire life here and ever commanded the respect, confidence and good will of all, he has a circle of friends that is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. HON. EDWIN W. DIEHL Edwin W. Diehl, judge of the common pleas court of Stark county, has long ranked among the leading members of the legal profession in this county and his elevation to the bench was a just recognition of his wide learning and sterling integrity of character. Born at Homeworth, Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 3d day of April, 1872, he is a son of Aaron J. and Sarah (Boyce) Diehl. His family is of Dutch origin, the progenitor of the family in this country having been Jacob Diehl, who emigrated from Holland about 1805 and settled in or near Baltimore, Maryland. In that locality was born Judge Diehl's grandfather, Jacob Diehl, who came to Ohio in 1832 and settled in Columbiana county, where he resided until his death, which occurred ift 1863, at the age of seventy-five years. His son, Aaron J. Diehl, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, whence he accompanied his father on the migration to Ohio, and he was reared and educated in Columbiana county, where he spent his active years engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served as a private for eighteen months with Company I, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, dur- 256 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ing which period he took part in the battles of Bull Run, Cold Harbor and Spottsylvania Courthouse. In the latter engagement he was so severely wounded as to incapacitate him from further military service and he was honorably discharged. He was one of a few who received a pension at the time of discharge. He was a democrat and was active in political affairs, serving as township assessor and as a member of the board of education in Knox township, Columbiana county. He died at Alliance, Ohio, in 1910, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, born in Yellow Creek, Columbiana county, was a daughter of Jacob and Anna (Carnes) Boyce,- her family being of English descent and among the early settlers of Ohio. She died at Alliance, Ohio, in 1918, at the age of eighty-four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Diehl were born three sons and two daughters, of whom Edwin W. is the fourth in order of birth, and of whom two sons are deceased. Edwin W. Diehl attended the public schools at Homeworth and Ohio Normal University, at Ada, from which he was graduated in 1895. He taught school for six years, during which period he took up the study of law in the offices of the late Alonzo Strong, of Alliance, and J. S. Miller, of that place. In 1902 he was admitted to the bar and engaged in the general practice of law, in which he continued successfully for twenty years, being associated with Hon. J. J. Brown, now judge of the municipal court of Alliance. In 1923 Judge Diehl was appointed by the governor to fill out the unexpired term of Judge Harvey Ake on the bench of the common pleas court, and in the following year was elected for the full term of six years. The prestige which he enjoyed as a practicing lawyer has been augmented by his splendid record as a jurist, and to a marked degree he commands the unqualified confidence and respect of the people of Stark county. Among the noted cases tried before him was the first of the now famous Mellett cases known as the Pat McDermott case. On June 26, 1905, in Alliance, Judge Diehl was united in marriage to Miss Lottie M. Raynor, who was born and reared in that city and is a daughter of John and Katherine (Shem) Raynor, both of German descent. Mrs. Diehl is a member of the Alliance Women's Club, the Caldron, the Ladies of Mokanna and the Methodist church. Judge and Mrs. Diehl have two children, Eloise, born April 3, 1907, and Edwin W., Jr., November 24, 1909. The family reside at 192 West Cambridge street, Alliance. Judge Diehl is a HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 257 stanch democrat and prior to going on the bench took an active part in political affairs. He is a member of Conrad Lodge, No. 271, F. & A. M., at Alliance, and has received the degrees of the Scottish Rite up to the thirty-third. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Sons of Veterans, all at Alliance. He is an earnest member of the Presbyterian church, to which he gives generous support, as he does to all other worthy causes. A man of strong character and deeply devoted to his profession, he is also cordial and affable in manner, and has a host of warm and loyal friends. JESSE G. SOHNER Jesse G. Sohner, secretary of the People's Building and Loan Company, of Massillon, has had many years of experience in positions of responsibility and in his present capacity has demonstrated business qualities of a high order, so that he has been able to contribute in definite measure to the success of this well known organization. Mr. Sohner was born in Massillon, Ohio, on the 2d of April, 1880, and is a son of Charles and Mary E. (Pider) Sohner, of whom the former was born in Germany and is now deceased. Mr. Sohner attended the public schools and took the commercial course in the Massillon Business College. He was employed in various places, spending eighteen years in New York city, a part of which time was in a wholesale men's furnishing house, and was in Utica, New York, four years. He returned to Massillon in 1901 and was appointed to a position in the post office, where he remained for eleven years, of ter which he served as deputy county auditor for five and a half years. In July, 1921, he entered the People's Building and Loan Company as assistant secretary and on June 22, 1922, was elected secretary, which position he is filling in an able and acceptable manner. Mr. Sohner has been married twice, first, in 1922, to Miss Viola Bordner, of Massillon, now deceased. On September 1, 1927, he married Miss Mary A. Paine, of Corona, California. He gives his political support to the republican party, while his religious faith is that of St. John's Evangelical church. He is a member of 17V3 258 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY the Free and Accepted Masons, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts, of which he is treasurer of the Massillon council, and the Young Men's Christian Association, in which he is doing effective work on the boys' committee. He does well whatever he undertakes, maintains a sincere interest in the welfare of his community and gives his support to all worthy causes.' Because of his sterling character, his excellent official record and his cordial and friendly manner, he is held in high regard by his fellowmen throughout the community where he lives. WILLIAM KENT YOST W. Kent Yost is manager of one of the oldest and best known business concerns of Stark county—the William Yost Company, of Massillon, which firm has for sixty years been engaged in manufacturing and selling leather goods and has always merited the confidence and respect of the public. A native of this city, Mr. Yost was born on the 13th of June, 1879, and is a son of William and Mary Frances ( Oberlin) Yost. His father was born in Jackson township, Stark county, June 6, 1841, and was educated in the public schools. When nineteen years of age he came to Massillon and went to work in Fred Loeffler's grocery store, where he was employed until 1860, after which he clerked for S. A. Conrad until August 4, 1862. He then enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served until the close of the Civil war, taking part in some of the army's most important operations, including the Atlanta campaign. On his return home he was in Akron, Ohio, for a short time, but returned to Massillon and in 1868, in partnership with his brother George, engaged in the harness, saddlemaking and leather findings business, also establishing a tannery. In 1874 George took over the tannery, remaining associated with William in the other branch of the business until March, 1877, when William Yost became sole owner of the leather goods business, to which he later added wagons and carriages, in which line he continued to the time of his death, on February 7, 1910. On October 5, 1869, he was married to Miss Mary Frances Oberlin, a daugh- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 259 ter of Samuel and Mary ( Hoffman) Oberlin, and they became the parents of four children, Ella M., Charles 0., William Kent and Edwin. The mother died April 17, 1920. Mr. Yost was a republican in his political views and was a member of the Masonic order. W. Kent Yost received a public and high school education and from the age of nineteen years was employed in the hardware store of his uncle, Charles E. Oberlin. When eighteen years of age he became associated with his father in the leather business, and on the death of his father he and his sister, Ella M., took over the business, which they have since successfully conducted under the old name of the William Yost Company. Through good management and the maintenance of the high quality of products which has always characterized this concern, it has held its position among the leading firms in its line in this section of the state and enjoys a large patronage. On June 7, 1910, Mr. Yost was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Silk, and they are the parents of three children, William K., John C. and Barbara Jane. Mr. Kent gives his political support to the republican party and is a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Massillon Chamber of Commerce. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church and he gives consistent support to every worthy enterprise for the promotion of the best interests of his community. As a business man, citizen and neighbor, he has so ordered his course as to gain and retain the unqualified confidence and esteem of his fellowmen and is deservedly popular with all who know him. WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD William H. Crawford, secretary and treasurer of the Reliance Manufacturing Company, of Massillon, has for many years been identified with the financial end of various important business organizations and has been found to be trustworthy and dependable in all things. He was born in Massillon, Ohio,, on the 15th of November, 1878, and is a son of R. B. and Eliza (Wertzbaugher) Crawford, both of whom are deceased. After completing the course of the public and high schools, he entered the law department of Ohio State University, from which he was graduated, with 260 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY the degree of Bachelor of Laws, in 1900. He became assistant cashier of the Massillon Savings and Banking Company, in which position he served six years, and then for two years was assistant treasurer of Russell & Company. In 1912 he became associated with Frank C. McLain in the organization of the Reliance Manufacturing Company, of which he is now secretary and treasurer. This concern is engaged in the manufacture of Reliance lock washers and Hy-Chrome nut locks, and operates two plants in Massillon. Its products have become widely known and are in great demand and the company is doing a very prosperous business. Mr. Crawford is also a director of the First National Bank of Massillon, a director of the Cuyahoga Steel and Wire Company, of Bedford, Ohio, and secretary and treasurer of the Mansfield Lock Washer Company, of Mansfield, Ohio, and a director of the Standard Horse Nail Company, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania. On October 12, 1904, Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Florence H. Dangler, of Massillon, and they are the parents of a son, William H., Jr., who is now a student in Harvard University. Mr. Crawford gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Masonic order in all of its branches. He is a communicant of St. Timothy's Protestant Episcopal church and gives his support to all worthy benevolent causes. He is a man of sincere purpose, holds firmly to high ideals and throughout the range of his acquaintance commands respect and confidence because of his worthy business record and his estimable qualities. THEODORE J. PHILLIPS, D.D.S. For ninety years the Phillips family, of which Dr. Theodore J. Phillips, of Canton, is a worthy representative, has been numbered among the leading families of Stark county. During this period its members have been prominently identified with its business and professional affairs, exemplifying a type of manhood and citizenship which has earned for them an exalted place in public regard. The family originated in the village of Gunstadt, Alsace, France, where lived the doctor's great-grandfather. He was the father of . four sons and two daughters, and three of the sons HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 263 served under Napoleon, the only one to return home being Adam, who was born in Gunstadt in 1792 and there learned the trade of shoemaking. In Gunstadt he married Miss Magdalena Speil and in 1838 he brought his wife and five children to the United States. Landing at New York, after a voyage of thirty-one days, they proceeded to Buffalo, thence by lake to Cleveland, and from that city by canal to Massillon, Stark county. They lived a few months in Canton and then established their home on the Bolivar road, in Canton township, where Mr. Phillips worked at his trade as opportunity offered, and also was employed on farms in that locality. Returning to Canton, he opened a shoemaking shop on South Cherry street, between Ninth and Tenth streets, where he remained awhile and then traded that property for five acres of land adjoining the town on the southeast. There he established his permanent home, in which he lived until his death in 1858. His wife passed away in 1880, at the age of eighty-seven years. Mr. Phillips gave his political support to the democratic party and he and his wife were devout members of the Roman Catholic church. They became the parents of six children, namely : Joseph, who married Agnes Pecher and died in Indiana ; Adam, Jr., deceased ; Frances, who became the wife of George Gonder, of Canton; Mary, who became the wife of Lawrence Bechel and died in Canton in 1899 ; George, who married Mary Herdt, and farmed south of Canton ; and Magdalena, who was born in Stark county and became the wife of Frederick Seikel, of Canton. Adam Phillips, Jr., born in Gunstadt, Alsace, France, February 26, 1827, was about eleven years of age when the family emigrated to the United States, and in the schools of Stark county completed the education which he had begun in his native land. Between the ages of twelve and twenty-one he spent the summers working on neighboring farms, and then learned the blacksmith trade with Charles Mesner, at New Berlin, Stark county. He became a proficient workman and followed that trade during the ensuing twenty-three years, working in Canton and Tiffin, Ohio, in Moline, Illinois, and other places. In 1868 he bought thirty-one acres of land, now a part of Westlawn cemetery, and on which was later erected the monument to the late President McKinley. Mr. Phillips devoted his attention to clearing the land, which was covered with a heavy growth of timber, erected a comfortable home, into which he moved in 1870, and there engaged in farming, in 264 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY addition to which he also operated a lime kiln and a coal bank on the place. In 1879 he sold the property to the Westlawn Cemetery Association and bought forty-eight acres of land on the opposite side of Harrison avenue, to which tract he removed his dwelling. Here he developed a good farm, to the management of which he devoted his attention to the time of his death. He supported the democratic party and he and his family were members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church in Canton. On June 21, 1855, Mr. Phillips married Miss Elizabeth Austin, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, December 4, 1837, and was a daughter of John G. and Agnes (Stein) Austin. Her father was born in Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1801, while her mother was born in Bavaria about 1803. Mr. Austin learned the blacksmith's trade in his native land and about 1839 the family came to the United States, locating on a small tract of land near Canal Fulton, Wayne county, Ohio, where he conducted a blacksmith shop. Later he spent a year in Tiffin, Seneca county, but returned to Wayne county, settling on eighty acres of land which he had previously bought, five miles from Fostoria. Clearing this land, he made improvements and engaged in farming, but later bought and moved to another farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Tiffin, and there he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1888, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was a man of splendid physique and great energy, continuing his active labors to within two years of his death. His wife died June 10, 1853. They were members of the Roman Catholic church. They had a family of seven children : Catherine, who became the wife of John Unser, and died in Tiffin in April, 1900 ; Mary, who was born in 1828, and died in 1853 ; George and William, deceased ; John, a soldier in the Union army, who was killed in the battle of Bull Run; Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips ; and Jacob, deceased, who served three years in the Civil war as a member of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry: To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were born six children : Theodore Joseph ; George E., of Canton, who married Miss Mary Stucker and has two children, Paul Adam and Agnes E. ; Flora E., who became the wife of Henry A. Striff, of Wheeling, West Virginia, and to them were born three children, Theodore J., Cecilia and Irene ; William A., of Canton, who was married to Miss Antoinette Dannemiller and they have three children, Eugene William, John J. and Robert F. ; Henry Augustus, of Wheeling, West HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 265 Virginia, who married Miss Lulu Miller and has three children, Lulu, Helen and Austin ; and Victor A., of Canton. Theodore J. Phillips was born in Canton on the 22d of March, 1859, and received his early educational training in St. Peter's parochial school, after which he attended and was graduated from high school. He remained on his father's farm until twenty-three years old, doing regular farm work and assisting in the operation of the lime kiln, coal bank and stone quarry which his father also conducted on the homestead, and it is worthy of note that at one time this quarry and kiln supplied all the lime and cement used for building purposes in this locality. On leaving the farm Mr. Phillips secured a position as shipping clerk in the wholesale grocery house of B. Dannemiller & Sons, in Canton, and during this period also took up the study of dentistry under Dr. G. R. Ball. Later he entered the Ohio Dental College, at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1883. He engaged in the practice of his profession in Minerva, until April, 1884, when he returned to Canton and opened an office at the corner of Walnut and East Tuscarawas streets, on the second floor of what later became the Globe clothing store, remaining there until April, 1885, when he moved to his present location at 130 Tuscarawas street east, where he has remained a period of forty-three years. A skilled and painstaking operator, Dr. Phillips has always stood in the front rank of his profession in this city and has commanded a large and representative practice. On September 24, 1890, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Burke, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a daughter of Thomas E. and Rosanna Burke, both of whom were born in Ireland, whence her father came to this country in 1842 and her mother in 1850. They lived for some years in Louisville, but later became residents of Cincinnati. Dr. and Mrs. Phillips have three children, namely : Edgar R., born March 18, 1892, married Miss Nina Neidlinger and they have two children, Audrey E. and Patricia ; Mary Augusta, born February 24, 1897, became the wife of F. L. Westrick and they have three children, Philip, Mary Eilene and Catherine ; and Theodore Joseph, Jr., was born January 7, 1901. Dr. Phillips is a democrat on national issues, but in local elections votes according to the dictates of his judgment, supporting 266 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY the candidates he regards as best fitted for the offices they seek. He was formerly a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church, but after his marriage transferred to St. John's parish, where the family now attend. The Doctor is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of St. John, of which he was commander for three years. He belongs to the Sippo Lake Club and Carrollton Recreation Club and the Lakeside Gun Club, and along strictly professional lines has membership in the Stark County, Northern Ohio, Ohio State and American Dental Associations. In addition to his long and creditable career in one of the most useful and exacting of professions, he has been a worthy citizen of his community, giving his earnest support to those measures which have been advanced for public betterment and has the unqaulified confidence and esteem of the people among whom he has lived and labored, standing today as one of Canton's representative professional men and solid and dependable citizens. HOMER LESTER GRIMES Homer Lester Grimes, president of the Alliance Dry Cleaning Company, has met with distinctive success in his business affairs, due to his adherence to the highest commercial ethics, while the quality of the work turned out by his concern has been its most effective advertisement. Mr. Grimes was born in Washington township, Stark county, Ohio, on the 9th of January, 1885, and is a son of John and Ellen (Schaffer) Grimes. His father was born in this county, June 20, 1843, and devoted his activities to farming for many years, but is now retired and lives in Alliance. He served in the Union Army during the latter period of the Civil war, having enlisted for three months, and reenlisted for the same period. He supports the republican party and is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he was post commander for two years. His wife was born in Washington township, Stark county, in 1848, and died in Alliance, in August, 1926. Her parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Schaffer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, came to Stark county in an early day and there her father took up a tract of gov- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 267 ernment land, on which he engaged in farming to the time of his death. Homer L. Grimes attended the district schools of Washington township and the public schools of Alliance, after which he took a course in the Alliance Business College. He later studied electrical engineering in the International Correspondence School, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and subsequently took a course in dyeing and cleaning with the National Institute of Dyeing, which is now located in Washington, D. C. During the period of his first course he was employed as a machinist with the Alliance Machine Company for two and a half years, after which he went to work for the old Adams Express Company, as a messenger between Pittsburgh and Chicago. He performed the duties of that position for nine years, and then became connected with the Alliance Dry Cleaning Company, as bookkeeper for three years, as general manager for two years, and for the past eleven years has been president of the company. The plant is located on the Sebring road, near Alliance, and is equipped with the most improved type of machinery. The main office of the company is at 33 South Arch street, Alliance, and they have agencies in a number of the surrounding towns. The company has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth in business and is now regarded as one of the leading concerns in its line in Stark county. Mr. Grimes was married in Alliance, March 8, 1903, to Miss Nellie M. Witherspoon, who was born November 11, 1896, and is a daughter of Curtis and Margaret (Thompson) Witherspoon. Her father was born in 1847, in Carroll county, Ohio, and during his early life followed farming. Later he took up plaster contracting, in which he was successful, and his death occurred in Alliance, November 1, 1926. He was a republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, who is a native of Carroll county, is now residing in Alliance. Mrs. Grimes was educated in the public schools of Carroll county and is an active member of a number of ladies' organizations, taking a keen interest in the social, civic and church affairs of her community. Politically Mr. Grimes is aligned with the republican party on national issues, but maintains an independent attitude in local elections, voting for the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for the offices they seek. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, of which he has twice been exalted ruler, and belongs to the Rotary 268 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebring Fish and Game Association, of which he is a director, being very fond of fishing and hunting. During the war he took an active part in all of the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives and was for three years a member of the home service committee of the Red Cross. He and his wife are members of the Union Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee, and he is also president of the married people's Bible class. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with mature judgment and every-day common sense, are among his prominent characteristics and he well merits the respect and esteem which are accorded him by all who know him. KENNETH S. GOODIN Kenneth S. Goodin, secretary and treasurer of the Canton Drop Forging and Manufacturing Company, deserves recognition as a worthy example of the self-made man, his success coming as the natural sequence of his persistent, intelligent and rightly directed efforts, and today he holds an enviable place in the business circles of Canton. Mr. Goodin was born in Paris, Stark county, Ohio, on the 3d of November, 1882, and is a son of Francis Marion and Emma (Spore) Goodin. The father, born in Paris, was a son of William Berry Goodin, an early settler of this locality, who was well known as a wagoneer, operating a stage coach between Pittsburgh and Massillon. Further reference to Mr. Goodin's early activities is made in the chapter on early transportation in the historical section of this work. Francis M. Goodin was reared and educated in Stark county and devoted the active years of his life to farming and stock-raising. He was greatly interested in educational affairs, devoting much time to the advancement of the township schools. His wife was born in Minerva, Ohio, and is descended from a pioneer family of this county, who came from Pennsylvania. She now resides in Minerva. Mr. and Mrs. Goodin became the parents of two children, Kenneth S. and Edna, who is the wife of J. C. Nohl, of Canton. Kenneth S. Goodin received his early education in the public schools of Centerville and Minerva, and when seventeen years of age he went to work as an office boy for the Wheeling & Lake Erie HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 269 Railroad, beginning at a salary of fifteen dollars a month. He remained in the employ of that company until January 23, 1905, when he went to work for the Canton Drop Forging & Manufacturing Company, filling the office of secretary until 1913, when he became secretary-treasurer, and is still filling that responsible position. He is also president of the Acme Laundry Company, Inc. He has shown business qualities of a high order, being a man of mature judgment and sound discrimintaion, and his associates hold him in high esteem. On October 16, 1913, in Canton, Mr. Goodin was united in marriage to Miss Florence Perdue, who was born in Minerva, Ohio, and is a daughter of T. J. and Emma (Helman) Perdue, both of whom were representatives of old and well known families of Minerva, the latter now deceased. Mr. Goodin gives his political support to the republican party and has shown a keen interest in public affairs, though not an office seeker. He is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M. ; Lake Side Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland ; Al Koran Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., at Cleveland, and Lily Lodge, K. P. He belongs to the Shady Hollow Country Club, of which he is vice president and a director, and he and his wife are members of the First Christian church at Minerva. He has lived a busy and useful life, has been true and loyal in all things, and, though his business makes heavy demand on his time, he does not neglect his obligations of citizenship, but ever stands ready to do his part in promoting the best interests of the city or county in which he lives. These qualities, as well as his excellent personal traits, have brought him well deserved popularity. WESLEY MITZEL Wesley Mitzel, a stockholder in and general manager of the General Tire Company, of Alliance, is a man of wide business experience and in his present enterprise is meeting with success, due to his energetic and progressive methods and his square dealing. Born near Massillon, Ohio, on the 31st of December, 1884, he is a son of William G. and Amanda (Bortner) Mitzel. The father was born in York, Pennsylvania, and died at Carrollton, Ohio, in March, 1919, at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a flour 270 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY miller for fifty-five years, owning a mill at Augusta, Ohio. He served over three years in the Union army, in the Civil war, gave his political support to the republican party and was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was born near York, Pennsylvania, and died near Massillon, Ohio, in 1885, at the age of thirty-nine years. Wesley Mitzel received his educational training in the public schools of Augusta, Ohio, after which he was associated with his father in the flour mill at Augusta for three years. Coming to Alliance, he entered the employ of The J. H. Sharer & Son Company, furniture dealers and undertakers, with whom he .remained for three years, after which he became connected with the postoffice department, serving as a letter carrier for eleven years. He then formed a partnership with J. W. Frutkin and engaged in business under the name of the Superior Tailors and Dry Cleaners, which enterprise they conducted for five years. Mr. Mitzel was the proprietor of a delicatessen stand, under the name of the Superior Dairy Products Company, in the Alliance city market for three and a half years and on January 1, 1927, he acquired an interest in the General Tire Company, of which he became secretary and manager, which relation he still sustains. On March 24, 1903, in Augusta, Ohio, Mr. Mitzel was united in marriage to Miss Elva M. Ashbrook, who was born March 24, 1884, and is a daughter of Simeon and Elizabeth (Perdue) Ash-brook, both of whom were born in Augusta and are now residing in Alliance. In early life Mr. Ashbrook was a harnessmaker, but later engaged in the hardware business. He is a stanch republican in his political views and has been active in public affairs, having served four years as sheriff of Carroll county, Ohio, and three years as a deputy United States marshal. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mrs. Mitzel was educated in the public schools of Augusta. Mr. and Mrs. Mitzel are the parents of two children. Drexel A., born November 3, 1904, acquired a public school education and is employed as a machinist with the Morrison Jack Company, of Alliance. He married Miss Ruby Seigenthaler, of this city. Dorothy M. was born July 31, 1914. Mr. Mitzel has always given his political support to the republican party. He is a member of Conrad Lodge, No. 271, F. & A. M., and the Sons of Veterans, of which he was commander for two years, and he belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and has HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 271 shown a keen interest in the welfare and prosperity of his community. He and his wife are members of the First Christian church, of which he was formerly a deacon and for several years chorister of the Sunday school. A man of earnest purpose and upright life, he commands the sincere respect of all and is numbered among the wide-awake and enterprising business men of his city. CHARLES E. MORRIS Charles E. Morris, publisher of the Canton Daily News, is an outstanding figure in the journalistic circles of Ohio, and the distinctive services which he rendered to the city of Canton within recent months is too fresh in the public mind to require any eulogy here. A man of keen and discriminating mind and an able and forceful writer, his newspaper work has long attracted favorable attention, and he stands today among the strong and influential men of Canton, commanding the uniform respect of the people of this city and county. Mr. Morris was born in Wapakoneta, Auglaize county, Ohio, May 21, 1884, and is a son of Francis Marion and Mary Eliza (Copeland) Morris. His father, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in Urbana, Ohio, in 1837, and died in 1926, while his mother, who was of English ancestry, was born in St. Johns, Ohio, in 1845, and died in 1925. Mr. Morris secured his early education in the district schools of his home county and graduated from the Wapakoneta high school. During 1903-4 he worked on the Toledo Blade, and later was for several years with the Wapakoneta Daily News. In 1908 he went to Springfield, Ohio, as editor of the Springfield Times, and also conducted the Ad Print Shop there until 1913, when he went to Dayton and served for three years as editor of the Daily News, during which period he was also identified with the Ohio News League. During the following four years Mr. Morris was in Columbus as secretary to Governor James M. Cox, and in 1921 went to Washington, D. C., as Washington correspondent and editor for the News League, remaining in the capital until July 16, 1926, when, on the assassination of Don R. Mellett, he came to Canton, took over the Daily News, and assumed charge of the investigation which resulted in the conviction of conspirators and 272 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY the breaking up of the control of the vice leaders over the police department of the city. On March 5, 1907, in Celina, Ohio, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Clara Freda Feldheiser, who was there born February 20, 1886, and is a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Sammetinger ) Feldheiser, who came of German ancestry. Her father was born in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1845 and died in 1913, and her mother was born in Sidney, Ohio, in 1855 and died in 1925. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are the parents of two daughters, Mary Elizabeth, who is a junior in the college of medicine of Ohio State University, and Marian Mae, who is a senior in the McKinley high school in Canton. In his political views Mr. Morris is an independent democrat. He has been active in public affairs, having been associated with Governors Harmon and Cox in their Ohio campaigns and in Mr. Cox's presidential campaign. He is a member of the Canton Club, the Brookside Country Club, the Canton Torch Club, the National Press Club and the City Club, of Washington, D. C., and the Athletic Club of Columbus. He was reared in the faith of the English Lutheran church but is now affiliated with the Presbyterian church. He does much special, editorial and general writing, and is also the author of books, possessing a smooth, clear and interesting literary style. He is a man of positive opinions, is fearless in the expression of his convictions, standing for the right regardless of any question of policy or personal profit, whereby he commands the confidence and respect of the public. HOWARD MILTON DINE Howard M. Dine is president and general manager of the DineDeWees Company, of 400 Walnut avenue southeast, Canton, and in his successful direction of this enterprise has proven a man of more than ordinary sagacity and judgment, ranking high among the progressive business men of Stark county. He was born in Canton on the 2d of February, 1879, and is a son of William Delmer and Regina ( Sexauer ) Dine. His father was an expert woodworker and for twenty-seven years was in the employ of C. Aultman & Company, of Canton. In his political views he was a stanch republican, while his religious connection in early life was HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 275 with the United Brethren church, he afterward joining the Reformed church. His father, Jacob Dine, who was of German antecedents, was a veteran of the Civil war. Regina (Sexauer) Dine was born June 9, 1858, is of French ancestry, and is still a resident of Canton. Mr. and Mrs. Dine became the parents of four children, Howard Milton ; Flora, the wife of Harry W. Oliver, who is now president of the Canton city council ; Ralph R., who lives in Ashland, Ohio ; and Leonore, the wife of A. C. Landis, of Canton. Howard M. Dine attended the public schools of this city, and Central high school, and at the age of sixteen years went to work for the Canton Hardware Company, beginning at a wage of two dollars and seventy-five cents a week. He remained with that concern for twenty-two years, learning all branches of the business, in which he eventually acquired a financial interest and became a member of the board of directors. On February 17, 1917, he retired from that firm and established the business in which he is now interested. It was incorporated for one hundred thousand dollars, but the rapid growth of the business requiring greater capital, it was increased to three hundred thousand dollars. This firm conducts the only exclusive business of its kind in Stark county, being wholesale automotive and garage equipment distributors, and its sales territory includes western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and eastern Ohio. Sixty people are employed and the company now has seventeen traveling salesmen. The plant utilizes forty thousand square feet of space, including the warehouse, and carries a large and complete stock of everything in its line. Mr. Dine has devoted his attention closely to the upbuilding of the business and has had the pleasure of seeing it develop into one of Canton's important enterprises. He is a director of the Home Builders Savings and Loan Association. On January 29, 1902, in Canton, Mr. Dine was united in marriage to Miss Ida Belinda Rigler, who was born in this city, July 23, 1879, a daughter of August and Henrietta (Heingartner) Rigler. Mr. and Mrs. Dine are the parents of two children : Paul H., born May 11, 1903, married to Miss Elizabeth Graybill, of Canton, and is assistant sales manager for the Dine-DeWees Company; and Evelyn M., born July 23, 1909, is a student in Ohio Wesleyan University. In his political views Mr. Dine is a republican and fraternally is a member of McKinley Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Lake Erie Con- 276 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY sistory, A. A. S. R. ; and Canton Council, J. 0. U. A. M. He belongs to the Rotary Club, of which he is a director ; the Congress Lake Club and the Canton Chamber of Commerce. The firm belongs to the Automotive Equipment Association, an international organization of manufacturers and distributors of automotive and garage equipment. In this association Mr. Dine has been very active, having served as president, vice president, a member of the board of directors for four years, on the board of governors for three years, for three years a member of the organized merchandise committee, and at the convention in Chicago in 1927 was made a member of the greater market development committee. He is a member of the First Reformed church and was superintendent of the Sunday school. He has shown an effective interest in things pertaining to the material, civic or moral welfare of his city and in his career has exemplified a high type of citizenship, for which reason, as well as for his excellent personal traits, he is held in high regard by those who know him. HON. JOHN H. FIMPLE The bench and bar of Stark county have been dignified by the life and labors of John H. Fimple, of Canton, who has long stood in the front rank of the able and successful attorneys of northeastern Ohio and is a member of the well known firm of Lynch, Day, Fimple, Pontius & Lynch, which is regarded as one of Ohio's strongest law firms. Mr. Fimple was born on his father's farm in Augusta township, Carroll county, Ohio, March 31, 1859, a son of David and Hannah (Dumbleton) Fimple, of whom the latter died in May, 1891, at the age of ninety-one years. David Fimple was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and a son of Michael Fimple, who was a pioneer of Carroll county, Ohio, as was also the Judge's maternal grandfather, John Dumbleton, who was a native of England. John H. Fimple secured his early education in the district schools of his home neighborhood and the public schools of Minerva after which he attended Ohio Northern University and Mt. Union College, graduating from the last named institution with honors and the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1882. He took HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 277 up the study of law in the office of Robert Raley, in Carrollton, and was admitted to the bar in 1886. He at once engaged in the practice of law in Carrollton and subsequently formed a law partnership with his preceptor, under the name of Raley & Fimple, an association which was terminated when the senior member of the firm was elevated to the bench of the common pleas court. Later Judge Fimple was associated with Judges James Holder, U. C. DeFord, R. E. McDonald and H. J. Eckley at different times. In 1885 Judge Fimple was elected a member of the Ohio legislature and so satisfactory was his service that in 1887 he was reelected. In 1889 he was appointed law clerk in the department of the interior at Washington, D. C., serving during the Harrison administration, and during the McKinley administration was an attorney in the office of the assistant attorney-general for the department of the interior. In 1903 he was appointed assistant United States land commissioner and while filling that position was actively identified with and rendered valuable assistance in the prosecution of the western land fraud cases. He resigned that position in 1906 and returned to the private practice of his profession in Carrollton. In 1910 he was elected judge of the common pleas court of what,' under the old state constitution, was the Stark, Carroll and Columbiana ditsrict, holding court in Carrollton, Lisbon and Canton. He discharged his judicial duties with ability and distinction for four and a half years and on May 7, 1915, resigned from the bench to become a partner in the firm of Lynch, Day & Fimple, which now is Lynch, Day, Fimple, Pontius & Lynch. He is widely recognized as an able, resourceful and dependable lawyer, commands a large and representative clientele and enjoys the unqualified respect of all who know him. The Judge has also been active in business affairs, as one of the organizers of the Carroll County Telephone Company and the Cummings Trust Company of Carrollton, and a director of the First Trust and Savings Bank of Canton. In December, 1888, Judge Fimple was united in marriage to Miss Ida J. Patterson, of Pattersonville, Ohio, who died in 1894, leaving two daughters, Marie, who is the wife of Jack Fishell, of Canton, and Bessie, the wife of John C. Morgan, of Syracuse, New York. Judge Fimple has attained the Knight Templar degree in Masonry ; is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the Canton Club, the Congress Lake Club and the Lake- 278 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY side Shrine Club. He maintains professional affiliation with the Stark County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Carrollton. He stands as a worthy and notable member of a striking group of public men whose influence on the civic life as well as in professional circles of this state has been of a most beneficent order, and throughout the range of his acquaintance he is held in the highest esteem. GEORGE CLINTON BAXLEY One of the most successful life insurance men of Stark county is George C. Baxley, of Alliance, who through his diligence and persistent efforts has built up a large business, and at the same time has gained a high reputation for his honorable and reliable methods. Mr. Baxley was born in Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, July 7, 1878, and is a son of William H. and Catherine (Underwood) Baxley. He is descended from old Maryland stock, his paternal great-grandfather, Henry Baxley, who was of English and Scotch ancestry, having been born in Baltimore, of which city he was a lifelong resident. He was a lawyer by profession and was also a landowner and slaveholder. He was a democrat in politics and a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. His brother, Captain Baxley, furnished the provisions for the garrison at Fort McHenry while it was being besieged by the British. Henry Baxley was the father of George Baxley, who was born in Baltimore, whence he came to Ohio, locating at Raymond, Union county, where he engaged in the practice of law. He was successful and became the owner of one thousand acres of land, also owning the first mill built in that section. He was a democrat, served for a number of years as justice of the peace, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Miss Mary Griffith, of English and Scotch descent, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and died in Raymond, Ohio, in 1861. They became the parents of William H. Baxley, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in May 1835, and died in Lisbon, Ohio, May 8, 1902, at the age of sixty-seven years. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having responded to President Lincoln's second call for troops, and served with Com- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 279 pany A, First Ohio Regiment of Volunteer Cavalry, until the end of the war. He was a saddler and harnessmaker by trade, was a member of the Christian church and gave his political support to the republican party. His wife was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, March 24, 1841, and died at the home of her son in Alliance, in December, 1918. She was a daughter of George and Matilda (Britton) Underwood, who lived near Rogers, Columbiana county, Ohio. Her father followed the occupation of farming, was a republican in his political affiliation and was a member of the Friends church. George C. Baxley secured his educational training in the public schools of Lisbon and while attending school also learned the trade of pad-making in A. Arter's harness and saddlery shop. On leaving school he took up the study of stenography under Miss Alice Glenn, the court reporter of Columbiana county, after which he became a public stenographer in Lisbon, where he also took up the life insurance business. In September, 1906, Mr. Baxley came to Alliance and went to work in the order department of the McCaskey Register Company. In 1917 he was made sales manager of that corporation, in which capacity he served for nine months, after which he entered the employ of the American Steel Foundries Company as a storekeeper. Eighteen months later he resigned that position in order to accept the secretaryship of the Chamber of Commerce, in which office he served for two years and two months. He then entered the life insurance business, in which he has continued to the present time and in which success has crowned his efforts. On January 9, 1902, in Lisbon, Ohio, Mr. Baxley was united in marriage to Miss Eva Leona Jackson, who was born in Hanoverton, Ohio, December 23, 1878, a daughter of D. H. and Kitty F. (Brown) Jackson. Her father was born at Mt. Jackson, Pennsylvania, and served for many years in the railway postal service but is now retired, living in Lisbon, Ohio. He is a member of the Christian church and supports the republican party. His wife is a native of Hanoverton, Ohio, and on December 25, 1927, they celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding, on which occasion there were present all of their children and grandchildren, none having died. Mrs. Baxley graduated from the Lisbon high school and attended the Pittsburgh School of Music and the Cleveland School of Music, after which she taught music in Lisbon prior to her marriage. She is a member of the Order of the Eastern 280 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Star, the Alliance Women's Club, the Mt. Union College Women's Club and the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, in Canton. In politics Mr. Baxley has always been a republican, while fraternally 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. ; Lake Erie Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland and Al Koran Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., at Cleveland, and also belongs to the Alliance Country Club, the Rotary Club and other local organizations. He and his wife are earnest members of the First Christian church and give their support to all worthy causes and enterprises calculated to advance the general interests of the community. Mr. Baxley's record as a business man and citizen has been a creditable one and he is well worthy of the high place which he holds in public confidence and esteem. GEORGE STUART HACKETT, M. D. Dr. George S. Hackett, of Canton, who has risen to a place in the front rank of his profession and commands a large and remunerative practice, was born in Uniontown, Belmont county, Ohio, January 14, 1888, and is a son of George Stuart and Lizzie Agnes Hackett. His father, of English lineage, was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, served for many years as a minister of the Presbyterian church, and died in 1924, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, while his wife, who is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and is now residing in Canton, Ohio. Dr. Hackett secured his elementary education in the public schools of various localities where his father served as pastor, having lived successively at Uniontown and Apple Creek, Ohio, Murrysville, Fayette City and Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. After completing the public school course, he entered Winona Academy, from which he was graduated in 1908, and then pursued his classical studies in Wooster College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1912. He matriculated in the medical school of Cornell University, was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1916, and at once went to England, where he joined the medical corps of the army, and was assigned to the London base HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 281 hospital. In 1918 he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the United States Army, with which he served until 1919, when he was honorably discharged. He now holds a captain's commission in the Medical Reserve Corps. On returning from France, Dr. Hackett came to Canton and engaged in the active practice of medicine and surgery in association with Dr. H. M. Schuffell and quickly gained recognition as a learned and skillful practitioner. He is a member of the surgical staff of Mercy Hospital, and of the board of the Stark County Savings & Loan Company. On November 24, 1917, in Canton, Dr. Hackett was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Gans Krichbaum, who was born at East Sparta, Ohio, May 31, 1891, and is a daughter of Judge Charles and Lizzie ( Gans) Krichbaum. Mrs. Hackett is a member of the College Club, the Women's Club and the Junior Service Club. Dr. and Mrs. Hackett are the parents of two children, George Stuart, Jr., born March 21, 1919, and Mary Elizabeth, born January 25, 1922. The Doctor is independent in his political attitude, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He is a member of the Beta Theta Pi college fraternity, the Nu Sigma Nu medical fraternity, the American College of Surgeons, the University Club, the Canton Club, the Brookside Country Club and the Lakeside Shrine Club. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian church. Devoted to his profession, of which he is a constant student, and actuated by a genuine sympathy for the sick and suffering, he has won the respect and confidence of all who have employed him, while throughout the range of his acquaintance he is held in high regard. CHARLES O. FINEFROCK One of the most prominent figures in the commercial and civic affairs of Massillon is Charles 0. Finef rock, who conducts a large and prosperous furniture business at 641 West Main street. He has not only shown exceptional ability in the management of his business, but in matters affecting the public welfare has been a tireless and effective worker. Mr. Finef rock was born near Waynesburg, Carroll county, Ohio, on the 16th of October, 1879, 282 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY and is a son of Emanuel and Rebecca Jane (Robertson) Finefrock, who were pioneer settlers in that locality. He completed the public school course and worked on the home farm for a while, then attended normal school, after which he taught school for four years. In 1902 he and his brother, J. E. Finef rock, engaged in the furniture business, establishing a large store at Canal Fulton, and Charles O. Finefrock, who resided in Massillon, sold furniture extensively from the Canal Fulton store. In April, 1926, they established the business in Massillon, opening the largest store building in the city, and carried on the enterprise together until January, 1927, when the partnership was dissolved and Charles O. Finefrock assumed entire control of the business. He carries a complete stock of all kinds of furniture and house furnishings, which he displays in an attractive manner, and his trade is showing a steady and substantial growth. On June 16, 1909, Mr. Finef rock was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Leibenguth, of Canton, and they are the parents of two children, Charles and Mary Louise. He votes with the republican party and has been very active in local public and civic affairs. He has served as a member of the board of education, is a past director of the Chamber of Commerce and is president of the Young Men's Christian Association. He has established a high reputation as a collector of funds for civic, charitable and social agencies, as well as community chest drives, and has been a leader in the various movements calculated to promote the public welfare. He is a member of the Lutheran church and commands the respect and esteem of his fellowmen. WALLACE S. FOULKE, M. D. Dr. Wallace S. Foulke, who holds a place in the front rank of the able and successful physicians and surgeons of Stark county, was born in Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, June 1, 1875, and is a son of Marion C. and Frances A. (Lower) Foulke. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent and was founded in this country by the Doctor's great-great-grandfather, Lafayette Foulke, who came to America in the latter part of the eighteenth century and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He became the father of HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 283 James W. Foulke, who subsequently came to Ohio, and in this state was born his son, Lafayette Foulke, Jr., who became one of the early settlers of Columbiana county, where he engaged in f arming and stock-raising. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout that struggle as a first lieutenant in the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He married Miss Nancy Whiteleather, whose family also settled in Columbiana county in a very early day, and they became the parents of Marion C. Foulke, who was born at Moultrie, Columbiana county, May 15, 1852. He was reared and educated there and at the age of thirteen years began teaching, which he followed for nine years in his home county. He then entered the Wooster Medical College, in Cleveland, was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1874, and located in Canton, where he successfully practiced his profession for thirty-five years, his death occurring in 1921, at the age of sixty-nine. He was a republican in his political affiliation and was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Frances A. (Lower) Foulke was born July 4, 1856, at New Alexander, Ohio, a daughter of Michael and Nancy ( Smith) Lower, and is now a resident of Canton. To Dr. and Mrs. Foulke were born two children, Wallace S. and Anna M., deceased. Wallace S. Foulke attended the public schools of Canton, graduating from high school, and then matriculated in Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, winning the M. D. degree in 1897. He served one year as interne in the Pennsylvania Hospital, in that city, after which he returned to Canton, and has since been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. He keeps in close touch with the latest advances in the healing art and in 1919 took a postgraduate course at the Mayo Clinic, at Rochester, Minnesota. He is a member of the Canton Medical Library Society, the Stark County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He served during the Spanish-American and World wars as a member of the medical examining boards, and is now physician to the Stark County Home. On June 29, 1899, in Canton, Dr. Foulke was united in marriage to Miss Florence M. Rockhill, who was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Samuel H. and Margaret H. (King) Rockhill, both now deceased. Mrs. Foulke is a member of the Trinity Lutheran church and the Canton Woman's Club. Dr. 284 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY and Mrs. Foulke are the parents of a son, Marion R., who was born on March 6, 1904. Dr. Foulke is a republican, interested in the welfare of his community. He is a member of Canton Lodge, No. 68, F. & A. M. ; Canton Chapter, No. 60, R. A. M. ; Lake Erie Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks ; the Fraternal Order of Eagles ; the Loyal Order of Moose; the Canton Club and the Congress Lake Club. His religious connection is with the First Methodist Episcopal church. A man of high professional attainments, sterling qualities and cordial and unaffected in manner, he has won a host of warm and loyal friends throughout this community and commands the respect of all. GEORGE W. MONNOT One of the notable commercial enterprises of Canton is that of the Lincoln and Ford automobile agency of Monnot & Sacher, which was established in 1905. The business occupies one entire city block of floor space and is one of the foremost agencies of the state. Its development is due to the close application, progressive spirit and well formulated plans of Mr. Monnot and his partner and its constant expansion is the tangible evidence of business qualities of superior order. Mr. Monnot was born in Canton, September 29, 1878, and is a son of Charles D. and Catherine (Vignos ) Monnot, both of whom have passed away. The Monnot family was among the first settlers of Louisville, Stark county. The family is of French origin and was founded in America by Joseph Monnot, a native of France, who in the early part of the nineteenth century, about 1837, conducted a stage coach tavern at Louisville on the main trail leading to Pittsburgh. Charles D. Monnot was also born in France but was a babe in arms when brought to America by his parents. He was reared and educated in Stark county and continued his residence in Louisville until the early '70s. For many years he was identified with the Aultman Company and was widely and favorably known in this section of the state. A stanch democrat, he was very active in politics and filled a number of city offices, including that of councilman and member of the water works board. In the latter connection he did important HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 287 work, being one of the prime factors in the drilling of wells and in promoting the present modern waterworks system of Canton. A Roman Catholic in religious faith, he was a communicant of St. John's church and he died in Canton in 1910, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, a native of Louisville, Stark county, was a daughter of Joseph A. Vignos, a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Louisville. Mrs. Monnot became the mother of six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom, with the exception of one daughter, died in infancy. The mother passed away in 1911. George W. Monnot obtained his early education in St. John's school and also attended the public schools of Canton to the age of fourteen years, when he started out to earn his own livelihood. He was first employed by the Aultman Company, serving an apprenticeship and thoroughly learning the machinist's trade, which he then followed as a journeyman for a period of five years. At the end of that time he entered upon the manufacture of bicycles in connection with his father and brother under the firm name of Charles D. Monnot & Sons, their business being located at 811 North Cleveland avenue, where they successfully operated until 1905. George W. Monnot then entered the automobile business at 305 South Market avenue, becoming one of the first Ford distributors in the state of Ohio. He has since continued to handle this car and has always found a ready sale, building up a business of extensive and gratifying proportions. He has also handled the Rambler car, now the Nash, also the Jeffery car, and at the present time he is distributor for both the Ford and Lincoln cars—the output of the great Ford plant at Detroit. He is a past president of the Canton Automobile Dealers Association and it is characteristic of him that he has ever been ready to aid his competitors through advice and through the dissemination of knowledge as to the best selling methods. On the 11th of November, 1912, Mr. Monnot was married in Canton to Miss Alice D. Hossler, who was born in Huntington, Indiana, and is a daughter of Martin and Barbara (Scheiber) Hossler. The father was of German descent and a representative of one of the old families of Stark county. Mr. and Mrs. Monnot have become parents of four children : George E., Richard J., Barbara L. and Joan M., all of whom were born in Canton. The family resides at No. 221 Eighteenth street, northwest. Both 288 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Mr. and Mrs. Monnot are active workers in St. John's Roman Catholic church. She also takes a prominent part in social activities of the city and is a member of the Canton Women's Club and the Canton Hospital Circle. Mr. Monnot holds membership in the Knights of Columbus and both he and his wife are identified with the Brookside Country Club. He also belongs to the Canton Club and the Canton Chamber of Commerce and he is identified with the Better Business Bureau. In a word, he is keenly and helpfully interested in everything that pertains to the welfare and progress of the city and his cooperation can at all times be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good. He finds his diversion in golf and hunting and is a lover of all outdoor sports, but he never allows these to interfere with the conduct of his commercial interests. His business is situated at the corner of Market avenue and Sixth street, southwest, where, occupying an entire city block of floor space, he has developed an enterprise of mammoth proportions. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in the business world without financial aid soon after entering his teens and has steadily worked his way upward through determination and ability until he is now numbered among the foremost business men of his native city. EDWIN H. PILLE Edwin H. Pille, who recently retired from the shoe business, with which he had been actively and continuously identified for half a century, has long been regarded as one of Massillon's representative citizens and none stands higher in public esteem than he. Born in this city on the 5th of November, 1865, he is a son of Herman H. and Frances (Norbeck) Pille, the former a pioneer shoe merchant here. Edwin H. Pille attended the public schools, but at an early age began to learn the shoemaking trade. In his thirteenth year he went into his father's store, with which he remained in association with his father until the latter's death, on January 1, 1918, after which Mr. Pille continued alone until 1928, when, having amassed a competency, he closed out the business in order that he might enjoy well earned leisure. This old store, which had been in existence for seventy-two years, was one of the landmarks HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 289 of this city and always enjoyed marked popularity with the buying public, owing to the sound and honorable principles which characterized its management. On June 22, 1898, Mr. Pille was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Maud Valleley, of Canton, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Patterson) Valleley, well known pioneers of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Pille have been born two children : Frances, who is the wife of Walter E. Shively, of Akron, Ohio, and the mother of two children, William Edwin and Robert Richard ; and Richard Edwin, who graduated in 1928 from Harvard University, where he made an enviable scholastic record. Mr. Pille maintains an independent attitude in political affairs, voting always in accordance with the dictates of his judgment as to men and measures. He is a member of the Massillon City Club and the Brookside Country Club. While he has devoted his efforts closely to his business interests, he has also given freely of his time, means and influence in the promotion of the best interests of the community along material, civic and moral lines and has been loyal and true in every relation of life. Owing to his probity of character, his genuine worth and his kindly and genial manner, he commands the respect and friendship of his fellowmen and stands among the substantial and uniformly respected citizens of the community. ELLWYN C. ROBERTS One of the leading real estate and insurance concerns in Stark county is the E. C. Roberts Agency Company, of Canton, of which Ellwyn C. Roberts is the owner. He was born in Willoughby, Lake county, Ohio, May 24, 1878, a son of William B. and Olive A. (Whitney) Roberts. The family has long been established in this country and tradition states that one of its members participated in the war of the Revolution. From Vermont the family moved to New York and in 1840 Mr. Roberts' grandfather, Joel Roberts, came to Ohio, settling in Lake county. In Willoughby, that county, William B. Roberts was born June 3, 1846, and was there reared and educated. He learned the trade of pattern-making and during his active life was engaged in various phases of the woodworking industry. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the One Hundred 19V3 290 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY and Seventy-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served about eighteen months in the Civil war, in which conflict his five brothers also served. In his political views he was independent, while his religious belief was that of the Universalist church. His death occurred October 17, 1905, at the age of fifty-nine years. Olive (Whitney) Roberts was born October 5, 1845, in Columbia, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Rev. H. S. and Elizabeth ( Morse) Whitney. The Whitney family, which was established in this country prior to the Revolutionary war, is of English origin, the ancestral line being traced back to the time of the battle of Hastings in 1066. Mrs. Roberts' parents were related to Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton gin, and to Samuel B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph. She died July 30, 1905, at the age of sixty years. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts had four children, of whom three survive : Ellwyn C. ; Edith M., who resides in Canton ; and Rev. Ruel W., a minister of the Congregational church at Ravenna, Nebraska. He is a graduate of Oberlin College, from which he received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity. Ellwyn C. Roberts attended the public schools of Willoughby, graduating from high school in 1895, and then entered Oberlin College, from which he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1902, also receiving his Master's degree from that institution in 1903. He engaged in teaching school, serving as instructor one year each in Lake Erie College, at Painesville, Ohio, the high school at Akron, Ohio, and the Canton high school. He then entered the employ of the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company, at Akron, with which he continued in a clerical capacity for five years, after which he accepted a position as manager of the labor and timekeeping department of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, at Akron, where he remained five years. The following year he engaged in the life insurance business in that city, and in February, 1916, came to Canton, where, in partnership with ex-Sheriff Adam W. Oberlin, he engaged in the real estate and insurance business. One year later Mr. Roberts bought his partner's interest, has since conducted the business under the name of the E. C. Roberts Agency Company. Mr. Roberts was one of the incorporators of the Budget Plan Finance Company, of which he is a director and secretary. On June 28, 1906, in Canton, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Oberlin, a daughter of Adam W. and Marietta (Gans) Oberlin, and they have become the parents of four HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 291 children : Oliver, born February 8, 1908, is a student in Oberlin College; Frederick, born April 12, 1911, is attending the McKinley high school ; Addison was born November 15, 1917; and Eleanor, born July 30, 1920, died July 19, 1923. In his political views Mr. Roberts is a republican on national issues, while in local elections he maintains an independent attitude. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Orchard Hill Country Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Canton Real Estate Board, of which he was president in 1923. He and his wife are earnest members of Trinity Reformed church. He has been, in the strictest sense, the architect of his own fortune, for the success which has come to him has been gained through his persistent efforts and because he has been true to the highest ideals in business, civic and social life he commands to a marked degree the confidence and respect of all who know him. IRVING FERRELL One of Massillon's most highly regarded business men is Irving Ferrell, who for many years has been identified with the insurance business and other lines of effort, in which he has met with well merited success, while in the sphere of citizenship he has exemplified the highest attributes. Mr. Ferrell was born on a farm in Ashland county, Ohio, on the 3d of February, 1872, and is the youngest of the ten children, five of whom are living, of John and Eliza (Gries) Ferrell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Irving Ferrell secured his education in the public and high schools of Ashland, and was variously employed for a while. His first work of importance was in the life insurance business in Massillon, in which he continued actively for thirty-five years, and to which he still gives some attention. During the period of his residence in this city he has been identified with a number of business enterprises and has won a reputation as a safe and dependable man in anything which he undertakes. On September 7, 1895, Mr. Ferrell was united in marriage to Miss Villa Emma Gacidis, of Massillon but a native of Brookfield, and to them have been born five children, namely : Glenn Eugene, Claude M., Vera R. and Gertrude E., all of whom are liv- 292 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ing, and Cleela, who was accidentally killed in 1910. Mr. Ferrell is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and his religious connection is with the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal church. He is a democrat in his political affiliation and has long been active in local public affairs. He was elected mayor of Massillon in 1925 and during his administration of two years gave a high type of service to his city, devoting his efforts to the advancement of the community along all lines. He took an active and effective part in the Massillon Centennial of 1926 and as mayor contributed materially to the success of the celebration. He stands a man among men, and because of his fine public spirit and his sterling personal qualities is not only highly respected, but enjoys marked popularity throughout the community honored by his citizenship. EDWARD C. TAGGART The oldest plumber in Massillon in point of years of service is Edward C. Taggart, who has commanded his full share of the local business in his line and has realized a splendid measure of success, due to the uniformly high quality of his work and his honorable business methods. Mr. Taggart was born in Akron, Ohio, July 27, 1871, and is a son of Major E. F. and Sarah E. (Brown) Taggart, the latter now deceased. His father had a noteworthy military career during the Civil war and has since been very prominent in the activities of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is still living in Akron. Edward C. Taggart secured a good public school education and was first employed as a printer on the old Akron Beacon. Thirty-seven years ago he started to learn the plumbing business, at which he worked two years in Akron, and then came to Massillon, where he has been in the plumbing business continuously for thirty-five years. He was at first associated with W. H. McLain, whose father sold his business to them, and one and a half years later Mr. Taggart bought out his partner and has since been sole owner. During this period he has successfully handled some of the largest plumbing jobs in Massillon, but in later years he has given the major portion of his attention to the retail fixture trade. On March 25, 1895, Mr. Taggart was united in marriage to HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 293 Miss Lily M. Herrold, of Akron. He is a stanch republican in his political views and is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Business Men's Association. His support may always be counted upon to promote the best interests of the community and he has in every relation of life shown himself well worthy of the confidence and respect of his fellowmen, for he has adhered closely to the highest commercial ethics and has dealt squarely with all men. REV. PEARL H. WELSHIMER, D. D. Dr. Pearl H. Welshimer, pastor of the First Christian church in Canton, has gained wide recognition as an able and forceful preacher, a faithful and effective pastor and a loyal and public-spirited citizen, and to a marked degree commands the admiration and respect of the people of this city. He was born in York, Ohio, April 6, 1873, a son of Samuel and Louise (Wilson) Welshimer. His father, who was of German and Scotch descent, was born at Amanda, Ohio, April 25, 1851, and his mother, whose antecedents were Scotch, English and Irish, was born at West Liberty, Ohio, January 27, 1848. Pearl H. Welshimer spent his boyhood days in York and West Mansfield, Ohio, graduating from the high school at the latter place, and in 1891 entered Ohio Northern University, at Ada, from which he was graduated in 1894, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, receiving also the same degree from Hiram College, which he attended from 1894 to 1897. In 1926 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Butler University, at Indianapolis, Indiana. He was ordained to the ministry of the Christian church in 1897 and accepted the pastorate of the church at Millersburg, where he served until 1902, when he came to his present church, to which he has ministered ever since. The church has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth under his pastorate, while all of its departments have functioned in a very effective manner. On May 15, 1900, in Vermillion, Ohio, Dr. Welshimer was united in marriage to Miss Clara C. Harnig, who was born in Sandusky, Ohio, August 10, 1873, a daughter of Jacob and Katherine Harnig, both of whom were born in Germany and are now de- 294 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY ceased. Dr. and Mrs. Welshimer are the parents of three children : Helen L., who is a graduate of Hiram College, took postgraduate work at Columbia University, New York city, and is now a feature writer on the Canton Daily News ; Mildred, who graduated from Hiram College, is now teaching English in the John H. Lehman high school, Canton; and Ralph is a junior in Hiram College. Helen's newspaper work has attracted considerable attention and received distinctive recognition at the meeting of the Ohio Newspaper Woman's Association at Toledo, in November, 1927, when she took three prizes and four honorable mentions for material submitted in competition with other Ohio newspaper women, the largest number won by any delegate at the convention. Her victories were registered in the best story written concerning a railroad, the best narrative written in poetic form and an intimate article concerning a small town newspaper. The material was judged by Marlin E. Pew, editor of Editor and Publisher, the leading professional newspaper journal of the country. Dr. Welshimer is a member of several college and missionary boards and is prominent in the councils of his church. An able sermonizer and eloquent preacher, he attracts large congregations, and is one of the popular clergymen in Canton. He gives his political support to the republican party and during all the years of his residence here has shown a deep interest in everything relating to the welfare of the community. Dr. Welshimer is the author of a book on Bible school work, known as "The Bible School Vision," and a book of sermons under the title "Welshimer's Sermons." He has been contributing editor of the Lookout, published in Cincinnati, for sixteen years, and is the author of many tracts on Biblical subjects. CHARLES F. DICK Charles F. Dick, secretary and treasurer of the Dick Manufacturing Company, of Canton, is connected with one of the important industrial concerns of Stark county, and for many years has been an important factor in its successful operation. He was born in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, December 18, 1873, a son of Joseph and Rosana (McKittrick) Dick. His paternal grandparents were Jo- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 295 seph and Mary (Measmer ) Dick, the latter of French descent. Joseph Dick was a native of Alsace-Lorraine, whence he emigrated to America during the latter part of the eighteenth century and became a pioneer settler in Stark county, where he followed agricultural pursuits and blacksmithing. His son Joseph was born in Jackson township, Stark county, June 25, 1840, and was here reared and educated. About 1862 he moved to Canada, where for a number of years he was employed as a modelmaker in wood and iron products. In May, 1874, he returned to his native county, locating in Canton, where he engaged in manufacturing, and from a modest beginning at that time has grown the great business which still bears his name, and which is the largest of its kind in Ohio. In April, 1909, the business was incorporated as the Joseph Dick Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Dick was the first president, serving until his death, which occurred on March 31, 1924, when he was succeeded in the presidency by J. H. Gingrich, who is still the executive head of the business. Frank J. Dick is vice president and assistant manager and Charles F. Dick is secretary and treasurer. The company is engaged in the manufacture of feed and ensilage cutting machines and gray iron castings of every description, the products being sold in all parts of the world. The plant is located at 1413 Tuscarawas street west, where it covers approximately two acres of ground, and employs from one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and fifty workmen. Rosana ( McKittrick) Dick was born at Saranac, New York, June 24, 1844, and was a daughter of Patrick and Mary (McNamara) McKittrick, the former of Scotch extraction, while the latter was a native of Ireland. Mrs. Dick died in Canton, February 12, 1914. To Mr. and Mrs. Dick were born six children, three sons and three daughters : Amelia Mary, the wife of George Murray, of Los Angeles, California ; William J., deceased ; Charles F. ; Frank J., vice president of the Dick Manufacturing Company ; Agnes T., wife of Ferd J. Zettler, of Los Angeles, California; and Laura L., the wife of Walter L. Schwertner, of Canton. Charles F. Dick attended the public and high schools of Canton, to which city the family returned when he was about one year old, and he then entered Dayton University. On leaving college he entered his father's business, with which he has been identified continuously, and is devoting practically his entire time and attentior to it. He has gained a well earned reputation as an able and de- 296 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY pendable business man and commands the respect of all who come in contact with him. On May 31, 1897, in Canton, Mr. Dick was united in marriage to Miss Alice Santry, who was born in Youngstown, Mahoning county, Ohio, a daughter of J. J. and Alice (McAlester) Santry, the former a representative of one of Canton's old and well known families. Mr. and Mrs. Dick are the parents of four children, Joseph C., Eugene F., Gertrude M. and Charles A. Mr. Dick gives his political support to the democratic party and has been an active supporter of those things which have been calculated to promote the city's welfare and prosperity. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and he and his wife belong to St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. He gives generously to all worthy causes and is known as a public spirited and broad minded citizen, well worthy of the confidence and respect which are accorded him by his fellowmen. WALTER J. WEBER Walter J. Weber, who is one of the leading general masonry contractors in Stark county, has attained an eminent place in the business world and has been more than ordinarily successful in his material affairs, while in the sphere of private citizenship he commands the respect of his fellowmen because of his public-spirited interest in the welfare and progress of his community. Mr. Weber was born at Dover, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, May 22, 1885, and is a son of John and Catherine (Hambach) Weber, also natives of that county. Mr. Weber's paternal grandparents were natives of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and the maternal grandparents also were natives of the fatherland. Mr. Weber secured his education in St. Peter's parochial school in Canton and then went to work for the Canton Malleable Iron Works, with which he remained one year. He was with the Gilliam Manufacturing Company for a time, and then gave his attention for a while to the tinning trade with R. E. Mallory, of Canton, but the work did not appeal to him and he started to learn the stonemason trade with Martin Weiler, of this city, with whom he remained four years. Then, having completed his apprenticeship, HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 299 Mr. Weber went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was employed at his trade, but later returned to Canton and for about a year worked for Gonder Brothers. His next move was to Buffalo, New York, where he worked at the New York state steel plant, being employed to build two stacks, on the completion of which he returned to Canton and reentered the employ of the man with whom he had learned his trade. He served as foreman for Mr. Weiler from 1910 to 1917, when he entered into a partnership with his brother, Charles Weber, under the firm name of Weber & Weber, and engaged in the general masonry contracting business. About a year later he bought his brother's interest and has continued the business to the present time under his own name. He has a complete and modern equipment, including hoisting machinery and everything necessary in carrying on the business, and is recognized throughout this part of the state as one of the most capable and reliable contractors in his line. He has done a large amount of construction work and, being an expert mason, is thorough and painstaking in everything he undertakes. On November 5, 1908, in Canton, Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Miss Beatrice P. Agler, who was born at Walnut, Bureau county, Illinois, June 18, 1886, and is a daughter of Hamot and Mary Emma (Schweitzer) Agler, the former born at Wilmot, Ohio, and the latter at Walnut, Illinois. Mrs. Weber's paternal grandparents were born respectively in Maryland and Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, while on the maternal side she is of Swiss descent. Mrs. Weber has been actively interested in local social, civic and church affairs, being a member of the Sorosis Club, the La Porte Ouverte Club, and an associate member of the McDowell Club. She was the first president of the W. V. W. W. class of Grace Reformed church of Canton and is now president of the missionary society of her church. Mr. and Mrs. Weber are the parents of two children : Owen Joseph, born July 2, 1910, is attending the McKinley high school, and Anne Catherine, born July 1, 1914, is in the eighth grade at the Lehman school in this city. Mr. Weber gives his political support to the democratic party and is a member of Lathrop Lodge, No. 676, F. & A. M. in the Scottish Rite holds membership in Emeth Lodge of Perfection (fourteenth degree), Mystic Council, Princes of Jerusalem (sixteenth degree), Brenton Chapter, Rose Croix (eighteenth degree), all of Canton, and Cleveland Consistory (thirty-second degree),