300 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY in Cleveland. He belongs to Canton Lodge, K. P. ; the Canton Lions Club, the Sippo Lake Country Club and the Canton Masonic Insurance Society. He also belongs to the Builders Exchange of Canton, of which he was a director for seven years and is a past president ; the Mason Contractors Association of Canton, of which he has been president for six years ; the Mason Contractors of the United States and Canada, of which he is vice president of Ohio at present; and the Bricklayers Union, of which he was president in 1909; and has served on all of its committees. At the present time Mr. Weber is actively interested in establishing a school for the teaching of the bricklaying trade, with part time work with pay, so that the students may be in a measure self supporting. This is a laudable movement and is receiving much attention in the building circles of this city.. Mr. Weber is one of the foremost figures in the business world of Stark county and through his activities has not only achieved individual success, but has also contributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding and progress of his community. He is. a ,man of splendid personal qualities, big hearted and generous, possessing those sterling qualities of manhood which compel admiration and respect. OSCAR F. KWETT To Oscar F. Kwett belongs the distinction of being the pioneer in the 'photo-engraving business in Stark county and the notable success which has crowned his efforts is the result of his technical knowledge, his business ability and his indomitable spirit. The Northern Engraving Company has well earned its present place as the leading concern in its line in this section of the state and is one of Canton's most important industries. Mr. Kwett was born in Chicago, Illinois, May 1, 1875, and is a son of Franz and Joanna (Broehling) Kwett. The family name is of Polish origin and signifies "flower." Franz Kwett was born April 18, 1844, in Bramburg, Germany, where he was reared and educated, and his wife was a native of Gerstau, on the Vistula river, in what is now Poland, where she was born August 24, 1843. In 1874 Mr. and Mrs. Kwett emigrated to the United States and located in Chicago, where he followed the baker's trade, his death occurring in Sep- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 301 tember, 1919, at the age of seventy-five years. He was a veteran of the Franco-Prussian war. To him and his wife were born five children : Oscar F. ; Olga, deceased ; Alexander, of Chicago ; Paul, deceased ; and Frank John, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Oscar F. Kwett secured his education in the Newberry public school in Chicago and at the age of fourteen years started out to earn his livelihood, his first employment being with the Fuchs & Lang Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, a lithographers' supply house. Later he learned the engraving trade with the Franklin Engraving & Electrotyping Company, one of the largest establishments of its kind in the middle west, and after completing his apprenticeship worked as a journeyman three years. In 1891 he came to Ohio, locating in Akron, where he worked for the Case Engraving Company for a time, and then went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and for three years was with the Beck Engraving Company, after which he returned to Chicago and became a salesman for the Franklin Engraving Company, which work he followed for three years. On March 1, 1906, Mr. Kwett came to Canton and organized the Northern Engraving Company, to which he has since closely devoted his attention. He began here in a small way, employing five workmen, but during the subsequent years the business has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth, due to the uniformly high quality of the work and the sound principles on which the business has been conducted, until today fifty highly skilled men are employed and the Northern Engraving Company commands a large share of the engraving business throughout Ohio, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The company specializes in commercial art, photography and photo-engraving, including color process plates. The plant utilizes fifteen thousand square feet of space and its equipment is modern in every respect. Its entire output bears the stamp of an earnest desire and determination to give to its patrons the very highest type of service, which has been the dominating note of its business management. On August 12, 1912, in New Rochelle, New York, Mr. Kwett was united in marriage to Miss Mabel H. Dietz, who was born in Liverpool, New York, and is a daughter of George and Mary (Hough) Dietz, the latter a member of a family of German origin, but long established in New York state. Mr. and Mrs. Kwett are the parents of two children, Frank Parmalee, born January 25, 1915, and Alan Woodford, December 8, 1918. In his political 302 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY views Mr. Kwett is a republican and he has been actively interested in public affairs related to the welfare and progress of his home community. He is a director of the Canton Men's Better Business Bureau, a director of the Canton Advertising Club, a director of the Central States Photo-Engravers Association, a member of the American Photo-Engravers Association, of which he was chairman of the publicity committee and has been secretary and treasurer since 1922, and is a director of the Guild Travel Bureau of Chicago. He has been active in the Canton Chamber of Commerce and has always stood ready to cooperate in all movements for the advancement of the material, civic or moral interests of the city. Some years ago he was appointed to the Canton good roads committee by the chamber of commerce and was its chairman, this committee being affiliated with the Stark county good roads council, of which he was chairman two and one-half years. He has been very active in all good roads movements of this part of Ohio. Mr. Kwett is a member of McKinley Lodge, No. 431, F. & A. M. ; Lake Erie Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland ; Al Koran Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., at Cleveland, and Canton Lodge, No. 68, B. P. 0. E. He has been a member of the Canton Rotary Club since 1915, belongs also to the Canton Club and the Congress Lake Club. His religious connection is with the First Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee. During the World war he was active in the various Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives, serving as a team captain, and also did effective work as a Four-minute speaker. He stands a man among men, loyal and true in every relation of life, and no resident of Canton commands to a greater degree the unqualified confidence and respect of the people. HON. ROBERT S. SHIELDS Among the citizens of Stark county who stand as distinguished types of the world's workers is numbered Judge Robert S. Shields, who for nearly two decades has rendered signal service on the bench of the court of appeals of the fifth judicial district, while in matters affecting the public welfare he has never been found wanting in interest or effective effort. Judge Shields was born in Washington, New Jersey, on the 28th of September, 1845, and is a son HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 303 of William and Anna (Hance) Shields, also natives of New Jersey and descended from early American families, the Shields family being originally of Scotch-Irish origin, while the Hance family was of German descent. William Shields devoted the major portion of his life to agricultural pursuits, but spent his later years in retirement. Politically he was a democrat and the family was identified with the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom but three survive, namely, Robert S. ; Mrs. John Carr, of Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Mrs. William Stryker, of Washington, New Jersey. Robert S. Shields received his elementary education in the public schools of New Hampton and Hackettstown, New Jersey, and attended a college preparatory school at Allentown, Pennsylvania. He then entered Union College, at Schenectady, New York, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1867, later receiving the Master of Arts degree from his alma mater. He took up the study of law with E. W. Stoughton in New York city and in 1871 was admitted to the bar of Ohio, having also read law with Judge Joseph Hance, of New Philadelphia, Ohio. In that year he located in Canton, where he engaged in the general practice of his profession, and in the following year was elected mayor of Canton, serving two terms. Later he served two years as prosecuting attorney and was appointed by President Cleveland United States district attorney for the northern district of Ohio, in which position he served four years with ability and distinction. In 1910 he was elected to the bench of the court of appeals for the fifth judicial district of Ohio and so satisfactorily has he discharged his duties that he has been retained in that position to the present time. On December 19, 1872, in Canton, Judge Shields was united in marriage to Miss Clara A. Wikidall, who was born in this city, September 28, 1845, and was a daughter of Martin and Fredricka (Shaeffer) Wikidall, the latter a sister of Louis Shaeffer, who was the head of one of Canton's prominent old families. Mrs. Wikidall was a pioneer of this city and lived to past ninety years of age. Mrs. Shields died in June, 1917, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Clara Schultz, who now lives with her father. Judge Shields has always supported the democratic party and in former years took an active part in political and public affairs. He is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the 304 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Scottish Rite, as well as the York Rite, and also belongs to the Canton Club and the Congress Lake Club. The family attend Trinity Lutheran church. A man of vigorous mentality and of the highest sense of honor, Judge Shields has given his best efforts to the discharge of duty, and his earnest life, high attainments and well rounded character have gained for him an exalted place in public esteem. REV. OSCAR M. ADAM In the front rank of the capable, devoted and successful ministers of the Gospel in Canton stands Rev. Oscar M. Adam, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church, whose able preaching and effective pastoral work have gained distinctive recognition and wide appreciation. He was born in London, Madison county, Ohio, September 5, 1895, a son of Jacob and Ellanora (Dieckmann) Adam, the former born at Herxheim by Landau, Rheinpfalz, Germany, October 15, 1864, and the latter at Huntingburg, Indiana, March 13, 1870, being also of German parentage. When Oscar M. Adam was about a year old his family moved to Cincinnati, and in the public schools of that city he secured his early educltion, attending the public schools for eight years, and the public night schools for six years, taking two years of bookkeeping and business administration, one year of shorthand and typewriting and three years of high school academic work. He was employed as a newsboy from 1904 to 1909, after which for a short time he worked as a shoemaker's apprentice in his father's shop. From October, 1909, to March 31, 1910, he worked as an errand boy in a clothing store, and then entered the employ of the Carnegie Steel Company, working successively as office boy, file clerk, stenographer and correspondence and order clerk. On September 4, 1915, he resigned his position and, going to Delaware, Ohio, entered Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in June, 1919. During this period he enlisted for service in the World war and was in training at Camp Sherman from June 25 to December 15, 1918, when he was honorably discharged. He had previously made several unsuccessful attempts to enlist in the army and navy and on being drafted HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 305 and assigned to Camp Sherman he was made a first-class private and detailed for clerical duties. He was appointed corporal on August 17th and sergeant and company clerk on August 29th, and in November was appointed to the officers' training school, but this order was rescinded on the signing of the Armistice. During the school year 1919-20 Mr. Adam taught in the Harding high school, at Marion, Ohio, and then entered Garrett Biblical Institute, at Evanston, Illinois, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity in September, 1922. Prior to entering the Methodist Episcopal church, in 1920, he had been a member of St. John's Evangelical Protestant church in Mt. Auburn, Cincinnati. He was ordained as deacon in the Methodist Episcopal church by Bishop Francis J. McConnell on September 25, 1922, and as elder by Bishop Theodore S. Henderson, September 14, 1924. He began preaching in 1920, serving the church at Arlington Heights, Illinois, from October to June 1st of the following year, and Glenview, Illinois, from June 1, 1921, to September 1, 1922, while during the latter period he also served as secretary of the Wilmette Country Club. In September, 1922, he was appointed to the pastorate of the Church Hill charge, near Youngstown, Ohio, having been admitted to the Northeast Ohio conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Mansfield, Ohio, and on February 1, 1925, became pastor of the south side church at New Philadelphia, Ohio, which he served until March 15, 1927, when he was appointed pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church in Canton. He is a strong and forceful preacher, attracting large congregations, and is a zealous and faithful pastor, every interest of the church being stimulated under his example and wise supervision, so that he has won a warm place in the hearts of his people and commands the sincere respect of the entire community. On July 12, 1918, at Delaware, Ohio, Rev. Adam was united in marriage to Miss Cecile Belle McCrosky, who was born in Rosewood, Champaign county, Ohio. She is a daughter of Manford and Victoria Elizabeth (Newcomb) McCrosky, the former born near Plymouth, Indiana, September 24, 1865, and the latter at Rosewood, Ohio, December 3, 1861, and both are now residing in Delaware, this state. Their son, Carl R. McCrosky, is professor of chemistry in Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York. Mrs. Adam was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1914, after which she taught school 20V3 306 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY until 1920, except one year while working out the Master of Arts degree, which she received from Ohio Wesleyan in 1917. She is a member of the College Club, the Monnett Club and the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary societies. Rev. and Mrs. Adam are the parents of two children, Carl Hamilton, who was born at Evanston, Illinois, September 18, 1921, and Norman Walker, born at Church Hill, Youngstown, Ohio, January 23, 1923. Rev. Adam gives his political support to the republican party and has shown a deep interest in everything affecting the civic or moral welfare of his community. He is a member of the board of directors of the Canton Urban League, and of the Good Will Union Mission, serves on the child welfare committee of the children's bureau of the Family Service Society, belongs to the Canton Civitan Club, and is a member of the Ohio Wesleyan Union, a local fraternity at Ohio Wesleyan University, and the Delta Sigma Rho, a national honorary forensic fraternity. A man of kindly and cordial manner, deeply concerned with the welfare and advancement of his fellowmen and loyal to the responsibilities and opportunities of his calling, he is well worthy of the esteem in which he is held by all who know him. LESTER HENRY HOSSLER Lester Henry Hossler, one of the able, wide-awake and successful attorneys of Canton, was born in this city on the 14th of January, 1895, and is a son of Henry W. and Sarah (DeWeese) Hossler. His paternal grandfather was George Hossler, a farmer and stock-raiser. Henry W. Hossler was born in Stark county and was descended from an old Pennsylvania family, members of which settled in Ohio in the early part of the nineteenth century. Both parents are now deceased, the father dying in 1912, at the age of sixty-nine years, and the mother in 1909, at the age of fifty-six years. They became the parents of five children, of whom four are living: Helen D., Raymond R., Nellie R. and Lester H. The last-named was educated in the public schools of Canton, graduating from the Central high school in 1912, after which he entered Western Reserve University, from the art school of which institution he was graduated with honor with the degree of Bach- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 307 elor of Arts in 1916. He then pursued his studies in the law school of his alma mater and received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1920. On October 6, 1917, Mr. Hossler enlisted in Company B, Three Hundred and Eighth Ammunition Train, and was company clerk throughout his war service, also acting as interpreter. He was honorably discharged May 14, 1919. He has since devoted his attention to the general practice of law, with offices in the First National Bank building, and is regarded as an able and trustworthy attorney. He is a director of the Smith-Trump Abstract Company, of Canton. Mr. Hossler on September 3, 1923, was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Shull, who was born in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Sherman E. and Emma (Porcher) Shull. Mr. and Mrs. Hossler have a son, Jerome Henry, born January 9, 1925. Mr. Hossler is a member of the Stark County Law Library Association, of which he has been secretary and treasurer for the past six years ; the Stark County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is an active supporter of the democratic party, and is a member of McKinley Lodge, No. 431, F. & A. M. ; Nazir Grotto, the American Legion and the University Club. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Canton. He has shown keen interest in the welfare and advancement of his community and is well worthy of the respect and esteem in which he is held by his fellowmen. FRANK O. HUMBERGER, JR. Frank O. Humberger, Jr., secretary of the Massillon Steel Castings Company, has by faithful and efficient service in that capacity been an important factor in the successful operation of this well known concern and stands high among the alert and capable business men of this city. Mr. Humberger was born on the 1st of January, 1884, in the city where he now resides, and is a son of Frank 0. and Carrie R. (Wert) Humberger. His parents were pioneers of this locality and his father was long prominent among the early merchants and public-spirited citizens of the community. 308 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Frank O. Humberger attended the public schools, graduating from high school, after which he attended Kenyon Military Academy and Kenyon College. He entered the Union National Bank of Massillon, with which institution he was connected for three years, after which he entered the employ of the Massillon Iron and Steel Company, with which he remained until 1921, when he became identified with the Massillon Steel Castings Company, of which he is now secretary. In 1925 Mr. Humberger was united in marriage to Miss Marjorie Hulick, of Batavia, Ohio. He is a republican in his political alignment and has shown a keen interest in public affairs. He is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M. Hiram Chapter, No. 18, R. A. M. Massillon Commandery, No. 4, K. T., and Al Koran Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., and also belongs to the Massillon Chamber of Commerce. A man of strong character and agreeable personality, he stands deservedly high in the respect and esteem of his fellowmen and is regarded as one of the loyal and dependable citizens of Massillon. ROY LOWRY Roy Lowry, who has built up a large business in the handling of Chrysler automobiles, stands among Massillon's wide-awake and progressive merchants and commands his full share of the local automobile trade, due to the merits of the car he handles and his honorable business methods. Mr. Lowry was born at Newton Falls, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 19th of August, 1874, and is a son of Davis and Polly ( Clark) Lowry. The father was a native of Scotland, whence he came to this country many years ago and settled in Ohio. The mother was born in the Western Reserve of Ohio and they spent their married life in the northeast portion of this state. Both are now deceased. Roy Lowry received a good public school education, graduating from high school, and later he learned the trade of machinist, which he followed until 1920, being located for several years in Akron, Ohio, and coming to Massillon in 1902. In 1924, in partnership with his sons, Harold F. and Wilbur, Mr. Lowry embarked in the automobile business in Massillon, and, HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 311 meeting with encouraging success, the business was incorporated in July, 1927, under the name of the Lowry Motor Company. They handle the Chrysler cars, of which they have sold a large number throughout this territory, and have gained a well earned reputation for absolute reliability in all of their affairs. They have an attractive salesroom at 304 Erie street north, in connection with which they maintain a well equipped repair department, where they give prompt and efficient service. On February 27, 1896, Mr. Lowry was united in marriage to Miss Hattie B. Schrock, who was born and reared in Massillon, and was graduated from high school in 1895. To them have been born four children, namely : Helen, who is at home; Pauline, who is the wife of Franklin B. Clapper, of Massillon ; and Harold F. and Wilbur, who are associated with their father in business. Mr. Lowry is a stanch republican in his political views and he has served two terms as councilman at large of Massillon, from 1917 to 1920. He is a member of the Masonic Order. in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. His life has been characterized by hard work and conscientious endeavor, and throughout the community in which he lives he commands the uniform confidence and good will of his fellowmen. JAMES AUSTIN BOWMAN The legal profession in Stark county has been honored by the life and labors of James A. Bowman, who has been engaged in the practice of law here for thirty-four years. During eight years of this period he was judge of the criminal court in Canton and his record is one of duty well performed and of a high type of service as a trustworthy and capable attorney. Mr. Bowman was born in East Sparta, Stark county, Ohio, April 21, 1867, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Evans) Bowman, of whom the former was of German descent and was born at Sparta in 1840, while the latter, of Welsh ancestry, was born at Sandyville, Ohio, in 1850. Judge Bowman received his early education in the district school near his home, after which he attended a normal school in Sparta, and then entered Ohio Northern University, at Ada, from which he was graduated, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, in 312 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY 1893. In the meantime he had taught in the country schools for about ten years, and on leaving college remained on the home farm near Sparta until 1894, when he was admitted to the bar. Coming to Canton, he engaged in the practice of his profession, to which he has devoted his attention continuously since. In 1898 he was elected a justice of the peace, and was twice reelected, serving until 1907, and from 1918 until 1926 was judge of the criminal court. On September 22, 1897, in Magnolia, Ohio, Judge Bowman was united in marriage to Miss Flora E. Brothers, who was born in Arlington, Ohio, June 14, 1874, and is of German descent, her family having been numbered among the early settlers of the Magnolia neighborhood. She is a member of the Congress Lake Club and the Canton Women's Club. Her parents were Ananias and Tebacila Brothers, the former born at Magnolia in 1828, and the latter at Waynesburg, Ohio, in 1834. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, serving four years in the Union Army. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are the parents of two daughters, Dorothy, at home, and Doris, the wife of William Umstattd, of Canton. Judge Bowman gives his political support to the republican party and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of which he was financial secretary from 1898 to 1918. He is a member of the Congress Lake Country Club and the Masonic Club, and he and his wife belong to the First Presbyterian church, of which he is a deacon, secretary and treasurer. He is fond of outdoor diverisons, principally fishing and golf, and also takes pleasure in bowling. A man of broad views and wide interests in relation to current public affairs, he is a constant reader and student, is an agreeable companion and interesting conversationalist and wherever known commands uniform confidence and respect. CLARENCE P. SPUHLER Clarence P. Spuhler is connected with one of the most distinctive business enterprises in Stark county, that of Spuhlers, Inc., of Massillon, interior decorators. The firm is not an old one, but, because of the high quality of its work and its up-to-date methods, it has become firmly established in the favor of discriminating home HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 313 owners and is enjoying a steady and substantial growth in business. Clarence P. Spuhler was born in Massillon, on the 14th of August, 1880, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Wise) Spuhler. His paternal grandfather, John Spuhler, established the family in Stark county many years ago. Mr. Spuhler received his education in the public schools of Massillon and in young manhood learned the trade of interior decorating. He was first employed as a delivery boy with the Humberger department store in Massillon, with which concern he was connected for twenty-two years. From boyhood he evinced an interest in things artistic and, having centered his attention on interior decorating, he lost no opportunity to improve his technical knowledge of that subject. Eventually he established the interior decorating department of the Humberger store, and developed it into one of the most important phases of the business. In 1925 Mr. Spuhler established an interior decorating business on his own account, under the name of Spuhlers, Inc., and occupies his own building at 181 East Main street. This is now one of the most exclusive firms in its line in Ohio and its business has gradually widened, until it now covers a wide territory in every direction from Massillon. Mr. Spuhler has associated with him Messrs. Loehle, Kirchhofer, Laur, Schmidt and Miller, and steady employment is given to fifty persons, nearly all of whom are highly skilled in their special lines of work. The firm does everything pertaining to high class interior decorating, including windows, draperies, curtains, wall coverings, wall fixtures, lamps and other features of the home, and nothing is standardized, everything being original in general plan and detailed design. Mr. Spuhler gives his personal attention to the business and takes a justifiable pride in rendering a type of service that will give permanent satisfaction. In 1903 Mr. Spuhler was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude B. Kirchhofer, of Massillon, and they are the parents of two children, Mary Louise and Paul Frederick. He is a republican in his political affiliation, and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the rank of Knight Templar in the York Rite and the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite, while he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Sons of Veterans, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. His religious membership is with the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal church. He has 314 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY worked hard for his present success and throughout the community is regarded as a progressive, alert and capable business man, worthy of public confidence and respect. HENRY S. BELDEN, JR. Henry S. Belden, Jr., has long been recognized as one of Canton's leading realtors, in which line of business he has been successfully engaged for many years. His operations have been conducted on a large scale and have contributed directly to the growth and development of Canton, in which city he was born on the 12th of January, 1879, a son of the late Henry S. and Franc (Blake) Belden, of whom the former engaged in the brick business in this city. Henry S. Belden attended the public schools of Canton, completing his education in Western Reserve Academy, after which he entered the employ of his father, with whom he remained about seven years, during which time he gained 'a splendid insight into business methods. He then entered the real estate business, buying properties on his own account and selling them, and thus acquired an accurate knowledge of real estate values. He also engaged in the automobile business, becoming the local distributor for the Franklin line of cars, which business he carried on for eight years, selling out in 1921. Since that time he has devoted his entire attention to the real estate business, in which success has crowned his efforts, and he is a member of the board of directors of the Central Savings and Trust Company. On February 21, 1911, in Canton, Mr. Belden was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Barber, who was born and reared in this city and is a daughter of Marshall B. and Mary ( Saxton) Barber, the latter a sister of the late Mrs. William McKinley. Mr. and Mrs. Belden are the parents of three children, namely : Marshall, born October 2, 1912 Elizabeth Seymour, born October 27, 1914, and Henry Seymour III, born January 11, 1917. Mrs. Belden is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Canton Women's Club and the Visiting Nurses Society and is a trustee of the Community Fund. She graduated from Smith College, at Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1908, and is greatly interested in civic welfare. In his political views Mr. Belden is a HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 315 stanch democrat, while socially he is a member of the Canton Club and the Brookside Country Club. He and his wife belong to the First Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee, and they give generous support to all worthy benevolent and charitable causes. Mr. Belden is a lover of outdoor life, horseback riding being one of his favorite diversions, and he is also deriving great pleasure in the planting of three hundred and fifty acres of forest trees. He possesses a strong character and forceful personality, is a keen and discriminating man in business affairs, and the highest principles control his actions, so that throughout the community where he has spent his life he is held in the highest respect and confidence. GEORGE H. FREEBORN Among the highly esteemed residents of Massillon, none enjoys public confidence to a greater degree than does George H. Freeborn, assistant treasurer of the Central Alloy Steel Corporation, with which concern he has been officially identified for fourteen years. Mr. Freeborn was born at Wellesley, province of Ontario, Canada, on the 9th of January, 1881, and is a son of Robert and Margaret (Kirkpatrick) Freeborn, both of whom were natives of county Donegal, Ireland. On coming to this country they located in Canton, where they spent their remaining years, the mother dying in 1883 and the father in 1922. George H. Freeborn attended the public schools, completed his classical studies in Stratford Collegiate Institute, and then took a commercial course in the Central Business College, at Stratford, Ontario. He then came to the United States and for two years was with the General Chemical Company of Pennsylvania, after which he went to work for the American Steel and Wire Company, in Cleveland, Ohio, with which he remained for eight years. Coming to Canton, he was for one and a half years with the Canton Manufacturing Company and in 1914 became auditor and comptroller and assistant treasurer of the Central Alloy Steel Corporation. Later the comptroller became a separate office and Mr. Freeborn has served as assistant treasurer continuously to the present time, rendering a type of service which has contributed to the successful operation of that company and winning for him the 316 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY uniform respect of all with whom he is associated. He has been successful in his material affairs and is now a director of the First National Bank of Massillon, the People's Building and Loan Company and the Massillon Commercial Institute. On June 14, 1905, Mr. Freeborn was united in marriage to Miss Emma K. Sweitzer, of Stratford, Ontario. In his political attitude Mr. Freeborn is independent, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M., and Lake Erie Consistory, A. A. S. R., at Cleveland. He is a member of the Rotary Club, and is a director of the Massillon Chamber of Commerce, the Massillon Hospital Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. His religious membership is with the Presbyterian church and he gives his earnest support to all worthy enterprises having for their object the advancement of the best interests of the community. A man of progressive tendencies, straightforward manner and excellent personal traits, he is highly esteemed throughout the city in which he lives and has many warm and loyal friends, who esteem him for his genuine worth as a man and citizen. FRANK N. SWEITZER Frank N. Sweitzer, who for twenty years has been actively engaged in the practice of law in Canton, in which he has met with well merited success, has also served his city and county in important public positions with ability and credit, and is regarded as one of the leading members of the Stark county bar. Mr. Sweitzer was born at Marlboro, Stark county, on the 17th of July, 1877, and is a son of Jesse and Emily (Baum) Sweitzer. His father was born in 1848 in Columbiana county, Ohio, and is still living at Marlboro, where he has resided for many years, while his mother, who was born in Marlboro township, Stark county, in 1850, died in 1923. Frank N. Sweitzer attended the public schools of Marlboro township and the high school in Marlboro, after which he studied in the college of arts at Ohio Northern University, at Ada, from which he was graduated. He then entered the Illinois College of Law, and later was graduated from the college of law of Ohio Northern University, and in 1908 engaged in the practice of his HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 317 profession in Canton, where he has remained continuously to the present time. Prior to entering upon his life work Mr. Sweitzer taught school in this county, first in district schools, then in the schools of Louisville, and later as head of the English and history department of the Canton high school. As a lawyer he gained prompt recognition for his learning, ability and resourcefulness and has always commanded a large clientele. He has been honored by his fellow citizens with official preferment, having served as first assistant solicitor of Canton, as first assistant prosecuting attorney and prosecuting attorney of Stark county and as a member of the state library board, in each of which positions he acquitted himself in a manner highly creditable to his ability, integrity and judgment. He also served as legal advisor to the local draft and appeals boards during the World war. Mr. Sweitzer was united in marriage to Miss Alletha Mae Friedly, a daughter of Rev. Michael Friedly, a Methodist minister, and Callie (Walker) Friedly, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Sweitzer is greatly interested in the social and civic affairs of her city and is a director of the Canton Woman's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Sweitzer are the parents of a daughter, Marylyn Irene, who is now a senior in the McKinley high school. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Sweitzer gives his political support to the democratic party and is deeply interested in all matters affecting the community welfare. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Eagles and other organizations. He is a man of fine presence and pleasing address, embodies in his makeup the highest qualities of citizenship and commands the uniform respect of all who know him. JAMES A. JEFFERS One of the ablest and most highly respected members of the Stark county bar is James A. Jeffers, who for a third of a century has been continuously engaged in the practice of law in Canton, being regarded as one of the leading corporation lawyers of this section of the state. Mr. Jeffers was born in Monroe county, Ohio, 318 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY September 8, 1869, and is a son of John and Sarah Ann (Taylor) Jeffers. In the paternal line he is descended from old French stock, his ancestors having migrated from France to Scotland, and later to Ireland, from which country came John Jeffers, who located in America prior to the Revolutionary war. The great-grandfather, John Jeffers, brought his family to Ohio in 1849, and here spent his remaining days, living to the age of one hundred and four years. The family home was established near Bellaire, Belmont county, and there was reared the grandfather, William Jeffers, who was fourteen years old when brought to this state. Here he followed agricultural pursuits. His son, John, father of James A. Jeffers, was born in Bellaire in 1835, and was given the advantage of a good education, after which he taught in the public schools of Belmont county for twenty years. His death occurred in 1900, at the age of sixty-five years. His wife was a daughter of Hampton Taylor, who was descended from an old family of Warrenton Virginia, and was a veteran of the war of 1812, having served with an Ohio regiment, and after the Civil war he located in eastern Ohio, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mrs. Sarah A. Jeffers died in 1909, at the age of seventy-four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Jeffers were born four sons and two daughters. James A. Jeffers, the youngest and the only one living in Stark county, received his early education in the public and high schools of Beallsville, Ohio, after which he attended Mt. Union College at Alliance and Ohio State University, being graduated from the latter institution in 1895. He at once came to Canton and engaged in the practice of law, and in the following year began to specialize in corporation law, in the practice of which he has shown thorough mastery, being strong and resourceful in the trial of causes and sound and dependable as a counselor, so that he has long enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. On June 5, 1895, in Bellaire, Ohio, Mr. Jeffers was united in marriage to Miss Lillie L. Gratigny, a daughter of Lewis and Susannah (DuVall) Gratigny, both members of old Belmont county families, of French origin. Mr. Jeffers is a stanch republican and has always shown a commendable interest in public affairs, particularly such as affect the welfare of his own community. He is at this time a candidate for the nomination for judge of the court of common pleas, division of domestic relations, a court which was established by special act of the last legislature and will begin HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 319 to function January 1, 1929. Mr. Jeffers accepted the candidacy because of the opportunity of public service which the position will afford and is in every way well qualified for the office. He is a member of Nimishillen Lodge, No. 39, I. O. O. F., and Canton Lodge, No. 589, K. P., and in the latter has passed through the chairs. He belongs to the Triangle Club and he and his wife belong to the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee. Loyal and true in every relation of life, he has long held a high place in public confidence and esteem and is well worthy of any honor which could be bestowed upon him. IRVING A. ELSON, M. D. One of the representative members of the medical profession in Canton is Dr. Irving A. Elson, whose record has stamped him as a man of marked ability and reliable judgment and who has attained an enviable place in the esteem of the people of his city. Dr. Elson was born in Wooster, Ohio, August 11, 1863, and is a son of George W. and Mathilda ( Shearer) Elson, both of whom are deceased. His father, who was a native of this state, was descended from an old Virginia family, of Irish extraction, and was reared and educated in Wayne and Stark counties. During his active years he was engaged in farming and stock-raising. A man of excellent personal qualities, he stood high in his community. He was a republican in his political views and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in 1875, at the age of forty years. His wife was born in Stark county and was a member of one of Ohio's pioneer families, who had come to this state from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Elson were the parents of two sons, Jonathan. C. and Irving A. The latter received his early education in the public schools, after which he attended the Eastern Ohio Normal School. He remained on the paternal farmstead until twenty-one years of age, when he matriculated in the medical school of Western Reserve University, at Cleveland, from which he was graduated, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1891. He engaged in the practice of his profession at Smithville, Wayne county, where he remained ten years, and was then for twelve years engaged in general prac- 320 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY tice in Cleveland. In 1913 he came to Canton, where he has been in practice continuously to the present time, and has commanded a large and remunerative business. The Doctor has always been a close student of his profession and in 1902-3 took special work at the New York Post-Graduate Medical School. During the World war he served in the Volunteer Medical Service Corps. On March 2, 1891, in Canton, Dr. Elson was united in marriage to Miss Florence E. Ake, a daughter of Francis Ake and a sister of Judge Harry F. Ake, of Canton. To them has been born a daughter, Ethel A., who is a graduate nurse. In his political views the Doctor is independent, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and his religious connection is with the First Christian church. He belongs to the Canton Medical Library Association, the Stark County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Because of his professional ability and distinguished services, as well as for his sterling character and genial manner, he commands the unqualified confidence and respect of all who know him. GEORGE PELAY In the career of George Pelay, of CantOn, there have been exemplified traits which would insure success in any undertaking—ambition, industry, determination, good judgment and honesty —and the measure of prosperity which has come to him is well merited. Mr. Pelay was born on the 22d of September, 1890, in Anhilos, Bulgaria, and is a son of Pelay and Aspasci (Coconedes) Papagregorcou, who also were born and reared at Anhilos and were of pure Greek stock. On coming to the United States Mr. Pelay changed his name by adopting his father's given name for a surname, to which he prefixed the name George. His forebears were tradesmen for a number of generations and his paternal grandfather, George Papagregorcou, was governor of Rumely, an eastern province of Bulgaria, for a number of years. Mr. Pelay received his common school education in Constantinople, graduating from what would be equal to our eighth grade, and learned three languages, the Bulgarian, Turkish and Greek. HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 323 He continued his education at Philippoulos, in Macedonia, where he majored in history, and, after two years there, he went to Athens, Greece, where he took a commercial course, including bookkeeping and business methods. He then spent several months in aviation training, after which, at the age of twenty-four years, he went to Paris, France, and spent a year as a pastry chef apprentice. From there he went to Norwich, England, where he managed a hotel for about a year, and after visiting for awhile in Liverpool, he proceeded to Southampton and on December 4, 1915, embarked for the United States. Going to Allenville, New York, he established a bakery, which he conducted until February 25, 1918, when he enlisted in the Seventy-seventh Division. He was assigned to special duty in the provost guard, from which he was later promoted to the intelligence department. On May 25, 1918, he left Hoboken for overseas, reaching Paris June 1st, and was made sergeant major as investigator in the military police. In the performance of his duties he made a number of trips back and forth to this country and, on July 8, 1919, was honorably discharged at Camp Bowie, Texas, with the highest commendations for his ability and integrity. Mr. Pelay then came direct to Canton and, with two hundred and eighty dollars of his own and five hundred dollars which he borrowed, he bought a grocery store at 1538 Maple avenue northeast. This proved a successful venture, which he still carries on. In 1922 Mr. Pelay incorporated the Pelay Catering Company, with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and has established a chain of restaurants, catering particularly to the employes of the Central Alloy Steel Corporation. Mr. Pelay, as president and treasurer of the company, has had the active management of the business, which has been developed into the most important concern in its line in Canton. When he began his business career on Maple avenue he employed one clerk and now has one hundred and sixteen employes. He is insistent that only the best food be served in his restaurants and all who have patronized him have appreciated his efforts to render satisfactory service. On December 19, 1924, Mr. Pelay was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Lewis, who was born in Alabama, January 21, 1904, a daughter of Herbert and Helen ( Stokes) Lewis, the former of whom is now deceased, while the latter, who was born in Litchfield, England, August 12, 1874, resides in Canton. Mr. and Mrs. Pelay have an adopted daughter, Tula G., who was born at Athens, 324 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Greece, January 26, 1916, and is a war orphan. She was brought to this country by Mr. Pelay, was legally adopted and is receiving the best care and a good education. Mrs. Pelay, who is descended from Welsh ancestry on the paternal side and English on the maternal, is a granddaughter of Joseph Stokes, who, as a stone-mason, was employed for over thirty years on the construction of the Litchfield cathedral. Mr. Pelay is a republican in his political views, is a member of the First Christian church of Canton and is a director of the Northeast Young Men's Christian Association of this city. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the American Progressive Educational Association, of which he was president for one year. A man of earnest purpose and upright life, he has made a favorable impression on all with whom he has come in contact and commands the confidence and respect of all who know him. WENDELL HERBRUCK Wendell Herbruck, prominent among the able and successful lawyers of Canton, has practiced here for many years and has gained distincive recognition in his profession. He was born in this city, on the 23d of February, 1888, and is a son of Emil P. and Iris L. (Zwisler) Herbruck, the former born in Canton, January 5, 1856, and the latter in Canfield,. Ohio, May 5, 1858. Mr. Herbruck is of German ancestry and his paternal grandfather, Rev. Peter Herbruck, was for fifty-three years an honored and successful clergyman in Canton. Specific reference is made to him in the personal sketch of Ferdinand Herbruck, on other pages of this work. The maternal grandfather, Rev. Karl Zwisler, was a clergyman and physician in Canfield, Ohio. Wendell Herbruck attended the public schools of Canton and entered the law school of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the B. L. degree in 1909. He also received the degree of Bachelor of Letters from the University of Oxford, England. He has devoted his active life to the practice of law and is regarded as one of Stark county's leading attorneys, being well grounded in the principles of jurisprudence, determined and ca- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 325 pable in the prosecution of causes, safe and dependable as an advisor and honorable in every relation of life. In October, 1916, in Canton, Mr. Herbruck was united in marriage to Miss Hazel L. Gibbs, who was born in this city in 1888, and is a daughter of Elmer W. and Louise (Voges) Gibbs, of whom the latter died in 1922. She was a granddaughter of Lewis Gibbs, the pioneer manufacturer of Canton. Mr. and Mrs. Herbruck have two children, Caroline Louise and Wendell, Jr., both at home. Mr. Herbruck gives his political support to the republican party and he and his wife are members of the Trinity Reformed church. He gives his earnest support to those things which relate to the welfare of his community and commands the respect of his fellowmen. JUDGE A. TALMAGE SNYDER Judge A. Talmage Snyder is descended from an old family that for generations lived in Alsace, Germany. His paternal great-grandfather, George H. Snyder, born in 1785, came to the United States in 1827, landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he conducted a shoe store and engaged in the shoemaker's trade. He married Margaret Grose. His youngest son, Jacob J. Snyder, was born on the 5th of May, 1820, and died May 8, 1915. He was the father of John J. Snyder, who was born on the 8th of October, 1847, married to Maria Shearer, April 18, 1871, and died July 2, 1914. Judge Snyder is the second son of their family of four boys, and was born near Mapleton, Ohio. His older brother, J. Royal Snyder, taught school for a number of years, graduated from Mt. Union College with the class of 1899 and from Harvard Law School in 1909. He was treasurer of Stark county from 1902 to 1906. He is now practicing law in Cleveland. Judge Snyder taught school for five years, graduated from Mount Union with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and three years later from the Harvard Law School, being the first Stark county graduate of that school. In December, 1904, he passed the state bar examination and has practiced law in Canton since that time. In 1914 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark county, handling 326 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY many important cases for the county. In 1924 Mr. Snyder was elected common pleas judge of Stark county for a short term. His excellent and conscientious work on the bench won for him the admiration of the litigants and the attorneys of the county, and when the municipal court of Canton was established, he was prevailed upon to be a candidate for municipal judge. He was nominated and elected for the long term. His training and experience have aided greatly in placing the Canton municipal court in the enviable position it holds in the esteem of the citizens of Canton. Judge Snyder's mother lives in Louisville, Ohio, having obtained the age of eighty years. T. A. Snyder, a brother, lives on a farm near Paris, and a younger brother, Harvey R. Snyder, a graduate of Harvard University and the Harvard Law School, is now practicing law in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1906 Judge Snyder was married to Bertha E. Myers, of Moultrie, Ohio. They have been living in Canton since their marriage. Mr. Snyder is a member of the Evangelical church, the Masonic Order, the Order of the Eastern Star and the several Bar Associations of the county and state. In politics Mr. Snyder has always been a republican. LORIN C. WISE For forty-two years the name of Lorin C. Wise has been a f amiliar one in the legal circles of Stark county and he has honored his community by his sterling qualities of citizenship, so that he well merits the high place which he holds in public esteem. Mr. Wise was born in Plain township, Stark county, Ohio, August 13, 1862, and is a son of Reuben Z. and Lydia (Gans) Wise. The family is of German descent and was founded in this country during colonial days. Mr. Wise's great-grandfather, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, died October 5, 1821, and was interred in Marlboro cemetery, in Stark county, being the only Revolutionary soldier buried there, and one of the very few who rest in Stark county. The paternal grandparents were Peter M. and Barbara (Forner) Wise, who settled in Stark county about 1806. Peter Wise, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, was a farmer and also a finisher and fuller of cloth. He was active HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 327 in public affairs, having served as a member of the state legislature and as a member of the board of county commissioners. His death occurred in 1877, at the age of eighty-three years, and his wife died about 1882, aged seventy years. Reuben Z. Wise was born in Plain township, Stark county, August 26, 1836, and was a farmer, surveyor and civil engineer. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served in the militia in the one-hundred-day service. He gave his political support to the republican party and was a member of the Reformed church. His death occurred in 1893, at the age of fifty-seven years. His wife was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1836, and died in 1878. She was a daughter of Benjamin and Susan (Williams) Gans, the former a farmer in Lake and Marlboro townships, and both are now deceased, he dying in 1891, at the age of eighty-two years. To Reuben Z. and Lydia Wise were born five children, four of whom survive, namely : Mabel, the wife of Ed S. Wise, of Auburn, Indiana ; Nettie, the wife of Jacob Kaufman, of Columbus, Ohio ; Edith, who lives in Columbus, Ohio ; Charles, who died December 6, 1907, in the great mine disaster at Monongah, West Virginia ; and Lorin C. Lorin C. Wise attended the public schools and Mt. Union College, and his early boyhood days were spent on his father's farm. When twenty-two years old he entered the law office of Judge Joseph Frease, of Canton, spent two years in the study of Kent and Blackstone, and in 1886 was admitted to the bar. He at once engaged in the practice of his profession in Canton and has been closely and actively identified with it continuously since. He has always been a close student, keeping in touch with the latest court decisions and precedents, and has been uniformly successful, both as a trial lawyer and as office counselor. He belongs to the Stark County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. On October 4, 1890, in Massillon, Stark county, Mr. Wise was united in marriage to Miss Violet M. Young, who was born and reared in that city and is a daughter of Cyrus and Margaret ( Shaffer) Young, who were early settlers in Massillon. Mr. and Mrs. Wise have three children : Cyrus, born in 1891, was married to Miss Lucille Kahler and they have a daughter, Mary Margaret ; Reuben Z., born in 1894, married Miss Marie Hawkins and they have a son, Reuben Z., Jr. ; and Margaret, born in 1898, is the wife of Karl Sisterhen, of Canton, and they had a son, Lorin C. Wise, Jr., who is deceased. The family home is at 140 Belleflower aye- 328 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY nue, northwest, Canton. Politically Mr. Wise has always supported the republican party and has been actively interested in local public affairs, having served four years as a member of the city board of education. He and his wife are members of Trinity Reformed church, to which they give liberal support. Mr. Wise has been a stalwart supporter of those things which tend to promote the public welfare and his consistent and honorable life has won for him the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellowmen. HON. HUBERT C. PONTIUS Hubert C. Pontius is numbered among the able and successful lawyers, active and influential political leaders and public-spirited citizens of Canton, where he has been closely identified with his profession since 1901. A lifelong resident of Canton, his birth occurred on the 29th of January, 1877, his parents being Jackson W. and Elvira (Clay) Pontius. The family is of Dutch descent, the American progenitor having settled in this country prior to the Revolutionary war, in which he participated, while one of his descendants, Frederick Pontius, was a veteran of the war of 1812. The early generations of the family in this country followed agricultural pursuits, and in 1820 Frederick Pontius migrated from Pennsylvania to Stark county, Ohio, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of Plain township. He was the father of Andrew Pontius, who was born in that township, where he followed farming. He married Sarah Correll, and they became the parents of the late Jackson W. Pontius, father of Judge Pontius. Elvira (Clay) Pontius, who is still living, is a daughter of Moses and Catherine (Madison) Clay, who settled in Jackson township, Stark county, about 1820, so that in both paternal and maternal lines Judge Pontius is the scion of old pioneer stock. Hubert C. Pontius, the eldest of four children, was educated in the public schools of Canton, graduating from high school in 1893, after which he entered Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, and was graduated, with the Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1899, later receiving his Master's degree from his alma mater. He entered the law school of Ohio State University, was admitted to the bar in December, 1901, at once returned to Canton and entered HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 329 upon the practice of his profession. His ability and character received prompt recognition and he built up a large and remunerative clientele. He served as prosecuting attorney of Stark county in 1913-14, and in 1917 was elected judge of the common pleas court, occupying the bench until 1921, when he resigned and resumed the private practice of law. He is a member of the firm of Lynch, Day, Fimple, Pontius & Lynch, generally recognized as one of the strongest and most successful law firms in the state. On June 14, 1904, in Springfield, Ohio, Judge Pontius was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Gotwald, who was born in Pennsylvania and is a daughter of Rev. Luther A. and Mary (King) Gotwald. Her father, now deceased, was long a professor in the Lutheran Seminary in Springfield. Judge Pontius has been a lifelong supporter of the democratic party and a leader in national, state and local politics, standing high in the councils of his party. He has also shown a constant interest in the civic progress of his city and county, supporting all measures calculated to promote the public welfare, serving as the first chairman of the Community Fund campaign. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Canton Club, the Congress Lake Club and the Brookside Country Club, and he and his wife are earnest members of Trinity Lutheran church. He belongs to the Stark County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. A man of strong and forceful character, attractive personality and cordial and friendly manner, he is deservedly popular among his associates and throughout Stark county commands the unqualified confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. ROBERT H. FIRTH, M. D. Dr. Robert H. Firth, who has gained an enviable place among able physicians and surgeons of Canton, and is also rendering effective service as medical inspector for the public schools of this city, was born in Dayton, Ohio, March 19, 1880, a son of George and Harriet (Cross) Firth. The Firth family is of Scotch origin and was founded in this country by John and Martha Firth, who settled in New Jersey. George Firth was born in Trenton, New Jersey, received a good education and was ordained a minister of the Bap- 330 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY tist church, which calling he followed for a number of years, later turning his attention to business pursuits, which he followed until his death, in 1892, at the age of forty-five years. Harriet (Cross) Firth was born in New York, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Cross. The. Cross family is of English origin and one of Dr. Firth's great-uncles was Sir Richard Cross, a member of the English House of Lords. The maternal grandfather Cross was keeper of the house of customs in Montreal, Canada, in which country the family first settled on coming to America. Later they went to New York and later lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Doctor's mother is now a resident of Dayton, Ohio. To George and Harriet Firth were born four children, one of whom died in infancy, the survivors being Luella Florence, Walter A. and Robert H. Robert H. Firth attended the public schools of Dayton, graduating from high school in 1896, after which he graduated from Wilt's College of Shorthand and Typewriting. He served for a time as private secretary to the president of the Dayton Malleable Iron Company and also taught violin for a number of years, and thus earned the money with which to pay his way through medical school. He matriculated in the medical department of the University of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1906, and at once returned to his home city, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for nineteen years. In August, 1925, Dr. Firth came to Canton and opened an office at 309 Brant building, since which time he has commanded his full share of the medical practice of this community. He specializes in proctology, in which he is regarded as an authority and has met with remarkable success. On August 13, 1918, Dr. Firth enlisted for service in the World war, being commissioned a first lieutenant in the Medical Reserve Corps, and was stationed at Camp Zachary Taylor, at Louisville, Kentucky, where he served as a proctologist. He was honorably discharged in July, 1919. He is a member of the Canton Medical Library Association, the Stark County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. On November 12, 1907, in Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Firth was united in marriage to Miss Ella Louise Bailer, who was born and reared in that city and is a daughter of William C. and Clara A. (Weckel) Bailer, the former descended from the aristocracy of Weimer Saxony, Germany. Mrs. Firth is an accomplished pipe organist and HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 331 while living in Dayton served as organist at the Wayne Avenue Evangelical church and the Oak Street United Brethren church. Dr. and Mrs. Firth are the parents of a son, Robert H., Jr., born in Dayton August 16, 1909. The Doctor gives the republican party his support and has shown a commendable interest in public affairs. He is a member of Miami Valley Lodge, No. 660, F. & A. M., at Dayton ; Dayton Consistory, A. A. S. R. ; Antioch Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., at Dayton, and Dayton Post, No. 5, A. L., belonging also to the Schoolmasters Club. He and his wife are earnest members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. A man of earnest purpose, devoted to his profession, his record has earned for him the sincere respect of his fellowmen and he is numbered among Canton's most worthy and esteemed citizens. FRANK G. KINGSBURY A life of useful activity in the business world and of loyalty to those qualities which make for an honorable manhood and citizenship constitutes the record of Frank G. Kingsbury, who passed from this life August 10, 1923. He was born in Alliance, Ohio, August 23, 1860, and was a son of George and Cherry (Woods) Kingsbury. His early education was acquired in the public schools of his native city and he afterward attended Mount Union College. Starting in the business world, he devoted some years to railroad service and in 1890 entered the employ of the Transue & Williams Company. He was selected for the responsible position of foreman and served in that connection for more than two decades, or until he retired on account of ill health in 1921. It was on the 3d of August, 1886, at Canton, Ohio, that Mr. Kingsbury was united in marriage to Miss Minnie B. Transue, a daughter of Frank and Amanda Jane (Aultman) Transue, (q. v.) Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury became the parents of a daughter, Zerna, now the wife of William C. Spring of Alliance and the mother of one son, William Kingsbury Spring, who was born October 11, 1916. Mrs. Kingsbury attends the Christian Science church, is a member of the Alliance Woman's Club and of the Qui Vive Club, and is widely and favorably known in social circles of the city in which she makes her home. 332 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Mr. Kingsbury held membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks in Alliance and with the Knights of Pythias in Canton and was always loyal to the teachings and high purposes of those organizations. He had many sterling qualities, was kindly in manner, social in disposition, and thoroughly reliable as well as progressive in business affairs. As the years passed and his acquaintance broadened the number of his friends increased, but none there were who entertained for him more warm and loyal regard than those who knew him from his youth, a fact which indicates that his life was well spent and that his chief characteristics were such as commended him to the confidence and trust of those with whom he was associated. HARVEY FRANKLIN BUSS Among the constructors and builders of Canton the H. F. Buss Sand Company is regarded as one of the most reliable concerns in its line, due to the splendid service which it renders and the sound business methods of its owner, Harvey F. Buss, who, through his well directed efforts, has built up a prosperous business. Born in Marlboro township, Stark county, Ohio, he is a son of Morris and Mary Alice (Kocher) Buss. His father, who was of Pennsylvania German descent, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and died in Mahoning county, Ohio, at the age of seventy-two years. His mother, who also is deceased, was born near Richville, Stark county, and also was of Pennsylvania German extraction. Harvey F. Buss received his early education in the Brigglesburg school, after which he attended the old East Fifth street school in Canton. He first regularly worked as a newsboy, carrying the Repository and Morning News, after which he became a messenger for the Postal Telegraph Company, and while still on the payroll of that company served as private messenger for -William McKinley from 1895 to the spring of 1897. He then went to the Berger Manufacturing Company, for which concern he worked three days without pay in order to secure a position paying ten cents an hour. Later he was employed on a farm for two years, after which he went to work for the East Ohio Gas Company as water boy but was advanced to better positions until when he left HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 335 that company, eighteen years later, he was doing gas fitting and burner work. He melted the first gold in Canton by natural gas and constructed the first heat treating and smelting furnace in this city. He then became interested in a coal stripping proposition, becoming a director of the Union Coal Stripping and Mining Company, with which he was identified for seven years, leaving in 1916 to start a retail coal business, in connection with which he also sold sand and gravel. The latter phase of the business became so important that in 1923 Mr. Buss sold his coal interests and bought gravel pits, and has since operated under the name of the H. F. Buss Sand Company, being located at Sixth street and Carnahan avenue northeast. His slogan is "Quality, Quantity and Service," to which he closely adheres in the operation of the business and, by his close attention to the wants of his customers and prompt attention to deliveries, has established the confidence of the trade. He specializes in mason's sand, in which he commands a good part of the local business. He is a member of the Canton Building Exchange, of which he is a director, was for two years a director of the Stark Foundry Company and for the past five years has been president of the Sand Dealers Association. On June 26, 1915, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, Mr. Buss was united in marriage to Miss Lucy A. Nehls, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, October 4, 1894, and is a daughter of William and Bertha Nehls, both of whom were natives of Germany and are now deceased. Mrs. Buss is a member of the Mary Circle Club and is very popular among her associates. Mr. Buss is a republican in his political affiliation and he and his wife are earnest members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. He is fond of outdoor life, fishing and hunting being his favorite diversions. He is a man of earnest purpose, has led a busy and industrious life, and has richly earned the success which is crowning his efforts. CHARLES YOUNG KAY This biographical memoir has to do with a character of unusual force and eminence, for Charles Young Kay, who has passed to higher planes of activity, was for a long period one of the most prominent citizens of Alliance. While he carried on a special line 336 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY of business in such a manner as to gain a comfortable competence for himself, he also belonged to that class of representative men who give a due share of their attention to the promotion of the public welfare, and his sterling traits of character gained for him a high place in the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. Mr. Kay was born in East Fairfield, Ohio, on the 25th of November, 1852, a son of Dr. Charles and Alice (Young) Kay. His father, a native of Philadelphia, was long a practicing physician, and his death occurred in Alliance. His wife also was a native of Pennsylvania and died in this city. Charles Y. Kay attended the public schools of Columbiana county and then entered Mt. Union College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1872, being a classmate of Philander C. Knox, former secretary of state. He received his Master's degree f rom his alma mater in 1875 and then entered the law school of the University of Michigan. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Alliance in his early manhood, but later formed a partnership with his father-in-law, William Cantine, under the firm name of Cantine & Kay, and engaged in the retail hardware business in Alliance. After a few years, Mr. Kay became the sole owner of the business, which was conducted under the name of the Kay Hardware Company, and he was very successful in its management, which he continued up to the time of his retirement, several years prior to his death. He was a director of the City Savings Bank & Trust Company and while attending a meeting of the directors of that institution, February 10, 1925, was stricken with cerebral hemorrhage, from which he died two hours later. On April 17, 1880, Mr. Kay was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Cantine, who was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and is still living in Alliance. She is a daughter of William and Emily (Dickinson) Cantine, the latter of whom was born in Hadley, Massachusetts, and died in Alliance, Ohio, December 29, 1924. Mrs. Kay's father was a native of New York and became a pioneer settler in Michigan, where he lived for a number of years but eventually came to Alliance, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1903. He organized what is today the Alliance Gas & Power Company and later went into the hardware business with his son-in-law, Mr. Kay. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served as a staff officer in the Union army, and was honorably discharged with the rank of major. He was a democrat in HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 337 his political affiliation, was a man of strong character and was highly regarded by all with whom he came in contact. To Mr. and Mrs. Kay were born three daughters : Mary Emily is a graduate of the University of Washington and was national president of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority for several years. Gertrude Alice is a graduate of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women and a student for three years with Howard Pyle. She has illustrated for the Ladies Home Journal, Outlook, Good Housekeeping, St. Nicholas, Youth's Companion, Women's Home Companion and other important publications, and is a member of the Association of Women Painters and Sculptors of New York ; the Plastic Club of Philadelphia ; and the Authors' League of America. She is the author and illustrator of seven children's books. Carolyn Can-tine is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. She is now the wife of William Purdy Akins, a member of the firm and superintendent of construction of the Cope Electric Company of Alliance. Mr. Kay was a stanch republican in his political views and took a deep interest in local public affairs. He served several terms as president of the city council and prior to his entering business served as superintendent of the city schools. He was a member of Conrad Lodge No. 271, F. & A. M., the Alliance Circle, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity of Mount Union College. He was recognized as a man of dependable judgment in practical matters, and his opinions were held in high regard by his associates, his counsel being frequently sought and just as freely given. His career was complete and rounded in its simplicity ; he did his full duty in all the relations of life, and he died beloved by those near to him and respected and esteemed by his fellow citizens. At his death the following article appeared in a local paper : "In the death of Charles Y. Kay, Alliance has lost one of her public-spirited citizens. Having resided in the city for a half century or more, he was closely connected with its every interest, has watched the city grow from a mere town to a city of prominence, and has in all these years been instrumental in accomplishing much toward that growth. With exceptionally high ideals in business and the conception of the duties of citizenship, Mr. Kay has contributed to this city and community that which cannot be measured from a monetary point of view. During the years in which he was actively engaged in business, success attended his efforts. He served the 22V3 338 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY public with the same zeal he devoted to his private affairs, and found much pleasure in the knowledge of duty well done. His death is a shock to his friends, coming suddenly and very unexpectedly. Mr. Kay had been about the city in his usual routine, conversing with friends in a free and happy manner the past few days. The fatal blow came when he was sitting with his business associates, and to them it is hard to realize that he has passed forever from their midst. Keen and alert to every business interest to the last, Mr. Kay exercised an influence upon those with whom he was associated in business affairs that will be lasting. His council was frequently sought and freely given on all occasions. In his death those who have known him through all these years count his passing a distinct loss to them." JOHN W. NOBLE John W. Noble, a member of the well known drug firm of Bergert-Noble Company, of Alliance, is a man of marked business ability and the success which is now his has come as the result of his earnest and rightly directed efforts. He was born at Harlem Springs, Carroll county, Ohio, on the 10th of November, 1880, and is a son of George and Thurza ( Cogsil) Noble. His paternal grandfather, William Noble, Sr., was born on the Isle of Man and was of French descent. On coming to America he located in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred, and he was buried at Taylor's church. He was a brickmason by trade and was a democrat in politics. William Noble, Jr., who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, learned the trade of a brick-mason under his father, and also engaged in farming. He was a democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. His son George Noble, was born at Harlem Springs, Carroll county, Ohio, December 17, 1847, and is still living there. During his active years he followed farming but has now retired. He is a republican and has served as township trustee, while his religious connection is with the Presbyterian church. His wife was born at Kilgore, Ohio, December 27, 1852, and is a daughter of Oliver and Eliza (Algeo) Cogsil. Her father, who was born near Kilgore, died near Harlem Springs and is buried at Amsterdam, Ohio. He HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 339 was a farmer and an extensive stock-raiser, specializing in sheep. He was a republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. His parents Harvey and Mary (Vinsel) Cogsil, were born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and died at Kilgore, Ohio, where Mr. Cogsil had followed farming and stock-raising. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. John W. Noble attended the grade schools of Lee township, Carroll county, after which he took the normal course at Harlem Springs College. He then entered Ohio Northern University, at Ada, from which he was graduated with the degree of Graduate in Pharmacy in 1914. He entered the employ of Roth & Hugg, druggists, at Canton, with which concern he served two years as a pharmacist, after which he came to Alliance and formed a partnership with H. M. Bergert, under the firm name of the Bergert - Noble Company, and opened a drug store at 254 East Main street. This proved a successful venture and they have continued the business to the present time. They carry a complete line of pure drugs and standard proprietary remedies, also a large line of sundries, toilet articles, stationery and auxiliary lines, and have a well arranged and very attractive store. Mr. Noble devotes his attention closely to the business and has made many friends through his courtesy and accommodation. He is also a director in the Midland Savings & Loan Company. On October 2, 1912, Mr. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth May Cross, who was born June 27, 1879, near Minerva, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Irwin and Sarah Elizabeth (Keith) Cross. Her paternal grandparents were John and Margaret (McNamara) Cross, who lived on a farm near Oneida, Ohio. John Cross was a Presbyterian in religious faith and a republican in politics. John Irwin Cross was born near Oneida, Carroll county, April 17, 1839, and died at Minerva, Ohio, September 3, 1923. He was a farmer by occupation, a trustee of the Presbyterian church, and gave his active support to the republican party. He taught school in his early life and later served as treasurer of his township. His wife was born in Minerva, September 19, 1847, and died at East Rochester, Ohio, March 5, 1923. She was a daughter of James and Sarah Elizabeth (Huet) Keith, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and died at Minerva, Ohio. Mr. Keith devoted his efforts to agricultural pursuits, was a member of the Christian church and supported the democratic party. 340 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Mrs. Noble received her early education in the public schools of East Rochester, Ohio, and also attended Wooster and Hiram Colleges, after which she taught music prior to her marriage. She is an active member of the Presbyterian church ; is serving as superintendent of the cradle roll, president of the missionary society and a teacher in the beginner's department. She is a member of the Alliance Women's Club, the Mount Union College Women's Club, the Searchlight Club and the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. and Mrs. Noble are the parents of two children, Keith C., born October 23, 1914, and Margaret, born June 3, 1919. Mr. Noble gives his political support to the republican party, and is a member and trustee of the Presbyterian church. He belongs to Conrad Lodge No. 271, F. & A. M. ; Alliance Chapter No. 83, R. A. M. ; Alliance Council No. 112, R. & S. M. ; Alliance Commandery No. 67, K. T. ; and Tadmor Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., at Akron, and is also a member of the Lions Club, the Sleepy Hollow Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He is a consistent supporter of everything that tends to advance the best interests of his community and the high type of citizenship exemplified in his life has gained for him the sincere respect of all who know him. R. VERNE MITCHELL Close association with insurance and financial interests in Canton through many years has well established R. Verne Mitchell among the representative and prosperous citizens of the city. His course has been marked by that steady progress which indicates faithful performance of duty and a ready grasp of opportunity, and today he is well known as the vice president and manager of the R. V. Mitchell Company. His birth occurred July 12, 1885, in the little town of Rapids, Niagara county, New York, his parents being Almer W. and Alma (Utley) Mitchell, who were also natives of that place, the father born June 3, 1847, and the mother on the 18th of November, 1848. Attending the public schools of Buffalo, New York, R. Verne Mitchell passed through successive grades, became a student in the Lafayette high school and ultimately entered Cornell University, HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 341 from which he was graduated in June, 1907, with the LL. B. degree. Soon afterward he went to Honolulu, where he became a law clerk in the office of Castle & Withington, one of the prominent law firms of the Island group, handling the legal interests of the big sugar corporations and cane producers. In 1909, however, he returned to Buffalo, New York, on account of the illness of his father, whom he joined in the conduct of a commission business. His identification with the insurance business dates from 1910, when he accepted a position with the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, which he represented in some special work in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Proving his capability in this field, he was made assistant to the general manager at the branch office in Cleveland and in 1911 he became associated with G. A. Leonard in the Leonard Agency Company at Canton, Ohio. In 1914 he accepted the position of salesmanager with the newly organized firm operating under the name of the United Security Company of Canton, Ohio, and engaged in the investment banking business, of which a little later he was made vice president and general manager. On the 30th of October, 1924, the firm name was changed to R. V. Mitchell & Company. With the passing years his business interests have greatly increased in scope and volume. He is today vice president and general manager of R. V. Mitchell & Company, investment bankers, with offices in Springfield, Canton, Akron and Cleveland. He is also president of the Harris-Seybold-Potter Company of Cleveland, the largest manufacturers of lithographic offset printing presses, tin decorating presses, paper cutting machinery, with plants located at Dayton, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio, and Derby, Connecticut. Mr. Mitchell is interested in the Union Metal Manufacturing Company of Canton, Ohio ; in the Dill Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, Ohio, and in a number of other substantial manufacturing concerns. He is likewise a director of the Union Trust Company of Cleveland, the Ohio-Pennsylvania Joint Stock Land Bank of Cleveland, the New York Joint Stock Land Bank, the Thompson Products Company of Cleveland, the Haughton Elevator & Machine Company of Toledo and the Beyers Machine Company of Ravenna. His sound business judgment and keen discernment are regarded as valuable assets in the successful control of every business concern with which he is associated. On the 24th of June, 1914, in Canton, Ohio, Mr. Mitchell was 342 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY married to Miss Helen Morris Weber, who was born in Canton, June 3, 1889, and they have one son, Henry Weber Mitchell. A member of St. Paul's Episcopal church, Mr. Mitchell was for many years clerk of the vestry and for ten years was superintendent of the Sunday school. He is likewise a director and chairman of the executive committee and a member of the board of trustees of the Aultman Hospital Association of Canton. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and citizenship is to him no mere idle term, as his support is given to all projects for the general good. He belongs to the Sigma Phi Epsilon, a college fraternity, and to the Lotus Club of New York city ; the Toledo Club of Toledo, Ohio, the Brookside Country Club of Canton, Ohio; the Brookside Riding Club of Canton; the Canton Club of Canton, Ohio ; the Congress Lake Club of Hartville, Ohio; the Union Club of Cleveland, Ohio ; the Mid-Day Club of Cleveland, Ohio ; the University Club of Cleveland ; and the Country Club of Cleveland. All this outlines the extent and scope of his activities but tells nothing of the detail which has brought him to his present position of leadership in business and financial circles. There are certain outstanding characteristics in his career—indomitable energy, keen foresight and ability to plan and perform. His progressive spirit has been manifest just as surely and as effectively in behalf of the public welfare as in the advancement of his individual fortunes and the results which have accrued along both lines have been most satisfactory. CHARLES R. McCONNELL One of the leading real estate and insurance concerns of Alliance is the McConnell Agency Company, of which Charles R. McConnell is president. He is a man of extensive experience in this line of business and has met with very satisfactory success. He was born in Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 21st of January, 1883, a son of William A. and Sarah ( Eggenberg) McConnell. The father, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, May 29, 1852, became a successful carpenter and builder, but is now retired and is living at Gnadenhutten. He has been an active supporter of the democratic party and served two terms HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 343 as a member of the -board of county commissioners and has held other local offices. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is highly respected throughout his community. Charles R. McConnell attended the public schools of Gnadenhutten, graduating from high school, and then took a commercial course in Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He became bookkeeper and cost accountant for the Nicola Building Company of Pittsburgh, remaining with that concern for ten years, and then became associated with the Morgan Engineering. Company at Alliance, being employed in the accounting and estimating department for three years. In 1916 he formed a partnership with I. E. Riedinger and A. C. Heacock and bought out the Galbreth-Fetters Company, the name of which was changed to McConnell-Riedinger-Heacock Company, of which Mr. McConnell was president. In January, 1919, the name was again changed, becoming The McConnell Agency Company, of which Mr. McConnel is president and Byron Y. McCready is secretary. They do a general real estate and insurance business and enjoy a wide reputation as a progressive, able and enterprising firm. They represent a number of the leading insurance companies of the country and have handled a large amount of city and country property. On April 11, 1920, in Alliance, Mr. McConnell was united in marriage to Miss Ethel B. Conser, who was born near Hanover-ton, Ohio, November 12, 1893, a daughter of David P. and Dora (Miller) Conser. Her father, born near Hanoverton, was a farmer in early life but later became a successful realtor, and is now living retired in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was born near Winona, this state. Mrs. McConnell, who is a graduate of the Alliance high school, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star, the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem and the Alliance Women's Club. During the World war she took a very active part in Red Cross work. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have two children : Ruth Ann, born February 11, 1921; and Jean Conser, born August 21, 1925. Mr. McConnell is a republican in his political views, and his religious connection is with the Moravian church at Gnadenhutten. He is a member of Relief Lodge, No. 257, K. P., at Gnadenhutten; J. H. McFadden Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M.; Pittsburgh Consistory, Gorgas Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. R., at Pittsburgh, 344 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Pennsylvania ; the Alliance Country Club; the Rotary Club; the Chamber of Commerce; and the American Philatelic Society. During the World war he had charge of the iusurance division of the Liberty Loan drives for Alliance, and was also actively interested in the Red Cross drives. His life has been characterized by fidelity to purpose, thoroughness in everything which he undertakes and close adherence to the highest business ethics, for which reasons, as well as for his splendid personality, he commands the confidence and respect of all who know him. NICHOLAS J. DATESH One of Stark county's leading citizens of Roumanian birth is Nicholas J. Datesh, who is conducting a large and prosperous real estate and building business, and is also a wholesale dealer in fruits and fruit juices. He has been a loyal and public-spirited citizen of his adopted country and is one of Canton's most highly respected business men. Mr. Datesh was born at Netot, Fagars, Roumania, on the 1st of September, 1890, a son of John and Istina (Gusaila) Datesh, both of whom were also natives of that place. In both paternal and maternal lines the family has long been resident in Roumania, which country has been a distinct nationality since the year 102 A. D., the Roumanians being offshoots of the Romans. Members of the Datesh family were practically all agriculturists, the notable exceptions being one of Nicholas J. Datesh's uncles, John Serban, who was a congressman at Fagars for eight years, while a cousin, George Datesh, was for many years a schoolmaster in Netot, Roumania, and a relative, Nicol Vigoli, was an orthodox minister at Netot. Nicholas J. Datesh attended the grade schools in Fagars and the high school at Bucharest, after which he entered a bank, where he was employed for two years. In 1906 he came to the United States, locating first in Cleveland, Ohio, where he lived for six months, and then came to Canton, entering the employ of the Berger Manufacturing Company as a millwright, and later was made foreman of millwrights, in which capacity he served for two years. He next engaged in the grocery business on Eighth street north- HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 347 east for eight years, after which he engaged in the real estate and building business. In this line he has been notably successful, due to his energetic and progressive methods and his square dealing, and has handled a large amount of property in Canton and Stark county. His wholesale fruit and fruit juice business is located at 524 Cherry avenue southeast, Canton, and this he has developed into an important and growing concern. Mr. Datesh has shown good judgment in the management of his business affairs, in which he has prospered, and he is now a member of the board of directors of the America Savings & Loan Company, of Canton, and president of America, a daily Roumanian newspaper published in Cleveland. On June 10, 1916, in Canton, Mr. Datesh was united in marriage to Miss Anna Haller, a daughter of Daniel and Joan (Haller) Haller, both of whom are natives of Roumania and now reside in Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Datesh are the parents of three children, Emil, Margaret and John, all of whom are attending the McGregor avenue public school. Emil is specializing in the study of violin and Margaret in piano. Mr. Datesh is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and he and his family are members of St. George's Greek Catholic church, in Canton. He has won and retains to a marked degree the regard and good will of his fellowmen and has shown himself well worthy of the success which has come to him. WILLIAM HENRY McMASTER, D. D., LL. D. Dr. William H. McMaster, since 1909 president of Mount Union College at Alliance, is one of the notable men of Stark county, his ability, character and service having gained for him a distinctive place among those whose life work has been constructive and elevating in its purpose. A man of deep learning and wide scholarship and possessed of marked executive ability, his administration of the affairs of the institution of which he is the head has been marked by a wisdom and tact that has maintained it among the effective and honored educational institutions of the middle west. 348 - HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY Dr. McMaster was born at Centerville, Belmont county, Ohio, on the 17th of September, 1875, a son of Dr. James Nelson and Susan E. (Neff) McMaster. The family is originally of Scotch origin, though the progenitor of the family in this country, who served in the war of the Revolution, came directly from the north of Ireland with two brothers, one of whom settled in the Carolinas, one in Canada, while he located near Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was the father of Robert McMaster, who was born near Carlisle, and died near Jacobsburg, Ohio, where he had followed the occupation of farming. Among his children was Samuel McMaster, who was born near Jacobsburg, Ohio, and died at the home of his daughter at Bellaire, Ohio, in 1904. He was a farmer, served as a justice of the peace, and, being a man of good education, conducted a Latin school in his early years. He was a democrat in his political views and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Miss Sarah Gregory, who was born near St. Clairsville, Belmont county, Ohio, and died at the McMaster homestead near Jacobsburg. They became the parents of James Nelson McMaster, who was born at Jacobsburg, December 30, 1844. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Cincinnati Medical School in 1869 and practiced his profession in Centerville, Ohio, for thirty-five years, while during the past twenty-two years he has practiced in Akron, being now one of the oldest physicians in point of years of service in Ohio. During the Civil war he served four years in Company C, Ninth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, under General Kilpatrick, remaining in the service until the close of the war. He is a democrat in his political affiliation and served as township trustee and many years as a notary public. He is an active member of Grace Methodist Episcopal church of Akron, of which he has been a trustee and steward for many years. He married Miss Susan E. Neff, who was born near Glencoe, Belmont county, Ohio, July 18, 1845, and who died in Akron, November 21, 1925. She was a daughter of Henry and Matilda (Hall) Neff, the former of whom was a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and died at the home of his daughter in Centerville. He had followed agricultural pursuits, owning a number of farms in Belmont county gave his political support to the democratic party, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, also a native of Belmont county, HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY - 349 was a daughter. of Vachel Hall, who was a pioneer circuit-rider of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a charter member of the church of St. Clairsville, which has since been named the Thoburn Memorial church in honor of the Thoburn family, which produced Bishop J. M. Thoburn, who spent fifty years as a Methodist missionary in India, and his sister, Miss Isabella Thoburn, who went to India as a missionary, established the Isabella Thoburn College at Lucknow, India, and, after many years of effective service, died of cholera and is buried in that country. The Bishop was given a residence in Meadville, Pennsylvania, the seat of Allegheny College, from which he had graduated. Henry Neff was a son of George Neff, a farmer of Belmont county, Ohio. William H. McMaster attended the public schools at Centerville, Ohio, and one year at the Belmont high school, in addition to which he took work at summer normal schools. He taught a district school two years at Oakland and in 1895 he entered Mount Union College, in which he completed the academic and college work, graduating in 1899 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He then entered Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, New Jersey, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Divinity in 1902, after which he attended New York University, from which he received the degree of Master of Arts in the same year. During 1903 and 1904 he attended the United Free Church College at Glasgow, Scotland. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity f rom Ohio Wesleyan University in 1911 and that of Doctor of Laws from the University of Pittsburgh in 1926. In 1899 Dr. McMaster was ordained to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church and during the ensuing two years served as pastor of the Bronxdale church in New York city. His next pastorate was the Elmhurst church in that city, where he served from 1901 to 1906, and then went to the Embury Memorial church in Brooklyn, where he remained until 1909. He then continued with the graduate school of New York University, all but completing his Ph. D. work, but on April 8, 1902, assumed the presidency of Mount Union College, which position he still holds. On May 8, 1907, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. McMaster was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Thoburn Mills, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, December 2, 1875, and is a daughter of the Rev. Dr. James R. and Eliza (Thoburn) Mills. Dr. Mills, who was born in Pennsylvania and died in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1908,