980 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
GREEN TOWNSHIP.
ELKANAH BENDER, farmer and school teacher; P. O. Inland; son of Daniel and Levina (Wadsworth) Bender, born in Greensburg March 24,1853. His grandfather, Jacob Bender, removed from Lancaster Co., Penn., about the year 1821, and settled in Springfield Township. Jacob was a millwright for many years, and worked at what is now called the Chamberlain Mill. He was married, first to Miss Catharine May, who was by him the mother of Daniel Bender, born May 25, 1820, in Lancaster Co., Penn. After his first wife died, Jacob married Rebecca Kreighbaum, and settled in Green Township. Daniel, the father of Elkanah Bender, removed with his parents to Summit Co. when he was about 1 year old. He was educated in the common schools of Springfield Township, and, when about 13 years of age, was apprenticed to learn the harness-maker's trade. He worked one year at Uniontown, and then finished his apprenticeship at . Canton; he afterward worked at Massillon, Greentown, Greensburg and other places. When about 21 years of age, he started a shop in Greensburg, where he continued in business until he died. He was married, first to Catharine France—she died about six months after their marriage, and, about two years afterward, in February, 1846, he " led to the altar" Miss Levina Wadsworth, daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Runk) Wadsworth, who were married in Westmoreland Co., Penn., where Samuel Wadsworth died. Shortly after his decease, Mrs. Wadsworth removed to Ohio with her daughter Levina, who was born March 2, 1822, and they settled in Stark Co. for one year; then removed to Green Township and resided south of Greensburg two years, and after Mrs. Wadsworth married Jonathan Grable she removed to the village, where she died, July 10, 1876, in the 80th year of her age. In February, 1853, Daniel Bender bought the farm of 36i acres, now occupied by his wife and children, who erected their present residence in the summer of 1878. Previous to occupying this house, they resided in Greensburg for many years. Daniel Bender served as Township Treasurer many years, and was elected Township Trustee several terms. He died July 2, 1861, leaving three children—Marietta, born August 6, 1848, now married to Alkiah Koontz, of Stow Township, and the mother of three children—Alice, Russell and Katie; Alice A. Bender, was born Nov. 18. 1850; and Elkanah, March 24, 1853. Their mother is a member of the Church of Christ at Greensburg. Elkanah has been a teacher for the past ten years; at the age of 17, he took charge of the school in the Grable District; he then taught one term in the Johnson District; then one term in the Frank District, and, for the next five, was employed in Greensburg. During the winter of 188081, he had charge of the school in King District.
ELIAS CRAMER, farmer; P. O. Inland; the only son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Thornton) Cramer; born in Green Township Sept.
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14, 1834. Daniel was the youngest son of Solomon Cramer, who removed with his family from Center Co., Penn., and settled in Green Township during the year 1812, when Daniel was quite young; owing to the poor facilities for acquiring an education in those days, Daniel did not secure in his youth a very extended knowledge of the common branches, but, by his own efforts in later years, he gained a fair education; he was early apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade with Peter Buchtel, which occupation he followed until his decease; he was married, in March, 1833, to Miss Elizabeth Thornton, whose only child is the subject of this sketch; a short time after his marriage, he purchased of William Benn 45 acres of land lying southwest of Greensburg, and, in 1850, 17 acres belonging to the estate of Louis Spotts. Daniel was a member of the Evangelical Association of Greensburg, of which congregation he was an active, influential and consistent member, holding for many years the offices of Class-leader, Exhorter and Trustee. He died April 26, 1863. Elias Cramer, his son, was educated in the schools of Green Township, and attended Greensburg Seminary; he worked on his father's farm until his death; was a member of the 164th Regiment O. N. G., and during the civil war was called into the service for some four months; is owner at the present time of about 52 acres of land; was married, Aug. 16, 1860, to Miss Rebecca Staver, daughter of Rev. Elias and Mary (Yerrick) Stayer; eight children are the fruit of this union—Oliver J., Daniel, Sarah J., Emma, Elizabeth, Mary Anna and Etta. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are connected with the Evangelical Association of Greensburg, of which church he is an active and consistent member, having held in the past years the offices of Classleader, Exhorter, Trustee and Steward; is Superintendent of the Sunday school at the present time. In politics, he has always been a Republican.
ABRAHAM CRAMER, farmer; P. O. Uniontown; was born Oct. 26, 1827, in Green Township, and has been a resident ever since; he is the only living child of Solomon and Elizabeth (Myers) Cramer. Solomon was born in Center Co., Penn., May 6, 1796, and, when about 16 years of age, his father, Abraham Cramer, removed to Summit Co. with his family, and settled in Green Township in 1812, purchasing from the Government the quartersection now owned by William Stettler and John Snyder. Abraham was by his first wife the father of five children—Solomon, Elizabeth, John, Daniel, and one whose name we have been unable to ascertain; Elizabeth married Michael Wise, and died many years ago; John worked on the Ohio Canal for some time, and afterward died at Greentown; Daniel died at Greensburg in April, 1863. Solomon, the father of the subject of this sketch, was married, about 1825, to Miss Myers, who died some five years later in 1830; he started in life as a poor man, and worked hard in order to secure a competency for his only child; about the year 1832, he purchased 70 acres of Jacob Cline; nearly twenty years later he bought another piece of 40 acres, and, again in 1860, another tract consisting of 41 acres, making a total of 151 acres, which is now owned by his son. Solomon died March 8, 1874, nearly 78 years, while residing with his son Abraham. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Green Township, and married, April 3, 1856, to Miss Sarah J. Wiley, daughter of John and Ruah (Gaff) Wiley. They are the parents of seven children—John Wesley, died in infancy; Ruah, married Daniel Vandersoll Dec. 9, 1880; Mary Ella, Walter Grant, Sarah M., Nellie died aged 2, and Harley Forrest. The present residence of the family was erected during the summer of 1878. Mr. Cramer has always been a Republican. He is a member of the Reformed Church, and formerly connected with the congregation at Millheim.
JACOB FOLTZ, farmer; P. O. Nimisila; son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Lausche) Foltz, born in Lancaster Co., Penn., June 21, 1822. Abraham was a tailor by trade, and also followed farming; he died in August, 1831, at the age of 53; during his life he was married twice, and the father of eight children John, George and Barbara by his first wife; and Samuel, Jacob, Abraham, Elizabeth and Henry by the second. Henry Lausch, grandfather of Jacob Foltz, was a soldier during
982 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the Revolutionary war, and wounded at the battle of Brandywine; he served three years during the struggle for American independence. Jacob Foltz was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania, and, at the age of 14, he was apprenticed to learn the tailor's trade with Jonas Benninger, of East Earl; after remaining with him for five years, he worked for Benjamin Swartz, of East Cocalico, and, after some twelve months, opened a shop on his own account in Brecknock Township, Lancaster Co., where he made custom work for many years. He discontinued this business about April, 1857, and some twelve months later removed to Franklin Township, Summit Co., where for three years he followed butchering, residing near Manchester; for the next five years he kept the Mansion House, at that village; in March, 1866, he removed to Green Township, having purchased 34 acres of land from James Serfass; some four years later, he bought 26 acres from John Baler; he sold a small tract of 5 5 1/2 acres, and bought 15 more from Messrs. Herring and Rohrer, having at the present time about 70 acres. His residence was put up in the summer of 1876. Mr. Foltz was married. Sept. 29, 1841, to Catharine Baker, daughter of Peter and Madgalena Baker, of Lancaster Co., and they are the parents of the following eight children: Lucetta, now Mrs. David Hotelling, of Ionia Co., Mich. ; Susan, now Mrs. Hiram Haring, of Montcalm Co., Mich.; Elizabeth, now Mrs. David Stump, of Manchester, Franklin Township; Catharine, now Mrs. Frank Slaybaugh, of Williams Co., Ohio; Barbara, now Mrs. Reuben Clark, of Gratiot Co., Mich.; Isaac, now a resident of Manchester. Franklin Township; Maria, died ; aged about 20 while visiting in Michigan; Caroline, now Mrs. Benjamin Loeihr, of Wilson's Corners, Medina Co., Ohio. The first wife of Mr. Foltz died Nov. 21, 1863; and he was married the second time, to Mrs. Catharine Kauffman, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Grove) Stump. The result of this union is one child—William Henry Foltz. By her first husband Mrs. Kauffman (now Mrs. Foltz), had six children; two died in infancy, four are living, viz., Rev. J. C. Kauffman, now Pastor of the Lutheran Church, at Orrville; Levi M., now a resident of Franklin Township; S. Ellen, now at home; and Samuel S., now a student in the Junior Class o Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio Mr. and Mrs. Foltz are members of the New` School Lutheran Church at Manchester, ii which congregation Mr. Foltz has served a Deacon, Elder and Treasurer. He has also been elected Assessor of Green Township for one term, and of Franklin for two; was Lan( Appraiser for Green in 1870, of which town ship he has also been chosen as Trustee.
DANIEL FOUST, farmer; P. O. Inland is the youngest son of. John and Catharine (Schaber) Foust, was born at the farm upon which he now resides. Sept:. 25. 1842. John was born in Union Co., Penn., May 2, 1795 he was the son of Philip and Magdalen' (Long) Foust: when about 24, he removed to Green Township and purchased from the Government the northeast quarter of Section 21 ( This land is now occupied by his widow and her son Daniel—it is the only tract in the township which has not passed from the hands of the original family that purchased it.) In 1820, this land was covered with a heavy growth of timber, but by hard work he succeeded in clearing this to a great extent: for many years he followed shoemaking and weaving at night and during the winter; he united with the Reformed Church during his youth, and was connected with the congregation at East Liberty, of which he was an active member, serving as Deacon and Elder for many years. John was married. Dec. 29. 1822, to Catharine Schaber, who was born July 10, 1800: she was a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Bickle) Schaber. They were the parents of nine children, viz.. Mary: born in 1823, married Samuel Foust and died many years ago: Elizabeth and Abraham, died in infancy; John, Dec. 19, 1829, and died about 1854; Samuel, born June 6, 1831, and now a resident of Iowa City; Michael, Nov. 12, 1835, and died aged 14; George, Aug. 30, 1837: he enlisted in the 29th Regiment O. V. I., under Col. Buckley, and, after serving three years. was killed at Buzzard's Roost; Catharine, Nov. 16, 1840, now living with her mother; Daniel, the subject of this sketch. John died May 25, 1874, after living on his farm in
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Green Township over half a century. Daniel was educated in the schools of Green Township; he has been a farmer and stock-raiser all his life; was a member of the 164th Regiment O. N. G., and was in active service for four months during 1864. For several years he owned a half interest in a threshing machine with his cousin Abraham Foust. He recently purchased the fullblooded Durham Bull "Leo," and also other cattle of this grade; the Foust homestead was erected in 1847; the barn was built in 1834, and refitted and painted in 1879. Daniel was married. Oct. 24, 1861, to Mary Ann Dreese, daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Yerrick) Dreese. They are the parents of seven children, all girls, of whom six are living—Minerva Ellen, Nancy Cora, Lorena Alice (deceased), Bertha May, Mary Abbi, Sarah Saloma and Celia Catharine. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Foust are members of the German Reformed Church at East Liberty.
ISAAC FRANKS, farmer: P. O. Inland; was born Feb. 21, 1817, in that portion of Trumbull which is now within the limits of Mahoning Co.: he was the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Dice) Franks, who were natives of Washington Co.. Penn., and removed with their parents to Trumbull Co., Ohio, where they were married; ten children were the result of their union, nine reached maturity —Samuel, now of Portage Co.; Andrew, formerly of Green Township, now deceased; John, a former resident of Green. but died some thirty years ago, his only son Joel was killed in the army: Henry, now of Eaton Co., Mich. ; George, died in April. 1870. while residing north of Akron ; Isaac, subject of this sketch; Jacob. died some seven years since in Iowa; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Peter Gates, of. Muscatine, Iowa; .Jonas. now a resident of Michigan. Jacob Franks was a soldier during the war of 1812; he was wounded in the arm at a battle near Lake Erie, and carried the ball in his flesh for six months: during the later years of his life, drew a pension from the Government: he died about 1847, aged 64 years: in April. 1850, his wife removed to Green Township and purchased 103 acres of land, which was farmed by her son Andrew until his death; and then resided with her son Isaac until she died Oct. 27, 1877, aged 97 years and 3 months. The subject of this sketch removed to Green Township about the year 1841, in the fall; he was then a poor man, and for some two years worked at days work and by the month, making rails, chopping wood and at the carpenter's trade, until he saved enough to warrant him in purchasing 64 acres of land, which tract he owns at the present time; he afterward bought other land from various parties, and now owns about 280 acres; having during the past twoscore years gained a competency by habits of industry and good business management; he purchased the first threshing machine ever brought to Summit Co., and, for six seasons, followed this business; in 1873, he erected his present residence which is the largest frame dwelling in the township. For some years Mr. Franks has been engaged in breeding thoroughbred stock. In 1868, he purchased the first two Jersey calves ever imported into Green Township, paying $205 for the animals; since then the Franks family have always had pure blooded cattle of this grade, which are as well bred for dairy purposes as any other stock of Jersey cows in Summit Co. In 1878, they paid $600 for three yearlings and three calves; they have also the most extensive stock of Italian bees in Green Township. Isaac Franks was married. June 13, 1850, to Miss Sarah Catharine Miller, who was born March 5, 1833; she was the daughter of John and Susan (Stambaugh) Miller; was born and raised in what is now Mahoning Co., where her father died in the fall of 1879, aged 90 years. Mr. and Mrs. Franks are members of the Evangelical Association at Greensburg, of which denomination they have been earnest and consistent members for many years. They are the parents of two children—Emanuel and Mary E., now Mrs. Madison Kepler. Emanuel was born July 23. 1851: he was educated in the common schools of his native township, and afterward attended Greensburg Seminary for six terms. Was married. Nov. 21, 1876, to Ella Francis Cox. daughter of Henry and Charlotte (Horner) Cox; they have one childLloyd Mondella, who was born June 25, 1879.
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JOSEPH GRABLE (deceased), formerly of Green Township, was born in Washington Co., Penn., Dec. 8, 1812; son of Jonathan and Catharine (Barkhammer) Grable, and married, in 1832, Susanna Cox, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hartsoph) Cox, who was also born in Washington Co., Oct. 13, 1815, where they resided until 1834, and then removed to Green Township, settling upon the farm now occupied by Jacob Grable, which land Jonathan Grable, father of Joseph, had purchased from the Government; they remained there for some twenty years, then removed to the farm now occupied by Mrs. Susanna Grable, which Joseph purchased of Frederick Pontius about 1864; Joseph was always a farmer, but for many years cried sales for those desiring the services of an auctioneer; was chosen Land Appraiser by the citizens of Green Township, at one Decennial Appraisement; he died March 9, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Grable were members of the Disciples' Church; they were the parents of ten children; record of these is as follows: Sarah, born May 7, 1833, married Conrad Ream, and died aged about 24, leaving one son, Adam—now a resident of Caldwell Co., Mo.; Mary Ann, May 8, 1835, and died in Iowa aged about 22; Jacob, born Sept. 6, 1836, now a resident of Green Township; he married Miss Amelia Stauffer Jan. 1, 1857; they have five children—Marion, Effie, Florence, Harry and Bessie; Elizabeth, March 9, 1838, married William Cole, they reside near Belmont, Ill., having six children—Ellsworth, Clyde, Joseph, Hatty, Eddie and Samuel; Jonathan, April 5, 1839, died some three years since at Osceola, Iowa, leaving one child, named Anna; Samuel, Aug. 19, 1840, resides in Green Township with his mother; Catharine, November 10,1842, married Daniel Shutt, and died Oct. 30, 1864; Jerome, Jan. 11, 1844, enlisted in the army for three years during the rebellion, and died about 1870; Levina, April 9, 1846, and died March 13, 1865; Minerva, Jan. 31, 1848, married Alfred Yerrick, who died May 16, 1879, leaving six children—Omsby, Lois Lovina (now living with her grandmother), Susan, Stella, Bessie, Johnny and Ida. Jonathan Grable moved to Green Township a short time after his son Joseph did, and settied in the southern portion; he removed to Greensburg where he died many years since, and was buried on his farm some two miles south of the village.
REV. P. W. HAHN, Inland; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio; the oldest son of Peter
and Mary (Stump) Hahn; Peter was born in Baltimore Co., Md., and Mary Stump in York Co., Penn. They were married, in 1811, by Rev. Mr. Stanch, of the German Reformed Church. During the year 1800, George Adam Hahn, father of Peter, left his Eastern home, with a family of six sons and daughters, and removed to Ohio, settling in Columbiana Co. The same year George Adam Stump, with his four sons and six daughters, left York Co., Penn., and occupied land in the same district in Ohio. Both of these pioneers had served in the American army during the Revolutionary war, and their grandson, the subject of this sketch states: " I remember distinctly of hearing them relate incidents of the war and of the great and good man Washington." These two families, with another by the name of Sumner, formed the nucleus of a new community; both of the sturdy patriots died in Springfield Township. Peter and Mary Hahn had nine children—Sarah, married Dr. Sowers, of Columbiana Co., and now deceased; Mary, now the wife of Rev. J. Crouse, of Tiffin, Ohio; Libbie, married J. H Donald, and now deceased; Rev. P. W., now of Green Township; Rachael, now Mrs. J. Frankfort, of Rockford, Ill.; J. W., now of Texas; J. D., now of Plainfield, Ill ; George, died in California; Jeremiah, died in Illinois. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Columbiana Co., and remained on his father's farm until 22 years of age, he then entered the ministry of the Evangelical Association, of which denomination he has been an active minister for thirtyseven years; during this period he has preached throughout Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and New Jersey; he preached for two years at Kelly s Island in Lake Erie, crossing and recrossing on the ice during the winter; for some twelve months he was collector of funds to aid the Evangelical Printing House now located at Cleveland. Mr. Hahn was married, April 30,
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1846, to Mary A. Mottinger, daughter of John and Barbara (Long) Mottinger. They are the parents of four living children—Flora Almeda, Jennie Cornelia, Charles Beecher and Henry Ward. Rev. Hahn has charge at the present time (February, 1881), of Wilmot Circuit of Stark Co.; he owns a fine house and some 23 acres of land, which lies just south of Greensburg Village.
CYRUS HARTONG, farmer; P. O. Inland; was born Sept. 25. 1816; the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Tritch) Hartong, who were born on the same day, April 21, 1796, and married about the year 1815. Jacob was the son of Christian and Barbara Hartong, who were residents of Lancaster Co., Penn., at the time of his birth. Jacob remained in that State until the year 1824, when he removed with his wife and family to Green Township; he purchased some 200 acres of land, which is now owned by the Widow Thursby. Jacob was a weaver by trade, and followed this business in connection with farming for some fifteen years after he removed to Green Township. He was a member of the Evangelical Church of Greensburg, and died in November, 1869: his wife died in 1842: they were the parents of twelve children, and these are all living. the youngest being over 40 years of age. These children are located at the present time as follows: Cyrus, in Green Township: Elias. near Joliet, Ill.; Allen. Green Township; Mary Ann. now Mrs. John Swartz, of Coventry Township; Harriet. now Mrs. George W. Craig, of Coventry Township: Eliza. now Mrs. Andrew Kiblinger. of Franklin Township: Catharine. now Mrs. John Miller. of Green Township: Jacob. near Joliet. Ill.: Lydia. now Mrs. Elias Thornton. of Elkhart. Ind.: Jonathan. Levi and Franklin, near Joliet. Ill. Cyrus Hartong. the subject of this sketch. removed with his parents to Green Township in 1324. He attended school for a short time in Pennsylvania: and also the schools of Green Township. and since his youth he has acquired by reading a very fair education. Assisted by his younger brothers. he cleared his father's farm. By a long life of toil at farming and habits of economy. he has acquired a competency and owns at the present time a fine farm of nearly 150 acres in Green Township, 160 acres of land in Iowa, and his present residence just south of Greensburg. Cyrus Hartong was married, in January, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Wetzel, who was born at what is now Greensburg Aug. 17, 1821. They were the parents of thirteen children, four died in infancy, nine are living as follows : Louis, in Jackson Township, Stark Co.; Margaret, now Mrs. Henry Swigart, of Portage Township; Levi, Green Township; Catharine, now Mrs. Eli Smith, of Jackson Township, Stark Co.; Mary, at home with her parents; Hannah, now Mrs. Levi Bachman, of Green Township; Cyrus Wilson, Green Township; Emma, now Mrs. David Heckman, of Green Township; John Lincoln, at home with his parents. Mr. Hartong has served twice as Trustee of Green Township, and has also been elected to other minor offices of honor and trust. He is a member of the Evangelical Church of Greensburg; his wife is also a member, and they have brought all the children up in that faith.
WILLIAM HENRY. farmer: P. O. Summit: son of Peter and Susannah (Mongold) Henry; born in Germany April 16, 1816. Peter was a farmer in one of the Rhine Provinces of Germany, living about thirty miles from the River Rhine. He was the father of four sons who were coming of age, and not wishing to give one up each year to the German Government, he determined to emigrate. He received about $1,500 for his small farm of some 25 acres in different patches, and, about the year 1835, embarked with his wife and four children for America. His first wife, the mother of Henry, had died about four years previous ; Peter settled in Coventry Township where he resided some twelve years. he then removed to Marshall Co., Ind., and died nearly thirty years ago. Peter was, by two wives, the father of nine children, as follows: Henry. who died while a resident of Marshall Co.. Ind.; William. the subject of this sketch; Martha, married John Dice and resided east of Akron near the old forge: Jacob, now of Marshall Co., Ind.: John. died while a resident of Green Township about 1855: Susannah. married William Bitman, and afterward his brother Charles: they removed to Dubuque. Iowa. where she died:
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Frederick, died while a resident of Marshall Co., Ind. ; Charlotte, is now Mrs. Andrew Warner, of Marshall Co.; Katie, married William Logan, after removing to Indiana. William Henry was educated in the schools of Germany, and worked on his father's farm both in Germany and America until he became of age. He was married, Oct. 17, 1844, to Susannah Evans, daughter of Abraham and Susannah (Shade) Evans, who were married in Lancaster Co., where Mrs. Henry was born Sept. 27, 1821; Mrs. Evans died Feb. 15, 1872, aged 84 years 2 months and 15 days; her husband died many years previous. William Henry and wife are the parents of eleven children as follows: John, born Sept. 13, 1845, married Catharine Weyrich, and now a resident of Tallmadge Township (during the war he was a member of Co. A. 104th O. V. L); Susannah, born July 13, 1847, and now Mrs. Andrew Walkup, of Akron; Henry, born Jan. 27, 1849, and died April 16, 1855; Katie, born Jan. 1, 1851, and now Mrs. Samuel Warley; Rebecca, born Dec. 31, 1852, now at home; Mary, born Sept. 24, 1854, now Mrs. Aaron Ritter, of Green Township; and Sarah, her twin sister, who died March 18, 1855; Hiram, born Sept, 11, 1856, married Hattie McCummings, and now a resident of Tallmadge; Amanda, born Sept. 28, 1858, now Mrs. Andrew Switzer, of East Liberty; William, born June 18, 1861, married Jennie Semler, and now a resident of Coventry; Louis Ellsworth, born June 10, 1864, and now at home. Mr. Henry started in life a poor man; previous to his marriage and for several years afterward, he worked out by the day and month for various farmers; he then farmed several of Adam Yerrick's tracts of land on the shares for some ten years; then removed to Franklin Township and rented the Rex farm for eleven years. He then purchased 70 acres of Matthias Battey in Franklin Township, and, after about six years, sold this and bought, in 1871, of Samuel Long, the farm upon which he now resides, which consists at the present time of 64 acres. His residence was put up in the summer of 1878. Mr. Henry is a member of the Evangelical Association of East Liberty; his wife is a member of the same denomination.
D. F. HUNSBERGER, merchant. Inland; one of the most enterprising and energetic business men of Summit Co.; born March 5, 1835; the eldest son of John and Cynthia (Triplet) Hunsberger; he received a knowledge of the common branches in the schools of Green Township, and afterward attended Greensburg Seminary and at Marlboro, Stark Co. He entered his father's store when quite young; was so small that it was necessary for him to stand on a store box to sell goods, and in fact " grew up behind the counter." In October, 1863, John Hunsberger transferred the establishment to his two sons, D. F. and C. F., who conducted the business until July 1, 1868, under the firm of Hunsberger Brothers. Since then D. F. has managed the establishment; he has at the present time a branch store at Uniontown. and runs the warehouse at Uniontown Station. where he is engaged buying grain. He was a member of the O. N. G. during the rebellion, and was in active service from May to September, 1864; was chosen Captain of Co. H. 164th Regiment. He has been a member of the Township Board of Education since 1868. and is Postmaster of Greensburg at the present time, which business is attended by his son Arthur F. It is worthy of note that he was the first young man from this section of the county who visited New York City, having been sent by his father to purchase goods when he was about 18 years of age. Mr. Hunsberger was married, Nov. 25, 1858, to Miss A. C. Henkle, of Ashland Co., and they have six children—Sheridan G., now a student at Oberlin College; Arthur F., Deputy Postmaster; Homer E., Lottie C., Arlin E. and John H John Hunsberger, for many years a merchant at Greensburg, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Aug. 14, 1808; he was the son of John and Mary (Bender) Hunsberger, who moved to Ohio in 1822, with nine children, and settled in Green Township, purchasing 400 acres of land. These children were: Abram, of Green Township; Fannie married John Harter, and died near Joliet, Ill ; John, of Greensburg; Mary, now Mrs. Peter Buchtel, of South Akron; Samuel, of Green Township; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Jacob Garmon, of Greensburg; Levi, went to California during
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gold excitement and never returned; Catharine, unmarried; Isaac, near New Portage, Summit Co. John remained on his father's farm until he was 22, when he entered Hart &; McMillen's store at Middleburg, and clerked there about four years; then started a store in Uniontown, Stark Co., and after three years removed to Greensburg, at which village he was engaged in the mercantile business until he transferred the store to his sons; through his efforts a post office was established at Greensburg, and he was appointed first Postmaster by President Van Buren; holding this position for some ten years. He was married to Cynthia Triplet, daughter of William Triplet, the first settler of Green Township, and they have three children—D. F., of Greensburg; Celia, now Mrs. Bechtel. of Jackson Township, Stark Co.; and Clinton F., of Akron, Ohio.
ALEXANDER JOHNSTON, farmer; P. O. Greentown, Stark Co. "You just go to Alexander Johnston and he will tell you all about it." This was the language of many old settlers when asked by the historian in regard to facts of the early clays in Green Township. The general opinion seemed to be that the proper source for reliable information would be one, who. during a residence in the township of nearly threescore and ten years. had occupied such positions in the community which proved him to be superior in intellect to the great majority who now reside or have lived in Green Township. Alexander Johnston was born in Center Co.. Penn., Nov. 7. 1808, the eldest son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Wilhelm) Johnston. Cornelius was of ScotchIrish descent. and born in Center Co. Feb. 17. 1782: married to Elizabeth Wilhelm March 25. 1806: she was born Jan. 8. 1787, and the daughter of Abraham Wilhelm. who settled in Green Township in 1814, and entered from the Government 320 acres of land, upon which the village of Greensburg is now located. Cornelius and his wife came to Green Township at the same time and purchased 160 acres, upon which he resided for over half a century. He was always a farmer, but chosen frequently to offices of honor and trust by the citizens of the township: he died June 3, 1870; his wife died Aug. 23, 1854. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, as follows : Mary, born March 3, 1807, resides with Mrs. Goodhue, of Akron; Alexander, subject of this sketch; Abraham W., whose sketch appears in this work; John, born Feb. 11, 1813, married Elizabeth R. Newton. Feb. 4, 1840, and died while a resident of Middlebury, Jan. 20. 1879; William, Aug. 3, 1815, married Elizabeth G. Moore, April 22, 1841, and now a resident of Copley; Cornelius, Feb. 8, 1819, married Mary McNaughton Sept. 10, 1851, and now resides at Akron; Nancy, Aug, 22, 1822, now Mrs. N. W. Goodhue, of Akron; they were married Dec. 20. 1841; Eliza Ann. March 5, 1827, and married Lot M. Watson. of Copley, Dec. 27, 1865. During his youth, Alexander received instruction at the pioneer schools of Green Township, but most of his education he acquired in the later years of his life by his own efforts; he worked on his father's farm in the summer and taught school during the winter; he had charge of the school at Greentown for six winters in succession, and taught many terms in Green; was chosen Township School Examiner, and continued in this position until the office was abolished by the Legislature. Was elected Clerk of the township for two terms, and served as Justice of the Peace for six years. When Summit Co. was formed in 1840, he was elected County Recorder. serving first for six months; in the fall of 1840, he was reelected fora full term. During the winter of 184647, he represented Summit Co. in the Legislature; he has also been elected to many other minor offices of trust and honor by the citizens. Alexander was married. March 14. 1850. toMiss Lovina (Thornton) Thursby. she was born Nov. 1821: they are the parents of three children —Horace Greeley, a surveyor and engineer; Newton and Anna Maria. Mr. Johnston owns at the present time 125 acres of land, upon which is a fine residence situated onehalf mile from Greentown Station. He was originally a Whig, but has voted the Republican ticket since the formation of that party.
ABRAHAM W. JOHNSTON (deceased): an early settler and for over half a century a resident of Green Township; born Oct. 25. 1810, in Center Co., Penn. ; the second son
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of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Wilhelm) Johnston. He came with his parents to Green Township in 1814; attended school very little in his youth, owing to the limited facilities offered for obtaining an education at that early day, but in after years he acquired by his own efforts and constant reading a more extended knowledge than most citizens of Green Township ever had. In early life, he was apprenticed to a Mr. Danner, of Canton, and learned a trade; after his term of service, he opened a shop at Greentown, where he remained for nine years. Then returned to his father's farm, and, after five years, purchased the homestead, residing there until he died. He was chosen by his neighbors to occupy many offices of honor and trust in the township; was married, May 25, 1835, by Rev. O. T. Plympton, to Miss Catharine Moore, who was born Feb. 27, 1814, in Northumberland Co., Penn. She was the daughter of John and Margaret (White) Moore, who were both natives of Northumberland Co.; they moved to Ohio in 1823, with their family, and settled on a farm in Springfield Township, now Summit Co., where they resided until they died. Mr. Abraham Johnston died Aug. 28, 1877; his widow is still living on the farm with their daughter Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were the parents of five, children—Washington G., born Feb. 18, 1836, now farming the homestead; Cornelius, March 4, 1839, and died in early childhood; Mary E., Jan. 9, 1842, married Jan. 4, 1866, to S. H. Hunsberger, and now living at Ottawa, Ill.; Maggie J., April 4, 1849, and resides with her mother; Isabella, June 16, 1852, married Oct. 23, 1878, to Corbin Dillman; they now reside at Joliet, Ill. The three daughters were educated at Greensburg Seminary. Washington G. attended Oberlin College for two years, and was also a student at Mt. Union; when about 20, he entered his uncle's dry goods store at Akron, remaining here two years; Len commenced prospecting for coal in connection with his cousin, Cornelius A. Johnston; they opened the Johnston shaft in Franklin Township, working that for four or five years; they also manufactured oil at Akron for some eighteen months; Washington then removed to Rochester, N. Y., andfor four years was engaged manufacturing boots and shoes; he returned to Summit Co., and, after his father's death, purchased the homestead, now 153 acres, which he farms at the present time. He was married, Oct. 1, 1863, to Miss Anna Irvin, and they have four children—James Irvin, Katie May, Grace and Mattie.
JACOB KING, farmer and stockbuyer; P. O. Inland; the son of William and Margaret (Stroup) King; born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, Jan. 20, 1838. He received a common-school education in the district schools of Mill Creek Township, Coshocton Co., and previous to attaining his majority he engaged in the mercantile business at Warsaw, a small village of his native county, forming a partnership with Christian Strome; after about two years he sold his interest in this establishment, and entered the seminary at Greensburg, where he remained for some eighteen months; he then attended Spring Mountain College, of Coshocton Co., for about six months, and, after teaching school for one term in Whitley Co., Ind., reentered Greensburg Seminary. He was married, Feb. 27, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Gougler, daughter of John and Mary (Thornton) Gougler. Mr. Gougler was born in Union Co., Penn., June 16, 1807; was married to Miss Thornton March 28, 1833, and they were the parents of four children—George and Samuel, residents of Green Township; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; and Elias, now a resident of Coventry Township. The Gouglers removed from Pennsylvania to Green Township about the year 1838. Mr. and Mrs. King are the parents of four children—Mary Martha, Samantha Jane, Ama Maranda and John William. For three years after his marriage, Mr. King farmed his fatherinlaw's farm upon the shares; he then settled on his present farm in the spring of 1865. He is an active member of the Evangelical Association of Greensburg, having been a member of this denomination for some twentytwo years. His wife has been connected with the church about the same length of time. In the spring of 1870, Mr. King received a license to preach from the Pittsburgh Conference of the Evangelical Association, and was for two years assigned to Stark
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Circuit; for the next two years he was located on Austintown Circuit, in Mahoning Co., and afterward to Erie Circuit, in Pennsylvania, for the same length of time. He was a very efficient worker in the cause of religion, and during his ministry in Stark Co. two new churches were erected on his circuit, one at Homeworth and the other at Louisville; two new church edifices were also erected while he was engaged on Austintown Circuit. one in Berlin and the other on Green Township, Mahoning Co. These four new church buildings in as many years, were in a great measure the direct result of his skill at financiering for the congregations, of which he was then Pastor, and he received credit for his efforts in a lengthy article published in one of the organs of the association. Mr. King is at the present time a local minister; he is a member of the L O. O. F. Lodge, of Greensburg, and is undoubtedly the largest stockdealer of Green Township.
L. M. KEPLER, farmer; P. O. Inland; youngest son of Andrew and Sarah Ann (Kintz) Kepler; born at his father's farm just south of East Liberty May 15, 1852; was educated in the common school of that village, and attended Greensburg Seminary for two terms. At the age of 20, he taught school in District No. 12, Coventry Township, for one term, and afterward in District No. 12, Springfield Township, for two terms, and District No. 3, in Green Township, for two terms. He was married, Nov. 26, 1876, to Miss Mary E., only daughter of Isaac and Sarah Catharine (Miller) Franks. They have one child—Earnest, who was born June 15, 1878. Andrew Kepler, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Green Township March 16, 1815; he was the son of Andrew and Mary (Cramer) Kepler, who settled in Green Township with their family during the spring of 1810. Andrew, Jr., received a very limited education, owing to the poor facilities offered in the early days; he worked for his father until he was 21; then farmed for several years; in 1841, he erected a hotel in the village of East Liberty, and, after keeping tavern for two years, traded the establishment to John Castetter for his present farm; he has served as Trustee several terms, and is Treasurer of Green Township at the present time. He was married, April 28, 1836, to Sarah Ann Kintz, who was born June 20, 1817; they are the parents of seven children—Maria, now Mrs. Daniel Stam, of Greensburg; Hiram, proprietor of a laundry at Akron; Isabella, now at home; John Perry, of Tallmadge; Sylvester, a resident of East Liberty, and Justice of the Peace of Green Township; Oliver C., died in infancy; and L. M., subject of this sketch.
REV. ADAM KLINEFELTER (deceased); a pioneer minister of the Evangelical Association, and for many years a prominent and influential member of the congregation at Greensburg. He was born May 1, 1796, in Shrewsbury Township, York Co., Penn., where he lived until he became of age. He united with the Evangelical Association at 19, and, at the Tenth Annual Conference held at New Berlin, Penn., in June, 1817, was received into the itineracy as a preacher on probation, and sent to the Lancaster Circuit in Ohio. The Evangelical Association then numbered only twentyone itinerant ministers, and 1,493 members; Father Klinefelter survived them all, and was, previous to his death, the oldest living minister of this denomination. In the year 1818, he traveled Schuylkill Circuit, Penn. ; in 1819, Somerset; in 1820, Union; in 1821, Lancaster, Ohio; in 1822, York, Penn. In 1823, was elected Presiding Elder and stationed on Ohio District, which field he occupied as Elder for four years; in 1827, he was sent to Sandusky, Ohio; 1828, Schuylkill, Penn.; and 1829, to Canton Circuit, Ohio. In consequence of the hardships he suffered during this active ministry of thirteen years, his health was undermined, and he was compelled to locate, in 1830, on account of bodily infirmities, but, for nearly fifty years afterward as a local preacher, he did good service for the cause he loved. He was married, Aug. 2, 1825, to Margaret Dillman, born May 26, 1805; a daughter of Conrad Dillman, one of the early settlers of Green Township. For several years Rev. Klinefelter resided on his father-in-law's farm, but, about the year 1843, he purchased from a man named Yohe the 160 acres in Green. Township, and resided upon this land until he died, March 22, 1878.
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It was then written of him: "As a man and associate he was always straightforward, openhearted, sociable and communicative. In his company no one would be likely to become sad or gloomy, for he was always cheerful, and the influence of his friendly spirit was almost irresistible. He was strongly attached to the church of his choice, without being uncharitable toward others, and, although he attached great importance to the early customs, manners and spirit of our church, he was more progressive than many whose best years belong to this progressive age. As a Christian, he was sincere and firm in his belief and principles, constant in his devotions, and exemplary in conduct He liberally supported every good enterprise of the church." Margaret, his wife, was thrown from a wagon June 1, 1879, and suffered instantaneous death. They were the parents of ten children—Joel and Amelia, died in infancy; Joseph, died in 1846, aged 14; Catharine, who resides on the farm, is a frequent contributor of the Evangelical Messenger; Amos, now a resident of Joliet, Ill, married, May 12, 1859, to Mary E. Hammer, they have six children—Emma, Clara, Charles, Lena, Susan and George. Mary, died in 1846, aged 6; Simon, resides at the old homestead; William, now a minister in Des Moines, Iowa Conference; married, May 10, 1870, to Ellen Holl, and has five children—Herbert, Maggie, Mary, Edgar and Alice. Elizabeth, married Nov. 19, 1868, to Jacob J. Long, they reside in Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, with four children—William E., Jesse, Gertrude and Ruth. Levi, now County Superintendent of Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa; he was married, Oct 14, 1879, to Miss Carrie E. Brown.
SAMUEL B. LONG, farmer; P. O. Uniontown; born Nov. 15, 1830, in Center Co., Penn.; the son of Samuel and Eva (Hersberger) Long. Johannes Hersberger, his grandfather, was born Oct, 3, 1770, and Miss Christina Elizabeth Fehler, daughter of John Jacob Fehler, was born in 1773; they were married in 1795, and became the parents of ten children—George, Eva, Leonard, Susanna, Catharine, Thomas, Johannes, John Henrich, Christina and Maria Hersberger; only two of these are living. Eva, the oldest daughter, was born Dec. 9, 1798, and, on Dec. 17, 1822, married Samuel Long, who was also born in Center Co. Feb. 22, 1792; the result of this union was nine children, viz., Mary, married Michael Laney, and died while a resident of Copley Township; Rachel, now Mrs. Simon McLean, of Grundy Co, Ill.; Leah, now Mrs. Samuel Baum, of Venango Co.. Penn.; Rebecca, now Mrs. Joseph Weikeal, of Ashland Co., Ohio; Samuel B.. subject of this sketch; Reuben, died aged :3; Johnson, now of Meadville, Penn. ; Elias, now of . on, Ohio; Daniel N., of Copley Township. Samuel B. Long was educated in the schools of Venango Co., Penn., where his parents removed when he was about 6 years of age. After leaving school he worked at painting steadily for about fifteen years, and then at different times for some five years, following this business at Venango, Oil City, Petroleum and other places in Pennsylvania. In 1854, he removed to South Bend, Ind., and remained there about twelve months, then returned to the Keystone State. During the oil excitement, he was engaged for a short time in buying and selling oil lands, and his operations at this were generally successful. He has also worked at cabinetmaking for several years; March 28, 1867, he removed to Green Township and settled upon the farm now owned by William Henry, near East Liberty; after eight years he sold this to Henry, and purchased of Andrew Shanafelt the 118 acres upon which he now resides. During the summer of 1880, he erected upon this a very neat dwelling house. Mr. Long was married, Feb. 21, 1854, to Miss Louisa Thomas, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Thomas, who, was born July 1, 1839; they are the parents of the following children: Thomas, Newton, Sylveen, Frank M., Etta, Eva, Byron S., Ernest, Ervin, Jennie, Addie, Della and Emma. They are all living; the oldest daughter, Sylveen, was married, Oct 18, 1878, to Charles Schnee, of Springfield Township, and is the mother of two children—Nellis and Matilda. Mr. and Mrs. Long are members of the Methodist Church at Uniontown.
DANIEL MOTTINGER, farmer; P. O. Inland; the son of John and Barbara (Long) Mottinger, born in Green Township March
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29, 1841. His grandfather was of Scotch descent, and one of the early settlers of Columbiana Co., who entered at the Government office the land upon which the village of New Lisbon now stands. The nearest white neighbor was at that time some eighteen miles distant. During the war of 1812, this early pioneer of Columbiana Co. enlisted in the American army, and through exposure in the service he contracted disease from which he eventually died. His son John was born May 8, 1799, and removed from New Lisbon about 1830, and settled in Green Township, purchasing 135 acres of land. He was married to Miss Barbara Long, and they were the parents of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, viz., Susan, now Mrs. Jacob Burkett, of Green Township; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Henry Stroh, of Elkhart, Ind. ; Mary, now Mrs. P. W. Hahn. of Green Township; Joseph, now of Jackson Township, Stark Co.; Leah, now Mrs. John L. Bender, of Akron; Sarah, now Mrs. Elias Baughman, of Green Township; Maggie, now Mrs. Wesley Harold, of Sugar Creek Township, Stark Co.; Rebecca. now Mrs. Elias Hartong, of Akron: Samuel, now a resident of Plainfield, Ill.; and Daniel, of Green Township. John Mottinger was a carpenter by trade, and assisted by Peter Buchtel he built the Evangelical Church edifice at Greensburg. He was a prominent and influential member of that congregation, and, in the year 1865. having resided in Green Township for thirtyfive years, he sold his farm to Thomas Shoemaker and removed to Will Co., Ill., where he is now living at the advanced age of 82 years. Daniel, his youngest child, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the schools of Green Township and also the Seminary at Greensburg. He taught school in various districts of the township for some eight terms. Was a member of the Ohio National Guards during the civil war, and as such was called into active service and commissioned 2d Lieutenant in Co. H, 164th O. V. L . He was married, December 25, 1862, to Miss Lizzie J. Shoemaker, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Beatty) Shoemaker. They are the parents of the following children: Lily J.. Charles C., Arthur S. and Byron T. Mr. Mottinger has been Superintendent of the Union Sunday school at Greensburg, during the past eight years, and is a very active, earnest and faithful worker in the temperance cause, which. reform movement has been greatly aided of late years by his efforts in Green Township.
MICHAEL MYERS, farmer; P. O. Uniontown; born in Center Co., Penn., Nov. 11, 1811; the oldest son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bushong) Myers, who removed to Green Township when Michael was about 18 months old. They settled on the farm now owned by him, and resided there until they died. When the subject of this sketch was young, the facilities for acquiring an education were very limited; he never went to school in his life, being compelled to labor early and late upon the farm. May 26, 1840, he was married to Miss Rebecca Ann Grotz, who was born Sept. 5, 1817; she was the daughter of Abraham and Mary (Kuhn) Grotz; her grandfather, John Kuhn, was a soldier in the American army during the Revolutionary war, and died July 3, 1845, while a resident of Green Township, at the advanced age of 88 years. Abraham Grotz was married to Mary Kuhn while they were both residents of Pennsylvania; he followed his trade as a hatter in Bloomsburg for many years, but removed to Green Township about the year 1834. He was the father of eleven children—Eliza, married William Coggeshall, and died in 1853; Julia Ann, married James Lacoth; David, died while a resident of Green Township; Rachael, now Mrs. George Bidleman, of Green Township; John, now a resident of Pennsylvania; Maria, now Mrs. Norris Coffman, of Ashland; Abraham, died in 1858; Rebecca Ann, now Mrs. Michael Myers; Matilda, died in 1842; Louisa, now Mrs. John B. Myers, of Green Township; and Emeline, died in 1842. Abraham Grotz died Aug. 4, 1848, aged 72 years and 8 months; his wife died March 22, 1856, aged 73 years and 9 months. Michael Myers and wife are both members of the Reformed Church at Millheim; he owns 129 acres at the present time; they were the parents of two children; Byron, their only son, born March 7, 1843, died Jan. 10. 1859, aged nearly 16: and Mary Lovina, their only daughter.
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JOHN B. MYERS, farmer, P. O. Uniontown; born in Green Township Jan. 18, 1818; the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bushong) Myers. The Myers family were of Germanic extraction, but probably from Switzerland. The grandfather of Michael was Isaac, who lived in Union Co., Penn., near Straubstown; Isaac had a son named Jacob, who married a Miss Ream, she was an exemplary Christian; they had eight children—Phillip, Jacob, George, Henry, Christopher, Michael, Barbara and Catharine. Michael was born March 1, 1765, and resided on his father's farm until 19 years of age, and then, in 1784, married Agnes Buchtel, who was born Dec. 1, 1765. About the year 1805, Michael removed from Union Co. with his wife and family to Center Co., Penn., where they remained about seven years. Michael followed his trade as a weaver for many years, but found this occupation injured his health, and commenced getting out millstones which was a very remunerative business, but one day a small piece of the stone flew into his eye; he was obliged to discontinue work for six months; meeting with a second accident of this kind some time afterward, he abandoned the business and commenced blacksmithing in a small way, learning the trade as he went along, until finally he was a master mechanic as some of his pieces of handiwork will testify today. He excelled in whatever he undertook. His love for music was manifested in the variety of instruments he was able to play, such as the flute, cornet, drum and fife. About the year 1813, he removed with his family to Ohio and settled in Green Township. Michael was the father of eight sons and five daughters, viz., Henry, Michael, Jacob, Christopher, Joseph, John, Philip, George, Sophia, Elizabeth, Barbara, Mary and Susan; only three are now living; they are residents of Springfield Township—Phillip, George, and Mary, now Mrs. Spade. Henry, Michael, Joseph and John died near their father's Ohio home; .Jacob and Christopher removed to Indiana and died there; Susan, died at 16; Sophia, died in early life after marrying Benjamin Pontius; Barbara, married a Mr. Bowers and died in Uniontown; Elizabeth, married a Mr. Buchtel, and died in Wood Co., Ohio. Michael seemed always to have the welfare of his children at heart; and in precept and example he was a Christian. He died Aug. 5, 1841. at the residence of his son George in Springfield Township; his wife died .at the home of her son Michael. It is related by John B. Myers that some two weeks previous to the death of his grandfather, the aged pioneer entered the shop of his grandson, who was working at the forge and affirmed that he had just seen a spirit which brought the tidings that he would soon pass to another world. Henry Myers, father of John B., was born in Pennsylvania about the year 1788; Elizabeth Bushong, his wife, was born the same year and they were married several years previous to the time the Myers family removed to Green Township. Five of Henry's children reached maturity, viz., Michael, born in 1811. now a resident of Green Township; Henry. born in 1815, and died in 1857, while a resident of Akron: John B., subject of this sketch, born Jan. 18, 1818; Elizabeth, born Jan. 9. 1822, and married John Hammill; Jonathan, born Nov. 12, 1825, now a resident of Green Township. Henry was a blacksmith by trade. and lived on the farm now occupied by his son Michael; he was a member of the Reformed Church, as was also his wife; she died June 10, 1864, and he survived her over ten years until Dec. 6, 1874. John B., his son, was when a mere boy apprenticed to learn his father's trade, and worked at the forge early and late; consequently he had no time left to acquire an education; he never went to school in his life; at the age of 15 he had the entire control of his father's shop, in which he worked until 25 years of age; he then purchased 72 acres of land, and has sines then been a farmer, owning at the present' time 1 over 100 acres, upon which the village of Myersville is located. He was married, Nov. 16, 1843, to Louisa Catharine Grotz, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Kuhn) Grotz; she was born Dec. 9, 1824; they are both members of the Reformed Church at Uniontown. The Myers family held their first annual reunion and picnic Saturday, Sept. 6, 1879, and the second one on Sept. 4, 1880.
PETER MYERS, farmer; P. O. Nimisila; born in Union Co., Penn., March 20, 1820;
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the son of Daniel and Esther (Kauffman) Myers; Daniel was born in 1782, and resided in Pennsylvania until 1825, when he settled with his family in Stark Co., Ohio; he was a finely proportioned man, six feet and two inches in height, and weighing during the last twenty years of his life about 325 pounds; he died in 1845, while a resident of Stark Co.; his wife is still living at the advanced age of 87 years; they were the parents of ten children as follows: David, now of Franklin; Elizabeth, died aged 50; Mary, now a resident of Union Co., Penn. ; Peter and Elias of Green Township; Hannah, now Mrs. Daniel Diehl, of Franklin; Catharine, of Green Township; Margaret, now Mrs. Peter Warner, of Branch Co., Mich. ; Sarah, now Mrs. Levi Swinehart, of Portage Co. ; William, now of Akron. Peter Myers was educated in the public schools where he was raised; in 1860, he moved on to a purchase of 100 acres of land in Green Township, to which he added some eight years later 32 acres more. He was married, Oct. 8, 1861. to Mrs. Mary Lancaster. a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Grove) Stump; the result of this union was three children, one died in infancy, two are living —Isaac S. and Sarah Catharine, or "Kittie." By her first husband Mrs. Myers was the mother of three children—Theodore Lancaster, now of North Hampton Township: Cecelia, married Charles Heisa, and died aged 24 leaving one child—Ida A.; Levi A. Lancaster, now a resident of Almon. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are members of the Reformed Church at Manchester. Their present home was built in 1862. Mr. Myers has frequently been elected Trustee of Green Township; the number of times he has been chosen to serve in this position of trust, is the best proof which can be given to show how he is esteemed by his neighbors; while serving in this position during the war, he was greatly instrumental upon several occasions in clearing the township from the draft.
WILLIAM D. SWEETEN, merchant, Inland or Summit; was born in Chester Co., Penn., March 11, 1841; the son of John H. and Henrietta E. Sweeten. His ancestors came from Sweden, and settled in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. John H. was born March 18, 1818, and married about the year 1840, six children being the result of this union—William D., the subject of this sketch; Henrietta, now Mrs. Louis Bowling, of Baltimore, Md.; James M., now of Akron; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Cyrus Keiser, of Montgomery Co., Md.; Catharine, now Mrs. Marshall Martin, of Suffield Township, Portage Co.; and John, now a resident of Greensburg. William D. Sweeten was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania. In 1857, he removed with his parents to Akron, where they remained for some two years, when they settled in Lake Township, Stark Co., in 1859. Mr. Sweeten is a painter by trade; he was engaged at this occupation in 1861, when the great rebellion broke out, and considering it the duty of all loyal citizens to aid in suppressing this revolt against national supremacy, he tendered his services to the Government. On Sept. 1., 1861, he enlisted in the 2d O. V. C., under Col. Doubleday, and served until Oct. 1, 1865, and during over four years our subject followed the fortunes of this regiment, of which it is affirmed that it traveled a greater distance than any other cavalry regiment in the service. For the first eighteen months they were stationed in Kansas and Indian Territory; then transferred to the Army of the East Tennessee under Gen. Burnside; they were at the surrender of Cumberland Gap and sent to capture Morgan, the rebel raider. When Gen. Grant assumed command of the armies, and the cavalry corps was formed under the gallant Phil Sheridan, Mr. Sweeten was transferred along with his regiment, which had in the meantime (Jan. 1, 1864), enlisted as veterans for the war, to the Army of the Potomac. They served in the valley of the Shenandoah, taking part in the battles of Winchester and Cedar Creek, all of the conflicts in the Wilderness campaign, and on the raid south of Richmond under Gen. Wilson. After the grand review in 1865, this regiment was stationed at St. Louis and Springfield, Mo. When Mr. Sweeten returned to civil life, he followed his trade as a painter until the spring of 1880, when he purchased a stock of dry goods and groceries, and embarked in the mercantile business at Myersville. He continued there until February, 1881, when, having
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fitted up a room at East Liberty, he removed his establishment to that village, where he will undoubtedly succeed in building up a fine trade. Mr. Sweeten was married, Oct. 1, 1868, to Miss Lucetta J., daughter of Abraham and Nancy A. (Gerst) Hunsberger. The result of this union
has been three children—Lula May, Winfred Claude and Edwin Roy. In the spring of 1870, Mr. Sweeten was chosen Justice of the Peace by the citizens of Green Township; he was reelected in 1873; and again in 1879, but, after serving some twenty months on his third term he resigned, Dec. 1, 1880. Mr. Sweeten is an active member of the Disciples' Church at Greensburg, of which religious denomination he has been an Elder during the past eight years. He has also served as Superintendent and Assistant of the Union Sunday School at Greensburg.
HARRISON STIPE, farmer; P. O. Inland; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 6,1824 the only son of Peter and Elizabeth (Gaetz) Stipe. Peter, the father, died in 1824, before his only child was born; after several years Harrison's mother married Henry Stroll, and they removed to Stark Co. and settled in Greentown; Mrs. Stroll is living in that village (February, 1881), and will be 80 years of age April 3, 1881. Stroll was a hatter by trade, but never followed that business in Greentown—he worked out by the day and month. Harrison did not possess in his younger days many of the comforts and luxuries which are bestowed lavishly upon more fortunate children of this generation. He was early apprenticed to learn the cooper's trade, and served at this for nine years; occasionally he followed the occupation of a common laborer, but, desiring to provide a home for himself and family, he rented of John Gougler the farm now owned by his son Samuel, situated southwest of Greensburg; after tilling this tract of 129 acres for about eight years, Stipe removed to the 140 acres also owned and now occupied by Samuel Gougler; he remained there for five years. In 1865, he purchased of David Coleman his present farm, paying $50 an acre for 80 acres; in 1866, he bought ten acres of woodland of Henry Heiss; Stipe removed to this farm in 1867, and it has been greatly improved by him during the few years it has been in his possession; his present fine brick residence was erected in 1874, and the neat and wellarranged barn in 1867; he also owns a house and lot in the city of Akron. Mr. Stipe started in life as a poor man; when he first rented a farm it was necessary for him to borrow $150 in order to purchase a team with which to farm on shares; at that time he had only 15 cents tax to pay, but, by industry and economy, he has at the present time a much larger income and declares it is now just as easy for him to raise his present tax of about $60, as he could the 15 cents I not many years since. Harrison Stipe was married, June 22, 1845, to Miss Anna Neutchen, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Mottinger) Neutchen, who had six children—Anna, the oldest, was born Dec. 9, 1825; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Frederick Houser, of Springfield Township; Lavina, now Mrs. Samuel Ream, of Springfield Township; Mary, now Mrs. Christian Spitler, of Greensburg; Catharine, married Jacob Hildenbrand, and they removed to Iowa, then to Illinois; Daniel, the youngest, died May, 1849, in the 18th year of his age. Daniel Neutchen, Sr., died about August, 1831, and his wife in May, 183 7. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Stipe were the parents of three children—Franklin, Washington and one that died in infancy. Franklin, the oldest son, whose sketch appears among those of Akron City. Washington, the youngest son of Harrison Stipe, assists his father in managing the farm. Washington was married, on Jan. 2, 1879, to Miss Lydia Baker, and they have one child—Irvin Franklin, who was born June 30, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Stipe are members of the Evangelical Association of Greensburg, of which congregation Mr. Stipe is an active member; he has served as Classleader for six or eight years, and has been an Exhorter about the same period. He has also served for twelve years on the Township Board of Education.
THOMAS SHOEMAKER (deceased); was for many years a leading spirit in all the movements established by philanthropists, for the purpose of improving the moral and spiritual condition of mankind; he was born in Lehigh Co., Penn., Sept. 18, 1815, and died in Green Township Nov. 11, 1879; Thomas
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was the son of Peter Shoemaker, who was the father of seven children, viz., Moses, died some thirty years since in Mercer Co., Penn. ; Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Levi, now a resident of Bartholemew Co., Ind.; Gideon, (lied about twenty years ago near Salem, Ohio; Ama, now Mrs. Charles Beil, of Hamburg, Penn.; Leah, now Mrs. Harmony, and a resident of Indiana; Lavina, now Mrs. David Boyer, of Michigan. In his youth the subject of this sketch received very little instruction in consequence of the poor facilities for obtaining knowledge, but he was naturally bright, and in after years acquired by reading and study a good education. He was married in Mercer Co., Penn., June 4. 1844, to Miss Sarah Ann Beatty; Robert Beatty, her father, was of Irish descent, and married Miss Anna McMillen, a " Scotch lassie:" both were born in this country. Robert and Anna were the parents of six children—Amelia, died aged 2; William, died aged 14; Sarah Ann, now Mrs. Shoemaker; Samuel, now a resident of Ashtabula; Eliza, now Mrs. Weld N. Alden, of Meadville, Penn.; Isabella, who died at 42. Mrs. Shoemaker was born Sept. 1, 1809, and when about 7 years of age her mother died; at the age of 18y she went to live with her uncle and aunt, William and Elizabeth Beatty, remaining with them until they died; William, in April, 1847, and Elizabeth, in August, 186 2. Robert, their brother, died December, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker sold the farm in Mercer Co., Penn., about 1865, and removed to Summit Co., purchasing the 50 acres upon which Mr. Shoemaker lived at the time of his death, and also the old Mottinger farm. They are the parents of three children—Elizabeth J., born March 26, 1845, now Mrs. Daniel Mottinger; Mary C., born Jan. 21, 1847, and married in 1864. to Oliver Weimer; he was the son of Gabriel and Elizabeth (Dunbold) Weimer; was a music teacher, and served in the army for two years; he died in 1867, at the age of 24, leaving one daughter —Jennie Trueanna. Mrs. Mary Weimer was afterward married to George T. Rankin, whose sketch appears among those of Akron City. William B., only son of Thomas Shoemaker, was born Feb. 14, 1849; he is a thresher by trade, having worked at this business during the summer season for ten years, owning for a time the half interest in a machine. He was married, July 4, 1872, to Miss Sadie J. Fasnacht; they have two children—Gordon Gilbert ,and Thomas G., and reside at the homestead with Mrs. Shoemaker. In the year 1843, Thomas Shoemaker was converted under the ministry of the Evangelical Association, with which he united, and was always an active and worthy member of the church, and at the time of his death held the offices of Classleader, Trustee, Assistant Superintendent of the Sabbath school, and teacher of the Bible class. By his decease the Sunday school, prayer meeting and public congregation lost one of their most active members; he was a firm believer and advocate of the doctrine and experience of Bible holiness; a liberal supporter of the Missionary cause, and the church in general. He was a man of principle, dicision and moral worth, who took great interest in the leading questions of the day; was a stanch temperance man, radical in his views, and during the later years of his life always voted the Prohibition ticket.
CORNELIUS E. TRASTER, teacher, Summit; is one of the finest educated young men of Green Township; he was born in Springfield Township, Summit Co., April 3, 1853; the son of Daniel and Margaret (Kreighbaum) Traster. Daniel was born in Union Co., Penn., and moved to Summit Co. about the year 1832; he is at the present time living in Springfield Township; is the father of eight children as follows: Hester Ann, Sarah J., now Mrs. Samuel Ritsman, of Springfield Township; Jacob W., of Whitley Co., Ind.; Rebecca 3I.; John, of Suffield Township, Portage Co.; Hiram, of Springfield; Cornelius E., subject of this sketch; and Mary M Mrs. Daniel Traster is a member of the Lutheran Church at Uniontown. Cornelius attended the common schools of Springfield Township during his youth; he was raised on the farm and remained with his parents until about 17 years of age; then worked by the month for some three years; he entered Greensburg Seminary which he attended four terms, and was also a pupil in Warner's Normal Institute at Akron, and the Northwestern Ohio Normal
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School at Fostoria. He has taught school for seventeen terms as follows: First in Springfield, and then one term in District No. 11, Green; three in Springfield; one in East Liberty District; one in Springfield; four in District No. 2, Green; two in District No. 4, Green; two in District No. 3, Green; and two in the East Liberty District. In April, 1881, he was elected Clerk of Green Township. He was married, Sept. 13, 1877, to Miss Lovina A., daughter of Henry and Sarah Elizabeth (Benner) Raber. Mr. and Mrs. Traster are members of the Reformed Church of East Liberty. Henry Raber, father of Mrs. C. E. Traster, was born June 14, 1831, at the farm upon which he now resides. He was the son of Henry and Rossanah (Suder) Raber; Henry, Sr., was born in Germany about 1792, and, when 6 years of age, his father Conrad emigrated to America, and settled near Reading, Penn., and about twelve years later removed to Stark Co., Ohio. Henry, Sr., married Sarah Huyerd; and after she died, Rosannah Suder; he died in October, 1859; his second wife in November, 1871; Henry Raber, Jr., was the father of six children—Mary Alice, died aged 3; Lovina Alma, now Mrs. C. E. Traster; William Madison, Anna Eliza, Minnie Levora and Norman Dayton. Henry has served as Township Trustee three terms, and as School Director nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Raber are members of the Reformed Church at East Liberty.
SAMUEL WISE, farmer; P. O. Summit; born in Union Co., Penn., July 3, 1818; was the youngest son of Peter and Elizabeth (Vonieda) Wise; Samuel received a knowledge of the common branches in the schools of Pennsylvania; he was early apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in Union Co.; in 1842, he removed to Green Township, and for six months worked for Phillip Seecht, who kept a shop at Greensburg. He was married, Oct. 22, 1843, to Miss Catharine Raber, daughter of Henry and Rosannah (Suder) Raber; he then farmed his father-in-law's land on shares for several years, until he purchased the farm of Mr. Raber; he also bought some land of Daniel Evans, and owns at the present time 143 acres; was the father of nine children, three died in infancy, six are living—Rosannah. now Mrs. George Hinland, of Akron: Elizabeth, now Mrs. John Chamberlain, of Springfield Township; Sarah, now Mrs. Edward McChesney, of Springfield Township; Aaron, now residing on the farm with his father, and married some five years since to Miss Mary Miller, of Union Co., Penn.; Lovina, now Mrs. Huston Kreighbaum, of Green Township; and Catherine Jane, now at home with her father; Mrs. Wise died Feb. 1, 1867. Samuel Wise when a young man united with the Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania; since moving to Green Township, he has been connected with the Reformed congregation at East Liberty, in which society he was an Elder for some two years. His wife was also a member of this denomination. Samuel has frequently been chosen to serve in several minor offices in the township; his present brick residence was built about the year 1855; a short time previous to this, his home was destroyed by fire.