NORTON TOWNSHIP 963

NORTON TOWNSHIP.

DANIEL ANDREW, retired farmer; P. O. Sherman; was born in Northampton Co., Penn., near Nazareth. July 7, 1796, and is a son of Jonathan, he of Nicholas; his mother was Elizabeth (Myer) Andrews, daughter of Martin Myer, who are all natives of Pennsylvania. The limit of Daniel's education was about four terms' attendance upon subscription school, his earlier life being spent in making spools, for his father was a weaver by trade. He afterward engaged in an agricultural life until about 30 years of age, when he learned the trade of millwright. at which he worked several years. In about 1850, he settled at River Styx, where he resided one year. then moved to the farm on which he now lives, and where there is now being mined, by a Cleveland firm. a superior quality of coal, from a fourandahalffoot vein. yielding him a handsome royalty. He was married to Anna Friede, by whom he had nine children. six of whom are living, viz.: Stephen, Daniel, James, Josiah, Melinda and Catharine; all are married: Joseph, Cyrus and Edward are deceased, the two latter leaving families in good circumstances in the West. His wife dying, he was married to a Mrs. Clay, the widow .,f Henry Clay: her maiden name was Peggy Pontius. Mr. Andrews is a member of the Reformed Church, and has been for about fiftyfive years, and is a gentleman commanding the respect of all the people of his community.

CHARLES H. BAUER, retired farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak; is a son of Daniel, who was born in Bethlehem, Northampton Co., Penn., April 10, 1801, the son of Jacob, he the son of Charles, who was born in Germany early in 1700. The mother of Daniel was Gertrude Shott, the daughter of Elizabeth (Mandan) Shott. Daniel received a very meager education, his time being spent on the farm with his father. On Nov. 22, 1822, he was married to Elizabeth Miller, sister to John Miller, whose history appears in this work. By this union there were three sons and three daughters—Susannah Maria, born March 22, 1.824; John J., March 12, 1825; Charles H., Sept. 7, 1826; Catharine L., Dec. 30,1828; Joseph D., March 30, 1832; Elvina E., Aug. 15, 1839. Mr. Bauer's was one of the six families who came to Ohio in 1843, of whom mention is made in another part of the work. He is a very sprightly old gentleman for one having passed fourscore years. His son Charles was given as good educational advantages as could be obtained in the district schools of an early date, remaining with his father upon the home farm, which was purchased upon arriving in this country, until his marriage, Aug. 27, 1853, to Sarah Everhard, who was born Nov.. 11, 1832, to Jonathan and Catharine ( Wall) Everhard. They were natives, the former of Armstrong Co., the latter from SunI bury. on the Susquehanna, in the State of Pennsylvania. Jonathan Everhard was the third settler in Sharon Township, Medina Co., where he went from Wadsworth with a few men and built a house in one day, returning at night. By his marriage with Sarah Everhard there were two children born; one died in infancy, and Leora C., born Feb. 10, 1864, is now attending school in Pennsylvania. Mr. Bauer is now holding the office of Township Treasurer; is an enterprising man in all the affairs of the township; a member, with his family, of the Lutheran Church, and a liberal giver to the cause of Christianity.

JOHN J. BAUER, tanner; Loyal Oak; is a son of Daniel Bauer, whose history appears with that of Charles Bauer in this work. He received but a limited education, yet, from his earliest years, has shown a remarkable aptness for mathematics. He lived with his father in a Moravian settlement in Pennsylvania, on a farm which had been leased by the grandfather, and where his father had resided for thirty-one years, up to 1843, when he sought a home in Norton. At 22 years of age, he began learning the mason's trade with his uncle, but abandoned it after two years

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on account of sickness. He then learned distilling, working five years at that without drinking one drop. He then engaged in farming with his brother Charles, purchasing the farm in partnership now owned by the latter. For several years, he engaged in coopering at the Corners. In 1864, after disposing of his farming and coopering interests, he purchased the tannery now owned and carried on by himself and son Byron. He was married, Jan. 17, 1850, to Catharine Everhard, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Wall) Everhard, she a sister to Catharine Wall, mother of Charles Bauer's wife. They have had, by this marriage, seven children—six sons and one daughter—five of whom are living, two having died in infancy; they are Milton M., born June 4, 1853; Byron B., June 24, 1856; Jonathan M., June 25, 1861: Cora O., Jan. 9, 1864; Albert A., Dec. 22, 1865. Milton, a graduate of the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, also a graduate of the Long Island Medical College at Brooklyn, N. Y., now practicing at Uniontown, Stark Co.; Byron, married to Fannie Jennings, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wall) Jennings; they have one child, born Jan. 21, 1881, making the fiftieth heir of Daniel Bauer in this State; J. M. is engaged with Harrison & Holloway, dry goods merchants, South Akron; the two younger are at home. Mr. Bauer has been nine years Justice of the Peace, three years Township Clerk, one year Treasurer of Township, and for more than ten years a member of the School Board. He and family are 1 members of the Lutheran Church, he being one of the most prominent supporters of churches and schools in the township. He has been a leader of singing in the church since 1851, and his daughter organist since her 12th year.

JOSEPH D. BAUER, farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak; a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families in Norton Township; was born March 30, 1832. His father was Daniel Bauer, whose history appears in another place in this work. About twenty years of his early life were spent on the farm with his father, and in receiving his education; after that age, he learned the wagon-maker's trade at Loyal Oak, with his brother-in-law, William Sweitzer. He was married, Sept. 30, 1854, to Sarah Serfass, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Hawk) Serf ass; her grandparents were Lawrence and Barbara Serf ass, and John and Susannah (Hahn) Hawk, all natives of the eastern part of Pennsylvania, principally Car bon Co. They have had four children, two of whom are living—Lorinda L., born Dec. 1, 1855, died July 10, 1862; Ann Adelia. Sept 2, 1859, died July 4, 1862, of that dreadful disease, diphtheria; William D., June 4, 1863; Fietta E., Dec. 25, 1865., Joseph has resided in Norton Township since 11 years of age, and held the most responsible offices—that of Treasurer, Trustee, and, in 1880, was Real Estate Assessor, giving satisfaction to the landholders and receiving the sanction of the County Board. He is a liberal supporter of religion and education; is a member of the School Board, and he and family are members of the Lutheran Church and Sabbath school.

JOHN C. BAUGHMAN, farmer; P. O. Johnson's Corners; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., March 2, 1827, and came with his parents, John and Agnes (Conrad) Baughman, an older brother and one sister, to Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., where they resided fourteen years, the father working at cabinetmaking, the two sons clearing and tending a small piece of land which they had purchased. In the fall of 1844, they moved to the now Steinbring farm, which he purchased and farmed until 1856, afterward selling the same to his son, John C., and returned to Wayne Co., where his wife died; he then lived alone between four and five years, when he left his home and lived with his children until his death, which occurred in 1872, at the home of our subject. By close application, Mr. Baughman has acquired a good education, although attending school but a short time; at 20 years of age, he began working at the carpenter and joiner's trade, having, previous to that time, acquired some knowledge of the the trade. He is now, in connection with his farming, engaged in contracting and building, and is quite extensively engaged in the lumber business. He was married, July 29, 1849, to Elizabeth Barkhamer, daughter of John and Dorothy (Flickinger) Barkhamer, natives

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of Pennsylvania, the father settling in Franklin Township about 1815. They have had eight children, five of whom are living—Ruben B., born July 12, 1850; Isaac J., Oct. 10, 1851; Arvilla, April 1, 1855; Callista, Jan. 21, 1863; Clara E., Aug. 21, 18'75; those deceased are Amanda E., born Nov. 2, 1856, died Oct. 29, 1860; Emma, born April 3, 1861, died March 27, 1863; Cora, born June 11, 1865, died Sept. 24, 1870. Ruben B., married to a Miss Wise, farming east of Johnson's Corners; Isaac J., to Mary Minor, he a medical student with Dr. Rockwell; Arvilla, a Mrs. William H. Nice, residing in Wadsworth, he a teacher. Mr. Baughman has held the offices of Township Treasurer and Trustee; was a candidate for Infirmary Director, and received the nomination for County Treasurer by the Democratic party, but declined the nomination. They are members of the Reformed Church.

JOSEPH BURGESS, farmer and coal miner; P. O. Johnson's Corners; was born in Lancashire, England, about forty miles from Liverpool, and six miles from Manchester, Dec. 10, 1820. He is a son of Samuel, who died at 49 years of age; he of John Burgess. Joseph received three months' schooling, for which he paid a tuition of 6 cents per week. At 7 years, he began learning, with his father, the trade of weaving silk, cotton and fancy flower work, by which he was able to earn his father about $3 per week. His mother was Ann Simpson, a daughter of Robert Simpson, who lived to 94 years of age, and a brother to James Simpson, noted in the manufacturing circles of England. The parents of our subject died—the mother when he was but 10 years of age, the father when he was 14. At 19 years of age, he was made a member of the organization of Odd Fellows; at the same age, after working twelve hours a day, would attend the night school. He gained valuable information in the business of mining in England, among other practical points which have been conducive to his success. In the spring of 1848, he came to America; worked in the States of Pennsylvania and Rhode Island until in the spring of 1849. when he came to the farm upon which he now lives, and began opening the coalbank known as the Bartgess bank, which he rented for seven years, then bought, subsequently selling to Mr. Bartgess. He has now just completed, with his brother-in-law, the opening of a valuable bank of coal two miles west of Massillon, having leased 60 acres, 40 of which, after prospecting, proves a vein averaging from four to four and a half feet of superior quality. The firm name is Sonnhalter & Burgess. He was married to Catharine Sonnhalter Jan. 29, 1856, by whom he has three living children—Thomas, Samuel and George, all lying at home; a little girl was drowned in infancy. Mr. Burgess has for the last thirty-three years been a subscriber to the Boston Lavestigator—being a man of liberal views, but of strict honesty and integrity in all business transactions, and having the confidence of the people who know him.

ALVIN D. BETZ, fanner; P. O. Norton Center; was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., July 19, 1826; son of Abraham, he of John Betz; his mother was Sarah Beyer, daughter of David Beyer. Alvin received a limited education, assisting his father on the farm until 16 years of age, then engaged exclusively in farming; was married May 20, 1846. In the fall of 1849, he moved to Pacific, Columbia Co., Wis., where he purchased land and resided about twelve years in the State of Wisconsin and one year in Minnesota, he holding a claim on the Winnebago Reservation; having disposed of his property in the West, he purchased the old homestead upon which he now lives. Twelve children were born to them, ten of whom are living—Sarah J., Jerusha C., Mary S., John Charles Fremont. Clara E., Ira David, Archie Oliver, Hazwell Abraham, Alvin E. and Laura E. Jerusha C., now Mrs. Charles .Seiberling; Clara E., Mrs. Joseph May, both living in Iowa; Sarah J., Mrs. John L. Serfass; Charles. married Susan Cassell; both are living in Summit Co. Mr. Betz is a prominent man and officeholder in the Summit Grange, No. 1283, of which he is the founder, and very proud " of it, as it is the most flourishing 'grange in the county. Mr. Betz is an enthusiastic supporter of all religious denominations, and all enterprises for the advancement of education, and a good moral atmosphere throughout the county. He is engaged in the

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breeding of thoroughbred cattle and hogs, general farming, and bee culture. He and wife are connected with the Mutual Protection Association of Columbus, Ohio. The father of our subject settled in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co., from the State of Pennsylvania, in about 1822, where they lived until in 184'7, when they moved to the farm now occupied by the son.

AARON BETZ, farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak: is the second son of a family of five sons and two daughters, and was born June 2, 1835. His father was John, born in March, 1808, died Feb. 1, 1863; he of John, born in 1773, and died in 1852. They settled in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, from Pennsylvania, about 1821. His mother, who is still living, was Rebecca Beyer, born Jan. 2'7, 1807, daughter of David, born Sept. 7, 1763, and Sarah (Crum) Beyer; her grandfather was William Crum, born April 5, 1731, died Oct. 10. 1790; her grandmother was Mary (Crum) Crum, born Dec. 5, 1746, died June 26, 1798. They had four children—Mary, Sarah, Abraham, William. Aaron remained on the farm until his enlistment, in 1861, in Co. C, Akron B. L. L, P. C. Hard, Captain, but was the same year honorably discharged on account of disability. He reenlisted, however, in 1862, and served in Quartermaster's Department, 7th Division, Army of the Ohio, at Cumberland Ford, Ky., when he was again honorably discharged. He then remained at home in charge of the farm, his parents being aged. and three other sons being in the army, and his oldest brother in Wisconsin. He was married, Aug. 20, 1863, to Catharine Baughman, born Oct. 24, 1835, and daughter of David and Elizabeth (Blocker) Baughman. They have ten children—Bertha R., Mary E,. George W., Florence L., Susan C., John D., Sarah E., Charles O., Fred E., Rocse Ellen. Mr. Betz is engaged in grainraising and feeding stock; has held the office of Township Trustee two terms, and a member of the School Board. He is also a member of the Norton Subordinate Grange, of which he is a prominent officeholder.

NORMAN BLOCKER, farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak; was born March 8, 1835, to Eli and Mary (Myers) Blocker, who were natives of the State a of Maryland; his father, Eli, was born is 1807, and died in 1845. Although his death occurred in early life, he had suffered all the trials of an early pioneer life, in clearing up the farm where his son now resides. His firs settlement in this State was in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co., but, subsequent to his marriage, he moved to Norton Township where there were five children born unto them two of whom are living. Norman, the second of the family of children, received but a limited education in the district school, his hell I being required, at 10 years of age, by his widowed mother in supporting the family and tending the farm, where he has been engaged since. His mother is still living, in her 75t1 year, as hale and hearty as twenty years ago Norman was married. Nov. 9, 1861, to Marc Elizabeth Betz, daughter of John and Rebecca (Byers) Betz, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Blocker was born July 5, 1839. They have ; had four children, three of whom are living; David E., born March 21, 1863: Lillian G.' June 8, 1864, died Sept. 18, 1864; Ermina Amelia, Sept. 2, 1865: and Samuel Allen, Nov. 13, 1875. Mr. Blocker has at heart the furtherance of all good enterprises and principles, the improvement of stock and agriculture, and the promotion of the principles of the Republican party.

DAVID L. CARTMILL, telegraph operator, New Portage: born at Annapolis, Parke Co., Ind., Feb. 12, 1845, to Jacob and Eliza (Atchinson) Cartmill, and was the third of four children. The father died when David was but 5 years of age. At about 10 years of age, he came to New Portage and began working to educate himself, which, by his energy, he succeeded in doing. He began working, in 1860, in the pottery, where he continued for about eight years, and at the expiration of that time, on account of the injury to his health, he abandoned the business, having, in the meantime, devoted his evenings to the study of telegraphy, which he subsequently adopted as a business, and, after working at several different places, was given charge of the office at New Portage, on the N. Y., P. & O. R. R., formerly the A. & G. W., where he has been for the last thirteen years. He was married, March 4, 1872, to Miss Hattie

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Hedrick, who was born March 20, 1850, John and Mary Jane Hedrick. They have one child—Harley Edwin, born March 28, 1874; they are also raising a little niece, Mary May, born June 10, 1874. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Wadsworth, member of the School Board, and, with his wife, a member of the M. E. Church, in which he is one of the Trustees. The following is a brief account of the tragic death of ! his uncle: In the year 1825, on the 9th of September, a civil, quiet man named Johnston fell in with young Cartmill (an uncle of the ! subject of this sketch) as he was carrying the mail from Freeport to Coshocton, and, when night came on, the two stopped at a tavern kept by Mrs. Sarah Booth, which was on the Coshocton road. The next day, they continued their journey together, and, after going about three miles, came to a spring of cold, clear water, where Johnston paused to get a drink, while Cartmill went on up the hill. The sharp report of a gun and a scream of terror burst simultaneously upon the ear of Johnston, who hastily ran on and found the poor boy weltering in his own blood and so near dead that he could not speak. Circumstantial evidence appeared against Cartmill's companion: consequently, he was confined in the New Philadelphia Jail, which was a log building standing on the ground now occupied by the public offices. He was finally proven innocent, and the murderer of the boy. a young man by the name of Funston, proven guilty by the identification of a $10 bill known to have been in the possession of the mailboy. He was tried, convicted, and, on the 30th day of December, was taken to the place of execution, where he paid the penalty of the law for the commission of one of the most dastardly deeds ever chronicled.

DR. M. M. DICKSON, Johnson's Corners; a son of Robert Dickson, who was a native of Dumfrieshire, Scotland, emigrating to this country at 21 years of age, and locating in York Co., Penn., in 1819, died in 1860. His mother was Susanna McCall, who died in 1849, at 46 years of age: she a daughter of Matthew and Ann (Logue) McCall. The great-grandfather of our subject, Matthew McCall, came from Ireland to this country in about 1770, andto engaged in the war of the Revolution during the whole time. The Doctor was born near York, Penn., March 23, 1828; his parents soon after (probably in 1829) settled near Zanesville, where they engaged in farming, our subject residing in that vicinity until about 24 years of age, when he located in New Portage, where he remained, completing his studies and practicing for two years, when he settled permanently in the village of his present location. In his early youth, he learned the potter's trade while at home, which served him in educating himself in after life, he receiving a diploma from the Cleveland Medical College in the month of February, 1855. He enlisted in the 74th O. V. I. as Assistant Surgeon, which position he held two years, then was made Surgeon of the regiment until the close of the war; he joined the army at Stone River, being present subsequently at the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, where the regiment remained all winter, being exposed to great suffering; then at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. After the re-enlistment of the regiment, they started from Ringgold, being present at Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, and many other battles and skirmishes in their march of 1 50 miles, which occupied twenty-one days. They were in the 14th Corps, under Gen. Thomas; also in Sherman's march to the sea. After remaining in Savannah for a time, they crossed the Savannah River and marched up through South and North Carolina to Martha's Vineyard. where Johnston's army surrendered to Sherman, which ended that campaign. They then participated in the review of " Sherman's bummers," at Washington; they were then sent to Louisville, with the intention of going into Texas to look after Kirby Smith, but returned to Cincinnati, where they were mustered out of service and returned home about the 1st of August, 1865. He was married. June 14, 1854, to Sylvina Irvin, daughter of John and Clara (Merton) Irvin, who were residents of Zanesville. By this marriage there were seven children, three of whom are living—Chalmers M., born April 25, 1855; Gertrude C., July 28, 1866; Robert Theodore, June 25, 1871; the remaining four died in infancy. Chalmers M. is a graduate of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor. and

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is now practicing medicine at Port Clinton, Ohio, and building up a successful practice. The Doctor is thoroughly interested in the education of his family, and has been successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits at the village in which he now lives.

URIAH EBBERT, farmer; P. O. Western Star; was born June 10, 1823; son of Isaac, who was born Jan. 30, 1800, and still living in Sharon Township, Medina Co.; he of John. His mother was Maria (Lamb) Ebbert. Isaac moved, with his wife and two children, to Lawrence Township, Stark Co., in the spring of 1823, where they lived more than thirty years, then moved to Sharon Township in the spring of 1859. The subject of this sketch says that he got his education riding horses around the barn floor tramping out grain, hauling sawlogs, chopping timber, grubbing, and in all manner of hard work on his father's farm, where he remained until his marriage, Nov. 14, 1847, to Catharine Keller, born Feb. 15, 1826, daughter of Philip and Catharine (Shook) Keller, who were natives of Center Co., Penn., but settled in Jackson Township, Stark Co., about 1815. They had one child—George, born July 21, 1848, and died Aug. 6, same year. They moved to their present home in the spring of 1860, where he has followed farming and stockraising. In the fall of 1870, the John Beese Coal Company opened up a mine on his farm, where there were several acres of coal, the vein averaging about four and a half feet, of fine quality, and where they mine several thousand tons annually. He and wife are members of the Reformed Church, in which he has served as Deacon for many years, and worked in the Sunday school ; is a liberal patron of all charitable enterprises.

JOHN HARTER, fanner; P. O. Johnson's Corners; is a son of Jacob Harter, who was a soldier of 1812, and whose history appears in this work under the head of Coventry Township. He was born Aug. 28, 1822, in Franklin Township, near Manchester. His educational advantages were such as could be acquired in those early pioneer days, in a wooded country, his father settling at a very early date, and purchasing 100 acres of heavy timber land at $4 per acre, in what was then known as the Hinckley Tract. In 1844, our subject left the home of his father and worked at different places until in 1845, when he started to Galena, Ill., performing most of the journey on foot; after stopping for a time in Galena, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he attended a mill for a few months, then went up the river to the pineries in Wisconsin, returning in the fall of 1847, on a raft, from Black River, Wis., down the Mississippi to St. Louis, then to his home in Summit Co. He was married, Sept. 20, 1848, to Elizabeth Baughman, daughter of Theobald and Mary (Willhelm) Baughman. He engaged immediately in farming, living the first five years on the old Bartgess farm in southern Norton; then moved to the farm which he now occupies, purchasing the same from his fatherinlaw, about 1857. By his marriage with Elizabeth Baughman, eight children were born unto them—George, Oliver, William (who died after arriving at maturity), Theobold, Eli, Otis, Melvina and Mary. Three sons and one daughter are married, Theobold now living near Millersburg, Holmes Co., Ohio; George and Oliver now residing in Fayette Co., Ill.; Melvina, the wife of Wilson Waltz, residing on the Harter farm. Mr. Harter is a prominent man in Norton Township, having held the various offices of trust, both in the township and in the German Reformed Church, of which he and family are members.

MRS. E. W. HARTZELL, fanner; P. O. Norton Center; is the widow of the late Aaron Hartzell, who was born April 23, 1827, to Isaac and Anne Maria (George) Hartzell, who were natives of Northampton Co., Penn. His grandfather, John Hartzell, a son of Philip Hartzell, and of English descent, settled in Northampton Co. about 1740, where their posterity resided for more than a century. John was an officer in the Revolution, and was appointed an Esquire at 21 years of age, in which capacity he served fiftythree years. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 25, 1843. She is a daughter of Thomas Woodland, who was born May 15, 1803, in Kent, England, to Richard and Sarah (Umpage) Woodland. The Woodland family are heirs to several millions of a legacy left by the Umpage family. Her . mother was Martha Woodward, born March 27, 1807, in London,

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England, and is still living; the father died a few years ago at his home in Wooster, Ohio, where he was a very prominent man during his many years' residence at that place, as the history of the family appears in a more complete form in the Wayne Co. work. Mrs. Hartzell was married, Dec. 6, 1866, to Aaron Hartzell, at her home in Wooster; the following March, they moved to Akron, where he engaged as general manager and traveling agent for the J. F. Seiberling Manufacturing Company for three years; afterward, in connection with Charles Cranz, John J. Wagnor and Mr. Perkins, purchased the mine now owned by the Wadsworth Coal Company, he acting as Secretary and Treasurer. He soon after disposed of his coal interests, and, in May, 1871, built the storeroom at Norton Center, and engaged in general merchandising with Dr. Dickson until December, 1873, when they purchased the store building at Johnson's Corners of the Barnes brothers, where they carried on business until December, 1874, when he returned to Akron on account of the death of their little son, he assisting in the settlement of the business of the J. F. Seiberling Company after their assignment, and, after the formation of the new company in the works formerly occupied by rake company, he was bookkeeper and traveling agent. At St. Louis, while representing the company on a Western trip, he was stricken down with paralysis Jan. 10, 1877, and died Sept. 8, 1878, after having received every attention that money and friends could give. They moved on the farm where the widow now lives March 7, 1877. Two children were born to them—Charles Woodland, born Nov. 14, 1868, died April 15, 1874; and Bessie, born Oct. 18, 1876. Mr. Hartzell was a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 51, of the city of Akron; a member of the Reformed Church, to which he was a liberal giver, as well as to the college of that denomination at Tiffin, Ohio, where he received a liberal education.

DR. JOHN HILL, farmer; P. O. Western Star; whose portrait appears in this work, was born Oct. 26, 1823, in Sussex, England. His father was named John, as was his grandfather also. The mother, Harriet Wickham,was a native of the County of Kent, England. They emigrated to America in the year 1828, from the now sunken port of Rye, in the English Channel, landing in New York after a wearisome voyage of six weeks. They engaged in farming near Utica, N. Y., where they remained until in the spring of 1832, when they removed to Orange Township, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, purchased a farm and resided there until about 1843, when he sold his purchase and set out for Tazewell Co., Ill., where he reengaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. The subject of this sketch left home when but 15 years of age, and worked at odd jobs for the five years following, giving his earnings to his father, who, at the expiration of that time, removed to the West. John then began attending school, receiving a limited education; however, he engaged in teaching a few terms. In the fall of 1847, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Alexander Fisher, at Western Star, and, in the fall of 1848 and 1849, he attended lectures at the Cleveland Medical College. In 1850, he started upon a traveling expedition, first to California, where he lay sick for six months in the city of Sacramento. He remained in that State until in May, 1853, when he took passage for Australia, being seventy days on the voyage. In May following, he left that country for London, England, arriving there in September of the same year. After stopping for a short time there, he shipped for New York, landing late in October following. Early in December, he went to Cleveland, where he again entered the medical college for the years 1854 and 1855. Although urgently requested by the Faculty of that institution to accept a diploma; he objected upon sufficient reasons, and, in the fall of 1855, entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, receiving a diploma from that institution in March, 1856; returned to Western Star, stopped a short time, then engaged in the practice of medicine in Sharon Township, Medina Co., where he remained nearly a year; was then, in March, 1857, married to Catharine Pardee, daughter of Ebenezer and Almira (Brace) Pardee. By this union there have been six children born—Harriet Almira, born June 22, 1858, died Oct.

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30, 1878; John E., born Aug. 2, 1859, now engaged in business in the city of Akron; Martha B., born Jan. 2, 1861; Brace P., Aug. 12, 1865; Josephine Elizabeth, March 28, 1875; and an infant son, Jan. 4, 1881. Mr. Hill was elected County Commissioner in 1870, and, having so faithfully discharged the duties of that office for nearly nine years, he 'was elected, by the voters of Summit Co., in 1879, to a term in the Legislature of Ohio. He is a man of great natural ability and force of character, honest and pure in his business and social relations, commanding, by the purity of his principles, the respect and honor of all the people with whom he is connected.

WILLIAM H. LAHR, farmer; P. O. Norton Center; is an interesting and prominent young man of Norton Center, and son of John and Mary Margaret (Miller) Lahr, natives of Pennsylvania, and was born April 16, 1850. The first twenty years of his life were spent in attending school and assisting his father in agricultural pursuits. He was married, Dec. 1, 1870, to Sarah J. Lerch, who was born in Copley Township, and daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Schweitzer) Lerch, natives of Northampton Co., Penn. Mrs. Sarah Lahr was born April 15, 1850, there being one day's difference in the ages of husband and wife. They have two children—Charles Horner, born April 13, 1873; and Aletta Pearl, Jan. 21, 1880. Mr. Lahr served a term of three years as member of the School Board of the Norton Center Village School, and was reelected in the spring of 1880; he shows a great interest in the improvement of the schools and the advancement of the educational interests of his township. He is a Republican politically, and, with his estimable wife, members of the church. His father, John Lahr, was born June 19, 1823; his father was John, grandfather Jacob, all natives of Pennsylvania; his great-grandfather Lahr came from Germany early in 1700; his mother, Susan Knecht, her father, Leonard Knecht, her mother, Maria Steckchel, natives of Pennsylvania. John learned the carpenter's trade at a very early age, with his father, at which he worked for thirtyfive years, in connection with agricultural pursuits. He was married, Jan. 8, 1845, to a Miss Miller, daughter of John and Susan (Bower) Miller, Keystoneites, by whom he had three children—Lucinda Elizabeth, William H. and his twin brother, Jonas Franklin; all are deceased except the subject of our sketch. John has been a resident of Norton Center since the spring of 1844, and closely identified with the interests of the township, the improvement of its industries, and the affairs of church.

JOHN LOUTZENHISER, farmer; P. O. Sherman; is a native of Northampton Township, Westmoreland Co., Penn., and son of David and Catharine (Long) Loutzeuhiser, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. He was born May 23, 1802; he received but a very meager education, attending subscription school two or three miles distant, and completing his education in about seven months, the remainder of the time being spent in assisting his father with the farm work. In September, 1829, he, with his father and family, came to Norton Township, and, on the 23d of November, 1830, he was married to Miss Lydia Baughman, whose parents lived on the farm known now as the Dr. Simmons' place, in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co. His wife was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Aug. 4, 1812, daughter of Lawrence and Anne Maria (Creitz) Baughman, whose parents were Simon and Anne Maria Creitz, natives of Northampton Co., Penn. John, after marriage, more than fifty years ago, moved to the farm on which they now live, it being then a perfect wilderness, but, by their industry, good management and frugal habits, have made for themselves a beautiful home, raised and educated a large family, and saved a surplus for their old age. They have had fifteen children, eleven of whom are living—Lawrence, born Dee. 30, 1832; John B., Feb. 26, 1835; Jonas W.. Sept. 19, 1839; Anna M., Jan. 22,1837; Paul G., April 8, 1841; Moses, Feb. 15, 1843; Rachel, Dec. 2, 1844: Susan, Aug. 16, 1848; Lydia, Jan'y 25, 1850; Florinda, Sept. 23, 1852; Katie, March 25, 1854. The family are members of the German Reformed Church in Wayne Co., and give liberally to the support of religious institutions and schools; also lend a helping hand toward the advancement of the people of their community. They have

NORTON TOWNSHIP 971

four children married—Jonas, to Susan C. Bauer, and working at the mason's trade and farming in Summit Co.; John, to Jane E. Keppel, is a farmer, and resides in Seneca Co., Ohio; Rachel, to George W. Braden, a farmer in Morrow Co., Ohio: Susan, to Fred Schneider, a shoemaker in Hametown, Ohio.

ALEXANDER MENTZER, fanner: P. O. Loyal Oak; was born in Canton Township, Stark Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 1835, to John Mentzer, born Feb. 2, 1800, he of George William, natives of the State of Maryland. They moved to Lancaster Co., Penn., thence to Columbiana Co., Ohio, where they settled in 1812. About fifty-one years ago, they settled in Stark Co., where the subject of this sketch was born, as stated above. His mother's people came from Somerset Co.. Penn., to Stark Co., in 1814. Her maiden name was Mary Ann Smith, daughter of Jacob, who died in 1864, in his 83d year, and Elizabeth (Rhoades) Smith. Alexander. with the remaining children—two older sisters—received a limited education.* but afterward taught their parents to read and write, and assisted them with farm work. They moved to the farm on which Mr. Mentzer now lives in 1653, and where he was married, Feb. 24, 1864, to Amelia Blocker (see sketch of Norman Blocker). They have had five children—John Frederick, born Sept. 7, 1865; Charles Oscar, Nov. 22, 1867: Sarah E.. Sept. 2. 1870: Harvey Allen, Nov. 17, 1872; Frank Elmer. Feb. 20. 18 76. Mr. Mentzer has held the office of Township Trustee, and has been prominently engaged in the enterprises of the township. He is a liberal giver to the support of churches and the promotion of educational advantages: is engaged in a mixed industry—stock and grain raising.

STEPHEN D. MILLER, farmer: P. O. Sherman: is ' a son of John Miller. born the 15th of November, 1802, in Northampton Co.. Penn. ; he a son of Jacob. born in April. 1777, died Jan. 12. 1836; he of David. born in 1756. died 1831: he of Walter, born in 1716. died in 1808; he came from Germany: John is in possession of a fine old leather pocketbook. brought from Germany by the last named ancestor nearly 150 years ago: also. an old fashioned clock, which is still keeping time faithfully, brought by a branch of his mother's family by the name of Bair. His mother was Margaret Serfass, her father William Serfass. They have followed farming throughout their lives. John was married, Oct. 14, 1823, to Susannah Bauer, sister of Daniel Bauer, whose history appears in another place in this work. They had twelve children, eight of whom are living; they were among the early settlers of Norton Township, coming in with the large number who came from Pennsylvania in 1843. Stephen was born July 19, 1827, in Nazareth Township, near Easton, Northampton Co., Penn, where he resided, attending school and assisting on farm, until in 1843, when he came to Ohio with his parents, with whom he remained until 24 years of age. when he was married. Nov 6. 1851, to Mary Ann Musser, born Sept 15, 1831, in Trumbull Co., where her parents settled about the year 1812, and resided until 1840, when they moved to the farm on which Stephen now lives: she is a daughter of David and Mary Ann (Read) Musser, natives of Pennsylvania. They have six children—Sarah Jane, born July 1, 1852; Albert, May 21, 1859; Norman F., Oct. 26, 1861; Harriet O., March 13, 1863: Charles O., Nov. 11. 1866; Mary Susannah, Aug. 23, 18 70. Sarah Jane, a Mrs. Columbus Seiberling, whose sketch appears in another place in this work. Mr. Miller, at the beginning of the war, held for two years the position of Deputy Revenue Assessor for a part of the 18th Congressional District: he has also held the most responsible township offices, and, for about eight years, acted as agent, on his own account, for the Doylestown Machine Company, then traveled seven years longer as general agent throughout the different States, for same company. He is a man having at heart the improvement of all the affairs pertaining to the good of his community. and with his family are members of the Lutheran Church.

AMOS W. MILLER, merchant, and Postmaster at the village or crossroads known as Johnson's Corners; was born Nov. 3. 1850, at Norton Center, in a wellpreserved house belonging to the Aaron Hartzell farm: his parents. Joseph B. and Caroline (Steckel) Miller, were natives of the State of Pennsylvania, but located in Norton Township in the spring of

972 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

1847; his grandfather Miller was Daniel; his grandfather Steckel, Daniel, he of Solomon, who lived more than one hundred years. Amos assisted with the work on the farm and attended to the very limited education he received until 16 years of age, when he began clerking in a general store kept by E. P. Holloway at Loyal Oak, where he remained a few months, then engaged with J. E. Wesener, a dry goods merchant of Akron, with whom he remained but a few months, then traveled through different parts of the West, where he engaged in farming; returning, subsequently, to the dry goods business in the city of Akron, with Sabin & Rudesill, was sent by them to Canal Fulton to take charge of a branch store; in 1871, he, under the firm name of A. W. Miller & Co., purchased the branch store at that place, where they continued with success until the fall of 1879, when the firm dissolved partnership, Mr. Miller retiring. In the spring of 1880, he started the general store where he is at present located and doing a good business. Was married, May 21, 1814, to Emma Walzer, daughter of Louis and Catharine (Ehrett) Walzer, who were natives of Alsace, France, now a portion of Germany. They have three children—Inza, born Feb. 17, 1875; Roland, June 9, 1877; Bertha,. Oct. 5, 1879.

JACOB J. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak; was the only child of Joseph and Julia Ann (Hahn) Miller, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Kostenbader) Hahn, who were natives of Northampton Co., Penn. Joseph was the first of the large Miller family to migrate to the West, where he died after about one year's residence in Wadsworth Township, where they made their settlement, the mother returning to her native State after his death, and a few years later married a Mr. John Knecht, with whom she lived until his death, she then returning to Norton Township, where she is now living, in the village of Loyal Oak. Jacob received a very limited education, leaving home at 15 years of age, and coming to Ohio, where he engaged in farm work until in his 23d year, when he was married, March 19, 1861, to Theresa Resh, born May 11, 1843, and daughter of John and Rebecca (Hartzell) Resh, who were all nativesof Pennsylvania. They have had four children—Edgar M., born July 18, 1862, in Norton Township; Cora A., April 19, 1865, in Wadsworth Township; Eugene L., July 11, 1871, in Copley Township; Gertrude O., at Johnson's Corners, May 28, 1878. Mr. Miller is one of the enterprising men of his township, and one of the foremost stock men, having brought from Canada his French stallion, "Montreal Lion;" is also breeding Durham cattle and Cotswold sheep. He and wife are members of the Summit Co. Society of Patrons of Husbandry, members of the Lutheran Church, and earnest advocates of the cause of temperance and improvement of society.

JONAS FRANKLIN MILLER, farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak; is a son of " Uncle John Miller," whose history appears in another place in this work; was born Nov. 3, 1832. His education was limited, the principal part of it being practical, such as could be acquired by spending most of his time clearing in the woods and in general farm work upon the place where he now lives, and upon which his father settled in 1844. He was married, Jan. 17, 1856, to Marietta Schlabach, daughter of George and Esther Ann (Lichtenwalner) Schlabach; her father is still living, in his 82d year, he a son of Jacob Schlabach, who came from Germany about 1799, and settled in Northampton Co., Penn. Her grandparents on her mother's side were Peter and Susan (Oswold) Lichtenwalner, residents of Northampton Co. There have been nine children born unto them—Uriah A., born Jan. 7, 1857; Alice M., April 17, 1858; Milton Henry, Dec. 4, 1860; Ida 3L, died in 6th year; Harry E., Jan. 21, 1868; John G., July 29, 1870; Ella S., Sept. 17, 1873; Freddie Allen, died in infancy; Lizzie Catharine, Feb. 8,18 77. Uriah A. was married, June 5, 1877,. to Addis Koplin, by whom he has two children. He is engaged in farming in northern part of Norton; Alice M, now the wife of Harvey A. Myers, a farmer in Copley Township. Mr.. Miller has been Trustee of his township, and held other offices of trust. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the prominent stock men of the township, dealing in graded and thoroughbreds, as well as being engaged in general farming.

NORTON TOWNSHIP 973

DANIEL MILLER, farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak; son of David, who was born June 17, 1796, and died in 1856; he also of David; his mother was Mary, daughter of Jacob and Gertrude (Schodt) Bauer. Daniel came from near Nazareth, Northampton Co., where he was born Dec. 30, 1821, to Norton Township in the spring of 1843, with Daniel Bauer and family, with whom he had lived since 14 years of age. When about 18 years of age, he began learning the carpenter and joiner's trade, at which he worked for about ten years in this township, then engaged in the butcher business about eight years longer, since which time he has followed farming, being very successful, in consequence of his industrious and frugal habits. He was married, Aug. 24, 1852, to Amelia Boerstler, born Feb. 20, 1833, daughter of John and Mary (Esch) Boerstler, who were natives of Northampton Co., Penn., but came to this State in 1846, with a family of five children, Amelia being the oldest daughter, and by whom Daniel has had one child—Franklin Harrison, born March 30, 1856, and has followed farming with his father, where he is now living with his family, having married Sarah Ann Moser in May, 1876, by whom he has two children—Mattie May, born Jan. 14, 1878; and Elsie Pearl, Feb. 7, 18S0. They devote their time to the improvement of stock and the best method of agriculture. He and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and highly respected by the people of his community.

PARMELEE FAMILY, New Portage. The history of this family, in a very complete form, can be found in the possession of Eliza A. Parmelee. from whom this sketch was obtained, and who is very careful in the preservation of the old family record, which is too voluminous for publication; therefore, only the different heads of the family will be mentioned in this work. John Parmelee landed in this country June 1, 1639, from Guilford, England, and, with twentyfour other families making up a church, they were the first settlers of Guilford, Conn., which place they named after their former home. After arriving in this country, they all signed a covenant never to depart from one another, etc. John Parmelee, first, born in England, date of birthnot given; John, Jr., second, date of birth not given, but very probably in England; Isaac, third generation, born in Guilford Nov. 21, 1665; Abraham, fourth, in Guilford, May 1 18, 1692; Abraham, Jr., fifth, in Guilford, April 28, 1717; Theodore, sixth, born April 3, 1751; Theodore Hudson, seventh, Jan. 25, 1792, and came to this State in November, 1812, settling on the farm now known as the Swartz place, returning to his native place to teach school during the winter; in the fall, Nov. 3, 1813, was married, and started, on the morning of the 4th, to their home in the wilderness, where they endured every hardship of an early pioneer life; they had nine children, six of whom are living—Mrs. Caroline H. Earl, born Oct. 30, 1814, of the eighth generation; Maria, Eleza A., Mrs. Clarinda Chapman; Charles, living in Tallmadge Township; and Martha, a Mrs. Rose, her husband an ex-Mayor of Cleveland; Theodore H. Earl, of the ninth generation, eldest son of Mrs. Caroline H. Earl, born April 18, 1836, in Newton Falls, Trumbull Co., Ohio; his child, Leafy, of the tenth generation, born Oct. 29, .1868, in New London, Wis.; the father of the eighth generation was a man of great ability, holding many of the prominent positions in the county, a man of sterling integrity and honor, a member of the church during the greater part of his life. Eliza began attending Oberlin College in 1842, and graduated in 1844. being one of five of the family who graduated from that college, Charles taking the collegiate course, and six of the family attended the same institution; she taught for more than thirteen years in different academies in the State of Pennsylvania; during the college years of 1856 and 1857, she held the position of Professor of Natural Sciences in the college at Iberia, Morrow Co., Ohio; this position she resigned, and returned home to take care of her mother and grandmother who were aged and feeble; she is now superintending her farm of more than 100 acres of choice land, in the eastern part of Norton Township.

DR. W. T. PARMELE, physician, New Portage; was born in Southington, Conn., Feb. 19, 1830, to N. L. and Eximena (Horton) Parmele; his father, who was also a physician, removed to Delhi Co., N. Y., where he

974 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

resided three years; then to Baker, Brown Co.; then, in 1851, he moved to Binghampton, where he died March 4, 1880, after a practice of about fifty years. W. T. received a commonschool education, and, after studying with his father until about 22 years of age, attended lectures at Geneva, N. Y. He has practiced medicine for about twenty-nine years, in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio; also on board the Government ships as Assistant Physician for five years, from Norfolk, Va., to Palestine, and in Summit Co. for the last seven years, now located at New Portage; was married, Oct 14, 1851, to Sarah Slaight, a native of York State, and daughter of David and Catharine Slaight, by whom he had one child—Gertrude, born Oct 3. 1854, now the wife of William Creque, residing at Trumansburg, N. Y.; his first wife died in the year 1861; his second marriage, to Mary Jane Porter. daughter of William C. and Mary Jane (Graves) Porter. The Doctor is a stanch Republican, a member of the L O. O. F. and Sons of Temperance, in which cause he is an earnest worker. He was Independent Assistant Physician at the battle of Gettysburg; is a member of the Evangelical Association, Superintendent of two Sabbath schools for two years, and teacher of Bible-class for four years.

M. LOUIS SHOOK, painter, Norton Center. The subject of this sketch was born in Chatham Township, Medina Co., Ohio, his father, a prominent farmer, residing on the old homestead. Louis received a common school education, attending, after his 9th year, in winters only, his services being required upon the farm during the summer season; he, however, being an apt scholar, soon mastered all that was then taught in the common schools, and, at the age of 17 years, having overcome great opposition, received the benefit of one term at a select school at Chatham Center; the second winter following, he taught a district school in his native township with good success; the autumn following, he again attended school at Chatham Center; the next winter, he taught school in Homer Township, where he continued during the winter seasons until his 23d year; prior to this time, however, he had turned his attention to painting, which he ultimately adopted as a profession, after attaining his majority. During his early career as a teacher, he became acquainted with the lady who afterward became his wife—Miss Minnie Messinger; they were married Oct. 17, 1875, since which time he has resided at his present location. In the summer of 1876, he engaged to teach the Center District School for nine months in succession; this so impaired his health that he abandoned teaching and engaged in the mercantile business with Adam G. Seas, at Norton Center, during which time his fatherinlaw died, May, 1878; subsequently, on account of light trade, they closed out the business, and he again, in 1879, resumed the brush, which he has continued with success until the present time. During the course of his mercantile career, he was instrumental in restoring the post office at Norton Center, at which place he is Postmaster, also holding the position of Township Clerk by appointment. Of his ancestry, one branch can be traced to Germany, his great-great-grandfather, Ackerman by name, emigrating from that country to Philadelphia near the time of the Revolution, and from that city to Bucks Co.; he had a family of six sons, viz.: John, Jacob. Daniel, George, Henry and Abraham; from Bucks Co. they moved to Lower Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton Co., Penn., where they purchased a large tract of land on the Little Martin's Creek, where he soon erected a saw and grist mill; at the death of the elder Ackerman, his son Jacob, who is the direct ancestry of the Shook family, became the miller; the property was divided among the sons, who, having settled upon different, parts of the estate, formed quite a settlement, which was called Ackermanville, and now known by that name. In 1823 or 1824, Jacob rebuilt the mill, which he owned until his death. He was married to Rebecca Kulb, by whom he had three sons and eight daughters, respectively: John, Isaac, Catharine, Elizabeth, Barbara, Rebecca, Mary, Susan, Magdaline, Lydia and Jacob, who fell heir to the mill property, and who is still living on the old homestead. Henry Shook, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1799, in Plainfield Township, Northampton Co., Penn, ; he mar-

NORTON TOWNSHIP 975

ried Catharine Ackerman in the year 1820, and worked his father's farm for about seventeen years; from there he moved to Tunkhannook, Wyoming Co., Penn., in the year 1837; he was the father of nine children, as follows: Jacob, George, Rebecca, Susan, Isaac, John E., Catharine, Aaron and Helen; their eldest son, Jacob, was born in Plainfield Township, Northampton Co., July 18, 1821; he lived with his parents until their removal to Wyoming Co., when he returned to his uncle at Ackermanville to learn the miller's trade, at which he worked until in the winter of 1843; he was married, in the fall of 1842, to Rebecca Berkey, who was born Aug. 11, 1818, near Bangor, Penn. ; in the spring of 1843, he migrated to Ohio with his fatherinlaw, Christian Berkey; they came in wagons, making the trip in twenty-four days, landing in Chester Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, on the 16th day of May, 1843; here he remained working in several different mills for a few years, finally renting a mill near Ashland, Ohio, where he remained until the year 1851, when, on account of ill health, he abandoned his trade and purchased a farm of 56 acres in Chatham Township, Medina Co., where he moved on the 2d of April of that year; a few years later, 40 acres more were added to their home, where they are now surrounded with every comfort necessary for the enjoyment of life. They have been blessed with four children—Mary A., born in Chester Township, Wayne Co.. June 20, 1843, was married in January, 1864, to John Hange; Susan was born near Ashland, June 7, 1846; married Irwin Reimel in October, 1869; resides in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton Co., Penn.: M. Louis, born June 1, 1853; Katie, Dec. 25. 1857. in Chatham, the youngest still remaining at home. Of the mother's family, the greatgrandfather, Christian Berkey, was born in 1759; he was a native of Pennsylvania, and was married to Gertrude Kulp; they had ten children. Christian Berkey, Sr., died in 1829; his wife, in 1840. Their home was in Lower Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton Co., where their son Christian was born, and married Barbara Shaun in 1817. Mrs. Minnie Shook, wife of our subject, was a daughter of Jacob Messinger, who was from Forks Township, Northampton Co., where his brothers and sisters still reside; he came to Ohio about 1854, and was married to Mrs. Mary A. Johnson, by whom he had two children—Minnie and La Fayette, the latter dying when about 4 years of age, and the father May 8, 1878.

THE SEIBERLING-MILLER COMPANY, Doylestown, Wayne Co., Ohio. This company, in the year 1861, began business at their present location, under the firm name of Cline, Seiberling & Hower, in the manufacture of the now famous Excelsior Mower and Reaper, then an entirely new machine, invented by John F. Seiberling, a young farmer of Norton Township, who has, by his numerous inventions, been of great service to the agricultural interests of the United States; a more complete history of his various enterprises will be found under the head of the City of Akron, where he has been engaged in the extensive manufacture of machinery since 1865, still retaining onethird interest in the Doylestown company, with his brother, James H Seiberling, and S. H. Miller, a brother-in-law, superseding the other three partners, J. H. and J. J. Hower, and Peter Cline. The firm have rapidly increased their business from the manufacture of twenty-five machines in the year 1861, to about 1,500 the past year, at their shops in Doylestown. This energetic firm, though not being able to supply the demand for their now popular machines, have greatly increased their machinery and facility for work, so that they are now able to manufacture, with the same work, from three to four hundred more machines than formerly. In connection with the Excelsior, which they began manufacturing more than twenty years ago, with all the different improvements and attachments which time and expense could suggest to an inventive mind, they are also constructing the Empire Mower and Reaper, an invention of Mr. Seiberling's about six years ago; and, in 1880, he brought out the new single wheel reaper, which was thoroughly tested, and will be quite extensively manufactured this year. They are building the following different machines: Two styles of sweep rake, table rake, dropper, selfbinder, singlewheel reaper, etc. James H. Seiber-

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ling, the head of this firm, is a son of Nathan Seiberling, whose history appears in another part of this work; he was born Nov. 25, 1835, and received a very ordinary education, remaining with his father until his marriage, which occurred Oct. 9, 1860, to Elizabeth Baughman, who was born in Norton Township Aug. 28, 1838, to David and Elizabeth (Blocker) Baughman. They have four children—Mattie Jane, born Feb. 17, 1864; Albert Franklin, May 16, 1866; Olive May, Dec. 14, 1868; Robert Walter, Dec. 21. 1874; two died —Allen Byron, born March 6, 1862, died Sept. 15, 1866; George Willard, March 19, 1873, died Sept. 24, 1874. After marriage, Mr. Seiberling engaged in farming on the Harter farm one year, then purchased a farm in Copley, where he resided one year, then sold his farm for the purpose of engaging in his present business; he now owns one of the finest farms, of 196 acres, in Norton Township. Samuel H. Miller, the junior partner, was born May 28, 1839, in Northampton Co., Penn., son of John Miller, whose history also appears in this work Mr. S. H. Miller is in possession of some old relics, owned first by Walder Miller, a native of Germany, who died in 1806, aged 92 years; next, by David Miller, who died in 1831, aged 75 years; third, by Jacob Miller, died in 1836, aged 57 years; fourth, by John Miller, father of our subject, who is still living. Samuel H remained in school until 12 years of age; went to Akron, where he clerked about six years in the store of M. W. Henry: he afterward attended school and remained on the farm until December 15, 1863, when he began clerking for Cline, Seiberling & Co., at Doylestown, where he remained until in 1865, when he was made a partner in the firm. He was married, Aug. 29, 1867, to Ella L. Schneider, daughter of Alfred and Clarissa (Clewell) Schneider, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They have had six children, three of whom are living—Alfred J., born Dec. 8, 1868; William R., March 6, 1875; Carrie E., Jan. 24, 1877. His wife was born Jan. 27, 1847. Willard H., Robert, and an infant son, died in infancy.

NATHAN SEIBERLING, farmer; P. O. Western Star. More than fifty years ago,there came among the " Yankees " of Norton Township one of the first of that industrious and thriving German population which now inhabit the township, and who became the successors to the first " Yankee " settlers in that part of the Western Reserve. Mr. Seiberling, to whom the writer alludes, was born April 14, 1810, in Lynn Township, Northampton Co., Penn. ; he is a son of John F. and Catharine (Bear) Seiberling; his grandfather was Frederick, his greatgrandfather Christian, all natives of Pennsylvania. The Seiberling family are noted for longevity, all the ancestry mentioned living in the early remembrance of our subject. The father of Nathan was a shoemaker and farmer, and, at the time of his death, which occurred in his 93d year, was the oldest officeholder in the United States Government. having held the office of Postmaster in his native county for more than sixty years. Our subject worked on the farm and learned the trade of shoemaking in the shop with his father; his schooldays were of less than one year's duration, he obtaining his education by closely economizing the spare moments. He was married, Dec. 6. 1829, to Catharine Peter, born June 27, 1811, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Moser) Peter, natives of Northampton Co.; in June, 1831, he came to his present home, where he purchased 96 acres in the woods, and began life with a determination which won for him wealth and honor in after years; after working hard all day in the woods, he would return at night with a light heart to his humble home and faithful wife, where, after the frugal meal, he would work until 12 o'clock at night, his wife beside him, whittling out pegs, at shoemaking, for the few neighbors, that he might earn bread for his family's support; but, by industry and frugal living, he became very prosperous, owning, at one time, several hundred acres of valuable land, besides investments in stocks and bonds, all of which he has shared liberally with his large family, fifteen in number, eleven of whom are living, one having died in infancy; two sons and one daughter after arriving at maturity. His sons have become very prominent as inventors and manufacturers of machinery, their farming implements being used throughout the differ-

NORTON TOWNSHIP 977

ent States and Territories; six sons are represented in this work, with their farming and manufacturing interests. Mr. Seiberling is a stanch Republican; has the office of Justice of the Peace, and, with his family, are members of the Lutheran Church, he and wife having been members of that organization for about fiftyfive years.

COLUMBUS SEIBERLING, farmer; P. O. Western Star. Columbus Seiberling, a promising young farmer and stockdealer, was born to Nathan Seiberling on the 14th day of November, 1848, near where he now resides. His education, as far as the prosecution of his studies at school, was very limited, but, by close application to study during his spare moments, he has thoroughly informed himself upon all the general topics of the day. He, as a dutiful son, assisted his father with the numerous cares of his extensive business until attaining his majority. In the early winter of 1869, he went to the State of Iowa, where he engaged in farming, principally, for a time, then traveled through different parts of the West, viewing the country, returning in the winter of 1870. March 14, 1871, he was married to Sarah J. Miller, daughter of Stephen D. and Mary A. (Musser) Miller, who were natives of the State of Pennsylvania, and among the early settlers of this county; by her he has had six children, five of whom are living—Mary C., born Nov. 3, 1872; Mattie May, Nov. 3, 1873, died at 10 months of age; Corman E., Feb. 4, 1873; Carrie E., Jan. 1, 1877; Sadie May, Dec. 4, 1878; Lohman Arthur, July 29, 1880. Mr. Seiberling is always interested in the advancement of education and the improvement of society; also, in the improvement of farm and agriculture generally. He and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and have the esteem and respect of all their neighbors.

MILTON A. SEIBERLING, farmer; P. O. Sherman; son of Nathan Seiberling, whose interesting history appears in another place in this. work, was born Nov. 20, 1850, and received a common school education, at the same time rendering his father valuable assistance in his business until his marriage, Nov. 30, 1871, to Fyetta E. Johnson, daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (Hartzell,) afterward a Mrs. Messinger. Mrs. Seiberling was born in Norton Township, but her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. They have two children—Minnie Letitia, born April 15, 1873; Mattie May, Jan. 28, 1875. Mr. Seiberling is an enterprising young man, industrious and frugal in his habits, pleasing and cour teous in his manners, and highly esteemed by the people of the community in which he lives. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

CHARLES STUVER, Western Star, who was born Jan. 9,1808, is a son of John, he of Philip Stuver, who was a native of Germany, a comb maker by trade, emigrated to this country about the middle of the eighteenth century and settled in Pennsylvania, where our subject and his father were born. Charles received his education in German by attending subscription school a short time, and, in his earlier years, rendering his father what assistance he was able on the farm. At about 17 years of age, he began learning the wheelwright's trade, at which he worked until in the spring of 1849, when he moved to Wads worth Township, where he lived two years, then moved to the farm on which he now lives. His mother was Elizabeth Bauer, daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Shutt), natives of Pennsylvania. Charles was married, July 3, 1831, to Mary Ann Santee, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Ritter) Santee, natives of Penn, but of French origin. They had twelve children, all living, viz : Marietta Salinda, James Dillworth, Annaminda Elizabeth, Henry William, Emma Caroline, Aaron Simon, Adeline Rebecca, Jonas Franklin, Sarah Ann Clarissa, Sevilla Louisa, Eliza Adelia, Florenda Catharine—all married except Sevilla Louisa, who is living at home with her father, the mother being deceased since March, 1878; Adaline, married to Joseph Kulp, a dentist in Muscatine, Iowa; Aaron married a Miss Josephine Huff, and is now a member of the bar at Newton, Iowa; Henry, to Susannah Miller, of this township, is now farming near Brookfield, Mo.; Marietta, Mrs. John Santee, who is farming in Wadsworth Township, Medina Co.; Annaminda, Mrs. John Hoch, a farmer in Center NorI ton; James, married to Miss Kate Hoch; he

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it now farming in Wadsworth Township; Jonas, to Bate Hodge; is bookkeeper in the Woods bank at Akron; Emma, Mrs. William Santee, a mechanic at the Empire shops, Akron, Ohio; Sarah, Mrs. George Wise, who is engaged in the rubber works at Akron; Eliza, Mrs. Charles Holloway, of the firm of Holloway & Myers, boots and shoes, Akron; Florenda, a Mrs. Durbin Holloway, of the firm of Harrison & Holloway, dry goods, Akron. In 1876, the Brewster Coal Company of Akron opened a mine of several acres of superior coal, the vein averaging about four and a half feet, which affords him a large income. He and his interesting family are members of the Lutheran Church, and greatly respected by the people of their township.

HENRY TIPPERY, farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak; is the son of Abraham Tippery, a native of Williamsport, Md., who died in the spring of 1872, aged 81 years; his mother is still living, in her 85th year, in Clarion Co., Penn., but a native of Berks Co., Penn. ; her maiden name was Elizabeth Harpst, daughter of Andrew and Barbara Harpst. Henry was born July 26, 1827, and received his education by attending about two months in each year, from 13 years until about 20; he rendered what assistance he was able on the farm until about 24 years of age, when he engaged as farm hand for two years to one Samuel Fox; was married June 9, 1853, and worked with Mr. Fox thirteen years longer; his wife was Elizabeth Goodman, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Alshouse) Goodman, her parents being natives of Pennsylvania. In September, 1868, they moved from Clarion Co. to the farm on which they now live; they have had four children, three of whom died in infancy; the one living is Mary C., born July 9, 1854, living at home. Mr. Tippery and family are members of the Reformed Church, and a liberal donor to the support of religious and educational purposes; he has served a number of years as Township Trustee, and as Clerk of the township two terms; is a publicspirited man, and connected with the society of Patrons of Husbandry, in which he has held the highest offices.

SYLVESTER VAN HYNING, farmer; P. O. New Portage; was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Nov. 22, 1805, to Henry and Hannah (Brauer) Van Hyning, who were natives of the State to New York, but came to Northampton Township, Summit Co., through Mahoning, in the fall of 1803; after a residence of about ten years in Northampton, they moved to the farm upon which the subject of this sketch now resides, they being among the first settlers in Norton Township, and Mr. Van Hyning the oldest settler now living in the township. He received about three months' schooling in a log schoolhouse; his services being required upon the farm, he was deprived of the advantages which would have better qualified him, and made his subsequent active life more satisfactory to himself. The farm of 150 acres upon which he now lives was purchased by his father about sixty-five years ago, of a Mr. Robinson, at $3 1/3 per acre. He was married to Melissa Hollister, born Oct. 24, 1821, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are living—Hannah, born March 22, 1838; Henry, July 16, 1840; Perry, Jan. 29,. 1845; Sylvester, Sept. 5, 1848; Norman, Nov. 15, 1851; Homer, Oct. 14, 1856; Giles, Jan. 24, 1839; Charles, Aug. 24, 1862; died Oct. 24, 1865. Mr. Van Hyning, the father of our subject, died at 102 years of age, after a long and wearisome pioneer life. Sylvester is a careful farmer, giving attention to the most improved methods of agriculture and stockraising. Although not a member of a church, he is a liberal giver to the cause of religion and the building of churches, his wife being a member. of the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

ISRAEL WARE, deceased; born in Ellsworth Township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, May 23, 1808, to Daniel and Magdalene (Ritter) Ware, who were natives of the State of Pennsylvania, and came to Summit Co. among its early settlers, where they engaged in clearing up the country. After a residence of about one year in this new country, Daniel, the father, died, leaving his wife, Magdalene, with four small children, who, for support, were thrown upon their own resources; his was the first grave made in the old burying ground belonging to the German Reformed Church, situated in the edge of Wayne Co., adjoining the corners of Summit and Medina Cos. Israel was married

NORTON TOWNSHIP 979

to Mary A. Loutzenhiser, by whom this sketch was related, June 16, 1831; she was born Jan, 13, 1809, in North Huntington, Westmoreland Co., Penn., and daughter of David and Catharine (Long) Loutzenhiser, who moved from the East to Norton Township in 1829, more than fifty years ago. By her he had eight children, six of whom are living, all in this vicinity; those living are Josiah, born July 3, 1832; Louisa, March 15. 1834; Carlos, Feb. 6, 1836; Mary A., Jan. 21, 1838; Norman, Feb. 24, 1840; Isabel, March 24, 1842; Catharine, Jan. 28, 1844; Daniel I., Aug. 3, 1846. Carlos was killed at the battle of Jackson, Miss., while nobly bearing the colors; Catharine died in her 19th year; and Israel, the father, July 18, 1861. Mrs. Ware and all her children are members of the German Reformed Church.

JOHN WALTENBERGER, farmer; P. O. Loyal Oak; born in Franklin Township, Stark Co. then, now Summit, March 11. 1825; son of Daniel, he of Daniel, natives of Pennsylvania, but settled in said county about 1814, among the pioneers. His mother, Mary Whitesalt. daughter of Conrad W., who settled near Uniontown, Stark Co., about the same time that the Waltenbergers settled in Franklin Township. The father, Daniel, was among the number who cleared the land of its heavy growth of timber and shared all the trials of early pioneer life; raised a family of five children, two of whom are livingJohn, and Sarah. Mrs. William Belts, of Franklin Township. The father died in January, 1872, in his 79th year; his mother, in 1872, in her 72d year. John received an ordinary education, and worked with his father on the farm until his marriage, which occurred Feb. 21, 1850. to Susan Baughman, born March 25, 1824, daughter of John and Agatha (Conrad) Baughman, whose grandfather and grandmother were Leonard and Agatha (Redich) Conrad. They have had three children, two of whom are livingAmanda Viola, born Aug. 19, 1851; and Frank M, Sept. 1, 1855; the youngest died in infancy; Amanda V. married, March 12. 1872, to William H. Young, a farmer and mechanic, by whom she had two children—Clara May, born May 9, 1874; and ' Carmon Walter. Nov. 17, 1878; the husband died July 31, 1880, in Copley Township, where they resided, Mr. Waltenberger is a successful farmer; has been Township Trustee and member of School Board. They are members of church, and liberal givers to all worthy enterprises, and those conducive. to good, and the advancement of the people.

WILLIAM WUCHTER, retired farmer; P. O. Johnson's Corners; born in Lehigh Co., Penn., May 15, 1819; is a son of John and Maria B. (Sammel) Wuchter. William is about eight years older than his brother Eli, who is also represented in this work, and in whose sketch a more complete history of the family will be found. William received but a meager education, his time being occupied in assisting his father on farm and in general work until his marriage, which occurred March 26, 1846, to Aurilla A. Cahon, daughter of James and Miranda (Holmes ) Cahon, he a native of Maryland, she of Sheffield, Mass. ; her parents Joseph and Charlotte Holmes, came to Norton Township in 1816, being one of the first families in the township. William and his wife have had a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are living—George Wallace, Mary L., Aurilla V., Helen, Eli H., Lottie M. and Sarah Lydia; four are married—George W. to Sarah Hines, living in Tallmadge Township, this county; Mary S., Mrs. Ephraim Marsh, living in Osceola Co., Mich.; Aurilla V., Mrs. Joseph D. Knecht, living in Akron; Helen, Mrs. Thomas B. Dillworth, also resides in Akron; the three younger ones are at home. Mr. Wuchter has always been engaged in agriculture since coming to this State, in Coventry and Norton Townships; is a stanch Republican, and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

ELI WUCHTER, farmer; P. O. Johnson's Corners: was born in Lehigh Co., Penn., Jan. 12. 1827, and is a son of John, born Jan. 9, 1792; he of Martin. His mother, Maria Barbara (Sammel), born Sept. 24, 1789; she of John and Anna Maria (Schneck), who were residents of the State of Pennsylvania. The Wuchter family moved to Norton Township in the spring of 1834, from the East, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, with the father working a part of each year at the stonema-

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son's trade, until the latter years of this life, which were spent in coopering. After the death of his wife, in 1849, Feb. 20, he was remarried, and lived until the 1st day of September, 1863. Eli spent the earlier years of his life, or until the death of his mother working on the farm and obtaining the meager education which he received; he then worked for about three years in the States of New York, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois; was married, May 13, 1852, to Susan Betz, born Aug. 17, 1833, and daughter of John and Rebecca (Beyer) Betz, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, but moved to this part of Ohio about 1832. The family consists of three children —Rebecca Catharine, born March 29, 1853; died Aug. 23, 1854; Martha Amelia, Aug. 18, 1855; and John Harvey, April 1, 1860, living at home. Mr. Wuchter is a stanch Republican, and, with his family, members of the Lutheran Church, and respected by all the neighborhood.