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1813. The land was a dense forest, the haunt of wild animals and equally wild Indians. The father was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., March 3, 1785, and the mother, nee Nancy Elder, in Franklin County, Penn., December 4, 1787. They were married in Beaver County, Penn., September 22, 1806. The father was a blacksmith, and followed his trade at Wooster until 1824, when he moved to a farm five miles south of that place. There he lived about seven years, when he moved to near Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, where he died March 1, 1867. He was quite a politician, and in his earlier years was a Jackson Democrat, but later became a Republican. He was also an active member of the Seceder Church, afterward by the union was a United Presbyterian, and a man of positive convictions on every subject. Nancy (Elder) McClellan, mother of the subject of our sketch, was of an English family, the date of whose coming to this country is lost. Her father, John Elder, became totally blind twelve or fifteen years before his death. Nancy lived with her son, William E. McClellan, after her husband's death, she dying in 1874, at the age of eighty-seven years. Like her father, she became blind some fourteen years before her death, and remained so for twelve years, when her sight was partially restored, so that she could distinguish objects, colors, etc. She and her husband had six more children born to them after coming to Wayne County, viz. : James, Jane, Clark Beveridge, William E., Mary Ann and Harvey Robert. All are now living except James.
John McClellan, our subject, received his first education in the typical log school-house of the day. At eighteen years of age he became a clerk, and having established a reputation for integrity and tact, he was two years later furnished with capital with which to start in business for himself, which he did at Fredricksburgh in 1832. In 1836 he sold out and returned his borrowed capital, with interest, having been quite successful. He then entered into partnership with his former employer in Wooster, but he, becoming embarrassed, became a burden to Mr. McClellan, so the latter retired from the firm, and in 1842 went back to Fredericksburgh, again engaging in business there, and there remained until 1853,when he again sold out, and purchased a farm in Wooster Township, four miles south of Wooster, on which he lived four years, when he went to the latter city to live. His success had been ample enough to warrant his retiring from active life, but desiring to keep his boys employed when not in school, he started a shoe store, which he carried on some three years, till the breaking out of the war, when his elder son, Jesse, enlisted, and the younger,
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Lewis, went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained twelve years. In 1868 Mr. McClellan took an active part in the founding of the University of Wooster, being one of its originators. In 1870 it was opened, and Mr. McClellan became its first treasurer, retaining that position for fifteen years, loaning all its moneys and having charge of its funds. He devoted most of his time to the cause of the university, for whose advancement he did as much as any person connected therewith. He is still a member of its Board of Directors.
We speak now of the domestic life of Mr. McClellan. November 13, 1837, he was married to Miss Maria M. Mitchell, daughter of Samuel and Mary (McGugen) Mitchell, of Franklin Township, of which they were pioneers, having settled there in 1812. The father was a native of Franklin County, Penn., born June 5, 1776, and went with his parents to Washington County, Penn., where, on January 6, 1808, he was married to Mary McGugen, and they became the parents of four children. To Mr. and Mrs. McClellan were born five children: Maria Antoinette became wife of J. B. Motherwell, of Geneseo, Ill., and is now deceased; Jesse is in business in Wooster ; Mary is wife of L. J. Barker, of Great Bend, Kas., who had been revenue collector in Wooster for twenty years; Lewis is a resident of Wooster, and a partner of his brother Jesse, and Martha E. lives with her parents. In November, 1887, the parents celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding, at which a host of friends were present and tendered their congratulations.
Mr. and Mrs. McClellan are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is one of its elders, and for many years has labored earnestly for its advancement. Politically lie was formerly a Whig, then joined the Republican party on its formation, and has ever since been one of its supporters. During the war he was an active friend of the Union, and aided much in lessening suffering and sorrow among the distressed in Wayne County. He has filled various positions, and is still a trustee of the University of Wooster, and a member of its finance committee. Not only is Mr. McClellan in comfortable circumstances, but he is marked as one who uses his means to help every worthy cause and to benefit others. He is essentially a self-made man, who, by his steady application to business, good judgment and integrity, has made a marked success, and has won the esteem of all with whom he has been brought into contact, and made many friends. Himself and his beloved wife are now advanced in years, and, like pious Christians, are calmly awaiting the summons home.
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GEORGE B. SIEGENTHALER. This gentleman is anative of Wayne County, born in Wayne
Township February 9, 1833. His parents, George and Mary (Bresler) Siegenthaler, were both natives of Pennsylvania, who, in search of cheaper lands and virgin soil, immigrated to this county about 1831, and secured a farm in Wayne Township. In his native State the father had been a weaver by occupation, but after coming to Ohio gave his entire attention to agricultural matters. His wife was a daughter of John and Rebecca Bresler, and of their union eight children were born, of whom five are now surviving, our subject and his brother Alfred residents of Wayne County. In 1872 the husband and father went to his last home, at the age of seventy-two. His widow died May 25, 1889, in Wooster, in her eighty-fourth year..
The subject of our sketch attended the schools of his native township, and in 1851 began learning the trade of tanning in Wooster, and three years later, in 1854, began business for himself, continuing in it for twenty-five years. In 1875 he opened a shoe store on West Liberty Street, Wooster, at the same time carrying on his tanning business. This latter he afterward sold, and has since given his entire attention to his shoe trade, and now carries the largest stock of that line in
Wooster. December 25, 1856, Mr. Siegenthaler was united in marriage with Lydia, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Summers, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father died in Wooster in 1888, in his eighty-second year, and the mother died April 12, 1889, in her seventy-fifth year. On November 9, 1886, Mrs. Lydia Siegenthaler passed to her last home, at the age of fifty-two. She had borne our subject four children, all of whom are now living, viz. : Harvey, a resident of Springfield, Ohio ; Caroline, wife of H. H. Miller, of Canton, Ohio; Martha and Edward, living with their father. Mrs. Siegenthaler was a member of the Baptist Church.
The parents of Mr. Siegenthaler were counted among the pioneers of Wayne County. When they came here they had to clear in the forest a place on which to build a home, and the timber felled was used to make the log cabin in which they first lived. They endured the hardships incidental to a pioneer life, and had the satisfaction of seeing their children all well settled. Our subject has made his own way in the world, and has been successful. He started a poor boy, but by untiring energy, industry, and habits of thrift and economy, has amassed a fair competence. Better than all, he has justly earned, and now enjoys, the esteem and good wishes of all who know him. In his political
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views he is a Democrat; he is not a member of any of the fraternities.
MICHAEL MILLER is a well-known citizen of Wayne County, and is a native of Pennsylvania, born in York County, November 12, 1813. His parents, both natives of the same State, were Michael and Ann M. (Horn) Miller, who had eleven children, of whom four are yet living, our subject and two others in Wayne County, and one in Williams County, Ohio. In the spring of 1835 the parents came west with their family, settling in Wooster Township, where both died, the father at the age of eighty-three years.
The subject of these lines had but limited opportunities for learning. As a lad he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, and he attended night school to obtain an education. When he was twenty-two years old he settled in Wooster, working at his trade. December 21, 1837, Mr. Miller was married to Hannah, daughter of John and Polly Kauke, a native of Wayne County, born in 1820. They became the parents of thirteen children, of whom twelve grew to maturity. They were named: Perry ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. H. Myer; Jane, now deceased, who was the wife of John Stevens; Araminta, also became the wife of Mr. Stevens; Kate, wife of Lambert Sellers ; Henry Harrison, Otto and Benjamin, all of Wooster; Ellen was Mrs. C. Webster, of Indianapolis, Ind., and is now deceased; Nellie is the wife of Frank Maxhimer, of Stark County, Ohio; John is deceased; one child died in infancy, and Anna is the wife of Aug. W. Eberly, of Wooster.
On first coming to Wooster our subject, not finding work, went to Cleveland in search of it, going on foot, not being able to pay stage hire. Returning to Wooster, he fonnd employment, and from a poor journeyman he grew to be the most extensive contractor and builder in Wooster, where he has erected most of the principal buildings and many fine residences. He built all the school buildings in the city, the university, county jail and infirmary. Politically he is a Democrat, and has filled a number of public offices. He has been township trustee, township treasurer, and for a number of years a member of the city council. He and his devoted wife are members of the Disciples Church, and in 1887 had the pleasure of entertaining a large number of friends at their golden wedding. Mr. Miller is one of Wayne County's best known and most highly respected citizens, whose success in life is solely the result of his own energy, integrity and business
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tact. Beginning life a poor boy, he has won for himself not only wealth, but an honorable name and place in the community. About ten years ago he partially retired from active labor, and although still engaged in business, takes life much easier.
Otto, next to the youngest son of our subject. was born in Wooster January 13, 1861. He attended the Wooster High School, and in 1882 entered a medical college in Cincinnati, but his health failing he returned to Wooster and engaged in the grocery business with his brother Benjamin, the firm being Miller Bros. June 7, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Maud Jackson, daughter of William and Hannah Jackson, and a native of Wooster. The father died in Crest- line, Ohio; the mother is now living in Wooster. Mrs. Miller is a graduate of the Crestline High School.
JAMES C. SIDLE, son of John and Joanna (Carson) Sidle [see sketch - of John C. Sidle], was born February 13, 1850, in Plain Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. He was married April 27, 1871, to Mina Tyler, of Plain Township, Wayne County, and by her has the following-named children: Cliffe, born July 27, 1873; Shirley, born August 19, 1879, and Riley Tyler, born April 27, 1887, all now living.
James C. Sidle has followed farming and stock growing in Plain Township, Wayne County, since he first commenced for himself. He is interested in the famous " Abdallah " and other fine breeds of horses, as well as Jersey cattle and improved blooded sheep, and took first premiums on his stallion " Foster " at the Wayne County Fair held at Wooster in 1887. Mr. Sidle is now living on the elegant farm formerly occupied by John Gillis, on Section 8, Plain Township. With the rest of the family, he is in politics a stanch Republican.
WILLIAM H. WILER. This well-known citizen of Wooster is a native of the county, born in
Wooster Township, April 18, 1855. Both of his parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and had migrated to Wayne County early in the thirties. His father's name was Philip Wiler, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Weirich. They settled upon a tract of new land in Wooster
Township, where he had to clear away the forest to make room for his home. There
they endured the hardships and discom-
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forts of a pioneer life, their labors sweetened by the knowledge that they were creating a comfortable home for the children growing up around their cabin. Their principal crop, in fact the only one they could turn into ready money, was wheat, and the nearest market for that was Massillon, Ohio. This home the pioneer occupied with his family until a few years before his death, when he removed to Wooster, dying there in 1880, at the age of seventy years. The mother and wife is now living in Wooster, aged sixty-nine. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. To this worthy couple had been born six children, of whom we make the following record: Sarah is now Mrs. Christian Shelley, of Plain Township, this county; John is living in Ashtabula County, Ohio; Christiana, now Mrs. Andrew Branstetter, lives near Wooster; Mary died in 1874; Ella is Mrs. James Miller, of Wooster; William H. is the youngest of the family
William H. Wiler, of whom we write, received his education in Wooster, and learned in his youth the trade of carpentry. Upon reaching his majority, however, he established himself in the boot and shoe business at Wooster, and has ever since continned therein. In 1876 he was married, taking for his life partner Miss Mary Lucas, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Ritter) Lucas, and a native of Pennsylvania. Three children came to bless their union, one of whom, Roy, born in 1878, died when six months old; Zella, born in 1880, and Charles, in 1882, are the survivors.
Mr. Wiler holds an honored place in the business and social circles of Wooster, and he is justly esteemed as a business man whose word may always be depended upon, and a citizen who takes a pride in and does his share toward the growth and prosperity of his native county. His first start in the shoe business was in partnership with his father-in-law, Josiah Lucas, which connection continued until 1882, since when our subject has been alone. In the beneficial and secret fraternities Mr. Wiler takes much interest. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, of the Iron Hall, and of the Royal Arcanum. He and his wife are both members of the Lutheran Church of Wooster.
DR. JOSEPH E. BARRETT, one of the best known physicians of Wooster, was born in Lycoming County, Penn., December 24, 1833. His father, William Day Barrett, was born in Yorkshire, England, July 2, 1809, and when twelve or fourteen years of age came to America with his father and
JOSEPH E. BARRETT, M.D. - 231
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maternal grandfather, latter of whom died in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather of our subject was drowned in the Schuylkill River, Pennsylvania. William Day Barrett was a carpenter and cooper by trade, and also a produce dealer. In Pennsylvania, he was married to Maria Morris, a native of Lycoming County, Penn., whither her parents had come from New Jersey. Her ancestors were Welsh and German, the name on her mother's side being Shipman. To this union were born ten children, nine of whom still live. The father was an active politician, and a strong Abolitionist, becoming in 1850 a Republican; the mother was born in Lycoming County, Penn., in 1811, and died March 20, 1880, aged sixty- eight years.
The subject of this commemorative record, as a boy, spent his time in his native town, obtaining his education in the public schools of Wooster, Ohio, and at eighteen he became a school-teacher, a profession he followed several years. He then went to the University of Michigan, where he graduated in 1861, having acquired part of his medical knowledge in the office of Dr. Timothy H. Baker, of Wooster, Ohio. In 1862 he went as assistant surgeon of n die Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, first becoming State surgeon, and resigned in the fall of 1865. He had been commissioned full surgeon of the One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was then made chief operator of the Army of the Shenandoah, and for a time was in charge of a division hospital; had the Care of all the wounded officers of the Eighth Army
Corps after the battle of the 19th of September, 1864. The Doctor attended the hospital duties until the spring of 1865, remaining during the winter at Winchester, Va. On the 4th of August, 1863, he was married to Orrilla, daughter of Charles Boydson, of East Union Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, and then returned to Kanawha River, opposite Charleston, West Va., where his regiment lay encamped, taking up his quarters in a tent, in which he remained all the fall and
winter, in the same yard with Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Hayes, and several other officers and their wives. After resigning his commission the Doctor returned to Wooster, Ohio, where he began the practice of medicine, and has since continued. To Dr. and Mrs. Barrett have been born four children, viz.: Alpha, Edward Jenner, Grace and Lucy Hayes, all at home.
Dr. and Mrs. Barrett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of the Sunday-school of which the Doctor has years been superintendent. He is secretary of Wayne County Medical Society and a member of the American Medical Association. He is a member of
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the Masonic fraternity, having been senior warden of Blue Lodge and Chapter, and is a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has served as a member of the Board of Health for some time, and has always been an active worker in whatever might tend to improve his county and its people. Politically he is a Republican, and ever an out-and-out temperance advocate, both by precept and in the practice of his profession. He graduated in the class of 1882 (Chautauqua Class), becoming second president of the same, and continued a. member for some six or seven years after graduating, He passed through all the excitement and experiences of the army without tasting intoxicating liquor; and never in all his life has he drank a glass of whisky.
PERRY WEAVER, son of David Weaver, was born in Centre County, Penn., May 15, 1822. His father, who was also a native of that county and State, came to Ohio in 1831, locating in Congress Township, Wayne County, where he purchased 160 acres of land, and here spent the remainder of his days, dying in his sixty-eighth year. He reared and educated a family of ten children, who grew to manhood and womanhood.
His son, Perry, the subject proper of these lines, received a liberal education at the public schools, and in his boyhood and early manhood experienced the Arcadian life of a farmer's boy, from which he evolved, by his own individual exertions, into the successful and highly respected agriculturist he is to-day. December 31, 1841, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann, daughter of John Funnalman, who was one of the early pioneers of Wayne County, Ohio. To this union were born fourteen children, six of Whom. survive. Mr. Weaver commenced life with $500 given him by his father, and by hard work, indomitable perseverance, careful industry and judicious management he has now one of the finest improved farms in the county, embracing 228 acres. He and his estimable wife have long been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics he is a Democrat.
MARION B. IHRIG, farmer, Wayne Township, Wayne County. Jacob Ihrig, grandfather of M. B. Ihrig, was born in Washington County, Penn., February 25, 1792, and during the War of 1812 was a contractor for the supply of provisions to the western army. In 1815 he immigrated to Wayne Coun-
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ty, settling in Wayne Township, and helped to organize the township in 1816. He was in the same year elected captain of a militia company, and in 1825 was made major of the regiment. Mr. Ihrig was justice of the peace from 1824 to 1851, and was elected commissioner of the county in 1827. He was an., active, public-spirited man, taking a prominent part in the politics of the county. He served in the Ohio Legislature from December 6, 1830, to December 4, 1837, and in the State Senate from December 3, 1838, to December 7, 1840. In 1852 he was made district assessor, and in 1853 was elected a member of the Board of Equalization. His wife was Elizabeth Eberly, whose parents were Pennsylvanians, and she became the mother of five children, whose names were Susan (Mrs. Kintner), Elizabeth (Mrs. Brenizer), Rachel (Mrs. Goodyear), Sophia and Simon P. Jacob Ihrig entered a quarter section of land, and made additional purchases, having sold but eighty acres prior to his death. He identified himself with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in early manhood, and remained a faithful member to the time of his death, in 1877. His widow is now aged ninety-two years.
Simon P., their only son, was born in 1827. He married Elizabeth Sonnedecker, daughter of John Sonnedecker. Marion B. was the only child born to this marriage. In 1850 Simon P. Ihrig immigrated to California, and met his death by drowning, in the north branch of the Feather River, April 19, 1851. His widow, who was left in charge of the farm, afterward married Thomas Barton, who is now deceased. The mother is still living on a farm in Ashland County owned by her, and her son makes his home with her. Marion B. Ihrig was born April 15, 1849. He was educated in the common schools of the township, and has always followed farming, and now superintends the cultivation of the homestead, which has been in the family since its entry. He is also engaged in raising and breaking colts and horses, and has never failed to bring most cases under perfect subjection. He has been moderately successful in his farming operations, and is one of the progressive men of the township, adopting new and improved methods to facilitate the work of the farm. He deservedly stands high in the estimation of those who know him. In politics he is a Democrat, taking an active part in campaign work. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and is superintendent of the Sunday-school, class-leader and chorister. He was married, January 7, 1872, to Retta S. Miller, daughter of Thomas Miller, and they have had six children: Claude, born January 14, 1874; Ernest, October 6, 1876; Roy, April
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22, 1880; Roscoe, September 21, 1881; Celia, August 24, 1886, and Paul, September 27, 1888. Roy died in infancy.
HENRY B. HOOVER, retired farmer, living on Section 14, Greene Township, and whose postoffice address is Orrville, Ohio, is one of the oldest citizens of the township, and was born in York County, Penn., on June 21, 1813. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Hoover, with his wife, came from Germany long prior to the Revolution, settling first in Lancaster County, Penn. At
that early day the Indians were very troublesome, and the settlers had to make their crops with their rifles by their sides. The history of those times gives many incidents of interest in which Benjamin Hoover and family bore a part. His son, Henry, was grandfather of the subject of
this sketch. He was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1743, and he became a farmer and minister of the Mennonite Church. Later in life he removed to York County, Penn., and bought a farm of 180 acres near Dillstown, on which he lived the remainder of his life, dying in 1825,
when nearly eighty-three years of age. His wife was Mary Neeswanger, also a native of Lancaster County, Penn., who died in 1831, when she lacked but two days of completing her eightieth year. They had six children: John, Christian, Abraham, Susanna, Barbara and Elizabeth. The latter is the only survivor, and is the widow of Jacob Napp, who died fifty-six years ago. She is a resident of Wayne County, and is eighty-nine years old.
John Hoover, father of Henry B., was born August 31, 1780, and died in Greene Township, this county, December 16, 1863, aged eighty-three years. He was brought up to farming, and lived with his father until he was thirty-one years of age. In 1814 he moved to .the adjoining county of Cumberland, where he farmed until 1833, when he and his entire family removed to this county. He bought the farm where our subject and daughter now live. This farm contained 167 acres, of which but fifteen acres were cleared. The house was partially built, and was the first hewed log house in the township. It is yet a comfortable and pleasant home. John Hoover made this his home until his death, which, however, took place while he was on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. Daniel Holser, on an adjoining farm. He was an industrious man, was often called upon to act as executive or administrator in settling up estates, and was a strictly upright man. He was married in York County, Penn., November 11, 1811, to Catherine Bare, a native of that county,
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born September 29, 1791. She died in Greene Township October 5, 1867, aged sixty-six years and six days. This couple had but two children: Henry B. and Elizabeth (wife of Daniel Holser, living on the place where her father died). She was born in Cumberland County, Penn., July 16, 1823.
Henry B. Hoover was in his twentieth year when he came with his parents to Wayne County. He worked for his father until his marriage. The farm which he inherited from the estate is one of the best cultivated and fenced in the county. Besides the original 167 acres, it comprises six acres, with a brick house, which Mr. Hoover built for his own use when he retired from active life, twenty years ago. Mr. Hoover was married April 21, 1853, in Stark County, Ohio, to Elizabeth Christman, who was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., February 1, 1815, and came to Ohio with her mother and brother in 1851. Her brother, Jacob, is yet living in Stark County, aged sixty-two. Previous to her coming here another brother, John, had been living in that county, and on the death of the father the rest of the family joined him. John died April 5, 1888, aged seventy-seven years and two months. Mrs. Hoover comes of patriotic stock. Both of her grandfathers had been Revolutionary soldiers, and the maternal grandfather, Jacob Houk, was in many battles. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have one child, Mary, wife of William A. Fike, whose history is given elsewhere. Mr. Hoover is well known and much respected. He has been appraiser, school director for twenty years, and has ever discharged the duties entrusted to his care with fidelity. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church at Orrville.
EMIL ROTTHAUS, a native of Germany, came to America in 1866, at the age of seventeen. After an extended tour of the Southern and Western States he reached Chicago in 1875, where he learned the baker's trade. In 1876 he came to Wooster, where, after working for two years at his trade, he commenced business for himself, opening a bakery at the southwest corner of the public square. His success shows what a thorough knowledge of and close application to business can accomplish. In 1885 he built the block on West Liberty Street, where, besides conducting a first-class bakery and confectionery, he keeps a full stock of groceries and provisions, and in the rear a well-equipped bar.
Mr. Rotthaus married, in 1877, Miss Catharine Carroll, who, though of Irish birth and parentage, was reared and edu-
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cated in Baltimore, Md. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children, only three of whom, Amelia, Herman and Julius, are now living.
JOSIAH LUCAS, of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, is on his father's side of Scottish ancestry, his grandfather having emigrated from Scotlandto America many years ago. His father, Solomon Lucas, was a native of Pennsylvania, and in that State was married to Maria Hoof, who was of German extraction. They were the parents of ten children, four of whom are yet living, our subject being --the only one in Wayne County. The father was a carpenter by trade, and in April, 1858, passed away, at the age of eighty-four, and in 1868 his widow died, aged eighty-six years.
The subject of this sketch was born in Lehigh County, Penn., October 4, 1826. He had but limited school facilities, and when but ten years of age began working on a farm, where he was to receive his board and clothes and three months' schooling a year, but the latter he never had. He remained at this place from 1836 till 1839, and then left and worked a time for others. In 1841 he was again hired by a farmer, remaining with him until 1844, when he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, and completed his apprenticeship in 1847. June 5, 1849, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Barbara Ritter, and a native of Bucks County, Penn. Mr. Lucas worked at his trade several years in Pennsylvania, and in 1865 migrated to Wayne County, arriving in Wooster September 26, with his wife and ten children. For ten years he worked at his trade on the bench, and in 1876 embarked in the retail boot and shoe business, in partnership with his son-in-law, William H. Wiler, in Wooster. This connection continued until 1882, when he sold his interest, and has since then worked at his trade, manufacturing custom work. To our subject and wife thirteen children were born, of whom three are deceased, viz.: Frank P., John C. and Cassan. Those living are Josephine, at home; Alfred, a resident of Wooster; Mary, wife of William H. Wiler, of Wooster; Elmina, wedded to A. Kincaid, of Canton, Ohio; Ida, married to George Maeyers, of Houtzdale, Penn. ; Annie, now Mrs. William Linn, of Wooster; Harvey H., of Wooster; Tillie, Alberta and Janet, at home.
Our subject is essentially a self-made man, having begun at the very bottom of the ladder and without a dollar. His first start was obtained by working as a journeyman shoemaker, and when he had
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saved $14 concluded to open a shop. He bought some stock and tools, and was obliged to run in debt for one set of lasts, for which he promised to pay in a week, and at the end of that time was able to meet his obligation. Since about 1851 be has been an employer, having usually six or more men working for him. His success is due to his steady industry, his sterling honesty and uprightness, which gained him the confidence of those with whom he was brought into contact, and these were the principal factors in building up his business. To-day he is one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Wayne County, and one of whom everyone who knows him speaks in terms of praise. In politics Mr. Lucas was formerly a Democrat, but later he joined the Republican party, with which lie is now affiliated. Since May, 1850, he has been a member of the Odd Fellows order, and he and his estimable wife are respected members of the Lutheran Church of Wooster.
CYRUS BOWMAN, distiller, Wayne Township, is one o' f the representative citizens of Wayne County. He was born in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1831, of German ancestry, the family
being among the early settlers of the United States. The first of whom we have any record was the grandfather of our subject, Christian Bowman, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and married Ann Horst. They had a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. Christian Bowman, Sr., died in Lexington, Ky. Their third son, Henry, was born in York County, Penn., in 1808, and died in Smithville, Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1844. He was a farmer and miller by occupation. He married Miss Martha Musser, daughter of Dr. Joseph Musser, and to them were born seven children, four sons and three daughters, Cyrus being the eldest of the family. He was given fair educational advantages, and began his life of labor by learning the harness-maker's trade. He subsequently was employed three years at clerking and milling, and in 1864 started a distillery at Cedar Valley, where he remained until 1880, when he removed to Tiffin, Ohio, and operated a distillery for his son, C. K. Bowman, up to July, 1883, at which time he removed to Wooster, Ohio, where his son, C. K. Bowman, purchased the old Stibbs property, formerly a woolen manufactory, and converted it into a distillery, and he is now superintending the same for his son. This is the only distillery in the State of Ohio that manufactures exclusively all rye whisky, distilled in all
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copper stills, and guaranteed free from fusel-oil and drugs.
Mr. Bowman was married in 1854 to Mary A. Krysher, and to them have been born four children, three of whom are living: Clarence K., Cora M. and Maud (now Mrs. Keller). Clarence K. married Miss Maggie Landow, daughter of Henry Landow, and they have three children. Mr. Bowman is a member of the Masonic fraternity; in politics he is a Democrat.
ISAAC BECHTEL. This old and well-known citizen of Wayne County is of German ancestry,- but the family have for several generations been natives of America. He was born in Northampton County, Penn., December 29, 1816. His father, George Bechtel, and, his paternal grandparents were also natives of the same State. His maternal grandfather, Jacob Berto, was also a native American, whose ancestors. came from France. George Bechtel was by occupation a farmer, and grew to manhood in his native State, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Berto, daughter of Jacob and Franie Berto, and a native of Berks County, Penn.
In search of a better home and cheaper lands on which to settle the family growing up around them, George Bechtel and wife came to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1836, arriving at Wooster May 8. He first purchased a small farm, about three miles from Wooster, and by industry and thrifty habits, aided by a good wife, was, after a time, enabled to increase his possessions, becoming the owner of 200 acres of good land, and a grist-mill and a sawmill on Crawford's Run. The good wife and mother was called to her last rest in September, 1854, at the age of sixty-four years. She had borne eight children, as follows: Jacob B. and Hetty, both now deceased; Sarah, widow of Henry Hess; Isaac; Franie, now Mrs. J. Bahl, of Wilson County, Kas. ; Abraham, living in this county; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Allen, of Seneca County, Ohio, and Reuben, who was a Union soldier, and died while in the service, near Vicksburg, Miss., June 11, 1863, at the age of thirty-three years. After the death of his wife George Bechtel retired from the harder labors of life, and was later married to Catherine Beerbaugher, who died January 18, 1876. In November of the same year her husband followed her to the grave, at the age of eighty-eight years. His life had been an active one, and having always enjoyed good health, he was able to do much for the upbuilding of his adopted county.. Though not in any sense a politician, he was an old-line Whig, and cast his ballot
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regularly for the candidates of his party. He was a member of the German Reformed Church.
Isaac Bechtel, the subject proper of these lines, had but limited school advantages, and early worked on his father's farm. He was twenty years old when he came to Ohio. In 1843 he was married to Caroline, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Troutman, all natives of Berks County, Penn. Her mother died in Henry County, Ohio, and her father in Wooster Township, this county: Our 'subject and his wife have had but one child, Lizzie, who attained the age of nine years, when she joined the silent majority. In politics Mr. Bechtel was first a Whig, and on the formation of the Republican party joined its ranks, and 'acted with it until he became convinced 'that the cause of prohibition, of which be is an earnest advocate, would never be aided by either of the old parties, and he then joined the Prohibition party ranks, of which he is now one of its most active members. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Bechtel became superintendent and treasurer of the Wooster Cemetery Association. Since 1846 he has been affiliated with the Odd Fellows order, and he' and his wife are members of the English Lutheran Church. Widely and favorably known throughout the county, 31r. Bechtel will long be remembered, not only as one of its early settlers, but as a citizen whose character and conduct is above reproach, and who has done his share to advance its prosperity.
ANDREW MILBOURN is a son of Josiah and Eunice (Pratt) Milbourn, and was born on the homestead he now occupies, in East Union Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, June 26, 1822. Josiah Milbourn, with his mother, Jemima, and two brothers and four sisters, came from Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1816, and located on Section 3, in East Union Township, Wayne County. Andrww, his eldest brother, was in the War of 1812, and died in Michigan; Thomas, the next brother, died in Richland County, Wis. ; Keziah died in De Kalb County, Ind. ; Jane died in Huron County; Ohio; Sarah died in Iowa; Deborah died in East Union Township, Wayne County. Josiah was born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1799, and died in 1880. He was the youngest of the family, and when first starting out for himself he worked on the farm now owned by our subject, on Section 10, East Union Township. In 1827 he purchased one-half of the present quarter of land occupied by the latter, where he died. He was a prominent Democrat, and
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held various township offices. His widow died in Wayne Township in 1889. Their family consisted of six children: Maria, wife of Samuel Swinehart, of East Union Township, Wayne County ; Andrew, our subject; Sarah, deceased wife of Charles Boydston ; Eunice, deceased wife of Peter Mowrer; Sophronia, wife of Israel Grady, of Wooster; Jane, who died in infancy. Andrew, whose name heads this sketch, attended the schools of that period, and has always followed farming. December 7,1845, he married Miss Matilda, daughter of Henry Mowrer, of East Union Township, Wayne County, and by this union were born eleven children, two of whom (sons) died in infancy. Those living are Maria, who is the wife of Thomas Grody, of Illinois, and has two children—Andrew and Samantha; Amanda, wife of Stephen Mowry, of Smithville, Ohio, has one child, Effie ; Martha, wife of Joshua S. Bowman, of East Union Township, has three children: Walter, Sloan and Alma; Mary, wife of William S. Fisher, of East Union Township, Wayne County, has one child, Perry; Laura, wife of Jacob Holtser, of Orrville, has one child, Ellis; Eunice, wife of Isaac J. Smith, of Wayne Township, Wayne County, has three children: Harvey, Laura and Glen; Kate, wife of Calvin Culler, of Wooster Township, Wayne County, has one child, June ; Alma, wife of J. Edgar Frick, of Wayne Township, Wayne County, has two children, Charles and Gail; Tillie, wife of William Culler, of Wooster Township.
Mr. Milbourn is a Democrat in politics. He served as postmaster at East Union for four years under the administration of President Buchanan, and has been supervisor and trustee of the township. He has also been treasurer of the East Union Insurance Company. He and family attend the Lutheran Church: His mother was a daughter of Oliver Pratt, a native of Boston, and his wife, Jedidah Luce, was a native of Martha's Vineyard. They settled in the State of Maine, where the• mother of Andrew Milbourn was born, and then moved to Albany, N. Y. Coming to Ohio in 1814, they remained in Trumbull County for one year, and in 1815 they entered the tract of land which was afterward purchased by Josiah Mil-bourn, and is now owned by our subject. Mr. Pratt engaged in farming and the raising of silk-worms. He was a prominent member of the Baptist Church.
C.W. LESSITER, son of William s Lessiter, a native of England, who came to the United States in 1843, was born November 10, 1848, in Franklin Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. His
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father came to Wayne County, Ohio, from Doylestown, Ohio, and to Jefferson, Plain Township, in 1853.
The subject of this biographical memoir was educated at the local schools of his township, and learned harness-making, a trade he has followed for a considerable period of time. He was also for some time United States mail carrier bementween Wooster, Wayne County, and Ashland, Ashland Co., Ohio, and in 1881 he was appointed postmaster at Plain, which office he still holds. In same year Mr. Lessiter opened a general country store at Jefferson, Plain Township, in connection with harness-making, and is meeting with good success. March 10, 1870, he married Emma H. Gardner, of Plain Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, and by her had the following-named children: William W., Frank W. and Frederick C., all yet living.
FRED. H. HARDING, of the firm of Harding & Co., hardware merchants, of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1858. His father, William A. Harding, is a native of the city of New York, born in a house on Vandewater Street, the site of which now forms a part of one of the arches of the great Brooklyn bridge. He went to Wisconsin in 1843, and there remained a number of years in the mercantile business, when he returned to New York, and went into the Panama Railroad office, and afterward for some years he was a dry goods jobber. He is now a professional accountant. His father was an Englishman by birth. On the maternal side, our subject's great-grandfather was of French Huguenot blood ; his maternal grandfather was born in America, and held for many years an official position as harbor master at the port of New York. William A. Harding, father of Frederic H., was united in marriage, in the city of New York, with Miss Kate S. Fountain, daughter of Capt. Gideon Fountain, who was of an old Staten Island, N. Y., family, and was born in New York. Of this union seven children were born, of whom Frederic H. is the only one living in Wayne County, Ohio. A brother, William A. Harding, Jr., had preceded him to this county, coming here about L873, but he died in 1881.
The subject of this sketch came to Wayne County in 1878, and was established in the hardware business with his brother, William A. Harding, Jr., as Harding & Co., and has ever since been engaged there. He is one of the younger merchants of Wooster, and by his thorough business-like ways and scrupulous honesty in all his transactions has acquired the
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confidence of the people, and in consequence thereof he has a good and growing trade. He is well known, and is respected by all. He is a Republican in politics, and socially has membership in the I. 0. 0. F., K. 0. T. M. and National Union.
DAVID W. BECHTEL, merchant, Wooster, was born in Wooster Township, July 1, 1843. He is of German ancestry, and his father, Jacob B. Bechtel, was a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, and the owner of ,a, saw-mill. Upon reaching manhood, Jacob B. was married to Elizabeth, daughter of George Ridenhour, and in 1842 the family came to Wayne County, and settled upon a partially improved farm. Here the parents of our subject passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in December, 1885, at the age of seventy-three years, and three months later the mother followed him to the grave, also aged seventy-three. He was a member of the German Reformed Church, and she of the German Lutheran Church. This worthy couple were the parents of fourteen children, nine now surviving, and all but one making their homes in Wayne County. Jacob Bechtel was an industrious man, who made his own way in the world. He started a poor boy, but died fairly well off. He always bore the reputation of an honest and trustworthy man.
David W. Bechtel attended the common schools in winters for a few months, and stayed on the home farm until he was seventeen years of age, then going to Sandusky City to learn the trade of carriage-making. The firm failing, he returned to Wooster, where for a few months he worked at his trade. August 13, 1862, he offered his services to his country, enlisting in Company F, One Hundred and Second Ohio Infantry, and served almost three years. After receiving his discharge he returned to Wayne County, and in October, 1865, became a clerk in a dry goods store, in which he remained ten years. For a year after that he traveled for a Philadelphia firm, and then for six years he was in the office of the supreme reporter of the K. of H. at Wooster. Following this he was again employed in a dry goods house, and in June,. 1885, began for himself, dealing in wallpapers, window-shades, toys, fancy goods and novelties, of which he keeps a large and well-assorted stock,
In 1868 Mr. Bechtel was married to Rebecca, daughter of J. C. Plumer, sketch of whom appears elsewhere, and four children have been born to them, Harvey C., Mary A., Bessie and Julia, all at home.
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Mr. Bechtel is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Royal Arcanum, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Wooster. He is one of Wooster's bright young business men, who is by his upright character, and life winning the esteem of all who know him.
FRANK SNYDER was born in Bucks County, Penn., in 1830. His grandfather, Andrew Snyder, was a native of Zweibrücken, Germany, on the Rhine, and came to this country in 1760, and for over five years served in the Revolutionary War. He had a family of twelve children, one or the older ones being George, the father of our subject.
George Snyder married Mary Mickley, whose father, Philip Mickley, served seven years in the Revolutionary War. Her grandfather also came from Zweibrucken, Germany, in 1720. Part of the family were killed by the Indians in one of their great massacres. Philip escaped by hiding in the underbrush, while a little brother and sister were tomahawked near by. The family owned the grounds at Gettysburg upon which is now the National Cemetery, and their family burial grounds are still there, having been set aside and preserved by the National Gov ernment. To George Snyder and wife were born ten children, as follows: Catherine, now Mrs. John King, of Bedford, Iowa; Aaron, of Osage, Iowa; Lewis M., for a long time a map publisher, of Chicago, Ill., died in 1888 ; Eliza, married. to William Miller, died in 1853; Henry died in 1848; Frank, whose name heads. this sketch; William, a map publisher, of Chicago, died in 1878; Mary, now Mrs. Philip Hine, of Spencer Centre, Ohio;. Sophia, wife of Rev. Samuel Coaklin, of Rows, Ohio, and
George W., pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Davenport, Iowa, who served three years in the volunteer service and one year in the regularl service during the War of the Rebellion.
George .Snyder remained in Bucks. County until after his father's death, when he was appointed administrator of the estate. In 1834, with his family, consisting at that time of his wife and seven children, he moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and settled in the southern part of Chester Township, near the present town of New Pittsburgh, buying forty acres of land. He afterward sold his first purchase and bought a larger adjoining farm. He lived to make many valuable improvements in his township, and to realize, in a measure, at least, the consummation of his fond hopes in regard to his adopted county, dying at the advanced Age of: nearly eighty years.
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Frank Snyder was reared in Chester Township, being but four years of age when his parents settled here. He was early inured to the work of the farm, receiving the educational advantages afforded in the common schools of those days. When twenty years of age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and when twenty-two years old, the trade of a millwright, at which he continued thirty-two years, building and remodeling a number of the mills of Wayne and adjoining counties. In 1884 he bought the farm where he now lives of John Myers' heirs. It contains 200 acres of choice land, and the improvements are among the best in the township. Mr. Snyder married Miss Ella Myers, daughter of John Myers, and they have two children: Wayne and Mary. Mr. Snyder is a member of the Methodist Church, while his wife is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.
J. C. PLUMER, a well-known old resident of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 28, 1821, and is a son of Lazarus and Jane Plumer, both natives of the Keystone State. His grandfather, George Plumer, was born at Fort Pitt, and was said to be the first white child born west of the Allegbanies. He was a farmer by occupation, and was married to a Miss Lowery. Lazarus Plumer was married to Jane Craig, whose parents were born and died in Pennsylvania. Of their union ten children were born (three of whom are yet living); three in this county. In 1840 the family migrated to Wayne County, to make it their future home. The parents had first come here in 1822, but on account of the sickness of the mother had returned to Pennsylvania. They settled in Chester Township, where the mother died in 1843, aged forty-four years. Her husband broke up housekeeping in 1846, and died in 1863, at the age of seventy-one. Both of the parents had been _members of the Presbyterian Church..
J. C. Plumer received a common-school education, and early began to learn the trade of blacksmithing, but after coming here worked with his father on the farm. In 1844 he was married to Mary, daughter of Robert and Margaret Patterson, and a native of Wayne County. In the spring of 1846 he volunteered for the Mexican War, and on June 9 left Wooster as a member of Company E, Third Ohio Infantry, and served thirteen months and four days. He lived in Wayne Township until April, 1848, when he removed to Adams County, Ind., where he worked
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at his trade until November, 1855, when he came back to Wooster, and followed his trade there for some time. In the fall of 1856 he was made a deputy sheriff, holding the position for two years. In April, 1861, he removed to Congress Township, and on the outbreak of the Rebellion he enlisted in Capt. Bailey's company for three months' service. In forming the Sixteenth Ohio Regiment, Capt. Bailey was made major and Aquila Wiley was made captain, and our subject second lieutenant of Company C. Soon after he was attacked with varicose veins and rheumatism, when he resigned his position, returning to Congress Township, removing to Wooster in the fall of the same year. Following spring he entered the employ of Baumgardner & Co., with whom he remained until May, 1862, when he again enlisted for three months, this time in Company E, Eighty-fifth Ohio Infantry, being second lieutenant thereof. They served their term at Camp Chase, and on the expiration of service, in September, returned to Wooster, where he has since made his home.
Our subject and his wife had three children: Rebecca, now wife of David W. Bechtel, living in Wooster, and Margaret J. and Washington J., both deceased. Formerly Mr. Plumer was a Democrat, but in 1854 became a Republican, and voted for Abraham Lincoln for President in 1860, and has since been a Republican. He takes much interest in the fraternities. Since 1855 he has been connected with the Odd Fellows order—both branches ; since 1869 has been a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in 1875 joined the Knights of Honor, being elected supreme reporter, and afterward grand reporter, holding the first position six years and the latter eight years. At present he is grand treasurer of the Knights of Honor. In 1878 Mr. Plumer joined the Royal Arcanum and the G. A. R.
S. H. BOYD, of the firm of Laubach & Boyd, is a native of this county, born in Wooster Township, near the city, February 21, 1851. His father, Hugh Boyd, was born in County Clare; Ireland, and was a surveyor and schoolteacher in his native land. He came to America about 1840, and made his home in Wayne County, on a farm in Plain Township. About 1848 the family removed to Wooster, and there, in 1852, the father died. He was a Whig in his political preferences, and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Boyd has resided in Wooster. She was born in Penn-
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sylvania, and her maiden name was Amanda Brown, being a daughter of Robert and Jane Brown, both of whom died in Wayne County. Of her union with Hugh Boyd, four children were born, viz.: Jennie A., living with her mother; John, a printer by trade, and a resident of Mansfield, Ohio; Robert B., who resides near Columbia City, Ind., and our subject.
S. H. Boyd was educated in the public schools of Wooster, and in October, 1867, at the age of sixteen, entered the employ of Zimmerman & Co. as clerk. There he remained seventeen years, at the end of which time he bought the interest of Mr. Donnelly, and entered into his present
business relations. January 5, 1876, Mr. Boyd was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of John Maxwell, and a native of Ashland, Ohio. Her father, who was a stone-cutter by trade, died in Wooster in 1870, and her mother, whose name was Ann, followed him to the grave in November, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have two children, William and Robert.
Mr. Boyd is one of Wooster's rising young business men, enterprising, sagacious, and of unimpeachable integrity, and stands high wherever he is known, with a bright future before him. He is a member of Ebenezer Lodge, F. & A. M., Wooster Chapter, and of Wayne Council of Massillon Commandery, K. T., also of the Royal Arcanum ; he is a Republican.
HON. HIRAM B. SWARTZ, probate judge of Wayne County, Ohio, was born in a single-roomed log cabin, in the woods, on what was known as the old home farm of Samuel Swartz, in Milton Township, this county, May 27, 1846, being fourth in a family of twelve children. His early life, which was spent on the farm, was very much that of other farmer boys, with nothing special to distinguish it, unless it were his uprightness in dealing with his school-boy friends, and an unconquerable desire to always lead, which latter disposition was so plainly marked as to win for him the sobriquet of "Bully ;" not, however, in the sense in which the word is usually applied, but merely to denote leadership. So closely did this appellation cling to him that it was afterward inserted as a middle letter in his name, and thus is explained the "B" which the Judge invariably places in his: autograph.
He remained at home, attending the. country school, until the winter of 1862, when he entered the academy at Seville,. to which he returned in the succeeding school season. The winter of 1864 found him installed as pedagogue in the district where he himself was first taught, and where some five of his own brothers and sisters were placed in his charge.. In the winter of 1865 he went to Granville, where he entered upon a college
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preparatory course, and there remained until he had completed the Freshman year of the classical course. But his work having been too incessant, his health began to fail, thereby necessitating a rest and change of climate, and he rementurned to his home. In the fall of 1868, having sufficiently recovered, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor.
After some months of study in thisdepartment, and his old desire for a thorough classical education asserting itself, he at once abandoned temporarily the law, and entered the literary department of the college in. January, 1869. Being an earnest and devoted student, he found he had some time still remaining after preparing his lessons for his regular classes. This time, however, he did not allow to be wasted, but employed it to still further advance himself in his law studies, to which he intended ultimately to return. Thus earnestly he worked, unbeknown to his professors, carrying a double load, and many a silent morning hour found the earnest student bending diligently over his books. Thus he continued until, with the class of 1872, he graduated from both the literary and law departments of the university, something contrary to the laws of the institution, and only permitted by the special permission of the faculty, who, upon in-
vestigation of his work and standing, found no reason for withholding their consent. This is the only case of the kind occurring in the history of the school.
Both departments of the university aim to give their respective students sufficient to keep them fully employed. Tedious, indeed, and irksome must prove the task of him who endeavors to carry, at once, both branches of work, even under the most favorable circumstances. How much more, then, must be the effort, the determination, the self-sacrificing zeal of him who, like our subject, found it necessary to do all manner of manual labor in order to secure the requisite funds to enable him to pursue his studies, boarding himself, or engineering a boarding club of fellow students ? Carrying coal, sawing wood and similar work, by which he could earn a dime, was not beneath his dignity, his motto being that " all, honest work is honorable if well done," and whatever he undertook to do he did thoroughly. Thus was Mr. Swartz's time fully occupied, and during his entire college course he says he never attended any merrymaking, concert or festivity of any kind. Indeed, time would not have permitted him, even had he the disposition. In his college work he developed a strong love for the languages, and not only did he become proficient in them, but even in-
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strutted private pupils in Latin, Greek, French and German.
In 1873, at Newark, Licking Co., Ohio, he entered into partnership with his brother John, who was then also a beginner, and is now prosecuting attorney of the aforesaid county. Here lie remained until. October, 1875, when he removed to Wooster, and opened an office with Hon. John K. McBride. At this time, crippled by poverty, he found himself compelled to borrow $50 wherewith to pay for moving his household goods and family, and, being short of work in his chosen profession, he dug potatoes on shares to obtain his winter's food.
In the spring of 1877, without any solicitation on his part, he was elected mayor of Wooster, in which Capacity he served with remarkable success two terms, or until 1881. During his incumbency he revised the criminal ordinances, and had them bound in book forth without expense to the city, and this book thus became the first real code of ordinances the city ever had. He was an especiai friend of the volunteer fire department, and did all in his power to advance its interests. He also reformed the city prison system, and opposed excessive fines, but insisted on collecting all fines that were imposed. In fact, during his administration the people enjoyed one of the best city governments it ever had. Let the praise rest where it belongs. His administration was " mild but firm," and without favor or partiality, and under his care the office of . mayor was recognized as one of great advantage and dignity, insomuch that criminal causes were brought before him for trial from all parts of the county.
During his terms of office as mayor he built for himself his present home ; working morning and evening before and after his business hours, he cut and prepared every stick himself, and now has the satisfaction of knowing the building is all his own handiwork. In 1881 he again entered a law office, and continued building up a good business until 1887, when he was elected to the office of probate judge, the duties of which he entered upon in February, 1888, and has since maintained its responsibilities to the satisfaction of all. In office he has no friends to reward, no enemies to punish. His political friends are mostly among the common people, and by them he is highly esteemed. His political victories have been, undoubtedly, the result of his singleness of purpose. He does no wire-pulling, knows nothing of political schemes, and, although very successful in his political ventures, he can not be called a politician. He has always in his political life been a Democrat, and since 1864 has never shrunk from any of the party responsibilities laid upon him.
On August 8, 1873, concluding " it is
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not good for man to be alone," he married Miss Martha J. Davies, of Granville, Ohio, daughter of Deacon and Mrs. Davies, who came to Granville from Wales in 1840. Mrs. Swartz is a lady of refinement and education, having graduated at the Young Ladies' Institute, at Granville in 1869, being then but seventeen years old. At the age of fifteen years she began teaching in connection with her studies, and later she became a teacher in the Granville public schools, where she continued until 1873. She cheerfully accepted the lot of sharing the life of a poor young attorney, and through the early years of her husband's practice, when fees were few and far between, it was her influence that held the husband steadily to his chosen work against the temptations held out by more lucrative employments. She is a woman- of great commanding powers, "a helpmeet indeed," and makes her influence felt at home and in the church, she being president of the ladies missionary societies of the Baptist Church of Wooster. Five children have come of this union, viz.: Mary D., born in 1874; Josephine A., in 1876, died at the age of one year; Wayne W., born in 1878; Paul A., in 1884, and Esther L., in 1887. The eldest child, Mary D., has learned the art of typewriting and short-hand, and is a student in the Wooster High School.
In 1866 Judge Swartz united with the Baptist Church at Granville, Ohio, since which time he has been without intermission a Sunday-school superintendent—first at Sterling, then at Newark, and for the past twelve years at Wooster, during a portion of which time he had in his charge more than one school, and for twelve years at Ann Arbor, Mich., and Wooster, lie was leader of the choir. The present Baptist Church at Sterling, this county, is largely the outgrowth of a Sunday-school which the Judge established there, and led from 1866 to .1872. His religious sentiments may be told in a word, viz.: " The exaltation of the Bible as the only rule of faith and practice, and an entire belief in its inspiration." He is a profound believer in the sovereignty of God, and in the security of believers, and possesses in consequence no doubts. He regards his religious obligations as of a more binding nature than those of his business, and during the last twenty-three years he has been absent from scarcely a dozen meetings of his church. He was chosen deacon of the Baptist Church of Wooster in 1876, and is still serving in that capacity, being now the senior deacon of this church.
The Judge is a man of marked individualities, which some would call peculiarities. For example, at the beginning of each year he adopts mottoes for the en-
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suing twelve months, and writes them at the head of his cash book, so they might exert their influence in leading his life into conformity. The following may be given as a few examples of Judge Swartz's rules of life:
Hard work, well done, a nice wife, and a family of children, that's life.—Be kind to everybody.— Speak evil of nobody, but against evil everywhere. —Be terribly down on wrong.—Don't laugh at any sin.—Keep to your work.—Use no trickery.—Always be honest with the court, and never misquote nor conceal the law.—Never argue a cause you do not believe in.—Make God's cause always first.—Be a member of no fraternity except the church.—Be a faithful Baptist, but know why —God's commands first, man's reason afterward.—Push and pluck are a strong team.—An ounce of promptness is worth a pound of late work.—Business promptly and successful) done, a few honest causes well won, is better than a multitude of clients and a full purse.—Charge well, but deserve it.
At the close of each year he writes in a diary the results of the year, pointing out the line of thought to which he most closely conformed. His quiet, even temperament is due, he thinks, to his close observance of these rules, and to his unqualified temperance in all things, physical as well as mental. He has never entered a saloon, theater nor opera-house, neither has he spoken a profane word, nor tasted tobacco nor liquor. He believes man should have absolutely no bad habits, and none can charge him with a viola tion of this stern rule of life; and in his life he gives proof by his even and genial temper of the value of such a course—the temptations usually incident to office and office-seeking being no temptation to him whatever. He knows very little of the ways of the world, and never had a desire in that direction. No man has ever heard an unkind or abusive word from him, and he has a good word for everybody.
In his law practice the Judge has given considerable time to the study of the patent right laws, and has secured many patents, not only for others, but also for himself, he being, also, an inventor; one of his inventions, a window-sash lock, having proved of considerable value to him, financially. In the temperance cause the Judge became an earnest worker at the age of seventeen, at which time he began lecturing. He is opposed to the principle of license as undemocratic and monopolistic and evil in its tendencies. He believes in the largest freedom consistent with the public good.
Such has been the public; private and religious life of the subject of this sketch, a man whose inherent tendencies to uprightness, honesty and integrity early asserted themselves, and whose success has been largely his own making.
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WILBUR D. McCLURE. This rising young business man of Wooster, of the firm of McClure
& Craighead, is a native of that city, born September 12, 1854. His father, Jonathan McClure, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., came in 1825 to Wayne County, and here remained some time on land belonging to his father, who had bought a large tract near where Wooster now stands. His father being a tinner, Jonathan learned that trade, having acquired which, he established himself in business in partnership with his brother Charles. He began business for himself about 1834
in Wooster, and continued until after the close of the war, when he went West, and purchased a farm in Missouri, remaining there, however, but one year, when he returned to Wooster, and, having repurchased his old business, carried it on until his death, which occurred in May, 1868, when he was fifty-seven years of age. In 1835 Jonathan McClure was united in marriage with Martha, daughter of Elisha Yocum, and a native of Lancaster County, Penn. Both her parents died in Wayne County, the father in 1866, at the age of eighty-nine, and the mother in 1852. Jonathan and Martha McClure had eleven children, of whom eight still live (six in Wayne County), viz.: Mary A., widow of William J. Craighead, in Wayne County; Catherine, wife of Isaac Johnson, of Wooster ; Emma, wife of L. P. Ohliger, also of Wooster; Charles W., Wilbur D. and Lewis Y., all in Wooster; Lucetta, now Mrs. W. L. Burr, in Rockford, Ill., and Albert, in Toledo, Ohio. Since her husband's decease Mrs. McClure has resided in Wooster, and although seventy-three years of age, enjoys good health. Jonathan McClure was a man of large acquaintance; he attended strictly to his own business, and was universally esteemed. He and his wife were members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Wooster.
W. D. McClure, the subject proper of this commemorative record, received his education in the public schools of Wooster, and at the age of sixteen began learning the tinning trade with a brother, his father having been dead some two years. He spent eight years in a large stove manufactory in Cleveland, one year in Chicago, and in 1883 returned to Wooster, where he formed a partnership with his nephew, Edward W. Craighead, which he has since continued. Their business includes plumbing, slating and stoves, and is one of the largest in the county. They give particular attention to large jobs of roofing and plumbing, and do much in that line in the city of Wooster. February 18, 1885, our subject was united in marriage with Sarah E, daughter of Joseph Marshall, born in Plain Township,
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whose parents came from Pennsylvania at an early day. Mr. Marshall has for a number of years been director of the infirmary. Mr. and Mrs. McClure have one child, Joseph. Mr. McClure is a member of the K. of M. and of the Iron Hall, and for five years was a member of the Wooster City Guards. He is one of Wooster's rising young business men, esteemed by all who know him, and has probably a bright future before him.
DAVID THOMAS, a well-known citizen of Wayne County, was born November 27, 1827, in that portion of the county which was afterward made a part of Ashland County. He is a son of John and Catherine (Baker ) Thomas, the former of whom was of German descent, and both were born in Pennsylvania. In search of a home, John migrated across the mountains by team, with his wife and the children then born to them. The journey was tedious and dangerous, and was made doubly sad to them by an accident. An infant daughter fell from the wagon, was run over and killed, and the bereaved parents were compelled to bury her body by the roadside. One year after arriving in Wayne County, Mr. Thomas bought the farm where David was born. Like so many
of the early settlers of the county, Mr. Thomas did not live many years after coming to it. The hardships incident to the life of the pioneer and the extremely arduous labor necessary were
not favorable to a long life. Another cause which undoubtedly hastened Mr. Thomas' death was the amputation of a leg, which he had crushed in the first horse-power threshing machine ever brought into the county. He died in 1837, at the age of fifty-two, and until 1880 his widow continued to live upon the farm, awaiting the summons to join him, which came when she was eighty-three years of age. They had eight children, and David Thomas has now two brothers and two sisters living, viz.: Michael and John, both residents of Ashland County, Ohio; Mrs. William Piper, of Chester Township, this county, and Mrs. George Grindle, of Ashland City.
David Thomas spent his early years upon the place of his birth, getting such education as was afforded by the schools of that day. When about twenty years old he began clerking in a store in New Pittsburgh, continuing in that occupation until his marriage, which took place in 1856, his bride being Miss Lizzie A. Norton, a native of Wayne County, and daughter of Benjamin and Catherine Norton, former of whom died in Chester Township. After his marriage Mr.
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Thomas established himself in business at Reedsburgh, Wayne County, in a general store, and there remained twelve years. Later he bought a farm in Chester Township, which he worked for twelve years more, and then retired from the active labors of life. In 1883 he, with his family, removed to the comfortable house in Wooster which has since been his home. The marriage of our subject and wife has been blessed by the birth of three children: Alice Isadore, now Mrs. C. M. Tawney, of Wooster, Ohio; Norton Emmett (deceased) and Daisy, living with her parents.
Mr. Thomas is a highly respected citizen of the city and county, and has always been a hearty supporter of all right projects for its upbuilding. He is an ardent advocate of the cause of temperance, and several times has been the candidate of the Prohibition party for county offices. He is an affiliate of the Masonic fraternity and a member of the English Lutheran Church of Wooster.
SAMUEL MITCHELL. This old resident of Wayne County is a son of one of its early pioneers, and was born in Franklin Township, September 20, 1820. His grandfather, Jesse Mitchell, was a resident of Franklin County, Penn., and was of Irish extraction. In this latter county our subject's father, Samuel Mitchell, was born, and was there married to Miss Mary McGugen, by whom he had four children: Jesse, who died in February, 1839; Cynthia, who passed from earth in 1818; Maria, wife of John McClellan, of Wooster, and Samuel.
In 1812 Samuel Mitchell, Sr., came to Wayne County, to make a home in the then new West. The Indians proved so hostile, however, that, after burying his farming tools, etc., he returned to Pennsylvania. In 1813 he came back to Wooster, where at that time but three families were living. He had left his, cows to run wild on going away, and it was with great difficulty they were found. The land was wild and totally unimproved, but, building a log cabin, the brave pioneers toiled to make a home and rear a family. Both the parents lived to an old age, each being eighty-seven years old at time of death. The father passed away in 1864, and the mother in 1869. These grand and brave old pioneers were of the right material for this new and wild country, and did the work necessary to develop its resources, and to lay the foundation of its present prosperity, which is due to such as they. Mr. Mitchell was trusted and relied upon by his fellow-pioneers, and
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was by them elected a number of times township trustee. For a number of years, also, he held a commission as justice of the peace. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and his wife of the Presbyterian Church, and both were well known and greatly respected by their compeers.
Samuel Mitchell, our subject, was born a pioneer's child, and in his youth had to endure the hardships and trials of those early days. His only educational facilities were such as were to be obtained in the log school-house of the day, so familiar to the children of the early settlers. But these old cabins turned out a sturdy race of men and women, well fitted to cope with the difficulties of life in a new country. In 1849 Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with Miss Mary A., daughter of John and Nancy McClellan, whose history is given on another page in this volume. She was born in Wooster, but when a child her parents removed to a farm six miles from that place, later going to Xenia, Ohio, where she met and married Mr. Mitchell. After their marriage they came to his father's old homestead in this county, and there made their home until 1868, when they removed to Wooster, where they have since lived. They have no children, but in the Mitchell family lives Miss Sarah Preston, who has been a member of the family since 1824, when she was a girl of ten years of age. Her grandfather, William Nixon, was one of the first residents of Franklin Township, and her father, William Preston, and her mother, nee Ruth Nixon, both died when the daughter was a little girl, the father in 1820, the mother in 1827.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are members of the Presbyterian Church. They have during their lives witnessed many changes in this part of the country. He has often heard his mother tell of being alone in their cabin with her two little children while the Indians were prowling around, and no fastening on their door ; but by keeping quiet and concealed, the red-skins supposed the cabin to be empty and passed on. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are to-day among the oldest settlers in the county, in which they have hosts of friends whose good wishes attend them through life, and none are more deserving than they of a place in this work,
DAVID N. SMITH is a son of James and Keziah (McCullough) Smith, natives of Washington County, Penn., who came to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1820, and entered a quarter section and a one-half section of land near Jackson, in Canaan Township. The father of James Smith, a native of Ireland, settled
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in Washington County, Penn., where James was born in 1791. The latter came to Wayne County poor, and experienced all the hardships of the early pioneer. Through perseverance and economy, however, he accumulated a large property, and was in every sense a self-made man, recognized as one of the prominent farmers of Canaan Township. In politics he was a Democrat, in which party he always took an active interest, and was identified with the Presbyterian Church of Jackson for many years. He died in 1875, his wife in 1863. They reared a family of nine children, viz. : Elizabeth, William, Adam and Samuel (all deceased) ; Margaret, widow of William Foot; Mary Ann, wife of 0. A. Frary, of Canaan Township, Wayne County; David N. ; Rebecca, wife of Samuel Slemmons, of Milton Township, Wayne County ; Martha, a maiden lady.
The subject of this memoir was born on the homestead in Canaan Township, Wayne County, February 17, 1830, and received his education at the schools of the township. He has always followed farming for his life's vocation. In 1863 he married Miss Mary A., daughter of Emanuel Northrup, of Medina County, Ohio, and she died in January, 1879, leaving two children: De Forest, who lives on the homestead farm, married to Ida, daughter of George Mathes, of Canaan Township, Wayne County, and Clyde, at home. Mr. Smith has always been a Democrat in politics, and has served as school director of the township for eight years. He is a member of Canaan Grange No. 1280, P. of H., and is a prominent member of the Jackson Presbyterian Church, of which he is trustee.
William Foot (deceased) was born in Connecticut, November 17, 1807, and died October 4, 1888. About 1844 he came to Wayne County, and entered a store at Jackson as clerk. He afterward purchased the business, which he conducted for many years. He was a Republican in politics, and postmaster of Jackson for several years. In 1863 he married Miss Margaret Smith, and by her had four children : Joseph McIntire in Missouri ; Amanda, now Mrs. William Wallace, in Iowa; William, in Knox County, Ohio, and Alice, now Mrs. Harry Covert, in Nebraska.
EDWARD M. GRANT was born on the homestead in Sugar Creek Township, Stark Co., Ohio, May 31, 1834, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Crawford) Grant. George Grant, the grandfather of Edward M., was a native of New Jersey,
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his parents died. In April, 1834, he came to the western part of Stark County, and located on a tract of one-fourth section of land adjoining Wayne County, where he lived until his death, he being seventy-six years of age. His wife was born in 1800, and died in 1878. Fifteen children were born to them, of whom those who grew to maturity were William C., of Stark County, Ohio; Jeremiah, late of Emporia, Kas,, and who died. June 17, 1889; Rebecca, widow of William N. Lash, of Stark County, Ohio; Kaziah (deceased) ; Cassie Jane (deceased) ; Jesse, of Stark County; John Austin, of Afton, Union Co., Iowa; Malissa, of Osceola, Clarke Co., Iowa; Alonzo, on the homestead, and Edward M.
On November 25, 1857, the subject of this memoir married Miss Parmelia, daughter of Christopher Harrold,' of Holmes County, Ohio, and in 1863 they moved onto their present farm in East Union Township, Wayne County. Mr. Grant votes the Republican ticket; and is an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Apple Creek. He has always followed farming.
JAMES BAKER KEYS, now a resident of Shreve, was born on the Keys farm, one-half mile west of the village, March 6, 1862. He owns and manages a large landed estate, which he
inherited from his father, William H. Keys, and his grandfather, James Keys. For several years he was owner and manager of the Shreve Roller Mills, which,. during the last year, he sold, and is now looking after the interests of his farms. He is a young man of good business habits and a blameless life, and is a much esteemed citizen. He was married, October 9, 1883, to Sadie, daughter of the late Albert Richardson, a successful merchant of Shreve, and they have two children—William Albert and James Brown.
William H. Keys, father of James Baker Keys, was born in Beallsville, Washington Co., Penn., October 19, 1820, and died in Shreve, Wayne Co., Ohio, July 18, 1871. No other man who ever lived in Clinton Township filled with more dignity his place, or played with better grace the role of a Christian gentleman, good neighbor and faithful citizen, than did this plain, ingenuous farmer. It was the privilege. of the writer to have been associated with him as schoolfellow, then as his teacher, and for many years thereafter as neighbor, patron and intimate friend, and in all these relations he found him the same quiet, companionable, trustworthy man. Though of positive opinions, such was his deference toward the feelings of others. that he was never known to give offense to those with whom he differed in opinion. At one of his winter schools, which the
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writer attended, he found some of the boys remaining at home because they had no pants, except patched ones, to wear. Mr. Keys visited them, and agreed with the boys that if they would attend school in their old clothes he would wear a pair of patched pantaloons too, which, though the only son of one of the wealthiest men of the neighborhood, he did for the entire term. We mention this incident as illustrative of the character of the man. Throughout his life he sympathized with the struggling poor. Though at no time did he own much property in Shreve, yet he and his father, James Keys, were essentially the founders of the town. Their first donation was $450, for the purchase of ground for a road directly west from the town. Then they gave something near $500 for the first church. During the war they paid out about $1,200 to save the township from excessive draft, and almost the last act of their lives was a generous donation of $1,700 for the building of the present Methodist Church ; and many were their minor gifts to almost every enterprise started in the then struggling village. The chief source of their accumulations was from sheep husbandry. For more than thirty years they followed their quiet flocks, and from them they reaped the reward that usually follows constant, well-directed effort in a single direction. William H. Keys was married, May 5, 1842, to Eliza Ann Baker, daughter of William and Margaret Baker, of Millbrook. The late Dr. T. H. Baker, of Wooster, was a brother of Mrs. William Keys. Mrs. Keys was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., October 5, 1825. She is still living, a resident of Shreve.
James Keys, grandfather of James Baker Keys, was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, June 7, 1797, and was brought to this country when a child, his people settling in Washington County, Penn. He was married September 30, 1819, at Beallsville, Penn., to Mary Beall, niece of the late Gen. Zephaniah Beall, of Wooster, and soon after their marriage they immigrated to Stark County, Ohio, but soon after exchanged their Stark County land for a half section of land in Clinton Township, Wayne County, whither they moved about 1825. James Keys died August 10, 1869, on the homestead farm. His wife survived him seven years, dying in the same house, August 25, 1876. In all the pioneer operations of the township James Keys was an active participant. At the log rollings and cabin raisings of those primitive days his pleasant face and cheerful voice added their full influence to these rough but interesting entertainments. His last years were pleasantly spent on the farm made valuable and comfortable by the labor of his own hands. He lived and
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died an honorable citizen, and will long be remembered as a warm-hearted, benevolent and generous man.
CHARLES W. McCLURE, of Wooster, is a son of Jonathan McClure, one of the pioneers of Wayne County (of whom mention is made in sketch of Wilbur D. McClure), and was born in Wooster Township, December 27, 1841. His early education was received in the schools of that township, and in the winters from 1856 to 1861 he taught school there. He afterward attended school in Wooster, intending to finish his education in the Ohio Wesleyan College, of
Delaware, but the outbreak of the Rebellion changed his plans. On April 16, 1861, he responded to the first call for volunteers, and enlisted in Company E, Fourth Ohio Infantry, and was speedily at the front. The first call being only for three-months men, he re-enlisted in
June of that year for three years, and served the full time. He participated in many of the great battles of the war—was at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, and in many minor engagements. He was fortunate enough to escape wounds, and never had any serious illness while in the service, being always able for duty. He was honorably discharged in June, 1864, and returned to Wayne County.
Before going to the war he had learned the stove and tinware business, and worked at that with his father until the latter's death, in 1868. He then continued for himself until 1872, when he engaged as a commercial traveler for a Cleveland and Cincinnati firm, with whom he remained until 1879. He then returned to Wooster, and until 1887 carried on business for himself on South Market Street. In the latter year he formed a partnership with A. G. Coover, the firm dealing in stoves, tinware and house furnishing goods, and doing the largest business in that line of any house in the county. In 1864, soon after his return from the army, he was united in marriage with Rebecca, daughter of A. and Rebecca Saybolt, natives of Pennsylvania, who still reside in Wooster. This union was blessed by the birth of six children. The second child, Charles D., died in childhood, in 1868. The others are all yet under the parental roof, and are Emma T., George M., John S., Florence E. and Glenn E.
Politically Mr. McClure is a Republican, and socially is a member of the Knights of Honor and the Grand Army of the Republic. He has made his own success in life, and is a man of whom all speak in terms of respect as a worthy
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citizen and a merchant of strict integrity. All of the family hold a high place in the community, and are much esteemed.
GEORGE EMERY, son of Jacob and Christina (Lesh ) Emery,was born in what is now Ashland County, Ohio, in 1840. His grandfather, Jacob Emery, was a resident of that county, and there reared a family of five children, four daughters and one son. The parents of George Emery were also residents of Ashland County, where they were engaged in farming. Their family consisted of Franklin M. (who married Lydia Ortz, now residents of Nebraska), Mary (deceased), John (deceased), George, Zachariah (who married Margaret Wikle, now residents of Ashland County, Ohio), and Violet (now Mrs, A. J. Houser, of Wayne County, Ohio).
Of these, George Emery was reared and educated in Wayne County, and in September, 1861, in response to his country's call for men, he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Chickasaw Bluffs he received a wound, which disabled him, and for this reason he was discharged, and now receives a pension; he however re-enlisted in the 100-days service. Returning home, Mr. Emery married in 1865 Mary A., daughter of John Ginn, and located on a farm in Clinton Township, Wayne County, Ohio, their present residence. To them two children were born, Elizabeth Ellen (deceased) and Isa B. The family are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Emery is identified with the Republican party. He is a practical farmer,. and has very desirable property.
JOHN SHILLING was born in Cumberland County, Penn., February 14, 1814. His father, Adam Shilling, also a native of that county, married Mary Roone, and in 1817 moved to Stark County, Ohio, where they purchased land near Massillon, and engaged in farming, being among the representative citizens of that county. They were prominent members of the United Brethren Church. The mother died there in 1858. The father afterward moved to Indiana, where he died in 1881, at the patriarchal age of nearly ninety years. Their family consisted of eight children, six of whom are living, viz. : John; Polly, now Mrs. George Houke, of Indiana; Barbara Ann, wife of William Kitzermeller, of Stark County, Ohio; Solomon, in Indiana; Daniel, in Stark County; Eliza, wife of Daniel Gratz, of Bryan, Ohio.
John Shilling, the subject of this
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memoir, was reared in Stark County, Ohio, and obtained but little education, as he had to walk three miles to school, and was in constant danger from wolves and Indians. He remained on the homestead until twenty-two years of age. On October 30, 1834, he became united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of John Noftzger, of Congress Township, Wayne County, and she bore him three children, viz.: Mary, wife of Ezra Smith, of Canaan Township (they have two childre n, Lorinda, now Mrs. George Hurd, who has one child, Ezra, and Franklin Smith, in Canaan Township) ; Adam, in Canaan Township, married to Maria, daughter of Jesse Ritchie, of Medina County (they have one son, Jesse) ; Melvina, wife of John Cook, of Canaan Township (they have two children, William and Annie). The mother of these children died in 1840, and in 1841 the father married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George Frank, of Stark County, Ohio. She died March 9, 1878, having borne him three children, viz.: Emma, deceased wife of William Brinkerhoff; Frank, .a farmer in Congress Township, Wayne County, married to Mary Keiser (they have two children, William and Nellie) ; Ada, married to Daniel Stratton, of Me-: diva County (they have two children, Blanche and Ira). Mr. Shilling is a prominent member of the Burbank United Brethren Church. He has always voted the Republican ticket, and has filled various township offices. He moved onto his present farm, in Canaan Township, in the year 1835, and by hard work and perseverance has been successful, being now one of the leading farmers of the township.
CHARLES E. VAN METER, through his grandparents on both sides, is descended from the earliest pioneer settlers of Wayne County. His paternal grandparents, Abraham and Sarah (Miller) Van Meter, came, in 1815, from Stark County, Ohio, to this county, bringing their children with them. Benjamin Miller, father of Mrs. Sarah Van Meter, was one of the very first settlers of Wayne County, and her sister, Mrs. Matilda Briarton, was the first white child born in the county. Grandmother Van Meter died in 1862, aged seventy-six, and grandfather Van Meter in 1870, aged eighty-seven.
John Van Meter, father of our subject, was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1812, and was three years old when his parents brought him to this county. He learned in his youth the trade of a carpenter, and after he had grown to manhood was married to Elizabeth Van Blunk McGuire, a native of Pennsylvania. She was left an
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orphan when two years of age, and was reared by an uncle, Mr. Isaac Johnson, father of Judge Isaac Johnson. Five boys were born to this union, all now living, viz.: W. C., in Wayne County; John W., in Colorado City, Colo. ; C. E. ; George A., in Butte City, Mont., and Walter, in Wooster. The parents are yet living, in Wooster, and have many friends. They are regarded as good, upright people, and highly respected.
The subject of this sketch entered the profession of dentistry, but followed it for a few months only, and then opened a grocery store in Wooster, which he carried on for some years. Later, for some five years, he was clerk in a shoe store, and in 1885 he opened a shoe store for his own account, which he is at present carrying on. September 29, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Nettie, daughter of James and Ellen (Higgins) Hutchison, and a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and educated at Mount Carmel, N. Y. Her mother died when she was nine months old, and her father was again married; when Mrs. Van Meter was ten years of age both her father and stepmother died. Her father was born in Fredericksburgh, this county, in 1822, and was of Scotch descent, his ancestors settling in this county at an early day. Her grandmother, Mary Higgins, is living in Athens, Ohio, and is ninety years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Van Meter have been blessed by the birth of three children: Joseph Leroy, Jennie Viola and Susie Florence. The parents are members of the Order of the Iron Hall, and members of St. James Episcopal Church. Mr, Van Meter is well known in Wooster and vicinity as a progressive and enterprising business man, of strict integrity, who has gained the confidence of people by his straightforward conduct, and is liberally patronized. He has made his own way, and, although still a young man, his success has been gratifying.
SILAS W. OGDEN was born in Delaware County, Ohio, August 26, 1848, and when he was but five years of age came with his parents to Wayne County. His father, Donald W. Ogden, was also a native of Delaware County, and was a farmer and cabinetmaker ; he was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of John W. C. Nimmons. In 1853 Mr. S. W. Ogden's parents settled in Wayne County, one mile south of Wooster, where the father died in 1861, at the age of forty-eight years. He was a stanch Republican, and held the office of assessor; both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of three children, as follows:
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Lowell, who died when a child; James A., in Wooster, and Silas W. Since her husband's death Mrs. Ogden has made her home with her children, and is now living with her son, the subject of this sketch.
Silas W. Ogden remained at home until September 21, 1870, when he was united in marriage with Miss Frances M., daughter of John and Catharine (Espy) Weaver, and a native of De Kalb County, Ind. Mrs. Weaver was the mother of two children: William C., in Wooster, and Frances Marian. Mrs. Weaver was a highly esteemed member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Wooster for twenty-five or thirty years. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Ogden resided in Wooster until 1884, when they removed to their present home in Wooster Township. Mr. Ogden was a tinner until he removed to his farm, and in 1882 was appointed a railway postal clerk, serving four months, when he resigned on account of ill health. He has always been a stanch Republican, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum; was also a member of the Knights of Honor. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Wooster, in which they are highly esteemed for their earnestness and active participation in church work. They are widely known in Wayne County, and universally beloved and respected.
Jacob B. Espy, grandfather of Mrs. Ogden, was born in Bucks County, Penn.,. in 1790, and died in 1881, in his ninety-first year. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving in the Ohio regiment commanded by Col. Bay. Mrs. Ogden's. paternal grandfather, David Weaver, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Rowsburg, Ohio. Reuben I. Tarr, a great-uncle of Mrs. Ogden;: was an early settler in Wayne County, and carried on the pottery business, later purchasing the farm now owned by Mr. Ogden. He was born in 1801, and died in 1882. He came to Wayne County in 1818, and made his home with his sister, Mrs. Catharine Espy. Reynolds Espy, a brother of Mrs. Catharine Weaver, was born at Mt. Eaton, and died January 8, 1884, on the old homestead.
PETER S. GREENAMYER, M. D., mayor of Smithville, Ohio, is a. native of Columbiana, in the county of the same name, in this State, and was born May 2, 1836. On his father's side his ancestors were of German extraction, his great-grandmother, who was a Miss. Wyse, having come from that country.. She was sent to America for the benefit: of her health, and on the voyage hither became acquainted with a fellow traveler named Geiger, whom she married after her arrival at New Amsterdam, as New
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York was then called. She was connected with one of the royal families of Germany, and had two brothers, both of whom were unmarried, and were enormously wealthy. One of these brothers . willed his entire estate, valued then at seventy-two millions of dollars, to the descendants of his sister of the third generation, of whom Dr. Greenamyer's father was one.
The notice of distribution was published at the proper time in Germany, about 1880, but unfortunately did not become known in this country until after the lapse of a considerable time. When it did become known, efforts were at once made to complete the chain of evidence establishing relationship, and when this was accomplished an agent was sent to Europe to present the claims of the American heirs. The distribution had already taken place, however, by order of the German Government, which refused to change it, and thus the American heirs got no part of their just claims. Mrs. Geiger died in this country, and was buried in New Amsterdam. After a lapse of about 150 years, in the efforts to complete the evidence as to her identity, her grave was opened, and parts of the royal robes in which she was buried were found intact. She left a family of three daughters and two sons. One of the daughters married Solomon Greenamyer, and thus became the grandmother of our subject. Her husband was a resident of Columbiana County, this State, where many of their descendants yet live, and where he held the office of justice of the peace for over fifty years. He died of diphtheria, about twenty years ago, in his eighty-sixth year. His wife had died about twenty-five years prior to that time. They had six sons and six daughters, of whom three sons and four daughters are yet living, viz.: David, a retired farmer, living in Michigan; Enos, a practicing physician of Palestine, Penn. ; Jehu, a farmer of Michigan; Sarah, wife of Daniel Stauffer, a merchant of Columbiana, Ohio; Eliza, who married a Mr. Heck, a farmer of Columbiana County; Charlotte, wife of Israel Long, a wealthy farmer in Pennsylvania, across the line from Columbiana County, and Mary, wife of Rev. Samuel Sechrist, of Akron, Ohio.
William, the father of our subject, who was the eldest of the family, was born at the old homestead in Columbiana County, August 29, 1808, and died in Smith-vine, Wayne County, July 31, 1866. In his early life he taught school, but afterward read medicine, and began practice in his native county, removing to Woos- . ter, Ohio, in 1846, and the following year settling in Smithville, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession until his death. He rapidly made friends in his chosen home, and became known as
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a successful and highly esteemed physician. As a Christian man and good citizen he was greatly respected, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends, to whom his many good qualities had greatly endeared him. He was foi many years a member of the German Reformed Church, of which he had long been a deacon, and was a consistent Christian, who fully believed in Him who " doeth all things well," and met death as only such a one can. He was married, in 1832, to Miss Maria Strickler, who was born in Page County, Va., in 1809. She went with her parents, while young, to Columbiana County, Ohio, and there, met her future husband. Her father was of Scotch descent, and her mother of German. She also died in Smithville, on December 15, 1873, aged over sixty-four years. She was a faithful wife and a devoted mother, and an exemplary Christian—a worthy helpmeet to her husband. They were the parents of two sons and one daughter. The younger son, Solomon, is a veterinary surgeon at Ashland, Ohio; the daughter, Isabella, is the wife of John E. Zimmerman, of Smithville, and the eldest is Peter S.
The subject of this sketch was eleven years of age when his parents removed to Smithville, where he received his common-school education. This was supplemented by a partial course at Oberlin
College. Leaving there, he read medicine under his father, and later attended the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, where he graduated in March, 1858. He then engaged in practice in partnership with his father, continuing until the latter's death. A year later his uncle, Enos, became his partner,' this relation continuing for four years, during which time Dr. Greenamyer attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, graduating in March, 1872, He has since been continuously engaged in the practice of his profession at Smithville, building up a large and lucrative business, and is universally recognized as a conscientious and skillful physician and surgeon, having studied the latter branch of his profession under the celebrated Prof. Pancoast, of Philadelphia. On September 30, 1863, Dr. Greenamyer was married to Miss Eugenia Gertrude Christy, who was born May 16, 1844, in Jackson, Wayne County. Her parents were James and Roxana Christy, both of whom are now deceased. They were farmers in this county for many years, Mr. Christy being a noted stock raiser and dealer. He was a native of Wayne County, of Irish extraction, and his wife was born in the State of New York, Dr. and Mrs. Greenamyer have one child, Homer B., now seventeen years of age, who graduated in the class of '88 from the Northern Ohio Normal School,
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and intends studying pharmacy, but is now teacher of stenography at his Alma Mater.
Dr. Greenamyer has always taken a warm interest in the affairs of his town. In April, 1888, he was elected mayor of Smithville, receiving all but three of the votes cast, a good illustration of the esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is a member of the Wayne County Medical Society, of the Northeastern Ohio Medical Society, of the Ohio State Medical Society, and also of the American Medical Society. He belongs to the Odd Fellows order and to the Knights of the Maccabees. In politics he is a Republican. As a physician, a citizen and neighbor, the Doctor is in the front rank of the citizens of Wayne County..
WILLIAM EMMETT GEORGE, of the firm of George & Co., cabinet-makers and undertakers, and manufacturers of furniture, having the largest and most complete establishment of the kind in Wayne County, Ohio, of which he is a native, was born January 8, 1855, His father, John George, was a native of Columbiana County,. Ohio, and by occupation a carpenter. He was married, in Wooster, to Eliza Smith, whose father was one of the first settlers in that
place, both of her parents dying in Wayne County. To Mr. and Mrs. John George five children were born, as follows: Two deceased in infancy; Anna Viola, wife of Calvin Van Nimmons, of Shreve, Wayne County; William Emmett, and John Franklin, a resident of Wooster. The mother was called to her rest in June, 1888, at the age of sixty-four years, and since then the father has resided in W00ster, and is now sixty-five years of age.
The subject of this sketch has passed his entire life in Wooster, where he received a good schooling. While still a boy he turned his attention to cabinetmaking, and in 1880 formed a partnership with William Y. Landis, which continued until 1888. During this time the business was greatly enlarged, so as to include furniture and undertaking, and now furniture manufacturing, and is at present the largest in the county. For some years after learning his trade Mr. George worked in various places, and was employed in an organ manufactory, in car-building shops, etc. In 1875 he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Lasier, a native of Pennsylvania, whose parents early migrated to Ohio, where the father died. The mother is now living at Western Star, near Akron, Ohio. To this union one child, John Irvin, has been born.
Mr. George started in business without a dollar, and his gratifying success is
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wholly due to his close application and business ability. He has advanced himself to an honorable place among the leading business men of Wooster, and is regarded as one of the best of its citizens, honored and respected by all. He is progressive and enterprising, and in favor of all good projects for the advancement of the county. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church at Wooster.
W. S. BATTLES, M. D., for fifty-nine years a resident of Clinton Township, Wayne County, was born at White Hall Station, near Philadelphia, Penn., May 12, 1827. His mother was of pure English extraction, descending from two old well-known Quaker families, Snowden and West. His father, Thomas S. Battles, for twenty-nine years a resident of the county, and still living at the age of eighty-seven years, was born in Philadelphia, January 28, 1803. On the paternal side he was descended from an old Pittsfield (Mass) family; his mother was a native of Scotland. His residence is now, and has been since 1861, on a farm in Montgomery County, Ill., where his two other sons, Johnston and Thomas, with two daughters, children of his second wife, also
live. Dr. W. S. Battles remained with his father on a Clinton Township farm until he was nineteen years old, having had no other educational advantages save what the common schools of his neighborhood furnished. During the summer of 1846 he spent seventeen weeks at the Hayesville school, in Ashland County. On August 7, 1847, he entered the office of Dr. T. H. Baker, of Millbrook, as a student of medicine, and throughout almost the entire time of his medical studentship with his preceptor he taught school. October 15, 1850, he matriculated at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, at which school he graduated February 22, 1852. Returning to the village of Millbrook, he engaged in the practice of medicine with his preceptor until the winter of 1853-54, which he spent at the colleges and hospitals of Philadelphia, New York and Cleveland. Dissolving partnership with Dr. Baker, he went to Apple Creek, East Union Township, April 19, 1855, but remained there only eight months, when he removed to Shreve, where he has pursued the practice of medicine and surgery ever since, excepting from November, 1865, to March, 1868, when he was engaged in banking at Ashland, Ashland Co., Ohio. November 20, 1855, he was married to Mahala Keister, daughter of J. A. Keister, Esq., of Millbrook. He has two living chil-
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dren, Mrs. Kate Brown and Emma Battles. Although the Doctor is interested in horticulture and agriculture, as the owner and manager of a good garden and farm, he has given almost his entire life to the cultivation of his profession. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Society, Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio, North Central Ohio Medical Society, and Wayne County Medical Society, of which he is now president.
The Doctor has to some extent been a contributor to medical journalistic literature, and though never having published in book form his poems, has throughout his whole medical career been an occasional writer of verse, of which the following, written in 1869, upon the death of his preceptor's wife, Mrs. T. H. Baker, a beautiful woman, stricken down in the prime of her womanhood, is a specimen:
Gush flows our grief like floods; at the noontide,
Where joy had been bidden to dine on the morrow,
Instead of its fullness from love's sweetest wine cup,
We drink to its dregs from the chalice of sorrow.
Life in its morning, like light from the eastward,
Where rays of rich crimson abolish the night,
Bursts forth in its buildings of hope, in a promise
That age in its fullness will yield us delight.
But alas! for these eddying gusts of our fancy;
'Tis folly to build in the dark, on a wave—
These castles of beauty, to enrapture the vision—
Then vanish in vapor o'er an opening grave.
Amanda, thy life was but a reflection
Of all that a mortal can sip from this bowl;
But, ah! it was more—a rich, full expression
Of treasure immortal, the worth of the soul.
If, at his pleasure, God clothes in rare beauty
Its casket of jewels just for a day;
At the invoice of Heaven, what estimate, value,
Will appear on the schedule, and what its array?
Were we but mortal, why give us such breathings,
And fill with emotion the soul, if He would
Cut the thin thread of our spiritual being
And drop us, forgotten, to oblivious flood?
Ah no! o'er thy tomb a golden-winged cherub,
The Angel of Promise, bids Hope spread her wings;
A glorified Spirit mingles voice with our chorus,
In numbers immortal forever she sings.
JOSEPH EICHAR, one of Wayne County's pioneers, residing on Section 5, Wooster Township, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., March 13, 1813. His father, Joseph Eichar, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania, and was a miller and merchant, also engaged in farming. Upon arriving at manhood, on the 20th of November, 1800, he was married to Miss Anna Suman, and eight children were born to their union, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only survivor. In 1814 the senior Mr. Eichar came to Wayne County and bought a farm. Soon after his arrival he started a salt well,
274 - WAYNE COUNTY.
boring 450 feet, and for a time refined salt, but the expense of carrying on the work being too great, owing to the scarcity of water, it was abandoned. The salt well was suggested by the presence of a deer-lick on the spot. After a time the family removed to Lower Sandusky, where the father died October 17, 1821, at the age of forty-four. The family then returned to Wayne County, where the mother died in 1862, at the age of seventy-eight. Mrs. Eichar was a devout Presbyterian. The grandfather of our subject, Jacob Eichar, was in 1812 made prisoner by the Indians, and kept for some time, filially making his escape by running the gauntlet.
Joseph Eichar, the subject proper of this sketch, spent his early years upon the farm, and in 1841 was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Thompson, a native of Wooster, whose father, David Thompson, came to this county at an early date. For some thirteen years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Eichar made their home on the old Eichar homestead; then removed to Millbrook, where they remained for one year, and where Mrs. Eichar died, leaving six children to mourn her loss. Mr. Eichar returned to Wooster, and for four years resided with his mother and sisters. He then purchased his present. farm, which was mostly unimproved, except for the house, which had been used as a hotel for the accommodation of the many travelers who were then crossing the country in wagons. In 1858 he was married to Sarah Kobb, who died in September, 1877, in the faith of the Disciples Church, leaving two daughters.
Mr. Eichar has for over thirty years made his home where he now resides. Several attempts were made, in 1873 and 1882, to find gas on his farm. Mr. Eichar is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Wooster, and is one of Wayne County's self-made men, beginning poor, and winning success by his own industry, prudence and foresight, at the same time acquiring and retaining the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. One of his distinguishing characteristics is his zeal for the education of the youth, believing that upon the training of the young depends the future of our country, and he has given material support to numerous institutions of learning. His enterprise in seeking the development of Wayne County's resources and the promotion of her industries is well known. It is to such men as he that the growth and progress of Wayne County may be traced. They bore the brunt of the battle in subduing the wilderness, and making it a fit habitation for a great, free people. A nation's gratitude is due these brave pioneers, and they have a rich reward in seeing ours a united nation, the freest on earth.
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HENRY JENNINGS, son of Jacob — and Nancy F. (Crozier) Jennings, — was born on the farm he now owns 1 in Salt Creek Township, Wayne County, November 9, 1830. His grand-
father, Henry Jennings, came from Long Island with an only brother to Fayette County, Penn., where they settled, and he reared a family of eight children: David, Jacob, Henry, Jonathan, Sarah, Mary, Elizabeth and Rhoda, of whom only two are now living, Henry, in Dallas County, Iowa, and Jonathan, in Waverly, Ohio.
Of these, Jacob, one of the pioneers of Wayne County, was born in Fayette County, Penn., in 1796, married in 1827, and removed to Salt Creek Township, Wayne County, to the farm now owned by Henry Jennings, which was taken up in 1822, and five acres cleared. Jacob married Nancy F. Crozier, by whom he had three children: John Crozier, who died when a boy ; Jane, now Mrs. A. J. Knox, of Fredericksburgh, and Henry, the subject of this sketch, who received his education in the common schools of the county, and eventually married Margaret J., daughter of Thomas Patrick, of Salt Creek Township, Wayne County. She was born in Fredericksburgh, and her father later purchased the farm adjoining the Jennings homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings have had twelve children, as follows: Elizabeth, now Mrs. R. C. Cook, residing in Apple Creek, Wayne County ; Jacob Barclay, who married Laura Cook, and now lives at Salt Creek, Wayne County; Matilda, who died in infancy; Mary Jane, James Martin, Sarah Ann and Martha (twins), William Henry, Margaret Emma, Laura, John Clark and Arvida Eunice. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings are members of the Presbyterian Church ; he is a Prohibitionist, and the family are among the able and respected people of the community in which they live.
ISAAC K. JAMESON is a son of Joshua and Rebecca (Mackey) Jameson, natives of Delaware and Pennsylvania, respectively. In 1818 they removed from Fayette County, Penn., to Wayne County, Ohio, and entered one-half section of land in the southwest corner of Sugar Creek Township (Section 36). Here the father died in March, 1826, in the fifty-sixth year of his age; the mother survived until October, 1860, dying in the eighty-fourth year of her age. They had a family of eleven children, as follows: Sarah, Mary, Stephen M., John, Alexander H., Joshua M., Rebecca S., Elizabeth, Joseph, Isaac K., and an infant that died in infancy. Of these, Sarah, wife of William James, of Fayette County, Penn., died in the seventy-sixth year of her age, leav-
276 - WAYNE COUNTY.
ing four children: Ann, wife of A. Van Devert, of Hamilton County, Ohio; Sarah, now Mrs. Jeffries; George W., of Lima, Ohio, and Elizabeth C., now Mrs. Gribble, of New Philadelphia, Ohio. Mary, widow of James Hackett, died in March, 1882, in her eighty-fourth year, leaving one son, Isaiah H., who lives on the homestead, in East Union Township, Wayne County. Stephen M., a physician of Dalton, married Nancy S. Derret, of Wayne County, and died in 1841, in his forty-first year, leaving three children: Rebecca Jane, wife of Thomas Orr, of East Union Township; Rodney C., of Baughman Township, and Stephen R., of Ashtabula County, Ohio. John died in 1882, at Apple Creek, Ohio, in the seventy-ninth year of his age; he was married to Eliza McCurrdy, and located in Sugar Creek Township; they had eleven children: the oldest died in infancy; Joshua M., in Lima, Ohio; Martha E., married to Ervin Anderson (both are deceased) ; James H., in Ionia County, Mich. ; Alexander H., a merchant in Apple Creek, Ohio; Nancy J., married to A. Hoverstock (both are deceased) ; Stephen S., on a part of the old homestead, Section 36, Sugar Creek Township; Amanda R., deceased wife of John R. Dobbins; Isaac N., in Apple Creek, Ohio; Robert R., in Kenton, Ohio, and Caroline, wife of Silas Moore, in Colorado. Alexander H. married Elizabeth Miller (now deceased), of Stark County, Ohio, and died in Will County, Ill., in his seventy-sixth year ; he was for many years engaged in mercantile business in Apple Creek with his brother, Isaac K. ; he left two daughters, Mary Ann, widow of Rev. Thomas McCartney, of Nebraska, and Martha Jane, both living at Aurora, Ill. Joshua M. spent his life on the old homestead, Section 36, Sugar Creek Township; he was twice married, and by his first wife, nee Rachel Shipley, he had two sons, George, a lawyer of Lima,Ohio, and Albon, in Harper County, Kas.; his second wife was Mary A. Morrow, by whom he had no children; he died in 1874, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. Rebecca S. died in Fayette County, Penn., in her eighth year, before the family moved to Ohio. Elizabeth, widow of George Hackett, resides on the Hackett homestead, in East Union Township; she has four children living: Eleanor H., wife of Levi Orr; Mary J., at home; Eliza H., wife of Daniel Eshelman, and George W., on the homestead. Joseph died in 1884, in the seventy-first year of his age; he was twice married, his first wife being Esther E. McClure, of Holmes County, who bore him four children: Emily H., wife of Joseph Goudy, of Fillmore County, Minn. ; Rebecca S. (deceased) ; Sarah, wife of William Orr, of Moorland, and Margaret, wife of
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B. F. Dile, of Salt Creek Township; his second wife was Maria McDowell, and to them were born three children: Rachel A., wife of William Richardson, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio; Jessie M., wife of John Stauffer, of Paint Township, and Louis M., who died in Topeka, Kas.
Isaac K. Jameson was born in Fayette 'County, Penn., December 3, 1817, and when four months old his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio. He remained on the homestead until eighteen years old, and then for nine years engaged in teaching school. In 1845 he purchased an interest in a mercantile business in Apple Creek, with his brother, Alexander H., which partnership continued twenty-two years. In 1867 Alexander H. sold his interest to his brother, John, who, with John's son, Alexander H., Jr., and Isaac K., continued the business until 1879, when the last named sold his interest to them. In 1869 Isaac K. bought the farm which he now owns, in East Union Township, Wayne County, which contains 174 acres of good land, to which he moved in 1880. Here he made his home nine years, and in April, 1889, returned to Apple Creek. In 1860 he married Miss Susan, daughter of Samuel Smith, of Smith's Ferry, Beaver Co., Penn., and to them were born three children: John Smith, on the home farm ; Howard B., a hardware merchant of Dal ton, and Story L., at home. Mr. Jameson has served as justice of the peace, and has filled other township and county offices. He and his family attend the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Republican, with prohibition proclivities.
JOHN WEBB, farmer, and proprietor of the Elk Horn Sugar Works, Chester Township, is a native of Greene Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, born September 26, 1837, the second son of Benton and Sarah (Peigh) Webb. Benton Webb was born in Columbia County, Penn., January 15, 1815, and was the son of Moses Webb, who was a son of Samuel Webb, and a native of the same county. Moses Webb was a soldier in the War of 1812.
In 1824 Benton Webb came with his father to Wayne County, and later settled in Cedar Valley, where they operated a grist-mill a year or two, and then went to Medina County, but a year later Benton returned to Wayne County, and, with his father-in-law, John Peigh, bought a tract of land on Killbuck Creek, intending to build a water mill. Here he died June 4, 1842, aged twenty-seven years, four months and twenty-two days. His wife was a robust woman, and after his death she remained on the land, where she
278 - WAYNE COUNTY.
reared her family, but, being in meager circumstances, was obliged to work by the day for her neighbors to support herself and children. As they grew older they left home, until only John remained with the mother. She finally married George Ringler, and then John determined to gratify his desire to see more of the world, and in 1864 took a trip to the Western States, stopping for a few months at Des Moines, Iowa. There he entered the employ of the Mabees Menagerie Company, and traveled with them through the Western States. At Chicago they disbanded for the winter, and before starting again in the spring the establishment was bought by Adam Forepaugh and John O'Brien. Mr. Webb traveled with them through the Southern and Eastern States, and while riding in the ring was thrown from his horse and severely injured. While in winter quarters at Philadelphia, he had charge of two small lions, which he thought were very docile, but one day one of them turned upon him and crushed his arm considerably, although he finally conquered him. He returned home soon after, and remained until the winter of 1866, when he went to Texas, remained a year, and then returned home, and has since lived on the homestead. He has visited seventeen States, and has in a measure satisfied his longing for travel. He lived with his mother, caring for her until her death, which occurred October 27, 1887, when she was aged seventy-one years, five months and twenty-one days. He was then appointed administrator of the estate, and was obliged to buy the farm, as his factory was located on it, and his elder brother wished it sold.
For many years Mr. Webb has been engaged in the manufacture of sorghum molasses, and of late has turned his attention to the making of sugar. His factory is 25x50 feet in dimensions, and his machinery is propelled by a twenty-horse power engine. This being the only factory of the kind in the township, he has a monopoly of the trade, and indeed has a large custom from adjoining counties, as his is the best factory in this part of Ohio. In the fall of 1888 he manufactured 1,000 pounds of sugar, and he expects to make this the leading product of his factory. Mr. Webb has spent years in experimenting, and has about perfected the art, and the sugar now turned out of his factory will compare favorably with any other in the market.
DEWITT CLINTON McCLARRAN. Among the leading farmers in Wayne County, Ohio, the subject of this sketch occupies a most prominent po-
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sition. He was born in the city of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, June 19, 1819. His father, Robert Mee] arran, was a native of Lancaster County, Penn., but when a young man moved to Westmoreland County, that State. In 1811 he immigrated to Wayne County. He was by trade a carpenter, and for a few years followed that occupation in Wooster. In 1812 he married Grace Cook, of Columbiana County, Ohio, who became the mother of five children: Eliza C., John Cook, Dewitt Clinton, Roswell and David L. Robert McClarran was a soldier in the War of 1812, and at its close purchased a large tract of land near Wooster, where for a number of years he was engaged in saw-milling and farming, and afterward carried on banking in Wooster. He was a justice of the peace for many years, being the first in Wayne County, and married the first couple in Wayne County. He was elected to the Legislature December 1, 1823, and served until December 6, 1824. He held many positions of trust in the county, was a man of marked ability, and stood high in the estimation of those who knew him. He died March 7, 1831.
Dewitt Clinton McClarran has resided in Wayne County all his life. He has been an extensive farmer, and owns some 600 acres of valuable land in the county. In 1851 he married Janet Jordan, daughter of John Jordan, of Holmes County, Ohio. Five children have blessed this happy union: John Cook, now an attorney at law of Wooster, and a graduate of the University of Wooster, Ohio; David Quinby, Julius, Robert Clinton, all farmers, and Grace Janet, at home. Robert Clinton is also a graduate of Wooster University. The mother of these children died in January, 1882, aged sixty years. For the past seven years Mr. McClarran has resided on his present farm, He has always taken an active part in the welfare of his township, county and State, and in politics stands independent of party lines.
D. B. GOOD was born near Berlin, Somerset Co., Penn., November 10, — 1841, son of John and Eliza Good. His father was a native of the same county and State, and died August 2, 1844, aged thirty-three years. The mother of our subject, after the death of Mr. Good, married, in the winter of 1850, David Garver, and they came to Congress Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, in the following spring, bringing young D. B. with them. She is now living, in good health, in Congress village, in her seventy-third year.
The subject of this biographical memoir received a fair common-school education, and was reared to farm life. February 27, 1868, he was united in marriage with
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Margaret Worst, who was born April 1, 1843, in Ashland County, Ohio. Her father, Samuel Worst, was also a native of Ashland County, and his father, Henry, a Pennsylvanian by birth, came from his native State to Ashland County in a very early day. To Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Good have been born two children, as follows: Alda, born March 10, 1869, and Clayton, born June 23, 1876. The parents are members of the Brethren Church; in politics Mr. Good is a Republican. He is one of the enterprising, energetic and substantial citizens of Congress Township, Wayne County, and is the owner of over 200 acres of improved land. He and his estimable wife are identified with the social and educational interests of their locality, and are both highly respected.
ROBERT EMMET LUCAS is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born in Chippewa Township November 11, 1858, a son of Thomas and Margaret (Crawford) Lucas. His father was born in Pennsylvania November 21, 1797, and about 1830 moved to Ohio, settling at Steubenville, and for a number of years he was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He was married at Steubenville, May 12, 1840, to Margaret Crawford, who was born in Pennsylvania February 11, 1817, and in 1836 removed with her parents to Steubenville. In April, 1841, they removed to Wayne County, and settled in Chippewa Township, where the father died in April, 1868. The mother is living in Doylestown. R. E. Lucas was reared and educated in his native township. His father dying before he was ten years old, he was early obliged to rely on his own resources. He obtained a good business education, and for several years was employed as clerk in the stores of Doylestown. In September, 1880, he Entered the employ of Seiberling, Miller & Co. as book-keeper, and has since held that position. Mr. Lucas was married October 20, 1886, at Johnson's Corners, Ohio, to C. Gertrude Dickson, daughter of Dr. M. M. and M. H. Dickson, and they have one child, M. Delight. In politics Mr. Lucas is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party.
GEORGE R. LAUBACH, of the firm of Laubach & Boyd, of Wooster, was born in Northampton County, Penn.; January 4, 1853. His father, Rudolph H., also a native of that county, was a miller by trade. The grandfather, likewise named Rudolph, was also born in Pennsylvania. The family are of German extraction, and were settled in this
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country as early as 1765. The father of George R. was married in Pennsylvania to Catherine, daughter of George and Mary Roth, and born in Northampton County. Of their union six children were born, as follows: Maria, who died in Wooster, aged seventeen years; Emma, who is Mrs. Frederick Tescher; Odelia, now Mrs. John B. Dorn, of Wooster; George R. ; James W., now a resident of Wooster, and Ida May, who died in Wooster at the age of eighteen. In the spring of 1859 the parents came to Wooster, where for a time the father engaged in mercantile business, and later embarked in milling. For many years he suffered from chronic rheumatism, and in 1886 he received a stroke of paralysis, which has rendered him helpless. He is now aged sixty-seven years. The entire family, parents and children, are members of the German Reformed Church.
The subject of these lines was six years old when his parents removed, to Wooster. He had good educational advantages, first attending the common schools and afterward the Wooster High School. At the age of fourteen he started to learn the drug business with A. M. Armstrong, of Wooster, with whom he had been but a year when the proprietor sold out. But young Laubach continued at the business until he had been at it for about three and a half years. For two years then he was with McKinley & Smith, of New Castle, Penn., after which he returned to Wooster, and was employed in what was known as the Arcadome drug store. In this latter place he stayed until the store was burned out, when he became connected with E. A. Jones, successor to Harvey Howard, remaining there until January 1, 1880, when he began business for himself in his present location. The firm was at first Laubach & Bevard, which later became Laubach & Donnelly, and still later Laubach & Boyd, the present firm. In February, 1880, Mr. Laubach was married, his bride being Miss Sarah Ann Horn, daughter of John J. and Caroline H. Horn, and a native of Brooklyn, N. Y. She was but a child when she came with her parents to Wayne County, where her father died in 1877; her mother is now a resident of Wooster, and is aged fifty-two years. Of this union five children have been born: Ida May, Mattie H., Mary Hilda, Amy C. and George H.
Mr. Laubach is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Odd Fellows order and the Royal Arcanum, and in politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. He is one of the most progressive business men of Wayne County, whose success is entirely the result of his own energy, good judgment and close application to business. He is a man of unblemished
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character, and is highly esteemed and well spoken of by all who know him.
HENRY BIXLER was born in Mani chester, Carroll (formerly Baltimore) Co., Md., in July, 1814. He had common-school advantages, but, determined on having a better education, he pursued his study at night by the light of the old-fashioned tallow dip. He taught school in Baltimore for several years, and then migrated toWayne County, Ohio, in 1838, where for a time he clerked in a warehouse, later becoming a teacher, which profession he followed here for a number of years, later establishing himself in the grocery business. Selling that out, he engaged in the manufacture of rope, which he followed until 1860. On giving up that business lie bought 'a farm in Wayne Township, on which the family lived for three years, returning to Wooster in 1874, when he practically retired from active life.
Mr. Bixler was the first to introduce the manufacture of rope into Wayne County, and it was for years a prominent industry here. He was the architect of his own fortune, having earned every dollar he ever possessed by his own industry. When he left Maryland for Wayne County he was so poor that he had to make nearly the entire journey on foot. He was industrious and willing to turn his hand to anything by , which he could honestly earn la dollar. He obtained his first start by gathering and selling chestnuts, and from that humble beginning he advanced step by step until he became well-to-do. His business integrity was such that the people with whom he dealt soon learned to know and appreciate the sterling character of the man. He was always guided by his mature judgment, not being prone to hasty action. A diligent and wise reader, he was usually well informed, and he will long be remembered as one of Wayne County's most useful citizens. November 5, 1851, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Lesher) Baker, and a native of Lancaster County, Penn. Her parents came to Wayne County, and there spent the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1871, at the age of seventy-two years, and the father in 1888, aged eighty-nine years. Their daughter, Elizabeth, who was quite young when they came to Wayne County, was here reared and grew to womanhood.
To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bixler five children were born, viz. : Frank, who died in 1853, aged two years ; Henry, who died in 1879, aged twenty-four ; Ida C.; Darl J., who was born October 21, 1860, in Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, and Charles E., the last three named living with their
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mother. Henry Bixler died December 27, 1882, aged sixty-eight years, and after his death his widow, with her three youngest children, made their home in Wooster, but they now reside on a farm at Madisonburgh. This family is well known in the county, and they are universally esteemed by all who know them.
ALVI ZUVER is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Patterson) Zuver, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. They settled in that part of Mercer County, Penn., which is now Lawrence County, and in '1830 came to Wayne County, where they purchased the farm in Canaan Township now occupied by George Mathes, and were recognized as among the prominent farmers of their day. Jacob Zuver voted first with the Whig party, and afterward with the Republican, and both he and his wife were members of Canaan Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1874, and his widow in 1882. They reared five children, three of whom are living: Alvi, John, who lives with Alvi, and Robert, in Sidney, Shelby Co., Ohio.
Alvi Zuver, the subject of this memoir, was born in Mercer County, Penn., October 15, 1824, and was five years of age when he came to Wayne County. He attended the township schools and Canaan Academy, also the schools of Le Roy and Norwalk. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years, and has since lived on the homestead in Canaan Township. In 1851 Mr. Zuver married Miss Jane E., daughter of Uri Smith, of Litchfield, Medina Co., Ohio, and four children have been born to them, three of whom died in infancy. Mr. Zuver has always voted with the Republican party. In 1858 he was elected justice of the peace of Canaan Township, and served fifteen consecutive years. He is a member of Canaan Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been recording steward for many years.
ALBERT MILLER is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born in 1839, a son of Michael and Margaret Miller. His parents had a family of nine children, but five of whom are living— Isophena, Albert, Michael, Augustus and Elizabeth. The names of the deceased are Mary, Adaline, Isabella and Adolph. Michael was an early settler of Wayne County, his first purchase of land being 160 acres in Greene Township, which he subsequently sold and bought eighty acres in Wayne Township, on which he lived the rest of his life. He
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died in 1850, aged forty-eight years, his widow in 1869, aged sixty-two years. They were natives of Germany, coming to America with their parents in their youth. He was a successful farmer, and one of the respected citizens of Wayne Township.
Albert Miller was reared in his native township, which has always been his home, and he received good educational advantages. He was early instructed in the duties of farm life, and since attaining manhood has devoted his energies to that calling. In 1867 he married Maria Lehman, daughter of John Lehman, of Wayne County, and to them have been born a family of four children: F. L., F. C., E. A. and Annie B. In politics Mr. Miller casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He has always taken an active part in the public affairs of his township, and has served as school director and township trustee.
HENRY SHREVE, son of Thomas Shreve. was born in a stone house west of Shreve, in Clinton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. His father's place of nativity was Washington Mills, near Perryopolis, Fayette Co., Penn., where he married Mary Wigle. In 1813 he made a tour through this county in search of a desirable location, and, being satisfied with the results of his prospective trip, he, in 1816, purchased a tract of land. In 1818 he built the first barn, made of hewn logs, in Clinton Township, and had to make a journey on horseback to Pittsburgh, in order to procure nails for use in the construction of the roof of his barn, which was 32x56 feet in size. This barn was built on the farm now owned by Cameron and others, on the line of Holmes and Wayne Counties.
Thomas Shreve was the father of nine children, five of whom are deceased, viz.: Richard, Rosanna, Margaret (who married John Graven, also deceased), Charlotta, and William, who was killed in 1831, by a runaway team; those living are Caleb, in Caldwell County, Mo.; Henry, subject of our notice; Sarah J., wife of Thomas Morgan, of Clinton Township, and Eliza, wife of Nicholas Crum, of Holmes County. Mr. Shreve died July 4, 1857, and Mrs. Shreve January 13, 1854. The postoffice of Shreve was named in his honor, and the town of Shreve derives its name from that, its name having been changed on the incorporation of the village. He was chairman of the first meeting held to consider the building of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. He was a member of the State Legislature during 1839-40 and 1840-41, when S. P. Chase, Rufus Spalding and others, who have
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since acquired a national reputation, were members of that honorable body, and during his life he was recognized as one of the leading men of the county and this portion of the State, and was prominent in all local enterprises.
Henry Shreve, the subject proper of this memoir, married, in 1847, Harriet, daughter of John Jones. The two families originally removed from New Jersey to Fayette County, Penn., and from there to Wayne County, being neighbors and friends in three States. Mr. and Mrs. Shreve have five children: E. D., a civil engineer in the City of Mexico, being engaged in the construction of a drainage and sewerage canal for the Mexican Government at that city; Florence M., now Mrs. A. M. Miller, of Millbrook, Ohio; E. B., now Mrs. R. T. Craig, residing near Winfield, Cowley Co., Kas. ; Allen T., formerly a merchant of Shreve, and Eliza J. Mr. Shreve is a Democrat, and has been officially identified with the township for many years, having been school director for thirty years and commissioner of county from 1859 to 1865. He is regarded as authority on township and school matters, and inaugurated a system of road work that has done more for the building up of good roads in the community than any other system. Mr. Shreve is regarded by all as a just and upright man, and one that 1s above a price in the discharge of any public duty. At one time he carried the keys to the county treasury a day and night, and at another time, finding the treasurer out and the office and safe open, he closed the same, thus showing that he is honest and trusted by his fellow-men. He has frequently been solicited by the leading men of the county to accept higher offices, but, being a practical farmer, he devotes his time and attention to that end.
QINBY JONES is a native son of Wayne County, born in Wooster October 13, 1830, a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Vanemmon) Jones, former a native of Winchester, Frederick Co., Va., born April 13, 1787, and latter a native of New Jersey, born December 25, 1794. They were among the earliest settlers of Wayne County, Ohio, and from the time of their settlement until their deaths were among the most prominent citizens of Wooster. They had a family of eight children, viz.: D. K., Eleanor, Isaac N., Ohio F., Charles Carroll, Joseph R., Quinby and B. J. The father died April 24, 1861, and the mother in 1879.
Quinby Jones remained at home until twenty years of age, when he went to California, via the overland route, being
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ninety days on the way. He remained there two years engaged in mining, and in 1852 returned to Wooster. He was married, December 6, 1853, to Lavinia Thomas, a native of Wooster, daughter of Lewis Thomas, one of the early settlers of the county, formerly of Maryland. After his marriage Mr. Jones bought a part of his father's homestead, on which he lived until 1867, when he moved to the farm where he now lives, which he has improved, and now has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He has always been public spirited, and has assisted materially in advancing the interests of his native county and town. In addition to general farming he has engaged quite extensively in dealing in cattle and sheep, and the breeding of Scotch collie dogs. In politics he takes an active interest, casting his suffrage with the Democratic party. He has a family of four children: John T., Emma J., Joseph J. and Mary E. S.
MRS. JANE BECHTEL, of Wooster, Ohio, is the widow of John Bechtel, and was born in Chester Township, Wayne County, in 1818. Her father, James Flack,was born in Washington County, Penn., and was by trade a millwright. His father was born abroad, of English extraction. The father of our subject married Margaret Ramsey, who bore him eight children, six of whom reached maturity; Mrs. Bechtel and Mrs. Mary McDaniel, of Wooster, are the only ones living in Wayne County. While Mrs. Bechtel was but a child she lost a mother's care, and some time afterward her father chose as his second wife Miss Julia White, who bore him six children. The father died in 1853. About 1818 he had come to Wayne County, where he settled on a farm, and also built and operated a mill on Little Killbuck Creek, Mrs. Bechtel's girlhood was passed on the farm in Chester Township, and in 1837 she was there married to John Bechtel. They came to Wooster, where they built the house which has since been her home with the exception of the four years during which Mr. Bechtel was sheriff.
John Bechtel was a son of Martin and Margaret (Spellman) Bechtel, natives of Pennsylvania, both of whom died in Wayne County, to which they had removed when John was quite young. The latter became well known in Wayne County ; was a Democrat in politics, and influential in the councils of his party. He held various township and county offices; was constable, deputy sheriff, and was later elected and re-elected to the office of sheriff, which lie filled acceptably to the people and creditably to him-
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self for two terms. For many years he had been a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and was looked upon as a man of unflinching integrity. Mr. Bechtel died in 1865, at the age of fifty-five years. Of his union with our subject there were six children born, as follows: James Martin, now a resident of Burlington, Iowa ; Melissa A., now Mrs. Irving Foghson, of Duluth; David E., in Southern Ohio; Mary E., wife of J. P. Hockins, of Grand Rapids, Mich. ; John T., living in Greenfield Ohio; Jennie T., now Mrs. Jerome T. Baird, of Wooster, Ohio. Mrs. Bechtel was as well known as her husband, and is held in high esteem by all who know her.
JEROME T. BAIRD was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 16, 1858. His father, Cyrus Baird, was also a native of the county, born in Plain Township. His grandfather, who was also named Cyrus, was a native of the State of New York, born March 2, 1804, and came to this county with his father, Aaron Baird, in 1812. He was married to a Miss Blatchley, and both died in Wayne County. His son, Cyrus, father of Jerome, was reared upon the farm, and after arriving at years of manhood, married Amy Tyler, a daughter of Benjamin and Maria Tyler, both of whom were early settlers of Wayne County. Of this union four children were born, Jerome T. being the only one living in Wayne County. In the spring of 1869 the mother passed away, the father still living in Wooster. Jerome Baird's first business experience was as a clerk in a drug store in Wooster, in which he finally bought an interest. In the spring of 1884 he sold out his interest, and started alone in the business he is now conducting. In 1882 he was married to Miss Jennie, daughter of John and Jane Bechtel. No children have been born to them. Mr. Baird is a member of the K. of M., and he is regarded as a young business man of capacity, whose attention to business and character for probity are sure to command success.
JOHN EVEY was born in Washington County, Md., April 23, 1825, and is a son of Samuel and Sophia (Neiswander) Evey, both natives of the State of Maryland. The paternal grandfather of John Evey was Christian Evey, and his maternal grandfather was John Neiswander, both natives of Germany, and early settlers of Washington County, Md. The parents of our subject settled in Wayne County in 1827, locating on a farm on Section 16, Chippewa Township, which they cleared and improved, in later life removing to Doylestown, where they died. They reared a family of eight children, as follows: Christian, William,
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Maria (Mrs. Daniel Snyder), John, Sophia (Mrs. Henry Hoyt), Samuel, Susan (Mrs. Riley Franks) and Elizabeth.
John Evey, the subject of this memoir, was reared in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, where he received a limited common-school education. He began life poor, on a rented farm; later purchased eighty acres of his father's farm, which he sold in 1861, and bought 106 acres on Section 8, same township, where he has since resided, and has made all the improvements in buildings, etc. Mr. Evey married, August 15, 1849, Catherine, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Case) Whitman. He is a thorough-going farmer, and by industry and frugality has accumulated a fine property. Politically he is a Democrat.
ROBERT BARNES. This well-known pioneer of Wayne County, Ohio, traces his descent to Revolutionary ancestors. His grandfather, Peter Barnes, was born in England, and there married a Miss Graham, a native of Ireland. Four days after their wedding the young couple set sail for
America. The precise date is not known, but it was years before the commencement of the War of the Revolution, in which Peter Barnes took part, as a Continental soldier. He afterward settled in Maryland, and there his son, Henry, father of Robert, was born. He was a farmer by occupation, and during the Revolution sold his farm for $10,000, taking his pay in Continental money, which became worthless in his hands.
After selling his farm Henry Barnes moved to Pennsylvania, and in that State was married to Jane Graham, and there some of his children were born. Seeking for virgin soil and cheaper lands on which to make their home, the parents removed with their family to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1811, settling in Salt Creek Township, among the very earliest pioneers of that region. They lived the usual life of pioneers, but their humble log cabin was the scene of contentment and happiness. Children grew up within its walls, and the rough labor of clearing a home in the dense forest was gladly endured for their sakes. In the early days they were sometimes molested by Indians, who had not yet been entirely 'reconciled to the white man taking this beautiful country, but no serious loss was sustained. As an instance of what the early pioneers had to endure, Mr. Barnes relates that his father was compelled to go forty miles on horseback, to Mohican, to get two bushels of corn, carrying his gun to defend himself from the Indians, and returning had to go nine
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miles to Killbuck, to get it ground at Stubb's Mills, and had to wait two days and one night for his scanty grist. It was through such hardships and labors as these this fertile county was won to civilization for the descendants of these hardy pioneers. In the fall of 1812 they were compelled to leave, and again crossed the mountains into Pennsylvania, returning, however, the following spring, and the parents never again left the county. The mother preceded her husband to the grave about two years, the latter dying March 9, 1848. To this worthy old pioneer couple nine children were born, only two of whom now survive. Among the early settlers of the county, Henry Barnes was well known, and was respected as a man of integrity and sound judgment, whose word could always be depended upon.
Robert Barnes, the subject of this sketch, was born in Beaver County, Penn., June 2, 1807. Like all the children of the old pioneers, his education was gotten in the old log school of the day, with its greased paper windows and its puncheon floor. When old enough he swung the pioneer's ax in the primeval forest, and took his full share of all the other hard work on the new farm the family were creating. At the age of twenty-four Mr. Barnes was united in marriage with Miss Christina, daughter of Thomas Rail, born in Pennsylvania, and brought by her parents to Wayne County when quite young. Nine children were born of this union: Dewitt is a farmer in East Union Township; Elizabeth is the widow of Andrew Glenn, and a resident of this county, as is her sister Jane, the wife of William Moocher; Lucy is married to R. B. Snyder, of Wooster; Kempton is a resident of Franklin Township, this county; John was a Union soldier during the Rebellion, and was killed in the army ; Frances (Mrs. Graham) and Charles both live in Cleveland, Ohio, and William in Elyria, Ohio.
After his marriage Mr. Barnes bought a farm in Franklin Township, on which he lived till 1870, in which year his wife died, and he rented his farm and came to Wooster, where he makes his home with his daughter Lucy, Mrs. Snyder. For eighteen years of his residence in this county, before he bought his Franklin Township farm, Mr. Barnes kept a hotel in Fredericksburgh, in Salt Creek Township, and became well known, not only to Wayne County people, but to a large circle of friends, with whom he was popular. He had a liking for military matters, and was for five years lieutenant-colonel of a militia infantry regiment, and later was for five years in the Jackson Cavalry, State troops. He and his wife were both members of the Presbyterian Church of
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Salt Creek, and were esteemed both as early settlers and good friends and neighbors. In politics Mr. Barnes has always been a stanch Democrat.
ABRAM F. HUFFMAN (deceased) was one of the prominent farmers of Wayne County. He was a native of this county, born October 11, 1822, in Chippewa Township, the eldest of five children of Daniel and Abigail Huffman. His father was born in Switzerland August 15, 1798, and in 1803 came to America with his father, and located in Washington County, Penn. In 1815 they moved to Ohio, and located at Slankerville, now known as Easton, and there Daniel was married, in 1820, to Abigail, daughter of Henry Franks, who came to Wayne County from Fayette County, Penn., in 1816, and settled on a farm he entered from the Government, in Chippewa Township, south of Doylestown. He (Henry Franks) was captured by the Indians when a young man, and was kept by them five years. He was tall, straight and of a powerful build, and was fancied by the Indians, who at once introduced him to Indian citizenship by their ceremonies, which consisted first in running the gauntlet, and at the end of the race, to save his own life, he was compelled to
strike down an Indian. This daring act on his part ingratiated him with his captors, and although he was also wounded, he was taken care of and treated kindly until fully recovered. Of Daniel Huffman's family one daughter died when nine years old; another daughter, Eliza, is the wife of Jacob Baysinger, of Doylestown ; Ephraim married Adaline Franks, and is living on the Franks homestead; Daniel married Catherine Wilhelm, and is now living at Doylestown.
Abram F. Huffman remained in Chippewa Township until about thirty years of age, when he bought a tract of land in Greene Township, which he improved and made his home until 1872, when he moved to the village of Smithville, where he died August 14, 1886. Mr. Huffman being the eldest of the family, was obliged to assist his father in the work of the farm, and was able to attend school only during the winter months. He made the most of his limited advantages, and acquired a good business education, becoming one of the best informed men on general subjects in the county. In his infancy he was baptized, and after reaching adult life he was converted and received into the Lutheran Church by Rev. William Baldsey, of Smithville. He remained in that church a number of years, when a Methodist Church was organized in the place, and he withdrew from the Lutheran
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and joined the Methodist Church, which had been his choice from childhood. He was an honored member of this church at the time of his death, and was a highly respected citizen. In politics he was a strong Republican.
Mr. Huffman was married, December 3, 1856, to Elizabeth A. Redinger, of Milton Township, Wayne County, daughter of Frederick and Mary Redinger, who were of German and English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman had but one child, a daughter, Carrie Bell, who was married April 14, 1884, to R. S. Roller, a druggist of Wooster. Mrs. Huffman now makes her home with her daughter, although she still owns the farm in Greene Township. The first death in Greene Township after its settlement was that of Christian Partshic, who died December 27, 1817, and was buried on the farm now owned by Mrs. Huffman.
W. Y. LANDIS, dealer in furniture, and undertaker, of Wooster, Ohio, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., June 26, 1846. His father, William Landis, was also a native of that county, and was a minister of the Mennonite Church, and his parents had also been Pennsylvanians. William Landis was married to Mary Young, born in the same State, and by that union they were the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living, three in Wayne County, Ohio. The father passed from earth in 1848, at the comparatively early age of forty-nine years, and in 1858 the mother came with her children to Wayne County, and was married to Christian Burkey, of Chester Township, where she yet resides, aged eighty-two years.
The subject of this memoir, when quite young, began to learn the trade of harness-making, and, after completing his apprenticeship, followed it for several years, for four years having a shop of his own. He next turned his attention to cabinet-making, and has now been in that business about twenty years. In 1882 he formed a partnership with William George, which continued for six years, it being dissolved in the summer of 1888, when Mr. Landis embarked alone, on East Liberty Street, Wooster, in the furniture business, in which he keeps a full and complete stock. An important feature of his business is undertaking, to which he gives careful attention. In 1867 Mr. Landis was united in marriage with Miss Talitha, daughter of Daniel and Lydia Pittenger, and a native of Wayne County. Her father lives in Chester Township, where her mother died in the fall of 1887. Two children have been born to this
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union: Thomas, who died at the age of four years, and Maud, aged fifteen years.
Mr. Landis is a Republican in politics, and at one time was a member of the city council of Wooster. He is an active member of the Royal Arcanum, and was for some years an active member of the Volunteer Fire Department of Wooster. He is a self-made man, who began poor, but has by his perseverance, industry and business tact acquired a good position, and his success in life is a testimony to his upright and straightforward business principles. As an honest and capable merchant, and a progressive citizen, having the interests of the county at heart, he is rightly held in esteem by everyone who knows him. .
ZEPHANIAH LOVETT, son of Jacob and Christena Anne (Trollin¬ger) Lovett, was born in Allegany County, Md., October 12, 1826. His paternal and maternal grandparents were residents of that county, where Jonas Lovett was married and reared a family of children, as follows: John, Samuel, Daniel, Henry, William, Britton, .Jonas, Gabriel, Jacob and three daughters. Of these, Jacob the father of Zephaniah, was born in Maryland in 1799, where he married Christena Anne Trollinger, and where were born five children, viz. : James Hanson (deceased), Rosina, Eanon T., Clement S. (now a resident of Montana) and Zephaniah. The family then removed to Holmes County, Ohio, where the remainder of the children were born, as follows: Martha, Allen, Euzilla (deceased), Cedron E. and Octavia (deceased).
Zephaniah received his education in Holmes County, Ohio, and there married, July 3, 1856, Eliza Anne Esselborn, who died May 2, 1862. March 16, 1865, Mr. Lovett married Maria E. Spring. Mr. Lovett located in Shreve, Wayne County, in 1856, and has lived in the same house since that time. He followed the business of a contractor and builder for a period of twelve or fourteen years. He here built the steam saw-mill of Shreve, having a twenty-horse power engine, a planer, a cider-mill, etc., and in connection a lumber yard, supplying the adjoining country with its products. Mr. and Mrs. Lovett have two children, Edgar Odell and Guy Dudley. The parents and sons are members of the Christian Church.. Mr. Lovett is one of the prominent and successful business men of Shreve, and occupies a deservedly high place in the estimation of the people generally. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and an enthusiastic free trader. He has been the recipient of political honors by well-merited advancement to various positions of trust.
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JACOB KISSINGER is a son of Peter and Mary (Pechard) Kissinger, natives of Cumberland County, Penn., who came to Wayne County, Ohio, about 1832, and located on a farm in Canaan Township, where the father died November 2, 1881, aged ninety years, and the mother June 22, 1873, aged sixty-five years. They reared ten children, as follews: George, who died in Illinois; Rachel (wife of Robert Berkholder), Lucy (wife of Samuel Rhodes), Susan (wife of Frederick Fife), Rebecca (wife of David Hewitt), and Elizabeth ( wife of A. E. Ebey), all of Canaan Township, Wayne County; Jane, wife of Samuel Baker, of Summit County, Ohio; Peter, residing in Milton Township, Wayne County; John, residing in Wayne Township, Wayne County, and Jacob.
The subject of this biography was born in Canaan Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, June 11, 1833. He obtained a limited education in the township schools, assisting his father to clear the homestead farm, where he was reared. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed many years, earning enough to purchase his present farm of 100 acres of Jand in Canaan Township, where he successfully carries on agricultural pursuits. Mr. Kissinger has been lieutenant in Company K, Ohio National Guards. In 1865 he married Leah, daughter of Jonah Hunts berger, of Canaan Township, Wayne County, and they have three children : Elmer T., Lola Pearl and Edward J. Mr. Kissinger is an active member of the Democratic party, and has filled the office of township constable for ten years, and has also served as school director, etc. He is a trustee of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Kissinger's paternal grandfather lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years.
SAMUEL FRANK, son of John and Esther (McConaughy) Frank, was born in Burgettstown, Washington Co., Penn., May 7, 1818. His paternal grandfather, Baltzer Frank, was a native of Germany, and immigrated to this country in an early day, locating in Pennsylvania, where his son John was born. The latter came to Wayne County, Ohio, and settled in Canaan Township in the fall of 1822, where he selected a heavy body of timber, which proved to be an excellent piece of land. Here he commenced clearing up a , farm, and after many years of unceasing toil he succeeded in hewing out of the primitive forest a comfortable home. He died at the advanced age of eighty-six years. His wife, Esther, was a native of Ireland, and was eleven years of age when her parents came to America; she died in her seventy-fourth
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year. Mr. and Mrs. John Frank were life-long members of the Presbyterian Church. .
Their son Samuel, the subject of this sketch, was brought from his native home to Wayne County, Ohio, by his parents when four years of age. His educational opportunities were few, and he remained at home assisting his ,father in the farm work until he was thirty-five years old, when he married, July 5, 1853, Miss Elizabeth Ann Shultz, who was born. January 21, 1827, in Dauphin County, Penn,, a daughter of Jacob Shultz. To Mr. and Mrs. Frank were born seven children, as follows: Nancy, born in 1854, died in her ninth year ; Maria J., born February 22, 1856, became the wife of Jeremiah Bowman, and died November 25, 1886; Mary A., born February 16, 1858, is now living. in Ashland County, Ohio ; Ellen, born February 19, 1860, now the wife of John Worst, and living in Chester Township, Wayne Co., Ohio ; Jacob, born. February 11, 1862, married the daughter of Charles Dyche, and also lives in Chester Township, Wayne County; Oliver E. was born August 28, 1864, married a daughter of Jacob Wohlgamuth, and resides on the old home place; John J., born November 18, 1866, makes his home with his father at the old homestead. The mother of these children died October 18, 1886. She, as has also been her husband, was for many years identified with the original German Baptist Church. Samuel Frank can justly be classed among the pioneers of Wayne County, and has witnessed the many changes and improvements that have taken place in Congress , and Canaan Townships within the past six or seven decades. He is still hearty and vigorous, taking active interest in his farm, on which he lives, and which-. was entered by Daniel Chasey, another of the sturdy pioneers of Congress Township. Mr. Frank, with the exception of his sister, Mrs. Robert McConaughy, is the only member of his father's family now living. In politics he is a Democrat.
HENRY H. PLASTERER, son of C. F. Plasterer, was born in Plain Township, Wayne County, Ohio, December 8, 1856, and was educated in the schools of his locality. His father came from Lancaster County, Penn., to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1852, and is now residing in Plain Township. He was the father .of the following-named.. children: Henry H., Susan A., George W., Elizabeth, Matilda and John J., all now living.
Of these, Henry H., whose name heads this biographical memoir, was married December 5, 1878, to May Abbey Horn,.
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of Plain Township, Wayne County, daughter of George W. Horn, formerly of Pennsylvania, and their children were as follows: Warren D., who died March 9, 1880, aged one year; Milan Earl, born November 8, 1880, and Verna Loy, born July 25, 1882. Mr. Plasterer was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Plain Township until February 12, 1887, when he embarked in mercantile business at Reedsburgh, same township, where he still carries on a general country store. He is also postmaster at Reedsburgh. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church; politically he is a Democrat.
P. L. HORN, of the well-known firm of Horn Bros., Wooster, Ohio, was born in that city October 24, 1844. His father, John P. Horn, was a native of Hesse - Darmstadt, Germany, who immigrated to America, and died in Wooster, December 12, 1888. Our subject was educated in the schools of Wooster, and when a mere lad began to learn the trade of baker and confectioner, in the same building in which he is now carrying on his business. Before he was eighteen years of age he enlisted, August 7, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at once was transferred to the front, where he saw active service until September 24, 1864, when he was taken prisoner at the battle of Athens, Ala., and was confined at Cahaba, in that State, remaining there seven months. On being exchanged he was sent to Vicksburg, and was there until the close of the war. He was one of the passengers on the ill-fated "Sultana," which burned on the Mississippi, April 27, 1865, with such a fearful loss of life, the most appalling disaster ever known on the mighty "Father of Waters." On being hurled from the boat on the explosion of the boilers he managed to keep afloat, and drifted down the river two miles past the city of Memphis, nine miles from the scene of the disaster, where he was picked up by the crew of a gun-boat, one of the few survivors of that memorable night. May 20, 1865, he was honorably discharged, and returned to his home after an absence of nearly three years.
In April, 1866, our subject entered into business with his brother, John B. Horn, who had also served his country, and their brotherly co-partnership has continued ever since. A sketch of John Horn is given on another page of this volume. September 3, 1867, Mr. Horn was united in marriage with Miss Emma Nachtrieb, daughter of Jonas Nachtrieb, and a native of Wooster, where both her