WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1025 Peter Spangler's son, Wesley, of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and the Canaan Academy, and he early in life decided to devote himself to agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1854 to Malinda Stair, and to this union three children were born, namely : Viola and Arabella, each of whom became teachers, received their education at the Smithville Academy and Ada Normal ; the other child is Charles W., who is engaged in farming. Mr. Spangler resided in Chester township from the spring of 1859 to June, 1893, when he purchased. the farm where his family now resides, consisting of one hundred and fifteen acres. He was very successful as a farmer and stock raiser and in his old age he found himself surrounded by plenty as a result of his active life and good management. This excellent citizen was called to his rest on June 12, 1893. He was elected county commissioner in the fall of 1881 and re-elected in 1884; this was a rare thing for a Republican to do in those days, for the county was strongly Democratic, but it showed the excellent standing of Mr. Spangler among his constituents. He was also justice of the peace in Chester township for twelve years. He and his family Were all members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Congress. He continued to be actively engaged in farming until his death. He was known as a good neighbor, kindly, generous, honest and obliging. REV. R. M. MOOMAW. Among the honored and respected citizens of East Union township, Wayne county, Ohio, none stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens than the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. As a minister of the gospel of Christ he has exerted a beneficent influence over hundreds with whom he has come in contact personally or through the pulpit, while as a private citizen he has won for himself an enviable reputation. He has by a life of sterling integrity and persistent industry honored the community in which he lives and he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character. Rev. R. M. Moomaw was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 1875. In tracing his ancestry in the agnatic line, it is learned that he is descended from one Peter Moomaw, who was a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated. He came to America in a very early day and set- (65) 1026 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. tied in Pennsylvania, where he married and reared a family. Among his children was Martin, who had a son Peter, who was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Peter Moomaw came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1834 and settled in Tuscarawas county, where he spent his remaining years and died. He was a miller by trade and was engaged in the operation of a grist-mill for many years, being a prominent and well-known man in that county for many years. His son Martin, father of the subject, was born in Tuscarawas county, and in that county he was reared, lived his entire life and died. He married Elizabeth Keim and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom seven are now living, four of them being residents of Wayne county. Those living are Samuel, George, Sarah, Martin G., Anna L., R. M. and C. C. R. M. Moomaw was reared on his father's farm and early became accustomed to the arduous labors incident thereto, being an able assistant to his father. He received a good common school education, 'which he liberally supplemented by attendance at the normal school at Stone Creek and the Smithville Academy. He then engaged in teaching school, in which vocation he was employed eight terms. Subsequently he became a minister in the Church of the Brethren and is still engaged in the work of this sacred calling. He is the owner of a splendid little farm of thirty-six acres in East Union township, where he resides and which he is engaged in operating during the active farm season, while during the winter season the greater part of his time is devoted to the work of his church. Scholarly, deeply pious, devotedly attached to his church, a vigorous and honest preacher, and an excellent citizen, he has proven a power for good wherever he has proclaimed the Christ message and many have been influenced through his persuasions to live better lives. As an agriculturist, the subject has attained a definite success. Though his farm is not as large as many about him, none have received more faithful and painstaking attention and under his careful management the place has been made t0 return a nice profit to its owner. He has made a number of good improvements on the place and here he carries on a general line of operations, raising all the crops common to this section of the country. On the 1st day of January, 1901, Rev. Moomaw was united in marriage to Ada May Murphy, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, May 1, 1879, where she was reared and secured a good education in the common and normal schools. This union has been a most happy and congenial one and has been blessed in the birth of two children, namely : Lois May, born May 4, 1906, and Miriam Elizabeth, born October 10, 1907. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1027 Such men as Mr. Moomaw reflect honor on any community and in every phase of life's activities in which he has been placed he has so conducted himself as to earn the approval of all who know him. With untiring effort and with a nature so hopeful as to ever baffle discouragement, Mr. Moomaw carries forward his work of improving the moral condition of his fellow men and aiding in the development of sterling character, which represents all that is of definite and permanent value in life,—the only thing that commands true respect and honor and that broadens the nature and fits it for the progression of the life to come. RUDOLF SCHMID. Among the many honored and thriving citizens of Wayne county that the republic of Switzerland has sent from her mountains and cities that should be accorded special mention in a book of the nature of the one at hand is Rudolf Schmid, who was born in the canton of Berne in 1856, the son of Benedict and Mary Schmid, who lived and died in the old country, and who were thrifty and highly respected citizens. Their son, Rudolf, received his education in his home country. He had heard wonderful stories of the opportunities to make a comfortable living in the great republic of the new world and when a mere boy he conceived the idea of coming to America to make his fortune ; consequently, in 1884 he began the long tedious trip, landing on our shores in due time. He came directly to Wayne county, Ohio, and settled near the old Schaum mill. He had learned the carpenter's trade in the old country, and he followed this for a period of eight years after coming here. He saved his money and took up farming. He rented land for several years and made money, thereby being enabled to buy an excellent farm in 1898, consisting of one hundred and forty-two acres, and on which he still resides. He has made a success at farming and is now well fixed, having a well-improved place, well stocked with various kinds of livestock, poultry, etc., and he has a neat and comfortable home. From 1898 to 1903 he turned his farm over to some of his children to manage while he continued to rent land. In the meantime he erected splendid new buildings, building his barn in 1901 and his commodious dwelling the following year. In 1903 he established his permanent home on this place. In 1904 he and his wife made a trip to his old home in Switzerland, which was a source of a great deal of gratification to Mr. Schmid, for he was returning in ample circumstances to his native land, which he had left when 1028 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. a boy, practically without capital. In Januar)), 1905, Mr. Schmid purchased another fine farm of eighty-two acres, just across the road from him in Congress township. He raises an excellent grade of livestock, especially horses and cattle, and he carries on general farming very successfully,—in fact, he is one of the leading farmers of the township. Mr. Schmid was married, in 1877, to Margaret Bingley, the daughter of a highly-respected family, and this union has resulted in the birth of the following children : Ernest, deceased ; Mary married William Shephard; Adolph married Myrtle Baughman; Rudolf married Etta Bear ; Lena, now Mrs. C. A. Steiner, of Plainfield, Illinois. The following children are all at home, with the exception of Clara, deceased; Fred Charles, Benjamin, Daisy, Grace. The first five children named were born in Switzerland, the remainder after Mr. and Mrs. Schmid came to America. Each member of this family is highly respected in the community where they live. Religiously, Mr. Schmid is a member of the Reformed church, in which he is a deacon and elder. Politically he is a Democrat. He is one of nature's noblemen, whom it is a pleasure to meet. REV. L. CODY MARSH. AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY. Sometime after the year 1880, in the city of Louisille, Kentucky, at some time in the day, some place in the city, I, like most other persons, was born. The subject of dateology has never been my forte, so you must excuse the approximate figures which must abound in this article. So far as I know, I undertook adventures with such common boyhood heroes as Mr. Colic, Miss LeFevre, Jim Mumps, etc. I do not remember meeting Miss Fitts. They told me afterwards that I did little talking or crying, in fact, no talking until I was two years old, and since then the stream has not stopped. My father was in the real estate business in Cleveland, Ohio, about this time and was one of those early blazers of the trail. He, with my grandfather, opened and built up many of Cleveland's streets, Beechwood, Alanson, Auburndale and Penrose being some of them. My father was born some time before the Civil war, but Was not old enough to fight, bleed or flee for his country. It would have been on the other side anyway. His people belonged below the Mason and Dix0n line. They were tobacco plantationers and owned "niggers." My parents met near Cleveland and were married about WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1029 1880, the maiden name of my mother being Cody. "Buffalo Bill" (William F. Cody) is my cousin. No American has lived who is so well known as he. Now that you know my parents, I'll tell you what they did with me. They sent me to school, which made me sore. I was rather on the hot house order, so they had to travel to California, Mexico, Colorado and Florida every winter with me. It was taking education and travel and health all in one. Central high school managed to hold me for a period of four years. In Cleveland I also studied medicine for about two years in the hospital, intending to make it my profession. I played several leading and other parts in the Cleveland Shakespeare Club. I received offers from theatrical companies to sign up, but it never appealed to me. Two years was served by me in Battery A, Artillery. It was the crack battery of the state. At the time I went to college my father had lost his business through severe reverses, so I went down to Kenyon and worked my entire way through. Hence I know that any young man who wants an education may have it. During my first year my mother died. This and other matters led me to consider the ministry and later I decided on it, took the necessary four years in college, three in the seminary and was ordained in June, 1909. During my seminary course I held the parish at Jefferson, Ohio, and East Plymouth, St. Ignace, Michigan, and many short supplies. On November 1, 1908, I came to Wooster, was appointed to the parish by the bishop in the spring, ratified by the parish and in August took up my position as minister in charge. The parish, being without a minister for three years, was in bad shape, but is growing satisfactorily. And then comes that time in every man's life that a clergyman speaks of as "Cana of Galilee." The first miracle that Jesus performed was for man's pleasure, for man's wedding. So few of us realize the human side of Jesus and thus few expect a human side to a clergyman. He is just as human as anyone else. True divinity is true humanity. Our Lord showed us that the life of God was the ideal life of man. But the publishers did not ask me to write a sermon and I started to tell you about getting married. The finest woman that ever lived was born and raised in St. Louis. She now lives in the St. James church rectory, the wife of the dominie. She was Miss Mary Eleanor Blake. With a great deal of pride I here make immortal the fact. that her grandfather was the first graduate of Kenyon College. Our marriage took place in St. Louis, June 26, 1909. It was the hottest day in history. That is probably why our love is still so warm. You will always find the rectory a most pleasant place to visit. When you come I'll prove it. Before 1030 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. leaving this section, I must tell you that Mrs. Marsh comes from a long line of Episcopal clergy. Her father varied the line by proving to the world that a Blake could excel in business. The Blakes excel in everything,—well, so do the Marshes. I have felt my principal work to be among boys and young men. In view of this, I have started a boys' club, calling them the Knights of St. James. St. James was known as "the just" and I want these boys to be just men, full of good works. I have taken what was said about the boyhood of Jesus for outline of development. "He increased in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man." I want them to have an all-around education, such as an American gentleman should have. I want them to have a well developed physique so that their bodies may be ready for any test. I want them to grow in favor with men, by being morally clean, attractive in personality, able to handle themselves, unselfish and lovable. They must grow in favor with God by attending His worship, holding the idea of woman in purity, using the spiritual faculties of prayer and good thought. We have secured a club room to be fitted up with gymnasium apparatus, books, magazines, games, with also provision for lecturing to the boys on business, politics, etc. In the summer time we hope to take camping trips. I might say that there are one hundred boys in the Boys' Club. They have a beautiful ritual which they put on with great devoutness. They are increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. The older boys take up debating, extemporaneous and public speaking, law, business and,—well when you see presidents and governors and senators, and other history-making men in the future, you will find their names on our roll. Here is what they say the club does : "It gives us. a good time without harm ;" "it gives us exercise without bad influence" ; "it gives us inspirations to be great, and wise and skillful in good things and not in bad." Here is hoping that a Young Men's Christian Association will succeed us. The boys have been enthusiastic about the club and the good people of the town have taken hold with me by purse, hand and heart. I can conclude no better than by saying that in Wooster I have found hospitality, a considerateness and a group of friends that I doubt could be matched anywhere. JOHN P. KOEHLER. Prospects were not very encouraging to Conrad Koehler, a native of Germany, when, at the age of eighteen years, he found himself in a new world, surrounded by-people of strange customs and manners and with little WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1031 capital in his pockets and no work at hand. But he had come to America to wrest a fortune or at least a good living from her resources and he was not to be daunted ; consequently he made the best of his surroundings and soon obtained work, having come to Wayne county, Ohio. His first employment was by the year for the sum of sixty dollars ; this offer was made by a Mr. Downey, with whom he stayed for three years ; being economical, he saved enough to get a foothold in a short time. He married Katherine Allman and then moved on part of Mr. Downey's farm, renting the same for about four years ; later he rented another farm and continued to work rented land for a period of sixteen years. Having by this time laid up some money, he was enabled to purchase a farm near Dundee of one hundred and forty-seven acres and there he lived for many years and prospered. He now lives retired in his beautiful home which he built in Beech City. His wife is also living at this writing. They are the parents of ten children, namely. John P. ; Prof. C. F., manager of a business college at Winona, Minnesota; G. W., of Beech City, Ohio; George H., a lumber dealer in Bolivar, Tuscarawas county, this state ; Mary, wife of Emil Kapitzky, a bank cashier; Frank is a teacher at Canton, Ohio ; H. C. is an attorney at Alliance, this state ; James A. is a practicing physician at Shelby, Ohio; Daniel is a traveling salesman ; Clark has remained single and is living at home. John P. Koehler, of this review, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, near Canal Dover, February 1, 1854. Reared upon the home farm, he began working on the same when he became of proper age and attended school in the meantime, receiving a good common school education. He was married in 1879 to Amanda Beam, who was born September 27, 1860, and to this union the following children have been born ; Iva, March 8, 1885, wife of J. H. Evans, of Maumee, Ohio ; Leta, born August 14, 1889 ; Dorsy L., born June 16, 1882, died February 2, 1884; Derle D., born June 4, 1899. In 1893 Mr. Koehler bought a farm of ninety-six acres one-half mile east of Apple Creek in East Union township ; since that time he has greatly improved the place, built a house, which is modern and cozy, and remodeled the barn. His place is very productive and it yields a good income. Mr. Koehler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Apple Creek and a member of the official board ; he is also interested in the work of the Sunday school. In politics he is independent, exercising his own judgment in such matters, keeping well posted on current topics and he prefers to vote for the man rather than the party. Mrs. Koehler was eight years of age when she came with her parents to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1860. Her parents, Amos and Rebecca (Adams) 1032 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Beam, purchased a farm one mile east of Apple Creek. Amos Beam was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1824. Rebecca Adams was born March 21, 1835, and her death occurred February 3, 1906, having survived her husband four years, his death having occurred December 8, 1902. They were the parents of seven daughters and four sons. Those living at this writing are given as follows : Anna, wife of Eli Braden ; Elmer is living in Cleveland, this state; Alice is the wife of Cyrus Dunham, of Massillon, Ohio; William, of Rochester, Pennsylvania ; Charles, also living in Rochester, Pennsylvania ; Celia, wife of William Hobbs, of Canton, Ohio, and Amanda, wife of John P. Koehler, of this review. Amos Beam was one of the organizers of the Methodist Episcopal church in his locality, and he was one of the pillars of the same, always being a liberal supporter of the local church and a worker in its congregation. He was a good and useful man, highly honored by all who knew him. JOSEPH McCAULEY BROWN. A most exemplary citizen and an honored hero of the war of the Rebellion is Joseph M. Brown, a prominent citizen of Saltcreek township, Wayne county, Ohio. During his army career he was always found faithful to the duties imposed upon him, thus winning the confidence and regard of his comrades and superior officers, while in his business life and social relations he has ever manifested the same justice, integrity and reliability, and none know him save to wish him well. He is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Franklin county on the 17th of December, 1834. His father, John Brown, also was a native of Franklin county, born September 3, 1803, and in 1836 came to Massillon, Ohio, with his family, consisting of his wife and son, the subject of this sketch. Massillon was then the most important trading point in this section of the state, and he remained there a short time, subsequently moving to Holmes county. He was a plasterer by trade and a good workman, having been employed in that line during practically all his active years. He remained in Holmes county until 1865, when he came to Wayne county and located in Saltcreek township, where he spent his remaining years, his death occurring in his eighty-ninth year. He was a man 0f many fine qualities of character and was well liked by all 'who knew him. In Pennsylvania John Brown married Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in Franklin county, that state, in 1817, her family having originally come from WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1033 Scotland, where they belonged to the Clan Campbell, while the Brown ancestors were from Wales, where they were a prominent family, as they were also in the Keystone state. Mrs. Brown lived to the ripe age of eighty years. By her marriage with John Brown, she became the mother of ten children, briefly mentioned as follows : Joseph Mc., the subject of this sketch, who was the only one of the children born in Pennsylvania ; George A., deceased; John D., deceased ; Amy Ann died in infancy ; the next two children were twins, one of whom is dead, the other, Elizabeth, now making her home in Wooster ; Joanna is the wife of Robert Hatfield, who lives north of Wooster; Calvin S., of near Apple Creek ; William and Martha. Joseph McCauley Brown attended the early subscription schools and secured a fair education, which has been liberally supplemented during the subsequent years by much reading and close observation of men and things, so that he is a well informed man. He early learned the trade of a carpenter, which he thereafter followed during most of his active years. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he went to northwestern Missouri, where he was employed at his trade until the outbreak of the Civil war. He enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served faithfully from October J0, 1861, until May 5, 1865. He took part in a number of heavy engagements with the enemy, besides much skirmishing and marching, .and at the battle of Shiloh, he, together with the greater part of the regiment, 'was taken prisoner and was kept in confinement during the following nine months, being in the prison at Macon, Georgia. He there received very severe treatment and during a part of the time he was confined in the hospital. After being paroled, Mr. Brown rejoined his regiment and was with General Sherman on his march to the sea, and afterwards participated in the Grand Review at Washington. He saw much arduous service and was four times wounded. Enlisting as a private, his faithful services were recognized and he soon became a sergeant, subsequently attaining the rank of a first lieutenant, v, hich rank he held when he was mustered out at Washington. Immediately on the conclusion of his military service, Mr. Brown came to Saltcreek township, Wayne county, and has made his home here ever since. The greater part of the time he has been at his trade of carpenter, though for several years he has not performed any hard labor, advancing years admonishing him to husband his strength. He is the owner of some fine farming land in section 15, and is in fairly comfortable circumstances. His character and life has been such that he has merited and retained the universal regard of all who know him. He has taken an active part in local 1034 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. political affairs in the interest of the Republican party, having cast his first vote for John C. Fremont for President. He has never sought office for himself, but has been an active and influential man in the township. His religious affiliation is with the Congregational church, while his wife is an active member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Brown formerly belonged to the Fredericksburg Post, Grand Army of the Republic, but his advancing age prevented his attending the meetings and he has taken a discharge. On the 13th of November, 1866, Mr. Brown was married to Mary Jane Dunham, who was born in Saltcreek township, this county, May 21, 1840, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Dunham, who were early settlers in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown the following children have been born : Anna Alice is the wife of William Herman, of Franklin township, and they have two children; Margaret Elizabeth, now deceased, was the wife of Theodore First, by whom she had three children ; Thomas D., who is a postal mail clerk living at Mansfield, married Emma Christman; Maud died at the age of sixteen years. CHARLES M. SHANK. An agriculturist of Chippewa township' deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors is Charles M. Shank, who was born on the farm he now owns, December 1, 1864, thus being able to gratify an ambition which comes to but few of us—to spend our lives at the old home. He is the son of George and Esther A. (Adams) Shank, the former born February 13, 1837, on the same farm where Charles M., his son, now lives; Esther A. Adams was born at Easton, Ohio, July 19, 1840. Charles M. Shank's paternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth Shank, natives of Pennsylvania who came to Ohio in a very early day, making the trip in old-fashioned wagons, which required twenty-one days. They settled on a farm in Chippewa township, which a Mr. Porter had entered, and here they spent the remaining years of their lives. The maternal grandparents, Daniel and Mary Ann Adams, were natives of Pennsylvania, and they, too, came to Ohio in the pioneer days, locating near Easton, Chippewa township, where they lived a few years and then moved to Manchester, where Mr. Adams lived until his death, his widow spending her last days at Clinton with her daughters. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Shank's family has been a familiar one in this county since its early settlement, and suffice it to say that each member has borne a reputation that can not be assailed. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1035 The parents of Charles M. Shank grew to maturity in this county and married at Akron, Ohio. On the old homestead George Shank followed farming all his life, greatly improving the land by erecting two fine houses and a barn and adding two hundred and fifty-one acres to the old homestead. He was a trustee of Chippewa township for six years and he served as school director for many years. He gave his attention principally to farming, and he 'was considered one of the best in the township. In politics he was a Democrat. To George Shank and wife two children were born, Charles M., of this review, and William W. After an eminently useful and successful life, George Shank passed to his reward on March 21, 1903; his widow, a woman of many praiseworthy traits, is still living. George Shank was for many years a deacon in the Doylestown Lutheran church and he always took an active part in its affairs. Charles M. Shank was educated in the district schools and the Clint0n high school. He was reared on his father's farm, which he worked when he became of proper age, and after his father's death he continued the management of the same in a successful manner. He has devoted considerable attention to livestock and has become noted as a breeder of Durham cattle during the past ten or twelve years, also thoroughbred Shropshire sheep and Berkshire hogs, and no small part of his annual income is derived from this source, his stock always finding ready sales owing to their high grade. He has added to the original place until his farm now consists of two hundred and sixty acres of as good land as Chippewa township can boast. It is well improved and well managed. Mr. Shank was married on March 26, 1890, to Ida A. Ries, a native of Wayne county and the daughter of William and Mary Barbra (Frase) Ries, old settlers of Wayne county. This union has resulted in the birth of five children, namely : Etta A., a student of the Doylestown high school ; Cora Mae, who died in infancy; Milo Clifford ; Howard Leland and Florence Lucile. Mr. Shank is a Democrat in his political affiliations, at present ably serving his township as trustee ; in January, 1910, he had held that office for seven years and nine months. He has also been on the township school board for a period of five years, and he has held various other local offices. He and his wife are members of the Doylestown Lutheran church. They hold high rank in the social circles of this vicinity as a result of their many commendable traits of character. 1036 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. GEORGE LANDIS. It is an axiom demonstrated by human experience that industry is the keynote of prosperity. Success comes not to the man who idly waits, but to the faithful toiler whose work is characterized by sleepless vigilance and cheerful celerity, and it has been by such means that George Landis, the present popular and capable manager of the Doylestown State Bank, has forged to the front and won an honored place among the substantial citizens of Wayne county. He is widely known as a man .of high character, and for a number of years his influence has been marked and salutary. He was born at Wellington, Lorain county, Ohio, October 26, 1869, the son of George and Elizabeth (Leatherman) Landis. His paternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Landis, where natives of Pennsylvania where they lived, and they died in Ohio ; his maternal grandparents, John and Rebecca Leatherman, were also natives of Pennsylvania ; they moved to Medina county, Ohio, in a very early day and died there. George Landis, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania in 1829 and his wife, Elizabeth Leatherman, was born in Medina county, thiS state, in 1838. Eight children were born to them. Mr. Landis was a pioneer farmer and saw-mill man in his community and he did a great deal of work in both, developing his farm and cutting timber in the winter months, having been very comfortably situated on his farm when he died. It was in 1868 that he moved to Wayne county and settled in Rittman and there lived until his death in 1890, having been killed in his own saw mill. He was a stanch Mennonite and he lived a quiet and retired life, giving his exclusive attention to his personal business affairs and to his family. He was regarded by all who knew him as a man of more than ordinary attainments, although he never sought to make any outward display, being reserved. He was truly a good and useful man. He and his wife were the parents of these children, namely : John ; Mary, living in Portland, Oregon ; Frank, superintendent of the Coppen mine in Virginia ; Amanda, Elizabeth, George (of this review), Allen and Sarah. The mother of these children died in 1875. George Landis, Jr., was educated in the common schools of Rittman, graduating from the high school there in the class of 1889. He very early manifested a taste for a mercantile life, and when he had finished his education he entered the mercantile business in Rittman, remaining in the same for a period of six years. He prospered and, desiring a broader field for his operations, moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained for a period of twelve years, doing an extensive business there in the mercantile line. For WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1037 six years before his graduation he worked in a store in Rittman for a Mr. Apade, attending school in the meantime. In 1903 he went to Cleveland. Observing an excellent field for a bank at Doylestown, this county, Mr. Landis came here from Cleveland and organized the Doylestown State Bank, of which he is cashier and manager at this writing, and he has succeeded in building up the prestige of this institution along safe and sound lines, until it is widely patronized and has a reputation second to none in the county. He seems to have a natural ability for banking and performs his duties in a manner that elicits nothing but favorable comment from all concerned. Mr. Landis was married in 1893 to Laura Amstutz, the accomplished and affable daughter of Jacob Amstutz, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The Amstutz family has long been a prominent one in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Landis one child has been born, named Glen, a bright and interesting lad, now a student in the Doylestown high school. In his political relations Mr. Landis is a Republican and, although he has been solicited by his friends to take public office, he has persistently refused to do so, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his personal affairs. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Sterling Lodge, No. 173, and the Foresters, Court Levan, Cleveland, Ohio. Personally Mr. Landis is a straightforward, honest and painstaking business man, courteous and obliging, and in the social circles of this vicinity he and his wife stand high, and none are more deserving of the honor and esteem of the community. WILLIAM HENRY WRIGHT. To such men as William Henry Wright life is so real that they do not find time to plot either mischief or vice. Their lives are bound up in their duties, they feel the weight of their citizenship, and take pleasure in sowing the seeds of uprightness in order that their contemporaries and their descendants may be benefited. He was born in Medina county, Ohio, November 9, 1849, the son .of Ephraim and Katherine (Wideman) Wright. His paternal grandparents were Jacob and Betsy Wright, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They came to Ohio about 1836 or 1838, and located in Medina county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The maternal grandparents, Jacob and Catherine Wideman, were natives of Canada, the former having been a British soldier in the American Revolution, 1038 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. and early in the nineteenth century he came to the United States, locating in Medina county on a farm which he cleared and improved ; he made his own brick and built one of the largest and finest homes of that time in his county. There he lived until his death, having nearly reached his ninetieth milestone. Ephraim Wright was born in Pennsylvania in 1825, and his wife, Katherine Wideman, was born in Medina county, Ohio, in 1829. They were married in this state, Mr. Wright having come here with his parents in his youth. He was a carpenter by trade ; however, he followed it but a few years, when he purchased a farm in 1856 on which he spent the remainder of his life. He was one of the first to support the Republican party and he remained a loyal supporter of the same. He was for some time justice of the peace, also served as township trustee and in other minor offices. Both he and his wife were members of the United Brethren church. They were the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters ; those living are, W. H., of this review ; E. J., E. F., O. O., Dora M. and Charles. Ephraim Wright was known as a man of firmness and justice and always fair in his dealings with his neighbors, who looked upon him as an adviser. He died October 7, 1891, his widow surviving him until in November, 1903. William Henry Wright was educated in the common schools of Wadsworth township, Medina county, also at Doylestown under Professor Harshey. He was reared on the home farm and when he reached maturity he quite naturally took up farming for himself. Later he carried on a lumber business and finally went into the tile business, making a success of whatever he turned his attention to. On March I, 1892, he came to Wayne county and located at Rittman and began the manufacture of drain tile, a business he continued for a period of fourteen years. For the past three years he has lived retired, surrounded by plenty as the evidence of his former years of thrift and industry. He is the owner of three very valuable farms, one in Summit county and two in Wayne county. On his farm near Rittman a large dairy is conducted, about twenty-five cows being kept—Holstein cattle—and he is the only dairyman in this vicinity ; he finds a ready market for his products, most of which goes to Akron. He is a man of rare soundness of judgment and business ability. Politically, Mr. Wright is a Republican, and though often solicited by his neighbors and political leaders to accept public office, he would never do so. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Wright was married March 4, 1871, to Christa Eichelberger, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to this state in her girlhood, her parents WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1039 locating in Summit county. Her father, Gabriel Eichelberger, became well known in his community. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are the parents of eight children, named as follows : Grant Q., William E., Ada M., Maud I., Harry E. G., Raymond Arthur (deceased), Charles Nelson and Susie Lucile. No family in the county stands higher in social and business circles, the Wrights having been prominent here since the early days. HOWARD ROY McFADDEN. One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful agriculturists of Wayne county is Howard Roy McFadden. He is public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of his locality, and for a number of years he has been numbered among its most valued and honored citizens. Howard R. McFadden is a native son of Wayne county, Ohio, having first seen the light of day at Smithville, on the 11th of March, 1879. He is the son of Robert and Mary (Bucher) McFadden, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and died March II, 1907, and the latter born in Mechanicsburg, Ohio. The McFadden family is of Scottish origin and in the members of the family are to be found those characteristics which make the Scots so desirable an element in our great cosmopolitan population. The subject's father, Robert McFadden, came from Pennsylvania to Smithville, Wayne county, in 1864 and for awhile he operated rented land. Being successful in his operations, he was enabled, in March, 1884, to buy a tract of one hundred and two and a half acres in the southern part of Congress township, which he made his home until his death, in 1907. He was a supporter of the Republican party in politics and his religious belief was that of the Dunkard church. To Robert and Mary McFadden were born four children, namely : Elmer, a farmer in C0ngress township; Henry, a farmer in Chester township ; Harvey, a farmer near Lattasburg, Ohio ; Howard R., the subject of this review. Howard R. McFadden secured his education in the district school commonly known as the Fairview school, in the northern part of Congress township, and his boyhood days were spent in the labors of the farm. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority, when he went to Ashland, Ohio, and learned the trade of a gas-fitter, at which he was employed eight years. On the death of his father, he returned to the home 1040 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. farm and has since had charge of it. His mother lives with him. Mr. McFadden is an energetic and progressive man and applies twentieth century methods to his agricultural operations. He keeps the place at a high standard of excellence and his labors are rewarded with abundant harvests in season. The farm buildings are kept in good repair, up-to-date machinery is used in the operation of the place and the appearance of the premises indicates the owner to be a man of excellent taste and sound judgment. On the 26th of November, 1899, Mr. McFadden wedded Fern Hettinger, who was born in Creston, Ohio, the daughter of Hess Hettinger, now a resident of Ashland, Ohio. This union has been a most happy and congenial one and has been blessed in the birth of one child, a bay, Kenneth, born September 22, 1900. Mr. McFadden gives his support to measures for the general good and is accounted one of the progressive and practical young men of the community. OLIN LEE KEAN, M. D. The readers of this work are doubtless familiar with the name Kean, not merely because the Doctor's name has become a household word throughout this locality, but also because his ancestors played an important part in the affairs of the same for many years, establishing reputations for honor and industry and making successes of whatever line of endeavor they turned their attention to. Dr. O. L. Kean was born on the farm where he now resides in Plain township, Wayne county, in 1857, the son of D. C. and Elizabeth (Brubaker) Kean. The former was born on the same farm on which the subject lives, and his wife was born in Ashland county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents of the subject were William and Elizabeth (Case) Kean, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter born in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio. William Kean was one of the pioneer teachers in Plain township. Joseph and Sophia Kean were the parents of William Kean. The Kean family originally came from Scotland and settled in 'the New England states, later coming to Pennsylvania. In 1816 Joseph Kean brought his family from Pennsylvania to Ohio and lived one winter near where the McBride school house now stands in Wooster township. He then entered the eighty acres of land where the subject now resides. He was injured while building his log house and never did much work afterwards. William Kean cleared the place and in all accumulated two hundred acres of land, nearly all of which he cleared. Augustus Case, great-grandfather of Dr. O. L. Kean WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1041 and father of Mrs. William Kean, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The maternal grandparents of Dr. 0. L. Kean were George and Elizabeth (Birket) Brubaker, natives of Pennsylvania who came to Ohio about 1834 and settled on a farm in Ashland county where they spent the remainder of their lives. D. C. Kean, father of the Doctor, made an effort to enlist as a private in the Union army, but was rejected on account of disability. His brother, John, was a soldier in the Civil war and died during his service. Joseph Kean died in Plain township. William Kean retired in 1862 to Shreve and there died. D. C. Kean lived on the old home place nearly all his life. He was educated in the common schools and at Wesleyan College, and taught school for twenty-eight years during the winter months, following farming in the summer time. It is probable that one-third of the time he spent in teaching was in the schools of his own district, being close enough to stay at home all the time he was teaching. He later in life lived in Wooster. Politically he was a Republican and for twelve years served as justice of the peace and filled other local offices, among which was that of clerk of the township. The entire Kean and Brubaker families have been connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. D. C. Kean and wife were the parents of seven children, namely : W. F., V. E., 0. L. (subject), Gertrude, 0. J., Lura B. and Stella. All these children were sent to the University of Wooster, the entire time spent in that institution by the children totalling thirty-five years. Dr. O. L. Kean was educated in the home schools and completed the freshman year in the University of Wooster, after which he began the study of medicine in the Wooster Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated in 1881. He established an office in Creston, Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained for a period of ten years, building up an excellent patronage, much of which he retained after his removal to Wooster, in which place he also remained for a period of ten years, enjoying a still greater practice. While in the practice he branched out into dentistry, being the first man to use local anaesthetic in dental work. He patented its use and he has received the praise of the medical world for this great addition to medical science. In the year 1901 he left the profession and has since resided on the old. Kean farm where he carries on general farming, making a specialty of cattle breeding. He has been very successful both as a practicing physician and as a dentist and is now making money farming and stock raising. (66) 1042 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. The Doctor was married in 1883 to Tressa Peak, the daughter of an old and influential family, and this union has resulted in the birth of the following children : A zella Maude is a student in the high school at Wooster ; William and Benjamin. Doctor Kean is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, also the chapter and commandery. He was one of the organizers of the National Railway Surgeons' Association, established in 1887, and always took much interest in the work of the same. He was appointed surgeon for the Wheeling & Lake Erie railroad at the age of twenty-four years, which position he held with credit and eminent satisfaction for a period of seven years. The Doctor is a pleasant man to meet and at once impresses the stranger as a sincere, able and courteous gentleman, and he and his family are held in high esteem by all who know them. DANIEL WEBSTER BRENNEMAN. One of the native sons of Wayne county who has here passed his entire life figures as the subject of this brief review, and it is not irrelevant to state that he is one of the most popular and highly esteemed citizens of Rittman, where he is successfully engaged in the grocery business. As a member of an honored and well-known family we here enter record of the more salient features in his career. Mr. Brenneman is descended from good old German ancestry, his paternal grandparents, Daniel and Mary (Bender) Brenneman, having been natives of Hessian Germany. They came to America in 1825 and located in Pennsylvania, probably in Somerset county. Three years later they removed to Garrett county, Maryland, where the father cleared and improved a farm of one hundred acres, and there they lived until the father's death in 1842. The subject's maternal grandparents, Jeptha and Barbara (Zook) Plank, were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Wayne county, Ohio, in a very early day, making this their home during the remainder of their lives. The subject's Parents were Christian and Hannah (Plank) Brenneman. The father was born min Germany, June 19, 1821, and in 1825 was brought to America by his parents, who lived successively in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1844 Christian Brenneman went to Canada, where he remained about a year and then came to Wayne county, Ohio. A year later lie again went to Toronto, Canada, but in April, 1846, he once more came to Wayne county and made this his permanent home from that time on. In 1849 he bought a farm of one WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1043 hundred and twenty-eight acres, which he improved and cultivated and on this he made his home until his death, which occurred on the 19th of August, 1908. His wife was born in Pennsylvania May I, 1829, and accompanied her parents on their removal to Wayne county, where she was reared, and where, on October 5, 1848, she married Christian Brenneman. The latter was a quiet and retiring man in disposition, but was a man of fine personal -qualities and was universally respected throughout the community. In politics he was a Democrat and gave that party an ardent support, but he had no ambition for office or public preferment. He and his wife were the parents -of four children, namely : Daniel W., the subject of this sketch ; Mary, born March 1, 1855, the wife of John Klopfenstein; Lydia, born January 23, 1859, is the widow of Daniel Coonrad and lives at Wooster; Annie, born May 3, 1862, is the wife of Myron Lichenwalter. The subject's mother died on June 19, 1903. Daniel W. Brenneman was born in Greene township, Wayne county, 'Ohio, July 19, 1850. He received his education in common school No. 3, Greene township, and was reared on the paternal farmstead, being early inured to the labors of the farm. In young manhood he learned the trade of a mason, which he followed about five years, at the end of which time he returned to farming, which he followed until 1903, when he went into the meat business, running a butcher shop at Smithville. In October, 1905, Mr. Brenneman located at Rittman and opened a grocery store, in which line he has since remained and in which he is meeting with a very gratifying measure of success. He carries a large and well-selected line of groceries and all the side lines usually to be found in an up-to-date and first class grocery store and here he is receiving his full share of the public patronage. He is courteous and accommodating to his customers and he readily makes friends of all who come in contact with him. On the 29th of May, 1873, Mr. Brenneman was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Forrer, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 11, 1855, the daughter of John and Mary Forrer, early settlers in the Keystone state and of German descent. To the subject and his wife have been born eight children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows : Willard, March 5, 1874; Alice, July 19, 1877; Isa, August 17, 1883 ; Alpha, January 14, 1886; Harry, July 29, 1889; Jay, May 15, 1896; Lucile, March 1, 1899. Nora died at the age of three years, being the third in order of birth. In matters political Mr. Brenneman is .a Democrat and takes an active interest in the success of that party, though not himself a seeker after public -.office. His religious affiliation is with the German Baptist church, of which 1044 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. he and his wife are consistent members, doing what they can to further its interests. Mr. Brenneman has shown himself to be a capable, progressive and discriminating business man and has been very successful. His interest in all that concerns the progress and prosperity of his community is unabating, and those who know him best are numbered among his cherished and devoted friends, while he commands unequivocal esteem in the community at large. FRANCIS LEE RICKABAUGH. Although yet a young man, F. L. Rickabaugh, who is now the owner of the farm on which he was born in 1870 in Plain township, Wayne county, has shown what may be accomplished in the way of definite results if energy and rightly formed principles are properly directed, as his have evidently been, judging from the large success which he has achieved and the standing he has in his neighborhood as a man of industry and integrity. He is the son of John and Amanda (Willour) Rickabaugh, the former born in Plain township, the latter also a native of Wayne county. The paternal grandparents were Henry and Catherine (Wagner) Rickabaugh, the former born in Switzerland, having come to America when a boy, accompanied by his parents, the family settling in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. In an early day Henry Wagner came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Plain township, which is now owned and resided on by Daniel Lawrence. Henry Rickabaugh lived on the farm Mrs. Musser now lives on, later moving north of where F. L. Rickabaugh now lives, and spent the remainder of his life there. The maternal grandparents of the subject, Abraham and ____ (Landis) Willour, came from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, their last location having been made in Chester township. They were early settlers here and led typical pioneer lives. They were the parents of three sons, all of whom became soldiers in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion. Solomon Rickabaugh, half brother of the father of the subject, was also a soldier in the Civil war. John Rickabaugh, father of the subject, was reared on a farm and educated in the neighboring schools, taking up farming for himself early in life. Shortly after his marriage he bought the eighty acres where the subject now lives. He cleared much of the land, improved it in many ways, erecting substantial buildings and fences and here made a success of his vocation. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, one of whom died in infancy. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1045 He was a Democrat and a member of the Disciple Christ church. He took some interest in local affairs and served for two terms as treasurer of his township. F. L. Rickabaugh, of this review, was educated in the common schools of his native community, also spent a few months in the Haysville school. He then returned to the home farm, where he has since resided, having begun farming very early in life, and, having devoted his attention exclusively to the same, has made it a pronounced success. Upon the death of his father, in 1904, he purchased the home farm. He has become widely known as a breeder of Shropshire sheep, Chester White hogs and Jersey cattle, always keeping some fine specimens of livestock about his place, being a careful raiser of the same, and his stock always brings a good price on a ready market owing to their excellent quality. In February, 1905, Mr. Rickabaugh was married to Mina McMillan, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, and her parents were natives of the same county. To Mr. and Mrs. Rickabaugh two children have been born, bearing the names of Grace Elizabeth and Lela Almeda. The subject is a member of the Christian church and politically he is a supporter of the Prohibition party, doing what he can in the success of the same. DANIEL GRABER. From the vine-clad hills of sunny France to the fertile and highly cultivated fields of Ohio is a far cry, and yet in these two localities the subject of this sketch has lived. In the United States he has found the opportunities for enterprise and energy, and that he has here attained to a gratifying success in his business affairs is a fact widely recognized in the section of Wayne county in which he lives. Daniel Graber is descended from a long line of French ancestry, his paternal grandparents, Jacob and Marian Graber, having lived there all their lives. His maternal grandparents, Christian and Anna (Widmer) Conrad, also lived their entire lives in the land of the lily. His parents were Peter and Catherine (Conrad) Graber, both of whom were born in France, the former in 1821 and the latter in 1822. The father was a successful farmer by vocation, having lived for twenty-four years on one farm, and it is a further matter of record that the same property had been occupied by some member of the Graber family for more than one hundred years. All the members of 1046 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. the family clung to the religious faith of the Mennonite church and were highly respected where they lived. Peter Graber died on February 9, 1870, and soon thereafter the widowed mother and her children came to the United States, and came at once to Wayne county, Ohio, locating first in a small house situated about a mile west of the present residence of the subject. Soon afterwards she and her four sons bought a farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres in Milton township, and they engaged in the operation of this place during the following eight years. In 1880 the mother and two of the sons, including the subject of this sketch, bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres west of the former place, and they greatly improved, building thereon a full set of well-built and commodious farm buildings and otherwise making many substantial- improvements. The mother lived with the subject on this place until her death, which occurred on December 20, 1895. Daniel Graber was born in France on the 29th of March, 1854, and there received the greater part of his education, being taught to speak, read and write both French and German. After coming to the United States with his mother, he attended school about three months. He has been a close reader and a keen observer and is considered a very well informed man. He has here devoted his entire attention to the tilling of the soil and the breeding and raising of livestock, in both of which lines he has been very successful. He is an enterprising and practical farmer and has seldom had a failure in any of his crops. He carries on a general line of farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the country. In the handling of horses he has achieved a distinctive success. He handles Percheron, Belgian and trotting stock and has produced and sold some fine horses. One mare which he bred and raised he sold for three hundred and fifty dollars, and the same horse today cannot be bought for fifteen hundred dollars. Mr. Graber also does a large dairy business, shipping his milk daily to Cleveland, where he finds a good market. In December, 1888, Mr. Graber returned to his native land and there, on the 16th of April, 1889, he was united in marriage to the sweetheart of his early youth, Marie Richard, the daughter of Michael and Fannie (Kurth) Richard. Her father is still living in France at the advanced age of eighty-two years, and in the spring of 1909 the subject's eldest daughter, Katie, paid him a visit. Mrs. Graber's paternal grandparents were Michael and Madeline (Widmer) Richard, while her grandparents on the maternal side were Christian and Mary (Widmer) Kurth. To Mr. and Mrs. Graber have been born the following children : Michael (deceased), Joseph, Peter (deceased), Abel, Homer, Katie, Fannie, Martie and Mary. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1047 In politics Mr. Graber has given his support to the Democratic party and has taken a live and healthy interest in local public affairs, having rendered efficient service in the capacity of school director. As a public-spirited and progressive citizen, Mr. Graber has given his influence in the furtherance of good government, educational and religious interests and all that conserves the general welfare, while to him is accorded in his adopted county the fullest measure of esteem and confidence. MILWARD LANCE. In the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and solid career on the part of the average business man fighting the every-day battle of life, there is but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter; but for a mind fully awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the man who, without other means than a clear mind, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers fortune and gains not only the temporal rewards of his toil, but also that which is greater and higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom his years of active life have placed him in contact. The subject of this sketch is a native son of Wayne county, having been horn north of Sterling, in Milton township, on the 5th of April, 1864, and is the son of Abram and Melissa (Ross) Lance. His paternal grandparents, Henry and Betsy (Hoffstater) Lance, were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Wayne county in a very early day. They located in Milton township, northeast of Sterling and there cleared a fine farm, on which they spent their remaining days, rearing a family and otherwise doing their full part in the development of this section of the country. The maternal grandfather, Joseph Ross, was a native of the state of New York and he too was an early settler in Wayne county, having at one time owned the land where the thriving little town of Sterling now stands. There he and his wife spent their later years and died. Abram Lance, the subject's father, was born in Wayne county, in October, 1838, she who afterwards became his wife being born here two years later. They grew to manhood and womanhood in their respective homes and in due time met and married. They at once took up farming on their own account, occupying a part of the old Lance homestead. They were successful and stood high in the community, the father having taken a prominent and leading part in the Baptist church. They are now both de- 1048 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. ceased. They became the parents of seven children, all of whom are yet living. Abram Lance was three times drafted for military service during the Civil war. The first two times he sent substitutes in his stead, but the third time he went to camp himself, being soon discharged because of disability. Milward Lance received his education in the common schools of Milton township and during his vacation periods he assisted in the work of the farm. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, having early in life realized that agriculture was the great basic industry on which rested the entire national commercial structure, and he has never regretted his choice. He rented land for a number of years, but in December, 1908, he bought a farm of eighty-nine acres, lying west of Sterling, and he established his home there in the spring of the following year. He has made a number of permanent and substantial improvements on the property and has others in contemplation. He is a wide-awake and progressive man and adopts twentieth-century methods in his work when he is satisfied of their feasibility. He carries on a diversified system of farming and is meeting with a gratifying degree of success. In May, 1886, Mr. Lance was married to Emma Glessner, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, but who came with her parents to Wayne county at the age of ten years. Her parents were Alfred and Sarah Glessner, prominent and highly respected persons. Mr. and Mrs. Lance have become the parents of the following children : Flossie and Ray, who are at home, and one that died in infancy unnamed. Politically, Mr. Lance is a supporter of the Democratic party in national elections, but in local affairs he is inclined to be independent, believing that the personal fitness of the candidate is of paramount importance. He is a man of worthy parts, no one in the community enjoying a better reputation for integrity of word and deed, and when a man stands high in the estimation of the people who have known him during his entire lifetime no greater testimonial of his worth can be offered. JOSEPH JONTZ. To make a success of agriculture it is necessary to be something more than a hard worker. A farmer might labor from dawn to twilight every day in the year and yet fail to accomplish much; there must be sound judgment and discretion exercised at the same time, a knowledge of soils, grains, WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1049 livestock and, in fact, general business. The man who accomplishes much as a tiller of the soil and the manager of a landed estate these days should be accorded a place along with the men who succeed in other walks of life, for often it requires more ingenuity and courage to be a farmer than anything else that claims the attention of men in the world of affairs. A brief review of the life and career of Joseph Jontz, of Plain township, Wayne county, will suffice to show that he has achieved success as an agriculturist partly because he has worked for it and partly because he has been a good manager and a man of proper habits. He is a native of this township, where he was born in 1837, and his long and useful life has been spent in his native locality. He is the son of Joseph and Louisa (Hammer) Jontz, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Germany. The maternal grandparents of the subject were natives of Pennsylvania, in which state they lived and died, and his grandparents on the other side of the house came from Germany and settled in Wayne county, Ohio, later moving to Ross county, this state. Joseph Jontz received his education in the common schools of Wayne and Ross counties, and he began working on the farm when but a boy, having followed farming very successfully ever since. He is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and forty-five acres in Plain township. He started in life with practically nothing and he has made what he has all unaided. In 1906 he bought a lot of two and one-half acres adjoining his farm and there built a modern and comfortable home, where he now resides, surrounded by all the comforts that his age requires, having lived practically retired since that time. Ten years of his early life were spent in Indiana, and he assisted in clearing his step-father's farm of one hundred acres. Mr. Jontz was married on January 14, 1861, to Elizabeth Myers, who died January 30, 1908, after a faithful and praiseworthy life. This union resulted in the birth of the following children : Mary, who married George Desbrough, of Cleveland, Ohio ; George, who married a Miss Bowers, of Hancock county, this state Frank, who married a Miss Whitmer ; Cora, who married Joseph Newel Anna, who married a Mr. Eppward;; Almeda, who married a Mr. Boreman; Henry, who is single and makes his home with his father. Politically, Joseph Jontz is a Democrat, and while he has never taken much interest in public affairs, having always preferred to spend a quiet life on his farm, he is one of the best known men in the western part of Wayne county and is respected by all. Religiously he belongs to the Lutheran church.