WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1275 Wasson, father of Rezin B., at the time of his death in 1882. David Wasson, the third son of Joseph Wasson and father of Rezin B., was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and came here with his father in the year mentioned in the preceding paragraph. He married, on June 3, 183o, Margaret Beall, a- niece of General Beall, for whom Rezin Beall Wasson, of this review, was named. It will be remembered that General Beall was the first representative in Congress after Ohio had been admitted to the Union in 1803, from the district of which Wayne county is now a part, having served from 1813 to 1815. He was commissioned a brigadier-general in the war of 1812 ; he served as clerk of the supreme and common pleas court, and when the position of register of the land office for the Wooster land district became vacant in 1814, he resigned his seat in Congress to accept the appointment. Rezin B. Wasson spent his boyhood clays on the old home place, where he assisted with the work when he became of proper age, learning many valuable lessons that assisted him in the later battles of life and laying by an excellent store of potential energy that resulted in a strong, virile manhood, for he had plenty of hard work in connection with the clearing and developing of the farm, and he very faithfully and uncomplainingly performed well his just share of the same. When nineteen years of age his boyish imagination was fired by tales of gold in California, and, not having any capital of his own, he borrowed a small sum and bravely struck out, "like a tramp," as he later explained, toward the trackless plains of the 'arid West *beyond which lay the "sundown seas." This feat alone is enough to stamp him as one possessed of no usual amount of courage and the innate qualities that win. On March 1o, 1852, he left Wooster, making his way to Mansfield, thence by rail to Shelby, thence to Cincinnati, thence by steamboat to St. Louis, with numerous companions whom he did not know previously, all bent on reaching the Eldorado in the West; they went on to Lexington, Missouri, and other Missouri river points on the steamer "Pontiac," an old condemned vessel, which blew up in a turn of the river, killing one hundred and thirty Mormons and other passengers, including the captain and pilot, Mr. Wasson and a few other passengers escaping by reason of the fact that they had only a few moments before left the boat. He sought and 'found employment with a farmer at Independence, a village a few miles west of Lexington, where the explosion occurred, with whom he remained for a time, learning his first lessons in ox-teaming from the old planter. He then worked for a company who had a contract with the government for freighting corn, flour and other materials and provisions to one of the frontier posts, and while in the employ 1276 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. of the company Managed to get as far west as Fort Laramie, where he met a man who had collected a large drove of sheep with the object in view of driving them over the plains and across the Rockies to Salt Lake and young Wasson went with him as a driver and herder, the distance being over seventeen hundred miles and through a very wild region, overrun with savages and through which there were only dim trails in places, the way being perilous for many reasons, partly from the Indians and partly from white bandits. The trip was made without serious mishap, and in the city of the Mormons Mr. Wasson remained for a fortnight, during which time he heard President Brigham Young preach a sermon in which he admonished the "sisters" to beware of familiarity with the Gentiles. The problem that now confronted our young adventurer was how to cover the seven hundred miles that yet intervened between him and the gold fields of California. While in Salt Lake City the stockman who brought the sheep to Salt Lake decided to purchase a drove of mules and take them to California, and so young Wasson's services were again needed in assisting to take the mules across the sands and mountains, thereby enabling him to complete his long journey, and so he plodded on over the hot alkali soil, through the rugged gorges and mountain passes, pushing on like the dauntless and unfaltering man of courage until he reached Sacramento with his charge, arriving in that beautiful valley on October 15, 1852, having been six months on the long, weary journey from Wooster; But, being anxious to try his fortune in the mines, he spent no time in the semi-tropical luxuries of the Sacramento valley. His first experiences were at Dutch Bar Middle Fork on the Amazon river. He remained on the Pacific coast eight years, giving his attention very largely to mining.. He was there during the days of lawlessness, desperadoes, the Vigilantes, and when little or no protection was afforded to property or life. His career was one of peril, often romantic and filled with thrilling and desperate adventures. Mr. Wasson was at last ready to forsake the varied experiences in the Golden state and in 186o returned to Wooster by way of the Isthmus of Panama. On his return he began work for 0.. K. Griffith, digging wells, cutting cord-wood, making rails and doing general work. He sought lighter employment and was engaged as clerk in a dry goods and general store in Doylestown, where he continued for two years, when, in 1862, he pUrpurchasedfarm which he kept three years, then sold it and bought another. In 1865 he launched in the saw-mill business in western Ohio and continued in the same there and in central Michigan for a number of years, discontinuing the same in 1875, having been very successful in :this ,line. For a short time he then shipped logs and veneering wood to New York City. In 1878 he pur- WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1277 chased what is known as the Christian Stoll farm, in Wayne township, Wayne county, Ohio, five and one-half miles northwest of Wooster, where he continued to live until his death, he having retired to this place, his health having begun to fail in 1892. Mr. Wasson took considerable interest in local political affairs and he was elected treasurer of Wayne county on the Democratic ticket in 1887 and reelected in 1889, his term of office expiring in September, 1892. Rezin B. Wasson was married while in business in Doylestown to Lucetta Franks, of Chippewa township, the wedding occurring on March 26, 1861. Mrs. Wasson was the daughter of Abraham Franks, the fourth son of Henry Franks, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1798, and who came to Chippewa township, Wayne county, Ohio, with his father on May 18, 1825. He married Lydia Blocken and they became the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters. He was a man of great muscular power and endurance, full of industry and energy and for many years he Was prominent as a farmer and leading stock man, also in mercantile business generally. He brought the first sheep to Chippewa toWnship. In 1861 he retired from business and -divided his handsome estate among his children, retaining a competency for himself and living a. life of quiet ease until his death, on February 24, 1865. His wife is also dead. Although often solicited to hold some public office, he would never do so.; however, he was an active worker in the Democratic ranks. To Abraham Franks and wife a large family was born, five of whom are living at this writing, namely: Lyman, Riley, Morgan, Phoebe and Lucetta, widow of Rezin B. Wasson, of this review. To Mr., and Mrs. Rezin B. Wasson eight children were born, named in order of birth as follows : Abraham died when seven years of age. Amanda married Charles Zimmerman, of Cleveland, Ohio. Martha Belle is living at home. John always lived at home on the farm, and he married Elizabeth G____ , who has borne him four children : Grace, Josiah Allen, George Beall and Albert. Richard Wasson is at Barton, Ohio ; he married Josephine Hill and they are the parents of three children, Hill R., Dwight M. and Harold: Thomas Wasson, who is a practicing physician at Ellenburg, Washington, was educated in Kansas City, Missouri, Los Angeles and Sacramento, California, and also took other courses, and has become a very successful general practitioner ; he married Flora E. Germain, of Walla Walla, Washington. Kate Wasson is still a member of the home circle. Louis F. is single and is practicing dentistry at Tacoma, Washington. 1278 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Mrs. Wasson is a woman of gracious personality and has hosts of friends in this vicinity ; she is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Wooster, where her two daughters also hold membership. Rezin B. Wasson's varied and interesting career wa.s a most successful one. It combined energy, persistency, honesty and generosity, and as a public official he was sincere, competent and trustworthy. Both as a farmer and business man he was diligent, self-reliant and independent, and as a citizen he aimed to discharge his duties as they appeared to him, honestly and in a spirit of candor and fairness. He was always ready to assist when he saw that aid was needed and he certainly deserved the high esteem in which he was held by everyone. JOHN A. YODER. Although John A. Yoder, a progressive agriculturist of Wayne township, Wayne county, has spent most of his life in his home locality, is perhaps not especially conversant with conditions prevailing in other portions of the country, he is a man who could have succeeded either in his home country or any other, for a study of his life record reveals the possession of those qualities that make for success in any environment, and he is now one of the substantial citizens of a community which holds high rank in the list of foremost counties in the Union. He is a native of Greene township, Wayne county, where he first saw the light of day May 19, 1861, the son of Samuel and Catherine (Naftzinger) Yoder, the former a native of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, and the latter was born in Germany. For a full history of the subject's ancestry the reader is directed to the sketch of M. P. Yoder, appearing elsewhere in this volume, and owing to its completeness there, it is deemed unnecessary to repeat it here. Suffice it to say that they were people of the highest integrity and were prominent in their neighborhood. John A. Yoder received only a common school education in his native community, having worked on the home farm during the major part of the year until he reached maturity. He began doing little chores about the place when he was a very small lad, remaining under the parental rooftree until he was twenty-one years of age. He then turned his attention to the West and went to Johnson county, Missouri, while yet a single man. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Neuhauser in the month of January, 1885. She was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the daughter of C. B. and Catherine (Stoltzfus) Neuhauser, both natives of. Lancaster county, WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1279 Pennsylvania, who later went to Knox county, Tennessee, where they still reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Yoder three children have been born, namely : Crissie, Nellie and Roy. After the year 1885 Mr. Yoder lived in Johnson county, Missouri, where he became the owner of an excellent piece of land, consisting of eighty acres of prairie ground, on which he resided for a period of eleven years, prospering by reason of his good management. But his old home in Wayne county, Ohio, still had its allurements and he was never wholly satisfied away from it, so in 1896 he came back to his native community and purchased thirty acres of land where he now lives in Wayne township, known as the Joseph Blocker place. It was badly run down when Mr. Yoder took possession of it, but he has made many valuable improvements and is making a comfortable living on the same. He is a man who takes no special interest in public affairs, never- aspiring for office, merely voting the Republican ticket on election days. He and his wife are members of the Amish Mennonite church at Oak Grove, Greene township. JAMES BEDELL PUTNAM. To attain a worthy citizenship by a life. that is always honored and respected, even from childhood, deserves more than mere mention. It is no easy task to resist the many temptations of youth and early manhood and plant a character in the minds and hearts of associates that will remain an unstained figure for all time. One may take his place in public life through some vigorous stroke of public policy, and even remain in the hearts of friends and neighbors, but to take the same position by dint of the practice of an upright life and without a craving for exaltation merely for selfish ends, whose chief desires seem to be to serve others and lead a life of usefulness and honor, is worthy of the highest praise and commendation. Such a man is James Pedell Putnam, well-known business man of Wooster, who is duly respected by all classes, not especially because of the vigorous training of his special talents, but because of his daily life, each day being one that is above criticism, viewed in the light of public-spirited citizenship and true American manhood. He is a native of Wooster, where he was born on October 8, 1858, the second child of Samuel and Anna (Wilson) Putnam, and Wayne county has always had such attractions for him that he has continued to make his home here- and labor in the county's best interests. His father, an honest, 1280 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. hard-working and highly respected man, was a pioneer shoemaker here, who made a very comfortable living for his family, being a skilled workman, haying taken up his residence in Wooster in 185o, and he was called from his earthly labors on February 9, 1864, survived until March 14, 1872, by his widow, a woman of excellent traits. James B. Putnam received a common school education, studied hard and made the most of his advantages. Following in the footsteps of his father in the leather working trade, he served an apprenticeship of five years at "collar-making," then for the same length of time he worked for the Standard Coach Pad Company, being regarded by the same as one of their most adroit and trusted employes. Since then he has represented a number of large firms, handling household necessities, etc., and he has built an extensive business, giving each firm entire satisfaction. Mr. Putnam has always taken considerable interest in the affairs of the Democratic party, never missing an opportunity to aid the local cause in whatever way possible, and for some time his counsel has been sought by party leaders who have recognized his influence. He was elected clerk of Wooster township in 1896, and according to statements of Many of his constituents, the township never had a better official. Mr. Putnam is a man of patriotic impulses, ready at any time to defend his country in time of peace or war, and he served very faithfully as a member of Company D, Eighth Regiment Ohio National Guard. On December 28, 1887, Mr. Putnam was married to Minnie Mowery, the representative of a well-established and highly respected family of Chester township, the daughter of David and Susan Mowery, and this union has resulted in the birth of one child, Wayne Wooster Putnam, a bright lad, born April 22, 1890. SAMUEL GEORGE GILL. The county of Wayne numbers among its citizens many skillful physicians, lawyers of state repute, well-known manufacturers and business men of more than local reputation; while proud of them, she is not lacking in others who have achieved distinction in callings requiring intellectual abilities of a high order. Among the latter, Samuel G. Gill, who is now engaged in the insurance, real estate and stock and bond business at Wooster, but who formerly for many years was one of this county's most successful pedagogues, deserves a conspicuous place. No one is more entitled to the thoughtful consideration WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1281 of a free and enlightened people than he who Shapes and directs the minds of the young, adds to the value of their intellectual treasures and to a large degree 'moulds their characters. This is pre-eminently. the .mission of the faithful and conscientious teacher and to such noble work was the life of the subject for many years devoted. Samuel G. Gill was born September 19, 1850, in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, and is a son of George and Anna (Miller) Gill. George Gill was also a native of this state, born in 1819, and followed farming during his active years., He was descended from sturdy Scotch-Irish stock, the family name having originally been McGill. The father's death occurred July 27, 1861, on the old homestead in Plain township, where he had lived for nearly twenty years. The subject's paternal grandfather, Isaac Gill, was a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio and settled near Reedsburg, Wayne county, where he lived until his death,. which occurred when he was about eighty-seven years old. Anna Miller was born April 22, 182i, near Harnsburg, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and is still living, making her home with her daughter, at Reedsburg. By her union with George Gill, she became the mother of the following children : Isaac died in infancy ; Jacob M., of Jeromesville, Ashland county, Ohio ; William W., of. Plain township, this county; Sarah- Jane, who is the widow of Ralston Brown, now makes her home with the subject of this sketch; Samuel G. is the next in order of birth; Martha is the wife of John A. Stottler, a merchant at Reedsburg; David M:, who is a clerk in the employ of William Annant, at Wooster. Samuel G. Gill was reared under the parental roof and secured his preliminary education in the common schools of his home township, supplementing this mental training by attendance at a select school at Reedsburg, Wayne county, taught by an educator from Boston. At the early age of sixteen years, Mr. Gill began teaching school, a profession he followed with distinctive success through many years. His first school was in Greene county, Indiana, where he closed a summer .term and then taught a full winter term. He was then engaged to teach the school at Blachleyville, this county, and so satisfactory were his services that altogether he taught nineteen terms at that place, there being two intervals during this period. He also taught twelve terms at Reedsburg, ten terms in his home district (Union Institute, Plain township), fourteen terms at Yankeetown, twelve terms in Wooster at Valley College, and four terms at School No. 8 in Wayne township. He then assisted Professor Dickison during a summer term at the Wooster University. This makes a total of seventy-three terms of school which Mr. Gill taught, a record which is believed to be, beyond a doubt; without an equal in this. county, and (81) 1282 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. probably not excelled in the state of Ohio. Fifty-six terms of school were taught by him in his home township. During 1866-67 Mr. Gill also served as clerk of Plain township. He is now engaged in the insurance, real estate, bond and stock business in the city of Wooster and is enjoying a large and satisfactory business. He is the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres in Plain township, on which are three sets of farm buildings and other valuable improvements. With his son and another man, Mr. Gill owns a large elevator at Richwood; Ohio. He is also a director in the Buckeye Clay and Coal Co:, of New Salisbury, this state, which concern possesses some splendid prospects. The company owns two thousand acres of land, touching the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad for three miles, and underlying this land there have been developed seven veins of coal and three of clay. Of the coal, one vein, which is now being mined, is four and a half feet thick, and there is a fifteen-foot vein of drift coal. Of the clay, one vein is nineteen feet thick, one thirteen and two of eight foot thickness; all said to be the finest sewer-pipe clay in the United States. The stockholders in the company feel sanguine they have a paying proposition in this property and it has been so pronounced by competent judges of the value of such properties. On February 17, 1876, Mr. Gill was married to Clara C. Sidel, the daughter of John Sidel, who during his active years was a successful stock man and large land owner, his home being at Blachleyville, this county, owning over eleven hundred acres of land. Mr. Sidel died on January II, 1887; Mrs. Sidel died June 28, 1889. They are buried at Blachleyville cemetery. They had six children, four boys and two girls ; the oldest son died at the age of sixty years. To the subject and his wife have been born the following children : Ellis Boyd, born November 17, 1878, who is a traveling man, and Ray Russell, born August 23, 1882, who is interested with his father in the elevator at Richwood, this state, and is managing the business. In matters political Mr. Gill gives an enthusiastic support to the Prohibition party, believing that the temperance question is the great paramount issue before the American people today and that nothing can overshadow it until the great question is forever settled in this country. He is active in his support of the party and attends all the state and national conventions, Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Gill are devoted members of the Christian church, as are their two sons, and to this society they give a generous support. They live in an elegant home at No. 15o North Buckeye street. Mr. Gill gives his endorsement to all moral, educational, social or material interests which he believes will benefit the community, and as a man of sterling worth he justly merits the high regard in which he is held. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1283 GEORGE F. FORRER. A very large proportion of the citizens of Wayne county either came direct from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, or their forbears originated there, and almost without exception they have proved to be among the progressive, law-abiding and high-minded residents here, the old stock back in that particular section of the Keystore state having been of the best. A noteworthy example of this class is George F. Forrer, a successful farmer of Baughman township, whose birth occurred in Lancaster county on January 24, 185o, the son of Henry K. and Charlotte A. (Kendig) Forrer, the former born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, the son of Martin Forrer, who emigrated to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he spent the remainder of his life, an old pioneer there. Henry K. Forrer also remained in that county until the death of his father, soon after which event he removed to Orrville, Wayne county, Ohio, in April, 1855. He devoted his life to farming, spending his last days in Baughman township. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry K. Forrer ten children were born, namely : Martin, Eliza, Christian, Henry H., Catherine, George F., Charlotte, Mary, Susanna and Amos. Five of this number are living in 1909. George F. was the sixth in order of birth and he was five years of age when his parents brought him to Baughman township, where, when of proper age, he assisted with the work on the home farm during the summer months, attending the district schools during winter until he was sixteen years of age, after which he gave his attention exclusively to farming, remaining on the home place until his father quit farming. After farming one year for himself he took charge of the old homestead, which he rented for twenty-three years. Prospering all this time, he was enabled to buy a good farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres in section 20, Baughman township, later selling a part of it to his brother, Henry H. The subject has greatly improved the place since he took possession, remodeling the dwelling and in many Ways bringing it up to the standard of modern farmsteads, his home being one of the most attractive in the township, being surrounded by beautiful trees,—in fact, he has a very valuable grove in his fields. He always keeps some good stock and makes a very comfortable living by diversified farming and stock raising. Mr. Forrer was married in 1875 to Elvina Martin, who was born in Baughman township, this county, December 25, 1853, the daughter of Samuel Martin, a well-known citizen here. Mrs. Forrer received a good education in the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Forrer are the parents of four children, namely : Nancy V., Ida M., Charlotte A. and Leroy L. 1284 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. Forrer and family are members of the Mennonite church, of which Rev. Ira J. Buckwalter is bishop. Politically, Mr. Forrer is one of the stanch Republicans of Baughman township. He has served his community as school director, and in any way he can always assists in the development of his home community. FORBES ALCOCK. To a great extent the prosperity of our great country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterizes the natives of "bonnie Scotland," many thousands of whom have entered into our population 'and have become our most desirable citizens. By comparison with their "old country" surroundings, these people have readily recognized the .fact that in America lie the greatest opportunities for the man of ambition and energy. And because of this many have broken the ties of home and native land and have entered earnestly upon the task of gaining in the new world a home and competence. Among this class may be mentioned Forbes Alcock, the well-known granite manufacturer and monument designer, of Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, who; by reason of years of indefatigable labor and honest effort, has not only acquired a well-merited material prosperity, but also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he has associated. As may be inferred from the foregoing words, the blood of the sturdy Scotch race courses through the veins of Mr. Alcock, he having been born near the noted city of Aberdeen, Scotland, in the year 1851. He is the son of Benjamin and Margaret (Clark) Alcock, both of whom were reared in Scotland, and there passed the evening of their lives upon the old homestead. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, assisting in the multifarious duties incident to such a life in summer and receiving his mental training in the district schools during the winter months. At the age of fifteen years he was bound out to learn the trade of granite cutting, serving four years as an apprentice and thoroughly acquainting himself with the details of the business in all departments. Upon completing his apprenticeship; he continued to work for six months for his employer, and then 'determined to try his fortune in America. He set sail in the spring of 1872; and landed at Boston harbor. Immediately he began seeking for employment and soon succeeded in securing a position in the government service on Dick's Island, cutting stone for the New York postoffice building. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1285 He remained there until the following autumn, when he went to Richmond, Virginia, and was there employed in cutting stone for the state, war and navy department building, that immense structure which was then being erected at Washington, D. C., and which is now conceded to be one of the finest buildings of its kind in the world. Later Mr. Alcock engaged in cutting stone for the Philadelphia postoffice, all the work being done in Richmond. From the latter city Mr. Alcock went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and embarked in the monumental business, purchasing an interest in a farm, which, however, he soon disposed of. In the spring of 188o he came to Wooster, Ohio, and opened a shop. He began the manufacture of granite monuments and, being a skilled workman and possessing rare ability as a designer, he soon established a large and lucrative business in Wayne and adjoining counties. As an evidence of his ability and the standing he had attained, he was commissioned by Jacob Frick, then president of the Wayne County National Bank, to design and erect a soldiers' monument in the public square of Wooster.. This work was all done by Mr. Alcock, and the result is one of the finest pieces of monumental architecture in Ohio. The design is of artistic conception and consists of a shaft, upon the summit of which stands a soldier at "rest arms." It is of superior workmanship and has been admired and favorably commented on by thousands who have viewed it. This monument is an example of the liberality of Jacob Frick, who caused it to be erected at a. cost of several thousand dollars. For a number of years Mr. Alcock has been considered the leading monument manufacturer in this section of the state and he has turned out many of the finest granite memorials to be found this and neighboring counties. He is accommodating and painstaking and never fails to satisfy the most exacting desires in the line of artistic and tasteful monuments. For ten years Mr. Alcock was a member of the Ohio National Guard, in which he held the rank of second lieutenant, but he resigned his commission in 1891. He was, however, prevailed upon to take a company to the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893 to compete for prizes, and succeeded in winning second prize for his company and a first award for himself as being the best-drilled commanding officer. In 1901, at the Ohio State Fair at Columbus, Mr. Alcock took first prize as the beSt commanding officer of all the organizations there. At that time he was captain of Wright Canton, No. 77, Patriarchs Militant (Odd Fellows), and this body was in competition with the best-drilled companies of the National Guard and many fraternal organizations. This same company, under Captain Alcock, in 1901 also won five hundred dollars in prizes at Indianapolis, and every prize during the year at all the state encampments in Ohio. 1286 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. In his earlier years Mr. Alcock took an active interest in athletic sports and has over five hundred prizes, with a great number of medals, to show for the victories he has won. He excelled in running, jumping and hammer throwing. At the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876 he represented the Caledonia Athletic Club of Richmond, Virginia, and won six prizes. At Washington City, two days later, he took ten prizes, and he also made the remarkable record of winning first prize in nine different events two years in succession. Mr. Alcock is also an expert rifle shot and possesses many medals as evidence of his marksmanship. In 1873 Mr. Alcock was united in marriage to Anna Hill, of Richmond, Virginia, though a native of England. This union has been blessed in the birth of the following children : Benjamin, of Wooster ; George, who is associated with his father in the monument business at Wooster; Bechtel is an unusually fine tenor singer now studying in New York City, and at the present time singing in the Fifth Avenue Baptist church of that city; Ella W. is at home ; Forbes, Jr., is a professional ball player and is now with the Chattanooga club of the South Atlantic League ; Harrison, born in 1888, is also a professional ball player in the Cotton States League. Socially, Mr. Alcock is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, having received the degree of a Master Mason in Ebenezer Lodge, of Wooster, was made a Royal Arch Mason in Wooster Chapter and a Knight Templar in Wooster Commandery, in which he has held several important offices. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of this city, in which he has risen to the rank of a Patriarch Militant. In politics he is an ardent and enthusiastic Republican and has served as president of the board of trustees of the city water works. Viewed in a personal light, Mr. Alcock is a strong man. His business interests have claimed much of his attention, yet he has ever found time to faithfully discharge the duties of citizenship and promote public progress through active co-operation in all measures for the general good. He has made many warm personal friends and all who know him respect him for his sterling worth. EZRA R. SPENCER, M. D. The practice of medicine entails perhaps more trying situations than that of any other profession, and those who succeed in this line are deserving of the highest credit, for they must not only be - well versed in the science, but WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1287 must possess personal qualities that win the confidence and respect of the public. A case in question is that of Dr. Ezra R. Spencer, one of the best known and most successful physicians of a locality noted for the high order of its medical talent, for his reputation has extended far beyond the bounds of. Chippewa township, Wayne county. He was born in Port Lyden, Lewis county, New York, May 13, 1838, the son of Ezra R. and Phoebe (Russell) Spencer. His paternal grandparents, Abram and Temperance (Butler) Spencer, were both natives of Connecticut, but they emigrated to the state of New York very early and spent the remainder of their lives there. Ezra Spencer was born in New York in 1802, in which state his first wife, Philona Tyler, was born one child, a daughter, was. born by that union. His second wife, Phoebe Russell, was also born there ; she died when the subject was three years of age, and Ezra R. Spencer again married, taking as his third life companion Julia Russell, a sister of his second wife. One, child was born of the first union, and three resulted from the second ; the latter are living at this writing. To the third marriage one child was born, a son, DeLos. Ezra R. Spencer was a farmer and millwright and made a success of each. He was a faithful member and a worker in the Congregational church. His death occurred in August, 1883. Dr. Ezra R. Spencer was educated in the Academy of Lowville, New York, and at the University of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, graduating in the class of 1870, after making a splendid record for scholarship. He soon afterwards came to Wayne county, Ohio, and located at Doylestown, where he has been very successfully engaged in the practice ever since, his name having long ago become a household word to the people of Chippewa and adjoining townships, he being the oldest practicing physician in this vicinity. He has always been regarded as a man who was profoundly versed in the science of medicine, always having unusual success with his patients, but he possesses the many characteritics. which make the professional man popular, such as integrity, courtesy, kindness and a due regard for the rights and welfare of others. The Doctor was married in 1871 to Emma Russell, a native of Clinton, Summit county, Ohio, and the daughter of Alexander and Mary Russell, old settlers there and highly respected people. No children have been born to the Doctor and wife. Politically, Doctor Spencer is a Republican, and he has held several local offices, always taking proper interest in whatever tends to promote the welfare of his county, whether politically or otherwise. Fraternally, he is a 1288 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Knight Templar Mason at Akron, Ohio, and he ;belongs to the Wayne County, the Ohio and the American Medical Associations, taking an active part in the various bodies. The Spencer home in Doylestown is attractively located and a place where the many friends of the Doctor and his estimable wife find genuine hospitality. WESLEY J. WINKLER. The most elaborate history is necessarily .a merciless abridgment, the historian being compelled to select his facts and materials from manifold details. In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of incident, and yet in. summing up the career of any man the writer must needs touch only the more salient points, giving the keynote of the character but eliminating all that is superfluous. Within the pages of this work will be found mention of many prominent and influential citizens whose lives have been practically passed in Wayne county and who are representatives of sturdy pioneer families who settled in this section of Ohio many years ago. Among this class is the subject of this sketch, who occupies today. a prominent place in the business circles of Orrville. W. J. Winkler first saw the light of day about three miles west of Orrville on the 13th of February, 1857, and is a son of J. W. Winkler. The latter also was a native of Wayne county, having been born and reared at Paradise. He followed the pursuit of farming during his active years, and his death occurred in 1900 at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a prominent man in his community and had given efficient service as trustee. He married Elizabeth Johnson, who was born and reared about five miles west of Orrville, and who is now living in the town of Orrville, at the age of eighty-two years. By this union she became the Mother of eight children, who are briefly mentioned as follows :. Minerva E. died in Kansas; J. C. lives in Orrville; William F. lives about five miles north of Orrville; L. C., who was a successful teacher and a prominent citizen of Wayne county, is deceased; W. J., the subject of this sketch, is the next in the order of birth; Sarah is the wife of Henry Deneka, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Emma lives in Orrville; Walter E. lives at Buda, Illinois. W. J. Winkler remained under the parental roof during his youth and received a good common. school education. . He followed the pursuit of farming until he was twenty-six years old, when, in 1883, he went to Orr- WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1289 ville and engaged in the buying and selling of horses. His enterprise met with success almost from the start and he carried it on alone until 1900, when a stock company was organized under the name of the Winkler Horse Company, for the purpose .of enlarging the scope of operations. Of this company Mr. Winkler was elected president and has continued to direct the management of its affairs. The company has done a tremendous amount of business since its inception, some idea of which may be gained from the statement that in 1906 they deposited in the Orrville Bank the sum of four hundred and ninety-seven thousand dollars, and the business has since grown to a far greater figure. The business consists in buying, feeding, shipping and ,handling horses, many of which are sold to farmers throughout this section of the state. From fifteen hundred to twenty-five hundred horses are handled annually, and consists principally of feeding horses, which are developed into the perfect type of draft horses and sold to farmers in this vicinity. In 1893 Mr. Winkler inaugurated monthly auction sales, selling consigned horses, and this department of the business has increased to such an extent that now they have weekly auction sales. They are equipped to handle any number of horses which may be consigned to them, their barn having a capacity for accommodating one hundred and fifty head. They maintain their own veterinary surgeon and hospital, so that any stock placed in their charge receives the best of care and attention. They handle much high-grade stock, many fresh western horses passing through their hands. Mr. Winkler himself is a good judge of equine flesh and often makes purchases of good horses for others who prefer to trust to his judgment. Mr. Winkler takes a commendable interest in local affairs, and has served as a member of the Orrville town council. He is a Democrat, but does not take a. very active part in political matters. On. the 27th. of September, 1888, Mr. Winkler was united in marriage to Emma Kradill, the daughter of Christian Kradill, of Lewisville, Stark county, Ohio, .she having been born and reared on a farm near there. To this union five children have been born, as follows : Edith May, Frederick N., .Beulah E., Nellie E. and Robert J., the last-named dying at the age of four years. Mr. Winkler gives practically his entire time to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable and well-deserved success. All that he has is the reward of his own labor, and his life record proves what a potent element is diligence in the active 'affairs of life. 1290 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. JOSIAH F. ROYER. Many precious rights and customs of our rural ancestry are gone or stealing from us, due primarily to the changes always resulting from the march of civilization, but we all delight to think of the days of the "first settler" and the "good old times" of the pioneer, when our ancestors began life in the wilderness, contending with all manner of obstacles, but conquering all. A descendant from such historic stock is Josiah F. Royer, of Greene township, Wayne county. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, August 6, 1855, the son of Gabriel and Anna (Conrad) Royer. Gabriel Royer was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 13, 1828, a son of Jacob Royer. In the spring of 1849 the former came to Stark county, Ohio, and in March, 1860, he came on to Wayne county and located on the farm where Josiah F. Royer, of this sketch, now resides, and here he lived until his death in 1896. His wife, Anna Conrad, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1828, and her death occurred on January 21, 1891. They grew to maturity in Lancaster county and were married there on September 11, 1838. They owned sixty acres of land in Stark county, Ohio, and one hundred and sixty-eight acres in Wayne county. Gabriel Royer was a very successful farmer. He belonged to the German Baptist church. He and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, namely : Lusianna, William, Urias C., Catherine, Levi, Adam, Lydia, Daniel, Nathaniel, Josiah, Mermassas, Enos and Anna. Josiah F. Royer was five years of age when his parents brought him to Wayne county and he has been a continuous resident here ever since, being now one of the substantial citizens of Greene township. He worked on the home farm and attended the district schools until he was twenty-one years of age in district No. 1, this township. He prepared himself for a teacher, but did not follow that profession, preferring to lead the freer life of the husbandman. Mr. Royer was married on December 19, 1885, to Anna B. Seigley, a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born July 3o, 1862. She is a sister of J. M. Seigley. After his marriage, Mr. Royer located on the old homestead and managed the place successfully for a period of six years, then moved to Milton township, where he lived for one year, then moved to the farm, where he now resides, in 1893. He owns eighty-four acres in section 2, Greene township, and he has a well-kept farm and a good home, and he raises some excellent stock from year to year. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1291 To Mr. and Mrs. Royer seven children have been born, namely : Della M., October 5, 1886; John A., December 23, 1887; Alpha. B., September 29, 189o; Alice L., July 19, 1893; Harry O., November 26, 1895; Clarence N., February 26, 1901; Arthur J., January 22, 1903. Mrs. Josiah. F. Royer was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1862, the daughter of John B. Seigley. In 1867 she came with her parents to Wayne county, Ohio, and located in Greene township. She was educated in the Smithville schools, and her parents made their home in this township the remainder of their lives. Politically, Mr. Royer is a Democrat he has served his township as assessor and he is now a member of the school board, having held this office for a period of nineteen years. He takes a great interest in the affairs of Greene township. DAVIS DEMPSEY WOODWARD. It is always a great 'comfort and gratification to descendants to be able to affirm that their parents, and. in fact, all their ancestors, were people of exemplary habits and always lived respectable and honorable lives. On the contrary, what a sensation it must be to a man of excellent traits to contemplate the career of an. immediate ancestry of low and mean lnstincts and dishonorable practices. In examining the lineage of David Dempsey Woodward, of Chester township, Wayne county, the biographer finds that they were men and women of the highest standards of honor, many of their excellent traits descending to the present generation of those who bear this name. Of these; Davis D. Woodward is one of the best-known, having been born September 20, 1849, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, the son of Davis and Mary (Boyd) Woodward. His maternal grandparents were Robert and Rebecca Boyd, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch descent. Robert .Boyd was a farmer and a prominent man in the affairs of his county, having been associate judge of Fayette county ; his death occurred in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents of the subject 'were Caleb and Phoebe Woodward, natives of Fayette .county, though of English descent, and they spent their lives in the Keystone state. The original Woodwards in this country first located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The .father of the subject was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1810, and Mary Boyd, his wife, was born there in 1815. They married in their native community. Mr. Woodward spent hiS life farming and he became very well-to-do, being well known 1292 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. throughout the county where he lived. He and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity, eight of them now living. The father of these children was an extensive horse and stock dealer. In connection with farming he always did a large business buying and selling horses. His death occurred in 1881 and that of his wife in 1888. Davis Dempsey Woodward was educated in the common schools of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and reared on the home farm. He began farming early in life on a part of his father's estate, continuing thus for twenty-eight or twenty-nine years. In 1902 he moved to Wayne county, Ohio, and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty-eight acres in Chester township, which was already improved and on which he has carried on general farming and stock raising, being still actively engaged in these lines. Mr. Dempsey was married on February 22, 1872, to Eliza Leighty, a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Stephen and Eliza Leighty, an old Pennsylvania family. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodward eleven children have been born, namely : Mary (deceased), Stephen L., David, Lydia Melvina, Phoebe, Leslie, Eastman, Jesse (deceased), Guy, Eliza and Samuel. In politics Mr. Woodward is a Democrat and his wife is a member of the German Reformed church. DAVID BOWMAN. In examining into the life records of most of the citizens of Wayne county, Ohio, the biographer finds that over two-thirds of the families living here today are descendants of Pennsylvania stock, and, without invidious comparison, it may be added that no more progressive and honorable citizenship has ever been produced by any section of this great union of states. In this number David Bowman must be included, for his birth occurred in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1841, but most of his life has been spent in Wayne county, Ohio. He is the son of David and Mary (Gelbricks) Bowman, both natives of the Keystone state, where they lived and died, David Bowman having devoted his life to blacksmithing. He was a member of the Reformed church and his wife was a Lutheran, while politically, Mr. Bowman was a Republican. They were the parents of fourteen children, five of whom are living at this writing. David Bowman was educated in the common schools and reared on the farm, where he learned those lessons of fortitude and self-reliance that have WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1293 stood him so well in hand during his later life. In 1866 he came to Wayne county, Ohio; and located at Lattasburg, working here and at West Salem and getting. a good start. In about 1879 he bought a farm of about sixty acres near Lattasburg, which he still owns and on which he has erected attractive and substantial buildings and in many ways improved the place. He has been very successful in his farming operations, and at present he lives practically retired, enjoying the fruits of his former years of labor. Mr. Bowman was married in May, 1867, to Elizabeth Martin, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and the daughter of Christopher and Nancy (Worst) Martin, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Wayne county, Ohio. Mr. Martin came here when eighteen years of age. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. David Bowman were Henry and Barbara Worst, natives of the state of Pennsylvania and very early settlers in Wayne county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents of the subject's wife were Daniel and Elizabeth (Brakefield) Martin, also very early settlers here. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowman six children have been born, namely : Ida H., Edwin D., Ellen C., Alice L., Carrie and James C., the last named being deceased. Mrs. Bowman's death occurred on March 6, 1910. An interesting and important chapter in the life of Mr. Bowman is that bearing on his military career, for when the dark clouds of rebellion hovered over the land he left all and offered his services in behalf of his country, enlisting in the 'One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and he made a valiant soldier in many campaigns, taking part in many of the important and bloodiest battles of the war, including the Wilderness, Atlanta, Chickamauga, Richmond and Petersburg. In politics Mr. Bowman is a Republican and he belongs to the Dunkard church. WILLIAM PIPER. William Piper Was born October 22, 1827, near Steubenville, Jefferson county, Ohio, the son of John and Mary (Weishaupt) Piper. His paternal grandfather was John Piper, a soldier of the Revolutionary war for seven years, having taken part in the famous battle of Brandywine. He was a native Of Philadelphia and died in Juniata county, Pennsylvania. William Piper's maternal grandfather was of German descent, commonly called Pennsylvania Dutch. All of the family, on both sides of the house, were born in that state. The father of the subject was born November -6, 1786, and died February 18, 1294 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. 1883. His wife was born February 12, 1790, and died in October, 1870. The father of William Piper learned the weaver's trade and in 1821 he came to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he lived until 1829. It was in 1806 that he and several companions made a trip to this country, which was then native forest and the home of the red men. They stopped at Pittsburg and floated .down the Ohio, stopping with the famous Blennerhassett on the little island in the Ohio river, then returned to Pennsylvania, in which state John Piper lived and followed his trade. He was married there and on coming to Jefferson county, Ohio, he took up farming and in 1828 bought at auction in Chester township a farm of eighty acres. The following year he moved his family here and he lived on the place until his death, adding in due time much additional land to his original eighty. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To Mr. and Mrs. John Piper eleven children were born, namely : Catherine, May 1, 1811 ; Jacob, October 8, 1815 ; John, February 12, 1818 ; Valentine, February 22, 1822 ; Nancy, February 15, 1824 ; David, December 4, 1825; William, October 22, 1827 ; Henry, January r6, 1829 ; George, May 11, 1831; two daughters. died when young, one when five and the other when seven years of age. Jacob Piper was a soldier in the war of 1812. The father of William Piper enlisted and was being held in reserve when the war closed. William Piper was educated in the common schools, or more properly, subscription schools, and he was reared On the home farm, which he worked, assisting to clear it, living .in a log cabin during his youth, like the sons of most pioneers of these early times. He began farming for himself soon after his marriage and in 1853, in partnership with David Thomas, he purchased eighty acres in Chester township, which was partially improved. This was retained until 1856, when it was traded for a stock of goods in Reedsburg. There Mr. Piper managed his store until 1861, when, owing to the advanced age of his parents, he bought the home farm from the heirs, and he in turn has sold it to his son, retaining forty-seven acres. He was very successful as a farmer and stock raiser for many years, but for the past fifteen years he has lived retired in New Pittsburg. William Piper was married on April 21, 1853, to Elizabeth Thomas, a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and the daughter of John Thomas, a preacher and farmer, who came here from Pennsylvania in 1824. He was killed by a threshing machine many years ago ; his wife is also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. William Piper five children were born, namely : The first two died in infancy ; Mary T., born August 29, 1856, is the wife of Peter Firestone; WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1295 Harvey L., born March 14, 1860; Ida Florence; born December 3, 1865, is the wife of William Fair, of Wooster. Politically; Mr. Piper is a Republican, and for nine years he was justice of the peace. He served his first term in 1862, lasting one year, and although he was urged to make the race for re-election, he refused to do so. In 1866 he was elected for one term, also in 1869. He once made the race for county auditor, running one hundred votes ahead of his ticket. Both he and his Wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The former belongs to Ebenezer Lodge, No. 33, Free and Accepted Masons, at Wooster ; he holds a limit since he is too old to attend. He has long been prominent in the affairs of this part of the county and all who know him are pleased to honor him as their friend. DAVID HOHENSHIL. Among the enterprising citizens of Chester township who have sought to promote the interests of his fellow citizens while advancing his own interests, David Hohenshil should be mentioned. He was born on the farm he now owns, June 16, 1850, the son of Peter and Susanna (France) Hohenshil. His paternal. grandparents, Conrad and Barbara (Painter) Hohenshil, were natives .of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania., and in .1820 they moved to Wayne county, Ohio, when this locality was for the most part wild; and in 1824 they leased from the government the farm where David now lives, and six years later they purchased the place, consisting of eighty acres, which they cleared and farmed and on which they spent the remainder of their lives. The maternal grandparents of David Hohenshil were also natives of Pennsylvania and were early settlers in Wayne county, Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were all hard working, honest people of the true pioneer stamp. Peter Hohenshil, father of David, was born in 1823 on Clear creek, this county, and when six months old was brought to this farm, where he spent the remainder of his life, always engaged in farming and he made a comfortable living for himself and family. He was active in the affairs of the United Brethren church, his father having been the founder of that church in this community and for many years held the services in his own home. Peter Hohenshil was a very religious man, giving much of his time to the affairs of the church. His. death occurred on January 30, 1892, and that of his wife on August 13,- 1881. They were the parents of but one child, David, of this review. 1296 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. David Hohenshil was educated in the common schools of Chester township, and during the summer months he worked on the home farm. He and his father bought the place, and the son inherited it at his father's death. In 1880 the son erected a fine dwelling, and in 1905 an excellent new "bank" barn. He has made a success of general 'farming, but merely manages his place at present, his son doing most of the work. It is generally conceded that the residence and barns are among the most modern in Wayne county, reflecting considerable credit on the owner. Mr. Hohenshil was married on December 26, 1871, to Mary Ellen Funallman, a native of this county, and the daughter of Samuel and Regna (Emrick) Funallman, old settlers here, and this union has resulted in the birth of five children, namely : Bertha Mae, A. A., Edith Floy (living at home) ; Erin Clare, who died in infancy ; Guy Ray, who is married and living at home. A. A. .Hohenshil is married and on December 7, 1909, became the father of a boy, Carl. This family has done remarkably well since grandfather Hohenshil first came here. for he had nothing but what he could carry on his back. He went to work in the dense forest, cleared out a small place for his cabin and in time had a good farm. He was a shoemaker by trade, which he worked at during the evenings, clearing his farm during the clay. From such a hardy descendant has come the present generation of this name, who in every respect seem worthy of their sterling progenitor. Politically, David Hohenshil is nominally a Democrat ; however, he has of late turned his attention to the Prohibition workers. He has been a member of the United Brethren church since 1866; his wife is ago a member of this denomination. HON. FRANCIS MARION VANOVER. A prominent business man and progressive citizen of Wooster and a leading representative of Wayne county is Francis Marion Vanover, for he is always to be found associated with every movement which seems to promise an addition to the general welfare of this community, its wealth, resources and enterprise. He is always on the alert and always ready when called upon to serve his fellow men, thereby meriting the high esteem in which he is held by all classes. He was born in Congress township, Wayne county, Ohio, February 27, 1858, the son of David Vanover, a native of the same community, and who, at the age of seventy-two (1909), is still living in Con- WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1297 press township, having retired to his farm, after a successful and active life as a carpenter and builder. He has long taken a great deal of interest in local political affairs and he served as trustee and school director of Congress township. William Vanover, grandfather of the subject, was born in Holland, having come to America in an early day and settled in Pennsylvania, later, while still a young man, emigrating to Ohio. The maiden name of the mother of the subject was Margaret Ellen Crawford, who was born in Congress township and who died about ten years ago. The Crawford family dekended from Revolutionary stock, all physically large, and the several members reared numerous children. To Mr. and Mrs. David Vanover twelve children were born, three of Whom died in infancy. William, who moved to Kansas, married in that state and died there; his wife is also deceased. David Austin died in young manhood. Those living besides the subject are Jacob E. V., of Creston, Ohio; Charles Sherman, living near Burbank, Ohio; Julia is single and living at home with her father; Effie Jane .is the wife of George Hagan, living at Barberton, Ohio, where Mr. Hagan is employed as machinist; Myrtle is the. wife of James Mermill, of Canal Dover, who also is a machinist; Dora is the wife of Mr. Ebberly, living at East Palestine, Ohio. Francis M. Vanover was born on the parental farm, where he lived until he was nineteen years of age, assisting with the work about the place and developing a strong, virile manhood. He then began working with his father at the carpenter's trade, later obtaining employment on the railroad as a bridge carpenter, working on .both wooden and iron bridges. He received a fairly good education in the common schools, for he always applied himself very studiously to his text books. He also spent one year in the Wooster high school and one year at the academy at Burbank. After one and one-half years in railroad bridge work, he returned home and settled down on-the farm which he purchased in Congress township, and for ten years he carried on agricultural pursuits in a very successful manner. Leaving the farm, he moved to Lodi, Ohio, and engaged in buying. and shipping hay, straw and potatoes, living there for a period of four years ; then he bought. property in Wooster, moving soon afterwards, and began in the same line of business he had so successfully conducted at Lodi. He has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative business here which is constantly increasing under his judicious management and close application to his affairs. He has two large storage barns, one in Wooster, the other in Cedar Valley. Mr. Vanover's .domestic. life began in 1883 when he formed a matrimonial alliance with Malinda J., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Sum- (82) 1298 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. mers, of Canaan township, Wayne county, where Mrs. Vanover and her parents were born. Six children have been born to the subject and wife, as follows : Vida M., widow of Charles Kester, is living at home, and she is secretary of the Gerstenslager Buggy Company ; Jennie is a teacher in the Yocums-Bixler Business College in Wooster ; Gertrude is a long-distance operator for the telephone company at Wooster ; Harry is a graduate of the local high school; Jesse is a high school student at this writing and will graduate with the class this year; Elmer is in school. For many years Mr. Vanover has taken considerable interest in political matters and, being public spirited and evincing those qualities that stamp him as a leader of men, he was soon singled out by his fellow citizens for offices of public trust, and, useless to add, he has never betrayed the confidence thus reposed in him, making a very faithful and conservative representative of the people and performing his duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself. He was first elected to office in Congress township as school director and became chairman of the township board of education, which built several school houses. He was elected councilman from the fourth ward of Wooster ; during. his incumbency he was chairman of the street department, one of the most important committees. A criterion of his excellent standing among his fellow men is found in the fact that he has never sought office, but it seems that many positions of public trust have sought him, and he has always been elected when he has consented to run for office. In 1905 his Democratic friends selected him as their candidate for state senator before the voters' primary, and he carried thirteen out of the sixteen townships and was triumphantly elected at the general election. During his term in the Senate he was a member of several large and important committees, including the finance committee, and he always made his influence felt in that important body, being an able representative of his constituents, and his voice was often heard championing the people's rights in an able and conscientious manner. He served as senator up to 1909. He was a member of every committee appointed to purchase state property ; however, he never solicited a single place. He was a member of the committee that inspected the city of Cleveland. He enjoyed the confidence of his colleagues to a remarkable degree. Judging from his eminently worthy record of the past and the fact that he is only in the prime of life, the future for him will evidently be replete with honor and greater success than he has yet achieved. The Senator is especially interested in the welfare of the farmers, and during his career in the Senate he had the support of every farm paper in the state. He de- WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 1299 dined the support for lieutenant-governor in 1908 when it was repeatedly offered to him. Senator Vanover is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled every chair in the local lodge; he belongs to the Kilbuck Encampment and is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mrs. Vanover belongs to the German Reformed church, which the Senator attends and liberally supports. GEORGE PFEIFFER. No man who has lived in Chester township, Wayne county, in recent years left behind him a more honorable record than the late George Pfeiffer, who was a man Whom everybody liked owing to his genuine kindness, generosity and unswerving honesty. He was a good neighbor, husband and father and left his family well provided for. As his name implies, he was an American by adoption only, having been born in Germany, January 29, 1839, the son of Philip and Mary Pfeiffer. In a very early day the family-came to America and located in Cedar Valley, Wayne county, Ohio, and there the parents lived the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living at this writing. Philip Pfeiffer became an extensive landowner and an influential citizen here. His son, Philip, now lives on the place, and, like his father, is a good manager and is doing. well. The elder Pfeiffer was a pronounced Democrat in- his political views,. but he never aspired for public office, preferring to devote his time exclusively to his individual affairs. George Pfeiffer was educated in the common schools of Chester township, having been a mere boy when his parents brought him here. He was reared on the home farm, which he assisted in developing during the time he was not in school, and he accordingly took up farming and first worked for wages by the month. About 188o he bought a farm of one hundred and, twelve acres in Chester 'township, having prospered from, the first and saved his money, so that he became well fixed in reference to this world's affairs. On this place he erected a large and substantial barn in 1881, and the follow ing year built a fine residence, which is still the home of his widow. He engaged in the various lines of farming and stock. raising and was regarded, as one of the leading farmers of the township. Politically he was a Democrat, but not a partisan, having taken little interest in local matters, though he as always ready to do his share of the work in promoting the interest of his