560-42 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. tion in this work, along with other worthy citizens of Wayne county. whose lives have been directed along proper channels. James B. Taylor was born August 24, 1840, at Fredericksburg, Ohio, and his useful life has been spent within the borders of his native county of Wayne, for the most part, for he believed that greater opportunities existed for him right here at home rather than in some remote locality, and, judging from the eminent success he has achieved and the good lie has done the people of this community, he was wise in coming to such a conclusion. He is the son of James and Elisabeth (Curtis) Taylor, both natives of Virginia, each representing a fine old Southern family, the mother being of original Quaker stock. James B. Taylor was the youngest member of a family of nine children, and his boyhood was spent in the quiet, sequestered village of his birth, in much the same manner as other youths of his station in life and environments. He started to the common schools early and made rapid progress, for at the age of sixteen he was a teacher in the public schools. It being necessary for him to map out his career and "work out his own salvation" practically unaided, he taught during the winter months and attended school through the summer and made general preparation for a higher life work. For a time the intervals between his teaching periods were profitably employed as a student at the Fredericksburg Academy ; later he entered the junior class at Westminster College, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated in June, 1861, having made a splendid record there. In the ensuing autumn he did a very commendable work by organizing and opening Smithville Academy, in the superintendency and control of which he remained for one year, when, notwithstanding the flattering outlook for the institution, Mr. Taylor decided to cast his lot with the Federal troops, the rebellion then being in full blast. He surrendered the control of the academy to Prof. John B. Eberly, who for many years conducted it with remarkable success, the foundation having been securely and broadly laid by Mr. Taylor. He entered the service as second lieutenant, August 15, 1862, in the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, having proved to be a most capable and gallant soldier, he was promoted to first lieutenant, February 18, 1863, later, on March 23d, following, to captain of Company H, and by reason of the consolidation of this regiment with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he was mustered out November 27, 1864. The first regiment he was in bore a meritorious and conspicuous part in the campaign of the Mississippi river and its tributaries, and Captain Taylor shared in its vicissitudes and conflicts. In the swamps of Chickasaw Bayou, at Arkansas Post, WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 560-43 at Thompson's Hill, under Grant at the siege of Vicksburg, at Big Black river, at Jackson, under Banks on the Red river, he bravely led his command, and with an army of invincible soldiers he united with them in the triumphant victories of long and arduous campaigns. Returning to civil life, Captain Taylor took up the study of medicine in the spring of 1865, in Fredericksburg, with Doctor Martin, and toward the close of that year went to the University of Michigan as a student of medicine, but soon thereafter abandoned the same, believing that the law' held greater opportunities for one of his tastes. He made rapid strides in this department and was graduated in the spring of 1867 in the law department of the University of Michigan. He returned to Wayne county and opened an office at Orrville, where he soon had a satisfactory practice which has continued to grow until he has long since been rated among the leading members of the Wayne .county bar. Believing that the city of Wooster held greater advantages for himself and family, he moved here in April, 1882, formed a law partnership with ex-Probate Judge Isaac Johnson in 1888, which continued until the tragic death of the latter. Captain Taylor has prospered by reason of his close application to business, and he had one of the most attractive homes in the city, located amid beautiful surroundings on North Market street, modern, of attractive architecture, located in the midst of fine lawns, through which wind inviting walks, overarched by splendid trees and shrubbery. On Christmas eve of 1906, a year after the death of his wife, he transferred his beautiful home to a city hospital, and it yet continues as a hospital, and ought to be a monument to his generosity and the thoughtfulness of his wife, who in health had planned for just such a use of the property. Captain Taylor's wife was Emilie Emmett, the daughter of John and Eliza Emmett, and whose grandfather laid out the town of Emmettsburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to their marriage Mrs. Taylor was the principal of the schools at Fredericksburg, Ohio. To them were born six children, three of whom survive, Harry E. Taylor, manager of a manufacturing establishment at Orrville. Rob C. Taylor, a law partner, and Josephine, now the wife of Rev. Fred J. Slagle, who are spending a year in Scotland. Captain Taylor is a member of the Presbyterian. church at Wooster, a Mason, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Royal Arcanum. The Captain is a practitioner of an earnest, cultivated, enlightened and inquiring mind. His leisure hours are employed among his books and legal authorities. He permits no shrinkage in his hours of study and work, for he believes in labor, that there is true dignity in it, and he is well versed in all 560-44 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. the intricate recesses of the law, and in the court room he is at once genteel, alert, keen, discriminating, analytical, logical and often eloquent, never failing to deeply impress his jury. He is a vigorous as well as an independent thinker and he always has the courage of his convictions. He is essentially cosmopolitan in his ideas, a man of the people in all the term implies and in the best sense of the word a representative type of that strong American manhood, which commands and retains respect by reason of inherent merit, sound sense and correct conduct. He has so impressed his individuality upon his community as to win the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, who regard his career as eminently honorable and useful in all its phases, for it has been a strenuous one and of a character to benefit others, and, measured by the accepted standards of excellence, his life has been fraught with great good to those with whom he has come into contact. THOMAS KIRBY DAVIS, D. D. This venerable and highly esteemed exponent of the life of the lowly Nazarene has led a life that is worthy of commendation and emulation by the youth standing at the parting of the ways, for it has been one of unselfish service and of unswerving rectitude, self-sacrifice and devotion to the higher duty. Thomas Kirby Davis was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1826. He prepared for college at the Chambersburg Academy, entered Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1845; studied theology at Princeton Seminary, and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister by the presbytery of Carlisle in 1850. His pastoral charges in his early ministry included Bedford, Schellsburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania ; Mansfield, and Hayesville, Ohio. At the latter place he was also professor of languages in the Vermilion Institute. He was stated supply of the First Presbyterian church of San Francisco, California, of the First Presbyterian church of Los Angeles, California, and also of the First church at Stockton, that state ; also of many other churches during the years he has been residing in Wooster. He was a member and secretary of the board of trustees of Vermilion Institute. At the first meeting of the board of trustees of the University of Wooster, held in December, 1866, Doctor Davis was appointed one of a committee of three whose duty it was to go over the state of Ohio and ascertain if the Presbyterian churches of the state were ready to endow a Presbyterian college. Doctor Davis accordingly resigned his charge WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 560-45 at Mansfield and began to work for the University of Wooster on the first of January, 1867. After laboring very successfully for nearly a year, he resigned to accept a call to Hayesville and Vermilion Institute. In the year 1871 Mr. Davis was called to Wooster as financial secretary and he has lived here, working for the university ever since. He was a member of the board of trustees of this institution from 1876 to 1899 and secretary of the board from 1876 to 1908. He was made librarian of the university in 1877 and has held that position to the present time (1910). He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1880 by Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and by Parsons College, at Fairfield, Iowa. Doctor Davis was married on August 14, 1851, to Mary H. Proctor, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She was born in that city, the daughter of an elder in the Presbyterian church. Her mother's maiden name was Mary Officer, of an old and well-known family of Carlisle. After a long and beautiful life of Christian service, Mrs. Davis was called to her rest on March 28, 1908. To this union the following children were born : William Stewart, connected with the Standard Publishing Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Miriam M., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who holds an important position in the reference department of the public library there; Janet M. is the wife of Dr. James Wallace, who for twenty years was president of Macalester College at St. Paul; he was then on leave of absence three years as professor of New Testament Greek in Doctor White's Bible School, New York City. He then returned to Macalester College and has charge of the Bible department. John Proctor is a Presbyterian minister, at present pastor of a church at Austin, Minnesota ; Elizabeth R. is at home with her father ; Alice S. has a responsible position in the Ohio state library at Columbus. These children have all been well educated and the wholesome home environment in which they were reared is clearly reflected in their daily lives. Doctor Davis has given his heart and the greater part of his life and service to the founding and building up of an institution of learning that would be so broad and comprehensive in its scope as to include the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ as the most vitally important and necessary part of its curriculum and influence. He has accomplished much toward ameliorating the condition of his fellow men, often laboring with disregard for his own welfare if thereby he might attain the object he sought—to make some one better and happier. Such a life is an incentive to the youth whose fortunes and records are matters for the future to determine, for his life has been singularly free from all that is deteriorating or paltry, his influence 560-46 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. at all times uplifting, and thousands of people have been made better for having known him; however, he has never sought public praise or the plaudits of men, preferring to reap the rewards of a clear conscience and the approval of the Heavenly Father. CHARLES R. SELL. Among the citizens of Canaan township, Wayne county, Ohio, who have . built up a comfortable home and surrounded themselves with a valuable landed estate and personal property, few have achieved a higher degree of success in the same length of time and under such circumstances as Charles R. Sell, for he has been diligent and prospered in the face of all obstacles and at the same time has retained the excellent reputation of his forbears. He was born in Canaan township, this county, on the old Sell homestead, March 9, 1863, the son of Jacob and Ellen (Reed) Sell, the latter the daughter of George Reed, who came to Stark county from Pennsylvania in the pioneer days and devoted his life to farming. A detailed review of Mr. Sell's father and paternal ancestors will be found on another page of this work under the caption of W. Frank Sell. Charles R. Sell was educated in the district schools of his native community, alternating schooling with farm work,—in fact, he lived on the home place until he married, when he moved to a farm of sixty-one acres which his father gave him. His wedding occurred in August, 1885, and his life companion was Emma Fetzer, daughter of Peter and Sarah Fetzer, pioneers of Wayne county. Jacob, the father of Peter Fetzer, was the oldest member of the Fetzer family that came to Wayne county. He took up timbered land here which he cleared and on which he made a good home, becoming prosperous for those days. After getting a good start on his first place, Mr. Sell moved to a farm of eighty-two acres; the Fetzer homestead, where he has since resided. He has added to his original purchase, his farm now consisting of one hundred and forty-three acres. It is well improved and the soil has been so skillfully managed that it has retained its original fertility. He has a beautifully located and commodious home and substantial outbuildings. He has always followed general farming in a manner that shows him to be a man of good judgment and persistent methods. Much of his regular income is derived from successful stock raising. He always has various kinds of good livestock, being an especially good judge of cattle. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 560-47 To Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Sell the following children have been born : Mrs. Otto Tschantz ; Grace Louella ; Sadie, deceased; Ida, Dessa and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Sell and their family are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically, Mr. Sell votes the Republican ticket, and while he does not take any special interest in local political affairs, his support may always be depended upon in all worthy movements for the benefit of Wayne county, whether political, educational, material or civic. DAVID BLOUGH. One of the substantial and worthy agriculturists of the vicinity of Sterling, Wayne county, is David Blough, where he has long maintained his home, his fine farm representing much hard labor, but he has ever been known to be a man of energy and determination in business affairs. Indolence and idleness are entirely foreign to his nature and his continued activity in the management and development of his property has made him one of the valuable citizens of this locality. Mr. Blough was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1826, the son of David and Mary Blough, who came to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1836. David Blough, Sr., bought the farm on which the subject of this sketch now resides. The place was formerly owned by a Mr. Steiner. This farm contains one hundred and sixty acres which the members of this family have tilled in such a manner as to get the best results possible and have kept the soil in a very fertile condition. When the father purchased this place only a small part of it had been cleared and on it stood a few log buildings, but with the assistance of his sons he cleared and improved the place and established a good home. His family consisted of five children, David, Joseph, Henry, Moses and Jacob. Of this number, David and Joseph are the only ones living. Joseph, Moses and Jacob were drafted into the Union army (luring the Civil war, but they hired substitutes. The grandfather of the subject was also named David Blough. He was born in Coblitz, Germany, from which country he came to America in an early day. He was the father of twenty-one sons; whether there were any daughters in his family is not known. The grandparents of the subject on both sides of the house lived and died in Pennsylvania. David Blough, of this review, was married on April 11, 1854, to Lydia Curts. He made his home on his present farm since he was ten years of age. 560-48 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. He carried on general farming in a very successful manner during his active life and for several years he has lived retired on the old farm, enjoying the fruits of his former years of well directed .labor. He is a member of the Amish Mennonite church, and is a Democrat in politics, and has been township supervisor. The following children have been born to the subject and wife : Sarah, wife of the late Jacob Burkey; John, who died in 1875 ; Cassie, now Mrs. John Burkey ; Samuel, Noah, Eli and Neri D. Neri D. Blough was educated in the home schools and grew to maturity on the home farm on which he has lived all his life. He has had charge of the active farming for a number of years and he has proven to be a very able and industrious agriculturist. He was married in 1895 to Katherine Krupp, and this union has resulted in the birth of the following children : Della, Henry, Nola, Edna, John, Carrie, Wilma, Eva, Fern. Neri D. Blough, like his honored father, is highly respected in this neighborhood. He is a member of the Amish Mennonite church, and politically he is a Democrat. WESLEY HENRY ZAUGG. The gentleman whose name forms the caption to this article, who was for several years the efficient and accommodating assistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Wooster, and who recently entered upon his duties as treasurer of Wayne county, to which office he was elected, is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character. At all times a true and loyal citizen, faithful to the best interests of his community, he has always commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem, standing high in the regard of his business associates and in the respect of the general public. His influence has ever been wielded in the promotion of the higher interests of the community, and all worthy agencies have enlisted his earnest support. A native son of the Buckeye state, Wesley H. Zaugg was born in Sugarcreek township, Wayne county, on June 26, 1867. He is the son of Samuel and Cecile (Calame) Zaugg, both of whom are natives of the little republic of Switzerland, though they were married in Wayne county. Samuel Zaugg came to the United States when twenty-one years old, and, coming at once to Wayne county, he located on a farm in Saltcreek township which he purchased and on which he lived for thirty-five years, removing to Mt. Eaton about a year ago, on the death of his wife. They were the parents of the WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 561 following children : Clara married a Mr. Simpson and lives in Chicago, Illinois ; Fred S. lives in Omaha, Nebraska, is a successful minister at Omaha, built the First Reformed church in that city and is now engaged in the erection of the Second church of the same denomination ; John A., who is engaged in the. furniture and undertaking business at Apple Creek, Ohio ; Ida, who made her home with her brother Fred at Omaha, married W. Vecht and lives on a farm near Canal Fulton, Stark county, Ohio; Florence is the wife of a Mr. Michel, of Cleveland, Ohio ; Elmer H. is a teacher in Japan, being at present located at Sendai ; Pearl is a stenographer at Wooster University ; Zena is the wife of Dr. C. N. Clark, coroner of Wayne county, and residing at Mount Eaton ; Wesley, the subject of this sketch. The subject's paternal grandparents were Jacob and Anna (Stettler) Zaugg, who came from their native Switzerland to America in 1853 and located in Saltcreek township, this county, where they purchased a small farm. Here they lived until their respective deaths, the husband dying in about 1879 and his widow about ten years later. They were persons of many estimable qualities and were highly regarded in their community. Wesley H. Zaugg was reared on the home farm and secured his education in the common schools of the township and in the Normal School at Ada,. this state. He early became inured to the labors of the farm and directed his attention in that direction until coming to Wooster. During the meanwhile he was also successfully engaged in .teaching school, taking charge of his first school at the age of seventeen years. During the following thirteen years he continued to teach in Sugarcreek, Saltcreek and Paint townships. In 1896 Mr. Zaugg went to Europe in the interest of several persons who were heirs to estates there, and during the following year Mr. Zaugg was busily engaged in settling these affairs, some of the settlements being very hotly contested. Mr. Zaugg's connection with the affairs in question was eminently satisfactory to the interested parties here. In 1900 Mr. Zaugg was appointed deputy probate judge of Wayne county, serving in this capacity over a year. In 1901 he became teller in the Wayne County National Bank, remaining there five years. In December, 1906, he accepted a position as assistant cashier in the Citizens Bank, and continued to occupy this position until taking the office of county treasurer, which he is now filling. He is otherwise interested in financial institutions, being president of the Farmers and Merchants' Bank of Smithville, Ohio, and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers' Banking Company, at Sterling, Ohio. He is a director of the Wooster Machine Company and secretary-treasurer of the (36) 562 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Valley River Coal Company, of Grafton, West Virginia. In 1897 Mr. Zaugg commenced the study of law with Judge H. B. Swartz, of Wooster, and would undoubtedly have made ,a good lawyer, as he has natural talents which would have qualified him especially for this profession, but circumstances altered his plans and he was led into the banking business instead. He has exhibited business qualities of the highest order and has an enviable standing among those who are familiar with his work in the various positions in which he has been placed. The taxpayers of Wayne countY made no mistake in selecting him as the custodian of the public moneys and he will undoubtedly give to the office of county treasurer the same careful and faithful attention which has characterized him in other relations. On March 27, 1900, Mr. Zaugg took unto himself a helpmeet in the person of Lena Tschantz, daughter of Christian Tschantz, a wholesale cheese dealer at Alliance, Ohio. She was born near Mount Eaton, Wayne county, and her family was living at Kidron, this county, when Mr. Zaugg was teaching school there. Here began the acquaintance, which ripened into a warmer affection and culminated in marriage. The union has been blessed with two children, Miriam Grace, born July 30, 1902, and Mary Cecile, born April 18, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Zaugg are members of the Reformed church at Wooster, of which Mr. Zaugg has served as deacon for eight years and superintendent of the Sabbath school for six years. He belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias andkhe Fraternal Order of Eagles. He possesses a genial disposition and has won a host of warm personal friends, who admire him because of his sterling worth. He is an accomplished and fluent speaker in four languages, Swiss, German, French and English. WILLIAM HOWARD ROSS. The Ross family have been well known and influential in public and private life in both Wayne and Holmes counties since the early days, one of the most progressive of the younger generation being William Howard Ross, who was born in Ripley township, Holmes county,- Ohio, September 18, 1879. His paternal ancestors came to the United States from Ireland and located in Pennsylvania, from which state his grandfather, John Ross, emigrated to Wayne county, Ohio, and here he was married to Sarah Tracy. William F. Ross, father of the subject, was born in 1843. He received an excellent WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 563 education and entered upon a teacher's career, which he continued throughout his subsequent life, becoming known as one of the leading educators of the county, his teaching being confined exclusively to Holmes and Wayne counties. His death occurred on June 1. 1893. The maternal ancestors of William H. Ross emigrated to America from England and settled in Loudoun county, Virginia, from which place the subject's grandfather, James Swart, came to Wayne county, Ohio, settling in Franklin township, and there he was married to Rosanna Ha fhill, and it was there that the mother of William H. Ross was born in 1837, her maiden name being Catherine M. Swart. James Swart was a farmer, a justice of the peace, and one of the associate judges of the district court. He was a prominent man in his community. The Swart family later moved to a farm in Ripley township, Holmes county, Ohio, where James Swart served as a justice of the peace during many terms. Catherine M. Swart was engaged in teaching district schools in Wayne county until her marriage, in 1866, to William F. Ross. After their marriage they resided in Franklin township, this county, for several years and later moved to Ripley township, Holmes county. To Mr. and Mrs. William F. Ross four children were born, namely : Julia Blanche, a school teacher; a son died in infancy ; Henry E., now a well-to-do farmer in Clinton township, Wayne county, this state ; William Howard, subject of this sketch. The father of these children was called to close his earthly account in 1893, leaving Catherine M., his widow, who still resides on the old home place in Ripley township, Holmes county, and the two sons, Henry E. and W. Howard, the youngest, who was then but thirteen years of age. Although but a mere boy, the subject of this sketch engaged in growing berries for market when he was but thirteen years of age, attending the district schools at Bigelow during the winter months, and when nineteen years of age he commenced teaching, having applied himself very assiduously to his text-books and receiving a good education. His first school was that in his home district and he continued to teach for four years. Desiring a higher training than he had received in the common schools, he entered the Ada Normal, Ohio, and later studied at the Valparaiso Normal College, Valparaiso, Indiana. Deciding that the law held greater attractions for him than the school room, he took a course in the Valparaiso Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1901, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He made a splendid record in that institution and was honored by his class by being elected its president. Being then without money and realizing the financial difficulties that confront a young lawyer, he again taught school 564 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. for two years, then engaged in the grocery business at Shreve, Ohio, with W. L. Porter, the firm being known as Porter & Ross, in which business he remained for three years, during which time he attended the bar examination and was admitted to practice law in Ohio. Mr. Ross was married in August, 1902, to Mabel Grace Garrett, one of the six daughters of Alfred A. Garrett, of Shreve, Ohio. She, like her husband, was a school teacher, having received a liberal education at Ada, Ohio, and at the University of Wooster. One winsome daughter, Myrtle Evelyn, has graced this union. When Mr. Ross gave up the grocery business he opened a real estate and law office in Shreve, Ohio, and, by hard work and close attention to business, has succeeded in building up quite a lucrative patronage, soon becoming an active member of the Wayne county bar. The death of Hon. Martin L. Smyser and the election of Judge William E. Weygandt, both occurring in 1908, took from the firm of Smyser, Weygandt & Weiser two of its members, and on January I, 1909, Mr. Ross became the junior member of the firm of Weiser & Ross, which firm succeeded the firm of Smyser, Weygandt & Weiser, and they are now enjoying an extensive law practice in Wayne and adjoining counties, having one of the largest and best law libraries in Ohio. Mr. Ross is an active Democrat, always found in the front ranks working for the success of his party. He and Mrs. Ross are both members of the Methodist church and take an active interest in the welfare of their neighbors and the general public. When asked to what he attributed his success in life, Mr. Ross replied : "Whatever measure of success I may have attained, I owe to the youthful impressions I received from a kind and godly father, to a sainted mother and faithful wife." CHARLES A. WEISER. Individual enterprise, which is so justly the boast of the American people, is strikingly exhibited in the career of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch. While transmitting to posterity the record of such a life, it is with the hope of instilling into the minds of those who come after, the important lesson that honor and station are sure rewards of individual exertion. That the career of such a person, besides being treasured WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 565 in the hearts of relatives and friends, should have its public record also, is peculiarly proper, because a knowledge of men whose substantial fame rests upon their attainments and character must exert a wholesome influence upon the rising generation. The life of Mr. Weiser has indeed been a busy and successful one and the record he has made at the local bar is worthy of the attention of the youth who would learn the intrinsic essence of individuality and its influence in molding public opinion and giving character and stability to the community. Charles A. Weiser was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, July 23,. 1861. His father was of German ancestry. He worked many years as a miner ; he married Angelina Knauss, her family having been among the early emigrants to America from Germany. All along the line of the ancestry of Mr. Weiser on both sides of the house we find men and women of sterling character, plain, industrious and honest people. Several of his maternal ancestors took an active part in the American war of the Revolution. The first of the Weiser family in America were John and Paul, who emigrated to this country some time in the seventeenth century. Each vas the father of twelve children and they were pioneer supporters of the Moravian church. Charles E. Weiser was reared and educated in his native state ; however, he attended the Ada Normal Institute after locating in this state. Coming to Ohio in 1879, he located in Greene township, Wayne county, later moving to Baughman township, where he continued to reside on a farm which he successfully cultivated until 1899, when he moved to Wooster. In his boyhood days he found employment in and around the mines, where his father was engaged driving coal wagons and indulging in the diverse and various experiences of the monotonous and precarious mining life. After he came to Ohio, he worked upon a farm, his efforts, energies and industry being rewarded by a satisfactory measure of success. He at once took an active interest in the welfare of his township and soon came to be recognized as one of Baughman's most representative citizens. He was especially interested in the progress of Baughman township, advocating all enterprises that would advance the prosperity of his fellow citizens, always taking a very pronounced interest in political campaigns and, being a loyal Democrat and in good standing with that political organization, he was singled out by party leaders for important public trusts, having been chosen as candidate for the Ohio Legislature and was elected in 1889 to the sixty-ninth General Assembly of the state, and so faithfully did he perform the duties falling to him by virtue of this exalted office that he was re-elected in 1893, making a most satisfac- 566 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. tory record a second term. He was well qualified for the position of legislator for he was well informed on the leading political and economic questions of the day. He served also in Baughman township as a member of the board of education for many years, during which time the cause of education in that part of the county Was greatly augmented. Turning his attention to the law, Mr. Weiser began reading law in the office of W. E. Weygandt, then prosecuting attorney of Wayne county, and, making rapid progress in the same, he was admitted to the bar in June, 1898. Not long afterwards he removed to Wooster and 'opened an office, since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, having been very successful from the first. He formed a partnership with Mr. Weygandt and the combination proved to be a very strong one. In December, 1905, he formed a partnership with Judge M. K. Smyser, the firm name being Smyser, Weygandt & Weiser, which continued until the death of Judge Smyser. In the year 1882 Mr. Weiser married Malinda Shafer, daughter of John and Margareth (Sickman) Shafer, one of the early pioneers of Baughman township, Wayne county, who followed farming. To the subject and his wife six children were born : John, Forest, Clyde, Bessie, Glen and Perry. John, the oldest son, is teaching at Concord, Ohio. Forest is salesman in a large establishment in Cleveland. Clyde is a salesman in the shoe department of the Pocock Shoe Company, Cleveland, Ohio. The other children are at home. Fraternally, Mr. Weiser is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Knights of Pythias. Religiously, he belongs to the English Reformed church of Wooster, to which all the family belong and of which they are liberal supporters. Politically, he is a Democrat and he has been president of the city council for seven years. While a member of the Legislature, Mr. Weiser very faithfully and ably championed the rights of his constituents, having made his influence felt in the deliberations of that body, and he never failed to be respectfully listened to in all his counseling, his arguments carrying undisputed weight. In the practice of law in Wooster he has attained to a laudable position in his profession, and his reputation for honesty, integrity, straightforwardness of character and fidelity to his clients and all confidences and trusts committed to him, whether professional or otherwise, is firmly established. His pathways are along the moral levels of the world, and he preserves the symmetry of a noble life by emphasizing his attachments to the higher ideals of the mind; by defending the truth, the right, and by aiming to preserve WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 567 the perfect proportions of truth. As a counselor he is guarded in his expression of opinions, deliberate, wary, and cautious in arriving at conclusions, seeking to attain a thorough knowledge of the cause before the administration of advice, or the commencement of action. In the trial of cases he is self-possessed, not easily irritated or excited, and conducts his proceedings in hand with fairness to all parties concerned, strictly obeying the canons of courtesy to the court and opposing counsel. Considering the fact that he has come up to an honored position in the affairs of his county and state through his own persistent efforts, without aid from any source,] he is justly deserving of the high esteem which all classes freely accord him. CHARLES MILTON GRAY. A highly respected citizen of Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, is Charles M. Gray, a native of this city, where he was born January 6, 1859. He received his education in the public schools of Wooster. After completing his schooling he engaged in the coal and builders' supply business with his father, having continued the same line to the present time with unabated success, owing to his thorough training and excellent business ability. In 1891 he became associated with A. Plank in a flouring mill and grain business, the firm name being Plank & Gray. Mr. Gray is president of the Citizens' National Bank, and president of the Peoples. Savings and Loan Company. He is a stockholder in the Wooster Machine Company. He carries on an extensive business in coal and builders' supplies under the firm name of Gray & Son. He has been very successful at whatever he has turned his attention to, owing to his careful business methods and his desire to please those with whom he has dealings, striving to be fair at all times. He is a member of the local Board of Trade and is filling the position of treasurer of the same, being one of the most active and influential members of this important organization. Mr. Gray was married on August 9, 1893, to Nellie Gray, the cultured and accomplished daughter of Sylvester Gray, of Wooster, of the firm of Gray & Rhoades Granite Works. One child has graced this union, a son, known as James Sylvester Gray. In his fraternal relations, Mr. Gray is a member of the Masonic order, having attained the thirty-second degree. He is past eminent commander of Wooster Commandery ; he also belongs to the Royal Arcanum, taking a very active interest in all these orders. The Lutheran church, of which he is a 568 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. member, embodies his religious creed. Mrs. Gray is also a member of the same. Mr. Gray is one of the trustees of the congregation. He is a Republican in politics and for some time has taken a more or less active interest in local affairs. The Gray home, at No. 158 East North street, is one of the most attractive and commodious in the city. CAPT. WESLEY WELLS SPEAR. What greater badge of honor could be bestowed upon a man than to allude to him as one of the "boys in blue," who readily sacrificed the pleasures of home and business opportunities to do what he could in saving the honor of the old flag? One of this brave number is Capt. Wesley W. Spear, an interesting and deserving citizen of Wooster, Wayne county, who was born in that city December 28, 1835, the son of William Spear, who was born near Shippingberg, Pennsylvania, in 1803, and who came to Wayne county about 1827. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, and he located in Wooster where he established a shop and led a very active life here until his death, in 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was an honest, hardworking and highly respected man. He married Malinda Wells, a native of York county, Pennsylvania. Her father conducted a whip factory at Wellsville, that county, and the town derived its name from the family. Mrs. Spear was born in 1808 and died the same year as her husband, 1890,—in fact only four days after her husband passed away. To them seven children were horn, four of whom lived to maturity, Wesley W., of this review, being a twin brother of William Fletcher, who died about five years ago. Caroline Spear, and Olive, widow of Rev. Janes Mendenhall, both of whom reside in Arkansas, are the other children. Captain Spear has always made Wooster his home, although he has traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific. On August 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and very faithfully served for a period of three years. He was mustered in at Camp Mansfield, Ohio, as a private, and he proved to be a very capable' soldier from the first, having been commissioned a second lieutenant and a few days later was made first lieutenant. He had a varied and interesting experience during the service, taking part in many battles and engagements, among them being the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, Champion's Hill and the siege of Vicksburg, under General Sherman. He was wounded at Jackson, Mississippi, July 12, 1863, having WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 569 been shot in the right groin with a minie ball. This brought him home on a furlough, but, recovering, he later rejoined his regiment in western Louisiana, where the brigade was divided and Mr. Spear was stationed on Colonel Shelton's staff, doing staff duty that winter at Peackamon, Louisiana. Again in active service, he was with his company going up Red river when the boat which was transporting them was fired on and captured, their colonel killed and about one-half of the company killed or captured. This necessitated consolidation with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Regiment, and Mr. Spear was made captain and given command of Company H, of that regiment. As captain of that company he was in the siege of Fort Blakeley at Mobile, also Spanish Fort there. Near the close of the war Captain Spear was transferred to the Forty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, and after a very eventful career he was mustered out of service at Houston, Texas, October 17, 1865, after which he returned to Wooster, and, with his father, engaged in the cabinetmaking and undertaking business. After the war his eyesight began to fail gradually, and in 1885 he became totally blind, and he has since lived in quiet retirement from the world. Captain Spear was married in 1858 to Anna M. Watt, who was born in north Ireland and came to Philadelphia when five years of age with her father, who went into the produce business there, later removing to Wooster, Ohio, and continued the same line of business here for several years. Of the seven children born to the Captain and wife, only two survive, namely : Charles Wesley Spear, of Northampton, Massachusetts, and Jesse Watt Spear, a conductor on the Pennsylvania railroad at Crestline, Ohio. Captain Spear lives on West Liberty street in the home he purchased in 1867. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, being a charter member of Given Post. Notwithstanding his affliction, Captain Spear is a cheerful, genial and interesting man to talk to, who enjoys life, conscious of the fact that he has performed his duty well and greater rewards await him than his fellow-men have ever bestowed. A mans of good health, of snowy hair and beard, he is a picturesque character and is greatly admired by all who know him. JOHN B. FRANCE. In 1909 the oldest person in Wayne county, having been born in the city of Wooster February 29, 1816, was John B. France, who first saw the light of day in a log cabin three hundred feet from where he has lived most 570 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. of the years since 1840, the date of his marriage. He is the son of Philip and Elizabeth (Swain) France, of Pennsylvania, but natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1807, and to Wooster, Ohio, in 1811. He was drafted into the war of 1812 service, served there, returned to Wooster and here died in 1816. The same day of his death his daughter died, and they were buried in the same grave. The venerable old gentleman whose name heads this sketch, who is now in his ninety-fifth year, has had a very thrilling and eventful career and may well count the years of his pilgrimage as successful in most ways. He attended the old-fashioned subscription schools and thereby gained a good common education and mastered the plasterer's, bricklayer's and stonemason's trades, commencing to learn this combination of useful trades when but ten years of age. When of age he started in life for himself. It may be stated in passing that as his father died when he was yet an infant, that he was reared by his uncle, John Swain. In 1832 he ran away and joined "Bill Sweet's" circus, and for a season or more played the role of the "Drunken Sailor" for that showman. Later he went to Detroit and other points in Michigan, where he again took up his trade as bricklayer. Again he lived in Wooster and for near a score of years followed contracting and building in a most successful manner and accumulated considerable property. He was among the early "forty-niners," who wended their lonely way overland to Hangtown, California, where he mined and built the first court house at Sacramento, for which he received twelve dollars per day as overseer. He was known in the land of gold as "Frank Ohio." He returned to Wheeling and Pittsburg and made a second overland trip to California, going with the famous Dennison train with four hundred and twenty men and one woman. He remained there until the fall of 1852 and came home by way of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. being storm delayed near the Sandwich islands for more than a month. After his return to Wooster, he again resumed contracting and building. In 1853 he was appointed town marshal for Wooster ; was elected constable, served rive or six years, and was also deputy sheriff. From 1863 to 1868 he was sheriff of Wayne county and for three years and three months was on the Allan Pinkerton detective force in the West, and had many thrilling experiences. The next eight years he followed farming, near Wooster. During the Civil war he was deputy provost marshal three years. He conducted a jobbing and retail grocery business at the same time and was thus engaged six years, during which time, with war prices, he made much money on the rapid rise of merchandise, especially sugar. Among his public building contracts may be named the court house at Findlay, this state. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 571 In 1870 Mr. France erected the Academy of Music as his own property, at Wooster, and for thirteen years he conducted the same. In 1883 he raised it another story high and it still stands as a monument to his skill and business foresight. At one time he held seventeen pieces of Wooster property, but has in the last few years sold off much. Mr. France is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been connected therewith since 1844. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and has voted for every President since 1840. He was a member of the Jacksonian Club here and also belonged to the Wayne County Blues at an early date. In the Franklin Pierce campaign he was a member of the Gunners' Squad. Of his domestic life it may be said that Mr. France has been twice married, first in 1840 to Miama. Flack, who died in 1880, the mother of eight children, three of whom still survive, John J., Alice Smyser, and Mrs. David Rickard, of Medina county, Ohio. He married for his second wife, in 1882, Sarah M. Fraley, who died October 5, 1904. By this marriage there was no issue. At the ripe old age of ninety-four and more years, Mr. France is still robust, hale and hearty, except his eyesight is somewhat bedimmed. He would easily pass anywhere among strangers for a man of not more than seventy-five years. JAMES A. SHAMP. It is by no means an easy task to describe the character of a man who has led an eminently active and useful life and stamped the impress of his individuality upon the plane of definite accomplishment. In an age bristling with activity it is the man of deeds who is at the front in every line of enterprise and there can be no impropriety in justly scanning the acts of such a man as they affect his public, social and business relations. Among the representative men who have added to the various interests of Wooster and given the city wide publicity as an important business center the gentleman whose name, introduces this sketch is entitled to specific and honorable notice. For many years identified with the public and political life of Wayne county and filling with marked ability positions of honor and trust, he has gained the confidence of his fellow men, irrespective of party affiliation, and stands above reproach in all that constitutes upright manhood and intelligent, enterprising and progressive citizenship. 572 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. James A. Shamp is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and was born March 7, 1859, in Wooster township, of which his father, James M. Shamp, late of Wooster, was for many years a prominent and influential citizen. His mother, Mary C. Shamp, who' is still living in Wooster, is a daughter of Christian Silver, who moved from Virginia to Ohio in the pioneer period and settled in Plain. township, Wayne county, where he developed a good farm and in due time became one of the leading men of his community. James M. Shamp, a well-known architect, contractor and builder, as well as a public spirited man, departed this life in Wooster in the year 1885. The early years of James A. Shamp were similar in most respects to those of the majority of lads blessed with wise and considerate parents and excellent home training. At the proper age he entered the public schools where he made commendable progress and where he continued his studies until graduating from the high school at Wooster, with the class of 1879. Having selected law as the' profession best suited to his taste and inclination, he began the study of the same the year of his graduation, in the office of D. W. Kimber, then mayor of Wooster, under whose able instruction he continued for a period of sixteen months: but the death of his father intervening, he was not admitted to the bar, although amply qualified to pass with ease the examination required. Being the oldest son and his mother in delicate health, with several younger children to be supported, he cheerfully relinquished his cherished ambition of professional distinction and, assuming the responsibilities devolving upon him, addressed himself to the duty of the family's maintenance. Possessing a naturally strong and inquiring mind, which had been greatly strengthened and disciplined by studious habits while a student, Mr. Shamp while still young qualified himself for teaching, to which line of work he devoted his attention for a period of seven years, during which time he achieved an enviable reputation as a capable and popular teacher and rose to a conspicuous place among the successful educators of Wayne county. In the spring of 1890 he discontinued this work to become first assistant to Samuel Metzler, who was appointed that year postmaster of Wooster, and during the next four years filled the position in an eminently able and meritorious manner, proving capable in the discharge of his duties, judicious in his relations with the public and in all that he did justifying the wisdom of his selection. At the expiration of Mr. Metzler's term, Mr. Shamp continued four months with that gentleman's successor and later, in connection with R. T. Bechtel, now of the Wooster postoffice, embarked in the telephone business, then in its infancy. Through the persevering efforts of these two energetic and wide-awake men, the first WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 573 Independent exchange in Ohio was established, but after conducting the enterprise jointly for some time it finally passed to the Millersville, Wooster & Orrville Company, by which it has since been operated. In April, 1898, when T. L. Flattery, of the Wooster postoffice, entered upon the duties of the position he very prudently summoned Mr. Shamp to his service as assistant postmaster, in which capacity he has since been employed and in which he has added continuously to his already well-established reputation as an able and faithful public servant. Mr. Shamp has ever manifested a lively interest in public matters and since attaining his majority has been an influential factor in local politics, being recognized as one of the Republican leaders of Wayne county whose efficient services have been fully appreciated by the party and whose judicious counsel and well-grounded opinions carry weight and command respect. In 1905 he was nominated for the office of probate judge, but by reason of the formidable strength of the opposition failed of election, although making an exceptionally strong canvass and running ahead of the state Democratic ticket in the county. From time to time he has been called to various positions of trust, having served for several years as president of the board of examiners of the city of Wooster, which post he continues to hold, and at this time he is secretary of the public library board, besides assisting to the extent of his ability all enterprises and measures having for their object the material progress of the community and the social, intellectual and moral advancement of the populace. Mr. Shamp is a believer in the efficacy of secret fraternal work and as an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding his membership with Wooster Lodge, No. 42, has made his influence felt in disseminating the principles of the order and demonstrating its practical worth in educating and improving the condition of his fellow men. He was a leading spirit in the movement which led to the erection of the present handsome grand lodge buildings in Springfield, and at different times has been chosen to represent the lodge to which he belongs in the sessions of that honorable body. At the present time he is secretary of the board of trustees of Lodge No. 42, which office he has held for nine consecutive years, and in addition, thereto has passed all the chairs and been honored with every position within the power of his fellow members to bestow. On December 27, 1894, Mr. Shamp was united in marriage with Amanda Mock, of Wayne county, the marriage being blessed with three children who answer to the names of James D., Mildred M. and Miles A., all interesting 574 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. and intelligent and pursuing their studies in the public schools of the city. Mrs. Shamp was born in Stark county, this state, and is a daughter of Wilson and Emma Mock, who are among the well-known and highly esteemed people of the community in which they reside. In his religious views Mr. Shamp holds to the Methodist creed and with his wife belongs to the church in Wooster, being a member of the official board of the organization. "In a very full and reasonable sense, Mr. Shamp may be termed a self-made man, all of his accomplishments originating in and directly flowing from himself." "No adventitious aids contributed to his unfolding development" ; in every relation of life he has depended upon his own exertions and the honorable place to which he has attained and the esteem in which he is held by his fellow men indicate the high ideals which he has ever had in view and the noble purposes by which he has always been actuated. He shirks no duty, his work will bear the closest inspection and scrutiny, his promptness has become proverbial, his integrity a maxim and his judgment, always sound and sure, together with his optimistic and generous nature, eminently fit him to adorn any position within the gift of his fellow men. CYRUS D. SMITH. As a native son of Wayne county and a representative of one of the early pioneer families in this section of the Buckeye state, Mr. Smith is eminently entitled to representation in a compilation which has to do with those who have been the founders and builders of this commonwealth, while such is his personal honor and integrity of character and such his standing as one of the successful and progressive men of the county that this consideration is all the more compatible. Cyrus D. Smith was born in Canaan township, Wayne county, on the 20th day of September, 1852. His antecedents were Scotch, from which blood come many of the sturdy qualities which characterize him. His paternal grandfather, James Smith, was born about 1770 and followed the pursuit of agriculture during his active years. He came to Wayne county about 1820; his having been the fifth family to settle in Canaan township. Here he entered land from the government, and among a number of interesting and valuable old relics in the possession of the subject of this sketch, there is the following tax receipt, thought to be the oldest tax receipt in this county :