800 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. several patents on devices for leveling purposes, a number of which he has sold. His devices have been pronounced by good authorities as possessing considerable merit and indicate the patentee to be a man of practical ideas. Mr. Kountz is wide awake and progressive in his makeup and gives an unqualified support to every movement having for its object the upbuilding of the community, morally, educationally, socially or materially. His public-spirited attitude has given him prestige in the community and he occupies an enviable standing among his fellow citizens. In matters political Mr. Kountz has always given an ardent support to the Republican party, and has rendered effective service to his party in the capacity of committeeman. He has not, however, been a seeker after office or public preferment of any nature. In every relation of life in which lie has been placed, the subject has proven faithful to his duties and obligations and because of his business ability, personal qualities and unimpeached integrity he enjoys the unbounded confidence of all who know him. COL. CURTIS VOLOSCO HARD. A citizen of the United States can wear no greater badge of honor than the distinction of having faithfully served the government in the war between the states. It is a sacred family inheritance of renown, to be prized like a jewel by all future descendants and kept bright and untarnished by other acts of valor, patriotism and loyalty in the interests of free government. But the ranks of the old phalanx are rapidly going down before the only foe that they could not meet, and ere long none will be left to recount the actual experiences of those stirring times that tried men's souls. In the meantime, while they are still with us, let us pay suitable honor to their sacrifices, patriotism and sufferings. Col. Curtis V. Hard, whose life record is briefly outlined in the following paragraphs, is one of the brave heroes of the great Northland who gave up the pleasures of home, business and society, and through many a trying campaign and bloody battle risked life to save the honor of the old flag. Not only in his military life has this gentleman distinguished himself, but since its close his private and public life have been such as to gain for him the distinction of being one of the most distinguished citizens of Wayne county, Ohio. He is a native of Wooster, having been born here August 3, 1845, the son of Moses Knapp Hard, a native of the adjoining county of Medina, to which vicinity the paternal grandparents of Colonel Hard came from Vermont in 1816 when WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 801 this country was a wilderness and wild beasts roamed through its jungles, and the tracks of the red men had scarcely faded from the primitive soil. The ancestral lines on both sides of the house extend far back in the annals of American history. On the father's side several members of the family bore arms in the struggle of the colonists for independence, having been with the famous Ethan Allen at the storming and capture of Ticonderoga, New York. Originally the family stock was English, having cbme to America about the middle of the seventeenth century and ever since that time to the present day members of the same have distinguished themselves wherever they have dispersed, whether in public or private life. Moses K. Hard, father of the Colonel, grew to manhood in his native county, where he was educated, and he directed his attention for a tin-re to the study of medicine, but later entered the ministry, in which vocation he spent twenty-five or thirty years, winning a wide repuation as a pulpit orator of rare force and earnestness, doing a great work for the establishment of the Gospel throughout this part of the state. He married Miranda Booth, a native of Medina county, and to them six children were born. They permanently located in Wooster in 1870 for the purpose of spending their declining years in retirement. Curtis V. Hard received the advantages of the common schools of his native town, later entered Berea College, near Cleveland, then returned to Wooster, where his subsequent life has been spent. In 1864, while yet a boy, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which formed a part of Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah valley. After A very creditable record as a soldier he received an honorable discharge in 1865 and returned home. In 1866 he became identified with the banking house of Bonewitz, Emrich & Company, which in 1867 was reorganized into the Commercial Bank of Wooster, and at its re-organization into the National Bank of Wooster in 1871, with David Robison, Jr., as president, he became the cashier of the institution, remaining in that capacity until April, 1898, when he resigned to take his regiment into Cuba. Colonel Hard did not allow his patriotism and love for military life to wane after the close of the Civil war, but remained active and as a reward for his industry and fitness he became a lieutenant-colonel of the Ohio National Guard, and in 1898 during the Spanish-American war he became colonel of the Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his regiment being the only one from Ohio which had the distinction of seeing active service in Cuba. During that brief but decisive war, Colonel Hard added fresh laurels to his military fame. • (51) 802 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Colonel Hard is associated with the Cleveland & Wooster Electric Railway in the capacity of manager, whose exacting and responsible duties he discharges with rare businesS foresight and judgment, having been very largely instrumental in making this enterprise very successful. He has won a high standing in both business and social circles in Wayne county which lie has honored with his citizenship during nearly the entirety of his life. He promoted the Cleveland, Ashland & Mansfield Traction Company, and was connected with it until its completion in April, 1909. Colonel Hard was instrumental in the organiiation of the Wooster Electric Company which furnishes• light, heat and power for Wooster, the first of the kind in northern Ohio outside of Cleveland, and of Which he is the largest stockholder and its manager and treasurer. He is also president of the Cleveland Light and Power Company, the largest independent lighting company in that city. He played an active part in inducing the Baltimore &. Ohio Railroad to enter Wooster and was very largely instrumental in inducing the board of control of the Ohio agricultural experiment station to locate at Wooster. Colonel Hard, was married in to Addie Jackson, daughter of Cyrus Jackson, a prominent citizen of Wayne county. Mrs. Hard received a liberal education and was a teacher in the Wooster public schools. To this union four children have been born, namely : Dudley J. Hard, of Cleveland; Emily L. Hard; Agatha G. Hard, now Mrs. Willard Ohliger, of Detroit, and Miriam B. Hard. Mrs. Hard died April 6, 1910. Politically the Colonel is a Republican and active in the ranks. He is a Knights Templar Mason and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a man of exceptional business qualifications, having the fine military bearing of the true soldier, and socially he is a polite, cultured gentleman. P. S. BLOSSER. The county of Wayne numbers among its citizens many skillful physicians, lawyers of state repute, well-known manufacturers and business men of much more than local reputat'on ; while proud of them, she is not lacking in others which have achieved distinction in callings requiring intellectual abilities of a high order. Among the latter, P. S. Blosser, of East Union township, occupies a deservedly conspicuous place. No one is more entitled to the thoughtful consideration of a free and enlightened people than he who shapes and directs the minds of the young, adds to the value of their WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 803 intellectual treasures and moulds their characters. This is pre-eminently the mission of the faithful and conscientious teacher and to such noble work has the life of the subject of this sketch been largely devoted. P. S. Blosser is a native of Paint township, Wayne county, Ohio, having been born on the- 9th day of January, 185o, and is a son of Christian and Susan (Ruegsegger) Blosser. These parents were natives of canton Berne, Switzerland, though they were not married until after they had come to the United States. Christian Blosser accompanied his parents to this country and the family settled in Paint township, Wayne county, where they lived many years, the father and mother dying there. The father bought eighty acres of farming land and carried on agriculture during his active years. Christian was eighteen years old when brought to this country and he was reared on the Paint township farm, eventually becoming one of the prominent and well-known farmers of that section. He was seventy-five years old at the time ,of his death, which was caused by injuries received from a hay hook.'. He was a man of splendid qualities and his death was considered a distinct loss by the. entire community. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, namely : Susan, John, Mary, Elizabeth, Christ C., P. S., Louise, Caroline, Matilda and William. Of these, the two last named are deceased, and ten of the surviving members of the family are respected residents of Wayne county. P. S. Blosser was reared to the life of a farmer and during the years of his youth he assisted his father in the farm work. In the meantime he attended the common schools during the winter months and proved such an apt scholar that, upon examination, he was granted a license to teach. In this profession he at once scored a distinct success and such was the prestige he gained as an instructor that for twenty-eight successive terms he was engaged to teach in his immediate neighborhood, certainly a most emphatic testimonial to his professional efficiency and his worth as a man. In 1892 Mr. Blosser became the Democratic candidate for commissioner of Wayne county and at the ensuing election he was elected. He assumed his official duties on the 1st of the following January, and so satisfactory were his services that he was re-elected to the position, his second official term expiring September 19, 1899. He proved a most able and efficient officer, ever holding the best interests of the people at hear.t, and he retired from this responsible position with the approval and good will of all the people. During his administration the recent county jail was erected and many other permanent and substantial improvements were made throughout the county, especially pertaining to public highways and bridges. 804 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Mr. Blosser is the owner of one hundred and ninety-one acres of fine land in East Union and Saltcreek townships, to which he devotes his attention during the summer, teaching school during the winter months. He has ably and honestly performed his full duty in whatever position he has been placed and no man in Wayne county occupies a more exalted position in the minds of those who know him. In politics Mr. Blosser is an ardent Democrat and has ever been actively interested in the success of his party. Besides the official preferment already referred to, Mr. Blosser has given efficient service as justice of the peace in both East Union and Saltcreek townships. His religious membership is with the Reformed church at Apple Creek, to which he gives an earnest and cordial support. Fraternally he is a member of Apple Creek Lodge No. 324. Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed all the chairs, being now a member of the grand lodge. On the 24th of January, 1876, Mr. Blosser was united in marriage to Emmeline Tracy, who was born in East Union township, the daughter of Jacob and. Phoebe Tracy. These parents bore the distinction of having been the first settlers in East Union township, they having come here in 1814. The land which they entered at that time is now the farm owned by Mr. Blosser and. is considered one of the best estates in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Blosser have been born the following children : Louella G., born October 25, 1876, is the possessor of a license to teach; Harry C.; Rev. M. E., who received a splendid secular and religious education and is now occupying some of the best pulpits of the Methodist Episcopal church in the West; Cleveland graduated from the civil engineering course at the Ohio Northern University at Ada and is now a successful teacher; C. M. graduated in the public schools at Apple Creek in 19̊9; three children-are deceased. DAVID D. ARMSTRONG. At this point we are permitted to touch upon the life history of one who, if for no other reason, merits recognition in this connection by reason of his having been a lifelong resident of Wayne county and a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the state. But super-added to this circumstance are others which render the appearance of his biography within these pages all the more consistent, for he has here attained a. position of prominence in connection with the 'agricultural activities of the WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 805 county and is honored as one of the upright, genial and whole-souled citizens of his native county, having a fine farm home in East Union township, the same being the center of a most cordial hospitality. David D. Armstrong was born in the township in. which he now resides, on May 5, 1842, and is a son of Robert and Mary (1-lunter) Armstrong. Both of these parents were natives of Beaver county,' Pennsylvania, where they were reared. Their marriage occurred after they had removed to this county. Here the father bought a farm of one hundred and thirty acres, for which he paid the sum of eight hundred dollars, and in this connection it is interesting to note that the same land is today worth at least one hundred dollars an acre. At the time of purchase the land was densely covered with the primeval forest growth, and the first thing done by the pioneer was to clear a small place in the forest and erect a little log cabin, which, though rough in appearance and probably inadequately furnished, proved a sufficient shelter for the happy family which came to brighten the pioneer home. The land was all eventually cleared and was developed into a splendid and fertile farm, which approved the wisdom of the father in seeking the location. In this little home there were born ten children, of whom the three sons were David D.; of this review, Samuel, who now lives in the state of Washington, and Joseph, of Wooster township, this county. David D. Armstrong was reared in the parental home and in the winter months secured a fair education in the district school, which at that early day was somewhat primitive in methods and equipment. When he was but eight years old his father died and there devolved on him much of the labor and responsibility of the farm. It was hard work and at times it seemed as if it would be necessary for the children to separate, but by persistent energy and wise management the mother and the subject were enabled to weather the storm and eventually prosperity rewarded their efforts. David remained at home until he was thirty-four years old, at which time he was married. He was at that time the possessor of six hundred dollars, and during the first year after his marriage he rented a farm. Afterwards he came in possession, through. his wife, of one hundred and thirty acres of what was known as the old Brown farm, which she inherited from her father, the tract being devoid of any improvements. He at once went to work and in due time developed the place into one of the choice farms of the township. He erected a full set- of commodious and well-arranged farm buildings, including an attractive residence situated about a half mile back from the highway and most beautifully situated. He has here carried on general farming operations and has been highly successful. He raises all the crops 806 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. common to this section of the country and also devotes considerable attention to the raising of livestock, in which also he has been prospered. He is up-to-date and progressive in his ideas and keeps in close touch with the latest ideas relating to agriculture, not hesitating to adopt that which has been demonstrated to be superior to old ideas and methods. In 1876 Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Emma J. Brown, the daughter of Amos Brown, of East Union township, and to them have been born three children, namely : Willis married Della Schultz and lives at Kent, Ohio ; Nellie L. is unmarried and lives with her father; Mabel died at the age of three years. Mrs. Armstrong died in June, 1899, since which time the daughter Nellie has devoted herself to her father's care and comfort. In religion Mr. Armstrong is a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, of which he has served as an elder for more than thirty years. He is a man of honest convictions and in harmony with his views on the temperance question he gives an ardent support to the Prohibition party, believing that the temperance question is the greatest and most important . issue now before the American people. He is held in the highest esteem in his native county and is known as an able business man and as one whose probity is above question. LEVI F. HOSTETLER. The subject of this review is one who is to be individually considered as one of the representative citizens and successful farmers and stock growers of Wayne county, and, in a more abstract sense, as a member of a family Whose history has been honorably linked with this section of the Buckeye state for many decades. The fine farm property of our subject is located in Greene township and with its admirable improvements and general air of thrift well deserves mention as one of the model homesteads of the county. Levi F. Hostetler was born in. Greene township, Wayne county, on November 14, 1872, and is the fourth in the order of birth of the eight children born to David and Barbara (Yoder) Hostetler. David Hostetler was born in Wayne township, Wayne county, Ohio, March 10, 1839, and is a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Yoder) Hostetler. Christian Hostetler was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, as was his father, John, before him. David was reared under the parental roof and educated in the common schools. He followed farming..operations throughout his life until 1906, when he gave up active farm work and moved to Weilersville, where he now resides. In 1864 David Hostetler married Barbara Yoder, who was born in WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 807 Wayne county January 2, 1841, and to them the following children were born : Malinda, the wife of M. W. Hurst, of Baughman township Samuel, who died at the age of four years ; Elizabeth, who died at the age of two years ; Levi F. married Amanda Steele and lives in Greene township, and is the immediate subject of this sketch ; John married Anna Longenecker and lives in Greene township (see sketch elsewhere in this work) ; Amanda died at the age of twenty-two years ; David died at the age of ten years ; Minnie is unmarried and lives with her parents. Religiously the family are members of the Mennonite church, and Of this society David Hostetler is an active member, having been ordained to this sacred office in 1872. Levi F. Hostetler remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old and in the meantime he secured a good common-school education. After attaining his majority he took up the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for some time, and he was also in great demand during the autumn as a thresher, having a complete outfit for this purpose. After his marriage, which occurred in 1896, he operated rented land for two years, and then bought a small tract of land, which he cultivated a short time, afterward going into the grain business at Smithville, Ohio. In 1908 he purchased the John Funk farm in Greene township and is now giving his undivided attention to its cultivation. The place comprises one hundred and thirty acres and is considered one of the best pieces of land in the township. Mr. Hostetler has, since buying the place, erected a set of fine new buildings, commodious and well arranged, and now the property will compare favorably with any other in the vicinity. Besides the cultivation of the soil Mr. Hostetler also gives considerable attention to the feeding and selling of livestock, giving special attention to heavy draft horses and sheep, in which line he has been very successful. In November, 1896, Mr. Hostetler married Amanda Steele, the daughter of Isaac Steele, and to this union have been born four children, namely : An infant that died unnamed ; Harry, born February 1, 1898; Edith, born August 12, 1900 ; Glenn, born January 31, 1904. In matters political, Mr. Hostetler renders allegiance to the Republican party, and he takes a commendable interest in the public affairs of his community, though he is not in any sense a seeker for public office. In religion the family are members of the Mennonite church. He is justly accorded a place among the prominent and progressive representative citizens of Wayne county, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone f6r their own benefit. He is a man of cordial disposition and makes friends of all, with whom he comes in contact. 808 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. EDWARD M. QUINBY. Edward M. Quinby was of distinguished parentage. His grandfather, Ephraim Quinby, was an early settler of Trumbull county, Ohio. He laid out the town of Warren, the county seat, was judge of the court in that county and one of its prominent citizens. His grandfather, on his mother's side, David McConahay, represented Wayne county in the Legislature of Ohiu in 1825, and was associate judge. He lived in the family residence in Wooster on South Market street, built by him, until his death. Ephraim Quinby, Jr., came to Wooster from Trumbull county and was married to Catharine McConahay, of which marriage Edward M. Quinby was the only child, and was born February 21, 1851, in the McConahay homestead. Ephraim Quinby, Jr., the father of the subject of this sketch, had all the strength of character of the Quinbys and, combined with the high standing and intelligence of the McConahays, invested their only son with as splendid an intellect as Wayne county has given birth to. This ancestry has a physical dignity, stature and beauty, that so greatly distinguished their son. The father, Ephraim Quinby, Jr., was a wise and prudent man, acquired a large fortune, mostly in real estate, located in many of the western cities, but largely in Wooster, which was improved by him and constituted very largely the first steps of progress of this beautiful city. The University of Wooster received. its first impulse in 1868, when he gave twenty-one acres of land upon which the college is located ; he contributed additionally to the 'endowment of the university ; he established the Wayne County National Bank, which yet exists as one of the most prominent banks of the city. The subject of this sketch inherited the example, benevolent spirit and business talent of his father, as well as his fortune, and the estate grew into its present mammoth proportions under the management. of the great son of his father. As soon as his age would permit, his education commenced at the private school of Mrs. Pope, was continued at Dennison College, Granville, Ohio, and then at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. He soon commenced a business career, in which he was engaged when, on October 17, 1878, he was married to Amelia C. Schmertz, of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, who was the eldest daughter of William E. Schmertz, of that city, who was then a member of the Board of Commerce, president of the Second National Bank, and one of the largest boot and shoe manufacturers in the country. She was also the granddaughter of Rev. David Kimerer, one of the pioneer ministers of Wooster, a noted Orator, highly respected, and he was such a grand old man that the people WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 809 involuntarily raised their hats in his presence. He was a minister of the German Reformed church. The Quinbys were of the Presbyterian faith. The subject of this sketch was engaged in the dry goods business a number of years, discontinuing in 1879, and engaged in the manufacture of window glass at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,. with E. C. Schmertz as a partner, which was continued from 1879 until 1884. His father having died on January 3o, 188o, the large estate left the subject of the sketch called him to Wooster. He owned the Wayne County National Bank for a short time after his father's death and sold it to. Jacob Frick. Commencing in 1884-5, he carried out a comprehensive plan 'of improvement of his real property. In the spring of 1885 he erected the Quinby block in Cleveland on the corner of Euclid and Wilstn avenues, at a cost of seventy thousand dollars, which is occupied in part by one of the largest branches of the Cleveland Trust Company. In 1887 he erected a large four-story building on the southwest side of the public square in Wooster, Ohio, this building being occupied principally by the William Annat dry goods store. In 1889 he erected a building, seventy by fifty-five feet, in the rear of McClure's store fronting on Diamond alley. In 1890 he built a three-story building on the northeast corner of the public square and East. Liberty street, with a modern basement running the entire length of the building; this building is occupied by the Alvin Rich hardware store. In 1894 he built the three-story building on the southwest corner of the public square occupied by the McClure stove and house furnishing store. The truth is worthy of observation that the foregoing constitute but an imper.fect schedule of the improvements that so greatly embellish his native town; and not only illustrate the wisdom of his management but the benevolence of his character. Of the many private acts of charity and benevolence necessarily connected with a large estate, the rehearsal would not be in harmony with the habits or wishes of Edward M. Quinby. The peculiar mental habits and reticence of Mr. Quinby adorn his life; his splendid manhood was private ; there was not the slightest ostentation in any situation in which he was placed ; he inherited the calm, composed, reflective demeanor of the Quinbys and McConahays ; he was as perfect a gentleman as Wooster ever produced. Mrs. Quinby gives him the character of a prince, sp gentle, so noble, was he in all the relations of life. Intellectually, he was the equal of the highest type of man. He was comprehensive, discriminating. strong, not to be deceived, without passion, without anger, generally meeting an inadmissible proposition with a smile and a reason. He had 810 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. pleasant associates, was companionable with them, belonged to clubs, lived mostly in sunshine ; was a modest man, but it was not affectation, it was a controlling sense of propriety ; he had a wide, modern information, and surprised one with scientific analysis, with occult suggestions. His success in his great business affairs was phenomenal. His estate was largely increased in value; he contributed immensely to taxation in Wooster and in the state; he was a public benefactor; he deserved the encomiums of every inhabitant of Wooster. To Edward M. Quinby and wife nine children were born, as follows: Herbert, deceased ; Catherine Louise married E. P. Sturges, now deceased, of , Zanesville, Ohio ; Edward M., Jr. ; Eleanor married Roger W. Whinfield; Margaret ; William E. ; Kenneth; and Anita. To the accomplishments of Edward M. Quinby as a native of Wooster are to be added the refinements of travel and the broad elegance of the manners of the international life. With his family he found a pleasant retreat in Germany, and his children, entering upon a system of education there, detained him longer, perhaps, than contemplated. To the writer he expressed the intention of returning to Wooster in a couple of years. Without having time to do so, he died on the 2nd of July, 1909. He was constantly engaged in traveling from Europe to Wooster to see his large estates ; he improved the old ancestral home on South Market street, and in the spring of 1909, at the hotel in Wooster, he seemed buoyant, full of life and hope and pleased with the familiar scenes of his early life. EDWARD M. GRANT. In East Union township, Wayne county, Ohio, is located the fine homestead farm of the subject of this review, who was one of the native sons of Ohio, having been born in Stark county, of which his father was an early settler. Mr. Grant was prominently interested in agriculture and the raising of livestock and his progressive methods and discriminating judgment placed him among the successful farmers and business men of his native county, while he so ordered his life as to gain and retain the confidence and high regard of those with whom he was thrown in contact. It is clearly incumbent that a sketch of his life be incorporated in a work having to do with the representative citizens of the county. Edward M. Grant's life began on the 31st of May, 1834, and he is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Crawford) Grant. The paternal grandfather was George Grant, a native of New Jersey, who moved in a very early day WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 811 to Washington county, Pennsylvania, Joseph being then but two years old. George Grant was a practical and energetic farmer and acquired considerable property, being considered quite well-to-do for his day. Joseph Grant Was reared in his Pennsylvania home and received a fair education in the schools of that state. He married in that state and in 1834 he and his wife emigrated to Stark county, Ohio, locating on a tract of land four miles east of Mount Eaton. There he developed a fine farm and spent the remainder of his days, he avid his wife being buried at Mount Eaton. They were the parents of fifteen. Children, of whom eleven reached years of maturity, their names being William C.; Rebecca, Keziah, Joseph, Cassie J., Edward M., John A.. Jesse, Alonzo and Melissa, twins. Joseph Grant was an enterprising and progressive man and was public spirited in his attitude towards movements for the public good. He possessed personal qualities of a high order and enjoyed the unbounded confidence of all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was reared by his parents and he secured his education in the common schools. He engaged in teaching school for a brief period, but returned to the farm and during practically his entire life devoted himself to the tilling of the soil, in which he was eminently successful. At the time of his marriage, in 1857, Mr. Grant moved onto an eighty-acre tract .of land belonging to his father, but subsequently he moved to Wood county, this state, where he remained a year. In 1863 he moved onto the farm in section 21, East Union township, and which comprises one hundred and twenty-three acres. He went into debt for his original purchase, but through persistent industry, good management and wise economy he was enabled to get out of debt. The property is splendidly improved with a large, commodious and well-arranged residence, fine barns and other necessary outbuildings, while the place is characterized by well-kept fences and highly cultivated fields, the general appearance of the place indicating the splendid characteristics of the late owner. Here Mr. Grant carried on a general line of farming, in connection with which he gave some attention to the raising of livestock, so important an adjunct to successful farming. He was very successful as a raiser of potatoes, which acquired a good reputation because of the superiority of the quality and he had no trouble finding a ready market for his entire product. The death of Mr. Grant occurred on April 21, 19 io, at the age of seventy-six years, and the funeral services, which were held in the Presbyterian church, were the most largely attended of any held in the community in many years. The floral tributes, which were numerous, were beautiful 812 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. in character and the general sentiment was that the community had suffered an irreparable loss in the death of Mr. Grant. At that time the church of which he was a member caused the following words to be published : "We again arise for duty from the deep gloom that death has occasioned in our midst by taking from us our fellow laborer, Edward M. Grant, who united with the church June 30, 1863, was elected to the eldership of the church in 1884, which position he continued to fill with faithfulness until death. `Blessed are the dead which die' in the Lord.' He leaves to mourn his loss an aged wife, now in her eighty-first year, who has been all her life a faithful member, most liberal supporter and co-worker of this same church. They are people who will be greatly missed when gone and a vacancy will be felt in both church and community which will be hard to fill." On the 25th of November, 1857, Mr. Grant was united in marriage with Permelia Harrold, who was born in 183o. No children have been born to this union, but Mr. and Mrs. Grant, out of the kindness of their hearts, reared two children, Andrew Zeigler and Jennie Hayes, and to these children they gave the same care and attention they would have given to children of their own blood. These children are now both grown and are heads of families of their own. In religion Mr. Grant was a Presbyterian, holding membership in the church of that denomination at Apple Creek, to which Mrs. Grant belongs. Mrs. Grant donated the ground on which the church now stands. Mr. Grant served for twenty-five years as an elder in the church and in many ways this worthy couple showed their sincere interest in the society. In politics Mr. Grant gave an enthusiastic support to the Republican party, in the success of which he was deeply interested. He was a man of recognized influence in the community and his support was always found on the side of every movement calculated to benefit the community, morally, educationally, religiously, socially or materially. His genial disposition, rugged honesty and blameless . life won for him the unbounded confidence of all who knew him. JOHN B. HOSTETLER. The agricultural interests of Wayne county have no better representatives than its native born citizens, many of whom are classed among its most practical, enterprising and successful farmers. One of this number is WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 813 Mr. Hostetler, who is one of the prominent citizens of Greene township. Dependent largely on his own resources from his boyhood, he has so applied his energies and ability as to• attain a success worthy the name, while his high standing in the community indicates the Objective appreciation of his sterling chara-ctei. John B. Hostetler was born in Greene township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 30th of April, 1874, and is a son of David and Barbara (Yoder) Hostetler. David Hostetler was born in Wayne township, Wayne county, Ohio, Match Jo, 1839, Barbara Yoder was born in Wayne county January 2, 1841. They became the parents of the following children : Malinda, the wife of M. W. Hurst, of Baughman township, this county ; Samuel, who died at the age of four years; Elizabeth died at the age of two years; Levi F. married Amanda Steele and lives. in Greene township, this county ; John, the immediate subject of this sketch; Amanda, who died at the age of twenty-two years; David, who died at ten years of age; Minnie, who remains single and is living at home. . John B. Hostetler As reared at home and grew in close acquaintance with the routine life of a farm. As soon as old enough he took upon himself his share of the labor during the summer seasons, while during the winters he attended the common schools. He had a marked talent for music, which he studied much at home and also took one term of musical instruction at Wooster University. During the greater part of five years he was engaged in teaching singing classes, and along this line was quite successful. After he had attained his majority he started out in life on his own account and has followed the pursuit of agriculture continuously since. He is now the owner of the old Longenecker farm, comprising one hundred and forty-four acres of fine land situated in section 31, township 17 north, range 12 west. Here he carried on expensive operations in farming and stock raising, being thoroughly equipped for both lines of activity in the way of modern machinery and permanent and substantial improvements. His fields are under an excellent state of cultivation, good and substantial buildings adorn the place and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates to the passer-by the supervision of a progressive owner. In matters of political importance Mr. Hostetler gives his support to the Republican party, and his religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Mennonite church. On November 28, 1897, Mr. Hostetler married Anna Longenecker, who was born in 1877 in Greene township, on the farm on which she now resides. 814 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. She is the daughter of S. B. Longenecker. Mr. Hostetler has ever taken an - active interest in the enterprises and undertakings which have been projected for the general good of the community and his attitude has been that of a public-spirited and progressive citizen. DAVID HOSTETLER. Among the honored and venerable citizens of Wayne county is the subject of this review, who has here maintained his home for a period of nearly three-quarters of a century, winning a definite success by means of the agricultural industry, to which he devoted his attention during the long years of an active business life. He is now retired and is enjoying that repose and rest which are due to him now that the shadows of his life begin to lengthen in the golden west. His career has been without shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and thus he has ever commanded the confidence and esteem of his fellow men, his three score and ten years resting lightly upon him and being crowned with honor. David Hostetler was born in Wayne township, Wayne county, Ohio, March 10, 1839, and he is a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Yoder) Hostetler. Christian Hostetler was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and he was a son of John Hostetler, also a native of the Keystone state. Christian Hostetler came with his family by wagon from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, Ohio, about 1829, and settled in Wayne township, about four miles east of . Wooster. Here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, nearly all of which was densely covered with the primeval forest. This he cleared and brought to an excellent state of cultivation, so that in the course of time it became one of the best farms in the locality. He also acquired the ownership of other farms and at the time of his death was considered a man of means. He was a member of the Amish Mennonite church. He was the father of the following children : An infant that died unnamed; Samuel, Lydia, John, Jeptha, Barbara, Christian, Nancy, David and Jonathan. Of these, David was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the district schools of his home township. He remained on the home farm until he had attained his majority, and then he started out for himself, working on farms by the day and also as a member of a threshing machine crew. He was energetic and economical and when he was married, in 1864, he was the owner of a fine farm, which he continued to operate until WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 815 the spring of 1906, when he gave up active farm work and moved to Weilers\rifle, where- he now resides. He is a quiet, unassuming man, and his life has been so ordered as to win for him the sincere respect and esteem of all who kner him. In 1864 Mr. Hostetler married Barbara Yoder, who was born in Wayne county January 2, 1841, and to them the following children were born : Malinda, the wife of M. W. Hurst, of Baughman township ; Samuel, who died at the age of four years; Elizabeth, who died at the age of two years ; Levi F. married Amanda Steele and lives in Greene township (see sketch elsewhere in this work) ; Amanda died at the age of twenty-two years; David died at the age of ten years ; Minnie is unmarried and lives with her parents. Religiously the family are members of the Mennonite church, and of this society the subject is an active minister, having been ordained to this sacred calling in He is a man of many splendid qualifications and has richly earned the high standing which he now enjoys in the community. JOHN C. CONRAD. Through a long period the name of Conrad has been prominently connected with the history of Wayne county. It is an untarnished name and one that is familiar to the people of this county by reason of the honorable and useful lives of those who have borne it. John C. Conrad, of this review, is a gentleman whose history forms a connecting link between the pioneer past and the modern present. He saw. the country in the days when it seemed in some respects almost on the borders of civilization, its present wonderful development being then but in the bud. In the work of progress and development that has since wrought such marvelous changes he has borne his part, and today he ranks among those substantial and valued citizens of the community who laid broad and deep the foundation of the present prosperity of the county. Mr. Conrad was born in Baughman township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 3d of December, 1843. He is the son of Martin and Anna (Conrad) Conrad, who were own cousins. The subject's paternal grandfather, Jacob Conrad, was a native of France and the father of five children. Jacob, Catharine, Peter, Martin and Christ. Martin Conrad came to this country with his parents at the age of six years. He met with the misfortune of the loss of one leg at the age of eighteen years. He settled on section 7, Baughman 816 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. township, this county, where they successfully followed farming and there they reared their three children, who were Fannie, the wife of C. C. Graber, John and Lydia. Martin Conrad, who became quite wealthy, died at the age of seventy-seven years. John C. Conrad was reared under the parental roof and secured a practical education in the common schools of the locality. On reaching the proper age he took up the duties of the farm and ha's applied himself to agricultura pursuits continuously since. For a number of years he gave his attention to the cultivation of the home farm, meeting with fair success, but in 1882 he moved to his present farm, which is located in the northwest quarter of section 2, creene township. On this place he has a number of good and substantial impAvements and has maintained the place at a high standard of excellence. The soil is good and Mr. Conrad reaps abundant crops as the fruitage of his labors. He confines his efforts to no special line, but carries on a diversified system of agriculture, combined with which he also raises large numbers of livestock, finding this combination a profitable one. The appearance of the premises indicates the owner to be a man of good judgment and progressive ideas. On December 8, 1870, Mr. Conrad married Catharine Ramseyer, and the fruits of this union have been seven children, of whom five are living, namely : Peter R. ;, Amos ; Martin ; Elizabeth, the wife of J. P. Leichly ; Amanda, the wife of E. D. Miller. The three sons were located on farms by their father's assistance and have proved to be successful farmers. The family, except one, are all members of the Amish Mennonite church and give every moral move, ment their unstinted support. In politics Mr. Conrad is a Democrat and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, though he is not in any sense a seeker after the honors or emoluments of public office. He is public-spirited and gives support to enterprises for the public good, being a stockholder in the Millersburg Telephone Company and the Orrville National Bank. A man of highest integrity and of unvarying courtesy and kindliness, he is honored by all who know him and is regarded as one of the representative citizens of Greene township. LINCOLN A. YOCUM, M. D. Health and disease are physical conditions upon which pleasure and pain, success and failure depend. By the law of economics, the conservative and preservative code, every individual gain increases the public gain. Upon the WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 817 health of the people as a mass is fulcrummed the prosperity of the nations ; by it every value is enhanced, every joy, every condition becomes intensive. Life is incomplete without the possession and use of healthy organs and faculties, for these are productive of, or give rise to, the delightful and thrilling sensations of existence. Health—and we might assert it as a maxim—is essential to the accomplishment of every purpose and aim of human life. Sickness is the stern blockade to the best intentions and most worthy and exacted aspirations. The facts are, we are perpetually deciding upon those conditions which either induce emotions and sensations or occasion the reversionary exhibits of pleasure and pain. Prudence and our better common judgment require us to meet the foes and obviate the dangers which threaten us, by turning all of our philosophy, science and art into practical common' sense. The profession of medicine is no sinecure, "no benefice without a cure of souls" ; its labors are constant, its toils unremitting, its sacrifices legion, and its cares increasing. The physician is expected by many to confront the grim monster, "break the jaws of death, and pluck the spoil out of his teeth." His ear is ever attentive to entreaty, and within his faithful breast are concealed the disclosures and confidences of human suffering. Success should stimulate to a better service, as conquest flushes and strengthens the victor. We lavish and pile up honors on the military chieftain who has slain his thousands; disease slays its tens of thousands ; and is not the defeat of this adversary a more glorious and brilliant achievement ? With the three liberal professions presented to them, the young men, fresh from the college, the academy or the high schools have, if they desire to enter, the choice of the one upon which they prefer to enter : the legal, with its dry technicalities and classic literature ; the medical, with its dignities and elegancies of commanding authorship ; the clerical, proclaiming the warnings of prophecy, its promises of pardon and happiness. The subject of this biographical review saw proper at the termination of his rudimentary course of education, to make the choice, and determination to devote his life to the study and practice of the healing art. Lincoln A. Yocum was born in Warrenton, in the county of Warren, state of Missouri, May 8, 1867, and is a son of James E. Yocum, a former resident and citizen of Wayne county. His earlier labors and experiences were upon the farm with his father, .where he remained till he was twenty years of age, having availed himself, during the preceding years, of the opportunities and advantages of an excellent public school system, such as is furnished by (52) 818 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. the great commonwealth of Missouri. He then came to Wayne county, Ohio, making his home with, or rather becoming a member of the family of his uncle, Dr. Joseph H. Todd, of this city. He soon thereafter registered as a pupil of the high school, from which, after three years of close application, industrious effort and hard, faithful study, he graduated in 1891. After this diligent and efficient course at the high school, characterized by the most systematic disciplinary methods with James C., only son and child of Doctor Todd, now an eminent practicing physician. and author of a recent Volume, now of Denver, Colorado, as his 'companion in study. vacation and in the fields, he spent two summer terms at the Wooster University, devoting the time not absorbed in his college work to the study of the profession upon whose ancient and historical waters, sometimes serene, sometimes billowy, he had resolved to unfurl a sail. He had meantime completed a full course at Bixler's Business College, graduating therefrom with diploma. Having equipped himself by energetic study in the office of Doctor Todd, aided by the counsel, tutelage and experience of this eminent gentleman and scholar, not only in his profession, but Along the lines of science, among the surface lights and central glooms of the old earth, crowding and crowning his shelves with the spoils of nature and art, he matriculated at the Marion-Sims Medical College, St. Louis, Missouri, where, after the consummation of the outlined line of work, study, experimentation, drill, etc., he graduated with the class of 1895. He then returned to Wooster, re-entered the office of Doctor Todd as partner, remaining with him for three years, when he assumed for himself the responsibility of professional work, opening an office on West Liberty street, nearly opposite his present office and residence, to engage in "life's long battle with disease," dispense the healing balms and "lift unmoved the glittering knife." Not much leisure or suspensive waiting was accorded him, as he was prepared for the exigencies of the hour and the service that came to him. He was not like a stray joint in the boy's puzzle that fits into no place, but his adjustments fitted him to many and to any. Doctor Yocum was married October 5, 1878, to Leodema A. Phillips. of this city, a refined and educated young lady, there having been born to this union three children, Emerson P., Miriam Louise, who died in infancy, and Katherine R.., the former nine years old and the latter two years. And it must be noted with a feeling of pleasure, the kindliness, the loving and affectionate memory of Doctor Yocum, in christening his son by the name of Emerson—a tribute, indeed of a loyal heart, to an older brother of fine mental qualities, professional attainments and conceded force of character, who had studied with Doctor Todd, graduating from the same medical college as did. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 819 his brother, on his return going into practice with his preceptor for three years. His health becoming somewhat impaired, he went to Thomasville, Georgia, with the hope of its restoration, but his anticipations were crushed, death ensuing, as a result of pneumonia, following an attack of typhoid fever. We can congratulate the Doctor in his years, that not one star has grown dim in the cluster of his first manhood, that not one shows portents of setting in the coming tomorrows. Fresh, ambitious, with an earnest heart, a clear brain, moulded to his duties, without unnecessary suspicion or doubt of himself, his right is indisputable to have faith in himself and make pledges to fate or fortune. The Doctor is a quasi-Wayne county product, though born in "the State of the Compromise" and Torn Benton, having lived here since he was twenty years old, his father being born and raised near Millbrook in old Wayne, for which today he entertains a most pleasant recollection, especially of Wooster, where at one time he was clerk for the old-time popular clothing store of John Crall & Henry. He was one of the Argonauts, the California "Forty-niners," veined into the prose of Claggett and Bret Harte. He was married to Adelaide Mendenhall, of Clinton township, a Methodist, and had a family of children. Doctor Yocum is progressive and alert in his profession, seeking at all times to promote its interests, advance its claims to higher standards and ideals and widen comprehensibly its spheres of usefulness. He is a member of the Wayne County Medical Society and its president, actively participating in its sessions and deliberations with the other medical and literary gentlemen constituting its members, with the zeal of an enthusiast in medical science. He is also a member of the Ohio State and American Medical Associations. He was one of the five practicing physicians of Wooster who purchased the buildings and beautiful areas upon which are located the Wooster Hospital, on North Market street. Doctor 'Yocum is advancing toward the full vigor and strength of middle life, earnest, energetic, buoyant, with blood and nerve thrilling for .the accomplishment of what is best along the alignments of medical science and stimulate the dignity and ambition of his profession to the proud plane of constant and continual elevations. He is a gentleman eminently fitted for the complexity of his work, composite in his qualifications as his clientele is composite, 'a man of conscious sympathy, a liberal man with moral qualities such as naturally spring from an elevated and cultivated mind, and a heart penetrated with the love of whatsoever things are right and of good report. He realizes that there are committed to his profession important health trusts 820 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. which it holds not simply in its own behalf but for the benefit of others, and he is possessed of the noble aim to prove worthy of this generous and exacted commission that he may enjoy present as well as retrospective satisfaction, the noblest fruitage of professional service—the good words : "Well done, good and faithful servant." -BY BEN DOUGLAS. EPHRAIM J. STEEL. As a representative of one of the pioneer families of Wayne county and as one who has here passed his entire life, it is .certainly consistent that there be entered in this work a review of the career of Ephraim J. Steel, who has long been identified with the agricultural and stock-growing interests of the county, having a fine estate in Greene township and being honored as one of its representative men. He is a native of the township in which he now maintains his home, having been born on the old pioneer homestead on the 23d of November, 1869. He is descended from a line of pioneers, his great-grandfather, John Steel, having come to this county from Pennsylvania in 1814 and being one of the first settlers of Wayne county, in the early development of which he played an important part. He married Fannie Lantz and they became the parents of three children, Jacob and two daughters. Jacob married Sarah A. Weaver and to them were born sixteen children, named as follows : Mary became the wife of Solomon Smith ; Martha was the wife of John Hoover ; Isaac married Elizabeth Hoover ; Jacob married Mary A. Martin ; Joseph, who also married; Amos married Melia Swinehart ; William married a Miss Haines ; Fannie became the wife of Jacob Fike ; five children died in infancy. Isaac Steel also was the father of eleven children, all of whom are living. He was twice married, his first wife, Elizabeth Hoover, bearing him seven children, namely : E. J., who married Mary M. Brenneman ; Sarah A., unmarried ; Isaac married Nola Frank ; Amanda, who became the wife of L. F. Hostetler ; Cyrus married Alva Kauffman ; Noah married Olive Forrer ; Clara, the wife of John H. Miller. Elizabeth Steel died March 15, 1881, and subsequently Mr. Steel married Mary Wiean, and to them were born the following children : Melvin married Blanch Hall ; Mable, Grace and Mary, who remain unmarried. Mr. Steel died on the 18th of March, 1892. Ephraim J. Steel was reared on the old homestead in Greene township and secured his education in the common schools. He worked on the home farm until he. was twenty-one years of age, when he removed to the Levi Troyer farm, where he remained a year, and during this time was employed WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 821 by the day at farm labor. He then moved to East Union township, where he rented a farm and operated it four years. In 1903 he moved onto the Tschantz farm in Greene township, where he now lives. He is a wide-awake and hustling farmer, and in the operation of his farm he exercises a soundness of judgment and a careful discrimination which insures him abundant returns for the labor bestowed. He carries on a general line of farming, raising all the crops common to this latitude, and has achieved a distinctive success in his vocation. On March 7, 1897, Mr. Steel was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mary M. Brenneman, who was born in East Union township, Wayne county, on the 3d of December, 1873, the daughter of John R. and Eliza (Walter) Brenneman. John R.. Brenneman was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 26, 1825, and his wife, Eliza Walter, was born in Greene township, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1831. John R. Brenneman was the son of Henry H. Brenneman, who was born in 1814 in Pennsylvania, and he the son of Henry Brerineman, who was born in 1793. To Mr. and Mrs. Steel have been born two children, namely : Carl W., born February 20, 1898, and Paul, born March 25, 1909. In political matters Mr. Steel gives his support to the Democratic party, and has served one year as assessor of Greene township. He is a man of Splendid qualities and is liked by all. His attention is given to general farming, and in all that he undertakes he meets with creditable success. All the splendid improvements on his place are monuments to his enterprise, industry and economy and he stands high as an enterprising and successful agriculturist. JACOB S. SHIBLER. Among the citizens of Greene township, Wayne county, Ohio, who have built up a highly creditable reputation and have distinguished themselves by right and honorable living, is the subject of this brief sketch. His prominence in the affairs of the community is conceded and his deeds speak for themselves. He is one of the strongest factors in this community, where there are many men of sound sense and ripe judgment. He has shown his eminent fitness for official honors after many years spent in the public service, and he is willing that his record should speak for him. Jacob S. Shibler was born in Smithville, Ohio, on the 27th of November, 1849, and is a son of Joseph and Rosanna (Peters) Shibler, the latter born in Pennsylvania March 26, 1828. Joseph Shibler was born in Pennsyl- 822 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. vania on the 24th of February, 1823, and in the same year he was brought by his parents to Wayne county, Ohio, locating at Smithville. There he grew to manhood, receiving a fair education in the schools of the day, which were somewhat primitive in methods and equipment. On attaining mature years he learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed during all of his active years. To his union with Rosanna Peters there were born twelve children, eight boys and four girls, named as follows : Jacob S., Henry G., F. P., Israel L., Charlotte C., J. B., Sarah W. A., Hattie Isabell, William W., Seneca B., Rosa V. and Samuel G. Jacob S. Shibler was reared at Smithville and attended the common schools, this training being supplemented by attendance at Professor Eberly's school at Smithville. Under his father's direction he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he became a proficient workman. He commanded his full share of the public patronage along this line, and was successful financially, so that in recent years he has been enabled to lay aside the hammer and tongs and retire to his comfortable home in Smithville, where he now resides. His home place comprises three acres of land and is a very comfortable and pleasant home. Mr. Shibler's career has been an honorable one and he has won and retains a host of warm personal friends. He has ever had a keen interest in the public affairs of the community and has rendered faithful and efficient service in the official capacity of township clerk. He was first elected to this responsible position in 18843 and served in all about fourteen years, being the present incumbent of the office; also clerk of Smithville since it was incorporated in 1888, with the exception of about two and one-half years, and clerk of the school board about sixteen years. He has given to these offices the same careful and painstaking attention that he would give to his own private affairs, and his frequent re-election to the offices is a marked evidence of the appreciation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. His political affiliation, is with the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter. Fraternally he is a charter member of Smithville Lodge No. 483, Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed all the chairs. He was the first keeper of records and seal, having served several years in this capacity. Mrs. Shibler is a member of the Lutheran church at Smithville and is active in its work and generous in its support. In 1898 Mr. Shibler was united in marriage to Sadie E. Currie, who was born August 13, 187o, and this union has been blessed in the birth of one child, Ruie V., born November 5, 1900. Mr. Shibler is a man with broad views and of public spirit, and one who takes pride in the progress of his township and the enhancement of the public weal. He is widely known and is highly respected by all. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 823 JOHN W. SHISLER. Wayne county, Ohio, has been the home of John W. Shisler since his boyhood, and he is a representative of one of the honored families of this section of the state. He has wrought out his own success through the persistent application of his energies and abilities in connection with the great basic art of agriculture, and is known as a representative farmer of Greene township, where he has long occupied a leading position among his fellows. He always stands for the best interests of the entire community and any movement that promises to be for the benefit of his fellow citizens receives his . endorsement and support. John W. Shisler is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Stark county on the 8th of December, 1854. His parents were E. C. and Catharine (Harnley) Shisler, the former of whom was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, whence he came to Ohio in an early day, locating first in Stark county, near Greenville. In 1865 he came to Wayne county and here spent the remainder of his days. He was a sturdy citizen and enjoyed the unlimited confidence of all who knew him. He was the father of ten children. The subject of this sketch was eleven years old when his family came to Wayne county, and in the schools of Wayne township he secured a practical education. He has always been a close reader and a keen observer of men and things and is considered a very well-informed man on matters in general. He was reared to the life of a farmer and has followed this honorable occupation all the years of his active life. He is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Greene township and also owns forty acres in Wayne township, this county. He has acquired most of this land as the result of his own efforts, and has brought it all up to a high state of cultivation. His buildings are modern in style and kept in perfect repair, and his farms are well supplied with modern machinery and all the accessories of .a modern and up-to-date farm. He grows all the crops common to this section of the country and has met with a success commensurate with his efforts. In addition to the cultivation of the soil, Mr. Shisler gives considerable attention to the raising of livestock, in which also he has been successful, giving special direction to Durham cattle and general purpose horses. In 1878 Mr. Shisler married Emma E. Stutzman, who was born in Smithville, and to this union have been born eight children, namely: Elias; Effie, the wife of Lawrence K. Miller; Frank S., Mabel, Edwin, Adrain, Grace and Ada. In religion Mr. Shisler is, a member of the radical branch 824 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. of the United Brethren church, of which he has served as a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat and is the present assessor of Greene township, in which office he has served several terms, rendering also efficient service as a member of the school board of the township. Mr. Shisler is a man of keen foresight and sagacity, and has made investments which returned to him a good profit. He is energetic, enterprising and reliable, and therefore has won and retains the confidence of the residents of the locality in which practically his entire life has been passed. STEPHEN M. HENRY. Among the worthy and honored old pioneer families of Wayne county. Ohio, is that of Henry, members of which came here in the early days when this section of the state gave little promise of the wonderful progress and development which now characterizes it. They were a sturdy class, those early frontiersmen who, disregarding personal inconvenience and sacrifice of many kinds, bravely went to work and laid the foundations for a later and more advanced civilization. The members of the Henry family who came to Wayne county were counted among the leading and influential men of their day and in each succeeding generation they have occupied honorable positions among their fellow men. The history of the county would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of this family. In the old family Bible in possession of members of the family now living is the following record : "Stephen Henry, born November 23, 1761, died August 24, 185o. His wife, Mary M., born September 3, 1757, died September 25, 1836." Stephen Henry was born in Cecil county, Maryland. and was descended from ancestors who came from the North of Ireland and who were second cousins of Patrick Henry, the noted Virginian patriot and statesman. From Maryland, Stephen Henry and his family moved to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, making the trip in a two-wheel ox cart. After remaining some years in that location, they started for Ohio in the spring of 1815, locating in Wayne county near where the brewery is situated just east of the city of Wooster. In 1831 he sold this farm and moved two miles farther east to the location of the Henry Mills, the locality prior to that time having been called Euclid. After some other changes in his residence, Stephen Henry died on the mill property August 24, 185o, his wife having died some years before. To this worthy couple were born the following children : John,