Summit County, Ohio - Chapter 20: Statistics, 1908 (part 23 of 27)

On September 22, 1853, .John Blackbin-n was united in marriage with Elizabeth Whitlam, who is the daughter of John Whitlam of Lincoln.shire, England. This was an early romance, an engagement existing before he left his native country. Mrs. Blackburn passed away in 1903, aged ninety-two years. They had four children: Emerson, who died at the age of twenty yeai-s: Georse, who resides in Cuyahoga Falls: William Grant, who resides at Hudson ; and .John Fred, who is assisting his father on the home farm. Mr. Blackburn is a trustee of the Methodist Eniscopal Church, at Peninsula, where he has also been Sunday School superintendent and steward.

I.Kwis Holzhauer

He and lii.s wife were the lirst two members of this ehureh which he helped to erect, and to which he has always been a liberal contributor. Mr. Blackburn is a Republican in State and National affairs, but in local matters he is an independent voter.

LEWIS HOLZIIAUER, one of Summit County's representative men, owning an excellent farm of 172 acres in Northfield Township, is a public-spirited citizen of his locality anci an honored veteran of the great Civil Wav, in whicli he was seriously wounded. Mr. Ilolzhauer was born November 22, 1845, in Baden, Germany, and is a son of Wilhelm and Anna Katherina (Vorbach) Holzhauer.

Wilhelm Holzhauer was born in Baden, Germany, where he received a common school education. After completing his apprenticeship to the mason and stone cutting trade, he, like other European workmen, ambition.? to gain a complete mastery of their chosen occupation, traveled in other countries - France and Switzerland. In the latter country he imbibed teachings concerning freedom that made him a Republican in spirit long before he came to this country. In 1851 Mr. Holzhauer came to the United States and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, liLs family coming three year.? later, and after the war they purchased a residence there. In 1876 they located on the farm now owned by Lewis Holzhauer in Northfield Township. Wilhelm Holzhauer was at one time a member of the Ancient Order of Good Fellows. His first vote was cast for Buchanan for president, but he considered this a mistake, which he regretted all of his life, and always thereafter voted the Republican ticket. Mr. Ilolzhauer became so Aiucricanized that he anglicized the Christian names of his children as well as his own. Oricinallv Catholics, after coming to the United States the family ibecame identified with the Protestant Church. AVilhelm Holzhauer wa.-- married to Anna Katherina A^orbach. who was born in Baden, Germany. November 6, 1815, and who died aged sixtynine years. Her husband survived her until April 17. 190fi, he lackinc sixtv davs of being ninety years old. They had four children, of whom three grew to maturity, namely: Almeda:, who is the wife of Ephriam AW'st, of Independence, Ohio; Amelia, now deceased, who married John Steele, of Iowa; and Lewis.

Lewis Holzhauer attended school in Germany until he was nine years of age, when the family started for America, coming via Strasburg, Paris and Havre. On reaching Strasburg they saw the big tower and famous clock, and as it happened to be noon, the cock appeared and crowed three times, when the figures of the Saviour and His disciples also appeared, marching in single file in the open >pace around the tower. Although these figures are of great size, Mr. Ilolzhauer distinctly remembers that they looked diminutive from his viewpoint, as the tower is 500 feet high from the curb. Young Holzhauer joined a crowd that was intent on a,«cending the tower by the winding steps, but they finally arrived at a window where an entrance fee was demanded, so the disappointed child turned back. Everything was a source of wonder to hi.« childish juind. Having no through trains at that day, the party had a wait of five or six hours at Paris, and decided to view the various sights. At Havre, where they had to remain three days before embarking on their vessel, he saw for the fii-st time a colored man, and called to his mother that he saw a number of "chimney-sweeps," but was informed by his mother that they were Africans, Their sailing vessel, the "Eagle," was an American ship, and had a huge gold eagle for a figure-head under the bowsprit. From the sailors of this vessel, also Americans, young Holzhauer learned a number of words of English, including, imfortunately, some oaths. On this journey the vessel made most I'emarkable speed for that day, the trip taking but 21 days, which included two days living in quarantine in New York.

Air. Holzhauer distinctly remembers the sudden change in temperature the passengers ex- Iierienced. Although the vessel left Havre in midwinter, it seemed almost like sununer weather during mo<t of the journey, the men on board going around in shirt sleeves and summer clothing. The vessel had taken the southern course and the weather was exceedingly balmy until reaching America, when it became suddenly frigid, much suffering being caused thereby.

After settling in America the family lived successively at Parma, Independence, North Amherst, and in Fulton County, Ohio, where Mr. Holzhauer completed his education in English, and in August, 1863, he enlisted in Company K, 124th Regiment, Ohio "S'olunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served until the close of the war. The regiment had been in the field eight months when Company K was recruited to complete it, and they joined it when it was taking position during the battle of Chickamauga Avith the Army of the Cumberland. They marched without arms until getting into action, when they armed themselves with the guns of those wounded or killed. Mr. Holzhauer was wounded in the knee at the battle of Buzzard's Roost, the first engagement of the Georgia campaign, and some of the surgeons wished to amputate his leg, which would have been done but for the warning of the division surgeon. Mr. Holzhauer remained at the hospital at Chattanooga, Tenne.?.see, from May 12 or 13, 1864, until the following February, reaching his regiment in March, when he was assigned to the First Battalion Invalid Corps, but eluded the authorities and succeeded in rejoining his regiment. They Avent thence to Greenfield, Tennessee, a historic little place, where Mr. Holzhauer noticed the weatherbeaten sign, "Andrew Johnson, merchant tailor." Later they returned to Nashville, where he did garrison duty about the suburbs until receiving his honorable discharge in July, 1865, being mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio. He was always a brave and faithful soldier.

After the close of the war Mr. Holzhauer returned to his home, io6k a course in the Hights University school, then for several years he was engaged in working with his father at the trade of stone mason, but .subsequently gave ibis occupation up. and from

1869 until 1879 was employed by Stevens & Sons, wholesale grocers, at Cleveland, Ohio. In tiiu latter year he came to his present farm, which he had purchased in 1876, and on which the family had been residing, and here he has continued up to the present time with nmch success. The farm consists of 172 acres of fertile property, of which about fifty-five acres are under cultivation, five to eight acres being devoted to potatoes and the remainder to oats, wheat and hay. His dairy consi-s^ts of a fine herd of from twelve to twenty head of cattle, the milk being shipped to Cleveland. His father built an addition to the large, comfortable home, and in addition to the barn which was already standing, Mr. Holzhauer erected a new barn, 36 by 50 feet, with 18-foot posts, and other outbuildings. He uses the most modern methods in the cultivation of his property, and is considered one of Northfield Township's most up-to-date agriculturist,'*. He is a Republican in politics, and has served his township for two terms as trustee. His war service entitles him to membership in Royal Dunham Post, G. A. R., of Bedford, and he is also connected with the Summit County Horticultural Society.

Mr. Holzhauer was married to Helen Kirsch, who is now deceased, daughter of Peter Kirsch, of Cleveland. They had four children : Ida, who is the wife of W. G. Mc- Kenzie, of Cleveland; William, who lives at home; Alfred, a resident of Akron; and Helen, wlin married William iMickle. of Cleveland.

A. AUBLE, JR., president and general manager of the Akron Auto Garage Company, with quarters on East Buchtel Avenue, near Main Street, Akron, is one of the enterprising and progressive youns; business men of tills city. Mr. Auble was born and reared on a farm in Medina County, Ohio, near Wadsworth.

In 1891, Mr. Auble embarked in a bicycle bu.sinesp at Wadsworth, where he continued until 1903. Then coming to Akron he established an automobile business which he has expanded until it occupies a leading place among the city's industries. In July, 1907, the Akron Auto Garage Company, of Akron, was incorporated, with Mr. Auble as president and manager, and F. C. Wood as secretary and treasui'er. They do a general rebuilding business and at their garage represent some of the finest automobiles ever put on the market, including the Winton, Franklin, the Olds and the Baker Electrics. Mr. Auble is a practical machinist and understands all the superior points of every machine he handles.

In 1895 Mr. Auble was married to Lelia Young, of Sharon, Ohio. He is a member of the I\Ia?onic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and of the Akron and Cleveland Automobile clubs, and in 1906 he was one of the vice-presidents of the Ohio Automobile Association. He belongs also to the Portage Country club of Akron.

LOUIS S. SWEITZER, M. D., a prominent citizen and leading physician and .'surgeon of Akron, with offices located at No. 147 East Market Street, has been a resident of this city for the past twenty -seven years. He was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1851, and was reared and educated in hi.s native county, up to his entrance into Heidelberg College, at Tiffin. He siibsequently studied medicine and was graduated in 1875 from the Cleveland Medical College. He took a post-graduate course at the College of Physician.- and Surgeons in New York, in 1880. having previously practiced in Tuscarawa-5 County. After locating at Akron, in 1880, Dr. i-^weitzer soon proved his professional ability, and he has since built up a large and satisfactory practice. He has identified himself with the Summit County, the Ohio State and the Northeastern Ohio Medical Societies. He is a member of the consulting staff of the .\kron City Ho.spifal. An active citizen, he has served on the Board of Education and, in connection with N. R. Sterner, was influential in developing the interests of South Akron, now so important a section of the city proper.

In 1875 Dr. Sweitzer wa* married to Frances E. Mackev, of Mercer Countv, Pennsylvania, and they have one daughter, Bessie, residing at home. Dr. Sweitzer is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum and other organizations, but he takes no very active part in fraternal society work.

D. HENRY SELL, of The Hoover & Sell Company, leading clothing merchants at Akron, was born December 9, 1869, and is a son of John T. Sell. The latter was bom and reared in Suffield Township, Portage County, enlisted from there in the Civil War and is now a resident of Akron, where he is employed by the Twentieth Century Heating and Ventilating Company.

D. Henry Sell was educated in the schools of Akron, and early in his business career worked two years as a butcher and one year with the B. F. Goodrich Company. In April, 1892, he entered the clothing store of L. & F. Bullinger, w'hich was the first American clothing house established at Akron, and he remained with that firm for nine years. The stock was then purchased by Lang & Hoover, and Mr. Sell continued with the new firm until 1905, when he bought Mr. Lang's interest. The Hoover & Sell Company was incorporated with a capital stock of 25,000, and Mr. Sell continued the president until 1907. As a business man Mr. Sell enjoys the confidence of the public and his progressive methods have brought his firm nmch prominence.

On December 7, 1892, Mr. Sell was married to Mary Wetzel, of Akron, and they have three children - Adelaide May, Sophia Marie and Katharyn Naomi. He is a member of the Wooster Avenue Reformed Church. Fraternally, Mr. Sell is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, belonging to the Uniform Rank of the latter organization. For three and onehalf years he was captain of No. 21, Uniform Rank.

J.\MES MACKEY. formerly one of Richfield Township's leading citizens and successful farmers, was born near Belfast. Countv Antrim, Ireland, Januarv 28. 1823. and died on his farm in Richfield Township. De-

The parents of Mi. Mackey came to America in 1837, making the journey across the Atlantic Ocean in a sailing vessel. They were met at Cleveland, Ohio, by an old friend, with whom they remained until the father of Mr. Mackey located on a farm in Boston Township, just north of the village of that name. On that farm the late .James Mackey grew to manhood and was there trained to be a good farmer. At the time of his marriage he bought his farm in Richfield Township, from the heii-s of Ebenezer Palmer, and here he lived during the rest of his life. Prior to his marriage he had owned and operated a boat on the Muskingum River, and later became interested largely in the cattle and stock business. The home farm, which his widow has rented out for the past two years, was conducted mainly as a dairy farm, the milk going to the local creamery.

Mr. Mackey was a man of high standing in his community. For thirty years he was a trustee of the Richfield Congregational Church. His business ability was recognized when he was put in charge of the Building Committee of the School Board, of which be was long a member, when the Richfield High School was built. In the following year he w^as on the building committee for the erection of the Congregational Church. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but later became identified with the Prohibition party. He was made a ]\Iason in middle life, and was a valued member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, F. & A. M.

On April 21, 1868, James Mackey was married to Harriet Palmer and four children were born to them, the survivors being Jennie E. ; James Earl, residing in Iowa; and Harriet Lucy, who married Frank Manelik, residing at Akron. One child, Helen Eliza, died in infancy.

Ebenezer Palmer, father of Mrs. Mackey, was born at Sand Gate, Vermont, in 1795. He came to Richfield Township in 1826, settling at East Richfield, where he establi.shcd himself in busines.? as a carpenter and builder.

engaging in wagon-making during the winter seasons. A few years later he moved to Indiana, where he remained about eighteen months, and then returned to Summit County and bought a farm of 150 acres in South Richfield Township, and on this farm, Mrs. Mackey was born, November 18, 1844. ilr. Palmer lived there imtil his death, which occurred in 1867. For a short time he sei-ved in the War of 1812. He was a man of sterling character, worthy and reliable in every position of life. He was thrice married, his first wife dying in New York before he came to Ohio. He was married (second) to a Miss Griffin, of Copley, and at death she left three children: Miland; Ethan, deceased; and Griffin. He was married (third) to Laura Rust, who died in 1872. She was a daughter of Phineas Rust, of Brecksville, Ohio. They had ten children, the survivors being: Frederick; Palmer; Jennie, who married Phineas Carter, resides in Kansas; Mrs. Mackey: and Eben Palmer, a phj^sician, who lives in Textxs. Both parents were active members of the Congregational Church.

AV. II. LONG, superintendent of construction of the Niagara Fire Extinguisher Company, was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, November 3, 1861, where he was educated, and where he remained until he was twentyone j'ears of age. He is a practical plumber and steam-fitter and has had much experience along his present line of work.

Mr. Long served his apprenticeship with the Columbus Supply Company, of Columbus, going then to the Providence Steam and Gas Company and engaged in putting up fire extingui.shers and gas pipe for the Fall River cotton mills, remaining with that concern for seven years. He resided at St. Louis, Missouri, for four years, and for two years was connected with the Chicago department of the Independence Sprinkler Company, later witli the Mallert, Allen & Eraser Company. ^Ir. Long then went into business for himself at Evansville. Indiana, where he remained six years and then became associated w'ith his pre.-ent company. He was located first at Cin- cinnati and then went out on the road for this company, and in 1907 he accepted the pO;5ition of superintendent of construction. This office is one of great responsibility and its demands take him all over the countiy. his inspection covering the territory east of the Mississippi and to the Gulf of .MexicD. During his period of I'esidence at Evansville Mr. Long took an active part in politics, but since then he has not concerned himself otheiTvise than as a citizen who is interested in seeing good government at every point.

On November 6, 1889, INIr. Long was married to Jennie B. Wallace, of Sturgis, L'nion County, Kentucky, and they have one daughter. Gladys A. Mr. Long has had his home at Akron for the pa.st two years. His offices are in the Hamilton Building.

Samuel Piarris Sturgeon. M. D.

SAMUEL PIARRIS STURGEON. M. D.. a leading phj-sician and surgeon of Akron, and one of the city's active and public-spirited citizens, was born at Oakdale. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1848.

In 1859 the parents of Dr. Sturgeon moved to Ashland County, Ohio, and there he wa-? reared and educated, attending the old Vermillion Institute at Haysville, after which he read medicine with Dr. E. V. Kendig of that place. In 1873 he was graduated from the Ohio iledical College of Cincinnati. This was according to the wise will of his father, for had the patriotic youth been permitted to follow out his own plans, ,the whole course of his life might have been changed. He wa.s only fourteen years old when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in the 102nH Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but on account of hi? father's objections, he returned home, but only to trv again, in the 120th Regiment, Ohio "\'^olunteer Infantry, parental authority a second time preventing his follo^-ing a military career.

After securing his medical degree, Dr. Sturgeon located, first at Ada, Ohio, where he had already done a little preliminary practicing, and he remained at the point until 1882, when he went to Mansfield, from which place he came to Akron. .Tuly 20, 1884. where he has been in continuous practice of medicine and surgery for the past twenty-three yeaiis. He is a member of the Eastern Ohio i\ledical Association and formerly v.-as a member of the Northwestern.

Dr. Sturgeon was married (first) in 1874, to Ella Mowery, who left two sons: .John W. residing at Akron ; and Paul, residing at Ashland. On June 7, 1900, Dr. Sturgeon was married (second) to Mrs. Laura "(Myers) Palmer, who is a daughter of Calvin [Nlyers. Mrs. Palmer had one daughter, Frances, whom Dr. Sturgeon has adopted.

Politically, Dr. Sturgeon is a stanch Republican and he has served as chairman of the Republican County Executive Committee, the only party office he w'ould accept. He ha? been active all along the line in the interests of good government. Fraternally, he is a Knight Templar Mason and an Elk, and belongs to the cluhs of both organizations.

FREDERICIv R. POST, secretary and trea.surer of the Independent Tack Company, of Cuyahoga Falls, was born at this place, November 20, 1858. and is a son of William M. and Sarah A. (Roberts) Post.

Mr. Post is of Scotch extraction on the paternal side and of Revolutionary stock on the maternal. His grandfather, Russell. E. Post, was born in Scotland and emigrated 'and settled very early in Rhode Island, where he became a paper-maker. He w^as married December 19, 1826, at New Lebanon Springs, New York, to Julia Ann Foster, who was a daughter of Theodore and Julia (Greene) Foster, the latter of whom was a near relative of the distinguished General Nathaniel Greene, of Rhode Island, of Revolutionary fame. Ru.ssell E. Post and wife resided for a short time at Wheeling, AVest Virginia, and then located at Cuvahoga Falls, Ohio, where he died May 25, 1848. '

William M. Past, father of Frederick R., was born at Middletown, Connecticut, May 29, 1822, and died ' June 21, 1882. He accompanied his parents to Cuyahoga Falls, where he followed the trade of paper-making until 1850. when he learned the coopers trade. This he followed up to the time of his marriage, iu 1855, when he resumed paper-making. For seven years he was in the employ of Hanford & Son, and during this period he purchased a team and hired a driver to do draying for the mills, as his representative. When he left the mills he turned his whole attention to draying, keeping seven teams going. About 1870 he retired from the business owing to the introduction of new methods of handling the raw materials, and he, therefore, made use of his teams in the establishment of a livery stable. During the progress of the Civil War he took advantage of a business opening in the sale of straw for paper manufacturing. In politics he was always a stanch Democrat. Being a man of sterling character, he always enjoyed the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens and on numerous occasions was elected to local offices.

On May 21, 1855, William M. Post was married to Sarah A. Roberts, a daughter of Thomas Roberts, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Post still resides at Cuyahoga Falls. The children of William M. Po.st and his wife were as follows: Russell E. and Ida M., both residing at Cuyahoga Falls ; Frederick R. ; Lillian, who married Walter Astley, residing at Cleveland; William G., who is a quartermaster sergeant in the U. S. Army; Harry R., residing at Cuyahoga Falls; Edwin F., who is engaged in business at Samar, Philippine Islands; and Nellie B., who is a popular teacher in the Akron public schools.

Frederick R. Post was educated in the schools of Cuyahoga Falls, and when he left school became connected with his father in business. At the time of the latter's death he was made administrator of the estate, and after settling it he embarked in a livery business and also a transportation line, having the only regular business of this kind in the town. He thus handles all the freight and express coming or going. For his draying business he keeps thirteen horse,? and five men are e.mployed in his stable,?. He was the promoter and organizer of the Independent Tack Company, a well-establi.shed industry here, which has the finest tack machines in use and has control of the patents on them. In everything pertaining to the welfare of his town Mr. Post has always taken a deep interest. He has been chief of the Fire Department for several years, being the present incumbent of that office, and has been a member of the organization for the past fourteen yeai's. February 7, 1883, Mr. Post was married to Phoebe Jane Baldwin, who is a daughter of Simon Baldwin, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and they have four children, namely: W. Oliver, A. Edna, Howard B. and Thoma's Raymond. Mrs. Post is a member of the Congregational Church. The pleasant family home is situated not far from the Rivet Works. In politics, Mr. Post is a Democrat, but is only active to the extent of good citizenship. He is fraternally associated with the Knights of Pythias and the Maccabees.

BURDETTE L. DODGE, the prosperous and enterprising proprietor of the largtst house-furnishing store in Akron, situated in commodious quarters on South Howard Street, was born in 1853, at Penfield, New York. He attended school at Rochester, that state, and completed his education in Akron, to which city he came in 1864. He was afterwards connected with a number of business and mercantile houses in the city, being three years with Hall Brothers, for two years bookkeeper for the Weary-Snyder-Wilcox Company, for six years with the G. C. Berry Company (dry goods), and one year with the Second National Bank. In June, 1879, he entered into the mercantile busines,s for himself, as a partner in the firm of Klinger & Dodge, which continued for eight year?. ^Ir. Klinger then retiring, Mr. George W. Plumer bought out his interest, and the firm thereupon became Dodge & Plumer, under which style the business was continued for twelve years. At the end of that time Mr. Plumer retired and Mr. Dodge became sole owner, which he still remains. He is now in hi? twenty-sixth year of active mercantile life in this city. He owns and occupies a fine five- story Ijiiildiug uii South Howard Street, wlneli, together with jjui'tioiis of the blocks both nortii and tiouth of hiiu, occuijied by him, gives him 40,UU0 square feet of Hoor »pace. His up-to-date stock consists of carpets, rugs, china, and all kinds of house and office furnishings. His trade is very large and gives employment to twenty-five persons.

In addition to this business, Mr. Dodge is and has been connected with other successful enterprises. With Messrs. Klinger, Mar^ ble and Shattuck, he organized the Marble & Shattuck Chair Company, of Bedford, severing his connection therewith at the time Mr. Klinger retired from the Akron house. He is a director in the People's Savings Bank Company.

In 1878 Mr. Dodge was married to Nellie M. Snyder, who is a daughter of the late Jacob Snyder. He and his wife are the parents of three children - Ira Jacob, Burdette H. and Grace. The eldest son is a recent graduate of Haverford College, Philadelphia. The second son has been with the B. F. Goodrich Company since returning from Haverford College. The daughter, Grace, was educated at Akron, and at the Woman's College, Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Dodge and his family are affiliated with the First Methodist Episcopal Church.

ADAM KEPLER, a highly esteemed resident and substantial farmer of Franklin Township, who farms a property of 120 acres in Franklin and Green Townships, Summit County, Ohio, was born on his present place, October 28, 1839, son of Jacob A. and Christina (Hushberger) Kepler.

Jacob A. Kepler was bnrn near East Liberty, Ohio, to which place his father, Andrew Kepler, had come from Pennsylvania as a pioneer, and where the latter's death occurred. Jacob A. Kepler grew to manhood on his father's farm, but after his marriage, he removed to a farm on the east side of Turkeyfoot Lake, where he erected a log cabin in the wilderness. Here Mr. Kepler cleared a farm of 200 acres, and this was his home for the remainder of his life, his death occurring when he wtis in his sixty -second year. Mrs. Kei^ler survived her husband for a long period, being eighty-one years old at the time of her death. Jacob A. Kepler was married to Christina Hushberger, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and to them were born eight children, four of whom grew to maturity, namely ; Elizabeth, who is the widow of J. R. Neal ; Adam ; Sophia, who married H. Swaggert; and Solomon.

^\.dam Kepler grew up on the home farm and secured his education in the district schools. He has been engaged in farming operations since reaching adult life, and has been successful, now owning 120 acres of the old homestead and the old Sorrick farm, which he has improved in many ways. His land is well cultivated, the farm buildings are in the best of repair, and modern machinery is used all over the property.

In 1861 Mr. Kepler was married to Mary Semler, who came to America from Germany at the age of eight years with her parents, her father, John Semler, settling north of Greensburg, Green Township, Summit County, Ohio. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kepler, as follows: Jacob; Lucetta, who married William Crumerine; Samuel, who married ]\Iinnie Troxler; Irving, who died at the age of six years ; William ; Clement, who married Sarah Foust; Carrie, who married AVilliam Peifer; and Percy.

JOSEPH WINUM, grand secretary of the Ohio Grand Council of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, has been a resident of .'\kron for a period of thirty-one years, and has been prominently identified with benevolent and philanthropic work in connection with the Catholic Church for a long time. He was born in Germany, in 1860, and was sixteen years of age when he came to America.

Mr. Winum located at once at Akron and began work with .Tohn B. Decker, with whom he remained for four years, after which he went into business for himself. From 1880 until 1903, Mr. Winum conducted a private business, clo.sing it up to accept (he responys6

On November 9, 1888, Mr. Winum was married to Eugenia M. Knapp, who was born and reared at Akron, and is a daughter of Michael Knapp. They have five children, namely: Laurence M., Marie, Charles J., Virginia and Josephine, all at school, except the eldest, who is a bookkeeper for the B. F. Goodrich " Company. The family belong to St. A'incent's Catholic Church.

For the past fifteen years Mr. Winum has been colonel of the Sixth Regiment of the Ohio Knights of St. John. He is district dejiuty of the Knights of Columbus for the district composed of Summit, Medina, Ashland, Holmes, Wayne, Stark and Portage Counties. Mr. Winum belongs to the Alsace Lorain Benevolent Association, the St. Joseph Benevolent Society and the Verein Thalia Benevolent order. He is a man of high character and is well and favorably known over a wide territory.

JACOB A. REAGLE, township trustee and owner of a very fine farm consisting of L31 1-2 acres, situated in Copley Township, Summit County, Ohio, was horn on his present place. May 11, 1863, and is a son of Daniel and ElizaJjeth (Serfas?) Reagle.

Daniel Reagle, father of Jacob A., was born in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, where he was reared on his father's farm. In early manhood he came to Ohio and settled in Summit County, where he worked on various farms for some years. He subsequently married a farmer's daughter - Elizabeth Serfa^s - who was born in Pennsylvania,, and is a daughter of Andrew Serfass, who came early to thi." section. Shortly after their marriage, Daniel Reagle' and wife went to housekeeping on the farm now owned by their son, Jacob Andrew, a part of which Daniel bought at that time from Andrew Serfass. and in the following year he bought the other half. The land was well cleared, but the only house was a low cabin and ]\Tr. Reagle had to erect new buildings. Daniel Reagle and wife lived on the farm until 1892, when they retired to a pleasant home at Loyal Oak, where Mr. Reagle died in January, 1905, aged seventy-three years. His widow still survives. They had five children, namely: Catherine, who married George Beck ; Jane, who married Edward Miksch; Jacob Andrew; Ella, who married A. Houglan; and George, who died young.

Jacob iVndrew Reagle was educated in the district schools and the High School at Copley Center, and remained at home with his parents until his marriage, which took place in April, 1891, to Orpha Serfass, who is a daughter of Andrew and Harriet Serfjxss. They have three children : Grant, Hazel and Esther. Mr. and Mrs. Serfass live at Doylestown.

Mr. Reagle has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. His land lies on both sides of the road about eight miles west of xVkron, and it is considered one of the best tracts in the township. The beautiful hedge fence which encloses the farm was set out by Mr. Reagle's father. In politics, Mr. Reagle is a Democrat, and on that ticket he was elected township trustee in 190G, making an excellent record as such. He has also served on the school board a number of years, and is considered by his fellow-citizens a reliable and representative man. He belongs to the organization known a« the National Protective Legion. In religious belief and connection he ' is a Lutheran.

JAMES P. BOYD, M. D.. a member of the consulting staff of the Akron City Hospital, and a leading physician and surgeon of this city, was born in 1850, at Wimbleton. England, and was brought to America by his .parents when four years of age.

The parents of Dr. Boyd settled in Western New York, and he obtained his literary training in the schools of Jamestown, New York, after which he entered the \miversity of Michigan,, takino- first a course in phannacy, graduating in 1873, and subsequently a medical course there, and in 1875, graduated in medicine from the Long Lsland Colle.ce Hospital, at Brooklyn, New Yorlc. After serving one year there as an interne, he came to Akron, where, for the past thirty-one yeare he has been in continuous practice. He is well known all over Summit County. In addition to looking after his many patients, Dr. Boyd has found time to attend to various duties imposed on a good citzen, and he has also contributed more or less regularly to the medical literature of the country. He is a member of the Summit County, the Ohio State and the American Medical Societies and to the Cleveland Academy of Medicine.

In 1879 Dr. Boyd was married to Marie A. Partridge, of Jamestown, New York, and they have three children: James A., who is connected with the Columbus Gas and Fuel Company; and Althea and Marie Antoinette, residing at home. Dr. Boyd and family bolong to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Dr. Boyd is a Thirty-second Degree Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery of Akron, and to Lake Erie Consistory and Alkoran Shrine of Cleveland. He is past master of Akron Lodge, F. & A. M., and is past high priest of Washington Chapter. He belongs to the Masonic and the Portage Country clubs.

EDWIN H. MERRILL, who was one of the first founders of the sewer pipe industry at Akron, which has become one of the largest enterprises of the State, through a long and particularly busy life, was a leader in manufacturies here, in many of which he was the pioneer. He was born February 9, 1808, at Painesville, Ohio. With his father, he learned the potter's trade, and when he came to Springfield Township, he worked until 1835 in the various potteries. He was gifted with the inventive faculty, and when he went into business for himself, in the manufacture of beer bottles, he invented his own machinery. To this industry he later added the manufacturing of tobacco pipes. His ventures proving successful, he soiight a larger field, and in 1847 moved to Middlebury and went into partnership with his brother, Calvin J. They inaugunted the manufacture of water-pipes and stone pumps, adding these to their other output. Vitrified sewer pipe was first manufactured about 1851, by the firm of Hill, Merrill & Company, which was succeeded by Merrill, Powers & Company. This was the first factory to turn out sewer pipe in its present form and quality. In 186U Mr. Merrill removed his pipe, bottle and stoneware plant to the corner of South Main and Center Sti'eet, Akron. In 1887 the business was incorporated as the E. H. Merrill Company. During all these years, E. H. Merrill had been the prime mover of the whole enterprise. He died January 25, 1888, aged almost eigiity years. In 1838 he married Emily Gleason, and seven children were born to them.

H. E. MERRILL, who has been identified with pottery interests all his mature life, and for forty-seven years has been connected with factory No. 2 of the. Robinson Clay Product Company, was born in 1839, in Springfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of Edwin II. Merrill, who was a large manufactui'er, and was one of the founders of the great sewer pipe industry at Akron.

H. E. Merrill was eight years old when his parents moved to Middlebury, now East Akron, and he was given such educational advantages as the place at that time afforded. Early in youth he began pottery work in his father's factory, and has continued to be interested in this business ever since. In 1860 he was connected with the firm of E. H. Merrill & Company, later the E: H. Merrill Company, which was followed by the Robinson & Merrill Company, and still later by the Robinson Clay Product Company. He owns stock in other companies and is one of the city's substantial and prominent men.

in 1877 Mr. Merrill was married to Arabella Baiiges, who died February 26, 1905, aged fifty-nine years. She was a daughter of Dr. S. W. Bartges, a pioneer at Akron. They have two children, George B. and Katharine, the former of whom is employed in the office of Factory No. 2, Robinson Clay Product Companv, and the latter of whom married W. W. Pope, who is with the Hall & Harter Company, of .\kron.

Mr. Merrill litis always been a public-spirited and loyal citizen. In 18a4 he enlisted in the 100-day service, entering Company .F, l(i4tli Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was stationed at Fort Corcoran, near Washington, during that period. He is a member of Buckley Post, Grand Army of the Republic.

WILLIAM H. BLILER, who operates a fine fai-m of eighty-one acres in Franklin Township, is one of the prominent citizens of this section, and a representative of an old pioneer family. He was born in Franklin Township, Summit County, Ohio, April 3, 1849, and is a son of Joel and Mary (Hower) Bliler.

DanielBliler, the grandfather of William H., came by wagon from Pennsylvania to Ohio and settled on the farm which i? now the property of the Stumps, clearing the land and building two log houses. His life was spent in hard and useful work, and his death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years. Mr. Bliler had been twice married, Joel being one of the children of the second union.

Joel Bliler grew up in the woods of Summit County, and spent his younger days on the home farm. Here He was married to Mary Hower, who was a daughter of Jes-e Hower, whose father, Adam Hower, had come from New Berlin, Ohio, and entered a section north of Clinton. He died at New Berlin, Ohio, at the age of ninety-three years, having given one-quarter of his section of land to Jesse, the other three-quarters having been sold. Here Jesse Hower erected a sawmill, where was furnished most of the timber used in the locks of the canal. Jesse Hower died on this property three years after locating on it, and forty years prior to the death of his father, his daiighter Mary being then a child of four years.

After their marriage, Joel and Mary (Hower) Bliler lived at the home of his father in Franklin Township, near Manchester, but subsequently removed to the property on which William H. Bliler was born, the home of Nathaniel Stump, where the Brewster coal bank is now situated, renting this place for live years. At the end of this time he purchased the present Bliler farm from a Mr. Miller, of Canton, Ohio, and here Joel Bliler died in October, 1880, aged fiftyeight years. His widow, who still survives, makes her home with her son, William H. Bliler.

William H. Bliler received but a scanty education in his boyhood, most of which was spent in hard work on the home farm. He was also employed for six months in laying the tracks of the branch of the C. A. & C. Railroad, when he removed to Norton Township, and there operated two farms on shares for six years. He then returned to Franklin Township, where he. conducted a farm near his own on shares for six years, and also the Cox farm for seven years. In 1896 he bought out most of the heirs to his present property, on which he has since continued. Mr. Bliler's success teRs its own lesson of the value of per.severance and industry. He is a man who commands the respect of his neighbors, and has a wide circle of personal friends. In the best sense of the word, Mr. Bliler is a self-made man, having fought his way, almost unaided, from the bottom of the ladder.

In August, 1S70, Mr. Bliler was married to Amanda Wilson, who is a daughter of Isaac Wilson. Of this union there have been born twelve children, namely: Charles, who died in 1902; Elsie, who married M. High, and died in 1892 ; Ellie, who married .lohn Summerman ; Delia, became the wife of George Kepplinger; Milton, who married Lucy McCarty; Edward, who lost his life in the Spanish- Amercan W^ar; W^illiam, who married Flora Steinbaugh ; Newton, Gertrude, Lloyd and Irene, the last mentioned of whom died at the age of seven years; and Dora, who died when one vear old.

DAVID D. HOLLINGER. one of the representative farmers of Sunnnit County, Ohio, who.se 47-acre farm is located in Franklin Township, was horn .Tanuary 9, 1843, at Man-

Jacob Hollinger, grandfather of David D., came to Ohio from Pennsylvania with his first wife, and entered the land from the government. Both his wives died in Ohio, and ]\Ir. Hollinger then removed to Indiana, where his death occurred at the home of his eldest daughter, when over seventy years old. He had a large family, Jacob, the father of Hiram, being a child of the first union. His twin brother, Jlichael, was well known in this section, and died in Michigan, whence he had removed with his family. There was another set of twins, one of whom died young, while the other, Joseph, grew up an invalid, and was given the forty-seven-acres farm now in the possession of David D. Hollinger. This property was held by Joseph Hollinger as long as he lived, and then went to Michael, who later sold it out of the family, but it was later purchased by Jacob Hollinger, brother of David D., the latter of whom acquired it by trade.

Jacob Hollinger, father of David D., was reared on hLs father's farm, and later bought the old home place, on which he built a brick house. He spent the remainder of his life there, with the exception of a few years on the Judge Hoy farm in Manchester, and was considered the most successful member of the family, having 200 acres in the home tract, 160 acres in Kan.?as and thirteen acres at Clinton, it all being valued at about $35,000. Mr. Hollinger was married (jlrst) to Barbara Dailey, who M-as born near Manchester, Ohio, and who was a daughter of Anthony Dailey, one of the pioneens of Summit County. She died when about thirty years of age, having been the mother of the following children: Joseph, Michael, David Dailey, Jacob, Levi, who resides at Barberton ; Amanda, who was the wife of Jacob Weyggandt: Hattie, who married L. F. Baker: Josiah, who died at the home of David D. : Uriah, a twin brother of Josiah. and Barbara, all of whom are now decea,«ed, except David D. and Levi. After the death of his first wife Mr. Hollinger was- married (second) to a ^Irs. Griffiths, who had two children by a former marriage - Samantha and Lucy, the latter of whom married Rev. Xelser, and both are now deceased. Two children were born to Mr. Hollinger and his second Avife, namely: Warren, of Clinton; and Minnie, of Akron. Mr. Hollinger lived to the age of fifty-five years, aiid his second wife sui-vived him for a long period.

David D. Hollinger was taken by his parents to the old home farm when he was but six years of age, and here he grew to manhood, attending the district schools and assisting his father in the field. For a short time he worked around the coal Ijauks, but he finally .-secured his present farm by trade from his brother, Joseph, and here he has carried on general farming. Mr. Hollinger is a firstclass, practical farmer, and u.ses modern machinery in his work. Under his methods the land produces abundantly.

In April, 1864, Mr. Hollinger was united in marriage with Mary Housman, who was born on the Manchester Road, near the Hollinger home. Her father was Jacob Housman, one of the early settlers of Ohio, to which state he came with hLs parents from Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Hollinger there have been born three children, namely: Walter, who resides at Barberton ; Lloyd, who lives at home; and Charles, who lives near his father's place, married Mary Sowers, and has one child, Myron. In politics, Mr. Hollinger is a Republican, and he has always taken a good citizen's interest in public affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees. With his family, he belongs to the United Brethren Church.

C. M. HUMPHREY, M. D., physician and surgeon, at Akron, who has been a re-ident of this city, and engaged in the active practice of bis profession since the fall of 1882, was born at Hudson, Summit County, Ohio, December 30, 1858.

Dr. Himiphrey was reared at Peninsula, where he attended school, going from there to Oberlin College for a short time and subsequently entering the medical department of the We.=tern Reserve University, where he was graduated with hi.s degree in 1882. He is a valued member of the Summit County, the Sixth Councilor District and the Ohio State ^ledical Societiej?. He enjoys a large practice and is numbered with the able scientific men of this city.

In 1881 Dr. Humphrey was married to Millie M. Crisick, and they have two children : Lionel C. and Gertrude A., the latter residing at home. Lionel C. Humphrey graduated from the Akron High School and spent several years studying art in different colleges and then located in the Rose Building at Cleveland, where he deals in works of art.

HENRY ROBINSON was one of the bestknown pioneer business men of Akron, and' the last survivor of one of the honorable old business firms that had added prestige to this city as a manufacturing center. Mr. Robinson was born April 27, 1844, in Fenton, Staffordshire. England, and died at his beautiful home in Akron, September 21, 1906, aged a little over sixty-two years.

Mr. Robinson was four years old when his parents came to America, settling at East Liverpool, Ohio, for a short period, and removing to Akron in 1850. He had the advantage offered by the public schools in the w-ay of education, but in boyhood he began to learn the pottery trade, and with the manufacture of pottery he was concerned through the entire period of his business activity. In 1855 he became associated with his brothers, Thomas and William Robinson, and his brothers-in-law, Richard Whitmore, and J. B. Manton, in the manufacture of Rockingham yellow ware and stoneware, and was later admitted to partnership, being the youngest member of the firm, and the last to pass awav. One of a family of six children, he is only survived bv a sister, Harriet, widow of the late J. B. Manton.

Whitmore, Robinson and Company, with quarters on the corner of East Market Street and Case Avenue. At a later date the firm was merged with the Ro^binson Clay Product Company, manufacturers of clay products, now operating nine plants, five of which are located at Akron, with another in course of erection, and giving employment to more than 1500 men. Of this large enterprise 5enry Robinson was president from its inception, and was the able director of its policies. He was closely identified with a number of the leading industries in other cities, and wa.s connected officially with the Second National Bank of Akron.

The death of Mr. Robinson was a distinct loss to his city, for he not only was the assistant founder of a great business, but he also took an active part in forwarding many of the public enterprises for which Akron is known today. Although he never courted the regard of the public eye, his influence was felt in widely varying fields of activity. His charities were so many that their entire scope was know^n only to himself. He was one of the original benefactors of the Akron City Hospital and he was always foremost in the movements of practical benevolence, wdiich relieved distress in his or other cities. For many years he was an active worker in the First Presbyterian Church, of which he was a trustee, and was chairman of the building committee which completed the erection of the present stately edifice.

leading citizens of Bath Township, has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests and with public affairs in Summit County ever since reaching his majority. His residence is on his finely improved farm of 200 acres. AA'hich is favorably situated about nine miles north of Akron. Mr. Hale was born March 14. 1850. on his present farm, nnd is a son of Andrew and .Tane (Mather)

Jonathan Hale was born at Glastonbury, Connecticut, where he acquired a farm which he valued at $1,200. This propertj^ he traded for 500 acres of wild land in Bath Township, Summit County, Ohio. A man by the name of Miller had settled on this land, but as he had obtained no title, Jonathan Hale secured the land and became the first permanent settler by ijaj'ing Miller for the few improvements he had made. He lived on this tract to the end of his life, dying in 1855, aged seventy-seven years. He was married (first) to Mercy Piper and they had five children, namely: Sophronia, AVilliam, Pamelia, Andrew and James M. Jonathan Hale was married (second) to Siu-ah Mather, who was a widow with three children - George. Jane and Betsey. To this second marriage three more children were born, namely: Jonathan, Mercy and Samuel C.

Andrew Hale was liorn on the farm above mentioned in 1811 and was the first white child born in Bath Township. He grew up amid pioneer surroundings, developing into a man of worthy character and spending the whole of his life in the home in which he was born. He married .Jane Mather, who was the daughter of his step-mother bj* her first marriage. She still survives and resides on the homestead farm with her son, Charles 0., having reached the age of eighty-six years. She has seen wonderful development of all this section, having come here in girlhood. Andrew Hale died in July, 1884, and i? survived, not only by his widow, but also by all of their six children, as follows: Pamelia L., who is the widow of William C. Ovatt; Sophronia .1.. who i- the wife of S. J. Ritchie; riai-a. who is the widow of L. H. Ashmun ; Charles 0.; Alida, who married T. ITumphrev; and John P.

Chai'Ies 0. Hale obtained his primary education in the district schools and then became a student at RicHTield. Oberlin'and Hnd-on, completing his education at Oberlin College in 1870. Tie then returned home and managed the farm until the death of his father.

when he came into poscsession of a part of it. Here he has given attention to ftu'niing and fruit-growing and is also interested in sugarmaking, having one of the best equipped sugar camps in the state, including some twenty acres.

Mr. Hale has been one of the leading Republicans of this section of Summit County for many years and has served in a number of the township offices. In 1891 he was elected a member of the State Legislature, in which he served two terms, during the four years proving himself a faithful and efficient public servant.

On May 20, 1875, Mr. Hale was married to Pauline Cranz, an accomplished lady who was then a popular teacher in the Akron public schools. She is a daughter of William F. and Mary (Dru.shal) Cranz. Mr. and Mrs. Hale are members of the Congregational Church, in which he is a deacon.

EMIL GAMMETER, one of Akron's prominent business men, is a member of the firm of Schumacher & Gammeter, the city's leading tea, coffee, spice and china firm, was born in Switzerland, in 1866, and was brought to Akron in infancy, where he was reared and educated.

When he left school while yet in boyhood, Mr. Gammeter worked for a short time with the Diamond Match Company and later with the AVerner Printing Company. In 1880 he entered the employ of the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company and remained seven years, after which he spent three years on the road representing the National Biscuit Company, in the meantime considering plans to outer into business on his own account. These were brought to a satisfactory focus in 1890, when, in association with Mr. Schumacher, he bought out the Laidlaw Brothers and established the firm of Schumacher and Gammeter. Thi.s firm deals both wholesale and retail, handling teas, coffees, spices and china, ancl an extensive business is done in roasting coffees, the plant having a capacity for roasting 12.000 pounds of the fragrant berry weekly. Quite a lai'ge amount of business is also done in roasting peanuts. In additon to carefully looking after the interests of this business, Mr. Gammeter occupies the position and performs the duties of treasurer of the Black Drug and Chemical Company.

Mr. Gammeter takes an active interest in civic affairs. For two years he served ably as president of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, and during this time he gave freely of time and money for the purpose of advancing the city's interests. He is a worthy representative of the high standard of business integrity which the leading men of Akron strive to maintain.

WAYLAND S. HOUGH, M. D., physician and surgeon, at Cuyahoga Falls, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest physician in practice at this place, his location here dating back to 1876. Dr. Hough was born at Atwater. Portage County, Ohio, April 3, 1B44, and is a son of Joel J. and Mary (Linn) Hough.

Dr. Hough belongs to an old colonial family which was established in Portage County prior to 1821 by his grandfather, Bazalia Hough, who came from New York and engaged there in agriculture. He lived to be eighty-three years old. Joel J. Hough, father of Dr. Hough, was born in Portage County, Ohio, in 1821, and died there at the age of fifty-four years. H^e was a merchant for many years, but durinc; the Tatter part of his life was a druggist. His politics identified him with the Pepublican party and fraternally he was a Ma.son. He married Mary Linn, whose father was born in Ireland. Their children were: Wayland S., snbiect of this sketch : Lodema, M'ho married .John Holmes, of Huntington, Indiana; William, who is deceased; John, residing in Chicago; and Mnry, who married Mnnd Card, of Cnvahoga Falls, Ohio.

Academy, after which he learned the potter's trade. This he followed until he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in October, 1861, entering Battery D., First Ohio Regiment of Light Artillery. He served three years and two months, being honorably discharged at Columbus, October 17, 1864. During twenty months of this time he served as hospital steward. Following his army service, Mr. Hough entered the Charity Hospital Medical College, which now bears the name of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he was graduated in 1866. For a period of ten years he practiced his profession at Mogadore, and then came to Cuj^-alioga Falls, where he has continued in practice ever since. He has been more or less identified with the development of this place into the prosperous center it now is.

Dr. Hough was married (fii'st) June 13, 1867, to Annie Elizabeth Golby, who was a daughter of William and Mary Golby, natives of England, who came to Cleveland, Ohio, in the w-inter of 1855-6. Mrs. Hough died July 6, 1899, leaving one son, -William Condie, who was born in 1869. On October 17, 1900, Dr. Hough was married (second) to Sarah Johnson.

Politically, Dr. Hough has never been very active, but he has always taken a deep interest in the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is past commander of Crane Post at Mogadore, and is now a member of Eddy Post, at Cuyahoga Falls. He belongs to Star Lodge, No.' 187, F. & A. M., in which he served four years as master, and he is pa.st grand of Howard Lodge, I. 0. 0. F.

For four years Dr. Hough was trustee of of the Cleveland State Hospital under President McKinley's administration, and for the past twenty years he has been company surgeon at this place of the B. & 0. R. R., and is serving as such at present.

JACOB W. BENNAGE. a substantial business man of Bath Township, proprietor of the well known Bennage sawmill, was born in Bath Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Mary (Whitted) Bennage.

Jacob Bennage, grandfather of Jacob W., came to Middlebury, now East Akron, Ohio, from Union Count}^, Pennsylvania, and for many years conducted a pottery, but later purchased a fanu and moved to Bath Township, where he died. His son, John Bennage, v>as a young man when the family came from Union County, Pennsylvania, ahd like his father he died in Bath Town.ship. His wife, who was a native of North Carolina, died in Akron,

Jacob AV. Bennage was reared in Bath Township, and on attaining his majority removed to California, where he lived for four years, engaged in threshing and hay baling. On his return to Bath Township he embarked in the lumber and sawmill business, and this he has continued to the present time, in April, 1907, opening his present mill, in which are employed eight men. Formerly Mr. Bennage operated two mills, when he employed about thirty assistants. Mr. Bennage has purchased several farms for their timber, which, after clearing, he sold; and from 1899 until 1905 he lived in Akron, where he was successfully engaged in the lumber business.

Mr. Bennage was married, first, to Emma Alman, who is now deceased, and they had one child: Elvin, His second marriage was to Nellie Chase, and to this union there have been born two children : George and Margery.

ALBERT J. BREWSTER, who has been associated with the Buckeye Sewer Pipe Company ever since he has been in business, was born in Summit County, Ohio, in 1871, and is a son of James G. Brewster, a leading citizen of this section.

Albert J. Brewster was educated in the public schools and at Buchtel College, following ^i'hich he took a course in bookkeeping and ?tenographj', immediately afterward entering the offices of the Buckeye Sewer Pipe Com- ]:>any. He has numerous other interests of a business nature, being a stockholder in several of the leading industrial concerns of S\numit County.

Mr, Brewster is connected with a number of fraternal and social organizations. He is active also in giving support to movements of public importance to his city and section, and takes an interest in all mattei-s pertaining to good citizenship.

WILLIAM A. JOCKERS, a general farmer, in Boston Township, was born in the house in which he lives, August 4, 1873, and belongs to an old German family that once owned vast estates in Germany, which, in case litigation now going on should prove favorable, may be restored to the present generation.

The father of Mr. Jockers was born in Baden, Germany, and died October 31, 1899, in Boston Township, aged seventj'-two years. He came to America when seventeen years old and carried a peddler's pack for a period of eighteen months after landing in the United States. He spent four months at Buffalo and the rest of the time until 1879, at Cleveland and in its vicinity, and then came to Boston Township and settled on the farm now the property of his son, William A. He learned brick-making at Cleveland and later engaged in a business in this line for himself, giving employment to twenty men and turning out a fine quality of finished brick. He furni.shed the brick for many buildings, including that used in the erection of the White Se^-ing Machine Building, ai Cleveland. Prior to coming to Boston Township he sold his brick busine.«s, purchasing 104 acres when he came to this section, eleven of which he sold. He identified himself with the Republican party and for several years while in Cleveland, served in the city council and aha belonged to the fire department, in its early daj's. He married a second cousin, Jlargaret -Tockers. who was brought to America from Germany when one year and six montlis old. She died on her birthday, August 6, 1899, aged sixtv-six vears. Of their eleven chil- dren, five grew to maturity, namely: John, residing in Boston Township; Mary, who married Nelson Wood; Tibbie, who married (first) George Herman, and (second) Calvin Hill, residing at Cleveland; Hattie, who married (first) George Curtiss, and (second) . John Boughton ; and William A.

William A. Jockers obtained his education in the common schools. His life has been an agricultural one, and when his father's estate was divided, he received eighty-six acres. On his excellent farm he raises hay, corn, wheat, oats and potatoCvS, the latter crop always doing A\ell and producing so that he is able to seM 300 bushels. He usually keeps about nine head of cattle.

Mr. .Jockers married Annie Woda, a daughter of John Woda, of Breckville, and they have three children : Florence Mary, j\Iargery Anna and Willianr Raljih.

Mr. Jockers is a very intelligent, thoughtful man and he has given a great deal of calm consideration to public questions. In local matters he exercises his judgment as to what candidate shall receive his vote, but in national affairs, he inclines toward the Socialist party as offering a clearer solution of the great problems of the country than does any of the others.

FREDERICK N. SHAFFER, one of Akron's substantial citizens and honorable business men, is the junior member of the firm of Christy & Shaffer, leading dealers in saddlery, shoe findings and hides, both wholesale and retail, with quarters at No. 142 South - Howard street. Mr. Shaffer was born at Western Star, Medina County, Ohio, in 1837. Mr. Shaffer's life until the age of twenty years, was spent on the home farm and in attending the covmtry schools. He then went to Akron, where he secured work with W. C. Kittleberger and thoroughly learned the harness and saddlery business and remained for twelve years. In 1899, he became a member of the present firm, then under the style of James Christy, Jr., & Compan}^, a cliange in name later taking place, and this connection has lasted until the pre,sent. Mr. Shaffer has grown up in the business, learning all its practical details and has its management well in hand. The firm does a large local business and keeps one representative on the road.

Mr. Shaffer is a stockholder and a direc'.or in the Dime Savings Bank and a stockholder and director in the Aladdin Rubber Company. As a good citizen, he has other interests, of more or less importance, connected with civic advancement and public-spirited enterprises.

JOHN BUCHTEL was one of the early residents of Summit County, accompanynig his parents to the neighborhood of (Coventry as early as 1830. He Avas born in Myers Township, Center County, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1797, and was a son of Peter Buchtel.

His parents located first in Stark County, Ohio, later in Green Township, and still later in Coventry Township, Summit County, this being about 1818. The country was then a w'ild region, with only here and there a cabin erected by some courageous settler near the banks of a stream. Peter Buchtel was a pioneer of the old tvpe and died at Tremont, Ohio.

John Buchtel's early years were filled with the hard labor incident to clearing up a pioneer farm. He was married in Green township, January 18, 1821, to Catherine Richards, and they had five children, three daughters and two sons. The family was partly reared in the log cabin in which .John Buchtel and wife commenced housekeeping. After thirteen years of residence in Gi'een township. Mr. Buchtel sold his farm there and bought another, in Coventry Township, on which he resided for forty-one years. In 1875, Mr. Buchtel gave up all active pursuits and with his wife removed to a .small farm just north of Akron, where Mrs. Buchtel died in 1882, iiged seventy-eight years. Mr. Buchtel then retired to the home of his son, Hon. William Buchtel, where he died at the remarkable age of ninety-seven yeare and two months. For more than a tialf century he was a consistent member of the Evangelical Church. From the period of the Civil War, he had been an earnest supporter of the Republican party.

ALBERT A. KOHLER, M.D., one of the leading professional men of Akron, of which city he has been a resident since 1870, Wiu; born September 12, 1863, in Snyder County, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Andrew and Sarah (Fisher) Kohler, who came to Akron in 1870. Andrew Kohler here followed his trade as a millwright until 1881. He then engaged in a grocery business, conducting it until his death, which took place December 31, 1885. He was a man of good standing in the world of trade and a valued citizen of Akron. He served as a member of the City Council, taking an active part- in the management of civic affaire. In religion he was a Lutheran, fraternally a Mason and an Odd Fellow. He married Sarah Fisher, who also was a native of Pennsylvania, and their family consisted of seven children, namely: Charles F., who is engaged in busine&s at AVabash, Indiana; Margaret, who married F. L. Deibolt and resides in Cleveland; John, who is engaged in mining in Nevada; William, who is deceased; Albert A., whose name begins this article; Warren A., a business man of Leesburg, Indiana; and James L., who is in the grocery trade at Cleveland, Ohio.

Albert A. Kohler acquired his literary education in the public schools and at Buchtel College, graduating from the latter institution in 1887. While in Buchtel College he became a member of the Greek letter fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. He began the study of medicine under Dr. Thomas Ebright, and in the fall of 1887 entered the medical department of the Western Reserve University, at Cleveland, where he was graduated in 1890. He immediately located in Akron, where he has become a successful and prominent physician and surgeon. His offices are at No. 608 and 610 Hamilton Building.

Politically Dr. Kohler is a Democrat, and from 1890 until 1894 he served as health officer of Akron. After a lapse of six years he was reappointed in 1900, and has filled that office continuously since. He is a member of the Summit County Medical, the Sixth Consular District, Ohio State, and the American Medical Societies, and he also belongs to all the Masonic bodies up to and including the Commandery at Akron and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, at Cleveland, Ohio. He is also a member of McPherson Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Akron. Dr. Kohler was married, November 27, 1894, to Alice C. Slade, a daughter of William H. Slade of Columbus, Ohio. Their pleasant home is at No. 703 South Union Street.

TODD CHARLES FOSTER, one of Boston Township's most substantial farmers, owns an estate of 308 acres, and belongs to an honored old pioneer family of this section, Mr. Foster was born September 28, 1861, in Boston Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of Edwin Francis and Elizabeth (Deiceman) Foster.

Pardon Foster, the paternal grandfather, was born in the State of New York, where he grew to manhood and before leaving home to better his fortunes, learned the trade of cabinet-making and carpentering which included a knowledge of ship building. In 1831, he came to Boston Township, where he constructed the first canal boat that ever went down the waters of the Ohio Canal. This boat was followed by the building of many others. When he gave up this work he retired to a farm he had purchased near Brandywine, in Boston Township, where he lived to the unusual age of ninety-two years. He married Nancy Ooulson, whose age exceeded his by four years. They were the parents of a large and robust family and their descendants have inherited in large degree, the health which accrued to them through clean, temperate and virtuous living.

lional advantages to be secured in the territory in which his home wan located and through a thorough course of study, became a qualified civil engineer. For a long period he taught school in Northfield and Bedford Townships, and was also a competent teacher of vocal music. After his marriage, when twentyseven years of age, he engaged in farming, in Boston Township and cai-ried on agricultural pursuits until the close of his life, which came in 1903, when he was eighty-one years of age. He was a natural mechanic and the use of tools came to him without instinictiou. It was a pleasure to him, even in advanced age, to be called on to fashion some domestic utensil or to repair some damage. The task would be done in a manner creditable to an instructed workman.

Mr. Foster left two fine farms to his family, aggregating 400 acres, one of these he held rented and on the other he cultivated the natural products of this climate. In his early political views he was an Abolitionist and Whig and immediately identified himself with the Republican party on its formation. Until the end of his life he retained his vigor of mind and was a great reader, keeping himself thoroughly posted on all public matters and discussing these questions with a thorough knowledge of the principles involved.

In 1846, Edwin Francis Foster married Elizabeth Deiceman, one of the jiupils attending his school. She was a maiden of seventeen years at that time, a cherished daughter of William Deiceman, of Northfield Township. She died in 1881, aged fifty-two years. Of the ten children born to this union, six reached mature years, namely: Coulson, residing in Hudson Township; James, who is deceased ; Amelia, who married Robert Miller, residing in Portage County; Nancy, who married Hiram Mowen, had one daughter, Ethel ; Todd C, residing in Boston Township ; Grant, residing in Northfield Township; and Henry, residing in Bedford Township. The parents of this family were worthy members of the United Brethren Church and reared their childi'en as became Christian people.

Todd Charles Foster was reared in his native township and attended school in the brick school-house in Boston. He remained with his father, assisting on the home farm, until he was twenty-one years old and for the next seven years followed various occupations, engaging in farming and teaming and also worked one year at plumbing, in the meanwhile picking up valuable information along many lines, a great deal of which he has ];ractically applied since taking charge of hispresent large property. During the abovenamed period, Mr. Foster was receiving excellent wages for his work and was providently saving them, and when he was able to secure his present estate, in 1889, he was prepared 10 invest $1,000, in the same. This payment of capital left him with just $15, and, as he adds, "a shovel, an axe and a hoe." Mr. Foster does not add, as he well might, that he had other equipments, including the habit of frugality, an enterprising and industrious spirit ond a natural endowment of judgment and common sense.

When Mr. Foster came here he purchased 108 acres, which had an unfinished house standing on it. This house he completed himself, even doing the painting, rooming off and plastering. The other substantial buildings which give his place such an air of completeness and thrift, were either totally built by him or entirely remodeled. We have no record of Mr. Foster learning the carpenter trade, but he is evidently one in .skill, as a number of the farm buildings give testimonial. He is an adept in all kinds of mechanical work and is independent of the wagonmaker and the blacksmith, having his own workshop, which he built himself, where all kinds of tools are kept, and where Mr. Foster may generally be found in the inclement weather when farm work cannot be successfully carried on. He is so busy and interested that fair or foul, he finds no time hang heavily on his hands.

Subsequently, Mr. Foster added 128 acres to his first purchase, and all his land is made to return its full value. In looking over even his ploughed fields, no stones or noxious weeds can be found, onlv the mellow soil which responds to his careful, scientific culti- '/ation. He raises crops of all the cereals, wheat, oats and corn, a large amount of hay and many potatoes. He supplies a large amount of the milk sent to Cleveland, from his neighborhood, and also feeds considerable young stock. Mr. Foster has found it profitable to make a specialty of raising turkeys and sells hi^ choice birds for breeding purposes at $5.00 apiece. He has some five head of horses for the farm work. Mr. Foster has every reason to take pride in his beautiful estate, his stock and machinery', having the consciousness of having earned them all through his own energy and enterprise. Before leaving the subject of this fine farm, mention must also be made of his two apple orchards, his 300-tree pear orchard, and his plum orchard. There are berries of all kinds grown in great quantities and beside marketing bushels of the same, in 1906, his capable wife used 800 pounds of sugar in preser\ang the remainder.

On ""December 19. 1889, Mr. Foster was married to Jessie B. McGee, who is a daughter of William and Marjorie (Martin) McGee, who was born December 6, 1865. Her grandfather, William McGee accompanied his parents from Ireland when a boy of nine years, and lived into old age, in Lawrence township, Wa.«hington County, Ohio. There the father of Mr.*. Foster was born, and died March 19, 1871, on his thirty-fourth birthday. He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in the Thirtj'-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He married Marjorie, daughter of John Martin, and Mrs. Foster was the eldest of their three children. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have had eight children, seven of whom survive, namely: Anna Elizabeth, bOrn March 19, 1892; Charles E., born March 26, 1895"; George William, born August 23, 1898 : Nellie Marjorie, born October 25, 1901; Lottie May, born August 8, 1903; Harvey John, born November 16. 1905; and Alice Ethel, the pet of the family, born June 13, 1907. The eldest daughter may be regarded as an exceptionally bright young lady. She graduated from the grammar school when but sixteen years of age, having a high average in all her studies. Mr. Fo.ster is giving his children every educational and social advantage in his power and there i'^ gi'eat promise of their developing into the the finest specimens of manhood and womanhood.

Politically, Mr. Foster is identified with the Republican party and he has served as supers'isor of the roads in Boston Township but he is no seeker for office. His aim is to be a good citizen and with this in view, he gives attention to public matters and casts his ballots intelligently.

MICHAEL and JAMES CONWAY, brothers, and prominent farmers of Boston Township, are the 'sons of John Conway, who was horn in Countj^ .Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1819, and died in Boston Township, in the fall of 1881, aged .sixty-two years.

John Conway was reared on a small farm in his native land and came to America in 1 848, bringing his wife and an infant daughter, Catherine, who lived to the age of twentysix years. The Conway family settled first at Fall River, Massachusetts, where John Con- V. ay worked for three years in a foundry, coming from there to Hudson, Ohio, where he worked for three more years, in a cheese factory. In 1860, he bought the Richardson farm in Northampton Township, 174 acres, on which he lived for eighteen years, and then purchased the John Douds farm of 262 acres, situated in Boston Township. Here he carried on general farming and dairying, and before any cheese factory had been established in his neighborhood, made a great deal of fine cheese on the farm. He was a very industrious man and a good manager. In politics, he ^v:as a Democrat.

John Conway married Julia Martin, in Ireland, where she was born in 1827, and is a daughter of Michael and Catherine Martin. She resides mth her sons and is a well-preserved lady, one who takes part in the domestic life in the home and enjoys social intercourse. She is a consistent member of St. Mar\-'s Catholic Church at Hudson. Of the twelve children born to this marriage, six reached maturity, a.5 follows: Catherine, above mentioned; Walter, residing on the homestead in Northampton Township; Michael, residing on the Boston Township farm, was born at Fall River, Massachusetts, November 14, 1852; James, associated with his brother Michael, was born at Hudson, Ohio, in June, 1855; Mary, who married Lawrence Sullivan, residing in Boston Township; and John, i-esiding at Moundsville, West Virginia.

Michael and James Conway have remained on the present farm ever since their late father purchased it. They cultivate about seventy acres, carrying on mixed farming and frow hay, corn, wheat and oats. They have a fine silo, with dimensions of 16 x 30 x 30 feet. Their apple orchard of 150 trees produces abundantly. They also do a large business in dairying. The new railroad cut through this section toolc off nineteen and one-half acres from the farm, necessitating the removal of the house and barn to a new location and the drilling of a new well. The property is a valuable one and the brothers have it under a fine state of cultivation.

The Conway brothers are both identified vi ith the Democratic party but are inclined to do considerable thinking on public matters for themselves. Both are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. They are good citizens and men who enjoy the respect and confidence of their fellow-men.

J. F. HEMINGTON, of The Hemington Companj', dealers in furniture, -carpets and stoves, has been a resident of this city for sixteen years and stands very high among its leading business men. He was born in 1869. at Madison, Ohio, but was taken in childhood to West Richfield, Summit County, where he was reared and educated.

AVhen seventeen years old, Mr. Hemington came to Akron, and for a number of years following was interested in a meat business, first, for three years, on the corner of Spruce and Exchange streets, in this city, later at Lincoln, Nebraska, for one year, at Hudson, Ohio, for one year and again at Akron, for eight months. He then entered the employ of L. A. Barmore, on Main street, who was the pioneer furniture man here, with whom he continued for eight years. Removal was (hen made to Howard street and Mr. Barmore was succeeded by the Kirk Company, Mr. Hemington becoming vice president and general manager of the new organization. After four years and nine months, he sold his interest and for one season he was out on the road as traveling salesman. Being recalled on account of the precarious state of his father's health, he gave up his position and cared for his aged parent until the latter's death. Mr. Hemington then engaged in a carpet, furniture and stove business at No. 356 South Main street, for one year, removing then to l)is present location at No. 72 South Howard street. He carries a large and well chosen stock and does a good business.

In 1890, Mr. Hemington was married to Mellie C. Knepper, of Beach City, Ohio, and Ihey have two daughters: Freda Catherine and Nellie Winnifred. Mr. Hemington is a member of the First Disciples Church. Fraternally, he is a Knight Templar Mason, and he belongs to the Protected Home Circle

WILLIAM H. ROOK, mechanical engineer for the American Sewer Pipe Com]iany, at Akron, was born .January 8, 1866, at Mecca, Trumbull County, Ohio, and accompanied his parents to Akron in childliood.

William H. Rook bears his father's name. The latter was born at Boston, Massachusetts. During his active years he worked as a machinist and now lives practically retired, at Akron.

William H. Rook, Jr., has been a resident of thi-s busy and beautiful city for a period covering years, almost his whole lifetime. After finishing school, he entered the machine shops of Taplin & Rice, where he learned the trade, showing a particular aptitude for the same, and remained with that concern for some twenty years. Since severing his relations with the above firm, he has been connected with the American Sewer Pipe Company in his present capacity. He is a stockholder in several of Akron's leading enterprises, and belongs to that body of pi'ogressive and enterprising young business men who have had much to do with the developing of this city along manufacti;ring lina?.

George Wellington Dickinson

GEORGE WELLINGTON DICKINSON, general farmer, residing on his finely-cultivated, well-improved e.stato, which contains 138 acres, 100 of which lie has under the plow, is one of the sterling citizens of this part of Summit County. He was born in Northampton Township, Summit County, Ohio, July 5, 1849, and is a son of Alexander and Harriet (Faylor) Dickinson.

In the days of the great-grandfather, the name was spelled Dickerson and the family lived on Long Island and was driven from there by the British during the Revolutionary War. The name of the great-great-grandmother was Mary Hamilton, who was born in the city of Dublin, Ireland. Their son, John Dickerson, was born August 20, 1782, at ]\Iillville, Connecticut, and was five years old when his mother died. Later, he went into partnerehip with an associate, in the shoe business, at Chai'leston, South Carolina. He had married Sabrina Cone, who was born at Middletown, Connecticut, January 19, 1778, and died in Northampton Township, Summit County, January 25, 1862. Her father was an officer in the Revolution War. It was the intention of John Dickerson to send for his family to join him but the only message ever received was that he had been drowned.

After satisfying her.self that her hi^band no longer lived, the widow of John Dickerson went to New York. On September 15, 1834, lier son, William Dickerson, the grandfather of George W. Dickerson, left Watson, New York, for Ohio, and after many adventures through stormy weather on Lake Erie, reached Fairport. He was accompanied by his family and there secured a wagon and drove to the home of William Coleman, at 'Shalersville. The familv remained with this ho.spitable family for a week and then came on to Northampton Township, their son Riley at that time owning a place near Northampton Center.

Alexander Dickerson, son of William and father of George W., was born at Watson, New York, May 1, 1828, and died May 3, ]902. He followed agricultural pursuits all his active life. He married Harriet Faylor, who was born in Brimfield Township, Portage County, Ohio, October 15, 1827, and died July 7, 1904. Of their seven children, five grew up, namely: George Wellington; Hemon, residing in Stow Township ; Mary Jane, \\ho is the widow of Calvin Hunt, residing m Boston Township; Edwin Riley, residing in Boston Township; and Julia, who married Charles Trumphour, residing in Northampton Township. The parents of this family were good, worthy, virtuous people, who were valued members of the Disciples Church.

George W. Dickinson remained on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, after which he rented a farm in Boston Town.ship, which he operated for a year, and then worked as a teamster for a railroad company and also for an uncle, for several years. After his marriage, in 1872, he bought his first farm in Boston Township, which he retained for three years, and in 1878, he came to his present place. In partnership with his brother Heman, he invested in 300 acres, which they later divided. Mr. Dickinson raises hay, wheat, corn and oats and markets a part of each crop. He keeps ten head of cattle, thirty head of sheep and four horses. His farm is one good to .see, its perfect order and careful state of cultivation satisfying even the eye of the stranger. Mr. Dickinson has met with some misfortune, having lost n large amount in 1884, when his barn with forty-eight head of cattle, six horses and all its other contents were destroyed by fire. In 1891, he put up his present substantial barn building, with dimensions of 40 by 68 feet, with eighteen-foot posts. In 1905 he built his tool house, a snug little structure 20 by 40 feet, wherein everything has its proper place. In 1881, the comfortable and attractive thir- tcen-room residence was erected. Mr. Dickinson ha^ the reputation of being one of the most progressive farmers of the township, one who believes in the use of improved machinery and the adoption of sensible, modern methods of agriculture.

On December 7, 1872, Mr. Dickin.son was married to Alice Enos, who was born December 19, 1853, at Syracuse, New York. From the age of two years to eleven, .she lived in Michigan, and in 1870, she came to Boston Towmship. She is a lady of education and refinement. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson have four children : Nellie, who married Park Knapp, residing at Ravenna; Arthur, residing at home; Jessie, who married Ernest Cargould; and Alice. The family belong to the Disciples Church. Politically, Mr. Dickinson is a Republican.

ALFRED E. McKISSON, trustee of Richfield Township, resides on his valuable farm of fifty-two acres, which he devotes to general agriculture, and also .operates considerable adjacent land which he has rented for a number of years. Mr. McKisson was born in Northfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, January 29, 1859. His parents were Arthur and Jane (Kettlewell) McKisson.

Arthur McKisson was born in Northfield Township, Summit County, May 29, 1831. His educational opportunities were very limited, as his father died when he was young, and he was early called on to assi-st his halfbrother, James, to clear the farm. When he was seventeen years of age he went to work for Ijucian Bliss, of Northfield, and continued in the lumbering business for fifteen years. In 1871 he engaged in farming and dairying, renting land for the puipose near BrecksviUe, five years later moving to Twinsburg, and later to Richfield, in the latter place working again at lumbering for five years, as foreman, for C. L. Newell. He also worked four years as foreman for Ralph Farnum, in the same industry. Prior to retiring from busiress activity, he operated the Newell Brothers' farm, at Brecksville. During the early part of the Civil War he endeavored three different times to pass muster and become a soldier in defense of the Union, but he was rejected. He is past overseer of the Summit County Pomona Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

On February 22, 1854, Mr. McKisson was married to Jane Kettlewell, who is a daughter of James and Elizabeth Kettlewell. Mrs. Mc- Kisson was born in England, May 10, 1832, and was an infant when she was brought to America. Of the eight children born to the above marriage, six survive, namely: William J., residing at Brecksville, Ohio; Alfred E.; Annie, who married AVitt Fonts, residing in Stark County; Francis, residing at Macedonia; Jennie, who is the widow of Robert. Mitchell, residing in Richfield ; and Horatio S., residing at La Grange, Ohio.

The McKissons are Maryland people and the great-grandfather, Samuel McKisson, as well as the grandfather, also Samuel McKisson, were both born in that State. Grandfather McKisson served in the War of 1812. For his second wife he married Susanna Boerntrigger, who was the mother of Arthur ]\TcKisson, and the grandmother of Alfred E.

.'Vlfred E. McKisson attended the schools of Northfield Township until the age of thirteen years, when he started out to make his own way in the world, a courageous thing for a boy of his years to attempt. He found work with neighboring farmers and was employed by the month until 1880, when he was prepared to buy his present farm. For a number of years he has rented the Lockert farm of 115 acres, which adjoins his own. He keeps on an average, twenty-five head of cattle and cultivates the land not needed for pasturage, about eighty acres, raising mainly wheat and potatoes. Mr. McKisson still finds profit in growing sheep, keeping .some forty head. His milk all goes to Cleveland. He has a fine apple orchard of three acres, w-hich he also considers a paying investment. He is an industrious man, a careful and intelligent farmer, and is prospering.

Politically, Mr. McKisson is identified with the Republican party and is somewhat active, on numerous occasions having been sent as a delegate to various important conventions. He is serving in his first term as township trustee, and for a long period he has been a member of the township School Board. He is much interested in everything looking to the advancement of the agricultural welfare of this section and long ago united with the Richfield Grange. He is past grand of Chippewa Lodge, No. 675, Odd Fellows, at Brecksville.

WILLIAM N. WOOD, general farmer in Boston Township, residing on a valuable estate of 332 acres, 150 of which are under cultivation, was born in Boston Township, Summit County, Ohio, July 11,' 1862, and is the only son of Thomas and Julia (Wetmore) W^ood.

Thomas Wood, than whom there was no more highly considered citizen of Boston Township, at the time of liis death, in 1900, aged seventy-two years, was born in Ireland, and was seven yeare of age when his parents brought him to America. The family lived at Sheboygan, Michigan, until he was about twelve years of age, when they came to Boston Township, where the grandfather of William N. Wood worked in a mill. Thomas Wood learned to build canal boats and engaged in the business on his own account for some j^ears, from which he embarked in a lumber business, which he continued for forty years. He possessed great business enterprise, iiperat«d two or three sawmills, bought standmg timber and cut it, and acquired timber land both in Boston and Northampton Townships, at one time owning for one mile along the Cuyahoga River. He was held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. He was a member of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 266, F. & A. M., of Richfield. He married Julia Wetmore, who resides at Peninsula since her widowhood. She was bom at Silver Lake, in Stow Township, Simimit County, Ohio, where her father, Hon. William Wetmore, was one of the earlv settlers.

William N. Wood attended school at Peninsula until he was eleven years of age. He was a boy of unusual brightness of mind, and, inspired with a desire to travel, he left home without asking his parents' consent, rightly judging that it would be withheld, and made his way to Chicago. His smiling face and engaging personality enabled him, with no previous experience of city life, to secure a position as bellboy in the Palmer House. He was so obliging and attentive to guests of that somewhat famous hostelry, that his tips from the capitalists who frequently make it their home, were so generous during his stay of four months, that he had enough money with wliich to buy a horse, on which he started back home, which he reached in safety, having paused at several points on the way to trade horses with other travelers. After this little excursion into the world, the- youth quietly attended school imtil he was fifteen years of age and then worked several years for his father, driving a team, having always been fond of horses. He purchased a team of his own and continued to use it in his father's lumber business, until 1897, when he turned liis attention more especially to speeding horses. For .some j^ears he owned and took an interest in racing many fast horses in different classes, traveling over considerable territory and becoming well known in the sporting world. In the meanwhile, the home farm was under rental, with the exception of several years when Mr. Wood conducted operations on- it, but for the past five years it has been under his careful and successful supervision. He keeps about forty head of cattle, selling -his milk to the Peninsula Creamery, and raises hay, corn, oats and wheat. He feeds all but his wheat.

Mr. Wood married Olive Lee, who is a daughter of Edward Lee, of Richfield Township. They have one son, Thomas H. Mrs. Wood is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Peninsula.

Mr. Wood votes with the Republican party in National affairs, but independently in local matters. Mr. AVood's genial personality, open hospitality and his many sterling qualities of

HENRY BLACK WELL, the efficient superintendent of Factory No. 1, of the Robinson Clay Product Company, at Akron, came to this city in 1873, when fifteen years of vge, having been born in England, in 1858.

Ever since locating at Akron, Mr. Blackwell has been identified with pottery interests, first entering the pottery works of Spafford & Richardson, of East Akron, and continuing with the firm of Cook and Richardson, and later with Cook & Fairbanks. For the following twelve years, Mr. Blackwell was with the F. H. Weeks Company, and for the past twelve years he has been in charge of Factory No. 1 of the Robinson Clay Product Company. From his years of practical experience, Mr. Blackwell has become thoroughly efficient in the position to which his knowledge and abilities have advanced him, and the products of this factory continue to meet the high grade of excellence which long since made the name of this great manufacturing house one of importance in the pottery world.

In 1881, Mr. Blackwell was married to Emma Richards, of Akron, and they have one son, Edmund R., who has been afforded the best educational advantages Akron has to offer. Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell belong to the First Presbyterian Church of Akron.

GEORGE P. HOFFMAN, part proprietor of the Excelda Stone Company, general contractors at Akron, and dealers in and manufacturers of all kinds of plain and ornamental cement stone, is a leading business man of this citv. Mr. Hoffman was born at Akron in 1872, and is a son of B. F. Hoffman.