Summit County, Ohio - Chapter 20: Statistics, 1908 (part 7 of 27)

In the fall of 1863 he returned to Copley Township and here liis wife died. She was, in maidenhood, Betsey A. Stearns, and was born in Copley, a daughter of John 0. and Orpha A. (Clark) Stearns. Mr. Stearns was living at that time on Mr. Waggoner's farm. Mrs. Waggoner left no children. After the death of his wife, Mr. Waggoner enlisted in the Union army, in the fall of 1863, entering the Sixth Ohio Independent Battery, and remaining i;i the service until the close of the war. He particii)ated in the Atlanta cani- ]>aign and was with the force that jiursued General Hood.

When the war closed Mr. Waggoner returned to Akron and worked at his trade for four years. In 1869 he returned to Copley Township, in the spring of that year being married to his second wife, Lydia Ann Randoljih, a daughter of Bayliss Randoljih. She 'died April 7, 1896. After his second marriage, Mr. Waggoner bought his present farm from Samuel Long, and has been engaged in a general line of agriculture for many years. He has now, however, given over the management to his nephew, Harry Weeks, who makt^^ his home with his uncle. Mr. Weeks married Nellie Prentice, and they have three children : Arthur, Myron and an infant.

that did not prevent him studying on his own account. He thus prepared for teaching, and when he wiis twenty years old began to teach the winter schools in an adjoining district, and so acceptably, that he taught in various districts through nine winters. There are many residents of Copley Township who remember him as a schoolmaster. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and has frequently served in offices of responsibility. For two and one-half terms he was township trustee, for two terms was a justice of the peace, and for ten years was a member of the Board of Education. For the pa.st thirty years he has belonged to the Grange, and he is proud to belong also to the Grand Army of the Republic.

SOLOMON M. GOLDSMITH, secretary and treasurer of the J. Koch Company, Akron's largest clothing .store, was born in 1873, at Rochester, New York, where he was reared and educated.

Mr. Goldsmith has been associated with the clothing business throughout his whole busine.'^s career. He began in boyhood in a huml)lc capacity in the line of work he had chosen and learned its details from the bottom up, gradually rising until he became a member of tlie clothing manufacturing firm of Goldsmith & Son. When the firm of J. Koch Company was incorporated in February, 1907, he came to Akron and accepted his present position with this house, his thorough training and long experience making him a most desirable acquisition to the house.

In 1904 Mr. Goldsmith was married to Celia Moss, who is a daughter of H. W. Moss, one of Akron's pioneer merchants and a member of the old firm of Koch & Moss, for years Akron's leading clothiers. Mr. Goldsmith is a Free !NLason. He is a member of the Akron Hebrew Congregation. He is a young man of pleasant address and undoubted business capacity.

And Repkeskntative Citizens

he wa.s a youth of fifteen years, and has grown up with tlie house as it were. He was horn at Akron in 1864, and is a son of the hite Martin Tobin, formerly a well known citizen. Martin Tobin was born in Ireland and settled in Akron in 1863, where he became connected with the Hills Sewer Pipe Company, the Akron Iron Company and the Wliitman- Barnes Company. He married Honora Brazell, who was also born in Ireland.

W. T. Tobin was reared in his native city and up to the age of twelve. years attended the parochial schools attached to the Catholic Church in the parish of St. Vincent. Until he was fifteen years old he worked in the shops of the Diamond Matcli Company and the McNeil Boiler Company, and then en- .tered the store of O'Neil & Dyas as cash boy. His indu.«try and capacity brought him quickly to the attention of his employers and he rapidly rose to be cashier, and later bookkeeper.

The mannnoth enterprise with which Mr. Tobin has been connected so long, wa« started in 1877 and was incorporated in 1892, when Mr. Tobin became secretary of the company, the other officers being: M. O'Neil, president and general manager; J. J. Feudner, vicepresident; F. B. Goodman, assistant mantiger. The company has a capital of $200,- nOO and a surplus of $275,000. Its location is at 38-48 South Main Street and 41-49 South Howard Street. It occupies five floors and a basement, and 300 persons are given employment. In addition to performing the duties of .secretary, Mr. Tobin is buyer and manager of the Leader Ready-to-Wear Garments and Millinery and Manufacturing departments.

He served for twelve years as a tni.stee of the Akron Public Library, and is now a member of the Sinking Fund Commission. He is also a director in. and actively connected with, the Akron Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

In September, 1892, Mr. Tobin was married to Anna G. Walsh, of Cleveland, and they have had eight children, those now living being Dorothy, Honora, Mar\', Catherine, Paul and Richard. The family belong to St.

N'incent Catholic Church. Mr. Tobin is a member of the Knights of St. John, and has filled the office of district deputy of the organization.

CALVIN GOUGLEK, a highly esteemed citizen and substantial agriculturist, who operates a well-improved tract of land consisting of eighty-seven acres in the north central part of Green Township, was born in this township August 20, 1870, and is a son of Daniel and Phoebe (Arnold) Gougler.

Daniel Gougler was born in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Tilton Gougler. a life-long agricidturist of Pennsylvania, and a soldier in the Mexican War. In his youiiger days Daniel was a blacksmith, but subsequently engaged in farming, and in 1870 with his family came to Ctreen Town.ship, Summit County, Ohio, and settled on a rented farm near the Inland cemetery, where he resided for one year. He then removed to the present farm of Ami Gougler, on the Akron Road, in Green Town.ship, but in the following year located on the farm now owned by Calvin CTOugler, which Mr. Gougler pure-based from the Chisenell heirs in association with his uncle, John Gougler. This tract originally consisted of 153 acres, but on its division Daniel secured the south part of the property. Here Mr. Gougler died in 1887, aged fifty-nine years, four months. He was married in Pennsylvania to Pho'be Arnold, who was also born in Snyder County, and who still survives and makes her home with her son, Calvin. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gougler, namely: Savoris, who lives in Coventry Township ; Irving, who died, aged two years ; Louisa, who married Frank Miller, of Green Town.«hip : .lacob, who lives in Springfield Township; .Tackson. who resides at Kent, Ohio; Maria, who is the wife of J. Gearhart, of Tallmadge Township; and Calvin.

Calvin Gougler attended the old di.strict school hou.se in Green Township, and has resided in this section all of his life. He bought an undivided interest in his present farm from his father's heirs, and has l)ro\ight the property to a high state of eviltivation, using the latest methods and most improved machinery. On March 16, 1902, he was united in marriage with Alice Hershey, who was born at New Berlin, Stark County, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Ada (Hule) Hershey. Mr. and Mrs. Hershey, the former of whom died in Stark County, had four children : Alice, the wife of Mr. Gougler ; Maude, w:ho married C. White; and Anna- and George, who are single. Mrs. Hershey was married a second time to Samuel Stover and resides in Stark County. To Mr. and Mrs. Gougler have been born two children - Ray A. and Opal. Mr. Gougler is a stanch Democrat in politics, and served as township supcr\isor for two years. He belongs to the Grnnge. With his family he attends the United Evangelical CShurch.

ALEXANDER H. COMJNHNS, formerly the senior member of the prominent business firm of Commins & Allen, at Akron, was born June 1, 1815, at Lima, Livingston County, Ne^v York, and died at Akron, .\ugust 17, 1880, aged sixty-five years. He was the eldest son of Dr. Jedediah D. Commins. His parents located at Akron in 1832. After a short period spent as clerk in his father's drug store, Mr. Commins became interested with a number of Akron capitalists in the manufacture of woolen cloth, satinets, etc., becoming a member of the Perkins Company. The business was carried on in the old brick building on Canal Street, which is now known as the Allen mill. Tn 1867 Mr. Commins, with Albert Allen, purchased the old stone mill and the firm of Commins and Allen continued to do a very large and .successful business for many years. This business was subsequently merged into The American Cereal Company, now The Quaker Oats Company.

Mr. Commins was married October 8, I860, to Addie H. Starks, who was born at Buffalo, New York. They had nine children, six of whom still sun'ive, Cora, Katherine B., Adelaide H., Daisy, Alexander PL and Augustus J. Alexander H. Commins, of this family, is an attorney and director in the Central Savings and Trust Company, with othce at No. 12 East Market Street, and residence at No. 135 Fir Street. The death of Mr. Commins was a distinct loss to Akron, where as business man and citizen he had so long been held in esteem. His widow survived him le.ss than four yeans, dying June 29, 1884.

J. J. FEUDNER, who has been identified with the bu-siness interests of Akron ever since he was twenty-one years of age, and is now vice-president of The M. O'Neil & Company, the largest dry goods store of this whole section, is a man whose capacity is universally recognized, and whose good citizenship makes him a representative man in the broadest application of the term.

Mr. Feudner was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1857, and he was reared and educated in the vicinity of his birthplace. In 1878 he came to Akron and was employed by the old dry goods firm of Hall Brothers, for eighteen months, later working for Brouse & Wall on Howard Street. In 1881 he entered the employ of O'Neil & Dyas, and continued with that firm until The M. O'Neil & Company was organized and incorporated, when he became vice-president and has since devoted his exclusive attention to that concern.

In 1882 Mr. Feudner was married to Katheryn Brumbaugh, who is a daughter of Conrad Brumbaugh, of Stark County, and they have three children : Grace, Harry and Lloyd. Ever since coming to Akron Mr. Feudner has been connected with Trinity Lutheran Church, and he is now a member of its official board. For fully thirty years he has been affiliated wnh the Odd Fellows, of which he is a Pa.st Grand,

GEORGE A. SWIG ART, a representative citizen of Copley Township, Summit County, Ohio, who is carrying on agricultural operations on his fine farm of sixty-eight and onehalf acres, was bom July 7, 1842, in Franklin Township, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Daily) Swigart.

from whence he eauie to Oliio iu a prairie schooner and located in a cabin in the Wilderness of Stai'k County. He married Elizabeth Peifer, who survived him many yearSj and they had the following children: John, George, Joseph, Jacob, Peggy, who married Joseph Rex; Catherine, who married H. Sours; and Caroline, who married a Mr. ^Vsper.

George Swigart, father of George A., was also born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and was just a lad when he made the journey to Ohio with his parents. After his marriage he purchased a farm in Franklin Township, Summit County, Ohio, and there he spent the rest of his life. Mr. Swigart married (first) Mary Daily, who died without i.ssue some years later, and he married (second) her sister, Elizabeth Daily, by whom he had the following children : Margaret, who married D. Waggoner; John; Susan, who married Samuel Kepler; Joseph; Mary Ann, who married J. Yocht; Sarali : Jacob; Catherine, who married Daniel Grill ; Elizabeth, who married Pliillip Serfa.ss; Caroline, who married J. Cormany; Henry; David; George Adam; Dajiiel; and Hiram.

George Adam Swigart was reared on the home farm, and, after obtaining a good common school education, began teaching school, an occupation which he continued to follow until his marriage, after which he rented a farm in Norton Township for three years and then purchased his present farm, on which he built all of the buildings. Mr. Swigart is a Democrat in politics, and has .served on the school board. With his wife he attends the Reformed Church.

On September 28. 1871, Mr. Swigart was married to Eliza J. Harter, who is a daughter of Daniel Harter, who now lives with Mr. and Mrs. Swigart and Ls eighty-eight years old. One child has been born to this union: Homer A.

Homer Alden Swigart w,ts bom Augu.st 9, 1875, on his father's farm in Copley Tow-nship, attended school at Montrose, the Copley High School, the Ohio University at Ada and the Mount Union College at Alliance. In

1892 he began teaching school and continued in that profession for thirteen years in Copley and Coventry Townships. After giving up teaching he engaged in a creamery business at Cleveland for five months, but returned to Copley Township and engaged in business with his father-in-law, Eugene A. Hawkins, with whom he is still in partnership. They are dealers in coal, fertilizer, lime, cement, plaster, farm implements, buggies, wagons, etc., and do a large business throughout the surrounding countrj-. He is also considering a proposition to become ticket freight agent for the N. 0. Railroad. Mr. Swigart purchased his present large dwelling in 1904. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been active in the ranks of his party in Copley Township, serving for four years in the capacity of township clerk, to the satisfaction of all concerned.

During the year of the Buffalo Exposition Mr. Swigart was married to Mabelle A. Hawkins, who is a daughter of Eugene A. and Laura (Colson) Hawkins, and two children have been born to this union: Alverda M. and Alice V.

JOHN LIMRIC, now living retired at Akron, enjoying the comforts of a beautiful home at No. 556 Ea.st. Buchtel .\venue, was one of the leading busine.«s men of this city for many years, and he is also an honored veteran of the Civil War. Mr. Limric was bom in Germany. May 14, 18.36, and was a babe in his mother's arms, when his parents - Baltis and Ursilla Limric - came to America.

The parents of Mr. Limric settled first at Liverpool. Ohio, but came to Akron in 1839, and in this city he was reared and educated. In boyhood he ser\'ed three years as a clerk in a grocery store and when seventeen years of age learned the carpenter's trade. On October 9, 1861, he entered the Ihiion army, enlisting in the Sixth Ohio Independent Light Battery. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth and the battles of Stephenson and luka, and accompanied his command to Na.<hville, and aferwards to Louisville, where he was confined in a hos- pital for tliree \veek;>, suffering from the effects of a wound received at Shiloh. He was later sent to a hospital at Gamp Dennison, where he remained three months, receiving his honorable discharge December 20, 1862, on account of this disability. During his service of fifteen months, until incapacitated, he performed eveiy duty of a true jiatriot and faithful soldier.

Within three weeks after returning home and receiving the care and attention he needed, he went to work at his trade with the late George Thomas, a large contractor and builder of that day, and after his death he continued with his son and successor, D. W. Thomas, remaining with father and son for a period altogether of forty years. He was made superintendent of many of their largest contracts and worked at Cleveland, Baltimore and in other cities, including Akron.

February 21, 1858, Mr. Limric was married to Anna L. Williams, who was born at Harpersfield, As:htabula County, Ohio, in 1841. Hei; parents were Lemuel and Lucinda Highby Williams, the former of whom was born in Vermont and the latter in Connecticut. They were early settlers at Akron and Mrs. Limric easily recalls the little log cabin home, to the door of which Indians would frequently come. Mr. and Mrs. Limric have four children, namely: Arthur Eugene, wlio was one of the first mail carriers in Akron, which position he still holds; Rev. Harry George, who is rector of an Episcopal Clnirch at Abilene, Texas; Lulu May, wife of .7. C. Leohner, of New Castle, Pennsylvania: and Curtis Clifton, who is employed in tlu^ olfico of the Diamond Rubber Works at Akron.

Mr. Limric is a member of Bucklev Post, No. 12, G. A. R. Since 1864 he has been identified with the Odd Fellows as a member of Lodge No. 50 and of Encampment No. 18. Mr. and Mrs. Limric are both members of Colfax Lodge, No. 23, Daughters of Rebekah, Mrs. Limric being one of the charter members.

of the city and neighborhood, is treasurer and manager of the Camp Conduit Company. He was born at Cuyahoga Falls, in October, 1876, and is a son of the venerable IL B. Camp, who was prominently identified for many years with the nianufacture of clay products.

Mr. Camp was educated in the schools of Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson and Akron, and first entered into bu.S'iness as assistant to his father. Later he went to New York city to take charge of a large contract his father was filling. He remained there three years, at the end of which time he returned to his father's office and continued with him until the Cami) factory was bought by The National Tinproofing Company. He remained with that corl>oration as manager for three years, when the organization of The Camp Conduit Company called him to accept official position with tliis organization. The plant of this company is situated at Independence, in Cuyahoga County. Other enterprises in which Mr. Can>p is interested are the Central Savings and Tru.st Company, of which he is a director and stockholder; the Akron Fireproof Construction Company, of Akron, Ohio, and the Akron Coal Company, in both of which lie is also stockholder and director. Other less important concerns also claim his attention. On September 10, 1902, Mr. Camp was married to Anna Christy Metlin, who was born and reared at Akron. Mr. Camp is a member of the Akron club.

.T. IT. ANDREWS, superintendent of the Quaker Oats Company's Akron mills, is an experienced man in his line, having been identified with the grain business almost all his mature life, and since 1881 has been particularly occupied in milling. He was born in 1856, at Cincinnati, and was reared and educated in his native city, where he was engaged for three years in a wholesale grocery business. In 1881 he embarked in a milling business at Ravenna, in connection with which he operated an elevator. He continued there until 1891, when he came to Akron, since which time he has been .superintendent of the millg of the Quaker Oat« Company, one of Akron's most impoi'tant indastrie.*, where from 700 to 1,000 people find employment. In 1887 Mr. Andrew.s wa.s married to Laura L. Day, of Kent, Ohio, and they have three children : Laura, Llelen and Edward. With hi.s family, Mr. Andrews belongs to St. Paul's Episcopal Chiirch. Fraternally, Mr. Andrews is a Ma.-on and has long been prominent in the Portage Coimtry cluV). of which he is vice-president, and is at present acting president.

REV. JOHN B. BROUN, D. D., pastor of St. Bernard's Church at Akron, and the oldest Catholic priest in the city, was born at Rening, France, March 2, 1834, and accompanied his parents to America and to Monroe, Michigan, in 1847. In his boyhood he attended the parochial schools, and at the age of 20 years became a pupil in A.ssumption College, at Sandwich, Ontario, Dominion of Canada, where he remained three years. He then entered St. Thoma-s's College, near Beardstown, Kentucky, where he was graduated in 1860, and after one year in St. Mary's College, Cleveland, returned to Assumption College, where he studied theology for three years. In 1863 he wa.* ordained a priest by Bishop Barraga, of Michigan, and located at Eagle Harbor, in that stat.e. The three years which Father Broun spent in this mission were memoraljle ones. His territory covered fiftyfive miles in extent, and pastoral visits to some of the 1,000 families included under his charge could be made only on foot, often through dense forests. Nevertheless, twice each month, the faithful priest was on hand at churches or missions scattered far apart, to greet his people and comfort them liy his ministrations. Since 18G6 Father Broun has been identified with pastoral work at Akron, his only respite from continuous duty having been obtained during two brief visits to Europe.

St. Bernard's Church, of which Father Broun has been pastor for forty-one years, has an interesting history. Originally all the people of various nationalities subscribing to the Roman Catlaolic faith, at Akron, were identified with the parish of St. Vincent de Paul. As the German element increased, an amicable separation was effected in 1861, twenty-three German families of the latter nationality forming a new society which was named for St. Bernard. In 1862 a church edifice was connnenced and when Rev. Mr. Broun took charge, as the third regular pastor, St. Bernard's had become the church home of the German Catholic element in Akron. Father Broun's work has not only been directed for the .spiritual welfare of his constantly increasing congregation, but he has worked alrnost as persistently and successfully for their material benefit. Through many changes St. Bernard's has become one of the most substantial congregations in the city, and the church, which was completed in 1905, is one of the finest religious edifices in Akron. The corner stone of the new church was laid with impre.ssive ceremonies, June 23, 1902, and was dedicated October 14. 1905. Father Broun is one of the most beloved among the Catholic clergy, and is held in the high esteem also, both in his own and other churches, for his business ability, his scholarly attainments, and his other admirable personal qualities.

ALFRED CAPRON, who has been a lifelong resident of Copley Township, Summit County, Ohio, was born in the log cabin erected by his father on the pioneer family farm. May 8, 1832, and is a son of Ara and Eliza (Sweet) Capron.

The Caprons and the Sweets both belonged to Pennsylvania. Orren Capron, the grandfather of Alfred, was the leader of the family party that came to Ohio. He took up 160 acres of land on the Smith road on the Bath- Copley Township line, in Summit County, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying at the age of eighty-four years. He had four sons and one daughter, and he as.si.sted all of his children to procure farms. Ara Capron, the youngest son, had accompanied his father wdth his newly-made wife, and he took up land in Copley Town.«hip, which he subsequently cleared, and built the log house in which his children were born. There were five of these, as follows: Laban, who died in 1907, aged eighty-three years; Elias, who died, aged fifty-three years; Adeline, who married Abel Allen, deceased; Albert, deceased; and Alfred, residing in Copley Township.

When Alfred Capron was two years old he lost his father by death, and, although he remained on the old farm with his mother, he was obliged to look after himself from the age of ten years. He attended the district school for a short time, but his educational advantages were' few. Different farmers in the neighborhood employed him at a .salary of three dollars a month, which was increased as he grew older, and he continued to work by the month until he was thirty years of age. On April 10, 1862, he was married to Emily Moore, who is a daughter of "William and Mary (Baer) Moore, who came from Franklin County, Pennsylvania, to Summit County and settled on this farm in 1833. Mr.s. Capron was born near this place. Her father died at the age of forty -five years and her mother, in 1872, at the age of fifty-nine years. There were six children in the Moore family, namely: Oliver and John R., both deceased; Perry, Emily and Amanda and Mc- Curdy, both deceased. All of Mrs. Capron's brothers, except the youngest, served in the Civil War, and all the brothers of Mr. Capron also were soldiers, these families being very patriotic. Mr. Capron preserves the splintered gun which his brother-in-law, John R. Moore, carried. Elias Capron served in the Mexican War and later participated in the Indian troubles in the West. Albert Capron also served in the Civil War. enlisting in 18(i2 in the Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalr\', and was a courageous soldier, who faced the dangers of war for four years, but fortunately escaped injury.

Shortly after his marriage. .Mfred Capron enlisted, in August, 1862. and served six months as a teamster. In February, 1864, he re-enlisted as a private in Company I, 188th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under

Captain Smith and served until the close of the war. When Mr. Capron ret\u-ned from his military service he began farming for himself, buying from E. Randall one-half of his present farm, to which he moved, and - here he has continued ever since. He has 143 acres of valuable land, which he devot&5 to general farming. Mr. Capron made the greater number of the improvements on the place, erecting the substantial buildings, setting out the hedge fence, which is very ornamental, and has made a comfortable and attractive home, both without and within. Among the interesting articles of furniture that he di.splays with pardonable pride, is his grandfather's old clock, which is made of wood and stands eight feet high. Its pendulum still swings true, although it must have marked the flight of time for the past hundred years. In addition to looking after his farm, Mr. Capron is interested as a stockholder in the Logan Clav Product Companv. at Looan, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Capron have two children, Ara and Bessie. The former married Florence Vallen and they live on a part of Mr. Capron's farm. Politically, Mr. Canron is a Republican, and he belongs to the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Both he and wife are valued members of the United Brethren Church. His life of seventy-five years has covered an important part of his country's history, and he has been a witness of many beneficial changes in his own community.

WILL CHRISTY, one of Akron's mo-^t prominent busines'; men and influential citizens, who is president of the Central Savings and Trust Company, vice-president of the Northern Ohio Traction and Light Company, president of the Akron People's Telephone Company and president of the Hamilton Building Company, has also other extensive interests in Akron and the vicinity. He was born in Akron, in 1859, was reared in this city and was educated in its public schools.

with his father, and remained connected with that industry for ten years, after which his attention was attracted to the promotion and construction of electric railways. It was Mr. Christy who organized the Cleveland Construction Company, which has built many thousands of miles of electric railroads through Ohio and in Canada, at present having 170 miles of road in course of construction. His business interests have gradually broadened until he has become associated, either as the head or a.s a director or stockbolder, in a large number of the leading bu.siness concerns of this section. In the prime of life, he has hardly yet reached the full measure of his usefulness.

In 1890 Mr. Christy was married to Rose Day, who is a daughter of E. S. Day, vicepresident of the National City Bank, of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Christy belong to St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He is identified wath a number of social organizations, including the Portage Country club and the Union. Euclid and Country clubs, of Cleveland.

DR. ARTHUR M. COLE, banker and manufacturer, and one of the busiest men in .\kron, is a native of Summit County, having been born near Everett. His education, begun in the district schools of Boston Township, was continued later in Cleveland, Ohio. He then spent several years as clerk in his father's store at Peninsula, Ohio. Toward the end of this period he had leanings toward a professional career, and so we find him beginning the study of medicine, which he pursued first in New York city, graduating from the New York Medical College, and afterwards in the Cleveland (Ohio) Medical College, from which he was graduated in the cla.ss of 1876. For two or three years subsequently he practiced his profession in Cleveland. Then, returning to hi? native county, he practiced for about a year at Peninsula.

The death of his father, which occurred about this time, changed the whole current of his life, and directed it into those channels of trade and finance in which it has since flowed with such momentous volume. He purchased his father's business and conducted it very successfully until his election in 1883 as treasurer of Summit County. His election to this responsible office shows that he had by this time become generally recognized throughout the county as a man of financial ability and trustworthy character, and the record he made while in the office justified the people's confidence, and resulted in his re-election for a second term, the period of his incumbency thus covering four con- years. During the same period he served as city treasurer of Akron. He had now entered fully into the business life of the city; his ability was recognized and his opinion sought in regard to matters of trade and finance by the leading business men here, and led naturally to his connection with some of Akron's representative concerns. He was for some time president of the City National Bank; was one of the organizers of the Akron Twine and Cordage Works, and was its secretary, treasurer and manager until its merger with the National Cordage Company in Tanuary, 1891 ; he was president also of the J. C. McNeil Boiler Company. He has since continued his successful business career, being, or having been, president of a number of other flourishing enterprises in Akron and in other cities. He organized the Western linoleum Company and was its president for years; it is now the Standard Oil Cloth Company, in which he is largely interested, and of which industry he may be called the pioneer in the West. He has also been and is still closely connected with the match manufacturing industry, is president of the Reliable Match Company at Ashland, Ohio, and is also concerned in the manufacture of drilling machines, for ten years having been president of the Star Drilling Machine Company. He was one of the organizers of the Plome Building & Loan Company, and was its vice-p resident until his resignation. He is also an active and influential member of the Akron Board of Trade, of which he wa« one of the organizers, and president for some time. He is also at the head of the firm of A.

M. Cole & Company, bankers. In short, Dr. Cole may be described as a man of wide and useful activities, in close touch with everything connected with the growth and material advancement of the thriving city in which he has made his home.

In his fraternal and religious affiliations also he is not lacking. In the Masonic Order he has advanced as far as the Connnandery, and both the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows claim him as a brother. An Episcopalian in religion, he is a member of the Church of Our Saviour at Akron, which he consistently helps to support, his benefactions (lowing also at times, as he sees cause, in additional channels.

Dr. Cole was married, January 20, 187B, to Mrs. Lucy J. Tru.scott, of Cleveland, who, besides the two children she brought to him^ Harry and Jessie Truscott, has borne him two sons - Samuel Jackson, born May 30, 1879; and Edmund Herbert, born November 25, 1882. Of the two latter, Samuel J. Cole is now cashier for the United States Express Company, while Ednnmd H. Cole is his father's as.sociate in business. Mrs. Cole is a sister of the Hon. A. L. Conger. The family home is at No. 18 Bowery Street.

PERRY GIBSON EWART wa.< born August 28, 1847, in Springfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Elizabeth "(Harris) Ewart.

The Ewart> family is of Scotch-Irish extraction, the groat-grandfather, in company with several of his brothers, coming to America at a very early day and settling in Pennsylvania, where he died. His son Joseph Ewart, the grandfather of Perry G., in company with his family and James Caruthers and family, came to Ohio, in 1811, and both settled at Tallmadge, where the Carutlior.-; family remained, but Grandfather Ewart pushed farther into the country and in 1812 settled in Springfield Township, on the farm now occupied by C. C. Ewart. He lived on that farm until his death in 1852, at the age of eightyeight years. This land he purchased for eight dollars an acre. It liad formerly been tenanted and an old blacksmith shop stood on the place. His wife died aged eighty-seven years. They were perfect types of the early j)ioneers and faced the certain dangers and hardships with cheerful hearts and brave demeanor. Their children were: James, Josiah, Campbell, John, Robert Lee, Polly and Martha.

John Ewart, father of Perry G. Ewart, was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, in 1809, and came to Ohio in the arms of his mother, in 1811, who rode on horseback the whole distance. He was educated in the early district schools and followed farming all his life. He married Elizabeth Harris, who was left an orphan when young. They had the following children : Joseph, who died when five years old ; Perry G. ; Charles Calvin ; Belle, who married John L. Sheppard, residing in Lake County, Ohio; and Ada, who married Hubert J. Wright, residing in Lake County. John Ewart died in 1901, aged ninety years, having lived on the same farm continuously for eighty-eight years.

Perry G. Ewart was educated in the common schools of his township and later became a student in the Akron High Scliool, when Professor Hole was superintendent, and subsequently was graduated from a military academy at Cleveland, in 1867. He then took a business course in the Bryant and Stratton Commercial College, following which he accepted a position as bookkeeper in Cleveland. After he returned to Sunnnit County, he took charge of the books for the Brewster Brothers Coal Company, at Akron, and for six years was bookkeeper with the Thomas Phillips Co.'s Paper Mill. For the past twenty-five years he has been residing on his present farm.

Mr. Ewart was married to Jennie Shaft'er, who is a daughter of Sannicl and Katherine (Kepler) Shaffer. The remote ancestors of Mrs. Ewart were natives of Pennsylvania, but her parents came to Summit from Stark County, Ohio, about 1824, and both are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ewart have had two .*ons and two daughters, three of whom are living:

Samuel Cooper

Haxry, who operates the home farm, married Laura Brumbaugh and they have one son, Donald Brumbaugh ; Jessie, who married Dr. Floyd J. Metzger, residing in New York, have one daughter, Elizabeth ; and Claude, who was born in 1886, graduated from the Akron High School and has taken two years of the four-year course at Buchtel College. One daughter, Mabel, died in November, 1895, aged eighteen years.

Politically Mr. Ewart is a Democratic leader in this section. For twelve years he served as a justice of the peace and has been elected to various township offices, and in 1893, he was chosen by his i>arty as their candidate for the Legislature. Although conditions were such that no Democrat could have been elected, he cut the majority very materially. Later he was selected as candidate for auditor of Summit County. He has been identified with insurance affair.* for many years and ha? been a director in the Farmers' Lake Township Mutual Company for twenty-four years. In 1907 Mr. Ewart was elected a member of the State Board of Agriculture. He is a member of the local Grange, having always taken an interest in this movement.

SAMUEL COOPER, brick manufacturer, a member of the firm of Cooper Brothers, came to Akron May 15, 1883, from Staffordshire, England, where he was born July 27, 1853. In his native land, Mr. Cooper learned the brick business, to which he has devoted his attention almost all of his busines.s life. For a .short time after reaching Akron, he worked in the brick manufacturing plant of Byron Allison, and later for eighteen months was in a brick business with John Dehaven and Dr. Jewett. Subsequently he went into partnership with his brothers, Joseph and William Cooper, in a brick manufacturing business which has been continued with great success until the present time. The firm of Cooper Brothers manufacture at their plant at No. 573 Spicer Street, all kinds of building and sewer brick, and their product has entered into the construction of many of the substantial buildings of Akron.

November 18, 1872, Mr. Cooper married Ann Edge and of this vuiion have been born four children, namely: Ann Elizabeth, who married Timothy Emery, a missionary, residing at Liverpool, England; Samuel, Jr., and John William, both of whom are connected with the firm of Cooper Brothers; and Sarah Jane, who married William Johnson, a student at the Bible School at Alliance, Ohio.

Mr. Cooper is identified politically with the Republican party. He belongs to the order of Foresters and to the Sons of St. George. He is one of the attendants of the Gospel Mission Church on East South Street, Akron, of which his family are members.

CHARLES A. HARING, who owns seventy-nine acres of fine land, was born on his present farm in Franklin Township, Summit County, Ohio, April 3, 1869, and is a son of Daniel and Mary E. (Ludwick) Haring.

Charles Haring, the grandfather of Charles A., was born in Green Township, Summit County, Ohio, to which place his parents had come in early days. After his marriage he settled on a farm in Franklin Township, and here he and wife spent the remainder of their lives. Charles Haring was married to a Miss Willtrout, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Franklin Township when quite young. They had a family of eight children: Joel, Daniel, Allen, Hiram, Mrs. Whitmire, Mrs. Dailey, Mrs. Swigart and Mrs. Marsh, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Mrs. Swigart. Allen Haring was a school teacher and was credited with teaching more terms than any other native teacher of the township.

Daniel Haring, father of Charles A., was reared on his father's farm in Franklin Township, which he helped to clear, and after his marriage he removed to the present farm of Charles A. Haring, which he purchased from a Mr. Kaler. There the rest of his life was spent, his death taking place in 1886, at the age of fifty-six years. He married Mary E. Ludwick, who died in 1891, aged fifty-three years. She was a daughter of Samuel Ludwick. Three children were born to thL^ union :

Charles A. Haring was educated in the district schools and was reared to agricultural pursuits. For two years he was in partnership with E. 0. Cox and Warren Miller in a threshing business, but for the past five years he has carried on this line of work by himself, owning- a complete thrashing outfit and portable saw mill.

On September 5, 1895, Mrs. Haring was married to Carrie M. Young, and to this union there have been born two children: Russell and Ophir. With his family he attends the Reformed Church at Barberton, Ohio. He is a Democrat.

FREDERICK G. SHERBONDY, secretary of the Biggs Boiler Works Company, of Akron, was born in this city, in 1884, and is a son of Joseph P. Sherbondy, a business man residing on Sherbondy Hill, at Akron. The grandfather, Levi Sherbondy, came to Ohio in 1814, traveling by wagon from Pennsylvania. He was an extensive farmer and large land-owner and a prominent man in Summit County for many years. He died at Akron in 1898, aged eighty-six years.

Frederick G. Sherbondy was reared and educated at Akron, and immediately after leaving school, entered the Biggs Boiler Works Company's employ as bookkeeper. In February, 1907, he became secretary of the company. He is recognized as one of the capable and progressive young business men of Akron who hold the future prospcritv of the citv in their hands. On November 22, 1906, Mr. Sherbondy was married to Pearl M. Winkler, who is a daughter of Frank B. Winkler, of Akron. Mr. Sherbondy is a member of the Disciples Church.

JACOB FINLEY JAMES RICHEY, who, for the past seven years has been a trustee of Northfield Township, is one of the progressive and successful general farmers of this section, and resides on the homestead farm of 231 acres, of which he owns 116, his mother retaining the balance. He was born September 20, 1859, and is a son of Andrew K. and Elizabeth (Bain) Richey.

Thomas Richey, the paternal grandfather, came to America when twenty-one years of age and first worked in fisheries near Philadelphia. During the War of 1812 he was employed in the Du Pont Powder Works at Wilmington, Delaware, and then came to Ohio, pre-empting land in Chippewa Township, Wayne County. He continued to work in the powder works until he had made two payments on his land, and after making his third payment he settled on it, and lived there until 1852, when he sold that property and bought 211 acres in Northfield Township. He carried on large agricultural operations, engaging in farming and dairying in the old way, when butter and cheesemaking were important household industries. On April 3, 1826, Thomas Richey was married to Margaret Koplin, who came from Pennsylvania to Wayne County. She died June 22, 1879, having passed her eightieth birthday. Thomas Richey died August 27, 1867, seventyseven years. All of their children are now deceased, namely: Andrew K., Matthias, Jane, Margaret, George, Catherine, Thomas, and Mary Ann.

Andrew K. Richey was born in Chippewa Township, Wayne County, Ohio, January 31, 1828. He obtained his education in the old Tallmadge school, which, like others of that period, made the study of the classics a leading feature of the curriculum. He was a fine Latin student and at the age of eighteen years began to teach school, and he taught one year also after his marriage. He subsequently purchased the present homestead farm, starting with 114 acres and adding to it gradually until he owned 231 acres. He erected buildings here and made improvements which have been still further added to by his son, one of these being the enlarging of the barn until now it is a handsome, substantial structure with dimen.'^ions of 105 by 40 feet, with basement and 24-foot post^. During the Civil War, Andrew K. Richey ser\'ed as a lieuten- ant in the militia. He was a man every one trusted, one who met every obligation, treated all men fairly and displayed in full the manly qualities which brought him universal esteem. He served as a justice of the peace, and as township assessor and township trustee.

On November 6, 1856, he married Elizabeth Bain, a daughter of .Jacob Bain, who was born in Washington County, New York, April 30, 1807, and who died May 5, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Richey had six children, namely: Margaret Zephina, who married John L. Ritchie; J. F. J., of Northfield Township ; Thomas Tell, residing at Cleveland ; Andrew Fenn, residing at Northfield ; Emmer Ross, now deceased; and Elizabeth Catherine, residing with her mother. Mrs. Richey was born September 19, 1836. She is a member of the old Associated Presbyterian Church in which Mr. Richev was a deacon and trustee. He died July 7, 1900.

The paternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Richey was James Bain, who was born at Argyle, New York, where he married, and where his nine children were born. Jacob Bain came to Ohio in 1855, and reaching Macedonia in July, and in the following December he settled on the farm on which he subsequently resided until his death. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade and assisted to build the first museum ever erected in the city of Albany, New York. In 1832 he married Catherine McNaughton, a former neighbor of his, who was born April 14, 1806. They had five children: Finley, deceased; Mrs. Richey; Mary Etta, who married Joseph C. Finney, residing near Mansfield, Ohio ; Catherine M., who married Dickson T. Harbison, residing at Robinson, Illinois; and James M., residing at New York city. The Bain family was affiliated with the As.sociated Presbyterian Church.

Jacob Finley James Richey has spent his Ufe on the homestead farm. He tills about 160 acres, his main crops being corn, oats, wheat, hay and potatoes. He raises horses and keeps thirty head of young cattle. Mr. Richey believes in scientific farming to a large degree, and makes use of modern machinery.

following the latest improved methods. The fine condition of his farm testifies both to his industry and to his thorough knowledge of his chosen calling.

Mr. Richey was married to Mary Alice Martin, who is a daughter of Henry Martin, of Northfield Township, and they have four children - Clarence La Mar, Laura Alice, Willis Paul and Ada Blanche.

WILLIAM H. WAGONER, the owner of seventy-six acres of excellent farm land which is situated in Coventry Township, about five miles south of Akron, is a well-known citizen. He was born in Coventry Township, Summit County, Ohio, not far from his present farm, March 4, 1857, and is a son of David and Margaret (Swigart) Wagoner.

The grandfather of Mr. Wagoner was George Wagoner, who was born in Pennsylvania and after coming to Summit County, located on land near Manchester, which he cleared and developed into a good farm. He was married (first) to a Miss Roades and (second) to Catherine Souei-s. Both grandparents died on that farm, when about eightythree years old, the second wife surviving her husband for thirteen years. There were four children born to the first marriage and ten to the second, six of the children still surviving, as follows: Philip, who is an excounty commissioner of Summit County; Henry; John; Aaron; Harriet, who Ls the widow of John Harpster; and Mrs. Amanda Spangler, who is also a widow.

David Wagoner, father of William H., had a twin brother, who died in childhood. They were born near Manchester and were children of the first marriage. David became a farmer and also a carpenter working at his trade to .some extent all his life. He bought twentysix acres of the farm now owned by his son, from Emanuel Sholley, and resided on it until his death in his fifty-seventh year. He married Margaret Swigart, who survived him for nine years. She was born on an adjoining farm,' near Manchester, and was a daughter of George Swigart, who came to Ohio from Pennsvlvania. He had fifteen children and the mother of William H. Wagoner wa-s one of the first to die. David Wagoner and wife had six children, namely: Oliver, who was a soldier in (he Civil War, a member of Company H, 104th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died while at home on a furlough; Mary, who died aged three years; Alberta, who died aged one year; John, who is deceased; William Henry; and Sarah, who is the widow of Adam Carmany.

William Henry Wagoner was nine years of age W'hen his parents moved on the present farm and he has lived here ever since. From boyhood he has been accustomed to farm work and from the age of twenty years, when his father died, he has had charge of this property. The original farm of twenty-six acres was divided among three children, each one receiving a small amount after the debts of the estate were paid. Mr. Wagoner cleared off the above claims, and by hard and honest effort acquired land for himself, adding until he became possessed of his present farm. He owns also a one-half interest in thirty-one acres of timber land in Green township. He greatly improved his property by building a comfortable home in 1889, having erected the barn in 1883.

On November 26, 1886, Mr. Wagoner was married to Clara E. Shook, who is a daughter of George A. and Elizabeth (Mutchler) Shook. They were born near New Berlin, Stark County, Ohio, where they lived until 1881, when they bought and moved on the farm adjoining that of Mr. Wagoner, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Shook had four children, namely: Clara; Henry; Irwin and Anna, the latter of whom was born in Summit County, and married Edward Eippert. Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner have had four children, namely: Edward Samuel, Elsie May, Floyd H. and William Ray. Edward Samuel died in infancy.

Mr. Wagoner is a Republican and he has been elected by that party to a number of important offices. For nine years he served as township trustee and then resigned in order to assume the duties of infirmary director, to which office he had been elected, in a normal

Democratic town.-hip, by an overwhelming majority. For a number of years he has served as school director and at the present time is a valued member of the School Board. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran Church at Akron, having a.ssisted to build this church edifice. He was one of the building committee and a trustee and gave his time and services as well as financial assistance. Mr. Wagoner has given his children excellent educational advantages and Elsie May and Floyd H., both graduated from the Kenmore High School in 1907, receiving diplomas and teacher's certificates. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Wagoner was a teacher as were her brothers and sisters.

CHARLES S. JOHNSON, who stands deservedly high as a business citizen at Barberton, where he is the leading dealer in hardware, is president of the Ohio Hardware j\ssociation and is known all over the State as a man of thorough knowledge along hardware lines. He was born at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1867, and is a son of George R. and Florence Estella Johnson.

The father of Mr. Johnson was an oil well engineer and was also employed in the oil fields as a well shooter. For about ten years he followed farming, but during his later years he was in business with his son Charles S., at Barberton. As his business demanded, he moved to different sections of the country, in 1873, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he remained for three years, in the fall of 1876, to Philadelphia, and from there to a farm near ^^'est Liberty, low'a. For several years he was also engaged in a hotel business.

It was during the residence of the family in Iowa, that Charles S. Johnson took a commercial course at Drake LTniversity, at Des Moines, where he was graduated with the highest honors in a class of twenty-two students, and carried off the coveted prize of being chosen valedictorian. Mr. Johnson then went to Pittsburg, and for a number of years he was employed there in the auditor's office, but, desiring a more active life, he accepted a position at Salem, Ohio, with Bakewell

& MuUins. About one year later, he took charge of a general store at Burkettstown, Pennsylvania, for six months, and then returned to Salem, where, in 1886, he became bookkeeper and collector for the firm of Mc- Lern & Crumrine, hardware merchants. In 1891 Mr. Johnson retired from this connection and embarked in business for himself at Barberton, locating first in a frame building situated just across the street from his present spacious quarters. In 1892 he purchased this property and in the following year he added a second story in order to facilitate increasing demands of business, and in 1902 he was obliged to still further add to his premises by building a third story. His line of goods comprises everything denominated hardware and his trade covers a large territory. Mr. Johnson's thorough knowledge of this line of goods, as well as his well established reputation for business ability and commercial integrity, caused his election to the office of vicepresident of the Ohio Hardware Association for two successive terms and later to the presidency of the organization. He is connected with other successful business interests of Barberton, and is a member of the board of directors of the Barberton Savings Bank and also of the Deming Manufacturing Company.

Mr. Johnson owns real estate of considerable value in this city, including a pleasant home. He married Laura Hartong. He is a member of the Christian Church.

PETER LEPPER, whose farm of 255 acres is situated in Springfield Township, is a prominent and substantial citizen of this section. He was born October 7, 1826, at Milton, Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of John A. and Magdalena (Stine) Lepper.

The Lepper family belonged originally to Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. There the grandfather of Peter Lepper, John A. Lepper, followed his trade of milling and lived and died. He had a family of eleven children and three of his sons, Johan A., Anthony and John A., serv^ed in the Germany army, all members of the same regiment. John A., father of Peter, served ten years and survived all dangers, but his two brothers were killed on the field of battle. The Stine family also belonged to Hesse Darmstadt and Grandfather Henry Stine was reputed a prominent and wealthy man at one time. He married Louisa Ritthousen and they had four children, Mrs. John A. Lepper being the eldest. John A. Lepper was born in June, 1779, and in 1803 he was married in Germany to Magdalena Stine. She was born in April, 1780, and died December 11, 1871, surviving her husband exactly three years. They both were faithful members of the Lutheran Church and through a long life which brought them many undeserved misfortunes, they preserved their old faith intact.

To John A. Lepper and wife were born the following children: Elizabeth; an infant that died on the ocean while the family was coming to America; Adam, who died at New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio; Philip, who was killed in 1864, while serving as a soldier in the Civl War, was born in Germany in 1813, owned a farm in Missouri; Gerhardt, who died January 11, 1865, aged fifty-two years, ten months and twenty-one days ; Catherine, deceased, who married Joseph Crase; Louisa, who never came to America, died in Germany, in 1893, and was the wife of Philip Hommel ; and Peter, who is the only survivor and the only one of the family who was born in America.

Early in the year 1819, John A. Lepper began to make preparations to emigrate with his family to America, and finallj- reached the docks at Bremen ready to take passage in one of the old sailing vessels of that time. It was a great undertaking for these quiet, home-loving people to break all old ties and start for a strange new country, but possessed of such courage and determination were the early pioneers whose efforts have made the LTnited States the great grand land that it is. It was no easy matter to accumulate at one time the required passage money, a sum of some $510, but it was finally obtained, the amount was paid and the eager emigrants were gathered awaiting the last arrangements before they went on the ship which they confidently believed was to take them to a land flowing with the proverbial milk and honey. Just then happened one of those unforeseen accidents, brought about innocently but of vast importance to the Lepper family. One of the waiting emigrants picked up a bullet, about the size of a small nut, and instead of throwing it away, unfortunately gave it to one of the restless Lepper lads, who, boy-like, immediately saw in it a plaything with which to while away the weary hours of waiting. He attached it to a string and found amusement in swinging it in a circle, until suddenly the string broke and the piece of lead flew off at a tangent, crashing into the front of a business house on the street and breaking a show window valued by the irate proprietor at $400. The passage money of the Lepper family was immediately attached, and for a time it seemed as if they would have to return to their old home instead of sailing across the Atlantic. The glass broken was a fine one and among the passengers the broken bits were purchased to take with them to their new homes as relics, and to assist the unfortunate family, but although they paid good prices, there still remained $200 to be paid. In this serious dilemma, the captain of the vessel came to the aid of the Leppers with the suggestion of a custom then in force, that of giving free passage to the port of Baltimore to those members of the family who could not pay, if such members would consent to be auctioned off as servants, to work until the amount was settled, or, if children, until the age of majority. This was a hard proposition for the honest old German father, but he saw no other way and finally signed the necessary papers.

After ninety-one days on the water, during forty-one of which the passengers never saw daylight on account of the tempestuous seas, the little vessel reported at the Baltimore docks and the news was spread through the city streets that a family would be sold to pay passage money. It was not quite so dreadful a thing then as it would be now, for it was the custom, and in that way many large landowners in the vicinity secured their necessary help. It was decided that little Catherine, then a maid of fourteen years, should be the one offered to float the family out of its difficulties, and she was sold for enough to cover the shortage, and went with the strange family who had bought her, to remain until she was twenty-one years of age. However, her .sturdy father had no intention of permitting her to remain and fill out the conditions. With the rest of the family he went on as far as Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, where he soon secured employment at his trade, that of miller, and as soon as the kind-hearted people among whom he had settled learned of little Catherine's fate, they raised by subscription enough money to release her, and a messenger was sent to Baltimore for this purpose. He proved unreliable and never returned. A second subscription was then taken up and a reputable citizen took the matter in hand and went to Baltimore and returned the daughter to her afflicted family. This incident is presented as recalling a historic custom and also as a bit of family history.

The family had landed at Baltimore in June, 1819, and Mr. Lepper continued to work at milling in Northumberland County, for three years and then they moved to Ohio, where he followed milling at New Lisbon for three years at Milton, Mahoning County, for one year, and at Tompkins Creek, for one year, and in the following year removed to Akron, which was then known as Middlebury. After working for two years at a mill in East Akron, he came to Springfield Township, and after working one year at his trade at Millheim, he bought twenty-six acres of land and took charge, at the same time, of the Randolph flouring mill, this being in Randolph Township. This land subsequently passed into the hands of his son Peter, who took it upon himself to pay all incumbrances on it and to take care of his parents as long as they lived.

ship, Portage County, which was then all dense forest. When twelve years of age he began to make his way independently, finding plenty of employment in his own neighborhood, assisting in clearing up the wild farms and chopping wood. He worked for three seasons as a driver on the canal, and in

1840, made a trip as cabin boy on the Mississippi River. In the fall following the above trip, he attended school for three months, in Suffield Township, and in the spring of

1841, resumed work on the canal, as bowsman, under Captain Woodward, working satisfactorily all through that summer, although only a boy in years. He at last accumulated enough capital to enable him to buy an ax and saw, with which implements he made a good living for the next two years, going from house to house at Akron, chopping and sawing wood. Thus he earned enough to buy a two-horse wagon and team and for the next two years he did general hauling. In 1845 he sold his team, and during the next two years he was employed peddling groceries and cigars. About this time, his older sister, who also possessed an independent spirit and good business capacity, started a little grocery store in Suffield Township and induced her brother Peter to enter into partnership with her, he to do the purchasing in connection with his peddling, while she managed the business at home. They were entirely successful in carrying out their plans.

In 1847 Mr. Lepper bought forty-seven acres in Suffield Township, lying adjacent to the twenty-six acres owned by his parents, and then followed the agreement formerly noted, and as long as the aged parents lived they had a comfortable and happy home with this devoted son. Mr. Lepper followed farming and stockraising in Suftield Township until 1853, and also, for fourteen years operated a threshing machine and for thirty years was more or less engaged in selling farm machinery and agricultural implements. After a residence of nearly forty years in Suffield Township, Mr. Lepper moved to Springfield Township and purchased his present valuable farm of 255 acres. It is situated convenientlv near to Akron and was formerly known as the Philip Kramer farm. It is acknowledged to be one of the finest farms in Summit County and Mr. Lepper still carries on general farming and sheep raising, formerly being one of the largest shippers in the county. He has made many improvements on his property, erecting his fine home in 1878 and subsequently his substantial barns and other buildings. There is an air of solidity about this farm and its surroundings that give on a fair indication of the character of its owner.

On May 20, 1848, Mr. Lepper was married, at Hartsville, Stark County, to Catherrine Sausaman. This estimable lady was born September 25, 1818, and died on this farm July 9, 1896. Her death was a great affliction to her sorrowing family, for she had been a loving, faithful wife and kind mother. Her parents were Isaac and Catherine ( Jarrett) Sausaman. Her father was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, in 1842 moved to Stark County, Ohio, where he followed his trade of saddler for many years and then bought twelve acres of land in Suffield Township, Portage County. He had nine children, two of whom survive.

Peter Lepper and wife had seven children born to them, as follows: John H., residing at Brittain, Summit County, where he conducts a large grocery, married Anna Kling, who is a daughter of George Kling and they have these children : George, Winnifred Margaret, Benjamin Franklin, Kittie Lillie and Daisey Ruth; Louisa, who is her father's housekeeper and devoted attendant; Benjamin Franklin residing on his large sheep ranch in Montana, has made a great success of sheepi-aising and has resided in the West for twentyfive years; Margaret A., residing on a farm in Portage County, married Henry Swartz and they have had six children: Lillian, deceased, Sylvia, Lois, Ruth, Louise and Frank ; Mary Elizabeth and Jefferson, twins, the latter of whom was married (first) to Ottie Smith., daughter of Orrin Smith, who died January 1, 1890, leaving one son, Howard, and (second) to Maria Adams, daughter of Horace Adams. They have one daughter, Edith, and they reside near New Springfield ; and Catherine, who married Frederick Hawk, residing in Portage County, and they have seven children: Frederick, Helen P., John, Earl P., Clair, Irene, and Eva.

During fourteen years in Springfield Township, Mr. Lepper wiis a valued member of the Summit County Agricultural Society, of which he was president for two years, vicepresident for two years and for eight years was superintendent of the horse department. During the time he was president he spent the available funds in such a way as to meet with the approbation of all concerned. With K. J. Ellet, he set out the fine poplar trees which give such needed shades on the fair ground, without any compensation. For several years he took a great interest m Fountain Park and has always been willing to contribute liberally to various public improvements. Politically, he is a Democrat and has been elected to almost all the local offices, although never seeking them, and has served as township trustee and assessor. In 1890 he was elected appraiser of real estate in Springfield Township and served as township trustee, supervisor and as a member of the School Board for many years, in fact until he refused to serve longer. On one occasion he was selected as his party's candidate for Representative to the General Assembly and although he was not elected, his personal popularity reduced the normal Republican majority from 1,500 to 380 votes. He has been prominent in political life for a long period and his judgment is often consulted by the party leaders in his locality.

Mr. Lepper is a member of xVkron Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 83, and of Akron Commandery, K. T., No. 25. He is one of the oldest members of that lodge, having entered the fraternity at Kent, Ohio, in 1861. He is a charter member of both the Pomona and the Tallmadge Grange. In his religious life Mr. Lepper belongs to the Reformed Church and formerly was a deacon in that body. He is a man of kind heart and generous impluses and in his treatment of others, on his journey through life, has never forgotten the time when he was a poor boy with no future to look forward to except one made by himself. His generosity and sympathy have cost him many thousands of dollars, but he still has faith in human nature and still plays the part of a philanthropist on many occasions. Few residents of Springfield Townhip are more generally esteemed.

WILLIAM P. BARKER, senoir member of the firm of W. P. Barker and Son, at Cuyahoga Falls, engaged in heavy blacksmith work for the big machine shops, and subcontracting work for the United States Government, came to this city in 1845, and it has been his real home ever since. Mr. Barker has been a great traveler through the United States, but in all his wanderings has not found a section more to his liking than the one to which he was brought by his English father, sixty-two years ago. Mr. Barker was born in Yorkshire, England, on August 3, 1841, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary Barker.

Mr; Barker's mother died when he was a child, he being the youngest of her sixteen children. The father, a weaver by trade, decided to come to America to better his business prospects, and brought with him his surviving children, namely: Elizabeth, who died unmarried; Anna, deceased, who married George Irvington ; Sarah, who married J. C. Daly, residing at Medina; and William P. Jonathan Barker worked for a time in the fork factory at Cuyahoga Falls, after which he bought a horse and wagon and for many years traveled through the country as a tin peddler, retiring several year prior to his death, which occurred in 1877, when he was aged seventy-seven years.

Under the above circumstances it can be seen that William P. Barker had fewer opportunities of obtaining an education than is the Ciise with children of the present day; in fact, he went to school regularly for but one year. When he was fourteen years of age he went to Windsor, Ontario, Dominion of Canada, where he was apprenticed to his brother-in-law, George Irvington, and learned the horseshoer's trade. He continued to work there for two years, when he came back to Cuyahoga Falls and worked for one year at blaeksmithing for John and Robert Allen. In 1863 he accompanied John Allen to Redwood, California, where Mr. Allen opened a blacksmith shop. After working in this shop for about a year, Mr. Barker joined a party of three and went with them to Arizona, and thence to Montana. He walked 1,800 miles that winter, going from Montana to Los Angeles, back to Arizona, around by Salt Lake City, and then back to Montana. Mr. Barker worked at his trade during favorable seasons and prospected during the rest of the time. He reached Cuyahoga Falls about two years after the close of the war, and then embarked in his present business, in partnership with his brother-in-law, J. C. Daly. A few months later he bought Mr. Daly's interest and continued to work alone for about a year, when he was again seized with a desire to travel.

On this occasion, Mr. Barker went to Minnesota, where he remained for a year engaged in lumbering and trapping. Then returning to his old home, he reopened his shop and continued in business until 1896. He then took a gold prospecting trip to Alaska, but was forced to return home on account of illness, after an absence of sixteen months, during which time he experienced hardships which almost terminated his life. He soon recuperated, however, under home' care, and resumed business at his present place, which he had built before .starting for the far Northwest. His shop is a one-story brick building 107 feet long and 50 feet wide in the north end and 36 feet in the south end. For the past twenty-five years he has been engaged as above indicated, and fully one-half of the work of the plant goes to Alliance. Since 1895 his son, William H. has been his partner.

Mr. Barker was married to Charlotte Lyons, who was born probably in New Jersey, and is a daughter of John Lyons. They have had ten children, all of whom are still living as follows: Mary, Amelia, Sarah, William H.,

Mr. Barker is a good citizen in all that pertains to keeping the laws and exerting an influence in the direction of morality and business integrity, but he has united with neither of the great political parties, casting his vote independently.

George Strobel And William

GEORGE STROBEL AND WILLIAM STROBEL, owners of 125 acres of valuable farming land, which is favorably situated in the southwest corner of Coventry Township, are the sons of William and Lovina (Cormany) Strobel.

Their grandfather, Lorenzo Strobel, was a native of Germany, from which country he came to America in about 1840, in a sailing vessel, the journey consuming six weeks. Continuing his journey to Summit County, Ohio, he settled on Sherbondy Hill, near Akron, which was at that time a mere village. For a few years he lived in the woods, following weaving, an occupation which he had learned in Germany, and then removed to a farm in Coventry Township, that is nowowned by his grandsons. There he died in 1900, aged eighty-eight years, his wife having passed away when 75 years old. To Lorenzo Strobel and his wife Margaret there were born six children, namely: Elizabeth, who married George Miller; William; Sophia, who married John Filler; John; Hannah, who married George Haas; and Lawrence, who died in childhood.

William Strobel grew up on his father's farm, and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. When a young man he learned the shoemaker's trade with a Mr. Hoskins, but did not follow it to any great extent, giving more of his attention to farming. About 1867 he purchased the farm of his father, which Tvas mostly cleared by this time, and here he met his death, being killed by a runaway team December 23, 1874. He was married to Lovina Cormany, a daughter of George Cormany, who came to Manchester, Ohio, from Pennsylvania, and hero became a prominent agriculturist and large landowner.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. William Strobel, namely: George, the subject, with his brother, William, of this article; John, who married Nellie Hardin, and resides at Akron ; Anna, wife of Ellsworth Hall, and a resident of Norton Township; William, mentioned above; and Elizabeth, who died at the age of eight years.

George and William Strobel are now engaged in general farming, although for two years they carried on poultry raising, and for a like period George and his brother John conducted a confectionery store at Barberton. They reside on the old homestead, where George was born August 25, 1866, and William April 23, 1871. Both are good, practical agriculturists, public-spirited citizens, and stanch Democrats in politics, William having served on the school board, and as township supervisor in 1904-5-6. For some time both brothers were connected with the Goodrich Rubber Company at Akron, and William spent one year on the Akron street car lines, while George was for a year with the Webster, Camp and Lane Machine Company. They were reared in the Lutheran and Reformed faiths. William Strobel is a member of the Independent Order o^ Foresters, No. 356, Court Pride, in whien he has passed the chairs, and of the Knights of Pythias, Akron Lodge, No. 603.

HARVEY E. STEIN, a representative farmer of Bath Township, who owns 155 acres of excellent land, was born May 23, 1863, in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Leiby) Stein.

Harvey E. Stein remained at home until fourteen years old, assisting his father in his general store, and then went to Guilford Township, Medina County, Ohio, where he worked for about two years as a farm hand. He then spent one year in the coal mines of Norton Township, Summit County, after which he engaged in farm work in Granger Township, Medina County, for one and onehalf years. At the end of this time Mr. Stein came to Bath Township, where he was employed by C. P. Heller for five and one-half years and by Edward Jones for two years. After his marriage he settled on a rented farm for several years, and in 1900 purchased his present property from the heirs of Edward Heller. Here he has since been engaged very sucessfully in general farming and stockraising, and has made a specialty of breeding imported horses.

In 1888 Mr. Stein was married (first) to Dora Heller, and (second) to Amanda Heller, who were born in Copley Township, Summit County, Ohio, daughters of Edward and Julia (Dutt) Heller.

JAMES ALBERT SMITH, who owns 104 acres of some of the best land in Bath Township, which is situated in School District No. 12, one-half mile north of the Smith or Medina road, has owned and resided on this property since 1896. He was born in Springfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, March 22, 1856, and is a son of Housel and Susan (Moore) Smith.

When James Albert Smith was an infant, his father moved first to Bath Township, purchasing a farm of ninety-four acres, in its eastern part, on which the family lived for a short time and then went back to Springfield Township. James Albert was twelve years old when his father returned to Bath Township and settled on the farm he now owns, which he subsequently purchased from the other heirs. Both parents died on this farm, the mother surviving until April 17, 1907. They had eight children, two daughters and six sons, as follows: Emanuel C. and John Newton, both residing at Akron ; James Albert of Bath Township; Robert, residing at Montrose; Sarah L., who married James Edgar; Charles Henry, residing at Peninsula; George, residing in Coshocton County; and Maggie L., who married Cyrus Fields, of Detroit, Michigan.

Until he was twenty-one years of age, James Albert Smith resided at home and then learned the stone-mason trade, at which he worked for seventeen years, during thirteen of this period, living at Copley. For the past eleven years he has engaged in general farm-

On December 28, 1882, Mr. Smith was married to Elta Barber, who is a daughter of Solomon and Harriet (Wright) Bajber. Solomon Barber was born in Stark County, Ohio, and accompanied his father in boyhood to the farm in Bath Township, on which Newton Hackett lives. The mother of Mrs. Smith was born at Lima, New York, and in her widowhood, lives with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Her parents were Richmond and Betsey (Egbert) Wright. They came to Akron when Mrs. Barber was a babe and became well-known residents. Mr. and Mrs. Barber were married at Independence, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and they had twelve children, eight of whom survive: William, residing at Minneapolis; Leonard, residing in Oregon ; Sylvenes, deceased at the age of twenty-five years; Elta; Belmont, who is deceased; Belle, residing at Youngstown, is the wife of DeForest Richards; Theron, residing at Brown Valley, Minnesota; Minnie, deceased, married Peter Hanson; James, residing at Youngstown ; Emily, deceased, married Louis Molton, residing at Warner, South Dakota; Thomas, residing at Rochester, Minnesota, and Paul, residing in South Dakota. The father of Mrs. Smith died August 29, 1901.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children: Pearl, who married Harry Robinson, has three children, Albert, Victor and Jessie; Bessie, who married Ervin Snyder, has one child, Celesta; and Ethel and Ruth.

CHARLES HATCH, superintendent of the Ohio Canal between Cleveland and Navarre, Ohio, who has been identified with this waterway during all his business life, was born at Peninsula, Summit County, Ohio, in 1855. His father, Asa D. Platch, who was a native of Vermont, removed from that State to Pennsylvania, where he operated a sawmill for about twenty years. He served over three years in the Civil War as a member of Company D, Battery F, Second Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and survived the war thirteen years, dying in 1878.

Shortly after the death of his father, Charles Hatch bought a boat which he operated on the Ohio Canal until 1884. He then entered the employ of the State of Ohio, as foreman of a State boat on the canal, which position he continued to fill until 1902, when he became superintendent of the Ohio Canal from Cleveland to Navarre, with his office at Lock No. 1. He takes an active interest in politics and for years has been a member of the Summit County Republican Executive Committee. In 1878, Mr. Hatch was married to Fannie Hardy, who was born in Summit County, Ohio, and they are the parents of three children: Stella E., who married D. E. J. Williams; Asa D., and Harold H., all residents of Akron. Mr. Hatch is a Mason, an Elk, and a Maccabee and belongs also to the Sons of Veterans. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

NORMAN WARE, highly esteemed retired citizen of Norton Township, residing on his valuable farm of sixty-three acres, situated at Johnson's Corners, was born on the old Ware home place, near Hometown, Summit County, Ohio, February 24, 1840, and is a son of Israel and Mary (Lautzenheiser) Ware.

Israel Ware came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and settled in Norton Township at a very earlj' day, marrying into a Norton Township family, and purchasing the farm that is now occupied by Forrest Swain. On that farm his eight children were born, four of whom are deceased, one of whom was killed in the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, July 12, 1863, and there both he and his wife died.

Norman Ware was reared on his father's farm and assisted in its care and development. He attended the country schools and remained working on the homestead until 1884, when he purchased his present farm, on which he carried on a general line of agri-

In 1864, Mr. Ware married Louisa Waltz, who was born in Chippewa Township, Wayne County, Ohio, but was reared in Norton Township, Summit County. Her parents were David and Lydia (Baughman) Waltz, old settlers. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and came to Medina County when a young man, and after marriage moved to Summit County. Mrs. Ware is one of a family of thirteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Ware have two children : Roy D. and Loman, the latter of whom is the home farmer. Roy D. Ware resides at Johnson's Corners and is employed in the Sterling Boiler Works, at Barberton. He married Nellie Sharp and they have two children : Earl and Lloyd.

Politically, Mr. Ware is identified with the Democratic party. He has served as a member of the School Board of Norton Township and also as township treasurer. He is one of the reliable, representative men of his section and is a consistent member of the Reformed Church.

GEORGE P. IIEINTZ, a prominent citizen of Bath Township, a member of the School Board and a leading farmer, resides on his well-improved farm of eighty-seven acres, which lies in School District No. 10, on the Croten House road, running north from the old Smith or Medina road. Mr. Heintz wtis born on the corner of Brown and Exchange Streets, Akron, where the family then resided, October 24, 1845, and is a son of John and Sophia (Keck) Heintz.

John Heintz, the father, was born, reared and married in Germany and came to America in 1834, living for six months at Cleveland, then coming to Akron. At Cleveland, he engaged in butchering and after reaching Akron he worked both as a butcher and a.s a cooper, having learned the latter business in his native land. Later he owned a small slaughter house and marketed his meat through Akron. Subsequently he moved to Summit Hill, Coventry Town.ship, where he first bought sixty acres, to which he later added fourteen acres of the old Witner farm. He died in Coventry Township in 1903, aged ninety-one years. His first wife, the mother of George P. Heintz, died when the latter was five years of age, and John Heintz married Mrs. Margaret Bolick for his second wife. She died in 1900.

George P. Heintz was six years old when his father moved to Coventry Township, and there he obtained all his schooling. He remained at home until 1864, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, during his first term being a member of the Sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, connected with the Army of the Potomac, for one year and seven months. During the great war he participated in a number of battles, including: Boynton Plank Road, October 27, 1864; Stony Creek Station, December 2, 1864; Hatcher's Run, December 9-10, 1864 ; ^Monk's Neck Bridge, February 5, 1865; Hatcher's Run, (2), February 6, 1865; Dinwiddle Court House, March 31, 1865; Fettersville, April 4, 1865 ; Famer Cross Roads, April 5, 1865 ; Farm,sville, April 6, 1865; Harper's Farm, April 7, 1865 ; and Appomattox Court House, the memorable spot where General Lee surrendered to General Grant, April 9, 1865. Mr. Heintz was in the brigade that opened the fight in that closing action of the war. On his discharge papers may be read the following, under the signature of Lieutenant Smith, of his company: "In all eleven engagements in which he was commendable for his bravery and coolness." Those simple words tell the story of how Mr. Heintz served while in the uniform of his country. He was promoted to the rank of corporal, from being a private. His enlistment was for the whole of the war, the termination of the struggle happily ending it. He was honorably discharged at Petersburg, Virginia, August 7, 1865, having entered the army when a little past seventeen, and wiis not quite nineteen when he was discharged.

pany G, Second United States Infantry, and served for three years with the Regulars. On April 1, 1867, he was made a corporal, and July 15, 1868, was promoted to be a sergeant. He was discharged at Atlanta, Georgia, on May 5, 1869. About one-third of his second term of service was spent in Kentucky, his regiment being stationed at Louisville, at Danville, at Stamford and Paducah. For a short time it was at Union, West Virginia, but returned for several weeks to Louisville, then was sent to Atlanta, where it was discharged some four months later. During all this long season, when each day was filled with danger, Mr. Heintz escaped every death- 1}" missile, and at no time was seriously hurt except on one occasion when his horse fell on him. Three days after he returned to Akron, in 1869, Mr. Heintz with his widowed sister, Mrs. Sarah Pelott, moved to his present farm which his father had previously purchased. Here he has continued ever since, engaging successfully in farming and stockraising.

On November 25, 1869, Mr. Heintz was married to Sarah J. Harris, who is a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Peach) Harris. She was born and reared in Bath Township, Summit County, but her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Heintz have no children of their ow^n, but they adopted a little girl named Edith, who subsequently married Clyde Miller. Mr. Miller assists in carrying on the farm work with Mr. Heintz. The Millers have had four children, namely: Iva Marie, Nona Grace, Homer Guy, and Lee Harold, the latter of whom died aged four years. Since November, 1906, Mr and Mrs. Heintz have been enjoying the handsome residence which was completed at that time. Both are members of the Evangelical Church, of Bath Township. Since 1905 he has served on the School Board. He is a member of Buckley Post, No. 12, Grand Army of the Republic.

here carries on a general line of farming. He was born at Wadsworth, Medina County, Ohio, March 4, 1844, and is a son of Robert and Lucinda (Bartlett) McCoy.

Robert McCoy was born in Tallmadge Town.ship, Summit County, and was a son of Samuel McCoy, who was born in Ireland. Samuel McCoy came to America in young manhood and was an early settler in Tallmadge Township, moving from there to Wadsworth Township, in Medina County, where he purchased a farm. On that farm Robert McCoy was reared from boyhood, and in Medina County he was married to Lucinda Bartlett. Of their nine children, the four survivors are: Mrs. Olive Dickerson, residing at Akron ; George W. ; States, residing in Copley Township; and Mrs. Ella Britton, residing at Sharon, Medina County. About 1859, Robert McCoy moved to Summit County and invested in 225 acres of land at what is known as McCoy's Cro.ssing. It was all farming and pasture land at that time, but the city of Akron has long since invaded the fields which Mr. McCoy used to follow over with his plow. South Main street, a busy thoroughfare of Akron, now spreads out over this land. Robert McCoy also owned the land upon which Lakeside Park now stands. All this land each year grows more and more valuable. Robert McCoy was a contractor and he met his death while engaged in grading on North Hill, the accident occurring while he was superintending the work. His wife had died when the children were small.

George W. McCoy attended school at Wadsworth and later in Coventry Township. When twenty-one years of age he left home and spent three years on a farm in California and then moved to Nevada, where he went into contracting, cutting and hauling wood to the quartz mills. He owned a number of teams and employed a large force of men. Mr. McCoy remained in the West for ten years and then returned to Akron for about two years, but went back to Nevada and resumed contracting. Several years later he again visited Akron for a short period and returned to Nevada for the third time, accompanied by his wife, and remained six years. In October, 1881, Mr. McCoy returned permanently to Summit County and purchased the farm he resides on. This was first tlie property of his brother, the late Samuel McCoy, who sold it to another brother, States McCoy, who, in turn sold it to George W. It thus has not been out of the McCoy family for a number of years.

In 1876, Mr. McCoy was married to Amelia J. Falor, who is a daughter of .John Falor, of Akron. Her grandfather, Abraham Falor, was an early settler in this section, and when Mrs. McCoy drives through South Main Street, Akron, it is over land which was once her father's farm, on which she was reared. They have four children, namely: Elsie, who married Norman Miller, of Barberton; George, unmarried, residing at Baiberton ; Ernest, residing at home'; and Myrtle, who married Henry Zeisick, residing at Barberton. The beautiful family home was built by Mr. McCoy in 1883. It is one of the fine, modern re.sidenoes of thLs section.

JOHN D. ARNOLD, proprietor of a valuable farm which contains 102 acres and is situated on the old Smith road, about one and one-half miles west of Montrose, was born on a farm one mile west of Copley Center, August 1, 1855. His parents were Daniel and Sophia (Porter) Arnold.

The iVrnolds came to Summit County, Ohio, from Maryland. The father of Mr. Arnold owned and disposed of a half dozen farms in course of his life, but John D. grew up on the farm near Copley. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and has been able to trace a straight furrow with his plow, ever since he was eight years of age. AVjout two years after his marriage, he moved to the pr&sent farm, eighty-two acres of which he purchased at that time, subsequently adding twenty adjoining acres. This makes a fine, easily cultivated farm and here Mr. Arnold carries on a general line of agriculture.

Township, and is a daughter of Samuel and Maria (Whitmer) Hankey. Samuel Hankey was one of the earliest settlers at Akron and from there he moved to Copley Township. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have three children of their own and another child. Hazel Bradley, whom they have reared from' the age of two years to seventeen. Their three children are : William, who is employed by the Akron Telephone Company, married Mary Wiley, and they have two children, Eva and Ray; Lilly, who married Albert Boltz, has two children. Earl and Glen; and Frank, who assists his father.

Mr. Arnold's farm and surroundings show good management and thrifty methods. All of the substantial fai'm structures, except the house, he has placed here, and he has done much additional improving.

AARON A. SWIGART, who is engaged in agricultural operations on an excellent tract of 200 acres, is one of the substantial citizens of Franklin Township, and was born August 6, 1857, on his present farm in FrankliJi Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Hai'ing) Swigart.

George Swigart, grandfather of Aaron A., was a native of Pennsylvania, whei"e he married. On coming to Ohio he had to clear most of his farm from the woods, and here his first wife died. He was married the .second time to a Miss Daily, a native of Summit County, and here the remainder of their lives were spent, his death occurring in his 85th year, his second wife having preceded him to the grave. They had a large family, about fourteen children, and of these Joseph was next to the eldest.

Joseph Swigart was born on his father's farm, which was located south of the present Swigart farm, and was reared to manhood here, helping to clear the farm from the wilderness. Prior to his nuirriage he purchased a part of the present Swigart farm, and to this he kept adding from time to time, making improvements, including a large house and barn, and converting his property into one of the finest farms in Franklin Township. Here he died in 1895, at the age of seventy years. Mr. Swigart was married to Sarah Haring, who was born in Franklin Township, and who is a daughter of Charles Haring. Mrs. Swigart survives her husband and resides on the home farm with her son Aaron A. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Swigart: Aaron A., above mentioned, and Charles, who married Hattie Diehl, a daughter of William Diehl, and has two children - Gladys and Hallie.

Aaron A. Swigart attended the district schools and afterward engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he has been occupied all of his active period. With his mother and brother he owns the excellent homestead of 200 acres, on which is situated a large and comfortable residence. The row of beautiful shade trees on each side of the driveway leading to the house were planted by Mr. Swigart and others twenty-five years ago, and add much to the attractiveness of the property.

On September 16, 1901, Mr. Swigart was married to Mary Scholl, who is a daughter of Peter and Ann Scholl, and to this union one child has been born: Joseph Herman. Mr. Swigart is a member of the Reformed Church at Manchester.

L. K. FORCE, president of the Summit China Company, has been a resident of Akron for the past fifty-eight years. Born in New- York, in 1848, he came to this city with his parents, in the following year, and thus may almost be called a native of Akron, where he was reared and educated.

In 1863, when only a school-V)oy of fifteen years, he enlisted for service in the Civil War entering the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Independent Light Artillery. His battery was sent immediately to become a part of the Army of the Cumberland, and thus he participated in all the battles and marches of the Atlanta campaign. After returning to Tennessee, this battery took part in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, after which it went into winter quarters at Pulaski. In the spring of 1865 it returned to Nashville, where it took boat to New Orleans. In the