Wayne County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Towns of the County, 1910 (part 2 of 11)

W. E. Weygandt is a native of Baughman township, where he first saw the light of day on June i, 1864, and he is the son of J. K. and Mary Weygandt. The boyhood days of Mr. Weygandt, like those of so many of our successful men of affairs, especially the learned professions, were spent upon the farm, where he worked during the summer months, alternating farming with schooling in the district schools. He was an ambitious lad and applied himself most assiduously to his text books. His principal dependence, as we ha^-e before intimated, was very largely upon himself ; however, this is not a regrettable fact, for it strengthened his fortitude, courage and self-dependence, and without such attributes no life is a success. Desiring a higher education than the common schools could furnish, he entered the Normal University at Ada, Ohio, where he made a splendid record and from which institution he was graduated on July 23, 1895. He had decided to become a teacher and accordingly entered that profession, which he followed with credit for a period of ten years, during which time he gained an excellent local reputation as an educator, his services having been in great demand, for he had thoroughly equipped himself and seemed to possess all the natural qualifications for the successful teacher. But believing that the law was his proper field of action, he took up its study with A. D. Metz, of Wooster, who^ was at one time prosecuting attorney of Wayne county and a lawyer of great ability and fame. This was in April, 1894, and having made rapid progress in the same, Mr. Weygandt was admitted to practice at the Ohio bar the following October. He was remarkably successful from the first and soon had a large clientele, figuring conspicuously in many important cases in the local courts from time to time. His ability and public spirit attracted the attention of the leaders of the Democratic party and he was selected as the candidate of this party for prosecuting attorney of Wayne county in 1898. He was elected and filled the office with rare credit and acceptance, proving the wise selection of his constituents. On April 29, 1908, Mr. Weygandt was nominated for the office of judge of the common pleas court of Wayne county and in the ensuing election he was the choice of the voters, defeating his opponent, W. F. Kean, by a majority of two thousand and seven hundred. He assumed the duties of his office on January i, 1909, and in this res])onsible ])Osition he has again pro\ ed in no uncertain manner his eminent fitness for a position demanding ability of liigh order and an intimate and discriminating ac(iuaintance with the principles of jurisprudence. His decisions have unifonnb' been characterized bv a high sense of justice, guided liy a wide knowledge of law and precedent, and his administration of his official duties has been eminently satisfactory to both litigants and attorneys.

In September, 1886, Judge Weygandt was married to Cora iMock, daughter of Samuel Mock, a well known and highly respected farmer, now retired at the age of eighty-two years. To this union have been born three children, Carl, now a student in Wooster University, Ross and Ola.

As a lawyer Mr. Weygandt ranks deservedly high at the Wayne county bar. His habits of study, research, ability to analyze and comprehend the law, to deduce and apply it, make him an informed, reliable and certain lawyer, and necessarily successful. In his practice before the court he was characterized by fairness in stating the position of an adversary, and strong enough and broad enough to desire no undue advantag'e. His utterances are expressive of a calm dignity, a tolerant spirit, but a fixed purpose. In his discussion of the law he is terse, clear, precise and incisive, and to the jury he is clear, deliberate, impressive. In his active practice of the law his character for personal and professional integrity was fully recognized and appreciated. He escaped the suspicion of ever having knowingly failed to fulfill all proper obligations of his profession. Combined with the excellent personal and official cpialities of the successful attorney and jurist, he is infused with the genius of enterprise and is a man of enlarged public spirit. He always stands ready to identify himself with his fellow citizens in any good work and extends a co-operative hand to advance any measure that will better the condition of things, that will give better government, elevate mankind, insure higher standards of morality and the highest ideals of a refined, ennobling, intellectual culture.

James Lee Zaring

Of high professional and academic attainments and ranking among the foremost educators of northern Ohio, James Lee Zaring, now the efficient and popular county auditor of Wayne county, has achieved marked distinction in the noble work to which his talents and energies have so long been devoted, and, judging hy the past, it is safe to predict for him a future of still greater usefulness and honor. Not only as a teacher and manager of schools has he made his presence felt, but as a citizen in the daily walks of life, his influence has tended to the advancement of the community and the welfare of his fellow men, while the several responsible public positions to which he has been called from time to time bear testimony of his ability to fill worthily high and important trusts. His name with eminent fitness occupies a conspicuous place in the profession which he adorns and his career, presenting a series of successes such as few attain, has gained for him much more than local reputation as a successful organizer and manager of educational interests.

Mr. Zaring was born at Jefferson, Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, December 4, 1859, the son of Eli and Mary (Stevie) Zaring, both natives of Plain township, this county, the father ha\dng been born on January 16, 1836, and the latter in 1832, each representing old pioneer families of sterling worth who came here in the days of the forest primeval when the country was overrun by wild beasts and the council fires of the red men had scarcely died away. They were a sturdy people who delighted to meet and overcome great obstacles, - in short, they were true types of empire builders, making it possible for succeeding generations to live in ease and affluence, to ride in modern motor cars over trails which they blazed and over which their ox carts passed. An insight into the characteristics of the subject would indicate that he had inherited some of the worthy traits of his rugged progenitors.

Eli Zaring grew up on the home farm which he helped clear, and although his chances to receive an education in the old ax-hewn one-roomed school houses of* that remote period were indeed limited, he made the most of every advantage and became in after years a well informed man, who was influential in county affairs and who very creditably filled the office of clerk of the local courts for a period of six years. He was for many years solicitor for the Wayne County Democrat and he held every office in Plain township, a Republican stronghold ; this proved his high standing in his native community, for he was always a loyal Democrat. The court appointed him appraiser of land in Chester township in 1880. He was a great friend of Capt. Lemuel Jeffries, - in fact, he was a man admired by all who knew him, for he was honest, public-spirited and straightforward in all his dealings with his fellow men.

James L. Zaring was educated in the district schools of Tdain townshiji, which he attended during the winter months, working in his father's shoe shop the rest of the year. He also attended the Smith\ ille Normal School, where he made an excellent record in both scholarship and deportment. Peing ambitious to enter the career of an educator, he prepared himself very carefully to that end and during his long service as such he has given the utmost

Professor Zaring was married, on June 3, 1882, to Celestia Reamer, daughter of Jacob and Sophia Reamer, a highly honored family of Smithville. Mrs. .Zaring is a woman of culture and refinement and she has been of great assistance to her husband in his manifold duties since their marriage, always, encouraging him and counseling him in whatever work he was engaged. This union has been blessed by the birth of four children, two of which died in infancy; the two living children are Ethel, now twent)^-six years of age. and John, who is twenty-four years old.

Politically. Professor Zaring is a Democrat and he has held many of the minor village offices and is now auditor of Wayne county, filling the office in a manner that is winning universal approval. He stands high in Masonry, being a member of the Knights Templar, Wooster Commandery, No. 48; Cedar Lodge. No. 430, bTee and Accepted Masons, of Orrville, and Wooster Chapter, No. 27, Royal Arch Masons.

Although a school man in the broadest and best sense of the term. Professor Zaring has never become narrow or pedantic, as have so many whose lives have been spent in intimate association with the immature minds within the four walls of a school room. He is a well rounded, symmetrically developed man, fully alive to the demands of the times, thoroughly informed on the leading c|uestions before the public and takes broad views of men and things. By keeping in touch with the times and the trend of current thought he has ever been enabled to discharge the duties of citizenship in the intelligent manner becoming the level-headed American of today, and his acquaintance with the history of the countiy and its institutions makes him also a politician, but not necessarily a partisan. He believes in progress in other than the profession to which he belongs and to attain the end manifests an abiding interest in whatever makes for the material advancement of the community, encouraging all worthy enterprises and lending his influence to means whereby his fellow' men may be benefited and made better. He is in hearty accord with laudable and healthful pastimes and sports, such as base ball, basket ball, hurdle and foot racing and all kinds of athletes that tend to develop and strengthen the physical pow'ers. These he has always encouraged among his pupils, believing that development of the body as w'ell as the mind and heart to be essential to the make-up of the scholarly and w-ell-rounded man. Wayne county owes a great debt of gratitude to Professor Zaring for the great goocf he has done in educational, political, social and material affairs.

M. M. Van Nest

To write the personal record of men who have raised themselves to a position of honor and responsibility in a communit}" is no ordinary pleasure. Self-made men, men who have achieved success by reason of their personal cjualities and who have put the impress of their individuality upon the business and growth of their place of residence and affect for good such institutions as are embraced within the sphere of their usefulness, unwittingly, perhaps, build monuments more enduring than marble obelisk or granite shaft. Of such we have the unciuestioned right to say belongs the gentleman whose name appears above. As a business man, as member of the city legislative body, and as its chief executive official, as well as in the more humble walks of life, he has borne well his part and his public spirited and unselfish devotion, to the highest and best interests of the community have won for him the high regard of all, regardless of political lines.

M. IM. \'"an Nest was born at Rowsburg, Ashland county, Ohio, on the loth of December, 1864. He is descended from Holland antecedents, the family name having originally been Van Ness. The subject's paternal grandfather was John Van Nest, who was born in Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio in 1839, settling in Ashland county. He was a harness-maker by trade and followed this occupation all his active life. He died in 1903, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. The subject's parents were J. P. and Mary E. (Gardner) Van Nest. J. P. Van Nest was born at Rowsburg, Ohio, and upon taking up a business career entered upon that of insurance in which he was successful. In the spring of 1873 he removed to the city of Wooster, and here continued in the insurance business until his death, which occurred on April 3, 1905. Mr. Van Nest was a public-spirited man and took a keen interest in ])ul)lic affairs, serving for two terms as a member of the W'ooster city council. Early in the great Rebellion, Mr. Van Nest enlisted for service in the defense of his country's flag, joining the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, taking part in some of the most sanguinary struggles of that great conflict. .Among these battles were the following: Chickasaw Bayou, December 28-29. 1862: .Arkansas Post, January 11, 1863: Thom])son's Hill (Port Gibson), May i, 1863: siege of A'fick.sburg, May 18 to July 4. 1863; Big Black Ri\ er, Alay 17, 1863; Jackson, Miss., July 1863: transport "City Belle,'' near Snaggy Point.

Louisiana, May 3, 1864. Mr. Vkin Nest enlisted as a private, but, by faithful and meritorious service, he retired from the service with (he rank of second lieutenant. ,\t the battle of Aficksburg he was severely wounded by a frag- meat of shell. Prior to entering the military service Mr. Van Nest had followed the trade of harness-maker, bnt on his return home he gave that up and took up the insurance business. He married Mary E. Gardner, who was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, as were also her parents. She is still living in Wooster, at the age of sixty-seven years. By her union with Mr. Van Nest she became the mother of the following children: John, of Wooster; M. M., the subject of this sketch; Carrie, the wife of William L. Derr, of Cleveland, Ohio; Gertrude, deceased: Maud M., the widow of John Griffith and living in Wooster; Ellen, deceased: Charles W., of Wooster; Mabel is unmarried and remains at home.

M. M. Van Nest was nine years old when his parents removed to Wooster and in the public schools of this city he secured a good education. After the completion of his education, he took up the trade of harness-maker, following this in the footsteps of the two generations preceding him. He was thus employed for nineteen years and was considered a good workman. Subsequently he entered the insurance business with his brother, under the firm style of J. P. Van Nest Sons, and they have built up a large business in fire insurance, theirs being considered one of the most important agencies in this city.

Mr. Van Nest is a Democrat in politics and in 1899 he was elected a member of the city council from the fourth ward, and was re-elected in 1901, serving as president of that body during 1901 and 1902. In the spring of 1903 he was elected mayor of the city, and so eminently satisfactory was his administration of the office that he has been twice re-elected, in 1905 and 1907. Mr. Van Nest applied to the administration of the affairs of his official position the same careful business principles which he would apply to his own business affairs, and in his attitude towards public improvements he has been progressive, though at the same time exercising a wise conservatism which has been a guarantee against extravagance or a useless expenditure of the city's money. During his administration great strides have been made by the city in the way of street paving, cement sidewalks, sewerage, and increase in the city's water supply. Not only have the material necessities of the city been regarded, but considerable attention has been paid to the esthetic, and in many ways the city has been beautified, being now considered one of the most pleasing cities of its class in the state.

In 1905 Mayor Van Nest was appointed by the judge of the common pleas court, and re-appointed in 1908, a member of the soldiers' relief committee of Wayne county, the appointment bearing special distinction from the fact that he is the only man not a veteran of the Civil war who ever served on this committee. The mayor is also second vice-president of the Wooster Board of Trade.

In 1887, the subject was united in marriage to Amanda E. Ray, who was liorn and reared in Wooster, and to them have been born two children. Fred, deceased, and Florence H. The family reside in a pleasant and comfortable home on Columbus avenue, and here the spirit of hospitality ever abides. Fraternally Mayor Van Nest belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which he has risen to the Uniform Rank, and to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Yeomen. He and his wife lielong to the English Futheran church, of which thev are liberal supporters. The family occupy a position of prominence in the social life of the community and all who know them hold them in the highest regard.

Henry H. Strauss

Heni'y H. Strauss, president of the Orrville National Bank, has been a potent factor in the commercial and social life of Orrville and Wayne county for over forty years. He is one of those solid men of lirain and substance so essential to the material growth and prosperity of a community and whose influence is willingly extended in behalf of every deserving enterprise that has for its object the advancement or moral welfare of the community.

The Strauss name is found to be one of the early pioneer family names in America. The famil}^ is of German origin and the progenitor of the family in the New World is thought to lie Nicholas Strauss, a native of the Fatherland, who came to America in 1732. Henry Strauss, paternal grandfather of the subject, was born in Penn.syl\ ania, in which state several generations of the family lived and reared their families.

Peter Strauss, father of the sul)ject of this l)iogra])hy. was born in Northampton county, Penn.sylvania, removing when a young man to Saegerstown, Crawford county, that state. He was a farmer and pursued that calling with fair success. In 1850 he removed to Wayue county. Ohio, and settled on a farm in Plain townshij), where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred when he was se\'enty-three years of age. lie married Julia Renner, who was also born in Northam])ton county, Penn.sybania. She preceded her hu.sband in death a few years, dying at the age of sixty-seven years. Of the six children born to this worthy couple, three are now li\ ing. namely : Abigail, the wife of John Martin, of Becdshurg, Ohio; Marietta, the wife of W illiam Gill, of Plain township, this county, and llenn- II., subject of this sketch.

Henry H. Strauss was born on the parental farmstead at Saegerstown, Crawford county, rennsylvania, on August 15, 1839, and removed to Wayne county, Ohio, with his parents in 1850. His early life was spent on the farm, and he attended the public schools during his boyhood, supplementing this by attendance at the Wooster high school and the Fredericksburg Academy. Eight years were spent in teaching school during the winter months and attending school during the summer seasons. In 1867 Mr. Strauss came to Orrville where he has since been a recognized influence. In that year he engaged in the cliy goods business with the late Henry Shrieber, the partnership, however, only continuing six months. In 1868 he and the late C. R. Beckley bought a dry goods stock located in the present stand of W. L. Des- A^oignes. Here Mr. Strauss was in business for twenty years, buying Mr. Beckley's interest after twelve years of partnership. Here was first established Mr. Strauss's splendid reputation for honorable and upright business methods, which his long and successful career has since maintained inviolate.

In i88t the Orrville Banking Company, a private bank, was organized, and Mr. Strauss, being one of the organizers, became the cashier, accepting the position with reluctance. Being at this time engaged in the mercantile business, he divided his time between the bank and the store until 1888, when he sold the store and since that year he has devoted his time exclusively and continuously to the liank.

On July 3, 1902, the bank was reorganized as the Orrville National Bank and its capital stock increased to fift}^ thousand dollars. The bank is one of the solid financial institutions of northern Ohio. At its reorganization as a national bank, Mr. Strauss was elected president, which title designates his present official position with the bank.

]\Ir. Strauss's other business interests include a directorship in the Orr- \-ille Bedding Company and numerous otlier investments. He h"s also extensive land interests, having a fine farm in Greene township, one in Baughman township and part owner of one in Chippewa township.

klr. Strauss was married September 20, 1870, to Mary Leinninger, who was born m Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio. She is a daughter of Frederick and Anna Leinninger, both of whom were natives of Germany. Four children constitute their family, namely: Bessie E., who holds a responsible position in the bank: Frank L., cashier of the bank; Harry H. graduated from ooster Lmiversity in 1904, was later a student at Chicago University, Chicago, and was professor and instructor in Latin and Greek at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio: he has been a member of the faculties at Tullane College New Orleans, the State University of Iowa and the State University of North

Dakota, and next year will return to Tullane College as an instructor; Dr. Robert Todd is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and is now a successful dentist at Alliance, Ohio.

Air. and Mrs. Strauss are members of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Strauss is an elder and has served on the official board. Fraternally, Air. Strauss is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Honor. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He served for twenty years on the Orrville city school board and manifests a keen interest in educational matters.

Mr. Strauss as a business man is a representative type of that fine old school where the highest integrity, implacable justice and rugged honesty are the prerecpiisites to success. Personally, he is of kindly demeanor, a wholesome optimism pervading his nature, and his engaging frankness disclosing a heart mellowed with human sympathies.

Capt. Jaaies B. Taylor

A man who stands admittedly among the leaders of the legal profession in the northern part of the Buckeye state, where he has long been practicing in all the courts, often handling many of the most important cases on the various dockets, is ,Capt. James B. Taylor, of Wooster, Wayne county. Being courteous, well informed and enterprising, he is recognized as one of the representative men of a community widely noted for the high order of its citizenshi]), and in his life record is much that should be an incentive to the youth at the ])arting of the ways, whose destinies are matters for future years to determine, to ha\e higher ambitions and accomplish more for their fellow men, for his life has always been led along a jilane of high endeavor, always consistent with the truth in its higher forms and ever in keejiing with honorable ])rinci])les, while at the same time he has been eminently successful in his chosen profession. He is the scion of pioneer ancestors of the most sterling (pialities who did much in their day for the commnnities in which they li\ed. and the Captain is a worthy descendant of his forbears, thus for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he was one of the patriotic sons of the North, who. when the tocsin of war sounded, left his comfortable hearthstone and his business affairs to do what he could toward saving the national union from disruption and dishonor, he is accorded conspicuous men-

James B. Taylor was born August 24, 1840, at Fredericksburg, Ohio, and his useful life has been spent within the borders of his native county of Wayne, for the most part, for he believed that greater opportunities existed for him right here at home rather than in some remote locality, and, judging from the eminent success he has achiev'ed and the good he has done the peo- ])le of this community, he was wise in coming to such a conclusion. He is the son of James and Elisabeth (Curtis) Taylor, both natives of Virginia, each representing a fine old Southern family, the mother being of original Quaker stock.

James B. Taylor was the youngest member of a family of nine children, and his boyhood was spent in the (juiet, sequestered village of his birth, in much the same manner as other youths of his station in life and environments. He started to the common schools early and made rapid progress, for at the age of sixteen he was a teacher in the public schools. It being necessary for him to map out his career and "work out his own salvation" practically unaided, he taught during the winter months and attended school through the summer and made general preparation for a higher life work. For a time the intervals between his teaching periods were profitably employed as a student at the Fredericksluirg Academy; later he entered the junior class at Westminster College, Pennsyh'ania, from which institution he was graduated in June, 1861, having made a splendid record there. In the ensuing autumn he did a very commendable work by organizing and opening Smithville Academy, in the superintendency and control of which he remained for one year, when, notwithstanding the flattering outlook for the institution. Air. Taylor decided to cast his lot with the Federal troops, the rebellion then being in full blast. He surrendered the control of the academy to Prof. John B. Eberly, who for many years conducted it with remarkable success, the foundation having been securely and broadh^ laid by Mr. Taylor. He entered the service as second lieutenant, August 15, 1862, in the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, having i^roved to be a most capable and gallant soldier, he was promoted to first lieutenant, February 18, 1863, later, on iMarch 23d, following, to captain of Company H, and by reason of the consolidation of this regiment with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he was mustered out November 27, 1864. The first regiment he was in bore a meritorious and conspicuous part in the campaign of the iMississippi river and its tributaries, and Captain Taylor shared in its vicissitudes and conflicts. In the swamps of Chickasaw Bayou, at Arkansas Post, at Thompson's Hill, under Grant at the siege of Vicksburg, at Big Blackriver, at Jackson, under Banks on the Red river, he bravely led his command, and with an army of invincible soldiers he united with them in the triumphant victories of long and arduous campaigns.

Returning to civil life, Captain Taylor took up the study of medicine in the spring of 1865, in Fredericksburg, with Doctor Martin, and toward the close of that year went to the University of Michigan as a student pf medicine, but soon thereafter abandoned the same, believing that the law held greater opportunities for one of his tastes. He made rapid strides in this department and was graduated in the spring of 1867 in the law department of the University of Michigan. He returned to Wayne county and opened an olhce at Orrville, where he soon had a satisfactory practice which has continued to grow until he has long since been rated among the leading members of the Wayne county bar. Believing that the city of AWoster held greater advantages for himself and family, he moved here in April, 1882, formed a law partnership with ex-Probate Judge Isaac Johnson in 1888. which continued isntil the tragic death of the latter.

Captain Taylor has prospered by reason of his close application to business, and he had one of the most attractive homes in the city, located amid beautiful surroundings on North Market street, modern, of attractive architecture, located in the midst of hue lawns, through which wind inviting walks, overarched by splendid trees and shrubbery. On Christmas e\'e of 1906, a year after the death of his wife, he transferred his beautiful home to a city hospital, and it yet continues as a hospital, and ought to lie a monument to his generosity and the thoughtfulness of his wife, who in health had planned for just such a use of the property.

Cajitain Taylor's wife was Emihe Emmett, the daughter of John and Eliza Emmett, and whose grandfather laid out the town of Emmettsburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to their marriage Mrs. Taylor was the jirincipal of the schools at h'redericksburg, Ohio. To them were born six children, three of whom survive, Harry E. 'Faylor, manager of a manufacturing establishment at Orrville. Rob C. Taylor, a law partner, and Josephine, now the wife of Rev. I'red J. Slagle, who are s])ending a year in Scotland. Captain 'Pay lor is a member of the Presbyterian church at Wooster, a Mason, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Poyal .\rcanum.

'The Captain is a jiractitioner of an earnest, cultivated, enlightened and iiKpiiring mind. His leisure hours are employed among his books and legal authorities. I le ])ermits no shrinkage in his hours of studv and work, for he believes in labor, that there is true diguit}- in it, and he is well versed in all the intricate recesses of the law, and in the court room he is at once genteel, alert, keen, discriminating, analytical, logical and often eloquent, never failing to deeply impress his jury. He is a vigorous as well as an independent thinker and he always has the courage of his convictions. He is essentially cosmopolitan in his ideas, a man of the people in all the term implies and in the best sense of the word a representative type of that strong American manhood, u hich commands and retains respect by reason of inherent merit, sound sense and correct conduct. He has so impressed his individuality upon his community as to win the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, who regard his career as eminently honorable and useful in all its phases, for it has been a strenuous one and of a character to benefit others, and, measured by the accepted standards of excellence, his life has been fraught with great good to those with whom he has come into contact.

This venerable and highly esteemed exponent of the life of the lowly Nazarene has led a life that is worthy of commendation and emulation by the youth standing at the parting of the ways, for it has been one of unselfish senice and of unswerving rectitude, self-sacrifice and devotion to the higher duty. Thomas Kirby Davis was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, February ii, 1826. He prepared for college at the Chambersburg Academy, entered Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1845; studied theology at Princeton Seminary, and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister by the presbytery of Carlisle in 1850. His pastoral charges in his earl}- ministry included Bedford, Schellsburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania; Mansfield, and Hayesville, Ohio. At the latter place he was also professor of languages in the Vermilion Institute. He was stated supply of the First Preslwterian church of San Francisco, California, of the First Presbyterian church of Los Angeles, California, and also of the First church at Stockton, that state: also of many other churches during the years he has been residing in Wooster. He was a member and secretary of the board of trustees of Vermilion Institute. At the first meeting of the board of trustees of the Cniversity of WMoster, held in December, 1866, Doctor Davis was appointed one of a committee of three whose duty it was to go over the state of .Ohio and ascertain if the Presbyterian churches of the state were ready to endow a Presbyterian college. Doctor Davis accordingly resigned his charge at Mansfield and began to work for the University of Wooster on the first of January, 1867. After laboring very successfully for nearly a year, he resigned to accept a call to Hayesville and Vermilion Institute.

In the year 1871 Mr. Davis was called to Wooster as financial secretary and he has lived here, working for the university ever since. He was a member of the board of trustees of this institution from 1876 to 1899 and secretaiy of the board from 1876 to 1908. He was made librarian of the university in 1877 and has held that position to the present time (1910). He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1880 by Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, Penn.syh'ania, and by Parsons College, at Fairfield, Iowa.

Doctor Davis was married on August 14, 1851, to Alary H. Proctor, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She was born in that city, the daughter of an elder in the Preshyterian church. Her mother's maiden name was Alary Officer, of an old and well-known family of Carlisle. After a long and beautiful life of Christian service, Airs. Davis was called to her rest on

Stewart, connected with the Standard Publishing Company, .of Cincinnati, Ohio; Miriam M., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who holds an important position in the reference department of the public library there; Janet At. is the wife of Dr. James Wallace, who for twenty years was president of Alacalester College at St. Paul; he was then on leave of absence three years as professor of New Testament Greek in Doctor White's Bible School, New ATrk City. He then returned to Alacalester College and has charge of the Bible department. John Proctor is a Presbyterian minister, at present pastor of a church at Austin, Alinnesota ; Elizabeth R. is at home with her father ; Alice S. has a responsible position in the Ohio state library at Columbus. These children have all been well educated and the wholesome home environment in which they were reared is clearly reflected in their daily lives.

Doctor Davis has given his heart and the greater part of his life and service to the founding and building up of an institution of learning that would he so hroad and comprehensive in its scope as to include the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ as the most ^-itally important and necessary jiart of its curriculum and influence. He has accomplished much toward ameliorating the condition of his fellow men, often laboring with disregard for his own welfare if thereby he might attain the object he sought - to make some one better and ha])pier. Such a life is an incentive to the youth whose fortunes and records are matters for the future to determine, for his life has been singtflarly free from all that is deteriorating or paltry, his inihicncc

He carried on general farming in a very snccessfnl manner during his active life and for several years he has lived retired on the old farm, enioving the frnits of his former years of well directed labor. He is a member of the Amish IMennonite chnrch, and is a Democrat in politics, and has been township supervisor.

The following children have been born to the subject and wife; Sarah, wife of the late Jacob Turkey; John, who died in 1875 ; Cassie, now Mrs. John Turkey ; Samuel, Noah, Eli and Neri D.

Neri D. Tlough was educated in the home schools and greu- to maturity on the home farm on which he has lived all his life. He has had charge of the active farming for a number of years and he has proven to be a very able and industrious agriculturist. He was married in 1895 to Katherine Krupp, and this union has resulted in the birth of the following children : Della, Henry, Nola, Edna, John, Carrie, Wilma, Eva, Eern.

Neri D. Tlough, like his honored father, is highly respected in this neighborhood. He is a member of the Amish Mennonite church, and politically he is a Democrat.

Wesley Henry Zaugg

The gentleman whose name forms the caption to this article, who was for several years the efficient and accommodating assistant cashier of the Citizens National Tank of Wooster, and who recently entered upon his duties as treasurer of Wayne county, to which office he was elected, is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character. At all times a true and loyal citizen, faithful to the best interests of his community, he has always commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem, standing high in the regard of his business associates and in the respect of the general public. His influence has ever been wielded in the promotion of the higher interests of the community, and all worthy agencies hai'e enlisted his earnest support.

A natii'e son of the Tuckeye state, "Wesley H. Zaugg was born in Sugarcreek township, MTyne county, on June 26, 1867. He is the son of Samuel and Cecile ('Calamej Zaugg, both of .whom are natives of the little republic of Switzerland, though they were married in Wayne county. Samuel Zaugg came to the United States when twenty-one years old, and, coming at once to AATyne county, he located on a farm in Saltcreek township which he purchased and on which he lived for thirty-five years, removing to Mt. Eaton about a year ago, on the death of his wife. They were the parents of the

Illinois; Fred S. li\'es in Omaha. Nebraska, is a successful minister at Omaha, built the First Reformed church in that city and is now engaged in the erection of the Second church of the same denomination; John A., who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Apple Creek, Ohio; Ida, who made her home with her brother Fred at Omaha, married Ah AAcht and lives on a farm near Canal F'ulton, Stark county, Ohio; Florence is the wife of a i\Ir. Michel, of Cleveland. Ohio; Elmer H. is a teacher in Japan, being at present located at Sendai ; Pearl is a stenographer at AMoster University; Zena is the wife of Dr. C. N. Clark, coroner of AMyne county, and residing at iMount Eaton ; AAsley, the subject of this sketch.

The subject's paternal grandparents were Jacob and Anna ( Stettler ) Zaugg, who came from their native Switzerland to America in 1853 and located in Saltcreek township, this county, where they purchased a small farm. Here they lived until their respective deaths, the husband dying in about 1879 and his widow about ten years later. They were persons of many estimable qualities and were highly regarded in their community.

AAsley H. Zaugg was reared on the home farm and secured his education in the common schools of the township and in the Normal School at Ada, this state. He early became inured to the labors of the farm and directed his attention in that direction until coming to AMoster. During the meanwhile he was also successfully engaged in teaching school, taking charge of his first school at the age of seventeen years. During the following thirteen years he continued to teach in Sugarcreek, Saltcreek and Paint townships. In 1896 Mr. Zaugg went to Europe in the interest of several persons who were heirs to estates there, and during the following year Mr. Zaugg was busily engaged in settling these affairs, some of the settlements being very hotly contested. IMr. Zaugg's connection with the affairs in question was eminently satisfactory to the interested parties here. In 1900 Mr. Zaugg was ajipointed de])uty probate judge of Wayne county, serving in this capacity o\'er a year. In 1901 he became teller in the Akiyne County National Rank, remaining there five years. In December, 1906, he accepted a ])osition as assistant cashier in the Citizens P)ank, and continued to occu])v this ])osition until taking the office of count}' treasurer, which he is now filling, lie is otherwise interested in financial institutions, being jiresident of the h'armcrs and Merchants' Rank of Smitlnille. Ohio, and a member of the board of directors of the h'armers' Ranking Company, at Sterling. Ohio, lie is ;i director of the A'ooster .Machine Company and sec ret ary- treasurer of the

\"alley River Coal Company, of Grafton, West Virginia. In 1897 Mr. Zaugg commenced the study of law with Judge H. B. Swartz, of AVooster, and would undoubtedly have made a good lawyer, as he has natural talents which would have qualihed him especially for this profession, but circumstances altered his plans and he was led into the banking business instead. He has exhibited business qualities of the highest order and has an enviable standing among those who are familiar with his work in the various positions in which he has been placed. The taxpayers of Wayne county made no mistake in selecting him as the custodian of the public moneys and he will undoubtedly give to the office of county treasurer the same careful and faithful attention which has characterized him in other relations.

On March 27, 1900, Mr. Zaugg took unto himself a helpmeet in the person of Lena Tschantz, daughter of Christian Tschantz, a wholesale chee.se dealer at Alliance, Ohio. She was born near Mount Eaton, AA^ayne county, and her family was living at Kidron, this county, when Mr. Zaugg was teaching school there. Here began the accjuaintance, rvhich ripened into a warmer affection and culminated in marriage. The union has been blessed with two children. Miriam Grace, born July 30, 1902, and Mai'y Cecile, born April 18, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Zaugg are members of the Reformed church at AA^ooster, of which Mr. Zaugg has served as deacon for eight years and superintendent of the Sabbath school for six years. He belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He possesses a genial disposition and has won a host of warm personal friends, who admire him because of his sterling worth. He is an accomplished and fluent speaker in four languages, Swiss, German, French and English.

Avilliam Howard Ross

The Ross family have been well known and influential in public and private life in both Wayne and Holmes counties since the early days, one of the most progressive of the younger generation being AVilliam Howard Ross, who was born in Ripley township, Holmes county, Ohio, September 18, 1879. His paternal ancestors came to the United States from Ireland and located in Pennsylvania, from which state his grandfather. John Ross, emigrated to AAHyne county, Ohio, and here he was married to Sarah Ti'acy. AVilliam F. Ross, father of the subject, was born in 1843. He received an excellent education and entered upon a teacher's career, which he continued throughout his subsecjuent life, becoming known as one of the leading educators of the county, his teaching being confined exclusively to Holmes and Wayne counties. His death occurred on June i, 1893. The maternal ancestors of William H. Ross emigrated to America from England and settled in Loudoun county, Vii'ginia, from which place the subject's grandfather. James Swart, came to Wayne county, Ohio, settling in Franklin township, and there he was married to Rosanna Hafhill, and it was there that the mother of William H. Ross was born in 1837, her maiden name being Catherine M. Swart. James Swart was a farmer, a justice of the peace, and one of the associate judges of the district court. He was a prominent man in his community. The Swart family later moved to a farm in Ripley township. Holmes county, Ohio, where James Swart served as a justice of the peace during many terms. Catherine M. Swart was engaged in teaching district schools in Wayne county until her marriage, in 1866, to William F. Ross. After their marriage they resided in Franklin township, this county, for several years and later moved to Ripley township. Holmes county.

To Mr. and Mrs. William F. Ross four children were born, namely : Julia Blanche, a school teacher; a son died in infancy; Henry E., now a wellto-do farmer in Clinton township, Wayne county, this state; William Howard, subject of this sketch. The father of these children was called to close his earthly account in 1893, leaving Catherine M., his widow, who still resides on the old home place in Ripley township, Holmes county, and the twm sons, Henry E. and W. Howard, the youngest, who was then but thirteen years of age.

Although but a mere boy, the subject of this sketch engaged in growing berries for market when he was but thirteen years of age, attending the district schools at Bigelow during the winter months, and when nineteen years of age he commenced teaching, having applied himself very assiduously to his text-books and receiving a good education. His first school was that in his home district and he continued to teach for four years. Desiring a higher training than he had received in the common schools, he entered the Ada Normal, Ohio, and later studied at the Valparaiso Normal College, \'alparaiso, Indiana. Deciding that the law^ held greater attractions for him than the school room, he took a course in the Valparaiso Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1901, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He made a splendid record in that institution and was honored bv his class by being elected its president. Being then without money and realizing the financial difficulties that confront a young lawyer, he again taught school for two Years, then engaged in the grocery business at Shreve, Ohio, with \V. L. Porter, the hnn being known as Porter & Ross, in which business he remained for three years, during which time he attended the bar examination and was admitted to practice law in Ohio.

Mr. Ross was married in Angnst, 1902, to Mabel Grace Garrett, one of the six daughters of Alfred A. Garrett, of Shreve, Ohio. She, like her husband, was a school teacher, having received a liberal education at Ada, Ohio, and at the University of Wooster. One winsome daughter, Myrtle Evelyn, has graced this union.

When Mr. Ross gave up the grocery liusiness he opened a real estate and law office in Shreve, Ohio, and, Iw hard work and close attention to business, has succeeded in building up quite a lucrative patronage, soon becoming an active member of the Wayne county bar. The death of Hon. Alartin L. Smyser and the election of Judge William E. Weygandt, both occurring in 1908, took from the firm of Smyser, Weygandt & Weiser two of its members, and on January i, 1909. Mr. Ross became the junior member of the firm of WTiser & Ross, which firm succeeded the firm of Smyser, Weygandt & Weiser, and they are now enjoying an extensive law practice in Wayne and adjoining counties, liaving one of the largest and best law libraries in Ohio.

Mr. Ross is an active Democrat, always found in the front ranks working for the success of his party. He and Mrs. Ross are both members of the Methodist church and take an active interest in the welfare of their neighbors and the general public. When asked to what he attributed his success in life. Mr. Ross replied: "Whatever measure of success I may have attained, I owe to the youthful impressions I received from a kind and godly father, to a sainted mother and faithful wife."

Charles A. Weiser

Individual enterprise, which is so justly the boast of the American people, is strikingly exhiliited in the career of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch. While transmitting to posterity the record of such a life, it is with the hope of instilling into the minds of those who come after, the important lesson that honor and station are sure rewards of individual exertion. That the career of such a person, besides being treasured in the hearts of relatives and friends, should have its public record also, is peculiarly proper, because a knowledge of men whose substantial fame rests upon their attainments and character must exert a wholesome influence upon the rising generation. The life of Mr. WTiser has indeed been a busy and successful one and the record he has made at the local bar is worthy of the attention of the youth who would learn the intrinsic essence of individuality and its influence in molding public opinion and giving character and stability to the community.

Charles A. Weiser was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, July 23, 1861. His father was of German ancestry. He worked many years as a miner ; he married Angelina Knauss, her family having been among the early emigrants to America from Germany. All along the line of the ancestry of Mr. Weiser on both sides of the house we find men and women of sterling character, plain, industrious and honest people. Several of his maternal ancestors took an active part in the American war of the Revolution. The first of the Weiser family in America were John and Paul, who emigrated to this country some time in the seventeenth century. Each was the father of twelve children and they were pioneer supporters of the Moravian church.

Charles E. Weiser was reared and educated in his native state; however, he attended the Ada Normal Institute after locating in this state. Coming to Ohio in 1879, he located in Greene township, Wayne county, later moving to Baughman township, where he continued to reside on a farm which he successfully cultivated until 1899, when he moved to Wooster. In his boyhood days he found employment in and around the mines, where his father was engaged driving coal wagons and indulging in the diverse and various experiences of the monotonous and precarious mining life. After he came to Ohio, he worked upon a farm, his efforts, energies and industry being rewarded Iw a satisfactory measure of success. Pie at once took an active interest in the welfare of his township and soon came to be recognized as one of Baughman's most representative citizens. He was especially interested in the progress of Baughman township, advocating all enterprises that would advance the prosperity of his fellow citizens, always taking a \-ery j)ronounced interest in political campaigns and, lieing a loyal Democrat and in good standing with that political organization, he was singled out by ])arty leaders for important public trusts, having been chosen as candidate for the (hhio l.egislature and was elected in 1889 to the sixty-ninth General .\sscmhly of the state, and sf) faithfully did he ])erform the duties falling to him by \-irtue of this exalted office that he was re-elected in 1893, making a most satisfac- toiy record a second term. He was well qualified for the position of legislator for he was well informed on the leading political and economic questions of the day. He served also in Baughman township as a member of the board of education for many years, during which time the cause of education in that part of the county was greatly augmented.

Turning his attention to the law, Mr. Weiser began reading law in the office of W. E. Weygandt, then prosecuting attorney of Wayne county, and, making rapid progress in the same, he was admitted to the bar in June, 1898. Not long afterwards he removed to Wooster and opened an office, since which time he has been actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, having been very successful from the first. He formed a partnership with Mr. Weygandt and the combination proved to be a very strong one. In December, 1905, he formed a partnership with Judge i\I. K. Smyser, the firm name being Smyser, Weygandt & Weiser, which continued until the death of Judge Smyser.

In the year 1882 Mr. Weiser married Malinda Shafer, daughter of John and Margareth (Sickman) Shafer, one of the early pioneers of Baughman township, Wayne county, who followed farming. To the subject and his wife six children were born : John, Forest, Clyde, Bessie, Glen and Perry. John, the oldest son, is teaching at Concord, Ohio. Forest is salesman in a large establishment in Cleveland. Clyde is a salesman in the shoe department of the Pocock Shoe Company, Cleveland, Ohio. The other children are at home. Fraternally, iMr. Weiser is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Knights of Pythias. Religiously, he belongs to the English Reformed church of AAMoster, to which all the family belong and of which they are liberal supporters. Politically, he is a Democrat and he has been president of the city council for seven years.

While a member of the Legislature. Mr. Weiser very faithfully and ably championed the rights of his constituents, having made his influence felt in the deliberations of that body, and he never failed to be respectfully listened to in all his counseling, his arguments carrying undisputed weight. In the practice of law in Wooster he has attained to a laudable position in his profession, and his reputation for honesty, integrity, straightforwardness of character and fidelity to his clients and all confidences and trusts committed to him, whether professional or otherwise, is firmly established. His pathways are along the moral levels of the world, and he preserves the symmetry of a noble life by emphasizing his attachments to the higher ideals of the mind; by defending the truth, the right, and by aiming to preserve the perfect proportions of truth. As a counselor he is guarded in his expression of opinions, deliberate, wary, and cautious in arriving at conclusions, seeking to attain a thorough knowledge of the cause before the administration of advice, or the commencement of action. In the trial of cases he is self-possessed, not easily irritated or excited, and conducts his proceedings in hand with fairness to all parties concerned, strictly obeying the canons of courtesy to the court and opposing counsel. Considering the fact that he has come up to an honored position in the affairs of his county and state through his own persistent efforts, without aid from any source, he is justly deserving of the high esteem which all classes freely accord him.

Charles Milton Gray

A highly respected citizen of Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, is Charles M. Gray, a native of this city, where he was born January 6, 1859. He received his education in the public schools of Wooster. After completing his schooling he engaged in the coal and builders' supply business with his father, having continued the same line to the present time with unabated success, owing to his thorough training and excellent business ability. In 1891 he became associated with A. Plank in a flouring mill and grain business, the firm name being Plank & Gray. Mr. Gray is president of the Citizens' National Rank, and president of the Peoples Savings and Loan Company. He is a stockholder in the Wooster ^Machine Company. He carries on an extensive business in coal and builders' supplies under the firm name of Gray & Son. He has been very successful at whatever he has turned his attention to, owing to his careful business methods and his desire to please those with whom he has dealings, striving to be fair at all times. He is a member of the local Board of Trade and is filling the position of treasurer of the same, being one of the most active and influential members of this important organization.

Mr. Gray was married on August 9, 1893, to Nellie Gray, the cultured and accomplished daughter of Sylvester Gray, of Wooster, of the firm of Gray & Rhoades Granite Works. One child has graced this union, a son. known as James Sylvester Gray.

In his fraternal relations. Mr. Gray is a member of the Masonic order, hax'ing attained the thirty-second degree. lie is |)ast eminent commander of WMoster Comurmdery: he also belongs to the Royal .\rcauum, taking a veiy active interest in all these orders. The Lutheran church, of which he is a member, embodies his religious creed. Mrs. Gray is also a member of the same. Mr. Gra}' is one of the trustees of the congregation. He is a Republican in politics and for some time has taken a more or less active interest in local affairs. The Gray home, at No. 158 East North street, is one of the most attractive and commodious in the city.

Capt. Wesley Wells Spear

What greater badge of honor could be bestowed upon a man than to allude to him as one of the "boys in blue," who readily sacrificed the pleasures of home and business opportunities to do what he could in saving the honor of the old flag? One of this brave number is Capt. Wesley W. Spear, an interesting and deserving citizen of Wooster, Wayne county, who was born in that city December 28, 1835, the son of Whlliam Spear, who was born near Shippingberg, Pennsylvania, in 1803, and who came to Wayne county about 1827. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, and he located in Wooster where he established a shop and led a very active life here until his death, in 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was an honest, hardworking and highly respected man. He married Malinda Wells, a native of York county, Pennsylvania. Her father conducted a whip factory at Wellsville, that county, and the town derived its name from the family. Mrs. Spear was born in 1808 and died the same year as her husband, 1890, - in fact only four days after her husband passed away. To them seven children were born, four of whom lived to maturity, Wesley W.. of this review, being a twin brother of William Fletcher, who died about five years ago. Caroline Spear, and Olive, widow of Rev. Janes Mendenhall, both of whom reside in Arkansas, are the other children.

Captain Spear has always made AVooster his home, although he has traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific. On August 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and very faithfully served for a period of three years. He was mustered in at Camp Mansfield, Ohio, as a private, and he proved to be a very capable soldier from the first, having been commissioned a second lieutenant and a few days later was made first lieutenant. He had a varied and interesting experience during the service, taking part in many battles and engagements, among them being the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, Champion's Hill and the siege of Vicksburg, under General Sherman. He was wounded at Jackson, Alississippi, July 12, 1863, having been shot in the right groin with a minie ball. This brought him home on a furlough, but, recovering, he later rejoined his regiment in western Louisiana, where the brigade was divided and i\Ir. Spear was stationed on Colonel Shelton's staff, doing staff duty that winter at Peackamon, Louisiana. Again in active service, he was with his company going up Red river when the boat which was transporting them was fired on and captured, their colonel killed and about one-half of the company killed or captured. This necessitated consolidation with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Regiment, and Mr. Spear was made captain and given command of Company H. of that regiment. As captain of that company he was in the siege of Fort Blakeley at Mobile, also Spanish Fort there. Near the close of the war Captain Spear was transferred to the Forty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, and after a very eventful career he was mustered out of service at Houston, Texas, October 17, 1865, after which he returned to Wooster, and, with his father, engaged in the cabinetmaking and undertaking business. After the war his eyesight began to fail gradually, and in 1885 he became totally blind, and he has since li\'ed in ([uiet retirement from the world.

Captain Spear was married in 1858 to .Anna AT Wtt, who was born in north Ireland and came to Philadelphia when five years of age with her father, who went into the produce business there, later removing to WToster, Ohio, and continued the same line of business here for several years. Of the seven children born to the Captain and wife, only two survive, namely: Charles Wesley Spear, of Northampton, Massachusetts, and Jesse ^A'att Spear, a conductor on the Pennsylvania railroad at Crestline, Ohio.

Captain Spear lives on West Liberty street in the home he purchased in 1867. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Repuldic, being a charter member of Given Post. Notwithstanding his affliction. Captain Spear is a cheerful, genial and interesting man to talk to, who enjoys life, conscious of the fact that he has performed his duty well and greater rewards await him than his fellow-men have ever bestowed. A man of good health, of snowy hair and heard, he is a ])ictnres(|ue character and is greatly admired bv all who know him.

In 1909 the oldest person in Wayne countv, having been born in the city of Wooster h'ebruary 29, 1816, was John B. b'rance. who first saw the light of day in a log cabin three hundred feet from where he has lived most of the years since 1840, the date of his marriage. He is the son of Philip and Elizabeth ( Swain) France, of Pennsylvania, but natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1807, and to Wooster, Ohio, in 1811. He was drafted into the war of 1812 service, served there, returned to Wooster and here died in 1816. The same day of his death his daughter died, and they were buried in the same grave.

The venerable old gentleman whose name heads this sketch, who is now in his ninety-fifth year, has had a very thrilling and eventful career and may well count the years of his pilgrimage as successful in most ways. He attended the old-fashioned subscription schools and thereby gained a good common education and mastered the plasterer's, brickla}^er's and stonemason's trades, commencing to learn this combination of useful trades when but ten years of age. When of age he started in life for himself. It may be stated in passing that as his father died when he was yet an infant, that he was reared by his uncle, John Swain. In 1832 he ran away and joined "Bill Sweet's'' circus, and for a season or more played the role of the "Drunken Sailor'' for that showman. Later he went to Detroit and other points in Michigan, where he again took up his trade as bricklayer. Again he lived in Wooster and for near a score of years followed contracting and building in a most successful manner and accumulated considerable property. He was among the early "forty-niners," who wended their lonely way overland to Hangtown, California, where he mined and built the first court house at Sacramento, for which he received twelve dollars per day as overseer. He was known in the land of gold as "Frank Ohio." He returned to Wheeling and Pittsburg and made a second overland trip to California, going with the famous Dennison train with four hundred and twenty men and one woman. He remained there until the fall of 1852 and came home by way of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, being storm delayed near the Sandwich islands for more than a month. After his return to Wooster, he again resumed contracting and building. In 1853 he was appointed town marshal for Wooster ; was elected constable, served five or six years, and was also deputy sheriff. From 186340 1868 he was sheriff of Wayne county and for three years and three months was on the Allan Pinkerton detective force in the West, and had many thrilling experiences. The next eight ye''.rs he followed farming, near Wooster. During the Civil war he was deputy provost marshal three years. He conducted a jobbing and retail grocery business at the same time and was thus engaged six years, during which time, with war prices, he made much money on the rapid rise of merchandise, especially sugar. Among his public building contracts may be named the court house at Findlay, this state.

In 1870 INIr. France erected the Academy of Music as his own property, at WMoster, and for thirteen years he conducted the same. In 1883 he raised it another story high and it still stands as a monument to his skill and business foresight. At one time he held seventeen pieces of Wooster property, but has in the last few years sold off much.

Mr. France is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been connected therewith since 1844. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and has voted for every President since 1840. Ide was a member of the Jacksonian Club here and also belonged to the Wayne County Blues at an early date. In the Franklin Pierce campaign he was a member of the Gunners' Squad.

Of his domestic life it may be said that Mr. France has been twice married, first in 1840 to Miama Flack, who died in 1880, the mother of eight children, three of whom still survive, John J., Alice Smyser, and Mrs. David Rickard, of Aledina county, Ohio. Fie married for his second wife, in 1882, Sarah M. Fraley, who died October 5, 1904. By this marriage there was no issue.

At the ripe old age of ninety-four and more years, i\Ir. France is still robust, hale and hearty, except his eyesight is somewhat bedimmed. He would easily pass anywhere among strangers for a man of not more than seventy-five }^ears.

James A. Shamp

It is by no means an easy task to describe the character of a man who has led an eminently active and useful life and stamped the impress of his individnality upon the plane of definite accomplishment. In an age liristling with activity it is the man of deeds who is at the front in every line of enterprise and there can be no impropriety in justly scanning the acts of such a man as they affect his public, social and business relations. Among the representative men who have added to the various interests of MAoster and given the city wide publicity as an important business center the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is entitled to specific and honorable notice. For many years identified with the public and political life of Wavne countv and filling with marked ability jiositions of honor and trust, he has gained the confidence of his fellow men. irrespective of party affiliation, and stands above reproach in all that constitutes upright manhood and intelligent, enterprising and progressive citizenship.

James A. Shamp is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and was born March 7, 1859, in AAoster township, of which his father, James M. Shamp, late of Wooster, was for many years a prominent and influential citizen. His mother. IMary C. Shamp, who is still living in Wooster, is a daughter of Christian Silver, who moved from Virginia to Ohio in the pioneer period and settled in Plain township, WAyne county, where he developed a good farm and in due time became one of the leading men of his community. James M. Shamp, a well-known architect, contractor and builder, as well as a pulilic spirited man, departed this life in Wooster in the year 1885.

The early years of James .A.. Shamp were similar in most respects to those of the majority of lads blessed with wise and considerate parents and excellent home training. At the proper age he entered the public schools where he made commendable progress and where he continued his studies until graduating from the high school at Wooster, with the class of 1879. Having selected law as the profession best suited to his taste and inclination, he began the study of the same the year of his graduation, in the office of D. \\h Kiinher, then mayor of Wooster, under whose able instruction he continued for a period of sixteen months, but the death of his father intervening, he was not admitted to the bar, although amply qualified to pass with ease the examination ref[uired. Being the oldest son and his mother in delicate health, with several younger children to be supported, he cheerfully reliiKjuished his cherished ambition of professional distinction and, assuming the responsibilities devolving upon him, addressed himself to the duty of the family's maintenance. Possessing a naturally strong and inquiring mind, which had been greatly strengthened and disciplined by studious habits while a student, Mr. Shamp while still young qualified himself for teaching, to which line of work he devoted his attention for a period of seven years, during which time he achieved an enviable reputation as a' capable and popular teacher and rose to a conspicuous place among the successful educators of Wayne county. In the spring of 1890 he discontinued this work to become first assistant to Samuel Metzler, who was appointed that year postmaster of Wooster, and during the next four years filled the position in an eminently able and meritorious manner, proving capable in the discharge of his duties, judicious in his relations with the public and in all that he did justifying the wisdom of his selection. At the expiration of Mr. Metzler's term, Mr. Shamp continued four months with that gentleman's successor and later, in connection with R. T. Bechtel, now of the Wooster postoffice, embarked in the telephone business, then in its infancy. Through the persevering efforts of these two energetic and wide-awake men, the first

Independent exchange in Ohio was established, but after conducting the enterprise jointly for some time it finally passed to the iNIillersville, Wooster & Orrville Company, by which it has since been operated.

In April. 1898, when ,T. L. Flattery, of the Wooster postoifice, entered upon the duties of the position he very prudently summoned Mr. Shamp to his service as assistant postmaster, in which capacity he has since been employed and in which he has added continuously to his already well-established reputation as an able and faithful public servant.

Mr. Shamp has ever manifested a lively interest in public matters and since attaining his majority has been an iniluential factor in local politics, being recognized as one of the Republican leaders of Wayne county whose efficient services have been fully appreciated by tbe party and whose judicious counsel and well-grounded opinions carry weight and command respect. In 1905 he was nominated for the office of jirobate judge, but by reason of the formidable strength of the opposition failed of election, although making an exceptionally strong canvass and running ahead of the state Democratic ticket in the county. From time to time he has been called to various positions of trust, having served for several years as president of the board of examiners of the city of Wooster, which post he continues to hold, and at this time he is secretary of the public library board, besides assisting to the extent of his ability all enterprises and measures having for their object the material progress of the community and the social, intellectual and moral advancement of the populace.

Mr. Shamji is a believer in the efficacy of secret fraternal work and as an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding his membershiu with Wooster Lodge, No. 42, has made his infiuence felt in disseminating the principles of the order and demonstrating its practical worth in educating and im])ro\'ing the condition of his fellow men. Fie was a leading s])irit in the movement which led to the erection of the present handsome grand lodge buildings in Springfield, and at different times has been chosen to represent the lodge to which he belongs in the sessions of that honorable body. At the present time he is secretary of the board of trustees of Lodge No. 42, which office he has held for nine consecutive \'cars, and in addition thereto has passed all the chairs and been honored with evenposition within the power of his fellow members to bestow.

On December 27, 1894. i\lr. Sbani]) was united in marriage with .\iuanda Alock, of Wayne county, the marriage being blessed with three children who answer to the names of James D., iNlildred M. and Miles all interesting and intelligent and pursuing their studies in the public schools of the city. i\Irs. Shamp was born in Stark county, this state, and is a daughter of Wilson and Emma i\fock, who are among the well-known and highly esteemed people of the community in which they reside. In his religious views Mr. Shamp holds to the Methodist creed and with his wife belongs to the church in Wooster, being a member of the official board of the organization.

"In a very full and reasonable sense, i\Ir. Shamp may be termed a selfmade man, all of his accomplishments originating in and directly flowing from himself." "Xo adventitious aids contributed to his unfolding development"; in every relation of life he has depended upon his own exertions and the honorable place to which he has attained and the esteem in which he is held by his fellow men indicate the high ideals which he has ever had in view and the noble purposes by which he has always been actuated. He shirks no duty, his work will bear the closest inspection and scrutiny, his promptness has become proverbial, his integrity a maxim and his judgment, always sound and sure, together with his optimistic and generous nature, eminently flt him to adorn any position within the gift of his fellow men.

Cyrus D. Smith

As a native son of Wayne county and a representative of one of the early pioneer families in this section of the Buckeye state. Mr. Smith is eminently entitled to representation in a compilation which has to do with those who have been the founders and builders of this commonwealth, while such is his personal honor and integrity of character and such his standing as one of the successful and progressive men of the county that this consideration is all the more compatible.

Cyrus D. Smith was born in Canaan township, Wayne county, on the 20th day of September, 1852. His antecedents were Scotch, from which blood come many of the sturdy qualities which characterize him. His paternal grandfather. James Smith, was born about 1770 and followed the pursuit of agriculture during his active years. He came to Wayne county about 1820, his having been the fifth family to settle in Canaan township. Here he entered land from the government, and among a number of interesting and valuable old relics in the possession of the subject of this sketch, there is the following tax receipt, thought to be the oldest tax receipt in this county :

"Received of James Smith $i.8o, taxes on i6o acres of land. September 14, 1821." James Smith died about thirty years ago, never having removed from the farm which he entered from the government. Among his children was Adam Smith, father of the subject, who was a native of Pennsylvania, but who was brought to Ohio with his parents when he was but an infant. Adam Smith too followed farming during his life and died at the Canaan township homestead about forty-two years ago, at the age of forty-six years. He married Tabitha Barnes, who was a native of Canaan township! her family having removed to this state in about 1830, coming from West Virginia. Her death occurred about eleven years ago. By her union with Adam Smith, she became the mother of the following children : Cyrus D., the immediate subject of this sketch; James, of Silver City, Idaho; one that died in infancy unnamed; Ada, who died at the age of tweh'e years; Mary, who died at ten years of age ; x'Vndrew, who lives on the old home farm in Canaan township ; and Ella, who makes her home with her brother Andrew.

Cyrus D. Smith spent his boyhood days on the parental farmstead and secured his education in the common schools of the township. At the age of twenty-two years, he went into the sawmill and lumber business at Creston, in which he was engaged about a year. Then going to Orrville, he went into the same line of business, which he followed for thirteen years, meeting with fair success the meanwhile. On the first day of January, 1893, he came to Wooster and entered upon the discharge of his duties as sheriff of Wayne county, to which position he had been elected in the autumn of the previous year, as the nominee of the Democratic party. Mr. Smith served two years in this position, giving the office his faithful and painstaking attention and retiring from it with the commendation of all. After relinquishing his official position, Mr. Smith engaged in the coal and transfer business in this city, in which he has since been continuously occupied, meeting with splendid success. While living at Orn'ille. he had given efficient service to his township as trustee and also served as a memlier of the Orrville city council. In every position in which he has Iieen placed he has faithfully performed his part and has won and retains the high regard of all who have known of him and his work.

In 1874 Mr. Smith married Sarah E. Whonsetler, who was born and reared in Canaan townshi]), the daughter of Philij) Whonsetler. To this union five children ha\'e been born, as follows: I'rank E., deceased; W'illiam M.. who is associated with his father in business under the firm style of C'. D. Smith 8^ Son; Charles C., who is the ])ro])rietor of the Eondon 'fea 1 lou.se and Crocerv at Wooster; Maud, who is the wife of Ered Sliook, of .\lliance, this state; Edith, who is the wdfe of Wallace II. Smith, of this city.

Politically, Mr. Smith is a stanch and uncomprising adherent of the Democratic party and giues it an active and influential support, being considered one of the wheelhorses of the party in this county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, which order he joined in 1885 and in wliich he has passed through all the chairs of the subordinate lodge, Mr. and Airs. Smith are well and fac'orably known and enjoy the warm regard of manv friends.

Conrad Rumple Beckley

No man in recent years has left more indelibly the imprint of his sterling personality upon those with whom he came in contact in Wayne county, Ohio, than the late Conrad Rumple Beckley, whose life record has been closed by the fate that awaits all mankind. His influence still pervades the lives of those whom he knew, for his example both in a business and social way is worthy of emulating, as will be seen by a careful perusal of the following paragraphs. He was born about 1830 in Carroll county, Ohio, and he came to Wayne county about 1867 and was engaged in the dry goods business in Orrville for many years. For twelve or thirteen years he was in partnership in the mercantile business with H. H. Strauss and they succeeded in liuilding up a large trade. He first worked as a clerk for a i\Ir. Bartholomew. Then in 1868 he and IMr. Strauss bought the interest of Mr. Bartholomew and conducted the business where Mr. Des Voignes is now located. Tn time they dissob'ed partnership and Mr. Beckley engaged in the grocery Ixisiness for a few years. In 1884 he retired from business, following the death of his son, which sad event affected him very deeply. During the balance of his life - twenty-one years - he lived in retirement, dying March 23, 1905, at the age of seventy-five years.

Mr. Beckley was a soldier in the Civil war, having been a member of Company D, One Hundred and Sixty-second Regiment Ohio VMlunteer Infantry. in which he served very faithfully for a period of two years. He recruited volunteers for the Lhiion army before joining its ranks himself. When he enlisted he was living at Minerva, Stark county, Ohio.

Conrad R. Beckley was the son of John Beckley, a native of Pennsylvania. who married a Aliss Rumple. Conrad R. Beckley was married at Minerva. Stark county, August ii, 1859, to Mary E. Graham, daughter of

James and Elizabeth (Seaton) Graham, natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Beckley was born near Minerva, Ohio, where her parents owned a large farm. Pier father was also a miller, for many years occupying the responsible position of bead miller at Hardesty's mill at Malvern, Carroll county. IMrs. Beckley's mother died while the family lived on the farm near IMinerva, when the former was only two years old. To Mr. and Mrs. James Graham eight children were born, only two of whom are living in 1909. Mr. Beckley was married twice, first to Caroline Christener, by whom he became the father of two children, Mary Elizabeth, widow of Ross Hall, who lives in Toledo, Ohio, and Loren Edwin, who is living in San Bernardino, California. P'ive children were born to IMr. Beckley and his second wife, namely: Emma, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Ellsworth, who died when twenty-one years old, was a very liright and promising youth, and his death deeply grieved his father, with whom he was connected in the grocery business; Ann F. is the wife of Charles F. Hawk, of Cleveland, Ohio; Nora B. is the wife of Charles A. Wolfe, of Washington, D. C. ; Wbllard Karl lives in Akron, Ohio, where he has charge of the gents' furnishing department of O'Neill's store.

Mr. Beckley was a Republican in politics, and in bis cburcb relations he was a Methodist, having taken a great interest in the affairs of the same, and he very faithfully served on the official board from the time he came to Orrville until his death. He was a very successful business man, courteous to his customers, obliging and always strictly honest in his dealings with his fellow-men. Although quiet and unobtrusive, be was a man of \'ery pronounced opinions and courageous in his views. Being a very religious man. he was careful in rearing his children. He was generous and a good provider for his home, an indulgent father, a faithful husband and a most excellent neighbor, as well as a successful and prominent business man, liis loss to the town greatly infiuencing all circles. That his life was exemplary is shown by the fact that he never used toliacco or liciuors iu any fijrm,- - infact. he was free from the common vices that beset tbe pathways of men, and the young man standing at the parting of tbe ways whose fortunes arc matters for the future to determine could do no better than take bis life as a model in both a business and social way.

Mrs. Beckley is an ardent adxocate of tem])erance. as are also her children. She has been a member of the Methodist church since a little girl, \ery active in the work of the same, and she is held in high esteem by the local congregation and, in fact, all who know her. Iler life has been one of mingled joy and sorrow, but happy and satisfactory in the main. Having been left without a mother's care when two years old, she was taken when five years of age by Dr. Levi Haldenman, of Minerva, by whom she was reared. She is a woman of gracious, generous, pleasant demeanor and loved by a host of warm personal friends. Her cozy home is on East Market street.

Charles Krick

d'he life of this well known citizen shows what industry, good habits and stanch citizenship will accomplish in the battle of acquiring property and making himself generally useful in his community. A worthy descendant of an excellent ancestry, Charles Krick has established a reputation for honesty and fair dealing in Lhiion township, Wayne county, where he was born March 15, 1873, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Worth) Krick, a detailed account of whose lives will be found on another page of this work under the sketch of Jacob Krick.

Charles Krick was the next to the youngest child of a family of eight children, four boys and four girls. He was reared on the old Krick farm in East Union township and here received a good common school education, working on the farm during the summer months.

When he reached maturity he began casting about for a life work and decided that the free life of the farmer was the most independent and attractive ; consequently, being a hard worker and a good manager, he now has a good start, being the owner of fifty-three acres of excellent land known as the Jacob Swinehart farm, located in section 9, East Llnion township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising and enjoys a comfortable income. His place is in an excellent state of improvement in every respect.

Mr. Krick was married on March ii, 1903, to Daisy Warters, daughter of J. W. Warters, of Apple Creek, this township. She was born in Wooster township and reared on the home farm, receiving a common school education in her native vicinity. She applied herself well and became enabled to teach school, which she did very acceptably for some time. She also attended school at Apple Creek and later took a normal course. To Mr. and Mrs. Krick three children har'e been born, namely, Mabel and Mildred, twins, born January 14, 1905; Ruth, born Januaiy 4, 1907.

Mrs. Charles Krick Charles Kkick

township, and politically he is a Democrat, and has taken some interest in local party affairs, having served as a member of the county central committee and also as an election judge. He is a young man of thrift and he and his wife enjoy the friendship and good will of all their neighbors.

Samuel S. Ames

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Wooster and has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the industrial and commercial advancement of the city and county. He has in the course of an honorable career been most successful in the business to which he has directed his attention, and he is well deserving of mention in the history of Wayne county.

Samuel S. Ames was born in East Luiion township, Wayne county. Ohio, about six miles east of Wooster, on the 6th day of November, 1842. He is descended from sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, and his paternal grandfather, John Ames, was a native of the Keystone state, born in Lancaster county. The subject's father, John Ames, was also born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in about 1821, settling on a farm in East Union township, Wayne county. There he bought land, which he improved and maintained at a high standard of excellence, and on this place he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1857. He married Sarah Stauffer, also a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and whose death occurred in 1884. To John and Sarah Ames were born children as follows: Nathaniel, deceased; Susan, deceased; Davis, who is living at Girard, Illinois; Lydia, the wife of Stephen Elly, of Lucas county. Ohio; the subject of this sketch is the next in order of birth; Eli, of Elkhart county. Indiana.

Samuel S. Ames remained with his parents until he was fifteen years of age and in the meantime secured what education he could in the country schools of his native township. Pie was reared to the work of the farm. but. believing he could make greater advancement in other lines of employment, he went to work at the carpenter's trade, with the intention of mastering the details of that trade. In i866 he came to Wooser and worked at the trade until 1872, when he commenced contracting on his own account. lie has been continuously engaged in this line of business since, a period of nearlv forty years, and during this time he has erected many of the best business houses and residences in this city and county. He is painstaking and accurate in his work and anything entrusted to him may be depended on as being done right. He employs at times a large force of men and has successfully handled a number of large contracts.

In 1870 Mr. Ames was united in marriage to Martha W. Watson, the daughter of Donald and Christiana (McPherson) Watson, the former of whom was born in Scotland in 1800. To Mr. and Mrs. Ames have been born two children, namely, John W. and Chalmer, the last named being deceased.

Mr. Ames has taken a commendable interest in local public affairs and has served efficiently as a member of tbe city council of Wooster, rendering definite and satisfactory service to bis constituents. In politics he is a Republican and is active in support of the party. In matters fraternal he is also interested. being a member of the time-honored order of Free and Accepted iMasons, in which he has taken the degrees up to and including that of Knight Templar; he has also been a member of the Knights of Honor since 1875. In every avenue of life's activities in which he has engaged, Mr. Ames has performed well his part and has richly earned the high esteem which is accorded him in the community \vhere he has so long resided.

Robert J. Smith

A most exemplary citizen and an honored hero of the war of the Rebellion is Robert J. Smith, who conducts a successful coal and transfer business in the city of Wooster, Ohio. During his army career he was ever found faithful to the duties imposed upon him, thus winning the confidence and high regard of his comrades and superior officers, while in his business life and social relations he has ever manifested the same justice, integrity and reliability, because of winch he has won and retains the high regard of all who know him.

R. J. Smith is a native son of the Keystone state and is of Irish antecedents. Flis birth occurred in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 1 6th of August, 1847, he is the son of John M. Smith, also a native of the same county. In his native county, the father lived his entire life, following the honorable pursuit of a tiller of tbe soil, and there he died in 1901, in his eightieth year. He married Nancy Matthews, also a native of Westmoreland county, and her death, in her eightieth year, occurred two years before that of her husband. They were the parents of the following children ; Hiram M., who liYes in the state of Colorado; Robert J., subject of this sketch; William M.. who resides in Kansas; Jennie (Adrs. Johnson), residing at Greensburg, Pennsyh'ania ; James H., of Seattle, AVashington; Edward J.. who resides at the old family homestead at New Florence, Penns}dvania ; Sarah Agnes, also residing at New Florence; Thomas Watson and Alary Ellen are both deceased. The subject's paternal grandfather. Robert Smith, came to America from Ireland in 1801. He had married before emigrating and on arriYal here he and his wife settled on land in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, which he cultivated for many years, dying at a ripe old age.

Robert J. Smith remained on the home farm with his mother until he was twenty-six years old. Then, feeling that larger opportunities for an ambitious man lay farther to the west, he came to Wooster, Ohio, arriving here in 1874. He here engaged in the milling business, in connection with which he also dealt in ice, and these two industries he successfully carried on until 1894. In that year he sustained a heavy loss in the destruction of his mill by fire, but he at once went to work to recoup his finances and engaged in the coal and ice business, which he continued until 1907, when he sold the ice business, since which time he has confined his attention to the coal and transfer business. He has been fairly successful in his business affairs and is today considered one of the suhstantial business men of Wooster, where he has been identified with business interests for so many years. During recent years he has lieen assisted by his son Robert, who is an alile and efficient Ixisiness man.

It would be unjust to complete this sketch without making specific mention of the service which Air. Smith rendered to his country in the hour of its extremity. In February, 1864, he enlisted in the Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry and thereafter took part in a number of severe engagements, one of the most sanguinary of which was the l)attle of the Wilderness on Alay 6, 1864. He was with General Grant in all his campaigns u]) to Adiite Plouse Landing, and at the battle of St. Alary's church, June 26, 1864, he received a severe gunshot wound in the left leg. From the effects of this wound he was confined in hospital until August of the following year, when he was discharged and returnetl to his home. P>ecause of his military service, Air. Smith is now an honored mem1)er of the Grand Army of the Re])ublic.

On the 28th of Deceml)er, 1868, Air. Smith was united in marriage to Flizabetli H. Pollock, who was horn and reared in A'estmorcland county, Pennsvl vania. do this union were horn three children, namely; Arnett l^ollock, who died at the age of two vears; d'homas Watson, who died at the age of seventeen years, and Robert H., who is associated with his father in business. He married Vina L. iMackey and they have two children, Elizabeth H. and Lucy.

]\Ir. Smith is an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of the Republican party and has taken a somewhat active part in public affairs. On that ticket he was elected mayor of the city of Wooster, serving from 1898 to 1902, and he was also trustee of Wooster township for fifteen years, being re-elected continuously for eleven years. In religion, he belongs with his rvife to the United Presbyterian church and they are faithful attendants and generous supporters of that society.

Robert S. Appleman

The life history of him whose name introduces this review is closely identified with the commercial life of Wooster and Wayne county, of which he is a native son. His business career was begun in this county, and during the subsequent years he has been constantly allied with local interests. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been crowned with a commensurate degree of success. He is of the highest type of business man, and none more than he deserves a fitting recognition among those whose enterprise and ability have enabled them to climb the ladder of success.