Wayne County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Towns of the County, 1910 (part 4 of 11)

Mr. Meier was loyal to his own Hag, and ser\'ed as a soldier in the Switzerland army for a number of years, in which he is said to have discharged every duty faithfully: and after coming to America he was no less loval to our institutions, thus becoming a \'ery welcome citizen. In his native country he belonged to the Reformed church, and was alwavs noted for his peaceable, honest relations with his neighbors, all of whom liked and respected him.

i\Ir. Aider was a single man when he came to America, and in 1864 he married Eliza AIcCullough, of Holmes connty, where her people have long been well known. Mr. and Mrs. Meier reared a large family, fifteen children ha\'ing been born to them, thirteen sons and two daughters, named as follows: Albert. George, William. Lncinda, Hugh, Edward, John (deceased),

Jaaies Lmnsmore Beer, Ai. D.

Among the successful physicians and respected citizens of Wayne county, Ohio, is Dr. James Dinsmore Beer, of Wooster, who is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born at Canton, Stark county, on the 5th of September. 1858. He is descended from sturdy Scotch-Irish stock, his greatgrandfather. Thomas Beer, having been a native of county Antrim, Ireland, from whence he emigrated to America in 1722. He settled at Easton, Pennsylvania, where he followed the pursuit of farming until his death, which occurred in 1811. His wife bore the maiden name of Aura Aten and they became the parents of a large family. Among these children was Thomas, the subject's grandfather, who was born at Eaton, Pennsylvania, and became a Presbyterian minister, in the pulpit of which church he acquired considerable distinction. He removed to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1827 and was among the fii'st ministers of his church in this county. His first chai'ge here was in Greene township, after which he preached in succession at Wayne chuixh, Congi'ess church, Lattasburg (or Alount Hope) and Jeromeville. After serving many years as a faithful servant of his Master, he ixtii'ed from active work and I'emoved to Ashland, settling on a farm, where he spent his remaining days. His death occurred in 1886, when he was about ninety years old. At Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, he luarried Alargaixt Camei'on, and they became the parents of twelve childi'en, one of whom was a son, also named Thomas, who was born near the Wayne church, Wayne county, on September 7, 1832. He secured a good education and has been for many years a successful lawyer at Bucyrus, Ohio, to which point he moved in i860 from Canton. He has risen to a position of distinction in his profession and for twenty years he rendered efficient service as a jurist. From 1873 to 1884 he served as judge of the common pleas court of Crawford county and from the latter year until 1893 as judge of the circuit court. He is a man of high attainments, whose sterling worth and high aliility has been widely recognized. His wife, the subject's mother, bore the maiden name of Tabitha Mary Dinsmore and was born in York county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1828. Her parents were James A. and Grizzee (Collins) Dinsmore. James Dinsmore was a pioneer settler of his section of Ohio, having entered land in 1814 in what was then Wayne county, but is now in Ashland county. This worthy couple have had born to them the following children: klary Alargaret, who died in 1866; James D.. the subject of this sketch; Thomas, a farmer at Bucyrus, this state; William C., a prominent financier at Yonkers, New York ; Dorcas G., who is principal of a public school at Yonkers. New York; Katharine J., of Bucyrus; Robert L., deputy postmaster at Yonkers. New York; Mary E., a professional singer, also residing at Yonkers, New York; one, a twin of Robert, died in infancy.

James Dinsmore Beer removed with his parents to Bucyrus Avhen two years old and in that city he received his preliminary education. After completing the pulilic school course, he was for two years engaged in teaching school, and then for a number of years he followed various pursuits, including working with a crew of civil engineers, and he was also employed for a time in compiling county histories. During this time his absorliing ambition was to secure funds with which to obtain a higher education. From 1883 to 1886 he was engaged in the retail drug business at Kingston, Tennessee, and in the latter year was enabled to carry out his long-cherished plans. He entered the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, and in 1889 he was graduated at that well-known institution, with the degree of Doctor of kledicine. On April 1st of that year he entered upon the active practice of his profession at Wooster, Ohio, and has remained continuously in the practice here since, a period of twenty years. He engages in the general practice of medicine only, not caring for the surgical feature of the science. He has had marked success in the treatment of patients and has always commanded his full share of the ])ublic patronage, being regarded as a safe, conservati\e and careful doctor. He has a well-selected lilirary of technical works and keeps in close touch with the latest advances in the healing art. He is associated with his fellow practitioners through his membershi]) in the Y'ayne County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

I'raternally, Dr. Beer is a member of Ebenezer Lodge, h'ree and ,\cce])ted lUasons, at Wooster, of which he is a past master. He was raised to the degree of a Master Mason in Lbiion Lodge, No. 38, at Kingston, Tennessee, which lodge was instituted in 179b, ha\ing been the thirty-eighth .Masonic lodge in- stituted in America. Dr. Beer is a man of large physique, weighing in the neighborhood of three Imndred pounds, and possesses a disposition correspondingly generous. He enjoys a large acquaintance and is well liked among all classes.

On the 22d of September, 1884, Dr. Beer was united in marriage with Jeane L. Thoburn. She was a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, and because of the death of her father while she was yet in infancy, she was reared by her grandfather. Her father. Dr. Joseph Thoburn, was during the Civil war colonel of the First Regiment West Virginia Infantry (Fhiion), and was killed at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. At the time of his death he was in command of the First Division, Army of West Virginia, under General Sheridan, and the latter, in his published work on the Civil war, gives Colonel Thoburn conspicuous mention. Colonel Thoburn was of a notable family, his brother, Bishop James Thoburn, being one of the most prominent figures in the Methodist Episcopal church. Going to India as one of the pioneer missionaries to the Mohammedans, he labored there continuously for fifty years, being honored by his church with the rank of missionary bishop of India. He is a man of marked and versatile ability and met with wonderful success in the foreign field. A sister, Isabelle Thoburn, now deceased, was for several years the very successful president of a college at Lucknow, India. Other members of the Thoburn family have been distinguished in various lines. To Dr. and Mrs. Beer have been born the following children : Maiw Margaret, born January 10, 1887, is a teacher in the public schools of Wooster; Thomas, born November 22, 1888, Jeane Lyle, born May 3, 1893, are both at home and are pursuing their education, as is Dorcas A., who was born November

Joseph Wellington Lehr

J. W'. Lehr was first introduced to this planet January 16, 1859, in Chester township, Wayne county, Ohio, and is a son of Abraham and Susan B. ( Carl) Lehr. His father was one of the early settlers of AVayne county, removing here from Pennsylvania and first locating in Canaan township, subsequently removing to Wayne township, later to Chester township. He followed the vocation of farming, which seems to have been the pursuit adopted and prosecuted by his ancestors for generations. The subject of this sketch was a strong and active youth, and performed the boy's and afterward the young man's part in assisting his father in the various duties that are associated with and lie within the scope of the plans and processes of farming. He a\'ailed himself of the opportunities and advantages made possible at that period to attend the country schools, where he was industrious and studious, making commendalde progress and acquiring good grades in his different studies and all assignments made by his teachers. He then resolved and executed the resolution to register as a student at Ada, then under the exclusive supervision, management and control of his cousin. Prof. Henry Lehr, then to Smithville for three years, when he entered upon his career as teacher, acting in this capacity for one year, or from 1875 to 1879. When he was yet in his first teens it was his boyish disposition and determination to become a physician. There being in his present mind a glamour, fascination, an animating and inspiring halo, encircling the practice and the profession, this seemed to be the predominant thought, the distinctive and separate aspiration, the lode-star of his life, his studies at the district school, at Smith\'ille, at Ada, and his other and co-related pursuits. It must be remembered that if it was a youthful, it was likewise a wise, commendable and honorable ambition, in the fact that he possessed the intelligent independence and judgment to decide for himself, to make the choice for himself, as to his life-work, present and future, upon the wisdom of which selection hinged future destiny.

Personal friends, intimate acquaintances and parental influence and direction played no part, or if so, no important one in dictating or even suggesting the course or pursuit this young man should or might ado[)t. His inclinations were not to be a farmer, after the manner and example of his father, or a merchant, a man of business, a teacher, lawyer, or preacher - simply and only a physician. It may therefore be logically conjectured, and philosophically deduced, that, by this uniform preparation, invariable expression of purpose, were the keynotes sounded liy a strong and fiexible determination and will, supported by a young but discreet judgment, which of themseb es were foreshadowing the avaunt couriers of his subse(|uent success in the ])rofession of his boyhood's selection.

Success was then coming half-way to meet him. 1 lis aptitude and genius for his work was congenital; it was born with him. Selftrust in his case proved to be the first secret of success and it was (he best test of his capacitx' and character. There was no doubt or indecision in his comjiosition : opposition and competition did not dishearten him, for they operate as whetstones by which a well-balanced highly tempered nature are ])olished and sh.arpened. Ills student and college years were a series of self-denials of rest, recreations and many of the animating diversions he would not have found it in his heart to have enjoyed. But he studied, pondered, sacrificed and toiled on, and thus we find the predicate and the ultimate deductive and the legitimate result. For as in the planetar}' system myriads of orbs revolve in resplendent order around one common center, directed in their course by fixed, unalterable laws, so complicated that the slightest variation on the part of any one body must have its climax in a "wreck of matter and crush of worlds," so in human life every cause produces its legitimate effect, every action or series of actions are followed by their legitimate consequence.

Joseph W. Lehr became a student of medicine in 1879, entering the office of the late Charles J. Warner, of Congress, a physician of wide practice and high professional attainments, with whom he remained for four years, graduating from the medical department of the University of Wooster in 1883. He began practice at once, opening an office March ist of this year at Overton. Here for eight years he remained where his professional ability was recognized in the building up of an encouraging and lucrative practice, but having determined to locate at the county seat, he removed to Wooster, March i, 1891. On January 6, 1903, he was married to May C. Newall, of Wooster township, with wdiom and in the circle of his home there is serenity and pleasure of domestic enjoyment.

The Doctor has reached the top of the hill of life, but instead of it being studded with peaks and spurs and crags, it is a plateau, from which he can survey the vanished eighteen thousand yesterdays and look up, and forward, and on, to that many more useful and compensating tomorrows.

Doctor Lehr was not born with the imaginative "spoon in his mouth" nor a Sir or Don prefix to his name, nor any hope for peerage. He stands not on what he borrows from his ancestors, but knows that he must work out his own name and honor. He cares nothing for display, pretense, nor ostentation, but for the solid virtues, the excellence and the genuiness of man and things. Self made, he is responsible for this. He has now attained his zenith, is in the full strong prime of life, the descendant of a stanch and rugged German ancestry, with the Teutonic enthusiasm in his blood and the loyalty to friends and country of the old Prussian and Hohenzollern of the Fatherland. He is five feet ten inches in height, straight as the mast on a frigate, wdth dark hair and eyes, a firm and well rounded neck, admirably adjusted to a brace of shoulders after the manjier of a veritable modern Ajax, tipping the beam at two hundred thirty pounds, active, muscular, - in short, the picture of health, a model in physical outline, in facial assertiveness, force, will and expression as one who had obeyed the Scriptural command, "Physi- cian, know thyself," standing four square to the winds, and sound as the pillars of the Sistine Chapel of Rome. He sprung from the 'commonality. He has fashioned his nature on moral and intellectual worth, personal qualities and not personal possessions. He fixes a high value on his professional honor, upon his self-respect, his intrinsic value, not so much of it only as can be seen by others, but as he sees it by his introspection. He discovered himself and cannot run away with himself. The world at best is but a sort of a big university and he is still a learner and student in it, in which he is constantly gathering thoughts, sending them abroad with his eyes, his brains traveling with his feet. He is a man inhabited by kindly dispositions and a gentleman in and out of his profession. Courtesy and affability can be no more severed from him than life from his soul, not out of a base and servile popularity and desire of ambitious insinuation, but of a native gentleness of disposition and true value of himself. His individuality is strongly marked, with the healthy geniality of a large-shouldered man combined with it. He is possessed of an acute sense of humor, quick in repartee and, seing the point, has a story to tell - the latest one, that he renders in idiomatic English, that he heard or saw in some newspaper or magazine. He is a fluent talker, a good con\'ersationalist. fond of open debate and wields a sledge hammer in pulilic discussions. He has an innate passion for the woods, hills, the gorges and streams and all the beautiful wild offerings of nature. The country affords to him its free sports and amusements: its wider range of rambles or, better still, for both physical and mental training, it gives him opportunity to employ spare hours of labor and attention to his farm, as the chances are, if he had not lieen a doctor he would have been a farmer. It was the original and divinely appointed calling of man God planted in Eden, and made it man's first duty to ''dress and keep it." When driven from Eden it was still his mission "to till the ground from which he was taken," and to "eat bread in the sweat of his face." As said, he is now at the zenith of his power, alert, energetic, practical, scientific and remarkabl}- successful in the extension and expanding practice of his profession. Stout, active and muscular, an actor and athlete, a devotee at the shrine of baseball, a firm believer in physical recreation and the stimulating, healthgiving and invigorating results of the college gymnasium. He is pulilic s])irited and ])rojective, wants good school houses, more schools, academies, universities, etc., and the standard of education raised from high to higher, "in the ])arliament of man, (he federation of the world." If in the skirmish with disease or the clenched battle with death he is repulsed or \an(|uishe(l, he moves on with a steady ste]), his sanguine temperament impels him to a more N'igilant tpiest for the better and best jirotection and defense against (lie Mer- curys that stand and point at the door of death. Victory doesn't always perch on the banners of the great physician, but he enjoys a noble recompense, the loyal hosannas of the myriads he has rescued from the fateful jaws of disease. He looks down the vistas with a justifying hope, for on the ruins of today are built the temples of tomorrow. According to the legend of Virgil when Troy fell, its banished citizens reared a mightier city on the Tiber.

John Snodgrass Caskey

Among the well-remembered, successful and highly honored citizens of AVayne county of the past generation, few left the impress of their personality any deeper upon the minds of those with whom they came in contact than the late John Snodgrass Caskey, a man whom everyliody respected for his pulilic spirit, his high sense of honor and his genial disposition, a man who possessed talents of such unusual magnitude that he succeeded in various lines of endeavor, a learned, accomplished and right-thinking man whose influence, which was always salutary, continued to pervade the lives of his many friends long after he had closed his eyes on earthly scenes, and which influence w'ill continue to brighten the pathways of many for all time to come.

Mr. Caskey was born in AA^estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1838, the son of Robert and Nancy Caskey, prosperous farmers of that county, owning a large tract of land, and who were highly respected people, plain and industrious. Mr. Caskey received a good education in the common schools of his native county. He was an ambitious lad and studied hard, in fact, he was a student all his life. He took up the study of homeopathy, received his diploma and for a time practiced very successfully in Ashland county. But, tiring of this line of endeavor, he came to AAHyne county, Ohio, and began farming. Discontinuing this in a short time, he engaged in the ice business, then purchased of a Mr. Harris his share in a grocery store, the firm being known as McClarran & Harris. He proved himself to be a business man of unusual ability. But he had always been interested in politics and now ga\'e considerable attention to the same. In the year 1880 he was elected treasurer of Wayne county by the Democrats, served two terms of two years each, and for a period of four years he discharged the duties of the same in a very satisfactory manner to all concerned. In the meantime he had maintained his grocery business, which he continued to conduct four years after retiring from the treasurer's office. Then he dis- solved partnership with iMcClarran, having become well fixed financially. He moved into his own building and opened an extensive grocery store, which he continued to conduct with his usual success until 1902; when he sold out to Berry & Fletcher.

Mr. Caskey was married on October 1, i860, to Josephine Newman, a lady of refinement and esthetic tastes, the daughter of William and Maria (Ewing) Newman, of Ashland county, Ohio, where the family has long been well established and highly respected, her father having been a wellknown physician at Mt. Vernon. Ohio. He was born in Ashland county, this state. No children were born of this union.

Mr. Caskey was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. He was called to his reward on June 5, 1903, at the age of sixty-five years. He is remembered as a genial, honest and progressive citizen.

John F. Harrison

Another of the native sons of the Buckeye state who has here passed his entire life and by his energy, integrity and progressive business methods attained a high degree of success, is John F. Harrison, farmer, lumberman and public official. He is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the state, since his paternal grandfather located in Ohio over ninety years ago, and that he has attained his prosperity by worthy means is evident from the unqualified esteem in which he is held in the community where his life has been passed.

I'he Harrison family is one of the oldest in Franklin township, Wavne county, and is of English antecedents. The first of the name left England about two years after the death of 01i\er Cromwell, the Great Protector, d'hey were Protestants in religious faith and because of the constant fight between the factions they decided to go to a land w liere they might worslnj) undisturbed according to the dictates of their conscience. 'I'hey settled near h'rederickstown, Maryland, d'he snlqect's grandfather, John Harrison, who was a Quaker, was I)orn August i, 1796, near Hniontown, I'avette connt\, Pennsylvania. He was a very generous and l)enevolent man and is said to ha\'e never turned a tramp away from his door hungry, and. what is more remarkable, he reserved a room in his house for the accommodation of tramps who happen his way at nightfall. John Harrison removed to Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, in 1816, subsequently coming to Wayne county. He was a successful farmer, and was also a lime-burner, which in those days was an appreciated industry. He was the father of twelve children. He was twice married, having eleven children by his first wife and one by the last. He died in October, 1889, in the ninety-fourth year of his age.

The subject's father was Stephen Harrison, who was born in Franklin township, Wayne county, and who during his life followed the pursuit of agriculture. His death occurred June 21, 1888. His wife bore the maiden name of Celestia J. Firestone. She was born at Fredericksburg, this county, her family having come to this state from Maryland in about 1832. Grandfather Firestone, who died in 1887, was in early life a wagonmaker, and in later life a farmer. To Stephen and Celestia Harrison were born three children, namely: Zella M., who is the wife of James Leeper and lives in the state of Idaho; John F. is the immediate subject of this sketch; Annetta B. is the wife of Joseph J. Taylor, of Franklin township, Wayne county.

John F. Harrison was born on the 14th day of September, 1865, on the IDaternal homestead in Franklin township, this county, and has lived there all his life up to about five years ago, when he removed to Wooster to be in closer touch with business and official interests. He received a fair education in the schools of his township and was reared to the life of a farmer. In 1890 he began farming on his own account, and also went into the sawmill and lumber business, in which he has been successful. He has sawed much lumber for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, besides doing a large general business. The Harrison lumber yard, located at an eligible site near the B. & O. depot, Wooster, has for a number of years enjoyed its full share of the public patronage and is considered one of the leading business enterprises of the city. Mr. Flarrison owns the old family homestead in Franklin township, and expects to move liack to it at the close of his official term. He also has other business interests.

In November, 1901, Mr. Harrison was elected to the office of county commissioner, on the Republican ticket, and in 1904 he was re-elected to the same office. In view of the fact that Wayne county is normally Democratic, and that this was the first instance in which a Republican had ever been re-elected to the office of county commissioner, it was a high testimonial to the enviable standing of Air. Harrison in the opinion of the voters of the county. As commissioner, Mr. Harrison was largely instrumental in breaking up wdiat rvas known as the "bridge graft,'' which had become so notorious in many Ohio counties. Mr. Harrison inaugurated the inquiry which exposed the whole scheme and after his success in ousting the graft gang other counties in the state took the matter up and were also successful in accomplishing the same result. The result was a vast saving to the public treasury and better results in the way of construction work. For his accomplishment in this line alone, Mr. Harrison won the thanks and appreciation of the tax-payers of the county. Mr. Harrison has always taken a deep and commendable interest in public matters and had previously served in Franklin township as school director and supervisor, giving efficient and appreciated service.

On January 18, 1893, Mr. Harrison was united in marriage to Ella Force, the daughter of Palmer Force, of Franklin township, and this union has been blessed in the birth of three children, namely: Russell L., born September 2, 1894; Hazel L., born April 4, 1898, and Irene Adell, born August 23, 1905. In his fraternal relations Mr. Harrison is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In religion he is, with his wife, a Presbyterian and both are members of the church of that denomination at Fredericksburg. They give a generous support to the various activities of the church and in every walk of life are to be found on the right side of movements for the betterment of the community. Possessing many fine traits of character and being of a genial disposition, Mr. Harrison makes friends of all whom he meets and he is eminently deserving of representation in a work of this character.

John Bunyan Nolin

Among the most highly regarded citizens of Wayne county, Ohio, is John B. Nolin, who has resided here since about 1874, having been previously engaged mainly in agricultural pursuits. He is now conducting one of the leading livery stables in this city, in connection with which he runs an automobile garage, complete in every detail and an enterprise highly appreciated here by the owners of machines.

born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His mother died when he was an infant and soon afterwards the family became separated and drifted apart, losing track of each other. John Nolin I)ecame a farmer on reaching mature years and in 187.4 left Pennsylvania and located about seven miles northwest of Wooster, Wayne county, where he lived until his death, which occurred on September 27, 1885, aged seventy years. He was married to Sarah Ann Long.

who was also born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and who died on December 27, 1890, at the age of seventy-four years. Their union was blessed in the birth of five children, as follows : David, deceased ; Arthur Morrow, who resides near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Catherine, deceased ; Theodore Addison of Greeley, Colorado; and John B., the subject.

John B. Nolin spent his earl}' years under the parental roof and was reared to the life of a farmer. He attended the common' schools and secured a fair education. Upon attaining maturity he continued his farming operations, with which he combined threshing in season and general teaming. He was fairly successful in his affairs, but in about 1894 he removed to Wooster and went on the road as a salesman for agricultural and coal-mining machinery. He was a good salesman and continued in this line for four years. Tiring then of the road, which compelled him to remain away from home the greater part of the time, he relincjuished that work and, in 1901, went into the general livery business in Wooster, in which line he has been successful to a very gratifying degree. His stable is large and well arranged for the accommodation of his own and transient stock and his vehicles are not only varied in character, but in style are the ecjual of anything in the county. Mr. Nolin is accommodating and obliging in serving the public and he has been favored with a liberal share of the public patronage. In addition to his livery business, iMr. Nolin has also estalilished an automobile garage department, which met a long-felt want here, and this too has been given satisfactory encouragement by the owners of machines who prefer to have their property taken care of by some one who will look after the machines properly.

In 1874 Mr. Nolin took unto himself a wife in the person of Susan Mc- Roberts, also a native of Pennsylvania, born near Pittsburgh. This union has been a bappy one and has been sealed by the birth of three children, all sons, as follows: Clarence, who is interested in the livery business with his father: Edward J., who is engaged in the drug business at Mansfield, Ohio, and Wbley M., who is a barber at Zanesville, this state. Fraternally, Mr. Nolin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the principles of which order meet with a daily exemplification in the subject's life. In politics he is stanch Republican, giving the party a warm and enthusiastic support. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Nolin are active members of the First Presbyterian church of Wooster and give a generous support to the varied interests of the society. Viewed in a personal light, Mr. Nolin is a strong man. His business interests have claimed much of his attention, yet he has ever found time to faithfully discharge the duties of citizenship and promote public progress through active co-operation in all measures for the general good.

Henry Milton Knepp

Back to stanch old German stock does Mr. Knepp trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which haue ever marked the true type of the German nation, is manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history, which has been marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating most naturally in securing for him a high position in the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. He has passed practically his entire life in Wayne county, where his father was one of the early pioneer settlers, contributing his quota to its development and prosperity, even as his son has endorsed and supported e\'ery mo\'ement looking to the betterment and advancement of the community's best interests.

Henry M. Knepp was born in East Lhiion township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 13th of October, 1859, and is a son of William and Leah ( klyers) Knepp. The father was a native of Snyder county, Pennsyh'ania, and came to Ohio in }^oung manhood, settling at Orrville, Wayne county. At that time there was but one house at Orrville. Mr. Knepp has always been a farmer by vocation and is now living in retirement at Jackson, this county. The subject's mother was born in Lancaster county, Pennsyh ania, and in 1837 came to Ohio, the trip overland being made in a "prairie schooner," a common mode of travel in that early day. Her death occurred at Jackson, this county, on August 19, 1879. She bore her husband four children, briefly mentioned as follows : Henry M., the first horn, is the immediate suliject of this sketch ; Margaret is the wife of J. S. Jamison, of Creston. this county; Samuel .\. and Frank also live at Creston, both being married.

Henry M. Knepp remained under the parental roof until he was twentytwo years old and received a good education in the common schools of Canaan township. He supplemented this education by attendance at the Smithville Academy, after which he engaged in teaching school, being eni])loyed for twelve consecutive terms in this county. He then accepted a position as instructor in the Spirit Lake Normal Academy, at Spirit Lake, Iowa, and was so engaged when his wife died. He then reliu(|uished the jiedagogic professi(Mi and returned home. He took up sur\eying and civil engineering and in June, 1885, he graduated in the course of ci\dl engineering at the .\da (Ohio) Normal University. He engaged in the actix'e practice of his ])rofession, in which he met with distinctix e success, and in 1901 he was placed on the Democratic ticket for county sunex'or, having no opposition for the place. He was elected and took office the follow ing year. In 1904 he was re-elected and so impres.sed were the peojjle as to his fitness for the office that no one was placed in nomination to oppose him and he was re-elected. He was again elected to the office in 1908, and in thus serving his third term, certainly a marked testimonial to his technical ability and his popularity as a man. He had previously served four years as assessor of Canaan township. He is the owner of property at Wooster and Creston. In every sphere of activity to which he has lent his energy, Mr. Knepp has achieved a distinctive success and has won an enviable place in the esteem of the people, most of whom have known him all his life.

In 1887 Mr. Knepp was united in marriage to Emma Johnson, of Canaan township, but their wedded life was of short duration, her death occurring the following year. In 1891 he married Della Fetzer, a daughter of Peter Fetzer, of Canaan township, and to them have been born two children, daughters, namely, Beulah, who is seventeen years old, and Ruth, who is fifteen.

Albert S. Saurer

Notwithstanding the fact that the republic of Switzerland is one of the smallest countries of the world, it has sent a large number of emigrants to the United States during the years that have elapsed since our independence was secured. The people of that country, appreciating the blessings of liberty, of which they had a strong example in their own land, were not slow to recognize the possibilities that opened out in splendid perspective before all who located in this country. Accordingly, ever since the close of the Revolutionary war, large numbers of the hardy Swiss have crossed the Atlantic and sought homes in the United States. And here their descendants have become among the most intelligent, patriotic, industrious and upright of our great and wonderful cosmopolitan population. The subject of this sketch is descended from Swiss ancestors, his grandfather, John Saurer, having been a native of that country. He came to America when a young man and in about 1824 settled in Wayne county. His son, the subject's father, was Simon S. Saurer, who was born in this county and lived here all his life, his death occurring in 1902, at the age of sixty-six years. He was a blacksmith by trade and also followed farming, being successful in both callings. He was a man who enjoyed the respect of all who knew him, being possessed of those sterling c]ualities of character which commend a man to the consideration of his fellows. He married iMary Ann Tschantz, who was born and reared in Paint township, Wayne county. She is now living near Maysville, Salt Creek township. To this union were born the following children : Elizabeth, the wife of Adam Hoffman, of Sugarcreek township; Philip S., a hardware merchant at Barberton, Ohio; Emanuel, a manufacturer and one of the proprietors of the Maysville Tile Works, at Maysville, this county; Eannie is the wife of Constant Hoffman, of Sugarcreek township; Benjamin, of Saltcreek township; Peter, of Sugarcreek township; Edward, of Holmes county, this state; Albert S., the immediate subject of this review, and Alfred, of Saltcreek township.

Albert S. Saurer was born in Sugarcreek township, Wayne county, Ohio, on May 16, 1871, and was reared on the home farm until he was fourteen years old, in the meanwhile receiving such education as was afforded in the public schools of the township. This education he afterwards supplemented by attendance at the Bixler Business College, at AVooster, where he was graduated. At the age of fourteen years, Mr. Saurer went to Rittman and entered the employ of his brother in the hardware business, with whom he remained four years. His brother was postmaster and during this period the subject served as assistant postmaster, this being during President Cleveland's first administration. He then worked about a year for Landes Brothers at Rittman. and then returned to the home farm, where he remained for awhile. In 1891 Mr. Saurer came to Wooster and accepted employment with Harding & Company, hardware dealers, with whom he remained for thirteen years. He was then for a short time with the Canton Hardware Company, at Canton, Ohio, after which he returned to Wooster and for about two and a half years was associated with the Wooster Hardware Company. In 1905 Mr. Saurer was placed on the Democratic ticket for the office of county recorder and was subsequently elected, assuming the duties of his office in September, 1906. So satisfactory were his services to the county in that capacity that in 1908 he was re-elected and is now serving his second term. He is a careful and painstaking official and in the discharge of his public duties he exercises the same care that he would in his own private business affairs. Since entering the office Mr. Saurer has purchased the interest of A. E. Cooley in the AToster Hardware Company, and is thus interested at this time.

On the 4th of April, 1894, Mr. Saurer was united in marriage to Sue M. Dull, a daughter of Daniel Dull, of Wooster, and born in Whiyne townshi]i in 1871. They are the parents of three children, whose names and date of birth are as follows; Amy E., Eebruary 26, 1896; Robert 1).. .April 20, i8()(); l\uth f... August 2, 190 r.

Ill ])olitics Mr. Saurer bas e\er maintained a sttiuch allegiance to the Democratic party and h;is been tictive in its support. he belongs to Lodge No. 42. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Wooster, and is also a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Junior Order of United American iMechanics. He is also a member of the Wooster Board of Trade. Mr. Sanrer has had a deep interest in fancy poultry, of which he has a number of fine specimens, and has evinced an interest by his membership in Wooster Poultry Association, of which he is the present secretary and treasurer. This association is a live organization and is doing much to advance the standard of poultry in this section. In religion Mr. and iMrs. Saurer are faithful members of the English Reformed church at AA'ooster, to which they give a generous support. Mr. Saurer is a man of many splendid C|ualifications and he has won and retains a host of warm personal friends throughout the county.

James B. Meech

James B. IMeech has long been an important factor in professional circles of Wayne county, Ohio, and his popularity as an attorney is well deseiA'ed, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabated energ}' and industry. He is public-spirited and takes a deep interest in whatever tends to promote the intellectual, civic and material welfare of the community in which he has so long resided, - in fact, where his life has been spent, for he was born in Chippewa township, October 7, 1853, the son of George and Alartha ( Housel ) iMeech, the latter a native of Summit county, this state, first seeing the light of day in the city of Akron. James B. Aleech's paternal grandparents, Abel and Katherine Meech, were sturdy New Englanders, coming to Ohio in a very early day and locating in Chippeua township: they took up government land which they de\'eloped into a good farm and spent the remaining years of their li\-es here. Thus the name Meech has been a familiar one in this section of Wayne county since the days of the forest primeval. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Meech were Hiram and Sarah Housel, residents of Summit county back in the times of the first settlers.

George Meech, father of James B., was probably born in New England in 1827, and Martha Housel, his wife, was born in Summit county, Ohio, in 1832. They met and married in the last-named county and there became prosperous farmers and stock dealers. Both died in 1858, leaving four daughters ?ncl one son, James B., of this review. George Aleech was a stanch AVhig, later a Republican.

James B. Meech was a studious lad and he made a good record in the common schools of his native community. Later he took a course in Dennison University, leaving that institution in his sophomore year. 1875. He then gave way to a desire of long standing to begin the study of law in the office of R. B. Young at Doylestown. and later with Judge Joseph Downing of Wooster. He made rapid progress and was admitted to the liar in 1877 and immediately took up practice in Doylestown and has been here ever since. He was successful from the first and now he has a clientele second to none, enjoying a lucrative practice in the local courts, all his time being taken with his legal affairs. He is a convincing speaker liefore a jury and his knowledge of jurisprudence and all phases of the law is profound.

Mr. Meech was married December 20. 1882, to Etta Franks, daughter of Lyman and Elizabeth Franks, mentioned at length in another part of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Meech two children have lieen born, Bessie B., a teacher in the public schools at Akron, Ohio, and IMildred, deceased.

Politically, Mr. Meech is a loyal Repuldican and he has taken considerable interest in local party affairs, having held many local offices, and in 1891 made the race for prosecuting attorne}' of Wayne county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Meech does an extensive business as the representati\-e of the Home Insurance Company of New York, also the Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Company and the Insurance Company of North America. He is well known throughout the county and is popular with all classes and he and his wife mingle with the best society of the county and township.

Prof. Ohio M. Yocum

Educator, local manager and joint projirietor of tlie \b)cums-Bixler Business College, one of the leading institutions of the kind in the state of Ohio, the subject of this sketch is a native of Missouri, born in the town of Wbarrenton on May 30, 1877. His father. James F. 'N'ocum, whose birth occurred in Cumberland county, PennsvLania, in 1826, was brought to Wa\'iie counl\- by his parents when two years old and lived here until 1865, when he mo\ed to Warrenton, Missouri, near which ])lace he has since resided, following the occujiation of farming. In 1849, while li\ ing in \\'a_\ ne county, he joined a company of men as ach'cntnrous and daring as himself and crossed the plains to seek his fortune in the gold fields of California, but after spending three \ears in that far-off region, returned home where he continued to reside until his removal west, as stated above. He served in the One Hundred Sixty-ninth Regiment Ohio Infantry during the Civil war, took part in a number of campaigns and battles and earned a creditable record as a soldier. At the advanced age of eighty-three years, he is still cpiite well preserved, retaining the possession of most of his faculties, both physical and mental, and keeping in close touch with current events and the leading public cjuestions of the times. Prior to her marriage Mrs. James E. Yocum bore the name of Adelaide Munhall; she is a native of Ohio and still living, having borne her husband children as follows : Morris, deceased ; Mrs. Ida T. Shelton, of Warrenton, Missouri :

Emmerson J., deceased; Wade, who lives in Warrenton, as does Eva Beall Yocum, who is unmarried; Mrs. Alary AI. Aliller, the sixth in order of birth, resides at Jonesburg, Alissouri; Howard lives in Warrenton; Dt. Lincoln A. A'ocum, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in these pages, is a well known physician and surgeon of Wooster, Ohio; Airs., Alay Godfrey, of Carroll, Iowa, is the ninth in number; Horace, of Alassillon, Ohio, and Charles, of Warrenton, Alissouri, the tenth and eleventh respectively, the youngest member of tbe family being Prof. Ohio AI., whose name heads the article.

Ohio AI. A^ocum, who, as already stated, is a native of Alissouri, spent his childhood and youth at the paternal home near Warrenton and early became familiar with the varied duties which fall to the lot of country lads. When old enough to be of service he bore his part in the cultivation of the farm and when not thus engaged pursued his studies in the country school near his home, where in due time he fitted himself for more advanced work in the Central Wesleyan College of Warrenton. After finishing the curriculum of that institution, he entered the business college at Alassillon, Ohio, where he took a full course in commercial work and was graduated, following which he accepted a position in the same institution, Avhich he filled with credit for a period of one year. Professor A'ocum's rise in the line of commercial education was rapid and commendable and in 1901, when but twenty-three years old, he took upon himself the local management ofithe Yocums-Bixler Business College, of which he and his brother, H. G. AMcum, became proprietors that year and with which both have since been identified, the latter assuming general management of the enterprise. The A^ocums-Bixler Business College was established in 1888 by Prof. Gideon Bixler, wbo began work with a class of penmanship, the success of which soon induced him to add the various branches of a commercial course and enlarge his facilities for the proper accommodation of pupils recjuiring his services. A reorganization was effected in 1891, since which date the number of students has steadily increased until there is now an average attendance of about one hundred and fifty with four teachers selected with reference to efficiency and skill in their respective departments.

Since the school came under the management of the Yocum brothers its success has been such as to lead them to establish similar institutions in various other cities, and at this time they have a chain of schools in the following places : Massillon, Mansfield, Findlay, Uhrichsville and New Philadelphia, all growing out of the original establishment at Massillon and YYoster, which continues to be the headcjuarters of the proprietors.

Professor Yocum is an educator of wide and honorable reputation in his line of work and the school of which he is the executive head is one of the best known institutions of the kind in the state. He possesses executive ability of a high order, also a thorough knowledge of the various courses of his school. Young and energetic, he has made his influence a power for good in the business world and his presence a blessing to the hundreds of young men and women with whom he is constantly brought into contact.

Professor Yocum was married in June, 1903, to Grace Jeanette Yoder, of Wooster, the union being blessed with one child, a daughter, Dorothy Adelaide, who was born on the 25th day of September, 1904. Professor and IMrs. Yocum are esteemed members of the First Presbyterian church of Wooster and stand high in the general esteem of the people of the city. They are popular in the social life of the community, take an active interest in all that tends to the moral advancement of their kind and fill a large place in the public gaze by reason of their prominence in religious and intellectual work.

The Yocums-Bixler Colleges, to which passing reference is made in a preceding paragraph, yield precedence to no other institution of the kind in the United States, the course of study being as complete as that of more pretentious schools and the methods of instruction in the hands of thoroughly trained specialists second to none. The commercial course includes bookkeeping, .business arithmetic, penmanship, commercial law, correspondence, corporation and voucher accounting, rapid calculation, spelling, commercial literature and business practice. There is also a shorthand and typewriting course. To accommodate many students who otherwise could not a\'ail themselves of the splendid opportunity for a business training which the school affords, a night course, including all the branches of the curriculum, has been established and is now a highly prized feature of the institution.

Wflkkr G. Christy

The ])0])ular citizen and enter])rising business man whose name furnishes the h.eading of this rewiew needs no formal introduction to the i)eoi)le of \\fi)oster and Wavnc countv. Identified with the commei'eial interests of the citv and taking an active part in promoting the material advancement of the community, he has forged rapidly to the front in business circles, besides earning an honorable reputation as one of the county's progressive men of affairs. \\^elker G. Christy is a worthy descendant of an old and respected family that had its origin in Ireland, of which country his great-grandfather, James Christy, was a native. This ancestor came to America many years ago and is supposed to have settled in Pennsylvania where his son, Robert Christy, the subject's grandfather, was born and reared. Robert Christy grew to manhood in his native commonwealth and in the prime of life migrated to Wayne county. Ohio, where he followed farming and milling and where he spent the remainder of his days, dying sometime in the eighties, at the age of seventytwo years.

James W. Christy, father of the subject, was born in the county of Wayne and is still a citizen of the same, residing at this time in a beautiful home a short distance north of Wooster and devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits. For a number of }^ears he carried on a successful lumber business at the county seat, but after accumulating a comfortable competency retired to the country where he is now enjoying some of the blessings earned during his active business career. He served in the One Hundred Twentieth Regiment Ohio Infantry during the late Civil war and participated in many of the bloodiest battles of that historic struggle, in one of which he received a slight though painful wound. He was over three years at the front, during which time he discharged his duties faithfully and courageously and at the expiration of his term of service retired from the army with an honorable record as a brave and gallant soldier.

In his young manhood James \Y. Christy married Mary Troutman, of Wayne county, who is still living, the union resulting in the birth of two children, viz : i\Irs. A. W. Smyser, of Overton, Ohio, and WTlker G., of this sketch.

Welker G. Christy, to a brief review of w'hose career the following lines are devoted, is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and dates his birth from the 29th of December, 1874. His early life, devoid of any incident or event of especial interest and pretty much like that of the majority of lads, was spent under the parental roof, where he received the training and bent of mind which in due time led him to plan for the future so as to become more than a mere passive agent in the affairs of men. After completing the common school course, he attended for some time the Northern Ohio University at Ada, following which he remained two years at home assisting his father in the cultivating of the farm. Possessing a practical mind and manifesting while still a mere lad a decided preference for business pursuits, he bent all his energies in the direction of the world of trade, fully determined to carry out his well defined purposes and achieve success in the calling which he should select. With this object in view, he left home in the year 1900 and entered the Wooster Hardware Company as an employe for a period of three years, during which time he not only became familiar with every detail of the business, Imt also acquired a practical knowledge of the basic principles upon which the world of trade is founded.

By diligence and faithfulness Mr. Christy won the confidence of his employers and at the expiration of the time indicated he purchased the interest of I. N. McKinney and became one of the proprietors. Since 1903 he has devoted his attention very closely to the interests of the firm and to him belongs not a little of the credit of l)uilding up and greatly extending the business until the establishment is now the largest and most successful of the kind in the city and one of the best known in the northern part of the state. Mr. Christy is a clear-headed, far-seeing business man whose methods have e\'er been progressive and successful and whose name stands for fair and honorable dealing in all the terms imply. Although younger than the majority of his contemporaries in W'ooster, he has won distinctive prestige in commercial circles and by adhering to the straightforward course he has heretofore pursued he bids fair to fill a still larger and more conspicuous place in the business world as the years go by. With a clear-cut, eminently sane and practical character and a forceful, attractive personality, he has come to the front in other than his own business interests, being a director of the Citizens National Bank of Wooster, besides giving a free and generous support to all enterprises having for their object the advancement of the city along material lines.

Mr. Christy is a Repuljlican in politics and as a member of the county executive committee he has rendered his party valuable service by his judicious counsel and effecti\'e caini)aign work. Although a recognized leader and ready at all times to make sacrifice for the good of the ]>arty, he is not an office seeker nor aspirant for any kind of public renown, preferring the plain, satisfactory life which he now leads and the sim])le title of citizen to any honors or emoluments witlr'n the gift of his fellowmen. His fraternal relations are re])resented by the Tnde])endent (Drder of Odd I'ellows and its various bi'anches, in all of which he has been honored from lime to time with important ol'licial positions. As a member of the I'irst 1 'resbyterian church of Wooster his file has been inlluential for good and the doctrines and teachings to which be \ ields assent he endeavors to exempli fy in his relations with his fellow men.

Mr. Christy has never assumed the duties or responsibilities of the marriage relation and his present manner of living is becoming his position and high social standing in the community. All of his business life has been spent in Wooster, and his personal history presents no pages blotted by Unworthy or dishonorable conduct. Few men are as well and favorably known, and none enjoy higher standing as a generous, obliging, large-hearted friend. His hand is ever open to accommodate the poor and needy, no worthy object appeals to him in vain and his popularity is only limited by the bounds of his acquaintance.

Christopher John Harrold

Among those whose lives and labors have conferred honor and distinction upon the county of Wayne and its beautiful and prosperous seat of justice, is the well-known gentleman whose name appears above and who, as custodian of one of the people's most important official trusts, fills a large place in the public life of Wayne county. C. J. Harrold, clerk of the Wayne county courts, is a native of Ohio, born two miles east of West Lebanon, in Stark connty on the 17th day of March, 1859. The family to which he belongs is a very old and historic one, it being a matter of record that the name was derived from Harold, the last of the Saxon kings of England, to whom, according to well authenticated data, the subject's antecedents are directly traceable.

When the Harrolds first came to America is not known, but it is supposed to have been at quite a remote date as the name was well known in Pennsyh^ania many years ago, especially in Lancaster county, where the subject's grandfather, Christopher, was born and reared. Later he moved to Stark county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his days and where his son Wesley, who was six months old when his parents left their native state, grew to maturity.

Wesley Harrold was reared on the paternal homestead near the division line between the counties of Stark and Wayne and on reaching manhood's estate engaged in farming, which he followed until his death, at the age of sixty-one years. When a young man he married Magdalena Mottinger, whose father came from Germany in an early day and settled near a small village in Summit county by the name of Inland, where he became a successful tiller of the soil and where Mrs. Harrold was born. She died at the age of fiftyseven, after bearing her husband seven children, whose names are as follows :

Mrs. Parmelia Baughman, of Navarre, Stark county; Mrs. Lucy Oberlin, of Massillon; Mrs. Clara M'ertz, who lives in the city of Akron; Manias C., deceased; William A., whose home is in Massillon, and Arthur S. O., of Navarre; the subject of this sketch is the second in order of birth.

Christopher J. Harrold was reared on the family homestead in Stark county and grew to the full stature of well-developed manhood with a proper conception of the d'gnity of life and the duties and responsibilities wbich it entails. When old enough to be of service be liecame familiar with- the rugged duties of the farm, and in the district school hard by which he attended during the winter months laid the foundation of mental discipline which subsequently made h'm a well educated and widely informed young man. On finishing the common school branches he entered, in 1877, Heidelberg University at Tiffin, where he pursued his studies for a period of five years and then took a business course in Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with an honorable record as an industrious and enterprising student. After completing bis training in tbe latter institution, Mr. Harrold engaged in tbe nursery business at Dalton, A'ayne county, where he continued with gratifying success from 1882 till 1905, when he disposed of the business to enter upon his duties as clerk of Wayne county courts, a position to which he was elected the preceding year. Mr. Plarrold began taking an interest in public matters at quite an early age and in due time became an influential factor in local politics and a leader of the Democratic party in his community. An active worker and a judicious adviser in party councils, he rendered valuable service in a numlier of campaigns and in 1904, when an available candidate was required for the office of clerk of the courts, the choice very properly fell to him. In November of that year he defeated his Republican competitor l)y a handsome majority and, taking charge of the office in August, 1905, he has since devoted his attention to the duties of the same, proving a capable and popular public servant and making a record above the suspicion of reproach.

Mr. Harrold is distinctively a man of affairs and, as already indicated. Alls a large place in the pulilic life of his city and county and richly merits the recognition which he has received as an able official and enterprising citizen. He has always stood for progress and improvement and all means and measures for the material advancement of the community and the social, intellectual and moral welfare of the populace find in him a zealous and liberal patron. Like the majority of broad-minded, wide-awake men, he believes in the efficacy of secret fraternal organizations and to this end has become identified with the Masonic order, in which he has attained to a high standing.

belonging to Ebenezer Lodge in Wooster, also to the commanclery, chapter and council, taking the thirty-second degree in Cleveland in the year 1909. He is also an enthusiastic member of the Knights of Pythias order in Wooster and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dalton, besides being an active and influential member of the encampment, in which, as in the subordinate lodge, he has been honored with important official positions from time to time.

Mr. Harrold, on December 28, 1882, was happily married to Emma M. W'ertz, of Dalton, Ohio, daughter of W. H. H. and Carrie V. Wertz, a peculiar coincidence being the marriage of his two sisters at the same time. Mr. and Mrs. Harrold have two children, the older of whom is now Mrs. Carrie L. Shroth, of Columbus. The younger, Mildred, fourteen years of age, is a student in the city schools. These daughters and their parents are members of the Lutheran church, all of them taking an active interest in religious and charitable work and demonstrating by their daily lives the beauty and worth of the faith to which they hold.

William Henry Worst

d'he life history of him whose name heads this sketch is closely identified with the history of Wayne county, which has been his home for many years. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been crowned with a high and well-merited degree of success.

Mr. Worst was born on the 13th day of August, 1859, in Prairie township, Ashland county. Ohio. His father, Samuel Worst, was born in the same locality in 1817, and his death occurred on March 24, 1894. He was a farmer by vocation and was very successful in his operations, having owned at the time of his death, besides his home farm of one hundred and thirtyfive acres, two other farms in Ashland county, of fifty-seven and one hundred acres respectively, and a farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres in Congress township, Wayne county. He was a stanch adherent of the Democratic party and belonged to the Dunkard church. He was three times married, first to Mary iMartin, who was born in Chester township, \Vayne county, Ohio, and who died in 1868. Subsequently he married Mary Flackler, a native of Richland county, Ohio, and after her death he wedded Lucv Besecker, of Summit countv, this state. Samuel AVorst was the father of niaie children, namely; John, who died at the age of five years. Elizabeth. INIargaret, Nancy. George, iSIary, Samuel, David and William, the subject of this sketch.

The subject's paternal grandfather, Henry Worst, was a native of Pennsylvania and about 1817 he came to Ohio and entered a tract of government land in Ashland county. At that time there were but three houses in Wooster and but one house between that place and his farm. He was a prominent and progressive man and stood high in the community. He died at the remarkable age of ninety-four years. The subject's maternal grandfather was Rev. John Martin, a well-known minister of the Dnnkard church. He was born in Bedford county. Pennsyh'ania, and aljont 1835 came to A'ayne county, settling in Chester township. He was a man of excellent parts and was highly regarded throughout the community.

William H. Worst remained at home during the years of his youth and secured a fair education in the common schools. He assisted his father in the duties of the farm until he was twenty-one years old, and then for about a year he was employed at farm labor by the month. He then rented farms for seven years and was successful in his operations, being enabled in 1887 to buy a farm of one hundred and one and a half acres in Congress township. Subsequently he bought a half interest in the old home farm in Ashland county and has operated both farms with much success. In 1899 he bought a comfortable and attractive home in the village of Pleasant Home and retired from active farm work, having rented his farms to others, though he still maintains a general supervision o\-er them. He is not altogether idle, however, as he gives some attention to the real estate business. He is a man of good business methods and makes a success of whatever he undertakes. He possesses a genial disposition and a kindliness of manner which wins him friends wherever he goes and he is accounted one of the leading citizens of his community.

On the 9th of December, 1884, Mr. Worst wedded Beh'ia Cline, who was born in Jackson townshi]), Ashland county, Ohio. September iti, 1861. the daughter of John and Jane Cline, earl\- settlers in that section. 'I'here was born to this union one son, Guy, horn January 17. 1886. and whose death occurred on October 3, 1886.

Tn politics Mr. Worst is a stanch Democrat, and has sened his fellow citizens in several official capacities, having been trustee of C'ongress town shi|) for six vears, a member of the school hoard for li\e \eai's and a notaiw public for seven years. Socially, he is a meiuhei' of the Independent (frder of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees. He belongs to that public-spirited, useful type of men whose ambitions and desires are directed in those channels through which How the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number, and it is therefore consistent with the purpose and plan of this work that his record be given among those of other representative citizens of Wayne county.

Horace Nelson Mateer

Holding worthy prestige as a scholar, scientist and physician, the subject of this review has achieved distinction in the various lines of effort to which he has devoted his talents and as a citizen alive to all that makes for the progress of his county and state he commands the same high degree of confidence and esteem which characterize his professional status.

Dr. Horace Nelson Alateer is a native of Adams county, Pennsylvania, and was born December 12, 1855, about eleven miles from Gettysburg, the scene of one of the greatest and most sanguinary battles of the late Civil war and one of the few decisive engagements of modern times. The Mateer family is of Scotch-Irish origin, and the present patronymic is a modification of the name McTeer, by which the ancestors of the American branch were originally known. When the Doctor's antecedents first came to x\merica can not be ascertained, but it is supposed to have been some time during the colonial period, as the name was familiar in various parts of the Cumberland valley as early as the Revolutionary struggle. William Mateer, the Doctor's grandfather, was a native of the above valley and a farmer by occupation. Among his children was a son by tbe name of John Mateer, whose birth occurred in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1807, and who also became a tiller of the soil, first in his native valley and later in the county of Mercer ; thence he removed to Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his davs, dying in Monmouth, Illinois, January 29, 1875, the age of sixtyseven years.

Mary Nelson Diven, wife of John Mateer and mother of the subject of this sketch, was also born and reared in southeastern Pennsylvania, and belonged to one of the old and well-known Scotch-Irish families that settled in the Cumberland valley at a very early period. She survived her husband about twenty-tbree years, departing this life in 1898 at the age of seventynine.

the late Calvin Wilson Mateer, D. D., LL.D., a distinguished minister of the Presbyterian church and for forty-five years a missionary to the Chinese, was the oldest. He was born in Pennsylvania, received a collegiate and theological training and after a few years of ministerial labor in his native state and elsewhere was sent in 1863 as a missionary to China, where he not only inaugurated important religious work, but founded the Tung Chow College, one of the principal educational institutions of the Flowery kingdom, which he served as president, and the success of which was due very largely to his efforts and judicious management. He became one of the most noted men of his church in the foreign field and in addition to locating a number of mission stations and publishing many valuable books on various subjects, served as chairman of the committee which translated the Bible into the Chinese tongue, one of the greatest and most important works of the kind ever accomplished in the domain of scholarship. Doctor Mateer was first married to Julia Brown, of Delaware county, Ohio, who proved a worthy helpmeet to her distinguished husband, sharing his labors in the missionary field, encouraging him in all his efforts to improve the condition of the Chinese and teach them the way of life and demonstrating her worth in a special manner in lookingafter the interests of hundreds of Chinese children, who learned to prize her as something more than a mother.

Some time after the death of this excellent woman, the Doctor contracted a matrimonial alliance with Ada Haven, of Pekin, China, who survives him and at present lives in the city of Weishein, where she is engaged in missionary work. During his forty-five years as a missionary Doctor Mateer revisited his native land but three times, his interest in his labor being such that he found it difficult to turn it over to others, even for a brief period. He lived a very active and eminently useful life, accomplished great results for civilization and the Christian religion and was planning for still more extensive operations when death called him from his labors in the year 1908.

William Diven Mateer, the second son, after a long and useful career as a business man in the state of Illinois, is now living in retirement at Santa Ana, California. Mrs. Jane Henderson Kirkwood, the third of the famih-, is the widow of the late Dr. Samuel J. Kirkwood, for many years professor of mathematics in the University of Ahioster and a most highly esteemed scholar and accomplished gentleman. John Lourie Mateer. the next in order of birth, went to China a number of years ago as superintendent of the printing establishment of the American board of commissioners for foreign missions in the city of Pekin. He died there the year before the Boxer uprising and his loss was greatly deplored by all the foreign contingent in that capital.

Rev. Robert McCheyne Mateer, a learned Presbyterian divine, located at U'ieshein, China, is the fifth in succession. Since going to the present field of labor in 1882, he has done much important educational and evangelical work and is esteemed one of the most successful and judicious missionaries in the province where he is located. Dr. Horace Nelson Mateer, of this review, is the sixth in order of birth. The youngest of the family, Mrs. Lillian Mateer Walker, wife of Rev. William Stokes Walker, is deceased. Both Rev. and Mrs. Walker went to the Flowery kingdom as missionaries of the Presbyterian church, but after several years of strenuous work they were obliged to return home on account of the husband's failing health, arriving in this country in 1885. Later Mrs. Walker fell a victim to disease contracted while abroad and departed this life in the year 1900, lamented by all who knew her.

When Horace N. Mateer was about one year old his parents moved from Cumberland valley to Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and seven years later they changed their place of abode to Henry, Illinois, where the future physician and scientist received his preliminary educational discipline. Later he accompanied his parents upon their removal to Monmouth, in the same state, and in due time entered the college in that city, which he attended from 1872 to 1875 inclusive. Shortly after his father's death he entered the junior class of Princeton University, New Jersey, completing the prescribed course of study in that institution and graduating in 1877, his brother Robert receiving his de'^ree the same year. During the two years following he was principal of the Laird Institute, a preparatory school at Murraysville, Pennsylvania, which position he resigned in 1879, to spend a year in post-graduate work at Princeton.

In the fall of 1880 Doctor Mateer entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he spent the three years ensuing in close study and research, making an honorable record as a student and standing high in the confidence and esteem of his professors and classmates. On the completion of his course, in June, 1883, was graduated with first honors of his class, in addition to which he also received the Henry C. Lea prize for the best graduating thesis, both rewards coming to him as a result of painstaking study and investigation and a laudable ambition to excel in all of his work. The year following his graduation he was made resident physician and surgeon of the University Hospital in Philadelphia, but after holding the position for a short time resigned and in April, 1884, located at Wooster, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession with most signal success.

In September of the above year Doctor Mateer formed a co-partnership with Dr. James D. Robison, which lasted very agreeably for three vears, when it was discontinued by reason of Dr. Mateer's appointment, in the fall of 1887. to the chair of biology in Wooster University. He accepted the latter position with the understanding that he continue the practice of medicine in connection with his duties as professor. Doctor Mateer founded the department, of which he is still the head, equipped it for effective work and it is now one of the largest and most popular departments of the university. He has devoted a number of years to the study of scientific subjects, has marie many original investigations in fields but little explored and is now recognized as an authority on all chemical, microscopic and bacteriological methods which have come into prominence of recent years in connection with the treatment of disease. He has a fine private laboratory for diagnosing his own cases, in addition to which his services are frequently utilized in special work for other physicians and in the treatment of chronic and obstinate diseases.

Doctor Mateer is not only the master of his profession, but as a scientist holds an important place in the world of thought and scholarship. His labors have been eminently creditable and successful and by reason of his superior methods of treatment and the original discoveries which he has made from time to time he may be considered a true benefactor of suffering humanity. Availing himself of every opportunity to add to his professional and scientific knowledge and skill, he keeps in close touch with the trend of current thought and abreast of the times in all the latest discoveries. He belongs to the Wayne County Medical Society, Northeastern Ohio iMedical Society, the American Medical Association, and is an influential member of the American .-\ssociation for the Advancement of Science. He was one of the founders of the Wooster Hospital and has ever manifested a commendable interest in the institution, laboring constantly for its success and sparing no reasonable efforts to make it meet the high purposes which the originators had in view.

The domestic life of Doctor Mateer dates from October 25, i888, when he was united in marriage wdth Elizabeth Gaston, of East Liverpool, Ohio, daughter of George and Rachael (Montgomery) Gaston, a union blessed with four children, y\z : John Gaston, born Eebruary 14, 1890, a junior in the Wooster University; Mary Nelson, horn September 2, 1891 ; Elizabeth Montgomery, born July 31, 1894, and Dorothy, who first saw the light of day on November i, 1901.

Doctor and Mrs. Mateer are members of the Westminster Rresbyterian church, and take an active interest in all lines of good work under the auspices of the same. In politics he is independent in all the term imiilies, refusing to acknowledge the behests of parties or partisans and casting his ballot for the candidates best qualified for the offices to 'which they aspire. A ripe scholar, a noted scientist, a distinguished physician and withal a courteous and polished gentleman. Doctor Mateer wields a wide influence for good and has made the world wiser and better by his presence. He comes of a family of culture and refinement and of strong religious convictions, six of the seven children born to his parents offering themselves for missionaries and four of them being accepted. The Doctor at one time had an ambition to enter this important field, but was rejected on account of a slight physical defect from which he suffered when quite young. That he failed to carry out his original intentions of going to foreign parts is a matter of congratulation on the part of thousands of his fellowmen who have profited by his eminent abilities as a healer of human ills and his services as a leader in important fields of scientific research.

Fortified by careful and extended professional training and a natural predilection, the subject of this sketch holds prestige as one of the able and popular members of the medical fraternity of Wooster, where he is engaged in the general practice as a physician and surgeon with office headquarters on North Sixth street. A resident of the city since 1903, he has come rapidly to the front among the enterprising and progressive men of his calling and as a representative of the homeopathic school of medicine he has secured a large and lucrative patronage and is continually adding to his fame as a successful healer.

Dr. David H. Braden is a representative of an old and well-known Ohio family that came to the state when the country was a wilderness and the feet of the red men still pressed the soil. His grandfather, a true type of the brave and daring pioneer of the early days, at intervals was obliged to defend his backwoods home from the attacks of the savages and from time to time participated in forays against the wily foes until the latter were finally driven from the country. He figured prominently in the early histoiy of the state and not only founded a large and eminently respectable family, but left the impress of his individuality so indelibly impressed upon the community in which he settled that his memory is there cherished as a leader of men and a benefactor of his kind.

year 1845 and is still living near the place of his birth. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and for a number of years has been one of the leading farmers and prosperous men of Milton township in the above county, where he owns large landed interests and stands high in the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and fellow citizens. .-\t the breaking out of the late Civil war he enlisted in an Ohio regiment and gave three years and three months to the service of his country, during which time he took part in a number of noted campaigns and bloody battles and earned an honoralile record as a bra\-e and gallant defender of the union. In his young manhood Daniel Braden married Mary Daniels, who also was born in the county of Ashland and who departed this life at the early age of twenty-five years, after bearing her husband two children, the older of whom being Mrs. William Dravenstodd. of WHyne county, and the younger the subject of this review.

David H. Braden is a native of Ashland county, and dates his birth from February 7, 1868. He was reared on the family homestead in Milton township and when old enough to be of service bore his share hi the cultivation of the farm where, in close touch with nature, he greu' up a strong and rugged lad and in due time was well fitted for his part in the affairs of life. .Meanwhile he attended the public schools of his native county and such was his progress that at the early age of seventeen he was able to secure a license and take charge of a school, which he taught with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of pupils and patrons. Fie began educational wark in the year 1887 and continued the same until 1894, during which time he earned an honorable reputation as an able and judicious instructor and had he seen fit to devote his life to this line of effort he doubtless would ha\'e risen to a place of distinction among the leading educators of the state. Not caring to continue any longer in a calling which promised so little emolument, the Doctor, while teaching, yielded to a desire of long standing by taking up the study of medicine and in 1891 entered the Cleveland Medical College, which he attended during the greater part of that and the ensuing year. Later, 1893, he became a student of medicine and surgerv in the same city where he prosecuted his studies and researches until 1895, on March 27th of which year he was graduated with a creditable record as an industrious and enter])rising student, standing among the first of his class and enjoying to a marked degree the eonfidence ot the ])rofessors of the institution as well as the students.

Immediately after receiving his degree Doctor Braden located at the town of New' Pittsburg, in bis nati\'e county, w liere he initiated the practice of his profession and where during the four years ensuing he built uj) a re])re- .sentativc business and earned more than local repute as an enteri)rising, w ide- awake and successful ph)'sician. At the expiration of the period indicated he transferreil his practice to Shelby, in the same county, whither his reputation had preceded him, but after three years in that town he sought a wider field for the exercise of his talents by removing to Wooster, where since 1903 he has devoted his attention \ ery closely to his chosen calling wdth the result that he now commands an extensive and very lucrative professional business which from the year indicated has steadily grow'ii in magnitude and importance.

Doctor Braden has made commendable progress in the noble profession to which he is devoting his energies and talents and, as already stated, is recognized as one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the beautiful city which he proposes to make his permanent home, being held in high esteem by his professional contemporaries and by the general public. His financial success has been commensurate wdth the ability displayed in his chosen field of endeavor and he is now- w-ell situated to enjoy the many material comforts w'hich have come to him as the reward of duty faithfully performed. He keeps in the front rank in following out the advances made in the science of medicine and surgery and in addition to his high professional attainments manifests a commendable interest in all that makes for the general good of the community along other lines and is in sympathy wdth all laudable enterprises and measures for the welfare of his fellow- men. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Woodmen orders, and while well informed on the leading cjuestions of the day takes little interest in party politics and has no ambition to gratify in the way of pulilic position. He is first of all a physician, making his profession paramount to every other consideration, which accounts in a large measure for the eminent position to which he has attained and the success by w hich his professional career has ever been characterized.

Doctor Braden was married in the year 1888 to Minnie Reed, of Ashland county, who died in 1898 after bearing her husband three children, namely: Carl, Lloyd and ^^era, aged eighteen, sixteen and tw'elve years, respectively. In 1899 the Doctor contracted a marriage with his present w-ife, who bore the maiden name of Lucy Piper, of New Pittsburg, Wa)me county, daughter of the late Henry Piper, a well known citizen of that town, the union being w-ithout issue.

Samuel Harrison Miller

The liiographer can see nothing but good results flowing from the life work of the ancestors of the gentleman w'hose name forms the introduction to this sketch, for they were persons of the highest respectability and of unusual intelligence, therefore were leaders in their respecti\'e communities and useful citizens, their influence having always been strong for upright living and steady industry. Many of these traits seem to be possessed by Samuel H. Miller, a well-known business man of Doylestown, Wayne county. He is the son of John and Susan (Bauer) iMiller and was born in Nazareth, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1839, and in (May, 1843, he came with his parents to Norton township. Summit county, Ohio. He was educated in the district schools, also attended the high school at Akron, and, being a close student, he received a very serviceable education. He left the home farm when twelve years of age, and, having \ery early in life shown an inclination to the mercantile life, he began clerking in the store of Milton W. Henry, of Akron, Ohio, where he remained for a period of six years, rendering that gentleman very efficient service. In December. 1863, he came to Doylestown and engaged as bookkeeper for Cline, Seiberling & Hower, manufacturers of mowers and reapers. So faithful and efficient were his services that on September i, 1865. he was admitted to the firm and the name was changed to Cline. Seiberling & Company, and it was again changed on December 31, 1878, to Seiberling. Miller & Company, composed of John F. Seib.erling, of Akron ; James H. Seiberling and Samuel H. Miller, of Doylestown. In March, 1896, the firm was changed to Seiberling & Miller, John F. Seiberling having withdrawn. This firm continued with usual success until March, 1901, when the firm was incorporated under the laws of Ohio under the name of Seilierling &: Miller Company, and they have thus continued in business to this date, manufacturing mowers, reapers and binders of a very high grade and which find a ready market owing to their excellent cjualities, the business rapidly growing and iiwading new territory from year to year. Their plant is well equipped with modern machinery and a large force of the most skilled artisans is kept constantly employed.

Samuel H. Miller was married on August 29. 1867, to Flla L. Schneider, daughter of Alfred and Clarissa ('Clewell ) Schneider, who was born in Hanover, Montgomery county, Pennsyhania. on januaiA' 27, 1847. In 1852 the family removed to Norton township. Summit county, Ohio. Fight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. iMiller, four of whom are fixing, namely: h'red J., born Decj.;mlier 8, 1868, is fixing at Cuxahoga Falls, Ohio:

Mr. ]\Iiller is treasurer and director of the Indiana Rubber and Insulated Wire Company, of Jonesboro, Indiana, and be is also interested in farming. He has been very successful as a business man owing to his close application to individual affairs and his genteel demeanor in his relations with his fellowmen.

IMr. [Miller has always been a Republican, having voted for Abraham Lincoln in i860. He has never held public office, except having served on the local board of education and as village treasurer. He is a member of the lodge and encampment. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Masonic lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cleveland, also Alkoran Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Alystic Shrine, Cleveland, Ohio.

William C. Myers

On the roster of Wayne county's solid and influential business men the name of William C. Myers stands out clear and prominent as the head of the largest insurance agencies of Wooster and one of the most successful in the state. He has achieved a wide and honorable reputation among the progressive men of his adopted county and no one commands a greater influence or stands higher in the esteem and confidence of the public.

The Myers family, which is of German origin and originally pronounced Moyer, came to the United States in a very early day and settled near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where in due time the name became identified with a number of important interests and figured for a number of years in local annals. Contemporaneous with this family were the Funcks, who also emigrated from Germany and were among the early comers to eastern Pennsylvania, where in the course of a few years their descendants became not only Cjuite numerous but prominent in building up their respective communities and developing the resources of the country. From the most reliable data obtainable, the antecedents of the latter family in the country appear to have been one Bishop Henry Funck, who came from Germany some time in the seventeenth century and settled not far from i^iiladelphia, from whence his descendants, as above indicated, moved to otl^er counties and localities, some of them in after years moving to Ohio and still- feTther west.

Capt. Ralph Funck, a native of Pennsylvania, moved in an early day to Wayne county, and here spent the remainder of his days, dying a number of years ago and leaving a family of several children, among whom was a daughter by the name of Cecelia Funck, whose birth occurred in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1832. On November 4, 1852, she became the wife of Isaac H. Myers, son of John O. and Elizabeth ( Haldeman ) i\Iyers, of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, the marriage taking place in Wayne county, Ohio, where Mr. Myers had settled a short time previously.

For several years after their marriage, Isaac FT. and Cecelia i\Iyers lived in the town of Chester, but about 1859 >noved to Seville, iNIedina county, where they continued to reside until 1864, when they changed their abode to Wooster, with the interests of which city the remainder of hir. iMyers' life was identified. For some years he conducted a grocery store and built up a lucrative patronage. He then turned his attention to the insurance business, in which he met with signal success, establishing an agency which, under the joint management of himself and son, William C., in due time became tbe largest enterprise of the kind in the city and since passing into the hands of the latter has become one of the most successful in the state.

Isaac H. Myers took the road as special insurance agent in 1878, from which time until shortly before his death, on June 5, 1907, he traveled quite extensively in the interest of his companies and achieved honorable repute as a capable, far-seeing and tborougbly reliable business man. His wife, who suffered a stroke of paralysis in 1887, departed this life very suddenly on the 4th day of April, 1895, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at W'ooster, where her husband now sleeps by her side awaiting the resurrection of the just. The children of this estimable couple, three in number, are Isadore, born August i, 1857, died January 25, 1882; Lura, whose birth occurred March 8, 1867, and who lives in Wooster, and William C., the subject of this sketch, who was born in Seville, Medina county, Ohio, on January 28, 1861.

William C. Myers was about four years old when his parents moved to Wooster, and since 1865 his life has been very closely interwoven with the growth and development of his adopted city. At the proper age he entered the public schools, where he pursued his studies until graduating from the liiMi school, after which he assisted his father in the latter's insurance business, having been familiar with the duties of the oHice trom his tweltth year. Engaging with his father on a salary, he soon acquired a practical knowledge of insurance and under his able and skillful management it was not long until the business took on new life and became the largest and most successful of the kind in the city.

'I'he insurance agency of which Miv M_\-ers is now the head and which for some time has been known under the style of W. C. Myers iS; Company, was established in 1870 by the subject's father, who continued as its manager until accepting the position of special traveling agent in 1878, when AAhlliain C. took charge of the business and has ever since conducted the same. On attaining his majority he became his father's partner, but within a short time thereafter succeeded to the business, which since the year 1878 he has practically controlled and which under his initiative and successful methods has grown so rapidly that he now leads all competition in his own city and county and occupies a commanding position among the leading insurance men of Ohio.

The career of Mr. Myers affords a notable example of the e.xercise of those qualities of mind which overcome obstacles and win success and his example is worthy of imitation by those who are dissatisfied with present attainments and who would aspire to higher positions of honor and trust. A business man in the broadest sense of the term, his integrity has ever been above suspicion, while his methods will bear the test of the severest criticism and among his fellow citizens his name has always been synonymous with fair and honorable dealing. While subordinating every other consideration to his business affairs, he has not been unmindful of his obligations as a citizen, as is indicated by the interest he manifests in the public welfare, nor is he negligent of those social ties which every well ordered community requires of those who constitute its mainstay and support. Aside from his insurance interests he is identified with various local enterprises, including among others the Citizens' National Bank of Wooster, of which he is a director and one of the largest stockholders. He is prominent in Odd Fellowship, being an influential worker in the lodge at Wooster, which he has the honor to represent in the sovereign grand lodge and to his efforts are largely due the growth and popularity of the brotherhood in the city of his residence.