Wayne County, Ohio - Chapter 23: Towns of the County, 1910 (part 6 of 11)

Edmond Z. Eluhart was born in Saltcreek township. Wayne county, Ohio, February 9, 1853. His paternal grandfather, Zacheus Fluhart, was a native of Pennsylvania, and emigrated from Meadville, that state, to Wayne county, in a very early day, accompanying his parents. The father bought a tract of land that had just been entered by a prior comer and he at once entered upon the task of clearing the land and developing a farm, in which he succeeded with the help of his sons. Zacheus married and reared a family and here his death occurred. Among his sons was James H., the father of the subject. James H. was born in 1825 in Saltcreek township and was reared to the life of a farmer, which vocation he followed all the days of his life.

Jacob Fluhabt

On reaching manhood's years he married Margaret Poorman, who was born in Pennsylvania, coming from that state to Ohio with her parents when she was but seven years old. She experienced the novelty of walking almost the entire distance, as did the other members of the family, their only conveyance, a light one-horse wagon, being used to carry the household furniture. They first located at Wooster, which at that time consisted of but one store and a few houses. Here she met James Fluhart and they were married on January 22, 1849, the ceremony being celebrated in the Presbyterian church at Fredericksburg. To them were born seven children, namely: George, deceased; Albert, deceased; Edmond Z. ; Mary E., who died in infancy; Thomas Willard, deceased; James Finley, deceased; Nettie, who married a iMr. Criswell. James Fluhart followed farming all his life and was numbered among the successful men of the township. He was a Republican in politics and was active in local public affairs, but was never an office seeker. By dint of much hard work and good management he accumulated two hundred and fifty acres of fine land, which he cultivated with eminent success. His religious affiliation was with the Presbyterian church at Fredericksburg, in which he took a prominent place. He was sixty-eight years old at the time of his death, and in his passing away the entire community felt that it had suffered a distinct loss.

Edmond Z. Fluhart has lived on the farm where he now resides since he was seven vears old and he secured a fair education in the common schools of the neighborhood. Flis youthful days, when out of school, were rec]uired in the work on the farm, and during all his life he has remained a tiller of the soil. Fie is a good manager and a progressive worker, keeping in close touch with every detail of his work, so that everything he does is characterized by completeness in detail. The farm is nicely kept up, its general a|)pearance indicating the owner to be a man of excellent taste and sound judgment. Me has followed general farming and in connection has raised consideralde livestock, being successful in everything he undertakes.

In politics Mr. Fluhart has been an uncom])romising Republican and has done much to advance the interests of his party in this locality. Fie has not been a seeker after office or public preferment, but has rendered efficient service as school director. Religiously Mrs. Fluhart is a meml)er of the Futheran church at Frederick.sburg. Mr. Fluhart is not a member of the church, but gives liberally to its su])))ort.

Mr. Fluhart was united in marriage to Lucy Graber, of Maysx ille, Saltcreek township, this county, a daughter of John Graber. who was a nati\e of Germany. She was born February 14, 1868. To them ha\e been born the

Mr. Flnhart is a man of many splendid personal qualities and occupies a desen'edly high position among his fellow citizens. Among his warmest friends are those who hare known him through many years, - a fact which indicates that his career has been an honorable one, and upon the pages of Wayne county's histor}^ apjiears the name of no man who is more worthy of public regard than Mr. Fluhart.

A. J. Heller

The history of the Buckeye state is not an ancient one. It is the record of the steady growth of a community planted in the wilderness and reaching its magnitude of today without other aids than those of continued industry. Each county has its share in the story and erery county can lay claim to some incident or transaction which goes to make up the history of the commonwealth. After all, the history of a state or county is but a record of the doings of its people among the pioneers and the sturdy descendants occupy places of no secondary importance. The story of the plain common people who constitute the moral bone and sinew of the state should ever attract the attention and prove of interest to all true lovers of their kind. In the life story of the subject of this sketch there are no thrilling chapters or startling incidents, but it is merely the record of a life true to its highest ideals and fraught with much that should stimulate the youth just starting in the world as an independent factor.

The subject of this sketch is descended from German stock, his greatgrandfather, Peter Heller, having come from Germany to America prior to the Revolutionary war. He was an aide on the staff of Gen. George Washington at the battle of the Brandywine. His son, Joseph Heller, came west and lived on a farm between Lancaster and New Holland, Pennsyh^ania, where he owned a farm. He built, entirely at his own expense, a church on his farm and for many years paid all the running expenses of the same, including the minister's salary. The society was known far and wide as Heller's Church. At his death the property went to a board of trustees, and wTen they subseciuently erected a splendid new church on the same site it, too, w'as known as Heller's Church, in honor of the old pioneer and benefactor.

Heller's Station, on the Lancaster & New Holland railroad, was also named for him. He died at the age of seventy years, and his death was widely regretted.

The subject's father was Adam B. Heller, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, but who moved to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1840, settling about two miles south of Orrville. He had followed farming pursuits prior to coming to Orrville, at which time he became an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He did the first shifting for this company in Orrville, the work being performed with the assistance of a horse. His death occurred here in 1886, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He married Elizabeth Signer, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, in which state they were married. Mrs. Heller died in 1866, at the age of forty-eight years. To this union there were born nine children, namely : Mrs. Sarah Geyer, of Huntington, Ohio; Joseph, of Orrville; William, of Orrville; Margaret, deceased; Kate, who makes her home with the subject; A. J. is the next in order of birth; Mrs. G. R. Burdoyn, of Orrville; Isaac is a printer at Spring Valley, Illinois, and was at one time the publisher of the Nck"s, at that place; Frank is night yardman on the Pennsylvania railroad at Orrville.

the Orrville public schools in his youth and received a fair education. After leaving school he was employed as a clerk in a grocery store, where he remained several years. He then entered the Orrville Planing iMill, but a short time later he became foreman for the Orrville (Ohio) Champion Thresher Company, builders of the Champion threshers. In 1885 Mr. Heller went to Auburn, New York, and took charge of the John M. Hurd Novelty Works, and at the death of Mr. Hurd he closed out the business for the estate. Returning to Orrville in 1887, he accepted a foremanship with the Champion Thresher Company, in which position he was retained until 1891. when he became superintendent and vice-president of the company. In November, 1907, Mr. Heller opened a real estate and insurance office in Orrville, which he has since conducted and in which he has been remarkably successful. He is considered a man of splendid business ability and he possesses an accurate knowledge of real estate values. He has handled a numhcr of large deals and has done much to advance the interests of the communitv. He is at all times and all places a "hustler" for Orrville and his support is solicited for every enterprise for the ad\ancement of the town matcrialb oi' otherwise.

Mr. Heller has served two terms as township clerk, having been first elected as soon as he had attained his majority. He has also served two terms as city clerk, three terms as water works trustee, during which time he served as secretary of the board, having complete management of the water system. His service in this relation was extremely creditable to him as during that period he put the water department on a paying basis, regardless of the fact that improvements were made amounting to over six thousand dollars. He is at the present time president of the Board of Industry, a local organization composed of one hundred and five business men who have banded together for the purpose of advancing the commercial and industrial interests of Orrville. One of the popular enterprises projected by Mr. Heller is what is known as Heller's Allotment, on Heller avenue, a sub-division of the town.

Mr. Heller has taken a very active interest in the Knights of Honor, having been a charter member of Orr Lodge, at Orrville. He has passed through all the chairs in the subordinate body and for a number of years was a representative to the grand lodge. He was elected vice-grand dictator, refusing the office of grand dictator, and in 1906 he w^as elected a representative to the supreme lodge, Knights of Honor, which position he still holds. Politically he is a Democrat, takes an active interest in party affairs, and was elected mayor of the city by one hundred and sixteen votes over E. P. Williman. Although Mr. Heller is one of the solid, substantial men of his community, he is entirely self-made, having had scarcely any assistance in establishing himself. He is now occupying an enviable position among his fellow citizens and enjoys the respect of all who know him.

John W. Rehm

This sterling representative of one of the pioneer families of Ohio is a native son of Wayne county, where he was reared to maturity upon a farm, early beginning to assume the practical responsibilities of life and lending his aid in connection with the improvement of the old homestead. That he has lived and labored to goodly ends is clearly indicated in the position which he now holds in the confidence and regard of his fellow men and in the success which has crowned his efforts as an exponent of the great basic art of agriculture, which has been his vocation throughout his business career.

Mr. Rehm was born in Baughman township, Wayne county, on the i8th of October, 1862, and is the son of George and Mary (Sickman) Rehm. The father was born in 1838 in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio when a young man, settling in Baughman township, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1882, at the age of forty-four years. Mary Sickman Rehm was a native of Baughman township, born in 1834, and her death occurred in 1905, at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. and Mrs.- Rehm were the parents of the following children : John W., the subject of this sketch ; Levina, who is the wife of Fred Anthony, of Baughman township ; Sarah, the wife of Henry Fisher, of Hancock county, Ohio; George lives on the old homestead in Baughman township ; Alice is the wife of Harry Mackey, of Baughman township; Jacob F., of the same township; Catharine N. is the wife of Charley Shenk, of Baughman township; and xAndrew J., also of the same township.

John W. Rehm attended the schools of his native township and has lived here all his life with the exception of five years spent in St. Joseph county, Indiana. He was reared to the life of a farmer and has never relinquished that vocation, in which he has achieved a distinctive success. He is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and five acres located in this township, and the condition of the place indicates the owner to be a man of good tastes and sound judgment. He follows a general line of farming, raising all the crops common to this latitude, and gives proper attention to the rotation of crops and other details so essential to successful agriculture. His farm buildings are modern and conveniently arranged and all the machinery usually found on an up-to-date farm are here used. Mr. Rehm is now living in Orrville, where he has a fine modern home, though he continues to personally supervise the operation of his farm.

Though devoted to his own interests, Mr. Rehm has been public-spirited enough to take an interest in public affairs and he is now serving as the treasurer of Baughman township. He is a Democrat in political faith and is now a member of the county central committee from his township. He renderetl efficient service for a number of years as a member of the school board of Baughman township and continues to take a deep and commendable interest in educational matters. His social relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife are members of the Reformed church at Orrville, to which they give an earnest and liberal support.

daughter, Ethel. iVnother child died at the age of five months. He is a man greatly esteemed by all who have his acc[uaintance and exerts a wide influence in this, his native township.

Adam W. Eire

The importance that attaches to the lives, character and work of the early settlers of Wayne county and the influence they have exerted on the cause of humanity and civilization is one of the most absorbing themes that can possibly attract the attention of the local chronicler or historian. If great and beneficent results - results that endure and bless mankind - are the proper measure of the good men do, then who is there in the world's history that may take their places above the hardy pioneers? To point out the way and thus make possible our present advancing civilization, was the great work accomplished by the early settlers and it is granted by all that they budded wiser than they knew. Admit that as a rule, but few realized the transcendent possibilities that rested upon their shoulders: that their lives, in some instances, were somewhat narrow ; that they realized but little the great results that ultimately crowned their efforts ; yet there follows the supreme fact that they in a large measure took their lives into their own hands, penetrated the wilderness, and with a patient energy, resolution and self-sacrifice that stands alone and unparalleled, they worked out their allotted tasks, accomplished their destinies and today their descendants and others enjoy undisturbed the fruitage of their labors.

Prominent among the worthy representatives of the pioneer element in the county of Wayne is the well-known gentleman to a review of whose life the attention of the reader is now invited. For many years Adam W. Fike has been a forceful factor in the growth and prosperity of Wayne township and today he is enjoying the full confidence and high regard of all who know him. Mr. Fike is a native of Alsace, France (now Germany), where he was born in 1836, and he was brought to America with his parents at the age of four 3/ears. His father, Michael Fike, was a native of the same country, but was ambitious and the New World offered him what seemed great opportunities for the man of energy. The family were forty-one days in crossing the Atlantic. They first went to Cleveland, but in 1839 came to Wayne county, locating in Wayne township, near Wooster. The father purchased a little later a piece of land in Canaan township and entered at once on the task of clearing it and rendering it fit for cultivation. Of the eighty acres in the tract, only twelve were cleared and thus there remained a vast amount of work to be done. Michael Fike lived on this place nearly all his life, removing to Sandusky, Ohio, a short time before his death, spending his last days with his youngest daughter. He was eighty-four years old at the time of his death. He married Eve Jacobs, who also was a native of Alsace, France, and she lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years. Michael and Eve Fike were the parents of seven children, one of whom died before leaving their home in France. Those now living are as follows; Frederick, of Canaan township; Mrs. Emeline Voigt, also of Canaan township, and the subject of this sketch.

Adam W. Fike was the youngest of his father's sons and he was reared on the home farm, securing his education in the schools of the township, which were in that early day somewhat primitive in equipment and methods. In his young manhood he began teaching school, and taught four terms during the winter seasons, devoting his attention to ihe farm work in summers. He possessed strong musical talent and did some teaching along that line. Upon reaching manhood's years he applied himself to farming, in connection with which he did considerable dealing in stock, in both vocations meeting with success. After his marriage he moved to a farm he owned in Wayne township, and remained there until 1892, when he removed to the town of Orrville, where he has since resided. He is now permitted to enjoy that rest which he has so richly earned, though his is not a life of idleness, as he continues to keep a supervision over the various properties which he owns. He owns two splendid farms in Wayne township, one farm in East Lhiion township, ninety acres contiguous to Orrville, property at Madisonhurg and Canaan, several residence properties in Orrville, in addition to which he owns the largest and finest business block in Orrville, known as the Fike Memorial block. He platted a tract of land adjacent to Orrville, and is now selling lots from a second plat.

Mr. Fike has twice Ijeen married, the first time to Elizabeth May, who was horn January 23, 1839, in Wayne township, this county. To this union were born five children, namely: Herschell A., born Xo\emher 26, 1859, and now living at Akron, Ohio; Mrs. Kate Xeftzer, horn .\ugust 14, 1865 and living in Canaan township: .\llie, horn August 22, 1862, died in 1864; Horatio W., horn March 28. i898, lives at Madisonhurg, this county; Luther, horn Ai)ril 21, 1870. .Mrs. Elizabeth I'ike died on May i, 1870, at the early age of thirty-one years, and .Mr. I'ike was sub- seqiiently married to Malissa Landis, who was born and reared in Wa5Tie township, and to them has been born one child, Milton M., born October 7, 1875, and now living at Canton, Ohio.

Mr. Like has taken a keen interest in public affairs and served as justice of the peace in Wayne township for six years. He was for many years a member of the Wayne township school board and held a number of local offices, in all of which he performed his duties faithfully and to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He is a man of positive religious opinions and is a faithful member of the old Lutheran church in Wayne township. Mrs. Like is a member of the Lutheran church at Orrville. They both give a cordial support to every movement that promises to benefit the community in any way and they are well liked by all who know them.

Ervin W. Thompson

The subject of this sketch, who is the efficient and popular cashier of the Citizens' National Bank of Wooster and a financier of much more than local reputation, is a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and a representative of one of the oldest and best-known families in that part of the state. The Thompsons are of English stock and came to America in an early day, settling first in \hrginia, later emigrating to Delaware count}-, Ohio, where nearly all the descendants of the original immigrants still live and where the subject's antecedents for three or four generations have been born. His grandfather, James C. Thompson, a native of that county and a farmer by occupation, died in the year 1906. Calvin Thompson, his father, who was born in the same locality and is still living, is an enterprising business man of Ostrander, the place where the family originally settled. The maiden name of Mrs. Calvin Thompson was Celesta Sewell. She is a native of Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, and is also living, being the mother of four children, whose names are as follows: Harry Thompson, of Alderson, West Virginia: Calvin, of Delaware, this state; William, who lives in the town of Alderson, and Ervin Wk, whose name introduces this sketch.

Ervin W. Thompson, whose birth occurred on November i, 1871, was reared in his native town of Ostrander, Delaware county, and received his educational training in the public schools. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age, and began life for himself as a teacher, which calling he followed for a period of four years. At the expiration of that time he entered upon what has proved a remarkably successful business career, by accepting in 1903 the position of bookkeeper with the Union Banking Company of Marysville, Ohio. After serving four months in that capacity he was elected to the more honorable and responsible post of cashier of the Union Banking Company, West Mansfield, Ohio, which he held with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his superiors until 1900, when he severed his official connection with the company to help organize the Bank of Plain City, in the town of the same name, of which he also became cashier. Mr. Thompson took a leading part in building up the latter institution and making it one of the most successful local banks in Madison county and during his five years' service as cashier added to his already well-established reputation as a capable and reliable business man and forged to the front among the enterprising financiers of central Ohio. In 1905 the Citizens' National Bank of Wooster was organized and in casting about for a proper person for cashier the choice fell to Mr. Thompson, who at once resigned the post with the bank at Plain City and took charge of the position tendered him by the officials of the newly established institution at Wooster.

Mr. Thompson moved to the latter city in March, 1905, since which time he has devoted his attention very closely to the interests of the bank, which meanwhile has steadily grown in public favor, until it now ranks among the best managed and most successful institutions of the kind in the state. His long and eminently creditable experience as a banker has made him familiar with the business in its every detail, and the creditable manner in which he has discharged the duties of the several important positions with which intrusted speaks well for his ability and for the confidence reposed in him ]>y bank officials and the general public. Mr. Thompson has a broad and comprehensive knowledge of monetary matters and, as already indicated, stands well to the front in financial circles. In addition to his connection with the Citizens' National Bank of Wooster, of which he is an official stockholder and director, he is also identified with several other similar institutions, being a director and stockholder of the Farmers' Banking Company of Sterling, Ohio, the Farmers and Merchants' Bank at Smithville, the Union Banking Company of West Mansfield, and the Bank of Plain City, Plain City, Ohio, in all of which he is actively interested and to the growth and success of wdiich he has in no small degree contriliuted. He has also manifested commcndaI)le zeal in the material advancement of his various places of residence and since becoming a citizen of Wooster has given his aid and influence to all worthy enterprises for the city's growth and prosperity, d'hough ne\er entering the political arena as an aspirant for public honors or leadershi[), he keeps in close touch with the leading questions and issues before the people and as a Democrat has rendered efficient seiwice to his party in \^^ayne county and elsewhere. He has attained to distinguished standing in the Masonic brotherhood, being a thirty-second-degree Mason and as such is widely and favorably known among his fellow craftsmen throughout Ohio and other states, besides being active and influential worker in Wooster Commandery No. 48, Knights Templar, Wooster Chapter No. 13, Royal Arch Masons, and Blue Lodge No. 33. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to AVooster Lodge No. 32, and while a resident of Plain City was initiated into the Pythian fraternity and still holds membership with the lodge at that place.

Mr. Thompson and Ella D., daughter of S. T. Carr, of Ostrander, Ohio, were united in the holy bonds of wedlock on September 5, 1904, the marriage being without issue. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson move in the best society circles of A¥ooster and are esteemed and faithful members of the Baptist church in this city. By continued industry and careful management Mr. Thompson has acquired a handsome competency, and not only ranks among the financially solid men of his adopted county but also holds worthy prestige as one of its representative citizens. A highly respected, honorable gentleman, who has won his position in the business and social world by honesty and integrity and whose native ability is supplemented by agreeable manners and a pleasing presence, he fills a large place in the confidence and esteem of the public and enjoys great popularity among the people with whom his lot has been cast.

As a native son of AAHyne county and a representative of one of the earliest pioneer families in this section of the Buckeye state. Doctor Sanderson is eminently qualified to representation in a compilation which has to do with those who have been the founders and builders of this commonwealth, while such is his personal honor and integrity of character and such his standing as a professional man that this consideration is all the more compatible. Doctor Sanderson occupies an enviable position in his profession, being considered one of the leading dentists of northern Ohio. He is a nati^'e of Franklin township, AAHyne county, Ohio, where he was born on the 29th of March, 1864. His paternal grandfather, John Sanderson, was a native of Pennsylvania and came to AAHyne county in an early day, being one of the first settlers of the county. Here he followed farming as a live- lihood and was a successful man, enjoying the high esteem of all who knew him. His death occurred in about 1865. The subject's father, also named John, was born in this county in 1817 and lived in Franklin township all his life, a period of sixty-six years, his death occurring in 1883. He also followed farming, and during the early days he was a noted hunter, being a good shot with the rifle. Doctor Sanderson of this sketch is now the possessor of a pair of horns from a deer which his father killed in this county in 1834. John Sanderson married Caroline Shaw, who died on March 4, 1904. She was born in 1833 in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, her family removing later to Wayne county. To John and Caroline Sanderson were born the following children; Robert, who resides at Niles, Ohio; John, of Franklin township, this county; James, a farmer living in Holmes county, Ohio; Mary, deceased; the subject of this sketch is the next in order of birth; Hiram, of Saltcreek township, Wayne county; Edward and Ida, both also of Saltcreek township.

Amos Sanderson was reared on the paternal homestead, until he was nineteen years old. He received such an education as was afforded in the common schools, and in 1886 he took up the study of dentistry under the direction of Doctor Cunningham, of Fredericksburg, this county, completing his technical education by attendance at the Cincinnati College of Dental Surgery. Immediately on his graduation. Doctor Sanderson located at Dalton, where he was successfully engaged in the practice until 1906, when he removed to Orrville. From the beginning of his professional work. Doctor Sanderson has been stamped as a man of unusual e.xcellence in his line and he has almost continually commanded one of the largest practices in this part of the state. During his residence at Dalton, Doctor Sanderson served for five years as mayor of that town and was also justice of the peace for several years. The Doctor has practiced a wise economy and has made a numher of shrewd and safe investments, so that today he is considered fairly well-todo, owning valuable property in Orrville and elsewhere.

In 1888 Doctor Sanderson married Jennie Shrimplin. now deceased, of Holmes county, Ohio, and they became the parents of two children, Ralph and Jennie. Some time after the death of his first wife, the Doctor married Kilah Jones, of Shreve, this county, and they had two children, both of whom died in infancy.

Socially, Doctor Sanderson is a member of the Free and .\cce|)tcd Alasons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees. in politics he is a Democrat and takes a dee]) interest in tlie success of his party. Generous to a fault and social to a high degree, Doctor Sanderson wins friends easily, and he has the happy faculty of drawing them closer to him as the years go by. Viewed in a personal light, he is a strong man, of excellent judgment, fair in his views and highly honorable in his relations with his fellow men.

Among the representative professional men of Wayne county is he whose name appears at the head of this brief review, and who sustains an enviable reputation as one of the leading dentists in Orrville. To such men as Doctor Stewart the writer turns with particular satisfaction as offering in their life histories justification for works of this nature, - not that their lives have been such as to gain them wide reputation or the admiring plaudits of men, but that they have been true to the trusts reposed, have shown such attributes of character as entitle them to the regard of all, and have been useful in their spheres of action.

F. E. Stewart was born at Marietta, Ohio, on the 22d of March, 1887, and is a son of John and Jennie ( Hutchison) Stewart. John Stewart was also a native of Marietta, Ohio, and was a farmer, following this vocation practically all his life, being at the same time extensively engaged in the selling of fertilizers. Fie died in 1902, at the age of fifty years. The Stewart family is of Scotch-Irish ancestry and they inherit those sterling qualities of character which belong to those races. John and Jennie Stewart became the parents of six children, namely ; Mrs. Effie Orwig, of Zanesville, Ohio ; Mrs. Bertha Bode, of Monroe county, this state ; Mrs. Grace Myers, also of Alonroe county ; F. E., the sub j ect of this sketch ; Raymond, and Luna, at home.

Doctor Stewart was reared on the home farm until he was eighteen years of age and received his education in the common schools. Having decided to take up the practice of dentistry, he, in 1905, entered the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated in the spring of 1908. He first entered upon the practice of his profession at Columbus, but in February, 1909, he came to Orrville and opened his office. He has dental rooms on East Adarket street and here he is already in command of a large and lucrative practice. He is a young man of great promise and will no doubt command his full share of the public patronage. Possessed of those

Sterling qualities of character which commend any man, he has already won and retains the confidence and friendship of all who have formed his acquaintance.

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is directed is numbered among the foremost business men of Orrville, Wayne county, and has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the commercial advancement of the city and county. He has in the course of an honorable career been most successful in the business enterprise of which he is the head, and is well deserving of mention in the present work. Mr. DesVoignes is descended from Swiss ancestry on the paternal side, his father, August DesVoignes, having been born in that little republic in 1834. He came to Wayne county about sixtyfive years ago, and was one of the pioneer merchants of the county. He first settled at Mount Eaton, where he began life as a clerk in a general store. After working in this capacity for five years, he bought out his employer and continued the business at that place for twenty years or more. In 1876 he came to Orrville and established himself in the grocery business and some time later he opened a hardware store. He was successful in his enterprises and he continued to run the hardware store up to about 1894, when he retired from active business pursuits, and has since been enjoying that rest which he had so richly earned. During his active life he held several local offices and always stood high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. Now, in the golden sunset of life, he is able to look back over the vista of the years and can feel that for him the "lines hac'e indeed fallen in pleasant places." lie is a man whose sterling ([ualities of character commended him to the high regard and confidence of all with whom he had dealings and this feeling he reciprocated by ever holding his word inviolate and treating his fellows according to his highest conception of the right. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and has always been deeply interested in the moral, intellectual and material development of his community.

August DesVoignes was united in marriage to Hannah Lucas, who was a native of Wayne county, born near Mount Eaton. To this union two children were horn, a girl who died in early life, and the subject of this sketch.

and removed to Orrville with his parents in 1876. He received his education in the pulilic schools of Orrville, and supplemented this by attendance at the Poughkeepsie Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York, graduating from the latter institution. Eighteen years ago he established himself in the dry goods business at Orrville and bas been very successful in this enterprise. About twelve years ago he moved into his present commodious and well arranged store, which is located on the northeast corner of the public square. He carries a large, complete and well-selected line of dry goods, comprising all the lines usually carried in a first-class and up-to-date store, and here he has received a full share of the public patronage. He employs a large force of accommodating clerks and every effort is made to please every customer wbo enters the store.

Socially Mr. DesVoignes is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His many admirable qualities of bead and heart have gained for him a large circle of friends, and he is widely and favorably known in Wayne county.

In the death of the honored subject of this memoir, June 15, 1902, at his home in Orrville, there passed away another member of that group of distinctively representative business men who were the leaders in inaugurating and building up tbe industrial and commercial interests of Wayne and other counties of northeastern Ohio. His name is familiar to all who have l:'een informed in regard to the history of this particular section of the Buckeye state. He was identified with the growth of Wayne county for many years and contributed to its material progress and prosperity to an extent equalled by few. He early bad the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and growing section of the commonwealth, and acting in accordance with the dictates of faith and judgment, he reaped, in the fullness of time, the generous benefits which are the just recompense of indomitable energy, spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise. Prominently connected with the business history of Orrville, the career of J. F. Seas is one eminently worthy of permanent record. Greater fortunes have been accumulated by others, but few lives furnish so striking an example of the wide application of sound business principles and safe conservatism as does his. The story of his success is not long nor does it contain any exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the most valuable secrets of the prosperity which it records; his business and private life are replete with interest and incentic'e, no matter how lackdng in dramatic action - the record of a noble life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every direction.

J. F. Seas was born in Stark county, Ohio, on the 9th of March, 1831, and was a son of Henry and Gertrude Seas. These worthy parents were both natives of Germany and the father followed the vocation of a stonemason, in which he was an expert workman. Mr. Seas secured a fair education in the common schools near his boyhood home. Prior to the Civil war Mr. Seas, believing that Orrville had a promising commercial future, went into the hardware business in that town. His judgment was sound and he met with gratifying success in the venture, remaining identified with this business uninterruptedly until the date of his death, which occurred, as stated in the first lines of this memoir, on the 15th of June, 1902. Mr. Seas's success was remarkable and was mainly attriliutable to the principles on which the business was conducted. Honesty was one of Mr. Seas's strong characteristics and this alone gained for him the confidence of the public. And, too, Mr. Seas possessed to a remarkable degree that intuition which guides the successful merchant in anticipating the wants of the people. He made every effort to accommodate those who came to deal with him and he made a friend of every customer. Courteous in manner and oliliging in disposition, it was no wonder he succeeded in liuilding up a trade remarkable in its size and which remained loyal to him during the more than forty years in which he was in active business.

Since the death of Mr. Seas the liusiness has lieen conducted l)y his sons. J. Fred Seas and D. Edward Seas. klr. Seas's death was caused by cancer, the end coming when lie was in his seventy-second year. He was married on the 3d of January, 1865, to Mary A. Pontius, who was horn in Stark county. Ohio, September 12, 1848. ddiey became the parents of six children, namely: Proctor E., of Cleveland. Ohio; Almeda died in infancy; Victoria died in young womanhood ; J. Fred and D. Edward, who are now conducting the business founded by their father; Mrs. Gertrude Baker, of Orrville. (Df these, J. Fred Seas married Margaret Santche ; P). Edward married .Martha Geyer; Proctor married Margaret Altman, and they have one son, Vincent. Mrs. Mary Pontius Seas re.sides on North Main street. Orrville, in the heautiful and commodious home built by Mr. Seas a number of years ago. She is a woman of gracious jiersonality, possessing many of those pleasing (jualities which have endeared her to all who are acc|uainted with her.

Coming to Wayne county in young manhood, Mr. Seas started in business unostentatiously and without the blare of trumpet, but through his steady and persistent application of sound business principles he succeeded in winning, not only financial independence, but, better still, the respect of his fellow men. His long and honorable career as a citizen, neighbor and friend is a precious heirloom not only to those immediately left to mourn his departure, but a priceless legacy to the community at large. It is a true and comforting fact that life is measured, not by years alone, but rather by a purpose achieved, by noble deeds accredited to it. If this be true, few lives in this community have been entitled to greater honor than that of Mr. Seas.

Lyman R. Critchfifxd, Jr

Lyman R. Critchfield, Jr., one of the foremost members of the Wooster county bar, is a native of Millersburg, Ohio, Avhere he was born on April 17, 1868. He is a son of Hon. L. R. Critchfield, one of the ablest lawyers in Ohio, who was at one time attorney-general of Ohio ; also state senator, judge, etc. His sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Lyman R. Critchfield's mother was Adelaide M. Shaffer, daughter of Dr. Moses Shaffer, a man of great force of character and high moral and physical courage. He was especially successful as a medical practitioner at Wooster and was known for his great skill as a surgeon. Mr. Critchfield graduated from the high school of Millersburg in 1886 and attended the Ohio Wesleyan L'niversity at Delaware, Ohio, studied law under the instruction of his father, and was associated with him for eighteen years. He was admitted to practice before the supreme court of Ohio at Columbus, June 4, 1891, and has followed his profession ever since, both in Wayne and Holmes counties, having located at Woo,ster in 1892. As a lawyer, he is thorough and conscientious in all cases. Among one of his important cases was that of defending Harry White, charged with the murder of Thomas Dye, of Orrville, a case that presented but little hope of success. Politically, Mr. Critchfield is an ardent Democrat, and is a great admirer of William Jennings Bryan. He served as solicitor of the city of Wooster and has always taken an active part in the things in which his party was most interested.

Mr. Critchfield enlisted in Company D, Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the war with Spain, and served from April 26, 1898, to No- \-ember 21st of that }'ear, u hen he was mustered out with his regiment. He served in the expedition of Santiago de Cuba, and took part in the surrender of that city. He somewhat impaired his health as a result of his service. When in the service, he won more than ordinary distinction as a war correspondent, several newspapers having issued special editions on account of his letters home. He is a member of the Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba. He was elected commander of Buckeye Camp, No. 51, United Spanish- American War Veterans, Wooster, Ohio. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of Pythias, Brotherhood of American Yeomen and the Improved Order of Red i\Ien, all of Wooster.

Septemlier 28. 1898, IMr. Critchfield married Rose Brown, youngest daughter of Allen Brown, of Saltcreek township, Wat'ue county, Ohio, and the;,- ha\ e three interesting children : Lyman Robert, born 1903 : Henry Brown, born 1905; and Dorothy Emily, born 1907. Mr. Critchfield is an exemplary member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Wooster, and resides at No. 64 North Buckeye street, while his office is located on the public square.

Mr. Douglas, in his "Lawyers of Wayne County,'' published in the year 1900, says of him: "Although but a young man in years, and in his profession, he is foreshadowing qualities that insure a successful professional career. He has the hearing of one who has worthy aspirations, and who will move steadily, and, as experience comes, strongly, on along the lines he has marked. His natural ability, aided by opportunity, reinforced by industry and study, justify this expectation. He is unaffectedly kind, accommodating and genial, and as a consecjuence his personal popularit}^ is as extensive as his acquaintances. His frankness and courtesy to his colleagues of the bar cause all his professional relations to be of a most pleasant character." This prophecy has been realized.

In 1908, after a spirited contest with able competitors, Mr. Critchfield was nominated for prosecuting attorney of Wayne county, and was elected to that office, running ahead of his ticket. He has a very remarkable faculty for making friends and has more devoted personal friends than many of his age in Wayne county. As prosecuting attorney he has distinguished himself by his industry and ability in managing and increasing \-olnme of public business. Both in public and private ])ractice, he has dis])layed superior cpialities that characterize the good lawyer. For close and discriminating analysis of legal questions, he has but few superiors; for that labor necessarv for the ])reparation of evidence and the study of legal principles he is untiring, and the result is, the usual result of success. He brings to bear in liis legal practice an hereditary courage and perseverance, h'or many years he has answ eiad the call for public addresses, literary and political, and has gained excellence in public speaking and very often manifests a genius for admirable expression. He is rapidly gaining a high standing at the bar, and as a citizen of Wayne county, for his ability and accommodating spirit in his office and practice, and but few enjoy as great popularity. In the study of political cjuestions, but few young men took such interest. Measures of administration, as well as constitutional questions, were familiar topics with him in early life, and when Mhlliam Jennings Bryan arose as the great luminaiy of Democratic ideas, he became attracted to him by a strong political affection. This interest in politics had the preconception of patriotic emotion. One of his ancestors at the age of eighteen enlisted under Washington. Of the same family, many were in the war of 1812 and the Mexican war. Of both lines of his descent, many served and some died in the Civil war, and when the United States went to the rescue of the oppressed people of Cuba, he enlisted in the Cuban war and served until the people were free. He is especially to be recognized as a citizen of Wayne county. Jacob Shaffer, his great-grandfather, lived and died in and near Doylestown, in Chippewa township, after holding many local offices in its early organization. His grandfather, or Moses Shaffer, practised medicine for fifty years in Wooster; in skill, moral courage and benevolence one of the pre-eminent men of Wayne county. His grandmother, Margaret iMcClure Shaffer, was of a numerous, influential, and intelligent family of McClures, early settlers of the county. His three uncles, Hiram, James and Horace Shaffer, were in the Civil war, and Hiram was a great physician. His intense affection for his mother, Adelaide, a daughter of Dr. Moses Shaffer, attaches itself to the soil upon which she was reared. Married into the Brown and IMusser families, in the southeast part of Wayne county, he is identified with those honorable families. In the meshes of metaphysics, the foregoingare involved in character, and the subject of this sketch rightfully is entitled to the respect of the people, and it may be reasonably hoped that as the lapse of time creates a demand for able and honest public men, there are lines of preferment for his increasing ability and usefulness.

Samuel M. Taggart

It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, hear his views on public questions, observe the operations of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization, and are therefore competent to judge of his merits and his demerits. After a long course of years of such observation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, as has been said, "actions speak louder than words." In this connection it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch passed a life of unusual honor, that he was industrious and had the confidence of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was born on a farm that is now a part of Orrville, his natal day having been the 14th of July, 1828, and he died on the 17th of August, 1907, in the eightieth year of his age. His paternal grandfather, James Taggart, was a native of county Antrim, Ireland, and emigrated to America prior to the war of the Revolution. The subject's father, Samuel Taggart, was born December 17, 1790, and died April 24, 1853. He came to Wayne county in April, 1815, and settled on a quarter section of land near Orrville, where he reared his family of. twelve children.

Samuel M. Taggart was reared under the parental roof and secured his education iri the primitive schools of that early day. He was early inured to the labors of farming, which in those pioneer days meant the clearing of the land and the cultivation of the same under conditions which would in the present day be considered almost impossible. He continued to carry on farming operations until about twenty-five years ago, when, feeling the weight of years and being in a financial condition which justified him in throwing off the active duties of the farm, he retired to the beautiful town of Orrville, where he had erected a comfortable home and there he resided until his death. He was practical and methodical in his farming operations, giving his personal attention to every detail of the work, and was considered a very successful man.

Mr. Taggart married, on October 31, 1854, Sarah Jane Slusser, a daughter of Jacob and Anna Maria (Ilgenfritz) Slusser, her birth havingoccurred on March 15, 1835, at Wooster, Wayne county. She was reared in York, Pennsylvania. Her parents were natives of Ohio, and her father was a very successful tobacconist, coming to Wayne county in an early day. They were the parents of seven children, of whom the only survivor, besides Mrs. Taggart, is Mrs. Harrison Wertz, of Dalton, Ohio. Mrs. Taggart's family is of German origin, her great-grandfather having been a resident of Baden, Germany, where a principal street was named in his honor. 'I'o Mr. and Mrs. Taggart were l)orn seven children, of whom l)rief mention is as follows; (i) Laura Ellen, who was born November 25, 1855, died in infancy. (2)

Francis Darwin, born January i6, 1857, is a graduate of Wooster University and now resides at Denver, Colorado. (3) Major Elmore Finley, who was born October 6, 1858, was educated at Wooster University and at the West Point Military Academy, having graduated from the latter institution. Fie was appointed to the academy by the late President McKinley, of whom he was a special favorite. Major Taggart is now stationed at Fort Ontario, Xew York. (4) One died in infancy unnamed. (5) Mrs. Alice Amelia Kimberlin, who is a widow and now lives with her five children near Orrville. (6) David S., born May 10, 1865, is now deceased. (7) Howard, born April 21, 1875, lives at Baltimore, Maryland.

At the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Taggart gave unmistakable evidence of his patriotism by enlisting for military service, but because of ill health he was discharged before being mustered into the service. He was a faithful member and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian churcb, and Airs. Taggart has held membership in this body since ber young girlhood. She is deeply interested in the society and is generous in her support of its various interests. Fraternally, Air. Taggart was identified with the Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum. A man of many splendid equalities of character, he made friends of all who knew him and his death was deeply regretted throughout the community. Airs. Taggart now resides in the family homestead on South Main street, which was erected by her late husband on ground that had formerly been a part of his farm. She is a woman of culture and learning and takes an abiding interest in all moral and educational subjects, being especially opposed to the liquor traffic. She is a delightful conversationalist and a Christian woman of high and noble ideals.

Rayaiond F. Christy

The life history of him whose name introduces this review was for many years identified with the history of Wayne county, of which he was a native son and honored citizen. His business career was begun in this county, and throughout the years in which he was identified with her commercial interests he was closely allied with her growth and iqDbuilding. His life was one of untiring activity and was crowned with a degree of success attained by comparatively few. He was of the highest type of business man, and none more than he deserves representation in a work of this nature. His business career furnishes a splendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition anrl well-directed effort, for tbe position that he attained in bife was won entirely through his own efforts.

Raymond F. Christy was a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Canaan township, W'ayne county, on the 20th of IMarch, 1852, and his death occurred on the 9th of April, 1909, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. In his veins flowed Irish and Norwegian blood, his father, James Christy, having been a native of the Emerald Isle, while his mother, whose maiden name was Roxanna Severcool, was born in Norway. Tbe subject was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools. This education he supplemented by attendance at Smithville Academy and tbe old Canaan Academy. He engaged in teaching school, which vocation he followed about four years. At the age of twenty-two years, in 1874, he engaged in the clothing business at Orrville, and in this enterprise he met with success from the start, and for many years up to the time of his death he was the leading clothier in that city. He also had stores at Wooster, Doylestown and Cleveland, his store on Euclid avenue, in the latter city, being one of the fine stores of that city. He took a keen 'uterest in his home town and erected the Christy block, one of the best business blocks in the city. He was also a valued member of the Board of Industry of Orrville, a very practical and efficient organization of the business men for the purpose of aiding the commercial and industrial development of the city. He also for seven years conducted a very successful shoe business in connection with his clothing store in Orrville. He sold the shoe business, however, in 1907, and in 1908 he disposed of the clothing business. Mr. Christy, during his commercial life, suffered a number of severe losses, tbrough fire, robbery and other causes, but in spite of these reverses, he forged ahead and acquired a comfortable competency. Though h'ghly regarded because of his business ability and success, his high standing in the community was attained because of higber qualities than mere commercial ability. He possessed those sterling qualities of character which enabled him to exercise a sympathy and generosity of spirit which endeared him to all who enjoyed his acquaintance. Broadminded and straightforward, he allowed nothing to swerve him from what he considered the right and he occupied a high position in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best. Elis death was considered a distinct loss to the city in which so many of the best years of his life were spent.

Mr. Christy was thrice married, first to Anna Hoy, of Wooster township, of a well-known family in Wayne county. Her death occurred two years after their marriage, and subsequently IMr. Christy married Elizabeth

Gayner, who died five years later. On June 4, 1900, he wedded Florence May Geyer, the daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Lehman) Geyer, of Wooster. where she was horn and reared. A sister is Mrs. William Caskey, of Wooster, where other relatives also reside. Mrs. Christy was a successful teacher for six years prior to her marriage. She is well educated, having supplemented her public school education by attendance at Smithville Academy, Wadsworth Academy, Wooster University and Bixler's Business College at Wooster. She is a lady of rare culture and attainments and possesses a business ability above that of the average woman.

Mr. Christy was a valued member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was an active and generous supporter. He readily gave his endorsement and support to every movement having for its object the moral, educational or material advancement of the community and because of his faultless honor, fearless conduct and stainless integrity he commanded uniform regard and the love and esteem of his friends.

Max J. Leickheim

History generally treats of those who have attained eminence in politics or statecraft, in military circles and to some extent in the field of letters and art, but has little to do with that sturdy class of citizens upon whom the real prosperity and progress of tfie nation depends. It is left to specific biography to perpetuate the record of the law-abiding citizens who, in the midst of the active affairs of the work-a-day world, stand forth in integrity of purpose, loyalty to friends and native land, and in that enterprise and industry which make for the welFbeing of their respective communities. To this class belongs Mr. Leickheim, who is of stanch old German lineage and who is one of the progressive and successful business men of Orrville, where he has gained prosperity through his own well-directed effort, the while commanding the unequivocal esteem of the community.

Max J. Leickheim was born in Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, on the 2d of July, 1865, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Swigert) Leickheim, The father, who is now an honored and respected citizen of Orrville, was born in Germany in 1827, and received a fair education in the schools of his native land. In 1852 he came to the United States, landing at the port of New Orleans, from which place he traveled up the Mississippi river to Cincinnati. He was a cooper by trade and during the next three years he fol- lowed the cooperage business at Cincinnati. At the end of this period he removed to New Bedford, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was engaged in a like manner for six years, following which he spent seven years in business at Millersburg, this state. In 1870 he came to Wayne county, locating at Apple Creek, but three years later he came to Orrville, where he followed the cooperage business until his retirement from active labor, about twentyfive years ago. He married Elizabeth Swigert, who also was a native of the Fatherland, where she was born in 1825. She was reared, educated and married in her native land, and her death occurred at Orrville in 1890. To John and Elizabeth Leickheim were born the following children : Mary was the wife of John Althen, of Elgin, Illinois, where her death occurred in 1907 ; the next four children in order of birth died in their infancy ; D. J., of Orr- \ille; Anna, of Orrville; Henry P., and the subject of this sketch.

Max Leickheim was eight years old when the family removed from Millersburg to Orrville, and in the schools of the latter place he secured his education. After completing his education he was employed about a year in the cooperage department of the Orrville Milling Company, where his father was also employed. In 1881 Mr. Leickheim accepted a position as clerk in the grocery store of Barrett & Leickheim, and has been connected with the grocery business continually since, including one year spent as a clerk in a grocery store at Lamed, Kansas. He went west in 1887 and returned to Orrville in 1889, resuming work in his brother's store. On March 20, 1901, he and W. H. Krieter purchased the store of his brother, this business relationship continuing about a year, when John Groher purchased Mr. Krieter's interest. Two years later the subject bought out his partner and has since continued the business alone. He has been governed Iiy correct business principles and has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative trade. He makes a special effort at all times to please his customers and carries a large and well-selected line of groceries and the side lines usually found with a stock of groceries.

In July, 1891, Mr. Leickheim was united in marriage to Anna E. Krick, daughter of Philip and Sophia (Mdiitmyre) Krick, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in Fulton. Stark ccninty, Ohio. Mrs. Leickheim was born and reared in Orn ille and in the schools of that city she secured a good education. I'o this union has been horn one daughter, Helen A., who is at home with her parents.

vi(l Swigert, father of Mrs. Leickheim, was a carriage builder and veterinary surgeon to the King of Bavaria and lived in the palace of the king. His wife was a woman of superior attainments, having received exceptional educational advantages in her native land. The subject of this sketch is a man of many fine personal qualities of character and occupies a deservedly high position in the community in which he lives.

Hiram B. Swartz

WMyne county, Ohio, has been especially honored in the character and career of her public and professional men. In every township there are to lie found, rising al;ove their fellows, individuals born to leadership, men who dominate not alone by superior intelligence and natural endowment, but also l)V force of character which minimizes discouragements and dares great undertakings. Such men are liy no means rare in this section of the great Buckeye state, and it is ahvays profitable to study their lii-es, weigh their moti\'es and hold up their achievements as incentives to greater activity and higher excellence on the part of others just entering upon their struggles with the world. Such thoughts are prompted by a study of the life record of Hiram B. Swartz, attorney at law and ex-probate judge, living at Wooster. He has long been one of the prominent figures of MMyne county whose interests he has ever had at heart and sought to promulgate. His career has been characterized by untiring energy, uncompromising fidelity, and devotion to a "sim- ]ile life." He is quick of perception, forms his plans re''dily and executes them with alacrity, at the same time winning and retaining the high esteem of all with whom he comes into contact by the honorable course which he has pursued.

Judge Hiram B. Swartz is a Wayne county product, having been born in Milton townshi]), i\Iay 27. 1846, the son of Samuel and Mary M. (Miller) Swartz, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. A complete record of the subject's parents and immediate relatives will be found on another page of this work under the caption, "The Sw^artz Family."

To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Swartz twelve children were born, an equal number of boys and girls, of whom Hiram B. was the fourth in order of birth. He was reared on the home place and when he reached the proper age he began work in the fields, alternating farming with schooling in the district schools. His ])arents were sturdy pioneer stock, plain, honest and kindly disposed, and the wholesome environment of their home is clearly reflected in the lives of their children. When sixteen years of age he left the common school and. being actuated by a laudalile amliition to gain a higher education, he entered the academy at Seville. Ohio, where he spent two school years. He was a close student and made rapid progress. In the winter of 1864-5 he was the teacher in the old home school, knou n as Oakgrove, aiul gave eminent satisfaction. In December, 1865, he went to Granville, Ohio, entering upon the preparatory course of Denison University, where he com[)leted the freshman year of the classical course. His health then recpiiring a change and rest, he gave up study for a time, but in the fall of 1868 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, having decided to devote his talents to the legal profession, and he there pursued his studies for one year, when he determined to complete his original course in the classics, and in January. 1869, entered the literary department of that University. By his untiring zeal and close application, he successfully carried the work of lioth departments cvithin the period of four years, and so graduated from both in 1872, by special permission of the faculty, as such a thing as graduating from two departments the same year was, up to that time, without a precedent in that institution.

Thus well fortified for the duties of his profession, iMr. Swartz, in the fall of 1872, began the practice of law at Newark, Ohio, in partnership with his brother, John M.. then also a beginner at the bar, l)ut who afterwards was elected prosecuting attorney of Licking county, and later, circuit judge of the fifth judicial circuit. In the fall of 1875 he removed from Newark to Wooster, opening his office with Hon. H. K. McBride, and subsef[uently with Hon. T. Y. McCray.

Taking an active interest in politics. Mr. Swartz, in the spring of 1877, was elected mayor of Wooster, and was re-elected in 1879, serving four years with great popularity and acceptance. During this period he codified the criminal ordinances of the city, from the original record, was successful in establishing the fifth ward, so as to secure better school facilities in that ])art of the city, secured the regulation of hacks for passengers at the de])ot and began the work of cleaning up the public s(|uare, which had long l)een used as a place for unhitching and feeding, thereby enhancing the lieauty of the city. During his first term the water works of the city were eom|)leted and the systematic sewerage of the city was commenced. I le also succeeded in breaking up tlie tram]) nuisance by applying the "Ball and Chain'' under (he su|)cr- \ ision of Marshal Dice, and established the city |)rison system on a better basis than formerlv, and successfullv enforced the first saloon-closing ordinance.

His administration of the mayoralty was noted for its dignified trials of misdemeanors, its efficient public service and high moral tone, and marks the beginning of the public improvements for which the city is now distinguished.

W'hen his last term as mayor closed in i88i, he resumed the exclusive practice of law, which he followed very successfully until 1888, when he was elected probate judge of Wayne county, and was re-elected in the fall of 1891, serving two terms with the utmost satisfaction to all concerned and having thoroughly exemplified the doctrine that "Public office is a public trust." At the close of his second term in this office he once more resumed the practice of law and has continued with unabated success to the present time.

An interesting chapter in the life history of Judge Swartz is that bearing on his domestic life, which dates from October 8, 1872, when he was united in marriage with Martha J. Davies, of Granville, Ohio, in which community her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Davies, were long inlluential and highly respected citizens. Mrs. Swartz is a woman of pleasing personality, wherein good housekeeping, culture and refinement are harmoniously blended. She and her husband are the parents of five children, of whom four, two boys aud two girls, are living, all noted for their high attainments and integrity. They are graduates of the various educational institutions of Wooster. The oldest daughter, Mary D., taught several years in the Wooster high school. She then took a graduate course at Granville, Ohio, and another at Mechanics' Institute at Rochester, New York, in domestic science, and then spent three years in teaching the same at Fond dn Lac, Wisconsin. She then took a post-graduate course and graduated at Yale with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1909, and is now in the faculty of Teachers College, Columbus University, New York City, having charge of the department of nutrition. W'ayne graduated in the regular classical course of Wooster University, and during the past nine years has been engaged as teacher of English and history in the high schools of Coshocton and Chillicothe, Ohio, and later of Bridgport, Connecticut, where he now resides. Paul and Esther L. are also graduates of Wooster Llniversity. The former was distinguished for his rapid advancement in the natural sciences, and the latter for her genius in mathematics and her love of the modern languages. Paul, who was assistant at the chemical laboratory for two years under Doctor Bennitt, took a post-graduate course at Boston Technical Institute, from which he was taken into the active service by the Boston city commission and spent two years in the construction of the sub-ways of that city. He then had charge of the construction of an electric line from Annapolis to Washington, and afterwards served as one of the constructing engineers of the new tunnel under the Detroit river at Detroit. From there he was called into the United States government service as engineer of construction at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and is now assistant engineer in the department of maintenance of way of the Missouri Pacific railroad, with headcjuarters at St, Louis, Missouri. Esther has been a teacher of mathematics and the modern languages at Plano, Illinois, and is now located and engaged in that work in the high school at MMkefield, near Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island. All these children, though still young, are occupying positions of responsibility, and are doing credit to their parental home and training and to the beautiful city of Wooster, Ohio, and her educational and religious institutions. Mrs. Swartz has also contributed much for the advancement of religious and missionary interests and towards uplifting the general social tone of the city, being greatly interested in public improvements, cleanliness and thrift, and a woman who numbers her friends only by the large circle of her acc(uaintances.

Mr. Swartz is a man of intense energy and application. He goes into court with his case completely in hand. The labor of preparation is not considered. Everything depends on work and study - the study of men, as well as books. In counsel he is inquisitive, exacting and exhaustive, wanting to know the truth and the facts. As an advocate he is earnest, honest, resolute and persuasive, seldom drawing upon his powers of forensic flights when the plain facts are of greater value in presenting his argument. Lie is a peacemaker by instinct, and settles many controversies. Lie is industrious and untiring in his profession, and it is a rare thing to find him when not busy and in action. He is regarded by all classes as one of the county's enterprising, progressive, public-spirited citizens, quick to see, to seize, to act and aid in any project that means prosperity and growth to Wooster, and cherishing a deep interest in the work of the churches and Sunday schools and in educational advancement. Pleasant and impressive in address, he is kind, generous, congenial and companionable. He is also the author of a \ aluable law book entitled "How to Settle an Estate in Ohio," published by Waring Company at Norwalk, Ohio, and has in preparation another work on "Magistrate's Practice,'' and has invented and patented a number of useful articles, among the most im])ortant of which is an Australian ballot voting 'machine, which promi.ses to do away with election frauds and the long and wearisome counting of ballots at elections. He has achieved an honorable record in his ])rotession, and, in fact, all other circles, and he is esteemed for the many (pialities that go tf) make up the inherent and finer (pialities of a refined gentleman.

The Swartz Family

From the days of the wilderness and wild beast to the opulent present, the name Swartz has been a familiar and highly esteemed one in Wayne county and without exception they have played well their parts in the county's affairs and have alwa}^s stood in the front rank of her citizenship. One of the worthiest of this name was Samuel Swartz, who was born in Union county. Pennsylvania, June 3, 1816, and when three years of age his parents brought him to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1819, his father, John Swartz, settling in Canaan township, and his wife, nee Blocher, and their seven children starting life in a log cabin in true pioneer fashion. In 1834, atffhe age of eighteen years, Samuel Swartz first came to his homestead and hired out to John Miller, who recently had bought the tract from the government. He continued thus to work as a hired hand at clearing the then almost unbroken wilderness in company with his brother John until 1839, when he was married to Mary AI. Aliller, the daughter of his employer, then scarcely sixteen years of age, who had lived upon that farm from the age of six years, and whose happy companionship he there enjoyed for more than fifty years. She was horn in Jefferson county, Ohio, July i, 1824. In 1830 she came with her parents, John and Mary ( Welday) Miller, to find a new home among the then dense forests and bushy swamps of Milton township, and located upon a cjuarter section of land near the center of the township u])on the beautiful spot where she continued to reside for nearly sixty consecutive years. Here, in their small cabin home, surrounded by almost impenetrable woods, her young life found happiness in the open clearings and in the horseback riding and neighborhood gatherings, until, to this wilderness home, in 1834, came one, Samuel Swartz, whose youthful life, uniting with her own, turned both into that new channel which widened as the years gradually ripened them for the better land. He was then a clean, stalwart woodsman, always strong and robust, a hard and indefatigable worker. After the death of John Miller in 1840 Mr. Swartz purchased the farm and began the erection of new and larger buildings. Under the ringing blows of his ax, which he could wield with marvelous skill, the dense forest on his land was swept away and by the careful culture of later years his farm became noted as one of the finest in the county. He was a model farmer, taking the lead in husbandry of every kind. He was enterprising and thrifty, and prosperity constantly waited upon him and crowned his honest toil. His young wife shared with him in all his enterprises, often assisting him in the fields and clearings when household cares permitted, and was no less distinguished than he for her many virtues. Samuel Swartz was a man of strong will and determined convictions of right and duty and while these traits sometimes produced some friction in his dealings with others, his honesty and integrity no one could C|uestion. He was a generous and helpful neighbor and true friend, and was remarkably free from every vice and had but little charity for any form of it in others. Of pure thought, he never uttered a profane word or indulged in slang or vulgar speech of any kind. He was plain in dress and living and strictly temperate in all his habits; tobacco and strong drink of every kind he held in special abhorrence, and forbade the use of them upon his premises. Under the daily inspiration of such an example it is quite consistent that every member of his large family grew to maturity free from every one of these common vices. He was public spirited and was at different times elected to offices of public trust, which he filled very creditably. By industry and economy, at the age of forty years he was free from debt, and most of his subsequent earnings he expended in the education and culture of his children, to every one of whom he gave every opportunity in his power to obtain a good education. He was greatly assisted in this through the care and self-denial of his faithful wife, as her warm heart and active hands were unceasingly engaged in making provision for their support and clothing, at home and at school, and her gentle enthusiasm thus gave purpose and direction to their young lives. Their family consisted of twelve children, an equal number of lioys and girls, of whom all the sons and four daughters grew to maturity and are living at this writing. All of the sons and several of the daughters obtained an academic education, and all of the former ])ursued graduate courses in universities of their choice. John AI., the eldest son, graduated at Granville, Ohio, in 1869, and l)ecame a prominent lawyer at Newark, Ohio, and was at one time prosecuting attorne}' of Licking county, and afterward circuit judge in the fifth judicial district of Ohio. Hiram B., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, graduated from the literary and law departments of Michigan Luiiversity in 187a and is now one of the leading members of the Wooster bar, having been mayor of the city from 1877 to 1881 and later probate judge of Wayne count}-, h'ranklin P. graduated from Denison Lhn'versit}' at Granville, Ohio, in 1876, and from Rochester Theological Seminary in 1878, and for mau\- }ears was ])astor of the Bajhist church at Loudonville, and later the h'irst Baptist church of Kings Mills, Ohio. Samuel E. graduated at Granville in 1879 and for many years was princi]>al of the Newark schools, and is now professor of (h.emistrv and ])rincipal of the acadeim- at b'airmount College, Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Douglas A. was graduated from Adelbert College. Clex'dand. in 1884, and after a year or two of sercice as steward in the

Cleveland Asylum for the Insane, he began practicing medicine at Canton, Ohio, and is now in successful practice at South Whitley, Indiana. Ulysses G., the youngest son, graduated from Adelbert College in 1886 and is now in acti\e business in the oil industries at Whiting, Indiana. Of the daughters, Adeline married Henry G. Ziegler, now deceased; she is the mother of a large family, one of her sons, Harley H., being for many years the proprietor of the American House at Wooster, Ohio. Isabella married M. H. iMurdock, now deceased, late of Rittman, Ohio ; she is now living at Barberton, this state. Ellen S. married C. Blankenhorn, an educated and thrifty farmer living near Creston, Ohio, in whose home "Grandma" Swartz received the kindest of care during the last years of her life, after several years spent in Wooster and elsewhere in the homes of her children. Sarah is the wife of Rev. L. B. Harris, of Belton, Missouri. She completed her education at Granville, Ohio.

Samuel Swartz lived to see all his children converted and members of Baptist churches, and took great comfort in their progress. The mother lived to see thirty-six grandchildren and thirty-nine great-grandchildren.

In politics Samuel Swartz was a life-long Democrat of the Jeffersonian school and impressed his political faith upon every one of his children. He had no taste for the follies of life, and having never sown any "wild oats," he had no bitter crop to reap, and thus handed down in the very lives of all his children the happy fruits of a well-spent life. He was converted at an early age and united with the Dunkard church, the cardinal doctrines of N.hich faith he ever stoutly defended. He differed from his brethren upon some matters of dress and education and so drifted from them, but not from the hope of the gospel, and as his children grew up and united with the Baptist church, he with his good wife united with this denomination at Sterling, Ohio, in 1870, and he was chosen deacon. It was his custom to close e\ery day with family prayer, and he was a truly devout and consecrated man. He was impatient that sin in any form should enter the household of faith. He forgave and forgot all personal wrongs, and died at peace with all the world, his serene and gentle spirit passing to its rest, after a lingering illness of three years, which he bore with great patience and fortitude, on October 15, 1885, in his seventieth year.

Thus lived and died one of that noble band of pioneers whose strong and brave hearts "made the wilderness to blossom as the rose." All who knew him remember him as one who loved integrity and hated iniquity; a good-natured, cordial, honest man, whose worthy career should be emulated lu- the youth who desire to leave behind them successful records and win the hearty approbation of all with whom they come into contact. His f'^.ithful helpmeet survived him nearly a quarter of a century, answering the summons that all that is mortal on earth must answer, February 5, 1909. after a brief illness, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, seven months and four days. She was ever a most devout and active Christian and the memory of her long and beautiful life will rest like a loving benediction upon all who came within the large circle of her personal influence, and her good works will follow her, a precious heritage to her large fainilv of one hundred and eleven children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including their husbands and wives now living, and to the generations following.

Rising above the heads of the masses are many men of sterling worth and value, who by sheer perseverance and pluck have conquered fortune and by their own unaided efforts have risen from the ranks of the commonplace to positions of eminence in the professional world, and at the same time have commanded the trust and respect of those with whom they have in any way been thrown in contact. Among the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle excited the admiration of his contemporaries Dr. D. H. McMillen was prominent. He was widely recognized as one of the leading physicians of Wayne county and in his death the community suffered a distinct loss.

DeWitt H. McMillen was horn at East Greenville, Stark county. Ohio, on October 12, 1848, and was the son of John and Rebecca ( Nappenberger) McMillen. Both h's ancestral families were prominent and well known in Stark county. The Doctor was reared under the ])aternal roof and secured his elementary education in the common schools. He afterwards attended the Smithville Academy and then, deciding to make the practice of medicine his life work, he entered the office of his uncle. Dr. Alexander Mc.Millen, under whose direction he studied awhile. Sul)se(|uently he matriculated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Cincinnati and after his graduation there he entered upon the active practice of his profession at West l.chanon with his uncle. Dr. Alexander McMillen. lie remained hi the practice there a numher of years, gaining a wide-spread re])utation as an able and successful physician, and in 1890 he removed to Orrville, with a \ iew of securing a broader held for his practice. Here he immediateK' took a lore- most place in his profession and for many years was considered the leadingphysician in this part of the county. He enjoyed a large and remunerative practice and handled successfully many difficult and apparently hopeless cases of disease. In private life he was a man whom to know was to admire. Genial in disposition, courteous in manner and generous in his attitude toward others, he won and retained a host of warm personal friends.

In his religious belief, Dr. McMillen was affiliated with the Orrville iMethodist Episcopal church, of which he was a stanch and lilieral supporter, being a member of the official board at the time of his death. His fraternal relations were with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, of both of which bodies he was an appreciative member. His death occurred on the 15th of December, 1901, and at his funeral the remarkably large attendance was a notable tribute to the standing he occupied in the community.

On January i, 1876, Doctor McMillen was united in marriage to Alma J. Braden, the daughter of John and Mary Braden, of Sugarcreek township, this county, where she was born and reared. This union was a most happy and congenial one and was blessed in the birth of a son, Clyde Braden McMillen, who is now married and residing in Chicago, Illinois.

For the high rank of her bench and bar Ohio has ever been distinguished, and it is gratifying to note that in no section of the commonwealth has the standard been lowered in any epoch of its history. To John McSweeney, Jr., one of the representative attorneys of the northern part of the state, we may refer with propriety and satisfaction, for his record has been one of wffiich any community might well he proud. He prepared himself most carefully for the work of his exacting profession and has ever been ambitious and selfreliant, gaining success and securing his technical training largely through his own determination and well-directed efforts. He not only stands high in his profession, but is a potent factor in state and national politics, his advice being often relied upon in the selection of candidates and party policy, and he has led such a career, one on which not the shadow or suspicion of evil rests, that his counsel is often sought and heeded in important movements in the county and state. By reason of numerous innate cpialities, together with his pleasing address, his honesty of purpose and loyalty to his native community.

Mr. McSweeney has reached a conspicuous elevation in his chosen field of endeavor, and justly merits the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.

John McSweeney, Jr*, was born in Wooster, Ohio, August i, 1854, the son of John and Kate (Rex) McSweeney, each representatives of fine old pioneer families. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were John and Jennie (O'Connel) AlcSweeney, who came from Cork; Ireland, in 1824, and settled at Blackrock, New York, later moved to Navarre, Stark county, Ohio. They were the parents of seven children. The entire family, with the exception of one child, died of cholera at Navarre, Stark county, Ohio, in 1828, John, the youngest, being the sole survivor. He was taken by Mrs. Grimes, attended school, and was sent to St. Xavier College at Cincinnati. When about fifteen years of age he selected John Harris, of Canton, Ohio, as his guardian, who removed him to the college at Hudson, Ohio. John's father left him about eighteen hundred dollars in money, with which h was educated and became the great orator and lawyer. In 1849 John married Kate Rex. The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, on the mother's side, was Jacob Rex, and his great-grandmother, whose maiden name was Phillips, were born in England but with an admixture of German blood. They came to America and settled at Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, the town being named after the great-grandmother, Phillips. The maternal grandpare -ts of John McSweeney, Jr., were Jacob and Cathrene (M'itton) Rex, and were born in Phillipsburg. Their children were George, Jacob, John and Cathrene (or Kate), who married John McSweeney at Wooster, Ohio, George and Kate living here at that time.

Six children were born to John and Kate (Rex) McSweeney, namely: Two died in infancy, and Mary, aged nine years, died in Wooster; John, of this review, and Kate and Jennie survive.

John McSweeney, Jr., while yet a boy decided to follow in the footsteps of his father in the legal profession, and he succeeded to his office, his library and his practice, and he has been assiduous in his business, animated by the spirit and lingering presence of a distinguished and able sire, a man who needs no Tuscan urn to contain his ashes as a reminder of what ]>rofound learning and forensic eloquence may achieve. Me assiduousl}' i)rosecuted his studies in the local common and high schools, graduating among the first from the latter, and when twenty-one years of age, a time when most p'oung men are only getting well launched in their school work, he n as graduated from the University of Wooster, where he had made a brilliant record.

He then began stucl3hng law very earnest!}" in his father's office and later took a course in the Boston Law School, and he was admitted to the bar in 1879, and ever since that date his practice has been growing until he now has a clientele second to none in Wayne county. He was soon singled out by party leaders for public positions owing to his general popularit}" and recognized ability, and from 1879 to 1883, and immediately upon his admission to the bar, he was city solicitor of Wooster, and from 1883 to 1889 he very creditably filled the office of prosecuting attorne}" of Wayne county, both responsible positions having illustrated the vigilance and prudence of a conscientious public official.

The harmonious domestic life of Mr. McSweeney began in the spring of 1884, when he formed a matrimonial alliance with Ada Mullins, in education, refinement and temperament and in Irish descent, like himself, and in this old homestead of his parents, with their boys, this congenial association illustrates the sanctity and perpetual serenity of a beautiful domestic life. This union has resulted in the birth of the following children : Rex. James, John, and Averil, the last named dying in 1894. The maternal grandparents of these children were James and Hannah (White) Mullins, Mr. Mullins being a native of Dublin, Ireland, who came to America in an early day and was successful here in his life work.

Mr. and Mrs. AlcSweeney made an extensive tour of Europe in 1895, viewing, at Dublin, the ancient seats of the Mullins and McSweeneys, where Sween, the Norwegian king, guided his leaking hulk and tattered sails, in the storms of the northern seas, to found a race of immortal genius ; they later visited England, then to Germany, Erance and other interesting places on the continent.

John McSweeney, Jr., u-as born, educated and reared to manhood under the most propitious environment, and his parentage was prophetic of the personal graces and mental versatility which characterizes his manhood. In his father he enjoyed as brilliant an example as any Greek pupil ever found in his great master, and he carried in his blood the elocjuent suggestiveness, critical wit, and conversational elocjuence of the most perfect life of his time in these respects. But a German realism and common conservativeness predominated and moulded the Irish and elegant effusiveness of his father into the more steady illumination and persistent rationality of the German mind. A strange combination to produce an infrequent genuineness of characteristics of which he is the residuary legatee. Inheriting this genius of one unsurpassed in the accomplishments of elocjuence, wit and logical endurance of mental power, as was his father, so may he rejoice in the sanctification of virtue, prudence and good sense which marked the Rexes and which were possessed by his mother and illustrated by his uncle, Hon. George Rex.

Mr. McSweeney is a scholarly man and has a fine library of choice and standard literature, of which he is an appreciative student ; however, his legal work necessarily requires the major part of his attention, owing to its increasing volume of recent years. As his industry and vigilance as 'city solicitor and as public prosecutor elicited the hearty commendation of every one, so the evolution of greater qualities obtained him the nomination for judge, and, though a Democrat, the appointment by two Republican governors of trustee of a state institution is a criterion of his high standing in public life; and because of his public spirit, his honesty in all his relations with his fellow men, his generous and kindly nature, he has \von and retained a host of warm personal friends throughout northern Ohio. ,

As members of the Episcopal church, John McSweeney and his wife, also their children, early attracted by the literary beauty of the Book of Common Prayer, and the elegant and ancient form of worship, are consistent in the observance of the general principles of religious ethics. Without profanity, severity of piety or intrusive appearance of devotion, they are amiable citizens. The criterion of loving our neighbors is finely illustrated in John McSweeney. He has the dignity of a commoner. He is a kind, generous laborer in the pursuits of men ; possessed of a liberal ancestral estate, he is loyal to it; he labors for a living, and in his office as at the bar his nervous forces play in the dramatic anxieties of legal analytics and in the forensic and flowery combinations of logic and art and rhetoric. He displays an intellectual avidity among the occult themes of his profession. He contests his own thoughts with the interrogation of an inquisition. He is an orator in his high moments of rationalistic imagination and eloquent self-forgetfulness. Born and cradled among the leaves of the classic and the philosoiihic, he suckled the thoughts and the poesy and the spiritual enthusiasm of immortal authors, and his memory is a sarcophagus of the living images, and musical cadences, and fantasies, of every genius. Thus in the evolution the drama of the books was to play among the hereditary fibers, and attune the strings, with Orphean melody. Presupposing that the inheritance of wealth is an enervating element in the life of a genius, - a disease called aristocracy, - the younger McSweeney is not more aristocratic than the elder who coined this competency out of his genius, or than the mother whose ])rudential ability saved it. The honor of it all is in the benevolent proprieties, in its appropriation to taste and learning and in many generous alleviations of necessity.