Canton Township (part 10 of 62)

as does their present fine stone edifice, at the southwest comer of Tuscarawas street and McKinley avenue. It was a brick structure and was about fifty by seventy-five feet in dimensions. When it was first built the available resources of the society were inadequate to more than place the building under roof, and it remained unfinished for several 3'ears. At the time when the original structure was completed there was no tower, the spire and belfry being erected during the pastorate of Rev. E. Buckingham, about fifty years ago, this portion of the building being constructed of wood. There are records to show that Presbyterian missionaries visited this section as early as 1809, and occasionally services were held in house and barn, as opportunity offered, but, so far as tiie writer has been able to learn, no records of an organized church are to be found of a date anterior to 1821, when the First Presbyterian church of Canton was organized. Among the early clergymen of this faith to officiate in Canton were the Revs. Joshua Beer, James Adams, Matthews and Vallandingham, but there are no records to indicate that any one of these gentlemen was ever settled as a pastor in Canton. In 1820 Rev. James McClean, an Englishman by birth, began to preach for the Presbyterians in the old brick court-house that had been erected in 1 81 6, and he \'ery soon impressed upon the people the importance of organizing a Sunday school, and in harmony with his admonitions the first Sunday school in Stark county was organized by the Presbyterians on the 21st of December. 1820, the assembly being held in the court-house, with fifty-six persons in attendance. Rev. McClean continued to officiate here during that winter and the following summer, but was al:>sent more or less, visiting other isolated sections where church services were in demand. lie could find no records of an organized Presbyterian church in Stark county, and lie therefore gathered together the friends of such a church, and on the ist of September, 1821, effected the organization of the First Presbyterian church, with a membership of twenty-five persons. The first elders elected were Samuel Coulter and Robert and James Latimer, each of whom accepted the office. At the first communion and public recognition of the church Rev. A. Hanna, of Fredericksburg, was present to assist in the services. The next year the Rev. Mr. Mc- Clean pressed a little more strenuously for his salary than the church and congregation felt able to withstand, and it is said that he left the field by reason of tiie non-payment of his salary and that afterward he sued the trustees to recover the same, and that judgment was obtained against them by default, the trustees at the time having been James Gaff, Sr., George Dunbar and Robert Latimer. For several years thereafter the little congregation was without a pastor. In 1825 J. B. Morrow came here, a young theological student, and served the congregation, while in June of the following year he was regularly ordained and was installed as pastor of the Canton church, by the presbytery of Richland, Rev. James Rowland, ,of Mansfield, and Rev. James Snodgrass, of Pigeon Run, participating in the public services on this occasion. Mr. Morrow was the grandfather of Dr. E. P. Morrow, now a resident of Canton.

Rev. James B. Morrow was the first paston to be publicly recognized by the presbytery. He continued his pastorate here until December, 1830, and during his regime seventy-five new members were received into the church, so that the total number of members at the time of his departure was about one hundred. It was during his pastorate that the church took possession of the lots left by Bezaleel Wells for church purposes, and the}' began the erection of their first church edifice. Through the lack of funds and apathy on the part of some of the congregation the building remained uncompleted, and the pastor finally became discouraged and resigned his charge, removing to New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county. The Sunday school began to decline and the spiritual enthusiasm to wane. The church had occasional preaching, but had no settled pastor until there came to the rescue Rev. Timothy M. Hopkins, of New York. Both he and his wife were experienced school teachers and were quite vigorous and enthusiastic. Soon after their arrival in Canton they opened a select school, which soon gained the reputation of being the best ever conducted in Canton, the publicschool system having not then been established. The church had been without a pastoral incumbent almost four years at the time Mr. Hopkins came here. Very soon, under the effective efforts of this worthy man and his devoted wife, the house of worship was put in order, the Sunday school was re-established and definite progress began to be made. Among the active workers in the Sunday school at this time were Almon Sortwell, Thomas Goodman and William Lemmon. Mr. Hopkins was an outspoken temperance man and was not afraid to voice his opinions, and it is certain that the words uttered by him relative to this burning question had much to do with moulding the characters of some of the youth in his Sunday school.

After the pastorate of Mr. Hopkins, came that of Rev. W. B. Reeves, who was a good man and faithful, but hardly able to equal the record of his predecessor. During his pastorate the Rev. J. F. Avery, the Cleveland evangelist, held a series of protracted meetings in the church, and through his earnest exhortations each of the churches in Canton gained a number of members, more especially the Presbyterian. The work in this church became so heavy that the pastor felt his inability to properly handle it and accepted a call to a smaller congregation. Soon thereafter Rev. S. F.

Porter initiated his labors as pastor, remaining here two years and being succeeded by Rev. W. W. Taylor. Mr. Taylor was an excellent and able man, strong in his convictions and in the courage to defend them, while he was a fluent and forceful speaker and one who brought the utmost enthusiasm and zeal into his ministry. To him pi'obably more than to any other one pastor should be given the credit of bringing the congregation up to new-school ideas. The physical strength of Mr. Taylor was not great, and the tension of his work here proved severe, undoubtedly being the cause of his leaving the field, at the expiration of about four years. The next pastor was Rev. E. Buckingham, who assumed charge in 1846 and who continued to preside over the spiritual and temporal affairs of the church for the long period of twenty-six years, his pastorate having been of the longest duration of all incumbents the church has had. He was a man of more than average ability, firm in his convictions of right and duty, and industrious in all departments of church work. He left the congregation greatly augmented in numbers, and not only the church but also the entire community felt the loss of Mr. Buckingham, when he could no longer be counted as one of the ministers of Canton.

A very short time after the close of Mr. Buckingham's pastorate a call was extended to Rev. W. J. Park, who was at that time pastor of the Prebyterian church at Fredericksburg, Wayne county. He accepted the call and g-a^'e promise of great usefulness, but after several years he became complicated in charges which would reflect against the character of any clergyman, and in the autumn of 1879 he was suspended from the pastorate. Rev. J. H. Richie thereafter supplied the pulpit for a few months, until in 1880, the church was fortunate in securing Rev. David E. Platter, of New Jersey, as its pastor. He was a man well qualified for the position and was popular not only in his own congregation, but also in the community as a whole. He continued in pastoral charge about ten years, being compelled to resign by reason of an affection of the throat which rendered it impossible for him to continue speaking in public. Rev. H. Clay Ferguson was the next incumbent and remained until 1895, when, by reason of his views becoming antagonistic to some of the officers of the church, he withdrew, taking a number of the members of church witli him, and they organized a new congregation, known as Calvary Presbyterian church. Shortly afterward Rev. O. B. Milligan was called and installed as pastor and is the present incumbent. He has made wonderful progress in the upbuilding of the church, both spiritually and financially.

During the pastorate of Rev. D. E. Platter, a mission was started in the southwest portion of the city, the same being known as the Buckingham mission. It has been continued to the present time and a house of worship has been erected and paid for, the building being capable of seating about five hundred persons, and the w^ork is prosperous in all ways.

Methodist Episcopal Church In

It has been found difficult to discover authentic records of the earliest movements of the Methodists in Canton and the county, but the writer is impressed with the belief, from data obtainable, that his grandfather, Philip Schlosser (afterward spelled Slusser), and William Hill were the first resident Methodists of Canton. They often discussed and planned to have a church of their faith established here, and they improved every opportunity to enlist the co-operation of the itinerant clergy of the church in the holding of services as often as possible and also to hold class meetings. .Among the first to preach here were a presiding elder by the name of Waterman and Rev. J. Graham, who was a circuit preacher. They held services here occasionally as early as 181 7. Whenever missionaries came into the locality the Methodists here were quite active in working up a meeting for them. They had no regular place of worship. Sometimes they would assemble in private houses and occasionally they would occupy the old log court house which has been elsewhere described in this series of articles. Finally they met quite regularly in the old frame school house which stood on the block now occupied by the high school building. This old one-story school house was later moved to the northeast corner of McKinley avenue and Tuscarawas street and for a number of years was used as a cabinet shop by the late John McCurdy, while later it was removed about forty feet further north on the same lot, where it stood until comparatively a few years ago, when it was torn down.

After the first brick school house was erected on the school lot in West Tuscarawas street, the Methodists held their meetings for several years in the east room of the second story. It has been found impossible to determine the exact date of the organization of a Methodist society in Canton, but it must have been about 1822. About 1823 John McLean, who afterward became a justice of the United States supreme court, and whose sympathies were always with the Methodists, chanced to pass a Sunday in Canton as a guest in Dewalt's tavern. He inquired as to \^-lletller or not there was any Methodist meeting in the village that day and was directed to the old academy, or school building, where he found a few persons assembled for a prayer meeting, Philip Slusser being the leader. The leader was somewhat disconcerted to see a man of such dignified position come to the meeting, but when opportunity offered Mr. McLean arose and spoke so

About this time Rev. William Tipton was the circuit preacher for Canton, and it seems that he visited the place once each fortnight. In 1824 Rev. Daniel Goddard became the circuit preacher, and for some time thereafter Canton continued as a mere circuit station. The society began to grow, however, and in 1825 had quite a number of new and useful members, among whom were Drs. Thomas and John Bonfield, John Webb, Peter Tofler, "Mother" Cake, Jacob Rex and Newberry Cline. While the society met in the old academy, they had various preachers, among whom were Revs. Frey, Plimpton, Ruckel, Kent, Graham, Sheppard and Sheldon. During this time the question of buying a lot and making an effort to build a house of worship was c[uite generall}' discussed, and Dr. Bonfield, Newberry Cline and William Dunbar were appointed a committee to look up a location. In 1830 the society purchased the block of lots that lay between McKinle}- avenue and Dewalt street, facing on Eighth street and running back to Ninth. In 1833, near the center of the Eighth street frontage, they erected a modest little church. The building was forty by fifty feet in dimensions, and was all in one audience room, only eighteen feet in height, the two outside doors opening directly into the audience room. In the early times the women always took the west side and the men the east side of the church during all services, an intermixture of the sexes being then considered in exceedingly bad form. The contractor and builder of this primitive meeting house was the late Thomas Cunningham. Soon after the completion of the. building the circuit preacher, Rev. Milton Colt, died, and his remains were buried a short distance south of the church, I)eing remoA'cd to the cemetery a number of years later. About the time of the completion of the church. Edward White, Joshua Saxton,

William Dunbar, George N. Webb and Daniel Gotshall became active and useful members. In 1837 E. C. Patterson and wife settled in Canton and from that time forward they con-' tined to be valued members of the church until their death, a few years ago. Not long after they came to Canton, Rev. John M. Goshorn located here. He was a good preacher, but preferred to give most of his time and energy to school teaching. Shortly after his settling here, the two-story building still standing at the northwest corner of the block, and now used as a residence, was erected, and there was established the Canton Female Seminary, which had a most successful history under the capable management of Mr. Goshorn and his talented wife. No other select school in Canton has ever yet attained so great popularity and hirge patronage as did this seminary, and all good citizens regretted when it ceased to exist. Rev. J. M. Goshorn resided for the most of the time in the old Cribbs house, which is the two-story brick building on the northwest corner of Cleveland avenue and Fifth street, and here was conducted a boarding house for the young ladies who attended the seminary.

In the early occupancy of the church block a parsonage had been erected thereon, its location being at the corner of Eighth and Dewalt streets. It was afterward occupied for years by the late William Barber and his family. Additions have been made to the house, so that its appearance is materially changed, but it still stands on the original location. It should also be stated that a fourth building stood on the back of the middle lot, facing on Ninth street. This house was quite small, being not more than nine feet wide and not more than twenty in length. It was for a long time the snug and happy little home of the church sexton, James Armstrong, and his wife, Nancy. They were colored people and were the embodiment of good nature, while they not onlv looked carefully to the maintenance of neatness and order in the church building, but were also quite active in its services. They had no children. Armstrong was familiarly known in the town as "Black Jim." while his wife was called "Aunt Nancy." He was above the average physique, while she was quite small. Tn times of protracted meeting the voice of Black Jim could often be heard above all others. He and his wife finally removed to Mount Union, where they passed the remainder of their lives, having had many friends in the county.

John McCurdy and wife and Frederick Hafer and wife were among the old and faithful workers of the church, and in latter days David H. Harmon and wife and Peter Hugus and wife were very active workers, and always with the advance guard. Upon the opening of the female seminary by the Rev. J. M. Goshorn, the congregation began to feel that they should no longer be kept on a circuit, but have a regular and stated pastor. Their request to this end soon met with a favorable response, and their first settled pastor for all-time purposes was the Rev. Edward Burkett. It soon became manifest, however, that they could not pay a stated pastor for his whole time, and they were therefore compelled to again be assigned to a circuit, the same embracing Canton, Greentown, Hartville, Bethlehem, Sparta and Miller's church, in Pike township. The pastors who came after Mr. Burkett and kept up the circuit were Revs. White, Hare, Cramer, Baker, McCue, Swaney, McAbee, Jackson and Scott, and there may have been a few others whose names the writer has not been able to ascertain. About 1840 the Rev. Mr. McCue was carried away with the doctrines of Millerism, or second adventism, but the church was never affected by his fanaticism.

At the time of the opening of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, in 185 1-2, there were introduced into our midst E. Ball, C. Aultman and the Millers, which gave the town a new impetus, and the Methodist Episcopal church at once took a higher stand in the community than it had e\-er before occupied. Very soon thereafter the church people had a regular stated preacher every Sunday, and thus closed for all time the connection of the Canton church with the circuit system. The old frame church was soon found to be too small and \'ery much out of date, and in 1862 a very fine brick edifice was erected on the corner of Tuscarawas street and Cleveland avenue, the same having class rooms, Sunday school rooms, etc. This new house was a wonderful improvement upon the old, and the church grew and prospered in every way until January, 1881, when, as the congregation was about to celebrate the sacrament of the holy communion, on the first Sunday of the new year, the church was found to be on fire. Rev. Pliram Miller, who was then pastor, proved very calm, being a man of excellent judgment, and he managed to get the congregation out of the building without a panic, but the church was destroyed. The society afterward built their present fine edifice, which is of stone and which occupies the site of the old church. After the destruction of the former building several churches of other denominations, with true Christian courtesy, offered the Methodists the use of their respective houses of worship, but it was deemed best to rent a hall in the ]Monitor block, and there they remained until the present edifice was completed. The history of the church from that time to the present has been one of growth and spiritual and temporal prosperity, and the church is one of the strongest in the city.

The Baptist Church Aultman Hospital

Wajaiesburg.. and Re\-. Pitney Guest, of Pike township. Both settled in the county about 1825 and were considered good preachers in their time, but they were always fearful of making a start in Canton. In 1849 Thomas Goodman, Robert Latimer and the writer of this article resolved to make the effort to effect an organization in Canton. In April of that year the writer and his wife removed from Massillon to Canton, bringing our church letters with us, and we, together with Brothers Latimer and Goodman and Daniel Kreps, who was a clerk here and a Baptist, made a total of five. We at once arranged to have Rev. John Winter, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, moxe to Canton and preach for us, and he and his wife increased the number of our church folk to seven. We called a council in _\pril, 1849, ^"d effected an organi7ation as a Baptist church of seven membei's. On the 22d of April we organized our Sunday school, with foiu'teen in attendance. Our meetings at first, and for several months thereafter, were held in the little town hall, then located in the upper story of the okl market house, on the north public square. The Trinity Lutheran church had utilized the same room for a similar purpose about fifteen years previous. We then purchased from the late Ira M. Allen his frame school-house, twenty-four by thirty-six feet in dimensions, the same standing on rented ground at the corner of Eighth and Court streets, the site of the present Raynolds block. In 1851 we purchased from the late John Shorb a lot at the southeast corner of Tenth and Market streets, where the riarter block now stands. The lot secured had a frontage of only forty-five feet on Market street, and one hundred and five feet represented the Tenth street frontage. We then moved the frame building which we had purchased from Mr. Allen on to the east end of our new lot, and in 1852 we erected a brick edifice, the same being thirty-six by fifty feet in di- mensions and of more modern design and construction than any other church building then in the city. The old building was then used for the Sunday schood and for prayer meetings, and these two buildings continued to be thus used by the congregation until 1872, when we took possession of our present house of worship. The old church which had been adapted from the Allen school-house was then sold to J. C. Lantz, who removed it to South Rex street, and he used it as a shop until its destruction by fire, a few years later.

Rev. John Winter remained our pastor only a short time and then removed to Massillon, and we then had Thomas E. Inman and Andrew M. Torbet, who Avere both excellent men, but neither of them kept the pastorate long. Then followed Rev. P. M. W^eddell, a nephew of Peter M. Weddell, who built the Weddell hotel, long one of the finest houses of the sort in the city of Cleveland. He remamed with us seven years and did a good \vork. He then accepted a call to the Baptist church in Wooster, Ohio, and immediately thereafter Rev. Samuel Gorman, who was reared in Sandy township, this county, but who had been for a number of years a missionary in New Mexico, took the pastoral charge and here continued likewise for seven years. Before Rev. Mr. Gorman resigned we found that our membership had grown to more than three hundred, and the seating capacity of the original brick church proved inadequate. ' Among the strong members of the congregation was the late George Cook and it was decided that a larger building was demanded, but the lot on which the old church was located would not aft'ord the desired ground space. In 1871 the lot at the corner of Ninth and Market streets was purchased from the Kimball estate, and thereon the present church edifice was erected, at a cost of fifty thousand dollars, the church being free from debt. About the time this church was building Rev. Gorman felt it to be his duty to resign his pastorate, and then followed the pastorate of Rev. W. A. Smith, who was in charge for several years, and in 1876 he and forty-two other members withdrew and organized the Centenary Baptist church, but the organization lapsed within a year, Mr. Smith returning to the east, whence he had come, while the majority of the seceding members returned to the mother church. After Mr. Smith's withdrawal the church issued a call to Rev. Duncan McGregor, who was a Scotchman and a most excellent preacher, but he remained only one year, his wife persuading him to return to their native land. Shortly afterward we were favored in securing the services of Rev. E. W. Lounsbury, who remained our pastor for seven years, doing a good work. He was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Ashley, who was with us a few years, without any marked change. Then came Rev. J. F. Rapson, who was a consecrated man and a hard worker, but his health and strength were not such as to justify his remaining. He took a smaller charge in one of the New England states, and died a few years later. After these two short pastorates the church was fortunate in securing Rev. J. N. Field, who did an excellent and fruitful work during his seven years' pastorate, and who then accepted a call fnom th6 Prospect Avenue church in Buffalo, New York. Rev. L. M. Roper succeeded Mr. Field, and after a service of four years he felt it his duty to resign in order to return to his native state of South Carolina, where he continues in the work of the church.

The Disciples Church

has been impossible to discover any definite record concerning the organization. It is, however, recalled that Alpheus Brown and the late John Koons were among the members. They had no house of worship, but held most of their meetings in the old court house, which was built in 1816, with occasional meetings in private houses. Between 1840 and 1849, while the writer was residing in Massillon, the late Rev. Alexander Campbell, of Bethany, West Virginia, came there and preached in the old Christian church upon several occasions, and it was also said that he held services in Canton at that period. Upon the writer's return to Canton, in 1849, he found that the little church of Disciples had disbanded, and very soon after the organization of the Baptist church here Deacon Daniel Grace, who had been prominently identified with the Disciples in Canton, cast in his lot with the Baptist organization, proving one of the zealous and worthy workers in the same. He remained a faithful member until his death, in 1876. A few years after the organization of the Baptist church in Canton, in 1849, the present Disciples church was organized. - about 1 85 1 or 1852, - and very soon thereafter the society erected a brick church on the southeast corner of South Cleveland avenue and Seventh street, on the lot now occupied by the city hall. It was a plain but substantial brick building, thirty-six by fifty feet in dimensions, with a seating capacity adequate to accommodate about three hundred persons. It has not been possible for the writer to discover any record as to the organizers of the church, as has been already stated, but he personally knows that John Koons was one of them and also believes that this gentleman's brother-inlaw, John Correll, of Plain township, was one of the constituent members of the second organization. In the early history of the present church there were identified with the same several of the Littles, the Ownes, George Prince, Mr. and Mrs. D. Risher and Mrs. Allison Dun- bar, but it is not known whether or not the}' were constituent members. After thein house of worship was completed, nearly half a century a,§o, the Disciples had some able ministers and visitors, among the latter being the late James A. Garfield. President of the United States, and the writer can well remember hearing him speak in the church in Canton before he became known to the nation as a great and honest politician. It is thought that Rev. Alexander Campbell did not visit Canton after the ; organization of the present church, his visitations having been made while the first organization was yet in existence, and when no house of worship had been erected by the society. He died on the 4th of March, 1866, and had traveled very little for several years prior to his demise.

During the war of the Rebellion, the congregation became quite weakened, but maintained regular meetings. In 1866 Rev. S. Chapman came to Canton and assumed the pastorate, reorganizing the congregation with about twenty members, and soon an era of prosperity dawned on the church, and it now has a good standing among the religious bodies-in Canton. Not long after the coming of Mr, Chapman, the city made overtures for the purchase of the church property, as it was then the project for the building of the fine city hall on this block of lots was being brought definitely forward, it being altogether desirable that the city should thus acquire the corner occupied by the Disciples church. Nine thousand dollars was finally offered for the property, and as this was considered a good price, the church society accepted the proposition. The church then purchased their present lot, on Ninth and Dewalt streets, and soon afterward erected their present attractive church edifice, while the society has been growing and enlarging its influence from that time to the present. After Mr. Chapman, the society had a number of pastors, among whom may be mentioned the Revs. Ingram, William Hayden, Joseph Ross, Hensilman, W. A. Watkins, R. G. White, John E. Potmds, E. R. Black, C. G. Brelos, H. F. Lutz and the present pastor, Rev. C. A. Hill, who has tlie reputation of being a careful and earnest worker, while the church is in a prosperous condition. There may have been a few other pastors and the above list may not be in accurate and chronological order, but the data is the best obtainable without official record, which is not accessible.

The United Brethren Church

The first church edifice erected by the United Brethren in Canton was built in 1869. It stands on the corner of Charles and Willets streets, is constructed of brick and is about thirty-five by forty-five feet in dimensions, while at the time of its erection it was considered on a par with the best church buildings in the town. Since the congregation has built and occupied its new edifice, at the corner of Cleveland avenue and Tenth street, the old building has' been utilized as a Jewish synagogue, while the African Methodists have also held their services in the building. The exterior appearance of the structure has not been materially changed during the long intervening years, and the present beautiful edifice of the United Brethren, erected somewhat more than a decade ago, is among the best and most moderm in the city, having represented an expenditure of about thirty-five thousand dollars. The first building is not as old as others previously described in this series of articles, but there were a number of families of this faith in and near Canton some years before an organization was efifected or an attempt made to build a house of wonship.

Among them is recalled the venerable Rev. John Neisz, who lived on his farm, about three miles south of Canton. He took a deep interest not alone in the early history of this church in Canton, but also in other parts of the county,, while occasionally he extended his trips throughout the western part of the state.

In the building of this first United Brethren church, Rev. Father Neisz aided quite freely in the financial department, as well as in his exhortations to others to help. He was a man of wide acquaintance and was much loved and respected. The first efforts of the church people of this faith were directed in securing the assembling for prayer meetings in private houses and of an occasional sermon, and they soon became impressed with the conviction that they had a mission to perform here and which they could accomplish only by organizing under their own denominational name, and this soon led to the purchase of a lot and the erection of the church. At the dedication of their first house of worship Bishop Jonathan Weaver ofiiciated, and he is still living at the time of this writing, being well advanced in years and a man of wide influence in the religious world. The first trustees of this church in Canton were Cornelius Weidner, Alfred Gonser, John Fulk and Solomon Yant. At the time of the building of their first church they had a membership of about thirty persons some of them in most moderate circumstances, so that it implied consecration and self-abnegation to assume the responsibility of building a church, even though the same cost only a few thousand dollars. Among the constituent members aside from those already mentioned were Hester Gonser, Miss C. John Swartz and wife, Mrs. Solomon Yant, Henry Cavnah and wife, Nancy Hammond and a few others. During the winter of 1870-71 there was quite an acquisition to the membership, among the number being William McCammon and wife, Andrew Cubbison

The first regular pastor was Rev. J. Cecil. He was a man of large physique and was equally powerful as a preacher and worker. The church then had for a short time as pastor the Rev. Lehmasters, and he was succeeded by Rev. A. Bowers, who remained only one year. In September, 187 1, Rev. B. F. Booth took charge of the congregation and continued pastor for six years. He was a man of more than ordinary ability and was much esteemed by all, the congregation being much enlarged and strengthened by his pastorate. He was afterward elected secretary of the general missionary organization of the church, retaining this office until his death, a number of years later. Rev. Samuel Koontz became pastor in September, 1877, and so continued until about 1 880. In September, 1 880, Rev. R. Rock took charge of the work, remaining two years and doing a good work. Twenty-four members were received during his pastorate and a good financial report was made. Rev. Charles N. Queen succeeded Dr. Rock in 1882, and after remaining one year returned to college to complete his studies. He was absent one year and then reassumed his pastorate here, remaining two years longer. He was a young man of marked abilit}- and a good pastor. During his pastorate the annual conference added two appointments to the charge, the Warner church and the Middlebranch mission, both being a number of miles northeast of Canton. During the interval of Rev. Mr. Queen, Rev. H. A. Dowling filled the pastorate, but the work was somewhat broken at this time by the frequent changes which had been made in the clergy in charge thereof. In 1886 Rev. William Williamson came to the church and remained its pastor for the ensuing ten years, being a successful and untiring leader. The Warner and Middlebranch appointments were taken from the charge in September, 1888, but

\he church in Canton continued to be in part .lej)en(ient for its support upon the missionary board until 1892, when it became self-supporting. ]\Ir. AVilliamson was an indefatigable worker, and held the esteem and confidence not alone of his own people, but of the community in general, while he was progressive in his views and aided in all moral reform work, being specially pronounced in his hostility to the liquor traffic and making many addresses here and elsewhere in favor of the temperance cause.

Mr. Williamson discerned the need of having the church more centrally located, in order that more efficient work might be done and accommodations provided for the United Brethren families who were taking up their residence in the city. By his advice the lot at the southeast corner of Cleveland avenue and Tenth streets was purchased, and the present commodious and attractive brick edifice was erected thereon, the new church being dedicated in 1895. In 1896 Mr. Williamson resigned to accept the pastorate of the church at Altoona, Pennsylvania, and shortly afterward Rev. P. M. Camp became the pastor of the Canton church, over which he remained in charge only one year. He was a good man, an able speaker and was well liked here. His sudden and unexpected departure somewhat checked the church work, but soon the congregation secured the services of Rev. Dr. J. A. 'Weller, but he likewise remained only one year, being succeeded in September. 1898, by the present pastor. Rev. Charles Crewbaker, who came here from Maryland. His earnest and faithful work has won to him the affectionate regard of his people and the respect and esteem of the entire community.

The financial undertaking involved in the purchase of the lot and the erection of the new church was a large one, considering the fact that the membership of the church was not large and that most of the number were persons in moderate circumstances, and the burden became the greater owing to the financial panic which swept the country at the time the new building was in process of erection, but that success crowned their, efforts stands in evidence of the devotion and zeal of the church people. The}- deserve much praise for what they have accomplished, and the church is now making most .satisfactory progress in both its spiritual and temporal work.

The following list of trees, that attain a growth not less than sixteen feet in height and four inches in diameter, has been made out after considerable research : White oak, red oak. chestnut oak. Burr oak, swamp oak, black oak, Spanish oak, scrub oak or black jack, post oak, pin oak, black walnut, white walnut, shell-bark hickory, pig-nut hickory, bitter hickory, sycamore, yellow poplar, cotton wood, basswood (linden), mountain ash, white ash, green ash, swamp or black ash, sugar maple, hand maple, red or swamp maple, silverleaf maple, box elder, wild cherry, choke cherry, dogwood, ironwood, black or sour gum, white elm, slippery elm, sugar or huckberry, yellow beech, white beech, water beech, prickley ash (tooth-ache tree), cucumber, tamarack, locust, honey locust, crab apple, white pine, spruce pine, black willow, wild yellow or red plum, service or June berry, sassafi'as, yellow birch, witch hazel, wild plum, sweet gum, white cedar, red cedar, weeping willow, yellow willow, pawpaw, chestnut, whitehorn, white mulberry, black mulberry.

shade. Among the most conspicuous may be mentioned tlie buckeye, horse chestnut, catalpa, Ailanthus, Enghsh, Scotch and box elder, white fringe, Norway spruce, balsam tir, Scotch and Austria pine, balm of Gilead, I^onibardy and silver-leaf poplar.

Our Representatives In Con

Ohio was admitted as a state in 1803, and had but one representative in the lower house up to 1813. That one was Jeremiah Morrow, of Warren county. In 181 2 the Ohio legislature made the first apportionment of the state into districts for the election of congressmen, making six districts, of which the sixth was composed of Tuscarawas, Stark, Columbiana, Portage, Trumbull, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Ashtabula, Knox. Wayne and Richland. The first man elected from the district was John Stark Edwards, of Warren, Trumbull county. He was the son of Hon. Pierpont Edwards, of New Haven, who became proprietor of Mesopotamia, Trumbull county, in the division of lands among the parties composing the Connecticut Land Company. Stark, as the son was familiarly called, went to Mesopotamia in the spring of 1799. He was commissioned recorder of Trumbull county in July, 1800. by General St. Clair, and held that ofiice until his death in 1813. The winter of 1804-5 he spent in Chillicothe, then the capital of the state, in an effort to obtain a division of Trumbull county. "The bill passed the house nine to one, but was postponed in the senate to next session," - so he wrote to his friends in Connecticut immediately upon his return to Warren. January 15 of the same year he wrote, "My legal business supports me handsomely."

Johnson, in behalf of himself and Stark's "good sister," writes him, "We trust we shall in due season see you descending the waters and crossing the mountains to advocate your country's interests in Washington." In reply he wrote, "I often experience much real pleasure in contemplating the future greatness of this flourishing and rising country. I can behold cities looming up in the future which shall equal in population and splendour those of the Atlantic states - a rich, well improved and highly cultivated country, and as great a share of luxuries and enjoyments of life as are necessary for our happiness. I am heartily tired of living alone. You must look me up a wife. Things are taking such a course as will give us a tolerable society in this place, when I must eventually settle down." In 1807 he married a lady of Springfield, Vermont, returned with her to Warren and resided in a house with Simon Perkins until he had a dwelling erected for himself. In 181 1 he and his brother Ogden bought to their father the Put- In-Bay islands and stocked them with one hundred and fifty Merino sheep and four hundred hogs. The same year he was commissioned colonel commandent of the Second Regiment, Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Ohio Militia. On Hull's surrender in August, 1812, he marched his regiment to Cleveland and was active in arousing the country to the threatening dangers. Having made himself somewhat prominent before the people, and regarded as a man of more than ordinary ability, he was by common consent supported and elected to congress.

In the winter following, while at Put-in- Bay island arranging his business, with the expectation of being absent some tune, he was much exposed and contracted what he iupposed to be a bad cold. After a few days' confinement, feeling better and concluding to start, he arose from his bed in the morning, walked across the floor, was heard to cough and then give out a sound as if choking-, when he fell and died in a few minutes. He was in his thirty-sixth year; tall, stoutly built, of florid complexion and commanding presence. His death shed sadness and gloom over the whole country. He was a graduate of Princeton College; studied law in New Haven, attended the lectures of Judge Reese at the law school in Litchfield, Connecticut, and was admitted to practice in March, 1799. He was regarded as the most gifted of all the brilliant lawyers who early settled in the Western Reserve. Although Colonel Edwards was the first congressman elected he died before taking his seat.

These facts have been obtained from the Historical Collections of the Mahoning Valley, through the courtesy of Dr. Julian Harmon, of Warren. Colonel Edwards was followed in 1814 by General Beall.

Gen. Reasin Beall

The condition of the country, growing out of the war with England, rendered it necessary, in the opinion of President Madison, to call an extra session of congress in 181 3. The death of Colonel Edwards left our district without a representative. A special election was held and Gen. Reason Beall, of New Lisbon, was elected.

General Beall was born in York county, Pennsylvania, August 10, 1770, and removed with his father, while young, to Washington county, same state. On attaining his majority he entered the United States army, and was made an ensign March 7, 1792, being promoted to adjutant and quartermaster the following year. On his retirement from the army he settled in Steubenville, but not liking the place removed to New Lisbon in 1803. While there he was made clerk of court, in which capacity he served a number of years. His service in the regular army imbued him with military spirit and he was quite active in infusing a like spirit among the people, organizing the militia and preparing them for the conflict which soon followed. Organizing a regiment, he was made colonel, and as soon as the increase of troops justified was elected brigadier general. The surrender of General Hull at Detroit created a great panic over the country, many of the inhal)itants of this section returning to Pennsylvania for safety. Li this state of affairs everybody turned to General Beall as the man to devise wa^s and means for protection. He lost no time in organizing a battalion of men and marching them to the support of the frontier inhabitants of Wayne and Richland counties. Block houses were built in different localities of Stark county west of Tuscarawas river. George W. Raff, founder of the Central Savings Bank, was born in one of them.

General Beall marched his troops to Camp Huron where he joined those from the Western Reserve under General Wadsworth and General Perkins. Here they were reviewed by General Harrison, and the army being reorganized General Beall returned home. He took his seat in congress May 24, 181 3. In this extra session as well as in the regular session following, he gave his best efforts in the support of measures for the rigorous prosecution of the war. There was opposition, that being the time of the Hartford convention and the Blue Light Federalists of New England. General Beall was not much of a politician, and as his domestic ties were very strong, the duties of a congressman became ii^ksome and distasteful. He concluded to resign at the close of the session of 181 3-14, which he did.

The office of register of the land office for the Wooster district becoming \-acant in 1814 General Beall Avas appointed to the place and immediately thereafter took up his residence in Wooster. He held this office until 1824, when he resigned, intending to retire from pub- lie employment. With the exception of being chosen a presidential elector in the campaign of 1840 he took no part in politics. He died February 20, 1843. General Beall was a man of commanding appearance and made a favorable impession upon all with whom he came in contact. He was regarded as a man of strict integrity and scrupulously honest. Considered wealthy lor his day. he was liberal in his contrilnitions to promote morality and religion. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and died in the full faith of the promise of a Redeemer.

A daughter of General Beall married \\\\\- iam Christmas, a prominent merchant of Canton, who died here in the 'thirties. Mrs. Christmas was a woman of more than ordinary ability and at one time was an influential member of society.

Following the resignation of General Beall, came David Clendenan, of Trumbull county, who served the unexpired term of General Beall and was re-elected a second term, ending in 181 7. Notwithstanding considerable effort, we ha\-e been unable to gather any information in reference to the Hon. David Clendenan. as to where he was born, where he died, or what was his profession, - a sad commentary upon the posthumous fame of a congressman. W't have looked into the history of Trumbull county, consulted the annals of the Western Reserve, delved among the archives at Washington, but all to no purpose. Poor comfort for a man ambitious to carve his name upon fame's proud temple.

Peter Hitchcock

means being limited, he was compelled to leave college at intervals and engage in teaching to raise the means whereby he was enabled to graduate. There would be Ijut few Yale graduates at the present day if candidates had by their own labor to earn the means of paying their expenses. !Mr. Hitchcock after graduating, studied law, and was admitted to practice. He opened an office in Cheshire, his native town, but "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," and as clients did not appear in sufficient numbers to satisfy his ambition he left for the west and in 1806 settled in Burton, Geauga county, Ohio, where he entered a tract of land, upon which he made his home the remainder of his life. He tauglil school, practiced in the courts and occupied his leisure time clearing and cultivating liis farm, in which he always took great pride. Although he li^-ed some distance from the court house, his law business increased with tiie population, and so popular did he become that his reputation soon sjjread over a wide extent of the country, and notwithstanding there were many lawyers of ability from the east settled in the Reserve, Mr. Hitchcock always maintainetl a leading position at the bar. In 1810 he was elected to represent Geauga coimt\' in tlie lower branch of the legislature. In 181 J he was elected to the senate, and re-elected in 18 14, during a ])ortion of v.-hich term he was made presiding ijfficer. Both in the house and senate he always took a prominent [jart in the proceedings and exercised great influence over the members. In the fall of ,1816 he was elected to congress, taking a seat in the house of representatives in December, 1817. He served but one term and before its expiration was elected by the Ohio legislature a judge of the supreme court of the state of Ohio for the constitutional term of seven years. He was re-elected in 1826, and again lirought out in 1833. but Jackson Democracv was then at a hiyh tide, and as

Judge Hitchcock belonging to the x\dams party he was defeated. He was not, however, allowed to remain in private life, but was again elected to the state senate, serving two terms and discharging the duties of presiding officer during the last session. In 1835 he was again elected to the supreme bench and at the close of his term was defeated by partisan opposition, but again re-elected in 1845, retaining the office of chief justice until 1852, when he voluntarily retired from public service. He was made a delegate to the convention to revise the constitution of Ohio in 1850 and he is credited with bringing about the most important changes in the old instrument. Although he held the office of chief justice, his labors in the convention did not prevent the performance of his usual circuit duties on the bench, though it was laborious work. In his habits he was systematic, punctual and attentive, dispatching business with peculiar facility. He was a man of robust health, unexceptional habits, and capable of severe mental effort. His strong natural faculties had been improved Ijy habits of sobriety, personal self-denial and untiring industry. He was a Christian, liberal in his contributions to worthy objects and strong in his domestic attachments. He died at the house of liis son, Hon. Reuben Hitchcock, Painesville, Ohio. March 4, 1834. when on his way home from attendance in the supreme court at Columbus, where overwork. had brought on severe illness. Judge Hitchcock belonged to that race of men, now almost extinct, who belie\ed the office should seek the man, and not the man the office. Let us pray for a return of that race in increased numbers.

John Sloan

John Sloan followed Peter Hitchcock and served this district in congress from 18 19 to 1829, ha\ing been returned fi\-e times. At the time of his election he was a citizen of

Wooster. He was born in Maryland, served an apprenticeship at the wheelwright trade and followed that occupation in Steubenville before Ohio was a state. He was a man of more than ordinar_\- ability and, being a good talker and manifesting commendable interest in public affairs, he was elected in 1804 to the legislature, as a member of the lower house, and re-elected the two successive sessions. In 1808 Presiilent Jefferson appointed him neceiver of the land office established that year in Canton. He remained a citizen of Canton until ordered to remove the office to W'ooster in 1816, and then "the star of empire began to take its way westward." In the fall of 181S he was elected to congress and the next year resigned the office of receiver.

The journey from this section to Washington at this time was made on horseback, as there were no public conveyances. The route was througli southern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Members of congress wintered their horses with the farmers residing near Alexandria. John Randolph and John C. Calhoun kept their iiorses where they boarded in Geoi^getown, and rode over to the capital. The pay of congressman at that time was eight dollars a day and mileage. They were allowed the franking privilege, which was quite a consideration to members who had much of a correspondence, as postage on a single letter from \Vashington to Canton was eighteen and three-fourths cents. Board and lodging ran from five to eight dollars a w^eek.

The first re-apportionment of this district was made by the legislature in 1822. The number was then changed from the sixth to the twelfth and was composed of Columbiana, Stark and Wayne counties. Colonel Sloan served one term in the sixth district and four in the twelfth. During the year he was made chairman of the standing committee on elections. During the ten years he occupied a seat in congress he was a popular and intlucntial mem- ber, maintaining and vindicating the interest of his district and the county with signal power and ability. He was on terms of close intimacy with Henry Clay, who held him in high esteem as a man and a statesman. He supported John Ouincy Adams in preference to General Jackson, and notwithstanding the excitement that followed the election of Mr. Adams, so popular was Colonel Sloan with the people of his district that he was elected the fifth time in 1826, and though the excitement continued to increase, in the contest of 1828 he was only beaten by a few votes. After the expiration of his congressional career he was appointed clerk of the Wayne county court, which position he held for seven yeaijs. In 1841 he was appointed secretary of state of Ohio, discharging the duties of that office three years. Diu-ing the administration of President Fillmore he was made treasurer of the United States. On his return from Washington, in 1853, he retired from public life and died in Wooster, May 15, 1856, aged seventy seven.

Dr. John Thompson

The district at this time was known as the twelfth and was made up of Columbiana, Stark and Wayne. The political parties of that day were designated the Democratic or Jackson ])arty and the Republican or Adams party. The former obtained its chief support from the south and west, and the latter from the New England states. Many of the leaders of the Adams party were accused of federalism - that is, with a leaning toward monarchy or a more central government. In the presidental contest of 1824 there were four candidates in the field. Tiiat was before the day of calling national conventions to nominate. As neither candidate received a majority of electoral votes, in accordance with the provision of the constitution, it devolved upon the house of representatives to elect a President from the three highest candidates. Jackson had ninety-nine, Adams had eighty-three, Crawford, forty^one, and Clay, thirty-seven. The excitement in the house during the canvassing was what might have been anticipated; from ways thai are dark and tricks that are subtle, those of the office seeker are past finding out. The charge of "bargain and sale" in politics originated at that time, and the reader is aware how it has flourished since. From the inauguration of Adams to the next presidential election party spirit ran high and the contest was most acrimonious. Those in office, in the hope of being retained, were unsparing in their denunciations of General Jackson. No candidate before or since was so villified and abused. When elected, the circumstances surrounding him demanded, in justice to the administration, that he remove his enemies from official positions. Senator Marcy, of New York, annunciated the doctrine that "to the victors belong the spoils of the enemy," and that has been the practice ever since by both parties, modified to some extent.

The congressional contest in this district in the fall of 1828 was remarkably, active. Both parties resorted to every means in their power, except "boodle," and that "root of all evil" difl not at that day enter in as a factor in political contests. John Sloan was a candidate for re-election for the sixth term. He Avas considered the best known and the most popular man in the district. Having served for a number of years as government receiver of public moneys at Canton and Wooster, and making a favorable impression upon all with whom he came in contact, and having proven himself a wise and judicious legislator, it was thought that he could not be defeated, but he was, by Dr. John Thomson, of New Lisbon. The latter was born in the north of Ireland, and came to this country with his parents when about seven years of age. They settled in Butler couiUy, Pennsylvania, where he remained until grown, when he studied medicine and removed to New Lisbon. During" the war with England, which soon followed, he imbibed quite a military spirit, and as he took an active part in the organization of the militia he was promoted to the position of major general. He was a man of fine appearance, particularly on horseback. He served three terms in the house and two in the senate of the state legislature, from 1814 to 1821. He was not only very popular with his own part}^, but his gentlemanly bearing and kind and conciliatory manner secured the respect and esteem of his political opponents. The crowning excellency of his life was his piety. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church, and during his term in congress he was a regular attendant upon the weekly prayer meeting composed of men of both political parties. He enjoyed the society of good men and loved to join with them in praise and prayer. He was always very neat and particular in dress. It was said of him that upon his first visit to Washington, and before taking his seat in congress, he purchased the finest suit of clothing in the city, and before leaving for home he stored the suit away until his return, giving as a reason for not taking it with him that crossing the mountains was hard on clothing and he wished to avoid soiling them. He was assigned a member of the standing committee on public expenditures, and spelled Thompson without the p. He died September 9, 1852, aged seventy years.

Benjamin Jones

Benjamin Jones, of Wooster, -\\-as our representative from 1833 to 1837. He was born in 1787 in Winchester. Frederick county, Virginia. He served an apprenticeship for seven years to the trafle of cabinet making, worked as a "jour" several years and then started Inisiness for himself. Not succeeding as well as he anticipated, he took the contract for carrying the mail on horseback from Canton to Mansfield. Tiring of that, and still anxious to accumulate, he engaged in merchandising. This brought him more in contact with people and made him a politician. He was elected a representative to the state legislature in 1821; in 1824 he was district elector on the Jackson ticket, and twice he was elected to the state senate, serving from 1829 to 1832.

Though possessed of a limited education, Mr. Jones was endowed with strong natural sense and a happy faculty of expression by which he matle a favorable impression. He was a man of attractive social qualities and an interesting story teller. General Jackson was in the habit of inviting him to the White House purposely to help him entertain company \\\t\\ his jokes. He was strongly built, of dark complexion and a member of the Baptist church, though a devoted worshiper of General Jackson and loud in his expressions of Democracy.

The writer of this has a distinct recollection of Congressman Jones stopping over in Canton on his way to Washington by stage, that his constituents might have the opportunity of an interview. He put up at the Eagle Tavern, on the site of the first National Bank, then kept by George Dewalt (grandfather of Mrs. Mc- Kinley, Avife of our present congressman), and the bar-room was given up to callers. The writer, then a lad of twelve, with a crowd of boys, occupied the pavement, looking through the window to see this distinguished individual, who made an impression upon us as would Stanley, the African explorer, or Buffalo Bill upon the boy of today. He served while in congress on the committee on territories. He died of disease of the heart April 24, 1861. aged seventy-four.

Mathias Shepler

The census of 1830 gave the state an increased representation in the lower house of congress, consequently it became necessary to redistrict. Wayne and Stark alone furnished population sufficient to constitute a district, and were united, forming the eighteenth. Columbiana was severed from Stark and made a part of the seventeenth. General Thomson, of that county, who had been our previous representative, was re-elected from the new district. Rotation in office was, and is yet to some extent, an accepted principle in politics. Two terms were supposed to be sufficient to satisfy the ambition or cupidity of the average office seeker. Exceptions occur in the enforcement of this rule, and where the incumbent has the ability and the backing he is continued in office. It was this rule of action that governed the South in ante-bellum times and which gave them the advantage over the North in national legislature.

Ben Jones, of Wayne, having had two terms, it was conceded that Stark was entitled to the honors. The political leaders in Stark county at that day belonged to .the Democratic party and were the JMcCullys, Johnsons, James Kelly and Tom Blackburn, of Massillon ; the Dunbars, Doc Stidger, Belden and Starkweather, of Canton : Arnold Lynch and Judge Greenwood, of Paris. It was the custom of those men to put their heads together and deal out the offices.

Malhias Shepler was a well-known, popular man, having served a num!)er of terms in the legislature, and while he was not aggressive - that is to say, had not been instrumental in effecting any changes in the existing laws or in creating new ones, and had not in any way aroused the ()p])()sition - it was decided to bring him out as a Democratic candidate for congress. Tlie ^\'hig candidate was Samuel Ouinby, 'if Wooster. Mr. Shejiler made no effort to secure his election. Although in comfortable circumstances, his contribution was limited to what was equitably his proportion of the expense legitimately incurred in entertaining speakers from a distance, the music and necessary printing. No man was hired to electioneer, nor was there any money given to purchase ^'otes. The saloon was not then a factor in politics, nor had our foreign population anything to say in the matter. The farming curnmunit}' and the mechanics of the towns were the controlling element. The vote of Stark county was for Shepler, one thousand, nine hundred and sixty-five; for Quinby, one thousand, seven hundred and fifty.

Mathias Shepler was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November 11. 1790. His advantages of early education were limited. He served in the war of 1812, married in 1816, and in April, 1818, removed to Ohio, settling upon a quarter section of land entered by his father in Bethlehem township, Stark county. His wife accompanied him on horseback, carrying a child the whole distance.

Air. Shepler uas a fine looking man, erect in bearing, a pleasant countenance, courteous in manner, making" favorable impressions upon all with whom he came in contact. He was deliberate in forming an opinion, and when formed, not easily moved. In a new county such a man soon becomes an important factor in society. He was the man chosen to settle neighborhood disputes in controversies. It was not long until he was brought out for justice of the peace, and, although he had no desire for office, he could not refuse the importunities of his friends. For nearly thirty years he ser\ ed in that capacity, and his docket, still preserved, is a model of neatness and method. His popularity became widespread, and he was announced as a candidate for county commissioner. Twice was he elected to this office. Then lie was sent to legislature, twice to the house and four times to the senate. He was also made a member of the state board of equalization. Fortunate in so conducting- himself in the various offices he had filled as to meet the approbation of his constituents, it was but natural that they should desire his promotion. He found life in Washington and the duties to which he was assigned different than what he anticipated. He was placed on the committee of public expenditures, and soon discovered that he had not the knowledge of national affairs necessary to satisfactorily discharge the duties devolving upon him. He was too honest and conscientious to play the sinecure. Mr. Shepler was a member of the United Brethren church, and was particular in observance of the rule that should mark Christian conduct, and the habits and ways of many of his associate members were distasteful to him. He was not a public speaker, and felt that he had undertaken a task for which he had not the qualifications, and but for the importunity of friends would have resigned at the expiration of the first session. He peremptorily declined re-election.

In private life Mr. Shepler was above reproach. He was liberal. In the erection of a United Brethren church in his neighborhood he was chief contributor, and when no more subscriptions could be obtained he fm-nished the balance necessary to its completion. When the June frost of 1859 came upon us and completely destroyed the wheat crop of that year, a famine was predicted. Many farmers had sold all their grain, not even retaining sufficient for seed. There was a feeling of alarm, and a luish was made for the wheat yet in store, some wanting it for seed and others for speculation. Mr. Shepler had between three and four hundred bushels on hand. The first caller was his neighbor, Mr. Leiter. He wished to purchase fifteen or twenty bushels for seed. "Have you the money to pay for it?" inquired Mr. Shepler. "To be sure I have," replied Mr. Leiter, rather nettled at the question.

"Then you can buy it of some one else," coolly remarked Mr. Shepler. "What wheat J have to spare I shall sell to those who need it for seed and have not the money to bu_\-. They can pay for it out of the next crop." Such evidence of generosity is not an e\-ery-day occurrence. As has been before remarked, Mr. Shepler made no pretentions to public speaking. The only time he was ever known to make an effort in that direction was while a member of the state board of equalization. The member from the adjoining county of Tuscarawas had made quite an effort in a speech before the board, to reduce the valuation of land in his county, by comparing it with Stark, the most valuable land in the state, because most productive, while Tuscarawas was hilly and iiocky, and only fit for pasture land. There was quite a disposition manifested to reduce the valuation of Tuscarawas, when Mr. Shepler took tlie floor and, in his honest, frank manner, stated in substance that while he would agree with the gentleman from Tuscarawas as to what he had said about the good quality of land in Stark county, he would differ with him in his estimate of Tuscarawas. He had neglected to mention or allude to the advantages of his section in her mineral resources. If those hills did not produce wheat with Stark, they had underneath the soil mineral resources and salt, far more valuable than anything that could be raised from the surface. Mr. Shepler's remarks were brief, but to the point, and effectually settled the question without disturbing the valuation that had been fixed by the board.

Mr. Shepler left his farm in i860 and to Navarre, where he died April 7, 1863, from a disease of the respiratory or,gans, supposed to be consumption. His body was interred upon the homestead farm. Mr. Shepler was married three times. He had one child by his first wife, John R. Shepler, still living, a retired minister; six by his second

There is a lesson in the life of every man. That learned from the life of Mathias Shepler is that education is a necessary factor to the dexelopnient of the great or useful man or woman. Some men are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them, but these are exceptional cases. Unless an effort be made to develop the mind in youth and a taste for knowledge excited, it is rarely a thing attended to in adult years. Mr. Shepler had natural ability. All that was wanting was opportunity for cultivation. Had he enjoyed this he would have made a very able man.

David A. Starkweather

On the refusal of Mathias Shepler to accept a second term in congress David A. Starkweather, a well-known Democrat and a man of acknowledged ability, was brought out. Mr. Starkweather was born in Lincolnfield, Connecticut, graduated at Williams College, Massachusetts, studied law with his brother, in Cooperstown. New York, was admitted to practice in 1827 and located in Canton the following year. The law business at that time in the West was not brisk, neither did it pay well, as people were too poor. Consequently Mr. Starkweather had much leisure time. The county was full of game, and he enjoyed outdoor sports, particularly fox hunting. He kept a pack of hounds and often on still mornings, at early dawn, his hounds would be distinctly heard on the "plains," west of town, in hot pursuit of the game. For many years, in company with other noted fox hunters, he continued this sport.

Mr. Starkweather was eminent as a lawyer. In his day the bar at Canton stood exceptionally high, a majority of the members being men of more than ordinary ability. There were Harris, Metcalf, Lathrop, Jarvis,

Griswold. and Belden, residents of Canton. Then there were those who reguarly at that day rode the circuit. There were Tappen, Wright and Goodenow, of Steubenville, Loomis, of New Lisbon, Powers, of Akron, Avery and Cox, of Wooster, and on special occasions Siliman, of Zanesville, and United States Senator Ewing, of Lancaster. For any of these Mr. Starkweather was always a match.

Mr. Starkweather was four time elected a member of the state legislature, three times to the house of representatives, and once to the senate, serving in this capacity from 1833 to 1838. When a candidate for congress the first time he was opposed by Hiram B. Wellman, a prominent citizen of Massillon, a man of liberal education, and at that time engaged in commercial pursuits. The vote in Stark county was, for Starkweather, three thousand, one hundred and eight, for Wellman, two thousand one hundred and eighty. When a candidate for the second time his opponent was General John Augustine, a popular man had been elected to the state senate seven terms in succession. The Democrats had a majority in both branches of congress during Mr. Starkweather's career. Yet there was no measure of special national interest in controversy. "The "second sober thought" of the people, which followed the log-cabin and hard-cider campaign of 1840, revolutionized public sentiment and the Democrats had everything their own way. The overthrow of the United States Bank was folloAved by a crusade against paper money. Gold and silver - "Benton mint drops," as it was facetiously called, - "seen through the interstices of every man's purse." was the by-word of the administration followers.

Mr. Starkweather was assigned to the standing committee on roads and canals the first term, and invalid pensions the second term. He was much interested in the treat- ment received by the Indians at the hands of ' the government and made several speeches in their behalf, which were highly commended. He was exceptionally popular with members of both the political parties and exercised much influence over them. A number of years ago the writer was on a visit to Georgia, and while there called upon General Toombs, who was a member of congress at the same time. He inquired particularly about Mr. Starkweather, and spoke of him in eulogistic terms as a man of ability and integrity, though they were of opposite politics. Mr. Starkweather's second term in congress expired during the administration of President Pierce, by whom he was appointed minister to Chili, a position held through the succeeding administration.

As a citizen Mr. Starkweather was progressive, and always ready to help any measure calculated to benefit the public, faithful and honest in the discharge of every duty, both public and private. Decided in his convictions, he was never aggressive or offensive in his efforts to convince others. As a friend he was de^"oted, kind and true, making the cause of his friends his own and never permitting an unjust attack to go unrebuked. As a public man he met every question presented in an honorable, candid spirit, and was never known to be influenced by selfish interest. He was true to those he represented, and studied their best I interest. Whether as a member of the Ohio legislature, member of congress or foreign minister, he never shirked grappling" with the most intricate or delicate questions which arose, nor to antagonize the greatest minds of that day, and never failed to win the admiration of his friends and even adversaries. It was at the bar, however, that he shone with the brightest luster. Fitted by nature for that particular field, he entered the arena with success written upon his brow. His natural abilities enabled him to grasp the principle of the case and his quick apprehension to detect it in all its details and bearings. As an advocate he had few equals and however dry the case, he would have something in it by which he could reach the heart. He was familiar with the scripture, and it was his habit frequently to enforce an idea upon the jury by reading passages from the Bible. In the defense of a young man charged with larceny he so wrought upon the feelings of the crowd that they broke forth in cheers. The court and sheriff exerted themselves to keep order, but in vain - they could not restrain themselves. The court, discouraged in its efforts to obtain quiet, remarked to the sheriff that there was but one alternative, "either imprison the crowd or stop Mr. Starkweather; the first was impracticable, and the second unconstitutional." It is easy to imagine that his client was triumphantly ac- (|uitted amid a burst of applause. He was a man of rare genius, of critical judgment and quick apprehension. His voice was attractive, sweet and melodious, his gestures graceful, and his deportment earnest, - just the requisites for success.

It should have been mentioned that at the expiration of Mr. Starkweather's first term in congress Wayne county insisted upon her; claim to the seat. Stark county having occupied it two terms in succession, the limit then allowed by the aspirants in the different counties constituting the district. Although Mr. Starkweather was the more popular man, yet, rather than have any disturbance in the ranks, he withdrew from the contest and allowed the representative from Wayne county to inter- \'ene.

Mr. Starkweather died of paralysis at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Brinsmade, in Cleveland, July 12, 1876, aged seventy-four years. He had four children, three daughters and one son, all of whom are dead, with the exception of Mrs. Brinsmade. Mrs. Starkweather died several years before her husband.

Ezra Dean

Mr. Dean served in congress the tour years that intervened between Air. Starkweather's first and second term, from 1841 to 1845. Mr. Dean was born in Hillsdale, Columbia county. New York, April 9, 1795. The family dates their ancestry to the settlement in Massachusetts in 1630. When in his seventeenth year he was appointed by the secretary of war, ensign in the Eleventh Regiment, United States Infantry, then on duty on the northern frontier. He was commissioned second lieutenant by President Madison, to rank from October i, 18 14, for meritorious conduct in the sortie of Fort Erie September 17, 18 14. He was in the battles of Bridgewater and Chippeway, and his regiment -had the advance in the storming of Oueenstown Heights. At the close of the war with England and before he had attained the age of twenty, he was placed in command of a revenue cutter on Lake Champlain, in which capacity he rendered etl'ective service against smugglers. After two years' service in guarding the northern frontier he resigned that position and was assigned a place in the corps of government engineers to run the boundary line between the states of Maine and New Brunswick. He was engaged in that service about one year, when he concluded to take up the study of law and make it a life business. He engaged with an attorney of Bloomington, A^ermont, completed a preliminary course and was admitted in 1823. The following year^ he came to Wooster, Ohio, and opened an office. As he became known business came to him. and it was not long before he had established an excellent reputation. His habits were unexceptionable and his morals above reproach.

the legislature judge of the common pleas court, the circuit being composed of the counties of Knox, Wayne, Holmes, Richland, Medina and Lorain. He served his term of seven years and gave very general satisfaction in that function. At the expiration of his term he resumed the practice of law. Though not renowned, he was always regarded as a safe counsellor. He was elected to congress in 1840, and re-elected in 1842. In such estimate was he held by the party at this time that he was a competing candidate for United States senator when Ben Tappen was chosen, and lacked but one vote of being the successful man. During his first term in congress he ser\ed on the committee on territories. Atthe second term he was made chairman of the committee on militia. While in congress fudge Dean made a leading speech on the political issues of the day, which was extensively circulated as a campaign document, and he frequently engaged in the running debates of the house, not being particularly identified with any special party measure, though always recognized as a stanch Democrat. He was a great reader and his mind was well stored with useful knowledge, particularly in ancient and modern history. His convictions were well settled in what he believed to be right, and he adhered to them with a firmness and uttered them with a boldness that neither tumult or claiiior could modify or subdue. His firmness sometimes subjected him to the accusation of dogmatism. In manner he was rather reserved, but dignified, not cordial or genial, yet he had many warm friends. In stature he was above medium height, athletic and well proportioned; complexion, dark, with a countenance that indicated deep thought and inflexible resolution. At the expiration of his last term in congress he resumed the practice of law in Wooster. John McSweeney had just completed his studies in Canton, and was taken in partnership. It was not long before

During the Civil war Judge Dean took a decided stand in favor of the Union and, as " a Democrat, gave moral support to the administration in its efforts to suppress the rebellion, and cheerfully gave his consent that his son enter the service. As he was a warm supporter of General Jackson in his stand on nullification, so was 'he with Abraham Lincoln to prevent a dissolution of the Union. In 1867 he removed to Ironton, Ohio, where he had a son living, E. V. Dean, Esq., engaged in the practice of law. He had his home with him when he died, January 25, 1872, aged seventy-seven years.

Samuel Lahm

Samuel Lahm was born in Leitersburg, Washington county, Maryland, April 22, 181 1. After receiving all the educational advantages the schools of his native town afforded he was sent to Washington College, Pennsylvania, where he graduated. Henry A. Wise and James G. Blaine, as well as many other distinguished men, were graduates of this institution. Jefferson College, located at Cannonsburgh, seven miles from Washington, was the first incorporated institution of learning west bf the mountains. As Washington and Jefferson both originated in the same church, a movement was inauguiiated at the close of the Civil war to consolidate the two, and then commenced a struggle as to which one should be sustained. Jefferson was the older and had the prestige of success. Her alumni, proud of her reputation and cherishing her memory as a child would that of a person, labored for the survival of the fittest; l)ut Washington had the material aid that controls destinies, and the courts decided the matter in favor of Washington, and christened the institution Washington and Jefferson College.

The writer of this was a Jeflferson College student and had frequent controversies with Mr. Lahm on the comparative merits of the rival institutions, which is the apology for this irrelevant paragraph.

Mr. Lahm studied law in Hagerstown, the county seat of his native county. Completing the usual course of study, he came to Canton in the year 1834. As the laws of Ohiorequired that he be a resident of the state one year before he could be admitted to practice, he entered the law office of Almon Sortwell and employed much of that time in the study of the statutes of the state. At the time Mr. Lahm became a citizen of Canton a debating society known as the Lyceum was in active operation. There belonged to it the most intellectual men of the -town. The society met once a week in a room of the old Academy, situated on the ground now occupied by the high school. The exercises consisted chiefly of debating, and the questions selected for discussion were those in which the public took an interest - political, religious or scientific. The proceedings were conducted according to strict parliamentary rules. A censor was selected for each evening, who passed upon the performance of the members, their pnonunciation, delivery, etc., always with considerate feeling for the performers. There has never been a literary society in Canton from that day to the present in which the town felt as much interest, or from which the citizens of all classes derived as much benefit. Among the prominent members may be mentioned Hiram Griswold, George W. Belden, H. C. Stowall, Almon Sortwell, Joseph Whitney, J. D. Brown, C. C. . Haddock, F. A. Schneider, William (jaston, Thomas Goodman, Rev. Taylor, Madison Raynolds, Dwight Jarvis, L. M. Whiting, William Ramsey, Seraphim Meyer, Judge George Rex, John McSweaiey, Louis Schaefer, all of whom are now dead, with the exception of Goodman and Meyer. Mr. Lahm unit- ed with this society soon after he came to Canton, and in due time was assigned a disputant in a discussion. The question was: "Were the removal of government deposits from the United States Bank justifiable?" It was the exciting political question of the day. The writer of this, then a school boy, has a very distinct remembrance of the impression made upon the audience by Mr. Lahm in his maiden effort. His tone of voice, easy delivery, clearcut propositions, and the apparent ease with which they were enforced seemed to carry conviction to all. There was but one expression by the crowd on leaving the coom. and that was that the new comer was decidedly in advance of any of the old members. Politics at that time ran high between the Whigs and Democrats, and when Mr. Lahm avowed himself an adherent of the latter party, there was great rejoicing among the Democrats.

Mr. Lahm commenced the practice of law under very favorable auspices and soon had all the business he could reasonably covet. It was not long before he was sure to be engaged on one side or the other of every important case in court. It was about this time that the following incident occurred, which received a wide circulation in the papers : A witness was called to testify. On presenting himself at the bar the clerk propounded the usual question : "How do you swear?" meaning, do you swear or affirm : upon which the witness promptly replied: "1 swear for Sam Lahm." }ilr. Lahm was twice elected prosecuting attorney of Stark county, serving from 1837 to 1841.

Militia training was at that time in vogne. and as ^Ir. Lahm e\inced a taste for military display he was elected brigadier-general, from which he ever afterward enjoyed the title of general. He was twice elected to the Ohio senate, serving from 1842 to 1844. ^^'hile a member of the senate the question of state banks reform was an engrossing subject of legislation. General Lahm's course on this question did not exactly meet the approval of some of the leaders of the party at home, and when a candidate for the third term he was defeated by the treachery of pretended political friends.

The congressional district had a decided Democratic majority, and as the Whigs had no hope of success with a candidate of their own. they were quite willing to form a coalition with the friends of General Lahm and support him for congress. He was accordingly announced as an independent candidate against ]Mr. Starkweather, the regularly nominated candidate. Though under some obligations to the ^^ big party for his success, he in no way compromised his political principles, but in every party measure identified himself with the Democracy. During his career in congress he made a speech that was adopted by the national Democratic committee as a campaign document, and was said to have had great influence over the country. General Lahm was a candidate for second term in congress, being regularly nominated l)y a Democratic convention in 1856, but it was the year that Know-nothingism swept the countr\-. and he was defeated. In his day General Lahm was the most popular stump-orator in the district, and was regarded as among the l^est in the state. He was a man of fine appearance, with a ready command of language. He was earnest, logical, forcible and persuasive. He laid his foundations with care, built his arguments with skill and made them con\-incing. For many years, during every actixe campaign, General Lahm was always in demand. He had a strong voice and there is no doubt that it was his outdoor speaking which led to its impairment and influenced him to withdraw from politics. He made a large purchase of land on the plains, and ga\e his attention to farming, at which he continued until his death. June 17, 1876.

General Lahm was twice married. His first wife was Miss Almira Webster Brown, a relative of Daniel Webster, and his second wife w'as Miss Henrietta Faber, of Canton. By the first wife he had five children, four sons and one daughter. Two of the sons enlisted in the war of the rebellion, and both died of sickness. Bv the second wife he had three was born in Jefferson county. New York, June 22, 1812. He began life for himself as an apprentice to the printing business in the office of Thurlow Weed, in Rochester. He secured the means, by saving his earnings, to obtain an academic education, studied law, was admitted to the bar and hung out his shingle in the same place soon after attaining his majority. After several years' trial, not meeting" with the measure of success he desired, and impressed with the idea that "a prophet is not without honor, save in his own country," he decided to change his base of operation, and accordingly removed to Ohio. He settled in Akron in 1836, and formed a partnership with Alvah Hand, under the firm name of Hand & Cartter. From some incompatibility this firm did not long continue united. \Mien they separated Cartter and George Bliss formed a connection, and they soon acquired a reputation as a strong firm.

Although Cartter's success in the legal profession was sufficient to satisfy the ambition of most men, still he was not content. He aspired to something higher, having an inclination for congressional iionors. As there was no hope of success in Summit county he decided to remove to the congressional district of Wayne and Stark, then desiginated the Gibraltar of Democracy. It was charged against him when a candidate for nomination, by some of the rival candidates, that he removed into Stark purposely to reach congress. In tlie light of subsequent e\'ents that was probably true, but wherein the wrong? If he had the ability to win the prize from the candidates of longer residence, so much more to his credit. On general principles, qualifications being equal, the longest resident and the one most identified with the interest of his constituents should be preferred, but qualifications first.

Mr. Cartter came to Massillon in 1845 and formed a partnership with H. B. Hurlbert. His reputation had preceded him and he soon became a leading lawyer at the Canton bar, then considered one of the ablest of northern Ohio. He was a man of commanding appearance, face pock-marked, voice coarse, rough in manner, and a terror to witnesses, neither chaste in language nor polite in manner. He had an impediment in speech, but it never interfered with his efforts before the court or jury. It rather emphasized his language. He took an active part in politics soon after he came into Stark, was prominent in conventions and popular as a speaker. The Whigs feared him. He was a thorn in their side. Their papers wrote him Decay Cartter. He received the nomination for congress in 1848. His W'hig opponent was Samuel Hemphill, a lawyer of Wooster. Cartter was elected, carrying Stark county by a majority of ten hundred and three votes. He was nominated for the second term in 1850 and reelected by a majority in Stark of nine hundred and seventy-nine. His opponent at this election was John Brown, of Wayne county. At the expiration of his term in congress Mr. Cartter withdrew from party affiliation, and soon afterward settled in Cleveland. ' On the organization of the Republican party he was united with it, and again became an active politician. He was appointed delegate to tlie Chicago convention in i860, and claimed the honor of Lincoln's nomination to the presidency, his services being recognized by appointment as minister to Bolivia. This place.

however, did not suit his taste and he soon resigned and came home to ask for something more congenial. He was then appointed chief justice of the supreme court of the District of Cohimbia. His quahhcations for judgeship are better described by legal friends who had opportunity of forming an unbiased opinion and who furnished the writer with the following, in substance :

He was a man of vigorous intellect - elementar\- in his style of reasoning and acting and independent in thought, with the courage to follow his convictions. He was not much of a student, but understood and grasped the elementary principle of the law with wonderful clearness and power. It is told of Chief Justice ^Marshall, that in the supreme court consultation he said, after some discussion : "The law is so and so - I do not know where to find it, but Justice Story will be able to tell you." Judge Cartter was of such a type. He knew what the law ought to be - that it was probably stated in some text book or decision, but he was not able to cite the book or case. It may be truly said that he won for himself the repute of having a strong and judicial mind. He went on the bench as chief justice of the supreme court of the District of Columbia at a time when a vigorous, courageous and aggressive mind was necessary in the court. The atmosphere about Washington was so charged with disloyalty that even in the court where litigation of the district was carried on a man of fearless and aggressive mind was requisite. The radical change and conditions of affairs brought new and important questions before the court. Precedents were searched for in vain. Laws had to be made to meet the new and strange conditions of affairs. Cartter's mind was so elementary, and his courage of the kind that made it easy for him to reach satisfactory conclusions and cut through the difficulties. He made his impress upon the judicial proceedings of the court, and his record is in every sense one entirely creditable to him. He grew to the full measure of the emergencies and had the brains and the fearlessness to meet all difficulties and successfully surmount them. It is safe to say that if he had been more of a student in his early life and had had the suavity and culture of his contemporary, Chase, he would have been one of the foremost judges on the federal bench.

It is well known that when in practice ^Ir. Cartter was often rough and coarse in his style of trying cases, and in later years referred to it as something to be regretted. He was not proud of the character he had won in that style of litigation. While brusque and at times arbitrary on the bench, he was quick to take in the humorous side of the case, as the following incident will exhibit : Mrs. Lockwood, a lawyer practicing at the Washington bar, appeared in court with a party whom she wanted to offer as surety on an appeal bond, and it was necessary that he be approved b}- the court. The surety offer was a typical Virginian darkey of the old school, wearing an old silk hat, an ancient dress coat, with brass buttons and what was once a white vest, in which garb he appeared before the court, hat in hand. Judge Cartter eyed him curiously and then blurted out: "Well, uncle, what's the condition of your earthly possessions?" The darkey, having been sworn, testified that he owned a certain well known piece of real estate unincumbered. Cartter, after hearing his statement, said, "Well, you'll do. If you can show as good spiritual assets on judgment day you'll be well off." He approved the Ijcind. The spectators and lawyers were hilarious and the darkey marched out of the crowded court room with a triumphant air.

George Bliss

From 1833 to 1853, a period of twenty years, the eighteenth congressional district, then composed of Wayne and Stark, was not changed. In 1842 the legislature redistricted the state and an effort was then made to separate the two counties, in order no doubt, to give some Democratic aspirant of an adjoining county a chance for congress. But Judge Hostetter was the senator for Stark that session and he opposed it violently. He belonged to the Jacksonian school, and was uncompromising, saying, in a speech, that "It must be \\'ayne and Stark, or Stark and Wayne; damned if he would ever cast a vote for anything else," and as there was no yielding on his part, so it was made. The inhabitants of the two counties are homogeneous people, mostly Pennsylvanians and their descendants, and they did not like the idea of being associated with Yankeedom.