Canton Township (part 11 of 62)

George Bliss, who served in the district from 1853 to 1855, 'w^s born in Jericho, Vermont, January i, 181 3. He came to Ohio in 1833 and graduated from Dennison College, Granville. He studied law with D. K. Cartter, in .Akron, and after being admitted to the bar was taken by him into partnership. As a firm they were quite successful. On the election of Judge Wade to the United States senate Governor Wood.appointed Bliss his successor, a position he held until a change in the state constittition in i85;3 vacated the office. He made an able judge. Soon after his retirement from the bench he removed to Wooster and formed a partnership with John Mc- Sweeney. In 1852 he received the nomination for congress from the eighteenth district, and was elected. His opponent was Darius Lyman, a member of the third party, then known as the Free-Soil party. It is proper to state, for the information of those ignorant of political movements of that day, tliat as the Whig party lost support the Free-Soil gained. The Free-Soil party then held the same relation to the two great parties. Whig and Democrat, as does the Prohibition party of today. The present Republican party is made up of what was left of the Whig party, united with the Free-Soil party. The apportionment under the census of 1850 increased the ratio of representation, and as Wayne and Stark had not the numerical strength required it became necessary to make a new deal, and they became separated, much to their dissatisfaction. The result was Portage, Stark and Summit became the eighteenth district and Wayne was made a part of the fourteenth. Judge Bliss was elected a second term and served in the thirtyeighth congress, from December, 1863, to March 3, 1865.

Judge Bliss was a man of fine appearance and of acknowledged ability. He had a peculiarity of expression, or rather a hesitancy in his speech, occasioned by a twitch of the muscles of one side of the face; but it was never considered a disadvantage; rather the contrary, as it made his expression more emphatic. He was a forcible speaker, argumentative and influential, whether before a jury or promiscuous audience. He married Miss Fish, of Williamstown. New York, who bore him five children, one daughter and four sons. They, with the mother, afterward resided in Brooklyn, New York. Judge Bliss died in Wooster October 24, 1868, from paresis, commonly known as softening of the brain.

Benjamin F. Leiter

Benjamin F. Leiter was born in Leitersburg, Maryland, October 13, 1813. His father was a carpenter by trade and of limited means. His early education was what the common schools of that day aft'orded. Em' phatically was he a self-made man, and whatever of honor and fame he attained in after

He left liis parental home wlien ahout twenty to \\s\\. liis uncle. Jacob Myers, owner of the Myers mills, on East Nimishillen, near Canton. Pleased with the country,, he concluded to remain, his uncle proffering him employment at whate\er there was to do about the mills - driving teams, attending to the mill or keeping books. Ben, as he was familiarly called, was stout and hearty and of an accommodating disposition, willing to turn his hand to anything that offered. Naturally of bright intellect, he employed much of his time in reading and study. He had some experience in teaching before lea\-ing home, and the second winter in Stark he was employed to take charge of a school in an adjoining district. The patrons of the school were well jileased with his ability, and when the present free school system went into operation he was the first teacher engaged in Canton.

While empli)yed in teaching he was elected township clerk and also justice of the peace, which office he held for three successive terms. During this time he took up the study of law. reciting to D. A. Starkweather. On his admission to the bar he formed a partnership with Hon. George W. Belden. He was attentive to business and did well ; became actix'e in politics, and, in connection with Ed Carney, purchased the Stark County Democrat, then owned by Colonel Gotshall. They ran it in partnership a httle over a year, when, not being able to agree, they sold out to McGregor & Son.

Mr. Leiter was what is called in the political parlance of the day. a '"hustler." and in 1848 was elected to the state legislature, and again in 1849. At the latter session the two parties were so equally divided that there was a bitter and prolonged contest for the speakershi]). Mr. Leiter obtained possession of the chair by a cimp de main, and after consideralile filibustering, with some sacrifice of comfort, succeeded in being made permanent speaker. He was apt in acquiring the necessary knowledge to become a parliamentarian and was soon a popular presiding officer. In 1850 he was a candidate for the senate, but was defeated, while the balance of the Democratic ticket was elected. This was a rebuff' and calculated to embitter his feeling against the party. He liecame lukewarm in politics, and for se\eral years measurably stood aloof.

In the spring of 1854 Senator Douglas" bill, repealing the Missouri Compromise, caused great dissatisfaction throughout the North. Mr. Leiter was among those who were hostile to the measure and was \'ery outsp(-ken in his denunciation of the administration. ^VlliIe this state of feeling was rife a secret, oath-bound political organizatitm, known as "Know Nothings," sprang, like Jonah's gourd, into existence. The writer is unalile to state by wliat mighty magic this order succeeded in bamboozling so many voters into the order, but they went in - \yhigs, who were in the fi.x of Macawber, "waiting for something to turn u]) :" disaffected Democrats, who wanted an excuse to leave the party ; the floating vote, who went in from curiosity, and some from a prejudice against foreigners and Catholics. Mr. Leiter was a chief among them, and so manipulated the crowd that he secured the nomination to the thirty-fourth congress as a Republican and was elected, receiving in the district 8. 738 votes, against 5,023 votes for Ebenezer Spalding, Democrat. His course in congress meeting the approbation of the Republican part)-, he was renominated at the district conventirm and re-elected, defeating General Lahm, Democrat. During his entire service he was a member of the committee on Lrdian affairs. The remark has been frequently made that

Ben Leiter was the most thoughtful and obliging congressman ever sent from this district in remembering his constituents b}' supplying them with documents and seeds.

Mr. Leiter married Miss Catherine Burger, of Canton, by whom he had seven children, all dead but one daughter, Mrs. Volney l^'ulmer. of Canton. One son was killed in the army. Benjamin Leiter died on June 17, 1866.

have served in congress from the Stark district and are no longer living. My effort has been to keep alive their fading honors. The later members are still living and adding to their history. Their records will be written when ended, if not l)y me, by some other hand. Tliey are Sidney Edjerton, of Summit county; Ephraim R. Eckley, Carroll county; Jacob H. Ambler, Columbiana county; L. D. Woodworth, Mahoning county; J. H. Wallace. Columbiana county; William McKinley, Jr., Stark county.

Biographical

WILLIAM McKINLEY. - To the state of Ohio has been given the supreme honor of furnishing- to the United States every President chosen by the people since Abraham Lincohi to the present writing, 1903, with a single exception. Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Harrison and McKinley were all natives of the Buckeye state.

The last named of these great sons of Ohio, William McKinley, was born at Niles, Trumbull county, on January 29, 1843. He came of that sturdy race, the Scotch-Irish, which has given to the country so many men of character and worth. He was of an old American family. His grandsires fought in the war of the Revolution with devotion and courage. His father, also William McKinley, was a man of strong characteristics, a great reader, and one who thought out his own convictions as he had wrought his own way in the world. He was an iron-master and engaged in that business when the subject of this sketch was born. William McKinley had a strong and upright father ; he was doubly fortunate in having a great and noble mother. It has been said that no great man was ever born except of a great mother. Nancy Allison McKinley, the wife of William McKinley, Sr., and mother of the future President, was one of nature's noblewomen. She possessed in rare degree those qualities which gave character to her son. She was gentle, yet strong. She was modest, yet self-reliant. She had supreme good sense. She recognized intuitively the fitness of things and acted accordingly. She was quietly proud of her great son, yet never boasted nor said a word which any mother might not say of a boy who had shown character and good works. "William was a good boy," she would quietly remark to those who praised him before her. She lived an even, temperate life and saw her son inaugurated to the chair of Washington and Lincoln. Fortunately, she was spared the pain of his dastardly taking off. She taught her son to love God and to respect the rights of his fellows. Under her guidance, he early united with the Methodist Episcopal church, retaining his membership throughout his life. It is said to have been the mother's ambition that William might some day be a bishop. If his career took another direction, he never forgot the lessons of his youth and throughout life he was a man of deep religious convictions. He was never ostentatious of his religion. In all the phases of his active and varied career it was his practice to seek daily guidance from on High. The religious freedom he claimed for himself he freely granted to all. and numbered among his friends men of all creeds and of no creed at all. He did not boast of his righteousness ; he had none of the "I am holier than thou" in his make-up. Without shadow of turning, he quietly followed the path in which his good mother had set his youthful feet when he began the journey of life.

advantages for education, William McKinley, Sr., sought a iiome where they could avail themselves of broader* opportunities for mental culture and improvement, and with this in view, removed witli his family to Poland. Mahonins' county. This town was the seat of one of the small but excellent institutions of learning for which Ohio is known. At the Poland Academy \\'illiam IVIcKinley received most of his higher education. The classes were not large but the instruction was thorough and the pupils of that kind who reall_\- strive for improvement and are not merely sent to college for want of something else to do, or because that is the conventional thing with young people in this countr}-. At the academy he is spoken of as a good student and an earnest debater in one of the literary societies of the institution. He passed one year in the college at Meadville. Pennsylvania, taught school and for a time worked in the Poland postoftice. His education was not completed when the civil war of 1861 began. He was only seventeen years of age. but he did not hesitate to enter the ranks of the soldiers of the Union who went forth to battle for their country. With thousands of others of the best youtli of the land, he beliexed his country had a riglit to the service of her sons, and if need be their lives, that our government might live. He enlisted as a private in the Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer InfaiUry. This regiment had in the ranks the flower of young and de\oted manhood. Its roll of officers is unique in the character and services of its members. Its first colonel was \\'illiam S. Rosecrans, lieutenant-colonel. Stanley ]\Iatthews. afterwards United States senator and judge of the supreme court : major. Rutherford B. Hayes, afterwards President. With tlie election of \\''illiam McKinley, this regiment gave to the country two Presidents. \Miile our volunteer soldier missed the opportunities ior niDre complete higher education, he profited by the experience which came from armv life. He learned to submit to discipline, to endure hardships, to accept victory or defeat as it came; to be cool, self-possessed and courageous. Who shall say that the foundations of character may not be laid in such a school as well as in the studies and duties of an academic course? It is the testimony of his comrades that William McKinley made a good soldier. That he was brave and competent is shown in his rise, young as he was, to the rank of brevet major at the close of the war. He served on the staffs of Generals Hayes and Crooks. To the former he became devotedly attached, a friendship fully reciprocated by General Hayes, who has said that he knew young iMcKinley like a book and lo\'ed him like a brother. The regiment served throughout the war. participating in many skirmishes and battles. General Hastings. A\ho was a close friend and served with AIcKinley, has gi\-en an incident of his army experience which illustrates at once his kindness of heart and firm confidence in the triumph of a just cause. When the Federal army was driven by Early's troops back through Winchester, an old Quaker lady, who sympathised with the Union cause, stood at her gate weeping as the retreating troops passed by ; AIcKinley saw her and reining his horse to the curb, said "Don't worry, my dear madam, we are not hurt as much as it seems : we shall Ise back here a.gain in a few days." The prophecy was fulfilled - in a few days the triumphant Union army, with Sheridan at the head, swept back through Winchester, driving Early and his forces from the Shenandoah valley.

Tlie war ended. Major IMcKinley returned to his home in Poland and began the study of law. He was fortunate in having for his preceptor Judge Charles E. Glidden, a man of fine presence, of learning as a lawyer, and eloquent as an advocate and public speaker. He completed his law studies at the Albany Law School and in 1867 was admitted to the Ohio bar. He had then to solve the question which confronts every young barrister as to the best location in wliich to begin the practice of his chosen profession. This problem was largely solved for him by the residence of a beloved sister \\'lio was then and for many years continued to be an honored teacher in the public schools of Canton, the county seat of the populous and wealthy county of Stark. In a short time Major McKinley became one of the leading lawyers of his count v and in 1869 was elected prosecuting attorney, a place then mucli sought by young lawyers for tlie opportunity it furnished for practice and acquaintance. If his career had not been deflected a few years later from law to politics, he would have attained high rank as a lawyer and jurist. He early appreciated that more cases are won in their preparation than in their trial. He thoroughly prepared himself, and was always courteous in the presentation of his causes. It is said to have been his early ambition to become a common pleas judge. By temperament and aljility he was peculiarly fitted to become a judge, but fate had other tilings in store for him. During the ten years of his legal practice in Stark county lie was actively interested in political afifau's, and in even*' campaign gave freely of his services as a public speaker in ax:lvocacy of the principles of tiie Republican party. For most young lawyers, the participation in political campaigns was not a matter neediiig mtich thought or investigation ; it was an affair calling for little preparation : a drive into the country after court hours, and an ofifhand speech to the many or few who might assemble for such an occasion. Not so with Mc- Kinley. He made a thorough study of political questions and paid to every audience before which he appeared the compliment of tliorough preparation. 1876, the same year that saw his old commander elected President of the United States, witnessed his election as a memlier of congress. McKinley's early life had brought him much in contact with the men who toil in shop and factory and he conceived a strongsympathy for them, and from his advent into congress became an ardent advocate of the policy of a protective taritT, which he believed would lead to the betterment of the condition of the laboring men of the country and give to their wives and children a greater share in the comforts of living. In one of his later speeches, we find him giving voice to this sentiment in these words : "The labor of a country constitutes its strength and its wealth, and the better that labor is conditie)ned, the higher its rewards, the wider its opportunity, and the greater its comforts and refinements, the more sacred will be our homes, the more capable will be our children, and the nobler will be the destiny that awaits us." For fourteen years he served his people as tlieir representative. \\'eight and in- Huence in congress is gained only by men of excepticnal^Ie ability and great industry. The house is no respecter of persons, and sooner ur later every man"s measure is taken for what he really is. Major McKinley soon became one of its leaders. Upon the tariflf question he l^ecame a recognized authority and the leader among the advocates of the protective tarilT. The fourteen years of his congressional service were years of constant growth and the experience of that time was an invaluat>le preparation for the great work that the years had )'et in store for him. In 1878. a turning point in his career, he had carried a gerrymandered district organized for his defeat. In 1890 the work was more effectually done, and Major McKinley was located in a district Democratic beyond all peradventure. It had a nominal Democratic majority of about three thousand. After a campaign of unprecedented activity. Major Mc- Kinley was defeated, but the three thousand majority was reduced to a little more than three hundred. He retired from congress as chairman of the ways and means committee which framed tlie tarii^ act known as the McKinley Bill. After this act was passed there came one of those temporary revulsions of public sentiment resulting- in a change of the party in power in the administration of public affairs. The McKinley tariff law was bitterly attacked and it is claimed much misrepresented by its opponents. The result of the election in favor of the Democrats was generally attributed to the onslaught on this measure. Many friends of the protective tariff were disposed to modify their views to meet the change in public sentiment. Not so with McKinley. He declared that the principles of the Republican party were no less sacred in defeat than in victory, and the battle must go on under the old banner and for the faith so often endorsed by the people. The Republicans of Ohio stood with him and without dissent nominated him for governor in 1891. He threw himself into the fight with renewed energy and zeal and was triumphantly elected after one of the most arduous campaigns in a state celebrated for political warfare. In 1893 he was again chosen governor of his native state and by a greatly increased majority over that of 1891. The duties of the governor of Ohio are not ordinarily arduous. Governor McKinley made an excellent executive. He had on several occasions to meet threatened outbreaks of violence and evinced a firm determination to uphold the supremacy of the law and maintain the public peace. These four years were no less years of growth. He had leisure for study and development. His addresses delivered during that period cover a wide range of subjects and give evidence of his mental versatility. Nor was he idle in political affairs beyond the lx)rders of his own state. He had become a national figure and one of the most popular orators of the day. In 1894 he traveled far and wide, being everywhere met by throngs of his countrymen and continually growing in popular esteem. As the year 1896 approached it became apparent tliat he was to be the choice of his party for the presidential nomination. Others were mentioned, but the tide had set in so strongly for him that his selection was inevitable. He had been in the shadow of the nomination for this great office before. In the convention of 1888 it is generally believed that his loyalty to the distinguished statesman whose cause he upheld prevented his own selection. The speech made in declining to be considered a candidate liecanie famous in convention annals and made a lasting impression upon the country. He said : "Mr. President and Gentleman of the Convention, I am here as one of the chosen representatives of my state. I am here by resolution of the Republican state convention, commanding' me to cast my vote for John Sherman for President, and to use every worthy endeavor to secure his nomination. I accepted the trust because my heart and judgment were in accord with the letter and spirit and purpose of that resolution. It has pleased certain delegates to cast their votes for me for President. I am not insensible to the honor they would do me. but in the presence of tlie duty resting upon me, I cannot remain silent with honor. I cannot consistently with the wish of the state whose credentials I bear and which has trusted me; I cannot consistently with my own views of personal integrity, consent or even seem to consent to permit my name to be used as a candidate before this convention. I would not respect myself if I could find it in my heart to do or permit to be done that which could even be ground for any one to suspect that I wavered in my loyalty to Ohio, or my devotion to the chief of her choice and the chief of mine. I do not request - I demand that no delegate who would not cast reflection upon me shall cast a ballot for me."

It was supposed that the campaign of 1896 would be fought upon the issue of the protective tariff', but it had hardly begun when the lines were drawn upon the so-called silver question, the Democrats favoring the free coinage of sih'er at the ratio of sixteen to one, and the Republicans standing' t(ir the maintenance of the g'oid standard with hniited silver coinage to be maintained at par with gold. Governor jNIcKinley promptly met this new issue and made many addresses on that question to the people. "1 do not know what you think," sa.id lie, "but to me it seems better to open the mills to the labor of the countr}- than the mints to the free coinage of silver."' This way of putting things could not but appeal to men willing to work but deprived of the privilege in the general stagnation of business then prevailing in the country. The campaign in 1896 was unique in the history of politics, the candidate remaining in his home in Canton, where he was ^-isite(l by thousands of his countrymen, making sometimes as many as twenty speeches in a single day - giving to each delegation something appropriate to the time and occasion. These speeches were carried by the Associated Press all over the country and made a profound and favorable impression. The result of that campaign was his triumphant election to the Presidency. Congress was at once called in extra session, and a tariff bill passed framed on lines consistent W'ith the protective policy of the Republican party.

Mr. McKinley found our relations with Spain in a critical condition due to the situation in Cuba. He determined to do all that he could in the range of his official duties to better the condition of the Cuban people, to relieve our own country from the strain of the situation r so irritating and so near our doors. It was his purpose to accomplish these ends if possible without involving the country in war. These purposes are the key to his Cuban policy, developed in his instructions to our minister at Madrid, and in the measures in relief of the starving and suffering people of Cuba. Much had been accomplished and no backward steps taken, when the unlook'ed-for happened in the treacherous anchoring of the "Maine" where she became the easy prey of malicious persons bent upon her destruction. The President fully realized that a peaceable settlement was no longer possible which did not include the withdrawal of Spain from the American continent, and our minister at Madrid was promptly advised that no other settlement would be satisfactory, and that no assistance could be afforded to plans of so-called autonomy under Spanish rule. Congress had voted fifty millions of dollars to be expended iov the nati(inal defense. This meant possible war, and whilst working for a peaceable solution war preparations were rapidly pushed. The passage of a resolution demanding Spanish withdrawal from Cuba was met by Spain sending our minister his passports and the war had begun. The President became in fact as well as in nominal authority the commander-in-chief of the army and navy and, aided by his able advisers in those departments of the government, directed our forces by land and by sea. Fortunately, the conflict was short and decisive, and the triumph of the American arms complete. On August 12, 1898, the protocol was signed in Washington, practically ending the war between the two countries. Then came important questions as to the terms of the treaty of peace. That treaty was negotiated at Paris by a commission of five members representing each country. In directing the terms of the treaty, the President had no hesitation in demanding the termination of Spanish sovereignty in western waters by the cession of Porto Rico and the relinquishment of sovereignty in Cuba. He came more slowly to the conclusion that our duty required us to assume governmental responsibility over the Philippine islands. After the most anxious consideration, he reached the conclusion that the situation did not permit of our withdrawal and the interdependence of the islands did not permit of a division of the archipelago. With concessions to a defeated country, he directed the making of the treaty which assumed the responsibility he believed to be right and in accord with the well-gTounded sentiment of the majority of his countrymen. He looked upon our growmg territory as an enlargement of the bounds of hl^erty. The exploitation of a people for our benefit was utterly foreign to liis thought and purpose, and he bent every energy to the uplifting of these people by spreading the means of education and giving the right of self-government in as great a degree and as fast as the situation pemiitted.

So much had his countrymen learned to know his great qualities of head and heart and to trust his wisdom and courage that he became the uncjuestioned leader of his party. In 1900, he was nominated by acclamation for another term of the Presidency and elected by an increased majority. The most important event in the few months of his second term grew out of the outbreak in China. Our troops in the Philippines were utilized in the rescue of our legation in China imperilled by the Boxer uprising. The safety of foreigners being secure, President McKinley led the way in an example of moderation in victory towards a weak power which made possible a peace without spoliation, while safeg'uarding- the personal and commercial rights of other peoples.

It was one of the clierished purposes of President McKinley in entering upon his duties to build up cordial relations between the sections of his country which had been in deadly strife in the greatest of civil wars. On leaving Canton to take up the untried duties of his office, he said to the assembled neighbors and friends : "To all of us the future is as a sealed book, but if I can by othcial act or administration or utterance in any degree add to the prosperity and unity of our beloved country, and the advancement and well-being of our splendid citizenship, I will devote the best and the most unselfish efforts of my life to that end." He believed that his country should be a union in fact as well as in name. The most important consular ofl"ice withm his gift was held, by an ex-Confederate officer, the gallant Fitzhugh Lee. T(i the partisan request for his removal he made answer as he did to the later demand of Spain when she asked his removal from oftice, that he would be retained so long as he did his duty with the ability and patriotism which characterized his acts. When the war with Spain came the South no less than the North rallied to the support of the government, Lee and Wheeler and the sons of those who had worn the gray making common cause with those whose blood was of the men who had defended the flag in '61. He had the pleasure of seeing the sectional line disappear in the zeal with which a united country faced a foreign foe. Meeting his Southern brethren at the close of the Spanish war, he gave utterance to his joy at this consummation in these fervent words: "Reunited! Glorious realization. It expresses the thought of my mintl and the long delayed consummation of my heart's desire as I stand in this presence. It interprets the hearty demonstrations here witnessed and is the patriotic refrain of all sections and all lovers (if the Repuljlic. Reunited! One country again and one country forever ! Proclaim it from the press and pulpit, teach it in the schools, write it across the skies! The world sees it and feels it, it cheers e\-ery heart North and South, and brightens every American home. Let nothing ever strain it again ! At peace with all the world and with one another, what can stand in the path of our progress and prosperity?" When he was stricken down no words of sympathy could exceed in feeling and kindness those which came from the Sciuth. Many applications came from those who had been in arms against the L'nion for places in the cortege which bore him to the tomb. One company from Atlanta, (Seorgia, rather than fail to pay this tribute made application for honorary membershii) in the Ohio National Guard which

William ]\IcKinley was marrietl, January 25. 1871, to Ida Saxton, daughter of James A. Saxton, of Canton. Mr. Saxton was a man of fine business qualifications and a leading banker of Stark county. Two children, Katie and Ida, were born of this union, one dying in infancy and the other living only a few years. This bereavement and the illness which followed the birth of her second child broke the once vigorous health of the wife. It did not prevent her loving interest and sympathy in all that went to make tip the illustrious career of her beloved husband. His tender devotion to her never failed. Through all the years and until the hand-clasp loosened in the long sleep, he led the stricken companion with a strong and gentle love which altered not and knew no shadow of turning. Death's arrow ne\'er struck d(jwn a more devoted companion, nor left a sadder hearth than the one by which the bereaved wife keeps the endless vigil of devotion and love.

William McKinley loved his home and cherished his friends. No matter to what heights of success he arose, to his friends and neighbors he was ever the same. To others he may have been the executive head of the nation, entrusted with powers which might make or mar its destiny; at home, he was ever the familiar guide, counsellor and friend of those who, knowing him best, loved him most. He w'as de\-otedly attached to his Canton home, and took an almost boyish delight in improving and beautifying it. He enjoyed beyond measure the summer months which he passed there in comparative freedom from official cares, with his wife and the association of the friends and companions who had known him from young manhood. His ideal of home was one of peace and comfort, not extravagance and display. "The American lit'ime," he declared.

"where honesty, sobriety and truth preside, and a simple every-day virtue without pomp and ostentation is practiced, is the nursery of all true education." In homes like tliese, his countrymen, bereft of one of their own. mourn his untimely death. It was in the upbuilding and multiplying of such homes that William Mc- Kinley found the highest duty, of constructive statesmanship and the true safeguard of the Repuljlic.

Those who seek in William McKinley the leader and Presitlent who undertook to set up his own policies and views in defiance of public opinion and without regard to the sentiments of co-ordinate branches of the government will be disappointed. He believed in his country and its institutions. He believed that the sober sense of the people of a republic was the ultimate appeal of the statesman. To questions of public policy he gave the most earnest and careful consideration, and sought to guide public sentiment in the channels he believed best for the people. He delighted to take his countrymen into his confidence by frequent visits among them and frank utterances in their presence. No one can state his ideals so well as himself, and in his tribute to Lincoln we may find his views of the duties of a chief magistrate of a free people : "What were the traits of character which made Abraham Lincoln prophet and master without a rival in the great crisis of our history? What gave him such mighty power? To me the answer is simple. Lincoln had sublime faith in the people. He walked with and among them. He recognized the importance of an enlightened public sentiment and was guided by it. Even amid the vicissitudes of war he concealed little from public view and inspection. In all he did he invited rather than evaded criticism. He submitted his plans and purposes as far as practicable to public consideration with perfect frankness and sincerity. There was such homely simplicity in his character that it could not be ]iedged in by pomp of place or the ceremonies of high official station. He \vas so accessible to the public that he seemed to take the whole people into his confidence. Here, perhaps, was one secret of his power. The people never lost their conhdence in him, howexer much they unconsciously added to his personal discomfort and trials. His patience was almost superhuman, and who will say that he was mistaken in the treatment of the thousands who thronged continually about him? JNIore than once when reproached for permitting visitors to crowd upon him he asked in pained surprise : 'Why, what harm does this confidence in men do me ? I get only good and inspiration from it." " How unconsciously y.et how truthfully in this picture he holds the mirror up to his own character and conduct. No less faithfully has he drawn his own portrait when saying of him : "Lincoln had that happy, peculiar habit, which few public men have attained, of looking away from the deceptive and misleading influences about him - and none are more deceptive than those of public life in our capitals - straight into the hearts of the people. He could not be deceived b}- the self-interested host of eager counsellors who sought to enforce their own peculiar views upon him as the views of the country. He chose to determine for himself what the people were thinking about and wanted to do, and no man ever lived who was a more accurate judge of their opinions and wishes." William McKinley knew that a war begun without exhausting every means of reaching an honorable peace would not be justified by the sober sense of the people. He knew that neither law nor fact, when fully discussed and fairly developed, would justify the recognition of the so-called Cuban republic, and he stood like a rock against the folly of such a course, and time has vindicated the wisdom of his position. \\'hen his mind was made up he was firm and immovable. Seeking the advice and listening to the opinions of others, associated in the responsibilities of his administration, he was the executive head of the government and took the responsibility of ultimate decision upon himself. All the terms 0/ peace were as clear to him when Spain first asked for them as they ever were, save the disposition of the Philippine Islands - there he wished for investigation and deliberation. Turn again to his picture of Lincoln, " 'He was neither an autocrat nor a tyrant; if he moved slowly sometimes it was better to move slowly, and like the successful general he was, he was only waiting for his reserve to come up. Possessing almost unlimited power, he yet carried himself like one of the humblest of men. He weighed every subject. He considered and reflected upon every phase of public duty. He got the average judgment of the plain people." As truly as Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley believed that this average judgment was the power that should control in the public affairs of a free people.

Li early September, 1901, he responded to an invitation to deliver an address at the Buffalo Exposition. On the fourth day of that month he made his last speech to his countrymen. William McKinley's career had been a steady growth from his entrance into public life. His last public utterance was not only marked by strength and beauty of diction, but contained a declaration in favor of liberal trade relations with other countries which was everywhere read with interest and viewed as a forerunner of the policy which the President would advocate. He was recognized as the first of protectionists : he had lived to see the industrial development of his country until it led the manufacturing nations of the world. He declared the pressing need of more markets, and favored an enlightened policy which should seek reciprocal trade with other countries without impairing the high standards of American production and wages. The concluding portions of that memorable address come to us now witli the tender Ijeauty of a benetlictioii : "Tlie good work will go on. It can not be stopped. These buildings will disappear; this creation of art and beauty and industry will perish from sight, but their intiuence will renuun to

Who can tell the new thoughts that ha\e been awakened, the ambitions tired and the high achievements tliere will be wrought through this exposition ? Gentlemen, let us ever remember that our interest is in concord, not conflict, and that our real eminence rests in the victories of peace, not those of war. We hope that all those who are represented here may be moved to higher and nobler efforts for their own and the world's good, and that out of this city may come not only great commerce and trade for us all, but more essential than these, relations of mutual respect, confidence and friendship, which will deepen and endure. Our earnest prayer is that God will graciously vouchsafe prosperity, happiness and peace to all our neighbors, and like blessings to all the peoples and powers of the earth."

Nothing in his career gave more evidence of the great character about to be removed from earth than the fortitude and patience with which he met his doom. His hrst word was to restrain the people from taking sudden and unlawful vengeance upon the wretch who had fired upon him ; then of the invalid wife, that the news might l)e broken gently to her. Having every reason to hold life dear, no complaint at the harshness of his fate escaped him. "It is God's way; his will, not ours, be done," said this strong and gentle man as he sank to his final rest.

said : "ft is almost a definition of a gentleman to say tliat he is one who never inllicts pain." If that be the test, he was indeed one "who wore without reproach the grand old name of gentleman."

William McKinley never consciously wronged a fellow-being. It was his rule not only to refrain from inflicting pain but to scatter joy wherever he could. He would step aside from a march of retreat to assure a weeping mother, who loved the Union, that defeat was but for a day and would be turned into victory. Steadfast in his friendships, he would not swerve from loyalty for the glittering of the Presidency. Enduring the burdens which came before, during and after the war, no word of impatience ever escaped him, and he met the people with a smile of welcome and a word of encouragement. He would turn from the most important affairs of state to give a flower to a little child, or to say a kindly word to some visitor for whom he could do no more. Resentments he had none. He believed life was too short to give any of his time to cherishing animosity. Sensitive to criticism, no one ever heard him utter an unkind word of another. He met calumny with silence and unjust criticism with charity. His was the gospel of cheerfulness. His presence was sunshine, never gloom ; his encouraging word dispelled doubt and nerved others to their duty. So gentle, kind and true had been this life that not even his slayer could strike at him ! With this gentleness, what mighty strength! Death meets all on equal terms. The man as he is then stands unveiled. With so much to make life dear this strong man did not falter when the summons came. Looking forward to retirement in the home he loved, sure of the affection of his countrymen and the respect of the world, holding the hand of his loved companion whose welfare had ever been the first purpose of his life, and whose returning strength had made his last summer one of the i)rightest, he entered the \alley of the shadow of death with no murmur at his fate, leaning on tiie nxl and statT wiucii iiad comforted his fathers, died as he had hveih in humhle submission to the will of God. "Xow wiiile he was thus in discourse, Iiis countenance changed, his strong man bowed under him, and after he had said : 'Take me for I come unto Thee,' lie ceased seen of them."

He lives in the love of his countrvmen. His character will grow brightei with the years; the nobleness of his life, the sublime heroism of his death shall never perish from, the memory of men. He will live in the thousands of homes where comfort and domestic peace rerlect the wisdom of his statesmanship. He will live in the beneficence of his example at every hearth where succeeding generations shall recount the strength and beauty of his character and tell again the story of his life.

JOHN BANNER, one of Canton's oldest and most highly esteemed citizens, was born ni this city on March lo, 1N23, the only son of Jacob and Anna (Slusser) Danner, both natives of Pennsy!\-ania, the father born in the year 1795 and the mother on April i, 1S03. The niaternal grandfather was I'hdip Slusser, who built the first mill in Stark county in 1816. The Slusser family were among the pioneers of Canton. Jacob Danner, father of John, was bom in York county. Pennsylvania, and came to Canton from Center county. I'ennsylvania. to which county his parents removed when he was a boy. in 1816. and here married Anna Slusser in i8ji. They became the parents of two children, their daughter Harriet becoming Uie wife of Joseph S. Sr.xton. The mother of Mr. John Danner died in 1889 and the father in 1845.

John Danner was reared in his native city, where he was also educated. He attended for a time the private school of Rev. T. M. Hopkins, a i'resbyterian minister, from whom he gained much \;duable knowledge. He began his practical life as a clerk in the store of Alartin W'ikidal. one of Canton's pioneer merchants, with whom he spent four years. After that he went to Massillon. where he clerked for four years more for L. & S. Rawson, prominent pioneer merchants. In 1865, in company with John R. Bucher, he started what was called the Canton Stove Works, but not liking the business, sold out at the end of one year. After this he enbarked in the clothing and dry-goods business, which he carried on until 1876, when he disposed of his stock, and that same year patented what is known as the John Danner revolving book-case. This piece of library furniture he manufactured for two years in a small w'a\', only about forty men being employed, but the strong, steady growth of the trade of the house reached such dimensions that it necessitated removal to more extensive and convenient premises to cope with the increased demand. In 1890 they removed to their present site on Na\'arre street, on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, where they erected large frame buildings, fifty by one hundred and eighty-two feet, and fitting them throughout with modern macliiner)-, occupied the same with increased and increasing facility and business until May 31, 1903, when the plant was destroyed by fire. Nothing flaunted by this disaster, which was indeed one, as the insurance on the plant was light, the company began at once the erection of their present brick factory, on the old foundation, being fifty liy two hundred feet, the additirai being two stories in height. They now employ from one hundred and seventy-fi\'e to two hundred men. Upon the forming of the comp'uiy. Mr. Danner, the inventor, became president of the same. C. B. Campbell.

John Damner Mrs John Danner

superintendent; J. F. Campbell, treasurer and J. M. Danner, secretary. Tliey sell direct to the trade throughout the United States, and also have a large trade in foreign cities, especially in Montreal, Canada; Paris, France, and London, England. The Danner revolving laookcases were the first practical articles of the kind ever patented, and all others gotten out later are gross infringements of the same.

October 4, 1847, Mr. Danner married Miss Terressa A. Millard, a native of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, who .was born July 24, 1828, the daughter of William j. and Betsy J. (Ball) Millard, both natives of Onondago county, New York, who after their marriage removed to Tioga county, Pennsylvania. William J. Millard was a soldier in Llic war of 1812, and received an honorable discharge. Col. Ball, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Danner, also served in the above war, where he distinguished himself in several engagements and his regiment did good service in many siuiguinary battles. Two brothers of Mrs. Danner served in the war of the Rebellion. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Danner, as follows : Anna died at the age of two years; Mary E. ; Julia A. married L. M. Jones, attorney, of Canton; Harriet N. married J. F. Campbell; Edith R. married S. S. C. Gaskell, of Canton ; John N., married May Shanafelt, of Canton, and Almina T., who married Charles M. Bawsel, of Columbus, Ohio, now of Washington, D. C.

Mr. Danner has served six years as a member of the city council, and also served a similar period on the school board. He and his wife are memljers of the First Baptist church of Canton, having joined the same in Massillon in 1842 and 1847, respectively. For over twenty years Mr. Danner was superintendent of the Sunday school and teacher of the Bible class, and still continues the latter. He was formerly a Whig, then a Republican in politics, but for a number of years has been a Prohibitionist of the most pronounced character, and e\'cii at

REV. CHARLES W. BREWBAKER, D. D. - There are but few divines in the United Brethren church of Ohio that have enjoyed greater prestige in theological circles than the scholarly and erudite Dr. Brewbaker, the eflkient and popular pastor of one of the large and inllucntial congregations of the city of Canton. One of the notable men of bis day and generation in the religious body with which he is identified and a minister of much more than local repute, his talents have won him recognition among the leading clergymen of the state, while his work for the Master in Canton will remain a monument to his memory far more enduring than marble shaft or granite obelisk. Many years ago three brothers by the name of Brewbaker left their native Switzerland and came to the new world, one settling in Canada, one in Virginia and llie third in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Im-oui the latter the subject of this review is descended, Peter Brewbaker, the Doctor's great-grandfather, was born in the township of CocoHca, Lancaster county, but later transferred his residence to the county of Franklin, in the same state, where his death occurred at the age of eighty-two years. He had a son John, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 22, 1797, and who, when a young man, married Miss Matilda Leiter, a native of Maryland and born near the town of Leitersburg, on the 8th of June, 1803. Her people were among the early settlers of Maryland and from them have descended many men of prominence in the professional and business world, among them being the Leiters, of Chicago, one of whom is now a merchant prince of that city and fatherin-law of the present viceroy of Lidia. By occupation John Brenbaker was a cooper, in connection with \\hich trade he also carried on the pursuit of agriculture. A man of sturdy honesty and high character, he was not religiously inclined, but lived a correct moral life and died at the age of eighty-eight, esteemed by all who knew him. His wife, a lady of excellent repute, departed this life in her sixtysixth year and her body sleeps beside that of her husband in the old Cierman Baptist cemetery, near Greenc&stle, Pennsylvania. Abraham Rush Brewbaker, son of the above and father of the subject of this sketch, is a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, born on a farm in what is now Peters township, January 28, 1838. He was reared an agriculturist, but began life for himself as a cabinetmaker, in addition to which he also became a proficient house painter. Later in life he and his twin brother, Andrew J. Brewliaker, were associated in cabinetmaking and undertaking at State Line, Pennsylvania, the latter subsequently withdrawing from the firm and moving- to Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned the reputation of being one of the finest mechanics in the above city and also stood high as an enterprising man and public-spirited citizen. Abraham Brewbaker continued to run the business in Pennsylvania and is still an honored resident of State Line and one of the leading men of affairs in the county of Franklin. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Sourbeck, was born in Antrim township, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the loth day of December, 1842, the daughter of Daniel Sourbeck, who owned a large nursery near the town of Greencastle. Mrs. Brewbaker was reared in the faith of the German Reformed church, but subsequently united with the United Brethren church, of which she is still a zealous member, as is also her husband.

local offices, in all of w hich he has shown himself worthy of the trust reposed in him by his fellow citizens. Nine children resulted from the marriage of Abraham and Mary Elizabeth Brewbaker, namely : Abraham, who died in infancy; Amelia also died when quite young; Peter G., a resident of State Line, Pennsylvania ; Mary E., wife of John Holbert ; Charles W'., whose name furnishes the caption of this article; Virginia Dell, now Mrs. Daniel Swisher, of Franklin county, Pennsylvania ; Matilda E., who married Elmer Spessard, of Hagerstown, Maryland; Emma Myrtle, wife of George Mayhew. of State Line, and Harvey Cleveland, who is still under the parental roof. Rev. Charles W. Brewkaker was born in the town of State Line, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the i8th day of October, 1869, and attended the public schools of his native place until his seventeenth year. He made commendable progress in his studies, as is attested by the fact of his passing successfully the teacher's examination at the above age, but for various reasons he did not engage in educational work. He early showed promise as a scholar and as a boy possessed that positiveness of conviction and resoluteness of pur])ose which have been such marked traits of his mature years. Reared in an environment of religious influence and receiving from his childhood instruction in holy things, he was led, when a }'outh of seventeen, to give his heart to God and unite with the church, facts which had much to do in shaping his future course of life. Endowed with intellectual abilities fitting him for public ser\'ice in the church and ])elie\- ing it his duty to enter the ministry, he was licensed when but eighteen years old, to preach the gospel. He delivered his first discourse in the town of Chewsville, Maryland, eleven miles from his home, and those who heard the sermon predicted for the youthful minister a long and useful career in the noble work in which he had been called. To better prepare himself for his lioly office, Dr. Brewbaker, in the spring of 1888, entered an academy at Buckhannon, West \'irginia, and by his own efforts succeeded in working- his way tin"ough the institution until completing" the full course, graduating with a creditable record in the }-ear 1890. He then became a student of the Western College, of Toledo, Iowa, in which he took the [jhilosophical course and from which he was graduated in 1892, By reason of failing health he was oliliged to forego further mental eft'ort and turn his attention to outdoor exercise, and wliile thus engaged he supplied for about one year se\-eral churches that had no settled pasti:'r>. \\'hen. sufticienti}' reco\'ered he resumed his studies, entering, in the fall of 1893, the I'nion Biblical Seminary, at Dayton, Ohio, where he prosecuted his theological work until 1896, when he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity, at the same time receiving the degree of Master of Philosophy from the college at Toledo, Iowa, which he had fiirmerly attended.

With a mind well disciplined by thorough intellectual and theological training. Dr. Brewbaker was now well prepared for effective service in tlie ministry and beginning his labor on the Hagerstown circuit, in the Maryland conference, ministered to the churches under his charge with great acceptance and fruitful results for a period of two and a half years. In the fall of 1898 he resigned the above position to accept the pastorate of the First United Brethren chiu'ch at Canton, and since that time he has labored with encouraging success in this city, building up the congregation materially and spiritually and adding greatly to its strength as an influential factor for good in the community. Realizing the need for thorough preparation in all lines of ministerial activity, he has spared no opportunity for the consummation of this laudable end : in addition to his ministerial work he has continued to prosecute systematically his theological studies, at first privately, but later under the direction of some of the ablest divines in the denomination to which he belongs. He spent one year taking a post-graduate course in psychology at Wooster University, W^ooster, Ohio, in addition to wliich he also took a course in practical and pastoral theology in the American University at Harriman, Tennessee, receiving from the latter institution, in 1900, the degree of Doctor of Divinity. At the present time he is taking a course in sociology, as prescribed by the Illinois Wesleyan University. In June, 1902, the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon bun by Otterbein University, one of the leading educational institutions in the United States under the auspices of the United Brethren church. It will l^e seen from the foregoing that the life of Dr. Brewbaker has been one of great actnity. signal usefulness and distinction in his chosen calling, but the amount of labor accomplished is but a prophecy of still greater activity and more fruitful results in years to come.

Dr. Brewbaker is interested in politics as a citizen and not as a partisan. In local matters he is not bound by party ties, but supports the candidate who is, in his judgment, best qualified for the office sought. An uncompromising enemy of the liquor traltic in all its forms and believing its power can only be effectually overcome by ridding the country of the evil, he has been of late years an avowed Prohibitionist, working zealously for the party and doing nnich for its success in this part of the state.

In the year 1900 Dr. Brewbaker was elected general corresponding secretary of the Young People's Christian Union of the United Brethren church, which position he still holds and through the medium of which he has been brought into close relation with the leaders of this department of work throughout the United States. He has proved a very capable official and discharges the functions of the secretaryship with the same zeal and energy that charac- terize his public ministry. The Doctor is blessed with a comfortable share of this world's goods and is surrounded w-ith evidences of a happy and prosperous life. He was married on the 30th of August, 1899, in jNIowersville, Pennsylvania, to Miss Nellie Maude Snoke, a native of the place and daughter of Aaron F. and Sarah (Shomaker) Snoke. Mrs. Brewbaker was born October 30, 1877, received her early educational discipline in the public .schools of Cumberland Valley, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and in 1896 was graduated from the Normal School at Shippensburg, of that state. She taught one year in Franklin county. Pennsxlvania, and demonstrated tine abilities as an instructor. A lady of refinement, varied culture and exemplary Christian character, she enters heartily into her ]uisl)and's work, co-operating with him and others in strengthening the walls of Zion in the city of Canton. Rev. and Mrs. Brewbaker have one child, a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who w as born January 7, 1903.

DAVID A. ARTER, M. D. - Dr. Arter's success in the nolile profession to which his talents ha\e l)een devoted soon gave him worthy prestige and by a long life of consecration to the cause of suffering humanity he won an abiding place in the affections of the people. His signally successful career was abruptly terminated, some years ago, but his achievements up to that time, together with the potential influence for good which he has always exerted, will stand his fit and imperishable monument.

Michael Arter, the Doctor's father, was a native of Cumberland county, !\Taryland, but when a young man he came to Ohio, settling in New Lisbon, Columbiana county, where he learned the trade of tanning and currying under Joseph Richardson, a prominent business man of that town. Mr. Richardson had a daughter, Lydia, between whom and young Arter a fast friendship was soon cemented, which, ripening into love, eventually led to marriage. The father of Mrs. Arter sprang from an old and highly connected family of Quaker origin, and was born in the state of Pennsylvania, in September, 1 774, the son of John and Lydia Richardson, who were early settlers of Lancaster county. Mrs. Richardson, whose birth occurred on the 27th of September, 1775, in York cit\', Pennsyhania, was the daughter of Joseph and Lydia Greene, the father a brother of deneral Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame. She married Mr. Richardson on the I ith day of January, 1790, and about the year 1800 the two moved to Columbiana county, in the pioneer history of which he bore a conspicuous part. Mr. Richardson was one of the early business men of New Lisbon and in addition to mercantile pursuits carried on farming and tanning quite extensively, acquiring in the course of time large wealth and high social standing. He took a leading part in the public and political affairs of Columbiana county, served several terms in general assembly of Ohio and at one time was speaker of the house of representatives. He had three wives, the first of whom, referred to above, died a few years after moving to Ohio. She bore him three children, namely: Lydia, wife of Michael Arter and mother of the direct subject of this sketch; Jason and Albert G. The last named became a distinguished Methodist divine and preached for some years in eastern Ohio, thence removed to New York, where his daughter married a very wealthy and influential banker by the name of Shattuck. Mr. Richardson's second wife, whom he married in the year 1808, was Mrs. Elizabeth (Matthews) Robinson; she did not long survive her marriage, and subsequently, about 181 2, Mr. Richardson chose for his third companion Lydia Myers, who bore him children as follows: Samuel, who died September 16, 1887, near Morohead, Minnesota; Charles, a lawyer by profession, departed this life in Missouri; Joseph became a professor in a dental cijllege in Cincinnati, and atained great prominence in his profession. He wrote many books and articles on dentistr}^, one in particular on "Mechanical Dentistry." lx;coming a text book; Louisa married a Mr.' Dilworth, a wealthy coffee merchant of Pittsburg, and is still living in that city ; Frank became prominent in medical circles and was at one time professor in a medical college in Cincinnati ; he rose to distinguished prominence in his profession and died in Cincinnati ; William, the youngest son, spent the greater part of his life in Pittsburg and it was in that city that his death occurred. Joseph Richardson, the father of these children, died at New Lisbon, Ohio, in the year 1831. Li many respects he was much more than an ordinary man. He was a natural leader and moved among his fellows as one born to command. Physically he was of massive mold and dignified presence, being unusually tall and magnihcently proportioned and in his prime weighing over three hundred pounds. He left the impress of his individuality deeply impressed upon the community in which he lived and is remembered as one of strong characters and leading public men of the county of Columbiana.

In the early settlement of Maryland. William Richaixlson, an uncle of Joseph, acquired title to three hundred and twenty acres of land within the corporate limits of Baltimore, which he afterward leased for a term of ninety-nine years. The land is now in the very heart of the city and, being covered with large business blocks, is conservatively valued at over eighty million dollars. The lease expired a number of years ago, but thus far the heirs have not been able to establish a legal claim to the property, although the matter has long been in litigation.

Michael Arter engaged in the manufacture of leather at Hanover, Ohio, and continued to do a thriving business there until his retirement from active life. Like his father-in-law. he also became quite prominent in public affairs and for many years was a leading Republican politician of his county. During the days of slavery he was active in assisting run-away bondsmen by means of the "underground railroad"' and through his instrumentality many poor black people were helped on their way to freedom across the Canadian border. After a long and useful life, he passed away at Hanover and his memory is still cherished in that place. Mrs. Arter bore her husband seven children and departed this life on the 14th day of October, 1S64. The oldest of these offspring was Joseph, whose birth occurred on the i8th of October, 181 7. He early became interested in politics and in recognition of valuable services rendered his party as well as on account of his peculiar fitness for the office, he was appointed collector of revenue for the seventeenth congressional district of Ohio, being the first man to hold the position. He then for six years held the position of county clerk at Xew Lisbon. Later he became interested in the development of oil lands in Ohio. He died at New Lisbon, leaving one son living, Richard, who also, like his father, held for six years the position of county clerk of New Lisbon. The second of the family is the subject of this sketch, after whom came Albert, who was born February 11, 1822, in the town of Hanover. He also became a politician and for many years was prominent!}^ identified with the public and political affairs of Columbiana county. Jane, who was born in January, 1824, married a clergvnian by the name of Lowman and died on the I tth day of January, 1856. Jason, the next in order of birth, studied medicine with his brother, David A., of this review, and after attending medical college at Cincinnati and Cleveland, became division surgeon in the

Union army during the Civil war. Catherine Amancla, born April 30, 1828, married Rev. Mr. Wright, a Methodist minister of considerable note in eastern Ohio. The youngest member of tlie family, a son by the name of Thomas Jefferson, was born on the 22A day of July, 1830.

Dr. David A. Arter, to a review of whose life and professional career the remainder of this sketch is devoted, was born in Hanover. Columbiana county, Ohio, January 30, 1820, and at tliis writing has attained the ripe old age of eighty-three years, ni full possession of his mental faculties, but by no means vigorous physicially. He spent his youth and early manhood in liis native town and until the age of nineteen attended the pul)lic schools, in which he made rapid and substantial progress. The training thus received was suplemented by a three vears" course in .Mieghenv College, after which he entered the office of Drs. Robinson & Carey, of Hanover, to begin his preliminary preparation for the medical profession.

Subsequently he read and also practiced under the directi(^n of Dr. Hulderman. a prominent physician and surgeon of Minerva, and after spending six months in his office entered a medical college in Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in the year 1845. O" receiving his degree Dr. Arter opened an office in the eastern part of Columbiana county, but after practicing three and a half months, and his receipts amounting to only eleven dollars, he concluded it wise to seek a new and more favorable field. Accordingly, on the ist day of August, 1845, h^ located at Carrollton, in the county of Carroll, and during the ensuing twenty years practiced at that point with an eminent degree of success, both professionally and financially, earning nnich more than local repute as a skillful physician and surgeon. His practice took a very wide range and during his long residence in Carrollton his name became a household word in nearlv everv home in the county. On tire 25th of April, 1865, Dr. Arter, much to the regret of the people of Carroll county, left that field and opened an office in Canton. When he came here he found five men practicing" medicine in the city, all of whom liave since died. He not only survived his associates of those days, but has outlived many who hax'e come and gone the meanwhile, beiiig at this time the oldest physician both in years and length of service in the county of Stark. The Doctor was not long in building up a kicrative practice in the town and surrounding county and for many years he was the leading practitioner in this part of the state, the constant demand for his services keeping him on the go day and niglit until his erstwhile strong and vigorous constitution beg^an to feel the effects of too close application to duty. He took high rank in every department of the profession and earned a reputation as a successful healer and skillful surgeon such as few attain. It is the testimony of all who knew him during the palmy days of his career that Dr. Arter's presence in the sick room was like a genial ray of briglit sunshine and under no circumstances did he fail to uphold the ilignity of his calling or forget to be a gentleman. All testify to his ability in the line of his profession and to his strong integrity, sterling honesty and upright, manly conduct in the domain of citizenship.

Dr. Arter's life is a fair illustration of the fact that merit ultimately wins its own reward. He entered the medical profession with a determination to excel and Ijecome a true liealer. and that he succeeded even beyond his most sanguine expectations is attested by the large measure of success which he achieved and the distinguished position he held among the most noted physicians in this part of the state. He continued to prosecute his profession with the most beneficial results until October 20. 1886, when a stroke of paralysis occurred which eCfectuallv ended his active career as a

practitioner. This grie\ous affliction came upon him in the night, rendering him for a time p completely unconscious and when he revived it I was with the memory of his previous life completely shattered. The power of speech had left him, likewise the strength of his vigorous intellect, and the pathetic experience of his wife, while teaching him to talk, and afterwards to spell and read, is one of the saddest chapters in the life history of this erstwhile able and brilliant man. Beginning with the alphabet, which he soon mastered, he began j studying a small primer such as children use in school and in due time he could read fluentlv and understand equally as well. In the course of time his powers of mind returned, also his memory, and while still disabled physically he is mentally almost as vigorous and alert as in the days of his prime.

Dr. Arter has aways manifested a lively interest in political affairs and for many years was one of the Republican leaders in the county of Stark. He was a delegate to the national convention at Chicago, in i860, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for President, took an active part in the campaign that followed and as long as he was able never lost sight of his duty to his party. He has studied deeply the great public and political questions of his time, and since the stroke which rendered him comparatively helpless has kept in touch with the trend of current events, also pursuing a wide range of reading, his acquaintance with the best literature of all ages being both general and profound. He possesses fine literary tastes and at times gives expression to his thought in beautifully written prose and verse. Some of his poetry, noted for purity of thought and elegance of diction, is well worthy of preservation, but thus far but little if anv has been published. Quite recently he wrote a few stanzas, under the caption of "Our Earthlv House," of which the following -verses are samples. A\'hile prophetic of the end which in the course of nature cannot be far away, they indicate a sublime trust in an all-wise Father's guidance and breathe a spirit of devotion bespeaking the consolation which only religion aft'ords :

Our earthly house is fast dissolving, .\nd mortal life will soon be o'er. The cares within us now revolving Will soon afflict our hearts no more.

Reverting to the domestic life of Dr. Arter, it is learned that he was first married on the 6th day of Noxember, 1844, to Miss Almira Ferrell, of Columbiana county, Ohio, who died at Carrollton, November 28, 1859. She bore him three children: Florence, born January 6, 1846, married George Thomas and lives at Bellefontaine, this state; Alphonso, born February II, 1848, married Miss Frances Pain, of Painsville, and died at Cleveland, Ohio, January 7, 1900; Ruth Emma, the youngest, is the wife of Henry Heath, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was born on the 8th day of August, 1852. The Doctor's second marriage was solemnized November 7, i860, with Margaret McCall, who was born in Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, March 24, 1839. Mrs. Arter spent her childhood and youth in her native town and after attending the public schools, took a course in a seminary at Athens, Ohio. Her father, Marshall McCall. was a prominent citizen in Harrison county, which he represented at different times in the general assembly, and as a pulilic man he stood high in the esteem and confidence of the people. He married Miss Mary Morrison, of \\'ashington county, Pennsylvania, by whom he had four children, namely: John A. died in Kansas: James, a resident of Wenona, Illinois ; Mary, wife of Leonard Rowley, of Arkon, Ohio, and Mrs. Dr. Arter. Marshall McCall was born in Scotland in the vear iSo^ and when a child was brought by his parents to the United States, where he spent the remainder of his hfe, dying in Wenona, Ilhnois, September 29, 1873. His first wife died on the 17th of September, 1849, 'i"*^' later he married the widow of General Gale, of Columbus, who died in 1902. Dr. Arter was made a Mason in 1850, in Carroll Lodge No. 124, and was for six years master of that lodge. After removing to Canton his membership was transferred to Lodge No. 60, in that city, and he is now the oldest Freemason in Canton.

MADISON RAYNOLDS was the son of William and Elizabeth (Millar) Raynolds. ami was born March 20, 1808. His father came with a family of four children to Ohio in 1802 and settled in Zanesville, where he died in 1814. During the war of 1812 he raised a company and was made captain. He served under General Cass and rose to the rank of major and was present at Hull's surrender at Detroit. After Major Raynolds' death his widow, with her family of nine children, came to Canton, where she died in 1843 at the advanced age of seventynine.

The subject of this sketch was eight years old at the time of his mother's removal to Canton. At fifteen he was employed by a merchant in Steubenville. Later he formed a partnersliip with his brother-in-law, John Laird, and opened a store in Dalton, Ohio. After two years he returned to Canton, and. in company with John Harris, opened a store on the west half of the present court house lot. For thirty years he was identified with the mercantile interests of Canton. Li the early part of his business career he made the journey to New York for goods on horseback and by stage, occupying from fifteen to twenty days, and before he retired he was able to make the same in twenty-four hours. He retired from mercantile business in 1853 and formed a partnership with Solomon Kauffman in the grain business. They built what was known as the "Hundred- Mile Warehouse" and continued in business for ten years, after which Mr. Raynolds retired from active business.

Li September, 1833, Mr. Raynolds married Miss Sarah Slusser, a native of Canton. By this marriage were seven sons, four of whom - are living, viz : Jefferson and Joshua S., in Las Vegas, New Mexico; Frederic A., in Canon City, Colorado, all engaged in the banking business, and Albert H., living in El Paso, Texas. Two died in infancy. Four of their boys were in the Civil war. Lewis F. Raynolds came out of the war a major and brevet lieutenant colonel. He located at Burlington, Iowa, where he was engaged in the wholesale drug business until his health failed from the effects of his hard usage in the army. He returned to Canton to die, but before his death was largely instrumental in starting the Public Library and very helpful to the building up of the Young Men's Christian Association.

The home of Madison and Sarah M. Raynolds (the latter known to everyone in Canton twenty years ago as "Aunt Sarah") was always the happy resort of every boy and girl in tlie neighborhood. In addition to raising their own children, they brought up Rel)ecca Slusser, now Mrs. David Zollers, and William \A'allace, a nephew, now vice-president of the Omaha National Bank.

Mr. Raynolds was highly esteemed in business circles as a man of integrity and enterprise. In an article he wrote he says : "The early citizens and business men of Canton struggled for years against the overshadowing business prosperity of Massillon. The efforts of some of our citizais, first to get the Ohio canal located through Canton and then the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad, being thwarted by the shortsighted penuriousness of some of the people, kept Canton in the drag for some years. The abortive effort to build a branch of the

Sandy ami Beaver Canal to Bolivar was wild in its inception and miserable in its failure. The location of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad (now the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago) galvanized the old town into a little life, but the vitalizing inlluence of the Ball & Company machine shops gave an impetus to the business prosperity of the place. To the inventive genius of Epliraim Ball Canton is greatly indebted for -\'ery much of its growth and i)ri)S])erity and our citizens should erect a monument to commemorate his name and usefulness. The shops and the railroads have given an impetus to iiusincss prosperity of the place which may result in m;iking it a great city."

!Mr. Rayniilds was the originator of the old Stu-k county fair. He was its first president and for ten or fifteen years was either president, secretary or treasurer. His early advantages for obtaining an education were limited. He was a shining example of a self educated man. He was a great reader of the best literature and had collected a large library, rather unusual in that early day. It might almost have l^een named a circulating library, for his generosity in lending his books was proverbial. He was alive to the fact that books and games for boys were educational and in "The Library" were to be found all the magazines and books published. The boys of the town were welcomed and have never forgotten the pleasure and profit. Mr. Raynolds was a lover of music and for many years was a member of the choir of the Presbyterian church. He passed away August 23, 1883.

S. T. KEITH. M. D. - This distinguished physician and surgeon, also a brave and gallant soldier in one of the greatest wars of history, is of Scotch-English descent and traces his family history to this country as far back as the time of the colonies. Some time ptior to the war for independence some of his paternal ancestors, who were natives of Scotland, came to x\merica and settled in Virginia, in which state, near the city of Richmond, his grandfather, Price Keith, was lx)rn and reared. During the war of 1812 Price Keith was detailed as a commander of a force of men to keep in .subjection the slaves of his part of the country and it is a matter of history that he attended strictly to his duties in that capacity until the latter ])art of the year 1815. About 1818 he moved his family to Columbiana county, Ohio, settling in J huunerton, where he fj])ened a hotel, the first public house in the place, which he managed with gratifying results for a term of years. Sul)scf|uenlly he engaged in agricultural ])ursuits in the above county and continued that mode of life until too old to attend successfuly to the duties of his farm, which consi.sted of one hundred and eighty acres within a short distance of Hanoverlon. Horn and bred in a slave state, Price Keith was taught to believe human servitude a divine institution, but becoming convinced that it conflicted with every princi])le of right and justice, he, later in life, liberated his slaves and from that time until his death opposed the institution both for ])olitical and humanitarian reasons. In his old age he retired to Hanoverton, where he S]jent the remainder of his days, dying there in the early 'fifties at the remarkable age of ninety-six. Thomas Henson Keith, son of Price Keith, and father of the subject of this review, was born on the old family homestead near the city of Richmond. Virginia, spent his childhood and youthful years there and received a good educational training under the direction of competent teachers in his native state of Ohio. Before attaining his majority he accompanied his parents to Columbiana county, and in early life engaged in merchandizing at Augusta, in the county of Carroll. After spending several years in that town he changed his residence to southern Illinois, purchasing a farm just south of Cairo, where he lived as an honest and fairly successful tiller of the soil for a period of about six years. Disposing of his interests there, he returned to Ohio and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture in Paris township, Stark county, where he remained ten years, selling out at the expiration of that time and purchasing his father's old farm in the county of Columbiana. After spending several years on a place endeared to him by so many tender recollections and early associations, and finding himself no longer able to attend to the practical duties of the farm, he mo\ed to the town of ISIinerva, Stark county, where he lived in honorable retirement until taking up his abode in Alliance, with his son, the subject of this review. Thomas H. Keith a man of excellent character, an honorable, upright citizen and exercised a wholesome influence for good in the various localities in which he resided. He lived to a ripe old age, highly esteemed by all who knew him, and died at the residence of his son in the month of June, 1896. His wife, who Ijore the maiden name of Alargaret AIcBride, was born in 181 2 and departed this life in T\Iarch, 1897. She was the daughter of Stephen ]\IcBride. a nati\e of Ireland, and always possessed an excellent and beautiful moral character.

Dr. S. T. Keith, son of Thomas H. and Margaret Keith, was born in the town of Egypt, southern Illinois, on the loth day of October. 1844. When he was about two years old his parents returned to Ohio, consequently his early life was spent in Paris township. Stark county, in the public schools of which part of the state he received his preliminary educational discipline. Reared on a farm, he early became familiar with the varied duties of agriculture and while still a youth learned to prize honest toil and honorable endeavor at their true value. He was his father's able and willing assistant until the year 1862, at time, when a lad of seventeen, he laid aside the implements of husbandry and, with the patriotic fervor which animated the loyal sons of the North, offered his services to the government, enlisting in May of that year in Company 1, Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the three-months .service. Shortly after the expiration of his term he re-enlisted, this time joinmg Company F, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantiy, for three years or during the war, his period of service terminating in August, 1865. During his military experience, which included some of the most noted campaigns and bloody battles of the Rebellion, Mr. Keith bore bravely and uncomplainingly his full share of duty under trying circumstances, never shirking a responsibility or shrinking from a danger, on long, tiresome marches or in the heat of battle. He shared with his comrades the fortunes and vicissitudes of war in various southern states, participating in the actions at and near Chattanooga, all the terrible battles of the Atlanta campaign, marched with Sherman to the sea, and. what is a most remarkable record with but few parallels, never missed a day from duty. To narrate in detail his varied experiences while following the old flag through the South and encountering the hosts of treason in the twenty-seven sanguinary engagements in which he participated, would far transcend the limits of this article, but throughout fiis conduct was all that an honorable soldier's could be, and the reflection that now comes to him in the thanks of the Union to which he devoted some of the best years of his life, affords a satisfaction and pride that in some measure at least compensate him for services rendered and hardships endured.

After the war ]\Ir. Keith resumed his studies for a while and then accepted a clerkship in a drug house at Hanoverton. devoting his leisure while thus employed to the reading of medicine, which profession he had long contemplated as a life work. Severing his connection with his employer, he entered the office of Dr. R. P. Johnson, a distinguished physician aiul surgeon of Alliance, Ohio, and after prosecuting his researches for soinc time under that oentleman's direction became, in the fall oi 1868. a student in the medical department of the Michigan L'niversity, at Ann Arbor. Addressing himself assidiously to his studies, he completed the prescribed course in less than two years, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine witii the class that was graduated in the spring of 1870.

\V'ell fortified with superior professional training, the Doctor at once began the practice at Hanoverton and after spending about one year there removed to a larger and more inviting field m the town of Bloomington, Illinois, where he ministered to the ills of suffering humanity for a period of two years, meeting with gratifying success the meantime. From Bloomington he removed to North Jackson, Mahoning county, Ohio, and during the ensuing ten years practiced in that town and vicinity, winning much more than local reputation as an able physician and skillful surgeon, his business taking in a wide range and resulting not only in professional success, but also in very liberal financial remuneration. The Doctor's next move was to Alliance. Stark county, in which city he spent the eighteen or twenty years following, constantly adding to his high repute in every line of his calling, also taking advanced rank as an intelligent. enterprising citizen and progressive man of afifairs. About the year 1892 he gave up in large degree his general practice for the purpose of devoting especial attention to the treatment of diseases by the static electric process, in which for years he had been making scientific investigations and which under his subsequently perfected system has become one of the greatest and most successful discoveries of modern medical science. Like all discoveries of remedial agents, his success has been achieved in the face of professional and g^eneral opposition, but with unbounded confidence in the efficacv of his svstem he persevered until he is now the proprietor of a large and thoroughly equipped sanitarium at Canton, where he located in 1898, the number of patients demanding treatment taxing the institution to its utmost capacity.

Among the many ills which have been treated with most lieneficial results, the following may be especially noted: Neuralgia, reflex irritation, various types of head pains, insomnia, the different forms of epilepsy, skin diseases, all classes of nervous disorders, disorders of the scalp, gout, all types of rheumatism, also heart diseases, resulting from reheumatic affections, many forms of chronic functional nervous disorders, locomotor ataxia, dyspepsia, sciatica, Bright's disease and other kidney troubles, debilitating fevers, most of the diseases peculiar to the female sex. diseases of children, in fact nearly all chronic ailments, while many others not included in this catalogue have yielded easily and permanently to the treatment which the Doctor and his assistants so successfully apply.

Dr. Keith has spent many years of hard study and painstaking research in developing and perfecting the static remedy, sparing no expense in supplying his sanitarium with the latest scientific appliances, including among others the most improved X-ray method, which he uses with skill and most beneficial results. In the prosecution of his work of healing he has conferred a great boon upon suffering humanity, his establishment on South Cleveland avenue being highly prized, not only by patients in the city of Canton, but by hundreds from distant places, who have tested to their satisfaction the efficacy and wonderful curati\'e powers of the remarkable system which he has brought to such a high degree of efficiency. The Doctor's distinguishing ambition has always been a laudable desire to be a trtie healer of men, and through a long and encouragingly successful career he has subordi- nated every other consideration to this one important idea. That he has succeeded is abundantly attested by the high favor with which his remedy has been received by the suffering and the avidity with which it has been adopted by physicians of distinction in Ohio and other states of the Union. What he has ah^eady accomplished may be accepted as an earnest of a still more successful career and his many friends and admirers in Canton and elsewhere are profuse m their predictions of a future filled to repletion with happy results in the line of his chosen profession.

Dr. Keith has been twice married, the first time at Hanoverton, Ohio, in 1865, to Miss Allie Bost, daughter of Dr. Bost, a well-known physician and surgeon of that place. Mrs. Keith died in the town of North Jackson, about the year 1878 ; she was the mother of one son, Harry R., who departed this life when a youth of sixteen. Subsequently the Doctor entered the marriage relation with j\Irs. Jennie Fisher, of Canton, a union without issue. Dr. Keith is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Canton Lodge No. 60, at Canton ; Canton Chapter No. 34; Council No. 35; Canton Commandery No. 38 ; and Emeth Lodge of Perfection. He is also identified with John C. Fremont Post. Grand Army of the Republic, at Alliance, and is an active worker in the organization, nothing affording him greater enjoyment than meeting with his old comrades with whom he shared the terrible realities of war during the trying days when the gallant ship of state was almost stranded upon the rugged rocks of discord and disunion. In every relation of life he has been a man among men, firm in his purpose to do the right as he sees and understands the right and discharging as a ioyal American all the duties of citizenship. Personally he is held in high esteem by the people of his adopted city and in the professional world he occupies a position such as few of his fellow laborers succeed in reaching.

JOHN REED POYSER. - The original old-world style of spelling the family name was "Poiser," but for some generations it has been used in its present form. The name is met with frequently in England, France and \\'ales. The emigrant ancestors of the subject came to this country at a very early period and first settled in Fayette (then Westmoreland) county, Pennsylvania. There the subject's grandfather, Joseph Poyser, lived and followed the occupation of fulling and weaving. He married in Pennsylvania Christina Hielman, who died, and he subsequently married Susan Harrold. In 1809 he emigrated to Ohio, making the long overland journey in wagons, and entered land in Plain township, Stark county. This land, which lay just. west of Nimishillen creek, is now in the possession of the Whiting family. Here Mr. Poyser built a small log house and on the banks of the creek he erected a fulling-mill. In connection with the mill, however, he continued to clear the land and cultivate the soil. Eight years after coming to this place he bought a farm in Sugar creek township, selling his former place. There he erected a second fulling-mill on Sugar creek and as before carried on his dual occupations. He was prostrated by fever, however, in 1824. and died in comparatively early life, while his widow survived him a number of vears, passing away in the 'fifties. He was a sturdy man, of upright character and a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Joseph Poyser, father of the subject, was born August 27, 1798, in Eden township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on the old homestead situated on the banks of Oswickly creek, and lived there until he was eleven years old. His mother died when he was but a mere child and in his youth he was enabled to secure but eleven days' schooling. He came to Ohio in 1809, walking the greater part of the distance, and grew to sturdy manhood in the wilderness of Stark county, being compelled to endure many hardships. He possessed a rugged constitution, else he could not have withstood the tremendous demands made upon his strength and vitality. As a boy he was passionately fond of hunting and made many long excursions after game. Upon the death of his father he fell heir to a share of the home farm and followed thereafter the pursuit of agriculture. Selling his farm in Sugar creek township in 1832, he came to Canton township in 1833 and there made his home until 1845. when he returned to Sugar Creek township. In 1861 he came back to Canton township and subsequently removed to the city of Canton, where he resided until his death, March 20, 1877. He was originally a Whig in politics, but upon the formation of the Republican party he affiliated with it and was faithful to its principles all his life. His. religious principles were those embodied in the creed of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a faithful and consistent member. Mr. Poyser was married in Canton to Miss Madeline Reed. She was a native of Maryland, but removed to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, from whence, in 181 1, she came to Stark county, Ohio. She died at Canton on the 2d of November, 1878.