Canton Township (part 18 of 62)

Dr. Riker's first charge was at Worthington, where he spent two years, and during the ensuing three years he served as pastor of a church in the city of Columbus, his labors in both places being fruitful in spiritual results as well as greatly beneficial in a material way. From Columlnis he went to Athens, where he labored' three years with a large measure of success, and at the expiration of that time was transferred to the Holston conference, Tennessee, and given charge of the first Methodist Episcopal church in the city of Chattanooga. During his pastorate of four years in that city he built up the congregation numerically and by his earnest and able preaching and untiring eftorts in personal work succeeded in awakening a deep and abiding interest in the church.

In the fall of 1891 Dr. Riker was transferred from Holston to the West Virginia conference and became pastor of the Fourth Street church in the city of Wheeling, where he labored with great acceptance for a period of five years. He was then stationed at Charleston and after a successful pastorate of tw'O years duration there, he was called to the presidenc\- of Mt. Union College, which high and resjxinsible position he has since held.

duty ably and conscientiously performed, nor is it without the honor which a man of his ripe scholarship and deep spirituality would naturally bring to ser\-ice so nolile and dignitied. By close stud}', wide reading and experience he continually added to his ability as a sound, forcible, logical and eloquent preacher and established his reputation as a faithful and untiringpastor, whose enei"g}- succumbed to no obstacle however formidable and whose optimism nothing could dim or discourage. Thus far his record as an educator and executor of the institu.tion with which he is connected has fully met the high expectations of the official management, patrons and students and of his numerous friends as well, and being in the very prime of his usefulness, thoroughly educated and endowed with force of character, it is safely predicted that he will rise to still greater eminence and exert a more potent influence than heretofore upon educational interests of the state. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the Ohio University located at Athens, at the commencement following the close of his pastorate in that city, without petition and without his knowdedge.

Dr. Riker, in 1881, contracted a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary E. Davis, of Dublin, Ohio, daughter of Charles Davis, a prominent farmer and stock raiser living near that town, the issue of the union being four children, Charles R. and S. Clark, students of Mt. Union College, and Olive and Marie, who are still pursuing their studies in the puljlic schools. Politically the Doctor is independent, yet he has broad and deep views upon the leading questions of the day, national and international, and is thoroughly familiar with the history of parties and the principles upon w hich they are founded. He exercises his judgment in the matter of the elective franchise and gives his support to the candidates who are intellectually and morally best qualified for the positions to which they aspire. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Magnolia Lodge No. 20 at Columbus.

JOHN G. YOST was born in Canton, on the 26th of October, 1845, and was here reared to maturity, having received his education in the common schools of the day. In 1862, when but sixteen years of age, he enlisted as a drummer in Company B, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until victory crowned the Union arms, having ever been found at the post of duty and being ready to lead into the thickest of the fray as occasion demanded, his regiment being attached to the Army of the Tennessee and participating- in many of the important battles of the great fratricidal conflict.

After the close of the war Mr. Yost returned to his home in Canton, whence he soon afterward went to Oberlin College, this state, where he completed a course in the commercial department. He then returned to his home city and became bookkeeper in the George D. Harter Bank, with which well-known financial institution he continued to be identified as a trusted and efficient employe for the long- period of fifteen years, being teller of the same at the time of his death, which occin-red on the nth of April, 1 88 1. He was a man of genial nature and utmost courtesy and kindness, and his circle of friends in this county was exceptionally wide, while he was true and loyal in all the relations of life and was valued as a citizen. In politics he gave an unqualified support to the Republican party, taking a lively interest in public affairs and the issues of the day, and his religious faith was that of the German Lutheran church. He was a member of Mc- Kinley Post No. 25, Grand Army of the Republic, and was one of its most honored com-

On the 7th of October, 1869, Mr. Yost was united in marriage to Miss Lavinia E. Barber, who was born and reared in Canton, the place of her nativity having been the family, home near the present city hall, on North Cleveland avenue. Her father, William Barber, was born in the state of Virginia, on the i6th of January, 1814, and when he was a child his parents removed to Stark county, locating on a farm a short distance south of Canton and becoming well known pioneers of the county.

Philip Yost, father of the subject of this memoir, was born in the pro\ince of Alsace, France, now a portion of the German empire, and came thence to America when a young man, locating in Buffalo, New York, where he married Miss Caroline Myrtle, a native of Germany. From New York state they came to Canton, here passing the remainder of their lives, while the parents of Mrs. Yost also died here, her mother's maiden name having been Frederica Haut. Mrs. Yost survives her honored husband, as do also their three children, Philip, who is first lieutenant of Company D, of the Regular Coast Artillery of the federal army, being stationed in Port Caswell, North Carolina, and John G. and Emma, who remain at the old home with their mother. Mr. Yost was a man of excellent business ability, being a fine accountant, and his death was deeply felt by those with whom he had been so long and closely associated in business, while in the home, whose associations were of the most ideal character, his memory remains as a benediction and as a measure of consolation for seemingly unmitigated loss and bereavement.

REV. FREDERICK STRASSNER. - The subject of this review is an honorable representative of the large and influential German element that has had much to do in shaping our industrial growth and giving character and stability to man)' other callings, not the least being u the holy ministry, in which may be found many I learned divines who were born in the Father- t land. Charles A. C. Strassner, father of the subject, was a native of Bremen and by occupation was a merchant tailor. He ran quite a large establishment in Bremen and many of his manufactured goods were exported to the United States, where they had an extensive sale. He spent all of his life in the land of his nativity, dying about 1855, at the age of eightyfour years. His father was also a merchant tailor and departed this life in the city of Bremen when about fifty-eight years old. The maiden name of the subject's mother was Mary Coelmn. She was the second wife of Charles A. C. Strassner and bore him eight children, there having been seven children of the previous marriage. Of this large family all remained in Germany except two brothers and one sister, namely: Christian, who died some years ago in St. Louis, Missouri; Mrs. Hannah Gehle, who now resides in that city, and the subject.

Re\-. Frederick Strassner was born February 22. 1 83 1, in Bremen, at that time one of the five independent cities of Germany, and until the age of fifteen he attended the parochial schools under the auspices of the German Reformed church. On quitting school he took up the study of architecture and frescoe painting and after acquiring a practical knowledge of each, decided to find a field for the exercise of his talents in America, where a brother and sister were already living. Accordingly, in 1849. ^vhen but seventeen years of age, he started on the long journey to what he considered the land of opportunities, taking passage at Bremen on a sailing vessel, which was at sea about sixty days before reaching New Orleans, its destination. From that city he made the trip to St. Louis on a Mississippi river steamer and there joined his relations, who had been anxiously awaiting' liis arri\al. His brother-in-law. Air. Gehle, being engageil in work similar in many respects to his own, gave him employment at remunerati\'e wages and during the succeeding nine months the young man was ke])t (|uite busy owing to the demand for skilled artisans in St. Louis. Before Mr. Strassner had been in this ccmntry a year the terrible ^Cl>urge of cholera broke out in the cities along the Mississippi, Ijeing especially violent in St. Louis, where at times as high as two hundred deaths occurred in one day. Determined if possible to escape the disease, young Strassner ded the plague-stricken city, taking a vessel which in due time landed -him in Cincinnati, where he also had friends and relatives living. Before coming to America Mr. Strassner had no knowledge whatever of the English language and, realizing how \'aluable it would be to him, took lessons while on the way over, from the steward of the vessel, who, being an irishman, spoke the tongue with a most proimunced Hibernian brogue. The subject inade good progress while en route and when he met his sister in St. Louis and accosted her in what he supposed to be fair English, she at first took him for a son of Erin and for some time could hardly l)elieve him a German, much less her brother. He landed in the L'nited States poor in purse, but rich in the elements of sturdy young manhood, which in the end never fail of winning success. In Cincinnati he took up car- ])eniry and worked at the trade in that city during the five years following, earning good wages, which he husbanded with the greatest care. \\hile there he formed the acquaintance of Rev. Herman Rust, a well known minister of the Reformed church, afterwards a professor in Heidelberg Theological Seminary, between whom and himself a very warm friendship soon sprung up. At the solicitation of Mr. Rust, who was not long in recognizing the youngman's ability and religious zeal, Mr. Strassner became an assistant in church, missionary and

Sunday school work and soon developed great efficiency in these lines of religi.ous endeavor. Convinced that it was his duty to enter the Christian ministr)-, but being without sutificient means to take the theological course required by the church, he accepted a position with the American Tract Society and for a period of nine months traxelled o\-er \-arious parts of the country distributing literature of that organization and doing much personal religious work among the people with whom he came in contact. This proved a very valuable experience in many w-ays, as it gave him confidence in himself, besides imparting a practical knowledge of the world such as he could not have received in any other way. Resigning his position with the Tract Society, Mr. Strassner entered Franklin Marshall College, Lancaster. Pennsylvania, where he prosecuted his literary studies for three years and then began the study of theology in the seminary at Mercersburg. Completing the prescribed course in the latter institution, he became assistant to Rev. George Wolfe, pastor of the Reformed church at Paradise, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. Owing to the ill health of Rev. Wolfe the burden of preaching fell to the assistant during the first nine months of his connection with the church and it was while thus engaged that the young divine received his license from the Susquehanna classis, the document bearing the date of 1858. At the conclusion of his labors at the above place Air. Strassner became pastor of the congregation at \Vilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, w^here he labored with great acceptance for a period of five years, during which time he preached in both the English and German tongaies and was instrumental in accomplishing much good in the service of God and humanity. His next field of later was in the vicinity of Tiffin and Berwick, Seneca county, Ohio, moving to the latter place in 1861 and preaching to the church there and to three congregations in the county for about three years.

At the expiration of that period he took up the work at Lancaster, where existed at that time a peculiar and unfortunate state of affairs growing out of tiie pohtical partisanship of those days. Owing to the bitter feehng between the RepubHcan adherents of Abraham Lincohi and the Democrats under the leadership of Clement L. Vallandigham, the local congregation was divided and a spirit of animosity engendered wiiich for a time threatened to terminate in the disruption of the congregation. It was with the laudable desire of uniting the

, two factions and restoring harmony that Mr. Strassner undertook what at first appeared an almost impossible task, but which under his superior tact and generalship was successfully inaugurated at the very beginning of his labors. Both sides, recognizing his scholarly attainments and persuasive powers as a preacher, were desirous of securing his services, in view of which they unanimously accepted his proposition to cease further political strife and unite as formerly in harmonious relationship for effective work. The times, however, were unpropitious, as party spirit ran high and the ut-

. most care was required to cope with the emergency and restore the church to its normal condition. In less than a year this much desired object was consummated and, harmony being restored, the work took on new life, which continued unabated until Mr. Strassner resigned the pastorate at the expiration of his second year with the church. He then accepted a call to Baltimore, Ohio, where he took charge of three congregations, all in a very weakened condition, materially and spiritually. Here he, perhaps, did some of his most effective work, his labors along all lines being blessed with most signal results. Many accessions were made to the different congregations, a greater spirit of devotion replaced the former condition of apathy and indifference replaced by one of life and energy, and in due time two new houses of worship were erected, one representing a cost of over nine thousand dollars. A parsonage was also purchased and remodeled which, with the other evidences of material prosperity, bore eloquent testimony to the spirit of union which was brought about by the efforts of the untiring pastor, who hesitated at nothing short of the accomplishment of his purpose. After three years of most successful labor at Baltimore, Mr. Strassner resigned and took charge of what is known as the Boundary chai-ge, consisting of the churches at On'ille and Marshallville, the former a newly organized congregation whose members were exceedingly desirous of securing his services. During his labors in this important field, which extended over a period of eighteen years, Mr. Strassner greatly strengthened both churches, building a fine temple of worship at Marshallville and adding much to the scope and influence of the congregations in their respective communities. He also preached from time to time at various other points, and acquired much more than local reputation as an able preacher and faithful, devoted worker, sparing no pains to disseminate the great truths of religion among his fellow men and win souls to the higher life. After five years service the Marshallville congregation was given up and Orville church formed a self-supporting congregation.

In 1890 Mr. Strassner accepted a call from the First Reformed church at Canton and after breaking the bread of life to the congregation for a period of six years and six months, resigned the pastorate to take charge of the mission at South Market street, entering upon his duties on the 3d of May, 1896. Services were held in the old United Brethren edifice on Charles street, but in a few months a lot on South Market street, containing a story-and-ahalf house, was purchased and the building reconstructed for church purposes. Subsequently a new temple of worship in keeping with the requirements of the rapidly growing congregation was erected and dedicated to the service of

God, the event taking place in December, 1900. The ceremony was conducted by Revs. Meyer, of Youngstown, Henning, of Osnaburg, and Faust, of Massillon, assisted by the pastor, and the day marked an important epoch in the history of one of the most important as well as one of the most successful religious movements in the city of Canton.

Under Mr. Strassner's administration the mission had progressed satisfactorily in all of its departments, the building, which represents a capital of over six thousand dollars, standing as a monument to his zeal and untiring energy in the cause whicli lies so near his heart. Few preachers have accomplished as much as has Rev. Strassner, his career from the beginning presenting a series of successes in building up the kingdom of Christ seldom paralleled in the community with which he is identified. He has literally spent his time and energy in the noble work of saving men and although well advanced in life, is still animated by the same zeal and enthusiasm which marked the labors of his earlier years. Strong in the faith, fearless in the denunciation of sin, persuasive and eloquent in presenting the claims of the Gospel, he has indeed been a true champion of the cross and expects to continue calling sinners to repentance until he is called by the Master to come up higher and receive the approbation, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Rev. Strassner was married at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1861, to Miss Mar\' G. Gleim, daughter of Joseph Gleim, of Lebanon, that state; the children of this union are as follows : Mary, wife of A. A. Sharp, now living in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the mother of three children. Mary, Blanche and Lester Sharp ; Charles F., the second in order of birth, lives in Kansas, is a married man and the father of one daughter, Josephine; Grace E., who married Daniel Frantz, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, has three children. Edith, Frederick and Susan ; Edgar, the second son, is a resident of Canton ; his wife, formerly Miss Belle Schlabach, of this city, has borne him two daughters. Bernice and Margaret ; William, also living in Canton, married Grace Karnes ; Pearl B., wife of John Burkhart, lives in Canton, as do also Doris, Lillian and Frank J., with their parents.

In his political views Rev. Strassner is independent, acknowledging allegiance to no party. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon Rev. Strassner by Heidelburg College about 1895.

WILLIAM K. FOGG, manufacturer and financier, is a native of Mahoning county, Ohio, and whose parents, Josiah and Emmeline Fogg, were both born near Salem, New Jersey, When quite young Josiah Fogg and Emmeline Shinn were brought by their respective parents to eastern Ohio, and they grew to maturity and were married in Mahoning county, where the two families settled in an early day. Josiah Fogg was a farmer and followed his chosen calling in Berlin township, of the above county, until 1893, when he retired from active life and took up his residence in the town of Beloit. After living there until 1902 he came to Alliance, where he and his good wife are now spending their closing years, the former having reached the ripe old age of eighty-three, the latter being his junior by one year. In early life, in addition to agriculture, Josiah Fogg dealt quite extensively in live stock and prosecuted his business enterprises so successfully that in due time he was enabled to retire with an ample competence. He figured conspicuously in the early political history of eastern Ohio and it is a matter of 'record that he was one of the first three abolitionists in the county of Mahoning. Fearless in the expression of his opinions, his radical views concerning human slavery incurred the enmity of many of his neighbors and friends. He persisted in his course, however, regardless of consequences and iiot onlv maintained his highest convictions but by more material means assisted fugitive slaves on their way to Canada, having for years been connected with what was known as the "underground railroad.'" By birthright a member of the Society of Friends, a religious body unalterably opposed to unrequited servitude, he became a most pronounced enemy of the whole nefarious system of human bondage and during the antebellum days many poor blacks were assisted on their way to freeilom across our northern borders through his instrumentality. He and his good wife have always remained true to the plain simple faith in which they were born and reared and are still orthodox members of the society, upholding its principles and precepts with the tenacity of purpose that characterizes the Friends of a generation long past. Of the three children born to this excellent couple two are living at the present time, William K., the subject of this sketch, and Aaron, who resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

The bu'tli lit William K. Fogg occurred on the 25th day of June, 1852, in Berlin township, Washington county, Ohio, and he was reared to young manhood at the paternal homestead, receiving his first practical acquaintance with life as a farmer boy familiar with the varied phases of healthful outdoor work. His educational advantages were (|uite limited, as he was obliged to C{ui_t school when about fourteen years of age in order to help his father, who stood greatly in need of assistance to carry on the farm and provide for the family. ^luch of the labor fell to the subject as soon as he was strong enough to assume the responsibility, and during the years that followed his life was one of constant toil, with hut little leisure for recreation or luental miproxement. \\\\.h true filial regard he pro\ed loyal to his parents and continued to labor for them and louk after their interests until 1871, when he chose a wife and hel])meet in the person of Miss Narcissa Webb, of Mahoning county, and started in life for himself, moving the same year to Stark county and purchasing a farm alx>ut two miles southeast of Marlboro, in the township of Lexington. William Fogg had no cai)ital worthy of mention at the time of his marriage and he went in debt for the entire purchase price of his farm, determined if there were any virtue in hard work and good management to clear the place of incumbrance at the earliest possible date. Animated by this laudable ambition to succeed, he bent all of his energies to the task, labored early and late and exercised the most frugal thrift as well as excellent judgment in his endeavors. After four years of strenuous effort, during which his success in e\'ery line of agriculture was most encouraging, he succeeded in paying the last dollar of indebtedness on the farm, the land the meanwhile, by reason of thorough culti\ation, continuing to increase m \alue far in excess of the price he originally paid. At the expiration of the fnur years. he made another fortunate investment in real estate, purchasing what is locally known as the old Web!) farm, consisting of one hundred and si.xty acres in (lOslien township, Malmning county, to which he at t»nce removed and which he made his home during the four years following. While living on the latter place Mr. Fugg did not follow agriculture exclnsix'ely. hut in connection therewitli started a cheese factory, the first enterprise of its kind in the county of Mahoning. With no experience whatever in the manufacture of cheese, and not. being able to ppicure a ca])ahle man to take charge of his factorv, he sent to Switzerland for an experienced cheesemaker. who, arriving in due time, soon hail the enterprise in fine working order. The high reputation of the product created a great demand in the local markets, from which it rapidly extended to the general trafle and it was not long until the factory was taxed to its utmost capacity, and that too w itliout nearly satisfving the constant demand. The better to liandle liis product, Air. Fogg, in tlie fall of 1883, turned his farm over to other hands and moved to Alliance, where he engaged in the wholesale cheese business, to which he devoted his attention with success and financial profit until the spring of 1902, when he sold out his establishment for the purpose of embarking in another and different enterprise. In that year he organized the Standard Bolt Manufacturing CDnipany for the manufacttu'e of all kinds of bolts, nuts, rivets, car forgings and other articles of similar character, an enterprise which proved successful from the beginning and which has steadily grciwn in favor, taking its place among the leading industries of the city and gaining for the promoters the reputation of able, far-sighted business men. Mr. Fogg, being the leading spirit in the organization of the company, was made its president and treasurer and he still hoUls that oftice. besides giving personal attention to the enterprise and rendering valuable service in other than ofBcial capacities. Prior to his removal to Alliance Mr. Fogg l>ecame interested in one of tlie city's most important financial institutions, the saving tenk, whicli he assisted to organize in 1892 and of whicti he was made president six years later, a relation he still sustains.

The remarkable adxancement of the subject in the xarious enter])rises with which he has been identiheil. mark him as a man of much more than ordinary mental power and business ability and his experience as farmer, manufacturer and financier demonstrates unusual capacity for inaugurating and pushing to successful ctimpletion large and important undertakings. He has been fortunate in all liis enterprises, as the above record attests, and his opinions and judgment are only formed after the most careful and painstaking consideration.

Mr. Fogg's first wife was the daughter of R. S. \\'el)b. formerly a well known citizen of Mahoning county, but now lix'ing a retired life in the city of Alliance. She died in 1893. lea\-- ing, besides her husband, a daughter by the name of Bertha, who at this time holds the position of assistant cashier in the City Savings Bank. In the year 1897 the subject married his present companion, formerly Miss Laura Leeters, but at the time noted Mrs. Kay, Mr. Fogg being her second husband.

Politically Mr. Fogg is a Republican, but he is extremely liberal in his views and in local matters frequently votes for the man regardless of party. He has ne\er had any political aspirations, being essentially a business man with no time to devote to any thing outside his specific spheres of activity. He is also a selfmade, educated man and coming from a physically and mentally robust race, enjoys a strong constitution, a clear, incisive mind and a resourceful, powerful nature. No one in the city of Alliance bears a better reputation for sterling worth, few- ha\e been as faithful and energetic in business and none stand hig-her in the confidence and esteem of the public.

JOSEPH M. BALL came of stanch German extraction, his parents, having emigrated to .\merica and taken up their resilience in the state of Pennsylvania, where they passed the remainder of their li\es. two of their children, Joseph M. and a younger sister, having been born in this country. Joseph M. Ball was born in Butler county. Pennsylvania, on the 23th of March, 1844. and was there reared to the age of eighteen years, ha\ing recei\ed a common school education. .\t the age noted he went to the city of Pittsburg, where he servetl an apprenticeship at the trade of tinsmith. At the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion he went to the state of Tennessee, where he was employed in construction work for the government for a short time, and he then enlisted, at Nashville, that state, as a private in the First Kansas Light Artillery, with which he continued in active service until the close of the war. having made tlie record of a loyal and valiant soldier of the republic, and ha\ing always been found at the post of duty. After victory had crowned the Union anus he received his honorable discharge at Fort Worth, Kansas. After the termination of his military career Mr. Ball came to the city of Columbus, Ohio, where he remained a few weeks and then came to Canton, in 1865. Here he established a tin shop at the corner of Mulberry and Cherry streets, where he conducted business for a period of two years, at the expiration of which he erected the Ball block, at 825 South Market street, and there established himself in the grocery business, in which he successfully continued for nearly ten years, during a portion of which time he also operated a grist mill on South Court street. At the expiration of the time mentioned Mr. Ball disjjosed of his grocery and mill and purchased the Buckeye flouring mills, which he maintained at the highest standard and which he continued to operate until 1898, when he retired from active l;)usiness, and he died at his home on South Market street, on the 21st of May, 1902, honored by all who knew him. He had ever been careful and discriminating in his business affairs, and through his wise conservatism he accumulated fine properties, having been the owner of much x-aluable real estate in Canton and having at all times taken a deep interest in the progress and material prosperity of his home city. In politics Mr. Ball gave an unswer\ing allegiance to the Democratic party and he was one of the prominent members and devoted communicants of St. John's church, Roman Catholic, as was also his devoted wife. Fraternally he manifested his abiding interest in his old comrades in arms by retaining membershi]i in the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with McKinley Post No. 25. In the city of Canton, on the 12th of May, 1868. Mr. Ball was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Richard, who was born in this place on the 24th of March, 1848, a daughter of

John and Sarah (Shanabrook) Richard, honored pioneers of the county. She received her educational training in the public and parochial schools of Canton, and here her entire life was passed, her demise occurring on the 14th of May, 1882. Five children were born to this union, namely: Frank J., who is mentioned in another paragraph; Sadie is the wife of William E. Melchior, member of the firm of Ball & Jennings, of Canton; Howard M. is individually mentioned in an appending paragraph ; Jennie I. is the widow of Richard J. Jennings, of Canton, who died April 28, 1902 ; and Harry A. will be more specifically mentioned at a later point in this context.

Frank J. Ball was born on the 29th of January, 1869, and attended the public schools until sixteen years of age, after which he took a course in a business college. He remained with his father until April, 1894, when he purchased the United States Auction Syndicate, located in East Tuscarawas street, which he still owns. Religiously he is aftiliated with St. John's church, while in politics he is a Democrat. In July, 1894, Mr. Ball was married to Miss Frances Bissler, of Alliance, but they have no children.

Howard M. Ball, the second son of the honored subject of this memoir, was bom in the parental homestead in Canton, on the 14th of August, 1872, and he received his early educational discipline in the public and private schools of his native city, while at the age of fifteen years he entered the Canton Business College, where he completed a thorough course and thus fortified himself for the duties of an active business career. Thereafter he continued to be associated with his father in the operation of the Buckeye flouring mills until 1897, when he entered into partnership with his brother-inlaw, Richard J. Jennings, and opened a general store at No. 833-837 South Market street, where he has since continued to be successfully engaged in business, the firm name having been

Ball & Jennings until the death of his partner, since which time operations have been continued by him individually, though the interest of his sister is still retained in the establishment. The building now occupied was erected by the firm in 1900, the store being spacious and well equipped, while he utilizes the second story for residence purposes. In politics Mr. Ball gives his support to the Democratic party and he and his wife are communicants of St. John's church, while fraternally he holds membership in the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. He is a progressive and capable young business man and has the respect of the people of his native city. On the 15th of April, 1894, in Canton, Mr. P>all was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Peffer, daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Walters) Peffer, of this city, and of this union have been born four children : Joseph S., aged eight years ; Catherine Lucinda, aged six years: Howard F., aged four years; and Susie, aged two years.

Harry A. Ball, youngest child of John M. and Lucinda (Richard) Ball, was born in the old home in Canton, on the 4th of November, 1876. and he received excellent educational advantages, having attended tiie public and parochial schools and the Canton Business College, after which he took a course in the Ohio Normal L'niversity, at Ada. At the age of eighteen \ears he became connected with the operation of his father's mills, and was identified with the same until the retirement of his father, in 1898, when he became a partner in the firm of Ball & Jennings, in the ownership of the South End Bargain Store, in which he has since brcen concerned, while through his efforts he has done much to further the upbuilding of the representative trade controlled by the firm. Like his brother, he is a Democrat in his political proclivities, a communicant of St. John's church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

FRIEND E. MYERS. - Edwin C. Myers, the subject's father, was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. He married, in Portage county, Miss Anna Stretch, who was also born in Salem, Columbiana county, and for a number of years carried on the pursuit of agriculture near the town of Industry.

Friend E. Myers, city engineer of Canton, Ohio, and a well known civil engineer, was born at Industry, Portage county, Ohio, June 27, 1870, and there grew to young manhood, spending the intervening years on the farm, attending at intervals the public schools. Subsequently, in 1889, he entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, the scientific course of which institution he completed in 1894. and the following year was graduated fnim the engineering department, standing at the head of his class m all lines of professional study^ and delivering the valedictory address at the close of the term. Mr. Myers on leaving the luiiversity accepted the position of deputy surveyor of Hardin county, Ohio, and continued to exercise the duties of the same for a period of three years, during which time he added greatly to his practical knowledge of engineering and became skilled in every branch of his chosen calling. Resigning the above place at the expiration of the time noted, he entered the employ of the Champion Iron Company, at Kenton, Ohio, as expert engineer, which position he held three years with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the firm. Mr. Myers next became engineer for the Massillon Bridge Company, which responsible position he filled two years, when he gave up the place and for some time thereafter was engaged by the Interurban Construction Company to assist in the surveying and engineering work of the Stark County Electric Trolley Line. November, 1902, he came to Canton and effected a co-partnership with ex-county surveyor John Holl, which still exists, the firm thus consti- tilled doing ;i large and lucrative business in all kinds of engineering and surveying. The liigli re])Utation of both parties as accomplished engineers creating a continuous demand for their services, not only in Canton. Inn throughout the county and in other cities as well. For some time past Mr. Myers has held the responsible position of city engineer of Canton, discharging the duties of the same in an able and satisfactory manner, being employed at frequent intervals to do expert engineering work for various industrial concerns, where only the * highest order of efficiency is required.

Mr. Myers was married in Kenton, Ohio. December 23, 1897. to Miss Dee Armstrong, a native of Columbus, this state, the union being blessed with one child by the name of Marion. In his political affiliations Mr. Myers is a Republican, and as such has pronounceti views and decided opinions, though not a partisan in the sense the term is generally accepteil. Religiously he belongs to the First Christian church of Canton, with which congregation his wife is also identified.

REV. HIRAM MILLER was a native of the old Keystone state of the Uniim, ha\ing been born in W'illiamsport, Lycoming county. Pennsylvania, on the T6th of June, 1820. His father, Cornelius Miller, was likewise born in that count\-. whicli fact is significant, as indicating that the family must have been there establishefl within the colonial epoch of our national history. Cornelius Miller retained liis residence in his native county until well advanced in years, and then removed to the vicinity of the present town of Newcastle, Lawrence county, that state, and a number of years later after the death of his wife, he emigrated to the state of Iowa, where he passed the residue of his life, attaining the patriarchal age of ninety years. He was a man of intellect and sterling character, and the major portion of his long life was devoted to agricultural jiursuits. Of his children we are able to give the following | brief data : Cornelius died in Iowa ; Hiram, subject of this memoir, was next in order of j birth: Jemima was married and died in Beaver county, Pennsylvania ; Martha Jane married a man named Wilson, and lives in Lyons, Iowa; the next was a son named Daniel, who met his death while serving in the Confederate army during the Rel^ellion : Xewton. who married in Beaver county, Penn.sylvania, removed thence to Iowa, and his death occurred in Maquoketa, that state.

Of marked historic interest, and pertinent in this connection, are the following data. Sir Francis Drake, of England, ujjon his death devised much property to his sister Martha, who came to the United States when a girl and located near Harrislnirg. Penns}l\ania, where she married the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and her heirs are still endeavoring to secure the fortune l)equeathed to her h\ her brother, the litigation having been protracted and complicated, while there is some assurance that justice will yet l)e done in the case, which has been in the English courts for years.

Lliram Miller, to wh<ini this memoir is dedicated, received his ]>reliminary educational discipline in the schools of his native county, and later continued his studies in Beaver county. Pennsylvania, w'here he completed an academic course, having been endowed with those alert and recepti\-e intellectual faculties which enabled him to make the best use of the opportunities aiTorded him. He also had marked musical talent, and had devoted careful attention to the study of the "divine art." becoming a particularly excellent \-ocalist. After leaxing schools he remained for a time with his father on the farm, and then removed to the south, where he was for man\- }ears engaged in teaching music, a vocation which led him into many dift'erent sections. He also passed some time at the home of his brother Daniel, in Mississippi. After his return home, being naturally of reverent antl spiritual tendencies, he was led to the faith m the divine Master which guided and goxerned his entire life thereafter, and he was a humble and appreciatix-e follower in the steps of the lowly Nazarene who became the light of the world and the Savior of men. He was converted in the* Methodist Episcopal church, and his interest was so quickened and vitalized as to become a dominating- factor, and he determined that his duty lay in consecrating his life to the work of the Master's A'ineyard. He accordingly began the study of theology, applying himself with great diligence, fervor and reverence, and completed his ecclesiastical studies in the divinity school in his native state, where he was duly graduated, and in 1847 l^s ordained to the ministry of the church, in the Pittsburg conference. In the connection It is interesting to recall the fact that his initial pastoral charge was at Salem, Ohio, where he did effective work, and thence he went to Manchester, Pennsvhania. now a part of the city of Pittsburg, and later laliored in the Murraysville circuit of the church in Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania. Here it was his good fortune to form the acquaintance of the noble and gracious woman who Ijecame his wife and who pro\ed a true helpmeet and coadjutor to him until the hour when death set its seal upon his mortal lips.

In the city of Pittsburg, on the 15th of June, 1852, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Elizabeth Gilchrist, concerning whom further mention will be made in this context. After serving as pastor of different churches in Pittsburg, Mr. Miller continued his work in turn at Braddock and Rostraver, Pennsylvania, and returned to Pittsburg, while later he was stationed at Sharpsburg and Brownsville, in tiu'n, and then came to Ohio aiid for four years he was presiding elder of the church at JMcConnellsville, whence the conference sent him to Washington, Washington county, where he remained until 1865, when he came to Canton, as pastor of what is now the First Methodist Episcopal church. Here he was successful in infusing vigor into the spiritual anti temporal work of the church, increasing its membership materially and laboring with devoted zeal in this charge for a period of three years, when, in accord with the policy of the church authorities, a change was made, much to the sorrow of those to whom he had so faithfully ministered. From Canton Mr. iMiller went to the Smithfield church, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and thereafter was in tenure of pastorates in Monongahela City and Beaver, that slate, the three charges consuming the internal up to 1878, when he once more identified himself with the Ohio conference, coming again to Canton and here resuming pastoral charge of the church in which he had previously labored so elYectively. After a successful pastorate of three years, he was assigned to the chinxh at Massillon, where he remained for two years, and then became pastor of the church at Wellsxille. Here his pastorate continued one year, and about this time his health became so seriously impaired as to necessitate his retirement from the active later of the ministry, much to his regret and sorrow, for his zeal was unflagging and his consecration to the uplifting of his fellow men represented the ultimate aim of his life. Upon retiring, at the age of sixty-five years, the honored subject returned to Canton, where he purchased a home at the corner of Clexeland avenue and Lake street, and here he remained, secure in the love and solicitude of his family and of the community and sustained and comforted by that faith which makes faithful, until the hour when he was summoned into eternal rest, his death occurring' on the 26th of February, 1891, at the age of seventy-one years, eight months and ten days, so that he had attained the psalmist's span of three score years and ten. Standing in the pure \\hite light of a life and character like this, ail may find revelation and inspiration, for his was, indeed, "pnre religion and undetiled before God," and his aim, and that realalized in its amplitude, was "to visit the widows and the fatherless in their affliction and to do good to all men." The veil of the infinite was lifted to gain a new glory when came the translation of this noble, valiant soul, and his name will be held in lasting reverence and honor by all who came within the sphere of his beneficent influence. In politics Mr. Miller was stanchly arrayed in support of the Republican party from the time of its organization, and fraternally he had been for many years identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Sons of Temperance. As a speaker he was forceful, earnest and convincing, perfervid in his simple faith and his love for his fellow men, and broad in his intellectuality, while his administrative ability was distinctive and potent.

Rev. Hiram and Margaret E. (Gilchrist) Miller became the parents of seven children, concerning whom we enter the following epitomized record : Mary is the wife of George V. L. Mellinger. of Canton; Edmund M. died at the age of eight years; Horace H. resides in Canton; Flora is the wife of Dr. Marcus M. Catlin, of this city ; George Maurice died at the age of nineteen; Wilbur G. is a resident of Washington, D. C, and Margaret died at the age of five months. The only grandchild is IVIargaret Gilchrist, now wife of E. W. Lewis, of Canton, she being the daughter of George and Mary Mellinger.

Margaret Elizabeth (Gilchrist) Aliller, widow of the honored subject of this memoir, still retains her home in Canton, endeared to her by the memories and associations of the past. She was born in Murrysville, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of March, 1829, the town having been founded and named by her maternal grandfather. Jeremiah Murrv. He was born in Ireland, in

1744, and as a young man, without financial reinforcement or influential friends, emigrated to America, and made his way to the wilds of Westmoreland county, which was then considered far west, and there entered large tracts of land, on a portion of which he laid out the town which bore his name. Loyal to the land of his adoption, he became a patriot soldier in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution, in which he rendered yeoman service. He was twice married. His first wife bore him six children, and after her death he married Keziah Setwart, of Scotch descent, who survived him by se\'eral years and who died without issue. From the founding of the town of Murrysville until his death Grandfather Murrv was there engaged in mercantile pursuits, and he lived to the age of ninety years, passing away in 1834. He was active in public affairs and zealous in furthering all enterprises and projects for the general good, being essentially public spirited and progressive and a man of fine mental caliber, while his genial and gracious personality gained to him the esteem and affection of all with whom he came in contact. He was a man of fine physique and classic features, and was a striking figure at all times, even at venerable age. In his later years his hair, which was snowy white, hung long upon his shoulders, his ruddy, handsome face being always clean shaven, while to the last he wore the picturesque garb of the gentlemen of the colonial epoch. - ruftled shirts, knee breeches, with silver buckles, low shoes, etc. During the Indian wars he constructed a block house in Murrysville, and in time of danger this was the refuge of the settlers for miles around. He served as justice of the peace for many years, was guide, counselor and friend to the people of the community, and was familiarly and affectionately known as 'Sf|uire Murrv. His children were as follows: James, who was a general in the war of 1812 and who was a prominent business man in Mur- rysville, where he conducted a liotel for many years, and where he died, married Priscilla Shaffer and they reared a numter of children ; Nancy, who became the wife of John Cowen, died in 1836, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania ; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Mungo Dick, died in Pennsylvania ; Rebecca was the mother of Mrs. Miller, wife of the subject; Sarah, who became the wife of John Burrell, died in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where their son, Judge Jeremiah Murry Burrell resided until his decease some years ago, being an honored and influential citizen; Jane became the wife of John Carpenter, a lawyer, and both died in Mur rysville.

The Gilchrist family is of English descent, John Gilchrist, grandfather of Mrs. Miller, having been born in England but having been reared in Scotland. The family is collaterally allied to the great cutlery manufacturers of the name in England. John Gilchrist came to America and was killed while serving as a Continental soldier in the Revolution. He had located in Pennsylvania, and there married Ellen Berryhill, who after his death took up her abode in Harrisburg, that state, and it is pathetic to recall an incident in her life, for so insistently did she weep upon receiving the tidings of the death of her loved husband, that the result was total blindness, which continued until her death. Her great regret was that she could not be able to see which one of her children grew to most resemble their father. She finally removed to New Alexandria, in Westmoreland county, where she died about 1837, at the age of four score years or more. John and Ellen Berryhill became the parents of four children, namely: Lucy became the wife of James Latta, a saddler of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, and one of their children was Gen. James Latta, a gallant soldier of the Civil war, the parents both dying in Pennsylvania: Hannah, who became the wife of James Paur, died in Pennsvlvania, and her son John was likewise a soldier in the LTnion army, rising to the rank of colonel ; Matilda died in early youth, and John Andrew was the father of Mrs. Miller.

John A. Gilchrist was born in the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was but five years of age at the time of his widowed mother's removal to New Alexandria, where he was reared to maturity. After receiving a good common-school education he took up the study of law, and was duly admitted to the bar of his native state, but he never engaged to any considerable extent in the practice of his profession. He became the owner of a large number of farms near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and also operated salts works on the Allegheny river. His estate was known as the Manor Farms, and the spacious and attractive residence was located in the center of the estate. He superintended the construction of what was known as the Northern pike, from Philadelphia to the western portion of the state, was ever active in promoting the march of improvement and accumulated a fortune. His was a strong personality and his poAyers of initiative were enormous, while for every thought and action of his life he demanded the approval of conscience, so that the fullest measure of confidence and esteem was always his. He finally located in Murrysville, and that continued to be his home until his death, which was caused by accident. He was riding on horseback in company with a friend. Dr. Stewart, when a tree fell in such a way as to cause his instant death, this occurring in 1831.

In Murrysville Mr. Gilchrist was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Murry, and she survived him by three years, passing away in 1834, at the age of forty-four years. Of their children the following record is offered : Ann Jane, who became the wife of William Hunter, died in 1889. at her home in Memphis, Tennessee : Nancy became the wife of Rev. Samuel McClung, and both died in Pittsburg,

Pennsylvania: John C. enlisted for service in the Mexican way and was killed in the battle of Pueblo: six months previonsly he had received a captain's commission in the United States navy, and this commission, with other papers, was fonnd on the battle field and were sent to his mother : Sarah, who became the wife of Capt. Matthew Woods, died in 1899. in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania: Helen, who 1)ecame the wife of Riley McLaughlin, died in Allegany county, Pennsylvania, in 1881 : Margaret E., wife of the subject, is the sole sur- ^-i\ing member of the immediate family; and Rebecca, who became the wife of Matthew Shields. remo\ed to the west, where l)oth she and her husband died.

Mrs. Miller remains in the old homestead purchased by her husband, and is one of the \enerable and loved ladies of Canton. Her strong and abiding Christian faith has sustained her through years of vicissitude and trial and has inspired the fullest appreciation of the beautiful elements in life, so that in the golden e\ening of her days she is an example of gracious womanhood, and well mav her children rise up and call her blessed.

FR.\XK TR.VXSCE is president of the Transne & \\'illiams Drop Forging Company, an im])()rtant manufacturing concern, and \icepresident of the Alliance Bank Company, one of the solid financial institutions of the Buckeye state. He is a native son of Ohio, having been born in Xorth Benton, Mahoning county, on the 17th of June, 1842, the second in order of birth of four children born to Samuel and Margaret (Santee) Transue. and one of the two now snr\i\ing. his sister, Marv H.. being the widow of .\l\in .Stone and retaining her home in .Alliance. The two decea.sed are Reuben, who sacrificed his life on the altar of his country durmg the war of the Rebellion, being killed in the battle of Chickamanga : and John.

who died m infancy. Samuel Transue was born in Berks county. Pennsylvania, in which state the family was foundetl at an early period in its history, the name having been specially prominent in the \-icinity of Lancaster, where ha\e lixed numerous representatives, the lineage tracing back to French origin. In his native state the father of the subject was reared and educated, and there he learned the trade uf tailor. As a young man he came thence to Ohio and located in Xorth Benton. Mahoning county, where he engaged in the tailoring business and where he was shortly afterward married. He continued to be successfully engaged in this line of enterprise in Xorth Benton until 1852. while he was also for a number of vears incumbent of the office of postmaster of Xorth Benton. In the year mentioned he came to Alliance, which was then but a village, locating in the section then known as Freedom but now a part of the city of Alliance, and here he continued in the work of his trade. In \^y) he entered into partnership with a Mr. Such and opened a tailoring business in the heart of the city, and the same was continued under the firm name of Transue & Such, until the outbreak of the Civil war. when the subject of this sketch ;md his elder brother. Reuben, enlisted for- service in the L'nion ranks and the family home was l)r()ken up. The father then retired from business and drifted back to Pennsyl\'ani;i. locating in Harrisburg. where he likewise enlisted in the government service, becoming an attache of the commissarv dep.artment in that ])lace. his wife and daughter in the meanwhile remaining in Alliance. After the close of his service in the capacity noted he returned to Alliance, and here his wife died the following year, she having been born in Mahoning county. Ohio, and having been fifty-six years of age at the time of her demise. Soon afterward TlK.mas Transue removed to .\rkon. Ohio, where the latter was united in marriage to a Mrs. McMasters. one child being born of this union, Xellie. who is now tlie wife of Henry CalchveU. of Oil City. P^ennsylvania. Mr. FransHe passed the remainder of his Hfe in Arkon. where he died on the 4tli of March, 1892. at the age of seventy-seven years, his widow sin"vi\'ing' hiui h\ only ahout eighteen months. He was a man of strong mentality and marked individuality, and while ne\'er an aspirant for office he became influential in the councils of the Know-nothing party and later in the Whig party, with which he remained identified until the organization of the Republican part} . w hen he became a stalwart advocate of its principles and so continued until the time of his death.

Frank Transue. the immediate subject of this re\'iew, was reared in the parental home, having- accompanied his parents on their removal to Alliance, and his educaltional advantages were such as were afforded in the public schools of the day. At the age of sixteen years he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of machinist, for which purpose he entered the shops of Fisher & Shallters Com- I)any. in Alliance. After completing his apprenticeship he continued in the employ of this concern, as a journeyman, for several years, gaining a reputation as a skilled and reliable artisan. In 1861. in response to the President's first call for volunteers to aid in suppressing the Rebellion, Mr. Transue tendered his services in defen.se of the Union, enlisting as a private in Company H, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a term of three months. His term of en.listment expired, however, before his command reached the front, and he then resumed the work of his trade. In 1863 he went to Galion, Ohio, where he was employed about a year in the shops of the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railroad, now a portion of the Big Four system, and he then returned to Alliance, where he remained until 1865, when he went to Kent. Ohio, to accept a position in the shops of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, which is now known as the Erie Railroad. He was there employed about three years, at the expiration of which he again came to Alliance and once more accepted a position with the Nixon Company, formerly Fisher Shallters & Company, in whose works he had ser\-ed his apprenticeship. In 1872 the company failed and Mr. Transue then went to Massillon to superintend the placing in operation of the works of the C. Russell Company, manufacturers of threshing-machine teeth, and he remained with this concern until the plant was in good worknig order, and he then -returned to Alliance and entered the employ of the Stark Manufacturing Company, whose enterprise was an "infant industry," the ct)mpany having been organized after the failure of the Nixon Company. The life of this new concern was not prolonged beyond its infancy, and the company was succeeded by J. S. Craft, who immediately afterward also purchased the old tow mill in Freedom, as that section of th^ city still continued to be desigiiated. At this juncture ]\Ir. Transue practically inaugurated his independent career, since he entered into a contract with Mr. Craft, who furnished the material, delivering the same to the factory, and our subject then, according to the specifications of his contract, turned out the finished products at a stipulated price. In 1879 he became associated with Dr. Johnson Armstrong in the purchase of the plant and business, and the enterprise was continued under the name of the Keystone Spike Company, the products of th.e establishment being threshing machine teeth and general forging. Mr. Transue now assumed the entire management of the business, and through his wise and <liscriminating efforts the business was materially advanced in scope and importance and made one of the substantial industries of the state. In 1887 the firm sold the plant to the Whitman-Barnes Company, which was at the time a Canton concern, but now of .\kron, a stipulation in connection with the sale of the property being that our subject should continue as superintendent of the works for one year after the transfer. At the expiration of this year Mr. Transue returned from Canton to Alliance and somewhat later accepted a position in the experimental department of the Solid Steel Casting Company, of this city. In 1892 he directed the assembling- of an exhibit for this concern and took the same to the World's Columbian Exposition, in Chicago, where he had charge of the exhibit durmg the course of that memorable fair. After his return from Chicago he resumed his experimental work in the interests of this company, liut about six months later its interests were secured by the syndicate or trust, and Mr. Transue then severed his connection with the business. Somewhat later he became associated with Silas J. Williams in the organization of the Alliance Manufacturing Company, for the purpose of manufacturing stump-pullers. Iieavy dragging machinery and other special products, but this venture did not prove a financial success and the project was finally abandoned. In 1895 the Transue & Williams Company was incorporated under the laws of the state, the same having been organized about a year prior to incorporation, and the enterprise which this company took in hand was the manufacture of drop forgings of all descriptions. The company began operations in the old Nixon shops, but with the rapid expansion in business these quarters soon proved entirely inadequate, and in 1898 the ground was broken for their present large and finely equipped plant, which was completed in the spring of 1899, since which time the shops have been in operation both night and day, in order to keep pace with the demands of the trade, while employment is given to a corps of about two hundred and fifty workmen, from which fact it may be seen that the industry is one which has distinctive value to the city, aside from the direct financial transactions implied in the sale of its products. Mr. Transue has been president of the company from the time of its incorporation, and the other members of the executive corps are as follows : Silas J. Williams, vice-president; J. M. Seymour, secretary and treasurer; and O. F. Transue, general manager. For the past thirteen years Mr. Transue has been a member of the directorate of the Alliance Bank Company, of which he was elected vice-president in 1899, and has since been incumbent of that position. On May 6, 1903, Mr. Transue was appointed one of three members of the board of public works of Alliance, for the term of two years. He takes a lively interest in all that conserves the welfare of Alliance and is one of its most progressive and public-spirited citizens and one in whom is reposed the most unqualified trust and esteem.

In politics Mr. Transue accords an unwavering allegiance to the Republican party, and he served for two terms as a member of the city council, and for the past several years he has been a ^-aIued member of the board of education. Fraternally he is identified with Alliance Lodge No. 266, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with the local organizations of the Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum.

C>n the 19th of February, 1863, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Transue to Miss Amanda J. Aultman. who was born and reared in Alliance, where her father, the late Jacob Aultman, was for many years a prominent miller and leading citizen. To Mr. and Mrs. Transue have been 1x)rn four children, concerning whom we enter the following brief record : Minnie B. is the wife of Frank Kingsbury, night foreman with the Transue & Williams Company; Oliver is the general manager -with this company ; Charles R. is day foreman of tlie works of the company; and William II. is a die-sinker in the establishment.

WASHINGTON B. SHANAFELT. - The original representative of the Shanafelt family in America was the great-grandfather of the subject. He emigrated hither from the German fatherland when a young man, settling in Maryland, \vhere he passed the remainder of his life. Near Hagerstown, that county, was born Daniel Shanafelt, father of him whose name initiates this article, and about the year 1836, in company with his wife and one child, Henry, and the cousins Peter and Henry, he came to Ohio, the journey being made by the overland route with teams and covered wagons. They came to Stark cotuity and all located near Greentown, where they became identified with agricultural pursuits, as pioneer farmers of that section of the county. Daniel Shanafelt married Miss Sarah Funk, who was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, on the historic Antietam creek, and her father came to Stark county about the same time as did the Shanafelts, and he likewise located in the vicinity of Greentown. Daniel and Sarah (Funk) Shanafelt became the parents of eight children, of whom five are living at the present time. Their son Henry, who accompanied them on their removal from Maryland, removed to Illinois in his early manhood, and there passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring at Grove City, Christian county, in 1902. About 1850 Daniel Shanafelt removed from Stark to Medina county, where he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1869. His wife died in the same county, in 1885. She was born in 1808. They were persons of sterling character and both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Washington B. Shanafelt, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Greentown, this county, on the 15th of September, 1840, and here received his preliminary education in the common schools, having been about ten >ears of age at the time of the family removal t'l Medina countv, where he was reared to maturity, having there continued his studies in the public schools of Sharon Center. Thereafter he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, to which he was devoting his attention at the time when the ominous cloud of civil war spread its pall oven the national firmament. He was among those who responded to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, having enlisted, in August, 1861, as a private in Company D, Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantiy, witli which he served three years, having taken part in a number of the most notable engagements of the great conflict, including the following: ^Vinchester, Port Republic, Lookout Mountain and many incidental skirmishes through the Shenandoah valley, after which he was through the Atlanta campaign, receiving his honorable discharge in the city of Atlanta in 1864, at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He then returned to Medina county, and in the spring of 1865 came to Canton, where he followed his trade for a time, after which he engaged in the shoe business, opening a store on the east side of the public square, in the original Cassilly building, which was destroyed by fire in 1868. ]\Ir. Shanafelt later occupied a room in the new building erected on the same site, where he continued in this line of enterprise until 187S, when he sold the business to O. ¥. Clouser. J. D. Frank becoming the owner of the store about two years later. The subject thereupon entered his employ in a clerical capacity and continued to be thus identified with the business until 1890. In the meanwhile he had effected the purchase of a portion of the old Shorb farm, in the northwest part of the city, first ward, and he platted the same and gave to it the name of the Shanafelt addition. In 1890, in company with his cousin. H. H. Stanafelt. he purchased sixty-two acres of the .Smith farm, and here laid out another addition, while in 1901 they bought a half interest in the remainder of the Shorb farm, comprising sevty-four acres, platting it in two additions.

known respectively as tlie Shdrb and Shanafelt additions to the city of Canton. Of these funr additions Mr. Shanafelt now has charq;e, and the nian_\- desiraljje in\'estments nffereil liave attracted a most gratifying number of purciiasers. and the improvements in the way of V)uildings are of excellent order.

Mr. Slianafelt has e\cr been found inval to all the duties of citizenship, and is stanchly arrayed in the ranks of the Republican party, while both he and his wife are valued members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he holds membership in McKinley I'ost Xo. 2^, tjrand .\rmy <:'f the Re])ubhc. and in the Masonic order, with which he has l)een identified since iS/O.

In Canton, in 1869, Mr, Shanafelt was united in marriage to Miss Frances A. Dittenhaffer. of Canton, a daughter of John and Catharine Dittenhaffer and a sister of Harxey Dittenhaffer, who is indixidually mentioned nn other pages of this work. Of the six children of Mr. and INIrs. Shanafelt we enter the fullnwing brief record: Catherine is the wife of Charles H. Schlabach. cashier of the Canton Savings and Trust Company, John A. is engageil in the ofrlce of the Berger Manufacturing Company: Arthu'^. E. is here engaged in the manufacture of leather fillet, under the firm name of Canton F'illet Company, in which enterprise his father is associated with him: Henrv W. and Fred C. are also identified with the latter business and Fanny remains at the parental home.

JOHN E. JOHNS. - One of the leading representatives of the insurance Inisiness in the city of Massillon is the enterprising and courteous gentleman wln)se name furnishes the caption of this article, a man who occupies a prominent place in business circles, besides commanding a wide influence in various other relations outside his specific sphere of action. 1 John E. Johns is a native of Allegany county, Maryland, and the son of John and Harriett (W'aite) Jones, both parents Ixirn in England, the father in Cornwall and the mother in Gloucester. When the elder Johns came to the United States he was thirteen weeks en route, the delay being caused by a shortage of coal on the steamer. He settled in western Maryland, and still lives in that state, being at this time jiroprietor of Bethel Cottage, at a popular summer resort known as "Mountain Lake Park," which is every year visited by numbers of people from the larger cities who find amid its cooling shades and other attractive features a pleasant home during the hot season. Mr. Jones served in the late Civil war as a member of Company A, Third Maryland Infantry, a regiment which entered the service one thousand strong but was mustered out with only three hundred names on the roll, having lost <luring its varied experience over seven hundred men, a record for casualties such as few I'egiments can show. Mr. Johns was an English subject when he enlisted, but became naturalized while in the armv and has ever since been a loyal citizen of his adopted country and a great admirer of its institutions. His parents, W'illiam and Jennifer (Blight) Jones, were natives of England and sjient all their lives in Cornwall.

Of the eleven children constituting the family of John and Harriet Johns, the subject of this review is the third in order of birth. As already stated he was born in Allegany county, Maryland, which event took place on the ,3(1 of March, i860. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of his nati\e place and with a laudable desire for more thor(^ugh scholastic training, he subsequently entered Dickinson Seminary, \\'illiamsport, Pennsylvania, an institution of excellent repute, through which he worked his way, paying his expenses by various kinds of manual labor at the institution and during his vacations. Mr. Johns made a creditable record as a student, stood well in all of his classes and was graduated in 1886 with the degree of Bachelor of Science, with as high honors as any of the alumni of that year. While in college he took an active interest in athletics and all manly sports, was captain of the military company, composed of students, also held a position on the editorial staff of the college paper and for a time was assistant editor and business manager.

Immediately after graduating, Mr. Johns went to Youngstown and engaged in the life insurance business, but a little later sought a new field in the city of Massillon where he purchased a lucrative and well-established agency that had formerly been conducted by Joel Core. It is needless to state in this connection that he has greatly enlarged the business or that he has steadily added to his reputation as a safe, resourceful, far seeing business man, both facts being apparent to those at all acquainted with him and the circumstances under which he has built up his large and lucrative patronage. He now represents thirty of the leading fire companies in the United States, and his agency is recognized as one of the largest of the kind in Massillon and one of the best conducted and most successful in the state.

In addition to insurance, Mr. Johns has been connected with other business enterprises, including the Peoples Building and Loan Association of Massillon, in the organization of which he was a leading factor and with the subsequent history of which he has been actively identified. This association was established in 1892 and from a modest beginning has steadfastly grovm to its present enlarged proportions, its assets at this time amounting to five hundred thousand dollars, with well assured prospects of a still greater increase of business m the future. Mr. Johns now holds the responsible position of secretary, consequently the practical affairs of the enterprise are under his immediate supervision and to him as much as to any other individual connected therewith is the association indebted for its success and present high standing in business circles. As a public-spirited citizen Mr. Johnshas been deeply interested in the affairs of Massillon, having represented the third ward for three terms in the city council, besides serving for a considerable time as president of that honorable body. This position came to him unsolicited and was a graceful recognition of his ability and worth as an able public servant, who spared no effort or pains to prove worthy of the trust reposed in him by the people. In politics he is a Republican and as such wields a potent influence for his party, being recognized as one of its leaders in Massillon, with a strong personal influence throughout the entire county.

Fraternally Mr. Johns belongs to Clinton Lodge No. 47, Free and Accepted Masons, ^lassillon Conimandery No. 4, Knights Templar, and he is also a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. Johns, in the year 1887, formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Myra B. Merwin, daughter of Joseph K. and Emmaline (Mussulman) Merwin, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio, the union resulting in the birth of children as follows : Homer M., Helen, J. Edward, William P. and Jennifer. Mr. and Mrs. Johns have many friends in Massillon and are popular in the society circles of the city; they are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and as such are interested in religious and charitable enterprises, to which they give not only their encouragement and influence, but also their material support in proportion as the Great Dispenser of all good has prospered them.

GENERAL GEORGE STIDGER was among the first of the pioneers to take up his abode in the wilds of Stark connty, having located in what is now the city of Canton. \\hen it was a mere straggling hamlet in the midst of the virgm forest. Here he played an important part in civic and business and public afifairs, wielding a wide and beneficent influence and leaving to posterity that most priceless of all heritages, a good name. Of the parents of General Stidger the only facts of a definite nature now known are that his father was a native of Germany and his mother of Holland and that they were married in Europe, whence they emigrated to America prior to the war of the Revolution, sooner or later taking up their residence in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, where it is supposed both passed the remainder of their lives. They became the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this memoir was the youngest. He was born in the city of Baltimore, in the year 1781, and received good educational advantages in his youth, becoming a man of fine intellectuality and distinctive force of character. In Lewistown, Alifflin county, Pennsylvania, (jeneral Stidger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Riley, concerning whose ancestry it is ascertained.that her mother was born on the island of Jersey and that after the death of her first husband. Mr. O'Reiley, as the name was then spelled, she married a man named Moore. Her son Edward settled in the state of Virginia in an early day.

In the year 1807 General Stidger came with his wife from Pennsylvania to Stark county, Ohio, the journey being made overland with teams and wagons, while the progress was slow and harrassing, as a matter of course, as fewroads had been established and the way led principally through the virgin forests after crossing the mountains. General Stidger built the first hotel in Canton, the same having been located on the site of the present Hurford hotel. The original caravansary was a small frame house of four rooms, and a story and a half in height, and yet in this litfle pioneer dwelling was found a place to afford accommodations to the wayfaring man who needed the same, Avhile we can well understand that the hospitality of the little tavern was gracious and cordial, thus compensating for the lack in temporal and structural conveniences. The General became the owner of all the land on the east side of the public square lying between Tuscarawas and Fifth streets, but eventually disposed of all except the central portion. The corner on East Tuscarawas street was sold to a merchant named Sterling, while a saddler named Reed purchased the Fifth street corner. General! Stidger, soon after estalilishing his home in Canton, became prominently identified with its business and civic affairs, and here he eventually opened a general merchandise store, handling all classes of goods demanded in the pioneer community, while he also conducted a tin and cooper shop next to his home in the center of the block mentioned. On the portion of this block which he retained he erected a large brick house, one of the most pretentious buildings in the town at that time, while a portion of the building was utilized for his store. Back of the place of business was the spacious dining room, and across the hall were two large parlors. His energy and jirogressive ideas were manifesterl in divers directions, and it may be noted that in addition to the enterprise mentioned the General also conducted a tan yard, which was located to the east of what is now Piedmont street. He extended the field of his operations, establishing stores in Mansfield and several other points and becoming the owner of several farms, while he gave employment to a large number of men, considering the place and period and the conditions that existed. To each of his five children who attained maturity he presented a farm, while his kindness and generosity were not confined to his own family but reached out and permeated the entire communitv in whose welfare he ever took so deep an interest. He was given many evidences of popular confidence and esteem, and among other positions of trust to which he was called was that of judge of the court of common pleas, in which capacity he rendered that faithful and efficient service which alone adds dignity to the bench. He served under Gen. William Henry Harrison in the war of 1812, and was colonel of his regiment. He also took a lively interest in the state militia of the olden times, being a conspicuous figure in the same and holding the rank of general. Here the "training days" were occasions of importance and marked popular interest, the same plan being followed as that adopted in the east prior to and after the war of the Revolution. Both the cavalry and infantry companies would assemble in Canton for parade and tactical drill, and a special honor was paid to General Stidger at such times by the firing of a salute over his house. He was a man of sturdy physiciue and pleasing facial lineaments, while his urbanity, cordiality and unvarying kindness won him a high place in the afifectionate regard of all with whom he came in contact. He was a noble, loyal and God-fearing man, ever demanding the approval of conscience for every thought and action and never being known to compromise for the sake of personal ends or self-aggrandizement. The General gave an unfaltering allegiance to the Whig party, being an able exponent of its principles and a leader in its local councils.

General Stidger was summoned into eternal rest in the year 1826, his death occurring in the city of Baltimore, where his remains were interred, in the Kirk churchyard. His wife's health had become impaired and they had gone to the east and after making a tour of the eastern cities in a barouche they arrived in Baltimore, and there he was attacked with the illness which terminated in his death, his life havino- thus begun and ended in the same city. His widow survived him by many years, her demise taking place in Canton, in 1840, while she was laid to rest in Westlawn cemetery, having been fiftyfour years of age at the time of her death. Of the children of this worthy couple we are able to enter the following brief record : Judith became the wife of James Allen, who served as a captain in the Mexican war and who was a printer and editor, having followed this line of work in Canton, Cincinnati and Columbus. His wife died in California. Louis died in infancy. Eliza died in the state of Florida, at an advanced age. Oliver Perry, who married twice, died in California, whither he went as one of the argonauts of 1849. Mary Abigail, who became the wife of Jonathan Green Lester, died in Canton, at the age of seventy-eight ' years. Harriet K., who is the widow of Julius Whiting, Sr., still maintains her home in Canton, where she has pased her entire life, and of her husband more specific mention is made in the sketch of their son, Julius, Jr., appearing on other pages of this work. John went to California in 1850, making the overland trip and enduring many hardships and encountering many dangers while en route, and he died in that state. He married Mary Kiefer, of Stark county, and she too is deceased. George and Mary, twins, died in infancy. Margaret Beale died at the age of twenty years, in Canton.

Harriet K. (Stidger) Whiting, who is now one of the revered pioneer women of Canton, was born in the old homestead mentioned, on the 8th of January, 1818, and thus she has witnessed the various stages which have marked the advancement and upbuilding of the beautiful city in which she is passing the golden evening of her days. She secured her early educational training in a little school-house which stood on the site of the present county jail, and her fondness for the discipline involved was not so great but that she would manage to take "French leave" of the school room and escape across the way, where she would join her brothers and sisters, while the teacher used frequently to take her home in her arms. She later attended the academy where the high school building now stands, and by this time she succeeded in curbing her turbulent spirits, so that she made good use of the advantages afforded, though she finished her school days when fifteen years of age, her last training in the line having been in the boarding school conducted by Dr. Beatty in Steubenville, this state. Her religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, and her life has been one filled to the full with kindly thoughts and kindly deeds, so that it is her portion to retain the inviolate love of " hosts of friends" as she begins to see the opening of the sunset gates of her life so far out in the crimson west.

HARRISON H. SHAXAFELT. - Henry Shanafelt. father of the subject, was born in Hagerstown, \\'ashington county, ]VIar\land, in i<So9, and in 1832 he came to Stark county in company with his brother Peter and his two cousins, Andrew and Daniel Shanafelt. He settled in Greentown. A\here he established a modest home, his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Funk, having accompanied him to the pioneer hamlet in the midst of the forests of Stark countv, while the trip of the party was made overland with teams and covered wagons of the usual emigrant type of the day. Henry Shanafelt had learned the millers trade in his native state, and after remaining for a time in the village of Massillon, until he could make ready the home on his farm at Greentown, he brought his wife In the new domicile, which was constructed of logs and scarcely as commodious as the farmers of the county demand today. All of the children were born after he and his wile came to this county. In addition to clearing and improving his farm he also conducted the village tavern at (jreentown and there operated a small foundry, in which he manufactured sto\'es and other needed articles of cast iron demanded in the community. In 1 845 he was elected to the ofiice of county ' sheriff, as candidate on the Whig ticket, serving efficiently but being defeated for a second term, ' owing to the fact that the normal political complexion of the county was at the time xtry > strongly Democratic. In fact he was the only Whig sheriff here elected for many years. After his return from Canton, at the expiration of his term as sheriff", he continued to conduct the Greentown tavern for a few years, then retiring from this line of enterprise and devoting his attention to his foundry and farm, while ' he also became a quite extensive dealer in live stock, being a man of marked business acumen and mature judgment, while his intellectuality was of high order. Though not a member of the bar he had acquired a good practical knowl- , edge of the law and its application, and was called upon to settle many cases and ilisputes in the communitv in which he so long resided, lie died at his home in Greentown, in tlie year , 1 868, his wife surviving him by a number of years and passing away in Canton, at the home of the subject. Both were laid to rest in the ccmeterv of Zion church, at Xew Berlin, this county, their religious faith haxing been that of the German Reformed cinnx'h, of which they were consistent members. Of their nine ciiildren two died in infancy, and of the others we, offer a brief record at this point : Elizabeth died at the age of eighteen years; Harrisnn H., suljject of this sketch, was the next in order of birth ; Oliver P. is a resident of Greentown : , George is a resident of Canton : Horace died at the age of tiiirty-five years, and Harriet at the. age of twelve years : and Charles is a resident of Kenton, Hardin county, this state.

cured his early educational discipline in the village schools of his native place. He assisted in the w ork of the farm and in the handling of the live stock purchased and sold by his father, and continued in this sort of occupation until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, when he entered upon an apprenticeship at the moulder's trade, in his father's foundry, later receiving farther practical training and becoming an expert workman. He followed his trade in Canton from 1859 for five years, and then went to Davenport, Iowa, where he had charge of a foundry for one season, and he then returned to Canton, where he had charge of the foundry of the Peerless mower and reaper works for the ensuing seven years, while for the next six years he was successfully established in the grocery business on South Market street, finally disposing of his interests in this line. He then, in 188S, engaged in the real estate business in company with his cousin, Washington B. Shanafelt, in which their activity and good management have Iieen as pronounced as has been their success gratifying. There have been made three Shanafelt additions to the city, the same being mentioned somewhat more in detail in the sketch of the life of Washington E. Shanafelt, appearing elsewhere in this volume. In politics Mr. Shanafelt gives an unqualified allegiance to the Republican party, and his wife was a member of tlie First Methodist I'piscopal church. Fraternally he has been a member of the Masonic order, since 1868. He is a man of excellent initiative and executive ability, one in whom confidence is placed with utmost safety, and as a citizen and man of affairs he is well known and highly respected in th.e citv and cotintv in \\-hich he has passed his life.

In Canton, on the 2d of October, 1862, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Shanafelt to Miss Martha H. Hays, who was born in this county, being a daughter of Hugh and IMary N. (Pollock) Havs. both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Shanafelt had two children, Willis, who is employed in the legal department of the Bucher 1.^- Gibbs Company, representing one of the extensive manufacturing industries of Canton, and ]May S.. who is the wife of John Danner, Jr., of Canton. ]\Irs. Shanafelt died June 24, 1897. She was born June 6, 1839, in New York city, her parents being natives of Ireland, who came to America when young, and resided in Stark county for many vears.

JOHN H. SHERRICK. - In the fair little mountain republic of Switzerland was born the paternal great-grandfather of the subject, and he it was who figures as the original representative of the family in America, whither he emigrated when a young man, taking up his abode in Maryland, where he passed the remainder of his days. His son John, grandfather of the subject, was also born in Switzerland, and was a boy when brought to America. He married Annie Wyant, who was of German descent. He owned and operated a mill in Hagerstown, Maryland, for a number of years, the property finally being destroyed by fire, after which, about the year 1812 or '13. he came with his family to Stark county as a pioneer, making the long overland trip with teams and wagons, while he also drove a number of cattle through to the new home. He secured a tract of six or seven hundred acres of land just east of the present village of Waco, in Canton township, and there erected a log dwelling of the primitive type common to the locality and period, and a few years later he erected a substantial brick house and barn. He cleared and placed tmder cultivation a considerable portion of his land, and in addition to farming also owned a distillery, which was among the first in the county. He hauled his whiskey by wagon to Cleveland, where he received in payment for the same partly cash and partly supplies of various kinds. He was a man of energy and good business ability and was prominent in the affairs of the community, continuing to reside on his liumestead until his death, which occurred about the year 1845, ^t which time he was seventy-five years of age. His wife survived him by about two years and was seventy-tiiree years of age at the time of her death. They were folk of sterling character and both were members of the ^Meinionite churcli, while he gave his support to the Democratic party. We are able to ofil'er the following data in regard to the children of these honored pioneers : Joseph died in Canton, Mississippi, where he was a planter and slaveholder; Jacob, who died in Canton, Ohio, in 1896, remained a bachelor and was nearly eighty years of age at the time of his demise ; David was the father of the subject of this sketch; John died at the age of twenty-six years ; Christian, who was a farmer, died in Canton, about the year 1880; Elizabeth married Michael Rohrer; and Sarah became the wife .of Conrad Booze. There were several other children, none of whom lived to attain maturity.

David Sherrick was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on the i8th of January, 1807, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Stark county, where he was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm, having received limitex:! educational advantages in the subscription schools of this city. He was, however, a man of alert mentality and by personal application and careful reading effectivelv supplemented the training of his bovhood, havingbeen a particularly zealous biblical student, although he was never formally identified with any religious body. He married Miss Rebecca Longsdorf, who was born in Womelsdorf, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, being a daughter of Hem-y Longsdorf, one of the pioneers of Stark county and of German lineage. Prior to this he had run a raft of lumber down the