Canton Township (part 26 of 62)

Hannah E. (Anderson) Knoll, the wife of the subject's youth, was summoned into eternal rest on the 29th of October, 1890, being survived by her three sons, namely: George Her man, who is a member of the firm of Keys & Knoll, machinists in Homeworth, Columbiana county; Hugh W., who resides on the old honietead farm; and Emory E., who is a photographist in the city of Alliance, this county. On the 1 2th of October, 1892, Mr. Knoll consummated a second marriage, being then unitea to Miss Anna Fox, -who was born in Washington township, a daughter of David and Jane (Cairns) Fox, the former of whom was born in Columbiana county, this state, and the latter in Scotland. Mr. Fox was for many 3'ears a prominent and influential farmer and stockgrower of ^Vashington township, and did much to improve the grade of stock in this section, while it has been maintained, with slight possibility of dispute, that he was the first to become a breeder of Jersey cattle in Stark county. He died in this county January 5, 1896, and his wife is still living making her home in Akron, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Knoll two children were born, but both died in infancy.

LEVI SMITH. - The American branch of the Smith family to which the subject belongs appears to have had its origin in Pennsylvania, as his great-grandfather, Joseph Smith, was born and reared there and figured conspicuously in the pioneer annals of Franklin county. Many years ago he came into possession of a tract of valuable land in Stark county.

Ohio, but did not move to the same, having spent the greater part of his life in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where his body now sleeps the sleep /that knows no wakii-ig. The land in this county which he formerly held is now owned and occupied by his grandson, John Smith, one of the leading agriculturists of Lawrence township.

Among the children of Joseph Smith was a son by the name of Samuel, who came to Stark county when twenty-one years old and settled in the township of Lawrence, his arrival being about the year 1848. He became one of the leading farmers and large landholders in this part of the state, owning at one time six hundred acres of valuable real estate in Stark county and a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Michigan. In connection with agricultural pursuits, he also dealt extensively in live stock, not only breeding and raising cattle, but buying and shipping large numbers, a business which returned him large profits. He has always been a successful business man and a money maker, and still owns in this county lands to the amount of four hundred and ten acres, besides large and valuable holdings in the state of Michigan. When a young man Samuel Smith married Miss Mary Ruch, a daughter of Michael Ruch, a native of Germany, and one of Stark county's early pioneers. Mr. Ruch was also successful in the accumulation of wealth and was widely and fa\'orably known throughout the county, having been foremost in every enterprise for the material welfare of the county in which he lived. After a protracted and useful life, he passed away at Massillon at the advanced age of eighty-two years.

Samuel and Mary Smith were the parents of eight children, all of whom survive, the majority living in the county of Stark. The mother, a most excellent lady of beautiful moral character, departed this life in 1869.

born February 9, 1853, in Lawrence township, Stark county, and spent his childhood and youthful years in the parental homestead, meanwhile acquiring a practical education in the district schools. He has always led the life, of a successful tiller of the soil, and since attaining- his majority has prosecuted his chosen calling in Lawrence township, where he now owns a small but finely improved and splendid appointed farm, on which are to be seen some of the best buildings in this part of the county. His dwelling" is modern and well supplied with the conveniences and. accessories conducive to comfort audi content, while his home, representing a capital in excess of two thousand dollars, is one of the largest and best arranged structures in this neighborhood. Like his father the subject has also devoted considerable attention tO' the breeding and I'aising of fine live stock. His cattle and horses iDeing unexcelled by those of any other man in the township of Lawrence.

Mr. Smith is a gentleman of fine presence and pleasing- address and deports himself in such manner as to win and retain the high esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens. His business abilities are far above the average, and the various enterprises in which he has been engaged have invariably inured to his pecuniary advantage, as his independent financial circumstances abundantly attest. He is a member of the Grange or Patrons of Husbandr)', and through his efforts the local lodge to which he belongs has become a potential factor of loyal good in the community. Mr. Smith is a single man. having- never seen fit to enter the marriage relation.

Charles Smith, a young brother of Levi, and, like the latter, one of the leading farmers of Lawrence township and also an extensive stock dealer and successful .speculator, was born in Stark county. Ohio, February 7, 1866. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and ever since attaining hi? majoritv has carried on farming with a large measure of success, being at this time one of the enterprising and financially well-to-do men of the township in which he resides. Generously endowed with the attributes of mind that never fail to carry to successful conclusion any business undertaking, he has prospered in all of his enterprises, being especially fortunate in the matter of fine live stock, from the sale of which he adds very materially to the already comfortable fortune in his possession. Like his brother Levi, he is a Republican, but has little time to devote to political affairs, making every every other consideration subordinate to his large and steadily increasing business interests. Li the year 1893 Charles Smith took to . himself a wife and helpmate in the person of Miss Mary Miller, of Summit county, Ohio, who has borne him four children - Lottie, Harry, Marion and Case.

John Smith, another of the sons of Samuel and ]\fary Smith, and one of the representative men of Lawrence township, was born not far from his present place of residence on the 20th of October, 1864. His early life, in close touch with nature, was conducive to the development of strong mental and physical powers, and, inheriting from sturdy ancestry the sterling qualities which win success, his life, thus far has been fruitful of such results. He chose agriculture for a vocation and has pursued the same with diligence and method, reducing his labors to a system which has gone far towards making farming what it should he - a science. Mr. Smith is a resourceful man and prosecutes his every undertaking with a well defined purpose in view. In his political belief lie is a Republican and maintains the correctness of his opinions by careful study of the leading questions and issues of the day. The marriage of Mr. John Smith and Miss Ida Braucher, of Stark county, was solemnized in the year 1892, and their home has been brightened bv the advent of six chil-

VVILLIAJVI FRANKHAM. - The subject of this review is one of the progressive and popular business men of the city of Canton, where he conducts an important and somewhat unique enterprise, being proprietor of the Frankham brass foundry. He came to Canton in the year 1891 to assume charge of the J. H. McLain brass works, being identified with this concern one and one-half years, at the expiration of which he engaged in business on his own responsibility, opening a modest establishment in the old flouring mill which stood on tile site of the present power house of the Canton Light, Heat & Power Company, on Seventh street. There he continued operations for eight years, and his ability and good management made his success one of constantly increasing order. At the expiration of the period noted he erected his present well equipped plant, at looi East Seventh street, installing his business in these quarters as soon as the building was completed.

Mr. Frankham was born in the far-famed manufacturing city of Birmingham, England, the date of his nativity being January 5, 1S54. He is a son of Moses and Harriet (Bishop) Frankham, both of whom passed their entire li\es in England, coming of stanch old English stock. Moses Frankham was a brass worker by trade and vocation and died in Birmingham, where he had long held responsible position, while his father, Samuel, was likewise engaged in the same line of occupation during his active business career, as has been previously intimated in this sketch. Our subject received his educational discipline in the public and private schools of his native city, though he was but nine years of age when he assumed individual responsibilities in connection with acti\-e duties of life, then entering upon his apprenticeship at metal-pattern work, under the direction of his father. Thereafter he continued his studies in night schools and at intervals in day schools, thus gaining a good practical education, while he also gained an expert technical knowledge in regard to the branch of mechanic art to which he has ever since devoted his attention. He remained with his father until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, when he came to America, believing that the rewards for his labors in his chosen vocation would be greater here and that he might thus the sooner attain a position of independence. It is needless to say that his confidence in his own ability and in the opportunities afiforded has been amply justified. He sailed from Liverpool in October, 1871, and in due time arrived in New York city, whence he proceeded directly to the city of Chicago, which was still smouldering in the ashes of its great fii^e of September of that year. The next day after his arrival in the future metropolis of the west he secured work at his trade, and within the ensuing" three weeks he was made foreman of a factory there. Since that time he has never done a day's work as a journeyman, which fact indicates his ability and the energy which he has thrown into his work, for not many young men from foreign lands secure so definite preferment within a month after their arrival. In 1882 Mr. Frankham went to the city of Philadelphia, where he was placed in charge of the William S. Cooper Brass Works, one of the leading concerns of the sort in the Union. There he continued to be thus engaged until 1891, when he came to Canton, where he has since maintained his home, his business career here having been already outlined in a preceding paragraph. In politics he is liberal in his views but where national issues are involved he gives his support to the Republican party, of whose generic principles he is a stanch advocate. He was reared in the Church of England, of wiiich he became a member, though he is not a communicant. Fraternally he is identified with the Sons of St. George and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In the city of Chicago, on the 26th of November, 1880, Mr. Frankham was united in marriage to Miss Flora Gleason, who was born in the state of Connecticut, in 1852, being the only child of Charles Gleason, who was killed while in service as a Union soldier in the war of the Rebellion. Mrs. Frankham died, after a very brief illness, on the 26th of November, 1902, and is survived by her only child, Harry, who was born on the 23d of September, 1881, and who is associated with the business of his father.

DAVID E. GERBER was born on his present homestead, in Canton township, on the 6th of July, 1834, being a son of Elias and Maria (Richard) Gerber, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Switzerland, whence she accompanied her parents to America when she was a mere child. Elias Gerber was a son of Christian Gerber, who likewise was a native of the old Keystone state, to which locality the original American progenitor emigrated from Germany, in the pre-Revolutionary epoch. As early as 1810 Christian Gerber removed with his family from Pennsylvania to Stark county, Ohio, where he took up a tract of heavily timbered land in Canton township, the same being about five miles from the present city of the same name, and here he reclaimed a farm and gave his attention to its cultivation during the remainder of his active career. He died in this township at the venerable age of eighty-four years. His son Elias, father of the subject, was reared on this pioneer homestead, receiving such educational advantages as were accorded the average farmer youth of the locality and period and contributing to the work of clearing and improving the home place. In this township was solemnized his marriage, and he then assumed the practical responsibilities of life, locating on the farm now owned by our subject and eventually becoming one of the substantial farmers of the county, known as a man of impregnable integrity and as a man of excellent business judgment, while through his well directed efforts he attained a success which was worthy the name. He was summoned from the scene of his earthly labors in the very prime of his manhood, being but thirty-nine years of age at the time of his death, which occurred in 1847. His wife survived him by many years, being summoned into eternal rest in 1892, when eighty- four years of age. The father was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife held the faith of the Amish church. They became the parents of six children, concerning whom we offer brief record as follows : David E., who is the immediate subject of this review ; Margaret, who is the wife of Abraham Gerber, of Indiana; George, who was killed in the army ; Adeline, who is the wife of Jonathan Byler; Christian, who lives in Canton, and Solomon, wlio lives in Perry township.

David E. Gerber, whose name introduces this article, was reared on his present homestead, whose every field and pasture and wooded glen have thus been familiar to him from the time of his earliest recollection, while in his youth this familiarity was doubly emphasized by the labors which fell to his portion in connection with the work in these same fields and meadows, but he waxed strong in mind and body under the strenuous and invigorating discipline and has never abated by one jot or tittle his allegiance to the noble art of husbandry, to which his entire life has been devoted, and that with a due measure of attendant success. His finely improved farm comprises one hundred and thirty-one acres, and is under most effective cultivation, while the buildings are of the best order, including a commodious and attractive residence, which is a favorite resort for the family's wide circle of friends.

In politics Mr. Gerber has given his support to the Democratic party from the time of attaining- his majority, and he has ever shown a consistent interest in public affairs of a local nature, lending his influence and aid in support of all legitimate undertakings for the promotion of the material progress and general welfare of his home township and county. He and his wife have long been zealous and active members of the German Baptist church, contributing to the advancement of its spiritual and temporal affairs, while they are well known pioneer citizens and have the highest esteem of all who know them, ever ordering their lives on a high plain of rectitude and integrity and being true and sincere in all the relations of intercourse with their fellow men.

In the city of Canton, on the 14th of October, 1858, Mr. Gerber was united in marriage to Miss Emeline King, who was born in Pennsylvania, whence, as a child, she accompanied her parents on their removal to Stark county, where her father was engaged in farming until his death. She was reared and educated in Canton township and is, like her husband, a representative of one of the county's honored pioneer families. Mr. and Mrs. Gerber became the parents of twelve children, of whom nine lived to attain years of maturity, namely : Clara became the wife of John Shanower and died, in Perry township, when twenty-four years of age; Melissa is the wife of William Shanower, of Massiilon; George lives in Massillon; Kate is the wife of Amos Yutze, of Pike township ; John lives in Canton ; Edward is at home ; Nellie is the wife of Charles Miller, of Perry township ; Elva is the wife of Homer Riley, of Canton ; and Jennie remains at the parental home.

PETER C. WISE was born in Stark county, Ohio, August 27, 1846, his parents being George and Susanna (Christ) Wise. The father was a native of Ohio, but had moved to Stark county with his parents when quite young. The mother was a native of Stark county, having been born in Lake township. Soon after their marriage they located in Holmes county, where they resided for two years, but later they returned to Stark county and settled in Lake township, where they continued to reside on the Christ farm until their deaths. George Wise was born July 6, 18 10, and died January 21, 1893. The date of his wife's birth is January 5, 1824, and she died May 7, 1898. They were the parents of seven children, viz : Christian, Peter C, Adam, Loretta. Basil E., Harriet E. and Sadie.

In Lake township, on the farm occupied by his parents, Peter C. Wise was reared and grew to manhood. He attended the public schools and through them received a fair common school education, continuing under the parental roof until he was twenty-two years old. He then entered a flouring-mill in Canton for the purpose of learning the trade and remained there until he became thoroughly conversant with the business in every detail, since when he has made that business his life work. In the early 'seventies he took upon himself the management of the Middlebranch flouring mills, later became its owner and has continuously operated it since. As stated before, the mill was built, equipped and first operated by Daniel Wise, the grandfather of the present owner of the structure.

On the 4th day of July, 1878, Peter C. Wise was united in marriage, in Canton, Oiiio, to Miss Louisa Minser, a native of Stark county, born June 28, 1855. She was the daughter of Daniel and Martha (Lectors) Minser, who were early residents of the county. They settled in Oval City, Plain township, wliere they have since continued to reside. To them tliree children were born, only one of whom, Loretta, still survives, both the other children dying when qnite yonng.

In politics Mr. Wise is identified with the Democratic party and has always taken an active interest in j^olitical matters, especially those pertaining to local affairs, though he has never had any craving whatever for political preferment. He and his wife are members of the Progressive Brethren church and are always interested in religious and charitable affairs. He has a good business, which is both profitable and prosperous, and enjoys the confidence and esteem, not only of his patrons, but of all those with whom he comes in contact.

^VILLIAM H. WISE was born on the farm where he now lives in Plain township. Stark county, Ohio, July lO, 1859. His father -was .Alexander M. Wise, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, bom in 1834, while liis mother was Phoe1)e C. Wise, born in Plain township, Stark county, Ohio, in 1837. They were married in the city of Canton, Ohio, and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by their son, William H,, which was their home during all of the years of their married .life. Five children were born to their union, viz: Edgar S.. now a resident of Auburn, Indiana; >\'illiam H., the subject of this sketch; Emma J., wife of George Wheatley, resides at Cleveland: Bertha A., wife of Joseph Lawrence, of West Richfield, Ohio ; Calvin A., who is a resident of Cleveland. Ohio. The mother died on the old hnnic place in 1873, at the age of thirtysi.x years, while her husband survived her some twenty-three years, dying at Greensburg, Ohio, December 26, 1896. when in the sixty-second year of his age.

lives and where he has spent the greater part of his life. *He received a good common school education and, being natm'ally a student and fond of reading, has thereby adtied nuich to his store of knowledge. He is a thorough farmer and the first years of his manhood were devoted to agricultural pursuits. Later he became a government employe and spent fifteen years of his life in the service, carrying the mail from Oval City to Middlebranch. Deliberate and stead}' in disposition, temperate in his habits and ever cauti(Xis and watchful, no employe of the federal go\'ernment could have performed his duties more faithfully. While by no means parsimonious, he is not a lavish spender. Whcit he makes is either expended for something useful or laid by for a time of need. ^Villiam H. Wise is one of those fortunate few wh.o rarely find themselves hard up. Their tastes are simple and easily gratified and so the surplus in the treasury is never depleted.

February 22, 1882, William H. Wise was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Essig, a daughter of Solomon and Catharine (\Varstler) Essig, old and highly respected residents of Stark county, she having been born on her father's farm in I 'lain township, August 14, i86t. There she was reared and grew to womanhood, receiving a good education and learning many lessons of usefulness and profit. Both of Mrs. Wise's parents died on the old homestead, the mother at the age of fiftyeight years, the father in the si.\tv-se\enth year of his age. To Mr. and Mrs. William 1 1. Wise three children have been born. Ruth L"., Harry .\. and Raymond S.

In jiolitics William II. Wise is a Democrat and, while broad and liberal in his \iews, he is, nexertheless, active and zealous in the interests of iu's party. He is neither an office-seeker nor an office-holder and has no desire to become either. His indi\idnal interests occupy enough of liis time to drown any ambition that might siiring up in that direction and his income from his splendidly cultivated one-hundred-acre farm in Plain township and other property which he owns as such as to allay any craving he might have for the perquisites which flow from, the public crib. He is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Air. and Mrs. Wise have been for many years members of the Brethren church, and both are deeply interested iti the cause of religion and charity, their contributions to each being both regular and generous. Their domestic relations are all that could be desired. They have a comfortable home, sumptuously furnished and well supplied with e\'ery need.

BASIL E. WISE, merchant and postmaster of Oval City, Stark county, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lake township, May II, 1856. His parents were George and Susanna (Christ) Wise,- the former born in Plain township, July 6, 1810, while the latter was bom in Lake township, January 5, 1823. They were married July 18, 1842, in Lake township, and soon thereafter mo\-ed to Holmes county, where the}- resided for two years. They then returned to Stark county, and took up their residence upon the old homestead where they lived up to the time of their deaths, he dying January 21. 1893, '\vhile her death occurred ]\Tay 7. i8q8. To Mr. and Mrs. George Wise nine children were bom, two of whom died in infancy. The others are, Christian, who is a farmer in Plain township; Peter C, proprietor of the ]\ii(ldle Branch Flouring Mills; Adam, who is a farmer of J'lain township; Loretta, who is the wile of John Lilly, of Canton; Basil E., the subject of this sketch; Harriet E., who is the wife of George W. Geib and resides in Lake tnwnship; Sarah E., who is the wife of A. r>. Winnett, of Cleveland, Ohio.

On the farm of his father, in Lake township. Basil E. ^Vise was reared and grew to manhr)i-id. Tbe advantages of a good education were afforded him and, like the thoughtful, persevering youth that he was, he profited by his opportunities. He attended the public schools of Stark county until he was conversant with all of the branches therein taught, and then took the regular course at Mt. Union College. For two years he was employed as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Canton, at the end of which time he felt that he was amply qualified to branch out in business for hunself. In 1881 he put in a stock of general merchandise in the little town of Middlebranch and from the very first was gratifyingly successful. In 1883 he erected a large business house in Middlebranch and stocked it with a full supply of the very latest articles in the dry goods line. For t\\ent\--one years he conducted his business in Middlebranch, drawing trade from a wide scope of country and year by year adding to his numerous customers. On the night of April 2, 1902. he met his first great financial disaster. His splendid dry-goods store, together with the great part of its valuable stock and many adjoining buildings, v.-ere totally destroyed by fire. After the fire ]Mr. Wise took a trip to the Pacific coast, traveling particularly through California, Oregon and Washington. While in the west se\-eral business propositions were made him, and after returning home he determined to investigate some of these projjositions. an.d with this purpose in view he went to Sunnyside. \\'ashington, where he remained over three months. Learning of the great producti\eness of the soil in the Yakima valley, he made large investments in real estate there, including a business l)!ock. A few months after the fire which destro}-ed his Ohio property, his wife, Mary J. Wise, was appointed postmistress at Oval City, Ohi(), which position she still retains. She is a very bright and intelligent lady and has taken a deep interest in political matters, especially (hiring the McKinley campaigns. She has also tnkcn an acti\e part in church matters and was elected by the national conference to several state positions and has frequently been sent as delegate to state conferences of her church. Mr. Wise has now under construction at Oval City a large department store and expects to again engage in the general mercantile business.

Although an acknowledged member of the Democratic party, for twelve years Basil E. Wise was postmaster of Oval City, where he also engaged in business and where his efficient and impartial administration of the duties of his office won the sanction and approval of nearly every patron of the place.

On March 25, 1883, Basil E. Wise was united in marriage to Miss Mary Fry, a lady of many accomplishments and splendid intellect and a daughter of William S. and Anna Elizabeth (Sandoe) Fry, all natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The father died in Canton, January 6, 1900, when in his sixty-third year. Mr. Fry was the father of eight children, viz: Mary. Isaac J., Anna C, Sarah, John, Adam, Ada and Lettie. All grew to maturity, are good citizens and worthy members of society. Mr. and Mrs. Basil E. Wise are the parents of one son, Hugo Paul, who is a youth well worthy of the honorable parentage from when he springs.

The real estate holdings of Mr. Wise are not large, but they are valuable. He is the owner of some fifty very desirable town lots and a tract of land comprising some fifty acres adjacent to the city. In connection with his other duties he has for some seventeen years dealt profitably in grain, at Middlebranch. He is the owner of the Middlebranch elevator, a structure that has for years past taken care of more grain than many elevators three times its size. The people of the vicinity have come to lenrn that, after all, much more depends upon the enterprise of the dealer than upon the size of his elevator.

Brethren church and are regular attendants upon its services. They are a most exemplary couple, with enviable domestic relations, each possessed of many noble traits of character which commend them to the respect and esteem of ail who know them. In church work he has held various offices, and also as teacher and superintendent of the Brethren Sunday school.

MRS. ELIZABETH SPEELMAN. - As one of the most venerable citizens which Stark county can claim, and as a representative of one of the earliest pioneer families of the county where she was born, this aged and revered lady merits a tribute in this work. She was born on the farm where she now lives, in Plain township, on the 27th of August, 1810, so that on the same relative date in 1903 she will have attained the \'ery advanced age of ninety-three years. She is a daughter of John and Margaret (Swinehart) Palmer,, who were natives of Pennsylvania, to which state they returned soon after the birth of the subject of this sketch, but her father died shortly afterward, and her mother then returned to Stark countv. where she remained for a long term, passing the closing days of her life in Crawford covnity, Ohio.

Mrs. Elizabeth (Palmer) Speelman was thus reared in Stark coimty, where she grew up in the home of her paternal grandfather, Christopher Palmer, receiving such educational advantages as were afforded in the primitive schools of the pioneer epoch in this section. With the exception of a period of a few years she has consecutively retained her residence in Plain township. On the 27th of March, 1834. was solemnized her marriage to George Speelman. who was born in the state of Pennsylvania, on the 28th of December, 180Q, and who was a member of one of the pioneer families of Stark county, Ohio, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, in Plain township, up to the time of his death, which occurred on the .i8th of March, 1S73. Of this uiiion were born eiglit children, two of whom died in infancy, while the remaining six lived to attain years of maturity, their names being here entered in the order of their birth : Margaret, C'atlierine, V'alentine, Mary Ann, Sarah and Elizabeth. Five of the children are living at the present time. Mrs. Speelman has been a woman of industrious habits and earnest and noble character, and from her youth up has been, since May, 1826, a consistent member of the Lutheran church. In the community where she has passed the greater portion of her exceptionally long life she is honored and revered by all who know her, while she is signally well preserved for one of her venerable age.

JEFFERSON C. ETLING is a native of Ohio, born in Chippewa township, Wayne county, on the 4th of April, 1844. His father, William Etiing, was born in 1815 in Pennsylvania, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Abbie Myers, was born in Washington county, that state, in the year 1821, When about two years old William Etiing was taken -to Wayne county, Ohio, by his parents. John and Catherine (Basinger) Etiing, who settled in the township of Chippewa as early as 181 7, the family being among the first pioneers in that part of the state. \Villiam was reared amid the rugged scenes of pioneer life and when old enough engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself and continued the same to the end of his days. He accumulated a handsome property, including a fine farm of one hundred and sixty-one acres, and became a man of considerable consequence in his community, sei'ving for a number of years as township trustee, besides taking an active and prominent part in public affairs in general. He was a Democrat of tlie old Jacksonian school and to some extent a local leader of his party, having been a man of broad intelligence, whose judgment in politics as well as business affairs always commanded the respect of his fellow citizens. He lived a long and useful life and at its close, in October, 1893, was deeply lamented by the peo]Dle among whom his lot for so many years had been cast. Mrs. Etiing survived her husband a little over ten months, departing this life in February, 1893, honored and respected by all who knew her. William and Abbie Etiing reared a family of eight children, all living and the majority of them well settled in life.

The childhood and youth of Jefferson C. Etiing were spent on the home farm in the country. He was early taught those lessons of industry and frugality which tend to develop strong character and a high order of citizenship. After attending the district schools at intervals during his minority he learned the trade of brick-laying, which with the pursuit of agriculture he has since made his life work. Mr. Etiing became an efficient workman and his skill as a brick mason. is to be seen in the number of buildings which he erected in his own county and throughout the county of Stark. For a number of years he has taken large contracts in various parts of the country and has reaped abundant pecuniary rewards from his labors, being now one of the well-to-do men of the township and county in which he lives.

Mr. Etiing came to Stark county in 1882 and at this time owns a fine farm of one hundred and ten acres in Lawrence township, his home being one of the neatest and most attractive rural residences in this part of the country. As an agriculturist he is fully up to date, as the fine condition of his well cultivated fields and the general appearance of everything upon the premises abundantly attest. His place bespeaks the home of a man of progressive ideas, the buildings, fences and other improvements being in first class order, while the general neatness characteristic of the farm shows the pro-

In July. 1862, Mr. Etling enli.sted in Company A, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, but in September following he was transferred to Company G, with which he served with an honorable record for a period of three years. Not long after entering the service his regiment was sent to the front and he experienced all of the realities of war in some of the most noted campaigns of the Rebellion, taking part in a number of battles, among which \-\ere Chickasaw Heights. December 26, 1862, Arkansas Post, January 11, T863, Thompson's Hill, May i, 1863, Black River, May 17 of the same year, the siege of Vicksburg. where he was under fire almost continuously for forty-seven days, and the siege of Jackson, where eleven days of hard fighting A\ere required to reduce the enemy's works and capture the city. While on board the steamer "City Bell," which plied the Red river, in 1864, Mr. Etling, with others of his command, was captured and for thirteen months thereafter languished in \arious Confederate prisons, suffering all the privations and hardships which such a condition imposed. He was paroled at Columljus Jul}- 7. 1865, and in due time received his discharge, after which he returned home and resumed his trade, which, in connection with farming, he still carries on. Mr. Etling's record as a soldier is one of which any loyal defender of the flag might well feel proud. He discharged his e\'ery duty as became a true patriot, never shrank from a danger, and is now cheered by the consciousness of helping crush the greatest rebellion in the history of the world and bearing no little part in reuniting the country in bonds of permanent union.

Mr. Etling's first wife, to whom he was married in December, 1867, was Miss Reinoehl. who bore him children as follows : Mettle, Delia and Nellie. Some time after her death he entered the marriage relation with

Mary Guidelsperger, of Wayne county, Ohio, a union blessed with one son and one daughter, Frank and Anna. Mr. Etling is a Republican in politics and takes an active interest in the leading questions of the day, on all of which he has well formed and intelligent opinions. Fraternally he belongs to H. Bevard Post No. 540, Grand Army of the Republic, and is also identified with the Masonic order, holding membership with Elliott Lodge at Canal Fulton. He is a firm believer in revealed religion, being a faithful and zealous communicant of the Presbyterian church at Canal Fulton, vto which congregation his wife and family also belong. Mr. Etling is an affable gentleman, pleasing in person and address and is held in high esteem by his neighbors and fellow citizens. His moral influence in the community is strong and marked and he has long been a potential factor in the social as well as the public affairs of his township.

FREDERICK THOMAS ISLER was born in the picturesque canton of Bern, Switzerland, on the 13th of December. 185 1, being a son of August and Adeline (Gennot) Isler, who were likewise born in that fair little repulilic, being of old Franco-Swiss stock. Christian Isler, the grandfather of the subject, was likewise born in Switzerland, as was also his wife, and there he was engaged in farming and in the work of his trade, that of shoemaker. FTe there died in 1859, his wife having preceded him into eternal rest. They became the parents of one son and two daughters, namely: August, father of the subject; Adeline, who was born in 1814, is still living in Switzerland and is eighty-nine years of age; and Mar}', who was born in 1816, is deceased. August Isler was born in the year 1810, in the little village of Asuel, on the border line between the western portion of canton Bern and Germany, and there he was engaged in ag- ricultural pursnits up to tlie time of his emigration to rVmerica. In Bern, in the year 1842, was solemnized liis marriage to AdeHne Gennot, who was a representative of an old Swiss family of high standing in the community, and both he and his wife became zealous members of the Lutheran Reformed church. The children of this union were as follows, all having been born in Bern : Adeline, who was born in 1843, died in Canton, Ohio, in 1886, having been the wife of Fritz Shopart; Marie died in early life, before the emigration of the family to the United States; August, who was born in 1848, is a successful farmer of Perry township. Stark county ; Frederick T. is the immediate subject of this memoir; Henry, who was born in 1853, is now a resident of Canton; Charles, who was born in 1855, 'S a resident of Cleveland, this state; Bertha, who was born in i860, is tlie wife of George Scott, of Perry township, this county; and Arthur, who was born in 1865, resides in Plain township.

In the year 1872 August Isler emigrated to the United States, being accompanied by his wife and such of their children as had not previously come to America, the latter of whom they joined in Stark county. He and his sons farmed on shares in the vicinity of Canton for a number of years, and later he purchased a farm in Perry township, where he made his home until his death, in 1883, while his devoted wife survived until 1897, liotb being laid to rest in Westlawn cemetery, in Canton.

Frederick T. Tsler, the immediate subject ot this tribute, came to America in 1870 and settled in Canton with his brother and sister who had previously located here. For the first three years he was employed in the Smith brick yard, and later, with other members of the family, he secured a farm near, the city and they operated the same on shares for a period of two years. He then came to Canton and secured employment in a restaurant conducted by David Olierlv, with whom he remained for nine years, gaining a thorough knowledge o£ the business in all its departments. In 1883 he purchased the restaurant of Martin Engelhart, on Fifth street, where he continued the enterprise for three years, at the expiration of which he purchased a brick building at the southwest corner of Cherry and Fourth streets, remodeling the same and fitting the same up for his restaurant business, and in these attractive and eligible quarters he continued to devote his attention to catering to the demands of a representative and appreciative patronage until within a short interval befr)re his death, which occurred on the 22d of September, 1902, while his mortal remains repose in the beautiful cemetery of Westlawn. He was a man of stning mentality and his convictions were ever ably fortified. His political sup])ort was given to the Democratic party, of whose principles he was an ardent advocate, and fraternally he was identified with the French Mutual Aid Society, and other organizations. Prior to his death he had acquired much valuable real estate in Canton, and was known as one of the city's able and honorable business men, while he had a veritable host of friends in Stark county, being well known to its citizens.

In the city of Canton, on the 3d of October, 1876, Mr. Isler was united in marriage to Miss Selecta Richards, who was born in Perry township, Stark county, being a daughter o£ Adam and Mary Ann (Ryden) Richards, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and who came from the old Keystone state to Stark county, where Mr. Richards became an influential farmer of Perry township. Both he and his wife are deceased and their remains rest in the cemetery of St. John's Catholic church, in Canton, both having been o^immunicants of this church, as is also their daughter, Mrs. Isler. Mrs. Isler survives her honored husband and still resides in the attractive family homestead, on the southwest corner of North Cherrv and Fourth streets. Mr. and

Mrs. Isler became the parents of three sons, William H. and Charles W., who are successfully conducting the restaurant business established by their father, while they are fully maintaining the high standard of catering service which the establishment gained under his able management, and Joseph, who died February 23, 1885, aged four months.

William H. Isler was born in Canton, on > the 23d of November,, 1878, and was here reared and educated.^ On the 23d of November, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Ida White, of this city, a daughter of B. C. White, a well-known citizen of Massillon and of English ancestry, and they have one son, Howard.

Charles W. Isler was born in Canton, on the i8th of October, 1881, and is associated with his brother in business, as before noted, while both are recognized as progressive and energetic young business men and enjoy marked popularity in the city which has ever been their home. On the 22d of July, i.go2, Charles W. Isler was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Dorothy Heisig. daughter of Christian and Catherine (Lung) Heisig, of this city. Both brothers give their allegiance to the Democratic party and their religious faith is that of St. lohn's church.

H. W. LYTLE. - The name Lytle is a link in the chain that connects the present day with a time long past, as it has been well and favorably known in Stark county ever since this part of the state was looked upon as the western verge of civilization. As early as the year 181 7 the subject's grandfather, Andrew Lytle, a native of Pennsylvania, penetrated the wilderness of eastern Ohio and entered land in what is now Lawrence toAvnship, Stark county, where in due time he laid the foundation of what afterwards proved to be a substantial home. He was one of the rugged, strong-armed, firmwilled pioneers of the old time, bore his part in clearing and developing the country and became one of the prosperous farmers and enterprising citizens of the community which he assisted to establish. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Preston, was also of Pennsylvania birth and several of his children were likewise born in that state. Andrew and Jane Lytle reared their sons and daughters to manhood and womanhood and finished their earthly labors many years ago, the former dying where thei family originally settled and the latter in Lee county, Illinois. They had eleven children, four sons serving with distinction in the late Rebellion, one of them being killed in the battle of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. Among their children was a son who also went by the name of Andrew. He was Ixirn in Pennsylvania, accompanied his parents to Stark county when young and here grew to maturity. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, but later devoted his attention principally to agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He became possessor of a good farm in this county on which he lived and prospered for a number of years, deriving the greater part of his incoine from the sale of sheep and wool, having been one of the largest sheep raisers in this part of the country. At one time he moved to Illinois, but did not long remain in that state, soon returning to his home in Stark county, \\here his death occurred in 1894 at the age of seventy-nine years. He was an active worker in the old Whig party in early life, but later became a staunch Republican and as such continued to the end of his days. He was a good neighbor, a loyal friend and a most reputable citizen and enjoyed in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of the people of his community. Before her marriage the wife of Andrew Lytle. Jr., was Miss Elizabeth Richey, a native of Stark county. Her parents, John and Nellie (Mickson) Richey, were born, reared and married in Pennsylvania, but about the vear 181 7 left that state and journeyed westward as far as Stark county, Ohio, settling in what is now Lawrence township, with the pioneer history of which they were prominently identified. Mrs. Lytle bore her husband four children and departed this life on the 9th of April, 1889. Two of the sons of Andrew and Elizabeth Lytle are living, viz : Lee H., a sketch of whom appears in this review, and H. W., under whose name this article is written; the deceased members of the family are Frank L. and Mabel, both of whom died in this county.

H. VV. Lytle, the direct subject of this sketch, was born in Lawrence township, Stark county, Ohio, July 19, 1859, and spent his early life at home assisting his father to cultivate the farm. During the winter seasons he attended the district schools and by making the most of his opportunities became a fairly good scholar, and although he is not educated in the sense the term is usually understood, he is nevertheless intelligent and well informed, possessing a valuable practical knowledge obtained by coming in contact with the world in various business capacities. He is also quite a reader and a close observer and always takes pains to keep himself thoroughly posted relative to the leading public questions and political issues of the day, especially those bearing on state and national legislation. Mr. Lytle remained with his parents until their death, when he started out for himself, choosing the pursuit of agriculture as his life work. He has followed farming with success and profit to the present time, owning a beautiful little place of sixty-five acres in Lawrence township, which he has greatly improved and brought to a successful state of cultivation. His farm is admirably situated for general agricultural purposes and he has spared neither ])ains nor expense in making' it attractive and in surrounding himself and family with the comforts and conveniences of life.

Mr. Lytle is a progressive farmer and prosecutes his work with due reference to method, using the latest and most approved implements and labor-saving devices. He is also a capable manager, as is attested by the fact of his deriving a much larger income from his small place than others receive from farms many times its area. By energy and well-directed industry and thrift he has amassed a comfortable competence, being among the well-to-do agriculturists of his township, as he is also one of its enterprising men and representative citizens. Mr. Lytle has always stood for progress and any movement with this object in view is sure to enlist his influence and hearty co-operation. He is essentially a man of the people and, as a true American with the good of his fellow men at heart, he discharges the duties of citizenship with an eye single to the best interests of the community, the state and the nation. He affiliates with the Republican party and labors earnestly for its success, notwithstanding which he is popular with the ]")eop!e, irrespective of political ties, many of his wai'mest personal friends holding opinions directly opposite those he advocates.

Mr. Lytle has been greatly blessed in his home life and to see him at his best is to meet him in the midst of the family circle, where, sliut in from the cares of the world, he greets his friends with a hospitality of peculiar charm. He is eminently sociable and all who come within the range of his influence bear testimony to his wholesouled companionship and hearty good cheer. Believing' that life was given man to enjoy, he endea\'crs to get from the world all the comforts and happiness obtainable and to this end he not only provides well for himself, but is liberal in caring for the welfare of those dependent upon him. In the year 1893 was solemnized the ceremony by which Mr. Lytle and Miss Jennie Keefifer, of Wayne county. Ohio, were united in the bonds of holy wedlock. This union, a most fortunate and happy

Lee H. Lytle, an older brother of H. W. Lytle, and, like the latter, one of the wellknown and highly esteemed citizens of Lawrence township, was born in Stark county, Ohio, on the ist day of November,' 1857. Reared amid the bracing airs of the country, he early developed strength of body and definiteness of purpose which enabled him while still a mere youth to lay plans for his subsequent course of life. His educational training emiiraced a knowledge of the branches constituting the common school course, and, like the majority of country boys, he assisted his father with the varied duties of the farm until old enough to engage in some kind of business for himself. With a natural taste for tilling the soil, he first turned his attention to farming, but later embarked in business at Canal Fulton, handling agricultural implements, which line of trade he pursued with liberal results for several years, meanwhile looking after his farming interest in Lawrence township. Mr. Lytle now de\'Otes his attention largely to the farm, which consists of eighty-five acres of fertile and finely improved land situated in one of the most highly favored sections of Stark county. On this place are a comfortable dwelling, well supplied with modern conveniences, good barns and other outbuildings, while the fences and fine conditions of the fields, together with the many other evidences of prosperity, bespeak the careful attention and progressive spirit of the proprietor. Mr. Lytle is a mode! farmer, as iiis place abundantly attests, and his present independent financial condition bears testimony to the industry, and good management with which he has pursued his vocation. As a citizen he is recognized as one of the influential as well as one of the useful and resourceful men of his community, taking an active interest in whatever tends to benefit the country and develop its resources and supporting liberally ever measure looking to the social and moral welfare of the people of his neighborliood. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow men and as an earnest supporter of the Republican party has long been a potent factor in local politics. Mr. Lytle has never been an office-seeker, notwithstanding which he was elected assessor of his township, the duties of which position he discharged in a straightforward, business-like mantier, highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to the public which he served.

In the year 1882 Mr. Lytle was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Campbell, of Stark county, the union resulting in the birth of four children, namely; Claude H., Grace M., Margaret M. and Reed R., all living. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle are highly esteemed members of the Presbyterian church, being among the most active workers and liberal supporters of the local congregation to which they belong. They are also widely known socially and their popularity is by no means confined to the community in which they live, having numerous acquaintances throughout the county of Stark.

WILJ.IAM WARSHELER. - One of the oiliest and most highly esteemed residents of Stark county, Ohio, is a lady, now in her ninety-second year, who still resides in Plain township, where she was born. April 11, 181 1. Her name is Elizabeth ( Essig) Warsheler and she is tlie UKither of William Warsheler. of Plain township, the subject of this sketch. During all the years of her life she has lived in Stark comity. She was a babe during the first administration of the fourth President of the United States, James Madison, and has lived during the administration of twenty-one other Presidents. She was a child at the beginning of oiu' second war with England, a girl of four years when ^Vaterloo was fought and Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena and her age was ten when he died. Slie was a woman of twenty-six years when Queen Victoria ascended the throne of England, was thirty-five years old when the battles of the Mexican war were won, and during all of the years of the greatness of Clay and Webster she was old enough to know and appreciate the renown they were winning as statesmen. Her long and useful life covers the greater part of the greatest centurv the world has ever known.

William Warsheler, of Plain township. Stark county, son of the lady above mentioned, was- born on the farm where he now lives, October 15. 1835. His father was Samuel Warsheler, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1805, and came to Stark county, with his parents, in 1807. His father was George Warsheler, a native of Maryland, who died in Stark county, Ohio, in 1838. Elizabeth Essig, born in 181 1, was united in marriage to Samuel Warsheler in April, 1828. Her father was John Essig, a native of Pennsylvania who located in Stark county during the first years of the last century. Samuel Warsheler died in 1S77, while his wife, Elizabeth, now in her ninety-second year, still survives in comparatively good health and possessed of far greater mental vigor than would commonly be attributed to one of her great age. She is the mother of six children, four of whom grew to maturity, namely : Mary, who was the wife of Abram Candle, died when sixty years of age, in Plain township ; Susan was the wife of William Candle and died in Canton township when sixty-seven years old ; Simon died in infancy; William is the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, who was the wife of Jacob Prough, died in Missouri when about thirtyeight years of age; Sarah died in childhood. It will be seen that of the entire family, William and his venerable mother only survive.

has ever followed has been that of agriculture. In his boyhood, schools were not numerous, and his education was therefore limited, but had he been blessed with the opportunities of the boys of today his ambition would have stopped little short of a finished education. As it was he secured a fair knowledge of all the common school branches then taught, which knowledge he has since supplemented by extensive reading, so that today there are very few riien in his locality better informed.

On July 2, 1857, William Warsheler was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane Dine, a young lady who was possessed of most of the accomplishments and all of the virtues of the age in which she lived. She was a native of Franklin, county, Pennsylvania, born ]\Iarch 6, 1833, hc'' parents being David and Susanna Dine, natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, who located in Pike township. Stark county, about 1825. Both have now been dead many years, the mother having been eightyfive years of age at the time of her demise. They are well remembered by old residents as being among the most thrifty and progressive inhabitants of the county in the early days, l^o Mr. and Mrs. William Warsheler nine children have been born, only four of whom are -still living, namely, William B., Sarah, Charles and Cora. Sarah is the wife of Nicholas Dickens and Cora is Mrs. Charles Lantz. All of the children who have passed away died in infancy.

A most pleasant home, upon a splendid farm of seventy-two acres, is that which is occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Warsheler and family. He carries on general farming and stock raising and in this calling, the only one he has ever followed, he has been quite successful. In politics he is a Democrat, has always acted with that party and is always sufificiently interested in the result of the elections to take an active part in the campaign. Outside of one or two local oflices, he has never held or aspired to a political place. He served as trustee of Plain township three years and has been a school director for seventeen years. In all of the affairs of his township and county he has taken an active part and is invariably identified with e\-er}- progressi\-e mo^^ement. Strong and vigorous mentally and physically, the weight of his sixty-seven years sits lightly upon his shoulders, he being one of those, like his venerble mother, with whom time deals gently. Everything indicates that Mrs. Warsheler may have full confidence in being able to round out the full measure of a century of life, and that her worthy son eventually may fully equal her in longevity.

HENRY W. HOSSLER was born on a farm in Nimishillen township, this county, on the 30th of November, 1843, being a son of George Hossler, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of February, 181 5, being of sturdy German stock and a representative of that element which* has proved of so signal value in fostering material progTes.s and prosperity wherever found in our great American republic. He was a son of Frederick Hossler. who was born near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, September 8, 1783, and who came to Stark county, Ohio, in 1821, and located in Osnaburg township as one of its early settlers, Avhere he resided only a few years, and then TeniOAcd to Marlboro township, where he passed the residue of his life, his death occurring in Marlboro township, in 1843. George Hossler, father of the subject, came to Stark county with his parents and was here reared to manhood, and in Canton township he learned the trade of wagonmaking, to which he continued to devote his attention for the long period of thirty-fi\e years, being a man of marked industry and upright character. Within this period he resided for varying intervals of time in Canton, Marlboro, Nimishillen and Plain townships, and in connection with his trade also carried on agricultural pursuits. He died on his farm in Plain township, Decemberi 9, 1890, when weU, advanced in years. On the 4th of December,, 1842, in Nim.ishillen township, George Hossler was united in marriage to Miss Eli^al^eth Hershey, who was born in Franklin county, J^ennsylvania, on the i8th of February, 181 6,. being a daughter of John Hershey, who removed from the old Keystone state to Stark county, Ohio, when she was about sixteen years of age, and here she passed the remainder of her life, her death occurring on the 31st of May, 1899. George anti Elizabeth (Hershey) Hossler became the parents of seven children, namely : Henry W., who is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Eliza and John, who both died in childhood ; Mary, who is the wife of David Warstler, of Canton township ; Ephraim. wlio is a resident of the state of Kansas; Elizabeth, and Aaron, who reside in the city of Canton, this county.

Henry W. Hossler lived in Nimishillen and Marlboro townships during his earlier boyhood, and when he was eight years of age his parents removed to Plain township, where he was reared to maturity and where he has since maintained his home. He secured such educatiijiK'J advantages as were afforded by the district schools of the middle pioneer days and as a youth he learned the wagonmaking trade under the direction of his father, the business being one which has been followed by many members of the family, since the subject's grandfather was a skilled workman in this line and taught die trade to each of his sons. For a period of about twelve years the subject continued to be engaged in the work of his trade, but since 1875 he has devoted the greater portion (if his time to the settling up of estates and other public business, having been elected justice of the peace of Plain township in T871, while in 1889 he was appointed a no- tary public, in which office he has ever since continued to ser\-e. He is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and has taken an active part in public affairs of a local nature, being well fortified in his convictions and ever ready to defend the same, while he has at all times commanded the unqualified confidence and esteem of the community. A distinctive evidence of this confidence is that implied in the fact that he has served as administrator, executor, assignee, etc., of seventysix dift'erent estates, while the volume of his business is such as to render it expedient for him to maintain an office in the city of Canton. He serxed as justice of the peace for eighteen years, and his rulings were ever fair and impartial and were but twice reversed by higher courts, while holding said office, his aim being ever to adopt pacific measures and to avoid strained relations among his neighbors who came before him for an adjudication of their differences. He is also a stockholder and was one of the incorporators of the Central Savings Bank of Canton and has served as one of the directors of said bank ever since its organization in May, 1887. Mr. Hossler has a well improved farm of about forty acres and on the same has erected an attractive and commodious residence and other good buildings. PTe is a man of fine intellectual powers, and through personal application and intimate association with thei practical affairs of life has effectively supplemented the somewhat meager educational training of his youthful days.

In the city of Canton, on the 5th of November, T885, Mr. Hossler was united in marriage to ?\Iiss Sarah DeWeese, who was born in Osnaburg tOAvnship, this county, being a daughter of the late Thomas DeWeese, who was one of the pioneers of that section of the county and a man who was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. To Mr. and Mrs. Hossler five children have been born, the eldest of whom, Howard H., died at the age of three months, while the other four remain at the parental home, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: Helen D., Raymond R., Nellie R. and Henrv L.

DANIEL HARMON is a native of Stark county, Ohio, born in the township where he now lives on the 3d day of September, 1844. His father. Frederick Harmon, was a native of Holland, as was also his mother, who bore the maiden name of Cyntliia List. These parents came to the United States in 1836, 'locating first in New York city, and from there one year later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where they continued to reside until changing their residence to Stark county, in 1838. By occupation Frederick Harmon was a blacksmith. He worked at the trade in Canal Fulton for a number of years, and was fairly successful m business matters, accumulating a sufficiency of this world's goods to place him in very comfortable circumstances. Until the year 18G0 he was a Democrat, but when the great Civil war broke out he withdrew from his party and from that time until his death was an unswerving Republican. Religiously he subscribed to the creed of the Lutheran Reformed church and throughout a long and active career made his life correspond as nearly as possible to the plain simple teachings of Holy Writ. Mr. and Mrs. Harmon were the parents of eight children, two of whom died in infancy, the others growing to manhood and womanhood and becoming well settled in life. The death of Mr. Harmon occurred in 1883, ^t the age of seventy-seven, his wife surviving him until 1899, when she too was called to her eternal rest, at the age of ninety years.

majority of boys born and reared in country towns. He enjoyed the advantages of the public schools of Canal Fulton, and it was while a student in the high schools that he laid aside his books for the purpose of taking up arms to assist in quelling the great Rebellion. On the 4th of November, 1861, he enlistetl in Company G, First Battalion, Eighteenth United States Infantry, with which he served throughout the war and after the cessation of hostilities continued with his command until February 15, 1867. Mr. Harmon participated in all the battles in which the Army of the Cumberland took part and was one of the few of the ill-fated garrison of Ft. Phil Kearney that escaped death in the horrible massacre of December 22, 1866, one of the foulest blots on the pages of American history. He never shirked a responsibility, was ever ready to go where duty called and against his record as a brave and fearless soldier no breath of suspicion was ever uttered. After his discharge he returned to Stark county and for some time thereafter worked at coal mining, subsequently engaging in the milling business at Canal Fulton, which he carried on for several years witli fair pecuniary results. He also devoted consideraljle attention to farming, in which he still maintains an interest, and of late years has been engaged in the ice business, from which source he derives a liberal income. Mr. Harmon has long been an active worker in the Democratic party, and as such has been elected to various official positions, the first being that of constable, in which he served his township faithfully for twelve years. In 1886 he was made a member of the school board of Canal Fulton, which position he held nine years, and subsequently for a period of ten years served as township assessor. In 1902 he was elected to the more responsible office of township trustee, and thus far his record has fully met tlie expectation of his friends and pnn-en highly satisfactory to the public in general. Mr. Harmon is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, belonging to Lawrence Lodge No. 297, at Canal Fulton, in addition to which he is also identified with Bevard Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In the year 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Lovina Buchtel, whose birth occurred in Summit county, Ohio, on the 25th day of May, 1844. Mrs. Harmon is one of seven children born to John A. and Julia A. (Tritt) Buchtel, of Summit county, the father dying in 1885 and the mother in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Harmon have had four children, namely : Alda, Esther, Percy and Lloyd, the last named deceased.

The life of Mr. Harmon furnishes a commendable example of the successful self-made man. He early began making his own way in the world and had little to encourage him in his battles with adverse circumstances. The meager assistance rendered him, and his determined efiforts to develop the better man within, were in due time crowned with abundant rewards, as he succeeded by industry and thrift in making for himself a name which all who know him respect, while his honor and integrity in every relation of life are eminently worthy of emulation.

REV. JOSEPH F. FAHS. - The Fahs family is of stanch German lineage, and -in the immediate line the original ancestor in America was Joseph Fahs, who emigrated from the fatherland to tliis country in the colonial epoch, taking up his abode in York, Pennsylvania, where he passed the residue of his life, being a man of exalted integrity of character and one whose strength was as his days. He was accompanied to America by his_ wife and several children, and other children were born after he established his home in the new world, one of the nuni1>er being Joseph Fahs, who was born 311 York, York county, Pennsylvania, and who figures as the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Joseph Fahs was a soldier in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution, and thus aided in the founding- of the greatest republic the world has ever known. After the war he returned to his native town, where the balance of his life was passed, his vocation having been that of carpetweaver. His son, Samuel, father of the subject, was born in York about 1 800, and was there reared to maturity, learning the trade of cabinetmaking, and continuing to follow the same during his entire career in business. His noble and devoted wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Myers, was likewise born in York, and there they lived until they responded to the inexorable summons of death, both having been members of the Moravian church and persons of distinctive worth of character. Of their children brief data is as follows : Rachel, who became the wife of George Wantz, died in York; the second child died in infancy; Oliver died m York, at the age of thirty-five years; Joseph Frederick, the immediate subject of this review, was the next in order of birth ; David is still a resident of Y''ork, Pennsylvania ; Samuel died in boyhood ; Barbara, who became the wife of Ernst Wagner, died at York; Catherine died at the age of twenty-eight years; Louisa is the wife of Charles Stubbins, of York, and there also is the home of Sarah, the wife of J. L. Getz.

Joseph Frederick Fahs, whose name initiates this article, was born in the old homestead in York, Pennsylvania, on the i8th of January, 1825, so that he has now attained the age of nearly four score years, though it must not be implied that this fact militates against his activity, energy and devotion to his responsible duties, for his is the vigor begotten of riglit living, and he expects to be a worker until he is called to the sphere of the eternal life. He received his early educational discipline in his native town, having there attended an academy conducted by Professor Blech, an able educator. At the age of fourteen Mr. Fahs we;it to the Moravian town of Lititz, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was employed as clerk in a mercantile establishment for a period of four years, and while there he devoted as much time as possible to the study of theological subjects, under the direction of clergymen of the Moravian church. At the age of eighteen he returned to York, where he was employed as clerk in a general merchandise store for about two years. In the meanwhile he had been canvassing ways and means that he might continue his educational training, his desire being to fit himself for a wider sphere of endeavor, and at the age of twenty years he had so thoroughly improved his time by personal study and application that he became eligible for pedagogic work, since he then accepted the position of teacher , of English branches in Nazareth Hall, a Moravian college, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. He was thus engaged for one year, and during that succeeding was a teacher in the Y'ork County Academy, in his native town, the institution being one which at that time had a hig'h standing and which was a source of great pride to the people of the county. While thus teaching at York, Mr. Fahs continued his own studies, having given special attention to the study of languages, under the direction of Prof. Williams, a man of erudition and a fine linguist, who was then an instructor in the same academ}'. Mr. Fahs had also been a careful and appreciative student of music, in which line he had marked native talent, and for the ensuing year he gave his attention principally to the teaching of the "divine art," his efforts being mainly in tlie line of ensemble work, in" training mixed choruses and giving concerts under Sunday .school auspices. About this time the subject came in contact with Rev. Dr. Joseph Seiss, of Cumberland, Maryland, with whose devoted zeal and eloquence he became so captivated that he expressed to the Doctor a wish to remain with him for a season, for the purpose of studying theology and pulpit oratory. His desire was realized, and he acknowledges a lasting debt of gratitude to this noble Christian gentleman with whom he remained for a period of three years, - years fraught with the best possible results, for the subject received the most beneficent counsel, his training was systematic and the influence one which tended to exaltation of the spiritual life, and he was thus led to devote his life to the ministry, following humbly and reverently in the steps of the lowly Nazarene through whom came the supreme revelation of divine love and mercy. In the autumn of 1852 Mr. Fahs was ordained to the ministry of the Lutheran church, at Cumberland, Maryland, and his first pastoral assignment was to the church in Hancock, that state, where he remained three years, having charge of three congregations in that parish. His health finally became so seriously impaired that he was compelled to resign his charge and to avoid all active work for the ensuing- eiglit months. He then, though far from well, accepted a call to the church at Newton, Pennsylvania, where he labored zealously for fourteen months, but the tension proved too severe and he was again compelled to tender a resignation, and for nearly a year he was unable to continue his ministerial work. Having partially recuperated his energies, in 1853 ^e accepted the pastorate of the church at Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, the town being located in the mountains, and here the change of climate proved of marked benefit to him, and after serving the little church for a period of four months he felt justified in accepting a most insistent call which came from the church at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he labored with much success for a period of five years, and the hold he had upon the affection of his people was significantly manifested in the spring of 1902, when the congregation of this church sent him an urgent invitation to visit his former parish and participate in the golden jubilee of the church, an invitation which he accepted, and which resulted in a season of marked gratification to him and his wife, in that they were thus permitted to greet many old friends and to note the noble work which the church was carrying forward. His next call was to the pastorate of St. John's church, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and his pastorate there covered a full decade, blessed with abundant fruit, and while he and his wife were in Williamsport, in 1902, as noted, the people of St. John's church made such pressing overtures for them to also visit this parish that they could not but respond favorably, and their visit to the two parishes was one which marks a most grateful spot in their life history. From Allentown Mr. Fahs went to Trinity Lutheran church, in Akron, Ohio, and after a decade of zealous and effective labor in that field he came to Canton, in 1883. and for the following fourteen years he served congregations in various towns in this section, accessible from the city and without regular pastoral incumbents, while he also officiated in churches of various other denominations, in Canton and elsewhere, and continues to do so at the present time when demands are made upon his services in this way, for he has ever stood ready to answer the call of duty and to aid in every possible way the cause of the Mas- ter whom he serves. In 1896, largely persuaded by the members of the clergy of the different churches in Canton, Mr. Fahs consented to accept his present appointment as chaplain of the county infirmary and work house, and here his ministrations have not fallen short of appreciation on the part of those unfortunate wards of the county to whom he brings words of cheer and hope. Mr. Fahs has been a most zealous and effective advocate of the cause of temperance, and his efforts in this direction have been potent. He is a persuasive and logical speaker and his every word bears the impress of unswei"ving faith and utmost sincerity, so that he has ever been able to gain a hold on the hearts of those to whom he has been teacher, counselor, pastor and friend. In politics he holds to the principles of the Republican party, but has never been a strict partisan, supporting such men and measures as have met the approval of his judgment.

At Hancock, iVIaryland, on the 9th of May, 1854, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Fahs to Miss C. Anna Miller, daughter of Rev. Henry S. Miller, a clergyman of the Lutheran church, and she has been to him a true companion and helpmeet during their signally happy married life, which has extended over a period of nearly lialf a century, Mrs. Fahs having been born in 1833. Of the children of this union the following is a record : Lillian remains at the parental home; Catherine has for the past eight years engaged in missionary work in India, under the auspices of the Lutheran church ; Henry died at the age of nineteen years; and Clemence remains at the parental home.

ANDREW MEYER. - The Meyer family is of stanch German extraction, and is one of prominence and distinction in the German fatherland, the original representatives of the same in the new world being three brothers who came hither in the early or middle part of the eighteenth century, one of the number being the grandfather of the subject of this brief sketch. So prominent has been the name in this section of the Buckeye state that exceptional interest attaches to a review of the gene- , alogical and personal history of that honored citizen of Canton whose name introduces this article and who here passed practically his entire life. He bore the full patronymic of his father, Andrew Meyer, who was born in the town of Bonn, in Bingen, archbishopric of Cologne, GeiTnany, one of the most fair and picturesque sections of the beautiful Rhine country, the date of his nativity having been 1760. He was there reared, receiving his education in the excellent schools of his native place, and at the usual age he entered the military service of Austria, in accord with the laws and customs of the nation. In this connection he was in active service in the conflict with the Turkish government, and later he was for'some time in the French army, having been impressed into service under the rule of the great Napoleon. He emigrated to America within the closing years of the eighteenth century and took up his abode in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, where, during the war of 1812, he gave his government valuable assistance in the furnishing ol brass and copper supplies for ships, and he made no demand for payment until peace was restored and the government expenses were reduced to a more nearly normal standpoint. He was also in active service as a soldier in this second conflict with England, having taken part in the spirited engagement at Bladensburg, Maryland, where he was one of the few who stood their ground until deserted by all their fellow comrades. He had learned the trade of coppersmith in his native land, and continued to be identified with the same in Baltimore for a number of years, having been associated with his brother. Godfrey, in the establishment of a copper manufactory in Baltimore, where he had made investments in real estate and slaves, the brothers having been well fortified financially at the time of their emigration. Subsequently he came to Ohio, becoming one of the early settlers of Canton, which was then a mere hamlet in the midst of the primeval forests, and here he became a prominent and influential citizen, being a man of marked intellectuality and one with great initiative powers, so that he was well fitted for leadership in thought and action. He was the third in order of birth in a family of five children, an elder brother, Ignatius, having accnnipanied him from, the fatherlatid to America, all settling in Baltimore. 'J1ieu' sister, Cordelia, who' was a young woman of great beauty and culture, died in Germany. The father of these children was a man of wealth and influence in Germany, where he was the owner of extensi^^e vineyards on the banks of the Rhine. Francis Meyer, the eldest of the four brothers, was a colonel in Napoleon's army and was present at the taking of Moscow, and while in the service he was captured by the enemy and held in prison for some time. He also took part in the historic battle of Waterloo. Napoleon conferred upon him the cross of the Legiqn of Honor on the field of battle, this valued insignia of honor and gallantry being set with diamonds, and in addition to this his great chief also conferred upon him an added distinction in recognition of his services, presenting him witli a beautiful sword, likewise, set with fine diamonds, and these two valued trophies are still retained in the possession of the family as treasured souvenirs. Ignatius, the other brother, was a man of recondite knowledge, being a fine scholar and an accomplished linguist, and he was a successful teacher in Germany, as was he also in Baltimore, and later in Canton. Colo ne! h'rancis Meyer died in Baltimore, at a verv advanced age, having- remained a bachelor. Ignatius married, in Germany, a lady of culture and rehnement, and they reared a number of children. In the beautiful old Maryland citv was also consummated the marriage of Andrew Meyer, father of the subject, the maiden name of his wife having been Eliza Hazlett, the widow of John Hassafrass. She was Ijorn m .\Isace, France, whence she came to America wiili her parents. Of her first marriage were born three children, namely : Margaret and George, buth of whom died in

Andrew Meyer came to Ohio in company with Josqjh Shorb and here, by entry and purchase, they Ijecame the owners of sixteen hundred acres of land, Mr. Meyer's farm being located in Stark county and being known as Sweet Spring farm. After establishing a home in the Buckeye state Mr. Meyer returned to Maryland for his wife, and upon his coming again to Ohio he took up his residence in the little village of Canton, here opening a drygoods store on the site of the present establishment of the firm of McKenzie & .Bell. He also accumulated considerable real estate in and about the city, in addition to his original farm property. After a residence of two )-ears in Canton his wife's health became seriously impaired and they accordingly returned to Baltimore, where they remained for the ensuing two years, after which they again took up their residence in Canton. The journevs to and fro were made with the old-time Conestoga wagons, and Mr. Meyer provided a guard of twelve men to atford protection from robbers and unfriendly Inilians, the Alleghany nmuntains at that time being infested with bands of desperate outlaws and bandits. Andrew Meyer brought from Steubenville the lumber with which to erect his house, which was the finest in this section of the state, being commodious and attractive in appearance and being equipped with many accessories and embellishments unusual to the pioneers of this section. The residence was Ijuilt of the best m^itenal and in the most substantial manner, while the eaves and spouts were all of ci>p|)er. SubseciuentK- he retired from the mercantile business, which he turned over to his son, the sulv ject of this memoir. , Andrew Meyer, Sr., then retired to his farm, one of the finest places in this section of the state, his landed estate comprising twenty-two hundred acres at the time of his deatli, in 1848. The land was immediately contiguous to the town of Canton, and eventually the city limits were extended to include a considerable portion of the same, which section was platted into city lots and placed on tiife market after his death, being now Ijuilt up with a desirable class of dwellings. The subject of this memoir inherited a portion of the old homestead and for many years gave his personal supervision to its cultivation, and he erected the residence now owned lay Cook Walker, on Tuscarawas street, and there he continued to reside until his death. Jdie heirs of Joseph Meyer, one of his sons, donated twenty acres of the old homestead as a site for the erection of the plant of the Deitber-Hampden Watch Works, one of the important industrial concerns oi Canton and of the state. The parents were devoted members of St. J«jhn's Catholic church, in whose organization they were instrumental. In politics the father was an old-line Whig. He was a man of progressive ideas, an excellent financier, and one who wiekled a wide and beneficent infiuence in flie community, while such was his integrity in all the relations of life that he ever commanded the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. Of his children we enter the following brief record : Francis, who was a colonel in the war of the Rebellion, married and became the father of five children, - Caroline, Joseph, Francis, Cordelia and Mary, the parents being now deceased; Elizabeth, who became the wife of James Casselly, died in Canton ; Andrew is the immediate subject of this memoir; Joseph died in 1869, in Canton, laeing survived by his wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Meyer, and of him in(li\idual mention is made on another page of this work; Alena, who became the wife of Thomas Patton, died in Canton in 1871.

Maryland, in 1813, and was a mere child at the time of his parents' removal to Canton, where he was reared and educated and where he passed his long and useful life, a worthy scion of an honored father. He recei\'ed such educational ad\-antages as were afforded in the local schools, and later became a student in Emmettsburg College, in Maryland, where he completed his specific education. He then returned to Canton, where he assisted his father in his business operations, and where he e\'entually succeeded the latter in the mercantile enterprise here established so many years before. He continued this enterprise for somewhat more than a decade and then removed to what is known as the Duck farm, at the head of Meyer lake, giving his attention to its cultivation for about eight years. After the death of his father he removed to a cottage near the old homestead, and here his first wife died in 1848. Somewhat later he erected what is now the Cook Walker residence, on West Tuscarawas street, and there he continued to make his home until he was summoned from the scene of life's activities, on the 15th of March, 1875, at the age of sixty-two years. His entire life was characterized by the loftiest integrity and honor; he was kindly, gracious and unostentatious and no man in the community could claim a larger number of appreciative and cherished friends. He always maintained a lively interest in the welfare of the city whose development he had witnessed from the pioneer days, and he was essentially 1 road-minded and public-spirited in his attitude in regard to matters of public policy. In politics he was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, while he was a liberal supporter of St. John's church, of which he was a communicant.

Eliza Hazlett, a daughter of Major Robert Hazlett, who was born in the city of DubHn, Ireland, whence he emigrated, to America when a young man, taking up his residence in Baltimore, where he engaged in the manufacture of ammunition. He was in active service as a soldier in the war of 1812, holding the ofifice of major. The maiden name of his wife was Dorothy Parkinson, and she was a sister of Sir Edward Parkinson, of England, who was a very wealthy man and whose property re- A^erted to the crown at the time of his death. Both Robert and Dorothy Hazlett died in Baltimore, having reared a large family of children. Mrs. Eliza (Hazlett) Meyer died in 1848, as has already been noted, and in 1851 Mr. Meyer consummated a second marriage, being then united to Miss Elizabeth Gross, a daughter of Judge John I. Gross, of Baltimore, a member of the supreme court of Maryland. Mrs. Meyer survived her husband two years, her death occurring in 1877. Of the children of the first marriage the following is a brief record: Andrew, Jr., enlisted in Toledo as a member of an Ohio regiment of volunteers, under General Babcock, and served throughout the Civil war, after which he was married, in Tennessee, to Miss Carrie Johnson, a southern girl, and they now reside on a farm at the foot of Lookout mountain, in Tennessee ; Emily died at tlie age of twentyseven years ; Joseph, who married Miss Mary Crowl, of Massillon, Ohio, is now a resident of Boone county, Iowa; Louisa C. resides at the old home in Canton, having never married; William, who resides in Canton, and who is one of the influential farmers of the county, married Miss Margaret Wielandt, and they have nine children ; Isabella is the wife of Andrew Wielandt, of this city; and Margaret is the \\ife of George Wolfe, also of Canton. Only one child was born of the second marriage of the subject. - John, who resides wdth his sister. Miss Louisa C. Mever, of Canton.

JOHN O. KREIGHBAU.M, ex-commissioner of Stark county, now residing at New Berlin, was born in Lake township, Stark county, July 21, 1854. His father was William Kreighbaum, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1813, while his grandfather, George Kreighbaum, also a native of Pennsylvania, was born about 1788, the year of the inauguration of the first President of the United States, the immortal Washington. The genealogy of the Kreighbaum family has not been traced back farther than the paternal grandfather, buj; it is quite likely that ihe latter's parents were natives of Germany, who emigrated to America about the time of or before the war of the Revolution and settled in Pennsylvania with numerous other emigrants from the fatherland. George Kreighbaum, the grandfather, moved his family to Stark county, Ohio, and located in Lake township, one mile east of where Greentown now stands. He was a farmer and followed that calling up to the time of his death, which occurred in the year 1848. He was elected county commissioner in 1838, and qualified and served for a number of years, as is shown l>y the old records of Stark county. Almost constantly from the time of his settlement in the county the task of filling some one of the township positions was exacted of him. He was a worthy man, who had seen much of the world, and all of his neighbors had implicit confidence in Ijis integrity and ability. William Kreighbaum, the father of the subject, was only four years old when his parents moved to Stark county, and here he grew to manhood, receiving such limited education as the country schools afforded at that time. However, he was a man of strong mental powers and much natural capacity, which caused his neighbors to look upon him as a man of far more learning than he really had. Almost before he had attained his maturity he had met and married Miss Sarah Hane, also a native of Pennsylvania. Like most of the young people of the west at that time, they settled upon a farm and devoted themselves to agricultural pursuits, there being little else in those days for young people to do to gain a livelihood. They located in Lake township, and by their industry and thrift made a fine farm, built a comfortable home and occupied it until their deaths. He died April 7, 1869, while her death occurred in November, 1S82. To William and Sarah Kreighbaum fourteen children were born, the youngest of whom is John O., the subject of this sketch. They are named Uriac, Henry, Matilda, George, William, Amanda, Edwin, Ellen, Mahala, Hiram, Clinton, Erances and John C. All were given the best advantages to secure an education which the country then afforded, and upon attaining maturity they went out into the world to do' for themselves, settled in different localities, married and prospered.