Canton Township (part 45 of 62)

The married life of Mr. Maxheimer datesfrom April ii, 1844, when was solemnized the ceremony which united him in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Cole, a native of Jefferson county, this state. Five children have been born to this union, the oldest of whom, Cecelia, is the wife of Nathan Moftitt, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Clarinda, the second, married L. P. Slusser,. and is the mother of two children, Rollin and William. Franklin, the third child and oldest son of the family, married Miss Miller, of Wooster, Ohio, and has offspring as follows: William, Stella, Florence, Benjamin, Glenn, Ray and Perry. Clara, tiie fourth in order of birth, is not living. After her comes Sheridan, the youngest of the family, who took a wife in the person of Miss Laura Oberlin, whose oldest child, Mary E., died in the year 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Maxheimer lived a happy married life of fifty-seven years' duration, when the union was terminated by the death of the latter, who entered unto rest August 3, 1901, at the age of seventy-five. She was a devoted companion and faithful help-mate, a loving and indulgent mother, and lier long residence in the community endeared her to all with whom she associated. Mr. Maxheimer occupies a high position in the estimation of his acquaintances and fellow citizens, and stands among: the substantial men of his part of the county.

CLATON F. BREMER, farmer and auctioneer, one of the best known citizens of Tuscarawas township, is a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred on the 19th of September, 1864. The Bremers have figured in the annals of Lancaster county from a very remote period, the subject's grandfather, Jacob Bremer, having been born there in the year 1793. Susan Eshbaugh, who became the wife of Jacob, was also a native of the county of Lancaster, born on the 27th dav of August, 1796. Just when the ancestors of this couple settled in - Pennsylvania is not known, but it is supposed to have been early in the eighteenth century, as both names are familiar in various parts of Lancaster county and considered as belonging to the early familieg of that part of the state. Jacob Bremer reared a family of twelve children, and departed this life in 1862. Of this large family there are but two living representatives, David and Mattie. David Bremer was born in Lancaster count\-. Pennsylvania, January 29, 1837, and when a young man married Miss Hattie Furgeson, whose birth occurred in the same county November 27, 1 841. Mrs. Bremer is the daughter of Abram Furgeson, who was born in the county of Lancaster in 1829, and who is still living at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Green, first saw the light of day in 1818, and died in her native state of Pennsylvania in the year 1884. To this old couple were born nine children, and it is a rather remarkable fact that, with the single exception of the mother, death has not invaded the family circle. David Bremer has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and at the present time has a small but beautifully situated and exceedingly fertile farm, about four miles west of Massillon, in the township of Tuscarawas. He is now serving his third term as county trustee, and during the last thirty-tiiree or thirty-four years his name has become quite widely known as a pubhc auctioneer, a capacity in which he has achieved distinctive success. David Bremer and wife are the parents of quite a large family, thirteen in all, whose names are as follows : Susan, the oldest, married C. S. Hartman, of Stark county, and is the mother of two children, Sadie and Fannie, the former deceased ; Emma, the second in order of birth, is the wife of H. B. Sweigart, of this county; Martin was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, received his education in the public schools in Massillon, and for some years has been in the employ of Sonhalta Brothers, leading merchants of Massillon. Fie married, June 22, 1892, Miss Ida Wiclit, v\-ho has borne him two sons, Ralph F. and Harold M. ; Claton h'., the subject of this review, is the fourth of the family, and after him comes Simon F., who married Miss Malinda Wericli, a union resulting in three sons, Edward, Earl and Willard; following Simon is Lillie, wife of Samuel Wenger, of Wayne county, this state, who has borne her husband children as follows: Emma B., deceased, Harry, Murrell, and Floyd. Abram, the seventh in succession, married Pearl Werich, and is the father of twin sons, Roy and Ray ; David, the eighth of the family, married Miss Ada Baer, the union being blessed with a son by the name of Raymond ; John is also a married man, and is tlie father of one child, Gladys, whoFe mother was formerly Miss Nora Miller ; Ferres, the tenth of the children, married Miss Bertha Brinkcr, a union without issue : the three young-est, Edward, Ester and Lottie ]\'I., are still with the parents. The early life of Claton F. Breiner was spent on the home farm, and at the ]iroper age he entered the district school of his township; not ending the same until in his teens. Unlike the majority of country youths, he l)egan life for himself at quite an early age, entering when but fifteen years old upon his career as a public salesman, which, in connection with agricultural pursuits, he has since followed with most encouraging success. As a farmer he is careful and methodical, as the one hundred and fifty-five acres which he culti\'ates abundantly attest, and that he has been fortunate in his business afTairs generally is demonstrated by the many evidences of material comfort which he has provided for himself and those dependent upon him. As an auctioneer ]\Ir. 13remer has few equals and no superiors in this part of the state. With a natural fluency of language, which enables him to set forth the favorable qualities of articles ofYered for sale, is coml^ined a thorough knowledge of value and soundness of judgment in matters of business, both facts being greatly to his own advantage as well as to the interest of the parties whose property he disposes of at public venue. Politically he is one of the leading Republicans in his township, and in public affairs he has always been deeply interested, taking an active part in all measures for the material advancement of his township and county, and giving a generous support to every enterprise for the niorrd and social good of the community.

Mr. Bremer was married August 8, 1891, to Miss Emma Hollinger, of Canal Fulton, a union blessed with one child, Howard C, wliose birth occurred on the 13th day of June, 1901.

Above all other considerations Air. Bremer is a man of marked domestic tastes, being devotedly attached to his wife, his child and his home. In the family circle he finds his chief happiness and all his interests ajjpear to cluster around the fireside. Mrs. Bremer is a lady possessed of qualities which ha\-e retained not only the love and affection of her immediate household, but als(.i the grateful appreciation of all aa ho know her.

JOSEPH .STIBBS PIARFER was born in Canton in 1839. Canton was then only a fairsized village. l)ut the fact that it was the capital town of a rich and populous county enabled it to put on an air of some importance. Joseph's father, Isaac Harter, was one of the early settlers. He first kept a country store, and then established a ver}' successful bank. His father came from Germany. Joseph's mother was of Irish-English stock.

The earlier schools of Canton were of a liigh order. In these Joseph, who was the oldest child, received an excellent elemental education. Although of a Protestant family, he received his elementary education in St. Peter's (Catholic) school. In practical matters he profited largely in his father's store. Many of its patrons were Germans - he learned German. A considerable number were French - he learned French. He became a ready extemporaneous speaker, being just as fluent in correct German as in English. Tliese things show the tireless aggressiveness of his mental nature. Physically he was a little above the average height, and he was in every respect a very striking personality, ha\"ing been noted for his manly beauty. After leaving the Canton schools he spent two years in the Aliami University. Following upon that he entered the junior class at Kenyon College, at Gambler, and college records, in both institutions, put him in the front rank.

When the war of the Rebellion broke out the subject was at Kenyon. He dropped his books and enlisted in the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, one of the first Ohio regiments, being made up largely of Canton men. He v/as first lieutenant of Company A. through the three-mondis campaign in West Virginia. At tlie end of its first term, the Nineteenth, responding to President Lincoln's proclamation. prepared to reorganize for a three years' campaign. Conscious of his ability to do so, young Harter resolved to enlist a company and go to the front with the rank of captain. But in this project he was confronted by a mot her" s veto - a veto having behind it, as supporting factors. Iris youth, his unfinished college term ; also a another's solicitude - perhaps a presentiment. Mrs. Harter was one of the kind of mothers one reads about in the biographies of men of mark ; a mother whose counsels were heeded. She realized the country's danger and its need, but probabl}' she hoped for the early peace that Secretary Seward had predicted. She projiosed a compromise. If Joseph would finish his college course, which would be in the following June, he should be free to do as he wished. And so young Harter went back to "serve out his time." Some of his classmates lived to become men of note. One was Edward Stanton, son of Lincoln's famous war secretary. Another was James S. Kilbourne, of Columbus, a man who has won very honorable distiriCtion. Speaking of Joseph Harter at college he remarked : "His was the quickest and strongest mind in our class, and he gave promise of greater distinction in future life than any member of the class." And his old regiment, the Nineteenth, had also gone back to the front, and had passed through tiie fiery flames of Pittsburg Landing and Corin.th, on the west. And the North had made the awful useless sacrifice of its thousands and tens of thousands at Malvern Hill and Manassas in the east. And then, just in the nick of time, only a few days after Joseph's graduation, came President Lincoln's third proclamation. The first was for thousand three-months men; young Harter had been one of these. The second, May 3, 1 86 1, was for five hundred thousand men for three years, to which call over seven luindred thousand responded. Tbe third, Julv 2, 1862, was for three hundred thousand men ; more than four hundred and fifty thousand entered the ranks. One of the new Ohio regiments recruited under this call was the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Tlie muster-roll of the One Hundred and Fifteenth, announced on September 19, 1862, gave the first official information of the new step Mr. Harter had taken, as follows : "Company E, ninety-eight men ; captain, Joseph S. Harter; first lieutenant, J. J. Mohler; second lieutenant, George Ilershey." One of the names printed on this muster-roll was that of Corpora! George D. Harter, a younger brother of Joseph. He rose to the rank of captain, and lived to be mustered out in July, 1865, at the end of the war, after a most honorable term of miiitar}- service. Prior to his death, which occurred in 1890, he had come to be recognized as one of the most useful and prominent citizens of Canton. When the companies destined for the One Hundred and Fifteenth had been nearly filled they went into a camp that had been established at Massillon in the early nart of August, 1862. The One Himdred and Fourth Regiment, which had reached its limit a little earlier, was already in camp there. Both regiments were largely from Stark county. Captain Harter had aimed to enter his company in the One Hundred and Fourth, but he had been somewhat handicapped. Before his college term had ended other companies had been getting together in anticipation of the new proclamation, and these often comprised men who would liave been quick to en-

The year succeeding the episode at Camp Massillon was far the most eventful in the entire history of the American republic. During that year the names of Murfreesboro, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Chickamauga and Chattanooga had been deeply graven on the tablets of the nation. Little wonder that an enemy whose sturdy valor and power was equal to a survival fro)n such mighty conflicts should fill the land with very grave apprehension. That such an enemy should have many sympathizers, and e-\'en well-wishers, in the North, was by no means surprising. Even in Stark county certain districts were peopled by considerable numbers who entertained such unpatriotic views. During the occupation of Camp Massillon a government draft was also in progress for the purpose of equalizing the burdens of war, by compellmg recalcitrant townships to furnish their quota of soldiers for the national defense. The malcontents were not without a form, of organization, and their cause was zealously and openly championed by a Canton newspaper. Emboldened by the departure of the regiments from Camp Massillon, the Southern element called a meeting of anti-draft sympathizers at the county seat. The speakers at that meeting were arrested and imprisoned and the refractory townships had to bring in their quotas, which ended the movement for the time being.

An event of unusual local interest was a review of the One Hundred and Fourth and One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiments by Governor David Tod. Governor Tod, who had been a conspicuous defendei- of southern policies before the war, had espoused the Union cause with great ardor. The Governor and Captain Harter were ver}- close friends, and it was. hoped that the fervid appeal sure to be made by a chief executive with such antecedents would be of avail in giving a new impulse to the support of the national cause in this part of Ohio. The attendance was enormous, and the effect of the demonstration was mostly salutary.

It may be said, incidentally, that, a few months later, Clement L. Vallandigham, being candidate for the office of governor, became a champion of the southern cause of national repute. An order was issued for his arrest and deportation beyond the military lines and into the companionship of his rebel friends. On hisway south, and while he was in Cincinnati, Captain Harter had the custody of his person.

Three days before the One Hundred and Fifteenth left Camp Massillon it received a visit from Mr. Isaac Harter. fatlier of the Captain. He was the treasurer of the Canton city bounty fund, and, in that capacity, he handed to each soldier from Canton the sum of fifty dollars. The boys had pledged their time, with the risks of war, for three years at thirteen dollars per month, and this send-off by their home friends, at the hand of Mr. Harter, was a graceful act and was gratefully appreciated.

The One Hundred and Fifteenth was transferred from Camp Chase to Cincinnati early in October. In those days Cincinnati and Louisville were really border cities. Rebel advances c.nd guerrilla tactics necessitated a large protecting force, of which the new regiment constituted part. Later on the regiment was divided into two battalions ; the first, under Colonel Lucy, was stationed at Maysville, Kentucky, the second, comprising Captain Harter's company, was commanded by Lieutenant- Colonel Boone and remained in Cincinnati. Between the gieat armies south of the Ohio river and the sources of supplies north of the river the collecting, guarding and forwarding of men and supplies constituted a vast work and one that could be entrusted only to men of the highest order of ability and trustworthiness. The battalion of the One Hundred and Fifteenth at Cincinnati was thus engaged during more than it5; first year of service. Ten months of this service had ah-eady elapsed when a telegram lo his family announced that Captain Harter had been seriously wounded. The dispatch was dated August 24, 1863. He died two days afterward. In regard to tlie immediate circumstances of his death, and what followed, it will be more satisfactory to quote from an article printed at the time, in the Canton Republican of September 3, 1863, as follows:

The obsequies of Captain Joseph S. Harter, of Company E, One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, were held in this city on Saturday, August 29, 1863- His remains were interred in the new cemetery. The military escort was the most imposing ceremony of the kind ever beheld here. Captain Ball's company, in uniform, formed the main escort. A squad of thirteen of Captain Harter's men also followed the hearse. The pall-bearers were commissioned officers. Colonel Manderson, of the Nineteenth Ohio, conducted the military exercises. A very long procession of relatives and friends also followed the remains to their last resting place.

The wound of which Captain Harter died can not be attributed to carelessness. On the evening of Monday, the 24th ult., a number of officers were assembled at the headquarters of Colonel T. C. Boone. The latter ordered his acting adjutant to get him his revolvers. As they were being taken down from where they hung one of the revolvers dropped from the holster and fell on the floor, striking on the cock and discharging the pistol. The ball pierced Captain Harter through the body, inflicting a wound of which he died on the morning of Wednesdaj-, August 26, 1S63. Deceased was twentyfour years of age, and was a young man of most unusual promise. The peculiarly distressing circumstances of his untimely death have enlisted the most earnest sympathy for his grief-stricken parents and relatives.

He was among the first to volunteer in this county. He served in the old Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a three-months regiment, in West Virginia, first as orderly, then as lieutenant in Company A- Last summer he raised the company he has since commanded. By the unanimous testimony of the officers and men of the One Hundred and Fifteenth he has always acquitted himself nobly and he has commanded their unbounded respect and confidence. Especially and most deeply do the members of his own company regret their heavy loss. They begged the privilege of escorting home his remains, and at their own expense - a request that the officers in command deemed it impossible to grant.

At a meeting of the commissioned officers of the battalion of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, stationed in this city, of which Lieutenant-Colonel T. C. Boone was chairman and Captain H. R. Hill secretary, the following resolutions, proposed by a committee consisting of Major H. B. Johnson, Captain A J. Ware and Lieutenant T. W. Saxton, were unanimously adopted :

First. Resolved, That we, the officers of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, have just learned, v/ith the deepest emotions of sorrow, of the deatli of our highly respected fellow officer. Captain Joseph S. Harter, of Company E of this regiment.

Second. Resolved, That Captain Harter, by his indefatigable attention to duty, his patriotic ardor, his genial manners and his manly character, had endeared himself to all.

Rssolved, That we warmly sympathize with the family of the deceased, who, by this dire dispensation of divine providence, lose a beloved son and brother, this regiment a faithful and efficient officer, and the government one of its most willing and ardent supporters.

The esteem in which the deceased captain had been held was evidenced by the official action of all the civic, social and military bodies with which he had been connected, and in terms indicative of a keen appreciation of the loss that had befallen his friends and his country.

Had Joseph S. Harter lived until now (1903) this w^ould be his sixty-fourth year. Into the mind of the friend of his youth who has thus endeavored to present to contemporary readers the outlines of a most precious life that was ruthlessly exacted by an incident of the war in defense of his country, there comes this query ; What might have been his career had he been spared ? That career seemed to be just at the turning point. He was known to have been impatient of the service in which he had been occupied and to have expected an advancement. In fact, on the very day of his death a letter from the secretary of war, summoning him to Washington, came to his address. What honors might so gifted a man have aspired to, what high places reached in military, and subsequently in civil life.

"Vain queries," "vain thoughts," you say. Not so vain as you may think. Can the lesson of such an example to the men of the republic e\er be lost - the example of a youth who.

though favored I)y e\'ery fortune, heard the very first cry of liis country's distress, and who shouted back: "Here am I; send me!" If he culled no laurels from the battle field, he, none the less, gave the great sacrifice upon the altar of his country. He did his best, gave his all, gave his life, to perpetuate liberty, and to show future generations how to live and die for freedom and native land.

JOHN L. WARSTLER. - The family of which Mr. W'arstler is an honorable representative came to Stark county in an early day and figured conspicuously in the pioneer history of Plain township. His grandfather. Christian Warstler, a native of Pennsylvania, moved his family to that part of the county in 1804, when the settlers were few and far between and entered a section and a half of land, which subsequently became one of the highly improved and valuable tracts of real estate in the township. Christian Warstler was a man of gi-eat energy and marked force -of character and well endowed mentally and physically for the rugged duties of the pioneer period. He cleared and de\ eloped a fine farm, took a leading part in the general improvement of the country and left the impress of "his strong personality deeply impressed upon the community which he assisted to establish. He became one of tlie large land owners and representative agriculturists of the county and lived to a good old age, departing this life December 26, 1858, in his eighty-eighth year. His family consisted of a wife, one son, Daniel, and a daughter, Margaret, both of whom were born before the parents moved to the new home in the wilds of Stark county.

Daniel Warstler was born September 24, 1804, in Pennsylvania, and was about three years old when the family removed to Ohio, lie grew to maturity amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times and began life for himself as a tiller of the soil, inheriting at his father's death the large tract of real estate which the latter originally purchased from the government. Like his father, he too became an iniluential factor in the material development of the country and for many years was recognized as one of the most intelligent, progressive and public-spirited men of the township in which he lived. As a farmer he took high rank and as a business man his judgment and sound, practical sense caused his advice to be eagerly sought by his fellow citizens in matters of business and in the adjustment of differences, tluis saving them much unnecessary and ex- ]>ensive litigation. When a young man he married Miss Catherine Lind, who was born in Maryland on the 21st day of September, 18 10. She bore him eleven chddren, six of whom survive, and died at her home in Plain township December 7, 1S83, at the age of seventy-three years. Daniel Warstler also lived to a good old age, departing this life later in the "eighties," honored and respected by the people among whom he had so long been a leader in temporal affairs. The following are the names of the children of Daniel and Catherine Warstler, now living: John L., whose name introduces this article: Christian^ a farmer and prominent citizen of Plain township; Aaron, who lives in the town of New Berlin; David and Daniel, also residents of Plain; and Levi, who makes his home in Louisville.

John L. Warstler was bom in Plain township. Stark county, Ohio, December 30, 1835, and grew to young manhood in close touch with nature on the paternal homestead. He was reared to habits of industry and his mind early received those correct impressions \\hich had such a decided influence in shaping his character and directing his life into proper channels. At intervals he attended such schools as the county afforded, but in the main his education consists of a large fund of valu- ble practical knowledge, acquired by coming in contact with the world in the various business capacities that have occupied his attention from time to time.

In the year 1858 Mr. Warstler was united in marriage with ^Miss Harriet Essex, of Stark county, and immediately thereafter located at New Baltimore, where he engaged in the manufacture of lumber upon quite an extensive scale. After operating a large saw-mill at that place for about four years he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the same township, and during the eight years following devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits with most encouraging financial results. At, the expiration of that time he disposed of his place, and for a short time thereafter lived in Plain township, subsequently entering the employ of D. Lind & Company, of Canton, manufacturers of flour and lumber. After spending about one year with that firm he purchased a small farm in the township of Nimishillen, where he made his home until 1897, when he retired from agriculture and took up his residence in Louisville. Meantime, 1880, Mr. Warstler erected an establishment, a mile east of Louisville, for the manufacture of tile and rock-faced brick, the first enterprise of the kind in this part of the state, and was instrumental in bringing the industry up to the large proportions which it has since assumed. The rockfaced brick made at the factory continued to grow in favor as a building material until the dem^and exceeded the supply, consequently the capacity of the establishment was enlarged and a greater force of workmen employed. It is now one of the leading industries of the county and bids fair to grow to still larger proportions in the future.

In the spring of 1902 Mr. \Varstler sold the old home farm which he had long owned and purchased what is known as the Henry Krall farm, a fine place of one hundred and sixty-five acres admirably situated about four miles north west of Louisville. This farm is cultivated by a tenant and from it the proprietor receives no small share of his income. Mr. Warstler conducted his manufacturing interests for a number of years, and his name became widely and favorably known in industrial circles throughout the state. Plentifully endowed with that most admirable of all qualities, good common sense, supplemented by sound judgment, keen discrimination, superior business training and a thorough knowletlge of the underlying principles governing business transactions, he has carried to successful issue every enterprise, and has been fairly and honorably successful. For a number of years he served as school director, and as such was untiring in his efforts to advance the cause of education and proniote a higher standard of intellectual and professional fitness on the part of the teaching force. Politically Mr. Warstler is a Republican; while active in supporting his party and upholding its principles he has had little time to devote to purely partisan affairs, making politics and every other consideration subordinate to his business interests. During the dark days of the great rebellion Mr. Warstler enlisted, May 20, 1864, in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-second Ohio ^''olunteer Infantry, serving until September 4, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge. He had prior to his enlistment been a member of the Home Guards.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Warstler has been blessed with three children, namely: Glancy, a business man of Middletown, Ohio ; Ida R., wife of Henry Preston, of Terre Haute, Indiana ; and Leora, who married John R. Kagey, of Louisville. Adam Essex, the father of Mrs. Warstler, came to Stark county when a boy, his father, Simon Essex, having been one of the pioneers of Plain township. The name has long been familiar, and those bearing it have been among the county's most reputable and enterprising citizens.

JOSEPH COLEMAN is a native of England, born on the 4th day of July, 1823, at a place called Laken Heath. His father, William Coleman, was born and reared in the same town, as was also his mother, who bore the maiden name of Bailey. The subject's paternal grandfather was William Coleman, a native of England. Joseph Coleman spent his childhood and early youth at or near the place of his birth, and when ten and a half years old was brought by his parents to the United States, making the journey to this country in 1834. The family landed at New York, and from that city proceeded to Dundas, Canada, thence about one year later to the city of Hamilton, in the same province, where they lived for only a limited period. From the latter place William Coleman changed his residence to Detroit, Michigan, where he lived about one and a half years, supporting his family during that time as a brick mason, which trade the subject's older brothers also learned. In the year 1837 Mr. Coleman moved to Massillon, Ohio, in which city he spent the remainder of his life, dying here in 1868, at the advanced age of eighty-six, his wife having preceded him to the other life in 1842 when sixty-two years old. Joseph Coleman accompanied his parents to the different places in which they lived, the meantime, as opportunity afforded, attending the public schools. The greater part of his educational training was obtained in Massillon, and it was also in this city that he began life for himself, engaging in business about the year 1845 with some financial assistance from his brother, every cent of which he repaid before the latter's death. Before that time, however, he entered the jewelry store conducted by Martin A. Withington to learn the jeweler's trade, and after becoming a proficient workman and obtaining a practical knowledge of business, purchased in the above year a stock of goods and opened an establishment of his own. Mr. Coleman soon secured a liberal share of patronage in his line, and, being a skillful jeweler, it was not long until he had more work than he* could do. Accordingly he employed assistants from time to time and in the course of a few years commanded the largest and most lucrative jewelry trade in the city. He achieved an enviable reputation as a sound, practical business man, and by strict attention and well directed energy succeeded in laying the foundation of the large fortune which he accumulated as the years went by. His establishment was not only the largest and most extensively patronized of the kind in the city, but its reputation became wide spread so that he drew a goodly portion of his patronage from other places, meanwhile by judicious investments realizing liberal returns from his surplus capital.

Mr. Coleman was actively identified with the jewelry trade for a period of fifty-six years, and his is one of the most successful business careers in the history of Massillon. Having acquired a handsome fortune and becoming weary of the pressing cares of business, the latter largely superinduced by the natural infirmities incident to increasing age, he turned over his establishment in 1901 to his son, Albert H., and since that time has been enjoying the rest of which he had so long stood in need.

While devoting attention primarily to his private affairs, Mr. Coleman has not been unmindful of other enterprises of a business and financial nature, having to the extent of his ability given encouragement to various interests calculated to promote the material welfare of the city of his residence. He was one of the prime jnovers in the organization of the Union National Bank, of Massillon, and, as stated in the initial paragraph, served thirteen years as president of the same, and is still a stockholder in the institution. As president he demonstrated executive abilities of a high order, while his tlrorough knowledge in all their bearings won him honorable distinction in the world of finance. A man of ripe judgment as well as profound knowledge, his influence and active co-operation did much to make the Union National Bank one of the most reliable and popular banks in this part of the state, and the continued prosperity which has marked its history from ihe beginning to the present time is largely due to his sale counsel, wise foresight and correct business methods.

For considerably over a half century Mr. Coleman has been an inRuential factor in the business and industrial affairs of Massillon, few men having been so long identified with the city's interests, and none in a more emphatic way having impressed his individuality upon the community. In every relation of life he has commanded the universal esteem of his fellow men, having always borne the reputation of an intelligent, broad minded, public-spirited man of affairs, and an honorable, upright citizen, wJiose aim has ever been to promote the general good as well as to advance his individual concerns.

Mr. Coleman's marriage was solemnized in the year 1852 with Miss Mary Bender, daughter of John Bender, of Pennsylvania, the union resulting in the birth of three children, viz. : Herbert Bailey, who died in 1893; Anna, wife of Edward F. Bahney, and Albert Henry. Mrs. Coleman died March 31, 1892.

LOUIS A. KOONS is the son of Jacob and Catherine Koons, the father a native of Germany, the mother born and reared in Columbiana county, Ohio. When a youth of eighteen Jacob Koons left the land of his birth and came to the United States, locating at Massillon, Ohio, where for a number of years he worked in the old machine shop operated bv Hart «& Brown. He was an expert mechanic, and possessed many excellent traits of character, which won him the admiration and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He departed this life in 1868, at the age of fortyeight years, leaving to his descendants a name untainted by the slightest suspicion of dishonor. Mrs. Jacob Koons was the daughter of Rev. Michael Ruckenbroad, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, and an early settler of Columbiana county, Ohio. He came to America when a young man, locating hrst in Pennsylvania, thence a little later changed his residence to the above county, when eastern Ohio was .little better than an unbroken wilderness. Fie entered land and improved a farm, and in connection with agricultural pursuits worked at the shoemaker's trade, which he had learned in Germany, and previously followed in Pennsylvania. In an early day he raised a great deal of flax, which he and his good wife manufactured into various kinds of fabrics for themselves, besides supplying wiith wearing material certain families of their neighborhood. Mr. Ruckenbroad was a preacher of the German Baptist (or Dunkard) church, and was instrumental in organizing the first congregation of that faith in the county of Columbiana. His society met in a little log cabin which stood on his farm, and he ministered to its spiritual necessities for a number of years, also preaching 'at various other places in Columbiana and adjoining counties. He lived to a ripe old age, departing this life in Massillon in his eighty-fifth year. Mrs. Catherine Koons died in 1895. Of the eight children born to Jacob and Mrs. Koons, four sons and four daughters, six grew to maturity, and of this number all but one survive. One of the sons has in his possession an interesting and valuable family relic in the shape of an old German Bible, printed in the year 1629. The book is in a remarkable state of preservation, and contains the family record on the maternal side for many generations past. Louis A. Koons is a native of Stark county, Ohio, and dates his birth from the 27th day of March, 1858. He attended the graded schools of Massillon until the death of the father, which event not only seriously interfered with his education but compelled him at the early age of eight years to seek the means for obtaining his own hvehhood. Thrown upon liis own resources when he most needed a fatlier's counsel and guidance, it is no wonder that his future looked anything but promising, and that he took such advantage of circumstances which then presented themselves shows him to have possessed much more than ordinary mental endowment and determined energy. From eight until twelve he assisted his mother by working at various kinds of labor, but in the latter year he entered the employ of Kelly & Pepper, manufacturers of brick, with whom he remained two seasons, attending school a part of the intervening winter months. Although the labor in the brickyard was exceedingly hard for one of his years, he sliowed unusual pluck and perseverance, his remuneration of fifty cents per day being a great incentixe to continue the work until something better presented itsel^. When a youth of fourteen, Mr. Koons severed his connection with the above firm and accepted a clerksliip in a grocery store, m which capacity he obtained his first practical knowledge of business. Being apt and quick to learn, he soon mastered the details of trade, and during the two years following became a very thorough and efficient salesman. Realizing that a clerkship had little to offer in the w ay of remuneration, and desiring- to settle upon something more to his liking for a life work, he resigned his position in the store at the end of the second year, and apprenticed himself to the Russell Manufacturing Company to learn the machinist trade. After spending two years with this concern, and becoming cjuite a proficient workman, he gave up his place to accept a much more remunerative position in the grocery ana queensware house of H. A. Kitzmiller, where he continued for a period of three vears, meantime bending all of his energies to learn the business, with the object in view of engaging in mercantile pursuits upon his own responsibility. Leaving Mr. Kitzmiller he spent the ensuing six years with the firm of Powell & James and at the expiration of that time, in the spring of 1882, began deahhg in stoves, hardware, house furnisiiing goods, building material, etc. Mr. Koons embarked in business for himself with a limited capital and although at first his efforts were modest, it was not long until he obtained a liberal share of patronage, and found himself on the high road to success. Before the end of the second year he had by far the largest trade in his line in the city, and from that time onward his career was a series of continued advancements, which soon gained for him a commanding place among the leading tradesmen of Massillon and Stark county. The better to meet the constantly increasing demands for the materials handled he effected a co-partnership with a Mr. Heiniger, purchased a small ten-cent store, which under their combined efforts soon became one of the largest and most successful retail establishments in the city. They conducted the business until 1885 in a room seventeen by fifty feet in area, but in the latter year greatly enlarged the capacity of the store, besides establishing a branch house in Canal Dover, Mr. Keiniger subsequently taking charge of the business in that town. Mr. Koons gradually increased the stock in Massillon until the trade assumed \ast proportions, and instead of a single room, he was soon obliged to provide additional quarters, by fitting up three extra departmaits, each of the four flours representing thirty-one hundred and twenty-five square feet of space, of seventeen feet in width by one hundred and twenty-five in length. The '"Bazaar," the name Mr. Koons gave his store, Vv'as devoted to the retail and wholesale trade, the two upper floors containing the latter department, the first and second the former. Under his successful management the house became not only the largest and most extensively patronized establishment of the kind in Stark county, but one of the largest in the state, as the amount of business abundantly demonstrated. In addition to this mammoth enterprise, Mr. Koons has been identified with various other business ventures, prominent among which was the Union Cigar Company, organized and incorporated by him in the year 1 89 1, and of which he was made superintendent and general manager. This company started out under most favorable auspices, and the amount of business transacted may be inferred from the fact that in addition to supplying the bulk of the local trade, two traveling men were kept on the road every working day of the year to meet the general demand for the Union cigars. Not only in commercial lines has Mr. Koons commanded pubhc attention, but in other capacities his name has become widely and favorably known. He was the leading spirit in organizing the Massillon Building & Loan Association in 1888, and for several years thereafter he served as its secretary, but later was obliged to resign the position on account of the pressing demands of his business affairs. He is still a director in the concern, and much of its success is directly attributable to the interest which he has taken in its behalf.

In 1898 Mr. Koons sold the "Bazaar," and the same year purchased the large wall paper and paint store formerly owned by the late J. M. Walker. Since taking possession of this business he has more then doubled the capacity of the house, and made it the largest establishment of the kind in the eastern part of the state. He still owns and manages this large enterprise, and as its proprietor occupies a position in the business world second to that of none of his contemporaries in Massillon or the county of Stark.

Mr. Koons' rare judgment and sound business methods have been duly recognized and appreciated by his fellow citizens, but a few of whom have availed themselves of his services in the settlement of estates and the adjustment of differences growing out of misunderstandings concerning property and other causes. He has administered on several large properties, and having been a notary public for over twelve years, his advice on matters of law has been especially sought to avoid litigation. From his eighteenth year to the present time he has been a pronounced Republican and an active worker in the party, taking an active interest in local and general affairs, and doing much to promote the interests of the cause which be has so much at heart. He has served as delegate to the various city, township, county, congressional and state conventions, besides demonstrating superior ability as a party leader by his advice and generalship while in the county central committee, of which he has at different times been chairman.

On the 5th of June, 1900, Mr. Koons was appointed postmaster of Massillon, a deserved compliment to his fitness for the office as well as a graceful recognition of valuable party services. The Massillon office includes, in addition to the usual clerical force and free city delivery, three rural routes, the services of twenty men being required to carry on successfully the business of the different departments. Mr. Koons has introduced a number of reforms besides making many improvements tending to lessen the labor and expedite the business of the force. Mr. Koons has never given his influence to any movement, public or private, savoring in the least of disrepute, his career from the beginning having been upright and entirely free from the faintest suspicion of wrong doing. He has served in various minor official capacities, not from a love of office, but to the end that he might render his fellow citizens effective service in transacting certain important business matters. Among these positions was that of township clerk, which he by no means desired, but which he accepted solely from a sense of duty. In 1891 he was elected city clerk, but resigned the office within a short time on account of the pressing claims of his business affairs. Upon divers occasions he has been put forward by liis party as a candidate for mayor, but as often has withdrawn in favor of his friends, having no tlesire to add the duties of that office to his already heavy burden of business cares. As ah'eady stated, he has been honored with places on the I^epublican city and county committees, and at one time served as president of the Mclvinley Club, a political organization which under his leadership proved a potent factor in the last two presidential elections.

Mr. Koons is a Mason, being a member of the blue lodge and chapter, in addition to which he is also prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having represented both fraternities in their annual state gatherings. 'J"he I'ythian lodge of Massillon has long numbered him among its most zealous workers, and he also belongs to the Order oi Chosen Friends, of which he is counsellor, .the Protective Honte Circle, and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, being a charter member of the last named organization. Last but by no means least, he is an earnest and faithful communicant of the b'irst Christian church of Massillon, ;ind as such has led a singularly i)ure lil'e. thus i)ro\-ing a tower of strength in inducing others to choose the better way.

The marricil lil'c of Mr. Koons dates from 1880, in Dcceml)er of which year, in the town of Canal Inilton, Miss Caroline Morgan, a native of Wales, became his faithful wife and loyal, self-denying helpmeet. Mrs. Ivoons is the daughter of Thomas Morgan, who came to the United States a number of years ago, and for a consideral)le length of time ran a hotel at the above place. To Mr. and Mrs. Koons have been born two children, the older of whom, Touis .\., now a young man of twenty-one, holds an important position in the Merchants' National I'.ank of ^Massillon. 'Jdiomas Abel, the second son, is a student in

JACOB BASH, deceased, late an honored citizen and prosperous farmer of Tuscarawas township, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in the county of Westmoreland in the year 1821. His father was Michael Bash, a descendant of one of the old families of that county, and his mother, who was also born and reared in that same part of the state, bore the maiden name of Sarah Rugh. These parents were married in Westmoreland, there reared their family, and their earthly courses being finished, they now sleep side by side in the old burial ground, where rest the bodies of so many of their ancestors and friends. Jacob Bash spent his earlylife in the county of Westmoreland, and v>as reared to agricultural pursuits, which vocation he afterwards followed. He remained in Pennsylvania until 1861, at which time he sold his interests there and came to Stark county, Ohio, purchasing one hundred acres of land in Tuscarawas township, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He married, in his native state. Miss Lavina Huffman, daughter of George Huffman, a well-known citizen of West. morelantl county, and became the father of five children, namely: Martha J., wife of Henry Snyder; John 1^. died in childhood; Syblia L., who married Prof. Charles M. Smith, a teacher in the ])ul)lic schools of Massillon; Jacob L. and Reulien H., prosperous farmers in the township of Tuscarawas. On coming to this county Mr. Bash not only became a successful tiller of the soil, but also identified himself with every movement that seemed likely to contribute to the advantages of the community and encouraged all worthy enterprises. Of him it luay be truthfully said that the world is lietter because of his presence therein. As a neig'hbor, kind and obliging, as a friend, loyal and trne, as a citizen, ever ready to omlnhnte his intluence to advance the public welfare, as a husband and father the embodiment of love and affectionate solicitude, he lived well his day, and at its close left to his descendanis the heritage of a good name and spotless character, which they value more than any bequest in the way of worldly wealth, lie died at his home in Tuscarawas township in the year 18S8, aged sixty-seven years, and eleven years later his faithful wife and devoted companion was reunited to him in the land where loving ties are never severed.

Jacob L. Eash, fourth child of Jacob and Lavina Bash, was born June 15, 1865, on the paternal homestead in Tuscarawas township, and spent the years of his childhood and youth amid the peaceful pursuits of farm life. The common schools, which he attended at intervals during minority, afforded him the means of acquiring a fair education, and later he began making his own way in the world as a tiller of the soil, which honorable calling" he has continued to the present day, owning at this time one-half of the home farm. About ten years ago Mr. Bash engaged in prospecting for coal, which, in connection with agricultural pursuits, he has since followed, meeting with encouraging pecuniary success in both lines of work. In partnership with his younger brother, Reuben TI.. he is also interested in coal mining, the two having opened and develo])ed a fine mineral property on their land in 1900, since which time they have realized a large income from this source. In June, 1899, Mr. Bash, tendered his ser\-ices to the government as a soldier in the Spanish-American war, enlisting in the Seventeenth United States Regulars, which in due time he accompanied to the Philippine Islands, where he experienced all the realities of military duty under conditions by no means pleasant or agreeable. After three years of faithful service he received an honorable discharcfe, and then returned home, where he once more took ui) the peaceful pursuits of civil life, meetingits responsibilities with the same fortitude that characterized his military life and discharged its duties as becomes a worthy man and true citizen. He has made a decided success of agriculture and is equally fortunate in other enterprises, both of which have redounded materially to his financial advantage.

Mr. Bash is a married man and at the head of an interesting family of three living children, whose names are : Leroy, Clyde and Gleen, the oldest, a daughter by the name of Myrtle, having died in infancy. Before her marriage, Mrs. Snyder was Miss Anna Rogers, and the ceremony by which it was changed to the one which she now bears took place on the 2d of April, 1888.

ARTHUR J. HILL, M. D., is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 12th of October, 1 87 1, and being a son of Hiram F. and Adeline (Stackhouse) Hill, all of whose five children are yet li\-ing, their names, in order of birth, being as follows. Arthur J., who is the immediate subject of this review; Ada L., wife of J. B. Summer, of Canton; John E., who is a baggageman in the employ of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad; Jennie, who is the wife of Clarence Myers, of Alliance, this count)- ; and Laura, who remains at the parental home. Hiram F. Hill was likewise born in Columbiana county, about the year 1850, being a son of Atkinson Hill, who was born in Washington county, Pennsyh-ania. being a son of Joseph Hill, who was born in Ireland, whence he emigrated to America when a young man, Ijy reason of the attempt made by his parents to compel hini to marry a relative in order that a fortune might not pass out of the family possession. By reason of his disobedience he was disinherited, but he was a man of energy and strong intellectual ability, and after coming to the United States he accumulated a competence and became one of the prominent and infiuential citizens of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he passed the remainder of his life, and where for a number of years he held an important county office. Atkinson Hill was reared and educated in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and as a young man came thence to Columbiana county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming for a number of years, after which he established himself in the mercantile business in New Alexander, that county, becoming one of the prominent citizens of that section of the state, where he died in 1889, when well advanced in years. Hiram F. Hill was reared to maturity in Columbiana county, and received his early education in the public schools. After his marriage he engaged in agricultural pursuits, in wliich he has ever since continued, having a fine estate of about two hundred acres, and being one of the influential and honored citizens of his district. For nearly a quarter of a century he has given much of his attention to the buying and shipping of live stock, in which line he now conducts an extensive business, being one of the largest shippers of cattle in his section. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party. The mother of the Doctor was born in Columbiana county, about 1850, being a daughter of Benjamin Stackhouse, who is of Welsh descent, and is a prominent merchant of East Rochester, that county, and also the owner of a valuable coal mine in that locality. Though he is seventy-five years of age, he still gives his active attention to his business interests, and no day is too cold or inclement to prevent him from driving out to his mine and give his personal supervision to its operation, while he enjoys the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the community in which so many years of his life have been passed.

in Columbiana county, and his educational privileges in his adolescent days were such as were afforded in the district schools and the select schools at East Rochester. In 1S90 he began reading medicine, and in the fall of that year was matriculated in the Western Reserve Medical College, in the city of Cleveland, his preceptor being Dr. John E. Darby, of that place. He was assiduous and energetic in the prosecution of his studies, and was duly graduated in medicine and surgery in the spring of 1893, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. Shortly afterward he entered upon the active practice of his chosen profession, in East Rochester, Columbiana county, where he remained about four years, within which time he had passed the novitiate stage of his profession, and clearly established a reputation as an able and discriminating physician and surgeon. In the spring of 1897 Dr. Hill came to Minerva, where he has succeeded in building up a remunerative and representative practice and one which shows a constantly augmentive tendency. He keeps in constant touch with the advances made in the sciences of medicine and surgery, recently having added an X-Ray outfit to his already extensive equipment. The Doctor is a member of the American Medical Association, and among his confreres is recognized as an able young practitioner, and is well deserving the success which has attended his efforts. Fraternally he is identified with Tubal Lodge No. 551, Free and Accepted Masons, at Minerva, and of Canton Commandery No. 38, Knights Templar, at Canton. In politics he gives his support to the principles and policies advanced by the Democratic party. In J S98 Dr. Hill completed a post-graduate course in the Chicago Polyclinic and the year following took a special course in connection with the treatment of the diseases of the eye, in the Philadelphia Polyclinic, while he is a constant student of the best standard and periodical literature pertaining to his profession, and thus

On the 22d of March, 1893, Dr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Nettie R. Taylor, of East Rochester, Columbiana county, where she was born, being a daughter of Morris Taylor, who is there engaged in the hardware business, and who is also general manager of the Eastern Ohio Telephone Company, of which he was one of the promoters. Dr. and Mrs. Hill have one son, Don B., who was born on the 31st of July, 1894, and one daughter, Helen 1^., born October 25, 1902.

DAVID H. BAUGHMAN. - The name Baughman is undoubtedly of German origin, but of the remote history of the family the subject is not thoroughly informed. It is known, however, that his paternal ancestors came to this country at a very early period and settled in Virginia, and it was in that commonwealth that his parents, John and Margaret Baughman, were born and reared. The maiden name of Mrs. Baughman was Margaret Umbenower, the pronunciation of which is also indicative of Teutonic origin. These parents were married in their native state, and some years later moved to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where they lived until changing their abode to Stark county, Ohio, in the spring of 1834. John Baughman purchased a farm in the township of Tuscarawas the year of his arrival, and continued to make it his home until his death, on the 28th day of August, 1849. in the eighty-first or eighty-second year of his age. His wife survived him until T869, on November 18th of which year she was called away, after reaching the ripe old age of eighty-three.

Father Baughman was a man of excellent repute, and by diligence and thrift became the possessor of a handsome estate, owning at the time of his death a good farm of one hundred and twelve acres, nearly all of which he cleared from the woods and reduced to a successful state of tillage. In politics he was a steadfast supporter of the Democratic party, and defended his opinions very tenaciously and labored earnestly for the success of the principles which he held so dear. He began life poor in this world's goods, and the property which he accumulated was the result of his own labor and economy. Of the twelve children born to John and Margaret Baughman only three are now living, Ellen, Adam and the subject of this review. By a previous marriage the father had a family of seven children, of whom there is no living representative.

David H. Baughman was born February 17, 1827, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was a lad of eight years when his parents moved to their new home in the township of Tuscarawas, Stark county. Since coming to the place where he now lives sixty-nine years have dissolved in the mists of the past, during which long period his life and the history of the community have been very closely interwoven. Owing to circumstances which he could not control his early educational advantages were very limited, and it is a fact worthy of note that the sum total of his schooling did not exceed three months. Notwithstanding such a disadvantage, he largely made up the deficiency in after years by reading and private study, but in the main his knowledge consists of the practical kind which men of native intelligence and good judgment obtain by close observation and contact with the world in the daily affairs of life. To him work early became a paramount rule of life and he grew up with a full appreciation that true success and individual advancement must result from honest effort. Like the true son that he was, he gave the best years of youth and early manhood to his father's interests, working early and late to provide for the support of the family, and upon the death of his father David took charge of the homestead and later came into full possession of the same. The farm is endeared to him by many tender recollections and hallowed associations, and while he lives he will never relinquish its ownership. Mr. Baughman followed agriculture with success and pecuniary profit until 1888, when he rented the farm, and since that year he has been living more of a retired life, though still quite a busy man with large interests to look after. In bygone years Mr. Baughman was a Democrat, but becoming dissatisfied with the policy of the partv and with what he considered the unwise course of its leaders, he finally abandoiTed its principles and became a Rqjublican, having decided views on the leading questions of the day and being firm and outspoken in the defense of his opinions. He has been for some years an active worker in the organization known as the Patrons of Husbandry, which has for its object the promotion of agriculture and the bettering of the farmer's social condition, being one of the leading members of the local Grange, to wdiich he belongs. To say that Mr. Baughman is an humble, devout and zealous Christian is to state what everybody who knows him will most cheerfully testify. He has long been a member of the Reformed church, and as such labors by word and deed to spread the truth of the Gospel among men and induce transgressors to abandon the wicked ways and seek a higher and better way of living. For over thirty years he has held the office of deacon, and about the same length of time has served as elder of his local congregation, known as the Myers church, in Tuscarawas township.

Elizabeth Bretz, who became the wife of David H. Baughman on the 15th day of May, 1848, was born in Tuscarawas township, October 13, 1S30. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Krider) Bretz, of Pennsylvania, the former having come to Stark countv as early as 1812, the mother some years after that date. The Bretz family were among the first permanent settlers in what is now the township of

Tuscarawas, and the Kriders have also been represented in this part of the state for a long period of time, probably over three-quarters of a century. After a happy married life of over forty-two years Mr. Krider, on the nth day of May, 1891, was compelled to part with his !o\'ing and devoted wife, who at that ime bid farewell to earth and entered the region of the blessed. She, too, was a sincere Christian, and it was with a lively hope in the merits of her Redeemer that she fearlessly entered the valley of shadows, assured of a jeweled crown of rejoicing on the other side.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Baughman was blessed with twelve children, the oldest of whom is Mary E., who married Godfrey Bride, by wdiom she has had one child, that died in infancy. Sarah, the second in order of birth, is the wife of John Walter and the mother of seven childrai, Harvey, William. Benjamin, Howard, Mary E., John and Abbie, the last two twins. Julia A. is also married, being the wife of Z. Baughman, to whom she has borne children as follows : Ida, Nora, Mettle, Charles, Eva, Albert and Harvey. Benjamin, the fourth of the family, married Miss Alice C. Shilling and has three children, Carrie, Benjamin E. and Blanch. Elizabeth, the next in succession, entered the marriage relation with Thomas Patterson and is the mother of one son by the name of Thomas. Susan A., wdio married Henry Keller, died in Indiana in the year 1890, leavinga husband and four ofifspring, namely : Lottie M., Benjamin, Rebecca and Henry H. David, the seventh in regular order, chose a wife in the person of Miss Orpha Basler and is now the head of a family of seven children, Albert, Nellie, Warren, Care, Benjamin, Ralph and Paul. After Da\ id comes Ada, who is the wife of Michael Uth and the mother of one son, Warren. Annett I. married Charles Stansbury, a union which has resulted in the birth of three (laughters. Florence, Bessie and Amanda. William H., the tenth in order of birth, took to wife Miss Ollie Lonas, daughter of Samuel Lonas, whose sketch will be fouud elsewhere in these pages. Additional to the above, there were two of the subject's children that died in childhood, John C. and Eliza.

HENRY S TONER. - Few families of Stark county can claim a longer period of continuous residence than the Stoners. As early as the year 181 8 there came to this state from York county, Pennsylvania, one Andrew Stoner, who, with his wife Elizabeth and several children, settled on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in what is now known as the township of Tuscarawas, receiving a patent for the land from the government. At that time there were few white people in the county and for a number of years the pioneer family lived remote from neighbors, experiencing all the vicissitudes, hardships and dangers peculiar to the early times. The maiden name of Mrs. Andrew Stoner was Elizabeth Mitman ; she was the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, who entered the American army at the beginning of the war and served gallantly until independence was achieved. Andrew and Elizabeth reared eleven children, all of whorn have long gone to their reward. Among these children was a son by the name of Jacob, who was born about the year 1801 in York county, Pennsylvania. Whai a lad of ten years he began working for himself and by the time he was eighteen he had saved sufficient monev to purchase a piece of wild land in Stark county, Ohio, taking p'jssession of it about the same time his father moved to this part of the state. He became a successful farmer and, as the vears went by, owned a large amount of valuable real estate, the greater part of which he cleared and otherwise improved. A few years after coming to this county he married Miss Mary Rodocker, whose father. Frederick Rodocker, was one of the earliest pioneers of Stark, having entered a quarter section of land within the present limits of Tuscarawas township about the year in which the Stoners made their settlement. Jacob and Mary Stoner were the parents of nine children, namely : Henry, Josiah, John, Jacob, Samuel and Lavina, twins,

Henry Stoner, the subject of this sketch, was the first born of his father's family. His birth occurred April 2, 1829, on the homestead in Tuscarawas township and his early experience included the usual routine of farm labor, varied in the winter time by attendance to such schools as were common to this part of the state sixty and seventy years ago. His advantages in the way of discipline were by no means as favorable as those of today, but he made the most of his limited opportunities and in due time became quite well informed. Being the oldest son, much of the work fell to him, and as long as he remained at home he discharged his duty faithfully, looking after his father's interests with true filial regard. Li the choice of a vocation AL". Stoner experienced no hesitation whatever, as he early decided to become a farmer, which resolution he carried out by beginning work for himself when about thirty years of age. VV'ith a tenacity of purpose knowing no interference, he has followed his chosen calling to the present day, the meanwhile succeeding well as an agriculturist, acquiring by industry, forethought and successful management a sufficiency of material wealth to make the remainder of his life comfortable and free from care. His farm, consisting of ninety-five acres of fertile land, is well adapted for general agricultural purposes, and b_\- adopting modern methods he has ne\'er failed to reap abundant .harvests.

in marriage to Miss Charlotte Culler, a native of Stark county, born in 1833 in the township of Tuscarawas. Mrs. Stoner is the daughter of Jacob and Leah (Poorman) Culler, who, like the Stoners, were early in this part of the state, both branches of the family coming about the same time. Nine children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stoner, viz ; Adaline, deceased ; Marian E. and Loran, twins, the former not living; Franklin, deceased; Ida, Valentine, Ada and Sheridan. Loran F., the fourth in order of birth, married Sarah Mc- Tosh, of this county, and is the father of five children, Belva, Alma, Beulah, Annie and Ivan. Ida is the wife of Frederick Weisgarver, to whom she has borne the following sons and daughters: Lottie, Hattie, Ola. Ora, Forest, Lloyd, Perry, Warren and John. Valentine married Miss Jennie Shank; Ada married Jacob Weisgarver and has this offspring: Grace, Stella and Lola B., the oldest deceased, Sheridan, the youngest of the family, is also married and the father of one child, Glenn H. ; his wife was formerly Miss Delilah Suavely, of Stark county. Politically Mr. Stoner is a Democrat, but he takes no very active part in political affairs further than voting his sentiments and maintaining the correctness of his opinions, when the latter becomes necessary. In matters religious he has profound convictions, being a zealous member of the Lutheran church, as is also his wife. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, faithful as a friend and neighbor, generous in sympathy, and kind and tolerant in his home, he holds a warm place in the hearts of all who know him.

MICILAEL D. HARTER was born in Canton, Ohio, April 6, 1846. His father was Isaac Harter. \\ho was prominently identified with the business interests of Canton for many years, first as a merchant and afterwards as a banker. Young Harter's education was obtained in the city schools, he never having attended any other school or college. After leaving the high school he supplemented his school training by diligent application to the methods and problems arising in his father's bank, this lesson of practical, commercial life being well learned.

Mr. Harter was married to Mary L. Brown in the year iSog, and to this couple five children were born, three sons and two daughters. He died in Fostoria, Ohio, February 22, i8g6, and was survived by his wife and all his children except one daughter.

Mr. Harter's personality was attractive in the broadest and best sense of that term. Physically he was a perfect type of manhood; his ways were courteous and winning; hi-5 manner of life, both in social and business circles, inspired such a respect for his character and such a measure of confidence in his judgment as few men enjoy. That there is in such a character, and inherent to it, another attribute, namely the power to largely influence his fellow men, is amply demonstrated in Mr. Flarter's career. His activities were directed, first to business, and subsequently to politics, and to these we now direct the reader's attention.

Impelled by a restless, aggressive energy, which was also one of his characteristics, he established a bank in Canton in 1866; it is now known as the George D. Harter Bank. He was only twenty years of age at that time. The bank was a success from the start and its prestige has never sufTered any impairment. The following year, 1867, the late Cornelius Aultman, of Canton, and Flenry H. Taylor, of Chicago, established a large manufactory at Mansfield, Ohio, for the construction of threshing machinery. Mr. Aultman offered the financial management of the institution to Mr. Harter. It is rare indeed that such a tribute to ability and confidence falls to the lot of so young a man, - he was barely twenty-one. From the beginning of the Aultman-Taylor industry, and during Mr. Harter's life, the two were indissolubly linked. Mr. Aultman lived in Canton; Mr. Taylor in Chicago ; Mr. Harter was always the present and controlling spirit. His methods were exceedingly aggressive in the factory, and ji'.st as conservative in the office. Not for a single year did the operations of the house show a loss. While most contemporaneous industries have either met positive disaster, or had a chequered career, the safety and soundness of the Aultman-Taylor house have been unmarred from the beginning. Justice to Mr. Harter demands that no less than this should be said of the institution which, in a business sense, was his life work.

Mr. Harter was a principal factor in the -establishment of the Isaac Harter Milling Company, at Fostoria, one of the largest, if not the largest producer of flour in Ohio. He was also interested in a number of financial institutions, and his co-operation was sought for by many more. His equipment was eminently that of a financier, and it fitted him well for the honorable and distinguished part he was to take in political affairs during the later years of his life.

I\Ir. Harter was an entertaining conversationalist and, from the ranks of business men, he had few equals on the public platform. Being very outspoken in his views, it was natural that his party, the Democratic, should tender to him its nomination for congress. He was elected in 1S90. He hoped to be instrumental in modifying the McKinley tariff law. He supported the Wilson act, which became a law in general harmony with his efforts, and with tiic wishes of his party. His greatest work in congress, however, was undertaken in opposition to the majority of his party. This was the establishment of the gold standard. He did not live to see the final fixture of the gold standard into our national policy, an achievement due largely to his efforts, and in the accomplishment of which he took a more

Prior to the election in 1890 Mr. Harter, then a candidate for congress, issued a printed circular giving forcible expression to his views on live questions. He always carried his challenge on his sleeve.

In this limited space the salient features of his subsequent campaign against free silver and the Bland bill, within the Democratic party, will best appear from a list of the titles of documents issued by Mr. Harter while in congress. He ^vas the soul and champion of that campaign - the only one. These documents are not all available, but the following will suffice :

June, 1891. - "Unlimited Silver Coinage for the Benefit of the Silver Bullion Producers and at the Expense of the Whole People. Shall the Democratic Party be true to Itself?" A printed circular.

January 16, 1892. - -"Shall the Democratic Party stand for the Rights of the Whole People or become the Servant of the Silver Ring?" Address before the Reform Club dinner in Xew York city.

January 22, 1892. - "A Plan to Re-establish the Rights of State Banks and to Improve and Perpetuate the National Banking System." Address i^efore the Commonwealth Club dinner in New York cit3^ In this address the arguments in favor of an elastic currency coincide substantially with those recently expressed by President Roosevelt and Secretary Shaw.

February 19, 1892. - "Shall the Democratic Party desert the Cause of the People to become the Attorney of the Silver Ring and the Tool of the Lobby? Shall what costs the Silver Producers Forty-one Cents be made a legal tender for One Hundred Cents worth of the People's Sweat?" Speech in the house of representatives.

February i, 1893. - "The Democratic Party believes in the Free Coinage of both Gold and Silver, but it is 0])i)osed to '^'ree coinage' of either a Gold or Silver Dollar worth less than One Hundred Cents' in the Markets of the World." Address to the Democratic voters of Ohio.

June 5, 1894. - "A Cure for the Greenback Delusion. A Remedy for the Free Silver Madness. Not More Money, but Better Money. Repeal of the Ten Per Cent Tax on State Banks." Speech in the house of representatives;..

A printed pddress, without date, which was the subject of national comment, was one addressed to the Grand Army posts of the country. The subject was "Free Silver and its relation to Pensions."

By means of a bureau established by himself, and maintained at his own expense, Mr. Harter mailed his pension address to every (irand Army post; also distributed his congressional speeches and other anti-free coinage documents broadcast. In the business in hand he adopted the methods of reaching the public that he had found to be so successful in his factory. F.veryone knows the result. The congress that was expected to repeal the demonetization act of 1873 did not repeal it; nor. did it pass the Bland free silver bill. Senator Sherman's compromise bill, providing for a limited coinage, was passed, and was in effect until the spring of 1893, when a financial panic overwhelmed the country. President Cleveland, whose views of statesmansliip coincided with Mr. Flarter's, called a special session of congress to repeal the Sherman law, and the threatened ills of a degraded currency were, it is to be hoped, wiped from our statute books for all time to come.

Mr. 'Harter took a leading part in the congressional dcbaces which led to the repeal of the Sherman law, and was almost the only man in American life to make a national reputation the first term he served in congress. He was a pioneer in the cause of the gold standard and a sound and elastic currency. Any history of this interesting and critical period in American finance which fails to give to Michael D. Harter a conspicuous place in the movement which led to placing the money of the United States upon a sound and stable basis, will neither be true to the facts nor just to him. Endowed with a brilliant and logical mind, he was a great and forcible thinker, a wise and constructive statesman and a patriotic citizen. In addition to his splendid intellectual qualities, Mr. Harter had a warm and generous nature, which secured him the respect and friendship of all who knew him, and when he died, he died beloved by his friends and neighbors as few men have been.

JOHN L. STEELE. - Paternally Mr. Steele inherits the blood of Scotch-Irish ancestry, being a lineal descendant of one Robert Steele, who on account of political or religious persecution was obliged to flee from Scotland early in the seventeenth century and take refuge in the Emerald Isle. Among the nearer descendants of this stanch patriot was Archibald Steele, who was born in Ireland and about the year 1790 came to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, where he became a tiller of the soil. Subsequently. 1812, he was induced to move to the new and sparsely settled country of eastern Ohio and it was that year that he entered land in Stark county, receiving for the same a patent bearing the signature of James Madison, President of the United States. Mr. Steele selected a site for his future home in what is now Tuscarawas townsliip. being one of the first permanent settlers in this part of the county. He cleared a good farm, took an active interest in the material development of the country and was a fine type of the rugged, fearless pioneer of the time and place in which he lived and labored. He and his good wife died many years ago. James Steele, sou of Archibald and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1798 and is supposed to have followed his parents to Stark county in 1815, when a youth of seventeen. He was reared a farmer and in early manhood married Miss Margaret Latimer, who was born in Pennsylvania, and whose father, Robert Latimer, was one of the first settlers in the present townsliii) of Osnaburg, Stark county. James Steele became a man of considerable local prominence and for many years was justice of the peace of his township, also an active worker in the old \\'liig party. Like many of the early pioneers, he had profound religious convictions and, belonging to the Presbyterian church, reared his family according to the strict and rather austere Calvinistic creed. He lived an honorable life and at its close, about the year 1839, quietly and fearlessly passed into the rest prepared for those who have nobly fulfilled their earthly stewardship. M rs. Steele bore her husband three children and entered into rest some time in the year 1830.

John L. Steele, the only child of James and Margaret Steele, was born on the 21st of March, 1826, in Tuscarawas township. Stark county, and spent his early years on his father's farm, with the rugged duties of which he became familiar as soon as old enough to handle to advantage the various implements of husbandry. During his boyhood he enjoyed the advantages of the common schools of the day, attending them a few months of the winter seasons, the course of study being mainly confined to the four fundamentals - spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic - although some pupils would frequently carry along with them such studies as geography and English grammar. From the beginning until his death the life of Mr. Steele was an active and busy one and, in the main, financially successful. He assisted his parents, was a dutiful son during the years of his minority and on the farm learned the lessons of industry and thrift that inured so greatly to his advantage when he began thf: pursuit of agriculture upon his own responsibility. His inclinations naturally led him to become a tiller of the soil and he followed this vocation all his life with satisfactory results, and at his death was the possessor of an ample competency for his declining years, l)esidcs providing comfortably for his family and giving his children substantial assi-stance as they one by one withdrew from the home circle. As already stated, the farm which Mr. Steele owned and on which he lived is one of the oldest settled places in the township of Tuscarawas, as it is also one of the test improved and most successfully cultivated. He was not sparing in surrounding himself with comforts and conveniences, believing, as he did, that the good things of this world are only held in trust for a time and should be well and wisely used.

On January 9, 1852, Mr. Steele was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Margaret Christman, of Pennsylvania, the marriage resulting in the birth of three children, the oldest of whom is Rev. James H. Steele, an able and well known clergyman of the Reformed church, who is now preaching in Tiflin, Ohio. He married Miss Alice Chapenan, who has borne him two sons and one daughter, namely : James, John and Mary. William, the second of the family, is a well educated physician, practicing his profession at Navarre, this state. He is also a man of family, having married some years ago Miss Mary McEwen, a union blessed with two ofifspring, Edith and Lura. Ida S., the youngest of the subject's children, was born in 1863 and after receiving a good literary education, took up a systematic course in music, in which she early displayed unusual talent.

graduating from the conservatory at Massillon. On the 4th of March, 1882, she became the wife of John S. Erb, a worthy citizen of Stark county, an outhne of whose Hfe appears in subsequent paragraphs.

Mr. Steele lived a life protracted beyond that of the majority of men and, as indicated in a preceding paragraph, enjoyed the fruits of his many years of strenuous toil. He possessed strong traits of character, with a liberal endowment of good common sense and as a man and citizen his honor and integrity were prominent and above adverse criticism. His political affiliations were with the Republican party, but he never entered actively the arena of public affairs, preferring the quiet and satisfactory life of a farmer to any office or honor within the power of his fellow citizens to confer. Notwithstanding his indifference to public preferment, he was induced at one time to accept the position of township treasurer, and he discharged the duties of the office very satisfactorily for several years, retiring witliout the semblance of a stain upon his record as custodian of the public funds. He was a devout believer in revealed religion and for many years was a member of the Reformed church, his wife also belonging to the same communion. His death occurred March 27, 1903.

John S. Erb, who married the daughter of John L. and Margaret Steele, is a native of Stark county, Ohio, and the son of David and Mary (Yost) Erb, the father born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Germany. These parents were married in Pennsylvania in 1852 and the following year moved to Stark county, Ohio, settling in Tuscarawas township, where Mr. Erb followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occwrred on the loth day of March, 1902, his wife dying April 9 of the previous year. Mrs. Erb came to the United States when five years old and always recalled the voyage with peculiar sadness in that she lost a sister en route, who was buried at sea.

John S. Erb was born in Tuscarawas township March 27, 1859, receiving his education in the public schools, and began life for himself as a carpenter, which trade he learned when a young man. He worked at his chosen calling for a number of years, but since 1893 has been engaged in farming, in which vocation he has met with encouraging success. He is a Republican in politics and quite an active worker in his party, generally representing his township in the various nominating conventions and laboring diligently for the ticket in campaign times. Religiously he belongs to the Reformed church and during her life his wife was also a faithful and consistent member of the same body of worshippers. The marriage of Mr. Erb and wife resulted in the following issue: John, Warren, Mary A. and Ida Martha. The son, who is an accomplished musician, lives at Mansfield, where he has a large number of pupils.

CHARLES A. KRIDER is a native of Stark and was born on the farm in Tuscarawas township, where he now lives, August 2, 1847, being the son of Samuel and Ann (Augustine) Krider. The father was born about the year 181 1 in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and the m.other in Stark county, Ohio, in 1818. George Krider, the subject's grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of Stark county, moving here as long ago as 1819, and departing this life in the township of Tuscarawas in 1873. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Frances Hoover, was also of Pennsylvania birth, and her death occurred on the home place in the year 1868. Samuel Krider was quite young when his parents moved to Tuscarawas township and he grew up amid the rugged experiences of pioneer times, bearing his share of the hard hibor required to clear and develop the farm. He was self-educated and by much study and a wide range of reading became well informed - indeed, there were few men of his time who possessed a more general knowledge obtained without the aid of instructors. In his youth he learned the tailor's trade, and later worked at the same in the country, frequently employing as many as nine assistants at one time in order to meet the demand for garments, which he cut and made or had made. He was one of the prime movers in the construction of the old Ohio canal, and the records show that he twice represented Stark county in the general assembly, besides serving for over twenty-nine years as a justice of the peace. Politically he was a Democrat, and religiously belonged to the Reformed church, as did also his wife, who is remembered as a faithful and zealous Christian, whose life was largely devoted to works of faith and labors of love. Samuel Krider lived to a good old age, dying on the 6th of June, 1892; his wife survived him nearly nine years, departing this life on the 9th day of January, 190 1. Mrs. Krider was the daughter of Andrew Augustine, one of the earliest pioneers of Stark county, her oldest sister, Rebecca, having been the first white child born in what is now the township of Tuscarawas. Of the eight children constituting the family of Andrew Augustine Mrs. Krider was the last to be called to the other world. To Samuel and Ann Krider were born three children, two of whom are living at the present time - Charles A., of this review, and B. F., who lives in Noble county, Indiana.

Reared amid the peaceful pursuits and scenes of rural life, the subject early formed a liking for the work of the farm, and when the time came to make choice of a vocation he wisely concluded to devote his energies to the satisfactory labors of husbandry. This he has since pursued and prospered, meanwhile adding to his material possessions until he is now the owner of a valuable and beautiful property. While successful in raising all the grains and vegetables indigenous to this latitude, he has made a specialty of fruit growing, a branch of husbandry that has been very satisfactory from a financial point of view. He has selected his varieties of fruits with the greatest care and discrimination, looks after his orchards with the interest of an enthusiast, and finds in horticulture a fascination nothing else ofifers. Mr. Krider has been a steadfast supporter of the Democratic party since his twenty-first year, and, in recognition of his valuable services, he has been honored at different times with official positions, among which were those of constable, assessor and deputy sherifif. In 1889 he was elected sheriff of Stark county, which office he held for four years, discharging his duties in an able and praiseworthy manner, gaining the confidence and good will of the people regardless of party ties. He has been identified with a number of enterprises of a public nature, including among others the Stark County Mutual Insurance Company, which has become one of the leading organizations of its kind in eastern Ohio, of which he served as president. He has also been quite active in organized efforts for the promotion of husbandry, being a member of the county agricultural board, and it was in his father's shop that the first agricultural society of the country was organized a number of years ago. In matters educational he has taken an active part, both in private and official capacities, having been a member of the local school board for a number of years, and for some time its president. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias, his name appearing on the charter of Lodge No. 87, of Massillon.

Mr. Krider was married December 24, 1889, to Mrs. Sarah Mobley, widow of the late Charles A. Mobley, of Canal Fulton, and a native of Crawford county, this state. By her previous marriage she had two sons, Frank L.

Mobley, who holds a clerical position with the Hancock Insurance Company, of Columbus, Ohio, and John M., a representative of a manufacturing firm of Cantoni. To Mr. and Mrs. Krjder has been born one daughter, Ruth, an intelligent young lady with a bright and promising future. Mrs. Krider is a member of the Metliodist church and a lady of exemplary Christian character, popular in religious and social circles and highly esteemed by all.

Maria Gilmore Pontius. M. D.

MARIA GILMORE PONTIUS. M. D., is a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and the daughter of Nathaniel and Anna Gilmore, the former born in that county in the year 1814, and the mother in County Down, Ireland, in 1827. The maiden name of Mrs. Gilmore was Anna Dugan and she was the daughter of James and Eliza (Karns) Dugan, both natives of County Down, and accompanied her parents to the United States in 1835, the family locating in Cadiz, Ohio. Before coming to this country James Dugan followed mercantile pursuits for a number of years and accumulated a competency of this world's goods. He died at Cadiz in 1867 at the age of sixty-one. His wife died about 1870, aged seventy-two years. James Dugan and wife had five children, whose names are as follows: William. Elizabeth, John, Mrs. Maria J. Asher and Anna, the Doctor's mother. To Nathaniel and Anna Gilmore were born seven children, namely: William, Albert, Eliza, Josephine, wife of Thomas Wilson; Maria, of this review: Florence, who married Charles Brown, and George M., all but William living. The paternal ancestors of Dr. Pontius were also natives of Ireland, her grandfather, Nathaniel Gilmore, having been born and reared in that country. His home was in County Down and he there married Elizabeth Carey, who, with two children, born in the old country, accompanied him to America in 1812. There also came with him to the

United States his two brothers, John and Gordon Gilmore, antl the three subsequently engaged in the banking business in Cincinnati when that city was little more than a frontier hamlet of half a dozen houses. When it became necessary to exchange specie for paper Nathaniel Gilmore would carry the gold and silver on horseback to Pittsburg, taking an extra man with him as a body guard, the road between the two places leading through a wild and in many places uninhabiteil country, known to be infested with robbers and lawless characters of the worst description. As far as known he was never molested nor did the bank sustain the loss of a single dollar by any of these business trips. After a number of years of successful business he disposed of his interest in the bank and moved his family to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he purchased large tracts of valuable land, much of which is still in possession of his descendants. He was a very successful man, prospered in every undertaking- to which he addressed himself and is remembered as one of the prominent and progressive citizens of the county of Tuscarawas. He died there in 1857, his wife following him to the grave five years later. Nathaniel Gilmore, Sr., was the father of the following sons and daughters: William. Francis, Gordon, Elizabeth, Jane. Nathaniel, Rosie, Mary and two others, all of whom grew to mature years and reared large families, and all of whom are now dead. It is a fact worthy of note that the elder Nathaniel was a cousin of P. S. Gilmore. the celebrated band master, and one of the world's most renowned musicians.