Canton Township (part 46 of 62)

Reverting to the history of Dr. Maria Gilmore Pontius, it is learned that she was born near Gilmoretown, in the county of Tuscarawas, May 28, 1857. She spent her childhood and youth on the home farm, was early instructed in the duties of domestic economy and received her elementary education in the district schools, which she attended at intervals until her nineteenth year. Animated by an earnest desire for greater intellectual training than the common schools could impart, she entered, in 1876, Scio College, which institution she attended the greater part of three years, meanwhile maturing plans for entering' the medical profession.

Miss Gilmore began the study of medicine in 1879 under the direction of Dr. J. J. Gooding, of Gilmoretown, and after a very thorough course of private reading became a student of Starling Medical College at Columbus, from which institution she was graduated in 1883. In canvassing the tield for a suitable location sh.e decided to open an office in Canton, at the same time realizing the unreasonable prejudice she would have to encounter on the part of the public and the opposition that would be thrown in her way by the members of the profession in the city. Nothing daunted, however, she fearlessly swung her shingle to the breeze and announced herself a solicitor for a share of patronage. In due time her abilities began to be recognized and in the course of a few' years her practice became quite liberal, so much so, indeed, that all opposition tO' female physicians gradually disappeared and she stood vindicated for hjer temerity in entering the profession, bv a series of successes such as few achieve. So unreasonable was the prejudice against her at first that even the children on the streets would frequently call to her with unpleasant remarks, and the sneers and innuendoes of older people were often too palpable to be concealed. Actuated by a laudable ambition to come to the front and become a true healer, these unworthv and altogether unmanly attempts to retard her progress were treated with the silent contempt they desen'ed, and by a steady I)ut sure advancement she finally won a high place in public favor, and had the satisfaction of numbering among her patients not a few who had formerly been loudest in their criticism of her course.

The Doctor's practice in the main is confined to the treatment of diseases peculiar to women and children, although general ailments receive her attention, in all of which her success has been truly phenomenal. For some years she practiced with her husband, but since the failure of the latter's health she has been alone. She is a lady of superior intellectuality and high professional attainments and occupying a field of practice for which she is especially adapted by reason of her sex, her future financial prosperity as well as her professional fame is a matter of easy prophecy. She was the first of her sex to matriculate at Starling Medical College, and the first lady to graduate from that or any other medical school in the city of Columbus. This, with her subsequent successful career, has given her a widespread reputation and by reason of lx>th she occupies quite a conspicuous position in medical circles. She has been a member of the American Medical Association of Canton and the Stark County Medical Society.

Miss Gilmore on the 26th of October, 1883, was united in marriage to Dr. Lorin Worth Pontius, a native of Stark county, Ohio, born in Plain township on the 24th day of November, 1853, the son of Andrew and Sarah Pontius, who were among the early pioneers of this part of the state. He was reared to young manhood at or near the place of his birth and after completing the common school course entered Mt. Union College, where he made a very creditable record as a student. Later he took up the study of medicine and in 1881 was graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, after which he engaged in the practice at Canton. Dr. Lorin W. Pontius is a gentleman of high intellectual and professional attainments and had not ill health obliged him to retire from the practice in 1889 he would no doubt have achieved distinguished honors in his chosen calling. As already stated, his wife and he practiced jointly until his physical breakdown and the firm thus constituted attained en- viable distinction, both as physicians and surgeons. The Doctor's retirement left a vacancy in the medical ranks of Canton difficult to fill, and it is the hope of his many friends and the public generally that his bodily powers may soon be restored so that he can resume his share of the lucrative business which he assisted to build up, and which his faithful companion now commands.

The grandparents of Dr. L. W. Pontius were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Stark county in about 1805, before Canton was founded, and they figured actively in its pioneer history. The parents of Dr. "L. W. Pontius lived in Stark county, and to them were born seven children, all of whom are now living, as follows: Lorin W. ; Jackson W., of Canton ; G. C. resides near Myer's Lake ; Lucy married Maurice E. Aungst, probate judge of Stark county ; William J. is a farmer in Plain township; Charles A. is a farmer of Stark county ; Rebecca married Edward Miller, of Canton. The parents of these children are still living, not a death having occurred in the family.

Dr. M. G. Pontius is erecting a modern flat house at No. 613 West Tuscarawas street, which is to be three stories in height, of pressed brick and contains fortv-three rooms en suite.

The system of homeopathy may be said to represent both modification and amplification in the treatment of disease, and of how great value has this system been, how far-reaching and insistent its value is not measurably appreciated by the laity. That great benefactor of the race. Hahnemann, wrought better than he knew when he carried through his careful investigations and experiments and arrived at the deductions indicated in the slogan of his school, "Similia similibus curantur." How greatly the influence of his teachings and that of his able followers has permeated the field of endeavor in the great profession which has to do with the issues of life itself is shown in no unmistakable way in the radical changes which the so-called "regular" school has been compelled, perhaps reluctantly, to adopt in its methods. The heroic dosage of even a quarter of a century ago would, if utilized by a practitioner to-day, bring him into disrepute for his abuse of the over-wrought human system. That homeopathy has been the leaven which has affected the entire lump is certain beyond perad venture. The great school of medicine, standing as an ally of nature in her workings and not as a disrupter, was at one time the object of suspicion and prejudice and its devotees had to summon all of fortitude in demonstrating the efficiency of the so-called innovation. A new era of thought had been introduced, and the cry of iconoclasm and even of charlatanism was given in no uncertain tone by those who were "joined to their idols" and refused to recognize the fundamental consistency and value of the new school of practice. None can doubt the efficiency and consistency of a plan of medication which provides the employment of remedial agents in such a way as to avoid physiological reaction and to assist nature to resume its normal functions, rather than imposing an additional burden. This system of high potencies as applied to the practice of homeopathy has stood the most strenuous test, and skepticism can no longer wield the weapons of upstart prejudice, for the wall of proof has proved impregnable and truth has once more proved triumphant, and that in a cause which has been most potent and beneficent, in alleviating human suffering. Close analysis, the most scrupulously exact and careful experimentation in determining the various indications of the vast array of remedial agents, a broad-minded policy - these have been the aims

Homeopathy is well established in Stark county and the prestige of the school is upheld by many able practitioners. In the connection it is gratifying to state that the dean of the school in the county. Dr. Marcus M. Catlin, of Canton, is made the subject of specific mention in its pulilication, and such have been his services and such is his distinguished ability m his profession that this record becomes a consistent portion of this historical compilation. The Doctor has been animated by that faith which makes faithful, and his labors have not only justified his choice of a profession, but \ t have been such as to add luster to the fame of the school of medicine of which he is an eminent representative. When cognizance is had of the fact that he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Stark county for a third of a century it will be seen that he is well entitled to the designation of dean of homeopathy in this section, and through his efforts much was done in the earlier days to further the precedence of this school at a time when it was made the victim of unjust criticism and even ridicule. Notwithstanding our vaunted progress in all lines of thought, action and material accomplishment, human nature remains the same, and men are reluctant to accept new and radical ideas, so that the reformer, the one of prescience, must have the courage of his convictions and also an unflagging perseverance and patience if he would attempt to successfully stand as advocate of a new idea. As such a sponsor Dr. Catlin stood in the interests of homeopathy, and it can not but be a matter of satisfaction to him at the present time to realize how high has become the status of his chosen school and how great its influence in bringing about more humane and scientific methods of practice in the work of the profession at large, without regard to school. He has been tolerant in all things, but has not sacrificed his beliefs, nor lacked the courage to defend his position. He has stood as an exemplar of the utmost professional courtesy and has gained the confidence and high esteem of his confreres, while his ministrations have been such as to place him among the benefactors of the race, pity and compassion with him having ever transcended the mere emotion to become a definite motive. Of the details of the career of this honored physician and pioneer of homeopathy in Stark county a resume is given in the personal sketch appearing in this work, and it can not but be gratifying to the profession to find this recognition given to him, since the record of his life and labors is eminently deserving of such historical perpetuation.

It is not necessary to offer further consideration of the rise of the great and popular school of medicine which he represents, such facts being left to publications of a technical order, but in the days to come the brief record here given, together with the personal sketch, will designate to those who follow how much was accomplished by this veteran physician, who has given himself to the noble work of his profession with signal self-abnegation and devotion and who is known as an eminent representative to the school of practice to which he has so long given allegiance.

JOHN W. SCHUSTER is a native of Germany, born on the 9th of March, 1852, in the city of Kallstadt, kingdom of Bavaria. He spent his childhood and youth at that place, and after graduating from the public schools in 1865 began planning for his future career, deciding about that time to seek his fortune in the United States. Five years later he was enabled to carry out this desire of long standing, as he took passage in 1870, and in due time landed in the city of New York, where during the ensuing two years he worked in a bakery and a trunk factor)^ At the expiration of the second year he went to Newark, New Jersey, where he was similarly engaged until 1874, at which time he engaged in the wine business at Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Schuster remained in the latter city for a period of twenty-four years and prospered in his business affairs, accumulating during that time a handsome capital, which he judiciously invested in 1S98 in a brewery at Millport, near Massillon, with his office in the latter place. This enterprise proved successful from the beginnmg and it was not long until he was enabled to enlarge the scope of his business by organizing in 1900 the Schuster Brewing Company of Massillon, of which he was made president and general manager. Purchasing the Anton Kopp i^rewery, he soon more than doubled its capacity and later erected the large and handsome building which is now kept running with a full force of operatives almost night and day to supply the constantly increasing demand for the company's far-famed manufactured product. The brands of beer made at this brewer)^ are noted far and wide for their high standard of excellence, and the reputation which Mr. Schuster has achieved as a master in his line of business has won for him honorable mention in commercial and industrial circles throughout the state.

Mr. Schuster came to this country as a poor stranger in a strange land and to him Dame Fortune held out no glittering favors. Endowed with a plentiful supply of good common sense, blessed with sound physical health and not afraid of hard work, he bent all of his energies in the way of success and in due time by steadfastness of purpose and commendable thrift, reached the goal of his ambition in the ample competence which he now commands. Mr. Schuster is thoroughly American in all his tendencies and has nothing but praise for the free institutions under which his most pronounced success has been achieved. He is a true and loyal citizen of his adopted country and takes as much interest in its welfare and in the welfare of the state, county and city in which he resides as any person to the manner born.

Mr. Schuster was married in 1881 to Miss Mary Schreiber, a native of Bavaria, and daughter of Henry Martin Schreiber, who came from that country in 1875 and settled on St. Clair street, Cleveland. He had previously visited the United States in 1864 on a pleasure trip. Seven cliildren have resulted from this union, namely : Frank, who holds the position of secretary in the Schuster Brewing Company; William, who is serving his time in Cleveland, learning the brewery trade; Matilda, a student in the Massillon high school ; Herbert, who is pursuing his studies in the high school at Cleveland ; Carl and Amanda, who are still members of the home circle and pupils in the city schools. Mrs. Schuster and the children are members of the German Reformed church of iMassillon. While not identified with any church organization himself, Mr. Schuster belie\es in religion and contributes liberally to the support of the congregation to which his family belongs. Fraternally he is a Mason, being a member of Concordia Lodge No. 345, and Cleveland Lodge No. 61, Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Improved Order of Red ^len. He is also connected with the German Turnerverein Society and being a man of decided musical talent, belongs to a couple of organizations for the cultivation of that art. He is the soul of honest, hearty good fellowship, as all will attest who have formed his acquaintance or in a business or social way come ^^-ithin the range of his personal influence.

J. MELVILLE SCHUCKERS, cashier of the First National Bank of Massillon, is a native of Wooster. Ohio, and is the son of Jacob W. and Elizabeth (Kirkpatrick) Schuckers.

Jacob W. Schuckers was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and removed from that county to Wooster, Ohio, when a single man. He was a pioneer merchant of Wooster, where he died July 27, 1849. His wife was born near Penrith, England, and was the daughter of Thomas Kirkpatrick, who was of Scotch descent, was a practical miner and was interested in lead and coal mines in his native land. In 1832 he came with his family to America. He arrived in Massillon by way of the Ohio canal, and purchased a farm three miles north of the then village in Jackson township and engaged in farming. Later he discovered valuable coal deposits upon his land and in 1833 he opened the first coal mine in Stark county. He died in 1846. His wife was Frances Lee, who was born in Penrith, England, and died in Massillon in 1866.

J. Melville Schuckers is the second in order of three children bom to his parents. Upon the death of his father he came to Massillon with his mother, he then being three years of age. He secured his education in the high school of Massillon. After leaving school in 1864 he served as deputy postmaster of Massillon for a time, and then became clerk and bookkeeper at the mines of the Massillon Coal Company, where he continued until 1869. He then spent a year with the above company in Cleveland, following which he became paymaster and bookkeeper for the Fulton Mining Company of Massillon. He also filled the same position for the Rhoades Coal Company and of the Willow Bank Coal Company, and then took charge of the mines as superintendent and manager of the Rhoades and Willow Bank Company until the mines were exhausted. About that time he helped to organize the Millport Coal Company, of which he became secretary and treasurer. In 1890 he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Massillon and in 1892 he was elected cashier of that institution.

The subject ' was married September 14, 1893, to Miss Frances S. Stokley, daughter of Mrs. Christina Stokley. Mrs. Schuckers was born in Massillon. Mr. Schuckers is an Episcopalian, while Mrs. Schuckers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

CHARLES H. KNIGHT was born in the village of Farmer, Defiance county, Ohio, on the 1 8th of May, 1870, and after attending the public schools of his native county until he had attained the age of about fifteen years he then entered the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business College at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he completed a course in the commercial department, later being matriculated in Angola College, at Angola, Indiana, where he continued his scholastic work until about 1888, when he came to Canton and took the position of bookkeeper for the Canton Saw Company, of which his father was a stockholder at the time. When the latter established the business of the Knight Manufacturing Company in July, 1892, the subject assumed the position of general manager of the concern, and of this responsible office he has since remained incumbent, while through his discerning and well directed efiforts much has been done to further the excellent and gratifying success which has attended the enterprise from the time of its practical inchoation, the products from the well equipped plant being of so superior excellency in design and workmanship as to command the highest favor wherever introduced, and it may be said that the business of the company now permeates into the most diverse sections of the Union. In addition to his executive duties in connection with the office afifairs and general management of the business the subject also does effective service as its outside representative when such interposition on his part seems expedient. In politics he maintains an independiio8

In the city of Canton, on the nth of February, 1 891, Mr. Knight was united in marriage to Miss Eva Black, who was born and reared in this city, being a daughter of Jarvis Black, who was long one of the leading contractors and builders of this section, having erected the old court house in Canton, besides many churches, school houses, business structures and private residences in this locality. He is now living retired in Canton. Mr. and Mrs. Knight have two children, Earl and Paul.

HENRY C. MILLIGAN has been identified with the Carnahan Stamping and Enameling Company from the time of its inception, the success of the same being in a large measure due to his efforts and to his intimate knowledge of the details of the manufacturing of the various products. He is the inventor and patentee of various processes utilized in the manufacture of enameled ware, and these are utilized and controlled by the company with which he is identified, while in addition to his executive ofiice he is also manager and has general supervision of the works.

Mr. Milligan was born in the city of New York on the 22d of October, 1851,- being a son of Gilbert M. and Lucy (Cleveland) Milligan, both of whom were also natives of that city, where they were married and resided until 1854, when they moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey, ^vhere his death occurred in February, i860. The mother afterwards moved to South Orange, New Jersey, where her death occurred in December, 1890. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are living at the present time, viz: John C, of South Orange, New Jersey; Thomas P., of Elizabeth, New. Jersey; Elizabeth M., who married W. E. Groves, of Beverly, New Jersey; Lucy C, now Mrs. Charles P. Fitch, of Beverly, New Jersey, and Henry C, the subject of this review, the youngest member of the family. Gilbert !\l. Milligan was secretary and treasurer of the Central Railroad of New Jersey for a great many years and served in that capacity up until the time of his death. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, was a leading factor in his vicinity and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.

The subject was reared to manhood in the national metropolis, and there he secured his early education in the public schools, after which he took a collegiate preparatory course at Auburn, New York. In 1868 he became entry clerk in the establishment of Lalance & Grogan Manufacturing Company of New York city, this being the first concern to engage in the manufacture of enameled metal ware in the United States, and from that time to the present Mr. Milligan has been consecutively identified with the same line of industrial enterprise in various capacities. Finally he becametraveling salesman for the company mentioned, and was thus employed for a number of years, visiting all the large cities in this country and also South America and Europe. In 1875 he began to devote special study to the process of enameling metal and carried his investigations and experiments to the ultimate, while in 1 884 he secured his - first patent on enameled ware, and since that time has taken out other patents representing distinctive improvements along the same line. In 1886 his old employers paid him forty thousand dollars to keep his inventions out of the market, and he remained out of the business for seven years under the stipulations then entered into. At the expiration of this period he became connected with the Haderman Manufacturing Company, of New York city, as a stockholder, his processes being used and inventions manufactured by the concern, with which he continued to be identified until a number of different manufacturers of the sort entered into a combination, and he^ thereafter remained in tlie employ of this syndicate or trust until 1899, when he resigned his position and came to Cleveland, Ohio, where he effected the organization of the Crescent Enamel Company, of which he was president until the organization of the Carnahan Stamping and Enameling Company, in 1901, when he sold his Cleveland plant and business to 'this new company, of which he became vice-president at the time of the organization. He came to Canton in October, 1901, to supervise the establishing of the enameling plant of the company, and within twelve months the entire plant was in full operation. The products of the manufactory include what is known as granite ware, as well as blue and white ware, Servian ware and other lines of analogous character. When the works were put in operation the capacity was for the output of five thousand pieces a day, and since that time the business has so increased in extent that the daily output reaches twenty thousand pieces, while the trade of the concern extends into all sections of the Union. Mr. Milligan has given his special attention to the enameling department, of which he has had the superintendence from the start. He is a man of marked executive ability and the enterprise with which he is connected is a valuable acquisition to the industrial interests of Canton. In politics Mr. Milligan gives his support to the Republican party, and his religious faith is that the First Presbyterian church of Canton.

JOHN W. .^LBAUGH. - The original progenitor of the Albaugh family in America came hither in 1735, in company with his three sons, having emigrated from the German fatherland. They located near the historic old town of Frederick. Maryland, whence two of the sons eventually came to the West.- one lo- -cating in Carroll county, Ohio, while the other the star of empire still farther on its course westward. William Albaugh, grandfather of the Judge, was born and reared in ]\[aryland and he became one of the early settlers in Ohio, having located in Carroll county about the year 1802. There he became numbered among the pioneer farmers of the state, and a citizen of prominence and influence. He served in the war of 1812 and thereafter continued identified with agricultural pursuits in the county mentioned until his death, about the year 1842, at the age of sixty-five years. In Carroll county was solemnized his marriage, the maiden name of his wife having been Weaver, and she likewise died in that county. Ezra Albaugh, father of the subject of this re- \'iew, was l^orn on the old homestead farm near Kilgore, Carroll county, on the 13th of February, 1807, and was there reared to manhood, receiving- a fair education for the day. About 1836 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Walters, and they shortly afterward removed to a farm in Warren township, Tuscarawas county, where Ezra Albaugh passed the remainder of his long and useful life, becoming one of the successful and influential citizens of that section, and having served for twenty-one years as justice of the peace. He died on the old homestead farm April 5, 1885, and his devoted wife was summoned into eternal rest in 1892. They were originally members of the Lutheran church, but later became communicants of the Methodist Episcopal' church. The mother of Judge Albaugh was born in the year 181 9 in \Vest Virginia, being a daughter of Jacob Walters, who was born in Germany, whence he came to the United States when a young man, here marrying a Miss Curry and settling in West Virginia, whence he later came to Ohio, becoming a pioneer of Tuscarawas county, where both he and his wife died. Ezra Albaugh was originally an old-line Whig in his political proclivities, later transferring his allegiance to the Democratic party, in favor of whose cause he thereafter

Judge John W. Aliaaugh was born on the homestead farm, in Warren township, Tuscarawas county, on the 4th of July, 1844, and he continued to reside there until about fifteen years of age, while he secured his early educational discipline in the district schools. At the age of sixteen years he began teaching in such schools during the winter terms, while he continued his individual studies in select schools during the summer vacations. He followed this plan until he had attained the age of twentythree years, when he began reading law under the effective preceptorship of Judge James Patrick, of New Philadelphia, being admitted to the bar of the state in 1S69. He forthwith began the practice of his profession in New Philadelpiiia, the county-seat of his native county, there entering into partnership with Judge J. H. Barnhill, with whom he was thus associated for the ensuing three years, within which time he effectually won his professional spurs. He was then elected prosecuting attorney of Tuscarawas county, in 1873, and served in this ofifice for two terms with marked acceptability, and within this period he formed a law partnership with his brother-in-law, John S. Graham, with whom he continued to be thus associated for seven years. In 1882 he came to Canton and here entered intO' a similar professional alliance with John C. Welty, one of the leading members of the bar of the county, and three years later the subject was elected to the bench of the circuit court for a term of two years, at the expiration of which he was chosen as his own successor for the long term of six years, after Avhich he and his wife passed the summer of 1893 in the state of California. Upon his return to Canton Judge Albaugh again entered into partnership with his former confrere, Mr. Welty, and they have since continued to be associated in the handling of a large and important practice, their clientage being of representative order, while they have been prominent in much important litigation and stand as counsel for a number of leading corporations. In politics the Judge has ever been a stahvart advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and he has done effective work in the party cause, though he has never sought official preferment aside from that directly in line with the specific work of his profession. Mrs. Albaugh is a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is also an active worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, being now (1903) a delegate from Ohio to the world's convention at Geneva, Switzerland.

On the 6th of August, 1866, in New Cumberland, Ohio, was solemnized the marriage of Judge Albaugh to Miss Estella Seran, who^ was born in that county, being a daughter of Micajah and Sarah (Carnes) Seran. The Judge and Mrs. Albaugh have two sons - Thurlow K., who married Miss Gertrude Moushey, is now, in company with the Judge, owner and manager of the Grand Opera House in Akron, Ohio. Walter Alonzo is engaged in the furniture business in Canton. He married Miss Bernice King and they have two children - Walter Gayle and Bernice Helen.

DANIEL CAMP. - The subject of this review claims Switzerland as his fatherland, in which romantic little mountain republic he was born on the 7th day of Augtist, 1831, being the son of Ulrich and Magdaline (Beeler) Camp, both natives of the country. By occupation Ulrich Camp was a farmer, in addition to which he worked for a number of years in France, cutting and selling cord wood. His home place in Switzerland consisted of nine acres of tillable land, quite a large farm for that country, and he was considered as belonging to the better class of agriculturists. About the year 1834 lie disposed of his interests in liis native land and came to the United States, setthng in Wayne county, Ohio, then.ce, after three years, moving to the county of Tuscarawas, where he spent the remainder of his hfe as a moderately successful tiller of the soil, dying in 1869, his wife entering into rest five years previous to that date. Of the eight children born to this couple but two are living - Jacob, of Indiana, and Daniel, whose name introduces this sketch.

Daniel Camp was about three years old wlien brought to this country, consequently he has no recollections of the land of his birth. He was reared on a farm, attended the public schools during the winter seasons of his minority and grew to manhood in Ohio, early choosing agriculture as the calling best suited to !:is tastes and inclinations. In 1852, when about twenty-eight years of age, he went to Iowa, which at that time was a new and sparsely settled country, but not being pleased with the prospect there, he soon left and took up his residence in Missouri, where he remained until 1862. In that year he returned to Ohio and resumed the pursuit of agriculture, and nine years later purchased the fine little farm in Perry township, on which he has since lived and prospered.

Mr. Camp was married November 28, 1854, to Miss Mary Wallick, who was born in Coshocton county, this state, on the 7th dav of November, 1S28, the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Showalter) Wallick, both parents natives of Pennsylvania, the father's birth occurring in Bedford county, the mother's in the county of Berks. Mr. and Mrs. Wallick were among the earliest white settlers of Coshocton county, moving there when that part of Ohio was considered the western verge of civilization. They lived on a farm which Mr. Wallick cleared from the woods and were highly esteemed 1)}- the people of their neighborhood. They reared a family of seven children, four of whom survive, and died where they originally settled, the father in 1840 and the mother in 1862.

Mr. and Mrs. Camp have si.x children, the oldest living being a son by the name of Austin B., a farmer of Stark county, and also engaged in the United States mail service; he married Miss Catherine Hensel and is the father of two sons, Raymond and Charles A. Clara E., the second of the subject's family, is the wife of E])hraim Faltz, to whom she has borne children as follows:- Clifford I., Efbe C, Ralph W. and Camp W. Sarah, tlie third in order of birth, married George Welty, of Stark cuunlv, and has two children, a daughter by the name of Beulah and a son who answers to the name of Isaac F. Mary M., the next in succession, is the wife of .-Xrnold U.-u-per, of Canal Dover, their family consisting of two children - Mary L. and Luther E. Ada F. is unmarried, and after her comes Clifford E., whose wife was formerly Miss Mary E. Barley; this couple have been blessed with two offspring, whose names are Clifford B. and Howard Daniel. Mr. Camp furnished his children with the best educational advantages obtainable and three of them, Austin, Clifford and Maiy, taught for a number of years in the public schools of Stark county.

Of the subject's career as a farmer and citizen it is not necessary to speak except in general terms, as his life is an open book, known and read by the people of the community of which he had long been an honorable and praiseworthy resident. .\s already stated, his farm is not large, but what ii lacks in area is more than made uj) in the high grade of its improvements and the success ^vith which the soil is cultivated. .\ man of i)rogressi\-e ideas, he has pursued agriculture according to the most rational methods, and his means have been liberally expended in supplying his family with coiuforts and coin-eniences and m making- the home beautiful, pleasant and attractive.

Politically Mr. Camp is somewhat independent, but in the main gives his support to the Democratic party, especially in state and national affairs, reserving the right to cast his ballot for the best qualified or most deserving candidate in local matters. He is a most pronounced temperance man and for years past has been an uncompromising antagonist of the liquor traffic, doing all in his power by example, precept and action to arrest the curse to which he attributes the great majority of the evils with which society and the nation are afflicted. He has the courage of his convictions on all questions and stands firm for what he beilieves right, having little respect for the weak policy which fears to run counter to public sentiment when it happens to be popular.

NATHAN E. MOFFITT. - The families of which the subject of this review is a worthy representative were among the early pioneers of Stark county and have maintained a continuous residence here to the present time. The name Moffitt is not only an old one in the annals of this part of the state, but also an honorable one and so far as known none bearing it h.ave ever brought discredit to the high reputation it has always sustained. The Moffitts are of Irish origin. Many years ago the subject's great-grandparents left the Emerald Isle and sought a home in America, settling in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where they botli spent the remainder of their days. One of their sons, Peter Moffitt, was about seven years old when the family came to the New World. He was reared in Pennsylvania and there married Mary Snee, who bore him seven children, all of whom have long since passed on to that bourne from which no traveler returns. In an early day Peter Moffitt moved to Mt. Eaton, Ohio, where he engaged in the furniture business, subsequently changing his abode to the town of Dalton, where he spent the remaining years of his life. Among the children of Peter and Mary Moffitt was a son by the name of William, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. He accompanied his parents to Ohio, and when a youth learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until his marriage, in 'Stark county, to Miss Lucinda Elridge, whose people were among the early pioneers of this part of the state. About the year 1843 William Moffitt gave up his trade and turned his attention to agriculture and from that time until his death, in 1898, at the advanced age of eighty-one, he was recognized as one of the leading farmers and representatives of the township in which he lived. In politics he was a Whig- and later a Republican, and for a number of years held the office of trustee, though never an aspirant for public position. When a lad of fourteen he united with the Methodist church and entered upon tlie consecrated Christian life which characterized his career until the Master called him from the church militant to the church triumphant. He held every official position within the gift of the church except that of the public ministry and for over a half century served as class leader, in which capacity he was instrumental in strengthening the faith of his fellow comnnmicants and inspiring them to renewed zeal and activity in the Master's vineyard. His life was in strict harmony with his profound faith and all who came within the range of his influence felt that they were in the presence of one who walke<l very closely with God. Mrs. William Moffitt was the daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Thacker) Elridge, both natives of Essex county. New York, the former a son of William and Sarah Elridge, who came to Stark county as early as 181 1 and entered a section of land within the present limits of Tuscarawas township. Elizabeth Elridge was the daughter of Stephen and Mary Thacker, who were also among the early comers to this part of the state, having taken up their residence here the same year in wliich the Ehiclge family arrived, and were, Hke tlie latter, natives of Fssex county. New York. Stephen Thacker was one of the first pioneers of Tuscarawas township and lived to see this part of the county developed from its original wilderness state into one of the most highly improved and prosperous sections of eastern Ohio, dying at the remarktihle age of ninety-four years. Nathan Elridge became a prosperous farmer and a leading politician of the old Whig party, after the dissolution of which he gave his allegiance to the Republican party, and continued to support the latter as long as he lived. His daugliter, Mrs. Lucinda Moffitt, widow of William Moffitt, is still living, having reached the ripe old age of eighty-five, retaining in a marked degree her mental and physical faculties for one so old. She bore her husband three children, two of whom are living, Mrs. E. J. Fletcher, of Stark county, and Nathan E., the subject of this sketch, the third of the family, Mary, dying in 1865.

Nathan E. Moffitt was born October 14, 1843, on the farm in Tuscarawas township which he now owns and cultivates. His early experience was that of toiling- in the woods and fields with the desire ever uppermost in his mind of living- a correct life and becoming of some use in the world. He received his education in the public schools and the high school of Massillon, adding to this training the self-culture of reading and study and the benefits to be derived from the best associations which his neighborhood afforded. Young Moffitt improved the intervals of rest by poring over good books and reading the best periodicals of the day and in this way became well informed on a wide range of subjects, besides keeping in close touch with the trend of current events.

busy world of atTairs as an independent, selfsupporting agent. After living five years in Dalton, engaged in handling general merchandise, he turned his attention to agriculture, which useful vocation he has since followed with success and financial gain, owning at this time in Tuscarawas township a fine, productive and well-improved farm of one hundred and seventy acres, besides a valuable coal mine which has proved the source of a very handsome income. As a tiller of the soil, he is progressive and up-to-date, as his home and its many attractive features abundantly attest, while his standing as a citizen, deeply interested in every agency calculated to develop the country's resources and foster industrial development, has made him an influential factor in what the world is pleased to term modern progress. He early cast his lot with the Lord's elect, and for over thirty-six years has been an humble disciple of the Nazarene, exemplifying by a life of continued service the exceeding beauty and priceless value of applied Christianity. In his church relationship, he is a Methodist and for the last eighteen years he has been an acceptable minister of the word, preaching wherever his services are required, and that too without any pecuniary emolument. He has broken the bread of life in every church within a radius of from five to ten miles of Massillon, frequently officiates at funerals, besides being constantly active in religious work in a less public capacity. He has been especially efi:'ective as a leader in the Sunday school, for which work he is well fitted by nature and education, and for a period of thirty years he has superintended the school under the auspices of the local church to which he belongs.

Mr. Mofiitt is one of the leading members of the Stark County Agricultural Society and served one year as its chief executive. For four years he was honored with a place on the board of the organization and in addition to his activity in all work connected therewith he has also been one of the moving spirits in the Horticultural Society of this county. Fraternally he holds membership with the Order of American Mechanics, and in politics supports the Republican party.

Mr. Moffitt's domestic life dates from the 3d day of August, 1865, at which time was solemnized his marriage with Miss Cecelia O. Maxheimer, daughter of William and E. Maxheimer, the father one of the prominent men of Stark county, now living at the age of eighty-five years. Mr. Alnnitt's home is a pleasant one and the spirit of hospitality reigning therein makes hearty welcome to all who cross the threshold.

ELI D. DOLL was born in Osnaburg township, May 4, 1842, and is a son of John Doll, a record of whose life will be found elsewhere in this volume. The subject was reared to farming on the paternal homestead and was educated in the common schools of Perry township, with the exception of five years passed in California, farming and mining. Mr. Doll since 1854 has lived on the farm he now owns and occupies in Perry township, which farm comprises ninety acres and is under cultivation in mixed crops.

Mr. Doll was united in marriage in 1866 with Miss Sarah Walcutt, who was born in Osnaburg township in 1849 and was a daughter of Elias Walcutt, who was an early settler of Stark county, and who died in Canton. To Eli D. and Sarah (Walcutt) Doll were born seven children, namely: Emma, wife of Wilh'am Krisher, of Massillon; Rutherford H., of Perry town.ship, a thresher and a member of Lake Union; Frank L., a farmer, married to Emma Klein, is a Republican in politics and a central committeeman of Massillon precinct; Ida. wife of Eli Levinger, of Massillon ; Carrie, married to William Lantzer, a carpenter; Hattie, wife of James Grant, a glassblower and a resident of the Doll homestead, and Cynthia, twnn of Hattie, and wife of Joseph Holtz, a painter residing in Perry township. Mrs. Sarah (Walcutt) Doll, the honored mother of the above named children, was most untimely called from earth April 10, 1899, at the age of fifty years, to the great sorrow of her bereaved family, who loved her with an affection ncv words can express or convey an idea of 'to any person not a member of the family.

Mr. Doll has never aspired to public ofiice, although he has invariably voted the Republican ticket. Fraternally he is a member of Clinton Lodge No. 47, Free and Accepted Masons, and he and family attend the Evangelical church.

With the exception of the kgacy left him by his father, Mr. Doll has earned all he owns, and no small credit is due him for the good iudg-ment he has displayed in the management of his affairs.

A. W. SMITH. - Conspicuous among the successful men of Stark county is A. W. Smith, of Pen^y township, who, as an artisan, business man and agriculturist has achieved repute and fortune such as only fall to the lot of the favored few. Mr. Smith is an honest representative of the sturdy German element in American industrial life, and exemplifies in a marked degree the sterling qualities of head and heart by which his nationality has been enabled to take a leading place among the civilized peoples of the world. He was born in Germany September 18, 1845, 3.nd in April, 1847, was brought to the United States by his parents, George and Catherine Smith, who settled in Stark county, Ohio. The father was a farmer and in addition to tilling the soil worked for some years in the coal mines in the county, by industry and economy acquiring a comfortable competence for his family. He was a man of sterling value to the communitv in which he lived, earned the- respect of his fellow citizens and died in the year 1863, deeply lamented by all who were fa^'ored with his acquaintance. His wife, who bore him six children, survived him about fifteen i/ears, being called to her eternal rest in 1878. Of the six children constituting the family of George and Catherine Smith two have joined their parents in the other world, the four living being residents of the county of Stark. The early life of A. W. Smith was spent in Lawrence township and he received his education in the public schools. When a youth he became quite proficient in the use of tools and later turned his mechanical skill to good use by learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some years at daily wages, subsequently becoming a contractor and builder upon his own responsibility. He began his career as a mechanic in Massillon, and in 1872 branched out for himself, from which time until abandoning the trade, in 1899, he erected many of the most pretentious public bm'ldings in the city, besides building a number of private residences and other structures there and elsewhere.

In 1899 ^''- Smith gave up his trade and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing in August of that year the beautiful and highly improved little farm in Perry township, -\\'here he has since made his home. He has been as successful in tilling the soil as he was as a contractor and builder, and his standing to-day among the leading agriculturists of his community is freely conceded by his fellow citizens similarly engaged.

Mr. Smith was married January 24, 1867, to Miss Margaret Cramer, who bore him four children, but one of whom, A. H., is now living. I'his son, an intelligent and most excellent young man, well and favorably known in Massillon and throughout the adjacent country, was educated in the city schools and later took up the study of telegraphy, in which in due time he acquired a rare degree of proficiency. He has held several important positions, and is now located at Cleveland in the employ of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. He married some years ago Miss Mame Blessing, who died in December, 1901, leaving one daughter, Gertrude.

Mrs. Smith, wife of the subject, departed this life in 1887, and later Mr. Smith entered the marriage relation with Miss Mary Harmon, of Massillon, a union resulting in the birth of three children - Stella, Harold and Florence. For a number of years Mr. Smith has been an influenitial factor in public affairs, being one of the Democratic leaders of his township and an active worker as well as a judicious counsellor in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his party. In 1885 he was elected township trustee and by successive elections held the office for a period of ten years, during which time he discharged his functions as an able and faithful custodian of the people's interests, winning tlie confidence and praise of the public irrespective of political creed. Fie was one of the leading spirits in the organization of the People's Building and Loan Association of Massillon, and has served as a member of its board of appraisers to the present time. He also assisted in organizing the Massillon Savings Bank, the success of which enterprise has been largely due to his correct business methods and judicious oversight. In the different relations Mr. Smith has sustained to the public his course has ever been straightforward and businesslike and entirely free from the slightest suspicion of anything savoring of disrepute.

JOHN P. BLANK, one of the representative business men of Canal Fulton and son of John and Elizabeth Blank, to whom reference is made in a biography of William Blank, was born in West Virginia on the 13th of November, 1858. When a child he was brought by his parents to Stark county, Ohio, and from that time to the present his life has I)cen mainly spent in Canal l'"uIton, with the business interests of which town he is now very actively identified. He enjoyed such educational advantages as the graded schools afforded and when a mere youth began earning money for himself by working in the coal mines, carefully husbanding his earnings, while thus employed, with the ()l)ject in view of ultimately engaging in some kind of business upon his own responsibility. After following mining and various other pursuiits until iS88 he and his brother William opened a grocery house in Canal Fulton, which in due time became a flourishing establishment, the firm of Blank Brothers soon taking high rank among the successful business enterprises of the town. The house enjoyed a series of uninterrupted successes for a period of eleven years, at the expiration of which time, in 1899, the partnership was dissolved. William engaged in the general mercantile trade and the subject establishing the prosperous confectionary business wdiich he still carries on.

In addition to his specific line of trade Mr. Blank is also connected with the French Cereal Manufacturing Company, of Canal Fulton, being a large stockholder in the same and personally interested in its management. In a business sense Mr. Blank is thoroughgoing and progressi\'c, and the \arious enterprises which have inured so greatly to the adxancement of the flourishing town of his residence have always found in liim an earnest friend and ]il)eral patron. In his l)usiness transactions he has shown himself a man of uncommon sagacity and discreetness of judgment, of scrupulous integrity and gentlemanly demeanor. In all movements having for the object the moral good of the community his name and individual efforts have ever been foremost and in the attributes of honorable manhood, honesty of purpose and uprightness of character he stands pre-eminent, enjoying in full measure the friendship and good will of the people, among whom the greater part of his life has been spent. Mr. Blank is one of the leading Democrats of Canal Fulton, but it can not be said that he is a partisan in the sense of seeking otScial preferment, having no ambition in that direction. He is a prominent member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association of Canal Fulton, and his religious views are in harmony with the Catholic creed, a church to which he was born and reared and to which he has ever remained loyal.

Referring to the domestic life of Mr. Blank, the record states that he was married in the year 1880 to Miss Mary Hammer, daughter of Simon Hammer, of Stark county, Ohio, the union resulting in the birth of ten children, whose names are as follows : Edward, deceased ; Frederick ; George, deceased ; Lewis ; Raymond, deceased; Carl, Edith, Lucile, Margaret and Walter. Mr. Blank has taken great interest in providing for the welfare of his children, affording them the best educational advantages obtainable, besides looking carefully after their material well being.

DAVID DANNER, one of the leading farmers of Lawrence township, is a native ot Stark county, Ohio, and the son of David and Mary (Young) Danner, the father born about the year 1808 in Center county, Pennsylvania, and the mother in Alsace, France (now a province of the German empire), in 1S14. The subject's paternal grandfather, Philip Danner, was also a native of Pennsylvania and his name appears with the pioneer history of Stark county, as he came to this part of Ohio as early as 1817 and settled in what is now the township of Lawrence, where he purchased land and improved a good farm. David Danner, Sr., was reared on this place and some time after the death of his parents jnirchased the homestead. He owned the same until about 1 86 1, when he disposed of it and bought what is kno'wn as the Jacob Kirk farm, whicli is now in the possession of his descendants. He acquired a handsome estate and died in Lawrence township in tlie year 1877, honored and respected by the people with whom he liad so much in common. He was a prominent local politician, and for many years the leader of the Democracy in his part of the county, though never an office holder or a seeker after public preference. In matters religious he was a devout member of the Lutheran church, as was also his wife, who departed this life on the 23d of August. 1899. r)^vid and Mary Banner reared a family of six children, four of whom are living, namely: Margaret, Philip, Sarah and David ; Caroline and George, the fourth and sixth in order of their birth, being deceased.

David Danner, Jr.. the fifth of the above children, was born in Lawrence township, Stark county, Ohio, on the 23d of April, 1844. Reared on his father's farm, he was early instructed in lessons of industry and frugality, his mind took the proper bent and he grew to manhood with mental and bodily powers symmetrically developed. During his minority he attended the public schools during tlie winter seasons and spent the rest of the year as his father's able assistant, having become quite familiar with the duties of farm life at an early age. When it became necessary for him to choose a vocation of his own, he decided to become an agriculturist, and as such he has since continued, owning at this time a fine farm about one mile from Canal Fulton, besides an interest in the paternal homestead. His beautiful and attractive rural home contains all the comforts and conveniences calculated to make country life desirable, and he has spared no reas(5nable sacrifice in improving his place and bringing it to the successful state of cultivation for which he has long been noted.

Mr. Danner takes an active interest in political mattei's. iiaving from his twenty-first year been an unswerving supporter of the Republican party. I-Ie has never been actuated by ambition for public office, but supports his party piu'ely from ])rinciplc. Religiously he is a I-'resl)yterian. belonging with his wife to the church at Canal Fulton, being one of the congregation's active members as well as one of the most liberal su])pnrters. Mr. Danner was married on the 25th of March, 1880, to Miss Nancy Lentz, who was born in Stark county October 4, 1849, the daughter of Joshua and Catherine (Folk) Lentz, natives of Germany and Pennsyh'ania, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Lentz came to Stark county in an early day and spent the remainder of their lives here, the former dying in 1868 and the latter in. 1887.

JOHN M. CRAWFORD, M. D., is a native son of the Buckeye state and a representative of one of its sterling pioneer families. He was Ixirn in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 3d of February, 1844. being a son of James B. and Sarah (McClelland) Crawford, of whose five children we enter the following brief data : Cynthia, who is the widow of William Montgomery, resides in Mount LTnion. Ohio; John M., subject of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Elizabeth, who remains a spinster, is a resident of Richmond. Jefferson county; Nancy is the wife of John M. Jamison and likewise resides in that place, and Emma, who was the wife of William Wood, of Smithfield, this state, is deceased. The father of the Doctor was born in Carroll county, Ohio, about the year 1820, which fact indicates how early was the period in which the family became identified with the history of the state. He was there reared and educated and in his youth learned the trade of blacksmith, to which he devoted his attention for a number of years. Finally his eyesight became much impaired and he was compelled to abandon this vocation, having previously conducted an excellent business in the town of Richmond, Jefferson county, where he had a blacksmith and wagon shop. After his retirement from this line of enterprise he engaged in the insurance and real estate business in the same town and continued to devote his attention to this enterprise until his death, which occurred in the year 1894. In politics he gave his support to the Republican party from the time of its organization, while his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a consistent and zealous member, as was also his wife. He was identified with the Masonic fraternity and also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His father, Benedict Crawford, was of German ancestry and was bom in Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated to Ohio and became one of the early settlers in Carroll county, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. The mother of the subject was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, and her death occunx: in the village of Richmond, that county.

Dr. Crawford was reared in the village of Richmond, where he received his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools. When the rebel guns thundered against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter his intrinsic loyalty and patriotism were roused to responsive protest, and though he was but sixteen years of age at the time, he tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting on the 5th of September, 1861, as a private in Company K, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the western army, and he remained in active service until the close of the war, while the history of the regiment is the histoi-y of his military service, for he was ever found at the post of duty and took part in all of the engagements in which his regiment participated. He was wounded in the battle of Nashville, and in 1862 he was captured in Tennessee, being held a prisoner during one night and being then paroled, after which he rejoined his regiment and resumed active duty as soon as his exchange was effected. He received his honorable discharge on the 6th of January, 1865, his regiment having been sent to Texas in that year, and was sergeant of his company during the major portion of his term of service.

The Doctor reached his home on the loth of January, 1866, and shortly afterward he was matriculated as a student in Harlem College at Harlem, Ohio, where he continued his studies for one year, and for a period of three years he was a successful teacher in the public schools. He then went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was employed for two years as clerk in a grocery, and from that city he returned to Ohio and located at Ironville, wliere he was employed in a mercantile establishment, one of his fellow clerks being ex- Governor R. G. Richards. He remained in that place about eighteen months and then returned to his home in Richmond, where he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Samuel Rothecker, thus continuing his studies until the autumn of 1875, when he entered the Ohio Medical College, in Cincinnati, where he continued his technical studies about one year, after which he was matriculated in the Columbus Medical College, in the capital city of the state, where he was graduated in the spring of 1877, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine and coming forth specially well equipped for the work of his chosen profession. Shortly after his graduation he established himself in the active practice of his profession in East Rochester, Columbiana county, this state, where he remained until March, 1882, having built up a large and representative practice. In the year mentioned the Doctor came to Stark county and located in the village of Minerva, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession, controlling at the present time the most extensive business of all medical practitioners in this section of the county, while he enjoys the unlimited confidence and esteem of the community and stands high in the regard of his professional confreres in the county. He is one of the honored and valued members of the Stark County Medical Society. In politics the Doctor is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and he has been an active worker in behalf of the party cause, having served as a member of the county central committee and having been mcumbent of various local offices of trust and responsibility. He was health officer of Minerva for several years and was also an efficient member of the school board for a number of years. He is one of the leading stockholders in the Minerva Banking Company, of which he is vice-president. Fraternally the Doctor IS identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, holding membership in Minerva Post No. 106, at Minerva, and he is also identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

On the 24th of March. 1880, Dr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Calerdine, of East Rochester, this state. She was born in England, being a daughter of Thomas Calerdine, who was engaged in the manufacture of lace in that country up to the time of his emigration to the United States, since which time he has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, being now one of the influential citizens of Minerva, Ohio. Dr. and Mrs. Crawford have one son, Charles C, who is a graduate in pharmacy and who is now a student in Cleveland Medical College. The suttject and his wife are members of the Methodist church.

be found elsewhere in these pages. He accompanied his parents to Stark county about the year 1870 and was reared a farmer boy, early becoming inured to the strict discipline and rugged usages which such a life necessarily includes. In the common schools he acquired a knowledge of the fundamental branches of learning which, supplemented by his subsequent observation, reading and practical experiences, has made him one of the well informed and broad-minded men of the community in which he lives.

When the Rebellion broke out young Myefs did not long hesitate between his love of home and sense of duty to his country, but yielded to the latter, enlisting in Company I, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war until the cessation of hostilities. In the discharge of his onerous duties in the camp, on the march and in the midst of the smoke and carnage of battle he knew no fear, shirked no responsibility, hesitated in the face of no danger and at the expiration of his term of service received an honorable discharge, after which he once more resumed the pursuits of civil life. For several years Mr. Myers was engaged in teaching and earned a creditable record in that capacity. Having a natural taste for agriculture, he subsequently gave all his attention to the latter calling and he has followed it with sviccess and financial profit to the present day, owning at this time a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Lawrence township, where he is well and comfortably situated to enjoy the many favors with which he has been so bountifully blessed.

Mr. Myers has been liberal in expending his surplus earnings in the improvement of his place and now has one of the beautiful and well appointed country homes of the township, the conditions of the buildings and fields, in fact, everything on the farm, attesting the taste and interest displayed by the proprietor, as well as the other members of the family. As a farmer he is fully up to date and prosecutes his labor according to the most advanced principles of modern agriculture. He keeps nothing but the best breeds of live stock, a matter in Avhich he takes great pride, and all his implements and appliances are of the latest and most approved patern. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Myers is widely known as a public auctioneer, in which capacity his services have been utilized in the sale of property in nearly every part of Stark county, having followed the business veiy successfully for over thirty years. He is an excellent judge of the values and possesses the ability and tact to represent articles so as to dispose of them at the highest possible figxire.

In business relations Mr. Myers has always demonstrated a proper conception of doing the right thing at the right time and success has invariably crowned his efforts. As a citizen he has always stood firm for the right and in the matter of public morals, social reform, of material enterprise his voice has been heard with no uncertain sound in the advocacy of whate\-er tended to the greatest good to the greatest number. Politically he is a Republican, but has little time or inclination to enter the arena of purely party affairs, preferring the quiet life of a farmer to any honor or emolument which office or public position can confer.

Mr. Myers was married, in 1869, to -Miss Lelitia J. Young, a daughter of Cyrus and Margaret (Sheafer) Young, both parents natives of Stark county and a representative of two of its earliest pioneer families. Mrs. Myers departed this life November 21, 1901, after bearing her husband seven children, namely: Cyrus, William. John C. (deceased), Oscar (deceased), Sadie, Maggie and James. The mother of these children was fifty-three years old at the time of her death, and she left to her family the sweet memory of spotless character and a devotion to their welfare which will be a comforting benediction through all the vears to come.

JOHN A. ESSIG, one of the leading farmers of Jackson township, is a son of Jacob and Madeline (Lind) Essig, both natives of Stark county. By occupation Jacob Essig was a tiller of the soil and as such met with encouraging success, owning at one time two hundred and eighty acres of land, the greater part of which is now in possession of his descendants. He was a good man and praiseworthy citizen and spent all of his life in the county of Stark, dying about four miles north of Canton in the year 1891. ]\lrs. Es.sig became the mother of ten children and departed this life in the month of May, 1901. Of his large family, six are living at the present time, the majority being residents of the county of Stark, well settled in life and useful in their various fields of endeavor.

The liirth of John A. Essig occurred in Plain township, Stark county, January 21, 1849, ^nf' li^ spent his early years on the home farm, assisting as soon as old enough with the various duties of the same. Nothing of an eventful nature took place to interfere with the even tenor of his life and he grew to maturity with a full appreciation of the responsibilities resting upon him as a citizen of a country where all are given equal opportunities for the exercise of the talents in their possession. PTis educational training was such as the common schools could impart and he pursued his studies during the years of his minority until obtaining a practical knowledge of the fundamental branches of learning. The father's estate was by no means large enough to aft'ord each of the children a substantial start in life, accordingly the subject on leaving home was obliged to rely upon his own resources for a livelihood. Determined from the outstart not to be contented with a passive existence, he at once formed his plans for the fnture, and sparing no effort within his power to carry them to conclusion, he soon found himself in a condition to realize his hopes of success in a business way. A strong heart and willing hands impelled him to undertake large things in the matter of agriculture and from a modest beginning he steadily forged his way to the front until in due time he came to be looked upon as one of the rising farmers and substantial citizens of the community in which he lived. Purchasing a good farm, he succeeded by industry and good management in adding to its area at intervals until finally he became the owner of three hundred and fifty-three acres of as fertile and well improved land as can be found within the geographical limits of the township.

Mr. Essig has given much careful study to agricultural science and perhaps is as well acquainted with the nature of soils and their adaptability to the grain and vegetable crops of the latitude as any other man in Stark county. He is a modern farmer, using modern methods and modern appliances and the splendid condition of his place as well as the bountiful harvests with which he is every year blessed demonstrate the practical value of his theoretical knowledge of husbandry.

Realizing that no true man lives for selfish ends, Mr. Essig devotes considerable time to public enterprises and as a good citizen takes an active interest in politics, supporting the principles of the Democratic party. He has never asked nor desired official distinction, but deems no reasonable sacrifice too great when working for his friends or laboring to promote the success of the party as a whole. Notwithstanding his indifference to public position, he was elected in 1893 trustee of Jackson township and filled the office three years, retiring not only with an honorable record but also with the universal good will of the people, re- gardJess of party affiliation. In matters religious Mr. Essig has profound convictions and to say that he is an earnest and sincere Christian, whose works and faith go hand in hand, is to state which every body within the range of his acquaintance is only too willing to testify. As a communicant of the Lutheran church, he has been untiring in upholding the cause of Christianity in his neighborhood and the local congregation to which he belongs has benefited greatly not only from his liberal financial support but as much if not more from his wholesome personal influence in inducing others to seek the better life.

Mr. Essig is a married man and the proud father of eight children, who are growing up to honorable ifianhood and womanhood and giving promise to lives of usefulness in whatever stations they may be called to fill. His wife was formerly Miss Julia Oberlin and the ceremony by which it was changed to the one she now bears was solemnized in the year 1874. The following are the names of the sons and daughters that have come to brighten the home and make glad the lives of these fond parents, to-wit : Henry, Bertha, Etta, John, Lena, Walter, Nancv and William S.

FRANK i^. ZIMMER, secretary and treasurer of the Harvard Company, Canton, and one of the accomplished young business men of the city, is a native of Stark county, Ohio, and the son of Charles B. and Rosa Zimmer, the father born m Medard, Germany, December 27, 1844, the mother in the United States. Charles B. Zimmer was reared in the land of his birth and when a young man turned his attention to mechanical pursuits, in due time becoming a skillful machinist, which trade he followed until a comparatively recent date. In 1867 he left the fatherland and came to the United States, landing at New York, from which city he made his way direct to Navarre, Ohio, thence after a short time remox'ed to Canton, where lie worked at his trade for a numben of years. He was employed by different industrial enterprises in this city, achieved an envial)le reputation as an efficient meclianic and foHowed liis chosen vocation until a few years ago. when he engaged with the furniture and undertaking establishment at Barberton, of which his son, the subject of this review, is a proprietor, holding a position with the same at the present time. Mr. Zimmer has been twice married, the tirst time in Canton to Miss Rosa Walters, who died in 1777, and subsequently to Emma Becherer, of Canton, who departed this life in August, 1902. By his first wife he had five children, namely : Frank A., whose name introduces this sketch; Lottie, now Mrs. George Zink, of Canton ; Clara, who married Conrad VVeigand, of Barberton, and two who died in childhood. Two children were born to Mr. Zimmer's second marriage, a claug'hter by the naiue of Marie, who is single and still a member of his home circle, and Loe, deceased. The Zimmers were born in the Catholic church and the different memliers of the family ha\e been faithful in their allegiance tO' its teachings, those living in Canton belonging to St. Joseph's congregation, in the good work of which they are active and zealous. Charles B. Zimmer stands well with his German-American fellow citizens as a man of upright character and sterling worth who attends strictly to his own affairs and who has ])roven true to everv trust reposed in him.

I* rank A. Zimmer was born September 7, 1872, in Canton. (3hio, and until his thirteenth year attended the parochial schools of the city, in which he laid the foundation of what has since been a thorough practical training, princi]ially along business lines, llis first experience in the way of earning money for himself was as a clerk in a dry goods house, and after spending some years in that capacity and obtaining an insight into the business, he accepted a position with B. Dannemiller & Sons, leading wholesale grocers of Canton, in whose employ he continued until 1890. In the latter year he severed his connection with the abo\e firm to become bookkeeper for the Harvard Company, which position he held five years, when he was promoted to the more responsible post of secretary and treasurer of the concern, the two-fold duties of which he has discharg-ed in an able and satisfactory manner to the present time.

In addition to his official connection with the Harvard Company, Mr. Zimmer owns a half interest in the furniture and undertaking establishment at Barberton, which his father now manages, and the proceeds from the latter business, with his liberal salary as secretary and treasurer, yields him an income sufficiently liberal to make him financially independent.

]\Ir. Zimmer's l)usiness record is without a blemish, while his sterling worth as a neighbor and citizen has won him a host of friends and earned for him a conspicuous place among the enterprising, public-spirited men of his native city. All of his life has been spent in Canton and his personal history contains no pages marred or blotted by unworthy actions.

Mr. Zimmer, in the year 1902, entered the marriage relation with Miss Frances Kagle, tlaughter of Michael and Josephine Kagle. of Canton, and he has a beautiful and comfortable home in which the graces of refined womanhood reign and a spirit of hospitality is ever manifest. A Catholic by birth and training, religion enters largely into his every-day concerns and, directing his life according to its precepts, he makes his presence felt for good among those with whom he has business dealings or social relations. He; and his estimable wife belong to the St. Joseph's church and fur some time past he has l>een organist and leader of the choir in the same, being an accomplished musician with a wide reputation as a vocalist and as a skillful performer upon several kinds of instruments. In the dil'ferent lines of religious work under the supervision of the church he is also quite active, being a member of the Knights of Columbus and a leading .spirit in the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the success of which organizations is due to him ]jer!ia])s as much as to any other individual identified therewith.

Mr. Zimmer acts with the Democratic party, politically Wieving thoroughly in its principles and has an abiding faith in its mission as a party of the people. lie has never been attracted by the allurements of office, but contents himself with voting his principles and supporting' the party's candidates, leaving the responsibility of leadership and the hcjnors of public position to those whose minds run in such directions.

T. J. REED, M. D., is proud to claim Ohio as his native state, a state which has probably produced as many distinguished men in all lines of human action as any other commonwealth in the American union. He was born July 31, 1838, in the county of Coshocton, and remained there until a youth of seventeen years, meantime acquiring a knowledge of the elementary branches of learning in the ])ublic schools. The training thus received was afterwards supplemented by a course in Keen Academy, and at the age of eighteen he selected medicine as the profession best suited to his tastes and inclinations, entering, in 1856, Rolfe Medical College in the city of Toronto, Canada. .After spending two years in that institution, he became a student of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he pursued his studies until i860, when he was graduated. Shortly after receiving his degree Dr. Reed was appointed acting assistant surgeon in the United States navy, l>eing assigned duty on the ship "DeSoto," and later transferred to the United States ship "Stars and Stripes." After discharging the duties of this position with credit to himself and satisfaction to the department until 1864, he was appointed to a similar i)ost in the United States army, entering upon his official functions at Washington City, D. C, where he remained until the year following, when he .severed his connection with the service for the purpose of further perfecting himself in his profession. Tn 1865 he took a post-graduate course in obstetrics at Jefiferson College, and the following year located at Massillon, where he has since devoted him,self very closely to the general practice, building up a very extensive business and earning honorable distinction in a field long noted for its high order of medical talent. Dr. Reed is a man of brnad and liberal learning in his professicjii, skillful as a practitioner, and possesses what is .so desirable in a true healer, cheerfulness, cotutesy, a high sense of honor and an inspiring ])resence which never fails to c<jmmand the confidence of patients and the respect of their friends. He has been untiring in his researches and investigations in the realm n\ medical science, and by close and critical study has kept ])ace with the age relative to the latest discoveries in medicine and the art of practice. Few physicians have been more successful in the treatment of certain diseases, notably among which are smallpox, typhoid fever and various kinds of fevers, in all of which his colleagues cheerfully acknowledge his eminence. In the general practice his efforts have likewise been rewarded with the most gratifying results. Dr. Reed has little time to devote to the social amenities of life, the never ceasing claims of his profession requiring nearly all of his attention, and he makes every other consideration subordinate to his patients' interests. In view of this fact, he has never taken a very active part in public matters or political questions, although he keeps himself well informed upon Ixjlli, and has decided opinions relative to the leading issues of the day. As a citizen he occupies a high station in the community, being widely and favorably known for his many excellent qualities of head and heart, commanding the esteem of the people of his city and county, and ever ready and willing to show them any favor within his power to bestow. Dr. Reed was married, in 1869, to Miss Belle Dickey, who has borne him two children, a son, T. F., and a daughter, Lulu F., now the wife of F. F. Tigert, of Massillon. The former was educated in the public schools O'f Massillon, Adelbert College and a preparatory school at Hudson, Ohio. He was graduated from the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, in 1893, and has been a successful practitioner from that time to the present, meanwhile taking a special course in the Eye and Ear Flospital, New York city. He is now making a specialty of the treatment of diseases peculiar to the eye, nose, ear and throat, and has already met with gratifying success in these lines of his profession.

WILLIAM DeFORD. - In the history of eastern Ohio few names are as prominent as that of DeFord. Those who bore it in early days were men of character, position, positive convictions and great personal force and it is needless to state that these with other admirable qualities have been displayed by their descendants from the pioneer period to the present time. As the name implies, the DeFord family is of French origin. Of the ancestral history little is known beyond certain facts connected with the life of one Jean DeFord, who with his wife, Marie (nee Marchand), was a native of France and a devout Huguenot in a time when to avow Protestantism was equivalent to confiscation of property if not death. On the revocation of the edict of Nantes, in 1686, Jean DeFord and wife, together with members of their respective families and others of like faith, fled from the city of Toulouse and, after various experiences, finally sailed for the new world, which they reached in due time, settling in Kent county, Maryland, where freedom of conscience was then allowed. Mr. and jMrs. DeFord had been married but a short time before their escape and were both young and without children when they reached their destination on the shores of Maryland. After coming to this country, they reared a large family of thirteen sons and one daughter, the latter in young womanhood marrying a prominent business man in the city of Philadelphia by the name of Merchant. From the sons all the De- Fords in the United States are descended, the father, Jean (or John, as the name has since been anglicised), being the great-grandfather of William DeFord. The old family Bible containing the names of the early DeFords was brought to America by Jean DeFord and is in possession of a relative living in the city of Baltimore. It is a well-preserved volume, bound in canvas-covered boards, with large bronze hinges and clasps, very clear, legible print and by reason of its early date and long continuance in the family has a value far greater than mere dollars and cents.

When the war of the Revolution broke out John DeFord, son of the above Jean and grandfather of the subject, entered the American army and did heroic service for the country in many campaigns and noted battles, besides losing the bulk of his fortune during the struggle. Having confidence in the integrity of the colonial government, he converted much of his property into continental script, which finally became so much worthless paper, entailing upon him a loss from which it took him a long time to recover. At the close of the war he migrated from Marjdand to what is now Fayette county, Pennsylvania, at that time Westmoreland county, where two of his sons, John and Marchard, were then living, selectins: for his future home a tract of land near-

Redstone creek. He cleared and developed a farm and in due lime became widely and favorably known as a man of affairs, taking an active interest in the material development of the country and by his correct conduct adding much to the social and moral status of the community in which he resided. The death of this worthy citizen was the result of an accident under the following circumstances : Having -occasion to carry a grist of grain to a mill on the Redstone, he threw the sack across the i^ack of his horse and mounting behind made the trip in safety and, as was the custom, waited until the grain was converted into flour. On his way home he led the horse until reaching the ford, when he again mounted and to make sure of crossing the creek took the sack of flour m front of him, letting it rest upon his knees and against his body. Being a very portly man, of great weight, he was obliged to lift the sack of flour as high as his chest and in so doing ruptured an internal blood vessel, from the effects of which he died before reaching home.

John DeFord, son of the above John and father of the subject, was born in Kent county, Maryland, and was about eighteen years old when his parents changed their abode to Pennsylvania. He worked in Fayette county several years for a farmer by the name of Stevens and in 1799 was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Hopwood, whose birth occurred in Maryland in 1785. Mrs. DeFord was the of Rev. John Hopwood, a well 'known Baptist divine, who preached in various parts of Fayette county in an early day and "helped to found several churches of his faith there and elsewhere in Pennsylvania. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. DeFord resulted in the birth of six children, whose names were as follows : Hannah, John, William, Harriet, Elizabeth and Daniel. The mother, a most worthy woman and for many years a sincere and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, departed this life in 1815. A few years later Mr. DeFord married Miss Lydia Brownfield, of Pennsylvania, who died in 1838, leaving one son, now living near Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1811 John DeFord went to Carroll county, Ohio, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in what is now Augusta township, after which he returned to his home in Pennsylvania. He was an industrious, hard working man, and by careful economy earned considerable money, which from time to time was judiciously invested in western lands, his last transaction of this kind in Ohio being about the year 1826, when his realty in this state amounted to something like nine hundred acres. As the country grew and population increased this land became quite valuable and in time represented a fortune of considerable magnitude. For over forty years Mr. DeFord kept a hotel at the foot of Laurel Hill, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, during which period his house became favorably known to the traveling public and earned the reputation of a first-class hostelry. The village in which it was situated was called Hopwood in honor of his father-inlaw, but later the name was changed to Monroe, by which it has since been known. Meanwhile his Ohio lands continued to increase in value and in 1842 Mr. DeFord disposed of his interests in Pennsylvania and moved to his possessions in Carroll county, settling on the farm in Washington township which his grandson Benton now owns and cultivates. On coming to this state he turned his attention almost wholly to agriculture and was quite successful in the pursuit, developing a very fine farm and earning the reputation of a praiseworthy and public-spirited citizen. For many years he was a consistent member of the Methodist Protestant church and in pohtics supported the Democratic party, having been one of its leaders in the township of his residence. He spent his declining years on his farm in quiet and content and lived to a remai'i<able age, departing this life in 1873 in his one hundred and second year, being the oldest man in Ohio at the time of his death. In his j-ounger days John DeFord became personally acquainted with quite a number of the nation's leading men and distinctly remembered many of the stirring events of the early days. He was at Laurel Hill when Washington occupied tlie fort at Baltimore, and he not only saw the father of his country frequently Ijut was quite well acquainted with him. In many respects Mr. Del'ord was much more than an ordinary man. being intelligent, public-spirited and in no small degree a leader of opinion among his neighbors and fellow citizens. He stamped his individuality upon the community, took an active interest in promoting all legitimate enterprises and always stood boldly for the right, maintaining the course of his convictions under all circumstances.