Canton Township (part 55 of 62)

Mr. Saxton was twice married, the first time on Augxist 31, 1846, to Miss Kate Dewalt, of Canton, daughter of George and Catherine (Harter) Dewalt, who was born August 18, 1827, and who shared with him the esteem and respect of the community and was his loving and faithful coadjutor in everything in which her womanly heart and brain could do service. She departed this life at the old Saxton home March 14, 1873, after bearing her "husband the following children : Ida, born June 8, 1847, married, January 25, 1871, William McKinley, afterwards President of the United States, and to whose union two daughters were born, - Ida M. died at the age of four months, and Katie died at the age of three and a half years; Mary B., born December 15, 1848, married, August 20, 1873, Marshall C. Barber; George D., born October 31, 1850, died October 7, i8q8. Sometime after the death of his first companion Mr. Saxton contracted a matrimonial alliance with Mrs. Hettie Medill, a most estimable lady, whose former husband was a brother of the late Joseph Medill, of Chicago, editor of the Tribune of that city and for many years one of the leading journalists of the United States. The life of Mr. Saxton terminated at the home he loved so well and around which so many tender associations and hallowed recollections clustered, on the 14th day of March, 1887. His was indeed a full life, fraught with good to all with whom he came in contact and crowned with blessings to the world. In him the city of Canton lost a- truly great man, a useful citizen, and the community a kind neighbor, a sympathizing and self-sacrificing friend. His ambition always ran to the benefit of others and never to public distinction or personal aggrandizement. With a single exception of serving for a short time in the city council, he never held public office, nor desired or attained political prominence, although his personal popularity and influence were such that he might have stood first among his fellow citizens and received the most distinguished honors at their command, had he so chosen. His indifference to the customary objects of ambition, his constant services in all kindly offices and labors, his benevolent face, genial manner and venerable appearance, all combined to make him for almost a generation one of the most conspicuous and revered citizens of the community in which he was born and with the history of which his life for over tliree-quarters of a century was so closely identified.

HENRY MILLER was born on a farm in Washington township, this county, on the 6th of October, 1856, being a son of Christian and Fanny (Krabill) Miller, all of whose seven children are yet living, namely : Michael, a successful farmer of Washington township* Christian, who is similarly engaged in the same township; Peter, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Nimishilien township, as is also Jacob, who is associated with the subject in the ownership of the farm where he resides; Henry, who is the subject of this sketch; Catherine, who is the wife of Rudolph Pfander, of Nimishilien township ; and Jonas, who is engaged in farming in Washington to\\nship. The father of our subject was born in the province of Alsace, France, which is now a portion of the empire of Germany, the date of his nativity having been 182T. When he was twelve years of age his father, who likewise bore the name of Christian, emigrated with his family to .'\merica, and came forthwith to Ohio and located on a farm of eighty acres, in Washington township. Stark county, where both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. The fatlier of the subject was reared to maturity on this pioneer farm, which has been in possession of the family since the 3'ear 1833, and after his marriage lie purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres, in the southwest corner of ^Vashington township, where he continued to reside until his death, on July 26, 1892. In 1876 he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty-two acres in Niraishillen township, where our subject now resides, and he was known as one of the progressive and substantial farmers of the county, whde he ever held the esteem of all who knew him, being a man of sterling character and marked business ability. In politics he gave his support to the Democratic party, and both he and his \vife were devoted members of the Mennonite church. The mother of the subject was likewise a native of Alsace, France, where she was born about the year 1827. When she was about thirteen years of age she accompanied her parents on their emigration to the United States, and her father. Christian Krabill, located on the farm where the subject now resides, and here passed the residue of his life The mother was summoned into eternal rest in 1885.

Henry Miller was reared on the old homestead farm, in Washington township, and early became inured to the labors pertaining to its cultivation, while he is indebted to 'the district schools for the early educational advantages which fell to his portion. At the age of eighteen years he became associated with his brothers Peter and Jacob in operating the farm, of which he is now part owner, and in 1882 they leased the same from their father and continued to conduct the same for a number of years. In 1 89 1 our subject and his brother Jacob purchased the property, and the latter now nas charge of the place, the subject having given up his active association with the work of the farm in 1895, in order to devote his entire attention to the buying and shipping of live stock, in which line he has met with most gratifying success, having shown marked discrimination in his busiiiess affairs and handling a large amount of stock each year, the held of his operations extending over a wide radius of country. As early as his trfteenth year Mr. Miller purchased, contrary to the advice of his father, two yearling cattle, and his judgment proved good in the connection, since he realized a good profit from his transaction, and from this modest initiation he has gradually built up his present business, whose extent is indicated in the fact that he is known as the most extensive buyer and shipper of live stock in this section of the county, shipping to East Liberty, Buffalo and New York city. In addition to the home farm Mr. Miller owns a half interest in another tract, of fourteen acres, in this township, and he is also the owner of the old Krabill school house, which he now rents for residence purposes. He has twenty-six acres of land in W^ashington township, and owns a half interest in a steam cider press and apple-butter factory in that township. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and for the past fifteen years he has been a member of the school board of his district, ever taking a lively interest in all that tends to conserve the progress and muteriai prosperity of the community.

On the 19th of October, 1882, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Feller, who was born in Switzerland, whence she came to America with her parents when sixteen years of age, her father, John Feller, settling on a farm in Nimishillen township, this county, where both he and his wife remained until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one daughter, Laura, who remains beneath the home roof.

HUGH DANIEL McCREA is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, but when two years of age his parents moved to the village of Hanover, Columbiana countv, Ohio. He was borrt on the 2 1 St of May, 1849, and received his educational disciphne in the pubhc schools. He is a son of John B. McCrea, who was born in Blairsville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared, and there he learned the trade of cabinet-making. In the old Keystone state was solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary McGarry, who was likewise a native of Pennsylvania, and in 185 1 they removed to Hanover. Columbiana county, Ohio, where Mr. McCrea was engaged in the mercantile business for ,\ period of eighteen years, at the expiration of which he came to Canton, where he established himself in the furniture and undertaking business on East Tuscarawas street, between Walnut and Cherry streets, and this enterprise he continued until the time of his death, a period of eighteen years. He became known as one of the able and progressi\-e business men of the city, and so ordered his course as to retain the unqualified esteem of all who knew him. He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were communicants of the Roman Catholic church, having been members of St. John's church during the entire interval of their residence in Canton. Here the father of our subject died in 1887, at the age of sixty-one years, while his wife survived until April 24, 1901, when she was summoned into eternal rest, at the age of seventj^-four years. They became the parents of three sons and three daughters, and of the number five are living at the present time, the subject having been the eldest in order of birth.

Hugh D. McCrea accompanied his parents on their removal to Canton, in 1868, and here he was employed in his father's store until 1875, when, in company with Joseph Bour, of Canton, he went to New Castle, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where they engaged in the furniture business, under the firm name of McCrea & Bour. At the expiration of three and one-half years this partnership was dissolved, and j\Tr. McCrea then removed to

Youngstown, Mahoning county, Ohio, where he was engaged in the same line of business until 1886, when he returned to Canton and assumed control of the furniture business which had been conducted by his father, whose death had recently occurred. He continued to individually carry on this enterprise until 1892, when he moved to Market street and engaged in undertaking only until 1899. Then he formed a partnership with John L. Arnold, and they have since conducted business under the name of the Canton Home Furnishing Company. They have greatly expanded the scope of the original enterprise, and their finely equipped establishment is located at 238 North Market street, and controls a large and ever increasing trade, all lines of furniture and house-furnishing goods being carried in stock, and the display is at all times select and comprehensive. The policy of the firm is progressive, and the honorable methods brought to bear have conserved popular appreciation and confidence, so that the business has taken high rank among the mercantile enterprises of the city. Mr. McCrea exercises his franchise in support of the principles of the Democratic party, and he has ever clung to the religious faith in which he was reared, being a communicant of St. John's church, Roman Catholic, as is also his wife. Fraternally he is identified with the Catholic Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

On the 30th of April, 1874, Mr. McCrea was united in marrfage at Butler, Pennsylvania, to Miss Catherine Sheridan, who was born near Butler, being a daughter of Bernard and Ellen Sheridan. They have two children, Frank A., who was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of October, 1S76, and Clarence, who died at the age of two years.

Mr. McCrea has been identified with undertaking all his life, and has officiated at over six thousand funerals, having had charge of our lamented President McKinley's funeral, and also of the latter's mother. He served as president of the Canton Business Men's Association, and was also secretary and treasurer of the Miller Coach and Livery Com - pany, also secretary and treasurer of the Canton Home Furnishing Company.

BENJAMIN M. ESHELMAN comes of stanch German lineage, and of that stock which the fatherland contributed to the great state of Pennsylvania in the initial stages of its history. He was born in Nimishillen township, Stark county, Ohio, on the 9th of October, 1847, being a son of Michael and Susan (Matthias) Eshelman, whose children were five in number, namely : Levi, who is a resident of Belford, Nimishillen township; Julia, who is the wife of A. B. Hess, of Canton; Benjamin M., the immediate subject of this review; Isaac, Avho is a resident of Marlboro township; and Henry, of Nimishillen township. Michael Eshelman was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, wh.ere he was reared to years of maturity on a farm. As a young man he came to Stark county, Ohio, in company with a man named Rothrock, in whose employ he continued for a number of years. After his marriage he purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land from Mr. Rothrock, this being the farm, in Nimishillen township, now owned by Henry Wertenberger. He erected a modest frame house on his land, and at once entered vigorously upon the task of reclaiming his farm and placing the land under cultivation, eventually developing one of the valuable farms of the township, while his indefatigable and well directed efforts were attended with a due measure of success. He finally erected upon the farm a substantial brick house, while he added to the area of his farm, which comprised one hundred and fifty acres at the time of his in 1894, at which time he had attained the venerable age of eighty-five years. He was a man of high intelligence and upright character, ever commanding the confidence of his fellow men, and though not a member of any church was a believer in the Christian religion, and lent his support to church work, without regard to creed or dogma. His political support was given to the Republican party, with which he identified himself at the time of its organization. His wife was born in Nimishillen township, Stark county, being a daughter of one of the honored pioneers of Stark county, and she died in 1897, at the age of eighty years, having been a devoted member of the Progressive church.

Benjamin M. Eshelman was reared on the old homestead farm, and early began to assume his share of the work about the place, while he is indebted to the district schools for the early educational opportunities which came to his portion. After he had reached his twenty-first year the management of the farm largely devolved upon him and his brothers, Isaac and Henry, and they conducted the same on shares up to the time of the subject's marriage, in 1884, when he removed to his present home farm, comprising sixty-six acres, which had been purchased liy him and his two brothers previously mentioned, in 1881, while upon his locating upon the farm he effected the purchase of his brothers' interests in the property, and has ever since continued to follow agricultural pursuits here, having made excellent improvements on the farm and placed the same under most effective cultivation, using, that discrimination in his methods which insures the maximum return therefrom. In 1900 he erected his present commodious and attractive modern residence, and on the whole the farm is one of the model ones of the township. In politics he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party, though he has never desired official preferment, and his religious faith is that of the Protestant church.

man was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Zv Sefong, who was born in Niniishillen township, being a daughter of Jacob Sefong, a prominent pioneer farmer of this section of the :ounty, and of this union four children were born, all of whom remain beneath the home roof, their names, in order of birth, being as follows: Florence P., Dora B., Harrison M., and Zella M. Mrs. Eshelman was summoned into eternal rest on the 4th of July, 1895, at the age of thirty-two years, having been a loving and devoted wife and mother, and a woman of noble character.

WILLIAM WAGNER comes of stanch German lineage, and is a son of the late Jacob Wagner, who was born and reared in Germany, whence he emigrated to America when a young man, having learned the shoemaker's trade in the fatherland, and having devoted his attention to the same for a number of years after coming to the United States. He first located in the state of Pennsylvania, but later came to Stark county, Ohio, locating in Lake township, where he reclaimed an excellent farm, becoming one of the prosperous and highly honored citizens of the county, where he passed the remainder of his long and useful life. He died at Hartville, this county, in 1900, at the venerable age of eighty-six years, and there his widow, whose maiden name was Magdalena Emerich, and who was likewise born in Germany, still maintains her home, being now eighty-seven years of age. They became the parents of six sons and three daughters, and ot these five of the former and three of the latter are still living: Lovina married Daniel Fulmer, who is now deceased ; Caroline married Louis Werstler, now deceased ; Mary married Milton Richards ; Jacob resides at Cairo ; Frank L. died in 1903; John is a retired farmer of Hartville; U. R. lives in Hartville; and Edwin, at Akron. Jacob Wagner was a Democrat in his political proclivities, and his religious faith was that of the Reformed church, of which his wife also is a member.

William Wagner was born on the old homestead farm, in Lake township. Stark county, Ohio, on the 25th of May, 1845, and he received his early educational training in the district schools, and later continued his studies in Greensburg Seminary and Mount Union College, this county. In 1864 he came to Canton, where he was employed in the factory of the late Colonel Ephraim Ball for a few months, at the expiration of which time he resigned his position in order to respond to the call of higher duty. On the 4th of October, 1864, in Canton, Mr. Wagner enlisted as a private in Company K, Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Ferguson and Colonel Plorton, and he therefore continued in active service with his command until victory had crowned the Union arms and the integrity of the nation had been perpetuated. He took part in many spirited skirmishes in South Carolina, and was ever found at the post of duty. He received his honorable discharge at Columbia, South Carolina, in November, 1S65, and he then returned to Stark county, and with the funds which he had saved from his pay as a soldier he resumed his educational work, at this time entering the seminary at Greensburg, and later prosecuted his studies in Mount Union College, as has already been intimated in this context. Thereafter he was successfully engaged in teaching in the district schools of his native county for fourteen terms, and he then opened a country store at Uniontown, and later he established himself in the general merchandise business at Hartville. While thus engaged he also served as township clerk and township treasurer of Lake township, and also became incumbent of the office of justice of the peace, and during the administration of President Cleveland he was postmaster at Hartville, ever retaining the implicit confidence and high es-

In 1890 Mr. Wagner came to Canton to assume the position of deputy sheriff under Charles A. Krider, retaining this incumbency four years during the regime of that able sheriff, and later remaining for two years as deputy under Sheriff Hiram Doll. He was twice arrayed against Mr. Doll as candidate for the office of county treasurer, being defeated in each instance, and Mr. Doll manifested his personal esteem and good will when he was elected sheriff by retaining Mr. Wagner as his deputy. The latter left the sherift"s office in 1896, and for about three years thereafter devoted the major portion of his time and attention to the real estate business, with headquarters in Canton. He was one of the organizers of the People's Savings Bank, in 1891, and a member of its original directorate, while for several years he served as vice-president of the institution. He was also concerned in the organization of the Canton State Bank, and he has been a member of its board of directors from the time of its inception. In March, 1899, Mr. Wagner became associated with others in the organization and incorporation of the Citizens' Building & Loan Company, of Canton, the original executive corps of the institution being as follows: John B. Brothers, president; William H. Smith, attorney; Albert S. Griffin, secretary; and William Wagner, treasurer. In the spring of 1902 Mr. Griffin resigned his office and the subject was appointed to fill the vacancy, since which time he has held the dual office of secretary and treasurer, devoting the greater portion of his time to the executive duties involved.

In politics Mr. Wagner has ever given an unqualilied allegiance to the Democratic party, and has taken an active interest in its cause, and since coming to Canton he has served three years as a member of the board of park commissioners. He and his family are regular attendants of Trinity Reformed church, to whose support he contributes liberally, though he is not formally identified with the same as a member. Fraternally Mr. Wagner is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic, holding membership in McKinley Post No. 25, of which he has served as commander, adjutant and quartermaster, while he is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In the village oi Hartville, this county, in 1868, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Urena Baum, who was born in this county, being a daughter of Daniel, and Sarah (Bomberger) Baum, honored pioneers of Lake township. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have four children, namely: Jennie and Effie: Kittie, who is a graduate of the Canton high school, and who is now a successful and popular teacher in the public schools of this city; and Paul, who was graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1902, and who is now assistinsr his father in his business.

DAVID S.XIDER was born and reared on his present farm, in Nimishillen township, Stark county, Ohio, the date of his nativity having been August 28, 1837, while he is the eighth in order of birth of the nine children of Michael and Elizabeth (Holben) Snider, and the eldest of the three survivors, the others being as follows : Eli;;abeth, who is the widow of Henry C. Wise, and who resides in the \illage of Louisville, this county; and Rebecca, who is the widow of John Hook, and resides near the city of Birmingham, Alabama. Michael Snider was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, on the 5th of January, 1797. the original American ancestors having emigrated to American in the early colonial epoch, and his father, George Snkler, was the first representative of the family in Stark county, Oliio, wliich locality he had visited in the year 1810, and entered claim to three quarter-sections of gov- ernment land, in the midst of the virgin forest, which property he subsequently divided among his children. The deed to the land is now in the possession of our subject, and is a valuable heirloom. It bears date of November i, 1810, and is signed by James Madison, who was at the time President of the United States. Tlie family made a permanent removal to their new home in the primitive wilds of the new country shortly after the war of 1812, and here the grandfather of the subject passed the residue of his life. His son Michael received the quarter section where our subject now resides, and forthwith made a clearing in tiie midst of the woods, and there erected a log cabin of the primitive type, and then set to himself the herculean task of reclaiming his land and bringing it under cultivation. How well he succeeded, and how earnest his endeavors, the conditions today indicate, and he lived to witness the development of the county from the condition of a primeval forest to that of a populous and opulent division of one of the greatest states in the Union. He died on the old homestead on the 30th of October, 1880, at the venerable age of eighty-three years and nine months. He w-as a stanch Democrat in his political ^'iews, and took an active interest in local affairs of a public nature, while he served as township assessor, and was shown other marks of popular confidence and esteem. Both he and his wife were devout and Avortliy members of the Lutheran church, in whose faith they reared their children, whose v.'elfare was their deepest solicitude. The mother of the subject w-as born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the ist of July, 1799, and her deatli occurred on the old homestead farm, in Stark county, on the 7th of January, 1888, at the age of eighty-eight years and six months. Her parents came to Stark county about the same time as did the Snider family, and the two families were the first to t.ake up a permanent abode in Nimishillen township.

David Snider passed his youthful days on the oicl homestead, which is still his abiding place, and it is needless to say that he early became familiar with the manifold details that entered into the reclamation and cultivation of a pioneer farm, this formative period in his life being one that has had its influence upon his entire subsequent career, since he then learned the value of consecutive endeavor and to appreciate that sturdy independence which is ever begotten under such circumstances and environments. His scholastic privileges were necessarily limited, being confined to an irregular attendance in the little log school house so typical of the early days, but this alert mentality has enabled him to fully profit by the fessons of experience, and he is today a man of broad information and mature judgment. Upon attaining his majority he began farming a portion of the homestead "on shares," as the colloquial expression has it, and in 1873 he purchased the interest of one of the other heirs to the estate, while by successive purchases. - in 1873, 1875, 1877, 1S84, and 1889,- - he finally acquired the interests of all the heirs, thus becoming the sole owner of the ancestral farm. He also purchased thirty acres adjoining the home place, and his landed estate now comprises one hundred and eighty-two acres, while no more prolific a farm can be found in the county.

In 1862 Mr. Snider was drafted into the government service as a soldier of the Civil war, being mustered in as a private of Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he proceeded to Camp Steel, Tennessee, and the first engagement in which he participated was at Arkansas Post, where seven bullets passed through his clothing, and where the scabbard of his bayonet was shot off, showing that he must have been in the thick of the fray. He next took part in the battle of Haines Bluff, and the command then followed Grant down to Grand Bluft' and crossed over into Mississippi, taking part in the capture of Jackson, tiie capital of that state, and later participating in the forty-seven days' siege of Vicksburg, after which they returned to Jackson and took part in the five days' fight with Johnston. Mr. Snider continued in the service until August, 1863, when he was mustered out, at Black River, Mississippi, receiving his honorable discharge in August, 1863, at Black River, Mississippi. He suffered severe attacks of chills and fever while in the south, and this,as taken in connection with other hardships and privations, worked havoc with his physical system, as is evident when we revert to the fact that when he entered the service he weighed two hundred and ten pounds, while there were only one hundred and thirty pounds of the individual to be mustered out. Prior to the war Mr. Snyder was a Democrat in politics, but upon the organization of the Republican party, as the avowed opponent of slavery, he espoused its cause, and the "grand old party" has ever since had his firm allegiance. Though not formally identified with any church Mr. Snider is a firm believer in the teachings ' of the lowly Nazarene, and is an upright, sincere Christian gentleman.

On the 1 8th of October, 1866, Mr. Snider was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ringer, who was born in Marlboro township, this county, a daughter of Michael Ringer, who came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and became one of the early settlers of Stark county, where he passed the remainder of his life. Of the five children boin of this union four are living at the present time, namely : Isabelle, the wife of Peter Monter, of Marlboro township ; Thaddeus, a successful farmer of Osnaburg township; Eliza J., the wife of Herbert Heise, of Marlboro township; and Lora, the wife of Irwin Warner, also a resident of that township. Mrs. Snider was summoned into eternal rest on the 26th of December, 1875, and in 1878 the subject married Miss

Elizabeth Knepper, wiio was born in Nimishillen township, a daughter of Ananias Knepper, who came to the county from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Snider are the parents of four children : Phcebe, who is the wife of Otis Burgett, of this township; and Ellsworth, John D. and Lillie, who remain at the parental home.

JOSEPH LARKIN HIGLEY comes of stanch English ancestry m the agnatic line, the original progenitor in ihe United States having been Captain John Higley, who was born in Frimley, Surrey county, England, whence he came to America in 1665, taking up his residence at Windsor, Connecticut, where he resided until his death. He gained his title of captain by reason of service in the Colonial militia. Joseph Higley. grandfather of the subject, was a native of the state of Massachusetts, having been born in Becket, Berkshire county, whence, in 181 5, he came as a pioneer to Ohio, locating in Portage county, where he entered claim to a tract of government land in what is now the town of Windham, where he developed a good farm, upon which he continued to reside until the close of his life. On this honiestfead was born his son John Larkin Higley, father of the subject, and there he was reared to maturity, and he succeeded to the ownership of the farm, which continued to be his home during the remainder of his long, honorable and signally useful life, his deadi occurring at the age of eighty-oneyears. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Frary, was of Scottish ancestry, and was born in Becket, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, whence his parents removed to Windham, Portage county. Ohio, when she was a child, and she still resides on the old homestead, endeared to her through the hallowed memories of the past, and she is eighty-two years of age at the time of this writing, in 1903.

homestead farm mentioned, the date of his nativity having been January 23, 1S47, ^^^^ after availing himself of sacii. advantages as were offered in the district sclioois he continued his educational discipline in the high school at Ravenna. At the age of seventeen years he assumed a clerical position in a general store at Newton Falls, Trumbull county, later on occupying" similar positions at Cleveland and Ravenna, Ohio. He continued in the mercantile business for the period of fourteen years, having removed, in 1870, to Stark county, and located in Waynesburg, where he established himself in the general merchandise business, continuing the enterprise until 1877, and in 1879 he removed to Mansfield, this state, where he became interested in the sheet-metal roofing business, the headquarters of the business having later been removed to Canton, where the enterprise was reorganized under the title of the Canton Steel Roofing Company. In 1880 Mr. Higley came to Canton, and for about six years he was in the employ of the Peerless Reaper Company, and for one year with the C. Aultman Company, and then purchased an interest in the Canton Brick Company, with whose operations he contmued to be identified as secretary and treasurer until 1897, when it was reorganized under the name of the Canton & Cleveland Brick Company, and in March, 1902. he disposed of his interest in the same, and has since given his attention to his various capitalistic and industrial interests. He is president of the Cleveland Brick & Clay Company, a director of the Canton .Savings & Trust Company, also secretary and treasurer of the Sevres China Company, being concerned in several other important enterprises, while he is also the owner of a considerable amount of valuable realty. In politics Mr. Higley is a stalwart advocate of the j^rinciples and policies of the Republican party, but he has never had any personal ambition in a political way and has never held office. Mr. and Mrs. Higley

At Waynesburg, this county, on the 31st of October, 1876, Mr. Higley was united in marriage to Miss Jane Scott, who was born at Bushnell, Illinois, being a daughter of Captain George M. Scott, who served with disiiinction in the war of the Rebellion, and who died in the service during' the war. The maiden name of his wife was Nancy Gibson, and she is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Higley. The subject and his wife have had three children, all of whom died in early childhood.

JOHN R. MATTHEWS. - The Matthews family is of stanch English stock, the grandfather of the subject having been John Matthews, who was born in the city of Bristol, England, whence he came to the United States as a young man, locating in the state of Massachusetts, where he passed the remainder of his life. John Matthews, father of him whose name initiates this sketch, was born in the old Bay state, where he was reared to m.aturity, after which he removed to Monroe county. New York, locating in the village of Pittsford, where he was engaged in the cooperage business for a number of years. There was solemnized his marriage to Miss Martha Enisted. who was born in England, and who was about four year.s of age at the time of her parents' emigration to the United States. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Whitcomb, in North Hartland, Niagara county. New York, in May, about twenty-eight years ago, about sixty-eight years of age, and her husband preceded her into eternal rest in the city of Rochester, New York. He was originally a \Miisr in his political proclivities, and later transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, while both he and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian church. He was a close Bibhcal student, and was very famihar with all portions of the scriptures, from which he was able to quote almost any passage from memory. He and his wife became the parents of eight children, of whom only two are living at the present time, John Iv., the immediate subject of this review, and Charles H., who is likewise a resident of the city of Canton. John R. Matthews was born in Pittsford, Monroe county, New York, on the 30th of November, 183 1, and he was reared and educated in his native state. He was early thrown on his own resources, and his educational advantages were limited, smce he was compelled to walk two miles to and from the little school house, which he was enabled to attend only during the short winter terms. He left home when quite young, and served a thorough apprenticeship at the nursery business, to which he continued to devote his attention for many years. In i860 Mr. Matthews came from Rochester, New York, to_ Canton, for the purpose of taking charge of the nursery of Henry Meyer, who had advertised for a man to fill this position, our subject having noted the advertisement in the Rural New Yorker, and he was selected to fill the position, for which fully fifty persons had made application. He continued to be actively identified wilh this line of industry until about 1877, when he accepted a clerkship in the establishment of the Gunsberg Clothing Company, of Canton, later entering the employ of the Goldberg Clothing Company, with which he remained about four years, and was then with that company's successor, I. & D. Rosenthal, until about 1900. For several years past he has conducted an independent business in Canton, where he is agent for eastern clothing concerns. In politics Mr. Matthews accords an unwavering allegiance to the Republican party, and in the spring of 1902 he was elected to the office of trustee of Canton township, in which position he is rendering most efficient and satisfactory service. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum, the Senior Order of United American Mechanics and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is well known in Canton and vicinity, and holds the high regard of the community in which he has so long m.ade his home.

In the city of Rochester, New York, Mr. Mattliews was united in marriage to Miss Julia Stiles, who was born in the city of Syracuse, New York, being a daughter of Martin J. Stiles, a farmer and blacksmith. When she was a child her parents removed to Fairport, Monroe county. New York, where she was reared and educated, and where they passed the remainder of their lives. Of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Matthews we incorporate the following brief record: Delia is the wife of John H. Diffenbacher, of Middlebranch, Stark county; Charles died in childiiood; Ida is the wife of Ewing S. Barnes, of Youngstown, Mahoning county ; Minnie is deceased ; William died in childhood; Harry, who was born in Canton, on the 4th of September, 1S67, and who was educated in the public schools of this city, is now engaged in business with his father; Fred resides at Salem, Ohio; and John resides in Canton.

HIRAM SMITH was born on the parental homestead farm, in what is now North Canton, on the I2th of October, 1852, being a son of John J. and Nancy (Shriver) Smith, the former of whom was a son of Daniel Smith, who were numbered among the very early settlers in Stark county, whither they emigrated from the state of Maryland. John J. Smith was born in Maryland, in the year 1806, and was reared to maturity amid the scenes of pioneer days in Stark county, where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until the - time of his deatli. His wife was a daughter of Daniel Shriver, who hkewise was among tlie very early settlers in the county. His farm lay m Canton township, and the north and northeastern parts of the city are located on the land which he thus secured. His land extended as tax southward as the present Turner Hall, and he used to cultivate the flats which are now practically in the center of the city. He owned a large amount of land, and through its appreciation in value with the growth of the city and the increase in population throughout the county he became well-to-do, and was an influential citizen of the community. The mother of the subject inherited eighty acres of the old homestead, and after their marriage she and her husband located on this farm, where the latter passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1865, at the age of fifty-nine years. His widow survived him by many years, her death occurring in 1897, at the venerable age of eighty-three years. In politics the father was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he transferred his support to the same, and both he and his wife were worthy and zealous members of the Lutheran church. Of their childien we incorporate the following brief data : Daniel is a farmer of Plain township; Mary, who became the wife of Matthias Grofifmiller, is now deceased ; Jeremiah is a resident of the city of Canton ; Susan died at the age of about twenty years; Harriet is the wife of Benjamin F. Smith, of Plain township; William maintains his residence in the state of Texas; Orlando and Amanda, twins, the latter residing on the old homestead, and the former on North Market street, this city; Hiram, subject of this sketch, was the next in order of birth ; and Emma J ., the widow of William J. Adams, lives on the McKinley farm, east of Minerva.

those afforded by the public schools of Canton. He continued to be actively identified with agricultural pursuits until after his marriage, while in his present line of business he has been engaged since 1S89, when he associated himself with his brother-m-law, Alva C. Zeiter, in establishing a grocery at their present location, on North Market street, the enterprise being conducted under the firm name of Zeiter & Smith. They have a thoroughly modern and well equipped establishment, are known as reliable and progressive business men, and control a representative trade. In politics Mr. Smith accords a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, though he has never desired the honors of public office of any order. He has a pleasant residence at 911 Lawrence avenue, where he resided until recently, and which thoroughfare was named in honor of the father of his first wife. Mrs. Smith is a devoted member of the German Reform church, and takes an active part in its work.

In October, 1874, in Canton, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Smith to Miss Josephine Lawrence, daughter of the late George Lawrence, who was formerly an influential citizen and prominent banker of Canton, and who for the past ten years has resided in Los Angeles, California. He served as treasurer of Stark county and also as county commissioner, and was highly esteemed in the community. Mrs. Smith entered into eternal rest on the nth of January, 1883, there having been no children of the union. On the 8th of April, 1886, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Mary Zeiter, a daughter of Christian Zeiter, a well known and highly honored pioneer of Canton, and of this union have been born three children, Nellie, Earl and Esther.

established in an early period, the original American progenitors having emigrated from Germany prior to the war of the Revolution. The grandfather came to Stark county in the early pioneer epoch and took up a tract of heavily timbered land near the present village of Belfort, Nimishillen township, where he made a clearing and erected his primitive domicile of round logs, the building being twentytwo by thirty feet in dimensions. He continued to reside on the pioneer farm until his death, in about 1870, having reclaimed a considerable portion of his land. His son Jacob, father of the subject, was born on the old homestead farm, in this county, in the year 1826, and there fell to his portion from his boyhood much arduous toil in connection with the reclamation and cultivation of the farm, while his educational advantages were perforce most limited, owing to the exigencies of time and place. As a boy he assisted in threshing out wheat with the old-fashioned hand flails, and later by using horses to tread out the grain. He learned to read antl write in the German, as well as the English, language. In 1863 he was united in marriage to xVIiss Mollie Bolinger, who was born in Pennsylvania, being a daughter of Daniel Bolinger, who was numbered among the pioneers of Stark county and who died at the age of eighty-flve years, at the home of his son Benjamin, a clergyman of the Dunkard church, in ]\lichigan, three others of his sons having likewise been ministers of that church. i\fter his marriage Jacob Snyder, Jr., located on a farm adjoining the town of Osnaburg, this county, and there he continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 25th of October, 1891. He became one of the prominent and successful farmers of that locality and ever commanded unqualified confidence and esteem in the community, while in politics he gave his support to the Republican party practically from the time of its organi/iation. His wife passed away on the ist of January, 1897. Both were devoted members of the Dunkard church. Of their children we enter the following record : Callie is the wife of Jacob Keim, near Middlebranch; Jacob B. is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Benjamin is a resident of Salem, Columbiana county ; Louis resides in Akron, this state, as does also Mahlon, who is the youngest of the children.

Hon. Jacob B. Snyder was born on the homestead farm, near Osnaburg, this county, on the 26th of July, 1866, and attended the public schools in a somewhat desultory way from the age of six years to that of twenty, and it may consistently be said that he is selfeducated, since he has been untiring and assiduous in his personal application and has thus rounded out a symmetrical and broad education of a practical order. He began teaching in the district schools at the age of eighteen years, and was engaged in this line of work during two winter terms. In 1889, during the administration of President Harrison, he was appointed postmaster at Osnaburg", reniaining incumbent of this office for a period of two years, at the expiration of which he resigned, in order to give his entire time and attention to the study of law, which he carried forward with such concentration and energy that he secured admission to the bar of the state in the year 1892. Thereafter he was engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Canton until 1898, when he was elected to represent the Stark district in the lower house of the state legislature, serving as a member of the seventythird general assembly, in which he proved himself a capable and progressive legislator and one who so acceptably represented the interests of his constituency that he was returned to the seventy-fourth assembly as his own successor in the election in the autumn of 1902. At the opening of the seventy-third assembly he was a prominent candidate for speaker of the house, withdrawing at the last moment and being; elected speaker pro tem, in which position he proved that he was well eciuipped as a presiding officer, being well versed in parliamentary usages and having that self poise so essential in that connection. He gained recognition as one of the leaders of the Republican side of the house, and during his present term his retention pf membership on important committees will work for the promotion of effective legislation. Mr. Snyder is essentially a working member and one who is known to permit no compromise for the sake of partisan expediency at the sacrifice of principle, so that he commands the respect and esteem of his confreres in the legislature, as . does he the liigh regard of the people of Stark county. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Indepaident Order of Odd Fellows and the Ijene\'oIent and Protective Order of Elks. He has been one of the active and valued workers in the Republican party and is one of its wheel-horses in Stark county, while it may be said that he cast his first presidential vote in support of James (i. Blaine. Mr. Snyder is an able and honored member of the bar of the county and is still engaged in the practice of his profession in Canton, where he has maintained his home since 1899.

On the .?7th of November, 1894, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Alice Steinmetz, a daughter of George Steinmetz, a prominent and influential farmer of Pike township, where Mrs. Snyder was born. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have two children, Bernice, who was born in 1897, and Hubert, who was born in 1808.

LOl'IS DUMONT. - In the early epoch of its history Stark county was favored in the acquisition of a large number of sterling citizens of French birth or extraction, and today there remain within its borders many representatives of this line, among: the number being him to whom this brief sketch is dedicated. His ancestors lived for many years in the suburbs of the fair city of Paris, and there his father, John J. L. Dumont, was born in the year 181 6. He was there reared and educated and in the suburbs of Paris he became the owner of a small tract of land upon which he had an excellent vineyard, devoting his attention to the manufacturing of wines. His father, Louis Dumont, served for .seven years in Napoleon's army and ever" remained loyal to the great commander. He married Virginia Gdlette. and they became the parents of several children. In the year 1833, in company with his family, he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York city, whither they came to Stark county, Ohio, by way of Buffalo and Lake Erie, while from Cleveland they proceeded by canal to Alliance, this county. Shortly after his arrival in the county the grandfather of the subject purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Jackson township, and there the family resided for several years, after which they removed to the city of Canton, and for a number of years the grandfather lived with two of his daughters on the corner of North Walnut and Fourth streets. The closing years of his life were passed in the home of his son John, father of the subject of this review, who was then engaged in farming northeast of the city of Massillon. This venerable and honored pioneer of Stark county entered into eternal rest in 1869, at the age of eighty-two years, his devoted wife having passed away in 1851, when nearly sixty-six years of age. Of their children we enter brief record, as follows : Job.n was the father of the subject ; Ulillia, who became the wife of Dennis Charmois, of this county, died in a hospital in Cincinnati ; and Euphrosia, who never married, died in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his native land the father of the subject received his educational advantages, and after coming to Canton he attended the Canton schools for three months, early becoming quite proficient in the Enghsh language. He was eighteen years of age at the time of the family removal from France to the United Slates, and later was united in marriage to Miss Malina Mariec, who was born near Bellefort, in the province of Alsace, France, and who was but six years of age at the time of her parents' emigration to America. They located in the village of Louisville, this county, where she was reared and educated. After their marriage the parents of the subject located on a farm four miles west of Canton, and the father continued to be actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 29th of December, 1891. He was a man of high principles and fine mentality, and through his well directed efforts he accumulated a competency, having been the owner of a landed estate of about four hundred acres at the time of his demise. His widow still survives him; having now attained the venerable age of eighty-four years. In politics he was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and both he and his wife became members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Dumont died March 9. 1903, aged eighty-three years. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Henry, who resides near Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga county; Louis, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; Hermance, who is the wife of Jefferson Clay, who likewise resides near Chagrin Balls ; Amelius Joseph P., who is engaged in the grocery business in the city of Canton ; Olympia and Flora (twins), the former of whom became the wife of Calvin Clay and died in Stark county, in 1900, while the latter is the wife of Joseph Pierson, of New Berlin, this county; Edward, who is associated with the subject in the managemait of the grocery business ; and Mary, who died at the age of six years.

was born on the old homestead farm, on the Fulton road, in Canton township, this county, the date of his nativity having been December 18, 1842, and he was reared under the sturdy discipline of the farm, while his rudimentary scholastic training was received in a log schoolhouse of the primitive pioneer type, the same being known as the Scharid school. Later he continued his studies in the Robinson district, No. 6, near the city of Massillon, and he availed himself of the advantages of the public schools until he had attained the age of nineteen years, his first teacher having been Ira M. Allen, who was later principal of the union school in Canton and who also served as treasurer of Stark county. After leaving school Mr. Dumont came to Canton and secured a clerkship in the general store of John R. Miller, on the public square, and here he continued in the employ of George Fessler, who purchased the business of Mr. Miller in 1863, with whom he remained until 1869, in which year he purchased the grocery business of George A. VVinterhalter, his place of business being in the building standing immediately to the south of the present Harter block, on the public souare. Here Mr. Dumont maintained his headquarters for two and one-half years, at the expiration of which he purchased of A. J. Douds the site of his present fine establishment. The huilding originally occupied was destroyed by fire in 1893, and our subject shortly afterward erected his present substantial and commodious brick building, in which he has a select and complete line of staple and fancy groceries and provisions, while the facilities of the store are of metropolitan character. Mr. Dumont is known as a thoroughly progressive and reliable business man and he has ever commanded the entire confidence and esteem of the community and is recognized as one of the leading business men and valuable citizens of Canton. Though taking a publicspirited interest in all that concerns the wel- fare of the community, he has never evinced the sHghtest personal ambition in a political way, yet is not neglectful of his duties as a citizen and exercises his franchise in support of the principles of the Democratic party.

Mr. Dumont has been thrice married. On the i8th of February, 1872, he wedded Miss Kryer, who died in 1891, without issue, and in 1896 he was united to Miss Clara E. Lincoln, who passed away on the 7th of May, 1900. On the 19th of November, 1902, Mr. Dumont wedded his present companion, whose maiden name was Anna C. Haggart. Jie has no children.

MICHAEL W. OBERLIN was born in -Akron, Summit county, Ohio, on the 12th of February, 1856, being a son of Obed and Catherine (Smith) Oberlin, of whose eleven children nine are living at the present time. Obed Oberlin was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, being of sturdy German lineage, and the original progenitors in the new world set- 'tled in the old Keystone state prior to the war of the Revolution, and two representatives of the family served as members of Washington's body guard during that great conflict which determined the independence of our republic, while the intinsic loyalty and patriotism of the family has ever been of insistent order, and members of it were found arrayed in the ranks of the American army during the Mexican war and also that of the Rebellion, while it should also be noted, apropos of this statement, that the eldest son of our subject rendered valiant service as a soldier in the late Spanish-American war. Li Pennsylvania Obed Oberlin was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Smith, who was likewise a native of that state, and about 1850 they came to Ohio, locating in Akron, whence, about 1859, they came to Stark county and took up their abode in Plain township, where the father continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until his death. Both were persons of sterling character and were consistent members of the Lutheran church, exemplifying their faith in their daily life. In politics the father gave his support to the principles and policies of the Republican party, with which he identified himself at the time of its organization.

Michael W. Oberlin was about three years of age at th.e time when his parents took up their residence on the farm in Plain township, and there he was reared to years of maturity. His early educational discipline was secured in the Middlebranch district school and he later supplemented this training by a course of study in an academy at Mount LJnion, this county. He was matriculated in the Ohio State Agricultural & Mechanical College (now the Ohio State University) , in the capital city of Columbus, having been one of the first students to enter this institution from Stark county. In order to defray expenses of his collegiate course he engaged in teaching during the winter months, and with the funds thus secured he attended the summer session of his alma mater. After leaving college Mr. Oberlin was for live years a general teacher in the public schools of the coimty, and thereafter his services for a full score of years were enlisted as a special teacher of penmanship, drawing and bookkeeping, in public and commercial schools of Canton and Massillon, in which lines he achieved noteworthy success, while his name has thus been indelibly impressed on the history of educational work in Stark county, where are to be found many able and prominent business men who are indebted to him for much of their practical education in business forms and methods, for he was ever careful and conscientious in every detail of his pedagogic work, in which he kept in touch with all advances made and spared no pains to create a spirit of enthusiasm and ambition in his students. He continued to be act- ivclv engaged in educational work until 1902, and during tliese long years of active and efficient service he gained the highest confidence and esteem of a very wide circle of appreciative friends. In politics J\Ir. Oberlin has ever accorded an uncompromising allegiance to the Republican party, and in the autumn of 1901 he became the candidate of his party for the office of county auditor, to which he was elected by a gratifying majority, his peculiar eligibility for the position being distinctly realized in the county where his many friends rallied to his support. He entered upon the discharge of his official duties in October, 1902, and his administration is fully justifying the choice made by the electors of the county. Fraternally Mr. Oberlin is identified with the Knights of Pythias, holding membership in Perry Lodge No. 87; with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, as a member of Patrick Henry Council, and with the Protective Home Circle.

In the city of Canton, on the 28th of April, 1880. Air. Oberlin was united in marriage to Elizabeth Lind, who w^as born in this city, being a daughter of Samuel and Mary Lind, honored pioneers of the county, and Mr. and Mrs. Oberlin have become the parents of six children, namely : Edgar G., who is now a cadet of the United States Naval Academy, at Annapolis, being a member of the class of 1904 ; he was a member of Troop D, First Ohio Cavalry, during the late war with Spain, having been but sixteen years of age at the time of his enlistment; Ralph L. is an assistant to his father in the auditor's office; and Mary, Florence and Mariette remain at the parental home.

and his brother Dallas are now living, the latter being a resident of Marlboro, this county. Velorus Southworth came of stanch New England ancestry and was himself a native of the Green Mountain state, having been born in the city of Rutland, Vermont, on the 20th of May, 1807, and having been there reared to maturity, receiving a common school education and learning the painter's trade. In his native state he was married about 1856 and shortly afterward he came with his bride to Columbiana county, Ohio, locating in the village of Lisbon, where he was engaged in the hotel business for several years and then came to Marlboro, Stark county, where he followed his trade about three years, at the expiration of which he removed to New Baltimore, this county, where he continued to be employed in the work of his trade until 1852, in which year he removed to Delphi, Indiana, leaving his family in Stark county, and while he was thus absent his death occurred. In 1852 he officiated as drummer for the Democratic delegation from his district at the time when they attended the countyconvention, and the subject, who was then but ten years of age, bore the iinwieldy bass drum, which he manipulated with precision and with a feeling of distinctive pride, which was increased when the delegation carried of the honors of the occasion. Velorus Southworth was in active service as a Union soldier during three years of the Civil war, having been first a member of the Ninth Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry and later of the Sixtieth Regiment, while he held the office of drummajor during the greater portion of his terms of service. He died in Delphi, Carroll county, Indiana, in 1874. The Southworth family is of sturdy Scottish origin, and representatives of the same became early settlers in the state of New York as well as New England, and in the Empire state there have been many of the name who have attained prominence and distinction, one having been a judge of the su- preme court of New York and another having long presided on the probate bench, while of this family Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth, the celebrated novelist, was also a member, her home having in Yonkers, New York. , Preston Southworth, a cousin of the subject, and a son of Myron M. Southworth, was a judge of probate in the state of Alabama and was prominent in the public affairs of that state, which he stumped effectively in suport of General Grant at the time of his first nomination for the presidency.

Paulina (Benson) Southworth, mother of him to whom this sketch is dedicated, was born in Rutland, Vermont, on the 20th of December, 1810, and eventually through the intemperance of her husband they became separated, the father leaving his home and family, and after he went to Indiana, as noted, she assumed the task and reared her two sons Andrew and Dallas, while the subject was bound out to William Thompson, a farmer of Portage county, Ohio, where he remained up to within four months of his twentieth year, having received such educational privileges as were implied in a somewhat desultory attendance in the district schools. At the age noted he manifested the intrinsic loyalty and patriotism of his nature by tendering his services in defense of the nation, whose integrity was thrown in jeopardy through armed rebellion.

On the 25th of July, 1862, Mr. Southworth enlisted as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which his brother Andrew also became a member. Shortly after his enlistment at Camp Massillon, this county, Andrew J. Southworth was unanimously chosen by his company as second lieutenant, and later he was promoted to first lieutenant and finally captain of the company, and,' was offered still higher promotion, but refused to leave the comrades of Company B, with whom he had become very popular. On the ist of August, 1864, he received his commission as captain, but before being mustered in as such he was killed, before Atlanta, on the 16th of that month. His brother Dallas served one year as a member of the Sixty-second Ohio Regiment, and was then discharged by reason of physical disability, but four months later he re-enlisted, becoming a private in the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, with which he continued in active service one year. At the time of his enlistment the subject was promised the position of sergeant-major of his company, but as he failed to secure this office he was made drummer of his company, and after serving four months in this capacity he was ordered into the ranks, because the fife-major, C. L. McLean, entered the claim that he could not learn to drum. Mr. Southworth refused to be placed in the ranks and asked to be sent home. Before definite action was taken, however, he asked of Major Woodworth the privilege of receiving instructions from one of the drummers of the regiment, and his request was granted. The following night he beat taps and drummers' call, and within three weeks was acknowledged to be one of the most skillful drummers in the regiment. About six months later the One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Comet Band was organized and Mr. Southworth was made its snare drummer. In January, 1865, there was held at Goldsboro, North Carolina, a musical convention, with all the bands of Sherman's army in attendance, and the One Hundred and Fourth Ohio band, in the competitive playing, secured second honors, while a similar honor came to Mr. Southworth in his specialty. Among the more prominent engagements in which Mr Southworth took part were those of Camp Ruff, Fort Mitchell, and Frankfort, Kentucky; Crab Orchard and various subsequent skirmishes through Kentucky; the siege and battle of Knoxville; Resaca ; Marietta ; Atlanta ; Peach Tree Creek ; Jonesboro; Columbia; Franklin; Nashville;

Fort Anderson ; Willmington ; Kingston ; and Goldsboro. He received no wounds during his term of service and was confined to the hospital but three days. He was mustered out at Greensboro, North Carohna, in June, 1865, and received his honorable discharge in the -city of Cleveland, Ohio, on the fifth of the following month. A number of his ancestors in the paternal line participated in the war of 1812, while in the maternal line were representatives to be found both in that conflict and the war of the Revolution.

After his discharge Mr. Southworth returned to Portage county and, realizing that his education was deficient, he made an effort to supplement the discipline which he had previously received, and for two terms attended a select school conducted by H. D. Smalley, at Randolph, that county. Later he went to the city of Cleveland, where he completed a course of study in the Bryant & Stratton Business College. His funds became depleted before he completed his studies in this institution, and in order to make provision for continuing his course he secured a position as delivery boy for J. H. Lodge, who was then a prominent grocer of the Forest City, and within eight months he had saved from his earnings a sufficient sum to enable him to complete his work in the college. Here he assisted simultaneously in keeping books for Dr. L. W. Sapp, under whose preceptorship he began the study of the Hahnneman school system of medicine, -w\th a view to becoming a physician of the Homeopathic school. He remained with Dr. Sapp two years and then accepted a position as bookkeeper for the firm of Hogan & Carr, wholesale grocers of Cleveland, his object being to thus earn the funds necessary to taking a collegiate medical course. After ten months' service, however, his health became so impaired that he was compelled to resign his position, and he then came to Alliance, Stark county, and here, on the nth of September, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Allie M. Heacock, of Atwater, Portage county, who had been a school mate while he was residing with his foster-father, Mr. Thompson. After his marriage Mr. Southworth established himself in business in Alliance, where he opened a music store, handling all kinds of musical merchandise, and in this line of enterprise he continued until the financial panic of 1872, when he.disposed of the business, which had become unprofitable, and then entered the employ of the Adams Express Company, with which he remained in the capacity of railroad clerk and messenger, for a period of three and one-half years, at the expiration of which he resigned the position to accept a clerkship in the establishment of D. G. Hester, who was engaged in the general merchandise business in Alliance. A year later he resigned this position and for the following two years was employed as baggage master at the local station of the Pennsylvania railroad. He then resigned the position and became manager of the Sourbeck hotel, in Alliance, whose proprietor, Daniel Sourbeck had recently died. Two years later he assumed the management of the Hotel Conrad, at Massillon, and at the expiration of a year he resigned to accept the superintendency of the Charity Rotch School, to succeed Ira M. Allen, who had been superintendent for a decade. The board, however, discovered a discrepancy in the returns from the endowment of the institution and considered it expedient to reduce the salary of the superintendent, and on this score the subject refused to enter upon the duties of the office. He then assumed the management of John Huntington's summer home and fruit farm, near the city of Cleveland, and two years later the home was burned and Mr. Southworth lost valuable household effects and also his collection of army relics, which he prized very highly. He and his family barely escaped with their lives. Through exposure during the fire Mr. South- worth's health became seriously impaired, and he then returned to Alliance, where he was shortly afterward appointed to the position of truant officer, by the board of education, and in 1891, while incumbent of this position, he was chosen to his present responsible preferment as superintendent of the Fairmount Children's Home, which is most eligibly located, in Washington township, the board of trustees having granted him this well merited preferment. Within his regime sixteen hundred children have been inmates of the home, while the average number in the institution at one time is about two hundred. Since he assumed charge there having been but sixteen <leaths in the home, though there was a severe epidemic of malignant diphtheria in the institution during his first years, thirty-seven cases having developed, while only two deaths occurred. From a total of sixty cases of measles and nine of scarlet fever only one death was recorded. I'hese facts bespeak in no uncertain way the careful attention given to the children by Mr. Southworth and his noble wife, while a more able and satisfactory administration the affairs of the institution could not be asked. Mrs. Southworth keeps watch and ward over her numerous foster family, and of many children who came to her care in the most frightful physical condition the large majority have been brought through her devoted ministrations to health and happiness and many of the little wards have been established in good homes, where they are doing credit to the training received at Fairmount. A distinctive evidence of the appreciation of the board of trustees was recently accorded, when, in joint session with the county commissioners, they gave most emphatic and commendatory endorsement to the course taken by Mr. Southworth and gave a farther recognition by increasing his salary by three hundred dollars per annum.

a stanch allegaince to the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he and his family are valued members. Fraternally he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, affiliating with John C. Fremont Post No. 29, at Alliance, Ohio, while he has attained high rank in the time honored order of Freemasonry, being identified with the following named bodies of the same: Conrad Lodge No. 271, Free and Accepted Masons; Alliance Chapter No. 83, Royal Arch Masons; Omega Council No. 44, Royal and Select Masters ; Salem Commandery No. 42, Knights Templar; Al Koran Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; and Lake Erie Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. It will thus be seen that he has completed the circle of both the York and Scottish rites, and he stands high in the Masonic circles of the state, as does he in the respect and confidence of all who know him.

Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Southworth three are living, namely : Glenn A., who is in the employ of the Alliance Machine Company, as an expert machinist ; Ferdinand L., who is a rising young lawyer of Cleveland;, and Esther. M., who is the efficient bookkeeper for her father. Mr. and Mrs. Southworth are also educating a foster daughter whom they took from the home seven years ago, and who is amply repaying their care and devotion.

HENRY E. WEBER was born in Canton, on the 27th of April, 1861, and in its public schools he received his educational training as a boy, and when nineteen years of age he entered upon an apprenticeship at the trade of machinist in the tool department of the Diebold Safe & Lock Company, of Canton, where he served for a term of four years, while later he held the position of head machinist for the

Connotton Valley Railroad, in the employ of which he continued for two years. In the meanwhile he was carefully conserving his financial resources, his mental makeup being such that he has ever worked toward some definite object, and in 1885 he felt himself justified in continuing his educational work in a technical way. He entered the College of Pharmacy in the city of Cleveland, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1887, and shortly afterward he passed the required examination before the state board of pharmacy and was duly registered as a licensed pharmacist. In 1885, in company with his brother Charles, he effected the purchase of the drug store of John Geiger, in Canton, and they continued to conduct the same, under the firm name of Weber Brothers, for a period of seven years, at the expiration of which our subject purchased his brother's interest and remained as sole proprietor until 1894, when he sold the business to the firm of Pope & Binckley, of Doylestown, Wayne county. He then accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Harvard Company, of Canton, Ohio, in whose interests he visited the most diverse sections of the Union and also the principal European countries. At the end of three years he resigned his position and came again to Canton, where he began manufacturing dental supplies and specialties. The inception of the enterprise was most modest, since his original headquarters comprised one small room in his stable, where he placed a foot lathe and other absolutely essential machinery and personally did all portions of the manufacturing, turning out a considerable quantity of products and then going out on the road and disposing of the same. At the end of six months his business had so sufficiently increased as to justify him in removing to more commodious quarters, at 404 East Fifth street, while in November, IQ02, he removed to his present well equipped and commodious establishment on East Ninth street, having purchased the property in 1902, and having utilized much discrimination in installing the needed mechanical devices and ascessories. On the 19th of December, 1899, he secured his first patent on his newly invented dental cuspidor, known as Weber's fountain spittoon, while in 1901 he also secured anothei United States patent and also one in Canada, while he has patents in Great Britain, France and Germany. He has also invented a hotwater syringe, which he has patented and is manufacturing, while he also has patents pending on dental operating chairs of very superior order. The Weber fountain spittoon has gained a high reputation and has secured a representative and appreciative reception by the dental profession throughout the United States and also in foreign countries, shipments being made to the various European countries and also to South Africa. The sole agents for this ingenious and attractive dental accessory are I.ee S. Smith & Son, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and the demand for the product is rapidly increasing in scope as the undeniable superiority of the same over all others becomes known. While it is aside from the province of a publication of this nature to enter into details in regard to aught aside from pure genealogical and biographical record, yet the products of Mr. Weber's genius constitute a phase of his life work, and there can thus be no impropriety in quoting briefly from the attractive trade circular issued by his agents : "The Weber fountain spittoon is the most beautiful and at the same time the most practical thing that has ever Ijeen made for use in the dental office. Without sacrificing a single essential feature an article has been made that is an ornament to any office. The artistic features of the Weber spittoon will appeal to anyone. It is practical as well as beautiful. From the practical standpoint it combines the three features essential to perfection in an article of this character. Of first importance is the fact that it is sanitary. The bowl is made of one solid piece of glass or porcelain. JMo part of it revolves. There is nothing complicated about it. There are no parts to wear out or get out of order, hence there are no places for impurities to lodge and become foul. Second in importance is its noiseless operation. It is utterly impossible to hear it running, even when seated in the chair beside it. Water from the supply pipe is fed into the bowl beneath the surface of the water already in the depression. Under these conditions it simply is not possible for it to be heard. Ihe water on entering the bowl does not come in contact with the air. There is no other possible way to insure noiseless operation. This is one of the patented mechanical features of this spittoon. The third essential feature is the rapidity with which the saliva is carried out of sight of the patient. Nothing that is thrown into the bowl can remain in sight for more than a fraction of a second."

In 1893 ^'^^- Weber converted his manufactory into a stock company and incorporated the same for one hundred thousand dollars, his associates being W. L. Smith, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, L. A. Loichot, of Canton, H. B. Stewart, of Canton, M. E. Weber, of Canton, and R. Humelbaugh, of Canton.

Mr. Weber is a man of fine mechanical skill and technique, as is evident to all who have seen the article mentioned, and he is constantly devoting his attention to experiments and is certain to patent other articles which will meet an equally favorable reception. He is well known in Canton and commands unequivocal confidence and esteem as a citizen and business man. He is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, but has never sought official preferment, though he served one term as a memljer of the city council, from the first ward, being assigned to membership on the ways and means committee and also that on fire and water. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was reared in the faith of the English Lutheran church, but is not formally identified with any religious body, his wife being a devoted member of the Baptist church.

On the 5th of January, 1887, Mi". Weber was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Morris, who was born in Canton, being a daughter of Elliott and Sarah (Miller) Morris, of this city, and they are the parents of three children, namely: Helen E., Mirriam L. and Mary J. Mr. Weber is an ardent sportsman and greatly enjoys excursions afield and afloat, being an excellent shot and being one of the enthusiastic members of the Canton Gun Club.

THEODOl^E C. McQUATE, M. D., was born in the city of Canton, Stark county, Ohio, on the 19th of December, 1870, and was here reared to maturity, having completed the course of study in the high school, which was then a department of the old Union school, where he was graduated. During his vacations he traveled about the country as a jockey, gaining an excellent reputation on the turf, while he also worked as a mechanic at intervals. He grew up with a great appreciation of fine horses, this having been fostered, no doubt, by reason of the fact that his home was located opposite the county fair grounds, now the city park, so that he early became interested in the racing events there scheduled and was finally led to adopt riding as an avocation. He has ever continued to be a fancier and lover of fine horses and dogs, fancy poultry, etc., and it was through his work as a veterinary surgeon that he was led into the wider sphere of professional endeavor in which he is now laboring. In 1886 he took up the study of veterinary surgery in the famous McGill University, in the city of Montreal, Canada, and later entered the Ontario Veterinary College of Toronto University, where he was graduated on the 29th of March, 1889, at the age of nineteen years, recei\'ing the degree of Doctor of Veterinary- Medicine. He then returned to Canton and here built up a large practice as a veterinarian, his services being in requisition throughout all parts of this section of the state, while he became particularly expert in surgical work, doing a large amount of individual experimentation in the line. He continued in practice here about four years, and at the age of twentythree years, as candidate on the Republican ticket, he was elected to the office of county coroner, receiving the largest majority ever accorded a candidate for this office in the county, while he was elected for a second term, during which he continued to serve, as did he also through a portion of a third term, pending the qualification of his successor, and while incumbent of this position the Doctor made it a point to gain as much practical supplemental knowledge as possible in regard to anatomy and surgery, while during the winters he studied medicine in the medical department of -the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the city of Cleveland. After retiring from the office of coroner he went to the city of Cleveland, where he continued his study of medicine and surgery under the direction of the eminent surgeon. Dr. Crile Gillette, of Toledo. In the spring of 1897 he left Cleveland, on account of the radical laws advocated by a few physicians of the city, demanding that the state prohibit the awarding of medical diplomas to such candidates as had not previously taken the degree of either science or arts. An amendment to the proposed law was drawn up by the students in the different medical colleges in Cleveland and Dr. McOuate was chosen to present their grievance before the state legislature, in session at Columbus, and through his efforts the amendment was finally added and thus effectually did away with the unjust discrimination attempted. From Cleveland Dr. McOuate went to Chicago, where he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons for one year, while he gained valuable clinical experience in Cook County Hospital during this time. He later entered the Toledo Gillette's Hospital for abdominal surgery, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1901. While pursuing his studies, in order to see the country and also to earn the funds with which to enable to continue his college work, the Doctor traveled for two seasons with the New England Carnival Company. After his graduation he did post-graduate work in Chicago, and there had a wide and varied hospital experience. He has defrayed the entire expense of his literary and professional education through his own efforts, appl)'ing himself diligently to whatever work he has undertaken and ever working with a definite end in view, so that his precedence in his profession is sure to be cumulative, for he brings to bear the same self-reliance and enthusiasm and is thoroughly well read in the science of medicine and well equipped as a surgeon, while he is a close student and keeps abreast of the advances made in his profession, while he devotes no little time to personal experimentation and original investigation. He was first assistant to the well-known surgical expert, Dr. William Gillette, of Toledo, one and a half years, the latter being noted for his wonderful success in gun shot wounds in the abdomen, and also holding the world's record on operations on women. In the spring of IQ02 Dr. McOuate opened his present office, at 20S South Market street, in the city of Canton, and here he is building up a satisfactory practice, being well knowTi in the community and holding the high esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. The Doctor makes a specialty of stomach diseases.

The Doctor has ever been a stanch adherent of the Republican party and a zealous worker in its cause. In 1896, when the late lamented President McKinley's campaign was in progress, the Doctor was a member of the Repub- lican reception committee in the President's home city of Canton, and he also was a member of tlie reception committee at the time when the remains of the martyred President were brought to Canton for interment. During the last presidential campaign Dr. McQuate was also a member of the McKinley escort troop. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

PETER V. LOUTZENHISER. - As to the subject's early family history we can not do better in this connection than to make excerpts from the interesting and carefully prepared little brochure entitled a "History of the Loutzenheiser family," which was read at the annual reunion of the family on the 17th of August, 1893, ^"cl later published by its author, whose name introduces this sketch. He speaks as follows: "Then, A. D. 1764, we find our more direct ancestors settled in America. The record left does not even show what country they came from, but, being written in the German language, it goes to show that they had been educated in a German country, and all tradition agrees that they came from the German Rhenish country. It has, however, been more definitely learned that Zweibrucken, a town in the kingdom of Bavaria, was the original home of the Loutzenheisers who first came and settled in America. * * * 'phe only known authentic record of the arrival of our ancestors in this country was written by Peter Loutzenheiser, great-grandfather of your historian. Let us note here that all traditional accounts agree that there were three brothers named Loutzenheiser who came to this country together, but this is probably not strictly true. No account tells anything as to age, or whether married or single, and these traditional accounts do not state whether the parents of these three men also came to this country or not, but all accounts do agree that all persons of the name of Loutzenheiser in this country sprang from two of the brothers. The record of our elder Peter incidentally shows us that his parents were also in this country and that his father's name was Henry. * * * Now let us go back to 1764, which is the time the elder Peter says he arrived in this country. As before mentioned, he does not say that his father was in this country, but incidentally we learn that he was, and just the same way he speaks of one Jacob Loutzenheiser, who we think it reasonable to believe was an older brother. Now we believe that it was this Jacob and the elder Peter who were the progenitors of all the Loutzenheisers in this country. We have already learned that the father of these men was also in this country, therefore we have found the one man who was the father of all the Loutzenheisers in America. His name was Henry, or Heinrich, and he was great-grandfather to Henry, the chairman of our reunion. Just when and where he was born or when he died we are not informed. It is quite probable, however, that he came to America when the elder Peter did and that he died somewhere in the state of Pennsylvania." From the same source of information we learn that this elder Peter Loutzenheiser, greatgrandfather of the subject, was married to Anna Barbara Schneider, on May 14, 1770, and on November i, 1771, was born their first child, John Jacob, who grew to manhood in Pennsylvania and there married Elizabeth Weber, daughter of a clergyman of the German Reformed church in Westmoreland county, that state. He came from that county to Stark county, Ohio, in 1806, in company with his family, and settled on land which he had chosen the preceding year, about one-half mile north of the present Nimisilla Park, in Canton township. He was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who has written as follows in regard to his honored ancestor: "Here he built his cabin and lived among the native red men, always on friendly terms with them. He was one of the first justices of the peace commissioned for Stark county, his jurisdiction extending all over the northeastern portion. He died in 1810, at the age of thirty-seven years, and his widow died in 1S43. Their children were John, Barbara, Peter, William, Polly, Sarah and Jacob." All of these children are now deceased, and in the connection it is imperative that we speak specifically only of the second son, Peter, who was the father of him to him whom this sketch is dedicated. Of this honored pioneer of Stark county his son and namesake lias written as follows : "Peter Loutzenheiser was born April 13, 1800; came to Stark county with his parents in the spring of 1806; 'grew up with the country,' a genuine pioneer of Stark county and a backwoodsman, yet a man of more than ordinary attainments for the opportunities afforded him. He kept himself well posted on the general topics of his day, especially in political affairs and the laws of Ohio. He was a lifelong Democrat but never allowed political prejudice to interfere with his better judgment. He faithfully served in many places of trust, to which he was chosen by the people of Plain township, having served nearly twenty years as justice of the peace, while he was twice elected associate judge for Stark county, by the legislature of Ohio, and was president of the Pioneer Association at the time of his death, which occurred June 8, 1882. This pioneer Peter had six sons : William, of Grass Valley, California, who has two sons and two daughters ; Jacob, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, now deceased, had one daughter; Joseph, who died the 8th of August, 1893. left four sons and one daughter and a number of grandchildren ; George, of Williams county, Ohio, has three daughters and a number of grandchildren ; John, deceased, of Plain towniship; and Peter V., of Canton, Ohio, who has three sons and three daughters. Of the three daughters of the pioneer Peter - Hannah, Amanda, now deceased, and Rebecca - there have sprung the Mountains, the Pontiuses, the Stettlers, Beards and Goodrichs, and other younger side branches are being cultivated."

From the foregoing paragraph it will be seen that the father of the subject was a man of no little prominence in his community, while he continued to reside on his old homestead farm in Plain township, this county, until he was called from the scene of life's endeavors, secure in the confidence and regard of all who knew him and had appreciation of his sterling manhood. In the year 1823 he w'as united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Kimmel, who was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of January, 1801, being a daughter of Joseph and Hanna Kimmel, who were numbered among the pioneers of Stark county. She proved a devoted companion and helpmeet and a kind and loving mother, her memory resting like a benediction upon all who came within the sphere of her gracious and kindly influence. She was summoned into eternal rest on the 0th of November, 1884, having been a consistent and zealous member of the German Reformed church, as was also her husband. Of their children due mention has already been made, and after this brief summary of the family genealogj' may now turn to the more salient points in the personal career of the immediate subject of this sketch.

Peter Van Buren Loutzenhiser was born on the old homestead farm owned by his father, two miles north of the city of Canton, in Plain township, on the 14th of June, 1842, and there he was reared under the benign and invigorating influences ever implied under conditions where "those who in the love of nature hold communion with her visible forms," while at an early age he began to contribute his quota to the work of the farm, waxing strong in . m.ind and body under the influences brought to bear in this formative period of his character.