Canton Township (part 59 of 62)

He continued in cliarge of the homestead, comprising sixty-seven acres, up to the time when he purchased the property, in 1878, since which time he has devoted his attention to its improvement and cultivation, having erected ex- cellent buildings and brought the land to the highest state of productivity. He is stanchly arrayed in support of the Democratic party, but is not insistently partisan in local affairs, preferring to cast his vote in support of men and measures m.eeting the approval of his judgment. He has been called upon to serve in offices of trust and responsibility, this fact not only indicating his eligibility but also the confidence and esteem reposed in him by the people of the community in which he has lived from his childhood to the present time. He served two terms as trustee of Washington township, and, with interregnums of varying length, has been incumbent of the office of township treasurer for a total of about twelve years. He is in tenure of this position at the present time, and the fiscal affairs of the township are administered with economy and marked business judgment as placed in his keeping, and that popular appreciation of this fact is not lacking is evident from his having been again and again called to the office. He has served as a member of the Democratic county central committee on several different occasions and has been a valued factor in the promotion of the party cause in this section.

In October, 1873, ^I'"- Aldinger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Fox, who was born in Stark county, being a daughter of John Fox, an honored pioneer farmer of Washington township, and she has proved to him a true helpmeet and devoted companion. Of their four children two are deceased, Ida, who died at the age of twenty-eight years, and an infant. The two surviving are Orpha and Charles, both of whom remain at the parental home.

JOHNSON GRANT is a native of Stark county, Ohio, and was born in Mount Union, December 13, 1839, a son of Josiah and Tabitha (Johnson) Grant, who were the parents of three children, of whom two are still living, viz : Johnson of this record, and Jennie, wife of William Reck, of Bradford, Pennsylvania. The deceased brother, whose name was likewise William, died at home from disease contracted in the army while in the pursuit of the rebel general, John Morgan.

Josiah Grant, father of Johnson Grant, was a native of New Jersey and was born about 1816. Stacey Grant, father of Josiah, and his brother John were among the earliest settlers of this section of Stark county, but from a fear of the Indians left their families in New Jersey. Stacey Grant entered a farm in Alliance and his brother John entered just back of. him, on what is now known as West Main street, in Alliance, where the Indians were still troublesome, so that the brothers were frequently compelled to flee to Salem for safety. These brothers, it is said, were first cousins of Jesse Grant, father of General U. S. Grant. Shortly after settling here the brothers sent for their families, and here they passed the remainder of life, the grandfather of Johnson being eighty-two years old at the time of his death. Josiah Grant was reared a farmer, but later learned the wagonmaker's trade and after marriage lived a short time in Mount Union, where he worked at his trade until his removal to his farm of forty acres, a mile and a quarter south of Mount Union, upon which farm he died eventually, his wife dying about eleven years later.

Josiah. when twenty-one years of age,, located in Alliance, where he worked at his trade until his death, at the age of seventy-si.K years. His wife was a daughter of Simon Johnson, who came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, to Stark county, Ohio, in a very earlv day and entered a section of land in Washington township, one-quarter of which is that now occupied by the Children's Home. He gave each of his children a farm, but not one of them is at present practicing" his profession.

Grandfather Johnson, on setthng in Stark county, occupied a log hut in the wilderness, a blanket serving for a door, through which the bears and wolves chased the housedog with impunity, and here the grandfather lived to be seventy-seven years of age. Johnson Grant, after the death of his mother, went to live with this grandfather, remained until eighteen years old, then went to Wood county, Ohio, and there passed a year at work for his uncle. Col. B. W. Johnson, and then returned to Stark county and took charge of the home farm, which had by that time come into his possession. In 1 86 1 Mr. Grant rented out his farm, and' in October enlisted in Gen. Jolm C. Fremont's tody buards at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, and served about three months, when they were disbanded for the reason that Fremont was superseded by Gen. Halleck. Mr. Grant then returned home and at once enlisted in Company K, Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he took part in the siege of Fort Donelson and the battle of Shiloh : next he fought at Corinth; then went with General Grant to Vicksburg and Jackson. Mississippi, and later, retaking' the latter city, went to Chattanooga to relieve General Rosecrans ; then went to Lookout Mountain, and thence to Missionary Ridge, Ringgold and Resaca, and later joined General Sherman in his famous march to the sea, and with him forward on to Washington, D. C, where he participated in the grand review.

From this city Mr. Grant was sent to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was soon afterward honorably discharged from the service. The only mishap that befel ]Mr. Grant while in the army was a wound sustained at Dallas, Georgia, from the effects of which he so suffered that it was necessary to confine him in the corps hospital for two months. On recuperating ]\Ir. Grant returned to his home and resided on his farm for ten years, and during that period added fourteen acres to his estate. In 1876

Mr. Grant, who is acknowledged by all his neighbors to be one of the leading and most experienced farmers of the county, has made a specialty of Jersey cattle, and is one of the most successful dairymen in the county, his output being that which is known as the "Fairmount Jersey Farm" milk, cream and butter, being largely sought after at the best market prices.

In 1866 Johnson Grant was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Hilles, of this township, and a daughter of Enos Hilles, a prominent early settler from Pennsylvania. The union here alluded to has been graced with two children, namely : Willis, a graduate of Mount Union College and of Harvard College, and at present a professor in a high school in Pittsburg, and Lawrence, at home.

Fraternally Mr. Grant is a member of John C. Fremont Post No. 729, Grand Army of the Republic, of Alliance, and is Master of Fairmount Grange No. 1458, Patrons of Husbandry, his eminent abilities as an agriculturist readily pointing him out as the proper person to fill the important position. Socially he and family mingle with the best people of Washington township, by whom they are greatly honored.

JOSIAH A. LUTZ comes of stanch German ancestry in the agnatic line, and the family was early founded in the old Keystone state of Pennsylvania, from which its representatives have been dissem.inated throughout the most diverse sections of the Union. He was born on his present farm, in section 31, Washington township, on the 2d of November, 1849, being the only child of Abraham and Elizabeth (Folk) Lutz. His father was reared to maturity in the state of Pennsylvania, whence he came to Stark county, Ohio, in the 'twenties and became one of the pioneers of \\'ashington township, where he continued to reside for several years. Early in tlie 'thirties he purchased and removed to the farm now owned by his son, and here he continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, while he also devoted much attention to the Avork of his trade, being a skilled carpenter and having erected a number of the first frame barns built in this section of the county. He was twice married, and of the six children of his first union five are yet living, namely : Sarah, Catherine, Elizabeth, Rlargaretta and Daniel. The mother of subject was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and she likewise was twice married, her first husband having been Frederick Herbster, to whom she bore eight children, of whom the six surviving are as follows : John, Jacob, Peter, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine. The honored father of the subject died in the year 1854, and his widow survived him by nearly a score of years, entering into eternal Test in 1 87 1.

Josiah A. Lutz, the immediate subject of this review, was reared under the invigorating influence of the homestead farm, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded in the public schools of the locality and period. After his father's death the farm was sold with the exception of his mother's dower rights, which she retained in her possession until her death. In 1870 our subject and his half-brother, Peter Herbster, repvnxhased the old homestead in its entirety, and continued to be associated in its operation until 1883, when Mr. Lutz purchased his brother's interest, and thus became the sole owner of the farm upon which he was born, while he has added to its original area by the purchase of a contiguous tract and now has one hundred and one and a half acres. The farm is maintained under a high state of cultivation, giving evidence of thrift and prosperity and also of the scrupulous care bestowed by a progressive and energetic owner, while the improvements on the place are of substantial and attractive order. He commands the uniforni esteem of the people of the community in which he has passed his entire life, and takes a public-spirited interest in all that touches the general welfare. In politics he is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, but he has never sought the honor or emoluments of public ooffice. He and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran church.

On the 27th of April, 1873, Mr. Lutz was united in marriage to Miss Mary Horn, who was born in Nimishillen township, this county, on the 22d of January, 1849, being a daughter of Christian and Magdalena Horn, honored pioneers of that section, where Mr. Horn died a number of years ago. His widow is still living and has attained the extremely venerable age of ninety-one years, while she retains remarkable vigor for one of her many years. To 'Sir. and I\Irs. Lutz were born nine children, and the six survi\ing remain on the old homestead where they were Ijorn, their names being as follows: Har\ey, Edward, Ida I\I., Emma F., Xorman and Charles. The devoted wife and mother was called upon to answer the inexorable summons of death in January, 1889, having held the afi'ectionate regard of all who knew her. On the 25th of December, 1892, Mr. Lutz consummated a second marriage, being then united to Miss Mary J. Sells, who was born in Washington township, being a daughter of John Sells, who is now a resident of the state of Michigan. No children have been born of this marriage.

BERNOUILl J. G. WILLIARD is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, on Christmas day of the year 1831, and being ai son of Jacob G. and Christina A. (Getzendaner) Williard. of whose eight children only three are now living, our subject being the eldest of these, while the other two are Catherine, who is a maiden lady and resides in Homeworth, Columbiana county, and Andrew Jackson, who is a representative attorney of that place. The father of the subject was born near Middletown, Frederick county, Maryland, on the 17th of April, 1801, coming of fine old French Huguenot stock. His parents were likewise natives of Marjdand, but his greatgrandparents in the agnatic line were natives of France, whence, as did many other of the unfortunate Huguenots, they lied to Holland to escape the atrocious persecutions incidental to the revocation of the edict of Nantes. From Holland they emigrated to America in the year 1 64 1 and located in ^^laryland, where they acquired about two thousand acres of land, while a brother of this emigrant ancestor went from Holland to England and thence came, in 1635, to America and settled in Massachusetts. One of his descendants, Francis Williard, became governor of the state of Indiana, and many members of both the ^Maryland and Massachusetts branches became eminent at the bar and in the ministry, Rev. George W. Williard, D. D., LL. D., having been for many years president of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, one of the leading educational institutions conducted under the auspices of the Reformed church, while he became widely known as a minister of the gospel and as an educator and editor, his son George P. being at the present time one of the leading physicians and surgeons in Tiffin. The paternal grandmother of our subject was a native of Holland, her maiden name having been Grove, and was a member of an old and distinguished family of that country, and in recent years her descent in the United States have been making efforts to secure their just share of her heritage from an estate of twenty million dollars in Holland.

thorough collegiate education, while as a young man he adopted civil engineering as a profession, having been thoroughly trained in the same. In 1822 he came to Ohio and located in Dayton, where one of his uncles had previously taken up his abode, and there he was tendered and accepted a professorship in a local college, but he retained the incumbency but a short time and then went to Sandusky, where he was engaged in teaching for a brief interval. He was then induced to take up his residence in Columbiana county and to assume pedagogic work there. After teaching for a time in the district schools of the pioneer epoch he located in the village of New Lisbon, that county, where both he and his wife taught school for several years. He then gave up this line of endeavor and turned his attention to surveying, being later elected county surveyor and retaining the office a number of years, within which he did much important work. He surveyed the Sandy & Beaver canal, and incidentally it may be stated that his son, the subject of this review, stood. by the side of Benjamin Hanna, father of Senator Marcus Hanna, when he turned the first shovelful of earth at the initiating of the construction of the canal, he having been at the time president of the canal company. Jacob G. Williard was later elected to the office of treasurer of Columbiana county and was recognized as a man of distinctive influence and ability. In 1848 he came to Washington township. Stark county, where he had purchased a half section of land about a decade previously, and here he built what was at the time considered the best farm house in the county. He continued to devote his attention to the improvement and cultivation of his farm until 1858, when he was elected county surveyor and removed to the city of Canton, and he later was incumbent of the office at different times, his entire period of service in this capacity covering twelve years, while there remain on the county records many evidences of his efficient work in this line. He also served for a number of years as city engineer of Canton and was in tenure of his position at the time of his death, which occurred on the 17th of April. 1878. His political allegiance was given to the Democratic party and his religious faith was that of the Reformed church, while he was numbered among the early members of the Masonic fraternity in the state. He was one of the best known and most influential citizens of this section, a man of fine intellectuality and high character, and he held the uniform esteem of all with whom he came in contact. His wife, Christina A. (Getzendaner) Williard, was born near Frederick City, Maryland, on the 1 6th of April, 1S04, being a daughter of Jacob Getzendaner, who was a wealthy and influential manufacturer, owning and operating extensive woolen mills at Georgetown, Maryland, while he resided on his line estate, of about three hundred acres, lying contiguous to the corporate limits of Frederick City. Mrs. Williard was afforded the best of educational advantages, having completed a collegiate course and having been an accomplished musician. The first piano ever brought to New Lisbon, Ohio, was hers, and while she was engaged in teaching in Stark county one of her pupils was the mother of the late lamented President McKinley. Mrs. Williard, a woman of noble and gracious character, preceded her husband into eternal rest by two years, her death having occurred in the city of Canton, on the i8th of April, 1876, while she, like her husband, had been a devoted member of the Reformed church. The father of the subject acquired extensive landed interests in Ohio, owning two entire sections in Williams county, one section in what is now Beaver township, Mahoning county, two hundred and twenty acres near New Lisbon, Columbiana county, and eighty acres on which the village of Guildford, that county, was platted, while he also owned town property in Canton and New Lisbon.

Bernoulli J. G. Williard, the immediate subject of this sketch, passed his early youth in his native town of New Lisbon, Columbiana county, where he attended the public schools and also received most excellent instruction under the guidance of his honored father, who had been an advanced and able educator, as has been previously noted, while he also had the superior advantages implied in a cultured and refined home. During his school vacations he assisted in his father's office, and at the age oi fifteen years he was appointed his father's deputy in the oftice of county treasurer. At the age of seventeen years he assumed the management of his father's farm in Stark county, whither the family had removed within the year he attained the age noted, and he continued to superintend the management of the farming and stock interests of this homestead until the time of his marriage. At the age of eighteen he began teaching in the district schools of Washington township during the winter terms and thus continued for a number of years, proving one of the popular and successful teachers of the county, while during the intervening summer seasons he gave his attention to the farm. In 1858 he was married and shortly afterward he settled on his present homestead farm of sixty acres, in section 25, Washington township, having purchased the property two years previously. Later he acquired ninety acres adjoining this on the east, and he utilized the entire farm until 189S, when he sold the ninety acres. He has for many years devoted his attention largely to the raising of high-grade live stock, feeding a large number of cattle during the winter months and then placing the stock on the market. His farm is one of the model places of the county, and its permanent improvements are of most substantial and attractive order, including a commodious and pleasant residence, which is a center of cordial and refined hospitality. In politics Mr. Williard is a stanch advocate of the basic principles of the Democratic party, but in local affairs, where no issue is involved, he is liberal, giving his support to the men and measures approved by his judgment. He served one term as township clerk and has been for many years a valued member of the school board of his district. He early devoted his attention to the reading of the law, and has gained a concise and discriminating knowledge of the science of jurisprudence and its practical application, while he has practiced in the minor courts for the past forty years, though never foi^mally admitted to the bar. He is a zealous and devoted member of the Presbyterian church, as are also his wife and children, and when about five more years shall have elapsed he will have served a full half century as an elder in the church. Fraternally he is identified with the time-honored order of Free and Accepted Masons.

On the 15th of September, 185S, Mr. Williard was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Beer, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, being a daughter of James and Elizabetli (McClellen) Beer, honored pioneers of that county, and of this union have been born seven children, namely: Lillie A., who is the wife of Martin Bechtel, of Washington township : Grace E., who is tlie wife of John C. Unger, of Marlboro township; Mary E., who is a graduated physician and is now following the profession of a trained nurse in Elgin, Illinois ; James B., wdio is a successful farmer and stockgrower of Washington township, as is also Walter G. ; Margaret A., who remains at the parental home; and Susan B., who is the wife of William McOuilkin, of Homeworth, Columbiana countv.

GEORGE G. TAYLOR was born on the 30th of September, 1869, on the old homestead, on section 27, Canton township, being a son of Samuel and Mary C. (Wigginton) Taylor, the former of wdiom was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, being a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the Buckeye state, and the date of his nativity having been January 9, 1815. He was reared in his native county, receiving a common-school education, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of coming to Canton township, Stark county, where he purchased the farm now occupied by his widow and their only son, and here he became known as one of the representative citizens of the township, making the best of improvements on his place and through his well directed efforts gaining a high degree of success. Here he continued to reside until his death, on the 19th of February, 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a man of marked business ability and his reputation throughout life was untarnished by shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. On the ist of October, 1868, in Canton township. Stark county, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary C. (Wigginton), Oyer, the widow of Christian Oyer. She was born in Virginia, on the 17th of June. 1833, and was there reared to the age of thirty-three years, when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Ohio, the family locating in Stark county, where was solemnized her first marriage, no children being born of tliis union. Mrs. Taylor survives her honored husband and with her son remains on the old homestead, so hallowed to her by the memories and associations of the past.

William G. Taylor, the immediate subject of this review, grew to manhood under the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the home farm,- and his educational advantages were such as were afforded in the public schools. He has had the wisdom to consider the industry of agriculture worthy of his best study and efforts, and thus has been eminently successful in carrying forward the work inaugurated so many years ago by his honored father. The farm comprises two hundred and fifty-five acres, and is one of the finest rural estates in the county, the buildings being of substantial order and well adapted to their respective uses, while the residence is spacious and attractive and provided with many modern improvements conducive to comfort and convenience. In his political proclivities, though never ambitious for office, Mr. Taylor is a stanch Republican, and his religious faith is indicated in liis membership in Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal church in Canton township, in which he has been a prominent and active worker, doing all in his power to advance its spiritual and temporal welfare, while for several years he has held the office of steward of this church. His mother and wife are also members, as was his father, whose interest in religious work vras ever a vital and helpful one.

In Rose township, Carroll county, Ohio, on the 6th of October, 1892, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Margaret E. Weaver, who was torn in that county, a daughter of David and Sarah H. Weaver. This happy union has been blessed with three children, - Howard S., Grace M. and Ray C.

CORNELIUS AULTM AN. - Strong, true men are always benefactors. Their usefulness in the immediate and specific labors they perform can be in a certain degree defined. I'he good they do through the forces they put in motion, and through the inspiration of their presence and example, is immeasurable by any finite gauge or standard of value. The death of such a man is a public calamity, because by it the country loses not only his active energy, but the stimulus of his personal presence and influence. There is, however, some compensation for this loss in the memory of his services, the effect of his example and the continued fruitfulness of the activities he quickened into life. The late Cornelius Aultman was such a man. To epitomize his life and character within the limits which this work allows is impossible. The force and power of his living presence are realized by the void his death has made. The clearness of his purpose, the soundness of his judgment, his tireless activity, his indomitable will, his achievements, have left their impress upon all who were in any way in touch with him or his life work.

Cornelius Aultman was a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born on a farm a few miles east of Canton, on the loth of March, 1827, while his death occurred in Canton on the 26th of December, 1884. Hs father dying when he was but two years old, he was thrown largely upon his ov n resources. While still a youth he determined to strike out for himself and, leaving the farm, he went to Greentown where he entered the shop of Michael Wise for the purpose of learning the trade of wheelwright, wheels for transport, mill construction and spinning comprising the main output. Subsequently Mr. Aultman, with his wife and child, in company with a party of friends, removed to Plainfield, Illinois, making the journey by wagon, camping out of nights whi' " on the way. They remained for about one year in the locality, at the end of which time they returned to Greentown, where the subject, in company with others, formed a business partnership that was more fruitful of farreaching results than any that was ever known in this part of the country.

One of the earliest men to perceive and endeavor to meet the demands of agriculturists for improved farming machinery was Ephraim Ball, who, back in the 'forties, conducted a small plow shop in Greentown. Upon his return from Illinois Mr. Aultman secured employment in Mr. Ball's shop and in a remarkable short time had mastered all there was to be known of the trade. It is said that he was able to turn out more and l^etter work than any of his fellow workmen. He was endowed by nature with a splendid physiqiie, which was accompanied by when he was united to Miss EHzabeth Young, who was born in that township in 1844, a daughter of Jacob and EHzabeth (Sheffer) Young, the former of whom was born in the eastern part of the state, whither his parents emigrated from Ireland. After his marriage Josiah E. Schuffell continued his residence in Osnaburg until 1886, having fohowed various occupations. In that year he established a general store in the town, and in this line of enterprise he has ever since continued, being one of the representative and influential citizens of the town and having attained si,iccess through indefatigable and well-directed effort. He has been unfaltering in his allegiance to the Democratic party, and has taken an active part in public affairs of a local nature, while his inflexible integrity, his marked business ability and his personal popularity have led to his being chosen incumbent of various offices of trust. He served for many years as corporation clerk and has held other local offices, ever commanding the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the community. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Both he and his wife are members of St. Paul's Reformed church, in whose work they have taken an active part for many years. To them two children were born, Harry M., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Minnie, who died at the age of two years.

Dr. Harry M. Schuffell was born in Osnaburg, Stark county, on t!ie 13th of July, 1866, and he attended the village schools until he had attained the age of twelve years, when he assumed the practical responsibilities of life, his first efforts being as an employe in the coal mines of the county, where he worked during one summer. In the following autumn he entered upon an apprenticeship at the tinner's trade in Osnaburg, under the direction of Henry Sell, with whom he remained for a period of four years. In the autumn of 1882, when in his sixteenth year, he again entered the public schools of his native village, and that he made good use of his time is evident when we revert to the fact that in the following spring he passed the reqrared examination and was given a teacher's certificate for the county. After his examination, and while he was still a student in the public schools of Osnaburg, his instructor informed him that he had secured him a position to teach an unexpired term in district No. 7, Osnaburg township, said district being locally designated as "Dutch Kingdom." He was successful in his pedagogic efforts in the "kingdom," and just before the close of his term he secured a similar position for the folloAving term, in a neighboring district. When he finished his labors in said district, with two months' salary in his pocket, he proceeded to Ada, this state, where he was duly matriculated in the Northwestern Ohio Normal University, where he continued his studies from the spring of 1884 until the following autumn^ when his funds became exhausted, and he found it necessary to give immediate attention to his depleted exchequer. He accordingly returned home, and tavtght in a school in his native township, during the ensuing winter term, while in the spring he resumed work at his trade, in which he continued until August, having during this entire interval the one aim in view, - to secure the funds with which to continue his educational work. In August he returned to the normal university, where he continued his studies until October, when his finances, though he practiced the utmost economy, again reached so low an ebb that he returned to his home once more, and he again entered the public schools of Osnaburg. A few weeks later, however, he accepted the position of weighmaster for the Doll Coal Company, of Osnaburg, retaining this incumbency until the following spring, that of 1886, when he taught a two-months term in one of the district schools of jSUmishillen township, and thereafter followed his trade, in Canton and Louisville, this county, until the following autumn, when he engaged to teach the \\inter term in the school of district No. lo, Osnaburg township. ,In the spring of 1887 the Doctor again became a student in the normal university, where he remained until November, when he taught again through the ensuing winter, in the meanwhile devoting his attention to the reading of medicine^ his self-reliant and ambitious nature leading him to form definite plans for his future vocation. From the spring until the autumn of 1889 he was again a student in the normal school at Ada, teaching in Osnaburg township during the ensuing winter, and then resuining his studies at the normal, where, in the following autumn, he completed the course in science and pharmacy, wiiile shortly afterward he passed the required examinatiori before the state board of pharmacy, at Cleveland, and was duly granted a certificate as registered pharmacist. He then taught another term of school, at the close 01 which he came to Canton and assumed a position in the establishment of the Canton Pharmacy Company, as pharmacist, where he remained imtil the following spring, in the mean\vhile having continued his medical studies under the direction of Dr. Alonzo B. Walker, of Canton. In July, 1 89 1, he returned to the Ohio Normal University, where he was duly graduated with his class, in the scientific and pharmaceutical courses, i^eceiving the degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate in Pharmac}'. In September, 1891, he matriculated in the medical department of the Western Reserve University, at Cleveland, where he received credit for his degrees and was entered as a member of the junior class. He completed the prescribed course and was graduated in March, 1S93, ''^" ceiving his coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine, for which he had worked with sucli marked zeal and devotion. During the intervening summer vacations he was in the employ of the Canton Pharmacy Company. Two weeks after his graduation Dr. Schuffell, for the purpose of still farther fortifying himself for his chosen profession, went to the national metropolis, where he completed a post-graduate course in the New York Polyclinic.

On the iQth of June, 1893, the Doctor opened his offices m Canton, at the corner of Cleveland avenue and Tuscarawas street, where he remained until 1898, when he remo\ed to his present convenient and attractive quarters, at 314-16 South Clevelarid avenue. It is pleasing to note that the Doctor has secured a large and distinctively representative support, while he is known as a thoroughly skilled physician and surgeon, a close and constant student and as one who ever observes the unwritten code of ethics which is prescribed for his profession. In 1898 he was elected coroner of Stark county, on the Republican ticket, in which capacity he continued to ser\'e for two terms, while since 1900 he has been visiting surgeon to the Aultman hospital. He is an active member of the Canton Medical Society, the Union Medical Society of Northeastern Ohio and the Cleveland z-\cademy of Medicine and Ohio State Medical Society, while fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Foresters, the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Protected Home Circle. He and his wife are prominent members of Trinity Reformed church, in which he holds the ofifice of elder.

In Canton, on the 29th of May. 1895, Dr. Schuffell was united in marriage to Miss Cora M. Stone, daughter of Isaac and Eliza ( Lyons 1 Stone, the former of whom is deceased, while the latter still maintains her residence in Canton. Dr. and Mrs. .SchufTell are prominent in the best social life of the city, where tl'cir friends are in number as their ac- ' qiiaintances.

ANTHONY A. RUFLIN is a native of Switzerland, where he was born on the i8th of January, 1828, and he is now the only survivor of the six children born to Anthony and Catherine (Keese) Ruflin, both of whom were likewise born in the fair little republic of Switzerland. Anthony Ruflin, Sr., was a natural mechanic and was a skilled workman at both the carpenter and blacksmith trades, while his genius enabled him to do all sorts of mechanical work with exceptional facility and effectiveness. In 1831 he and his family bade adieu to their native land and set forth to establish a home in America. They reached the hospitable shores of the new world in due course of time and forthwith came westward to Ohio, settling in Columbiana county, where the father of the subject purchased fifty acres of land. About eighteen months later he disposed of this property and came into Stark county. In Washington township he secured eighty acres of heavily timbered land, the property now being owned by Samuel Hoiles, and here he took up his residence in a log' cabin which had been erected by a former owner, a small portion of the place having been cleared at the time when Mr. Ruflin came into possession of the same. He devoted his attention to reclaiming and cultivating this farm until 1856, when he sold the property, and in the spring of the ensuing 3'ear he effected the purchase of the farm where the subject now resides, in section 9. Here he continued his efforts as an agriculturist and did much toward the proper improvement of the farm which is now one of the valuable places of the township. Here he continued to make his home until he was called from the scene of life's activities, on the 20th of May, 1863. at which time he was over seventy- two years of age, his devoted wife surviving him only about eighteen months and being sixty-eight years of age at the time of her death. They were folk of sterling character and held the unqualified respect of the community, while their religious faith was that of the Catholic church. Mr. Ruflin was a Democrat in his political proclivities.

Anthony A. Ruflin, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead farm and early began to lend his aid in the work of reclaiming the land and rendering it available for cultivation, so that he has ever appreciated the dignity of honest toil. The scholastic institution which it was his privilege to attend was the primitive log school house, with its rude equipment of puncheon floor, slab benches, etc., and yet the advantages here afforded were suflicient to enable him to lay, an adequate foundation for the broad fund of practical information which has come to him through his active association with men and affairs during the years of a long and useful life. He continued to assist in the work of the home farm until the time of his marriage, in 1864, and he tlien purchased the homestead, his father having died in the preceding year, being associated in this purchase with his brother August, while they also bought all stock, implements, etc. For nine years the two brothers continued to be associated in the ownership and management of the farm, and at the expiration of this time our subject purchased iiis brother's interest and has since remained the sole owner of the fine property. The ;irea of the estate has been increased to two hundred and twelve acres, and the same is maintained under a high state of cultivation, while the permanent improvements are of the most substantial, attractive and consistent order, so that the farm is recognized as one of the most valual_)le in this section of the county. Mr. Ruflin inherited much of the mechanical skill of his honored father, and for a number of years he devoted no little attention to work at the carpenter's trade, having erected numerous buildings in this locality. For several years he also operated a threshing outfit, securing a representative patronage in this section, \\here he is

Avell know n and where he has ever commanded the maximum confidence and good will of the people of the community. In politics Mr. Ruflin has ever accorded a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, and he and his family are prominent and valued members and communicants of the Catholic church.

On the 2d of February, 1S64, Mr. Ruflin was united in marriage to Miss Teresa Warner, who was born in Washington township, being a daughter of Anthony Warner, who was bom and reared in Germany, whence he emigrated to America in 1857 and took up liis residence in Washington township, this county, where he became a successful farmer and where he passed the remainder of his life, as did also his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann New. Mr. and Mrs. Ruflin became the parents of six children, of whom four are Hving, namely : Joseph, who farms a portion of the old homestead; Frank A., who' remains at the parental home, as does also Emma T. : and Charles A., who is a student in the medical department of the Ohio State University, at Columbus, being a member of the class of 1902.

EDWARD G. McCORMICK, M. D., is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in the city of Zanesville, Ohio, on the 27th of May, 1856, and being a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Fisher) McCormick. The former was a native of the Emerald Isle, and there he was reared and educated and there learned the trade of tailor. Upon his emigration to the United States he first settled in Miami county, Ohio, and thence removed to Zanesville, where he was established in business as a merchant tailor for more than a half century, being one of the honored citizens of the place and a man of high intellectual powers and utmost probity of character, so that esteem and confidence came to his portion as a natural sequel. He now resides in the home of his daughter, Mrs. T. J. Saup, in the city of Toledo, Ohio, having attained the advanced age of seventy-seven years. The mother of the Doctor was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, near the city of Harrisburg, whence she accompanied her parents on their removal to Miami county, Ohio, where they passed the residue of their lives, while she died in the city of Zanesville, on the 20th of May, 1892, at the age of sixty years. She became the mother of nine children, of whom five are yet living.

Edward G. McCormick received his preliminary education in the district schools, and thereafter passed two years with his uncle, Peter McCormick, in the city of Lafayette, Indiana, where he continued his studies in the public schools. He began his technical study of medicine under the effective preceptorship of Dr. Alfred Ball, of Zanesville, and in 1877 he was matriculated in the Ohio Medical University, in the city of Columbus, remaining there during one course of lectures, after which he entered the Columbus Medical College, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1879, having shown himself to be a close and discriminating student and coming forth well equipped for the practical work of his profession, while he received his coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine at the time of his graduation. In May of the same year Dr. McCormick established himself in practice at Zanesville, where he remained for a short time and then removed to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he was associated in practice with Dr. A. E. Walker for a short interval. In 1S84 he was there married and in the following year removed to Kimbolton, Guernsey county, where he was actively engaged in practice until the autumn of 1889, where he has since maintained his home and where he has significantly gained precedence as a skillful physician and surgeon, controlling a gratifying and representative practice. He was a member of the United States board of examiners for pensions in Stark county for iour and one-half years and is a valued mem- "ber of the Stark County Medical Society. In 'politics the Doctor exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Deinocratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is likewise a devoted member. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of the Maccabees. Dr. Mc- Cormick is essentially a self-made man, having defrayed the expenses of his college course through his own efforts, and thus being the more appreciative of the advantages which he secured and which he was careful to neglect in no manner. While in college he clerked in a drug store to secure the means to continue his studies, and when he left the medical college with his dignified diploma as a physician and surgeon, his financial resources were represented in the sum of fifty cents. Men of such courage and self-denial deserve success and it is seldom denied, for such labors indicate the virile power and the strength of character through which success is gained in any field of endeavor.

In Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 29th of April, 1884, Dr. McCormick was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Conley, a daughter of Charles Conley, of that county, and of this union two children have been born, Charles E., who was born November 18, 1887, and Helen M., who was born on the 29th of May, 1893.

HON. JOHN P. JONES is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born at Mineral Ridge, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 19th of August. 1868, and having been the third in order of birth of the eight children William and Rachel (Owens) Jones, the former of whom was born in Gloucestershire,

England, and the latter in Wales, whence both came to the United States when young, the father of our subject having been actively identified with mining interests from his youth until the time of his death, which occurred as the result of an accident in the mines at North Lawrence, on the 24th of May, 1 894, at which time he was fifty years of age. He was a man of unassuming nature and his life was filled with consecutive toil and endeavor, while it was so ordered that he merited and received the respect of his fellow men. In politics he was a Republican and his religious faith was that of the United Brethren church, of which his widow is a devoted member.

When the subject of this sketch was but two months of age his parents removed from Trumbull county to Stark county and settled in North Lawrence, and this village has ever since been his home. Here he was reared to manhood and here he received his early educational discipline in the public schools, while, incidentally, it may be said that he is largely selfeducated, having gained a wide fund of practical knowledge through personal application and through active and intimate association with men and affairs. When he was but eleven years of age he began working in the mines of this locality, where his father -was also employed, and here he gained that appreciation of the dignity of honest toil which has made him so significantly appreciative of the aspirations and difficulties of laboring men. He continued to be employed in the mines for a period of eleven years, at the expiration of which, being then twenty-two 3'^ears of age, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace in Lawrence township, retaining this incumbency for three years, within which he devoted much attention to reading and study, particularly as touching political issues, and he early became an active and ardent worker in the local ranks of the Republican party, of whose principles he has continued to be an uncomprosising ad- vocate. In 1S90 Mr. Jones was elected president of the Ohio State Miners' Association, in which position he rendered timely and effective service for a term of three years, having thus been twice chosen as his own successor. In January, 1892, he was elected a member of the executive board of the national organization of miners, and in the summer of that year President McKinley appointed him inspector of mines for the state of Ohio, which important position he continued to most acceptablv fill until January, 1898, when he resigned the same to enter upon his duties as a member of the lower house of the state legislature, to which he had been elected as a representative from Stark county in November of the preceding year. He served in the legislative body only until May. 1898. when he resigned his oftke to accept that of labor commissioner, to which he had been appointed by Governor Asa S. Bushnell, who recognized his peculiar eligibility and urged him to make the change. In this important office he continued for two years, and since that time he has devoted his attention to operating coal mines of his own, still retaining his residence in North Lawrence, where it may well be said that he has hosts of friends, and this is but a natural sequel, for he is known as the true friend of every worthy laboring man, while he also commands the unqualified regard of those who are able to offer employment to others, as well as of many personal acquaintances who stand high in the councils of state and nation. He takes a lively interest in all that concerns the local welfare and no worthy cause fails to secure his aid and influence. For the past two years he has been a member of the board of education of Lawrence township and is at the present time secretary of the same. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, in which he has advanced to the Knight Templar degree, being member of the Mount Xfnion Commandery No. I, at Columbus, while he also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Forresters, and still maintains his association with the miners' organization.

On Christmas day of tlie year 1889 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Jones to Miss Lillie Rowe, who was born in Stark county, being a daughter of Cyrus Rowe, who is engaged in mining in Lawrence township. Mr. and !Mrs. Jones have two children, William and Mary Arden.

ROBERT A. POLLOCK was born in North Lawrence, Lawrence township. Stark county, Ohio, on the 24th of August, 1870,^ being a son of John and Catherine (Mains) Pollock, the former of whom had his nativity in northern Ireland, and the latter in Scotland, while both are of stanch Scottish lineage. They were married in the fair lands of hills and heather, "bonnie auld Scotland," and thence emigrated to America in the early 'sixties, forthwith coming to Stark county and locating in the village of North Lawrence, which has ever since been their home. Here the father of our subject was originally identified with the mining industry, in which he continued for a number of years, while in 1880 he established himself in the mercantile business in this town, where he has built up a most successful entei"prise in the line, receiving a representative patronage and being known as a business man of absolute integrity and marked acumen, ordering his affairs with mature judgment and ever aiming to meet the demands of his customers, while his fair dealing and unvarying courtesy have gained him the esteem and confidence of the entire community. He served for a term of four years as mail clerk on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and for two terms he was incumbent of the office of postmaster of North Lawrence, giving' a most acceptable and capable adminis- tration and doing much to improve the local service. In politics he gives an unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party, and both he and his wife are valued members of the United Brethren church. Of their four sons and four daughters the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth.

Robert A. Pollock received his early educational discipline in the public schools of North Lawrence, and at the age of thirteen years he secured employment in the coal mines near the town. He continued to be thus engaged until he was nearly twenty-one years of age. During the summer term of 1892 he was a student in Mount Union College, near the city of Alliance, ihis county, while during the following fall and spring he again attended the public schools of North Lawrence, and in tlie summer of 1893 h^ completed a commercial course in the Northern Lidiana Normal School and Business College, in Valparaiso, where he remained four months, making the best use of the advantages thus afforded. He then returned to North Lawrence, where he has since continued to assist his father in the conduct of his mercantile business. At the November election of 1899 ^^''- Pollock was elected, on the Republican ticket, as representative in the seventyfourth general assembly of the Ohio legislature, and in November, 1901, he was chosen as his own .successor in this office, in which he has given efficient service, being assigned to several important committees and taking an active part in the deliberations of the house, on whose floor he has given a number of strong speeches in advocacy of measures which his judgment approved. For the past five years he has served' as justice of the peace in Lawrence township and he is known as one of the radical and enthusiastic young Republicans of the state, having attended various party conventions and ever showing a zealous interest in the cause. For two terms he has been a member of the board of education in his native town, and in 1896 he was a member of the state executive board of the Ohio Aiiners' Association, being known as a stanch friend of the laboring man under all conditions. Fraternally he is identified with Newman Lodge No. 787, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in North Lawrence; with Nathan Hale Council No. 172, of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics; and with Massillon Lodge No. 441, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

On the 18th of December, 1901, Mr. Pollock led to the marriage altar Miss Gloria C. Blakely, tlie only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Blakely, of Doylestown, Wayne county, Ohio, where she \\'as born and reared, her father being one of the prominent and influential citizens of that place. Mrs. Pollock is a lady of gracious presence and marked accomplishments and she and her husband take a prominent place in the social life of their home town, where thev \\a\e. a wide circle of friends.

JOHN M. BARNETT claims the old Keystone state of the Union as the place of his nativity, having been born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of December, 1841, a son of Jacob F. and Hannah (Myers) Barnett, both of whom were likewise natives of that state and representatives of prominent pioneer families. In 1849 thev removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio and took up their abode on a farm in Nimishillen township. Stark county, where they maintained their home for a number of years. In 1867 they came to Canton township, and here the mother died when sixty years of age. Her Inisband continued to conduct his farm until the infirmities of advancing age compelled his retirement, and he also died on the homestead farm, having attained the venerable age of eightv-lwo years. They were folk of sterling character, true and loyal in all the relations of life, and they did not live in vain, for tlieir memories are enshrined in the hearts of those who knew Ihem and their strength for good works was as the numher of their days. They became the parents of nine children, of whom onr snbject was the second in order of birth, and of the number four are living at the present time.

John M. Barnett was about eight years of age when his parents took up their abode on the farm in Nimishillen township, and on that homestead he was reared to maturity-, being indebted to the district schools of this county for the early educational privileges. He remained lieneath the parental rooftree until he attained the age of twenty-six years, and after his marriage he located on a farm in Nimishillen township, where he resided for the ensuing twelve years, at the expiration of which he returned to Canton township, where he has since been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of a finely, improved farm of sixty-eight acres, and so thoroughly has he studied the science of agriculture and the best methods to be employed in the rotation of crops, proper fertilizing", etc., that he has been most successful in the returns which he has secured from his assiduous labors. Upon his farm he has erected an attractive and commodious house, while the other buildings are of substantial and appropriate order, neatness and careful attention being indicated in every portion of the place.

The military service of Mr. Barnett is one which will ever redound to his credit and honor as a leal and loyal son of the Republic. In August. 1862, he tendered his services in defence of the Union by enlisting as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he remained in active service for nearly three years, or practically until victory was assured to the I'nion arms. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and he participated in a dozen or more important engagements, besides many skirmishes, while he bore himself with true soldierly dignit}' and fidelity, ever being found at the post of duty and ready for any service that might be demanded of him. Among the more important battles in which he took part may be mentioned the following: Chattanooga, Franklin, .-Atlanta, Georgia, and Fort Fisher. Mr. Barnett was mustered out of the service at Cleveland, Ohio, m July, 1865. He retains a lively interest in his old comrades in arms, and signifies the same by his membership in McKinley Post No. 25, Grand Army of the Republic, of Canton.

In Canton township, on the 26th of September, 1867, Mr. Barnett was united in marriage to Miss Lovina Trump, who was born in tliis county, being a daughter of George J. Trump, who was one of the sterling pioneers of Canton township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, whose maiden name was R. Weaner, died at the age of eightysix years. Both were natives of the state of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Ohio about 1820. Mrs. Barnett has proven not only a companion and helpmeet to her husband, but has also been his counselor and able coadjutor, and to her influence he attributes in a large degree his success in life. To them have been born six children, one of whom died in infancy, while their daughter Jennie died at the age of twelve years. Those living are : Nellie, who is the viie of Isaac C. Greenawalt, of Canton ; and Clinton and Lloyd, who remain at the parental home. In politics Mr. Barnett is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and both he and his wife are consistent members of the First United Evangelical church of Canton, taking a deep interest in its work.

ANDREW YODER was born in Milton township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 2d of October, 1855, his father having been there engaged in farming at the time. The subject was the eighth in order of birth of the ten ciiildren born to Eli D. and Nancy (Kapp) Yoder, the former of whom, it is interesting to recall, was born in Canton township. Stark county, while his wife was a native of Lancaster coiuity, where she passed her girlhood days on a farm owned by the late President James Buchanan. She died in Canton, at the age of seventy-two years, and her husband still survives, having attained the venerable age of eighty-four years and having his home in that city. They became the parents of three sons and six daughters, and of the number five are living at the present time.

When the subject was but six years of age his parents removed from Wayne county to Canton township, .Stark county, where they settled on the farm now owned and conducted by him, so that practically his entire hfe has been passed in this township. On this homestead he Avas reared to years of maturity, being indebted to the public schools of the locality for his educational discipline. He consecutively maintained his home on this farm, with the exception of eighteen months, which he passed on an adjoining farm known as the Henry Bans place. He never faltered in his liking for an allegiance to the great basic industry of agriculture, and through its benefices he attained a success wortliy the name, while he fully appreciated the free and independent life of the farmer, being well content to remain "far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife," and finding enjoyment and indubitable profit in his chosen vocation, Avhile since 1890 he gave special attention to dairying, in which department of his enterprise his success was very pronounced, the same resulting from the discrimination and scrupulous care which he accorded to every detail, from the selecting of his stock to placing his product on the market. The farm comprises one hundred and twenty-five acres and its well tilled fields render fruitful harvests in season, while the attractiveness of the homestead is heightened by the evidences of care bestowed upon the place.

In politics Mr. Yoder accorded an unqualified allegiance to the Democratic party, and while he never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, he showed a deep and constant interest in all that conserved the welfare and progress of the community, and was for many years a member of the board of school directors of his district, his policy in regard to the cause of education being a liberal and progressive one. He was a zealous member of the United Brethren church, taking an active part in the various departments of its work, particularly the Sunday school. His death occurred October i, 1902.

At the home of the bride, in Bethlehem township, this county, on the 9th of December, 1880, Mr. Yoder was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Van Dorsten, who was born and reared in that township, being a daughter of Harmon and Julia (Shepler) Van Dorsten, the former of whom was a representative farmer of that section. She was born on the 2d of June, 1858, and her educational discipline was received in the district schools. She is a woman of gracious presence and unvarying kindliness, and proved a true helpmeet to her husband, while their union was blessed with seven children, name!}': Walter R., Bertha A., Howard C, Neil H., Ruth C, Roy R. and Ralph E.

DAVID SPONSELLER was born on his present farmstead, in Canton township, the date of his nativity having been April 4, 1837. He is a son of John and Catherine (Herbster) Sponseller, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and of stanch German lineage, while the latter was born in the state of Maryland. Their marriage was solemnized in the old Keystone state, and it is altogether probable that shortly afterward they emigrated to the wilds of Stark county to establish a home and work out the problems of life with self-reliance, courage and faith. They came here and settled on a tract of heavily timbered land in Canton township, the property having been purchased from the government and the deed to the same bearing the signature of James Madison, who was then President of the United States. In the midst of the forest a clearing was made and there was erected the diminutive house of round logs Avhich was to figure as the family home for a number of years, until the returns from the herculean labors put forth should justify the erection of a more pretentious dv\elling, - perhaps a stately building of hewn logs, which was considered the practical acme of elegance and luxury. The parents gave themselves faithfully to the task set before them, and as the years passed by the forest was found to be gradually displaced by cultivated fields, and prosperity began to smile on the brave and noble toilers. They lived to see the march of improvement well inaugurated, and on this old homestead the honored parents lived and labored until they were called forward to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," resting from their labors, while it may well be said that "their works do follow them."' The father of the subject lived to the age of eighty-five years, sustained and comforted until the last by the companionship and affection of her who has been his true h.elpmeet during all the long years of their wedded life. His wife continued the journey until she had attained the venerable age of ninety years, when she too was summoned to the "land of the leal," a noble Christian woman, whose children may well "rise up and call her blessed." They became the parents of eight children, namely: Frederick, Mary, Abraham, Julia, John, Kate. Henry and David, and

David Sponseller, who was the youngest of the children, was reared on the old pioneer homestead, and in his toyhood days he became inured to the sturdy and invigorating work involved in the clearing and cultivating of the farm upon which he now lives, while his educational privileges, owing to the normal exigencies and conditions, were meager in character. As a boy he plodded his way, during the winter months, lo the little log school house, which was equipped with slab benches, puncheon floors and wide fire-place, and there conned his rudimentary lessons under such instructors as the primitive settlement could offer. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty-five acres, and the farm is under most effective cultivation, while he also devotes attention, in a culjordinate way, to the raising of high-grade live stock. He has made excellent improvements on the homestead, having erected a commodious and substantial dwelling and other buildings well adapted to the uses to which they are applied. Mr. Sponseller has not allowed his interests to be confined to his personal affairs, but has taken a deep concern in all that has contr'buted to the wellbeing of the community in which his life has been passed. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which he has long been a valued member, being one of the elders of the church. His parents were also devoted members of this church, as is also his wife.

On the 14th of February, i860, in the city of Canton, Mr. Sponseller was united in marriage to Miss F.lizabeth Croft, who was born in Canton township, on the 21st of October, 1836, being one of the three children of Michael and !Mary (Lichtenwalter) Croft, the former a nati\e of Indiana and the latter of Pennsylvania, ' while thev were numbered among the honored' pioneers of Stark county, where both died.

The father died in the city of Canton, at the age of eighty-eight years, his wife having passed away in Osnaburg township, at the age of seventy-eiglit years. Their three children were: William; Elizabeth, who is the wife of the subject; and Susanna. To Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller have been born nine children, namely: Mary Ellen, who is the wife of Christian Marks ; Alice, who became the wife of John Rindchen. and who died in Canton township on the 29th of October, 1901 ; Laura Ann, who is the wife of Samuel Snortz; the next child died in infancy; William; Ada is the wife of William Kitzmiller; Cora remains at the parental home; Kate is the wife of Charles Miller; and Senora is still living beneath the home rooftree.

DAVID W. SPONSELLER. - When it is stated that the subject of this review is of the third generation of the family in Stark county it becomes evident that the name has been identified with the annals of this section of the state from the early pioneer days. His paternal grandfather, John Sponseller, of stanch German ancestry, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he came to Stark county, taking up a tract of wild land in Canton township, v>here he instituted the work of reclamation and improvement, and where he passed the remainder of his life, as did also his wife, whose maiden name was C. Herbster. They were folk of sterling character, industrious and unassuming, and they reared their children to lives of usefulness and honor, so that the name has ever been one unblemished by shadow of wrong or suspicion of injustice to others. Their son, Abraham, the father of the subject, was born on the old pioneer homestead, in Canton township, in the year 1820, so that it was his privilege to be a witness of the transition stages through which this locality developed from the primitive conditions of a practically frontier wilderness to that of an opulent and prosperous section of one of the most advanced commonwealths in the Union. Abraham Sponseller was reared to manhood under the sturdy discipline of the farm, aiding in the work of clearing" off the native forest and placing the land under cultivation, while his educational advantages were of course limited by the exigencies of time and place, though a naturally alert mentality led him to individual application through which he became a man of broad information and mature judgment, as may be seen from the records which bear the evidence of his wise and impartial decisions while incumbent of the office of justice of the peace, in which he served for a number of years. His political support was given to the Democratic party, and in addition to the office already mentioned he was also called upon to serve as township trustee, ever commanding the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the community and being known as one of the representative citizens and farmers of Canton township. While he was not formally identified with any religious organization, he had the deepest reverence for spiritual verities, and his life was guided and dominated by a deep faith in Christian truth. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Stoner, was born in Pennsylvania in 1824, her sister removing thence to Stark county, Ohio, when she was thirteen years of age, settling in Canton township, where she grew to maturity and where her marriage to Mr. Sponseller was solemnized. She was a woman of noble and gracious character, and was loved by all who came within the immediate sphere of her influence. She was summoned into eternal rest on the 2d of June, T897. and her life companion, with whom she had walked side by side during the long years of a singularly ideal married life, did not long survive, his death occurring on the 28th of August, 1899. Of this union were born eight children, namely: John H., George W., Sam- uel, William, Mary (the wife of Charles Lehr), David W., Lucy (the wife of Douglas W. Stahl) and August, all of the children surviving their loved and honored parents.

On the parental homestead, in Canton township, wliere the father located immediately after his marriage, David W. Sponseller was born on the 6th of April, 1861, and there he was reared to man's estate. On the 20th of December, 1884, in Canton township. Mr. Sponseller was united in marriage to Miss Emma Yoder, who was born in this township on the iSth of September, 1865, being a daughter of Samuel S. Yoder, one of the influential farmers of the township. Her mother, whose maiden name was Delilah Deckard, is a daughter of tlie late Daniel Deckard, an honored pioneer of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller are the parents of five children, namely : Grover, Hazel, Freda, Russell and Mary.

SAMUEL YODER is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born on a farm in Milton township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 17th of September, 1843, being the third in order of birth of the ten children of Eli D. and Nancy (Kapp) Yoder, the former of whom was born in Canton township, this county, while the latter was a native of Lancaster Pennsylvania, having passed her girlhood days on a farm owned by the late President James Buchanan, at Wheatland, in the Keystone state. She died in Canton, at the age of seventy-two years, and her husband is still living in that city, having now attained the venerable age of eighty-four years. Of their ten children five are living at the present time.

The subject of this review was reared on the parental homestead in Wayne county, where he remained until he was eighteen years of age, having been indebted to the public schools for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. At the age of eighteen he accompanied his parents on their removal to Stark county, and here he has ever since maintained his residence, with the exception of one year, which he passed in Wayne county, and he has been consecutively identiiied with agricultural pursuits from his youth up. In his home farm, which is located on section 34, Canton township, are comprised one hundred and thirtythree acres of as arable and prolific land as can be found in this signally favored agricultural district, and the place is maintained under a high state of cultivation, while Mr. Yoder has made excellent improvements of a pernjanent nature, including a commodious and attractive residence and other buildings admirablv adapted to the uses for which they were erected, the entire place having an air of distinctive thrift and prosperity and "being unmistakably one of the desirable rural estates of the county. Mr. Yoder is progressive and publicspirited, straightforward and sincere in all the relations of life, and has the high regard of the community in which he lives. In politics he accords an unequivocal allegiance to the Republican party, but has never desired official preferment. He and his wife are prominent and valued members of the Evangelical Lutheran church at North Industry, in which he has served as deacon since 1885, and both are active in the promotion of the spiritual and temporal welfare of the church.

In Bethlehem township, this county, on the 22d of January, 1874, Mr. Yoder was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Shafifer, who was born in Pike townsliip. Stark county, on the 31st of January, 1848, being a daughter of Adam and Mary (Rosenfelter) Shaffer, both of whom were born in Germany, while both were representatives of sterling pioneer families of Stark county, where their marriage was solemnized, after which they located on a farm in Pike township. Mr. Shaffer was killed by lightning while at work in a grist mill, in Canton township, being about thirty-five years of age at the time. His widow survives, having attained the venerable age of ninety years and being a resident of North Industry. Of her three children Mrs. Yoder was the youngest, and the only one living. To the subject and his estimable wife, a woman of refinement and gracious personality, have been born five children, namely : Ida O., who is the wife of John Shertzer, of Canton ; Harvey E. and Stella E., who remain at the parental home; Lawrence, who died in infancy ; and Nelson D., who is likewise beneath the home roof.

GEORGE STEINMETZ comes of stanch German lineage, as do many others of the sterling citizens of Stark county, whither emigrated from the fatherland many of the sturdy sons of the German empire during the early pioneer epoch, while many others came here from Pennsylvania, where they had been established for one or more generations. From this source the county has gained much and lost nothing. He was born on his present farm on the 14th of October, 1832, being a son of John Steinmetz, who was born in the province of Morburg, Germany, May 11, 1783, and who was but one year of age at the time when his parents bade adieu to the fatherland and emigrated to America. They settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, whence he later removed to Licking county, Ohio, shortly after the admission of the Buckeye state to the federal Union, and in 181 8 he came to Stark county and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, the same having been at the time marked by a veritable wilderness, the native timber still standing intact, while the settlers were few and far removed from each other in the average cases. He later took up his residence on the farm now owned by his son Hiram, in the same township, and there passed the remainder of his life, passing to his reward on the 24th of June, 1869, as one of the honored pioneers who had contributed his full quota toward the development of this favored section, w'hile his devoted and cherished wife entered into eternal rest on the 14th of April, 1882. The father belonged to the German Baptist church and the mother to the Disciples, while in politics the father gave his support to the Republican party. The maiden name of the subject's mother was Mary Painter, and she was customarily and aft'ectionately known by the name of Polly in her family, which was established in Pennsylvania in an early day, probably prior to the war of the Revolution, her birth having occurred in Westmoreland county, that state, on the 14th of October, 1796. Of her marriage with John Steinmetz were born twelve children, of whomi the following eight lived to attain years of maturity: Joseph, Catherine, Louisa, John, Harrison, George, Hiram and Harriet, and of these three are living at the present time.

George Steinmetz was reared under the conditions and influences of pioneer life, and has made his home consecutively on the farm which' he now owns and which he has seen developed from the virgin forest to its present condition as one of the most productive, attractive and valuable rural estates in Pike township. He received such educational advantages as were afforded the average farmer boy of the locality and period, and early began to lend his aid in the improvement and cultivation of tlie old homestead, which is now endeared to him by tlie memories and varied associations of the past. He has given his attention to diversified farming and stock-raising and has carried forward his efforts with that rare discrimination and progressiveness which render the life of the hu.sbandman anything other than monotonous and unprolific in definite success. His farm comprises two hundred and fifty-two acres, and upon the same he has erected substantial and attractive, farm buildings, includ-

In politics the subject gives a stanch support to the principles and policies of the Republican party, and is known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. While he has never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, he has been called upon to serve in various local positions of trust and responsibility and has ever been found signally true to duty in these connections, as has he been in all the relations of life, ever commanding unmeasured esteem in the community in which his entire life has been passed. For seventeen years he was connected with the Pike Township Fire Insurance Company. Both Mr. and Mrs. Steinmetz are devoted and valued members of the Christian church, in which he was baptized at the age of seventeen years, while a similar consecration was received by his wife in 1877. Shortly after becommg a member of the church he was elected a deacon in the church in the village of Sparta, and served acceptably for a term of two years. lie now holds membership in the church of this denomination at Greenridge school house.

In Pike township, this county, on the 2d of July, 1S54, Mr. Steinmetz was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Apley, who was born on ihe parental homestead in this township, on the 26th of January, 1836, being a daughter of Michael and Sarah (Slabaugh) Apley, the former of whom was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania. They came to Stark county in an early day and first settled in Canton township, whence they came to Pike township, where the father developed a farm, upon which both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. He died in October, 1840, when about fifty-one years of age, while his widow survived until 1875, when she was summoned into eternal rest, at the age of eighty-two years. Of their eight children all but one attained maturity, namely : Elizabeth,

Maria, John, Lucinda, Catherine, Melinda and Mary Ann, and of the number three are still living. Mrs. Steinmetz was reared and educated in Pike township and has here passed her entire life, while through her gentle and gracious womanhood she has won the affection of a wide circle of friends in the community, and her home is a favorite resort for them.

JOHN A. DONAT is a son of Peter Donat, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of October, 1805, and there he was reared to the age of fifteen years, having attended the common schools of that locality, and he then accompanied his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Donat, on their removal to Tuscarawas township. Stark county, Ohio, where they made their advent in the autumn of 1819, settling in Perry township in the following spring, in the midst of the forest, where his father instituted the herculean task of reclaiming his land to cultivation, having taken up a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. On this old homestead Peter Donat was reared to maturity, and in this township he continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, becoming the owner of a valuable farm which he had improved through his own efforts, and ever commanding the respect and high regard of the community. On the 9tli of March, 1843, '^^ ^'^'^s united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Crossland, who was born in Akron (then known as Middleburg),* Ohio, on the 4th of May, 1826. For nearly a half century this worthy couple walked side by side down the pathway of life, mutually encouraged and aided by the appreciative aiTection and sympathy, and sharing alike the joys and sorrows which no man escapes in this unintelligible world. Tlie loving and cherished wife and mother entered eternal rest on the 30th of August, 1890, and her venerable companion did not long survive her loss, his death occurring 011 the 3d of January, 1892. They became the parents of eleven children, namely : Amanda, Lydia S., Hannah, i\nn Eliza, Olivia, Mary Alice, Azariah C, Emma R., Eva C, John A. and Loretta. Of these all are living except four.

John A. Donat, the immediate subject of this sketch, was the tenth in order of birth in the above mentioned family of children, and was ushered into the world on the old homestead in Tuscarawas township, the date of his nativity having been November 11, 1861. He was reared to the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the farm, receiving his educational discipline in the public schools of the township, and he remained at the old homestead until after the death of his parents, when, in the spring of 1892, he located upon his present farm, wdiich is most eligibly situated, in Lake township and wiiich comprises eighty acres of most productive land, the place being well improved and maintained under efifective cultivation. Mr. Donat has a thorough knowledge of the best methods to be employed in the various departments of the farming enterprise, and his policy is that of a discrnninating and progressive business m£jn. In politics Mr. Donat gives a stanch allegiance to the Deniocratic party, and he manifests a commendable interest in public affairs of a local nature, contributing to the advancement of legitimate enterprises and measures for the general good. Fraternally he is a valued member of New Berlin Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, w'hile his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episco- ])'il church, his affiliation being with the church at Greentown.

At Greentown, this county, on the 14th of December, 1892, Mr. Donat was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Grace Shanafelt, who was born in that village on the 22d of July, 1866, a daughter of Henry and Rose Shanafelt. Of tliis happy union were born five children, namely: Peter S., J. Donald, Virgil W. and

Mabel R. and Mary E. (twins). The sacred precincts of this home circle, whose conditions were ideal in nature, were invaded by death, on the nth of November, 1901, when the devoted wife and motlier was summoned to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns." Mrs. Donat was a consistent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, earnest and devoted in its work and showing her deep Christian faith in thought, word and deed.

JOHN BANKER was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, on the 8th of August, 1840, being the only son of John and Elizabeth (Fellman) Banker, both natives of that fair land, where the former died at the age of fort3--five years. In 185 1, husbanding the limited resources at her command, the brave and loyal mother of the subject proceeded to Havre, France, where she embarked for the new world, in company with her seven children, the eldest of whom was but eleven years of age. After a voyage of forty-two days they disembarked in the city of New York, whence they forthwith came to Ohio, settling at Zoar, Tuscarawas county, where Mrs. Banker was later married to Daniel Schnab, with whom she came to Canton township, Stark county, in 1858, and here passed the residue of her life on a farm, being summoned into eternal rest in the seventy-fifth year of her age. She was a noble Christian woman, brave in the face of trial and adversity and ever devoted to her children, who may well "rise up and call her blessed."' Of the seven children who accompanied her to America we enter the following brief record : Elizabeth became the wife of Jacob Kanzig; Barbara is the wife of Adam Karret, of Perry township, this county; Mary, who was the wife of the late Robert Breil, died at Zoar, Tuscarawas county: Fanny, who became the wife of Chris-

John Banker had attended school as a boy in his native land, and he continued his studies in a desultory way after the family located in Tuscarawas county, this state, where he was reared to manhood. He became dependent upon his own resources at an early age, and from his youth up has been identified with the agricultural industry, having come to Stark county when seventeen years of age, when his mother and step-father removed to this section. Here he continued to be employed at farm work for a number of years, and finally, in 1873, he effected the purchase of his present fine homestead, which is eligibly located in Canton township, and which comprises one hundred and six acres of excellent land, the place being located three and one-half miles from the city of Canton. Mr. Banker has shown a great capacity for "toiling terribly," as was said of an eminent English statesman, and through his earnest and indefatigable efforts he brought about the development of his farm, which is under most effective cultivation and which has the best of permanent improvements, in the way of a commodious and modern residence and other excellent buildings, the entire farm giving unmistakable evidence of thrift and prosperity. In the midst of the arduous labor and cares of a workaday life, Mr. Banker has never been unmindful of the duties of citizenship, and has shown a deep interest in all that concerns the welfare and progress of his home county, while his support has never been withheld from any enterprise advanced for the public good, though he has never been an aspirant for official preferment. In politics he is stanchly arrayed in support of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, with which he has been identified from the time of attaining his majority. At the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion Mr.

Banker manifested his loyalty to the land c his adoption by tendering his services in suj port of the Union. Scarcely had the smok of the rebel guns risen from the battlement of old Fort Sumter when, on the 4th of Sej tember, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Con pany A, Nmeteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantn which was recruited in this county, S. Beatt being the colonel of the regiment. Mr. Banke: in the capacity of '"high private" proceeded t the front with his regiment, which had bee assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, an lie continued in active service for a period of fi: teen months, within which time he participate in the battle of Shiloh and various minor er gageinents, and at the expiration of which, b reason of physical disabilities, he received a honorable discharge.

In Canton township, on the 20th of Fet ruar}', 1868, Mr. Banker was united in mai riage to Mrs. Anna Wenger, widow of Josep Wenger. She was a daughter of the late Wil iam Gerber, an honored pioneer of Canto tov.'nship, and here she was reared and edr cated. By her first marriage she became th mother of two children, William H. an Lydia. To Mr. and Mrs. Banker were bor: five children, one of whom died in infanc\ The four who attained years of maturity, an^ who are still living, are as follows : David F who is a representative physician of Canton and Emma L., Newton S. and John C, wh^ remain at tire paternal home. This ideal hom circle was broken by the hand of deat! on the 2 1 St of March, 1902, when the lovei and devoted wife and mother passed for ward to the life eternal, the veil beinj lifted to disclose a new beauty when deatl set its seal upon the mortal lips of this nobl and gentle woman, who held the love o all who knew her. She was sixty-three year of age at the time of her demise, and had loni been a consistent and zealous member of th German Baptist church.

BENJAAIIN FETTERS was born on the old homestead farm, in Pike township, Stark county, on the 7th of August, 1826, being a son of George and Ehzabeth (Wilt) Fetters, both of whom were born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, of stanch German lineage, both families having been established in the old Kej'stone state in an early period of its history. The paternal grandfather of the subject likewise bore the name of George Fetters, and he was born and reared in Pennsylvana, when, in 181 1, lie emigrated with his family to Ohio and took up his residence on a tract of heavily timbered land in Pike township, Stark county, bending" his energies to the reclamation of his farm and being ably aided in this work by his son and namesake, the father of our subject. The grandfather lived to advanced age and commanded the high regard of all who knew him. In his native county in Pennsylvania George Fetters, Jr., \\as reared to maturity, and there was solemnized his marriage to Elizabeth Wilt. They remained in Ptennsylvania until about four years after the removal of George P'etters. Sr., to Stark county, their arrival here dating back to about the year 181 5, while they were accompanied by their two children, six others being added to the family circle after the establishing of the home in Pike township. The father took up a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land, a considerable portion of which he had placed under effective cultivation prior to his death, in 18.45, 'when fifty-eight years of age, while in the meanwhile he had spared neither his strength nor his mental energies in his endeavors to make the best possible provision for his family, being a man of excellent intellect and one of flawless reputation for integrity and sincerity. His widow survived him by many years, and she, too, died in Pike township, at the venerable age of eighty- four, loved for her gentle womanhood and for faithfulness in all things. Of this union were born five sons and three daughters, Benjamin, subject of this review, having- been the ninth in order of birth and being now the only survivor. His father was a Republican in his political proclivities and his religious faitli was that of the Lutheran churcli, of which his wife also was a devoted member.