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EBER B. CONNELLY - 523


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Cemetery, and his memory is still held dear by hosts of friends and acquaintances.


JACOB B. FRANKS is a son of Aaron and Rebecca (Willoughby) Franks, natives of Fayette County, Penn., who came to Wayne County in 1827, and located in East Union Township, where they remained one year, and then purchased eighty acres of land one and one-half miles east of Moorland, where they carried on farming and stock-breeding. Aaron Franks was a prominent member of the Democratic party, and was infirmary director for ten years. His wife died in 1868, the mother of nine children, as follows: Isaiah, in Holmes County, Ohio; Jacob B., our subject.; Israel, Cornelius, George and Elizabeth, all deceased; Michael, in Franklin Township, Wayne County ; Abigail, wife of Wallace Benebee, also in Franklin Township, and Aaron, on the homestead. Mr. Franks married for his second wife Miss Ann Zaring. No children were born to this union. Mr. Franks died in.1883, and his widow now resides in Wooster, Ohio.

Our subject was born in Fayette County, Penn., January 6, 1826, and was brought to Franklin Township, Wayne County, by his parents, at the age of one year. He was reared on the farm and sent to the schools of his township, where, with the exception of sixteen years spent in East Union Township, he has always lived. In 1852 Mr. Franks married Elizabeth, daughter of John Rowland, of Holmes County, Ohio, and eight children have been born to them, of whom two died in infancy. The others are as follows: Isaiah N., in Franklin Township, Wayne County, married to Margaret, daughter of Andrew Miller, of Franklin Township, and they have four children—Tilden, Jacob E., Alwilda and an infant; Matilda, living at home; Rachel, wife of Charles Mathews, of Holmes County, Ohio, has one child; James, at home ; Maria, wife of William Lawrence, of Plain Township, Wayne County, has one child, Warren ; and Amzi, at home. Politically Mr. Franks is a Democrat, and he has held nearly all of the township offices. He is a member of Franklin Grange ; holds the office of treasurer and trustee of the Moorland Methodist Episcopal Church.


DAVID C. COOK, ESQ., is a son of Robert and Jennie D. (Cummings) Cook, former a native of Butler County, Penn., and latter of Indiana County, Penn. Samuel Cook, the paternal grandfather of David C., came to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1816, and en-


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tered a tract of 175 acres of land in what is now Sugar Creek Township. He was a school-teacher, and taught the first school in Sugar Creek Township. He served as justice of the peace for many years, and was a prominent member of the Dalton Presbyterian Church. He died in Sugar Creek Township in 1867. David Cummings, the maternal grandfather of David C., settled in Crawford County, Ohio, about 1818, where he lived and died. He reared eleven children, viz.: Sylvanus, deceased; Robert, father of David C. ; Asa, living near Dalton; James, in Salt Creek Township, Wayne County ; John, who died in 1887; Samuel P., deceased ; Jesse, in Sugar Creek Township, Wayne County ; Josiah, deceased; Christian, deceased; Mary, wife of Lindoln Pancost, of Medina County, Ohio, and Jennie, wife of Abijah Cary, of Medina County, Ohio.


Robert Cook was born December 3, 1803, in Butler County, Penn. June 18, 1831, he married Jennie D. Cummings, and located on the farm in East Union Township, Wayne County, where he now resides, and is still occupying a part of the first house he built. He helped to erect the first school-house in East Union Township, and took an active part in getting men to serve in the late Rebellion. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held various township offices. He has been a ruling elder in the Dalton Presbyterian Church for over thirty-five years. Mr. Cook reared a family of seven children, all of whom are living, viz. : David C. ; Samuel M., in Crawford County, Ohio; Sylvanus G., on the homestead; Rebecda, wife of William McCullough, of East Union Township, Wayne County; Eliza, wife of James Sharp, also of East Union Township; Nancy J., wife of J. A. Bonewitz, also of East Union Township, and Mary E., wife of Daniel W. Forrer, of Orrville, Ohio.


Of these children, David C., the subject of this memoir, was born July 5, 1832, and was reared on the farm and attended the district schools. March 29, 1855, he married Miss Maria, daughter of Daniel Weaver, of Baughman Township, and they settled on their present farm. Five children have been born to them: Robert C., in East Union Township, Wayne County, married to Elizabeth, daughter. of Henry Jennings, of Fredericksburgh, and has one child, Clara Edna; William H. and David Howard, liVing at home ; Laura is the wife of Jacob B. Jennings, of Fredericksburgh, Ohio, and. Ida M. is the wife of William Badger, of Shreve, and has two children, David H. and Alma May. Mr. Cook was drafted into the Civil War, and furnished a substitute. He has followed threshing as a business for twenty-five years in East 'Union Township. He is identified with


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the Democratic party, and has served as township trustee and school director for many years. In 1885 he was elected justice of the peace, and is still serving. He and his family are members of the Dalton Presbyterian Church.


WILLIAM R. WILSON. Among the prominent and representative farmers of Chippewa Township, Wayne County, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Cecil County, Md., October 13, 1809, a son of Thomas and Mary (Wilson) Wilson,and of Scotch-Irish stock. He was reared in his native county, and learned the blacksmith's trade at Charleston, Md., at the head of Chesapeake Bay. In 1832 he came to Ohio, and settled in Chippewa Township, Wayne County, on the farm he now occupies, which he cleared and improved, and where he has since resided. In 1835 he married Margaret, daughter of Michael Franks, a pioneer of Chippewa Township, and granddaughter of Michael and Amy (Furst) Franks,of Fayette County, Penn., and a great-granddaughter of Michael Franks, a native of Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, who, with his father, Jacob, was 'among the pioneers of Fayette County, Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. William R.

Wilson six children were born, who grew to maturity: Leonard W. (a prominent clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church), Fletcher, Martha (Mrs. Jacob Lehman), Franks, John M., and Martin, a Methodist divine. Mr. Wilson has always been a farmer,and a successful one. He is a member of the United Brethren Church. He has represented Wayne County in the State Legislature two terms, with credit to himself and the county; was formerly a Democrat, but is now an advocate of prohibition.


JOHN FORRER was born July 15, 1816, in Lancaster County, Penn., and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Kindeg) Forrer, who came from Lancaster County to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1833 or 1834, and purchased a farm in Baughman Township, near Orrville, where they spent the remainder of their lives. He was a carpenter by trade, and built many of the farm buildings in that section of the county. He accumulated about 300 acres of land, including the land now occupied by the Orrville fair grounds. Their family consisted of nine children: Martin, living in Indiana; John ; Nancy, now Mrs. Samuel Morten, of Baughman Township, Wayne County; Daniel, living

on the homestead ; Henry, in Baughman Township; Eliza, deceased; Eli, in Chip-


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pewa Township, Wayne County; Martin and Elvina, deceased. John Forrer married Mrs. Sarah Camp, of Wayne County, Ohio, and has three daughters: Elizabeth, wife of George McConnell, of East Union Township, Wayne County ; Elmyra, wife of Samuel Plumer, of Orrville, Ohio, and Sarah Jane, wife of David Forrer, of East Union Township. Mr. Forrer owns a fine farm of 180 acres in East Union Township, and is one of the representative men. He has always been a supporter of the Democratic party.


DR. NORMAN B. DAWSON is a son of Eugene B. and Sarah L. (Moses) Dawson. Thomas Dawson, the grandfather of our subject, who was a native of West Virginia, of Irish parentage, came to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1809, and entered a tract of land in Greene Township, where he lived until 1816, when he entered a tract of land in Milton Township, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was the third settler in Milton Township, and was a prominent man in many ways. His wife was Jemima Burras, of Virginia, and they reared twelve children, as follows: John, Bridget, Mary, Archibald, George, Jeremiah and Emily, all deceased; Thomas,

living in Defiance, Ohio; Castilla, wife of Robert Orr, of Canaan Township, Wayne County; Sarah, wife of Newton Brosius, of Tiffin, Ohio; Eugene B., in Kansas ; Hiram B., in Seville, Medina County, Ohio.


Eugene B. Dawson, the father of Dr. Norman B., was born in Milton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, December 16, 1832. He received his education at the district schools and Canaan Academy, and has always followed farming. In 1854 he moved into Hancock County, Ohio, where he remained ten years; then returned to Milton Township, where he resided until 1878, in which year he moved to Garnett, Anderson Co., Kas., where he now lives. He took an active part in Republican politics in Wayne County, and was a member of the Westfield Universalist Church. He was married, in 1853, to Sarah L. Moses, and by her has six children yet living: Norman B., our subject; George P., in Kansas, employed in the State Lunatic Asylum ; Lydia E., also employed in the Kansas State Lunatic Asylum ; Wallace W., Watt W. and Mina, all at home.


The subject proper of this biographical memoir was born in Hancock County, Ohio, January 2, 1856, and his education was received at the district schools and Baldwin University, at Berea. He read medicine with Dr. J. H. Wallace, of Smithville, Ohio, graduating from the medical department of the Cincinnati College of


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Medicine and Surgery, February 28, 1878, and has since been practicing his prof es: sion at Sterling, Ohio. He is a member of the Northeast Ohio State Medical Association, and also of the State Medical Association. He is a member of Seville Lodge, No. 74, F. & A. M., Sterling Lodge, No. 173, K. P., and Sterling Council, No. 818, R. A., for which he is medical examiner. In 1882 the Doctor married Miss Adeline, daughter of John and Margaret Pettitt, natives of France, and settlers in Milton Township, Wayne County. By this union there is one child, Sarah Emily. Politically Dr. Dawson is a Republican.


JONATHAN S. YODER, farmer and dealer in fine horses, lives on Section 30, in Greene Township, Wayne Co., Ohio. He is a grandson of Jacob Yoder, a former resident of Mifflin County, Penn., who removed to Wayne County in 1818, being one of its earliest settlers. When he came here this was a wilderness, and on the site of the present city of Wooster, were but two log cabins. He and his family endured the hardships and severe labors incidental to a pioneer's life, but by steady industry and thrifty habits overcame its difficulties, and made a comfortable home for himself and his descendants. The farm he bought was in Wayne Township, and there the honored pioneer lived until his death. It comprised 160 acres, and before his death he had it well cleared and fenced and under cultivation. In this labor he was assisted by his sons, and the family were then and are still counted among the best of the pioneer settlers. Illustrative of the obstacles against which the early settlers had to contend, it is recorded that the wheat raised on the farm had to be hauled to Cleveland, a trip of four or five days, and was there sold for forty cents per bushel. Even that market was not opened for some time after Mr. Yoder came to Ohio. At first their wheat had to be bartered for other produce, for goods, or for labor. Jacob Yoder was married in Pennsylvania to Barbara Hooley, and had a family of six sons and four daughters, all of whom are now deceased. Their names were Jacob, Michael, Peter, John, David, Samuel, Mattie, Rachel, Lydia and Maria.


The youngest son, Samuel, was father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Mifflin County, Penn., in 1808, and died on the farm where J. S. now lives, on March 31, 1878, aged seventy years. He was ten years old when his father immigrated to Wayne County, and witnessed its development from a wilderness to one of the best counties in the


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State. His father bought a quarter section of land for each of his children, and that given to Samuel was uncleared except ten acres from which the brush had been removed and the large trees deadened. On this tract Samuel labored as long as he was able to work, and it is now thoroughly cleared and all under a fine state of cultivation. Some of the land was sold and the farm now comprises 140 acres, through which the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railway now runs, its depot being on the road bounding it. Samuel Yoder was an upright man, and a consistent member of the Amish Mennonite Church. He had the respect of his fellowmen, and left to his children the priceless heritage of a good name. He was married to Catherine Naftziger, who was born in Germany, April 8, 1817. Her parents came to America when she was seven years old, settling in Canaan Township, Wayne County, where the father died. A few years before her death the mother removed to Greene Township, where she died. Mrs. Catherine Yoder is now living with our subject. She and her husband were the parents of eleven children. Jacobina is the wife of Samuel Plank; Jonathan comes next; Barbara is the wife of Rev. David Hostetler ; and Jacob, a farmer, all living in Greene Township; Levi is farming in Johnson County, Mo.; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of A. K. Kurtz; and Martha is the wife of Amos Smoker, all of Greene Township; John is a resident of Johnson County, Mo. ; Menno P. lives in Wayne Township, this county; Samuel died at the age of twenty- one, and David V. when one year old.


J. S. Yoder, subject of this sketch, was born in a log cabin on the farm where he now lives, on January 3, 1840. He lived with his parents until his marriage, which took place in Lancaster County, Penn., where he lived the succeeding eight years, then returning to the place of his birth, which he has since made his home. He was married March 10, 1864, to Leah Stoltzfus, born in Lancaster County, Penn., February ,28, 1841, her ancestors being old residents of that county. She died September 13, 1881, leaving seven children: Catherine Ellen, Sylvanus S., Sarah Melinda, Rachel Lucinda, Ephraim S., Leah and Jonathan Stoltzfus, the two latter being twins. Mrs. Yoder was a faithful and devoted wife and mother, a woman of deep religious feeling, and an active member of the Amish Mennonite Church. In October, 1883, Mr. Yoder was again married, Miss Mary L. Zook becoming his wife. She was born in Mifflin County, Penn., in November, 1840, of parents who were old residents of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Yoder are both members of the Oak Grove Amish Mennonite Church, and both are teachers in


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its Sunday School. Mr. Yoder bears the reputation of a thormighly honest and trustworthy man, and as such is justly held in esteem by all who know him.


ALBERT C. WILES is a son of David and Sevilla (Heckert) Wiles, natives of Preston County,

West Virginia. They came to Wayne County November 4, 1828, and entered the west half of Section 20, in Canaan Township, making the last entry of Government land in the township.

They started in life poor, and by hard work, perseverance and industry accumulated a large property, which they divided among their children. Mr. David Wiles will be remembered as a be-

nevolent, enterprising man, who always took an active part in public affairs. His wife died November 15, 1882, and he on March 24, 1886, both being members of the Canaan. Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children who are living are Rebecca, wife of Abraham Deahuff, of Akron, Ind.; Daniel, in Canaan Township, Wayne County ; Salinda, wife of John Fike, in Canaan Township, Wayne County ; Eliza Ann, wife of Abraham Musselmon, of Alma, Neb. ; David, in

Yorktown, Iowa; Jennie, wife of H. W. Taylor, in Canaan Township, Wayne County; Caroline, wife of Gideon Johnson, in San Francisco, Cal. ; Joseph M., in Canaan Township, and Albert C.


The subject of this memoir was born December 10, 1847; was educated at the Township schools and Canaan Academy, and for five years taught the township schools; also taught music for seven years. Since then Mr. Wiles has followed farming, moving onto his present farm in Canaan Township in 1880. In 1881 he married Miss Kate, daughter of Allen Scott, of Hamilton, Ohio, and they have two children: Lutie Glysem and Gail Scott. Mr. Wiles, politically, is a Republican, and has acted as township clerk for ten years. He is secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Canaan Methodist Episcopal Church, and holds the office of lecturer in Canaan Grange, No. 1280, Patrons of Husbandry.


W. S. ENFIELD, store-keeper and gauger. This enterprising young man was born in Somerset County, Penn., in December, 1861, a son of Emanuel Enfield, now a prominent farmer in Wooster, who is also a native of Somerset County, Penn.. Mr. Enfield followed farming up to his appointment to his present position, which occurred May 1, 1887. Politically he is a Democrat.


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LUCIEN GRABER is a son of Peter Graber, a native of Switzerland born October 11, 1822. The parents of Peter Graber were Samuel and Magdalene (Steiner) Graber, and with them he immigrated to America in 1827, and to Ohio. They first settled in Sugar Creek Township; thence moved to Paint Township, where the parents died. In 1847 he married Annie Knoble, a native of France, and a resident of Paint Township. Eight children were born to this union, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are Lucien, our subject; Amanda, wife 'of David Buler, of Allen County, Ohio ; Julia, wife of Ross Koontz, of Mount Eaton, Ohio; Peter, in Sugar Creek Township, Wayne County; Alfred, in Virginia; Helen, wife of Jacob Tschontz, of Paint Township, Wayne County ; Louisa, wife of Arthur Fisher, of Wooster, Ohio. Mr. Graber is a member of the Democratic party, and a deacon in the German Reformed Church.


Lucien Graber, the subject of these lines, was born February 5, 1848, and was educated at the schools of the township. At an early age he learned the stone mason's trade,`but has been principally engaged in farming in Paint Township, Wayne County. In 1879 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Saurer, of Sugar Creek Township, Wayne County, and by this union there are four children: Irvin H., Winter C., Aldine and Myrtle Edith. Mr. Graber has always been identified with the Democratic party, and has served as justice of the peace two terms. In 1886 he was elected county commissioner, which office he is still filling. He is a member of Mount Eaton Lodge, No. 274, Royal Arcanum, and of Wooster Lodge, No. 41, K. of P. He and his family are members of St. Paul's German Reformed Church.


H. E. HILEMAN, farmer, Chester Township, is of German descent, his ancestors being among the early settlers of this country. His father, Isaac Hileman, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., January 25, 1797, and married Margaret Anderson, who was born in 1799, and was a daughter of James Anderson, of Somerset County, Penn. They had a family of ten children, viz.: John, born in 1819; James D., in 1821; J. I., in 1823; Margaret, in 1826; William, in 1829; Hiram, in 1831; Andrew, in 1834; Nancy, in 1837; Harvey, in 1840, and Annis, in 1843. But three of this family are now living. Isaac Hileman was left fatherless when nine years of age, and he was early thrown on his own resources. When fourteen years of age he began to learn the trade of a


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shoemaker, at which he worked for a number of years. He moved to Wayne County, Ohio, when a young man, his first purchase of land being in Sugar Creek Township. He there bought eighty acres, which he cleared, and at the same time worked at his trade. He lived there three years and then bought 170 acres in Chester Township, the greater part of which was heavily timbered.. Here he built a log cabin for the temporary use of his family. He then went to work at clearing his land, hewed the timber, and subsequently built a comfortable frame house. His farm, which he brought from a tract of timber to one of the best farms in the county, is the reward of years of hard toil and unremitting energy, and is still in the possession of his family. Mr. Hileman died in 1875, his wife surviving him until 1879.


H. E. Hileman, our subject, is one of the native sons of Wayne County, and one of its most enterprising citizens. He received a common-school education, and from his youth has devoted his attention to agriculture. He now owns the homestead of his father and has erected a fine residence and other farm buildings, which make it one of the most desirable homes in the county. He has been prominent in political circles and has held the offices of township treasurer and trustee. He casts his suffrage with the Republican party. Mr. Hileman was married in 1867 to Miss Minerva Mowery, daughter of John C. Mowery. They have two children, Wallace and Jennie.


CAPTAIN DAVID MITCHELL, son of James and ElizAbeth (Kerr) Mitchell, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, March 22, 1829. His father, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier in the War of 1812, came to Ohio, and located near what was afterward known as Mitchell's Salt-works, in Jefferson County, where he reared a family of ten children, and died in October, 1865. The mother of our subject was a native of Ohio, and a daughter of James Kerr, an early pioneer of Jefferson County, Ohio; she died in 1844. Capt. Mitchell was married in Jefferson County, Ohio, October 3, 1854, to Miss May Saltsman, who bore six children, three of whom are now living.


Captain Mitchell, in May, 1861, raised a company (composing 107 men) of Home Guards, in Ross Township, Jefferson Co., Ohio, which, in the following June, was mustered into the militia reserve. In September, 1861, the Captain applied for and obtained an order from the governor of Ohio to raise a volunteer company for the the three years' service, and in a-few days


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after receiving the order he had a company raised of hardy and determined volunteers. This company was mustered in at Camp King, near Covington, Ky., October 3, 1861, and transferred to the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. L. A. Harris, which was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. Col. Harris and his regiment .participated in all the important battles in which that corps was engaged, some of the most notable being Perryville, battle of Stone River, Chickamauga, with Hooker at Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, and numerous other minor engagements. On the 14th of May, 1864, while attemping to storm the breastworks at Resaca, Capt. Mitchell, while leading on his men, was struck in the leg by a minie ball. He managed to crawl off the field, and was later carried to the field hospital, where lie remained only a short time, having a thirty days' furlough. Although badly wounded, and having the privilege of retiring, the Captain, at the expiration of his furlough, nobly returned to the front. After three years' service, Capt. Mitchell and the shattered remnant of his company were mustered out, receiving an honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio, October 10, 1804.


Our subject was engaged in mercantile pursuits prior to his enlistment, and when the war ended, he returned to his old home in Jefferson County, Ohio, and to the present time he has since almost uninterruptedly been engaged in merchandising. From Jefferson County he came to West Salem, Wayne County, June 7, 1867, and has here since resided. Genial and pleasant, now at the age of sixty years, he is enjoying comparative repose, though never idle, and exhibits as much determination to fight out the battle of life as he did when leading on his brave volunteers to crush out the Rebellion.


MICHAEL FERTIG, a well known farmer of Wayne Township, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1815, the youngest of three children of Michael and Barbara (Oberlin) Fertig, also natives of Lancaster County. His father was a farmer and a day laborer, and about 1835 came to Wayne County, Ohio, with his wife and daughter, and made this his home until his death which occurred in August, 1838, when he was aged fifty years.


Michael Fertig, Jr., came to Wayne Cohnty when about twenty-five years of age. He first found employment on a farm, working by the day unti1.1856, when he purchased the farm where he now lives. This farm contains thirty acres of good


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land, well improved and under good cultivation. No man in the county has worked harder and more faithfully through life than Michael Fertig, and none are more deserving of success. He was married in 1878 to Sarah Hoffman, daughter of Henry Hoffman. They have no children. Mr. Fertig is a member of the Lutheran and his wife of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat.


ROBERT E. McAFFEE is one of the most intelligent and progressive farmers of Chester Township. His father, Samuel McAffee, is a highly respected citizen of the same township.

Samuel McAffee was born on the sea coast in County Antrim, Ireland, December 25,

1804, the eldest of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of William and Margaret (Taggert) McAffee. He remained in his native country until twenty-one years of age, when he set sail for

America. Landing in Philadelphia, he remained in Pennsylvania for three years, when he returned to his native country, where he remained ten years. In 1838 he married Grace Stinson, daughter of Rev. David Stinson. In the same year, with his wife and his parents, and their family, he again came to America, and they at once made their home in Wayne County, Ohio, where the father bought a quarter section of land in Sugar Creek Township, where he made his home until his death, at the age of seventy-six years. Samuel McAffee, from the date of his coming to Wayne County, devoted his attention to farming, In 1850 he bought the home where he now lives, which contains 166 acres of land, well improved. It was originally the property of Jacob Kreamer. To Mr. McAffee and his wife, nee Grace Stinson, were born six children, viz. : John, Martha, Joseph, Sarah, Mary and Samuel. The mother died and Mr. McAffee afterward married Susan Girl, daughter of William Girl. Six children have been born to them: Robert E., Susan, Matthew (deceased), Kate, Grace and David.


Robert E. McAffee was born in 1846, and has all his life been identified with the interests of Chester Township. He now superintends the work of the home farm, thus relieving his father of care and responsibility. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare and government of his township, and has served several years as township trustee and school director. In politics he is a Republican. He was married in 1869 to Mary, daughter of Joseph McHelinery, of Wayne County. They have a family of nine children, viz. : Leopold, Thomas L., Marietta, Annie, Edward, Frederick, Bertha,


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Jennie and Kate. Mr. and Mr. McAffee are members of the United Presbyterian Church.


NATHANIEL MOWERY is a native of Chester Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, born in 1836, the third son of John Mowery, a pioneer of this county. In recording the history of the lives of the citizens of the county we find that none have been more successful than Nathaniel Mowery. He now owns a fine farm of 600 acres, on which are excellent building improvements. Although Mr.

Mowery has accomplished so much in a personal way he has still found time to devote some attention to the affairs of his township, having always been among the foremost to advance the material, social and educational interests. As an evidence of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens we note that for fifteen years he has.been a school director. Mr. Mowery was married in 1858 to Miss Elmira S. Hartman, daughter of Samuel and Eva E. (Wonsetter) Hartman, of Chester Township. To them have been born nine children, seven of whom are living: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Hill ; Sarah E., at home ; Martha, now Mrs. Ecker ; Emma, Viola, John and Oren. Mr. and Mrs. Mowery are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Mowery casts his suffrage with the Prohibition party.


CAPTAIN BENJAMIN F. MILLER, son of Benjamin and Martha (Hemphill) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, was born October 2, 1832, at Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland Co., Penn. John Miller, the grandfather of Benjamin F., came to Wayne County, Ohio, about 1825, and located in Wayne Township, where he was engaged in farming. He died there in 1846. Benjamin Miller, father of Benjamin F., and the eldest of. John's family, was born in Juniata County, Penn., in 1799. He remained with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he went to Westmoreland County, Penn., and here he met the lady whom he married. After this event they first located at Stewart's Station in the same county. In 1846 they came to Wayne County, and took up their residence in ' Wayne Township for about one year, when they purchased ft# farm in Chester Township, same county. In 1863 they retired from the farm, and moved into Wooster, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Miller was an active member of the Whig, and afterward of the Republican, party, and filled several township offices in Chester Township. They died in 1880


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and 1879, respectively, prominent members of the Associate Reformed Church. They reared a family of nine children, all of whom are living except Margaret, who married John Cherry, and died in Iowa. Those living are Elizabeth, wife of David B. Funk, of Wooster, Ohio; Nancy, wife of John Long, also of Wooster; John, in Chester Township; Sarah Ann, wife of Thomas Van Sweergin, of Congress Township, Wayne County; Mary, a maiden lady, also in Wooster; Benjamin F., our subject; Derinda, a maiden lady, in Wooster, and Lucinda, wife of Alex Postleweight, in Orrville.


The subject of this sketch came toWayne County with his parents in 1846, and was reared on the farm, receiving his education at the township schools. In 1848 he proceeded overland to the Rocky Mountains and California, spending four years in that section. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to fifth sergeant, then to first lieutenant, and finally to captain of his company. He was captured at Snaggy Point, La., on the Red River steamer " Belle," and confined at Camp Ford, near Tyler, in Northeast Texas, for thirteen months. He and some fellow prisoners escaped in December, and reached the northern lines in March, having traveled between 600 and 700 miles. He then

served his country until his honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio, June 30, 1865. After the close of the war Capt. Miller returned to farming and lumbering, and in 1874 he purchased his present farm. September 28, 1865, he married Miss Julia A. Baumgardner, daughter of Peter Baumgardner, of Wayne Township, and they have one child, Ora Eveline, living at home. Capt. Miller votes the Republican ticket, and although living in a Democratic township has held various offices, having served as school director for twelve years. He is a member of Givens Post, No. 133, G. A. R., of Wooster, and is a prominent member of the Wooster Presbyterian Church, having served as one of its trustees for six years.


JACOB NAFTZGER (deceased) was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1812, the second of seven children of Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Naftzger. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio in a very early day. Jacob Naftzger, Jr., began life a poor boy, but by industry and good management became a wealthy man, owning at his death over 1,000 acres of land in Harrison and Wayne Counties. In 1841 he married Miss Susan Gotshall, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Harpelhorn) Gotshall,


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former a native of Pennsylvania and a pioneer of Harrison County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Naftzger had a family of eight children, six of whom are living: Catherine, Daniel, Eliza, Alice, Emma and Alexander. Mr. Naftzger died in 1888, and his widow now lives in Wayne Township, at the comfortable home left her by her husband, her daughter Alice, a refined and intelligent lady, being at home with her. Mr. Naftzer was in his political views a Democrat. He always took an interest in the public affairs of his township, but was never an aspirant for official honors.


HARVEY W. TAYLOR was born in Lehigh County,Penn.,February 15, 1863. His parents are David and Emma (Long) Taylor, who now reside in Philadelphia. In 1880 Mr. Taylor came to Wayne County and engaged as a laborer on the farm of David Wiles, in Canaan Township, Wayne County, and June 6, 1886, he married Miss Jennie Wiles, and they have since resided on the homestead farm. Mr. Taylor is a member of C. W. Sharp Camp, No. 170, Sons of Veterans ; Canaan Grange, No. 1280, Patrons of Husbandry, and of the Canaan Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee. He is a member of the Prohibition party, and has served as township supervisor.


SAMUEL FRASE was born in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, October 23, 1825, and is a son of John and Catherine E. (Lash) Frase, natives of Washington County, Penn., who settled in Chippewa Township, Wayne County, about 1820, locating on the northwest quarter of Section 36, now owned and occupied by families of the same name. John Frase was a tailor by trade, and paid for the clearing of his farm with the earnings of his needle, and had it mostly cleared before his sons were old enough to assist him. His family consisted of twelve children, viz. : Jacob, Henry, Peter, Catherine (Mrs. Willia4a Weygandt), Cornelius, John, Solomon, Samuel, David, Jonathan, Mary A. (Mrs. John Holm), and Margaret (Mrs. Jonas Frase).


Samuel Frase, subject of this memoir, was reared in Chippewa Township, Wayne County, and has always been engaged in farming. With the exception of fifteen years he lived in Baughman Township, Wayne County, he has resided in Chippewa Township, where he has helped to clear and improve several farms. Mr. Frase was three times. married : first to Eleanor, daughter of George Zimmerman,


WAYNE COUNTY - 539


of Baughman Township, Wayne County, and by her be had two children: John J. and Mary IL (Mrs. Samuel Conleyham). Mr. Frase's second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Shoe, of Chippewa Township, Wayne County, and by her he has had ten children, of whom are living Orrin, Lemuel, Henry, Clara (Mrs. George Schriber), Frank, Ida, Allen and Elder B. Our subject's third wife was Mrs. Elizabeth (Lutz) Limbach. Mr. Frase and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He has served two terms as township trustee; in politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the prominent, influential farmers of his township, and the family are much respected.


WESLEY A. HUFFMAN. Among the prosperous and representative merchants of Doylestown,

Chippewa Township, Wayne County, there is no one who retains the confidence and esteem of its citizens and those of the surrounding country to a greater extent than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Chippewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, August 25, 1846, and is a son of Daniel and Ann (Huffman) Huffman, both natives of Switzerland and pioneers of Chippewa Township. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Huffman, and maternal grandfather, Jacob Huffman, were natives of Switzerland, and among the pioneers of Chippewa Township. [For history of the former see sketch of Daniel V. Huffman]. Jacob Huffman had five children who grew to maturity, viz.: Frederick, John, Jacob, Ann and Almira, all now deceased but Frederick, who re- sides in Butler, Ind.


Wesley A. Huffman was reared and educated in his native township, and be- gan life as a farmer, which occupation he followed until twenty-six years of age. In 1874 he embarked in the hardware trade in Doylestown, in which he still continues, the present firm being known as W. A. Huffman & Co. Mr. Huffman married, September 23, 1884, Ella Smyser, of Wooster, Ohio, and by her has one son, Charles S. Mr. Huffman is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Royal Arca- num and Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican.


DR. J. W. LEHR, one of the rising young physicians of Wayne County, is the eldest of two children of Abraham and Susan R. (Carl) Lehr, former a native of Wayne County, and both of German descent. The Doctor has one sister, Miss Florence Lehr, a young lady of pleasing address and popular in


540 - WAYNE COUNTY.


social circles. He was educated in the common schools of his township, and also attended the_ Smithville Academy, and Ada College. In 1880 he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. C. J. Warner of Congress, and the same year entered the medical department of the University of Wooster, from which he graduated in 1883. He at once opened an office near his old home, settled down to the practice of his profession, and has met with good success. He is building up a large practice, and is recognized as one of the first physicians of the county. He is a hard student, and aims to excel in his chosen profession. He is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. The Doctor is still a single man.


MAHALETH McCONKEY, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth McConkey, was born on the farm she now owns in Clinton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1818. Her grandfather, William McConkey, lived here with his children for a few years, and died here. Thomas and Elizabeth McConkey were married in Fayette County, Penn., and, removing to Wayne County, settled near Wooster, later entering the farm which their daughter, Mahaleth, now owns in Clinton Township. Their children were Ruth, deceased wife of William McFarl an, of Clinton ; Elizabeth, the late Mrs. Samuel Shreve, of Wayne County ; Anna, the late Mrs. Enos Dye; William, (deceased) ; Orpha, the late Mrs. Daniel Dye; Mahaleth; Naomi, now Mrs. Adam Everly, of Shreve; Reason, (deceased) ; May A., the late Mrs. David Wells; Rachel, the late Mrs. Samuel B. Sterling; all, it will be observed, being deceased but two—Mahaleth and Naomi.


Mahaleth McConkey received an inheritance from her father of nearly 300 acres of land, and later purchased the old homestead in Clinton Township, where she now lives, the buildings having been erected since her purchase. Her father was a justice of the peace for six years, in politics a Democrat. The parents of Mahaleth were members of the Christian Church, of which she is also a member.


JOSEPH MILLER, proprietor of the Miller House and livery stable, `Burbank, is a son of John and Ellen (Rooling) Miller, natives of France, who settled on the Rock River in Medina County, Ohio, where the father still lives, engaged in stock-dealing. The subject of this memoir was born in Medina County, Ohio, January 14, 1837, and received a



THOMAS MCCONKEY, ESQ - 541


BLANK - 542


WAYNE COUNTY - 543


limited education at the township schools. He learned the blacksmith's trade which he worked at in Cleveland and other places. In 1860 he came to Burbank, Wayne County, and followed his trade for six years, then purchased the hotel which has since been known as the " Miller House." Mr. Miller sent a substitute to the War of the Rebellion, and claims to be the only man drafted from Burbank. He is a veteran stage driver, having conducted the mail route from Wooster to Belden, Lorain Co., Ohio, and also a route to Cleveland. In 1861 he married Miss Lizzie, daughter of Andrew Stein, of York, Medina County, and by her he has four children: William, in Burbank, married to Miss Tiny Gorman; Lizzie, wife of Edward Gipe, in Uhrichsville; Ohio; Rose, wife of Frank Watson, in Burbank, and Jennie, at home. Mr. Miller is an active member of the Republican party,


JOSEPH HUNTER. This well-known citizen of the city of Wooster is one of the oldest living residents of Wayne County, having spent seventy-seven years within its borders. He was born in Beaver County, Penn., November 19, 1809, and was but three years old when his parents settled in Wayne County. His father, David, was born in Washington County, Penn., in 1770, and his grandfather was a native of Ireland, who came to America long anterior to the Revolution. David Hunter was married to Jane Wilson, of Pennsylvania, of Scotch and Irish descent. They had six sons and four daughters born to them, of whom three are now living in Wayne County. The father came to this county alone, in 1812, and selecting a location for a farm, in what is now East Union Township, built a log cabin thereon, and then, in 1813, brought his family from his old home to begin their pioneer life in the primeval forest. On that farm he and his good wife reared their family, in the usual manner of the pioneers of that day. The boys had but little chance for schooling, because when old enough they had to shoulder the ax or handle the hoe to contribute their part to building up the new home. The land was cleared, the farm cultivated, the children well reared, and in 1848 David Hunter rested from his toil, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was one Of the members of the old Seceder Church. In 1864 his widow followed him to the grave, aged eighty-three years.


Our subject remained with his parents until reaching manhood, and took his share of the hard labor which was inseparable from the pioneer's life. He learned the trade of a carpenter, as well


544 - WAYNE COUNTY.


ing, and worked at it for some time, but his principal work has been the latter, and in after life he bought the farm which his father located, and which he himself had helped to clear. In September, 1834, Mr. Hunter was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Susan Kester, a native of York County, Penn. She bore him seven children, and in 1867 she died at the age of fifty-six years. She had well performed her part in building up the new home, and had brought up her children to be good men and good women. The children were John, now a resident of Apple Creek, Wayne County; Eleanor, living also at Apple Creek ; Jane, wife of John Caldwell; Harry, a resident of Wooster ; James, Benton and Joseph are deceased.


In 1876 Mr. Hunter was again married, his wife being Mrs. Mary Christine, daughter of John and Elizabeth Strine, of Salt Creek Township. She was born in Holmes County, Ohio. Both of her parents are deceased. Mr. Hunter, in 1859, removed to the edge of Apple Creek, and made his home there until 1878, when he came to Wooster, and has since made his home in his comfortable residence on Pittsburgh Avenue. His life has been one of labor and of usefulness, and the ease which he is enjoying in his declining years has been well-earned. He is known in the county as one of its old and esteemed citizens, although he has never been very prominent in public affairs. Twice, however, he filled the office of land appraiser in East Union Township, a position requiring good judgment and much tact. He and all his family are well spoken of by all who know them as good citizens.


HARVEY HOWARD BISSELL, junior member of the dry goods firm of Bissell Bros., was born in Wooster in the month of flowers and when the air is all sweetness—June 25, 1847. He is the grandson of Hon. John Sloane, the youngest son and child of Dr. Samuel Norton and Eliza Bissell, and was not yet ten months old when his father died, which event was a sad and serious loss to him, as the death of a dutiful parent to an uprising family is always a catastrophe to be lamented. But, under the watchful care of his mother, his foot-steps were carefully guided and he grew to manhood with a full realization of what life was, what it was to be, and the part he was to play in its coming drama. His education was obtained at the Wooster schools, and when, at a quite early age, be withdrew from them, he dropped into the uncertain whirl of business, when he soon found himself anchored as a clerk in the


WAYNE COUNTY - 545


flour and feed traffic. After serving in this capacity for a period, he engaged in the grocery and provision business, and from this sphere of service, February 22, 1875, he entered into partnership relations in the mercantile business with his brother, J. S. Bissell, which still continues. He was married September 28, 1875, to Miss Melissa, daughter of Joseph Marshall, of Blatchleyville, Wayne Co., Ohio, three children being the issue of this union, viz: Ellen E,, Edgar J. and Milah S. Mr. Marshall, the father of Mrs. Bissell, is infirmary director of Wayne County, having been elected in 1883 and re-elected in 1886. He is an exceedingly popular man in his party, and like his son-in-law, the subject of this sketch, is a Democrat. He is a man of good business qualifications, reliable and honest in public and private life, and, as an officer of the county, has thus far acquitted himself with credit and ability.


As we have indicated, Mr. Bisssell is a Democrat, but he has no official aspirations, acting and voting with his party as he is in harmony with its principles. He became a member of the Order of Freemasonry in 1869, joining Ebenezer Lodge, No. 33, Wooster, Ohio. In 1876 he joined Wooster Chapter, No. 27. He was made a Knight Templar June 20, 1880, at Massillon Commandery, No. 4. He is a charter member of the Royal Arcanum, Wayne Council, No. 13, instituted in Wooster September 5, 1877. His wife is a member of the Disciples Church at Blatchleyville, and her husband, though a patron of the church, is not a member. The domestic virtues preponderate in him, and his home circle is charming and pleasant. Under his own roof and by his own fireside he realizes the best phases and truest enjoyments of life. He is as true as the needle to the pole, but betray his confidence or do him an injustice, or offer him an indignity, and there rises instantly to the surface the dynamic grit of his nature. He is of quiet, retiring disposition, but does his own thinking, acting vigorously and promptly as occasion demands. He is possessed of genial manners and great kindness of heart, quick to notice an intended injury, but not so quick to forgive or forget unless the proper restitution is made. He has a strong will, united with extraordinary firmness and decision, and after carefully considering the matter, the granite of his nature hardens into the granite of the hills, and he becomes immovable. He gives the closest attention to business, and is temperate, steady and economical in his habits. He is liberal, earnest and active, never hesitating to perform his share of the work about him, in fact, is well adapted to the vocation he has chosen for his


546 - WAYNE COUNTY.


life work. The cast of his mind is practical; he has the bearing of one devoted to business, is well built and strong, has a physical constitution that insures proplonged vitality, and that patient perseverance which never tires, and moves steadily forward in the path he has marked. He has, through all his years of work, endeavored to live along the line of business fairness and moral rectitude, seeking to do what is right, and remembering that what you believe to be so, when you are required to act on any subject, is right for you at that time, whether it may be absolutely, or in the opinion of others, or even of yourself at another time.


JOHN SLOANE BISSELL. Men of business capacity, force and intelligence need no factitious introduction to the public attention. The positions of honor, influence and power in commerce, statemanship, or, in fact, in any field, are not always occupied by men of the highest intellect or ability. Many who possess the best and most valuable attainments and who are qualified for the highest service pass quietly through life, unhonored and unsung. An accident frequently thrusts the greatness of position upon a man, though he may be too small to fill the measure of his luck. He who makes himself strong and a factor to be known and felt, by his tact, energy and skill, is greater than he who swings in the web woven about him by the spider of circumstance. From an humble beginning, a clerkship in a dry goods store, the subject of this sketch has grown into mercantile strength and to such proportions that the firm of Bissell Brothers is a household, word in the business exchanges of the community.


John Sloane Bissell was born in the city of Wooster, October 13, 1839. His father, Samuel Norton Bissell, was a native of Oneida County, N. Y., where he was born January 22, 1809. He studied medicine with his uncle, Hezekiah Bissell, then practicing medicine in Wooster, and graduated from the Medical College at Cincinnati, where he at once formed a partnership with his uncle. He rapidly rose to eminence in his profession and distinguished himself in every branch of it. He was a man of fine physique, slightly inclined to be corpulent, yet lithe, active and possessed of remarkable physical courage and strength. His intellectual qualities were of a high order. He was an ardent friend, a courteous gentleman of unquestioned integrity, and endowed with a benevolent and chivalric nature. He was a Whig in politics, at times active in the service of his party, supplying the press with brilliant criticisms and re-


WAYNE COUNTY - 547


views of the acts and attitudes of the different parties. He was elected associate judge of the Common Pleas Court in 1845. He was married September 25, 1832, to Eliza, daughter of Hon. John and Ruth Sloane, and died June 13, 1848, in the splendid noontime of his usefulness and activity. To this marriage there were born eight children, all of whom are dead except John S. and Harvey H. The mother died June 14, 1871.


The subject of this biography is a grandson of the Hon. John Sloane, a sketch of whom follows. His father died when he was in his ninth year, but he was fortunate in having a mother left to guard his youthful years, and instruct and prepare him for the conquests, knock-downs, ambitions and despairs of the world. He had the advantage of the village schools, of which he availed himself for a number of years, and afterward was upon the roll of pupils at the academy of Prof. Hill. Under the stimulus of his mother's influence and impelled by a desire to obtain a good English education, lie prosecuted his studies with diligence and vigor. At the age of seventeen he entered the store of D. H. King & Co., on the corner, where he and his brother are now engaged in business, and after eight years of subordinate service he became a partner of R. R. Donnelly, who had purchased the store of Mr, Plumer. He remained in business with Mr. Donnelly until the latter's death, in 1875, which terminated the partnership. In February of this year he formed a partnership with his brother, Harvey Howard Bissell, which has since continued, and the firm is one of the recognized and responsible mercantile establishments of the city and county. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Leas, a native of Stark County, Ohio, an estimable and accomplished lady of happy domestic qualities. By this union there were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bissell five children, all of whom are living: Arthur L., Samuel L., John. S., Daisie E. and Jeanette.


Mr. Bissell may strictly and truthfully be denominated a business man. He devotes his entire and undivided attention to it, supervising its details and giving it the closest attention. In his transactions as merchant he is systematic, cautious and trustworthy, with well defined methods of business and exacting a rigid compliance to them. In politics he is a Democrat, and during the war, though he did not enter the military service, where, we believe, he would have distinguished himself, he was a pronounced Unionist, giving his time and means to the cause of the government. When Sumter was fired on he rallied around the flag, and when the news came from Appomattox, from his housetop he unfurled the banner of freedom. He


548 - WAYNE COUNTY.


has at times been active in politics, more, however, from a sense of duty, than from any personal ambition.


He joined the fraternity of Masons in 1867, Ebenezer Lodge, No. 33, Wooster, Ohio, and was worshipful master for six years, is a member of Wooster Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and has held positions from secretary to captain of the Host, which position he is now holding and has held for eight years. He is a member of Wooster Council No. 13 Royal and Select Masters, and has occupied positions for a number of years. He is a Knight Templar, and assisted in or-

g anizing Wooster Commandery, No. 48, which is in process of being constituted, and which has its charter granted by the Grand Commandery of the State of Ohio. He has familiarized himself with the work in the higher departments of Masonry, and his services are frequently in demand as a worker. He is a charter member of the Royal Arcanum, Wayne Council No. 13, instituted in Wooster, September 5, 1877. His wife is a member of the Lutheran Church, and he is a regular attendant, though not a member of any religious denomination, In private life he is social, genial and pleasant, and in conversation, as in business, he is quick, vital and animated. He believes that life is a kind of tracery, a blending and interlacing of sunshine and shadow, and that the variety of

pains and pleasures, of fears and hopes, which we encounter in life, is but a refreshing breeze that fills the sails of the vessel and sends it gaily forward. No one enjoys life better than he. He is of medium weight and stature, sound as a pillar in the Sistine Chapel, muscles knitted like webs of steel, and in possession of perfect health. His hair is dark, with which his eyes are in harmony, and his complexion is a clear olive. He occupies a desirable position in business and social circles, and is respected for his accomplishments there, as well as for those finer and inherent attributes which pervade the composition of the real man and gentleman. His firm championship of that which he believes to be right, his well understood moral and physical courage, love of justice, integrity, morality and clear view of honor, are conspicuous traits of his character. His business career has been forward and successful, yet he has the courage to confront disaster if it comes as well as prosperity, and would see under the frown of defeat the smile of victory. On the ruins of to-day are built the temples of to-morrow. According to the legend of Virgil, when Troy fell its banished citizens reared a mightier city on the Tiber. He is kind hearted and generous, and cherishes the warmest affection for his family. He honors his ancestral line, and entertains a just pride in preserving its memory. He


WAYNE COUNTY - 549


has veneration which enables him to look up, and sympathy which enables him to look down. To the stranger and the foot-weary pilgrim he will bring a morsel of bread, water for his thirst, and he shall rest within the shadows of his tent.


HON. JOHN SLOANE * was a native of York County, Penn., but at an early period he moved with his father's family to Washington County, in the same State, then to Jefferson County, Ohio, before the admission of the State into the Union, and afterward to Columbiana County.


In 1804 he was elected a member of the Lower House of the General Assembly, and in the fall of 1805-6, was re-elected. While still a member of the Legislature, in the winter of 1807-8, President Jefferson appointed him Receiver of Public Moneys of the new office to be opened at Canton, in May of that year. He remained here until April 1, 1816, when in conjunction with Gen. Beall. Register of Public Lands, under instructions from the Government, he removed the land office to Wooster, where he continued to reside until his death. He held control of the Receiver's office until March 4, 1819, when he resigned, having the preceding year been elected to Congress. During the years he held the office of Receiver, he became extensively known throughout the State. By his public spirit and enterprise among the settlers of a new country, his faithful attention to his office, and his urbane manners to persons transacting business with him, he acquired a universal and deserved popularity, which manifested itself in his election to Congress in the fall of 1818, from a district embracing a large territory, over a prominent and talented competitor then holding a seat in the National Assembly.


For ten years in that body he was a popular and influential member, aiding and securing the passage of laws which would contribute to the best interests of the country and his constituents, maintaining and vindicating them with signal power and ability.


Prominent among his achievements in Con-


* Written by Ben. Douglass.


gress was the obtaining of the enactment of legislation by which sections (640 acres) of the public lands could be divided and subdivided into 320, 160 and 80 acres, thereby enabling the early settlers to enter, or purchase, such number of acres of the public domain as was suited to the usually limited capital they had for investment. This measure, of itself, so advantageous, liberal and beneficent in its provisions, secured to him a universal commendation, and the descendants of the hardy pioneers and first settlers should yet cherish his name in grateful recollection.


He supported Mr. Adams for the Presidency in preference to Gen. Jackson, and notwithstanding the cyclone of excitement that grew out of Mr. Adams' election, such was the powerful grasp which Col. Sloane had upon the affections of the people of the district that he was elected a fifth time to Congress in the fall of 1826, and although the excitement alluded to continued to gather strength for the succeeding two years, yet such was Mr. Sloane's popularity that in the Congressional race of 1828, he was beaten by only a very meager majority.


In 1829, after the expiration of his service in Congress, he was appointed clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Wayne County. This position he held for seven years, his commission bearing date March 5, 1831. In 1841 the Legislature appointed him Secretary of State (of Ohio) for a period of three years, in which capacity he served the public with his proverbial efficiency and ability.


The last office which he held was that of Treasurer of the United States, by appointment of President Fillmore, the salary then being $3,000, as against $6,000 at present. We herewith subjoin his commission, the property of his grandson, John Sloane Bissell, bearing the signature of the President and that of Daniel Webster, then Secretary of State:


MILLARD FILLMORE,


PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.


To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:


KNOW YE, That, reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, care and ability of John Sloane, of Ohio ______ do appoint him Treasurer of the United States.....and do authorize


550 - WAYNE COUNTY


and empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of that office according to law, and to have and to hold the said office, with all the rights and emoluments thereunto legally appertaining unto him, the said John Sloane, during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being and until the end of the next session of the Senate of the United States, and no longer.


In Testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made patent and the Seal of the United

States to be hereunto affixed.


Given under my hand at the City of Washington, the twenty-seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty, and of the independence of the United States of America the Seventy-fifth.

MILLARD FILLMORE.

By the President.

DANIEL WEBSTER,

Secretary of State.


During the war he was colonel of militia and an enthusiastic and patriotic supporter of the war, advancing his own private funds to feed and clothe and otherwise aid the soldiers who were in needy and distressed circumstances.


We insert a letter addressed to him from Duncan McArthur, a Major-General of Militia, M. C. 1823-25, and Governor of Ohio 1830-33, which speaks for itself.


FRUIT HILL, Jan. 25, 1813.


Dear Sir :—I have at length a leisure moment to attend to your business referring to the receipts and accounts which you have enclosed to me. I find that there were three hundred and sixteen (316) men who drew money, or rations, from you to enable them to return home, and that the distance to their respective homes (the most of them being from Col. Findlay's Reg't.), would average fifteen days (15). It is certain it would have taken some of those men a longer and some a shorter time to reach their homes; but as it can make no difference to Government in the total amount, I can see no impropriety in fixing the return at the average time.


At fifteen cents (15) per ration it will about cover the amount which you were so kind as to advance.


Indeed all must acknowledge that the men never would have reached home had it not been for your liberality.


We may well say, that " a friend in need is a friend indeed." Be assured, sir, that your kindness will never be forgotten by those who experienced it; and I trust the Government will not hesitate to remunerate you for the amount which you actually advanced. With thanks and gratitude, I am, dear sir,


Very respectfully yours,

DUNCAN MCARTIIUR.

Col. John Sloane.


Not only did Mr. Sloane bear the rank of Colonel in the military service of the period, but he was the counselor and confidential adviser, not only of the Governor or Governors, during the struggle, but of the military leaders as well. His overshadowing abilities in civil life introduced him to, and gave him prominence in, the martial arena, and in the camp and council, his advice, good offices and sound judgment were in frequent requisition.


He was the warm personal and confidential friend of Henry Clay, and his admiration of him was reciprocated by the deepest respect of the brilliant Kentuckian. They conducted a private correspondence for over twenty-five years, and Mr. Bissell has carefully pre served many of these letters, which remain unpublished. Those written by Col. Sloane, and the replies to those written by Mr. Clay, approximate very closely, in strength of expression, purity of language, vigor of thought and occasional pungency of style to the standard of Mr. Clay.


As is expressed, directly and indirectly, in these letters, Col. Sloane was his truest, best and most steadfast friend; his counselor and adviser in matters of State and National concern, and this feeling of warmest friendship continued to exist until the curtain of time was dropped and both actors disappeared.


We introduce brief extracts from two confidential letters:


LEXINGTON, KY., August 12, 1823.


My Dear Sir :—I received your favor of the 29th inst. requesting a copy of the Journals of the convention of our State, containing the votes of its members on the subject of slavery. * * *


My opinions are unchanged. I would still in Kentucky, support a gradual emancipation; so I would in Missouri. The question, I think in any State, is a good deal affected by the proportion of the African to the European race. In this State I do not think it so great as to endanger the purity and safety of society. But, I nevertheless believe that this question of emancipation of slaves, as our Federal Constitution now stands, is one exclusively belonging to the States respectively, and not to Congress. No man is more sensible of the evils of slavery than I am, nor regrets them more. Were I the citizen of a State in which it was not tolerated, I should certainly oppose its introduction with all the force and energy in my power; and if I found myself unhappily overruled, I would then strive to


WAYNE COUNTY - 551


incorporate in the law, by which their admission was authorized, the principles of gradual emancipation.


In thus disclosing to you, my dear friend, most freely and frankly my past and present sentiments, I pray you to understand the communication for yourself alone. It does not appear to be proper or delicate that I should be received in any way to testify on the subject of my own opinions. You are capable of justly appreciating this feeling. My information on the other subject of your letter continues to be from all quarters highly encouraging. I reserve the details of it for the occasion when I shall have the pleasure of seeing you. In the meantime I remain


Faithfully your friend,

H. CLAY.

The Hon. John Sloane.


ASHLAND, Oct. 4, 1831.


My Dear Sir:—I received your agreeable favor of the 24th, which breathes a spirit of perseverance and cheerfulness quite exhilarating in comparison with the despondence to which some have yielded themselves. * * *


I really should feel some embarrassment in a choice between Andrew Jackson and an anti-mason candidate with his exclusive, proscriptive principles. I should fear that it would be a mere exchange of tyrannies, with this difference, that the old one is a volcano, nearly exhausted, and that the new one might prove to be a fresh volcano, emitting a stream of political lava for an indefinite duration of time and of boundless extent. * * *


In reference to the extinction of the public debt, I have thought, when it does occur,


1st. That we may dispense with duties to the amount of the ten millions which constitute the sinking fund.


2d. That the policy of protection should be preserved unimpaired, and enforced by additional legislation, if necessary.


3d. That, consequently, the duties to be dispensed with should be on objects not coming into competition with the products of our agriculture or our manufactures.


It is possible that articles on which duties are paid an ay not be found sufficient to dispense with ten millions, without touching those which ought to pay duties for the sake of protection. I believe they can, but I have not by me a Treasury report from which to make an estimate. But it must be recollected that in proportion as our manufactures flourish and extend, the importation of rival foreign articles will diminish, and the consumption from increased population will hardly meet that diminution. Should the importation, however, not be checked from that cause, it would prove that the duty for protection was inadequate, and in that case the obvious remedy would be an augmentation of the duty. * * *


As to internal improvements I never have thought that a cent of duty ought to be paid, or continued for their promotion. But as in any prudent arrangement of the tariff a deficit of revenue ought to be provided against by imposing duties enough, and as, from the fluctuations of commerce, an occasional surplus of revenue would arise, this surplus should be applied to internal improvements. After the payment of the public debt, the proceeds of the public lands, I think, ought to be appropriated to the same object.


For two causes the Western States ought to have more of this fund than any other section:


1st. The public lands lie here, and improvements tend to enhance the value of them.


2d. The Western States have no direct interest in a navy or fortifications. They have that common interest which each part has in the prosperity of the whole; and so have the maritime States an interest in the improvements made in the West.


These views are confidentially communicated for an exchange of opinions and not for any eye but your own. I ought to add that the charter of the B. of the U. S. should, in my opinion, be renewed, on equitable conditions; and, perhaps, the bonus might also be appropriated to internal improvements. *

Your friend,

H. CLAY.

Hon. John Sloane.


When serving as Treasurer of the United States, Daniel Webster, Massachusetts, was Secretary of State; Thomas H. Ewing, Ohio, was Secretary of the Interior; Tom Corwin, Ohio, Secretary of the Treasury; Charles M. Conrad, Louisiana, Secretary of War; William A. Graham, North Carolina, Secretary of the Navy; Nathan K. Hall, New Jersey, Postmaster-General, and John J. Crittenden, Ken tucky, Attorney-General. In Ohio, the name of Col. Sloane was as familiar as that of Worthington, or Ruggles, or Tappan, or Morrow, or Burnet, or Ewing, or Corwin, or Allen, or Medary—men who have attained distinguished honors in the pantheon of the State and Nation. Throughout Ohio, and, especially, in the northern and eastern part, he acquired an enviable eminence as a controversialist and debater, and engaged in the hottest bouts and collisions with champions from the lists of his political adversaries. In joint discussion he was an expert, subtle, dangerous and aggressive opponent, and, though not in the true sense an orator, he charmed his hearers with a strong and steady flow of solid English, that, like the river Zaire, swelling onward forever, palpitated beneath the red eye of the sun.


As a newspaper contributor and political essayist he acquired deserved reputation, and


552 - WAYNE COUNTY.


in the columns of the old files of the National Intelligencer, Washington, D. C., to which statesmen and scholars have contributed from the time of Hamilton, Jay and Madison, to the day it ceased to exist, are to be found vigorous and stately productions of his pen. His diction was unmistakable, elastic, incisive, direct, and frequently of acid sharpness— never distorted into tortuosities or cased and slated over with metaphors and tropes.


His invective cut through tissue and lodged in the bone and marrow. He assaulted an enemy with a dauntless energy, and his courage, at times tantamount to fierceness in an onset, had a gentleness of spirit, which, however, "laughed at the shaking of the spear. "


In State and National campaigns his voice was " never inaudible amid the wiliest dissonances" of the conflict, In the contentions of the contest of 1840, when Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was- in the field, and when chivalrous belligerents on either side drew their brightest steel, he obeyed the war- whoop and the beat of drum, and sprang to the fight like a Gladiator, his lance lifted high in the front of the assaulting column. To Col, Sloane, Gen. Harrison was an ideal man, in the fact, that he possessed moral and intellectual greatness, and more, the greatness of patriotic action.


Col. Sloane remained in Washington until 1853, when he returned home, seeking retirement and repose of body and mind.


Even those whom Fame has lent her fairest ray,

The most renowned of worthy, wights of yore,

From a base world at last have stol'n away,

So Scipio, to the soft Cumaen shore

Retiring, tasted joy he never knew before.


He was married to Miss Ruth Hardgrave, of Pennsylvania, and by this union ten children resulted, all save two growing to manhood and womanhood. Mrs. Delia Sloane is the only survivor, and holds at this time a position in the Pension Department at Washington.


He died 15th of May, 1856, at his residence in Wooster, after a short illness, aged seventy-eight years.


The life of Col. Sloane, his public service to the State and Nation, his speeches, letters, and journalistic contributions should, and we have no doubt will, be collected and given to the public. He had an extensive, intelligent and prolonged contact with the world, and his experiences were on the best side of life. His allegiance to the truth was sincere, and his integrity and honor above reproach. He was a patriot and true man. A pioneer in the State, crossing its threshold before it had been admitted to the sisterhood of the Union, he lived to see a very torrent of population pour into its extensive regions, which in his younger manhood he had traversed as a howling wilderness, that has been unparalleled in the records or march of time. His early years and his maturer strength were consecrated to his country. His conceptions of freedom and its institutions were imbedded in his brain as truths, and entrenched in his character as sentiments. A partisan, to some extent himself, he found much to oppose in government and men, as he did Jackson and his systems, which he antagonized, as he would have the ideals of Rousseau. But he had confidence in the free institutions of his country, and had full faith in freedom, for his faith in it had not been corrupted by experience in blood. He possessed the deep thought which explained principles, the comprehensive thought which regarded relations, and the fertile thought which devised measures.


His life was a long one of public service, and he bore to the grave a character which envy cannot tarnish— a true patriot and an honest man.


D. C. CURRY & CO. D. C. Curry and Jerome Curry are the senior and junior members, respectively, of the firm of D. C. Curry & Co., general dealers in lumber and extensive manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds, etc., the largest establishment of the kind at


WAYNE COUNTY - 553


Wooster, Wayne County. James Curry, the father of these gentlemen, was a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., born in 1817, came to Holmes County, Ohio, in 1837, and thence moved to Wayne County, in 1853. His school training was such as the average boy in his day received, and early in life he learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed until coming to Ohio. He was carpenter on the first steamboat that ploughed the Missouri River, and which was stranded at the point on the river where Leavenworth, Kas., now stands. In 1835 he went to Texas. In Holmes County he followed house and barn building, and while there married, in -1837, Eliza Cooper Rowland, daughter of John and Mary Rowland, and a native of Cumberland County, Pa. Seven children were born to this union, all but one of whom are yet living ; their names are as follows: John R., born February 18, 1839 (now deceased) ; D. C., born September 25, 1841; Margaret, born October 11, 1843 (married to C. T. Parks, and now residing in Akron, Ohio) ; Wellington (born May 5, 1845, now in Bowling Green, Ohio) ; James M. (born November 6, 1849, now in Denver, Col.) ; Mary, born July 6, 1853 (now Mrs. F. J. Young, and a resident of Wooster, Ohio) and Jerome, born April 5, 1856; all natives of Holmes County, Ohio, excepting Mary and Jerome, who were born in Wayne 'County. In 1853 the family came to Wooster, where the father embarked in the lumber trade, laying, in a comparatively humble way, the foundation of the present affluent concern. June 9, 1884, he departed this life at the age of sixty-eight, respected and honored by all who knew him. He was an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and held several positions of trust. He was at one time mayor of Wooster and several terms a member of the city council; was one of the trustees of the Girls' Indnstrial Home, in Delaware County, Ohio. His wife, Eliza Rowland Curry, was descended of an old family who came to Pennsylvania at an early date, when it was a slave-holding State. They owned slaves, and about 1824 manumitted all they then possessed, some nine in number. Her grandfather Cooper was a soldier in the Continental army, and wintered at ValleyForge with Washington. His brother was in the British army and they met at Valley Forge, where the latter was persuaded by his brother to join th the patriot lines. After the war the grandfather proceeded down the Mississippi to the Gulf, but he was taken sick, dying at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Grandfather Rowland was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mrs. Curry's father came to Holmes County, Ohio, in 1845, and settled on a quarter section of land on which he set to work to build a cabin. Soon after arrival in the county


554 - WAYNE COUNTY


his wife died, leaving the responsibility of nine children to Eliza (the future Mrs. Curry, the eldest in the family, then only nine years of age. About that time, when the building of the cabin was completed, all the provision Mr. Rowland had in his humble home for himself and little ones was $1.25 in cash, and a bushel and a half of salt. Miss Eliza Rowland received only nine weeks' schooling, but she improved every opportunity, and by close observation and natural acumen soon became quite an apt scholar. At the age of twenty-two she married Mr. James. Curry, and May 3, 1874, she passed peacefully from earth.


D. C. CURRY, the second born to Mr. and Mrs. James Curry, attended school in Wooster until 1857, in which year he commenced to learn the art of printing in the office of the Republican, in that city, working as compositor until 1861. In the spring of that year the firing on Ft. Sumter forced President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men, and Mr. Curry was among the first to respond; enrolling himself on the 23d of April, that year, as a member of Company C, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, three months' service, and upon the re-organization of his regiment he re-enlisted in October, 1861, in Company H, three years' service. On May 19, 1863, he was wounded in the left arm and stomach at the first assault on Vicksburg, Miss., and October 31, 1864, he was honorably discharged. Returning to Wooster, Mr. Cnrry at once took the position of engineer in his fathers planing-mill, which stood on the corner of East Liberty Street and Beall Avenue; being given an interest with his other brothers in the concern. In the fall of 1867 the father and his three eldest sons—John R., D. C. and Wellington—purchased the lumber yard and planing-mill of Stibbs & Co,, which they successfully carried on until 1874, under the firm name of D. C. Curry & Co., when the partnership was dissolved, by James Curry retiring, the sons retaining the new yard on North Street, the style of the firm remaining D. C. Curry & Co. February 3, 1876, they met with a disastrous fire—their planing-mill and sash, door and blind manufactory being entirely consumed, including all their machinery and a large stock of finished and unfinished work. Their loss was over $20,000, with not a dollar of insurance. They immediately rebuilt, but were again met by the fiery element January 29, 1885, and April 13, 1887. They were carrying a small line of insurance, but their loss each time was from $12,000 to $15,060 above their insurance. After the fire of April, 1887, they purchased the machinery and leased the building formerly occupied by James Curry & Sons on East Liberty Street, where they carried on their busi-


WAYNE COUNTY - 555


ness until the summer of 1889, when they rebuilt on their old site on North Street, adding the latest improved machinery necessary for their line of work, They possess the oldest and do the largest business in lumber and manufactured work in Wayne and adjoining Counties. December 24, 1868, Mr. D. C. Curry married Jennie J. Yergin, who bore him five children (four of whom are yet living), as follows: Charles Y., born November 8, 1869; Blanche C., born October 11, 1871; Cora B., who died in 1875; William, born September 9, 1877, and Rowland A., born April 3, 1884. Mr. Curry has always been an active Republican, and has been a member of the city council two terms. He is a member of the F. & A. M., K. of H. and K, 0. T. M., and was commander of Given Post, G. A. R., in 1883.


JEROME CURRY, the youngest born to Mr. and Mrs. James Curry, was educated at the schools of Wooster, attending the jnnior year at the high school of that city. In 1870 he assumed control of a machine shop owned by his father and brothers, serving four years, and then for two years or until 1876, was associated with his father and brother in the furniture business. About that time a dissolution of partnership took place between his father and brothers, D. C. succeeding the other two brothers, and with him Jerome found employment, on leaving the

furniture business, until 1885, in which year he became associated with D. C., forming the co-partnership which at present exists. December 23, 1875, Mr. Jerome Curry became united in marriage with Maggie J., daughter of Angus McDonald, and a native of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio. Mr. McDonald was born at Woodside, Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1818, and is a son of Ronald McDonald, an old Waterloo veteran, who fought with the " Black Watch " ( 42d Royal Highlanders ) which, having formed square, so valorously and desperately sustained the repeated charges of the French cuirassiers (Napoleon's heaviest cavalry) at the memorable engagement at Quatre Bras. Here two companies of his regiment, which, owing to the tall rye in which they were posted, were unable to form square in time, were utterly annihilated. Some of the men stood back to back and fought the horsemen until cut down ; but the square once formed was never broken. Here Mr. McDonald was wounded in the head by a musket ball, on which account he was discharged with a pension, and his family, having no tidings from or of him, mourned him as dead; but some six months after the great battle the soldier boy (but eighteen years of age) to their overwhelming surprise appeared, alive and well, at the door of his old home. He afterward became manager of a cotton


556 - WAYNE COUNTY.


factory at Printfield, near Aberdeen, in which he continued for about thirty years, when he moved into the city and commenced business with his son David. He married Margaret Monro, a native of Rosshire, Scotland, who bore him eight children. In July, 1843, he came to America to visit his son Angus, then living in Massillon, Ohio, remaining until the following May, when he returned to his " native heath," not overfavorably impressed with the land of his son's adoption, on account of malaria and ague. This fine old hero of Quatre Bras died in 1884. His son Angus, the eldest in the family, worked in the cotton factory at Printfield, already referred to, till he was fourteen years of age, and then learned the trade of molder in the Grand-Holm foundry, near Aberdeen, and after a sojourn there and in London, Liverpool and other places, returned to Aberdeen and here married Kate Dinwiddie, of his native village, Woodside. In 1840 he came alone to America and almost direct to Massillon, Ohio, where he immediately found employment in a foundry, and in 1842 he sent for his wife and child. In 1847 he came to Wooster, having been driven from Massillon by the malaria so prevalent there. Of his eleven children, seven yet live, four of his sons assisting him in his business. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Curry, Maud and Flora. Mrs. Curry is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps of Wooster. Mr. Curry is a F. & A. M., a member of the Chapter and the Blue Lodge; a member of the K. of H., the K. O. T. M. and the Iron Hall. Politically lie is a Republican, and was elected a member of the city council from the Second Ward in April, 1888.


JOHN FRAZIER, one of the prominent farmers of Wayne Township, is the fifth of nine children of John and Elizabeth (Forkney) Frazier, who came to Wayne County from York County, Penn., and settled near Clear Creek, where they spent the last years of life. He was reared and educated in Wayne County. He bought his present homestead of 130 acres in 1860, and has improved it, erecting good buildings, and now has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He takes an active interest in all public affairs, and by his integrity and straightforward dealings has made many friends. He was married in 1844 to Maria J. Reed, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Stewart) Reed, early settlers of Wayne County. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Frazier is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, but is in no sense a


WAYNE COUNTY - 557


politician. Mrs. Frazier's father, Andrew Reed, was born in County Down, near Belfast, Ireland, and was there married to Sarah Stewart. They had a family of twelve children, all born in America excepting one, their names being: Hugh, John, Martha, David, Andrew, William, Joseph, Sarah, Isabella, Nancy and Ellen (twins) and Maria Jane. They came to America about 1800, first settling in Beaver County, Penn., and a few years later moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where he entered 160 acres of land, which he cleared and improved, making it his home until his death, which occurred in 1842 when he aged seventy-three years. His wife died in 1831, aged fifty years.


ALFRED C. GLESSNER, son of Philip and Margaret (Roughcorn) Glessner, natives of Westmoreland County, Penn., was born September 24, 1836, in Ashland County, Ohio. His

parents came in an early day to Wayne County, Ohio, and located on a farm in Greene Township, afterward moving to Ashland County, Ohio. Alfred C. was reared on a farm and obtained a limited education at the schools of the period. In 1876 he moved into Wayne County, and here carried on farming in Milton Township. In 1888 he established his present business, that of livery stable, at Sterling, Wayne County, and has already succeeded in commanding a lucrative trade.


In 1857 Alfred C. Glessner married Miss Sarah Jane, a daughter of Thomas Baker, of Iowa, and to this union have been born eight children: Carrie A., wife of William W. Welday, of Canaan Township, Wayne County; William, telegraph operator on the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railroad; Emma Jeanette, wife of Milford Lance, of Sterling, Ohio, and Hattie I., George A., Everett Thornton, Clement D. and Edith, all at home. Mr. Glessner has always voted the Democratic ticket, but is not at all demonstrative in politics. He is a member of Sterling Lodge, No. 173, K. of P, Our subject was elected supervisor of Milton Township, but refused to serve.


W. H. HARRY, photographer,Wooster, ranks among the best artists in his line in the State of Ohio. He received his instructions from J. W. Baltzly, with whom he worked several years. In the fall of 1873 he located in Wooster, and opened a studio on the Square, and is now located opposite the Archer House. Here may be found samples of his work, which includes copying


558 - WAYNE COUNTY


and enlarging portraits in oil, India ink and water-colors. He is thoroughly conversant with all styles of portrait work, his productions comparing favorably with those of the best-known artists of New York and Philadelphia. His skill is recognized by the prominent citizens of Wooster, and in the preparation of the portraits for this volume he has been called upon to produce many of the photographs for the use of the engravers and other artists.


DR. WILLIAM F. DERR, the oldest and best-known veterinary surgeon. in Wayne County, was born in Springtown, Bucks Co., Penn., June 3, 1843. His father, Henry Derr, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction, the ancestry coming to America from Alsace some time in the " forties." Henry Derr was a merchant tailor, a trade he followed in Reading, Penn. He married Maria Fisher, of Bucks County, Penn., who bore him eight children. In 1861 Henry Derr passed from earth, and since then his widow has made her home in Reading, Penn.


William F. Derr, the subject of these lines, was but ten years of age when required to rely entirely upon his own nnaided efforts for support. His first work was on a farm, at $6 per month, and at these wages he worked an entire year, often being compelled to rise at an early hour and work till late at night, in loading and drawing lime many miles, wherewith to fertilize the fields. He thus drew during the winter some 2,400 bushels. During this time, being almost constantly among horses and stock, the young farmer found himself much interested in and in sympathy with the ailments of animals, and delighted in endeavoring to mitigate their sufferings. Thus was laid the foundation of his subsequent life's work. He formed . the opinion that by study man might become as efficient in prescribing to the infirmities of the brute creation as to his own species, either in medicine or surgery. He thereto turned his attention in 1874. In 1878 he graduated at the Ontario Veterinary College, Toronto, and then came to East Union Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, where he commenced practice, 8,14 remained until 1879, in which year he moved to Wooster..


In 1884 fire destroyed his large barn and out-buildings, where he was living on Beall Avenue, and he then rebuilt at his present beautiful home on Nold Avenue, Where he owns sonic three and a half acres of land. The improvements are entirely the Doctor's own handiwork, and they have been so numerous and so marked in the arrangement and decorating of house



DR. WILLIAM F. DERR - 559


560 - BLANK


WAYNE COUNTY.561


and lawn, that his home is indisputably one of the most pleasant in the city.


On August 16, 1866, Dr. Derr was married to Miss Martha, daughter of Isaac and Eleanor Daniels, of Wayne County, and four children have blessed them, viz.: Sadie (deceased), Emma L., William and Earl, at home.


In his practice Dr. Derr is known far and wide, and he leads such a busy life that short, indeed, is the time he is permitted to spend in the bosom of his family. Not infrequently is he called to Philadelphia, Cleveland, Fort 'Wayne and other cities, to render professional services, and in numerous cases, where it has been impossible for him to go in person, sick horses have been sent long distances to him for treatment, sometimes as far as from Kentucky. His success has been

remarkable and is probably owing to the fact that the Doctor has a natural liking for his chosen work, and because he is an untiring reader, keeping well up with the times, possessing and using the latest and best, both of instruments and books relating to his profession; he has already an

exceptionally fine veterinary library and case of surgical implements. He is one of the first veterinary graduates in Ohio, and to-day has one of the largest practices of any country practitioner in the State.


Not only is Dr. Derr acquainted professionally, but he has won a large circle of friends, to whom he is well known as a genial companion, a pleasant and hospitable gentleman. In 1864 the Doctor enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty- Ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country six months, being stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, ilea'• Washington. In 1865 he received an honorable discharge and returned to Ohio, where his home and success has since been made. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, I. O. O. F. and G. A. R., and is a Knight Templar ; politically he is a Democrat


JAMES RAMSEY was born June 14, 1833, a son of Alexander and Catherine (Swenger) Ramsey. Michael Ramsey, the grandfather of James, was, a native of Ireland and settled about 1818 on the farm now owned by the latter. His father was born .in Ireland in 1807, came to Wayne County with his parents, and entered an adjoining tract of land in the center of East Union Township, where he lived until his death in 1872. He experienced the hardships of the early pioneer, and by his labor and industry accumulated a large amount of property. He was an ardent Democrat, and served as county commissioner for three years; also held various township offices. He was elected justice of the peace but did


562 - WAYNE COUNTY.


not serve. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1804, survives him and resides with her son, James. Four children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy; the others are John, residing in Orrville, and James.


Our subject attended the schools of the period, and has always followed farming; at the present time he owns 540 acres of land, and is engaged in agriculture and sheep-breeding. November 2, 1862, he married Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Samuel K. Landes; of East Union Township, Wayne County, and by her has one child, Joseph W., who was born January 24, 1864, and lives at home. Mr. Ramsey votes the Democratic ticket, and has held the offices of trustee and treasurer of his township. He was elected township clerk, but his business prevented him from serving.


EMANUEL C. SHISLER, farmer, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1828, a son of Benjamin and Catherine (Shirk) Shisler. His father was a native of Lancaster County, Penn., where he lived until 1836, when he removed to Wayne County, Ohio, and settled on land owned by his father-in-law, John Shirk, a well-to-do farmer, of Dauphin County, Penn. He made this county his home. until his death, and became one of its prominent citizens. His family consisted of two sons, Emanuel C. and Benjamin.


E.. C. Shisler from the age of nearly nine years has lived in Wayne County. He learned the carpenter's trade in his youth, at which he worked twenty-two years. Since then he has. devoted his attention to farming, and now owns eighty acres of good land, all of which was formerly the property of his mother. He was married in 1850 to Catherine Hanley, daughter of Samuel Hanley. To them have been born nine children, but six of whom are living: Mary Elizabeth, Samuel H., John Wesley, Eliza Jane, Clara Ellen and Ida M. Sarah, William and an infant are deceased. His wife died and Mr. Shisler afterward married Mary Gartner, daughter of Valentine Gartner, of Wayne County. Mr. Shisler is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, but has no aspirations for official preferment.


SAMUEL C. CRAVEN. Among the very old settlers of Chester Township was Samuel Craven. He was a native of Washington County, Penn., born November 8, 1800, of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, James Craven, was twice married; first in 1790 to Hannah Leonard, and after her death to Elizabeth


WAYNE COUNTY - 563


Moody. To his second marriage were born twelve children, Samuel being the oldest son. In 1822 Samuel Craven left his native State and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, locating on a quarter section of land entered from the Government by his father, with only $1 in his pocket. At that time it was entirely covered with timber, bnt he cleared and improved it, making it his home until his death, which occurred February 8, 1888. He was at the time of his death one of the oldest residents of the county, and was universally loved and esteemed, especially by the old settlers. He was always a hard-working man, and his industry was rewarded by the accumulation of a good property. He was married in early life to Margaret Boher, of Washington County, Penn., who died in 1829, aged twenty- eight years, leaving three children: James, Hiram and Lambert. He was again married, his second, wife being Sarah Metcalf, and ten children were born to them: Vachel, Stewart, Susan Jane, Mary, John, Sarah Ann, William, George, Lucinda and

Samuel C. Of these William and George served during the War of the Rebellion. Six of this family are living, Samuel C. being the only one now a resident of Wayne County. The mother died in 1881, aged seventy-five years.


Samuel C. Craven was born in Chester Township, in 1851. His early education was obtained in the common schools of his township, and later he attended Smithville Academy three terms. He is one of the enterprising men of the township, a practical farmer and a good business man. His farm of 165 acres was his father's homestead, and under his management has become one of the best farms in the neighborhood. He was married February 12, 1878, to Emma A., daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Allamon) Winkler, of Chester Township, and they have three children: Charles W., Ida M. and John Clyde. Mr. Craven is a Democrat.


SAMUEL ZIMMERMAN (deceased) was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1798, a son of Michael Zimmerman. Samuel was left an orphan at the age of twelve years, when he went with a

sister to the State of New York, where he lived until manhood. In 1824 he came to Ohio, and located in Wayne County, entering a tract of heavily timbered land in Wayne Township. He built a log cabin, in which he lived for a time and began the clearing of his land. He was energetic and ambitious, and continued to make improvements on his land until it was one of the best farms in the county. Here he made his home until his death, which occurred March 24, 1888, when he


564 - WAYNE COUNTY.


was aged ninety years. The last years of his life were spent in comfort, in the enjoyment of that rest so well merited by the pioneers who labored to transform a wilderness into a country of thriving villages and productive farms. In early life Mr. Zimmerman learned the tailor's trade, but devoted his attention to farming after coming to Ohio. His widow still lives on the homestead, and is a lady of bright intellect, in the eighty-second year of her age.


Mr. Zimmerman was married in 1826, to Sarah Lehman, daughter of Henry Lehman. Of the eleven children born to them, but five are living: Fannie, Sarah, Mary M., David and Jacob. Mrs. Zimmerman has long been identified with the Lutheran Church, as was also- her husband. In politics he was a Democrat..


E. D. HARTMAN is a representative of one of the early families of -Chester Township. In 1830 Samuel Hartman and his wife left Washington County, Penn., and came to Wayne County, Ohio, first locating near the present town of West Salem, Congress Township. Here Mr. Hartman bought a quarter section of land, all of which was covered by a dense growth of timber. This he

began at once to clear away, and made it his home for nineteen years, making of it one of the best farms in the county. He subsequently moved to Canaan Township, locating one-half mile south of the village of Burbank, where he bought another quarter section, on which he lived until 1853, when he moved to Chester Township, buying what was known as the Sherwick property, which also contained 160 acres. He made this place his home until his death, which occurred in 1862, when he was aged fifty-five years. He was a successful farmer, and left a landed estate of 500 acres, which is still in the possession of his children.


E. D. Hartman was born in Congress Township, October 7, 1839, being one of the oldest of the family of ten children. He was given good educational advantages, being for some time a student at Mt. Union and Hayesville Academies. He has devoted a part of his time to teaching school, and also gave his attention to the cultivation of his farm; has been successful in his pursuits, and is now one of the prosperous farmers in his township. He is a member of the United Brethren Church; in politics, casts his suffrage with the Prohibition party. He was married in 1865 to Margaret A. McDonald, daughter of Newton McDonald, and they have a family of six children: William W., Charles N., Mary V., Harry. 0., Minnie Maud and Roy McDonald.


WAYNE COUNTY - 565


ISAIAH BYALL. This gentleman is a native of Wayne County, having been born in Sugar Creek Township, December 9, 1830. His father, James Byall, was born in Baltimore County, Md. The ancestors of this family came to America at an early day, the great-grandfather of our subject being of French extraction, and the great-grandmother of English. Some of the family took part in the struggle for independence, and some died in English prisons of starvation. Our subject's grandparents removed to Stark County, Ohio, where the grandmother 'died, and the grandfather, who was a shoemaker by trade, removed to Findlay, Ohio, and settled upon a tract of wild land, where now the public square of that flourishing city stands. There he died, and there many of his descendants yet make their homes..


James Byall began work for himself when yet a boy, and on the breaking out of the War of 1812, offered his services and was accepted. He fought against both the English and the Indians, and at the time of Hull's surrender was with the army under Gen. Cass,. near Sandusky. He served throughout the war, after which he returned to Stark County. He received from the Government, in acknowledgment of his services, a warrant of 160 acres of land. Soon after this Mr. Byall came to Wayne County and entered land near where Dalton now stands, at a place subsequently called Jericho. It was but a wild tract of land, but he erected upon it a log cabin, and as he was then an unmarried man he lived for some time with no companions but his dogs and guns. He endured this life bnt a year, when he became united in marriage with Miss Mary Pruner, daughter of Daniel and Lovicy Pruner, and a native of Washington County, Penn., where her father died. When about fifteen years of age she came to Wayne County with her sister and mother, and here in the woods she and her future partner met, wooed and wed. Together this worthy couple endured the trials and hardships of a pioneer life. Children soon came to gladden the cabin, and they had a family of eleven, of whom eight are yet living, our subject and a sister, Mrs. Margaret Hackett, of East Union Township, being the only ones in Wayne County. July 3, 1855, death called at the home of the pioneer, and he passed away at the age of sixty-seven, having been born September 1, 1788. He had always been an extraordinarily industrious man, and the hard labor he performed in making his home in the wilderness undoubtedly shortened his days. Mr. Byall was a great friend of Poe, the renowned Indian fighter, and once, when the latter was sick with fever, carried him across the stream on his back. He was a man


566 - WAYNE COUNTY.


well liked and respected, and at one time held the office of township trustee. For fifteen years after her husband's decease Mrs. Byall remained on the old homestead, and then removed to the home of our subject, where she died January 4, 1887, aged eighty-seven years and sixteen • days.


Isaiah Byall, the subject proper of this sketch, attended the old log school house of the day where he acquired an education sufficient to be able to teach school, which he engaged in for several years during the winter, but his father being an invalid for ten years before his death, the care of the farm devolved upon him, and at the age of eighteen he took full charge of it. On his father's death he was made administrator of his estate. After this he removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he purchased and improved a place. The year following he returned to Wayne County, and was united in marriage with Miss Minerva J. Boydston, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Steel) Boydston, pioneers of East Union Township, where Mrs. Byall was born. Her father was a Virginian, and made the journey to Wayne County on foot, carrying on his arm, all the way, an old tea-kettle. He built a cabin, and, like James Byall, for a time lived alone, being subsequently married to Elizabeth Steel, who was his third wife. They lived the usual life of a pioneer, and cleared and improved the farm by assiduous labor. The father died in Orrville, aged seventy-seven years, and the mother still lives there, aged seventy-nine. Five of their children are now living, all in Wayne County.


After his marriage our subject and his wife returned to his farm in Indiana, where they stayed for two and a half years. He exchanged this farm for one in Wayne County, to which he removed in 1861. There he farmed until 1888, when he retired and moved to his pleasant home on Beall Avenue, in Wooster, where he now lives. Six children graced the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Byall, named Elizabeth Belle, Vernon B., Solon A., Charles D. and Martin Welker and Henry Wallace, twins. Our subject is in politics a Democrat, and dnring the Civil War was known as a Douglas man. He was strongly in favor of Union, and contributed liberally for the prosecution of the war. For two terms he was justice of the peace in East Union Township, and served two terms as county commissioner. In the fall of 1887 he was elected secretary of the Wayne County Pioneer Association, in which he takes much interest. He started poor in life, but by strict attention to his business, and the exercise of good judgment he has achieved success. He is a man of whom all speak well, and he has contributed much toward the upbuilding of the


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county, whose welfare has always been dear to his heart. In early life he became a member of the Masonic fraternity. His estimable wife is a member of the English Lutheran Church.


THOMAS C. POLLOCK, a well-known merchant of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 2, 1859. His father, Robert H. Pollock, was a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., and his grandfather, John Pollock, was also a native- born American, of Scotch-Irish extraction, and was by occupation a farmer.


Robert H. Pollock received a good education at Athens, Ohio, and afterward attended the Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, where he was prepared for the ministry and was ordained in what is now known as the United Presbyterian Church. He married Miss Jane H. Scroggs, a native of Pennsylvania, whose ancestors came from the north of Scotland. From Pennsylvania the Pollock family removed to Indiana, and later to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1864 Rev. R. H. Pollock and family came to Wooster, where for eleven years he filled the pulpit of the United Presbyterian Church, which, when he took charge of it had a membership of but 120 souls. During his pastorate his zealous labors increased the membership to 275, and a new church edifice was erected. In the early spring of 1877 Mr. Pollock went to Mount Vernon, Ohio, to take charge of a struggling mission station, to aid in building it up, but the devoted pastor did not live to complete his self-assumed task, being called, in the following July, at the age of fifty-eight years, to the reward which awaits the faithful worker in his Master's vineyard. He was a devoted pastor whose whole time and strength was given to the cause of Christ, and he accomplished much good during his years of labor, and died regretted by a large circle of friends, who loved and revered him as an upright man and exemplary Christian. His widow is now living with her son in Wooster, the latter being, with one sister, Mary H., also of Wooster, the only survivor of their twelve children.


Thomas C. Pollock received his early education in the common schools of Wooster, and later attended its university. When eighteen years of age, on his father's removal to Mount Vernon he began clerking in a shoe store at that place, and with other firms. For a year he was unable to do any work, bnt on recovering his health came back to Wooster, where he clerked for McClennan Casler, and following that was for two years employed in Coon's grocery. In 1882 he formed a partnership with Jacob Schmuck in the


568 - WAYNE COUNTY.


grocery trade, the latter withdrawing in the spring of 1885, and our subject formed a connection with John Deer, which continued until December, 1886, when the latter sold to Mr. Pollock, since which time he has continued alone, doing a fine business, and prospering, as he is known as an upright and enterprising merchant, who can always be depended upon. Our subject joined the United Presbyterian Church when a boy of fifteen, and has ever since remained an active and valued member of that body. For two years he filled the position of treasurer of the church in Wooster, and in the spring of 1887 was elected an elder. His success in life is due entirely to his own efforts and business ability, as he started in life with a capital principally of a well-deserved reputation for probity and trustworthiness, with but little money. He has by his upright and manly life made gratifying progress, and is to-day recognized as one of Wooster's most reliable and rising young business men.


MICHAEL CULLER was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., February 20, 1831. His father,

George Culler, who was a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer, upon reaching manhood was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Abram Myers, and a native of Pennsylvania. In 1835 he and his wife removed to Holmes County, Ohio, where they settled on a farm, and here shared life's joys and sorrows until 1866, when Mrs. Culler died, at the age of sixty-five years. She was the mother of ten children, eight of whom are now living, Michael being the only one in Wayne County. Since the death of his wife Mr. Culler has remained in Holmes County. He has always been a stanch Democrat, and although a man of eighty-six years he still walks to the polls, some two miles, to vote.


Michael Culler was about four years of age, when, with his parents, he removed to Holmes County, where he remained at home until he was thirteen, at which time he began to learn the carpenter trade, which, in connection with farming, he has since followed. In 1855 he was married to Barbara J. Harold, a native of Holmes County, and daughter of Christopher and Barbara (Harold) Harold, who settled in that county in 1822. They were farmers who began in the woods and cleared a place to make a farm and a home for themselves and their family. By business tact and good judgment Mr. Harold achieved a marked success in life and acquired not only an extensive farm, but became prominent for the skill and enterprise he evinced in carrying on his busi-


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ness. Mrs. Harold died October 8, 1874. Mr. Harold was born October 10, 1795, came to Mount Eaton in 1822, and died December 27, 1882. This couple were the parents of fifteen children, nine of whom are now living, and five of whom died in infancy. Those living are all within twenty miles of the homestead. Mr. Harold was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Mount Eaton. After his marriage Mr. Culler remained at the old place about five years, and then removed to Fredericksburgh in 1863. Here he resided until the spring of 1880, when he removed to his present home, where most of the improvements have been the result of his own exertions. Five children have come to bless the home, as follows: Eugene Calvin, on the farm; Joseph Albertus ; William A., living in Wayne Township; James Renfield and Flora L. at home.


Politically Mr. Culler owes allegiance to no party, preferring to judge for himself and vote according to the dictates of his own conscience and judgment. Desiring to see his country freed from the bondage of strong drink, he and all his sons firmly favor the prohibition movement. Both Mr. Culler and his estimable wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Wooster. The entire family are well known and highly esteemed throughout Wayne County, where they have hosts of friends. Mr. Culler's brother, Andrew, enlisted in the war for the Union, and died of disease in New Orleans, while in the service.


J. NELSON FERRELL, attorney, residing in Orrville, Wayne County, Ohio, is a native of the State, born in Harrison County, December 8, 1834. His paternal grandparents came from Ire land before the War of 1812, and settled near Cadiz, Ohio. The grandfather, James Ferrell, was a well-known physician. He and his wife both died there. The maternal grandparents, Isaac and Jane Lemasters, were of Maryland stock, and also immigrated to Ohio prior to 1812, settling in Rumley Township, Harrison County. This family were involved in many Indian troubles, and the father of Isaac, who was named Ebenezer, was killed by them. Isaac Lemasters was a farmer, and was in the War of 1812, was engaged in several battles, but was never wounded. He also had many fights with the Indians, and was often compelled to seek refuge in the fort near by. He and

his wife Jane lived to a ripe old age, and died on the farm where they had settled.


The father of subject, Thomas Ferrell, was born in Harrison County, and in his youth taught school, afterward becoming


570 - WAYNE COUNTY


a minister of the Reformed Church, laboring in that cause until his death. He was a man of energetic habits, and of a remarkably kind disposition, a faithful husband and loving father, who ruled his children by love, not by fear. He was of strict temperance principles, which was somewhat remarkable at the day when the use of liquor was almost universal. Noted for his zeal and piety, he went to his reward in the life to come in the sure hope of immortality. His wife, Jane, daughter of Isaac and Jane Lemasters, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, and like her husband was a sincere Christian. In her younger days she took an active part in the affairs of the church. Later her time was largely devoted to her family, faithfully seconding her husband's efforts to make of them good members of society. She also was opposed to corporal punishment, believing rather in moral suasion, and the effect of a good example.


This worthy couple had five children, as follows: J. Nelson, subject of this sketch; Susan Jane (deceased), who was the wife of William Love, of Noble County, Ohio; James W., a farmer in Archer Township, Harrison Co., Ohio; Elizabeth A. and Nancy M., unmarried, and living in Carroll County, Ohio.


The subject of this sketch, J. Nelson Ferrell, worked on the farm in summer, attending school in winter until he was fifteen years old, when for one term he attended a select school at Jefferson, Ohio. Next year he taught school, and, with the money thus earned, paid for his tuition at Otterbein University, Franklin County, Ohio This he repeated for four years, acquiring a good education by his own unaided efforts. At this time he married and for the two following years taught school in winters, working on the farm in summers. When about twenty-five years old he began the study of law, paying his way by teaching. The year prior to his admission he entered the law office of R. E. Knight, then of Carrollton, now of Cleveland, and was admitted to the bar in 1862. He then went to New Philadelphia, Ohio, where he practiced for ten years, during which time he was mayor of the city. His health failing he gave up practicing, under medical advice, and removed to the hills of Carroll County to regain it. A residence of several years there re-established it, and he resumed practice in Carroll County. In April, 1884; he removed to Orrville, where he has since lived. In 1856 Mr. Ferrell was married to Nancy, daughter of John and Mary (Webster) McBeth, who was born near New -Franklin, Harrison County. Her grandfather McBeth came to this country from Ireland, the family settling first in Pennsylvania, where the grandfather died. Her father immigrated to Ohio, where he


WAYNE COUNTY - 571


married, and he and his wife both died on the farm he first bought. Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell have two children: Mame J., wife of Edward P. Williamson, of Holliday's Cove, Va., and Lilly M., still under the parental. roof. Mr. Ferrell is a member of the Odd Fellows order. He is a truly self-made man, who by courage and perseverance acquired a good education and a profession, and a standing in the community which honors the man, and respects. him for his character and integrity.


JAMES. F. COE, a rising and prosperous young farmer of Wayne County, was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 28, 1852. His father, Danvers Coe, who was a native of -Ohio, and by occupation a farmer, on reaching manhood married Eliza, daughter of Robert Hanna, who was born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Holmes County at an early day, being one of the pioneers. Mr. Hanna married Jane Cabeen, who bore him seven children, all of whom are dead. He died in Mansfield, .Ohio, in 1886, at the age of eighty-seven years. His aged widow, grandmother of James F. Coe, is still living in Mansfield. Danvers Coe and his wife, in 1868, removed from Norwalk, and made their home on a farm in Wayne County, where they remained until their death. Mr. Coe died at the age of forty-eight years; his widow lived until 1880, when she, too, joined the silent majority. She was the mother of eleven children, eight of whom are still living, James F. being the only one in Wayne County. The senior Mr. Coe made farming his principal bnsiness. His life was a busy one, he having to make his own way in the world, in which he was very successful. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church in Wooster.


James F. Coe was some seventeen years of age when he came with his parents to Wayne County. After the death of his father Mr. Coe was married to Miss Olive, daughter of James and Amanda (Foster) Sanderson, and a native of Hayesville. Her parents were early settlers of Ohio, her father having come to the State when he was about eighteen years old. Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson shared life's sorrows and joys together until 1862, when the latter died, the mother of six children, of whom one is dead ; two of them are in Wayne County, Mrs. Coe and Mrs. Augusta Price. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Coe made their home on the farm on which they have since resided. Three children have been born to them: Maud, Mabel and Arthur, all of whom are at home. In politics Mr. Coe is a Republican. He is a man of progressive ideas,


572 - WAYNE COUNTY.


as may be seen in his well cultivated farm, which betokens thrift, energy and the employment of the best and most improved methods. Mr. Coe is well liked and highly esteemed among a large circle of acquaintances, who thoroughly appreciate his many manly qualities.


JACOB H. KESLAR was born in Fayette County, Penn., May 1, 1818. His father, William Keslar, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was by trade a millwright and farmer. He married Miss Nancy Henry, a native of the same State, and a daughter of Stephen Henry. They made their home in Pennsylvania • until their death, the mother dying first, aged nearly seventy years, and the father in 1864, aged about seventy-two years. He was a Democrat in his political faith, and both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are living, and two, John and Jacob, are residents of Wayne County, Ohio. The paternal grandparents of our subject were of German ancestry, and both died before he was born. His maternal grandfather, Stephen Henry, was of English descent. He was one of the earliest pioneers of Wayne County, Ohio, entering a tract of timber land, which he cleared and improved, living in

his wagon when he first came to the county until he could build a cabin. He spent the last years of his life in Wayne County, where he was an honored citizen.


Jacob H. Keslar remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age, when he decided to seek a home farther west, and accordingly came to Wayne County, where for a time he lived in the family of his grandfather. He learned the carpenter trade in his native State, and worked at same for several years in this county. In 1851 he bought the farm where he now lives, which was only partially improved. On it was a small cabin and a bank frame barn, and only a few acres had been cleared. By untiring energy and industry he has made it one of the best farms in Wooster Township. He is purely a self-made man, and can view with pride the results of his own hard labor. He has always taken an interest in public affairs, and has assisted materially in the development of the resources of the county. He is now on the downhill of life, bnt his early years of toil have secured him a comfortable home, where he is provided with all the necessaries of life. Mr. Keslar was married in 1852 to to Miss Hannah, daughter of Henry Mowery. She died leaving one son, Henry, who was killed in his boyhood by a horse. In 1854 Mr. Keslar married Julia Ann Bricker, and to them were born two chil-


WAYNE COUNTY - 573


dren, Joseph and Mary, both of whom are at home. Politically, like his father, Mr. Keslar is a Democrat; is a member of the English Lutheran Church, his wife being a Winebrennerian in religions belief.


FRANCIS LITTLE, a well-known farmer of Wooster Township, was born in Wayne County, September 1, 1820. His father, John Little, was a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., where he followed the occupation of a farmer, and in 1814 was married to Miss Jane, daughter of Henry Caldwell. In 1814 he came to Salt Creek Township, where he obtained a quarter section of land, and then returned to Westmoreland County. The following spring he removed with his wife to Wayne County, where he spent the remainder of his life. His farm, when he settled upon it, was an unbroken forest and infested with wild beasts. In 1865 Mrs. Little died, aged seventy-five years. She was the mother of eight children, five sons and three daughters, one daughter dying in infancy ; John, residing in Salt Creek Township, and Francis, the subject of this sketch, are the only ones living. One son, Henry Little, died in Salt Creek Township some years ago. The father, John Little, died in 1870, aged about seventy-five years.


Francis Little remained at home until he was some twenty-one years of age, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Taylor, who bore him three children and died. He then married Miss Angeline, a daughter of Saul and Margaret Miller, of Fredericksburgh, she being a native of Pennsylvania. For some twenty-seven years Mr. Little lived in Holmes County, during which time he followed farming and stock buying. In 1872 he removed to his present home in Wooster Township, and here, on the 24th of April, 1886, his faithful wife and companion was taken from him by death, at the age of seventy years and five months. She was the mother of ten children, four of whom died in infancy. The names of the others are John Taylor, living in Fredericksburgh ; Ezra B., near Seneca Falls, N. Y. ; Hezekiah ; Samuel, at home; Margaret (deceased), who married James H. Bruce; Mary (deceased), who married Mr. Daman, and lived near Fort Wayne, Ind.


Mr. Little still remains on the home place, where his farm is cared for by his son Samuel, who married Miss Martha Armstrong, daughter of John Armstrong, of near Apple Creek. They have two children. Politically Francis Little is a strong Democrat. He has filled several positions of trust in the various communities where he has lived. He was justice of the peace in Holmes County for nearly


574 - WAYNE COUNTY.


fifteen years, and was also township clerk. In Wayne County he is now serving his second term as infirmary director. He has been a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church since he was twenty years of age, and of late years, as are all his family about him, has belonged to the church at Wooster. Mr. Little has won a marked success by his own good judgment, perseverance and industry. By the uprightness of his conduct he has won and keeps the respect of all who know him. He has spent a good deal of time in raising and dealing in stock, and owns 180 acres of choice farming land in East Union and Wooster Townships. Mr. Little was greatly opposed to slavery, and did much toward advancing the Union cause during the war, assisting largely financially and by personal effort, in filling the country's quota of volunteers.


MATTHEW McCLURE, another of Wayne County's oldest and most respected citizens, is a native of Dauphin County, Penn., born in Middletown in 1817. His parents were also natives of Pennsylvania, and his father, also named Matthew, was a schoolmate of Don Cameron. His mother was Miss Maria, daughter of Charles Brandol. They were the parents of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, all now deceased except our snbject. The father departed this life in 1852, aged sixty-six and the mother fifteen years later, both dying in the city of Wooster. When about seven years of age young Matthew came with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, where he has since resided, with the exception of three years spent in Union County, Ohio, and one year in California. His beginning of life was humble, his home being an old log cabin, through the chinks of which the snow drifted many a winter's night, covering him as he slept, and his school experience was very meager, even for those primitive days, Farming has been his occupation all his life, and in his earlier experiences many a bushel of wheat did he draw to Massillon, twenty-five miles distant, where he sold it for 45 cents per bushel, three, year old cattle fetching $8.00 per head. November 10, 1842, Mr. McClure mar-. ried Elizabeth, daughter of Ralph and Nancy (Caufman) Funk, and born in Bucks County, Penn., of which State her parents were also natives, whence they came to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1836. Twelve children were born to this union, five of whom are yet living, as follows: James, in Kansas; Louise, now Mrs. Horace A. Maize, residing south of Wooster, Wayne County ; Cyrus, in Kansas; Matthew B. and Frank U., in business in Wooster.


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In 1869 the family came to their present residence in Wooster, where Mr. McClure is engaged in raising small fruits. Mrs. McClure is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wooster. Politically Mr. McClure is a Republican, his first vote being cast for Gen. W. H. Harrison. In 1850 our subject made an overland journey, by way of the plains, to California, remaining there, however, only about one year. He and his amiable life partner have played no unimportant part in the history of Wayne County, where they enjoy the respect and esteem of all classes of the community.


WILLIAM .N. SMITH is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born in Franklin Township, April 9,

1830. His grandfather, Philip Smith, was of German ancestry, and came to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1812. He located on a tract of timber land, and, after clearing seven acres, built a cabin; and

went to Steubenville for his family, returning to this county the same spring. He improved his land, and made it his home until his death, which occurred in 1840, when he was seventy years old. His widow survived him until 1851, dying at the advanced age of eighty-four years.

They had a family of ten children, all of whom are deceased. Nathan W. Smith, their youngest child, was born August 3, 1804, and was therefore but eight years old when his parents moved to Wayne County. His early life was spent amid the hardships and privations of a pioneer life, and he received but limited educational advantages. He was married November 15, 1825, by Rev. John Reid, to, Miss Maria Waits, who was born November 14, 1803, a daughter of Richard and Leah Waits. They first located in Franklin Township, where they lived twenty-seven years, and then moved to a farm one mile south of Wooster, where the mother died October 1, 1869, aged. sixty-six years. The father died April 29, 1885, aged nearly eighty-one years. They had a family of four children: Hiram N., born April 22, 1827, was a graduate of Jefferson College, and was preparing for the ministry, but died in the second year of his course, April 23, 1851 William N., born April 9, 1830; Matilda, born September 17, 1834, died, aged five months and twenty-seven days ; Ellen, born September 2, 1836, died March 14, 1844. Nathan W. Smith was in his early life a Whig, and later a Republican. He was a man of strong temperance principles, and was the third person in Wayne County to sign the total abstinence pledge. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.


576 - WAYNE COUNTY


William N. Smith, the only surviving member of his father's family, remained with his parents until his marriage, and then was given an interest in the homestead, and at his father's death succeeded to the ownership. He was married in 1854, to. Miss Andaline Johnson, daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Earnest) Johnson. They have had a family of eight children: Hiram W., Isaac Johnson, Alma E., Frank E., Ida M., Nathan W., Edwin E. and Elva J. Hiram W. died in the twenty- fourth year of his age, leaving a widow and one child. Isaac J. lives in Wayne Township, Frank E. is in Muscogee, Indian Territory, and the rest are at home. Mr. Smith has been a prosperous business man, and for five years was cashier of the Farmer's Bank at Wooster. His home is located about two miles from the court-house, on the Mt. Eaton road. Mr. Smith' is a strong Republican; he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.


MRS. PLEASANT ANN (JOHNSON) TROUTMAN, widow of Philip Troutman, was born in

Dauphin County, Penn., November 25, 1829, a daughter of Isaac Johnson. When she was five years old, her parents removed to Wayne County, Ohio, and here she was reared to womanhood. January 3, 1854, she was married to Philip Troutman, a native of Virginia, son of Michael and Mary Troutman, who were of German descent. Philip came with his parents to Wayne County, and here began his life's occupation, farming. After their marriage, the young couple settled down to housekeeping in Clinton Township, subsequently moving to Wooster Township, where together they built up a good home, sharing life's joys and sorrows together until February 15, 1880, when death entered their home and snndered the tie that bound them, claiming for its own the husband and father, who at his death, was fifty-six years, one month and fifteen days old. He was a Democrat in politics, and while in Clinton Township served several terms as assessor. He was a progressive farmer, and did much toward the building up of his county. He was one of Wayne County's self-made men, having to make his own start in life, and his success was due to his perseverance and thrift, aided always by his faithful wife.


Since her husband's death, Mrs. Troutman has remained on the homestead,where with her children, she is living in the enjoyment of the property she has so nobly earned. She has had a family of eight children, seven of whom are living ; Addie, Jessie, Otto, Mary, John, Morse and Park;


WAYNE COUNTY - 577


Clyde is deceased. Addie was married January 1, 1880, to Daniel Shirk, and has three children ; Frank T., Jay P. and Earl W. Jessie was married August 16, 1882, to R. R. Redick, who died September, 1884, leaving one child, and Mrs. Redick now lives with her mother. Otto was for some time a teacher in Wooster Township, and now lives in Kansas. Morse has been a teacher in the township several terms. The homestead, which is located in South Wooster Township, con, tains 196 acres, all well improved, and is one of the pleasantest homes in the town- slip. Mrs. Troutman is an active and devoted member of the Presbyterian Church at Shreve, and the family is among the prominent and influential representatives of Wayne County.


JOHN McQUIGG, one of the well-known citizens of Wooster Township, was born in Ireland, and in his infancy his parents, John and ____ (McAfee) McQuigg, came to America. They

settled in Wayne County, Ohio, and here the father died February 1, 1885, aged nearly eighty years. The mother, who was a daughter of William W. and Martha (Ray) McAfee, still lives on the homestead, two daughters, Martha and Mary Ann, living with her. Of her ten children, nine are living, the most of them in Wayne County. She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. A brother, Robert McAfee, makes his home with her. Her parents came to America from County Derry, Ireland, in 1838, and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, where the father died in 1858, and the mother in 1862. Mrs. McQuigg is now in her eighty-fourth year, is still hale and hearty, and well preserved for one of her years.


John McQuigg, the subject of our sketch, remained with his parents until manhood, assisting in the care of the home farm. August 16, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being discharged in July, 1865. He participated in five hard fought battles, besides numerous skirmishes. He was at the first attack on Vicksburg, Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, passed the following winter at Young's Point, and then again marched to Vicksburg, when the second assault was made ; later was at the bombardment of Grand Bluff, Miss., at the mouth of the Black River, in the battle of Thompson's Hill, and at Champion Hills. In May, 1863, at Red River, he was captured, and for thirteen months, lacking six days, was a prisoner at Tyler, Tex. While there, with his brother-in-law, Mahlon Roch, he undertook the manufacture of pipes and combs


578 - WAYNE COUNTY.


from the horns of cattle killed for their sustenance. They obtained a good revenue from the sale of these articles to the guards and fellow prisoners, and in addition to its enabling them to purchase provisions from the outsiders, it helped to pass away many dreary hours of exile from home and friends. After his discharge he returned to the old home in Wooster Township, where he remained until after his marriage, and in the spring of 1874 settled on the farm where he now lives. He was married June 10, 1873, to Alice Armstrong, who died May 26, 1876, leaving a babe that died a few days later. February 20, 1879, he married Helen Culbertson, daughter of Hugh and Margaret Culbertson. They have five children, viz.: Hugh, Sadie Florence, James Mahlon, John and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. McQuigg are members of the United Presbyterian Church ; in politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party.


FENELON FREDERICK HIPPEE POPE, M. D., son of Rev. Benjamin Pope, a minister of the Lutheran Church, is the eldest of a family of three—two sons and one daughter—all living. His brother, G. Warren L. Pope, two years his junior, is a railroad passenger conductor, who bears a reputation for efficiency and thoroughness in the discharge of his duties, making him indispensable to the company officials; while his drolleries, wit and sympathy with his fellow employes, make him an idol among them. His sister, Miss Anna M. Pope, resides with her mother at Wooster, Ohio; she is the youngest of the family and is possessed of remarkable musical talent, which has been fairly developed. She is a teacher of piano music, and possesses an enviable reputation both as a teacher and as a performer on the organ, being the organist of one of the churches in Wooster.


In the sketch of his ancestors which follows it will be seen that the Doctor comes of old colonial stock on both sides, running back into German families, except an infusion of Scotch or Scotch-Irish, in a distant line. A remarkable line of coincidences exists in his and his ancestral line. He is the eldest child of his father's family; his wife the eldest of her father's family; his father was the youngest and his mother the eldest of their respective fathers' families ; his grandfather the youngest, and his great-grandfather the eldest of their respective fathers' children. Dr. Pope was born in Delaware, the county seat of Delaware County, Ohio, October 29, 1844, his early education being conducted in the then famous Second Ward public schools of Wooster, Ohio,


WAYNE COUNTY - 579


while Wilmot, Gens. Wiles and Wylie were principals; later he studied under the supervision of his father and mother in the home institution. He read medicine under the instruction of the late Dr. L. Firestone, and graduated February 24, 1870, from the Charity Hospital Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio (now merged into the Medical Department of the Western Reserve University), and University of Wooster both located at Cleveland. In the spring of 1860 he was apprenticed to his uncle, George M. Hippee, of Des Moines, Iowa, in the drug trade, in which he served three years, excepting a term of service in the Union army. On the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, in 1861, he offered his services, but on account of his age was later rejected. In 1863 he obtained a recruiting commission for the Fourth Iowa Battery of Artillery, which Capt. Mitchel was then recruiting. After enlisting a number of men he was notified that because of his age, no commission could be issued to him in the United States military service. In 1864 he again entered the United States military service as first sergeant, Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served at Fort Ethan Allen, at the time of Early's raid on Washington, and the engagement at Fort Stevens and Tenleytown. He is a member in good stand-

ing of Wayne Post No. 297 G. A. R., at Orrville, Ohio. He has been practicing medicine at Dalton, Ohio, where he resides, for twenty-two years, enjoying a large and lucrative practice.

July 6, 1870, the Doctor was united in marriage, at Wooster, Ohio, with Laura Elenora, eldest daughter of Israel and Mary Jane (Ilginfritz) Clippinger, also of German descent, but with a distant line of English. Two daughters were born to this union: Alice Gertrude, born November 23, 1871, a graduate of the village high school, and Edna May, born May 3, 1879. In 1869 Dr. Pope was elected mayor of Dalton, but shortly after taking the oath of office he resigned. He has since been repeatedly elected to council, and has always been a most efficient member upon whom the burden of business devolved. As an evidence of his labors we may mention that more than two-thirds of the ordinances on the books were framed by him. He is now serving his third term as mayor, and is conceded by all to be the most efficient incumbent ever elected to the office. He is now serving his fifth year as member of the board of education, and to him, more than to any one else, are the schools indebted for their magnificent system and courses of study. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but of late years he has identified himself with the Prohi-


580 - WAYNE COUNTY.


bitionists. He is the worthy medical examiner of Dalton Subordinate Ruling Fraternal Mystic Circle. In his dealings with his fellow men he is courteous, open and frank. He possesses marked oratorical abilities, his admirers recognizing him as the most eloquent in his portion of the county. As a writer, he is forcible, pointed, inclined to irony and sarcasm, but evincing a love for the descriptive, and is just and fair in his criticisms. Perhaps one of his best productions was the report of the committee of Wayne Post, G. A. R., which was appointed to report on the fitness. of Gen. Wylie in seconding his nomination by Given Post of Wooster, Ohio, for his election to the department commandership in 1888. He is in the prime of his mental powers and bodily vigor, has a fondness for exercise on his lands when not otherwise employed, and is, perhaps, the hardest worked man in all parts in the village, in furthering the material interests of which he is ever foremost. He is a man of fine tastes ; loves his home, which is an artistic cottage of unique design, evidencing his love for the beautiful and ability to arrange. In In religion he is an Evangelical Lutheran communicant. For years he has been entrusted with the civil engineering of the village, all grades having been established under his supervision, and he is authority on all lines and corners. While the village is not what it should be, the older citizens mark the improvement made during the last decade. The Doctor's readings are broad and liberal, not confined alone to his profession ; he knows something of and can talk on nearly every subject, not without having formed an opinion. He has few, if any, confidants, perhaps because his secrets are not his own alone; is a good judge of human nature, makes few mistakes in men, and has little . cause to change an opinion of men once formed. One thing is frequently remarked by his associates, namely his freedom from vulgar conversation, and his frown on such language or jests from others. In prosecution of a purpose he is constant, persistent, relentless ; in defense of a principle, religious, political or moral, when once grounded, he is fearless and defiant. His motives have never been impugned, and are recognized as free from selfishness.


Rev. Benjamin Pope was born May 6, 1815, on a farm in Fairfield County, Ohio, six miles north of the city of Lancaster, and was the seventh son and youngest child of his father's family. It is possible that the innocent superstition about the seventh son prompted his father to set aside at the time of the son', birth a sum of money for his education for the ministry, a provision which was faithfully carried out, both on the part of the guardian, Rev. Waganhals, of Lancaster, and by the ward, who never slacked his labors in the ministry until broken in health. He died June 8, 1864, while his


WAYNE COUNTY - 581


son, Dr. Pope, was absent in the military service of his country. How well he wore the harness may be seen when it is known that at times he served eleven different charges in the County of Wayne, Ohio. His collegiate 'education was conducted under the charge of Prof. Schmidt, of the Seminary of the Joint Synod of Ohio, located at Columbus, now called Capitol University, an institution which at that time was conducted on the plan of the German universities, with foreign instructors, teaching from imported German text-books, covering a course of seven years, which was so rigid that the American youth rebelled and compelled it to change its course to four years, which change took place after Rev, Pope had completed his course. His prominent mental characteristics shone forth as a linguist, and he always read his Scripture texts in the original before sermonizing, As a German scholar his proficiency was conceded. At one time during the early " forties " Edwin M. Stanton, who knew of his abilities, was conducting a trial for attempted murder in Steubenville, Ohio, in which a German Jew was a most important witness, who insisted on mixing Hebrew with his German. Several attempts made at interpretation ended in failure. In this dilemma Stanton had Rev. Pope subpoenaed and sworn as an interpreter, with entire satisfaction. In theology he was scarcely less able. His exposition of the Godhead is said by scholars to have been among the clearest. During the War of the Rebellion he was a warm and earnest supporter of the Union cause. His brothers were divided, those who lived in the North going with him and sending their sons, those in the South, who were planters, sending forth their sons to battle on their respective sides. At the last election before his death, when quite feeble, he was told to wait until a conveyance could be provided for him, but he became impatient and said " I do not know how soon I may be called away. I want my vote to go in, and to go in right," and so tottered on his staff to the polls, but was carried home. This was in the Vallandigham campaign, and against him.


Rev. Pope was a man of magnificent physique; tall, erect and muscular, with a natural military dignity, but mild disposition. He was calm and deliberate in judgment, pained to see suffering, kind to the sick and distressed, rock-bound in his convictions, very social and pleasant in company, an enthusiastic student, having great reverence for the authorities and writings of the leaders of his sect. With the exception of the eldest none of his father's family developed any love for learning. It is but just, however, to state that they were among the pioneers of the Ohio wilderness, and during their school days the nearest school was four miles distant from the Pope homestead, and only held during the three winter months. Rev. Pope frequently referred to his trudging along, when he was five years of age, with his older brothers through a trackless forest where it frequently became necessary for the older ones to carry him on their backs through the deepest snow and over foot-logs spanning torrents. With one exception (he a hotel landlord and owner) his brothers were all successful owners of farms in the North or plantations in the South, and the only sister, who died early in married life, was the wife of a farmer. With the exception of Rev. Benjamin all were born in Greenbrier County, Va., whence the family moved to Ohio.


Their father, Frederick Pope, was the youngest of a family of seven children, five sons and one daughter, and one who died in infancy, sex unknown. Frederick was born


582 - WAYNE COUNTY.


February 7, 1773, in Rockingham County, Va., and May 24, 1804, he married Mary Ketner, also born in Rockingham County, who had inherited from her Scotch-Irish grandparents a very large estate in lands and slaves. A very pretty story is told of her father, who, as a German redemptioner, was retained by his purchaser as a teacher for his children, but who, by his superior accomplishments and learning, secured the parents' confidence, wooed the daughter, and with one bold stroke won his wife, a nice estate and his freedom from seven years' service, in less than one year. After his marriage Frederick Pope removed to Greenbrier County, Va. In 1813 he had .espoused the Abolition doctrine, once such a warm political question in Virginia, and which, on a heavy vote, came very near being carried by the people of the State, From conviction he concluded to remove to the free State of Ohio, and to give his slaves their freedom, which he did the following year, abandoning a large estate and setting free 194 slaves, of all ages. It has been claimed by some that he was being eaten up with his slaves, that they were unremunerative, and that it was not conviction, but necessity, that drove him to the act, Circumstances show that this can not be so. Nancy, an old house slave, who had nursed him in his infancy, had been given to him upon his marriage, and, in turn, nursed his family as they were born. When the family moved to Ohio, she, with the other slaves, was given her freedom, but, after remaining behind for a time, followed, and asked to be permitted to return, her papers and come into voluntary servitude. Her former master told her he had left Virginia to clear himself and his family of the sin of slavery, but that he would build her a home, which he- did, the remains of which, on the old homestead, in Fairfield County, Ohio, were visible in 1872, and to which the descendants pointed with pride as an evidence of their father's humanity and justice. In his will he provided for her support and burial. Years after Nancy referred to the subject in frequent conversations, and gave much evidence of her master's conscientious motives. Again, after he and his wife had been in Ohio for some time, the wife's heart turned to their former home, but the husband said: " The property is there unincumbered; there is money wherewith to purchase other slaves, if you want them; you may return if you want to; but, as for me, I prefer to remain among freemen, even though they be savage Indians, rather than see the humblest man as a slave." She seems to have been of a different mold, for to the day of her death no line of reasoning, faith, religion or creed, could convince her that an Ethiopian was human in the sense of a white man, or that a higher responsibility accorded man's dealings with them than with a brute. She felt that they were dependent, and a sense of humanity toward the lower creation should prompt their care and oversight. During the winter of 1816 Mr. Pope returned on horseback to Virginia, to transact some unsettled business. While on his return he contracted a fever, but, nothing daunted, he pressed forward toward home. From exposure and other causes concomitant to such a condition, he never recovered, gradually growing worse, until November 7, 1817, when he expired, leaving an enviable reputation. Of his brothers, Adam, the eldest, enlisted early in the Revolutionary army, and served nearly seven years. Jacob, the second, served one year, contracted disease in the army, returned home, and soon after died. Abraham entered the same army some time in 1778, serving until 1781, being present at and witness of the surrender of Lord


WAYNE COUNTY - 583


Cornwallis, at Yorktown, and returned home with his discharge about the time he entered his twentieth year. Of the remaining brother and sister little is known, farther than that Henry removed to Kentucky, and became the head of a respected and influential family.


Of such a line of honorable descent, it is not surprising that the later members of the family should be proud, but it becomes profitable to pursue the ancestors farther. The father of Frederick Pope was John Christman Pope. His father's given name is unknown, but it is known that he held some kind of a franchise, title or office, and was the possessor of considerable estates. It has always been held as a legend of the family that they came from the mountains of Germany, of the province of Hohenzollern extraction, and of ancient German family. In some papers in existence their origin is given as from the Kingdom of Wittemburg, but another sentence says their home was but eighteen miles from the river Rhine. This would indicate a case of mis-spelling, and place them from the Schwartzwald near the Bavarian line, a portion of the now Kingdom of Wurtemberg. However this may be, and the equally disputed question as to whether the name was originally Bobe or Pope as insisted upon by the more modern family, it is not disputed that the family early espoused the Protestant or Lutheran faith; that one of the early fathers laid down his life on the altar of his religion under the banners of Gustavus Adolphus, and that the family, along with others of a most worthy Protestant community, were outrageously treated and driven from their homes, and took refuge in England. That after the contest ended, the Austrian emperor, seeing the lgreat wrong that had been done his country, sent embassadors to treat for their return, guaranteeing them the restoration of their property, estates, security in their religious worship, and immunity from military service at their option, enumerating that they were recognized as a superior class of artisans and agriculturists, in possession of scientific and craft knowledge indispensable to the superior standing of his empire, and that he did induce many to return, among whom were some of the Popes, The country was Roman Cathoolic in religion, and the returned exiles being in the minority, a long line of abuses are enumerated as following.

At length the guarantee was broken by a later monarch, and an attempt made to force the young men into the hateful army of the Roman Catholic government, to fight against those of the same faith as was then possible. This was the state of affairs in 1730, when John Christman Pope was eighteen years old. He appears to have been the center of a circle of well-to-do young men of Protestant families. The notice to enter the military service had included sixteen others besides himself, of the same circle. By some preconcerted arrangement the circle convened, discussed the perfidy of the government, and resolved to flee. The precise order or details are unknown, but a time was agreed upon and passports secured, where required, but in what manner, if divulged, is equally mysterious. This much is known, that on a certain night at 10 P. M. , they left their place of rendezvous, walked over the eighteen miles, and crossed the Rhine River before the following morning, into another country. Short of funds, with every avenue shut off by the now vigilant government officials, they spent what money they had to reach the seashore, where they bound themselves as redemptioners in America for their passage across the Ocean. In the month of October, 1830, or 1831, they landed in Philadelphia, where they were all sold [so says


584 - WAYNE COUNTY.


the chronicler]. By the same ship which brought Mr. Pope to America, he sent word back to his mother, brothers and sister. For the reason of his refusal to report, the government during his absence had confiscated his estate and title, to which, as the eldest son, he had fallen heir, when he was twelve years old, on the death of his father in 1724. In keeping with his station he was liberally and carefully educated, and at the age of seventeen was considered quite proficient. This confiscation left the mother and remaining children no means of support. The country was ravaged by past wars and distracted by internal feuds; there was little left them there, and humiliated and impoverished they resolved to follow. Accordingly, two years later, in the month of October, the mother and family followed and landed at the same port. John C. had been sold to a Quaker in Philadelphia, and his mother was also sold to a party in or near the same city. One of the boys was sold to a Hollander who took him to where a portion of the city of New York now stands. The other went with a planter to South Carolina, near Charleston; what became of the daughter is unknown, and the boys never met again.


The education and advantages which John C. had enjoyed served him well, and he was enabled to complete his seven years' contract in three years, as well as serve two years for his mother, who had been sold for a term of five years, When their terms had expired, John, with his mother, immigrated to Rockingham County, Va., about 1737, and settled on public land. He was quite successful as a planter, and remained a bachelor until after his mother's death. In 1758, when he was forty-six years of age, he married a Miss Burghart. The date of his death is unknown. It has been derisively said that he left his home in Germany for fear of military service, but such a position in the face of facts can not for a moment be maintained. His position at home must have given him preferment in the military service; and if it was from hatefulness of military restraint, certainly he could not have bettered his condition by an uncertain service of seven years in an unknown land, and possibly with a brutal master in a strange tongue. Besides, there is abundant evidence that he was a man who loved the excitement of danger, and sought the outposts of civilization during his most vigorous years. It will thus be seen that on the paternal side, with one exception so far as known, there is a line of pure German blood, from the great middle class, clinging to the religion, customs and traditions of their fathers, with tenacity, a people of conscience rather than policy or diplomacy. Thinkers in advance of their age, living and dying for their fellowmen, yet hated and persecuted by their beneficiaries. Such lives of conviction, religious devotion when it cost so much, practical abolitionists when it required such a sacrifice, are seldom found in family lines. Plain and simple in habits, social and generous in their relations with their fellowmen, brave, fearless and outspoken in public matters, defiant in defense of, or aggressive in prosecution of, conviction, but never vindictive; exacting of themselves, and just in their dealings and morals; set in herculean frames, with constitutions of iron, they were Nature's true noblemen.


Dr. Pope's mother comes of different stock, in many respects the antipodes of his father's people: Cold, cautious and calculating; mathematical, methodical, exact and exacting, they show long lines of financiers and business men, possessed, in many cases, of magnificent if not gigantic intellects. Where they have gained distinction it is mainly for


WAYNE COUNTY - 585


their wealth and colossal business methods. Their advent in America was during the colonial period, settling in Southern Pennsylvania and Maryland. The family claim to be of pure German, Protestant families. It has been said by some that they are of French origin, and before settling in Germany were known as Rappee; but the family disclaim any knowledge of this, and give it no weight.


Mrs, Elizabeth Mary Pope, the wife of Rev. Benjamin Pope, is the eldest child of George and Ann Hippee, who were among the pioneers of Canton, Ohio, where the father built the sixth house in the place, for himself, at a very early date, on a lot on East Tuscarawas Street, a part of which lot is now occupied by the Cleveland, Canton & Southern Railroad depot and offices, and in which house Mrs. Pope was born, September 14, 1823. Her education was principally conducted in the Canton Female Seminary, under the care of Dr. Goshorn, from which institution she graduated. On her twentieth birthday, September 14, 1843, she was married to Rev. Benjamin Pope, and they settled in Delaware, Ohio, where he was pastor of a church, She and her husband conducted a private school in that city, but, from apparently failing health, she was compelled to relinquish her work. We quote from Douglass' History of Wayne County, of her work in the city of Wooster:


In the spring of 1849 sire became the successor of Mrs, McKee, wife of the Seceder minister of the long-gone-by, she transferring to Mrs. Pope her pupils, numbering five or six, whom she instructed about. two months. In October she opened the session, assisted by Miss Sarah Hippee, with between thirty and forty pupils upon the roll. * * * In the spring of 1853 she took possession of the old academy building, and continued her labors as principal of the institution until 1865, establishing for herself and her school a reputation that made the name of "Mrs. Pope's Seminary at Wooster," popular throughout Wayne and neighboring counties.


The statement, "Mrs. Pope's Seminary," in the foregoing extract is incorrect, It was known as Grove Female Seminary, and for years had more boarding pupils than there were rooms to supply in the building, while the entire roll averaged about 200, taking one year with another. It had a full corps of teachers, in which Rev. B. Pope taught the languages, and literature, Mrs. E. M. Pope the higher mathematics and sciences, including mental and moral philosophy, while others taught the other requirements of a young lady's education—music in all its branches, drawing, painting, embroidery, etc. The institution furnished some of the finest teachers in the country, while its diplomas are considered prizes of rare worth, even at this day. Mrs. Pope is possessed of remarkable mental powers. Mathematics she is passionately fond of, and few men possess so extensive a book knowledge, or a clearer perception of the exact sciences. It was this remarkable faculty which brought her forward so prominently among the eminent educators of the country. Her ability to reason and draw conclusions has been the subject of remark by those able to judge. Her government and executive ability is remarkable; her attention to details is large. Her every motion marks her as possessing a consciousness of her superiority, while her carriage is the pulsation of great nerve force in which her whole frame trembles. Her mastery at once combines the dignified military precision and the judicial detection. For this reason her school always contained the incorrigible girls of the period, and gave her the dictatorial and austere air, which drew from the youth the nickname for the school of " The Nunnery," and for the principal that of "Mother Superior." It will thus be seen that while her family have shown individual guns of large caliber, viewed from their special environments,


586 - WAYNE COUNTY.


she has shown massive mental powers, and in comparison may be said to be a battery of guns of large caliber. But with all her magnificent abilities, the peculiarities of her family characteristics stand out repellant as an electric battery, an object of admiration, but not of adoration. For many years she has been an invalid, yet her work is not done, her former pupils are ever returning for review, advice, instruction, and to do homage to her superior genius. Her father, George Hippee, comes of a dignified family, which embraces many individuals of recognized mental ability. His mother's name was Heisley, and her mother's maiden name was Ann Schriber. She was born in Adams County, Penn., and a portion of her father's estate was embraced within the territory of the field of the battle of Gettysburg. She was a shrewd, discriminating and magnetic woman, who won people by her earnestness, rather than by any charms. As a maiden, however, she was considered handsome; as a mother her affection for her children knew no bounds, no sacrifice was too great for their comfort or advantage; and while her husband had been successful, financially, in life, he admitted before his death that had her advice been taken he would have been better off.


In the fall of 1848 Rev. Pope accepted a call from the church at Wooster and surrounding congregations, and removed with his family to that city. Here among the characters that at that time gave it its peculiar character and reputation, its strange mixture of extreme education and refinement, and the equally extreme of dare-deviltry and vice, the younger Pope grew up. Classed among and environed by the better people, he nevertheless was frequently brought in contact with the more common. Of high spirit and somewhat pugnacious, it is not sur-

prising that his acts were more conspicuous than one of either class especially. It is quite probable, therefore, that his pugilistic reputation has been overpainted. It is certain that he gave his parents much concern and put his father to the pains of frequently punishing him. On this point he jocularly remarks that his father always did his duty by him, and that he did not enjoy good health unless he was whipped once a day. One thing all agree upon is that he was either very dexterous and powerful or an adept in the science of pugilism, as his actual combats were severe and numerous as many of his contestants agree. He was usually accompanied by a mastiff, which was as much a terror among brutes as was his owner among human beings, either one backing the other to such an extent that each was usually taken as a measure of the other's wickedness Age caused him to become more reserved and dignified, and he came to despise and avoid what he formerly would not bend for.


The Doctor in speaking of the family's financial condition at that time says that a parson's ample legacy was theirs: a good name, noble aspirations, a pure character and clean hands not tarnished with filthy lucre. Under such circumstances the boys' speculative characteristics were cudgeled into activity, devising means to furnish spending money, as the paternal exchequer was barely able to furnish the necessary family wants. In one of these extremes he put into existence the advice of Barnum to make money. His father had become possessed of an equine beauty to which the reverend gentleman had become devotedly attached. The Doctor in embryo, with his father's razor finely honed, shaved from the horse his coat of hair, and advertised a mustang horse which, for a small admittance fee, might be seen. Judge of the reverend's


WAYNE COUNTY -587


feelings when he beheld his stylish funeral cortege leader in his new attire, his caudal extremity slashing without brush at the uninterrupted flies upon his bare sides, nearly frantic! The Doctor says that the whipping then inflicted was the only one of which he was afraid, as he began to think he was going to be killed, his father for the once being really angry; and, to his great mortification, by far the largest audience he had yet had entered the place of exhibition without paying a cent.


CHRISTIAN EBY, a retired farmer residing on Section 6, in Greene 1 Township,Wayne County,and whose postoffice address is Smithville, Ohio, was born in Lancaster County, Penn. His grandfather, Jacob Eby, a native of Switzerland, came to America more than 100 years ago, when quite a young man, settling in Lancaster County, Penn., where he was married to Annie Overholtzer, a native of that county. They had two sons and two daughters, none of Whom are now living, the youngest of the family, also named Jacob, becoming the father of Christian. He, Jacob, was born in Manor Township, Lancaster County, June 7, 1797, was brought up to farming, working for his father until the latter's death, when the younger Jacob was nineteen years of age. He and his elder brother Christian then took the farm, carrying it on until Jacob married, when he bought his brother's interest and thereafter owned it alone. In the fall of 1848 he sold it, and following year moved to Ohio, settling in Section 20, Milton Township, Wayne County, where he lived until his death, January 5, 1862. A man of kind, honest and generous nature, he had many friends, and bore an irreproachable name. Shortly after his marriage he joined the Mennonite Church,of which he was a consistent member until his death. He was married in Lancaster County, Penn., February 5, 1823, to Elizabeth Sander, whose ancestry were from Switzerland, her grandfather emigrating from there with two brothers about 200 years ago. All these ancestors were members of the Mennonite Church. The father of Elizabeth, named Jacob, settled on a farm in Lancaster County, where he died. His family consisted of four sons and six daughters, all now deceased. Elizabeth was born on the farm in Lancaster County, January 20, 1808, and died on the Milton Township homestead, November 14, 1850. Jacob and Elizabeth Eby had eleven children, viz. : Elizabeth, who died young, and an infant at birth ; the others, all born in Pennsylvania, were Anna, born January 3, 1824,and died in Milton Township, in August, 1871, was wife of Joseph Leatherman; Catherine, born October 11, 1825, is the wife of John Hoover, of


588 - WAYNE COUNTY.


Medina County, Ohio; Christian (our subject), born March 17, 1827; Jacob, born February 15, 1829, is on the Ohio homestead; Mary, unmarried, living with Jacob, was born October 2, 1830; John, born April 26, 1833, lives near Goshen, Ind. ; Samuel, born November 5, 1837, is unmarried and lives in Canaan Township, this county ; Barbara, born April 4, 1840, died at Berea, Ohio, November 14, 1840, and Tobias, born October 30, 1811, in Allen County, Ohio.


Christian Eby was twenty-two years old when his parents moved to Ohio. He resided with them until his marriage, five years later, and then went to live with his wife's father for a year. He next farmed the homestead on shares for two years, and then bought twenty-five acres on the northwest corner of Section 20, Milton Township, where he lived a year and a half. In the spring of 1858 he bought of his wife's father his present farm, and removed to it the following fall. February 28, 1834, Mr. Eby was married to Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Feightner) Schrag, of Greene Township, former born in Switzerland, in June, 1792, and died September 8, 1858; latter born in Somerset County, Penn., August 3, 1804, and came with her parents to Ohio when seventeen years old. She lives part of the time with Mr. and Mrs. Eby, and part with her daughter Christina, wife of Jacob Gochnour, in Wayne Township, this county. Notwithstanding her advanced age, she is in full possession of all her faculties. Jacob, Schrag was an industrious man, of a kind, neighborly disposition, and well thought of. Mr. and Mrs. Christian Eby were the parents of six children: Jacob and John (deceased in infancy), Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Christian S. and Barbara E., living with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Eby are members of the Medina County (Ohio) Mennonite Church, and are conscientious . and upright people, good neighbors, well spoken of by every one who knows them. During their many years' residence in Greene Township, many friends and no enemies have been made by them, and we are pleased to print this testimony of their worth.

 

MRS. MARY (WOODS) MAIZE, widow of Jeremiah Maize, a former well-known resident of

Wayne County, now lives in the house in which he died, in the city of Wooster. She was born in Allegheny County, Penn., August 19, 1821, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Robbins) Woods,

the former a native of Ireland, who was brought to this country by his parents when he was but three years of age, they


WAYNE COUNTY - 589


settling in Pennsylvania. The mother was born at Wethersfield, Conn., her ancestors being Yankees. Brintnall Robbins, our subject's grandfather, was a revolutionary soldier, and drew a pension from the Government. When Mary Robbins was but five years of age her parents removed to Pennsylvania, and there she grew to womanhood, and met and wedded Alexander Woods. Five children were born to them, but two of whom are now living, our subject, and a brother, Reuben W., now a resident of Illinois. In 1843, Alexander Woods fell a victim to that dread disease, consumption, at the age of fifty-two, his wife surviving him nearly twenty years, dying in 1862, aged nearly seventy-six years. They had made their home in Wayne County in 1833. Mr. Woods was an ardent Abolitionist, and both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.


The subject of this sketch was ten years old when her parents came to Wayne County, and here she grew to womanhood, and here her home has ever since been. At the age of twenty-one she was united in marriage with Jeremiah Maize, a native of Dauphin County, Penn., his parents also being natives of that State. His father was a contractor, and built many locks, bridges, etc. In 1834, Jeremiah Maize came to Wayne County, which thereafter remained his home until his death. His parents both came at the same time, and both died in Wooster. Jacob Maize kept the stage office in the American Hotel building, where he had the first regular stage line ever run out of Wooster. Some time prior to his marriage he had built a house and barn on his farm in Wooster Township, now owned by Gen. Wiley, and to that place he took his young wife, they making their home there, for some four years. Later he moved to a farm he had purchased in Wooster Township, south of Wooster, and remained thereon until 1869, when the family removed to Wooster, which was his home nntil his death, which occurred in October, 1885, at which time he was sixty-five years old. His life had been a busy and a successful one. He had keen, shrewd judgment, and did not follow in any beaten track, but took those paths and followed those plans which promised the greatest success. While living on his farm he dealt largely in stock, and found it profitable.


Jeremiah Maize and our subject were parents of six children, viz: Jacob Alexander, Alice L., Harvey W., and Mattie F., all deceased; and Horace A. and Frank, both farmers in Wooster Township. Horace A. resides on the old homestead. He was united in marriage with Miss Louise McClure, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth McClure, and to this union have


590 - WAYNE COUNTY.


been born three children, viz: Harvey, Percy and Florence. Frank resides on a farm near the old home. He married Miss Kate Hartman, daughter of B. J., and Elizabeth Hartman, and a native of Wooster; they have one child, Paul. Jeremiah Maize in his lifetime was highly respected, and his personal character was without stain. In all his numerous business transactions he ever sustained an honest reputation.


WILLIAM NOLD. This gentleman is a respected citizen of Wayne County, and was one of its early settlers. He was born in Wetzlar, Prussia, November 19, 1819, and in his native land learned the trade of a butcher, which had been the vocation of his father and others of his ancestors. His father, John Nold, immigrated to America in 1837, bringing with him his wife, four daughters and son William. . The family lived in New York for a. year, where the father carried on his trade. But he determined to seek a home in the West, and in 1838, reached Wooster, where he concluded to settle. The country was then new, and the settlers had many hardships to endure and difficulties to overcome, but with stout hearts and willing hands the immigrants persevered, and soon made for themselves a home. At this time they experienced much difficulty in their business. The cattle were wild, and had to be often chased for long distances and brought for miles to the town, after being shot. It was from the exhaustion caused by pursuing on foot these wild cattle, that the death of John Nold resulted. Notwithstanding the extreme labor required to capture and prepare the meat for market, money was so scarce that a quarter of beef sold from $1.50 to $2.50, and mutton was correspondingly cheap, bringing from two to three shillings a quarter. The father did not, however, live many years to enjoy his new home, dying in 1843, at the age of fifty-two. In 1862 his widow followed him to the grave, at the age of sixty-six years. This worthy couple were parents of seven children, two of whom died in Germany ; one died in this country, and our subject and three sisters still reside in Wooster; the latter are Mrs. A. Imgard, Mrs. F. Imgard and Mrs. G. Gasche.


The education of William Nold was received in the schools of his native country. He has labored hard in the land of his adoption, aiding his father, and has not only seen, but materially helped to make, the wonderful changes which have converted a wilderness into a prosperous county. In June, 1844, when in his


591 - WAYNE COUNTY.


twenty-fifth year, he was united in marriage with Miss Frederika, daughter of William Hoegner, and a native of Pennsylvania. Of this union five children were born, viz.: Matilda, who died at the age of twenty; William, who died in infancy; Jeanette, Mrs. John Hoelzel, of Wooster; Mary, Mrs. W. Groff, of Columbus, Ohio, and Ella, wife of Rev. M. Groh, of Silver City, N. NI. For more than thirty years Mr. Nold carried on the business of butchering, and in June, 1865, having by constant industry and attention to business, and thrifty habits, accumulated a competence, he retired from active labor, and at once made a visit to the home of his childhood. He also traveled through France and Switzerland. During the Civil War, while the Sixteenth Ohio Infantry was stationed at Wooster, he supplied it with meat, and the manner in which he discharged his duty gave great satisfaction. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and for a number of years was elected township trustee ; for eight years he was a trustee of the Wooster Water Works, discharging all duties entrusted to him in a highly creditable manner. For forty- three years he has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and was one of the founders of the order in Wooster. He is also identified with the K. of P. and the Independent Order of Red Men. He is an active member of the German Reformed Church.


Mr. Nold has always occupied a high place in the regard of his fellow citizens, and is one of the most respected men in the county. He has aided materially in the npbuilding of the city of Wooster, and Nold Avenue was named in his honor


DAVID FOGELSON. This well-known old citizen of Wayne County has spent well-nigh sixty years, within her borders. He was born in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, February 24, 1808. His father, named John, was a native of Washington County, Md., of German parentage, and was married to Ruth Nagle, who was a native-born American. Her father and two of his brothers were Revolutionary soldiers, and both of his brothers died while in service. John Fogelson and wife had eight children, and David is the only one of the three survivors who lives in Wayne County. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and died in 1848, in Fairfield County, Ohio, whither he had migrated. The mother died in 1854, in Allen County, Ind.


Our subject learned the trade of shoemaker, in Mansfield, Ohio, and in 1829 came to Wayne County, arriving November 7 in Wooster, which has ever since


592 - WAYNE COUNTY.


been his home. There he followed his trade until 1878, when he retired to the repose of private life, well earned by a long life of industry and frugality, and is now enjoying his rest and the respect of his life-long neighbors. February 17, 1835, he was united in marriage with Ruth, daughter of Christian and Lydia (Eaton) Smith, and a native of Wayne County. Her parents were born at Big Egg Harbor, N. J., and were among the pioneers of Wayne County, where they located in 1809. He was a dresser of deer skins, and soon after their marriage removed to Greenbriar Connty, Va., where the promise of business seemed good, and from there he went to near Washington City, and thence to Pittsburgh, and from there removed farther down the Ohio and established a ferry, and after some time they came to Wayne County, where both died.. Mr. and Mrs. Fogelson had eight children: Maria, now a resident of Duluth, Minn. ; Byron, in Wooster; Schiller, in Marion County, Ohio; Irving, in Duluth, Minn. ; Josephine, living with her parents, and Corydon, Luther and Franklin, deceased.


When Mr. Fogelson came to Wooster it was but a small place, and he has witnessed and participated in its growth and development to its present flourishing condition. His early life was one of labor and struggle, but a firm will and a determination to succeed has brought success. He has ever been industrious, temperate and upright, and now, in the evening of his days, is reaping his just reward. Though advanced in years he and his faithful wife are well preserved and in good health, and are comfortably living in their family home on Henry Street. Both are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in public affairs. At the time of the Rebellion our subject being too old to go himself remained at home, but was represented by three of his sons—Byron, Corydon and Schiller ; Corydon, at the Battle of the Wilderness, received a wound from which he never recovered. He was shot in the mouth, the ball lodging in his neck, from which paralysis resulted.

Mr. Fogelson has a clearness of mind quite exceptional for his time of life, which, with his extensive experience, makes him an entertaining conversationalist.


WAYNE COUNTY - 593


MATTHEW JOHNSON and Sarah, his wife, settled in Wooster in 1817, having come from Beaver County, Penn. They were two of the first members of the old Seceder Church, now called United Presbyterian. He was born March 20, 1785, and died June 17, 1853. Mrs. Johnson was born May 20, 1787, and died February 5, 1877, a remarkably smart and interesting old lady, loved and respected by all who knew her. They had a family of six sons and one daughter: John, Matthew, James, Elias S., William, Perry and Belinda, the latter of whom married Thomas Power and resided in Wooster until her death, in 1882. The sons were all active business men, none now living, James, the last surviving one, dying in Wooster in 1888.


WILLIAM H. BANKER, of Wooster, is proprietor of the largest carriage and wagon manufactory in Wayne County, is one of its most enterprising business men, and an important

factor in its prosperity. He was born in Germany, September 13, 1838, and had the misfortune to lose his father (whose name was Henry) when he was but four years old. Six years later, when our subject was ten years of age, his mother decided to come to America, and join a brother, George Nieman, a resident of Pittsburgh, Penn. In this place they lived until William H. was sixteen years old, when his uncle decided to go to California, in search of gold, leaving his family behind. He then began learning the trade of carriage-making with C. West, one of the most extensive dealers at that time in Pittsburgh. He also assisted his aunt in carrying on his uncle's business. He remained in Pittsburgh until 1863, when he came to Ohio, and began work at his trade for a carriage maker there, with whom he remained until 1874. The panic which began in October of the previous year causing the failnre of his employer, Mr. Banker purchased the shop from the assignees, and this was the beginning of the extensive business which he has since built up and is now carrying on, and which his rare good business ability and thoroughly upright dealing have brought to its present large proportions.


In 1860 Mr. Banker was married to Miss Christiana Heinlein, a native of Pittsburgh. Their wedded life was of but short duration, as the angel of death claimed her ten years later, and she passed away leaving four children, all of whom are yet living. Her two sons, William D. and Albert C., are in Pittsburgh, where they are engaged in the mannfacture of bicycles; a daughter,

1888.


594 - WAYNE COUNTY.


now Mrs. W. L. Firestone, resides in Wooster, and Flora Eliza is still under the paternal roof. In 1871 Mr. Banker was again married, his bride being Miss Alvira Barnes, who has borne him two sons: Arthur L. and George August. Mr. Banker is in the fullest sense of the word a self-made man, and the competence he has acquired and the honorable place he holds in the community are the rewards won by his untiring industry, honesty and upright life. He fills a large place in the public affairs of his adopted city. In politics he acts with the Democratic party, and he is now serving his third term in . the city council; for four years he was trustee of the city water works board; was chairman of the building committee when the new city hall was built, and was the prime mover in establishing a paid fire department. He had always taken a warm interest in fire department matters, for fifteen years being connected with the department in Wooster, and for ten years he had been one of the fire commissioners of the city of Pittsburgh. In fact in every enterprise tending to the welfare of the community he has borne a prominent and active part. In social life he is also well known, and is a leading member' of many organizations. He affiliates with the orders of the K. of H.; the K. of P., the Iron Hall, Chosen Friends, and he and his wife are closely identified with the English Lutheran Church. Mrs. Banker takes much interest in the Mission Aid Society, and both are liberal contributors to all benevolent projects. They have a wide circle of friends, and no family stands higher in the esteem of the community.


HON. WELLINGTON STILWELL, attorney at law, Millersburgh, Ohio, is a native of Holmes County, born in 1847. He is a descendant of an English family that was prominent in the days of Charles I and Charles II. The family name was originally Cook, and consisted of three brothers who were leaders of the party opposed to the crowned head of England. One held a prominent position under the British Government during the reign of Charles I, and was executed for being conspicuous in securing the death of the King. The two remaining brothers then removed to Holland, whence all letters sent were signed Stil—well, and finally became Stilwell. The family has been a prominent one both in military and civil life, and since its identification with American history has had representatives at the bar, on the bench, in State legislature and in Congress. At an early day the name became prominent in the State of Ohio.



HON. WELLINGTON STILWELL - 595


596 - BLANK


WAYNE COUNTY - 597


The representative of the family who is the subject of our notice is no exception to the general rule, and although in youth his circumstances were not at all encouraging to one fired with an ambition - to hold a high position among his fellowmen, yet by determination and perseverance he was finally successful, and today he stands at the head of his profession, and is one of the most honored men in the county. His early life was one of toil on the homestead farm. Paying his way by teaching during the winter, he obtained an academic education, and then turned his attention to the study of his chosen profession, and in 1868 was admitted to the bar. He served four years as school examiner, to the general satisfaction of teachers and public. Already his fellow-citizens recognized the ability of the young attorney, and the following year lie was called upon to represent them in the State legislature. Here, although one of the youngest members of that body, he was conspicuous in the argument and as the first to open the discussion upon the famous Fifteenth Amendment debate. In 1872 he was again returned to the legislature, thus serving a period of four years. For several years he gave his attention to the practice of his profession, and his work was usually attended with success, both at the bar and as a counsellor. In 1882 he was the choice of the Democratic party for, and elected by a large majority to, the position of Judge of the Common Pleas District composed of Holmes, Coshocton, Wayne, Richland, Ashland, Morrow, Knox, Delaware and Licking Counties. In this position he has performed his duties impartially, and is honored by the profession, irrespective of political preferences. At the close of his time he declined renomination, preferring to resume his practice, which is a lucrative and in every way a satisfactory one.


The question of tariff, its operation and effect, has probably received as much of his attention, as from any man of his age in Ohio, and he is a pronounced tariff reformer. In 1884, before the name of "trust" was heard, lie predicted, in a series of papers, that, fostered by high tariff taxes, combinations of capital would take place to raise prices of the necessaries of life, to do which they would decrease production, and consequently decrease the amount of work and the wages of the toilers. He is a great admirer of Ex-President Cleveland for the exhibition of his courage seen in his message which called the public attention officially to the evils of the combinations which he had predicted were the natural outgrowth of high tariff, and, in 1888, he took a prominent part in the tariff discussion, making thirty-six speeches, and having twice as many calls which he could not fill. He


598 - WAYNE COUNTY.


recognizes that the economic qnestion involved in the tariff, with its kindred growth, the trust, is the greatest danger now threatening the toiling people, and that to deal with the subject properly the people are called upon, for their own preservation, to bring to the front, and especially to the halls of Congress, men of the highest ability, together with unflinching courage.


The judge is still a young man, and, in the years that lie ahead of him, is destined, if the people realize their own b'est interests, to have a still firmer hold on the hearts of the people than he already enjoys, and the ambitions of his youth may be far excelled in the realities of the future.


MRS. NANCY J. YARNELL is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born in Plain Township, a daughter of Joseph B. and Catherine (Shelly) Springer, and granddaughter of Jacob Shelly. Her parents came to Wayne County from Pennsylvania in 1832, and became identified with all the

material interests of the county. The mother died in 1874, and the father, in 1879, aged sixty-seven years. They had a family of seven children, but two of whom, Ellen (now Mrs. William Myers, of Plain Township) and Mrs. Yarnell are residents of Wayne County. One son, Benjamin, is deceased, and a son of Mrs. Springer by a former marriage, Jacob Miller, Jr., is also deceased.


Nancy J. Springer remained with her parents until 1864, when she was married to Cyrus Yarnell, a native of Wayne County, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Yarnell. After their marriage the young couple removed to Missouri, where they lived until 1.880, when Mr. Yarnell died, aged forty-five years. Mrs. Yarell then returned to her native home, and has since lived in Wooster Township. She has had a family of five children, viz.: Joseph H. (deceased), Samuel, William (deceased), Catherine Ellen and one who died in infancy.


THOMAS POWER was born in Washington County, Penn., Decem/ 31, 1807, and died in Wooster, Ohio, July 15, 1881. In 1818 his father, Neal Power, with his family, settled on a farm in Wayne County, about two and one-half miles south of Wooster. In 1828 the subject of this sketch, then twenty-one years of age, began what proved to be a long business career, entering the employ of J. R. Church, whose store-room adjoined the court-house. Soon


WAYNE COUNTY - 599


after commencing his work the courthouse and all the surroundings were destroyed by fire, and he then accepted a position with Lake & Hand, and later with J. & D. Jones, dry goods merchants, of which latter firm he soon became a member. The firm afterward changed to T. & S. Power, who did business a number of years. Subsequently Mr. Power engaged alone in the clothing business for years, being later on and up to the time of his death associated with his son, Perry J. Power, in the same business.


On November 19, 1835, Thomas Power was united in marriage with Belinda, daughter of Matthew Johnson, Sr., an old pioneer. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Power: Perry J., and two others who died in infancy. Mr. Power was actively engaged in business in Wooster for fifty-two years, and, through all the fluctuations and adversities experienced in a business career of all those years, he remained the same modest, generous, upright citizen. He was a man of exemplary life, generous to friends, a devoted husband and father, a stanch friend and a good citizen.


His wife was born at Little Beaver, Columbiana Co., Ohio, January 28, 1815, and died October 15, 1882. Her father, Matthew Johnson, Sr., well known to Wooster's oldest residents, was a captain in the War of 1812, serving under Gen. Harrison. On his way with his company to Fort Meigs he was so pleased with the place that at the close of the war he bought property in Wooster, and with his wife and family of eight children—John S., Matthew, James, Belinda, Elias, William, Perry and Reasin—(all of whom have passed away) moved to Wooster in 1817. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the early founders of the old Seceder Church at Wooster, and were identified with all the early reminiscences of the place. Mr. Johnson served in several offices, as president of the town council, sheriff of Wayne County, etc. He died June 17, 1853. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, survived him many years. She was a woman of great excellence of character, and was beloved by all who knew her. She lived with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Power a quarter of a century after the death of her husband and until the time -of her death, in 1877. Mrs. Power, her daughter, was a lovely and inestimable woman, possessing many virtues. She was not only the most respected but one of Wooster's oldest residents, having lived here since 1817, a period of sixty-five years. Her house was the welcome home of relatives and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Power were faithful members of the Episcopal Church. They had shared each other's joys and sorrows for forty-five years. Mrs. Power survived her husband only a short time,


600 - WAYNE COUNTY.


for, on October 15 of the year following his decease, she was carried to her last resting place.


Their son, Perry J., who is well and favorably known, was born in Wooster, Ohio, was educated in the public schools, commenced his business career as deputy postmaster (James Johnson being postmaster) under President Buchanan, and afterward continued as deputy postmaster two years with Enos Foreman, postmaster under President Lincoln; afterward he sold dry goods for two years with his uncles, J. B. and N. Power. In the year 1866 he engaged as merchant in the clothing business, in which he continued until 1886. He was married in 1883 to Miss Mary D. Woods, of Baltimore. With his wife and family he removed, in 1886, to Chicago, Ill., where he is engaged in the insurance business.


JACOB DURSTINE, junior member of the firm of Hartman & Durstine, lumber merchants and manufacturers of building supplies, in Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., October 22, 1823. His paternal ancestry, supposed originally to have been Germans, were driven by the tide of war, in the fifteenth century, to the French border, settling in Alsace, where their first authentic history begins. Here they lived many years, subject to all the vicissitudes of the wars of the sixteenth century; espousing the cause of the Huguenots and sharing their fate; enduring the horrors of the Catholic and other disturbances under the reign of Louis XIII, and sharing the misfortunes of the early Protestants under Catholic political outrages, until finally, during the reign of Louis XIV, when Protestantism had seemingly received its final overthrow in Alsace, and it became unsafe longer to acknowledge their religious belief, they sought relief from Catholic intolerance and oppression, and with others, emigrated to the New World, where they hoped to be able to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience.


Arriving in America about the year 1660—twenty years before the treaty of William Penn—they located in what is now known as Berks County, Penn., and gave at once the name of their old home, Alsace, to their new one, as a guide for those who might follow, which title is still retained as the name of a township in Berks County, which they originally settled. Here they planted a colony; and so far as possible established friendly relations with the Indians, acting only on the defensive in self-protection. This policy, added to .their strong Protestant


WAYNE COUNTY - 601


and religious convictions, brought them into close relations with William Penn, and aided materially in shaping and carrying into successful operation Penn's celebrated treaty with the Indians in 1682, which transformed a savage wilderness into a great pacific commonwealth, without bloodshed. Several generations of the Durstine family here grew to maturity, and settled in various parts of the Colonies and Canada, the name in some instances being slightly changed, that of Hannah Dustan, the heroine of Haverhill, Mass., being a familiar example.


During the Revolutionary period, one of the Durstines acted as a mail carrier and special messenger, in the interest of the Colonial Government, and at the age of one hundred and five years walked twenty miles in a single day, through forest and over mountains, carrying an important message to General Washington, and was a hale old man until his death, which occurred at the unusual age of one hundred and twenty years. One of the great-grandsons of this old veteran was the grandfather of the subject of this biographical memoir. He moved to Westmoreland County, Penn., about the year 1800, and settled on a farm some distance east of Pittsburgh, when, as a village, it boasted of a population of only 1,500 people. The only public conveyance of products and merchandise at this time was by teams, and between seed time and harvest he became a pnblic teamster over the mountains between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. At one time he was entrusted by the Government with a six- horse wagon-load of money from the United States Bank and Mint at Philadelphia, which he carried secretly to the mountains for safety from the invading enemy in the War of 1812. Unlike some modern custodians of public funds, he did not "skip to Canada," but after the danger was over he returned the money in safety to the Government, receiving a receipt and letters of commendation which are yet preserved by the family.


He reared a family of nine children, one of whom, Abraham, at the age of twenty-two years, married Miss Catherine Sherrick, of Fayette County, Penn., by whom he had six children, three daughters who died young, and three sons who grew to maturity: Jacob, John and Abraham, Jr., Jacob being the subject proper of this sketch.


At the age of two and a half years Jacob was brought to Ohio by his parents, who moved by the overland route in covered wagons in 1825, and settled on a tract of unbroken forest land at the junction of Wayne, Holmes and Stark Counties, on the banks of a pleasant stream, which, from its many adjacent sugar and maple trees, was named Sugar Creek.

 

602 - WAYNE COUNTY.


Here they began at once to establish a home out of the wilderness. They lived in the primitive style of pioneer life and, as the family grew, gradually brought the forest under subjection, stoutly contested by the Indians and wild beasts of the neighborhood. Game was plentiful, droves of deer coming within a few rods of the door. Wild turkeys and wild Indians vied with each other in making tempting cries, to allure the young pioneers to the hunt, but they were kept busy on the farm, as they were obliged to raise all necessaries, except what little they occasionally got in exchange by selling wheat at thirty cents a bushel, which they were obliged to take twenty or thirty miles to market. Luxuries they had none; coffee, tea and store clothes were almost unknown; stoves were a great rarity ; all fires for cooking and heating purposes were made in large deep fireplaces, with backlogs drawn in by horses to keep up the fires during the long, tedious winters. They raised their own flax and wool, and spun and wove all their garments by the slow pioneer processes. There were no public schools at that time, and the educational advantages of Jacob Durstine were very limited, his boyhood days for the most part being spent in the labors of the farm; nevertheless by a few months' attendance at a subscription school taught by his father (at the request of the early settlers), and later by a few months' at the first public school, he acquired sufficient education to enable him to teach in the early public schools of that section. Arriving at the age of manhood, he commenced for himself on a leased farm in Wayne County, adjacent to his father's.


At the age of twenty-three he married Miss Mary Ann Hartman, sister of his present partner, a native of Cumberland County, Penn, and daughter of Rev. Peter and Elizabeth Hartman, who had moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1830. Three years later Mr. Durstine bargained for the old homestead in Sugar Creek, to which he moved, and here remained until some of the children born to this union were of such an age that better school facilities were desirable. He then sold the old homestead farm and bought another near Wooster, whither he moved in the spring of 1867. Here he devoted his time to the management and improvement of his farm, at the same time affording opportunities for the education of his children, of whom there were five. In 1876 he abandoned agricultural pursuits, and, renting his farm, came to Wooster, where he embarked in the lumber business, the firm of Hartman & Durstine being established that year. Two years later he purchased a home on Beall Avenue, where he now resides.


WAYNE COUNTY - 603


The children completed university courses, and are now nearly all married and settled elsewhere. Their record is as follows: Frank H., the eldest, married to Miss Mary Henion, of Ann Arbor, Mich., is a practicing physician in Cleveland, Ohio; Lee B., married to Miss Kate Sarles, of Boscobel, Wis., is general manager of the Eqnitable Life Insurance Company, at Des Moines, Iowa; Alice E. is married to Rev. F. N. Riale, Ph. D., who has a pastorate in Independence, Iowa; Harvey Wilton died in infancy; Clara B., the youngest, is the only one of the children remaining at home.


Jacob Durstine has never taken a very active part in politics, but has always done his duty at the polls. His first vote was cast for Henry Clay, Whig candidate for President in 1844. He supported the Whig party until 1856, when the better class of Whigs and Democrats united to form the Republican party, with which he has ever since allied himself. During the War of the Rebellion, on account of physical disability, he was exempt from all active service, but he nevertheless took an active part, financially and otherwise, in assisting and encouraging the raising of volunteers, and gathering and shipping commissary stores to the front, his wife being president of the Auxiliary Aid Society, organized to send supplies to the soldiers on the field and in hospitals.


Mr. Durstine has always been active in all educational and religious enterprises, giving liberally toward benevolent objects. He served for years as president and clerk of the township Board of Education; he organized the first Sabbath- school ever held in his section, and was for years its only superintendent. From his boyhood he has borne a strong Christian character, the foundation of which dates back to the use of the Bible as his school reader, and he has ever since been a close and thorough Bible student. He has occupied every office in Church relations possible for a layman to fill; for many years he was a prominent member of what is known as The Church of God, or Winebrennerian, and spent much time and money in building up that denomination, holding for some years the treasurership of the board of missions of that body. Recently he nnited with the Bethany Baptist Church of Wooster, of which he is now one of the officers, and an active, earnest and influential member.