Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 135

Author: Doyle, William B., b. 1868
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Ohio > Summit County > Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens > Part 135

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In 1882, Mr. Morris retired from the coal mining business for a time, and turned his attention to farming on his father-in-law's property until 1887. At that time he went to Springfield. Missouri, where he embarked in a real estate and mining business, which he caried on unitl 1893, when he returned to Summit County. Ile is interested in several mine properties in this section and is superin- tendent of one of the large coal industries of this part of Ohio.

On April 16, 1876, Mr. Morris was married to Sarah Ellen Rhodes, who is a daughter of Peter and Naney Rhodes. Mr. and Mrs. Mor- ris belong to the United Brethren Church.

L. M. KAUFFMAN

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Politically, Mr. Morris is a Republican and is serving as a member of the Republican County Central Committee. As far back as the Morris family can be traced, its occupa- tions have been mining and farming.

L. M. KAUFFMAN, a prominent member of one of the representative families of Sum- mit County, a large land owner in Franklin Township, and president of the Summit County Agricultural Society, was born on his present farm of 200 acres in the southeastern corner of Franklin Township. Summit County, Ohio, January 25, 1851, and is a son of William and Catherine (Stump) Kauff- man.

John and Mary (Young) Kauffman, the paternal grandparents of Mr. Kauffman, came to Ohio overland in 1827 from Pennsylvania and settled for a short time near Uniontown, whence they removed to Franklin Town- ship, and purchased 160 acres of the present farm of the subject of this sketch for about $450, receiving a deed therefor signed by President Andrew Jackson, which is still in the possession of Mr. Kauffman. This land had been entered prior to this time, but little clearing had been done on it. In their later years John and Mary (Young) Kauffman retired to Manchester, where Mr. Kauffman died in 1876, at the age of seventy-nine years, and his wife in 1867. They were the parents of two children: William, the father of L. M .: and Sophia E., who married Jonathan Sours and resides in Illinois.

William Kauffman grew up on the Frank- lin Township farm. his education being se- cured in the schools of Manchester. He be- came a prominent citizen and leading agri- culturist of his section, and at his early death in 1859, at the age of thirty-four years, the township and county lost a good and useful man. For some years Mr. Kauffman had served on the School Board, and he had al- ways taken a great interest in educational work. He was married to Catherine Stump. who also came from Pennsylvania when young, and she still survives him. Six chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman,

namely: Rev. J. C. Kauffman, D. D., who graduated from Wittenberg College, Spring- field, Ohio, and is now a resident of Mount Carmel, Illinois; L. M .; Mary, who died in 1859; Ella, who married Dr. J. M. Sissler, now deceased; William F., who died in 1859; and Rev. S. S. Kauffman, D. D., a graduate of Wittenberg College, and of Union Semi- mary, New York City, who now resides at Chi- cago, Illinois.

L. M. Kauffman removed with the family to Manchester after the death of his father, and there lie secured his education in the pub- lic schools. He then attended Greensburg Academy, and at the age of sixteen years commenced teaching, which he continued for many years in Franklin Township, although his first term was in Coventry Township. Since retiring from the educational profession Mr. Kauffman has given his entire attention to farming and stock-raising, and his fine farm is one of the best improved and most valuable in Franklin Township. Mr. Kauff- man is a Democrat in politics, and has been very prominent in public life. For about twenty years he was a member of the School Board, most of which time he was its presi- dent, and resigned from that position in 1906, at which time he was elected township treas- urer. He has been on the Fair Board for nineteen years, representing Franklin Town- ship, has served in the capacity of vice-presi- dent for some years, and since 1905 has been the official president of this important organization. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran Church, in which he is super- intendent of the Sunday School and a deacon. Mr. Kauffman takes rank among the solid, substantial men of the township.

Mr. Kauffman was married to Amanda E. Marsh, who died January 22. 1903. She was a daughter of George L. and Elizabeth (Hayne) Marsh, of Franklin Township. Of this union there has been born a family of four children, namely: Leman W., who married Myrta V. Gniley, and died June 7, 1904. aged thirty years, leaving two children -Lenore and Kathryn : Edna E. ; Myrtle E., and Edgar M. All of these children have

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been actively concerned in educational work as teachers in the public schools.

CLARENCE EDWARD DIEHL, who owns 140 acres of excellent farming land in Green Township, was born October 2, 1873, on his father's farm near Manchester, Frank- lin Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Eliza M. (Diehl) Diehl.

William Diehl was born in York County, Pennsylvania. He served throughout the Civil War, and although never wounded, he was confined in a hospital for several months with typhoid fever. He returned to Penn- sylvania after the war, but shortly thereafter moved to Ohio and settled on a small farm south of Manchester, in Franklin Township, Summit County. There he resided until after his marriage, when he removed to the 165- aere farm now owned by his son, Clarence E. Diehl. On this property William Diehl re- sided until retiring from farm work, in 1905, when he moved to Barberton, where he is a foreman in the Barberton Boiler Works. Mr. Diehl was married in Franklin Township, to Eliza M. Diehl, who was born in that town- ship, and is a daughter of Daniel Diehl, a pioneer of Summit County. Daniel Diehl reached this section with but fifty cents in his pocket, and lived to become the owner of 11,000 aeres of land in addition to other property. To Mr. and Mrs. Diehl the follow- ing children were born: Hattie, who married C. C. Swigart; Clarence Edward; Curtis; Bertha, who married H. Thornton; Claude; Wallace and Harley, twins; and Grace and Maude, the latter three being deceased.

Clarence Edward Diehl was one year old when the family settled on the old Diehl farm on the township line, and there he spent his boyhood days. He attended the district school and spent one year at the High School at Manchester. Until his marriage he worked on his father's farm, after which he bought a one-half interest in the farm where Otis Tritt now lives. He cultivated this property for three years, but subsequently moved to East Liberty.

Mr. Diehl was married in September, 1900.

to Laura M. Foust, who is a daughter of Frederick and Lucetta (Keplar) Foust, the former of whom died in 1902. The latter re- sides at East Liberty. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Diehl, namely: Lottie N. Mr. Diehl is an active member of the Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. He is a Democrat in politics, and he has served three terms as school director and has also been road supervisor. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Diehl belongs to the Reformed Church.

GEORGE W. FOUST, township trustee and owner of sixty-three acres of farm land in Coventry Township, is one of the promi- nent citizens of this section. He was born July 5, 1842, in Coventry Township, Summit County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Nelly (Farnsworth) Foust.

George Foust was born in Pennsylvania, and grew to manhood in his native locality, there learning the wagon-making trade. After his marriage, Mr. Foust emigrated to Ohio, making the journey in wagons, and in 1832 settled in the woods of Coventry Township, where he purchased a small farm and erected a wagon-making shop. He also carried on farming to some extent, and was an indus- trious and useful citizen. His old sledge ham- mer, used by him for many years, is now in the possession of his son, George W. Mr. Foust died in 1878 at the age of 72 years, and his widow, who was born in 1810, passed away about five years later. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Foust, five grew to maturity, namely: Louisa, who is the widow of E. McCamm; Julia, now de- ceased, who was the wife of E. Sholley : George Washington : Elizabeth, who married J. Hem- melrick : and Frank J.

George W. Foust attended the old district school near his home, where he obtained a fair education. He remembers a custom which was in vogue at that time, that each family with children attending school should furnish wood according to the number of pupils. Mr. Foust remained at home until after his marriage, and in 1869 purchased

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forty-two acres of land from Andrew Metzler, later adding thereto from time to time until he became one of the township's large land- holders. This property, which is bounded on the south by the Erie Railroad, is situated about three miles southwest of the city of Ak- ron, and is well cultivated and very valuable. Mr. Foust recently sold forty-two acres of his land for town lots, and the remainder is rented by him, he having retired from 'active pur- suits. In political matters he is a Democrat, and in 1900 he was elected to the office of township trustee, a position which he still holds.

On March 3, 1867. Mr. Foust was united in marriage with Marietta Triplet, who was a daughter of John and Laura (Bellows) Trip- let, and whose grandfather was a laborer on the canal at fifty cents per day. Mr. and Mrs. Foust attended the same district school, hav- ing grown up together in the same school dis- trict. Mrs. Foust died May 3, 1905, aged fifty-eight years, having been the mother of two children, namely: Adda, who married Peter Carl, resides at Akron and has two chil- dren-Bessie and Park; and Lilly B., who married John Wagoner, resides at Akron and has four children-Ernest, Florence, Harold and Ethel. Mr. Foust is a member of the Evangelical Church, which at the present time he is serving as trustee.

F. M. COOKE, secretary of the Bruner- Goodhue-Cooke Company, of Akron, and also of the Akron Building and Loan Association, with offices at No. 136 South Main Street, is one of the popular and successful young bus- iness men of this city. He was born at Mid- dlepoint, Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1869.

At the age of fourteen years, Mr. Cooke went to Bluffton, Ohio, and was graduated from the Bluffton High School, after which. in 1886. he entered Buchtel College, where he was graduated in 1891, with the degree of A. B. He at once accepted a position with the Crescent Fire Insurance Company, of Cleveland. where he remained one year. In June, 1892. he entered the office of Wilcox & Noah, at Akron, and when a stock company

was formed, in 1897, he became secretary of the Wilcox-Bruner Company, which became the Bruner-Goodhue-Cooke Company in 1899. Since June, 1894, he has also been secretary of the Akron Building and Loan Association, having been assistant secretary for many years prior to that date. He is also a stock- holder in several other important business en- terprises of this city. Mr. Cooke is president of the Akron Board of Underwriters and past president of the Ohio Association of Fire In- surance Agents. Ile belongs to the Board of Trustees of Buchtel College, being a mem- ber of the Executive Committee.

In 1897, Mr. Cooke was married to Mabel K. Page, who is a daughter of Thomas S. Page, of Akron. Mr. Cooke is a Thirty-second Degree Mason, has held all the offices in the Blue Lodge, and was worshipful master of Adoniram Lodge, in 1903. He is president of the Akron Masonic Club and is a member of the Portage Country Club.

MARTIN LIMBACH, JR., a prominent citizen and representative business man of Clinton, Ohio, who is a member of the well- known firm of Limbach Brothers, was born July 4. 1852, in Bavaria, Germany, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Zepp) Limbach.

Martin Limbach. Sr., was born in 1806 in Bavaria, Germany, where he carried on shoe- making and farming until the fall of 1852. when with his family he came to America, where his son George had come some time before. The family made their way to Mas- sillon. via Cleveland, and in 1853 came to Clinton. where Mr. Limbach established a shoe business. and here continued the re- mainder of his life. His death occurred March 28, 1885. Mr. Limbach married Mary Zepp, who was born September 12. 1808, and died September 14, 1863. and to them were born a family of eight children: George; Christina, who married John A. Weil: Mary. who married Peter Miller: IIenry: Jacob, of Clinton : Balzer, who was last heard of in the West. where he had gone in 1867; Adam, who is in partnership with Martin ; and Mar- tin.

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Martin Limbach, Jr., spent his boyhood at Clinton, where he attended the district schools, and also went for a short time to the public schools at Ashland, after which he worked for a time at farming and at driving his brother Jacob's canal boat. In 1867 he started to learn the shoemaker's trade with his broth- er Ilenry, and this he has followed success- fully to the present time. For thirty years he had the agency of the Domestic sewing machines, and in this time became well known throughout this part of the country. He and his brother Adam then formed a partnership and started a shoe business in a small way. In 1872 they began adding fac- tory stock to their supply, and they now carry a full stock of all the best lines of shoes. In 1887 they built the first brick block in Clin- ton and they now own all of the brick busi- ness buildings in Clinton except one. Martin Limbach also owns much property in Texas, as well as throughout Summit County. IIe is vice-president of the Clinton Savings Bank. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served one term as township treasurer and two terms as jury commissioner. On November 22, 1879, Mr. Limbach was married to Minnie M. Casenhiser, who is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Emory) Casenhiser.

W. E. WILSON, junior member of the firm of Betzler and Wilson, manufacturers of the Betzler and Wilson Fountain Pen, a pros- pering industry at Akron, came to this city in 1878. Ile was born at Niles, Ohio, Novem- ber 3. 1869, and was about nine years old when his parents-James and Isabella (Big- gers) Wilson -- located in Akron.

Mr. Wilson was educated in the Akron schools and, being an ambitious boy, early began to be self-supporting, securing a posi- tion with the B. F. Goodrich Company while still young. IIe was faithful and industrious and remained with that company and the American Hard Rubber Company until 1891. He then went to Cincinnati, where he was en- gaged in the fountain pen business until 1892, when he returned to Akron and, in partner- ship with J. F. Betzler, established the firm

of Betzler and Wilson, for the manufacture of the fountain pen bearing the name of the firm. The business has prospered and fifteen men are employed in the factory at Nos. 54- 56 South Street, while four traveling salesmen represent the firm on the road. They manu- facture 100 different styles of pen, making a specialty of the Betzler and Wilson Self-filling Pen.

In 1892 Mr. Wilson was married to Ella I. Gregory, of Akron. He is a Thirty-second Degree Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at Akron, the Alkoran Shrine and the Lake Erie Consistory at Cleve- land. He is prominent also as an Odd Fel- low, belonging to both branches of the order. Mr. Wilson, like Mr. Betzler, is an enterpris- ing business man, one who not only under- stands the demands of the public for a first- class article, but knows also how to push its sale. The firm stands high as a business house of Akron.

CHRISTIAN VOGT, a retired capitalist of Akron, was born in Germany, in 1846, and was six years of age when his parents brought him to America, locating in Springfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, near the old Western Reserve mill. They were John and Susan M. (Selzer) Vogt, the former of whom died on his farm in Springfield Town- ship, September 8, 1856. being survived by his widow until 1886.

Left fatherless when still young. Christian Vogt had heavy responsibilities fall on his shoulders, and had fewer advantages than would have been his had his father's life been longer. Whenever he had the opportunity he attended school, but most of his time until he was sixteen years old was spent in working on a farm and in the coal mines. He subse- quently came to Akron, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked until 1876. Then he opened a business of his own, which he conducted for about fifteen years, prospering in the meanwhile, and at various times being a good judge of values, investing in property. In 1880 he built the Vogt block, on the corner of Buehtel Avenue and

MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL FREDERICK

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Main Street, a fine brick structure, 62 by 60 feet in dimension in its main part, and 40 by 60 in the rear, and another three-story frame 25 by 60 feet. Mr. Vogt owns a con- siderable amount of real estate in other parts of the city. In 1869, Mr. Vogt was married to Mary E. MeDonald, who is a member of an old Summit County family. Politically Mr. Vogt is a Democrat and is his party's nominee for membership on the Board of Public Ser- vice, a position for which he is eminently fitted. Perhaps no citzen of Akron has done more to improve and beautify the city than has he. Its public parks have been improved greatly through his deep interest in the work, which he has carried on more or less for twenty-three years, and for which he has never accepted any compensation. 1Ie served fifteen years as a park commissioner, four years on the School Board and for four years occupied a seat in the City Council. A true, publie-spirited citizen, he has worked for the betterment of Akron from unselfish motives.

SAMUEL FREDERICK. superintendent of the roads of Distriet No. 3, Portage Town- ship, is a leading citizen of this section and now lives retired from agricultural pursuits, at his comfortable honie on Wooster Avenue. Sherbondy Hill. He was born at Doylestown, Wayne County, Ohio, February 27, 1831. and is a son of Jacob and Margaret ( Rasor) Fred- erick.

Jacob Frederick was born at New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, and at Doylestown was married to Margaret Rasor, who was born in Trumbull County, Ohio. In 1841 Jacob Frederick moved from Doylestown to Copley Township, Summit County, where he pur- chased his first farm of eighty-four acres, to which he subsequently added until he owned 120 acres of exeellent land. In partnership with his eldest son, Samuel, he bought forty acres of timberland, twenty of which came later into Samuel's possession. Both parents of Samuel Frederick died in Copley Town- ship. Mrs. Frederick passing away first. fol- lowed by her husband four years later, when he had reached his eighty-fourth year. They

were people of high character, honest, indus- trious and kind.

For sixty-one years Samuel Frederick was a resident of Copley Township, the period covered being from the age of ten years to 1901, when he retired from his farm and settled at Sherbondy Hill. In early manhood Mr. Frederick went to Wadsworth and worked at the shoemaking trade with his uncle, John Rasor, but did not continue at this trade very long, later learning the cooper's trade, at which he worked for several years, making flour barrels. He purchased his first farm in Copley Township, shortly after his mar- riage in 1851 and lived on it for almost fifty years. It contains 127 acres and is a good property. For sixteen years Mr. Frederick operated a threshing machine, engaging for two years in threshing elover seed, and during the last season he made the record of 1,300 bushels of this seed. In the meantime, he bought an acre of land on Sherbondy Hill, on which his son built a barn and comfortable residence, and in 1901 Mr. Frederick sold his farm to Hustus Keppler and removed to this quiet home.

In 1851, at Wadsworth, Ohio, Mr. Freder- ick was married to Sarah Fryman, a daughter of Daniel Fryman. Mrs. Frederick was born in Pennsylvania and died in Copley Town- ship, September 8. 1901. She was a woman of many Christian virtues and was the mother of the following children: Susan. Benjamin F., John HI., Jacob, Eliza, Ellen Elizabeth, Daniel and George Byron. The survivors are : Susan ; Benjamin F., who resides in Portage Township; Ellen Elizabeth, who married M. J. Lohr, and died November 8, 1907; and Daniel, who resides also in Portage Township.

Mr. Frederick has been a leader in town- ship affairs for many years and has frequent- ly held offices of responsibility. He served as trustee and as road supervisor in Copley Township and now fills an important office in Portage Township. He is a member of the Loyal Oak Lutheran Church, having joined this religious body at Doylestown, when but eighteen years of age. For sixty years he has kept the faith and lived according to the

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precepts of his church. He is widely known and universally respected.

FREDERICK W. McCHESNEY, a lead- ing citizen of Springfield Township, in which his family has been an old and honored one for several generations, was born at Krum- roy, Summit County, Ohio, March 11, 1860, and is a son of William and Louisa. (Gras- sard) McChesney.

The father of Mr. McChesney was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and was seven years old when his parents moved to Ohio and settled on the farm now occupied and owned by William H., their grandson. They died in the house in which Frederick W. was born. William McChesney was reared in Springfield Township and became a man of property-owning 250 acres of land -- and of much local prominence. It was mainly through his efforts that the Valley Railroad was extended through this section, and he gave the land for the site of the depot and even helped to build it. His death occurred in the fall of 1905, when he was in his eighty- ninth year. He married Louisa Grassard. who was born in France and was a daughter of Peter Grassard, who served as a soldier under the great Napoleon, afterward coming to America. She died Jannary 25, 1897. Of the six children born to William and Louisa MeChesney. Charles died in infancy. The survivors are: Edward A., residing in Springfield Township. a farmer. contractor and builder, married Sarah Wise; William H., residing on the old homestead, which he owns. married Lucy Thompson: Philora E., residing at Akron, the wife of George L. Sypher: Herman G., residing at Akron, mar- ried Lucy Wright, a daughter of Hon. Thomas Wright. formerly a member of the State Legislature from Summit County (Lucy Wright McChesney died December 14, 1907) ; and Frederick W.

Frederick W. McChesney was educated in the public schools of Springfield Township, and after attaining manhood, he engaged in farming and in real estate and loans. In 1884 he settled on his present farm of 115 acres.

which he has placed under fine cultivation. He has done much improving and in 1904 he built his fine bank barn, 80 by 40 feet in dimensions. It is of modern architecture and is equipped with all sanitary conveniences. He carries on mixed farming and dairying and keeps first-class milch cows. His land is situated on the Massillon road and near Springfield Lake and close to the city of Ak- ron.

March 6, 1884, Mr. McChesney was mar- ried to Nettie Yerrick, who was born in Springfield Township and is a daughter of Cyrus and Catherine (Swinehart) Yerrick, the former of whom was formerly a justice of the peace in this township. Mrs. McChes- ney before her marriage was a teacher in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. McChesney have six children, namely : Maud, Leo, Lura, Fred, Mark and John. All the children have had superior educational advantages.

Politically, Mr. McChesney is a Repub- lican, and has taken an active part in party work, attending many important conventions as a delegate. TIe has served as a member of the Springfield Township School Board for fourteen years, and has assisted in bringing the schools of his township to a high standard excelled by few in the state of Ohio. With his family, he belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

NEWTON CHALKER, a retired law- ver of Akron, who has been identified with both the business and professional life of the city for over thirty years, is generally reeog- mized as one of Akron's prominent men.

The Chalker family originated in England and became established about 1640 in Con- necticut, and in 1805 in Ohio. James Chalker, the grandfather of Newton Chalker, was born at Saybrook. Connecticut. where he married Mercy Norton, and with his wife and an infant son he came to the Western Reserve. locating in Southington, Trumbull County. in the year 1805. Selecting a location in the midst of the forest, he built a cabin of logs. and entered upon a pioneer existence. Hc lived until 1867. his span of life covering

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Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 135

Author: Doyle, William B., b. 1868 Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author: Doyle, William B., b. 1868
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1150