Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 90

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 90

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At this time the first trains were running over the Cleveland, Tennessee & Valley Rail- road and Mr. Wagoner was made the first agent for the road at this point. In the same year he was appointed postmaster, an of- fiee he has held ever sinee, notwithstanding changes in the administration. There are few as capable officials in the public service who have reached the age of Mr. Wagoner, who is now eighty years old, and there are also few who possess his hearty health and prolonged vigor. He can recall many inter- esting events concerned with the developing of this section, and remembers when the busy city of Akron was but a straggling village. Ile has spent his whole life in Franklin and Springfield Townships and is known all over Summit County. At the time of his birth this section was still included in Stark County.

On January 24, 1850, Mr. Wagoner was married to Sarah Ritter, who is a daughter of Isaac and Margaret Ritter. Her people came to Stark County at an early day and settled near Massillon, where her grandfather pur- chased a section of land, making a home in

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the wagon for his family until he could con- struct a log house in the forest. They were old and honored pioneers. Mrs. Wagoner was reared in Green Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner have had the following children : Elnora, who married MI. J. Rodenbaugh, re- sides at Thomastown and they have three children, Burt, Mabel, wife of Thomas Stahl, of Peninsula, Ohio, and Harvey, a merchant at Akron ; Lodie, who married (first) Eman- uel Hubler and (second) Michael Benning- ham, is deceased; John Riley died aged three years; Margaret Ann died aged seven years; Amelia, died in infancy, and Isaac Hamlin, resides at Akron.

Mr. Wagoner has always been actively in- terested in polities and has been a stanch sup- porter of the Republican party ever since its formation. He has voted for every one of its Presidential candidates from John C. Fremont to Theodore Roosevelt. Ile is a member of Buckley Post, G. A. R .. at Akron. In many ways. Mr. Wagoner is a remarkable man, and is a worthy representative of the sturdy old pioneer family from which he came, possess- ing not only their robust constitution, but also many of the qualities which made friend- ships enduring in those days, and honesty and integrity words full of meaning.

ADAM J. FULMER, who was a leading citizen and successful agriculturist of Spring- field Township, for many years, was born in Green Township, Summit County, Ohio, Oe- tober 20. 1846. and died on his beautiful farm in Springfield Township, October 28, 1905. at the age of fifty-nine years. His parents were Adam and Christina (Bettler) Fulmer.

Both parents of Adam J. Fulmer were born in Germany and in 1833 they accompanied their parents to Stark County. Ohio, where the latter died. After the marriage of Adam and Christina Fulmer, they moved to Green Township and later to Springfield Township, and both died at Brittain, where they were liv- ing retired. They had a family that con- sisted of three sons and four daughters: Jacob, Daniel. Adam J., Catherine, Margaret.

Melvina and Charlotta. Of the above family, Jacob is deceased. Daniel married Melvina Baughman. Catherine married Daniel Hawk and they reside in Tallmadge Township. Margaret married Jonathan Weaver and they reside in Portage County. Melvina married Vincent Wagner and they live at Cuyahoga Falls, while Charlotta married Joseph Guiley and they reside in Tallmadge.

Adam J. Fulmer was reared on the home farm and attended the distriet schools in the neighborhood of his home. Ile accompanied his parents to Brittain when they settled in the village. but shortly after his marriage, in 1881, he settled on the place which continued to be his home for the rest of his life. His first purchase was of 100 acres, to which he subsequently added the second 100. making the present acreage, and here he carried on general farming for many years, paying .par- ticular attention to growing wheat. He was a man of persistent industry and was greatly interested in improving his property, erecting at various times the fine residence and other substantial buildings which add greatly to the value of an already valuable property. Since February, 1906, there have been three oil wells in operation on the farm, all being fine producers. Mr. Fulmer also owned valuable lots in Akron. having accumulated all his property through prudence. good management and industry.

On January 4, 1881, Adam J. Fulmer was married to Mary Ruth, who is a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Vogelman ) Ruth. both of whom were born in Germany. the father in 1822 and the mother in 1823. After marriage Charles Ruth and wife settled in Oneida County, New York. Mrs. Ruth died in 1890. and Mr. Ruth six years later. They had four children, namely: Mrs. Fulmer: Louisa, residing with her sister: Lena, resid- ing at Akron, married Cyrus Swinehart, a contractor in that city: and Charles, who con- ducts a meat business at Utiea, New York. He married Lillian Myers, of Rome. New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Fulmer's family consisted of two children. a son and daughter. Raymond

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and Mary Ruth. The former operates the home farm in a very capable manner. He is a young man of talent and education, hav- ing graduated at the University of Michigan, in the class of 1905. Miss Mary Ruth is a graduate of the Akron High School and is a student in the freshman year at Buchtel College.

In the death of Adam J. Fulmer, Spring- field Township lost a citizen of more than usual worth, for he was a man of sterling character and one whose acts in every phase of life were governed by right motives. He was a man of very practical ideas and he won the respect of those with whom he came into contact either in a business or social way. During all his mature life he was stanch in his adherence to the principles of the Demo- cratie party, by which he was frequently elected to local offices and in performing the duties of these he displayed publie spirit as well as efficiency. He was long a useful mem- ber of the School Board and served both as supervisor and as township trustee.

LOUIS SCHOTT. a leading citizen of Springfield Township, who has owned and operated what was known as Tritt's mill, since 1890, was born in Grevesmühlen, Germany, where his parents both died in 1860, victims of small-pox.

Mr. Schott was reared by his grandfather until the latter's death, when he went to live with strangers. Hle attended school until he was fourteen years of age, according to the ex- cellent German law, and then learned the milling trade, which he has followed ever since. In 1882 he came to America and lo- cated at Akron, where he was in the employ of F. Schumacher, and others, for about seven years, and then bought what was known as Tritt's mill. This mill was built in 1836, by the grandfather of Brewster Brothers, who are business men of high standing in Summit County, and it has been in continuous opera- tion ever since. Joseph Tritt bought the mill from Mr. Brewster, and operated it until he sold it to David Brumbaugh, who subsequent- ly sold it to Mr. Elderkin, who assigned it to

the man from whom Mr. Schott purchased, in 1890. Since taking possession he has prac- tically rebuilt the mill, putting in new power and making many practical and substantial improvements. It is what is known as a gen- eral custom mill, with capacity of twenty-five barrels, and Mr. Schott makes both white and rye flour, together with all kinds of feed. He has constant patronage and does a very large business. Mr. Schott has always been very industrious, careful and frugal, and has made his own way honestly and fairly, without ask- ing aid from any one.

In 1883 Mr. Schott was married to Louisa Schultz, of Akron, who is a daughter of the late George Schultz. Her mother still sur- vives. Mr. and Mrs. Schott have had twelve children, namely: Hans, who died in young manhood, in 1905; Louis, who is a telegraph operator for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; Helena, who is a stenographer for the Board Manufacturing Company, of Akron ; Charles, who assists his father in the mill; Louisa, who is employed at Akron; Harriet, who is de- ceased; and William, Sophia, Eliner, Mary, Herman and Frederick, all residing at home. Mr. Schott and family belong to the German Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Repub- liean.

JOHN F. MENTZER, assessor of Norton Township, and the owner of seventy-five acres of very valuable land, which is situated on the Loyal Oak road, about five miles west of Ak- ron, was born on the farm on which he lives, in Summit County, Ohio, September 7, 1865. He is a son of Alexander and Amelia (Blocker) Mentzer.

Alexander Mentzer was born at Canal Ful- ton, Stark County, Ohio, and died May 16, 1900, aged sixty-four years. Ilis father was John Mentzer, who was a native of Pennsyl- vania, from which state he moved to Stark County, Ohio, where he owned the farm where the feeder of the Old Ohio Canal enters the Tusearawas River. In 1850 he bought the farm in Norton Township on which his grandson, John F., resides, and in 1870, Alex- ander Mentzer bought it from his father's

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estate, and, in turn, John F. bought it from Alexander's estate, in October, 1900. Alexander Mentzer married Amelia Blocker. Iler father, Eli Blocker was a pioneer of Norton Township, and he owned the farm which is now the property of Joseph Oser, and on that farm Mrs. Mentzer was born. The five children of Alexander Mentzer and wife are: John F .; Charles, re- siding in Portage Township; Sadie, who mar- ried Edgar Poulson, residing at Warren, Trumbull County; Harvey, residing at Gar- rettsville. Portage County : and Frank, resid- ing at Braceville, Trumbull County.

John F. Mentzer was reared at home and was educated to the age of fourteen years in the country schools, after which he worked as a farmer. For two years following his mar- riage he lived in Medina County, otherwise, his home has always been in Norton Town- ship. Ile carries on general farming, and for some years bought and sold many horses. He is considered a very good business man. In addition to farming, Mr. Mentzer frequently spends considerable time auctioneering, and his popularity is shown by his being sent for to cry sales all through the surrounding country.

In 1889 Mr. Mentzer was married to Ella Oplinger, who is a daughter of Nathan Op- linger, and they have four children. namely : Ilarry. Lloyd. Russell and Morris.

Politically, Mr. Mentzer is a Democrat, and for the past two years has -erved as assessor of the township. He was a member of the School Board for four years, and at all times shows a good citizen's interest in the town- ship's educational standing Mr. Mentzer is a deacon in the Loyal Oak Reformed Church and for the past ten years has been church secretary.

CLARENCE HOWLAND. formerly one of Akron's prominent citizens and leading man- ufacturers, was identified for a quarter of a century with The Thomas Phillips Company, of which he was treasurer at the time of his death, May 6, 1905. Mr. Howland was born in New York.

In 1873 Mr. Howland came to Akron and began work with the company with which he continued to be connected as long as he lived, entering its employ in a humble position, and through merit, advancing until he was one of the most valued members of the firm. He was a man of broad and liberal views, and while his business sagacity made him a fac- tor in that line, his public spirit and his rec- ognition of a citizen's duties, both private and public, made him respected and esteemed in every circle of society.

Mr. Howland was married (first) to Jennie Fouser, and the four children of this union were: Helen, Ruth, George and Frank C. Mr. Howland was married (second) to Jose- phine Creque, and they had one daughter. Josephine.

EDWARD W. LESER, who conducts a florist business in Coventry Township, near the city limits of Akron, was born January 11. 1875. at Bay City. Bay County, Michigan, and is a son of J. J. Leser. The parents of Mr. Leser are still residents of Bay City, where his father carries on a carpenter and con- tracting business. He was born at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Leser have seven children, the eldest of whom is Edward W. Until he was seventeen years of age, Ed- ward William Leser attended the public schools of Bay City. and then entered the em- ploy of the Irvine Company. florists, with whom he remained for nine years. during which time he made a close study of the man- agement and rearing of plants and of all mat- ters concerning their propagation and cul- ture. In the spring of 1898 he came to .1k- ron. He entered the employ of E. J. Bolanz, the leading florist of this city, with whom he continued until 1905, when he purchased Mr. Bolanz's business, which he has successfully conducted ever since. Mr. Leser has 35.000 feet of space under cover and owns ten acres of ground. His buildings have modern equip- ments to produce the proper climatic condi- tions, he keeps four men employed and does a very large wholesale business, and enjoys the largest trade in his line in this city. His

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greenhouses are delightful to visit, with their abundance of bloom and fragrance, and his growths include all varieties of plants, except palms. He is a self-made man and his suc- cess shows the value of industry and concen- tration of effort.

Politically, Mr. Leser is a Republican.

CHARLES ROEGER, one of the leading business men of Springfield Township, a member of the manufacturing firm of Roeger Brothers, was born in Springfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, September 17, 1875. His parents are Christian and Rosanna ( Ri- bold) Roeger.

Christian Roeger was born in Germany in 1844 and came to America in 1870, locating at Akron, but removing to Tallmadge six months later, where he remained for four and one-half years working for Sperry & Bald- win. In 1875 he came to Brittain, Spring- field Township, and in the following year organized the present business which is now so successfully managed by his two sons, his sueecssors. He started with a repair shop and increased his facilities as his business grew, remaining as its active head for twenty-four years. In many ways Christian Roeger is a remarkable man. He landed at Akron with a knowledge of the blacksmith trade, but with only forty-eight cents capital. At first, to provide for his immediate wants, he cut timber in South Akron for the building of Buchtel College. He was married at Canton to Rosanna Ribold, who was born in 1850, and they had four children, the three sur- vivors being: Charles, George W. and Areher. Elbert J., who was born in 1882, died unmar- ried in 1895. The parents of this family re- side at Brittain, worthy and highly respected people.

Charles Roeger attended the schools near his home, and as soon as old enough began to work in his father's shop, and until 1906, devoted himself almost entirely to the paint- ing department of the business, since which time he has exercised a general superintend- ence. Charles Roeger married May L. Mc- Chesney, who is a daughter of Edward and

Sarah ( Wise) McChesney, and they have two children, Glynn and Reginald. Mr. Roeger is a member of the East Market Street Re- formed Church, in which he is a deacon. He belongs to Apollo Lodge, No. 61, East Akron, Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a Repub- lican.

George W. Roeger, who is his brother's partner in the firm of Rocger Brothers, was born in Springfield Township, Summit Coun- ty, Ohio, in March, 1878. He was educated in the local schools and, like his older brother, carly began work in his father's shop. IIe was married to Anna Brubaker, September 17, 1902, and they have one child. Politic- ally, he is a Republican. He is a member of the East Market Street Reformed Church.

The firm of Roeger Brothers does a very large business. It is one of the oldest houses of its kind in this section and it has gained the confidence of the publie through honor- „able business dealing and high quality of goods. The factory is located at Brittain. The firm manufactures different kinds of carriages and wagons and deals also in harness and farm implements, twelve men being given constant employment. Their repair shop alone does a business of from $5,000 to $6,200 per year, and their new business amounts to from $5,- 000 to $6,000 annually. The present factory was built about 1892 and has been remodeled severl times since, excellent facilities now he- ing afforded.

RUSSELL T. DOBSON, one of Akron's practical and successful business men, who is president and manager of the Dobson Build- ing Company, has been an active and valued citizen of this place since 1892. He was born in 1861, at Battle Creek, Michigan, re- moving from there with his parents when eleven years of age, and settling at Toledo.

Mr. Dobson was mainly educated at Toledo, both in the public schools and in that other school. a printing office.

In 1880, with W. B. Dobson, his brother, he purchased the newspaper property of The Wood County Democrat, at Bowling Green, Ohio, where he resided until 1889, serving

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as postmaster during the administration of President Cleveland. He then moved to De- fianee, Ohio, where he published the Defiance County Democrat, and also the Daily News. In 189I he removed to Springfield, Ohio, and there engaged for a year in the publication of the Daily Democrat, and then came to Ak- 'ron. Mr. Dobson and his brother established here a newspaper under the name of the Daily Democrat, which is now known as the Daily Times, which he continued until 1897, when he sold out, and in the following year took over the management of the Beacon-Jour- nal, and was owner and manager of the same until 1903, when he sold out his newspaper interests.

Mr. Dobson then turned his attention to other lines, and shortly afterward ereeted the Dobson Building, one of the most modern, sanitary and convenient office buildings in Akron. It is five stories in height, situated on the corner of Howard and Main Streets, occupying 74 feet on the latter, with 110 feet of depth, and with two basements.

In 1885 Mr. Dobson was married to Jen- nie A. Wiley, of Bowling Green, Ohio, and they have one son, Russell T., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dobson attend the Episcopal Church. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias.

HARRY A. COCHRANE, one of North- field Township's representative citizens and successful agriculturists, was born at Ligonier, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1866, and is a son of Huston and Rachel (Seroggs) Cochrane.

Huston Cochrane was born at Latrobe, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, where he received a common school education and learned the trade of potter, which he fol- lowed for nearly twenty-five years, owning his own kilns and making stone, china and all kinds of earthenware. About 1874 Mr. Cochrane sold his pottery, and purchased a farm at Latrobe, on which he resided for nine years, and at the end of that time came to Northfield Township, Summit County, Ohio, purchasing the old Griswold farm of 106

acres, on which he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring July 1, 1906. Mr. Cochrane was a Republican in politics, and while at Ligonier, Pennsylvania, served as tax collector and school director for three years. Ile married Rachel Seroggs, who was a daughter of Rev. Joseph Seroggs, a clergy- man of the United Presbyterian Church, who preached for fifty years in the Ligonier Val- ley. There were six children born to this union, namely: Laura, who is the wife of William McFarland, of Latrobe; James Ed- win, who died in infancy; Joseph, who is de- ceased; Harry A .; Aggie, who is the wife of George McFarland, of Greensburg, Pennsyl- vania; and Thomas, who died at the age of five years. The mother of these children, who is now seventy-three years old, makes her home with her son Harry A., and is a de- voted member of the United Presbyterian Church, of which her husband was an elder for thirty years.

In 1885, after coming to Summit County, Harry A. Cochrane entered the Northfield High School, and after graduating there he took a course in the Cleveland Business Col- lege. For some time afterward he traveled for the Brooks Oil Company, and also handled agricultural implements for a while. About 1900 he bought a one-half interest in the Macedonia Milling Company, taking full charge of buying and selling, also running a cider press and apple jelly factory in eonnee- tion. He closed this business out in 1905. Sinee then he Has been engaged in farming and stoek-raising, devoting seventy-eight acres of his property to raising corn, oats, wheat and hay, and from twelve to fifteen acres to growing potatoes. Mr. Cochrane keeps from six to eight head of cattle, raises young stock, and keeps about nine head of horses. He uses the most modern methods in operating his farm, and is considered one of Northfield Township's good. practical agri- culturists.

Mr. Cochrane was married to Myrtle Nes- bitt, who is a daughter of James Nesbitt, one of Northfield Township's most prominent citizens, who was county commissioner of

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Summit County for seven years. Two chil- dren have been born to this union: Helen Rachel and Lucille, the latter of whom died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Cochrane are mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee. In political matters Mr. Cochrane is an independent Republican.

M. B. SHUMAKER, of Shumaker and Company, boot and shoe merchants, at Akron, with business located at No. 17 South How- ard Street, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1854, and is a son of William and Mar- garet ( Blocker) Shumaker.

William Shumaker, father of M. B., accom- panied his father, also William Shumaker, to Wayne County from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in 1823, and resided on his farm, which his father had secured from the government. until his death. in February, 1907, at the age of eighty-even years. He married Margaret Blocker, who died in 1856. They had six children, the five now living being: Amanda, who married D. T. Frank, and residing at Massillon: Lee C .. who is en- gaged in business at Lorain, Ohio: John F., who is one of the infirmary directors of Medi- na County; M. B., of Akron: and W. W. Shumaker, who is engaged in farming in Wayne Conuty.

M. B. Shumaker attended the country schools, and when twenty-one years of age he left the farm and came to Akron. Here he began to learn the shoe business with Bow- man and MeNeil, with whom he remained four years, later spending one year at Youngs- town. In 1880, he went to Helena, Mon- tana, where he remained for fifteen months. going thence to California, Washington and Oregon, and remaining in the far West until 1884. He then returned to the East and was engaged in a shoe business at Massillon, Ohio, until 1891. Ill health kept him out of busi- noss for a year, but in 1892, seeing a good opening at Akron, he embarked in a shoe business in this city, beginning on a limited scale, with one clerk and an office boy. His entrance into business was in one way at an unfavorable time. the small-pox epidemie im-

mediately following; nevertheless he was able to achieve progress from the first, and now owns one of the finest shoe stores in Akron. Ile carries a large and varied stock, to suit every taste, has modern equipments, and gives constant employment to seven assistants, and on Saturdays, when the country people come to the city to supply their needs, he requires four extra helpers. Mr. Shumaker attrib- utes his success to fair and courteous dealing, and to the excellence of the stock he carries. He is one of the directors of the Dollar Sav- ings Bank at Akron.

On April 15, 1885, Mr. Shumaker was mar- ried to Ella B. Hawkins, who is a daughter of Nelson C. Ilawkins, of Portage Township, Summit County, and they have one son, Lloyd, who is a student in the Akron High School. Mr. Shumaker is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Odd Fellows. Ile belongs to the West Hill Congregational Church, of which he was a trustee for several years. He is conceded to be one of Akron's representative business men.

ORISON M. MOORE, general farmer and dairyman, operating his valuable farm of some seventy acres, is one of the prosperous agriculturists of Stow Township. He was horn in Suffield Township, Portage County, Ohio, December 20, 1847, and is a son of Samuel Lucius and Sally Il. ( Randall) Moore.

The father of Mr. Moore was born May 29. 1819, at Middletown, Conneetient, and ao- companied his parents when they moved first to Pennsylvania, and some years later to New Portage, Ohio, where they purchased a small farm. They were Lester II. and Ruth (Smith) Moore. They had the following children : Lois B., who was born January 31, 1816; Samuel Lucius: Mary 1., who was born in 1822: Orison Erskine, born in 1823; Ru- fus Spalding, who was born in 1826; John Humphrey, who was born in 1829: Juden Harrison, who was born in 1833; Polly O., who was born in 1836; Orville Smith, who was born in 1839; and Sarah Lueretia, who was born in 1841.

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Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 90

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