USA > Ohio > Wayne County > Commemorative biographical record of Wayne County, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 48
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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: Cath- erine, Daniel, Eliza, Alice, Emma and Al- exander. 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 town- ship, but was never an aspirant for official honors.
H ARVEY W. TAYLOR was born in Lehigh County, Penn., February 15, 1863. His parents are David and Emma (Long) Taylor, who now re- side in Philadelphia. In 1880 Mr. Tay- lor 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 mem- ber 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 Pro-
hibition party, and has served as township supervisor.
S AMUEL FRASE was born in Chip- pewa Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, October 23, 1825, and is a son of John and Catherine E. (Lash) Frase, natives of Washington County, Pen., who settled in Chippewa Township, Wayne County, about 1820, locating on the north- west quarter of Section 36, now owned and occupied by families of the same name. Jolm 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. William Weygandi), 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 Chip- pewa Township, where he has helped to clear and improve several farms. Mr. Frase was three times married: first to Eleanor, daughter of George Zimmerman,
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of Baughman Township, Wayne County, and by her he had two children: John J. and Mary R. ( Mes. Samnel Corney- ham). Mr. Frase's second wife was Eliza- beth, danghter of Jacob Shoe, of Chip- pewa Township, Wayne County, and by her he has had ten children, of whom are living Orrin, Lemuel, Henry, Clara ( Mrs. George Sehriber), 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 promi- nent, influential farmers of his township, and the family are much respected.
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W ESLEY A. HUFFMAN. Among the prosperous and representa- tive 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, Angust 25, 1846, and is a son of Daniel and Am ( Huffman ) Huffman, both natives of Switzerland and pioneers of Chippewa Township. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Huffman, and mater-
nal grandfather, Jacob Huffman, were na- tives 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 Ahnira, 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 Masonie fraternity, the Royal Arca- num and Methodist Episcopal Church. In polities he is a staneh Republican.
D R. J. W. LEHR, one of the rising young physicians of Wayne Coun- ty, is the oldest 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
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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 depart- ment 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 pro- fession, 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.
M AHALETH McCONKEY, dangh- ter of Thomas and Elizabeth Mc- Conkey, was born on the farm she now owns in Clinton Township, Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1818. Her grand- father, William McConkey, lived here with his children for a few years, and died here. Thomas and Elizabeth Me- Conkey 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 McFarlan, of Clinton; Elizabeth, the late Mrs. Samuel Shreve, of Wayne County ; Ana, 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 inher- itance from her father of nearly 300 acres of land, and later purchased the old home- stead 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 pol- ities a Democrat. The parents of Mahal- eth were members of the Christian Church, of which she is also a member.
J OSEPH 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
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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 con- ducted 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, mar- ried 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,
OSEPH 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 Coun- ty. His father, David, was born in Wash- 30
ington County, Penn., in 1770, and his grandfather was a native of Ireland, who came to America long anterior to the Rev- olution. 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 con- tribute 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 okl Seceder Church. In 1864 his widow fol- lowed 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 insep- arable From the pioneer's life. He learned the trade of a carpenter, as well as farm-
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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 buikling up the new home, and had brought up her chil- dren 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 resi- dence 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-carned. He is known in the county as one of its old
and esteemed citizens, although he has never been very prominent in public af- fairs. Twice, however, he filled the of- fice of land appraiser in East Union Town- ship, 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.
ARVEY 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 duti- ful 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, he withdrew from them, he dropped into the uncertain whirl of business, when he soon found himself anchored as a clerk in the
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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 rela- tions in the mercantile business with his brother, J. S. Bissell, which still contin- nes. 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 ac- quitted himself with credit and ability.
As we have indicated, Mr. Bisssell is a Democrat, but he has no official aspira- tions, acting and voting with his party as he is in harmony with its principles. He became a member of the Order of Free- masonry in 1869, joining Ebenezer Lodge, No. 33, Wooster, Ohio. In 1576 he joined Wooster Chapter, No. 27. He was made a Knight Templar June 20, 1580, at Massillon Commandery, No. 4. He is a charter member of the Royal Areanum,
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 domestie virtues preponderate in him, and his home cirele 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 in- justice, 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 in- tended injury, but not so quick to for- give or forget unless the proper restitu- tion 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 tem- perate, steady and economical in his hab- its. He is liberal, earnest and active, never hesitating to perform his share of the work about him, in fact, is well adapt- ed to the vocation he has chosen for his
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life work. The cast of his mind is prac- tical; he has the bearing of one devoted to business, is well built and strong, has a physical constitution that insures pro- longed vitality, and that patient persever- anee which never tires, and moves stead- ily forward in the path he has marked. He has, through all his years of work, endeavored to live along the line of busi- ness fairness and moral rectitnde, 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.
I OHEN SLOANE BISSELL. Men of business capacity, force and intelli- genee need no faetitious introdue- tion to the public attention. The posi- tions 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 nusung. An accident fre- quently 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 begin- ning, a elerkship in a dry goods store, the subject ef this sketch has grown into mer- cantile strength and to such proportions that the firm of Bissell Brothers is a house- hold word in the business exchanges of the community.
Jolin 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 Cin- cinnati, where he at once formed a part- nership with his uncle. He rapidly rose to eminence in his profession and distin. guished 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 chivalrie nature. He was a Whig in politics, at times active in the service of his party, supplying the press with brilliant criticisms and re-
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views of the acts and attitudes of the dif- ferent 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 useful- ness and activity. To this marriage there were born eight children, all of whom are dead except John S. and Harvey II. The mother died June 11, 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, buthe was fortunate in having a mother left to guard his youthful years, and instruct and pre- pare him for the conquests, knock-downs, ambitions and despairs of the world. HIe had the advantage of the village schools, of which he availed himself for a member of years, and afterward was upon the roll of pupils at the academy of Prof. Hill. Under the stimulus of his mother's in- fluence and impelled by a desire to ob- tain a good English education, ho pro- secuted his studies with diligence and vigor. At the age of seventeen he en- tered the store of D. H. King & Co., on the corner, where he and his brother aro how engaged in business, and after eight years of subordinate service he became a partner of R. R. Donnelly, who had pur- chased the store of Mr. Plumer. He re-
mained in business with Mr. Donnelly until the latter's death, in 1875, which ter- minated 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 mercan- tile 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 accomp- lished 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., Samnel L., John S., Daisie E. and Jeanette.
Mr. Bissoll may strictly and truthfully be denominated a business man. He de- votes his entire and undivided attention to it, supervising its details and giving it the closest attention. In his transactions as merchant he is systematie, cantions and trustworthy, with well defined methods of business and exacting a rigid compliance to them. In polities he is a Democrat. and during the war, though he did not enter the military service, where, we be- lieve, he would have distinguished himself, he was a prononneed Unionist, giving his time and means to thecause of the govern- ment. When Sumter was fired on he rallied around the flag, and when the news came from Appomattox, from his housetop ho unfurled the banner of freedom. Ho
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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 posi- tions 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 occu- pied positions for a number of years. He- is a Knight Templar, and assisted in or- ganizing 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 Int- theran Church, and he is a regular attend- ant, though not a member of any religions denomination. In private life he is social, genial and pleasant, and in conversation, as in business, he is quiek, vital and ani- mated. He believes that life is a kind of tracery, a blending and interlacing of sun- shine and shadow, and that the variety of
pains and pleasures, of fears and hopes, which we encounter in life, is but a re- freshing breeze that fills the sails of the vessel and sends it gaily forward. No one enjoys life better than he. He is of me- dium 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 in- herent attributes which pervade the com- position 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 con- front disaster if it comes as well as pros- perity, and would see under the frown of defeat the smile of victory. On the ruins of to-day are built the temples of to-mor- row. 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
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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 Washing- ton County, in the same State, then to Jef- ferson 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 win- ter 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. Reg- ister of Public Lands, under instructions from the Government, he removed the land office to Wooster, where he continued to re- side 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 ex- tensively known throughout the State. By his public spirit and enterprise among the settlers of a new country, his faithful atten- tion to his office, and his urbane manners to persons transacting business with him, ho acquired a universal and deserved popularity, which manifestod itself in his election to Congress in the fall of ISIS, from a district embracing a large territory, over a prominent and talented competitor then holling a seat in the National Assembly.
For ten years in that body ho was a popu. lar and influential member, aiding and seenr. ing the passage of laws which would contrib- ute to the best interests of the country and his constituents, maintaining and vindicating them with sigual power and ability.
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