History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 107

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060

USA > Ohio > Stark County > History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 107

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LOUIS ENGEL, nurseryman and florist, Canton ; is a native of Hanover, Germany, he was born January 1, 1821. He was raised in his present business, and went to Montreal, Canada, in 1847, and followed his business

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there until 1853, when he came to the United States, first locating in Cincinnati. thence to Middletown, Ohio, and in the spring of 1856, he came to Canton, and conduct- ed a greenhouse and nursery for Mr. II. Meyers for five years. Ile then began in the business for himself, and after some four or five years he bought the business of Mr. Meyers and has kept a full assortment of choice fruit and ornamental trees, plants, roses, etc., all of which are true to name, and in varieties proven the best for this soil and elimate. Though having but $75 when he first came to Canton, Mr. Engel has by his energy and per- severance, coupled with honorable dealing in business, been successful in establishing him- self as a reliable business man, and also in se- curing an ample competency. lle married in Montreal, Mary Ann Krebs, and they have had eight children, all of whom were daughters, seven of whom are living.

JAMES FRAUNFELTER, M. D., Canton ; is a native of Ashland Co., Ohio, and a son of John Frauufelter, a native of Pennsylvania, who settled in Ashland Co., Ohio, in 1846, remain- ing a resident there until his death. Our sub- ject educated himself after the age of eighteen years, attending Vermillion Institute, at llaves- ville, Ohio, and subsequently the academy at Savannah, Ohio. Deciding upon the profession of medicine for his life work, he entered the office of T. S. Hunt. M. D .. of Ashland, receiv- ing his advice and assistance in the prosecution of his studies for three years. lle was a grad- uate of the Cincinnati Medieal College in 1870, of the L. I. College Hospital, of New York, and of Jefferson College, Philadelphia. lle imme- diately began to practice after the finish of his medieal edneation, in Canal Fulton, in 1872. where he remained until I881. llis practice then was very successful and extensive, and be- came so arduous, that in 1881 he removed to Canton, believing that a city practice would be more pleasant. Although in Canton but a few months at the present writing, his sue- cess there is flattering and promising. His office is in the Bockius Block, south of the pub- lic square. Dr. Fraunfelter formed a matri- monial alliance with Miss Kate Rosebury, of Ashland County, in June, 1872. They have one child, Clarence E. Dr. Fraunfelter is one of the promising physicians of Ohio. commenc- ing in early life with the determination to make

the world the better for his being in it. llis education was obtained by teaching school in winter sessions, and attending the academy in the summer. His teaching continued for six seasons, and in this, as in all other things, he made a success. He taught the last two years, at Orange, Ohio, where he established a fine reputation as a model teacher. During his practice in Canal Fulton, he was associated with Dr. Campbell from 1876 until 1881, and while together were interested in the drug trade there. While a resident there, he was the surgeon of the Tuscarawas Valley R. R., and was interested and foremost in all works of edu- cation and improvement. He also erected a brick block there, which he still owns. lle is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the K. of H.

G. B. FOLSOM, livery, Canton ; is a native of the Empire State. He began business life in Cleveland, where for several years he was en- gaged in the grocery trade, subsequently chang- ing into the livery business, at which he con- tinued for some ten years. He next engaged in business in Youngstown, Ohio, where for ten years he was in the grocery and livery busi- ness, after which he came to Canton, where he has since resided and engaged in the livery business. Mr. Folsom conduets his business in first-class style ; has a large and commodious place of business, and does a thriving and profitable trade. He ranks as one of the promi- nent citizens of Canton, and is a member of the K. of P. order.

C. N. FRANK. hotel; Canton ; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 12. 1822. lle received a good business education in his native land, and served an apprenticeship at learning the trade of a miller, which business he followed until 1St7, when he, with his father's family, emigrated to the United States. They landed in New York City on November 8, of 1817, and made their way almost directly to Cleveland, where he and his father bought a farm near the city limits, in Euclid Tp. They were the fortunate possessors of considerable money upon their arrival in this country, though by misfortune, fires and bad management they lost nearly the whole of it ; so the nice proper- ty owned by the subject of this sketch has been accumulated by his own industry and economy. His father by trade was a baker, and tiring of the farm, they engaged in this

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business in Cleveland until C. N. built a hotel, which he opened on July 3, 1854. He was married in 1852, to Miss Fredricka Olp, with whom he was well acquainted while they both were residents of Wurtemberg. During the rage of the cholera of 1854, his wife died on the 29th of August, and the same disease ear- ried away their only child. Not long after this affliction, Mr. Frank quit the hotel business and engaged in milling, he and his father build- ing two different mills in Cleveland, both of which were destroyed by fire. In 1864, he came to Canton and rented the Myers Mill, on South Cherry street, and operated the same for four years and two months. Ile then, in company with two other gentlemen, rented the steam mills at Navarre, and ran the business there about two years and seven months, since which time he has done nothing in the milling busi- ness. Shortly after quitting Navarre, he began business at his present stand in Canton, which is a neat little property built and improved by himself, on the corner of Ninth and Cherry streets. July 12, 1856, Mr. Frank was married again, his second wife being a native of Hesse- Darmstadt, and by whom he has three children living-Bertie, Emma and Charlotte. Mr. Frank was one of the organizers of the Con- cordia Society, of which he is at present one of the directors. He is also a member and has been one of the directors of the German Pioneer Society of Stark County.

PETER FAHRNI, grocer, Canton; is a native of Canton Berne, Switzerland, where he re- mained a resident until his 20th year, and then emigrated in company with his brother Fred- erick to the United States. They stopped first in Cleveland for a short time, where Peter was employed by a milkman ; he then went to Col- umbiana Co., Ohio, where for about two years he worked for different farmers. His next change ' was to Wyandot Co., Ohio. where he lived un- til 1861. When the first call was made for three-months men, he enlisted in Co. I. 15th (). V. I. While serving this term of enlistment he was in the battle of Laurel Hill. In the call for three years' men, he enlisted in Co. F. 37th O. V. L., under Col. Seber. He was in the bat- tle of Princeton, in May, of 1862, and in that fight, his company with two others, lost 100 men in twenty minutes ; he, however, escaped unhurt. In Deeember of 1862, his command joined the army of the Mississippi. and hesub-

sequently passed through the battle of Vicks- burg. In these he received two wounds, the latter being most severe, though he has never fully recovered from their effects. He was also taken prisoner and held thirty days at Vieks- burg. Being paroled, he returned to Canton by furlough, and not recovering, he received an honorable discharge. Upon recovering, he began work in the Aultman Shops, and re- mained there until 1876, when he engaged in business. His brother Frederick was a member of the same company and regiment, in both the three months and three years' service, and while on picket duty near Atlanta, Ga .. he was shot, and shortly after died. His wife, who was a Miss Mary Wagner, a native of Switzerland, became the wife of Peter in 1865.

Il. C. FOGLE, Secretary and Treasurer for (. Aultman & Co., Canton, Ohio; is a native of Massillon, Ohio ; he was born Dec. 20, 1844, and ninth child of Lewis and Franeis ( Hem- phill ) Fogle. They were natives of Somer- set and Huntingdon Counties, Penn. I. C. was raised in the vicinity of his birth, his par- ents living also at Mansfield and Canton; he received the union school course of study in Canton, and at the age of 14, engaged as elerk in the dry goods trade with M. Wikidal, and later engaged with G. B. Dietrich: also worked in the trade at Upper Sandusky. In October, 1861. he enlisted in the 4th O. V. I., Co. F, and served with the command until 1862. when, owing to disabilities, he was discharged; upon his return home to Canton. he secured a posi- tion with (. Aultman & Co., as shipping clerk, and the following year became book-keeper. In 1869. he became cashier of the First National Bank of Canton, and continued until 1872, when he was elected Treasurer for C. Aultman & Co., and in April, 1874, upon the death of the Secretary, he was installed in that office, and has since continued to hold both offices. Oct. 14, 1869. he married Miss Clara L. Underhill, daughter of Judge J. W. Underhill; she is a native of Massillon. By the marriage there has been born four children, viz .: Ruth, Faith, James U. and Lewis II.

JUDGE JOSEPH FREASE, attorney, Can- ton ; was born in Somerset Co., Penn., May 19, 1827. and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Field) Frease, natives of Berkeley Co., Va .. and York Co., Penn., respectively. He was born in 1786, came to Ohio Slay 9, 1830, and settled in Stark

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County. He was a blacksmith. In 1822, he entered 230 aeres of land in Sugar Creek Tp., upon which he settled in 1830, having had it under lease seven years. He improved the farm, building a large barn and brick residence. He also put up a blacksmith shop and worked at his trade in connection with farming. Hle (lied in April, 1869, aged 82, his wife died the year before, aged 76. Joseph (subject) lived at home until after his majority, attending the common schools, and at 23 he began teaching during the winter months. He then came to C'anton, and read law with Hon. Geo. W. Bel- den, and was admitted to the bar in 1851. In 1853, he began practice in Canton, where he has ever since remained. He formed a partner- ship with Mr. Belden in 1856. and the year previous was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the county, serving two years. He remained with Judge Belden until 1866, when he was elected Judge of the 9th Judicial District of Common Pleas Court, and was re-elected in 1871; in both instances he was nominated by the Republican party. At the expiration of his second term he began practice again, and formed his pres- ent partnership. He was married Sept. 1, 1857, to Miss Sarah II., a daughter of Hon. Geo. W. Belden. By this marriage there are six chil- dren-three sons and three daughters.

JOSIE A GIBBS, deceased ; was the pioneer plow-maker of Stark County, and for many years one of the most prominent and ingenious manufacturers in his line in the West. He was a native of New Jersey, near Trenton. He learned the trade of a plow-maker in that State. and subsequently worked at it in Philadelphia, Penn. He afterward came to C'anton, and for a time stocked plows for JJudge Henry. In 1836. he obtained a patent for what was known as a bar share plow. This was the beginning of his work in the patenting and manufacturing plows and plow fixtures, that made his name familiar through Ohio and many other of the Western States. October, 1853. a patent was granted him for the process now in nse, for grinding and polishing plows. This invention was in- troduced extensively over the Western prairie lands by his son. John Gibbs. He quit active work as a manufacturer about 1861. though be- fore doing so he patented the dynamometer, an instrument now in common use for testing the draught of plows, other farm implements and machinery. His widow, who was formerly Miss

Barbara Shafer, is still living, and a resident of Canton. Her people were also among the early pioneers of Stark County.

MARTIN L. GIBBS, Gibbs Canton Plow Co .. Canton ; is a native of Canton, Ohio: he was born May 16, 1837, and is the fifth in a family of ten children born to Joshua and Bar- bara (Shafer) Gibbs. Our subject was raised in Canton; he assisted on the farm up to his ISth year; he then entered his father's plow shop and worked for him until he was 22 years of age. In 1859, he, in company with his broth- ers, Lewis and William, built the present brick building, the firm being 1. Gibbs & Bros., which continued about six years, making the cylin- der plow of Joshua Gibbs. After this partner- ship, our subject engaged in farming. which he continued about three years, during which time he studied to improve the plow, which resulted in his patenting a combination plow, which he began to manufacture in Canton, and about one year later, having added three additional patents, including the steel joint, he then formed the partnership of M. L. Gibbs & Co .. and after two years formed a stock company, known as the Gibbs Canton Plow Co., of which he is the Superintendent. In 1879, he patented a valu able addition to a plow, known as a jointer. The company now make the chilled plow. May 26, 1860, he married Miss Sarah A. Trump, a daughter of George J. Trump, an oldl resident of Stark County. Of their six children, four are living. viz .: Jennie, Ervin G., Gracie, Homer G. During the war Mr. Gibbs enlisted in the 115th O. V. I., but owing to disability he was discharged a few months later.

ISAAC HARTER. Canton City. It is doubtful whether there has ever been a resi- dent of Stark more generally known through- out the county, personally and by reputation, than Isaac Harter. No one has been longer engaged in a business which brought him in contact with all classes of people, por has any one been more frequently quoted. in the char- acter of boy and man, as an example for others. His father. Michael Harter, came to this conn- try from Wurtemberg. Germany, when 23 years of age. Hle married in Lancaster Co., Penn .. and soon after emigrated to Knox Co., Ohio, and purchased a quarter-section of Govern- ment land, upon which he settled. As the country developed and travel increased, he was indneed to enlarge the dimensions of his log

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cabin and open a tavern, which in time became a popular stopping-place. He had four chil- dren-one daughter and three sons, of whom Isaac, the youngest, was born June 14, 1811. The father died at the age of 53, leaving the family in straitened circumstances. The sister, Christina had previously married George Dewalt, and became a resident of Canton, and it was mainly through her instrumentality that Isaac was brought to Canton. At 11, he was indentured to William Christmas, a merchant, to serve him until 21. The compensation of an apprentice at that day was his board and clothes, ineluding a freedom suit, and a certain undefined amount of education which was rarely complied with. Certain it was, Mr. Harter's opportunities in that direction were extremely limited. The major part of the edu- cation he obtained from professional teachers was at night school. Isaac served his master and mistress faithfully. There was no menial service about the house or store that he was not required to do, and he was never known to grumble or be insubordinate. So useful did he make himself, that it was not long before he became an important adjunct of the store. He had the qualities that make a young man a successful and popular salesman-patience, industry and integrity. At that period a store comprised a general assortment of dry goods, hardware, queensware, groceries, liquors, etc. All kinds of country produce was taken in exchange for goods, and the salesman was re- quired not only to handle lard and beef, hides, pile up boards and shingles, but measure tar and fish oil, and do other work that many young men nowadays are too proud to do. During Mr. Harter's apprenticeship, he never received a cent in money as compensation for services, and in his later years often remarked, when alluding to the comparatively easy times enjoyed by the young men of to-day : " I was so situated that I never had the opportunity to earn a dollar for myself until I was 21." After attaining his majority, Mr. Christmas made him a partner in the store, allowing him for his services an interest in the profits. The firm was then, Christmas, Harter & Co. The " Co." was Mr. Hogg, of Brownsville, Penn., a silent partner. Mr. Christmas died in 1836, when it became necessary to settle up his estate, and the part- nership was dissolved. Mr. Harter then com- menced alone, and continued in the mercantile

business until 1860. when he sold out and engaged in banking, in which occupation he continued until his death, Feb. 27, 1876. Mr. Harter was married Ang. 7, 1838, to Miss Amanda Z. Moore, of Beaver Co., Penn. At the age of 36, he was confirmed and nnited with the Lutheran Church. There is in the life of Mr. Harter manch to encourage the young man dependent upon his own resources-much that is worthy of imitation. He was emphatically a self-made man. To his sterling integrity, his indomitable business energy, his courteons and obliging disposition. his kind and unostenta- tious generosity, did he owe his success. In his business relations, in his daily intercourse with his fellow-men, his real worth was best known and most highly appreciated. He was the zealous friend of the laboring and industrions classes, and always ready to help those who manifested a disposition to help themselves. He was of a social disposition and enjoyed society, but, above others, that of his family. No more kind, affectionate and devoted hus- band and father ever occupied that sacred relation. As a professed Christian, while not demonstrative, he was confiding and hopeful. Though strongly attached to his own church and always ready to lend her a helping hand in time of need, he was tolerant and liberal to other denominations. Hewas always interested in movements designed to promote the pros- perity of the town, and liberal in his contribu- tions to that end. Ilis largest losses in busi- ness were the result of an effort to assist some local enterprise. He had great energy, and to the last day was as active as a man twenty years his junior. Although frequently urged by his family to retire from business and take the world easier, as he had accumulated an abundance, his invariable answer was: "I would not be contented doing nothing." He was not envious of others, but rejoiced in their prosperity. In his manners he was affable, courteous, social and dignified. It has been frequently remarked that he was never known to tell a filthy story, or indulge in obscene talk. He was quick in temper, but ready to forgive, and never harbored ill-will. He believed in training boys early to business, and was in the habit of imposing responsible duties, involving heavy pecuniary trusts upon his own sons. when they were yet young, believing the way to train np successful business men was to

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trust them when young, that they be inspired with confidence in themselves. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harter, six of whom are still living. The oldest, Joseph S., gradu- ated at Kenyon College, was a student of law when the rebellion broke out, enlisted as a private in the 19th Ohio, during the three months' service, and came out a Lieutenant. He re-entered the service as Captain in the 115th Ohio, was accidentally shot while in barracks, in Cincinnati, from which he died in a few hours. George D. enlisted as a private in the II5th, was commissioned Lieutenant and made an Aid on Gen. Beatty's staff. lle is now engaged in banking in Canton. Michael D. is a resident of Mansfield, connected with the agricultural works of Aultman & Taylor. Isaac R. is successor to his father in the control of the Savings Deposit Bank. Henry W. grad- nated at an Eastern college, was admitted to the bar, and is now Prosecuting Attorney for the county. A daughter and a son died in infancy, and two daughters. Christiana A. and Eliza L. are yet at home.

PETER HOUSEL, farmer ; P. O. Canton. The Housel family is one among early pioneer families of Stark Co. Peter Il. Housel, the grandfather of our subject, migrated from Northumberland Co., Penn., in the year 1812, and settled in Plain Tp .; a part of the town of Middle Branch is on his original purchase. His father, Anthony Housel, was born in that part of Northumberland Co. which subsequently formed Montour Co. Hle came to Stark Co. with his father, and afterward returned to his native place, where he remained three years. During this time he was married, and before his return to Stark Co., our subject was born to them, the date of his birth being Sept. 30, 1815. His early life was spent after the manner, and with such advantages, as the customs of a new country dictated. He remained on the okdl farm until he was about 31 years old, and then bought a farm two miles south of Canton, where he resided about ten years, and bought 70 aeres in South Canton. This was about 1857, and his pleasant home on South Market street was then the farm residence. This prop- erty subsequently became valuable, and was sokl out in lots-the city now reaching three- fourths of a mile south of his home. In 1840, Mr. Housel was married to the daughter of Daniel Smith, who was one of the early settlers

of Plain Tp. Their oldest son, Anthony Hlou- sel, is now a member of the Stark Co. bar. lle was educated at the Western Reserve College, graduating June 26, 1872. He then attended law school for one year, and was admitted to practice in April of 1875.

GEORGE B. HAAS (deceased), was a native of Virginia, and came to Canton about 1838, he being at that time about 16 years old. Ilis father was a Lutheran minister, though he evinced a natural talent for mechanical work, and learned the trade of a cabinet-maker and painter. In 1841, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ely. He was a man well known in Stark Co., as he had held the office of Deputy Sheriff, and that of Township Trustee. He was a member of the Order of I. O. O. F., and at his death was buried with the honors of the order. Their son, Marshall E., entered the army at the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, enlisting in Co. F, 4th O. V. 1. He entered the service as a private, and on Oct. 13, 1862, he was promoted to Sergeant, and on Sept. 1, 1863, to Sergeant Major. He was in the battle of Rich Mountain, July 11, 1861 ; Romney, W. Va., Oct. 27, 1861 ; Fredericks- burg, Va., Dee. 13, 1862 ; Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; Gettysburg, Penn., July 2,3, 1863 ; Bristow Station, Oct. 14, 1863. At Morton's Ford, Va., he was wounded, the ball striking his arm, and then passing through his body. This wound eventually eaused his death, in July of 1876. He was a resident of Cen- tralia, IH., at the time of his death, where he had for some years been agent for the American Express Company.

JACOB HANE, retired, Canton ; whose portrait appears in this history as a represen- tative of the carly manufacturing industries of Stark County, was born in Canton Jan. 16, 181.1, and was the fifth child of a family of eleven children born to Christian and Mary M. (Shook) Hane, both natives of Pennsylvania. His parents came to Stark County as early as 1811, and settled in the immediate vicinity of Canton. In 1832, Jacob came to Canton and began serving an apprenticeship at learning the trade of a tanner. Completing his trade, he rose rapidly from " jour " workman, to propri- etor, and after one or two partnerships, he, in 18.40, owned a tannery. Ile continued the manufacture of leather until 1859, when he en gaged in the leather trade exclusively, and fol

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lowed it for ten years, and then retired from active business, having by his industry and good financiering accumulated a fine property. His political views have been Republican, though he has chosen to take a deeper interest in the building up of churches and schools than in aspiring to political preferment. In 1840, he was married to Miss Hannah Beyrer, a native of Pennsylvania. Four children were born to them, viz. ; Frederick, who enlisted in Co. F, 4th O. V. L., and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 12, 1862. F. B., the second son, was a member of the same company and regiment. and was wounded in the same battle in which his brother was killed. He came home on a sixty days' furlough, and on the second of the following May, while partiei- pating in the battle of Chancellorsville, he was again wounded. He was then placed in the Invalid Corps, and was made Goverment P. M., of the post at Alexandria. Subsequently Secretary Stanton ordered him to report at Washington City, when he gave him a position in the private office of Gen. Ilalleck. He is at present connected with the Canton Saw Works Company. Charles F., who is now deceased, was out in the 100-days service. Emma F., his only daughter, though married, is making her home for a short time with her father, her husband being connected with the Connotton Valley R. R.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 107

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1060

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060