History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 109

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 109

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4. W. LAWRENCE, firm of Lawrence & Myer, hardware, etc., Canton ; a native of this County ; was born Feb. 11, 1826, and is the only child of George P. and Catharine (Rich- ard) Lawrence. the former a native of Wash- ington Co., Penn .; came to Stark Co .. Ohio, with his parents at an early day. George W. (subject) was raised in the family of Jacob Snyder from the age of 1 year, who came to Canton Tp. in 1821. He was brought up on the farm, and received his education in the dis- trict schools. At the age of 14. he began teaching, and taught some fifteen or eighteen terms, including three terms in Canton. On becoming of age, he took charge of Mr. Sny- der's farm until 1818. when he came to Canton and went into the mercantile business, remain- ing but a short time ; then moved to Louisville and engaged in business at that place In 1856, he failed. after which he traveled a short time for a Philadelphia house, then returned to Ohio and rented a farm near Middle Branch, and farined two years. lle then moved to Plain Center, and farmed there for three years. In 1861, he was elected County Treasurer on the Republican ticket, entering upon his duties in September, 1862 ; served four years. being

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re-elected in 1863. Upon retiring from the office of Treasurer, he was elected County Commissioner, and while in this office the pres- ent court house was built. Hle was one of the organizers of the City Bank of Canton, of which he was the first President, and afterward Cashier. In 1869, he bought eighty acres of land adjoining Canton, which he divided into lots, and which is known as Lawrence's Addi- tion to Canton. The undertaking was very successful. About the year 1871 or 1872 he formed his present partnership. He does not take an active part in the management of the business. Nov. 30, 1845, he was married to Miss Margaret J. Neese, of Marlborough Tp. She died Jan. 20, 1846. July 4, 1847, be married Miss Savilla Shollenberger. She died April 23, 1866. They had eight children, four of whom are living, viz. : Mary C. (now Mrs. W. O. Myers), Margaret J. (now Mrs. H. Smith), Rachel C. (now Mrs. J. Ruperd) and Cora B., at home. June 20, 1867, he married Mrs. Sutel, formerly E. M. Rockhill. They had four children - three living, viz. : George W., Alma B. and an infant. Mr. L. has been a member of the School Board for ten years. lle was once a Democrat, a Free-Soiler, a Know-Noth- ing, and is now a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church.

G. S. LEININGER, of East Canton Empire Mills, Canton ; was born in Stark Co .. Ohio. June 9, 1826, and is a son of Jacob and Eliza beth (Slusser) Leininger. They were born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with their parents in an early day, and settled near Can- ton. Jacob lived at home until 1831, when he went to Osnaburg and engaged in business. He sold out in the spring of 1857, and removed to Illinois, where he died about 1869. She is still living on the old homestead in Illinois with her son. G. S., our subject, was brought up on the farm. receiving his education at the district schools. On arriving at maturity, he went to Canal Fulton, where he clerked for his brother some eighteen months ; clerked awhile at Sandyville, and then taught school. After farming several years and teaching during the winter season, he bought a farm near Canton, on which he has since lived, and in 1876 he added milling to his farming. Ile was married, Nov. 5, 1850, to Miss Catharine Rowland. a native of Ohio. Her parents, Jacob and Eliz- abeth (Bachtel) Rowland, came to Stark Co. in

1810. Their marriage resulted in twelve chil- dren, ten of whom are living-six girls and four boys. le is Republican in politics, and a member of the Church of God.

AUGUSTUS LEININGER, M. D., Canton ; is a native of Ohio ; son of John and Henrietta Leininger, who came to Canton Tp. about 1850, where they still reside. IHis father was a farm- er and our subject passed his early years upon the farm. He received a good education, and in 1875 he commenced the study of medi- cine with Dr. Portmann, of Canton, remaining under his tutelage three years. He graduated in the Medical Department of Wooster Uni- versity. Cleveland, Ohio, in 1879, and in 1880, attended Bellevue Medical College, New York. Since 1879, he has been practicing in Canton, and is establishing a successful business. In 1881, he located his office in the new P. O. Block, where he is now conveniently located.

WILLIAM A. LYNCH, attorney, Canton ; is a native of Canton, Ohio ; he was born Aug. 4, 1841. He received a course of study in the Canton Schools, and at the age of 17 he began reading law with Mr. Louis Schaffer, with whom he remained until he became of age, being admitted to the bar Aug. 7, 1865. He has served two terms as Prosecuting Attorney for the county, and is actively engaged in general practice in federal courts of this and adjoining counties, and during recent years has done much corporation practice. His parents, Arnold and Frances (Horan) Lynch, were early residents of Stark Co. Arnold Lynch has served as County Surveyor and Recorder many years, and was prominently identified with many publie enterprises, he being one of the projectors of the Ft. Wayne R. R., and took an active part in building the Cleveland & Mahon- ing Valley R. R., and in developing the coal interests of Stark Co. He was also largely interested in the coal and iron interests of Ohio and West Pennsylvania.

CAPT. G. F. LAIRD, cashier C. Aultman & Co., Canton, Ohio ; is a native of Canton, Ohio. He was born Aug. 16, 1838, and is the eldest of nine children born to John and Susan (Faber) Laird ; they were natives of Pennsylvania, he of Northumberland and she of Franklin Co. He came to Canton, Ohio, in the year 1818, with his mother, one brother and four sisters. He early became identified with the iron inter- ests of the county, first entering a forge at

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Sparta when about 18, and superintended mak- ing bar iron ; later he built a furnace at Zoar, and about 18-10 or 1841, he opened a foundry at Canton, with which he was connected until 1871. Both Mr. and Mrs. Laird are living in ('anton. Our subject was raised in his native city, and assisted his father in the foundry until April, 1861, when he enlisted in the 4th O. V. 1., and was commissioned 2d Lieutenant at Columbus, on the 21st day of April, and con- tinued in the service until July, 1864. He was twice promoted, reaching the rank of Captain. Ile was in the battles of Fredericksburg. Chan- cellorsville. Gettysburg. the Wilderness and the other engagements of the regiment. I'pon his return home. he engaged with his father in the foundry and remained in same until 1871, since which time he has been connected with C. Anitman & Co. In 1869, he married Miss Fannie Ashman, of Akron. By the marriage there has been four children, three of whom are living. The Captain was a stockholder in the Canton Telephonic Exchange from its ostab- lishment in April. 1880. until July. 1881. when the exchange was sold. He has also been the manager since its establishment in the city.

C. T. MEYER. lawyer. Canton. a native of Stark Co., and son of Indge S. Meyer. of C'an- ton. He received fine educational advantages attending St. Joseph's College, of Somerset. Ohio, and Notre Dame at South Bend, Ind. He was admitted to the practice of his chosen ! profession in 1861. but soon after enlisted in Co. 1. 14th (). V. J., and after serving three months, re-enlisted in the 61th O. V. E., and served with rank of Captain for three years. After the close of the rebellion he went to Texas, where he remained until 1873. assisting in railroad construction, and also engaged in farming operations. Upon his return to his native county he engaged in the practice of his pro- fession with his father. In 1878. he became associated with William JJ. Piero in practice, and now is devoting his attention to pro- fessional affairs. Mr. Meyer is regarded as an able and efficient member of the har. and although young in years ranks high upon the professional ladder

J. B. McCREA, furniture, C'anton, the lead- ing furniture dealer of Canton, No. 45 East Tuscarawas street, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn. in 1826. He learned the trade of a cabinet-maker in Pittsburgh, and subse-

quently worked at it for two years in finein- nati. In 1868, he removed to Canton and established his present house, and by industry, application to business, thorough knowledge of the trade in all its details and requirements, as well as a uniform system of fair and honorable dealing, he has built up one of the finest establishments of the kind in the West, and one, too, of which she is, as she may well be, prond of. In addition to the furniture trade, Mr. McCrea. does a large business in uphol- stering. He is also well known as the most careful and courteous undertaker in the city. lle is probably occupying more space in the transaction of his business than many of the citizens of Canton are aware of. With addi- tions recently made, he now has an establishment of twenty-two feet frontage by 170 feet deep, three floors and basement, besides one room, 35x103 feet in the adjoining building. His annual sales are about $45,000. Ile has never taken an active part in political affairs, choos- ing rather to devote his time and energies to the building up of a good reliable business, and how well he has succeeded is beyond the question of an experiment. lle is a member of St. John's Catholic Church, a friend and liberal donator to any cause pertaining to the improvement of Canton, or the welfare of her citizens.

W. N. MOFFETT, superintendent of C. V. R. R., was born in Wellsburg, W. Va .. March 22. 1847. He is one of a family of four chil- dren born to John and Susan (Miller) Moffett. The family removed from West Virginia to Carroll Co., Ohio, thence to Stark Co .. about 1859. The subject of these notes received his education in the public schools, and Mt. Union College which he entered when ahont 16 years of age, and graduated from that institution, having taking a general busness course. He then began to run on the P., Ft. W. C. R. R., and after serving as conductor several years, he was transferred to the dispatcher's office. in which position he remained ten years, having been in the employ of said railroad company abont seventeen years. In April. 1880. he was engaged as Superintendent of the C. V. R. R., and removed from Alliance to Canton, January, 1881. Ile married Minerva Shaffer, October, 1871. She is a daughter of Jacob Shaffer of Alliance. Mr. Moffett is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Masonic fraternity.

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ANDREW MYERS, deceased ; was among the most prominent early pioneers of Stark Co .; | lie was a native of Alsace, France, and came to the United States in 1804, and the same year became a resident of Baltimore, and married Miss Cordelia Gross, who was also a native of - France. Mr. Myers was by trade a gilder and draughtsman, and for a number of years after becoming a resident of Baltimore he worked at the finishing of shipping. He subsequently came to Stark Co. to five, though he made trips prior to his settlement, for the purpose of buy- ing aud entering lands, of which he owned at one time about 2,200 acres; he did a large farm- ing business. and bought and sold real estate. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and partiei- pated in the battle of Bladensburg ; was a man of fine education, and being wealthy, he, without apparent effort. wielded much influence in the community. He died at the advanced age of 87 years. His daughter, Mrs. Cassilly, is the only survivor of his family of three sons and two daughters ; she still resides in Canton, and is a lady whose courteous manner and good breed- ing bespeaks the nationality of her parents.

LEVI L. MILLER, banker, Canton ; is a native of Lake Tp .. Stark Co. He was educat- ed at Oberlin College, Ohio. In 1864, shortly after finishing his course at college, he accepted a position of shipping elerk in the manufactur- ing establishment of C. Aultman & Co., and subsequently was given a position in the First National Bank of Akron, of which he is now Cashier ; severing his first connection with the bank, he became the partner of Mr. John Rob- ins, Sr., in the Eagle Woolen Mills ; for two years be retained his interest in the mills, when be sold out and removed to Westfield, N. Y., where for three years he was Secretary of the Townsend Manufacturing Company, manufact- urers of locks and house hardware; returning to Canton he was for a time in the office of C. Aultman & Co., which position he left in 1872, when elected Cashier of the First National Bank. Politically, he is a Republican. For many years he has been a member of the M. E. Church and Sabbath School, and of the lat- ter lie is now Superintendent.

ARCHIBALD MCGREGOR, journalist, Can- ton ; was born in llamilton, Lanarkshire, Seot- fand, Dec. 14, 1819. His grandfather, on his father's side, participated in the rebellion of 1745; but, as after the battle of Culloden it

was dangerous to return to the highlands of Scotland, he returned to llamilton. His father. John McGregor, educated at Glasgow Uni- versity, was a teacher of the classies in Seot- land. In 1828, having emigrated to the United States, he located at New Haven, Addison Co., Vermont, and in 1833, he removed to Medina Co., Ohio, and took charge of Wadsworth Academy. He remained in position fifteen years. Our subject was educated with parental solicitude, and a fine literary taste, unusual acquaintance with ancient and modern science, and especially with the literature of England and Scotland, were the results. In 1842, lie engaged at Canton in the occupation of teach- ing, at which he continued for six years. In 1848, the leading Democrats of the town solicit- ed him and his father to take charge of the Stark County Democrat. Their proposition they accepted, and he at once entered upon a calling which has since become the business of his life, and in which he was assisted by his two sons, one of whom has since died. In 1844, he married Miss Martha MeCurdy, of Canton. Her family moved there from l'enn- sylvania, and were of Scotch-Irish parentage. Four children were born from this union- John. at present associated with his father in the publication of the Stark County Democrat ; William, deceased ; Mary E., now wite of Edward Schilling, of Louisville, Stark Co., and Emily, now wife of J. V. Lawler, editor of the Carroll County Chronicle. Having taken, in the conduct. of his paper during the war of the rebellion, the liberty of criticising the course and doings of the administration, in a fair, though independent manner, he incurred the hostility of those who took opposite views; as a consequence of this feeling at this period of high excitement, a few freshly enlisted young men, sons of prominent citizens of Canton, burglarionsly entered his printing office about midnight on Aug. 22, 1861. and destroyod the contents. Notwithstanding this, he continued to issue his paper regularly each week, though, for a short time, in a small size. Continuing his freedom of speech and criticism, though always carefully and prudently expressed, Mr. Mettregor was, by military authority, on Sun- day, before the October election in 1862, ar- rested and kept in confinement at Camp Mansfield for nearly four weeks. Though de- manding trial. he was never given a hearing,

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and was discharged. on the order of Gov. Tod. on taking the oath of loyalty to the Constitu- tion, which he did without hesitation. declaring he had ever entertained such sentiments. In 1852. Mr. MeGregor was elected County Auditor, and served one term. For seven years he was a member of the Canton Board of Education, and has served for years as County School Examiner for the Canton Union Schools. In 1878. Mr. McGregor was appointed by Gov. Bishop one of the Trustees of the Cleve- land Asylum for the Insane. The Stark County Democrat is the only Democratic paper in the county, and. as such, ranks among the leading organs of the State.

'T. C. MeDOWELL. Cashier of Farmers' Bank. Canton ; was born in Plain Tp .. in this county on the 30th of May. 1847. and is the fifth of eight children. born to James and Elizabeth (Hildenbrand) MeDowell. Subject remained on the farm of his father until he was 21 years of age, receiving his education at the district schools of the neighborhood, and sey- eral terms at Mt. I'nion College; also a com- mercial course. At the age of 22 years he came to Canton, and engaged with Mr. Herbruck. in the dry goods business for about eighteen months ; then with Messrs. Koplinger & Shane. remaining with them about nine months. when he became teller and book-keeper in the City Bank. continuing about two years. lle then conceived the idea of establishing a Farmers' Bank, and, in company with JJohn H. Brenner. Hiram W. Firestone. James McDowell and Henry McDowell. obtained a charter authoriz- ing the organization of the Farmers' Bank, Canton. Ohio. the charter bearing date Feb. 21, 1874. They opened business on the 2d of May, following, with J. H. Brenner. President : B. Dannemiller, Vice President. and T. V. Me- Dowell. Cashier. the officers continuing to the present time.

JOIN R. MILLER. dry goods, Canton ; is a native of Berks Co., Penn. Ile was born in the year 1829, and is the youngest of six chil- dren born to Michael and Mary (Roth) Miller, they were natives of Schuylkill Co., Penn .. where he was principally engaged in farming. They came to Stark Co .. Ohio, in 1841. and occupied a farm near Paris, and. after farming in several locations in the county, in 1851 they settled in Canton, and engaged in the grocery and pro- vision business, and eighteen months later he

sold out, and became interested in the same business with his son. John R .. they continuing until his death in 1863. Mrs. Miller died two years previous. John R. Miller began business in the grocery and provision line with a capital of $75. and, after his father sold out, they formed a partnership which was quite success- ful; they in two years owning their business house. After his father's death, he sold out and engaged in the dry goods business in his present store. For the first five years, Mr. J. W. Gibbs was associated in partnership with him, since which time he has done business alone. From about 185% to 1866, he served as Town- ship Trustee of Canton Tp. In 1877. he was the Republican nominee for Sheriff, but, though running ahead of the ticket, was de- feated. In addition to his business interests in Canton, he is also managing his farm, which contains 160 acres, and is located between ('anton and Massillon. In October, 1879, he married Mrs. Ordean, a native of Pennsylvania.

W. K. MILLER Superintendent of the Peer- less Reaper Co., Canton, Ohio ; is a native of Sandyville, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. He was born March 19, 1829. lle received a common school education, and early in life manifested a desire for mechanical pursuits, At the age of 15. he went to Massillon and apprenticed to the machinist trade with the firm of C. M. Russell & Co .. and continued with them for eight years. the latter five years as a journeyman, after which he came to C'anton, and moved the ma- chinery of Ball, Aultman & Co. from Green- town to Canton, and assisted in setting up the same. when, owing to failing health, he retired from aetive work at his trade, and devoted himself to the study of machanies and its branches. and brought out a mowing machine. the first one being built by Russell & Co. in 1856, which was the first perfect two-wheel reaper on which the flexible reel was seen. Mr. Miller assisted in the introduction of his ma- chine until 1861, when he was appointed Post- master of Canton under Lincoln, which office he resigned in 1864 and became a partner with Russell & Co., of Massillon, of which business he became the Superintendent, and continued until 1870, when he became the Vice President and Superintendent of the business conducted by C. Russell & Co., who built the present works at Canton under Mr. Miller's supervision. In January. 1577. the company discontinued

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business, and was re-organized and known as the Peerless Reaper Co., of which Mr. Miller is the Superintendent. By improvements, from time to time, Mr. Miller has the satisfaction of seeing his machine at the head of the list, and in that fact, a worthy result to the long years of patient study and labor which he has de- voted to that end. Sept. 12, 1850, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of Samuel Burwell, of Navarre, Stark Co., Ohio. Of their four chil- dren, two are living-Charles R. and Burt A. Mr. Miller is Republican in his political belief. and was raised in the Methodist faith.

JACOB MILLER. of C. Aultman & Co., manufacturers of mowers, reapers, etc., Canton; was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Sept. 26, 1827; bis parents were John Miller and Mary York; his father was a native of Maryland, and by occupation, a farmer, cabinet-maker and housebuilder. He also carried on the manufact- uring of fanning-mills. He moved early to Pennsylvania, and in 1812, settled in Stark Co., Ohio, where he died, in March. 1875. Our subject assisted his father on the farm and in the shop. receiving only meager advantages in the common schools of his day ; possessed of fine mechanical and executive talent, in the fall of 1851. he became a partner in the firm of Ball, Aultman & Company, of Canton. In 1858, the firm became C. Aultman & Company, and in 1865, was incorporated ; from 1856 to 1864. Mr. Miller was engaged as superintendent of the wood department. and. since that time, excepting one year. he has been the general manager and superintendent of the entire establishment, which now has a capital of $1,500.000, and turns out an annual product of 500 engines, 1,000 threshers. 6,000 reapers and mowers, 2,000 harvesters and binders. 500 horse powers and about 1.400 wagons for the horse- powers and threshers, besides a vast amount of repairs. the whole requiring the steady work of over 700 men. In addition to the duties of his very responsible position, he is interested in a number of the business interests of Canton.

I. J. NUMAN, grocer, St. Cloud Building, Canton ; is a native of Pennsylvania. Ilis father, Jobn Numan, came to Ohio in 1828, settling in Osnaburg Township, where he re- ·mained until his death ; his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Betts. Our subject was raised upon a farm and was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits until 25 years of age; he then

went to Osnaburg and erected a steam saw mill, which he operated for four years. His next venture was in the hotel business in Paris, remaining there two years. After dealing in stock for about four years, he came to Canton in 1865, and embarked in the coal business, being engaged in that business for two years- subsequently being elected Street Commission- er of Canton, he administered the duties of that office for two years. In 1874, in connection with his son, William F., he started a grocery store in the St. Cloud Buikdling ; this partner- ship lasted for four years, at the expiration of which the son retired, and Mr. Numan has since conducted the business alone. llis stock is complete and his trade takes the lead of that branch in town. He is a member of the K. of P. and Royal Arcanum. He was married in 1847, to Miss Barbara Slusser, who died in 1871. leaving four children -- Walter H., in Towa; Sallie Breneman, a widow, living in Canton ; Matilda, deceased, and William F., a resident of Canton, and commercial traveler. In 1874. he married a second wife-Mrs. Ella Wigant, a widow.

J. O. PALMER. merchant, Canton ; is a native of Columbia Co. N. Y. He was educat- ed at Auburn, and after completing his literary course. he began the study of medicine, in which he graduated in 1867, and for the following four years he practiced in East Cleveland, Ohio. In 1872. he became a resident of Canton, and shortly thereafter he became identified with Oliver Baker, the founder of the house of which Mr. Palmer is now proprietor. In about one year the firm changed to Palmer & Stall, under which management the business was conducted for about two years. when Mr. Palmer pur- chased Mr. Stall's interest, and has since been sole proprietor. Ilis house is No. 30 South Market street, and is a three story brick strue- ture, 30x60 feet. The three floors are divided into apartments. the better to display his ex- tensive stock of goods, which comprises every- thing pertaining to the carpet trade.

J. J. PARKER, lawyer, Canton ; is one of the leading members of the Stark County bar. He is a native of Columbiana County, and a son of William JJ. Parker, who was a physician and in practice in New Lisbon for a number of years. Our subject received good advantages for edu- cation ; attending the Salem High Schools. He commenced the study of law in New Lisbon

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 109

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