History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 136

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 136

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teen of whom are now living-Elizabeth, now Mrs. Hess, of Wayne Co., Ohio; Caroline, now Mrs. Ruchti, Massillon; Malvina, Low Mrs. Porter, of Caual Fulton; Emma, now Mrs. Myers, in Indiana; Martin, a resident of Portage Co., Ohio; Philip A., of Alliance; William, in Cleveland; Herman, Robert and Adolf, of Chicago; Ferdinand, in Kent; Charles, in Minnesota, and the subject of this sketch. Ferdinand, William, Charles, Adolf, Herman and Adam were all partici- pants in the late war. Our subject began his business career at the age of 14 as clerk for Lewis Ruch, who was in the grocery business in Canal Fulton, remaining with him two years; he next became clerk for T. Sullivan in the grocery business, continuing as clerk for him five years, and then became assoei- ated with him as a partner, which business connection continued until Sullivan was elected County Treasurer; he then purchased his interest and since that time has continued in business alone, conducting an honora- ble and successful business, and ranking as one of the progressive and enterprising busi- ness men, and one whose career promises to extend into more extended fields.

JOB HANEY, farmer; P. O. Massillon. The mother of our subject, Saloma Yount, was a native of Bedford Co., Penn .; she married there, David Dick, and in July, 1817, they emigrated to Ohio, settling in Lawrence Township. David Dick, died in 1822, leav- ing three children Matilda (deceased), Eliz- abeth and Catharine. Mrs. Dick subse- quently married John Haney, in 1827: he was a native of Bucks Co., Penn., and also a pio- neer of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Haney passed the remainder of their lives upon the farm now owned by our subject, in Lawrence Township. The mother died in March, 1866, and the fa- ther in March. 1577; five children were born to them-Jacob and Renben died in infancy: Job; Sarah Harris, living in Tuscarawas Township; and an infant deceased. Job Haney was born in December. 1830, upon the old homestead farm, in Lawrence Township; his occupation has always been that of a farmer, and at that calling he makes a prac- tical snecess: he has always taken advanced interests in matters of public importance, and

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is a respected and valued citizen: he was married, in 1861. to Miss Maria Camp; they have had eight children -- J. H. Knox (de- ceased): Ezra D. died at the age of 4 years; Josiah, Coleman. William O., Orsella Ann (deceased), Sarah C. and Thomas C. Mr. and Mrs. Haney are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

AMOS J. HERSHEY, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of John and Sabina (Wamp- ler) Hershey, natives of Pennsylvania; his father was a native of Lancaster Co., and came with his father, Jacob Hershey, at an early day, to Stark County: his mother was a native of Westmoreland County, and came with her parents to this county: they settled in Tuscarawas Township, after their marriage, where they remained until 1854, when they be- came residents of Lawrence Township, living there until 1865, when they returned to Tusca- rawas Township, where they passed the remain- der of their days, the father dying in 1874. the mother in 1872; they have seven children now living Mary A. Setterlin and William, residents of Massillon: Eliza Mathie. of Plain Township; Loetta Gesaman, of Noble Co., Ind .; Amos J .; Sarah J. Houk, living in New Mexico, and Frank M., living in Massillon. Amos J. Hershey is a native of Tuscarawas Township, and until 20 years old remained as an assistant upon the home farm; he then en- tered the shops of the Russell manufacturing company, Massillon, where he was employed eighteen months: he was married, in 1870, to Miss M. MeIlvaine, of Wayne County, and in the spring of 1871 became a resident of the farm upon which he now resides, in Law- rence Township, which consists of 160 acres of improved land. They have five children- Reuben W., Rose D., Edmond Hayes. Frank and Wright. He is a member of Elliot Lodge, A., F. & A. M., of Fulton and Hiram Chapter, No. 18, Massillon.

GEORGE W. HARDGROVE. farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of Richard and Rosanna (Martin) Hardgrove, who were among the earliest settlers of the township: they came from Pennsylvania to Lawrence Town- ship about 1811, where the father had erected a cabin the year before, and amidst pioneer times commenced to clear the land and estab-

lish a home; here this worthy couple passed the remainder of their days, his death occur- ring in November, 1843, and the mother's in August, 1854; he was a prominent citizen, and served as Constable and Township Trustee, also taking an interest in affairs of education. Mr. Hardgrove was a member of the Method- ist Church: he had the following family -- Robert, a resident of Chippewa Tp., Wayne Co .; Samuel, a resident of this township; Ruth Earl, of Perry Township: Rachel. deceased: Mary Shaffer, of Wayne County; George W. and Sarah Myers (twins), and John and Will- iam. farmers in Lawrence Township. George W. Hardgrove was born upon the old home- stead farm, in 1821. and upon it engaged in farming. at which he has passed his life; he is one of the respected citizens of the town- ship, and has served as Township Trustee for two terms: he was married. in 1853. to Miss Martha Oberlin, a native of Lancaster Co., Penn .: they have two children living-Sarah A. King, living in Mahoning County, and Martin, at home.

DANIEL HARMAN, miller, Canal Fulton; is a son of Frederick and Lucinda Harman, both natives of Holland and emigrants to America in 1836. settling in Lawrence Town- ship. Frederick Harman is by trade a blacksmith, which vocation he has followed a great many years in the township: they are now living in retirement in Lawrence Town- ship. Daniel is the third child of a family of six children: he enlisted, in 1861. in Company G. 1st Battalion, 18th United States Regular Infantry, and remained in service for five years, participating in sixteen of the leading en- gagements of the late war, and at its close was sent to Dakota Territory. While there, the mas- sacre of Fort Phil Kearney occurred, and he was in three engagements with the Indians: after serving on the border eighteen months, he was discharged, ac Fort Reno, and returned home. walking 800 miles over the plains to reach transportation. Upon his return to Lawrence Township, he engaged at farming for three years, and then worked at mining about five years: in 1876, he purchased an interest in the milling business in the township, and was associated with another gentleman for eight- een months; in 1879, he formed a partnership

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with Frank Fisher, and they still continue to do business together, under the firm name of Harman & Fisher: their work is principally enstom trade; he served as Constable five years, and is a member of I. O. O. F. Lodge of Fulton: he was married. in 1872. to Miss Lavina Buchtel, of Summit County: they have three children living-Alta L., Esther B. and Percy.

D. J. HOWENSTINE. foundry and brick- vard, Canal Fulton: is the proprietor of one of the leading industries of the township: he is a native of Lawrence Township, born in 1844: his parents were Jacob and Nancy (Jackson) Howenstine: his father a native of Pennsyl- vania: his mother. of Lawrence Township: they were early settlers and pioneers of the county and township. Our subject was brought up on a farm. learning the cooper's trade of his father when a youth: at the age of IS. he enlisted in Company H. of the 102d O. V. I .. and was in service until the close of the war: upon his return, he attended school for a few years, and then engaged in the jew- elry business in Canal Fulton. continuing in that trade for seven years: in 1877. he pur- chased from E. Held the foundry with which he has since been identified: he does general casting and jobbing, and also manualetures some grain drills: he has also been interested in brick manufacturing. to which he is now giving especial attention, and doing a flour- ishing business. Mr. Howenstine was mar- ried. in IS6S. to Miss Martha E. Van Kirk. of Wayne County: they have three cihldren- Cora C .. Annie M. and Eliza B.

JOHN HOWENSTINE, farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton: is a son of David and Magda- Iene (C'ook) Howenstine, the founer a native of Lancaster County. and the latter of Frank- lin Co .. Penn .: they removed to Ohio in 1835. locating in Stark County, where they began farming: the father was a cooper by trade and did a small business in that line in con- nection with his agricultural pursuits: they lived in the township a number of years, then removed to Wayne County, where they were residents a number of years. While living there the mother of our subject died: his father subsequently returned to Lawrence Township. and departed this life in Fulton.

Our subject was the second child of a family of eleven children: he is a native of Pennsyl- vania. born in 1820, and learned the trade of cooper from his father, and in connection with his farming operations, works at his trade. Mr. Howenstine owns 50 acres of finely im- proved land, in the southeastern portion of the township, and is one of the most intelli- gent and substantial farmers of Stark County : his wife's maiden name was Lydia Brongher, and was frem Jackson Township; they have six children.

JOHN HAMMER, farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton: is a son of Dominick and Catharine (Malline) Hammer. both natives of Bavaria, Germany, where they were married, subse- quently ( 1540) removing to the United States: they immediately located in Lawrence Town- ship. and went to farming; his father's death occurred in 1847: his mother is still living: they were parents of two children our sub- jeet and Frances. now Mrs. Steiner. John was born in Germany, and since the location of his parents in Lawrence Township, has been a resident there, engaged in farming and dealing in stock. The old homestead farm of which he is the possessor. consists of 100 acres of land. part of which is within the corporation limits of Canal Fulton: he is also owner of several valuable business houses in town. Mr. Hammer has served as a member of the Common Council a munler of terms, and is a liberal minded. progressivo citizen; ho was married, in 1864, to Miss Mary C. Dnnn. of Akron. Ohio: they have four children liv- ing- Edward, William, Martha and Felix.

JAMES H. JUSTUS. miller. Canal Fulton: is one of the prominent menil ers and pioneers of the milling interests of Stark County. He was born in Bedford Co., Penn., in 1820, and, until 14 years of age, worked upon a farm. His father being a miller, he subsequently learned millwrighting. So much of Mr. Jus- tns' life having been spent in the milling busi- ness, and in so many places, we only mention a few of his most important connections. He was connected with Wellman's mill, at Mill port. Jackson Tp., for eleven years, going there as third miller, and for the last five years there had the charge and supervision of the mill. He then went to Massillon and superintended

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the building of the present Sippo Valley Mill, all of their days; his father died in 1862, and now owned and operated by Warwick & his mother in 1847; they were parents of Justus Bros., remaining there two years, three children, George S. being the second child. Our subject passed his early life upon a farm. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, 102d O. V. I., and was in service three years, most of the time on detached duty; he was a par- ticipant in some of the most severe battles of the war Franklin, Athens, Decatur and Pu- laski, during which engagement he was injured by the wrecking of a train so as to slightly cripple him in the ankles. Upon his return to his home, he entered upon an extended Western tour, through Dakota and Wyoming Territories, which occupied one year. He then entered into mercantile life, starting a dry goods and drug store in Orrville. Wayne Co., where he continued in business for six years; he then went to Knox Co., Ohio, and for three years was engaged in agricultural pursuits, after which he romoved to Canal Fulton, Ohio, and has been engaged in the grain business with his father-in-law, R. R. Porrer, up to the present writing. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Nannie J. Porter, of Canal Fulton; they have four children George E., Cora May, Lloyd P. and Minnie E. Mr. Kilgore is now serving as Justice of the Peace; is a member of the Fulton Masonic Lodge and of the Royal Arch of Massillon. In politics, Mr. having charge of the mill. He then returned to Jackson Township and superintended the rebuilding of the mill with which he had been formerly employed (which had burned, and, in connection with H. B. Wellman and David Fahs, conducted the mill for three years as a partner, and for two years as Superintendent. He then was engaged in milling in the old mill known as Earl's Mill, near Massillon. with several parties as partpers. for seven years, and soon after bought an interest in the Sippo Mills, with J. G. Warwick, under the name of J. H. Justus & Co., his brother, Will iam H. Justus, subsequently becoming a part- ner; he continued in this association for about eight years, and in 1874 sold his interest to Warwick. Returning to Millport, he bought the old mill there, in connection with William Kitchen, continuing there with different par- ties for several years. His next venture was in the lumber trade in Massillon, with E. B. Leighley, and conducting a planing-mill in connection for two years. In 1881, in con- nection with Warwick and Justus, of Massil- lon, he bought the flouring-mill at Canal Ful- ton, which he has refitted and improved, and is now engaged in pursuing the calling to which he is eminently fitted, and in which he Kilgore is a Republican, and has always taken an active interest in securing the advancement of that party. He is a prominent member of the Stark County executive force, and has served as a member of the Central Committee for three years, during which time he has done effective service in his district. has devoted nearly half a century, The mill at Fulton is run by steam, and contains four runs of stone. Mr. Justus was married, in 1848, to Lavina Beatty, of Lawrence Township, daughter of James Beatty, one of the pioneers of the county. They have had eight children, only three now surviving- Anna, Lee and Harry. While in Massillon, Mr. Justus served as Township Treasurer and Trustee, as member of the School Board and Council, and was one of the Directors and stockholders of the rolling-mills.

GEORGE S. KILGORE, grain and feed, Canal Fulton: is a native of Wayne Co., Ohio. His grandfather came from West- moreland Co., Penn., and settled in Sugar Creek Tp., Wayne Co., at an early day, resid- ing there the remainder of his life. His par- ents were William and Nancy (Shipley) Kil- gore, who remained residents of that township

JOSEPH KIRK, farmer: P. O. Canal Ful- ton; was born in Center Co., Penn., in 1805. His father's name was Michael, and he was a native of Ireland; his mother's maiden name was Christina Balt; she was a native of Ger- many, and, with four children-George, Julia Ann, Rebecca and our subject-came to Law- rence Township in 1815; she rode on horse- back with the younger children, the boys walk- ing. They settled in this township, two miles below Fulton, where Jacob Kirk, a brother, had settled three years before. Joseph was bound out to learn the carpenter's trade soon after their arrival; he was to receive his board,

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two months schooling, and $15 in cash at the end of his apprenticeship: he then engaged with John Taylor for four years at $12 per month. In 1525, he was married to Miss Su- sanna Karr, and immediately began farming operations in the township, upon the tract of land where he now lives. Mr. Kirk has brought his land from the primeval forest up to a condition of superior cultivation, devot ing his time exclusively to that business, with pleasing results. His buildings are fine. and are a picture of thrift and comfort; he has 100 acres of land on his farm, conveniently and pleasantly located. He has been a mem- ber of the Methodist Church over fifty years. and his entire life has been exemplary and honorable. His first wife died in 1854: she was the mother of ten children-Grace, Mrs. Siehly, a widow, now a resident of Akron: George, deceased: William, deceased: James R. was killed at Stone River, after eight months' service in defense of his country: Ellen J., wife of Adam Kurtz. who is now working the old homestead: Samuel W. lives at Canal Fulton: Rebecca O .; Ellis died while in the army; Martha, wife of L. C. Schu- maeher, of Akron; and Cyrus, living in Canal Fulton. Mr. Kirk is now the oldest male person living in Lawrence Township. which elects him Vice President for that township of the Stark County Pioneer Association.

JOSEPH W. KIRK, farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of JJacob and Ann ( Furst ) Kirk. natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrant from Clinton Co., Penn., to Lawrence Township. about 1812. locating near Canal Fulton. where they resided during the remainder of their lives. His father became an extensive land owner, possessing at one time over 600 acres in the township, and 300 acres in Indiana: ho was also a prominent citizen, and served as Justice of the Peace. They were both mom bers of the Disciples' Church, his mother hay ing formerly been a Lutheran. Of a family of eleven children, only four now survive -- Jacob, a resident of Illinois: Christina. now Mrs. Gilchrist. of Iowa: Henry. of Illinois; and the subject of this sketch. who was the sixth child, and horn in Lawrence Township in 1819. He has followed farming all his life in Lawrence Township, and, since 1844, upon

the farm where he now resides. He has 261 acres of land, which he has cleared. cultivated and improved until it presents a model appear anee: his buildings are beautiful, large and commodious, and finely located. He is one of the substantial and practical farmers of the county and is worthy of the esteem accorded him by his fellow citizens. He served the township two terms as Land Appraiser. Mr. Kirk has been thrice married-first. to Clar- issa McFarland, who died in 1847; second, in 1850, to Miss Isabella Taylor: she died in 1853, leaving one child, Ann M., Mrs. Hons- man. In 1854. he married Alta Cole; they have six children living- Eva A., Silva E., Charles L .. Howard L., Horace Greeley and Henry Dwight.

PHILIP KELLER. farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton: is a son of Philip and Catharine (Shook) Keller, who were natives of Chester Co .. Penn .. and emigrated to Ohio at an early day. They located near Manchester for a short time. but soon after removed to Jack- son Township. where they located upon a farm. While living there our subject's mother died, and his father subsequently re-married. and lived there until 1868. when he removed to Summit County, where he died about 1875. Philip was the eldest of a family of eleven children, and was born in Summit County in February, 1816: his early life was passed upon a farm in Jackson Township. At the age of 21, he married Maria Whitmyre, daugh ter of Philip Whitmyre, of Lawrence Town ship, and. removing to that township, settled upon a farm in the eastern portion thereof. where he remained for fourteen years. subse- quently removing to his present location, in the western part of the township, where he has 180 aeres of land, well improved. His wife died in 1873. leaving the following children: ALVIN KELLER, the oldest child, was born in Lawrence Township in 1844, where he has always resided, following farming; he was married. in 1566, to Miss Margaret Walter. of Wayne County: they have three children Walter L .. Oliver F. and Charles W .; he has 89 acres of fine land. situated adjoining his father's, and is a well-informed, practical citi- zen: Elizabeth lives in Ashland County; Lu cinda. now Mrs. Stauffer. in Wayne County;

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Emeline, now Mrs. Gruff, of Summit County; and Catharine, now Mrs. Shaffer, a resident of Wayne County, comprises the rest of the family. Mr. Keller married, in 1877, the widow Miller, for a second wife.

J. H. KITCHEN, farmer: P. O. Massillon; is one of the early residents of Stark County. and for over forty years of the farm upon which he is now living. He is a native of Columbia Co., Penn. In 1825, he came to Ohio and resided in Portage County for two years, working npon the construction of the Ohio Canal. In 1827, he became a citizen of Stark County, locating in Jackson Township, where he farmed for six years, at the expira- tion of which time he removed to Lawrence Township, where he has continued to reside ever since. He has 114 acres of fertile and well-improved land. Mr. Kitchen was mar- ried. in 1832, to Miss Sarah Breed, of Lynn, Mass. Of a family of five children born to them, three are now living-Parmelia; Henry Kitchen, a celebrated physician of Cleveland, Ohio; and Mary Brieze, a resident of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Kitchen has been a valued citizen of Lawrence Township, and, although now in feeble health, is interested in all mat- ters of public progress.

J. V. LERCH, Pastor Reformed Church, Canal Fulton; is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northumberland County in 1843. His father, G. W. Lerch, was also a native of the Keystone State: his mother's maiden name was Eve Klase. They came to Ohno abont 1848, and settled in Richville, Perry Tp., Stark Co .; his father was a blacksmith by trade, and for several years followed that ocenpation in Richville: subsequently, they removed upon a small farm in Perry Township where they still reside. Our subject, at the age of 16. was apprenticed to Russell & Co., of Massil- lon, to learn the machinist's trade, remaining in that institution about eighteen months. when, in 1862, he enlisted in Co. E. of the 104th O. V. I., and was in the service until the close of the war. His health failing him while in service. he was confined to a cot in the hos- pital for one year, after which he was engaged in dispensing medicine from the dispensary for the remainder of his enlistment. Upon his return to his home in Stark County, he

began his education in the higher schools, preparatory to a college course, which was necessary for the exalted calling of the min- istry, which he had concluded to make his life work. He attended the academy at Greens- burg, Summit Co., two terms, from thence to Mt. Union College, and in the spring of 1869 entered Heidelberg College, located at Tiffin, Ohio. He completed his college course in 1871, and his theological course two years later. Upon the completion of his education, he went to Illinois, where, in 1873, he was ex- amined and ordained. Accepting a commission as a missionary for Missouri, he removed thither in 1874, having previously, in the same year, been united in marriage to Miss Melissa M. Myers, daughter of W. G Myers, Esq .. of Canal Fulton. While a resident of Missouri, he united with his labors as Pastor the duties of a teacher, and for two years was the Principal of the public school at Prince- ton; after a residence of over two years, he closed his labors there and returned to Ohio, and was located at Ashland until November, 1879, when he was bereaved by the loss of his wife. He then removed to Canal Fulton, in order to secure care for his children, and has been a resident there since, during which time he has established and organized a congrega- tion and built a church; the membership now numbers eighty-eight, and the church and society is in a healthy and flourishing condi- tion.

ANDREW LYTLE, farmer; P. O.' Canal Fulton; is a son of Andrew and Jane Preston Lytle, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother a native of Maryland; were mar- ried in Fayette Co., Penn., where they lived for a few years subsequent. In 1812, his father and his brother William came to Law- rence Township and cut off an acre of timber from the northeast corner of Sec. S, and, after building a log house upon it, they returned to Pennsylvania. In 1813, he rented a farm in Beaver Co., Penn., and worked it until 1817, when he came to Lawrence Township with his family, consisting of five children, and set- tled down upon their land; here the worthy couple successfully cleared and improved their land, and lived to enjoy some of the well earned fruits of industry. Out of a family of

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eleven children, the following now survive: Robert F., a resident of Lawrence Township for many years, but now living in Chippewa Tp., Wayne Co .: Maria Preston, of La Grange Co .. Ind .; and the subject of this biography. Andrew, Jr., was born in Beaver Co., Penn .. in 1816, and, upon his father's farm in Law- rence Township, found ample work for his youthful days in helping to clear and multi- vate the land. He is familiar with the growth and development of the community from its early days. and relates many interesting tales of pioneer life. He learned the carpenter's trade when 14 years of age, and passed four- teen years in the busy plying of that branch of industry. In 1850, he married Elizabeth, a daughter of John and Eleanor Richey, early settlers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Richey were married in Pennsylvania, and settlers of Lawrence Township in 1819, locat. ing upon the farm now in possession of our subject; they resided there for many years, engaged in cultivating and improving; he was accidentally killed while on a trip to Pann- sylvania, but his wife still survives, a resident of Illinois. Since his marriage, Mr. Lytle has cultivated the soil with profitable returns. His long residence in the township and his honorable Christian life render him a valuable and respected citizen. He, as is also his wife, is a member of the Presbyterian Church of long standing. They have had four children

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 136

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