History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 137

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

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Leeman H. and Horace Williard, living; and Frank H. and May B., deceased.

LANDFEAR & MILLER, hardware, stoves and tinware, Canal Fulton. This house was established in 1879, by a partnership between F. W. Landfear and John Buck, who were as. sociated together until the spring of ISS1, when Buck retired and Charles C. Miller be- came a partner. under the firm name of Land fear & Miller; although they have been es tablished only a short time, they are doing a large and increasing business, and are honor- able and progressive business men; they are making a specialty in stoves, tinware and general jobbing business, which line they are doing the leading trade. F. W. Land- fear is a native of Portage Co., Ohio: he learned his trade in Bedford, Cuyahoga Co., commencing at the age of 18. In

IS75, he started in a business venture at Pen- insula, Summit Co., and was in the hardware, tin and stove business there for four years. In 1879, he came to Canal Fulton and em- barked in trade there, where he has since re- sided. He was married, in 1876, to Miss M. R. Cook, of Cuyahoga County; they have one child, Lucius R. Mr. Landfear is a member of the Knights of Honor. Charles C. Miller is a son of Abraham and Sophia (Humbert) Miller; his father, Abraham Miller, was born in Lawrence Township; he was a son of Henry Miller, one of the pio- neers of the township. Abraham Miller was a farmer, and largely interested in horticult- ural pursuits; he owned a farm of 150 acres at the time of his death, 50 acres of which was in orchards; he was one of the largest fruit- growers in the township, making a specialty in peaches and apples; at the time of his death, he was engaged in the grocery trade in Canal Fulton; he died in July, 1875, leaving seven children -Lucy J., Henry A. (a resident of Ft. Wayne, Ind.), Emma Ridenour (of Massillon), Curtis J., Louis (deceased), Charles C. and Flora. Charles C. was born in Lawrence Town- ship in 1857, and has always been identified with his native town; he formed his first busi- ness partnership and venture as mentioned above, and starts in life with flattering prom- ises of success.

LAMBRIGHT & KITTINGER, Canal Ful- ton, are extensive dealers in lumber; conduct a planing-mill, manufacture doors, sash and blinds, and are also contractors and builders. S. W. Lambright is a native of Pennsyl- vania, where he was born in 1832, and learned the carpenter and joiner's trade when a youth. In 1852, he came to Canal Fulton and was employed at his trade there for a few months, then went to Western Ohio, where he on- gaged at his trade for two years, subsequently returning to Canal Fulton, where he has since resided. He worked at contracting and build. ing until 1879, when he entered into partner- ship with David Jackson in the humber trade, continuing until January, ESS1, when Jack- son and J. N. Kittinger became a member of the firm. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary A. Gilcher, daughter of Henry Gilcher, of Fulton; she died in 1861, leaving one child,

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Hamilton M. In 1862, he married a second wife-Miss Nancy Buckmaster, of Canal Ful- ton; they have five children-Flora B., Minta A .. Eva G .. Jessie L. and Bessie S. He has served the township as Trustce two terms, and as member of the Council of Fulton one term; he is an old and consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Church. J. N. Kit- tinger is a native of Lawrence Township, son of David Kittinger, who was a native of Pennsylvania, but a resident of Stark County since 1833. Our subject learned the carpenter's trade with his father, which call- ing he is still pursuing, superintending the extensive contracts of the firm of which he is a member. In 1881, he became a member of the above firm. He was married, in 1868, to Miss Celestia Stock, of Huron Co., Ohio; they have five children- Albert, Chloe, Zoe, Frank and Floyd. Mr. Kittinger is an esteemed citizen and business man, and a member of the Methodist Church.

JOHN P. LAWRENCE, farmer: P. O. North Lawrence; is a son of Philip and Kath- erine (Hartz) Lawrence, natives of Prussia, who were emigrants to America in 1844, and soon after settled in Lawrence Township, where they have since resided; they have two chil- dren - Jacob, a resident of Wayne County: and John P., the subject of this sketch. He was born in Germany, but, since the coming of his father to Lawrence Township, has been a resident there, with the exception of one year. Mr. Lawrence has been engaged in farming all of his life, at which he engages his whole attention; he has 111 acres of im- proved land. situated in the western portion of the township, adjoining Wayne County ; he | has always taken a leading hand in educa- tional affairs: was Clerk of the Board of Education in the township, and has also been Township Trustee, serving at the present time his third term. He was married, in 1861. to Miss Elina Gesaman, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Reichard) Gesaman, who were pioneer settlers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Law- ernce have a family of eight children - Emma G., Cassie E., Charles G., Jacob G .. Ida E., Orrin F., Landreth C. and Aldin. They are members of the U. B. Church of Lawrence Township.

JOHN LINN, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is one of the earlier settlers of Lawrence Township, and worthy of an extended sketch of his life. He is a native of Bedford Co., Penn., where he was born in 1807; he emi- grated to Ohio in October, 1829, and located upon the farm in Lawrence Township where he now resides, and upon which he has passed over half a century. When he came, his farm was all timber: it is now one of the fine, cul. tivated and valuable farms of Stark County, and to Mr. Linn the change is due: he now owns 80 acres of land, and to farming he has devoted his life-time. He married. in An gust, 1833, Miss Susanna Stock, of the town- ship; she was born in Adams Co., Penn., in 1816; they have nine children living-David, a farmer of Lawrence Township, was a mem- ber of the 104th O. V. I., and in service over three years; Harriet Sheets, in Richland County ; Barbara Dayhoof; Addis, a resident of Orrville, Ohio; Abraham, a farmer of Mich igan; William, living in Richland County; Jacob, in Williams County, Ohio; John and Mary, at home. Addis was also a volunteer in the late service for over three years, in the 63d O. V. I., and a son, Isaac, was killed in Georgia, after serving three years in the 18th Regulars, of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Linn are members of the U. B. Church.

F. D. LIGGETT, clothing, Canal Fulton; is one of the prominent business men of Canal Fulton, notwithstanding the fact that his con- nections there are of recent date. Mr. Lig- gett came to Fulton in 1874, from Center Co., Penn., where he had formerly been engaged in the milling and flouring business; he asso- ciated himself in partnership with John Mob- ley in the clothing trade, and conducted the business for two years, when he disposed of his interest. but retained the management, which he still holds. In March, 1881, his brother, John Liggett, of Pennsylvania, be- came the owner of the stock. and for him he is now conducting the business; the stock con- sists of a large line of ready-made clothing, hats, caps, gentlemen's furnishing goods, trunks, traveling-bags, etc., and the trade en- joyed by this house is large and extended. Mr. Liggett is an enterprising and liberal- minded citizen, and an efficient and success-

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ful manager. He was united in marriage. in 1866. to Hiss Harriet Mobley, of Lawrence Township: they have three children Jolin. Salathiel and Mary.

MYERS. ELLIOTT & CO .. hardware. Canal Fulton: is one of the extensive business houses of Stark County. This house was established in 1870. since which time their business has increased until they were forced to make a change in location, and, in July, ISS1. they took possession of their new rooms in the Union Block. where they have added a large addi tion, depth of 160 feet. and two floors. and where they have now ample room for their mammoth stock of hardware. which is complete in every respect : they carry a full line of agri- cultural implements. WILLIAM N. MYERS. is a native of Wayne Co., Ohio. where he was born in 1550; his business experienee began in 1868. when he came to Canal Fulton and entered the employ of 1. W. Waggoner in the hardware trade. with whom he remained until 1870, when his father. W. G. Myers, and G. N. Elliott. bought the store. forming the company of Myers. Elliott & Co .. and sinee that time has given to his business his entire attention. He was married. in June. 1577. to Miss Mary Kirk. of Fulton: they have two children- Carl and an infant. Mr. Myers has served as Corporation Treasurer. and is an esteemed and efficient business man. G. N. ELLIOTT is a descendant of the Elliotts who were refugees from Ireland on aceount of their religious belief. as opposed to Catholi- eism and the Established Church of England; emigrating to America as a family. they set- tled in Holmes and Coshocton Counties at an early day, and were pioneers of the Methodist Church. Dr. Charles Elliott. the celebrated author and editor, was a brother of the grand- father of our subject. Dr. Elliott was refused admittance to the College of Edinburgh on account of religious belief. Coming to , America, he took an advanced rank in litera- ture, and was the editor of several Methodist papers. Our subject was born in Holmes Co .. Ohio. in 1>41, and was raised npon the farm: in 1861, while attending school at Delaware. he enlisted in Co. D. 20th O. V. I., and was in service three years, participating in all the severe battles and engagements of the Army

of the Tennessee, from Ft. Donelson up to the taking of Atlanta, only eight out of his eom- pany eseaping unhurt. After the war. he was engaged in farming in Chippewa Tp., Wayne Co .. until 1870, when he became a member of the above firm. He was married. in 1868, to Miss Rosa J. Myers: they have one child Cora Belle. Mr. Elliott was one of the or- ganizers of Lodge No. 514, A., F. & A. M .. which has his name, being known as Elliott Lodge, and is also a member of Massillon Commandery and Chapter. Rich- ard F. Myers was born Nov. 29, 1858, in Wayne County, and in 1880 became a mem- ber of the firm of Myers, Elliott & Co., his father. W. G. Myers, retiring. "Dick " had previously been connected with the business for two years. in the capacity of clerk; he now represents the " Co."

WILLIAM G. MYERS. lawyer. Canal Fnl- tou: is one of the representative self made men of our times. He is a native of Chippewa Tp .. Wayne Co., Ohio. and son of Peter and Sarah Miller Myers, the former a native of New York. the latter of Cumberland Co., Penn .; his father emigrated in 1816 to Perry Tp., Stark Co .. where his mother's people had lo- cated in 1812: they were united in marriage there in 1817, and soon after went to Chippewa Township, where they lived about three years, returning subsequently to Perry Township; his father died in 1840. his mother in 1879, in the home of our subject. William G. Myers was an inmate of his grandfather's home in Perry Township until 1 4 years of age: he then engaged in a store in Massillon, soon after going to Canal Fulton, where he was indent- ured to learn the cabinet-maker's trade; he remained in Fulton about one year, and then went with his preceptor to Bath. Summit Co., where he remained for four years: returning to Lawrence Township, he changed his occu- pation to that of a carpenter, and followed it for four years, teaching school in the winter in the meantime, for nino winters. In 1843, he married Sarah J. Hardgrove, of Lawrence Township, and in 1544 began farming opera- tions in Wayne County. In 1850, he com- menced reading law, and, although not at that time admitted to practice, was employed in numerous cases in the region around his home;

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he also was an auctioneer, at which he made a success and extended his acquaintance; his farming operations were successful and exten- sive. owning, at one period, about 400 acres, and continued until 1870, when he became a resident of Canal Fulton, and became inter- ested in the morcantile branches of trade. In 1875, he was admitted to the bar, and since that time has devoted his attention to the prac- tice of his profession and in settling estates, acting as guardian, and doing a general busi- ness of trust, and still pursuing his calling as an auctioneer. Mr. Myers has made a success of life by perseverance, industry and honorable dealing. His education as procured by him- self, and the handsome property which he has accumulated is the direct result of his own labor and wise skill as a financier. In the law, he possesses high natural abilities, sup- plemented by study and research. He has always been a strict disciple of temperance, and is one of the valued citizens of which Stark County may be justly proud. His chil- dren are Mary M. Lerch, deceased; John W., Rosa J .. Elliott, William M., George W. and Richard F.

J. W. MYERS, farmer; P. O. North Law- rence; is a son of W. G. Myers, Esq., of Canal Fulton; he is a native of Chippewa Tp., Wayne Co., and, until 22 years of age, re- mained with his parents, securing a good edu- cation. In 1864, he enlisted in Co. I, 5th O. V. C., and was in the service about one year; mustered out at Charlottesville, N. C. In No- vember. 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Letitia J. Young, daughter of Cyrus and Margaret (Sheafer) Young, of Lawrence Town- ship. Mr. Myers has for a number of years past been engaged in farming 177 acres be- longing to the Young estate. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have four children living -- Cyrus, Will- iam, Sadie and Maggie; and two deceased -- Charles and Oscar.

PETER MATHIE, deceased; was a native of France, coming to America in 1832 with his parents and locating in Plain Township. He married, in 1839, Susanna Duck, of Plain Township; they resided in Plain Township for one year after his marriage, and then removed to Monroe Co., Ill., where he remained two years; returning to Plain Township, he bought

his father's farm, where he lived until 1853, when he came to Lawrence Township and pur- chased land, upon which his sons now reside, where he lived until his death, in 1865; his wife died in 1878. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Nine children are now living, descendants of this couple-William J., in Plain Township; Samuel, a retired farmer, living at Black River, Ohio; Louis D., George W. and John P., residents and farm- ers of this township; Caroline Hisner, of Ful- ton; Joseph, in Michigan; Charles, in Jackson Township; and Evangel Daly, a resident of Michigan.

G. W. MATHIE, farmer; P. O. Canal Ful- ton; is a young and enterprising farmer of Lawrence Township, son of Peter and Susanna (Duck) Mathie. Our subject was born in Plain Township in 1847; since the removal of his parents to Lawrence Township, he has been a resident and farmer there. He owns 107 acres of land, conveniently located. Ho was united in marriage, in January, 1875, to Miss Hattie A. Lucas, of Lawrence Township; they have one child, Elton Lee. Mr. Mathie has also been a school-teacher, and served the township one term as Assessor.

JOHN MOBLEY, merchant, Canal Fulton; is a prominent citizen of Stark County, an old established business man, and a descend- ant of an old pioneer family, who early set- tled in Osnaburg Township. The father of our subject was Ezekiel Mobley, who came to the county with his parents at an early day, subsequently removing to Wayne County. Ezekiel married in Stark County Miss Sarah Bear, and soon after located in East Union Tp., Wayne Co .. where they remained for the remainder of their lives. engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. John Mobley was the oldest child of a family of six children; he was born in Wayne County in 1815, and until 15 years of age remained as an assistant upon the farm homestead. He then learned the saddler and harness-maker's trade in Stark County, and first embarked upon the sea of business life in Brookfield, where he only remained one year, when, about 1835, he came to Canal Fulton, and up to the present writing has been engaged in successful business life there. He worked at his trade in Fulton for thirty years, and

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then engaged in tanning and shoe manufact- aring; and for a number of years was inter- ested also in a clothing store. Mr. Mobley is at the present time engaged in the boot and shoe trade exclusively, and in that line car- ries the leading stock and is doing the leading business. Mr. Mobley has been an honored progressive citizen of Lawrence Township for many years: all works of merit and schemes for the promotion of the public good receive en- couragement at his hands. With the exception of one year. in 1849, when, during the gold ex- citement of that year, he visited California, he has been a continnous resident from 1835, and has seen the progress and development of " Old Stark" from pioneer days to the present. He has served as Township Trustee. as a member of the School Board and as a Councilman. He is also a member of long standing of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Mobley was married in 1835 to Miss Sarah Gibson, who died in 1849, leaving one child. Belle, now living in Southern Ohio. He married a second wife, Miss Mary Angus- tine, in IS51. They have one child now liv- ing-Ellsworth E.

JOSEPH MILLER, farmer: P. O. C'anal Fulton: is a son of Henry and Magdalena (Weaver) Miller, his father a native of Vir- ginia. his mother of Maryland, and both came to Stark County when young. They were married near Canton in 1516, and soon after came to Lawrence Township, settling on the tract of land which is now the finely cul- tivated and improved home of our subject. Here this worthy couple lived for forty years. being familiar with all phases of pioneer life. subsequently removing to the farm now owned by Elias Miller, near Fulton. Henry Miller was extensively engaged in farming, becom- ing a large land-owner, and cleared and im- proved many acres of land in the township. He was a member of the Reformed Church as was also his wife: they were parents of nine children-Mary Simmonds, who died in this township: Samuel, killed by the cars in Craw- ford County while on his way to inspect his land there; Abraham, deceased; Joseph: Su- sanna. died in Crawford County; tohn, deceased: Zephinia. deceased: Harriet, now Mrs. Shumacher, of Indiana; and Elias, a prominent farmer of Lawrence Township.

Joseph Miller was born in Lawrence Town ship in 1822, and has always been a resident there. with the exception of four years upon the old homestead farm. He purchased it from his father in ISSS, and has improved it until it is one of the most valuable pieces of property in the township. Ho was married in IS16, to Miss Lydia Albright, of Jackson Township; she died in 1856, leaving four children -- Amanda Streby, Dila J. Tilton, Melissa J. Tilton and Amos. Mr. Miller sub- sequently was united to a second wife, Mary Albright, by whom he has six children- Frank. Edward. Waldo. Lillie (deceased), Rosa and Bertha. Mr. Miller devotes his entire attention to farming. but takes an interest in all affairs of public improvement and reform. His standing is among the prominent, useful and successful farmers of Stark County.

MARTIN & CAMPBELL, groceries and provisions, Canal Fulton. This firm was established in January, ISS1, and is composed of F. M. Martin and I. D. Campbell, two well- known gentlemen who have been connected with Lawrence Township for several years in other occupations. Their stock consists of a large assortment of groceries and provisions, and they have already made a promising start for public favor and patronage. F. M. Mar- tin is a son of William and Abigail Martin, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of the community. Our subject was the second child of a family of nine children born in Wayne County in ISI1. He enlisted in Au- gust, 1862. in Co. 1, 104th O. V. I .. and was in active service for nearly three years, partic- ipating in many of the well-known battles, among which are mentioned the Atlanta campaign. Siege of Knoxville, lasting twenty- one days, and with Hood's expedition through Tennessee. He was wounded, in February, 1864. in a skirmish near Wilmington, N. C., by a bullet striking the buckle of his belt and driving it into his body. Upon his return from the army he was engaged in drilling and prospecting for mineral and coal until January, ISSI. when he formed the busi ness partnership mentioned above, and has been giving his attention to that since. He was united in marriage in January, 1569, to

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Miss Mary Hartgrove, of Lawrence Township. They have five children- - Milton. Forrest. Eva B., Samuel and Bertha. Irvin D. Camp- bell was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, in 1852, and first entered upon the stage of business action by learning telegraphy at Russell Sta- tion. This business he gave his attention to for seven years, acting as station agent and operator in Canal Fulton for the C .. T. V. & W. R. R. In January, 1881. he embarked in trade with Mr. Martin, and to that business he is devoting his exclusive attention. Mr. Campbell was married in 1879 to Miss Cora M. Miller, of Lawrence Township. They have one child-Kelcy.

D. C. McDOWELL, farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton: is a native of Tuscarawas Township. where he was born in 1820. His parents were James and Mary (Craig) McDowell. who were natives of Washington Co .. Penn .. and in 1814 came to Tuscarawas Tp., Stark Co .. set- tling upon a farm where they continued to reside for the remainder of their lives. His father served as Township Trustee and was an honored and useful citizen. They have five descendants now living-Nathaniel. liv- ing in Illinois: Mary Fulton. of Shelby Co .. Ohio: Letitia Winters, now residing in Kan- sas: Nancy Lyon, of Wayne Co., Ohio: and the subject of this biography. Robert Mc- Dowell was a member of the 61st O. V. I .. but was subsequently transferred to the 62d Regi- ment: was wounded at the battle of Chan- clorsville. and was sent home, dying from the effects of the wound. D. C. McDowell became a resident of Lawrence Township in 1842. since which time he has been engaged in farming there. He owns 108 acres of vahu- able land. which has been extensively mined for coal. He was married in 1843 to Miss Margaret Porter, daughter of Richard Porter. of Wayne County. They have two children Orrin and Ella. Mr. McDowell lost his wife in 1871. He is a man widely known and universally respected: is enterprising and one of the most vahied citizens of Stark Co. During the war, he served the township several terms as Township Trustee. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN MICHENER, farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton: is a representative of one of the old

pioneer families of the township, and is prob- ably the oldest person born within its limits. He is a son of Jonathan and Jane (Hobson) Michener: his father was a native of the Key- stone State and his mother of Virginia. They were married in Jefferson Co., Ohio, about 1815, and in 1817 became residents of Law- rence Township. settling on the tract of land now in possession of our subject. where the remainder of their lives were passed; his mother died in 1833. She was the mother of eight children. JJohn being the only one now surviving; his father was subsequently mar- ried to a second wife by whom he had two daughters: his death occurred in 1839. John Michener has been a resident of Lawrence Township all his life, engaged in the quiet routine of farm life, at which he has achieved great success; he is the possessor of the old homestead farm consisting of 160 acres of well- improved and finely cultivated land. He has served the township as Trustee three terms, and in matters of education has always taken a leading interest, serving as Director and Clerk for eighteen years. He was married in 1848 to Miss Elizabeth Beatty. of Jackson Township: they had three children-Mary, John B. and J. Warren.

THOMAS MASTERS. Postmaster and mer- chant. Chapman: is a native of England. He emigrated to America, in 1860, locating in Pennsylvania. where he worked at mining for two years. He then came to Oho and for two years was engaged in the mines in Eastern Ohio Trumbull and Mahoning Counties. He next removed to Stark County. and for a short time followed mining; subsequently engaging in the grocery. notion and provision business at " Youngstown Hill." where he has since continued. He has filled the office of Postmaster since his appointment in 1875. In June. 1876 he became associated in busi- ness with William Findley, and they are still doing business together under the firm name of Masters & Findley. Mr. Masters was mar ried in 1875 to Miss Sarah Powell, also a native of England. They have three children -- William, Thomas and Amelia. Mr. Mas- ters is a member of Lawrence Lodge, I. O.O. F., and is one of the substantial and trust- worthy citizens of the township.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 137

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