History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 138

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

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LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP.

ALBERT H. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of John Miller, who was born in Lawrence Township in 1827; he was a son of Henry and Magdalena ( Weaver) Miller, early settlers and pioneers of Stark County. John Miller was a prominent citizen and farmer of Lawrence Township all his life; he married Catharine Albright of Jack son Township, and in 1560 bought the farm upon which our subject now lives, and lived there until his death in 1870. He was a member of the Reformed Church. Five chil dren are descendants from this union, four of whom are now living-Melvina J., now Mrs. MeLaughlin: Albert H .: Cora, Mrs. Campbell; and George Wesley; Logan, deceased. Mrs. Miller is still living and a resident of Law- rence Township. Albert H. Miller is a native of Lawrence Township, where he now resides. He has chosen the ocenpation of a farmer, and is now cultivating the old homestead farm. He was united in marriage in 1575 to Miss Flora A. Shilling, of Tuscarawas Town- ship. They have two children-Homer Orton and Blanche Estelle.

RICHARD R. PORTER, grain, wool and feed warehouse, Canal Fulton: is a native of Beaver Co., Penn., where he was born in IS18. His father was a native of Ireland and emi grated to America at the age of 19; he located in Pennsylvania when the western portion of the State was yet a wilderness, and when he arrived at Pittsburgh it consisted of nineteen log shanties: he continued a resident of that State until his death, which oeenrred in Bea- ver County in IS41. The mother of our sub- ject died while residing with him in 1870. aged 91. Richard R. Porter was the ninth child of a family of ten children, tive boys and five girls only five of whom are now living -- Alexander, now a farmer of Lawrence Township; Eleanor, now Mrs. Barclay, of Columbiana County: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Par nell, of Seneca County; Ann, Mrs. Rhodes, of Darlington, Beaver Co., Pen .: and the sub- ject of this biography. Our subject emigrated to Ohio when 21 years of age, coming to Lawrence Township, where an uncle of his had located. Here he commeneed to learn the carpenter's trade, which pursuit occupied his attention for three years. He was then

taken sick and after recovering returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained only a short period, his father dying there in the meantime, when he returned to Lawrence Township, which locality has retained him as a citizen up to the present time. Mr. Porter was for many years engaged at farming, and still retains farming interests and possessions, but since 1875 he has been a resident of Canal Fulton, where he is pleasantly situated and enjoying well-earned leisure. Having passed the greater portion of his life in stirring and practical business and in order that his leisure might not become too monotonous, he erected a warehouse near the depots, where in con nection with his son in-law, George Kilgore, he is now engaged in the grain, wool and feed business. Mr. Porter owns 100 acres of land in the township, the opera building, and various tracts of real estate in Canal Fulton. As a citizen he has attained a high position in the county and has been identified with many of the public enterprises which have secured to the people lasting benefits. To positions of honor and trust he has been many times elected as a fitting representative; among the many we will mention as a worker and member of the school interests for thirty years, as Township Assessor, as County Com- missioner for six years, during which the court house was built and the iron bridge system was adopted. In both movements he was a leading spirit, and last as a member of the State Board of Public Works, serving in that capacity two terms. In 1875, he was a prominent candidate for the State Legisla- ture, but as disaster was the rule with the Republican party that year, he failed to be elected. He is a leading politician, working with zeal each year for the success of the Repub- liean party, which embodies in his ideas all the attributes necessary for honorable and success- ful local and national government. He is a member of highest degree of the Odd Fellow fraternity of Canal Fulton. Mr. Porter was married in IS41 to Miss Kezia Martin, a native of Beaver Co., Penn. They have had the following children: John, deceased, a member of Co. A. 104th O. V. L., and subse- quently a member of the staff of Gen. Riley. served over three years; he was wounded at

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the battle of Franklin: his death occurred in Canal Fulton, in 1878. leaving a wife: Thomas, served two years in the 68th O. V. f., and is now a resident of Canal Fulton: Nancy, wife of George S. Kilgore. is also a resident of Fulton: Joseph is a resident of Denver, Colo., and Charles, a leading dentist of Massillon, Ohio.

JOHN PORTER. farmer: P. O. Canal Ful- ton: is a son of Richard and Nancy (Mc- Langhlin) Porter: his father was of Irish nativity; his mother of Pennsylvania. They emigrated from Allegheny Co .. Penn .. to Banghman Tp., Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1815, where they located and passed the remainder of their days. Our subject was born in Penn- sylvania in 1811; he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all of his days. In 1840. he became a resident of Stark County, pur- chasing the farm in Lawrence Township where he is now residing. He has 158 acres of rich and well-improved land, and to its thorough cultivation Mr. Porter has given the attention of forty years of careful supervis- ion. He was united in marriage. in 1840, to Eliza T. McDowell. of Tuscarawas Township. Two children are the issue of this union- Arabella. wife of J. P. Yockey, editor and proprietor of the Fulton Signal, and James H., a traveling salesman for a Mansfield house. Mr. Porter was afflicted deeply by the death of his wife in May, 1881. Mr. Porter is one of the respected and solid farm- ers of Stark County, and an influential and progressive citizen.

RICHARD A. PORTER. farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of John A. Porter, a native of Allegheny Co .. Penn .: he married in Beaver Co .. Penn., Miss Maria Scott. also a native of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio about 1827. locating in Wayne County upon a farm, where they resided for ten years. They then removed to Lawrence Township. where they became successful farmers and valued citizens. Mr. Porter died in 1875; his wife still survives him, living upon the old homestead which is located in the western portion of the township. Mrs. Porter is the mother of five children- Richard A., Nancy, Belle Rail. all residents of Fulton: and two deceased-Jane, who was married to a Porter.

and Thomas. The subject of this sketch was born in Wayne County in 1829. His life has always been passed in farming, and since the removal of his father to this township, within its limits. In 1855, he became a resident of the farm which adjoins the old homestead, and which consists of 100 acres of fine land, well enltivated and improved. He was united in marriage in 1855 to Miss E. J. Whitcraft, daughter of Thomas Whiteraft. one of the early settlers of the township. They have five children living-Belle Tromp, of Canal Fulton, Howard, Elta, Allen and Osear.

JOHN POLLOCK, postal clerk, North Lawrence; is a son of George and Elizabeth (Mehon) Pollock, and is a native of Ireland. Upon the subsequent removal of his parents to Scotland, he became a miner in that coun- try. In 1862, he emigrated to America and located in Stark County, where he engaged in mining in Perry and Lawrence Townships until 1877, and in the meantime at different periods traveling through the State in the interest of the Miners' Association-at one time for three consecutive years He removed to North Lawrence with his family in 1568, and has since made that his home. In De. cember, 1877, he was appointed Postmaster of North Lawrence, which position he held until he received a commission in the mail service, in July. 1879. His first route was from Pitts- burgh to Indianapolis, but was soon after de- tailed to the Canal Dover & Marietta route. which he filled for one year, and after one month's service from Chicago to Crestline, he was assigned to the ronte from Pittsburgh to Crestline, which he has since retained. Mr Pollock was engaged in the grocery trade at the time of his service as Postmaster of North Lawrence. He was elected JJustice of the Peace in 1879, and has administered the duties of that office ever since. He is a mem- ber of the I. O O. F. Lodge. of Canal Fulton, and an esteemed and valued citizen. Mr. Pollock was married in Scotland, in IS5S, to Miss Catharine Maine, who is a native of that country. They have eight children living- George. Jennet. Elizabeth, John, Robert, Jane, Peter and Alice,

ROBERT POLLOCK, Postmaster, grocer- ies and provisions, North Lawrence: is a son

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of George and Elizabeth (Mehon) Pollock, who were natives of Ireland, but subsequently removed to Scotland, and from there emigrat- ing to America with their family in 1863. locating near Massillon, in Lawrence Town- ship: the father died in 1872: the mother is still residing there. Six children were the result of this marriage- Ann McDonald. William Robert. Mary Mckenzie. Elizabeth Ray and John. Robert Pollock is a native of Ireland: his parents removed to Scotland when he was 10 years of age and there his early days were passed upon a farm, but he subsequently became a miner, which he fol- lowed until 1562. when he emigrated to America, and for two years worked in the mines near Massillon. In 1865, he came to North Lawrence and has since resided there. He worked at mining until March, 1879, and receiving the appointment of Postmaster in 1880. he opened a grocery store in connection therewith, which business he has since con- ducted. Mr. Pollock was married in 1855 to Miss Margaret Ray, a native of Scotland. They have ten children living George, Mar- garet (now Mrs. Johnson ). James. Elizabeth M .. Robert. Jr., William, Ann, Jane, Martha and Andrew F.

CHARLES W. ROBINSON. merchant. Canal Fulton: is a son of John and Nancy (Shusser) Robinson: his father was a native of Pennsylvania: his mother of Stark County. John Robinson was one of the carlier busi- ness men of Lawrence Township, and one of the prominent energetie citizens. Ho came to Canal Fulton, near 1830, and first engaged in business with Judge Henry in general merchandising, and buying and selling grain: subsequently continuing business alone there until his death. His transactions were upon a large scale and his business ventures snc- cessful. His first wife died in 1842, leaving five children. William H. was a prominent business man. engaged in boot and shoe busi- ness, and subsequently interested in a ferry company in Detroit. Mich. : subsequently re- turning to Canal Fulton and purchasing stock from his father's estate, and at the time of his death a business man there. Thomas died in La Salle Co .. III .: Harriet. deceased: Charles W .. and Nancy Warner. a resident of St.

John, N. B .. her husband being United States Consul there: he subsequently married a sec- ond wife. Margaret Russell, of Pennsylvania. by whom he had one child Robert T .. living in Pennsylvania. C. W. Robinson is a native of Canal Fulton, where he was born in 1538. His life has been passed in Canal Fulton engaged in merchantile pursuits. He has a large stock of general merchandise and does an extensive business. Ho has served the township as Treasurer and has been a mem- ber of the Common Council of Fulton. Ho was united in marriage in 1867 to Miss Sarah A. Kirk. They have four children living Edwin B .. Russell R .. Harley H. and Annie, and one deceased, Jolin W.

DAVID RHOADES. farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton: is a son of George and Margaret (Smith) Rhoades, both natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., where they were married. They emigrated to Ohio in ISH, locating in Can- ton. where they remained about two years. subsequently settling in the northeastern corner of Lawrence Township about IS12, where their son now lives. continuing residents until their deaths. His father was drafted in the war of 1812, but on account of his family secured a substitute: he followed farming. varying the monotony of that quiet life by distilling whisky, and also running a carding- machine. All phases of pioneer life and experiences were familiar to this family. David was the fourth child of a family of seven. four of whom are now living: he was born in Lawrence Township. in 1820 and has continued a resident up to the present time. With the exception of one year at milling and two years as proprietor of the American House at Canal Fulton, he has been engaged in farming upon the old home farm. In 1849, he took a trip to California, remaining there about two years. He has 160 acres of im proved land. and has it under a high state of cultivation. He was married in 1851 to Miss Margaret Machamer. daughter of George and Katharine ( Wolfe) Machamer, carly settlers of Lake Township: her father was a native of Scotland: her mother of Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of thirteen chil- dren. nine of whom are now living. A more extended sketch of this family will appear in

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Lake Township history. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoades have the following children now living- - Emma, Sabina, Charles, Belle, Hattie, Clara, Altie, Theo., Grace and Walter.

ISAAC ROWLAND, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of Jacob Rowland, who came to Stark County in 1810, starting a mill near where the city of Canton now lies; he was also engaged in farming, and until his death interested in works of enterprise. A family of eleven children are the descendants --- David, one of the earlier settlers of Lawrence Township, where he still resides; Christina Kitzmiller, of Canton; Isaac; Susan Haines; Mary deceased; Nancy Sholter, of Jackson Township; Jacob. deceased; Barbara Firestone, Canton Township; Harriet, deceased; Katha- rine Loutzenheizer, of Canton; and Elizabeth Haines, of Jackson Township. Isaae was born near Canton, and until 26 years of age lived with his parents, engaged as an assist- ant of his father in the mill and upon the farm. In 1836, he became a resident of Law- rence Township, where he has since lived. He owns 150 aeres of improved land, to the cultivation of which he has given his entire at- tention. In 1836, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Hane, of Canton Township. Of a family of thirteen children born to them, eight are now living-Harriet, married and a resident of Michigan; Louisa Bruch, in Illi- nois; Reynolds, in this township; John, a resident of Wayne County; Daniel; Emma Prater: Esther Keifer, and lda. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland are members of the Disciples' Church.

WILLIAM ROHR, carriage-maker and blacksmith, Canal Fulton; is a son of Henry and Margaret Rohr, who came from Germany and settled in Jackson Township about 1840. The father of our subject was a mason by trade, which he followed together with farm- ing. He died in Jackson Township in 1871; the mother still resides there. William was born in Jackson Township, and is the young- est child of a family of seventeen children. He commenced to learn his trade at the age of 16 at Massillon, where he remained for four and one-half years. He then went to Carrollton and embarked in business for him- self. He only remained there a short time, however, and in March, 1881, removed to

Canal Fulton, where he has started a manu- factory, making all kinds of carriages, bug- gies, wagons, etc., and in connection has a blacksmith and general repairing shop. This shop promises, in time, to be one of the lead- ing industries of that section. Mr. Rohr was married in November, ISSO, to Miss Laura Fosnacht, of Perry Township.

C. K. REINOEHL, farmer; P. O. North Lawrence; is a son of Levi and Nancy (Bear) Reinoehl, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Lawrence Township, where they resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits until their deaths; his father's death occurring in 1861, and his mother's in 1865. The subject of this sketch, Cyrus K., is the only descendant. He was born in Lawrenee Township where he has always resided upon the old homestead farm which he inherited. It consists of 165 acres of improved land located in the central portion of the township. He was married in March, 1873, to Miss Har- riet Moek, of Wayne County. They have four children-Charles, Maude, Dade and Frank. Mr. Reinoehl is an enterprising citizen and farmer, and is also a teacher of vocal music, to which he gives his attention in the winter seasons.

ALOIS STEINER, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of John and Rosalia Fogle, natives of Alsace, France. They came to America ir. 1839, first locating in Massillon. His father was a teacher by profession, and engaged in teaching the German, English and French branches for fifteen years in that locality; his death occurred in 1853 in Law- rence Township, the mother surviving until 1878. Of a family of seven children four now survive, our subjeet being the eldest; he was born in France, but passed his youth in Stark County, receiving a good education in German and English. He began farming in 1860 in Lawrence Township, where he has been successfully engaged up to the present time, being also engaged in the manufacture of briek for seven years. He now owns 125 aeres of well-improved fertile land, conven- iently located, being only a short distance from the limits of Canal Fulton. His build- ings are superior and his land shows good practical supervision. He has served the

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township four terms as Township Trustec, and was an active member of the School Board for five years. En 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Frances Hammer, of Lawrence Township. They have eight chil- dren-Philomena, a teacher; Katharine, John, Joseph. William, Frank, Charles and Clara.

GEORGE STOVER, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton: is a native of the farm upon which he now lives in Lawrence Township. He was born in 1838, son of Samuel and Margaret Stover, and with the exception of a short res- idence in Lake Township, whither his parents removed, he has been a resident of Lawrence Township and identified with its progress and improvement all his life; assisting as well as he could for the advancement of cult- ure and civilization. He was engaged as a teacher in his earlier days- teaching winter sessions this he followed for several years. His principal occupation has been that of a husbandman, also making a specialty in breeding sheep and cattle. Mr. Stover has served as Trustee for the Children's Home, at Fairmount, Washington Township, for the past six years, and is still administering the duties of that position. He is a Mason, and one of the most liberal-minded and prominent citi- zens of the county. He was married in Jan- mary, 1869, to Miss Lonise J. Beardsley, of Akron. They have two children living -- George P. and Harry W., and one deceased, William B., who died aged eight months. Mr. Stover is the possessor of the old home- stead farm, consisting of SI acres of valuable land.

PHILIP SHEAFER, farmer; P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of John and Eve ( Wagoner) Sheafer, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married in 1818, and the same year emi- grated to Ohio, locating upon a farm now owned by Philip, where they continued to reside until their deaths. His father died in 1861, his mother in 1876; his father was a man respected and honored, serving as Town ship Trustee. They were parents of eight children - William, deceased: Michael, de- ceased: Susanna, deceased; Mary Bowman. living in Indiana: Philip, and Margaret Young, residents of Lawrence Township: John, deceased; and Maria J. Greenfield, in

Indiana. Philip is a native of the township where he was born in 1824, and has been a resident and farmer up to the present time. He owns 107 acres of superior land; as a cit- izen he ranks as one of the most respected, and has served the township as Assessor. He was married in 1851 to Miss Sarah Krevetic. of the township; she died in 1870, leaving four children - Edward H .; Emma (. Dott; Mettie F. McFarland, now a resident of Kan- sas, and Mary J., deceased. In 1872. he was united to a second wife, Mary Groff, widow , of John Groff, and by this union they have one child, Eva. They are members of the Methodist Church.

C. H. SULLIVAN, grocery and provisions, Canal Fulton: was born in Ireland in 1851. He is a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Moylan) Sullivan. They emigrated to America in 1853, and located in Chippewa Tp., Wayne Co., where they resided for some time and from there to Franklin Tp., Summit Co., where, in 1871, his father died; his mother is still living; there are seven children in the family, as follows-John, living in Summit County; Timothy, now County Treasurer of Stark County; Jeremiah J., a resident of Holmes County, and State Senator during the session of 1880; Johanna Murphy, in Canal Fulton; William, in Kansas; Ellen; and the subject of this sketch, who began his business career first as a miner for five years, then for six years working for his father upon the farm, and then to Canal Fulton where he was a clerk in his brother Timothy's grocery store for four years. In 1875, he began business for himself and is now doing a large grocery and provision trade .. He was married in 1876 to Miss Kate Marks, of Lawrence Town- ship; they have three children - Clarence, Gertrude and Oscar. Mr. Sullivan is a prom- inent citizen of Lawrence Township and is at present acting as Town Treasurer.

WILLIAM STOVER, farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton; is a son of Samuel and Margaret ( Kreichbanm) Stover, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Summit County: a more extended sketch of whom appears elsewhere. William is a native of Lawrence Township, and has remained a citizen thoreof all his life with the exception of two years. flo has

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made farming and the breeding of blooded horses his profession, and has achieved prac- tical success from his labors. In 1860, he became the owner of the farm upon which he now resides, moving upon it in 1861. He was the proprietor of the American House in Canal Fulton for two years, after which he returned to his farm. where we find him at the present writing. He has 100 acres of im- proved land. conveniently located. Mr. Sto- ver has been a progressive citizen; has served the township as Trustee four terms, as Assessor two years, and as Infirmary Director for six years. He was married, in 1861, to Miss Maggie M. Buchtel, of Jackson Township. They have two children-Clara A. and Otis G. Mr. Stover is a member of the Masonic Order at Canal Fulton.

ISAAC SANDWITH, merchant. North Lawrence; is a native of England. He came to America in 1877, and immediately located in North Lawrence, serving as clerk for John Moore until June, 1879, when he was united in marriage to Mrs. Thomas Lester, and since that time has been conducting the dry goods. grocery, hardware and general line store, which was established by Thomas Lester in 1863. Mr. Sandwith is doing the leading business in his locality and is an intelligent and respected citizen. They have one child, Clara. Thomas Lester, deceased; was for many years a prominent business man in North Lawrence: he was a native of England ; emigrating to America, he located in Lawrence Township, and in 1860 was united in mar riage to Miss Jeanette Brown. In 1863. he commenced in trade in North Lawrence, car- rying a large stock of dry goods, groceries, hardware, etc .; he continued in business, es- tablishing a large trade, until he died. in 1876. Mr. Lester was a respected citizen, and served as Postmaster for a number of years. The following children are now living: Alexander. Maggie J., Jennie and Cora.

SAMUEL SWIGART, farmer: P. O. Canal Fulton: is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Pfeiffer) Swigart, who came from Pennsyl- vania to Stark County about 1822, locating near Canton, where they remained about two years, and then became residents of Lawrence Township, settling on a tract now owned by

their son, where they remained until their deaths. They had a family of twelve children, six of whom are now living. Samuel was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1814, and, since the removal of his parents to Lawrence Township, has been a resident of the old homestead farm, engaged in agricultural pur- suits; he has now 240 acres of fine land, well improved and cultivated. He was married, in 1840, to Miss Ann Grubb, also a native of Pennsylvania, and has now six children living -- Isaiah, married in February, 1866, to Miss Sarah Diehl, now living in Summit County; La Fayette, married in December. 1865, to Miss Frank Sisler, of Manchester, now living in Lawrence Township; Samuel L. and Fran- cis, at home: Emma, now Mrs. Stump, in Sum- init County ; and Saloma, at home. Mr. Swi- gart is one of the practical farmers and re- spected citizens of Stark County.

JAMES STERLING, lawyer and Notary Public, Canal Fulton: is a native of Holmes Co., Ohio, where he was born in 1849; his early days were passed upon a farm until he attained the age of 15, receiving a common- school education; he then attended for two terms a select school, and at the age of 16 commenced to teach, continuing at that voca- tion for five years; at the age of 21, he joined the North Ohio Conference of the M. E. Church, and for three and a half years was an itinerart minister, his first charge being Canal Fulton. In 1875, he began the study of law with W. G. Myers, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in 1877, since which time he has been prac- ticing that profession in Canal Fulton: he also represents several leading fire insurance com- panies. Mr. Sterling is one of the leading citizens of Canal Fulton in point of public spirit, and is acquiring an extensive practice; he has served as Mayor two terms, and as Jus- tice of the Peace one term; was married, in May, 1871, to Miss Kate Taggart, of Dalton, daughter of Dr. T. M. Taggart: they have two children-Merrill and Willie.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 138

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