History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 153

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 153

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PARIS TOWNSHIP.

871

Sarah J., Mrs. S. Kline; Samantha E., Mrs. are German Baptists. Mr. Myers has been a Democrat in polit'es, casting his first vote for James K. Polk. He has been honored as Trustee of the Tp., an | committee-man to various conventions.

ISRAEL METZ, farmer ; P. O. New Franklin; was born in Paris Tp., Jan. 24, 1824, son of Joseph anl Rebecca (Crown- becker Motz. The former a native of Penn- sylvania, the latter of Maryland. Israel was engage l upor the farm until he arrived at his majority, receiving a common school edu- cation from the district schools. In 1846 he b came an owner of real estate, purchasing 80 acres in Pari: Tp., the paternal homestead, and remained upon the same until 1864, when he sud, and purchased his present beautifully situated farm of 160 acres in Sec- tion 2, of Paris Tp. Mi. Metz has not only conducted farming successfully but has been a wool-grower, keeping a flock of over 100 sheep. Der. 24, 1848, Mr. M tz and Miss Lucy Freel, w. re married, and of this union, there is a family of six children-Harriet, Lotta, Mrs. I. Mong; Anna M., wife of Mr. L. Davis; John S. at home, farmer; Emma and Ettie B., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Metz are mem' ers of the Christian Church at Mi- nerva. In politics he has been a loyal sup- porter of the Republican faith since the late rebellion. He has always held himself aloof from politics, and reaps the fruits of mind- ing his own business, and is enjoying a well regulated home and farm in the N. E. part of the Township.

VALENTINE MONG, farmer; P. O. Paris; was born Ma: 21, 1828, in Bavaria, Germany; a son of Nicholas and Catharine (Steine) Mong, who sailed for the United States in 1835, and located in Stark Co., Paris Tp., where Valentine attended the common school, and finished his education in the C'an- ton schools. In Is58 he began farming for himself, when he bought a farm of 110 acres, in Sec. 30, of Paris Tp. In 1807 be pur- chased AS acres in Sections 9 and 10. In 1874 he added to his present homestead 30 acres' which he improved in 1817 with a fine resi- dence and handsome farm buildings. In con- nection with his farming he has been a wool- grower, and keeps a well selected herd of $5 to 100 head. Mr. Mong was elected Trustee of

Stark Co. Agricultural Society in 1878. In politics Mr. Mong is a Democrat, being a strong supporter of the Union during the war. Ile has been honored with the office of Town- ship Trustee for fourteen years, and elected to represent the township at various county and district conventions. Mr. Mong was married in March, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Geszner, a native of Philadelphia; from which union has resulted the following chi Iren-George IL., farmer, of Paris Tp .; John V., farmer; Maria, now Mrs. William Sh tzley, of Paris; Emma, wife of Mr. George Klutz, of Carrol, Ellen and Clara, minors, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Mong are members of the Lutheran Church at Paris, ().

DAVID MYERS, farmer; P. O. Minerva; was born in Frank In Co., Pa., April 16, 1830; son of John S., an 1 Catharine (Beam) Myers, natives of Franklin Co., Pa. His parents mov- ed to Stark Co. when David was in his Itli year, and remained upon the farm until 20 years of age, when he began the carpenter's trade, which he has since so successfully followed. Mr. Myers purchased his present home in 1864, a farm of 80 acres. During his career as a carpenter in has built and assist- ed in building many of the dwelling and pub- lic buildings of Paris Tp. Mr. Myers was married May 22, 1851, to Miss Caroline Eys- ter of Paris Tp .; her parents wore William and Juliana (Ilinkle) Eyster. The latter was born in York Co., Pa., Oct. 28, 1228, having been a resident of Paris Tp. for fifty-four years. She is living with her daughter Mrs. David Myers, in good health with her second eye-sight, and entting her third set of teeth. Mr. Myers has a family of seven sons-Ephraim E., farmer, of Indiana; Jeremiah E., farmer, of Columbiana Co .; Iliram E., carpenter, of Stark Co .; Sylvanus E., machinist and money broker; Ellsworth E., John W. E., and Harvey E., all minors at home. Mr. Myers is a member of the German Baptist Church, Mrs. Myers, of the- Lutheran. In politics Mr. Myers votes with the Democrat party. Ilis trade and social qualities have made him widely known in this and adjoining townships. Mr. Myers has improved his homestead and surrounded him- self with many of the comforts of life, so that his last days may be his most enjoyable.

JACOB MATZ, hotel-keeper; Paris. Mr. Matz was born on the 4th day of January,

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A. D. 1829, in Germany. He was a son of Jacob, Sr., and Elizabeth (Wingerd) Matz. The subject of this sketch was brought to America when he was 8 years of age. His father located in Paris Tp., and Jacob, Jr. remained with his father until his 19th vear, when he married Eliza Shidler, of Paris Tp. Mr. Matz purchased 80 acres of land in this Township, on which he spent the first seventeen years of married life. He owns 260 acres of land, and the American Hotel in Paris, which he is now running. He was the father of eleven children, seven of whom still survive, four are married, leaving three in the family circle. Mr. Matz is a Democrat in politics, and in religion he and his companion adhere to the creed of the Reformed Church.

JOHN NUMAN, dry goods merchant, Minerva; was born Sept. 18, 1838. His lineage is preserved for four generations. His parents were John and Catharine (Fryfo- gle) Numan. His grandsire was Henry, of Pennsylvania ; his great-grandfather, Peter, was a native of England, a descendant of Walter Numan. Several branches of this family will be noticed in other townships of this work. The subject of this sketch was raised upon the farm until his 15th year, when ! he engaged himself to Jolin F. Reynolds, of Canton, as clerk, for one year. After return- ing to the farm for one year, he removed to Loudonville, O., working in a store for a short period, when he hired to a firm in Osnaburg for about a year. In 1857 he took an irregu- lar course at Mt. Union College ; on his re- turn, engaged himself to Holwick at Osna- burg for one year. Having again returned to the farm, he was united in the holy ties of wedlock to Miss Lovina Dangler, of Osna- burg. Mr. Numan is blest with a family of eleven children-the eldest, C. H. Numan, be- ing engaged in business with his father; Flor- ence is the wife of W. M. Morehead ; the others are minors, still at home. Willie G. and an infant are deceased. In 1861 he re- moved to Minerva, and acted as salesman for H. A. Foster for four years. Mr. Numan was one of the volunteers under Col. Ball, being promoted to the position of Sergeant-Major of the regiment. Returned and engaged in the livery business at Minerva for one year, after which he engaged in th > shoe business with Joseph Morehead. In 1866 he purchased the

entire interest, which he retained until 1869. After selling goods for J. F. Yingling for a short time, he formed a partnership with Davis in the dry goods business. In 1871 he pur- chased the entire interest, which store he has conducted with success, and is doing the lead- ing business in that line at present. In politics Mr. Numan is a well-informed and enthusi- astic Republican, having been honored by his party as delegate to State and district conven- tions at various times. Of the minor positions he holds may be mentioned: member of School Board and Town Council, and Director and Vice President of the Minerva Union Agri- cultural Association. He is a member of Ma- sonic Lodge No. 235, and Minerva Chapter, R. A. M.

SAMUEL OYSTER, retired farmer; P. O. Paris. On the 15th day of April, A. D., 1817, while living in Columbiana Co., O., Samuel, Sr., and Barbara (Keller) Oyster, of German nationality, were gratified by the birth of a son, whom they named Samuel. When he was 9 years of age his parents re- moved to Mahoning Co. There Mr. Oyster lived with his father until he grew up into manhood. Then he took unto himself a wife, the lady being Catharine Landes, of Mahon- ing Co. Mr. Oyster then began clearing his

father's forest, which resulted in the clearing of 50 acres of land, on which he had erected a rude log cabin. After having been sheltered hy this cabin fifteen years, he sold his land and moved to Stark Co. He bought 160 acres of land in Paris Tp., on which he lived eight- een years. He then purchased property in Paris and retired from labor. Mr. Oyster also owns a farm of 103 acres in Tennessee. He was the father of ten children, one of whom is dead, six are married, and two are living at home. Eli is in Kansas, and has re- cently purchased some land. Mr. Oyster is a firm Republican.

WILLARD PENNOCK, of Pennock Brothers, railroad-car manufacturers; Minerva. The village of Minerva had been in rather a dormant state for many years, until a few men of enterprise and skill took advantage of her many resources, and cheap rents, and started, in the year 1879, the business "boom " that has given it a stir worthy of a young city. The leaders of this new impetus were the Pennock Brothers, manufacturers of railroad

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ears. This firm opened up business in Feb- ruary, 1844, at the corner of Walnut and Mill streets, as manufacturers of agricultural implements. After a successful career of five years, they ventured their capital in establishing more extensive works, and in 1879, they began the manufacture of freight ears, with a capital of $15,000. The demand bas grown faster than their capacity to supply, although the firm did a business of $163,000 in the year ending April 1, 1881, which did not supply the demand. Not only are they running their foundry to its fullest capacity, but the amount of unfilled orders warrants the erecting of new shops, that will be com- pleted by the middle of the summer of 1881, increasing the force to twice its present strength, which is at present forty mechanics. The difference in rents and board renders it twenty per cent more profitable to laborers in comparison with neighboring eities, at the same terms per month. The firm is composed of I. N. and Williard Pennoek, both born in Carroll Co. Williard was born July 21, 1853; son of Joel and Charlotte (Van Horn) Pen- noek. Ile labored upon the farm until his 16th year, when he began clerking in the village of Minerva, in the hardware business, attending in winters the village schools. In the year 1872-3 he prospeeted in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and returned to Minerva and formed the above partnership with his brother. In polities he is, and has always been a Republican, easting his first ballot for Gen. U. S. Grant. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 225, Minerva.

THOMAS J. ROACH, furniture finisher; Minerva ; was born in Stark Co., Paris Tp., Aug. 18, 1837, son of Samuel and Mary (Biler) Roach. Thomas spent his boyhood at farm labor and in attendance at the district schools until his 18th year, when he began the trade of carpent ring at Canton. In 1859 he removed to Minerva, where he took a special course at school for one year. The following year was spent in completing his trade under MeDowell, the leading cabinet- maker of Minerva. In 1861 ho enlisted under Col. Ball and Capt. Davis, in the 162a O. N. G. After the service, he returned and engaged with O. J. Pitney. In the years 1866-7-8 he conducted his business at Mal-

vern, since which time he has been engaged under Cap. Yost in furniture manufacturing. In politics he is a Republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Roach has held many minor complimentary positions and some official. In the spring of 1880, he was elected Mayor of the city. ITe has been a member of the Town Couneil for 3 years. Mr. Roach was married in 1860, to Miss Lu- cinda Stein of Paris Tp. This union is blest with a family of four children, three living- Jason B., John C. and Frank. In religion Mr. and Mrs. Roach are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Roach is a temperance man and a strong advocate of rigid legislation against the traffic of liquor, or any other measures to stamp it irrevocably from existence.

A. M. SPELMAN, hotel and livery; Min- erva; was born in Portage Co., June 5, 1843. Ilis parents were M. F. and Mary A (Reed) Spelinan, natives of Connecticut. Mr. Spel- man remained on the farm until his 18th year, when he entered the service under Capt. Baird as Sergeant of Company I, 104th O. V. I., participating in 211 engagements and skirmishes, among which was the Georgia Cam- paign as far as Atlanta, during which campaign he received a slight wound from an enemy's ball upon his right thigh, accomplishing its deadly mission by piercing the vitals of a comrade, standing by his side. After his return under Gen. Thomas, he shared in the sanguinary contest, at Franklin, Tenn., in which their captain was slain, and a great number of privates. They then fell back to Nashville, following the enemy to the Tennessee River, and went to Cincinnati by water, and from thence to Washington D. C. From the capital the regiment was sent to Wilmington, N. C., and Mr. Spelman being sick, joined the troops at Newbern, N. C. After the surrender of Gen. Johnston they returned to Cleveland, and were mustered out of the service, when he returned to his Portage Co. farm, and engaged in dealing in live stock, making horse-shipping and raising a specialty. Among the steeds of local and State notoriety that he has owned, are " Maggie Smith," with a 2:35 record; " David Cro ke t," in the 2:23 class; " Mambrino Clay," which won first money and sweep-stakes at Northern Ohio State Fairs for two successive years; " Fire Clay," with a record of 2:42; " Mambrino

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Clay, Jr.," owned by Mr. Spelman at present, a four-year-old, in 2:52 class; entered on the Indiana and Michigan circuits for the season of 1881. Mr. Spelman purchased the Unkefer House at Minerva in 1880. His long associa- tion with the publie, and fine social qualities, together with a well regulated house, have already placed him at the head in this line of business at Minerva. He is also lessee of the Minerva Union Fair Grounds for 1880-81. Mr. and Mrs. Spelman are members of the Con- gregational Church. There is a family of two children- - Dwight, in his 14th year, and Herbert, in his 5th year.

JAMES SLENTZ, wagon-maker and far- mer; P. O. New Franklin; was born in Adams Co., Penn., Dec. 11, 1821; son of Jacob and Nancy (Carr) Slentz. His father was a na- tive of Pennsylvania; his mother of the city of Baltimore, Md. Mr. Jacob Slentz moved to Richland Co., O., in 1823; afterward re- turned to Columbiana Co., and again, in the summer of 1840, he removed to New Frank- lin, Stark Co. To them were born a family of seven children. The subject of this sketch labored on the farm until his 16th year, when he learned the wagon-making trade of his father. When he was 22 years of age he set up shop for himself in Columbiana Co., where he continued his trade for twelve years. In 1855 he returned to Stark, and paid at- tention to manufacturing grain-eradles, which he has since worked at in New Franklin, cul- tivating his farm at the east end of the village at the same time. Jan. 5, 1843, he was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Snider, of Paris Tp. Of this union there were seven children, six living-Ehner F., Colorado; Albert O., fore- man of wood department of Russell shops, Canton, O .; Orville L., at home, manufactur- ing grain-cradles; Parmelia, now Mrs. En- sign, of Columbiana Co .; Mrs. Ruth R. Riley, at Paris, and Mrs. Nancy K. More, of Paris Tp. In politics Mr. Slentz is a Democrat, being repeatedly elected Justice of the Peace of Paris Tp. Since 1864 Mr. Slentz has fre- quently represented his township in the vari- ous county and district conventions during the last few years.

ANDREW S. SUTTON, farmer and wool- grower; P. O. Minerva; was born in Jeffer- son Co., Ross Tp., March, 1848; son of Wil- iam and Rebecca (Shane) Sutton, natives of

New Jersey, and residents for several years of Virginia. The subject of this sketch was raised upon the farm and received his educa- tion from the district school. In his business education he had an excellent tutor; his father who has been one of the successful accumu- lators of wealth, in the wool-growing and cat- tle trade of Jefferson Co. In 1876, Andrew removed to Stark Co., and purchased 200 acres in Section 24, a tract of land well adapt- ed by nature to his special line of business, having both bottom and upland pasturage, watered with nine perennial springs. Mr. Sutton keeps a drove of 200 to 225 sheep, Merino being his principal breed ; of other stock he usually winters fifteen to twenty head of market eattle, buying and selling in the sum- mer season. Mr. Sutton was married Oct. 2, 1886, to Miss Eliza A. Wallace, of Jefferson Co. They have two children-Henry, 4 years, and Mary, 2 years. In polities he was raised and remains a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton are members of the Presby- terian Church, at Minerva, he holding the position of Trustee at present. Among the younger business men of this part of Stark, Mr. Sutton hohls a high rank for his liberal and upright dealings and stirring business qualities.

NICHOLAS STONEHILL, farmer; P. O. Robertsville; was born April 4, 1834, son of Solomon and Catharine (Miller) Stonehill. Solomon moved to Stark Co., in company with his father, Godfrey Stonehill, a native of Hamburg, Germany, about 1812, and located in Stark Co., Osnaburg Tp .; afterward moved to northwest part of Wayne Co., and there finished his days. Solomon purchased the present homestead of Nicholas, in 1816, of McEntaffer-the interior of Sections 19 and 20. Solomon was engaged in farming and blacksmithing until his death in 1841. Dur- ing the early manhood of Nicholas, he ap- plied himself to studies, and was fitted to teach, an oceupation he afterward followed for five terms. At the death of his father he and his brother John purchased the shares of the remaining four heirs, and have continued farming the same in partnership ever since. John being yet single lives with his brother Nicholas. In 1860 he added 23 aeres, making a farm of 150 aeres. Mr. Stonehill has been a dealer in live stock, making wool-growing

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PARIS TOWNSHIP.

at one time a specialty. In 1863 he was uni- ted in wedlock to Miss Eliza Keith. The marriage has been blest with five children, two still living, Ettie and John W., both at home. In politics Mr. Stonehill is a Republican. In 1879, he was elected Justice of the Peace over a Democratic candidate in a Democratie pre- cinet by 76 majority. Mr. Stonehill is a well read farmer, and few have the reputation among their neighbors for equal fair dealing, and general information on the topics of the day. He is a non-professor in religion, and liberal in his views.

DAVID B. SHERWOOD, editor, Minerva MMonitor, Minerva; was born in Wayne Co., Penn., Oct. 14, 1840. He remained upon the farm until his 12th year, at which time he be- came a " devil " in a printing office. In 1871 he removed to Illinois and continued at his pro- fession for nine years. In the Spring of 1881 he opened an office in the stirring village of Minerva, and called into existence the Minerva Monitor, an eight column folio, with a circula- tion of 500 to start with. The paper so far pub- lished has been complimented by its patrons on every hand, and bids fair to have a long lease of life. Mr. Sherwood is a member of the A. U. W. Lodge, and is independent in politics.

JACOB SCHMACHTENBERGER, farm- er; P. O. Minerva. The subject of this sketch, and whose portrait appears in this history as a representive of the pioneers of Paris Tp .; was born in Canton Tp., Stark Co. Aug. 3, 1819, and is the son of Adolph and Margaret (Rupert) Sehmachtenberger. His grandfather, Adam, was one of seven brothers that figured quite prominently as soldiers in the American Army, during the Revolution. The father of Mr. S. was a native of Mary- land, but moved to Ohio in 1806, and settled near Osnaburg, Stark Co. He subsequently removed to Canton Tp., where he resided for twenty-two years. His mother is still living, aged 89 years. Jacob remained a resi- dent of Canton Tp. until 184), and then went to Paris Tp., where he has since resid- ed. In 1849, he purchased what is now the old home farm, just north of the village of Minerva; to this he added different purchases from time to time, until he now owns a fine property of well cultivated and valuable farm land of 181 acres, with two other farms not adjoining, as well as property purchas-

ed in Minerva, in 1868. His careful manage- ment, steady habits and good financiering have won the respect and confidence of the com- munity in which he lives. As a result, many positions of public trust have been given him. He is now serving Fis twenty-ninth year as Justice of the Peace; for six years he has held the office of Assessor, and is also at pres- ent President of he School Board of Minerva Union School, and has acted as such for the last eight years. In the latter office he has shown his excellent financiering by extricating the city from a long impending debt of $7,500, and leaving the corporation free from all debt, and in possession of a fine brick Union School building. Politically he is a Democrat, and has had the honor of representing his party in various state and district conventions. Mr. Schmach enberger has given his atten- tion principally to agriculture and wool-grow- ing, though he also owns a saw-mill, and has bought, sold, and handled a large quantity of lumber. He was married in 1840 to Miss Elizabeth Myers; six children have been born to them, two only of whom are living-David, a resident of Minerva, and engaged in farm- ing, and Alvin, who still resides with his parents. Mrs. Schmachtenberger is a mem- ber of the Dunkard, and he of the Lutheran Church. Whatever his position in the com- munity as a man of honor and ability may be, it has been gained by his own careful con- duct, and always adhering to the principles of right and honesty. He now has, as the result of his frugality and industry, a fine property and a pleasant home, but best of all, he has builded for Himself a name and repu- tation, that will ever be remembered with pride by his friends and family.

DR. H. H. SHAFER, physician; Roberts- ville; was born in Osnaburg Tp., Stark Co., Nov. 20, 1852; son of John and Mary A. (Roos) Shafer; his father was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa. Ilis grandfather Fredric was a native of Germany. The Doctor's mother is still living, having her home in Sandy Tp. He attended the district schools, after which he taught a short time and en- tered the Canton Academy. In 1875 he en- tered Hiram College and prosecuted studies preparatory to his medical course, which fitted him to enter the Starling Medieal College of Columbus, O., where he completed a course

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in allopathy. In 1876-7-8-9 he remained in the office of Drs. B. A., and J. Whiteleather, of Osnaburg. In 1880, he opened up an office and began practice at Magnolia, where in the face of strong competition, he established a lucrative practice. In the Spring of 1881 he located in Robertsville, near his old home and is the only resident physician; he has in the short time already established confidence among his neighbors and patrons of that por- tion of Paris and Osnaburg Tp. Sept. 4, 189, he was married to Miss Angia Reed, a daughter of George Reed, of Osnaburg. The union was made happy by one child, a boy- Charley S., yet an infant. Mrs. Shafer died Jan. 25, 1881.

WALTER R. WALKER, stone-mason, Minerva; born on the Battle-ground of Bran- dywine, Chester Co., Penn., Oct. 12, 1810; son of Jacob and Rachel (Craig) Walker, na- tives of Pennsylvania. His grand-father was John Walker, native of Ireland. Mr. Walker moved to Ohio in 1833. He located in Paris Tp., Sec. 24, and purchased 60 acres. At 19 years of age, Mr. Walker began the mason's trade in Pennsylvania, farming a limited amount until his trade engaged a great deal of his attention. In 1847 he purchased 53 acres. In 1851 he added 40 acres more. To illus- trate the endurance and energy of the subject of this sketch, it may be recorded that he inade an overland trip on foot to Philadelphia, Reading and other eastern cities, but in the later days he has enjoyed this route by rail. Mr. Walker has not only improved the neigh- boring farms with buildings and stonework, but has left a standing monument of his skill, by putting himself up a durable stone residence, the most capacious stone dwelling in southern Stark Co. St. Valentine's day 1838, was ap- propriately celebrated by the union of Mr. Walter Walker and Miss Evalina Edwards. Of this union there were six children --- Anna, Mrs. Thos. Newcomer, of Stark Co .; William, farmer and carpenter, Columbiana Co .; Hiram, farmer and saw-mill, Columbiana Co .; Lewis, running saw-mill in Columbiana Co .; Walter, farmer at home; Evalina, Mrs. John Lucas. Mrs. Evalina Walker died Sept. 23, 1871. Mr. Walker was re-married to Lydia Orr, March 13, 1873, no issue. In politics he was an "old line Whig," and a Republican since the birth of the party.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 153

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