History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 156

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

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

surviving him until 1856. In 1820 James joined in the organization of the Farmers' Bank, of Canton, in which he is a stockholder, and one of the directors. His son, Thomas C., has been cashier of this bank since 1874. In 1835, he was married to Lliza, daughter of Michael Hildenbrand, of Jackson Tp., who was prominent among the early pioneers of the county. Mrs. McDowell's death occurred in 1867, in her 55th year. Mr. McDowell still resides on the old home farm, which long years of pride and good management have made a beautiful country home, and in which he is peacefully and contentedly enjoy- ing the fruits of his early economy and in- dustry. came to Stark Co. with his parents; he was then a lad of about 11 years of age. At 14 he was employed as assistant shepherd by W. R. Dickinson, one of the most successful stock- raisers in Northern Ohio. This occupation prevented his attending school, and to im- prove the time he carried books and papers with him and spent his spare moments in study. He soon picked up a thorough and prac- tical knowledge of sheep-raising, which, in af- ter years proved of great advantage to him, and has been largely conducive to his success. Proving himself to be worthy of confidence, he was soon given the care of a large flock, and for fourteen years from the time of his engage- JACOB S. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Cairo; is a son of Henry and Julia A. Miller, who were natives of Lancaster Co., Pa., and eamie to Stark Co. in 1820, and settled on a farm in Lake Tp., where Mr. Miller was engaged in farming and working at his trade, it being that of a stone-mason. After remaining in Lake Tp. ten years, he removed to Portage Co., where he died. He was twice married; his widow lived until 1877. Jacob S., our subject, was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., O., in 1840. IIe obtained a common school edu- cation, and when 15 years of age began learn- ing the carpenter's trade, working at the same for five years, after which he went to farming, and has been engaged in farming up to the present time. In 1880 he erected a saw-mill on his farm, and has been engaged in sawing in connection with farming. In 1860 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of J. H. Bair, of Plain Tp., and from that mar- riage there were ten children, all of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the German Reformed Church. ment as assistant shepherd, he remained in the business, in the employ of Mr. W. R. Dickinson, and Mr. Adam Hildenbrand. During this time he had accumulated some capital, and in 1836 bought 320 acres of land in Jackson Tp., Stark Co., selling the same six months after at an advance of $2,700. He then bought 160 acres of the farm where he now resides, and soon after added to it 200 acres more, the whole of which now comprises one of the finest improved places in Plain Tp. The stock of sheep owned by Mr. W. R. Dickinson, were of the original Spanish im- portation, made by Col. Humphrey in 1802. When Mr. Adam Hildenbrand became owner of these flocks, Mr. McDowell took charge of them for him, and when he quit the employ of Mr. Hildenbrand, he purchased and placed upon his new farm some of the finest pure bloods of the flock; and though since then he has usually kept a flock of from four to five hundred head, his aim and object has been to keep fine, pure-blooded stock rather than an extensive flock of an inferior bree d. His SOLOMON M. MILLER, distiller; P. O. Cairo; is a son of Abraham Miller, who was a native of Huntington Co., Pa., where he was engaged in farming. In 1812 he came to Ohio, and settled in Plain Tp., on 160 acres of land. He was one of the first officers of Plain Tp. He continued farming up to the time of his death. Solomon, our subject, was born in Plain Tp., Sept. 23, 1822. He lived at home on the farm until he was 25 years of age. He then took charge of his father's farm, and four years after he bought 80 acres, where he has lived ever since. In 1850 he engaged in name and reputation as a breeder of fine sheep is the best proof of his success. He took an early and active part in political affairs, espousing the cause of the Republican party upon its organization; he has remained firm in adhering to the principles of his faith. He early took an active part in the advancement of the schools of Plain Tp., and their success in later years has well repaid his efforts, not only in the advantages derived by his own children, but in the satisfaction of having aid- ed in placing Plain Tp., among the first in the county in her school system. In 1874 he | the distilling business, and has been engaged

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in the same up to the present time. He has been very successful in his business pursuits. He now owns 180 acres of valuable land, and the Summer Hotel at Congress Lake. In 184; he was married to Eliza Bishop, of Lake Tp., who died in 1863, leaving three child- ron, viz :- L. Artilda, wife of William Wise; Jemima, wife of George Lamberson, of Sum- mit Co., and Nathaniel, at home. In 1822 ho married llettie, the widow of John Gebble, of Plain Tp.

J. S. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Cairo ; is a son of Henry and Julia A. Miller, who were natives of Lancaster Co., Pa., where Henry worked at the stone-mason's trade. In the year 1820 he came to Ohio, settling on a small farm in Plain Tp., this Co., where he lived ten years, then removing to Lake Tp., where he remained about the same length of time. He then removed to Randolph, Portage Co., where he died at the age of 54 years. He was twice married, J. S. being the third in a fam- ily of five children, born of the last marriage. Our subject was born in Lake Tp., Stark ('o., April 10, 1840; his childhood was spent on the farm, where he received a common school ed- ucation, and at the age of 15 years was ap- prenticed to the carpenter's trade, and worked five years at the same after serving his appren- ticeship. In 1869 he purchased a farm of 10 acres, where he had lived for several years pre- vious to the purchase. Mr. Miller has been engaged in the saw -:. ill business, and had fol- lowed threshing for twenty years. In 1860 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of J. H. Bair. From that marriage there have been ten children born, all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the German Reformed Church.

CHARLES MARTIN, rope-maker and far- mer; P. O. Canton; is a son of George and Cath- arine (Kroft) Martin, who were natives of Lan- caster Co., Pa., where George was engaged in rope-making up to the time of his death. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving manfully throughout the war. Ile died in 1824, aged 60 years; his widow survived him several years. They were the parents of eight children, Charles, our subject being the youngest. He was born in Lancaster l'o., Pa., July 20, 1823. He lived with his wid- owed mother until he was 10 years olI; he then left home for the purpose of learning the

printer's trade, at which he worked a short time, and then learned the rope-maker's trade, and has worked at the same ever since in Stark Co., as his mother moved here in 1831. lle has been very successful at his trade, and has accumulated a handsome recompense for his diligent working. In 1822 he bought and settled on 83 acres of valuable land two miles north of Canton, and has remained there ever since. In 184 t he was united in marriage to Delilah, daughter of John Smith, of Stark Co. From that marriage there have been five children, two of whom are living- William and Mary. Mr. Martin has always been iden- tified with the Democratic party.

WILLIAM J. MATHIE, farmer ; P. O. New Berlin. Peter and Susan Mathie, the parents of our subject, were natives of Paris, France, and came to Stark Co., O., at an early day. Upon their arrival in Stark Co., they purchased a farm in Plain Tp., and there lived until 1853, removing at that time to Lawrence Tp., this county, where they settled on a farm, and there remained until he died. Ilis father was one of the soldiers of the great Napoleon, and fought in the battles in which Napoleon figured so conspicuously. William J., our subjeet, was born in Stark Co., O., Jan. 31, 1841, his youth being spent on the farm, where he remained until he was 24 years of age, when he left home and began life for himself, first engaging in farming and thresh- ing, which he followed for several years. In 1873 he purchased 108 acres of well improved land, where he still resides. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Eliza Hershey, a native of Pennsylvania. From that union there have been born seven children, three of whom are living, viz .: Enos, Clara and Eva G .; Olivia, Jesse, Emma and Viola, are the names of the ones deceased. Mr. Mathie is a Democrat, and has held many offices of trust with the best of satisfaction.

M. T. MEYER, farmer ; P. O. Canton ; is a son of Judge S. Meyer, of Canton, whose sketch appears in this work. Our subject was born in Canton in April, 1842 ; he received his education in the Union schools of that city and Bacon's Own reial College. In April, 1861, he enEste l in Co. F, 4th Regi- ment, O. V. I., as a private, and in October of the same year he was promoted to First Lieutenant of Co. 1, 64th Regiment, O. V. I.,

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by Gov. Dennison, holding that position for two years, and was in many fierce engage- inents. He resigned his commission and re- turned home, and worked for five years in the Aultman, Miller & Co. works of that city. In 1842 he settled on a farm of 108 acres, where he now resides. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Lucinda, daughter of William Williams, of Canton, and from that marriage there have been born three children. Mr. Meyer has always been identified with the Republican party.

OBED OBERLIN, farmer; P. O. Middle Branch; is a son of John and Susan (Sharp) Oberlin, who were natives of Lancaster Co., Pa., where they were engaged in farming. Obed was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1828, where he spent his childhood, receiving a common school education, and in 1853 came to Ohio, settling on a farm in Plain Tp., and after running this farin a few years, he re- moved to Green Tp., Summit Co., and there remained three years. He returned to Plain Tp., and purchased the Grist mill known as the Centre Mill, and for nine years he was engaged in the milling business. In 1866 he bought and settled on a farm of 150 acres, where he still lives. In 1850 he married Cath- arine Smith, who bore him eleven children. Mr. and Mrs. Oberlin are members of the Luth- eran Church. In polities he is a Republican, and has always voted the Republican ticket.

ANDREW PONTIUS, farmer; P. O. Can- ton; whose portrait appears in this history as a representative of Plain Tp.'s leading citi- zens, is a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Essig) Pontius, who were natives of the Keystone State. Jacob was born in Union Co., and in 1816 he came to Stark Co., with his parents, who settled in Plain Tp. He obtained his ed- ucation in the common schools, and was en- gaged in farming up to the time of his death. His widow survives him, and is living with her son, Andrew Pontius, in Plain Tp. They were the parents of three children, our subject being the second. He was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Aug. 22, 1829. At the age of 3 years his father died, and his early train- ing and education was dependent on his mother and grandfather. Ile lived with the latter until he was 20 years of age, and one year later he settled on a farm, where he lived until 1881, when he purchased the Monnin

farm, now known by the name of Mt. Ver- non farm, which he has improved extensively since the purchase. Mr. Pontius is a man who by honesty and integrity has become one of Stark Co.'s foremost men. He was Deputy Treasurer of the County for several years; President of the Agricultural Society for 4 years, and much of the prosperity of the so- ciety is due to his energy and push. . He has also been Justice of the Peace for 15 years. In 1850 he was united in marriage to Sarah J. Cor- rell of Plain Tp. From that marriage there has been seven children, as follows: Lorin W., Jackson W., Glancy C., Lucy M., Chas. A., Willie J., and Rebecca E. Mr. and Mrs. Pontius are consistent members of the Luther- an Church.

JOHN PONTIUS, farmer, P. O. Canton. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait ap- pears in this work as a repres ntative of Plain Tp., was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in August, 1827, and is the oldest of a family of three children, born to Jacob and Rebecca (Essig) Pontius, who were natives of the State of Pennsylvania, and settled in Plain Tp. while it was a wilderness. Jacob, who was the youngest of a family of four children born to Frederick and Margaret Pontius, came to Plain Tp. in 1816; his life was that of a farmer, and he underwent many hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He was married to Rebecca Essig in 1825, and died in 1833 at the age of 30 years; his widow still survives him and is living with her son, Andrew Pontius. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm where he remained until he was married. He received a com- mon school education and farmed the old homestead for one year, then purchased the 143 acres he now lives on and has remained there since. In 1880 he purchased 80 acres of land of the Connotton Ry. Co., situated on the railroad in the northeastern part of the township, and at once commenced dividing it into village lots. It was given the name of Middle Branch, the post office being removed there from the place where it was located for many years. During this short period Mr. Pontius has been the cause of its rapid building up and settlement. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Elmira, daughter of IIenry Firestone; from that marriage there has been three child: en.

PLAIN TOWNSHIP.

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PETER PIERSON, merchant; New Ber- lin; is a son of Peter and Catharine Pierson, who were natives of the province of High Rline, France, and came to America in 1828, and settled in Jackson Tp. Previous to com- ing to this country, the father of our subject followed the trade of a weaver. He served under Napoleon in the fiercest of his battles in Spain and Germany. He settled on 100 aeres of land in Jackson Tp., where he lived until 1852, when he was removed by death from the midst of many friends. He loved his adopted country and its institutions; he was an honest, upright citizen, a kind husband and a loving father, and by his death a true Christian man was removed, at the age of 69 years. Peter Pierson, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was born in France, February, 1818. At the age of 10 years he came to Ohio with his parents, and remained at home on the farm until he was 30 years of age, when he, in company with his brother, erected a small brewery on their father's farm, and was engaged in the brewing business for two years. They lost all by fire, and soon after re-built and conducted the business until 1849 or 1850, when he came to New Berlin, and en- gaged in the mercantile business, being en- gaged in the same up to the present time. In 1880, he in company with his son Joseph l'ierson, established a lumber trade, and is engaged in the same at present. In 1847, he was united in marriage to Catharine Donz, who bore him four children, as follows :- Peter L., Joseph A., Mary, wife of Urias Ream, and Edward H. Mr. and Mrs. Pier- son are devout members of the Catholic Church. The second son, Joseph A., was in 1878 appointed to take charge of one of the wards in the Insane Asylum at Newburgh; after remaining there about one and one-half years he resigned his position. Soon after his return home he was engaged by the officers of the Longview Asylum at Cincinnati; after remaining there a short time he was promot- ed to another position, which he filled with the best of satisfaction. He resigned the posi- tion on account of ill health. He is now en- gaged in the lumber business in company with his father.

EZRA PEPPLE, farmer; P. O. New Berlin; was born near Hagerstown, Md., Aug. 8, 1810. His father, William Pepple, was a native of

the same place, where in his early manhood he worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1825 he came to Plain Tp., and lived on rented farms for several years. He then purchased a farm in Washington T'p., and there remained sov- eral years, afterward removing to New Ber- lin, and thence to Williams county, where he died. There were nine children in the fam- ily, our subject being the third. He obtained his education in the common schools. and in 1825 came to Plain Tp., with his parents, and lived with them on the farm until he was 21 years of age. He worked at the carpenter's trade for ten years, and then purchased 50 acres of land in Plain Tp., which he increased to :0 acres. In 1834 he was married to Cath- arine Wartenberger, who was a native of Stark Co. From that marriage there were two children-Lydia, wife of George Donner; and Susan, wife of Eli Shook, of Kalamazoo Co., Mich. Mr. Pepple has always voted with the Democratic party.

DANIEL PAULUS, farmer; P. O. Canton; is a son of Jacob and Annie (Brougher) Pau- lus, who were natives of the Keystone State. Jacob was a blacksmith by trade, and worked at the same in Jackson Tp., this county, un- til old age prevented him. He then worked at the gunsmith's trade for several years, and being a superior mechanic he was never idle. Hle is still living in JJackson Tp. Daniel, our subject, was born in Jackson Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Jan. 27, 1835. Ilis childhood was spent at home on the farm, where he remained until he was 24 years of age, receiving in the mean- time a common school education in the schools of Jackson Tp. In 1867 he purchased the farm he now lives on, consisting of 81 acres. Mr. Paulus is a man with a character that has made him friends. He was ordained a preach- er in the Church of Christ some years ago, and has filled his position and calling with the best of satisfaction. In 1857 he married Miss Mary A. Hoover, who bore him ten children, nine of whom are living, viz .: Amanda, An- nic, Monroe, Sarah, Ellen, Mary, Nathaniel, Jacob, and Isaac.

PETER PONTIUS, farmer; P. O. Canton; is a son of Frederick and Auna (Morget) Pontius, who were natives of Union Co., Pa., where Frederick was engaged in farming. In 1816 he came to Stark Co., settling on a farm in Marlborough Tp., of 160 acres, where he

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lived until his arath, which occurred in 1800, at the age of 86 years. Pet r, the subject of this sketch, was born in Union Co., Pa., Aug. 13, 1801. His childhood was spent at home on the farm, he obtaining a fair education in the schools of his neighborhood, and when he was 16 years of age came to Stark Co. with his parents. He lived at home until he was 28 years of age, and then settled on the farm he now lives upon, and has remained there ever since. Mr. Pontius has accumulated a handsome fortune by his industry and eco- nomical habits. In 1828 he was united in marriage to Catharine Essig, who bore him seven children, of whom the following are living, viz: Emanuel; Maria, now Mrs. Dan- iel Betler, of Portage Co., and Andrew. Mr. and Mrs. Pontins are members of the Presby- terian Church, and are highly respected by their neighbors and acquaintances for their charitable disposition.

GEORGE PHILLIPS, farmer; P. O. Mid- dle Branch; is a son of JJacob and Elizabeth Phillips, natives of Adams Co., Pa., where they were engaged in farming. George was born in Adams Co., Pa., Dec. 28, 1812. He received a common school education, and at the age of 18 years was apprenticed to a blacksmith to learn the trade, serving an ap- prenticeship of three years. In 1833 he came to Canton, and after working as journeyman for two years, he started in business for him- self, and continued it until 1856, meeting with good success. In 1856 he purchased the farm he now lives on, consisting of 173 acres well-improved land in the northern part of Plain Tp. In 1836 he was united in marriage to Eliza Lininger, of Canton, and from that marriage there were eight children, seven of whom are living, Elizabeth, Heury E., Mi- randa, Charles, Letta, Mary, Ella, and George E. Mrs. Phillips is a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Phillips of the Presbyterian. He has always been identified with the Republican party.

SAMUEL REESE, farmer; P. O. Canton. John and Hannah Reese, the parents of our subject, were natives of Maryland; but re- moved to Franklin Co., Pa .; after sojourning there a few years he (John) came to Stark Co., O., and upon his arrival in 1814, bought a farm and lived on the same up to the time of his death. He was a soldier in the Revolu-

tionary war, and at the time of his death had reached his 73d year; his widow survived him until 1853, dying at the ripe age of 8? years. They were the parents of eleven children, our subject being the youngest. He was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., O., Aug. 26, 1816. His childhood was spent on the farmn, and at the age of IS he took charge of the homestead, and then purchased 160 acres of wood-land, clearing the same in four years time; but sold it, and bought another farm where he lived several years, when he bought and removed to the one he now occupies, now owning 564 acres of well improved land. In 1840 he married Mary Lesh, of Nimishil- len Tp., who bore him the following children: Mary, Hannah, Amanda, Lydia, Sarah, Em- ma, Ellen, Lncetta, William and Laura. Mr. and Mrs. Reese are members of the Evangel- ical Association, uniting with the same body over 30 years ago. Mr. Reese has always voted the Republican ticket, has been very successful in life, and owes his success to his honesty, industry and economy.

SAMUEL RINGER, farmer; P. O. Mid- dle Branch ; was born in Stark Co., O., April 1824, being the seventh in a family of twelve children born to John and Catharine Ringer, who were natives of the Keystone State. John Ringer came to Stark Co. in 1802, in company with his father, and entered about 1300 acres of land in Stark and Wayne Cos. They made the journey on foot, and subsisted on the game they killed. They returned to Pennsylvania, where John lived until 1806, when he returned to Stark Co., and in the elense forest in the west part of Nimishillen Tp. he settled. Ile was yet a single man, and for two years lived a solitary life in his little log cabin. In 1808 he went to Pennsyl- vania, and was there married to Catharine Truby, they returning to his new home imme- diately. IIe was a soldier in the war of 1812, and the first Constable of Stark Co. He was engaged in farming up to the time of his death. Samuel's early life was spent on the farm, and he received his education in the common schools of his neighborhood ; he lived with his parents until he was 31 years of age, then bought 80 acres of the old home- stead, and has lived on the same up to the present time. He now owns 245 acres of well improved land, and has by his industry

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and economical habits become one of the wealthiest farmers in the township. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of Adam Zentz, of Stark Co., and from that marriage there have been born thirteen child- ren, eleven of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Ringer are members of the Lutheran Church.

JACOB RUPERD, farmer; P. O. Canton. The subject of these lines was born in Adams Co., Pa,, June 19, 1826. His youth was spent on the farm, and at the age of 9 years he came to Stark Co. Ile there began to work for Sammel Lind, of Plain Tp., for whom he worked ten years. During this time his education was neglected, but as soon as he had accumulated sufficient means to enable him to prosecute his studies, he attended the Academy at Canton, where he remained some- time, and acquired a knowledge sufficient to enable him to teach school, which vocation he followed for several years. He then on- gaged with a merchant in Shelby, ()., to sell goods, with whom he remained two years, HIe returned to Plain Tp. and worked on a farm for a short time; then rented a farm, and at the time of his father-in-law's death, he purchased 100 acres of the old Gaff farm, and has lived on the same up to the present time. In 1848 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Hannah Gaff, who were among the carly settlers of Plain Tp. From that marriage there have been six children, five of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Ruperd are consistent members of the M. E. Church. He has always been identified with the Republican party.

SAMUEL RUFFNER, farmer: P. O. Can- ton. The subject of these few lines was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., January 26, 1830, and is the only son born to Samuel and Delilah Ruffuer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Stark Co., at an early date. Our subject remembers nothing of his father, as he was but 13 months old when that parent died. His widowed mother removed to Can- ton where she lived two years. She then married George Ecker of that city, and soon after removed to Pike Tp., where our subject spent his youthful days, remaining there until he was 22 years of age, when he moved on the farm he now occupies, inher- iting the same from his father's estate. In

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 156

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