History of Wayne County, Ohio, Volume I, Part 61

Author:
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1162

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tion in this work, along with other worthy citizens of Wayne county, whose lives have been directed along proper channels.

James B. Taylor was born August 24, 1840, at Fredericksburg, Ohio, and his useful life has been spent within the borders of his native county of Wayne, for the most part, for he believed that greater opportunities existed for him right here at home rather than in some remote locality, and, judging from the eminent success he has achieved and the good he has done the peo- ple of this community, he was wise in coming to such a conclusion. He is the son of James and Elisabeth (Curtis) Taylor, both natives of Virginia, each representing a fine old Southern family, the mother being of original Quaker stock.

James B. Taylor was the youngest member of a family of nine children, and his boyhood was spent in the quiet, sequestered village of his birth, in much the same manner as other youths of his station in life and environments. He started to the common schools early and made rapid progress, for at the age of sixteen he was a teacher in the public schools. It being necessary for him to map out his career and "work out his own salvation" practically un- aided, he taught during the winter months and attended school through the summer and made general preparation for a higher life work. For a time the intervals between his teaching periods were profitably employed as a student at the Fredericksburg Academy; later he entered the junior class at West- minster College, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated in June, 1861, having made a splendid record there. In the ensuing autumn he did a very commendable work by organizing and opening Smithville Academy, in the superintendency and control of which he remained for one year, when, notwithstanding the flattering outlook for the institution, Mr. Taylor decided to cast his lot with the Federal troops, the rebellion then being in full blast. He surrendered the control of the academy to Prof. John B. Eberly, who for many years conducted it with remarkable success, the foundation having been securely and broadly laid by Mr. Taylor. He entered the service as second lieutenant, August 15, 1862, in the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, having proved to be a most capable and gallant soldier, he was promoted to first lieutenant, February 18, 1863, later, on March 23d, following, to captain of Company H, and by reason of the con- solidation of this regiment with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, he was mustered out November 27, 1864. The first regiment he was in bore a meritorious and conspicuous part in the campaign of the Mississippi river and its tributaries, and Captain Taylor shared in its vicissi- tudes and conflicts. In the swamps of Chickasaw Bayou, at Arkansas Post,

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at Thompson's Hill, under Grant at the siege of Vicksburg, at Big Black river, at Jackson, under Banks on the Red river, he bravely led his command, and with an army of invincible soldiers he united with them in the triumphant victories of long and arduous campaigns.

Returning to civil life, Captain Taylor took up the study of medicine in the spring of 1865. in Fredericksburg, with Doctor Martin, and toward the close of that year went to the University of Michigan as a student of medicine, but soon thereafter abandoned the same, believing that the law held greater opportunities for one of his tastes. He made rapid strides in this department and was graduated in the spring of 1867 in the law department of the Uni- versity of Michigan. He returned to Wayne county and opened an office at Orrville, where he soon had a satisfactory practice which has continued to grow until he has long since been rated among the leading members of the Wayne county bar. Believing that the city of Wooster held greater advantages for himself and family, he moved here in April, 1882, formed a law partnership with ex-Probate Judge Isaac Johnson in 1888, which con- tinued until the tragic death of the latter.

Captain Taylor has prospered by reason of his close application to busi- ness, and he had one of the most attractive homes in the city, located amid beautiful surroundings on North Market street, modern, of attractive archi- tecture, located in the midst of fine lawns, through which wind inviting walks, overarched by splendid trees and shrubbery. On Christmas eve of 1906, a year after the death of his wife, he transferred his beautiful home to a city hospital, and it yet continues as a hospital, and ought to be a monument to his generosity and the thoughtfulness of his wife, who in health had planned for just such a use of the property.

Captain Taylor's wife was Emilie Emmett, the daughter of John and Eliza Emmett, and whose grandfather laid out the town of Emmettsburg. Pennsylvania. Prior to their marriage Mrs. Taylor was the principal of the schools at Fredericksburg, Ohio. To them were born six children, three of whom survive, Harry E. Taylor, manager of a manufacturing establishment at Orrville. Rob C. Taylor, a law partner, and Josephine, now the wife of Rev. Fred J. Slagle, who are spending a year in Scotland. Captain Taylor is a member of the Presbyterian church at Wooster, a Mason, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Royal Arcanum.

The Captain is a practitioner of an earnest, cultivated, enlightened and inquiring mind. His leisure hours are employed among his books and legal authorities. He permits no shrinkage in his hours of study and work, for he believes in labor, that there is true dignity in it, and he is well versed in all

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the intricate recesses of the law, and in the court room he is at once genteel, alert, keen, discriminating, analytical, logical and often eloquent, never failing to deeply impress his jury. He is a vigorous as well as an independent thinker and he always has the courage of his convictions. He is essentially cosmo- politan in his ideas, a man of the people in all the term implies and in the best sense of the word a representative type of that strong American manhood, which commands and retains respect by reason of inherent merit, sound sense and correct conduct. He has so impressed his individuality upon his com- munity as to win the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, who regard his career as eminently honorable and useful in all its phases, for it has been a strenuous one and of a character to benefit others, and, measured by the accepted standards of excellence, his life has been fraught with great good to those with whom he has come into contact.

THOMAS KIRBY DAVIS, D. D.

This venerable and highly esteemed exponent of the life of the lowly Nazarene has led a life that is worthy of commendation and emulation by the youth standing at the parting of the ways, for it has been one of un- selfish service and of unswerving rectitude, self-sacrifice and devotion to the higher duty. Thomas Kirby Davis was born in Chambersburg, Penn- sylvania, February II, 1826. He prepared for college at the Chambersburg Academy, entered Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1845; studied theology at Princeton Seminary, and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister by the presbytery of Carlisle in 1850. His pastoral charges in his early ministry included Bedford, Schellsburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania ; Mansfield, and Hayesville, Ohio. At the latter place he was also professor of languages in the Vermilion Institute. He was stated supply of the First Presbyterian church of San Francisco, California, of the First Presbyterian church of Los Angeles, California, and also of the First church at Stockton, that state: also of many other churches during the years he has been resid- ing in Wooster. He was a member and secretary of the board of trustees of Vermilion Institute. At the first meeting of the board of trustees of the University of Wooster, held in December, 1866, Doctor Davis was appointed one of a committee of three whose duty it was to go over the state of .Ohio and ascertain if the Presbyterian churches of the state were ready to endow a Presbyterian college. Doctor Davis accordingly resigned his charge

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at Mansfield and began to work for the University of Wooster on the first of January, 1867. After laboring very successfully for nearly a year. he resigned to accept a call to Hayesville and Vermilion Institute.

In the year 1871 Mr. Davis was called to Wooster as financial secre- tary and he has lived here, working for the university ever since. He was a member of the board of trustees of this institution from 1876 to 1899 and secretary of the board from 1876 to 1908. He was made librarian of the university in 1877 and has held that position to the present time (1910). He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1880 by Pennsyl- vania College, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and by Parsons College, at Fair- field, Iowa.

Doctor Davis was married on August 14, 1851, to Mary H. Proctor. of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She was born in that city, the daughter of an elder in the Presbyterian church. Her mother's maiden name was Mary Officer, of an old and well-known family of Carlisle. After a long and beautiful life of Christian service, Mrs. Davis was called to her rest on March 28, 1908. To this union the following children were born: William Stewart, connected with the Standard Publishing Company. . of Cincinnati, Ohio; Miriam M., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who holds an important posi- tion in the reference department of the public library there; Janet M. is the wife of Dr. James Wallace, who for twenty years was president of Mac- alester College at St. Paul; he was then on leave of absence three years as professor of New Testament Greek in Doctor White's Bible School, New York City. He then returned to Macalester College and has charge of the Bible department. John Proctor is a Presbyterian minister, at present pastor of a church at Austin, Minnesota; Elizabeth R. is at home with her father : Alice S. has a responsible position in the Ohio state library at Colum- bus. These children have all been well educated and the wholesome home environment in which they were reared is clearly reflected in their daily lives.

Doctor Davis has given his heart and the greater part of his life and service to the founding and building up of an institution of learning that would be so broad and comprehensive in its scope as to include the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ as the most vitally important and necessary part of its curriculum and influence. He has accomplished much toward amelio- rating the condition of his fellow men, often laboring with disregard for his own welfare if thereby he might attain the object he sought-to make some one better and happier. Such a life is an incentive to the youth whose fortunes and records are matters for the future to determine. for his life has been singularly free from all that is deteriorating or paltry, his influence

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He carried on general farming in a very successful manner during his active life and for several years he has lived retired on the old farm, enjoying the fruits of his former years of well directed labor. He is a member of the Amish Mennonite church, and is a Democrat in politics, and has been town- ship supervisor.

The following children have been born to the subject and wife: Sarah, wife of the late Jacob Burkey ; John, who died in 1875; Cassie, now Mrs. John Burkey ; Samuel, Noah, Eli and Neri D.

Neri D. Blough was educated in the home schools and grew to maturity on the home farm on which he has lived all his life. He has had charge of the active farming for a number of years and he has proven to be a very able and industrious agriculturist. He was married in 1895 to Katherine Krupp, and this union has resulted in the birth of the following children : Della, Henry, Nola, Edna, John, Carrie, Wilma, Eva, Fern.

Neri D. Blough, like his honored father, is highly respected in this neigh- borhood. He is a member of the Amish Mennonite church, and politically he is a Democrat.

WESLEY HENRY ZAUGG.

The gentleman whose name forms the caption to this article. who was for several years the efficient and accommodating assistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Wooster, and who recently entered upon his duties as treasurer of Wayne county, to which office he was elected. is emi- nently entitled to representation in a work of this character. At all times a true and loyal citizen, faithful to the best interests of his community, he has always commanded unequivocal confidence and esteem, standing high in the regard of his business associates and in the respect of the general public. His influence has ever been wielded in the promotion of the higher interests of the community, and all worthy agencies have enlisted his earnest support.

A native son of the Buckeye state, Wesley H. Zaugg was born in Sugar- creek township, Wayne county, on June 26, 1867. He is the son of Samuel and Cecile (Calame) Zaugg, both of whom are natives of the little republic of Switzerland, though they were married in Wayne county. Samuel Zaugg came to the United States when twenty-one years old, and, coming at once to Wayne county, he located on a farm in Saltcreek township which he pur- chased and on which he lived for thirty-five years, removing to Mt. Eaton about a year ago, on the death of his wife. They were the parents of the

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following children: Clara married a Mr. Simpson and lives in Chicago, Illinois ; Fred S. lives in Omaha, Nebraska, is a successful minister at Omaha, built the First Reformed church in that city and is now engaged in the erection of the Second church of the same denomination; John A., who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Apple Creek, Ohio: Ida, who made her home with her brother Fred at Omaha, married W. Vecht and lives on a farm near Canal Fulton, Stark county, Ohio; Florence is the wife of a Mr. Michel, of Cleveland, Ohio; Elmer H. is a teacher in Japan, being at present located at Sendai ; Pearl is a stenographer at Wooster University ; Zena is the wife of Dr. C. N. Clark, coroner of Wayne county, and residing at Mount Eaton ; Wesley, the subject of this sketch.

The subject's paternal grandparents were Jacob and Anna ( Stettler) Zaugg, who came from their native Switzerland to America in 1853 and located in Saltcreek township, this county, where they purchased a small farm. Here they lived until their respective deaths, the husband dying in about 1879 and his widow about ten years later. They were persons of many estimable qualities and were highly regarded in their community.

Wesley H. Zaugg was reared on the home farm and secured his educa- tion in the common schools of the township and in the Normal School at Ada, this state. He early became inured to the labors of the farm and directed his attention in that direction until coming to Wooster. During the meanwhile he was also successfully engaged in teaching school, taking charge of his first school at the age of seventeen years. During the following thirteen years he continued to teach in Sugarcreek, Saltcreek and Paint town- ships. In 1896 Mr. Zaugg went to Europe in the interest of several persons who were heirs to estates there, and during the following year Mr. Zaugg was busily engaged in settling these affairs, some of the settlements being very hotly contested. Mr. Zaugg's connection with the affairs in question was eminently satisfactory to the interested parties here. In 1900 Mr. Zaugg was appointed deputy probate judge of Wayne county, serving in this capacity over a year. In 1901 he became teller in the Wayne County National Bank, remaining there five years. In December. 1906, he accepted a position as assistant cashier in the Citizens Bank, and continued to occupy this position until taking the office of county treasurer, which he is now filling. He is otherwise interested in financial institutions, being president of the Farmers and Merchants' Bank of Smithville, Ohio, and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers' Banking Company, at Sterling, Ohio. He is a director of the Wooster Machine Company and secretary-treasurer of the

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Valley River Coal Company, of Grafton, West Virginia. In 1897 Mr. Zaugg commenced the study of law with Judge H. B. Swartz, of Wooster, and would undoubtedly have inade a good lawyer, as he has natural talents which would have qualified him especially for this profession, but circum- stances altered his plans and he was led into the banking business instead. He has exhibited business qualities of the highest order and has an enviable standing among those who are familiar with his work in the various posi- tions in which he has been placed. The taxpayers of Wayne county made no mistake in selecting him as the custodian of the public moneys and he will undoubtedly give to the office of county treasurer the same careful and faithful attention which has characterized him in other relations.

On March 27, 1900, Mr. Zaugg took unto himself a helpmeet in the person of Lena Tschantz, daughter of Christian Tschantz, a wholesale cheese dealer at Alliance, Ohio. She was born near Mount Eaton, Wayne county, and her family was living at Kidron, this county, when Mr. Zaugg was teaching school there. Here began the acquaintance, which ripened into a warmer affection and culminated in marriage. The union has been blessed with two children, Miriam Grace, born July 30, 1902, and Mary Cecile, born April 18, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Zaugg are members of the Reformed church at Wooster, of which Mr. Zaugg has served as deacon for eight years and superintendent of the Sabbath school for six years. He belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He possesses a genial disposition and has won a host of warm personal friends, who admire him because of his sterling worth. He is an accomplished and fluent speaker in four lan- guages, Swiss, German, French and English.

WILLIAM HOWARD ROSS.

The Ross family have been well known and influential in public and pri- vate life in both Wayne and Holmes counties since the early days, one of the most progressive of the younger generation being William Howard Ross, who was born in Ripley township, Holmes county, Ohio, September 18, 1879. His paternal ancestors came to the United States from Ireland and located in Pennsylvania, from which state his grandfather, John Ross, emigrated to Wayne county, Ohio, and here he was married to Sarah Tracy. William F. Ross, father of the subject, was born in 1843. He received an excellent

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education and entered upon a teacher's career, which he continued through- out his subsequent life, becoming known as one of the leading educators of the county, his teaching being confined exclusively to Holmes and Wayne counties. His death occurred on June 1, 1893. The maternal ancestors of William H. Ross emigrated to America from England and settled in Lou- doun county, Virginia, from which place the subject's grandfather, James Swart, came to Wayne county, Ohio, settling in Franklin township, and there he was married to Rosanna Hafhill, and it was there that the mother of William H. Ross was born in 1837, her maiden name being Catherine M. Swart. James Swart was a farmer, a justice of the peace, and one of the associate judges of the district court. He was a prominent man in his community. The Swart family later moved to a farm in Ripley township, Holmes county, Ohio, where James Swart served as a justice of the peace during many terms. Catherine M. Swart was engaged in teaching dis- trict schools in Wayne county until her marriage, in 1866, to William F. Ross. After their marriage they resided in Franklin township, this county. for several years and later moved to Ripley township, Holmes county.

To Mr. and Mrs. William F. Ross four children were born, namely : Julia Blanche, a school teacher ; a son died in infancy ; Henry E., now a well- to-do farmer in Clinton township, Wayne county, this state; William How- ard, subject of this sketch. The father of these children was called to close his earthly account in 1893, leaving Catherine M., his widow, who still re- sides on the old home place in Ripley township, Holmes county, and the two sons, Henry E. and W. Howard, the youngest, who was then but thir- teen years of age.

Although but a mere boy, the subject of this sketch engaged in growing berries for market when he was but thirteen years of age, attending the district schools at Bigelow during the winter months, and when nineteen years of age he commenced teaching, having applied himself very assiduously to his text-books and receiving a good education. His first school was that in his home district and he continued to teach for four years. Desiring a higher training than he had received in the common schools, he entered the Ada Normal, Ohio, and later studied at the Valparaiso Normal College, Valpa- raiso, Indiana. Deciding that the law held greater attractions for him than the school room, he took a course in the Valparaiso Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1901, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He made a splendid record in that institution and was honored by his class by being elected its president. Being then without money and realizing the financial difficulties that confront a young lawyer, he again taught school

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for two years, then engaged in the grocery business at Shreve, Ohio, with IV. L. Porter, the firm being known as Porter & Ross, in which business he remained for three years, during which time he attended the bar examination and was admitted to practice law in Ohio.

Mr. Ross was married in August, 1902, to Mabel Grace Garrett, one of the six daughters of Alfred A. Garrett, of Shreve, Ohio. She, like her husband, was a school teacher, having received a liberal education at Ada, Ohio, and at the University of Wooster. One winsome daughter, Myrtle Evelyn, has graced this union.

When Mr. Ross gave up the grocery business he opened a real estate and law office in Shreve, Ohio, and, by hard work and close attention to business, has succeeded in building up quite a lucrative patronage, soon be- coming an active member of the Wayne county bar. The death of Hon. Martin L. Smyser and the election of Judge William E. Weygandt, both oc- curring in 1908, took from the firm of Smyser, Weygandt & Weiser two of its members, and on January 1, 1909. Mr. Ross became the junior member of the firm of Weiser & Ross, which firm succeeded the firm of Smyser, Weygandt & Weiser, and they are now enjoying an extensive law practice in Wayne and adjoining counties, having one of the largest and best law libraries in Ohio.

Mr. Ross is an active Democrat, always found in the front ranks working for the success of his party. He and Mrs. Ross are both members of the Methodist church and take an active interest in the welfare of their neigh- bors and the general public. When asked to what he attributed his success in life, Mr. Ross replied: "Whatever measure of success I may have at- tained, I owe to the youthful impressions I received from a kind and godly father, to a sainted mother and faithful wife."

CHARLES A. WEISER.

Individual enterprise, which is so justly the boast of the American peo- ple, is strikingly exhibited in the career of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch. While transmitting to posterity the record of such a life, it is with the hope of instilling into the minds of those who come after, the important lesson that honor and station are sure rewards of in- dividual exertion. That the career of such a person, besides being treasured

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in the hearts of relatives and friends, should have its public record also, is peculiarly proper, because a knowledge of men whose substantial fame rests upon their attainments and character must exert a wholesome influence upon the rising generation. The life of Mr. Weiser has indeed been a busy and successful one and the record he has made at the local bar is worthy of the attention of the youth who would learn the intrinsic essence of individu- ality and its influence in molding public opinion and giving character and stability to the community.

Charles A. Weiser was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, July 23, 1861. His father was of German ancestry. He worked many years as a miner ; he married Angelina Knauss, her family having been among the early emigrants to America from Germany. All along the line of the an- cestry of Mr. Weiser on both sides of the house we find men and women of sterling character, plain, industrious and honest people. Several of his maternal ancestors took an active part in the American war of the Revolu- tion. The first of the Weiser family in America were John and Paul, who emigrated to this country some time in the seventeenth century. Each was the father of twelve children and they were pioneer supporters of the Mo- ravian church.

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History of Wayne County, Ohio, Volume I, Part 61

Author: Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 1162

Author:
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1162