USA > Ohio > Wayne County > History of Wayne County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 20
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BEN DOUGLAS
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WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
and versatile author he won a wide and lasting reputation and as a friend and neighbor he combined the qualities of head and heart that won confi- dence and commanded respect. It is scarce less than a supererogation in outlining in a brief sketch the leading facts in his life to refer to him as a citizen in the ordinary phraseology which meets all requirements when dealing with the average man.
Mr. Douglas was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, his birth occurring here August 13, 1836, and he was summoned by the "ancient silence to the windowless palaces of rest" on July 24, 1909, after a useful and honorable career, the major part of which took shape in his native community and the city of Wooster where he had long maintained his pleasant home and where his death occurred. He was the son of James and Elizabeth W. Douglas, who at the time their son Ben was born lived in Plain township on the old Douglas homestead. They were each fine types of sterling pio- neer citizens, influential there and highly respected by all who knew them.
Ben Douglas remained on the home farm, assisting with the work about the place until he was twenty years of age, in the meantime attending the district school in Jefferson. Later he entered Vermillion Institute at Hayesville, which institution he attended for a period of three years and gained a very serviceable education, which was greatly broadened in later years by promiscuous reading and special study. He early had an ambition to become an attorney, consequently he began studying the law in the office of William Orr and John Irvin, well known practitioners in the courts here during a past generation. After a year there he entered the Cleveland Law School, from which he was graduated with a very creditable record in 1861, and was admitted to the bar by the supreme court. He formed a law partnership with Joseph Downing. The Civil war came on and the office of Downing & Douglas became a recruiting office. Mr. Douglas, being in- tensely patriotic, did much to assist the Union cause, and he wrote the first call for volunteers, the instrument now being highly prized by the Wooster Grand Army post. During those troublous times he made many speeches over the country in an effort to induce more volunteers to go to the front. devoting the years during the war to this work, and he never returned to the law again as a practicing lawyer.
Politically, Mr. Douglas was an ardent Republican and his ability and powers as an orator naturally attracted the attention of local political leaders of his day, and in 1868, the "Grant, Colfax and Peace" campaign, he was sent on a stumping tour to California and Nevada where he made a great rec- ord as a forceful political orator. In 1882 he was appointed to a position in the
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postmaster-general's office at Washington, D. C., where he soon won high favor and while in that city he corresponded for noted papers and maga- zines. After his return to Wooster, he became editor of The Jacksonian, and, although a Republican himself, he conducted the political columns of that journal and rendered it popular and influential, being a ready writer on any subject and always well advised on the current topics of the day. He was a lover of good books and owned a large and carefully selected li- brary of the world's best and standard literature, including many old and rare volumes. As a descriptive writer he had but few equals and possibly no superiors. He was a poet of more than ordinary talent, many of his verses resembling some of those written by Moore, Holmes and Whittier, and they will doubtless continue to please and encourage many a person for generations to come, as will also much of his wholesome prose. Per- haps his greatest literary work was his "History of Wayne County," pub- lished in 1878, a thorough and comprehensive work of higher merit than the ordinary history. He left in manuscript a history of the Grand Army of the Republic. His last published work was "Wayne County Lawyers," issued in 1900, which is a treasure of its kind. In many ways he was one of the most gifted men ever born and reared in Wayne county, Ohio. He was a man of commanding presence and noted for his vitality, a characteristic of his ancestors.
The chapter in Mr. Douglas's interesting career bearing on his domestic life began in 1861, when he was married to Narcissa Newkirk, a woman of culture, education and genial address, a native of Big Prairie, Ohio, and the representative of an excellent and popular old family. She survives and is living in Wooster. This union resulted in the birth of two daugh- ters, Mrs. Dale Lowry, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, and Mrs. Mabel Esary, of Seattle, Washington.
CHARLES ELMER METTETAL.
Charles E. Mettetal, a well-known citizen of Saltcreek township, Wayne county, Ohio, owns and operates a valuable farm whose neat and thrifty appearance well indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well-tilled fields, and all of the accessories and conven- iences of a model farm are there found.
Mr. Mettetal traces his ancestry back to the vine-clad hills of sunny France, where lived his great-grandfather, Francis Mettetal, who in an early
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day emigrated to the United States and entered land in Wayne county, the same being the farm now owned and operated by J. H. Fisher. The entire section of the state where he settled was covered with a dense forest growth, so that when the pioneers went any considerable distance from home they in- variably carried a hatchet with which to "blaze" the trees, that they might not become lost. Massillon was at that time the only town of any impor- tance in this section of the state, and that was the common trading point for all the early settlers. The maternal grandfather, Peter Mettetal, was also born in France, and was a lad of fifteen years when the family located in their new home, and his efforts were applied to the clearing of the new farm and the cultivation of the first crops. He spent the remaining years of his life on this place and died there. His son George, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on this place and lived there all his life, dying there at the age of forty-nine years, and during this period he was never outside of Wayne county. He always followed farming and was successful in that line. He was in politics an ardent Democrat, but was never a seeker after public office. He was a member of the French Reformed church, in which he was a consistent member, but, being of a retiring disposition, he never assumed a leading part. He married Rosanna Blosser, who was born near Mount Eaton, Wayne county, and whose people were originally from Switzer- land. She is still living, at the age of sixty years, and makes her home with the subject, who gives her every possible attention. She and George M. Met- tetal were married in this county and they became the parents of three chil- dren, Charles E., Lovie and Alva, who is deceased.
Charles E. Mettetal was born on the paternal farmstead in Saltcreek township, Wayne county, on the 13th of April, 1880, and was there reared. He secured a good practical education in the common schools of his neigh- borhood, principally at what was known as the Johnson school house, but, being compelled to go to work at the early age of fifteen years, his education was somewhat abbreviated. Since the age mentioned he has applied himself continuously to the cultivation of the soil, excepting four years when he lived in Akron, Ohio. He now owns and operates eighty-eight acres of the old home place and is considered among the prominent and progressive farmers of his locality. He is alert and energetic and seldom fails to secure good crops in return for the labor bestowed. He keeps in close touch with the most advanced ideas relating to the science of agriculture and does not hesitate to adopt new methods when experiment and experience have demon- strated them to be superior to old methods. His property is well improved and its general appearance indicates the owner to be a man of good taste and sound judgment.
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On May 31, 1903, Mr. Mettetal was united in marriage to Mary Jane Boyer, who was born in East Union township, this county, April 8, 1881, the daughter of Abraham Boyer. Her parents were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and were early settlers in Wayne county. The sub- ject and his wife have become the parents of two children, Harry Allen, now five years old, and Minnie, who is three years old.
In political matters Mr. Mettetal assumes an independent attitude and invariabley gives his support to me rather than party, believing that the personal qualifications of a candidate for the office he seeks to be of para- mount importance. The only public office he has held was that of school director, in which he rendered efficient service to his township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees at Apple Creek. He gives his support to all moral, educational, social or material interests which he believes will benefit the community, and as a man of sterling worth he justly merits the high regard in which he is held.
SOLOMON SOUERS.
Among the intelligent, progressive and enterprising men who have suc- cessfully directed their attention and labors to the noble work of husbandry in Wayne county and whose prosperity has come as the result of personal ef- fort, is Mr. Souers, one of the substantial and honored agriculturists of Saltcreek township. If one is to sojourn for any length of time in that naturally favored portion of the county, he is sure to note with appreciation the changes wrought by the hand of man to the end of securing the great fields of waving grain, the undulating meadows, with their herds and flocks. the substantial improvements and the various other conditions indicative of a prosperous agricultural community. In this connection also will be noticed the fine farm estate of the subject of this review, and here he is abiding in peace, contentment and plenty, honored by those among whom so many years of his life have been passed, and ever doing all in his power to con- serve the best interests of the community.
Solomon Souers was born in the home in which he now lives, the date of his birth having been the 28th of January, 1831. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Franks) Souers. The father was a native of Switzerland and came to the United States with his parents when he was a young boy, locating in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Subsequently they came to Wayne county, Ohio, the father entering from the government the land in section
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WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
16, Saltcreek township, where the subject now lives. It was then all cov- ered with the virgin forest, in which were to be found many varieties of wild animals, including bears and wolves. The country was but sparsely settled, there being but one or two houses between that place and Wooster, and at the latter point there was but one store and a few houses. The sub- ject's mother at one time wanted some chickens, of which they had seen none since they left Pennsylvania, but to secure them she found it necessary to ride horseback a considerable distance. Eventually the land was cleared and put in cultivation and during all the subsequent years this has been con- sidered one of the best farms in this section. It embraces one hundred and sixty acres, and is maintained in the best possible condition, due attention being paid to rotation of crops, drainage and other important features of successful agriculture, and annually produces abundant crops in return for the labor bestowed upon it.
Jacob Souers was a Democrat in political faith, but was not inclined to take a prominent part in public affairs, never having held any office. He was a faithful member of the Reformed church at Mount Eaton and took an active interest in the workings of the society. In Pennsylvania Mr. Souers married Elizabeth Franks, who was born in Fayette county, that state, and to them were born the following children: George, who died at the age of eighty-five years; Jacob, who is now living at the age of ninety-seven years; Reason, who died at the age of ninety-three years; John died at the age of seventy-five years ; Simeon died at the age of seventy-five years ; Sarah was eighty-two years old at the time of her death, her sister Mary passing away at the same age; Levi died in infancy; the subject is the last born of these children. Jacob Souers was sixty-five years old at the time of his death in 1850, and his wife lived to the age of ninety-two years. These ages indi- cate a remarkable tendency to longevity in this family, the average of the ages being greater than in any family in the township.
Solomon Souers received his education in the common schools of Wayne county, his education being somewhat limited because of the lack of adequate facilities at that early date. He has lived his entire life on the old homestead and has followed in the footsteps of his forefathers and devoted his life to the tilling of the soil. After his marriage he bought the interests of his brothers and sisters in the place and has since operated it himself, making his home with his mother there. He has shown a progressive spirit in all his undertakings and has operated his farm with the object in view of get- ting the very best results. He has kept in touch with advanced ideas in agriculture and has not been slow to adopt those which have seemed merito-
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WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
rious. The place is considered valuable, its present excellent condition being due to the care given it by Mr. Souers.
In 1850 Mr. Souers was united in marriage to Nancy Scott, who was born in Saltcreek township, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1828, a daughter of Matthew Scott, who was a native of Pennsylvania. Matthew Scott came to Wayne county in a very early day and entered school land here. Mrs. Souers has been an invalid for several years, the result of being injured in a fall. In politics Mr. Souers is a Democrat, and formerly took a prominent part in local affairs, having served two terms as township trustee and school director and in several other township offices, but of late years he has with- drawn from an active participation in these things. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which society at Maysville he is an earnest and consistent member. He is a man of utmost probity and honor and to him has been given an unreserved esteem in the community.
LOUIS EUGENE GROSJEAN.
Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion on earth ever since the primal existence of labor and has been the pivotal industry that has controlled for the most part all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. In a civilized community no calling is so cer- tain of yielding a compensatory return as that which is culled from a kindly soil, albeit the husbandman at times is sorely taxed in coaxing from Mother Earth all that he desires or even expects ; yet she is a kind mother and seldom chastens with disappointment the child whose diligence she deems it but just should be rewarded. Among those successful agriculturists who have made Wayne county noted is numbered the subject of this sketch, who owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred and fifty acres in section 5, Saltcreek town- ship. He is descended from Swiss ancestry, his father, Eugene Grosjean, having been a native of that republic. When he was eight years old the latter came to the United States with his parents, who located near Mount Eaton, where his father had bought land. The latter died soon after coming here and his widow thereafter made her home with her son. Eugene Grosjean was one of four brothers who came to this country, one brother refusing to come with them, and he was never heard of afterward. Eugene Grosjean was a successful farmer and was active in politics, having held many local offices, including that of township treasurer, in which position he was retained a good many years. He was an appreciative member of the Masonic order
1
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WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
and held several of the lodge offices. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion he was an active member of the Presbyterian church at Mount Eaton, subsequently changing his membership to the church at Fredericksburg. He was married when comparatively young and became the father of the follow- ing children: Albert, deceased; Julia, who lives in Iowa; Mary, deceased; Charles, who lives in California ; Louis E., the subject of this sketch; Eugene lives in Minnesota; Sophia is deceased; Ella lives in Wooster, and her twin sister died in infancy. The subject's mother, whose family name was also Grosjean, was a native of France, and in early youth she came to this country with her parents, who were early settlers in Ohio. She died at the age of forty-six years and subsequently Mr. Grosjean wedded Jane M. Allen, but there was no issue of this marriage.
Louis Eugene Grosjean was born in Saltcreek township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 27th of December, 1858. He received his education in the com- mon schools of his native township and remained at home until he was twenty- one years old. At that time he moved to Holmes county, where he lived dur- ing the following sixteen years. In 1894 he came to Saltcreek township, Wayne county, bought a farm and made this his home. He continuously followed the pursuit of agriculture, in which he has been successful to a gratifying degree. In connection with agricultural operations he also gives a good deal of attention to stockraising and buying of horses, which he ships in large numbers. He is the owner of one of the best improved farm proper- ties in Wayne county, the house, barns and outbuildings being all well con- structed and conveniently arranged. the general appearance of the place indi- cating the owner to be a man of progressive ideas and sound judgment. Mr. Grosjean has recently moved to Wooster, where he is now conducting one of the largest and most successful sale stables in the state.
In 1879 Mr. Grosjean was united in marriage to Elizabeth Leeper, who was born in Holmes county in 1859, the daughter of Parker Leeper, a well- known citizen of that county. To this union have been born eight children, as follows: Walter A., who married Edith Staufer, daughter of John and Catherine Staufer, the former deceased, of Salt Creek township; John, who married Ophie Lytle and lives in Saltcreek township; Parker, Eugene, Robert, James, Lucile and George. In politics Mr. Grosjean is a stanch Democrat and has served as trustee of his township, though he does not seek political preferment. He and all the members of his family belong to the Congrega- tional church at Fredericksburg, and to that society they give an earnest and generous support. He is a public spirited citizen and a whole-souled man. ready to help forward any movement designed for the public good, and where- ever known he is held in the highest regard.
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WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
EDWIN S. WERTZ.
Among the honored sons of Wayne county who have attained a high degree of success through energy, integrity and progressive methods and risen to high place in the service of the public, the brilliant lawyer and leg- islator whose name introduces this sketch is entitled to much more than passing notice. Achieving success in the legal profession at an age when the majority of young men are just at the threshold of their life work, and becoming an influential factor in directing the policies of the political party with which allied, he naturally forged to the front as a leader, while his activity in promoting the interests of the public have gained for him the esteem and confidence of his fellow men, irrespective of class or party affil- iations.
Edwin S. Wertz was born at Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, on August 7, 1875, and is the son of W. H. H. and Carrie Virginia (Slusser) Wertz, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. The father, whose birth also ocurred in Dalton, has spent his entire life in the county of Wayne and for a number of years has been actively identified with the business interests of his native town, being at this time president of the First National Bank of Dalton, and a business man of high standing and wide repute. His wife, who first saw the light of day in York county, Pennsylvania, has like- wise resided many years in the above town.
After finishing the public school course in his native town, Edwin S. Wertz entered the preparatory department of Wooster University, where in due time he fitted himself for collegiate work in the Ohio State Univer- sity, which he attended for the scheduled period of seven years, graduating at the expiration of that time from the College of Arts, Philosophy and Sci- ence, with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, also from the law depart- ment, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Laws degree. In June, 1900, while attending the University, he was formally admitted to the bar and after his graduation accepted the position of court house reporter for the Columbus Citizen, which he held from June, 1900, until August, 1902. In the latter year he formed a partnership with his father in the wholesale hardwood lumber business with an office at Dalton, which lasted for some time, and proved reasonably successful, but which he subsequently discon- tinued the better to devote his attention to his chosen profession. While engaged as a reporter Mr. Wertz was a member of Newswriters' Union No. 2, of Columbus, and had the honor of being chosen representative from that body to the Columbus Trades and Labor Assembly, in the sessions of which
Edwin S. Mert
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WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
he was an active participant. In 1896 he was made president of the Young Men's Democratic Club of the above city, in which capacity he demonstrated executive ability of a high order and foreshadowed his future career as a leader of men and moulder of opinion.
The Spanish-American war breaking out while he was in the univer- sity, young Wertz, in 1898, laid aside his studies and enlisted in Light Battery H, First Ohio Volunteer Artillery, with which he served with an honorable record for a period of seven months. At the expiration of that time he resumed his collegiate work, which, as already indicated, was com- pleted in the year 1900, since which date his life has been one of great activity and usefulness, nor has fortune been sparing in the bestowal of her favor upon him, as his success as a lawyer and honorable record as a public official abundantly attest. In 1903 Mr. Wertz was nominated for representa- tive by a primary election in which six candidates contended for the honor, and at the general election of that year he defeated his competitor, running two hundred and twenty-eight votes ahead of the party candidate for gov- ernor on his own ticket. That his record as a legislator justified the wisdom of his election is attested by the active and influential part he took in the deliberations of the General Assembly. He was the Democratic nominee for speaker pro tempore of the House, but by reason of the strength of the oppo- sition he failed to secure the honor. He was soon recognized as a leader of the minority and by able and conscientious work on a number of important committees did much to shape and direct legislation and bring about the passage of laws which have been for the best interests of the commonwealth. He served on the committees on common schools, public ways, and enroll- ment and introduced the first state aid good roads bill, creating a highway department in the state government, providing for the gradual permanent improvement of public highways with the assistance and under the super- vision of competent state authority. The provisions of the bill are embodied in the Wertz-Fisher good roads law, which has proven of inestimable value to the people of the state. Among the various others which he introduced were the following: Prohibiting the use of free passes by all public officials ; repealing all perpetual franchises; four bills for the improvement of rural schools; one providing for the employment of the same teacher for at least a full school year of thirty-two weeks, and a second providing that the people of any township shall be empowered to determine whether the schools shall or shall not be centralized, the intent of the new code being the giving of such right to the board of education only ; a third bill required that there
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WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO.
should be regular graded courses of study in elementary and common schools ; the fourth provided that where a teacher received a certificate in the county where he resides it shall be valid for the unexpired time in any county of the state. The first three bills were incorporated in the new school code and are now a part of the school law. The fourth was also agreed to, but was stricken out by the conference committee. In the Seventy-seventh General Assembly he was elected Democratic floor leader.
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